MiHockeyMag - July 2, 2012

MiHockeyNow.com

V.22 : I.23 | July 2, 2012

CLASS OF

FIRST CLASS

2012

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

JULY 2, 2012 VOLUME 22: ISSUE 23

6 THE LOCKER ROOM Talking hockey on Facebook and Twitter

8 SLIDESHOW Photos from the NHL Draft red carpet

10 SPEAKING OF HOCKEY What is your favorite hockey movie?

12 GET BETTER Check out how NHL Central Scouting evaluates players

14 YOU SHOULD KNOW NHL Draft edition

18 HOMETOWN HERO Some of Michigan’s previous 1st-round draft picks

26 NHL DRAFT COVERAGE

26-27

Read about some of the latest Michigan connections drafted into the NHL

MIHOCKEY’S NHL DRAFT COVERAGE Highlighting some of the Michigan connections — like Rochester native Jacob Trouba — drafted in the 2012 NHL Draft

28 EQUIPMENT BUYER’S GUIDE, PART I Some of the top gloves and skates on the market today

30 GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS Luke Glendening returns home

32 RED WINGS INSIDER Red Wings draft for size and skill in 2012

28

EQUIPMENT BUYER’S GUIDE, PART I

New gloves and skates from the world’s top hockey manufacturers.

4

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32

RED WINGS INSIDER

The Red Wings were looking to add size, skill in Pittsburgh

34

LOOK FOR OUR NEXT ISSUE LAST LINE

At the NHL Draft, teams are looking to the future, with an eye on the present

MiHockeyNow.com

JULY 16, 2012

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

July 2, 2012 V.22 : I.23

FROM THE EDITOR MIHOCKEYMAG EDITOR Michael Caples

mcaples@mihockeynow.com

ADVERTISING Lucia Zuzga

lucia@mihockeynow.com

DESIGN Emily Huston Chuck Stevens MIHOCKEY STAFF Ben Fleck Brian Kalisher Stefan Kubus Ryan Zuke DISTRIBUTION Lucia Zuzga ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTORS Amy Jones Anne Ellis 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 I had a little trouble getting this latest ‘letter from the editor’ going.

Funny how writer’s block disappeared for me when I headed over to the nearest rink and watched some Mites and Squirts learning the game we all know and love.

Seems fitting to open this edition of MiHockeyMag talking about some kids still learning the difference between an inside and outside edge. After all, the majority of this issue highlights the kids who learned to play hockey at our local rinks, and learned so well that NHL clubs want them in their league someday soon.

As I watch a kid fly around a cone a little bit out of control but poised enough to still fire a shot on goal, I wonder if over the next few years, we will watch him grow into an NHL prospect. Who knows, maybe the next Jacob Trouba is out here right now. The next Mackenzie MacEachern could be lacing his skates up right now, waiting for the Zamboni to get off the ice so he can have some fun with his hockey buddies. Or the next Patrick Sieloff might be dreaming of the day when he’s allowed to step up and hit the forward flying through the neutral zone with his head down.

@michaelcaples That’s what makes this issue so special, in my opinion.

We have the incredible fortune here at MiHockey to highlight the success stories of our own homegrown talent.

Few things can make us feel more proud than to see all the hard work from the coaches, instructors, volunteers, and especially the parents pay off, and help our kids achieve their dreams.

We’re all in this together, building the game and teaching Michigan’s youth hockey to pass, how to shoot, and how to score. And when some of them hear their names called out

by NHL GMs and scouts at hockey’s greatest stage, we all should smile.

Congratulations to all the Michigan-born and Michiganadopted players selected in this year’s draft. Your hard work has paid off, and we can’t wait to see what you do with your brand-new opportunities.

Enjoy this issue of MiHockeyMag, everyone. We sure did enjoy assembling it.

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: Jacob Trouba (Michael Caples/ MiHockey), equipment photos courtesy of Warrior and Reebok, Martin Frk (Michael Caples/MiHockey) COVER: Photo by Michael Caples/MiHockey, design

by Emily Huston/MiHockey

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

July 2, 2012 V.22 : I.23

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5

THE LOCKER ROOM

THE

LOCKERROOM

ON THE FLY

TWO FOR TWEETING

Sometimes, a tweet can turn into a cover photo. We went through the hundreds of photos we took at the draft, and still picked the first photo we tweeted from Pittsburgh to be the picture that represents this issue of MiHockeyMag – with a little help from the MiHockey graphic design team, of course.

Here was a tweet we posted on the second day of the NHL Draft – Matt DeBlouw being interviewed by the USHL after fielding questions from the rest of the media.

LOCKER ROOM POLLS days before the July 1 opening of Q: Five free agency in the NHL, we asked our Facebook fans if they thought Zach Parise and/or Ryan Suter would end up in Hockeytown. Here’s what they said:

A: 43% Ryan Suter 10% Zach Parise 36% Both 11% Neither

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Jacob Trouba must have had an hour’s worth of interviews to do after he was drafted 9th overall by Winnipeg. We tweeted this photo of him talking to Jets TV.

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July 2, 2012 V.22 : I.23

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SLIDESHOW

MICHIGAN HOCKEY IN PICTURES: THE NHL DRAFT RED CARPET

Former Red Wings coach Scotty Bowman signs autographs as he walks into Consol Energy Center.

Top American pick Alex Galchenyuk signs autographs during his entrance.

Montreal defenseman P.K. Subban made a surprise appearance on the red carpet; his brother Malcolm was drafted in the first round by Boston.

Rochester native Jacob Trouba signs a fan’s T-shirt.

Ann Arbor native Patrick Sieloff signs a hat.

National Team Development Program forward Nicolas Kerdiles signs autographs with a bandaged hand.

(ALL PHOTOS BY MICHAEL CAPLES/MIHOCKEY) 8

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July 2, 2012 V.22 : I.23

August 15-26 GEAR UP AND BE PERFORMANCE READY

In FOR FULL PRODUCT OFFERING PRICING AND STORE LOCATIONS

WWW.CCMPRESEASON.COM

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SPEAKING OF HOCKEY

With the conclusion of the NHL season officially marking the start of summer, we figured it was a good time to ask our Facebook followers:

“What is your favorite hockey movie?”

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!

My Favorite hockey movie is Slapshot (original movie) because of course the Hansen brothers, also before that movie they played in the NHL for my favorite team, the Detroit Red Wings! :) Ryan Schulte Miracle. It’s the best underdog story in sports and was a great moment for the USA in a time where this country needed a moment like that. Alec Blake Petrelak Love Mystery Alaska! Great movie for the kids Vicki Kostaroff No question there, “The Miracle” - nothing better than Herb Brooks’ infamous speech. I think I can recite most of it word for word :) Mary Jo Gibson Serdoner The Mighty Ducks trilogy because they are movies I grew up with and still love! Mike Slade ‘Miracle’ because there is nothing better than winning for your country David Defever

WINNER

Miracle, Slapshot, Youngblood, Cutting Edge--”Toe pick”! Michelle Cherveny Shook

“Who do you play for???” Definitely ‘Miracle.’ It embodies the spirit of team play and overcoming great odds.

— Timmy Roberts

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

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July 2, 2012 V.22 : I.23

visit

July 2, 2012 V.22 : I.23

for more 2012 NHL Draft coverage

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11

GET BETTER

GETBETTER

POWERED BY

* Excellent (E): Excels in this area. Considered one of the best prospects in this regard. * Very Good (VG): An area of strength. Better than most of his fellow prospects in this regard. * Good (G): Possesses the ability. Not an area of specific strength or weakness. Slightly above ave. * Average (A): Needs work in this area. Average ability compared to the other prospects. * Poor (P): Must improve this area. Is below average compared to other prospects in this regard. * Not Applicable (NA): Does not apply or has not been displayed in your viewings.

CATEGORY

WEIGHT

CRITERIA

VARIANCE (FWD/DEF.)

18

21

3

2

PUCK SKILLS (Shot Accuracy, Shot Strength, Shot Release, Possesses Multiple Shot Types, Stickhandling Ability, Puck Protection, Giving a Pass, Receiving a Pass, Scoring Touch)

18

20

2

3

COMPETITIVENESS (Scoring Drive, Work Ethic, Consistency, Forechecking -- D-men -- Slot Coverage, Clearing the crease, Tying up your man)

17

2

4

PHYSICAL PLAY (Board & Corner Play, Physical Presence, Conditioning, Hitting, Fighting)

15

-2

5

HOCKEY SENSE (Playmaking, Anticipation, Discipline, Decision Making, Play Under Pressure, Versatility)

15

15

0

6

DEFENSIVE PLAY (Defensive Anticipation, Positioning, Backchecking -- for D-men -- Stick Checking, Stick Use, Pokechecking), Defensive Reliability)

17

12

-5

100

100

0

Total

15

17

Forwards

SKATING (Acceleration, Speed, Balance, Mobility, Backward Skating)

Defense

1

HOW WOULD YOU

STACK UP? This is the report that NHL scouts used to rate this year’s drafted players (congrats to all!). It is interesting to note the variance within categories for forwards and defensemen. Remember, this is the summary page and each category is broken down in a full profile. Plus, a scout may file as many as a dozen game reports on a particular prospect. It all adds up to a lot of hard work by all involved. Considering Rochester native and National Team Development Program defenseman Jacob Trouba was ranked No. 9 in both the midterm and final rankings, and then actually went No. 9 in the draft, it must be a pretty reliable system

12

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YOU SHOULD KNOW

you should know

Jacob Trouba

Matt DeBlouw

Patrick Sieloff

Phil DiGiuseppe

FIRST CONCERT:

FAVORITE SPORTING EVENT:

FAVORITE SPORTING EVENT:

FAVORITE SPORTING EVENT:

FIRST CONCERT:

Taylor Swift

Avril Lavigne at the Palace.

The Winter Classic

IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY FIRST CONCERT: SUPERPOWER, WHAT WOULD ‘N Sync IT BE: IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY X-ray vision.

SUPERPOWER, WHAT WOULD IF YOU WERE GIVEN IT BE: Have the power to fly $1 MILLION, WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH IT: IF YOU WERE GIVEN I’d probably spend it on everyone who has given up something for $1 MILLION, WHAT WOULD me to do this. I want to pay my YOU DO WITH IT: dad back for all that he has done for me.

Give it to charity and give some to my parents

WHAT THREE PEOPLE WOULD YOU PICK TO HAVE DINNER WITH:

IF YOU COULD HAVE ONE WISH GRANTED, WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH IT:

Nicklas Lidstrom, President Obama That every kid has the chances and my great grandparents. and opportunities that everyone has

WHAT HAS HOCKEY TAUGHT YOU:

WHAT THREE PEOPLE WOULD YOU PICK TO HAVE DINNER WITH:

There are a lot of sacrifices that you have to make to get where you want to be. Hockey resembles Pavel Datsyuk, Gordie Howe and things that are going to happen Steve Yzerman later in life.

FAVORITE CHILDHOOD MEMORY:

Staying up to watch the Stanley Cup finals

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MiHockeyMag

FAVORITE CHILDHOOD MEMORY:

I like going to and watching any baseball game

Backstreet Boys in 3rd Grade

IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPERPOWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE:

Read people’s minds or be like Hayden Christensen in the movie Jumper and have the ability to teleport.

IF YOU WERE GIVEN $1 MILLION DOLLARS, WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH IT: Give a lot back to my parents for supporting me in everything I do

PRE GAME ROUTINE:

I like to get to the Ann Arbor Ice Cube at least two hours prior to a game. Once there, I focus on the game and the task at hand

WHAT THREE PEOPLE WOULD YOU PICK TO HAVE DINNER WITH: Kid Cudi, Paul

Bissonnette and Christopher “Big Black” Boykin from Rob & Big

Skating on my pond with my family

MiHockeyNow.com

Stanley Cup Final

FIRST CONCERT: MUST-SEE TV: Family Guy

IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPERPOWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE: Fly

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU HAVE AN HOUR OF FREE TIME:

Sleep

PRE-GAME ROUTINE:

Eat at 2 p.m., sleep from 3-4, then head to the rink

WHAT THREE PEOPLE WOULD YOU PICK TO HAVE DINNER WITH:

Gordie Howe, Wayne Gretzky and Bobby Orr

FAVORITE CHILDHOOD MEMORY:

Playing hockey on the pond

July 2, 2012 V.22 : I.23

INTRODUCING THE NEW 20K SKATE

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MAXIMUM POWER WITH EVERY STRIDE. The new 20K PUMP® skates give you the customization & performance needed to play the game at the highest level. The re-engineered Dynamic Support System solidifies the skate and controls flexion while working with the reinforced composite shell to maximize energy transmission and generate more power when digging in. © 2012 Reebok International Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

IN STORES NOW FOR MORE INFO VISIT

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ANNIVERSARY SALE! 10-75% off all items!

At regular price, in stock only

FRI JULY 13TH 10-9 SAT JULY 14TH 10-7 SUN JULY 15ST 10-6

excludes m.a.p. items.

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SALES REPS from ALL MAJOR HOCKEY AND LACROSSE COMPANIES WILL BE HERE!

CUSTOM FITTING!! FREE SWAG!!

10-75% off all items! Sale includes all 2012 product!!

Below is just a few of the many items on sale

lax ITEMS

•Handles – All Reebok, Warrior, STX, Easton, Brine 20-50% off!

•Heads – All Reebok, Easton, Harrow 25-50% off!

•Protective – All STX, Easton 25% off!

•Women's – All heads, handles, gloves, goggles Up to 75% off!

•Free stringing on any head purchase! *mesh sold separately

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•Sticks – Warrior, Sher-wood, Bauer, Easton Up to 50% off!

•Protective – CCM U+ 05 50% off!

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!!HUGE SALE ON ALL GOALIE EQUIPMENT!!

CUSTOM ORDER GOALIE PADS, GLOVE, OR BLOCKER AND SAVE 10%-20% OFF ORDER!! * SALE IS FOR IN STOCK ONLY, EXCLUDES CUSTOM ITEMS, EXCLUDES M.A.P. ITEMS, GOOD FOR JULY 13 TH-15TH ONLY*

perfectedgehockey.com 3621 E. GRAND RIVER AVE. HOWELL, MI 48843

PHONE. 517.546.1897

COMPLETE AND UP-TO-DATE TOURNAMENT LISTINGS AT

MIHOCKEYNOW.COM

TOURNAMENT CALENDAR SEPTEMBER 2012 Hockey Time Productions Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MI September 21-23, 2012 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com Great Lakes Pre-Season Challenge Holland, MI September 28-30, 2012 Squirt, Pee Wee, Bantam; AA and A; Midget Minor and High School JV Girls U10, U12, U14, U16, U19 Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com OCTOBER 2012 Otsego County Sportsplex Gaylord, MI AAA Early Bird Tournament October 5 – 7, 2012 4 game guarantee Level: 2000 8 team limit Jim Driver 989-858-3400 jim@premierjd.com Hockey Time Productions Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MI October 5-7, 2012 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com Otsego County Sportsplex Gaylord, MI AAA Early Bird Tournament October 12 - 14, 2012 4 game guarantee Level: 2001 8 team limit Jim Driver 989-858-3400 jim@premierjd.com Great Lakes Fall Showdown Holland, MI October 12-14, 2012 Squirt, Pee Wee, Bantam; AA and A; Midget Major and High School Varsity Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Otsego County Sportsplex

July 2, 2012 V.22 : I.23

Gaylord, MI AAA Early Bird Tournament October 19 - 21, 2012 4 game guarantee Level: 2002 8 team limit Jim Driver 989-858-3400 jim@premierjd.com

Motown Cup Tournament Series Brighton/Novi, MI November 23-25, Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com

Hockey Time Productions Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MI October 19-21, 2012 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com

Great Lakes Thanksgiving Classic Holland, MI November 23-25 Squirt through Midget; House, B, A, and AA, High School Varsity and JV Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com

Great Lakes Fall Classic I Holland, MI October 26-28, 2012 Squirt A, B and House, Pee Wee AA, Bantam A, B and House, Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com NOVEMBER 2012 Hockey Time Productions Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MI November 2-4, 2012 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com Great Lakes Fall Classic II Holland, MI November 2-4, 2012 Squirt AA, Pee Wee A, B and House, Bantam AA, Midget B and House Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Great Lakes Veterans Cup Holland, MI November 9-11, 2012 Squirt A, B and House, Pee Wee AA, Bantam A, B and House, Midget Major and HS Varsity Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Hockey Time Productions

Hockey Time Productions Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MI November 30-December 2, Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com

OUT OF STATE TOURNAMENTS JUNE 2012 USA International Hockey Cup Blaine, MN June/ July/ August 2012 Boys and Girls Divisions Invite and Open AAA Competition JULY 2012 Walmart Hockey Cup 3v3 Challenge Blaine, MN July 14-15, 2012 Boys and girls ages 6-18 July 20-22 High school Boys’ and girls’ teams SEPTEMBER 2012 Hockey Time Productions Rock ‘n Roll Cup Tournament Series Cleveland, OH September 7-9, 2012 Squirt-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com Hockey Time Productions Rock ‘n Roll Cup Tournament Series Cleveland, OH

September 21-23, 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 September 21-23, 2012 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com Hockey Time Productions Chi-Town Cup Tournament Series Chicago, IL September 21-23, 2012 Squirt-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com CHICAGO CUP Tournament Series: Chicago Preseason Challenge Chicago, IL September 21-23, 2012 Mite through Midget; B, A, and AA, High School Varsity and JV Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Steel City Tournament Series: Pittsburgh Preseason Challenge Pittsburgh, PA September 28-30, 2012 Squirt through Midget: B, A and AA, High School Varsity and JV Girls U10, U12, U14, U16, U19 Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com OCTOBER 2012 Hockey Time Productions Rock ‘n Roll Cup Tournament Series Cleveland, OH October 5-7, 2012 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com Hockey Time Productions Three Rivers Cup Tournament

MiHockeyNow.com

Series Pittsburgh, PA October 5-7, 2012 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com Hockey Time Productions Chi-Town Cup Tournament Series Chicago, IL October 5-7, 2012 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com Hockey Time Productions South Bend Cup Tournament Series South Bend, IN October 5-7, 2012 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com Empire State Tournament Series: Rochester Fall Classic Rochester, NY October 5-7, 2012 Mite through Midget: B, A, AA, High School Varsity and JV Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Congressional Cup Tournament Series: Congressional Fall Classic Washington, DC October 5-7, 2012 Squirt through Midget: B, A and AA, High School Varsity and JV Girls U10, U12, U14, U16, U19 Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com CANADA AUGUST 2012 Canadian Hockey Enterprises Whistler Cup Whistler, BC August 9-12, 2012 Over 19, 25, 30, 35, 40 divisions Canadian Hockey Enterprises...1-800-461-2161 chehockey.com goals@chehockey.com

OCTOBER 2012 Otsego County Sportsplex Gaylord, MI AAA Early Bird Tournament October 5 – 7, 2012 4 game guarantee Level: 2000 8 team limit Jim Driver 989-858-3400 Email: jim@premierjd.com Otsego County Sportsplex Gaylord, MI AAA Early Bird Tournament October 12 - 14, 2012 4 game guarantee Level: 2001 8 team limit Jim Driver 989-858-3400 Email: jim@premierjd.com Otsego County Sportsplex Gaylord, MI AAA Early Bird Tournament October 19 - 21, 2012 4 game guarantee Level: 2002 8 team limit Jim Driver 989-858-3400 Email: jim@premierjd.com

2012 SCHEDULE North American Holiday Hockey Adult & Youth 1-800-322-NAHH nahhtours.com NAHHTOURS@ aol.com Montreal, Quebec Complexe Sportif Bell (Canadiens’ Practice Facility) April 13 – 15, 2012 Toronto, Ontario Canlan Ice Sports April 20 – 22, 2012 Hartford, Connecticut International Skating Center of Connecticut April 27 – 29, 2012 Atlantic City, New Jersey Flyers’ Skate Zone (Flyers’ Facility) May 4 – 6, 2012

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HOMETOWN HEROES Jim Slater Lapeer – 30th overall 2002 (Atlanta Thrashers)

Ryan Kesler Livonia - 23rd overall 2003 (Vancouver Canucks)

MICHIGAN ROUND

SOME OF THEM, BEC TOO MANY FOR

Tim Gleason Clawson - 23rd overall 2001 (Ottawa Senators)

Mike Modano

Livonia - 1st overall 1988 (Minnesota North Star

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July 2, 2012 V.22 : I.23

David Legwand Detroit – 2nd overall 1998 (Nashville Predators)

N’S FIRST PICKS

Cam Fowler Farmington Hills - 12th overall 2010 (Anaheim Ducks)

AUSE WE’VE HAD TWO PAGES

Brian Rolston Flint – 11th overall 1991 (New Jersey Devils)

s)

Ian Cole Ann Arbor – 18th overall 2007 (St. Louis Blues)

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2012/13 FALL TRYOUTS 2005 STARS

Coach – Manon Rheaume mrheaume33@aol.com

2004 STARS

Coach– David McCallum davidmccallum@wowway.com

2003 STARS

Coach – Matt West mattlwest@charter.net

2002 STARS

2001 STARS Coach – Cal McGowan cmcgowan@suburbanice.com

98 STARS

2000 STARS Coach – Roger Graff rgraff19@gmail.com

Contact – Sean Coffman sean.a.coffman@comcast.net

96/97 STARS

99 STARS Coach – Mike McCollough mjmcc123@msn.com

Coach – Dan Cesarz dkkd141516@yahoo.com

Coach - Vicki Crimmins vcrimmins9@comcast.net

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

GIRLS 2012/13 FALL TRYOUTS 10U ICEBREAKERS Coach – Geoff Bennetts gbennetts@suburbanice.com

12U ICEBREAKERS

Coach - Rick Murray SBNKBN !DPNDBTU OFU t +VMZ 1. o 1. +VMZ 1. o 1.

14U ICEBREAKERS Coach – Joe Jones jjones@suburbanice.com +VMZ 1. o 1. +VMZ 1. o 1.

16U ICEBREAKERS Coach – Glenn Stichhaller gsmv@comcast.net

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S G N I K D R O F D E AAA R

JOINS ELITE PROSPECTS LEAGUE TO SHOWCASE TALENT The Redford Kings hockey club has been accepted as the latest entry in the Tier One National Junior Prospects Hockey League (NJPHL) beginning in the fall of the 2012-2013 hockey season. The move comes as the Kings program looks to showcase its considerable talent in national and regional hockey organizations, leaving a sometimes limiting "state focused" hockey agenda behind.

The U14 and U16 AAA Kings will be playing in national showcase tournaments in the northeast as well as in Michigan through the season and is the first of the Redford teams to make the jump to the league. The AAA U14 and U16 Kings will play immediately in the NJPHL. As with all Kings teams, the AAA program will continue to be led by Development Director Roman Andrys. We will adhere to our core training beliefs including a 4:2 practice to game ratio, a minimum of four on-ice AND off-ice training sessions a week with an emphasis on in-game puck possession and individual creativity. The Kings' training facility in Oak Park, Michigan also offers a state of the art private locker room, shooting skills and indoor track areas and advanced skill development.

For more information on joining the AAA Kings, e-mail coach@redfordkings.com

Tryout Dates

U14 June 12: 5:30 –7 pm Hazel Park June 17: 5 – 6:30 pm Hazel Park July 11: 5 – 6 pm Cranbrook

U16 June 16: 5 – 6:30pm Hazel Park June 19: 8:30 –10 pm Hazel Park July 17: 5 – 6 pm Cranbrook July 19: 5 – 6:30 pm Cranbrook

www.redfordkings.com

Redford Township Hockey Association Fall Tryouts

www.redfordkings.com 2003 REDFORD KINGS

2003 REDFORD ROYALS

MONDAY July 16, 5:00 – 6:30 pm Cranbrook WEDNESDAY August 1, 5:00 – 6:30 pm Cranbrook For more info contact Chris at cjelinek@garanlucow.com

THURSDAY 6/7 6:00 – 7:30 pm Arctic Edge

2002 REDFORD KINGS

For information contact Chris at tke142@aol.com

MONDAY July 16, 5:00 – 6:30 pm Cranbrook TUESDAY July 24, 5:00 – 6:00 pm Cranbrook MONDAY July 30, 5:30 – 6:30 pm Cranbrook For more info contact Kevin at krsgolf@comcast.net

2002 REDFORD ROYALS

2001 REDFORD KINGS

FRIDAY 6/29 7:00 – 8:30 pm Novi For information contact Tim at tkielb@sbcglobal.net

WEDNESDAY July 25, 5:00 – 6:00 pm Cranbrook TUESDAY July 31, 5:00 – 6:00 pm Cranbrook For more info contact Pete at pcandoni@aol.com

2000 AA REDFORD KINGS MONDAY July 9, 5:00 – 6:30 pm Cranbrook MONDAY July 23, 5:00 – 6:30 pm Cranbrook THURSDAY August 2, 5:30 – 6:30 pm Cranbrook For more info contact Kip at maurerc@dteenergy.com

TUESDAY 6/12 6:00 – 7:30 pm Arctic Edge THURSDAY 6/14 6:00 – 7:00 pm Arctic Edge

MONDAY 6/25 7:00 – 8:30 pm Novi THURSDAY 6/28 7:00 – 8:30 pm Novi

2000 REDFORD ROYALS TUESDAY July 10, 8:00 – 9:30 pm Disc Dearborn TUESDAY July 17, 8:00 – 9:30 pm Disc Dearborn For more info contact Scott at scott_sinclair@mascohq.com

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MONDAY June 25, 6:30 – 8:00 pm Novi

For information contact Alan Sasson at alansasson@sbcglobal.net

For more info contact Brian Judd at whitnsam@sbcglobal.net

WEDNESDAY June 27, 6:00 – 7:30 pm Novi

99 REDFORD KINGS TUESDAY July 10, 5:00 – 6:00 pm Cranbrook WEDNESDAY July 18, 5:00 – 6:00 pm Cranbrook For more info contact Kurt at kkruger21@yahoo.com

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

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

2005 Birmingham Rangers Mike Fitzpatrick, 734-812-2149, mdfitzpa@umich.edu July 8th 12pm - 1:00pm @ Cranbrook July 10th 6pm – 7:00pm @ Cranbrook July 15th 12pm – 1:00pm @ Cranbrook 2004 Birmingham Rangers Steve Carrel, 248-495-4012, steve.carrel@trpfund.com Contact coach for tryout information.

2003 Birmingham Rangers Paul Siver, 248-302-3304, psiver@comcast.net Hank Wineman, 248-219-6491 Contact coach for tryout information.

2003 Birmingham Liberty (New Team) Scott Marcus, 248-730-2227, Marcus@RSMDevelopment.com July 13th 6:00pm - 7:20pm @ Cranbrook July 15th 2:30pm – 4:00pm @ Cranbrook 2002 Birmingham Rangers Bill Christie Tim White, 248-761-0278, tim.white@itelligencegroup.com June 25th 7:00pm - 8:30pm @ Troy Sports Center 5:30pm – 7:00pm @ Troy Sports Center June 27th Contact coach for additional tryout information.

1994-96 Midget AA_Birmingham Rangers Spring/Fall Bruce Gilgallon , 248-303-0051, brucegilgallon@yahoo.com All positions open including goalie.

5:30pm – 7:30pm @ Cranbrook 7/22nd 7/23rd 8:00pm - 9:30pm @ Cranbrook 7/29th 5:30pm – 7:30pm @ Cranbrook 7/30th 8:00pm – 9:30pm @ Cranbrook Birmingham Little Caesars Teams Visit LittleCaesarsHockey.com for updates!

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 Manager: Vince Grainer 734-306-9229, vgrainer@ecpconsultingservices.com m 2000 Birmingham Little Caesars Coach: Dave Taylor, 734-915-7418, tails2121@gmail.com

2001 Birmingham Rangers Paul Siver, 248-302-3304, psiver@comcast.net Contact coach for tryout information.

2000 Birmingham Rangers Chris Kantgias, 586-596-8722, ckantgias@dietechna.com Coaches: Fred Perlini, Vicki Perlini Contact coach for tryout information.

1999 Birmingham Rangers Paul Dunbar, 248-388 9450, bham99rangers@aol.com Coaches: Anatoliy Buliga & Petr Tichy, e2 July 10th 6pm - 7:30pm @ Royal Oak July 13th 7:30pm - 9pm @ Cranbrook July 15th 5:30pm - 7pm @ Cranbrook July 20th 7:30pm - 9pm @ Cranbrook

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

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2012

FOR MORE COVERAGE OF THE 2012 NHL DRAFT, VISIT MiHockeyNow.com

BY MICHAEL CAPLES & MATT MACKINDER

Trouba headlines Michigan’s representatives at the NHL Draft

O

n June 22, Rochester native Jacob Trouba became the highest drafted Michiganborn player since David Legwand.

Trouba, who has spent the last two seasons with the National Team Development Program in Ann Arbor, was selected 9th overall by the Winnipeg Jets during the first round of the 2012 NHL Draft in Pittsburgh.

“Just a little bit of relief that it’s over, now I can get back to a normal life,” Trouba said, when asked how he felt when he heard his name called. “I was a little nervous during some of the other picks and who was being taken, but I’m glad I ended up being a Jet.” The 6-foot-2-inch, 187-pound defenseman, a University of Michigan commit, stated during his post-draft press conference that he still plans to play for the Wolverines.

“I’ve always been a little bit of a Wolverines fan growing up,” Trouba said. “When I visited there, I just kind of fell in love with the campus, and everyone around it and the rink. It’s a pretty special place, and the education you get there is one of a kind, so I’m just excited to be a part of that, and be a Wolverine.”

Trouba, who played the majority of his youth hockey with Compuware, is the highest Michiganborn player drafted since Detroit’s David Legwand was selected 2nd overall by Nashville in 1998.

The Rochester native said he wouldn’t be where he is today without his experiences from youth hockey in Michigan.

“It was awesome, playing there, it was a great place to play,” Trouba said. “They have great minor

Wilson the latest 1st round Whaler

PITTSBURGH – Tom Wilson is as humble a hockey player as one would ever find.

Get him on the ice and he’s one of the toughest and grittiest players around, but with an offensive touch that some feel will be NHL-ready in a few short years.

Put all that together and it all amounts to a first-round draft pick.

The Washington Capitals grabbed Wilson, a forward for the Plymouth Whalers, with the 16th overall selection at the 50th edition of the NHL draft on June 22 inPittsburgh.

Ask Wilson how it feels to be a first-

round pick and he’s almost shy.

“I’m thrilled,” said Wilson, who was originally Plymouth’s second-round pick in the 2010 Ontario Hockey League Draft.

“I’ve never been to Washington, but I’ve heard it’s a great city, so I’m really looking forward to it. I’m looking forward to going to (training) camp and getting to know the organization.

“I actually met (the Capitals’ staff ) down here right before the draft and (after I was drafted) we were joking around that it was worth the extra meeting. It was good to meet the guys and also at the combine, but nothing is for sure on draft day.”

Wilson was asked shortly after putting on the Washington jersey for the first time what the first thing that comes to his mind when he thinks of the Capitals. “(Alex) Ovechkin, maybe?” quipped Wilson. “He’s a great player, fun to watch and I had his jersey when I was growing up.

I think it’ll be really cool to meet him when or if I do, so that’s pretty exciting to play with guys like that.”

hockey, you play the best teams, against the best players growing up, and I don’t think I would be here without Michigan hockey. It’s pretty cool.”

“…I don’t think I would be here without Michigan hockey.”

Rochester native Jacob Trouba

Surprise of a lifetime for MacEachern PITTSBURGH – A breakout season for Mackenzie MacEachern has continued into the summer.

The 90 points he posted in 29 games drew national attention for the Brother Rice standout, making him both a top draft choice of the USHL’s Chicago Steel and a future Michigan State Spartan.

And now, he’s also property of the St. Louis Blues.

The Central Division rival of the Red Wings surprised even MacEachern when they took him six picks into the third round of the 2012 NHL Draft. The Troy native had been ranked 138th in the NHL Central Scouting’s final projections, yet ended up going 67th overall.

“I didn’t expect it at all,” MacEachern said. “If anything, I expected to go maybe in the sixth or seventh (round). It was just a great feeling when my name got called.

I had this feeling in my body, I started shaking – it was surreal.”

MacEachern, who will spend a season with the Steel in the USHL before enrolling at MSU for the 2013-14 season, had his

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parents with him in the crowd when the Blues read his name.

“I only actually had my mom and my dad out here, not everybody could make it,” MacEachern said. “My brother is in Florida, and I have two siblings who are stuck at work.

“It was awesome; all of their long days spent at the rink with me, they were happy to see that it paid off.”

June 18, 2012 V.22 : I.22

Wolverines’ Di Giuseppe now a Hurricane During his post-draft interviews, Phil Di Giuseppe compared the NHL Draft to something you don’t normally hear associated with hockey.

“It’s like a beauty contest,” the Wolverines forward said. “Obviously you want to go as high as possible, but I couldn’t be more happy with where I am now or as honored as I am now.”

Di Giuseppe, ranked No. 22 in the NHL Central Scouting’s final chart, ended up being selected by the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round of the 2012 NHL Draft, No. 38 overall.

The soon-to-be sophomore in Ann Arbor said he wasn’t too sure of where he would end up when names started being called by NHL clubs.

“I had no idea,” Di Giuseppe said. “It’s kind of hard to tell. … I’m just proud to be drafted by this organization.”

Di Giuseppe posted 11 goals and 15 assists in his first season with the Wolverines – a significant offensive force in the CCHA. But he said that when October rolls around, he will be ready for even more responsibility in the opposition’s zone.

Michigan coach Red Berenson sat behind Di Giuseppe during the draft.

The future Hurricane said that Berenson deserves credit for helping him get to this point of his career.

“He’s been around so many prospects and so many NHL players,” Di Giuseppe said. “He had a lot of years in the NHL himself. He knows so much about the game and passes that on to his players.

That’s why I think the program has done so well — because it was built around Red.”

Johnson goes from “Mr. Hockey” to NHL pick This time last year, Ben Johnson was enjoying summer vacation after winning the state’s “Mr. Hockey” honors as a junior at Calumet High School and had just signed a free-agent deal with the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League.

One year later, Johnson is an NHL draft pick, having been taken in the third round (90th overall) by the New Jersey Devils on June 23 in Pittsburgh.

The 18-year-old could barely contain his excitement at first when surrounded by reporters following his selection.

Speechless at times, he was perhaps put in a deer-in-the-headlights mood once he was drafted and his NHL dreams becoming one step closer.

“Hearing my name called, it’s thrilling, obviously,” said Johnson. “It’s a great time for me right now and I’m just soaking it all in.”

Johnson’s cousin, Blake Pietila, was drafted 129th overall in 2011 by New Jersey and currently plays for Michigan Tech. He’s also familiar with former Windsor forward and current New Jersey up-and-comer Adam Henrique,

Sieloff ’s dream comes true PITTSBURGH – Patrick Sieloff said he couldn’t stop smiling.

And really, who could blame him? The Ann Arbor native had just been selected by the Calgary Flames in the second round of the 2012 NHL Draft.

“It’s an awesome feeling,” Sieloff said.

“I’m still kind of in shock. It’s a dream come true. It was my childhood dream, growing up obviously you want to get drafted and play in the NHL. It starts here, this is just the starting point, but throwing on the jersey, it’s awesome. I can’t get the

July 2, 2012 V.22 : I.23

so he knows a little bit about the Devils, Stanley Cup runners-up this season to Los Angeles.

“I skated pretty much every day with Henrique last summer and I’m pumped to talk to him this year about New Jersey,” added Johnson.

A power forward-type player with an edge to his game, Johnson shared the 2011 “Mr. Hockey” award with Gerald Mayhew from Wyandotte Roosevelt High School. While Mayhew played this past season in the USHL, Johnson put up 18 goals among 38 points while playing in all 68 regular-season contests for Windsor.

Worth the wait for DeBlouw

smile off my face.”

The Compuware and National Team Development Program alum said that in no way was he disappointed that he wasn’t picked in the first round. Mock drafts had the physical defenseman going either late in the first round, or somewhere in the second, as the NHL Draft neared.

“You never know, you see the mock drafts and stuff, but it comes down to what team wants you,” Sieloff said. “They may have their own list, and basically I was going there open-minded, whatever happens happens, and basically, I’m really excited about today, I couldn’t be happier.”

Sieloff said that the Flames should expect to see a hard-hitting defenseman grow through their system.

“I like to play against the top two lines, [be] a shutdown defenseman and openice hitter,” Sieloff said. “I look for that hit, but I don’t go out of the way for it.

Sometimes you catch them off guard.”

Until he makes it to Calgary, Sieloff will be improving his game at the OHL level.

He will join the Windsor Spitfires in the fall.

PITTSBURGH – Matt DeBlouw admitted that the nerves were kicking in a little bit.

The Chesterfield native and Muskegon Lumberjacks alum was ranked 51st overall

by NHL Central Scouting leading up to the Draft. Yet he ended up being selected by the Calgary Flames in the seventh and final round on Saturday.

The temporary scare didn’t faze the future Michigan State Spartan, however.

“I’m happy,” DeBlouw said while donning his new Flames sweater at his press conference. “I’m very thankful for everyone that’s been a part of this. Just kind of excited right now. The nerves were coming out, but it’s a good feeling. The hard work finally played off.”

DeBlouw, a center, said he was OK throughout the day because of the supportive people around him.

“It was a long day, but I had my family with me, and a lot of supporting people with me,” DeBlouw said. “I’m very thankful that it finally happened, and I’m happy with it.”

The 18-year-old has spent his entire hockey career in the state of Michigan. Yet he laughed and said “exactly” when it was

MiHockeyNow.com

pointed out that eventually he would have to leave the Mitten to continue his career.

“I played for Detroit Belle Tire and Detroit Little Caesars,” DeBlouw said. “I skated with those teams and then moved up, got drafted by Muskegon, which is in Michigan again, and they have a great program there, great development. I developed my game to be a young man, so I’m very thankful for that. Now I’m going to Michigan State – it’s been a nice journey of hockey in Michigan.”

MiHockeyMag

27

EQUIPMENT BUYERS GUIDE

PART 1

GLOVES GRAF ULTRA G75 Graf’s top glove available – the ULTRA G75 – packs a punch.

The ULTRA G75’s construction consists of an all pro-knit exterior and dual-density foam with plastic inserts. That means that a player in Graf’s gloves will get a lightweight fit, and plenty of protection along with it.

The gloves feature Graf’s new Cyber-cuff, a two-piece flex cuff roll that offers both protection and flexibility for players.

The ULTRA G75 has a three-piece anatomical finger break with foam inserts, once again adding flexibility without sacrificing protection. – Michael Caples

WARRIOR BONAFIDE X The Bonafide X is the latest top-of-the-line glove from Michigan-based Warrior Sports.

Chris Jenkinson, senior product manager for Warrior, said that the new Bonafide X was created utilizing a traditional four-roll design, with a look that models the company’s Franchise glove.

“The compression molded Bone System offers advanced backhand protection in key areas,” Jenkinson said. “Combined with Warrior’s Tri-Lam foam featured throughout, the Bonafide X gives any player maximum, lightweight protection.”

Warrior is using a Clarino authentic pro palm, along with durable gussets, to make sure the player’s hands are comfortable and protected, while increasing the longevity of the glove.

Jenkinson also said that Warrior’s Silver Shield liner, featured in many Warrior gloves and now in the Bonafide X as well, wicks away moisture and helps control odor for the player.

– Michael Caples

CCM 4 ROLL PRO II The CCM 4 Roll Pro II is an upgrade of the 4R Pro and it is considered to be more of a ‘classic’ hockey glove, unlike some of the newer gloves that are more form-fitting.

“It’s more of a traditional hockey glove; wide fingers, wide in the hand and wide in the cuff,” said Jordan Boman, technology rep for CCM. “Where some of the gloves now these days are more form fitting; tighter in the hands and tighter in the palms.”

A redesigned palm also reinforces the problem area for almost all players – where the knob of their stick rubs on the palm of their glove.

Boman said that CCM increased the materials on the outside of the glove to protect the player from getting slashed and protecting them from bumps that occur along the boards.

The ventilation system has been redesigned to allow air to move through the glove, keeping the players hands cool throughout the course of the game.

– Ben Fleck

REEBOK 11K The Reebok 11K gloves feature the same overall design as previous Reebok styles, but have added some new improvements.

The 11K has a two-piece construction with the seamless flex cuff, enabling increased mobility without sacrificing protection. The upper cuff portion is separate from the cuff roll that seamlessly attaches to the palm, making them the top gloves of the KFS line.

“The cuff on the wrist, it stays in position, but you can still have the mobility with your hands,” said Jordan Boman, a technology rep for Reebok. “As you can feel in the fingers, it’s a little bit tighter as well as in the palms. You can definitely see it’s a smaller, tighter fitting glove.”

The gloves also utilize the Kinetic Fit System with integrated backhand padding and an airexchange system to help reduce moisture. With the reinforced Clarino palm, it offers a soft, comfortable feel while still maintaining durability.

Also, the segmented thumb gives supreme protection and increases mobility. - Ryan Zuke

EASTON STEALTH RS The Easton Stealth RS Hockey Gloves are a much snugger-fitting glove than past models, but still offer plenty of mobility.

“They’re sort of a low profile glove,” Neil Wensley said, product marketer for Easton. “We really focused on mobility as well, so they’re a little bit lower cut and there is a wider opening for flexibility in the cuff area.”

The shell is constructed from dual density foams with plastic inserts for protection, while also giving the gloves a light feel. Plus, the fingers are all triple-segmented to give maximum maneuverability and protection.

The new AX Suede palm is lined with the Dri-Lex line to give a comfortable feel on the inside and keep moisture away. The Clarino palm offers durability and enhances feel.

“As far as the palms, there always has to be that balance between comfort and durability, because that’s obviously the highest wear area on the gloves,” Wensley said. “But what we’ve done, is the layering of Clarino, which is a very soft, high end material.” – Ryan Zuke

28

MiHockeyMag

MiHockeyNow.com

BAUER VAPOR APX PRO Bauer global brand manager Tyson Teplitsky said that the company’s pro representatives have been pleased with the fit of the Vapor APX glove because of the materials used.

“The Vapor APX Pro glove has a dual layer digital ivory nash palm that is very soft,” said Teplitsky.

The overall tapered fit of the Vapor APX Pro glove provides a looser fitting cuff for mobility. The contoured, segmented cuff is also backed with plastic to make sure the wrist is protected.

The outer shell – made from pro nylon and cable mesh – offers durability, breathability and a lightweight feel protecting the player wearing it.

Throughout Bauer’s pro glove are dual density foams. These foams reinforce the glove with plastic inserts enabling the glove to take a beating and still protect the player. The glove also includes a Thermo Max+ liner which is not only soft, but also provides wicking properties.

“The free flex technology in the cuff of elite Vapor gloves allows agile players to have a great feel for their stick for optimal stick handling and shooting,” said Teplitsky. – Ben Fleck

July 2, 2012 V.22 : I.23

EQUIPMENT BUYERS GUIDE

NEXT ISSUE - HELMETS, STICKS & PROTECTIVE

SKATES

EASTON STEALTH RS Easton wanted to develop a skate that was more responsive on the ice and Neil Wensley, product marketer for Easton, believes the company did just that with the Stealth RS skates.

“We lowered the boot height by five millimeters,” said Wensley, “which increases your range of motion and allows a player to get on their toes quicker and much easier.

“The other thing we did was completely redesign the quarter package. We developed a brand new material that we are using. It’s much more heat moldable than anything we’ve had in the past - also lighter weight than what we’ve been using. And the result of that is a skate that will custom mold to your foot better than anything we’ve had and it also increases durability.”

The redesigned tongue is another new feature.

“It’s a foam-based tongue with an injection molded lace bite protector,” Wensley said. “The whole shape of the tongue is much better, much more anatomical.”

The RS’ have a dry-foot drainage system which releases heat and moisture throughout a game —maintaining its lightweight feel.

“It makes the skate around 15 percent lighter than a skate without that system in it,” Wensley said. – Ryan Zuke

GRAF ULTRA G75 LITE The ULTRA G75 Lite is the latest in top-of-the-line skates from Graf Canada.

The skate features a SRPP molded quarter construction. Graf representatives say the SRPP features materials also used in bullet-proof vests – helping protect a player’s foot from pucks traveling at dangerously high speeds.

The ULTRA G75 Lite also features an AMC composite liner – a two-layer liner that features fast-drying AIRNET to keep the player’s skate as moisture-free as possible.

And with their focus going all the way from the top of the skate to the bottom, the Graf ULTRA G75 lite utilizes the ULTRA 5000 holder, which is “the world’s lightest holder, allowing a more fluid, powerful skating motion”.

The G75 Lite also features the V2 Carboframe technology which provides additional torsional resistance. – Michael Caples

REEBOK 20K The Reebok 20K skates introduce a new ‘Dynamic Support System’ which creates a tighter heal lock and therefore, creates greater energy transfer during every stride.

“The main part of skating is energy transfer, so when you skate your foot naturally wants to lift off the bottom of the foot bed,” said Jordan Boman, a technology rep for Reebok.

“The more your foot is locked into that heel pocket the better transfer of energy you are going to get from your leg, to your foot, to your skate and too the ice providing a smoother transfer of energy.”

The flexible tendon guard on the 20K provides a greater range of motion, allowing the player to utilize full strides and helping with a player’s agility on the ice.

“When you’re skating and take a full stride and your foot’s extending, if the tendon guard is stiff, it’s not letting you get a full extension,” said Boman. “Also, when you’re turning, the backs of your legs lean against the (tendon guard). If it’s stiff, it’s going to lift the blade off the ice. If it’s flexible, more blade is going to stay on the ice and you get more out of your stride.”

Reebok also made advances in the comfort of the skate by adding EPP foam. This dense but comfortable foam is made specifically for comfort. Boman said Reebok put a thin strip of this foam in the tongue of the skate, as well. – Ben Fleck

BAUER NEXUS 1000 Bauer created the Nexus line of skates to create a more authentic look, while still providing all the technology and performance players expect from a Bauer skate. Nexus also incorporated a new fit system, targeting players who currently did not wear Bauer due to a fitting issue.

“The NEXUS 1000 utilizes an ultra-light quarter package that provides the player with an ‘easy load’ on every stride for more explosive acceleration,” said TJ McMeniman, senior global brand manager for Bauer. “The straight wall construction allows the player to exert maximum power while absorbing more energy resulting in a smoother, more efficient stride.”

The skates also have the widest and deepest fit of all BAUER skates.

“Because it has the deepest fit, players will experience quicker take off speed while keeping the player’s heel locked in place to ensure maximum performance,” McMeniman said.

McMeniman stated each family of Bauer skates offer a different fit and performance benefit.

“VAPOR has a more standard fit with a blocked tendon guard allowing the skate to respond faster and enable the player to experience faster feet and tighter turns.

SUPREME represents power and strength. NEXUS is where authenticity meets technology,” McMeniman said.

Bauer reduced the weight of the blade by 27 percent using TUUK LS Fusion steel; a revolutionary blade design that fuses the strength and performance of stainless steel with high grade aluminum. – Ryan Zuke

July 2, 2012 V.22 : I.23

CCM U+ CRAZY LIGHT

The U+ Crazy Light skate uses CCM’s newest technology to provide skates that are “a truly customizable fit.”

While remaining extremely light – hence the name- the U+ Crazy Light skate allows for different types and sizes of feet to use the skate.

“What we’ve done is added something called U-Foam technology, or extreme heat reacting foam,” said Jordan Boman, CCM technology rep. “When you put [the skate] in the oven for four or five minutes and take it out to put it on, the boot will literally wrap around every part of your foot.”

Boman said the fact that the hard outer shell of the boot keeps its exact shape while the heat-reacting foam underneath molds to a players foot shape.

“The idea for the customizable skate came from the idea of fitting custom pro skates,” said Boman. “We put their foot into a mold, pull it out, take that mold and make a skate around it.” – Ben Fleck

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MiHockeyMag

29

GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS

LUKE GLENDENING: FROM THE STANDS TO THE ICE

BY KYLE KUJAWA Muskegon’s Justin Abdelkader was close, but he was about 45 minutes too far to the north. Portage’s Scott Parse was just over an hour south. Dozens of other Michiganders have suited up for the Grand Rapids Griffins, but no truly local product has ever skated for the team in its 16-year history.

That looks like it will change in 2012-13, as the Griffins signed East Grand Rapids native and former University of Michigan captain Luke Glendening to a one-year contract on June 19.

“It’s something I’ve always thought about, but I never really thought it would happen,” said Glendening. “I grew up watching these guys. It was something I did with my family on Friday nights.”

The 23-year-old winger was born in Grand Rapids and graduated from East Grand Rapids High School in 2007. Despite being known to fans of the college game as a hockey player, Glendening also played baseball and football in high school and had several offers to play Division II college football. He even captured a state championship on the gridiron as a junior in 2006.

Glendening put his football offers on the backburner to take one year after high school to figure out exactly what he wanted to do. He attended Connecticut’s prestigious Hotchkiss School in hopes that he would eventually catch on elsewhere in the sport he was most passionate about – hockey.

“I had no idea what I was doing, but I didn’t want to put all my eggs in one basket,” he said. “I went to prep school where I could play three sports. Hockey season was winding down, and I really had nowhere to play.”

He put up 28 points in 24 games, but wasn’t sure if his modest goal total of eight would be enough to get him a look at a college program. After scoring twice in one of the last games of the season, his coach approached him and told him he turned the heads of some college scouts with his best game of the year.

“I’m thinking ‘OK, who’s here? Probably someone I’ve never heard of,’” recounted Glendening. “But he said Michigan, and my eyes lit up. I immediately called my family and said I might have an opportunity to play there. They were out recruiting another kid on my team.

Fortunately, they saw me and said they had an extra spot for a walk-on.

“In the end, Michigan told me that if I had an opportunity to go somewhere else, I probably should,” he continued.

“But it was a dream come true to me, and I wanted an opportunity to be on that team.”

From there, Glendening’s story is well-told. He wasn’t guaranteed that he’d see playing time, but he ended up skating in 35 games as a freshman en route to earning a scholarship in each of his four seasons. On top of that, he was named an alternate captain during his sophomore season and became the eighth player in school history to wear the ‘C’ for two straight seasons.

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“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

Photo courtesy of the Michigan Wolverines “It was humbling,” said Glendening on serving as captain as a junior and senior. “One of the things I learned was that people don’t really care what you say, they want to see what you do. They want to see how you’re acting on and off the ice. I made sure the things I was doing represented Michigan hockey.

“Michigan was the only team willing to give me a chance, so I’m forever in debt and grateful to them. I had so many neat opportunities. I got to play in the Frozen Four, the Big Chill and the National Championship game.

I’ve played in three outdoor games. Those are things that a lot of people don’t get the experience. Being part of the tradition at Michigan is something I’ll never forget.”

Glendening, who also graduated with a degree in political science this summer, signed a late season tryout with the Providence Bruins, giving him the chance to play in three professional contests before the end of the season.

After returning to East Grand Rapids for the summer, Glendening talked to a few professional teams but jumped at the opportunity to join Detroit’s organization when the Red Wings - who control all facets of the Griffins coaching staff and player personnel as per the new fiveyear affiliation agreement that just kicked in - offered him an AHL contract and a chance to skate at training camp in September.

“I don’t know how far my talent will take me,” said Glendening. “The Red Wings and Griffins organization has been tried and true through the years. You see the development of the players. It’s a great place to be, and I’m really excited.”

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

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31

JUNIORS PREVIEW RED WINGS INSIDER

THE BIGGER THE BETTER: BETTER:

RED WINGS LOOKED FOR SIZE IN 2012 NHL DRAFT Detroit’s top pick, Martin Frk (Michael Caples/MiHockey)

BY DAVE WADDELL The Detroit Red Wings have followed the same blueprint in drafting for a couple of decades, but fans saw in the 2012 NHL draft a continuation of the reality the salary cap has forced upon the club.

Long a proponent of always taking the most skilled player, Wings’ assistant general manager Jim Nill admits size is now becoming more important to Detroit.

Detroit will still take the small skilled player, but size has been the focus of the past two drafts.

“I’d say the last two years have been the biggest drafts we’ve had (in terms of size of players),” Nill said.

“There’s a reason for that. We know we’ve got to get bigger. It’s the new wave of the game.

“If there’s a high-skill guy there, you’re always going to him. You come to a point, too, where you need to add some size.”

Detroit got size in a big way.

After taking a pair of six-foot forwards and a goalie in Martin Frk (49th overall, Halifax, QMJHL), Andreas Athanasiou (110th overall, London, OHL) and netminder Jake Peterson (80th overall, Saginaw, OHL), the Wings took 6-foot-4, 232-pound defenseman Mike McKee (140th overall, Lincoln USHL), 6-foot-2, 197-pound defenseman James de Haas (170th overall, Toronto Lakeshore (OJHL) and 6-foot-6, 207-pound forward Rasmus Bodin (200th overall, Sweden’s Ostersunds IK).

“Look at the history of our team the last seven or eight years and we’ve lost Yzerman, Shanahan, Rafalski and now Lidstrom,” said Nill, who oversees Detroit’s drafting and scouting.

“That’s some of the best talent in the history of the game. You can’t just replace that kind of talent easily.

“Our skill level is down, so we have to get bigger. The playoffs proved that. It’s a big-man’s game now.”

In the past, the Wings would have just continued to draft

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skill regardless of the player’s size with Henrik Zetterberg, Pavel Datsyuk and Niklas Kronwall being examples of picks that were questioned on draft day because none of that trio was six foot or even close to 200 pounds.

However, Nill said the Wings no longer have the luxury of compiling enough talent to out-skill teams.

“The new CBA has leveled the playing field for all of us,” Nill said.

“We all have our core group of five or six players making five or six million and you have to build around that. It’s about filling in holes in your line-up now and drafting for needs.

“You’re not going to see 14 or 15 skill players on your team. The days of a team having way more skill players than other teams are over.

“The cap doesn’t allow it, so you have to get bigger and stronger.”

Nill cited the success of the recently-crowned Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles Kings as an example of the new wave.

The Kings’ star forward Anze Kopitar is 6-foot-4, 220 pounds and presents mismatch problems for smaller defenses.

In addition, the Kings augmented their core by calling up big role players like 6-foot-3, 234-pound Dwight King and 6-foot-3, 227-pound Jordan Nolan in the second half of the season.

Nill added rule changes and styles have also forced the Wings to re-examine things.

The Wings are also facing the reality of trying to retool their team without taking a huge dip in the standings or having the benefit of top draft picks.

“We’ve had to change (our drafting approach) too because of where we pick,” Nill said.

“We’ve not had the opportunity to draft in the top 10-15

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where you can get those slam-dunk picks. We’re drafting kids that are four or five years away from helping us.”

That is again the case after this draft.

Everyone taken by the Wings over the weekend will report back to their junior or college teams while Bodin will remain in Sweden.

However, in the 6-foot, 204-pound Frk, Nill said the Wings feel they got a first-round talent who slipped because of injuries last season.

“We’re excited about him, he’s one of Czech’s top players,” Nill said.

“He had a tough year last year with injuries, but as an underager he was one of their top players in the world juniors in Buffalo. Heavy body, very competitive.

In Paterson, the Wings have added more depth in their organization at the goaltending position.

After a slow start last year, Paterson was outstanding in the second half and the playoffs for Saginaw.

“He’s like (Vancouver’s Corey) Schneider,” said Chris Osgood, who works with the Wings young goalies.

“He’s really fast. He doesn’t rely on his reflexes alone.

He challenges.”

Nill described Athanasiou as a player who has all the skills in the tool box, but is still trying to figure out how best to exploit his abundance of puck skill and blazing speed.

“Great skater, great speed, so we’re excited about his upside,” Nill said.

As for McKee, De Haas and Bodin, Nill said the trio are clearly projects with raw skills and great size.

July 2, 2012 V.22 : I.23

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JUNIORS THE LAST PREVIEW LINE

A

s evidenced in the preceding pages, the draft is all about looking ahead. There is so much hope and optimism attached to the event for all in involved. The smiling faces of the players tell their story. They are the focal point and even though the reality is that the draft signifies their entry into the big business of professional sports, this is a moment for both them and their families to acknowledge all that it took to get to this point.

After the lights dim and the interviews stop, the draft is a milestone and nothing more without continued growth on and off the ice. It is another starting point. Granted, most are on an established and chosen path, whether it’s the NCAA, USHL, or major junior. Once drafted, that path can change, dictated by the NHL team who now holds their rights. It doesn’t always happen, but it now becomes a matter of a potential employer having input on how they see the best way to maximize a future asset.

The stakes are high and the competition fierce. Welcome to the business side of the game.

That’s why we see more players change their commitment from one track to another. NHL teams will often counsel players deemed physically and mentally mature to opt for the game-heavy junior route.

Conversely, the message to those selected who need more time spent focusing on off-ice training and refining their skills in practice is to stay the course in college. The point is that the draft validates a player to that point in his development. It guarantees nothing. The odds are still long, with players taken in the top 100 picks each year comprising the bulk of the NHL workforce that reaches even 100 games played.

For the NHL clubs, the draft is the same as it is for the players – simultaneously embracing the future, while serving as the culmination of all the hard work invested leading up to the event. All of the hours spent watching and evaluating young players – not to mention the miles traveled – by scouts everywhere. Countless meetings and discussions held by each scouting staff, going over their list time and again and holding it up to numerous draft scenarios. No wonder the draft has a celebratory feel to it.

Everyone has earned the right to bask and breathe, even if for only a moment. They know that the work begins immediately, as they slot this recent crop of draftees into their organizational player development timeline. There are workout regimes to get these kids dialed into, prospect camps to prepare for and setting of expectations.

It’s all about moving forward – the process, the organization and the business. The players are part of that, with new candidates identified annually. This is when organizations separate themselves from one another.

Our Red Wings have a model they adhere to on draft day, looking for speed and puck skills above all else, demonstrating it again in 2012 by selecting Martin Frk and Andreas Athanasiou with their first two picks. Those players have a minimum five-year path to the Wings lineup, with the development track as well established as the draft model. The culture is set and these prospects serve as the R&D element of the business.

Contrast that with the Edmonton Oilers, who selected first overall for the third consecutive year. They are in straight to the Alberta assembly line mode. Nail Yakupov joins Taylor Hall and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins as the trio

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THE NHL DRAFT: LOOKING TO THE FUTURE, WITH AN EYE ON THE PRESENT

BY DARREN ELIOT

@Darren_Eliot

Edmonton selected Nail Yakupov 1st overall in Pittsburgh. Will he be able to handle the potentiallyimmediate jump from major junior to the NHL? (Matt Mackinder/MiHockey)

taken first. At 18 years old, Yakupov will likely join the Oilers immediately – conceivably on the same line as the three forwards have all positions covered up front. Asking teenagers to come into the NHL, produce, refine their skills and mature as individuals - all at the same time - is hardly a plan. It rarely works. It might all come together for the Oilers in a few years, but if it does all I take away is that these young players have exceptional character. To go from draft day euphoria to grinding through a NHL season in a matter of months - where the business expectation is to win each and every night – is hardly ideal.

The wonderment of the future is gone when it becomes an instant reality. Those draft day podium grins fade quickly. And the Oilers aren’t alone in rushing picks into their line-up. There are legions of players who played too

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soon at the NHL level only to take that on-the-job training and flourish elsewhere. The Red Wings have it right.

Winning and staying competitive today is immediate and one part of the business. Developing depth in case of injuries is another layer of the business. And the drafting and development of prospects is yet another aspect of the entire business model. There is overlap, but the better teams keep them distinct in the proper perspective.

It allows for competitiveness near-term and long-term.

For the Wings’ picks it allows them to naturally go from smiling teenager, where the world is theirs, to prepared professional - for the world they hope to enter. That being the intensely competitive forum that is the National Hockey League, which is miles away from the draft day stage and for most, should be years away as well.

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