Michigan Hockey December 19, 2011

mihockeynow.com V.22 : I.10 | December 19, 2011 FIRST CLASS

SCAN TO SEE THE DYNASTY IN ACTION

DESIGNED DIFFERENTLY FOR THE

RIGHT- OR LEFT-HANDED PLAYER, AXY-SYM TECHNOLOGY

MEANS MORE FRONT STRETCH AND MORE BACK

COMPRESSION FOR A QUICK, NASTY RELEASE.

LAUNCHES OCTOBER 2011

LEFT-HANDED

RIGHT-HANDED

IT PUTS A SLINGSHOT EFFECT ON

SLAPSHOTS AND SNAPSHOTS.

NO BULLSHOT.

DECEMBER 19, 2011 VOLUME 22: ISSUE 10

High School PreviewRound 2 of our high school previews are here.

This time, it’s the girls’ turn. Check out four pages of coverage with a special Hometown Hero featuring some of the state’s captains.

A year in review for both of our juniors teams in the state

Dave Waddell writes that the Wings are winners when the NHL realignment takes place

Darren Eliot discusses the absense of Jimmy Howard on the NHL All-Star ballot

To advertise in Michigan Hockey please contact Lucia Zuzga at (248) 479-1134 or [email protected] or Michael Caples at (248) 479-1136 or [email protected]

LOOK FOR OUR NEXT ISSUEJANUARY 16, 2012

22

34 40 42

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MICHIGANTHE LOCKER ROOM Let’s have some fun

6

SPEAKING OF HOCKEY What is the best part of college hockey?

10

GET BETTERBehind net 2-on-0

12

YOU SHOULD KNOWMichigan’s Luke Moff att

14

HOMETOWN HERO This year’s girl high school captains

22

PLYMOUTH WHALERS Year in review

34

NAHLCollege commitments continue to grow

32

SAGINAW SPIRIT Year in review

36

GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS Rejuvenated Johnson leading the charge

38

TOURNAMENT CALENDARThe latest tournament listings

26

Whalers/Spirit

Red Wings insider Last Line

4 Michigan Hockey December 19, 2011 V.22 : I.10MIHOCKEYNOW.COM

Photo credits at left: (from L to R): Aaron Bell/OHL Images, Dave Reginek/DRW

Cover Photos: Courtesy Plymouth Whalers, courtesy Ilitch Holdings, Inc., courtesy University of Michigan athletics, Michael Caples/Michigan Hockey, Tom Turrill/Michigan Hockey, Dan Swint/PDQ Photo, Phil Colvin/Michigan Hockey)

Cover reprints availablee-mail: [email protected]

EDITORIAL BOARD: Bob DeSpirt, Christine Knight, Derek Blair, James Jenkins, Julie Pardoski, Kirk Vickers, Linda Holland, Lisa Zarzycki, Mark Vansaw, Nyron Fauconier, Randy Paquette, Rob Mattina, Susan Bottrell, Tim Wilson, Todd Krygier

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: MICHIGAN HOCKEY® welcomes Letters to the Editor. E-mail [email protected]

MICHIGAN HOCKEY is published by SUBURBAN SPORTS COMMUNICATIONS, LLC 23995 Freeway Park Drive, Suite 200, Farmington Hills, MI 48335-2829. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to MICHIGAN HOCKEY®, 23995 Freeway Park Drive, Suite 200, Farmington Hills, MI 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.

EDITORMichael [email protected]

MICHIGAN HOCKEY

ADVERTISINGLucia [email protected]

DESIGNChuck Stevens

MICHIGAN HOCKEY STAFFBrian [email protected]

DISTRIBUTIONLucia Zuzga

ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTORAmy Jones

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & PROGRAMMING

Darren EliotBY MICHAEL CAPLES

Who is most infl uential in your own hockey experience? In this issue, we discuss who we think are the most in-

fl uential people on the game of hockey in Michigan. That means we had to try to cover everything, from mini-mites right on up to the Detroit Red Wings.

It’s fi tting though, in my opinion; one of the great things about our game is that the game’s elite work hand-in-hand with local leaders in shaping the sport. It’s a community event as a player rises through the youth hockey system; hundreds of people will impact their life in one way or an-other.

And while this list – our fi rst attempt - is now set in stone, the conversation never has to end. I would love to hear about who else should be on the list, or who you thought shouldn’t have been featured in the fi rst place. During the assembly of our ‘Top 50’, I talked to many people from many diff erent sides of the game, and no compiled list was the same. Even my own list is covered in so much red ink I don’t know if I can read it anymore.

But that’s the beauty of this sport; there are hundreds,

if not thousands, of people who should be on a list of this nature. We had to put a limit it on it somewhere, but you don’t. Tell me who should have been included, and we’ll feature it in the magazine or on our new website (MiHock-eyNow.com). E-mail me at [email protected]. I want to hear about the youth hockey leader in your town. I want to hear about that coach who turned you into the person you are today. And I want to hear about that player you just love watching, and hope to model your game after.

I hope you enjoy this issue. Along with the ‘Top 50’ list, we have a great preview of girls’ high school hockey. It has been an enjoyable experience for me to reacquaint my-self with the girls’ teams across the state. We also have coverage of your favorite teams, and those features that we hope you enjoy, like You Should Know and Speaking of Hockey.

Hope your season has been off to a great start, and I’ll see you around a rink soon.

@michaelcaples

VISIT MIHOCKEYNOW.COM FOR DAILY COVERAGE OF

HOCKEY IN MICHIGAN

FROM THE EDITOR

MICHIGAN HOCKEY23995 Freeway Park Drive�•�Suite 200Farmington Hills, MI 48335-2829(248) 478-2500 • FAX: (248) 478-1601E-MAIL: [email protected]: mihockeynow.com

December 19, 2011 V.22 : I.10 5Michigan HockeyMIHOCKEYNOW.COM

TALES FROM THE RINK

TWO FOR TWEETING

THE SCORESHEET

The redshirt senior goaltender had a tremendous weekend, stopping 63 saves against the Wolverines’ main rival.

Don’t forget to visit MiHockeyNow.com for coverage of all the biggest hockey games Michigan has to off er.

Former Red Wing Chris Chelios was one of fi ve inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame on Dec. 12.

The drive-time personality for WRIF has been working hard to get write-in votes for Jimmy Howard to make the NHL All-Star game this year.

WHAT SIDE ARE YOU ON?We asked our Facebook followers a simple question last week: Which side are you on – Michigan or Michigan State’s? It was nearly split right down the middle, but the Green and White topped the Maize and Blue by fi ve votes.

Jeff Vogal shared this with us on Facebook. Have a story as good as his? Tell us, at Facebook.com/MiHockeyNow:

“Back when I was in Squirts I was still a forward. One game I was down in the corner and suddenly my left foot just went out from underneath me and I went down in a heap. I tried to get up, but as soon as my foot would touch the ice, I would go right back down. Finally I looked down and realized the blade had somehow fallen completely out of the chassis and was lying next to the face-off dot. I picked it up and tried to get back to the bench. I was able to glide a short distance on my right skate, but as soon as the plastic on my left skate hit the ice I went down again. I ended up having to crawl all the way back to the bench. It was pretty frustrating and embarrassing at the time, but I laugh about it now. Somewhere there is video of it. ”

Results

Michigan

Michigan State

48%

52%

ThThThTTheeee rer dsdsdsdsdshihihihhirrttrtrt sssenenene ioioioioiorrr gogogogogog alalallala tetetetet ndndndddererererr hhhhhadadad aaaaa tttttrerereemmememem ndndndddououuoussss wewweweeeweeekekekekkenenenene dddd ssssstttottttoooppppppp inininini ggggg

DoDoDDoDon’nn’n’tttt fofofofoorgrggetettetet tttoooo viviiviisisisisisitttt MiMiiMiMiMiHoHoHoHockckckckckkkkeyeyeyeyeye NoNoNoNoowwww ccocococommm ffofofoforrrr cococooveveveerarararagegegege ooff aallll ththhhhthhheeeee bibiiggggggggeseesesttttt

ThThThThThee ddrddriiviive tiititittimemee ppereree sosonananaanaliililiitytytyty fffforo WWWWRRIRIFF hahass bebeenen wwwororo kikikikingngggg haaaarrrrdddd ttoto ggg tetetet wwww iiiritttte

ON THE FLY

THE LOCKER ROOM

A lesson in fashion: The Davenport University hockey team shared this photo with us on Twitter – looks like quite the Ugly Sweater party. Nice work, boys.


THE

LOCKERROOM

PROTECT WHAT MATTERS MOST. Available in youth sizes, BAUER’s Premium 2-in-1 Top combines a base layer shirt with an adjustable, cut-resistant neck guard featuring Kevlar® brand fiber, making it as comfortable for kids as it is comforting to you.

BAUER.COM

#37 Matt Mahalak2011 6th Round NHL PickCarolina Hurricanes

Purchase 4+ Tickets upgrade to a Pop, Hot Dog & Lineup Card for $1 per ticket!

Offer valid at all regular season home games with the purchase of 4 or more tickets. Must be purchased at the same time of ticket purchase.

3 31 021TIM : # no it cna

S

Mites, Squirts & Pee Wee House, A, AAFor more information or to register your team,

call (734) 453-6400 or visit CompuwareArena.com

December26-28

Whalers v. London

’

Whalers v. Saginaw

v. Saginaw

Whalers v. Mississauga

GREATTIME!

SPEAKING OF HOCKEY

ofSpeaking HockeyWhat is your favorite part of college hockey?

“I love the green and the white. It’s the best part.”— Michael Andrus

“There’s nothing like the chill of an ice rink. Along with a Michigan Tech victory!!”— Bob Casler

“I love the energy in college hockey...every player is working as hard as they can for their team and not for themselves…there are no paychecks or bonuses…just a team goal. It’s great to see unselfi sh team hockey.”— Brandon Weir

“The atmosphere in a college hockey rink is simply incredible; as fun as Michigan Stadium is there’s nothing like the atmosphere at Yost - the student section is simply the best. The game seems a bit more wide-open, and even the hits feel bigger at this level.”— Norm Bona

“So much love for every part so I will name a few...A. The skill and passion in college hockey, those guys are trying to prove themselves to make it in the NHL so they push themselves and you can see that. B. How hockey brings together the team and community. I love the student sections and how intense and loud the games can get. GO GREEN! C. Hockey is just the best. And so is Michigan State.”— Ellina Marie Stein

“Sieve, sieve, sieve - it’s all your fault!!”— Carol A Greca

“The best part is the college students. They can get the rinks rockin’ and rollin’!!! :)”-Betsee Vandenboss Thompson

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

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

“Best part has got to be the student sections; best example the Lawson Lunatics, best student section in the CCHA, gives great home ice advantage. Let’s go Broncos!! The Power of Gold!”— Justin Agrusa


20% OFF All Equipment

Bags

Join us ForCustomer

Appreciation Day

Pro Series Gloves*2010 Models*

$40

&

In- store, in-stock pricing ONLY. Not applicable to products subject to manufacturers MAP policies. Other restrictions may apply. 30 days of christmas offers Valid thru Dec. 24th, 2011, select locations only, while supplies last.

Gift Certificates Readily Available in all US Locations!

In- store, in-stock pricing ONLY. Not applicable to products subject to manufacturers MAP policies. Other restrictions may apply. "NOW IN STOCK" items available in select locations ONLY, while supplies last.

All Cages & Visors

20% OFFw/helmet purchase

Easton E700 Helmet

Bauer 7.0 LE & 3.0 LE

Skates

Reddi Rink $35.00

NOW $29.99

Regulation Goal $109.99

Bari Boots Jr . reg $119.99 NOW $99.99

Sr. reg $129.99 NOW $109.99

YUP...HE PLAYED HERE!

Upcoming home games

Call 734.327.9251 for tickets! Visit usahockey.comw/usantdp

GETTY IMAGES

JIMMY HOWARDDETROIT RED WINGS

Ticket info$1 Youth hockey players$4 Students/military/seniors$6 Adults

All games played at the Ann Arbor

Ice Cube

Nov. 18 vs. Green Bay (U-18)Nov. 19 vs. Tri-City (U-18)

Nov. 22 vs. Waterloo (U-17)Dec. 9 vs. Omaha (U-17)

1/14 Des Moines Buccaneers 7 p.m. U18 team

1/27 Muskegon Lumberjacks 7 p.m. U17 team

1/28 Dubuque Fighting Saints 7 p.m. U17 team

Behind net 2-on-0 GetBetter

powered by

Get Better

the following is an excerpt from an article written by Jim Johnson for flexxCOACH.com

• NHL • College

• Community • Residential

Serving:

Ice rinksFor more information call Bob Bishop 313-600-8655

• NHL • College

• Community • Residential

Serving:

Ice rinks

the act of shooting or passing is a physical skill, while puck handling – making plays in and around the crease, working with the defensemen to effectively start the breakout, or protect the passing lanes nearest the net – is a teachable trait. Here is a good drill for coaches to use to get their young netminders in position to use the goal stick aggressively.

this is a good drill to emphasize use of goal stick on plays originating from below the goal line.

DrILL OBJeCtIVe: Create scoring chance down low

KeY eLeMeNtS:• Puck movement below goal line• Create passing angles• Attack rebounds• Attack with speed

GOALIe: Follow pass behind net, focus on puck but be aware of where open man is, use stick to intercept passes, control rebounds.

12 Michigan Hockey december 19, 2011 V.22 : I.10MIHockeyNow.coM

Make your player a "Star of Tomorrow"Every player appearing on Reebok's Stars of

Tomorrow will win a new Reebok hockey stick!

"STARS OF TOMORROW"

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

Ryan Marra10 Commerce 5'2"105 lbs. USA Eagles 2000 LW Derek Burny Our Lady of Refuge4th Detroit Red WingsThe Mule

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

Hunter Jamieson11Jenison 4'9"74 lbs. Michigan Nationals 99 Forward Sergei KharinJenison Jr. High7thDetroit Red WingsJustin Abdelkader

D&D BICYCLES AND HOCKEY

ddhockey1.com

D&D Bicycles and Hockey - Waterfordinside the Lakeland Ice Arena

D&D Bicycles and Hockey - Westlandcentrally located next to Livonia, Garden City and Dearborn

10% OFF

any one itemIn-store, In-stock pricing only.

Not applicable to products subject tomanufacturers MAP policies.

D&D Bicycles and Hockey - Waterford

D&D Bicycles and Hockey - Westland

1 FREE Skate

Sharpening with any purchase

Not valid with any other discount.Some restrictions may apply.

D&D Bicycles and Hockey - Waterford

D&D Bicycles and Hockey - Westland

Offering the widest range of quality products

for any budgetMake D&D your holiday gift center

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

youshould

know

YOU SHOULD KNOW

FAVORITE SPORTING EVENT: U of M football Saturdays

FAVORITE BREAKFAST FOOD:French Toast

FIRST CONCERT:Rolling Stones

MUST-SEE TV: Bear Grylls in “Man vs. Wild”

IF YOU COULD HAVE ANYSUPERPOWER, WHAT

WOULD IT BE: Teleporting

FAVORITE MOVIE: Rat Race

IF YOU COULD HAVE ONE WISH GRANTED, WHAT WOULD YOU

DO WITH IT:Stay in college and at Michigan forever.

PRE GAME ROUTINE: I always nap and eat a ton of chicken and pasta before the game. Once I get to the rink

though, it is game-time and time to have some fun

WHAT IS YOUR NICKNAME: How’s It Goin’ Moff

FAVORITE MEAL: Cedar plank salmon, asparagus,

and twice-baked potatoes

WHAT ONE PIECE OF TECHNOLOGY CAN YOU NOT

LIVE WITHOUT: I could live without it all

luke moff attWhile he grew up in Arizona, Luke Moff att shouldn’t be a stranger

to hockey fans in Michigan. After two seasons with the National

Team Development Program in Ann Arbor, Moff att packed up his

bags to move down the street to Yost in 2010. He’s no stranger

to a big stage; Moff att has a gold medal from the 2010 IIHF

World Under-18 Championship, and he helped the Wolverines

reach the NCAA title game last April.


23996 Freeway Park Drive Farmington Hills

MMAKE UUUP CLASSS AND OPEN SKATAA E OOFFEREDON SSATAA URDAY, FEB. 25TH

WINTER 2

(Ages 4-10)JANUARY 7 – MARCH 31SATURDAY MORNINGS

Still accepting

registrations!

After two weeks of camps this summer, I have taken mental notes about certain patterns that I am seeing. One of the more notable patterns I am recognizing has to do with goals

that could have been stopped. What I am fi nding is that a small handful of the goals we allow to go in the net is because we literally and unintentionally get out of the way of the puck. We allow our reactions to take over instead of making the correct save selection or movement.

One of the more common situations that I see with goalies of all age groups has to do with shots in the upper glove side corner. If the puck goes to the very outside of the corner, it is an easy glove save. If the puck is going closer to the body, it should be an easy, possibly possessed, shoulder save. The more common issue with goalies moving out of the way is when the puck is in the area between the outer corner and the shoulder. This type of a shot makes the goalie have to decide whether to get the glove on it or do some type of lateral shift for the body save.

More times than not, goalies opt for the glove save. This decision has some side eff ects. When having to reach into a certain area, goalies will unintentionally rotate their shoulders un-square to the puck. The shoulder

rotation is generally coupled with a glove side leg lift as well. The combination of the leg lift and the shoulder rotation, more times than not, moves our body out of the line of the puck.

The key to making these saves instead of getting out of the way is to keep the glove leg down and glove

forward of the body. Get to know the zones in which you should use your body with a lateral shift, as well as the zones in which the puck is reachable with the glove. Be sure to try and keep the glove leg down whenever possible, which will aid in keeping the body from rotating.

GOALIE SCHOOL

THE SHOULDER GAPBY JEREMY KALENIECKI, FUTURE PRO GOAL PRESIDENT

FUTURE PRO GOAL

(Tom Turrill/Michigan Hockey)


www.onyxicearena.comCheck out all the fun

programs at the ONYX!

52999 Dequindre Rd.Rochester MI 48307

For Ages

3-Adult

Session 4Snuary 4- February 18 Jan

(7-Weeks)

For more information on either of theseprograms please contact Ashley Giwa

[email protected] or by phone at 248-601-6699

presents the

2011 Royal Oak Holiday Classic

Sanction No. MIT120226

2011 Royal Oak Holiday Classic

December 26th-30th

SQUIRT ASQUIRT AA

PEE WEE APEE WEE AA

BANTAM ABANTAM AA

HOUSE DIVISIONS

TRAVEL DIVISIONS

E-mail: [email protected]: [email protected]


YOUTH HOCKEY

The Canton Victory Honda Mite AA team had quite a Thanksgiving weekend. The squad posted an undefeated record in the Eddie Edgar Thanksgiving Tournament Challenge in Livonia.

Victory Honda won their fi rst game 2-1 against the USA Eagles, and their second game 7-2 against Chelsea. Shutouts by Ashton Queen and Nicholas Galdea powered them to wins over Livingston (1-

0), and Suburban (5-0).In the championship game, Victory

Honda topped a second Chelsea squad, 5-4 in overtime. Joe Daniels scored the overtime winner with 27 seconds left, assisted by Bobby Valeri and Caden Pachota. Gavin Hayes, Gavin Klaassen, and Pachota (2) added the regulation goals for Victory Honda in the fi nal game.

Thanks to a complete game eff ort, the ’99 Michigan Travelers won the 2011 Rock ‘n’ Roll Cup tournament held in Cleveland Nov 4-6. The Travelers faced the Cleveland

Sharks, Euclid Panthers, Tri County Eagles, and the Applewood Coyotes. After scoring critical goals the last two games, Zach Barrette was named tournament MVP.

The U16 Michigan Icebreakers from Suburban Ice Farmington Hills won the Thanksgiving Motown Cup a few weeks ago. The team faced two teams from Colorado – the Colorado Selects and the Colorado Stars – and the Livonia Knights.

The Icebreakers went undefeated in pool

play and the championship game pitted the Icebreakers against the Colorado Stars.

The championship game featured great team play from the Icebreakers, including outstanding goaltending from the tournament’s MVP, Hannah Fremd.

The Belle Tire Squirt A team competed in an invitation-only tournament with the top AAA Teams from all over North America. Despite their single ‘A’ status, the ’02 Belle Tire North team went 2-0-1 through the round robin, with wins over the Waterloo Wolves (Ontario 5-1), the No. 3 Canadian ranked Oakville Rangers (Ontario 3-3) and the No. 8 ranked U.S. AAA team Providence Capitals (Rhode Island 7-3).

They then took on the No. 2 ranked U.S. AAA team, the Mid Fairfi eld Blues, in the quarterfi nal round and defeated them 3-1. Advancing to the semifi nals was a major accomplishment, but they could not get past the No. 1 ranked US AAA team, the Boston South Shore Kings.

It was a very strong statement for

Michigan travel hockey to have a non-AAA team advance over the strongest AAA teams from across North America.

The Belle Tire North team was led by defensemen Jake McCatty, Noah Luck and Griffi n White, in front of goalies Cullen DeYoung and Blake Hazelton. The off ensive punch was provided by Dominic James, Ryan Beck, Garrett Szydlowski, Jack Estfan, Ryan McClellan, Gunner Aldridge, Cam Sturos and Adam Pietila. This is the second straight year that the Belle Tire North has advanced to the semi-fi nals of the International Silver Stick tournament with outstanding coaching from HC Roger Luck and assistant coaches Gordie Pietila, Keith Aldridge and Brian DeYoung.

Victory Honda Mites undefeated in Thanksgiving tourney

Michigan Travelers Win Rock ‘N’ Roll Cup

16U Icebreakers win Thanksgiving tourney

Belle Tire A team reaches semis in AAA tourney


RED BERENSONUniversity of Michigan fans have been lucky enough to have Red Berenson running their hockey program for the last 28 years. One of the top coaches in all of sports brings elite talent to Ann Arbor every year, and is one of the faces of college hockey across the nation.

GEORGE ATKINSONThe president of the Michigan Amateur Hockey Associa-tion directs all the major activities at the grassroots level in Michigan. Atkinson will be guiding Michigan’s youth hockey scene through major changes with the American Development Model and competition, as teams consider joining the Amateur Athletic Union.

TOM ANASTOSThe new coach of the Spartans has been actively involved in all levels of the game for years. The former CCHA com-missioner played important roles in the growth of college and youth hockey across the state, and now he aims to bring MSU back to national prominence.

PETER KARMANOS JR.Been to Compuware Arena recently? Thank Mr. Karmanos. The Compuware CEO owns the Plymouth Whalers, annually a contender in the OHL. The Compuware AAA program is one of the best in the state. And the Detroit native happens to own the Carolina Hurricanes as well.

MIKE AND MARIAN ILITCHSince buying the team in 1982, Mr. and Mrs. Ilitch have built the Red Wings into the best team in hockey. Between the Wings, Little Caesars’ AAA program, and the Little Caesars’ Amateur Hockey League, the Michigan natives truly are the foundation of “Hockeytown”.

50 most influential people on Michigan hockey

50 most influential 50 most influential people on people on Michigan hockeyMichigan hockey

The following 50 people are the men and women we think have the most impact on the game of hockey in Michigan. They infl uence our young players, and they impact the policies and rules

associated with the game. They are the game-changers, the people who aff ect hockey on and off the ice every single day.

We led with who we think are the fi ve most infl uential people right now. The rest is alphabetical - there is no ranking system past the fi rst fi ve.

Disagree with our list? Tell us who you would have put on the list, and we’ll share your stories.


JUSTIN ABDELKADERBetween scoring the game-winner in the NCAA title game for MSU and earning plenty of ice time for the Red Wings these days, Abdelkader has become the pride of the west Michigan.

RANDY ALLENThe head of all high school hockey in Michigan is seeing that level of play continue to grow.

MIKE BABCOCKThe bench boss for the best team in all of hockey – need we say more?

MIKE BAYOFFNow director of strategic hockey alliances, Bayoff has long served as the connection between the Red Wings and col-lege/youth hockey.

GORDON BOWMAN/JACK WITTThe MAHA VP of coaching and the USA Hockey district coach-in-chief play a crucial role in educating coaches of all age levels in the state.

CHRIS COURYThe Belle Tire coach and director is one of the top coaching minds in the state.

JAMES COSGROVEMAHA’s executive vice president is also the chairperson for the rules committee, which has been very active of late.

KAREN CULLENCullen is active in all facets of Little Caesar’s hockey, both the biggest league in the state, and one of the top AAA programs.

KEN DANIELS/MICKEY REDMONDThe voices of the Red Wings provide wisdom and enter-tainment for hockey fans across the state, and even the country.

PAVEL DATSYUK/HENRIK ZETTERBERGThe ‘Eurotwins’ continue to amaze fans on a nightly basis, and continue to inspire young hockey players across the Mitten.

RON DEGREGORIOUSA Hockey’s president is a frequent visitor to our state, and his governing body dictates much of how hockey is played and perceived in Michigan.

JIM DELANYThe leader of the Big Ten is about to start a hockey league, and it has meant signifi cant changes in the college level in the entire Great Lakes region.

DALLAS DRAKEThe former Stanley Cup champ with the Red Wings is now actively involved in youth hockey in Traverse City, as well as co-owning the city’s NAHL team. When Drake speaks about youth hockey, people listen.

JOE EMERYThe commissioner of the Little Caesar’s Amateur Hockey League oversees the largest league in the state, with both house and travel programs.

CRAIG GOSLINThe co-owner of the OHL’s Saginaw team has built the Spirit into a major player in a league dominated by Cana-dian squads.

GREG HAMMARENOne of the top execs at Fox Sports Detroit, Hammaren plays a big role in what hockey people across the state see, and how they see it.

KEN HOLLANDAs the Red Wings evolved into a modern-day dynasty, the hockey fan base and player participation grew along with it – and is still growing today. The Wings’ GM deserves much of that credit.

SEAN JACQUESMichigan’s referee-in-chief oversees the stripes across the state – he leads the thankless troops in our game.

LARRY JOHNSONThe commissioner of the Tier 1 Hockey Elite League, John-son is in charge of a league that holds some of the top talent in the country.

TODD JOHNSONThe bench boss for Detroit Catholic Central is responsible for maintaining the success of one of the top high school programs in the state.

JOHN KAY The director of Belle Tire hockey – one of the top organiza-tions in the state - also serves on the Tier 1 Hockey Elite League’s board of governors.

PAUL KELLYThe head of College Hockey Inc. is leading the fi ght to keep American-born players going to U.S. colleges, and not Ca-nadian juniors. With both major Div. 1 schools and OHL teams just miles apart, Michigan is a focus.

RYAN KESLERKesler is the latest role model for young hockey players in Michigan – his continued to success at the NHL level shows Michigan-born players they can make it, as well.

(Courtesy Plymouth Whalers, courtesy Ilitch Holdings, Inc., courtesy University of Michigan athletics,


LARRY KNAPPThe program GM for the Honeybaked hockey program, Knapp directs one of the top hockey programs in the state of Michigan.

RAY KRAEMERThe long-standing MAHA member is the VP of adult hock-ey – helping people of all ages continue to stay connected with the sport they love to play.

TODD KYRIGERThe former NHLer is now the bench boss at Novi High School, and led them to a Div. 1 state title last spring. He also coaches for Compuware.

JEAN LAXTON/PATTY MADDENLaxton and Madden lead the girls/women program for MAHA, an ever-growing segment of hockey in Michigan.

NICK LIDSTROMThe Red Wings’ captain is the face of the team, and while he’s an ambassador on the ice, he’s just as good off of it. Lidstrom is present at local rinks across the state for his kids’ games all months of the year.

BOB MANCINIThe regional manager of the USA Hockey Athletic Develop-ment Model is in charge of bringing the new hockey pro-gram to Michigan. The ADM has been a hot topic of discus-sion across the state.

ROGER MAURITHOThe VP of youth hockey for MAHA plays a crucial role in managing amateur hockey across the state, along with serving as the chairperson for the state playoff s.

JOSH MERVISThe owner of the Muskegon Lumberjacks – the only USHL team in the state – is bringing in some of the best talent in America, and helping them get to the next level.

RYAN MILLERThe pride of East Lansing is an ambassador for both Michi-gan State and the entire Mitten at hockey’s highest stage.

DAVE MORROWThe president of Warrior is leading a hometown company that is becoming one of the hockey industry’s best equip-ment providers.

ANDY MURRAYThe former NHL bench boss is now the head coach for the Western Michigan Broncos. Will he be the right fi t when they move into an ultra-competitive National Collegiate Hockey Conference in two years?

JIM NILLThe Red Wings’ assistant GM is also overseeing Detroit’s scouting, and watching over the Grand Rapids Griffi ns. Without Nill, the neither team would be where they are today.

THE PERANI FAMILYIt wouldn’t be fair to give it to just one of them. Bob Perani started what is now the biggest hockey supply company in the state (and potentially the world), and the family has been remarkably supportive of every level of hockey.

LYLE PHAIRPhair is the executive director of Suburban Sports Group, which owns or manages six ice arenas in Michigan, director of the Honeybaked Hockey Club, and chairman of the board of the newly-formed High Performance Hockey League.

FRED PLETSCHThe commissioner of the Central Collegiate Hockey Associ-ation will guide the league through their fi nal two seasons.

MANON RHEAUMEThe only woman to play in an NHL game continues to help grow women’s hockey across the state.

ANGELA RUGGIEROPerhaps the most famous woman to ever play hockey, Ruggiero continues to serve as a role model for young female hockey players across the country.

CAROL SCHWANGERSchwanger is MAHA’s lead for disabled hockey in the state. The long-time member of MAHA has helped people across the country experience playing the greatest sport there is.

JEFF AND JOE SPEDOWSKIThe Spedowski brothers run the Adray youth hockey league, the second biggest league in the state.

MIKE VELLUCCIThe coach and GM of the Plymouth Whalers helps develop talent both in the OHL, and at the youth level, as Vellucci is also active in the Compuware youth club.

ANDY WEIDENBACHThe bench boss for Cranbrook for almost two decades, and he’s been nationally recognized for his accomplishments with the storied program.

Michael Caples/Michigan Hockey, Tom Turrill/Michigan Hockey, Dan Swint/PDQ Photo, Phil Colvin/Michigan Hockey)


HOMETOWN HEROES

HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEW PONYTAIL POWER

Megan EusticeWalled Lake

Alexis LastomirskyRegina

Sydney SakwaCranbrook

Jamie BambergerDetroit Country Day

Julia FranceschiPioneer

22 Michigan Hockey November 28, 2011 V.22 : I.9MIHOCKEYNOW.COM

Genevieve CornwallAndover-Lasher

Emily BullockPlymouth

Emma HuellmantelGrosse Pointe North

Haleigh BoltonLiggett

Claire BoyleGrosse Pointe South

Brittany GalvinLadywood

Allison HoldenNorthville

Alex ConnerMercy

November 28, 2011 V.22 : I.9 23Michigan HockeyMIHOCKEYNOW.COM

UNIVERSITY OF LIGGETT KNIGHTSThe young Knights’ greatest strength is their willing-

ness to learn and improve on the ice. “The Knights are a very young hockey team compared to the other D1 teams in the league,” said coach Cassie Jaeckle. “Their eagerness to learn and do what it takes to put the hard work in to improve day in and day out will be key to their success this season.” Seniors Haleigh Bolton and Haley Smith will be important leaders on and off the ice this season. Other key players include juniors Aria Ganz-Waple and Chandler War-ren, along with freshman goalie Jenna Pleva.

LADYWOOD BLAZERSCoach Bruce Peck is expecting plenty of scoring from

his Blazers squad this season. “We do have some talented forwards that are going to have to put the puck in the net on a consistent basis,” Peck said. The team is looking to Hannah Pereira, Lane Kolpacke, Rana Freij and Virginia Matherly to produce off ensively. Erin Doyle, Katie Folk and Brittany Galvin will enter their senior season anchoring a strong blue line for the Blazers. Peck said forming team chemistry from a mix of returnees and fresh faces will be crucial to Ladywood’s success.

GROSSE POINTE NORTH NORSEMENPlaying a full game every night and being consistent are

keys for the Norsemen this season, says coach Joe Luc-chese. Team defense from the goaltender all the way up to the forwards will be essential. Key players include Jen Cus-mano and Natalie Skorupski, who were both second-team all-state last year. Other contributors will be Melissa Mer-miges, Sara Villani, Julia Henderson, C.J. McCarthy, Brynn Moody, Jacci Sherry, Katie Bowles, and senior goalie Emma Huellmantel.

ANN ARBOR PIONEER PIONEERSWith only three seniors and one junior returning, leader-

ship and team chemistry will be of the highest importance for the Pioneers, according to coach Sandy Hurd. “We have fantastic leadership in our players,” Hurd said, “but the chemistry that they have been able to foster within this group is phenomenal.” The Pioneers will rely on four-year varsity player Julia Franceschi, along with sophomores Caroline Hurd and Lauren Chapman this season. “We are a young team that simply needs experience playing at this level,” Hurd said.

WALLED LAKE WILD“Our greatest strength this year will be our youth and

the addition of some experienced players to our roster,” said Wild coach Erik Carlson. Led by seniors Taylor Jasgur, Mackenzie Moug, Grace Jardine and Alex Klos, the Wild will look to bring intensity to the ice this season. Other play-ers who bring valuable experience include Megan Eustice, Emma Crone, Ryann Brier, Christina Karagozian, Jordan Maynard and Meryll Miller. One of the highlights of Walled Lake’s season is an outdoor game in Toledo against a Ca-nadian squad this coming January. “[It] will be a great ex-perience for our girls,” Carlson said.

BLOOMFIELD HILLS KNIGHTHAWKSCoach Amy Shepler said that her Knighthawks will gen-

erate scoring chances by their ability to regroup and take advantage of turnovers, along with improved play in the neutral zone. Due to having such a small team, each girl is considered a “key” player and will be relied upon to help produce wins for the Knighthawks. “Despite the small team size, the team is tight-knit and thoroughly enjoys playing together,” Shepler said. The play of fi rst-time junior goal-tender Madi Kramer will be important to Bloomfi eld Hills’ success, along with strong seasons from co-captains Gen-evieve Cornwall and Angelica Kunz on the blue line. Other


players to look out for are forwards Michelle Dawes, Nicole Pomish and Lindsey Harman.

REGINA SADDELITESNew Regina coach Paul Buscemi believes that leadership

from his upperclassmen will translate to good team chem-istry this year, despite losing 14 seniors from last season. “One of our strengths is our team’s ‘never give up’ attitude, where they will battle from the fi rst face-off to the fi nal horn,” Buscemi said. The Saddelites need to improve on their play without the puck, according to Buscemi. “I feel by the end of the year we will be a much improved team and surprise a few teams come playoff s,” Buscemi said.

CRANBROOK-KINGSWOOD CRANESThere is no shortage of talent on the Cranes’ squad this

season. Coach Terry Brooks expects solid seasons from seniors Sydney Sakwa, last year’s league leader in points, and Colleen Jacoby, the defending “Miss Hockey” honor-ee. “The strengths of my team are the depth that I have,” Brooks said. “I will use three lines and six defense, and sometimes four lines in most games.” Seven freshmen will be in the starting line-up for Cranbrook-Kingswood. “If the younger players can perform at this level and not be in-timidated, then we will be a tough team to play against,” Brooks said.

MERCY MARLINSThe Marlins return 13 members from last year’s team.

Defense will be one of Mercy’s strong suits this season, ac-cording to coach Brandon Malinowski. “We should have a strong defensive core this year with all the time we have spent on it in practice,” Malinowski said. Senior Lauren Hensick will be holding down the blue line, while Alex Con-ner, Madeline McClain, Anna Mondrusov and Morgan De-Brincat are players to watch off ensively. Senior Clarissa LeVasseur will be between the pipes. The Marlins’ coach-ing staff – in their fi rst full season with Mercy – believes in a defensive philosophy. “As a team, we believe games are won and lost in our defensive zone,” Malinowski said.

PORT HURON LADY ICEHAWKSThis season, Port Huron will be led by strong goaltending

and returning upperclassmen. “They are working real hard in practices and games,” said coach Steve Harris. Key play-ers for the Lady Icehawks include Courtney Harris, Morgan Thompson, Hayley Cox and Taylor Cook. The team looks to incorporate younger players – and a few fi rst-year players – into the game plan this season. “We will need to bring up to speed our younger players and our two fi rst year play-ers,” Harris said.

DETROIT COUNTRY DAY YELLOW JACKETSDetroit Country Day’s returning seniors will be a big help

as the team enters its fourth year as a program. “With a large group of returning seniors we hope to be competi-tive this year,” said coach Riccardo Di Pasquo. The squad’s

returning captains Jamie Bamberger, Christine Jiang and Michelle Liu will lead the way for Country Day. Second-year goaltender Dana Mosa-Baha will see a lot of action this season, as well. The Yellow Jackets have also added depth to their coaching staff this season, bringing in Dave Lukasik.

GROSSE POINTE SOUTH LADY BLUE DEVILSExperience and leadership will be key strengths for

Grosse Pointe South this season, according to coach Joe Provenzano. “Our program lost a signifi cant amount of scoring power from last year, so we know that we are go-ing to have to outwork teams on a consistent basis to be successful,” Provenzano said. The Blue Devils will be led by last season’s leading scorer Claire Boyle, along with seniors Marissa Monforton, Cara Monforton and Melissa Klinger. The Lady Blue Devils should be strong in goal, as well. “I expect goaltending to be critical, and I have confi dence that Anastasia Diamond will build off her success from last year’s state playoff s,” Provenzano said. There are a few things that the squad will still need to work on, however. “We need to improve on executing fundamental concepts and skills and playing smart hockey,” Provenzano said.

NORTHVILLE MUSTANGSThe Mustangs are fortunate to have solid team depth

heading into this season. Nine players are returning from last year, along with nine additions from the Varsity B squad. “The Mustangs will have four solid lines and six ex-perienced defensemen, and two of the league’s top goal-ies,” Holden said. Northville looks to improve on intensity and holding onto leads, according to Holden. The team is comprised of off ensive and defensive players that hold valuable varsity-level experience. “This is one of the fi rst years in the history of our program that we have signifi cant off ensive ‘scoring-punch,’ returning some veteran goal scorers and picking up two freshmen, Marisha Hackett and Grace Healey, who have a knack for putting the puck in the goal,” Holden said.

PLYMOUTH CANTON SALEM PENGUINSThird-year coach Mary Beth Johnson believes that her

team’s strength will come from their seniors, including goaltender Kaitlyn Allard. “Kaitlyn has the ability to win games for us and will be a solid net minder all season,” Johnson said. “All of our seniors have been playing the game for a very long time and will be great role models for the other half of our roster, which consists of mostly fresh-men and sophomores.” Leading the way for the Penguins will be two-way players Jackie Lough and Nicole Natel-borg. Plymouth Canton Salem’s captain Emily Bullock will be back to lead her squad from the blue line this season, as well. Johnson, who took over the team during the 2009-10 season, won the Division 2 title in her fi rst year as coach. “The coaches’ goal is to make it to the Division 2 champion-ship game again this year,” said Johnson.

presented by:

To recognize and promote the commitment of youth coaches in the state, Michigan Hockey would like youth coaches to tell us a few

things about yourself and why you coach youth hockey.

800-667-5141www.coachmate.com

COACH NICK FIELDHometown: Born- Jackson, MI Currently Reside- Royal Oak, MI

Years Coaching: 2nd year with Lake Orion.

Level: High School, Lake Orion, OAA Red (League)

Why do you coach? ? I have a strong passion for the game of hockey and enjoy teaching the game. I also enjoy the competition and camaraderie associated with being part of a team.

Philosophy: I pride myself on teaching the kids how to play the game the “right” way. I focus a lot on the little things that make kids better hockey players. I put a strong emphasis on compete level, discipline, and making the smart simple play.

Coach you admire: I’ve been fortunate enough to have had played for a number of coaches at high levels and they all have given me some aspects of their own philosophies that I carry with me. Bob Daniels (Ferris State, CCHA), Scott Owens (Des Moines Buccaneers, USHL), Tim Alexander(Cleveland Barons, NAHL), Brent Jarret (West Michigan Warriors, AAA-MNHL), and my father, Phil Field as a youth.


TOURNAMENT CALENDAR POWERED BY MARRIOTT

COMPLETE AND UP-TO-DATE TOURNAMENT LISTINGS AT

MIHOCKEYNOW.COM

DECEMBER 20113 on 3 Holiday ShootoutTroy, MIDecember 26, 2011Mini-Mite – Bantam B, A, AA, AAA, Girls U12-U16, High School and Adult men/women586-817-3458/586-817-3459tyha.net

3 on 3 Holiday BlastNovi, MIDecember 31, 2011Open & House Divisions – Mite – Bantam, High School & Adult248-347-1010noviicearena.com

3 on 3 Winter BlastRochester & Macomb, MIDecember 31, 2011Mite – Bantam, High School & Adult586-992-8600suburbanice.com

JANUARY 2012Great Lakes Tournament Series Holland, MIJanuary 6-8, 2012Mite Cross-Ice Jamboree, Pee Wee B and Bantam BContact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com

Grand Traverse Hockey Association TournamentTraverse City, MIJanuary 6-8, 2012Squirt [email protected]

Great Lakes Tournament Series Holland, MIJanuary 13-15, 2012Mite B, Squirt B and Midget BContact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com

7th Annual January Freeze TournamentBay City, MIJanuary 13-15, 2012Mite – Midget B/BB, JV Prep

989-671-1000 x105baycounty-mi.gov/civicarena

Big Rapids Area Junior Hockey AssociationBig Rapids, MIJanuary 13-15, 2012Mite ADM – Studio Rink231-591-2881bigrapidshockey.org or ferris.edu/icearena

Hockey Time Productions Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MIJanuary 13-16, 2012Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV216-325-0567itshockeytime.com

Hockey Time Productions Girls Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MIJanuary 13-16, 20128U-19U House, B, A, AA 216-325-0567itshockeytime.com

Hockey Time Productions K-Zoo Cup Tournament Series Kalamazoo, MIJanuary 13-16, 2012Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV216-325-0567itshockeytime.com

Midwest JV-Prep Hockey ShowcaseDearborn, MIJanuary 13-16, 2012High School – JV/Prep216-325-0567 or 216-970-5523Email: [email protected]

MLK Cheap Skate House B TournamentKalamazoo, MIJanuary 13-15All levelsContact: Jeff Weber • 269.345.1125 [email protected]

Great Lakes Tournament Series Holland, MIJanuary 20-22, MISquirt AA, Pee Wee B and Bantam AA

Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com

House “B” Winter ClassicMuskegon, MIJanuary 20-22, 2012House – Mite - Midget231-747-7266goldcoasttournaments.com

Grand Traverse Hockey Association TournamentTraverse City, MIJanuary 20-22, 2012Girls U16 [email protected]

Big Rapids Area Junior Hockey AssociationBig Rapids, MIJanuary 20-22, 2012JV/Midget A231-591-2881bigrapidshockey.org or ferris.edu/icearena

Tip Up Town USA- 3on3 Winter BlastHoughton Lake, MIJanuary 21, 2012, 1:00-5:00pmYouth989-366-5644houghtonlakechamber.net

Motor City Shinny TournamentBloomfi eld Hills, MI (Pine Lake Country Club)January 21 & 22, 2012Men’s Open A, B & C; Men’s Over 40 A, B & C and Ladies Open248-404-5558Email: [email protected]

Great Lakes Tournament Series Holland, MIJanuary 27-29Squirt B, Pee Wee AA and Bantam BContact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com

Get Into the Cold Tournament

Mt. Pleasant, MIJanuary 27-29, 2012Midget House B989-772-9623Email: [email protected]

Grand Traverse Hockey Association TournamentTraverse City, MIJanuary 27-29, 2012JV & Midget [email protected]

Lake Fenton Winter Classic (Pure Pond Hockey)Fenton, MIJanuary 27-29, 201218+810-620-PUCK (7825)Email: [email protected]

2012 Michigan Senior Olympics Hockey TournamentJanuary 28 – February 1, 2012Rochester, MISeniors800-400-8161

Big Rapids Area Junior Hockey AssociationBig Rapids, MIJanuary 28-29, 2012Mini-Mite & IP ADM231-591-2881bigrapidshockey.org or ferris.edu/icearena

West Shore Community Ice Arena TournamentScottville, MIJanuary 27-29, 2012Bantam B231-843-9712westshoreice.com

Tip Up Town USA- 3on3 Winter BlastHoughton Lake, MIJanuary 28th, 2012, 8:00am-6:00pmCompetitive 18+, Recreational 18+989-366-5644houghtonlakechamber.net

FEBRUARY 2012Great Lakes Tournament Series Holland, MIFebruary 3-5Mite Cross-Ice Jamboree,

Mite B and Pee Wee BContact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com

Great Lakes Tournament Series Holland, MIFebruary 10-12Mite AA, Squirt B and Midget BContact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com

Big Rapids Area Junior Hockey AssociationBig Rapids, MIFebruary 10-12, 2012Mite ADM – Studio Rink231-591-2881bigrapidshockey.org or ferris.edu/icearena

Great Lakes Tournament Series Holland, MIFebruary 17-19Pee Wee B, Pee Wee A and Bantam BContact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com

Hockey Time Productions Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MIFebruary 17-20, 2012Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV216-325-0567itshockeytime.com

Hockey Time Productions Girls Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MIFebruary 17-20, 20128U-19U House, B, A, AA 216-325-0567itshockeytime.com

Hockey Time Productions K-Zoo Cup Tournament Series Kalamazoo, MIFebruary 17-20, 2012Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV216-325-0567

itshockeytime.com

Deep Freeze TournamentMt. Pleasant, MIFebruary 17-19, 2012Pee Wee & Bantam House B989-772-9623Email: [email protected]

Hockey Time Productions Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MIFebruary 24-26, 2012Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV216-325-0567itshockeytime.com

Hockey Time Productions Girls Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MIFebruary 24-26, 20128U-19U House, B, A, AA 216-325-0567itshockeytime.com

Hockey Time Productions K-Zoo Cup Tournament Series Kalamazoo, MIFebruary 24-26, 2012Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV216-325-0567itshockeytime.com

Great Lakes Tournament Series Holland, MIFebruary 24-26, 2012Mite Cross-Ice Jamboree, Squirt B and Bantam AContact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Muskegon Cup 500 & UnderMuskegon, MIFebruary 24-26, 2012Squirt – Midget A & AA231-747-7266goldcoasttournaments.com

Big Rapids Area Junior Hockey AssociationBig Rapids, MIFebruary 24-26, 2012Midget B/BB231-591-2881bigrapidshockey.org or ferris.edu/icearena

Big Rapids Area Junior

MICHIGAN


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

Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center400 Renaissance DriveDetroit, MI 48243313-568-8000detroitmarriott.com

Detroit Marriott Troy200 W Big Beaver RoadTroy, MI 48084248-680-9797 troymarriott.com

The Dearborn Inn, A Marriott Hotel20301 Oakwood BlvdDearborn, MI 48124313-271-2700dearborninnmarriott.com

Courtyard Detroit Airport Romulus30653 Flynn DriveRomulus, MI 48174734-721-3200detroitairportcourtyard.com

Courtyard Detroit Auburn Hills1296 Opdyke RoadAuburn Hills, MI 48326248-373-4100auburnhillscourtyard.com

Courtyard Detroit Dearborn5200 Mercury DriveDearborn, MI 48126313-271-1400dearborncourtyard.com

Courtyard Detroit Downtown333 East Jefferson AveDetroit, MI 48226313-222-7700detroitdowntowncourtyard.com

Courtyard Detroit Farmington Hills31525 West 12 Mile RoadFarmington Hills, MI 48334248-553-0000marriott.com/dtwfm

Courtyard Detroit Livonia17200 N Laurel Park DriveLivonia, MI 48152734-462-2000livoniacourtyard.com

Courtyard Detroit Novi42700 West 11 Mile RoadNovi, MI 48375248-380-1234novicourtyard.com

Courtyard Detroit Southfield27027 Northwestern HighwaySouthfield, MI 48033248-358-1222southfieldcourtyard.com

Courtyard Detroit Troy1525 East Maple RoadTroy, MI 48083248-528-2800detroittroycourtyard.com

Residence Inn Detroit Warren30120 Civic Center BlvdWarren, MI 48093586-558-8050residenceinnwarren.com

SpringHill Suites Detroit Southfield28555 Northwestern HighwaySouthfield, MI 48034248-352-6100marriott.com/dtwsd

TownePlace Suites Detroit Sterling Heights14800 Lakeside CircleSterling Heights, MI 48313marriott.com/dtwtu

Hockey AssociationBig Rapids, MIFebruary 24-26, 2012Mini-Mite & IP ADM231-591-2881bigrapidshockey.org or ferris.edu/icearena

Get Into the Cold TournamentMt. Pleasant, MIFebruary 25, 2012ADM Jamboree989-772-9623Email: [email protected]

U.P. Youth Pond Hockey ChampionshipSt. Ignace, MIFebruary 25-26, 2012Mite Minors – Midget – House & Travel906-643-8676Email: [email protected]

MARCH 2012Great Lakes Tournament Series Holland, MIMarch 2-4, 2012Mite B, Pee Wee B and Midget BContact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com

Get Into the Cold TournamentMt. Pleasant, MIMarch 2-4, 2012Squirt House B989-772-9623Email: [email protected]

Hockey Cares - House B TournamentKalamazoo, MIMarch 2-4, 2012Squirt House B through Midget House BContact: Mike StommenE-Mail [email protected] 269-345-5369http://tournaments.arenamaps.com/series/

Hockey Time Productions Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MIMarch 9-11, 2012Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV216-325-0567itshockeytime.com

Hockey Time Productions Girls Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MIMarch 9-11, 20128U-19U House, B, A, AA

216-325-0567itshockeytime.com

Great Lakes Tournaments SeriesHolland, MIMarch 9-11, 2012Mite Cross-Ice Jamboree, Squirt B and Bantam AContact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com

14th Annual Puck ‘o the Irish TournamentBay City, MIMarch 9-11, 2012Mite – Midget B, JV Prep989-671-1000 x105baycounty-mi.gov/civicarena

Shamrock ShootoutMuskegon, MIMarch 9-11, 2012Squirt – Bantam A & AA & House - Mite - Bantam231-747-7266goldcoasttournaments.com

28th Annual Mite Spring TournamentFlint, MIMarch 9-11, 2012Cross Ice Division, house and Mite AA810-694-7310Email: [email protected]; [email protected]

St. Paddy’s TournamentMt. Pleasant, MIMarch 9-12, 2012Pee Wee & Squirt House B989-772-9623Email: [email protected]

Hockey Time Productions Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MIMarch 23-25, 2012Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV216-325-0567itshockeytime.com

APRIL 2012Hockey Time Productions Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MIApril 13-15, 2012Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV216-325-0567itshockeytime.com

Hockey Time Productions Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MIApril 27-29, 2012Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV

216-325-0567itshockeytime.com

MAY 2012Hockey Time Productions Motown Cup Spring Edition Detroit, MIMay 18-20, 2012Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV216-325-0567itshockeytime.com

The Elite Tournament GroupWarrior Spring ShootoutTroy, MIMay 25-27, 2012AAA and Select teams- ’05-‘99’selitetournamentgroup.com

FEBRUARY 2012“Escape the Blues” A and AA Pre-Playoff TournamentChesswood Arenas. Toronto, OntarioFeb.3-5th, 2012 Minor Pee Wee to Minor Midget age divisions, 3 game minimum – 5 game maximumContact: Rick Heinz 905-854-3435 or email: [email protected] torontocityblues.com

2012 SCHEDULENorth American Holiday HockeyAdult & Youth1-800-322-NAHHnahhtours.comEmail: [email protected]

Las Vegas, NevadaLas Vegas Ice CenterMarch 21 – 26, 2012

Fort Lauderdale, FloridaSaveology.com Iceplex (Panthers’ Practice Facility)March 28 – April 2, 2012

Montreal, QuebecComplexe Sportif Bell (Canadiens’ Practice Facility)April 13 – 15, 2012

Toronto, OntarioCanlan Ice SportsApril 20 – 22, 2012

Hartford, ConnecticutInternational Skating Center of ConnecticutApril 27 – 29, 2012

Atlantic City, New JerseyFlyers’ Skate Zone (Flyers’ Facility)May 4 – 6, 2012


Michigan.

Conveniently

located all

around our hotels.

ACME Sleep Inn & Suites 5520 US 31 North

ALLENDALE Sleep Inn & Suites 4869 Becker Dr.

ANN ARBOR Comfort Inn & Suites 3501 South State Street

AUBURN HILLS Comfort Suites 1565 N Opdyke Road

BATTLE CREEK Quality Inn & Suites At The Casino 11081 East Michigan

Comfort Inn 2590 Capital Avenue SW

BIG RAPIDS Quality Inn & Suites 1705 S. State Street

BIRCH RUN Comfort Inn 11911 Dixie Hwy

CADILLAC Econo Lodge 2501 Sunnyside Drive

CHARLOTTE Comfort Inn 1302 E. Packard Hwy.

CHELSEA Comfort Inn 1645 Commerce Park Dr.

COLDWATER Comfort Inn & Suites 1000 Orleans Blvd.

COMSTOCK PARK Comfort Suites Grand Rapids North 350 Dodge Street

DETROIT Comfort Inn Downtown 1999 E. Jefferson Ave.

DEWITT Sleep Inn 1101 Commerce Park Dr.

DURAND Quality Inn 8511 East Lansing Rd.

ESCANABA Comfort Suites 3600 Ludington Street

Econo Lodge 921 N Lincoln Rd

FARMINGTON HILLS Comfort Inn 30715 W. Twelve Mile Rd.

FLAT ROCK Sleep Inn 29101 Commerce Dr.

FLINT Comfort Inn Airport 2361 Austin Parkway

Sleep Inn Airport 2325 Austin Parkway

GAYLORD Quality Inn 137 West St.

GRAND BLANC Comfort Inn & Suites 9040 Holly Road

GRAND RAPIDS Quality Inn Airport 4495 28th St. S.E.

Comfort Suites South 7644 Caterpillar Court

Comfort Inn Airport 4155 28th St., S.E.

GRANDVILLE Comfort Suites 4520 Kenowa Ave SW

HART Comfort Inn 2248 N. Comfort Dr.

HOLLAND Comfort Inn 422 E. 32nd St.

Econo Lodge 409 US 31 South

HUDSONVILLE Quality Inn 3301 Highland Drive

IRON MOUNTAIN Comfort Inn 1565 N. Stephenson Ave.

IRONWOOD Comfort Inn 210 E. Cloverland Dr.

JACKSON Comfort Inn & Suites 2435 Shirley Dr.

KALAMAZOO Quality Inn 3820 Sprinkle Rd.

Comfort Inn 739 West Michigan Avenue

KALKASKA Econo Lodge 703 N. Cedar St. (US 131)

LANSING Quality Inn University 3121 E. Grand River Ave.

Quality Suites 901 Delta Commerce Dr.

LINCOLN PARK Sleep Inn & Suites 1805 John A. Papalas Drive

LIVONIA Comfort Inn 29235 Buckingham Ave.

MARQUETTE Comfort Suites 2463 US 41 W.

Econo Lodge Lakeside 2050 S US 41

MILAN Sleep Inn & Suites 1230 Dexter St.

MOUNT PLEASANT Comfort Inn & Suites University Park 2424 S. Mission St.

MUNISING Comfort Inn SR 28 (M-28) E

MUSKEGON Comfort Inn 1675 E. Sherman Blvd.

NEWBERRY Comfort Inn 13954 State Hwy M-28

OKEMOS Comfort Inn 2187 University Park Drive

PAW PAW Comfort Inn & Suites 153 Ampey Road

Econo Lodge 139 Ampey Road

PETOSKEY Comfort Inn 1314 US 31 N.

PLAINWELL Comfort Inn 622 Allegan St.

PLYMOUTH Comfort Inn 40455 Ann Arbor Rd.

PORT HURON Comfort Inn 1700 Yeager St.

ROMULUS Clarion Hotel Detroit Metro Airport 8600 Merriman Road

Quality Inn & Suites 9555 Middlebelt Rd.

Comfort Inn Metro Airport 31800 Wick Rd.

SAGINAW Comfort Suites 5180 Fashion Square Blvd

SAINT IGNACE Quality Inn 561 Boulevard Drive

Quality Inn Lakefront 1021 N. State St.

SAULT SAINTE MARIE Quality Inn & Suites Conference Center 3290 I-75 Business Spur

Comfort Inn 4404 I-75 Bus. Spur

SOUTHFIELD Comfort Suites 24977 NW Hwy.

SOUTHGATE Comfort Suites 18950 Northline Rd

STEVENSVILLE Comfort Suites 2633 W. Marquette Woods Road

TAYLOR Comfort Inn & Suites 6778 S. Telegraph Rd.

TRAVERSE CITY Quality Inn By the Bay 1492 US 31 N.

Comfort Inn 460 Munson Ave. (US HWY 31)

UTICA Comfort Inn 11401 Hall Rd.

WARREN Quality Inn & Suites 32035 Van Dyke

Comfort Inn 7001 Convention Blvd

Econo Lodge 7500 Miller Road

WEST BRANCH Quality Inn 2980 Cook Rd.

WIXOM Comfort Suites 28049 Wixom Rd.

Visit Michigan and save atparticipating Choice Hotels.

With over 70 locations

throughout Michigan, we

make it easy to fit your

travel plans and budget.

Call today and ask for the

Michigan Hockey Rate or

for hotel information, visit

us online at

choicehotels.com/

michigan-hotels.

888.228.5050Ask for the Michigan

Hockey Rate

choicehotels.com/

michigan-hotels

ATCONTACT: or

NET PROCEEDS WILL FUND TYHA HARDSHIP AND SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS

ENTE

MIT #120171


Make Your Own Ice Rink with

A pristine sheet

of ice that’s all yours…

Everything you need to make your own!

NiceRink®

plastic boards and brackets

888-NiceRink (642-3746) Any size – details online at www.NiceRink.com/mih

• NiceRink®

Bracketsideboard support system

• Ultra strongNiceRink® liners

• NiceRink®

plastic boards

• Outdoor rinkresurfacers

MLK Cheap Skate House B Tournament

4 Game GuaranteeAll Levels $400$400 Per Team

Fore more information visit

wingsstadium.com To register contact

Jeff Weber • 269.345.1125 [email protected]

All teams must book hotel rooms through Lena Austin • 269.492.6917

[email protected]

WE S TW E S T

JJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY 11111111111111111111113333333333333333333333333333333333333--------------------11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111155555555555555555555555555555555555555555555,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2222222222222222222222222222222200000000000000000000000000000111111111111111111111222222222222222222222

12 Minute Periods MAHA Sanction 120173

28th annual Mite Spring tournamentMarch 9-11 2012

Games played at Iceland &

Misty @ 810-694-7310 or e-mail [email protected] or [email protected]



Nov. 4-6, 2011Pee Wee B

March 9-11, 201212 Team Mite B Full Ice Tournament

Feb. 24-26, 2012Midget B, BB, A, AA

Dec. 2-4, 2011Squirt B

Feb. 25-26, 2012U.P. 4 on 4 Youth Pond Hockey Championship, All Levels and Divisions

BRIDGE BRAWLBATTLE AT THE BRIDGE TOURNAMENT SERIES

TOURNAMENT TOWN, ST. IGNACE, MI

LevelMitesSquirtsPee WeesBantamsMidgetsYouth Pond Hockey

Period Length10 Minutes12 Minutes13 Minutes14 Minutes14 minutes(2) 20 Minute Halves

Entry Fee$500$650$650$700$800($200 per team or (2) Teams for $300

Tournament Features:

fastest skater, shooting accuracy, hardest shot and goalie competition

every player

all players

Trophies

for each team

Jan. 6-8, 2012Bantam B

Little Bear East Arena, 275 Marquette Street St. Ignace, MI 49781Phone: 906-643-8676, Fax: 906-643-6082, Email: [email protected]://littlebeararena.com/, Visitor’s Bureau: http://www.stignace.com/

or Chamber of Commerce: http://www.saintignace.org/


And the beat goes on for the North American Hockey League producing college-level talent.

With almost 60 players already committed to NCAA Division I schools for next season, the

facts prove that college scouts continue to see the NAHL as a top-tier source for recruiting.

The players agree.“I think playing junior hockey in the NAHL has helped

me grow as a person,” said Aberdeen Wings forward Cory Ward, a recent Bemidji State commitment. “On the ice, you realize quickly how much of a complete player you have to be to get to the next level, but you also deal with the off the ice things like training, travel, living on your own and being accountable to your team and your teammates.”

“Cory has been incredible for us in his time here,” said Wings head coach Pete Sauer. “He is a team leader and has been a great role model for fans and his teammates with a great demeanor on and off the ice. He is just the kind of player and person you are happy to see succeed and get an

opportunity like this.”Sauer also said that NHL scouts from Toronto, Phoenix

and New Jersey have been to Aberdeen in recent weeks to get a fi rst-hand look at Ward, one of 11 players listed on NHL Central Scouting’s “Players to Watch” list of NAHL players.

Austin Bruins defenseman Jonathan Gerht will skate for Army next season, fulfi lling a lifelong goal.

“Growing up in Minnesota, playing hockey at the next level is everyone’s dream,” said Gerht to the Austin Daily Herald. “It feels good, but I also know I’m not there yet. I have to stay hungry and do what it takes. Winning a Rob-ertson Cup this year is my top priority.

“It just felt like the right fi t. I look forward to serving my country after I’m done with school.”

On the local tip, Commerce native and Walled Lake Northern graduate Connor Hellebuyck, a goalie with the Odessa Jackalopes, has given the nod to Massachusetts-Lowell for the 2012-13 school year.

“It’s a dream come true,” said Hellebuyck. “Just to sit and think of what’s being off ered to you - the situation I’m in (with UMass-Lowell) is phenomenal. They made it very clear to me that I will have a great opportunity to earn playing time right away.”

Hellebuyck also pointed to his current team as a major factor in making his commitment. “The Jackalopes are a great team and a great organization,” said Hellebuyck. “The professional way they handle things and everything they’ve done to help me improve has led to me getting this opportunity.”

Up in Traverse City, North Stars’ rookie forward Kyle Schempp won’t have to go far next season to play for Fer-ris State, the eighth Traverse City player to commit to the Bulldogs in three years.

“I think it was the best fi t,” Schempp said. “The style they play, the system they play within seemed like a good place for me. Academically, it was the right fi t as well. The staff seems very supportive and the coaches and players can teach me how to play at that next level. All the coaches and teammates I’ve had, the family and friends – they’ve all helped push me to get better and have helped me get this opportunity. Nobody makes it in hockey without them.”

Wichita Falls Wildcats defenseman and team captain Brad Shumway has chosen the Rochester Institute of Tech-nology for next fall.

This is Shumway’s second season in the NAHL. Last sea-son, he played for the Wenatchee Wild where he recorded 15 points in 52 games. This season, he was well ahead of that pace with 12 points in just 23 games.

Expect more commitments to come as some players will get post-holiday presents not found under the tree.

KANSAS TO GET SECOND NAHL FRANCHISE?Wenatchee and the Topeka RoadRunners played an ex-

hibition game at the United Wireless Arena in Dodge City, Kan., on Dec. 14.

The 5,500-seat arena opened in February and a search for a permanent main tenant is still underway.

“(We played this game) to gauge what the local re-sponse might be to NAHL hockey,” said United Wireless Arena executive director Ralph Nall.

Dodge City has never been the home of any junior or professional hockey franchises, though the RoadRunners have played in Topeka since 2004.

“We are very excited to be going to Dodge City as we continue to pioneer potential markets that may fi t within the footprint and scope of the North American Hockey League,” said NAHL commissioner Mark Frankenfeld. “The United Wireless Arena is a great venue and the local fans were treated to a great game featuring two of our marquee teams.”

2011-12 NAHL/NAPHL TENDER LIST (as of Dec. 10, 2011)Aberdeen Wings – Heinz Koster, F, Pittsburgh Vipers StarsAmarillo Bulls – James LaDouce, D, Lansing CapitalsFairbanks Ice Dogs – Matthew Armenti, D, New Jersey Jr. TitansJanesville Jets – Matthieu Audet, D, San Jose Jr. SharksKalamazoo Jr. K-Wings – Kyle Ware, D, West Michigan HoundsKenai River Brown Bears – Alec Butcher, F, Pikes Peak MinersTexas Tornado – Jon Carkeek, D, Phoenix Firebirds Topeka RoadRunners – Josh Haverstrom, F, Pikes Peak MinersWichita Falls Wildcats – Colin Staub, F, Pikes Peak MinersWichita Falls Wildcats – Jake Townsend, D, Pikes Peak Miners

A tender is a contract of sorts a player signs announcing his intentions to play for that particular NAHL team and that NAHL team only. Once a player signs a tender with an NAHL team, his playing rights belong to that team within the NAHL and he may not be recruited by any other NAHL team. Each team is granted eight (10) tenders – plus or mi-nus any trades – which become active on Nov. 1. Tendered players are not eligible for the NAHL draft.

Now in its third season, the North American Prospects Hockey League is made up of 42 Midget Major (17), Midget Minor (18) and Bantam Major (7) teams from 20 programs that compete at the Tier I AAA level. The NAPHL is com-prised of fi ve regular-season events leading up to its cham-pionship tournament series in which the top teams at each level compete for a league championship.

NAHL college commitment list continues to grow

NORTH AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE

BY MATT MACKINDER

THE LATEST HEADLINES, CONTACT INFO, FULL SCHDULE & MORE

NAHL.COM

Cory Ward will be heading to Bemidji State soon, but right now, he’s expanding his skill set with the NAHL’s Aberdeen Wings. (courtesy NAHL)


The league ofo p po rt u n i ty

North American Hockey League

America’s Oldest and Largest Junior Hockey League

The NAHL placed over 150 players in the NCAA in 2011

28 NAHL grads participated in the 2011 NCAA Frozen 4, including both starting goalies and the player that scored the Game-Winning goal

NHL Conn Smythe and Vezina trophy winner Tim Thomas of the Boston Bruins played in the NAHL

The NAHL is one of only two non-play-to-play junior leagues in the U.S., with no cost to the player.28 teams in 14 states and British Columbia.

28 NAHL grads parincluding both starthe Game-Winning

Alec Hajdukovich

eeggeeecccoooollllleeeg

iittttmmmeeennntttccccccooommmmmmmiiittt

nAHL TOP PROSPECTS TOURNAMENT TROY, MI - february 20-22, 2012

NAPHL eventTroy, MI - JAN. 13-16, 2012

To discover more about all 28 teams, to see a list of NCAA college

NAHL.COM

To NCAA DI University of Alaska Fairbanks

PLYMOUTH WHALERS

10 – Trade winds blow through PlymouthIn January, the Whalers picked up defenseman Curtis

Crombeen from Owen Sound for defenseman Jay Gilbert, and forward Michael Whaley was obtained from Windsor. Then in August, overager Andy Bathgate came over from Belleville and Plymouth sent defenseman Max Iafrate, its fi rst-round pick in 2010, to Kitchener. RJ Mahalak went to Sarnia in October.9 – Dempsey taken in fi rst round of OHL Draft

Back in May, the Whalers drafted forward Mitchell Dempsey 11th overall in the OHL Draft out of the Cam-bridge Hawks organization. Dempsey, just 16, is already 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds and tallied 38 goals last season in the Ontario Minor Midget ranks.8 – Whalers make post-season for 20th straight season

Aside form their inaugural season of 1990-1991, the Whalers have qualifi ed for post-season play every year since – an OHL record. This past spring, Plymouth upset Kitchener in the fi rst round before losing to the eventual OHL champions from Owen Sound.7 – Devane back for overage season

As the season began, Vellucci had Mahalak, Bathgate and captain Beau Schmitz penciled in as the Whalers’ three overage players. Vellucci freed up space with the Mahalak trade to Sarnia. 6 – Seguin wins Stanley Cup, Hackett makes NHL debut

Last June, Tyler Seguin (2008-10) hoisted the Stanley Cup with Boston after the Bruins tabbed the former Plym-outh fi rst-rounder with the second pick of the 2010 NHL draft.

Then earlier this month, ex-Plymouth goalie Matt Hack-ett (2006-10) made his NHL debut with Minnesota and earned the win and a shutout.5 – Brown, Livingston sign free agent NHL deals

All three of the 2010-11 overage players are playing this season on NHL contracts.

Just one - forward Robbie Czarnik - signed with the team that drafted him (Los Angeles), while the other two signed NHL deals as free agents.

Forwards Tyler Brown (Philadelphia) and James Livings-ton (Edmonton) proved that hard work does indeed pay off . Livingston was originally drafted by St. Louis in 2008, but didn’t sign. 4 – Aleardi suspended for taking banned substance

In what has become a somewhat-common theme in sports these days, Plymouth forward Alex Aleardi was suspended eight games last season for testing positive for methylhexaneamine, a stimulant that the World Anti-Doping Association added to its banned substance list in 2009. It’s believed Aleardi took the substance as part of a tainted supplement.3 – Miller spurns NCAA, signs with Whalers

J.T. Miller was committed to the University of North Da-kota after spending two years with the U.S. NTDP in Ann Arbor. But after being drafted in the fi rst round by the New York Rangers last June, he signed a contract, thus negating his NCAA eligibility. The Whalers have been happy to have him in the line-up this season.2 – Emergence of Heard, Wedgewood, Levi

Mitchell Heard, Scott Wedgewood and Austin Levi all fi ll their roles on the Whalers to a ‘T’ and all take care of busi-ness with or without the fanfare. Heard was undrafted in the OHL and made the Whalers as a free agent in 2009. Wedgewood, a New Jersey prospect, has emerged as a front-line OHL goalie. Carolina draft pick Levi goes about his defensive game with a quiet dominance.1 – Noesen, Rakell become NHL fi rst-rounders

Forwards Stefan Noesen and Rickard Rakell were both drafted in the fi rst round last June at the NHL draft in St. Paul, Minn. Noesen went 21st overall to Ottawa and Rakell was the last pick of the opening round (30th overall) by Anaheim. Later in the draft, Colorado nabbed forward Gar-rett Meurs in the fi fth round, and Carolina selected goalten-der Matt Mahalak in the sixth round.

Plymouth Whalers’ 2011 year in reviewBY MATT MACKINDER

ADULT HOCKEY Skills and Conditioning SeriesGET OFF THE BENCH!GET OFF THE BENCH!

WINTERSESSION

January 11th - March 14th10 Weeks 10 Classes

Professional coaching for men & women of all ability levels

248-478-1600 SUBURBANHOCKEY.COM

19TH SEASON!19TH SEASON!

Both sessions feature a skate at Joe Louis Arena

LOCATIONS: Suburban Ice - Farmington HillsOnyx - Rochester Ice Arena

John Lindell Ice Arena - Royal Oak

THE TOY STOREFOR THE

HOCKEY PLAYER


Men’s Divisions

A – age 25 and up*B – age 30 and up*C – age 30 and up*D – age 30 and up*50+ age 50 and up**

4th Annual

April 20-22, 2012

- 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

- ALL PARTICIPANTS receive a TOURNAMENT T-SHIRT

- AFTER PARTIES and DISCOUNTS at local bars and restaurants

For more information contactEd [email protected]

Tournament Sanctioned by MAHA & USA Hockey #MIT120229

$750 per team Same as last year.

save $50 $700 if paid in full by January 31, 2012

Presented by:

4th Annual

OAKLAND EDGEAdult HockeAA

O GAd

ONYX ICE ARENA - ROCHESTER, MI

Women’s Division

Open – age 21 and up

Sled Division

Co-ed – age 15 and up

*Goalies age 25 and up**Goalies age 45 and up

Register at oaklandedge.comRegistration deadline: March 19, 2012

UPCOMING EVENTSMount Clemens Ice Arena

& Fitness Center:

HOLIDAY BREAK CLINICS*Laura Stamn Powerskating

*Simply Defense

CHEAP HOLIDAY BREAKICE TIME FOR SALE

HOLIDAY BREAK PUBLIC SKATING DAILY

Mount Clemens Ice Arena & Fitness Center

200 North GroesbeckPhone: 586-307-8202

Fax: 586-307-8245

Email/[email protected]

mountclemensicearena.com

Contact info:Contact Carly Harris for more information


10 – O’Connor suspendedRyan O’Connor was handed an eight-

game suspension by the OHL after unknowingly purchasing an over-the-counter supplement that contained methylhexaneamine, a prohibited supplement. O’Connor and Alex Aleardi of the Whalers were assessed after the violations in Nov. 2010. 9 – Spirit clinch fi rst division title

May 16 was a history making night for the Spirit. Saginaw clinched their fi rst division title since relocating to mid-Michigan from North Bay, Ontario, by beating the Windsor Spitfi res 5-0. Plus, Josh Shalla scored his franchise-record 46th goal. 8 – Three Saginaw players sign entry-level deals

Three players from the Saginaw Spirit inked three-year entry-level contracts. The Florida Panthers signed forward John McFarland in April. Defensemen Dalton Prout signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Former Spirit captain Jordan Szwarz signed with Phoenix in May.7 – Big draft for the Spirit

The 2011 OHL Priority Draft was very successful, as three of the drafted players are currently in their rookie season with the team. Forward Nick Moutrey, from Shelburne, Ontario, was selected in the fi rst round. Forward Sam Povorozniuk, a Northbrook, Ill. native, went in the second round, and forward Jimmy Lodge, from Downing, Pa., was selected in the third round. Saginaw selected 13 players, including local defensemen Alex Smith of Honeybaked in the fourth round (77th overall). 6 – Goslin named to OHL Board of Governors

The OHL Board of Governors voted Spirit Partner and President Craig Goslin to the league’s executive council. The council is made up of four members and a chairman, and is the league’s key decision-making body.5 – Paliafi to’s contract extended

Assistant general manager and director of scouting Jim Paliafi to was given a three-year contract extension. Paliafi to has played a key role in the team’s direction over the past three years.

4 – Four players selected in NHL DraftSaginaw had a team-record four players

selected at the NHL Entry Draft in June. Anthony Camara and Vincent Trocheck were picked in the third round by the Boston and Florida, respectively, while Josh Shalla was chosen in the fourth round by Nashville. Brandon Saad was selected in the second round (43rd overall), by Chicago and was the fourth Spirit player to sign an entry-level contract in 2011. 3 – Spirit land Oleksiak

For the second year in a row the Spirit signed a former draft pick that was considered a pivotal prospect. In 2010, it was Brandon Saad, and in 2011, it was defensemen Jamie Oleksiak, who was drafted initially in 2008. The Dallas fi rst-round draft pick was a freshman at Northeastern University.2 – Ten-year anniversary celebration

As part of their ten-year celebration the Spirit unveiled a new anniversary logo along with a third hockey jersey and gave their fan base a chance to select the Meijer Year Ten All-Star Team through the team’s website. The chosen members were:

Goalie: Edward Pasquale (2007-10)Defense: Patrick McNeil (2003-07) and

T.J. Brodie (2006-10)Forwards: Josh Shalla (present), Tom

Pyatt (2003-07), and Jordan Szwarz (2007-11)1 – Watson out, Gilbert in

On Dec. 10, the Spirit announced that coach/GM Todd Watson would no longer be with the team. Paliafi to was promoted to general manager, and Greg Gilbert was hired to take over as head coach. Under Watson, the Spirit had 154 wins, 115 losses, 20 overtime losses, and 13 shootout losses. They were 12-18 in the playoff s under his direction.

Saginaw Spirit’s 2011 year in reviewBY CARL CHIMENTI

SAGINAW SPIRIT

motorcityshinny.com

January 21-22, 2012Pine Lake Country Club

4 on 4 Four Game GuaranteeSeven Divisions of Play

Register @:

Contact us at [email protected]

P) 248.404.5558

Pond Hockey Tournament

Todd Watson was fired after four-plus seasons behind the Spirit bench. (Aaron Bell/OHL Images)


Adray 2011/2012 hockey season information can be found at adrayhockey.org

PresidentJeff Spedowski

231-796-0728 (h) 231-629-0435 (c)Email: [email protected]

TreasurerJoe Spedowski231-796-2565

Email: [email protected]

Greater East Vice PresidentBrandon Spedowski

989-486-1511 (h) 231-250-7031 (c)Email: [email protected]

Girls House Vice PresidentDina Howe

989-429-2653 (c) 989-435-7080 (w)Email: [email protected]

Metro Vice PresidentBobby Mitchell248-302-0913

Email: [email protected]

Greater West Vice PresidentKevin Wood

616-560-6503Email: [email protected]

Database Specialist Vice PresidentSteve Miller

616-250-1458Email: [email protected]

Develops a Powerful ShotForehand & BackhandCore Muscle Development

(586)446 1166

Stresses Proper TechniqueIngrains Correct Muscle MemoryUsed at Home or at the Rink!

A Great Christmas Gift!Now Only $279.00With free delivery!

WWW.DDKHOCKEY.COM


When looking for a catalyst for the emer-gence of the Griffi ns’ off ense during the month of November, it’s easy to overlook veteran defenseman Doug Janik.

Janik does not have the fl ash of the Griffi ns’ top off en-sive contributors. But the 31-year-old blue-liner has been one of the most productive Griffi ns this season and a large piece in one of the hottest off enses in the AHL.

After averaging just two goals per game through the fi rst eight games of the season, the Griffi ns’ off ense has begun to surge, averaging 4.2 goals per game since Oct. 29, and 4.67 over six games from Nov. 18-Dec. 3. Janik had just two assists through the fi rst month of the season, but started to roll as the team began to gel.

“Coming into the year, we were unsure of what we had off ensively,” said Janik. “We had a lot of new guys that were supposed to be off ensive types. It took a while to come together, but it’s happened as of late.”

Despite the increased output, the Griffi ns were strug-gling to put together wins consistently. Following their season-high fi ve-game homestand in late November, on paper, it looked like the Griffi ns were struggling; their 8-11-1-0 record placed them second to last in the AHL.

However, the team was coming off back-to-back one-goal regulation losses to the Oklahoma City Barons, who

were fi rst place in the AHL at the time. While the team was not happy with the result, they knew that they were only a bounce or two away from seeing a diff erent fate. They built off their performance by winning three straight.

“We were pretty upset when we went through that rough spot,” said Janik. “But we were in a lot of games, they were all close. We just tried to keep working hard and not get discouraged. Finally, the results started showing up.”

Not a stranger to off ense, the Agawam, Mass., native to-taled 59 points (11-48-59) in 126 games over two seasons with the Griffi ns. But Janik knows where his priorities are on the ice.

“I just try to go out there and play my game,” Janik said. “I try to always take care of my own end fi rst. When I get some opportunities to contribute off ensively, I like to take advantage.”

Janik’s off ense emerged as the rest of the Griffi ns’ scor-ers began to soar. He tallied a team-best four-game assist streak in the midst of an 11-game span that saw him notch 13 points to place among the AHL’s top fi ve point-produc-ing blue-liners.

In a league that sees veteran players fl ipping teams on an almost yearly basis, Janik is proud to have stayed in Michigan for the past three seasons.

“I wanted something where I knew it was a stable orga-nization,” said Janik. “I’ve been fortunate to be here for the past few years.”

GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS

BY KYLE KUJAWA

Savvy Janik stabilizes blue line

Janik crafted his steady, two-way game in the Buff alo organization, 376 games with Rochester in the AHL and just 10 regular season games and fi ve playoff games with the parent Sabres. His patience was rewarded with two full seasons in the NHL with Tampa Bay, where he notched 15 points (3-12-15) in 126 contests from 2006-08.

The following season, in 2008-09, Janik was changing addresses on an almost monthly basis. In less than a cal-endar year, Janik was a member of fi ve NHL organizations and was assigned to two diff erent AHL teams.

“It was frustrating,” said the former University of Maine standout. “You try to get yourself set up, get your rou-tine going and get comfortable in a new place. When you bounce around, it’s new teammates, a new system, new housing situations – it’s just tough.”

“Since I’ve been here, I got married and my wife is preg-nant, so it’s been nice to stay in one spot.”


MACOMB, MI 48042

WEDNESDAYAA and Y THURSDAYAAinstruction class days with 45 min lesson and 15 min practice

FUN FRIDAY AA is a day to play games option to bring a friend to skate as well!

HOLIDAAY

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE 555555555555555555555555555550000000000000000000000000000000000-----------------------------MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR 1111111111111111111111111111122222222222222222222222222 WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEETTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEENNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN 55555555555555555555555555555:::::::::::::::::3333333333333333333333333333000000000000000000000000000000000 AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000PPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD 7777777777777777777777777777777777777 MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMhhhhhhhhhhheeeeeeeeeeeeeeee ggggggggggggggggggggaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaammmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIttttttttttttttttttttttt’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’ssssssssssssssssssssss nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnooooooooooooooooooooooooooooottttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt tttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaattttttttttttttttttttttttteeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee ttttttttttttttttttttttttooooooooooooooooooooooooo gggggggggggggggggggggggeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeettttttttttttttttttttttttttttt iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn tttttttttttttttttthhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaatttttttttttttttttttttttt ssssssssssssssssssssssscccccccccccccccchhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeedddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddduuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuulllllllllllllllllllleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnndddddddddddddddddd eeeeeeeeexxxxxxxxxxxxxxcccccccccccccceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeellllllllllllllllllllllllleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeennnnnnnnnnnnnnnnntttttttttttttttttt iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiicccccccccccccceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee ttttttttttttttttttttttiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiimmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeessssssssssssssssssssss aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaallllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaattttttttttttttttttt oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnneeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee lllllllllllllllllllllllooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooccccccccccccccccccccaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaatttttttttttttttttttttttiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiooooooooooooooooooooooooooooonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbooooooooooooooooooooodddddddddddddddddddddyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy ccccccccccccccccchhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeecccccccccccccccccccccccckkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnngggggggggggggggggggggggggggoooooooooooooooooooooo bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE wwwwwwwwwwwwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrdddddddddddddddddddddddaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaccccccccccccccccccccccchhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh ppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppllllllllllllllllaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrrr rrrrrrrrrrrrrrreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeecccccccccccceeeeeeeeeeeeeeiiiiiiiiiiiiivvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesssssssssssssssssssssssssssss aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa jjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrsssssssssssssssssssssseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhooooooooooooooooooooooooooccccccccccccccccccccccccccccckkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy sssssssssssssssssssssssssssooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooocccccccccccccccccccckkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkksssssssssssssssssss,,,,,,,,, yyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr----------eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeennnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnndddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaawwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

PPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPrrrrrrrrrrrrrrroooooooooooooooogggggggggggggggggggggggrrrrrrrrrraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaammmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm ssssssssssssssssssseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeessssssssssssss aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaasssssssssssssssss ttttttttttttttttttttttttttthhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiittttttttttttttttttttttiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaattttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiioooooooooooooooooooooooooonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn ppppppppppppppppppppppppppppprrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrooooooooooooooooooooooggggggggggggggggggggggggggggrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaammmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm fffffffffffffffffffffffffffffoooooooooooooooooooooorrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr tttttttttttttttttttttttttthhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaccccccccccccccoooooooooooooooooooommmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH ccccccckkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkeeeeeeeeeeeeeeyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCllllllllllllluuuuuuuuuuuuuuubbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbooooooooooooooooooooocccccccccccccccc

oooooooooooooooooooowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuulllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqquuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiippppppppppppppppppppmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeennnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnttttttttttttttttttt rrrrrrrrrreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeqqqqqqqqqqqqqquuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiirrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeddddddddddddddddddddd ------------------- eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqquuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiipppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeennnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnntttttttttttttttt aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaavvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaiiiiiiiiiiiiiilllllllllllllllllaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaabbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbblllllllllllllllllleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee ttttttttttttttttttttttoooooooooooooooooooooooooooo bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbooooooooooooooooooorrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrooooooooooooooooooo

DECEMBER28TH - 30TH

AGES 3 TO AGAGES 33 TTOOO

ADULTADULTLLTLL

JJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN....................... 666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666 -------------------------- MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR................... 33333333333333333333333333333330000000000000000000000000000,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 22222222222222222222222222222222222222200000000000000000000000000000000000000001111111111111111111111222222222222222222222222222222222222222

JUNIORS PREVIEWRED WINGS INSIDER

It wasn’t the perfect solution, but the Detroit Red Wings feel they’ve come out one of the big winners with the NHL’s decision to undergo a radical realign-ment for next season.

With the league switching to a four-conference set-up based on time zones, Detroit will play in a division with St. Louis, Chicago, Minnesota, Winnipeg, Nashville, Columbus and Dallas.

“I’m so happy,” said Detroit senior vice president Jimmy Devellano, who had talked with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman on a weekly basis about realignment since last spring. “A dream come true for the Detroit Red Wings.

“As far as us going east, that never was a big issue, only that the schedule would have been better for us. Very good news.”

From Detroit’s perspective, the key component of the switch will be that much improved travel schedule.

The Wings will only play eight games outside of the eastern or central time zones next season. Currently, De-troit has to play twice that many games out west.

“(The travel) is night and day better for us,” Wings coach Mike Babcock said. “I just got way younger.

“The time change is the hardest thing to do. When you live in the east and you play in the west, that’s the hardest thing. One more hour is a huge deal.”

While much was made of the Wings’ desire to return to the Eastern Conference in their perfect scenario, Detroit general manager Ken Holland said the team realized that was shaping up to be a winner-takes-all proposition be-tween his club and Columbus.

It was a view shared by Bettman, and the commissioner is being given credit for coming up with a plan to satisfy most teams, and more importantly, one that garnered 26 of a possible 30 votes in support. It also satisfi ed the desire of many Western Conference clubs, especially within the Wings’ new division, to keep Detroit on the schedule as a frequent visitor.

A visit by the Wings has long been a cash cow for the home team and that will remain so next fall. Detroit is the second most-popular draw on the road behind Boston this season, playing to 97.4 per cent of capacity.

“At the end of the day, every team had to give a little bit,” Holland said.

“We’d love to have been in the Eastern Conference, but this set-up made everyone happy. It’s as good as we can get.

“Four conferences made a lot of teams happy.”In addition to the Wings’ desire to make fewer trips out

west, Detroit also wanted to see more eastern teams visit Joe Louis Arena.

Under the realignment, the Wings will get just that, as every team in the league will visit every other NHL arena at least once next season.

“Biggest thing I like is we’re an Original Six team, you should play every other Original Six team home and home,” Babcock said.

“I think it’s a great thing for the Detroit Red Wings. Our fans get to see the Original Six teams every year and any new kid that’s drafted in the league, that you haven’t seen, you get to see because you play everybody.”

The Wings acknowledge that as currently structured, the odds are slightly worse for teams from the Western Con-

ference to make the playoff s. There are 16 teams slated to battle it out for eight playoff spots next year while there are only 14 on the other side.

Teams will play the fi rst two rounds of the playoff s within their new conference before the fi nal four teams are re-seeded for the semi-fi nals.

Holland said Detroit was willing to accept that imbalance in return for the much-improved schedule the team gets.

“It is tough having eight teams and only four make it,” said Nick Lidstrom. “Some real strong teams in our confer-ence, so that will be tough task for our team.”

However, the league constructed the new conferences to give itself some fl exibility to deal with the Phoenix Coy-otes’ ownership saga. Unless a new owner who is willing to keep the Coyotes in Phoenix can be found in the next few months, the NHL has said it’s open to moving the franchise.

With Quebec City a leading contender, a move by Phoe-nix to that city would see a re-balancing with an eight-team and a seven-team conference on each side of the continent.

Forward Dan Cleary said you can’t underestimate the ef-fect of travel on teams.

“I think a lot of the teams are going to be surprised by the hard travel (east teams that now have to go west more), especially teams in the east that are used to being home at 12 o’clock,” Dan Cleary said. “It’ll be a bit of a wake up call.

“For our team it’s going to be huge advantage, espe-cially the fi rst two rounds (of the playoff s).

“You never know how much toll it takes until it’s all said and done, but certainly this new realignment, everybody’s pretty excited.”

WINGS WON’T COMPLAIN ABOUT REALIGNMENTBY DAVE WADDELL


Far be it from me to say any of the goaltending brethren don’t belong on the All-Star ballot, but Jimmy Howard’s exclusion raises the debate. I mean, Howard leads the NHL in wins, is second

in goals-against and has been the most consistent of all starters thus far. And unlike Brian Elliott and his otherworldly season to date, this is Howard’s third consecutive season posting big numbers. In St. Louis, the thought was Elliott, hopefully, could back up Jaroslav Halak who, by the way, is on the All-Star ballot.

Which is kind of the point. Nothing against Halak, but he isn’t even the top performer on his team. His last two seasons as a starter didn’t yield 30 wins, or playoff appearances. Meanwhile, Howard has two straight 37-win campaigns on which he is building. It is the perfect scenario to at least get ballot recognition. I know, body of work goes a long way in these fan-voting events - thus the inclusion of Nik Khabibulin in Edmonton, Miikka Kiprusoff in Calgary and Tomas Vokoun in DC. None of these guys have been truly relevant in ages. They play a lot and have served as legitimate No. 1 netminders for a long time. Got it.

But, how then do you explain James Reimer for the Maple Leafs? Injured most of the current season, his body of work is a nice half-season showing for an out-of-contention team. Good start to his NHL career and good for the Leafs to have found hope in goal, but All-Star? Yes, you will fi nd Reimer’s name on the All-Star ballot, but not Howard’s. Again, nothing against James Reimer, or the trio of vets I mentioned above. This is about Jimmy Howard’s omission. What does it stem from? Well, it probably has little to do with Howard and more to do with being the starter for the Red Wings. It is a tough position in the scope of Detroit sports. Ask Chris Osgood. He won championships and posted 401 career wins and still people will say the winning had more to do with the teams being strong than his excellence.

Howard inherits that hard-to-please mantel in Motown as the Red Wings’ go-to goaltender. He has handled the job remarkably well. That local hard-to-please perspective may have impacted the larger view, specifi cally All-Star ballot inclusion. The best part is that the “snub” has had a galvanizing impact on the fan base, with WRIF drive-time host Meltdown organizing a grassroots write-in campaign on Howard’s behalf. At the very least, Howard not being on the ballot has sparked more positive talk about his outstanding play than usual. And that is a good thing.

To join Meltdown’s campaign and cast your vote for Jimmy Howard, go to vote.nhl.com. After all, recognition, even if grudgingly, has to begin at home.

BY DARREN ELIOT

THIS ELECTION SEASON IT’S ALL ABOUT VOTING JIMMY HOWARD

@Darren_Eliot

THE LAST LINE

(Dave Reginek/DRW) (Tom Turrill/Michigan Hockey)


suburbanhockey.com 248-478-1600

FOLLOW USFOLLOW US

HOLIDAY CLINICSHOLIDAY CLINICSsuburbanhockey.com 248-478-1600

SPONSORED BY

THE TOY STOREFOR THE

HOCKEY PLAYER

MINI MITE POWER SKATING Ages 6 & UnderIntroduction to balance and agility, edge control and stopping, crossovers and acceleration and backwards skating.

MINI MITE PUCK SKILLS Ages 6 & Under Introduction to stickhandling skills, passing skills and shooting techniques.

MITE POWER SKATING Ages 6-8Improves balance and agility, edge control and stopping, crossovers and acceleration and backwards skating.

MITE PUCK SKILLS Ages 6-8 Develops stickhandling skills, passing skills and shooting techniques.

GOALIE CREASE COVERAGE / USE OF TOOLS Ages 6-14 Emphasis on lateral moves, “Alphabet Drills”, push in the paint pointers, including vertical angle awareness. Second day focuses on working with “tools of the trade”: proper use of stick, gloves & pads in combination & independently

BANTAM CHECKING & SCORING CLINIC Ages 13 & Above Works on body checking technique, how to receive and avoid a check, angling, stick checking and back checking. Works on scoring ability with driving to the net, deflections, rebounding, one-time shooting and screening.

BANTAM POWER SKATING Ages 13 & Above Further develop powerful strides with focus on cross-under techniques and generating speed out of pivots.

GOALIE HPT Ages 6-14 Three-day goalie specific training program focusing on Footwork, Tracking & Crease Coverage. Drills are designed to cover all three areas at a highly competitive skill level with age appropriate shooters in full equipment. This is for the goaltender serious about puck-stopping fun!

SQUIRT/PEE WEE POWER SKATING Ages 9-12 Develops powerful strides, explosive starts, edge control, backward skating and pivoting.

SQUIRT/PEE WEE PUCK SKILLS Ages 9-12 Enhances puck protection skills, playmaking ability, scoring techniques and stick checking.

NOVI ONLY 3-DAY CLINICSPower Skating & Puck Skills for Mini Mites, Mites and Squit/PeeWees

HIGH PERFORMANCE TRAINING PROGRAM Ages 8-14 Three-day comprehensive training program for A/AA/AAA players. DAY 1: Powerskating - power, strength, transition techniques, agility & quickness/acceleration emphasized.DAY 2: Puck Skills - playmaking, shooting and scoring skills are the focus, along with body and stick checking tips. DAY 3: Game Situations/Concepts -Small Area Games used to reinforce OZ/DZ timing, support & positioning strategies.

POND HOCKEY WITH A PURPOSE MITE: Ages 6-8 SQUIRT/PEE WEE: Ages 9-12We created our Pond Hockey with a Purpose clinics to provide a fun environment for players to learn new techniques and try

out new skills. The concept is based on creating a pond hockey atmosphere with a purpose. Our goal is to encourage players to be creative, challenge themselves, try new drills and ultimately have fun! The skill “purpose” on Day 1 is power-skating, taught in stations during the first half of the ice time. Day 2 the skill “purpose”is puck skills. The second half of each day is Pond Hockey where players get to just play -- no face-offs, off-side, or referees. Just the chance to try your new skills in a format that goes back to the game’s roots!

SUBURBAN ICE - MACOMB54755 BROUGHTON ROAD, MACOMB, MI

DEC. 21-233 11AM-12PM Mini Mite Power Skating & Puck Skills

DEC. 21-233 12 - 1:30PM Mite Power Skating & Puck Skills

DEC. 21-23DEC. 21-23 1:30 - 3PM Squirt/PeeWee Power Skating & Puck Skills

NOVI ICE ARENA42400 NICK LIDSTROM DR., NOVI, MI

DEC. 21-23DEC 21 23 9:30 - 10:30AM Mini Mite Power Skating & Puck Skills

DEC. 21-233 10:30AM - 12PM Mite Power Skating & Puck Skills

DEC. 21-233 12 - 1:30PM Squirt/PeeWee Power Skating & Puck Skills

JOHN LINDELL ICE ARENA - ROYAL OAK1403 LEXINGTON RD., ROYAL OAK, MI

DEC. 22-233 11AM - 12:30PM Mite Pond Hockey with a Purpose

DEC. 22-23DEC. 22-23 12:30 - 2PM Squirt/PeeWee Pond Hockey with a Purpose

SUBURBAN ICE - FARMINGTON HILLS23996 FREEWAY PARK DR., FARMINGTON HILLS, MI

DEC. 21-233 9-10:30AM Goalie High Performance Training

DEC. 21-233 10:30AM - 12PM High Performance Training Program

DEC. 21-233 12 - 1:30PM High Performance Training Program

DEC. 27-288 11AM-12PM Mini Mite Power Skating

DEC. 27-288 12PM - 1:30PM Mite Power Skating

DEC. 27-288 1:30PM - 3PM Squirt/PeeWee Power Skating

DEC. 29-300 11AM-12PM Mini Mite Puck Skills

DEC. 29-300 12PM - 1:30PM Mite Puck Skills

DEC. 29-300 1:30PM - 3PM Squirt/PeeWee Puck Skills

ONYX - ROCHESTER ICE ARENA52999 DEQUINDRE, ROCHESTER, MI

DEC. 27-28 DEC. 27-28 12 - 1:30PM Mite Power Skating

DEC. 27-28 8 1:30 - 3PM Squirt/PeeWee Power Skating

DEC. 27-28 8 3 - 4:30PM Bantam Power Skating

DEC. 29-30 0 10:30AM-12PM Goalie Crease Coverage/Use of Tools

DEC. 29-30 0 12 - 1:30PM Mite Puck Skills

DEC. 29-30 0 1:30PM - 3PM Squirt/PeeWee Puck Skills

DEC. 29-30 0 3 - 4:30PM Bantam Checking & Scoring

NEW TOSUBURBAN

HOCKEY

NEW TOSUBURBAN

HOCKEY

¬power

reeb

okhockey.

com

© 2

011

Reeb

ok Inte

rnational Ltd

. All

Rig

hts

Reserv

ed

.

INTRODUCING THE NEW STICK

Detroit Redwings name and primary logo are registered trademarks of the NHL team. ©NHL 2011. All Rights Reserved.

The A.i 9 offers Reebok’s most advanced innovation to date. Featuring

the new 2:1 Power Taper ratio for maximum power transfer and XLerated

Blade Technology for better reaction time with the puck, the A.i 9 has

shifted the balance of power.

THE BALANCE OF POWER HAS SHIFTED.

FOR MORE INFO VISIT reebokhockey.com

Documents

Michigan Hockey December 19, 2011