Michigan Hockey November 22, 2010

Michigan Hockey michiganhockeyonline.com V.21:I.8 | November 22, 2010 FIRST CLASS

LCAHL 2010-11 Season Calendar see lcahl.org for more info

August 2010

September continued

January 2011

16

Registration Opens for Travel and House

17

House Registration Closes

9

League Play Ends

18

Travel League Play Begins

25

Travel Registration Closes

10-13

Make-up Days

21

Initial House Alignments Posted

28-29

Travel Alignment Meetings

14

Post Playoff Pools and Schedules

22-23

House Alignment Appeals

18

24

Final House Alignments & Schedules Posted

Start of League Playoffs First Round Robin

25

House Scheduling Begins

February 2011

26

Face-Off Meeting at Motor City Casino & Conference Center

18

Playoff First Round Ends

26-27

Playoff Quarters and Semis

30

House League Play Begins

September 2010 3

Initial Travel Alignments Posted

8-9

Travel Alignment Appeals

10-12

LCAHL Faceoff Festival

13

Final Travel Alignments & Schedules Posted

14

Begin Scheduling Travel Games

g n i t e e M ff O e Fac s s e c c u s g i b a

March 2011 5-6

Playoff Quarters, Semi’s and Finals

11-19

Playoff Finals

PHOTOS BY BOB BEGUELIN/LCAHL

Over 500 coaches and managers attended the 2010 LCAHL Face-Off Meeting on September 26 at the Motor City Casino Hotel in Detroit.

Also thank you to Detroit Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock (with from left Communications Director Lisa Zarzycki and League Secretary Carrie Camrat) who took time out from his busy schedule to be the event’s guest speaker.

Thank you to all the LCAHL Directors and Volunteers who helped make everything run smoothly, the vendors who attended and the Breakout Session presenters’ Brian Secord, Laura Ramus and Bob Mancini. Travel Director Laurie Golden Birchler (left) watches as Jeff Anderson fills out a raffle ticket.

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)ULGD\ DP SP SP 6DWXUGD\ DP SP Taking first steps to playing hockey and freestyle skating

Hockey skating skill classes Speed classes Freestyle skating classes

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OPEN SKATE

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Fridays 8:15-10:05pm 6DWXUGD\V SP SP Sundays 2:15-4:05pm

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Table of Contents November 22, 2010, Volume 21 : Issue 8 AMATEUR HOCKEY REPORT

Troy Sting ’00 squad gets extra incentive at Boo in the Soo Honeybaked ‘98s start season with win at Great Lakes Tournament Detroit Falcons and Michigan Warriors get pink Lubins have good night in Sioux City MAHA and Red Wings Foundation support Try Hockey for Free Clinics NYHA celebrates new season with big Game Day

6 6 7 7 7 9

SPEAKING OF HOCKEY What do you want most for Christmas?

GET BETTER Pointers for pointshots STATE OF THE GAME By Lyle Phair

8

The Benefits of Two-Year Age Grouping

YOUTH LEAGUE STANDINGS

LCAHL Travel and Girls Divisions Tier I Elite Hockey League

12 14-15 17

HOMETOWN HERO Grosse Pointe’s David Legwand REEBOK TOURNAMENT CALENDAR WOMEN’S HOCKEY

Fun and good competition at the Dirty 30 Tournament

JUNIOR HOCKEY

10

NAHL Report: Motor City’s Cody Wydo leads league in scoring Nine Muskegon Lumberjacks sign Letter of Intent Whalers’ rookie Tom Wilson getting comfortable in Plymouth Spirit continues to roll in Saginaw

18 22 25 34 35 36 36

PAGES 28-32 High School Preview Bloomfield United captains (from left) Neal Krentz, Bryce Henney, Cameron Schwab and Austin Ramin are ready for the new season

The Ninth Annual High School Captain’s Cover

PAGES 20-21

PAGE 27

PAGE 38

20th Anniversary Season MH celebrates 20 years with a look at 1991

MH Beat Kids enjoy Griffins matinee game

NHL Insider New All-Star game format is intriguing

1. Jaycob McCombs, Flint Powers 2. Rob Keedy, Ann Arbor Huron 3. Alex Schmitt, Farmington 4. Lucas Meade, Taylor Unified 5. Justin Shureb, Livonia Stevenson 6. Dillon Drayer, Clarkston 7. Sebastian Stankiewicz, Detroit Country Day. 8. Andrew Stein, Auburn Hills Avondale 9. Sean Nelson, Brighton 10. Owen Kane, Grand Rapids Catholic Central 11. Evan Adkins, Mona Shores 12. Anthony Stempin, U of D Jesuit 13. Bradford Herron, Grosse Pointe North 14. Gannon Pacioni, Rochester United 15. Chris Robillard, Gibraltar Carlson.

16. Gordey Howie, Gross Ile 17. Everet Bommarito, Utica Eisenhower 18. Max Dunigan, Jackson Lumen Christi 19. Matt Parker, Birmingham Brother Rice 20. Ken Miloser, Howell

21. Kyle Cobb, New Boston Huron 22. Scott Newel, North Farmington Harrison 23. Jimmy Davis, East Kentwood 24. Steven Klisz, Livonia Churchill 25. Ryan Quigley, Salem 26. Joey Ferriss, Novi 27. Danny Donahue, Livonia Franklin 28. Ryan Chase, Macomb Dakota 29. Nick Shultz, St. Clair Shores Unified 30. Max Corbett, Grosse Pointe South 31. Brad Annas, De LaSalle 32. Connor Hellebuyck, Walled Lake Northern 33. Ryan Keller, Detroit Catholic Central 34. Spencer Tamler, Cranbrook-Kingswood 35. Jimmy LaFontaine, Canton 36. David Ketelhut, Northville 37. Zach Reinholt, Ann Arbor Pioneer 38. Cayce Fletcher, Hudsonville 39. Jesse Cameron, Lake Orion.

Cover: The ninth annual Michigan Hockey Captain’s Photo on November 9, 2010 at Novi Ice Arena by Tom Turrill/ Michigan Hockey.

4

Michigan Hockey

MichiganHockeyOnline.com

Photos at left: (from top, L to R): Bloomfield United captains by Bob Bruce/Michigan Hockey; Griffins matinee game crowd by Zak Kennedy/Grand Rapids Griffins and Red Wings Pavel Datsyuk by Tom Turrill/Michigan Hockey.

From the Editor

FROM THE EDITOR

Editor-in-Chief Philip D. Colvin phil@michiganhockeyonline.com

Advertising Lucia Zuzga lucia@michiganhockeyonline.com

Get recognized

Database Manager Josh Curmi jcurmi@michiganhockeyonline.com

With the season in full swing I want to remind players, parents, coaches and teams about Michigan Hockey’s free participatory programs – all set up to acknowledge the hard work and fun that goes into playing the game (check out michiganhockeyonline.com for more information.)

Whether your team recently won a tournament, helped raised money for a good cause or is just having a fun season, we want to hear about it. All you have to do is e-mail us at: mh@ michiganhockeyonline.com or snail mail us a photo and story about your team, including all the players’ and coach’s names, and it will be featured in our Amateur Hockey Report.

In addition, two winners per issue are selected at random and featured in the Reebok Stars of Tomorrow. Just send us a photo of your player with some of their “stats” and they will be entered to win. Winners will receive a gift courtesy of Reebok.

To recognize the coaches who give so much time and effort to teach and shape our young players and pass on their love for the game, we offer Behind the Bench presented by Coach-Mate Boards. So coaches, don’t be shy - take a minute to send us a photo and tell us what you love about coaching young players and why you do it. You will be entered in a random drawing to be featured inside Michigan Hockey, and each coach featured will also receive a dry erase Coach-Mate Board.

And we’re again on a Quest for the Best arena. By answering each month’s new question about which arena has the best ice, coffee or locker rooms you could win prizes, including tickets to a Red Wings game and the CCHA Finals. We’ll tally the votes at the end of the season to determine Michigan’s 2011 Quest for the Best arena winner.

Design Chuck Stevens Contributing Editor Kevin Allen Rob Murphy Distribution Lucia Zuzga Administrative Director Amy Jones 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.

Thanks and see you at the rink,

NAHL takes over operation of CSHL

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.

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: www.michiganhockeyonline.com

U.S. Under-17 and Under-18 Teams win gold

COMING IN OUR NEXT ISSUE

GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEW

Our annual Girls High School Preview will take an early look at the MMGHSHL teams in metroDetroit. And we’ll take a look back at 1992 in celebration of our 20th season.

Look for it on arena stands, on michiganhockeyonline.com and in your e-mail In Box on December 3.

Advertising copy for the next issue of MH is due on November 24.

Contact Lucia Zuzga at (248) 479-1134 or lucia@ michiganhockeyonline.com or Philip Colvin at (248) 479-1136 or phil@michiganhockeyonline. com for more information.

Michigan’s ACHA squads continue to grow

MichiganHockeyOnline.com

Due to some fuzzy memories of 25 years ago we incorrectly listed a season of Detroit Red Wings center Mike Modano’s youth hockey career in our Hometown Hero in the November 1, 2010 issue of Michigan Hockey. Modano played for the Compuware Bantams in the 198485 season and won a state title with the Little Caesars Midget Major squad during the 1985-86 season. Michigan Hockey regrets the error.

Michigan Hockey

5

Email us articles and photos at MH@michiganonline.com

SEND MICHIGAN HOCKEY YOUR NEWS!

Amateur Hockey Report

6

Michigan Hockey

MEALS for Hockey

Moms

submitted by Hockey Moms Submit your recipe & photo to: lucia@michiganhockeyonline.com

A ROAST TURKEY Troy Troy Sting Sting ’00 ’00 squad squad gets gets extra extra incentive incentive at at Boo Boo in in the the Soo Soo The Troy Sting ’00 had a little extra incentive when they travelled to S.S. Marie for Boo in the Soo Tournament before Halloween.

At a practice before the trip one of the Sting coaches, Kevin Peters, told the that if they won the tournament he’d wear his suit on the ice. Head coach Steve McDougall then topped that and told the players that if they won all the coaches would wear dresses on the ice at their next practice.

That promise served as a big motivator for the players all weekend and they chanted “dresses” and played really hard. At the tournament the Sting split with the Ann Arbor

Wolves and beat the Jackson Generals in the final to win the Squirt AA division title.

At the next practice the Sting coaches (above, from left) Kevin Peters, Gary Blanck, Steve McDougall and Joe Essenmacher donned their finest dresses for practice. Sting coach Larry Rowe was out of town for the practice and will be appearing solo in a dress at an upcoming practice.

The Sting are: Noah Durie, Alek Jarmolinski, John Paul Arslanian, Zach Essenmacher, Zach McDougall, Max Peters, Dominic Gueccia, Gabriela Rowe, Joey Blanck, Joey Arslanian, Seth Purcilly, Alessandro Suffredini, Ian Corless and Jack Crosby.

a roasting pan, roasting rack, heavy-duty foil and instant-read meat thermometer, plus something to help baste the bird like a bulb baster, cheesecloth, basting brush or large spoon USE CHEESECLOTH. Cheesecloth cuts back on the number of basting applications. Soak it in the basting liquid (try the classic combination of melted butter and white wine) and drape it over the bird before roasting. Baste the cheesecloth with the pan drippings once it begins to dry out. Discard the cheesecloth during the last 15 minutes of roasting to let the turkey skin brown and get crisp.

USE A BASTING BRUSH. The bristles will get into every nook and cranny of the bird.

Honeybaked Honeybaked‘98s ‘98s win win at at Great Great Lakes LakesTournament Tournament in in Holland Holland The Honeybaked ’98 Tier II opened the season with a win at the Great Lakes Tournament in Holland.

Honeybaked started the tourney with a 2-2 tie against Rockford, shut out the K-Wings Silver 5-0, and after a 2-1 loss to the Saginaw Badgers, defeated the Livonia Knights 3-2 and then drove away with the championship with a 5-0 win against the Livingston Lightning.

The Honeybaked is: Noah Finstrom, Nick Aiello, Kent Mack, Justin Dvorsky, Jacob Kane, Trevor Granzow, Justin LaRue, Luke Lewallen, Jacob Sedlar, JJ Thoman, Kurt Solak, Sindo Marinez, Austen Fischer, Luke Taber, Matt Snyder, Nick Heileg, and Derrick Treppa The Honeybaked head coach is Jon Finstrom, and assistants are Allen Taber, Ken Solak, Mike Lewallen and Chris Aiello.

MichiganHockeyOnline.com

USE A BULB TURKEY BASTER. $ EDVWHU²ZKLFK ¿WV HDVLO\ EHWZHHQ WKH slats of a roasting rack without disturbing the turkey—will suck up the pan juices. Squirt the juices all over the turkey.

USE A LARGE SPOON. Every kitchen has one! Scoop up the juices and drizzle over the bird. Whichever method you use, the breast needs the most attention.

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

Amateur Hockey Report

November 22, 2010, Volume 21 : Issue 8

Falcons Falcons and andWarriors Warriors get get involved involved in in the the fifight ght against against breast breast cancer cancer

Lubins have big night at Sioux City’s Pink in the Rink game Commerce Township’s Brandon Lubin was pretty excited when he made the USHL’s Sioux City Musketeer’s this season.

But Lubin received an even bigger thrill on October 23 when he skated on the ice at Tyson Events Center in Sioux City, Iowa for the Musketeers third annual Pink in the Rink game. His mother, Rhonda Lubin, who has been free of breast cancer for two years, was on hand to watch him play and to drop the ceremonial first puck before the game (above at center and left).

The rookie defenseman picked up two assists in a 6-1 win over Tri-City that night, and through 12 games has a goal and five points.

“It was a good night and it helped with my Mom’s presence here,” said Brandon Lubin. “It took a toll on our family, but

she fought it off. I’m thankful she’s still here.”

Brandon Lubin wore a #3 pink jersey on the night and it was auctioned off along with his teammates after the game with the proceeds going a local affiliate of Susan G. Komen For The Cure.

The Lubin family has been involved in community service and charity work and the Pink in the Rink game supports “a great cause,” said Rhonda Lubin, who credits her husband, Dan, three sons and daughter for helping her beat breast cancer.

The game was also the first time Rhonda Lubin had seen Brandon play in over a year.

“I miss him,” she said of Brandon. “He’s my pal and he’s been there for me through a lot.”

! e e r F r o f y e k c o H y r T In recognition of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month the Detroit Falcons AAA U18 and U16 NAPHL teams, along with the NAHL’s Michigan Warriors, spent the month actively supporting the cause.

All month the three teams taped their sticks with pink tape.

In addition three local corporations made financial donations to the Susan G. Komen Foundation for each team member that participated. One company, The JB Ashtin Group, Inc. of Plymouth, planned to donate $3 per each participating player for all games played in October. In addition, the Dr Pepper Snapple Group planned to match the monies raised by the teams for the month. Streetcars Shoes planned to donate $3 per participating player in the NAPHL Showcase that was played in San Jose, California, October 21-24.

“This is each player’s opportunity to join the cause and be an inspiration to save a life,”said Joni Bradley, PharmD, CEO and founder of The JB Ashtin Group, Inc. “By using the pink hockey tape, each player can make a difference by supporting important research to find a cure for this horrible disease,” she said.

The initiative drew almost 100% participation from the players and plans are to make it an annual event.

Falcons president Jason Deskins, a native of St. Clair Shores

and former player at Miami University, thanked the companies for providing the teams with the opportunity to get involved.

“The Detroit Falcons organization is honored to be a part of such a great cause,” he said. “We are all impacted in one way or another by breast cancer, whether it be a family member, friend, or acquaintance, and we are pleased our organization is able to help to find a cure. This is the beginning of a great tradition that will stay with the Detroit Falcons.

According to the National Cancer Institute, about 70-80% of breast cancers occur in women who have no family history of breast cancer. One in eight women in the United States will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime.

And breast cancer can no longer be considered a disease experienced by women only. About 1,970 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in men in 2010.

The Susan G. Komen Foundation is the global leader of the breast cancer movement, having invested nearly $1.5 billion since the organization’s inception in 1982. As the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists, the organization is working to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all, and energize science to find a cure.

The Michigan Amateur Hockey Association and the Detroit Red Wings Foundation are inviting families to bring players to come to a local rink and Try Hockey for Free! This free trial is for children ages 4-9 years old who are interested in trying hockey for the first time. All equipment is provided. All you need to bring is your desire to have Fun! Select from the available clinics and signup today at maha.org.

MichiganHockeyOnline.com

Date Nov. 20 Nov. 21 Nov. 27 Dec. 4 Dec. 5 Dec.12 Dec.18 Dec.19 Jan. 9 Jan. 16 Jan. 22 Jan. 29 Feb. 19 Feb. 19 Mar. 12

Time 2:20 - 3:20 pm 5 - 5:50 pm 11:30 am - 12:30 pm 3:30 - 4:30 pm 12:30 - 1:30 pm 12 - 1 pm 11 am – 12 pm 5 – 6 pm 11 am - 12 pm 12:45 - 1:45 pm 11 am - 12 pm 11:30 am - 12:30 pm 12 -1 pm boys 1 - 2 pm girls 12 - 1 pm

Arena Lakeland Arena, Waterford Kennedy Arena, Trenton Suburban Ice - Farmington Hills Troy Sports Center Grosse Pointe Arena Novi Ice Arena Lindell Arena, Royal Oak Southfield Sports Arena Patterson Ice, Grand Rapids ONYX Rochester Ice Arena Arctic Edge, Canton St. Clair Shores Civic Center Ann Arbor Ice Cube Ann Arbor Ice Cube Mt. Clemens Ice Arena

Check maha.org for additional clinics dates.

Michigan Hockey

7

Speaking of Hockey

November 22, 2010, Volume 21 : Issue 8

What would you like most for Christmas?

“A new net so I can practice in the driveway.”

Gianni Pinto, 10, Canton, Ann Arbor Squirt Vipers

“A brand new Bauer Vapor hockey stick.”

Jordan Dyksterhouse, 9, Saline, Ann Arbor Squirt Vipers

“I want a new stick, maybe a Warrior Swizzle.”

Ben Badalamenti, 10, Harrison Twp., Mt. Clemens Wolves Pee Wee A

“I’d like to get my room painted.”

Zach Roberts, 10, Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor Squirt Vipers

“A laptop computer.”

Joey Ventimiglia, 11, Sterling Hts., Mt. Clemens Wolves Pee Wee A

“A cell phone.”

Andrew Brooks, 10, Macomb, Mt. Clemens Wolves Pee Wee A

“A new Bauer goalie stick.”

Annah Smiddy, 13, Grand Rapids Griffins U16

8

Michigan Hockey

“A makeo ver of my bedroom with pictures of Red Wings players, red carpeting, red walls and a Red Wings puck for a door knob.”

Zack Fritz, 10, Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor Squirt Vipers.

MichiganHockeyOnline.com

“A couple of Sherwood goalie sticks.“ Zach Nagelvoort, 16, Holland, Compuware Midget Major

Amateur Hockey Report

Thanksgiving Clinics NOV. 24 & 26 2NC[GTU ITQWRGF D[ UMKNN CPF GZRGTKGPEG NGXGN Ŗ (WNN JQEMG[ GSWKROGPV TGSWKTGF Ŗ %NCUUGU NKOKVGF VQ RNC[GTU

Novi Novi Game Game Day Day another another big big success success For the ninth straight year, the NoviYouth Hockey Association kicked off the season with their Game Day celebration.

The November 6 all-day event at the Novi Ice Arena included 23 games, 700 players, 230 coaches and managers and 138 moms participating in Score-O. The NYHA also hosted a USA Hockey ADM Clinic by ADM regional manager Bob Mancini in the morning that included over 50 kids taking part in on-ice demonstrations, fun drills, and small games and an informal Q&A meeting for parents.

Katie Dodd did a great job singing the national anthem at the opening ceremony, Zoe Orlich of the Mite Thundercats and Katie Novell of the Squirt Thundercats took the ceremonial faceoff and championship banners were unveiled for the District 4 champion Squirt B Predators, District 4 champion Squirt A Ice Cats and the State champion Squirt AA Ice Cats.

Also on hand to celebrate the event were Novi City Manager

Clay Pearson, Novi Parks and Rec Manager Nancy Cowan, Novi Ice Arena Manager Kris Barnes, Novi Assistant City Manager Victor Cardenas and NYHA Game Day Chair Jeannine Makowski.

The day also featured Chuck-A-Puck, a silent auction, vendor displays, a bake sale and a fastest skater contest. Fastest skater contest winners included Jackson Kinter (First-year mini-mite), Trevor Mitchell (First-year mite), Robby Jackson (First-year squirt), Nick Ridley (Second-year mini-mite/pictured above center with Luke Zubkus at left and Eric Zhang on the right), Cody Daraban (Second-year mite) and Mitchell Grinsphun (Second-year squirt).

Paul Flavin, who helped establish the NYHA and served on the board from 1998-2006, was given the association’s TopCat Volunteer Award that honors someone who has made a significant contribution to advancing the NYHA.

CLASS DESCRIPTION

TIME

DAYS

Stickhandling & Puck Control (Ages 5-8) Outside Edges (Ages 6-14) Stickhandling & Puck Control (Ages 9-14) Backward Power Skating (Ages 9-14) Shoot to Score (Ages 5-8) Quick 'n' Fast (Ages 6-14) Shoot to Score (Ages 9-14) Defense Clinic (Ages 9-14)

9:30 - 11:00 am 11:00 am - 12:30 pm 12:30 - 2:00 pm 2:00 - 3:30 pm 9:30 - 11:00 am 11:00 am - 12:30 pm 12:30 - 2:00 pm 2:00 - 3:30 pm

Wednesday, November 24 Wednesday, November 24 Wednesday, November 24 Wednesday, November 24 Friday, November 26 Friday, November 26 Friday, November 26 Friday, November 26

TM

Mike Mike Modano Modano Day Day in inWestland Westland

With native son Mike Modano back in the area playing for the Detroit Red Wings, Westland mayor William R. Wild declared November 9 as “Mike Modano Day” and presented Modano with a key to the City in a ceremony at the Modano Ice Arena.

With family, friends and fans gathered at the arena that was named after Modano in 2003, two new silhouettes of Modano as a Red Wing and as a member of the U.S. Olympic were unveiled.

The Modano Arena recently received upgrades that included a new energy efficient refrigeration system and Modano toured the facility and took time to meet with fans, pose for photos and sign autographs.

“It’s a real privilege and honor to be back here. It was my childhood dream to play for the Wings,” said Modano. “To do it at the end of my career and in front of friends and family is great. I’ve had a lot of support here in Westland.”

CLASS DESCRIPTION

TIME

DAYS

Stickhandling & Puck Control (Ages 5-8) Outside Edges (Ages 6-14) Stickhandling & Puck Control (Ages 9-14) Shoot to Score (Ages 5-8) Quick 'n' Fast (Ages 6-14) Shoot to Score (Ages 9-14)

10:00 - 11:30 am 11:30 am - 1:00 pm 1:00 - 2:30 pm 10:00 - 11:30 am 11:30 am - 1:00 pm 1:00 - 2:30 pm

Wednesday, November 24 Wednesday, November 24 Wednesday, November 24 Friday, November 26 Friday, November 26 Friday, November 26

CLASS DESCRIPTION

TIME

DAYS

Shoot to Score (Ages 5-8) Quick 'n' Fast (Ages 6-14) Shoot to Score (Ages 9-14)

9:30 - 11:00 am 11:00 am - 12:30 pm 12:30 - 2:00 pm

Wednesday, November 24 Wednesday, November 24 Wednesday, November 24

www.suburbanhockey.com

MichiganHockeyOnline.com

( 248) 478-1600

Michigan Hockey

9

Get Better

Shots from the point Teeing one up from the blue line and blasting it over the goaltender’s glove hand into the top corner of the net is the dream of every defenseman.

In reality, the chances of it occurring are pretty slim, even at the higher levels of hockey where the players have the physical skills to shoot the puck quickly and accurately. There are just too many things that can go wrong. There is never enough time to get the shot off. The shot misses the net. The shot is blocked.

The goal of all defensemen should be to get the puck deep in the zone. If a shot on net or a goal is scored as a result – then that is a bonus for your team.

Nineteen-year NHL defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom of the Red Wings focuses on getting shots through the tangle in front of the net.

“Sometimes you can’t get it on net so you look for sticks, shoot it wide or short side for a deflection,” said the six-time Norris Trophy winner. “I think it comes with experience, knowing when to take the shot, knowing when to get the puck in deep.”

Here are some tips to help you play better at the point:

HANDLE THE PUCK ON THE FOREHAND Everybody handles the puck, passes and shoots better on their forehand than on their backhand. Try to keep the puck inside the line and make a play with it, either a pass to your partner or a forward down low, a shot at the net, or at the very least just dumping the puck down deep in the zone.

MAKE SURE THE SHOT ISN’T BLOCKED

PHOTO BY BOB BRUCE/MICHIGAN HOCKEY

Keeping your head up at the point helps a defenseman evaluate the situation and make a good play.

IMPROVE THE SHOOTING ANGLE If time and space permits, players should try to move the puck to the middle of the ice (always on the forehand) to improve the angle of the shot and improve their chances of hitting the net.

WAIT FOR TRAFFIC In most cases, if a goaltender can see the shot, they will make the first save. Again, if time and space permits, wait until forwards and/or opposition defensemen move in front of the net to provide a screen or the chance for a deflection and/or rebound.

One of the worst scenarios that can occur is five players in the offensive zone working hard for a scoring chance and a defenseman’s shot hits someone’s shin pad and bounces out to the neutral zone for a breakaway for the opposition. If there is any risk of a blocked shot, the puck should just be dumped deep in the corner or behind the net.

The most difficult save for a goaltender to make is on the deflection because the puck changes direction. Shoot for a teammate’s stick or where they can get a stick on the puck to redirect it.

KEEP YOUR HEAD UP

SHOOT LOW

The game is played with heads up. Whenever a defenseman gets the puck at the point, he/she should evaluate the situation and make sure he/she has enough time to make a play. As soon as the head is buried to shoot the puck, defenders move in to block the shot.

SHOOT FOR DEFLECTIONS

Shots along the ice or within a foot off the ice have the best chance of getting through to the net. The higher a shot goes the wider the players are and the more chance it has of hitting something and stopping. Also, if the puck is shot low forwards will be more willing to stand in front of the net to screen, tip and rebound.

SOURCE: SUBURBAN HOCKEY COACH’S CLUB

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Michigan Hockey

11

State of the Game

November 22, 2010, Volume 21 : Issue 8

State Game of the

by Lyle Phair

COACH

RICK REED

Hometown: Beverly Hills Level: Bloomfield United HS Years coaching: 10 Why do you coach?

I enjoy teaching the game and at the High School level it is a great venue to instruct boys on leadership, discipline, accountability, and responsibility during a period in their lives where they are receptive to learning these life skills.

Most memorable moment: I had a Squirt AA team that lost in triple OT in the District Finals on a great play, at the end of a great year, and there was disappointment, but no tears. The players knew they gave all they had and held their heads high.

Coaching philosophy: Develop skills and Hockey IQ necessary to feel confident enough to enjoy the intuitive flow of the game.

One thing you would change: Adopt the Pre/Post model of youth hockey at the high school level. It would be a win/win for the players, which is why we are all supposed to be in the game.

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www.coachmate.com 12

Michigan Hockey

THE BENEFITS OF TWO-YEAR AGE GROUPING It has always struck me as a little odd that the USA Hockey age groupings generally are for a two-year period, yet at some levels of play in Michigan we choose to use single birth years when forming teams.

I have to surmise that there must be at least one (or more?) really good reason(s) to form teams this way. But I really couldn’t tell you what they are. If anybody knows, I would love to hear them.

The two-year age group is used at the “B” or House level of play, for Girls hockey and for the Midget age groupings for Tier I and Tier II. In “B” hockey we have 8 & Under, which is typically for 7 and 8 year olds, 10 & Under for 9 and 10 year olds, 12 & Under for 11 and 12 year olds, 14 & Under for 13 and 14 year olds, Midget B for 15 and 16 year olds and Midget BB for 17 and 18 year olds. Girls hockey is 10U, 12U, 14U, 16U and 19U. Yet Tier I (AAA) and Tier II (A/AA) hockey are predominantly single year age groupings. At the Tier II level the A signifies the first year of the two year group (Squirt A is for 9 year olds) while AA is the second year label (Squirt AA is for 10 year olds). At the Tier I level they are designated as Squirt Minor (9 year olds) and Squirt Major (10 year olds). That holds true through Pee Wee and Bantam as well. But oddly enough, Midget hockey becomes a two-year age group. Midget A is for 15 and 16 year olds and Midget AA for 17 and 18 year olds in Tier II. The same ages are classified as Midget Minor and Midget Major at the Tier I level.

For a number of different reasons, a two-year age grouping makes a great deal of sense for all levels of hockey. Obviously a mechanism would need to be in place to ensure that there were a minimum number of first and second year players on each team so coaches couldn’t load up on second year players.

(They wouldn’t do that, would they?)

GETTING CHEATED First and most importantly, would be the benefit to the players as they would have the opportunity to realize the complete hockey experience which would allow them to better develop their skills and knowledge of the game.

With a one-year age group, every player is cheated of that opportunity.

As first year players in an age group, most (but not all) players are younger and smaller than the second year players in that group. Obviously a January birth date player wouldn’t be that much behind a December birth date, but generally speaking the second year players would have the opportunity to be the “bigger, stronger, faster, better” players on the team.

Playing with and against older players, the first year players would be pushed or challenged to improve (don’t we hear that one all of the time?) by being put into a situation where they might not have the puck as much and might have to learn a different way to contribute and be successful.

They would have to learn to work harder and work smarter just to keep up.

MichiganHockeyOnline.com

They wouldn’t always be that dominant or better player that they might otherwise be every year in a single year age group.

But every second year they would have the opportunity to be one of the better, bigger, stronger, faster players because half of the players that they play with and against would be a year younger than them. Currently many players never get this opportunity. A third liner or 5th or 6th defenseman at Pee Wee A is pretty much going to be in that same role at Pee Wee AA. They are deprived of the opportunity to have the puck more, make plays, be a leader and learn to play the game from that perspective. A two-year age grouping gives them the best of both worlds, the opportunity to compete and develop a complete hockey game.

From a player development standpoint there is no better system. A secondary benefit would be that players wouldn’t have to “play up an age group to be challenged”. They would automatically be doing that every second year.

Secondly, the competitive playing field (or ice surface) would become somewhat more level, which is not only a benefit to the players, but also a benefit to the families paying the bills and to the game itself. Eliminating the ability for teams to load up on all of the best players in a particular age group (because they would be limited to half of their team in that age group) would mean that the wealth would be spread out more. The gap between the haves and the have-nots would close somewhat.

Smaller population areas with a lesser number of players in each age group would be able to be more competitive. Instead of struggling to have two weaker teams in single year age groups (or no team at all), they could ice one stronger two-year age group team at that level of play.

In areas with larger player pools there would be more teams in the two-year age group than in the single year. For example, in looking at the Squirt age group, instead of there being ten A teams and ten AA teams in a given area, there would be twenty two-year age group teams. More different teams is always better. More importantly, more teams that are competitive with one another is always better.

NO MORE SUPER TEAMS One of the biggest problems with our current system is the ability to create “super teams” because of the nature of how teams are formed. These teams often have a hard time finding competitive games locally so they have to travel far and wide to find teams to play.

Wouldn’t it be great to have competitive hockey within a reasonable geographical area? Making the game more affordable and convenient to play can’t be anything but a plus. However, the dissenters will say that the game would be “watered down” and the level of play not as high and we wouldn’t be able to compete with Canadian teams or the teams from other states in the National Tournament.

How important is it to compete with Canadian teams or teams from across the country anyway? Doesn’t it make more sense to have strong, local, competition? Especially for the “good of the game” and the players in Michigan?

And if we can’t compete with teams from those other places, could it be because our system doesn’t do a good enough job of developing good players? And if we have strong, competitive local hockey, how much does it really matter how competitive we are with teams from other places (aside from the egos of the parents and coaches of course)?

So why the one year age groups at some levels of hockey? Because it is easier? Because it gives coaches more control? Because we can form super-teams to bring home the trophies and national championships? And if two-year age groups work for Tier I and Tier II Midget hockey, why aren’t they used at the other age groups?

Clearly, more players would benefit from using two-year age groupings to form teams. Who benefits from the single year age grouping and why is it in place? Let me know.

Contact Lyle with questions or comments via e-mail at mh@ michiganhockeyonline.com.

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LITTLE CAESARS

Amateur Hockey League Mite A - Lidstrom 1 Blue Water Mt. Clemens Rochester Macomb St. Clair Shores Grosse Pointe

GP 6 4 5 6 8 5

W 5 4 3 3 2 0

L 1 0 2 3 6 5

T PTS GF GA PIM 0 10 29 9 14 0 8 28 4 2 0 6 19 10 0 0 6 23 20 12 0 4 15 48 0 0 0 6 29 0

Mite A - Lidstrom 2 Trenton Allen Park Victory Honda Canton Victory Honda Toledo Belle Tire

GP 7 8 5 6 6 6

W 7 5 4 2 1 0

L 0 3 1 4 5 6

T PTS GF GA PIM 0 14 43 16 4 0 10 53 16 4 0 8 45 6 0 0 4 28 21 0 0 2 18 40 0 0 0 1 89 0

Mite A - Lidstrom 3 USA Hockey Club - L.C. Birmingham Troy Livonia Orchard Lake USA Eagles

GP 5 6 7 7 6 5

W 5 4 3 1 1 0

L 0 1 3 3 2 5

T PTS GF GA PIM 0 10 33 10 0 1 9 28 11 0 1 7 25 19 0 3 5 26 29 0 3 5 14 23 0 0 0 6 40 0

Mite A - Lidstrom 4 KV Renegades KV Rebels Novi Suburban Livingston Plymouth

GP 4 5 4 3 4 4

W 4 4 3 1 0 0

L 0 1 1 2 4 4

T PTS GF GA PIM 0 8 35 7 6 0 8 38 11 0 0 6 24 12 0 0 2 10 15 0 0 0 5 36 10 0 0 5 36 0

Mite AA - Lidstrom 1 Grand Rapids Griffins Ann Arbor Wolves KV Renegades Jackson Generals #1 Bay County Blizzard Midland Northstars

GP 6 5 5 5 5 4

W 5 3 2 2 0 0

L 0 1 2 2 3 4

T PTS GF GA 1 11 47 4 1 7 20 9 1 5 20 14 1 5 15 16 2 2 11 28 0 0 1 43

Mite AA - Lidstrom 2 Queen City S Columbus Blue Jackets Indianapolis Racers Gold Champaign Chiefs Fort Wayne

GP 8 4 4 6 2

W 3 3 2 0 0

L 1 0 0 5 2

T PTS GF GA PIM 4 10 33 24 44 1 7 25 7 22 2 6 18 11 38 1 1 20 50 20 0 0 9 13 10

Mite AA - Lidstrom 3 Rochester Rattlers Macomb Mavericks Mt. Clemens Wolves Grosse Pointe Bulldogs St. Clair Shores Saints Fraser Falcons I.H. Blue Water Stars

GP 10 8 6 7 8 7 6

W 9 5 5 2 2 0 0

L 0 1 0 4 5 7 6

T 1 2 1 1 1 0 0

PTS 19 12 11 5 5 0 0

GF 85 47 42 11 22 6 3

GA 13 14 5 24 38 50 72

PIM 6 0 0 6 4 0

PIM 2 2 10 6 8 4 8

Mite AA - Lidstrom 4 GP W L T PTS GF GA PIM Kensington V. Rebels 5 4 0 1 9 25 5 6 Plymouth Stingrays 7 4 2 1 9 28 26 4 Lakeland Hawks 4 4 0 0 8 40 0 4 Jackson Generals Melling 5 4 1 0 8 22 8 2 Ann Arbor Wolves #2 6 2 4 0 4 7 24 6 Orchard Lake Warriors 7 1 6 0 2 10 38 4 Livingston Lightning 6 0 6 0 0 5 36 6 Mite AA - Lidstrom 5 Livonia Knights Suburban Stars Troy Sting USA Eagles USA Hockey Club - L.C. Orchard Lake Pirates PK Warriors

GP 8 6 4 3 7 6 4

W 7 5 3 2 1 0 0

L 0 1 1 1 5 6 4

T PTS GF GA 1 15 40 6 0 10 20 8 0 6 22 6 0 4 14 6 1 3 15 27 0 0 4 21 0 0 0 41

Mite AA - Lidstrom 6 Novi Ice Cats Allen Park Huskies Belle Tire North Compuware Victory Honda Belle Tire Taylor

GP 5 4 4 6 2 5

W 3 3 2 2 1 1

L 1 0 2 4 1 4

T PTS GF GA PIM 1 7 20 10 0 1 7 11 6 0 0 4 16 10 0 0 4 17 33 6 0 2 4 4 0 0 2 9 14 14

Mite AA - Lidstrom 7 Wyandotte Warriors Sylvania Maple Leafs Monroe IceHawks Trenton Blades Belle Tire Dearborn Toledo Cherokee

GP 5 3 3 3 4 4

W 4 3 2 2 0 0

L 1 0 1 1 4 4

T PTS GF GA PIM 0 8 18 13 2 0 6 36 1 4 0 4 10 5 4 0 4 12 8 4 0 0 10 29 6 0 0 1 31 10

14

Michigan Hockey

PIM 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Squirt A - Yzerman East GP W L T Macomb Mavericks 10 5 4 1 Troy Sting 8 5 2 1 Oakland Jr. Grizzlies 10 5 5 0 Bay County Blizzard 9 4 4 1 USA Eagles 6 2 3 1 Orchard Lake Pirates 7 0 6 1

PTS 11 11 10 9 5 1

GF 46 27 27 28 15 9

GA 29 19 28 29 18 46

PIM 0 6 0 8 8 24

Port Huron Flags 00 Summit Plastics 00 Cincinnati Jr. Cyclones 00 Birmingham Liberty 00 Flint Icelanders 00 Queen City 00 Mt. Clemens Wolves 00

8 8 5 7 7 5 3

5 5 3 2 0 0 0

2 3 1 5 4 5 3

1 11 43 33 0 0 10 29 21 0 1 7 20 13 0 0 4 24 31 0 3 3 22 31 0 0 0 12 31 0 0 0 4 29 0

Squirt A - Yzerman West Toledo Cherokee KV Rebels Suburban Stars Ann Arbor Wolves Trenton Timberwolves Plymouth Stingrays

PTS 16 15 10 4 2 2

GF 44 41 16 8 10 13

GA 6 14 26 5 30 34

PIM 8 42 6 0 0 0

Squirt AA - Howe 2 West Cleveland Warriors 00 Jackson Generals 00 Livingston Lightning 00 Butler County 00 Troy Sting 00 USA Eagles 00 Trenton Thrashers 00 Farmington Hills Fire 00

GP 8 8 6 3 6 9 8 8

W 6 4 4 3 3 2 2 1

L 0 3 2 0 3 6 5 6

T PTS GF GA PIM 2 14 32 17 0 1 9 20 21 18 0 8 24 15 0 0 6 10 2 16 0 6 15 16 4 1 5 28 35 14 1 5 22 31 18 1 3 31 45 0

Squirt AA - Lidstrom East

GP 8 9 7 8 7 10 7

W 6 5 4 3 3 1 0

L 2 4 3 3 4 7 7

T PTS GF GA PIM 0 12 56 36 2 0 10 44 41 8 0 8 37 32 0 2 8 30 26 2 0 6 22 36 16 2 4 27 53 0 0 0 7 55 24

GP 8 9 10 3 8 8

W 8 7 4 2 0 0

L 0 1 4 1 6 6

T 0 1 2 0 2 2

Squirt A - Howe Southwest GP W L T PTS GF GA PIM

Livonia Knights Livingston Lightning Allen Park Huskies Grand Rapids Griffins Honeybaked Queen City S

11 8 7 8 7 6

8 3 2 2 1 1

2 3 3 4 2 3

1 17 44 26 8 2 8 29 31 16 2 6 21 20 50 2 6 30 36 18 4 6 7 18 12 2 4 12 11 0

Squirt A - Howe Northeast GP W L T PTS GF GA PIM

Blue Water Stars Rochester Rattlers Grosse Pointe Bulldogs Birmingham Rangers Flint Icelanders St. Clair Shores Saints PK Warriors

10 10 6 10 8 11 8

6 6 4 4 2 2 0

1 1 1 5 1 7 8

3 15 46 20 0 3 15 34 18 8 1 9 23 13 0 1 9 25 24 10 5 9 30 25 10 2 6 22 37 0 0 0 9 53 0

Squirt A - Lidstrom West Holland Ice Dogs Chelsea Chiefs Grand Valley Stars Capital Centre Pride Lansing Capitals Jackson Generals KOHA K-Wings

GP 9 9 7 7 10 8 10

W 7 6 4 3 3 2 2

L 1 1 3 3 7 5 7

T PTS GF GA PIM 1 15 60 15 0 2 14 36 23 0 0 8 40 38 0 1 7 29 36 0 0 6 32 40 0 1 5 23 40 0 1 5 23 51 0

Squirt A - Lidstrom South GP Canton Victory Honda 6 Wyandotte Warriors 9 Compuware Ambassadors 6 Sylvania Maple Leafs 5 Grosse Ile Islanders 5 Cleveland Warriors 6

W 4 4 3 3 1 0

L 1 5 1 1 4 6

T PTS GF GA PIM 1 9 31 23 22 0 8 34 33 0 2 8 28 21 0 1 7 37 12 0 0 2 11 20 0 0 0 3 55 6

Squirt A - Lidstrom North GP Novi Ice Cats 8 Lakeland Hawks 9 KV Renegades 8 Orchard Lake Warriors 8

W 7 6 5 2

L 1 3 3 6

T 0 0 0 0

Squirt A - Lidstrom East Saginaw Badgers Royal Oak Eagles Michigan Jaguars Michigan Ice Hawks Mt. Clemens Wolves

GP 8 5 5 7 3

W 7 2 2 1 0

L 1 3 3 6 3

T PTS GF GA PIM 0 14 50 13 2 0 4 20 20 10 0 4 16 20 0 0 2 9 48 12 0 0 7 15 0

Squirt AA - Yzerman Midland Northstars 00 Grosse Ile Islanders 00 Plymouth Stingrays 00 Novi Ice Cats 00 Birmingham Rangers 00 Livonia Knights 00 Columbus Blue Jackets 00 Toledo Cherokee 00 PK Warriors 00 St. Clair Shores Saints 00

GP W L 15 13 2 10 7 2 11 7 3 11 5 5 8 4 3 8 3 4 13 3 10 7 2 3 9 2 6 12 1 9

T 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 2 1 2

PTS 26 15 15 11 9 7 6 6 5 4

GF 69 42 38 42 25 14 22 19 25 19

GA 13 26 33 29 25 27 49 22 39 52

PIM 0 0 0 0 14 0 0 16 0 0

Squirt AA - Howe 1 Macomb Mavericks 00 Lakeland Hawks 00 Grand Rapids Griffins 00 Kensington V. Rebels 00 Oakland Jr. Grizzlies 00 HoneyBaked 00 Suburban Stars 00 Sylvania Maple Leafs 00 Compuware 00

GP 9 10 7 9 7 8 10 11 9

T 1 4 2 2 1 1 2 1 0

PTS 15 14 12 10 9 9 6 5 0

GF 47 34 47 44 30 34 24 26 19

GA 24 23 21 27 21 29 45 46 69

PIM 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10

W 7 5 5 4 4 4 2 2 0

L 1 1 0 3 2 3 6 8 9

PTS 14 12 10 4

GF 45 40 34 19

GA 21 17 30 36

PIM 20 4 4 12

Squirt AA - Howe 2 East GP W L T PTS GF GA PIM Saginaw Badgers 00 10 8 2 0 16 61 21 0 Rochester Rattlers 00 11 6 4 1 13 48 53 0

Dragons 00 Michigan Jaguars 00 Royal Oak Eagles 00 Grosse Pointe Bulldogs 00 Orchard Lake Pirates 00 Fraser Falcons 00 Michigan Ice Hawks 00

Squirt AA - Lidstrom Metro GP W L T PTS GF GA PIM

Ann Arbor Wolves 00 Allen Park Huskies 00 Woodhaven Leafs 00 Garden City Gold Wings 00 Canton Victory Honda 00 KV Renegades 00 Henry Ford Hurricanes 00 Belle Tire Dearborn 00

8 7 8 7 8 8 10 6

7 6 5 4 3 2 2 0

1 1 3 2 5 5 8 6

0 14 57 17 0 0 12 27 13 0 0 10 45 41 0 1 9 34 16 10 0 6 31 38 0 1 5 39 37 0 0 4 22 77 20 0 0 8 34 0

Squirt AA - Lidstrom West GP W L T PTS GF GA PIM

Holland Ice Dogs 00 Capital Centre Pride 00 Lansing Capitals 00 KOHA K-Wings 00 West Michigan Warriors 00 Muskegon Chiefs 00

9 7 8 6 7 7

9 6 5 4 3 0

0 1 3 2 4 7

0 18 50 5 0 0 12 30 13 0 0 10 24 28 5 0 8 30 5 0 0 6 16 16 0 0 0 6 23 12

Pee Wee A - Yzerman East GP W L T PTS GF GA PIM

USA Eagles Toledo Troy St. Clair Shores Saints Orchard Lake Oakland Jr. Grizzlies Rochester

10 11 8 10 9 10 11

7 7 4 3 3 2 0

1 3 3 4 6 6 11

2 16 38 22 4 1 15 53 31 30 1 9 36 36 26 3 9 35 32 14 0 6 28 26 60 2 6 24 32 50 0 0 8 65 36

Pee Wee A - Yzerman West GP W L T PTS GF GA PIM

Holland Ice Dogs Grand Rapids Griffins Suburban Livonia Knights Ann Arbor Wolves Kensington V. Rebels Allen Park Huskies

13 10 9 11 8 9 5

6 5 5 5 5 4 1

6 2 2 4 2 5 2

1 3 2 2 1 0 2

13 13 12 12 11 8 4

27 32 38 32 23 21 12

28 27 23 29 17 26 13

10 0 20 4 0 4 0

Pee Wee A - Howe East GP W L T PTS GF GA PIM Midland North Stars 11 6 3 2 14 44 36 12 Little Caesars 9 4 4 1 9 25 24 12 Saginaw Badgers 9 3 4 2 8 28 32 0 Cleveland Warriors 7 3 3 1 7 18 18 0 Summit Plastics Molding 5 1 1 3 5 18 19 0 Macomb Mavericks 5 1 2 2 4 18 17 0 Pee Wee A - Howe West Compuware Farmington Hills Fire Livingston Lightning Trenton KOHA K-Wings Chelsea Chiefs Pee Wee A - Howe South KV Renegades Rink Rats Kentwood Falcons Sylvania Maple Leafs Novi Ice Cats Canton Victory Honda

GP 9 11 7 7 8 8 GP 7 7 6 8 6 8

W 7 6 2 3 3 1 W 4 3 2 2 1 1

L 1 4 2 4 5 7 L 1 1 3 6 3 7

T PTS GF GA PIM 1 15 36 14 0 1 13 34 24 0 3 7 24 25 0 0 6 15 22 0 0 6 32 40 0 0 2 19 40 0 T PTS GF GA PIM 2 10 20 10 0 3 9 33 17 0 1 5 16 25 0 0 4 15 44 0 2 4 13 16 0 0 2 18 35 0

Pee Wee A - Howe North GP W L T PTS GF GA PIM Flint Phantoms 11 8 2 1 17 51 31 0 Capital Centre Pride 9 7 1 1 15 33 15 0

MichiganHockeyOnline.com

Travel Standings

Mt. Clemens Wolves Royal Oak Eagles Port Huron Flags Grosse Pointe Bulldogs

Standings by Pointstreak as of November 16, 2010 6 8 7 7

4 4 3 0

1 3 4 7

1 1 0 0

9 9 6 0

27 33 28 11

13 23 26 43

0 0 0 0

Westland Eagles Lakeland Hawks Chelsea Chiefs #2 KOHA K-Wings Silver Grand Valley Stars

8 7 7 6 6

6 3 2 2 2

2 3 4 4 4

0 12 42 16 0 1 7 27 25 0 1 5 22 39 14 0 4 17 19 0 0 4 16 22 4

Pee Wee AA - Lidstrom 6 Saginaw Badgers St. Clair Shores Lakers Dragons Port Huron Flags EMHA Flint Flames

GP 5 7 7 5 4

W 5 2 2 1 0

L 0 4 5 4 3

T PTS GF GA PIM 0 10 30 13 0 1 5 17 29 20 0 4 16 31 34 0 2 13 24 26 1 1 12 23 4

Pee Wee A - Lidstrom East GP W L T PTS GF GA PIM

Michigan Jaguars Belle Tire Dearborn Dragons Birmingham Rangers Lakeland Hawks St. Clair Shores Lakers

9 7 8 6 9 4

5 4 3 3 3 2

4 2 4 3 6 1

0 10 36 24 0 1 9 19 20 12 1 7 27 38 6 0 6 29 23 21 0 6 27 30 8 1 5 12 12 8

Pee Wee A - Lidstrom West GP W L T PTS GF GA PIM

Bantam A - Yzerman 1 Red GP W L T PTS GF GA PIM

Grand Valley Stars PK Warriors West Kent Hawks West Michigan Warriors Plymouth Stingrays Redford Royals

7 4 5 7 8 8

5 4 3 3 2 1

2 0 1 3 5 7

0 10 30 19 22 0 8 26 14 20 1 7 16 15 0 1 7 9 15 8 1 5 15 21 0 0 2 21 36 36

Farmington Flames Suburban Stars West Kent Hawks Flint Icelanders Mt. Clemens Wolves Oakland Jr. Grizzlies Troy Sting

Pee Wee AA - Yzerman 1 Plymouth Stingrays Grand Rapids Griffins Lansing Capitals Novi Ice Cats Midland Northstars Suburban Stars Kensington V. Rebels Birmingham Rangers

GP 10 10 9 6 10 11 9 7

W 9 6 4 4 3 3 3 2

L 1 4 4 2 6 7 5 5

T PTS GF GA PIM 0 18 46 20 28 0 12 27 31 30 1 9 17 32 42 0 8 33 11 38 1 7 29 31 66 1 7 27 32 16 1 7 30 38 43 0 4 15 29 0

Pee Wee AA - Yzerman 2 Allen Park Huskies Holland Ice Dogs Cleveland Warriors Gold Toledo Cherokee Grosse Pointe Bulldogs PK Warriors Macomb Mavericks St. Clair Shores Saints

GP 9 7 8 6 7 7 8 8

W 7 7 4 3 3 2 2 0

L 1 0 4 2 4 4 6 7

T PTS GF GA PIM 1 15 34 10 32 0 14 41 9 4 0 8 31 21 8 1 7 19 17 0 0 6 21 23 30 1 5 21 38 20 0 4 15 31 0 1 1 16 49 12

Pee Wee AA - Howe 3 East GP W L T PTS GF GA PIM

Trenton Trojans Rochester Rattlers Flint Phantoms Oakland Jr. Grizzlies Belle Tire Taylor Mt. Clemens Wolves Bay County Blizzard Little Caesars Belle Tire Dearborn

11 10 5 9 10 7 6 10 8

8 5 3 3 3 2 2 1 1

1 2 0 4 5 1 3 7 5

2 18 43 13 86 3 13 35 24 28 2 8 31 13 0 2 8 30 30 6 2 8 25 34 55 4 8 20 23 0 1 5 16 18 10 2 4 36 58 26 2 4 17 40 33

Pee Wee AA - Howe 3 West GP W L T PTS GF GA PIM

Compuware Canton Victory Honda Jackson Generals KOHA K-Wings Livingston Lightning Farmington Hills Fire Orchard Lake Pirates KV Renegades Kentwood Falcons

10 9 9 9 9 9 10 11 12

9 7 6 6 4 4 3 2 2

1 2 2 3 4 5 7 9 10

0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0

18 14 13 12 9 8 6 4 4

57 46 36 36 38 20 20 20 27

22 26 21 17 29 33 37 43 72

0 0 0 0 0 6 8 10 0

Pee Wee AA - Howe 4 East GP W L T PTS GF GA PIM

Michigan Travelers Rink Rats Motor City Machine Royal Oak Eagles USA Eagles Summit Plastics Molding Troy Sting Michigan Ice Hawks Honeybaked Birmingham Liberty Cleveland Warriors Black

11 9 10 13 8 8 7 9 5 12 10

10 9 7 5 4 3 3 2 2 1 1

1 0 3 6 4 5 4 5 2 9 8

0 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 1 2 1

20 18 14 12 8 6 6 6 5 4 3

81 49 49 43 20 12 17 28 17 29 25

18 9 32 54 31 27 35 38 12 63 51

0 0 0 6 12 0 10 0 16 0 0

9 5 9 10 10 8 11

9 4 4 4 3 2 0

0 0 4 5 6 5 10

0 18 55 20 0 1 9 22 7 0 1 9 41 29 0 1 9 24 33 0 1 7 21 35 0 1 5 24 31 10 1 1 16 50 0

Bantam A - Yzerman 1 WhiteGP W L T PTS GF GA PIM

Michigan Ice Hawks Rochester Rattlers Lansing Capitals Belle Tire Dearborn Trenton Grand Rapids Fraser Falcons

10 11 12 9 8 10 4

5 5 5 4 3 3 2

2 5 6 3 2 4 1

3 1 1 2 3 3 1

13 11 11 10 9 9 5

Bantam A - Yzerman 2 Toledo Cherokee Kensington V. Rebels Little Caesars Saginaw Badgers KOHA K-Wings Canton Victory Honda

GP 8 5 6 7 7 5

W 5 3 3 3 2 2

L 2 2 3 4 4 3

T PTS GF GA PIM 1 11 27 23 10 0 6 21 11 0 0 6 18 21 10 0 6 14 18 0 1 5 16 23 30 0 4 14 14 0

Bantam A - Howe 3 Victory Honda Peak West Michigan Warriors Birmingham Rangers Livonia Knights Lakeland Hawks Plymouth Stingrays Midland Northstars Summit Plastics Novi Ice Cats Allen Park Huskies Michigan Jaguars

GP 9 11 12 10 11 7 10 10 7 9 6

W 7 6 6 6 5 4 4 3 2 1 0

L 2 3 4 3 4 2 5 7 3 5 6

T 0 2 2 1 2 1 1 0 2 3 0

Bantam A - Howe 4 West Westland Wolves Ann Arbor Wolves Orchard Lake Pirates Grand Rapids Griffins #2 Livingston Lightning

GP 8 6 6 8 5

W 4 4 4 3 3

L 2 2 2 3 1

T PTS GF GA PIM 2 10 35 24 26 0 8 37 15 10 0 8 27 19 2 2 8 23 23 10 1 7 22 15 0

Bantam A - Howe 4 East Cleveland Warriors Lapeer Storm Macomb Mavericks Grosse Pointe Bulldogs St. Clair Shores Saints USA Eagles

GP 7 6 7 6 4 5

W 5 3 2 1 1 0

L 1 2 5 4 3 5

T PTS GF GA PIM 1 11 29 13 0 1 7 18 21 17 0 4 24 34 26 1 3 12 20 4 0 2 4 14 4 0 0 7 40 2

PTS 14 14 14 13 12 9 9 6 6 5 0

31 28 40 27 22 33 8

GF 30 28 39 40 34 18 27 18 20 26 10

23 31 45 20 19 41 8

GA 20 21 32 27 29 15 32 36 23 34 21

0 0 0 0 0 0 0

PIM 10 0 10 5 0 0 10 0 0 12 0

Bantam A - Lidstrom 5 East GP W L T PTS GF GA PIM

Sylvania Maple Leafs Redford Royals Belle Tire Taylor Henry Ford Hurricanes Michigan Travelers Lakeland Stingrays Port Huron Flags Toledo

7 6 8 5 8 8 7 7

6 5 5 5 3 2 0 0

1 0 2 0 4 6 6 7

0 1 1 0 1 0 1 0

12 11 11 10 7 4 1 0

31 35 37 23 27 12 11 15

7 12 18 8 31 35 31 49

8 24 54 0 80 62 72 39

Pee Wee AA - Howe 4 West GP W L T PTS GF GA PIM

Chelsea Chiefs West Kent Hawks Ohio Selects Ann Arbor Wolves Sylvania Maple Leafs Capital Centre Pride Mountain Cats Livonia Knights Muskegon Express Redford Royals

10 9 8 12 9 11 9 8 9 7

9 8 7 4 4 4 3 1 1 0

1 1 1 5 4 6 5 5 6 7

0 0 0 3 1 1 1 2 2 0

18 16 14 11 9 9 7 4 4 0

70 35 49 54 37 31 67 21 22 7

20 20 9 42 32 46 38 36

18 20 20 4 28 63 36 14 8 54 0

Bantam A - Lidstrom 5 West GP W L T PTS GF GA PIM

Kensington V.Renegades Midwest Bulldogs Victory Honda Edgez Kentwood Falcons Ice Mountain Cats Chelsea Chiefs KOHA K-Wings Silver Jackson Generals

7 6 4 6 6 5 6 10

6 5 4 4 3 2 1 0

1 1 0 2 3 3 5 10

0 12 58 13 46 0 10 38 11 4 0 8 36 0 22 0 8 17 20 20 0 6 27 24 4 0 4 17 17 0 0 2 8 39 0 0 0 4 81 54

Bantam AA - Yzerman East GP W L T PTS GF GA PIM

Pee Wee AA - Lidstrom 5 GP W L T PTS GF GA PIM Grosse Ile Islanders 8 8 0 0 16 46 17 8

Rochester Rattlers St. Clair Shores Saints

6 5 0 1 11 15 9 10 6 5 1 0 10 24 8 0

Youth League Standings

November 22, 2010, Volume 21 : Issue 8 Toledo Cherokee Trenton Thunder Oakland Jr. Grizzlies USA Eagles Mt. Clemens Wolves Port Huron Flags

8 6 7 6 7 6

4 4 3 1 1 0

3 2 3 3 5 6

1 0 1 2 1 0

9 8 7 4 3 0

25 20 27 10 8 6

14 18 19 16 22 29

75 30 0 10 30 30

Bantam AA - Yzerman West GP W L T PTS GF GA PIM

Midland Northstars Farmington Hills Fire Lakeland Hawks Kentwood Falcons Kensington V. Renegades Livonia Knights Plymouth Stingrays Orchard Lake Pirates

8 7 8 9 9 9 8 10

5 5 5 5 4 3 2 1

1 1 2 4 4 4 6 8

2 1 1 0 1 2 0 1

12 11 11 10 9 8 4 3

33 29 27 28 30 19 22 18

24 16 18 27 27 28 30 36

15 20 0 0 0 20 10 0

Bantam AA - Howe 3 Troy Sting Summit Plastics Cleveland Warriors Flint Icelanders Kensington V. Rebels Michigan Jaguars Belle Tire South

GP 11 9 10 7 10 6 9

W 9 6 4 3 3 2 2

L 2 3 6 2 6 3 7

T PTS GF GA PIM 0 18 43 25 0 0 12 31 21 0 0 8 19 25 0 2 8 23 22 0 1 7 31 37 0 1 5 10 15 0 0 4 28 40 20

Bantam AA - Howe 4 SouthC.GP W L T PTS GF GA PIM

Novi Ice Cats Woodhaven Leafs Suburban Stars Redford Royals

8 9 6 9

6 6 4 3

0 2 1 5

2 14 51 23 20 1 13 35 20 75 1 9 30 24 45 1 7 26 33 10

Allen Park Huskies Victory Honda Little Caesars Ann Arbor Wolves

6 8 5 5

2 2 1 1

4 6 3 4

0 0 1 0

4 4 3 2

22 24 10 11

29 36 24 20

15 22 29 0

Flint Belle Tire Taylor Birmingham Grand Rapids Capital Centre

10 13 12 9 7

4 3 2 0 1

5 9 8 6 6

1 1 2 3 0

9 7 6 3 2

18 27 24 14 14

29 47 53 27 29

0 10 30 0 50

Midget A - Howe West Toledo Kensington V. Livonia KOHA Westland Belle Tire Dearborn Henry Ford Plymouth Canton Victory Honda Michigan Ice Dogs

GP 9 7 9 9 10 10 7 9 7 7

W 8 7 5 4 3 4 3 2 2 0

L 0 0 4 4 4 6 3 6 5 6

T 1 0 0 1 3 0 1 1 0 1

PTS 17 14 10 9 9 8 7 5 4 1

GF 58 46 31 43 39 31 33 15 29 11

GA 19 8 28 35 44 61 35 38 28 40

PIM 16 118 24 75 112 171 40 65 22 16

Midget A - Howe East Honeybaked Rochester Port Huron St. Clair Shores Troy Orchard Lake Suburban Lansing USA

GP 9 6 5 6 5 6 5 7 7

W 6 4 4 4 3 2 2 1 0

L 2 2 1 2 1 2 3 6 7

T PTS GF GA PIM 1 13 45 17 12 0 8 33 11 0 0 8 30 9 22 0 8 28 13 10 1 7 22 10 43 2 6 20 21 0 0 4 15 12 35 0 2 9 51 28 0 0 1 59 15

Midget AA -Yzerman St. Clair Shores Saints

GP W L T PTS GF GA PIM 9 9 0 0 18 63 10 15

Bantam AA - Howe 4 West GP W L T PTS GF GA PIM

Fort Wayne Komets West Kent Hawks Jackson Generals Kalamazoo K-Wings Grand Valley Stars Sylvania Maple Leafs Holland Ice Dogs Findlay Oilers

8 8 10 10 6 10 5 7

7 5 5 3 2 2 1 1

1 2 4 5 2 6 2 4

0 14 44 17 0 1 11 34 19 15 1 11 33 29 0 2 8 22 31 10 2 6 23 22 0 2 6 22 47 0 2 4 13 16 0 2 4 9 19 0

Bantam AA - Howe 4 NorthE.GP W L T PTS GF GA PIM

Lapeer Storm Michigan Travelers Michigan Ice Hawks Birmingham Rangers Blue Water Stars Motor City Jaguars Saginaw Badgers Fraser Falcons

10 10 5 10 7 9 7 6

6 5 5 4 4 4 1 0

3 2 0 5 3 5 6 5

1 13 42 19 54 3 13 25 23 60 0 10 22 5 30 1 9 47 28 10 0 8 28 26 27 0 8 22 33 8 0 2 9 32 16 1 1 15 44 0

Midget A - Yzerman Allen Park West Kent Summit Plastic Oakland Jr. Grizzlies Mt Clemens

GP W 12 12 12 8 11 6 9 5 11 5

L 0 3 3 1 5

T 0 1 2 3 1

PTS 24 17 14 13 11

GF 63 38 43 26 32

GA 17 22 23 19 33

PIM 4 0 64 10 12

Troy Sting USA Eagles Michigan Blues Westland Warriors Rochester Rattlers Alpena Flyers

11 11 7 9 12 5

7 4 3 3 3 1

4 6 2 5 9 4

0 14 47 42 35 1 9 44 37 10 2 8 27 22 0 1 7 32 42 20 0 6 29 70 0 0 2 11 30 0

Midget AA - Howe Battle Creek Bruins St. Ignace Firehawks Oakland Icebreakers Plymouth Stingrays Suburban Stars Bloomfield Hills Gamblers Grosse Pointe Bulldogs Grand Rapids Griffins

GP 9 12 11 7 10 9 7 7

W 8 7 6 6 3 2 2 0

L 1 4 4 1 7 6 5 6

T 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 1

GA 22 31 35 16 35 35 26 64

Girls 12U - Yzerman Honeybaked Compuware Belle Tire Buffalo Wild Wings Little Caesars

GP 4 4 4 1 3

W 3 2 2 0 0

L 1 1 2 0 3

Girls 12U - Howe East Michigan IceBreakers Livonia Mt. Clemens Wolves Victory Honda Kensington V. Ravens Grand Rapids

GP 8 8 6 4 7 6

W 7 5 5 4 0 0

L 1 2 1 0 6 5

Girls 12U - Howe West St. Clair Shores Ann Arbor Little Caesars G10U Grosse Pointe Bulldogs USA Wild Flowers

GP 7 7 5 6 8

W 4 4 3 1 0

L 2 3 2 3 8

T PTS GF GA PIM 1 9 29 10 6 0 8 27 25 2 0 6 19 21 0 2 4 14 31 2 0 0 6 57 2

PIM 76 37 35 30 90 51 46 62

Girls 14U - Yzerman Mt. Clemens Wolves Michigan IceBreakers Rochester Livonia Grosse Pointe Saintes Birmingham Rangers USA Wildflowers

GP 7 8 7 7 8 8 7

W 7 4 4 4 3 1 0

L 0 2 1 2 4 7 7

T 0 2 2 1 1 0 0

T PTS GF GA 0 6 19 6 1 5 8 6 0 4 6 13 1 1 2 2 0 0 3 11

PIM 14 2 2 0 4

Girls 16U - Yzerman Grand Rapids Michigan Icebreakers Mt. Clemens Wolves Livonia Allen Park Huskies

GP 7 5 5 9 6

W 6 5 2 1 0

L 0 0 1 7 6

T PTS GF GA PIM 1 13 40 16 4 0 10 38 2 4 2 6 18 15 30 1 3 19 46 6 0 0 5 41 26

T 0 1 0 0 1 1

PIM 20 0 4 20 2 0

Girls 19U - Yzerman GP W L T PTS GF GA PIM Traverse City North stars 8 5 2 1 11 22 13 12 Michigan Ice Dogs 8 2 3 3 7 19 21 20 Michigan Icebreakers 8 2 4 2 6 17 24 30 Gladwin G-Force 6 1 2 3 5 10 12 12 Belle Tire 2 1 0 1 3 5 3 30

PTS 16 15 13 12 6 5 4 1

PTS 14 11 10 8 1 1

GF 59 37 41 59 28 19 12 9

GF 66 26 31 24 9 7

GA 8 16 7 3 37 43

PTS 14 10 10 9 7 2 0

GF 46 40 25 25 18 9 3

GA 2 15 11 20 24 49 45

PIM 0 0 4 0 0 0 2

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Youth League Standings

Tier 1 Elite Standings (November 16, 2010) MIDGET MAJOR

PTS 19 17 15 8 8 7 7 7 2 0

GA 32 10 18 9 22 31 55 44 47 59

PIM 72 62 84 104 88 102 138 88 56 32

1999 Pee Wee Minor GP W Chicago Mission 12 12 Chicago Fury 12 6 Little Caesars 8 6 Team Illinois 9 4 Victory Honda 9 3 Compuware 9 4 Honeybaked Hockey 10 4 Belle Tire 10 3 Chicago Young Americans 11 2 Cleveland Barons 10 0

L 0 4 1 3 2 4 5 6 9 10

T 0 2 1 2 4 1 1 1 0 0

PTS GF GA 24 106 12 14 37 40 13 60 16 10 42 25 10 26 33 9 31 32 9 29 31 7 23 42 4 18 85 0 12 68

PIM 108 104 108 86 98 154 98 90 146 177

PIM 260 323 246 226 243

2000 Squirt Major Little Caesars Chicago Mission Honeybaked Hockey Cleveland Barons CYA Compuware Team Illinois Victory Honda Chicago Fury Belle Tire

GP 10 12 11 12 16 11 15 10 11 10

W 9 9 7 7 4 4 4 4 2 1

L 0 2 1 3 9 6 10 6 7 7

T 1 1 3 2 3 1 1 0 2 2

PTS 19 19 17 16 11 9 9 8 6 4

PIM 114 94 124 100 155 114 167 140 135 81

GA 20 23 56 63 51

PIM 188 139 212 198 242

2001 Squirt Minor Little Caesars Honeybaked Belle Tire Compuware Cleveland Barons Victory Honda

GP 7 7 8 6 4 4

W 6 5 3 3 0 0

L 0 2 4 3 4 4

T PTS GF GA PIM 1 13 53 10 60 0 10 26 18 48 1 7 27 36 52 0 6 19 26 34 0 0 12 22 22 0 0 3 28 50

GA 16 13 38 36 33

PIM 144 144 256 251 136

Girls 19 and Under Pittsburgh Penguins Belle Tire Little Caesars Chicago Mission Ohio Flames Victory Honda Honeybaked Madison Capitols St Louis Lady Blues CYA New Jersey Rockets Team Illinois

GP 5 5 4 6 5 5 4 4 5 5 4 4

W 4 4 4 4 3 2 1 1 1 0 0 0

L 0 1 0 2 1 1 2 2 4 3 4 4

T PTS GF GA 1 9 15 5 0 8 29 6 0 8 27 4 0 8 20 9 1 7 28 11 2 6 13 13 1 3 4 6 1 3 8 11 0 2 10 29 2 2 8 16 0 0 6 23 0 0 3 38

PIM 22 38 26 45 20 36 28 38 48 38 30 16

Girls 16 and Under Little Caesars Chicago Mission Honeybaked Pittsburgh Penguins CYA Victory Honda St Louis Lady Blues Team Illinois Madison Capitols Ohio Flames Compuware Wisconsin Wild Chicago Fury Belle Tire

GP 7 7 6 6 6 9 4 9 5 6 5 4 7 7

W 7 6 5 4 4 4 1 1 2 1 1 1 0 0

L 0 1 0 0 1 5 0 5 3 3 3 3 6 7

T 0 0 1 2 1 0 3 3 0 2 1 0 1 0

GA 6 4 6 5 9 30 4 38 12 18 16 23 35 53

PIM 60 49 24 48 48 106 16 67 30 58 45 66 24 43

Girls 14 and Under Chicago Mission CYA Chicago Fury Honeybaked Little Caesars Ohio Flames Wisconsin Wild St Louis Lady Blues Pittsburgh Pens Elite Victory Honda Compuware Team Illinois

GP 6 5 7 7 5 5 5 5 5 7 5 6

W 6 4 4 4 3 2 2 2 1 1 1 0

L 0 0 3 3 1 2 2 2 3 5 4 5

T PTS GF GA 0 12 33 3 1 9 24 7 0 8 32 24 0 8 20 18 1 7 17 7 1 5 12 11 1 5 14 15 1 5 12 16 1 3 11 21 1 3 15 42 0 2 10 20 1 1 4 20

PIM 42 28 58 34 38 24 22 16 50 52 36 30

L 5 5 2 5 7

T 0 1 2 2 0

DETROIT Division Honeybaked Victory Honda Compuware Little Caesars Belle Tire

GP 8 8 8 9 9

W 4 4 3 3 3

L 2 3 2 4 5

T PTS GF GA PIM 2 10 28 24 83 1 9 29 26 137 3 9 25 16 72 2 8 26 28 175 1 7 42 30 185

EAST Division Pittsburgh Hornets Buffalo Regals Team Comcast Boston Advantage Philadelphia Jr Flyers

GP 8 8 10 6 8

W 6 5 3 2 0

L 0 0 4 2 5

T PTS GF GA PIM 2 14 32 19 125 3 13 24 14 124 3 9 31 40 227 2 6 12 14 70 3 3 17 24 63

MIDAM Division St. Louis Amat Blues Dallas Stars Russell Stover Madison Capitols Ohio Blue Jackets

GP 16 14 15 16 15

W 12 8 5 3 3

L 0 4 9 11 11

T 4 2 1 2 1

PTS 28 18 11 8 7

GF 62 39 52 30 40

GA 32 32 57 66 58

PIM 193 316 182 256 160

WEST Division Colorado Thunderbirds Colorado Rampage LA Kings Phoenix Jr Coyotes LA Selects Hockey Club

GP 16 15 14 13 14

W 12 5 5 2 2

L 2 6 7 8 12

T 2 4 2 3 0

PTS 26 14 12 7 4

GF 65 42 34 30 26

GA 30 43 45 47 78

CHICAGO Division GP W Team Illinois 11 9 Chicago Mission 12 7 Chicago Young Americans 15 6 Cleveland Barons 14 3 Chicago Fury 14 1

L 0 3 9 11 12

T 2 2 0 0 1

PTS 20 16 12 6 3

GF 57 45 50 31 16

DETROIT Division Honeybaked Little Caesars Victory Honda Belle Tire Compuware

GP 12 12 13 13 12

W 10 10 7 6 6

L 0 1 4 3 6

T 2 1 2 4 0

PTS 22 21 16 16 12

GF 57 49 44 47 40

EAST Division Philadelphia Jr Flyers Pittsburgh Hornets Team Comcast Buffalo Regals Boston Advantage

GP 10 9 7 7 7

W 6 5 2 1 0

L 3 4 4 4 6

T PTS GF GA PIM 1 13 26 20 82 0 10 34 28 133 1 5 22 25 96 2 4 17 30 56 1 1 10 25 72

MIDAM Division Russell Stover St Louis AAA Blues Dallas Stars Ohio Blue Jackets Madison Capitols

GP 12 12 12 12 12

W 4 4 4 2 1

L 3 5 6 9 10

T 5 3 2 1 1

PTS 13 11 10 5 3

GF 35 34 25 27 19

GA 33 38 37 55 59

PIM 112 100 95 213 111

WEST Division LA Selects Hockey Club Colorado Thunderbirds Phoenix Jr Coyotes LA Kings Colorado Rampage

GP 13 13 16 13 13

W 12 9 6 4 3

L 1 2 7 7 8

T 0 2 3 2 2

PTS 24 20 15 10 8

GF 51 48 44 40 23

GA 24 22 55 47 44

PIM 220 138 155 309 126

1996 Bantam Major GP Chicago Mission 9 Belle Tire 8 Little Caesars 6 Cleveland Barons 9 Honeybaked Hockey 9 Chicago Young Americans 7 Chicago Fury 8 Compuware 9 Team Illinois 8 Victory Honda 7

W 8 8 4 4 3 1 1 1 2 1

L 0 0 2 5 5 2 4 5 6 4

T PTS GF GA PIM 1 17 51 19 76 0 16 55 10 70 0 8 21 19 57 0 8 27 26 156 1 7 25 36 124 4 6 17 20 103 3 5 14 32 168 3 5 21 40 80 0 4 12 29 152 2 4 14 26 54

1997 Bantam Minor GP W Little Caesars 15 10 Chicago Mission 13 9 Belle Tire 12 6 Compuware 9 7 Honeybaked Hockey 11 7 Chicago Young Americans 11 6 Cleveland Barons 11 2 Victory Honda 12 2 Chicago Fury 11 1 Team Illinois 13 0

L 4 2 1 0 3 2 8 9 9 12

T 1 2 5 2 1 3 1 1 1 1

MichiganHockeyOnline.com

GF 73 68 43 63 38 41 21 16 16 9

GA 34 38 26 42 30

GA 35 20 20 22 14 20 53 65 56 83

PIM 370 137 111 160 179

PIM 137 160 140 127 74 96 128 104 177 140

1998 Pee Wee Major Honeybaked Chicago Mission Little Caesars Team Illinois Compuware CYA Cleveland Belle Tire Victory Honda Chicago Fury

GP 13 9 9 5 8 9 12 10 8 7

PTS 14 12 11 10 9 8 5 5 4 4 3 2 1 0

GF 59 53 50 16 26 29 42 29 19 4

GF 60 63 49 48 45 30 21 33 27 22

GF 40 42 37 21 19 22 8 13 15 5 9 14 8 6

GA 16 21 26 34 67 40 50 39 57 48

Standings by Pointstreak

T 3 1 3 0 2 1 1 1 0 0

W 8 7 6 5 5

PTS 21 20 17 16 15 15 5 5 3 1

GF 49 56 42 30 30

L 2 0 0 1 3 5 8 6 7 7

GP 13 13 10 12 12

MIDGET MINOR

PTS 16 15 14 12 10

W 8 8 6 4 3 3 3 3 1 0

CHICAGO Division CYA Chicago Fury Chicago Mission Cleveland Team Illinois

Michigan Hockey

17

Ce Center entt B orn n August 17, 1980 Hometown: Grosse Pointe Born: Heig g Height/Weight: 6-2/204 Shoots: Left Season S Se a o as

League GP

G

A

Pts

PIM

MWEHL

90

76

114

190

48

Compuware Tier II

NAHL

44

21

41

62

58

1997 19 997 9 -98 -9 98 1997-98

Plymouth Whalers

OHL

59

54

51

105

56

1998-9 19 99 1998-99

Plymouth Whalers

OHL

55

31

49

80

65

19 998 9 -9 99 1998-99

Nashville Predators

NHL

1

0

0

0

0

19 99 99 9-0 00 1999-00

Nashville Predators

NHL

71

13

15

28

30

20 000-01 2000-01

Nashville Predators

NHL

81

13

28

41

38

2 01 20 1-0 02 2001-02

Nashville Predators

NHL

63

11

19

30

54

20 2002-0 0 03 2002-03

Nashville Predators

NHL

64

17

31

48

34

2003 2003 20 03-0 04 2003-04

Nashville Predators

NHL

82

18

29

47

46

20 004-0 05 2004-05

Basel

Swiss-B

3

6

2

8

2

1995-96 1 19 995 995 95-9 96

Compuware Bantams

19 996 9 -9 97 1996-97

2 05-0 20 06 2005-06

Nashville Predators

NHL

44

7

19

26

34

2005 20 05-0 05 06 2005-06

Milwaukee Admirals

AHL

3

0

0

0

0

2 06 20 06-0 -07 -0 2006-07

Nashville Predators

NHL

78

27

36

63

44

2007 20 0 -0 08 2007-08

Nashville Predators

NHL

65

15

29

44

38

2 08 20 08-0 -0 09 2008-09

Nashville Predators

NHL

73

20

22

42

32

2009 20 0 -10 2009-10

Nashville Predators

NHL

82

11

27

38

24

2010 20 10-11 1 2010-11

Nashville Predators

NHL

13

2

3

NHL Totals

717 154 258

5

412

8

382

Attend Attended A n Grosse Pointe North High School, played for Compuware growing g owi up and spends the summer in Michigan… Was 1997 gr NAHL First All-Star and Rookie of the Year with Ambassadors…

The T next season with Plymouth he was named the CHL Rookie of the Year, OHL Rookie of the Year, OHL Most Valuable Player and was a member of the OHL First All-Star V Va and OHL All-Rookie … Became the first rookie in 24 years to and an dO capture capt ca capt ptu u MVP honors in the OHL and only the second U.S.-born player p ay pl aye e to be named MVP (Pat Peake in 1993)… Led all OHL rookies ro ooki and ranked third in the league in points in 1997-98… Led Plymouth in goals, assists and points in 1997-98… Played for USA Plym ymo ym in tthe he e 1998 and 1999 World Junior Championships… Selected by with second overall pick in the 1998 NHL Entry

by Nashville Na Draft…

Dr raf a t… Signed with the Predators on April 16, 1999 and made NHL debut in final regular-season game on April 17 vs. New his NH N Jersey…

Jers rssey rse ey… Scored his first NHL goal, the game-winner, on Oct. 11, 1999 1 99 19 9 at Toronto… Started this season as Nashville’s all-time leader in points, poiint goals, assists, games played and game-winning goals (32)…

Scored a goal and the shoot out winner against Columbus on (32) 2 … Sc November No ove v mbe 21, 2009 just after son Ryder was born… Enjoys boating golfi ng… and d go olfi lfin n g Favorite musician is Bruce Springsteen and favorite food Nickname is “Leggy”... Has a black lab named Riley. is pasta… N

PHOTO BY TOM TURRILL/MICHIGAN HOCKEY

Ő 57$74$#0+%' %1/ %528*+721 5' MACOMB, MI 48042

OPEN & HOUSE DIVISIONS /KVG Ő 5SWKTV Ő 2GG 9GG $CPVCO Ő *KIJ 5EJQQN Ő #FWNV

DECEMBER 31 8am to 6pm

4 players & 1 goalie

Michigan Hockey 20th Season

November 22 2010, Volume 21 : Issue 8

20 Years/20 Issues Michigan Hockey Headlines Current Washington Capitals forward Mike Knuble of Kentwood announces in January he will attend the University of Michigan. Knuble was taken 76th overall in the 1991 entry draft by the Detroit Red Wings.

Lansing native and former Michigan State star Kevin Miller of Lansing was traded to the Detroit Red Wings from the New York Rangers just before the March trading deadline expired. The Rangers received Joe Kocur in return.

After claiming the National Championship, the Northern Michigan Wildcats of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association visit President George Bush at the White House in May. Head coach Rick Comley received the Coach of the Year award after guiding the Wildcats to a 38-5-4 record.

January 9th Baseball officially bans Pete Rose from being elected to Hall of Fame

JANUARY January3rd Los Angeles King Wayne Gretzky scores his 700th goal against New York Islanders

February 3rd Farmington Hills’ Meg Mallon wins Oldsmobile LPGA Golf Classic

February 27th 6 week Gulf War ends after Iraqi troops retreated and Kuwait is liberated

FEBRUARY January 17th Operation Desert Storm begins - U.S. led allies vs Iraq

February 5th Michigan court bars Dr. Jack Kevorkian from assisting in suicides

March 19th NFL owners strip Phoenix of 1993 Super Bowl game due to Arizona not recognizing Martin Luther King Day

April 1st U.S. minimum wage goes from $3.80 to $4.25 per hour

MARCH March 16th 7 of Reba McEntire band members are killed in a plane crash

APRIL

Michigan Hockey

Michigan gets a is second minor league professional , the Michigan Falcons, in August. The Falcons are based out of the Fraser Ice Arenas and play in the Colonial Hockey League. Former Michigan State assistant coach Terry Christensen serves as both general manager and head coach of the franchise.

Detroit Red Wings rookie defenseman Nick Lidstrom starts his NHL career by playing in 80 games in the 1991-92 season. Lidstrom posts marks of 11 goals and 60 points and a +36 plus/minus with the Wings and shows early signs of a hall of fame career.

June 10th “Twin Peaks” airs on ABC-TV

April 10th Los Angeles King Wayne Gretzky scores NHL record 93rd playoff goal May 3rd 356th and final episode of Dallas

MAY

April 22nd Johnny Carson announces he will retire next year from Tonight Show

MichiganHockeyOnline.com

JUNE May 13th Apple releases Macintosh System 7.0

March 27th Scotty Bowman elected to NHL Hall of Fame

March 3rd Four Los Angeles Police severly beat Rodney King, captured on amateur video

20

The North American Junior Hockey League (NAHJL) announces a new president in Hugh Melvin. Melvin took over for Lyle Miller of Lansing who held the position for the previous six years. Miller is the father of Kevin, Kelly, and Kip, all NHL players.

June 6th NBC announces Jay Leno will replace Johnny Carson on May 25, 1992

June 11th Microsoft releases MS DOS 5.0

Michigan Hockey 20th Season

Flashback: BRIAN ROLSTON MLB Champion Minnesota Twins

Hart trophy - NHL MVP Brett Hull - St. Louis Blues

NFL Superbowl winner New York Giants

Cost of a dozen Eggs $1 .01

NBA Champion Chicago Bulls

Cost of a gallon of Milk $2.78

NHL Stanley Cup winner Pittsburgh Penguins

Cost of a gallon of Gas $1.16

OHL Champion S. S. Marie Greyhounds

#1 Song From a Distance, Bette Midler

Memorial Cup Champion Spokane Chiefs NCAA Champion Northern Michigan Academy Award’s Top Movie Silence of the Lambs Top Television Show 60 Minutes Jack Adams awardTop NHL Coach Brian Sutter - St. Louis Blues Cost of a U.S. Stamp $0.25

Ross trophy - Top NHL scorer Wayne Gretzky - L.A. Kings #1 NHL Draft Pick Eric Lindros-Quebec Nordiques CCHA Regular Season Champion Lake Superior State Vezina trophy Best NHL Goaltender Ed Belfour - Chicago Blackhawks

In March 1991, current New Jersey Devils forward Brian Rolston came within a goal of reaching 50 goals in a season during his second year with the North American Hockey League’s Compuware Ambassadors.

Rolston led the Tier II Junior A circuit in scoring (49-46-95) in the 1990-91 season and helped the Ambassadors to a record of 30-5-5 and a first place finish in the league. Other top players in the NAHL that year included future Hobey Baker Award winner Brian Holzinger and current Anaheim Ducks forward Todd Marchant.

Two months after Rolston’s NAHL season ended, the New Jersey Devils made him their second first-round pick (11th overall) in the 1991 NHL Draft. Eric Lindros was selected number one by Quebec and the Devils also took Scott Niedermayer with the third overall pick. The Detroit Red Wings selected forward Martin Lapointe tenth overall, one pick ahead of Rolston.

After spending two seasons at Lake Superior State and winning a national title with the Lakers in 1992, Rolston played in the 1994 Winter Olympics, won a bronze medal with Team USA in the 1996 World Championships and a gold medal at the 1996 World Cup. He also represented the United States at three World Junior Championships (1991, 1992, 1993).

Rolston grew up in Fenton and Ann Arbor and because of hockey and schoolwork he missed his senior prom and other school events.

“I wasn’t able to do all the things that other kids did in school growing up – I think I went to one dance the whole time I was in high school – but there are sacrifices you have to make if you are serious about hockey,” he said at the time.

“But it all paid off in the end, I am living the best life in the world.”

After five seasons in New Jersey, Rolston was traded to Colorado in 1999, and played a season with the Avalanche before being traded to Boston where he played three years. He signed as a free agent with Minnesota in 2004 and then returned to New Jersey in 2008.

Now in his 17th NHL season, Rolston has played in 1,125 games and scored 322 goals and 704 points.

July 6th 98th Wimbledon Womens Tennis: Steffi Graf beats G Sabatini

JULY

November 7th Magic Johnson announces he has HIV virus and retires from Los Angeles Lakers

October 2nd Eric Lindros, refused to sign with Quebec Nordiques August 24th Gorbachev resigns as head of U.S.S.R. Communist Party

AUGUST

July 19th Cal Ripken plays in his 1,500th consecutive game

September 7th 111th U.S. Mens Tennis: Stefan Edberg beats Jim Courier

SEPTEMBER

October 11th Anita Hill testifies Clarence Thomas sexually harrased her

OCTOBER

September 27th 1st scheduled NHL exhibition game in St. Petersburg Fla, is cancelled due to poor ice August 15th 750,000 attend Paul Simon’s free concert in Central Park

Still, the highlight of NHL career is collecting a Stanley Cup ring as a member of the Devils championship team in 1995 that swept the Detroit Red Wings.

“There is no greater feeling than lifting the Cup and skating a lap around the rink,” he said.

“I’ve really been fortunate,” he said. “Just to play hockey for a living is amazing, but then to accomplish as much as I have, that’s incredible. Winning the bronze medal was great and winning the national title was great.

But it’s nothing like winning the Cup.”

By Philip Colvin

September 21st USA Basketball announces “Dream Team” for the Olympics

November 23rd A day before he dies, Freddie Mercury, 45, confirms he has AIDS

NOVEMBER

MichiganHockeyOnline.com

DECEMBER

November 17th Detroit Lion Mike Utley is paralized in a game vs Los Angeles Rams October 17th Pitts Penguin Paul Coffey sets NHL defenseman scoring record with 1,053 career points

July 31st MTV announces it will split into 3 channels

December 31st U.S.S.R., last day of existence

December 14th 57th Heisman Trophy Award: Desmond Howard, Michigan

Michigan Hockey

21

TOURNAMENT CALENDAR Michigan Thanksgiving Classic Monroe, Michigan November 26 – 28, 2010 BOYS - 2009, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993,1992,1991 BOYS - Recreational B,(Select-A), AA, AAA, Elite AAA - GIRLS - Rep (HL, Sel, C, B,BB) and Elite (A, AA) 1-888-422-6526 tournaments@icesports.com http://www. canlanclassictournaments.com McCann Ice Arena 7th Annual Thanksgiving Tournament Grosse Pointe Woods, MI November 26-28, 2010 Mite-Midget House and Travel 313-343-0947 Eddie Edgar Thanksgiving Challenge Livonia, MI November 26-28, 2010 Mite-Midget B&BB 734-422-5172 ljyarnell@livoniahockey.org http://www.livoniahockey.org/?

Mt. Pleasant Patriots Get Into the Cold Tournaments November 26-28, 2010 Mt. Pleasant, MI Bantam B www.mtpleasanthockey.com Advanced Tournaments November 26-28, 2010 Holland, MI Great Lakes Thanksgiving Classic Mite through Midget; B, A, and AA, High School Varsity and JV Contact Advanced Tournaments 847-277-7343 www.advancedtournaments.com Hockey Time Productions Wolverine Cup Tournament Series Brighton/Novi, MI November 26-28, 2010 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 www.itshockeytime.com Hockey Time Productions K-Zoo Cup Tournament Series Kalamazoo, MI November 26-28, 2010 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 www.itshockeytime.com Big Rapids Hockey Association Pee Wee B Weekend Big Rapids, MI December 3-5, 2010 Pee Wee B 231-591-2881 www.bigrapidshockey.org Advanced Tournaments December 3-5, 2010 Holland, MI Great Lakes Tournament Series Squirt House, Pee Wee A, Midget Minor & Girls 12U Contact Advanced Tournaments 847-277-7343 www.advancedtournaments.com Mt. Pleasant Patriots Get Into the Cold Tournaments December 3-5, 2010 Mt. Pleasant, MI Pee Wee B www.mtpleasanthockey.com

Hockey Time Productions Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MI December 3-5, 2010 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 www.itshockeytime.com West Shore Tournament Series Scottville, MI December 3-5, 2010 Pee Wee B 231-843-9712 www.westshoreice.com Silver Stick Regional Hockey Tournament December 9-12, 2010 Trenton, MI Mite-Bantam “B” 734- 751-3831 http://ss-trenton.pointstreaksites. com/view/ss-trenton/home-page Grand Traverse Hockey Association Tournament Series Traverse City, MI December 10-12, 2010 Pee Wee B 231-933-4842 gthatournaments@yahoo.com Big Rapids Hockey Association Mite B Studio Tournament Big Rapids, MI December 10-12, 2010 Mite B 231-591-2881 www.bigrapidshockey.org Advanced Tournaments December 10-12, 2010 Holland, MI Great Lakes Tournament Series Pee Wee House, Pee Wee AA, Bantam House Contact Advanced Tournaments 847-277-7343 www.advancedtournaments.com Hockey Time Productions Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MI December 10-12, 2010 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 www.itshockeytime.com McCann Ice Arena 5th Annual Christmas Tournament Grosse Pointe Woods, MI December 26-29, 2010 Mite-Midget House and Travel 313-343-0947 Compuware Arena Holiday Classic Tournament December 26-30, 2010 Plymouth, MI Mini Mite-Midget/JV B, A & AA 734-453-6400 www.compuwarearena.com Advanced Tournaments January 7-9, 2011 Holland, MI Great Lakes Tournament Series Mite AA, Squirt House, Midget House Contact Advanced Tournaments 847-277-7343 www.advancedtournaments.com West Shore Tournament Series Scottville, MI January 7-9, 2011 Bantam B 231-843-9712 www.westshoreice.com

Grand Traverse Hockey Association Tournament Series Traverse City, MI January 7-9, 2011 Squirt B 231-933-4842 gthatournaments@yahoo.com Mt. Pleasant Patriots Get Into the Cold Tournaments January 7-9, 2011 Mt. Pleasant, MI Midget B www.mtpleasanthockey.com Big Rapids Hockey Association Mite B Studio Tournament Big Rapids, MI January 7-9, 2011 Mite 231-591-2881 www.bigrapidshockey.org Capitol City Showdown for the Governor’s Cup January 14-17, 2011 Lansing, MI Mite-Bantam B, A & AA 517-336-4272 www.suburbanice.com/suburbanlansing Advanced Tournaments January 14-16, 2011 Holland, MI Great Lakes Tournament Series Mite House, Pee Wee House, Bantam AA Contact Advanced Tournaments 847-277-7343 www.advancedtournaments.com

OUT OF STATE Chicago Wolves Windy City Challenge Series Wishbone Challenge West Dundee, IL November 25-30, 2010 Mite-Midget B, A & AA 847-844-8700 Ext. 224 glapato@clubsportconsulting.com www.leafsicecentre.com New Jersey Thanksgiving Classic Vineland, New Jersey November 26 – 28, 2010 BOYS - 2009, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991 (Travel B,Select, AE), A, AA, AAA 888-422-6526 tournaments@icesports.com http:// www.canlanclassictournaments.com Fort Wayne Thanksgiving Blast Fort Wayne, Indiana November 26-28, 2010 BOYS - 2002/2001, 2000, 1999/1998, 1997/1996, 1995/1994/1993,1992/1991 Tier II - B, A, AA 888-422-6526 tournaments@icesports.com http:// www.canlanclassictournaments. com/ Advanced Tournaments November 26-28, 2010 Chicago, IL CHICAGO CUP Tournament Series: Chicago Thanksgiving Classic Mite through Midget; B, A, and AA, High School Varsity and JV Contact Advanced Tournaments 847-277-7343 www.advancedtournaments.com

COMPLETE and UP-TO-DATE TOURNAMENT LISTING ON WEBSITE

www.michiganhockeyonline.com

Advanced Tournaments November 26-28, 2010 Pittsburgh, PA Steel City Tournament Series: Pittsburgh Thanksgiving Classic Mite through Midget: B, A, AA Contact Advanced Tournaments 847-277-7343 www.advancedtournaments.com Advanced Tournaments November 26-28, 2010 Rochester, NY Empire State Tournament Series: Rochester Thanksgiving Classic Mite through Midget: B, A, AA, Girls U12, U14, U16 & U19 Contact Advanced Tournaments 847-277-7343 www.advancedtournaments.com Advanced Tournaments November 26-28, 2010 Washington, DC Congressional Cup Tournament Series: Congressional Thanksgiving Classic Mite through Midget: B, A, AA, Girls U12, U14, U16 & U19 Contact Advanced Tournaments 847-277-7343 www.advancedtournaments.com Advanced Tournaments November 26-28, 2010 Riverside, CA Golden State Tournament Series: Golden State Thanksgiving Classic Mite through Midget: B, A, AA, Girls U12, U14, U16 & U19 Contact Advanced Tournaments 847-277-7343 www.advancedtournaments.com Hockey Time Productions Rock ‘n Roll Cup Tournament Series Cleveland, OH November 26-28, 2010 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 www.itshockeytime.com Hockey Time Productions Three Rivers Cup Tournament Series Pittsburgh, PA November 26-28, 2010 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 www.itshockeytime.com Niagra Sports Tournament Festival of Lights Niagra Falls, NY November 26-28, 2010 Mites, Squirts, Pee Wees, Bantams, and Midgets B, A & AA available.

716-791-4068 www.niagratournaments.com Hockey Time Productions Rock ‘n Roll Cup Tournament Series Cleveland, OH December 3-5, 2010 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 www.itshockeytime.com Gene Harrington Invitational Shootout Classic Niagra Falls, NY December 3-5, 2010 781-710-6560 www.nahockey.com

New Jersey Christmas Classic Vineland, New Jersey December 27-29, 2010 BOYS - 2009, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993,1992,1991 (Travel B,Select, AE), A, AA, AAA 888-422-6526 tournaments@icesports.com http://www. canlanclassictournaments.com Chicago Wolves Windy City Challenge Series Arctic Challenge West Dundee, IL December 27-30, 2010 Mite-Midget B, A & AA 847-844-8700 Ext. 224 glapato@clubsportconsulting.com www.leafsicecentre.com Hockey Time Productions Rock ‘n Roll Cup Tournament Series Cleveland, OH January 14-17, 2011 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 www.itshockeytime.com Hockey Time Productions Three Rivers Cup Tournament Series Pittsburgh, PA January 14-17, 2011 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 www.itshockeytime.com Hockey Time Productions Hoosier Cup Tournament Series Ft. Wayne, IN January 14-17, 2011 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 www.itshockeytime.com

Advanced Tournaments January 15-17, 2011 Chicago, IL CHICAGO CUP Tournament Series: Chicago Midwinter Classic Mite through Midget; B, A, and AA, High School Varsity and JV Contact Advanced Tournaments 847-277-7343 www.advancedtournaments.com Advanced Tournaments January 15-17, 2011 Chicago, IL MYHockey Rankings Midwinter Invitational Pee Wee Minor/A, Bantam Minor/A and Midget Minor Contact Advanced Tournaments 847-277-7343 www.advancedtournaments.com Advanced Tournaments January 15-17, 2011 Pittsburgh, PA Steel City Tournament Series: Pittsburgh Midwinter Classic Mite through Midget: B, A, AA, Girls U12, U14, U16 & U19 Contact Advanced Tournaments 847-277-7343 www.advancedtournaments.com

Advanced Tournaments January 15-17, 2011 Nashville, TN Music City Tournament Series: Music City Cup Mite through Midget: B, A, and AA Contact Advanced Tournaments 847-277-7343 www.advancedtournaments.com Advanced Tournaments January 15-17, 2011 Rochester, NY Empire State Tournament Series: Empire State Cup Mite through Midget: B, A, AA Contact Advanced Tournaments 847-277-7343 www.advancedtournaments.com Advanced Tournaments January 15-17, 2011 Washington, DC Congressional Cup Tournament Series: Congressional Midwinter Classic Mite through Midget: B, A, AA Contact Advanced Tournaments 847-277-7343 www.advancedtournaments.com Advanced Tournaments January 15-17, 2011 Riverside, CA Golden State Tournament Series: Golden State Cup Mite through Midget: B, A, AA, Girls U12, U14, U16 & U19 Contact Advanced Tournaments 847-277-7343 www.advancedtournaments.com

CANADA New Years Ultimate - 2011 Oshawa, Ontario Dec 31 - Jan 1 - 2011 Men’s, Women’s, COED 18+, 30+, 40+:A/B,C,D,E 1-888-422-6526 tournaments@ icesports.com http://www. canlanclassictournaments.com Winter Whiteout - 2011 Oshawa, Ontario Feb 11 – 13, 2011 Men’s, Women’s, COED 18+, 30+, 40+:A/B,C,D,E 1-888-422-6526 tournaments@ icesports.com http://www. canlanclassictournaments.com North American Holiday Hockey Toronto, ON March 11-13, 2011 Adult and Youth Leagues 800-322-NAHH NAHHTOURS@AOL.COM North American Holiday Hockey Montreal, QC April 29-May 1, 2011 Adult and Youth Leagues 800-322-NAHH NAHHTOURS@AOL.COM

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

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

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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

Women’s Hockey GET YOUR FIT ON The New CCM U+ Crazy Light

Second-annual Dirty 30 Women’s Tournament highlights fun and competitive spirit

BY LARRY O’CONNOR

The Dirty 30 senior women’s hockey tournament in Brighton was neither dirty nor 30. Otherwise, it’s highly unlikely organizers of the second annual event would have handed out fresh mums to participants if they were bent on mayhem.

The flowers added a soft touch to the 12-team gathering at the Kensington Valley Ice House Nov. 5-7. Women’s teams from the Detroit area, Ann Arbor and Traverse City as well as those from distant environs of Chicago and Columbus, Ohio, competed in novice, recreation and competitive divisions.

The number of participants could have been double due to overall interest, said organizers, who want to add a Sporty 40 and Nifty 50 division in the future. The Dirty 30 name was used because “it rhymed.”

“I had to turn away an awful lot of women. I felt bad,” said Michele Monson, a tournament organizer who also played on the senior women’s Polar Bears team that captured the recreational division crown by beating Top Shelf, 5-1, in the final.

The Traverse City Chiefs captured the competitive division while The West Michigan Blizzard won the in novice division. Former Detroit Red Wings “Bruise Brother” Joe Kocur dropped the puck for the final games.

JUST LIKE THE GUYS The competition was more about the same thing that often drives senior men players to take part in tournaments: A chance to hangout for a weekend – minus kids and husbands – for a little hockey-fueled camaraderie sandwiched by a little pre- and post-game revelry.

In other words: Have girl talk over a few beers.

At the Kensington Valley Ice Arena, the liquid barley and hops were delivered right to the locker room along with pizza, chicken wings and cheesecake.

Participants also huddled in the upstairs restaurant tavern Top Shelf, which overlooks the facility’s three ice rinks.

Food and beverage was only part of the lure. Players, many of whom were 30 and older, wanted to skate with those their own age and abilities.

“I like the fact I don’t have to skate against someone who I could’ve given birth to,” said Leslie Tanner, 45, a member of the Columbus (Ohio) Capitals, which lost to the Traverse City Chiefs, 2-0, in the competitive division final.

Surprisingly, few women’s senior tournaments exist, at least those where there is an emphasis on fun as much as competition, said Carol Schwanger, who is the Michigan Amateur Hockey Association’s director of disabled sports.

“There’s certainly a market for it, because there are a lot of older women playing,” said Schwanger, who helped organize the Dirty 30 and plays hockey.“They like having something that is just for them.”

ALL KINDS OF PLAYERS The Top Shelf team, which skates out of the Ice House reflected the better-latethen-never converts to the game.

Julie King, 56, of Leslie started playing competitively 10 years ago after watching daughter, Victoria Wallace. The state employee was a seasoned veteran compared to teammate Elizabeth Thompson, who only started a year-and-a-half ago at King’s urging.

“I was interested in learning to play hockey, and (King) told me about it,” said

Thompson, 43, who works with King at the Library of Michigan.“I love it ... it’s addictive.”

At first, the biggest obstacle was having to buy all-new equipment.

“Luckily I just used my boyfriend’s old equipment from high school,” she said.

Teammate Karen Totozke-Nickols could relate. The Lansing area resident grew up playing shinny on the pond, but couldn’t afford to play organized hockey when she was younger.

About eight years ago, Totozke-Nickols started playing in the Lansing area and eventually joined the Kensington Valley team as one of its mid-Michigan representatives.

“We’re just a ball of freakin’ fun,” King said.

The trio make the 45-mile trek from Lansing to Brighton every Sunday, but tripled their commute for the three-day Dirty 30.

“I have played in some other women’s tournaments and this one is just fun and I am enjoying myself a lot,”Totozke-Nickols said. “And it is competitive. I do want to win.”

Top Shelf’s opponent in Sunday’s final, the Dearborn-based Polar Bears, have a similar a outlook. Gil Ruicci, husband of Michele Monson, formed the women’s team 18 years ago. The Polar Bears, who skate out of the University of Michigan-Dearborn Ice Arena, play in the Michigan Senior Women’s Hockey League’s Division 3.

“Eighteen years ago, we started this girl’s team and they are still making the same mistakes,” Ruicci said within earshot of a player.

“Why are you looking at me, Gil?” asked Christine Slezak in mock protest.

A FAMILY ATMOSPHERE Those good-natured jibes are part of the overall family atmosphere, said Slezak, 36, a defenseman who’s has been playing since she was 12. The Livonia mother of two joined the Polar Bears after finishing grad school.

“It’s just a great group of girls,” said Slezak, who works at Ford Motor Co. in consumer affairs. “They have been there for me through a lot of life changes, pretty much throughout my whole adult life. They attended my wedding, they were there when I had my two children (Lily, 6 months; and Ethan, 3).”

While listing life achievements, the Polar Bears have also seen members, “dump ex-husbands and get new husbands,” Monson added.

The Polar Bears’ affable netminder is something of a milestone herself. Joanne Lukasik is a bilateral-amputee, having lost both legs below the knee in a farming accident when she was 16. She’s played in goal with two prosthetic legs since 1972.

Though originally from Ontario, the Southfield resident has played for Team USA’s standing amputee hockey team as well as in local amateur circles.

Lukasik’s goaltending hero growing up was Toronto Maple Leafs’ Hall-of-Famer Johnny Bower.

“Now I am dating myself,”said Lukasik, who received MAHA’s 2010 Wes Danielson Award for perseverance and dedication to the sport.

Lukasik also serves as an assistant coach for the Detroit Country Day girls high school team.

“We’re all a little bit older and everyone is here to have fun,” Lukasik said. “No one is taking it all that seriously. The fun part is just as important as the hockey part.”

The goalie and her team’s easy-going outlook is often enhanced by the game’s universal social lubricant.

“We don’t step on the ice unless there is a cooler in the locker room,” she said.

MichiganHockeyOnline.com

Michigan Hockey

25

3 on 3 Holiday Shootout December 27-28, 2010 - Monday & Tuesday Open/House Divisons

at Troy Sports Center 1819 E. Big Beaver Rd. Troy, MI 48083

www.tyha.net

26

Michigan Hockey

Mini Mite Mite Squirt Pee Wee Bantam 4 Players and 1 Goalie

Space is limited per age group so sign up early!

Awards for Championship Team and runner up in each division!

Questions Contact: Lee Visbara 586-817-3458 or Linda Crosby 586-817-3459

MichiganHockeyOnline.com

MH Beat

November 22 2010, Volume 21 : Issue 8

Grand Rapids Griffins matinee game PHOTO BY ZAK KENNEDY/GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS

TM

NEW YEAR’S EVE

BIG DAY FOR KIDS

BY JOHN RAFFEL

It’s a young hockey fan’s dream. Get out of school early for a Grand Rapids Griffins matinee game.

Grand Rapids area youngsters received a fun day thrill on Nov. 10 at Van Andel Arena when the Griffins conducted their 10th annual matinee game against the Milwaukee Admirals.

The game included an educational twist with around 5,000 students getting at the arena two hours before the noon game start. Michigan Tech University set up interactive displays and activities for the elementary-aged students that focused on topics centering on science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

There was also a middle/high school career forum that focused on career strategies. Lake Michigan Credit Union’s director of business development and community involvement, Vickie Smith, discussed financial responsibility following high school and shared information about the 2011 LMCU Hutt Scholarship. Other promotions included Library Day and senior citizen bingo. “We usually just do one of these matinees,�said John Hoffa, group sales manager with the Griffins. “Some teams do more than one. We found that it’s beneficial to do just one. We have the same exact time every year. That’s worked out well. It helps for the teachers and schools to plan early and makes it more of an annual trip.�

The Griffins staff has worked to make it an event that gets put on every kid’s calendar. “We started promoting the event way back in March.We have the date to let people know when it will be. Once school starts in the Fall, we talk to them again and move forward. Tickets have been the same in all the years of the event, only $5, and we also give them a $5 lunch option. A lot of schools and districts are glad we haven’t raised the price. It’s an affordable price.�

Usually 150 schools and around 5,000 students participate in the event. “We have a school here with 277 kids,� Hoffa said. “We have quite the range. We have about 300 seniors here playing bingo before the game. That’s really cool.�

Matinees are designed for fans usually unable to make the night-time faceoff. “We have probably the complete opposite fan base than usual because it’s a school-day game,� Hoffa said. “That was the idea behind this. You invite the groups that usually wouldn’t come.�

It’s an event likely to continue each year. “It’s still a fun event,� Hoffa said. “It’s worked out very well for us.�

GAME TIME Griffins’ goalie Thomas McCollum had 23 saves to pick up his first career shutout but Grand Rapids still suffered a 1-0 shootout loss to Milwaukee. Grand Rapids came out of that contest with points in seven of their last eight games at 5-1-0-2 for a 7-3-0-3 record overall. “I really don’t know if we can play much better,�said Griffins coach Curt Fraser, who was especially encouraged that his team has been keeping within striking distance of Hamilton and Abbotsford for first place in the North Division of the American Hockey League’s Western Conference. “It was like a playoff game out there. There were no second opportunities. It was the same for them. I’m glad Tommy got the shutout in regulation. That was a great game to watch. It had a little bit of everything.� “It was a huge step forward for the team,� McCollum said. “We have to find a way to figure out the shoot outs.�

McCollum has emerged as a top netminder with Jordan Pearce. “I’m in my comfort zone and have myself in a good routine,� he said. “I’ve been playing a lot of games and it helps me find my groove.� “Good things are happening for Tom McCollum and good things are happening for our goaltenders,� Fraser said. “We have to find a way to win close games.�

Brendan Smith is among the Griffins’ top defensive prospects. “A few games ago, we gave up six against Manitoba,�Smith said. “If we can drop down the goals, that’s huge. We want to allow two goals or less. It’s something we want to shoot at.

Allowing six is too much.�

Forward Ilari Filppula, the older brother of the Red Wings Valterri Filppula, had six goals and 15 points after the Griffins’ first 12 games to lead the team. “I think we’re improving the whole time,� he said. “We’ve had some hard losses but we need to learn to win those tight games. We have a really strong team with good offense and defense. It’s a long season, but every game counts. It’s easier to get the points now than in the end when everyone is counting.�

Wings’general manager Ken Holland was at the game with Milwaukee, a factor which players like Filppula realize makes it important for them to perform well to make an impression on the Red Wings brass. “Obviously everyone tries to get up there, that’s the goal.

You can’t think of it too much,� Filppula said. “You do your best every game and see where it gets you. You play for the team, do the best you can and hope they notice you. “I’m still learning in this league and how to play. I feel like I’m improving all the time. You have your ups and downs and you have to bounce back.�

-on3 3

HOLIDAY BLAST

MichiganHockeyOnline.com

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Michigan Hockey

27

High School Preview

November 22, 2010, Volume 21 : Issue 8

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ANCHOR A AN CH HOR BAY BAY TARS TAR ARS S TheDiv The visisionn 2 Tars, Tars, 6-15-3 in the MAC AC Red ed Conference Connfe Division laast yyear, last earr, hhave ea ave a new co av oac a h in M el RRetell etell and wi et coach Mel will rely o junior jun unior goaltenders goal go alte tenders Jeffff Wilss sen aand nd Kyl ylar ar BBeierlein ei on Wilssen Kylar and a veteran vetteran defensive deefe f nssiv ivee un uunitit led by seni nior orss Alex Fonsta a and and seniors Fonstad Tom Novak.

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28

BIG RAPIDS CARDINALS The Division 2 Cardinals went 12-14 last season and return a veteran squad with 11 upperclassmen, including seniors Trace Pennock in goal, forwards Dan Braden, Jon Robison and Seth Adams, and junior defenseman Walter Goodfellow. Sophomores Joe Carney, F, and Doug Bleeker, D, are new.

“We are excited about our this year - we have solid, veteran players at all positions which should bode well for a successful season,” said coach Tim Blashill.

BISHOP FOLEY UNIFIED WARRIORS The Division 2 Warriors, which also includes players from Parkway Christian School in Sterling Heights, return three senior captains in Joe Finazzo, F, Mike Pruski, D, and goalie Patrick Gumbleton. Returning third year players include James Piec, Lenny Buscemi, Ryan VanBommel and Devin Smith.

“We have three solid lines, proven goaltending, veteran defense, and also freshmen with speed and passion,” said coach David Williamson.

BIRMINGHAM BROTHER RICE WARRIORS The Division 2 Warriors lost in the regional final last season and return a strong group of seniors to go with 10 new players. Returning seniors John Hickman, Matt Parker, Robert Lauro and Andrew Sohn, along with new players Mack MacEachern and Thomas Ebbing will provide scoring. Jake Jazkolski, Chris Wilberding and Colin Frink are back along with newcomer Matt Stack to anchor the blue line. All State senior goalie PJ Bridges also returns.

“We have great senior leadership, a solid work ethic and tough defense. Our expectations are to be playing at Compuware on March 12th,”said coach Lou Schmidt, Jr. BLOOMFIELD HILLS UNITED CHARGERS The Chargers finished third in the OAA-White Division and return a quick, mobile that includes senior goalie Bryce Henney, a veteran defense and three of their top six scorers. Also back are senior forwards Austin Ramin, Jacob Rosenzweig and Cameron Schwalb, along with junior defensemen Neal Krentz and Mike Calvas.

“We have a positive feeling this year and I expect our to challenge for the OAA White league championship, and have a run in the State playoffs,”said coach Rick Reed.

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CADILLAC VIKINGS The D3 Vikings went 20-4-1 last season and return 16 players, including seven seniors from a that won a regional title. Sophomore goalie PJ Nemish is back, along with seniors Evan Sharp and Ben Chipman, junior forward Joe Gussert, and sophomores Dawson Cook, F, and Dane Moore, D. “The gained a ton of experience with last season’s success and I expect them to be hungry for more this year,” said coach Scott Graham.

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Pokorney.

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Steve Armstrong.

CANTON CHIEFS The D2 Chiefs went 13-11-1 last season and return 12 players and have 17 upperclassmen on the roster. speed will be a strength, with seniors Jimmy Lafontaine, D, Jordan Smith, F, AJ Rosales, F, and junior goalie Spencer Craig leading the way.

Freshman goalie Robbie Beydoun, and defensemen Zach Cox and Brandon Ceci are new to the squad.

“We return the majority of our and have added experience and depth,” said coach Jeremy Majszak.

YELLOW YELL YE LLOW JACKETS JAC ACKE KETS TS NNew Ne wco w oachh Ka KarlrlDai aieek returns 17 play yer erss frfrom om as coach Daiek players a ssquad that th at went wen ent 7-18-2 7-118-22 last 7las astt season, seas se ason on,, including inclclud udiing seniors seeni niors Andy Stei St ein, JJon on Fritt ts, DDerek erekk Pierc er cy an andd Sal Munaco, along Stein, Fritts, Piercy with wi th jjun unio iors rsKKKris ris Stei ein,, BBlake lake la ke Blomb mber e g,JJJoey oeyy SSpurlin juniors Stein, Blomberg, an nd goaltender gooal altendder Shane Sha h ne Swinburnson.

Swinbburnson. Senior S and n wc ne w om omer e BBrian ririan anPPortelli Por orte tellllii should shou sh o ldd also alsso contribute. cont co ntrr newcomer “We’ “W e’llbbe be high hiigheeenergy nerg ne rgyy all all of oftthe thettime tim imeew w an “We’ll with aggr gres essisvee forecheck,” forec eche heck ck,”,”,”sssaid a d Daie ai i k. aggressive Daiek.

CAPITAL AREA PATRIOTS The second-year D2 Patriots include players from Lansing Catholic Central, Mason, Charlotte, Lansing Christian and Potterville. The squad won 11 games last season and top returning players include senior defensemen David Peck and Blake Vsetula, senior goalie Kyle Peterson and juniors Michael Larson, F, Michael Day, F, Kyle Peterson, F, and Jeff Smith.

“We should be a grinding, hard-working with a veteran defense, strong goaltending and some talented forwards,” said coach Patrick Daley.

High School Preview FLINT POWERS CATHOLIC CHARGERS The Chargers went 24-3-3 and lost in the D2 state final last season and return just three seniors from that squad, forwards Jaycob McCombs (all-state) and Spencer Spurlin and defenseman Niles Owen. New this year is senior goalie Jordi VanGaal, sophomore goalie Casey Korhonen and sophomore forward Jared Coulter.

“There are high expectations, however with a large number of new players, building chemistry and having everyone buy into our system will be key,”said coach Travis Perry.

CHELSEA BULLDOGS The Bulldogs return 12 players from a squad that made it to the D3 state semifinal, including junior forwards Brad Hepler, Joe Hewett and Kyle Whipple, sophomore forward Jacob Ryan and junior defenseman Anthony Catalina.

“We will be young this year and the key will be how the new players develop,” said coach Don Wright.

CLARKSTON WOLVES The D1 Wolves went 9-14-1 last season and have a veteran squad with 15 returning players, including senior forwards Brad Pizzey, Dillion Drayer, Austin Morse and Connor Hughes, senior defensemen Chad Watton and Adam Matynowski and sophomore blueliner Adam Johns. Newcomers include sophomore D Adam Larkin, junior F Josh Sowers and freshman goalie Jack Viazanko.

“We should be better both offensively and defensively and will focus on trying to finish in the top three spots our league (OAA),” said coach Bryan Krygier.

CRANBROOK KINGSWOOD CRANES Last year’s D3 state champions lost both goalies and firepower up front, but the Cranes return senior captains Spencer Tamler, D, and Jarett Friedland, F, along with seniors Ryan Murray, D and Ryan Doucet, F, and junior forward Cameron Heath. New players include a pair of sophomores, defenseman Jeff Martin and forward Alex Alger.

“Our success will be predicated upon how well the support players from last year develop into leadership roles this season,” said coach Andy Weidenbach. “We will need our offense to become more productive and the goalkeeper position to develop into one of our strengths.”

DEARBORN DIVINE CHILD FALCONS The Falcons, who will play out of Redford Arena this season, went 15-10 last season and return veterans at every position. Back are senior forwards Ryan Desjarlais, Jimmy Prevost, Paul Kinder and Dom Ronchetto, senior defensemen Brandon Smyth and Dylan Nelson, and senior goalie Andy Law. Newcomers include sophomore Evan Heiss, F, freshman Anthony Scala, D, and junior Spencer Laird, F. “I am excited about the new year,”said coach Brian Dallas.“We have enough talent to compete every night in two tough leagues (Metro and Catholic).”

DETROIT CATHOLIC CENTRAL SHAMROCKS Last season’s D1 state champions return players at every position, including goalies Connor Pankow and Alex Nork, forwards Sean Gaffney, Ryan Keller and Charlie Green and defensemen Mitch Gatt, Nolan Gluchowski, Steven Haydon and Robert Ault.

Key newcomers include sophomore defenseman Michael Downing, and sophomore forward Michael Babcock Jr. “Our will rely on our senior goaltending tandem as our young group of forwards and defense matures,” said coach Todd Johnson.

DETROIT COUNTRY DAY YELLOW JACKETS Former Western Michigan forward and Bowling Green assistant coach Frank Novock takes over a Yellow Jackets that went 8-16-1 last season. Top returners include senior forward Brian Bergmann, juniors Ryan Goleniak, D, Scott Wolf, F and Sam Resk, F, and sophomore forward Sebastian Stankiewicz. Newcomers include sophomore goalie Nathan Grathwohl and freshmen Shane Switzer, D, Jack Bergmann, F and goalie Chris Cantrell.

“I expect a tenacious work ethic and proud representation of Detroit Country Day,” said Novock.

DEWITT/ST. JOHNS The co-op squad lost 10 seniors from a that went 17-8-2 last season but returns veterans at every position, including senior goalie Alex Zuker, seniors Ian Yetsko, F, Ryan Carey, D, junior Troy Wilson, F and junior D Adam Frechen. Senior goalie Freddy Boijer is new this season.

“Our high expectations stay the same. The will compete early because of off season dedication as they gain game experience,” said coach Fred Hingst.

DEXTER DREADNAUGHTS The D3 Dreadnaughts return nine players from a squad that went 13-11-1 last season. The Defense is solid with senior captains Andrew Erber and Max Waldrup.

Seniors Evan Sanford and John Grover, along with junior Ian Wiesenberg, will supply firepower up front. Sophomore forward Blake Miller and both goalies – junior Cameron Rooks and freshman Garrett Weng – are new.

“We will lean on our experienced guys while our younger guys grow into their roles,” said coach Gary Howell. “We have many third year juniors that could have very nice seasons.”

EAST KENTWOOD FALCONS The D1 Falcons return 21 players from last year’s that went 5-16-5. Senior captain Jimmy Davis is a two-time all-stater who, along with senior D Ross McBride, will anchor the defense and provide scoring. Forwards Brett White (all-state), Erik Stapleton and Trent Bravata will lead a balanced offensive attack and senior goalie Daniel Leahy will tend goal.

“With opponents like Grand Rapids Catholic Central, Howell, TC West, TC Central, Wyandotte and Mona Shores on the schedule this is going to be an exciting year,” said coach Todd Bell.

EASTSIDE STARS The Lansing area Stars lost 12 seniors from last season, but return senior forwards Brett Graham and Ian Wenk, along with junior forward Cody Ball. Newcomers include junior forward Chris Hagan and sophomore goalie Joe Barnard.

“I expect this to be somewhat of a sleeper. We’ll have a slow start but a strong finish,” said coach Scott Crilly.

ESCANABA ESKYMOS The D2 Eskymos went 20-6-1 last season and made it to the regional final. This year’s squad is younger and led by a strong junior class that includes goalie Austin Young, and defensemen Cody Cousineau and John Lemire. Sophomore D Nick Vandermisson is also back. Up front, captain Dan Williams, Jared Dagenais and new comers Ryan Meintz and Ben Lesecki will lead the way. New forwards include freshman Stephen Wood, sophomores Jake Eastin and Ben Lesicki and junior Ryan Meintz, along with freshman goalie Nick Lemire.

“We have a more skilled than last year and our character and chemistry will prove to be a difference maker down the stretch,” said coach Charlie Elliott.

FARMINGTON FALCONS The D2 Falcons went 18-6-2 last season and return 12 players, including senior forwards Nick Elliott and Alex Schmitt, senior D Eric Chamberlin, senior goalie Tim Rogers and junior forward Zach Massa. New to the this season are senior D Robbie Goldi, junior D Adam Lockner and junior goalie Josh Cliff.

“Our goals will remain the same,” said coach Mark Vellucci. “Win our league and go as far as we can in the states.”

MichiganHockeyOnline.com

FOREST HILLS CENTRAL RANGERS The Rangers are built from the net out with returning senior Beau Boonenberg and newcomer Derick Phelps. The line of seniors Cam Pulling, Micky Simon and sophomore Tyler Brewer should lead in scoring.

Junior newcomer Peter Gibson will pair with junior veteran Brandon Dean to led the defense. Also back is senior forward Stephen Logusz, junior forwards Cam Anderson and Kyle Gilbert and junior D/F Nick Trapp.

“Our returning group is strong and should keep us in every game. Our new players are also solid and will fit in well,” said coach Rob Feenie.

FOREST HILLS NORTHERN/EASTERN Co-op squad returns eight players from 18-7-1 last season and will roll four lines, led by seniors Bryan Reitter, Rob Calvert, Colin VanderWeele and Alex Reno. Senior goalie Jake Riihimaa is also back. Junior newcomer Chris Hollemans will anchor the blueline, while senior forward John Cotton and sophomores Sam Rennaker and Brad Reitter should also contribute.

“Our conference is extremely competitive and this year’s is certainly deeper than last years,” said coach Todd Gallup.

FRASER RAMBLERS The Ramblers finished 11-14-2 last season in the MAC Blue Division and return seven players from that squad, including seniors Kyle Kowal, G Dan Slaughter, F Jake Swindell and F Adrian Santarossa, junior Connor Gordley and sophomore F JR Dellies.

“Working with a very short bench we will require solid contributions from all of our players in order to have success. Our goal is a first place finish in the MAC Blue,” said coach Don Krussman.

GIBRALTAR CARLSON MARAUDERS The D3 Marauders went 14-10 last season and return a strong senior class led by Adam Jones, F, Cody Butrum, F, Chris Robillard, F, Nick Nagorski, D, Nick Desimpelaere and junior goaltender Zac Tyrna. Newcomers include senior forwards Sal Medina and Pat O’Leary, junior forwards Brandon Marquette and Mike Robillard and junior D Jake Seals.

“We have high expectations and are excited about our and hope to make some noise in our region,” said assistant coach Jim Hass.

GOODRICH MARTIANS The D3 Martians went 11-15 and lost in the district final last year. New coach John Hart has nine players back from that , including senior forwards and captains Jake Brejnak and Mack Pfeiffer, senior D Sam Brauer and junior F Trevor Bushnell.

Top newcomers include senior F Trevor Troupe, sophomore D Rocky Hatton and sophomore F Jordan Hughes.

“The is heading in the right direction,” said Hart. “With senior leadership, and a good core of players we will be better each time we take the ice.”

GRAND HAVEN BUCCANEERS The Bucs went 18-6 last season and return a group led by all-staters TJ Roth and Jake Kramer, Ian Hibbard, D Branden Grevel, sophomore Tyler Ploeg and Will VerDuin.

Key newcomers include Doug Zelenka, Tommy Zelenka and Austin Way. “The guys work very hard and love to compete,” said coach Dan Gadbois.

GRAND LEDGE/WAVERLY-COMET WARRIORS The Warriors went 14-10-5 last season and return a speedy group with 10 seniors, including G Austin Hull, forwards Jack Klingbiel and Treven Fech and defenseman Tyler Wise. Sophomore Adam-Juan Epstein is also back. New players include senior F Austin Barnes, junior F Vince Gessler and junior D Drew Isaacson.

“We’ll have more speed and scoring ability this year,”said coach Brian Clifford.“And we have great leadership from our upperclassmen and a much improved work ethic.”

Michigan Hockey

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High School Preview GRAND RAPIDS CATHOLIC CENTRAL COUGARS Assistant coach Mike Slobodnik takes over as head coach and returns 15 players from a that went 18-8 and shared the OK Conference Tier I title. The squad’s top four scorers are back: senior forwards Cameron Kwaiser, Michael Dery and Matt Kryzkwa, along with junior Owen Kane. Senior F Brandon Carey is also back. Junior newcomer Donald Sund should also contribute up front. Senior Brock Golembieski, Joe Bowen, and newcomer Hunter Jenerou will anchor the defense.

“We have lofty expectations and know our season will not be measured during the months of November-February but during March,” said Slobodnik.

GRAND RAPIDS SOUTH CHRISTIAN SAILORS The D3 Sailors finished 14-9-2 last season, and return a group that includes senior forwards Calvin VanOpstall, Alex DeVries and Danny Rabourn, along with senior goalie Jake VanLaar and senior defensemen Nate Groelsema and Megan DeVries. Also back are juniors Blake DeVries, F and Jacob Meekhof, D. Newcomers include junior D Jake Holden, D and freshmen F Luke VanLaar and Josh Riemersma.

“We lost some key seniors to graduation, so we’ll need to play solid defense and have some players step up,” said coach Paul Knust.

GRAND RAPIDS WEST CATHOLIC FALCONS A co-op with Cedar Springs, the D2 Falcons finished last season 17-8 and graduated 11 players from that . Returning seniors include top scorer Connor Kelbel, goalie Peter Dykstra, playmaking defenseman Matt Moser, forwards Caleb Teachout, Zeke Timmer, Tim Korreck and Justin Norder, along with junior forwards Kyle O’Hearn and Christian Teachout. Top newcomers include freshman G Peter Hansknect, freshmen D Kyle Mroz and Max Boorsma and sophomore D Zach Taylor.

“We have a lot of young players and this year’s success will depend on leadership from the upperclassmen,” said coach Mike Maas.

GROSSE ILE RED DEVILS The D3 Red Devils went 19-6-1 last season and return a squad that includes senior all-state goalie Ian Lawrence, senior forwards Gordey Howie and Sheamus Burk, junior forward Mac Howey, junior defensemen Ryan Laurain, Ryan Westfall and Adam Millar, along with sophomore forward Aaron Porcarelli. Three seniors, D Aaron Peters, F Ryan Buchan, and F Joe Rutkowski join the squad.

“We have a very balanced , a good schedule and we’re looking forward to a good run,” said coach Skip Howey.

GROSSE POINTE NORTH NORSEMEN The D2 Norsemen went 11-13-2 last season and return 13 players from that squad, including senior D Brad Herron, sophomore F Brad Werenski and junior all-state defenseman Scott Dornbrock, junior G Chip Wujek and junior forwards JP Lucchese, Joe Aluia, Anthony Saleh and Joe Giordono. Newcomers include senior goalie Jeff Ryan, sophomores Jack Stander, David Chavis and Nick Rahaim, along with freshman CJ Kusch.

“We’re very excited about this year’s ,” said coach Scott Lock. “I look forward to our young guys developing and pushing our veterans for playing time.”

GROSSE POINTE SOUTH BLUE DEVILS The D2 Blue Devils went 10-13-1 last season and returners from that include senior forwards Jess Martinelli and Eric Marshall, senior defensemen Max Corbett and John Wendzinski, junior goalie CJ Schebil and junior forward Wes Cimmarrusti.

Sophomore Ryler Maher and junior defenseman Marty Moesta are new.

“We have four solid lines, good size on defense and returning starter Schebil in net,” said coach Jamie Bufalino.

HOWELL HIGHLANDERS The Highlanders finished 23-5-3 and made it to the D1 state final last year, and returning players from that squad include senior defensemen Kenny Miloser, Dakota Olvin and Zach Grifka, senior forwards Jordan Simmonds, Jake Henrikson, Brandon Burton and Gabe Daavettila. Newcomers include junior goalie Andrew Brownlee and junior forward Thomas Kerr.

“We play a physical up tempo style and with so many returning players our on-ice communication is better and the guys get along great off the ice,” said coach Randy Montrose.

HUDSONVILLE EAGLES The D1 Eagles went 13-13 and won their region last season, but graduated 80% of the scoring from that . Returners include senior forwards Cayce Fletcher and Kyle Wesche, senior defensemen Jeff Jorgensen and Chad Kamphius, senior goalie Zac

30

Streeter and junior forward Bryce Dewindt. Newcomers include sophomore Kollen Bako, junior Andrew Terpstra and senior Jordan Griep.

“We will be a physical, grinding that is competitive because of desire and work ethic,” said coach Jason Caster.

JACKSON LUMEN CHRISTI TITANS The D3 Titans graduated 12 seniors from a that went 19-6-1, but the cupboard isn’t bare. Back are senior forwards Max Dunigan, Christian Chase, and Jordan Richmond, senior defensemen Nate Penn, Tommy Conway and Caleb Wilson along with juniors Alex Reynolds, goalie Charlie Miller and Austin Eccleton. Junior newcomer David Mayo should see time in net.

“We expect to be in the hunt to defend the conference championship and to be ready for a strong showing in the state playoffs,” said coach Mike Wartella.

KALAMAZOO BLADES A multi-school co-op, the Blades finished 4-18-2 last season and return seniors Dan Jones, Andy Merkle, Gunther Garrett and Kyle Dodge, juniors Lucas Nadrasik and Patrick McDonald and sophomore Dakota Avery. Newcomers include seniors Josh Kimber and Connor Sampson, juniors Chris Boland, Brandon Zelichowski and Ned Ingells.

“We’re a little older this year and are looking to surprise a lot of people,” said coach James Springer. “After finishing in the cellar last season we look to finish in the top three this year.”

KALAMAZOO UNITED The D1 co-op went 9-15 last season and return 11 players from that squad, including top scorer Tom Stankewicz, and senior defenseman Andrew Hallam and senior goalie Stephen Wood. Sophomore newcomers include defenseman Riley Fink and forward Daniel Simonds.

“We have quality players at every position and expect another exciting season as we continue to rebuild the program,” said coach Matt Kakbeeke.

KENOWA HILLS KNIGHTS The D3 Knights finished 5-19 last season and new coach Matt Barth returns nine players from that , including junior goalie Zac Totten, senior forward Nick Gerke, junior forward Everett Thompson and a trio of senior D in Eric Vanderklok, Kyle Vanderstelt and Brenden Carey. Additions include junior forwards Brandon Cockrill and Devan Dunneback.

“We have a hard working group with veteran leadership and we expect to be an impact in the O-K Tier 2 Conference,” said Barth.

LAKE ORION DRAGONS The D1 Dragons went 12-13-1 last season and have 16 players back from that , including a mix of juniors and seniors.

“We look forward to the fans and the student body at Lake Orion coming out to cheer us on and help us have a successful season,” said coach Clint Robert.

LANSE HORNETS Coach Bill Rosseau’s Hornets have a strong junior class that includes Alex Van Wagner, Dylan Hemmila and Carter Hendricks. Senior Joe Richard also returns, while newcomers include senior Bryant Froberg and sophomore Casey Richard.

L’ANSE CREUSE NORTH CRUSADERS The Crusaders went 13-8-3 last season, and return 10 players off that including seniors Kyle Frye, Alex Sypniewski and Richard Kobylski, along with junior Evan Corbett.

“We are a young team with high expectations for our new prospects as well as leadership from our upperclassmen,” said coach Jon Nader.

LAPEER WEST PANTHERS New coach Brian MacDonald has nine returning players led by seniors Jeremy Cugliari, Steve Gallant, Nick Papin, Jeff Ryeson, GabeWalters and RossWansedel, juniors Danny Delvecchio and Mike Fearson and sophomore Cam Giddings. Newcomers include senior forward Jacob Podgorski, who returns after playing travel hockey last season.

“We expect to compete for the league championship with solid goaltending and a commitment to play all three zones of the ice with equal intensity,” said MacDonald.

LIVONIA CHURCHILL CHARGERS The D1 Chargers went 15-9-1 last season and return a group led by senior forwards Steve Klisz and Mike Kutek, senior D Joe Williams and Cam Benson, and juniors F Jake Otto, F Ben Proben, F Devin Smythe, D Nick Proben, F Jim Lelekatch, D Chris Mireles, and G Alex Estes. Newcomers include junior forwards Kevin Louwers, Mike Gambino and Mike Rybinski.

“We played a lot of younger players last year, so hopefully that experience will pay off for us this season,” said coach Pete Mazzoni. “We will be aggressive and should be stronger on the puck this season.”

LIVONIA FRANKLIN PATRIOTS The Patriots continue to build with returning players that include junior defenseman Danny Danahue, junior goalie Matt Slinder and senior F Kevin Webb, F Tyler Dewey and G Travis Ferrier. Top newcomers up front include junior Zach Wiacek and sophomore Mike Diaz.

“This season offers the expectation of great reward for a well deserving bunch of young men,” said coach Scott Wirgau.

LIVONIA STEVENSON SPARTANS The Spartans went 21-4-2 last season and new coach Gary Vento returns a senior-laden squad led by centers Justin Shureb and John Mandryk, right wing Andrew Palushaj and left wing Tim Pruchnik. Top newcomers include senior center Ryan Urso, sophomore left wing Max Humitz and freshman right wing Dominic Lutz.

“We have strong leadership, an amazing work ethic and we should be a fun to watch this season,” said Vento.

LOWELL/CALEDONIA After finishing 11-11-2 last season the co-op squad returns nine players including junior forwards Braden McGillicuddy and Cam Steger, senior forwards Karson Arnold and Tyler Bitterman, senior goalie Nathan Propst and senior defensemen Jordan Swift and Justin Lehman. Newcomers include senior forward Brandon Jamieson and juinior D Colin Echelbarger.

“I am expecting for us to finish at the top of our conference. We are returning some solid players on both offense and defense and have brought in several new guys to fill in the cracks,” said coach Tim Beurer.

MACOMB DAKOTA COUGARS The Cougars went 14-8-3 last season and return a group led by five seniors – forwards Ryan Chase, Justin Boyd and Kyle Rojem and defensemen Joe Stronati and Spencer Grasso. Newcomers include two goalies, junior TJ Barden and sophomore Justin Dudzinski.

“We will be a very young but talented and our seniors will have to perform at a very high level and lead us,” said coach Dave Koons.

High School Preview

November 22, 2010, Volume 21 : Issue 8

MARQUETTE REDMEN The Redmen finished 20-5-1 last season and return veterans at all positions, including senior goalie Micheal McAuliffe, senior forward Aaron Leach, senior defensemen Cody Wickstrom and Brian Erspamer, along with junior forwards Wyatt Smith and Cody Norquist. Newcomers include senior D John Parent, freshman F Nick Cammarata, sophomore F Eric Chapman and junior Brett Love.

“We’re strong in net and defense and our forwards are quick and skilled,” said coach Joe Papin. “We expect to compete for a state championship.”

MATTAWAN WILDCATS The Wildcats finished 16-9-1 last season and return a group of seniors led by goalie Brody Cavanaugh, defenseman Nick Presley and forwards Kyle Davidson and Travis Mitchell. Sophomore forward Mike Romund is also back, while newcomers include senior forward Dylan Baker and a trio of freshmen D in Kyle Hedden, Matt Romund and Jared Puzevic.

“We have a strong defensive and should have two goal scoring lines with a third line that can contribute,” said coach Mike May. “I’m excited about the potential of this as our returning players are motivated after last season’s early exit.”

MIDLAND CHEMICS After 26 wins and a run to the D2 finals last season, the Chemics return a group of veterans that includes senior forwards Jerome Flamion and Klyer Bradley, senior defenseman Cody Eller and juniors Keith Inman (goalie) and forwards Will Vosepka and Nick Mammel.

“We have a lot of experience back and have a tough schedule that will help us get ready for the state tournament,” said coach Jeff Brown.

NOVI WILDCATS The D2 Wildcats went 20-6-2 and lost in the state quarterfinals last season and return a veteran group led by senior all-staters Joey Ferriss (center), Nolan Valleau (defense) and Michael Pesendorfer (goalie), and senior forwards Zach Mohr and Taylor Howell and senior D Ryan Cordes. New players include senior D Michael Kruse and sophomore F John Mencer.

“Every season we set high goals and expectations, and this season is no different: I expect the guys to compete and work as hard as possible and the results will follow,” said coach Todd Krygier.

MONROE TROJANS The D1 Trojans went 7-12-2 last season, but should be better defensively, will have three lines and expect to be much improved this season. Top returners include senior defensemen Alex Compean, senior forward Michael Durkin and junior forwards Jordan Prewitt and Gary Simmons. Newcomers include senior forward Ondra Kratky and freshman forward Jake Henry.

“With all of our experience, if this continues to work hard we can have a very successful season,” said Isaac Murphy.

ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARY’S EAGLETS The D1 Eaglets went 20-5-2 last season and return a speedy group that includes forwards Connor Lyons, Matt Sweet and Ryan Foe, defenseman Christian Black and goalies Joe Janiga and Drew Delke. Newcomers include forwards David Muth, Cody Milan and Mitchell Vanderburg, along with defensemen Stephan Beauvais and Daniel Coley.

“If the comes to play every night we will reach our season goals,” said coach Brian Klanow.

NEW BOSTON HURON CHIEFS The D3 Chiefs are coming off a 9-16 season and return 16 lettermen, including both goalies Luke Du Bois and Zach Lilly, senior defenseman Kyle Cobb, and forwards Dillon Montalvo, Josh Duclo and Tyler Woodring. Newcomers include junior defenseman Travis Faiman and freshman D Marshall Hemme.

“We have a very solid and experienced , with two complete lines that were together last season, six starting defensemen, and two very strong goaltenders,” said coach Marc Du Bois.

PINCKNEY PIRATES The Pirates lost 13 players from a that finished 17-8 last season, but still return a veteran group led by senior goalies A.J. Zale and Colin Longeway, senior defenseman Cory Heatwole, senior forwards Mitch Rogowski and Scott Johnson, junior forward Kirk Smith and sophomore defenseman Gannon McLeskey. Newcomers include senior F JP Maracani, senior D Ilmari Makinen and junior F Mitch Bona.

“We expect to have another successful season and look forward to trying to capture a regional championship,” said coach Mike Kroll.

NORTH FARMINGTON-HARRISON FLYERS The D1 Flyers went 16-6-2 last season and return a veteran group of forwards that include seniors Scott Newel, Peter Kusek, Kyle DeMaagd and Ryan Murray.

Also back are senior D Michael Race, junior G Keith Ladouceur and junior D Justin Brereton. Newcomers include junior F Jake Ladouceur, sophomore D Reede Burnett and junior D Shane Moran.

“We are looking to be a fast, aggressive that pressures the puck in all three zones,” said coach Ken Anderson. “We will be inexperienced on the blue line but very deep up front and will lean on our goaltender.”

PLYMOUTH WILDCATS The D1 Wildcats went 19-6-2 last season and coach Paul Fassbinder returns a veteran defensive unit anchored by senior goalie Michael Justus and defensemen Justin Bauer and Tyler Lazorka. Senior forward Tyler Sanders, junior forward Zach Gambrell and sophomore forward Nick Schultz are also back.

“What I like about this is how hard we work, said Fassbinder. “We are wellbalanced, we should be a pretty strong defensively and the big question mark is if we can we score goals.”

NORTHVILLE MUSTANGS The D1 Mustangs return a veteran laden squad at all positions, including senior forwards Joe Close, Robbie Thornburg, Brady Marotta and Stephen Champagne, senior defensmen Logan Hill, Mike Maclean and Mike Comben and senior goalies David Ketelhut and Sean Bretz. Newcomers include senior D Richard Cortapasi and junior Matt Sopha.

“We have four solid lines deep and are more experienced on the back end and in net than last year,” said coach Jeff Hatley.

PLYMOUTH SALEM ROCKS The Rocks went 12-10-3 and won their second straight KLAA division title last season and bring back a veteran with 14 returners, including senior forwards Ryan Quigley, Nick Hayes and Matt Downey, senior defensemen Garrett Berg and Michael Hochkins and junior forwards Austin Sartorius and Mark McGee. Senior goalie Brandon Price is new.

“Our schedule is extremely tough and we’re hoping it will help prepare our to compete at the end of the season,” said coach Ryan Ossenmacher.

NOTRE DAME PREP FIGHTING IRISH The D3 Fighting Irish have a mix of veterans and newcomers and will be led by returning seniors Alex Reaume (forward), Ryan Higgins (defense) and goalie matt Fahr, along with juniors DJ Pagnucco (defense), and forwards Joe Pizzimenti and Geoff Zinn.

“Our young men have worked hard to improve their strength and skill level over the summer and we look forward to restoring Notre Dame hockey as a contender in Division 3,” said coach Bob Rosbury.

PORTAGE NORTHERN HUSKIES The Westside Huskies went 6-19 last season and coach J.D. Kalleward expects the ’s strengths to be goaltending and defense.

“A solid core of hardworking returning players will be instrumental in the ’s success,” said Kalleward.“ leadership will be important and our new young players will need to mature and progress quickly. We have to play a full 51 minutes and not a second less.”

PORT HURON BIG REDS

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The D2 Big Reds finished 22-4 last season in the MAC White Division and move up this year to the Blue Division. Top returning players include senior goalie Nick Pitre, senior defensemen Eric Payne and Dan Logan, senior forwards Kevin Glombowski and Jason Pringle, senior goalie Jon Kemp, junior D Justin Hanson and junior F Zack Davis.

Newcomers include junior defensman KJ Thomason, junior forwards John Schmitt and Keennan Visga, junior goalie Colton Currah and sophomore forward Austin Fetterly.

“We have a strong defensive , a couple proven goal scorers and we should challenge for the title again,” said coach Ben Pionk.

PORT HURON NORTHERN HUSKIES The D2 Huskies return 15 players from a that finished 6-18-1 last season, including senior goalie Wade Holcomb, senior defensemen Adam Rose and Jared Smith, junior forwards Darien Haeck and Dillon Pfeifer and sophomore forward Bobby King and sophomore goalie Matt Fernandez. Newcomers include junior D Nick Hartig and sophomore F Jimmy Radatz.

“I have been waiting for quite some time for this group to be varsity players,” said coach Bill Warren. “They were thrown into the fire last year and took some lumps, but the experience and the development that they got should make them very hungry to make their mark this year.”

REETHS-PUFFER ROCKETS The D2 Rockets finished 9-13-2 last season and return 13 players, including all three captains, from that . The blueline corps is led by senior Jared Alderink, and Ben Wheeler. Up front seniors Matt Stolzman, Harry Braffhart and Chad Fairfield, along with junior Cam Fowler and sophomore Dean Griffin, will lead the way. Key new players include freshmen goalies Aaron Andrews and Jarod Erickson, and freshman D Nate Cregg.

“Our key will be to fire up our offense early to give some support to our young goalkeepers and not rely on shutouts to win games,” said coach Eric Sikkenga.

ROCHESTER UNITED Rochester finished 15-10-2 last season and will be young this season. Key returning players include senior forwards Conner Salsberry, Lee Teasely and Tim Minotas, along with senior defensemen Gannon Pacioni and Dan Ryan. Senior newcomer Ian Mercer will see most of the time in goal.

“This will be a rebuilding this season and it may take a little time for the to reach it’s potential,” said coach David Underdale. “With the number of newcomers that we have, I’m really interested to see how the develops.”

ROCKFORD RAMS The Rams finished last season 14-13, lost in the regional final and have a young that includes five sophomores. Key returners include senior forwards Erik Datema, Thomas Soupal and Zach Vandawater, senior defensemen Mike VanderVelde, Alex Schrotenboer and Zach King, along with junior F Ben Glass. Newcomers include junior F Justin Ullrey, sophomore forwards Nathan Hill and Austin Cantu, sophomore D Cam Bathum and sophomore G Todd Millar.

“We have a good blend of size, experience and skill,” said coach Ed Van Portfliet.

“We’ll have to rely on our returning players early as our younger players learn our system and adapt.”

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High School Preview ROYAL OAK SHRINE KNIGHTS The D3 Knights went 15-7-2 and return a core that includes a scorer in senior forward Spencer Bald, junior defensemen Donald York and Mike Gilmore and junior forward Jake Luddy. Newcomers include senior forward Evan Lee and freshman forward Trip Callanan.

“We are somewhat young,”said coach AJ Plaskey.“And I expect our kids to play hard in both ends of the ice, compete every game and work to create offensive chances.”

ST. CLAIR SHORES UNIFIED LAKERS The Lakers went 18-4-2 last season, including a 9-0-1 mark in the MAC Red Division. Expect a blue-collar hardnosed style from returning senior forwards Nick Schultz, Nick Izaguirre and Steve Soloway, along with senior goalie Bob Fredal and junior defensemen Austin Buccholz and Shawn Mott. New this year is junior forward Dakota Lucas.

“This could be a rebuilding year since we are so young,”said coach Russ DiCristofaro.

“But we have many players who are working extremely hard and if our goaltending stays strong we will compete for the division title again.”

SAGINAW HERITAGE HAWKS The D2 Hawks went 13-11-2 last season, and return a group that includes returning senior forwards Kevin Crawley and Kyle Stoebel, along with junior forward Tim Cornford.

“I won’t use the word ‘rebuilding’ but we are a very young with a lot of skill in the freshman and sophomore classes,” said coach JJ Bamberger. “This will only get better as the year goes on and the retuning players must step up and compete.”

SAULT STE. MARIE BLUE DEVILS The Devils finished 18-8-1 last season and return 10 players from that , including four senior captains in forwards Lucas McLeod (all-state), David Pace and Marc Pomeroy, senior all-state goalie Cody Jodoin, senior all-state defenseman Nico Talentino and sophomore forward Kyle TenEyck. New this season are junior forward Joe Dobrowolski and junior goalie Sam Devraprasad.

“After falling short of our goal last year, we will do everything possible to make it to the final four,” said coach Doug Laprade. “I’m excited about our and our chances of getting there.”

TAYLOR UNIFIED THUNDER The D1 Thunder finished last season with a 10-15 record. Coach A.J. Walczak will look to junior captain Lucas Meade, junior Zach Dungan and senior Tyler Keith who return up front. Senior goalie Phil Moore and senior D Jake Kaminski will keep opponents off the scoreboard. New faces include freshman D Nathan Brandt and sophomore forward Mike Beesley “After graduating eight top players, we are in a rebuilding phase,” said Walczak.

TRAVERSE CITY CENTRAL TROJANS After finishing with an overall 13-13 record (7-3 in the Big North), Trojans coach Chris Givens returns senior forward Caleb Morgan, two junior defensemen in Kyle Froese and Lucas Little and two goalies in senior Chris Grunst and sophomore Bill Vermetten. Three new forwards will help provide offense - sophomore Nico Saco and freshmen Marcus Russell and Cam Givens.

“We have a young , but they are a great group of kids and they are working extremely hard,” said Givens.

TRAVERSE CITY WEST TITANS The Titans return eight players from last year’s 17-10-1 Big North Conference championship . Coach Jeremy Rintala’s key returnees are senior co-captains Chris Dienes and Frank Gilbert on the blueline. Three senior forwards -Carson Omilusik, Nate Allgaier and Nick Vandekief – along with junior Willie Hanrahan will supply the goal scoring. Sophomore defenseman Trent McDougall and junior goalie Dylan Snider also return. Three sophomores Michael Tilford, G, Carter Edmonson, G and Zak Myers, F, along with freshman forward Tyler Thirlby join the Titans.

“We will be very strong on the back end, but we are pretty inexperienced at forward,”said Rintala.“We are hoping to defend our conference championship and the opportunity to accomplish our ultimate goal - another appearance at the state finals.”

TRENTON TROJANS The two-time defending D2 state champion Trojans ended last season with a 25-4-1 mark. Key returning players for coach Mark Turner are senior forwards Carlo DeGrazia and Dan Bak, junior Blake Wojtala in goal and sophomore defensive standout Reed Whiteside. New Trojans include forwards Jonathon Miller, senior and

32

junior Cory Seychel.

“Expectations are always high in Trenton and I feel we have a talented that needs to develop its own identity,” said Turner.

TROY COLTS Coming off a 10-8-4 season the Colts are looking to improve in the Oakland Activities Association. Coach Tim Zimmerman will rely on junior forwards Brett St. Cyr and Nick Kondolean, along with sophomore and second year letterman Colin McLean. Already joining a young are sophomore defensemen Joel Brodzinski and Andrew Wilson.

“This year the will need to learn and improve each practice to build a foundation for the future,” said Zimmerman.

TROY ATHENS RED HAWKS Coach Joe Barone and the Red Hawks look to build off an 18-5-3 first place Oakland Activities Association campaign last season. There are 14 new players but six seniors do return – including forwards Chad Halpin, Ryan Theuer, and Doug Marvin to provide the offense. On the backend, goalies Justin Yochem and Jamie Cattran, along with defenseman Dan Kreza will look to shut opponents down. Senior D Luke Winkle, junior F Matt Perkins, sophomore F Nathan Gurzell and sophomore D Cory Faw are newcomers.

“With strong senior goaltending and great senior leadership we can make this a successful season,” said Barone.

U OF D JESUIT CUBS The Cubs graduated 15 players from a squad that went 18-10 and lost in the D1 state quarterfinals. Coach Rick Bennetts will rely on senior captains Anthony Stempin and junior Timmy Moore, both of whom play up front and on defense. Senior forward David Mannino joins the .

“We are working to be a better at the end of the season than at the beginning with our goal being to make a run at a regional title,” said Bennetts.

UTICA CHIEFTAINS The Chieftains look to improve on a 6-17-1 Macomb Area Conference Division finish in 2010. Coach Craig Staskowski has five key returners in senior captains Andrew Gates, F and Brock Rowe, D, along with juniors Jonathon Taormina, F, Aaron Grady, F, and Frank Gambino, F. Sophomore goaltender Ethan Smith joins the and split time in net with senior Fabiano Zanella.

“We will be better then we were a year ago. new direction of our program is to get better everyday and be playing our best come state playoff time,” Staskowski said.

UTICA EISENHOWER EAGLES Last year’s Macomb Area Conference White champions posted a 22-6 record and coach Bob Hall and the Eagles look to continue that trend. Goalies Everet Bommarito (senior) and Erik Rodak (junior) provide experience between the pipes and junior forwards Zach Halloran and Jacob Schmidt lead up front. Newcomers include seniors Chris Antonucci, F, Jake VanSlembrouck, F and Dan Havrilla, D, along with juniors Mike Willensen, F, Aaron Schneider, F, Jake Ulincy, D and Bryan Kolpacke.

“We have a balanced lineup and will be a relatively fast, defensive minded relying on generating offense off our opponents’ mistakes,” said Hall.

UTICA STEVENSON TITANS The D1 Titans, who went 18-6 last season and lost in the regional final, return a hardworking, blue collar style squad that includes four seniors, Tyler Barnes, F, Logan Murray, F, Jason Zyyon, D, and Charlie Schultz, D, who will lead the way for coach Alan Korolewicz. Two sophomores join the Titans, Steve Hill, D and Matt Bognar, G. “We are coming into a new era at Stevenson and this season will definitely be a

November 22, 2010, Volume 21 : Issue 8

challenge,” said Korolewicz.

WALLED LAKE NORTHERN KNIGHTS The Knights posted a 15-9-2 record last season, and with 13 players lost to graduation youth will play a huge role this year for coach Claude Tunison. Returning players include senior all-state goalie Connor Hellebuyck, senior defenseman Andrew Bozomowski and junior forwards Rob Luzynski and Devon D’Angelo. Three juniors join the – defensemen Logan Johnson and Paul Fowler, along with forward Chad Bailey.

“If the comes together, both on the ice and in the locker room, then we should be competitive down the stretch,” said Tunison.

WARREN DE LA SALLE PILOTS The D2 Pilots went 24-6 and lost in the state semifinal to Midland. Fifteen players graduated but back from that are seniors Brad Annas, D, Trevor Shilds, F, Austin Hibner, F, and Shane McKenna. Eight new seniors join the Pilots, including forwards Rick Steenland, Nico Ruggerri, Zander Tu, Mike Neal, Aaron Yaden, Rich Lastomirsky, Matt Smart and goalie Jake Theut.

“We play in the MIHL and we know every game will be big in that league. We look forward to a great year,” said coach Dan Berry.

WATERFORD KETTERING CAPTAINS Coach Dan Whitener and the defending KLAA Lakes Conference champions will be young after graduating eleven seniors from a that went 13-9-2 last season. Key returnees are senior forwards Zach Zimmerman, Nick Murphy and Ian Nolan, senior defenseman Taylor Gilliand and sophomore defenseman Jay Magnan. New to the is sophomore forwards Kyle Soncrainte, senior forward Austin Carpenter and goalie Tucker Gilliland.

“Our seniors will hold the fort down while our new players improve and adjust to high school hockey and we anticipate another successful season,” said Whitener.

WATERFORD MOTT CORSAIRS The Corsairs look to improve on a 13-13-2 record from last season with eleven returning players. Coach Marty White’s key returnees are seniors, JD Clemence, F, Emmett Smith, F, Myles Grix, G, with juniors Colin Larkin, F, Scott Cuthrell, F, and Tyler Vaughan, D. Sophomore forwards Austin Sereno and Max Vancil join the this season.

“We have three solid offensive lines, two proven goaltenders and a young but solid defensive unit, so I’m excited about our prospects,” said White.

WEST OTTAWA PANTHERS Panthers coach Jeremy Von Eitzen is looking to his defense and goaltending to build his program. Two defensemen, seniors Chad Beltman and Reid Frescura, are key returnees. Three forwards join the squad, including sophomore Danny Matrosic and freshmen Alex Zimmerman and Blake Denboer.

“In order to compete in the conference we will need our young offense to step up this year,” said Von Eitzen.

WYANDOTTE ROOSEVELT BEARS The D2 Bears return a good mix of experience and youth coming off a 15-9 finish last season. Coach Mike Quint returns senior forwards Gerald Mayhew and Nick Kovalchik and goalie Chase Schimittou, along with juniors Tyler Goat, F, Kyle King, D and Alex Sharpe, D. Three sophomores, Ben Thompson, D and forwards John Calhoun and Tyler Winters are newcomers.

“We have high expectations for my . There’s no reason why the Bears can’t be a 20 win and achieve a few wins in post season,” said Quint.

High School Preview

MichiganHockeyOnline.com

Michigan Hockey

33

NORTH AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE 2010-11 NAHL Standings (as of Nov. 16) CENTRAL Bismarck Owatonna Coulee Region Aberdeen Alexandria Austin NORTH St. Louis Springfield Janesville Motor City Michigan Traverse City Chicago Port Huron SOUTH Texas Wichita Falls Amarillo Topeka Corpus Christi New Mexico WEST Wenatchee Fairbanks Kenai River Fresno Alaska Dawson Creek

34

GP 19 20 16 19 17 17 GP 23 28 19 20 19 18 22 17 GP 21 21 16 18 20 21 GP 20 21 23 22 21 24

W 11 10 10 8 7 6 W 15 13 12 12 11 10 6 1 W 16 13 12 11 7 5 W 13 12 11 10 11 8

L 7 7 4 10 7 11 L 5 13 5 8 7 7 14 15 L 2 6 3 5 11 14 L 7 7 10 9 10 14

OTL 1 3 2 1 3 0 OTL 3 2 2 0 1 1 2 1 OTL 3 2 1 2 2 2 OTL 0 2 2 3 0 2 GP 20 28 20 20 18 28 28 23 20 19 19 20 23 20 20 20 17 21 21 22 21 21 20 20 20 16 15

TOP SCORERS Wydo, Cody Nauman, Ethan Kleiman, RJ Brancheau, Steve Hill, Michael Callahan, Jack Fallon, Mike Ciotti, Chris Educate, Louis Ward, Cory Osborn, JT Beck, Doug Lubanski, Brett Kalisz, Joe Stouffer, Ryan Walker, Beau Nagtzaam, Nardo Barber, Jacob Freibergs, Ralfs Siemer, John Frost, Ryan Olson, Mac Persian, Ben Albrecht, James Vierling, Zach Frischmon, Zac Einersen, Rock

MCM SPR MCM MCM TOP SPR SPR STL PHN ABD FAI KNR KNR STL STL COR ALX ALA TEX FRE WFS WFS OWA CHI FAI COU TEX

POS F F F F F D F F F F F F F F F F F F D F F F F F F F F

TOP GOALIES Kruger, Jimmy Jacobson, David Jaeger, Brandon Szczerba, Nikifor Faragher, Ryan Garavaglia, Eric Tirronen, Rasmus Tadazak, Robert Moberg, Paul

TEX JNE WEN AMA BIS WFS TOP MIC COU

GP 10 18 14 15 16 8 12 15 14

Michigan Hockey

PTS PCT 23 0.605 23 0.575 22 0.688 17 0.447 17 0.500 12 0.353 PTS WPCT 33 0.717 28 0.500 26 0.684 24 0.600 23 0.605 21 0.583 14 0.318 3 0.088 PTS WPCT 35 0.833 28 0.667 25 0.781 24 0.667 16 0.400 12 0.286 PTS WPCT 26 0.650 26 0.619 24 0.522 23 0.523 22 0.524 18 0.375 G 18 12 12 10 16 4 9 12 14 13 14 13 4 12 12 7 8 14 2 7 6 12 13 9 5 14 13

MIN 600:00 1088:53 834:03 843:03 968:37 459:38 649:36 737:53 829:47

A 22 22 19 20 13 23 18 15 12 13 11 11 19 11 11 16 15 8 20 14 15 9 8 12 16 7 8

PTS 40 34 31 30 29 27 27 27 26 26 25 24 23 23 23 23 23 22 22 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21

SO 1 4 1 2 1 2 1 2 1

GA 15 33 31 32 37 18 26 31 35

GF 58 66 56 69 52 44 GF 90 89 54 87 63 55 68 42 GF 85 77 68 64 58 46 GF 72 86 75 68 61 51

GA 49 69 48 75 55 59 GA 51 88 40 64 61 47 102 109 GA 49 62 46 50 81 91 GA 52 66 70 85 64 71

PIM 383 412 306 250 258 398 PIM 330 410 366 522 300 279 401 582 PIM 569 502 494 507 900 560 PIM 588 514 463 663 564 665

PIM 12 21 32 16 34 24 6 22 12 10 13 35 14 14 13 8 24 10 27 45 8 24 10 2 0 12 10

PPG 6 2 5 4 8 2 1 2 6 3 3 6 1 6 4 1 5 6 1 1 4 2 2 3 0 6 6

SHG 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0

GAA 1.5 1.82 2.23 2.28 2.29 2.35 2.4 2.52 2.53

SV 236 414 331 400 423 233 243 371 446

SV% .940 .926 .914 .926 .920 .928 .903 .923 .927

Wyandotte’s Wydo an offensive force for Jackets

BY MATT MACKINDER

the standings and get near the top.”

Motor City’s Cody Wydo has to pinch One other situation that has helped himself when he looks at the NAHL Wydo on the ice is the fact he’s comfortable scoring leaders and sees his name at the off the ice.While many players have to leave top of the list. home to play junior hockey, Wydo lives in “I never thought I’d be leading the close proximity to Motor City’s home rink league in scoring,” said Wydo, a 19-year (Kennedy Recreation Center inTrenton) and old Wyandotte native. “I figured maybe I’d doesn’t have to live with a billet family. be up there, but to be at the top? No way.”

“It’s great being able to live at home and In his second season with the Metal be in the same bed I’ve been in since I was Jackets, Wydo has moved from the wing to a kid,”said Wydo.“I have a lot of family that center this season by head coach David Cole lives in the area and I get a lot of support and the move has helped him pile up the at our games. It’s just an all-around good points. With 40 points through 20 games situation.” this season, Wydo is about to match the 42 points he tallied in 58 games a season ago.

NAHL NOTEBOOK “Coach figured I would see more of The NAHL debuted in California on the ice at center,” said Wydo. “I think I’m Oct. 22 as the Fresno Monsters hosted being used more and I’m getting more the Wenatchee Wild in front of a crowd of opportunities to be a playmaker. My 4,122 at Selland Arena. Wenatchee beat linemates Steve Brancheau (River Rouge) the Monsters, 3-2 … Three more NCAA and R.J. Kleiman (Dewitt) have also played D-I college commitments – St. Louis a big role. I also trained with a personal Bandits’ defenseman Mychal Monteith trainer over the summer and that has really and Alexandria Blizzard forward Nardo helped with my confidence.”

Nagtzaam have both committed to Wydo is hoping that increased playing Mercyhurst and Wenatchee defenseman PHOTO COURTESY NAHL time will eventually land him a chance and captain Eric Johnson has chosen Notre to play Division I college hockey. He said Dame … The NAHL assumed operations of he’s been in talks with several schools and the Tier III Junior A Central States Hockey Motor City center Cody Wydo of Wyandotte is leading the hopes to have a decision made by the end League on November 1 and the CSHL was NAHL in scoring this season. of the year. renamed the North American 3 Hockey Until then, Wydo wants to concentrate on helping to get Motor City out from the League (NA3HL) … Also on November 1, the league announced the Kalamazoo Jr. middle of the North Division standings and into the upper echelon.

K-Wings will join the NAHL next season … The Port Huron Fighting Falcons earned “We have most of our team back from last year, so a lot of us are used to our their first win of the season on Nov. 7 – a 4-1 win at home over the Springfield Jr. teammates,” Wydo explained. “I think we just need to play better ‘D’ and get a few Blues. The win also came on the same day as Port Huron head coach Ernie Hicke’s more goals so our goalies can start playing with a lead. Our division is so tight that 63rd birthday. if we go on a nice run and win four out of five or something like that, we’ll jump in

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK (FOR WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 14)

NORTH DIVISION St. Louis defenseman Nick Carey rang up three goals and an assist as the Bandits fashioned a 2-1 record against Motor City. On Nov.12, the Wildwood, Mo., native recorded a goal in a 5-1 victory. After being held scoreless the next night - a 2-1 loss - the 19-year-old put home two more goals and an assist on Nov. 14 as the Bandits doubled up the Metal Jackets, 6-3. He was also a plus-4 on the weekend.

SOUTH DIVISION Amarillo forward Ricky DeRosa struck for four goals, including a natural hat trick in the second period, as the Bulls doubled up the Wichita Falls Wildcats on Nov. 13, 6-3, in their only game of the weekend. The 18-year-old from Aston, Pa., was also a plus-2.

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CENTRAL DIVISION Coulee Region forward Lucas Dillon connected for four goals as the Chill skated to a two-game sweep over Austin. On Nov. 12, the Thief River Falls, Minn., native put home a pair of goals, including the game-winner, in a 4-3 victory. The next night, the 20-year-old again lit the lamp twice as the Chill downed the Bruins, 7-4. He was also a plus-5 for the weekend.

WEST DIVISION Fresno forward Willie Hess came through with three goals and two assists as the Monsters put together a 2-0-1 record against Dawson Creek. On Nov. 12, the Lino Lakes, Minn., native notched a goal and two assists, including one on John

.COM

Siemer’s game-winning marker, in a 4-3 victory. The next night, the 20-year-old picked up an assist as the Monsters fell to the Rage in a shootout, 3-2. Hess registered another goal - the game-winner - in a 2-1 triumph on Nov.14. He was also a plus-2 for the weekend.

GOALTENDER Motor City goaltender Joey Ballmer backstopped the Metal Jackets to a 2-1 victory over the St. Louis Bandits on Nov. 13, turning aside 31 shots. Two nights prior, the 18-year-old from Kalamazoo, Mich., made 34 saves in the Jackets’6-1 exhibition triumph over the Czech Republic’s 18U National Team.

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Junior Hockey

November 22, 2010, Volume 21 : Issue 8

Lumberjacks move up in USHL standings

With Muskegon coach Kevin Patrick looking on, nine Lumberjacks’ players signed Letters of Intent on November 10 to attend college. From left is Lance Fredrickson (Miami), Matt DeBlouw (Michigan State), Ryan Misiak (Mercyhurst), Matt Berry (Michigan State), Alexx Privitera (Boston University), Brendan Woods (Wisconsin), Mike Conderman (UMass-Lowell), Travis Walsh (Michigan State) and Sebastien Gingras (Maine).

After a bit of a slow start, the Muskegon Lumberjacks have been steadily moving up in the United States Hockey league standings.

Muskegon reeled off three straight wins, including a 5-3 victory on the road against the Chicago Steel on November 9.

The Lumberjacks picked up another point in a 5-4 overtime loss at Des Moines on Nov. 12 before losing 4-1 in Dubuque to the first-place Fighting Saints the following night.

The team has been strong in the third periods of games and the run put Muskegon (5-5-3) in a third-place tie with Waterloo in the USHL’s eight-team Eastern Conference. “Our ability to skate in the third period really makes things hard on people,� said coach Kevin Patrick.

Canton’s Matt Berry, who signed a Letter of Intent on Nov. 10 to attend Michigan State, led the Lumberjacks with a hat trick and an assist in the win over the Steel.

The Lumberjacks talented rookie forward then added two

assists in the loss to the Buccaneers and scored the team’s only goal in the loss to the Fighting Saints. Berry had a five-game scoring streak (6-5-11) and was named the USHL CCM Offensive Player of the Week on Nov. 15. “We’re really starting to get things rolling here, and we’re just hoping to keep adding wins,� said Berry.

The Lumberjacks kick off a five-game homestand at the L.C. Walker Arena on November 17 against the Omaha Lancers, and have upcoming games against Dubuque (Nov. 19), Cedar Rapids (Nov. 20), Des Moines (Nov. 27) and Youngstown (Nov. 28).

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

Cody Pachota

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

Caden Pachota

Westland 5 3 feet – 9 inches 55 lbs Wayne Warriors Defense Carlos Muglia P.D. Graham Elementary Kindergarten Red Wings Osgood

Westland 7 4-feet 0 inches 52 lbs Canton Victory Honda Center Paul Goleniak P.D. Graham Elementary 2nd Grade Red Wings Osgood

Make your player a "Star of Tomorrow"

MEGNA AND WOODS RANKED BY CSB In the NHL Central Scouting Bureau’s preliminary rankings for the 2011 NHL Draft, Muskegon defenseman Jaycob Megna (Northbrook, Ill.) was ranked No. 21 among USHL skaters. Lumberjacks forward Brendan Woods (Fairfax, Va.) was ranked No. 24.

MichiganHockeyOnline.com

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Michigan Hockey

35

Junior Hockey

PHOTO BY AARON BELL/OHL IMAGES

PHOTO BY WALT DMOCH/PLYMOUTH WHALERS

November 22, 2010, Volume 21 : Issue 8

Saginaw’s Josh Shalla leads the Spirit with 16 goals in his first 21 games.

Wilson is getting comfortable in his rookie season with the Plymouth Whalers.

Spirit to remain at Dow after millage passes

BY CARL CHIMENTI

While some sports organizations wish for a new facility to play in, the Saginaw Spirit are very happy to be staying in the only home they have ever known, the Dow Events Center.

On Election Day, November 2, Saginaw County taxpayers made sure of that, approving a 10-year millage that will keep Mid Michigan’s OHL team in Saginaw. Spirit President and Managing Partner Craig Goslin, was pleased with the results.

“We are thrilled that the tax payers in our community have seen the benefits of not just Saginaw Spirit hockey but all the good things happening at the Dow such as the concerts, circus and the theatre,” said Goslin. “We are just the main tenant and I am glad to say that we will be here for the next ten years.”

Saginaw has two more years left on the initial millage that was passed in 2001 and Goslin sees no problem with the upcoming renewal.

“Our current lease is in effect for the next couple years and our renewal lease will match the millage for ten years and we don’t for see any problems.”

Like other communities across the state, Saginaw County has been hit hard with tough economic times and passage of the millage was anything but a sure thing.

“We were concerned and feared the unknown,” said Goslin. “These tough times which have affected everyone in Michigan certainly gives us respect to the fact that the Saginaw community had reasons not to pass this millage in this economic downturn. It’s a lot to ask of the tax payers and for that we are thankful.”

OVERAGER SISCA JOINS SPIRIT To end October Saginaw added another proven point producer to an already talented line-up by acquiring 5-9, 183 pound forward Mathew Sisca from the Guelph Storm for a third

36

Michigan Hockey

round draft pick in 2011.

The Woodbridge, Ontario native brought instant success scoring two goals and an assist in his first game against the London Knights on Oct. 30. Last season Sisca scored 35 goals and 65 points with the Storm, and played two seasons with the Niagara Ice Dogs before that..

SPIRIT NOTEBOOK The Spirit opened November on the road, outlasting the Sarnia Sting on the road 7-5 on Nov. 5. Michael Kantor came back from strong, after sitting out a few games due to an upper body injury, scoring three goals to pace the attack. Josh Shalla added a pair of goals, Ivan Telegin had a goal and two assists and Vincent Trocheck rounded out the goal parade. Sisca had two assists giving him five points in his first two games since his acquisition from Guelph. Tadeas Galansky notched his fourth win stopping 29 out of 34 shots… Back home for the annual Guns ’n’ Hoses night that featured an exhibition game between Saginaw’s finest fireman vs. policemen, Windsor got a goal from Stephen Johnston with 12 seconds left in the game to beat the Spirit 3-2. Brandon Saad and Kantor with his fourth goal in two games scored for Saginaw. Mavric Parks had 31 saves for Saginaw… The Spirit went 2-1 on an Eastern swing, dropping a 5-4 decision to Niagara on Nov.11 before beating Erie, 4-3, the following night. The squad wrapped up the trip with a 4-2 win over Brampton in an afternoon game on Nov. 14. Michael Sgarbossa notched a goal and an assist and Vincent Trocheck notched two assists in the loss to the IceDogs. Michael Kantor scored the game winning goal, his seventh goal of the season, and Josh Shalla added another in the win over the Otters. Shalla then scored two more goals (for a team high 16) and Parks made 41 saves in the win over the Battalion…

Saginaw was ranked fourth in the Nov. 10 weekly CHL Poll.

Wilson enjoying rookie season in Plymouth

BY MATT MACKINDER

When the Plymouth Whalers drafted Tom Wilson in the second round of May’s Ontario Hockey League draft, Wilson said it was unexpected because the Whalers were one of the teams that didn’t contact him prior to the draft.

Still, when Wilson saw his name pop-up online as the 27th overall pick he couldn’t have been happier.

“I had a lot of interest from teams prior to draft day and had a good idea that I would be drafted in the top two rounds,” said Wilson. “Plymouth was one of three teams that had not contacted me throughout the season. My family and I had no idea about Plymouth or even where it was.”

Growing up in Toronto, the 6-4, 195 pound Wilson had been exposed to the OHL from a very young age, but moving to a different country and taking on a different culture away from the rink has been an eye-opening experience and adjustment.

“It definitely is a lot different from back home, but I love it here,”said the 16-year old Wilson, who was also named the OHL West Division’s Academic Player of the Month for October. “It is a cool opportunity to be able to call two countries home. I miss Toronto and everyone back home, but Plymouth is amazing. I have become a bigger NFL fan for sure, even though the Detroit Lions are having a bit of a tough go. I am still getting used to the American way of life and just missed a day of school for Election Day, which was pretty cool and something I am not used to. The Plymouth and Canton area is a great place to live and I am grateful that everything has worked out so well.”

As for the education aspect, Wilson understands his performance in the classroom is just as important as what he does with the skates laced up.

“Education is an important part of life and my parents

MichiganHockeyOnline.com

have always encouraged me to do well on and off the ice,” said Wilson. “Hockey might not always be there to fall back on, so it is a good thing to have decent grades. It is also very important to the team that we do well because if our grades are bad, it might affect our ice time.”

Fitting in with his Whalers teammates is also a situation that has been a positive one so far for Wilson. ”The older guys are great and it is cool to have an opportunity to play with and learn from guys that are four years older,” Wilson said. “This really contributes to the great development factor of the OHL. They have done a great job of making me feel welcome. The whole team is pretty tight, but there will always be groups that hang out together and the rookies spend a lot of time with each other. Sitting at the front of the bus, unpacking the bus, going to school and stuff like that forces us to become tight early in the season and develop friendships. A tough part of it was having a few of the young guys leave early on in the season when the older guys came back from NHL camps, but hopefully we will see them next year.”

Back on Oct. 22 in a 5-2 win at home over Belleville, Wilson scored his first OHL goal, but in his words, it was an “embarrassing way to score.” ”My first OHL goal was a funny one,” Wilson laughed.

“There was a draw in our end in the last minute of the game and (Belleville) won the faceoff and I intercepted the pass. I proceeded to take a few steps and fire it down the ice into the empty net. It was a little bit of an unfortunate way to score my first, but I’ll take them anyway they come right now. The puck is in my room at my billet house at the moment. It is an important milestone I’ll always remember.”

Awesome

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SALUTE TO HEROES

SAT :05

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Nov 20

TURKEY BOWL

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Nov 24

FOOD DRIVE

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Whalers v. Guelph Whalers v. Saginaw The Whalers are hosting a special night honoring our everyday heroes!

Wear your uniform or bring your military ID to receive a free pass to the game.

ADDITIONAL PACK TICKETS ARE JUST $12 EACH

Mites, Squirts & Pee Wee House, A, AA, Bantam A & AA Sanction #: MIT110116

Whalers v. Peterborough

Our annual turkey bowl on ice is always entertaining--- knock down the most pins and win the turkey! Enjoy great Whalers hockey on the eve of Thanksgiving!

GREAT SAVE PACK!

Nov 27

Help stock the Salvation Army Food Pantry by bringing nonperishable food items.

Bring 10 items and get a chance to win a $500 gas card from Citgo.

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Tickets Hot Dogs* Sodas Good E ver y G Line-up Cards ame!

*Hot dog can be exchanged for a slice of pizza

For more information or to register your team, call (734) 453-6400 or visit CompuwareArena.com

NHL & Red Wing Insiders

November 22, 2010, Volume 21 : Issue 8

Red Wings GM Jimmy Devellano (left) with Steve Yzerman and coach Nick Polano in 1983.

Kevin Allen covers pro and college hockey for USA Today

All-Star game gets new format

Devellano has hall of fame career

BY DAVE WADDELL

A number of NHL players over the years have said they loved the game so much they’d play for free. In Detroit Red Wings senior vice president Jimmy Devellano’s case, he actually did it.

Devellano wasn’t a player, but he started down the management path towards his Hockey Hall of Fame induction this month by working a season as a scout for free for the St. Louis Blues in 1967-68.

Devellano entered the hall in the builders’ category along with Calgary Flames’ founder Daryl Seaman. Being inducted as players were former Red Wing Dino Ciccarelli and the hall’s first two female players Canada’s Angela James and U.S. star Cammi Granato.

“My big break came with (NHL) expansion in 1967,” Devellano said.“I wrote Blues’general manager Lynn Patrick and said I’d scout the whole year for them without remuneration.

He took me up on the offer.

“The next year they hired me full-time and paid me. I just grew up loving the game, coaching a lot of junior s in Toronto.

I wanted to be part of it (NHL) so bad. It’s worked out pretty good for me wouldn’t you say?”

In his 44 years in the NHL since then, Devellano has really built two careers that are both worthy of induction into the hall of fame.

He joined the expansion New York Islanders as a scout in 1972 and later became assistant general manager. He was in charge of drafting for the Islanders, who went on to win four straight Stanley Cups in the early 1980s.

Devellano left the Islanders after they won their third cup to take the Wings’ general manager’s position in July, 1982. In Detroit he set the foundation for four more Stanley Cups and a stretch of consistent success that has made the once moribund Wings the NHL’s model franchise over the past two decades.

A proud man for having taken a most unusual route to joining the game’s elite, Devellano candidly admits he has sat through many of the hall’s induction ceremonies wondering if he’d ever get in himself.

The Toronto native is a regular visitor to the Hockey Hall of Fame and getting to see his plaque with his accomplishments in the sport’s pantheon is something he admits he’ll cherish.

“Obviously I’m thrilled and honored, but the real wow for me is having my plaque in here with all these other greats of the game,” Devellano said.

“When you enter the NHL as a young man there are two things you want to accomplish on the management side. First is winning the Stanley Cup and I’ve been fortunate to do that.

“The other is at the end of the day, as you get older and your career is winding down, you’d like to be recognized as a

builder by the hall of fame. I’m delighted because it’s not an easy accomplishment to get into the hall.”

While he’s worn a number of hats in management, Devellano goes back to his roots in searching for the one thing that made him worthy of the hall.

“I’d say it was my ability to scout talent,” Devellano said. “I was in charge of the Islanders’drafting and 17 of the 21 players on that Stanley Cup were our picks.

“Mr. Ilitch told me the reason I was hired was my track record in the draft and ability to develop players.”

Devellano was also an innovator and proved a shrewd judge of Ilitch’s personality and desire to win.

He was among the first NHL general managers to hire a fulltime European scout and was more aggressive than most of his peers in drafting talent that was still behind the Iron Curtain.

In 1983, the Wings drafted Petr Klima in the fifth round and then became the first U.S.-based to get a Czech player to defect directly to an American club.

“I know people laughed and thought I was stupid for wasting a pick we needed by taking Petr Klima and then later Sergei Fedorov, Vladdie Konstantinov and Slava Kozlov,” Devellano said. “But the league had expanded and I knew I couldn’t do what I’d done with the Islanders drafting just in North America.

“I was counting on Mr. Ilitch and his resources to get these guys out from behind the Iron Curtain. I figured we could use skullduggery to get them to defect or work out a deal with the Russians and Czechs.

“We had to wait until 1990 to get a lot of them, but ever since the Europeans began arriving the Detroit Red Wings have been terrific.”

While the Stanley Cup championships are certainly highlight moments in his career, in typical management fashion Devellano said his proudest achievement is more long term than just a championship moment.

In the 17 years prior to his arrival as Wings’ GM, Detroit had made the playoffs three times. The Wings have been regular visitors to the post-season since then.

“The thing I’m most proud of is being in Detroit and only missing the playoffs three times (1983, 1986 and 1990) in 29 years,” Devellano said.

“We’ve never missed in back-to-back seasons and we haven’t missed for 20 years since 1990. I think that’s quite phenomenal.

“We’re always there banging on the door, sometimes with a better chance than other years, but we’re there.

“I thought I had my eighth ring in the 2009 finals, but we just ran out of gas, too many injuries. I’m optimistic again this season.

“I think we’ll be right in the mix. There’s no clear cut favorite and I think we’re as good as anyone.”

With the NHL announcing that captains will draft s for the 2011 All-Star game in Raleigh, Pittburgh’s Sidney Crosby and Washington’s Alex Ovechkin instantly became the top candidates for the job.

They are the highest profile stars in the game. They are both comfortable in the spotlight. And most important, their rivalry is real. If they were named the captains, the selection process becomes a made-for-television spectacle.

It would be like LeBron James and Kobe Bryant choosing up sides for a pick-up basketball game or Peyton Manning and his brother Eli drafting players for a flag football game.

Of course we would be interested. Can you imagine the theatrics that would go into Ovechkin’s selections?

But no matter who is chosen to serves as captain, the ultimate pick-up game is a better All-Star plan, mostly because it’s rooted in the idea that the game should belong to the players.

No matter what we do, we aren’t heading down the road to true hockey. Players aren’t going to risk injury on a game that doesn’t matter. But with the new format, we can at least have intriguing storylines. What goalie will be chosen first? Who will be in the last group of players chosen? NHL Vice President of Business and Development Brendan Shanahan said players laughed about the possibility that someone would be chosen last in the fantasy draft. He said they wouldn’t be bothered by it.

However, most of us would think that regardless of how much money an athlete makes, he wouldn’t want to hear everyone’s name called before he is picked.

No one wants to be the guy that is standing all alone in the center when everyone else is lined up behind a captain.

Who do the captains want to play with? Will a player bypass a mate to draft a more talented player? Sorry, buddy.

Detroit Red Wings center Pavel Datsyuk predicted that if a Russian is named captain, he would draft all of the Russians.

If Ovechkin is captain and Crosby is not, would Ovechkin draft Crosby? What if the situation were reversed? C’mon. Would Ovechkin really take Datsyuk over his mate Nicklas Backstrom?

I think not, but it would certainly add some drama to the proceedings if that occurred.

It’s easy to see that this game could have many subplots.

Who gets overlooked by the captains will become as important as who does get chosen.

The only impediment to this marketing bonanza are the players themselves. It will be up to the players - not a marketing guy - to determine who will serve as the captains. That means that the Ovechkin vs. Crosby concept is simply a possibility, not a likelihood.

Red Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom, one the league’s most respected players, is off to a Norris Trophy start. He could easily end up as one of the captains. Well-liked Teemu Selanne could also be a possibility.

Lidstrom said he hadn’t even thought about the possibility that he might have to pick the s.

“I did like it,”Lidstrom said.“You aren’t playing East vs. West.

You could play more with the guys from the Eastern side than the Western side.”

After Lidstrom at least considered how he might pick a , he thought aloud: “Do you start in goal or with a defenseman?”

Nah, you have to start with the scorers. These All-Star games end up with football-like scores. Lidstrom just laughed, conceding that was probably correct.

This pick-up game concept probably won’t have a long shelf life. At some point, we will grow weary of this idea and we will

Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby is a candidate to draft a for the All-Star Game.

have to move to another. I still like the idea of playing against all-stars from Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League.

Despite the concern over injuries, I think a KHL vs. NHL All-Star game could evolve into a real competition.

But for now I’m buying into the new pick-up hockey AllStar format. The real winner in this new idea is Shanahan who championed the cause.

It’s clear that he is fast becoming a new power broker in the NHL office. He has always been a smart, confident person who commands respect from players and management.

Commissioner Gary Bettman gave him the challenge of improving the All-Star game. He told Shanahan to run with it, and Shanahan delivered in a creative way. It appears he has the chance carve out an important place in the NHL hierarchy if he chooses to do so. Or, he could use this NHL position as a springboard to a general manager’s job. It certainly aided Brian Burke to have a tour of duty in the NHL’s New York office.

It seems plausible that Shanahan could end up as a president, like Luc Robitaille is in Los Angeles.

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