Michigan Hockey August 15th, 2011

michiganhockeyonline.com

V.22 : I.4 | August 15, 2011

FIRST CLASS

Table of Contents

August 15, 2011 Volume 22 : Issue 4

PAGE 24 A Captain, on and off the ice How Chase Podsiad went from Wyandotte to Afghanistan

THE LOCKER ROOM Let’s have some fun

6

SLIDESHOW Michigan Hockey in pictures

8

YOUTH HOCKEY Ilitch Charities scholarships

10

SPEAKING OF HOCKEY What’s the best part of men’s hockey?

12

GET BETTER AND BEHIND THE BENCH

14

YOU SHOULD KNOW The Red Wings’ Tomas Jurco

16

HOMETOWN HERO Florida Panthers defenseman Mike Weaver

18

TOURNAMENT GUIDE The changing college hockey landscape 20-21

DISABLED HOCKEY

28-39 40

That new MAHA rule everybody’s talking about 22-23

COMING IN OUR NEXT ISSUE PREVIEWS

4

PAGES 26-27

PAGE 42

PAGE 48

20th Anniversary Season MH celebrates 20 years with a look back at 2009

Junior Hockey Miller will be a differencemaker for Whalers

Red Wings Insider Saying goodbye to Hockeytown fixtures

Michigan Hockey

MichiganHockeyOnline.com

Hockey season is just around the corner. It’s time to start taking a look at where your favorite team is at as they prepare for another run at a championship. We’ll also take a look back at the year 2010 in the final timeline installment to celebrate our 20th season of Michigan Hockey.

Look for it on arena stands, at michiganhockeyonline.com and in your e-mail on September 12, 2011.

To advertise in Michigan Hockey please contact Lucia Zuzga at (248) 479-1134 or lucia@michiganhockeyonline.com or Michael Caples at (248) 479-1136 or mcaples@michiganhockeyonline.com

FROM THE EDITOR Editor Michael Caples

mcaples@michiganhockeyonline.com

Advertising Lucia Zuzga

lucia@michiganhockeyonline.com

Design Chuck Stevens Angelika Niemczyk John Kalmar Michigan Hockey Josh Curmi Staff Nick Hawthorne Distribution Lucia Zuzga Administrative Amy Jones Director Director of Darren Eliot Communications and Programming EDITORIAL BOARD: Bob DeSpirt, Christine Szarek, 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. They must be signed and include the writer's full home address and day and evening telephone numbers.

MICHIGAN HOCKEY is published by SUBURBAN SPORTS COMMUNICATIONS, LLC 23995 Freeway Park Drive, Suite 200, Farmington Hills, MI 48335-2829.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to MICHIGAN HOCKEY®, 23995 Freeway Park Drive, Suite 200, Farmington Hills, MI 483352829. ©2010 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 While building our latest issue, the air-conditioning unit for our Michigan Hockey offices decided it would be a good time for a vacation.

Words like hysteria, madness, panic, and chaos come to mind when trying to describe the collective reaction of our staff.

We could use that reasoning to justify why we decided that Isaac Newton with a hockey helmet and stick would make for good cover art. But to be honest, we were already talking about whether his laws of motion could improve my wrist shot before the heat wave snuck up on us with the grace of Tomas Holmstrom in front of the opposition’s net.

The theme of this issue, so to speak, is change. It’s a wild and crazy time for hockey in the mitten, with rule changes impacting all levels of youth hockey, and a major reshuffling of the college hockey landscape. Therefore, we put Isaac Newton on the cover, with a feature article containing his ideas and stuff (remember, we’re hockey players over here, we had to Google all of it). The cover art is supposed to represent a blending of old and new, and the excitement that comes along with it.

It’s a great time to be part of hockey in Michigan. Soon, the Wolverines and Spartans will be competing in the Big Ten – on the

@michaelcaples ice. People have the opportunity to shape how our young hockey players learn the game. It’s exciting, it’s new - enjoy it.

There are a lot of new things around here, too, as I’m sure you have already noticed. We have two new pages for you - ‘The Locker Room’ and ‘Slideshow’. The former is a new way for us to interact with you, the best people in hockey, through social media. You will see photos submitted by users on Facebook, some of our favorite ‘tweets’ from people we follow on Twitter, a social media poll, and some funny stories for your entertainment. The latter is a little more self-explanatory; we have tried to capture some of the top hockey moments from the last month through photos.

We break down the new MAHA rule changes on Pages 22-23. I also hope that you check out Page 24 for a special article about a Michiganborn member of the military who also knows his way around an ice rink. You can also ‘Get To Know’ new Red Wing prospect Tomas Jurco, and get some stickhandling tips from the NTDP in ‘Get Better’. Plus, check out our new column on Page 40, written by disabled hockey representative Carol Schwanger – an awesome lady doing awesome things for kids who want to play hockey.

Hope to see you at a rink soon,

MICHIGAN HOCKEY 23995 Freeway Park Drive • Suite 200 Farmington Hills, MI 48335-2829 (248) 478-2500 • FAX: (248) 478-1601 EMAIL: mh@michiganhockeyonline.com WEBSITE: michiganhockeyonline.com

Photos at left: (from top, L to R): Wyandotte native Chase Podsiad (Michael Caples/ Michigan Hockey), J.T. Miller (Matthew Murnaghan/HHOF-IIHF Images), and Kris Draper (Michael Caples/Michigan Hockey).

Cover reprints available email: mh@michiganhockeyonline.com MichiganHockeyOnline.com

Michigan Hockey

5

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SLIDE SHOW

August 15, 2011 Volume 22 : Issue 4

MICHIGAN HOCKEY IN PICTURES

1 2 1. July 20 - Former MSU Spartan and current Red Wings forward Justin Abdelkader prepares for his flight with the Blue Angels.

(Photo courtesy of Michigan State Athletic Communications)

2. July 20 – Lt. Dave Tickle of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels presents a plaque to Abdelkader after his flight.

(Photo by Michael Caples/Michigan Hockey)

3

3. July 21-31 – Hockey players from across the state flocked to Farmington Hills for Perani’s annual clearance sale, which covered an entire ice rink.

(Photo by Michael Caples/Michigan Hockey)

4. August 1 – Former Red Wing Chris Chelios, the all-time leader for NHL games played by a defenseman, was elected into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame. Chelios was joined by Mike ‘Doc’ Emrick, Ed Snider, Gary Suter and Keith Tkachuk, as the 2011 class.

(Photo by Richard Long/Michigan Hockey)

4

5. July 30 – Spartans forward Trevor Nill jogs with a youngster at Family Day in Detroit, an event hosted by the Clark Park Coalition and Urban Harvest Ministries. Nill’s father Jim, the Wings’Assistant GM, recently-retired Brian Rafalski, former Tigers pitcher Todd Jones, and staff from both the Wings and the CCHA were on hand for the event, which featured a street hockey tournament.

5

(Photo by Michael Caples/Michigan Hockey)

8

Michigan Hockey

MichiganHockeyOnline.com

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YOUTH HOCKEY

Ilitch Holdings, Inc. President and CEO Christopher Ilitch

Lunch and a Scholarship

Back row (L to R): Tim Padgett, Elaine Lewis, Christopher Ilitch, Karen Cullen, and David Agius Front row (L to R): Grant DeMoss, Cameron Ohrt, Kelsey Summers, Noah Bohl, and Kyle Tokan

DETROIT â&#x20AC;&#x201C; On July 22, Ilitch Charities awarded $12,500 in scholarships to five student-athletes from the Little Caesars AAA Hockey program and the Little Caesars Amateur Hockey League. The students were honored at a ceremony held within Hockeytown CafĂŠ that was hosted by Red Wingsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; play-by-play announcer Ken Daniels. Ilitch Charities Chairman and Ilitch Holdings, Inc. President and CEO Christopher Ilitch presented the scholarships to the honorees Noah Bohl (Adrian), Grant DeMoss (Battle Creek), Cameron Ohrt (Battle Creek), Kelsey Summers (West Bloomfield), and Kyle Tokan (Howell). â&#x20AC;&#x153;Little Caesars youth hockey players represent some of the best young hockey talent in the country,â&#x20AC;?

Ilitch said.â&#x20AC;&#x153;This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s scholarship recipients are not only talented athletes, but outstanding students and citizens in our community. Through sponsorship of our youth hockey programs we have had the opportunity to help these young athletes reach their goals in the sport of hockey. Now through Ilitch Charities, we are happy to invest in their educational goals as well. At Ilitch Charities we really do put our heart into helping.â&#x20AC;?

10

Michigan Hockey

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

Zachary McDougall

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

Lance E. Hoezee

11 Macomb, MI 4' 9" 72lbs.

2000 Troy Sting- Travel Defense Steve McDougall Fox Elementary 5th Red Wings Pavel Datsyuk

11 Grand Rapids, MI 4' 8" 78lbs.

East Grand Rapids H.A. Defense and Goalie Coach Dan Dillion East Grand Rapids 5th Boston Bruins ZdenoChara

Make your player a "Star of Tomorrow" Every player appearing on Reebok's Stars of Tomorrow will win a new Reebok hockey stick! t (P UP XXX NJDIJHBOIPDLFZPOMJOF DPN TUBSTPGUPNPSSPX TIUNM BOE ĂśMM PVU UIF GPSN PO UIBU XFCQBHF 8F XJMM DPOUBDU ZPV BCPVU B QIPUP UP BQQFBS JO UIF QBQFS

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Red Wings play-by-play announcer Ken Daniels

MichiganHockeyOnline.com

SPEAKING OF HOCKEY

August 15, 2011 Volume 22 : Issue 4

What’s the best part about men’s league?

“The beer and the camaraderie of the guys.”

Shane Freiberg, 38, Oxford

“Great exercise, building relationships, good camaraderie and cold beer!”

Tom Mantz, 44, West Bloomfield

“The camaraderie, as you get older being with the guys — you get to act like you were a kid again!”

Ryan Rathbun, 27, Waterford

“I skate three nights a week — it’s great exercise.”

Matt Knedgen, 40, Waterford

“Being able to continue to put on the skates, the late-night games and the all-around good time.”

Cote Brown, 22, Plymouth

“The fraternal spirit shared by the team; win or lose, I always appreciate the fun we have on the bench and in the locker room.”

Tony Schirripa – 34 – Ann Arbor

“(I get to) play a game I love with my friends and not feel like I don’t belong.”

Doug Ware, 35, Livonia “Beer with the guys, plus the camaraderie and exercise.”

Mike Reeves, 41, Waterford

12

Michigan Hockey

“Skating with my buddies.”

Chuck Hofbauer, 24, Grand Rapids

MichiganHockeyOnline.com

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NTDP off-ice stick handling drill progression

1 2 3

Soft hands

 Arms away from body  Soft hands and quick touches  Cup stick blade forehand/ backhand  Roll hands and wrists with little or no arm movement

Around the body

 Arms away from body  Soft hands and quick touches  Move puck from right side of body to left

Tight and away

 Arms away from body  Soft hands and quick touches  Out in front, hands together, use heel of blade  In close, slide hand down, use toe of blade

4 5 6

Quick hands

 Arms away from body  Soft hands and quick touches  Stickhandle through obstacles as quickly as possible

Hand slide wide

 Keep bottom hand loose  At maximum extension, keep hands together  In close, keep hands wide

Yo-Yo

 Push puck with heel  Push puck with toe  Push with forehand heel out to the side, toe drag back in  Push with forehand heel to front, toe drag back in

For a complete list of stickhandling drills, visit http://www.michiganhockeyonline.com/GetBetter.shtml

COACH ERIK CARLSON Hometown: Redford Years Coaching: 5 Level: Head coach, Walled Lake High School girl's team Why do you coach?

Being able to help and watch the kids become better hockey players Memorable Moment: Last year, the girls played in a tournament, and we won a game that we were probably picked not to win.

Philosophy: I want to emphasize team concepts — I’m not a win-at-all-costs kind of coach by any means.

Change in youth hockey: I would like to get rid of the mentality that hockey is too expensive for kids to start playing.

Macomb Colts capture Spring Showdown Championship The Macomb Colts skated hard this spring season and finished first in their division in the Suburban Showdown League. They came out strong in their semifinal game against the Royal Oak Kings, and their 5–1 victory earned them a spot in the finals. In the championship game, the Colts got off to a strong start, taking a 3–0 lead over the Detroit Cougars after two periods. However, the Cougars didn't go down without a fight and tied the game with less than two minutes remaining in the third period.

The hard-fought battle then proceeded into overtime, where the Colts netted the game-winner one minute and twenty seconds into the extra period to take the championship, 4–3.

— Al Mastronardi

14

Michigan Hockey

presented by:

To recognize and promote the commitment of youth coaches in the state, Michigan Hockey would like youth coaches to tell us a few things about yourself and why you coach youth hockey.

(G) Jack Mastronardi, Daunte Mastronardi, Nicholas Demers, Connor MacDonald, David Kub, Mathew Salsido, Kevin Alexandrowicz, Cristian Bronzino, Zachary Harding, Kyler Jackson, Max Miller, Jacob Shallow, Andrew Jeffers, Brandon Brown.

Coaches: Al Mastronardi, Ron Mastronardi, Matt Demers

MichiganHockeyOnline.com

800-667-5141

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August 15, 2011 Volume 22 : Issue 4

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Little Caesars Roller Hockey at Joe Dumars’ Fieldhouse MINI MITE DEVELOPMENTAL PROGRAM

THE FOLLOWING NHL PLAYERS HAVE ALL PLAYED ROLLER HOCKEY WITH US AT JOE DUMARS’ FIELDHOUSE: BOBBY RYAN Anaheim Ducks

T.J. HENSICK Colorado Avanlanche

SAM GAGNE Edmonton Oilers

NATHAN GERBE Buffalo Sabres

DAVID BOOTH Florida Panthers

KEVIN HATCHER Washington Capitals

DARREN MCCARTY Detroit Red Wings

DERIAN HATCHER Dallas Stars

KIRK MALTBY Detroit Red Wings

PAT MAROON Anaheim Ducks prospect

PATRICK O’SULLIVAN Edmonton Oilers CHAD LAROSE Carolina Hurricanes

ANDY MIELE Phoenix Coyotes prospect

ADULT OPEN LEAGUES FOR ALL SKILL LEVELS

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Check out this great offer:

$50 DISCOUNT FOR ALL PLAYERS WHO PLAY ON 2 OR MORE TEAMS Play an entire season for less than $200!

The deadline to register is August 26, 2011; League play begins early/mid September!

BENEFITS TO ICE HOCKEY PLAYERS: Improves Stickhandling Strengthens Stride Increases Creativity and Vision on the Ice Experience More Scoring Chances

Learn to play like a pro!

WINTER REGISTRATION BEGINS MID-NOVEMBER!

586-731-3080 or email mattk@LCRH.info

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MichiganHockeyOnline.com

Michigan Hockey

15

YOUR NICKNAME?:

Jurky (pronounced “Urkie”).

FAVORITE BREAKFAST FOOD?: Cereal.

THREE PEOPLE YOU WOULD HAVE DINNER WITH?:

Emma Watson, Zach Galifianakis ... and I don’t know who the third person would be.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CONCERT?: DJ Tiesto.

MUST SEE TV?: SportsCenter.

FAVORITE MOIVE?:

“The Hangover.”

IF YOU WERE GIVEN $1 MILLION, WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH IT? Give it to my closest family.

IF YOU COULD HAVE ONE WISH GRANTED, WHAT WOULD IT BE? My wish is to play in the NHL.

FAVORITE MEAL?: Everything my mom cooks.

BEST HOCKEY MEMORY?

Winning the Memorial Cup

WHO WAS MOST INFLUENTIAL IN YOUR HOCKEY CAREER?:

My parents, my sister and my coaches (Jurco’s sister, Petra, played for the Slovakian National Team at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver)

Eighteen-yearold Tomas Jurco is the latest top draft pick by the Detroit Red Wings’ scouting department. The native of Kosice, Slovakia has played for the St. John Sea Dogs of the QMJHL the past two seasons, but he has made a name for himself in the hockey world for his nowfamous YouTube videos showcasing his puck skills. His stickhandling and tricks have led to comparisons to Pavel Datsyuk — and Jurco just happens to wear No. 13, as well.

Ĺ? 57$74$#0+%' %1/ %528*+721 5' Â&#x2021; MACOMB, MI 48042

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September 2011 - March 2012

REGISTER NOW HOUSE B PROGRAM DIVISIONS OFFERED

Mite-players born in 2003 and younger Squirt-players born in 2002 & 2001 all games played in house Pee Wee-players born in 2000 & 1999 Bantam-players born in 1997 & 1998

SEPTEMBER 2011 - MARCH 2012 PROGRAMS

MIGHTY MITE (Ages 4-6) Ĺ? MINI MITE (Ages 5-8) Recommended as a first step for beginning hockey players who have completed a Learn to Skate class and have a solid base of fundamental skating skills.

Program serves as an introduction to â&#x20AC;&#x153;teamâ&#x20AC;? play with practice sessions and small-ice games.

LEARN TO PLAY A HOCKEY PROGRAM DIVISIONS OFFERED Mighty Mites: players ages 4 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6 Recommended as a first step for beginning hockey players who have attended a Learn to Skate class Mini Mites: players aged 5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9 Introduction to team play with practice sessions and small sided games

Program runs 25 weeks from September through March. No skates during holiday breaks! Great schedule and excellent ice times. Commitment to the development of skills, knowledge of the game and FUN! Each player receives: jersey/socks, year end party and trophy. Sessions run by Suburban instructional staff with the help of parent volunteers

Limited enrollment! Remainder fees billed in installments.

Defenseman Born: May 2, 1978 Hometown: Bramalea, Ontario Height/Weight: 5’-9”/182lbs. Shoots: R Season Team

League

GP

G

A

Pts PIM

1996-97

Michigan State

CCHA

39

0

7

7

46

1997-98

Michigan State

CCHA

44

4

22

26

68

1998-99

Michigan State

CCHA

42

1

6

7

54

1999-00

Michigan State

CCHA

38

0

8

8

34

2000-01

Orlando Solar Bears

IHL

68

0

8

8

34

2001-02

Atlanta Thrashers

NHL

16

0

1

1

10

2001-02

Chicago Wolves

AHL

58

2

8

10

67

2002-03

Atlanta Thrashers

NHL

40

0

5

5

20

2002-03

Chicago Wolves

AHL

33

2

2

4

32

2003-04

Chicago Wolves

AHL

78

3

14

17

89

2003-04

Atlanta Thrashers

NHL

1

0

0

0

0

2004-05

Manchester Monarchs

AHL

79

1

22

23

61

2005-06

Los Angeles Kings

NHL

53

0

9

9

14

2006-07

Los Angeles Kings

NHL

39

3

6

9

16

2006-07

Manchester Monarchs

AHL

7

1

3

4

2

2007-08

Vancouver Canucks

NHL

55

0

1

1

33

MIKE WEAVER 2008-09

St. Louis Blues

NHL

58

0

7

7

12

2009-10

St. Louis Blues

NHL

77

1

9

10

29

2010-11

Florida Panthers

NHL

82

2

11

13

34

6

49

55

168

NHL Totals 372

Even though he grew up in Bramalea, Ontario, Mike Weaver became a part of the Mitten’s hockey history by electing to cross the border and play for Ron Mason at Michigan State…The defenseman played in four seasons with the Spartans and was part of three CCHA Tournament championships…In his collegiate rookie season (1996-97), Weaver was named to the CCHA All-Rookie Team and CCHA All-Tournament Team, and was tabbed as MSU’s Outstanding Rookie…In 1997-98, he was named the Great Lakes Invitational MVP and an honorable mention for the All-CCHA Team…In his junior season (1998-99), Weaver was first team All-CCHA, the CCHA’s Best Defensive Defenseman, and a second team NCAA West All-American…His senior season, 1999-00, he was once again first-team All-CCHA and second-team All-American….

After concluding his college career, Weaver played one season with the Orlando Solar Bars of the IHL…In 2001-02, he split time between the Atlanta Thrashers and the Chicago Wolves of the AHL…2005-06 was his first full season in the NHL, when he played in 53 games with the Los Angeles Kings…Weaver played one season with the Vancouver Canucks, before two with the St. Louis Blues… last season he played in all 82 games for the Florida Panthers.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MICHIGAN STATE ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT, AND THE FLORIDA PANTHERS

August 15, 2011 Volume 22 : Issue 4

DESSERTS for

Hockey Moms SPRING CHICKEN SALAD

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1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 4 romaine hearts, torn

Division III - 18 & Over (1Hour Games/Running Clock) Division IV - D League Draft (1Hour Games/Running Clock)

1 rotisserie chicken, skin removed and meat shredded (about 2 cups)

Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sat. Eve. League - 19 & Over (1Hour Games/Running Clock)

1 Kirby cucumber, peeled, halved lengthwise, seeded and sliced

League Features

4 radishes, cut into wedges 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced

Place the potatoes in a small pot and cover with water. Season with salt, cover and boil until fork-tender, about 6 minutes. Drain and cool.

Meanwhile, pulse the chives, tarragon, vinegar, yogurt, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste in a food processor. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil and pulse to make a thick dressing.

Toss the romaine, potatoes, chicken, cucumber, radishes and bell pepper with the dressing in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper.

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MichiganHockeyOnline.com

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PHOTO COURTESY OF MATT MITCHELL/MSU ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

Mar. 23, 2011 – CCHA commissioner Tom Anastos announces that he is stepping down to become Michigan State’s head coach. Anastos played for the Spartans from 1981-85, and served as an assistant coach for Ron Mason for two seasons.

“The expectations I have for our program will be to compete annually for conference and national championships,” Anastos said in the official release from MSU. “That was the expectation when I was here as a player and as an assistant coach, and I don’t believe it should be any different in my role as head coach. In our locker room, we have quality young men who are good players, good students and good citizens, which are all hallmarks of this program. I am excited to get started, to hire a staff, and to get myself re-acclimated within the MSU community.”

YOUTH HOCKEY

THE KEYNOTE SPEAKER

BY MICHAEL CAPLES

THE RULE THAT RULED THEM ALL TRAVERSE CITY – Despite a strong contingent pushing against it, the controversial rule change of having all 8-and-under hockey players start their season playing cross-ice hockey has now been approved.

The voting members of the Michigan Amateur Hockey Assocation voted 39-16 in favor of Proposal 9 –“In the youth Eight and Six and under classifications, a cross-ice/half-ice program must be established in every MAHA association” – which will be effective for the 2011-12 fall season. A two-thirds vote was needed to approve any proposals.

SEE THE OFFICIAL RULE PROPOSAL (WITH AMENDMENTS) ON MICHIGAN HOCKEY’S FACEBOOK PAGE – facebook.com/mihockeynow “I’m happy that it passed,” said MAHA president George Atkinson following the vote.

“I just hope that all the associations and that will come together and work towards making the proposal that passed being the best it can possibly be for the kids.”

Former NHL star Dallas Drake spoke during the open-mic session of the meetings, urging the voting members to put aside their own ideas on the subject, and think about what’s best for the players. Drake applauded the

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efforts by USA Hockey and MAHA for trying to get the rule in place.

“I’m real happy,” the former Red Wing and newTraverse City Hockey Association president and said. “I think at the end of the day there’s going to be some disappointed people, but I think at the end of the day that we get into it and push forward, it’s best for the kids.

“I just think it makes better hockey players,” Drake said of cross-ice hockey. “The part I like about it more than anything else is that besides skill development, it teaches the kids how to think on their feet. That’s part of the game that I think is going downhill for us right now.”

Atkinson said that the challenge is now to help associations adapt to the rules, and to keep everyone on the same page.

“I think they just have to look at what some of the other associations - other bigger associations in Grand Rapids and Lansing have done,” Atkinson said. “Those folks have already been a year down the road, and they have to look at what those folks did, in terms of what they might want to model their program after. Those associations faced the same thing a year ago. It’s not insurmountable, it can be done, but I know it will be a lot of hard work, working with their parents and coaches to make it a successful program.”

Dr. Steven Norris has a message for hockey parents and coaches everywhere – sit down, take a Valium, and listen and learn.

Norris, an expert in long-term athlete development who has worked extensively with both USA Hockey and Hockey Canada, said that with a smile, of course. The keynote speaker at the MAHA meetings in Traverse City just wants the adults in charge to understand why MAHA and USA Hockey are establishing new rules for their players.

“I know it’s going to sound lame, but I would always strive to make sure the kids and youths have fun,” Norris said. “That’s what will bring them back to the next session, the next game, whatever. As I said before, as soon as it becomes not fun, you’re going to run into some problems. The other thing is, coupled with the fun - that’s for them - for us, we need to be more patient, and understand that it’s not all about winning at a young age. In fact, all the stats show completely the reverse of that.”

During his speech to the various league and association presidents, Norris made several analogies to how youth hockey is currently structured, such as giving a piano player one day to practice his set list, then making him perform at a recital the next day. Norris said that that cross-ice hockey for younger kids is a no-brainer, citing that other sports adapt to the size of the athlete, as well as real-world activities like school and driving a car.

“One of the key things that is so important about using smaller surfaces is it can have much greater time on task. It doesn’t matter if you’re hitting a tennis ball, or playing the puck, or whatever. That’s what you need. If you’ve only got 12 seconds where you’re actually playing the puck (referring to game situations), how do you actually learn? That would be like me telling you that I’m going to teach you the piano, but all you can do is touch middle-C on Wednesday. “We just tend to break all the rules when it comes to kids and sports,” Norris said. “It’s unfortunate because the whole thing is meant to be fun, whether you’re going to a professional career or the Olympics or not. It’s meant to be fun and you’re learning many transferable skills to other sports, but also to life skills.”

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YOUTH HOCKEY

August 15, 2011 Volume 22 : Issue 4 Q: How would you describe the status of USA Hockey, as it stands today?

A: We have some goals and obviously those goals are longterm in nature. I think we’re progressing towards objectives.

The great thing about it is that we have more and more use of resources, both human and financial, thanks to the NHL grant, thanks to the success of our staff, and our volunteers. We’re moving ahead. Obviously our main goal is to grow the game, and also grow the players who are in the game, along with our referees and our coaches, and also improve the caliber of our administrators and our programs.

Q: How is the health of hockey in Michigan?

A: I think it’s going well. It’s amazing to me, despite the economic downturn that the area has had, the sustainment of interest and numbers, Michigan is our No. 2 provider as a district in terms of participants, and not too far away from Minnesota, in terms of numbers. It’s a tribute to all the volunteers and all the people involved with the programs, the rinks and the whole infrastructure in Michigan, despite a pretty difficult barrier, overcoming it and continuing to excel in terms of their operations.

A Q&A WITH USA HOCKEY PRESIDENT RON DEGREGORIO

Q: How do you feel about the big 8-and-under rule change for MAHA? A: Cross-ice, the red, white, and blue program, is part of the American Development Model, but it’s just one piece of it. It’s a piece that starts people out in the FUNdamentals of the game.

That’s what it should be at that age, at least that’s what all the science and all the literature tells us. Obviously from an adult

MAHA AWARDS WINNERS

Kellogg Award - Outstanding Achievement and Dedication to Amateur Hockey Bob Yohe Charlie Autore Award - Five Years of Service James Cosgrove David Dupre Ron Hayes Larry Marshall Rick Rogow Cathy Starrett Larry Cain Award- Ten Years of Service Jim Boloven Rob Booone Joe Newood Bill Peterson Gerald M. Conley AwardFifteen Years of Service Mickey Jesue Michael Fornes John Vargo Award - Twenty Years of Service Gordon Bowman Sean Jacques Twenty-Five Year Award Mike Cruickshank Tim McIntosh Thirty-Year Award Willie Floyd Gerald Ludden Thirty-Five Year Award Dave Wiitanen Distinguished Achievement Awards Carol Schwanger Bob Mancini

Earl Piper Award - Coach of the Year Glenn Patrick

Lowell McCoy Award - Referee of the Year J.P. Parmentier Wes Danielson Award Disabled Athlete of the Year Tyler Anderson Kellogg Award - Member of the Year Bob Yohe Bob Yohe accepts the prestigious Kellogg Award from Ray Kraemer

perspective, adults like to see full-ice games, but I think that’s lessening. I think more and more, as people look at the game in a smaller environment, like Little League baseball, like soccer, like what they’re doing in tennis, like they do in basketball; as long as we replicate a game in a smaller ice surface, there are great advantages in small areas for games with smaller people. We know that it takes about 16 or 17 strides for an adult to go from one end of the ice to the other, but it takes that same number of strides for a youngster, typically 7 or 8 years old, to go from one end of the boards to the other end of the boards. In a smaller area, it provides more opportunity for the better players to get more contact, and more resistance.

Q: Can you talk a bit more about the new checking rules put in place?

A: The progressive checking skill development program is a full program, and the rule that predominated the discussion - moving legal bodychecking to Bantams - that was seventh piece of it. The points of emphasis allow for more contact in the body-contact division, sometimes called the no-check division – the younger age groups. No check does not mean no touch.

It means body contact, and we’re enhancing that body contact with our points of emphasis, and we also have the standard of play, so even in the Bantam level, there will be less intimidation hits. We’re going to be policing the intimidation hits in youth hockey in the legal checking division. We think that training body contact and training coaches for that is an important piece of training that important skill of body contact in checking, that really we don’t think has properly been done.

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK

BY MICHAEL CAPLES

I had worked a grand total of six days as the new editor for Michigan Hockey before heading up to Traverse City for the MAHA meetings. For those of you I met up there, I hope I didn’t look like the possessed girl in The Exorcist – my head felt like it was spinning the first few days.

Like most retired youth hockey players, the new rule changes had startled me. Checking moving to Bantams? Cross-ice hockey? What was happening to the game I love? It seemed outrageous. But as I listened to the discussions at the meetings, and as I reevaluated my own experiences in hockey as a child, everything started to click. Mite hockey could have been so much more enjoyable for me, had we been playing on a smaller surface. I remember spending the entire 2-minute shift just hoping I’d get close enough to the puck to take a swing at it. Meanwhile, I was playing roller hockey on a half sheet, and bragging about how many goals I scored every game – because I actually got to touch the puck.

Pee Wees was a rough time for me. I’m not the tallest guy in the world, and I sure wasn’t

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in Pee Wees either. My entire life has been dedicated to hockey, in one form or another, but during those years, there were some serious question marks on whether I would continue to play. I was the scrawny , short kid trying to avoid bone-crushing hits from kids who were already shaving.

From my reporting in Traverse City, I gathered that the new rules will actually encourage physical play at an earlier age. Kids will learn how to make body contact with one another starting even in Mites – which will be aided by cross-ice hockey (a smaller surface means more bumping). What USA Hockey is trying to limit is the dangerous, highlight-reel hits that are counterproductive.

I hope that you will take time to read the new rules, listen to the people who have created them, and keep an open mind.

Nobody paid me to write a glowing review of the changes; in fact, I asked that there be a space left open on this page for me to write this. It is different, I know, but in my opinion, it’s best for the kids.

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USA HOCKEY

BY MICHAEL CAPLES

A CAPTAIN, ON AND OFF THE ICE

Chase Podsiad remembers where he was when he heard that the Boston Bruins won the Stanley Cup this June.

To any hockey player or fan, that’s like saying“yes, I remember what I just had for lunch”. But when Zdeno Chara lifted Lord Stanley’s Cup, Podsiad wasn’t sitting on his couch or watching from a local bar. The former captain of Army’s hockey team was captaining U.S. Army troops around the streets of Afghanistan, trying to locate hidden bombs.

“We had a mission that day, so we heard over the radio,” the defenseman/officer said. “I checked back in with higher headquarters and asked them while we were out on the mission, and they told us ‘yeah, Boston won’. My gunner for my truck is actually from Boston, so it was pretty cool to hear that on the mission.”

Podsiad, a Wyandotte native, returned in July from a one-year tour in Afghanistan, where he led engineer platoon around that would locate ‘IDs’ – bombs that the enemy would hide within the streets of the country. He was awarded the Purple Heart after one of the bombs exploded in his vicinity, which luckily only caused minor injuries. Podsiad also received the Bronze Star for leading a platoon in battle, as well as the Combat Action Award.

The humble 27-year-old said he was simply just honored to be able to serve his country.

“You hear about it in the news and from people who have been deployed and stuff, but I was able to see it first-hand, I was able to actually make a difference in the country, actually see that America is making a huge difference, and was able to be a part of that difference maker.”

During his time at home, his long-time power-skating instructor, Kim Muir, honored Podsiad during her summer camp.

The participants in Muir’s ‘Can’t Skate, Can’t Play’ camp all wore black and gold jerseys adorned with Podsiad’s name, the words

‘Army Hockey’, and a ‘C’, as a symbol of Podsiad’s college jersey.

Podsiad, in his dress blues, skated through a tunnel of youth hockey players holding their sticks in the air, and stopped a center ice to help Muir present scholarships to a few of her students.

Podsiad played at the highest ranks of youth hockey while growing up in metro Detroit. However, as many of his hockey friends pursued dreams of playing professional hockey, Podsiad decided to answer a different calling, and attended the United States Military Academy at West Point. In his four seasons with the Black Knights, he helped rebuild the program, eventually serving as captain for his senior season.

“It was a great experience - and obviously very unique - going to the military academy,” Podsiad said. “It was great in the fact that just the type of guys I was surrounded with were the closest group of guys I’ve ever been with. We started off the second from last in the conference, my freshman year, and then every year we got better and better, until our senior year, we won the regular season championship for our conference.

“It was just great to see, be a part a part of the transformation of the program, and how close we were. How close the guys were was just awesome. I can’t say enough about the coaching staff and the teammates - they were phenomenal.”

The army officer said that his team’s success was even more impressive, due to the different obligations his teammates had compared to a typical college hockey program.

“The guys who go to Michigan and Michigan State, they’re able to focus more on hockey. For instance, in the summertime, that’s what they do – they focus on hockey. For us, in the summertime, we’re off training. We’re jumping out of helicopters, out of airplanes, doing military training, stuff like that, that has nothing to do with hockey. They’re good at trying to give us support and get us to the gym and stuff like that as much as possible. The

military takes priority over training for hockey.”

Yet Podsiad was quick to point out that the skills he learned on the ice helped him adapt to his responsibilities overseas.

“The things you learn in the game of hockey - in the locker room, being a member of a team, being a leader of a team, a contact team sport like hockey - it’s very, very applicable to being a platoon leader. The lessons that I learned in hockey, the discipline that you get from the coaches, all that good stuff carries over into the battlefield. It definitely bled over into the battlefield.”

Podsiad said he appreciated the acknowledgement of his service by his friend and former instructor, and hoped that one simple message would get across to all the kids at the camp, and all youth hockey players across the country.

“Make sure you’re having fun with it,” Podsiad said. “That’s when you have a true passion and you have fun, you can be very successful. Everyone says work hard, but I say have fun… and thank your parents.”

ADRAY Community Hockey League - Girls House Hockey Adray Community Hockey League is proud to announce the forming of a Girls House Hockey Division starting with the 2011/2012 season. There was an informational meeting on Saturday, June 11, 2011 with 4 associations being represented and very good progress made in forming the new division. If you have a girls house team and are interested in getting more information or in joining this state-wide Girls House Hockey division go to the Adray Web Site at www.adrayhockey.org and click on the link for Girls hockey to enter a bulletin board set up to help associations/teams come together. We are hoping to have enough teams to make a North and South Conference.

For more information please feel free to contact Dina Howe newly elected VP of Girls House Hockey at dhowe@ejourney.com or Jeff Spedowski, President of Adray at jspedows@charter.net.

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Michigan Hockey

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Saturday afternoons Session 1: Oct. through Dec. Session 2: Jan. through Mar.

20 Years/20 Issues Michigan Hockey Headlines The Red Wings managed to win the first two games of the Stanley Cup Final at home against Pittsburgh.

The Pens evened the series by holding serve at Mellon Arena. The series shifted back to Detroit, where the Wings embarrassed Pittsburgh 5-0 in Game 5 at the Joe. However, the Wings appeared to run out of gas, and Pittsburgh managed to win the final two games of the series. In a reversal of fortune, the Penguins hoisted the cup on Detroit ice a year after the Wings did the same in Pittsburgh.

For the second consecutive year, the Saginaw Spirit had a trio of players that heard their name called at the NHL Entry Draft. Jordan Szwarz was selected by the Phoenix Coyotes, and Edward Pasquale and Cody Sol were both chosen by the Atlanta Thrashers.

January 1st Slovakia adopts the Euro as its national currency, replacing the Slovak Koruna.

26

February 10th A Russian and an American satellite collide over Siberia, creating a large amount of space debris.

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

January 7th Russia shuts off all gas supplies to Europe through Ukraine. Prime Minister Vladimir Putin publicly endorses the move and urges greater international involvement in the energy dispute.

February 1st Johanna Signurdardottir is appointed as the new Prime Minister of Iceland, becoming the world’s first openly lesbian head of government.

Michigan Hockey

The Plymouth Whalers franchise was established on Dec. 11, 1989, and since then the team has experienced several different home arenas, different names and logos, and several different coaches. Yet at the same time, the team has also won two OHL titles (1995 and 2007) and sent numerous players on to the NHL. This past Dec. 11, theWhalers celebrated their 20-year anniversary with a 6-3 win over Erie at home.

The second annual Michigan Pond Hockey Classic drew 68 teams on Saturday as temperatures soared into the mid-40s. The balmy conditions were a complete contrast to last year’s minus-10 degree thrashing. The Pond Hockey Classic coincided with a polar bear jump into Whitmore Lake, which raised $10,000 for Michigan Special Olympics.

April 1st Lady Gaga becomes the first artist in nearly ten years to reach the top of the Billboard Hot 100 with their first two chart entries“Just Dance” and “Poker Face”.

April 25th Beatrice Arthur, American actress, dies at the age of 87.

MARCH

March 7th NASA’s Kepler Mission, a space photometer which will search for extrasolar planets in the Milky Way galaxy, is launched.

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APRIL

April 2nd Emmy Award-winning medical drama ER airs its series finale on NBC after a one-hour retrospective.

June 1st The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien on NBC debuts.

MAY May 19th Eminem returns with a brand new album titled ‘Relapse’ which reaches No. 1 on the worldwide chart, selling over a million copies in just one week.

JUNE June 13th Mitsuharu Misawa, Japanese professional wrestler, dies at the age of 47.

June 25th Michael Jackson dies at age 50 years old in the midst of planning a comeback/farewell tour.

Michigan Hockey 20th Season

August 15, 2011 Volume 22 : Issue 4

Flashback: MLB Champion New York Yankees NFL Super Bowl Winner Pittsburgh Steelers NBA Champion L.A. Lakers NHL Stanley Cup Winner Pittsburgh Penguins

Art Ross Trophy Top NHL scorer Evgeni Malkin - Pittsburgh Vezina Trophy Best NHL Goaltender Tim Thomas - Boston Hart Trophy - NHL MVP Alex Ovechkin - Washington

Memorial Cup Champion Windsor Spitfires

Cost of a U.S. Stamp $0.44

Cost of a dozen Eggs $0.90

CCHA Champion Notre Dame

Cost of a gallon of Milk $3.78

NCAA Champion Boston University

Cost of a gallon of Gas $2.72

Jack Adams AwardTop NHL Coach Claude Julien - Boston

Top Television Show American Idol

OHL Champion Windsor Spitfires

No. 1 NHL Draft Pick John Tavares - N.Y. islanders

LONG SUMMER: GAME 7 LOSS GIVES RED WINGS MOTIVATION TO RETURN TO FINAL The pain of a Game 7 loss in the Stanley Cup Final remains fresh for the Detroit Red Wings, who gathered for a team picture on June 15 at Joe Louis Arena.

However, the NHL has this ceaseless way of marching forward and as the players collected their personal belongings several did so knowing it could be for the last time in Detroit.

Marian Hossa, Mikael Samuelsson, Ty Conklin and Tomas Kopecky are all unrestricted free agents while Jiri Hudler and Ville Leino are restricted free agents.

“It’s tough, that’s the way our lives are,”said Henrik Zetterberg of knowing some of his teammates were leaving the Detroit dressing room for the last time as Red Wings. “You don’t have that certainty.

You don’t know really what’s going to happen next year.

“With the cap world now, you can’t keep everyone you want.

Players have to find their spots to play in too.

“It’s sad, but you will always remember the players you played with. You’ll always bring that with you.”

Hossa, of course, will be the piece of the puzzle that determines the direction of the club. If the Wings sign him, it means several of the aforementioned names will be moving on. If not, then Detroit

Academy Award’s Top Movie The Hurt Locker No. 1 Song Single Ladies-Beyonce

July 22nd The longest total solar eclipse of the 21st century, lasting up to 6 minutes and 38.8 seconds, occurs over parts of Asia and the Pacific Ocean.

August 4th After eight seasons, Paula Abdul confirmed to her fans on her Twitter page that she will no longer be a judge for American Idol.

JULY

AUGUST

September 14th Patrick Swayze, American actor and dancer, dies at the age of 57.

SEPTEMBER

August 4th Bolivia becomes the first South American country to declare the right of indigenous people to govern themselves.

July 7th A public memorial service is held for musician Michael Jackson. It is regarded as one of the most prominent funerals of all time.

September 14th An 8.3-magnitude earthquake triggers a tsunami near the Samoan Islands.

October 2nd The International Olympic Committee awards the 2016 Summer Olympics to Rio de Janeiro.

OCTOBER

September 27th The Simpsons 21st season begins broadcasting with the season premiere episode titled “Home the Whooper.” The season establishes The Simpsons as the longest running prime-time entertainment program in history, replacing Gunsmoke.

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will have a lot more flexibility.

“It’s a little disappointing, but I had a great time in here with these people,” Hossa said. “I don’t regret anything.

“Now it’s up to Ken (Holland) and Ritch (Winter), my agent, they’re going to sit down and they’re going to talk about some stuff. I don’t know when, probably next week or the week after.”

Wings captain Nick Lidstrom summed up Hossa’s teammates feelings on the subject. He has lobbied Hossa to make the sacrifices necessary to stay.

“I’d like to see him stay,”Lidstrom said.“He’s been a great addition to our team. A 40-goal scorer isn’t something that’s easy to find.

Even though he didn’t score the way he wanted to in the playoffs, he means a lot to our team. He showed a lot of character coming here, turning down some long-term offers and security to come here on a one-year deal. He wanted to win.”

“We hope to have him back again.”

Hossa said not completing his Stanley Cup journey hasn’t changed his mind on where he’d prefer to play next season.

“Detroit is at the top of my list for sure,” said Hossa, who acknowledged he’d have to take a pay cut to stay.

December 12th Astronomers discover GJ1214b, the first-known exoplanet on which water could exist.

November 8th Vitaly Ginzburg, Russian physicist and Nobel Prize laureate, dies at 93.

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

November 21st Konstantin Feoktistov, soviet cosmonaut, dies at the age of 83.

October 19th Oprah Winfrey announces that she will end her long-running talk show in 2011, after its 25th season.

December 20th Brittany Murphy, American actress, dies at the age of 32.

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TOURNAMENT CALENDAR SEPTEMBER 2011 ARENAMAPS.COM EARLYBIRD Kalamazoo, MI Sept. 30 – Oct.2, 2011 Mite AA thru Midget AA Contact Mike Stommen at 269-3455369 mstommen@arenamaps.com tournaments.arenamaps.com/series Great Lakes Tournament Series Holland, MI September 16-18 Pee Wee AA and Bantam AA Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Hockey Time Productions Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MI September 23-25, 2011 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com Great Lakes Tournament Series Holland, MI September 23-25 Squirt AA and Bantam A Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Great Lakes Tournament Series Holland, MI September 29-October 2 Squirt A, Midget Major and High School Varsity Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com OCTOBER 2011 Hockey Time Productions Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MI October 7-9, 2011 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com Hockey Time Productions K-Zoo Cup Tournament Series Kalamazoo, MI October 7-9, 2011 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 October 7-9, 2011 8U-19U House, B, A, AA 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com

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Great Lakes Tournaments Series Holland, MI November 18-20 Mite AA, Pee Wee B, Midget Major and High School Varsity Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com

Grand Traverse Hockey Association Tournament Traverse City, MI October 28-30, 2011 Pee Wee A & AA 231-649-1226 gthatournaments@yahoo.com

West Shore Community Ice Arena Tournament Scottville, MI November 18-20, 2011 Squirt B 231-843-9712 westshoreice.com

NOVEMBER 2011

Grand Traverse Hockey Association Tournament Traverse City, MI November 18-20, 2011

Hockey Time Productions Motown Cup Tournament Series

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Hockey Time Productions Girls Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MI December 2-4, 2011 8U-19U House, B, A, AA 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com

Hockey Time Productions Motown Cup Tournament Series Brighton/Novi, MI November 25-27, 2011 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com Hockey Time Productions K-Zoo Cup Tournament Series Kalamazoo, MI November 25-27, 2011 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com Hockey Time Productions Girls Motown Cup Tournament Series Brighton/Novi, MI November 25-27, 2011 8U-19U House, B, A, AA 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com Great Lakes Tournament Series: Great Lakes Thanksgiving Classic Holland, MI November 25-27 Mite through Midget; B, A, and AA, High School Varsity and JV Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com 14th Annual Gravy Cup Tournament Bay City, MI November 25-27, 2011 Mite – Midget B/BB, JV Prep 989-671-1000 x105 baycounty-mi.gov/civicarena Thanksgiving Shootout Muskegon, MI November 25-27, 2011 Squirt – Bantam A & AA 231-747-7266 goldcoasttournaments.com DECEMBER 2011 Hockey Time Productions Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MI December 2-4, 2011 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High

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 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com West Shore Community Ice Arena Tournament Scottville, MI December 2-4, 2011 Pee Wee B 231-843-9712 westshoreice.com Get Into the Cold Tournament Mt. Pleasant, MI December 2-4, 2011 Pee Wee House B 989-772-9623 Email: info@mpicearena.org 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 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Get Into the Cold Tournament Mt. Pleasant, MI December 9-11, 2011 Bantam House B 989-772-9623 Email: info@mpicearena.org

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

OUT OF STATE TOURNAMENTS AUGUST 2011

Canlan Classic Tournaments South Jersey Fall Classic August 26-28, 2011 Vineland, NJ Youth Boys 1-888-422-6526 tournaments@icesports.com ccthockey.ca SEPTEMBER 2011 Hockey Time Productions Rock ‘n Roll Cup Tournament Series Cleveland, OH September 9-11, 2011 Squirt-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com Canlan Classic Tournaments Fort Wayne – Pre-Season Blast September 9-11, 2011 Fort Wayne, IN Youth Boys 1-888-422-6526 tournaments@icesports.com ccthockey.ca Hockey Time Productions Rock ‘n Roll Cup Tournament Series Cleveland, OH September 23-25, 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 September 23-25, 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 September 23-25, 2011 8U-19U House, B, A, AA 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com

COMPLETE and UP-TO-DATE TOURNAMENT LISTING ON WEBSITE michiganhockeyonline.com Hockey Time Productions Girls Three Rivers Cup Tournament Series Pittsburgh, PA September 23-25, 2011 8U-19U House, B, A, AA 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com

Hockey Time Productions Rock ‘n Roll Cup Tournament Series Cleveland, OH October 21-23, 2011 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com

Canlan Classic Tournaments Las Vegas Old-Timers Classic October 22-24, 2011 Las Vegas, NV Adult 1-888-422-6526 tournaments@icesports.com ccthockey.ca

Steel City Tournament Series: Pittsburgh Preseason Challenge Pittsburgh, PA September 23-25 Mite through Midget: B, A, and AA, High School Varsity and JV Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com

Music City Tournament Series: Nashville Fall Classic Nashville, TN October 21-23 Mite through Midget; B, A, and AA, High School Varsity and JV Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com

NOVEMBER 2011

CHICAGO CUP Tournament Series: Chicago Preseason Challenge Chicago, IL September 29-October 2 Mite through Midget; B, A, and AA, High School Varsity and JV Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com

Hockey Time Productions Three Rivers Cup Tournament Series Pittsburgh, PA October 21-23, 2011 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com

OCTOBER 2011 Hockey Time Productions Rock ‘n Roll Cup Tournament Series Cleveland, OH October 7-9, 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 October 7-9, 2011 8U-19U House, B, A, AA 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com Hockey Time Productions Three Rivers Cup Tournament Series Pittsburgh, PA October 7-9, 2011 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com Niagara Falls Columbus Day Early Bird Niagara Falls, NY October 8-10, 2011 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 Buckeye State Tournament Series Cincinnati, OH October 14-16 Mite through Midget; B, A, and AA, High School Varsity and JV Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com

Hockey Time Productions Girls Three Rivers Cup Tournament Series Pittsburgh, PA October 21-23, 2011 8U-19U House, B, A, AA 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com CHICAGO CUP Tournament Series: Chicago Fall Classic Chicago, IL October 21-23 Mite through Midget; B, A, and AA, High School Varsity and JV Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Steel City Tournament Series: Pittsburgh Fall Classic Pittsburgh, PA October 21-23 Mite through Midget; B, A, and AA, High School Varsity and JV Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Empire State Tournament Series: Empire State Showdown Rochester, NY October 21-23 Mite through Midget; B, A, and AA, High School Varsity and JV Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Carolina Cup Tournament Series: Charlotte Fall Classic Charlotte, NC October 21-23 Mite through Midget; B, A, and AA, High School Varsity and JV Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com

All American Girl’s & Women’s Tournament Blaine, MN November 17-20, 2011 A&B U10-U14/ Women’s A,B,C MN/USA Hockey sanctioned Hockey Time Productions Rock ‘n Roll Cup Tournament Series Cleveland, OH November 4-6, 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 November 4-6, 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 November 4-6, 2011 8U-19U House, B, A, AA 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com Steel City Tournament Series: Pittsburgh Veterans Cup Pittsburgh, PA November 4-6, 2011 Mite through Midget; B, A, and AA, High School Varsity and JV Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Buckeye State Tournament Series: Cincinnati Veterans Cup Cincinnati, OH November 4-6, 2011 Mite through Midget; B, A, and AA, High School Varsity and JV Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Gene Harrington Invitational Niagara Falls, NY November 4-6, 2011 Contact: Bob Harrington 781-710-6560 Email: bh@nahockey.com Website: nahockey.com Canlan Classic Tournaments Hockey for Heros/Armed Service Hockey Classic November 11-14, 2011 Las Vegas, NV Adult

1-888-422-6526 tournaments@icesports.com ccthockey.ca Hockey Time Productions Rock ‘n Roll Cup Tournament Series Cleveland, OH November 25-27, 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 November 25-27, 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 November 25-27, 2011 8U-19U House, B, A, AA 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com Canlan Classic Tournaments New Jersey Thanksgiving Classic November 25-27, 2011 Vineland, NJ Youth Boys 1-888-422-6526 tournaments@icesports.com ccthockey.ca Canlan Classic Tournaments Fort Wayne Thanksgiving Classic November 25-27, 2011 Fort Wayne, IN Youth Boys 1-888-422-6526 tournaments@icesports.com ccthockey.ca Canlan Classic Tournaments FJP - Thanksgiving Classic November 25-27, 2011 Florida Youth Boys 1-888-422-6526 tournaments@icesports.com ccthockey.ca CHICAGO CUP Tournament Series: Chicago Thanksgiving Classic Chicago, IL November 25-27 Mite through Midget; B, A, and AA, High School Varsity and JV, Mite CrossIce Jamboree Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Steel City Tournament Series: Pittsburgh Thanksgiving Classic Pittsburgh, PA November 25-27 Mite through Midget; B, A, and AA, High School Varsity and JV, Mite CrossIce Jamboree Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com

Empire State Tournament Series: Rochester Thanksgiving Classic Rochester, NY November 25-27 Mite through Midget; B, A, and AA, High School Varsity and JV, Mite CrossIce Jamboree Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Congressional Cup Tournament Series: Congressional Thanksgiving Classic Washington, DC November 25-27 Mite through Midget; B, A, and AA, High School Varsity and JV, Mite CrossIce Jamboree Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Carolina Cup Tournament Series: Charlotte Thanksgiving Classic Charlotte, NC November 25-27 Mite through Midget; B, A, and AA, High School Varsity and JV, Mite CrossIce Jamboree Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Niagara Falls Festival of Lights Niagara Falls, NY November 25-27, 2011 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 DECEMBER 2011 Schwan Cup High School/Youth Blaine, MN December 26- January 1 Youth Squirt-Bantam and High School MN/USA Hockey sanctioned 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 781-710-6560 Email: bh@nahockey.com Website: nahockey.com 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 December 28-30 Mite through Midget; B, A, and AA, High School Varsity and JV, Mite CrossIce Jamboree Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com

CANADA

AUGUST 2011 Canlan Classic Tournaments Montreal Summer Getaway August 27-29, 2011 Brossard, Canada Adult 1-888-422-6526 tournaments@icesports.com ccthockey.ca Canlan Classic Tournaments Pre-Season Blast – Boys & Future Stars August 26-28, 2011 Etobicoke/York/Oakville, Ontario Youth Boys 1-888-422-6526 tournaments@icesports.com ccthockey.ca Canlan Classic Tournaments Pre-Season Blast – Girls August 26-28, 2011 Etobicoke/Oakville, Ontario Youth Girls 1-888-422-6526 tournaments@icesports.com ccthockey.ca SEPTEMBER 2011 Canlan Classic Tournaments Toronto Fall Classic September 17-19, 2011 York, Ontario Adult 1-888-422-6526 tournaments@icesports.com ccthockey.ca

WE’LL HELP YOU STAY FOCUSED ON YOUR GOAL. ESPECIALLY IF IT’S SCORING ONE. Open up your team’s travel options when you stay at any of the 15 southeast Michigan Marriott® hotels.

Our unique blend of service and amenities is designed to support you while you support the team.

With space to roam and plenty of outlets to stay connected, your players will be free to make the most of their time off the rink. And with hot breakfast served daily and The Market™ open 24/7, they’ll be ready to make the most their time on the rink, as well.

To reserve your room, call 1-800-MARRIOTT or visit Marriott.com.

Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center 400 Renaissance Drive Detroit, MI 48243 313-568-8000 detroitmarriott.com Detroit Marriott Troy 200 W Big Beaver Road Troy, MI 48084 248-680-9797 troymarriott.com The Dearborn Inn, A Marriott Hotel 20301 Oakwood Blvd Dearborn, MI 48124 313-271-2700 dearborninnmarriott.com

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

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

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

Courtyard Detroit Warren 30190 Van Dyke Avenue Warren, MI 48093 586-751-5777 warrencourtyard.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BY POPULAR DEMAND WE ARE ONCE AGAIN OFFERING “BUY ONE - GET ONE FREE” TOURNAMENT PROMOTION FOR THE 2011-12 SEASON!

LIMITED TIME OFFER! Travel teams must register by September 15th, 2011 & House teams by October 15, 2011

UPCOMING TOURNAMENTS September 9-11 Cleveland September 23-25 Cleveland October 7-9 Cleveland October 7-9 Kalamazoo October 7-9 Pittsburgh October 21-23 Cleveland October 21-23 Pittsburgh November 4-6 Cleveland

November 4-6 Pittsburgh November 4-6 South Bend November 25-27 Chicago November 25-27 Cleveland November 25-27 Pittsburgh December 2-4 Pittsburgh December 2-4 Cleveland December 29-31 South Bend

IT’S

To view all of HockeyTimeʼs Tournaments for the 2011-12 Season, visit our website

@ www.itshockeytime.com or Call 216-325-0567

UPCOMING TOURNAMENTS

Our “Buy One - Get One Free” Tournament offering for the 2010-11 season was an overwhelming success with Over 300 teams taking advantage of our “RECESSION BUSTER” Program so....

GOLD COAST TOURNAMENTS

Muskegon, MI

2011-2012 Schedule Thanksgiving Shootout November 25th, 26th, & 27th

House “B” Winter Classic January 20th, 21st, & 22nd

Travel Divisions- Squirt A, AA, Pee Wee A, AA, Bantam A, AA

House Divisions- Mite, Squirt, Pee Wee, Bantam, Midget

Muskegon Cup 500 & Under February 24th, 25th, & 26th

Shamrock Shootout March 9th, 10th, & 11th

Travel Div. - Squirt A, AA, Pee Wee A, AA, Bantam A, AA, Midget A, AA

Travel Divisions- Squirt A, AA, Peewee A, AA, Bantam A, AA House Divisions- Mite, Squirt, Peewee, Bantam

For more information: (231) 747-7266 www.goldcoasttournaments.com

5165 E. Remus Rd. Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858 Phone: (989)772-9623 Fax: (989)772-8031 email: info@mpicearena.org

WWW.MPICEARENA.ORG Format -No Curfew Clock -3 Game Guarantee -Trophies for Winners & Finalists -USA Hockey Registered

Only $625/Team

Sanction # MIT120117

A $200 nonrefundable deposit must accompany registration.

Deep Freeze Tournament February 17-19, 2012 Peewee & Bantam House B Registration Deadline: February 1, 2012

Sanction # MIT120118

St. Paddy’s Tournament March 9-12, 2012 Peewee & Squirt House B Registration Deadline: March 1, 2012

Mt. Pleasant, I.C.E. Arena

3 Game Guarantee Peewee House ‘B’

- December 2-4, 2011

Bantam House ‘B’

- December 9-11, 2011

Midget House ‘B’

- January 27-29, 2012

ADM Jamboree

- February 25, 2012

Squirt House ‘B’

- March 2-4, 2012

ISABELLA COUNTY EVENTS ARENA

eze Tournament

ISABELLA COUNTY EVENTS ARENA

Niagara Sport Tournaments Niagara Falls NY

NEW EW W FOR FO THIS THIS YEA Y YEAR YEAR! EA AR AR! Hyde Park Ice Pavilion now has a new lobby, snack bar, and bathrooms There has also been new lighting added to both rinks, with new lockers rooms added to Rink One.

2011-2012 Tournaments in Niagara Falls, New York

We at NST are still offering multiple team and tournament discounts to organizations who bring more than one team or want to play in more than one tournament. Please feel free to inquire about both.

Niagara Falls Columbus Day Early Bird

Oct.8-10,2011

Festival Of Lights

Nov.25-27,2011

Niagara Falls Blizzard Challenge

Jan.14-16,2012

Specializing in Family Entertainment, Tourist Attractions, Casino Gambling. Let your weekend be a mini vacation. Why Travel Hundreds of miles when you can get competition in a nearby location. In most cases we are only a tankful of gas away. We are more than just Hockey!

Niagara Falls Presidents Day

Feb.18-20,2012

Niagara Falls Championship Cup

Mar.16-18,2012

We hope to hear from you.

Gene Carella 716-405-7154 www.niagaratournaments.com

Mites, Squirts, Peewees, Bantams and Midgets, A, B, AE & AA Divisions available in most tournaments. Teams usually come from US and Canada, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio, New Jersey to name a few. We have also hosted teams from Virginia, Tennessee, Florida, North Carolina, Missouri, Illinois, Massachusetts and California and Texas.

For complete information and online application, visit www.niagaratournaments.com or call Gene or Mike Carella (716) 791-4068 email: gcarella17@cs.com or gcarella17@roadrunner.com

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Why a Harrington Tournament ?

We are hockey parents too. Consequently we understand the importance of providing well organized, fun-filled hockey tournaments at a reasonable cost. We provide some of the lowest cost hockey tournaments in the Northeast, and our "No Gate Fee Policy" means that your parents will not have to pay an admission fee at our tournaments. But it's not just about the cost that keeps teams coming back to our tournaments. As coaches, we participate in hockey tournaments throughout the Northeast and, Canada, and have a first-hand knowledge of how teams compare in competition. With practical experience and a superior screening process, teams get "real value" by competing in balanced divisions, where the games run on time, and are officiated by the most experience referees in the Western NY. Sincerely, Your Tournament Staff

Tournament Features: Â&#x2021; 9RWHG %HVW LQ :1< Â&#x2021; 1R *DWH )HHV Â&#x2021; 6DQFWLRQHG E\ 86$ +RFNH\

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For more information or to download a tournament application please visit us at www.nahockey.com

MichiganHockeyOnline.com

Michigan Hockey

35

Community •• Community Residential •• Residential

Oct 7 –10

Whitby Minor Thanksgiving

Whitby & Oshawa, ON

Nov 25 – 27

Florida Jr. Panthers Thanksgiving Tournament

Coral Springs, FL

Dec 2 – 4

Florida Sunshine Showdown

Coral Springs, FL

Dec 27– 29

New Jersey Christmas Classic

Vineland, NJ

Jan 13 –15

Martin Luther King Tournament

Coral Springs, FL

Jan 13 –15

Martin Luther King Tournament

Fort Wayne, IN

Feb 17 – 19 President’s Day Challenge

For Adult event listings, please visit our website.

1-888-422-6526 tournaments@icesports.com

For more information call Bob Bishop 313-600-8655

Michigan Hockey

Fort Wayne, IN

Nov 25 – 27 New Jersey Thanksgiving Classic Vineland, NJ

Ice rinks

36

Fort Wayne Pre-Season Blast

Nov 25 – 27 Fort Wayne Thanksgiving Classic Fort Wayne, ON

Serving: NHL •• NHL College •• College

Sept 9 –11

www.ccthockey.ca

MichiganHockeyOnline.com

Mar 9 –11

St. Patrick’s Tournament

Coral Springs, FL Vineland, NJ

August 15, 2011 Volume 22 : Issue 4

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Nov 4-6 = JV/Midget A Tourney Weekend, 8 teams ($700) - 3 game guarantee

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Nov 18-20 = Squirt B Tourney weekend, 8 teams ($700)

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Dec 2-4 = Bantam B Tourney weekend, 8 teams ($770) *FSU vs Western Michigan, Friday Dec 2nd Call early for group tickets (tourney discount)

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Dec 9-11 = Pee Wee B Tourney weekend, 8 teams ($700) *FSU vs Notre Dame, Friday Dec 9th Call early for group tickets (tourney discount)

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Jan 13-15 = Mite ADM Studio Rink Tournament, 8 teams ($400) 4x4 / 3x3 hockey played on the Ferris State Studio Rink *FSU vs Alaska-Fairbanks, Fri/Sat, Jan13/14 Call early for group tickets (tourney discount)

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Jan 20-22 = JV/Midget A Tourney Weekend, 8 teams ($825) Jan 28-29 = Mini-Mite & IP ADM Tourney weekend, 8-10 teams ($300) 4x4 / 3x3 hockey played on the Ferris State Studio & Full Sheet *FSU vs Michigan State, Fri/Sat, Jan 27/28 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; call early for group tickets

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Feb 10-12 = Mite ADM Studio Rink Tournament, 8-10 teams ($400) 4x4 / 3x3 hockey played on the Ferris State Studio Rink *FSU vs Notre Dame, Sat, Feb 11th â&#x20AC;&#x201C; call early for group tickets (tourney discount)

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Feb 24-26 = Midget B/BB Tourney weekend, 8 teams ($825) *FSU vs Western Michigan, Saturday Feb 25th â&#x20AC;&#x201C; call early for group tickets (tourney discount) Feb24-26=Mini-Mite&IPADMCrossIceTournament,8-10teams ($300) 4x4 / 3x3 hockey played on the Ferris State Studio & Full Sheet *FSU vs Western Michigan, Saturday Feb 25th â&#x20AC;&#x201C; call early for group tickets (tourney discount)

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*All Tournaments are 4-game guarantees, with Fri/Sat/Sun games unless noted *Studio Rink Dimensions â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 100 x 85 with radiused corners *Midget and Bantam tournament games = 1.5 hours **All participants/teams must be USA registered

Tournament Info: printable application, tournament rules, etc www.ferris.edu/icearena www.bigrapidshockey.org Tournament Hotline:(231) 591-2881 Ferris State Ticket Hotline: (231) 591-2888 Hotel Sponsor: Holiday Inn: (231) 796-4400, www.hibigrapids.com please call 3-4 weeks prior for reservations

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MichiganHockeyOnline.com

Michigan Hockey

37

ATTENTION SKATERS! The Novi Youth Hockey Association (NYHA) is looking for boys and girls born from 2003 to 1993 to join our hockey programs. The NYHA offers: A structured, family-friendly program Skill development Teamwork and sportsmanship concepts Fun occasions such as Game Day (November) Registered coaches and parental involvement

Home ice for the NYHA is Novi Ice Arena — a modern, twin-pad facility.

The fall/winter season runs for 35 weeks from late August to March. Basic skating skills that may be acquired in a class such as the NYHA ‘Learn To Play Hockey’ program are required.

For more information, go to our website: www.noviyouthhockey.org Or e-mail us at: info@noviyouthhockey.org

In Person

To register a player:

42400 Nick Lidstrom Drive Novi, MI 48374 Phone: 248-735-0393 Fax: 248-735-0394

Hockey Association (MAHA) and USA Hockey.

Michigan Hockey

registration fee (see below)

x Applications can be left in the NYHA mailbox or NYHA office at Novi x Complete and sign the downloaded application form x Enclose a copy of player’s birth certificate x Enclose the appropriate registration fee (see below) x Mail to NYHA (address at left) Applications are being accepted and are held in the order they are received—register early!

The NYHA is fully accredited and is a participating member of the Michigan Amateur

38

x Download a registration form at www.noviyouthhockey.org x Complete and sign the downloaded application form x Bring a copy of player’s birth certificate and the appropriate Ice Arena anytime

By Mail

x x x x x

MichiganHockeyOnline.com

NYHA Registration Fee of $150 for Novi residents or $175 for non-residents.

Make check/money order payable to “Novi Youth Hockey Association”.

Additional dues are also payable beginning in August.

Visit the NYHA website for payment schedule for information.

WEST SHORE COMMUNITY ICE ARENA 2011 - 2012 TOURNAMENT SERIES Tournament Levels and Dates Squirt B 12 Minute Periods Nov. 18 - 20 $650/team MIT120120 Peewee B 13 Minute Periods Dec. 2 - 4 $655/team MIT120121 Bantam B 14 Minute Periods Jan. 27 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 29 $670/team MIT120122 JV Preseason I 15 Minute Periods Oct. 14 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 16 $800/team MIT120119

Tournament Features No Gate Fee Pizza Party Provided After Saturday Eveningâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Games from Mancinoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pizza and Grinders!!!

Trophies for Champions and Runners-Up No spots held without full payment and registration in our possession Arena located minutes away from beautiful Ludington and Manistee 4 Game Guarantee Each Team MUST Reserve Hotel Rooms with either Ramada Inn of Ludington, Holiday Inn Express or Best Western of Ludington Medals for all participants All tournaments sanction through USA Hockey and closely monitored Teams from past tournaments include: Kentwood, Bay City, Sault Ste. Marie, East Grand Rapids, Lansing, Grand Valley, Holland, Midland, HAWKS, Muskegon, Big Rapids, Mt. Pleasant, Kalamazoo, Cheboygan West Shore Community Ice Arena and Recreation Center 1 6WLOHV 5G q 6FRWWYLOOH 0, Fax â&#x20AC;&#x201C; (231) 845-7823 For more information on our tournaments call (231) 843-9712 or visit our website at

www.westshoreice.com

MichiganHockeyOnline.com

Michigan Hockey

39

DISABLED HOCKEY

PRE-SEASON CLINICS 23996 Freeway Park Drive Farmington Hills, MI 48335 TIME

QUICKK & FAST .............................................................. 12-1:30pm SHOOT TO SCORE ...................................................... 1:30-3pm OUTSIDE EDGES ......................................................... 12-1:30pm BODY CONTACT.......................................................... 1:30-3pm BACKWARD SKATING ................................................ 12-1:30pm STICKHANDLING & PUCK CONTROL........................... 1:30-3pm DEFENSE CLINIC ......................................................... 12-1:30pm PLAYMAKER ............................................................... 1:30-3pm

DAY

AGES

Mon Mon Tues Tues Wed Wed Thur Thur

6 & up 6 & up 6 & up 8 -12 9 & up 6 & up 9 & up 9 & up

54755 Broughton Rd Macomb, MI 48042 TIME

QUICK & FAST .......................................................................................2-3:30PM SHOOT TO SCORE....................................................... 3:30-5PM OUTSIDE EDGES ......................................................... 2-3:30PM STICKHANDLING & PUCK CONTROL........................... 3:30-5PM

TM

DAY

AGES

MON MON TUES TUES

6 & UP 6 & UP 6 & UP 11 & UP

52999 Dequindre Rochester, MI 48307

WEDNESDAY-THURSDAY, AUGUST 24-25, 2011 CLASS DESCRIPTION

TIME

QUICK & FAST ........................................................... 12-1:30PM SHOOT TO SCORE....................................................... 1:30-3PM BODY CONTACT.......................................................... 3-4:30PM BACKWARD SKATING ................................................ 12-1:30PM STICKHANDLING & PUCK CONTROL........................... 1:30-3PM

DAY

AGES

WED WED WED THURS THURS

6 & UP 6 & UP 8-12 6 & UP 6 & UP

1403 Lexington Boulevard Royal Oak MI 48073

MONDAY - TUESDAY, AUGUST 29-30, 2011 CLASS DESCRIPTION

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MON MON TUES TUES

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(DFK FODVV LV D RQH GD\ PLQXWH SURJUDP Â&#x2021; /LPLWHG HQUROOPHQW 3OD\HUV DUH JURXSHG E\ VNLOO H[SHULHQFH Â&#x2021; SHU FOLQLF Multiple Class & Family Discounts available HOCKEY WORLD Toy Store for the Hockey Player

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Michigan Hockey

Disabled Hockey Representative, Michigan District

It was a busy summer for a member of the Grand Rapids Sled Wings.

Tyler Anderson, 20, received MAHAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wes Danielson Award, presented to an athlete who overcomes a disability to play the game of hockey, at their banquet on July 9. Anderson, a member of the Grand Rapids Sled Wings, was born with spina bifida. Despite being in a wheelchair his entire life, Anderson has never let it keep him from any athletic endeavors.

He was the first Michigan player to make a national sled team, continuing to improve his game, and he now mentors the players of the youth Sled Wings team as he joined the coaching ranks in the 2010-11 season.

Anderson was one of four members of the Grand Rapids Sled Wings received invitations to participate in the Sled Hockey Development Camp in Rochester, New York. Anderson, Chris Melton, Tim White and Susie Kluting were part of the largest sled camp to date for USA Hockey.

Three Michigan representatives - Anderson, Melton and White - were veterans of the week-long schedule of on-ice practices, off-ice team building and lectures on conditioning, equipment, nutrition and the USA Hockey philosophy; games and fun. Newly-named National Sled Team head coach Jeff Sauer led the on-ice practices.

MONDAY - TUESDAY, AUGUST 22-23, 2011 CLASS DESCRIPTION

BY CAROL SCHWANGER Tyler Anderson accepts his award from Larry Johnson at the MAHA Awards Banquet

MONDAY-THURSDAY, AUGUST 22-25, 2011 CLASS DESCRIPTION

A Busy Summer

Following camp, two days of tryouts for the National Sled Team took place. This year Anderson decided to stay and watch. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wanted to see what the next level of play was like on the ice first-hand so I know exactly where I need to improve,â&#x20AC;? said Anderson, was named to the Junior National Sled Development Team for his third season.

Kluting was the rookie at camp this season and one of only five girls at the camp. The level of skill of all the players and the coaching she received all week impressed her. Klutingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite part of the camp was her â&#x20AC;&#x153;time at the dorm hanging around with everyoneâ&#x20AC;?. She also attended the Sled Jamboree in June in Philadelphia, where she skated with Shawna Davidson, coach of the National Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sled Team.

This was the largest camp since its inception seven years ago. J.J. Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor, camp director and disabled section chair for USA Hockey stated he received 80 applications to attend the camp this year. From that, 56 players were chosen to play - up from 41 players just last season. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is a real testament to the growth of the sled hockey in programs all over the country,â&#x20AC;?

Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We continue to grow, and the talent is better every summer at camp, tooâ&#x20AC;?.

Remembering Alex Knapp: The summer began with an honor going to Alex Knapp. Knapp was named the USA Hockey Disabled Athlete of the Year at Annual Congress in Colorado Springs in June. Members of the Disabled Section honored him posthumously for his continuing influence on players from all over the country with his positive attitude and commitment to developing his skills, and those of his teammates. Knapp was a member of the Sled Dogs team, who skate out of Great Lakes Sports City in Fraser. He was named to the USA Hockey Junior National Sled Development Team in July 2010, but unfortunately attended only one camp before his death on Oct. 2, 2010.

MichiganHockeyOnline.com

August 15, 2011 Volume 22 : Issue 4

TRYOUT AND BECOME PART OF THE NEW HOCKEY REVOLUTION August 26th - 28th

Battle Creek, MI

THE REVOLUTION IS ON! REVOLT AGAINST THE COMPETITION! New Goals: From Worst to First New Philosophy: Player/Student Development, Player Movement New GM / Coach: Richard Keyes “Success Begins With A Revolutionary Resolve” New Players: Disciplined, Commited, Structured, and Determined To Live A Winning Lifestye!

New Attitude: “Together, We Will Be in Your Face”

PLAYER COST: $6000.00 HOUSING COSTS per month: $300.00 -ON ICE PRACTICE EVERY DAY: 3:30pm -5:30pm College Ice & Dryland Schedule -OFF-ICE SKILLS/AGILITY/CONDITIONING program -With PROFESSIONAL OFF ICE TRAINER: JIM LIOY -NUTRITION EDUCATION -COACHING EDUCATION w/ AREA YOUTH HOCKEY -PERSONAL/ACADEMIC ADVISOR and MONITOR -TRAVEL BY BUS/FLIGHT Expenses paid by team -HOTEL Expenses paid by team -TRAVEL MEALS paid by team -EQUIPMENT: pants, gloves, helmet, socks & jerseys (game & practice), undergarment, track suit, -WORKOUT APPAREL: SHIRTS/SHORTS -NEW OFF ICE TRAINING FACILITY -NEW LOCKER ROOM / TRAINING ROOM -NA3HL EXPOSURE PROGRAMS TO (USHL/NAHL) -AHL, ECHL, CCHA, BIG 10, USHL, NAHL (All Within One Hour)

ARE YOU WILLING TO PAY THE PRICE FOR SUCCESS?

CALL TODAY BATTLE CREEK REVOLUTION ICE HOCKEY

The Battle Creek Revolution believes that player development comes from quality instruction in practice, games and duration, format of ice touches. We are one of the few teams who will be maintaining a COLLEGE SCHEDULE. Your money will not be better spent and we FKDOOHQJH \RX WR ¿QG D EHWWHU GHYHORSPHQW RSSRUWXQLW\ DW WKLV DJH OHYHO RI SOD\ IRU WKH SULFH \RX SD\

Contact GM / Head Coach Richard Keyes for Additional Information 269-806-7652 richardmk25@sbcglobal.net

MichiganHockeyOnline.com

Visit us at: bcjrrevolution.pointstreaksites.com

Michigan Hockey

41

OHL

BY MATT MACKINDER

Miller chooses Whalers over North Dakota

(PHOTO BY MATTHEW MURNAGHAN/HHOF-IIHF IMAGES)

After June’s NHL draft, the Plymouth Whalers were looking to start the season with two first-round picks on their roster in Stefan Noesen and Rickard Rakell.

Not too shabby, but that number rose to three when J.T. Miller, a 2009 draft pick of the Whalers and 2011 New York Rangers’ first-rounder, opted to play in the Ontario Hockey League this season rather than embark on a college career at North Dakota.

Miller played the last two seasons in Ann Arbor for the United States National Team Development Program and after assessing his options for next year, he ultimately chose the OHL route over the NCAA. “Basically what I did was weigh all my options to see how I could get to the NHL the quickest,” said Miller, an 18-year-old

42

Michigan Hockey

August 15, 2011 Volume 22 : Issue 4 forward from East Palestine, Ohio. “College hockey realignment didn’t have anything to do with it. I just went with my gut and realized I need to look out for myself. Plymouth should have a pretty good team this year and has one of the best coaches in the league with Mike Vellucci. I’m glad it’s worked out the way it has.”

Miller signed with the Rangers in late July and realistically should only play one year in the OHL as he would be eligible to play minor pro next year, since he was drafted out of the NTDP. “I think once I was drafted by the Rangers in the first round I only saw myself playing one, maybe two years at North Dakota,” admitted Miller.“I only plan on being in Plymouth this next year and then hopefully, the NHL. I have the mindset that playing in the NHL is all I want to do and I’ll do whatever I need to do to make that happen.”

Along with playing for the Whalers, Miller is also hoping he can gain a spot on the U.S. World Junior team after going to the evaluation camp this past week in Lake Placid, N.Y. In any event, Miller is gearing up for what he said should be an exciting season.

“I’m pumped to get to camp (Sept. 1) in Plymouth,”said Miller.

“I’ve already played two years of juniors, but going to the OHL is a different style of game. I think I’ll be fine. I usually adapt to change pretty quickly. I just want to be more consistent on a game-by-game basis and work on improving my overall game.”

Even after Miller declined the OHL in 2009 and again in 2010, he said Vellucci and the Whalers staff respected his decision to play for the NTDP. That’s not to say that Vellucci wasn’t in touch with Miller.

“They were never all over me, so to speak, but we did talk a little bit,” said Miller. “After the NHL Draft, they started to call a little bit more and like I said, I looked at all my options and feel I made the right choice in going to Plymouth. They always seem to have a good team and a lot of players have moved on from there to have pretty good NHL careers.”

When asked if he hopes to join the list of Whalers to go on to a solid pro career, Miller didn’t hesitate.

“Absolutely,” Miller said. “That’s definitely the plan.”

MichiganHockeyOnline.com

BY CARL CHIMENTI

Saginaw lands top prospect The Saginaw Spirit have bolstered their blue line for the upcoming season, with defenseman Jamie Oleksiak deciding to leave college hockey for the OHL. Oleksiak is a big body at 6-foot-7, 240 pounds and was a first round selection (14th overall), by the Dallas Stars in June’s NHL Draft. The Toronto, Ontario native played college hockey last season as a freshman at Northeastern University. Spirit head coach and general manager Todd Watson says he will definitely bring size to the back end.

“He is a big player and will be a core part of our team,” said Watson, who is starting his fourth season as head coach.“I think he is ready to play at the OHL level. Obviously he will have to make some adjustments and get used to the league, but I believe this is a good, next step up for him.”

Saginaw managing partner and president Craig Goslin could hardly contain his enthusiasm.

“We really feel that with Oleksiak signing, we have a championship-caliber roster this season,” Goslin said. “This addition means the Saginaw Spirit team now has the deepest collection of players in our 10-year history and with Oleksiak, he will just compliment our roster that much more.”

The decision to join the Spirit was made by Oleksiak and his family, and contrary to what some might think, the Dallas Stars management had no influence in the matter.

“We had no say in his choice to join the OHL from the collegiate ranks,”said Les Jackson, director of player personnel for the Dallas Stars. “Northeastern is a good program with an outstanding coaching staff. Jamie just felt that his opportunity to develop would be better served at the Major Junior level. Saginaw gives him an opportunity to mirror what the NHL schedule is like, with more games and a highly competitive league.”

2011 - 12 SEASON EXHIBITION GAME

Saturday, Sept 3 at 7pm

Plymouth Whalers vs. Windsor Spitfires Hosted at Farmington Hills Ice Arena

• Post-Game Meet the Whalers • $10 Tickets: (734) 433-4444

’t n o D s It! For More secretary@fhhahockey.org Mis Information fhhahockey.org

Welcome Back Party! Fun & Fundraising 7pm 05

Sept 24

SATURDAY

Whalers v. Erie Join us as we kick-off another exciting hockey season!

We’re giving away our 2011-12 magnet schedules!

AT EVERY GAME! Intermission Skates: Scrimmage or have

a shoot-out in front of thousands of cheering Whalers fans during a home game.

Pre-Game Skates: Reserve ice before the

Whalers game to take on one of your favorite rivals, then stay for a pizza party and Whalers game. This all-inclusive package is a great team-building event!

Ticket Fundraisers: Raising money is easy with the Whalers. Team keeps $4 for every Whalers ticket they sell.

For details and to reserve your team’s date, call (734) 453-3115

CALL

FOR

TICKETS 734-453-8400 plymouthwhalers.com

14900 Beck Road North of M-14 • Plymouth compuwarearena.com plymouthwhalers.com

2011-2012

FALL-WINTER ADULT HOCKEY LEAGUE Leagues Offered

League Features

18 & Over B: Saturday

Season runs Early September-April 1st

18 & Over C: Sunday 18 & Over D+: Sunday 18 & Over D: Tuesday 18 & Over Open Wednesday 30 & Over C: Thursday

No-check leagues Team and individual registrations Three 15-minute running time periods No hidden costs! Referee Fees and Scorekeepers Included!

42400 Nick Lidstrom Dr.

TM

Novi (248) 347-1010 noviicearena.com

Visit Michigan and save at participating Choice Hotels.

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Econo Lodge 139 Ampey Road PETOSKEY Comfort Inn 1314 US 31 N. PLAINWELL Comfort Inn 622 Allegan St. PLYMOUTH Comfort Inn 40455 Ann Arbor Rd. PORT HURON Comfort Inn 1700 Yeager St. ROMULUS Clarion Hotel Detroit Metro Airport 8600 Merriman Road Quality Inn & Suites 9555 Middlebelt Rd. Comfort Inn Metro Airport 31800 Wick Rd. SAGINAW Comfort Suites 5180 Fashion Square Blvd SAINT IGNACE Quality Inn 561 Boulevard Drive Quality Inn Lakefront 1021 N. State St. SAULT SAINTE MARIE Quality Inn & Suites Conference Center 3290 I-75 Business Spur Comfort Inn 4404 I-75 Bus. Spur

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The Birmingham Hockey Association is proud to announce a new partnership with Little Caesars Tier II Programs and Joint House Program.

For more information please visit: www.birminghamhockey.net

ADVERTISEMENT

Motorcoach Transportation : More Important Than You Think!

Tournament Transportation with SAFETY & STYLE !

By: William Cox

show a sincere interest in what you do, and all the hard work you’ve put in? Do they take the time to find out your needs, and special requests? The time they spend with you initially is a good indication of how their customer service will be in the future.

Check that the company has the proper insurances, good maintenance, the amenities you want, and drivers that do hockey teams. Ask for paperwork and references to back this up, and spend a minute to check these resources. This can save you from choosing the wrong company and having to deal with headaches later.

Feel free to ask any other questions you may have. If your on a fixed budget, then tell your representative this. Find out if the company uses a GPS system for getting you to your destination. This technology has been around some time now and should be utilized by their driver.

Once you have a couple companies narrowed down, arrange a date and time to see the vehicles, AND their office. There are a lot of good companies out there, but unfortunately there are also some not so savory choices too! A good company should comply with all the mentioned prerequisites, and be happy for the opportunity to prove what their fleet and office looks like. Be very wary of companies that do not ever have any vehicles available to be checked out or will not give you an office address. With due diligence on your part, you can help assure that you are choosing the right motorcoach company.

You now have a lot of tools to help you out, and here’s one more; call Ground Travel Specialist, Inc (also known as GTS). They have the experience and know-how to take care of your group. They have worked with many hockey teams, and are the official transportation provider of the ECHL Kalamazoo Wings, and Western Michigan Hounds. What’s more is they want your business too! GTS has all the amenities mentioned and can ensure your trip is a success. Below is the phone number, website, and email address. They have offered to help any team, either with one of their great vehicles, or help them find a good carrier, even if it can not be on one of their motorcoaches. What do you have to lose?

So many things to think about when preparing your team for a game. There’s even more when organizing an out of town tournament; teaching your kids the game, deciding which tournaments to register for, hotels, meals, and of course the transportation. With all these things going on it is important not to rush through these decisions. Choosing the best method to get to the tournament has a bigger impact on your team than you think.

Let’s just take a minute to focus on your transportation. As with most things you do with you team, Safety First! You and others in charge should look at distance and the time you are traveling. With most players still being in school there may be some night driving, OR the distance may be further than what parents, or coaches are accustomed to driving, especially when also being used for team activities.

Unpredictable winter weather should also be a key factor. Include the added stress of distractions from players, parents, and others and you could potentially be putting your kids at risk. The team should consider motorcoaches a key resource to ease these issues. Motorcoaches historically are the safest form of any transportation, safer than planes, trains, cars, and vans. Motorcoaches handle great in the snow, and professional drivers are accustomed to driving in inclement weather and long distances at any hour, day or night. With all of these benefits, the team driving themselves, or taking vans should be saved for the most local of trips.

There are other reasons to use a motorcoach.

It’s not just the driver that gets extra rest. Most motorcoaches are equipped with features that can give everyone, including players, a relaxing and comfortable ride. With restrooms, reclining seats, footrests, individual climate controls, and extra room, each passenger can put themselves into a comfortable position to maximize their rest AND performance for a tournament. Usually a video system with multiple monitors are on these types of vehicles with it becoming more common for vehicles to have wi-fi internet, and electrical outlets (for laptops, & cell phone chargers). With all these extras the team is easily kept entertained.

Just imagine a long trip without hearing “Are we there yet!”. Ground Travel The team being on the same vehicle can give coaches and managers more control over their team and eliminate player tardiness. TollFree You can more easily keep your team focused, and use some of the ride as sort of a locker room time. As you already know, hockey takes more cohesion than any other sport and there is team camaraderie that can be built by everyone being together on a motorcoach.

“So How do I choose a good company?” Hockey teams have different needs, and requests that are specific to your type of trip. Use the following tools to find ones that really do want to carry your team, and not just get your money. Find companies online or through referrals, and call to talk to a representative. Does the customer representative

Specialist, Inc.

877-554-1055

www.gtsbus.com OR Dan@gtsbus.com

RED WINGS

BY DAVE WADDELL

SAYING GOODBYE TO HOCKEYTOWN FIXTURES Call it the Sunset Summer.

At least that what it has felt like for longtime followers of the Detroit Red Wings after seeing two of the team’s longestserving players, Chris Osgood and Kris Draper, announce their retirements within days of each other.

Combining for 1,901 games, 351 Playoff games, 36 NHL seasons and seven Stanely Cups, the departure of the two leaves only Wings’captain Nick Lidstrom and forward Tomas Holmstrom as the last men standing from Detroit’s 1996-97 Stanley Cupwinning team that ended a 42-year championship drought.

“It was just the right time for me,’’ Osgood said during his retirement conference call July 19.

“After I told Kenny (Holland), I felt relaxed. I was at peace with myself. It’s been a very difficult last couple of months.

Now I feel I can move on.”

Like Draper, Osgood is convinced he could still play, but neither side wanted to roll the dice on his health.

“I didn’t want to put them in a bad situation if I got hurt again,’’ Osgood said.

Osgood, who will remain in the Wings organization to work with the team’s young goaltending prospects, holds a special place in general manger Ken Holland’s heart.

Holland has known Osgood since he was a 14 or 15 and often refers to him as an unofficial son.

“The end of an incredible career.” Holland said. “He’s been an incredible competitor with tremendous mental toughness.”

While the debate about whether Osgood belongs in the NHL’s Hall of Fame has already started, Holland said that’s immaterial from his perspective.

“Detroit isn’t an easy place to play goal,” Holland said. “You could be standing there getting cold for 10 minutes between shots, but you had to stop the five or six quality chances you’d see.

“He had the perfect temperament to play here. Everything just rolled off his back.”

Draper, who was acquired for $1 from the Winnipeg Jets in 1993, seemed born to be a Wing.

Retiring July 26 after playing the last 17 seasons in Detroit, he’ll remain with the organization learning the business side

of the game much the way Steve Yzerman did.

“I consider myself one of the luckiest athletes of all time to be able to play with this organization for 17 years.” Draper said at his retirement press conference.

“To be able to play over 1,000 games with the Red Wings is probably what I’m most proud of. It’s been great.”

He could’ve taken his chances and tried to make the team out of training camp on a two-way contract, but Draper could see the writing on the wall.

“I’m glad I walked away from the game and it didn’t pass me by,” Draper said. “I didn’t hang on too long.”

G.T.H.A. Tournament Series Grand Traverse Hockey Association, PO BOX 5713, Traverse City MI 49696 gthatournaments@yahoo.com

HOUSE LEAGUE TOURNAMENTS: *SQUIRT (Jan 6-8, 2012) - $675 MAHA Sanction # MIT120093 * PEE WEE (Dec. 2-4 , 2011) - $750 MAHA Sanction # MIT120092 *BANTAM (Nov. 18-20, 2011)-$795 MAHA Sanction #MIT120091

TRAVEL TOURNAMENTS: *GTHA Tournament Series

Squirt AA & Squirt A (Oct. 14- 16, 2011) - $775

12-minute period * 4-game guarantee - 5 game max * MAHA Sanction # MIT120087

*GTHA Tournament Series Pee Wee AA & Pee Wee A (Oct.28 - 30 2011) - $895 15- minute periods *4-game guarantee - 5 game max * MAHA Sanction #MIT120089

*GTHA Tournament Series Bantam Major AA & Bantam AA Minor/A (Nov. 4 – 6 2011) - $925 15 – minute periods * 4–game guarantee – 5 game max * MAHA Sanction #MIT120090

*GTHA Tournament Series

Girls U16 Rec (Jan 20-22, 2012) - $760

12 – minute periods * 3 game guarantee - 5 game max * MAHA Sanction #MIT120094

*GTHA Tournament Series JV & Midget A (Jan. 27-29, 2012) - $975 15-minute periods * 4-game guarantee - 5 game max * MAHA Sanction #MIT120095

Contact: Todd Spaulding 231-649-1226 or gthatournaments@yahoo.com 231-933-0302(fax)

48

Michigan Hockey

MichiganHockeyOnline.com

Woodhaven Hockey Association

House Draft Skates

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THE LAST LINE

CHRIS OSGOOD DELIVERED WHEN IT MATTERED MOST

BY DARREN ELIOT Immediately upon announcing his decision to retire, the dialog began: Is Chris Osgood a Hall Of Fame candidate? A personal debate – should I play one more year – ends, while a public one – is Osgood’s body of work HOF worthy – begins. From my perspective, I don’t see how there is any debate. Granted, I have a soft spot for Ozzie, having gotten to know him over the years from my broadcaster’s perspective, sitting and talking hockey with him every time I covered the Red Wings.

If I have a personal bias, though, it’s not because I like Osgood the person, which I do. My predisposition is towards goalies that find a way to put up W’s. I donned the gear for years, and still coach and teach the position to aspiring goaltenders of all ages. I know how difficult winning consistently can be. In that

@Darren_Eliot regard, Osgood’s record shines: top-10 in wins and playoff wins; top-25 in goals against average and shutouts; moving into the top-5 when games are tighter and matter more with 15 playoff shutouts; part of three Stanley Cup championship teams with the Detroit Red Wings, and two as their starter.

Ironically, that’s where the doubting begins. The Red Wings were so good the prevailing sentiment at the time was that the Wings won in spite of Osgood, certainly not because of him.

Harsh, but Detroit did have dominant teams. Many goaltenders possibly could have had success in that environment. Yet, many came in and didn’t win. Luminaries like Dominik Hasek and Curtis Joseph come to mind. Oh, they won while wearing the Winged Wheel, but never won it all as the starter – not in Detroit, not

ever. And that’s where Osgood looks the best – when it mattered most, he found another level. Call it what you will – being a winner, a gamer, a battler – Osgood knew how to win. His career playoff runs display his mental tenacity.

Consider that in 1998, he backstopped the last repeat Stanley Cup winning entry to date. This after Mike Vernon led the Wings to their first Cup in 40 years, winning the Conn Smythe trophy in the process. That’s a tough act to follow, yet Osgood did just that under enormous pressure. In 2008, he began the playoffs on the bench, then took over for a struggling Hasek in the first round and led (yes, led) the Wings to victory. Then, in 2009, Osgood conjured up the emotional resolve to play brilliantly in the playoffs after enduring the worst regular season of his life, eventually losing in Game 7 to the Pittsburgh Penguins in a rematch of scenarios from the previous spring.

So, Osgood’s Detroit years - particularly his post-season record - prove his championship pedigree for HOF consideration along the lines of other renowned battlers like Hall-of-Famers Billy Smith, Grant Fuhr and Gerry Cheevers – whom I liken to Osgood favorably when comparing Hall-worthiness. But, I think Osgood’s time away from Detroit cinches the deal for him. On Long Island and in St. Louis, Osgood turned in 30-win seasons for both the Islanders and the Blues. He did that four other times for the Red Wings, but again, the measurable was playoff performance there and he excelled. With the Islanders and Blues, regular season wins mattered just to make the playoffs, which Osgood managed to be part of in his three seasons away from Detroit.

No matter where he played, Osgood delivered. Win when it mattered most in Detroit and win because he had to in the regular season outside Detroit. When it came to winning, Osgood was one of the greats. Last time I checked, the greats belong in the Hall of Fame.

OZZIE BY THE NUMBERS

15 - Career postseason shutouts (4th in NHL history) 74 - Career playoff wins (8th in NHL history)

401 - Career regular-season wins (10th in NHL history) 317 – Wins as a Red Wing (2nd all-time) 39 – Shutouts as a Red Wing (2nd all-time) 67 – Playoff wins as a Red Wing (1st all-time) 13 – Playoff shutouts as a Red Wing (1st all-time)

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