Michigan Hockey - March 5, 2012

YOUTH STATE TITLE COVERAGE BEGINS PAGE 18

WHO WILL RISE TO THE TOP? OUR CCHA PLAYOFF PREVIEW

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V.22 : I.16 | March 05, 2012

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

MICHIGAN MARCH O5, 2012 VOLUME 22: ISSUE 16 6 THE LOCKER ROOM Talking hockey on Facebook and Twitter

8 SLIDESHOW Hockey happenings from across the Mitten

10 SPEAKING OF HOCKEY

Who would you add to the Red Wings roster?

12 GET BETTER

Put pressure on opposition’s rush

14 YOU SHOULD KNOW Muskegon Lumberjacks’ Dakota Klecha

22 YOUTH HOCKEY 24 HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY 26 HOMETOWN HERO Michigan’s collegiate seniors from our state

30 TOURNAMENT CALENDAR

28

The latest tournament listings

COLLEGE PREVIEW How the Michigan-based CCHA teams stack up

39 NAHL

Troy’s Top Prospects Tournament a resounding success

40 MUSKEGON LUMBERJACKS Tyler Heinonen - From Minnesota to the Mitten

42 PLYMOUTH WHALERS Jones finding role with stacked Whalers’ squad

44 SAGINAW SPIRIT Dalton Young draws comparison to a famous Wing

46 GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS Patience is path for Brendan Smith

18

STATE CHAMPS

Youth state title games begin

4

Michigan Hockey

48

RED WINGS INSIDER

Addition by subtraction for the Wings at trade deadline

50

LOOK FOR OUR NEXT ISSUE LAST LINE

Darren Eliot shares his own NHL trade deadline day experience

MIHOCKEYNOW.COM

MARCH 12, 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

MARCH 05, 2012 V.22 : I.16

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

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 Where to begin?

After a one-week break (from our printing schedule), the team at Michigan Hockey is back at it. This is the first of three back-to-back-to-back issues in March, because let’s face it; we’re at the peak of hockey season. The Red Wings are quickly approaching the playoffs, the CCHA playoffs kick off this weekend, and youth teams from across the Mitten are competing in state championship games.

Here’s my two cents on the variety of topics we’re discussing in the next 40 or so pages.

I found it hilarious that the people who voted in our Facebook poll asking for a letter grade on the Red Wings’ trade deadline moves couldn’t come anywhere close to an agreement on the subject. Thirty percent gave Ken Holland an A, while 15 percent gave him an E (the lowest possible answer on the quiz). While 65 percent gave him either an A or a B, I just can’t understand the doubters. If there’s one team in the world that has earned the trust of their fan base in management decisions, isn’t it the Red Wings? If you disagree with me, talk to some Maple Leafs

@michaelcaples fans during the Winter Classic next year.

Congratulations go out to the Ferris State Bulldogs for proving me – and the majority of the media – wrong this season. I’m almost embarrassed to tell you to check out our playoff preview to see where I originally slated them to finish. Darren Eliot discusses that topic a little more thoroughly on Page 28.

And as we charge into the state title games, I offer the friendly reminder to keep things in perspective. While it’s great for kids to experience the thrill of being the best team in the age group in our hockey-crazed state, remember that they should be honored for their accomplishments, and not chastised for their failures. It’s about the fun, and the experience, at this time of year. Parents, coaches, players; everybody has to keep that in mind.

Hope to 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): The Mason Cup (photo courtesy of the CCHA, ‘98 Honeybaked team (Stefan Kubus/Michigan Hockey), Kyle Quincey (Tom Turrill/ Michigan Hockey) Cover: Photos courtesy of the CCHA and their respective schools

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

MARCH 05, 2012 V.22 : I.16

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

Michigan Hockey

5

THE LOCKER ROOM

THE

LOCKERROOM

ON THE FLY

LOCKER ROOM POLL Q:

We asked our Facebook followers the following question, and it seems like there’s quite a variety of opinions on the subject.

What letter grade would you give the Red Wings’ front office on their trade deadline moves/decisions?

A: A - 30% B - 35% C - 15%

D - 5% E - 15%

TWO FOR TWEETING Perhaps the biggest news out of the trade deadline was that Red Wings foe Rick Nash wasn’t traded, and that his GM revealed it was Nash himself that requested a trade.

The T Th e Re R Red d Wi W Wings ngs w ngs wi will ill ll h have av ve so some ome me n new ew w ttalent alle en nt on tthe he b he blue lue lline lu ine ne ffor or tthe or he e time being. Read more about Brendan Smith on Pages 46 and 48

Bloomfi Hills forward Bl field ld dH illl native il ti and d Wolverines W l i f d A.J. A J Treais T i off ffers himself up on the trading block in some trade deadline fun.

Vicki Vi ki S Spencley pencley McGovern sent us this photo with the following caption: “Parker Beauchamp from Cheboygan McDonald’s Bantams lays a (FREE CHECK) on a Soo Locks Canada player during the Elenbaas Tournament in Cheboygan on Feb. 4.”

6

Michigan Hockey

Mike Commodore posted the tweet above after news broke that he was traded by the Red Wings to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

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MARCH 05, 2012 V.22 : I.16

2012 SPRING TRYOUTS 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 subscribers

MiHockeyNow.com 60,000+ views per month

TRYOUT ISSUES MARCH 12 Tryout info due Feb. 28

APRIL 9 Tryout info due March 27

MARCH 19 Tryout info due March 6

APRIL 23 Tryout info due April 10

All packages include a free online ad through duration of your tryout package - single issue ads are online until the next issue is posted.

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

SLIDESHOW

MICHIGAN HOCKEY IN PICTURES: FACEBOOK PHOTOS FROM AROUND THE MITTEN

Carol A Greca submitted this photo of Tea Greca, a member of the 14U Belle Tire squad.

Photo of squirt netminder Will Augustine, submitted by Marsha Brubaker Augustine.

Connor Vittetoe of the ‘03 Rochester Rattlers fires a shot on goal.

Photo submitted by Lynn Marie Vittetoe Damien Helton posted this photo of his 5-year-old son Keegan in his first tournament.

Noah Paprocki of the ’02 Mt. Clemens Wolves readies for the puck. Photo submitted by Rhonda Burns Paprocki.

8

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MARCH 05, 2012 V.22 : I.16

Ages 18 & up

Ages 18 & up

10 Skates

11 Skates April 9th - June 26th

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No session May 28th

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SPEAKING OF HOCKEY

On the Friday before the NHL trade deadline, we asked our Facebook followers this question:

Imagine that you are Ken Holland, and you can add any player to the Red Wings roster at the trade deadline, without having to give anybody away in return. Who are you bringing to Hockeytown, and why?

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!

Andy Greene from the New Jersey Devils, because he’s a tough defenseman who would be playing for his home town crowd. Micki Ahern

Ryan Kesler, great 2-way forward and a Michigan native! James Kakos

Nash would provide the toughness we need and has great hands... plus that would keep him away from other teams! Sean Click

One of the Sedin brothers to break up that unit and unravel Vancouver. Either one. Doug Pettinga

Being a free agent Shane Doan might be a good pick-up he has consistently produced around 20+ goals a season and well over 30+ assists a season. He would be a good role player and could make an impact in Detroit for the next 3-4 years. Nick Henrichs

WINNER

David Booth, skilled hometown boy. Kyle Rojem

Hate to say it because I don’t like the B’s but putting Zdeno Chara on the Red Wings would all but lock up the Stanley Cup for Detroit. How unfair would that be?! Bernie Chan

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

Michigan Hockey

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MARCH 05, 2012 V.22 : I.16

YUP...HE PLAYED HERE! Ticket info

All games played at the Ann Arbor Ice Cube

$1 Youth player w/jersey $4 Students/military/seniors $6 Adults

Upcoming home games March 7 vs. Muskegon 7 p.m.

March 9 vs. Lincoln at 7 p.m.

March 10 vs. Chicago at 3 p.m.

March 10 vs. Youngstown at 7 p.m.

GETTY IMAGES

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss Star Wars Night as Team USA takes on the Phantoms.

Meet characters from the beloved movies and purchase lightsabers and commemorative patches to help support Mott Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital.

RYAN KESLER

VANCOUVER CANUCKS

March 11 vs. Chicago at 3:30 p.m.

Call 734.327.9251 for tickets! Visit usahockey.comw/usantdp

2012 SPRING TRYOUTS honeybakedhockey.com

Midget Major

CONTACT: Steve Dickinson 4EJYJF !BPM DPN t Tues April 10 8-9:30pm at Hazel Park Tues April 17 8-9:30pm at Hazel Park Tues April 24 8-9:30pm at Hazel Park Tues May 1 8-9:30pm at Hazel Park Tues May 8 8-9:30pm at Hazel Park Tues May 15 8-9:30pm at Hazel Park Thurs May 24 9-10:30pm at Hazel Park Thurs May 31 9-10:30pm at Hazel Park

Midget Minor

CONTACT: Rob Krohl ,SPIMZ !HNBJM DPN t Monday April 2nd 9:00 pm at Hazel Park Thursday April 5th 9:00 pm at Hazel Park Goalie position is by invitation only

MARCH 05, 2012 V.22 : I.16

1998 Bantam Major CONTACT: Pat Peake lmcsweet@aol.com Tryouts are complete

2001 Peewee Minor CONTACT: Danny Veri dannyveri@sbcglobal.net

1999 Bantam Minor

CONTACT: Jeff Mitchell mitch22jo@sbcglobal.net Tuesday March 13th 7:00-8:30pm Thursday March 15th 6:30-8:00pm All skates are at SIFH and are $15 each

2000 Peewee Major

CONTACT: Trevor Edwards )POFZCBLFE !IPUNBJM DPN

Thursday March 1st - 6:30-8:00pm Friday March 2nd - 7:00-8:30pm Both skates at Hazel Park (INVITE ONLY TRYOUT)

2002 Squirt Major Tier II (DISTRICT 4) CONTACT: Dave Debol daviddebol@aol.com

All Girls team tryouts will be held after the USA Hockey National Tournament which ends April 2nd

Girls 19U

CONTACT Head Coach Ryan Pardoski rpardoski@suburbanice.com

Associate Head Coach : Rob Robinson SPCSPCJOTPO !HNBJM DPN

Girls 16U

2003 Squirt Minor Tier II (DISTRICT 4) CONTACT: Jeff Mitchell mitch22jo@sbcglobal.net Saturday March 17th 4:30-6:00pm Wednesday March 21st 5:30-7:00pm All skates are at SIFH and are $15 each

MIHOCKEYNOW.COM

CONTACT: Lyle Phair lphair@suburbanice.com

Girls 14U

CONTACT: Danny Veri dannyveri@sbcglobal.net

Girls 12U

CONTACT Joe Jones

jjones@suburbanice.com

Michigan Hockey

11

GET BETTER

GETBETTER

POWERED BY

PUT PRESSURE ON OPPOSITIONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S RUSH

Force our opponent into a turnover or a dump-in.

F1 apply backside pressure

12

Michigan Hockey

MIHOCKEYNOW.COM

D2 is responsible for opposition forwards driving the net and must stay in the middle pressing opponent to outside.

He is also picking up all the dumps.

D1 Hold the blue line when backside pressures, if not stay inside the dots.

MARCH 05, 2012 V.22 : I.16

MI ICE HAWKS PEE WEE A SPRING/FALL 2012 TRYOUTS (2001’s)

DATES: 3/18, 12:45PM, MCCANN ARENA; 3/20, 6:25PM, FRASER GLSC; 3/24, 2:00PM, MCCANN ARENA; 3/25, 12:45PM, MCCANN ARENA *Cost is $15/skate – Free for Goalies.* *Roster Openings at Each Position & Goalie.* *Prior Travel Experience Not Required.*

• NEW HEAD COACH: Michael Lucchese – NonͲparent paid coach with head coaching experience from Squirt to High School. Well known skills instructor for over eight years. Player on national championship college team.

• ASSISTANT COACHES: Michael Rourke and John Valenti (Goalies).

WE ARE LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD PLAYERS, AND OFFER ONE OF THE BEST YOUTH HOCKEY OPPORTUNITIES AROUND, INCLUDING: *Substantial Corporate Sponsorship* *Professional Coaching* *Reasonable Ice Bills* *Positive Environment* *FullͲTime Goalie Coach* *Strong Core of Returning Players* *Commitment to Player Development* For more information, please contact Scott at 313.737.9098, or email us at 01miicehawks@gmail.com.

Team website: www.michiganicehawks.org/01.

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MARCH 05, 2012 V.22 : I.16

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Michigan Hockey

13

YOU SHOULD KNOW

you should know FAVORITE SPORTING EVENT: Going to a Red Wings game FIRST CONCERT: D12, Eminem, 50 Cent, and Dr. Dre at Comerica Park MUST-SEE TV: The Walking Dead on AMC FAVORITE MOVIE: Grandma’s Boy WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU HAVE AN HOUR OF FREE TIME: Go to thrift stores IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPER POWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE: Invisibility FAVORITE CHILDHOOD MEMORY: Falling into my skating pond and running back to my house freezing NICKNAME: Klech THREE PEOPLE YOU WOULD WANT TO HAVE DINNER WITH: Pavel Datsyuk, Alexander Ovechkin and Zdeno Chara ONE PIECE OF TECHNOLOGY YOU CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT: Cell phone WHO WAS MOST INFLUENTIAL ON YOUR HOCKEY CAREER: Family and past coaches

dakota klecha Muskegon Lumberjacks forward

Dakota Klecha says that while he may only be 5-foot-10 and 160 lbs, he plays like he’s got some extra size hidden somewhere. “I can score, I can hit, I can fight and I can shoot,” reads Klecha’s bio on the Lumberjacks’ official site. “I’m 5-foot-10 and 160 pounds, but I play like I’m 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds.” That attitude is why he will soon be joining the Ferris State Bulldogs. Until then, the Taylor native will continue to develop in Muskegon, playing for new coach Jim McKenzie.

Photos courtesy of: Tom Turrill (Detroit Red Wings), theflickcast.com (The Walking Dead), killerhiphop.com (Wedding Crashers), motherjones.com (Invisible Man), imdb.com (Grandma’s Boy)

14

Michigan Hockey

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MARCH 05, 2012 V.22 : I.16

FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY "The Original"

$288 m e p r tea

Goalies $40

July 16 - 20 Adrian College Girls Hockey Camp 3 hours ice per day Cost $500 Resident (Meals / Lodging included)

Cost $400 Commuter

STAFF Head Coach Chad Davis Assistant Coach Danielle Syrowik NCAA Adrian Bulldog Players 8QGHU f 8QGHU f 8QGHU NCAA skill development drills / Games Off-Ice activities / Video Breakdown

APRIL 13-15, 2012

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Goalies needed in all divisions Â&#x2021; 6DWXUGD\ 6NLOOV &RPSHWLWLRQ ± (YHU\RQH LV LQYLWHG WR SDUWLFLSDWH Â&#x2021; 7KH QXPEHU RI WHDPV UHJLVWHUHG ZLOO GHWHUPLQH KRZ PDQ\ GLYLVLRQV DQG WHDPV SHU GLYLVLRQ $ URXQG URELQ ZLWKLQ HDFK GLYLVLRQ ZLOO EH FRQGXFWHG ZLWK WZR WR IRXU WHDPV DGYDQFLQJ WR D VLQJOH HOLPLQDWLRQ SOD\ RII URXQG Â&#x2021; 7HDPV DUH HQFRXUDJHG WR EULQJ JRDOLHV EXW WKH\ ZLOO KDYH WKHLU RZQ JDPH VFKHGXOH *RDOLHV ZLOO SOD\ WZR SHULRGV IRU HDFK WHDP SHU JDPH

TOURNAMENT HOTLINE 0RQGD\ )ULGD\ Â&#x2021; D P S P

(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

(866) 950-2267 summercamps@ferris.edu www.ferris.edu/sports/camps

Team entry form MUST be received 3 weeks before tournament date.

MARCH 05, 2012 V.22 : I.16

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Michigan Hockey

15

FUTURE PRO GOAL

BY CARL HOWELL I have seen several young goalies around the state use the “hop” to skip across the crease to gain a new position. I don’t mean a power-shuffle hop; they use a multi-step process to move rather than using the power shuffle, T-push or drop-step T-push. This reminds me of the goalies (not many left anymore who do this) who were taught highly-exaggerated foot movements to execute a simple T-push. Steve McKichan and I refer to this as ‘Goofy Feet.’

It is kind of like the goalies who have learned the backside leg push and slide all over the ice on their knees, which I refer to as ‘Happy Knees.’ I have watched the hop very closely, even with some back-up University of Michigan goalies a year ago who used it. My personal conclusion is that the hop is a silly fad that will go away. It requires one and sometimes both feet to be in the air at the same time. This makes it slower to transition back the other direction once the hop begins.

Every goalie I have seen using the hop brings their stick up off the ice as they move. This is usually not a good thing.

I am convinced that the hop requires more time to move than a power shuffle or strong T-push. With both the

power shuffle and the T-push, the stick remains on the ice, and a transition move can be executed instantly.

In addition, especially with the power shuffle, the goalie remains square to the puck, and with a properly executed T-push, the stick, lead pad and chest square up more quickly to a new puck location. There is also no doubt in my mind that precise movement is facilitated more easily

with the shuffle and T-push. I have not seen every NHL goalie play this season, but none that I have seen use the hop. Unless some superior being convinces me that the hop is the here-and-now of great goaltending, I will continue to focus on proper mechanics with the goalies that I teach.

GOALIE SCHOOL

16

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MARCH 05, 2012 V.22 : I.16

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

MARCH 05, 2012 V.22 : I.16

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

Michigan Hockey

17

STATE CHAMPS

Defense powers Compuware to Pee Wee Minor state title

BY STEFAN KUBUS As cliché as it is, the Compuware Pee Wee Minor squad proved that defense still wins championships. And that may even be an understatement.

Compuware defeated Honeybaked 4-1 to win the MAHA State Championship Sunday afternoon, largely in part to stellar goaltending and an undying will to block shots.

“We’ve been talking about that all year – we call that competing,” said head coach Todd Krygier. “Blocking shots, winning races, winning battles, and that’s one of the reasons we won. Our guys came and competed tonight.”

It took them a little while to kick start their offensive game, but once they did, there was no looking back.

Compuware had an early power play that featured a Nicky Cloud breakaway and tons of sustained pressure in the offensive zone, but the Honeybaked defense and goaltender Zachary Borgiel staved off the attack.

In the second period, Compuware recorded three unanswered goals. First, defenseman Christian Krygier took the puck end-to-end on a great individual rush to put his team on the board.

Honeybaked’s Ryan Sullivan nearly evened things up shortly after the Krygier goal with a beautiful deke, but Compuware netminder Michael Krygier shut the door.

Luke Evo added a rebound goal later in the period for Compuware, and Christian Krygier added a second goal after tipping in a Drew Cooper shot from the point to make 3-0 after two periods.

Honeybaked outshot the opposition 15-13 through two periods, and frustration began to set in, as an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty helped set up a 5-on-3 Compuware power play to start the third period.

Honeybaked decided to switch goalies for the third frame, going with Christian Stoever in relief of Borgiel.

Although Compuware began the period with a 5-on-3 for 43 seconds, their own penalty troubles sunk in, beginning a steady stream of third-period penalty killing. Facing a Honeybaked 5-on-3 power play for 1:20 halfway through the period – a prime opportunity for the team in black and gold to stake a comeback – Compuware took another penalty to extend their time on the penalty kill.

That’s when goaltender Michael Krygier and the team defense took over for the rest of the period, shutting down Honeybaked en route to the victory. The Compuware goaltender nearly earned the shutout, but that was spoiled with 4.7 seconds left in regulation for a 4-1 final score.

Krygier took home the MVP honors for an outstanding 28-save effort. But the overall team defense easily could have won the award, too.

Although Honeybaked outshot Compuware, 29-19, Compuware had all players, forwards and defense, sacrificing the body to block shots left

and right. In the third period alone, it felt like Compuware easily blocked an additional 15 shots.

Head coach Todd Krygier is enjoying quite the successful coaching stretch. Just last season, he guided the Novi Wildcats to their first ever Michigan Division I state high school championship. Krygier was named Division I Coach of the Year. But when it comes to winning a championship in the AAA ranks with his sons or winning a high school title, they’re both equally as sweet.

“It’s fantastic whether it’s high school or AAA,” said Krygier. “You’re working with a group of guys. It’s not better in one place or the other.”

In rematch, Belle Tire tops Little Caesars for Squirt AAA title

BY STEFAN KUBUS Belle Tire suffered a 4-2 defeat at the hands of Little Caesars North Saturday afternoon in Squirt Major play, but the team was determined to triumph in the rematch for the MAHA State Championship.

And triumph they did.

Belle Tire defeated Little Caesars in Sunday afternoon’s contest at the Taylor Sportsplex, 5-4, to capture the state championship title. Belle Tire had actually been outshot drastically, 33-15, and went down by two goals after the first period. Scott Goleniak, one of the Belle Tire coaches, said his club simply never lost the faith.

“They maintained their composure throughout the game,” Goleniak said. “They never gave up the whole game and battled through it all.”

Little Caesars took command of things early, as forward Carter Korpi opened the scoring just a minute into the game. Tag Bertuzzi, son of Detroit Red Wings forward Todd, intercepted the puck at the blue line and fed Korpi, who finished it off. That would be the first of three goals for Korpi, who certainly made a strong case for the MVP had Little Caesars left victorious.

After the first Little Caesars goal, it seemed Belle Tire was in trouble again, as they faced a penalty shot with 7:33 remaining in the first. But goaltender Austin Goleniak stood tall, denying Josh Nodler in the one-on-one showdown.

That seemed to be a positive turning point for the team in red and white. Just 1:25 later, Goleniak’s brother, Colin, lit the

18

Michigan Hockey

lamp with a shorthanded goal for Belle Tire.

And although Little Caesars would respond shortly after for a 2-1 lead heading into the dressing room, it was evident Belle Tire had a renewed sense of fight in the second frame.

Three minutes into the second, working down low, Jacob Badal let a backhand shot go along the ice from the goal line that managed to sneak in between the feet of netminder Cameron Crawford’s feet to even things up at two.

With 6:10 left in the second period, and a mere eight seconds into a power play, defenseman Connor Gallagher buried a goal for Belle Tire on a pass from Colin Goleniak.

Korpi would answer back for Little Caesars with his hat-trick goal, deflecting a William Ressler shot from the point, beating the goaltender at 11:06 of the second. That’s how things stood after two periods of play.

It was only fitting that Europe’s “The Final Countdown” sounded in the arena as both teams marched out onto the ice for the final frame, deadlocked at three goals aside.

Just 29 seconds into the third, Belle Tire made the first move in the race to the finish. Laker Aldridge–son of Belle Tire assistant coach and former NHL player Keith–found the back of the net, with Badal getting the assist.

Bertuzzi tied things up at four for Little Caesars, cutting across the middle and unleashing a wrist shot for his third

point of the game. But it would take only 15 seconds for Belle Tire to respond again.

Collin Kerchoff would bury a rebound off of a 2-on-1 rush, which would go on to stand as the game-winner.

When you’re facing the best competition the state has to offer, sometimes the last line of defense can make the key difference that puts one side over the top. Goaltender Austin Goleniak was exactly that instrumental piece for Belle Tire, taking home the MVP award for his 29-save effort.

STATE CHAMPS

Honeybaked ‘98s cap perfect playoff run

BY STEFAN KUBUS Nick Pastujov ended his Bantam Minor season with a bang on the biggest possible stage: the state championship game.

The Honeybaked captain scored a hat trick en route to an MVP award and a 6-2 victory over Little Caesars, earning a state championship for his ‘98 Honeybaked squad. The team went undefeated in round robin play, as well, before capping things off in the finals.

“Obviously, it wasn’t a 6-2 game,” said coach and former NHL player Kevin Hatcher. “We played a very good team with Little Caesars. We’ve had a battle with them all season, playing them seven or eight times and they’ve all been onegoal games.”

Honeybaked made it clear from the get-go that they were ready to take over the game early. Pastujov recorded his first of three goals just 55 seconds into the game.

Little Caesars had a power play with 9:30 to go in the first period. Being outshot 5-1, it was a huge opportunity to respond, but goaltender Dylan St. Cyr and crew fended it off.

The tables turned from there, as Honeybaked had its own chance on the power play – a 5-on-3 for 1:30 with 4:45 left that they converted on.

Or so everyone thought.

Igor Larionov, son of the NHL Hall-of-Famer, made a beautiful pass from the goal line across to the defenseman coming in from the point, who ripped a shot past Little

Caesars goalie Michael Latorella. But the goal was disallowed by the officials because a Honeybaked player was simultaneously in the crease.

The first period ended with Little Caesars on top in shots, 9-8, but Honeybaked up 1-0 on the scoreboard.

Little Caesars would respond early in the second period.

P.J. Rapin came down and took a shot on a 2-on-1 with teammate Paul Washe. The initial shot was stopped by St. Cyr, but Washe buried the rebound to tie things up at one aside.

With 8:22 to go, Jack Kopacka put his Honeybaked squad back on top again with assists going to Nick Pastujov and Nick’s brother, Michael.

A 40-second 5-on-3 power play for Honeybaked with 11:11 left in the game set up a great chance for Honeybaked to put the pedal to the floor. But Latorella and Little Caesars stood tall against the heat brought on by the opposing power play.

Although they couldn’t convert on the 5-on-3, defenseman Ben Gleason added that much-desired insurance goal on the power play with a blast from the point, six minutes into the third.

Merely two minutes later, Collin Adams responded for Little Caesars, centering a puck from the left side of the net that bounced off a Honeybaked defender in the air, and found its way past St. Cyr to make it a one-goal game again.

They nearly had the chance to tie things up shortly after, too, as Mitch Lewandowski broke in alone on a breakaway during the penalty kill. St. Cyr stretched across the net to deny Lewandowski and his club of the equalizing goal.

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Another power play opportunity for Honeybaked would not be wasted this time. Nick Pastujov tallied his second goal of the evening with a shot from the point that just trickled past Latorella. The assist went to defenseman Sean Day. That goal would prove to be the backbreaker for Little Caesars, as Pastujov went on to register his third, hat-trick goal on another power play. Assisted by his brother Michael and Larionov, Nick Pastujov walked in from the point, right down the middle, and wired a low shot to give Honeybaked the 5-2 lead on the team’s 42nd shot of the night.

Noah LaLonde added an empty-net goal, Honeybaked’s sixth and final tally.

“We knew it was a battle all the way in, and I didn’t want to give them any hope,” said coach Pat Peake, a former NHL player. “That team doesn’t go away. That team is well taught, and they play hard.”

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Michigan Hockey

19

YOUTH HOCKEY

Make Your Nominations NOW for the...

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

AWARDS 2012

Kyle Robertson 8 Livonia, MI 4' 2" 48 lbs.

2002 Livonia Knights Left Wing Keith Robertson Hoover Elementary 4th Detroit Red Wings Nick Lidstrom

Hockey Person of the Year

This award is presented annually â&#x20AC;&#x153;to a person who has made outstanding contributions to the sport of hockey in Michigan as a FRDFK SDUHQW PDQDJHU DVVRFLDWLRQ YROXQWHHU RIĂ&#x20AC;FLDO RU OHDJXH administrator.â&#x20AC;?

Coach of the Year

This award is presented annually â&#x20AC;&#x153;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 coachâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guidance.â&#x20AC;?

Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year

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

This award is presented annually â&#x20AC;&#x153;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.â&#x20AC;?

Nathan Puma 9 Macomb 4'5" 58 lbs.

2002 Macomb Mavericks Defense Sean Kolodge Sequoyah 4th Detroit Red Wings Wayne Gretzky

Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year

This award is presented annually â&#x20AC;&#x153;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.â&#x20AC;?

HOW TO NOMINATE SOMEONE Make your nominations to editor Michael Caples at mcaples@mihockeynow.com

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Michigan Hockey

Please include name of nominee, reason for nominating him/her, biographical information about your nominee, your name and your daytime and evening telephone numbers.

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YOUTH HOCKEY

“The kids got a sense of the spirit of hockey in Michigan” The following the story was e-mailed to us by Aaron Ellenbogen, a coach with the Orchard Lake Pirates ‘02 team. Read about a moving act in youth hockey, made even more special that it happened on Warrior Hockey Day in Michigan.

Hockey Day in Michigan came and went this past weekend, and there are undoubtedly many great stories that occurred as we celebrate the heritage of hockey in our state. One of the events was 24 continuous hours of hockey at Joe Louis Arena. For youth hockey players, the opportunity to play on the same ice that their NHL heroes frequent is a special experience.

Late on the eve of the big day, a team had dropped out and the Orchard Lake Pirates 2002 team received a call asking if they could fill in. Without hesitation, the head coach said that he would put together a team to play. He

did not know whom the opponent would be or which kids may be available to play. The emails and the phone calls began around midnight and by the next morning a team was put together. It was not the usual complement of players, however. Instead, a team of 2002-2005 players was assembled for the big event at the Joe. As it turns out, the opponent for the scrimmage was an accomplished Livingston Lightning 2001 team. Within a few minutes, it was clear that the hodgepodge collection of Pirates was overmatched. The Livingston coaches quickly suggested a swap of goalies. At the end of the first period a number of other players swapped jerseys, and soon, rather than two teams playing against each

other, there was a large group of hockey players enjoying the moment and playing for the sheer fun of it on the Joe Louis Arena ice.

As a parent and coach, this was a special moment for me. The kids got a sense of the spirit of hockey in Michigan. This is a game that is supposed to be fun.

Moreover, they learned the meaning of sportsmanship. In the end, rather than take photos as two separate teams, the kids gathered in front of one of the nets and a single photo was taken to commemorate the experience.

HONEYBAKED ‘98s ‘98 HPHL CHAMPS The inaugural High Performance Hockey League playoffs ended on a high note for the ’98 Honeybaked Team. They completed an undefeated run in league play, including a 4-0 sweep in Grand Rapids at the Edge Ice Arena. The Final fittingly pitted HB against their bitter rival, Little Caesar’s. Way back in early November, the two teams skated to a 4-4 tie – the only blemish on the ’98 Honeybaked HPHL leger.

The final game was like all the rest between these two – close scoring and hotly contested. The teams traded goals through 40 minutes, entering the 3rd stanza tied at two apiece. The third period was tense, as both sides had terrific chances to break the deadlock. Dylan St. Cyr was clutch for the ‘bakers, with 22 saves. Caesar’s had some excellent flurries in the third, coming a crossbar away from taking a 3-2 lead halfway through the final period of play.

That left the offensive heroics for Nick Pastujov. He tallied first for the HB side, but

22

Michigan Hockey

MIHOCKEYNOW.COM

with four-and-a-half minutes remaining in regulation, defenseman Ryan Bederka broke out of his own zone, spotted Pastujov at the LC blue line and deftly lobbed an aerial pass over the defenders in the neutral zone. Pastujov gloved the puck down and went in on a breakaway.

Caesar’s goaltender Michael Latorella ended with 51 saves, but Pastujov bested him in the moment, deking and directing the puck through the goaltenders legs for the game-winner.

Little Caesar’s pressured for the equalizer, but Honeybaked stayed strong.

Right to the end, these two outstanding teams played in top form. In the end, the Honeybaked ‘98’s won the 1st ever HPHL championship with a 3-2 victory.

It was hard earned and deserving.

Congratulations to the team and Coaches Pat Peake and Kevin Hatcher.

MARCH 05, 2012 V.22 : I.16

YOUTH HOCKEY

KIDS EXPERIENCE THE SPORT FOR FIRST TIME DURING HOCKEY DAY

BY BRIAN KALISHER

F

ARMINGTON HILLS - The Warrior Hockey Day in Michigan celebration not only gave people living in the Mitten a chance to enjoy the game they love, it also provided quality learning opportunities for youngsters taking their first steps on the ice.

Like many other rinks across the state, Suburban Ice – Farmington Hills gave kids the opportunity to come try out hockey for free on Feb. 18. Although there were plenty of children that had strapped on hockey gear before, there were also those who were experiencing the game for the first time.

“I thought the clinic was great, we had lots of new hockey players out on the ice trying it for the first time,” said Geoff Bennetts, Suburban Ice general manager and one of the on-ice instructors for the event. “They come on the ice a little unsure and didn’t know what to expect but by the end of the session they’re smiling, they all got to score some goals, boys and girls, it was a success.”

Anyone familiar with hockey knows just how expensive the sport can be between equipment, ice time and league fees. A valuable aspect of this free clinic was that it provided newcomers with a chance to experience the game, feel it out, and decide whether to pursue the sport without shelling out hundreds of dollars in the process.

For the staff at Suburban, the chance to introduce kids to the game was a rewarding experience.

“Absolutely, there’s no question that giving the kids the opportunity to try the game for free in this type of clinic,” said Bennetts, a Wixom native who played college hockey at Ferris State. “A lot of these players have not had hockey in their families, so this is something brand new to them.

Most kids, if they’ve started the game already, they have

some hockey in their family background somewhere, but most of these kids have never tried it before.

“Some have started with learn-to-skate programs, but for the most part these kids are new to the game. It’s a great opportunity for them to try it with no investment in it at all. As we know with the great game of hockey, once you try it and you get a taste of it, you’re going to be hooked.”

Plenty of proud parents were on hand to watch their kids skate, including Adam Breitbach, whose daughter hit the ice for the first time during the Warrior Hockey Day in Michigan event at Suburban.

“We’ve decided to start some ice skating lessons with her though Eddie Edgar [Arena] and she really enjoys that and has picked up on it,” Breitbach said. “I play hockey over here and asked her if she wanted to play and she said ‘yeah, let’s give it a try.’”

Breitbach agrees that the free clinic is beneficial for children trying out the game and that it may encourage his daughter to play more in the future.

“I think it’s a really good experience for the kids because it really exposes them to hockey at an early age and kind of gets them excited about it,” Breitbach said. “You don’t really get many opportunities as a kid to play hockey, especially with the winter that we’ve had this year and the outdoor hockey. It’s a great chance for them to come out and learn to play the game and kind of experience it for the first time.”

While there were plenty of kids at the clinic learning basic skills, some families felt it was a good time to dust off the pads and get back on the ice after a long hiatus.

Eric Schwartz’s daughter played hockey for about a year before taking this past year off. For the Schwartz family, this was a chance to get back into the game.

“We just started getting back into skating again,” Schwartz said.

“This a great opportunity for her to come out and, again, learn to skate and try it again to see if she’s going to like it. She’s having a great time, big smile on her face. She’s actually loving it out there.

“She was so excited to come out, and started pulling her equipment out again and her eyes lit up starting to play hockey again, she’s real happy.”

Geoff Bennetts of Suburban Ice Arena in Farmington Hills helps an aspiring hockey player during her first time in hockey pads.

MARCH 05, 2012 V.22 : I.16

MIHOCKEYNOW.COM

HELP NOVI’S YOUTH ASSOCIATION HELP ONE OF THEIR OWN

BY BRIAN KALISHER

F

or a Mite hockey player, the only concern should be having fun on the ice with friends.

Unfortunately for Anthony Salah, life has taken an unexpected and devastating turn.

Anthony Salah, a 7-year-old hockey player with the Novi Youth Hockey Association, was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2011. In November of last year, he underwent 12 hours worth of surgery to remove the tumor and help him on the path back to his normal life. Salah is currently in Texas receiving chemotherapy and radiation in the hopes of ridding him of cancer permanently.

During the NYHA’s annual Coach’s Cup game on Mar. 17 at 6 p.m., a fundraiser will be held for “Team Salah” to raise money for his family during this difficult time.

His parents are staying with him in Texas, adding to the already astronomical expenses the family is facing. During this treatment period, Salah’s parents will be maintaining two residences – Texas and Michigan – while trying to support Anthony and his two siblings, and paying for the medical expenses.

The NYHA is hosting this event in the hope that members of the hockey community will help Salah and his family through this trying time.

Those interested in helping can contribute in the form of monetary and memorabilia donations. The memorabilia received at the event will be used for raffles and auctions at the fundraiser.

Donations can also be made directly on the NYHA website by visiting www.noviyouthhockey.org and clicking on “Team Salah.” For any further questions, please contact Jim Allen at 248-895-8938 or email him at hockey@jimsboathouse.com.

The goal is for Salah to make a full recovery and return home later this month. Hockey players are known for sticking together on the ice; here’s hoping Salah and his family gets the assist off it.

Michigan Hockey

23

HIGH SCHOOL

CC TOPS ST. MARY’S AT THE JOE

BY BRIAN KALISHER

D

ETROIT - On Feb. 18, the Catholic High School League championship game was held at Joe Louis Arena for the first time ever, capping off 24 hours of hockey at JLA for the annual Warrior Hockey Day in Michigan celebration.

Catholic Central beat Orchard Lake St. Mary’s 5-3 to clinch their fifth Catholic League title since 2006. The Shamrocks were led by the play of senior captain Nolan Gluchowski, who netted two key goals, and freshman goaltender Spencer Wright – a JV call-up.

“I thought we had a great third period, I thought we were real average in the first two periods, give a lot of credit to Orchard Lake for that being the case,” Catholic Central coach Todd Johnson said. “I don’t know if it was the different ambiance of being at Joe Louis or what, it just didn’t seem like we had the same kind of jump or execution. Obviously, it was a one-goal game going into the third period and I thought we were fantastic in the third period.”

Due to internal disciplinary reasons, the usual CC varsity goaltender was unavailable for the contest, paving the way for a breakout performance from Wright.

“Oh, he was fantastic, there’s no doubt about it,” Johnson said. “Those guys, Orchard Lake, did a good job dumping a lot of pucks and that’s not his strength yet at this age to play pucks, so we got our ‘D’ beat up a little bit. He made some key saves for us, never felt like the momentum was going the other way, so good for him, he did a great job.

“He’s a good athlete, he’s going to be a really good goalie in our program, he’s got to bide his time. Did we predict at the beginning of the season that that was going to be what happened? No. But good for him stepping in and getting the job done.”

Another standout in the Shamrocks’ victory was the play of senior captain Gluchowski. Johnson knows the type of skill his captain brings to the ice for his squad.

“Well, he’s certainly our captain and our leader – emotionally, physically he’s gotten himself in great shape.

Obviously, his skill level is second to none at the high school level, he’s having a great time leading these guys, I thought he was a fantastic player tonight.”

Johnson feels lucky that Gluchowski stayed for his senior season to suit up with the Shamrocks as a team captain.

“He’s always been a skilled defenseman, he worked himself into being in great shape,” Johnson said. “We’re fortunate that he bypassed some opportunities to play junior hockey to stay his senior year and be a captain.

He didn’t take any of that for granted. He’s out there digging his nose in and getting as much out of himself and pushing his teammates as hard as possible. He never one time this year thought that he was an elite player, he’s

24

Michigan Hockey

proving he’s an elite player, and that’s the attitude it takes to be a good captain.”

Both squads came out playing high-tempo hockey, while Wright made two huge stops in close right out of the gate. Catholic Central was able to kill off a St. Mary’s power play with three minutes remaining in the first frame, before Gluchowski scored for the Shamrocks on a slap shot from the point with 22 seconds left, sending his team into the first intermission with a 1-0 lead.

St. Mary’s started the second period on the power play because of a Catholic Central high-sticking minor with no time remaining on the clock in the first. They

couldn’t capitalize on the power play but scored a few seconds later when the Eaglets made a stretch-pass to the opposing blue line and then fed junior forward Sean Harrington, who beat Wright.

Shortly after, Catholic Central found themselves with a 5-on-3 opportunity. After failing to score on that chance, senior forward Joe Steele punched one in during a scrum in front of the Orchard Lake net, making it 2-1 for the Shamrocks.

With two and a half minutes remaining in the second frame, St. Mary’s rang a shot off the crossbar during an attack in the Shamrocks’ end. It didn’t take long for the Shamrocks to regain momentum, as Gluchowski found the net for the second time of the evening. He fired the puck from the point again, deflecting it off the sets of legs cluttered in front of the goalie, and into the net.

Orchard Lake started off on a power-play opportunity after the goal because of a taunting penalty from the Shamrocks’ celebration. The Eaglets scored seconds later when captain Cooper Anstett found the net, making it a one-goal game.

The one-goal deficit didn’t last long for St. Mary’s, as Shamrocks’ forward Charlie Green cut backdoor and slid in Catholic Central’s fourth goal of the game. Catholic Central pounced on the opportunity to continue the scoring effort, adding another goal shortly after, as junior Max Wanko shot a dribbler into the net.

St. Mary’s final push came when Cooper Anstett found the net again with just 2:36 remaining in regulation to make it a 5-3 score.

That’s where the game stayed and Catholic Central walked away with the 5-3 victory, winning the Catholic League championship at Joe Louis Arena.

“It’s a great place to have [the game], it’s an honor, the kids were really excited – almost too excited,” Johnson said. “They felt like they were skating in mud for the first period. I sure hope Mr. and Mrs. Ilitch and the Red Wings are willing to do this on an annual basis, it would be great.”

The Michigan High School Hockey Coaches Association released their final boys high school hockey rankings - here are the top ten teams in Div. I-III: DIVISION I

DIVISION II

DIVISION III

1. Detroit Catholic Central

1. Brother Rice

1. Cranbrook-Kingswood

2. Orchard Lake St. Mary

2. Trenton

2. Calumet

3. Brighton

3. Port Huron Northern

3. G.P. Woods-University Liggett

4. Livonia Churchill

4. Grosse Pointe South

4. Houghton

5. Novi

5. Marquette

5. Dearborn Divine Child

6. G.P. North

6. Midland

6. Grand Rapids Catholic Central

7. Utica Eisenhower

7. Traverse City Central

7. Chelsea

8. Howell

8. Woodhaven

8. Sault Ste. Marie

9. South Lyon

9. Warren De La Salle

9. Marysville

10. Lake Orion

10. Forest Hills Northern

10. Jackson Lumen Christi

MIHOCKEYNOW.COM

MARCH 05, 2012 V.22 : I.16

Sam Devaprasad, winner of the 2012 David Mannino Scholarship, surrounded by MIHL President Andy Weidenbach and David Manninoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parents, Dr. Tom and Anita Mannino. (Photo courtesy of the MIHL)

PRESENTS

3-on-3

MIHL scholarship winner announced The Michigan Interscholastic Hockey League (MIHL) announced today that Sam Devaprasad, from Sault Ste. Marie High School, is the ďŹ rst recipient of the David Mannino College Scholarship, as part of the MIHL Prep Hockey Showcase.

The college scholarship in the amount of $1,000 is awarded to a student-athlete who participated in the 2012 MIHL Prep Hockey Showcase.

Devaprasad was selected by a random draw and presented with the award on Feb. 10. The scholarship will be to an accredited college or university and applied to Devaprasadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tuition for the 2012-2013 academic year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I feel honored and humbled to receive the ďŹ rst David Maninno scholarship award,â&#x20AC;? Devaprasad said in a statement released by the MIHL. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Talking to Davidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parents, it was nice to learn what an amazing person he was, and how much he had accomplished in his life. I would like to thank my hockey coaches who have helped out a lot, particularly Coach Ferroni for nominating me for this award. He has always selďŹ&#x201A;essly given us so much of his time and energy for the team over the years. I also would like to thank God, my parents, teachers and friends for supporting me.â&#x20AC;?

Devaprasad holds a 4.046 on a 4.0 GPA scale at Sault Ste. Marie High, which means he has his pick at which school to attend next fall. Right now he is deciding between the University of Michigan to study aerospace engineering or Lake Superior State University to study mechanical engineering.

EGGSTRAVAGANZA Saturday, April 7 OPEN & HOUSE DIVISIONS: + Mite + + Squirt+ + Pee Wee + + Bantam + + High School + + Adult +

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To honor the life of David Mannino, the Michigan Interscholastic Hockey League (MIHL) renamed the MIHL Showcase Scholarship â&#x20AC;&#x201C; It is now the David Mannino Scholarship and will be awarded annually during the MIHL Prep Hockey Showcase. The decision to rename the scholarships in Davidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name came easily. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Davidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life exempliďŹ ed the goals and objectives of the scholarship â&#x20AC;&#x201C; he was a student athlete and a young man with great moral characterâ&#x20AC;?, explained MIHL President Andy Weidenbach. The scholarship is privately funded and does receive any proceeds from the MIHL Prep Hockey Showcase.

MARCH 05, 2012 V.22 : I.16

54755 Broughton Road Macomb, MI 48042

Â&#x2021; 68%85%$1,&( &20 MIHOCKEYNOW.COM

Michigan Hockey

25

HOMETOWN HEROES

SHAWN HUNWICK University of Michigan

LUKE GLENDENING University of Michigan

GREG PATERYN University of Michigan

DAVID WOHLBERG University of Michigan

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:

CHAD BILLINS Ferris State University

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Michigan Hockey

TOMMY HILL Ferris State University

DEREK GRAHAM Ferris State University

MIHOCKEYNOW.COM

JOSH ROBINSON Michigan Tech

March 05, 2012 V.22 : I.16

DREW PALMISANO Michigan State University

TIM BUTTERY Michigan State University

MIKE MERRIFIELD Michigan State University

TREVOR NILL Michigan State University

Honoring the Michigan-born seniors on Michiganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s collegiate teams

DEREK ROEHL Western Michigan University

March 05, 2012 V.22 : I.16

JUSTIN FLOREK Northern Michigan University

MIHOCKEYNOW.COM

KYLE POBUR Lake Superior State

BRIAN COOPER Lake Superior State

Michigan Hockey

27

COLLEGE PREVIEW

WHY THE FERRIS STATE BULLDOGS HAVE SURPRISED THE HOCKEY WORLD THIS SEASON Photo courtesy of the Ferris State Bulldogs

BY DARREN ELIOT

T

he Ferris State Bulldogs lost just one game in regulation after the calendar flipped to 2012, going 11-1-4. The lone loss came in their final home game of the season, but only after a 1-1 tie at Western Michigan the previous night earned them the outright CCHA championship. Their second half surge tied the school mark of 15 straight games without a loss, accomplished in the 2002-03 season, and vaulted them atop the college rankings nationally for the first time in school history.

That history has seen head coach Bob Daniels at the helm for 20 years. He won coach of the year honors back in ’03 for his stewardship and could win it again this year.

After all, the preseason prognostication had the Bulldogs pegged no better than 7th in the CCHA this year. Most saw the loss of Zach Redmond on the blue line and Pat Neagle in goal as too severe to overcome. Surely the loss of two pivotal players would mean a down year in Big Rapids.

Instead, the Bulldogs continued to find ways to win and pile up points, particularly on home ice, where the ‘dogs went 10-2-2.

The effort was truly team and not about just one or two players. Obviously overlooked by the pundits myself included - was what Coach Daniels had returning, which was a group of upperclassmen ready to compete.

Forgotten was senior goaltender Taylor Nelson, who had shown a knack for winning as a freshman. Over time, he lost his way and the starting job to Neagle, but Nelson reestablished his game by staying on campus this past summer and refining his technique. Now, he has pro scouts interested, as he calmly and coolly controls the crease.

On the blue line, Chad Billins was the catalyst, leading the team in conference scoring with 29 points. According to Coach Daniels, Billins’ season wasn’t a revelation to him,

28

Michigan Hockey

as it was to most of the hockey world.

“Chad really stepped up last year when we lost Zach for twelve games,” Daniels said. “He proved his game had another level and he delivered consistently all season long. I wasn’t surprised at all.”

Senior Jordie Johnston led the Bulldogs in overall scoring, posting 17-15-32 in 36 games played. The two seniors - Johnston and Billins - then had support from juniors Matt Kerzinger, Kyle Bonis and Travis Ouellette in rounding out the top five in scoring.

However, individual point totals don’t tell much of the Bulldogs’ 2012 tale. Everyone found a way to contribute by filling a role, whether it was blocking shots, being hard on the forecheck, or doggedly backchecking. No team in

hockey commits five players to smothering the puck in the corner in the defensive zone to the degree of Daniels’ gang. They overload at the point of attack, daring the opposition to hold the puck and make a play to the inviting open ice. They take away passing lanes and shooting lanes and opportunistically counter quickly on offense off forced turnovers. It takes everyone playing together, all out all the time.

I didn’t realize that Bulldogs ran in packs, but then again, I never imagined that this Ferris State team would be this good. Congratulations on an outstanding season and I look forward to seeing the CCHA playoff version of Bulldogs hockey, and then who knows? I won’t underestimate them heading into March as I did back in October.

At the beginning of the CCHA season, editor Michael Caples made an attempt at predicting the final outcome of the collegiate season.

Here’s what he said, and here’s how it actually ended up.

PRESEASON PREDICTION

FINAL SEEDINGS

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

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Notre Dame Fighting Irish Miami RedHawks Michigan Wolverines Western Michigan Broncos Michigan State Spartans Ohio State Buckeyes Northern Michigan Wildcats Ferris State Bulldogs Alaska Nanooks Lake Superior State Lakers Bowling Green Falcons

MIHOCKEYNOW.COM

Ferris State Bulldogs Michigan Wolverines Western Michigan Broncos Miami RedHawks Michigan State Spartans Northern Michigan Wildcats Lake Superior State Lakers Notre Dame Fighting Irish Ohio State Buckeyes Alaska Nanooks Bowling Green Falcons

MARCH 05, 2012 V.22 : I.16

COLLEGE PREVIEW Photo by Dave Reginek/DRW

THE FIRST ROUND

THE TEAMS LEFT WAITING

NO. 11 BOWLING GREEN AT NO. 6 NORTHERN MICHIGAN

NO. 1 FERRIS STATE

The Wildcats will face a familiar foe in their playoff opener in what is literally a repeat match-up from last year – same seeding and all. That means an opportunity for revenge for the Wildcats; the Falcons pulled off the upset in the three-game series last year, when Bryce Williamson scored at 0:34 of the second overtime of the decisive contest. In the two games they played this season (both at Bowling Green), the Wildcats prevailed 4-2 and 2-0, on Feb. 10-11.

Perhaps the most surprising team in the NCAA this season, the No. 1 seed in the CCHA gets to kick back for the first weekend, knowing that no matter who they get for the second round, the Bulldogs statistically have the best path to Joe Louis Arena. Led by senior forward Jordie Johnston (15 goals and 12 assists) and senior defenseman Chad Billins (seven goals and 22 assists), FSU is poised to make some noise both in the CCHA playoffs, and beyond. The goaltending tandem of senior Taylor Nelson and C.J. Motte give them insurance between the pipes.

“It can be tough to play hockey and balance your academics, but in the end you are rewarded with a college degree and you get to pursue your hockey career.”

JUSTIN ABDELKADER Michigan State University

NO. 10 ALASKA AT NO. 7 LAKE SUPERIOR The Lakers will welcome Alaska to Lake Superior this weekend in a battle of the No. 7 vs. No. 10 seeds. LSSU will be looking to rebound from back-to-back losses to Northern Michigan in the final weekend of the regular season. In the two games they played Alaska this season, they won 4-2, and lost 3-2. Those games, however, were played in The Last Frontier.

NO. 9 OHIO STATE AT NO. 8 NOTRE DAME While there aren’t any Michigan teams playing in this firstround match-up, the odds are good that the winner will be traveling to the Mitten for the quarterfinals. Ohio State is still in the midst of plummeting down the standings – they have only one regulation win in 2012 after at one point being the top-ranked team in the country. Meanwhile, Notre Dame had a disappointing regular season, but have the firepower to make some noise in the playoff s. This could be a fascinating first-round clash.

NO. 2 MICHIGAN While Ferris State has been the talk of the CCHA this season, one can’t ever look past the Wolverines when it comes to the playoff s. Last year’s NCAA title runner-ups have all the tools to make another long playoff run this spring. Led by redshirt-senior goaltender Shawn Hunwick of Sterling Heights, the Wolverines will give headaches to whichever team is assigned to Yost Ice Arena in the second round.

NO. 3 WESTERN MICHIGAN New Broncos bench boss Andy Murray has kept Western Michigan right where Jeff Blashill left them. With sophomore forward Chase Balisy leading the way up front, and freshman goaltender Frank Slubowski shutting down the opposition, WMU will once again be a force in the CCHA playoff picture. A return trip to the CCHA championship game is certainly obtainable for this WMU squad.

TWO WEEKS TO PREPARE NO. 5 MICHIGAN STATE AT NO. 4 MIAMI

The only quarterfinal match-up already decided is the one that will take place in Oxford, Ohio. Tom Anastos and the Michigan State Spartans will travel down to Miami to take on Rico Blasi and the Miami RedHawks. In two games in East Lansing, the RedHawks prevailed, 2-1 in OT the first night, and 4-0 the next night. To make matters worse for MSU, Miami is one of the hottest teams in the country, having won their last six games.

Detroit Red Wings Play It Smart. Play College Hockey. www.collegehockeyinc.com Follow us on:

Photo by Dave Reginek/DRW

MARCH 05, 2012 V.22 : I.16

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Michigan Hockey

29

MICHIGAN

TOURNAMENT CALENDAR POWERED BY MARRIOTT

COMPLETE AND UP-TO-DATE TOURNAMENT LISTINGS AT

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Michigan Hockey

Big Bear - The Killer Bees Grand Rapids, MI March 9- 11, 2012 Mite U6 & Mite U8 cross ice 248-399-1694 shootouthockey.com St. Paddy’s Tournament Mt. Pleasant, MI March 9-12, 2012 Pee Wee & Squirt House B 989-772-9623 email: 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 269-345-1125 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 www.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 www.itshockeytime.com Ferris State University’s 3 on 3 Hockey Tournaments Big Rapids, MI April 13-15, 2012 Adult 18-30, 30&U & 40& Up Open; Adult 18-30, 30&U & 40&U B Women’s 18&U 231-591-2881 Oakland Edge Adult Hockey Tournament Rochester, MI April 20-22, 2012 Men’s A-D & 50+; Women’s Open age 21&U; Sled Division co-ed – age 15&U 248-721-1204 josse@oakgov.com www.oaklandedge.com

Ferris State University’s 3 on 3 Hockey Tournaments Big Rapids, MI April 20-22, 2012 Squirt & Pee Wee House; Squirt A-AA, Pee Wee A-AA; Girls 10&U, 14&U, Girls High School and Midget AA-AAA 231-591-2881 Hockey Time Productions Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MI April 27-29, 2012 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 www.itshockeytime.com Big Bear - The Thunderbird Detroit, MI April 27 – 29, 2012 Squirt, Peewee, Bantam, Midget, High School Varsity & J.V. B A - AA www.shootouthockey.com 248-399-1694 Ferris State University’s 3 on 3 Hockey Tournaments Big Rapids, MI April 27-29, 2012 Mini-Mites (2005 & U); Mite & Bantam House; Bantam A-AA; High School Varsity; Midget AA-AAA; High School JV; Midget B-BB-A 231-591-2881 Big Bear - The Thunderbird Detroit, MI April 27 – 29, 2012 Mite U6 & Mite U8 cross ice 248-399-1694 www.shootouthockey.com MAY 2012 7th Annual Oakland Junior Grizzlies Tournament of Champions Invitational Troy, MI May 3-6, 2012 Squirt A – Midget AA 248-388-1001 Email: aboncore@ oaklandjuniorgrizzlies.com www.oaklandjuniorgrizzlies.com Big Bear - The Ring of Fire Ann Arbor, MI May 4 - 6, 2012 Squirt, Peewee, Bantam, Midget/HS/ B - A - AA www.shootouthockey.com 248-399-1694

Big Bear - The Ring of Fire Ann Arbor, MI May 4 - 6, 2012 Mite U6 & Mite U8 cross ice 248-399-1694 Visit us on line at www. shootouthockey.com OUT OF STATE TOURNAMENTS MARCH 2012 Ironman Adult Tournament Blaine, MN March 9-11 Divisions- Men’s B, C, D 5 games in 3 days Hockey Time Productions Rock ‘n Roll Cup Tournament Series Cleveland, OH March 9-11, 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 March 9-11, 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 March 9-11, 2012 8U-19U House, B, A, AA 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com Steel City Tournament Series: Pittsburgh Spring Classic Pittsburgh, PA March 9-11, 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 855898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Empire State Tournament Series: Rochester Rumble Rochester, NY March 9-11, 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

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855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Congressional Cup Tournament Series: Congressional Spring Classic Washington, DC March 9-11, 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 Buckeye State Cup Tournament Series: Buckeye State Showdown Cincinnati, OH March 9-11, 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: Liberty Cup Spring Classic Hatfield, PA March 9-11, 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 Championship Cup Niagara Falls, NY March 16-18, 2012 Mites, Squirts, Peewees, Bantams and Midgets, A, B, AE, & AA Divisions available in most tournaments. niagaratournaments.com 716-791-4068 or 716-405-7154 Gcarella17@roadrunner.com Weekend Hockey Tournaments Tampa, FL March 16 - 18, 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 North American Holiday

Hockey Las Vegas, Nevada March 21 – 26, 2012 Las Vegas Ice Center Adult & Youth 1-800-322-NAHH www.nahhtours.com email: NAHHTOURS@aol.com Weekend Hockey Tournaments Pittsburgh, PA March 23-25, 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 Hockey Time Productions Rock ‘n Roll Cup Tournament Series Cleveland, OH March 23-25, 2012 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 www.itshockeytime.com North American Holiday Hockey Fort Lauderdale, Florida March 28 – April 2, 2012 Saveology.com Iceplex (Panthers’ Practice Facility) Adult & Youth 1-800-322-NAHH www.nahhtours.com email: NAHHTOURS@aol.com Canadian Hockey Enterprises Chicago Cup Chicago, Illinois March 29/30-April 1, 2012 Includes Blackhawks vs Blues tickets Over 19, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 divisions Phone: 1-800-461-2161 www.chehockey.com email: goals@chehockey.com Canadian Hockey Enterprises Atlantic City, NJ March 30-April 1, 2012 Over 19, 25, 30, 35, 40 divisions Phone: 1-800-461-2161 www.chehockey.com email: goals@chehockey.com Weekend Hockey Tournaments Philadelphia, PA March 30-April 1, 2012 19+, 25+, 30+, 35+, 40+, 45+, 50+ A, B, C, D, E Levels

MARCH 05, 2012 V.22 : I.16

Mens/ Womens/ Co Ed 1-877-702-5701 905-827-3541 james@weekendhockey.com www.weekendhockey.com Weekend Hockey Tournaments Philadelphia, PA March 30-April 1, 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 APRIL 2012 Canadian Hockey Enterprises Gamblers Cup Las Vegas, Nevada April 12 - 15, 2012 Over 19, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 divisions (also Women’s divisions) Phone: 1-800-461-2161 www.chehockey.com email: goals@chehockey.com Canadian Hockey Enterprises Phoenix Cup Phoenix, Arizona April 12/13-15, 2012 Over 19, 25, 30, 35, 40, divisions Phone: 1-800-461-2161 www.chehockey.com email: goals@chehockey.com Canadian Hockey Enterprises Niagara Cup Niagara Falls, Ontario April 13-15, 2012 Over 19, 25, 30, 35, 40 divisions Phone: 1-800-461-2161 www.chehockey.com email: goals@chehockey.com Canadian Hockey Enterprises Florida Cup Ft. Lauderdale, Florida April 15-22 or 18-22, 2012 Over 19, 25, 30, 35, 40 divisions Phone: 1-800-461-2161 www.chehockey.com email: goals@chehockey.com Canadian Hockey Enterprises Gamblers Cup Las Vegas, Nevada April 19 - 22, 2012 Over 19, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 divisions Phone: 1-800-461-2161 www.chehockey.com email: goals@chehockey.com CANADA MARCH 2012 Weekend Hockey Tournaments Niagara Falls, ON March 9 - 11, 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 weekendhockey.com

MARCH 05, 2012 V.22 : I.16

CANADIAN CUP Montreal, Quebec March 16-18, 2012 Novice, Atom, Peewee, Bantam, Midget AA, A, B, House Select Minor/Major/Mixed divisions Canadian Hockey Enterprises 1-800-461-2161 www.chehockey.com Canadian Hockey Enterprises Capital Cup Ottawa, ON March 16-18, 2012 Includes Senators vs Leafs tickets Over 19, 25, 30, 35, 40, divisions Canadian Hockey Enterprises 1-800-461-2161 www.chehockey.com email: goals@chehockey.com APRIL 2012 Canadian Hockey Enterprises Banff Cup Banff, Alberta April 12/13 - 15, 2012 Over 19, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 divisions Canadian Hockey Enterprises...1-800-461-2161 www.chehockey.com email: goals@chehockey.com Canadian Hockey Enterprises Montreal Adult & Old-timer Tournament Montreal, Quebec April 13 – 15, 2012 Over 19, 25, 30, 35, 40 divisions Canadian Hockey Enterprises…1-800-461-2161 www.chehockey.com email: goals@chehockey.com Canadian Hockey Enterprises Okanagan Cup Kelowna, British Columbia April 13-15, 2012 Over 19, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 divisions Canadian Hockey Enterprises...1-800-461-2161 www.chehockey.com email: goals@chehockey.com

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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

MIHOCKEYNOW.COM

Michigan Hockey

31

2012 SPRING TRYOUTS 2005 STARS

2002 STARS

Coach – Manon Rheaume mrheaume33@aol.com 3/10/12 = 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM 3/11/12 = 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Coach - Vicki Crimmins Vcrimmins9@comcast.net 3/21/12 = 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM 3/24/12 = 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM

2004 STARS

Coach – Cal McGowan cmcgowan@suburbanice.com

Contact – Cal McGowan cmcgowan@suburbanice.com

2003 STARS

Coach – Matt West mattlwest@charter.net

2001 STARS

2000 STARS

Coach – John Fritz wlcjvh@sbcglobal.net 313-805-3609 3/24/12 = 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM 3/25/12 = TBD 3/26/12 = 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

99 STARS

Coach – Mike McCollough mjmcc123@msn.com 3/19/12 = 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM 3/28/12 = 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

98 STARS

Contact – Cal McGowan cmcgowan@suburbanice.com

MIDGET A STARS

Coach – Dan Cesarz Manager – Anna Martinez hydroplane87m@gmail.com 3/18/12 = 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM 3/20/12 = 8:30 PM – 10:00 PM 3/25/12 = 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM 3/27/12 = 8:30 PM – 10:00 PM

NOW ACCEPTING COACH APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2004 STARS CONTACT CAL MCGOWAN CMCGOWAN@SUBURBANICE.COM FOR INFO

248-888-1400 suburbanice.com )UHHZD\ 3DUN 'ULYH )DUPLQJWRQ +LOOV

GIRLS 2012 SPRING TRYOUTS 10U Icebreakers Coach – Geoff Bennetts gbennetts@suburbanice.com 3/25/12 = 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM 3/28/12 = 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

12U Icebreakers Contact – Cal McGowan cmcgowan@suburbanice.com

14U Icebreakers Coach – Joe Jones jjones@suburbanice.com 16U Icebreakers Contact – Cal McGowan cmcgowan@suburbanice.com 19U Icebreakers Coach – Russ Tasker rmtasker6@att.net

ACCEPTING COACHING APPLICATIONS FOR 12U & 16U TEAMS CONTACT CAL MCGOWAN CMCGOWAN@SUBURBANICE.COM FOR INFORMATION

LAKELAND JR. JETS 2K4 MITE AA SPRING TRYOUTS TUESDAY, MARCH 13TH 5:00 PM LAKELAND ARENA $15.00 SATURDAY, MARCH 17TH 11:00 AM LAKELAND ARENA $15.00 WWW.LAKELAND2K4.COM

HEAD COACH STEVE MCINTYRE 248-830-4684 Professional coaching of individual skills & team concepts for hockey players of all skill levels

Y OU R G A M W

E

GR O

YOUTH

7+( 3(5)(&7 (19,5210(17 72 /($51 $1' 81'(567$1' :+,/( $&78$//< '2,1* $1' ',6&29(5,1*

Technique training on forward and backward stride, stopping, starting, turning, puck control, passing and shooting. Positional play and Game sitiuational drills. Classes consist of two one hour sessions per week with eight skill instructional practices and eight instructional games.

MINI MITE MITE

f AGES

f AGES

SQUIRT/PEE WEE

f

5-6

7-8 AGES 9-12

BEGINS APRIL 11th: 8 weeks )8// +2&.(< (48,30(17 5(48,5(' f -(56(< 3529,'('

REGISTER BY PHONE! CALL 248-478-1600 OR VISIT SUBURBANHOCKEY.COM MARCH 05, 2012 V.22 : I.16

MIHOCKEYNOW.COM

Michigan Hockey

33

2012 Spring Travel Tryouts For General BHA Travel Hockey Information contact Tim Opie, BHA Travel Director 248-822-0020

2005 Birmingahm Rangers Contact Michael Fitzpatrick, mdfitzpa@umich.edu, (734) 812-2149 2004 Birmingham Rangers Steve Carrel, (248-495-4012), steve.carrel@trpfund.com March 20th 7:20pm – 8:10pm @ Birmingham March 25th 5:30pm – 6:50pm @ Birmingham 2003 Birmingham Rangers Paul Siver, (248) 302-3304, psiver@comcast.net Hank Wineman, (248)219-6491 March17th 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM @ Cranbrook March 18th 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM @ Birmingham 2002 Birmingham Rangers Bryan Smolinski, (248) 721-0601, bsmolin779@aol.com

March 27th March 30th March 31st

6:30 to 7:20pm @ Cranbrook 7:00 to 8:30pm @ Birmingham 12:00 to 1:30pm @ Cranbrook

2001 Birmingham Rangers Jeff Wardlow, (248) 821-8001, jeffwardlow@mac.com Paul Siver, (248) 302-3304 March 14th 6:30 PM - 7:50 PM @ Cranbrook March 19th 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM @ Birmingham 2000 Birmingham Rangers Chris Kantgias, (586) 596-8722, ckantgias@dietechna.com Coaches : Fred Perlini, Vicki Perlini March 13th 7:30- 9:00pm @ Cranbrook March 15th 8:00- 9:30pm @ Cranbrook March 18th 10:00-11:30am @ Cranbrook 1999 Birmingham Rangers Coaches: Anatoliy Buliga & Petr Tichy Paul Dunbar, (248) 388 9450 bham99rangers@aol.com March 18th 7-8:30pm @ Birmingham March 21st 6:30-8pm @ Birmingham March 25th 7-8:30pm @ Birmingham March 28th 6:30-8pm @ Birmingham 1998 Birmingham Rangers Bill Christie (H.C. Bro. Rice JV) John Duncan, (248) 514-5229, goalieblock1@gmail.com March 14th 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM @ Birmingham March 19th 8:00 PM– 9:30 PM @ Cranbrook March 24th 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM @ Cranbrook

1998 Birmingham Liberty

Bruce Hulscher 248-318-4842 hulscher@sbcglobal.net March 12th 8:30pm @ Birmingham Ice Arena March 17th 12(noon) @ Birmingham Ice Arena March 19th 8:30pm @ Birmingham Ice Arena 1994-96 Midget AA_Birmingham Rangers Spring/Fall Bruce Gilgallon , (248) 303-0051, brucegilgallon@yahoo.com Tryouts: All positions open including goalie.

Contact Bruce Gilgallon for tryout information Birmingham Rangers U12 and U14 Girl’s Hockey Contact: Robert McMurray, (248) 701-5271, rmcmurr@us.ibm.com

March 14th March 17th March 18th March 21st

7:15pm @ RO Lindell Ice Arena 9:00am @ Cranbrook 4:00pm @ Birmingham 7:15pm @ RO Lindell Ice Arena

Birmingham Little Caesars Teams 2003 Birmingham Little Caesars Coach: Brian Beaufait, 248-787-9595, stbbeaufait99@yahoo.com Please contact coach for tryout information.

2002 Birmingham Little Caesars Coach: Kris Draper Vince Grainer, manger 734-306-9229, vgrainer@ecpconsultingservices.com March 20 @ 6:30pm - Southfield March 21 @ 6:30pm - Southfield 2000 Birmingham Little Caesars Coach: Dave Taylor, 734-915-7418, tails2121@gmail.com March 11th @ 5:30pm - Cranbrook March 13th @ 7:30pm - Southfield March 18th @ 5:30pm – Cranbrook

www.e2hockey.com

e2 Hockey Training, 248-346-4506 Anatoliy Buliga and Petr Tiche Goalie Coach: Matt Gadladge, mjggoalie@yahoo.com

Royal Oak Eagles Tryouts ROYAL OAK 98 EAGLES

ROYAL OAK 02 EAGLES

ROYAL OAK 99 EAGLES

ROYAL OAK 03 EAGLES

For more information contact Roy Terbrack 248-670-1105 or royterbrack@gmail.com

For more information contact Scott Mercer

For more information contact Dave Dunscombe dpd_223@yahoo.com

248-249-7409 or Eagles99@wowway.com

For more information contact Scott McNeil 248-224-0878 or Scott@royaloakhockey.com

ROYAL OAK 01 EAGLES

GIRLS U-14 AND U-12

For more information contact Tom Ricketts 248-866-0761 or Tom@troybio.com

For more information contact Robert McMurray 248-701-5271 or mcmurr@us.ibm.com

ALL ROYAL OAK EAGLES SKATE AT THE JOHN LINDELL ICE ARENA: 1403 LEXINGTON BLVD., ROYAL OAK

Spring is an opportunity for youth players to extend their sport for an additional 8 weeks. Skaters get to play in their new winter 2012–2013 age classification in a self-contained league.

Minimum 15 hours of ice (combination of practices & games) at Lindell Arena from the end of March through Mid-May. $175 Mini-Mite, $225 (Mite thru Bantam) $275 (Midget, 1.5 hour games) Player Fee includes ice, referees, awards & use of League Jersey (USA Hockey registered players only with proof of registration – players who are not registered with USA Hockey must register at www.USAhockey.com) All Teams formed by League Draft

Wed., Feb. 29, March 7, 14 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Sat., Feb. 26, March 3, 10, 17 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

3/28/12 to 5/23/12

aaa and travel hockey

spring tryouts JOIN THE ORANGE AND BLUE...

Little Caesaarss is onne of the most recognized andd respecteed orrgannizaatiions inn amateur hockey in Northh Ameriica. Our Traavel Hockey program allows us too conttinnue to builld on our traditioons annd history and continue to develop more young athletes on and off the icee.

MIDGET MAJOR

01 NORTH AAA

03-04 TRAVEL

C ac Co ach: h:: Bililll Ciira r ul uo 58 86 6--20 2 11 25 502 b lll.c bi .cir irau au ulo o@o @oly lyyent. ent. en t co c m P ea Pl ase e con onta tact ta ct coa ct oach ch for try ch ryou o t in ou info info form orm rmat atio at ion. n.

Co oac ach: h: Mik ike ke No Nodl Nod dlerr 24 488-88 8-88 8 22-40 2-40 054 54 mnod mn odle le er@ r@ao @ao ol. l co om

Coa Co ach: ach ac h: Bri r an n Bea eauf u ait uf it 24 2 488 78 787877-95 9595 95 95 stbb st bbea bb e uf ea ufai ait9 ai t9 99@ 9@ya yaho ya aho oo. o.co c m

T yo Tr yout utts: M rc Ma rch h 4t 4th h at 5pm - Sou o th hfie field ld d M rc Ma r h 7t 7 h at a 7pm m - Sou outh thfie th fi ld fie d *Mar *M a ch ar c 10t 0 h at a 4pm - Sou o th hfie fi ld l *Inv In ite t On nly

Trryo yout uts: ut s s: Ma arc rch h 15 5th h at 6::0 00 0pm - Sou uth thfie field fie ld d Ma arc rch h 18 8th at 11 1 am am - So ou uth t fie field ld d *M Marrch 22n 2 d at a 6:3 :30p 0pm - So 0pm 0p S ut uthfi hfiel hfi eld el d Invite ite On Only ly *Inv

01 SOUTH AAA

19U GIRLS

Co oac a h: h Joe Emery 31 133-61 6 8-3633 jo oee eemeryjr@comcast.net

Co Contact: Mat a t Be Berg rger rg e er liittttle l ca aessar arsh shoc ockkeyc yccoa oach ch@y ch @yyah ahoo hoo o .c .com om P ea Pl e se s conta tact c Mat ct attt fo forr trr yout yo out u inf n or orma ma ati tion on n.

T youts: Tr March 8th at 7pm - Ice Box March 13th at 7pm - Ice Box March 15th at 7pm - Ice Box

16U GIRLS

MIDGET MINOR Coac Co acche h s: s Dan Riede ie ede d l an nd To Tomm mmy Ma mm Man nnin nnin nn i o 24824 8 93 89355 88 58805 0 05 danr da nrie nr i de ie del1 del1 l16@ 6 gm 6@ gmai a l. ai l co com m 2 824 8 88 8 55 70 7025 25 5 ma ann nin i oh o oc o ke key@ y@ @gm mai a l..co com m P ea Pl ease se con onta tact ta c coa ct o ch hes for o try r ou o t in info form fo rm mattio on.

98 AAA Coac Coac Co a h: Ma Marc rco rc o Tr T ev e ino o 24824 8-76 87 3--90 76 9 20 0 m rcco. ma o.tr trev tr evvin i o. o go golf l @g @ ma m il.com

02 ELITE

T yo Tr yout ut:: ut Ma arc r h 3rd 3rd at a 5:3 30p 0pm - Southfield

99 AAA Co oac a he h s: An A thony Ciraulo and Darick Marlini 58 86--61 155-69 6 62 cira ci raul ra u o@ ul o umich.edu 58658 6-81 8 7-2097 Dmer Dm e lini24@g @ ma @g m il.com P ea Pl ase e con o tact coach for tryout information.

00 AAA

Coach: Paul Gole l niak le akk 248-763-1870 paulgol10@gmail.co com co m

Tryouts: March 20th at 6:30pm - Southfield March 21th at 6:30pm - Southfield

Tryouts: April 3rd at 7:30pm - Fa Farm r in ngtton n Hilills lss April 5th at 8:30pm - Farm rmin i gt gton o Hillls on ls April 7th at 11:45am a - Far am a mi m ng gto ton Hi Hilllll s

00 TRAVEL

Tryouts: March 11th at 5:30pm - Cranbrook March 13th at 7:30pm - Southfield March 18th at 5:30pm - Cranbrook

Tryo Tr yo out uts: s Ma arc r h 3r 3rd d at a 1pm - Southfield Marc Ma rcch 4t 4th at 4th a 12::30 3 pm - Southfield

14U GIRLS

Coach: Kris Draper Vince Grainer, Manager 734-306-9229 vgrainer@ecpconsultingservices.com

Coach: Dave Taylor 734-915-7418 tails2121@gmail.com

Co oach: h Chr h is Tamer 7 4-25 73 25 55-59 5903 chri ris@ ri s st s@ s ickstrai a ni n ng.com

Contact: Mat att Be Berg rger littlecaesarsh hocke k yc y oa o ch c @y @ ah hoo oo.c .ccom m Please con on ntact Mattt fo f r tr tryo yo out u inf nfor o ma or m ti t on on..

12U GIRLS Coach: Matt Wiljlan nen e 810-986-5054 5 54 wilj28@gmail.com Tryouts: April 3rd at 6pm p - Far arrmi m ng gto on Hi H llllss April 5tth at 7pm pm m - Far a miing ar gto t n Hi Hilllll s Ap pri ril 7tth at 10: 0:15 1 am m - Far armi miing gto ton n Hi H llllss

10U GIRLS

All Skates $15

•

Goalies are free!

Cont Co nttac a t: t Mat attt Be Berg rger rg err liitttle l ca aes e ar a sh hoc ocke k yc ke y oa ach ch@y @yyah hoo o.cco om m Pllea e se e co on nta act Mattt fo forr trr yo yout ut inf n orrmati ma ati tion on.. on

Visit Little eCaessarsH Hocke ey.com m for regisstratiion fo orms and upda ates, or con ntact AAA Direcctor Bill Ciiraulo o 586 6-201 1-250 02 or bill.cciraullo@olyentt.com

Redford Township Hockey Association Spring Tryouts

www.redfordkings.com 97 REDFORD KINGS

2001 REDFORD KINGS

MON 3/12, 7:30 – 8:30 pm Oak Park SUN 3/18, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm Oak Park MON 3/19, 7:30 – 8:30 pm Oak Park WED 3/21, 7:00 – 8:30 pm Oak Park Coaches: Terry Lucas and Roman Andrys

SAT 3/10, 7:00 – 8:30 pm Cranbrook SAT 3/17, 4:00 – 5:30 pm Cranbrook SUN 3/18, 1:00 – 2:00 pm Cranbrook FRI 3/23, 6:30 – 8:00 pm Cranbrook Coaches: Peter Andoni, Roman Andrys

For more info email lucas8026@comcast.net

2002 REDFORD KINGS

MON 3/12, 6:30 – 7:30 pm Oak Park WED 3/14, 7:00 – 8:30 pm Oak Park MON 3/19, 6:30 – 7:30 pm Oak Park Coaches: Dan Israel, Roman Andrys

FRI 3/9, 6:30 – 8:00 pm Cranbrook THURS 3/15, 6:30 – 8:00 pm Cranbrook FRI 3/16, 6:30 – 8:00 pm Cranbrook SAT 3/24, 4:00 – 5:30 pm Cranbrook Coaches: Kevin Shannon, Roman Andrys

99 REDFORD KINGS

2000 REDFORD KINGS The ‘00 Kings will be playing as a Tier One Team in the upcoming season SUN 3/11, 5:00 – 6:30 pm Oak Park MON 3/12, 5:30 –6:30 pm Oak Park FRI 3/23, 8:00 –9:30 pm Cranbrook Coaches: Alan Sasson, Roman Andrys, Brian Song For more info email coach@redfordkings.com

SUN 3/25, 1:00 pm Redford Ice Arena FRI 3/30, 6:30 pm Redford Ice Arena Coach: Todd DeSantis For more info contact tdesantis88@yahoo.com or 313-510-5791

99 REDFORD ROYALS SUN 3/25 11:30am -1pm Redford Ice Arena TUES 3/27 7:30-9pm Redford Ice Arena Coach: Brian Judd For more info contact Brian Judd, 734-891-2683

For more info email krsgolf@comcast.net

2003 REDFORD KINGS

SUN 3/11, 3:30 – 5:00 pm Oak Park FRI 3/9, 6:30 – 8:00 pm Cranbrook FRI 3/16, 8:00 – 9:30 pm Cranbrook THURS 3/15, 6:30 – 8:00 pm Cranbrook SUN 3/18, 3:30 – 5:00 pm Oak Park THURS 3/22, 6:30 – 8:00 pm Cranbrook WED 3/21, 5:30 – 7:00 pm Oak Park Coaches: Alan Sasson, Kurt Kruger, Roman Andrys Coaches: Matt Gerbs, Roman Andrys For more info email coach@redfordkings.com

FRI 3/23, 6:30 pm Redford Ice Arena

For more info email pcandoni@aol.com

98 REDFORD KINGS

For more info email disrael@asipaving.com

98 REDFORD ROYALS

For more info email coach@redfordkings.com

2000 REDFORD ROYALS SUN 3/11 4:00 pm Redford Ice Arena MON 3/12 6:00 pm Redford Ice Arena THURS 3/15 7:00 pm Redford Ice Arena Coach: Scott Sinclair For more info contact 2kredfordroyals@gmail.com

2000 Kings will have both a Tier 1 and a Tier 2 team for the upcoming season

For any other questions on the Redford Kings or Royals, please contact RTHA President Alan Sasson at 248-225-6132 or coach@redfordkings.com

Please visit Troy Youth Hockey Association website at www.tyha.net for each Sting teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s site:

All Tryouts at Troy Sports Center Midget AA

we are accepting Franchise Applications

1997/96 Troy Sting

USA HOCKEY NATIONAL Tournament Host Team Entry 2013 )FBE $PBDI #SJBO (PECPVU t 5PXOFS QD !TCDHMPCBM OFU .JDIFMMF (SBIBN t NHSBIBN!NDOJTI DPN Wednesday March 217:45-9:15pm Saturday, March 24 2:30-4:00 Sunday March 2512:15-1:45pm

1998 Troy Sting

Head Coach All positions open +BNFZ -FHFS t

+BNFZ MFHFS!XPXXBZ DPN Tuesday, March 20th. 7:45-9:15 P.M Thursday, March 22nd 7:45-8:45 Saturday, March 24th 3:45-5:15 P.M.

1999 Troy Sting

Head Coach: John Salsberry +TBMTCFSSZ!TJHOBUVSFBTTPDJBUFT DPN

March 14th 7:15 pm March 18th 3:45 pm March 19th Invite only 7:15 pm

2000 Troy Sting

Head Coach: Dave Paswater USPZTUJOH!HNBJM DPN

/PO QBSFOU "TTJTUBOU $PBDI .BUU &MJDI All positions open Wednesday, March 14th 6:15pm Wednesday, March 21st 6:15 pm Friday, March 23rd. 6:30

2001 Troy Sting

$PTU QFS TLBUF Head Coach: Paul Pelto 1BVM 1FMUP! DPN PS Wednesday, March 21st 7:15 p.m Rink #4 Saturday, March 24th, 10:15 a.m. Rink #2

2002 Troy Sting

Head Coach: Matt Gumbel Assistant Coach: Jeff Soboslay 'PS NPSF JOGPSNBUJPO DPOUBDU .BUU (VNCFM BU PS #FUI #BCCJF BU TUJOH![PIP DPN Saturday, March 17th from 2:45-4:15pm Tuesday, March 20th from 6:45-8:00pm Thursday, March 22nd from 6:45-7:45pm

2003 Troy Sting

)FBE $PBDI 4DPUU 8JULPXTLJ TXJULPXTLJ !ZBIPP DPN t Tuesday, March 20th at 6.45 - 7.45 and Saturday, March 24th at 9- 10am

2004 Sting

+BNFZ -FHFS OPO QBSFOU $PBDI KBNFZ MFHFS!XPXXBZ DPN t

Sunday, 3/18/12 3:45 PM - 5:15 PM Sunday, 3/25/12 3:45 PM - 5:15 PM

14U Troy Lady Sting

Head Coach: Kevin Gialloreti Assistant Coach: Amy Haslam Goalie Coach: Jessica Compton Thursday, March 22nd from 6:45-8pm Sunday, March 25th from 4-5:15pm 'PS NPSF JOGPSNBUJPO DPOUBDU #FUI #BCCJF V TUJOH!ZBIPP DPN

12U Troy Lady Sting

Head Coach: Doug Brown Assistant Coach: Tim Rice Goalie Coach: Jessica Compton Thursday, March 25th from 2:30-4pm; and Thursday, March 29th from 6:45-7:45pm 'PS NPSF JOGPSNBUJPO DPOUBDU #FUI #BCCJF V TUJOH!ZBIPP DPN

10U Troy Lady Sting

**COACHING STAFF NEEDED** Saturday, March 24th from 9-10:15am If Necessary, Thursday, March 29th from 6:45-7:45pm 'PS NPSF JOGPSNBUJPO DPOUBDU #FUI #BCCJF V TUJOH!ZBIPP DPN Questions in regards to travel franchises please contact +PIO 4BMTCFSSZ

5:)" XJMM CF SVOOJOH B 4QSJOH PO -FBHVF TUBSUJOH JO "QSJM UI 7JTJU USPZTQPSUT DPN DMJDL UIF IPDLFZ UBC GPS UIF øZFS

NORTH AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE TROY’S TOP PROSPECTS TOURNAMENT

BY MATT MACKINDER A RESOUNDING SUCCESS The annual Top Prospects Tournament that the North American Hockey League stages every winter never disappoints, and this year’s event at the Troy Sports Center was certainly no exception.

Six teams competed over Presidents’ Day weekend and Team Central came away with the Top Prospects championship after downing Team North on Feb. 22 in a battle of undefeated teams.

A three-goal second period helped the Central pull away for a 5-2 win.

Mike Moroso (Port Huron), who tied for the tournament lead with three goals, scored the first goal of the game for the North only to see the Central strike for three goals in a 40-second span in the second. Aberdeen’s Cory Ward tied the game 1-1 and then 22 seconds later, Minot’s Jadin Martin scored, followed by Alexandria’s Charlie Aus 18 seconds after that.

After Brock Raffaele (Kalamazoo) scored to make it 3-2, Bismarck’s Buster Hebda scored twice in the third period to put the game out of reach and give the Central team the title.

Tyler Bruggeman (Austin) and Tommy Burke (Bismarck) each gave up a goal in the Central win, while Peter Megariotis (Port Huron) allowed three goals and Jamestown’s Joe Ballmer gave up one goal in the loss.

Alexandria’s Nick D’Avolio tied for the Central lead with four points during the showcase. Oxford native Adam Chapie (New Mexico) chipped in three points as well.

Kalamazoo’s Andrew Graves and Taylor Herndon (Texas) led the tournament in scoring with five points apiece. Burke went 3-0 during the tournament to lead all goaltenders in that category.

NAHL.COM MARCH 05, 2012 V.22 : I.16

NA3HL SHOWCASES EASTERN TEAMS Eight North American 3 Hockey League teams also played in Troy as part of the 3HL East Showcase.

Perhaps no one had a better four games than Metro forward Mike MacKinnon, a Troy native.

On the third day of the showcase on Feb. 21, MacKinnon recorded six points (three goals, three assists) in an 8-3 win over Battle Creek. The six points tied a 3HL seasonhigh. MacKinnon, who registered a 3HL-best 19 points in February, also added three assists during the other three games of the event.

Other highlights from the showcase include Flint’s Richard Jansson popping three goals and an assist in an 8-3 win over Toledo on Feb. 22, Pittsburgh goalie Reid Daniels stopping all 16 shots he faced against Michigan on Feb. 22 in a 3-0 win, Joe Skrzynski scoring the overtime winner for Toledo to beat Metro 4-3 on Feb. 20 and Zach Barngrover scoring in the seventh round of the shootout to help Queen City top Cleveland 3-2 on Feb. 19.

Last week, Indiana forward Drew Doyon and defenseman Grant Hutton signed NAHL tenders with Corpus Christi.

The Selects posted a 4-0 shutout win over the San Jose Jr. Sharks as goaltender Ellis Burgett stopped all 12 San Jose shots fired his way.

CHAMPIONS CROWNED ON PHL CHAMPIONSHIP MONDAY PHL Championship Monday wrapped-up at the Troy Sports Center on Presidents’ Day and three new champions were crowned for the 2011-12 season as the California Titans (18U), Indiana Jr. Ice (16U) and St. Louis Selects (14U) all skated off with some new hardware.

The Titans scored the final three goals of the game to become the first team in the 18U Division to win two PHL championships (2010, 2012), as they defeated the topseeded Pittsburgh Viper Stars 4-2.

Earlier this week, Pittsburgh forward Elliot Tisdale inked an NAHL tender with Jamestown.

Chase Monroe was a rock between the pipes for Indiana, stopping all 36 Texas Tornado shots as the Jr. Ice won their first PHL 16U title, shutting out the Tornado by a 3-0 mark. Monroe kicked aside 93 of 94 shots in three games during the PHL championship series.

THE LATEST HEADLINES, CONTACT INFO, FULL SCHDULE & MORE

MIHOCKEYNOW.COM

Michigan Hockey

39

JUNIORS PREVIEW MUSKEGON LUMBERJACKS JUNIORS PREVIEW HPHL

Tyler Heinonen From Minnesota to the Mitten

BY MATT GAJTKA

M

USKEGON, Mich. – Minnesota and Michigan are two states with much in common. Both start with the letter ‘M’, both are located in the Upper Midwest and both are simply crazy about hockey.

It’s especially that last part that has eased the transition of Muskegon Lumberjacks first-year forward Tyler Heinonen from Minnesota high school hockey to the United States Hockey League. With a commitment to Michigan Tech already locked up, it would certainly be beneficial for the 18-year-old to get fully acclimated to the “Mitten.”

“Usually it’s a little colder back home this time of year,” Heinonen said. “But [Muskegon] reminds me a lot of where I grew up and things really aren’t too different here.”

While winter has been a virtual no-show this year, Heinonen has become more and more visible as the season has gone along. After setting a Delano High School record with 109 goals during his prep career – including 46 in 27 games as a senior – the 6-foot, 190-pounder has exploded for eight goals in his last 12 games as of Feb. 24.

In fact, since new head coach Jim McKenzie took over in mid-January, Heinonen has been seeing more ice time than he was in the season’s first half, including a regular shift on the Lumberjacks power play. According to McKenzie, the burgeoning left winger has impressed him from day one with his work ethic.

“He works and competes every day in practices as well as games,” said McKenzie, who played 15 years in the National Hockey League. “He’s had success no matter how much I’ve played him because he’s prepared to play for each game.”

Heinonen credits his recent run of goal scoring to his linemates, current Lumberjacks leading scorer Ryan Lomberg and speedy 12-goal man Dakota Klecha.

“I just got on a line and started clicking and got some confidence,” said Heinonen. “We work well together, Klecha can skate and Lomberg makes plays. I’ve been fortunate to play with them for a few weeks now.”

The future MTU Huskie tallied three points (all goals) in his first 16 USHL games, then missed six in a row due to injury before returning to the lineup Jan. 7. He picked up a pair of assists in his third game back but his current offensive burst didn’t begin in earnest until two weeks later, when he scored a late goal against the U.S. National Team.

Since then he’s been the Jacks’ hottest goal-getter, but Heinonen knows that while scorching opposing goalies is his strength, his play at both ends of the ice has earned him his current spot among Muskegon’s top six forwards.

“At the beginning of the season I wasn’t having consistent games,” he said. “Now I feel that even if I don’t get on the scoresheet I can still have a good game. If you’re not consistent you’re not going to play.

“I’ve always worked hard. It was in the back of my mind [the top two lines] is where I wanted to be. When I’ve gotten the opportunities I’ve produced, so I just have to

40

Michigan Hockey

keep producing.”

Drawing from his lengthy experience in the professional ranks, McKenzie sees that Heinonen has the ability to be a lamp-lighter at any level.

“He’s got great hands around the net,” McKenzie said.

“But you can never be satisfied because at the next level there’s always someone better than you. He has to continue to play to his strengths and work on his release and his finishing.

“Everyone has to improve if they want to move on, but Tyler is a natural goal scorer.”

Heinonen put those talents to use on a recent road trip. In Indianapolis Feb. 11, he buried a high shot from the slot to force overtime late in the third period, earning the Lumberjacks a valuable point against the league’s second-best team. The next afternoon in Youngstown, Ohio, Heinonen scored in regulation and then converted on his first USHL shootout attempt as the Jacks prevailed

MIHOCKEYNOW.COM

in the tiebreaker.

“I hit the post in OT, so I knew I needed to get that one back for the team,” said Heinonen of helping Muskegon end an eight-game road winless streak.

The Lumberjacks will have to keep rolling away from home if they hope to make a push for the Clark Cup playoffs, as they will be the visiting team in 11 of their last 18 games – including six of the final seven.

Confidence has helped Heinonen find his game, so he knows self-belief can boost Muskegon in the season’s final third.

“We have to keep playing as a team,” Heinonen said.

“We’ve come together and have played better hockey. We have to keep it up and keep believing that we can do it.

The biggest part is knowing we can do it.”

Matt Gajtka is the Communications Director and Broadcaster for the Muskegon Lumberjacks. You can reach him at mgajtka@muskegonlumberjacks.com.

MARCH 05, 2012 V.22 : I.16

Call (248) 478-1600 or go to suburbanhockey.com to register!

Ages listed in parenthesis

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MARCH 05, 2012 V.22 : I.16

MIHOCKEYNOW.COM

Michigan Hockey

41

PLYMOUTH WHALERS

JONES FINDING ROLE with Stacked Whalers’ Squad

BY MATT MACKINDER

W

hen Mitch Jones signed with the Plymouth Whalers just before Christmas, he knew he would be going to an organization where he could develop and learn the pro-style game – even if it meant not being able to go fishing anymore at his favorite spots near his home in Rochester.

Such are the sacrifices one makes to climb the rungs on the hockey ladder and play in the Ontario Hockey League at a young age.

“My time in Plymouth has been great,” said the 17-yearold Jones. “I don’t think I could look back and ever wish I had ever gone a different route. The family I am living with is great and I haven’t felt out of place since I came here.

The players are really good to me and I do miss my family and the fishing, but it’s good knowing they’re both only an hour away from Plymouth.”

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Michigan Hockey

A veteran of the Michigan youth hockey scene, Jones played for every major Detroit-area AAA organization with the exception of Victory Honda. He was skating with the Compuware U-18 team this year and also played three games with the Des Moines Buccaneers of the United States Hockey League earlier this season.

Jones, a 5-foot-10, 160-pound defenseman, said playing at a high level during his minor hockey days helped shape him into the player he is today.

“My dad (Brad) was my (assistant) coach for two seasons with Belle Tire (Jeff Torolski was the head coach),” said Jones. “My dad would always get on me and wouldn’t ever take any crap from me. He would sit me if I had an attitude with him and would always tell me what I was doing wrong. Torolski would always give me positive feedback to keep me going and when I had a question, he was always there to listen and help me.

“My coach this year with Compuware, Joe Pomaranski, was probably the best coach a player playing midget hockey could ask for. When I got called up to the USHL and then when I signed with the Whalers, he was really understanding and just wanted the best for me.”

With the Whalers, Jones gets the same vibe from head coach Mike Vellucci.

“Coach Vellucci is a great coach,” said Jones. “He knows what he is talking about and knows how to pick a great team, considering they won the OHL championship and got to the Memorial Cup in 2007. He knows how to develop players and knows how to move them to the next level. He is always willing to talk and tell you your mistakes and how to fix them. He really wants to help develop you into a better hockey player.”

Brad Jones played four years at the University of Michigan, so there was that kind of pull that Mitch had at an early age – follow in his dad’s footsteps and try the college game or branch out and see what the OHL could offer. Brad was also drafted by Winnipeg in 1984 and played in the NHL with Los Angeles and Philadelphia.

“It was definitely a tough decision, but while deciding which route I wanted to go, there were some tough deciding factors that kind of shaped my decision-making process,” Jones explained. “I wanted to be close to home and be able to see my family a lot. I knew moving away was part of hockey, but I believe seeing your family quite a bit is also very important. I had to choose whether to move to Iowa and play in Des Moines or move to Plymouth and play for the Whalers. I didn’t like how in college you would only play 32 games and I also didn’t want to live the so-called ‘college life.’ I wanted to focus specifically on hockey and take a few college classes locally. All in all, the decision I want to say was pretty easy.

“I knew quite a bit about college hockey, considering both of my parents went to Michigan. They would always tell me to choose what my heart was telling me, as long as I went to college and got my education, because hockey doesn’t last forever. My dad never minded the OHL

MIHOCKEYNOW.COM

Photos by Rena Laverty/Plymouth Whalers

because he knew it was good hockey and felt as long as I got my schooling, it was the right way to go.”

Drafted by Plymouth in the 11th round last May, Jones admitted that even if the Whalers weren’t the franchise that selected him that he would still have given the OHL a long look.

“Draft day last May was very exciting for me,” said Jones. “I’d been waiting for that day to come ever since the end of the season with Honeybaked. Just to be drafted is a great feeling, but being drafted to a local team couldn’t have gotten any better. I had talked to a few OHL teams prior to the draft, but I had been in contact a lot with Plymouth throughout last season, so I had somewhat of a clear idea they were really interested in me, which was really exciting.

“I would have for sure chosen the OHL if any other team would have drafted me. It all depends on what the team needs and wants and I personally believe Plymouth was the best team to get drafted to. They have put a lot of guys into the NHL, which is my ultimate dream. They have a couple defensemen that are leaving next year, which puts me in a good spot to compete and try to take their spots and hopefully showcase myself for the (2013 NHL) draft.”

And if Jones can reel in a couple decent-sized fish this summer, even better.

MARCH 05, 2012 V.22 : I.16

Mascot Madness #2 FRI 7

:05 PM

Whalers v. Brampton

Meet your favorite mascots all in one place for another edition of Mascot Madness, including the second Intermission Mascot Hockey Game!

#29 Scott Wedgewood 2010 3rd Round Pick New Jersey Devils

Mar 2

PM Fan Appreciation Night SAT 7:05

Whalers v. Windsor

Come enjoy a night full of prizes and giveaways to all of our loyal fans who have helped cheer on the Whalers during this great year!

Mar 3

:00 the Whalers SUN 2 PM Skate with

Whalers v. Owen Sound Bring your skates and stay after the game for another post-game Skate with the Whalers!

Green Out! Whalers v. Sarnia

Wear your green to celebrate St. Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day and the last regular season game before the playoffs begin!

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Mar 11 SAT 7 Mar 17 :05 PM

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

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Visit us at edshockey.com or contact Ed at 248-640-0554 or email at ed@edshockey.com

Ge

IN

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Game

!

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SAGINAW SPIRIT

DALTON YOUNG DRAWS COMPARISON TO NICK LIDSTROM TM

presents

BY CARL CHIMENTI

I

t’s not every day that a scout compares someone’s playing style to Nicklas Lidstrom’s.

When Dalton Young was signed by the Saginaw Spirit, general manager Jim Paliafito – then the team’s director of scouting – said that the Marysville, Mich., native reminded him of the Wings’ future hall-of-famer.

“Dalton is a very skilled, smart player,” said Paliafito, “He is an excellent skater who’s, style reminds me of defensemen, Nick Lidstrom, from the Detroit Red Wings.”

When told about Paliafito’s reference to his game being similar to the Wings’ No. 5, he laughed and was sort of lost for words.

“Wow, I don’t know what to say about that, this is the first time I have heard about it,” said a surprised Young. “That is a very high compliment to say to anyone and pretty nice of him, in mentioning Lidstrom’s name with mine.”

Young says he has a lot of work to do as he strives to become a pro hockey player and with this year as his NHL draft year he hopes to be selected come June.

“I have watched Lidstrom as well as many of the other NHL defensemen and their playing style hoping to pick things up to better my game,” said the ‘93-born player. “Watching them play and learning how and what they do will help you out in the long run.”

So when Young says that he only started playing defense in his first season with Belle Tire as a Minor Midget, it makes one shake their head out of confusion.

“I played forward through out my youth hockey until I made the switch in my first year of AAA hockey,” said Young. “At the time there was, too many forwards on the team so the coach asked me if I wanted to play on the blue line and I took the opportunity.”

Clearly he doesn’t have any regrets on making the switch.

“I like playing as a defensemen a lot better,” says Young. “I don’t find it that tough a position to play and I feel very comfortable on the blue-line.”

Young is a product of the Michigan

44

Michigan Hockey

3-o n - 3

EGGSTRAVAGANZA Hockey system and played U-16 and U-18 with Belle Tire. Appearing in a total of 77 games, during two seasons, he scored 13 goals and 39 points along with a goal and an assist in four playoff games. Following Major Midget, the 6-foot-1, 170-pound defender was drafted in the United States Hockey League (USHL), in the 16th round, 197th overall, by the Des Moines Buccaneers, in 2009.

With various options he decided to go the OHL route and signed as a free agent.

“It was during mid-season in my Midget Major year, I got a call from Saginaw,” recalled Young. “After weighing all my options I thought the OHL and the Saginaw Spirit was a better fit and looking back now it was the right choice.”

Now in his second season with the Spirit, Young has seen his ice time dramatically increase.

“I definitely feel a lot more comfortable out on the ice and that comes from playing more,” stated Young. “It all starts in practice, working and trying new things that I can use during games. That has helped me get settled in my overall abilities.”

Young is approaching the 100-game plateau with the Spirit and to date has totaled four goals, 14 assists and 18 points.

When asked what’s most important for a defenseman, he answers quickly.

“Confidence,” Young said. “It helps you to hold on to the puck a second longer, or moving the puck quicker. Having confidence has definitely helped me out a lot.”

TOURNAMENT

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MARCH 05, 2012 V.22 : I.16

D&D BICYCLES AND HOCKEY

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MARCH 05, 2012 V.22 : I.16

Kevin Miller MSU Hockey Alumni Pro Hockey Player â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 17 yrs Ph. 517.655.9334 Kevin.miller@yahoo.com

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Michigan Hockey

45

GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS Photo by: Mark Newman/Grand Rapids Griffins

PATIENCE is the path for Smith

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BY KYLE KUJAWA When Detroit Red Wings general manager Ken Holland acquired defenseman Kyle Quincey a week before the NHLâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trade deadline, he emphasized a well-known organizational philosophy when he parted with the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s upcoming ďŹ rst round draft choice. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The time is now. That ďŹ rst round pick, if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good pick, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll play in Detroit ďŹ ve years from now,â&#x20AC;? Holland told the Windsor Starâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bob Duff.

A player who can attest to that philosophy is Grand Rapids Griffins defenseman Brendan Smith, who made his NHL debut this season â&#x20AC;&#x201C; slightly less than ďŹ ve years after Detroit drafted him in the ďŹ rst round (27th overall) in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Red Wings have done it like this for so many years, and they are where they are today because theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve kept to that model,â&#x20AC;? said Smith. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They have created great players through the AHL program with the Griffins.â&#x20AC;?

Smith is familiar with being brought along slowly, having spent three years with the University of Wisconsin. The Badgers have established themselves as arguably the top defensive factory in the NCAA over the past 10 years, producing a stream of NHL defensemen, like Ryan Suter, Tom Gilbert, Jamie McBain, Ryan McDonagh and Jake Gardiner. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a testament to Wisconsin hockey, and the players theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve brought in and created such great defensemen out of,â&#x20AC;? said Smith, noting that Badger defenseman Justin Schultz (an Anaheim draft pick) appears to be next in line, with 40 points (13-27â&#x20AC;&#x201D;40) through 30 games. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s such a cool feeling for me to be a part of that and be amongst those names.â&#x20AC;?

Because of the depth on the blue line, Smith was not given an offensive role early

46

Michigan Hockey

in his collegiate career. As a freshman, he scored just two goals, while learning the Badgersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; defensive system. Once he honed his skills in his own end, he was given more offensive freedom â&#x20AC;&#x201C; eventually leading all NCAA defenseman in scoring as a junior in 2009-10 with 52 points (15-37â&#x20AC;&#x201D;52) in 42 contests. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We learned how to play the right way at an earlier age, which is going to help us become better pro players,â&#x20AC;? said the Mimico, Ontario, native. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We were very fortunate to have the coaching that we did. When I was there, it was Coach Mike Eaves, Mark Osiecki (currently the head coach of Ohio State University) and Kevin Patrick. That has really helped us out, and from here on, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re just going to keep getting better.â&#x20AC;?

The collegiate experience readied Smith for his professional hockey career. While many NHL teams would be tempted to rush a 52-point defenseman and Hobey Baker nominee into the NHL line-up, Detroitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s depth allowed them to give the second-year pro some defensive seasoning. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot of little things that will make you that much better of a player,â&#x20AC;? said Smith. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Blocking shots, having a good pivot, having an [active] stick.â&#x20AC;?

Although heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been considered a top prospect for years, it took Smith until this season to get a chance at the NHL. After serving a suspension handed down from a pre-season incident, Smith made his NHL debut on Nov. 17 at San Jose. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I could give you all the clichĂŠs,â&#x20AC;? said Smith. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was unbelievable, a dream come true. It was a really cool experience, my parents actually made the trip out west. I was fortunate to come out with two assists, and we took two out of three. It was one of the highlights of my life.â&#x20AC;?

2012 SPRING 2005

Coach: OPEN cballach@suburbanice.com Taking applications 248-601-6699

2004

Coach: Brian Lavoie 2004Rattlers@gmail.com March 12 5:15 pm; March 14 5:00 pm; March 19 5:15 pm 248-840-7637

2003

2001

Coach: Derek Burkhart dburk02@yahoo.com March 14 6:15 pm; March 19 7:00 pm; March 21 6:15 pm 248-495-3482

2000

Coach: Mark Rogers mark.g.rogers@gm.com March 19 6:45 pm; March 21 7:00 pm; March 24 4:15 pm

Coach: Dan Berry danberry@me.com Contact for more information 586-909-7354

1999

2002

1998

Coach: Richard Hutchinson coachhutch@hotmail.com Contact for more information 586-524-6385

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Coach: Kevin Harper harper4@wideopenwest.com Contact for more information

1997/1996 Coach: Jim Bayagich jim@bayproducts.com March 19 8:00 pm; March 22 8:30 pm

1995/1994 soulliere@sbcglobal.net March 20 8:30 pm; March 25 6:45 pm 586-255-7494

16U Girls jjohn1887@gmail.com March 27 7:00 pm; March 29 7:45 pm 248-807-3031

Coach: Shane Redshaw sredshaw@rochester.k12.mi.us March 26 8:15 pm;

March 28 7:45 pm March 31 2:30 pm

MARCH 05, 2012 V.22 : I.16

2012 NOVI

3-on-3 League STARTS IN APRIL

OPEN & HOUSE DIVISIONS

Mite | Squirt | Pee Wee |Bantam | High School 14-game guarantee Season runs from April – May Registrations will be taken on a first come, first served basis More information available at the arena or on our website www.noviicearena.com

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More information available at the arena or on our website www.noviicearena.com

DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE FOR TEAMS THAT PARTICIPATE IN BOTH LEAGUES

JUNIORS PREVIEW RED WINGS INSIDER Kyle Quincey turned out to be the biggest acquisition of the trade season for the Red Wings.

Photo by Tom Turrill

ADDITION by SUBTRACTION at Trade Deadline

BY DAVE WADDELL

A

fter plenty of tire kicking, it was space on the roster and opportunity for younger players that Detroit Red Wings general manager Ken Holland eventually added at the NHL trade deadline Feb. 27.

Holland’s only moves of the day saw him deal defenseman Mike Commodore to Tampa Bay for a conditional seventhround draft pick. He also recalled highly-touted defenseman Brendan Smith from the Wings’ AHL farm team in Grand Rapids.

The Wings GM had made his big move a few days earlier when he acquired defenseman Kyle Quincey from Tampa Bay for Detroit’s first-round draft pick in June.

“There wasn’t a fit, so we weren’t close on anything,” Holland said of making another deal after he traded Commodore.

“There were 3-4 players we would have liked to add but ultimately, we either didn’t offer enough or they didn’t like what we were offering.”

Holland said the price was particularly high for the Wings when it came to trading draft picks for a player.

“Somebody offers a second, we got to offer a first because of where we sit in the standings,” Holland said.

“There wasn’t a lot of rentals today. It has a lot to do with how many teams are in the hunt for a playoff spot.”

He also played down any concerns about not upgrading the Wings’ size in comparison to the other Western Conference contenders.

“I like the skill, some teams are bigger, they don’t have our skill.” Holland said.

“I don’t know that there was a move today that we could have made that could have gotten us bigger.”

The logic behind the Commodore trade was simple.

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Michigan Hockey

Commodore has played in only 17 games this season, picking up two assists, and hadn’t played since Feb. 6 in Phoenix. The move also opens up roster space for Smith.

Holland said the seeds for the deal were planted last week when he was working on the trade that brought Quincey to Detroit from Tampa.

“Brendan Smith was on the all-rookie team last year in the AHL, he’s got 10 goals, tremendous college career,” Holland said. “To think that Mike Commodore can play 20 games in the NHL, this year he’s played 17, and then go into the Stanley Cup playoffs, is pretty hard.”

Wings coach Mike Babcock played the realist when asked about the team’s inability to acquire a physical forward.

“It’s like going shopping, you want to buy a lot,” Babcock said.

“But when the coat you want is 3,000 bucks, I’m too tight for that. That’s just the way I am. I’m tight, so I keep wearing what I’ve got.”

However, finally having the 23-year-old Smith in Detroit certainly seemed to lift his spirits. The six-foot-two, 199-pound Smith has 12 goals and 32 points in 63 games for Grand Rapids this season.

“He came on the West Coast with us (in the fall), he was good enough to play on the team at that point,” Babcock said. “We felt the minutes in the minors were important.

“We felt he’d be on the team by the end. He could’ve probably played all year, probably could’ve played last year.

“Actually, if the truth be told, the coaching staff wanted him, the general manager wanted to make sure he got some seasoning.”

One of the stranger episodes on trade deadline day involved defenseman Brad Stuart.

Stuart was oblivious to it, but for a while many believed

MIHOCKEYNOW.COM

he’d been traded to the New York Rangers.

It just turned out to be another bogus story generated in the blogosphere.

“Somebody is sitting at a computer and making up stories, playing general manager,” Holland said. “And in this world today, when you got one person playing general manager, the whole world jumps on it and runs.

“On one hand it’s amusing, but on the other, it’s real people (involved).”

Holland said he hadn’t talked to Rangers GM Glen Sather in three weeks.

“We had one brief conversation and my conversation with Glen Sather had nothing to do with Brad Stuart,” Holland said. “I think the players also understand it’s a different world today and rumors run rampant.

“I told him six weeks ago he wasn’t going anywhere.”

Stuart never learned of the bogus trade until he was asked about it by reporters.

“I hadn’t heard anything like that,” Stuart said.

“I’ll have to go check my phone. That’s kind of funny.”

“It’s an eventful day. A lot of it is sitting around and watching nothing happen.

“You have no control of it, you just have to wait and see what happens.”

HELP SHAWN BURR FIGHT CANCER Former Red Wing Shawn Burr is taking on a fight away from the ice next month.

Burr was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) in 2011. Now, in the final stages of his recovery, he has been working hard to raise money and awareness for the cause. On March 17, The Shawn Burr Foundation will host the “Hockey Cancer Classic” at Great Lakes Sports City rink in Fraser.

Now cancer-free, Burr is spending much of his time helping others with their fight with AML. The money earned at the event will be donated to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Michigan and the University of Michigan medical center’s research for AML. The game will feature Detroit Red Wings alumni taking on the SBF (Shawn Burr Foundation) All-Stars followed by a special VIP party at Andiamo restaurant in Warren.

Fans interested in participating in the event or donating money can either attend the game (tickets are a $10 donation to the Sean Burr Foundation), or stop by the post-game VIP party at Andiamo.

For more information regarding the event, please visit the Shawn Burr Foundation website at www.shawnburrfoundation.org.

MARCH 05, 2012 V.22 : I.16

JUNIORS THE LAST PREVIEW LINE

S

o, the 2012 NHL trade deadline came and went with not much happening in terms of player movement… again. The more the media has turned the day into an event, the less it resonates as a day of action. Most GM’s identify their needs and get things done in the days and weeks leading up to the actual “day”. The reasons are plentiful as to why – cap restraints, three-point outcomes leading to artificiallycompressed standings and as such, more teams deemed still in the race, thus fewer sellers. Plus, GM’s don’t want to pay a last minute premium – like Nashville did in sending a first-round pick for Paul Gaustad.

Still, Predators’ GM David Poile made moves that made sense on the surface, but even at that, they don’t guarantee success. Just ask George McPhee in Washington. The past two seasons he has done everything y g right g in adding g depth, veterans and role players, yet the Capitals flamed out unceremoniously. ously. This year, with his team fighting for a playoff bid, d, McPhee chose to stand in the evererlengthening inactive line..

Point here iss that even with h astute, logical and nd prudent-on-paper er moves, the playoff ffs involve a whole ole other mystique and mojo.

What hasn’t asn’t changed is the essence of hope e for some players trapped apped on bad teams, s, or in bad situations. ons. It permeates losing ng NHL locker rooms and nd even wafts down a rung ung into the career consciousness ciousness of players at the AHL level. “If I can only move on, in the right situation, I can move up,” the he thinking goes. I remember ber waiting intently on trade de deadline day in 1986 as Nick ck Fotiu and I skated to stay y sharp. We had both been assigned ssigned to the AHL’s New Haven n Nighthawks – he by the New York Rangers and me by the L.A. Kings in one of the mostt dysfunctional shared-affiliate scenarios cenarios ever.

Anyway, the e coach was Robbie Ftorek and he didn’t have any use for players that were going to be e gone. So, Fotiu and I skated alone, ne, after the team practiced. He cruised ruised around the dimly lit ice of the he old New Haven Coliseum, ripping ing wicked and

50

Michigan Hockey

THE NHL TRADE DEADLINE FROM A PLAYER’S PERSPECTIVE

BY DARREN ELIOT

@Darren_Eliot wild wrist shots my way as I simultaneously worked on footwork, conditioning and not getting hit in the wrong place by one of Nicky’s missives. The only things harder wrist shot were his haymakers, with his left than Fotiu’s Foti being much more accurate than his shot. cross bein was a great guy, a Staten Island kid who made his Nicky w way to the th NHL via a “Slapshot” roadmap, through sheer determination. I thought it was cool that he sounded determina like Joey Ramone when he talked and Nick was always chirping. As the deadline approached, he kept telling me was interested in him. Our “work-out” was just Calgary w over – I had as much as I could take – when the about ove to the boards and yelled for Nick. A punch trainer came ca of the air and a “Yep, I’m outta here” before a slap on my goal pads and Fotiu was in fact on his way to the Flames. that I was on my way to the Flyers for My intelligence intelli Craven turned out to be less accurate than Fotiu’s Murray Cr info.

Years later, someone told me the deal fell through when Kings’ GM Rogie Vachon asked for tough guy K Dave Brown as well. No wonder the deal fell through.

B I thoug thought it was a stretch to ask for Craven straightup for a back-up goalie with a skinny pro resume.

In the end, my trade deadline day moment was unfulfilling. It was interesting to witness the instant energy energ Fotiu experienced while feeling my own sense disappointment – mostly in what I thought would be disap a be better opportunity that I was missing out on.

So, S while trade deadline day has become more about abo fans weighing in and media outlets stretching the bounds of common sense – creating a false sense of urgency and importance – it remains se a real and tangible experience for players. The whole trade deadline day is in your face, no w longer played out in some out-of-the-way rink. l That’s OK. Fans get to share in the speculation T and that is good from a league perspective.

At its core though, trade deadline day is still a player moment, with teammates moving, locker rooms changing, and uprooting families. Some move on quietly, while some tweet. All Al watch, though, and some hope for that next opportunity – the one that will make a difference… the opportun chance to shout, “I’m outta here.”

MIHOCKEYNOW.COM

MARCH 05, 2012 V.22 : I.16

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