Michigan Hockey October 18, 2010

Michigan Hockeymichiganhockeyonline.com

V.21:I.6 | October 18, 2010FIRST CLASS

August 201016 Registration Opens for Travel and House

25 Travel Registration Closes

28-29 Travel Alignment Meetings

September 20103 Initial Travel Alignments Posted

8-9 Travel Alignment Appeals

10-12 LCAHL Faceoff Festival

13 Final Travel Alignments & Schedules Posted

14 Begin Scheduling Travel Games

September continued17 House Registration Closes

18 Travel League Play Begins

21 Initial House Alignments Posted

22-23 House Alignment Appeals

24 Final House Alignments & Schedules Posted

25 House Scheduling Begins

26 Face-Off Meeting at Motor City Casino & Conference Center

30 House League Play Begins

January 20119 League Play Ends

10-13 Make-up Days

14 Post Playoff Pools and Schedules

18 Start of League Playoffs First Round Robin

February 201118 Playoff First Round Ends

26-27 Playoff Quarters and Semis

March 20115-6 Playoff Quarters, Semi’s and Finals

11-19 Playoff Finals

LCAHL 2010-11 Season CalendarLCAHL 2010-11 Season CalendarLCAHL 2010-11 Season Calendarsee lcahl.org for more info

Thank you to all the LCAHL Directors and Volunteers who helped make everything run smoothly, the vendors w h o a t t e n d e d a n d the Breakout Session presenters’ Brian Secord, Laura Ramus and Bob Mancini. Travel Director Laurie Golden Birchler (left) watches as Jeff Anderson fi lls out a raffl e ticket.

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

Face-Off MeetingFace-Off Meetinga big successa big successFace-Off Meetinga big success

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

PHOTOS BY BOB BEGUELIN/LCAHL

4 Michigan Hockey MichiganHockeyOnline.com

PAGE 27 PAGE 30PAGE 14

Hometown HeroMarquette’s Justin Florek begins senior season at

Northern Michigan

Junior HockeyNAHL’s Michigan

Warriors rebound

NHL InsiderSteve Yzerman

creates a buzz in Tampa Bay

AMATEUR HOCKEY REPORTMacomb’s Alex Knapp was a hero on and off the ice 6Grand Traverse Hockey Association’s Mite Jamboree a success 6

SPEAKING OF HOCKEY What are you looking forward to most this season? 8

BEYOND THE STRIPESExpectations of offi cials 10

GET BETTER Mike Babcock’s message to youth coaches 11

STATE OF THE GAME By Lyle PhairThe problem with playing to win 12

FROM THE CREASE By Joe Messina Setting Goals 13

HOMETOWN HERO Marquette’s Justin Florek 14

REEBOK TOURNAMENT CALENDAR 16

COLLEGE PREVIEW ‘10Wolverines’ Carl Hagelin just keeps getting better 18CCHA Notebook 19Ferris State and Lake Superior State previews 20Michigan and Michigan State previews 21Northern Michigan and Western Michigan 22Wayne State women and Michigan Tech previews 23Adrian College Division III previews 24Finlandia University Division III previews 26

JUNIOR HOCKEYU.S. Under-18 Team’s Rocco Grimaldi starts out hot 26NAHL’s Warriors overcome rough start at home 27Whalers’ Beau Schmitz ready to step up 28Saginaw streaks to fi rst place in OHL West 28

RED WINGS AND NHL INSIDERSDave Waddell: Red Wings aren’t old, they are experienced 30Kevin Allen: Steve Yzerman creates a buzz in Tampa Bay 30

PAGES 18-26PAGES 18-26

Table of Contents

October 18, 2010, Volume 21 : Issue 6

PAGES 18-26PAGES 18-26

Our annual Holiday Gift Guide will give you ideas for the hockey player, coach and fan in your family. The issue will also include a Training Table feature on Livonia’s Brandon Naurato,

Hometown Hero Mike Modano and our yearly rundown on the state’s Top College Prospects.

Look for it on arena stands, on michiganhockeyonline.com and in your e-mail In Box on October 29.

Advertising copy for the next issue of MH is due on October 20.

Contact Lucia Zuzga at (248) 479-1134 or [email protected] or Philip Colvin at (248) 479-1136

or [email protected] for more information.

COMING IN OUR NEXT ISSUEHOLIDAY GIFT GUIDEHOLIDAY GIFT GUIDEHOLIDAY GIFT GUIDEHOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

College Preview ‘10CCHA teams, Michigan Tech, Wayne State

women, Adrian and Finlandia

5Michigan HockeyMichiganHockeyOnline.com

Everyone plays

FROM THE EDITOR

In March, at the end of every season, I talk to numerous coaches whose teams have just won the MAHA state tournament. And almost every coach touts the fact that they tried to play everyone all the time, regardless of the situation. And by December, the kids who started out on the third line had improved so much “that you couldn’t tell which one was our fi rst line and which was our third line.”

Even if you don’t win a state title, Detroit Red Wings coach Mike Babcock believes playing everyone on your team makes the game more fun and is the right thing to do. Check out Babcock’s number one priority for a youth coach in our “Get Better” column (page 11).

“State of the Game” columnist Lyle Phair checks in with how playing only to win can cloud a youth coach’s judgment (page 12).

Also in this issue is a feature on Michigan senior left wing Carl Hagelin, a top student athlete from Sweden who was voted team co-captain, and previews of the state’s CCHA teams, Michigan Tech, Wayne State women and both the men’s and women’s squads at Division III Adrian College and Finlandia University.

And with the season underway we’d like to hear about your team. All you have to do is e-mail or snail mail us a photo and story about your team, including all the players and coach’s names, and it will be featured in our Amateur Hockey Report in an upcoming issue. If you take the time to send it to us we will publish it.

We’re also on our annual Quest for the Best Arena. By answering each month’s new question at michiganhockeonline.com you’ll be entered in a prize drawing and we’ll tally the votes at the end of the season to determine Michigan’s 2011 Quest for the Best arena winner.

Have a great season,


Cover: Michigan senior left wing Carl Hagelin courtesy UM Sports Information.

Photos at left (from top, L to R): CCHA playoff action at Joe Louis Arena last season by Dave Reginek/DIG Photo; Marquette’s Justin Florek by Dave Reginek/DIG Photo; Michigan Warriors bench by Rich Schultz/iCapture Images and Steve Yzerman by Tom Turrill/Michigan Hockey.

Cover reprints availableemail: [email protected]

EDITORIAL BOARD: Bob DeSpirt, Christine Szarek, Derek Blair, James Jenkins, Julie Pardoski, Kirk Vickers, Linda HollandLisa Zarzycki, Mark Vansaw, Nyron Fauconier, Randy PaquetteRob Mattina, Susan Bottrell, Tim Wilson, Todd Krygier

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: MICHIGAN HOCKEY® welcomes Letters to the Editor. They must be signed and include the writer's full home address and day and evening telephone numbers.

MICHIGAN HOCKEY is published by SUBURBAN SPORTS COMMUNICATIONS, LLC 23995 Freeway Park Drive, Suite 200, Farmington Hills, MI 48335-2829. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to MICHIGAN HOCKEY®, 23995 Freeway Park Drive, Suite 200, Farmington Hills, MI 48335-2829. ©2010 by Suburban Sports Communications. All Rights Reserved. The opinions and views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of MICHIGAN HOCKEY or its advertisers. All editorial copy, photographs and advertising materials remain the property of MICHIGAN HOCKEY.

Editor-in-Chief Philip D. [email protected]

Advertising Lucia [email protected]

Database Manager Josh [email protected]

Design Chuck Stevens

Contributing Editor Kevin Allen

Rob Murphy

Distribution Lucia Zuzga

Administrative Director Amy Jones

From the Editor

MICHIGAN HOCKEY23995 Freeway Park Drive • Suite 200

Farmington Hills, MI 48335-2829(248) 478-2500 • FAX: (248) 478-1601

EMAIL: [email protected]: www.michiganhockeyonline.com

A preview of the rest of the CCHA teams

ACHA Great Lakes Collegiate Hockey

League preview

Red Wings Insider: Detroit’s not old, they

are experienced

LETTERS TOTHE EDITOR

Dear Michigan Hockey,

Surprisingly Kevin Allen stated that the Detroit Red Wings, San Jose

Sharks and Vancouver Canucks are the class of the NHL’s Western

Conference (MH’s NHL Preview, September 20 issue).

All right, that might be consequently true. These three teams quite

honestly took advantage in the off-season by scouting for the perfect

matches to try to help their team in the future.

A depressing part that happens in the off-season is when players

that have helped you win a Stanley Cup or advance your team into the

playoffs (leave). Now you have to say farewell to them because of the

woes of the salary cap. I bet many owners wish that the cap didn’t exist.

And just because a team might have lost some players it doesn’t

mean when the season starts there will not be a “wow” factor or that

they won’t come out on top in the end. The Chicago Blackhawks are an

example.Another point to remember is if a team has talented young players,

but little leadership, it doesn’t mean they will finish on top. An example

is the Los Angeles Kings.Just remember Allen’s predictions stated in the article. The three

teams he stated that would finish on top in the West is just an

assumption. We’ll have to wait and see if his predictions are correct.

Sincerely,Raymond CarnaghiWashington, MI

Michigan Hockey welcomes Letters to the Editor, either by e-mail ([email protected]) or by

regular mail to the address at left.

http://www.michiganhockeyonline.com/OntheWeb4.shtml




Knapp was a hero on and off the iceKnapp was a hero on and off the ice

Grand Traverse Hockey Association’sGrand Traverse Hockey Association’sMite Jamboree a hit at Center IceMite Jamboree a hit at Center Ice

FUN SNAKCS for Hockey Moms

submitted by Hockey Moms

4-1/2 graham crackers

1 pkg. (11 oz.) caramel bits

2 Tbsp. milk 1/2 cup peanuts 1/2

cup miniature marshmallows

1/2 cup coarsely crushed pretzels

4 squares semi-sweet chocolate, melted

LINE 8-inch square pan with foil, with ends of foil extending over sides of pan. Grease foil generously with shortening. Place grahams

necessary.

MICROWAVE caramel bits and milk in microwaveable bowl on HIGH 2 min. or until caramel bits are completely melted and mixture is well blended, stirring every 30 sec. Pour over grahams; top with next 3 ingredients. Drizzle with chocolate.

REFRIGERATE at least 1 hour. Use foil handles to remove dessert from pan before cutting into bars to serve.

C A R A M E L C R U N C H B A R S

Submit your recipe & photo to: [email protected]

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

Macomb Township’s Alex Knapp, a double-amputee after suff ering war wounds in Iraq, passed away on October 2 at the age of 24 from an apparent heart attack after playing sled hockey in Big Rapids.

In March 2008, Knapp was a U.S. Army specialist on patrol near Baghdad, Iraq when an improvised explosive device struck his vehicle. He and three other soldiers suff ered severe injuries, and Knapp had both of his legs amputated above the knee.

Knapp endured multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation, and after returning to Shelby Township last September he poured his energy into playing sled hockey with the Fraser-based Michigan Sled Dogs team

Known for his courage, optimism and passion for the game, Knapp attended the USA Hockey Sled Development Camp in July and was named to the 2010-11 U.S. National Junior Sled Hockey Team in August.

“Alex was an extraordinary individual and he died doing what he loved, bringing the game of sled hockey to new players,” MAHA Disabled Sports Director Carol Schwanger wrote in an e-mail. “He was awarded two Purple Hearts for his military service and he quickly applied the same dedication and determination he had in the Army on the ice.”

After Knapp moved into the fi rst home built in metro Detroit by Homes for Our Troops last December, he added an artifi cial ice surface to the barrier-free home so he could practice stickhandling and shooting.

A 2004 graduate of Utica Eisenhower, Knapp studied criminal justice at Michigan State University for two years before joining the Army military police. He spoke at the Shelby Township Veteran’s Day ceremony in 2009 and his upbeat, positive attitude rubbed off on everyone he met.

The fi rst-year Mid-American Great Lakes Sled Hockey League plans to honor Knapp by naming an award after him that will be given to a player that displays Knapp’s dedication and commitment.

“I have received beautiful e-mails from all over the country that express not only the sadness of Alex’s passing, but the huge impression he made in such a short time with us,” wrote Schwanger.By Philip Colvin

Amateur Hockey Report

SEND

MIC

HIGA

N HO

CKEY

YOU

R NE

WS!

Email

us ar

ticles

and p

hoto

s at M

H@m

ichig

anon

line.c

om

Knapp was a hero on and off the iceKnapp was a hero on and off the ice

Grand Traverse Hockey Association’s Grand Traverse Hockey Association’s Mite Jamboree a hit at Centre IceMite Jamboree a hit at Centre Ice

At the beginning of every season the Grand Traverse Hockey Association in Traverse City holds a free Mite Jamboree at the Centre Ice arena for players 3-8 years old.

The association sent fl yers home to area school children and put up 100 yard signs to promote the event.

This year’s Mite Jamboree was on September 25 and drew 100 young players to Centre Ice to try out the game for free. GTHA mite coaches help the beginner players on the ice, and the association provides food and drinks for the kids, free skate and helmet rental and held a used equipment sale during the day. Board members, coaches and managers are on hand to answer any questions and help sign up the players for GTHA programs.

MACOMB, MI 48042

DECEMBER 31 8am to 6pm

4 players & 1 goalie

OPEN & HOUSE DIVISIONS

Separate league for women only!

EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE TO USE FOR FREE


Speaking of Hockey

What are you looking forward to most this season?What are you looking forward to most this season?What are you looking forward to most this season?

“The Big Chill at the Big House.”“The Big Chill at the Big House.”Sam Chapman, 12, Ann Arbor, Chelsea Chiefs Pee Wee AA

“Getting to play with “Getting to play with my new teammates.”my new teammates.”Diana Milne, 11, Ann Arbor Cougars

“The whole excitement of “The whole excitement of stopping shots.”stopping shots.”Edward Gilbert, 9, Ann Arbor, Squirt Dragons

“Scoring most of the goals.” “Scoring most of the goals.” Mason Kelley, 8, Commerce Township, Belle Tire North Mite AA

“Better coaching with my “Better coaching with my new team.”new team.”Brendan Smith, 11, Clio, Flint Phantoms Pee Wee AA

“Winning some games.”“Winning some games.”Gordie Niethammer, 9, Saline, Ann Arbor Squirt Wolves

“Being able to contribute “Being able to contribute both offensively and both offensively and defensively.”defensively.”Rob Havui, Ann Arbor, Goon Squad

“Getting back with the guys and “Getting back with the guys and hanging out in the locker room.”hanging out in the locker room.”Ben Finn, 16, Dexter High School

“Probably some “Probably some improvement. I am improvement. I am a beginner.”a beginner.”Clair Harris, Ann Arbor, Goon Squad


What are you looking forward to most this season?

Nov. 2nd – Dec. 18thTuesday: 10:30 – 11:20am Saturday: 10:00 – 11:20am

CLASSESSnowplow Sam 1, 2, 3

Hockey Skills

23996 Freeway Park Drive Farmington Hills

WINTER

09.10 – 03.11PROGRAMS

(Ages 4-10)


Beyond the Stripes

Reebok 11K Sickick III Grip Sr. $209.99

Reebok 9K Sickick III Grip Sr. $179.99

Warrior Vandal Grip Jr. $79.99 Int. $89.99 Sr. $99.99

Warrior Dolomite Grip Yth. $59.99 Sr. $179.99

Warrior KGB Jr. $119.99 Int. $129.99 Sr. $149.99

Warrior Abyss Int. $79.99 Sr. $89.99

Warrior KonceptGloves Sr. $89.99

CCM U+ 12 Jr. $249.99 Sr. $399.99CCM U+ CL Jr. $299.99 Sr. $599.99

Bau

er T

otal

ON

E G

rip

Tec

S

r. $

22

9.9

9

Bau

er S

upre

me

One

10

0

Int.

$1

79

.99

S

r. $

18

9.9

9

BAUER Supreme ONE100 LE Jr. $449.99 Sr $649.99BAUER Supreme ONE60 LE Jr. $139.99 Sr $199.99

Now In Stock! Product for 2011...St ! r ct o 0

11188

199ft f011.11..ddr 2020kt fctSrodur Pock! Prr t11 f..Poo 11d00kcc NNNttSSNt !tt PNNNttSSSS I!! Srrrr kcc!tt PooPoo d00 t11 ff.... 111

Offers Valid thru Nov. 1st, 2010. Valid on In-Stock Items ONLY

BYDEANKRISPIN

At rinks all across the state it’s not hard to fi nd parents and coaches spending a lot of time, energy and emotion scrutinizing referees.

Often referees are viewed as adversaries or incompetent, while the offi cials themselves are amazed how vastly diff erent their performances are assessed from game-to-game.

The typical scenario is if a team wins the coaches, parents and players are pleased, while the losing team is not. Obviously there is an expectations gap.

The skills of referees vary from offi cial-to-offi cial and from game-to-game. Since offi cials subject themselves to the spotlight for various reasons and handle the pressure diff erently the question arises, what are the proper expectations of an offi cial?

Feedback from last season from both offi cials and coaches provides a pretty straightforward and simple list of expectations we all should have for offi cials this season.

STRONG EFFORT AND POSITIVE ATTITUDE Coaches at all levels talk about wanting offi cials to be

“consistent.” Pat Cherry and Don Finn of Lake Orion High School look for consistency in an offi cial’s eff ort and attitude. Judging the calls an offi cial makes or doesn’t make is more diffi cult.

”Calls can vary greatly because frankly the offi cials can only call what they see in context to the rules and how the game is being played,” said Finn. “As a coach on the bench, I may not have the same vantage point or angle a referee has while on the ice in making calls or not making calls. The same goes for the spectators in the stands.”

In Cherry’s mind coaches and parents can really only scrutinize the referee’s eff ort and attitude.

“People make mistakes, but not giving 100% and not having a positive attitude has no excuse and is the highest expectation I have for all offi cials,” he said. “It becomes easy to see how

offi cial’s poor eff ort and attitude opens up the fl ood gates for further scrutiny of their performance if your team loses.”

TWO-WAY COMMUNICATION

The two veteran coaches also stressed that they personally expect good two-way communications with the offi cials.

“My coaching staff does not expect play-by-play detailed explanations of every call or no call,” said Cherry. “At the very least a simple explanation when requested is what most coaches expect. But more times than not, coaches experience a communication wall with offi cials.”

KNOWLEDGE OF THE RULES

Was that a trip or just two players getting tied up and falling down? Regardless of how the offi cial saw it, he or she must know the rule and be decisive.

“Coaches should expect that officials have a strong knowledge of the rules and a fi rm and unwavering ownership of their judgment as a minimum standard,” said Jason Woodrum, a Level 3 referee in Michigan. “I feel that this is what coaches, players and parents expect from my performance while on the ice, and this is what I expect of my partner as well.”

COMMITMENT TO GETTING BETTER

Jim Seidel, a scheduler of referees, has a diff erent focus on what he expects of the offi cials that make up his crew.

“I personally expect all offi cials to have a commitment to continuously improve,” he said. “Continuous improvement in the knowledge of rules, conditioning, skills, communication, eff ort and attitude.”

In the end the expectations that coaches, player and parents

have for referees should be centered on just one thing - providing a fair and fun competitive environment for all girls and boys of all ages and skill levels.

Proper expectations of offi cials Proper expectations of offi cials Proper expectations of offi cials Proper expectations of offi cials

Dean Krispin is a former official that is back watching youth hockey. Contact him at: [email protected]


Get Better

A message to coachesDetroit Red Wings coach Mike Babcock makes it clear that he appreciates all of

the hard work and dedication shown by youth coaches.But he is also wants to make sure that youth coaches know that they have made

a very important commitment when they volunteer.“Once you say you are the coach then you have a responsibility to those kids and

those parents to do one heck of a job,” Babcock said. “You have to be there, you have to be prepared, you have to be organized and you have to love the kids.”

Babcock remembers all of his youth coaches, and said the “when we are looking for a place for my son or daughter to play the number one thing we look at is the coach.”

The reason Babcock remembers them all is because they all had an impact on his life. “So who do you want to impact your kid’s life?” he asked. “Good people who care

about them? I would assume that would be a priority. People say ‘this guy has won three state championships.’ They get good players, but to me that is not what it’s about. Do they care about them? Do they treat them with respect? Do they demand a work ethic and attention to detail? That to me is what coaches do.”

INCREASE THEIR PASSIONBabcock got into coaching because he “loves people” and to survive the pressure

at the NHL level he has to “get better every day.” “But you’re not coaching pro hockey though, you’re coaching kids and they want

to feel good about themselves everyday,” said Babcock. “You have to help them get better and increase their passion for the game.

“Your number one job, your number one priority as a youth coach is for your players to love the game more when they leave then when they arrive.”

Babcock believes hockey is pretty simple and that we sometimes make it more complicated than we have to.

“Players need to be able to skate – if you can’t skate you won’t be able to continue to play. You have to be able to pass and shoot, and you have to be able to think the game.”

EVERYONE PLAYSAnd it’s clear to Babcock that when kids have fun they get better and they love

the game more. And having fun means playing in every situation.“If you play for the Red Wings, everybody plays. Some play a little bit more, but

everybody is important because everyone has a role,” said Babcock.

And that philosophy is even more true in youth hockey.“Everybody has got to play,” said Babcock. “Everyone on your team is important.

That little Johnny, who can’t even skate, if he loves the game more than your star player, in two years Johnny is going to be better.

“So if you get a penalty and you’ve got three guys on a line. Two of them go out fi rst and the third one goes out next with the guy on the next line. And you have to actually teach everyone to penalty kill.

“And then the powerplay comes and you got to put everyone out on the powerplay. And you have to work on the powerplay and have a system so they believe they will be successful.”

Babcock knows he got to where he’s at with the help of youth coaches that cared about him.

“They really cared about kids,” he said. “And that’s what you want your players to say about you one day. The way they are going to do that is if you cared about them, if you’re organized, if you know how to deal with the parents and if you have a development plan and you play them all. Not just the best ones.”

By Philip Colvin

Red Wings coach Mike Babcock’s message to youth coaches: “your number one priority is for your players to love the game

more when they leave then when they arrive.”

PHOTO BY DAVE REGINEK/DRW

Source: weisshockey.comThree Passes and a Shot Drill1. Players line up in two lines on the blueline at opposite sides.

2. Each line has pucks.

3. On the whistle the fi rst player from each line skates down the blueline and receives a pass from the opposite line.

4. The receiver controls the pass and sends a pass back to the player who passed to him.

5. After giving the return pass, the player continues around and presents himself as an optionin the receiving zone (green), where he receives a pass from the line he originally left from.

6. Receiver turns up ice to take a shot and then skates to back of the other line.


Ice RinksIce Skating RinksSports Complexes

HockeyFigure SkatingAdult LeaguesYouth LeaguesSpecial EventsCivic CentersExhibitions

Directors & Offi cers CoverageDesigned for Hockey Associations/

Leagues, prep and other non-profi ts.

866-223-2112

Contact:Jim Campbell

[email protected]

Doug [email protected]

Finding the right insurance Finding the right insurance

program just got easier.program just got easier.Finding the right insurance

program just got easier.

866 223 2112


State of the Game

Stateof the

Gameby Lyle Phair

The ultimate goal of any competition is to win. It’s doubtful that there would be any debating that statement.

Some games or events are bigger or more signifi cant than others so winning might seem more important in those cases, but in the end it all comes down to which team comes out on top in any game that is played.

Oddly enough a team could play poorly and still win on the scoreboard and the perception by most people would be that everything is peaches and cream. Winning will do that.

Conversely, a team could play unquestionably its best game of the season yet come out on the wrong end on the scoreboard and the consensus would probably still be that they came up short. Losing will do that.

Obviously, winning is important. We always play to win. The more wins we get the better. The more wins we get the higher in the standings we fi nish.

WHAT HAPPENS IF WE DON’T?But what if we don’t win? What if the team has little or no chance of

winning, because of circumstances beyond their control, like when their coach enters them at a level where they are over-matched and have no chance of success? And what if a team is so good that it never loses or is never challenged and wins every game with little eff ort? Are those wins really that important? Are they even really wins if the outcome was never ever in doubt?

Ultimately wins are nothing more than units of measure, like markings on a ruler or mileage on the odometer of a vehicle. The diff erence is that some of those miles are on a much better trip than others. Some are of a much higher quality than others.

The concept of winning and losing in youth sports is a bird of a diff erent feather than at the professional level. And by professional level I mean the levels of play where people’s jobs are at stake. That is defi nitely not the case, or if it is it shouldn’t be, at the youth level. It would be pretty sad that someone’s livelihood was determined by the ability or inability of the performance of kids in a recreational sport.

WAY TOO SERIOUSEven so, there are many coaches and parents who take winning way more

seriously than they should. They get far too excited and feeling good about themselves (even though they were not involved in the outcome) when their child’s team wins and far too upset after a loss.

At the end of the day, the outcome of a single game or a team’s position in the standings really shouldn’t have that much of a positive or negative impact on any adult’s life. Other than we should be proud and supportive of our kids’ eff orts and glad that they have the opportunity to compete and

realize the benefi ts derived from participating in a team sport.But all too often we lose sight of the process and get fi xated on the

outcome. We are so worried about our objective that we don’t take the opportunity to enjoy the ride.

If we really opened our eyes we would see that there is way more to the journey than there is to the destination. The problem is that it is much more diffi cult to gauge where you stand without a unit of measure like winning a game or sitting on top of the standings. Can we really determine that our team played well if they lost the game? How can we really tell if there was any improvement or growth by the players? Can we really call ourselves a good team if we are sitting at or near the bottom of the standings?

SHORT-TERM SOLUTIONAnd that is where we often get into trouble as it relates to playing to win.

Getting the win becomes all too important because it is the only way we can assess where we stand. The measurement becomes way more important than anything else. Way more important than it should be.

In youth sports, when coaches make decisions based on the scoreboard in a game or the team’s position in the standings, the results are typically more negative than positive. The short-term solution to winning a game is to play the better players more and the weaker players less or not at all.

If you really think about it, there really is not much in the way of “coaching” involved in that decision. There is no opportunity for the players that are perceived to not be able to get it done to actually get it done. It’s tough to do anything sitting on the bench. How does a coach really know what they can or can’t do if they never have the chance? How do those players improve and learn how to compete and get experience in diff erent situations if they never have the opportunity?

Worse yet, all too often the better players get over-played, even to the point where it is detrimental to their performance because they are too worn out to be able to compete to the level that they should and could if they were getting a proper amount of time. So nobody wins in that scenario. At least not from the players’ standpoint.

SKILL DEVELOPMENT TAKES TIMEWhen the scoreboard and the standings infl uence decision-making too

much, coaches tend to get impatient in practice planning and begin to spend a disproportionate amount of time attempting to teach their team concepts that they think might give their team a better chance of winning. Typically coaches will spend a great deal of time working on organizational and strategic things like breakouts and power plays.

The problem is that to execute breakouts and power plays and off ensive zone cycling and neutral zone forechecking, players need to have the technical skills to skate and be in the right position, handle the puck, pass, receive and shoot with their heads up and have a sense of positioning, timing and the decision-making ability to do the right thing at the right time.

Without the technical skill sets that require hours and hours of proper repetition in practice, the execution of breakouts and power plays is virtually impossible and the practice time wasted.

Probably the most frustrating feeling as a coach is when it seems like you aren’t making a diff erence. Skill development can be time-consuming and tedious and improvement never seems to come fast enough. It can be easy to think that you are going nowhere. Especially when the only quantifi able unit of measure for most people is wins and losses and the team’s position in the standings. Especially when you are doing more losing than winning and the team is closer to the bottom of the standings than the top.

Probably the worst mistake a coach can make is to coach by the scoreboard and the standings. More often than not, bad short-term decisions translate into worse long-term results for the players.

It’s not that winning is not important. It is. But it should be the by-product of good coaching decisions, not the driving force for bad ones.

THE PROBLEM THE PROBLEM WITH PLAYING WITH PLAYING

TO WINTO WIN

THE PROBLEM WITH PLAYING

TO WIN


800-667-5141www.coachmate.com

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.

presentedby:

COACH MIKE

SULLIVANWhere do you live:Chelsea

Level: Head coach ‘01 and assistant coach ‘99 Ann Arbor Wolves

Years coaching: 11

Why do you coach?: I have four boys that play, it was a natural fit. I also love to coach the kids and the life lessons.

Most memorable moment: Watching kids develop. When you see kids advance in leaps and bounds that’s what makes coaching great.

Coaching philosophy: Challenge them every day and make sure they are having fun.

Coach you admire: Tim Helber (Head coach ’99 Wolves). He is a great leader, always a calm and level headed coach.

One thing you would change: Add free form, competitive scrimmages with referees and no scoreboard. It would be a great way to develop skills with a structure for the kids.


www.onyxicearena.comCheck out all the fun

programs at the ONYX!

52999 Dequindre Rd.Rochester MI 48307

For Ages

3-Adult

Session 3November 3 - December 18

(7-Weeks)

Class Times: Wednesday 10-11am, 1-2pm, 4-6pm

Friday 10-11am, 1-2pm, 4-6pm

Saturday 10:30am-1:00pm

Taking first steps to playing hockey and freestyle skating

Phone: 248.601.6699email: [email protected]

Hockey skating skill classes

Joe MessinaJoe MessinaFrom the creaseFrom the crease

The power of setting goals In order to master something you have to do it properly over

and over again. This article is going to outline not only how to set goals but also how to achieve them.

Remember, you must not get bored by fundamentals but energized about the ongoing improvements you’re creating each day. With the power of goals, we are able to create our future in advance.

Some players never set particular goals but for those that do, they will aff ect you. Goals can create the power to develop our skills. When setting goals, it’s essential to establish goals that are beyond your present ability. Regardless of what your beliefs or spirituality are, if you operate from the belief that if you get inspired enough you can fi gure out how to achieve that goal even if it seems impossible at the time. If you limit your future based on your past, you’re not going to go anywhere!

THE PURPOSE Many of the goalies that I talk to do set goals. However,

setting goals is not enough! Make sure that you’re clear why you want them. The fundamental key is purpose, which is stronger then outcome.

What does that mean? Purpose of a goal is what everyone will make of you not only as a goalie but as a person. Set goals and know why you’re doing it. Setting a goal to one day play in the NHL is not enough. You have to know why this is important to you. In other words, why does making the NHL excite you? Make your dreams real. When you set a goal, it becomes a part of your life.

THE REASONSRemember, setting a goal is not enough. Come up with the

reasons that you want to accomplish it. Remember, reasons come fi rst and answers come second. If you get a big enough

reason for accomplishing something you will fi nd the answer. In every great success, the person fi nds the “why” behind their goal and that’s their power to achieve it. With the ability to have a goal, instantly comes the ability to achieve it.

WRITE IT DOWNTo set your goals, I want you to pretend that you’re writing

a letter to Santa Claus (it might sound silly but think about how excited we all got when we wrote a letter to Santa and told him what we wanted for Christmas).

You need to get excited about this because if you really fall into this it will make a diff erence!

To start, set a stop watch for six minutes or have someone time you. In six minutes write down everything that you’d like to accomplish as a hockey player this season. Be sure that you don’t stop writing! Fill the page with everything you can think of!

Once you have a full page of things you’d like to accomplish, you need to go through and pick the top fi ve things. Once you pull those fi ve a side, write a paragraph on why you are absolutely committed to achieving that goal.

TOP 5 AGAINFinally, write down your top fi ve again. But this time write

down what it would mean to you if you didn’t achieve each goal. Pick fi ve or six things that it would cost you. The more creative you can be with this the more you’ll empower yourself to fulfi ll each and every goal you have set.

This is what is called the carrot or the stick. What becomes more powerful to you? All the positive things that you’ll get if you achieve them (the carrot) or all the disappointment you want to avoid by not following through (the stick).

Messina is the lead Instructor at Bandits Goalie School.

From the Crease

Lake Erie Monsters goaltender Jason Bacashihua (left), looks to longtime mentor and goalie coach Stan Matwijiw, the director of Bandits Goalie School for support and advice.

Left WingBorn: May 18, 1990 Hometown: Marquette Height/Weight: 6-4, 200 Shoots: Left

Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM2004-05 Marquette Legion Bantams NA 66 103 55 158 NA

2005-06 Marquette Electricians MWEHL 55 26 33 59 38

2006-07 U.S. National Under-17 NAHL 66 20 11 31 52

2007-08 U.S. National Under-18 NAHL 47 5 8 13 24

2008-09 Northern Michigan CCHA 40 9 8 17 6

2009-10 Northern Michigan CCHA 41 12 23 35 22

A big power forward with a long reach, Florek will play an even larger role at Northern Michigan as a Wildcats’ assistant

captain this year… Good around the net with soft hands and an excellent wrist shot… Started skating at age two when his

mother took him to open skating on her lunch breaks… Grew up watching the Wildcats and dreaming of playing for his hometown

school… Was named the MVP of the Marquette American Legion Bantam AA team two seasons in a row (2004, 2005)… Moved up to the Electricians Midget Major squad the following season before heading

south to Ann Arbor to play two years with the USA Hockey NTDP… Led the U.S. National Under-17 Team in scoring his fi rst year (21-11-32)…

Received the Don Waddell Award as the Wildcats’ top freshman in 2009… Selected by Boston in the fi fth round (135th overall)

in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft and attended the Bruins prospect development camp in July… Also worked at the Marquette YMCA

last summer… Member of the bronze medal-winning U.S. team at the 2008 Under-18 World Championships… Graduated from Ann Arbor Pioneer High School in 2008… Likes to hunt

and fi sh.

Leeeft WinngBBBooorrrn: MMMMayyyy 1888,,, 1999999990Heeeighttt///WWWeiggghhhhhhhhhhht: 6-4

SeSeSeSS asasa onn TTeaaam m m2004444-00000005555555 MaMaMaMMM rqrqrqueueueueuu tte Leg

2020200500 -06 MaMarqueueueueeueueu ttttttttttte e ee Elee

2006060600 -0-- 7 U.U.S.SSSSS NNNNatatatatatatatatiioi nal UUU

2020202020222 07070707-0-0-08 888888 U.UUUUUU S.S.S.S.SSS Natatataataataationann l UUUUUU

2020200800 -09 NoNoNooooNortrtrttr heheheheerrnrnrnrnrrr MMichh

200000090 -111110 NoNoNoNoooortrtheeeeeerrrnrrr MMMicicii h

AAAA bibibibbb ggg popopoeeveeevenee llllarararararaa ggg

cacacacaptptptptp aaaiain than eeexcxccccxcelelelle len

moooothhher tttook wawawawwww tccchihhh nggg tttttthehhehhhhhh W

schohohohohohhh olooooooo … Wasasas nnnamBanttttttamaaaamamamam AA AA teammmmmmmm twwwElectriciansss MMMidget M

sosossss uthh too AAAAAAnnnnnnn Arbooothhththththhhhhe e e ee U.S. NNatioooonnananal U

ReR ceceivvvvvvveeeedeee thehee Doinn 2009… Selee e

innn the 222001010 0 Ndededededdd velopmen

llllast summat the 20frfrfrfromomomm An

andd fifi s

PHOTOS BY DAVE REGINEK/DIG PHOTO

TOURNAMENT CALENDARAdvanced TournamentsOctober 15-17, 2010Holland, MIGreat Lakes Tournament SeriesSquirt House, Squirt A, Bantam HouseContact Advanced Tournaments847-277-7343www.advancedtournaments.com West Shore Tournament SeriesScottville, MIOctober 15-17, 2010JV Preseason I231-843-9712www.westshoreice.com Grand Traverse Hockey AssociationTournament SeriesFall Color TournamentTraverse City, MIOctober 15-17, 2010Squirt A & [email protected] Action TournamentsBattle at the Border CupBrownstown, Dearborn, Garden City, Melvindale, Westland, MIOctober 15-17, 2010Girls U-12 & Girls U-16734-751-9105actiontournamentscentral.com Advanced TournamentsOctober 22-24, 2010Holland, MIGreat Lakes Tournament SeriesSquirt AA, Pee Wee House, Midget House Contact Advanced Tournaments847-277-7343www.advancedtournaments.com Grand Traverse Hockey AssociationTournament SeriesFall Color TournamentTraverse City, MIOctober 22-24, 2010Pee Wee A & [email protected] Hockey Time ProductionsMotown Cup Tournament SeriesDetroit, MIOctober 22-24, 2010Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV216-325-0567www.itshockeytime.com Advanced TournamentsOctober 29-31, 2010Holland, MIGreat Lakes Tournament SeriesPee Wee A, Bantam House, Midget Major/HS & Girls 16UContact Advanced Tournaments847-277-7343www.advancedtournaments.com Hockey Time ProductionsMotown Cup Tournament SeriesDetroit, MIOctober 29-31, 2010Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV216-325-0567www.itshockeytime.com USA Wild FlowersHalloween Weekend TournamentDetroit, MIOctober 29-31Girls 12-U & 14-U Tier [email protected]

Advanced TournamentsNovember 5-7, 2010Holland, MIGreat Lakes Tournament SeriesMite House, Squirt House, Bantam A & Girls 19UContact Advanced Tournaments847-277-7343www.advancedtournaments.com Dirty 30 Women’s over 30 TournamentNovember 5-7Kensington Valley Ice House3-Game Guarantee$675 per teamRegistration Deadline: October 8810-494-5555www.kensingtonvalleyicehouse.com Grand Traverse Hockey AssociationTournament SeriesTraverse City Challenge CupTraverse City, MINovember 5-7, 2010Bantam A & [email protected] Hockey Time ProductionsMotown Cup Tournament SeriesDetroit, MINovember 5-7, 2010Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV216-325-0567www.itshockeytime.com Manon Rheaume International Girls TournamentNovember 12-14, 2010Farmington Hills, MI19UAAA, 16UAAA, 14UAAA and [email protected] Advanced TournamentsNovember 12-14, 2010Holland, MIGreat Lakes Tournament SeriesMite A, Pee Wee House, Midget HouseContact Advanced Tournaments847-277-7343www.advancedtournaments.com Big Rapids Hockey AssociationSquirt B WeekendBig Rapids, MINovember 12-14, 2010Squirt B231-591-2881www.bigrapidshockey.org Hockey Time ProductionsMotown Cup Tournament SeriesDetroit, MINovember 12-14, 2010Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV216-325-0567www.itshockeytime.com Advanced TournamentsNovember 19-21, 2010Holland, MIGreat Lakes Tournaments SeriesMite AA, Squirt A, Bantam HouseContact Advanced Tournaments847-277-7343www.advancedtournaments.com Grand Traverse Hockey AssociationTournament SeriesTraverse City, MINovember 19-21, 2010Bantam [email protected]

Hockey Time ProductionsMotown Cup Tournament SeriesDetroit, MINovember 19-21, 2010Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV216-325-0567www.itshockeytime.com West Shore Tournament SeriesScottville, MINovember 19-21, 2010Squirt B231-843-9712www.westshoreice.com Michigan Thanksgiving ClassicMonroe, MichiganNovember 26 – 28, 2010BOYS - 2009, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996,1995, 1994, 1993,1992,1991 BOYS - Recreational B,(Select-A),AA, AAA, Elite AAA - GIRLS - Rep (HL, Sel, C, B,BB) and Elite (A, AA)[email protected]://www.canlanclassictournaments.com McCann Ice Arena7th Annual Thanksgiving TournamentGrosse Pointe Woods, MINovember 26-28, 2010Mite-Midget House and Travel313-343-0947 Mt. Pleasant PatriotsGet Into the Cold TournamentsNovember 26-28, 2010Mt. Pleasant, MIBantam Bwww.mtpleasanthockey.com

Advanced TournamentsOctober 15-17, 2010Nashville, TN Music City Tournament Series: Nashville Fall Classic Mite through Midget: B, A, and AA, Girls U12, U14, U16 & U19Contact Advanced Tournaments847-277-7343 www.advancedtournaments.com Las Vegas Old-Timers ClassicLas Vegas, Nevada October 22 - 24, 2010Men’s, Women’s, COED 18+, 30+, 40+: A/B,C,D,[email protected] http://www.canlanclassictournaments.com Advanced TournamentsOctober 22-24, 2010Chicago, IL CHICAGO CUP Tournament Series: Chicago Fall ClassicMite through Midget; B, A, and AA, High School Varsity and JV, Girls U12, U14, U16 & U19Contact Advanced Tournaments847-277-7343 www.advancedtournaments.com Advanced TournamentsOctober 22-24, 2010Pittsburgh, PA Steel City Tournament Series: Pittsburgh Fall ClassicMite through Midget: B, A, AA, Girls U12, U14, U16 & U19Contact Advanced Tournaments847-277-7343www.advancedtournaments.com

Advanced TournamentsOctober 22-24, 2010Rochester, NY Empire State Tournament Series: Empire State Showdown Mite through Midget: B, A, AAContact Advanced Tournaments847-277-7343www.advancedtournaments.com Hockey Time ProductionsRock ‘n Roll Cup Tournament SeriesCleveland, OHOctober 22-24, 2010Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV216-325-0567www.itshockeytime.com Advanced TournamentsNovember 5-7, 2010Pittsburgh, PA Steel City Tournament Series: Pittsburgh Veterans CupMite through Midget: B, A, AAContact Advanced Tournaments847-277-7343www.advancedtournaments.com Hockey Time ProductionsRock ‘n Roll Cup Tournament SeriesCleveland, OHNovember 5-7, 2010Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV216-325-0567www.itshockeytime.com Hockey Time ProductionsHoosier Cup Tournament SeriesFt. Wayne, INNovember 5-7, 2010Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV216-325-0567www.itshockeytime.com Las Vegas Youth BlastLas Vegas, NevadaNovember 5 - 7, 2010BOYS - 2009, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993,1992,1991 (Travel B,Select, AE), A, AA, AAA1-888-422-6526 [email protected] http://www.canlanclassictournaments.com Hockey for Heroes / Armed Services Las Vegas, NevadaNovember 11-14, 2010Men’s, Women’s, COED 18+, 30+, 40+:A/B,C,D,E1-888-422-6526 [email protected] http://www.canlanclassictournaments.com Las Vegas Hockey Classic IIILas Vegas, NevadaNovember 19 - 21, 2010Men’s, Women’s, COED 18+, 30+, 40+:A/B,C,D,[email protected] http://www.canlanclassictournaments.com Chicago WolvesWindy City Challenge SeriesWishbone ChallengeWest Dundee, ILNovember 25-30, 2010Mite-Midget B, A & AA847-844-8700 Ext. [email protected]

New Jersey Thanksgiving ClassicVineland, New JerseyNovember 26 – 28, 2010BOYS - 2009, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991 (Travel B,Select, AE), A, AA, AAA888-422-6526tournaments@icesports.comcanlanclassictournaments.com Fort Wayne Thanksgiving BlastFort Wayne, IndianaNovember 26-28, 2010 BOYS - 2002/2001, 2000, 1999/1998, 1997/1996, 1995/1994/1993,1992/1991 Tier II - B, A, AA [email protected] canlanclassictournaments.com/ Advanced TournamentsNovember 26-28, 2010Chicago, ILCHICAGO CUP Tournament Series: Chicago Thanksgiving ClassicMite through Midget; B, A, and AA, High School Varsity and JVContact Advanced Tournaments847-277-7343www.advancedtournaments.com Advanced TournamentsNovember 26-28, 2010Pittsburgh, PASteel City Tournament Series: Pittsburgh Thanksgiving ClassicMite through Midget: B, A, AAContact Advanced Tournaments847-277-7343www.advancedtournaments.com Advanced TournamentsNovember 26-28, 2010Rochester, NYEmpire State Tournament Series: Rochester Thanksgiving ClassicMite through Midget: B, A, AA, Girls U12, U14, U16 & U19Contact Advanced Tournaments847-277-7343www.advancedtournaments.com Advanced TournamentsNovember 26-28, 2010Washington, DCCongressional Cup Tournament Series: Congressional Thanksgiving ClassicMite through Midget: B, A, AA, Girls U12, U14, U16 & U19Contact Advanced Tournaments847-277-7343www.advancedtournaments.com Advanced TournamentsNovember 26-28, 2010Riverside, CAGolden State Tournament Series: Golden State Thanksgiving ClassicMite through Midget: B, A, AA, Girls U12, U14, U16 & U19Contact Advanced Tournaments847-277-7343www.advancedtournaments.com Hockey Time ProductionsRock ‘n Roll Cup Tournament SeriesCleveland, OHNovember 26-28, 2010Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV216-325-0567www.itshockeytime.com Hockey Time ProductionsThree Rivers Cup Tournament SeriesPittsburgh, PANovember 26-28, 2010Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV216-325-0567www.itshockeytime.com

Niagra Sports TournamentFestival of LightsNiagra Falls, NYNovember 26-28, 2010Mites, Squirts, Pee Wees, Bantams, and Midgets B, A & AA available.716-791-4068www.niagratournaments.com Hockey Time ProductionsRock ‘n Roll Cup Tournament SeriesCleveland, OHDecember 3-5, 2010Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV216-325-0567www.itshockeytime.com Gene Harrington InvitationalShootout ClassicNiagra Falls, NYDecember 3-5, 2010781-710-6560www.nahockey.com New Jersey Christmas ClassicVineland, New JerseyDecember 27-29, 2010BOYS - 2009, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996,1995, 1994, 1993,1992,1991 (Travel B,Select, AE), A, AA, [email protected]://www.canlanclassictournaments.com Chicago WolvesWindy City Challenge SeriesArctic ChallengeWest Dundee, ILDecember 27-30, 2010Mite-Midget B, A & AA847-844-8700 Ext. [email protected]

October ClassicOshawa, OntarioOctober 15-17, 2010Men’s, Women’s, COED18+, 30+, 40+:A/B,C,D,E888-422-6526tournaments@icesports.comcanlanclassictournaments.com November ClassicOshawa , OntarioNovember 19 - 21, 2010Men’s, Women’s, COED18+, 30+, 40+:A/B,C,D,E1-888-422-6526tournaments@icesports.comcanlanclassictournaments.com New Years Ultimate - 2011Oshawa, OntarioDec 31 - Jan 1 - 2011Men’s, Women’s, COED 18+, 30+, 40+:A/B,C,D,E1-888-422-6526 [email protected] Winter Whiteout - 2011Oshawa, OntarioFeb 11 – 13, 2011Men’s, Women’s, COED 18+, 30+, 40+:A/B,C,D,E1-888-422-6526 [email protected]

COMPLETE and UP-TO-DATE TOURNAMENT LISTING ON WEBSITEwww.michiganhockeyonline.com

OUT OF STATEOUT OF STATEOUT OF STATECANADACANADACANADA

CCM_MichiganHockey_FullPage_OL.indd 1 17/09/10 1:56 PM


College Hockey

Wolverines’ Hagelin ready Wolverines’ Hagelin ready for big yearfor big year

BY PHILIP COLVINThe fi rst time Michigan senior left wing Carl Hagelin came

over from Sweden and skated at Ann Arbor’s Yost Ice Arena it was for the Wolverines Hockey Camp and he wasn’t thinking about playing college hockey.

“I was 11-years old, there are no college sports in Sweden and I wasn’t that good of a player back then,” said Hagelin. “I was sort of a late bloomer.”

Later when Hagelin’s older brother, Bobbie, began a pro career in Sweden, Carl started thinking about coming back to the U.S to play.

“I got a call from a college coach and we talked about all the opportunities and how good college hockey was,” Hagelin said. “And school has always been important to me and I fi gured why not get an education and play hockey at a high level at the same time?”

A sixth-round pick (168th overall) of the New York Rangers in 2007, Hagelin’s top end skating ability helped him earn a spot on the Wolverines’ penalty killing unit as a freshman. He has steadily improved in his three years at Michigan and developed into a Hobey Baker Award candidate and legitimate NHL prospect.

“We’ve had some great skaters and Carl is as good as it gets,” said Michigan head coach Red Berenson. “And it’s not just his top speed, it’s his acceleration. He is as quick off the mark as anyone I have ever seen. Two strides and he’s gone. And most guys can go 20 seconds, Carl can go as long as we need him to.”

After taking a regular shift his sophomore year, Hagelin broke out with a big junior season, fi nishing second on the Wolverines in goals (19) and leading the team in assists (31), points (50) and shots on goal (170). He also had a career-high 11 multi-point games, an 11-game point scoring steak and was a force in Michigan’s run to the CCHA playoff title and NCAA Midwest Regional fi nal.

“He can skate, he has off ensive skill and he’s committed on both sides of the puck,” said Northern Michigan head coach Walt Kyle, who spent four seasons as a NHL assistant coach with Anaheim and the Rangers. “He’s the prototype of the kind of top players that college hockey is developing. He’s a late draft pick and comes in and just keeps getting better and better. And he’s going to come out of college hockey ready to step in and have a chance to crack (the Rangers) lineup.”

Before his freshman season Hagelin quickly made an impression on his future teammates by going undefeated in

races up the steps at Michigan Stadium in the squad’s fi rst off -ice workout.

“They are really tough - every other step and two-legged hops - and he won every one of them,” said Berenson. “That really got him the respect of his teammates before he even got on the ice.”

Hagelin has played with center Matt Rust his whole career at Michigan and has made the all-CCHA academic team the last two seasons.

“He’s really grown, his patience, his confi dence (have improved) and his work ethic has always been there,” said Berenson. “He’s a great penalty killer, a great two-way player. But now if we can get him to fi nish on half his chances – he’s so fast he creates off ense just with his speed. And that is a work in progress – you don’t do all that in a day or a week.”

Hagelin agrees that he has matured physically and mentally in his time in Ann Arbor.

“I started here in a defensive role and did a lot of running around,” said Hagelin, who earned a silver medal with Team Sweden at 2008 World Junior Championship. “But as I have gotten older I have gotten stronger, more patient with the puck and smarter about where to be to create scoring chances.”

Before this season Hegelin was voted a Wolverines’ co-captain (along with junior forward Luke Glendening) and Berenson believes he’s still a work in progress.

“He’ll be on the powerplay, kill penalties and be a front line player for us this year,” said Berenson. “Anyone I put Carl with plays well. He’s is one of those players that you’d like to have on every line. I can’t play him enough.”

“He’s pushed himself to get better every day and if you look at Detroit, Carl is already a (Darren) Helm, (Kris) Draper type of player and I think his game is still growing, so I would hate to pigeon hole him at this point.”

Hagelin loves playing at Yost, where fans display a huge Swedish fl ag before games, and enjoys being on the Michigan campus.

“Driving down State Street on a football Saturday is amazing,” he said. “Going to school and playing here has been a great experience.”

And while he knows the Rangers are keeping tabs on his progress, he’s trying to focus on his fi nal season with the Wolverines.

“We’ve got a really good team and I want to take more responsibility, work hard, and get better every day,” he said.

Wolverines’ Hagelin ready for big year

Michigan senior Carl Hagelin of Sweden is a Wolverines captain this season.

PH

OT

O B

Y D

AV

E R

EG

INE

K/D

IG P

HO

TO

www.suburbanhockey.com(248) 478-1600

Thanksgiving Clinics

CLASS DESCRIPTION TIME DAYSStickhandling & Puck Control (Ages 5-8) 9:30 - 11:00 am Wednesday, November 24Outside Edges (Ages 6-14) 11:00 am - 12:30 pm Wednesday, November 24Stickhandling & Puck Control (Ages 9-14) 12:30 - 2:00 pm Wednesday, November 24Backward Power Skating (Ages 9-14) 2:00 - 3:30 pm Wednesday, November 24Shoot to Score (Ages 5-8) 9:30 - 11:00 am Friday, November 26Quick 'n' Fast (Ages 6-14) 11:00 am - 12:30 pm Friday, November 26Shoot to Score (Ages 9-14) 12:30 - 2:00 pm Friday, November 26Defense Clinic (Ages 9-14) 2:00 - 3:30 pm Friday, November 26

TM

CLASS DESCRIPTION TIME DAYSStickhandling & Puck Control (Ages 5-8) 10:00 - 11:30 am Wednesday, November 24Outside Edges (Ages 6-14) 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Wednesday, November 24Stickhandling & Puck Control (Ages 9-14) 1:00 - 2:30 pm Wednesday, November 24Shoot to Score (Ages 5-8) 10:00 - 11:30 am Friday, November 26Quick 'n' Fast (Ages 6-14) 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Friday, November 26Shoot to Score (Ages 9-14) 1:00 - 2:30 pm Friday, November 26

CLASS DESCRIPTION TIME DAYSShoot to Score (Ages 5-8) 9:30 - 11:00 am Wednesday, November 24Quick 'n' Fast (Ages 6-14) 11:00 am - 12:30 pm Wednesday, November 24Shoot to Score (Ages 9-14) 12:30 - 2:00 pm Wednesday, November 24

NOV. 24 & 26


GET YYOOUURR FFIITT ONThe New CCM U+ Crazy Light

CCM_MichiganHockey_ThirdPage_OL.indd 1 17/09/10 1:58 PM

College PreviewOctober 18, 2010, Volume 21 : Issue 6

2010-11 CCHA PRESEASON ALL-CONFERENCE TEAMS

First Team

Position Name, Year, School First Totals

Forward Carl Hagelin, SR, Michigan 10 50

Forward Andy Miele, SR, Miami 7 44

Forward Louie Caporusso, SR, Michigan 6 39

Defense Zach Redmond, SR, Ferris State 8 46

Defense Chris Wideman, JR, Miami 5 38

Goaltender Cody Reichard, JR, Miami 8 46

Second Team

Position Name, Year, School First Totals

Forward Carter Camper, SR, Miami 3 34

Forward Andy Taranto, SO, Alaska 3 31

Forward Matt Rust, SR, Michigan 0 21

Defense Torey Krug, SO, Michigan State 3 30

Defense Chad Langlais, SR, Michigan 3 27

Goaltender Pat Nagle, SR, Ferris State 1 20

Honorable Mention (next six point totals, regardless of position with fi rst-team votes in parentheses): Joe Sova, JR, D, Alaska, (2) 23; Greger Hanson, SR, F, Northern Michigan, (2) 20; Calle Ridderwall, SR, F, Notre Dame, (1) 19; Scott Greenham, JR, G, Alaska, (1) 16; Drew Palmisano, JR, G, Michigan State, (1) 14; Justin Florek, JR, F, Northern Michigan, (1) 12.

Vote Values: 1st place = 5, 2nd place = 3, 3rd place = 1

Voting was conducted among the 11 head coaches in the CCHA.

Coaches could not vote for their own players.

COACHES POLL

Rank Team Points

1. Michigan (8) 108

2. Miami (3) 103

3. Alaska 81

4. Michigan State 76

5. Notre Dame 75

6. Northern Michigan 65

7. Ferris State 64

8. Ohio State 56

9. Lake Superior 35

10. Western Michigan 29

11. Bowling Green 23

MEDIA POLL

Rank Team Points

1. Miami (57) 877

2. Michigan (17) 825

3. Michigan State (1) 651

4. Alaska 618

5. Notre Dame 567

6. Ferris State 546

7. Northern Michigan 536

8. Ohio State 428

9. Lake Superior 312

10. Western Michigan 225

11. Bowling Green 190

(fi rst place votes)

Ferris State senior Pat Nagle of Bloomfi eld

PHOTO BY DAVE REGINEK/DIG PHOTO

Since starting play in 1971 the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) has eight national champions and six Hobey Baker Award winners.

The CCHA starts its 40th season with a special logo to celebrate the anniversary.“The CCHA has developed a great tradition and proud history,” said Commissioner

Tom Anastos. “Our 40th anniversary season will be a time to recognize the accomplishments of those who have set the standard of excellence in the conference over the past four decades and to look ahead to celebrating many more championship teams and outstanding individual performances in the years to come.”

MORE SHOOTOUTSThe conference also voted to continue using shootouts and the three-point system

this year, and also added the use of standardized media timeouts in all league games and non-conference games hosted by CCHA teams.

In 2008 the CCHA became the fi rst Division I men’s ice hockey conference to institute the shootout in league play. For the 2009-10 season, the CCHA adopted a standings format for league play where a team that wins in regulation or overtime receives three points, a team that wins a shootout is awarded two points, a team that loses a shootout gets one point, and a team that loses in regulation or overtime earns no points. Last season 25 CCHA games went to a shootout, with Alaska being the most frequent participant at eight shootouts.

The new standardized media timeout policy states that there will be three timeouts in each period of play. Timeouts will be at the fi rst stoppage with under 14:00, 10:00 and 6:00 minutes on the clock for each period in all games. Teams must be at even strength. A timeout cannot be taken following an icing call, following a call for shooting the puck out of play, following a goal or during a power-play situation. A timeout can be taken going into a power-play situation.

FIFTY GAMES ON TV The CCHA TV schedule this season will feature all 11 teams and 50 games on

FOX Sports Detroit (FSD), Comcast Television, CBS College Sports (CBSC) and Big Ten Network (BTN).

FOX Sports Detroit celebrates its 14th season of televising CCHA hockey during the 2010-11 campaign with a slate of 11 regular-season games including The Big Chill at the Big House between Michigan and Michigan State at Michigan Stadium on Dec. 11 that will set a new world record for attendance at a hockey game.

The FSD lineup also includes a campus-site playoff contest and all the drama from the CCHA Championship at Joe Louis Arena on March 18-19. The fi rst game on Dec. 4 will feature Michigan State and Ferris State in a matchup between the league’s second- and third-place teams last season.

For the fi rst time this season, all of FSD’s college hockey programming will be presented in high-defi nition.

Nine of the CCHA’s 11 teams will appear in regular-season action on FOX Sports Detroit, including four during the fi fth annual ‘Hockey Day in Michigan’ on Saturday, Jan. 29. Miami will visit Notre Dame in the fi rst game at 5:05 p.m., followed by Michigan and Michigan State playing at Joe Louis Arena at 7:35 p.m.

Twenty-two conference games, including a pair of CCHA Tournament second-round contests, will be shown as part of Comcast Television’s weekly CCHA package. All of the CCHA’s members will appear on Comcast at least once and telecasts will originate from the home venues of six schools: Bowling Green, Ferris State, Michigan, Michigan State, Notre Dame and Western Michigan.

CBS College Sports has committed to an eight-game package and the Big 10 Network is set to air fi ve games involving CCHA teams.

CCHA starts 40th season



BY PHILIP COLVINProponents of building a team from the net out will like this year’s Ferris State squad. The Bulldogs had the third best defense in the country last season and return

both veteran goaltenders in senior Pat Nagle and junior Taylor Nelson and a strong group of defensemen led by All-American candidate Zach Redmond, a seventh round pick of the Atlanta Thrashers in 2008.

But this year’s Ferris State team faces the same question as last year’s Bulldogs. Where are the goals going to come from?”

The Bulldogs had the same concern a year ago when Daniels started the season expecting big years from seniors Blair Riley, Casey Haines, Cody Chupp and Aaron Lewicki and they delivered.

“Last season there were a lot of question marks,” said Daniels, who is starting his 19th season behind the bench at Ferris State. “I felt Riley had a chance for a breakout year and Haines was a career third-line center for us.”

“This year we have the same thing – it’s our greatest unknown, but we have the same possibilities of some other players to emerge.”

With Riley, Haines, Chupp and Lewicki all graduated, Daniels believes a trio of senior forwards - Mike Embach (9-11-20), Justin Menke (8-12-20) and Todd Pococke of Saginaw (5-7-12) – could have similar breakout seasons.

“I think all three of those players are big, they’re strong, and I think they can step up and score and show up on a consistent basis on the score sheet.”

Sophomore right wing Matthew Kirzinger led all Bulldogs’ freshmen in scoring last season (9-5-14). Sophomore center Travis Ouellette (7-4-11) and sophomore right wing Eric Alexander of Kentwood (3-4-7) are expected to add to their scoring totals.

“I have a lot of confi dence that we do have some guys on this season’s team who will step up to the challenge and carry us off ensively,” said Daniels.

Nagle and Nelson are two of the league’s top goalies, and the pair will start the season splitting time in the net, but Daniels said he isn’t locked in to keeping it that way.

Nagle, a Bloomfi eld native and a pre-season all-CCHA second team selection, played in 26 games last season, went 12-10-3, had a 2.13 goals-against average and a .923 save percentage. Nelson went 9-3-3 with a 2.49 goals-against average

and a .915 save percentage in 16 games.“We return two of the top goalies in the CCHA, who for the most part split the

games last year,” Daniels said. “At the end of last season, Pat took over the reins but I have complete confi dence in both and we’re starting the season with a healthy competition between the two again.”

Daniels also believes the Bulldogs have a defensive unit that ranks in the “top-four” in the CCHA.

The unit is anchored by Redmond, a Traverse City native and the Bulldogs captain, who will be counted on to create off ense from the blueline. Redmond was named to the All-CCHA Second-Team last season after recording a career high six goals and 27 points.

“He’s one of the best skating defensemen in the CCHA and he elected to stay and lead this team,” said Daniels.

Redmond will be joined on the blueline by junior Chad Billins (Marysville), junior Brett Wysopal and senior Scott Wietecha, who is back after missing the last 16 games of last season because of an injury.

A trio of junior defensemen - Michael Trebish, Aaron Schmit and Tommy Hill (Portage) - will also vie for icetime.

Defense, goaltending will drive Ferris StateDefense, goaltending will drive Ferris State

Lakers strong up front and in the netLakers strong up front and in the net

Head coach: Bob Daniels (19th season)Home arena: Ewigleben Ice ArenaLast season: 21-13-6 overall, 13-9-6-4 CCHA (3rd), lost CCHA Semi-Final to MiamiSkinny: Solid defense, but who is going to score?

Head coach: Jim Roque (6th season)Home arena: Taff y Abel ArenaLast season: 15-18-5 overall, 10-15-3-2 CCHA (10th), lost to Michigan in the fi rst round of the CCHA playoff sSkinny: The Lakers could have six freshmen in the lineup every night.

Defense, goaltending will drive Ferris StateDefense, goaltending will drive Ferris State

Lakers strong up front and in the netLakers strong up front and in the net

Defense, goaltending will drive Ferris State

Lakers strong up front and in the net

College Preview

Traverse City’s Zach Redmond is an all-american canidate.

Lake Superior will again be led by senior Rick Schofi eld.

BY JAMES DOWDWhile there may not be much doubt that Miami, Michigan and Alaska will be

the class of the CCHA this season, there’s a world of opportunity for the next tier of teams and waiting in the wings is one of this year’s most intriguing dark horses: Lake Superior State.

Led by senior captain Rick Schofi eld — a leader in every sense that a student-athlete can be — the Lakers boast a dynamic top line and an experienced netminder in senior Brian Mahoney-Wilson, who coach Jim Roque was happy to grant a clean bill of health after off season hip surgery.

Schofi eld will likely continue to team up with fellow senior Will Acton and sophomore Ben Power after leading the team with 15 goals and 28 points last season. He should improve on those totals and has generated some interest from the professional ranks, including an invitation to the Chicago Blackhawks’ prospects camp this summer.

The senior set aside any plans of playing pro hockey at any level for another year to make sure he would fi nish up his degree, with the added bonus of playing on a team that could shake up the upper-middle class of the CCHA standings.

“He’s not only a great player, but he’s a tremendous leader and tremendous student,” Roque said about Schofi eld. “He had a couple small off ers to turn pro but he felt getting his degree was really important. He’s a School of Business scholarship winner. I just look for him to have a tremendous season this year and he will be one of the better free agent signings for the next level in the spring.”

While Schofi eld, who plays a nice defensive game himself, and the returning forwards will be looked on to add some scoring punch, Roque’s club will depend on Mahoney-Wilson to hold down the fort behind a defense that will count at least two freshmen among its ranks. Mahoney-Wilson, a San Jose Sharks’ draft pick, had a save percentage above .910 in each of the last two seasons, and should be rewarded with a few more victories if Schofi eld, Acton and Power can jumpstart the off ense.

Mahoney-Wilson struggled down the stretch last year, but Roque points to the hip injury his goaltender had surgery on this summer for those struggles.

“He’s fully recovered and feels good,” Roque said. “Obviously I look for him to build on that. The last six weeks of the season he didn’t play as well but he never practiced the last month, he was basically just playing in games and trying to do it that way and it didn’t really work out. We didn’t have a lot of confi dence in our next guys and Brian still had to give us the best chance to win the game. Look for him to build on that.”

Behind Mahoney-Wilson, the Lakers have two freshmen backing him up, including Kevin Kapalka, the likely heir to the starting job. Beyond Kapalka, look for the rest of his rookie classmates to have an impact as well.

“I would say right now, you’re probably talking six freshmen will play, plus the seventh for a backup goalie for Brian,” Roque said. “So I would say two on defense for sure, four forwards and a goalie. I like them and I think they are going to be good players. I don’t think we need to lean on them. We don’t really have to put those guys in situations where they can’t have some success. I think they are going to be good though and they will challenge for ice time.”

PH

OT

O C

OU

RT

ES

Y L

SS

U S

PO

RT

S IN

FO

RM

AT

ION


Head coach: Rick Comley (9th season)Home arena: Munn Ice ArenaLast season: 19-13-6 overall, 14-8-6-2 CCHA (2nd), lost to Michigan in the second round of the CCHA playoff sSkinny: All-CCHA goalie Drew Palmisano is back, but who provides off ense?

BY JOHN RAFFELAfter a thrilling postseason run a year ago, Michigan starts this season with

some high expectations. The Wolverines return eight seniors and 19 letter winners, including their top

fi ve scorers and two starting goaltenders, from a squad that slumped to seventh place in the regular season standings but caught fi re to win the CCHA playoff title and lost to Miami in double overtime in the NCAA regional fi nal.

This season’s veteran Michigan squad includes four top seniors, left wing Carl Hagelin, center Louie Caporusso, center Matt Rust (Bloomfi eld Hills) and defenseman Chad Langlais (Cranbrook), that were all named to the all-CCHA preseason teams.

The speedy, relentless Hagelin has improved every year, fi nished last season with 19 goals and 50 points, and is one of the league’s top players and a Hobey Baker Award candidate. Caporusso led the team with 21 goals and fi nished second in points behind Hagelin (43).

Rust, who will center the Wolverines top line with Hagelin and sophomore right wing Kevin Lynch (Grosse Pointe), had 13 goals and 40 points last season and was a fi nalist for the CCHA’s best defensive forward honor.

They all avoided the tendency among college players to skip their senior season of college play and sign early with a NHL team.

“It means that we’ll be a team with a good senior class,” said Michigan head coach Red Berenson, who recorded his 700th career win at Bowling Green on October 8th. “I’ve always judged our team by how good our seniors are. We should have good leadership and have a good team. All three of these kids have their heads screwed on. They’re realizing why give up your best year, your senior year, to play in the minors?”

Langlais is mobile, moves the puck well and led the Wolverines defensemen in scoring last season (5-16-21). He’ll pair with freshman Jon Merrill (Brighton), a smart, talented top recruit who should be able to step right into the lineup.

“We have a deep group of seniors,” said Rust. “But anything can happen in this league. Miami is a good team. But I think we can do some good things.”

Up front expect junior left wing David Wohlberg and sophomore right wing Chris

Brown to form a formidable second line with Caporusso at center. Hagelin and junior forward Luke Glendening (East Grand Rapids) are the team’s

co-captains. “Luke is one of those walk-on players that is a player’s player and a team player,”

Berenson said. “I like the character of this team.”The defensive unit also is experienced. Junior Greg Pateryn (Sterling Heights)

came on strong at the end of last season, junior Brandon Burlon has a lot of off ensive potential and physical senior Tristin Llewellyn (Ann Arbor) could end up in the top four.

A pair of seniors - Shawn Hunwick and Bryan Hogan – will start the season competing for time in the net. Hunwick’s play late last season opened some eyes and boosted the Wolverines in the postseason.

“We have two solid goaltenders,” Rust said. “‘They’ve both done a good job.”A big feature on the schedule is “The Big Chill at the Big House” at Michigan Stadium

on Saturday, Dec. 11 with the Wolverines taking on Michigan State.“There will be a big build up to that,” Berenson said. “Our team went through that

last year at Wisconsin. It will be great for college hockey and will be a memorable experience. We were fortunate to be a part of the game at Spartan Stadium (Oct. 2001) that was a tremendous success.”

Wolverines have very high expectationsWolverines have very high expectations

Spartans have talent at every positionSpartans have talent at every position

Head coach: Red Berenson (27th season)Home arena: Yost Ice ArenaLast season: 26-18-1 overall, 14-13-1 CCHA (7th), won CCHA playoff title and lost in NCAA regional fi nalSkinny: Hagelin, Rust and Caporusso lead a team with veterans at all positions.

Wolverines have very high expectationsWolverines have very high expectations

Spartans have talent at every positionSpartans have talent at every position

Wolverines have very high expectations

Spartans have talent at every position

College Preview

Senior Matt Rust will center Michigan’s top line.

Spartans’ junior Drew Palmisano was named to the preseason All-CCHA second team.

BY NEIL KOEPKEBefore last season, Michigan State wondered where their scoring was going

to come from. A group led by junior forwards Corey Tropp (20-22-42 points) and Andrew Rowe

(17-11-28), junior defenseman Jeff Petry (4-25-29) and freshman left wing Derrick Grant (12-18-30) stepped up and provided most of the Spartans off ense.

This year with Tropp, Rowe and Petry all giving up their fi nal year of eligibility to sign pro contracts, the Spartans are again facing uncertainty about their off ense.

Who’s going to create off ense and put the puck in the net?Will Grant be the go-to forward and improve on his successful-but-somewhat-

inconsistent rookie season?Is this the year that center Daultan Leveille, a fi rst-round NHL draft by the Atlanta

Thrashers in 2008, becomes more of an off ensive threat after scoring nine goals and 17 points as a freshman and six goals and 25 points last year?

Will senior right wing Dustin Gazley, a speedy 5-foot-8, 155-pounder who’s always moving fast, better last season’s career-high output of nine goals and 21 points?

How much of an off ensive boost can be expected from junior Brett Perlini (7-5-12 in 20 games), Chris Forfar (6-4-10), Dean Chelios (4-6-10), Trevor Nill (2-7-9), Zach Golembiewski (2-4-6), and Anthony Hayes (2-2-4)?

“We’re all used to losing players and thrusting kids into new rolls. Just about everybody can play and compete, but you fi nd have fi nd the guys who can put the puck in the net in critical times,’’ Spartans coach Rick Comley said.

The Spartans’ top fi ve returnees totaled 40 goals in 2009-2010.“Our talent is good. We get up and down the ice fairly well and we do well

5-on-5,’’ Comley said. “Now, who can separate themselves and make an impact?”“Off ense is critical, but we better make sure we play well defensively early. But

when you have a goalie to build around, you have a good starting point.’’In his fi rst season as a starter, Drew Palmisano posted a 15-10-5 record, a 2.44

goals-against average, two shutouts and a .917 save percentage. Palmisano, now a junior, was an All-CCHA second team selection.

Other positives include depth on defense, work ethic, team chemistry and camaraderie and strong leadership provided by captain Torey Krug, a standout

sophomore defenseman, and assistant captains Gazley and Nill.“When you look at our team, there’s not many players with proven track records.

But that’s going to keep everyone fi ghting for spots,’’ said Krug, the fi rst sophomore solo captain in Spartan history. “What I really think is going to help us win games and be successful is our camaraderie.’’

The defense includes juniors Matt Crandell, Tim Buttery and Brock Shelgren and A.J. Sturges, sophomores Matt Grassi and Zach Josepher and freshmen Jake Chelios and Chris Sandmeyer. Freshman Will Yanakeff will backup Palmisano.

Leveille and Grant, who are likely to start the season on the same line, with Gazley on right wing, are eager to set the tone on off ense.

“I’ve always been more of a playmaker but with our off ense, we need people to step up and score goals so I may have to alter my game and bit and to put the puck on goal more,’’ Leveille said.

Grant’s mission is to improve on last season by being more consistent, especially in the second half.

“I feel more comfortable with the speed of the game and learning how to prepare for an opponent,’’ he said. “I think one of our strengths is depth (at forward). Coach will have a tough time putting together lines because the competition is higher than it was last season.”

PHOTO BY BOB BRUCE/MICHIGAN HOCKEY


College Preview

BY JAMES DOWDIt’s no secret that things haven’t gone well for Western Michigan over the past

few seasons. After winning just four games and fi nishing in last place last season, the Broncos

hired former CCHA assistant coach Jeff Blashill as the team’s new head coach. Blashill spent four seasons at Ferris State and six at Miami and was most recently the head coach of the USHL’s Indiana Ice, where he won a league title in 2009.

Blashill plans to build a program in Kalamazoo with the tenets that made the RedHawks so successful — a commitment to teammates and constantly striving for greatness.

“Our success is going to depend on the culture we are able to create and most of that is off the ice,” Blashill said. “We want guys to choose greatness on a daily basis and understand that it’s a daily choice we are going to make. It takes work and great sacrifi ce to achieve that. We are working towards building that as well as having a group of guys who are going to commit to each other, to a Bronco hockey family, guys that are selfl ess and care about their teammates success equal to their own.”

The Broncos will need leadership and scoring from junior captain Ian Slater and alternate captains Max Campbell and Ryan Watson, both senior forwards who had six goals each last season.

Junior forwards Greg Squires (4-20-24) and J.J. Crew (8-11-19), along with freshman Shane Berschbach of Clawson (20 goals last season in the USHL), will also play a key role in reviving an off ense that hovered just above Bowling Green at the bottom of the league, notching just 2.11 goals per game.

“We did not score very many goals last season,” Blashill said. “Goal scoring doesn’t happen on your fi rst eff ort. It’s going to take a second, and a third and a fourth eff ort and we are going to have to learn to be aggressive and relentless to get on pucks. If we do that our goal scoring will increase.

“I think we are quick and have a group of guys that can be very good on the power play. I think we are going to score by committee.”

In goal, the Broncos return Jerry Kuhn, a veteran of 34 career appearances

and a .911 career save percentage and a 2.99 goals against average. Sophomore Nick Pisellini had a 6-2-1 record for Quinnipiac during the 2008-09 season before transferring to Western Michigan.

On the blueline Western Michigan suff ered a big loss with the graduation of Tyler Ludwig, but sophomore Luke Witkowski (Holland) will lead a group Blashill hopes will be able to take some pressure off the netminders. Witkowski, a Tampa Bay Lightning draft pick, made strides last season while adjusting to the college game, and has the potential to be one of the league’s better defensemen.

Mike Levendusky is the lone senior defenseman on the roster. Sophomore defenseman Matt Tennyson will pair with Witkowski, and another sophomore, Ross Henry, returns after playing in 33 games last season.

Even with some intriguing pieces in place, Blashill knows that culture change likely won’t happen overnight, but there is still an opportunity for the Broncos to win some games and turn the program in the right direction.

“This year reminds me of my fi rst year with the Indiana Ice where I really don’t have expectations low or high,” said Blashill. “There are a lot of unknowns and until we fi gure that stuff out it is impossible to set any true expectations. We are going to take it day by day.”

Broncos will work to climb out of basement

Head coach: Jeff Blashill (1st season)Home arena: Lawson Ice ArenaLast season: 8-20-8 overall, 4-17-7-2 CCHA (12th), lost fi rst round of CCHA playoff s to AlaskaSkinny: First-year coach Jeff Blashill solid pieces to build with.

Broncos will work to climb out of basementBroncos will work to climb out of basementBroncos will work to climb out of basement

Senior Max Campbell is big part of Broncos off ense.

BY JAMES DOWDWith the league’s top scorer, a stalwart defenseman leading an experienced

blue line corps and an excellent senior goaltender holding down the fort, Northern Michigan fi nally broke through to the CCHA Championship game at Joe Louis Arena last spring and earned an NCAA Tournament bid in the process.

But now that Mark Olver and Erik Gustafsson signed pro contracts and Brian Stewart graduated, who is going to step up for the Wildcats?

“We are going to be a team that is looking for and trying to fi nd who is going to fi ll those holes off ensively,” Northern Michigan coach Walt Kyle said.

Focus up front will be squarely on senior Gregor Hanson (16-22-38 last season) and junior Justin Florek (12-23-35), along with juniors Andrew Cherniwchan (12-16-28) and Tyler Gron.

“Hanson has been a real solid off ensive contributor for us throughout his career,” said Kyle. “And I think Florek really came into his own last year, started to put up numbers and started to make himself dangerous, a real eff ective guy in front of the net on the power play.”

“Cherniwchan and Gron both played in our top six last year and are guys that look to us to have the potential to pick up the slack off ensively,” said Kyle.

Senior forward Phil Fox, who was injured most of last season, returns as the team captain.

“Phil was as easy guy for us to name captain,” said Kyle. “He has been a real good honest soldier in his entire career and is well respected in the room.”

Making up the lost contributions of Gustafsson and fellow graduate T.J. Miller could present challenges for the Wildcats on their defensive end. Look for sophomore Kyle Follmer to lead a group that will need to gel together quickly as a unit to help take pressure off of new starting goaltender Reid Ellingson.

“Kyle really grew and developed and became a very good player throughout last year,” said Kyle.

Ellingson, a junior, played in 11 games for the Wildcats in both 2007-08 and 2009-10 and spent the season in between with Green Bay (USHL).

“Reid is certainly a guy who’s paid his dues, and has really matured,” Kyle said.

“I’m really pleased with his development and his mentality. We feel he’s a really capable goaltender.”

While Ellingson should get the the lions’ share of starts in goal, look for Jared Coreau, a freshman who boasts Stewart-like size to push for his chance to start his career on a strong note.

“I think (Ellingson) will be challenged and pushed right away by Coreau,” Kyle said. “He’s 6-foot-5, a big kid with a ton of talent, he’s real athlete in net, and he’s a guy who certainly needs to adjust to the college level. His athletic ability and his size is something we’re really looking forward to molding and developing him into a quality goaltender in his career.”

Freshmen that should make an impact include defenseman CJ Ludwig (the son of former NHL defenseman Craig Ludwig), and forwards Stephan Vigier (brother of former Wildcats standout J.P. Vigier, now playing pro in Switzerland), Reed Seckel (Melvin) and Erik Higby, who led the NAHL last year in scoring with 37 goals and 80 points.

While the loss of Northern Michigan’s big three talents is devastating on paper, Kyle’s teams always compete hard and get better as the season progresses.

The Wildcats have some question marks, but return enough players that had a taste of the CCHA championship game and the NCAA tournament and it will only make them hungrier to take the next step.

Wildcats start year with plenty of upside Wildcats start year with plenty of upside

Head coach: Walt Kyle (9th season)Home arena: Berry Events CenterLast season: 20-13-8 overall, 13-9-6-3 CCHA (4th), lost to Michigan in the CCHA fi nals; lost to St. Cloud State in fi rst round of the NCAA tournament.Skinny: Lost a lot of fi repower. Who will step up?

Wildcats start year with plenty of upside Wildcats start year with plenty of upside Wildcats start year with plenty of upside

Senior forward Phil Fox is the Wildcats captain this year.

PHOTO COURTESY NMU SPORTS INFORMATION


College PreviewOctober 18, 2010, Volume 21 : Issue 6

Head coach: Jamie Russell (8th season)Home arena: MacInnes Ice ArenaLast season: 5-30-1 overall, 4-24 WCHA (10th), lost in fi rst round of WCHA playoff s to DenverSkinny: More experience and fewer injuries could help Huskies climb out of WCHA cellar.

BY MATT MACKINDERWayne State opened the season with two straight splits and is looking forward

to winning even more as the season gets into full-swing.Warriors’ head coach Jim Fetter, starting his seventh season in Detroit, sees great

potential in his team, especially after taking No. 4-ranked Minnesota to the limit in a 1-0 loss on Oct. 9.

“We have a tough schedule, but it’s a challenge for our players,” said Fetter, also the head coach for Canada’s Under-22 national team. “We want to continue to get better and I think we need to play those programs so that our players can see where we need to get to.”

Last season, WSU went 9-18-4 and lost in the fi rst round of the College Hockey America post-season tournament.

Wayne State returns 17 letter-winners, including an eight-member junior class. Three of those juniors – forwards Veronique Laramee-Paquette and Alyssa Baldin and defenseman Ciara Lee – will serve as team captains this season. Laramee-Paquette and Baldin will be co-captains, while Lee will be an assistant captain.

“This year we are expecting Vero to become more of a leader,” said Fetter. “She has another year of experience to understand what it takes. The team admires her work ethic both on and off the ice.”

Baldin led Wayne State with 11 assists and 20 points (both career-highs) a year ago.“She was a captain for past teams growing up and she is a player who brings a

strong work ethic and leads by example,” said Fetter.Forward Adrianna Pfeff er (Farmington Hills), who has played in 80 career games

and totaled a career-high six points last season, is the lone senior on the team.Lee will help anchor the WSU defense with junior Jill Szandzik (Warren).“Jill was a great addition two years ago,” noted Fetter. “She may not be the fl ashiest

player, but she gets it done. She’s steady. Every time she steps on the ice, you know what you’re going to get and as a coach, you want consistency.”

Also up front, redshirt junior Lauren Ragen (Grosse Ile) won almost 60 percent of her faceoff s last season and Micheline Frappier recorded six of her seven points from January on.

Seven sophomores that were fi rst-year players a year ago will be counted on to

make a bigger impact this season.“One thing that you just can’t teach is experience,” said Fetter.Jenaya Townsend, Julie Ingratta (WSU’s top rookie last year), Gina Buquet, Julie

Hebert, Lauren Coxon, Jaclyn Stapleton and Lauren Lovold should be valuable go-to players and depth role players for the Warriors.

Ingratta had 15 points, including nine goals, last season.“She worked hard on her skating, which was something she needed to improve

on,” said Fetter. “She has great hands and can really shoot the puck.”Wayne State has four freshmen skating into Motown this year, including Little

Caesars U-19 teammates in forward Rachel Hardwick (Algonac) and goalie Lisa Marshall. California native Cari Coen, who can play both forward and defense, and defenseman Katie Gaskin will be counted on right away.

The WSU goaltenders will also be a strong suit for the Warriors.Delayne Brian enters her junior season with WSU’s all-time best career winning

percentage (.551). She is one of two third-year goalies on the squad, along with Brittany Zeches (Westland).

“Delayne came into camp in really good shape,” said Fetter. “Goaltending wins championships, so she’s defi nitely a person we’re going to be relying on.”

WSU opens CHA conference play Nov. 12-13 at Robert Morris and also has back-to-back home weekends Nov. 19-20 against Mercyhurst and Nov. 26-27 versus Minnesota State.

Wayne State women continue to improveWayne State women continue to improve

Huskies looking forward to big reboundHuskies looking forward to big rebound

Head coach: Jim Fetter (7th season)Home arena: City Sports CenterLast season: 9-18-4 overall, 5-10-1 CHA (5th), lost to Robert Morris in the fi rst round of the CHA playoff s.Skinny: Diffi cult schedule will test veteran squad.

Wayne State women continue to improveWayne State women continue to improve

Huskies looking forward to big reboundHuskies looking forward to big rebound

Wayne State women continue to improve

Huskies looking forward to big rebound

Sophomore forward Julie Ingratta led WSU freshmen in scoring last season with nine goals and 15 points.

Traverse City’s Eric Kattelus is looking for a big senior season with the Huskies.

BY JOHN RAFFELMichigan Tech head coach Jamie Russell is confi dent that the summer trip the

Huskies took to Europe will pay off this season.In August, Tech traveled to Germany and Austria and played fi ve games against

pro teams. “We had a great experience,” Russell said. “We made use of an NCAA rule that

allows you to take a foreign tour. It was an absolutely amazing experience for our returning guys to go over there.”

“We really feel like we have our feet hitting the ground running. We look to get off to a good start fl ying out of the gate.”

The Huskies opened the season with a 5-3 win over Nipissing in an exhibition game and four of their fi ve goals were scored by freshmen, including Milos Gordic, who has freshman eligibility after suff ering a season-ending injury eight games into the 2009-10 season.

The Huskies are coming off a tough 2009-10 season. They were 5-30-1 overall and 4-24 in the WCHA for 10th place out of 10 teams. Key returnees are sophomore goalie Kevin Genoe, junior forward Brett Olson (18-12-30) and sophomore defenseman Steven Seigo.

“We have a big team,” Russell said. “We’ll be physical and hard to play against. The last two years, we’ve had such a tough time of adversity with the number of injuries we’ve had. Last year, ended up in the playoff s playing at Denver where we had 10 forwards dressed. Our fi rst-line center was out, our second-line and fi rst-line left wings were out. Two senior defensemen were out. It was a continued stream of major injuries we went through.

“We’re looking forward to a healthy year,” said Russell. “We have great leadership. Our captains Brett Olson and Deron Cousens have done a terrifi c job.”

The Huskies were young last season with 18 freshmen and sophomores, and hope to benefi t from that experience.

“We had a young defensive corps last year where we had two freshmen in our top four. Steven Seigo is a very talented defenseman who quarterbacked our power play last year and had 19 points.”

In addition to Genoe, junior Josh Robinson (4.68 GAA) will see time in goal.

“We’re a little more experienced in the net,” Russell said. “For us to be successful, we have to start with good goaltending. We have to play good team defense. We’re looking to score more goals. We return a lot of our scoring from last season. We need to be a physical team that’s tough to play against. We’d like to improve our special teams from a year ago.”

Robinson is optimistic for the season.“I think we look really good,” he said. “We only lost six guys and we brought in

eight freshmen. The guys who returned are our top scorers and top D men. A bunch of our freshmen are looking really good. We’re all really confi dent.”

Olson is expected to have another big season.“He plays in all situations. He has good vision and he can fi nish,” Russell said.

“And we’re excited to get Gordic back. He was a freshman for us last year but ended up being medically redshirted. He only played in eight games. He came to us after leading the BCHL in goals. We expect him to step in right away and make a contribution. He’s a big power forward.”

Senior forwards Eric Kattelus (Traverse City) and Jordan Baker, coming off off season surgery, are also expected to provide off ensive punch. And the in coming freshmen class includes Dennis Rix, who scored 100 points in the Alberta Junior Hockey League last season.

PHOTO BY RENATO JAMETT/MICHIGAN HOCKEY

PH

OT

O B

Y K

AR

L H

EN

KE

L/M

ICH

IGA

NC

OLL

EG

EH

OC

KE

Y.C

OM


October 18, 2010, Volume 21 : Issue 6College Preview

Deep, veteran Bulldogs hungry for fi rst-ever DIII national titlefor fi rst-ever DIII national title

BY LARRY O’CONNORAs the Adrian College men’s team enters its fourth season,

the to-do list gets smaller.In its fi rst three campaigns, the Bulldogs have won three

Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association Harris Cups while compiling a 77-8-1 overall mark. Last year, the Division III outfi t fi nally received it’s fi rst-ever NCAA tournament invite, which narrowly eluded the upstart program the previous two seasons.

What’s left to settle?“We’ve got our core back and I think you are really going

to see a driven team to do whatever they can to win the

national championship this year,” says senior right winger Mike Dahlinger, who tallied a league-leading 54 points on 13 goals and 41 assists last season.

That’s a bold statement, but one the Bulldogs are prepared to back it up. The team’s hasty exit in its fi rst-ever national tournament - a 4-3 setback to perennial DIII powerhouse St. Norbert - has made the senior-laden squad more determined.

Dahlinger, who along with Livonia’s Chris Stansik, earned Second Team All-American honors, is one of 18 seniors returning as Adrian loses only two upperclassmen, left wing Kyle Frieday

and defenseman Rob Hodnicki from last season’s 24-4-0 team.The predominance of seniors made the captain’s role more

of a fi gurehead.Though right winger Mike Towns says the team captaincy

was a “huge honor,”“At the same time, we have such a veteran team and there

are so many leaders on the team that it makes my job pretty easy,” Towns says.

All of the team’s top-10 scorers - including Wolverine Lake’s Shawn Skelly (team leading 21 goals) and last season’s freshman sensation Zach Graham who notched 13 goals and 38 points - are back as is the defensive nucleus that held opponents to a meager 69 goals in 28 games, or 2.46 per game.

The team’s architect for such austerity, senior goalie Brad Fogal, returns. The Sharon, Ontario, native started all but one game last season while posting a 23-4 win-loss mark with a 2.35 goals-against average and a .921 save percentage.

Fogal will be challenged this season by incoming goalie Mike Morissette, who backstopped the Ontario Junior Hockey League Oakville Blades to both league and Ontario Hockey Federation Central Canadian crowns last season. Morissette posted a 25-7 win-loss record to along with a 2.48 GAA and .907 save-percentage.

“He’s going to be someone we won’t be afraid to put in if things are not going well,” says Bulldogs Coach Ron Fogarty says. “He gives us a diff erent dynamic.

Over three years, all everyone is seen is a 5-foot-10 butterfl y goaltender. Now you have a 6-foot athletic goaltender.”

The newcomer in net is one of a handful of incoming players as Fogarty looks to replenish a bulk of the roster that leaves after this season.

Center Josh Cousineau and right wing Jordan Watts are expected to vie for spots on the team’s top two lines.

Cousineau scored 69 goals and 189 points in three seasons with Couchiching of OJAHL. Watts is a transfer from R.P.I. where he scored two goals and three assists in two seasons. The 5-foot-9 forward was a teammate of Dahlinger’s on the 2007 national champion Ontario Junior Hockey League Aurora Tigers team.

“He’s a real skilled forward and knows what it takes,” Dahlinger says about Watts.

Other newcomers include left wing Zack Wilson, who played with Kemptville (Ontario) of the Central Junior Hockey League last season; and redshirt defenseman Jordan Principalli who last played for Okotoks of the Alberta Junior Hockey League. Principalli had a brief stint with the Major Junior A Saskatoon Blades in 2006-07.

The continual infl ux of talent will keep the Bulldogs from getting stale, which pleases fans. The team typically sells out most home games at the 750-capacity Arrington Arena where it was undefeated in 14 games last season. Last season, a record crowd of 1,054 watched the Bulldogs beat Lawrence University on Jan. 22.

In addition to a tough MCHA slate, Adrian hosts the Under-18 Czech National Team on Nov. 17. The team will return the favor for an extended visit to European nation in 2012, Fogarty says.

This season’s Thanksgiving Tournament Nov. 26-27 features nonconference foes Wisconsin-Eau Claire and Hamline (Minn.).

A preseason coaches poll has Adrian as favorites to capture its fourth consecutive Harris Cup. Adrian received six fi rst-place votes while Marian garnered two fi rst-place ballots.

“I think people understand that we’re a good team,” Fogarty says. “At the same time we are a focused group. The fi rst group to go through is very dedicated and they not only want to be (known as) the fi rst group that came through, but the fi rst group to win a national championship.”

Adrian junior forward Shawn Skelly (Wolverine Lake) led the Bulldogs with 21 goals last season

Deep, veteran Bulldogs hungry for fi rst-ever DIII national title

Adrian women have good mix Adrian women have good mix of veterans and newcomersof veterans and newcomers

Adrian women have good mix of veterans and newcomers

Depending on which way you look at it the Adrian College women’s team is either dominated by wily veterans or one marked by the youthful zeal of a bunch of freshmen.

Either characterization won’t be off the mark as the Bulldogs have a proven core of returnees from last season’s 15-11-2 squad as well as a bevy of incoming fi rst year players expected to make an immediate impact. The program enters its fourth season and the third under coach Melissa Lomanto.

“We have a solid crew, but we should be a very veteran team right now,” says Lomanto, whose team is 33-17-3 on her watch. “We were able to bring in some freshmen so when our seniors graduate they will be ready to step in.

“I think with the players we brought in, we’ll be much deeper than in the past.”

Returning are the team’s top-fi ve scorers last season, including No. 1 sniper Brooke Zaleski who notched 10 goals and 27 points in 26 games. The Toledo forward is joined by Jessica Grubbs (14-9-23), Stacey Kempson (11-7-18), Kelly Salis (5-11-16) and Danielle Maludy (2-14-16).

All fi ve saw signifi cant time on the Bulldogs’ power play, which converted on only 15 percent or 21 of 144 attempts last season. Opponents were a shade better in man-advantage situations, scoring on 17 percent of them.

An infl ux of what Lomanto terms “crafty” players could inject venom into the team’s special teams.

Heading the list is freshman Lauren Turner, who is a Thunder Bay Queens Midget AA product. Turner was listed at 5-foot-3 and 120 pounds on the Queens roster, but punches well above her weight, the coach says.

“Her passing is on every time,” Lomanto says. “She has a great sense of the game. She’s always in the right spot. We’re excited to see how she fi ts into our lineup.”

Nina Laurie, a 5-foot-2 Palatine, Ill., freshman, is another play-making forward expected to fi nesse her way into the lineup. Laurie had six goals and nine points with the Chicago Mission 19U team last season.

Other freshmen forwards include Danielle Smith, who played for Victory Honda 19U team last season; and Morgan Poole, who is from Ottawa and played for the Nepean Jr. Wildcats.

With the starting netminder Dana Timm’s graduation, the Bulldogs have a pair of untested candidates in junior Meghan Smerecki and sophomore Ashley Drop vying for the starting role. Smerecki played in three games last season while Drop took part in four.

Timm started in all but two of the team’s 28 games last season, amassing a 2.26 goals-against average with a .916 save percentage.

“Obviously goaltending is a pretty big position to fi ll,” Lomanto says. “We’re hoping our freshmen can come in and play right away. But that position is still up for grabs.”

Enter freshman Emily Michelin, who starred for both Little Caesars 16U and 19U teams last season.

With 19U Caesars, the Highland netminder was 10-2-2 with three shutouts. In doing so, Michelin registered a stingy 1.64 GAA with a laudable .901 save-percentage.

Michelin played in nine games with the 16U squad where she sported a 1.00 GAA and .930 save-percentage while going 5-2-2. Four of those wins were shutouts.

She won’t be the lone freshman in the defensive end. Lomanto’s blue-line recruits include Rebecca Hampton, who the coach describes as “a big strong kid” from Edmonton, Alberta; and Amanda Gay, who played with Honeybaked 19U last season. Alex Vallee, who is from Belleville, Ontario, is another defensive recruit.

All hands on deck will be needed as the Bulldogs enter their second campaign in the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association. Last season, Adrian (11-1-4) fi nished second behind Lake Forest.

Adrian fell to eventual-champion Wisconsin-River Falls, 4-1, in the NCHA semifi nals last season.

UW-River Falls, Lake Forest and UW-Superior will be tough this season, Lomanto says. The NCHA title-holder gets an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Championships.

The Bulldogs open the season Oct. 23 at Cortland State and return home for a pair of contests against Oswego State Oct. 29-30.

The Bulldogs open NCHA play on the road against Marian on Nov. 12-13.

By Larry O’Connor

Toledo native Brooke Zaleski led Adrian College in scoring last season with 10 goals and 27 points.


Our 5th annual search for the best arena! Every month go to michiganhockeyonline.com

and answer the question of the month for a chance to

win prizes! We’ll announce the results in April 2011.

ADRAY Community Hockey League Scholarship

The Mike and Louise Adray Scholarship has been in effect for 29 years with over $237,800 in scholarship funds. This scholarship is offered to students entering college who have participated in Adray.

The Adray-ACHL Scholarship Award is a one-year scholarship open to any fi rst year student enrolling in a Michigan college, community college or trade school. The applicant MUST have participated at least one season on an Adray Community Hockey League team. The applicant should show academic success in high school. Financial need will be considered in the selection process. Financial Aid Forms (FAF or FFS) should be on fi le at the college of your choice. The applicant is also required to have his local Association’s ACHL representative countersign the recommendation.

The application and more information is available on the Adray web site at: www.adrayhockey.org Simply click on the scholarship tab on the web page.

ADRAY Offi cers President:/Temp VP East Greater West:Vice President Metro Vice President Jeff Spedowski Kevin Wood Bobby Mitchell [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

231-796-0728 616-560-6503 248-302-0913


College Preview

New coach building veteran Finlandia squadNew coach building veteran Finlandia squadBY MATT MACKINDER

In Hancock, in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Finlandia men’s team has a new head coach and renewed sense of optimism this year.

John McCabe, a former player and assistant coach at Alabama-Huntsville, was hired in May to get the Lions back to elite status. He said his fi rst order of business is a return to basics.

“Our expectations are to step on the ice and compete hard every night, play with

discipline, play smart hockey and take care of what we can control one game at a time,” McCabe said.

Last year, Finlandia went just 5-17-3 and 4-14-2 in MCHA play. The Lions fi nished last season on a 2-1-1 run and perhaps the momentum can carry over into the new season.

McCabe thinks changes for the program can get some more wins on the board. He’s already seen improvements in early season practices.

“The chemistry has been outstanding thus far in the pre-season,” said McCabe. “I am very fortunate to have a team full of fi rst-class young men this year. Our upperclassmen have been very helpful with getting our freshmen acclimated to the university and the town. Also, the faculty and staff at Finlandia University are all unbelievable people. I have never seen such a strong support system for students like the one we have in place here.”

On the ice, Finlandia has a good mix of returning players, including junior captain Nemenja Jankovic, a European import from Serbia, senior goalie Ryan Donovan (Pinckney) and sophomore forward Charlie Benik.

“We have a solid group of returning players led by Jankovic, who I expect will play at a very high level this season,” said McCabe. “I am also looking for big things

from Donovan and Benik.”A 12-player freshmen class, with six players from Michigan and one each from

Sweden and Finland, is also exciting to McCabe.“I am very pleased with the young men that we were able to attract to the program

this year,” said McCabe. “I expect each of these incoming student-athletes to contribute.”One freshman, defenseman Vinnie Pietrangelo, played last season with the

Waterford-based Metro Jets of the Central States Hockey League after four solid years at Traverse City West High School, a school where fellow freshman Shane Totten also played.

“Vinnie was one of the guys (whose commitment) I honored because of his character and his upside,” McCabe said. “I have done some background checks on him from his prior coaches and I know I am bringing in a great kid from a quality family. He will be a solid defenseman for us.”

Finlandia opens the season on the road Oct. 29-30 at Marian University in Fond du Lac, Wisc.

FINLANDIA WOMEN’S SQUAD KEEPS GETTING BETTERThe Finlandia women, to state the obvious, have had a rough past couple years,

but that was then and this is now, according to head coach Heather Reinke.“I am starting my third season here and we have made improvements every

season,” said Reinke. “This season is no exception. I have two seniors, so we are still building our program.”

Those seniors, defenseman Nicole Schumacher (Brighton) and forward Alisha Ellertson, should be impact skaters this season. Schumacher is also an assistant captain along with junior defenseman Katie Harris (Oxford) and captain Kelly Poelstra, just a sophomore.

Reinke said all three Finlandia captains “should get the team rolling this year.”With eight freshmen making up almost half of the 18-player roster, Reinke said

it may be a learning year, but there will be positives to come out of every situation, including the always-tough games NCHA games where Finlandia won just once last season.

“I have a big class of incoming players and I expect some to contribute right away. Players like Taryn Moff at, Siera Hache, Danielle Shingleton and My Lindskog all should make an immediate impact.”

The fi rst look at the Lions, 5-21-1 a year ago, will happen Oct. 29-30 in Hancock when Finlandia hosts Concordia University.

Two more fi rst-year players, forwards Robin Stockwell and Courtney Fallon, are Michigan natives. Stockwell is from Chelsea and Fallon comes from the Upper Peninsula town of Dollar Bay.

“Stockwell is a hard worker with good stick skills,” said Reinke. “Fallon is a determined player that’s always looking to improve.”

Other in-state natives on the Finlandia roster this season include junior forwards Mariah Mumford (Mt. Pleasant), Alison Lee (Traverse City) and Jolene Kneebone (Houghton) and sophomore goalie Stephanie LaMore (Dexter).

New coach building veteran Finlandia squad

Finlandia junior captain Nemanja Jankovic is from Serbia.

Grimaldi off to big start at NTDP

U.S. National Under-18 Team center Rocco Grimaldi was named the United States Hockey League’s CCM Off ensive Player of the Week on October 11, 2010 after scoring three goals and adding four assists for seven points in Team USA’s two weekend victories.

O r i g i n a l l y f r o m C a l i f o r n i a , G r i m a l d i moved to Auburn Hills and previously played for the Little Caesars Midget AAA squad. The 5-6, 163 pound Grimaldi scored two goals in the third period, including the shorthanded game-winner, in a 4-2 win against Dubuque at the Ann Arbor Ice Cube on October 8.

The 17-year old captain then busted out with a fi ve-point game (1-4) in the Under-18 Team’s 10-3 victory against Muskegon the following night at the Cube. The fi ve points and plus-four rating established a USHL season highs and the four assists equaled another League high.

Grimaldi, who is NHL Draft eligible in 2011 and has made a verbal commitment to attend North Dakota next year, is playing in his second USHL season after posting 20 points (11g, 9a) in 32 games last season.

LUMBERJACKS PICK UP FIRST USHL POINT

After losing 4-1 to Indiana in their fi rst-ever home game at L.C. Walker Arena on Oct. 1, the Muskegon Lumberjacks notched their fi rst USHL

point in a 5-4 shootout loss at home to the Sioux Falls Stampede on Oct. 8.

Shelby Township native Ryan Misiak, who has committed to attend Mercyhurst College next season, scored the Lumberjacks lone goal in the home opener in front of 4,045 fans. A week later, Muskegon got goals

from Canton’s Matt Berry, Travis Belohrad, Livonia’s Mike Moran and Alexx Privitera before falling to the Stampede in a seven round shootout.

Muskegon traveled to Ann Arbor and lost, 10-3, to the fi rst place U.S. National Under-18 Team on October

9. The Lumberjacks were down 4-2 after two periods but were outscored 6-1 in the fi nals stanza. Isaac Kohls, Brendan Woods and Misiak scored for the Lumberjacks in the loss.

The game featured 222 penalty minutes.

“We had good pace and puck support, but we needed to stay out of the box,’’ said Muskegon coach Kevin Patrick. “That was our challenge tonight. I was really proud of the way our guys stuck up for each other.’’

Muskegon goaltender Joel Vienneau, who’s committed to the University of Minnesota, took the loss in all three games.

The Lumberjacks head back on the road to face the Musketeers in Sioux City, Iowa on Oct. 15 and fi nish the trip at Fargo, North Dakota against the Force the following night.

Rocco Grimaldi


BY MATT MACKINDERMichigan’s three straight home losses at the hands of the Springfi eld Jr. Blues

might be a wake-up call to show the Warriors how competitive the North American Hockey League can be.

“We’ve got a few things to work on,” Michigan goaltender Robert Tadazak told the Flint Journal. “The (penalty kill) and power play are big things we have to work on. It’s still early, but you want to do well because it just gets harder. This is our inaugural season and you want people to come out and watch and say, ‘These guys are for real.’”

Warriors head coach Moe Mantha said his team didn’t play as well as they had at the NAHL Showcase to open the season.

“I know that this team can play,” he told the Journal. “I don’t want to overreact because I saw them play very well in Blaine (Minn., at the season opening showcase last month where the Warriors went 2-2).”

The Warriors went on the road earned their third and fourth wins with a 1-0 shutout and 6-5 shootout win on the road in Chicago. Tadazak was the hero on Oct. 8 with a 37-save performance. Thomas McEachern’s goal early in the second period stood as the game-winner.

“We talked about it before the game, having a good road trip and going back home feeling good about ourselves,” Mantha said to the Journal. “The week and a half off (after the Springfi eld games), we went back to our team structure and got back to our team play. The guys were a lot better doing that. During the time off we had a chance to revisit everything and go over a lot of details.”

Michigan’s captain this season is 20-year-old defenseman Austin Accettura and the alternates are forwards Ryan Trenz and Scott Henegar.

Henegar’s shootout goal gave the Warriors the win at Chicago on Oct. 9 to earn a two-game sweep over the expansion Hitmen.

Trenz, in addition to his championship experience winning a national Tier III Junior A title with the St. Louis Jr. Blues, also has been getting noticed by NHL scouts and Division I college hockey scouts.

“It’s basically every hockey player’s goal to go to the pros,” Trenz said in the Journal. “College is defi nitely the fi rst step. I want to play D-I somewhere. Last year, until the end of the year, I wasn’t going to play (this season). I was going to go to school. Then we won nationals and I decided to play another year.”

The Warriors host the St. Louis Bandits for a three-game set at Flint’s Perani’s Arena, Oct. 15-17.

NAHL NOTEBOOKTwo St. Louis Bandits have committed

to Division I schools in the Atlantic Hockey for next season, as forward Ryan Stouff er has decided on Niagara University and defenseman Patrick Sheehan will head to the University of Connecticut.

“Ryan and Patrick were instrumental in the Bandits reaching the national tournament last year and we expect them to get better every time they touch the ice and to provide leadership,” said Bandits assistant coach Trevor Stewart. “Both are well deserving of their opportunity to play college hockey.”

I n a d d i t i o n , We n atc h e e Wi l d defenseman Geoff Ferguson has committed

to Dartmouth College for the 2011-12 season.“It feels really good,” Ferguson said of his decision to commit to the Ivy League

school. “I really wanted to go there for the academics and the reputation the school has.”Corpus Christi’s captains this year are defenseman Ben Hughes (captain) and

forwards Sam Cheraso and Kevin Crowe and defenseman Kyle Hughes (alternate captains). The Corpus Christi franchise played in Alpena since 2005 as the IceDiggers before being sold and relocated this past summer.

2010-11 NAHL Standings (as of Oct. 11)CENTRAL GP W L OTL PTS PCT GF GA PIMCoulee Region 8 6 1 1 13 0.813 31 21 129Bismarck 11 6 4 1 13 0.591 34 28 227Alexandria 8 4 3 1 9 0.563 25 23 115Owatonna 8 4 4 0 8 0.500 25 23 133Aberdeen 8 2 6 0 4 0.250 26 42 98Austin 7 1 6 0 2 0.143 10 24 164

NORTH GP W L OTL PTS PCT GF GA PIMJanesville 13 7 4 2 16 0.615 40 32 260St. Louis 10 7 2 1 15 0.750 36 24 133Traverse City 7 6 1 0 12 0.857 28 12 123Springfield 14 6 8 0 12 0.429 39 45 222Motor City 8 5 3 0 10 0.625 27 27 228Michigan 9 4 4 1 9 0.500 29 27 135Chicago 13 3 8 2 8 0.308 46 58 274Port Huron 8 0 8 0 0 0.000 16 50 342

SOUTH GP W L OTL PTS PCT GF GA PIMWichita Falls 11 7 2 2 16 0.727 41 33 288Amarillo 11 7 3 1 15 0.682 45 32 379Topeka 10 7 2 1 15 0.750 33 22 248Texas 11 6 2 3 15 0.682 41 37 283Corpus Christi 11 6 4 1 13 0.591 42 43 511New Mexico 11 4 5 2 10 0.455 29 47 368

WEST GP W L OTL PTS PCT GF GA PIMFairbanks 12 8 2 2 18 0.750 59 38 304Alaska 14 8 6 0 16 0.571 40 35 392Kenai River 13 6 6 1 13 0.500 39 42 259Wenatchee 9 6 3 0 12 0.667 33 28 253Fresno 10 5 4 1 11 0.550 34 42 309Dawson Creek 13 3 9 1 7 0.269 23 36 399

TOP SCORERS TEAM POS GP G A PTS PIM PPG SHGEinersen, Rock TEX F 11 13 7 20 10 6 0Nauman, Ethan SPR F 14 7 13 20 11 2 0Osborn, JT FAI F 12 12 6 18 6 3 0Hill, Michael TOP F 10 8 9 17 16 5 0Albrecht, James CHI F 13 6 11 17 2 2 0Walker, Beau COR F 11 5 12 17 6 0 0Educate, Louis CHI F 12 7 9 16 10 4 1Freibergs, Ralfs TEX D 11 2 14 16 8 2 0Nagtzaam, Nardo ALX F 8 6 9 15 8 3 0Vierling, Zach FAI F 12 3 12 15 0 0 0Wydo, Cody MCM F 8 9 5 14 0 4 0Beck, Doug KNR F 13 6 8 14 35 4 0Barber, Jacob ALA F 14 8 5 13 10 2 1Benedict, Mike COR F 11 7 6 13 30 3 1Behling, Brooks CHI F 13 6 7 13 25 4 0Thauwald, Charlie FAI D 12 6 7 13 24 3 0Jacobson, Derek JNE F 13 4 9 13 12 2 1Freeman, Cody AMA F 11 7 5 12 9 1 0Sposit, Joe CHI F 13 6 6 12 12 1 0Mosey, Charles BIS F 11 6 6 12 0 2 0Smoot, Zack AMA F 11 5 7 12 24 1 0Lubanski, Brett KNR F 13 3 9 12 8 1 0Davis, Jordan TOP F 10 2 10 12 28 1 0

TOP GOALIES TEAM GP MIN SO GA GAA SV SV%Williams, Charles OWA 3 180:00:00 0 4 1.33 98 0.961 Marble, Tyler TVC 7 419:54:00 2 11 1.57 196 0.947 Hamby, Jimmy STL 5 248:12:00 0 7 1.69 85 0.924 Meyers, Jacob ALX 4 245:00:00 1 7 1.71 87 0.926 OBrien, Ian STL 5 281:23:00 1 9 1.92 91 0.910 Moberg, Paul COU 6 370:55:00 0 12 1.94 211 0.946 Faragher, Ryan BIS 8 480:37:00 1 16 2.00 192 0.923 Kruger, Jimmy TEX 4 240:00:00 1 8 2.00 88 0.917 Szczerba, Nikifor AMA 10 538:10:00 2 18 2.01 275 0.939 Tirronen, Rasmus TOP 6 338:30:00 1 12 2.13 146 0.924 Jacobson, David JNE 13 783:53:00 2 28 2.14 294 0.913

CHECK IT OUT LATEST HEADLINES TEAM CONTACT INFO

FULL SCHEDULE & MORE.COM

NORTH AMERICANNORTH AMERICANHOCKEY LEAGUEHOCKEY LEAGUENORTH AMERICANHOCKEY LEAGUE

After three straight losses at home the Warriors bounced back with two wins on the road against Chicago on Oct. 8-9.

NORTH DIVISIONTraverse City forward Michael Szmatula struck for two goals and an assist as the North Stars skated to a two-game sweep over Port Huron. On Oct. 8, the Commerce Township native rang up a pair of goals, including the game-winner, in a 7-1 victory. The next night, the 18-year-old assisted on forward Michal Toman’s game-winning marker as the North Stars bested the Fighting Falcons, 5-3. He was also a plus-5 on the weekend.

SOUTH DIVISIONTexas defenseman Ralfs Freibergs recorded six assists as the Tornado skated to a two-game sweep over Amarillo. On Oct. 8, the Riga, Latvia, native picked up an assist on Rock Einersen’s game-tying goal in a 3-2 victory. The next night, the 19-year-

old came alive for fi ve more assists, including one on Einersen’s game-winning goal, as the Tornado doubled up the Bulls, 8-4.

CENTRAL DIVISIONCoulee Region forward Zac Frischmon put home two goals and two assists as the Chill split a two-game series against Aberdeen. On Oct. 8, the Blaine, Minn., native tallied a goal and assisted on forward David Ripple’s game-winning marker in a 4-2 victory. The next night, the 19-year-old came through with another goal and an assist as the Chill fell to the Wings, 6-4. He was also a plus-2 on the weekend.

WEST DIVISIONAlaska forward Brandon Brossoit collected two goals and

two assists as the Avalanche celebrated a three-game sweep over Dawson Creek. On Oct. 7, the Los Alamitos, Calif., native recorded the game-winning goal in a 2-1 triumph. The next night, the 18-year-old connected for another game-winning marker as the Avalanche again downed the Rage, 2-1. Brossoit wrapped up the series with two assists, including one on forward Jacob Barber’s game-winning goal, in a 4-1 victory.

GOALTENDERBismarck Ryan Faragher backstopped the Bobcats to a two-game sweep over Austin, turning aside 51 of 52 shots. On Oct. 8, the Fort Francis, Ontario, native made all 25 saves as the Bobcats blanked the Bruins, 2-0. The next night, the 20-year-old Dartmouth recruit stopped 26 shots in a 3-1 victory.

Warriors rebound from rough start at Perani’s Arena

SBK HOCKEY PLAYERS OF THE WEEK (FOR WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 10)


Junior Hockey

BY MATT MACKINDERBeau Schmitz has quietly fl own under the radar as one of the Plymouth Whalers’

most steady defensemen over the past two years. Now in his third season in the Ontario Hockey League, the 19-year-old Howell

native is no longer looked at as being an underrated blueliner.Schmitz agrees with that assumption.“I think I’m a lot better player than I was when I was a rookie,” said Schmitz. “I

think my game is more consistent and that each season, my game has improved.”This season, Schmitz has been one of three diff erent players to wear the ‘C’ as

Plymouth’s team captain. Whalers’ coach and general manager Mike Vellucci has yet to name a permanent captain, but Schmitz said he wants to earn that distinction.

“Mike and I have talked and I think he wants me to be our captain,” Schmitz said. “He wants to be sure I’m up for it and I feel I’m ready for the challenge. It’s a big responsibility and now that I’ve been in the league three years, I think I know the ups and downs of the league and how to be a leader. It’s Mike’s choice, but I think I’m defi nitely ready.”

Schmitz was originally Plymouth’s fi rst round pick in the 2007 OHL draft off of the Belle Tire midget minor team that was coming off state and national championships that spring.

With a commitment to the United States National Team Development Program and a scholarship to Ferris State University set for 2009, Schmitz didn’t report to the Whalers in the fall of 2007, instead going to Ann Arbor for the NTDP. After that season, he chose the OHL as his next destination.

“The NTDP was a great time and great learning experience with going overseas and stuff like that,” noted Schmitz. “The OHL just seemed to better fi t my style of play and being a Michigan kid and being able to play at home worked in my favor, too. I don’t look back on the decision and I have no regrets about the decision. It’s nice to be home.”

Although he wasn’t drafted in the past two NHL drafts, Schmitz is also hoping an NHL contract gets off ered to him at some point, but knows it’s something only a select number of players get the chance to sign.

“Guys every year sign NHL deals that weren’t drafted,” noted Schmitz. “I know there are scouts in the stands watching in every rink we go to. I just have to keep

working hard and I’ll see what happens.”The Whalers have one of the youngest teams in the OHL, but with players like

Schmitz, defensemen Jay Gilbert and Austin Levi (Farmington Hills) and even second-year forward Garrett Meurs developing into impact players, Plymouth shouldn’t have too many growing pains.

The Whalers embarked on an early October three-game road trip to Peterborough, Ottawa and Kingston and came away with wins against the Petes and the Frontenacs.

“We’ve had a little bit of a slow start, and that will happen with a young team, but those wins defi nitely gave us some confi dence,” said Schmitz. “I think we’re getting on track.”

Being on the road four days this early in the season also gave the players time to get to know each other off the ice.

“I was a rookie once and now being an older guy, it’s up to guys like me to take some of the younger guys under my wing,” said Schmitz. “We’ve been there and we know how to deal with certain situations, so it’s really something we need to do.

“We had an off day between the Ottawa and Kingston games and really had some good bonding time. We played some poker and hung out and had a good time. We haven’t played a lot of games yet, but I expect that if we continue to work hard, we’re going to fi nish near the top.”

OA SITUATION RESOLVEDWith forwards James Livingston and Robbie Czarnik back from American Hockey

League camps and Clarkston native Josh Bemis signing with the Central Hockey League’s Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees, the Whalers now have their three allotted 20-year-old players with forward Tyler Brown, who has also been captain for a stretch this season.

Czarnik, a Washington native, scored the overtime winner on Oct. 10 as Plymouth beat Kingston, 6-5. He also scored once in regulation and added two assists. He was released from his professional tryout by the Manchester Monarchs.

Livingston was released from an amateur tryout by the Oklahoma City Barons, Edmonton’s top affi liate. Livingston, drafted by St. Louis in 2008, was not signed by the Blues and is now a free agent. He also wore the ‘C’ on the Eastern Ontario road trip.

Howell’s Beau Schmitz will play a big role with the Whalers this season.

PH

OT

O B

Y W

ALT

DM

OC

H/P

LYM

OU

TH

WH

ALE

RS

Schmitz looking for big Schmitz looking for big year in Plymouthyear in Plymouth


BY CARL CHIMENTIAfter an opening night loss in Kitchener, Saginaw has been perfect.The Spirit reeled off seven straight wins, including road victories over Erie,

Plymouth, Windsor and S.S. Marie and wins at home over Sudbury, Guelph and the Greyhounds, and began the third week of October in fi rst place in the OHL’s West Division.

Saginaw’s most recent victory, a 2-1 shootout win over the Storm on Oct. 9 at the Dow Event Center came on the organization’s fourth annual Pink Out Breast Cancer Awareness night to benefi t the St. Mary’s of Michigan Seton Cancer Institute. Spirit fans, along with St. Mary’s of Michigan and the Hockey Angels team helped raise over $12,000 for the cause.

Wearing special pink jerseys Anthony Camara scored Saginaw’s lone goal in regulation and Michael Sgarbossa and Vince Trocheck connected in the shootout win. Mavric Parks earned the game’s fi rst star with 26 saves.

Trocheck leads the team in scoring (6-5-11), while rookie Brandon Saad is second (5-4-9). Parks has fi ve wins and Tadeas Galansky has two victories in the net.

TOP 10Saginaw’s quick start has landed them a spot in the Canadian Hockey league

top ten rankings for the fi rst time since the 2006-07 season. The Spirit were ranked seventh in the Oct. 6 poll and moved up to third on Oct. 12.

A panel of NHL scouts selects the top ten from the total fi eld of 60 teams that make up the CHL.

LOG JAMCurrently the Spirit roster lists fi ve overagers (1990 birthdate), and the OHL

allows a team to dress only three during the fi rst half and have three at the trade deadline. So what to do? Saginaw could trade forwards Mitch Fillman and Dearborn native Barry Sanderson, which would leave the team with the required three in Mavric Parks, Joe Underwood (Canton) and Matt Ashman.

SPIRIT NOTEBOOKSaginaw beat the Spitfi res 5-2 in Windsor in Oct. 7 by breaking open a

close game in the second period with three goals in a span of 2:17. Saad and Trocheck scored on the power play and Michael Kantor tallied even strength. Jordan Szwarz with two goals and Parks, who stopped 38 of 40 shots, played key roles in the win… The Spirit pulled out a 3-2 come from behind win in the Soo the following night. The Greyhounds scored the fi rst two goals only to see Saginaw mount a comeback with three unanswered goals. Camara scored an unassisted shorthanded goal at 14:55 of the second period and Saad tied the game at the 23 second mark of the third. Trocheck scored Saginaw’s second shorthanded goal and the winner two minutes later. Galansky had 33 saves to win his second game in as many starts. “The Soo came out smoking,” said Watson to the Sault Star. “But we weathered the storm and slowed things down like we wanted to.”

Spirit jumps to lead in the West

PH

OT

O B

Y A

AR

ON

BE

LL/O

HL

IMA

GE

S

Both of Anthony Camera’s two goals this season have helped Saginaw win.

CANTONCANTON

All ghosts and goblins welcome!during the game and intermission.


NHL & Red Wing Insiders July 12, 2010, Volume 20 : Issue 21

Kevin Allen covers pro and college hockey for USA Today

BY DAVE WADDELLLittle has changed during the past 15 years of Nick Lidstrom’s

career in Detroit.The Wings are among the contenders for the Stanley Cup,

they’ve recorded 100 points in 10 straight regular seasons and pre-season prognosticators feel they’re due for a decline because they’re the oldest team in the league.

“I’ve heard that since the mid-90s that we’re an older team, but I like the experience we have,” said 40-year-old Lidstrom.

“We’re not looking at ourselves that way — being an old team. We’re an experienced team, but if you look at our core, (Pavel) Datsyuk, (Henrik) Zetterberg, (Johan) Franzen, (Valterri) Filppula, (Brad) Stuart, (Niklas) Kronwall, that group is in their prime right now.”

While the Wings will have eight players 35 or older, they also have 13 players who are 30 or younger. Of those 13, nine of them are 26 or younger.

Detroit’s average age is just over 30.Lidstrom also dismisses the notion that the Wings are more

prone to injury because of age. He played in all 82 games last season as did Todd Bertuzzi,

while Kris Draper played in 81 and Brian Rafalski made 78 appearances. Of the Wings’ supposed old guard, only Tomas Holmstrom missed any signifi cant time playing 68 games, though he still managed to score 25 goals in that span.

“Not really,” said Lidstrom when asked if he’s seen anything that would indicate the age of the team should be a concern. “We’ve had our share of injuries, but it hasn’t been to the older players. Mule (Johan Franzen) went down with a freak injury, Kronwall was hurt (when kneed by Georges Larocque).

“It doesn’t mean the older team is going to be hurt more.”One of Detroit’s graybeards, 40-year-old Mike Modano, said

the perception of the Wings among opposing players was never of them being an old team.

“We thought of them as a fast, great puck-moving team,” said Modano, who played two decades for the Dallas Stars before signing with Detroit this summer.

“We never talked about their age and how old their guys were. It seemed their older guys were some of their best players.

“It was a mute point with us as far as the discussion about their team. It was their speed and pace of the game and everyone’s ability to move and skate with the puck is what set them apart.”

Since arriving in Detroit this summer, Modano has been further surprised by what he’s found. The culture in Detroit has helped the Livonia-native understand why the Wings seem to able to keep ahead of Father Time.

“There’s experience and knowledge of the game,” Modano

said. “The work ethic is second to none that I’ve ever seen. “The way they take care of themselves on and off the ice,

they really push themselves. They push one another. It’s pretty unique to see them keep it at such a high level.

“Overall, it’s how they think the game. You can have young energetic kids, but if they don’t have the hockey sense, you’ll be behind it as well.”

The Bowman Factor: Read more of Dave Waddell’s assessment of how former coach Scotty Bowman started the Red Wings success of blending veterans and young players at “Only on the Web” at michiganhockeyonline.com

BABCOCK RE-SIGNSMike Babcock signed a four-year contract extension Oct. 11

with the Red Wings that maintains his status as the top-paid coach in the league.

Babcock, who is averaging around $2-million per season, is now locked up in Detroit through the end of the 2014-15 season. Babcock’s current deal runs out after this season and the new contract’s expiration date brings him in line with the end of Ken Holland and Jim Nill’s deals signed this summer.

The 47-year-old Babcock is starting his sixth season in Detroit having established himself as the top bench boss in the game

He has guided the Wings to fi ve straight seasons of 100 or more points (Detroit has done that an NHL record 10 straight years), won a Stanley Cup, two President’s Trophies while compiling a regular-season record of 259-101-52.

The Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada-native is also the fi rst coach to win 50-plus games in his fi rst four seasons with a club.

Since breaking into the NHL with Anaheim in 2002, Babcock has coached in more NHL playoff games (102), won more playoff series and posted more post-season victories (63) than any other coach. His clubs have made three appearances in the Stanley Cup Finals in those seven years.

His impressive resume earned him the honor of being named the NHL’s Coach of the Decade by both Sports Illustrated and the Sporting News.

Babcock is also the only coach in hockey history to have won a Stanley Cup, an Olympic championship, a World men’s championship and a World Junior title.

To Detroiters, the idea of Steve Yzerman being the boss of the Tampa Bay Lightning is like hearing that the Kennedy family was turning Republican or that Bill Gates was going to begin managing Apple.

Detroit GM Ken Holland has been in hockey for three decades and yet he wasn’t prepared for the emotional upheaval he felt when Yzerman said he was leaving the Detroit organization.

“When I went to bed that night my head was spinning,” Holland recalled. “I was with Steve for 27 years and as far as I’m concerned Gordie Howe and Steve Yzerman are the Detroit Red Wings.”

But Detroit’s loss has been the NHL’s gain because Yzerman’s presence instantly rid the franchise of the bad karma that was lingering after three years out of the playoff s coupled with an ownership squabble.

“He brings instant credibility to the franchise,” said NBC analyst Pierre McGuire. “He appeals to fans and players alike because he understands the importance of stability and being thorough.”

The Lightning’s ability to attract Yzerman, 43, to the previously-struggling Tampa franchise was the fi rst clue that new owner Jeff Vinik had a distinct vision about how a team should be built. With Yzerman’s help, Vinik convinced Tod Leiweke to leave the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks to become Lightning president. Since then, Yzerman hired Guy Boucher, the league’s hottest coaching candidate, and Steve Griggs has left the NBA’s Orlando Magic to be Tampa’s chief operating offi cer.

“We knew we were in good hands the fi rst time (Vinik) talked to us,” Lightning center Vinny Lecavalier said. “He was such a humble man.”

After winning the Stanley Cup in 2004, the Lightning lost their thunder. The Lightning have known three diff erent ownership groups in four years, struggling attendance and haven’t made the playoff s since 2006-07.

But now Tampa seems like the place to be in the NHL.“So many bad articles have been written about us that it was

like a dark cloud was following us,” Lightning veteran Martin St. Louis said. “Since Mr. Vinik came and then Stevie Y that cloud has been pushed aside. You’re proud to wear the jersey again.”

Yzerman has had an instant impact by convincing St. Louis to re-sign, dramatically altering the defense with the acquisition of Pavel Kubina, Brett Clark and Randy Jones, signing free agent goalie Dan Ellis and trading for Philadelphia’s Simon Gagne.

“Yzerman in Tampa is the perfect new young executive to usher in a new era for new ownership,” said Versus analyst Darren Eliot. “He brings both credibility and conviction. Does anyone not expect on-ice success to follow?”

Gagne, a two-time 40-plus goalscorer, used his no-trade clause to assure that the Philadelphia Flyers, a team with a

salary cap issue, dealt him to Tampa and nowhere else.“I saw the changes from the outside and you could tell

that a lot of good things were going to happen,” Gagne said.Yzerman retired as a player in 2005, but it seems clear that

his arrival has created as much buzz, and maybe more, than any player that the Lightning have ever had. Since leaving the ice, Yzerman served four years in Holland’s managerial cabinet and was executive director of Team Canada when it won the World Championship in 2007 and the Olympic gold medal in Vancouver last February.

“He asked me in April or May if I thought he was ready and I told him I thought he was ready a year or two earlier,” Holland said.

Starting in the mid-1990s, Yzerman had a clause in his contract that said he would have a management job with the Red Wings organization upon his retirement. When he retired, it was almost as if he accepted an apprenticeship with the Detroit management team as he learned about running a team.

“Ultimately we are in the information business, but you have to know how to get the information,” Holland said. “Many times we would be out for supper, and Steve would ask about people around the league. He would ask, what do you think of him? Not only does he have a managerial philosophy, he has information you need to put together a staff .”

The Red Wings didn’t want to lose Yzerman, but they didn’t want to stand in the way of his ambition.

“Unfortunately I need to work a while yet,” said Holland, 54.As excited as Yzerman was to be a GM, he had mixed emotions

about leaving Detroit.“I thought I was going to spend the rest of my life in the

Red Wings’ organization,” he said. “But I came to realization that I wanted to run a team and if I was going to run a team I was going to have to leave.”

Vinik decided early that Yzerman was his man, and the two spent hours discussing their philosophy before Yzerman came aboard.

“Actually I never dreamed I would be able to get Steve Yzerman or Leiweke because they are so exceptional,” Vinik said. “I pinch myself that I have gotten them to share my vision and work for me.”

McGuire said Yzerman has done a “fantastic” job.“I believe they will make the playoff s if their goaltending

holds up,” he said.Yzerman didn’t inherit a bare cupboard. He added Gagne

to a top six forward collection that includes 51-goal scorer Steven Stamkos, plus St. Louis, Lecavalier, Ryan Malone and Steve Downie.

“I have never had a chance to play with players like this in my life,” Ellis said. “You look at our top six forwards and I can’t imagine there are many better in the entire league.”

Yzerman’s hiring of Boucher would suggest he will be less old school and more progressive as a GM. Boucher has been coaching in the AHL where he earned a reputation as a coach who thinks outside the box in terms of systems and strategy. Boucher has a Masters degree in sports psychology from the University of Montreal and has studied sports psychology, biosystems engineering, environmental biology and history at McGill.

“Everything they have done here has been like, ‘Wow’,” St. Louis said.

PH

OT

O B

Y T

OM

TU

RR

ILL/MIC

HIG

AN

HO

CK

EY

PH

OT

O B

Y T

OM

TU

RR

ILL/MIC

HIG

AN

HO

CK

EY

Success stems from youth-veteran mixSuccess stems from youth-veteran mixSuccess stems from youth-veteran mix

Yzerman createsYzerman createsbuzz in Tampa Baybuzz in Tampa Bay

Success stems from youth-veteran mix

Yzerman creates buzz in Tampa Bay

The Red Wings again have a good mix of veterans,like Nick Lidstrom, and young players this year.

HaD

plo

aTheBowmanFactor ReadmoreofDaveWaddell’sassessment

READ THE REST

OF WADDELL

COLUMN

Yzerman createsbuzz in Tampa Bay

INTRODUCING THE NEW 11K SICKICK III

THE NEW REEBOK 11K STICK IS DESIGNED WITH THE SICKICK III TECHNOLOGY

FEATURING A DUAL CARBON MATRIX TO CREATE A SPRING LOADING EFFECT. SO YOU

CAN FIRE PUCKS WITH A QUICKER RELEASE AND BE MORE ACCURATE.

reeb

okhockey.

com

© 2

010

Re

eb

ok Inte

rnatio

nal Ltd

. All

Rig

hts

Re

se

rve

d.

¬kick UNLEASH YOUR RELEASE

Documents

Michigan Hockey October 18, 2010