Michigan Hockey - Feb. 6, 2012

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V.22 : I.13 | February 6, 2012

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

MICHIGAN FEBRUARY 6, 2012 VOLUME 22: ISSUE 13 6 THE LOCKER ROOM Talking hockey on Facebook and Twitter

8 SLIDESHOW Hockey happenings from across the Mitten

12 SPEAKING OF HOCKEY

If you were building your own NHL team, which player would you pick first?

14 GET BETTER How to improve on the power play

16 YOU SHOULD KNOW The NTDP’s Riley Barber

20 HOMETOWN HERO Livonia’s Ryan Kesler

22 TOURNAMENT CALENDAR The latest tournament listings

26

Patrick Sieloff & Jacob Trouba

The Team USA defensive partners have went from Compuware to Ann Arbor to international competitions. And soon, they will be off to Pittsburgh for the NHL Draft.

25 YOUTH HOCKEY Catching you up from the MAHA meeting

29 NAHL Michigan players galore named to Top Prospects rosters

34 GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS Michigan’s own Chris Conner

4

30 USHL

36

Checking out the USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in Muskegon

Pavel Datsyuk, best player in the NHL?

Michigan Hockey

Red Wings insider

38

LOOK FOR OUR NEXT ISSUE Last Line

Why you should never take the Detroit Red Wings for granted

MIHOCKEYNOW.COM

FEBRUARY 13, 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

FEBRUARY 6, 2012 V.22 : I.13

FROM THE EDITOR MICHIGAN HOCKEY EDITOR Michael Caples

mcaples@mihockeynow.com

ADVERTISING Lucia Zuzga

lucia@mihockeynow.com

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

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

BY MICHAEL CAPLES 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.

You might not know the two players on the cover of this issue. But that’s why they are there – it’s time to get to know them. Jacob Trouba and Patrick Sieloff represent what is great about hockey in Michigan. The pair has grown up within our state’s borders, playing at the highest levels of hockey we can offer. They exemplify the traits we hope our young hockey players learn during their time involved with the sport – hard work, dedication, teamwork – and have become close friends in the process. Now, the friendship is on display in ice rinks across the world, as they compete for Team USA, as part of the National Team Development Program in Ann Arbor. And because of that, you can expect to hear their names called at the NHL Draft in Pittsburgh just a few months from now. I can’t wait to see where hockey takes these two players in the years to come. Also in this issue, we take you out to Muskegon, where

@michaelcaples the USHL hosted their first-ever Top Prospects Game. Scouts from every team in the NHL were on hand to see some of the top talent in the country, all skating on Michigan ice. We also have our consistent coverage of the Red Wings and the Griffins – with the latter being a great piece on Michigan native Chris Conner. It’s the height of hockey season, and I hope you’re enjoying it. We have three issues of the magazine coming out in consecutive weeks, and we’re updating our website – MiHockeyNow.com – on a daily basis. I hope you enjoy this issue of Michigan Hockey Magazine. It’s always a great feeling knowing we’re assembling something that the hockey community will enjoy looking at. See you at a rink soon,

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): Patrick Sieloff and Jacob Trouba (Courtesy U.S. National Team Development Program), Jordan Schmaltz (Michael Caples/Michigan Hockey), Pavel Datsyuk (Tom Turrill/Michigan Hockey) Cover: Photo courtsey of the U.S. National Team Development Program.

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

FEBRUARY 6, 2012 V.22 : I.13

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

Michigan Hockey

5

THE LOCKER ROOM

THE

LOCKERROOM LOCKER ROOM POLL

ON THE FLY

Q:

What’s your favorite part of the NHL All-Star weekend?

A: The skills competition – 81 % The game itself - 19% The player fantasy draft -0%

TWO FOR TWEETING Can’t C Ca an’ n’t wait n’ ait ffor o n or next e t year’s ear’s ar’s ’s N NHL HL LA All-Star ll Sta ll ar Ga Game Game? m ? Wa me W Want ntt tto o go go tto o iit? t? It’s only going to be a few hours away, in the Buckeye state…

The ‘98 Jackson Generals won our team photo contest on Facebook a few months ago, snagging a team set of hockey skate-lace bracelets from Hockey Players Union. We bring this back up because we encourage you to watch the Facebook page for another chance to win bracelets…coming up real soon.

TALES FROM THE RINK

Pa atr t ick icck Ka K ne e one one of H on on oney ney eyba bake ba bake ked’ d’s mo most st ffamous st amou am o s al ou alum um mni po ostted e tthis his hi Patrick Kane, Honeybaked’s alumni, posted tweet during the NHL All-Star Skills Competition Saturday night.

Since Pavel Datsyuk has been the talk of the town during the All-Star celebrations, Michigan Hockey editor Michael Caples decided to publicly share his favorite Datsyuk moment during his time with the Red Wings: “During the ‘08 Stanley Cup finals media day, I figured it was about time to have my first interview with Datsyuk. He was standing in his designated spot, all alone, available for a one-on-one interview. Working on a feature about him and linemate Henrik Zetterberg, I approached Datsyuk and asked, “Pavel, what does your teammate and linemate Henrik Zetterberg bring to this series, the Stanley Cup finals?” Datsyuk looked at me, and responded with a perfectly timed quip: “the number 40.” It was a jaw-dropping joke for me, and from that point forward, I’ve always wondered what gems he’s hiding behind that ‘broken English’ of his.”

6

Michigan Hockey

Keep an eye our account You never Yo neve ne verr know kn k now ow where whe here re we’ll we’ e’’lll be be next. n xt ne xt Ke ee ep pa n ey e ye e on o u Twitter ur Twittter acc ccccou o ntt ((@ @ MiHockeyNow) for coverage and photos of all things hockey in Michigan – like the USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game. (See more on Page 30)

The Bob Duff reported Comerica Park T Th he e Windsor W nd Wi dso sorr Star’s Star St a ’s ar ’ B ob bD uff ff re rep ported po ed through thr h ou ough g Twitter gh Twi wiitt w t er e that tha hat C ome m rica c P ca ark ar k will host AHL, NCAA, OHL, and high school hockey games prior to the 2013 NHL Winter Classic.

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FEBRUARY 6, 2012 V.22 : I.13

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SLIDESHOW

Michigan Hockey in pictures: around the mitten 1

2

3 Members of the Michigan State Spartans hockey team went to Sparrow Hospital in Lansing on Jan. 26 to deliver the teddy bears they collected in their ‘Teddy Bear Toss’ game against Northern Michigan on Jan. 21. Fans were asked to toss the stuffed animals onto the ice after the Spartans’ first goal. Red-shirt senior AJ Sturges, senior Prett Perlini and freshman Justin Hoomaian (Novi) delivered the toys on behalf of the Spartan team. 1. Sturges practiced his painting skills with his new friend - 9-year-old Devion. 2. Hoomaian, a Detroit Catholic Central graduate, worked on his coloring skills with some of the youngsters. 3. The three Spartans pose for a photo with Devion and 11-year-old Tyller.

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Michigan Hockey

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FEBRUARY 6, 2012 V.22 : I.13

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(231) 591-2881 See website www.ferris.edu/icearena for application About 3-on-3 Hockey: 3-on-3 Hockey is a unique brand of ice hockey developed to enhance your LQGLYLGXDO KRFNH\ VNLOOV LQ D IXQ ¿OOHG HQYLURQPHQW *DPHV DUH IRXU IRXU PLQXWH SHULRGV 7KUHH VHSDUDWH RQ ULQNV ZLOO EH VHW XS LQ WKH IDFLOLW\ 7KUHH ULQNV PHDVXULQJ DSSUR[LPDWHO\ IHHW ORQJ E\ IHHW ZLGH ZLWK IRRW KLJK ERDUGV DGG D QHZ DQG TXLFNHU ZD\ WR SOD\ WKH JDPH

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Michigan Hockey

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CALE N DAR Be su re to visit HDIM MiHockeyNow.co m/ for a co mplete listin g of events over the weeken d

SALE

FACEBOOK Check out the official Hockey Day in Mich iga n Facebook page for a cha nce to win Warrior gear

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Celebrate Warrior Hockey Day In Mich Michigan higan Saturday Saturday, February 18th Invite a Friend to Skate • Attend a Learn to Play Clinic • Watch a Game Nominate a Local Hockey Hero • Skate, Shoot, Pass, Score • Have Fun!

For a complete list of Hockey Day in Michigan Activities, Events, Contests, Updates and to Get Involved please visit www.MiHockeyNow.ccom

“Like” Us on Facebook

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2012 SPRING TRYOUTS

AWARDS 2012 Hockey Person of the Year

This award is presented annually “to a person who has made outstanding contributions to the sport of hockey in Michigan as a FRDFK SDUHQW PDQDJHU DVVRFLDWLRQ YROXQWHHU RIĂ€FLDO RU OHDJXH administrator.â€? Coach of the Year

This award is presented annually “to a head coach from Michigan who is widely regarded as an excellent teacher, role model, and tactician and whose players are regarded to be well-disciplined and reach their full potential under the coach’s guidance.� Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year

This award is presented annually “to a male student-athlete born in 1993 -1996 who has achieved a high level both in the classroom and on the ice during the past hockey season.� Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year

This award is presented annually “to a female student-athlete born in 1993 -1996 who has achieved a high level both in the classroom and on the ice during the past hockey season.�

HOW TO NOMINATE SOMEONE Make your nominations to editor Michael Caples at mcaples@mihockeynow.com Please include name of nominee, reason for nominating him/her, biographical information about your nominee, your name and your daytime and evening telephone numbers. Would you like to become a sponsor of this unique event? Please contact Lucia Zuzga at (248) 479-1134 or lucia@mihockeynow.com.

FOLLOW YOUTH HOCKEY ALL SEASON LONG WITH

FEBRUARY 6, 2012 V.22 : I.13

Let the hockey world know when your tryouts are by joining Michigan’s top youth hockey publication. Reach more players and parents with our media outlets: Michigan Hockey Magazine distributed to over 100 locations Michigan Hockey Magazine digital issue sent to over 18,000 subuscribers MiHockeyNow.com 60,000+ views per month All packages include a free online ad through duration of your tryout package - single issue ads are online until the next issue is posted.

TRYOUT TR OU ISSUES SS ES FEBRUARY 20 Tryout info due Feb. 7

MARCH 19 Tryout info due March 6

MARCH 5 Tryout info due Feb. 21

APRIL 9 Tryout info dueMarch 27

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Call Lucia at 248-479-1134 or email her at lucia@mihockeynow.com to help spread the word about your team’s tryouts.

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Michigan Hockey

11

SPEAKING OF HOCKEY

IN HONOR OF PAVEL DATSYUK BEING FIRST DRAFT PICK IN THE NHL ALL-STAR FANTASY DRAFT, WE ASKED THE FOLLOWING ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE:

IF YOU WERE BUILDING YOUR OWN NHL TEAM, AND YOU COULD PICK ANY PLAYER IN THE WORLD TO START WITH, WHO WOULD YOU PICK? For each issue of the magazine, we will post a question on Facebook, and one randomly selected answer will win a Warrior prize pack: hoodie, hat, and T-shirt. Good luck! Without a doubt I would take Pavel Datsyuk first overall. He has the offensive capability to compete with anyone in the game but he still knows how to play defense. Brett Michaels Federspiel

Ryan Miller. Because without a goalie, you’ve got nothing. Darcy Meade

Claude Giroux because he has excellent hands to go along with superb vision on the ice. Plus he’s only 24! Ryan Pieknik

If your talking about “building” a hockey team you gotta go with young talent, Stammer’s the way to go, kid’s only 21 and has the ability to put up 50 goals. Trav Satkowiak

Jeff Hanson PUTTIN ON THE FOIL! Old time hockey! Don’t get me any of that stinkin root beer. Always build a team around a bruiser for the fans! Bill Zuehlke

WINNER

Mike Eruzione. The dude just wins. Joe Proulx

Pavel Datsyuk. You can’t put a price on the comedic value he brings to a team. In every interview he says something hilarious. John DeMarco

Visit our Facebook page to try and win our next Warrior prize pack, facebook.com/mihockeynow 12

Michigan Hockey

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FEBRUARY 6, 2012 V.22 : I.13

TRY HOCKEY FOR FREE 12:30 - 1:30PM Must Pre-Register at www.usahockey.com/hwaa/

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HOW TO RUN THE UMBRELLA ON YOUR POWER PLAY SKILLS NEEDED FOR THE UMBRELLA PP - Passing and receiving skills, ability to make quick accurate touch passes. - One-time shooting skills, one-time passing skills. - Ability to quickly release puck on shots. - Good vision of ice and make quick decisions. - Willingness to battle in front of net and stay there, ability to tip and deect pucks. - Willingness to go into corners to ďŹ ght, battle, and win loose pucks. GENERAL POWER PLAY PRINCIPLES - Move the puck and move yourself, this will shift the box! - Play two-on-one hockey, create two-on-one’s all over the ice. - Outnumber the opponents (two or three men on loose pucks). - Out-work the opponents. - Win face-offs. - At least one player in front of net to screen goalie. - Take what the D gives (If they give you a shot – TAKE IT!). - SHOOT (You will not score for every shot you don’t take). - KEEP IT SIMPLE!

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FEBRUARY 6, 2012 V.22 : I.13

2012 MAHA PLAYER DEVELOPMENT (SELECT) CAMP TRYOUTS Hockey Player Age Hometown Height Weight Team Position Coach School Grade Favorite Team Favorite Player

For BOYS

Brendan Sise

REGIONAL TRYOUT DATES Districts 2, 3 & 4

4 Center Line 3' 3" 40 lbs. Saint Clair Shores Timbits Left Wing Anna VanderMarliere Wilde Elementary Pre School Detroit Red Wings Wayne Gretzky

Birth Years:1995-1998 ย 'DWHV 0DUFK /RFDWLRQ 7KH ',6& LQ 'HDUERUQ

Districts 5, 6 & Lower 7 (Traverse City, Gaylord & Alpena)

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Districts 8 & Upper 7 (Sault Ste. Marie, Mackinaw City, Charlevoix & Petoskey)

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Varsity High School Players (Team Michigan) 0XVW EH 06+$$ -XQLRU DQG 6HQLRU SOD\HU 'DWHV 0DUFK /RFDWLRQ $UFWLF &ROLVHXP LQ &KHOVHD

Hockey Player Age Hometown Height Weight Team Position Coach School Grade Favorite Team Favorite Player

Amalia Sise

For GIRLS

7 Center Line 4'2" 55 lbs. Saint Clair Shores Saints Right Wing Jamie Zielinski Wilde Elementary 2nd Detroit Red Wings Pavel Datsyuk

REGIONAL TRYOUT DATES Districts 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Birth Years:1995-1998 ย 'DWHV $SULO /RFDWLRQ 3DWWHUVRQ ,FH $UHQD LQ *UDQG 5DSLGV

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Michigan Hockey

15

YOU SHOULD KNOW

you should know FAVORITE SPORTING EVENT: The Stanley Cup playoffs FAVORITE BREAKFAST FOOD: Eggs and french toast FIRST CONCERT: Kid Rock MUST-SEE TV: That 70’s Show FAVORITE MOVIE: 21 WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU HAVE AN HOUR OF FREE TIME: Watch TV IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPER POWER WHAT WOULD IT BE: Flying PRE-GAME ROUTINE: Eat pasta for my pre-game meal and play ‘kicks’ (soccer) and football when I get to the arena WHAT KIND OF CAR DO YOU DRIVE: Ford Ranger WHAT IS YOUR NICKNAME: Barbs THREE PEOPLE WOULD YOU PICK TO HAVE DINNER WITH: Will Ferrell, Adam Sandler and Jessica Alba

riley barber

National Team Development Program - forward After impressing scouts and fans alike while playing for the USHL’s Dubuque Fighting Saints, Livonia native Riley Barber has moved a little closer to home, joining USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program’s U18 squad in Ann Arbor. The talented forward has committed to play for the University of Miami RedHawks, but until then, he will keep competing for Team USA both in the USHL, and in international tournaments.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MEAL: Meatloaf

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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FEBRUARY 6, 2012 V.22 : I.13

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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 O RD., ON RD., ROYAL RO OYA YAL L OAK, O K, MI OA 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 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 52999 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 12:0 12 :000 - 1: 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)

FEBRUARY 6, 2012 V.22 : I.13

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 FR EEWA WAY WA Y PARK PARK DR., DR., R., FARMINGTON FARM FARM FA RMIN INGT IN GTO GT ON HILLS, ON HILLS 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 5475 54 755 75 5 BROUGHTON BRO BR OUG OUG GHTO HTO TON N RD., RD , MACOMB, MAC ACO COMB 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)

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FUTURE PRO GOAL

CONFIDENCE IN THE CREASE BY ROB LIDDELL FUTURE PRO CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR Confidence is an issue that can plague goalies of all ages and skill levels. From the smallest mite to Ilya Bryzgalov, confidence (or a lack thereof) can have a direct positive or negative impact on a goaltender’s game in several ways. 1) ARROGANCE In terms of goalies, I define arrogance as a supreme disregard for one’s competition, regardless of one’s actual skill level. Many of you may know these goalies; they walk into the arena with their nose up in the air like they’re God’s gift to hockey, argue with their coaches because they think they know best, and embarrass their teammates with displays of uncontrolled emotional outbursts that make my 8-year-old nephew’s temper tantrums seem tame. This kind of behavior poisons the mind with instability, and is cancerous to the overall mindset of the team. This kind of mental instability, stemming from arrogance (which is often truly a compensation for a lack of confidence), produces inconsistencies in a goalie’s play and often makes for a short-lived career. Arrogant goalies often put a target on their own back with such behavior, and fail to execute in “put up or shut up” situations because they do not possess a true confidence in themselves.

2) LACK OF CONFIDENCE Goalies of all ages and skill levels can suffer from a lack of confidence or struggling confidence. The important thing here is that they are handled appropriately. These goalies are not the type who need to be screamed at, degraded, or berated, but rather need to be bonded with, positively reinforced, and encouraged. It is not to say that sometimes they don’t respond to” tough love,” but it has to be timed correctly. Under-confident goalies need to focus on developing a supreme confidence in themselves, and in doing so will undoubtedly see an improvement in their mental game and consistency on the ice. As an example, Philadelphia Flyers’ star goalie Ilya Bryzgalov’s struggles with his own confidence have been made relatively public as of late. It will be interesting to see if he can get it together.

and rewards one with the mental capability to respond to high-pressure situations with clutch performances. As always, these are generalizations. Most goalies fall somewhere in between any of these categories, or contain elements of all three. The most important thing with a goalie’s confidence is keeping it on an even keel. I am a firm believer that in order to achieve consistency in one’s play on the ice one must establish a consistent mental game. Undoubtedly, the key to this is confidence.

3) SUPREME CONFIDENCE This is the belief in one’s abilities against all odds and in the face of all adversity, and is not to be confused with arrogance. Supremely confident goalies exude a quiet, calm confidence that radiates from their very core. They maintain a positive attitude in the face of adversity, and seek to tame the roller coaster that is a hockey season. Supremely confident goalies have an air about them that is often contagious and can positively influence their teammates. For goalies, this is the holy grail of confidence

GOALIE SCHOOL

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FEBRUARY 6, 2012 V.22 : I.13

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TRY HOCKEY FOR FREE 2:45 - 3:35 PM February 11, 2012 new players only Pre-register at maha.org/CalendarOfEvents.aspx %URXJKWRQ ‡ 0DFRPE 0, 3KRQH ‡ )D[ VXEXUEDQLFH FRP

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POINTS

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40 11 GAMES

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MICHIGAN

TOURNAMENT CALENDAR POWERED BY MARRIOTT

COMPLETE AND UP-TO-DATE TOURNAMENT LISTINGS AT FEBRUARY 2012 Great Lakes Tournament Series Holland, MI February 10-12 Mite AA, Squirt B and Midget B Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Big Rapids Area Junior Hockey Association Big Rapids, MI February 10-12, 2012 Mite ADM – Studio Rink 231-591-2881 bigrapidshockey.org or ferris.edu/icearena Great Lakes Tournament Series Holland, MI February 17-19 Pee Wee B, Pee Wee A and Bantam B Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Hockey Time Productions Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MI February 17-20, 2012 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com Hockey Time Productions Girls Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MI February 17-20, 2012 8U-19U House, B, A, AA 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com Hockey Time Productions K-Zoo Cup Tournament Series Kalamazoo, MI February 17-20, 2012 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com Deep Freeze Tournament Mt. Pleasant, MI February 17-19, 2012 Pee Wee & Bantam House B 989-772-9623 info@mpicearena.org

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Hockey Time Productions Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MI February 24-26, 2012 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com Hockey Time Productions Girls Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MI February 24-26, 2012 8U-19U House, B, A, AA 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com Hockey Time Productions K-Zoo Cup Tournament Series Kalamazoo, MI February 24-26, 2012 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com Great Lakes Tournament Series Holland, MI February 24-26, 2012 Mite Cross-Ice Jamboree, Squirt B and Bantam A Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Muskegon Cup 500 & Under Muskegon, MI February 24-26, 2012 Squirt – Midget A & AA 231-747-7266 goldcoasttournaments.com Big Rapids Area Junior Hockey Association Big Rapids, MI February 24-26, 2012 Midget B/BB 231-591-2881 bigrapidshockey.org or ferris.edu/icearena Big Rapids Area Junior Hockey Association Big Rapids, MI February 24-26, 2012 Mini-Mite & IP ADM 231-591-2881 bigrapidshockey.org or ferris.edu/icearena

Get Into the Cold Tournament Mt. Pleasant, MI February 25, 2012 ADM Jamboree 989-772-9623 info@mpicearena.org

14th Annual Puck ‘o the Irish Tournament Bay City, MI March 9-11, 2012 Mite – Midget B, JV Prep 989-671-1000 x105 baycounty-mi.gov/civicarena

U.P. Youth Pond Hockey Championship St. Ignace, MI February 25-26, 2012 Mite Minors – Midget – House & Travel 906-643-8676 lbe@cityofstignace.net littlebeararena.com

Shamrock Shootout Muskegon, MI March 9-11, 2012 Squirt – Bantam A & AA & House - Mite - Bantam 231-747-7266 goldcoasttournaments.com

MARCH 2012 Great Lakes Tournament Series Holland, MI March 2-4, 2012 Mite B, Pee Wee B and Midget B Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Get Into the Cold Tournament Mt. Pleasant, MI March 2-4, 2012 Squirt House B 989-772-9623 info@mpicearena.org Hockey Time Productions Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MI March 9-11, 2012 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com Hockey Time Productions Girls Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MI March 9-11, 2012 8U-19U House, B, A, AA 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com Great Lakes Tournaments Series Holland, MI March 9-11, 2012 Mite Cross-Ice Jamboree, Squirt B and Bantam A Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com

28th Annual Mite Spring Tournament Flint, MI March 9-11, 2012 Cross Ice Division, house and Mite AA 810-694-7310 jmbdcard@comcast.net; gchockey2007@aol.com St. Paddy’s Tournament Mt. Pleasant, MI March 9-12, 2012 Pee Wee & Squirt House B 989-772-9623 info@mpicearena.org Kalo’ mazoo Classic Kalamazoo, MI March 16-18, 2012 Pee Wes/Bantams/Girls U14/ Girls U16 Midgets/ Girls U19/ Adult Women/ Adult Men Contact: Jeff Weber 269345-1125 Email: jweber@ wingsstadium.com Hockey Time Productions Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MI March 23-25, 2012 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com APRIL 2012 Hockey Time Productions Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MI April 13-15, 2012 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com Hockey Time Productions Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MI

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April 27-29, 2012 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com MAY 2012 Hockey Time Productions Motown Cup Spring Edition Detroit, MI May 18-20, 2012 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com The Elite Tournament Group Warrior Spring Shootout Troy, MI May 25-27, 2012 AAA and Select teams- ’05‘99’s elitetournamentgroup.com

OUT OF STATE TOURNAMENTS FEBRUARY 2012 American Cup Lake Placid, NY February 9-12, 2012 Atom, Peewee, Bantam AA, A, B, House Select Minor/Major/Mixed divisions Canadian Hockey Enterprises 1-800-461-2161 chehockey.com Hockey Time Productions Rock ‘n Roll Cup Tournament Series Cleveland, OH February 17-20, 2012 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com Hockey Time Productions Three Rivers Cup Tournament Series Pittsburgh, PA February 17-20, 2012 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com Hockey Time Productions Girls Three Rivers Cup Tournament Series Pittsburgh, PA February 17-20, 2012 8U-19U House, B, A, AA 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com

Congressional Cup Tournament Series: The Congressional Cup Washington, DC February 17-20, 2012 Mite through Midget; B, A, and AA, High School Varsity and JV, Mite Cross-Ice Jamboree Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Chicago Cup Tournament Series: Chicago Presidents’ Cup Chicago, IL February 18-20, 2012 Mite through Midget; B, A, and AA, High School Varsity and JV, Mite Cross-Ice Jamboree Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Steel City Tournament Series: Pittsburgh Presidents’ Cup Pittsburgh, PA February 18-20, 2012 Mite through Midget; B, A, and AA, High School Varsity and JV, Mite Cross-Ice Jamboree Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Music City Tournament Series: Nashville Presidents’ Cup Nashville, TN February 18-20, 2012 Mite through Midget; B, A, and AA, High School Varsity and JV, Mite Cross-Ice Jamboree Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Empire State Tournament Series: Presidential Power Play Rochester, NY February 18-20, 2012 Mite through Midget; B, A, and AA, High School Varsity and JV, Mite Cross-Ice Jamboree

FEBRUARY 6, 2012 V.22 : I.13

Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Buckeye State Tournament Series: Cincinnati Presidents’ Cup Cincinnati, OH February 18-20, 2012 Mite through Midget; B, A, and AA, High School Varsity and JV, Mite Cross-Ice Jamboree Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Carolina Cup Tournament Series: Charlotte Presidents’ Cup Charlotte, NC February 18-20, 2012 Mite through Midget; B, A, and AA, High School Varsity and JV, Mite Cross-Ice Jamboree Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Liberty Cup Tournament Series: Philadelphia Presidential Power Play Hatfield, PA February 18-20, 2012 Mite through Midget; B, A, and AA, High School Varsity and JV, Mite Cross-Ice Jamboree Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Niagara Falls President’s Day Niagara Falls, NY February 18-20, 2012 Mites, Squirts, Peewees, Bantams and Midgets, A, B, AE, & AA Divisions available in most tournaments. www.niagaratournaments. com 716-791-4068 or 716-4057154 Gcarella17@roadrunner.com Big Bear - Gasoline Alley Indianapolis, IN February 18 - 20, 2012 Squirt, Peewee, Bantam, Midget High School Varsity & J.V. B - A - AA plus Girls U12, U14, U16 & U19 Visit us on line at www. shootouthockey.com 248-399-1694

FEBRUARY 6, 2012 V.22 : I.13

Big Bear - The Gateway St. Louis, MO February 18 - 20, 2012 Squirt, Peewee, Bantam, Midget High School Varsity & J.V. • B - A - AA Visit us on line at www. shootouthockey.com 248-399-1694 Big Bear - The Palms Tampa, FL February 18 - 20, 2012 Squirt, Peewee, Bantam, Midget / HS/ A – AA Visit us on line at www. shootouthockey.com 248-399-1694 Big Bear - The Rocky Mt. Showdown Denver, CO February 18 - 20, 2012 Peewee, Bantam, Midget / HS/A - AA Visit us on line at www. shootouthockey.com 248-399-1694 AMERICAN CUP Lake Placid, NY February 23-26, 2012 Peewee, Bantam A, B, House Select - Minor/ Major/Mixed divisions Canadian Hockey Enterprises 1-800-461-2161 www.chehockey.com Hockey Time Productions Rock ‘n Roll Cup Tournament Series Cleveland, OH February 24-26, 2012 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 www.itshockeytime.com Hockey Time Productions Three Rivers Cup Tournament Series Pittsburgh, PA February 24-26, 2012 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 www.itshockeytime.com Hockey Time Productions Girls Three Rivers Cup Tournament Series Pittsburgh, PA February 24-26, 2012 8U-19U House, B, A, AA 216-325-0567 www.itshockeytime.com

CANADIAN TOURNAMENTS FEBRUARY 2012 Canadian Cup – Family Day Weekend Montreal, Quebec February 17-19, 2012

Novice, Atom, Peewee, Bantam, Midget, High School Boys AA, A, B, House Select -Minor/Major Mixed division Canadian Hockey Enterprises 1-800-461-2161 www.chehockey.com

Weekend Hockey Tournaments Brampton, ON Feb 17 - 19, 2012 19+, 25+, 30+, 35+, 40+, 45+, 50+ A, B, C, D, E Levels Mens/ Womens/ Co Ed 1-877-702-5701 905-827-3541 james@weekendhockey.com www.weekendhockey.com

MARCH 2012 Hockey Cares - House B Tournament Kalamazoo, MI March 2-4, 2012 Squirt House B through Midget House B Contact: Mike Stommen E-Mail mstommen@ arenamaps.com Phone 269-345-5369 http://tournaments. arenamaps.com/series/

2012 SCHEDULE North American Holiday Hockey Adult & Youth 1-800-322-NAHH nahhtours.com Email: NAHHTOURS@ aol.com Las Vegas, Nevada Las Vegas Ice Center March 21 – 26, 2012 Fort Lauderdale, Florida Saveology.com Iceplex (Panthers’ Practice Facility) March 28 – April 2, 2012 Montreal, Quebec Complexe Sportif Bell (Canadiens’ Practice Facility) April 13 – 15, 2012 Toronto, Ontario Canlan Ice Sports April 20 – 22, 2012 Hartford, Connecticut International Skating Center of Connecticut April 27 – 29, 2012 Atlantic City, New Jersey Flyers’ Skate Zone (Flyers’ Facility) May 4 – 6, 2012

WE’LL HELP YOU STAY FOCUSED ON YOUR GOAL. ESPECIALLY IF IT’S SCORING ONE. Open up your team’s travel options when you stay at any of the 15 southeast Michigan Marriott® hotels. Our unique blend of service and amenities is designed to support you while you support the team. To reserve your room, call 1-800-MARRIOTT or visit Marriott.com. Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center 400 Renaissance Drive Detroit, MI 48243 313-568-8000 detroitmarriott.com

Courtyard Detroit Dearborn 5200 Mercury Drive Dearborn, MI 48126 313-271-1400 dearborncourtyard.com

Courtyard Detroit Southfield 27027 Northwestern Highway Southfield, MI 48033 248-358-1222 southfieldcourtyard.com

Detroit Marriott Troy 200 W Big Beaver Road Troy, MI 48084 248-680-9797 troymarriott.com

Courtyard Detroit Downtown 333 East Jefferson Ave Detroit, MI 48226 313-222-7700 detroitdowntowncourtyard.com

Courtyard Detroit Troy 1525 East Maple Road Troy, MI 48083 248-528-2800 detroittroycourtyard.com

The Dearborn Inn, A Marriott Hotel 20301 Oakwood Blvd Dearborn, MI 48124 313-271-2700 dearborninnmarriott.com

Courtyard Detroit Farmington Hills 31525 West 12 Mile Road Farmington Hills, MI 48334 248-553-0000 marriott.com/dtwfm

Residence Inn Detroit Warren 30120 Civic Center Blvd Warren, MI 48093 586-558-8050 residenceinnwarren.com

Courtyard Detroit Airport Romulus 30653 Flynn Drive Romulus, MI 48174 734-721-3200 detroitairportcourtyard.com

Courtyard Detroit Livonia 17200 N Laurel Park Drive Livonia, MI 48152 734-462-2000 livoniacourtyard.com

SpringHill Suites Detroit Southfield 28555 Northwestern Highway Southfield, MI 48034 248-352-6100 marriott.com/dtwsd

Courtyard Detroit Auburn Hills 1296 Opdyke Road Auburn Hills, MI 48326 248-373-4100 auburnhillscourtyard.com

Courtyard Detroit Novi 42700 West 11 Mile Road Novi, MI 48375 248-380-1234 novicourtyard.com

TownePlace Suites Detroit Sterling Heights 14800 Lakeside Circle Sterling Heights, MI 48313 marriott.com/dtwtu

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23

YOUTH HOCKEY

Little Caesars beats Mississauga Rebels to help the US earn Nations Cup trophy

N

eeding a victory for the USA to win the 2012 Nations Cup trophy, the 2000 Little Caesars squad responded by defeating the No. 1 ranked team in Canada, the Mississauga Rebels, by a score of 3-0. After a scoreless two periods, Little Caesars’ Ryan Lautenbach tallied the eventual game-winner less than 30 seconds into the third. Aiden Gallacher followed 7 minutes later with a shot from the right circle to make it 2-0. And Max Ellis sealed the victory with an empty-netter in the final minute of play. Robert Pegrum stood tall in net in earning the shutout. Robert and the Caesars’ defense withstood two 5-on-3 situations, with the second one lasting just over 1:30 early in the third period when the score was still 1-0. In killing the penalties, the LC defense blocked more shots than they allowed through to the net. The entire Caesars squad played outstanding in defeating a very talented Mississauga team – a team whose last loss was back in September. After the game, players from all the US teams joined Little Caesars on the ice to celebrate the USA victory. Tournament Summary After round robin play, the score was in favor of the U.S. 25-21, giving them home ice advantage throughout Sunday’s playoff action. On Sunday for the final round and playoff action, the 6th seed U.S. Team would play the 6th seed Canadian team with the games counting for one point, while the 5th seed games counted for two points, the 4th seed for three, the 3rd seed game for four points, the 2nd seed games for

five points and the 1st seed games for six points. Results from Sunday’s action: The 6th seed game - St. Louis Blues defeated the Toronto Titans 6-3. Providing 1 point for the U.S The 5th seed game - Markham Waxers defeated the Mid Fairfield Blues 5-3. Providing 2 Points for Canada The 4th seed game – Philadelphia Little Flyers defeated the Lambton Jr. Sting 3-2. Providing 3 points for the U.S. The 3rd seed game – York Simcoe Express and Cleveland Barons skated to a 2-2 tie. Providing each side with 2 points. The 2nd seed game - Elgin Chiefs defeated Honeybaked 5-1. This gave Canada a 9-6 lead with one game left. The final game and 1st seed game of the tournament

was between Little Caesars and the Mississauga Rebels (No. 1 Ontario). Little Caesars earned an impressive 3-0 shutout win to give the U.S. six points and the 12-9 overall win. LITTLE CAESARS ROSTER: Forwards: Sam Brennan, Max Ellis, Aiden Gallacher, Jonathan Gruden, Ryan Kerchoff, Joey Larson, Ryan Lautenbach, Jack VanDenBeurgeury, Antonio Venuto Defensemen: Declan Carlile, Blake Conley, Tyler German, Gregory Kreutzer, Jacob Semik, Christopher Tamer Goalies: Mitchell Connolly, Robert Pegrum

Novi mite team wins Chicago tournament The Novi Panthers mite hockey team went to Chicago for the “Chi-Town Cup” Tournament. Game 1 was a hard fought battle but the Panthers lost 7-4. In Game 2 they were still feeling the exhaustion of the road trip, but pulled off the win 7-6. Feeling revived, they started playing like their normal selves, winning their next game 9-4, earning a spot in the semifinals

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Michigan Hockey

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and a rematch with the only team that topped them. Novi prevailed, advancing to the finals with a 7-3. They played the Skokie Flyers, a team they were familiar with after tying them in a local tournament, but when the smoke cleared it was a Panthers’ victory of 4-1.

FEBRUARY 6, 2012 V.22 : I.13

WEYOUTH IVERP S ROINUJ HOCKEY

52999 Dequindre Rd. Rochester MI 48307

www.onyxicearena.com

MAHA to examine 8U rules, consider compromise

A

fter the conclusion of the MAHA winter meeting, held from Jan. 20-21 at the Southgate Holiday Inn, association presidents and highranking officials met to discuss the mite player development rules and guidelines – a hotly-debated topic over the past few seasons. Two rule-change proposals passed at the winter meeting – proposals are voted on for approval/denial during the MAHA summer meeting – that could alter the 8U landscape moving forward. The first proposal that moved forward has revisions to the original 8U rule, which include that a minimum of 10 ADM station practices must be attended, and that 8U teams are restricted to 30 games per season. The reason for the change, according to the MAHA booklet, is to bring Michigan into compliance with the ADM and encourage ADM practices. The second proposal is to attempt to large portions of the original rule, siting that it is not practical to re-establish teams once the season begins, and that the rule puts too much financial risk on associations. The submission says that the rule compromises the cohesiveness of team formations. MAHA president George Atkinson told Michigan Hockey that the consensus of the associations meeting was that neither proposal is the ideal solution, and that MAHA needs to have additional support for the needs and the continued education of parents, coaches, and associations, on the benefits of the new player development program from USA Hockey.

FEBRUARY 6, 2012 V.22 : I.13

“I will be putting together a special committee to gather input and make a recommendation for a proposal that incorporates the ADM principles but allows options and a number of full-ice games and tournaments,” Atkinson said. “Our associations want a solution that will keep all 8U hockey players in their associations and not playing in other programs. I will be putting together a timeline this week to gather input from associations and districts on this issue with the goal of the Executive Committee endorsing a recommendation for a compromise by March 1.” Other proposals of note from the winter meeting include: • At the Tier 1 and Tier 2 levels, if a 14U girls team is to form, there must already be a 12U and 10U or girls LTP in place from the previous season. (Reason for change: Help growth of girls hockey, and help the stability and growth of girls hockey associations, while increasing incentives to start younger programs.) • Youth teams to be restricted to only two non-U.S. citizen players in a season. (Reason for change: There is currently no limit on youth teams for non-U.S. citizen players, yet both Junior and girls national-bound teams limit the number of non-U.S. citizen players to two.) • Girls can move up to higher age-group teams within their own organization. (Reason for change: Bring girls hockey in line with boys.)

Check out all the fun programs at the ONYX!

For Ages 3-Adult

Session 5

Feb. 22 to Apr. 14 Class Times:

Wednesday 10-11am, 1-2pm, 4-6pm Friday 10-11am, 1-2pm, 4-6pm Saturday 10:30am-1:00pm Taking first steps to playing hockey and freestyle skating

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Phone: 248.601.6699 email: agiwa@suburbanice.com

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25

JUNIORS PREVIEW NTDP

BY MICHAEL CAPLES

A

NN ARBOR – The hallways of the National Team Development Program’s offices are lined with former players who skated in Ann Arbor. They travel from across the country to come to “The Cube” and play for USA Hockey’s program designed to propel players to college hockey and beyond. Yet two of the current players didn’t have to travel very far to compete for Team USA. In fact, they didn’t even have to adjust to a new blueline partner, nor even find that one closest cohort in the locker room. For Jacob Trouba and Patrick Sieloff, every day in Ann Arbor is just another day at the rink shared between best friends. The Michigan natives – Trouba is from Rochester, while Sieloff is from Ann Arbor – established themselves as elite talent in the Great Lakes state while patrolling the blue line together in the Compuware organization. And for the past two years, they’ve been doing the same thing, just in a slightly higher stage of hockey, like international tournaments against some of the best players in the world. “It’s awesome,” Trouba said of having Sieloff by his side every day. “I don’t have to talk to him about anything. He

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Michigan Hockey

Defensemen, prospects & friends gets mad, but he’ll never get mad towards me. He’s a nice kid.” The duo, who have been on the same team for six years by Trouba’s estimation, have clearly benefitted from skating side-by-side for so many years. When asked whether they compete with one another on the ice, Sieloff laughed and said “definitely”. “I think if I told him I have a better shootout move, he would freak out,” Sieloff said. “That’s probably the big thing actually, the shoot-out move. I’ve got the better shoot-out move.” The competitive drive in the two friends has led them both to amateur championships, scholarship offers from elite universities, and NHL draft expectations. In the latest NHL Central Scouting rankings of North American skaters, Trouba is No. 9, and Sieloff is No. 34. Hearing their names called by professional teams will be just the latest addition to resumes built by the pair of defensemen that include national title medals with Compuware, international tournament victories, and guaranteed spots in college. Sieloff will be heading to Ohio to play for Enrico Blasi and the Miami RedHawks, while Trouba will stay in Ann Arbor, to play for Red Berenson and the Michigan Wolverines.

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But until they officially enroll in classes, the duo will continue practicing with some of the top coaches and trainers in the country for their age level, and continue to compete in both United States Hockey League games and international tournaments. Trouba insisted it would be OK if they had to play on separate lines for a while. “We were split up last year for a while, and we were split up on Compuware for a while,” he said. “We just enjoy playing together. But we’re not going to get mad if we don’t.” On the same line or on separate ones, both Trouba and Sieloff know that while they continue to move closer of one day skating with or against each other at the professional level, they have a long way to go. Sieloff said they don’t talk about that possibility much, instead focusing on the present-day challenges and tasks. “Obviously every kid wants to do that, but I mean, we both have our goals, where we want to be, and obviously the end goal is to be in the NHL,” Sieloff said. “It would be unbelievable if we both end up going. I think if we both keep working hard, do what we’ve been doing, it’ll take us where we have to go.”

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WEIVERP SRO INUJ NTDP

PATRICK SIELOFF BIRTHDAY: May 15, 1994 HOMETOWN: Ann Arbor, MI POSITION: Defense HEIGHT: 6’0” WEIGHT: 196 lbs. SCOUTING REPORT FROM THE REDHAWKS COACHING STAFF: “Patrick’s strength is in his skating ability and the physical element he brings to the game. He is a very reliable defender that has a knack for delivering the big hit and can shoot the puck well too.” Patrick Sieloff has a commute to work that most of us in Michigan can only dream of. He lives in Ann Arbor. He goes to school in Ann Arbor. And he plays hockey – a lot of hockey – in, you guessed it, Ann Arbor. Sieloff said he didn’t know about the NTDP until his year at Compuware, but became intrigued with the idea of playing close to home when he was evaluating his options to improve his game. “This opportunity was given to me, and it wasn’t far from home,” Sieloff said. “I could live at home, which I still do, and I couldn’t ask for anything better. Still living with my family, it’s like 15 minutes away it’s not too bad.”

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Sieloff said that there was more to his decision of playing for Team USA then just the distance from his family’s living room. “I don’t know how [Juniors programs] workout things are, but here, it’s every day,” Sieloff said. “Working out three times a week, skating every day; when I heard of that, I knew that that was a big thing on my part. I wanted to improve my game and gain some weight, and also get taller, but also playing for my country. There was no way I could turn that down when it was offered.” The training the NTDP offers has helped Sieloff grow into the type of defenseman he wants to be. “I like to be a physical defenseman,” the 17-year-old said, “ and a defensive defenseman also. When the rush is given, offensive chances are given, I’ll go, but I like to shut down top lines, I like to play defensive zone, hit.” And Sieloff takes great pride in the opportunity he has had to play for the Red, White and Blue. “The first time was definitely goose bumps all around,” Sieloff said. “But I think it’s something earned, I’ve worked hard for it. Also, I’m not where I want to be yet I want to reach my goals. But putting the jersey on, it’s unbelievable, it’s almost like a dream come true every time.”

JACOB TROUBA BIRTHDAY: FEB 26, 1994 HOMETOWN: ROCHESTER, MI POSITION: DEFENSE HEIGHT: 6’2” WEIGHT: 194 LBS. SCOUTING REPORT FROM THE WOLVERINES COACHING STAFF: “Set himself apart in the upper echelon of ‘94 d-men ... Great size, strength and a real passion for game.” Jacob Trouba would rather talk about his famous barbeque burgers than his draft status. The elite prospect said that he makes the best BBQ burger around. “Me and my brother were stuck home maybe two years ago,” Trouba said. “My parents were gone with my little brother, so we had to fend for ourselves and cook. I learned how to make them, and then, I don’t know, I’ve made them ever since.” That, along with his superstition of not wearing any deodorant on game days, reminds people that Trouba is just like any other 17-year-old. Then, you look at NHL. com and see that he has his own blog, and you’re reminded that he could one day be playing against the best players in the world. But the humble Rochester native says

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that all the talk from scouts and members of the media don’t mean anything until he proves himself on the ice. “That doesn’t really matter,” Trouba said of his ranking of draft-eligible players. “People say whatever they want. I don’t think it really changes how I play or what I’ve done. I’m just as far as all of them are, no matter what anybody else says, until I actually prove myself and do what everybody says I can do, then I don’t think it really matters.” Right now, Trouba is focused on getting through the daily grind of being both a student, and a member of Team USA in Ann Arbor. “Go to school, then come here ready to work, and do whatever you’re told to do. Usually we practice, then we lift two or three times a week, then we have lifeskills, or other stuff on the side that we do. Sometimes you don’t get home until 7 o’clock, sometimes you don’t get home until 5. It really depends, but every day is a challenge.” A challenge the talented defenseman enjoys, however. “It’s definitely fun. It definitely has to be something you want to do, or else you won’t enjoy it, because you’re at it all the time, it’s a full-time thing. It’s a lot of fun for me. I think everyone here really loves hockey, but it’s not for everyone, for sure.”

Michigan Hockey

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YOUTH HOCKEY

Jacobs, Godbout shine in Youth Olympic Games For Ages 3-Adult

SESSION 5

February 25 - April 19 We offer classes for all ages from beginner to advanced. Class times: Tuesday 5:15pm, Wednesday 10am & 1pm Thursday 10am, 1pm & 5:15pm, Saturday: 10:25am & 11:15am Phone: 248.246.3966

email: sprevost@suburbanice.com

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Michigan Hockey

BY STEFAN KUBUS

E

very two years, the Youth Olympic Games lets the world’s most athletically-talented 14-18 year olds do what they do best – compete. And it’s always more special to follow those with a hometown connection. These games began back in the summer of 2010, coinciding with the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, and are staggered every two years between summer and winter events, akin to the Olympic Games format. Two young men to keep in mind going forward from this 2012 Winter Youth Olympic Games are Michigan’s own Joshua Jacobs and Marcel Godbout. Jacobs, a Shelby Township native on the verge of his 17th birthday, represented his country on the blue line. He currently plays for the midget minor Detroit Honeybaked club. Just last season, Jacobs tallied 28 points in 31 games for Belle Tire; very impressive numbers for a defenseman. After posting 24 goals and 49 points in 31 games with Belle Tire in 2009-10, the 15-year-old Godbout moved on to perhaps the nation’s most famous hockey prep school – Shattuck St. Mary’s – where the likes of Sidney Crosby, Jack Johnson and Ryan Malone played before beginning careers in the NHL. On Tuesday, USA edged out Finland 5-4. The Americans ďŹ nished the opening round 2-1, including a 7-2 opening win over Austria, in which Godbout, the Center Line native, recorded two goals and an assist. The lone loss came at the hands of their rivals north of the border, a 5-1 decision dropped to Canada. Jacobs had the lone assist on USA’s only goal against the

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Canadians. In the ďŹ nal preliminary game, the Russians were simply too much for the U.S., outgunning the Americans 7-1, while doubling their shots 30-15. It wasn’t a promising outlook following that evening, as just two days later, the United States had another date with Russia in the semiďŹ nal. Although this one was a closer match-up, the Americans fell once again, a 5-2 decision this time. Russia earned themselves a birth in the gold medal game, where they would fall to Finland 2-1. The bronze medal game held another rematch. This time, it would be a second crack at the Canadians. After being outshot 27-16 in their ďŹ rst meeting, there’s no doubt that question marks were looming over how the U.S. would respond. However, the Americans astonishingly outshot Canada 40-19. Unfortunately, their own goaltending was something of a weakness. U.S.A. outshot Canada 13-7 heading into the locker room after one period, yet Canada walked off with the 3-1 lead. Facing a seemingly insurmountable 4-1 deďŹ cit after two periods of solid goaltending, the Americans mustered a promising comeback. The U.S. came back to within two with about seven minutes to play, including a goal set up by Jacobs, but that would be all for the Americans. Though outscoring the Canadians 3-0 in the third, the U.S. suffered a 7-5 loss for a fourth place ďŹ nish at the inaugural event.

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NORTH AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE

T

he NAHL Top Prospects Tournament will have a decisive Michigan flavor as more than a handful of the players named to the six rosters call the Mitten State home. With four teams in the league and a great many other teams listing Michigan natives on their rosters, it’s easy to see that Michigan is certainly one of the country’s top hockey hotbeds when it comes to producing top-level junior hockey talent on its way to playing college hockey. “From both a geographical and historical perspective, Michigan is such an integral part of our league,” said NAHL commissioner Mark Frankenfeld. “We pride ourselves on our unique events schedule with the sole purpose of elevating our players’ visibility in the college and professional scouting circles. 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. “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. The event keeps getting bigger and better year after year, both in terms of exposure for our players and prestige throughout the entire hockey community.” At this year’s event, scheduled for the Troy Sports Center from Feb. 17-20, six teams (Central, Midwest, North, South, West and the NAHL 18U Selects) will each play three games. Each team consists of a 20-man roster from players nominated by the league’s 28 head coaches and then chosen by a selection committee. All NAHL players are eligible to participate in the Top Prospects Tournament, regardless if they’ve committed to an NCAA school. Each of the teams will consist of 12 forwards, six defensemen and two goaltenders. The number of players represented by each NAHL team was based on each team’s winning percentage within their division as of Jan. 16. The coaches were also decided based on the top two teams in each division. On a local note, Port Huron Fighting Falcons head coach Bill Warren is set to guide the North squad, assisted by Marc Fakler from the Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings. Layne Sedevie from the Bismarck Bobcats will coach the Central team and his assistant will be Doc DelCastillo from the Alexandria Blizzard. The head coach of the Midwest team will be Dane Litke from the Janesville Jets and the assistant will be Jeff Brown from the St. Louis

NAHL.COM FEBRUARY 6, 2012 V.22 : I.13

Bandits. The head coach of the South team will be Dennis Williams from the Amarillo Bulls and the assistant will be Scott Langer from the Topeka RoadRunners, while Trevor Stewart (Fairbanks Ice Dogs) will lead the West along with Corey Millen (Alaska Avalanche). From a Michigan perspective, 21 players are set to showcase their talents at this year’s showcase.

3HL EAST SHOWCASE, A PART OF TROY EVENT The North American 3 Hockey League will also see some ice at the Top Prospects Tournament as eight of the league’s 16 teams (Battle Creek Jr. Revolution, Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks, Flint Jr. Generals, Metro Jets, Michigan Mountain Cats, Pittsburgh Jr. Penguins, Queen City Steam and Toledo Cherokee) will play four regular season games from Feb. 19-22 as part of the 3HL East Showcase. For Michigan head coach Chad Grills, he’s had those dates circled on his calendar since the event was first announced. “We are looking forward to the showcase so the kids can show their talents, as all kids are looking to move up or to move on to college,” said Grills. “It will be good for the kids to see a few games, to see where they stand and what they need to work on. I think it will be a great event for everyone involved.”

Top Prospects Rosters

BY MATT MACKINDER

MICHIGAN PRESENCE

MICHIGAN PLAYERS GALORE NAMED TO TOP PROSPECTS ROSTERS

WILL BADNER, Cadillac JOE BALLMER, Kalamazoo ADAM CHAPIE, Oxford BRETT D’ANDREA, Marysville JOSH DANGEL, Portage ZACK DORER, Holt JOEY FERRISS, Novi ANDREW GRAVES, Allen Park CHRIS LEIBINGER, Saginaw CHRIS LEONE, Dearborn BRET LEWANDOWSKI, Chesterfield BRANDON LUBIN, Commerce Township FRANK MISURACA, Clinton Township MIKE MOROSO, Macomb NICK NEVILLE, Bloomfield Hills STEVE OBARZANEK, Macomb ROBBIE PAYNE, Gaylord BROCK RAFFAELE, Cadillac KYLE SCHEMPP, Saginaw NOLAN VALLEAU, Novi AJ WHITE, Dearborn

PHL CHAMPIONSHIPS TO BE DECIDED IN TROY All North American Prospects Hockey League teams - Midget Major, Midget Minor and Bantam Major - will compete in the PHL Championship Tournament Series for the right to be crowned league champions. That event will run from Feb. 17-20. Last month, the NAPHL regular season came to a close with a four-day event held at the Troy Sports Center that saw the Pittsburgh Viper Stars (18U), San Jose Jr. Sharks (16U) and the St. Louis Selects (14U) skate away with regular season championships. According to NAPHL commissioner Denny Scanlon, the league is on the rise in terms of visibility and exposure. “At the end of the day, this league is all about player advancement,” said Scanlon. “I think our track record from year to year shows that. Each year when we start the application process, we have so many top-level teams that want to play in this league and that makes for some tough decisions. We have a lot of positive momentum here and it’s exciting to me to see how far this league has come in just a short period of time. We’re here for the long haul – we’re not going anywhere.”

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Michigan Hockey

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USHL

USHL/NHL TOP PROSPECTS G BY MATT MACKINDER

M

USKEGON – The best of the best in the United States Hockey League came to Muskegon Jan. 24 for the first annual USHL/ NHL Top Prospects Game at L.C. Walker

Arena. In a game only announced in early December, the turnout was decent fan-wise and all 30 NHL teams had scouts in attendance. USHL commissioner Skip Prince said he was “very, very happy” with the night’s events. “The Muskegon Lumberjacks organization did a solid job and the community really got behind this,” said Prince. “I think if we do this again, we’ll look at the timing of it… but that being said, I thought this was a great event with a great turnout.” Even the players were caught at times glancing into the

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crowd to see NHL teams eyeballing their every move on the ice. “It was a little nerve-racking playing in front of so many scouts, but you just have to play your game and hopefully, they like you for who you are and how you play and not what you’re trying to do,” added Muskegon forward and Michigan State recruit Matt DeBlouw. “If I did something special out there and they remembered it, maybe in June, they’ll think back at me and what I did here.” On the ice, Team East rallied from a 2-0 deficit to beat Team West 5-3. “This was a great event and it gave everyone on the ice the opportunity to showcase themselves in front of every NHL team,” said USHL director of hockey operations and player development Tony Gill. “I thought Muskegon did a great job planning this and supporting it and I hope this game will be a memory for these kids for a long time.” Indiana’s Robbie Baillargeon won the Team East MVP with a two-goal performance, while Fargo’s Austin Farley claimed the West’s top honors with a goal and an assist. Farley, whose 48 points rank second in the league, assisted on A.J. Michaelson’s (Waterloo) goal at 6:26 of the first period and then scored at 13:57 to give Team West an early two-goal cushion. Baillargeon countered with an unassisted goal with 1:46 to go in the first, deking Sioux Falls goalie Stephon Williams to the ice before going backhand. Four minutes into the second, Muskegon’s Jordan Masters picked up a loose puck and quickly centered for Baillargeon’s game-tying tally. Green Bay’s Nicholas Schilkey, a Smiths Creek native, gave the East its first lead at 10:10 of the second. After a faceoff win by Indiana’s Robert Polesello, Schilkey ripped a one-timer that new West goalie Jay Williams (Waterloo), who had just entered in relief, appeared to stop. After review, however, it was ruled that the puck crossed the goal line and the goal counted. Michigan recruit Justin Selman tied it up at 3-all at 14:37. A pass from Austyn Young, Selman’s Sioux Falls teammate, found Selman at the left circle. Selman tried to center the puck, but it bounced off a defenseman’s skate and past East netminder Jon Gillies (Indiana). Seven minutes into the third, the East grabbed the lead right back. Dubuque defenseman Matthew Caito, a late injury replacement for teammate Mike Matheson, set up Schilkey in the slot. Schilkey’s shot bounced off Williams and right to Jeff Kubiak (Chicago), who finished the play at the right post. Alex Kile’s (Green Bay) late power-play goal at 18:39 gave the East some breathing room. Gillies finished with 19 saves after coming

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in for Alex Lyon, who allowed goals on both shots he faced. Stephon Williams kicked out 20 of 23 shots, while Jay Williams turned aside 13 of 15 fired his way. Below: Matt DeBlouw, of Chesterfield, skates away from the opening face-off. Right: Top prospect Jordan Schmaltz during warm-ups. (Photos by Michael Caples/Michigan Hockey)

In a game some could see as an All-Star game of sorts, which it is, others would like to see an event like this be an annual occasion in the USHL. “Sometimes when you come into a game like this, the guys might treat it like a skills competition, but I thought the guys came out and competed and played hard,” said Team West coach Chad Johnson (Lincoln). “I think it’s a no-brainer that the league does this every year. Muskegon put on a great show and I thought the play on the ice was outstanding.” Legendary Michigan State coach Ron Mason was an honorary coach for Team East and raved after the game

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AME COMES TO MUSKEGON about how far the USHL has come since he retired from coaching in 2002. “Back 20 years ago when the USHL first started, I thought the level of play was OK and now, it’s just phenomenal,” said Mason. “I never watched a lot of USHL games, but my assistants did. I used to go to Detroit and Southern Ontario as those were our closest areas to watch people. “Now, we’ve got a team right here in Muskegon. It’s unbelievable what (Lumberjacks owner-GM) Josh (Mervis) has done to put this team here. For all the schools in the state of Michigan, it’s just phenomenal. It’s just great.”

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WEST

Michigan Hockey

31

PLYMOUTH WHALERS

Aleardi proving to be impact player for Whalers BY CARL CHIMENTI Alex Aleardi has gone through two NHL drafts and not heard his name called. He’s looking to prove to all 30 NHL teams that he warrants a chance and by looking at the Farmington Hills native’s play this season, how is anyone to argue? Aleardi leads the Whalers in goals (27) through the end of January, but he’d rather talk about an aspect of his game he’s embraced since coming to the Whalers just prior to last season from Belleville. “My time in Plymouth has gone very well and (Plymouth coach-GM) Mike Vellucci has really turned my game around. He’s taught me to see different situations and how to play in the defensive zone. I wasn’t really a twoway player until I came to Plymouth and I owe a lot of that to what Mike’s done. My numbers are good, but we have such a deep line-up that really anyone can score.” Playing most of the season on a line with overagers Andy Bathgate and Jamie Devane, Aleardi said the line had chemistry almost right from the get-go. “I played with Bathgate when we were both in Belleville, so we had that going for us when Mike put us together here,” explained Aleardi. “He plays a lot like me and is a great playmaker. Devane is one of those guys that opens up space for myself and Bathgate. All three of us have a lot of experience and the chemistry has just been outstanding.” Aleardi is hoping his offensive output this year leads to a free agent contract with an NHL club. He said, too, that several teams have expressed interest in getting him signed and into the organization. “I think the fact that I’m showing I can be a two-way player is helping me get noticed,” Aleardi said. “I talk to Mike a lot and he tells me what I need to hear – that teams have definitely been calling him asking about me. I think going into last year and then this year, I’ve had a lot of fire and energy just knowing that I didn’t get drafted, but always believing in myself and knowing I should have. Every player wants to get drafted, but that being said, it’s definitely a good option when you basically have 30 teams to choose from.” And while Aleardi wouldn’t say that he wished he could have been in Plymouth for all of his four years in the OHL, it is certainly something that crosses his mind from time to time. “I guess you can always look back and things do go through your head, but I’ve always been a firm believer that everything happens for a reason,” said Aleardi, now 19. “My rookie year in Kitchener, we had a great fan base and (Rangers coach) Steve Spott was a great coach. Then when I went to Belleville, I had another great coach in George Burnett. George taught me a lot about the game. Coming here, I think I’m more mature and have learned how to play the game at a fast pace.

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Adult Hockey Tournament “You can always look forward and wonder what if, but it’s better to just look forward and make the most of what you have.” WILSON HAS EYES ON MEMORIAL CUP, NHL DRAFT In his second season with the Whalers, forward Tom Wilson is eligible for this June’s NHL draft in Pittsburgh and looks at this point to be taken somewhere in the second or third round. Ask him, though, and he prefers to put the draft as far away in his head as possible. “I am a very competitive kid and don’t like to see others ranked ahead of me,” said Wilson, a Toronto native who turns 18 at the end of March. “I am always striving to improve my ranking, but at the end of the day, it is just a ranking. I play with great linemates (J.T. Miller and Mitchell Heard) and a great team and at the end of the day, I think the draft will take care of itself.” Coming into the OHL as a 16-year-old rookie in 2010 after the Whalers drafted him in the second round, Wilson has improved steadily on a daily basis that this season, he was selected to play in the Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game, held Feb. 1 in Kelowna, B.C. Again, though, Wilson shows his humble side when asked about his season with the Whalers, a season in which he leads the team in penalty minutes and also recorded a “Gordie Howe Hat Trick” (goal, assist, fight) on Jan. 16 against Windsor. “I think at this point in the season, I can’t complain,” Wilson said. “As a team, we are playing great chasing London for the first spot in the Western Conference. That’s really all that matters and I am just playing my role to do whatever I can to help the team succeed. “I am looking forward to a big finish for us, which I hope will in turn help things work out for me individually.” Showing his team-first attitude, Wilson knows what’s at stake each time the Whalers hit the ice. “We have such great depth with four lines that can produce on any given night, great defense and not to mention, two of the best goalies in the league (Scott Wedgewood and Monroe’s Matt Mahalak),” said Wilson. “We all believe in our team and buy in to the goal of winning the Memorial Cup. The West is very much up for grabs and I can see our team making it close for that first spot with London.”

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FEBRUARY 6, 2012 V.22 : I.13

Bluewater Sharks Spring Hockey Tournaments th "OOVBM #MVFXBUFS 4IBSLT #PZT i"""w (JSMT i""w 8PNFO .FO T 3FDSFBUJPOBM /PO $PNQFUJUJWF

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BRIDGE BRAWL

BATTLE AT THE BRIDGE TOURNAMENT SERIES TOURNAMENT TOWN, ST. IGNACE, MI Level Mites Squirts Pee Wees Bantams Midgets Youth Pond Hockey

Period Length 10 Minutes 12 Minutes 13 Minutes 14 Minutes 14 minutes (2) 20 Minute Halves

Nov. 4-6, 2011 Pee Wee B

Jan. 6-8, 2012 Bantam B

Dec. 2-4, 2011 Squirt B

Feb. 24-26, 2012 Midget B, BB, A, AA

ARENAS: RBC Centre (Formally Sarnia Sports & Entertainment)

'PS JOGPSNBUJPO DPOUBDU &E .BSDZ t t FNBSDZ!TZNQBUJDP DB PS -BODF .BSDZ t t MNBSDZ!DPHFDP DB

APPLICATIONS ON: www.bluewatersharkshockey.com

Feb. 25-26, 2012 U.P. 4 on 4 Youth Pond Hockey Championship, All Levels and Divisions

Entry Fee $500 $650 $650 $700 $800 ($200 per team or (2) Teams for $300 March 9-11, 2012 12 Team Mite B Full Ice Tournament

Tournament Features: ‡ JDPH PLQLPXP ‡ )UHH VNLOOV FRPSHWLWLRQ fastest skater, shooting accuracy, hardest shot and goalie competition ‡ +RFNH\ EDJ FKDLQV IRU every player ‡ 7RXUQDPHQW PHGDOV IRU all players ‡ VW ² WK SODFH WHDP Trophies ‡ 093 DZDUGV for each team ‡ &KDPSLRQVKLS EDQQHU

Little Bear East Arena, 275 Marquette Street St. Ignace, MI 49781 Phone: 906-643-8676, Fax: 906-643-6082, Email: Lbe@cityofstignace.net http://littlebeararena.com/,Visitor’s Bureau: http://www.stignace.com/ or Chamber of Commerce: http://www.saintignace.org/

Adray 2011/2012 Hockey Season Information can be found on adrayhockey.org

2011/2012 Season Championship Locations

ADRAY

CHAMPIONSHIPS GIRLS MIDGET Squirt, PeeWee and Bantam levels CHAMPIONSHIP CHAMPIONSHIP February 24, 25, 26 Mackinaw City, MI

FEBRUARY 6, 2012 V.22 : I.13

March 2, 3, 4, 2012 Edge Grand Rapids, MI MIHOCKEYNOW.COM

March 16, 17, 18, 2012 Mt Clemens, MI

Michigan Hockey

33

GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS

Chris Conner —

MADE IN MICHIGAN BY KYLE KUJAWA

I

f there’s a sheet of ice in the state of Michigan, then there’s a good chance that Grand Rapids Griffins forward Chris Conner has skated on it. Conner has had the rare opportunity to play youth, college and professional hockey in Michigan, spreading from his current residence in Grand Rapids, to his college days in the Upper Peninsula and, most recently, with the Detroit Red Wings, the team he idolized while learning the basics of the game from some of Michigan’s most prestigious youth programs. “I played for Little Caesars, Compuware and Honeybaked growing up,” said Conner, a native of Livonia. “I was jumping around from team to team. I was trying to go to where some of my friends were going.” Conner noted that many of his lifelong friendships have stemmed from the early morning practices at local rinks and tournaments in multiple states and countries. One of Conner’s closest friends is Vancouver Canucks forward Ryan Kesler, who grew up a few doors down his street. “Obviously, Ryan’s done really well for himself,” Conner said. “There’s a lot of guys I grew up with who are still playing now. It’s always nice to see them, and you talk about other guys who played with who were good and who got weeded out.” Competitive programs helped pave the way for Conner’s path to the NHL. He enjoyed having the ability to jump from team to team, while still being able to play a tough schedule with reasonable travel, compared to other states that might not have as many options for young players. “Michigan’s great for youth hockey,” said the 28-year-old winger. “I think the competition is great. With all the teams, you can tell that it’s growing and getting better all the time. “There are some teams now that weren’t around when I grew up. I remember the Fraser Falcons were always really good, along with Compuware, Little Caesars, Honeybaked, and even some of the teams from Chicago.” After his junior career ended and he graduated high school, Conner was looking to transition directly to college. When the opportunity to stay in state and attend Michigan Tech came up, he jumped at the chance. “They approached me in a very professional manner from Day 1,” said Conner, who tallied 129 points (69-60—129) in 151 games with the Huskies. “Being from Michigan, staying in the state was nice. I wanted to go right into college, too. My time there was great, I was happy with my decision.” Conner signed a tryout contract with the AHL’s Iowa Chops following his senior season, a decision that eventually landed him his first NHL contract with the Dallas Stars. He remained in their organization for three seasons before latching on with Pittsburgh from 2009-11. He entered this season with 174 points (72-102—174) in 218 AHL games and 40 points (16-24—40) in 139 NHL contests. When the Red Wings came knocking this July offering a

34

Michigan Hockey

chance for Conner to return to Michigan and play closer to his family, including his wife Lindsay and their two young children, the decision was easy. He started the season and quickly found himself among the AHL’s top five scorers, before getting a shot to prove himself with Detroit, his favorite team growing up. “I was really excited to get the opportunity,” he said. “You can always dream about how cool it would be to play for the hometown team, but to actually get to do it was a really awesome experience.” Conner posted a goal and two assists in seven games with the Red Wings before returning to the Griffins in early January. He notched his first goal as a Red Wing on Dec. 10 versus Winnipeg, when a centering feed for Dan Cleary banked in off a defenseman. Although it wasn’t quite the goal he dreamed up playing street hockey in Livonia, the moment will certainly rank among his favorites when his playing days are over. “They usually don’t ask how it goes in,” he said with a laugh. “I’ll take whatever I can get. We won the game, which was a big bonus. I just want to do anything I can to help the team win. Obviously, you’d like to have a nice breakaway or something, but I was just happy to get one in.” Despite having proved himself a top AHL scorer for several seasons now, Conner is still working to get another call-up to the NHL. In the meantime, he is enjoying the new scenery in Grand Rapids. “This was my first time being out here, besides playing for the visiting team a couple times here and there,” said Conner. “It’s a great city and great organization.” He’ll be seeing a lot more of Grand Rapids in February, as the team will play 10 of its next 12 games at Van Andel Arena. For Conner, it’s a chance to take his game to the next level and help the Griffins make a push for the playoff s.

MIHOCKEYNOW.COM

FEBRUARY 6, 2012 V.22 : I.13

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4th Annual

E G D E D AKLAN

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t n e m a n r u o T key

Adult Hoc

Ap

2 1 0 2 , 2 2 0 ril 2

Men’s Divisions A – age 25 and up* B – age 30 and up* C – age 30 and up* D – age 30 and up* 50+ age 50 and up** *Goalies age 25 and up **Goalies age 45 and up

Women’s Division Open – age 21 and up Sled Division Co-ed – age 15 and up

- Each team is guaranteed 3 games, up to 5 games total - Three 15 minute running-time periods - USA Hockey Rules - Individual & Team Trophies - Free Team Pictures - ALL PARTICIPANTS receive a TOURNAMENT T-SHIRT - AFTER PARTIES and DISCOUNTS at local bars and restaurants

Presented by:

$750 per team Same as last year.

save $50

For more information contact

$700 if paid in full by January 31, 2012

Register at

ONYX ICE ARENA - ROCHESTER, MI

oaklandedge.com

Ed Joss 248-721-1204 josse@oakgov.com Tournament Sanctioned by MAHA & USA Hockey #MIT120229

Registration deadline: March 19, 2012

MichiganHockeyOnline.com

Michigan Hockey

35

JUNIORS PREVIEW RED WINGS INSIDER

Detroit forward Pavel Datsyuk is on pace to compete for the NHL scoring crown this season. (Tom Turrill/ Michigan Hockey)

J

ust as quietly as he sneaks up to steal the puck from behind on opponents, Detroit’s Pavel Datsyuk has stealthy climbed into a third-place tie in the NHL’s scoring race by the All-Star break. The Wings’ center has 53 points, sitting only five behind scoring leader Evgeni Malkin. He’ll look to close the gap on the Pittsburgh star when the Detroit Red Wings head out west until Feb. 6 to restart the season after the NHL All-Star break. “He went from everyone was kind of critiquing him to, I think he’s four points away from taking over the scoring lead,” said Todd Bertuzzi, who plays on Datsyuk’s line with Johan Franzen. “He does everything pretty quiet, without a lot of fanfare and I think he likes that. At the same time, we understand how important he is in this room and we appreciate the work he does at both ends.” Datsyuk has 42 points in his past 32 games. It’s a far cry from the way he started the season with just two goals and 11 points in his first 17 games. It prompted Datsyuk to call himself out by describing his play as ‘terrible’ to that point. The next game in Los Angeles (Nov. 17), Datsyuk scored twice against the Kings and hasn’t stopped piling up the points since. He’s been held pointless in only four of the past 30 games. However, getting Datsyuk to talk about his own brilliance is harder than trying to stop him on the ice. “They help me a lot,” said Datsyuk, deflecting credit onto his linemates Bertuzzi and Johan Franzen. “It’s more help when it’s big guy, you can see more. They take care of me, play well and help me on defense and play great in offensive zone. Just grind, grind. They help me a lot. “I’m a small guy between two big guys.” With the NHL marketing department taking a blow through the loss of an injured Sidney Crosby and the drop-off in production from Alexander Ovechkin and Patrick Kane, there

36

Michigan Hockey

PAVEL DATSYUK The best player in the NHL? has been increasing chatter about the low profile of Datsyuk in the discussions of the game’s great stars. Datsyuk’s early language struggles, which his teammates have admitted he used to exaggerate to keep the post-game crowds away, certainly contributed to keeping him below the national media’s radar. However, he has a wicked sense of humor that he increasingly is taking the wraps off. “I think so,” said Franzen of whether he felt Datsyuk was underrated or perhaps underappreciated in the hockey world. “Not among the players, but among the general public. He still is underrated.” Franzen’s opinion is backed up by a recent Sports Illustrated poll of players that has Datsyuk listed the sixth most underrated player in the NHL in his peers’ opinion. Just how respected the slick Russian is around the league became evident at the All-Star Weekend in Ottawa. Datsyuk was the first pick overall in the player draft. Boston’s Zdeno Chara passed on several of his Boston teammates, who he asked if they’d mind if he took Datsyuk first in the draft. The big Bruin defenseman said he thought Datsyuk was the best all-around player in the game and wanted a chance to play with him rather than against him for a change. Calgary’s Jarome Iginla marveled at how someone of Datsyuk’s size is so hard to knock of the puck. Mostly, Datsyuk’s peers marveled at his skills, ability to steal the puck and his competitive nature all the while earning a reputation as one of the cleanest players in the league. Defenseman Ian White, who was signed as a free-agent over the summer, admits it’s the frequency with which Datsyuk produces moments of magic that has surprised him the most. In the fly-by world of the NHL, White said it’s difficult to appreciate

MIHOCKEYNOW.COM

BY DAVE WADDELL his new teammate’s consistency from afar. “He seems to do that kind of thing every game, so that’s why he’s one of the best in the world,” White said. “I don’t know if he’s better than I thought, but it’s neat to see how good he really is day in, day out. I’ve always regarded him as the best player in the world and to get to see him do it every game is quite amazing.” White then checked himself with a qualifier in deference to his defensive partner Nick Lidstrom. “Best forward in the world,” White said. “My D-partner is the best D-man in the world.” Wings’ coach Mike Babcock offers no such qualifiers in his opinion about where Datsyuk stands in the game. “He’s the best two-way player in hockey, bar none,” Babcock said. “That’s because of his commitment without the puck and his face-offs and his strength and his battle level. All the intangible things he has beside his skill set and his vision. Those things are God-gifted, the other stuff he’s earned.” He’s generously listed as 5-foot-11, but it’s the solid 197 pounds and the wide, almost bow-legged stance he has that makes him so hard to knock off the puck. For Babcock, what Datsyuk accomplishes defensively is what separates him from most other offensive stars in the game. “Incredible, incredible player, better without the puck than he is with the puck if you can actually imagine that,” Babcock said. “He’s just a great, great player and he continues to be a dominant player in the league offensively and defensively.”

FEBRUARY 6, 2012 V.22 : I.13

JUNIORS THE LASTPREVIEW LINE

C

oming out of the All-Star break, I was expecting the Detroit Red Wings to play a sound, complete hockey game and they did in beating the Flames in Calgary 3-1. Why the expectation? It is all about standards and the very high standard of professionalism the Wings have set for themselves. I know, I know. It is only one game, but it embodied so much of what I have come to realize about this team and organization. The reality is, even with the accolades that people outof-market give the Red Wings, the small points that make this team special aren’t apparent. For instance: They deal with the expectation of winning unbelievably well. How about travel? You never hear them use it as an excuse for the odd stinker, like the loss on Long Island a couple of weeks ago. When the boys went on break one game early in losing 7-2 at Montreal, they came back, moved on and erased that memory with the effort in Calgary. These are details appreciated up close and not fully understood if you don’t follow the Wings up close here in Detroit. I know because for the last 14 years, I was one of those people – ready to give the Red Wings their obvious due, without seeing the layers. Having the privilege of covering the team as part of the Fox Sports Detroit studio crew, I’ve gained a whole new appreciation of just how focused and committed to winning this team is. They find ways to get points when they’re not at their collective best. They understand the importance of garnering standing points as a way of separating themselves from the frenetic, energy-sapping exercise of playing for survival down the stretch. Consequently, the Red Wings sit atop the NHL in points earned. In that regard, some might be surprised. But when you witness it up close game-by-game, surprise isn’t the right word. It’s more of a respect for what the team is doing yet again. This edition of the Red Wings is making the season special with their home-winning streak. That’s no small feat here in Hockeytown where Division titles are nearly an annual occurrence, while playoff appearances have been just that for the past twenty years. That ends up being the point – it isn’t about the encore, it is all about the process. Thousands of little details -handled to the point of expectation -- go into this team’s excellence. From Captain Lidstrom who, night in and night out, makes 100 necessary, inconspicuous plays that are artistry in their simplicity, to top forward Pavel Datsyuk who stickhandles with the puck and stick-checks without it with equal sense of importance, to Coach Mike Babcock whose stewardship of the journey is deft and results driven, the standards are set exceedingly high. This I do know from being other places. These standards are not standard. Very few organizations build to a model and stick with it. Fewer still have the level of sustained success witnessed here. Once again, the players in the locker room this season are perpetuating the culture created over the last 20-plus years. It is a legacy handed down, learned and lived. The success is easy to see from afar, but better understood up close. Maybe this is just a long way of saying, “the more things change, the more they stay the same.” In the case of the Detroit Red Wings that’s a good thing and not to be taken for granted. After all, this team takes nothing for granted.

38

Michigan Hockey

DON’T EVER TAKE THE DETROIT RED WINGS FOR GRANTED BY DARREN ELIOT

@Darren_Eliot

Mike Babcock serves as coach for a franchise that sets the bar for professionalism. (Tom Turrill/Michigan Hockey)

It’s part of who they are; it’s why the group can reconvene and get down to business so effectively on a random night in Calgary, as January concludes and the glare of

MIHOCKEYNOW.COM

the playoff lights and the ultimate goal are so far off. That built-in resolve is easy to overlook…even up close.

FEBRUARY 6, 2012 V.22 : I.13

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 participated in the 2011 NCAA Frozen 4, starting goalies and the player that scored including both star the Game-Winning goal

TROY, MI february event - Feb. 17-22, 2012

e colleg en t m t i m co m

nAHL TOP PROSPECTS TOURNAMENT TROY, MI - february 20-22, 2012

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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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