 |
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
  Subscribe To Our Newsletter Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter containing the latest news, stats, and inside information about your favorite GLHL team and players! Click here to read our latest edition. 5 Caps (plus 2 alternates) named to GLHL All-Star Team! The Capitals are pleased to announce that five members have been named to the GLHL's 2009-2010 South Division All-Star Team. Representing Vernon Hills in the GLHL All-Star Game on January 29 in Green Bay will be: goalie Doug Bair; forwards Zack Kozak and Mike Barnes; and defensemen JP Ledwidge and Pat McCadams. In addition, Dale Michonski was named an alternate foward and Kalle Larsson an alternate defenseman. Back-to-Back Home Games This Weekend The Vernon Hills Capitals return home to Glacier Ice Arena this weekend for a pair of Great Lakes Hockey League showdowns. On Friday, the Capitals host the West Bend Bombers. On Saturday, the Capitals host the Eagle River Falcons. Both games start at 8PM. The Capitals will be seeking a bit of retribution Friday night against West Bend. The Bombers beat the Caps 5-4 in a thriller on December 5 in West Bend. Eagle River is another team the Capitals have already faced once this season. On November 28, the Caps topped the Falcons 7-5 in Eagle River. The Capitals "Press Room" re-opens at 7:30PM on Friday and Saturday. The "Press Room" is a team fundraiser that enables fans to watch the game in a heated private room or stand right behind the goal to get an up-close view of the action. All guests must be 21 to purchase "Press Room" passes. Tickets for both games are on sale now and at the Glacier Ice Arena ticket counter on game days starting at 7:15PM.  "Don't quit your day job" Celebrity Goalie EventBetween periods on Saturday night, Tim Vander Tuk, news director for 102.3FM WXLC and 1220AM WKRS radio, will dress as a goalie and try to stop some pucks from the Capitals! Don't quit your day job, Tim! Saturday, December 12: Vernon Hills 4 Green Bay 3 Capitals top Green Bay Deacons The Vernon Hills Capitals returned home on Saturday, December 12 to take on a Great Lakes Hockey League South Division foe, the Green Bay Deacons. Going into the game the Capitals record stood at 3-4-1, and the team was looking to break even before heading into the holiday break. The Capitals were plagued by injury and illness heading into the game against Green Bay, but sought motivation from new head coach Kelly Gee. After a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem by Jacqueline Branch, and with Gee's game plan instilled, the team controlled the Deacons for a majority of the first period. The Capitals were able to notch the first tally of the game as Shawn McCloud scored an unassisted goal 7:36 into the first period. The Capitals, still buzzing from the first goal, were able to post another at 10:22 into the first period on a goal from Dale Michonski which was assisted by Rob Rosmis and Fabio Schwarz. The Capitals were unable to hold the two goal lead until the first intermission, though, as the Deacons were able to climb within one as they scored at 18:28 into the first period. The Capitals came out in the second period looking to establish a better offensive zone presence. Zach Kozak continued with the "hot-hand," as he demonstrated his own offensive zone flair by scoring a goal on assists from Pat Mcadams and Dale Michonski. The goal moved the Capitals lead to 3-1. The Deacons, however, were able to respond late in the second period with a goal of their own to bring the score to 3-2 heading into the second intermission. The Capitals scored their fourth and final goal of the game at 7:22 into the third period on a goal by defenseman man Ben Loss on assists from Dale Michonski and Fabio Schwarz. The Capitals struggled to play with a lead and allowed the Deacons to post a goal at 14:43 into the third period. Strong goaltending by Doug Bair and sturdy defensive zone play were keys to fending off the Deacons' six-man attack when they pulled their goalie late in the third period. The Capitals edged the Deacons and picked up two important South Division points in their 4-3 victory over Green Bay. The Capitals now head into their holiday break with a solid 4-4-1 record and 9 GLHL South Division Points. The Capitals return home on Friday, January 8 at 8PM vs. the West Bend Bombers. The Capitals "Press Room" will re-open at 7:30PM on January 8. The "Press Room" is a team fundraiser where fans can watch the game in a heated private room or stand right behind the goal and get an up-close view of the action. All guests must be 21 to purchase "Press Room" passes. Tickets are on sale now and at the ticket counter starting at 7:15PM. Friday, December 4: Capitals 8 Oregon (Wisc.) 3 Saturday, December 3: Capitals 4 West Bend (Wisc.) 5 Capitals Name Kelly Gee Head Coach  The Capitals have named Kelly Gee their new head coach. Born and raised in Homer, Alaska, Kelly Gee moved to the Chicagoland area in 2002 to embark on his coaching career after a series of serious leg injuries cut short his own playing career. Kelly spent three seasons with Robert Morris University as both a coach and recruiter, became the goalie director for the Chicago Mission, and spent the past two season as Assistant Coach and Scout for the Chicago Steel in the United States Hockey League (Tier 1 Jr. A), where he is currently the goalie consultant. Kelly currently resides in the northwest suburbs with his wife Amanda.Friday, November 27: Papermakers 5 Capitals 3 Saturday, November 28: Capitals 7 Falcons 5 Capitals Split on Road Trip to Wisconsin's Northwoods  The Capitals traveled to the Northwoods of Wisconsin this Thanksgiving weekend to face off against the Mosinee Papermakers and the Eagle River Falcons. The Capitals were welcomed by large crowds at both visiting arenas. The Capitals, fresh off of Thanksgiving dinner, took the ice against the Papermakers Friday night in Mosinee's 2009-2010 home opener. The Papermakers' fans were, without a doubt, ready to see the season get underway as they welcomed the Capitals to the ice surface with a vocal display of "boos." The Papermakers struck first in the game, sending the Capitals into the locker room after the first period looking for answers to a flurry of offensive zone activity posted by the Papermakers. The second period rendered much of the same as the Papermakers mounted a solid offensive attack upon the Capitals, outscoring the visitors 4-1 in the period. The Caps' road legs seemed to wear off too late as the team fought to post two goals in the third period, outscoring the Papermakers 2-0 in the final period of regulation. Though the rally was not enough to win the game, it gave the Capitals momentum going into their game Saturday night. In statistics for Friday night's game against Mosinee, Mike Barnes scored the first Capitals goal on an assist from Zack Kozak. Zach Kozak tallied the second Capitals goal and was unassisted in his effort. The third Capitals goal was scored by Eric Klemm on an assist from defenseman Kalle Larsson. The tables turned for the Capitals on Saturday night as they took the ice against the Eagle River Falcons. The game was also the Falcons' home opener, and the ERRA Ice Arena–with the scent of aged lumber and the brisk indoor temperature–was filled with anxious Eagle River fans. An amazing vintage hockey atmosphere was set as the two teams squared off for the opening faceoff. The setting could have been the background for Stompin' Tom Collins' song, "Good Old Hockey Games" music video. The first period went quick and left the Capitals shorthanded as they went into the locker room for the intermission down by a goal. Spirits were recharged during the break however as the Capitals posted 4 goals in the second period. The Capitals took advantage of sound scoring opportunities and were victorious in the 2nd period, outscoring the Falcons 4-2. The Capitals struck again early in the third period as Zack Kozak buried a shorthanded goal on an assist from Capitals' goaltender Doug Bair. The Falcons did mount a comeback in the third period scoring two goals of their own, however the Capitals locked down defensively to finish the Falcons in the Capitals' first regulation win by a score of 7-5. In statistics, the first Capitals goal was scored by Chris Schink on assists from Eric Klemm and Kalle Larsson. Zach Kozak scored the second Capitals goal on assists from Mike Barnes and Matt Greenwood. Matt Greenwood scored the third Capitals goal on assists from Mike Barnes and Zack Kozak. The fourth Capitals goal was scored by Eric Klemm on assists from Chris Schink and John Zajak. The Capitals' scoring efforts were continued by Zach Kozak on an assist from goalie Doug Bair for the fifth goal. The sixth Capitals goal was scored by Sandro Kolb on assists from Matt Greenwood and Pat Mcadams. The final and seventh Capitals goal was scored by Matt Greenwood on an assist from Tom Mccurrie. In other notables, the Capitals were hosted after Saturday night's game by the Wicked Bar and Grille in Eagle River, Wisconsin. GLHL veteran C.J. Koroll coached Capitals' rookie Sondro Kolb to a spot in the "Wicked Grille Hall-of-Fame" as Sandro was able to completely finish the un-eatable "Wicked Burger" and all of the fries that came with the burger. For travelers, Sandro and C.J.'s picture of this event can be viewed at the Wicked Bar and Grille making Eagle River, Wisconsin a must-visit destination. The Capitals return home this Friday (December 4) at 8PM vs. Oregon (Wisc.) Stampede. Three weeks ago the Caps thrilled their home-opener crowd with a 6-5 shoot-out victory over Oregon. The Stampede will be seeking revenge when they return to Vernon Hills on Dec. 4. Tickets are on sale now and at the ticket counter starting at 7:15PM. The Capitals "Press Room" will re-open for the Oregon game at 7:30PM on Friday. The "Press Room" is a team fundraiser where fans can watch the game in a heated private room or stand right behind the goal and get an up-close view of the action. All guests must be 21 to purchase "Press Room" passes. November 20, 2009: Pioneers 8 Capitals 6 Portage Lake tops Vernon Hills 8-6 The Portage Lake Pioneers drove 400 miles from Houghton, MI to take on the Capitals last Friday night at Glacier Ice Arena in Vernon Hills. Caps' fans witnessed a game that was ultimately decided by the outstanding play of the Pioneer's goaltender, Jared Detrick. The Capitals out-shot -- and, for most of the game, out-played -- the Pioneers, but Portage Lake capitalized on several defensive zone mistakes made by the Capitals to take the lead 7-6 late in the third period. The game ended with the Capitals pulling their goalie for an extra attacker and the Pioneers scoring an empty net goal with 2 seconds remaining to make it 8-6. The Capitals wish everyone a very happy Thanksgiving! Please be safe while traveling. We also wish all the youth hockey players the best of luck in this weeks' tournament games at Glacier Ice Arena. Go Ice Dogs! The Capitals play on the road this weekend in Mosinee and league capital Eagle River. The team will be without its captain, who was injured in the game against Portage Lake. November 14, 2009 - Home Opener: Capitals 6 Stampede 5 Caps top Oregon Stampede 6-5 in shootout! With help from a good home crowd, the band Enkase and the debut of the Capitals "Press Room" for fans over the age of 21, the Vernon Hills Capitals defeated the Oregon (Wisc.) Stampede 6-5 in a shootout Saturday night in the team's 2009-2010 home opener. The Capitals opened up the scoring with a powerplay goal at 17:56 in the first period by Mike Barnes (22) from Zack Kozack (23). The first period ended with the Capitals leading 3-1. In the second period the Capitals were called for five penalties, but held off Oregon's powerplay units. The Caps scored twice in the period. Dan Statsny (8) scored first, assisted by Bobby Siers (10) and Ben Loss (24). The second goal of the period was Matt Greenwood's (7), assisted by Zack Kozak (23) and Mike Barnes (22). The second period ended with the Capitals leading 5-2. But the game was far from over. In the third period Oregon was determined to give the home team a battle. The Stampede started the period with a goal in the first two minutes. Oregon tied the game 5-5 with a power play goal from Nolan Baker (19), assisted by Cam Nelson (7) and Chris Oleson (25), with 7:01 left in the period. Both teams battled to take the lead in the third but the game remained tied at the end of regulation time. Five minutes were put on the clock and the home crowd watched both teams skate end-to-end with chances. But neither team could score in overtime. For the second time this season the Capitals went to a shootout to resolve a GLHL South Division game. Oregon shot first but goalie Doug Bair held his ground and denied the Stampede. The second shooter for the Stampede, Dan Karlander (33), scored to put Oregon up 1-0 in the shootout. But the Capitals answered when Dale Michonski (27) and Bobby Siers (10) both scored, putting the home team up 2-1. Doug Bair made the final stop against the Stampede's Andrew Haase (17), ending the game and giving the Capitals the team's first overtime win in franchise history. The Capitals are home again this Friday, November 20 at 8PM vs. Portage Lake (Mich.) Pioneers of the GLHL North Division. The teams will take to the ice at 7:30PM for warm-ups. Tickets are on sale now and at the ticket counter starting at 7:15PM. The Capitals "Press Room" opens at 7:30PM. The "Press Room" is a team fundraiser where fans can watch the game in a heated private room or stand right behind the goal and get an up-close view of the action. All guests must be 21 to purchase "Press Room" passes. Caps support local youth hockey teams Three Capitals players, assitant captain Kalle Larsson (18), Erich Klemm (9) and goalie Doug Bair (22), assisted IDHL squirt house level director Clint Vogler during the program's house league practices this past Saturday. The youth hockey players enjoyed having the Capitals helping them during practices. There were lots of smiles from both the little players and the big ones. Remember all kids (under 16) get in free to Capitals home games if they wear their jerseys! November 6, 2009 at Fox Cities: Ice Dogs 7 Capitals 5 Caps fall to Fox Cities; ready to return home to Glacier! Tickets are on sale now for the the Vernon Hills Capitals' 2009-2010 home opener Saturday night (11/14) vs. the Oregon (Wisc.) Stampede. The puck will drop on this Great Lakes Hockey League-South Division showdown at 8:00PM at Glacier Ice Arena. Between periods the popular local band EnKase will entertain the crowd. Capitals games are an exciting, affordable way to spend an evening. Tickets are just $5 and youth hockey players wearing their team's colors are free! Don't miss the Capitals' long-awaited home opener! October 24, 2009 at Fond du Lac: Bears 3 Capitals 2 (SO) Capitals surrender to Bears in shootout The Vernon Hills Capitals traveled to Fond du Lac, Wisconsin Saturday to play the defending national champion Fond du Lac Bears. Fond du Lac's Blue Line Ice Center was buzzing with excitement as thirsty fans prepared for a true barn burner between the Capitals and Bears. The game marked the first regular season game for both the Capitals and Bears, and was the first meeting of four between the two GLHL South Division rivals. The Bears put the first tally on the board at 8:27 into the first period. During the first period fans saw a hard-fought battle as both teams had plenty of opportunities to score, but the play of Capitals' goalie Doug Bair and Bears' goalie Scott Sarauer was too much for both offenses. A typically high-scoring Fond du Lac Bears team headed into the first intermission with only a one goal lead. After a motivational speech delivered by Capitals' General Manager Warren Sundt during the first intermission, the Capitals struck first in the second period with an impressive goal by newcomer Zach Kozak. Kozak showed poise and speed as he beat Bears' defensemen to the outside and buried the first Capitals goal of the 2009-2010 season just 20 seconds into the second period. The remainder of the second period featured another great display of goaltending at both ends, as both teams' goaltenders made their own highlight reels of tremendous saves. The Capitals, however, were finally able to breech Bears' goalie Scott Sarauer's levy when Zach Kozak picked up his second goal of the night on assists from Mike Barnes and Dan Stastny with 3:30 to play in the second period. Despite a hard offensive push by Fond du Lac near the end of the second period, the Capitals headed to the locker room with a 2-1 lead going into the second intermission. Fond du Lac scored early in the third period to knot the score at two apiece. The remainder of the third period led to a stalemate of sort as both teams pushed hard for the winning goal. Regulation time ended with 2-2 tie. Overtime offered much of the same as regulation time: strong offensive pushes only to be nullified by great defense and goaltending at both ends of the ice. The five minute overtime ended and placed the Capitals in their first shootout in franchise history. After two shootout rounds during which the Capitals failed to score, Fond du Lac's last shooter lit the lamp and ended the game. The Capitals suffered their first loss of the season but picked up one point in divisional standings. In other notables, Capitals goaltender Doug Bair made 42 saves in the loss. The Capitals will next travel to Fox Cities on November 6, 2009 to take on the Fox Cities Ice Dogs.  October 23, 2009: Capitals Ready to Open 2009-10 Season The Vernon Hills Capitals will drop the puck on the 2009-2010 season this Saturday vs. their GLHL South Division rival, the Fond du Lac Bears in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. The 2009-2010 season marks the second campaign for the Capitals, who enter the season with high hopes of earning a post-season berth. The Capitals will play 26 Great Lakes Hockey League games this season, all holding significance as the team marches towards Magnuson Cup. General Manager Warren Sundt could not be happier with the team at this point. "We have some promising prospects this year, we have more depth and we bolstered our defensive core," Sundt said. The Capitals recruited heavily during the off-season, and have worked to rebuild a team that found itself winning only four regular season games in 2008-09. "There are a lot of new faces, but we welcome it. It's no doubt we struggled a bit last year, especially at defense, so I can't wait to see what we can do this season,' said Capitals defenseman Brandon Pokrzewinski in a phone interview. This Capitals will play two road games before heading back to Glacier Ice Arena in Vernon Hills on Saturday November 14 for their home opener. The team has its work cut out for it as it plays two of the top GLHL teams in its first two road games: the Fon du Lac Bears and the Fox Cities Ice Dogs. The Capitals will continue to define their roster within the next few weeks and have high hopes of coming back to their home ice with two victories under their proverbial belts. Please help support the Capitals in the 2009-2010 season. The team would also like to thank its sponsors that have helped despite economic turbulence! |
|
Glacier Ice Arena 670 Lakeview Parkway Vernon Hills, IL 60061 (847) 362-1222 
Accommodations for visitors:  Extended Stay America Vernon Hills - Lake Forest Click for information and reservations. 
  | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Copyright © 2008-09 Vernon Hills Capitals Member of the Great Lakes Hockey League | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Please support