Michigan Hockey - Jan. 16, 2012

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V.22 : I.11 | January 16, 2012

FIRST CLASS

Country Night SAT 7

#37 Matt Mahalak 2011 6th Round NHL Pick Carolina Hurricanes

:05 PM

Jan 14 KIDS DAY! MON 2 Jan 16

Whalers v. Mississauga Enjoy a free post-game concert, courtesy of Community Financial Credit Union & WYCD.

:00 '2%!4 PM 4)-%

Whalers v. Windsor

Spend MLK day with the Whalers for Kids Day! Stay & Skate with the team after the game or sign-up for the morning with a Sticks & Pucks Session hosted by Whalers Coaches.

PM Special Olympics SAT 7:05

Whalers v. S.S. Marie Join us in recognizing the passionate, committed individuals who participate in the Special Olympics.

GO RED!

Healthy Heart Night

Whalers v. Mississauga

Jan 21 SAT 7 Feb 4 :05 PM

Celebrate good heart health with the American Heart Association! Check out the free charity hockey game between the Providence Hospital doctors before the game!

Purchase 4+ Tickets upgrade to a Pop, Hot Dog & Lineup Card for $1 per ticket!

Offer valid at all regular season home games with the purchase of 4 or more tickets. Must be purchased at the same time of ticket purchase.

MLK Day! Monday, January 16, 2012 AND

11am-12:30pm ...Skate, pass, and play hockey째with select Whalers & coaches!

12:30pm..............Pizza party and then stay to watch the Whalers game!

35

Call Now to Register! 734-453-8400 $

includes clinic, pizza party and ticket to the game.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MICHIGAN JANUARY 16, 2012 VOLUME 22: ISSUE 11 6 THE LOCKER ROOM Talking hockey on Facebook and Twitter

8 SLIDESHOW Hockey happenings from across the Mitten

10 SPEAKING OF HOCKEY What is your 2012 hockey predicition?

12 GET BETTER Our top ten tips for hockey school season

14 YOU SHOULD KNOW Muskegon Lumberjacks’ Travis Walsh

19 WOMEN’S HOCKEY Angela Ruggiero announces her retirement

20 TOURNAMENT CALENDAR The latest tournament listings

22 HOMETOWN HERO Davison’s Tim Thomas

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26 HOCKEY SCHOOL GUIDE

Get ready for summer hockey schools

36 NAHL Preparing for the Top Prospects Tournament

37 USA HOCKEY Michigan natives compete in international tournaments

39 GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS Tom McCollum makes his mark

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38 Whalers/Spirit

40

Two teams going in different paths

Taking a trip with the hockey dads

Michigan Hockey

Red Wings insider

42

LOOK FOR OUR NEXT ISSUE Last Line

Darren Eliot writes about the NHLPA’s veto of the realignment plan

MIHOCKEYNOW.COM

JANUARY 23, 2012

To advertise in Michigan Hockey please contact Lucia Zuzga at (248) 479-1134 or lucia@mihockeynow.com or Michael Caples at (248) 479-1136 or mcaples@mihockeynow.com

January 16, 2012 V.22 : I.11

FROM THE EDITOR MICHIGAN HOCKEY EDITOR Michael Caples

mcaples@mihockeynow.com

ADVERTISING Lucia Zuzga

lucia@mihockeynow.com

DESIGN Chuck Stevens MICHIGAN HOCKEY STAFF Brian Kalisher bkalisher@mihockeynow.com

DISTRIBUTION Lucia Zuzga ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR Amy Jones DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & PROGRAMMING Darren Eliot

EDITORIAL BOARD: Bob DeSpirt, Christine Knight, Derek Blair, James Jenkins, Julie Pardoski, Kirk Vickers, Linda Holland, Lisa Zarzycki, Mark Vansaw, Nyron Fauconier, Randy Paquette, Rob Mattina, Susan Bottrell, Tim Wilson, Todd Krygier LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: MICHIGAN HOCKEY® welcomes Letters to the Editor.

E-mail mcaples@mihockeynow.com

MICHIGAN HOCKEY is published by SUBURBAN SPORTS COMMUNICATIONS, LLC 23995 Freeway Park Drive, Suite 200, Farmington Hills, MI 483352829.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to MICHIGAN HOCKEY®, 23995 Freeway Park Drive, Suite 200, Farmington Hills, MI 48335-2829. ©2011

by Suburban Sports Communications. All Rights Reserved. The opinions and views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of MICHIGAN HOCKEY or its advertisers. All editorial copy, photographs and advertising materials remain the property of MICHIGAN HOCKEY.

BY MICHAEL CAPLES It’s hard to believe that we’re talking about summer hockey schools when we don’t even have snow on the ground. It’s been a miserable winter for those that wish to play pond hockey – and I might be at the top of that list.

However, while we may wish that winter will stick around a bit longer, it’s that time once again to make your summer hockey school plans.

We hope that our school guide gives you a comprehensive list of places you can send your child this summer.

Keep checking future issues of the magazine for added camps and dates.

When trying to pick the right hockey school, you should strive to make sure that your child feels comfortable both on and off the ice. Consider trying to find a school that both he/she and their friends or teammates can attend together. Happy kids are much more prone to improving their skills and paying attention to instructors.

And now for my public service announcement.

@michaelcaples Get them on the ice, then get them off the ice – at least for a few days.

In this issue of Michigan Hockey we also tried to do the impossible - predict the future. We take a stab at predictions for the pros, college, and junior hockey in the state.

Nobody can truly predict the future (I don’t think), but hey, there’s nothing wrong with giving it the ol’ college try.

Also be sure to check out our new ‘Speaking of Hockey’ page. We have teamed up with Warrior Hockey to provide our fans the opportunity to both see their name in print and also win Warrior gear.

Everybody wins, nobody loses - it’s a win-win. If only youth hockey games could be like that…

I hope that you enjoy our latest issue of this magazine - the first of 2012. I also hope that the temperature drops so you can get out on the ponds and enjoy the game outdoors. Until then, enjoy your time at the rink.

Parents, remember that summer can be an important time to hone one’s hockey skills. Yet at the same time, your child should be free to pursue other sports and activities.

MICHIGAN HOCKEY 23995 Freeway Park Drive • Suite 200 Farmington Hills, MI 48335-2829 (248) 478-2500 • FAX: (248) 478-1601 E-MAIL: mcaples@mihockeynow.com WEBSITE: mihockeynow.com Photos at left: (from L to R): Nick Lidstrom (Tom Turrill/Michigan Hockey), Jamie Oleksiak (OHL Images), Red Wings team plane (Michael Caples/ Michigan Hockey) Cover: Photo by Amy Jones/Michigan Hockey, design by Chuck Stevens/Michigan Hockey

Cover reprints available e-mail: mcaples@mihockeynow.com

January 16, 2012 V.22 : I.11

VISIT MIHOCKEYNOW.COM FOR DAILY COVERAGE OF HOCKEY IN MICHIGAN MIHOCKEYNOW.COM

Michigan Hockey

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THE LOCKER ROOM

THE

LOCKERROOM THE SCORESHEET

ON THE FLY

Q:

On our Facebook page, we asked you to tell us which Michigan-based team will finish highest in the CCHA standings at the end of the season.

A: Michigan Wolverines – 49% Michigan State Spartans – 25% Western Michigan Broncos – 10% Lake Superior State Lakers – 6% Ferris State Bulldogs – 6% Northern Michigan Wildcats – 4%

Jordan Peerbolte and Rachael Mount just happened to run into two Salvation Army bell-ringers that are also pretty good at hockey – Valtteri Filppula and Drew Miller of the Red Wings. The two Detroit forwards were helping raise money at Kroger in Plymouth. (Photo submitted by Rachael Mount)

TWO FOR TWEETING Austin A Au ust stin st n Watson’s Wat atso son’ so n’’s mother, moth mo ther th er Mary, er Ma ary had had plenty plen pl e ty tto en o be p pleased le eas ased e a ed about bo out w while hile hi le watching her son in the World Juniors. The Ann Arbor native had seven points against Latvia.

TALES FROM THE RINK Michigan Hockey editor Michael Caples shares his favorite hockey school memory: “As a youngster, I attended the Plymouth Whalers’ hockey school every summer. One year, in a valiant attempt to keep the youthful players from horsing around while waiting for drills, an instructor told us all the tale of how he was injured while waiting for a drill once. He told the wide-eyed, horrified young players that when he was our age, he was goofing around before a drill, and a rogue stick caused him to lose one of his eyes. Horrified, we all stood still while waiting in line for the rest of the camp.

Turns out, however, that this instructor was a family friend, and when I saw him at a party a few years later, he had no idea what I was talking about. ”

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Michigan Hockey

T Th e ho ock ckey ey ccommunity om mmu m ni n ty yh ass rrallied a allli a lied ed d tto o su ssupport supp upporrt Ja Jack ck k JJablonski, ablonsk kii The hockey has a Minnesota high school player who was paralyzed from a hit suffered in a game a few weeks ago.

Congratulations to the U.S. Women’s U-18 team for a strong showing in the Czech Republic. Read more about it on Page 37.

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January 16, 2012 V.22 : I.11

SLIDESHOW

MICHIGAN HOCKEY IN PICTURES: AROUND THE MITTEN 1

2

5 1. We are the champions: The Michigan Wolverines pose for the traditional team photo after posting a 3-2 overtime victory over rival Michigan State.

(Andrew Knapik/Michigan Hockey)

2. Michigan State’s Drew Palmisano dives through a crowd around his goal to try to gather in a loose puck against the Wolverines. (Andrew Knapik/Michigan Hockey) 3. The Michigan Tech Huskies celebrate a goal against the Spartans. (Tom Turrill/

Michigan Hockey)

4. David Wohlberg and Alex Guptill celebrate a goal against No. 3 Boston College at Joe Louis Arena. (Tom Turrill/Michigan Hockey) 5. Palmisano makes a save on Michigan Tech’s Alex MacLeod in a GLI semifinal battle.

MSU prevailed 2-1 to advance to the final. (Tom Turrill/Michigan Hockey)

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Michigan Hockey

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January 16, 2012 V.22 : I.11

The NYHA is now accepting Head Coach applications for Novi Ice Cats’ Spring 2012 and 2012-2013 Seasons

Resumes / Applications are Due

by Noon on January 27, 2012 Applications available at

www.noviyouthhockey.org

Squirt A (2003) Squirt AA (2002) Pee Wee A (2001) Pee Wee AA (2000) Bantam A (1999) Bantam AA (1998) Midget A (1997)

Novi Youth Hockey Association is now accepting applications for a Director of Girls’ Hockey!

This new position entails the development of an exciting recreational House program for girls TO APPLY: Please submit your resume / application and references to: info@noviyouthhockey.org OR email your application to: Novi Youth Hockey Association 42400 Nick Lidstrom Drive Novi, MI 48375

FOR MORE INFORMATION: (248) 735-0393 42400 Nick Lidstrom Drive Novi, Michigan 48375

www.noviyouthhockey.org

TO APPLY: Please send coaching resume / application and references to: Novi Youth Hockey Association 42400 Nick Lidstrom Drive Novi, MI 48375 OR submit application by email to “Attention NYHA Travel Director” at: info@noviyouthhockey.org

SPEAKING OF HOCKEY

What is the best hockey WHAT“Mutant ARE YOUR HOCKEY League Hockey game or video game for Sega Genesis.”

PREDICTIONS FOR 2012?

— Scott Lenard you have ever played?

For each issue of the magazine, we will post a question on Facebook, and one randomly selected answer will win Warrior prize pack: hoodie, hat, and T-shirt. Good luck!

“ “ “ “ “ “

Florida Panthers Stanley Cup champs 2012 baby Alex Holcomb Heroes win the HHL title this year! Mike Slade (We assume he’s talking about his adult-league team)

” ” ” ” ” ”

Sharks vs. Rangers in the finals. Sharks finally remove the “choke” label and get to the finals. Rangers make it due to superior goaltending by Lundqvist and finally having a center to play with Gaborik. David Telega

I predict my 11-year-old son’s AA hockey team wins the city championships and the right to represent Manitoba at the Quebec City Pee Wee Tournament next year! Doug Johnson

WINNER

Wings bring the Stanley Cup back home to Hockeytown! Lynn Marie Vittetoe

Red Wings and Maple Leafs will play in next year’s Winter Classic Art Fader

Visit our Facebook page to try and win our next Warrior prize pack, facebook.com/mihockeynow 10

Michigan Hockey

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January 16, 2012 V.22 : I.11

“I WANT MORE OF MICHIGAN FOR LESS!”

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JANUARY 7 – MARCH 31 SATURDAY MORNINGS

YOU SHOULD KNOW

you should know FAVORITE SPORTING EVENT: Stanley Cup finals FAVORITE BREAKFAST FOOD: Eggs and bacon FIRST CONCERT: Cher with my mom MUST-SEE TV: Walking Dead WHAT THREE PEOPLE WOULD YOU PICK TO HAVE DINNER WITH: George Washington, Adam Sandler, Morgan Freeman FAVORITE MOVIE: Shutter Island IF YOU COULD HAVE ONE WISH GRANTED, WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH IT: Live a healthy, happy life IF YOU WERE GIVEN $1 MILLION, WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH IT: Put it in a bank account WHAT IS YOUR NICKNAME: Walshy FAVORITE MEAL: Lasagna WHAT KIND OF CAR DO YOU DRIVE: Ford Escape FAVORITE CHILDHOOD MEMORY: Skating on the pond

travis walsh

muskegon lumberjacks defenseman It shouldn’t be a surprise that Travis Walsh is going to be playing for Tom Anastos and the Michigan State Spartans soon. There would be some issues at family dinners if he had chosen to take his talents elsewhere – his grandfather just happens to be Ron Mason. That, along with the fact that Walsh’s father coached the University of Maine to two national championships, explains why Lumberjacks coach Kevin Patrick calls Walsh his “coach on the ice”. The Lansing native will return home in the fall of 2012 to play for MSU.

Photos courtesy Fingercandymedia.com (eggs and bacon), AMC (Walking Dead), E Online (Morgan Freeman), Foodnetwork (lasagna), CCHA-Lockwood (pond hockey)

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Michigan Hockey

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January 16, 2012 V.22 : I.11

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Michigan Hockey

15

FUTURE PRO GOAL

THE PARENT HAT TRICK

BY STEVE MCKICHAN, FUTURE PRO GOAL PRESIDENT Horror stories abound on the topic of parental idiocy around the local hockey rink.

Recently I was doing a private lesson with one of my students Matt Chenier, who was chauffeured there by one of my favorite hockey parents, Paul Chenier from Belle River, Ontario.

He said that he has three simple objectives for his children: Encouragement Character Independence ENCOURAGEMENT As a teacher we learn about various types of feedback.

You can use specific corrective feedback, negative feedback, verbal feedback or even visual feedback to develop your students. I always thought of feedback as being synonymous with the word encouragement. I strive to actually make corrective feedback of an athlete’s screw-up seem like it was positive to them. As a parent of a young athlete, set a goal of trying to provide verbal encouragement every time they go to the rink for a game or a practice.

How many times has a little 9-year-old victim of a 8-0

shellacking received the cold shoulder on the car ride home? Regardless of performance quality, strive to make each daily encounter fraught with encouragement.

CHARACTER Hockey is an outstanding vehicle to create and recognize teachable moments. Instead of viewing your goalie’s involvement in the sport as a way to a scholarship, why not make your mindset that of furthering his character development. Each trip to the rink should not be viewed as a way to get him one day better on his way to a full ride at Michigan State. It should be viewed as one more opportunity to refine character.

When he’s lacking playing time, he may withdraw and become very defeated. “Why try when they don’t even give me a chance?” This is a perfect opportunity to build character. Instead of agreeing with your son that the coach is negligent, unfair and cognitively challenged, why not use this teachable moment to discuss how this situation could be handled in a positive way?

INDEPENDENCE One often neglected area to develop, even in young goaltenders, is that of independence. I am reminded of a mother and son issue that popped up several years ago at camp. I noticed a mother carrying her 17-year-old son’s gear. Jokingly, I asked if her son’s back was broken.

Needless to say, she did not take it well and verbalized her feelings on my miniaturized cerebellum.

How can we get 10-year-old Tommy to do his own skates tight enough and manage that aggravating toe lace?

Start by working at home on the carpet, practicing them putting their own pads on. Set clear rewards for when they accomplish tasks like doing their skates. You can remind them how NHL guys and or their big brother do their own skates.

Believe it or not I have found many parents love spending these extra moments with their kids. Is that really helping your kid? Or is it simply making momma and poppa bear feel all warm and fuzzy? Remember you are not charged with nurturing a future NHL goalie or some fragile helpless imp. You are charged with nurturing a Future Pro human...

This life lesson of independence will pay dividends in many other aspects of their developing lives.

Final thought: Please stop using the following sentence.

“I don’t think my kid will play in the NHL or anything, but if he gets his school paid for (read scholarship) I will be happy.”

Really?

I am always very positive with students on goals, dreams and actions to achieve them. However, parents reading this final thought should heed the reality. It is almost as difficult to play in Div. 1 as it is to play in the NHL, statistically speaking. Think this all you want, but verbalizing the above statement may reveal a fundamental flaw in coherent cognizance...

GOALIE SCHOOL

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HOCKEY DAY IN MICHIGAN

Warrior joins hockey leaders as HDIM’s title sponsor

F

armington Hills, Mich. – The Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) is pleased to announce that Warrior Hockey has signed on to be the title sponsor of this year’s Hockey Day in Michigan, which will take place on Saturday, February 18, 2012 as an integrated part of USA Hockey’s Hockey Weekend Across America (February 17-19).

The CCHA, Warrior Hockey, FOX Sports Detroit, The Detroit Red Wings, Perani’s Hockey World, USA Hockey, Michigan Amateur Hockey Association, Michigan Hockey and MiHockeyNow.com are all thrilled to join forces to celebrate the great tradition of hockey — and the impact it has made — throughout the state. Michigan has over 63,000 USA Hockey registered players, coaches, and officials — the second most of any state in the country.

The tie-in to Hockey Day in Michigan was natural for Warren, Michigan-based Warrior Sports, a leading manufacturer of hockey equipment, footwear and apparel.

“We’re thrilled to sponsor Hockey Day in Michigan. It’s a great way to celebrate the sport we love, show hockey fans what Warrior is all about and give back to the local community,” said Christine Knight, Brand Manager for Warrior Hockey. “Warrior’s involvement with several players on the Detroit Red Wings also allows us to spread the word using some of the best ambassadors in the game today, and they’ll be an important part of our Hockey Day in Michigan activities.”

“The collaborative effort among so many different groups is what makes Hockey Day in Michigan so successful year after year,” said Fred Pletsch, CCHA Commissioner. “The

CCHA is pleased to have the opportunity to connect with hockey fans of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels, while also having the opportunity to gain exposure and attract new fans to this incredible sport. We’re thrilled that the CCHA can showcase four of our teams in two FOX Sports Detroit televised games as part of Hockey Day in Michigan.”

FOX Sports Detroit will be providing full coverage of two CCHA matchups on February 18, Northern Michigan at Michigan at 5:05 p.m. and Alaska at Michigan State at 8:05 p.m., as well as live pre-game and post-game coverage.

In addition, this year’s celebration will feature hockey events going on throughout the state, including free “Try Hockey” clinics, and Perani’s Hockey World – the Official Shopping Destination of Hockey Day in Michigan – is offering 20% off all Warrior hockey products the entire weekend (February 17-19) at all locations throughout Michigan. Visit warrior.com for more information.

Also, welcomed back is the return of the popular “Local Hockey Heroes” initiative, where individuals that go above and beyond to make the game of hockey great in Michigan are recognized.

For more details, please visit the Hockey Day in Michigan Facebook page, CCHA.com or check out the official Hockey Day in Michigan web page at MiHockeyNow.com for information on what’s going on around the state, how to participate and for coverage throughout the event.

To have your event included in the list of happenings around the state, please contact Sparky Nitchman of the CCHA at snitchman@ccha.com or call the CCHA office at (248) 888-0600.

Follow Hockey Day in Michigan on Facebook!

See the latest news and a list of HDIM events at MiHockeyNow.com January 16, 2012 V.22 : I.11

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YOUTH HOCKEY

Birmingham Rangers win Ontario’s oldest Bantam tourney

T

he Riverside Ontario International BantamMidget Tournament is Ontario, Canada’s oldest running Bantam tournament, dating back to 1959. The tournament attracts teams from the United States and Canada as well as many other nations, including Great Britain, Sweden, Hungry, Slovakia, Russia and others. The tournament ran from December 26-30 and was held at the WFCU Centre in Riverside, home of the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League.

This year’s champions were the Windsor Jr. Spitfires (Midget Minor Division), the ’97 Birmingham Rangers (Bantam Major Division) and the ’98 Suburban Stars (Bantam Minor Division).

One of the better stories of the tournament was the relentless perseverance of the ’97 Birmingham Ranger team who entered the challenge down two players and later four in this notoriously physical tournament.

“At times we found ourselves with only two lines and our guys were getting very tired. Yet, we had set our sights on winning this tournament and our players never let the adversity they faced become a distraction to achieving that goal. And, let’s face it, it helps a ton when you have two great net minders,” said Ranger coach, Jerry Reinhart.

The Rangers gave up only 7 goals in 6 games due to the fine backstopping of goalies Jack Leavy and Kyle Dowling.

The Rangers went undefeated in six games by beating four Canadian entrants in the round robin, besting the ’97 Troy Sting in the semi-final 1-0 and finishing the tournament with a 2-1 win over the Green Bay Gamblers in the final.

The championship goal came on a one-timer by Jackson Heacock off a well-timed pass from twin brother, Mitchell, late in the second to break a 1-1 tie. Leavy, together with a five-man defensive effort by the Rangers, held the attacking

Gamblers scoreless in the final period to clinch the championship.

“Our kids played with a ton of heart this week. It shows what can be accomplished when you stay positive and focused on your game plan,” said Ranger coach Jack Leavy.

Coach Leavy’s son, Jack Leavy Jr. was the recipient of the Randy Schuchard Memorial Award, which is presented each year to the tournament’s most valuable goaltender. Leavy allowed just three goals in four complete games (0.75 GAA). And in an overtime shootout against Riverside on the first day of the tournament (after the game finished regulation play in a 1-1 tie) he turned away 8 of 9 shooters before the Rangers won it on shoot out goals by Leavy’s teammates Tommy Violante and Ryan O’Hara.

“That Birmingham/Riverside game and the shootout that followed was one of the highlights of the tournament… unbelievable goaltending at both ends of the rink” said Gail Melrose, a long-time fan of the Riverside tournament and Windsor native.

Mrs. Melrose was there to see grandson, Ian play. Ian, a Ranger captain, had an outstanding tournament. Of the team’s 17 goals scored in regulation play Melrose accounted for 6 and assisted on another 7. Tournament officials said

that Melrose’s performance garnered the Bantam Major Ranger consideration for the Guy Morgan Tournament MVP, an award historically presented to the best Midgetlevel player in the tournament. In keeping with tradition, this year’s award deservedly went to Michael Long of the Midget Minor Windsor Jr. Spitfires.

The ’97 Birmingham Rangers presently sit atop the LCAHL Yzerman 2 White Division with an 8-3-3 record.

Photo caption: Pictured above are, from left to right: Captain Will Semczak, Mitchell Heacock, Captain Dane Reinhart, Coach Jerry Reinhart, Jackson Heacock, Kyle Dowling, Ryan O’Hara, Captain Ian Melrose, Jack Wydra, Brendan O’Leary, Austin Fullmer, Austin Farrington, Sammy Marcero, Tommy Violante, Jack Leavy and Coach Jack Leavy. Not pictured are Ranger players Brian Forester and George Hamaty, Coach Bill Christie, Manager Dave Marcero and Director of Parent Development, Tom Violante.

’97 Michigan Ice Hawks win regional Silver Sticks in St. Clair Shores

T

he Grosse Pointe-based 1997 Michigan Ice Hawks won the Bantam AA division of the regional Silver Stick Tournament held in St. Clair Shores the second week of December. The Ice Hawks won all five games they played, outscoring their opponents 25 to 6. The Ice Hawks will play in the International Silver Stick Tournament the weekend of Jan. 22 in Port Huron.

The Ice Hawks’ round-robin victories were 4-0 over Suburban Stars; 7-4 over the Rochester Rattlers; and 6-0 over the St. Clair Shores Saints. The Ice Hawks defeated Belle Tire Dearborn 2-1 in the semifinals before besting the Farmington Flames 6-1 in the championship game. The Flames scored the first goal of the game just 11 seconds into the first period but the Ice Hawks then scored the next six goals for the win. The Ice Hawks currently sit 32-2-1 on the season.

In addition to winning the Silver Stick Regional, the Ice Hawks were champions of the Bauer Invitational AAA Division, the Belle Tire South “Back to School Classic” and a finalist in the AAA Border City Cup in Sarnia. Learn more about the Ice Hawks at www.97mihhockey.com.

Photo caption: The Ice Hawks are, front row, goalies

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Michigan Hockey

Tyler Parsons (tournament MVP) and Nick Salliotte.

Kneeling, L to R: William Walker, Liam Walker, Alexander Minanov, Marko DerManulian and Austin Levering. Second row standing: Antonio Tijerina, Ramone Kammo, Bobby Kaiser, Jake Smith and Brent Jones. Back rows standing:

MIHOCKEYNOW.COM

Steven Frederick, Richie Filippelli, Keenan Sabatini, Austin Levering, Jason Sommerville, Mitchell Visbara, Kyle Schultz and Alex Potter. Coaches are Craig Furstanau (L) and Greg Cheesewright (R). Not pictured, coaches Mike Hamilton and Larry Knapp.

January 16, 2012 V.22 : I.11

WOMEN’S HOCKEY

ANGELA RUGGIERO ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

BY BRIAN KALISHER

T

he U.S. Women’s National Hockey Team lost one of the best players to ever wear their jersey on Dec. 28, as Angela Ruggerio decided to hang up her skates.

Ruggiero played for the U.S. program for 16 years and competed in 256 games – more than any other hockey player in United States history. She was a member of four

Olympic medal-winning teams throughout her tenure, beginning with a gold medal in 1998 when she was only 18 years old.

“It’s been, obviously, an extremely difficult decision, I didn’t come to it very lightly,” Ruggiero said. “It was a very thought out process, but through my whole career I always said I never wanted to have any regrets. This is a time, I think, in my life where I’m really trying to listen to what’s the best thing for me right now and I know I’m at a place where I’m ready for that next phase – that second career, as I call it.”

Many fans and professionals throughout the game of hockey consider her to be one of the greatest women’s players ever to don the USA sweater. The Hockey News rated Ruggiero the top female hockey player in the world in 2003.

Along with her Olympic success, Ruggiero also represented the USA in 10 IIHF Women’s World

January 16, 2012 V.22 : I.11

Championships, helping to bring home four gold medals for that squad, as well.

“I feel honored and privileged to have represented the USA program over the past 16 years,” Ruggiero said in a statement released from USA Hockey. “USA Hockey will always be a part of me and I will cherish the experiences and memories with this team. Thank you to everyone who has helped me along the way. I am now looking forward to my next career, as well as continuing my work representing the athletes of the world through my roles on the International Olympic Committee and the United States Olympic Committee.”

Ruggiero graduated cum laude from Harvard University.

While at the prestigious university, she skated for Katey Stone, who also coached her on the U.S. team. During her four years with the Crimson, she racked up 253 points – first all-time among defensemen and sixth overall at Harvard. She won the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award in 2004, given to the top female hockey player in the NCAA annually.

“To have an opportunity to coach someone of Angela’s character and passion and competitiveness, it has truly been an absolute honor,” Stone said. “As I mentioned, we will miss her tremendously. I mean, I have so many memories both at Harvard and my opportunities to coach her in a USA hockey jersey.”

Her former bench boss remembers her as much for the things she did off the ice as what she did on it.

“But I also remember the things that everyone doesn’t see – that every little kid that passed her by she stopped and shook their hand or gave them an autograph or just spent some time,” Stone said. “Angela truly is an ambassador for women’s hockey and women’s athletics.”

Ruggiero helped to make history when she and her brother were both members of the Tulsa Oilers of the Central Hockey League in 2005, becoming the first brothersister duo to play in a professional hockey game.

The 31-year-old said that one of her fondest memories will always be taking part in USA’s rivalry with Canada.

“In our sport, the best of the best, its USA and Canada,” Ruggiero said. “I have a little Canadian leaf blazed in the back of my head when I’m trying to do an extra sprint down the ice or an extra squat in the gym, and I’m sure Canada has a little American flag in the back of their heads.”

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Another memory that Ruggiero won’t forget is winning an Olympic gold medal.

“I guess the defining moment was 13 years ago when we won the gold medal in ’98,” Ruggiero said. “It’s hard to duplicate that, I mean, that’s the pinnacle of our sport and I was able to reach it as an 18-year-old.

“To have that memory etched in my head is one of the reasons I think I am able to walk away from my sport now.”

Ruggiero has been just as successful off the ice, as well, earning her master’s degree in sports management, being elected as a member of the International Olympic Committee Athlete’s Commission, founding a girl’s hockey school and even writing an autobiography. She is also the former director of the New York Islanders’ Project Hope.

The program’s purpose is to help young Chinese athletes with access to educational opportunities.

Part of Ruggiero’s decision to retire came from her excitement to spend more time with her off-ice activities – especially the opportunity to serve the International Olympic Committee.

“The biggest thing for me is the responsibility I have to the International Olympic Committee and to the U.S. Olympic Committee, and I’m really passionate about that,” Ruggiero said.

Another part of her decision stemmed from injury issues.

“After [the Vancouver Olympics] I had shoulder surgery to fix a decade-old injury, I tore my labrum,” Ruggiero said.

Dave Ogrean, Execute Director of USA Hockey, said that Ruggiero’s decision to retire – and the way she went about it – fit perfectly with the way she handled her entire career.

“More than anything else, I think it was with a great deal of respect and pride in her and her career,” Ogrean said.

“The way she came to this decision, I think, is really the way that she has conducted herself for all of the 15 years that I have known her.”

Michigan Hockey

19

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Michigan Hockey

21

HOMETOWN HEROES

TIM THOMAS 22

Michigan Hockey

MIHOCKEYNOW.COM

January 16, 2012 V.22 : I.11

NHL TOTALS (2002-PRESENT)

345 .923 2.46 GAMES

SV%

GAA

178 109 44 WINS

LOSSES

January 16, 2012 V.22 : I.11

OT LOSSES

30

SHUTOUTS

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Michigan Hockey

23

HOCKEY SHOWDOWN Saturday, February 4, 2012 3 Rinks

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GREAT LAKES INVITATIONAL

Michigan captures 2011 GLI championship

BY BRIAN KALISHER

D

ETROIT - Playing in the Great Lakes Invitational championship game is a special honor, but playing for the title against your in-state rival is another story entirely – especially when overtime decides the outcome.

The Michigan Wolverines defeated the Michigan State Spartans in the 47th annual GLI championship game at Joe Louis Arena. Michigan – who has now won four of the past five GLI tournaments – will add a 15th title to their trophy case. Kevin Clare one-timed a pass from teammate Lee Moffie with 8:16 left in the first overtime session to lead Michigan to a 3-2 win over MSU. “Moffie made a great play, had the puck and was patient, and thank God it got to me because if that got poked it would have been an odd-man rush down,” Clare said.

“Thankfully he got the puck to me, and open net, right down the middle.”

Michigan coach Red Berenson tried to describe the excitement of the in-state rivals battling down to the wire.

“It was an exciting game, you had to really enjoy the game no matter which team you were cheering for,” Berenson said. “It was a one-goal game most of the game and then you get into overtime, and the excitement of scoring with the empty net, the goalie pulled in the last minute and then going into overtime, and both teams had great scoring chances in overtime.”

Before any actual hockey action took place, cheers and boos could be heard from the 17,242 packing JLA as images of each school’s logo was shown on the ice surface.

It was apparent from the start that there was a rivalry game taking place. Both teams battled a little harder along the boards, throwing heavy body checks – with a few extra scrums resulting after the whistles.

The first period saw no scoring, but it didn’t lack excitement. Both sides had plenty of opportunities, starting when Michigan’s David Wohlberg and Chris Brown broke in on a 2-on-1 opportunity just over a minute into the contest. MSU goaltender Drew Palmisano made an outstanding save to keep the game locked at zero. At the other end of the ice, Michigan goalie Shawn Hunwick made key saves as well, including stopping MSU’s Daultan Leveille on a breakaway chance seven minutes into the game.

Michigan was able to kill off an A.J. Treais elbowing minor midway through the period, while MSU didn’t let the Wolverines score during a power play at the end of the first period, despite facing late pressure around their net. The Spartans out-shot the Wolverines 11-7 in the first frame.

The Spartans tested Shawn Hunwick and the Wolverines early with a 2-on-1 chance three minutes into the second frame. Although MSU was able to squeeze the puck past Hunwick and over the goal line, the tally was quickly disallowed because the whistle was blown as the puck trickled into Hunwick’s pads.

MSU goalie Drew Palmisano kept the puck out of the net for his club midway through the second period, making some great saves – including a sprawling save with his stick during a U of M power play. A few minutes later, Michigan

January 16, 2012 V.22 : I.11

The Wolverines celebrate their GLI championship. (Andrew Knapik/Michigan Hockey)

State took their turn on the power play but couldn’t capitalize either.

Michigan State freshman forward Tanner Sorenson finally broke open the scoring at 13:59 of the second period – scoring his first career goal as a Spartan, rifling a shot past Michigan’s Shawn Hunwick. Assists went to Daultan Leveille and Torey Krug.

The Spartans took their one-goal lead into the second intermission, due in large part to Drew Palmisano’s 40 minutes of shutout hockey. After two periods, the teams were tied with 18 shots a piece.

Michigan right wing Derek DuBlois put the Wolverines on the scoreboard, tying the game for his club with his sixth goal of the season midway through the third period.

Assists went to Travis and Kevin Lynch.

MSU’s Brett Perlini answered a couple minutes later at 12:32, giving his Spartans a 2-1 lead, beating Hunwick with a snipe from the left face-off dot. Assists

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went to Kevin Walrod and Matt Berry.

Wolverines’ forward Kevin Lynch tied the game on a late power-play goal – with 50.4 seconds remaining in the period – sending the GLI championship to sudden death overtime.

Clare won the game for the Wolverines with 8:16 remaining in the first overtime session, one-timing a pass from Moffie.

Krug, the Spartans’ captain, said that his team will be looking forward to seeing Michigan again on Feb. 10 and 11, in East Lansing and then back at Joe Louis Arena.

“I hate to lose and every loss is [tough] but when you lose to these guys obviously it stings a little more,” Krug said. “So you’ve got to let it sting and you’ve got to learn from it and you try to move on.”

Michigan Hockey

25

HOCKEY SCHOOLS

Preparing for Hockey School season

BY DARREN ELIOT

S

ummer is the time to get back to basics. Even the NHL players use the off-season to focus on Technical Skills and Individual Tactics. It makes sense for them because once the pros are into the schedule the top three tiers of the pyramid take precedent. This is also a time when they build up their bodies with rigorous off-ice conditioning. In other words, even the top players in the game use the summertime to reconnect with the basics, improve their fundamental skills and build themselves up for the upcoming season.

What does that mean for youth players? Well, it means you can’t get enough skating, puck handling, passing and shooting – at every age. If you want to improve a specific aspect, concentrate on that one skill. If you’re looking for overall improvement, look for schools that focus on the Foundation, with a combination of station work and drills that move into the Individual Tactics level.

For players 14 years old and up, off-ice routines should be a consideration. Make sure what the school offers office furthers the on-ice instruction and matches up with what you are striving to get out of your summer hockey

experience. For some, that may mean extensive exercise.

For others, it may be more lecture-oriented learning about nutrition and the relationship between diet and exercise.

Others still may prefer cross-training activities such as Floorball that reinforce speed and agility as part of the

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Whatever you choose and wherever you go, the activities should be challenging and fun!

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JOHN JOHN LINDELL LIN INDE DELL DE LL ICE ICE ARENA ARE RENA NA - ROYAL ROY OYAL AL OAK OAK 1403 14 403 LEXINGTON LEX EXIN INGT GTON ON RD., RD., D., ROYAL ROYA RO YAL L OAK, OAK OA K, MI K, MI THURSDAY,, FEBRUARYY 16 9:00 - 10:30AM ...........Shoot to Score (6 and up) 10:30AM - 12:00PM....Quick & Fast FRIDAY AY, FEBRUARYY 17 9:00 - 10:30AM ...........Stickhandling & Puck Control (6 and up) 10:30AM - 12:00PM....Outside Edges (6 and up) ROCHESTER ARENA ONYX ON YX - R OCHE OC HEST HE STER ST ER IICE CE A RENA RE NA 52999 5299 52 999 99 9 DEQUINDRE, DEQU DE QUIN QU INDR IN DRE DR E, ROCHESTER, ROC OCHE HEST HE STER ST ER, MI ER MONDAY,, FEBRUARYY 20 12:0 12 :000 - 1: 1:30 30PM PM ...........Sh Shoo oott to Sco core re (6 an andd up up)) 1:30 - 3:00PM .............Quick & Fast TUESDAY,, FEBRUARYY 21 12:00 00 - 1:30 30PM PM ...........St Sticickh khan andl dlin ingg & Pu Puck ck Con ontrtrol ol (6 an andd up up)) 1:30 - 3:00PM .............Backward Power Skating (9 and up)

NOVI NOVI ICE ICE ARENA ARE RENA NA SUBURBAN SUBU SU BURB BU RBAN RB AN ICE ICE - FARMINGTON FAR ARMI MING MI NGTO NG TON TO N HILLS HILL HI LLS LL S 42400 42 240 00 NICK NICK C LIDSTROM LID IDST S RO ST OM DR., DR., NOVI, NOV O I, MI MI 2399 23 996 99 6 FREEWAY FREE FREE EEWA WAY Y PARK PARK DR., DR., FARMINGTON FARMIN FARM ING GTON GTO ON HILLS, HIL LLS LS, S, MI THURSDAY,, FEBRUARYY 23 23996 MONDAY,, FEBRUARYY 20 10:00 - 11:30AM .........Stickhandling & Puck Control (6 and up) 10:00 - 11:30AM.......

Goalie Puckhandling 11:30AM - 1:00PM......Outside Edges 11:30AM - 1:00PM ...Shoot to Score FRIDAY AY, FEBRUARYY 24 1:00 - 2:30PM...........Backward Power Skating (9 and up) 10:00 - 11:30AM .........Shoot to Score (6 and up) TUESDAY AY, FEBRUARYY 21 11:30AM - 1:00PM......Quick & Fast (6 and up) 10:00 - 11:30AM.......Stickhandling & Puck Control (6 and up) SUBU SU BURB BU RBAN RB AN ICE ICE - MACOMB MAC ACOM OMB OM B SUBURBAN 11:30AM - 1:00PM ...Outside Edges 5 54 75 55 BROUGHTON BRO BR OUG OUG OU GHTO HTO ON RD., RD , MACOMB, MAC COM OMB, MI MI 54755 1:00 - 2:30PM...........

Creative Scoring (9 and up) THURSDAY,, FEBRUARYY 23 WEDNESDAY AY, FEBRUARYY 22 10:00 - 11:30AM .........

Goalie Puckhandling 10:0 10 :000 - 11 11:3 :30A 0AM M.......Qu Quicickk & Fa Fastst 11:30A 30AM M - 1:00 00PM PM......Sh Shoott to Score (6 andd up)) 11:30AM - 1:00PM ...D-Skills 1:00 - 2:30PM .............Outside Edges 1:00 - 2:30PM...........

Body Contact (9 and up) FRIDAY,, FEBRUARYY 24 11:30A 30AM M - 1:00 00PM PM......QQuiickk & Fast 1:00 - 2:30PM .............Stickhandling & Puck Control (6 and up)

SPON SORED BY THE TOY STORE FOR THE HOCKEY PLAYER

FEATURES

Th he SH S S Go oal a tend ndin nd ing in n Sccho hool o off ffer ff erss two er o le leve velss of co c mp pre rehe h nsiv ivve tra tr aining ng to en nsu surre re tha ha at go goalte tend te nderss ar nd are e ta taug ught ug ht and d cha hallen en nge ged d to o imp prove v at the ve e ap ppr p op priat riiat ate pa ate pace ce e rel e at a ive ivve to the heiir ir age and n exxpe peri rien ri ence ce lev ce evel el. l Crea ase Cover errag age e ... po post st-t st-t st -to-po ost st,, fo fo ard pu forwar push sh,, an a gl gle es and es n ver e ti tica call cove co overa rage ge e Save Selec Sa lecction n ... us use of glo oves, ful ulll an and half half but ha u te erf rflly ly tec echn hniq ique iq ue e, rebo boun bo und d co cont ntro nt roll an and le eg re reco cove ve ver ery ry Game Ga m Sit itua uati ua t onss .... re read,, re reco cogn co gniz ize, e, re ea act and respo espond nd d in co comp mpet mp etit et i iv it ive,ch c al ch a le leng n in ng dr d il ills ls Puck Pu kha h nd dling li g .... us use of o sti tick ck k forr sav aves es, pa es ass ssin in ng an nd sh shoo o ting oo tiing n Offf - Ic I e ... qu uic ickn knes esss an and d ex expl plos osiv os ivven enesss ttrrai ain ning g usiing n slide de e boardss an nd floo orb rbal alll; al l; vviide deo, o,, ana naly lysi sis; s; wri ritten testi ritt esti es t ng and nd equipme ment me ntt sem min nar a

GOALIE COMBO Take the ice for a second week of hockey school! Goaltending School participants can participate in the Mite, Squirt and Pee Wee/Bantam Hockey School classes, receiving additional instruction in tactical play and game-situation drills while refining skills and concepts learned during Goaltending School. Register early, only four goaltenders are accepted per class.

suburbanhockey.com

January 16, 2012 V.22 : I.11

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Michigan Hockey

27

HOCKEY SCHOOLS

CAN/AM YOUTH HOCKEY CAMPS

FERRIS STATE HOCKEY CAMPS

Phone: 800-678-0908 • Fax: 262-249-1250 Email: score@canamhockey.com • Website: canamhockey.com Age Levels: 8-17 Boys and Girls, House and Travel, Separate Age and Skill Groupings Dates & Fees: Lake Placid, NY July 1 - August 4, 2012 (1, 2, 3 Week Camps) Guelph, Ontario July 15 - August 4, 2012 (1, 2, 3 Week Camps) Boarding and Day options available.

Costs vary per program. Please visit website for details.

Hours of On-Ice Instruction Daily: 3-5 Hours Daily Hours of Off-Ice Instruction Daily: 4 Hours Daily Specialized Programs: Power Skating, Goalies, Adults, (Others): Family Camps & Clinics Fundamentals Covered at Camp: Power Skating, Goaltending, Stickhandling, Shooting Power and Accuracy, Game and Strategy Play, Instructional Scrimmages.

Arena Name: Olympic Center – Lake Placid, NY University of Guelph – Guelph, Ontario

Phone: 866-950-2267 • Fax: 231- 591-2978 Email: summercamps@ferris.edu • Website: ferris.edu/sports/ camps Director: Head Coach Bob Daniels Ages: 7-17 Male, Female, House, Travel Dates/Fees: Week 1: June 24-28 Group A - 7-8 year old ½ day commuters $195; Group B – 9-11 year old ½ day commuters $195 Week 2: July 8-12 Group A: 9-10 year old Full Day R= $550/D = $450 Pre-Checking; Group B: 11-12 year old Full Day R=$550/D=$450 Pre-Checking; Group C: 13-14 year old Full Day R=$550/D=$450 Bantam Prep Week 3: July 15-19 Group A: 11-12 year old Full Day R= $550/D = $450 Pre-Checking; Group B: 13-14 year old Full Day R=$550/ D=$450 Bantam Prep; Group C: 15-17 year old Full Day R=$550/ D=$450 High School Advance On-ice: 3 (½ day commuter – 2) Off-ice: 4 (½ day commuter -1) Programs: Power skating, Goalies Arena: Ferris State University Ice Arena

210 Sports Drive, Big Rapids, MI 49307

P.O. Box 160, Williams Bay, WI 53191-0160

CAN/AM ADULT HOCKEY CAMPS P.O. Box 160, Williams Bay, WI 53191-0160

Phone: 800-678-0908 • Fax: 262-249-1250 Email: score@canamhockey.com • Website: canamhockey.com Age Levels: 21+ Men and Women, All ages and skill levels Dates & Fees: Guelph, Ontario July 15-21 and July 22-28 (One Week Camp) Lake Placid, NY June 21-24 and October 4-7 (Weekend Camp) Las Vegas, NV August 5-10 (One Week Camp) Montreal, Quebec September 13-16 (Weekend Camp) Niagara Falls, Ontario July 5-8 (Weekend Camp) Boarding and Day options available.

Costs vary per program. Please visit website for details.

Hours of On-Ice Instruction Daily: 3 ½ - 4 ½ Hours Daily Hours of Off-Ice Instruction Daily: 2+ Hours Daily Available (Lectures, Outdoor Interactive Lectures, Outings) Specialized Programs: Power Skating, Goalies, Adults Fundamentals Covered at Camp: Power Skating, Goaltending, Stickhandling, Shooting Power and Accuracy, Game and Strategy Play, Instructional Scrimmages.

Arena Name: University of Guelph – Guelph, Ontario Olympic Center – Lake Placid, NY Las Vegas Ice Center – Las Vegas, NV Sportplexe 4 Glaces – Montreal, Quebec Fort Erie Leisureplex – Niagara Falls, Ontario

CAN/AM FAMILY HOCKEY CAMPS

FUTURE PRO GOAL SCHOOL

29830 Centre Road, RR#6, Strathroy, ON N7G 3H7 Phone: 519-247-3122 • Fax: 519-247-3122 Email: info@futurepro.com • Website: www.futurepro.com Director: Stephen McKickan B.S. Ed. Ages: 7-20 plus adults, female – House & Travel Dates/Fees: Farmington Hills, MI June 17-21; Troy, MI June 25-29; Amherstburg, ON – July 2-6; Novi, MI July 9-13; London, ON – July 16-20; Strathroy, ON – July 23-27; Strathroy, ON – July 30-August 3; Strathroy, ON – August 6-10; Strathroy, ON – August 13-17; Goderich, ON – August 20-24; Woodstock, ON-August 20-24; Ann Arbor, MI – August 27-31, 2012 On/Off ice: 4 hours daily/4 hours daily Programs: Powerskating, goalies

P.O. Box 160, Williams Bay, WI 53191-0160

Phone: 800-678-0908 • Fax: 262-249-1250 Email: score@canamhockey.com • Website: canamhockey.com Age Levels: Adult 21+ and Youth 8-17 Men and Women, All ages and skill levels Dates & Fees: Guelph, Ontario July 15-21 and July 22-28 (One Week Camp) Lake Placid, NY June 15-17 and July 13-15 (Weekend Clinic) Lake Placid, NY July 30-August 3 (One Week Camp) Boarding and Day options available.

Costs vary per program. Please visit website for details.

Hours of On-Ice Instruction Daily: 1 ½ - 3 Hours Daily Hours of Off-Ice Instruction Daily: 2+ Hours Daily Available (Lectures, Outdoor Interactive Lectures, Activities, and Outings) Specialized Programs: Power Skating, Goalies, Adults (Others): Family Camps & Clinics Fundamentals Covered at Camp: Power Skating, Goaltending, Stickhandling, Shooting Power and Accuracy, Game and Strategy Play, Instructional Scrimmages & Parent/Child Hockey game.

28

Michigan Hockey

HEARTLAND HOCKEY CAMPS 24921 Arena Drive, Deerwood, MN 56444

Phone: 1-800-945-7465 • Fax: 218-534-3297 Email: steve@heartlandhockey.com • Website: Heartlandhockey.com Director: Steve Jensen Ages: 3-73 Male & female; house, travel, AAA – all skills welcome Dates/Fees: June 17 – August 18, 2012 – Resident $1,100-$1,200 • Day $950.00 On/Off ice: 6 hours daily/3 hours daily Facility: Heartland Ice Palace, Deerwood, MN Programs: Power skating, goalies, adults, girls, private lessons, checking clinics, plyometrics, weight training, resistance training.

MIHOCKEYNOW.COM

January 16, 2012 V.22 : I.11

IOWA STATE CYCLONES (ACHA-DIV.1)

SUBURBAN ICE EAST LANSING

Phone: 515-294-7361 Email: mcdonk@iastate.edu • Website: cyclonehockeyschool.com Dates: Cyclone Hockey School Week 1: June 24-June 29, 2012; Week 2: Skills - July 8-13; Week 3: Skills – July 15-20, 2012 Fees: Please visit our website for prices and registration

Phone: 517-336-4272 • Fax: 517-336-4273 Director: Mike Rucinski Dates/Fees: Once per week programs in June, July & August. Fees and ice time vary with program.

Ages: 6-Adult; male & female; house & travel Facility: Suburban Ice East Lansing Programs: Learn to Play and Mite, Squirt & Pee Wee Hockey Schools, Pee Wee & Bantam Hockey Academy

Ames / Iowa State University Ice Arena 1507 Gateway Hills Park Dr., Ames, IA 50010

HONEYBAKED HOCKEY CAMPS

2810 Hannah Blvd., East Lansing, MI 48823

SUBURBAN HOCKEY SCHOOLS

23995 Freeway Park Dr., Farmington Hills, MI 48335

23995 Freeway Park Dr., Farmington Hills, MI 48335

Phone: • Fax: 248-478-1601 Email: sh@suburbanhockey.com • Website: honeybakedhockey.com Director: Joe Jones Dates/Fees: July 25-29, 2011 Ages: 9-14 Male & Female: A/AA/AAA On/Off-Ice: 3 hours daily/1 hour daily Facility Suburban Ice Farmington Hills, MI Programs: Power skating, stickhandling, shooting, goalies, checking clinics, plyometrics, weight lifting, resistance training.

MSU TOM ANASTOS HOCKEY CAMP 400 E. Jenison Field House, East Lansing , MI 48824

Phone: 517-432-0730 • Fax: 517-355-6891 Email: hockey@msu.edu • Website: www.sportcamps.msu.edu Director: Tom Newton Ages: 9 to entering Senior year in high school Dates: all camps both Resident and Commuter June 17 - 21 • June 24 - 28 • July 8 - 12 • July 15 - 19 • July 22 - 26 On Ice: 4 hours daily Off Ice: 3 hours daily Programs: Power Skating Goalies Curriculum is designed for players that have a desire to play hockey at a high level Arena: Munn Ice Arena, Campus of Michigan State University

Phone: 248-478-1600 • Fax: 248-478-1601 Email: sh@suburbanhockey.com • Website: suburbanhockey.com Director: Darren Eliot Spring Training Program: Mini-Mite, Squirt, Pee Wee, Girls, High Performance Power Skating, Adult morning and evening classes.

Ages: 4 thru Adults, Male-Female-House-Travel-Adults.

Dates and Fees: 8 week program in April and May. Fees and ice time vary with program.

Arena: Suburban Ice-Farmington Hills, Onyx-Rochester, Suburban IceMacomb Summer Program: Mite Power Skating, Mite Hockey School, Squirt Power Skating and Hockey School, Pee Wee Power Skating and Hockey School, Bantam Power Skating and Hockey School, Goaltending School, Position SpeciďŹ c Specialty Classes, Girls Programs, Adult Programs (Men & Women) Ages: 5-Adults Male-Female-House-Travel-Adults Dates and Fees: One week program in July and August. Fees and ice time vary with program.

Arena: Novi Ice Arena, Suburban Ice-Farmington Hills, Birmingham, Onyx-Rochester, Suburban Ice-Macomb, Royal Oak Ice Arena High Performance Training Program: Power Skating, Skills and Drills, Small Area Games. Build your training program; customize your curriculum & select your schedule.

Ages: A/AA/AAA players 6-14 Dates and Fees: Six week program-Two classes per week in June and July.

Arena: Suburban Ice-Farmington Hills, Onyx-Rochester

A comprehensive training program for A/AA/AAA players ages 9-14

July 30 - August 3 6TXLUW 0LQRU ‡ 6TXLUW 0DMRU ‡ 3HH :HH 0LQRU 3HH :HH 0DMRU ‡ %DQWDP 0LQRU ‡ %DQWDP 0DMRU /,0,7(' (152//0(17 ‡ Applications can be found at:

honeybakedhockey.com or call 248-478-1600 Off ice training program by Triad Performance Gym and Training Center’s Kirk Vickers, former Detroit Red Wings head athletic trainer.

Train Hard. Play Hard.

January 16, 2012 V.22 : I.11

MIHOCKEYNOW.COM

Michigan Hockey

29

SUMMER 2012 SCHOOLS & PROGRAMS OFFERED:

Mini Mite Power Skating & Hockey School Mite Power Skating & Hockey School Squirt Power Skating & Hockey School Pee Wee/Bantam Power Skating & Hockey School Girls 10U Girls 12U/14U Fundamental Goalie Advanced Goalie Power Skating Forward/Defense Adult Breakfast Club

suburbanhockey.com

SP ONSOR ED BY THE TOY STORE FOR THE HOCKEY PLAYER

248.478.1600

6 HOURS OF ICE DAILY!

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Michigan Hockey

MIHOCKEYNOW.COM

January 16, 2012 V.22 : I.11

High Performance Training Program BUILD YOUR TRAINING PROGRAM

CUSTOMIZE YOUR CURRICULUM & SELECT YOUR SCHEDULE. JUNE 19 - JULY 26 SPONSORED BY THE TOY STORE FOR THE HOCKEY PLAYER

A/AA/AAA PLAYERS ONLY

GROUP 1: Ages 8-10 f GROUP 2: Ages 11-14

POWER SKATING f SKILLS & DRILLS f SMALL AREA GAMES

The most popular Goalie School In Michigan REAL Credentials....REAL Results!

We all end up in the beer leagues sooner or later...

Why not make it later?

Register now for 2012 Summer Camps LOCATIONS: Farmington, Troy, Novi, Ann Arbor

January 16, 2012 V.22 : I.11

MIHOCKEYNOW.COM

Michigan Hockey

33

CAN/AM HOCKEY

;`Z_ fd eYZd df^^Vc W`c eYV f]eZ^ReV ` \Vj TR^a Y`T V aVVcZV_TV Vi

Since the launch of our new website, MiHockeyNow.com, our viewer numbers have increased by over 200 percent.

Become a part of our growth, as we become the online home of all things hockey in Michigan.

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(866) 950-2267 summercamps@ferris.edu www.ferris.edu/sports/camps WWW.CANAMHOCKEY.COM | SCORE@CANAMHOCKEY.COM

1-800-678-0908

34

Michigan Hockey

MIHOCKEYNOW.COM

Contact Lucia Zuzga for more information (248) 479-1134 or Lucia@MiHockeyNow.com

January 16, 2012 V.22 : I.11

QUICK MEALS for HOCKEY MOMS 2 pounds skin-on, bone-in chicken breasts, cut into large chunks

8 medium shallots, quartered lengthwise 1/4 cup fresh sage, torn

Kosher salt 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth 1/4 cup maple syrup

2 apples (1 red, 1 green), cored and cut into wedges

MAPLE-GLA ZED CHICKEN

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

Contact Lucia @ 248-479-1134 if you would like to sponsor this unique program.

Pat the chicken dry and season all over with salt.

Heat a large heavy skillet over high heat and add the olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the chicken skin-side down and cook, undisturbed, until the skin is browned and crisp, about 5 minutes.

Turn the chicken and add the apples, shallots and sage to the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium high and cook until the chicken is browned on the bottom, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and continue to cook the apples and shallots, stirring, until golden, about 2 more minutes.

Meanwhile, make the glaze: Mix the chicken broth, maple syrup, vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a small bowl. Add the mixture to the skillet with the apples and shallots and boil until reduced by about three-quarters, 2 to 3 minutes. Return the chicken to the skillet, turning to coat, until cooked through, about 2 more minutes.

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January 16, 2012 V.22 : I.11

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Michigan Hockey

35

NORTH AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE Preparing for the Top Prospects Tournament

BY MATT MACKINDER

T

his time next month, the best of the best will be in Troy.

From Feb. 17-20, the top North American Hockey League players hit the ice at the Troy Sports Center for the annual Top Prospects Tournament – one of the league’s signature events for player exposure and the NCAA college scouts looking to piggyback off that exposure.

“We know what to expect when we come to Michigan and that’s hundreds of college and professional coaches and scouts who have a serious interest in our studentathletes,” said NAHL commissioner Mark Frankenfeld. “It’s another outstanding event for our league and one that keeps getting bigger and better year after year, both in terms of exposure for our players and prestige throughout the entire hockey community.”

At the event, six teams comprised of the NAHL’s top committed and uncommitted college players, including those recognized on the NHL Central Scouting Bureau’s “Players to Watch” list for 2012 draft-eligible players, which was released in October, will play a three-game round robin. Five teams will be comprised of players of each of the five divisions in the NAHL that are nominated by their coaches. The sixth team will be a ‘Young Guns’ team, featuring some of the best younger talent (1993, 1994, 1995 birthdays) currently playing in the NAHL. The North American 3 Hockey League will also have representation in Troy, as eight teams from the NA3HL’s Eastern Conference will play four regular season games in their own Eastern Showcase.

The event will also feature the North American Prospects Hockey League championship tournament series, in which all Midget Major, Midget Minor and Bantam Major teams will compete for a league championship in their respective divisions.

“The NAHL continues to put together quality events that showcase their players to scouts and recruiters and this is another great opportunity to see some of the top uncommitted players together in one setting,” said Robert Morris University head coach Derek Schooley. “The NAHL continues to provide quality players to the NCAA because of tournaments like these.”

This will be the first year the showcase will be held in Troy after four straight years at the Ice Cube in Ann Arbor.

Each spring, it seems more and more NAHL players make their commitments for the fall shortly after the Top Prospects Tournament.

“We pride ourselves on our unique events schedule

NAHL.COM 36

Michigan Hockey

with the sole purpose of elevating our players’ visibility in the college and professional scouting circles,” added Frankenfeld.

“That’s the mission set forth by every one of our owners and given our successful track record, one we’re focused on strengthening even more.”

For more information, including a schedule and a roster of the competing players, go to www. nahltopprospects.com.

NA3HL TRIO SIGNS NAHL TENDERS

The St. Louis Jr. Blues announced recently that two of their players have signed NAHL tenders for West Michigan Hounds 18U goalie Nikita Chubukin gets set at the NAPHL next season, while the showcase event last month in Dallas (Photo/Ken Hatley Photography) Waterford-based Metro Jets have another hoping coach Nick Shackford approached me with the offer.” to play up a level next season.

Reid played just four games last year with the Russell In St. Louis, forward Trace Jablin has signed a tender to play for the Kenai River Brown Bears, while forward Daniel Stover Midget Major team before missing the rest of the season with concussion issues, but now symptom-free, has Rosse has signed with the St. Louis Bandits.

A tender is a contract of sorts a player signs announcing a chance to move up the hockey ladder.

“We’re in the business of developing and advancing our his intentions to play for that particular NAHL team and players and I think this speaks volumes in Adam’s case,” that NAHL team only. “(Jablin) brings the full package from skating ability said Jets coach Jason Cirone. “He came in this year and has and puck handling ability to grit and ability to play in the been one of our most consistent defensemen.” corners,” said St. Louis coach J.P. Beilsten. “Daniel has had a tremendous season for us to this point. After we signed NAPHL HOSTS SUCCESSFUL EVENT IN TEXAS him, we watched him skate with the Bandits in their main Just prior to the calendar changing to 2012, the NAPHL camp and he did well.” traveled to the Dallas area for a three-day showcase event.

Metro Jets defenseman Adam Reid has excelled in his According to NAPHL commissioner Denny Scanlon, the first season in the NA3HL and the New Mexico Mustangs event was nothing short of a successful venture. have taken notice.

“I was very pleased with how the event went,” said “The tender opportunity came up at the showcase Scanlon. “We had a lot of scouts there from the South in Chicago the first week of December,” said Reid, a Division of the NAHL and we’re starting to see upward Kalamazoo native who lived the past 14 years in Texas. movement of a great deal of our PHL players. We’re seeing “After our first game against Quad City, (Jets coach Jason) more and more activity on the recruiting front and that’s Cirone said that New Mexico was inquiring about me and what we’re in the business for – to develop players to move that they’d be watching me again in our game the next up to higher levels of hockey.” day. After the second game, their scout and assistant All three NAPHL divisions (18U, 16U, 14U) took part in the event. A local high school all-star team also participated and that team had Scanlon raising his eyebrows.

“That high school team was very, very competitive,” THE LATEST HEADLINES, Scanlon beamed. “It showed the high-quality players in the CONTACT INFO, FULL SCHDULE & MORE Dallas area and I can honestly say I was very impressed.”

MIHOCKEYNOW.COM

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INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTS

How Michigan natives fared in international holiday tournaments

BY NICK BARNOWSKI

W

ith the international tournaments complete, here is a look at how the three major US teams, and their Michigan representatives, performed.

MEN’S U20

Team USA’s Men’s U20 team didn’t quite live up to the tremendous expectations placed upon them at the 2012 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship. The Americans were not able to make the medal round for the ďŹ rst time since the tournament switched to a round robin style, ďŹ nishing seventh. Team USA was able to avoid relegation with wins over Latvia (12-2) and Switzerland (2-1).

MICHIGAN NATIVES: • Jack Campbell – Port Huron (Soo Greyhounds): Campbell did not enjoy as much success as he had in his previous two U20 tournaments, but the ďŹ rst-round draft pick of the Dallas Stars had a 3-2 record with a 2.62 GAA. • Jon Merrill – Brighton (University of Michigan): Playing in his ďŹ rst games of the season with Team USA, the University of Michigan defenseman had a solid tournament.

He was a plus-ďŹ ve and had four points for the Americans.

Merrill still appears to be on track to become a highly rated NHL prospect. • Kevin Gravel – Kingsford (St. Cloud State University): Gravel’s size was useful on Team USA after Seth Jones went down with an injury. Gravel adapted well to all situations thrown at him and was plus-two with a game-winning goal, scored on his only shot of the tournament. • Jacob Trouba – Rochester (National Team Development Program): Despite being the youngest player on Team USA, Trouba was one of the team’s best players in Alberta. He was one of the most physical members of Team USA and likely solidiďŹ ed his spot in the top 10 in the NHL Entry Draft. The 17-year-old had two assists and was even for the tournament.

• Austin Czarnik – Washington (Miami University): Czarnik, an underdog to even make the U20 squad, wound up being one of Team USA’s three best players throughout the tournament. He brought energy to the offense and exceeded expectations. He ďŹ nished with two goals and two assists. • Austin Watson – Ann Arbor (Peterborough Petes): Watson led Team USA in points with three goals and six assists, and also was second in plus-minus at plus-six. He tied the American record for points in a single game with seven against Latvia.

WOMEN’S U18 The U.S. National Women’s U18 team made it all the way to the gold medal game before losing to Canada at the IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship. It was their only loss in the tournament, in which they had scored 35 goals and only gave up ďŹ ve. Four dominating wins came at the expense of Russia (8-0), Sweden (7-0), Czech Republic (13-1), and Germany (7-1) in the semiďŹ nals. Team USA was able to out-shoot Canada 28-16 in the ďŹ nal, but lost 3-0.

MICHIGAN NATIVES: • Demi Crossman – Livonia (Honeybaked): In Crossman’s ďŹ ve games during the tournament, she notched one assist with 10 shots on goal. She also was a plus-two. • MaryAnne Menefee – Lansing (Little Caesars): Menefee, a Little Caesars standout who will be attending the University of Minnesota in the fall, was third on Team USA in points, with two goals and seven assists. She was plus-12 for the tournament and ďŹ red 14 shots on goal. • Jordan Hampton (New Hampshire native who has played for Little Caesars): Solid on the blue line, the Northeastern University commit was plus-three with one assist for the tournament.

reached the goal medal game and skated away with the silver at the World U17 Challenge, which was held in Windsor, Ontario. Team USA had a 4-2 record in the tournament, with the only two losses coming to Team Russia. Playing a tough schedule with six games in seven days, Team USA managed to beat the Czech Republic, Canada-West, Canada-PaciďŹ c, and Sweden en route to the gold medal game.

Russia defeated them 7-4 on Jan. 4.

MICHIGAN NATIVES: • Michael Downing – Canton (Detroit Catholic Central): Downing, a defenseman, registered one assist for Team USA. He has verbally committed to the University of Michigan. • Trevor Hamilton – Grosse Pte. Farms (Honeybaked Midget Minor): Hamilton, another defenseman committed to play at Miami University, was held off the score sheet during the tournament. He had two penalty minutes. • Evan Allen – Sterling Heights (Honeybaked Midget Minor): Another U of M verbal commit, Allen was among the tournament’s leading scorers with six points (ďŹ ve goals, one assist) in ďŹ ve games for the Americans. • Dawson Cook – Cadillac (Cadillac High School): A forward, Cook picked up two assists in the tournament to go along with 4 PIMs. Cook is committed to the University of Notre Dame. • Michael McCarron – Macomb (Honeybaked Midget Major): McCarron, who is verbally committed to Michigan State University, picked up a goal and an assist while in Windsor. McCarron was by far the biggest player on the team, coming in at 6-5, 220 pounds. • Tyler Motte – St. Clair (Honeybaked Midget Minor): Continuing the Honeybaked theme, Motte, another U of M commit, had an assist and six penalty minutes for Team USA. Motte is one of the leading goal-scorers on a loaded Honeybaked team out of Detroit.

MEN’S U17 Like the Women’s U18 team, the U.S. Men’s U17 team

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Michigan Hockey

37

WHALERS / SPIRIT

Michigan players on move at OHL trade deadline

BY MATT MACKINDER

T

he Plymouth Whalers stood pat at the Ontario Hockey League trade deadline, while the Saginaw Spirit traded seemingly everyone but Brandon Saad.

Such is life on Jan. 10 every year in the OHL. Saginaw, struggling this season, let head coach Todd Watson go last month and in the days that followed, traded key players John McFarland (to Ottawa), Jamie Oleksiak (to Niagara), Ryan O’Connor (to Barrie) and Anthony Camara (to Barrie), while releasing goalie Tadeas Galansky.

In return, the Spirit acquired younger players, including defenseman Frank Schumacher (from Niagara) and a slew of draft picks. Schumacher was originally drafted by the Spirit in 2009 and was sent to Sudbury last season as part of the package to get McFarland.

One of the prospects Saginaw obtained from Niagara, forward Cristoval Nieves, could be a high pick in this June’s NHL draft and has committed to play at the University of Michigan. He is currently playing prep school hockey in Connecticut and may never set foot in Saginaw.

Saginaw also added defenseman Grant Webermin (Novi) from Windsor for a couple draft picks. Webermin

38

Michigan Hockey

was Windsor’s first-round draft pick in 2010. “[Webermin is] a talented kid and we really like his upside,” Spirit GM Jim Paliafito said. “We liked him his draft year. It was something that from a cost standpoint, we just felt it was something that we had to do.”

The Whalers, who have been known to make shrewd moves on deadline day, did nothing, instead going with the core group of players that has led Plymouth to first place in the West Division and well within striking distance of London for top seed in the Western Conference and in the entire OHL. “It all starts in practice,” Whalers forward Garrett Meurs said after a recent Plymouth victory. “We work hard in practice to stay in shape, so when it comes to the third period, we’re able to keep going. We say in the dressing room all the time that good teams win the third period.

That’s what we try to do.”

Past trade deadlines saw the Whalers add such names as Chris Thorburn, Mike Knight, Jason Ward, James Livingston, Philip McRae and Daniel Ryder. Last January, Plymouth picked up current roster players Curtis Crombeen (from Owen Sound) and Michael Whaley (from Windsor).

ANN ARBOR’S WATSON ON MOVE TO LONDON The rest of the OHL was busy wheeling and dealing in the days leading up to the deadline and a handful of Michigan natives changed teams.

Ann Arbor native Austin Watson, a former Compuware youth skater, was traded from Peterborough to London in what was probably the biggest deal of the deadline.

For Watson, this will likely be his last stop in the OHL after being drafted in the first round by Nashville in 2010 and subsequently signing with the Predators last March.

“It’s exciting to be part of a team where the expectations are to win an OHL championship,” said Watson to the London Free Press. “It’s always pretty special when you get the opportunity to play in front of (9,000) people and it’s going to be a little more special to do it as a Knight.”

Watson started his OHL career with Windsor, winning OHL and Memorial Cup titles in 2009. In London, he’ll be reunited with longtime friend and injured London veteran Jared Knight.

“I think we were 11 when we started (playing together),” Watson said. “Obviously, you talk to Jared to try to find out what it’s going to be like playing in London. We did talk and I’m really looking forward to this new start and being a Knight. I can’t wait to get started.

“When I knew for the last weeks, or months, that I was going to be moved, you start to look around and I always thought London would be a really good fit for me. You look at the team they have and what they’ve done in getting McKegg and those guys, it’s nice to get this opportunity.”

Other deals saw Westland’s Tyler Brown, a former Whaler and member of the 2007 Belle Tire Midget Minor state and national championship team, is now closer to home as

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Kingston traded its captain to Sarnia, Oshawa defenseman and Dimondale native Jimmy McDowell is now in Erie and Fenton’s Troy Donnay went from London to Erie in a deal that saw London pick up veteran forward Greg McKegg.

The Brown deal flew under the radar a bit, but Sarnia coach Jacques Beaulieu, a former assistant in London, likes what the tough forward can bring to the Sting.

“Tyler is a skilled forward with an element of grit to his game as well,” said Beaulieu. “At the time of the deal, he was Kingston’s leading scorer and after already acquiring (Ryan) Spooner, there is an existing chemistry there between the two players. I have coached Tyler previously in London and really like what he can add to our team.”

January 16, 2012 V.22 : I.11

GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS

McCollum Making his Mark

BY KYLE KUJAWA

T

om McCollum won three straight games for the Grand Rapids Griffins from Nov. 29 to Dec. 3, and he was rewarded with more playing time.

Unfortunately, that playing time wasn’t with the Griffins.

It was the result of poor timing more than anything else. Following McCollum’s team-best three-game winning streak, starting goaltender Joey MacDonald was declared healthy. MacDonald had missed the past month with a concussion suffered on Nov. 2 versus Charlotte, but he had posted statistics that ranked in the top 10 of virtually every goaltending category in the AHL prior to his injury.

The organization determined that it was not in McCollum’s best interests to be taken out of the line-up and start sporadically while MacDonald was given time to regain his early season form, so they reassigned him from Grand Rapids to the ECHL’s Toledo Walleye on Dec. 7.

“Detroit’s thinking was, let’s keep him going, let’s keep him playing,” said Griffins head coach Curt Fraser. “That’s what we did, and it worked.”

As McCollum discovered, what’s best for him isn’t always the same thing he wants. However, instead of letting his demotion affect his performance on the ice, he used it as motivation to continue improving and work to get back to the AHL. “Obviously, it was a little frustrating,” said McCollum. “I thought I was playing well enough, but at the same time, I understand why I was sent down. I just tried to go down there with a positive attitude.”

After he sputtered initially on a Toledo team that was dealing with several top players called up by a few different AHL teams, McCollum rattled off three straight wins with the Walleye, sporting a 0.99 goals-against average and a 0.967 save percentage during that stretch.

Although he would have rather stayed in Grand Rapids, McCollum thinks his situation in Toledo allowed him to

Photo by Mark Newman

build his confidence and find a way to move back to Grand Rapids.

“It’s a fantastic city to play in,” McCollum said. “I’ve been playing there for parts of three years, so I’ve got the hang of where everything is. I know the coaching staff and training staff really well. It’s a great arena to play in, too. It’s nice, and they have great fans.”

In a league that is traditionally more free-flowing and not as friendly to goaltenders’ statistics, the streak helped McCollum climb higher on the ECHL goaltending leaderboard, where he ranked seventh with a 2.68 goals-against average at the time of his recall. McCollum was quick to pass on the credit for his strong play.

“Both teams I’ve been on have been playing well,” said the Sanborn, N.Y., native. “They let me see pucks clearly and make my job a lot easier.”

Fraser has coached McCollum in each of his three professional seasons and believes that the biggest difference is in McCollum’s approach this season.

“He’s making himself a lot bigger now,” explained Fraser.

“He’s more confident, he’s using his big frame, and he’s letting the pucks come to him and hit him instead of overplaying them.”

McCollum was reassigned to the Griffins on Dec. 31 and

skated out as the starting goalie against the Midwestdivision leading Milwaukee Admirals that night. He made 29 saves in a 3-2 Griffins victory, and followed that performance up with a 32-save outing in a 2-1 win over the Abbotsford Heat on Jan. 7. It was the first time McCollum won five straight games as a professional goaltender.

“I’ve been trying to be more patient when I play,” said McCollum of his recent success. “I’m trying to let the play come to me and be more relaxed in net.”

McCollum was the Red Wings’ first-round pick (30th overall) in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. Although finding consistency is something he believes he’s struggled with, Fraser has no doubts about the potential of his streaking netminder.

“Look at a guy like Eddie Belfour,” said Fraser. “He was 26 years old before he started playing in the NHL. [McCollum’s] just a young guy, he’s only going to get better.

We’ve been waiting a long time for this, and it’s finally here.

It’s great to see Tommy start to win hockey games.”

While Eddie the Eagle’s numbers landed him in the Hockey Hall of Fame this year, McCollum isn’t getting ahead of himself. He’s focused on doing what he can to extend his winning streak and stay in the AHL. “As long as I keep playing well and winning games, it’s going to make it a little tougher for them to send me down,” said the third-year pro. “I’ve just got to focus on trying to get better every day. I’m working on my game every day.”

For a goaltender who turned 22 on Dec. 7, having the right influences can play a factor in finding consistency and winning games. McCollum doesn’t need to look any further than MacDonald, who is the Griffins all-time goaltending wins leader, or Chris Osgood, who has been working with McCollum after becoming the Red Wings’ goaltending development coach this season.

“Both are extremely experienced guys,” said McCollum.

“I see how relaxed Joey is before games. Even Ozzie has been a very calming influence on my game. He’s talked to me about how to mentally approach things.

“That’s really how he’s helped so far, just seeing how a guy with that much experience approaches things had really helped to calm my game.”

Adray 2011/2012 hockey season information can be found at adrayhockey.org President Jeff Spedowski 231-796-0728 (h) 231-629-0435 (c) Email: jspedows@charter.net Greater East Vice President Brandon Spedowski 989-486-1511 (h) 231-250-7031 (c) Email: Brandon.spedowski@gmail.com

January 16, 2012 V.22 : I.11

Treasurer Joe Spedowski 231-796-2565 Email: nancyjoe@netonecom.net

Database Specialist Vice President Steve Miller 616-250-1458 Email: me@stevenmiller.info

Girls House Vice President Dina Howe 989-429-2653 (c) 989-435-7080 (w) Email: dhowe@journey.com

Metro Vice President Bobby Mitchell 248-302-0913 Email: Bmitchell8@yahoo.com

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Greater West Vice President Kevin Wood 616-560-6503 Email: kwoodadraywest@yahoo.com

Michigan Hockey

39

JUNIORS PREVIEW RED WINGS INSIDER

WHAT A TRIP

Fathers join Wings on the road

BY DAVE WADDELL

T

hey’re all a little grayer and maybe move a little slower in a cold rink, but they gathered at the boards peering through the glass at their sons flying around during a practice just as they have for two or three decades.

The only difference was instead of hopping into the car to drive home after practice, the fathers of the Detroit Red Wings boarded the team plane to Toronto to begin the club’s annual Fathers-Sons Trip. This year’s trip started with a private visit to the Hockey Hall of Fame and a viewing of the World Junior Gold Medal Game. In addition to a game against the Leafs Jan.7, the fathers accompanied the team to Chicago for a contest at the United Center against the Blackhawks.

“It’s unbelievable, the energy and the amount of fun and amount of joking,” said Wings’ coach Mike Babcock, who introduced the idea to the Wings when he joined the club for the 2005-06 season.

“I joked with a few guys, it’ll be the first good practice I’ve seen in months (because the dads are watching). It’s fun to have them around.

“It’s a way to say thanks to your dad for everything he’s done for you.”

Babcock, who brought a close friend this time instead of his father, said this year’s itinerary was the brainchild of Wings’ captain Nick Lidstrom and general manager Ken Holland.

The team had never visited the two Original Six cities on previous father-son trips.

“It’s always something that we – both players and our dads – look forward to,” Lidstrom said.

“Now it’s their chance to see us up close and see how we

40

Michigan Hockey

Red Wings’ team plane (Michael Caples/Michigan Hockey)

travel. How we handle ourselves on the road and how we get ready for the games and everything.”

There has been an unexpected benefit born out of the stability of the Wings’ line-up over the years. Many of the dads have made several trips and get to re-connect each year.

“The dads know each other a lot better,” Lidstrom said.

“They come up to each other and say ‘hi.’ They talk to each other even though some of them are Europeans and English isn’t their first language. They’re still talking to each other and it’s fun to see.”

Lidstrom said there’s no doubt who has the most fun on these trips - it’s the dads.

“They’ve seen us grow up, watching us as kids playing and I’m sure they’re all proud of their sons and what they have done,” Lidstrom said. “But I think it’s fun for them to get a chance to see it up close and how it is before games.

“They’re interested in our meetings before games. For example, hearing Babs (Babcock) talk about our strategy before games and what we want to accomplish and I think they really enjoy that.”

Jimmy Howard said he brought his dad on his third trip after taking his grandfather along last season. He admitted his father asks about the trip as soon as the NHL releases it schedule.

“They want to know,” Howard said. “As soon as they hear about it, they mark it down on the schedule and pencil themselves in.

“Even if you’re thinking of bring someone else, they call dibs on it.

“I’m looking forward to it with it being Original Six match-ups. It’s a little different than going to Florida and

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California.”

Defenseman Mike Commodore said it’s often the nonhockey aspects of their lives as professionals that make the biggest impressions.

“For my dad, the games and stuff are fun, but it was the plane, the travel,” said Commodore, who brought his younger brother Matt because his dad can’t make the trip this year.

“That’s a nice plane. They’re not used to traveling like that.

“I remember the first time my dad was sitting on the plane and I could tell just by his face he couldn’t believe it.

He didn’t say too much.

“And the food, he told me you could ride this plane and be like 280 (pounds) by the end of the year. My brother will get a kick out of it too.”

For many of the Wings, the trip to the Hall of Fame was a highlight moment. Not all the players have taken the tour of the sport’s pantheon to its greatest athletes, coaches and builders.

Howard said he’s got one item he wants to find in the display.

“I’ve been there once before,” Howard said.

“I hope to take a picture by Ozzie’s (Chris Osgood’s) stick (400th win) and send it to him. I’m going to hunt that down.”

Predictably, Lidstrom was singled out as being the logical tour guide. With seven Norris Trophies, a Conn Smythe Trophy as well as having his name on the Stanley Cup four times, the Lidstrom tour alone would be timeconsuming.

“He’s (Lidstrom) got his own section probably,” Darren Helm said. “He should have a lot of stuff there.

“I’ve never really walked around there and looked at things. I’m excited about it.

“I know my dad hasn’t been there. He shows his emotions quite highly. It should be fun to be there.

“We have a lot of history here. It’ll be interesting to see the history throughout the league and compare it.”

January 16, 2012 V.22 : I.11

PREDICTIONS

OUR PREDICTIONS ON WHAT THE UPCOMING YEAR HAS IN STORE FOR HOCKEY COLLEGE:

AND LOOKING BEYOND:

As the Michigan State Spartans continue to adjust to new coach Tom Anastos’ game plan, they will impress in the second half of the season. Meanwhile, the Michigan Wolverines will benefit from the return of Jon Merrill to a line-up already loaded with talent. We expect both Michigan State and Michigan to appear at Joe Louis Arena for the CCHA championship weekend.

THE DRAFT:

PRO:

Jacob Trouba will be the highest drafted Michiganborn player since David Legwand. The National Team Development Program product has long been considered a Top-10 pick, and his play at the World Juniors certainly didn’t hurt his draft stock.

Sarnia Sting forward Nail Yakupov will be the first overall selection in the draft.

While they did sign Niklas Kronwall to a long-term extension, the Red Wings are still going to be in search of the cornerstone defenseman moving forward as Nicklas Lidstrom inches closer to retirement.

With that in mind, we boldly predict that Ryan Suter of the Nashville Predators will don the Winged Wheel sometime over the next 365 days.

However, we’re not saying that Lidstrom’s done just yet.

Our other bold predictions for the NHL – Nicklas Lidstrom returns for the 2012-13 season to play in an NHL that will not face a lockout. That’s right, the NHL and the NHLPA will agree on a deal in time for a full 82-game schedule next year.

JUNIORS: The London Knights beef up their roster at the trade deadline (especially when they added Ann Arbor native Austin Watson). However, Plymouth has had an impressive roster all along. Expect the Whalers to dominate the second half of the OHL season, en route to the league championship and a date at the Memorial Cup. By trading away valuable piece of their roster, the Saginaw Spirit brass have admitted that they are looking towards the future rather than the present. We’re not expecting much out of the Spirit in the second half of the 2011-12 season.

January 16, 2012 V.22 : I.11

Team USA will earn a medal in the next World Juniors.

They won’t be denied two years in a row, and have a very talented class ready to roll next year.

Photos clockwise from top left: Jacob Trouba (Tom Sorensen/USA Hockey), Michigan and Michigan State at the GLI (Andrew Knapik/Michigan Hockey), Nicklas Lidstrom (Tom Turrill/Michigan Hockey)

NHL AWARD PREDICTIONS: Hart Trophy - Jonathan Toews (Chicago) Vezina Trophy - Henrik Lundquist (New York Rangers) Norris Trophy - Zdeno Chara (Boston) Art Ross Trophy - Henrik Sedin (Vancouver) Calder Trophy - Adam Henrique (New Jersey) Jack Adams Award - Ken Hitchcock (St. Louis)

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Michigan Hockey

41

JUNIORS THE LASTPREVIEW LINE

W

hen the NHL announced realignment, all of us here in Detroit got excited. Turns out not everyone shared our enthusiasm.

Still, when the Board of Governors voted 26-4 in favor of the radical proposal, most believed it was a done deal - even with six divisions becoming four conferences, the east/west divide becoming unbalanced at two seven-team sets in the east and two eight-team groups out west. Each team in the league would play one another both at home and on the road, and when playoffs rolled around, the first two rounds would stay within each conference.

The Red Wings applauded loudly, along with the Dallas Stars and Winnipeg Jets – miscast in the Southeast Division after assuming the former Atlanta Thrashers identity in the southern entity. Everyone else was relatively quiet – especially considering today’s instant call-and-response Twitterverse age we live in. For such a large-scale plan and shift, there were precious few details. The top selling points seemed to be reduced travel for some teams during the regular schedule, with any increase being offset by having every team visit every building at least once throughout and reduced road wear for all teams in the first two rounds of the playoffs.

So, off went the new NHL configuration to the NHL Players’ Association for “approval,” which as we all know now, the players denied. Technically, the league feels it doesn’t need the players’ approval. New PA boss Donald Fehr disagreed, saying he feels that realignment falls under the working conditions clause in the CBA and approval is required. NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly responded with some harsh-sounding rhetoric that included the phrase that caught my attention: “Realignment has never been part of the collective bargaining process; everyone has just gone along with it when changes were made.”

Not anymore. Fehr asked the league for some scheduling models in order to assess the impact on the players. Daly said the league couldn’t produce something that doesn’t exist, even though contingency schedules existed in the past – as recently as a year ago when the Phoenix franchise situation remained a question for this season. Anyway, Daly hinted that maybe this was Fehr and the Players’ Association posturing as they ready for the upcoming CBA negotiations. Certainly, there is an element of that in the players’ stance. Everything is a point of contention. Nothing necessarily rolls on just because of prior acceptance.

Fehr is a new “negotiating partner” for Commissioner Bettman. Maybe this entire realignment proposal was the NHL posturing. If it goes through, fine. If not, it gives a little insight into the mindset of Fehr and what we all might expect in the coming months. I don’t think it was all a ruse or red herring, but I believe the league used this issue in a wider context. They weren’t drawing the line in the sand, just surveying where it might be. By not fighting the issue – remember the league could go ahead with the plan anyway, albeit, at the risk of reprisal from the union – the NHL begins another passive PR campaign to gain fan sentiment on the owners’ side and against the PA in general and the new boss specifically.

Aligning themselves with the fans is far more important here than realignment.

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Michigan Hockey

REALIGNMENT REVOLT – WHAT DOES IT MEAN MOVING FORWARD?

BY DARREN ELIOT

@Darren_Eliot

The Wings thought they would be in a division with the Dallas Stars next season, but the NHLPA has put a halt to the realignment. (Tom Turrill/Michigan Hockey)

MIHOCKEYNOW.COM

January 16, 2012 V.22 : I.11

North American Hockey League

The league of opportunity America’s Oldest and Largest Junior Hockey League NHL Conn Smythe and Vezina trophy winner Tim Thomas of the Boston Bruins played in the NAHL

The NAHL placed over 150 players in the NCAA in 2011 28 NAHL grads par participated in the 2011 NCAA Frozen 4, starting goalies and the player that scored including both star the Game-Winning goal

e colleg en t m t i m co m Alec Hajdukovich From the

to the

To NCAA DI University of Alaska Fairbanks

...

The NAHL is one of only two non-play-to-play junior leagues in the U.S., with no cost to the player.

28 teams in 14 states and British Columbia.

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