Michigan Hockey November, 28, 2011

HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEW - This year’s leaders

mihockeynow.com

V.22 : I.9 | November28, 2011

FIRST CLASS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MICHIGAN NOVEMBER 28, 2011 VOLUME 22: ISSUE 9 6 THE LOCKER ROOM Let’s have some fun

8 SLIDESHOW Hockey happenings from across the Mitten

10 SPEAKING OF HOCKEY What is the best hockey game you have ever played?

12 GET BETTER Three zone skill development

14 YOU SHOULD KNOW Muskegon’s Max Shuart

22 HOMETOWN HERO This year’s high school captains

28 TOURNAMENT CALENDAR The latest tournament listings

32 NAHL Continuing to feed NCAA programs

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34 PLYMOUTH WHALERS

High School Preview

Whalers’ Bathgate more than just a famous name

It’s that time of year again – high school hockey is here.

Check out eight pages of coverage with a special Hometown Hero featuring some of the state’s captains.

35 SAGINAW SPIRIT Saginaw gives John McFarland a new lease on hockey

38 GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS Rejuvenated Johnson leading the charge

18

Youth Hockey

Ukrainian team takes on the Suburban Stars for games, and then dinner

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Michigan Hockey

40

Red Wings insider

Mark Howe joins his dad in the Hockey Hall of Fame

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LOOK FOR OUR NEXT ISSUE Last Line

Darren Eliot shares his love for high school hockey

MIHOCKEYNOW.COM

DECEMBER 19, 2011

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

November 28, 2011 V.22 : I.9

FROM THE EDITOR MICHIGAN HOCKEY EDITOR Michael Caples

mcaples@mihockeynow.com

ADVERTISING Lucia Zuzga

lucia@mihockeynow.com

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

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

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

E-mail mcaples@mihockeynow.com

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

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

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

@michaelcaples

BY MICHAEL CAPLES Welcome to our high school hockey preview edition of Michigan Hockey. I hope you learn something – I know I sure did.

It’s been about six years since I was last involved with high school hockey; I spent about two weeks with the varsity squad before a broken and dislocated ankle forced me to spend a whole lot more time on my role as managing editor of our school newspaper (which I can’t say was the worst thing in the world, at this point in my life). I thought that it would be an easy task to familiarize myself with the world of high school hockey once again, but I quickly learned that there are plenty of new faces and programs across this state that I had never heard of before.

It has been a wonderful experience to speak with many of the coaches through email, and to especially meet the captains who were in attendance for our photo shoot at Novi Ice Arena. To hear that people drove many hours just so that they could be a part of this publication was very

moving for me. It speaks to the dedication and love for the sport that we all share in this state – nothing tops the hockey family that we all are lucky enough to belong to.

We want to cover as much high school hockey as we can this season (and those that follow), but obviously we can’t have a staff writer in every rink in the state. That’s why I’m asking you - the parents, coaches, players and fans – to share in the experience with us. Tell us how a team did on social media. Send me a recap of a game or some photos (or both). This is our game - we should all get to cover it.

Best of luck to everyone involved with high school hockey this season. And thanks again to the players and parents who turned out for our photo shoot, and the coaches who helped us assemble this issue.

See you around the rink,

MICHIGAN HOCKEY’S MONTHLY CONTEST

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

VISIT MIHOCKEYNOW.COM/MICHIGANHOCKEYS-MONTHLY-CONTEST/

ENTER FOR THE CHANCE TO WIN AN 18X24 INCH PERSONALIZED DIGITAL ART RENDERING OF YOU, THE HOCKEY PLAYER.

Photos at left: (from L to R): Novi locker room (Brian Kalisher/Michigan Hockey), Suburban Stars with Ukrainian team (Susan Bottrell), and Gordie and Mark Howe, with Mark’s daughter (Dan Swint, PDQ Photo) Cover: Photos by Michael Caples/Michigan Hockey Design by Chuck Stevens/Michigan Hockey

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

November 28, 2011 V.22 : I.9

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Michigan Hockey

5

THE LOCKER ROOM

THE

LOCKERROOM THE SCORESHEET

ON THE FLY

Q:

If hockey stores had huge deals on Black Friday, and you could buy one thing, what would it be?

A: A new stick

What a save!: This was my son’s first time as goalie. It was taken at a minimite tournament. Not bad for a bunch of 6-year-olds!

(Photo submitted by Kristen Felczak Buckley)

44%

A new jersey

31%

New skates

19%

New gloves

6%

TWO FOR TWEETING

TALES FROM THE RINK Joe Proulx shared this story with us on Facebook. Have a story as good as his? Tell us, at Facebook.com/MiHockeyNow: “I was at the beach with my four-year-old over the summer and we came across an old school Super Chexx at an arcade. A hockey nut, he went crazy and begged me to play. I put in two quarters and he grabbed the rods for Team USA, barely able to see over the top of the table. I took hold of Vladislav Tretiak and waited for the anthem to finish. The puck popped up, and to my surprise, landed right in front of Tretiak. He took his miniature Mark Johnson and tapped it in for an easy goal. Over and over he’d score, and the puck would pop out of center ice and land right in front of my net. I pretended to be mad at the faulty face-off mechanism, but I was secretly loving everything about it. Each time he scored it was like Eruzione’s goal all over again.

Team USA won 8-0 and none of my skill players so much as touched the puck, but more importantly, I had one of the best hockey dad moments I’ve ever had. Thank you Super Chexx.

Thank you faulty puck popper mechanism. ”

Plenty P Pl t off people l iin th the T Twittersphere, ittt h iincluding l d dii K Kevin i A Allen, ll were talking about Sidney Crosby’s expected return after a 10-month absence from a concussion.

Members of the MSU hockey team got caught in an elevator before their weekend series with Northern Michigan.

Defenseman Brendan Smith made his debut with the Red Wings on Nov. 17 in San Jose.

(John Kalmar/Michigan Hockey)

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November 28, 2011 V.22 : I.9

SLIDESHOW

MICHIGAN HOCKEY IN PICTURES: AROUND THE MITTEN 1

2

5 1. Manon Rheaume tournament: 19U Honeybaked defeated the Southwest Wildcats of Windsor 4-1 in the championship game of the Manon Rheaume Tournament. Tori Sullivan was named the game’s MVP with two goals and an assist. (reader submission)

2. The Michigan Wolverines gather around their net before their game against the Ohio State Buckeyes on Friday, Nov. 18. Michigan lost 2-1.

(Michael Caples/Michigan Hockey)

3,4. Here’s a sneak peek at a portion of the photo shoot we conducted for the high school captains that will be featured on MiHockeyNow.com. That’s a ‘before-andafter’ of Canton captain Zach Cox. (Michael Caples/Michigan Hockey)

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Michigan Hockey

5. Since signing a contract extension, Niklas Kronwall has been one of the best performers for the Red Wings. The 30-year-old defenseman has six goals and four assists in 19 games for Detroit this season. Those six markers tie him for second on the team with captain Nicklas Lidstrom, and are just four behind Johan Franzen’s team-leading ten goals.

(Tom Turrill/Michigan Hockey)

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November 28, 2011 V.22 : I.9

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November 28, 2011 V.22 : I.9

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Michigan Hockey

9

SPEAKING OF HOCKEY

Speaking of Hockey What is the best hockey game or video game you have ever played?

“Mutant League Hockey for Sega Genesis.”

— Scott Lenard

Visit our Facebook page to see more answers, facebook.com/mihockeynow

“The hockey game I played on the ice sunday. Duh! Best game you can play! Real hockey.”

— Nicholas Root

NHL Slapshot for Wii (my son and I have a season going and we’re undefeated).”

— Rob Sowles

“It has got to be “Ice Hockey” for the Nintendo. Not only did you get to play as the United States and represent your country, but you also got to choose what kind of line up you put on the ice. You could choose all ginders, all speedsters or all all-around players, not to mention you could mix and match them. This game was always a win!”

— Paul Henderson

“BLADES OF STEEL!!!! Enough said,” — Shea Austin

EA Sports (NHL Slapshot for Wii), Konami (Blades of Steel), Electronic Arts (Mutant League Hockey), Oakland Press (Howell hockey), Nintendo (Ice Hockey)

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Michigan Hockey

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November 28, 2011 V.22 : I.9

UPCOMING EVENTS Mount Clemens Ice Arena & Fitness Center:

HOLIDAY BREAK CLINICS *Laura Stamn Powerskating *Simply Defense

CHEAP HOLIDAY BREAK ICE TIME FOR SALE HOLIDAY BREAK PUBLIC SKATING DAILY

RECIPES FOR

Hockey Moms ROAST TURKEY BREAST WITH GLAZED VEGETABLES

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon honey 1 pound sweet potatoes, halved or quartered if large 1 pound small parsnips, peeled and halved 1 bulb fennel, thinly sliced, plus 2 tablespoons chopped fronds 1 large red onion, cut into 8 wedges

2 to 3 sprigs rosemary, plus 1/2 teaspoon chopped rosemary leaves Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper 1 small clove garlic, minced Grated zest and juice of 1/2 lemon 1 skin-on, bone-in turkey breast half (3 1/4 to 4 pounds)

Mount Clemens Ice Arena & Fitness Center 200 North Groesbeck Phone: 586-307-8202 Fax: 586-307-8245 Email/Website info@mountclemensicearena.com mountclemensicearena.com Contact info: Contact Carly Harris for more information

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Whisk 1 tablespoon olive oil, the honey and 2 tablespoons water in a bowl. Put the potatoes, parsnips, fennel slices, onion, dried apricots and rosemary sprigs in a roasting pan. Add 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper, drizzle with the honey mixture and toss.

Roast until the vegetables soften, about 30 minutes, stirring once.

Meanwhile, mix the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, the garlic, lemon zest and chopped rosemary in a small bowl. Rub the herb mixture under and over the turkey skin. Season with salt and pepper and bring the meat to room temperature.

Place the turkey on top of the vegetables in the pan; roast until the skin browns and a thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165 degrees F, 1 hour to 1 hour, 15 minutes. (Cover with foil if the skin is getting too dark.) Transfer the turkey to a cutting board and let rest 20 minutes.

Toss the roasted vegetables with the lemon juice and fennel fronds. Slice the turkey and serve with the vegetables.

1/2 cup dried apricots (Photograph courtesy Jonny Valiant/Food Network)

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

GET BETTER

GETBETTER POWERED BY

THREE ZONE SKILL DEVELOPMENT The following is an excerpt from an article written by Jim Johnson for flexxCOACH.com

Key Points: Skating, Defensive Positioning/Angling, Compete Level & proper use of Body Positioning.

Coaches have taken to using stations to maximize development time while on-ice, especially with the younger teams. This example of using the three zones efficiently is a technique to keep in mind even when working with older, bigger players. The concept is the same – development never stops!

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Michigan Hockey

Organization Divide players up into three equal groups.

Drill 1: 1-on-1 Confrontations Point Shot - First shot from the point; on the second shot the forward tries to skate around the defenseman in front of the net to get himself in a position for a goal-mouth pass from the coach.

Drill 2: Figure 8 Top Speed Pair F1 skates backwards at top speed

MIHOCKEYNOW.COM

with F2 skating forward at top speed. Both players are skating a figure-8 using cross-unders at top speed - one in front of the other.

Both lines go at the same time in opposite directions.

Drill 3: Angle Checking 2 on 1 - The defensive player tries to angle the puck-carrier in a 1-on1 situation before it becomes a 2-on-1 situation. If the offensive player gets the net, the defensive read turns to 2-on-1 protection.

Variation Goalies In the net at each end, seeing end zone drills at least once each.

November 28, 2011 V.22 : I.9

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YOU SHOULD KNOW

you should know FAVORITE SPORTING EVENT: NHL Winter Classic FAVORITE BREAKFAST FOOD: Egg, bacon and cheese breakfast sandwich FIRST CONCERT: Britney Spears MUST-SEE TV: Entourage IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPERPOWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE: Flying FAVORITE MOVIE: Miracle IF YOU COULD HAVE ONE WISH GRANTED, WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH IT: Snipe ginos (a.k.a. score goals) PRE GAME ROUTINE: Eat, bike, soccer

max shuart

For players hoping to turn hockey into a career, moving away

WHAT IS YOUR NICKNAME: Shoey

from home is a reality at a very early age. And while 17-year-

FAVORITE MEAL: Steak

now, at least he knows he’s going to be within state lines for

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AAA Victory Honda to the USHL’s Muskegon Lumberjacks last

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old Max Shuart might not be with his parents in Northville right the foreseeable future. The gifted forward went from playing for season, and sometime soon, he’ll be playing for the University of Michigan. But for right now, the Wolverines commit is honing his skills with the Lumberjacks, both in games within the Mitten, and beyond.

Photo courtesy NHL(Winter Classic logo), Vibe magazine(Britney Spears), HBO (Entourage), Disney (Miracle), Cuisan Art (steak)

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Michigan Hockey

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November 28, 2011 V.22 : I.9

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SHAVED ICE

wake up to hockey

MiHockeyNow also introduces “Shaved Ice,” a daily blog giving you quick hits, recaps, videos and awesome hockey-related links.

Be sure to check it out every morning at mihockeynow.com

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FUTURE PRO GOAL

CONTROLLING THE PACE OF THE GAME

BY STEVE MCKICHAN, FUTURE PRO GOAL PRESIDENT There are many actions a goaltender can take that can control the pace of the game. Sometimes your team is reeling, tired and in need of a rest or some instruction from your coach. Long penalty kills, last minute leads and quick goals against are examples of situations where you must take charge and help your team get rested and organized.

1) Ramping pucks into the crowd - If you need a whistle you should smoother anything near the net, ice the puck or ramp up a hard low shot into the crowd. Pro goaltenders are very slick in this area.

2) Force a whistle - If you have covered a puck and the referee wants you to play it carry it in your glove towards an opponent who is close by. You shouldn’t get a delay of game call if the opponent is close by.

3) Loose strap - During a stoppage of play you can get a few extra seconds of rest by calling over one of your players. Start fiddling with a strap and only begin to really try to fix it when the referee begins to get impatient.

4) Net off the moorings - On scrambles in front, be prepared to “accidentally” knock the net off the moorings. A good time is when an opponent is pushed into your net or when you are moving back to hug your post. Watch that it isn’t blatant and be very careful in the last two minutes of the game.

5) Hole in the ice - When the play is at the other end use

the heel of your skate and take a big chunk out of the ice.

Do this just to the side of the net so it won’t trip you up later. During the next stoppage of play, scream at the referee or one of your teammates to advise them of the problem.

6) The Missing Contact - Unless the referee is on your Christmas list he will probably have no idea that you don’t wear contacts. By the same token if you do wear contacts, they probably won’t check your eye to see if it still in there.

Again, get one of your teammates over to help you in your search for the elusive missing contact.

YOUR BEST FRIEND - THE REFEREE I am a firm believer that a good relationship with the referee will save your team dozens of goals against every year, and give your team the edge when it comes to questionable calls. We have all seen Ron Hextall go ballistic when he thinks a goal shouldn’t have counted. Do you think this helps anything? In reality the referees will likely try to call a penalty on Ronny later because he tried to show up the referee.

MY ADVICE There is no one on your team, including the captain, who will have the same opportunity to talk to the referee as you do. Every defensive zone face off he will be standing within 10 feet of you and every puck you smoother will bring him nearby. This is a great opportunity. Referees are supposed

to be impartial, but they are human. If the referee likes you he will be less likely to call a penalty or a questionable goal against you. Early in the game start with the small talk, and even though the game is incredibly intense, stay low key and relaxed with him. Ask him if he is going out after the game. Ask him if his kids play hockey. Thank him for a helpful call. This advice may sound cheesy but it works.

Screaming at the referee will never help you.

I can give you many examples of how this worked for me but what follows is the best one. My approach to the referee in this case didn’t help during the current game but later in the year I was rewarded. During the last minute of a game in the IHL I had a shutout going and our team had a safe three-goal lead. Famous NHL referee Don Van Massenhoven was standing against the boards as my defense tried to clear the puck around the boards. The harmless clear glanced off Don’s big skates right on to the stick of a Muskegeon Lumberjack. My shutout vanished and I skated over to Donny to thank him. I had a big smile on my face and he knew I wasn’t that steamed.

Don refereed another four or five of my games the rest of the year and on at least four occasions gave me quick whistles that saved me from a goal against.

The point is clear - if you treat them right, chances are they will help you later.

GOALIE SCHOOL

November 28, 2011 V.22 : I.9

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Michigan Hockey

17

YOUTH HOCKEY

Suburban Stars share hockey, hamburgers with Ukrainian squad

BY BRIAN KALISHER

H

AZEL PARK - The words “travel hockey” mean many things for youth players and their families. Long car trips with dad – check.

Weekends playing mini-sticks in strange, faraway hotel rooms – you bet. But imagine coming to the rink and competing against a team that traveled not hundreds, but thousands of miles for the game.

That’s exactly what happened on Nov. 13, when the ’97 Suburban Stars showed up at Viking Arena in Hazel Park to take on Druzhba ‘78 from Ukraine. That’s right – a team from Eastern Europe. The Ukrainian players arrived in vans at 5:30 in the morning with the first game not starting until 9:30 a.m. They had driven all night from Chicago, where they took part in the Bauer Invitational Tournament as part of the Elite AAA division, to play a morning and evening game with the Stars.

Despite being a bit tired after the first game against the Stars, members of the Ukraine team spent the afternoon hanging out with their opponents – a learning experience for all parties involved.

“I noticed they were pretty tired and they fell asleep in the car on the way home,” said Eric Babler, father of Stars’ goaltender Matthew Babler. “They slept for a couple hours at home and then my wife cooked them lunch – hamburgers and stuff.”

If that doesn’t sound like a typical afternoon for the average American teenage hockey player, then maybe the rest of the afternoon will spark a memory or two. After a nap on their hosts’ couches, the visiting players took part in some friendly competition before heading to the rink for Game 2.

“They smelled [my wife’s] cooking so they got up and chowed and the next thing I know there’s a huge game of mini-sticks going on,” said Eric Babler. “I was explaining American football to them a little bit and they were talking about soccer.”

Druzhba player Dima Kobylanskey shared his thoughts of the experience.

“We were driving all night here; we were pretty tired after the car ride and everything,” Kobylanskey said. “The [first] game was good, but it was pretty hard to play. After the game [our players] ate something or slept in the car and a couple players went with [the Stars’] families.”

Although Druzhba was victorious in both games, the opportunity to play in a doubleheader with a team from across the globe made for quite a hockey-filled Sunday.

“It’s been fun, the flow of the game is really nice and they spread it out,” said Stars’ player Robby Flannery. “It’s just fun playing against someone from another country.”

But more importantly, it made for an experience that the players and parents involved will not soon forget.

“We’re really excited, [as] the parents, just to have the kids at our house,” said Stars’ parent and Suburban Skating Director Susan Bottrell.

Druzhba ’78, an elite Ukrainian hockey program, is led by coach Ivan Pravilov, who is also a head coach of the National Team of Ukraine. The Druzhba Hockey Club and School is actually based out of New England. Not only is this a laboratory for great hockey players, but an academy for academic learning, as well. This enables Ukrainian boys to come to the United States and train under Pravilov while getting an education. His former students include NHLers Dainius Zubrus and Mark Fayne of the New Jersey Devils, along with Andrey Zuizin of the Chicago Blackhawks.

“My son Robby skated with Ivan a few years ago,” said Stars’ assistant coach Rob Flannery. “Ivan came to town and did some power skating schools and I was just impressed by [his] technique, it was foreign to me.”

Because of this technique, the Druzhba ’78 players came out looking like a group of well-oiled professionals. Prior to taking the ice, the players from Ukraine sat in their locker room fully dressed for the game and looking focused and attentive to their coaches’ demands.

Since Flannery knew Coach Pravilov, he was able to set up Sunday’s games for his Stars and the Ukrainian club when he found out they would be in town.

“I’ve kind of kept in touch with these guys and when I knew Ivan was coming to town I got his information and we lined up the games,” Flannery said.

The Stars were efficient, making crisp passes and finding teammates in open ice, but they were unable to match Druzhba’s near-flawless skating ability and speed.

The Stars dropped the first game of the day 4-3, in what many parents described as a close contest. The hometown hospitality must have agreed with the Ukrainian boys – they won the second game 8-2.

“The kids are skilled, it’s a different kind of hockey,” said Stars’ goaltender Matthew Babler. “They attack the puck more; they don’t mess around with the puck. It’s been a fun experience – crazy.”

The Druzhba ’78 squad will be in the United States for another week, sharpening their skills against other American clubs. But Sunday night they planned to bunk up with the Stars and share some dinner before hitting the road.

“Even though these boys have grown up almost on the other side of the world, hockey kind of brings it all together,” Flannery said. “These kids are very similar in skill level and how they play and they both love the game.”

’97 Michigan Ice Hawks Win Bauer Invitational The Grosse Pointe-based 1997 Michigan Ice Hawks won the Major Bantam AAA division of the Bauer Invitational Hockey Tournament held in Chicago, Nov. 4-6. The Ice Hawks won all seven games they played, outscoring their opponents 30-6. The Bauer Invitational is one of the nation’s premier AAA and Elite AAA tournament of the year.

Forty teams from 12 states from around the United States, Russia and Canada played in the Ice Hawks’ Major Bantam AAA division.

The Ice Hawks round-robin victories were 4-0 over Littleton, CO; 5-1 over the AAA Alliance Bulldogs from Texas; 3-0 over the Southpointe PA Rinkrats; and 8-0 over the Dundee IL Leafs. The Ice Hawks defeated the AAA Lambton Sarnia Sting 3-2 on the quarterfinals. In the semi-finals,

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AAA Team Seattle, WA succumbed to the Ice Hawks, 4-0.

The championship pitted the Ice Hawks against the AAA Atlanta Fire. In a back-and-forth game, the Ice Hawks prevailed to win the championship 4-3.

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

Note: The following article is a reader submission from a parent, coach, or player. If you would like your team featured on our website, please email Michael Caples at mcaples@mihockeynow.com

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Honeybaked midget minor wins Chicago’s Bauer Invite Honeybaked midget minor traveled to the north side of Chicago the weekend of Nov. 4-6 to compete in the competitive Bauer International Invitational tournament.

Sunday featured the playoff round to decide the tournament champion. Honeybaked played Chicago Young Americans in the quarterfinal and squeaked by with a 1-0 victory. Game 2 of the day was the semifinal against the Long Island Royals. This game featured a little bit of everything. After three scoreless regulation periods and two scoreless overtime periods, the contest was decided by a shootout, which resulted in a 1-0 victory for Honeybaked . The championship game featured Honeybaked and a strong New Jersey Avalanche. Honeybaked came out skating and was fortunate to get two early goals to set the tone of the game. The game was back and forth the rest of the way before HB captured the championship with a 4-1 victory over a tough opponent.

Congratulations to the Honeybaked midget minor team for a job well done.

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Note: The following article is a reader submission from a parent, coach, or player.

If you would like your team featured on our website, please email Michael Caples at mcaples@mihockeynow.com

Honeybaked PeeWees win Bauer Invitiational The Honeybaked PeeWee Minor ‘AAA’ Hockey Club completed the weekend with a 7-0 record after topping the No. 1-ranked (MyHockeyRankings) Chicago Mission 4-2 in the championship tilt at the Bauer Invitational. The team was rock solid all weekend at both ends of the ice giving up only six goals in seven games ,while scoring 33 goals en route to the championship. The team had wins over the Madison Capitals 9-1, Buffalo Regals 4-1, Markham Waxers 6-0, Boston Jr. Eagles 2-1 (SO), London Jr. Knights 5-0, and fourth-ranked Waterloo

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Wolves in the semifinal 3-1, before taking on the Mission. Honeybaked showed great speed, skill and teamwork throughout the weekend along with spectacular goaltending. Congratulations to the 2011 Bauer Invitational Champion Honeybaked Hockey Club.

Note: The following article is a reader submission from a parent, coach, or player.

If you would like your team featured on our website, please email Michael Caples at mcaples@mihockeynow.com

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HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEWS NORTH FARMINGTON/HARRISON Coach Ken Anderson says that the Flyers greatest strength this season will be their tenacious approach when pursuing the puck. Key players include forwards Derek Reid, Jared VanValkenburg, Kyle Wood, Eric Stanis and Jake Ladouceur, defensemen Reede Burnette, Justin Brereton, Shane Moran, and Steven Coulter. Goaltender Keith Ladouceur will be the anchor in goal. Responsibility in their own end will be what decides the fate of their season, according to Anderson.

BIRMINGHAM UNIFIED Birmingham’s head coach, John Weidenbach, says that he is very confident in his team due to roster-wide speed and experience. Weidenbach will be counting on senior forward Mike Ryan to lead his team up front, and senior defenseman John Quay to direct the defensive unit. This unified squad is working on improving their team defense as they prepare for conference play.

TRAVERSE CITY CENTRAL Traverse City Central will be leaning on their veteran core for the 2011-12 season. Coach Chris Givens says his team will led by goaltender Bill Vermetten, forward Cooper Macdonell, and defenseman Lucas Little. The Trojans’ biggest challenge will be getting their first-year players ready for their speed and physicality of high school hockey.

ALLEN PARK CABRINI Coach Bill Alvis says his team will be counting on his seniors – Dominic Nichols, Christian Belan, and Luke Brithinee – to lead a young roster that includes 11 sophomores. Jacob Mackie and Mark Broshear will log plenty of minutes on the blue line. Senior goaltender Megan Syer and sophomore Brett Kates will push one another for the starting spot in goal.

BERKLEY-FERNDALE Coach Jeff Fleming said that his squad, comprised of the Berkley Bears and Ferndale Eagles, has solid chemistry and veteran leadership heading into the season. Fleming also said that his senior class would be the difference between a successful and disappointing season for the unified squad.

The team will work on bringing their younger players up to speed quickly.

GROSSE POINTE SOUTH Coach James Bufalino says his confidence in his team this year rests with the depth and experience he has throughout his four forward lines. His senior captains – Wes Cimmarrusti, Cam Gibson, and Nolan Monforton – along with senior goaltender C.J. Schebil will be expected to lead a Blue Devils squad with little experience on the blue line. A difficult regular-season schedule should prepare them for a strong playoff run.

ALLEN PARK Allen Park will be working with a young roster this season. Coach Barry Goudy has six seniors, seven juniors, and seven sophomores on the roster. Ten of the 20 players on the roster are coming from travel hockey, with no high school experience, yet Goudy expects a positive transition because of solid team speed, and a big, strong defensive unit.

TRENTON Trenton, along with Wyandotte-Roosevelt, will play in the Michigan Interscholastic Hockey League for the first time this fall. Goaltender Blake Wojtala, defenseman Cory Dunn, and forwards Mike Lesko and Cory Seychel will lead the Trojans. Coach Mike Turner says that defense and goaltending are the two strongest aspects of his squad this year, and that they will need to improve on finding the back of the net for a successful season.

WALLED LAKE NORTHERN Coach Claude Tunison didn’t want to list who his top players were going to be this year, saying that he will have plenty who will contribute in all areas of the game. Tunison is pleased with the chemistry the Knights formed during the off-season by their core group of returnees. Northern’s coach says his team needs to keep “sharp focus and intensity for 24-plus games” if they’re going to succeed.

GOODRICH The Martians head into the season already shorthanded.

Goodrich’s roster features only 12 players – coach John Hart lost 11 players from last year’s team, six to graduation, four who are pursuing other interests, and one who moved.

A balanced roster – three players from each grade – will need to focus on conserving energy during a lengthy season. Hart says his team needs to “play a smarter game of hockey, use our minds to control the things we can, and conditioning for the things we can’t control.”

L’ANSE CREUSE Coach Wayne Tollon doesn’t expect his team to score as many goals as last season, which means they need to play more disciplined. “Last year we scored a lot of goals, gave up a lot of goals, and picked up a fair amount of penalties.

We don’t look to score as many as we did last year, but we also don’t plan on giving up so many, as we are focusing on team and individual discipline.” L’Anse Creuse’s top players include Gary Hardy, Hunter Willette, Luke Thomas, Garret Filips, and Brett Blum.

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AIRPORT The first-year program at Airport High School isn’t hurting for leaders, according to coach Tim Ames. “We have excellent upperclassmen leadership on this team. Every game and every practice our team comes ready to learn and play. It should be an exciting season.” Senior captains Steven Warren and CJ Hightower, along with sophomore captain Ryan Eyler lead the Jets, while senior TJ Petit is expected to have a strong season offensively. Airport will continue to build their defensive structure throughout their season, which will be crucial to their success.

MANISTEE The Chippewas will be led by returning all-state honorees in senior forward Sam Lipps and junior goaltender Austin Wilson. Senior Jordan Truxton is expected to lead the defense, along with Sophmore Jake Kacynski and Junior Luke Johnson. Junior forward Keegan Nowaczyk and senior Jake Thompson will lead new players Kienan Kowalski, Yari Lynch, Chad Morang, Nick Weber, Mason Fisher and returning senior Alex Nelson up front. Coach Jon Raatz expects his veteran leadership and the team’s work ethic to lead them through the season.

WOODHAVEN Coach Bryan Sullivan says that Woodhaven’s team speed and depth at forward, along with stellar goaltending from all-state honoree Chris Kirk, should lead to another successful season for the Warriors. Learning how to play in their own zone, however, is something they need to work on, according to the coach. Forwards Joe Taurence, Tyler Thimmes and Frank Rossetti lead up front, while Matt Forgette and Mike Perry take care of the defense for the Warriors.

Blake Wojtala, brother of Bowling Green forward Camden, will lead Trenton from between the pipes this season. (Andrew Knapik/Michigan Hockey)

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DEWITT-ST. JOHNS Assistant coach Craig Peterson says this is the deepest team DSJ has ever had with eight returning forwards and four upper-class defensemen. Junior Troy Wilson (last season’s leading scorer), and seniors Troy Schott and Justyn McNett lead up front, while senior Adam Frechen

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POWERED BY anchors the defense. Peterson says the season’s outcome will be decided by whether his talented roster plays together as one unit.

MUSKEGON REETHS-PUFFER The Rockets, which is now a co-op along with North Muskegon, Muskegon Catholic, and Montague, features a wealth of depth at their forward positions. Senior forwards Kameron Fowler, Connor Seymour, John Snider and Keith Robbins, along with junior forward Dean Griffin, lead the forward group. Juniors Brenden Alderink and Casey Trautner lead on defense. Coach Eric Sikkenga said his aggressive forwards and defensemen need to make sure they play as a five-man unit, and that they keep their composure during their first season in Division 1.

AVONDALE Coach Karl Daiek says that some incoming upperclassmen could be the most important players for the Yellow Jackets this season. Senior Matt Andrus and junior Jordan Edwards are expected to make a quick impact. Meanwhile, junior Craig Zimmerman will be moving to the blue line after playing forward last season. Senior leadership from Connor Traskal, Kris Stein, Justin Przytakoski, Blake Blomberg, Steven Carter, Alex Poston and Joe Spurlin should motivate the rest of the Yellow Jackets.

NOTRE DAME PREP Notre Dame Prep returns nine players from last year’s squad. Coach Bob Rosbury expects his senior captain, DJ Pagnucco, to lead the way both on defense and in the locker room. Pagnucco will be teaching 10 sophomores how to compete at the high school level. Two newcomers – senior Luke Moriguchi and sophomore Jacob Conroy – will man the crease for the Fighting Irish.

DEXTER Dexter coach Brian Sipotz says opposing teams are going to have plenty of trouble scoring on the Dreadnaughts this season, due to their depth on defense. Their depth on offense, however, is what the Dexter coaching staff will be trying to improve upon throughout the season.

Their key players include forwards Jake Waldrup and Ian Wiesenberg, and defensemen Andrew Gibson, Tucker Brust and Ben Finn.

ROCKFORD Rams coach Ed Van Portfliet says his team has great depth, as they return 11 players who held important roles with last year’s squad. Rockford will once again rely on junior goaltenders Todd Millar and Jake Rekucki to split time between the pipes. A 1-0 playoff loss to Traverse City West last year reminds the squad that they need to work on generating offense this season.

MARYSVILLE Plenty of experience at forward and solid goaltending from Michael Gaffney and Anthony Benvenuti mean that

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Will Novi be able to defend their state title this winter? (Andrew Knapik/Michigan Hockey)

the Vikings can focus on team defense to start their season.

Coach Paul Moretz said his other key players include Dom Creck, Kyle Hyde, Bryan Mertz, and BJ Kolcz.

Kevin Smith, Sean Barry, Rob Maxey, Zach Timmerman and Anthony Heppler. Newcomers Matt Taylor, Patrick Giles, and Jack Aliotta will add to a talented roster.

GROSSE POINT NORTH Coach Scott Lock was vague when asked what his team needs to work on. “We will need to improve on everything to compete each night in our league, but the few things of focus are to be on our structure and learn to have the passion to win each and every time we step on the ice.”

However, Lock is confident that his returning core will help the younger members of the Flyers adjust to their systems and structures.

NOVI Last season, the Wildcats (pictured above) captured the Division 1 state championship at Compuware Ice Arena, just down the street from their school. This year, they should still be contenders. Coach Todd Krygier says his team’s greatest strength is the experience from last season, and the work ethic to continue to succeed. To reach last year’s success, Krygier wants his team to improve on their tempo and their puck movement.

SOUTH LYON The unified squad – players from South Lyon East and South Lyon High – will have a new look, and a very deep roster. Coach Bill McCreary has 13 seniors, 11 of which are returning from last year. That means some high expectations. Our anticipations are high, our goal remains the State Championship; our leadership within the locker room will determine our success.” South Lyon’s speed and energy will make them a tough team to compete against.

PLYMOUTH “The biggest challenge for our team is understanding that we have to come to play and compete at every practice and game,” says coach Gerry Vento. “The league we play in, the KLAA, is highly competitive and it does not allow a team to take a night off.” Vento will be looking for Zach Gambrell, Matt Goertz, Sean Smitacz, Cody Staub and Dean Gunther to lead the way this season.

WARREN DE LA SALLE Coach Dan Barry points out that playing against the best teams in the state will make his team better every season. This year, he’ll be counting on key players like Brian Feldpausch, Carson Hibner, Tom Peck, Alex Jaeckle,

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HOMETOWN HEROES

HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEW THIS YEAR’S LEADERS

MIKE RYAN BIRMINGHAM UNITED

ZACH COX

TOM PECK

ZACK HALLORAN

ZAC MASSA

CARSON MILLER

CANTON CHIEFS

DE LA SALLE

EISENHOWER

FARMINGTON

KALAMAZOO EAGLES

STEVEN WARREN

ZAC TOTTEN

STEPHEN COMPERCHIO

MARK MCGEE

BLAKE WOJTALA

AIRPORT

KENOWA HILLS

JACKSON HIGH

SALEM HIGH SCHOOL

TRENTON

TREVOR BUSHNELL

MACKENZIE MACEACHERN

BOBBY SCHUMACHER

CODY COWART

TOMMY KIVISTO

GOODRICH

BROTHER RICE

LAKELAND

DEARBORN UNIFIED

BRIGHTON

BRIAN ROULIER

LUKE BRITHINEE

ADAM EPSTEIN

JARED VINCEK

TYLER KVEHN

FRANKLIN

CABRINI

GRAND LEDGE WAVERLY

SOUTH LYON UNIFIED

ALLEN PARK

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MIKE POBUR

ROBERT LUZYNSKI

RYAN BROWN

ZACH GAMBRELL

KENT BURNETT

MILFORD

WALLED LAKE NORTHERN

WATERFORD KETTERING

PLYMOUTH

NOVI

WESLEY CIMMARRUSTI

BRETT WHITE

ERIK RUST

JORDAN PREWITT

DAVID PAGNUCCO

GROSSE POINTE SOUTH

EAST KENTWOOD

UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT JESUIT

MONROE

NOTRE DAME PREP

COLE BROWN

LUC HAMMERLE

DONALD SUND

ANTHONY FACCA

ANTHONY SCALA

NORTHVILLE

BERKLEY

GRAND RAPIDS CATHOLIC CENTRAL

ROCHESTER UNITED

DIVINE CHILD

CAMERON HEATH

TYLER GROAT

BRYCE DEWINDT

NOLAN CHAPMAN

ANDREW MURPHY

CRANBROOK

WYANDOTTE

HUDSONVILLE

OXFORD

WEST BLOOMFIELD

KYLE WOOD

JAKE LUDDY

DEREK MACKIMAA

RYAN VANBOMMEL

J.P. LUCCHESE

FARMINGTON UNITED

SHRINE

SWARTZ CREEK

BISHOP FOLEY

GROSSE POINTE NORTH

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HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEWS strength will be our experience and overall upper class leadership. With 14 seniors and juniors, this is one of the most experienced teams we’ve had in my tenure. Our ‘D’ corps consists of two seniors and four juniors, so I’m very confident with that group.” Key returning players for the Cardinals include senior forwards Derrick Defever and Grayson Barbot, senior defenseman Patrick Langenberg, and incoming sophomore forward Mitchell Hawes.

UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT JESUIT Coach Rick Bennetts says that his team’s youth is their greatest strength, yet their biggest challenge at the same time. As the roster matures, Bennetts will be counting on seniors Erik Rust, Matt Griffin, Pat Suchy, Sam Parise and John Lauro. Juniors Craig Pefley, Zak Harrison, Chris Morgan and Joe Zelinski, along with sophomore Griffin McCarty, should also help the Cubs quest to make up for the scoring they lost from last year’s roster – 95 percent of it.

Coach Andy Weidenbach leads Cranbrook into another season with the MIHL. (Andrew Knapik/Michigan Hockey)

CRANBROOK “I think that we will be competitive, both in our league (MIHL) and in our division,” says coach Andy Weidenbach.

“As usual, we will stress defense and use speed to our advantage on offense. We won’t be in many shootouts, so we will need to play well in our defensive zone. As the season progresses, we will need our offense to become more productive and the goalkeeper position to develop into one of our strengths.” Cranbrook’s key players include senior captains Cameron Heath, Ethan Weiss and Blake Manginell, along with senior goaltenders Justin Kirk and Aaron Alkema.

FLINT POWERS CATHOLIC “I think the greatest strength for us this season is that we have a large number of players with experience (15), compared to only six last year when we finished 18-8-1 and lost in the quarterfinals,” says coach Travis Perry. It’s his team’s last year in the Big Nine Conference before it combines with the Saginaw Valley League, and to go out with a bang, their coach says team defense will be the key.

PORTAGE CENTRAL Coach Brian Bellware is taking over the Portage Central squad, which means a season of transition with new systems and styles for the players to learn. However, with a stable of three capable goaltenders – senior Tyler Gordon, junior Isaac Nystrom, and freshman Colin Campbell – Bellware is confident that his team will be very competitive.

He expects big seasons for seniors Brandon Vitale, Tyler Gordon and Justin Renda, along with juniors Matt Schuen and Andrew Carr.

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BISHOP FOLEY “Our greatest strength of our team this season will be that we have 10 returning players from last season,” says coach David Williamson. “The Foley Unified Warriors are a little older and much more experienced at all positions. With the mix of new players and a strong work ethic, we have the talent at every position to compete. The expectations are much higher, as they should be.“ Williamson will be pushing his team to take advantage of turnovers this season.

LIVONIA FRANKLIN “Franklin could surprise a lot of teams this year,” says coach Scott Wirgau. “Most years Franklin starts out hoping to do well - this year we expect it.” The Patriots coach will be counting on big seasons out of the returning Danny Donahue and Brian Roulier, along with newcomers CJ Cromie and Tyler Hewitt. Wirgau credits the hard work, determination, and cooperation he has gotten out of his team this season as their greatest strengths.

ROCHESTER UNITED “Our greatest strength this year will be that we have balance throughout our lineup,” says coach Craig Staskowski. “Most nights we won’t have an issue using all of our lines and defense pairings.” The unified squad will rely on key players like seniors Anthony Facca, Adam Boike and Matt Bowery, and juniors Tony Nassar, Aaron Sulesky and Joe Marino. Finding scoring is Staskowski’s main concern at this point in the season.

BIG RAPIDS Coach Tim Blashill says this year’s Big Rapids squad may be his most experienced yet. “I think our greatest

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KALAMAZOO EAGLES Coach Rob Sorge says that his Eagles squad features speed, agility, and good shooters. He’ll be hoping to get big seasons out of team captain Carson Miller, assistant captains Ben Hoard and Cody Lisowski, as well as Corey Siwula and Rodney Leversee. The one thing that Sorge thinks his team needs to work on is their power-play performances.

SALEM “While small in numbers, our senior group should provide very strong leadership as they have all experienced success as individuals and as a team,” says coach Ryan Ossenmacher. Those seniors include forwards Mark McGee and Austin Sartorius and defensemen Michael Manser and Kyle Eggenberger. Ossenmacher’s main focus will be teaching his young roster how to compete at the high school level.

FRASER Coach Don Krussman says that Michigan Hockey better keep an eye on his team this year, because they could surprise some teams. Twelve of Fraser’s 16 players are at least into their second year with the program, which means some great depth and team chemistry. Key players include captains Connor Gordley and JR Dellies, along with goalie John Goemaere.

ALPENA Pete Doubek, coach of the Alpena Wildcats, expects his squad to bring a physical presence to the ice every game this season. He will be counting on strong performances from Ian Stevens, Zach Nash, Jesse Boilore, Nick Skaluba and Jared Plume. Doubek wants his team to improve on shooting and one-time passing throughout the course of the year. Alpena is incorporating a Midget/JV program this year, which will allow them to bring players up when needed.

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POWERED BY coming off a DIII State Championship,” says coach Mike Slobodnik. “We have great team speed and above average puck skills.” Grand Rapids CC will be counting on All-State forwards Donald Sund and Owen Kane, and All-State defenseman Hunter Jenerou this season.

GAYLORD New coach Mark Long wants his squad to play with a sense of urgency this season. He will be counting on key players like Spencer Bajko, Willie Gelow, Nick Shear, Cole Muzyl and Derek Afford to help with the coaching transition. Long’s three things he wants to see his team improve on are a commitment to team defense, staying out of the box, and staying disciplined.

BROTHER RICE Coach Lou Schmidt Jr. says team chemistry is what he’s focused on right now. “We have 13 new players on this year’s team, so I would expect that it will take some time for everything to come together. I am impressed by the work ethic of the team so far.” Schmidt will be counting on seniors Mackenzie MacEachern, Chris Wilberding and Eric Dibble, and juniors Thomas Ebbing, Andrew Roye and Jon Reschke to lead the Warriors this season.

MATTAWAN “We are fortunate to have good goaltending and six defensemen that can play in all situations,” coach Mike May says. “Offensively we will get production from two lines with the other two lines providing energy and making things difficult for the opposing team.” May expects big seasons from upperclassmen leaders like goaltender Donavan Story, defensemen Jack Hartman and Brody Stevens, and forwards Jake Gevaart, Josh Alley and Tyler Nabozny.

PINCKNEY After 13 years of assisting at Pinckney, Ted Kroll now takes over behind the bench. “We came off our best season to date winning the regional championship against Portage Central and losing to Wyandotte in the state quarterfinals,” says Kroll, excited to be in his new position. “We are returning 12 players, including eight seniors. Captains Kirk Smith, Ken Grundy, and Henry Gary will help lead the Pirates this year. We bring back the strongest defensive core I have seen in my stint with Pinckney.“

DETROIT COUNTRY DAY “Our biggest strength this year, I believe, will be our ability to compete as a team,” says coach Frank Novock.

“We have a nice group of leaders in all four classes that will challenge each other in a positive way.” Novock said his key players are “whatever 18 guys put the Detroit Country Day jersey on for that specific game”. Turnovers, finishing checks, and more pucks to the net will be things the Yellow Jackets will be looking to improve on.

NORTHVILLE “The greatest strength of our team this year is our depth,” says coach Clint Robert. “Who our key players are…I feel all 22 kids are key to our success.” Robert said that his team needs to improve on their team defense to keep up in the very competitive Kensington Lakes Athletic Association conference.

WATERFORD KETTERING While Waterford Kettering might have two new goaltenders this season, coach Dan Whitener said he has no concerns, both because of their skill sets, and because of the defense in front of them. Their key players include defensemen Ryan Brown, Jay Magnan, Brad Stonehouse and Justin Haley, and forwards Kyle Soncrainte and Brandon Lopez. However, 90 percent of their offense from last season graduated, so goal scoring is a concern.

GRAND LEDGE/WAVERLY The Comet Warriors posted a 17-7-4 record last season, and with a solid core of returning players, coach Brian Clifford expects those numbers to only go up in the win colum this season. Key players include seniors Drew Isaacson, Lorenzo Zea and Vince Gessler, juniors Adam Epstein and goaltender Collin Witt, and freshman forward Cam Collin. Clifford’s main concern is how the team gels to fill some vacancies from last year’s roster.

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Mackenzie MacEachern has generated interest from college and junior teams during his time at Brother Rice.

(Andrew Knapik/Michigan Hockey)

DETROIT CATHOLIC CENTRAL Coach Todd Johnson says that his team’s depth – the Shamrocks return 14 players from last year’s roster – makes them a contender for a state title once again. Key players include defenseman Nolan Gluchowski and forwards Charlie Green, Michael Babcock, Peter Halash, and Steven Haydon. The 14-time state champs are always a team to watch in the MIHL. EISENHOWER Coach Bob Hall says that the Eagles’ strength this season lies in their goaltending and offensive play. Eisenhower returns 10 seniors and one junior, including two senior goaltenders in Erik Rodak and Tyler Wakefield. Hall’s concern is on the defensive side of the squad; the Eagles bring in four new defensemen. Seniors Jake Schmidt, Zach Halloran, Aaron Schnieder, Mike Willemsen and Marc Havrilla lead the way up front.

WEST OTTAWA Coach Jeremy Von Eitzen says that with the new co-op formed with Black River and Holland Christian, his team is deeper than ever. Seven seniors bring experience and a balanced attack. Eitzen says that senior defenseman Reid Fresura, a four-year letter winner, will be their rock on defense, while senior Alex Kramer and junior Danny Matrosic lead on offense. Goaltender Michael Ewing, a senior, begins his third season as starting goaltender.

EASTSIDE (EAST LANSING) Eastside coach Scott Crilly is excited about the depth of his roster this season. The co-op squad will be led by captain Chris Hagan, a multi-sport star, Ryan Tyrer, Mike Flegal and Matt Harris. Defensive zone coverage is a main focus for improvement. Crilly also mentioned that people should keep an eye on Sam Rathbun, an offensive lineman that’s now a speedy power forward.

CHELSEA The Bulldogs return 15 players from last year’s roster.

Coach Don Wright will be counting on senior forwards Brad Hepler, Joe Hewitt, Kyle Whipple, senior defenseman Anthony Catalina, and senior goaltender Chris Boyd to lead his squad. Hepler has been the Bulldogs leading scorer for the last two seasons, and Wright sees no reason why he won’t be able to accomplish the feat for a third straight year.

GRAND RAPIDS CATHOLIC CENTRAL “The 2011-12 Catholic Central hockey team has a core of returning veteran players that will provide leadership

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HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEWS OXFORD In his ninth season, coach Dave Hague is very excited for this year’s crop of talent at Oxford. “We have a lot of returning veterans up front and on the blue line, many of which are in their third and fourth seasons, Hague said. “We’re excited about our experience and will have a veteran presence on the ice at all times. We’re expecting big years out of Nick Hocker, Brennen Orr, Nolan Chapman and Stephan Fritz, to name a few.”

L’ANSE CREUSE NORTH Coach Jon Nader says that his team will treat every game like it’s their last. “Our goal is to play every game like its Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final,” says Nader. “Last year we were sluggish in some games, this is something were going to fix.” Having 10 seniors should help Nader’s team live up to that motto. They will be counting on big seasons from Ian Fish, Evan Corbett, Rob Ochmanski, Kyle Forner and Gage Minkley.

JACKSON Coach Eric Morgan expects his Jackson United squad to be able to build on a 10-12-2 record, with nine players coming back from last season. Key players include Logan Burns, Tom Esser, Josh Matthias, Zach Robinson, Steve Comperchio, Ryan Shaw, and Austin Maynard. The leaders will need to help five freshmen adjust to the high school game.

LIVONIA CHURCHILL Coach Pete Mazzoni will have a wealth of experience to work with this season, as the Chargers return 10 seniors, and nine players with at least three years of experience at the varsity level. “ We need to share the puck more and learn to compete every day at a high level, and we need to push ourselves to expect more from [ourselves],” says Mazzoni. “If we want to be better than last year, we have to be willing to do more than we did last year.”

HOUGHTON The Gremlins return a remarkable 15 players from 201011. Key players include forwards Trevor Mattson, Heath Johnson, Raymond Brice and Connor Hannon, defensemen Griffin Hietala, Hunter Rajala and Drake Anderson, and Tony Peltier in goal. “Team defense will be an emphasis all season long and will help us get better as a team,” says coach Corey Markham. “We are looking forward to an exciting year of high school hockey.”

PORT HURON NORTHERN “We have some good, experienced players coming back this year,” says assistant coach Ryan Porte. “We have strong senior and junior classes that have been playing MIHL hockey since they were freshmen. We look for their strong leadership to build on last year’s regional championship and trip to the Div. II quarterfinal.” The staff puts an emphasis on playing “Northern Hockey” – strong defensive zone play, body contact to create space, and making the

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other team defend two-thirds of the ice at all times.

returns between the pipes.

HUDSONVILLE Coach Jason Caster says that with his young team, adjusting to the speed and pace of high school will be Hudsonville’s biggest challenge this season. While they don’t have any senior defensemen, he is still confident that his team will be able to shut down the opposition.

Key players include Andrew Terpstra, Kollen Bayko, Bryce Dewindt, Adam Jorgensen, and Dan Hoekstra.

GRAND RAPIDS KENOWA HILLS Coach Wayne Skislak says that the Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills roster features plenty of experience, leadership, and team chemistry this season. Zac Totten, a four-year starter, will be a presence for the squad in goal. Everett Thompson returns as the leading scorer, while Dan Hankins, Matt Neal, and Brendan Cockrill will play important roles for Kenowa Hills this season. A youthful defensive corps will need to grow together as the season progresses.

EAST GRAND RAPIDS New coach Brian McFalone says it’s going to be hard to score on his team this season, considering they have six returning senior defensemen. The senior-filled defensive unit should help East Grand Rapids stay competitive in the OK Conference, where they face some stiff competition.

MONROE The Monroe locker room will look pretty similar to last year’s – they return 19 players, and have 11 seniors on the roster. “This has a chance to be our best team in program history,” says coach Isaac Murphy. “With all of our depth and experience, we believe we have a good chance to repeat in the SHL, and also contend for our first league title in our other league, the Southeastern Conference. If we continue to work hard and get better during the course of the season, we’re hoping to advance to the second week of the playoffs for the first time.”

ROYAL OAK SHRINE Coach AJ Plaskey says his team’s greatest strength this season will be their added depth and leadership from his forwards. Key players include forwards Jake Luddy, Joe Nagle and Spencer Ray, defenseman Mike Gilmore, and two-way player Donald York. Plaskey wants to see his team’s speed and defensive zone coverage improve this year.

CANTON The Chiefs are coming off of their best year in school history after a record of 16-7-2. This year, they will look to keep possession of the Park Trophy (between rivals Salem and Plymouth), and their KLAA division. Coach Jeremy Majszak has 11 returning players and promising additions.

Spencer Craig is returning for his third year between the pipes – last season he had 15 wins and eight shutouts.

Senior captains Zach Cox and Brandon Schlieger lead on the blue line, and Brandon Grillo will also help add an offensive punch.

DIVINE CHILD Coach Brian Dallas expects his Divine Child squad to be balanced from top to bottom this year, with 10 seniors featured on the roster. Key players include senior forwards Austin Pearson, Austen Zub, Spencer Laird, Mike Leporowski and Sean Allen and defensemen Jack Zaidel, Anthony Scala and Jimmy Roznowski. Steve DePaulis

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DEARBORN This season, Dearborn will work to come together as a unit and have more depth defensively. The two top offensive lines will be a threat every night, with the potential of the third being dangerous as well. Coach Mike Sears, in his second season behind the bench, is eager to get his team to the playoffs, and make a statement while they are there.

WYANDOTTE-ROOSEVELT After capturing the Division II state championship last year over Brother Rice, Wyandotte-Roosevelt now joins their conference. The Bears, along with Trenton, have joined the MIHL for this upcoming season, which will mean a new set of challenges for both squads. With the experience from last year, the Bears should be a hard team to stop this season.

MARQUETTE Joe Papin, head coach of the Redmen, said that despite having to replace 11 players from last year’s roster, his team is even deeper this fall. Key players include Cody Norquist, Collin Schwemin, Nick Weston, Wyatt Smith, Kyle Carriere and Austin Riipi, and newcomers Mike House, Forest Folker and Tyler Jackson.

EAST KENTWOOD The Falcons return 10 forwards from last year, a season in which they reached the Final Four in the Division 1 playoffs.

All-state forward Brett White (who has committed to Eastern Michigan to play golf) returns after posting 42 goals and 51 assists last year. Senior forwards Erik Stapleton and Chris Laux add to the Falcons’ firepower. Coach Todd Bell has confidence in his first-year goaltender, junior Zach Casavant.

TROY Coach Tim Zimmerman said that being a year older will benefit the majority of his roster, citing an improvement in maturity and confidence already. Zimmerman will be counting on big performances from key players Brett St. Cyr, Nick Kondoleon and Alex Franchi. The bench boss said his team needs to improve on their play without the puck to be successful this season.

November 28, 2011 V.22 : I.9

E X C L U S I V E S

Check out our preview for the Michigan Interscholastic Hockey League

Read an article about East Lansing’s captain Chris Hagan

And see our exclusive captains ‘In the Spotlight’ photo slideshow

November 28, 2011 V.22 : I.9

MIHOCKEYNOW.COM

Michigan Hockey

27

MICHIGAN DECEMBER 2011 Hockey Time Productions Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MI December 2-4, 2011 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com

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Big Rapids Area Junior Hockey Association Big Rapids, MI December 9-11, 2011 Pee Wee B 231-591-2881 bigrapidshockey.org or ferris. edu/icearena

Great Lakes Tournament Series Holland, MI December 2-4, 2011 Squirt B, Squirt A and Bantam B Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com

3 on 3 Holiday Shootout Troy, MI December 26, 2011 Mini-Mite – Bantam B, A, AA, AAA, Girls U12-U16, High School and Adult men/women 586-817-3458/586-817-3459 tyha.net

West Shore Community Ice Arena Tournament Scottville, MI December 2-4, 2011 Pee Wee B 231-843-9712 westshoreice.com

3 on 3 Holiday Blast Novi, MI December 31, 2011 Open & House Divisions – Mite – Bantam, High School & Adult 248-347-1010 noviicearena.com

Get Into the Cold Tournament Mt. Pleasant, MI December 2-4, 2011 Pee Wee House B 989-772-9623 info@mpicearena.org

3 on 3 Winter Blast Rochester & Macomb, MI December 31, 2011 Mite – Bantam, High School & Adult 586-992-8600 suburbanice.com

Grand Traverse Hockey Association Tournament Traverse City, MI December 2-4, 2011 Pee Wee House 231-649-1226 gthatournaments@yahoo.com Big Rapids Area Junior Hockey Association Big Rapids, MI December 2-4, 2011 Bantam B 231-591-2881 bigrapidshockey.org or ferris. edu/icearena Great Lakes Tournament Series Holland, MI December 9-12 Mite B, Midget B, Midget Minor and High School JV Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-

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Michigan Hockey

Get Into the Cold Tournament Mt. Pleasant, MI December 9-11, 2011 Bantam House B 989-772-9623 info@mpicearena.org

JANUARY 2012 Great Lakes Tournament Series Holland, MI January 6-8, 2012 Mite Cross-Ice Jamboree, Pee Wee B and Bantam B Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Grand Traverse Hockey Association Tournament Traverse City, MI January 6-8, 2012 Squirt House 231-649-1226 gthatournaments@yahoo.com Great Lakes Tournament Series Holland, MI January 13-15, 2012 Mite B, Squirt B and Midget B

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Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com 7th Annual January Freeze Tournament Bay City, MI January 13-15, 2012 Mite – Midget B/BB, JV Prep 989-671-1000 x105 baycounty-mi.gov/civicarena Big Rapids Area Junior Hockey Association Big Rapids, MI January 13-15, 2012 Mite ADM – Studio Rink 231-591-2881 bigrapidshockey.org or ferris. edu/icearena Hockey Time Productions Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MI January 13-16, 2012 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com Hockey Time Productions Girls Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MI January 13-16, 2012 8U-19U House, B, A, AA 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com Hockey Time Productions K-Zoo Cup Tournament Series Kalamazoo, MI January 13-16, 2012 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com Midwest JV-Prep Hockey Showcase Dearborn, MI January 13-16, 2012 High School – JV/Prep 216-325-0567 or 216-970-5523 tony@itshockeytime.com itshockeytime.com Great Lakes Tournament Series Holland, MI January 20-22, MI Squirt AA, Pee Wee B and Bantam AA Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com

House “B” Winter Classic Muskegon, MI January 20-22, 2012 House – Mite - Midget 231-747-7266 goldcoasttournaments.com Grand Traverse Hockey Association Tournament Traverse City, MI January 20-22, 2012 Girls U16 Rec 231-649-1226 gthatournaments@yahoo.com Big Rapids Area Junior Hockey Association Big Rapids, MI January 20-22, 2012 JV/Midget A 231-591-2881 bigrapidshockey.org or ferris. edu/icearena Tip Up Town USA- 3on3 Winter Blast Houghton Lake, MI January 21, 2012, 1:00-5:00pm Youth 989-366-5644 houghtonlakechamber.net Motor City Shinny Tournament Bloomfield Hills, MI (Pine Lake Country Club) January 21 & 22, 2012 Men’s Open A, B & C; Men’s Over 40 A, B & C and Ladies Open 248-404-5558 info@motorcityshinny.com motorcityshinny.com Great Lakes Tournament Series Holland, MI January 27-29 Squirt B, Pee Wee AA and Bantam B Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Get Into the Cold Tournament Mt. Pleasant, MI January 27-29, 2012 Midget House B 989-772-9623 info@mpicearena.org Grand Traverse Hockey Association Tournament Traverse City, MI January 27-29, 2012 JV & Midget A 231-649-1226 gthatournaments@yahoo.com

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Lake Fenton Winter Classic (Pure Pond Hockey) Fenton, MI January 27-29, 2012 18+ 810-620-PUCK (7825) sean@lakefentonwinterclassic. com lakefentonwinterclassic.com 2012 Michigan Senior Olympics Hockey Tournament January 28 – February 1, 2012 Rochester, MI Seniors 800-400-8161 Big Rapids Area Junior Hockey Association Big Rapids, MI January 28-29, 2012 Mini-Mite & IP ADM 231-591-2881 bigrapidshockey.org or ferris. edu/icearena

Out-of-State Tournaments DECEMBER 2011 Hockey Time Productions Rock ‘n Roll Cup Tournament Series Cleveland, OH December 2-4, 2011 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 December 2-4, 2011 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 December 2-4, 2011 8U-19U House, B, A, AA 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com Canlan Classic Tournaments FJP - Sunshine Showdown December 2-4, 2011 Coral Springs, Florida Youth Boys 1-888-422-6526 tournaments@icesports.com ccthockey.ca

Gene Harrington Invitational Niagara Falls, NY December 2-4, 2011 Contact: Bob Harrington 781710-6560 bh@nahockey.com nahockey.com AMERICAN CUP Lake Placid, NY December 8-11, 2011 Atom, Peewee, Bantam AA, A, B, Select - Minor/Major/ Mixed divisions Canadian Hockey Enterprises 1-800-461-2161 chehockey.com AMERICAN CUP Lake Placid, NY December 15-18, 2011 Midget AA, A, B, - Minor/Major/Mixed divisions Canadian Hockey Enterprises 1-800-461-2161 chehockey.com AMERICAN CUP GIRLS TOURNAMENT Lake Placid, NY December 15-18, 2011 Peewee, Bantam,Midget AA, A, B Canadian Hockey Enterprises 1-800-461-2161 chehockey.com AMERICAN CUP HIGH SCHOOL TOURNAMENT Lake Placid, NY December 15-18, 2011 High School Boy’s and High School Girl’s Canadian Hockey Enterprises 1-800-461-2161 chehockey.com Schwan Cup High School/Youth Blaine, MN December 26- January 1, 2012 Youth Squirt-Bantam and High School MN/USA Hockey sanctioned Canlan Classic Tournaments New Jersey Christmas Classic December 27-29, 2011 Vineland, NJ Youth Boys 1-888-422-6526 tournaments@icesports.com ccthockey.ca Liberty Cup Tournament Series: Philadelphia Holiday Classic Hatfield, PA

November 28, 2011 V.22 : I.9

December 28-30 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

January 14-16, 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

JANUARY 2012 American Cup Lake Placid, NY January 5-8, 2012 Novice, Atom, Peewee, Bantam AA, A, B, House Select - Minor/ Major/Mixed divisions Canadian Hockey Enterprises 1-800-461-2161 chehockey.com

Music City Tournament Series: Music City Cup Nashville, TN January 14-16, 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

Hockey Time Productions Rock ‘n Roll Cup Tournament Series Cleveland, OH January 13-16, 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 January 13-16, 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 January 13-16, 2012 8U-19U House, B, A, AA 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com Congressional Cup Tournament Series: Congressional Midwinter Classic Washington, DC January 13-16, 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 Chicago Cup Tournament Series: Chicago Midwinter Classic Chicago, IL January 14-16, 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 Steel City Tournament Series: Pittsburgh Midwinter Classic Pittsburgh, PA

November 28, 2011 V.22 : I.9

Empire State Tournament Series: Empire State Cup Rochester, NY January 14-16, 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 Buckeye State Tournament Series: Cincinnati Midwinter Classic Cincinnati, OH January 14-16, 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 Niagara Falls Blizzard Challenge Niagara Falls, NY January 14-16, 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 American Cup Lake Placid, NY January 26-29, 2012 Atom, Peewee, Bantam AA, A, - Minor/Major/Mixed divisions Canadian Hockey Enterprises 1-800-461-2161 chehockey.com Gene Harrington Invitational Niagara Falls, NY January 27-29, 2012 Contact: Bob Harrington 781710-6560 bh@nahockey.com nahockey.com FEBRUARY 2012 American Cup Lake Placid, NY

February 9-12, 2012 Atom, Peewee, Bantam AA, A, B, House Select - Minor/ Major/Mixed divisions Canadian Hockey Enterprises 1-800-461-2161 chehockey.com Hockey Time Productions Rock ‘n Roll Cup Tournament Series Cleveland, OH February 17-20, 2012 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com

FEBRUARY 2012 “Escape the Blues” A and AA Pre-Playoff Tournament Chesswood Arenas.

Toronto, Ontario Feb.3-5th, 2012 Minor Pee Wee to Minor Midget age divisions, 3 game minimum – 5 game maximum Contact: Rick Heinz 905-854-3435 or email: rick.heinz@gmail.com torontocityblues.com

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

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NORTH AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE NAHL continues to feed NCAA programs

BY MATT MACKINDER

E

ach year, the North American Hockey League sends dozens upon dozens of players and alumni to the college hockey ranks.

After all, being a developmental league, that’s what the NAHL prides itself on.

Players go to national powers like Minnesota, Colorado College, North Dakota and Michigan, and also to smaller schools like Bentley, Mercyhurst, the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Military Academy (Army).

Last season’s league MVP, Michigan Warriors’ goalie Robert Tadazak, is now a freshman at Army and seeing decent minutes for the Black Knights.

NAHL commissioner Mark Frankenfeld beams when asked about his league promoting its players to college hockey.

“We are proud of our club’s commitments to development and placement of our players,” Frankenfeld said. “The NAHL is unique in many ways, but especially the fact the majority of the boys that commit to college come to the league without a college opportunity. Basically, the commitments are homegrown, more so than any other league in the country, and we are proud of that fact.”

So far this season, a healthy chunk of players on 19 league teams have already announced their choices for college hockey. The Amarillo Bulls and Traverse City North Stars lead the way with five commitments, while the Coulee Region Chill has four moving up.

With the footprint of the NAHL going stretching from New York to Texas to Michigan to California to Alaska and even British Columbia, many players don’t have to leave home to play junior hockey.

One such player is Fairbanks Ice Dogs forward Alec Hajdukovich, a Fairbanks native who will play college hockey next season in, you guessed it, Fairbanks for the CCHA’s Alaska Nanooks.

“It has always been my dream to wear the UAF jersey and I don’t think it will hit me until I am skating in my first game sporting the blue and gold,” Hajdukovich said. “I think I can bring an offensive presence to the UAF lineup.

They have a lot of skilled forwards that can score right now and I am going to have to work hard to crack the lineup. I believe UAF is a good fit for me and this opportunity was just too good to pass up.”

The NAHL also goes above and beyond when it comes to giving players the exposure they need to be seen by NCAA scouts.

“The NAHL spends a tremendous amount of resources to provide opportunity for our boys via our annual Showcase

NAHL.COM 32

Michigan Hockey

Left: Coulee Region Chill captain Eric Drapluk, a recent Lake Superior State commitment.

Below: St. Louis Bandits forward and Davison native Joe Kalisz.

(courtesy NAHL)

and Top Prospects Tournament,” Frankenfeld explained.

“This fact, in conjunction with our coaches’ hard work for the player, is highlighted by all college commitments to date.”

BANDITS’ VET WANTS TO FINISH NAHL CAREER STRONG Joe Kalisz is playing his third season in the NAHL with the St. Louis Bandits and has his eyes on two things – winning the Robertson Cup and securing a Division I scholarship.

“All I can do is work hard and play the way I am able to and hopefully, my hard work will pay off,” said Kalisz, who has been at or near the top of the NAHL scoring race all season. “The coaches here want players who know how to win.”

A Flint-area native, Kalisz said the move to St. Louis has been an eye-opener.

“Living in St. Louis is a complete 180 from back home,” Kalisz said. “Being a single child back home and moving into a house of six people has been the biggest difference.

The city life here is awesome. You’re 30 minutes away from everything.”

”When I got here in midAugust, the first thing I noticed was that it was really green,” McFarlane added. “Alaska is beautiful no matter what time of the year it is. The only similarity is that there are mountains here. I totally agree with the people that say the beauty of Alaska is second to none. It’s the complete opposite of back home. There isn’t that much sun here, it’s colder, and I am living in a small town (Wasilla). The only thing that is similar to Arizona and Alaska is the mountains, but there is snow on them here and that’s really new to me.”

ARIZONA NATIVES ADJUSTING TO ALASKAN LIFE There are only a handful of Arizona natives playing in the NAHL and two of them – Cody Bisbing and Bryan McFarlane – play for the Alaska Avalanche.

Both are embracing life in Alaska, even though it’s nothing like the desert.

“Since I’ve been in Alaska, I’ve really learned to appreciate outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing,” said Bisbing, who is in his second year with the Avalanche.

“Alaska is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen.”

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Michigan Hockey

33

PLYMOUTH WHALERS

Whalers’ Bathgate more than just a famous name

BY MATT MACKINDER

A

ndy Bathgate wanted to finish out his Ontario Hockey League career on a contender with a chance to win an OHL championship.

Playing the last three years in Belleville, Bathgate requested a trade over the summer and was dealt to the Plymouth Whalers shortly thereafter for a pair of early-round draft picks.

Plymouth coach and general manager Mike Vellucci said at the time of the trade that Bathgate would add depth and veteran leadership to the Whalers. He led the Bulls in scoring last season, but wasn’t signed by the Pittsburgh Penguins, the team that drafted him in 2009.

Going to the Whalers as an NHL free agent is a situation that Bathgate feels gives him a fresh start all the way around.

“It’s safe to say that Belleville and Plymouth are worlds apart,” said Bathgate, a 20-year-old from Brampton, Ont. “I loved my time spent in Belleville and met tons of very nice people, but I am really enjoying being here in Plymouth.

Everyone from the coaching staff, to the guys, to my billets has been nothing short of amazing. ”Obviously, being an overager in the league, there are things that you are expected to do. Aside from scoring

points, I’m looking to be a leader on a very talented team and contribute any way I can. If we can have a good year this year team-wise, I’m pretty sure my goals as an individual will be much more easily accomplished.”

As the grandson of the NHL Hall-of-Famer with the same name, Bathgate gets noticed for his name more times than not and often gets asked about his grandfather. It’s certainly a topic he never gets tired of talking about.

In the summer months, the younger Bathgate works at a driving range and golf course founded by his father and grandfather. His grandfather, now 79, still works at the range seven days a week.

“When we’re together, we don’t do much working,” smiled Bathgate, who wears No. 9 to honor his grandfather.

“It’s more talking about everything hockey. He is by far the best person for stories and pointers on the game. I don’t think it will ever get old talking about him. I didn’t realize until I was about 15 years old just how great of a hockey player my grandfather was. Hearing him tell stories of his playing days and seeing that Stanley Cup ring on his finger (from the 1964 Toronto Maple Leafs) everyday is something else and I look forward to every time I get to see him.”

Hockey has been in his blood since birth, but there have been other sports Bathgate tried along the way and continues to play, like golf and roller hockey, but being on the ice is where the Whalers’ forward knows he belongs.

“Hockey has been an enormous part of my life, but I wouldn’t say it’s all I’ve ever known,” Bathgate said. “I enjoy other sports and academics are very important to both me and my parents.

“All in all, hockey has been and continues to be the biggest part of my life and really, the most enjoyable.”

According to Metro head coach Jason Cirone, also a scout for Erie, seeing his goaltender sign to play at a higher level “is what we’re here to do.”

“I’m happy for the kid,” said Cirone. “To play in the OHL is a lifelong dream, but he knows that this isn’t the end of the road. (Jets goalie coach) Randy (Wilson) has done a great job with Devin and really hasn’t had to adjust anything – just a few tweaks here and there. Devin has reached this point in his career all on his own and that’s a credit to him.

He’s also one of the most mature kids on our team and I think that shows he was raised the right way and put on the right path.”

“I’ve always felt the OHL atmosphere was what I wanted and I think it will be a good fit,” Williams said. “I’m adjusting to the junior level here and I think playing against older guys is a challenge, but it’s a challenge I want. There is pressure, but to me, it’s fun pressure.”

This past summer saw Williams represent the gold medal-winning United States at the Under-17 Five Nations Tournament in Ann Arbor, emerge as a candidate for the U.S. National Team Development Program and stand out as the top goalie at the USA Hockey Select-16 Festival in Rochester, N.Y., where he posted a .945 save percentage and a 1.33 goals-against average.

DEMPSEY TO REPRESENT ONTARIO Rookie forward Mitchell Dempsey, Plymouth’s top pick in last May’s OHL draft, was selected to Ontario’s Under-17 Team that will compete at the 2012 World Hockey Challenge being held in Windsor from Dec. 27-Jan. 4.

Former Whalers’ defenseman and current Kitchener assistant coach Troy Smith is Ontario’s head coach.

FUTURE OHLer WILLIAMS ENJOYS ‘FUN PRESSURE’

Plymouth forward Andy Bathgate may have a famous grandfather, but he’s building a name for himself in the OHL. (Aaron Bell/OHL Images)

34

Michigan Hockey

Saginaw native Devin Williams grew up watching the Saginaw Spirit and hoping one day he could play at the Dow Event Center.

Turns out Williams will get that chance next season, but as a member of the Erie Otters, after Erie drafted Williams in the fifth round (95th overall) in May and he signed with the club on Oct. 22.

Williams, playing this season in Waterford for the Metro Jets of the North American 3 Hockey League, is one of the youngest players in the league after only turning 16 eight days after signing with Erie.

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Despite being only 16, Devin Williams is impressing at the OHL level. (Andy Grossman/Detailed Images)

Williams made his debut with Erie on Nov. 18 in Kitchener, making 10 saves on 12 shots in a little more than 17 minutes of action.

November 28, 2011 V.22 : I.9

SAGINAW SPIRIT

Saginaw gives John McFarland new lease on hockey

BY CARL CHIMENTI

J

ohn McFarland is getting a fresh start.

You know the story - an underachieving player is traded and before you know it he finds his game and becomes the player that everyone thought he should be.

Early in his career, McFarland was touted as possessing once-in-a-generation talent, and he was expected to be on par with the likes of Sidney Crosby, Steven Stamkos, and John Tavares. Yet only good performances in juniors – not extraordinary like what was expected – led to the hockey world labeling him an underachiever.

But since coming to Saginaw, McFarland seems to be moving much closer to realizing the lofty expectations placed upon him at an early age. He gives full credit to the Saginaw Spirit organization for his turnaround.

“I tribute that to coming here to Saginaw and being coached by Todd Watson,” said the Richmond Hill, Ontario native. “If I didn’t come I’m not sure any of this would have happened and Todd’s been a huge part of the reason why I have had success.”

Another reason is Spirit defensemen Ryan O’Connor.

“When I got here I was able to move in with Ryan, who I have known and been best friends for the past eight years,” McFarland said. “We played on the same team for five years

November 28, 2011 V.22 : I.9

and knowing someone here has helped a lot and the rest of the guys have treated me great since I arrived last year.”

The 6-foot-1, 205-pound center potted 19 goals and 28 points in 38 games after Saginaw acquired him from the Sudbury Wolves. Just about a quarter of the way into the 2011-12 season, McFarland has already surpassed his Spirit point total and is less then a handful of goals away from last years totals as well.

The Florida Panthers took a chance and drafted him early in the second round (33rd overall) of the 2010 NHL entry draft, and then proceeded to sign him to an entry level contract this past summer after he attended their rookie camp. Signing his first pro contract and his experience at the camp added to his fast start this season.

“With both of those behind me I am not feeling any more pressure and I can just go on the ice and play hockey,” said McFarland, who is a ‘92 birth year. “At the same time you continue to put the pressure on yourself to be the dominant player and the goal scorer I want to be, but it is nice to have both the draft and the contract behind me. It’s all part of the process in stepping forward and making it to the NHL.” McFarland has put together an impressive hockey resume since he started to lace the skates, so much so that he made a bold effort to join the Ontario Hockey League at the early age of 15 by petitioning the league to grant him “exceptional player” status.

Prior to joining the OHL, McFarland scored 96 goals

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Time to celebrate: John McFarland has seized his opportunity in Saginaw to establish himself as an elite NHL prospect once again. (Aaron Bell/OHL Images)

and 165 points in just 49 games with the Toronto Junior Canadiens, a Junior A team.

Sudbury drafted him first overall at the 2008 OHL Priority Draft. He scored six goals and five assist in his first 12 games in the league and was named OHL Player of the Month for October.

In three seasons with the Wolves, McFarland totaled 47 goals, 65 assists and 112 points in 134 games. McFarland was named MVP of the 2008 OHL Showcase Tournament.

He was selected by his coaches to captain Team Canada at the Ivan Hlinka U-18 tournament, scoring four goals and one assist in six games.

McFarland possesses high-end skill with speed to burn, and had the highlight of his OHL career on Nov. 11 in a game against the Ottawa 67’s, scoring a career-high four goals and one assist for a five-point night. McFarland credited his line after the performance.

“My line has been incredible this year,” McFarland said.

“The right side of the line has been a bit unsettled due to injuries and suspensions but the players I have played with there have been getting me the puck on a regular basis. My center, Michael Fine, has been unbelievable and he assisted on all four goals in the game against Ottawa. I think we compliment each other well.”

Michigan Hockey

35

FLASHBACK

NOTABLE GLI MVPS 1984 – Bob Essensa, Michigan State 1990, 1991 – Steve Shields, University of Michigan 1994, 1995, 1996 – Brendan Morrison, University of Michigan 1997 – Mike Weaver, Michigan State

NOTABLE GLI MVPS The first team to win the GLI wasn’t even an American college; the University of Toronto won the inaugural event in 1965. The Wolverines won it the next year.

Michigan has won the GLI 14 times.

Michigan State has won the GLI 12 times.

Michigan Tech has won the GLI nine times.

1999 – Shawn Horcoff, Michigan State 2000 – Ryan Miller, Michigan State 2004 – Jim Slater, Michigan State 2005 – Joey Crabb, Colorado College 2006 – Bryan Lerg, Michigan State 2007 – Billy Sauer, University of Michigan 2008 – Louie Caporusso, University of Michigan 2009 – Brett Perlini, Michigan State

GREAT LAKES INVITATIONAL

36

Michigan Hockey

2010 – Luke Glendening, University of Michigan

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Mark Jooris of RPI had seven points against Michigan in 1985 to set the tournament record for points.

Billy Sauer’s 50 saves for the Wolverines against Providence in 2007 is a tournament record for stops in a single game.

Michigan Tech and the University of Michigan share the record for most goals in the tournament with 18.

Heading into the 2010 GLI, 1,290,914 fans had attended the tournament.

November 28, 2011 V.22 : I.9

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GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS

Rejuvenated Johnson leading the charge

BY KYLE KUJAWA

F

or Grand Rapids Griffins center Jamie Johnson, coming to the rink every day last year just didn’t have the same appeal that it once did.

“I didn’t have the year I wanted to,” Johnson said. “I thought I worked hard and played well, but I just had a hard time finding the score sheet.”

Johnson was signed to a two-year contract by the Detroit Red Wings on July 1, 2010, who were hoping that they were adding a veteran cornerstone piece for the Griffins offense. He finished the 2010-11 season with 38 points (1226—38) in 78 games. It was hardly an unproductive season – he was tied for fifth in team scoring – but it was a dropoff from the 71 points (27-44—71) in 80 games he recorded with the Rochester Americans in 2009-10.

“It was a frustrating year, and I didn’t want it to happen again,” he said.

This year, as you watch Johnson fly through drills and joke around during practice, you would assume he’s an entirely different player.

“This season is going a lot better,” Johnson said. “I’m definitely having more fun.”

“Last year, he had a weight on his shoulders – you could see it every game,” said Griffins head coach Curt Fraser. “It was like he was carrying a piano around, and it wasn’t fun.”

Six weeks into the season, Johnson is showing the skill and promise that impressed the Red Wings brass enough to reward him with a two-year deal. He has tallied seven goals and three assists in 14 games for the Griffins, sitting first on the team in goals and third in points.

“Jamie came in this year looking quick and in great shape,” Fraser said. “From the first day of camp, you could see a huge difference in his game. He was ready to play, ready to contribute, and he hasn’t stopped since the beginning of the year.”

Johnson scored in the Griffins’ season-opening loss to the Rockford IceHogs on Oct. 8, but found himself point-

less in the next eight games. While memories of last season kept creeping in, Johnson made sure to keep focused and remind himself that he’s beaten scoreless streaks before.

“I usually start slow, and I have no idea why,” said Johnson. “Even in my best years, I always seem to start slow.

Sometimes it’s hard not to think about, but you can’t get frustrated. You have to stay positive and work through it.

All you need is a bounce one night, and that seems to make things go.”

When some of his best seasons include a 100-point (2476—100) season in his final year of junior with the OHL’s Oshawa Generals, and an 80-point (22-58—80) campaign as a second-year pro with the Augusta Lynx of the ECHL, you begin to get a sense for his ability to find the scoresheet when he’s feeling confident.

“Any time you’re scoring goals and producing, you seem

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more confident,” said the London, Ontario, native. “The good things feel a lot better, and you just brush aside the little mistakes. That’s how you have to do it all the time, but it’s much easier when you’re producing.”

Johnson was able to break out of his early season slump in a big way, putting together an AHL career-best five-game goal streak, totaling nine points (6-3-9) in five games to kick off the month of November.

“I just have to keep working hard and going to the net,” Johnson said. “It sounds pretty simple, but if you go to those areas that it’s a little harder to get to sometimes, you seem to get rewarded.”

Johnson was also quick to note that playing with the Griffins’ top scoring duo of Chris Conner (19 points in 14 games) and Gustav Nyquist (14 points in 14 games) tends to make playing the game a little easier.

“It’s been nice,” said the 29-year-old forward. “I just try to go to the net, get Gus and Chris the puck, and it just seems to be working right now.”

Simplicity in getting shots to the net and following up for a rebound has been key for Johnson, as well as the rest of the Griffins. The team emphasized shooting the puck after a skid in early November, and followed up with an average of 45.7 shots over their next three games.

“Some teams play better defensively, and others not as much,” explained Johnson. “As long as we’re trying to get shots through, it will work for us. If we can get 40 shots every night, I like our chances of winning.”

The team found immediate success in that strategy, setting a franchise record for largest margin of victory on the road with an 8-0 win over Hamilton on Nov. 11. Johnson led the charge with two goals and an assist, but was more impressed with how the team came together as a whole.

“That just got some guys going, gave us more confidence,” said Johnson. “It’s nice when everyone’s chipping in and it’s not just one or two lines. I think it brought the team together and we realized that we can score goals.”

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JUNIORS PREVIEW RED WINGS INSIDER

LIKE FATHER LIKE SON Mark Howe enters Hockey Hall

(Dan Swint, PDQ Photo)

BY DAVE WADDELL

T

he Howe family has frequently broken new ground in the hockey world and they did so again Nov. 14 when Mark Howe joined his father Gordie in the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.

The Howes are the fourth father/son combo to be inducted and the first to have played together in the NHL. The other father/son pairings already in the hall are Lester and Lynn Patrick, Bobby and Brett Hull and Oliver and Earl Seibert.

“I spent my whole life dreaming of being a hockey player,” said Howe, who had 197 goals and 742 points in 929 NHL games to go with his WHA totals of 208 goals and 504 points in 426 games.

“You dream of winning Stanley Cups. Something I never dreamed about is getting into the hall of fame.”

He might not have dreamed of it, but his father certainly did. With his son’s totals of 1,246 points in 1,355 games spread over 22 pro seasons, Gordie didn’t hide his sentiment that he felt his son should’ve been inducted long ago.

“I think it obviously means more to him,” said Mark Howe, who is director of pro scouting for the Red Wings.

“Anyone that has children understands.

“Anything my children achieve means far more to me than anything I’ve done in my life. He doesn’t have to say that, I know exactly how he feels.”

The uniqueness of the journey, in which Gordie Howe got to play with both his sons in the WHA and NHL, made the induction ceremony a leap into a deep pool of emotions for the entire clan.

At least 40 family and friends attended the ceremony, but the one person Mark Howe dearly wished could attend was his mother Colleen, who passed away in March 2009 of Pick’s Disease.

“It means so much more to me that dad’s here to share it,” said Mark Howe, who put on a Wings’ jersey with the No. 9 on the back to conclude his speech. “I have a family and my good friends around me. That’s what it means to me.

40

Michigan Hockey

“Whether it validates or doesn’t (my career), I did what I did on the ice. I’m proud of my career. I’m proud of my accomplishments I had as an individual and the teams I played with.”

When asked why he thinks he earned entry into the hall, Mark Howe’s modesty betrays him. However, Gordie Howe eagerly offers up several reasons with a bluntness similar to one of his famous elbows to the chops.

“The love of the game,” Gordie Howe said. “His feelings towards the game was it’s his life.

“He had the speed. As a passer, I include all of them Ted Lindsay, Sid Abel, no one passed the puck better.”

Like so many other greats of his era, the laboratory where Mark perfected his skills was the rink at his suburban Detroit home. He spent endless hours on the ice until it would get dark.

When he got old enough, Mark Howe found a solution to extend his playing hours.

“He wanted to play after dark until 10 or later every day,” Gordie Howe said.

“He got (two-by-four) posts and strung up lights, Christmas lights, and people would stop in their cars in the neighborhood wondering what was going on. Why did we have our Christmas lights up?”

From an early age, Mark Howe was well aware of what the Howe surname meant. He knew it required some sacrifices from him, but in return he enjoyed experiences beyond the dreams of most young boys.

The young Howe got to skate with the Wings in training camp, was a stick boy for visiting teams and got the use of the Olympia ice whenever he wanted.

“Most of it was growing up the son of Gordie Howe,” said Mark Howe about what his mother taught him as a boy.

“Everywhere you went, people talked about being a U.S.-born kid and being from Detroit. You went to all the Canadian cities (to play), you got spit on and treated like trash because you were an American. You got that from six, seven-years on up.

“You had to learn how to control your emotions as a young kid.

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“As you get older, apart from being an American, you’re Gordie Howe’s son. That puts more limelight on you.

“The hardest part, I didn’t think it was that hard to me, was carrying that name on your back. I knew growing up as a child if I did something really wrong, his name was going to be in the paper.

“The upside, if you go anywhere in Canada or North America especially here in Detroit, with that name, I can walk in anywhere. All the liberties I had for being Gordie Howe’s son were fantastic.”

For a young hockey player, sharing a home with one of the sport’s living legends could’ve been a suffocating experience. Mark Howe learned it was best to embrace his father not compete with him.

He again credits his mother for teaching him early about being his own person.

“If I tried to compare my career to his it’s a lose-lose situation,” said Mark Howe, who scored his first professional goal 27 years to the day (Oct. 16, 1973) after his father scored his first NHL goal.

“What my mom taught me, whether it’s through school, work, hockey or how you conduct life away from the rink, set your own values and standards. ‘What do you want to do in your life and what are your expectations?’

“I didn’t care what anyone said because I had my values of what I decided for myself.”

Father and son were separate people, but with an unbreakable bond.

When Mark decided to jump to the WHA at 18 years old after winning a Memorial Cup with the Toronto Marlies in the spring of 1973, that was the opportunity Gordie was waiting for to fulfill his long-held dream of playing with Mark and his elder son Marty.

“If I didn’t go to the WHA, I had to wait two more years as a junior before being eligible for the NHL,” said Mark Howe, who was the MVP of the 1973 Memorial Cup tournament. “I was able to play on the same team as my dad and brother.

“I also had the chance to make more money as an 18-year-old than my dad did in any year during his whole career.”

Mark Howe, who won an Olympic silver medal with the U.S. hockey team at the 1972 Winter Games as a 16-yearold, became an immediate star in the WHA. The Howe family was once again one of hockey’s biggest stories, but not everyone in the hockey world was impressed.

In those early days, the WHA’s tough guys learned the legend of Gordie Howe was no myth when it came to protecting his sons.

“The first three games we had fights and that was it,” Gordie Howe said.

“I went over to a coach who was sending someone out deliberately to maim him (Mark). High sticks were up around the throat and ears and he got cut up.

“I (skated) alongside side the bench and got three (opposing players with his stick) with one swoop. I said, ‘You put patches on my son. When those patches are off and you do it again, I’ll put more than a patch on you.’

“A lot of parents couldn’t watch their kids, with all the clips and cuts. I didn’t mind.

“I just waited for the next line change and you could get even. If I could skate, I could get even.

November 28, 2011 V.22 : I.9

THE LAST LINE

I

’ve always had a soft spot for high school hockey. It goes back to my sophomore year at Riverside High in Windsor. I made the team and entered into a realm of hockey I hadn’t anticipated – playing in front of crowds. Up until then, it had been youth hockey in front of parents mostly, with tournaments having some peer viewing as teams hustle and bustle through the rink. But playing for your school was completely different. It marked the first time kids – your friends and classmates – actually chose to watch you play.

Now, that view seems egocentric all these years later, since the student body wasn’t there to see me play, per say; rather, kids would congregate at old Riverside Arena to cheer on their school. Or, more accurately, cheer against rivals Assumption or Brennan. The other unique aspect of that singular high school season - the following year players could not play both AAA hockey and for their high school - was that I got to play against some of my travel teammates who likewise played for their school. That was a competitive first.

The combination of a rink packed with students and looking across the ice at familiar faces turned foe left an indelible mark on what hockey could be. And then there was the whole legacy aspect of high school hockey. Our coach, “Duke” Snyder, was a legend then and continued on for 30 more years from when I played. I had never been a part of a program before – one headed up year after year by the same man where you could look back at the upperclassmen that had played for him and moved on. In short, there was history, tradition and school pride. I found it all so exhilarating.

But I always wonder if that one season tending goal for the Riverside Rebels made such an impression that I gravitate back to the high school game. I enjoyed running the pre-season program for Walled Lake Central. One of my favorite events when I was down south was our high school training camp program. When I was here 15 years ago, I helped out with Divine Child’s program their first season and into year two before I had to step away since I didn’t have enough time to commit fully. Still, the mix at the high school level energizes me – upperclassmen with younger hopefuls, kids still pushing themselves alongside guys who just love being a part of something, and classmates becoming teammates.

Beyond that, though, I wonder if that lone season was enough to push me to seek the next comparable level at Cornell, where playing in front of classmates in packed arenas is what college hockey is all about. Atmosphere.

Experience. The experience extends beyond the team and the locker room. You’re part of a collective experience maybe for the first time on any level. Maybe that is it. High school hockey is another way to enjoy the game, regardless of an individual’s motivation to be there. Heck, it’s just fun.

Still is for me. To all the captains who came out to the Novi rink, we thank you and wish you and your teams all the best this season.

I look forward to seeing you around the rink this winter as we launch our high school coverage for both the magazine and MiHockeyNow.com.

42

Michigan Hockey

WHAT’S NOT TO LOVE ABOUT HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY?

BY DARREN ELIOT

@Darren_Eliot

(Andrew Knapik/Michigan Hockey)

MIHOCKEYNOW.COM

November 28, 2011 V.22 : I.9

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