Utica Devils Players of the Week

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Week 1 Days 1-7

It was a fitting good bye, as the Devils ended there affiliation with the City of Quebec and thus the Remparts are no more in the EFHL. Unlike the Nordiques, the Remparts did not wait until they switched venues to win there Championship. Other then a scare in the first round the Rempart, were dominant in the playoffs and steam rolled there way to a championship, while the parent club lost in 7 games in the EFHL championship. The organization under first year manager Trent Karvonen, could not be happier with the way the season went.



Graduating from last years team is Kyle Beach, who was amongst the regular season and playoff leader in almost every offensive category. Also, Tyson Sexsmith has been promoted to the pro ranks for this season.



The Utica Devils have brought in there top 2 draft picks from this seasons draft in Rocco Grimaldi and Victor Rask. Both are centers, so the Utica Devils should be very deep down the middle this season.


Week one for the Devils was extremely light, as the club only played 2 games. The Devils beat the Marlies, while dropping a decision to the Sound Tiger. The injury bug has already hit the team as top line center Drew Shore and second line left winger Matt Halishcuk have both gone down with injuries.

Once again, due to the limited amount of games, picking players of the week was very difficult.

The third star this week is Calvin Pickard.



Pickard, had a strong pair of games in nets for the Devils, obviously posting a 1-1 record with a goals against average of 2.50 and a save percentage of .909. Pickard, was the backbone for the team last year and nothing will change this season as he will see even more minutes this year then he did last season.

This weeks second star is Matt Halischuk.



Matt, basically only played 2 periods of hockey, but finds himself in a tie for the lead in team scoring and checking. In Halischuks only game, he picked up 1 goal and added 1 assist for 2 points. With the move of Zack Boychuk, to left wing, Halischuk finds himself playing on the second line with rookie Victor Rask and right winger Nick Palmieri.

This weeks first star is Rocco Grimaldi.



The first year player was impressive in his first 2 games. Grimaldi, is currently playing on the third line with Nestrasil and Ullstrom. Grimaldi, is tied for the lead in points and hits. Rocco, in his 2 games picked up 1 goal and added 1 assist for 2 points. Rocco, is viewed as a defensive checker for the Devils organization, but his output so far shows that he may be more then expected. With the injury to Shore, Grimaldi, may see some valueable offensive minutes next week.

Star Points

1. Rocco Grimaldi 5 points
2. Matt Halischuk 3 points
3. Calvin Pickard 1 point

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Week 2 Days 8-14

It was another short work week for the Utica Devils as the team only had 3 games during the week, posting a 2-0-1 record. The Devils won and tied against the Sound Tiger, while the second win came against the Whale. The Devils also made a couple of moves, shipping off 4th line center Joonas Nattinen along with 4th line right winger Kyle Palmieri, in exchange for a pick. The Devils also called up rookies Nikita Kucherov and Matt Puempel to replace Natty and Palmy.

The Devils are currently in second place in the Eastern Conference, which is surprising since the offence has not come around yet. Zack Boychuk is in a major slump and Matt Halischuk and Drew Shore are still in and out of the lineup with injuries.

With a short work week and not much offence the two of the three stars were difficult to chose.

This weeks third star is Nigel Dawes.




Dawes, is currently playing on the 4th line and get top PK minutes (which has been a lot so far this season). Nigel, appeared in all 3 games for the Devils picking up 2 goals and adding 0 assists for 2 points. Due to the injuries, Dawes has moved up to play some third line minutes.

This weeks second star is Andrew Ference.



The veteran rear guard was brought in to stabilize a yound d core. Ference is on the 3rd d pairing and is also get a ton of PK minutes. This week in 3 games, Ference picked up 1 goal and added 2 assists for a total of 3 points. Ference is leading the Devils D in scoring so far this season.

This weeks first star is Calvin Pickard.



Well, the team can score, but they have not had to due to the play of Pickard. This week, Pickard played all 3 games posting a record of 2-0-1, with a goals against average of 1.28 and a save percentage of .957. Pickard had been leaned on to play every game so far this season and he has not dissapointed. With a light schedule, it has been easy for Pickard to play every game, but sooner or later, the schedule will get tougher and Pickard will eventually need a break. Hopefully the offence gets going soon.

Star Points

1. Calvin Pickard 6 points
2. Rocco Grimaldi 5 points
3. Matt Halischuk 3 points
4. Andrew Ference 3 points
5. Nigel Dawes 1 point

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Week 3 Days 15-21

The Devils finally had a busy week playing 5 games this week, posting a record of 4-1-0. The Devils have climbed to the top of the Eastern Conference standing. The offence is finally starting to click, but the team still has not been able to get much production out of Zack Boychuk and Matt Halishcuk. The defence has been outstanding and the goaltending has been elite.

This weeks third star is Nikita Kucherov.




A late addition to the team, Kucherov has played on all 4 lines and the PP units. Kucherov this week played in all 5 games, picking up 1 goal and adding 5 assists for a total of 6 points. The talented rookie right winger found himself on the top line to end the week.

This weeks second star is Calvin Pickard.




What can I say, Pickard has been outstanding to start the season. Pickard, has played every minute of every game thus far this season and has not shown any signs of slowing down. Pickard, this week picked up a record of 4-1-0, with a goals against average of 1.80 and a save percentage of .936. Sooner or later, Pickard will need a break, so hopefully Cedric Desjardin is ready to go.

This weeks first star is Rocco Grimaldi.



The first year center is having a huge season, leading the team in scoring. Grimaldi this week played in all 5 games, picking up 5 goals and adding 5 assists for a total of 10 points. Grimaldi, who started the season on the third line and was to be primarily used as a checker and defensive center, has far outplayed expectations. Currently, Grimaldi has nudged fellow rookie center Victor Rask out of the second line and if Drew Shore doesnt start producing, Grimaldi could be on the top line this week. Rocco, is also leading the team in hits and plus minus.

Star Points
1. Rocco Grimaldi 10 points
2. Calvin Pickard 9 points
3. Matt Halischuk 3 points
4. Andrew Ference 3 points
5. Nigel Dawes 1 point
6. Nikita Kucherov 1 point

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Week 4 Days 21-28

Another short week for the Devils, but the team did all they could to remain in top spot in the Eastern Conference. This week the Devils ran the table, playing in only 3 games. The Devils beat the Sound Tigers, Monarchs and Bears.

The club welcomed back top line center Drew Shore this week and third line winger Matt Halischuk. But the injury bug hit once again knocking out the top wingers in Zack Boychuk and Nikita Kucherov.

This weeks third star is Matt Halischuk.



As stated earlier, Matt came back from injury this week and found himself downgraded to third line left wing as well as top line penalty killer. I guess this was a slap in the face to the top liner from last year who was amongst the league leaders in scoring. Matt, was dominating in limited ice time picking up 3 goals and adding 1 assist for a total of 4 points. With the injury to Boychuk, Matt may have played himself back onto the top line.

This weeks second star is Calvin Pickard.



He is four for four in star nominations. Pickard has been unbelievable so far this season. Pickard has played every minute for the Devils to start the season. This week, Calvin obviously picked up a 3-0 record, with a goals against average of 1.67 and a save percentage of .929. Pickard, is amongst the goaltending leaders in all categories to start the season.

This weeks first star is Nick Palmieiri.



Last year, Palmieiri got off to a slow start but ended the season on fire. Currently, Nick is on a 7 game point scoring streak and has played his way up from the third line onto the top line. Nick this week, played in all 3 games, picking up 1 goal and adding 5 assists for a total of 6 points. It would appear that Nick will be lined up with Matt Halischuk this week. Last year the two were money in the bank. We will see if that will continue this season.

Star Points
1. Calvin Pickard 12 points
2. Rocco Grimaldi 10 points
3. Nick Palmieri 5 points
4. Matt Halischuk 4 points
5. Andrew Ference 3 points
6. Nigel Dawes 1 point
7. Nikita Kucherov 1 point

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Week 5 Days 29-35

Hopefully, this week was a slight hick up for the Devils. During the 3 game week, the Devils had there first losing week, posting a record of 1-2. The Devils lone win came against the Whale, while the losses came against the Americans and the Monsters. Finally, Calvin Pickard got a rest and Cedric Desjardin, definently looked like a guy who had not played in awhile. Out of the lineup this week is Zack Boychuk, with an injury and Andrej Nestrasil who was slapped with a 5 game suspension. Travis Moen and Alex Picard have been recalled to fill the voids. The Devils still are in a tie for first place in the conference with the Admirals, whom just refuse to lose.

This weeks third star is Nigel Dawes.



The fourth liner Dawes, appeared in all 3 games that the Devils played, picking up 0 goals but adding 2 assists for a total of 2 points. What Dawes contributes to the team will never be shown on the scoreboard, as he is getting 4th line duties, as well as penalty killing responsibilities.

This weeks second star is Nick Palmieri.



Palmieri, was recently moved up to the top line and continues to perform at a point per game pace. Palmieri, is currently on an 8 game point scoring streak. This wee, Nick played in all 3 games, picking up 0 goals but adding 3 assists for a total of 3 points. Palmieri, has moved into second place on the team in scoring, and has finally cracked the top 20 in league scoring. It is hard to say how long Palmieri will remain on the top line, as competition on the right wing is stiff with Straka, Kucherov and Nestrasil playing the same wing. But as long as Palmieri continues to put up the numbers, it will be very difficult for anyone to surpass him.

This weeks first star is Rocco Grimaldi.



The top line rookie center, continues his strong two way game. This week, Grimaldi was teamed with new linemates (Palmieri and Halischuk) and continued to perform at his regular point per game pace. Rocco, picked up 2 goals and added 1 assist for a total of 3 points for the week. Grimaldi continues to be the team leader in scoring as well as near the top of the league in scoring.

Star Points
1. Rocco Grimaldi 15 points
2. Calvin Pickard 12 points
3. Nick Palmieri 8 points
4. Matt Halishcuk 4 points
5. Andrew Ference 3 points
6. Nigel Dawes 2 points
7. Nikita Kucherov 1 point

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Week 6 Days 36-42

Coming off there first losing week of the season, the Devils had a bit of a bounce back week playing .500 hockey. The Devils played in 4 games this week posting a record of 1-1-2. Cedric Desjardin, was pressed into duty again this week and faired much better picking up a tie and registering as a star of the game. The Devils did welcome back Zack Boychuk near the end of the week, but Andrej Nestrasil is still serving his suspension. The Devils this week beat the Senators, while dropping a decisions to the Bulldogs. The two draws were against the Admirals and Senators. The Devils currently find themselves in second place, just a mere point behind the Admirals. It appears that the Devils and Admirals are in a class of there own and will be at each other all season for top spot in the Eastern Conference.

This weeks third star is David Ullstrom.



The second year fourth line center man had a nice week, when you consider he averages about 6 minutes of ice time a night. Ullstrom, who other then second unit penalty killing time, only recieves fourth line minutes, thus 0 offensive minutes. This week, David played in all four games, picking up 1 goal and adding 2 assists for a total of 3 points. If the Devils, can get that type of production out of there fourth line for the remainder of the season, management will be very happy.

This weeks second star is Matt Halishcuk.



From superstar last season, to third line penalty killer, to injured reserve and back to top line. Halischuk, has had to fight hard to earn his minutes and he has earned them. With stiff competition on the left side (Boychuk, Puempel), all fighting for minutes, Halischuk has fought his way to the top line and does not want to give up his minutes. Matt, is getting no power play time, but is on the top PK unit. This week, Matt appeared in all 4 games, picking up 2 goals and adding 2 assists for a total of 4 points.

This weeks first star is Nick Palmieri.



He just keeps rolling. Nick, continues his point a game pace no matter what line he is on. Nick, has been rewarded with top line minutes and is playing the point on the powerplay. Nick and Halischuk continue there chemistry from last year and both have fought hard for there minutes this season. In four games this week, Nick picked up 2 goals and added 3 assists for a total of 5 points. Nick, has moved into second place in team scoring, and is now in the top ten in league scoring.

Star Points
1. Rocco Grimaldi 15 points
2. Nick Palmieri 13 points
3. Calvin Pickard 12 points
4. Matt Halischuk 7 points
5. Andrew Ference 3 points
6. Nigel Dawes 2 points
7. David Ullstrom 1 point
8. Nikita Kucherov 1 point

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Week 7 Days 43-49

Well, patience has just about run out with this team. After a super hot start to the season, the team has really hit the skids in recent weeks. At the beginning of the season, the sensational goaltending of Calvin Pickard, hid a lot of the teams issues. Now, Pickard has come back down to earth. The Devils cant score and dont compete. With a roster that is filled with offence, line combinations that work have not been easy to come by. If things dont turn around soon, expect Zack Boychuk, Drew Shore and Matt Halischuk to be on the move. All three players have recieved a lot of attention from managers around the league.

This week, the Devils played in 4 games, posting a 1-2-1 record. The lone win was against the Bears, with the tie coming against the Icehogs. The losses were against the Admirals and an embarassing 11-1 loss to the Stars. Somehow, the Devils are still holding onto second place in the Eastern Conference, but the club is fading fast, showing little sign of life.

This weeks third star is Victor Rask.



Rask, has been moved between the 2nd and 3rd line and has really struggled to start the season. Victor, has been given all the chances in the world to put up numbers but it just has not been working for him. This week, Victor, picked up 1 goal and added 2 assists for a totatl of 3 points in 4 games.

This weeks second star is Rocco Grimaldi.



Rocco, has been bounced between the first, second and third line this year. Rocco, is basically the only player on the team right now that is living up to expectation. Grimaldi is currently leading the team in goals and overall scoring. This week, Rocco, picked up 2 goals and added another 2 assists for a total of 4 points. The team keeps trying different line combinations, but the only thing that seems to work is Grimaldi.

This weeks first star is Nick Palmieri.



Well, lately, Nick has been stapled to the top line and has been red hot. After an extremely slow start to the season, Nick has really geared it up, taking over second place in team scoring and moving into the top 10 in league scoring. Nick, during the 4 game week, picked up 3 goals and added 2 assists for a total of 5 points. It is nice to see Nick start putting the puck in the net. Always known as a great set up man, Nick is firing the puck and is being rewarded for that on the score sheet. Nick, is quickly closing the gap on team scoring leader Rocco Grimaldi.

Star Points
1. Rocco Grimaldi 18 points
2. Nick Palmieri 18 points
3. Calvin Pickard 12 points
4. Matt Halischuk 7 points
5. Andrew Ference 3 points
6. Nigel Dawes 2 points
7. David Ullstrom 1 point
8. Nikita Kucherov 1 point
9. Victor Rask 1 point

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Week 8 Days 50-56

Well, is the nose dive starting to end for the Devils? Not sure, but considering that Cedric Desjardin has had to carry the mail this week, the club has to be happy with a 2-2 record. The wins came against the Penguins and Ice Hogs, while the losses were against the Crunch and the Rivermen. The Devils, are still hanging onto second place in the Eastern Conference. The Devils are hoping that Pickard, will get in the nets soon. As well, veteran Matt Halischuk has been tagged with a three game suspension, so the team is hoping that Alexander Picard can step up in his abscence.

This weeks third star is Drew Shore.



What line is he on? Not sure, anywhere from 1-4 is where he has played this season. This week, he ended on the "top line", as the team is trying whatever it can to get scoring from anyone. This week, Drew played in 4 games and picked up 1 goal and added 2 assists for a total of 3 points.

This weeks second star is Andrew Ference.



Well, management has decided not to fight the fact that Ference has been the best dman on the team so far this season. Andrew, finally was moved to the top dpairing with Simon Danis Pepin. Ference, currently is the team leader in scoring from the blue line and this week, he added to that lead. Ference played in all four games this week picking up 0 goals, but added 4 assists for a total of 4 points.

This weeks first star is Victor Rask.



Well, the number 3 center on the team has been the best of them in recent weeks. Rask, played in all four games this week picking up 3 goals and adding 2 assists for a total of 5 points. Rask, who got off to a slow start, has found himself suddenly in third place in team scoring and leading the team in hits.

Star Points
1. Rocco Grimaldi 18 points
2. Nick Palmieri 18 points
3. Calvin Pickard 12 points
4. Matt Halischuk 7 points
5. Victor Rask 6 points
6. Andrew Ference 5 points
7. Nigel Dawes 2 points
8. David Ullstrom 1 point
9. Nikita Kucherov 1 point
10. Drew Shore 1 point.

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Week 9 Days 57-63

Signs of life? Maybe. The Devils finally had a winning week posting a record of 3-1. The team played well, with the exception of the loss which was a blow out against the Whale. The wins came against the Crunch x 2 and the Penguins. Still, nobody has jumped up and taken over the offensive load for the team as the scoring is extremely balanced night in and night out. Management is happy with the week when you consider that starting goalie Calvin Pickard only played 1 game this week. As well, Matt Halischuk has been suspended by the league and Andrej Nestrasil is on the injured reserve list.

On a brighter note, the Devils would like to congratulate there three all-stars: Rocco Grimaldi, Andrew Ference and Calvin Pickard. All three players have exceeded expectation so far this season and were very worthy of the nominations.

This weeks third star is Rocco Grimaldi.



Rocco, has been pushed back down onto the second line in an attempt to control his minutes as he is also used on the PP and PK. Grimaldi continues to lead the team in scoring with 31 points. This week the Rock picked up 2 goals and added 2 assists for a total of 4 points. As well, the Rock was selected as the #2 center for the all-star game. Very impressive for a guy whom at the start of the season, was basically being used as a checker/penalty killer.

This weeks second star is Nick Palmieri.



Nick, has been the most consistent and dynamic Devils over the past month. After a very slow start, Palmieri has been playing at a better then a point per game pace. Currently, Nick is second on the team in scoring with 30 points and has really been pushing Grimaldi for first. Nick, continues playing on the top line, but has new linemates in Boychuk and Shore. Devils management really hope that Palmieri can get his linemates back on track for the second half of the season. This week, Palmieri picked up 2 goals and added 2 assists for a total of 4 points.

This weeks first star is Petr Straka.



For some reason, the lower down in the lineup he plays, the more he produces. Petr, was moved down to the third line a couple of weeks ago and has started to find his scoring touch. Peter, has moved into third place in team scoring with 20 points. Last year, Straka started extremely slow and then exploded in the second half, which is what the Devils are banking on this season. It seems like Straka has been a Devils for ever, but he is only 20 years old, management really hopes he finds some consistency to his game. This week, Petr picked up 1 goal and added 3 assists for a total of 4 points.

Star Points
1. Nick Palmieri 21 points
2. Rocco Grimaldi 19 points
3. Calvin Pickard 12 points
4. Matt Halischuk 7 points
5. Victor Rask 6 points
6. Andrew Ference 5 points
7. Petr Straka 5 points
8. Nigel Dawes 2 points
9. David Ullstrom 1 point
10. Nikita Kucherov 1 point
11. Drew Shore 1 point

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Week 10 Days 64-70

Well, it seems the cure for the Devils is getting Pickard back in the nets. This week Pick played every minute and the Devils responded, posting a record of 3-1-0. Pickard, was not sensational, but got the job done with exception to the teams only loss against the league leading Stars. The wins came against the Crunch, Wolves and Penguins. Pickard, appears to be back on the bench again due to a conditioning issue, so it will be interesting to see how next week goes. The Devils continue to sit in second place in the Eastern Conference 5 points behind the Admirals.

This weeks third star is Nick Palmieri.



Slow and steady is what Nick is. In 4 games this week, Palmieri went back to his set up roll on the top line picking up 0 goals but adding 6 assists. The top line is slowly, rounding into shape with Drew Shore and Zack Boychuk. Palmieiri, is now tied for the team lead in scoring with Rocco Grimaldi. Palmieiri on the season now has 35 points in 36 games, which is good for a tie for 10th in league scoring.

This weeks second star is Victor Rask.



He has been hot. The third line center, has had quite a hot streak going, which has lasted over the past couple of weeks. With new linemates Puempel and Kucherov, the leader of the Devils kid line put up some numbers. Playing in all 4 games, Rask picked up 1 goal, but added 5 assists for a total of 6 points. That kind of production from the third line was huge in the Devils turn around. Rask is currently 4th in team scoring with 24 points.

This weeks first star is Petr Straka.



Two weeks in a row for a guy that went totally unnoticed for the first 8 weeks of the season. Straka, is currenlty playing on the second line with Matt Halischuk and Rocco Grimaldi. During Petr's 4 game week, the slick right winger picked up 2 goals and added 4 assists for a total of 6 points. Petr, is now ranked 3rd in Devils scoring with 26 points.

This week the Devils showed there balanced scoring having representation from the top 3 lines nominated as stars. Now, lets get the goaltending and defence going and the team should be firing on all cylinders.

Star Points
1. Nick Palmieri 22 points
2. Rocco Grimaldi 19 points
3. Calvin Pickard 12 points
4. Petr Straka 10 points
5. Victor Rask 9 points
6. Matt Halischuk 7 points
7. Andrew Ference 5 points
8. Nigel Dawes 2 points
9. David Ullstrom 1 point
10. Nikita Kucherov 1 point
11. Drew Shore 1 point

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Week 11 Days 71-77

A big week for Utica. The Devils are still hurting with there number 1 tender Calvin Pickard playing in only one game all week, but the club was really firing on all cylinders. The Devils played 5 games this week, posting a 4-1-0 record. The club is really pushing the first place Admirals in the Eastern Conference. The Devils beat the Griffins, Ice Caps, Monarchs and Wolves. The only set back was against the league leading Stars.

Off the ice, the Devils finally had enough of Zach Boychuk and his lack of production. The big team shipped off Boychuk in a deal for Kyle Beach. Utica, did not recieve a player in return, but the club wanted to give Andrej Nestrasil, more then 4th line playing time anyways.

This weeks third star is Matt Halischuk.



With the reconfigured lines, Matt stays on the second line and gets top unit PK time. Halischuk had a big week, playing in all 5 games, picking up 3 goals and adding 4 assists for a total of 7 points. Matt, is currently in 6th place in team scoring and will be depended on more as a veteran on this team to produce offensively with the deletion of Boychuk out of the lineup.

This weeks second star is Cedric Desjardins.




Desjardin, finally put together a good week for the Devils and it was much needed. Desjardin, carried the ball for the team playing 4 out of the 5 games. During the week, Cedric had a record of 3-1-0, with a goals against average of 1.75 and a save percentage of .928. Cedric also picked up his team leading second shutout of the season.

This weeks first star is Victor Rask.



Well, the third line center continues his torrid hot streak. This week, Victor scored 4 goals and added 5 assists for a total of 9 points. Victor, is quickly working his way up the scoring charts as he is currently ranked third on the team in scoring and continues to lead the club in hits.

Star Points
1. Nick Palmieri 22 points
2. Rocco Grimaldi 19 points
3. Victor Rask 14 points
4. Calvin Pickard 12 points
5. Petr Straka 10 points
6. Matt Halischuk 8 points
7. Andrew Ference 5 points
8. Cedric Desjardins 3 points
9. Nigel Dawes 1 point
10. David Ullstrom 1 point
11. Nikita Kucherov 1 point
12. Drew Shore 1 point

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Week 12 Days 78-84

The Devils thought they finally had it all figured out, but then this week happened. After a very impressive run over the last couple of weeks, it would appear that the roof caved in for the Devils. The club, played 5 games, picking up a record of 2-3. In a lot of the games, the Devils were not even competitive. The Devils beat the Checkers and the Ice Caps, while dropping decisions against the Rivermen and Crunch x 2.

Off the ice, it was trade deadline week and the parent club made a deal which effected the Juniors. The Devils, added goaltender Mike Murphy to the mix. Murphy, is expected to back up Calvin Pickard. But, if Pickards play does not pick up, Murphy, could be in a fight for the starters position.

This weeks third star is Matt Halischuk.



Not a great week for Matt, but it was good enough for third spot. Matt, appeared in all 5 games for the Devils, picking up 2 goals and adding another pair of helpers for a total of 4 points on the week. Matt, is currently ranked 2nd on the team in goals and 5th in scoring.

This weeks second star is David Ullstrom.



Yes, it was that bad of a week that the 4th line center gets the second star. Ullstrom, has put up some impressive numbers over the past couple of weeks though. David, who only gets 4th line minutes and some PK minutes played in all 5 games during the week, picking up 1 goal and adding another 3 assists for a total of 4 points. Ullstrom, hit the 10 goal mark on the season and is currently ranked 9th on the team in scoring.

This weeks first star is Jon Merrill.



He is alive! This week, a Jon Merrill sighting was seen. Merrill, who has been invisible all season had a good week for the club. Jon, played in all 5 games during the week, picked up 2 goals and added another 3 assists for a total of 5 points. Merrill, who at the start of the season, was expected to be a slam dunk to make the show next year has raised some serious questions in New Jersey. The questions are so serious that Merrill, if he does not turn his season around could be playing for a different organization next season.

Star Points
1. Nick Palmieri 22 points
2. Rocco Grimaldi 19 points
3. Victor Rask 14 points
4. Calvin Pickard 12 points
5. Petr Straka 10 points
6. Matt Halischuk 9 points
7. Jon Merrill 5 points
8. Andrew Ference 5 points
9. David Ullstrom 4 points
10. Cedric Desjardins 3 points
11. Nigel Dawes 1 point
12. Nikita Kucherov 1 point
13. Drew Shore 1 point

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Week 13 Days 85-91

The Devils have had a lighter schedule as of late and it has been much needed as the team is trying to get everyone healthy. The Devils played 3 games this week, posting a record of 2-1. The wins were against the Heat and the Crunch, while the only set back was against the Ice Caps. The Devils continue to lead the Eastern Conference.

This weeks third star is Calvin Pickard.



Pickard has had some conditioning issues as of late, but did play 2 out of the 3 games for the Devils during the week. With the acquisition of Mike Murphy, it was believed that Pickards playing time would be reduced, which it has, but the team is much more comfortable having a 1a and 1b situation in the nets. This week, Pickard picked up a record of 2-0, while posting a goals against average of 2.00. Pickards save percentage during the week was an impressive .936.

This weeks second star is Matt Halischuk.



Matt, has recently been promoted to the top line as the Devils attempt to get there offence going and Halischuk appears to have responded. Playing in all 3 games this week, Matt recorded 3 goals and added another 2 assists for a total of 5 points. Halischuk, still is primarily being used as a defensive PK guy, but his numbers have catapulted him into the top 3 on team scoring and onto the top line. Matt, is desperately pushing to make the big club next season.

This weeks first star is Martin Marinicin.




Like Halishcuk, Marincin has recently been promoted to the top line to add defence to the unit, little did management know the offensive flood gates would open. Marincin, appeared in all 3 games for the Devils, picking up 1 goal and adding 5 assists for a total of 6 points. The big week, has moved Marincin, into first place in team scoring from the blueline. The Devils hope that Marincin and Pepin on the top line will continue to produce both wins and points.

Star Points
1. Nick Palmieri 22 points
2. Rocco Grimaldi 19 points
3. Victor Rask 14 points
4. Calvin Pickard 13 points
5. Matt Halischuk 12 points
6. Jon Merrill 5 points
7. Andrew Ference 5 points
8. Martin Marincin 5 points
9. David Ullstrom 4 points
10. Cedric Desjardins 3 points
11. Nigel Dawes 1 point
12. Nikita Kucherov 1 point
13. Drew Shore 1 point

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Week 14 Days 92-98

A busier week for the Devils, but the team continues its winning ways this week. The Devils played 4 games, posting a record of 3-1. The wins came against the Crunch, Griffins and Bruins. The teams only set back was agains the Pirates. The Devils continue to lead the Eastern Conference and is starting to gain some seperation finally.

This weeks third star is Victor Rask.



The second line center had cooled off over the last couple of weeks, but he seems to have found his stride now that he has been moved up to the second unit and is still get PP time. This week, Rask played in all 4 games picking up 3 goals and adding 2 assists for a total of 5 points. Rask, has moved up to third on the team in scoring and is seriously challenging Rocco Grimaldi who has really hit the wall over the last couple of weeks.

This weeks second star is Calvin Pickard.



Finally, two healthy week, equals back to back three star awards. With the play of Pickard, newly acquired Mike Murphy has been a healthy scratch for most of his time in Utica, allowing him valueable rest time. Pickard this week played in 3 games picking up a record of 2-1. One of the wins was via shutout and gives Pickard 2 goose eggs on the season. Pickard, had a goals against average of 1.67 with a save percentage of .943.

This weeks first star is Petr Straka.



Petr is all or nothing. He is either the best player on the ice, or invisible, which is extremely frustrating for the Devils management. This week, he was great. Straka, played in all 4 games, picking up 4 goals and adding another 2 assists for a total of 6 points. Straka, is currently playing on the second line, but with the recent struggles of Nick Palmieri, Straks, could be pushing for a top line spot soon.

Star Points
1. Nick Palmieri 22 points
2. Rocco Grimaldi 19 points
3. Calvin Pickard 16 points
4. Victor Rask 15 points
5. Petr Straka 15 points
6. Matt Halischuk 12 points
7. Jon Merrill 5 points
8. Andrew Ference 5 points
9. Martin Marincin 5 points
10. David Ullstrom 4 points
11. Cedric Desjardins 3 points
12. Nigel Dawes 1 point
13. Nikita Kucherov 1 point
14. Drew Shore 1 point

[trent-devils]

Week 15 Days 99-105

Another winning weak for the Devils despite some poor performances which made picking the three stars very tough this week. The Devils played in 4 games, picking up a record of 2-1-1. The wins were against the Crunch x 2, while the tie was against the Crunch. The Devils loss was against the Rivermen in blow out fashion. The Devils continue to lead the Eastern Conference.

This weeks third star is Andrew Ference.



As I said, the performances were not great this week. Ference appeared in 4 games this week picking up 1 goal and adding 1 assist for a total of 2 points. Ference, has been placed back onto the third line and gets PK time, so the offensive minutes are not coming for Ference. Ference is currently third on the team in scoring from the blue line.

This weeks second star is Nick Palmieri.



Nick has really been struggling over the last few weeks, so the Devils do hope that this performance will get Palmieri off the snide. Nick, played in all 4 games picking up 1 goal and adding 3 more assists for a total of 4 points. Palmieri, continues to lead the Devils in scoring this season.

This weeks first star is Simon Danis-Pepin.



It has been a tough season for Pepin, who was expected to lead the team offensively from the point. Pepin, is moving up the team scoring from the blueline currently ranked second. This week, Pepin picked played in all 4 games picking up 1 goal and adding 3 assists for a total of 4 points.

Star Points
1. Nick Palmieri 25 points
2. Rocco Grimaldi 19 points
3. Calvin Pickard 16 points
4. Victor Rask 15 points
5. Petr Straka 15 points
6. Matt Halischuk 12 points
7. Andrew Ference 6 points
8. Jon Merrill 5 points
9. Simon Danis-Pepin 5 points
10. Martin Marincin 5 points
11. David Ullstrom 4 points
12. Cedric Desjardins 3 points
13. Nigel Dawes 1 point
14. Nikita Kucherov 1 point
15. Drew Shore 1 point