MiHockeyMag - January 28, 2013

MiHockeyNow.com

V.23 : I.10 | JANUARY 28, 2013

FIRST CLASS

THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE

TUNNEL

TABLE OF CONTENTS

JANUARY 14, 2013 VOLUME 23: ISSUE 9 6 THE LOCKER ROOM

Talking hockey on social media

10 GET BETTER A screenshot regroup drill for your next practice

12 YOU SHOULD KNOW

Grand Rapids Griffins goaltender Petr Mrazek

14 YOUTH HOCKEY

Honeybaked wins Silver Sticks – twice

16 HOMETOWN HEROES The Red Wings are back

20 RED WINGS FEATURE

The light at the end of the tunnel

24 PLYMOUTH WHALERS

Trocheck an added threat for potent Whalers offense

26 GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS

Former Ferris State star Chad Billins turning heads in GR

20 & 28

THE RED WINGS ARE BACK

28 RED WINGS INSIDER

Ken Holland compares this team to ’05 team, but should he?

30 LAST LINE

My prediction? Blueshirts and Hawks in the Final this June

24

PLYMOUTH WHALERS

Saginaw captain Vince Trocheck moves to Plymouth

4

MiHockeyMag

26

GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS

Chad Billins impressing in Grand Rapids

30

LOOK FOR OUR NEXT ISSUE LAST LINE

Darren Eliot shares his predictions for the shortened NHL season

MiHockeyNow.com

FEBRUARY 11, 2013

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

January 28, 2013 V.23 : I.10

FROM THE EDITOR MIHOCKEYMAG EDITOR Michael Caples

mcaples@mihockeynow.com

ADVERTISING & DISTRIBUTION Lucia Zuzga lucia@mihockeynow.com

DESIGN Emily Huston Chuck Stevens CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Darren Eliot Pat Evans Brian Kalisher Stefan Kubus Kyle Kujawa Matt Mackinder Dave Waddell ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTORS Amy Jones Anne Ellis

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: MICHIGAN HOCKEY® welcomes Letters to the Editor.

E-mail mcaples@mihockeynow.com

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

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

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

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

PHOTOS AT LEFT: Red Wings press conference photo by Tom Turrill/MiHockey, Vince Trocheck (Rena Laverty/Plymouth Whalers), Chad Billins (Mark Newman/Grand Rapids Griffins) COVER: Photo by Michael Caples/MiHockey. Design

by Chuck Stevens/MiHockey

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

January 28, 2013 V.23 : I.10

BY MICHAEL CAPLES

@michaelcaples

FASTEN YOUR SEATBELTS - IT’S ABOUT TO BE A BUMPY RIDE Lockout over?

Check.

Training camp over?

Check.

First game back?

Check.

Home opener?

Check.

Now, the honeymoon phase is over. The grind of a compact regular-season begins.

And Hockeytown needs to be prepared for a different kind of regular season - one that might stress you out more than most.

The Wings are in a transition period. There’s really no getting around the fact that there are problems with the roster, and that the problems will only grow as the injury plague continues to spread through the locker room.

Yet the bumpy ride reference made in the title of this column refers to much more than just the Red Wings.

This might not be the most enjoyable winter and spring for a lot of you.

It’s been a tough season for the majority of the college hockey teams in the state. Michigan and Michigan State are both in the midst of disappointing seasons.

Western Michigan has continued to impress, as they currently sit at No. 9 in the USCHO college hockey poll – yet the Broncos are the only Michigan-based team that has consistently appeared in the rankings this season. Ferris State and Northern Michigan are inching closer to cracking the list, but they’re not there yet. And Michigan Tech, fresh off their first Great Lakes Invitational championship in quite a while, is 1-2-1 in games after their Joe Louis Arena experience.

The Grand Rapids Griffins currently check in at the No.

MiHockeyNow.com

2 spot in the AHL’s Western Conference, but who knows what will happen to the team if the Red Wings have to keep dipping into their reserves because of injuries.

The Plymouth Whalers are gearing up for another playoff run, but a trip to the Memorial Cup has a big roadblock in the London Knights, who have only lost in regulation eight times since the season started (they have played 46 games).

My point is simple – prepare for an interesting spring.

Build your hockey bomb shelter. The beautiful thing about hockey is that you never know what could happen once the playoffs come around. However, your team has to make it to the playoffs, which is a task in itself.

But, like hockey has taught us all, who knows what will happen next. With the talent still on the Red Wings’ roster, they could catch fire at any point. Every CCHA team gets a shot at the playoffs. The Whalers added Spirit captain Vince Trocheck. The Griffins have that guy Petr Mrazek everybody’s talking about (he’s also our ‘You Should Know’ featured player). And hey, not to steal a line from a football coach, but this is Michigan.

We know our hockey. Our players know how to play, whether they grew up here or came here for all of the different levels of play we are fortunate enough to offer.

And plus, ice time isn’t hard to come by if you live near a body of water – talk about freezing temperatures. Yikes.

Keep optimistic, everyone. But don’t say I didn’t warn you if things don’t work out so well for you this season.

Hopefully your own team will make up for any losses the big boys might throw your way.

See you around the rink,

MiHockeyMag

5

THE LOCKER ROOM

THE

LOCKERROOM

ON THE FLY

CAPTION THIS

We asked what you had as the background wallpaper on your phone – here are some of our favorite pictures that people tweeted to us.

MiHockey editor Michael Caples took this photo of Drew Miller looking rather surprised during the Red Wings’ training camp at Compuware Ice Arena, and we decided to let you caption the photo. Here’s a few of the submissions we received on what people thought Miller could be surprised about: Elliot Bennison: Datsyuk scored a highlight when he wasn’t even at camp Angel Woodruff: What do mean just for men????

Anthony Nelson: What a beast Brunner is...

Jim Kirk: Hey! Isn’t that Miss Alabama in the crowd?

Larry Neal: Datsyuk showed up Mark Kowalski: Babcock - “Miller, your new line mates are #13 and #40.”

TWO FOR TWEETING Some fancy new camera accessories are allowing us to tweet pictures faster than we ever have before. Make sure you’re following @MiHockeyNow on Twitter to see images from wherever we are that day, like the two examples shown below.

6

MiHockeyMag

MiHockeyNow.com

January 28, 2013 V.23 : I.10

north american hockey league 33

TOP PROSPECTs TOURNAMENT

Six teams comprised of the NAHL’s top committed and uncommitted college players, including those recognized on the NHL Central Scouting Bureau’s “Players to Watch” list for 2013 draft-eligible players Over 160 NHL and NCAA scouts attended the 2012 Top Prospects Tournament Over half of last years NAHL Top Prospect participants are now playing at the NCAA level

NAPHL CHAMPIONSHIP February 15-18, 2013 - Troy Sports Center NAPHL Regular Season Championship tournament will be held for all teams at Troy Sports Center.

Held in conjunction with the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament and NA3HL Showcase.

NA3HL SHOWCASE February 17-20, 2013 - Troy Sports Center The four-day showcase will feature all 17 teams from the NA3HL in one facility. This Showcase also coincides with the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament and the NAPHL Championship Tournament Series Tournament.

2012 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament Gabe Levin - University of Denver (WCHA, D1) Anthony Stolarz - University of Nebraska-Omaha (WCHA, D1) Adam Chapie - University of Massachusetts-Lowell (Hockey East, D1)

nahl.coM

naphl.com

na3hl.com

+,*+ 6&+22/ +2&.(< /($*8( TM

52999 Dequindre Rochester, MI 48307 Phone: (248) 601-6699 Fax: (248) 601-0102 onyxicearena.com

Varsity & Junior Varsity teams Welcome!

There will be three separate divisions of the Suburban Showdown Spring High School League – 6,/9(5 (recommended for junior varsity teams or current 8th, 9th, and 10th graders), *2/' (recommended for varsity teams or current 9th, 10th and 11th graders) and 1(: 3/$7,180 - (current 12th graders).

(/(9(1 *$0( *8$5$17(( *5($7 6&+('8/( 5(*,675$7,21 )(( ),1$/ 5267(56 Due no later than Monday, April 16 12 +,''(1 )((6

S E M A G E U G A LE PLAYED at S N O I T A C O L H BOT <287+ 7($0 +2&.(< /($*8( 648,57 3(( :(( %$17$0 0,'*(7 B, A, and AA Players 54755 Broughton Macomb, MI 48042 Phone: (586) 992-8600 Fax: (586) 992-8666 suburbanice.com

The intent in this league is to allow coaches to select their players and for players to play with friends. Therefore, each team may roster B, A and AA players as long as the “Sliding Scale” requirement for second year players is met. No AAA players allowed. Teams may register in Squirt through Midget age classifications.

(/(9(1 *$0( *8$5$17(( *5($7 6&+('8/( 5(*,675$7,21 )(( ),1$/ 5267(56 Due no later than Monday, April 22 12 +,''(1 )((6

Photo by Matthew Lewinski

CELEBRATE WARRIOR HOCKEY DAY IN MICHIGAN Saturday, February 16th

Invite a friend to skate | Attend a Learn to Play Clinic | Watch a Game Play a Game | Skate, Shoot, Pass, Score | Have Fun!

For a complete list of Warrior Hockey Day in Michigan Activities, Events, Contests,Updates and to Get Involved please visit www.MiHockeyNow.com “Like” us on facebook. facebook.com/hockeydayinmichigan

“Follow” us on twitter @HockeyDayInMichigan

GET BETTER

GETBETTER

POWERED BY

SCREEN SHOT REGROUP DRILL OBJECTIVE: GOALIE WARM-UP Involves full ice-skating, passing and varied shot locations, including getting the defensemen involved with a point shot and moving up in the attack through the neutral zone.

KEY ELEMENTS: • Skating • Passing/receiving • Shooting • Goalie warm-up shots • Timing/support ORGANIZATION: Forwards at opposite diagonal corners at the face-off hash marks. Defense at the bluelines, same side as the forwards, at the same diagonal position. Both ends go at the same time; the forwards pass the puck to the defenseman, who walks the puck laterally across the blueline for a shot on net or a tip to the forward coming across the top of the circle to the net for a tip or rebound. Then the defenseman skates backward to the other end, pivots to the puck directed off the boards inside the blue line by a coach, and regroups. The forward that skates up the far side of the rink, down to the tops of the circles for good support to regroup. Continue down ice for a shot on net. Defenseman will follow the play up ice.

VARIATION: Defenseman follows the play up for an additional point shot, pass from the next forward in line or from the coach.

GOALIE: Follow shooter across the zone, get a feel for the puck and positioning on point shots. possible tip situation.

10

MiHockeyMag

MiHockeyNow.com

January 28, 2013 V.23 : I.10

FUTURE PRO GOAL

A D V E R T I S I N G F E A T U R E Jeff Lerg is the head director of Future Pro USA Goaltending.

Visit Future Pro on the web at futurepro.com

THE WINNING GOALTENDER

B

eing an active goaltender and an avid hockey watcher, I have come to realize that the goalies that have made it to the NHL or other levels of professional hockey all have

BY JEFF LERG one skill in common: winning.

It is an actual skill to know how to win. The best goalies do not always have a great team every year. Great goalies know how to win with a good team and also find ways to win with a mediocre team. From being involved on some championship teams, I feel that winning is almost like an addiction. Once you get that feeling of being rewarded for all of the sacrifice and hard work, you can’t wait until you can feel that again.

That winning feeling is what keeps many hockey players striving to do their best.

Here are some of the characteristics of winning goalies that I have noticed: Control the Routine Saves Hockey is a game of controlled chaos. There are many scrambles and scrums in front of the net each game.

Winning goalies control the shots that are meant to start all of this chaos in the first place. They limit the rebound opportunities and also have the ability to smother pucks that are loose in the crease area.

Make the Big Play In most hockey games, there is a time when the game shifts to one team’s favor. As a goaltender, we have the luxury of playing all 60 minutes. This means that we have the best odds to be involved in “the big play” or big plays.

I have been in games when a big save was needed in the first minute of the game, and also in the last minute of the game. The time to change the outcome of the game can happen at any moment, and the best goalies have the ability to do it on a consistent basis.

Consistent Approach Winning is a habit and a daily approach to doing your best. No matter if the game is full of defensive breakdowns and a lot of offense, the best goalies find a way to win. All the great goalies have won low-scoring games (i.e. 1-0) and high scoring games (i.e. 7-6). Goalies that don’t get too high or too low in these games are the ones that win.

Play all 60 minutes to your full potential, regardless of the score, and you have given yourself a chance to win.

Exude Confidence When someone is confident, it shows in their play.

Every time the puck comes to them, they know without a doubt that they will stop it. This sort of confidence comes from working hard in practice, and knowing that every necessary step was taken to prepare for the game. They make tough saves look easy, and they believe that they will win the game. This winning attitude is spread throughout the rest of the team.

Play with an Edge I believe that this skill is more about the mentality of the goaltender. Growing up as a smaller goaltender and being overlooked due to my size, I felt that I always had something to prove. Every goalie has their own story and motivation, and the ones who bring their determination and passion onto the ice are noticeable. The strongerwilled goaltender usually comes out on top.

Sometimes working as hard as you possibly can and following these guidelines still won’t lead to a victory.

Going through the ups and downs of a season has a way of keeping us humble and reminding us that we can always get better in everything that we do. What is truly important is that you give your absolute best effort and enjoy this beautiful game of hockey.

Photo by Andrew Knapik

D&D BICYCLES AND HOCKEY

D&D

D&D

at the SE corner of 12 Mile and Greenfield

just west of Whitmore Lake Rd

4141 12 Mile Rd. Berkley, MI 48072

9977 Grand River Ave. Brighton, MI 48116

D&D

D&D

inside the Lakeland Ice Arena

located next to Livonia, Garden City & Dearborn

7330 Highland Rd. Waterford, MI 48327

8383 N Middlebelt Rd. Westland, MI 48185

Bicycles and Hockey Bicycles and Hockey - Berkley NEW - Brighton NEW (248) 547-0770

4 Awesome Locations to Serve You.

810.227.5070

Bicycles and Hockey Bicycles and Hockey - Waterford - Westland 248.461.6550

Any Single Item Take

15% OFF! Stop by D&D until 2/21/2013 to redeem this coupon.

Offer valid for in-stock, non-sale priced items only.

Official supplier of hockey equipment and apparel to Detroit Catholic Central

734.522.9410

ddhockey1.com

January 28, 2013 V.23 : I.10

MiHockeyNow.com

MiHockeyMag

11

YOU SHOULD KNOW

you should know

Photo by Dave Reginek

FAVORITE SPORTING EVENT:

Stanley Cup Final

FIRST CONCERT: Ozzy Osbourne

MUST-SEE TV:

24 or Prison Break

FAVORITE BREAKFAST FOOD: Eggs

FAVORITE MOVIE:

The Hangover, both parts

IF YOU COULD HAVE ONE SUPER POWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE: I would like to be Spiderman

NICKNAME: Mraza

WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH $1 MILLION DOLLARS:

First I would give some to my parents.

They gave me a lot when I was younger and I want to give something back.

THREE PEOPLE YOU WOULD WANT TO HAVE DINNER WITH:

Roger Federer. For me he’s a hero, how he practices every day and how he plays.

PRE-GAME ROUTINE:

I have a routine, but I don’t tell. That’s my secret.

WHAT KIND OF CAR DO YOU DRIVE: BMW FAVORITE MEAL:

Steak or pasta with chicken

FAVORITE CHILDHOOD MEMORY:

Playing in the finals every year with my friends growing up and winning championships

WHO WAS MOST INFLUENTIAL ON YOUR HOCKEY CAREER:

Petr Mrazek

Grand Rapids Griffins goaltender

Detroit’s fifth-round pick from the 2010 NHL Draft is starting to look like quite the bargain. The team took goaltender Petr Mrazek 141st overall that year, and ever since, he has been turning heads across the hockey landscape. After impressing in the Ontario Hockey League for three years, Mrazek was promoted to the Wings’ AHL affiliate in Grand Rapids, and he’s become one of the top goaltenders in the league in a hurry. As of Jan. 16, Mrazek holds a 13-4-2-1 record with the Griffins, along with a .915 save percentage and 2.31 goals-against. Not bad for somebody who hasn’t even turned 21 yet.

My dad

Photos courtesy of: en.wikipedia.org (24, The Hangover, BMW), collider.com (Spiderman), fansshare.com (Roger Federer),

12

MiHockeyMag

MiHockeyNow.com

January 28, 2013 V.23 : I.10

Celebrating 29 Years of Hockey Excellence Owned & Operated by former U.S. Olympian & NHL’er Steve Jensen

SUMMER CAMP THE WAY IT WAS MEANT TO BE...

Hockey, Boating, Fishing, Swimming, and Water Skiing!

NEW FOR 2013 TREE HOUSE LODGING!

PRIVATE BEACH & WATER SLIDE

POWER SHOOTING RANGE TENNIS COURTS

SIX HOURS OF ICE TIME DAILY!

2013 CAMPS & Dad/Mom ) Mite ) High School & Dad/Mom ) Girls/Women ) Squirt & Dad/Mom ) Goalie ) PeeWee Bantam ) ) Adults

FAMILY GETAWAY! Family vacation packages, with new remodeled condo lodging, available for as little as $1,650, for a family of four.

DRY LAND TRAINING CENTER

ICE ARENA

DINING ROOM DORMITORY WEIGHT ROOM

MINI GOLF

CONDO UNITS

2492 1 A rena D rive, D ee rwoo d, MN 564 4 4 | steve @heartlandhockey.com

800.945.7465 | www.HEARTLANDHOCKEY.com

YOUTH HOCKEY

photos courtesy of Dave Ellis

HONEYBAKED CAPTURES PEE WEE AND BANTAM AAA

BY MICHAEL CAPLES SILVER STICK CHAMPIONSHIPS The Honeybaked hockey program had a successful visit to Port Huron between Jan. 10 and Jan. 13.

Honeybaked teams captured both the Pee Wee AAA and Bantam AAA tournament titles at the 51st annual Silver Stick Finals in Port Huron.

The Pee Wee Honeybaked team (2000 birth-year players) outscored the opposition 20-1 in round-robin play, defeating the Peterborough Petes, Nickel City Sons, Barrie Colts, and the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite. In the quarterfinals, Honeybaked topped the Ottawa Valley Titans – the team HB coach Trevor Edwards grew up playing for – by a score of 2-1. Honeybaked then topped the Westchester Express 6-2 in the semifinals, and then shut-out the No. 1-ranked Mississauga Rebels in the finals by a score of 5-0.

“That’s the best I’ve ever seen our hockey team play,” said Honeybaked coach Trevor Edwards to the Port Huron Times Herald. “We came out with a W in the quarterfinal and the semifinal, but we weren’t playing our best. We

really challenged the kids to go to another level and come together.

“Just to see them play that type of game against that type of team was unbelievable.”

Meanwhile, the Bantam AAA Honeybaked team won their second prestigious tournament in a month-span with their Silver Stick championship. Over the holiday break, the group of 1998 birth-year players won the Marlies Invitational Tournament championship in Toronto. That tournament victory would also end up being a precursor to a future championship game in Port Huron.

The HB Bantam team beat High Performance Hockey League rival Compuware by a score of 7-2 in the morning of Sunday, Jan. 13. Just a few hours later, they once again took on the Toronto Marlboros – a team coached by former Red Wing Paul Coffey – and once again emerged victorious, winning 6-3. Honeybaked fell into an early 2-0 hole, but then scored four unanswered goals to pull away in the championship game.

The Michigan Amateur Hockey Association has been hosting Mite hockey ‘jamborees’ in various locations across the state, and so far, they’ve been working great.

Youth players who participate in the event are guaranteed four 30-minute game sessions on a cross-ice sheet in either beginner or advanced divisions.

The first two jamborees were held in Lapeer and Marquette, and they attracted more than 40 teams and 500 players. The February-slated events – taking place in Traverse City and Muskegon – have already sold out.

MAHA recently announced that they will host a fifth jamboree in early March, which will take place at Compuware Arena in Plymouth. To register, visit MAHA.org.

14

MiHockeyMag

“Our group is so resilient,” said HB coach Pat Peake to the Times Herald. “We had a goal coming in here, and to battle like they did — we were considering calling a timeout there when we went down 2-0. I tell you, after the start, we were buzzing.”

There are plenty of amateur hockey events people can participate in during Warrior Hockey Day in Michigan on Feb. 16. Some highlights include: • Sled Hockey Camp & USA National Women’s Sled Hockey Team Exhibition Game - Grand Rapids • Mite Cross-Ice Jamboree - Muskegon • USA Adult Classic Hockey Tournament - Lansing • “Try Hockey for Free” clinics and other activities at rinks around the state • Labatt Blue U.P. Pond Hockey Championship in St. Ignace • Backyard Rink Photo/Jersey Contests • Statewide tournaments and games for amateur, high school, and youth teams For more events, visit our official HDIM page at MiHockeyNow.com/HDIM

MiHockeyNow.com

January 28, 2013 V.23 : I.10

SKATING CONSULTANTS FOR 3 NHL TEAMS!

INDIVIDUAL ATTEN ALL SKILL LEVELS MITETION! TO ADULT

OUR FAMOUS BUNGIE CORD TRAINING!

SKILLS & DRILLS FOR EXPLOSIVE SKATING!

SKATELIGHTNINGFAST DVD SALE!

HOCKEY

VOLUMES 1 & 2, DVD

Only $19.95 per Video (+$4 S/H) SPECIAL: Order Both for $34.95 (+$5 S/H)

5th Annual

E G D E D OAKLAN ament n r u o T y e k c Adult Ho

3 1 0 2 , 4 1 2 1 l Apri

*Goalies age 25+ **Goalies age 45+

Women’s Divisions Upper – age 21+ Lower – age 21+

Sled Division

Co-ed – age 15+

January 28, 2013 V.23 : I.10

1-800-54-SKATE

ONYX ICE ARENA - ROCHESTER, MI Each team is guaranteed 3 games, up to 5 games total Three 15 minute running-time periods USA Hockey rules Individual & team trophies Free team pictures

Men’s Divisions

A – age 21 + B – age 30+* C – age 30+* D – age 30+* 50+ Upper – age 50+** 50+ Lower – age 50 +**

Sponsored by

robbyglantz.com

robbyglantz

#1 POWER SKATING PROGRAM WORLDWIDE! • LEARN TO SKATE LIKE THE NHL’S ELITE!

All participants receive an Oakland Edge tournament t-shirt AFTER PARTIES and DISCOUNTS at local bars and restaurants

$750 per team Same as last year.

Presented by:

save $50

$700 if paid in full by January 31, 2013

For more information contact

Register at

Ed Joss 248-721-1204 josse@oakgov.com

oaklandedge.com

Tournament Sanctioned by MAHA & USA Hockey #MIT130194

Registration deadline: March 11, 2013

MiHockeyNow.com

MiHockeyMag

15

HOMETOWN HEROES

THE BOYS ARE

16

MiHockeyMag

MiHockeyNow.com

January 28, 2013 V.23 : I.10

HOMETOWN HEROES

BACK! January 28, 2013 V.23 : I.10

MiHockeynow.com

MiHockeyMag

17

23996 Freeway Park Drive Farmington Hills, MI 48335 248-888-1400

suburbanicefarmingtonhills.com HONEYBAKED 2005 TRYOUTS

75< +2&.(< FOR FREE

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16 2:00 - 2:50pm Boys and Girls Ages 12 and under who have no experience playing hockey.

Skating and hockey skills instruction provided by Suburban instructors.

Equipment available for use during the clinic.

S U B U R B A N

TUESDAY, MARCH 19TH ......................5:30pm-6:00pm TUESDAY, MARCH 19TH ......................Goalie evalution 6:00pm-7:30pm FRIDAY, MARCH 22ND .........................5:00pm-6:30pm SUNDAY, MARCH 24TH .......................3:30pm-5:00pm

COACHES: MANON RHEAUME & JOE SMAZA TO PRE-REGISTER EMAIL MRHEAUME33@AOL.COM

635,1* +2&.(< '5$)7 /($*8(6 %2<6 /($*8(6

Squirt ‘03 - ‘04 Pee Wee ‘01 - ‘02 Bantam ‘00 - ‘99

*,5/6 /($*8( High School (13+)

WORLD SHOWDOWN

)2857((1 6.$7(6 *5($7 6&+('8/( +2&.(< 6&+22/ ',6&2817

635,1*

March 2nd - April 20th

Snowpl Snowplow Sam 1-3, Basic 1-5, Adult Hockey Skills

&/$66 7,0(6 Tuesdays 10:30 - 11:20am Saturdays 10:00 - 11:20am No classes on Saturday, March 30th

COMPLETE AND UP-TO-DATE TOURNAMENT LISTINGS AT

TOURNAMENT CALENDAR MICHIGAN FEBRUARY 2013

Great Lakes Cup Holland, MI February 1-3, 2013 Squirt through Midget; House, B, A, and AA, High School Varsity and JV Girls U10, U12, U14, U16, U19 Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MI February 1-3, 2013 Mite through Midget: House, B, A and AA, High School Varsity and JV Hockey Time Productions (216) 325-0569 itshockeytime.com FSU-BRAJHA Midget B/BB Tourney Big Rapids, MI February 8-10, 2013 Midget B/BB (231) 591-2881 ferris.edu/icearena or bigrapidshockey.org Hockey Time Productions Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MI February 15-18, 2013 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com St. Ignace Bridge Brawl St. Ignace, MI February 15-17, 2013 Red Wing Alumni Weekend, U10 & U12 Girls 906-643-8676 lbe@cityofstignace.net littlebeararena.com

ferris.edu/icearena or bigrapidshockey.org Great Lakes Presidents Cup Holland, MI February 16-18, 2013 Squirt through Midget; House, B, A, and AA, High School Varsity and JV Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Deep Freeze Tournament Mt. Pleasant, MI February 15-17, 2013 Squirt House B 989-772-9623 fo@mpicearena.org mpicearena.org Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MI February 22-24, 2013 Mite through Midget: House, B, A and AA, High School Varsity and JV Hockey Time Productions (216) 325-0571 itshockeytime.com St. Ignace Bridge Brawl St. Ignace, MI February 22-24, 2013 Midget B, BB, JV Prep, A & AA 906-643-8676 lbe@cityofstignace.net littlebeararena.com St. Ignace Bridge Brawl St. Ignace, MI February 23-24, 2013 4 on 4 Youth Pond Hockey – all levels/divisions 906-643-8676 lbe@cityofstignace.net littlebeararena.com

MARCH 2013

FSU-BRAJHA Mite ADM Studio Rink Tournament Big Rapids, MI February 16-17, 2013 Mite ADM (231) 591-2881 ferris.edu/icearena or bigrapidshockey.org

Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MI March 8-10, 2013 Mite through Midget: House, B, A and AA, High School Varsity and JV Hockey Time Productions (216) 325-0572 itshockeytime.com

FSU-BRAJHA Mini-Mite ADM Studio Rink Tournament Big Rapids, MI February 16-17, 2013 Mini-Mite ADM (231) 591-2881

Great Lakes Spring Classic Holland, MI March 8-10, 2013 Squirt through Midget; House, B, A, and AA, High School Varsity and JV

January 28, 2013 V.23 : I.10

Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com 15th Annual Puck ‘o the Irish Tournament Bay City, MI March 8-10, 2013 Mite-Midget B 989-671-1000 chaffint@baycounty.net Shamrock Shakedown Muskegon, MI March 8-10, 2013 Squirt Travel, Pee Wee House/ Travel, Bantam House/Travel 231-739-9423 lakeshoresportscentre.net

OUT OF STATE FEBRUARY 2013

Hockey Time Productions Rock ‘n Roll Cup Tournament Series Cleveland, OH February 15-18, 2013 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com Hockey Time Productions Three Rivers Cup Tournament Series Pittsburgh, PA February 15-18, 2013 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com Hockey Time Productions Chi-Town Cup Tournament Series Chicago, IL February 15-18, 2013 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com Hockey Time Productions South Bend Cup Tournament Series South Bend, IN February 15-18, 2013 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com Congressional Cup Tournament Series: The Congressional Cup Washington, DC February 15-18, 2013 Squirt through Midget: B, A

and AA, High School Varsity and JV Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com CHICAGO CUP Tournament Series: Chicago Presidents’ Cup Chicago, IL February 16-18, 2013 Mite through Midget; House, B, A, and AA, High School Varsity and JV Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Buckeye State Tournament Series: Cincinnati Presidents’ Cup Cincinnati, OH February 16-18, 2013 Squirt through Midget: House, B, A and AA, High School Varsity and JV Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Music City Tournament Series: Nashville Presidents’ Cup Nashville, TN February 16-18, 2013 Squirt through Midget: B, A and AA, High School Varsity and JV Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Steel City Tournament Series: Pittsburgh Presidents’ Cup Pittsburgh, PA February 16-18, 2013 Squirt through Midget: B, A and AA, High School Varsity and JV Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Liberty Cup Tournament Series: Philadelphia Presidential Power-Play Philadelphia, PA February 16-18, 2013 Squirt through Midget: B, A and AA, High School Varsity and JV

MiHockeyNow.com

MIHOCKEYNOW.COM

Girls U10, U12, U14, U16, U19 Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Empire State Tournament Series: Rochester Presidential Power-Play Rochester, NY February 16-18, 2013 Mite through Midget: House B, A and AA, High School Varsity and JV Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Hemby Cup Tournament Series: The Hemby Cup Charlotte, NC February 16-18, 2013 Squirt through Midget: B, A and AA, High School Varsity and JV Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Niagara Falls Presidents Challenge Niagara Falls, NY February 16-18, 2013 Mites-Midgets, A, B, AE & AA 716-405-7154 gcarella17@cs.com niagaratournaments.com AMERICAN CUP February 21-24, 2013 Lake Placid, NY Atom, Peewee, Bantam A, B, House Select - Minor/ Major/Mixed divisions Canadian Hockey Enterprises 1-800-461-2161 chehockey.com South Bend Cup Tournament Series South Bend, IN 2/22/2013 - 2/24/2013 Mite through Midget: House, B, A and AA, High School Varsity and JV Hockey Time Productions (216) 325-0607 itshockeytime.com

Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com

CANADA FEBRUARY 2013

Weekend Hockey Tournament Brampton, ON Canada February 15-17, 2013 Adult men & women 19+, 25+, 30+, 35+, 40+, 45+ & 50+ A, B, C, D, E 1.877.702.5701 weekendhockey.com CANADIAN CUP – Family Day Weekend February 15-17, 2013 Montreal, Quebec Novice, Atom, Peewee, Bantam, Midget, High School Boys AA, A, B, House Select -Minor/ Major Mixed division Canadian Hockey Enterprises 1-800-461-2161 chehockey.com

MARCH 2013

Weekend Hockey Tournament Niagara Falls, ON Canada March 8-10, 2013 Adult men & women 19+, 25+, 30+, 35+, 40+, 45+ & 50+ A, B, C, D, E 1.877.702.5701 weekendhockey.com CANADIAN CUP March 15-17, 2013 Montreal, Quebec Novice, Atom, Peewee, Bantam, Midget AA, A, B, House Select - Minor/ Major/Mixed divisions Canadian Hockey Enterprises 1-800-461-2161 chehockey.com Canadian Hockey Enterprises March 22-24, 2013 Capital Cup Ottawa, ON Includes Senators vs Lightning tickets Over 19, 25, 30, 35, 40, divisions Canadian Hockey Enterprises...1-800-461-2161 chehockey.com goals@chehockey.com

MARCH 2013

Hockey Time Productions Rock ‘n Roll Cup Tournament Series Cleveland, OH March 1-3, 2013

MiHockeyMag

19

RED WINGS

THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL

THE WINGS ARE BACK – AND NOW THE REAL WORK BEGINS

BY MICHAEL CAPLES For 113 days, hockey fans in Michigan experienced another NHL lockout – their third in 18 years.

It was a trying time for those dedicated to the game; while hockey never stops, something is missing when it is not played at its highest level.

But now, the Red Wings are back. For the first time since last April, fans have been able to watch Henrik Zetterberg, Pavel Datsyuk and Jimmy Howard skate in their customary red and white.

That light at the end of the tunnel has finally been reached.

The games have finally returned.

Yet now the real work begins for the Red Wings. In a state built by hard work and long hours, the people who buy the tickets may not be so forgiving as they watched people fight over monetary amounts the general public can’t begin to comprehend.

And while it’s back to usual at The Joe, it isn’t really.

Absences will loom large in the coming months; the majority of those coming from the No. 5 Lidstrom jersey that will soon hang in the rafters, and not in the locker room.

It is Henrik Zetterberg’s team now. And not only does he have to replace Nick Lidstrom, he has to do so at a time when even the most dedicated fans surely have mixed feelings towards Hockeytown and the NHL. “More than anything, this is a very big responsibility to represent the Wings in everything we do,” Zetterberg said during the press conference held to announce his captaincy.

“Looking back at some of the former captains – Lidstrom, Yzerman, Delvecchio, Lindsay, Gordie Howe – it is very big shoes to fill.

“But I read a quote from Stevie Y, when he became the captain in ’86. He said it made it a lot easier by having a locker room filled by leaders. That’s the same for me now. I’m

20

MiHockeyMag

lucky to have players like Datsyuk, Kronwall, Cleary, Bertuzzi, Franzen, Howard and all of the guys that are standing over there in the locker room. We all lead this team by doing the right things, on and off the ice. Together, we carry on the great traditions we have in this fine organization.”

Just an hour after he was introduced as the new leader of the Red Wings, Zetterberg skated in a Red and White Game held at Compuware Arena in Plymouth. The Wings had skated at Compuware for three days, culminating in their annual scrimmage. All skates had been frequented by fans, and the scrimmage – a 6 p.m. televised contest between both Red Wings and Griffins players – filled the home of the Plymouth Whalers to maximum capacity.

“I thought (the crowd) was maybe the best thing about the whole night,” coach Mike Babcock said. “I understand the parking lot was jammed and it was tough getting in here. They’re very, very supportive of the players and I’m appreciative of that they stuck with us.”

Yet the question still remains of how the fans will truly react to the latest lockout. When Zetterberg was asked if there was concern about entering an empty building for the team’s scrimmage, he said it would be hard to fault them.

“I don’t know if I was worried about it - I would understand,” Zetterberg said. “But everyone I’ve been talking to when you walk around town or you meet fans, they’re real happy hockey’s back, but I’m pretty sure there will be people that will not show. We’re really appreciative for those fans that came tonight, and we’re really looking forward to seeing everyone [at the home opener].”

Muskegon native Justin Abdelkader said that making everything during training camp available to the public in the metro Detroit area was important to the team.

“I think the free practices are awesome,” he said. “The fans deserve that for what they had to go through the past three or four months and it’s great they could come out

MiHockeyNow.com

and watch.”

Yet the Wings know that on-ice success will be crucial for attendance numbers at their home building. As the old adage goes – winning cures all. And there are lots of things to cure, especially after a 1-2-0 start to the season.

“We can just try and do what we can,” Kronwall said. “Play our best hockey, try to bring it to the Joe every night and hopefully they’ll come back and cheer for us because we love to play in front of them.”

January 28, 2013 V.23 : I.10

Oakland Junior Grizzlies

Coaching and Passion to be the Best is the Difference!

Skating out of the Best Rink in the Midwest Troy Sports Center •

• •

Proud member of the Tier One Elite Hockey League – U18 AAA, U16 AAA, U14 AAA, Bantam Major & Minor, PW Major & Minor, Squirt 02 Elite – Announcing our O3 Elite and 04 Squirt A this spring and fall!

– Midget A, Bantam A / AA, PW A/AA and Squirt A/AA divisions competing in the LCAHL Private Locker rooms / Core Fitness / Medical and Sports Psychology Staff Professional Coaching Staff that includes 6 ex-NHL players as Head Coaches – Dedicated Player Development on and off the ice – Specializing at moving players on to the next level (OHL, USHL and NAHL)

We are proud to announce our new ADM modeled “House Program” in partnership with the Troy Sports Center.

Learn to Skate & House Program beginning 2013 Please contact Dwayne Norris – OjG Hockey Director for more Details dnorris@oaklandjuniorgrizzlies.com

January 28, 2013 V.23 : I.10

MiHockeyNow.com

MiHockeyMag

21

HOCKEY SHOWDOWN MAC Anchor Bay Chippewa Valley Dakota

Saturday, February 2, 2013

OAA

3 Rinks

Avondale

30 Teams

Eisenhower

15 Games

Fraser

All under 1 roof

L’Anse Creuse

Berkley Birmingham Unified Bloomfield Hills United Clarkston

@

L’Anse Creuse North

Farmington

The Onyx Ice Arena

Farmington Unified

Marysville

51999 Dequindre Rd., Rochester, MI 48307

Lake Orion

(248) 601-6699

Oxford

Port Huron

Rochester Stoney Creek

Romeo St. Clair St. Clair Shores Stevenson

Games start at 10am to 10pm

Rochester United

Championship Game – 8:00pm

Royal Oak

#1 OAA vs #1 MAC

Troy

Utica

Troy Athens

Warren Mott

West Bloomfield

CAN/AM HOCKEY

NY DALLEE, FL | LAKE PLACID, DERRDA CHICAGO, IL | FT. LAUUDE ONTO, ON CITY, NJ | BOSTON, MA | | PITTSBURGH, PA | TOR ON LS, FAL A ANAHEIM, CA | ATLANTIC GAR NIA | , ON | MONTREAL, QC CID, NY LAS VEGAS, NV | LONDON POND HOCKEY LAKE PLA

March 15th – 17th, 2013 At The Summit Sports and Ice Complex

Divisions Available: x x x x

IT ’S TIME FOR YOUR TEAM TO ENJOY THE CAN/AM EXPERIENCE!

FOR JOIN US THIS SUMMERCAMP THE ULTIMATE HOCKEY EXPERIENCE!

Midget B, A, AA: $800 Bantam B, A, AA: $750 PeeWee B, A, AA: $700 Squirt B, A, AA: $650

- Four Game Guarantee - USA Hockey Sanctioned - Trophies for Champions and Finalists - Great Hotels within Walking Distance - Tournament Apparel Available - Photos and Videos available Hospitality Room for Coaches and Managers!

C ontact Karri Hobbs for more information: 5 17-- 3 19-- 1 000 ext. 112 s enatorsteam@thesummitsportsandice.com

2 AWESOME LOCATIONS

LAKE PLACID, NY NIAGARA, ONTARIONEW!

The best coaches, the greatest locations, the ultimate camp experience!

WWW.CANAMHOCKEY.COM | SCORE@CANAMHOCKEY.COM

1-800-678-0908

January 28, 2013 V.23 : I.10

MiHockeyNow.com

9410 Davis Hwy Dimondale, MI 48821 Ph: 517-319-1000 Fax: 517-319-1004 www.thesummitsportsandice.com

MiHockeyMag

23

PLYMOUTH WHALERS

NEW ADDITION TROCHECK WANTS TO HELP WHALERS

BY MATT MACKINDER

‘MAKE A RUN’

Ten years ago at the Ontario Hockey League trade deadline, the Plymouth Whalers shipped Taylor Raszka, their first-round pick from the 2002 OHL draft, to Saginaw for Spirit captain Chris Thorburn.

That spring, the Whalers advanced to the Western Conference finals before bowing out in seven games to eventual OHL champion and Memorial Cup champion Kitchener.

Jump ahead ten years and it’s like déjà vu all over again.

On Jan. 10, Plymouth moved Zach Bratina, its top pick last April, to the Spirit for Saginaw veteran and captain Vince Trocheck.

How will the trade impact Plymouth’s playoff run remains to be seen, but if the first few games for Trocheck in Plymouth are any indication, the playoffs should be exciting from a fan’s standpoint.

Trocheck, a 19-year-old from Pittsburgh, said the trade was bittersweet, but something that had to be done.

“I didn’t request a trade exactly,” said Trocheck. “It was a mutual feeling between me and Saginaw and we both saw that it was best for both sides. Saginaw was great to me as an organization, but I wanted to be on a contender.”

Going into this weekend, the Whalers sit in second place in the West Division and the Spirit sit fourth with just over 20 games to play in the regular season.

Saginaw had originally drafted Trocheck in the second round of the 2009 OHL draft out of the Little Caesars’ minor midget organization. He quickly signed with the Spirit and made an impact over his three-plus years in mid-

Michigan, becoming the second-highest point producer in the history of the organization, as his 240 points are behind only Ryan McDonough’s 247 points. Trocheck is also the Spirit’s all-time leader in assists with 146 helpers.

“Like I said, Saginaw was great to me,” Trocheck said. “I played my whole career there to the point of me getting traded. I have a lot of great friends and great memories with the team and I won’t ever forget that.”

Making his debut with the Whalers the day after the trade, the signed Florida Panthers’ prospect fit right in, earning five assists in his first two games against Brampton and Erie and then netting his first goal on Jan. 19 against Sault Ste. Marie.

“It was definitely a little bit different in a new uniform,” admitted Trocheck. “I was just thinking the same thing as usual, though. I just wanted to go out and play my game and do my best to contribute to the new team.”

Over Christmas, Trocheck suited up for the United States World Junior team that brought home the gold medal from Ufa, Russia, for the second time in four years.

In the clinching game, Trocheck sealed the deal with an empty-net goal as Team USA toppled Sweden. New Plymouth teammate Ryan Hartman was also part of the U.S. squad.

“The team we had at World Juniors was a really special team,” Trocheck said. “We had all the right pieces to the puzzle. We got better each and every game and worked harder than our opponents.”

Once he returned to Saginaw from Russia, Trocheck

never again played for the Spirit, but soon enough, he’ll be on the other side of the coin. With games against Saginaw on tap for Feb. 13, March 5 and March 10, Trocheck will be playing against friends and ex-teammates, but as for his approach, nothing will or should change, he said.

“I think it will be different playing against Saginaw, but I’ll have the same mindset going in, though, and that’s to just play my game and work as hard as I can,” said Trocheck. “You always want to beat your former team.”

Now on the verge of the stretch drive as OHL teams start to jockey for playoff positioning, Trocheck said he’s not the focal point of the Whalers. All he wants to do is contribute.

“The rest of the season, I think we have a great team that can go far in the playoffs,” Trocheck said. “We are still figuring out where to put who, but as a team, we have a lot of firepower and I believe we can make a run.”

After this season, more than likely his last in the OHL, Trocheck’s top priority is to crack Florida’s roster for the 2013-14 season and show why the Panthers took him in the third round of the 2011 NHL draft.

“Heading into next season, I’m just going to do whatever I can to try and make the Panthers,” said Trocheck. “It’s pretty simple. I’m just going to do whatever they ask me to do and hope to be a Panther soon.”

Whalers photos by Rena Laverty/Plymouth Whalers

24

MiHockeyMag

MiHockeyNow.com

January 28, 2013 V.23 : I.10

GRAND D RA APIDS GR RIFFINS S

BILLINS TURNING HEADS IN PRO DEBUT

BY KYLE KUJAWA

The wait was worth it for Chad Billins.

For every top prospect and first-round pick who attends a big-name school and works their way to the professional ranks, there’s a player like Billins – players who weren’t drafted and attended lesser-known schools, but ones who make an impact just the same.

But after going undrafted, spending a year in the USHL and four more in the CCHA, Billins didn’t jump at the first offer that came to him.

“My agent was talking to a few teams,” said Billins, a native of Marysville, Mich. “It was a weird summer with all the lockout talk, so we had to wait.”

The wait ended in July, when he signed a one-year contract with Grand Rapids. Once he found an opportunity with the Griffins, he had to start proving himself. Billins was one of many newcomers on the team’s blueline, but he wasn’t sure where he would slot into the lineup. Joining a group of mostly NHL draft picks and veterans, he thought there was a chance he might start his pro career in Toledo.

“I knew I was going to have to work every day and earn a spot every day,” he said. “I didn’t know if I would be here or down in Toledo, so I had to work extra hard in the summer to get in shape and be ready.”

But Toledo was never a consideration. Billins’ puckmoving ability and above-average decision making not only earned him a spot on the opening night roster, but also a role quarterbacking the top power play unit. Playing with the likes of Gustav Nyquist, Tomas Tatar and Brendan Smith, Billins led the league in assists following his first 16 professional contests, after recording 16 points (1-15—16).

While the coaches were pleased with his play on one of the AHL’s top power play units, Billins was approaching double-digit negative figures in the plus-minus category – not necessarily indicative of his defensive ability, but a concern nonetheless.

“It did start to get crazy,” said Billins. “After the points died down, I really had to focus on the defensive game.

Our coaches have been working with me to try to take one shift at a time and be stronger in the defensive zone.”

Billins was paired with Brennan Evans, the team’s resident stay-at-home defenseman and penalty killing specialist. He posted a plus-11 rating over the next month and half, pulling himself out of the negatives and closer to the team leaders in that category.

“It was nice to work with Evans,” he said. “We knew we had to go out every shift and get the job done.”

26

MiHockeyMag

While his point-per-game pace slowed down, Billins has been counted on in all situations. His impact was recently recognized by the league, as he was one of three Griffins (along with Gustav Nyquist and Petr Mrazek) selected to the 2013 AHL All-Star Classic.

The prestigious honor is not the only one for Billins over the past 12 months. He was a standout on the Ferris State Bulldogs blueline as a senior in 2011-12, winning the CCHA’s Scholar Athlete of the Year award, earning a spot on the All-CCHA First Team and receiving nominations for the CCHA’s RBC Player of the Year and Best Offensive Defenseman awards.

“It meant a lot to be able to represent Ferris,” said Billins. “But Scholar Athlete of the Year, that could have gone to anyone on the team really. Coach [Bob Daniels] had a really good philosophy on going to school first and focusing at the rink after.

“It was special to win those awards, but it was more special to be able to have the Ferris name attached to it.”

Helping to put Ferris on the map is an achievement that won’t soon leave Billins’ mind – he co-captained the Bulldogs in a run to the 2012 NCAA National Championship game. The team fell a little bit short in the final game against Boston College, but it capped off a run of strong seasons for an ever-improving program.

“What an experience to go that far, with a smaller school,” said Billins, who notes that the National Championship game’s lineup sheets had to include “Michigan” in parentheses next to the team’s name. “It was such an honor to represent all the alumni and the players who helped bring the program to what it is today.”

Now sitting about a 35 minute drive down US-131 from his familiar Ferris State campus, Billins’ hockey journey has taken him far – although not that far in a geography sense.

After developing with the Flags in the Port Huron Minor Hockey Association, he spent a year in Alpena, playing for the NAHL’s IceDiggers. He spent just one season outside the state (with the USHL’s Waterloo Black Hawks in 200708) before making his college commitment.

With a rookie all-star appearance and full college resume under his belt, it seems like the next logical step for the fast-rising rookie is a shot in the NHL. “It’s in my head, but I focus on what’s going on here,” he said. “I can’t let that affect anything. I think about it, but I’m still with the Griffins. We’re having a good year, and we want to continue that success.”

MiHockeyNow.com

Photos by Mark Newm

an/Grand Rapids Gr

iffins

January 28, 2013 V.23 : I.10

2013 MAHA PLAYER DEVELOPMENT (SELECT) CAMP TRYOUTS For BOYS

REGIONAL TRYOUT DATES Districts 2, 3 & 4

Birth Years:1996-1999 Â&#x2021; 'DWHV 0DUFK /RFDWLRQ 7KH ',6& LQ 'HDUERUQ

Districts 5, 6 & Lower 7

(Traverse City, Gaylord & Alpena)

Birth Years:1996 & 1997 Â&#x2021; 'DWHV 0DUFK /RFDWLRQ 6DJLQDZ %D\ ,FH $UHQD LQ 6DJLQDZ Birth Years:1998 & 1999 Â&#x2021; 'DWHV 0DUFK /RFDWLRQ 0LGODQG 0,

Districts 8 & Upper 7

(Sault Ste. Marie, Mackinaw City, Charlevoix & Petoskey)

Birth Years:1996-1999 Â&#x2021; 'DWHV 0DUFK /RFDWLRQ /DNHYLHZ $UHQD LQ 0DUTXHWWH

WEST REGIONAL MARCH 29-30

Michigan High School Team Michigan %R\V +LJK 6FKRRO 6HQLRUV 2QO\ 'DWHV 0DUFK /RFDWLRQ $UFWLF &ROLVHXP LQ &KHOVHD

VAN ANDEL ARENA

For GIRLS

REGIONAL TRYOUT DATES

PURCHASE TICKETS AT THE BOX OFFICE, 800/745-3000 OR NCAA.COM/FROZENFOUR.

Residing in all MAHA Districts

Birth Years:1996-1999 Â&#x2021; 'DWHV $SULO /RFDWLRQ 1RYL 0LFKLJDQ

Â&#x2021; 3OD\HUV DUH WDNHQ RQ D ILUVW FRPH ILUVW VHUYHG EDVLV

GROUPS OF 10+ CALL 616/742-6185.

Â&#x2021; 5HJLVWHU HDUO\ 7U\RXWV PD\ ILOO XS TXLFNO\ Â&#x2021; 3OD\HUV PXVW EH 86$ +RFNH\ 5HJLVWHUHG DQG EH D UHVLGHQW RI 0LFKLJDQ Â&#x2021; $OO WU\RXWV DUH

To register and for more information on the Player Development Tryout process, visit our website at

NCAA and Men's Frozen Four are trademarks of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

ENTER TO TO WIN WIN FOUR TWO TICKETS TO THE 2013 WEST REGIONAL TO THE 2013 NCAA MEN'S FROZEN FOUR®

BY TEXTING FROZEN4 TO 40491

Â&#x2021; ,I D 7U\ 2XW EHFRPHV ILOOHG \RXU IHH ZLOO EH UHIXQGHG LQ IXOO

DEADLINE TO ENTER: JANUARY 27

maha.org

January 28, 2013 V.23 : I.10

MiHockeyNow.com

MiHockeyMag

27

RED WINGS INSIDER

HOLLAND COMPARES 2013 RED WINGS TO

BY DAVE WADDELL Maybe that comparison to the 2005-06 season wasn’t such a good analogy after all.

Sure the Detroit Red Wings had plenty of questions about their chances heading into that season after the 2004-05 lockout, but they still had names like Yzerman, Shanahan, Chelios and Lidstrom in the line-up.

That team answered the questions quickly by winning 12 of their first 13 games and running away with the President’s Trophy with 124 points.

After the Wings’ embarrassing 6-0 loss in St. Louis to open this NHL season, the questions have only multiplied as it looked like men playing against boys.

Still, it’s only one game, and general manager Ken Holland and his staff are seeing far more new faces being integrated into the lineup than 2005-06.

“I’m excited,” Holland said heading into the season. “It reminds me of 05-06, there’s a lot of uncertainty.

“I think there were doubts in 05-06, you don’t remember it now. I remember publications picked us 6th, 7th, 8th in the West.

“We had 124 points. I think people are figuring we’re somewhere in a playoff spot.

“Are we out of the playoffs, are we in the playoffs? I don’t know. We’ve got to play the games.”

The playoffs are a pipe dream if the Wings don’t show massive improvement from opening night.

Their defense, the team’s biggest question mark with the loss of Nick Lidstrom to retirement and Brad Stuart in a trade, has been disappointing. Kyle Quincey has been particularly frustrating to fans as he continues to struggle in Detroit after Holland gave Tampa a first-round draft pick at the NHL’s previous trade deadline for him.

“There’s no Stuart, there’s no Lidstrom,” Holland said. “I believe the defense is going to be solid, steady.

“Might not be that spectacular as we’re used to with Nick Lidstrom. But I think it’s going to be effective and I

28

MiHockeyMag

Photos by Tom Turrill/MiHockey

2005 RED WINGS… BUT SHOULD HE?

also think on the odd night we get outplayed our goalie can steal us a game.

“Through the years we didn’t get outshot 45-20. We used to outshoot other teams 45-20. We might get outshot 45-20 but we’re going to have to win.”

That certainly was the case in the season opener – actually, the Wings only got 14 shots - but even a decent effort by Howard couldn’t prevent the contest looking like amateur hour.

The disjointed effort up front is partly the product of the many new faces, along with injuries to likes of center Darren Helm and illness in the case of Todd Bertuzzi.

“I could tell you we were going to win Presidents Trophies and it was going to lead into a Stanley Cup, but we got some young players coming through our system and younger players on our team who are evolving into better players than people thought because they’ve been overshadowed for a long time,” Holland said.

“I’m not going to tell you we got star players (among their young players), but I think Darren Helm is a really good player, Jimmy Howard is a really good player and Val Filppula is a really good player. (Justin Abdelkader) is good two-way player and we got some players in Grand Rapids who are going to be here in a year or two.”

It appears the Wings are finally running into the inevitable problems that come when you don’t draft high in the first round year after year.

The talent is thinner and the patience must be greater for prospects trying to reach the NHL from the draft’s lower reaches.

“We’re trying to compete with the best teams in the west and the best teams in the NHL, we don’t pick very high,” Holland said.

“We haven’t had a top 10 pick since 1991. We got to be patient with our kids.

“We think they’re going to be really good pros but it’s a

MiHockeyNow.com

longer process to get them to where we get them because they’re either weaker or they’re smaller.

“It’s like Henrik Zetterberg, when we drafted him he was 5-foot-10, 165 [pounds].”

Holland might not have until the early April trade deadline to make his assessment of his roster. With a 48game regular season it’s going to be a sprint to the postseason.

He senses the unease about this edition of the Wings after the failed free-agent period, but believes he has the cap flexibility and proper philosophy to avoid the ugly bottoming out and overhaul that takes years.

“We were in there swinging on those unrestricted free agents,” Holland said. “We come up short. “We have a lot of cap space coming into this year. We have lots of cap space going into next summer.

“If we’re going to continue to compete with teams that get high picks, we have to continue to believe in our culture. If we veer off the philosophy, you’re probably looking at going in a different direction.

“Right now, I believe in the culture and philosophy.”

Holland knows the days of one team dominating the NHL are gone.

After watching the eighth-place Los Angeles Kings lift the cup last season, the Wings simply want to get into the post-season.

“I told our guys in this room (a few) days ago, ‘Who are the Cup contenders?’” Holland asked.

“I believe the Cup contenders are the 16 teams that make the playoffs. Just look at the Stanley Cup playoffs year after year.

“At some point in time, the Detroit Red Wings are going to miss the playoffs. It might be 10 years from now, it might be this year. I don’t know.

“We’ve got to play the games. It’s a league of parity.”

January 28, 2013 V.23 : I.10

GoalieWorld

Reebok 11K Sticks Reg. $209.99 each

Easton EQ50 Sticks Reg. $229.99 each

NOW 2 FOR $200!

NOW 2 FOR $200!

ALL EAGLE AND GRAF PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

CCM Pro Series U+ $89.99 NOW $50.00 Easton EQ Pro $89.99 NOW $50.00

m

Warrior Bar Down ‘11 $99.99 NOW $50.00

LOWEST MARKED PRICE!

co

La

Your Full Service e W o rl d Lacrosse Retailer In-Store, In-Stock Pricing ONLY. MAP items excluded. Offers valid 01/23/2013 - 02/06/2013 cr

oss

January 28, 2013 V.23 : I.10

JOIN OUR TEXT CLUB!

Text “peranis” to 99000

Receive Sale Updates & Coupons for use In Store!

MiHockeyNow.com

MiHockeyMag

29

JUNIORS PREVIEW THE LAST LINE With the NHL season officially underway, MiHockey’s Darren Eliot shares his predictions for both the Western and Eastern Conferences, along with the players and teams he thinks will be acquiring some new hardware this spring and summer.

WESTERN CONFERENECE 1. CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS: A healthy Hossa, a motivated Toews and a return to top form by Duncan Keith and Patrick Kane puts the Blackhawks back on top.

2. SAN JOSE SHARKS: Veteran team with something to prove… still. They will either be a top team, or a team under construction come summer time.

3. MINNESOTA WILD: Now they have pieces with the addition of Ryan Suter and Zach Parise and the pieces fit for the first time ever in the State of Hockey.

4. ST. LOUIS BLUES: Big, strong, hardworking group of 20-somethings typified by captain David Backes and his gritty, relentless style. Alex Pietrangelo is a blossoming star on the blue line and the tandem of Jaroslav Halak and Brian Elliott is dependable.

5. VANCOUVER CANUCKS: They start with one too many starting goaltenders (Cory Schneider and Roberto Luongo) and two too many injured forwards (Ryan Kesler and David Booth), but their overall depth should carry the Canucks to post-season play.

6. DETROIT RED WINGS: This is a year of transition with no Nick Lidstrom or Tomas Holmstrom. It wasn’t going to be an easy season under the best of circumstances.

Youngsters Brendan Smith and Damien Brunner have to step in and contribute and Jonathan Ericsson and Valtteri Filppula must step up and contribute in expanded roles. If the rash of injuries continues as they have during the first few games of the hurried-up season, the Red Wings could indeed miss the playoffs for the first time in 22 years.

7. DALLAS STARS: If they get Jamie Benn signed and back in gear, the Stars could be a playoff team. They have an air of “St. Louis Lite” to them – and I mean that as a compliment. Either way, with Kari Lehtonen in goal, they figure to be in the playoff chase until Game 48.

8. LOS ANGELES KINGS: Goaltender Jonathan Quick is coming back from injury and star center Anze Kopitar is

MY PREDICTION? BLUESHIRTS AND HAWKS IN THE FINAL THIS JUNE

BY DARREN ELIOT

yet to play due to recovery time. Defenseman Matt Greene, a Grand Ledge native, is lost for an extended period of time after sustaining an injury in the season opener. They could easily go from Stanley Cup Champions to staying home this spring.

9. NASHVILLE PREDATORS: Suter lost and not enough found, but the Predators are a resilient group and will hang around, vying for playoff contention until the bitter end. Roman Josi will have to step in for Suter and they still have Shea Weber and Pekka Rinne in goal.

10. COLORADO AVALANCHE: Young legs are important in a sprint-like season, but so too is veteran leadership.

Gabriel Landeskog is magnificent, but even Les Magnifique, Mario Lemieux, took time to grow into the role of captain.

11. EDMONTON OILERS: Young legs are important in a sprint-like season, but so too is goaltending. The Oilers have plenty of the former – and skill too – but not enough of the latter.

12. PHOENIX COYOTES: The franchise may be bought and paid for, but the currency is fool’s gold, like last season in the desert. It is a mirage. Mike Smith cannot play as well as he did last season and their spot-on production of a year ago will turn spotty.

13. ANAHEIM DUCKS: A true wild-card entry. If Ryan Getzlaf shrugs off last season and Teemu Selanne continues to score like he is 22 instead of 42, the Ducks might make the top eight.

14. CALGARY FLAMES: New bench boss Bob Hartley likes to play his top players an awful lot. Rolling four lines to him is a bit part in a commercial, not a way to run a bench.

The problem Hartley has in Calgary is that he doesn’t have enough of what he needs, which is two lines of talent and a dependable top four on the blue line.

15. COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS: No Nash. No matter. No change.

EASTERN CONFERENCE (picks only since we see only the West until the Stanley Cup Final) 1. N.Y. RANGERS 2. PHILADELPHIA 3. BOSTON 4. WASHINGTON 5. PITTSBURGH

30

MiHockeyMag

MiHockeyNow.com

@Darren_Eliot

Photos by Tom Turrill/MiHockey

6. BUFFALO 7. NEW JERSEY 8. TAMPA BAY 9. CAROLINA 10. FLORIDA 11. OTTAWA 12. WINNIPEG 13. MONTREAL 14. TORONTO 15. N.Y. ISLANDERS WINGS MVP: Pavel Datsyuk TOP GOALIE: Henrik Lundquist TOP DEFENSEMAN: Zdeno Chara POINTS LEADER: Evgeni Malkin WEST WINNER: Chicago Blackhawks EAST WINNER: New York Rangers STANLEY CUP: New York Rangers The Rangers’ young legs on the blue line, led by Dan Girardi and Marc Staal, a core of proven scorers up front in the form of Brad Richards, Marian Gaborik and Rick Nash, Lundquist in goal and Coach Tortorella’s propensity to play his stars a lot all add up to make the Rangers the favorite in this shortened campaign.

January 28, 2013 V.23 : I.10

CALL 248-478-1600 OR VISIT WWW.SUBURBANHOCKEY.COM

ONYX - ROCHESTER ICE ARENA

SUBURBAN ICE FARMINGTON HILLS

SUBURBAN ICE MACOMB

'HTXLQGUH Â&#x2021; 5RFKHVWHU 0,

)UHHZD\ 3DUN 'U )DUPLQJWRQ +LOOV 0,

%URXJKWRQ 5G Â&#x2021; 0DFRPE 0,

MONDAY, FEB. 18

SHOOT-TO-SCORE 10:00 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11:30 AM

MONDAY, FEB. 18 GOALIE PUCKHANDLING 10:00 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11:30 AM D-SKILLS 11:30 AM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1:00 PM

GOALIE PUCKHANDLING 10:00 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11:30 AM

OUTSIDE EDGES 1:00 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2:30 PM

D-SKILLS 11:30 AM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1:00 PM

TUESDAY, FEB. 19 SHOOT-TO-SCORE 10:00 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11:30 AM QUICK Nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; FAST 11:30 AM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1:00 PM STICKHANDLING & PUCK CONTROL 1:00 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2:30 PM

JOHN LINDELL ROYAL OAK ICE ARENA /H[LQJWRQ %OYG Â&#x2021; 5R\DO 2DN

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 20 GOALIE PUCKHANDLING 10:00 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11:30 AM D-SKILLS 11:30 AM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1:00 PM

QUICK Nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; FAST 11:30 AM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1:00 PM

THURSDAY, FEB. 21

OUTSIDE EDGES 1:00 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2:30 PM

STICKHANDLING & PUCK CONTROL 10:00 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11:30 AM

TUESDAY, FEB. 19 SHOOT-TO-SCORE 10:00 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11:30 AM

BACKWARD POWER SKATING 11:30 AM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1:00 PM

QUICK Nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; FAST 11:30 AM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1:00 PM

FRIDAY, FEB. 22

STICKHANDLING & PUCK CONTROL 1:00 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2:30 PM

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 20 BACKWARD POWER SKATING 10:00 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11:30 AM WINNING PUCK BATTLES 11:30 AM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1:00 PM CREATIVE SCORING 1:00 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2:30 PM

CREATIVE SCORING10:00 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11:30 AM WINNING PUCK BATTLES 11:30 AM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1:00 PM

NOVI ICE ARENA 1LFN /LGVWURP 'U Â&#x2021; 1RYL 0,

THURSDAY, FEB. 21 STICKHANDLING & PUCK CONTROL 10:30 AM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12:00 PM BACKWARD POWER SKATING 12:00 PM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1:30 PM

OUTSIDE EDGES 1:00 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2:30 PM Players grouped by age and ability in each class, and the lesson plan is adapted to ensure that every player is challenged to improve SOD\HU OLPLW SHU FODVV Â&#x2021; )XOO KRFNH\ HTXLSPHQW UHTXLUHG

S P O N S O R E D BY

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 20

THE TOY STORE FOR THE HOCKEY PLAYER

FRIDAY, FEB. 22 SHOOT-TO-SCORE 10:30 AM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12:00 PM QUICK Nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; FAST 12:00 PM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1:30 PM