Michigan Hockey - Feb. 20, 2012

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OUTDOOR HOCKEY COMING TO MICHIGAN PAGES 34-35

mihockeynow.com

V.22 : I.15 | February 20, 2012

FIRST CLASS

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H T S O P H A SL NO BULLS

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STEVEN KRUK

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RYAN PARDOSKI

Lead Instructor Wayne State University

MARK CANNON

Lead Instructor Oakland University

CHRIS BALLACH

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CAL MCGOWAN

Lead Instructor Ferris State University

GEOFF BENNETTS

JOE JONES Director Massachussettes Institute of Technology

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

MICHIGAN FEBRUARY 20, 2012 VOLUME 22: ISSUE 15 6 THE LOCKER ROOM Talking hockey on Facebook and Twitter

8 SLIDESHOW Hockey happenings from across the Mitten

12 SPEAKING OF HOCKEY

Who do you want to see in the Winter Classic alumni game?

14 GET BETTER

What to do when your team loses a face-off

16 YOU SHOULD KNOW Michigan’s David Wohlberg

20 TOURNAMENT CALENDAR The latest tournament listings

22 HOMETOWN HERO Trenton native Erik Condra

25 YOUTH HOCKEY A hockey player turned TV commercial star

34

THE 2013 NHL WINTER CLASSIC The big event - along with a new one - comes to the Mitten

29 NAHL

Continuing to provide NCAA opportunities

31 MUSKEGON LUMBERJACKS A brick wall in Muskegon named John Keeney

32 PLYMOUTH WHALERS Nick Malysa - a rock on the blue line

33 SAGINAW SPIRIT Spirit heating up at just the right time

38 GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS Chris Minard hopes to stay healthy, help Griffins

4

36 COLLEGE HOCKEY

40

The Spartans and Wolverines put in-state bragging rights on the line

Dave Waddell revisits the 2009 NHL Winter Classic between the Wings and the Blackhawks

Michigan Hockey

RED WINGS INSIDER

42

LOOK FOR OUR NEXT ISSUE LAST LINE

Darren Eliot discusses the Red Wings’ record-setting 21 consecutive home wins

MIHOCKEYNOW.COM

MARCH 5, 2012

To advertise in Michigan Hockey please contact Lucia Zuzga at (248) 479-1134 or lucia@mihockeynow.com or Michael Caples at (248) 479-1136 or mcaples@mihockeynow.com

FEBRUARY 20, 2012 V.22 : I.15

FROM THE EDITOR MICHIGAN HOCKEY EDITOR Michael Caples

mcaples@mihockeynow.com

ADVERTISING Lucia Zuzga

lucia@mihockeynow.com

DESIGN Emily Huston Chuck Stevens MICHIGAN HOCKEY STAFF Brian Kalisher bkalisher@mihockeynow.com

DISTRIBUTION Lucia Zuzga ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR Amy Jones DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & PROGRAMMING Darren Eliot

BY MICHAEL CAPLES 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 mcaples@mihockeynow.com

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

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

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

I’m sure that you have noticed by now that the last week or so has been a tremendous time for hockey in the state of Michigan.

The long-time rumors that the Winter Classic would be coming to the Mitten were finally confirmed, along with the fact that for the first time, the NHL will build a second sheet of ice in a different location, so that our state can simply go bonkers with outdoor hockey leading up to ‘The Big Game at the Big House.’ We couldn’t be happier about the decision to take outdoor hockey to the next level, here, in our hockey-crazed state.

Toss in yet another terrific weekend series between Michigan and Michigan State, and then the home win streak record being broken by the Red Wings, and I am happy to report that while our staff may be a little exhausted, we’re just as happy as the rest of you to be all wrapped up in the game at the height of hockey season.

Personally, I can’t wait until the hockey world’s spotlight is cast on our state for an extended period of time.

Between the Hockeytown Winter Festival and the Winter

@michaelcaples Classic, Michigan will be the focus of hockey players and fans from across the globe. It’s our chance to defend the name “Hockeytown.” It’s our chance to celebrate the game we love with visitors from near and far. And it’s our chance for many of us to experience outdoor hockey at the game’s highest stage for the first time.

I was fortunate enough to experience the Winter Classic in Chicago, and the Big Chill at the Big House. Let the record state that I was also at the Cold War, though I was… younger. They were all tremendous experiences, ones that I will never forget, and I hope every hockey fan can witness such an event in person in their lifetime.

I hope you enjoy this latest issue of Michigan Hockey.

We’ve got some great hockey content for you from page to page.

See you at a rink soon,

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

Photos at left: (from L to R): Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk (Michael Caples/Michigan Hockey), Torey Krug (Dave Reginek/DRW), Winter Classic in Chicago (Michael Caples/Michigan Hockey) Cover: Photo by Michael Caples/Michigan Hockey

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

FEBRUARY 20, 2012 V.22 : I.15

VISIT MIHOCKEYNOW.COM FOR DAILY COVERAGE OF HOCKEY IN MICHIGAN MIHOCKEYNOW.COM

Michigan Hockey

5

THE LOCKER ROOM

THE

LOCKERROOM LOCKER ROOM POLL

ON THE FLY

Q:

As the end of the CCHA regular season rapidly approaches, we asked our readers which Michigan-based team they thought would finish highest in the standings. Here’s what they said:

A: Michigan State – 49% Michigan - 31% Ferris State (top team as of Feb. 14) - 11% Western Michigan - 7% Lake Superior - 1% Northern Michigan - 1% This photo was posted on our Facebook wall by Greg Spencley, with the caption, “District 7 playoffs”. Apparently it was a physical game…

TWO FOR TWEETING

TALES FROM THE RINK Vicki Crimmins e-mailed us this story about how her friend challenged another player just a little bit bigger than her during a women’s league game north of the border. Great story!

“It was the semifinal game of the Windsor Woman’s Hockey Tournament. We were up 4-0 with less than 2 minutes left in the game. Needless to say, the game was starting to get chippy. My linemate, Kelly, who is all of 5’3” and 110 lbs, gets a cheap shot in the corner from the opposing team member who is about 6’1” and let’s just say much heavier than 110 lbs! Uncharacteristically, Kelly retaliates with a two-hand slash to her chest. The Canadian player flinched about an inch (tops) and says to Kelly, “… really, 17!” as she is glaring down at her. Kelly responds with a laugh, “I Know! That’s all I got!”

The Canadian player started cracking up, as did Kelly, and the play continues.

Apparently during the exchange, they each made a new friend. When Kelly returns to the bench she says to me, gasping for air, “remind me to tell you a funny story after the game!” I told her I heard the whole lovefest and we both started cracking up on the bench!”

6

Michigan Hockey

Remember R b to t follow f lll us on Twitter T ittt for f constant t t updates d t about b t h hockey k across Michigan.

Well NHL draft prospect and Rochester W We elll he he didn’t didn dn’tt get get tthe h sscore he c rre co e rright, igh ig ht bu ht butt NH N Ld dr rafft pr p ros o pe os ecctt a nd Roc che est s er native Jacob Trouba predicted a win correctly when he responded to us.

This Wings signifi off th the Red Wings’ historic Thi T Th his W in ngss ffan an a n sseemed ee eme m d to o ssum um u m up p the the si ign nifi ficccance fi an nce ce o he Re R dW ing gs’ h issto toriic win rather well.

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FEBRUARY 20, 2012 V.22 : I.15

Make Your Nominations NOW for the...

AWARDS 2012 Hockey Person of the Year

This award is presented annually “to a person who has made outstanding contributions to the sport of hockey in Michigan as a FRDFK SDUHQW PDQDJHU DVVRFLDWLRQ YROXQWHHU RIĂ€FLDO RU OHDJXH administrator.â€?

Coach of the Year

This award is presented annually “to a head coach from Michigan who is widely regarded as an excellent teacher, role model, and tactician and whose players are regarded to be well-disciplined and reach their full potential under the coach’s guidance.�

Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year

This award is presented annually “to a male student-athlete born in 1993 -1996 who has achieved a high level both in the classroom and on the ice during the past hockey season.�

Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year

This award is presented annually “to a female student-athlete born in 1993 -1996 who has achieved a high level both in the classroom and on the ice during the past hockey season.�

HOW TO NOMINATE SOMEONE Make your nominations to editor Michael Caples at mcaples@mihockeynow.com Please include name of nominee, reason for nominating him/her, biographical information about your nominee, your name and your daytime and evening telephone numbers.

Would you like to become a sponsor of this unique event?

Please contact Lucia Zuzga at (248) 479-1134 or lucia@mihockeynow.com.

FOLLOW YOUTH HOCKEY ALL SEASON LONG WITH

2012 SPRING TRYOUTS Let the hockey world know when your tryouts are by joining Michigan’s top youth hockey publication.

Reach more players and parents with our media outlets: Michigan Hockey Magazine distributed to over 100 locations Michigan Hockey Magazine digital issue sent to over 18,000 subscribers MiHockeyNow.com 60,000+ views per month All packages include a free online ad through duration of your tryout package - single issue ads are online until the next issue is posted.

TRYOUT TR OU ISSUES MARCH 5 Tryout info due Feb. 21 MARCH 12 Tryout info due Feb. 28 MARCH 19 Tryout info due March 6

APRIL 9 Tryout info due March 27 APRIL 23 Tryout info due April 10

Call Lucia at 248-479-1134 or email her at lucia@mihockeynow.com to help spread the word about your team’s tryouts.

SLIDESHOW

MICHIGAN HOCKEY IN PICTURES: AROUND THE MITTEN 1

2

3

6 All of this issue’s photos were taken by editor Michael Caples, using only his iPhone and the Instagram app.

4

5

1. When journalists and photographers walked out of the Michigan Stadium tunnel and onto the field for the Winter Classic press conference, they saw signs depicting an ice rink on the field.

2. The Spartans and Wolverines are welcomed onto the ice at Joe Louis Arena on Feb. 11.

3. Tomas Holmstrom and his family are greeted at center ice by Mr. and Mrs. Ilitch to honor him for 1,000 career NHL games.

4. Johan Franzen and the Joe Louis Arena crowd celebrate his goal against Edmonton on Feb. 8.

5. The tiger outside of Comerica Park sported a Detroit Red Wings jersey on the day the Winter Classic and Hockeytown Winter Festival were announced.

6. Michigan and Michigan State players line the blue lines of Joe Louis Arena during the national anthem.

7 8

Michigan Hockey

7. The Comerica Park field displays an outline of a hockey rink.

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FEBRUARY 20, 2012 V.22 : I.15

:05 FRI 7 PM Trading Card Night

Whalers v. Owen Sound WYCD $5 Fridays return with the first 2,000 fans receiving a free team trading card set!

Feb 17

Hockey Across America SAT 7

:05 PM

Whalers v. Guelph

Celebrate hockey across the country with the Whalers! Kids, remember to wear your team's jersey to be eligible to win prizes!

#11 Stefan Noesen 2011 NHL 1st Round Pick Ottawa Senators

Feb 18

:05 Team Autograph Night FRI 7PM

Whalers v. Oshawa

Post-game autograph session from the entire team! Stay after to meet eight of our NHL draft picks, including thre NHL first rounders!

Feb 24

PM Brain Injury Awareness SAT 7:05

Whalers v. Sudbury

Join us for the 1st Annual Head Smart Game to promote maintaining a healthy and sound mind.

Feb 25

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

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

Two-Day Sessions, One Great Opportunity February 20-21 or February 23-24 includes clinic, sticks & pucks, CALL NOW TO REGISTER! 734-453-8400 $70 pizza party and game ticket.

On-Ice Clinic with Asst Coach Joe Stefan, Sticks & Pucks with the Whalers, pizza party and a ticket to a future Whalers game!

Check out everything going on for

Warrior Hockey Day In Michigan on February 18, 2012!

Perani’s Hockey World Sale!

To celebrate Warrior Hockey Day in Michigan, visit any of Perani’s 13 Michigan locations Feb. 18-19 for 20% off ANY Warrior product in stock.

The Fox Sports Girls will make an appearance at Perani’s in Livonia at 3pm to sign autographs.

Look for Warrior’s Chop Shop Fan Zone and meet Kris Draper at the Catholic League Championships at Joe Louis Arena at 7:30 pm.

For all of the events going on during Warrior Hockey Day In Michigan and to view the new Warrior commercial, visit www.mihockeynow.com/hdim Check out the Warrior Hockey Day in Michigan Facebook Page and become a fan for your chance to

win Warrior prizes now through hockey day!

Ages 18 & up

Ages 18 & up

10 Skates

11 Skates April 9th - June 26th

April 15-June 24

No session May 28th

No session May 27th

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SPEAKING OF HOCKEY

In honor of the big Winter Classic announcement, we ask...

WHO DO YOU MOST WANT TO SEE PLAY IN THE RED WINGS/MAPLE LEAFS ALUMNI GAME OUTDOORS? For each issue of the magazine, we will post a question on Facebook, and one randomly selected answer will win a Warrior prize pack: hoodie, hat, and T-shirt. Good luck!

I would love to see Gordie Howe tie up his skates...he’s 83, but I guarantee you he can still rough it up. Mark Lisica

OZZIE! Chris Osgood! Doug Johnson

About to feel the hate...Sergei Fedorov...all-time favorite Wing. And of course ‘The Captain’ and ‘Mr. Hockey.’ Jasmine Grotto

Dino Ciccarelli! Brian Tallieu

For the Leafs - Felix Potvin, Doug Gilmour, Wendell Clark. For the Wings - Stevie Y, Glen Hanlon, Mickey Redmond. Ryan Law

WINNER

Shanny, Vernon, Félix “The Cat”, and Sundin. Scott Mitchell

Shawn Burr, Joey Kocur, Stevie Yzerman, One shift by Gordie with his son Mark Howe. Christopher Sorel

Visit our Facebook page to try and win our next Warrior prize pack, facebook.com/mihockeynow 12

Michigan Hockey

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GET BETTER

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WHERE TO GO WHEN YOU LOSE A DRAW

D/C/D are responsible for the opposition team's three LW Work hard to forwards. get into the shooting line

14

Michigan Hockey

RW Cover the slot first but is ready to cover the opposition weak side D if the puck goes that direction.

If opposition Wing moves high D must slide out to cover his man. Wing will take his spot.

MIHOCKEYNOW.COM

RW Cover the slot first but is ready to cover the opposition weak side D if the puck goes that direction.

FEBRUARY 20, 2012 V.22 : I.15

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Michigan Hockey

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YOU SHOULD KNOW

you should know FAVORITE SPORTING EVENT: Watching football FIRST CONCERT: Ted Nugent MUST-SEE TV: House FAVORITE MOVIE: Wedding Crashers WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU HAVE AN HOUR OF FREE TIME: Xbox, Call of Duty IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPER POWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE: Flying FAVORITE CHILDHOOD MEMORY: Quebec International Peewee Hockey Tournament KIND OF CAR YOU DRIVE: Jeep Grand Cherokee NICKNAME: Wally FAVORITE MEAL: Steak and baked potato ONE PIECE OF TECHNOLOGY YOU CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT: Cell phone WHO WAS MOST INFLUENTIAL ON YOUR HOCKEY CAREER: My coaches when I was younger

david wohlberg University of Michigan forward

David Wohlberg might be from South Lyon, but he has become a fixture in Ann Arbor over the last six years. After spending two seasons at the Ann Arbor Ice Cube with the US National Team Development Program, Wohlberg joined Red Berenson and the Michigan Wolverines in 2008. Ever since, he’s been a force for the Michigan offense. Sometime soon, however, he’ll be leaving the Mitten – Wohlberg was a sixth-round pick of the New Jersey Devils in ’08.

Photos courtesy of: ondetroitmi.com (Detroit Lions), niceimage.org (House), IMDb.com (Wedding Crashers), gamingaccessories.com (video game controller), greenlagirl.com (steak & potato)

16

Michigan Hockey

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Michigan Hockey

17

FUTURE PRO GOAL

Stick Placement is Essential to

YOUNG GOALTENDERS

BY CARL HOWELL There is a school of thought from goaltending instructors that a goalie’s stick should be placed on the ice 2 or more feet out from the toes of the skates. I see 9 or 10-year-old kids struggling to move because their stick is so far out that all their weight is on the toes of the skates and they are bent so far forward the top of the net is available to shooters. I have also seen pucks ramped right up the stick blade, over the shoulder and into the net. Not good.

Stick placement is not a one-size-fits-all application. It depends on your size and skill. You have to be able to move your stick in an arcing manner on the ice in order to steer pucks to the corners. And, especially for younger goalies, the blade must be far enough ahead of the toes so that they don’t land on the stick as they butterfly. Young goalies have a tendency to hold the stick immediately in front of their toes, and the mind tells them, “you have to move your stick when you butterfly or you will land on the blade,” so as they go down, away goes the stick. But for a 10-year-old to have the stick two feet out is ridiculous.

If you are 6-foot-2, maybe you can play with the stick that far out. I teach holding the stick about eight to ten inches in front of the toes for smaller, younger goalies, to 15-20 inches for bigger, more experienced goalies. The key is

to make sure the stick blade lies flat on the ice centered between the toes while in your stance and as you move with shuffle steps. Paddle length also determines where the stick can be placed. If the paddle is too long, you will not be able to keep the blade centered. Ken Dryden, who I played against in college, was an exceptionally tall goalie - well over six feet - but he used a 24-inch paddle that forced him to crouch low to keep the blade centered and flat. Many young goalies use paddles that are too

long, making stick placement an issue and widening the six-hole gap under the arm.

Very few goalies can play effectively with the blade held two or more feet out in front of their toes. I have been told that the far placement will allow the goalie to ramp straight on shots into the body. Maybe, but it is also possible, especially for less experienced goalies, to ramp the puck over the shoulder. If you learn to deaden the puck with the blocker hand, you are better off, or arc the stick to direct the puck to the corners. I have seen a few - very few - NHL goalies hold the stick well out in front of their toes, in the two-foot range. But they are big guys, and as the skater closes in, the stick is pulled in closer to the toes. Especially for younger and smaller goalies, I believe the stick should not be that far out from the toes.

GOALIE SCHOOL

18

Michigan Hockey

MIHOCKEYNOW.COM

FEBRUARY 20, 2012 V.22 : I.15

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

Erik Rausch

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

Sophie Kanar

13 Macomb Twp. 5' 1" 96 lbs.

98 Troy Sting Forward Jamey Leger Middle School East 8th Tampa Bay Lightning Steven Stamkos

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20

Michigan Hockey

February 25, 2012 ADM Jamboree 989-772-9623 info@mpicearena.org U.P. Youth Pond Hockey Championship St. Ignace, MI February 25-26, 2012 Mite Minors – Midget – House & Travel 906-643-8676 lbe@cityofstignace.net littlebeararena.com MARCH 2012 Great Lakes Tournament Series Holland, MI March 2-4, 2012 Mite B, Pee Wee B and Midget B Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Get Into the Cold Tournament Mt. Pleasant, MI March 2-4, 2012 Squirt House B 989-772-9623 info@mpicearena.org Hockey Cares - House B Tournament Kalamazoo, MI March 2-4, 2012 Squirt House B through Midget House B Contact: Mike Stommen E-Mail mstommen@ arenamaps.com Phone 269-345-5369 tournaments.arenamaps.com/ series/ Big Bear - The Big Thaw Detroit, MI March 2 - 4, 2012 Mite, Squirt, Peewee, Bantam, Midget High School Varsity & J.V. B - A - AA Visit us online at shootouthockey.com 248-399-1694 Riverfront Tournament Wyandotte, MI March 2-4, 2012 I-program, 6U Mini-Mite, 8U Mite Full & Half ice, 10U Squirt 313-247-6391 email: tjmiello@aol.com wyandottehockey.org

Hockey Time Productions Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MI March 9-11, 2012 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com Hockey Time Productions Girls Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MI March 9-11, 2012 8U-19U House, B, A, AA 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com Great Lakes Tournaments Series Holland, MI March 9-11, 2012 Mite Cross-Ice Jamboree, Squirt B and Bantam A Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com 14th Annual Puck ‘o the Irish Tournament Bay City, MI March 9-11, 2012 Mite – Midget B, JV Prep 989-671-1000 x105 baycounty-mi.gov/civicarena

Grand Rapids, MI March 9- 11, 2012 Mite U6 & Mite U8 cross ice 248-399-1694 shootouthockey.com St. Paddy’s Tournament Mt. Pleasant, MI March 9-12, 2012 Pee Wee & Squirt House B 989-772-9623 email: info@mpicearena.org Kalo’ mazoo Classic Kalamazoo, MI March 16-18, 2012 Pee Wes/Bantams/Girls U14/ Girls U16 Midgets/ Girls U19/ Adult Women/ Adult Men Contact: Jeff Weber 269-345-1125 jweber@wingsstadium.com Hockey Time Productions Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MI March 23-25, 2012 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 www.itshockeytime.com

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Hockey Time Productions Girls Three Rivers Cup Tournament Series Pittsburgh, PA February 24-26, 2012 8U-19U House, B, A, AA 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com MARCH 2012 Ironman Adult Tournament Blaine, MN March 9-11 Divisions- Men’s B, C, D 5 games in 3 days Chicago Cup Tournament Series: Chicago Showdown Chicago, IL March 2-4 Mite through Midget; B, A, and AA, High School Varsity and JV, Mite Cross-Ice Jamboree Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Gene Harrington Invitational Niagara Falls, NY March 2-4, 2012 Contact: Bob Harrington 781710-6560 bh@nahockey.com Website: nahockey.com

Shamrock Shootout Muskegon, MI March 9-11, 2012 Squirt – Bantam A & AA & House - Mite - Bantam 231-747-7266 goldcoasttournaments.com

OUT OF STATE TOURNAMENTS FEBRUARY 2012 AMERICAN CUP Lake Placid, NY February 23-26, 2012 Peewee, Bantam A, B, House Select - Minor/ Major/Mixed divisions Canadian Hockey Enterprises 1-800-461-2161 chehockey.com

28th Annual Mite Spring Tournament Flint, MI March 9-11, 2012 Cross Ice Division, house and Mite AA 810-694-7310 email: jmbdcard@comcast.net gchockey2007@aol.com

Hockey Time Productions Rock ‘n Roll Cup Tournament Series Cleveland, OH February 24-26, 2012 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com

Hockey Time Productions Three Rivers Cup Tournament Series Pittsburgh, PA March 9-11, 2012 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com

Big Bear - The Killer Bees Grand Rapids, MI March 9- 11, 2012 Mite, Squirt, Peewee, Bantam, Midget, High School Varsity & J.V. B – BB only shootouthockey.com 248-399-1694 Big Bear - The Killer Bees

Hockey Time Productions Three Rivers Cup Tournament Series Pittsburgh, PA February 24-26, 2012 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com

Hockey Time Productions Girls Three Rivers Cup Tournament Series Pittsburgh, PA March 9-11, 2012 8U-19U House, B, A, AA 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com

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Hockey Time Productions Rock ‘n Roll Cup Tournament Series Cleveland, OH March 9-11, 2012 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com

Steel City Tournament Series: Pittsburgh Spring Classic Pittsburgh, PA March 9-11, 2012 Mite through Midget; B, A, and AA, High School Varsity and JV, Mite Cross-Ice Jamboree Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Empire State Tournament Series: Rochester Rumble Rochester, NY March 9-11, 2012 Mite through Midget; B, A, and AA, High School Varsity and JV, Mite Cross-Ice Jamboree Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Congressional Cup Tournament Series: Congressional Spring Classic Washington, DC March 9-11, 2012 Mite through Midget; B, A, and AA, High School Varsity and JV, Mite Cross-Ice Jamboree Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Buckeye State Cup Tournament Series: Buckeye State Showdown Cincinnati, OH March 9-11, 2012 Mite through Midget; B, A, and AA, High School Varsity and JV, Mite Cross-Ice Jamboree Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Liberty Cup Tournament Series: Liberty Cup Spring Classic Hatfield, PA March 9-11, 2012 Mite through Midget; B, A, and AA, High School Varsity and JV, Mite Cross-Ice Jamboree Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Niagara Falls Championship Cup Niagara Falls, NY March 16-18, 2012

FEBRUARY 20, 2012 V.22 : I.15

Mites, Squirts, Peewees, Bantams and Midgets, A, B, AE, & AA Divisions available in most tournaments. niagaratournaments.com 716-791-4068 or 716-405-7154 Gcarella17@roadrunner.com Weekend Hockey Tournaments Tampa, FL March 16 - 18, 2012 19+, 25+, 30+, 35+, 40+, 45+, 50+ A, B, C, D, E Levels Mens/ Womens/ Co Ed 1-877-702-5701 905-827-3541 james@weekendhockey.com www.weekendhockey.com North American Holiday Hockey Las Vegas, Nevada March 21 – 26, 2012 Las Vegas Ice Center Adult & Youth 1-800-322-NAHH www.nahhtours.com email: NAHHTOURS@aol.com Weekend Hockey Tournaments Pittsburgh, PA March 23-25, 2012 19+, 25+, 30+, 35+, 40+, 45+, 50+ A, B, C, D, E Levels Mens/ Womens/ Co Ed 1-877-702-5701 905-827-3541 james@weekendhockey.com www.weekendhockey.com Hockey Time Productions Rock ‘n Roll Cup Tournament Series Cleveland, OH March 23-25, 2012 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 www.itshockeytime.com North American Holiday Hockey Fort Lauderdale, Florida March 28 – April 2, 2012 Saveology.com Iceplex (Panthers’ Practice Facility) Adult & Youth 1-800-322-NAHH www.nahhtours.com email: NAHHTOURS@aol.com Canadian Hockey Enterprises Chicago Cup Chicago, Illinois March 29/30-April 1, 2012 Includes Blackhawks vs Blues tickets Over 19, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 divisions Canadian Hockey Enterprises...1-800-461-2161 www.chehockey.com email: goals@chehockey.com

FEBRUARY 20, 2012 V.22 : I.15

Canadian Hockey Enterprises Atlantic City, NJ March 30-April 1, 2012 Over 19, 25, 30, 35, 40 divisions Canadian Hockey Enterprises...1-800-461-2161 www.chehockey.com email: goals@chehockey.com Weekend Hockey Tournaments Philadelphia, PA March 30-April 1, 2012 19+, 25+, 30+, 35+, 40+, 45+, 50+ A, B, C, D, E Levels Mens/ Womens/ Co Ed 1-877-702-5701 905-827-3541 james@weekendhockey.com www.weekendhockey.com CANADA MARCH 2012 Weekend Hockey Tournaments Niagara Falls, ON March 9 - 11, 2012 19+, 25+, 30+, 35+, 40+, 45+, 50+ A, B, C, D, E Levels Mens/ Womens/ Co Ed 1-877-702-5701 905-827-3541 james@weekendhockey.com weekendhockey.com CANADIAN CUP Montreal, Quebec March 16-18, 2012 Novice, Atom, Peewee, Bantam, Midget AA, A, B, House Select Minor/Major/Mixed divisions Canadian Hockey Enterprises 1-800-461-2161 www.chehockey.com Canadian Hockey Enterprises Capital Cup Ottawa, ON March 16-18, 2012 Includes Senators vs Leafs tickets Over 19, 25, 30, 35, 40, divisions Canadian Hockey Enterprises 1-800-461-2161 www.chehockey.com email: goals@chehockey.com

MARCH 2012 Hockey Cares - House B Tournament Kalamazoo, MI March 2-4, 2012 Squirt House B through Midget House B Contact: Mike Stommen E-Mail mstommen@ arenamaps.com Phone 269-345-5369 tournaments.arenamaps. com/series/

Rivertown Tournament Wyandotte, MI March 2-4, 2012 Mini-mite, Mites & Squirt 313-247-6391 tjmiello@aol.com www.wyandottehockey.org

OCTOBER 2012 Otsego County Sportsplex Gaylord, MI AAA Early Bird Tournament October 5 – 7, 2012 4 game guarantee Level: 2000 8 team limit Jim Driver 989-858-3400 Email: jim@premierjd.com Otsego County Sportsplex Gaylord, MI AAA Early Bird Tournament October 12 - 14, 2012 4 game guarantee Level: 1999 8 team limit Jim Driver 989-858-3400 Email: jim@premierjd.com Otsego County Sportsplex Gaylord, MI AAA Early Bird Tournament October 19 - 21, 2012 4 game guarantee Level: 1998 8 team limit Jim Driver 989-858-3400 Email: jim@premierjd.com

WE’LL HELP YOU STAY FOCUSED ON YOUR GOAL. ESPECIALLY IF IT’S SCORING ONE. Open up your team’s travel options when you stay at any of the 15 southeast Michigan Marriott® hotels.

Our unique blend of service and amenities is designed to support you while you support the team.

2012 SCHEDULE North American Holiday Hockey Adult & Youth 1-800-322-NAHH nahhtours.com NAHHTOURS@ aol.com Las Vegas, Nevada Las Vegas Ice Center March 21 – 26, 2012 Fort Lauderdale, Florida Saveology.com Iceplex (Panthers’ Practice Facility) March 28 – April 2, 2012 Montreal, Quebec Complexe Sportif Bell (Canadiens’ Practice Facility) April 13 – 15, 2012 Toronto, Ontario Canlan Ice Sports April 20 – 22, 2012 Hartford, Connecticut International Skating Center of Connecticut April 27 – 29, 2012 Atlantic City, New Jersey Flyers’ Skate Zone (Flyers’ Facility) May 4 – 6, 2012

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

Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center 400 Renaissance Drive Detroit, MI 48243 313-568-8000 detroitmarriott.com

Courtyard Detroit Dearborn 5200 Mercury Drive Dearborn, MI 48126 313-271-1400 dearborncourtyard.com

Courtyard Detroit Southfield 27027 Northwestern Highway Southfield, MI 48033 248-358-1222 southfieldcourtyard.com

Detroit Marriott Troy 200 W Big Beaver Road Troy, MI 48084 248-680-9797 troymarriott.com

Courtyard Detroit Downtown 333 East Jefferson Ave Detroit, MI 48226 313-222-7700 detroitdowntowncourtyard.com

Courtyard Detroit Troy 1525 East Maple Road Troy, MI 48083 248-528-2800 detroittroycourtyard.com

The Dearborn Inn, A Marriott Hotel 20301 Oakwood Blvd Dearborn, MI 48124 313-271-2700 dearborninnmarriott.com

Courtyard Detroit Farmington Hills 31525 West 12 Mile Road Farmington Hills, MI 48334 248-553-0000 marriott.com/dtwfm

Residence Inn Detroit Warren 30120 Civic Center Blvd Warren, MI 48093 586-558-8050 residenceinnwarren.com

Courtyard Detroit Airport Romulus 30653 Flynn Drive Romulus, MI 48174 734-721-3200 detroitairportcourtyard.com

Courtyard Detroit Livonia 17200 N Laurel Park Drive Livonia, MI 48152 734-462-2000 livoniacourtyard.com

SpringHill Suites Detroit Southfield 28555 Northwestern Highway Southfield, MI 48034 248-352-6100 marriott.com/dtwsd

Courtyard Detroit Auburn Hills 1296 Opdyke Road Auburn Hills, MI 48326 248-373-4100 auburnhillscourtyard.com

Courtyard Detroit Novi 42700 West 11 Mile Road Novi, MI 48375 248-380-1234 novicourtyard.com

TownePlace Suites Detroit Sterling Heights 14800 Lakeside Circle Sterling Heights, MI 48313 marriott.com/dtwtu

MIHOCKEYNOW.COM

Michigan Hockey

21

HOMETOWN HEROES

22

Michigan Hockey

MIHOCKEYNOW.COM

February 20, 2012 V.22 : I.15

NHL TOTALS (AS OF FEB. 10)

82 13 GAMES

GOALS

17

ASSISTS

30 36 POINTS

PIM

NOTRE DAME TOTALS (2005 – 09)

159 48 110 158 110 GAMES

February 20, 2012 V.22 : I.15

MIHOCKEYNOW.COM

GOALS

ASSISTS

POINTS

PIM

Michigan Hockey

23

24

Michigan Hockey

YOUTH HOCKEY

2012 SPRING TRYOUTS 2002 STARS

$PBDI 7JDLJ $SJNNJOT t WDSJNNJOT !DPNDBTU OFU 8FE .BSDI ! r 4BU .BSDI !

NOW ACCEPTING COACHES APPLICATIONS AT TRAVEL LEVELS CONTACT CAL MCGOWAN CMCGOWAN@SUBURBANICE.COM FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Jaclyn Jasgur From Walled Lake to Hollywood

)UHHZD\ 3DUN 'ULYH Â&#x2021; )DUPLQJWRQ +LOOV

Â&#x2021;VXEXUEDQLFH FRP

2012 SPRING TRYOUTS 10U ICEBREAKERS $PBDI (FPò #FOOFUUT HCFOOFUUT!TVCVSCBOJDF DPN 14U ICEBREAKERS $PBDI +PF +POFT KKPOFT!TVCVSCBOJDF DPN 19U ICEBREAKERS $PBDI 3VTT 5BTLFS SNUBTLFS !BUU OFU

FEBRUARY 20, 2012 V.22 : I.15

ACCEPTING COACHING APPLICATIONS FOR 12U & 16U TEAMS

Nick Lidstrom isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the only local hockey player hawking Honda cars on TV. Walled Lake Wild varsity hockey forward Jaclyn Jasgur spent last summer in Los Angeles where she earned a role in the well-known 2012 Honda Pilot commercial â&#x20AC;&#x153;Road Tripâ&#x20AC;?. The spot features a family singing an a cappella rendition of the iconic Ozzy Osbourne song, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Crazy Train.â&#x20AC;?

The popularity of the commercial has spawned a number of amateur remakes on YouTube, including versions by toddlers and groups of college students.

In the commercial, Jasgur is known as the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Aye, Aye, Ayeâ&#x20AC;? girl. The original version of the song has become a musical mainstay of the Wildâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s warm-ups during each home game as a tribute to her performance. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one of those songs they play at every sporting event, so it shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be so

funny to hear it when weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re out on the ice,â&#x20AC;?

Jasgur said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I knew the song but never paid much attention to it and now I hear it all the time. It gets to be a little crazy because my friends start to sing it, my family always sings it. I hear it on TV during football and hockey games. It must be one of the most popular songs of all time.â&#x20AC;?

Jasgur was bitten by the acting bug two years ago, and now has an acting agent, a voice-over agent and a manager in Los Angeles. She attributes her early success to attending Launch Showcase, a talent conference held in Chicago each July.

When she isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t playing hockey or acting in Los Angeles, Jasgur is a sophomore who also plays lacrosse and track while maintaining a 4.0 GPA at Walled Lake Western High School.

CONTACT CAL MCGOWAN

CMCGOWAN@SUBURBANICE.COM

MIHOCKEYNOW.COM

Michigan Hockey

25

2012 SPRING TRYOUTS honeybakedhockey.com

Midget Major

1999 Bantam Minor

CONTACT: Steve Dickinson Sdixie21@aol.com 419-345-0799

CONTACT: Jeff Mitchell jmitchell@suburbanice.com 248-719-1117

Midget Minor

2000 Peewee Major

CONTACT: Rob Krohl Krohly1@gmail.com 734-637-9748 Monday April 2nd 9:00 pm at Hazel Park Thursday April 5th 9:00 pm at Hazel Park

1998 Bantam Major

CONTACT: Pat Peake lmcsweet@aol.com Monday February 27th 6:00 pm Tuesday February 28th 6:30 pm Thursday March 1st Invitation Only All Skates at Hazel Park - $15 each

CONTACT: Trevor Edwards Honeybaked2000@hotmail.com 810-488-9401 Tuesday February 28th - 7:30-9:00pm Thursday March 1st - 6:30-8:00pm Friday March 2nd - 7:00-8:30pm (INVITE ONLY TRYOUT)

2001 Peewee Minor CONTACT: Danny Veri dannyveri@sbcglobal.net 734-347-3434

2002 Squirt Major Tier II (DISTRICT 4) CONTACT: Dave Debol daviddebol@aol.com

2003 Squirt Minor Tier II

Girls 16U

CONTACT: Lyle Phair lphair@suburbanice.com 248-478-1600

Girls 14U

(DISTRICT 4) CONTACT: Jeff Mitchell jmitchell@suburbanice.com 248-719-1117

CONTACT: Danny Veri dannyveri@sbcglobal.net 734-347-3434

Girls 19U

CONTACT Joe Jones jjones@suburbanice.com

CONTACT Joe Jones jjones@suburbanice.com

Girls 12U

Spring is an opportunity for youth players to extend their sport for an additional 8 weeks. Skaters get to play in their new winter 2012–2013 age classification in a self-contained league.

Minimum 15 hours of ice (combination of practices & games) at Lindell Arena from the end of March through Mid-May. $175 Mini-Mite, $225 (Mite thru Bantam) $275 (Midget, 1.5 hour games) Player Fee includes ice, referees, awards & use of League Jersey (USA Hockey registered players only with proof of registration – players who are not registered with USA Hockey must register at www.USAhockey.com)

3/28/12 to 5/23/12

All Teams formed by League Draft

Wed., Feb. 29, March 7, 14 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

26

Michigan Hockey

Sat., Feb. 26, March 3, 10, 17 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

MIHOCKEYNOW.COM

FEBRUARY 20, 2012 V.22 : I.15

FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY "The Original"

$288 m e p r tea

Goalies $40

APRIL 13-15, 2012

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APRIL 20-22, 2012

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APRIL 27-29, 2012

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Goalies needed in all divisions Â&#x2021; 6DWXUGD\ 6NLOOV &RPSHWLWLRQ ± (YHU\RQH LV LQYLWHG WR SDUWLFLSDWH Â&#x2021; 7KH QXPEHU RI WHDPV UHJLVWHUHG ZLOO GHWHUPLQH KRZ PDQ\ GLYLVLRQV DQG WHDPV SHU GLYLVLRQ $ URXQG URELQ ZLWKLQ HDFK GLYLVLRQ ZLOO EH FRQGXFWHG ZLWK WZR WR IRXU WHDPV DGYDQFLQJ WR D VLQJOH HOLPLQDWLRQ SOD\ RII URXQG Â&#x2021; 7HDPV DUH HQFRXUDJHG WR EULQJ JRDOLHV EXW WKH\ ZLOO KDYH WKHLU RZQ JDPH VFKHGXOH *RDOLHV ZLOO SOD\ WZR SHULRGV IRU HDFK WHDP SHU JDPH

TOURNAMENT HOTLINE 0RQGD\ )ULGD\ Â&#x2021; D P S P

(231) 591-2881 See website www.ferris.edu/icearena for application About 3-on-3 Hockey: 3-on-3 Hockey is a unique brand of ice hockey developed to enhance your LQGLYLGXDO KRFNH\ VNLOOV LQ D IXQ ¿OOHG HQYLURQPHQW *DPHV DUH IRXU IRXU PLQXWH SHULRGV 7KUHH VHSDUDWH RQ ULQNV ZLOO EH VHW XS LQ WKH IDFLOLW\ 7KUHH ULQNV PHDVXULQJ DSSUR[LPDWHO\ IHHW ORQJ E\ IHHW ZLGH ZLWK IRRW KLJK ERDUGV DGG D QHZ DQG TXLFNHU ZD\ WR SOD\ WKH JDPH

Team entry form MUST be received 3 weeks before tournament date.

FEBRUARY 20, 2012 V.22 : I.15

MIHOCKEYNOW.COM

Michigan Hockey

27

HIGH SCHOOL SHOWCASE HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY COVERAGE POWERED BY:

MIHL SHOWCASE

brings players, parents, and scouts to Trenton

BY BRIAN KALISHER TRENTON - The 12th annual MIHL Prep Hockey Showcase brings schools from across Michigan and Ontario to Trenton for a weekend of competition with the best high school players the area has to offer. While it’s true that the players enjoy the large stage of the tournament, it’s even a special time for their parents.

John Swartz, father of Saginaw Heritage freshman Jake Swartz, is looking forward to being here to watch his son play in the Showcase – especially since he’s the lone freshman on the team.

“It’s exciting, he’s the only freshman on the team so we’ve got him on the board right away, just had a nice, close game, 5-4, with Country Day,” the elder Swartz said. “It’s an excellent tournament, all the schools are here, it gives you a chance for the kids to be seen.”

Being “seen” is something that the average fan coming into this tournament may not understand. There are loads of scouts from the college and Junior A ranks that attend this Showcase to take a look at Michigan’s finest high school players.

A myriad of former high school standouts who made it to the NHL have taken part in this Showcase, including: David Moss, Casey Wellman, Jeff Petry, Andy Greene, Andy Miele, and even hometown hero and former Spartan Justin Abdelkader.

The annual Showcase, held at Kennedy Recreation Center in Trenton, features 39 high school clubs from around Michigan and Ontario. Starting Feb. 9 and continuing on through Feb.

28

Michigan Hockey

11, parents, students and hockey fans are treated to plenty of high school action. Six games on Thursday and 16 each on Friday and Saturday make for almost 40 games to choose from in what is billed as the “biggest high school event of the season.”

“We formed our league to promote high quality high school hockey, strong competition and sportsmanship,” MIHL president Andy Weidenbach said in a statement about the event. “The showcase was a natural offshoot of that mission.

The first eleven showcases were great successes and we are very optimistic about this year’s event.

“High school hockey in Michigan has experienced tremendous growth in the last few years, both in the number of teams participating and in the quality of play. Accordingly, we have expanded the Showcase so that we can continue our mission of providing exposure for the best of high school hockey. There were 12 teams in the first Showcase and now there are 39 teams competing.”

Various coaches said that it’s a great experience for all parties involved.

“This is the third year we’ve in it,” Grandville assistant coach Rob Pratt said. “It’s a great atmosphere because they do a nice job of matching up teams that are equal and it just brings in teams from all over the state. You get to see lots of good hockey. It’s a great event for the kids; I know it’s a highlight for our kids every year. They love coming here.

“It’s a lot of fun to kind of hang out and be a rink rat all over again.”

MIHOCKEYNOW.COM

Joe Amundsen, father of Marquette sophomore Christopher Amundsen, is impressed with his first taste of the MIHL Prep Hockey Showcase, as well.

“This is my first time being involved in the tournament so I don’t know what to expect I guess,” Amundsen said. “But the atmosphere seems great…I didn’t realize it was such a big event as far as all the scouts. I just thought it was a tournament to go to, I didn’t realize it was such a big deal.”

Amundsen agrees that the scouts in attendance add another element to the event.

“It does, I don’t know if my son even knows about it or whatever, but hopefully it doesn’t change the way he plays,” Amundsen said. “I think he gets kind of nervous, up-tight, before games anyway, so I think not knowing that is probably a good thing for him.”

The exposure means that parents and players are willing to spend hours upon hours of time on the road to participate.

The Amundsens spent over seven hours on the road travelling from Marquette. But driving long distances to play hockey isn’t anything new for them.

“Well, we played over in Chelsea yesterday, so we went down there, but it was about a seven and a half hour drive,” Amundsen said. “My son has been on travel teams up until the high school level, so we’re used to it, we’re up in Marquette so we quite often had tournaments down to Chicago or Minneapolis, so we’re kind of used to the long trips, but [this showcase] was definitely worth it.

The Swartz family spent a little less time on the road – two hours – and would love to get involved in showcases like this more often.

“Oh yeah, this is a great thing they’re doing,” John Swartz said. “I wish they would do one in the fall and another one here. Whether they put them more in the Northern suburbs where they get different teams, I don’t know, I think the teams that want to play in it are going to drive no matter what.”

Photos by Andrew Knapik/Michigan Hockey

FEBRUARY 20, 2012 V.22 : I.15

NORTH AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE

Photos left to right: Brooks Behling (NAHL), Alec McCrea (NAHL), L.J. Dvorak (Matt Mackinder/Michigan Hockey), Peter Traber (NAHL)

BY MATT MACKINDER The North American Hockey League definitely lives up to its “league of opportunity” moniker.

With three more players committing to Division I colleges recently, who’s to argue?

Janesville’s Alec McCrea (Harvard), Topeka’s Peter Traber (Harvard) and Amarillo’s Brooks Behling (Providence) have all announced where they’ll be headed down the road.

What’s unique about all three of these commitments is that all three players come from non-traditional hockey powerhouses – McCrea from California, Traber from Texas and Behling from Pennsylvania.

That said, the NAHL is spread nationwide and getting players of this caliber is nothing new for the league.

“Seeing our college commitment list reach such a high number isn’t really a surprise since we accomplish that goal year after year, but it’s always nice to witness,” said NAHL commissioner Mark Frankenfeld. “It’s not only a terrific accomplishment for all of the student-athletes, but also for our organizations, namely the ownership groups and coaching staffs who provide these players all the resources they need to succeed.”

McCrea, from El Cajon, Calif., will decide at a later date whether to enter Harvard in the fall of 2013 or 2014. He only turned 17 on Jan. 12. McCrea is the second Jets player to commit this season as he joins fellow defenseman Garrett Cecere who committed at the start of the season to Colorado College.

Traber is off to Harvard starting this coming fall. The Houston native struggled to start the season, but once he arrived in Topeka, everything started to fall into place.

“The coaches and teammates here (in Topeka) were amazing and helped me turn my game around,” Traber said.

“I finally started to get into a groove in late November and we haven’t looked back since.”

Now, he’s looking ahead to Harvard.

“Harvard is a beautiful place,” Traber said. “The school is so historic and so dedicated to their sports, specifically hockey, that it just caught me. Academics have always been very important to my family and me, so the academics were a

NAHL.COM

NAHL CONTINUES TO PROVIDE NCAA OPPORTUNITIES major part of the decision. The history and tradition were the major factors in my decision and the hockey situation worked perfectly.”

Down in Amarillo, Behling is the ninth player from this season’s Bulls team to secure an NCAA commitment for next season. At the time of his commitment in late January, Behling led the NAHL in goals and shorthanded goals, was second in plus-minus and was among the top five in overall scoring.

“Brooks comes in and provides us lift on the offensive side of the puck,” said Amarillo coach Dennis Williams. “On the defensive side, he is very opportunistic and shoots the puck a lot. From this point on, he can concentrate now on just playing hockey and his academics. We will depend on Brooks to continue to be a leader both on and off the ice.”

Behling said he credits Williams and assistant coach Rocky Russo with helping him get to where he is today.

“They are two of the major factors for me playing Division I hockey,” Behling said. “They have helped me develop in so many different areas and I couldn’t have done it without them.”

Indeed, the NAHL truly is a league of opportunity.

NA3HL: TWO MORE SIGN NAHL TENDERS

Cleveland goalie L.J. Dvorak (Port Huron) and Granite City forward Zac Sikich (Austin) have signed tenders to play in the NAHL next season.

Both players look to make an impact next year at the proverbial next level.

“Since he (Dvorak) arrived in Cleveland this past August, he has been consistent in his work habits,” said Cleveland coach-GM Bob Jacobson. “The type of competitor he is will help make him a great goaltender in the years to come and a great addition to Port Huron. One of the major things that

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stand out to our staff is his attention to detail. He gets very upset when he gives up a goal in practice. This shows he is really passionate about his craft and performance.”

“Zac has developed at a very good pace during his time here with Granite City,” said Granite City coach Brad Willner.

“I think Austin is going to be very pleased with Zac next season because he has a great work ethic and understands how to create offense, especially for his linemates.”

NAPHL: MORE PLAYERS ADVANCING TO NAHL

Players from 13 of the 17 NAPHL 18U teams have signed tenders with NAHL clubs and to date, 37 players from the NAPHL have signed NAHL tenders, including 33 from the 18U division and four from the 16U division.

With the NAPHL championship series coming up Feb. 1722 in Troy and the NAPHL Top Prospects Tournament taking place from May 4-6 in Frisco, Tex., there will be plenty of more chances for coaches to take a look and sign more players.

Eight of the top 10 leading scorers in the NAPHL’s 18U division have already been tendered, including the league’s scoring leader Alec Butcher, with Kenai River. Butcher’s teammates, Josh Haverstrom and Kirk Van Arkel, who are No. 2 and No. 3, respectively, in league scoring, have both tendered with Topeka.

All of Pittsburgh’s top five scorers (Heinz Koster (Aberdeen), Bob Tritschler (Jamestown), Jacob Hetz (Fairbanks), Austin Heakins (Port Huron) and Elliot Tisdale (Jamestown)) have signed NAHL tenders and the same can be said for the top five scorers for the Phoenix Firebirds as Hector Majul (Texas), Thomas Kaddatz (Alaska), Jon Carkeek (Texas), Justin Hermann (Minot) and Henry Hardarson (Wichita Falls) have all parlayed their PHL success this season into signing NAHL tenders.

The top scoring defenseman in the NAPHL, Matthew Armenti of the New Jersey Jr. Titans, has signed a tender with Fairbanks, and the NAPHL’s top goaltender, Arthur Brey of the Orange County Hockey Club, has signed a tender with Aberdeen.

Michigan Hockey

29

JUNIORS WEPREVIEW IVLUMBERJACKS ERP SROHPHL INUJ MUSKEGON

John Keeney:

Brick wall in Muskegon

BY MATT GAJTKA MUSKEGON – Conventional hockey wisdom holds that it’s easier for a goaltender to stay sharp when getting a healthy dose of shots fired his way.

Count Muskegon Lumberjacks netminder John Keeney as a disciple of that theory.

After arriving in West Michigan via trade with the Omaha Lancers in late October, the California-born Keeney has played in 20 of 30 games. More remarkably, he has appeared in 15 of the Lumberjacks’ last 18 matches, including a recent stretch of eight starts in a row.

“This is the first time in my USHL career that I’ve gotten this many starts and played in this many games,” said Keeney, a third-year veteran of this league. “It’s nice to get into a rhythm and know going into a weekend that you’re going to play in at least one of the games. I’m really enjoying it.”

After excelling in limited action as a 16-year-old two seasons ago in Omaha (8-1-1, 1.98 GAA, .916 SV%), the 6-foot-1 Keeney split time with Todd Mathews last year, playing in 30 games and posting a 15-9-3 record with a

FEBRUARY 20, 2012 V.22 : I.15

.918 save percentage. He started twice for the Lancers this season before being traded for defenseman Kevin Schulze.

Following a brief adjustment period, Keeney has thrived wearing Muskegon black and gold. Although the Lumberjacks have improved in the shots allowed category since new head coach Jim McKenzie took over in January, Keeney has shown that he doesn’t mind seeing a large volume of vulcanized rubber.

“I honestly think it’s easier when you face more shots,” said Keeney, who has gone up against 40-plus shots eight times this season, including a 44-save shutout of Youngstown Dec. 2. He lists that performance as his finest of the year to date.

Keeney also shut out Tri-City Nov. 18, making 37 saves on home ice. The familiar surroundings of L.C. Walker Arena have been particularly comfortable for Muskegon’s No. 29, who has a .911 save percentage, four of his six wins and both shutouts at home.

“It’s weird because in Omaha it was the opposite,” said Keeney. “I was usually better on the road until this season.

I don’t know what it is but I’ve had some good results at home.”

There may not be an explanation for Keeney’s success on home ice, but there’s no doubt he’s found a home in Muskegon, especially with the help of goalie coach Jukka Kontsas.

“We always go over the fundamentals until it becomes second nature in the games,” said Keeney, who lists his strengths as size and rebound control. “I really feel like I’ve improved a lot since working with Jukka.”

Kontsas acknowledged that Keeney has made great leaps in the consistency of his technique, with video sessions being instrumental in illustrating areas of

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concern. However, there is one innate quality that Kontsas hasn’t had to tinker with.

“John’s competitiveness is very good,” said Kontsas, an experienced goaltending instructor from Finland. “He is mentally strong and is willing to stop the puck by any means.”

Keeney has also found a way to make a good impression on McKenzie in less than a month.

“As a player, I loved it when my goalie competed hard,” said the 15-year NHL veteran and 2003 Stanley Cup winner. “We have a couple of guys who do just that, and Keeney is leading the way by example in that area.”

Maybe the only thing missing from Keeney’s productive season is a college commitment. While he still has another year of USHL eligibility left, he hopes to lock into a school sooner rather than later.

“I’ve been talking to a few colleges and I’ve visited a campus,” Keeney said. “I’m looking for a place where I’m going to play. It needs to be a good fit for me on and off the ice.”

The only thing about Keeney that hasn’t fit in Muskegon is his bright orange equipment, still decked out in the colors of the Omaha Lancers. But that minor hue issue hasn’t prevented him from assimilating with his Lumberjacks teammates, who enjoy playing in front of a goalie who can steal games from the opposition.

Combine Keeney’s five 40-save efforts, competitive passion and calm demeanor, and you get an experienced backstop who has been an anchor for this year’s Lumberjacks. Even if his pads need a new paint job.

Matt Gajtka is the Communications Director and Broadcaster for the Muskegon Lumberjacks. You can reach him at mgajtka@muskegonlumberjacks.com.

Michigan Hockey

31

PLYMOUTH WHALERS

NICK MALYSA:

A quiet, reliable defender on Whalers’ blue line

BY MATT MACKINDER

N

ick Malysa came to the Plymouth Whalers as a 16-year-old rookie in 2009 not really knowing what to expect of the Ontario Hockey League.

It was his first time away from home and he was joining a franchise that has long been successful riding the wave of team defense. A defenseman himself, Malysa did know that rookie blueliners didn’t see a lot of ice time as firstyear players and he was OK with that.

“I knew I wouldn’t be in the lineup every night, but when I was, I knew I’d have to make the most of my chances, on and off the ice,” said Malysa, a Bridgewater, N.J., native who turns 19 in April. “I just bided my time and kept working hard and it’s been paying off. I think I’m a leader in the locker room and I’m one of the guys that can help keep the younger guys focused.”

Back in the 2009-10 season, Malysa played 42 games with just three assists to show for his efforts. He said he played with “pretty much everyone” on the blue line. Recently, Malysa has been paired with Curtis Crombeen and Dario Trutmann.

“I think one of the great things about this year’s team is that everyone is friends with everyone,” Malysa said. “That carries over onto the ice. Crombeen and Trutmann and I get along great and when we’re on the ice, we trust each other and know where the other one will be. If I want to make a rush up ice, I know the other guy has my back. This is the closest team I’ve ever been on in my three years here.”

Coming in as a rookie, Malysa said that homesickness was a constant for the first few weeks, but that it subsided once school started and hockey took over.

“You don’t have much time to miss home,” explained Malysa. “You just fall into a routine and take care of what you have to take care of. I miss my friends and my parents, but they’re all just a phone call away. My billet family has been like a second family to me. I mean, I can go to them with anything and they treat me like one of their own.”

Like most U.S.-born players, Malysa had several options when he was a 15-year-old playing Minor Midget hockey back home in New Jersey.

“I had the USHL as an option and of course, the OHL, but college was never really in my list of options,” said Malysa.

“To be honest, I was never really good at school and never cared for it. I had to sit down and think of what I wanted

32

Michigan Hockey

WEDGEWOOD-MAHALAK A SOLID 1-2 PUNCH IN NET

to get out of hockey long-term. Even by playing in the OHL, you can still go to college, so you’re not giving up anything in terms of college, and you have the education package waiting for you once you’re done in the OHL.” When the Whalers selected Malysa in the fifth round of the 2009 OHL draft, it was unexpected at first, according to Malysa.

“I had no communication at all with Plymouth prior to the draft,” said Malysa. “Then on draft day, my advisor called me and said Plymouth was interested in taking me, I said that would be great, and then later that day, I got a call from the team welcoming me.”

Making the move west to Plymouth was not only a change in location, but for culture as well.

“The area around Plymouth is pretty rural and where I’m from, I’m used to more of the city-type feel,” Malysa said.

“Back home, it can take you like two hours to get some place that’s only a half-hour away and here, if it takes you a halfhour, you’ll get there in a half-hour. Plymouth is slower and calmer than what I’m used to, but I love it.”

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It’s a good problem to have when a team has two No. 1 goalies.

The Whalers have just that situation with veteran Scott Wedgewood and Monroe native Matt Mahalak.

Each has shown to be capable of stealing a game or stepping up in a pressure-filled game.

Wedgewood and Mahalak have also grown to be close friends.

“Wedgewood has been a great mentor,” said Mahalak.

“He is a veteran guy who has not only been in Plymouth for four years, but has also attended NHL camps. He has a great understanding of the game and he is always there if I have any questions. He has helped me tremendously in various small parts of the game.”

Wedgewood said he learned the role of veteran leader from former teammate Matt Hackett.

“When Matt (Mahalak) first came to our team last year, he ended up having a slow start,” Wedgewood said. “(Plymouth goalie coach) Stan (Matwijiw) started helping him with the same little things that I went through when I first got to the team and together, Matt and I talked a lot about goals and certain situations and options to help us both out – same type of thing that Hackett and I had done in the past. We get along great, room together on the road and the second half of last season, (Mahalak) started playing really well and has carried that over into this season.”

So who starts the first game of the post-season? Stay tuned.

FEBRUARY 20, 2012 V.22 : I.15

SAGINAW SPIRIT

SAGINAW HEATS UP IN TIME FOR STRETCH RUN

BY CARL CHIMENTI

T

he Saginaw Spirit have gone through a season of ups and downs, so much so that Greg Gilbert was brought in to replace Todd Watson as head coach. Now, a month later, the Spirit have turned a losing record into a winning one, and since the start of February have become the hottest team in the entire Ontario Hockey League.

Since the change was made on December 14th, Saginaw has posted a record of 11-5-3 and has moved from ninth to sixth in the Western Conference standings. Gilbert feels the team is coming together at the right time. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think we are getting everyone on the same page,â&#x20AC;?

Gilbert said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everyone is working hard in practice and they are trying to learn what we are teaching.â&#x20AC;?

Gilbert says there is much more work to be done, however. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The thing we have to do now is overcome the slow starts. We are getting behind early and having to battle back so we need work in that area.â&#x20AC;?

The London Knights and the Plymouth Whalers are expected to ďŹ nish in the top spots of the OHLâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Western Conference, with the Kitchener Rangers probably in third

and the Sarnia Sting, with top NHL prospect Nail Yakupov back in the fold, likely destined to ďŹ nish fourth.

That means the remaining spots are up for grabs, with the Windsor SpitďŹ res, Guelph Storm, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds and the defending OHL champion Owen Sound Attack in the hunt along with Saginaw.

In addition to the hot streak, the Spirit bodes the hottest line in the OHL. Since being formed after various players were dealt at the trade deadline, the trio of Brandon Saad, Michael Fine and Josh Shalla have combined for an astounding 85 points in 17 games. Saad has 31 points to lead the way, followed by 30 from Shalla and Fineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 24.

Both Shalla and Fine had season-high 10-game point streaks that were snapped on the recent Eastern Ontario road swing, and Saad has points in 16 of his last 17 games.

Shalla has contributed 14 goals over that same period and is currently nine goals from breaking the all-time Spirit mark held by Ryan McDonough with 118.

SAGINAW INCLUDED IN 2013 WINTER CLASSIC The Saginaw Spirit will be part of the 2013 Winter Classic along with the Plymouth Whalers, London Knights and

the Windsor SpitďŹ res. That was conďŹ rmed during the NHL press conference Feb. 9 at Comerica Park. Comerica Park will be the venue for the Spirit with time, date and other information to be released later in the year. The Ontario Hockey League is the last of the three Major Junior leagues that make up the Canadian Hockey League to participate in an outdoor event. The rumors were circulating around the Dow Event Center over the past month that the Spirit were in negotiations to be part of the event.

Spirit president and managing partner Craig Goslin is very excited about the team participating in the event as part of the Hockeytown Winter Festival. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are excited to have our fans experience the outdoor game at Comerica Park,â&#x20AC;? Goslin said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our attendance is up this season and the build up to this game will only help that. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a huge opportunity to exhibit the OHL brand both on and off the ice. The talent in our league both present and those who have gone on to the NHL, will give us a chance to educate the U.S. sports fan and show them that both in Plymouth and Saginaw, some of the ďŹ nest upcoming prospects in the world are playing right here, in their backyard.â&#x20AC;?

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Michigan Hockey

33

WINTER CLASSIC (Photos by Dave Reginek/DRW)

BY MiCHAEL CAPLES AND BRIAN KALISHER

WINTER CLASSIC

T

here was some debate during the press conference announcing the Winter Classic and Hockeytown Winter Festival in Detroit of whether ‘Hockeytown’ was the center of the hockey universe or if the Red Wings would be playing against the team from the center of the universe.

Either way, the announcement means that the hockey world will be watching our state very closely over the next year – which couldn’t be any better.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announced that the 2013 NHL Winter Classic will be played at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, and a second ice rink will be constructed at Comerica Park in Detroit for the inaugural Hockeytown Winter Festival during a press conference last week.

“Let me now make it official, the National Hockey League is proud to announce the Detroit Red Wings will host the 2013 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic,” Bettman said. “The Red Wings will face the Toronto Maples Leafs – these two Original Six rivals will take this event to a new, record-setting level on Tuesday Jan. 1, 2013.

“While the stands in magnificent Comerica Park are vacant today, it is exciting to imagine them as they will be during a very special celebration next winter – and that is they will be full.”

As it pertains to the reading audience of Michigan Hockey, there will be much more than just a Red Wings vs. Maple Leafs game on Jan. 1. The Hockeytown Winter Festival at Comerica Park will feature the Great Lakes Invitational, OHL games, an AHL game and youth and high school hockey games. The NHL expects 150,000-200,000 fans will watch live outdoor hockey in Detroit before the Winter Classic.

Then, on Jan. 1, 2013, the Red Wings and Maples Leafs will take their storied rivalry outdoors in what is expected to be a record-setting crowd at ‘The Big House.’

Recently-retired Kris Draper said that he is going to be just as – if not more – interested in the youth hockey that will take place at Comerica Park as the alumni game he will surely be participating in.

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Michigan Hockey

“It’s going to be special for everybody at all levels,” Draper said. “My son is a 2002 that plays for Little Caesars and we’re going to be out there too; he’ll get a game out there and we’re going to lobby hard for that. So I mean, anybody who that gets a chance to skate out here, whether it’s a public skate or people rent the ice and play, you’re creating memories that are certainly special. You know, the cool thing is that this is how all of us started, we started on an outdoor rink and now you get to go out there and play at this beautiful facility and skate around, it’s going to be great.”

Draper said he expects that kids will appreciate the magnitude of the event once they step on the ice.

“I think they will, I think once they get on that ice and look around,” Draper said. “I know my daughter and my son, when we skated at Wrigley, I just remember them kind of looking around. When they see the pictures of them skating on that, I think they realize how cool it was, so now that they get an opportunity to come back out here and skate. Whether it’s an open skate or if you have an opportunity to play a game here it’s going to be something special.”

Tom Anastos, new head coach of Michigan State, former commissioner of the CCHA and a leading hockey figure in Michigan expects the weeks of outdoor hockey to be a tremendous experience for the state of Michigan.

“Well, I think it’s terrific from many regards,” Anastos said.

The economic impact to our state is needed; the incredible attention that Detroit and the state will get throughout most and all these events will be well-deserved and well-needed.

“Certainly, I think for our sport more than anything, to be able to make this event as far-reaching well beyond just the idea of a single hockey game to reach all the different levels; I think it will really show the whole world the depth of passion for the sport of hockey in this state.”

Jimmy Howard laughed when he was asked if he had checked out the sightlines he’ll be trying to adjust to when the Red Wings take on the Maple Leafs at Michigan Stadium.

“I haven’t been down to the crease yet,” the Wings’ goaltender said. “It’s going to be a little bit different playing

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in such a big stadium. But as far as the rink though, it’s still the same size.”

While the rink is the same size as normal, everything else about the Winter Classic will be just a bit bigger. Michigan Athletic Director David Brandon said he is fully expecting a world record to be broken on Jan. 1, 2013.

“A little over a year ago we set a Guinness Book of World Records in this place,” Brandon said, “drawing 104,173 fans for a hockey game we called the Big Chill at the Big House.

And I know that the NHL intends to break that record with this matchup of Original Six members – the Toronto Maples Leafs and the Detroit Red Wings. And as you all know that will take place on Jan. 1 2013.”

It is sure to be an experience the Red Wings will never forget.

“Every single year when you watch it, you think ‘hopefully one day I get the opportunity to do that,’ because you see all the hype and everything that goes into it,” said Howard, who was still with the Grand Rapids Griffins when the Wings played in the 2009 Winter Classic. “Just being a part of it would be awesome.”

Henrik Zetterberg said it will be extra special to play at ‘The Big House’ – a venue that catches the eyes of Red Wings when they first start living in metro Detroit.

“I think my first year was the first time I went to the Big House to watch a game,” Zetterberg said. “Ever since then you kind of get hooked. Every time you have a chance, especially before the season, just before training camp you try to catch a few games, so it’s pretty cool, the fans are really into it and the whole day is awesome.”

The Wings’ assistant captain said he’s looking forward to his second Winter Classic experience, especially when considering it will be double the size of the first.

“It’s going to be awesome,” Zetterberg said. “We’re really happy to be part of it, especially playing here. We played in Chicago, but this will be double and we’ll have a little bit more fans than we did in Chicago, so it’s going to be cool.”

FEBRUARY 20, 2012 V.22 : I.15

JUNIORSWINTER PREVIEW CLASSIC NHL commissioner Gary Bettman poses for a photo with Niklas Kronwall, Nicklas Lidstrom, Henrik Zetterberg, Pavel Datsyuk, and Jimmy Howard.

Henrik Zetterberg talks to the media

The NHL displayed what will be a hockey rink on Jan. 1, 2013

The tiger statue at Comerica Park was dressed in a Red Wings jersey to celebrate the day.

FEBRUARY 20, 2012 V.22 : I.15

MIHOCKEYNOW.COM

Michigan Hockey

35

COLLEGE HOCKEY

WEEKEND SHOWDOWN: MSU VS. UM

BY BRIAN KALISHER

In-state rivals Michigan and Michigan State finished off their regular-season series on Feb. 10-11, and two Michigan-born players decided the fate of both match-ups.

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Michigan State junior defenseman Torey Krug is the captain of the Spartans for a reason – and it showed Friday night against the Wolverines.

Krug spearheaded an attack that saw MSU erase a twogoal deficit and walk away with a victory. The Livonia native logged goals in each of the second and third frames before assisting on Matt Berry’s game-winner, giving the Spartans a 3-2 win.

“Big-time players play big on the big stage,” MSU coach Tom Anastos said. “That’s what he did tonight. He was a catalyst for us offensively, he played with great emotion and yet great discipline. You know, early in the game he took a couple pretty big hits, and yet he stayed very poised, he stayed cool, and I was really proud of his effort tonight, because he was really good. I enjoyed watching him.”

Michigan coach Red Berenson was willing to admit that Krug is quite a talent.

“Well he’s a good player,” Berenson said. “He’s an elite player in this league, and your hope is to keep him off the scoresheet. But he’s definitely a good player. They’ve got good players just like we do. Our good players have to play better, and we’ve got to shut down some of their guys.”

It’s fitting that Krug was the one who stepped up and took control of the game for his squad because there’s nobody that enjoys playing against their in-state rivals more than he does.

“I mean, look at the smile on my face right now,” Krug said. “I love playing these guys, everybody in our locker room loves playing these guys, and they love playing us.

It’s just something that you love to do.”

Michigan junior A.J. Treais is one of the Wolverines’ most valuable players. Saturday night at Joe Louis Arena he proved just how much of an asset he can be to his squad.

The forward from Bloomfield Hills netted two goals in an important matchup against in-state rival Michigan State. The two tallies gave Michigan the extra momentum in a game that could of have gone either way.

Coach Red Berenson knows the impact Treais can have on important games.

“A.J., he’s really starting to be A.J.,” Berenson said.

“That’s huge for our team. He’s scoring key goals for us, he centers that big line and that’s a big part of our team.

“We had one line going before and now A.J.’s line is going, and that really helps our team.”

Treais found the back of the net back in December during the Great Lakes Invitational at JLA and always raises his game to the next level when he gets the chance to play in downtown Detroit.

Growing up, I played for Little Caesars,” Treais said, “so I’ve been playing here since I was eight or nine and I don’t know, it just comes easy to me here.

“It’s just one bounce in these rivalry games and it could have easily been their game there, so luckily we got that bounce and Lynch put it home there.”

Even Michigan State coach Tom Anastos knows the kind of player Treais is, and the effect he can have on these rivalry matchups.

“Yeah, he played too well,” Anastos said. “He’s a good player. Obviously he scored some nice goals for them, and we didn’t do a good enough job containing him.”

KRUG LEADS THE WAY

TREAIS STEALS THE SHOW

“It can be tough to play hockey and balance your academics, but in the end you are rewarded with a college degree and you get to pursue your hockey career.”

JUSTIN ABDELKADER Michigan State University

Detroit Red Wings Play It Smart. Play College Hockey. www.collegehockeyinc.com Follow us on:

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Michigan Hockey

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GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS

THE ROAD TO HEALTH AND REDEMPTION

BY KYLE KUJAWA

A

fter finishing the 2010-11 season with his lowest professional goal total since his first season, Chris Minard began looking towards this season as a chance for redemption.

Unfortunately, his brain had other ideas.

Minard was signed to a two-year contract by the Detroit Red Wings in July of 2010 for his ability to put the puck in the back of the net. That was something that the Owen Sound, Ontario, native was known well for at each stop of his career; he once led the ECHL with 49 goals in 69 games for the Alaska Aces. In 2008-09, he scored 34 goals in 54 games for the AHL’s Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins – a pace of 50 goals. Twenty games spent with the NHL parent club prevented him from hitting the mark.

In his first season with the Griffins, Minard had just three goals by the time the calendar rolled over to 2011. It wasn’t until the second half of the season that his game rounded into form – his 15 goals in the final three months of the season put him back on the 30-goal pace he was more accustomed to.

Looking to continue that clip this season, Minard felt a sinking feeling as training camp rolled near, when concussion symptoms from a vicious hit suffered years ago started to come back to him, and it became obvious that he would not be ready for the start of the season.

“As the days went on, it just didn’t get any better,” said the 30-year-old winger. “You just start to worry about it all.”

While playing with the Springfield Falcons in 2009-10, Minard missed over half the season with a severe concussion that felled him in October. He came back in mid-January, and after initially struggling to regain his form, he produced 18 points in the team’s final 12 games, going pointless in just one contest. His success even earned him a five-game stint with the Edmonton Oilers in March.

Although his play would have suggested he was able to get over the injury, the headaches, blurred vision, nausea and memory problems returned to him over the summer, and kept him out of the lineup for the Griffins’ first 36 games.

“You just have to see the right people and the right doctors and have faith in what they’re telling you,” said Minard. “You have to try to stay as positive as you can.”

In the end, his patience paid off. Minard, who was never far from the locker room over the first three months of the season, was cleared for skating in December. After dozens of practices where Minard stayed on the ice long after his veteran teammates had left it - and even a few skates on his own while the team was on the road - he made his season debut on Jan. 15 at Charlotte.

“I got really excited that day,” said a usually straight-faced Minard, who cracked a smile recalling the game. “Playing in that first game was pretty emotional for me. There was a lot running through my head.”

While that was a comeback inspiring enough for anyone, scoring two big goals two nights later was another memory Minard won’t soon forget.

“There were moments where I didn’t think I’d ever play again,” said Minard. “Obviously, scoring that first goal meant a lot.”

The veteran forward hasn’t stopped there. While he admits that at times he can still feel the rust, Minard tallied five goals in his first eight games of the season. He exploded over the Griffins’ recent homestand which featured three home games in three nights. He tallied five goals and two assists over the three games, including a hat trick on Feb. 12 versus San Antonio.

“I’m playing with good players,” said Minard. “When you get a chance to play with the guys that can make plays, you just go to the net and shoot the puck as hard as you can when

it comes to you.”

After the initial adjustment back into the lineup, Minard is finding that the game he missed hasn’t changed at all.

“I don’t think it feels any different,” he said. “I notice myself not going into certain areas sometimes, thinking about it a little too much. You just can’t think about it, that’s how you get hurt. You just have to sacrifice your body and know that not every hit is going to hurt.

His arrival is perfectly timed for the Griffins. The team has been among the AHL’s strongest offensively – their rising goals-per-game average is the best in the entire Western Conference. They’re hoping that Minard’s presence can jumpstart the power play and sneak them into the postseason.

“Staying healthy is my main goal,” Minard said. “I want to contribute as much as I can and help the team make the playoffs.”

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FEBRUARY 20, 2012 V.22 : I.15

DETROIT RED WINGS

21 STRAIGHT: Red Wings break NHL record

BY MICHAEL CAPLES

“The Tradition Continues” 7th Annual

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FEBRUARY 20, 2012 V.22 : I.15

D

ETROIT – On Feb. 12 at Joe Louis Arena, fans were kept on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer sounded to confirm that the Red Wings had tied a league record.

Two nights later, however, they broke the record in convincing fashion.

Goals from Henrik Zetterberg and Brad Stuart in the first period along with an insurance marker by Jiri Hudler in the third powered the Red Wings to a 3-1 win over the Dallas Stars. It was the franchise’s 21st consecutive home victory – the first team to accomplish the feat in NHL history.

“It’s something special,” captain Nicklas Lidstrom said. “Really especially when with all the great teams I’ve been on here over the years, we’ve had some great players but we’ve never had a chance to do something like this. This is a special moment for the team.”

The win separated the Wings from the 1929-30 Boston Bruins and 1975-76 Philadelphia Flyers, the two teams who posted 20 consecutive NHL wins.

When asked if there were particular games that stood out over the 21-game span, coach Mike Babcock pointed out that the reason why his team has been so successful on home ice is why no games come to mind.

“We didn’t spend any time thinking about this or talking about it,” Babcock said. “We just do what we always do; prepare for the game, and try to focus on doing good things, make good things happen, and that’s what we’ve done all along. That’s what we’re going to do tomorrow.

“So it’s great that this has happened for our team, I think it’s really good for our logo, really good for our ownership and our team, and just trying to get better and improve your team, and I’m proud of the guys, they worked hard, and now let’s get on with it.”

Joey MacDonald made 20 saves to earn his fourth straight win on the historic night at Joe Louis Arena, creating a memory he surely won’t forget.

“It’s great,” MacDonald said after the game. “It’s a record that took a long time for some team to do it. It’s great to be a part of it. Chip in here like I have the last

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few games, be a part of this dressing room, it’s awesome.”

The Stars’ lone goal came with 33 seconds left in regulation – a tap-in goal at the backdoor post by Adam Burish to erase the shutout for MacDonald. However, the Wings’ netminder said the late goal couldn’t ruin his night.

“It would have been nice to get it; I haven’t had one since last year,” MacDonald said. “But at this point in time, it’s a win.

Especially on a night like tonight, breaking the record like that, it didn’t really matter.

A win is a win, it would have been nice to get, but we battled hard all night, and I thought we did a terrific job defensively.

They didn’t have a whole lot, a lot of shots out on bad angles, and we did a great job boxing them out.”

Zetterberg, who scored at the 7:57 mark of the first period by bouncing the puck off goaltender Kari Lehtonen’s skate, said that the Red Wings’ fans deserve as much credit as anyone else. At the conclusion of the contest, the Detroit players saluted the Joe Louis Arena crowd before exiting for the locker room.

“I think everyone’s been thinking about that,” Zetterberg said. “They are a huge part of this, and they’ve really helped us play good when we’re at home. It’s fun to break at home.”

Dave Reginek/DRW

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39

JUNIORS PREVIEW RED WINGS INSIDER

The 2009 Winter Classic

BY DAVE WADDELL

H

ockey’s royalty gathered in Detroit Feb. 9 at a ballpark to announce the Detroit Red Wings would play the Toronto Maple Leafs in a football stadium.

The Winter Classic, long rumored to be heading to Hockeytown, was confirmed for Jan. 1, 2013 at Michigan Stadium where the NHL expects to set a world-record attendance mark in the neighborhood of 115,000 fans.

The game will be the finale of a two-week festival of hockey that will also see a second rink set up at Comerica Park for games featuring AHL, NCAA, OHL, high school and minor hockey teams.

It’ll be the second Winter Classic for the Wings. Detroit downed Chicago 6-4 at Wrigley Field in 2009 before 40,818 fans at the historic ballpark.

“It was an awesome experience and I think everyone that played that game, or in any of the outdoor events, would love to do it again,” Detroit defenseman Niklas Kronwall said. “I’m really thankful that we get another shot at it.

“Playing at Wrigley Field was an awesome experience.

Ever since then, we’ve been waiting for a chance to get to do it here at home.”

The Wrigley Field game was only the second Winter Classic and the first to be held in a baseball stadium. It was also the first time two of the NHL’s Original Six teams met in the outdoor contest.

It’s also the only Classic that has featured two Western Conference teams and the only one that hasn’t had at least one of the Pennsylvania-based clubs.

“It wasn’t just the game, it was everything around it leading up to it,” Kronwall said. “It was a big deal for our club.

“I think everyone was hoping that we would get a chance as soon as we heard the rumors. I think everyone just crossed their fingers, hoping we’d get another chance and to do it at home. Then to play Toronto, an Original 6 team, it’s going to be very special.”

One of the featured memories of the game were the vintage jerseys worn by both clubs. The original Winter Classic featured Buffalo and Pittsburgh, who reached into their histories as well, but the late 60s and early 70s sweaters they donned were hardly a comparison to the jerseys worn

by Chicago and Detroit that dated from the 1920s and 1930s.

The Wings wore the sweaters from their first NHL season (1926-27) when they were called the Cougars and played their home games at Windsor Arena while Olympia Stadium was being built. The Hawks wore jerseys from their 1936-37 season.

Even Wings coach Mike Babcock joined in the fashion statement with his fedora hat and throwback varsity jacket.

“It’s a big event,” Wings’ owner Mike Ilitch said. “There’s so much history to it. The alumni, the history of the teams, the league.

“We’ve been in business since the 20s and the first time we ever got out of a closed arena was when we went to Chicago

40

Michigan Hockey

REVISITED

Photo by Dave Reginek/DRW

(in the 2009 Winter Classic) to play outdoors. The fans are out of control (with enthusiasm) because it’s something different.

“You should see the way they dress. They get the best hat, sweatshirt, shoes, jacket, they look like movie stars, the fans.

“They’re so proud of their teams.”

The game was still in its infancy then, but the possibilities were starting to surface. There was a street-like carnival set up around Wrigley.

Now, the festival planned for Detroit will make it the largest Winter Classic to date.

The growth of the Classic has flabbergasted even those in the NHL offices directly involved in planning it.

“I don’t think anybody could have (imagined this),” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said. “This event has exceeded everyone’s expectations. It has become one of the major events that’s on the sports’ calendar in all sports. It’s not only a great TV event, the city in which it’s located in, it’s a huge, huge deal. It’s a party festive atmosphere.

“People, not me, have compared it to the Super Bowl. I got a note (Wednesday) from someone that this is the biggest deal to hit the sporting landscape in 25 years.”

The Chicago game was part of the Hawks efforts to resurrect the once proud franchise. The city was electric with excitement as Hawks paraphernalia covered the city and was soon joined by Wings fans looking to spoil the party.

“We got to play at Wrigley Field, the whole thing was great, but the best thing was the family skate the day before,” Babcock said.

“That’s fantastic and the way it’s become a family event, and now with the alumni and the way it’s set-up this year starting at Comerica Park and then move to the Big House, it

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will be like the Super Bowl.

“It will be a week-long festival preparing for this great game in a setting that is fantastic.”

In the 2009 game, the Hawks enjoyed the first laugh jumping to a 3-1 lead after 20 minutes, dumping Dan Cleary upside down into the Chicago bench in the process.

The Wings, then the defending Stanley Cup champions, showed their pedigree from that point on in the game.

Jiri Hudler popped a pair of goals to tie the game before Pavel Datsyuk provided one of the Classic’s most memorable moments.

He got the puck at center ice and turned goalward all the while building speed. As he hit the Chicago blue-line, he spied the narrowest of gaps between the Hawks’ two defensemen and slipped through with a remarkable upshift in gears.

He then undressed Chicago goaltender Cristobal Huet with slick backhanded deke to give Detroit a 4-3 lead after two periods.

“I love the Winter Classic,” Datsyuk said. “It reminds me of when I’m a kid. I play outside nearly every day.”

Detroit put the game away with a pair of goals 17 seconds apart early in the final frame by Brian Rafalski and Brett Lebda.

The other Detroit goal scorer that day was Mikael Samuelsson, who had the Wings’ opening goal in the first period. Ty Conklin, who has played in three outdoor games, got the win in goal.

“Now we’re playing at home, not Chicago,” Datsyuk said. “It’s more happy, more comfortable. It’s the second experience. I think we’ll be more comfortable with this one.

“In a stadium like this one, it’s hard to explain (the feelings).

I don’t have the English words, maybe a few Russian ones.”

FEBRUARY 20, 2012 V.22 : I.15

JUNIORS THE LAST PREVIEW LINE

S

o, the Red Wings set the all-time record for home wins at 21 and it is at once impressive and divisive. What it takes to get the desired result that many times in a row and send your fans home happy is mind-boggling. It is a testament to preparation and focus. The Wings collective will to win is at a high yet again. Sure, there was a 4-on-4 OT win and a few shootouts along the way, so naysayers in Boston and Philadelphia especially – where the Flyers of 1975-76 reeled off twenty straight regulation wins in an era with ties galore but no OT and certainly no shootouts – can snipe away accordingly.

Of course, any of this derisive talk is just fan-smack for the sake of defending one’s team. All of which is fine, even though comparing different eras is impossible. But on another level, the Red Wings streak proves again that while change over time delineates eras, it also links the present with the past. Current fans hear snippets of what the NHL looked like in the mid-70s when the Broad Street Bullies terrorized a league in the throes of an identity crisis brought on by the start-up of the WHL earlier in the decade. The ultra inquisitive Google the 1929-30 Bruins and glean just a little more understanding of Eddie Shore and old-time hockey.

I even heard a Kansas City Scout reference in all of this analysis comparing the Red Wings new record to the previous 20-home win benchmark. The point is that all the talk itself matters in and of itself - the content, not so much. A feat of this magnitude that gets fans talking, engages them to find out a little more, is refreshing. It is something positive that elevates the dialogue above another Brendan Shanahan vigilante-busting vignette involving the likes of, say, Zac Rinaldo. The timing is perfect as well, with the Red Wings accomplishing their record-setting exploits after the Winter Classic and AllStar Game and before the trade deadline. The Red Wings’ winning streak, at a bare minimum, filled a NHL news

ANOTHER TREMENDOUS RED WINGS MOMENT TO REMEMBER

BY DARREN ELIOT cycle need in mid-February.

Of course the streak did more that that. To coach Mike Babcock it meant 42/42 in terms of standing points in a Central Division that has the St. Louis Blues hanging around five points back with two games in hand. That’s why the team didn’t talk openly about any streak until it was at hand, then demonstrating the organization’s resolute nature when it comes to winning – a culture 20 years in the making. For the Red Wings it is very cool to be part of history. The players’ smiles of satisfaction afterwards said so. And Babcock pragmatically pointed out that the record was “good for the logo and good for ownership.”

The reality is that the Red Wings look at the big picture – the ultimate prize – and go about their business to put themselves in position to challenge for the Stanley Cup year after year. Local fans even debated the relevance of the home winning streak as it pertains to the playoffs. I guess you can cut them some slack since their expectations are elevated due to 20-straight playoff appearances. Talk

@Darren_Eliot about a streak worth talking about. Anyway, that type of conjecture is yet again simply fan gab. The pursuit for the team is to finish first in the division and conference to secure home ice in the playoffs, should a series need a Game 7 conclusion. That’s the goal for these Red Wings and has been since the beginning of training camp. The players and the fans are conditioned to think this way.

Even so, this new home winning standard is different.

The streak warmed the hearts of the Red Wings’ faithful - such high expectations and all. They packed the Joe and cheered wildly and unabashedly. The players dug in and delivered as they have so often for these folks. For a night in February – a record-setting night in February – everyone stayed in the moment and enjoyed it for what it was…special.

With no looking ahead, nor need to defend against the days-gone-by record holders, everyone gratefully embraced another gratifying Red Wings moment.

The Red Wings salute the Joe Louis Arena crowd after recording their 21st straight home victory - a new NHL league record. (Dave Reginek/DRW)

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