MiHockeyMag - October 8, 2012

MiHockeyNow.com V.23 : I.3 | OCTOBER 8, 2012 FIRST CLASS

Michigan natives shine at All American Prospects Game in Buff alo Pages 31-33

THE LOCKOUT: A danger of disengagement, disillusionment, and apathy Page 40

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OCTOBER 8, 2012 VOLUME 23: ISSUE 3

HOCKEY NEVER STOPS

Michigan natives, connections showcase their talent in Buff alo

The Lockout: A danger of danger of disengagement, disillusionment, and apathy

Is it time to reassess the structure of midget hockey?

To advertise in MiHockey please contact Lucia Zuzga at (248) 479-1134 or [email protected], or Michael

Caples at (248) 479-1136 or [email protected]

LOOK FOR OUR NEXT ISSUEOCTOBER 22, 2012

26-28

31 40 42

TABLE OF CONTENTS

THE LOCKER ROOM Talking hockey on Facebook and Twitter

6

SLIDESHOW Photos from across Michigan...and Buff alo

8

SPEAKING OF HOCKEY Which team/league are you most excited to watch this season?

10

GET BETTERA drill for both goaltenders and players

12

YOU SHOULD KNOWSaginaw Spirit goaltender Jake Paterson

14

YOUTH HOCKEYHoneybaked wins twice, so does Brighton prep

16

ALL-AMERICANPROSPECTS GAME

RED WINGSINSIDER LAST LINE

Check out MiHockeys lockout-free calendar of some games worth watching this season, and see a breakdown of all the diff erent teams and leagues to follow in 2012-13.

GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINSPetr Mrazek is ready for his next challenge

38

HOMETOWN HERONorthville native Kevin Porter

22

HENRIK ZETTERBERGThe Red Wings assistant captain talks photoshoots at a Warrior Hockey event

17

NAHLEvan Cowley represents NAHL in Buff alo

21

4 MiHockeyMag October 8, 2012 V.24 : I.3MiHockeyNow.com

PHOTOS AT LEFT: Travis Lynch and Brock Shelgren (Dave Reginek/DRW), Mike McCarron (USA Hockey/Steve DeMeo) COVER: Photos from various team websites and other media platforms. Design by Emily Huston/MiHockey

Cover reprints availablee-mail: [email protected]

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

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

MICHIGAN HOCKEY is published by SUBURBAN SPORTS COMMUNICATIONS, LLC 23995 Freeway Park Drive, Suite 200, Farmington Hills, MI 48335-2829. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to MICHIGAN HOCKEY, 23995 Freeway Park Drive, Suite 200, Farmington Hills, MI 48335-2829. 2011 by Suburban Sports Communications. All Rights Reserved. The opinions and views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of MICHIGAN HOCKEY or its advertisers. All editorial copy, photographs and advertising materials remain the property of MICHIGAN HOCKEY.

EDITORMichael [email protected]

MIHOCKEYMAG

ADVERTISINGLucia [email protected]

DESIGNEmily HustonChuck Stevens

MIHOCKEY STAFFBen FleckBrian KalisherStefan KubusRyan Zuke

DISTRIBUTIONLucia Zuzga

ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTORSAmy JonesAnne Ellis

PUBLISHERDarren Eliot

BY MICHAEL CAPLES

Believe it or not, sometimes I struggle to come up with the words to put on this page. So whenever I have writers block, I walk to the rink across the street, laptop in hand.

Long story short, I always write this letter from the editor at a hockey rink.

It seems tting, considering the entire magazine is dedicated to the sport. But it loosens me up, because I feel more at home at the rink than I do at the offi ce.

I hope Im not the only person that feels this way. And I hope that kids keep growing up at the rink, and that future generations feel the same way I do.

Theres something missing from the hockey world right now. We all know that. Its going to get real weird over the next few months, when we change the channel to Fox Sports Detroit around 7 p.m. and see poker or softball or whatever else theyre going to use to ll their programming schedule. The Red Wings wont be the unifying force for hockey in the state the way they are supposed to be. After all, we call ourselves Hockeytown for a reason, and its because of the Red Wings.

However, we cant let the bickering between billionaires and millionaires ruin the game we love. Hockey may be absent in NHL arenas, but its as present as ever everywhere else. After all, USA Hockey reported record highs in youth players last season.

Yet the last lockout showed that those numbers are aff ected by the NHLs actions; we lost 14,115 kids across the country the year after the 2004-05 lockout.

USA Hockey overcame the losses last time, and the hockey community grew the game to new heights in the following seasons.

But we cant have a setback again.

We have to disassociate our anger with the NHL from our feelings toward the sport itself. Hockey isnt locking anybody out. Billionaires are.

Thats why were marching along with our Hockey Never Stops message. Keep playing. Keep watching. Keep going to games (college, juniors, Griffi ns, high school, etc). Keep encouraging participation in the sport. Keep telling your friends about the good things associated with hockey.

It would be a shame if the ridiculousness of another NHL lockout meant children and adults alike didnt experience the good hockey has to off er. The friendships, the lessons, the lifestyle; hockey shouldnt be stopped.

And as the rink Im sitting in starts to pick up as we inch towards another night of youth hockey, Im reminded once again that hockey never stops. But we need to make sure it keeps growing, too.

I hope you enjoy this issue of MiHockeyMag. Most of it is a reminder of all the diff erent kinds of hockey you can use to ll the absence of the NHL. If we missed anybody, I apologize. The great thing about this state is that theres so much hockey, and the only bad thing is that it makes it hard on our editorial staff to cover it all. It is in no way meant to serve as a snub or a shot at a program/team/league. If I could have it my way, I would be at every rink in the state every single day.

Because hockey never stops. And thats awesome.See you at a rink soon,

@michaelcaples

FROM THE EDITOR

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

Dont let millionaires and billionaires mess with our game

Ocotber 8, 2012 V.24 : I.3 5MiHockeyMagMiHockeyNow.com

THE LOCKER ROOM

TWO FOR TWEETINGON THE FLY

Noah Bradburn, who plays for Victory Hondas 01 Pee Wee A team, was one of the winners of our Warrior Krown 360 helmet contest on MiHockeyNow.com. Perhaps the new helmet is a lucky charm for Noah; he wore it for the rst time during a tournament in Cleveland where his team won the championship, and he was named MVP. Not a bad way to kick things off with your new bucket, Noah!

Are you following us on Instagram? Check out @MiHockeyNow for photos from wherever the MiHockey team islike the First Niagara Center in Buff alo.

At a game or an event? Tell us about it through Twitter or Facebook!

The Macomb native sums up what a win for his team meant at the CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game.

LOCKER ROOM POLLSOn our Facebook page, we asked hockey fans which Michigan-based CCHA team would fi nish highest in the standings this season. This is what they had to say:

Q:

University of Michigan Wolverines

Michigan State Spartans

Western Michigan Broncos

Ferris State Bulldogs

Northern Michigan Wildcats

Lake Superior State Lakers

A: 44%21%

16%

10%

9%

0%

Were glad to have a great relationship with teams on social media; it helps us keep our fans informed about hockey across the state every day.

Evan Allen retweeted what we said about him during the CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game; we love how Twitter lets us connect with the players.


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SLIDESHOW

MICHIGAN HOCKEY IN PICTURES: HOCKEY IN THE MITTEN...AND BUFFALO

SLIDESHOW

The West Michigan Hounds made the trek to Farmington Hills for the Compuware/Honeybaked Invitational. In this game, they ended up falling to CCYHA 5-3.

Top prospect Mike Downing of Canton skates through center ice at the First Niagara Center during the All-American Prospects Game. For more on how Downing did, ip to Page 31.

Henrik Zetterberg signs autographs at a Warrior photo shoot in Madison Heights. For more, ip to Page 17.

Photos by Michael Caples / MiHockey

Team McClanahan is welcomed to the ice at the inaugural CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game in Buff alo. They ended up winning 5-2.

Members of the Little Caesars midget major team crash the net in a game against the Carolina Jr. Hurricanes. LC ended up winning 4-2. (Michael Caples/MiHockey)ended up winning 5-2.

A goaltender looks on as the action approaches during the 2012 Compuware/Honeybaked Invitational in Farmington Hills. For more on the tournament, go to Page 16.


CCM and logo are registered trademarks of CCM Holdings (1983) Inc.and are used under license by Sport Maska Inc. and under sublicense by Maska U.S. Inc. 2012 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.

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SPEAKING OF HOCKEY

For each issue of the magazine, we will post a question on Facebook, and one randomlyselected answer will win a Warrior prize pack: hoodie, hat, and T-shirt. Good luck!

Visit our Facebook page to try and win our next Warrior prize pack, facebook.com/mihockeynow

With the NHL lockout causing us to adjust our hockey viewing schedules, we asked

Which team/league are you most excited to watch this season?

WINNERROHA mini mites,

squirt and peewee!!! Melissa Grubbs Clapp

Go Spartans! Michael Shane Bryans

Yost has been updated and revamped. Watching and coaching my sons mites

and taking them to U of M games will be a blast. Christopher Sorel

College. Go Bulldogs! Might head down

to Toledo for some Walleye ECHL games

too. Steven Syrett The Plymouth Whalers and U of M. Im defi nitely going to try to get to at least a few of their games

this season. Alec Blake Petrelak

College hockey for sure, being that it is the fi nal season of the

CCHA. Hopefully some NHL hockey too, but thats probably being a bit optimistic. Danny Bara

Whalers are supposed to have a good year. Zach Russell

Well seeing as how theres no NHL to keep up with, Ill continue to follow my Belle

Tire 16u team all over the country! And of course the free Whalers tickets from Meijer!

Carol A Greca


GET BETTER

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ORGANIZATION:Forward 1 starts on the blue line, carries puck into the zone, shoots from a wide angle, retrieves puck from corner and then passes to Forward 2/Forward 3.

Forward 1 moves to Forward 2 line.

Forward 2 and Forward 3 receive pass and go in the goalie 2-on-0.

Forward 2 to Forward 3, Forward 3 to Forward 1.

Both sides run continuous - switch sides halfway through.

GOALIE: Helps improve ones angles and net play

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

Tomorrow will win a new Reebok hockey stick!

Go to MiHockeyNow.com and fill out the form on the 'Stars of Tomorrow' page. We will contact you about a photo to appear in the paper.

"STARS OF TOMORROW" c/o Michigan Hockey

'SFFXBZ1BSL%SJWF t 4VJUF Farmington Hills, MI 48335-2829

[email protected]

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

Ryan Piros9Jackson 4'2"60 lbs Little Caesars '03Goalie Brian Beaufait Hanover Horton Elementary4th Detroit Red WingsJimmy Howard

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

Nate Williams11 Northville50"110 lbs.Honeybaked '01Goalie Danny Veri Northville Christian6 LA KingsJonathan Quick

CALL 734.327.9251 FOR TICKETS!

USAHOCKEY.COM/USANTDP

ALL GAMES PLAYED AT THE ANN ARBOR ICE CUBE

2121 OAK VALLEY DRIVE

2012 UNDER-18 FOUR NATIONS CUP

World Class HockeyTuesday, Nov. 6

Sweden vs. Switzerland, 3:30 p.m.USA vs. Finland, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 7Finland vs. Sweden, 3:30 p.m.

USA vs. Switzerland, 7 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 9Switzerland vs. Finland, 3:30 p.m.

Sweden vs. USA, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 10Third Place Game, 3:30 p.m.

First Place Game, 7 p.m.


Photos courtesy of: stanleycupwinners.net (Stanley Cup), howimetyourmothercommunity.webs.com (HIMYM), lyrics.wikia.com (Taylor Swift), pajamasandcoff ee.com (Will Ferrell), en.wikipedia.com (Blind Side)

youshould

know

YOU SHOULD KNOW

FAVORITE SPORTING EVENT:Watching the Wings win the

Cup in 02

FAVORITE BREAKFAST FOOD:Waffl es

MUST-SEE TV:Prison Break, How I Met Your Mother

FAVORITE MOVIE:Blindside, Step Brothers

FIRST CONCERT: Taylor Swift

FAVORITE CHILDHOOD MEMORY:Putting the skates on for the rst time

IF YOU COULD HAVE ONE WISH GRANTED, WHAT WOULD YOU

DO WITH IT:Easy - play in the NHL

THREE PEOPLE YOU WOULD WANT TO HAVE DINNER WITH:Will Ferrell, Carey Price, and maybe

Eric Church

NICKNAME:Patty

ONE PIECE OF TECHNOLOGY YOU CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT:

De nitely, the cell phone

DO YOU HAVE A PRE-GAME ROUTINE:

Pre-game skate in the morning, then nap, pre-game meal, and

head to the rink

WHO WAS MOST INFLUENTIAL ON YOUR HOCKEY CAREER:

Piero Greco, my goalie coach, as well as Lukas Schueder, one of my best

friends who passed away

Jake PatersonSaginaw SpiritgoaltenderDespite growing up north of the border, Jake Paterson is going to become a household name in Hockeytown. The talented goaltender is entering his third season with the Saginaw Spirit, and he is expected to be one of the top goaltenders in the OHL. Expectations of that magnitude come along with what happened to him this summer Paterson was drafted by his favorite NHL team, the Detroit Red Wings. Ken Holland and Co. used a third-round pick on a player who idolized Chris Osgood growing up; if he can be like his hero, Paterson will be in Michigan for a long time to come.

Photo by: Aaron Bell/OHL Images


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YOUTH HOCKEY

HONEYBAKED WINS TWICE DURING 2012 COMPUWARE/HONEYBAKED INVITATIONALBY MICHAEL CAPLES

Have your team highlighted in MiHockeyMag and on MiHockeyNow.com this season! To see your team in print, contact MiHockey editor Michael Caples at [email protected] to tell MiHockey about your team, whether it be a big tournament win,

a charity game, or simply how your team is doing this season.

Some of the top teams from across the country, along with all-star teams with Michigan high school talent, took part in the 2012 Compuware/Honeybaked Invitational, a midget major and midget minor tournament held in Farmington Hills and Plymouth.

Honeybaked, hosting along with their High Performance Hockey League neighbor Compuware, prevailed in both divisions during Sundays championships. The midget major Honeybaked squad topped a team compiled of players from the Michigan Development Hockey League 3-2 in overtime, while the midget minor team prevailed over Compuware 6-3. Photos by Michael Caples / MiHockey

BRIGHTON CAPTURES 2012 MIDWEST JV/PREP HOCKEY FALL KICK-OFF CLASSIC

The Brighton Boys Hockey 2012 fall team were crowned champions of the 2012 Midwest JV/Prep Hockey Fall Kick-Off Classic tournament during the weekend of Sept. 29-30 in Lansing.

From left to right: Front Row - Tyler Roy, Jake Price, Second Row - Jacob Hicks, Kevin Czajka, Cal Salmon, Lee Pietila, Colin Bilek, Max Cappellani, Nick ForanBack Bunch - Assistant Coach Chip Elliott, Head Coach Joe Augustyn, Jake Wessel, Garrett Mase, CJ LeClair, Adam Ackerman, Andrew Kozel, Jack Toth, Matt Rimanelli, Zach Maisevich, Cale Carpenter, Assistant Coach Dan AckermanNot pictured: Manager Caroline Wessel


BY MICHAEL CAPLES

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ZETTERBERG TALKS PHOTO SHOOTS AT WARRIOR HOCKEY EVENT

MADISON HEIGHTS Despite the NHL season being put on hold, theres still work to be done for Henrik Zetterberg.

The Red Wings star forward traveled to the 2SP training facility in Madison Heights on Sept. 18 to be a part of a photo and video shoot with Warrior Hockey. Zetterberg, who is one of the top athletes to represent the Warren-based hockey company, took the Warrior cameras through a typical workout session, then sat down with the company for video interviews.

I think its a normal day, Zetterberg said afterwards. This is what we do when we do stuff we have fun, it goes quick, and you know, I have a lot of fun.

The Wings assistant captain he is expected to take over the C when the season begins spent roughly four hours with the Warrior group, laughing and sharing stories between video segments. Zetterberg appeared to enjoy the entire experience, which was no surprise to Christine Knight, brand manager for Warrior Hockey.

This is not our rst time working with him, and hes always been a really accommodating, friendly, outgoing guy any time that weve requested time with him, Knight said. You can tell he comes from kind of humble beginnings in Sweden and he comes from a small town. I think thats the really impressive thing about him in

person, really just how humble he is, not only about being one of the most recognizable NHL athletes and how he handles that, but how he plays the game, too.

He really takes pride in being a two-way player, hes not a ashy guy; on the ice he gets it done, game after game, thats what he really takes pride in his game, which is why for us, hes such an amazing athlete, in our hometown, and such a great match for our brand.

Zetterberg said that hes learned to have fun with all aspects of his job, including events like photo shoots.

I think you have to [have fun with it], otherwise it wont be fun, Zetterberg said. Its a part of it, if you dont do too much of it, I think you can actually enjoy it.

He did admit, however, that its still a little strange to work out with a camera crew following him around.

You know, it is, but I had a real good trainer here today, Zetterberg said. We went through all the steps and its a beautiful facility here, so everything was easy.

The native of Njurunda, Sweden, said he is still considering returning to his homeland during the lockout with wife Emma Andersson.

Im staying home, well see how long were going to stay, Zetterberg said. Hopefully we can nd a fair deal soon, and get the season started. If not, we might go over to Europe somewhere and play.

Mic

hael

Cap

les

/ M

iHoc

key


54755 Broughton Road | Macomb, MI 48042 | (586) 992-8600

www.suburbanicemacomb.com

FALL/WINTER 2012-13

NNENERRER CR LC ULUBUBBNNER CLUUBthe

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Suburban Ice-Macomb will run a special Suburban

FUNdamental hockey session for Mighty Mites (ages 4-7) from

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Great schedule and excellent ice times all at one location! One 50-minute skate each week for 24 weeks on Sundays at 4:30 pm

September 23 - March 24, 2013

Emphasis is placed on creating a fun, challenging environment for players to learn the beginning principles of skating in equipment,

stickhandling and puck skills at their competitive level. Skill stations and skillbuilding games will be a part of each session

Program serves as the initiation program for the Macomb Hockey Club

Full equipment required - equipment available to borrow

LEAGUE FEATURESInstructional Training Camp | Team Play | Game Time

Ages 18 & up24 Weeks September 16 through March 24

Sundays, between 5:30 & 7:00 pmNo sessions November 25, December 23 & 30,

and February 3

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TOURNAMENT CALENDARMICHIGANOCTOBER 2012Otsego County SportsplexGaylord, MIAAA Early Bird TournamentOctober 12 - 14, 20124 game guaranteeLevel: 20018 team limitJim Driver [email protected]

Great Lakes Fall Showdown Holland, MIOctober 12-14, 2012Squirt, Pee Wee, Bantam; AA and A; Midget Major and High School VarsityContact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040myhockeytournaments.com

FSU-BRAJHA HS Fall/Midget AA-AAA ShowcaseBig Rapids, MIOctober 12-14, 2012HS, Midget AA-AAA(231) 591-2881ferris.edu/icearena or bigrapidshockey.org

Motown Cup Tournament SeriesDetroit, MIOctober 12-14, 2012Mite through Midget: House, B, A and AA, High School Varsity and JVHockey Time Productions (216) 325-0567itshockeytime.com

Otsego County SportsplexGaylord, MIAAA Early Bird TournamentOctober 19 - 21, 20124 game guaranteeLevel: 20028 team limitJim Driver 989-858-3400 [email protected]

Hockey Time Productions Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MIOctober 19-21, 2012Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV216-325-0567itshockeytime.com

JV Preseason ShootoutScottville, MIOctober 19-21, 2012 JV231-843-9712westshoreice.comGTHA Tournament Series

Traverse City, MI October 19-21, 2012Squirt [email protected]

Battle at the Bridge 3 on 3St. Ignace, MIOctober 20-21, [email protected]

Great Lakes Fall Classic I Holland, MIOctober 26-28, 2012 Squirt A, B and House, Pee Wee AA, Bantam A, B and House, Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040myhockeytournaments.com

HocktoberfestMuskegon, MIOctober 26-28, 2012Squirt-Bantam Travel231-739-9423lakeshoresportscentre.net

GTHA Tournament SeriesTraverse City, MI October 26-28, 2012Pee Wee A & [email protected]

Motown Cup Tournament SeriesDetroit, MIOctober 26-28, 2012Mite through Midget: House, B, A and AA, High School Varsity and JVHockey Time Productions (216) 325-0567itshockeytime.com

Fall Classic Hockey TournamentDimondale, MIOctober 26-28, 2012Squirt Bantam B, A & AA & Midget AA517-319-1000thesummitsportsandice.com

NOVEMBER 2012Hockey Time Productions Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MINovember 2-4, 2012Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV216-325-0567itshockeytime.com

Great Lakes Fall Classic II Holland, MINovember 2-4, 2012Squirt AA, Pee Wee A, B and House, Bantam AA, Midget B and HouseContact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040myhockeytournaments.com

GTHA Tournament SeriesTraverse City, MI November 2-4, 2012Bantam A & [email protected]

Bar Down ShowdownMuskegon, MINovember 9-11, 2012Squirt & Pee Wee House/Travel, Bantam House, Mini-Mite/Mite Jamboree231-739-9423lakeshoresportscentre.net

Great Lakes Veterans Cup Holland, MINovember 9-11, 2012Squirt A, B and House, Pee Wee AA, Bantam A, B and House, Midget Major and HS VarsityContact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040myhockeytournaments.com

Columbus CupMt. Pleasant, MINovember 9-11, 2012Pee Wee House [email protected]

OUT OF STATEOCTOBER 2012AMERICAN CUPOctober 11-14, 2012Lake Placid, NYBantam, MidgetAA, A - Minor/Major/Mixed divisionsCanadian Hockey Enterprises. 1-800-461-2161 chehockey.com

Hockey Time Productions Rock n Roll Cup Tournament Series Cleveland, OHOctober 19-21, 2012Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV216-325-0567itshockeytime.com

Buckeye State Tournament Series: Cincinnati Fall ClassicCincinnati, OHOctober 19-21, 2012Squirt through Midget: House, B, A and AA, High School Varsity and JVGirls U10, U12, U14, U16, U19Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040myhockeytournaments.com

Three Rivers Cup Tournament SeriesPittsburgh, PAOctober 19-21, 2012Mite through Midget: House, B, A and AA, High School Varsity and JVHockey Time Productions (216) 325-0595itshockeytime.com

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COMPLETE AND UP-TO-DATETOURNAMENT LISTINGS ATMIHOCKEYNOW.COM


BY MATT MACKINDER

NAHL

Evan Cowleys story is pretty amazing.Playing AA hockey in Colorado this time a year ago, the

Wichita Falls Wildcats goaltenders stock has obviously soared through the roof as he played in the inaugural CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game as in NHL-caliber prospects on Sept. 29 in Buff alo.

He was the lone player from the North American Hockey League picked to play in the contest, which was played before 5,519 fans at the First Niagara Center, the home of the Buff alo Sabres.

And even though Cowley was a replacement for Michigan freshman goalie Jared Rutledge, he still felt like he had something to prove at the game.

I feel the NAHL is up to par with all the leagues that were here, Cowley said. Coming in, I wanted to impress some people and make sure I t in pretty well.

Cowley played the second half of the second period and the entire third period for the winning Team (Rob) McClanahan side. McClanahan, a member of the 1980 Miracle On Ice U.S. Olympic Team, coached the team, while former NHL defenseman Phil Housley coached the other team.

Team McClanahan won the game 5-2.Did Cowleys performance help elevate the stature of

the NAHL?I think so, I hope so, said Cowley. Obviously, with

two kids drafted last year (goalies Anthony Stolarz and Commerce native Connor Hellebuyck), the league has the credit there as well. I think its a great league and hopefully, we can keep pumping it up. It was a fun game (in Buff alo) and just a great atmosphere with a bunch of talented players. It was great to get into the game and see some pucks, too.

In late September, Cowley was named the South Divisions Star of the Week after posting back-to-back shootout wins over the Corpus Christi IceRays.

I think in total, Evan faced about 14 breakaways during the weekend and stopped all but one of them, so that is a testament to his natural ability, said Wichita Falls head coach Paul Baxter. He is learning at a really fast pace and has already adapted to the level of play in the NAHL.

Originally from Vancouver, Cowleys family now resides in Evergreen, Colo. To know that this time last year, he was playing at a much lower level than the NAHL and to now think that hes on NHL scouts radar screens as well as top NCAA schools recruiting schedules, Cowley simply brushes off any accolades.

My con dence is pretty high right now, said Cowley. You cant get too ahead of yourself and just have to realize that this is just the beginning with a lot of hard work ahead.

Im feeling good right now and its de nitely a happy

time for myself and my family and friends and hopefully, we can keep it going.

CLEVELAND LOOKING FOR CONTINUED SUCCESS IN NA3HL

The Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks typically have one of the better teams in the North American 3 Hockey League year in and year out.

At 5-1-0 so far this season, odds are that trend continues.So far, we are right where we want to be, Cleveland

captain Fred West said. We still have a long way to go, but we feel good about how weve played so far and we de nitely have the potential to make a good run this season.

We just have to keep doing what weve been doing everyday, added assistant captain Andrew Mitch. Weve been a pretty competitive team the past few years and I think skill-wise, this might be a better team than last year. Time will tell.

Last season, the Jr. Lumberjacks went 19-1-0 in their rst 20 games.

Rookie goaltenders Christian Michalik, who won a Division 1 state title last spring with Brighton High School, and Dave He in have been notable rst-year players. Returning players, including West, Mitch, Pat Smith, Louis Sawchik and Cameron Dimmitt, have helped the team stay focused while bringing the younger players into the fold.

NAPHL ALUMS CONTINUE TO CLIMB THE LADDER

Two former North American Prospects Hockey League players were recognized on the NHLs Prospects to Watch list for 2013 draft-eligible players with the release of NHL Central Scoutings preliminary list of players to watch in North America and Europe.

The list includes former Omaha AAA Lancers 16U defenseman Jalen Schulz, who played for Omaha during the 2011-12 season. Schulz was tendered by Corpus Christi during the 2011-12 season and is currently on the IceRays roster for the 2012-13 season.

The list also included goaltender Sean Romeo, who played in the NAPHL during the 2009-10 season for the Carolina Jr. Hurricanes 16U team. Romeo is currently in his second full season with the Youngstown Phantoms in the United States Hockey League.

In other player advancement news, Omaha 16U defenseman Tyler Brown has signed a standard Western Hockey League education agreement with the Moose Jaw Warriors.

Brown , a 15-year-old from Olympia, Wash., was a fth-round selection (106th overall) by Moose Jaw in the 2012 WHL Bantam Draft this past May.

COWLEY DOES NAHL PROUD AT ALL-AMERICAN PROSPECTS GAME

photo courtesy of the NAHL

Matt Mackinder / MiHockey

Matt Mackinder / MiHockey


PATHWAY to success

PHL NAHL NCAA DI Commitments

GABE LEVIN

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For a list of more player advancements, visitNAPHL.COM

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22 MiHockeyMag MiHockeyNow.com22 MiHockeyMag October 08, 2012 V.23 : I.3

HOMETOWN HEROES

October 08, 2012 V.23 : I.3 23MiHockeyMagMiHockeyNow.com

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Greater East Vice President Brandon Spedowski

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

Metro Vice PresidentBobby Mitchell313-806-8668

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Our state is lled to the brim with hockey to watch. Looking for a new team or league to follow because of the lockout? Here are just some of the other types of hockey to pay attention to in 2012-13.

PRO HOCKEYTHE AHL

Cant watch todays Red Wings? Watch tomorrows. The Griffi ns Detroits AHL affi liate are in charge of developing NHL-ready players out in Grand Rapids. That means you get to see Red Wings prospects battle prospects from various NHL teams, and do so at Van Andel Arena, a state-of-the-art facility on the west side of the state. The Griffi ns off er the top hockey in the state of Michigan currently, and they are worth the price of admission, especially with players like Brendan Smith and Gustav Nyquist returning to Grand Rapids.

THE ECHLJust below the AHL is the ECHL, which off ers more pro

hockey for fans searching for it during the lockout. The East Coast Hockey League serves as a stepping stone for players looking to crack AHL line-ups and continue their pursuit of one day playing in the NHL. Want to catch some

ECHL hockey? Check out the Kalamazoo K-Wings, who skate out of Wings Stadium. They have affi liations with the NHLs Vancouver Canucks and the AHLs Chicago Wolves. And in case you were wondering, the Red Wings ECHL affi liate is the Toledo Walleye which isnt too far away from Detroit, either.

COLLEGE HOCKEYThings are changing in college hockey, and 2012-13 is

the last time for fans to experience it the way that they have grown accustomed to over the years. This season will mark the nal run for the Central Collegiate Hockey Association, and next year, the six Michigan clubs Michigan, Michigan State, Western Michigan, Ferris State, Lake Superior State, and Northern Michigan will all be moving to new conferences. Some will join Michigan Tech in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, and others will join the newly-formed Big Ten hockey conference and National Collegiate Hockey Conference.

But thats not all there is for college hockey. Adrian and Finlandia have Division-III NCAA teams, and they have womens teams as well. Plus, the American Collegiate Hockey Association serves as the governing body for club hockey teams across the state. Adrian, Davenport, Eastern

Michigan, Michigan-Dearborn, Oakland and Western Michigan all compete at the D-I level of the ACHA. In D-II you will nd Grand Valley State, Michigan State, Michigan, Ferris State, Central Michigan and Michigan Tech. And at the D-III level, there are all of the following: Adrian College (Gold), Michigan State, Michigan-Flint, Grand Valley State, Davenport, Lawrence Technological University, Calvin College, Hope College, Northwood University, Lake Superior State, Kettering, Detroit Mercy, Mid-Michigan Community College, Aquinas, Delta College, Adrian College (Black), Lansing Community College, Saginaw Valley State, Wayne State University.

At the womens level of the ACHA, Michigan State, Western Michigan, Michigan, Northern Michigan, Grand Valley State and Lake Superior State all compete at the D-I level, and Michigan State hosts a D-II team, as well.

JUNIORSTHE OHL

Michigans Major Juniors teams, the Plymouth Whalers and Saginaw Spirit, off er fans the chance to see future NHL stars. The two clubs are members of the Ontario Hockey League, which is part of the Canadian Hockey League governing body. If youre looking to see high skill

TEAMS AND LEAGUES TO WATCH THIS SEASON


and potential NHL draft picks, the Whalers and the Spirit are great teams to check out.

THE USHLThe United States Hockey League classi ed as Junior

A Tier I is arguably the top development league for the NCAA. Junior-age players play against top talent while keeping their college eligibility. The Muskegon Lumberjacks are Michigans lone traditional USHL program, while the U.S. National Team Development Program, based out of Ann Arbor, competes in the USHL as well. Six USHL players were selected in the rst round of last years NHL Draft.

THE NAHLThe North American Hockey League classi ed as

Junior A Tier II is a storied junior league that routinely moves players into NCAA programs. Just like the USHL, the NAHL lets players compete on the national stage while keeping their eligibility. Four NAHL teams call Michigan home, meaning you catch NAHL action from anywhere in the state. The four Michigan squads are the Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings, the Michigan Warriors (who play in Flint), the Port Huron Fighting Falcons and the Soo Eagles.

THE NA3HLThe North American 3 Hockey League classi ed as

Junior A Tier III is a league that used to be known as the Central States Hockey League. Just like its partner league of the NAHL, the NA3HL off ers a chance for players to gain exposure for scouts at various levels of hockey. The Battle Creek Revolution, the Flint Jr. Generals, the Metro Jets (Waterford) and the Michigan Mountain Cats (Grand Blanc) are the Michigan-based teams that call the NA3HL home.

THE MWJHLNew to the junior scene for 2012-13 is the Midwest Junior

Hockey League. The MWJHL offi cially began operation this summer as a AAU-sanctioned Junior A league. The Great Lakes Lightning (Fraser), Hartland Hounds, Holland River Bandits, Michigan Ice Dogs (Wayne), Soo Fire Hawks, and Tennyson Chevrolet (Brownstown) are the Michigan-based teams for the inaugural season.

HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEYThe Michigan High School Athletic Association serves

as the governing body for high school hockey in the state of Michigan. High school hockey continues to grow in our state, and is a viable option for players who want to reach the next level of hockey, while doing so from home. Last years high school Mr. Hockey, Mackenzie MacEachern, had such a strong senior season that hes now with the Chicago Steel of the USHL, committed to Michigan State, and property of the St. Louis Blues after hearing his name called in the third round of the draft. If youre looking for

competitive hockey with a captivating energy level on a Friday night, just head to your nearest rink that hosts your nearest high school.

The Michigan Metro Girls Hockey High School League off ers girls the chance to play high school hockey. The league is split into Division I and Division II, with 15 schools participating. The D-I teams are Grosse Pointe North, Grosse Pointe South, Cranbrook/Kingswood, Port Huron, University Liggett, Ladywood, Ann Arbor Pioneer, and Northville A and B squads. The D-II division features a uni ed Plymouth-Canton-Salem squad, along with Mercy, Walled Lake, Regina, Detroit Country Day, and Bloom eld Hills.

YOUTH HOCKEYTHE HPHL

The High Performance Hockey League features three of the best Michigan AAA hockey programs in Honeybaked, Compuware, and Little Caesars. The three teams formed a league with three teams with Chicago to try to alleviate some of the travel diffi culties AAA hockey presents. The HPHL off ers Pee Wee minor and major, Bantam minor and major, and Midget minor and major age levels for boys, and U14, U16 and U19 age levels for girls.

THE TIER I ELITE HOCKEY LEAGUEThe Tier I Elite league is a coast-to-coast AAA league for

many age groups, designed to off er as much as exposure as possible for the players to advance into the ranks of juniors and college. Top programs Belle Tire and Victory Honda call the Tier I league home for both their boys and girls programs, while the Oakland Grizzlies boys teams compete in the league as well.

THE NAPHL The North American Prospects Hockey League is another

elite league for midget major and minor teams. Thirty-six teams compete in the league (18 for each division), with the Detroit Falcons, Lansing Capitals and West Michigan Hounds serving as Michigans representation for the NAPHL.

LITTLE CAESARS AMATEUR HOCKEY LEAGUEThe Little Caesars Amateur Hockey League is the nations

largest amateur ice hockey league, containing teams from Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and occasionally Tennessee. More than 650 Tier II travel (A/AA) and Tier III house teams participate in the league, which means over 11,000 players from 45 affi liated associations.

ADRAY COMMUNITY HOCKEY LEAGUE The Adray Community Hockey League off ers an

alternative to the LCAHL, with boys divisions split into east, west, and metro, and a separate girls division. Age groups range from mini mite up through JV for the league that covers the majority of our state.

MICHIGAN GIRLS HOCKEY LEAGUEThe Michigan Girls Hockey League off ers another place

for girls to play hockey in a competitive environment. The MGHL is comprised of diff erent hockey associations girls divisions joining forces for fair play, yet competitive play, at the 10U, 12U and 14U levels.

MiHockey disclaimer Any teams/leagues missed on this list was in no way intentional. The best part of hockey in this state that there is so much at so many diff erent levels makes it diffi cult to capture everything on two pages of the magazine. If we missed something, let us know by emailing editor Michael Caples [email protected].


No Wings? No problem. Heres a calendar of just some of the many games you can watch this year, to get your ll of great hockey in the state of Michigan. They are all games to be played within Michigans borders, and yes, we realize that these are only some of the games to watch this season. The best part of hockey in Michigan is that a list like this can never, ever be complete.

OCTOBER6 Western Michigan, Lake Superior, and Michigan Tech start their seasons

7 Northern Michigan and Ferris State start their seasons, while the Grand Rapids Griffi ns skate at Yost

8 Michigan State starts their season by hosting Windsor

9 Michigan starts their season by hosting Windsor

11 Michigan Tech travels to LSSU for the rst clash of Michigan D-I teams

12 The Grand Rapids Griffi ns offi cially open their season

13 LSSU returns the favor and heads to Michigan Tech, and theres a pink-out at Compuware

16 The NTDP U18 team hosts the Muskegon Lumberjacks at the Cube

19 The Chicago Steel travel to Muskegon19-20 Minnesota arrives at Michigan Tech20 Pink Out Game between the Spirit and the Guelph Storm at the Dow Event Center

26-27 First CCHA match-ups, highlighted by Miami at Michigan

NOVEMBER1 The NTDP U18 squad hosts Mike Downing and the Dubuque Fighting Saints at the Cube

4 The Spirit welcome Sarnia to Saginaw2-3 Michigan travels to Northern Michigan6 Saginaw visits Plymouth for the rst time in this in-state rivalry

6-11 The Four Nations Tournament at the Cube brings international talent to Ann Arbor

7 The Griffi ns play a matinee game at 11 a.m.9 Michigan State visits Michigan while the Whalers host the Windsor Spit res

10 Michigan drives up to East Lansing for a rematch, and the Whalers welcome the London Knights

14 The Whalers show up in Saginaw15-16 Notre Dame heads to Ann Arbor for two games with Michigan

21 Windsor returns to Plymouth23 The Griffi ns welcome the Chicago Wolves to Van Andel, and host a teddy bear toss at the same time

30 The Buckeyes visit Michigan State for two games

DECEMBER 1 The NTDP U17 team visits the

Muskegon Lumberjacks4 Michigan Tech travels to Northern Michigan for a bragging rights battle

7 Saginaw clashes with Plymouth7-8 Ferris State and Western Michigan get back to work on their rivalry

14-15 Western Michigan visits Yost, while North Dakota visits Michigan Tech

15 Ferris State takes on Michigan State27 Another showdown between the Spirit and Whalers

27-28 The Great Lakes Invitational takes place outdoors

28 Griffi ns vs. Marlies, indoor edition29 London at Plymouth, Windsor at Saginaw, but everything at Comerica Park

30 Marlies and Griffi ns outdoor edition31 The hyped Alumni Showdown games at Comerica Park, plus the Griffi ns annual NYE game

JANUARY 1 To be lled in later4 The NTDP U18 squad travels down the street to Yost

5 Michigan State drives out to Ferris State11-12 Notre Dame comes to East Lansing12 The Griffi ns take on Peoria as part of the Great Skate Winterfest

18 Ferris State makes another trip to Munn18-19 - Michigan visits Lake Superior State20 The NTDP U18 squad welcomes the Steel at Cube

21 Erie visits Plymouth for the Whalers annual 2 p.m. start on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

22 The NTDP U18 team takes on the Spartans25 Michigan visits Western Michigan, while the Penn State Nittany Lions visit Michigan State

FEBRUARY 1 Michigan State heads to Yost1-2 Western Michigan and Ferris State do battle once again

2 Michigan and Michigan State take their rivalry to The Joe

8-9 Miami visits Western Michigan in a CCHA heavyweight bout

12 Northern Michigan visits Michigan Tech in an up-north showdown

13 Plymouth drives to Saginaw15-16 Northern Michigan drives down to East Lansing

22 The Spit res visit the Whalers22-23 Notre Dame comes to Western Michigan24 The Griffi ns host their second annual Purple Game to bene t the Van Andel Institute and cancer survivors

MARCH1 The Muskegon Lumberjacks visit the Cube and the NTDP U18 team

1-2 Western Michigan at Michigan State, Ferris State and Michigan, and Lake Superior State at Northern Michigan mark the nal regular-season weekend for the CCHA

8-9 The CCHA playoff s begin at campus sites15 The NTDP U18 team drives to Muskegon15-16 The WCHA playoff s begin for Michigan Tech, and the CCHA playoff s continue

16 The Spit res come to Compuware23 The NTDP U18s go to Muskegon again23-24 The CCHA hosts their nal championship weekend at Joe Louis Arena, and the championship is played on Selection Sunday

Visit MiHockeyNow.com for a more comprehensive calendar that will be updated throughout the season!

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ALL-AMERICAN PROSPECTS GAME

BUFFALO, N.Y. After the CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game, players said that they were told more than 150 scouts would be watching them compete at the First Niagara Center in Buff alo.

And you can be sure that a lot of scouts and NHL executives kept an extra-close watch on Canton native and University of Michigan commit Mike Downing.

The defenseman, currently playing for the Dubuque Fighting Saints of the United States Hockey League, was given an A rating by NHL Central Scouting in their preliminary players to watch list for the 2013 NHL Draft.

Yet Downing said that he wasnt concerned with the scouting attention during the inaugural prospects game; at least not for long, anyway.

Theres more pressure, but youve just got to get it out of your head that nobodys there watching, that its just a normal game, said the 17-year-old defenseman. So it was obviously a little nerve-wracking, but once you got used to it, you played your normal game, and you were ne.

Downings team Team Housley ended up falling to Team McClanahan 5-2 in the game. But the former Catholic

Central star who played for Honeybaked, Belle Tire, and Victory Honda growing up had nothing to complain about.

It was a lot of fun playing in front of all these fans, Downing said. There were 6,000 fans here, and just playing in front of all the scouts and getting to know a group of guys who are your teammates and playing against another great group of guys, it was just a great experience all around.

Downing was the youngest player on the Saints roster last season, yet still posted four goals and 10 assists. After the season, Downing served as the captain of Team USA at the 2012 Ivan Hlinka Tournament.

As he prepares for another USHL season, the 6-foot-3, 195-pound forward used the All-American Prospects Game as a chance to do some scouting of his own. Downing was well aware that he was playing against the top talent he will see in the USHL this year.

Its nice seeing how good they are, Downing said. Youll be up against them all year so you know what youre up against, and there are so many great players in the game today, that our team will play against, so itll be good.

BUFFALO, N.Y. The inaugural CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game started out slow, but picked up the pace as the game wore on and Team McClanahan defeated Team Housley 5-2 Saturday night at First Niagara Center in front of scouts and general managers representing all 30 National Hockey League teams.

The two teams of the top American-born prospects for the 2013 NHL draft were coached by two ex-Buff alo Sabres in former NHL defenseman Phil Housley, also the coach of this winters U.S. national junior team, and Rob McClanahan, a member of the 1980 Miracle On Ice U.S. Olympic team.

Its all about the coaching, laughed McClanahan after the game. I was impressed with the players energy and I was impressed with their skill. Even though it was a one-sided aff air, I thought both teams had some very talented kids out there.

Housley said his team had nothing to hang their heads over.

I thought we carried the play for most of the rst period, but (Team McClanahan goalie) Cal Petersen was their equalizer, Housley said. Overall, I thought our team competed very well and I thought the game went according to plan and guys were hitting each other, getting in front of shots and it was very competitive out there.

Eight Michigan connections participated in the inaugural game. Macomb native Mike McCarron, Grosse Pointe Farms native Trevor Hamilton, and Saginaw Spirit forward Jimmy Lodge dressed for Team McClanahan, while Canton native Mike Downing, St. Clair native Tyler Motte, Sterling Heights native Evan Allen, Plymouth Whalers forward Ryan Hartman, and Wolverines commit J.T. Compher skated with Team Housley.

Hudson Fasching and potential top-overall pick Seth Jones scored the rst two goals for Team McClanahan over the rst 26:06 of play.

I thought the rst period was kind of slow, but once everyone calmed down and got comfortable with the

pace, there was a lot of hitting out there and it was pretty physical, said Jones, son of former NBA player Popeye Jones.

Montgomery then tallied on a nice give-and-go with Saginaw Spirit forward Jimmy Lodge to make it a three-goal advantage at 8:17.

At 14:58, a bouncing puck found its way past new Team Housley goalie Hunter Miska during a goal-mouth scramble. Shore was credited with the goal.

Sterling Heights native Evan Allen got Team Housley on the board 6:08 into the third period. Frank Vatranos initial shot was stopped by Evan Cowley, but the rebound came right to Allen and the Michigan recruit made no mistake in ring the puck into the net.

Team McClanahan got the goal right back when Dakota Mermis tallied on a wrister from the slot at 10:50.

Allens second of the game came on a rebound at 13:49 from a Steven Santini shot.

(Above photo by Michael Caples/MiHockey)

TEAM MCCLANAHAN WINS INAUGURAL ALL-AMERICAN PROSPECTS GAME IN BUFFALO

BY MATT MACKINDER

MIKE DOWNING KICKS OFF DRAFT-ELIGIBLE YEARBY MICHAEL CAPLES Photo courtesy of USA Hockey/Steve DeMeo

GAME NOTES: Buff alo-area natives Sean Malone (West Seneca) and Matt Lane (Rochester) received the biggest cheers during player introductions. Former Sabres and Red Wings coach Scotty Bowman, the winningest coach in NHL history, dropped the ceremonial rst puck.Attendance was announced as 5,519. Fitzgerald took home game MVP honors.


BUFFALO, N.Y. If performing well in spotlight games is something he will do often, Evan Allen wont have a hard time adjusting in Ann Arbor.

The Sterling Heights native and University of Michigan commit posted two goals in the CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game in Buff alo the only two goals his team would score on the evening.

Allen, a 17-year-old forward currently playing for the National Team Development Program in Ann Arbor, scored twice in the nal frame, knocking in rebounds at the 6:08 and 13:50 marks of the third period. It wasnt enough for Team Housley, however, as they lost to Team McClanahan 5-2.

The Michigan native and Honeybaked product said his performance in a game featuring the top draft-eligible players from across the United States will help him in a crucial year for young hockey players.

I thought I played pretty good, said Allen, who is listed at 5-foot-10 and 195 pounds. I didnt really know what to expect from the game, but I got those two goals and got my con dence up. It was an awesome experience and to know that Im getting up there with the top guys is a real con dence booster for me.

Allen said that he enjoyed skating with both his current

and former teammates at the NTDP, and meeting a new group of players that he will see for years to come.

Yeah it was awesome, back skating with the old 18s and the top guys for the draft and just getting to know everyone, Allen said. It was a good experience.

He also said he wasnt concerned with the amount of scouts watching from the stands, even after the players were forewarned by Jim Johannson, USA Hockeys assistant executive director of hockey operations. Every NHL team was in attendance for the inaugural prospects game.

They told us, Johannson told us before, maybe like 150 [scouts], but I wasnt really aware, Allen said. I wasnt too focused on it.

Allen cracked NHL Central Scoutings initial list of players to watch for the 2013 NHL Draft. Last year, he recorded 17 goals and 19 assists for 36 points in 52 games with the U.S. National Under-17 team. And speaking of showing up for big games, Allen had four points (one goal and three assists) in the U17 teams victory over Slovakia to claim rst place at the Vlad Dzurilla Under-18 tournament. In 2010-11, he had 14 goals and 24 assists in 34 games with Honeybakeds midget minor squad.

EVAN ALLEN STARS WITH TWO GOALS IN ALL-AMERICAN PROSPECTS GAME

BUFFALO, N.Y. After the CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game, Mike McCarron tweeted three words.

Bragging rights babyWho could blame him for being excited about his Team

McClanahan squad posting a 5-2 win over Team Housley in the battle of draft-eligible players in Buff alo?

McCarron ended up playing against 13 players who are currently or previously skated with the U.S. National Development Program, the place McCarron has called home since the start of the 2011-12 season.

Yet it was McCarrons team who won the inaugural prospects game, with the Macomb native and Honeybaked product contributing in a big way.

Hes a big boy, a big boy, said Rob McClanahan, McCarrons coach for the night. It took him a little bit of time for him to get comfortable out there, but as the game progressed, he got more comfortable. A lot of the kids, it took a while, they were a little nervous at rst, and it just took them a while to get relaxed, get their energy out, and then they came around.

Once McCarron settled in, he started making his presence felt on the ice. The NTDP forward, who checks in at 6-foot-5 and 227 pounds, was a physical force for the entire night, playing a crash and bang style that

surely caught the attention of the many NHL scouts in attendance.

The power forward said it was a speech from his coach that had him feeling comfortable throwing his weight around for the game, despite who he was playing against.

McClanahan is a great guy; he told us just to work hard, McCarron said. It doesnt matter if youre playing against your best friend, you still have to go out and work hard and compete. Thats what makes you a competitor. Thats what I picked up.

McCarron ended up picking up an assist on Team McClanahans fourth goal of the night; he red a shot on goal that was stopped, but teammate Quentin Shore (Denver, Colo.) knocked in the rebound. Include the many hits he distributed throughout the night, and it was a typical outing for McCarron.

I picture myself as a power forward, McCarron said. You know, get pucks deep, play the body a lot, and just get shots on net create room for everyone else. I think Im a playmaker, I dont think a sniper so to say, but I like to think I make room for other people out there.

The Michigan native has committed to Cornell University, where he will join his older brother John. It is also expected that he will hear his name called at the NHL Draft.

MCCARRON SHOWS OFF SIZE AND SKILL IN BUFFALO

BY MICHAEL CAPLES

BY MICHAEL CAPLES

Photo courtesy of USA Hockey/Steve DeMeo

Photo courtesy of USA Hockey/Steve DeMeo



When Ryan Hartman received a phone call last summer from USA Hockey assistant executive director of hockey operations Jim Johannson, he assumed it was simply a courtesy call explaining to him the details of the U.S. national junior team evaluation camp taking place in August in Lake Placid.

Turns out it was much more than that.Johannson told Hartman, now a rookie forward with the

Plymouth Whalers, that USA Hockey was going to host the inaugural CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game in September at the home of the Buff alo Sabres and asked if the Chicago-area native would like to participate.

I didnt ask questions, said Hartman. I just said yes.At the game on Sept. 29, Hartman played on the team

coached by former NHL defenseman Phil Housley, who will also coach Team USA over the holidays at the IIHF World Junior Championship in Russia. The other team had Rob McClanahan behind the bench. McClanahan was a member of the 1980 Miracle On Ice U.S. Olympic Team.

Team McClanahan topped Team Housley by a 5-2 mark.I think it was good to play for Housley and to maybe

get some extra exposure for the World Juniors, Hartman said. That can never hurt. Overall, I thought the game went well and I really enjoyed it. I think the city of Buff alo

did a great job being that it was the rst event like this and it was awesome to see the rink (First Niagara Center) and all the renovations theyve done recently.

As one of eight Michigan connections in the game (two others backed out due to injury) and one with U.S. National Team Development Program ties, Hartman said he was very comfortable on the ice in front of the announced crowd of 5,519, plus more than 150 NHL scouts and general managers and a nationwide media presence.

It was a fun event, but its not something thats necessarily going to determine where I get drafted, said Hartman. I hope a game like this can open some eyes and give all of us who played some more exposure, but I just have to go back to Plymouth and keep working hard and let the draft take care of itself.

In Plymouth, Hartman has adjusted well to the speed and style of the Ontario Hockey League and is also seeing time at center, instead of his natural wing position. Hes been skating with second-year forward Matt Mistele and veteran Garrett Meurs and the line seems to be clicking.

Before this year, I had only played center once or twice before, but Im adjusting better than I thought, Hartman said. Im enjoying it and Im learning the diff erent responsibilities, diff erent routes, things like that. As for our line, the chemistry is coming along and I think as a team, were starting to come together.

Jimmy Lodge hopes that playing in front of numerous NHL scouts and general managers Sept. 29 in Buff alo at the rst-ever CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game helped his draft stock for next summers NHL draft in New Jersey.

With an assist in the game, Lodges side earned the victory as Team (Rob) McClanahan topped Team (Phil) Housley 5-2 at the First Niagara Center, home of the Buff alo Sabres.

I had a great time, said Lodge, a 17-year-old forward from Downington, Pa. We had a banquet Friday night and had a tour of the Sabres locker room and also met a lot of NHL scouts and GMs. The game went very well and it was just a great experience.

Lodge said he was shocked in a way that he was even selected to participate in the game.

I got a call in August from one of the USA Hockey guys telling me about the game and asking if Id like to play, said Lodge, now in his second season with the Ontario Hockey Leagues Saginaw Spirit. It was kind of shocking because I didnt even know the game was happening and the phone call came in the middle of summer in the middle

of a weekday. Obviously, I was excited and accepted the invitation to play in the game.

Lodge had the primary assist on a goal by Jacob Montgomery, but skated well throughout the game and felt the scouts in the stands should have taken notice.

I think a game like this makes the scouts want to come watch you more, Lodge said. My main goal for this game was to play my game, open some eyes and show these guys how I play and what I can off er.

As a U.S.-born hockey player, Lodge had to decide early on where he wanted to play once he turned 16 wait for the right NCAA opportunity or play right away in the OHL.

I always knew I wanted to play in the OHL and I made it offi cial during my OHL draft year (2010-11), said Lodge, who Saginaw tabbed in the third round out of the Toronto Titans organization. Coming to Saginaw was a change from what I was used to in Toronto, but I knew what kind of a league the OHL was and Im hoping it can help get me to my dream of playing in the NHL.

I think the prospects game can help build momentum for myself and I think we have a lot of optimism in Saginaw. We just want to go out and have a good season.

WHALERS HARTMAN TAKES PROSPECTS GAME IN STRIDE

Photo courtesy of Rena Laverty/Plymouth Whalers

BY MATT MACKINDER

LODGE REPRESENTS SPIRIT WELL IN BUFFALO

BY MATT MACKINDER

Photo courtesy of the Saginaw Spirit




No Gate FeePizza party provided after Saturday evenings games from Mancinos

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All tournaments sanction through USA Hockey and closely monitoredTeams from past tournaments include: Kentwood, Bay City, Sault Ste. Marie, East Grand Rapids, Lansing, Grand Valley, Holland, Midland,

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Fax: (231) 845-7823 For more information on our tournaments call (231) 843-9712 or visit our website at

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Tournament Levels and Dates

Tournament Features

WEST SHORE COMMUNITY ICE

ARENA2012 - 2013

TOURNAMENT SERIES

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Ferris State ICE ARENA Big Rapids Area Junior

Hockey Association2012 2013

Youth Tournament SchedulePremier Tournament Sponsor Holiday Inn

Sept 28-30 = HS Fall/Midget AA-AAA Showcase 8 10 teams ($700-$800) 4 games

Oct 12-14 = HS Fall/Midget AA-AAA Showcase 8 10 teams ($700-$800) 4 games

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4x4/3x3 hockey played on the Ferris State Studio Rink. FSU vs Michigan, Fri/Sat, Nov 30-Dec 1 call early for

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2012/13 Tournaments

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GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS

MrazekREADY FORNEW CHALLENGE

Not many 19-year-old goaltenders have the chance to hear their name chanted by a crowd of 20,000 people. Even fewer get that chance while representing their country on

one of hockeys biggest stages.You can forgive Petr Mrazek if he seemed a little excited.Everyone asks me about that, said Mrazek. I couldnt

play for the national team for two years because I had a problem in the Czech Republic. When they called me and said I could, I was so happy.

One of the top young goaltenders from the Czech Republic, Mrazek didnt even sniff the preliminary rosters of his countrys World Junior Championship teams the previous two seasons, despite being an NHL drafted goaltender who was considered a rising star for the OHLs Ottawa 67s.

When he found his country leading the United States late in the third period, on the back of his 52-save performance, he proudly wore his emotions on the sleeves of his jersey. He st-pumped after a penalty shot save, dog-piled on a teammate who sealed the win with an insurance goal, danced while the Canadian crowd shouted his name, and even dove halfway into the bench to celebrate with his teammates.

I didnt think I would celebrate like that, he said. Im a quiet goaltender, but that was something special. Its one of the biggest things that can happen in your hockey career. You cant play in the under-20 every year. You only get one or two chances.

The celebration didnt always go as planned, though. The tournament was hosted in Canada, meaning the crowd didnt take too kindly to his energy after he celebrated a penalty shot save on a Canadian player during an earlier game. Mrazek was booed for the rest of the night, making the chants two nights later all the more interesting.

I knew that when we played against the USA that people would probably cheer for us, said Mrazek. I knew they didnt like them [in Canada], so I tried again and they loved it. There were 20,000 people in the arena calling my name. It was unreal.

Although his celebrations drew the attention of several detractors, there was no doubting that his performance matched the hype. After being named the tournaments top goaltender, he returned to Ottawa to cap off a three-year junior career with a long playoff run. He led his team to the Eastern Conference Final and posted more than 30 saves in 11 of his 17 postseason appearances.

I think I ended up in a great city with Ottawa, said Mrazek. Its like a European city a little bit, there are a lot

of Czechs. I met some Czech families and they helped me to adjust.

Mrazek came to North America prior to the 2009-10 season, as his agent told him it would provide him with a better chance of impressing NHL scouts and eventually getting drafted. Detroit selected the Ostrava, Czech Republic, native with their fth choice in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

When I was growing up, people said [the OHL] was a good way to get a chance to play in the NHL, said Mrazek. My agent told me it would be a good chance to get drafted, so of course I wanted to go. It was a new experience, and a lot can happen.

While its not too common, there are cases every year of talented European prospects who struggle after entering leagues around North America. Challenges range from adapting to a new culture and living alone at a young age to the language barriers in making new friends and understanding lessons from coaches.

The biggest thing was having no parents there, and I didnt speak English well, he said, adding that he missed his family and friends but never felt homesick. It was hard, but I was able to use Skype and talk to them.

Now that hes transitioned to the AHL, Mrazek is far more familiar with the North American lifestyle, more polished with the English language and in an environment he knows he can thrive, having been around many of his new teammates at previous Red Wings prospect camps.

I dont think it will be a big change, just little changes like a new town, new people, new players and new coaches, said Mrazek. Maybe the hockey is a little diff erent, but I was in Canada for three years, so living here wont be too diff erent.

I will work hard every day and take it step by step, he continued. Ill try to play here a lot by practicing hard, working out in the gym hard and resting to be ready for games.

Mrazek began his rst AHL training camp when players reported on Oct. 1, and he nds himself learning the same lessons hes been learning since becoming a member of the Red Wings organization.

I worked with Jim Bedard and Chris Osgood in Traverse City, and I talked to them a lot when I was in Ottawa for two years, said Mrazek, noting that the two goalie coaches were present during the Griffi ns training camp.

It remains to be seen if and when the 10,834-seat Van Andel Arena will be chanting his name, but like new head coach Jeff Blashill, Mrazek is another component of a young and energetic core that hopes to lead Grand Rapids to a quick start once the 2012-13 season begins.

BY KYLE KUJAWA

Petr Mrazek (Ryan Gajewski/Grand Rapids Griffi ns)


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JUNIORS PREVIEWRED WINGS INSIDER

For all the NHLs progress in terms of speed of play, size, strength and skill level, not to mention the enormous sums of money the game is now generating, its still a league with a mindset

cemented in the past in so many other ways.Change doesnt come easy in hockey when it comes to

the games culture.Judging by the fact the NHL is idled by its third lockout

in 18 years, the hockey culture appears not to have progressed much from the 1950s when Ted Lindsay rst proposed forming some kind of players association.

Its still dictation from the top. Now, no one need shed any tears for the modern player

when the league minimum salary is at half a million dollars per season. Players are generally treated rst class in every area and many owners are exceedingly generous with their own teams.

Yet, when it comes to the bargaining table, something changes. The modern NHL goes retro when it comes to labor relations.

It may have cost the Detroit Red Wings $250,000 to do it, but senior vice president Jimmy Devellano shone a bright light on that grubby little fact when he called the players cattle that fed on the owners ranches at the owners largesse.

Oh, there were howls of derision and the predictable outbursts of political correctness, but Devellano was doing everyone a service in spelling out the cold hard facts.

Many look at Jimmy D as that crazy old uncle at family reunions, but those o

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MiHockeyMag - October 8, 2012