MiHockeyMag July 16, 2012

MiHockeyNow.com

V.22 : I.24 | July 16, 2012

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

JULY 16, 2012 VOLUME 22: ISSUE 24 6 THE LOCKER ROOM Talking hockey on Facebook and Twitter

8 SLIDESHOW Photos of Michigan natives who have signed new NHL contracts

10 SPEAKING OF HOCKEY If you could add one player to the Red Wings, who would you add?

12 GET BETTER Performance nutrition

14 YOU SHOULD KNOW St. Louis Blues draft pick Mackenzie MacEachern

16 HOMETOWN HERO Lapeer’s Jim Slater

20 COLLEGE HOCKEY New jerseys for the Spartans

26

JEFF BLASHILL TAKES OVER GRIFFINS The Michigan native continues his climb through the coaching ranks

22 EQUIPMENT BUYER’S GUIDE, PART II New sticks and helmets from the world’s top hockey manufacturers

24 PLYMOUTH WHALERS Meet new Whalers defenseman Connor Carrick

26 GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS New coach Jeff Blashill is no stranger to success

28 RED WINGS INSIDER Wings still looking to make a move this summer

22

EQUIPMENT BUYER’S GUIDE, PART II

New sticks and helmets from the world’s top hockey manufacturers

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28

RED WINGS INSIDER

Wings miss out on Suter, Parise – what now?

30

LOOK FOR OUR NEXT ISSUE LAST LINE

Darren Eliot talks about the Red Wings’ need for some new young talent

MiHockeyNow.com

AUGUST 13, 2012

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

July 16, 2012 V.22 : I.24

FROM THE EDITOR MIHOCKEYMAG EDITOR Michael Caples

mcaples@mihockeynow.com

ADVERTISING Lucia Zuzga

lucia@mihockeynow.com

DESIGN Emily Huston Chuck Stevens MIHOCKEY STAFF Ben Fleck Brian Kalisher Stefan Kubus Ryan Zuke DISTRIBUTION Lucia Zuzga ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTORS Amy Jones Anne Ellis DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & PROGRAMMING Darren Eliot

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

E-mail mcaples@mihockeynow.com

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

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

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

BY MICHAEL CAPLES Everyone’s got that one favorite hockey stick.

You know the one – your go-to twig, the one that scored all those goals, set up goals for your buddies, and maybe saved a goal or two, as well. You were convinced that you were going to be the next Wayne Gretzky if you kept rolling with that stick.

By the way, my stick of choice was the Innovative Novius – I would buy them in bunches, and still have a few wrapped up, sitting in my basement, ready to go if I ever get a shot at a pro tryout (a guy can dream, right?).

I liked thinking about that Novius while we worked on Part II of our equipment buyer’s guide – obviously sticks and helmets were the focus, in case you somehow magically ended up on Page 5 of this issue and missed the cover somehow. Here we are, examining hockey technology that puts sticks like the classic Easton aluminum shaft, those stylish Nike sticks, the innovative Synergy, to shame.

We hope you enjoy the stick and helmet write-ups – there’s more of that at MiHockeyNow.com, where that thing called ‘space’ is never an issue. I know that our staff enjoyed working on them; as former/current players, we all

@michaelcaples get excited to talk to the minds behind the products we use on the ice.

In this issue of MiHockeyMag, we take a look at the free agency situation for the Red Wings, and Darren Eliot comments on the unfamiliar territory they are in. In Hockeytown, we’re used to the best players always coming here to play; apparently the salary cap has evened the playing field when it comes to ‘recruiting’ new talent.

We also spoke to Connor Carrick, the NTDP alum who will be playing for the Plymouth Whalers next season. Plus, we have a great feature on Michigan native Jeff Blashill, the new bench boss of the Grand Rapids Griffins. He is sprinting through the coaching ladder, and I certainly won’t be surprised to see him in charge of an NHL club someday soon.

Remember, even when you are away from the rink, we’ve got you covered on MiHockeyNow.com and our social media channels. Hope you’re enjoying your summer.

See you at a rink soon,

MICHIGAN HOCKEY 23995 Freeway Park Drive • Suite 200 Farmington Hills, MI 48335-2829 (248) 478-2500 • FAX: (248) 478-1601 E-MAIL: mcaples@mihockeynow.com WEBSITE: mihockeynow.com PHOTOS AT LEFT: Equipment photos courtesy of Warrior and CCM, Ken Holland (Dave Reginek/ DRW), Jeff Blashill (photo courtesy of the Grand Rapids Griffins) COVER: Photo by Michael Caples/MiHockey, design

by Chuck Stevens/MiHockey

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

July 16, 2012 V.22 : I.24

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THE LOCKER ROOM

THE

LOCKERROOM

ON THE FLY

TWO FOR TWEETING

Our friend Rick Bowness of the Detroit Red Wings tweeted us this photo of MiHockeyMag at the Red Wings’ development camp in Traverse City. He also called out editor Michael Caples for not being in attendance; little did he know that we had a writer on the way up.

In his spare time, MiHockey staffer Stefan Kubus likes to create custom EA NHL covers. This design, depicting Jordan Staal in his new Carolina Hurricanes jersey, was picked up by Bauer Hockey, and they shared it on their official Facebook page.

Expect more on this subject soon…

LOCKER ROOM POLLS July 5, the day after the Wings Q: On found out they would not be signing Zach Parise or Ryan Suter, we asked our Facebook friends if they thought the Red Wings were still Stanley Cup contenders. Here’s what they said:

With MiHockeyNow.com, the digital issue of MiHockeyMag, and our social media accounts, we’re able to keep those transplanted Michiganders up to date with all things hockey, no matter where they are.

And now we shared his tweet. We’re making Matt Gatjka, voice of the Muskegon Lumberjacks, famous – one step at a time.

A: 76% No 24% Yes

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SLIDESHOW

MICHIGAN HOCKEY IN PICTURES: NEW NHL CONTRACTS

JEFF PETRY – EDMONTON OILERS — On the heels of his wedding day this weekend, former Michigan State Spartan and Ann Arbor native Jeff Petry re-signed a two-year deal with the Edmonton Oilers. (Photo courtesy of MSU Athletic Communications)

CHRIS CONNER – PHOENIX COYOTES — After a brief stint in Detroit that saw the shifty Conner dress for eight games (1 goal, 2 assists), the 28-year-old Westland native will be taking his game to the desert. (Photo by Mark Newman/Grand Rapids Griffins)

DAVID MOSS – PHOENIX COYOTES — Moss, a former Wolverine and Catholic Central High School product, signed a two-year deal with the Coyotes. The 6-foot-4 Livonia native had spent his entire career with the Calgary Flames, where he posted a line of 61-63-124 in 317 regular season games.

In 2011-12, Moss was limited to only 32 games due to injury. (Photo by Tom Turrill/MiHockey)

KEVIN PORTER – BUFFALO SABRES — Porter, former Michigan Wolverine and Hobey Baker winner from Northville, recorded seven points in 35 games with the Colorado Avalanche this past season as a part-time player. (Photo by Trevor Brown, Jr./NCAA Photos)

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MiHockeyMag

JEFF ZATKOFF – PITTSBURGH PENGUINS — The 25-year-old Zatkoff, from Detroit, signed a two-year, two-way deal with the Penguins after playing the last four years in the Los Angeles Kings organization. In 2011-12, Zatkoff posted a 21-17-1 record, 2.49 GAA, and a .920 save percentage with the Manchester Monarchs of the AHL. (Photo by Steve Babineau)

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9

SPEAKING OF HOCKEY

In terms of adding new players to their roster, the Red Wings haven’t had many options this summer. So we decided it was time to let Detroit fans daydream a little bit, and ask:

“If you could add any player to the Red Wings’ roster right now, who would you add?”

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

Evgeni Malkin. He lead the league in points and came second in most goals.

The guy is just overall an outstanding and exciting player to watch. Put him on a line with Datsyuk they would be unstoppable. Sean Meek I think the Wings need to work on getting Nash....too bad his current management are such jerks! Lynn Marie Vittetoe Claude Giroux Jordan Marek Stamkos. High flying top forward who puts up 50 or 60 goals a year?

Wings need a superstar like him to go with Pav. Tj Cavanaugh Shea Webber David Swatosh

Since you can’t clone Lidstrom and Suter is off the market I would say Byfuglien to round out our D. Doug Pettinga

WINNER

Ovi, he would be sick playing on a line with Datsyuk! Dan Marek

A current FA? Doan. Pipedream player - hmmm...

STEVEN STAMKOS! Or since the Wings need D, how about Ryan Suter, c’mon dude, WILD??

— Derek Berry

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

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A hockey playerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s diet is a critical link in the performance chain. It directly impacts energy levels available during exercise, mental and physical response to exercise, recovery capabilities after exercise, and immune function at all times. High-level performance requires that nutrition be a consistent priority. Completing the Performance Checklist & give yourself one point for each question you answer â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;yesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; to: 1. Do you eat breakfast 7 days a week?

2. Do you eat foods from at least 3 different food groups at breakfast?

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4. Do you eat a nutritious mid-morning and mid-afternoon snack?

5. Do you eat at least 2 pieces of fresh fruit each day?

6. Do you eat at least 3 servings of fresh vegetables each day?

7. Do you choose primarily high ďŹ ber breads and cereals?

8. Do you eat lean &/or low-fat protein at each meal?

9. Do you limit your intake of saturated fat (found in meats, cheeses, dairy products, butter, egg yolks)?

10. Do you eat at least 2 servings of â&#x20AC;&#x153;good fatâ&#x20AC;? each day- found in nuts, seeds, extra virgin olive oil, olives, avocados and ďŹ sh?

17. Do you go to bed at approximately the same time each night and get up at approximately the same time each morning?

11. Do you limit your intake of processed and reďŹ ned foods (foods made from white ďŹ&#x201A;our, foods high in sugar and sodium, packaged foods)?

18. Do you take a multivitamin that is rich in the antioxidant nutrients twice each day?

12. Do you eat and drink adequately to maintain your bodyweight (this should be your goal unless you are on a fat loss or weight gain program)?

13. Do you eat a post-workout or postpractice snack within 30 minutes?

14. Do you eat a healthy post-workout or post-practice meal within 2 hours?

15. Do you drink half your bodyweight in ounces of water each day (not including ďŹ&#x201A;uid intake during exercise)?

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

Holly Louria

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

Noah Louria

9 Trenton 4'6" 70 lbs.

Trenton Blades Wing Joe Snow Anderson Eelementary 3 Red Wings Henrik Zetterberg

11 Trenton 4'11" 80 lbs.

Trenton Flyers Defense Marino Guidi Anderson Elementary 5 Red Wings Nick Lidstrom

Make your player a "Star of Tomorrow" Every player appearing on Reebok's Stars of Tomorrow will win a new Reebok hockey stick!

Go to MiHockeyNow.com and fill out the form on the 'Stars of Tomorrow' page.

We will contact you about a photo to appear in the paper.

"STARS OF TOMORROW" c/o Michigan Hockey 'SFFXBZ 1BSL %SJWF t 4VJUF Farmington Hills, MI 48335-2829 mh@mihockeynow.com

July 16, 2012 V.22 : I.24

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13

YOU SHOULD KNOW

you should know FAVORITE SPORTING EVENT:

Other than hockey, I’d have to say football

FAVORITE BREAKFAST FOOD:

Lucky Charms or waffles with peanut butter

FIRST CONCERT: Paul McCartney

FAVORITE MOVIE: Miracle and Warrior

NICKNAME: Mac

FAVORITE CHILDHOOD MEMORY: Winning states on the Troy Sting

IF YOU WERE GIVEN $1 MILLION, WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH IT: I’d build my own hockey rink so I can skate on it whenever I want

THREE PEOPLE YOU WOULD WANT TO HAVE DINNER WITH:

I would pick one person and it would be Steve Yzerman and I would bring my two best friends with me. (Connor Wood, Thomas Ebbing)

IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPER POWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE: Invisibility because I like to fly under the radar

DO YOU HAVE A PRE-GAME ROUTINE:

Do the same thing before every game.

Eat cereal, take a nap, shower, get Subway - same sub every time - then get to the rink earlier than everyone

Mackenize MacEachern Chicago Steel (USHL) forward Former Brother Rice captain Mackenzie MacEachern says his dream is to reach the NHL. And after the year he just had, the 18-year-old is on the right path. After dominating at the high-school level – he had 90 points in 29 games – MacEachern was selected fourth overall in the USHL Draft by the Chicago Steel. Along the way, he also picked up a scholarship offer from Michigan State; he will join the Spartans for the 2013-14 season after one year in the USHL.

Photos courtesy of: generalmills.com (Lucky Charms), mtv.com (Paul McCartney), lionsgate (Warrior), hometeamsonline (Troy Sting), pagepulp.com (invisible man).

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(Photo courtesy of Jim Cunningham)

SLATER July 16, 2012 V.22 : I.24

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Redford Township Hockey Association Fall Tryouts

www.redfordkings.com 2003 REDFORD KINGS

2003 REDFORD ROYALS

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

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

2002 REDFORD KINGS

For information contact Chris at tke142@aol.com

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

2002 REDFORD ROYALS

2001 REDFORD KINGS

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

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

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

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

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

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

99 REDFORD ROYALS

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MONDAY June 25, 6:30 – 8:00 pm Novi

For information contact Alan Sasson at alansasson@sbcglobal.net

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

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

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

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

COLLEGE HOCKEY

SPARTANS TO DEBUT NEW JERSEYS FOR 2012-13 AND GREAT LAKES INVITATIONAL The Michigan State Spartans will be wearing new jerseys when they kick off their 2012-13 season in October.

Coach Tom Anastos announced changes to the Spartans’ home and away jerseys, and the reintroduction of the classic “Michigan State” scripted logo as vintage alternative jerseys.

“In developing this new design, we gathered a lot of feedback from our players about the jersey’s fit, feel, performance and look,” said head coach Tom Anastos in a release. “We feel that the design that Nike has developed has a cutting-edge look and embraces the values of the Spartan brand.”

The club also announced new “vintage”

jerseys, which will first be worn during the 2012 Great Lakes Invitational, held outdoors at Comerica Park instead of the traditional Joe Louis Arena arrangements.

The jerseys will display the “Michigan State” script logo, which the Spartans donned for nearly 30 years.

“The script ‘Michigan State’ logo was introduced in my freshman season [198081] and over the course of time, became one of the iconic jerseys in college hockey,” said Anastos . “We will be bringing this design back on a limited basis, and will wear them for special events and for select games. Our players are really excited about it and we know that it resonates with so many of our alumni and fans.”

WAYNE STATE STARTS CLUB HOCKEY TEAM

U-M FLINT BEGINS WOMEN’S CLUB PROGRAM

BY STEFAN KUBUS

Wayne State is set to return to the ice with a men’s team for the first time since 2008 with an American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Division-I team, led by head coach Frank DiCristofaro.

It has been four years now since Wayne State last took to the ice to compete against other universities across the state. Following the end of the 2007-08 campaign, Wayne State elected to shut down the program because they could no longer justify the cost of funding the program with low attendance and no oncampus arena.

“The process for starting this team was very thorough,” DiCristofaro said.

“Club sports are specifically designated student organizations, and in order to be recognized by the university, the teams must obtain various types of insurance and adhere to a comprehensive risk management plan.

“There have been many thing that we have had to check and re-check to be sure that we followed the proper protocol. The university has been incredibly supportive with the entire process offering insight,

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expertise, and administrative assistance on various topics.

“I think that Wayne State has an incredible amount of talent in the school,” DiCristofaro said. “Initially, the challenge was the ability to get the word out. We currently have players who have played high level travel, AAA, high school, and junior hockey present at meetings and summer skates. I do think we have a good chance to be competitive from the start.”

The Warriors will play out of City Sports Arena in Detroit as an independent team, with games slated against the University of Michigan-Dearborn, Ferris State (club), and Michigan State University (club).

DiCristofaro has a strong background in hockey, having spent time playing Jr. A, as well as having coached St. Clair Shores at the high school level. He plans to utilize his experience to help the program hit the ground running.

Puck drop on the season is set for September 14th and 15th, with a homeand-home series against the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

BY STEFAN KUBUS While the University of Michigan-Flint currently has a men’s club team, who says that women can’t also play?

Beginning in the upcoming 2012-13 season, the Wolverines will sport an independent women’s club team for the first time ever.

Nikki Baragwanath and Alisha Mulanix, founder and vice president of the team, respectively, are the brains and push behind the team’s initiation.

“My motivation stems from my love of the sport, mixed with my passion for women’s rights and equality,” Baragwanath said.

“My family has always been, in some way, involved in hockey.”

Upon entering graduate school at U-M Flint last fall, Baragwanath noticed that there was a men’s hockey team, but not a women’s. She asked the director of her graduate program about it, and he had no idea why there was no women’s program.

So, she took initiative, and reached out to the Club Sports Director at the university, Dillon Thorne, and it was all downhill from there.

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“Currently, we are looking to grow our team, as well as start a house league at the Flint Iceland Arena,” Baragwanath said. “Alisha Mulanix, the vice president of the team, and myself would really like to see a few teams form in the Flint area.

Eventually, we would like to see the team join the ACHA but that is a good way down the road. Right now, we are scrimmaging Lapeer’s women’s league and in the fall, Michigan State has invited us to play a couple games. We are still exploring our options and looking for women interested in skating.

“We encourage any and all interested skaters to join us for practice,” Baragwanath said. “At this time, because we are not in a league nor are we playing official games, we can accommodate anyone who is committed to joining us weekly. Eventually, we would like to break up into teams and start playing games. Of course, at that time, the U-M Flint students will be grouped onto one team.”

July 16, 2012 V.22 : I.24

COMPLETE AND UP-TO-DATE TOURNAMENT LISTINGS AT

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

July 16, 2012 V.22 : I.24

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

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

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

216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com Hockey Time Productions Chi-Town Cup Tournament Series Chicago, IL October 5-7, 2012 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com Hockey Time Productions South Bend Cup Tournament Series South Bend, IN October 5-7, 2012 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com Empire State Tournament Series: Rochester Fall Classic Rochester, NY October 5-7, 2012 Mite through Midget: B, A, AA, High School Varsity and JV Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Congressional Cup Tournament Series: Congressional Fall Classic Washington, DC October 5-7, 2012 Squirt through Midget: B, A and AA, High School Varsity and JV Girls U10, U12, U14, U16, U19 Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com

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Hockey Time Productions Three Rivers Cup Tournament Series Pittsburgh, PA October 5-7, 2012 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV

Buckeye State Tournament Series: Cincinnati Fall Classic Cincinnati, OH October 19-21, 2012 Squirt through Midget: House, B, A and AA, High School Varsity and JV

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Girls U10, U12, U14, U16, U19 Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com CHICAGO CUP Tournament Series: Chicago Fall Classic Chicago, IL October 26-28, 2012 Mite through Midget; House, B, A, and AA, High School Varsity and JV Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com

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

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21

EQUIPMENT BUYERS GUIDE

PART 2

HELMETS

BAUER RE-AKT

Bauer Hockey has utilized the latest biomechanics and medical research to better understand the factors that contribute to head injuries. The latest helmet model from Bauer – the RE-AKT - aims to be the most revolutionary on the market to date.

“Our goal was to create the first hockey helmet designed to manage rotational impact forces and provide protection against the multiple types of hits in hockey,” Global Brand Manager Lauren Ostrom said. “The RE-AKT helmet features BAUER’s proprietary SUSPEND-TECH liner, which allows the helmet to move independently from the head during angular impacts to help better manage rotational forces. The SUSPEND-TECH liner as well as strategically placed foam pads in the RE-AKT helmet are made of exclusive PORON® XRDTM Extreme Impact Protection, a super-lightweight pliable material with the ability to dissipate extreme force impacts.

Ostrom also said that their Bauer Safety Panel worked with doctors to help examine better ways to improve protection against nasty injuries, like concussions.

While she realizes that concussions aren’t 100-percent preventable, the technology today, like that in the RE-AKT helmet, is far superior to that of the past, and even past Bauer models.

“No helmet will fully prevent concussions. That said, more and more research studies have indicated that rotational force impacts play a significant role in head injuries and the BAUER RE-AKT helmet is the first and only hockey helmet designed to specifically manage rotational forces, as well as the multiple types of hits normally sustained during the course of a hockey game.

“The more we learn about concussions – as research is release by the medical community – the better we can manage head trauma on the ice through equipment innovation.” – Stefan Kubus

EASTON E700

WARRIOR KROWN 360 Already a prominent force in the stick and glove departments, Warrior is adding a new line in the hockey equipment world: helmets.

Coming in August to retailers, the Warrior Krown 360 helmet is the latest from the Warren-based manufacturer of hockey and lacrosse gear.

Chris Jenkinson, senior product manager at Warrior Hockey, said their new helmet truly was the big piece missing from Warrior’s current offering of equipment.

“From a brand perspective, [the helmet] sees a lot of shots that are shown on television,” Jenkinson said. “It’s one of those elements that we thought was just part of hockey, and should be part of our brand, so that was really the focal point of it.”

The Krown 360 helmet features a revolutionary four-piece fit system that allows for an accurate fit without sacrificing protection.

“Our key focus is our four-piece fit system, and a four-piece liner controlled by a single dial on the back of our helmet,” Jenkinson said. “It’s built to give as much positive contact, 360-degrees around your head. Not unlike a lot of helmets out there on the market, we use a EPP-faced liner, but we then enhance the liner with an impact foam, which is a molten foam for the temple areas and the soft tissue area on the back of your head to give it a comfortable and soft feel.

“The biggest focus on our helmet is the fit. We feel that if a helmet fits you properly, it will protect you properly… All of the benchmark testing that we took, we always came back to fit.” – Stefan Kubus

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The new Easton E700 helmet is specifically engineered to give players the most protection on the ice.

The E700 is a one-piece helmet that features molded EPP liner and utilizes the Giro Fit System.

This adjustable, elastic fit system in the back of the helmet maintains a snug fit to the head and prevents the helmet from moving around.

“What this offers is zero gaps in the helmet and the entire helmet is covered in EPP protective foam which tests incredibly well for impact,” said Jeremy Doherty, product manager for helmets and protective gear. “With that, we put in a new comfort foam that’s very plush and gives an instant satisfaction when you put it on your head for comfort.”

Inside the helmet are removable and machine-washable comfort pads to add even more protection.

Along with the Stealth models, the E700 helmet helps protect players from the one thing every parent worries about – concussions.

“No helmet is ever concussion proof, but that’s always what we strive for, keeping the game safer for every athlete that is out on the ice,” Doherty said. “With the internal knowledge we have up there (at the helmet technology center), we believe it puts us in a great place to increase safety when developing helmets.” - Ryan Zuke

REEBOK 11K The 11K Helmet is the top of the line helmet in the Reebok collection. With five technological advances referred to by Reebok as the 5-Point Safety System - the 11K helmet provides maximum protection for the player wearing it.

The 11k helmet came out a year after it was supposed to,” Reebok tech rep Jordan Boman said. “We wanted to make sure we had everything right about the helmet because the whole concussion situation. We wanted to make sure it was the best it could be to go to market.”

The first advancement made was the addition of high and repeated impact resistance. Because hockey players are getting bigger, faster and stronger, Reebok is focusing on reducing injury from big hits, but also from repeated hits throughout a game. To further protect the player from high impact, Reebok added lightweight composite reinforcement construction to maximize lightweight to high-energy absorption.

“What we’ve done and created is a 360 degree fit helmet,” Boman said. “What we did was make the dial in the back of the helmet a 360 dial to adjust 360 degrees around the helmet, so when you bring it in you can see the sides come in, so its not just the back. It can literally customize to your head.”

Stable anchoring technology, flexible floating liner and microdial II technology helps keep the helmet in a safe position on your head while alleviating pressure points and locking it snugly in place. - Ben Fleck

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July 16, 2012 V.22 : I.24

EQUIPMENT BUYERS GUIDE

STICKS

BAUER NEXUS 1000 The NEXUS line showcases a variety of equipment that covers many bases, including their new top-of-the-line stick - the NEXUS 1000.

“NEXUS is ideal for the player who is looking for a very quick, natural-feeling release on wrist and snap shots in a stick that gives you effortless control,” said T.J. McMeniman, senior global manager for Bauer.

McMeniman said that the NEXUS stick will provide a uniquely satisfying feel in comparison to the current Bauer Supreme and Vapor lines, giving yet another option for players looking for just the right stick.

“The key differentiator for NEXUS is what we call its flex profile, or the way that it shoots. The NEXUS has a TRU-Mid flex that is created by having a stiff middle portion of the stick with softer areas by the handle as well as at the very bottom of the shaft; this combination allows for a very quick release when taking snap and wrist shots. Players who have used it have described it as being a very natural, effortless flex profile that is uniquely different from both Supreme and Vapor.”

In addition to the weight and physical construction of the NEXUS 1000, the new flex profile was also tweaked to appease a need on both the retail and professional levels. – Stefan Kubus

GRAF ULTRA G75 Graf’s latest stick, the Ultra G75, puts the company known for skates on the same level as their competition.

The Ultra G75 features Graf’s D3 Power Technology, which creates flex zones in three different areas for the shooter. One in the taper, one in the middle, and one in the top – all designed to give a player a faster response time, no matter what type of shot.

Graf’s latest offering is 100 percent carbon fiber construction, which means it weighs in at only 440 grams.

The Ultra G75 was created with precise balance in mind, and its extended Pro-G taper is 2 1/2 inches longer than a standard taper on other sticks.

The blade has a thin foam core, but a solid outer construction, which makes for a soft feel for skaters. – Michael Caples

CCM RBZ NHL rookie of the year Gabriel Landeskog and runner-up Ryan Nugent-Hopkins are both using the latest stick designed by CCM, with a little help from TaylorMade.

CCM teamed up with the golf company, a worldwide leader in composite products, to design the RBZ stick – a product unlike any other.

“Using the same principles that power the TaylorMade Rocketballz (golf clubs), the RBZ features a revolutionary new design that completely eliminates foam from inside the blade,” said Jordan Boman, sales rep for CCM. Instead, the RBZ features CCM’s new ‘SpeedBlade’ technology, with four speed channels – creating more velocity without losing control or durability.

The new blade system is designed to improve the ‘coefficient of restitution’ – measuring the trampoline-effect that a stick has in contact of the puck, and ensuing launching of a shot.

“This is a new concept to hockey, but one that has been used in golf for several years now in order to assess how to maximize the performance of a driver to increase ball speed,” Boman said. “The speed channels inside the RBZ blade are designed to enhance C.O.R. to minimize energy loss for a rocket of a shot.” – Michael Caples

WARRIOR COVERT DT1 With Warrior’s new top-of-the-line stick, the Warren-based company has even incorporated their ‘Dagger-Taper’ technology into the name – the Covert DT1.

“DT1 features Warrior’s patented Dagger Taper Technology which focuses the most flex very, very low in the stick giving the most responsive kick with very little effort,” said Keith Perera, Warrior’s product manager for sticks. “Dagger Taper’s patented design also allows for optimum control with such a whippy lower flex.”

The Covert DT1 also features a completely re-designed blade construction, which will improve durability and performance at the same time.

“TwinSpars reinforce the front face and back surface of the blade by creating two carbon fiber structures to increase bend resistance leading to more ‘pop’ and longer ‘pop life’,” Perera said. “Durability features have been added like carbonized face inserts made of carbon-plated glass fibers that resist cracking and chipping, as well as Aramid sole which layers the bottom of the blade for better impact durability. HardcoreX is the new core of this new blade construction. HardcoreX provides a more stable blade feel and resist cave-in, all in the lightest package Warrior has ever produced.” – Michael Caples

EASTON MAKO The New Mako stick is the latest, most technologically advanced stick from Easton.

Easton focused on the idea of ‘quick hands’ and wanted to create a stick that was light-weight, but still performed at a high level.

“We wanted to create a stick that not only is light-weight all over, but incredibly balanced as well,” said Mike Mountain in an official Easton video. “We really set out our goal to make the lightest stick possible that still had all of the performance and feel attributes that Easton is known for.”

The blade uses a multi-rib construction to keep the blade stiff through the shot which improves accuracy. It also prevents the core from breaking down to provide long lasting performance. Plus, the white paint job might fool the goalie a bit.

“Traditionally you always think that black tape, black puck, you are going to be able to hide the puck,” Mountain said. “And when you talk to goalies, they’re like that doesn’t really matter. But what would matter is if I couldn’t see the stick and it really blended in with the ice or the boards.” – Ryan Zuke

All photos courtesy of their respective companies, or from TotalHockey.com

July 16, 2012 V.22 : I.24

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23

PLYMOUTH WHALERS

CARRICK CHOOSES WHALERS,

PREPARES FOR HEAVY WORKLOAD

BY MATT MACKINDER When Connor Carrick was drafted by the Washington Capitals at the NHL draft late last month, the wheels were already in motion for the slick defenseman to play for the Plymouth Whalers instead of the University of Michigan.

Carrick had his Ontario Hockey League rights traded to Plymouth from the Guelph Storm on June 27 and the 18-year-old Chicago-area native quickly signed with the Whalers two days later to begin his OHL career this fall.

Going back on his word to the Wolverines is something Carrick never intended on doing, but explained his decision in great detail when approached with that subject.

“People can always say that guys are stupid or whatever to play major junior instead of college or vice verse, but if you really sit and research each kid that has had to make this decision, every situation is different and no one’s situation is like mine,” Carrick said. “I committed to Michigan two years ago and let’s be realistic – a lot can change in two years. I actually was planning on playing in the OHL back when Guelph drafted me, but then the U.S. national program called and there was no way I wasn’t going to represent my country, so I passed on the OHL for two years with the NTDP and those two years were just awesome.

“Some guys say they never considered the OHL as an option, but I always had it in the back of my mind. The list of NHL guys that have played in the league really intrigued me and I know I will miss out on the college dorm life and stuff like that, but I just see the OHL as a better fit for me.

To be honest, if you would have asked me when I was 12 what the OHL was and if I ever envisioned myself playing here, I would have not known what you were talking about. Like I said, things change.”

Taken by the Capitals in the fifth round (137th overall)

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June 23 in Pittsburgh, the 5-foot-10, 185-pound Carrick was one of four NTDP players drafted by Washington (Thomas DiPauli, Austin Wuthrich, Riley Barber were the others) and one of Washington’s two first-round picks was current Plymouth forward Tom Wilson.

Carrick will be counted on to log big minutes for the Whalers and some feel he will ease the loss of two-year captain Beau Schmitz’s presence on the back end.

“That’s what I mean by everyone’s situation being different,” continued Carrick. “I know I am going to come to Plymouth and play 25-30 minutes a night, in all situations, but still have to prove myself. At Michigan, I might not get that kind of ice until I’m a junior or a senior. I just had to sit and look at all my options and I feel that playing the NHL-type schedule with all the travel and things like that will be the best for my development. I have absolutely nothing against Michigan; they didn’t do anything wrong.

In fact, when I called (U of M assistant coach) Billy Powers and told him of my decision, he couldn’t have been any classier. Sure, he was disappointed in my decision, but he seemed to genuinely care about why I was doing it and wished me the best.

“Actually, the harder phone call I had to make was to the Washington director of player development, Steve Richmond. I met him at the draft and he was all excited that I was going to Michigan because he went there and then a week later I call him and tell him I’m going to Plymouth. He understood, though, and it’s a relief to get those phone calls out of the way.”

Once Carrick arrives in Plymouth, he won’t be alone.

His mother and two younger brothers will be making the move to a residence in Novi. Blake Carrick, who will be 16 later this summer, is slated to play midget hockey for the

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Detroit Falcons, while Hunter Carrick, who is almost 12, will skate for Belle Tire.

“I come from a very close and strong family,” Carrick said proudly. “My dad will stay behind to work in Chicago, but he’ll come up on weekends and stay with us. I give my parents so much credit for doing this and there really is no way to re-pay them for a sacrifice like this.”

Looking to the immediate future, Carrick has the U.S. World Junior team evaluation camp next month in Lake Placid, N.Y., and is getting himself in shape for next season by hitting the weight room and the ice on a daily basis.

“There is definitely a lot going on and when that happens, the days go by faster, so the season should be here before you know it,” said Carrick. “I just want to prove myself to all the people that believed in me from the start and continue to get better.

“If I’m not getting better, then someone else is and that’s a beautiful part of this game.”

WHALERS NOTEBOOK Veteran forward Rickard Rakell signed a three-year entry-level deal with the Anaheim Ducks, the team that drafted Rakell in the first round (30th overall) of the 2011 NHL draft, back on July 3 … At the annual Canadian Hockey League import draft on June 27, the Whalers selected Swedish defenseman and Dallas Stars’ prospect Ludvig Bystrom 21st overall and then picked fellow Swede blueliner Simon Karlsson, a Nashville Predators’ draft choice, with the 90th pick … Plymouth opens the 201213 season Sept. 21 in Sault Ste. Marie before the home opener one night later against Belleville.

(Photos by Tom Sorenson/USA Hockey, Matt Mackinder, MiHockey)

July 16, 2012 V.22 : I.24

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GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS

JEFF BLASHILL RETURNS TO HIS ROOTS

BY KYLE KUJAWA In a way, when the Grand Rapids Griffins officially introduced Jeff Blashill as their new head coach on June 28, it was a homecoming for the now-former Detroit Red Wings assistant. In another sense, virtually the entire state of Michigan is “home” for Blashill.

Born in Detroit and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., Blashill has rapidly ascended hockey’s coaching ladder, joining his fourth team in four seasons now.

“I knew my next step in the coaching ladder was an American Hockey League head coaching job,” said Blashill at his introductory press conference. “If I was asked a month ago what the perfect scenario for my next job would be, I would have stated that it would have been the head coach of the Grand Rapids Griffins.”

However, one month ago, Curt Fraser was the Griffins’ head coach and was in line to return for a fifth season behind the team’s bench. Fraser wasn’t actively looking to leave, but an opportunity rose with the NHL’s Dallas Stars, and the Red Wings gave Fraser the green light to return to an NHL bench.

“Curt did an outstanding job here as head coach of the Griffins for four years,” said Ryan Martin, the Red Wings’ assistant general manager of hockey administration.

“When Curt was hired by Dallas, Ken Holland, Jim Nill and I felt the timing and opportunity were perfect to bring Jeff to Grand Rapids.”

Martin said that at the end of the season, Blashill expressed interest in becoming a head coach at the professional level. While some thought the move was a demotion, the run of young AHL coaches being moved up to the NHL level over the past several summers indicates that success at the minor league level is a fast-track to an NHL head coaching job.

“This position was something I absolutely wanted,” said Blashill. “When I got the phone call that it might be available, I was extremely excited. It’s a highly coveted position by a number of people, because of the great passion the owners have for the team and community and for the great passion and professionalism that’s in place with the staff. It’s an outstanding city with an outstanding fan base.”

But as Martin explained, there was more to the decision than simply having an opening in Grand Rapids that they could fill with the closest person to the job.

“Ken, Jim and I had the opportunity to work with Jeff last year in Detroit, and in our opinion, Jeff is one of the bright, young, talented coaches in all of hockey. He’s energetic, he has a tremendous work ethic, he’s competitive, he’s demanding yet compassionate, and he has great passion for the game of hockey. He was a perfect fit in what we were looking for in this spot.”

Blashill is no stranger to the Grand Rapids area. The former goaltender spent four seasons between the pipes for Ferris State University and began his coaching career

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there in 1999-00. He commuted to Ferris State while living in Grand Rapids, which is just under an hour south of Big Rapids. He also spent the 2010-11 season in Kalamazoo, coaching the Western Michigan Broncos and leading the team to their best conference finish since 1995-96.

“I’m a Michigan boy with strong ties to West Michigan,” said Blashill, who was a finalist for CCHA Coach of the Year and was named National Coach of the Year by College Hockey News, Inside College Hockey and USCHO. com while at Western Michigan. “It’s a perfect for me on a number of levels, personally and professionally.

From a personal side, I have a lot of friends and family in West Michigan. I’ve already been welcomed with great enthusiasm and great passion, and I look forward to forging a great relationship with West Michigan in the next number of years.

As far as his coaching philosophy goes, Blashill credits Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock for teaching him a lot in one season. While playing closer to the Red Wings style will help many Griffins make quick transitions to the NHL, Blashill won’t be afraid to make adjustments to accomplish his goals.

“Having been with the Red Wings for the past year, this transition can be much smoother,” he said. “It allows me to say with absolute, full confidence that I know what it takes to be a Red Wing, and what it takes to thrive under Mike Babcock. I know that because I’ve seen the type of preparation Nick Lidstrom puts in, I’ve seen the work and competitiveness that Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg have, I’ve seen the selflessness of Niklas Kronwall and Danny Cleary. Those are valuable lessons that I can pass on to our players here.”

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All of the Red Wings hockey operations department hope that instilling a winning tradition in Grand Rapids will lead to more players making the jump to a full-time NHL position – a philosophy that Blashill understands well.

In his first year as a head coach with the USHL’s Indiana Ice, he captured a franchise-record 39 wins and a Clark Cup championship. In his lone season at Western Michigan, he doubled the team’s win totals and led the Broncos to the CCHA championship game for the first time since 1986.

“I don’t think winning takes rocket science, however, I do think there’s a simple formula,” said Blashill. “It takes more commitment, work ethic and attention to detail on a daily basis than most people are willing to give. Our players are going to have to give that special commitment, make those special sacrifices and give that attention to detail for us that champions do for us to have success.”

Blashill ended his press conference by thanking virtually every coach he’s worked with – including Ferris State head coach Bob Daniels and Western Michigan head coach Andy Murray – for helping him become the coach he is today. He also thanked his wife, Erica, and three children, Teddy, Josie and Owen, for allowing him to take advantage of the opportunities he’s been presented, as he certainly didn’t expect he would move up the coaching ladder as quickly as he has.

“Without their total commitment to hockey and to this lifestyle, I certainly wouldn’t be standing here today,” said Blashill. “Our houses are defined by the mascots of the team I work for. So now we’ve moved from the Bronco house, to the Red Wing house, and soon we’ll be looking for a Griffin house.”

July 16, 2012 V.22 : I.24

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JUNIORS PREVIEW RED WINGS INSIDER

HAVE THE WINGS LOST THEIR LUSTER?

NOT SO FAST

BY DAVE WADDELL

Prior to the opening of the free-agent market, Detroit Red Wings’ general manager Ken Holland frequently said the key to a successful summer is in the preparations.

However, the NHL free-agent market can be as messy as Wall Street’s version these days.

For the Wings, Plan A burst open at the seams when their top two free-agent targets, defenseman Ryan Suter and forward Zach Parise, went to Minnesota. Holland has been left with lots of dough in his pockets and no shiny baubles to spend it on.

“It’s a salary cap world and everyone has the same amount of money to play with,” Holland said. “Now, players are taking into account other factors in making their decisions.”

Money and a chance to win are still important, but there’s climate, the city you’ll call home and the wishes of a spouse.

So has Hockeytown lost its luster, especially in the wake of Nick Lidstrom’s retirement?

Well there’s no doubting that the Wings have some work to do in maintaining their status in the Western Conference.

However, in this instance it would be foolish to conclude that Parise and Suter snubbed Detroit because the Wings were no longer a fashionable destination.

The Wings were snubbed in the same fashion that the Penguins, Rangers, Flyers, Blackhawks and host of other supposedly fashionable franchises and cities were.

No, this was hockey’s version of the Return to Walton’s Mountain. It was a homecoming, plain and simple.

The fix was in from the start with Suter and his wife, a native of Minneapolis, deciding location was the most important thing to them. The same can be said for Parise.

As for the loss of Jiri Hudler, the diminutive forward didn’t fit the Wings’ plans at $4-million per season nor the team’s desire to get bigger. The Wings would’ve also likely been wary of awarding such cash in a long-term deal to a player who produced his two best seasons in contract years.

Happy Hudler didn’t always bring smiles to his

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teammates’ faces either; a difficult accomplishment in a tight dressing room filled with plenty of easy-going personalities.

In bringing back a 35-year-old Mikael Samuelsson, Swiss scoring star Damien Brunner and the physical presence of the bowling ball called Jordin Tootoo, Holland isn’t under the illusions these are major game-changing moves.

Brunner upgrades the team’s speed and the hope is he can replace some of Hudler’s scoring while Tootoo addressed the Wings need for a physical player in the bottom end of their line-up.

“We feel with Tootoo and Abdelkader, we’ve got the makings of a physical fourth line with good energy,” Holland said. “We’re going to be a younger, faster team.”

Adding goalie Jonas Gustavsson to back up Jimmy Howard is a reiteration of a couple things regarding the Wings’ view of Joey MacDonald.

Clearly there are concerns over another serious flare-up of the 31-year-old MacDonald’s back with the organization having a dearth of goaltending prospects ready to fill the void.

More importantly, the Wings’ brass has generally been more comfortable with MacDonald as the third goalie in the organization.

The 27-year-old Gustavsson presents more upside with the belief he’ll benefit from working with goaltending coach Jim Bedard, who preaches a style more attune to Gustavsson’s strengths.

“They’re not sexy signings, but they’re good fits for our team,” Holland said.

There’s no arguing Holland has addressed some needs with the new signings, but it’s hard to believe with nearly

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$17-million in cap space remaining and his blue line still without two of its top-four defenseman from a year ago that there aren’t more moves that’ll be made.

Certainly the Wings’ new buzzwords of internal growth and development are part of the solution and defensemen Brendan Smith, Jakub Kindl and forward Gustav Nyquist will get every opportunity to succeed.

“I think we have a lot of pieces in place,” Holland said.

“We also got some younger players who have been good players at every other level. We feel, with the moves we made on July 1, we got some depth.”

So where to now for Holland and how does he bring owner Mike Ilitch’s checkbook into play.

The clues may lay in Holland’s statement that he won’t be rushed and his sense that the leftovers remaining in the free agent market resemble too much of what he’s already got but with bigger price tags.

The biggest name remaining among the forwards is Alexander Semin, who has expressed a desire to play with Pavel Datsyuk.

Detroit has little interest on a big-dollar, long-term deal with Semin. They might be interested in Semin if it was for two years.

Where it gets interesting is Semin isn’t likely to be flooded with a lot of long- term offers after being labeled as a player who plays only when he wants to. His biggest offers will come from the KHL, but he has expressed a view he wants to remain in the NHL. Help on the blue-line also remains thin in the free agent market.

The Wings were never interested in going after Matt Carle as a consolation prize for missing out of Suter.

Detroit’s brass and scouts simply didn’t like his game.

St. Louis free agent Carlo Colaiacovo may be someone the Wings could look to as a mid-level replacement. He’s developed into a decent puck-moving defenseman, but he’s injury prone.

On the trade front, Detroit has been tied to every trade rumor from Columbus’s Rick Nash to Anaheim’s Bobby Ryan.

Adding some sizzle is a great desire of the Wings this summer, but adding such big names is hard to do without creating other holes in your line.

This then brings us back to Holland’s preaching of patience this summer and where Detroit’s financial flexibility may be put to best use.

If trades or free agents prove fruitless in securing at least the one veteran defenseman Holland has said he wants, then the new CBA rules might help.

The belief is the salary cap will recede from just over the $70-million mark it currently sits at. The owners would like to see the players’ share of revenues shrink from 57 per cent to 50 per cent. That would mean the cap would go down by $8.6-million With the leverage of cap space, Detroit sits 18th in the NHL with a payroll at just over $54-million, the Wings would be in a position to go bargain hunting.

“We don’t have that star power to the extent we had, but we got a lot of good players,” Holland said. “I believe we can compete for a playoff spot.

“We need one defenseman; we’d like to have a veteran.

We got some cap space. We’ll explore.

“I’d like to do something in the next couple of months.”

July 16, 2012 V.22 : I.24

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JUNIORS THE LAST PREVIEW LINE

P

lan A included a play for both Ryan Suter and Zach Parise. Plan B shifted focus to the priority of blue line stability and securing Suter. When both Parise and Suter signed in tandem with the Minnesota Wild, the Detroit Red Wings found themselves in unfamiliar territory. Plan C has not been part of their management philosophy in an awfully long time.

Certainly not over the past 20 years of Mr. Ilitch’s ownership. Rarely has he not gotten what he wanted in terms of personnel. His aggressiveness in free agency coupled with the deft drafting and development under GM Ken Holland has kept the Red Wings atop the NHL as a flagship franchise for over two decades. That overall success raised expectations and the team’s continued on-ice performance met those heightened demands. The organization never shied away from the lofty goals that they both set and pursued, yet they never flaunted them either.

This player pursuit was different. The Red Wings’ interest in Parise and particularly Suter was thinly veiled and widely known. Part of it was simply connecting the dots: the Red Wings had money to spend and these two players were the top free agents available. Of course Mr. Ilitch and his team would be in the mix. The difference this time around isn’t that the Red Wings didn’t get what they wanted. It’s that the Wings failed to land pieces that they desperately needed.

The team’s successive post-season slide over the past three years showed that they are lacking – the cumulative effect of pushing to win at all costs and doing so more often than not, meaning high first round draft picks are only an occurrence in other markets. That dearth of blue chip prospects in Detroit means the team currently is without a bona fide go-to guy in his 20s. Goaltender Jimmy Howard has worked his way to No. 1 status and is as close to that definition as the team currently has.

True, they have 20-something contributors in Jonathan Ericsson, Justin Abdelkader and Darren Helm, plus Brendan Smith is a promising young defenseman. Yet, they don’t have any star power in that hockey sweet-spot of 24-29 years of age.

Sure, the Wings have long espoused that winning comes with veterans and that prospects are better introduced after having served long apprenticeships in the AHL. That philosophy is a foundation principle. It is also born out of necessity. When you don’t have the benefit of restocking with high picks, you shrewdly replenish with veterans who still have some tread life - who often find new traction once immersed in the Wings’ winning culture. Dan Cleary and Todd Bertuzzi come to mind. But this model works best when those vets augment star players in their prime20s. That was where Parise and/or Suter were going to fit in.

Granted, the Red Wings did their due diligence in addressing other needs when the free agency bell rung. They needed a backup goalie and signed Jonas Gustavsson. The team wanted more grit up front, so they opted for puck-optional pot-stirrer Jordin Tootoo.

Known commodity Mikael Samuelsson is back in the fold as a bigger body goal-scoring option than departed Jiri Hudler, and Swiss-born wild card Damien Brunner fits the profile of a swift-skating, smallish, skilled forward. Even the addition of Tom Renney to the coaching staff once

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A LACK OF 20-SOMETHING STAR POWER IN HOCKEYTOWN

BY DARREN ELIOT

@Darren_Eliot

The Red Wings missed out on prized free-agent defenseman Ryan Suter, leaving them to explore other options — something Hockeytown doesn’t experience often. (Tom Turrill/MiHockey) Jeff Blashill took the Grand Rapids head coaching position was understated, yet very well thought out. Renney is a fabulous coach and teacher of the game.

All of those were prudent maneuvers, but ancillary in nature. These deals weren’t supposed to carry the day, nor carry the team. The big splash signing was going to put these moves in perspective. Then…nothing. Now, Plan C, or was that Justin Schultz? Plan D, Shane Doan? He would be a nice fit, but falls into that aging vet category and does not get at the heart of the matter. The Red Wings need an infusion of 20-something star power that they don’t have and thought they were going to get via free agency.

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There, I said it. I feel better, except the need remains.

Alexander Semin is a skilled option, but has never exhibited the character the Wings covet. Possibly playing alongside countryman Pavel Datsyuk would mature his game and the Wings’ winning culture could be just what Semin needs. Then there is the Rick Nash saga in Columbus. Obviously, he fits the profile of the type of player the Wings’ are still seeking. How that might play out is anyone’s guess given how the Blue Jackets have blundered during this entire affair. Besides, this summer has proven that nothing is a certainty anymore.

Meanwhile, it’s on to Plan E… as we wait and wonder in July.

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