Saturday, March 31, 2007

USA Bronze Medalists

Alliance Bulldogs Tier I 16U Midget Minor AAA

16UAAA Title Hopes End in National Semi-Finals...

Tier I - 16U Midget Minor: Shattuck - 5, Alliance – 1: The Alliance 16U Midget Minor AAA Bulldogs made it as far as only 2 other Bulldog teams had previously, but the ride ended abruptly against Shattuck St. Mary's in the Semi-Finals of the 2007 USA Hockey National Championships. As a result, Alliance players will proudly take their Bronze Medals and head for home looking toward next year. Shattuck rode the strength of 2 power play goals to take a 3-1 lead after one period of play, added another man advantage tally in the 2nd for good measure, and topped it off with a even strength goal in the final frame for the win.

The 2006-2007 Alliance 16U Midget Minor AAA team becomes the 3rd Bulldog team to win a Bronze Medal at Nationals, joining the 2003-2004 12U PeeWee and 14U Bantams, and are the first Alliance 16U team to do so. These Bulldogs end an impressive season in which they won 4 tournaments and registered an outstanding 46-9-4 season record. Congratulations to Head Coach Chris Kostopoulos and the boys on a great season!

18U AA Wins NTXHL Championship!!!

Midget Major AA Champions - Alliance Bulldogs

Alliance Defends Title, Sweeps for the Championship...

18U Midget Major AA: Alliance – 3, OK City - 1: On a late finish to a big day for Alliance Midget Teams, the the Bulldog 18UAA team made it a clean sweep over the Oklahoma City Blazers and for Midget NXTHL titles, as they took Game 2 to win their best 2 of 3 series and the NTXHL Playoff Championship very late Saturday night in Frisco. It is the 2nd straight NTXHL Championship for the Alliance Midget Major AA, as they took the 2006 title as well.

The Blazers did not make this one easy, just like in Game 1. The Bulldogs opened the scoring late in the first period to take a 1-0 lead at the first intermission, but OKC came back to tie it up at 1-1 early in the 2nd frame. Just when it looked like the game would head into the final period all tied up, the Bulldogs struck paydirt with less than a minute left in the 2nd period to re-take the lead at 2-1. The game stayed close and in doubt until the final minute, when the Bulldogs would add an empty-netter to ice the game and the championship.

For many of the high school seniors on the team, it was their last youth hockey game as they head off to college in the fall, and Alliance will publish more information about those players early next week. The Championship was sweet for many Bulldogs in their first season with Alliance, as well as for Head Coach Phil Chaney, also in his first season as a Bulldog Coach. Congratulations to Coach Chaney and the 18UAA Bulldogs for a great season!

16U AA Wins NTXHL Championship!!!

Midget Minor AA Champions - Alliance Bulldogs

Bulldogs Use 3-Goal Comeback to Take League Title...

16U Midget Minor AA: Alliance – 3, Ice Jets - 2: In another really close game, the Bulldog 16UAA team fell behind this time by a score of 2-0 to the Dallas Ice Jets, but came back to score 3 unanswered goals, including the game-winner with less than 8 minutes remaining to take Game 2 in the best 2 of 3 series for a sweep and the NTXHL Playoff Championship Saturday afternoon in Frisco.

Game 2 was almost the reverse of Game 1 earlier in the morning, but instead of Alliance, it was the Jets that jumped out to a 2-0 lead.

Unlike the morning game, though, the Bulldogs did not wait until the final period to make their comeback and get on the scoreboard, as they made the score 2-1 Jets before the end of the 2nd period, to make the climb a little bit less formidable for the final frame. Alliance let the Jets know it would not be easy for them early in the 3rd, when they tied the score at 2-2 just over 2 minutes into the period. The Championship was sweet for many Bulldogs in their first season with Alliance, as well as for Head Coach Jeff Ramsay, also in his first season as a Bulldog Coach. Congratulations to Coach Ramsay and the 16UAA Bulldogs for a great season!

18UAA Bulldogs Take NTXHL Championship Series Opener...

18U Midget Major AA: Alliance – 6, OK City - 3: As one person said, "It wasn't pretty, but it was a Win", as the Alliance 18UAA team broke a 3-3 tie in the 2nd period to score 3 unanswered goals to beat the Oklahoma City Blazers in Game 1 of their best 2 of 3 series for the NTXHL Playoff Championship.

The Bulldogs heavily out-shot the Blazers, who made the most of their opportunities when they got them. The Bulldogs will attempt to close out the series when they meet again late tonight for Game 2 at 9:30pm in Frisco.

18U Preps Bow Out in National Quarters...

Tier II - 18U Midget Major: Michigan - 6, Alliance – 2: After a deep and successful run late into the season, the 18U Midget Major Prep Bulldogs had it come to an end on Saturday afternoon, as they fell to the Michigan Jaguars in the Quarter-Finals of the 2007 USA Hockey National Championships in Fraser, Michigan.

The Bulldogs took an early 1-0 lead in the 1st period, but were unable to hold back the Jaguars, who then raced out to a 4-1 lead in the 2nd period before Alliance would bring it to 4-2 in the 3rd. For many of the high school seniors on the team, it was their last youth hockey game as they head off to college in the fall, and Alliance will publish more information about those players early next week.

16UAAA Gains National Semi-Finals with Big Shutout...

Tier I - 16U Midget Minor: Alliance – 5, Little Caesars - 0: The Alliance 16U Midget Minor AAA Bulldogs came to play early Saturday morning, and the #5 Ranked Detroit Little Caesars paid the price, as Alliance rolled to a 5-0 shutout win to advance to the Semi-Finals of the 2007 USA Hockey National Championships. After taking a 1-0 lead in the first minute of the contest, the Bulldogs opened it up with 3 more in the 2nd period to take a commanding 4-0 lead into the final frame. Alliance will now face Shattuck St. Mary's, a 2-1 winner over the LA Selects in their Quarter-Final match-up. Semi-Final game time is Saturday afternoon at 4:45pm EST.

16UAA Takes 1-0 Series Lead with 3-1 Win over Jets...

16U Midget Minor AA: Alliance – 3, Ice Jets - 1: In a really tight game, the Bulldog 16UAA team held off a late rally by the Dallas Ice Jets, and got a late goal of their own to take Game 1 in the best 2 of 3 series for the NTXHL Playoff Championship early Saturday morning in Farmers Branch. The Bulldogs will attempt to sweep the series and take the Championship in Game 2 at 2:30pm later today in Frisco.

The Bulldogs had taken a 2-0 lead after 2 periods in what was still a close game, but the Jets made it even closer at 2-1 with a 3rd period tally. Alliance responded to re-take a 2-goal lead on another goal with just over 3 minutes remaining, and then fought off the Jets in the final minutes for the win and a 1-0 series lead.

Big Day for Alliance Bulldog Teams

National Championship Quarter-Finalists

18U Prep 16UAAA

NTXHL Championship Finalists

18UAA 16UAA

Bulldog Teams Still in the Hunt for Championships...

After 7 months of thousands of teams playing hockey all across the United States and North Texas, it’s the last weekend of the season, and there are still 4 Alliance Bulldog squads playing, each with a chance to bring home a title.

At the 2007 USA Hockey National Championships, there are only 8 teams left in each age bracket, including the Alliance 16U Midget Minor AAA and 18U Midget Major Prep teams with a chance to win it all. At the 2007 NTXHL Championships, there are only 2 teams remaining in each of the Bantam, Midget Minor, and Midget Major divisions, with the Bulldog 16UAA and 18UAA teams each playing for a championship.

To see the times, locations, opponents, and results as they become available, you can go to the “Weekend Games” tab at the top of the Alliance web site, or click HERE…

National Championship Quarter-Finals

Tier I - 16U Midget Minor: Starting off with 2 good wins in Games 1 & 2, the Bulldogs were reminded in Game 3 how good the competition is as they move into the playoffs at the 2007 USA Hockey National Championships. With a National Ranking of #6 by USHSHO, the Bulldogs still know that 4 of the 5 teams ranked above them are also playing in the Quarter-Finals, including Detroit Little Caesars, who they play at 10:00am on Saturday.

Tier II - 18U Midget Major: After a slow start on Wednesday and an outright bad day on Thursday, the 18U Midget Major Prep Bulldogs appear to be gathering their feet back underneath themselves for the stretch run of single elimination play at the 2007 USA Hockey National Championships. The games played prior to today now mean nothing, and as all teams are good at this point, it’s anybody’s guess as to who will move on into the Semi-Finals on Saturday night. Alliance will face another unfamiliar foe at 12:00 noon, when they square off against the Michigan Jaguars.

NTXHL Championship Finals

16U Midget Minor AA: The Bulldog 16UAA team battled hard all year, and were rewarded for their efforts with a NTXHL Regular Season Championship. That honor is behind them now, and they will have to come ready to play when they face the Dallas Ice Jets in a best 2 of 3 series for the NTXHL Playoff Championship. The ‘Dogs and Jets have split their 4 NTXHL meetings this season, so it should be a great series, with Game 1 at 7:00am early Saturday morning in Farmers Branch, and Game 2 at 2:30pm in Frisco.

18U Midget Major AA: The Alliance 18UAA team cruised through most of the season like a well-oiled machine, along the way racking up a 16-4-0 league mark and capturing a NTXHL Regular Season Championship. One of those 4 losses came against the Oklahoma City Blazers, who they play in a best 2 of 3 series for the NTXHL Playoff Championship this weekend. The Bulldogs will hopefully remember the sting of that result, and get after it on Saturday, with Game 1 at 2:00pm in Farmers Branch, and Game 2 at 9:30pm in Frisco.

Friday, March 30, 2007

16UAAA Nipped 2-1, Still Advances to National Quarter-Finals...

Tier I - 16U Midget Minor: LA Select - 2, Alliance – 1: The Alliance 16U Midget Minor AAA Bulldogs played the LA Selects for the 4th time this year, and again it was a tight one, with the Selects coming out on top this time. With both teams already assured of a berth into the Quarter-Finals of the 2007 USA Hockey National Championships, the only thing at stake was who would get the #1 Seed. The Bulldogs will go into Saturday's 10:00am game as the #3 Seed from the National Conference, and will play the #2 Seed from the American Conference, Detroit Little Caesars.

Alliance 16UAAA forward Dylan Rupar represented the Bulldogs in the Easton Skills Competition, and came away as the winner in the 16U Tier I Division in the Fastest Skater event with a time of 15.03 seconds. Congratulations Dylan!

18U Preps Gain National Quarter-Finals with Win over San Jose...

Tier II - 18U Midget Major: Alliance – 3, San Jose - 1: The Alliance 18U Midget Major Prep Bulldogs put together a complete game for the first time this week, and the result was a nice 3-1 win over the San Jose Jr. Sharks and a berth into the Quarter-Finals of the 2007 USA Hockey National Championships in Fraser, Michigan. The Bulldogs will go into Saturday's 12:00 noon game as the #4 Seed from the National Conference, and will play the #1 Seed Michigan Jaguars from the American Conference. Michigan won all 3 of their pool games by out-scoring their opponents 12 to 3.

Alliance 18U Prep forward Nick Lazorko represented the Bulldogs in the Easton Skills Competition, and came away as the winner in the 18U Tier II Division in both the Fastest Skater with a time of 15.9 seconds, and the Puck Relay event with a time of 18.3 seconds. Congratulations Nick!

Thursday, March 29, 2007

16UAAA Takes Another Win at Nationals...

Tier I - 16U Midget Minor: Alliance – 5, S. Conn. Stars - 2: The Alliance 16U Midget Minor AAA Bulldogs jumped out to a 2-0 lead after one period, extended it to 3-0 before the Southern Connecticut Stars closed the gap to 3-2 after 2 periods, and then put the game away with 2 more goals in the final frame for a 5-2 win in Game 2 of pool play today at the 2007 USA Hockey National Championships in Fraser, Michigan.

It looked like Alliance might just cruise to their 2nd straight win, but the Stars battled back in the 2nd period to keep it a game. Both teams battled close in the 3rd period, before the Bulldogs would put the game away with 2 goals 12 seconds apart late in the final period to go to 2 regulation wins, no losses, and 6 points in the National Conference Liberty Division standings.

The Bulldogs play Game 3 tomorrow at 12:30pm against the LA Selects, the Pacific District Champions. The 2 teams have played 3 times this year, resulting in a 1-1-1 record for both teams.

Penalties Hurt 18U Preps in Game 2 Loss...

Tier II - 18U Midget Major: Mid-Fairfield - 5, Alliance – 0: The Alliance 18U Midget Major Prep visited the penalty box early and often, and the results were ugly, as the Mid-Fairfield Blues used their skill on the man advantage to jump out to a 1st period 2-0 lead and cruised to a shutout win in Game 2 of the 2007 USA Hockey National Championships in Fraser, Michigan early Thursday. morning.

Alliance is still in contention for a Quarter-Final berth, but will have to get into the win column on Friday morning at 8:00am, when they play Game 3 against the San Jose Jr. Sharks, Pacific District Champions. The Bulldogs have faced the Sharks at Nationals before, when at the 2004 National Championships, San Jose eliminated Alliance in the Semi-Finals of the Tier II 14U Division. There are 3 players from Alliance and 2 players from San Jose playing on Friday that played in that 2004 game.

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

16UAAA Takes a Win in Nationals Opener...

Tier I - 16U Midget Minor: Alliance – 6, Team Wisconsin - 4: After a tight opening frame that ended tied 2-2, the Alliance 16U Midget Minor AAA Bulldogs opened it up on Team Wisconsin and then held off a late rally to come away with the win in Game 1 of pool play today at the 2007 USA Hockey National Championships in Fraser, Michigan.

Alliance dominated the second period, out-shooting the Central District Champions 14 to 2, and took a 4-2 lead into the final period. After Wisconsin closed a 5-3 Bulldog lead to within 1 with just over 3 minutes left, Alliance would add an empty-netter in the final minute for the 6-4 final score.

The Bulldogs play Game 2 tomorrow at 10:15am against the Southern Connecticut Stars, the New England District Champions.

18U Preps Drop Game 1 in Overtime...

Tier II - 18U Midget Major: Phoenix Force - 3, Alliance – 2 (OT): The Alliance 18U Midget Major Prep started slow and were outplayed in the 1st period by the Phoenix Force, but came back to even things up in the second, and it was anybody's game until the Force tallied the game-winner with just under 2 minutes left in overtime in Game 1 of the 2007 USA Hockey National Championships in Fraser, Michigan.

One positive of the overtime loss is that the Bulldogs will get 1 point in the standings for extending the game past regulation, which could come in handy when the playoff spots are determined on Friday. Alliance will try to get into the win column on Thursday morning at 8:00am, when they play Game 2 against the Mid-Fairfield Blues, the New England District Champions.

Alliance Starts Play Today at Nationals...

The Alliance 16U Midget Minor AAA and 18U Midget Major Prep teams start pool play today in the 2007 USA Hockey National Championships in Fraser, Michigan. The 16Us open up at 3:00pm against Team Wisconsin, the Central District Champions, who compete in the Minnesota High School Elite II league, which includes Shattuck-St. Marys and other other top Minnesota high school teams.

The Major Preps will start off at 12:30pm with the Phoenix Force from Milwaukee, Wisconsin - also Central District Champions. The Force is a program that offers players committed to their Wisconsin high school teams a competitive AAA fall schedule prior to the HS season. Force players come from 15 different high school teams in southeast Wisconsin.

Results from Alliance games this week and weekend will be posted to the Alliance "Weekend Games" page (see tab at top of page). Box scores, standings, and results will be posted continuously at the USA Hockey National Championships web site.

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Bulldogs Head for USA Hockey National Championships...

The Alliance 16U Midget Minor AAA and 18U Midget Major Prep teams are headed to Fraser, Michigan today, to compete in the 2007 USA Hockey National Championships which begin tomorrow March 28th. Alliance returns to the National Championships after a 1 year absence, making this the 3rd Nationals appearance for the Alliance organization in the last 4 years, including a total of seven (7) Bulldog teams.

Alliance made its first appearance at the 2004 Nationals, when both the 12U PeeWee AA and 14U Bantam AA teams played in the Tier II Championships. Both teams played well and each came home with a 3rd Place finish and a Bronze Medal for their efforts.

Three Bulldog teams went to the 2005 Nationals, representing both the Tier I and Tier II Divisions, as the 16U Midget Minor AAA, 16U Midget Minor AA, and 14U Bantam AAA teams all advanced as Rocky Mountain District Champions.

This year, the format will be a "Super" National, as all midgets 16U & 18U, both Tier I and II, will all be playing at the same venue. This will allow for all the junior, college, and professional scouts & coaches to see all the prospective players in one location.

Activities at Nationals...

In addition to some really good hockey teams playing some great competition, there are also other activities happening during the Championships, including Opening Ceremonies, Host Hospitality Events, and the popular Easton Skills Competition. The 2007 Championships are presented by Easton Sports, will feature a range of competition to test the skill of players from teams participating in this year's tournaments. Individual skaters and goaltenders will compete in four events at various times throughout the tournament. For information about the events, click HERE...

USA Hockey National Championship Audiocasts...

Tell your friends and family at home who couldn’t make the trip to LISTEN LIVE ONLINE. Select games of the 2007 Nationals will be streamed live on usahockey.com.

All the selected game action from the Great Lakes Sports City facility in Fraser, Michigan will be brought to you live by USA Hockey announcer Dave Collins.

Sunday, March 25, 2007

16U AA and 18U AA Advance to Championship Finals...

16U Midget Minor AA: After winning the Regular Season Title, the Alliance Bulldog 16U AA team went 3-1-0 this weekend to advance to the best of 3 Championship Series of the 2007 NTXHL Playoffs, where they will face the Ice Jets next weekend in Farmers Branch for Game 1, and Frisco for Games 2 & 3.

18U Midget Major AA: The Midget Major Bulldogs added 4 more wins this weekend to their Regular Season Title, and will also advance to the best of 3 Championship Series of the 2007 NTXHL Playoffs, where they will face the Oklahoma City Blazers next weekend in Farmers Branch for Game 1, and Frisco for Games 2 & 3.

12U Preps Fall in Championship Shootout...

12U PeeWee Prep: Ice Jets '94AA - 2, Alliance - 1 (SO): After falling hard in Game 1 of the best of 3 Championship Series in the 2007 NTXHL Playoffs, the Alliance Bulldogs fought back to win Game 2, handing the Jets an unfamiliar loss, something they had not experienced through 20 regular season league games. The Bulldogs then pushed the envelope in the Championship Game, tying the game at 1-1 in the 2nd period, then taking the Jets all the way through a scoreless overtime and into a shootout before falling.

Top Seed Takes Squirt Preps in Championship Series...

Squirt Prep: The Bulldogs battled hard to earn their spot in the best of 3 Championship Series of the 2007 NTXHL Playoffs, but the top seed DJHA Penguins, sporting an impressive 18-1-1 record through the regular league season, took wins in Games 1 & 2 to take home the top prize.

Friday, March 23, 2007

Spring Camp Schedule Posted by Week and by Age...

The detailed schedule is out for the Alliance Spring Camp 2007, and is posted to the Camp web page by both the weekly schedule and by age groups. The schedule for the off-ice activities is still being determined and will be posted as soon as it has been finalized. To the see the schedules, click HERE...

Frozen 4 Entry Closed, TV Schedule Posted, Games Begin...

The entry for the 3rd Annual Frozen 4 Contest has been closed, and games start this afternoon. The television broadcast schedule has been posted, with all 12 regional contests being telecast by ESPNU. The Frozen 4 Semi-Finals will be broadcast by ESPN2, while the Championship Game will be aired by ESPN.

We hope you thought about those tie-breaker numbers, because it will probably come down to that to determine a winner, just like the last 2 years. Among the 16 teams in the tournament, you picked twelve (12) different winners for the National Championship. To see the teams picked and TV schedule, click HERE...

Thursday, March 22, 2007

Former Bulldog Headed to Jr. B National Championships...

Former Alliance Bulldog Mark Gillings (1987) is headed to the Junior B National Championships in Grand Rapids, MI March 29th - April 2nd as a member of the Phoenix Polar Bears. The Polar Bears rolled through the Western States Hockey League (WSHL) this season, with an impressive 43-2-0 record. Phoenix then went 6-0 in the playoffs, capturing the league title with a Finals sweep of the El Paso Rhinos. This will be the 6th straight trip to the National Championships for Phoenix.

Mark is a 2006 graduate of Coppell High School, and last played for Alliance when he as Captain of the Alliance Midget Major AA team in 2005-2006, which won the NTXHL Championship and the 18U Tier II Texas State Championship. To read more about Mark, go to the Bulldog Alumni page by clicking HERE...

7 More Alliance Players Added as TAC Alternates...

The Texas Amateur Hockey Association (TAHA) has announced the alternates from the recent Texas Affiliate Camp (TAC) in Dallas, and Alliance congratulates the seven (7) Bulldog players listed below that were among those named. This brings the total number of current and/or former Bulldogs selected to 40 players.

Pos.	Name	Birth Year	Team
Defense	Josh Monnreal	1990	16U AA
Forward	Axel Boyer	1990	16U AAA
Defense	Jacob Huttash	1991	16U AA
Forward	Chase Davis	1991	16U AAA
Goalie	Charlie Smith	1992	14U Prep
Defense	JJ Hart	1993	14U Prep
Forward	Shane Smith	1993	14U AA

NTXHL Playoffs - 2 Teams in Championships, 3 in Semi-Finals...

Last weekend ended up good for Bulldogs in the 2007 NTXHL Playoffs, as 2 of 3 Alliance teams earned a spot in their respective Championship Series, with the 12U Prep and Squirt Prep teams competing this weekend for the league title.

Three more Alliance teams will compete in their respective Semi-Finals this weekend, with the 18U Midget Major AA, 16U Midget Minor AA, and 14U Bantam AA teams each in NTXHL playoff action. The 18UAA and 16UAA are each coming off a Regular Season Championship in their division.

The 18UAA racked up an impressive 16-4-0 record to run away with the Midget Major AA division, while the 16UAA pulled off a 12-5-1 mark to capture the Midget Minor AA crown in a close race.

You can click on the "Weekend Games" tab at the top of our home page, which will take you to a schedule indicating all the Alliance games being played this weekend, with results as they become available.

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

3rd Annual Frozen 4 Contest is Here Again, Deadline Extended...

Once again, the NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey Championship Tournament is upon us, and back by popular demand for the 3rd straight year, Alliance is again offering you the chance to learn more about College Hockey and have some fun doing it. Just like many of you already do for the NCAA Basketball Tournament, and did for the NCAA Hockey Frozen 4 last year, we are having another NCAA Hockey Frozen Four Bracket Contest.

There is no money involved, and it is just for fun. However, there will be prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place winners - nothing spectacular, just hockey related! We had contestants from all over the United States last year, and many returning contestants are biting at the bit to get their selections submitted. Hurry, as the entry deadline has been extended to 12:00 noon Friday March 23rd. To get started picking the winners, click HERE...

Monday, March 19, 2007

Alliance Again Well Represented at RMD Development Camp...

Congratulations to the more than 30 Alliance players that were recently selected at the Texas Affiliate Camp (TAC) in Dallas to represent Texas and Oklahoma at the Rocky Mountain District (RMD) Development Camp, which is scheduled for May 2-6 at the Olympic Oval in Salt Lake City, Utah.

For a list of Alliance players selected, click HERE...

Friday, March 16, 2007

NTXHL Playoffs - Weekend Schedule Posted...

After 2 big weekends back-to-back with the 2007 Rocky Mountain District Championships and NTXHL Qualifying Rounds, it's another big weekend for 3 more Alliance teams, as the 12U Prep, Squirt Prep, and Mite Prep teams are competing Saturday and Sunday in the Semi-Finals of the 2007 NTXHL Playoffs.

Thursday, March 15, 2007

OPEN HOUSE

April 9th - May 26th

Due to the feedback we received from our Spring Camp last year, the Alliance Youth Hockey Association is pleased to announce our Alliance Spring Training Camp 2007, with a new and improved structure and layout.

During 3 days per week for six (6) weeks this spring, Alliance will provide the opportunity to train with our full staff of professional coaches to those of you that apply early. The new camp design will provide programs for 2 different levels of training as indicated below.

Come train with the coaching staff that has sent 7 teams to the last 4 USA Hockey National Championships, 4 teams to the 2007 Rocky Mountain District Championship Finals, and 2 teams this year again to the National Championships.

To get more information or to REGISTER for the Alliance 2007 Spring Training Camp, click HERE...

Sunday, March 11, 2007

18U Preps Win Tier II RMD Championship!!!

Headed to Nationals - 18U Midget Major Prep...

Preps Win All 5 Games, 1st Alliance 18U Team to Advance to Nationals...

18U Midget Major Prep: The Alliance 18U Prep team put their best hockey on the ice for 5 straight games, and the result was 26 goals scored, only 9 allowed, and 5 wins to capture the Tier II 18U Title at the 2007 Rocky Mountain District Championships on Sunday morning in Frisco.

The win sends the Bulldogs to the 2007 USA Hockey National Championships in Fraser, Michigan March 28th - April 1st. These Bulldogs become the 7th Alliance team to qualify for the National Championships, and this will be the first visit for any Alliance 18U team to Nationals. This particular group of players have experience at the National Championships, as this will be the 3rd trip for 3 players, and the 2nd trip for 6 others.

16U Preps Nipped in Final after 5 OT Semi-Final Win...

16U Midget Minor Prep: In one of the most exciting games in Alliance history, the 16U Prep Bulldogs went to five 10-minute overtimes before beating Boise in the Semi-Finals of the 2007 Rocky Mountain District Championships late Saturday night/early Sunday morning in Frisco.

The game may have taken a little jump out of the their legs early in the Championship game against Arapaho, but the Bulldogs recovered to make the final game just as exciting. After battling back from an early 2-0 deficit to tie it 2-2 at the end of 2 periods, Alliance was staring at another OT game when Arapaho got the game winner late in the 3rd period to capture the championship with a 3-2 win.

Sunday, March 4, 2007

16U AAA Wins Tier I RMD Championship!!!

Headed to Nationals - 16U Midget Minor AAA...

Bulldogs Win 4 Straight, Nip PF Changs in Exciting RMD Final...

16U Midget Minor AAA: After battling to a 2-2 tie after 2 periods of play, the Alliance Bulldogs 16U AAA scored the game winner early on the final frame and held on to capture the Tier I 16U Title at the 2007 Rocky Mountain District Championships on Sunday morning in Frisco. The final game preview contest against these same PF Changs on Saturday was also exciting, with the Bulldogs taking the final pool game by a score of 6-5 with a late goal.

The win sends the Bulldogs to the 2007 USA Hockey National Championships in Fraser, Michigan March 28th - April 1st. These Bulldogs become the 6th Alliance team to qualify for the National Championships, and this will be the second visit to the 16U Tier I National Championships, as the 2005 team won the RMD Championships as well.

PeeWees Advance to Final, Fall to Thunderbirds...

12U PeeWee AAA: Winning Game 1 against the Attack '94 earned the Bulldogs a spot in the final, where they played a good game against the big and talented Colorado Thunderbirds, but still fell 6-0 at the 2007 Rocky Mountain District Championships on Sunday morning in Frisco. The Bulldogs got great goaltending and played tough defense to keep the T-Birds well below their 10-goal RMD average.

Bantam AAA Plays Well, Falls to Champion...

14U Bantam AAA: The Alliance 14U AAA team had a good tournament, beating the Colorado Thunderbirds, getting nipped in overtime by the Attack, and then playing tough before falling to the eventual champion Phoenix Firebirds at the 2007 Rocky Mountain District Championships in Frisco.

Thursday, March 1, 2007

RMD Championships Underway Today...

It's finally here, and the games are being played now in the 2007 Rocky Mountain District Championships in Frisco. The Pointstreak link has been activated and game results, box scores, and stats are now available.

Saturday, February 24, 2007

Weekend Schedule Posted, Light Schedule...

With the huge and successful President's Day Weekend behind them, this weekend has a light schedule. There are 7 teams in NTXHL action. Other teams are preparing for the upcoming 2007 Rocky Mountain District Championships that begin next week with Tier I starting on Thursday in Frisco.

Monday, February 19, 2007

Bulldogs Win 3 President's Day Championships!!!

Champions

Squirt Prep, 12U PeeWee AAA, 18U Midget Major Prep

Squirt Preps Sweep 4 in Chicago Lincoln Memorial...

Squirt Prep: The Alliance Squirt Prep Bulldogs had the offense flying and the defense & goaltending tight, as they scored 20 goals while allowing only 5, in going 4 and 0 to capture the Championship of The Lincoln Memorial in Chicago over the weekend. The Bulldogs earned their title, as they competed against some very tough competition from Michigan and Wisconsin to bring home the hardware back down south to Texas.

PeeWee AAA Takes Title in St. Louis...

12U PeeWee AAA: The Alliance PeeWee AAA followed up their Texas State Championship still on a roll, and used that momentum to win the Championship of the Chesterfield Top Flight Tournament in St. Louis on Monday afternoon.

The Bulldogs took their semi-final game in exciting fashion with an overtime win, then beat the Russell Stover Stars in the final for the big trophy.

18U Preps Garner First Championship...

18U Midget Major Prep: After playing exclusively Tier I/AAA events all season and fairing OK, the Bulldogs took their first shot at a Tier II tournament and the results turned out great, as they captured the LA Jr Kings Tier II Challenge Championship with an overtime win over their hosts Monday afternoon in Los Angeles. The Bulldogs went 4-0-1 to capture their first tournament title of the season, in preparation for the 2007 Rocky Mountain District Championships in March.

President's Day Weekend Note.....Of the eleven (11) Alliance teams in tournament action this past weekend, more than 50% (6 teams) made appearances in a Semi-Final or Final, with the three (3) teams above bringing home a Championship. This does not include the 16U Midget Minor AAA, who went 4 and 0 in the Alliance President's Day Friendship Series, scoring 16 goals while allowing only 2, with 3 shutouts.

Friday, February 16, 2006

Holiday Weekend Schedule Posted, Lots of Tournament Action...

It's another 3-day Holiday Weekend, and plenty of Bulldog teams are in tournament action this weekend. In a new event, the 16U AAA and 16U Prep teams are hosting the San Jose Jr. Sharks and Florida Jr. Panthers in the first Alliance President's Day Friendship Series at Valley Ranch.

Almost all the other Alliance teams are in action as well, and you can click on the "Weekend Games" tab at the top of our home page, which will take you to a schedule indicating all the Alliance games being played this weekend, with results as they become available.

Sunday, February 11, 2006

16U Prep Bulldogs Win Tier II State Championship!!!

Champions - 16U Midget Minor Prep

Preps Sweep Though State Championships...

16U Tier II Midget Minor: The Alliance 16U Prep team swept through the Texas State Championships undefeated in 4 games and earned the State Title with an exciting and close 3-2 win over the Houston Wild '91 in the Championship Game at the StarCenter in Grapevine on Sunday. The Bulldogs will now advance to the Tier II 2007 Rocky Mountain District Championships in Dallas March 8th-11th.

Wild Takes Alliance for 18U Title...

18U Tier II Midget Major: The Alliance 18U AA team came close, but could not close the gap in the 3rd period, and fell to the Houston Wild 18U Prep team by a score of 4-2 in the Championship Game of the Texas State Championships at the StarCenter in Grapevine on Sunday afternoon. The Bulldogs had earned a spot in the final with a convincing 6-2 win over DJHA earlier Sunday morning.

The Ice Jets '94 took the 12U title with an 8-4 win over the Attack '95, and the 14U title went to the Attack '93 by virtue of their 11-0 shutout over the Ice Jets '92. To see the State Championship results of all games, click HERE...

Saturday, February 10, 2006

State Championships: 16U Preps in Final, 18U AA Needs a Win...

The Texas State Championships are starting to wind down, with the finals set in 2 of the 4 divisions at the Dr. Pepper StarCenter in Grapevine. The Alliance 16U Prep has gone 3 and 0 to gain the #1 Seed in the 16U bracket, and will face the Houston Wild '91 in the Championship set for 11:30am Sunday. The other final already set is in the 14U bracket, where the Attack '93 will face the Ice Jets '92 for that championship.

In the 18U Division, the Alliance Midget Major AA needs a win over the DJHA Penguins at 9:30am Sunday morning to gain a spot in the championship game, which is scheduled for 4:00pm. The 12U PeeWee Division is still up for grabs as well, with early Sunday games determining those finalists. Winners will advance to the Tier II 2007 Rocky Mountain District Championships in Dallas March 8th-11th. To see the State Championship schedule and results of all games, click HERE...

Wednesday, February 7, 2006

Tier II State Pairings Posted, Championships Start Friday at Polar Ice...

The pairings for the Tier II Divisions of the Texas State Championships have been posted, with all games being played at the Dr. Pepper StarCenter in Grapevine. The 18U, 16U, and 14U Divisions will start play on Friday, with the 12U PeeWees joining in on the action beginning Saturday.

Alliance has 2 teams participating, in the 16U and 18U age groups. To see the schedule and results of games, click HERE...

Saturday, February 3, 2006

Bulldogs Win 2 Tier I State Championships!!!

Champions - 12U PeeWee AAA, 16U Midget Minor AAA

PeeWees Win Title in 1st Season...

12U Tier I PeeWee AAA: Being the first Alliance 12U team to compete at the Tier I level, the Alliance 12U PeeWee AAA team defeated the Texas Attack '94AAA in Games 1 & 2 of the Texas State Championships to take the 3-game series 2-0 and the 12U Tier I title Saturday at the StarCenter in Grapevine.

After taking Game 1 by the score of 4-1, the Bulldogs held on for a close win in Game 2 by a score of 4-3. The Bulldogs now advance to the 2007 Rocky Mountain District Championships in Dallas March 1st- 4th.

Midget Minors Defend 3rd Consecutive Championship...

16U Tier I Midget Minor AAA: The Alliance 16U Midget Minor AAA team defeated the Texas Attack 16UAAA in Games 1 & 2 of the Texas State Championships to take the 3-game series 2-0, and take their 3rd straight 16U Tier I title Saturday at the StarCenter in Grapevine. After scoring late in the 3rd period to win Game 1 by the score of 1-0, the Bulldogs opened up a close game in the 3rd period to win Game 2 by a score of 7-3. The Bulldogs now advance to the 2007 Rocky Mountain District Championships in Dallas March 1st- 4th.

Attack Takes Home Bantam Crown...

14U Tier I Bantam AAA: The Texas Attack '92AAA recovered from a 3-goal 2nd period deficit to defeat the Alliance 14U Bantam AAA team 8-6 in Game 2 of the Texas State Championships to take the 3-game series 2-0 for the 14U Tier I title Saturday at the StarCenter in Grapevine. The Attack had taken Game 1 earlier in the day by a score of 7-4. Both teams will advance to the 2007 Rocky Mountain District Championships in Dallas March 1st- 4th.

Tier I State Championships Start Today at Polar Ice...

The Tier I Divisions of the Texas State Championships start today, with all 4 age groups playing Games 1 & 2 of their 3-game series at the Dr. Pepper StarCenter in Grapevine. Alliance has 3 teams participating, in the 16U, 14U and 12U age groups. To see the schedule and results of games, click HERE...

There are also 7 other Alliance teams in NTXHL action this weekend. You can click on the "Weekend Games" tab at the top of our home page, which will take you to a page with a schedule indicating all the Alliance games being played this weekend, with results as they become available.

Wednesday, January 31, 2006

State Play-downs Completed, All Teams Decided...

All Play-downs for the Texas State Championships have been completed, and all participating teams are now posted. To see the final results of play-down games, click HERE...

The final pairings and placement of teams have not yet been determined, and will be posted as soon as they have been decided.

Tuesday, January 30, 2006

State Tournament Schedules Posted...

The final schedules for each division of the Texas State Championships have been posted. The final pairings and placement of teams will be posted as soon as the last play-down game results are received.

Dallas Cup Note.....ALL games have now been posted to Pointstreak, and standings have been updated. Some games still have penalties to be posted later. Thanks for your patience.

Sunday, January 28, 2006

Dallas Cup Crowns 4 New Champions...

The 2007 version of the Dallas Cup was concluded in exciting fashion Sunday, and there are 4 new Champions. In the 16UAAA Division, PF Chang's used the momentum of a 3-2 double overtime win in the Semi-Finals to propel themselves to a 4-1 win in the Championship over the Colorado Thunderbirds. In the 16UAA Division, the Alliance Bulldog Prep team turned the tables on the Palm Beach IceHawks, handing them their only loss of the tournament after losing to them earlier in preliminary play, and won when it counted most in the final, 4-0.

In the 14UAAA Division, the Florida Everblades did the same, taking down the Texas Attack in the final 4-3, after having lost to them on Saturday. In the 12UAAA Division, the Phoenix Firebirds completed their sweep through the tournament, beating the Alliance Bulldogs in the final 4-2, the same score they posted against one another on Saturday as well.

It was a great weekend, and the Alliance Hockey Association congratulates all the participating teams on a well-played tournament, great competition, and camaraderie among all players, parents, and coaches during the tournament. A huge THANK YOU goes out to all the Alliance parents that helped out and extended a hand of Texas hospitality to our out of state visitors, and we look forward to another great Dallas Cup in 2008.

Saturday, January 27, 2006

Dallas Cup Continues, Weekend Schedule Posted...

Day 2 of the Alliance Dallas Cup today provides for 28 more games of expected intense and competitive action, carrying forward from the momentum of Friday's contests. Of the 22 games played Friday, there were 4 ties and 14 games with margins of 2 goals or less. All spots in the playoffs are still up for grabs in every division, with Saturday's games looming big.

There are 2 Alliance teams in NTXHL action this weekend, the 18U Midget Major AA and Squirt Prep teams. You can click on the "Weekend Games" tab at the top of our home page, which will take you to a page with a schedule indicating all the Alliance games being played this weekend, with results as they become available.

Friday, January 26, 2006

Dallas Cup 2007 Starts Today...

With 28 teams from 22 different organizations in 4 divisions, the Alliance Dallas Cup is bigger and better than ever in 2007, and play starts to this morning at Valley Ranch and Polar Ice, with 6 total Alliance teams participating. The 18U Prep Bulldogs actually started play Thursday afternoon in the 18UAAA Division, hosted by the Dallas Stars Major Midget AAA at Farmers Branch.

Come out and see some of the best youth hockey in the country this weekend. Game schedules, results, box scores, stats, rosters, and more can be seen by going to our Dallas Cup page HERE....

The remainder of Alliance games for the weekend will be posted later today (Friday) to the "Weekend Games" tab at the top of our home page.

Friday, January 19, 2006

Silver Stick Finals, State Playdowns Highlight Busy Weekend...

Busy weekend, as 13 of 15 Bulldog teams are in action. The Chicago Chill 16UAAA is in town for 4 games against 3 Alliance teams, and there are 3 more critical State Playdown games as well, with the 16U Prep, 16UAA, and 14U AA competing for spots in the Tier II State Championships set for February 10-11.

Another major event is the 18U Midget Major AA will be in Sarnia, Ontario for the Silver Stick North American Finals.

For a quick glance at the Alliance teams in action this weekend, you can click on the "Weekend Games" tab at the top of our home page, which will take you to a page with a schedule indicating all the Alliance games being played during the weekend, including the results as they become available.

Tuesday, January 16, 2006

Alliance to Host RMD Championships with Houston Wild...

The Alliance Youth Hockey Association is proud to announce that we have been selected by the Rocky Mountain District (RMD) to host the 2007 RMD Championships for 6 of the 8 Boys Divisions. Alliance will be the official hosts for the Tier I 18U, 16U, 14U and 12U Divisions, and the Tier II 18U and 12U Divisions. The Houston Wild has been selected to host the Tier II 16U, 14U, and all Girl Divisions.

Alliance and the Wild have met, and will be hosting the RMD Championships together, to present them as one continuous tournament. The Tier I Championships will be held March 1-4, and the Tier II will be held March 8-11, with all games being played at the Dr. Pepper StarCenters in Frisco and Plano respectively. The Girl Divisions will be played March 1-4 in Houston.

As the teams to participate have not yet been selected by the RMD (other than the Hosts), the game schedules and related information has not yet been released. To see the official web site of the RMD Championships, click HERE...

Sunday, January 14, 2006

Alliance Players Shine in "Got Skills" Competition...

Alliance would like to congratulate 3 Bulldogs on the Squirt '96/97 team who placed well in the Ace Bailey Children's Foundation Got Skills Competition in Dallas on Saturday January 6th.

Trevor Scott and Jack Kelly competed as players, and Mackinley Dyess competed for Best Goalie. Trevor and Jack tied for the hardest shot at 36 mph, beating out about 30 other players. After a tie-breaker, Jack won the skill with a ripping 38 mph.

Mackinley stopped 5 of 7 breakaway goals, but unfortunately, that wasn't enough to advance. Congratulations to all Bulldog players, as Alliance put out a great showing with '96/97 and Prep players showing their skills. For all results, click HERE...

On January 7th, Jack competed in the regional event against 3 other winners, shooting a wrist shot and a slap shot. Jack came away with the highest point total by 2 points, winning the division here in Dallas. He is will be the ice for the All Star Game and can go to NY in June!!!!

Alliance Billets Team from Canada...

The Bulldogs are proud to host the Kelvin Clippers during this weekend's Texas Star Winter Classic. The Clippers, a high school team from Winnipeg, are being billeted by several families from the Bulldogs' 12U A and Mite teams during their stay in Dallas.

Through the first day of tournament competition, Kelvin has posted a 2-0 record with victories over the Brandon Bulls and Austin Roadrunners. A victory on Sunday night against the Oklahoma City Blazers would propel the Clippers into the 18U championship game on Monday.

The Clippers compete in the Winnipeg High School Hockey League, and currently sit in 2nd place in their league with a 15-2-1-1 record.

The school's hockey program is has been in existence for only 10 years, and the team is seeking their first ever league championship. So far, the players and coaches have been treated to a Tex-Mex team dinner, and a visit to a Dallas Stars practice in Frisco. Several of the players and families are also planning to attend the Dallas Stars game on Monday afternoon.

Friday, January 12, 2006

Schdeule Posted for MLK Weekend...

Another holiday weekend is upon us, and again, there is plenty of Bulldog action to go around. Four Alliance teams are in the Texas Star Winter Classic, and the 16UAAA are in Detroit for the Victory Honda Cup. There are 3 critical State Playdown games as well, with the 14U Prep, 16U AA, and 18U AA competing for a spot in the Tier II State Championships set for February 10-11.

Tuesday, January 9, 2006

Dallas Cup Schedules Announced...

The schedules for all Dallas Cup Divisions have been announced, and have been posted to the respective Division pages. To see the schedules, click on the Division buttons at the top of the Dallas Cup page HERE....

It has also been announced that all game results, box scores, and other related statistics will be posted from each game through Pointstreak.com, the leading provider of real-time statistics and league management systems for amateur and professional sports leagues and facilities.

Friday, January 5, 2006

Bulldogs Back in Action after Holiday Break...

With all but 2 Alliance teams off for the Christmas & New Years break, 12 Bulldogs teams are in action this weekend. The 18U Prep team will kick off the weekend starting on Friday morning, as they are the only team in tournament play, participating in the Tier I Russell Stover Classic in Kansas City. Most other teams are resuming NTXHL action, while 4 teams also have exhibitions scheduled for the weekend.

Thursday, January 4, 2006

Dallas Cup Hotels Announced...

The Official Hotels for the Dallas Cup have been announced, and are ready for teams to make their reservations. To see the list of host hotels, click HERE...

The schedules are being finalized, and those will be posted and emailed to each team in the next day or so. All 16UAAA games will be at Valley Ranch. All 16UAA and 14UAAA games will be at Polar Ice in Grapevine. The 12UAAA games will probably be split between Polar Ice and Valley Ranch, and the final schedules will determine that.

We are asking that teams arrive on Thursday January 25th if at all possible, so as to be able to play 2 games each on Friday. If your travel plans include a Friday arrival, please let us know as soon as possible so we can do everything to accommodate your schedule. Thanks again for your patience and we look forward to seeing you.

Friday, December 29, 2006

Bulldogs Fall in Last :03.8 Seconds...

The Alliance 16U Prep team came into their early morning game against the Swift Current Legionnaires hoping to recover from a couple of tough losses the day before, the last one coming late in a 7-2 loss to the Portland Jr. Hawks. The Bulldogs responded well, and battled toe to toe with the boys from Saskatchewan, right up until Swift Current tallied the game winner with only :03.8 left in Game 4 of the Richmond International Midget Tournament in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Alliance will have to wait until play is completed in their Elite AAA Gold bracket before they will know who they play in their playoff game on Saturday. The Bulldogs still have an opportunity to play as many as 3 more games, should they get on a roll with the momentum they gathered this morning.

Thursday, December 28, 2006

16U Preps Split First 2 in Vancouver...

The Alliance 16U Prep team split their first 2 games at the Richmond International Midget Tournament in Vancouver, British Columbia. The Bulldogs played well and beat the LA Jr. Kings U16 AAA by a score of 4-2 in Game 1 on Wednesday night.

The going got rough in Game 2 on Thursday, as they fell hard 9-2 to the Greater Vancouver Canadians, a team that carries 5 players selected to play in the 2006-2007 British Columbia Major Midget League All-Star Game.

The schedule does not get any easier, as the Bulldogs play a late night game Thursday against the Portland Jr. Hawks, followed by an early Friday morning tilt against another top Canadian bunch, the Swift Current Legionnaires.

Wednesday, December 27, 2006

No Break for Mites & 16U Preps...

Most Alliance teams are off for the Christmas & New Years break, but two teams are already back in action, as the Mite Prep and 16U Prep teams are in tournaments this week. The Mites already have 3 games under their belt, with one to go in the Silver Stick Western Regional in Plano. The 16U Preps are way up in Vancouver, British Columbia, battling once again the older 18UAAA boys north of the border in the Richmond International Midget Tournament.

Thursday, December 21, 2006

Bantam Preps Make a Christmas Visit...

The Alliance 14U Bantam Prep team visited the Arlington Life Shelter on Thursday night. The Bulldogs threw a Christmas party for the kids, and brought them presents. They all had pizza, dessert, and played bingo. A great time was had by all.

Thanks to the generosity of community donors like the Alliance Bantam Prep team, the Arlington Life Shelter impacts the lives of homeless men, women, and children, helping young mothers battle alcoholism and depression; children enjoy warm meals and shoes that fit; and fathers re-develop a sense of pride in themselves as the family breadwinner.

For more information about the Arlington Life Shelter, click HERE...

Saturday, December 16, 2006

Weekend Game Schedule Posted for December 15-17...

We finally got our web editing PC up and running at full speed again, and we are back to posting the weekend games schedule and results. Results from last weekend will be posted to the Weekend Games page in the near future, and we apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience.

For a quick glance at all the Alliance teams in action this weekend, you can click on the "Weekend Games" tab at the top of our home page, which will take you to a page with a schedule indicating all the Alliance games being played during the weekend, including the results as they become available.

Thursday, December 14, 2006

Alliance Lady Bulldog Joins Another at Shattuck...

The Bulldogs have moved another top player to a higher level, again on the ladies' side, as 14U Bantam Prep defenseman Camille Biard (1993) has accepted an offer to enroll at Shattuck-St. Mary's in Faribault, Minnesota to play for the Girls' U16 team. Camille will join former Lady Bulldog Dru Burns (1991), who is currently playing for the S-SM Girls' Prep (U19) team.

Camille has spent the last 2 seasons with Alliance, and Dru was with the Bulldogs from their inception in 2001 through last season, playing last year for the Bantam AAA team. Read more HERE...

Sunday, November 26, 2006

Bulldogs Win 2 Thanksgiving Championships!!!

Champions - 16U Midget Minor AA & 16U Midget Minor AAA...

16U Midget Minor AA: Alliance – 2, San Jose Jr. Sharks - 1: The Bulldogs recovered from two opening losses to win 5 straight games to take home the Championship trophy in the Mile High Thanksgiving Tournament in Littleton, Colorado Sunday afternoon. Their final win avenged an earlier loss to the San Jose Sharks, and their run to the title also included a Semi-Final win over the very talented Alliance 16U Prep squad as well.

16U Midget Minor AAA: Alliance – 1, Ohio Jr. Blue Jackets - 0: They waited until the 3rd and final frame, but the Bulldogs finally got the only goal they would need as they withstood an outstanding goaltending exhibition, getting one themselves in their Championship Game win over the Ohio Jr. Blue Jackets in the US Hockey News Challenge Cup Sunday in Frisco. Alliance completed an undefeated sweep of all 6 games they played in the tournament, and extended their overall season record to an impressive 25-3-2, solidifying their #4 National Ranking.

Other Thanksgiving Notables.....The Squirt Prep team won 3 straight, and advanced to the Championship Game of the Dallas Stars Select Fall Roundup, falling in the Final to the Texas Aces A1 team. As mentioned above, the 16U Midget Minor Prep team went 4-1-1 in route to the Semi-Finals of the Mile High Thanksgiving Tournament in Colorado, falling to their 16U AA brethren in an in-house tilt. The Bantam AAA team went 3-1-0, taking their only loss of the weekend in the Quarter-Finals of the Team Illinois Thanksgiving Tournament in Chicago.

For all the results of the weekend tournaments, click HERE... Game write-ups are in the process of being submitted and will be posted in the next day or two.

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Thanks, Turkey, and Hockey-Hockey-Hockey...

Thanksgiving is a time for celebration, thanks, and reflection on the many blessings we have experienced, but sometimes it just comes down to believing Thanksgiving was created for hockey tournaments. Evidence of that is the 1,730,000 Google hits on "Thanksgiving Hockey." The biggest weekend of the season is heading our way, as this week 11 Alliance teams will play almost 50 games in 5 different tournaments, from the mountains of Colorado and the deserts of Arizona, to the shores of Lake Michigan and to the city lights of Bid D.

The big draw, as in tradition with years past, is the always competitive Mile High Thanksgiving Tournament in Littleton, Colorado, where five Bulldog squads will compete with some of the best teams in the west. Our two top Midget Major & Minor teams will compete here locally, starting play Wednesday in the nationally recognized US Hockey News Challenge Cup, and the Bantam AAA team will get a taste of Chicago in the Team Illinois Thanksgiving Tournament. The 12U PeeWee A team will get warm at the Thanksgiving Shootout in Phoenix, while our Squirt teams will stay at home in Valley Ranch with the Dallas Stars Select Fall Roundup.

Sunday, November 19, 2006

Bulldogs Win Silver Stick Regional Championships!!!

Champions - 18U Midget Major AA

18U Midget Major AA: Alliance – 4, Ft. Wayne - 3 (2OT): The Alliance Bulldogs Midget Major AA team finished strong, winning their 4th straight game, beating the only team they not beaten yet (tied in Game 1), and took home the Championship of the Silver Stick Mid Michigan Regional in a double overtime victory over Ft. Wayne Sunday afternoon in Midland, Michigan. As a result of their championship, the Bulldogs will advance to the Silver Stick Finals in Sarnia, Ontario January 19-21. More on the tournament and this game to follow...

Saturday, November 18, 2006

Weekend Game Schedule Posted...

With the big Thanksgiving Holiday and its associated tournaments coming up next week, only one tournament this weekend for Alliance, with the 18U Midget Major AA traveling to Midland, Michigan for the Silver Stick AA Regional. Eleven (11) other Bulldog teams are also in action, either in NTXHL play or in exhibitions preparing for their tournament next week.

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Dallas Cup Teams Announced...

The teams participating in the 5th Annual Dallas Cup Invitational Tournament have been confirmed, with the newest division of the tournament, 12U PeeWee AAA, making it's debut with 8 teams. This year, the 16U Minor Midget AAA Division has 12 teams, up 2 from last year, with the new 14U Bantam AAA Division having 4 teams.

The 16U Minor Midget AA Division has 2 more teams to confirm to bring its total to 8, making the total number of teams in the tournament this year at thirty two (32). To see the complete list of accepted teams, click HERE...

Friday, November 10, 2006

Weekend Game Schedule Posted, Web Site Being Updated...

Once again, only one tournament this weekend for Alliance, with the 16U Midget Minor Prep traveling to Omaha, Nebraska for the Omaha Energy AAA Fall Classic. Eight (8) other Bulldog teams will see NTXHL action, with all games being played locally here in the Dallas area.

The Alliance web site editor was gone with no posting capability since last Sunday, so results and game summaries from last weekend will be posted in the next couple of days, as well as the results from this weekend.

Saturday, November 4, 2006

12UAAA Takes a Hard First Loss in Nike/Bauer Invite...

12U PeeWee AAA: Chicago Mission - 8, Alliance - 0: Facing one of their toughest tests yet this season, the Bulldogs came out flat and were blanked by the Chicago Mission in Game 3 of the Nike/Bauer AAA International Invite in Chicago on Saturday morning. After almost nine minutes of scoreless action in the first period, the Mission tallied 3 goals in under 5 minutes to open up a 3-0 lead headed into the 2nd period. Read more HERE...

14UAAA Hands Carolina First 1st Loss in Nike/Bauer Win...

14U Bantam AAA: Alliance – 4, Team Carolina - 3: The Alliance Bantam AAA Bulldogs came out this morning ready to play in Game 3 of the Nike/Bauer AAA International Invitational. Their opponent, Team Carolina, had just come off of a tie with the California Wave, and a win against the Pittsburgh Jr. Penguins. Read more HERE...

Alliance Rolls into Consolation Championship...

16U Midget Minor AAA: Alliance – 6, LA Jr. Kings - 0: Alliance earned a spot in the Consolation Championship game of the Nike/Bauer AAA International Invite on Sunday, by beating the LA Jr. Kings in their fourth and final round-robin game. The Bulldogs started strong once again, as the Kings spent most of the first period trying to clear Alliance from their own zone. Read more HERE...

16UAAA Bulldogs Play "Old-Time" Hockey in Win Over Flyers...

16U Midget Minor AAA: Alliance – 4, Philadelphia Jr. Flyers - 1: After relying on skill and speed early on, the Bulldogs turned to good ol' physical, in-your-face, hockey to beat the Philadelphia Jr. Flyers early Saturday morning in Game 3 of the Nike/Bauer AAA International Invite. Alliance would pounce on the Flyers early to build a 4-0 lead in the opening period of play, on some tough work in front of the Philly goaltender, and slick passing through the crease. Read more HERE...

Friday, November 3, 2006

PeeWees Win Wild One to go 2 and 0 in Chicago...

12U PeeWee AAA: Alliance - 5, Ohio Jr. Blue Jackets - 4: After falling behind 1-0 after one period for the second time in the day, the Bulldogs rallied to tie it in a wild and goal-filled 2nd period, and then got the game winner in the final period to beat the Ohio Jr. Blue Jackets in Game 2 of the Nike/Bauer AAA International Invite in Chicago on Friday afternoon. Read more HERE...

12UAAA Dogs Take Bite out of Sharks in Nike/Bauer Opener...

12U PeeWee AAA: Alliance - 3, San Jose Jr. Sharks - 2: After falling behind 1-0 after one period of play, the Bulldogs roared back with 3 unanswered goals, and then hung on for the win over the San Jose Sharks in Game 1 of the Nike/Bauer AAA International Invite in Chicago on Friday morning. The first 10 minutes of the opening frame were scoreless, until the Sharks found the back of the net at the 10:06 mark to take a 1-0 lead into the second period. Read more HERE...

Bantams Fall to Hometown Boys in Chicago...

14U Bantam AAA: Chicago Mission – 5, Alliance – 2: The second game of the day and of the Nike/Bauer AAA International Invite was against another very good opponent, the hometown Chicago Mission. The Bulldogs played a tough game, but came out on the short side, being out-shot 29 to 16. In the first period, Chicago scored two even strength goals, the first with 13:10 left in the Period, and the second with 8:08 left in the period to take a 2-0 lead into the 2^nd frame. The Mission increased their lead with a third goal at 4:10 left in the second, a power play goal, making the score 3-0. Read more HERE...

14UAAA Opens with a Tie in Nike/Bauer Invite...

14U Bantam AAA: Alliance - 3, Pittsburgh Jr. Penguins – 3: The Bulldogs had an early wakeup call this morning for their 7:00 a.m. opening game of the Nike/Bauer AAA International Invite against the Pittsburgh Jr. Penquins. It was an exciting game from start to finish, with back and forth lead changes, finally ending in a 3-3 tie. Read more HERE...

16UAAA Bulldogs Back on Winning Ways...

16U Midget Minor AAA: Alliance – 6, Team Carolina - 0: Game two of the Nike/Bauer AAA International Invite was just what the Bulldogs wanted....a convincing victory! Although allowing an early goal to the overmatched Team Carolina AAA team, the Bulldogs quickly tied it at 1-1 when they scored on a quick wrist shot from just inside the high slot, and that is how the opening period ended. Read more HERE...

Alliance Falls to #1 Ranked Honeybaked...

16U Midget Minor AAA: Honeybaked – 3, Alliance – 0: The Alliance Bulldogs began the Nike/Bauer AAA International Invite this year against the #1 ranked team in the country early Friday morning. Honeybaked came into the tournament undefeated, and was the returning tournament champion. Alliance started the game on the attack, as they pressured Honeybaked early and often. Unfortunately, the Bulldogs were unable to capitalize on two early power plays and spent the end of the first period killing penalties. Read more HERE...

Thursday, November 2, 2006

Alliance in Full Swing this Weekend...

Only one tournament this weekend for Alliance, but is is a big one, as all 3 Bulldog Tier I teams are playing in the Nike/Bauer AAA International Invite in Chicago, with games starting early Friday morning. Teams from not only all over the US, but also from other countries will be participating in this event, as the 14U AAA team is scheduled to compete against the team Sparta Praque from the Czech Republic.

After defeating the #2 Ranked LA Selects 2 weeks ago, the 16UAAA team will take their shot in this tourney against the #1 Ranked and undefeated Honeybaked squad that features former Bulldog Chris Brown. The Bulldogs are no slouches themselves, as they currently find themselves Ranked #5 in the nation. Seven other Alliance teams will be in NTXHL action, scattered from Oklahoma City to Houston.

Sunday, October 29, 2006

Bulldogs Do The Dirty Work to get NTXHL Split...

16U Midget Minor AA: Alliance – 5, Austin – 2: The Bulldogs came out determined to not let another game slip away, as they dominated the Austin Roadrunners throughout in the 2^nd game of their NTXHL 2-game series on Sunday in Valley Ranch. The play during the first period was mainly in the Roadrunner end of the ice, and neither team was able to catch a break for the better part of the period. Read more HERE...

Colorado Takes Big XII Championship...

Congratulations to the Colorado Buffaloes, winners over the Missouri Tigers in the Championship Game of the 2006 Big 12 Classic Tournament held this weekend at the StarCenter in Frisco. Colorado swept through the tournament scoring 26 goals while allowing only 4, including 2 shutouts.

Texas Tech was the only team to score on the Buffs, and claimed 3rd place with their win over the Texas Longhorns, with the Red Raiders getting plenty of help from Alliance Bulldog Alumni - scoring from Drew Ramsey and Tony Daidone, and goaltending from Michael Pruneaux. Congratulations to all the former Dallas area youth hockey players that played in the tournament, and good luck the rest of the season.

Saturday, October 28, 2006

Bulldog 2-Game Unbeaten String Halted…

Mite Prep: Ice Jets Major - 10, Alliance – 0: The Bulldogs were just starting to hit their stride, when they ran into a very good Ice Jets Major club in NTXHL action Saturday in Euless, and the results were not good for the 'Dogs. The loss temporarily halted the momentum of an Alliance unbeaten streak at 2, but the Bulldogs will be looking to start another one in 2 weeks when they square off against the DJHA Major Penguins on Saturday November 11th, at Polar Ice in Grapevine.

12U PeeWee AA Falls…

12U PeeWee AA: Texas Attack ‘95AAA - 7, Alliance - 2: It was déjà vu all over again for the Bulldogs, as for the fifth time this season, they took an early lead only to watch it slip away in this NTXHL game agains the Attack '95AAA at Polar Ice. The Bulldogs opened the scoring early in the first, on a rebound goal for a 1-0 lead. Alliance held the lead until with only 18 seconds left in the period, the Attack scored to tie the game back up at 1-1. Read more HERE...

12U Preps Stay Unbeaten in League Play…

12U PeeWee Prep: Alliance - 3, DJHA AA – 2: On a day with great "football weather", the 12U Preps took it indoors at ITC for a NTXHL matchup with the DJHA AAPenguins. Alliance got off to a slow start, as no less than four Bulldogs were ushered into the penalty box throughout the scoreless first. Having recovered from all that penalty killing, Alliance refocused on offense and ended the second period with a 2-1 lead. Read more HERE...

14U Bantam AA Takes First League Loss…

14U Bantam AA: Tulsa – 5, Alliance - 0: The Alliance Bantam AA suffered their first NTXHL loss today, at the hands of the Tulsa Flames at Polar Ice in Grapevine. The Bulldogs allowed a quick first period goal to fall behind 1-0 just 55 seconds into the game. The teams then traded scoring chances and several power-plays, with neither side able to put a puck in the net. Read more HERE...

Austin Nips Alliance in First of 2 Weekend Tilts...

16U Midget Minor AA: Austin – 3, Alliance – 2: It was slow start and a slow finish for the Bulldogs on Saturday afternoon in the first of 2 NTXHL games against the Austin Roadrunners this weekend. A parade of penalties and turnovers by both teams led to close game, and some hair pulling by the coaches. The Bulldogs started the scoring in the first period at 6:32, with a nice power play goal from the left circle between the goalie glove and leg pad. The period ended with the Bulldogs up 1-0 as neither team was able wrinkle the twine for the remainder. Read more HERE...

16UAAA Repels the Attack…

16U Midget Minor AAA: Alliance - 4, Attack 16UAAA – 2: After a furious, fast-paced, and high scoring first period, the game settled down into a defensive battle, and the Bulldogs kept the Texas Attack 16UAAA off the board the final two frames for an exhibition win Saturday in Valley Ranch. Alliance opened the wild first period with a nice low shot from the left point that was re-directed at the hash marks through the 5-hole for a 1-0 Bulldog lead. Read more HERE...

Friday, October 27, 2006

Limited Bulldog Action this Weekend...

No tournaments this weekend for any Alliance teams, but there are 7 NTXHL games on the schedule, and one big exhibition. The Alliance 16U Midget Minor AAA, coming off another good weekend, faces the Texas Attack 16UAAA for the first time this season in exhibition action Saturday in Valley Ranch, starting at 12:45pm.

College Hockey Comes to Dallas...

College hockey is coming to Dallas this weekend, as the Big 12 Classic Tournament is being held at the StarCenter in Frisco, hosted by the University of Texas Longhorns. Come out and see some ACHA hockey action, see some former Dallas area youth hockey players and Alliance Bulldog Alumni - all playing for their college.

Action starts on Friday afternoon, with the championship game being at 2:00 Sunday. For a bracket with results and links to each teams' web site, click HERE...

Sunday, October 22, 2006

Squirt '96/97 Falls in High Scoring Finale...

Squirt '96/97 AA: Team New Mexico – 8, Alliance – 4: The Bulldogs played their final game of the Rumble in the Rockies tournament Sunday morning against Team New Mexico. Team New Mexico was another large and speedy team that could pass the puck with amazing accuracy. With the Bulldogs down 4-0, Alliance started their comeback. Unfortunately, Team New Mexico was able to keep a nice lead always at least 2 goals ahead of the Bulldogs. Read more HERE...

Stars Take Bite Out of Bulldogs…

12U PeeWee A: Stars Select Major – 7, Alliance – 4: After coming off a disappointing loss yesterday in an exhibition, the Alliance Pee Wee 12U A Bulldogs were ready to rumble in NTXHL action at Valley Ranch on Sunday. Apparently, the Stars Select Major were ready for the Bulldogs. With a lot of hustle out of both teams, it was the Stars that put up not just the first, but the first five goals of the game to open up a 5-0 lead. Read more HERE...

Bulldogs Extend the Winning Streak to Four…

16U Midget Minor Prep: Alliance – 2, Attack ‘92AAA – 0: The Bulldogs improved their winning streak to 4 games on Sunday, shutting down the Texas Attack '92AAA Bantams 2-0 in exhibition action at Valley Ranch. The Bulldogs were short handed for the game, with six players out of the line-up. The first period was scoreless, with the Attack favoring the shots on goal 9-5, with most of the shots coming on the two Attack power plays. Read more HERE...

16U AAA Extends Unbeaten String to 11 in Phoenix...

16U Midget Minor AAA: Alliance - 6, California Northstars - 0: The Alliance 16UAAA Bulldogs completed a 3-0-1 weekend with a solid shutout win over the California Northstars in their final game of the PF Chang's Invitational Cup in Phoenix to extend their unbeaten streak to 11. Alliance - 4, Las Vegas Outlaws - 2: The Bulldogs bounced back from their disappointing tie with PF Changs to beat the Las Vegas Outlaws in Game 3. Alliance - 3, PF Changs - 3: The only blemish on the Alliance mark for the weekend series was a 3-3 tie on Saturday with the host PF Chang's.

16U Midget Minor AAA: Alliance - 3, LA Selects - 2: A big win for the 'Dogs came in their 3-2 opening victory against the No. 2 Nationally Ranked LA Selects team which has 14 returning players from last season's Tier I 14U National Championship Bantam AAA team. The Selects had handed the Bulldogs one of their only two losses in the season opener during the Labor Day Holiday in the Jr. Sharks Labor Day Kick-Off in San Jose, CA. The Bulldogs have now returned the favor, handing the Selects one of their only two losses as well.

Saturday, October 21, 2006

Mites Battle Stars to a Draw…

Mite Prep: Alliance – 3, Stars Select – 3: The Bulldogs were ready for the NTXHL re-match against the Dallas Stars Select. Alliance started off a little slow, but was quick to answer in the 1st period. The Dogs were “picking up the trash” in front of the net, and it paid off on 2 goals. No matter what happened, the Bulldogs kept fighting and played a great game.

Alliance was not going to let the Stars beat them again, and you could really see it in the way that they played. The Bulldogs worked hard all game, and everyone there was extremely proud of them. Awesome Job Bulldogs! For more pics of this game, click HERE...

Warriors Race Past Squirt '96/97...

Squirt '96/97 AA: Arapahoe Warriors – 9, Alliance – 2: Alliance played their 3rd game of the Rumble in the Rockies tournament Saturday night, and came up against a tough Arapahoe Warriorsteam. The Warriors scored off the 1st face off, with the bulldogs responding within 2 minutes. The Bulldogs were playing hard, but the Warriors were fast and furious out on the ice. The Bulldogs did their best, but were just over powered by the Warriors, with shots registering at 38 to 12.

12U PeeWee A Comes Up Short in Exhibition…

12U PeeWee A: Ice Jets ’95 AA – 5, Alliance – 1: Lucky for Alliance Pee Wee 12U A this was just an exhibition game, but a good experience as they went up against a AA team on Saturday afternoon at Valley Ranch. After winning the puck at the first drop, the Ice Jets '95AA took the puck down the ice and turned the scoreboard 1-0 in their favor with a wrap-around goal in the first minute of the game. Read more HERE...

Shorthanded Victory for the Bulldogs...

14U Bantam AA: Alliance – 4, DJHA AA - 3: Once again, the Bulldogs had their opponent just where they wanted them by allowing the DJHA AA Penguins to score the first three goals of the game. In this penalty riddled NTXHL game, DJHA opened the scoring in the first, on a 5-3 Power-Play. DJHA then scored a shorthanded 3 on 4 break-away goal to end the 1st period leading 2-0. Read more HERE...

Friday, October 20, 2006

'Dogs Nipped Again in Colorado...

Squirt '96/97 AA: CSAHA Tigers - 3, Alliance – 2: The Bulldogs came out hard on their 2nd game of the night in the Rumble in the Rockies Tournament. With great passing and positioning, the Bulldogs were able to pull ahead 2-0 in the 1st period. The CSAHA Jr. Tigerscame hard and fast in the 2nd, and brought the score up to 2-2. The Bulldogs found their legs in the 3rd again, but couldn't hold off the 3rd goal from the Tigers. Again, the boys played an amazing game but just couldn't get it past the Tigers goalie for the tie. The Bulldogs were out shot 37 to 18, but with great goaltending and a defensive minded team, the Bulldogs kept the score in control. Another great game for the Bulldogs and we are looking forward to more... GO BULLDOGS...

Squirt '96/97 Falls in Rumble Opener...

Squirt '96/97 AA: NCYHA Grizzles – 3, Alliance – 2: The first game of the Rumble in the Rockies Tournament in Colorado Springs was one of the best games for both the team and spectators. The Bulldogs went out strong skating on Olympic size ice. The NCYH Grizzlieswent up by 2, but the Bulldogs rallied to tie it up at 2-2. In the 3rd, the Grizzles were able to sneak a last one by to bring the final score to 3-2. All in all, the score didn't matter, as the Bulldogs had a blast, and out-shot the Grizzles 29-15. Great teamwork Bulldogs.

Bulldogs in Action this Weekend...

Action for the Bulldogs starts early this weekend, as 3 teams start tournament play on Friday, with 6 more teams joining the fray on Saturday. For a quick glance at all the Alliance teams in action this weekend, you can click on the "Weekend Games" tab at the top of our home page, which will take you to a page with a schedule indicating all the Alliance games being played during the weekend, including the results as they become available.

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

18U AA Majors Fall on a Shortie, 1-0...

18U Midget Major AA: Attack 16U AAA – 1, Alliance – 0: In a late Tuesday evening exhibition game, the Alliance 18U Midget Major AA Bulldogs could not generate the last minute heroics they needed, and fell short to the Texas Attack 16U AAA team, 1-0. The Bulldogs out-shot the Attack for the game, 31-30, but trailed the Attack in scoring chances. The game was a scoreless tie until the 13:22 mark of the third period, when Alliance surrendered the only goal of the game on an Attack 2-on-1 shorthanded break off of its penalty kill. Read more HERE...

Monday, October 16, 2006

Former Alliance Lady Bulldog Playing in Hockey East...

Not to be out done by the boys, a former Alliance girl has made it to the big time as well, as Cassie Sperry of Southlake is a sophomore playing hockey at Northeastern University of Hockey East, one of the top hockey conferences in Division I of the NCAA.

Cassie played for the Alliance Midget Minor A team in 2003-2004, which won the Texoma League Championship that season. During that time, she also played for the Colorado Selects 16U girls team.

Read more HERE...

Sunday, October 15, 2006

12U A NTXHL Streak Halted…

12U PeeWee A: OKC Blazers – 7, Alliance – 2: The 12U PeeWee A team suffered a forgettable 7-2 loss to the Oklahoma City Blazers in NTXHL play on Sunday at Polar Ice in Grapevine. The Bulldogs got off to a strong start, scoring on their 2nd shot for a 1-0 lead just 1:10 into the game. The Bulldogs made it a 2-0 game midway through the first period, with a nice goal off a rebound from the OKC goalie. Read more HERE...

12U Preps Take Stars Selects in NTXHL Matchup...

12U PeeWee Prep: Alliance - 4, Stars Selects Major AAA – 2: The 12U Preps faced the Stars Selects early Sunday, hoping to stay perfect in league play. In their 5th NTXHL matchup, the Bulldogs faced an aggressive Selects team, and had to rely on two 5-on-3 tallies in the third period to really keep the game in hand. The Preps had been under attack most of the first period, despite posting a 2-1 lead heading into the second. Read more HERE...

Yeoman 16UAA Bulldogs Win Their 3rd NTXHL Tilt...

16U Midget Minor AA: Alliance – 4, Houston Wild ‘91AAA – 2: Alliance earned their third victory of the young NTXHL season Sunday afternoon, as the Bulldogs out worked the Houston Wild '91 AAA in both zones of the ice controlling play most of the game. The first period started with penalty at 14:30, an interference call on the Houston Wild. Playing 5 on 4 for two minutes, Alliance was unable to crack the Wild goalie. Then at 10:49 of the first period, the Bulldogs received the benefit of an over-played puck by the Houston Wild goalie and scored their first and only goal of the period. Read more HERE...

Bulldogs Finish Trip with 3rd Straight Victory...

16U Midget Minor Prep: Alliance – 5, Welland Tigers - 2: The Alliance Bulldogs 16U Midget Minor Prep team finished their Canadian weekend on a very strong note, as they beat the host Welland Tigers Major AAA in a Friendship Exhibition contest Sunday in Welland, Ontario. The Bulldogs had just finished their competition in the Top Shelf Midget AAA Showcase, and found they were just getting used to the Major AAA competition before they were eliminated from playoff contention. Alliance went 3-2-0 on the trip, and improved their overall season record to 10-3-1.

18UAA Majors Complete Weekend Sweep with 11 Ticks Left...

18U Midget Major AA: Alliance – 3, Tulsa Flames – 2: The Alliance 18U AA Midget Major Bulldogs shook the cobwebs in an early Sunday morning battle with the visiting Tulsa Flames to win 3-2, on a goal with only 11 seconds remaining in regulation. The Bulldogs had numbers on a last minute 3-on-2 rush on the Tulsa goal, and the Alliance right winger drove the puck deep down the right side before making a beautiful pass across the crease to his teammate who rammed it home for the win. Read more HERE...

Saturday, October 14, 2006

Alliance Mites Take First Win in Brief History…

Mite Prep: Alliance – 3, OKC Blazers – 2: The Mite Prep Bulldogs were ready and fired up, and wanting their first win in Alliance History. They got it - beating the Oklahoma City Blazers 3 to 2 in a tough match Saturday afternoon at Polar Ice in Grapevine. The Bulldogs out-shot the Blazers 31 to 15 with effort and energy that was exciting, but could not find the net more than 3 times. The Bulldogs played a great game, and have improved a great deal over the past week. Alliance will take this momentum into next week’s re-match against the Dallas Stars Select. Congrats Bulldogs on your first win and go get ’em next week….

Squirt '96-97 Drops NTXHL Game...

Squirt '96/97 AA: Ice Jets ‘97AA – 8, Alliance – 2: The Bulldogs went into today's NTXHL game against the Ice Jets '97AA ready for a great rematch of their game in the Labor Day Tournament, but unfortunately, there was no competition tonight. The Bulldogs went out with a great attitude but were down by 3 early in the game. With the referees arm flying for majority of the game, the Bulldogs just couldn't get their groove, racking up 13 penalties. The team is ready to put this game behind them and get ready for their Rumble in the Rockies tournament in Colorado next weekend.

Shorthanded Victory for 14U Bantam AA...

14U Bantam AA: Alliance - 4, Ice Jets ‘93AA – 1: The Alliance Bantam AA was victorious 4-1 over the Ice Jets '93AA in their NTXHL game Saturday in Valley Ranch, despite being shorthanded with only 6 Forwards and 4 Defensemen. The Bulldogs got off to a slow start, and the Ice Jets opened the scoring with a power play goal to make it 1-0 with only 46 seconds remaining in the first period. This seemed to get the Bulldogs engine running, as they came out strong in the second and scored 3 unanswered goals for a 3-1 lead, one being a power play goal due to a good breakout and crisp passes through the neutral zone. In the third, the Bulldogs scored quickly at the 14:22 mark for the final score. For the game, the Bulldogs only out-shot the Jets 24-23, but had a decisive edge in puck possession and offensive zone attack time. With the win, the Bulldogs keep the NTXHL mark clean at 3-0-1.

16U Preps Adjust and Rally for Back-to-Back Shootout Wins...

16U Midget Minor Prep: Alliance – 4, Petrolia OIlers - 3 (SO): The result was the same, but the path was significantly different than earlier in the day, as the Bulldogs come away with another shoot-out win, this time over the Petrolia Oilers Major AAA in Game 4 of the Top Shelf Midget AAA Showcase in Welland, Ontario on Saturday afternoon. The Oilers scored all of their goals within a 3-minute span of the first period, and then spent the rest of the afternoon chasing Bulldogs and trying to hang on. Read more HERE...

16U Midget Minor Prep: Alliance – 3, Mississauga Senators - 2 (SO): The Bulldogs were able to make the adjustments necessary, and came away with nice shoot-out win over the tough Mississauga Senators Major AAA in Game 3 of the Top Shelf Midget AAA Showcase in Welland, Ontario on Saturday. After a scoreless first period, the Bulldogs took their first lead of the tournament with 2 goals within a minute of each other to take a 2-0 lead into the final frame. The Senators were not about to be shut-out by the boys from Texas, and they responded with 2 of their own late in the game, also both less than a minute apart. In the shootout, the first Bulldog shooter scored, and that was all the Alliance net-minder needed, as he stoned each of the 3 Senator shots for the win. More later...

18U AA Races Past OKC for NTXHL Win...

18U Midget Major AA: Alliance - 5, OKC – 1: The Alliance 18U Midget Major AA Bulldogs overcame a short bench and a slew of penalties in taking a 5-1 NTXHL contest from the Oklahoma City Jr. Blazers Saturday night in Duncanville. Because of suspensions, injuries, and homecoming dances, Alliance started the game with only 9 skaters (a 10th soon joined) and many of those skaters spent a big portion of the game in the sin bin. The Bulldogs faced five, count ‘em, five 5-on-3 shorthanded situations in the game, and even more 5-on-4 shorthanded situations. The team out-shot the Blazers for the game, 33-24, and did a good job with a vigorous forecheck that led to several OKC turnovers in its own zone. Read more HERE...

Friday, October 13, 2006

16U Preps Find Going Tough Against Older Canadians...

16U Midget Minor Prep: London Jr. Knights - 12, Alliance – 1: Game 2 of the Top Shelf Midget AAA Showcase was quite a bit more daunting, as the Bulldogs faced one of the top Midget Major AAA teams in Ontario, and the result was not pretty as the London Jr. Knights jumped out to a 5-0 lead after one period of play. The pace slowed in the 2nd, with Alliance holding London to 2 tallies, and the Bulldogs ruined the shutout bid with a goal in the final frame.

16U Midget Minor Prep: Welland Tigers - 4, Alliance – 1: The Alliance Bulldogs 16U Midget Minor Prep team faced the host Welland Tigers Major AAA in Game 1 of the Top Shelf Midget AAA Showcase in Welland, Ontario, and found out quickly that they would have to adjust to the older competition. The Canadian Major AAA teams are comprised of about half birthyear '89s and the other half '90s, whereas the Bulldogs have four '90s and the rest are '91s. The Bulldogs played tough, and drew to within 1 at 2-1 about halfway through the 3rd period, but the Tigers responded right back with a goal, and then added another late tally for the 4-1 final score. More on this game later...

Thursday, October 12, 2006

Bulldogs in Action this Weekend...

Almost all the Alliance teams will be in action this weekend, as 12 Bulldog squads will be playing games, with 9 teams staying in Dallas for NTXHL action, and 3 teams playing out of town in tournament or Friendship games. The 16U Preps will be in Ontario for a Midget AAA Showcase starting Friday, and it appears that scores and standings for the tournament will be posted on their web site. To see it, click on the Top Shelf logo at the top of our home page.

Monday, October 9, 2006

Bulldogs Take Home Eastern Mass Championship!!!

Champions - 16U Midget Minor AAA

16U Midget Minor AAA: Alliance - 6, Long Island Gulls - 1: The Alliance 16UAAA team completed a 6-game Columbus Day Weekend sweep with a Final Game victory over the Long Island Gulls to win the Championship of the Senators' Columbus Day Shootout in Boston Monday morning. With the win, the Bulldogs finished the tournament outscoring their opponents by a 35 to 7 margin, and extended their overall season record to 10-2-1. More on this game later...

16U AAA Earns Final with 7-2 Win...

16U Midget Minor AAA: Alliance - 7, Pikes Peak Miners - 2: The Bulldogs won their 6th straight game of the season, including the last 5 in the Senators' Columbus Day Shootout, beating the Pikes Peak Miners to advance to the Championship game in Boston on Monday. More on this game later...

Sunday, October 8, 2006

12U PeeWee A Races Past Stars for 2nd League Win...

12U PeeWee A: Alliance – 8, Dallas Stars Select – 2: The 2^nd regular season NTXHL game for the Bulldogs started off a little shaky, as they allowed the Dallas Stars Select Minor to score twice half-way through the first period.

The first goal for the Stars on a 5-4 power play, and the second goal on even strength play was enough to put Alliance in a bad mood, trailing 2-0. But the Bulldogs used that anger to their advantage, and came back to score 8 unanswered goals. Read more HERE...

12U Preps Go 3 and 0 in NTXHL Weekend...

12U PeeWee Prep: Alliance - 5, Houston Hitmen AA – 0: In a rematch of their Saturday morning game, the 12U Preps faced a Houston Hitmen AA team eager for a do-over. The Bulldogs were just as hungry to demonstrate the teamwork and confidence they had gained from two strong victories the day before. The passing, penalty killing, and shooting were all there for Alliance. So was the goaltending, and another shutout was served up for the Alliance faithful to savor on the drive back up to Big D. The Bulldogs improved their NTXHL record to 4-0-0 with the weekend sweep.

Alliance Recovers for NTXHL Split...

18U Midget Major AA: Alliance – 3, Austin – 2: This NTXHL game was an early morning face-off against the Austin Roadrunners, and the Bulldogs played like it thru the 1st period of the hockey game. Alliance appeared to “sleepwalk” through the 1st period, and Austin out-shot the visiting Bulldogs 9-0. The only reason the Bulldogs didn’t find themselves playing from behind can be attributed to excellent goaltending by the Alliance goalie who responded to the early morning face-off time. Read more HERE...

Bulldogs Rebound Nicely in Boston...

18U Midget Major Prep: Alliance - 9, Western Mass Blades - 2: As has become a nice trait, the Alliance 18U Preps have gotten stronger as they get deeper into tournaments, and Sunday morning was no exception, as the Bulldogs found their groove and blew out the Western Mass. Blades in Game 3 of the Eastern Mass. Senators Shootout in Andover, MA. Alliance played very well, and with a win Sunday night over the South Shore Dynamos, they could possibly earn a spot in the Semi-Finals on Monday.

Saturday, October 7, 2006

Bulldog Mites Drop NTXHL Opener…

Mite Prep: Stars Select - 5, Alliance - 2: The Alliance Mite Prep team played their first NTXHL game, a rematch of their first ever game 2 weeks ago, against the Dallas Stars Select on Saturday at the StarCenter in Farmers Branch. The game started off slow, with a lot of good defense being played by both teams. Read more HERE...

12U PeeWee Preps Sweep 2 in Houston...

12U PeeWee Prep: Alliance - 6, Houston Wild AA – 0: In their second road game of the day, the 12U Preps tried a more disciplined approach and kept their PIMs to a season low of just 6 minutes. The Houston Wild AA didn't have an answer for the Bulldogs' gentlemanly play that yielded 2 goals per period. At the Alliance end of the ice, the Prep goalie kept things tidy to earn a shutout.

12U PeeWee Prep: Alliance - 8, Houston Hitmen AA – 3: The 12U Preps sought to gain momentum in the first of three NTXHL games in Houston this weekend. The refs gave the Bulldogs plenty of time on the "short bench" to think over the game plan, allowing the Houston Hitmen AA to draw even at 2-2 by the end of the first period. Alliance decided to just fight through it, and poured in 4 goals to the Hitmen's lone 2nd period score for a 6-3 lead headed into the final frame. The Preps didn't let up in the 3rd, and added 2 more goals to their side of the scoresheet for the final 8-3 margin of victory. The penalties put a damper on the game, but the Alliance fans were rewarded with high scoring and several 5-on-3 penalty kills for added excitement.

14U Bantam AA Comeback Keeps NTXHL Slate Clean...

14U Bantam AA: Alliance – 7, Stars Select - 5: The Alliance 14U Bantam AA Bulldogs were victorious in their NTXHL game against the Stars Selects Major today 7-5. In the first period, the Bulldogs were hit for 9 penalties, including several 5-3's against. The penalty kill and goaltending kept Alliance in the game, ending the first period only trailing 1-0 while being out-shot 10-5. Read more HERE...

16U AAA Stays Unbeaten in Eastern Mass...

16U Midget Minor AAA: Alliance - 3, Western Mass Blades - 2: The Alliance 16UAAA boys continued their fine play while in Massachusetts, scoring once in each of the 3 periods while keeping the Western Mass. Blades out of the net for a solid 3-0 shutout win in Game 3 of the Senators' Columbus Day Shootout in Boston Saturday morning. The Bulldogs will attempt to go to 4 and 0 when they will square off against the 495 Stars later Sunday night.

16U Midget Minor AAA: Alliance - 8, NH Jr. Monarchs - 2: After allowing the first goal and falling behind 1-0, Alliance picked up where they left off from Friday night and recovered to skate by the New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs in Game 2 of the Senators' Columbus Day Shootout in Boston Saturday morning. The Bulldogs would tie it up at 1-1 before the first period ended, then opened up a 5-2 lead with four more tallies in the second frame. Alliance would then pull away for good in the final period, adding 3 more goals and shutting down the Monarch attack completely for another solid win.

18U AA Takes 1st League Loss...

18U Midget Major AA: San Antonio – 5, Alliance – 4: The Bulldogs traveled out of town for their first trip of the season, for a two game set of NTXHL league play in Austin at the Chaparral Ice center. The first opponent was the San Antonio Jr. Rampage. Alliance came out flying around the ice from the opening face-off. Every line was able to maintain constant pressure in the San Antonio zone throughout the first period, however, the San Antonio goalie was up to the task. Read more HERE...

18U Preps Drop First 2 in Eastern Mass Shootout...

18U Midget Major Prep: Eastern Mass Senators - 6, Alliance - 2: The Bulldogs fell behind in the first period 2-0, battled back to within 3-2 in the 2nd, but couldn't overcome a 3rd period parade to the sin bin and fell to the host Eastern Mass. Senators in Game 2 of the Eastern Mass. Senators Shootout in Andover, MA Saturday night. The Senators took an early 1-0 lead on a shorthanded goal, which was followed by a bizarre play on which Alliance thought they had a delayed penalty advantage. Read more HERE...

18U Midget Major Prep: District 10 Bulldogs - 7, Alliance - 2: Alliance found out there is more than one set of Bulldogs out there, and the District 10 Bulldogs of Melrose MA are another good group of dogs in their own right, as they swept past the dogs from Texas in the opening game of the Eastern Mass. Senators Shootout in Andover, MA Saturday night. District 10 jumped out for a 1-0 lead in the first minute, followed by 2 more in the first for a 3-0 lead going into the 2nd period. Read more HERE...

Friday, October 6, 2006

16U AAA Takes Opener from Hosts in Boston...

16U Midget Minor AAA: Alliance - 6, Eastern Mass Senators - 1: Facing a team ranked as high as 3rd in the nation by one poll, the Bulldogs showed they are to be reckoned with themselves, as they cruised past the host Eastern Mass Senators in Game 1 of the Senators' Columbus Day Shootout in Boston Friday night.

Alliance started strong, taking a 2-0 lead at the end of the opening period, then added 2 more in each of the final two frames to take the win. A lone Senators goal in the middle period would ruin a Bulldog shutout bid.

Thursday, October 5, 2006

Bulldogs in Action this Weekend...

Just over half the Alliance teams will be in some type of action this weekend, as 8 Bulldogs teams will be playing games, with 5 of those teams hitting the road. Three teams will be in Boston for Columbus Day Tournaments, and two others will travel south in Texas for NTXHL weekend series. The other 3 teams will play single NTXHL games here in Dallas.

For those of you wanting a quick glance at all the Alliance teams in action on the upcoming weekend, a new tab has been added to the top of our home page, called "Weekend Games", which will take you to a page with a schedule for the weekend, indicating all the Alliance game being played during the weekend.

The schedule is listed by teams and by date & time if you are really tracking the Bulldogs closely. We will update this page for each weekend regularly throughout the season for your convenience. You can also see the Weekend Games by clicking HERE...

Tuesday, October 3, 2006

Former Bulldog Chris Brown Commits to Michigan...

In another significant accomplishment, former Alliance Bulldog Chris Brown has committed to play hockey for the University of Michigan Wolverines beginning in 2009. Chris becomes the second former Bulldog to commit to a major Division I hockey power in the last week, joining Austin Smith in the parade to the NCAA.

Michigan begins the 2006-2007 season ranked No. 6 in the USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine National Poll, and comes in at No. 7 in the U.S. College Hockey On-Line Poll. Colgate is ranked 14th in each poll.

The Michigan hockey program is one of the most successful in NCAA history. Under head Coach Red Berenson, the Wolverines have captured nine (9) NCAA National Championships and reached the NCAA Frozen Four nine times in the last 15 years. They qualified for the NCAA Tournament in each of the last 16 seasons, marking the longest streak ever in college hockey. Read more HERE...

Monday, October 2, 2006

Former Bulldog Casey Smith Called up to Jr. A…

(courtesy of Walpole Express Junior Hockey Club)

Walpole Express Jr. B Captain Moving Up

Walpole, MA - On Wednesday evening Casey Smith had the meeting that he’s been waiting for. He walked into GM Rob Barletta’s office and Jr A Head coach Chris Cerella sat him down and gave him the good news. “Casey has been a dominant player on our B team and it was only a matter of time before he got his chance,” said Cerella. “He’ll stay as long as he works hard.” Read more HERE...

Sunday, October 1, 2006

Squirt Bulldogs Take NTXHL Win...

Squirt '96/97 AA: Alliance – 3, HP Jr Scots - 1: The Alliance Squirt ‘96/96 Bulldogs came out strong at their early morning NTXHL game against the Highland Park Jr. Scots. The Bulldogs were the first to score early in the game, taking an early 1-0 lead. The Dawgs held the Scots off until the 2nd, when the Scots, on a 5 on 3 powerplay, tied the game at 1-1. With both teams taking equal chances at scoring, the Bulldogs finally pulled ahead in the 3rd period scoring their 2nd goal to make it 2-1. Then late in the 3^rd, after a mad scramble of rebounds, the Bulldogs got another one past the Scots goalie to bring the score to 3 to 1. Great teamwork Bulldogs!!!

No Comeback Allowed this Time by the Bulldogs...

16U Midget Minor AA: Alliance Bulldogs - 5, Texas Aces - 2: The Alliance Bulldogs Midget AA team went back to work on Sunday afternoon against the Texas Aces AA, this time in a NTXHL league tilt. After allowing the Texas Aces to come back and tie a game Wednesday night, the Bulldogs came prepared to shut down the Aces.

The first period proved to be a challenge for the Bulldogs, as they began with taking two penalties in the first minute of the game. The Bulldogs successfully killed these two penalties. However, at 3:16 of the first period, the Bulldogs would face another 5 on 3 power play for the Aces. While the Bulldogs would again kill the 5 on 3 penalty, they were unable to keep the Aces out of the net on 5 on 4 power play. Down 1-0 inside the 2 minute mark of the first period, the Bulldogs would find themselves the beneficiaries of a 5 on 3 power play themselves. With 5.4 seconds left in the first period, the Bulldogs were able to connect on a nice pass from behind the net and pop one past the Aces’ goalie. The first period ended with the score tied 1-1. Read more HERE...

Saturday, September 30, 2006

12U PeeWee AA Draws Closer in League Tilt...

12U PeeWee AA: DJHA AA - 2, Alliance - 1: The Alliance 12U AA drops a close one, in a NTXHL rematch from 2 weeks ago against DJHA AA. This time, the Bulldogs played with a great deal more confidence, and for the 2nd consecutive game, received very strong net-minding. After trailing the Penguins much of the first period 1-0, Alliance was forced to play short-handed for the final 3 minutes 10 seconds, including 1 minute 14 seconds down 2 skaters. Again, the Alliance goalie was up to the task, and behind some strong penalty killing, kept the Bulldogs in the game. Read more HERE...

U12 Preps Win League Opener...

12U PeeWee Prep: Alliance – 5, Texas Aces AA – 3: The 12U PeeWee Prep team kicked off its NTXHL season with a 5-3 win over a persistent Texas Aces AA team on Saturday. The Prepsters got things going very early, with a take-charge goal for a 1-0 lead after only 21 seconds of play in the game. Alliance continued a steady stream of goals, establishing a healthy 4-1 lead by the end of the second frame. Read more HERE...

Friday, September 29, 2006

Former Bulldog Austin Smith Headed to Colgate…

(Article by Christopher M. Baudo, Associate Director of Admissions at The Gunnery)

Former Alliance Bulldog and current Gunnery forward Austin Smith ’07 recently announced his decision to accept a full scholarship to Colgate University. Smith plans to arrive in Hamilton, NY in either 2007 or 2008 and chose Colgate after entertaining offers from Brown, Yale, Princeton, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, and numerous other ECAC and Hockey East schools.

The 5’11” wing ultimately felt that Colgate provided him the best opportunity to thrive both in the classroom and on the ice. US News and World Report ranked Colgate as the 16th best Liberal Arts College in the nation, while the Red Raider hockey program also boasts the 16th best team in the nation. Coach Don Vaughn led the 2005-2006 Colgate squad to an ECAC regular season championship and NCAA tournament appearance.

Smith arrived at The Gunnery in 2005 after a very successful stint with the Alliance Bulldogs organization out of Dallas, TX. Former Alliance Coach Chris Kostopoulos proved vital to the current senior’s development and ultimate success upon entering the Highlander program. Read more HERE...

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

16U AA Tied Late by Aces...

16U Midget Minor AA: Alliance - 4, Texas Aces - 4: The Alliance 16U AA team played an exhibition against the Texas Aces AA Wednesday night at Valley Ranch, and after seeing the circus parade to the penalty box this weekend, this game offered quite a bit more 5 on 5 play - a welcome site to the fans, as well as to the coaching staff. The first period ended scoreless, even though the ice seemed tilted towards the Texas Aces end. Read more HERE...

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

2007 Dallas Cup Announced...

The 5th Annual Dallas Cup Invitational Tournament will be held in Dallas January 26-28, 2007, and this year, the Alliance Youth Hockey Association is proud to be the Host for the 16U AAA Minor Midget and 16U AA Minor Midget Divisions for the 2nd consecutive year. Alliance will also be adding 2 more divisions to our tournament, as 14U AAA Bantam Tier I and 12U AAA PeeWee Tier I Divisions have been added. The U18 Major Midget AAA Division will again be hosted by the Dallas Stars Major Midget AAA club.

Each year, some of the top Tier I AAA programs send their best to Dallas for this tough tournament. Last year, 6 of the Top 20 Nationally Ranked 16UAAA teams participated in the Dallas Cup 2006, along with 3 of the Top 10 Nationally Ranked 16U AA teams as well. If you are interested in playing top competition at the highest level, in a great city like Dallas, with a mild climate during the dead of winter, APPLY NOW, as applications are being received daily and only so much ice is available for each division.

For more information on the Dallas Cup 2007, click HERE...

Sunday, September 24, 2006

Alliance Plays First-Ever Mite Game…

Mite Prep: Stars Select - 6, Alliance - 1: The Inaugural Alliance Bulldog Mite Prep Team played the first Mite game in Alliance history on Sunday, and even though the score came out in favor of the Dallas Stars Select, it was a major milestone for the team and the association.

The boys played hard, had a great time, and established a memory that will last a lifetime for the first ever Alliance Mite Bulldogs. For a few pictures of the occasion, click HERE...

12U AA Falls in League Opener...

12U PeeWee AA: Stars Select 94 AA – 4, Alliance – 2: The Bulldogs showed much improvement in only their second competition of the young season, their NTXHL season opener against the Dallas Stars Select Saturday at Farmers Branch. After taking the lead early in the game, Alliance was able to keep the score close throughout the 1st period, thanks to strong goaltending. While being out-shot by a 2 to 1 margin, the kids refused to give in and the period ended with a 2-1 score. Read more HERE...

18U Preps Bring Home 2nd Straight Win...

18U Midget Major Prep: Alliance - 5, Cleveland Jr. Jacks - 2: The Alliance 18U Preps had a rough start to the weekend, but finished strong, and will return home with their second straight victory after a solid win over the Cleveland Jr. Jacks in Game 4 of the Pittsburgh Vipers Midget AAA Shootout in Pittsburgh early Sunday morning. The Bulldogs traded 5 on 3 power play goals with the Jacks in the 1st period, and although Alliance was playing well, they were not yet able to pull away, as the 1st period end in a 2-2 deadlock. Read more HERE...

Saturday, September 23, 2006

Bulldog 12U PeeWee A Inaugurates Regular Season with a Win...

12U PeeWee A: Alliance – 5, Ice Jets '94/95 A - 2: The first regular season NTXHL game versus Ice Jets '94-'95A ended in what will hopefully be the first of many wins for the Bulldogs this season. Hard work by Alliance in the corner fed the man at the net for the first goal. Only ten seconds later, a one-man rush after the face off made the score 2-0. With two Bulldogs in the penalty box, the Ice Jets were able to put one in the net with less than 2 minutes in the first period making it a 2-1 game. Read more HERE...

12U AAA PeeWees Drop Team Illinois in Motor City...

12U PeeWee AAA: Alliance - 7, Team Illinois - 2: Facing their 3rd straight good team from the Midwest Elite AAA League, the Bulldogs finally adjusted and showed their capabilities in a nice win over Team Illinois in Game 3 of the HoneyBaked/Compuware Invitational in Detroit on Saturday morning. The Bulldogs ended up tied with Team Illinois for 4th Place in their conference and will play a consolation game against Victory Honda on Sunday before heading back home. Chicago Young Americans, LA Hockey Club, and Detroit CompuWare all advanced to the Quarter-Finals from Alliance's conference, with CompuWare going undefeated in their preliminary games, and CYA & LA only taking a loss each to CompuWare.

14U Bantam AA Draws a Tie in League Opener...

14U Bantam AA: Alliance – 4, Texas Aces - 4: The Bantam AA played to a 4-4 tie in its first action of the NTXHL season against the Texas Aces at ITC in Richardson Saturday morning. Both teams played tentative from the start, as players were trying to adjust to the new rules enforcement. The power-play and penalty kill would be the determining factor in the game, as every goal was scored with a man advantage. The Bulldogs played a solid team game, with some nice passes, and out-shot the Aces 30-25 for the game. Alliance also had an outstanding goaltending performance from their net-minder in this good test to start the season. The Bulldogs will be in action next week against the Ice Jets '92AA.

This Game Fell off the Back of an Ugly Truck...

14U Bantam AAA: Attack - 10, Alliance - 3: In a game that could serve as a "Poster Boy" for the penalty filled contests occurring throughout USA Hockey all across America, this exhibition against the Texas Attack Bantam AAA team in Valley Ranch Saturday night was not pretty on any accounts. More than half the goals scored in the game came with a 2-man advantage, while 75% of all goals were on the power play. There was even a 3 on 5 shorthanded tally mixed in for good measure. In the end, what was anticipated to be a great game as a follow-up to the overtime contest between these 2 teams less than a month ago, never materialized. Read more HERE...

Alliance Opens League Play with a Win...

18U Midget Major AA: Alliance – 4, McKinney - 1: The Alliance Bulldogs 18U Midget Major AA squad took on McKinney in the NTXHL regular season opener Saturday afternoon at Valley Ranch and prevailed 4-1. The McKinney team, whose roster mirrors the high school Varsity Gold team that plays in the AT&T Metroplex High School Hockey League, proved to be a resilient bunch but ultimately could not hold off the Alliance attack. Throughout the game, the Bulldogs had good pressure on the McKinney goal, played solid defense, executed their breakouts, and passed the puck well. For the most part, their nemesis this season, the penalty box, did not rear its ugly head until late in the game. Read more HERE...

18U Preps Gain Split in Viper Shootout...

18U Midget Major Prep: Alliance - 4, Keystone Generals - 3: After falling behind in the opening period on (you guessed it) 2 power play goals, the Bulldogs dug in and refused to fall prey again to the man advantage goal for the 3rd straight game, and fought back to claim a win over the Keystone Generals in Game 3 of the Pittsburgh Vipers Midget AAA Shootout in Pittsburgh Saturday afternoon. Already down 2-0 and on the penalty kill again early in the 2nd period, Alliance reversed their fortunes with a shorthanded tally, followed by a goal on a delayed penalty call to drawn even at 2-2 late in the middle frame. Read more HERE...

18U Midget Major Prep: Amherst Knights - 5, Alliance - 3: It was same song, second verse for the Bulldogs, as again power play goals by the opponent spelled problems for Alliance in Game 2 against the Amherst Knights in the Pittsburgh Vipers Midget AAA Shootout in Pittsburgh Saturday morning. The Knights built a 4-0 lead on either power play goals or a goal scored just as an Alliance player was leaving the penalty box.

There were not an unusual number of penalties in Game 1 on Friday, but this morning things returned to what has become typically normal across USA Hockey, with a high number of penalties being called due to the new emphas