Midwestern Jr. Hockey Conference

Former Brantford Golden Eagles star Paul Szczechura signs with the NHL's Lightning

The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed forward Paul Szczechura (pronounced sha-HER-a) to a two-year contract today, Executive Vice President & General Manager Jay Feaster announced.
The 5-foot-11, 190-pound native of Brantford, Ontario scored 14 goals in 24 games with the Admirals last season after netting two in 29 games with the Iowa Stars before being traded to Norfolk on January 15 in exchange for future considerations. He was tied for third on the Admirals in goals with 16 and was seventh in points with 31. He led all Norfolk rookies in scoring and was tied for the team lead with three game-winning goals.
Szczechura, 22, made his professional debut following the completion of his collegiate career in 2006-07, signing an Amateur Tryout Contract with Iowa. In 67 career AHL games, he has 19 goals and 19 assists with 50 penalty minutes. He also appeared in 10 Calder Cup Playoff games in 2007, tallying three goals and an assist with eight penalty minutes.
Szczechura appeared in 153 career games with the Western Michigan University Broncos, recording 44 goals and 86 assists with 107 penalty minutes. In his senior year, Szczechura finished first on the Broncos in assists (26), tied for second in goals (19) and was second in points (45). He finished seventh in the CCHA in overall points. He was a two-time recipient of WMU’s Scholar Athlete Award.

Congratulations Chiefs

The Midwestern Conference would like to congratulate the Tecumseh Chiefs on their first Sutherland Cup!

The Midwest would also like to congratulate the Elmira Sugar Kings for having such a successful season claiming the Cherrey Cup and reaching the Sutherland Cup finals.