Michigan Hockey May 23, 2011

Michigan Hockey michiganhockeyonline.com V.21:I.22 | May 23, 2011 FIRST CLASS

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Table of Contents May 23, 2011 Volume 21 : Issue 22 AMATEUR HOCKEY REPORT

Novi Snowcats win CCHA Kids College Classic title Fulgenzi inspires T-Strong women to national championship Victory Honda Mites end season with Motown Cup win Detroit Raters take fourth USA Hockey national title Michigan Sting wins USA Hockey Over 60 Tier 2 championship

SPEAKING OF HOCKEY

What do think of moving checking from Squirts to Pee Wees?

12

STATE OF THE GAME By Lyle Phair I had my guy

14

GET BETTER Circuit Training

15

YOU SHOULD KNOW Little Caesars Shiann Darkangelo

16

MH BEAT

PAGE 24-33

Girls hit Grand Rapids for MAHA Development Camp Boys Select Camp at Taylor Sportsplex again Team Michigan wins three games at Minnesota Invitational U.S. National Teams keep gold medal streaks alive

17 19 20 20

HOMETOWN HERO Atlanta Thrashers Jim Slater

18

REEBOK TOURNAMENT CALENDAR

20

JUNIOR HOCKEY

Muskegon finishes first USHL season with playoff run NOJHL champion Soo Eagles make semifinals of Hewitt Cup NAHL Report: Fairbanks knocks out Michigan in Robertson Cup final OHL: Whalers and Spirit restock at annual draft

2011 Training and Fitness Guide Get stronger, quicker and better this summer

6 7 7 8 8

COLLEGE HOCKEY

Pletsch named CCHA commissioner; Pearson takes Michigan Tech job

34 35 36 38

40

COMING IN OUR NEXT ISSUE SUMMER ACTIVITY GUIDE

4

PAGES 22-23

PAGE 10

PAGE 42

20th Anniversary Season MH celebrates 20 years with a look back at 2005

MH Feature Moving checking to Bantams

Red Wings Insider Strong core remains after loss to Sharks

Michigan Hockey

MichiganHockeyOnline.com

Summer is the time to have some fun and work on your game.

Check out what’s going on in rinks across the state – hockey schools, drop-in hockey sessions, the State Games and more!

We’ll preview the upcoming NHL Draft, set for June 24-25 in St. Paul, MN and take a look back at the year 2005 in celebration of our 20th season of Michigan Hockey.

Look for it on arena stands, at michiganhockeyonline.com and in your e-mail on June 17, 2011.

Contact Lucia Zuzga at (248) 479-1134 or lucia@ michiganhockeyonline.com or Philip Colvin at (248) 479-1136 or phil@michiganhockeyonline.com for more information.

From the Editor

FROM THE EDITOR

Editor-in-Chief Philip D. Colvin

phil@michiganhockeyonline.com

Advertising Lucia Zuzga

lucia@michiganhockeyonline.com

Time to get better

Database Manager Josh Curmi

jcurmi@michiganhockeyonline.com

With the end of the spring season in sight, it’s a good time to think about what you are going to do this summer to become a better player.

This issue of Michigan Hockey features our second annual Training and Fitness Guide to help you get a jumpstart on off-ice work that can translate to improved on-ice performance next season.

Inside, Kirk Vickers of Triad Health and Fitness recommends several drills to increase your on-ice speed and quickness (page 24). On page 26, Mickey Tulett and Gwynne Waters of the Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan have some advice on hockey injuries. On page 28, Total Performance Training Center’s Jim Kielbaso describes three exercises to strengthen your neck to help prevent concussions. Richard Tremblay checks in with his Top 10 fundamentals for off-ice training (page 32), while minor pro Brandon Naurato talks about the benefits of the three Rs (page 33).

Additional “Only on the Web” Training and Fitness content on our website at michiganhockeyonline.com includes an off-ice workout you can do at home or at the playground and tips on how to stick to your summer workout routine. So get with it and good luck.

Also in this issue are season wrap-ups for three junior teams that all made trips to the postseason – the first-year Muskegon Lumberjacks of the USHL (page 34), the NOJHL champion Soo Eagles (page 35) and the NAHL Robertson Cup finalist Michigan Warriors (page 36) – along with a Plymouth and Saginaw OHL Draft report (page 38).

Finally, make sure to check out Alex DiFilippo’s feature on USA Hockey’s rule change proposal to move legal body checking from Pee Wees to Bantams that will be voted on June 11 the Annual Congress in Colorado Springs, CO (page 10). The proposal means checking will be taught as a six-year skill progression starting at the Mite level and, contrary to what a lot of coaches seem to think, isn’t intended to take body contact out of the game.

Design Chuck Stevens Contributing Editor Kevin Allen Josh Curmi Distribution Lucia Zuzga Administrative Director Amy Jones EDITORIAL BOARD: Bob DeSpirt, Christine Szarek, 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. They must be signed and include the writer's full home address and day and evening telephone numbers.

MICHIGAN HOCKEY is published by SUBURBAN SPORTS COMMUNICATIONS, LLC 23995 Freeway Park Drive, Suite 200, Farmington Hills, MI 48335-2829.

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POSTMASTER: Send address changes to MICHIGAN HOCKEY®, 23995 Freeway Park Drive, Suite 200, Farmington Hills, MI 483352829. ©2010 by Suburban Sports Communications. All Rights Reserved. The opinions and views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of MICHIGAN HOCKEY or its advertisers. All editorial copy, photographs and advertising materials remain the property of MICHIGAN HOCKEY.

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Cover: Summer off-ice training by Michigan Hockey.

Photos at left: (from top, L to R): Plyometric training by Dave Reginek/DIG Photo; Pee Wees checking by Dave Reginek/DIG Photo and the Red Wings Jimmy Howard by Andy Grossman/Michigan Hockey.

USHL and NAHL Draft

Cover reprints available email: mh@michiganhockeyonline.com

Help Wanted High School Representative – Volunteer Position • Serve as a liaison between MAHA and MHSAA hockey programs • Is a non-voting member of the MAHA Executive Board • Michigan representative to USA Hockey High School Section • Serve as liaison between MAHA and any Non-varsity High School leagues • Shall help coordinate the State Playoffs for the Nonvarsity High School division • Serve as a member of the State Playoff Committee • Oversee the Team Michigan High School Development Program • Perform other duties as assigned Submit application letter stating why you would like the position and a brief hockey resume to MAHA Secretary Kerin Wear at kerinwear@yahoo.com no later than June 17th.

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Michigan Hockey

5

Amateur Hockey Report

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Novi Snowcats win CCHA Kids College Classic title The Novi Snowcats rode a blizzard of hot sticks and solid goaltending to win the CCHA Kids College Classic Pee Wee B championship in mid-March.

The Snowcats opened the tournament with a matchup between coaching colleagues and cross-town rival Suburban Warriors. The Snowcats used a team effort to ensure a 3-1 victory. Later that day, the Snowcats took on the Ann Arbor Storm for the third time this season. In a seesaw battle, the teams came away with a point a piece in a 2-2 tie that featured some stellar goaltending and solid defense.

That night the team headed down to Joe Louis Arena to watch some great college match ups that featured the hometown favorite Michigan Wolverines being defeated by the Western Michigan Broncos, 5-2, and the Miami Red Hawks thumping Notre Dame 6-2 in some great CCHA action. “It is the best local tournament of the year with a chance to play and see some great hockey,� said Snowcats’ coach John Henehan.

On Saturday, an excited Snowcats team got an early start with the chance for a trip to the Red Wings’ bench at JLA for the championship game on the line. Novi was ready to claim the number one seed against the Plymouth Sharks, who also had a win and a tie, and were playing for the same thing.

Some great playmaking and hot sticks made the day for the winning Snowcats.

The fun continued for the team that night as they headed back to JLA for the CCHA final that featured Hobey Baker winner Andy Miele from Grosse Pointe Woods, who did not disappoint by leading the RedHawks to their first ever Mason Cup with

a 5-2 win over the Broncos. The game was a true inspiration to the Snowcats, who watched the RedHawks parade around with their coveted trophy.

Novi returned to the same ice less than 12 hours later for a match up against the Sharks, the fourth of the year with the Snowcats holding a 2-1 edge. “Playing for a championship on your NHL’s home team ice on their bench is a dream come true. The coaches all laid out a game plan to make it a day to be remembered,� said Brody Henehan.

The game was close early on with the Sharks scoring a shorthanded goal. Novi used the “for the team� approach, made some adjustments and started to rally. There was no looking back after the flood gates opened and the Snowcats pounced to a 6-1 win.

The Snowcats completed the full hockey weekend with a celebration at the Hockey Town CafĂŠ that included the big at the players table.

The Novi Pee Wee Snowcats are: Brendan“Shades �Murnen, Michael “Magic� Hrit, Matthew “Game Over� Gannon, Tyler “Tazer� Murray, Davey “Flash� Farhat, Jake “Sharp Shooter�

Schwartz, Ryan “Roadrunner� Siegert, Harrison “Battles�

Biederman, Anders “The Wall� Elmblad, Garrett “Cyclone�

Cox, Jack “Speedy� Cikra, Austin “Powerhouse� Pakkala, “Cool Hand� Luke Smith, Kamren “Muscles� Kerch and Brody “Hat Trick� Henehan.

Head coach is John Henehan, assistant coaches are Dave Farhat, Doug Pakkala and Michael Taormino and Team Manager is Amy Elmblad.

SEND THEM TO US. WE WANT TO HEAR ABOUT IT! MH@MICHIGANHOCKEYONLINE.COM

6

Michigan Hockey

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Amateur Hockey Report

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

Yanic Sadek

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

Trevor Rankin

Ypsilanti Twp. 8 4 ft. 8 in.

57lbs 2002 Compuware Defense Eddie Smith Woodland Meadows 3 Red Wings Henrick Zetterberg

T-Strong’s T-Strong’s namesake namesake inspires inspires teammates teammates to to national national title title When T-Strong won the 2011 USA Hockey Women’s Over 30 National Title last month at the Onyx Rochester Ice Arena, observers wondered what the name on the front of their jerseys stood for.

The team was named after Theresa Fulgenzi, a player on the squad who fought cancer to return to the ice and compete.

An inspiration and a fierce competitor on the ice, Fulgenzi also teaches young players roller hockey at the Inline Hockey Center at West Bloomfield’s Jewish Community Center.

During minor outpatient surgery in November 2009, doctors found a cancerous tumor in the bile duct of her liver. Diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer called cholangiocarcinoma, Fulgenzi underwent two grueling months of surgery recovery and began an intense regimen of radiation and chemotherapy that lasted another eight months.

Fulgenzi went back to work as soon as possible and although she couldn’t skate or play hockey, her spirit remained strong and she amazed those around with her ability to remain

Macomb 8 63lbs 2002 Macomb Mavericks AA Goalie Sean Kolodge Beacon Tree 4 Red Wings Jimmy Howard

active and upbeat.

When she talked about retiring from hockey, her teammates rallied to make sure it didn’t happen. They formed a team to compete at the Nationals in her honor (Nori Clar, a parent from the JCC, coined the name T-Strong as a spinoff of Lance Armstrong’s Live Strong) and following her treatments, “T� came back to the ice.

On the T-Strong team, Fulgenzi is now more than ever an inspiration. Her contribution on and off the ice has been felt by many and the packed stands at the Nationals chanted of “Go T Go!� during the last minute of the championship game. “Anyone who knows Theresa has always known that she is a champion at heart,� said T-Strong teammate Dawn Lyman, pictured above left with Fulgenzi (center) and Kelli Carrier. “Her courageous battle and victory over cancer was hardly a surprise and it was fitting for the T-Strong team to take home the national title.�

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Victory Victory Honda Honda Mites Mites end end season season with with Motown Motown Cup Cup title title

The Victory Honda Mite AA squad ended their season in memorable fashion by capturing the Motown Cup Championship on March 13 at the Ice Box in Brownstown.

Led by Head Coach Donnie Busdeker and Assistant Coaches Dan Hernandez, Dan Szlaga, and Paul Cotter, the Victory Honda team went 4-0 over the weekend. Tournament MVP Brendan Busdeker scored the overtime goal to give Victory Honda a

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6-5 win in the final.

The 2002 Victory Honda Mite AA team is: Sean Asam, Brendan Busdeker, Brendan Cobb, Jack Cotter, Kyle DeMarco, Joey DeRose, Avery Hayes, Dylan Hernandez, Lucas Krol, Tyler Laski, Alex Schaumburger, Luke Schembri, Billy Shields, Tommy Stylianou, Jake Swope, Joey Tavian, Ethan Waldo.

Michigan Hockey

7

Amateur Hockey Report

May 23, 2011 Volume 21 : Issue 22

Michigan Amateur Hockey Association ANNUAL MEETING EXHIBITORS TABLES SUMMER MEETING JULY 7, 8-10, 8, 9, 2006 JULY 2011

Detroit Detroit Raters Raters take take fourth fourth USA USA Hockey Hockey National National Title Title The Detroit Raters of the Michigan Men’s Elite Hockey League captured the 2011 USA Hockey Men’s Checking National Championship on April 10 in Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin.

The 25-year old club founded by Dennis Gagnon, the goalie on the ‘96,’00 and ‘03 championship teams, has competed at this event for 16 consecutive seasons. The historic tournament is USA Hockey’s oldest and has been crowning men’s national champions since the famous New York St. Nicks won the inaugural cup in 1912.

Detroit opened the tournament with a 6-3 win over Upper Peninsula foe Portage Lake Pioneers, then lost, 2-1, to the host Fond du Lac Bears and knocked off perennial powerhouse Minneapolis Wright Homes, 5-4, to earn a spot in the semifinals against the Pioneers.

In the Saturday evening re-match, Detroit put on an offensive show to go along with their shutdown defense. Goalie Russ Andrews backstopped an impressive 5-2 victory to put the Raters into the championship game against Minneapolis.

“The guys played an unselfish game and Rusty was stellar

between the pipes,” said skipper Jim Ryan.

As the sun came up on a beautiful Sunday morning in Central Wisconsin, the Raters got an early start preparing for the national championship game. Throughout the week, Detroit’s depth had been a big part of their success. In the final, the Raters rolled four lines and took a 1-0 lead on a goal from Matt Wiljanan on a pass from Scott Goleniak. Brendan Scero then scored a natural hat trick and Ryan Sexsmith added a single goal and the Raters beat Minnesota, 5-2, for the national title.

The squad dedicated this year’s National Championship to injured player Brent Dexter and Trainer Keith Mack, who could not be with the team in Fond du Lac. The Detroit Raters are: Stash Pientack, Scott Goleniak, John Murray, Joe Trotter, Adam Jakubowski, Matt Wiljanen, Russ Andrews, Brandon Scero, Sean Kass, Dave Cairns, Ryan Sexsmith, Aaron Cheesman, Geoff Seeley, John Schultz, Jason Asadoorian, Paul Goleniak, Drew Domzalski, Mike Bacashihua, Kenny Jung, Chuck Hofbauer, Jim Ryan, AJ Bozoian and Steve Brown.

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EXHIBITORS TABLES We are in the process of planning our Summer Meeting to be held on July 8, 9, 10, 2011 at Grand Traverse Resort in Acme, Michigan. We will be having exhibitors tables set up during this time. The cost of a table is $75.00 and is limited to 20 tables.

If you are interested in a table, please complete the form and if applicable remit $75.00.

The exhibit table can be set up from 9:00 a.m. on Friday, July 8th and left until Sunday morning. Keep in mind the Presidents of Associations will be meeting on Friday at 1:00 S P DQG LW ZRXOG EH EHQHÀFLDO WR \RX WR EH VHW XS E\ WKLV WLPH 2XU KRVSLWDOLW\ URRP ZLOO be centered around the exhibit tables thus giving you great exposure. We expect to have 200-225 persons present at our meetings.

Forms for lodging and a tentative schedule are available on our web site at MAHA.org Kerin R. Wear, MAHA Secretary 366 Tara Drive, Troy, MI 48085 Phone: 248 879 1668 Fax: 248 879 2507 kerinwear@yahoo.com

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Michigan Michigan Sting Sting wins wins Over Over 60 60 Tier Tier22National NationalTitle Title For the second time in three seasons, the Michigan Sting adult team won the USA Hockey Over 60 Tier 2 National Title.

The Sting travelled to Ellenton, Florida and knocked off the Bud Light Olde Knights, 8-2, the Schwans MN Wild, 6-0, and the Killer Bees, 6-0, to earn a spot in the final. In the rematch with the Killer Bees for the national title, the Sting

8

Michigan Hockey

E mail Address_____________________________________________ Brief Description of Exhibit____________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________

won 6-1 on April 17.

The Michigan Sting Over 60 squad includes: Jerry Mahler, Mike Salyzyn, Bill Mack, Bob Mudloff, Bill Boyd, Rick Chauvin, Alex Luttschyn, Joe Gerbino, Rich Anderson, John DeBrincat,John Cochrane, Frank Migda, Bill Bradford, Don Bauld, Ernie Johnson and Phil Parrenello.

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Please return form and a check for $75.00 to: Kerin Wear, 366 Tara Drive, Troy, MI 48085 Phone: 248-879-1668

MH Feature

May 23, 2011 Volume 21 : Issue 22

USA Hockey to vote in June on proposal to delay body checking to Bantams

BY ALEX DIFILIPPO

Blow-up hits in the NHL make highlight reels, pull fans out of their seats and can change the momentum of a game.

But where do they it fit in the landscape of youth hockey?

The USA Hockey Board of Directors will re-establish the place of checking at the youth level when they vote on June 11 on a rule proposal aimed to curb injuries and aid skill development.

If passed, legal body checking would be pushed back from Pee Wee (12 and Under) to Bantam (14 and Under) starting in September, 2011.

The discussion marks one of the most controversial rule proposals in the last decade.

USA Hockey President Ron DeGregorio is well aware of the opposition the proposal faces. Yet, he believes the people who have educated themselves on the fine points of the proposal and looked at the scientific evidence have been in favor of the rule change.

Most importantly, DeGregorio said he wants to stress that “no checking” doesn’t mean all contact will be outlawed. Instead, the rule proposal is designed to eliminate violent, “blow up” hits.

“What we are finding is that initially there may be some reservations,”DeGregorio said.“But once everyone knows and understands the full concept behind the program, they are more accepting of it. Unfortunately, some people don’t understand that no-check is not no-touch. Body contact is still a very important part of the game.”

PHOTOS BY DAVE REGINEK/DIG PHOTO

USA Hockey will vote in June on a rule proposal that would move body checking from Pee Wee to Bantams.

Bowman, MAHA V.P. Coaches and USA Hockey representative. “That’s a smart thing to do. It hasn’t been emphasized in the past. It needs to be more so with coaches.”

The vote on the rule proposal will take place at the USA Hockey Annual Congress in Colorado Springs, CO “We will meet the night before voting and go through the same process as we do for all rule proposals,” said Ray Kraemer, MAHA’s V.P. Adults, who will cast one of the five MAHA votes. “We take everybody’s input and formulate how Michigan is going to vote. We’ve been hearing a lot from people for and against the proposal.”

McLaughlin said he has the upmost confidence that the proposal will pass.

“It’s a matter of informing everybody of the completeness of this proposal and

BODY CONTACT TAUGHT AND ENCOURAGED Youth coach’s concerns about the rule proposal seem to center on the idea that delaying body checking to Bantams means that checking instruction would start then.

While the proposal would banish checking from the Pee Wee level, “body contact” - angling to gain possession of the puck and rubbing players off the puck into the boards - would be taught and encouraged beginning in Mites up through Pee Wee to better prepare players when it becomes legal in Bantam games.

Kevin McLaughlin, senior director for Hockey Development at USA Hockey, compares the proposed progression of teaching checking skills with the process of earning a driver’s license.

Instead of taking a weekend checking clinic and then cutting a player loose to hit with abandon in Pee Wees, a player would now learn checking skills through a gradual, six-year process.

“It’s a big misconception that there will be no hitting in Pee Wees,” McLaughlin said. “We are encouraging more contact in Squirts and more contact in Pee Wees.

“We are just looking to get rid of the big hit and the intimidation at the Pee Wee level and teach kids a safer way to give and receive checks, protect themselves and train them for an additional two years so they are very much prepared for full body checking.”

Matt Leaf, the director of USA Hockey’s Officiating Education Program, estimates that 80-90% of registered players now participate in “no-check” or body contact hockey, as body checking is not permitted in women’s hockey and most adult leagues, along with the Mite and Squirt age divisions.

“The intention isn’t to take the physical element out of the game, it’s to put an emphasis on body contact at Mites and to teach it as a progression,” said Gordon

10

Michigan Hockey

dispelling the myths,” he said. “This isn’t just one paragraph that says, ‘there is no checking in Pee Wees and we are going to start it at Bantams.’Checking is an important skill and we want our players to be the most physical in the world, but the onus is on us to teach them the correct way to do it. I have 100 percent confidence we are going to pass this rule.”

THE MEDICAL SIDE The risk of injury is prevalent in all sports, and hockey is no exception. Yet recent studies have indicated the number of injuries could be reduced if moving checking

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to the Bantam level.

A study conducted last summer by Carolyn Emery of the University of Calgary and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association discovered that 11-yearolds who check are three times as likely to suffer concussions and serious injuries.

The American Academy of Pediatrics uncovered similar data and reported in 2007 that body checking accounts for 86 percent of all injuries that occurred during games played by 9- to 15-year-olds.

Also, at the Mayo Clinic Ice Hockey Summit in October 2010, studies revealed that the 11-year-old brain is more easily concussed, it takes longer to recover from a concussion and is susceptible to more serious long-term effects if it suffers a concussion.

Michel Stuart, the chief medical officer for USA Hockey, is in favor of teaching checking progressively in practice situations before cutting the players loose at the Bantam level.

“There is a call to action,” Stuart said. “We now realize that the youth athlete’s brain is more susceptible to concussion, the consequences are more severe for youth athletes and the repetitive brain damage that can occur from multiple concussions may have long-lasting significance into the future. The time to act is now.”

The Mayo Clinic also revealed that the 11-year-old brain is not developed enough to anticipate being hit while also trying to execute the basic hockey skills of skating and stickhandling. The ability to anticipate being hit is 50 percent of a player’s ability to protect himself and avoid contact.

“An 11-year old player can’t focus on the puck, see their teammates and anticipate a hit,” McLaughlin. “And you can’t hide from the concussion issue. We want to try to eliminate as many 11- and 12-year old concussions as we can.”

Several high-profile hockey administrators including Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke, Philadelphia Flyers coach Peter Laviolette and former NHL player Brendan Shanahan have all supported delaying full body checking until Bantams.

“We’ve seen what it means to the health and welfare of our children,” said Bob Mancini, a regional manager for USA Hockey’s American Development Model (ADM).

“The committee came up with a great rule change and has shown a tremendous responsibility to look after the welfare of every child who plays hockey.”

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT Initially, the idea to delay full body checking until Bantams stemmed from the goal of giving players another two years of skill development time Studies have shown the optimal window for skill acquisition occurs when children are between 9- and 12-years old, which corresponds to the last year of Pee Wees.

But instead of competing for the puck, handling the puck and making plays, first-year Pee Wees often are terrified of checking and are just “trying to find a way to survive,” said Roger Grillo, a ADM regional manager.

The size disparity at that age means that players who are not as physically mature play the game in a timid fashion – looking to get rid of the puck and stay out of the play to avoid being checked.

“We want our players to develop the hockey sense and the creativity that separates the great players from the average players,” Grillo said. “The only way it’s going to happen is if a kid is able to go out there and play without fear. We have to create an environment that enhances creativity and doesn’t hinder it.”

Right now USA Hockey administrators believe there is too much of a premium placed on physical play at the expense of fundamental hockey skills. Introducing “bumping into each other” at the Mite level and teaching the checking skills proper positioning, footwork and angling at Squirts and Pee Wees will produce better players.

“This hitting mentality inhibits and retards the development of our best players and it isn’t fair to the big, physical and more mature kids, either,” Mancini said. “We are giving the big kids a crutch in which they can play the game in a way that isn’t making them better.”

“We want to have physical players, but we need to introduce checking into the game as one of their skills.”

Like many coaches, DeGregorio initially had reservations about pushing for the proposal when it was first introduced. However, as the president of USA Hockey, he believes the rule change is crucial to the development and safety of the players and the progression of the sport.

“Many of us, we weren’t so sure about this at one point and I’ll admit that I wasn’t sure about it,” DeGregorio said. “But after listening to these experts and then taking the time to read and understand all the data that is overwhelmingly in favor of doing this we realized this was something we needed to do. The evidence is overwhelming.”

For more information on the USA Hockey Checking Proposal, including audio Podcasts, videos and more go to USAHockey.com and click on the Education & Training tab across the top of the homepage.

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Speaking of Hockey

What do you think of USA Hockey’s proposal to move checking from 12U to 14U? “Kids need to learn at a younger age how to check and take a hit.”

- Todd Krygier, Novi HS head coach

“It’s better for the development of the kids to keep it at 12U. They need to learn those skills.”

- Mike Nutting, Westland

“Waiting another year or two to check is a good thing.”

- Dennis O’Flynn, Canton

“I’m all for keeping it at Pee Wees and teaching it correctly.”

- Keith Kowicki, Gaylord

“They are concerned about injuries. I’m not sure if moving it would change anything in that regard.”

- John Porter, Northville

“We should teach kids the right way to check from the get go.”

- Dean Arms, Columbiaville

“If it keeps kids from getting hurt, it’s a good move.” - Keith Larson, Livonia

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Michigan Hockey

“We should be teaching checking at the youngest ages, not at Bantam.”

- Bill Ciraulo, Little Caesars AAA Hockey Director “We should start teaching checking in Mites when everyone is the same size.”

- Dave Phillips, Farmington Hills MichiganHockeyOnline.com

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State of the Game

State Game of the

by Lyle Phair

I HAD MY GUY Being involved in a team sport like hockey puts kids in an environment where they have the opportunity to learn many of life’s lessons.

And we all know that it is much easier to learn something when the activity you are involved in is one that you enjoy. So from that perspective, playing hockey can be very rewarding and a great educational experience.

Of course, there is also the risk that they will learn some things that aren’t so good as well. A prime example is “placing the blame and how not to accept responsibility or be accountable for your actions.” Hockey is great for that one. And adults are great teachers of that.

POINTING THE FINGER There are plenty of places to lay the blame in the sport of hockey, and just by watching the game you can have a finger-pointing frenzy.

Let’s start with teammates, more specifically goalies, the last line of defense. Almost every mistake they make results in a goal against, which makes them a very easy target for blame from teammates, coaches and parents.

Then there is the defense, also a very noticeable place to lay blame, as mistakes by them often result in shots on goal and occasionally goals against. It’s easy to point the finger at them, too.

Lastly, it’s the forwards. Their mistakes are not as noticeable because it’s not as easy to directly tie them to a goal against. On the flip side, if they don’t score any goals, or enough goals, the finger can easily be pointed in their direction.

Then there are the numerous variations of finger pointing that can go on in the direction of the players. For example, the “weaker” players on the team (and there always will be a weakest player on every team) will get their share of blame as the season progresses, as will the “best” players on the team (and there will always be a best player on every team), the power play and the penalty killing. Blame is great that way.

You can send it any way you want any time you want to deflect it away from yourself.

EARLY LESSON One of the very first lessons kids learn, once they really start to understand hockey, is “I had my guy”. Those four words can be very powerful. On the surface, it means, “When the other team was scoring the goal against us, I had my guy covered. He wasn’t involved. I did my job.” Looking deeper than that, it means, “I wasn’t responsible. Someone else was. Blame them. Don’t blame me.” It’s no longer a team thing, it becomes an individual thing, a selfish, finger-pointing thing.

ENOUGH TO GO AROUND Blame can go any way you want it to go. In hockey, in addition to the

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Michigan Hockey

May 23, 2011 Volume 21 : Issue 22

players, there are many adults who can be blamed. The referees. Great target. Easy target. If something doesn’t go the way you think it was supposed to, look no further than the referees.

They are an excellent target for players, parents and coaches. The referee made a bad call, or what we thought was a bad call or doesn’t know the rules, or how to apply them, or wasn’t in the right position to make the call, or is homer, or has an ego, or has a personal vendetta against the coach, or the team.

But if that’s not enough, and more blame needs to be laid, then the coach is the next easiest target. My kid didn’t make the team, but should have. My kid didn’t get to play enough, or didn’t get to play with the right players, or didn’t get to play the right position or in the right situation. The coach didn’t know what to teach them or how to teach it, or didn’t know how to run a practice, or how to motivate them, or how to run the bench.

And if that’s still not enough blame, we can always blame the parents.

They are too involved, they tell their kid not to listen to the coach, but to do what they say. They put too much pressure on their kid, they expect too much out of him or her. Or they are not involved enough, they let the kid miss practice, they get to practice late, they don’t have the kid ready to play when he does get there.

And if even more blame still needs to be laid at that point, we can always blame the organizers. Association officials, tournament organizers, league officials, MAHA and USA Hockey all can be blamed.

Obviously, they favored some team, for some reason they wanted them to win, they didn’t make the rules the right way, they didn’t enforce the rules the right way, they have a personal vendetta against me or my kid. They are the reason why things are not going the way they are supposed to.

Blame is great that way. It can be thrown any way you want to. Any time you need to.

A DIFFERENT LESSON Being responsible, being accountable, looking in the mirror first.

That’s a different thing. And much harder to do.

But it is one of the most important lessons that kids can learn, and should learn, especially from a team sport like hockey.

And whom should they be learning it from? Who has the responsibility to teach it to them? The adults of course. The coaches, the referees, the administrators, officials and the parents. Kids learn from all of us.

So, as adults, it is time that we accept that responsibility, and start teaching our kids the right lessons. Without pointing the finger.

WHAT DO YOU THINK? Post comments to Lyle Phair online at

MEALS for

Hockey Moms TILAPIA WITH GREEN BEANS

2 tbsp all-purpose flour 2 tsp chopped fresh oregano, plus more for garnish 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper 4 6-ounce tilapia fillets

4 tbsp unsalted butter 1/2 pound thin green beans 1 clove garlic, chopped 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved Juice of 1 lemon

Combine the flour, oregano and parsley in a shallow dish.

Season with salt and pepper.

Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Dredge the fish in the flour mixture, shaking off the excess. Melt 3 tablespoons butter in the skillet, then add 2 fillets and cook until golden brown on the bottom, about 4 minutes. Flip and cook through, 1 to 2 more minutes. Transfer to a plate and keep warm. Repeat with the remaining 2 fillets.

Add the green beans and garlic to the skillet and cook about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then add the tomatoes and cook until just softened, about 1 more minute.

Stir in the lemon juice and 1/4 cup water, then cover and cook until the beans are tender, about 3 more minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon butter until just melted.

Divide the fish and vegetables among plates. Garnish with oregano.

Submit your recipe & photo to: lucia@michiganhockeyonline.com

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

MichiganHockeyOnline.com

Get Better Any goaltenders looking for a pre-season camp to get you ready for the upcoming hockey season?

Circuit Training On-ice training circuits are a great way to work on individual skill development development.

A team with 16 skaters could have eight stations spread out on the ice with two players at each station.

After each player goes at a station, everyone would rotate in a clockwise manner, until every player had the opportunity to work at each station. You may use various work/rest ratios. Ideally relate this to a typical game, in which a player would have an average shift time of approximately 40 seconds.

Player one would start on the whistle. He or she would work the entire 40 seconds - going as hard as possible - until the whistle is blown, after which player two would begin to work and player one would rest. At the conclusion of the second 40-second period, the coach should blow a double-whistle, indicating that all players should rotate stations.

Be creative and incorporate drills based on the objectives that you would like to achieve.

The following is a sample circuit designed that focuses on skating and agility exercises: 1. Jump the Stick - player lays his stick on the ice and jumps it as many times as possible on one foot (jumping from his left and landing on his left). Players should do this approximately 15 times, then change feet, so that they can work on both feet during the 40-second period.

2. Figure 8- player lays his stick on the ice and skates a Figure 8 around the stick, jumping over the middle of the stick as necessary.

3. Forward/Backward Pivot - player skates to the far cone, pivots and comes back towards the near cone backward, continuing up ice and doing the same thing around all the cones. When he or she reaches the other side, they turn around and do the same thing coming back.

4. Center Circle with Pivot - player should face the same direction at all times.

As he or she skates around the circle, they pivot from forward to backward and from backward to forward without ever turningg their back to focus ppoint.

At Post to Post Goalie School, we teach you to go post to post better than anyone else!

PHOTO BY DAVE REGINEK/DIG PHOTO

The Partner Pull can be one station in an on-ice circuit to help players improve their skating and agility.

5. Quick-Start Shuttle - line up five pucks on the blue line. Players always start opposite the pucks, beginning at the red line. Player skates to the puck, stops (always facing the same direction so they are working on stopping/starting both ways), picks up the puck in his glove hand and carries it to the red line. The player then sets it down at the red line and proceeds in the same manner until all five pucks have been moved from the blue line to the red line. On the next whistle, the second player begins at the blue line (since all the pucks are now positioned at the red line).

6. Side Hops/Kariocha - players always face the boards. Between the cones, the player side hops down and back, then kariocha down and back, then side hop down and back, etc. Player needs to move their feet as quickly as possible.

7. Partner Pull - one player pulls his partner from goal line to goal line and back.

The player being pulled should be positioned on his knees, sitting on his heels, and would be pulled by holding on to their sticks with each hand.

8. Figure “8” with a Pivot - Player needs to face one direction the entire time, moving around the cones in a figure“8”manner in which he is pivoting from backward to forward and forward to backward while never turning his back to a focus point.

This is excellent for lateral movement.

POST TO POST GOALIE SCHOOL HEAD INSTRUCTORS JEFF LERG: Current goaltender with the New Jersey Devils affiliate teams (Albany Devils/Trenton Devils). Some of his accolades include USA Hockey Junior Hockey Player of the Year and USA Hockey College Hockey Player of the Year. Jeff won the NCAA Championship with Michigan State University and ranks second all-time in saves in NCAA history.

ERIK SCHARDT: Former Collegiate goaltender

and current goalie coach for many Junior, College, and minor hockey goaltenders. Erik’s knowledge of the game helps to establish the fundamental skills that goalies need to be successful.

DREW PALMISANO: Current Collegiate goaltender and two time USHL Goaltender of the Year for the Omaha Lancers.

CAMP DATES JULY 17TH-21ST Centre Ice Arena in Traverse City, MI JULY 24TH-28TH Arctic Pond Ice Arena in Plymouth, MI Source: Suburban Hockey Coaches Club

MichiganHockeyOnline.com

More Information at www.posttopostgs.com

Michigan Hockey

15

MH Beat

PHOTO BY DAN SWINT/PDQ PHOTO

Honeybaked U16 forward Haley McLean of Brighton was invited to participate in the USA Hockey Select 16 Camp in June in St. Cloud, MN.

Talent keeps getting better at MAHA Girls Development Camp

BY JOHN RAFFEL

Patterson Ice Arena in Grand Rapids was again the setting for the MAHA Girls Select and Development Camp on April 15-17 with 1994-1997 born players from across the state competing for spots at this summer’s USA Hockey camps.

Tim Van Eckoute coordinated the coaching staff and on-ice practices and scrimmages for the weekend.

“Any female player registered with USA Hockey is invited and whoever decides they want to come signs up,”Van Eckoute said. “It’s a tryout camp, USA Hockey sponsored. The purpose is to find the top female players in Michigan and move them on to the USA Hockey national select camps.”

The girls Select 14 and 15 camps are in Rochester, N.Y. on July 21-27, while the Select 16 and 17 Camps are in St. Cloud, Minn., June 24-30. Thirty Michigan players (see below) were selected to participate in the four USA Hockey camps this summer.

“That’s the highest level they could go. From there, USA Hockey is looking for kids that fit into their scheme for their U-18 national team and their (other) national team,” Van Eckoute said. “The pinnacle of it all would be if you someday down the line made the Olympic team.”

Using both rinks at Patterson, the girls had four ice sessions, including a 3-on-3 skill development practice and three scrimmages - all under the watchful eyes of a committee of USA Hockey representatives.

“They watched the scrimmages, evaluated the players and sat down and met as a group to decide which players meet the criteria,” said Van Eckoute.

Other volunteers included bench coaches that insured that the skill session and scrimmages went smoothly.

“We’re lucky to have great volunteers,” said Patty Madden, MAHA Girls/Women’s director. “And it is always wonderful to see the youngest age group get better at skating, skills and play each year. All the participants did their best and worked hard at catching the eye of the evaluators.”

The April camp has been held in Grand Rapids for six straight years and both participants and organizers appreciate the central location.

“We have kids that come down from the Upper Peninsula, from Traverse City and some from Detroit and some from this area,” said Van Eckoute. “Holding it here makes it as attractive to as many young ladies as possible.”

Veteran observers at the camp believe the players’ talent level continues to improve.

“It’s gotten better and better each year,” Van Eckoute said.

“The games are more exciting to watch each year. The goal for USA Hockey is trying to figure out who the next best players are. This is the first step in them trying to identify those kids.

“One of the evaluators from the Massachusetts area commented that Michigan hockey looks very strong and she was really impressed. The skill has increased and the speed of the game has increased.”

Forward Maryanne Menefee of Lansing was among the camp participants. She plays for Little Caesars’ 19U team.

“I’ve come every year,”said Menefee, who will participate in the USA Hockey camp for the fourth straight summer.“It’s good to see and compete against the best players in Michigan. I know a lot of the girls. I just play my normal game and have fun.”

Marquette’s Katey Carey, Michigan Hockey’s 2011 Female Scholar Athlete of the Year, travelled downstate to participate in the camp.

“The tryouts were well organized and the skill level of the players there impressed both of us,” wrote Carey’s father, Larry Carey, in an e-mail. “(Katey) got used to the speed and improved in each of the three subsequent scrimmages. At the end she said she had a good time and was glad she came down.”

Cassidy Tucker of Plymouth plays for Little Caesars 16U squad and has tried out three times and made it her first and third years.

“It made me more determined to come back and prove myself,” Tucker said of the season when she wasn’t selected to move on. “I think it helped me in the long run.”

Tucker, a forward, has found the camp to be very competitive.

“You’re competing with your friends,” Tucker said. “It’s intense. You try to do what you’re best at. If you’re a playmaker you try to make good plays. If you have a good shot you try to take shots.”

LIVE-IN CAMP AT ADRIAN COLLEGE, JULY 31ST-AUGUST 5 Drills from Seven Countries create an international hockey program where campers are introduced to drills drawn from Canada, USA, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Russia and Switzerland. Instructors include current and former NHL, College and Professional Players with a passion for teaching, encouraging and challenging campers to Play Inspired.

On-Ice Focus: Power Skating, Individual Skills and Team Skills.

Special instruction for Goaltenders.

Off-Ice Focus: Fitness, nutrition, character, values, integrity and faith.

Camp will be lead by HMI Staff, Dedicated Camp Counselors, Dry-Land Training, Fitness and Team Sports Specialists. Confirmed Instructors for Christian Athlete Hockey Camp in Adrian, Michigan include: JIM NILL, Detroit Red Wings, Assistant GM and NHL Alum.

JOHN VANBIESBROUCK, NHL Alum and USA Hockey Hall of Fame Goaltender TODD KRYGIER, NHL Alum and current MHSAA Coach of the Year TREVOR NILL, MSU Forward and St. Louis Blues Draft Pick CHAD DAMEWORTH, Northern Michigan University and 12 Year Professional Player

Christian Hockey Camps combine high quality hockey instruction and practical training on Christian living the provides a winning combination to help prepare hockey players for challenges on and off the ice.

MICHIGAN PLAYERS SELECTED FOR 2011 USA HOCKEY CAMPS 1997 - Brooke Baker, Abby Roque, Kaleigh Beauregard, Genevieve McPherson, Olivia Ziemba, Chelsea Jacques, Morgan Stacey, Shelly Czarnowczan, Lia Harrington, Ciara Herring.

THIS CAMP WILL CHALLENGE YOU ON AND OFF THE ICE TO PLAY INSPIRED.

1996 - Nicole Russell, Victoria Sullivan, Whitney Renn, Alyssa Genette, Megan Keller, Mary Moestra, Sarah Antonelli, Lauren Bailey.

1995 - Andie Anastos, Haley McLean, Jenna Trubiano, Gabrielle Schepp, Eleanor Chalifoux, Kristen Padalis, Julie Beattie, Alexis Tzafarogiou.

1994 - Demi Crossman, Mary Ann Menefee, Erin Conway, Taylor Machin.

Register online at www.hmimichigan.com

$575

Includes overnight accommodations, meals, 3 hours of ice daily, training materials, camp t-shirt, jersey and hockey players new testament Bible.

For additional information please e-mail playinspired@hmimichigan.com or call Chuck @ 989-600-0729

MichiganHockeyOnline.com

Michigan Hockey

17

Center Born: Dec 9, 1982 Hometown: Lapeer Height/Weight: 6-0/200 Shoots: L Season Team 1998-99 1999-00 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11

Cleveland Barons Cleveland Barons Cleveland Barons Michigan State Michigan State Michigan State Michigan State Atlanta Thrashers Chicago Wolves Atlanta Thrashers Atlanta Thrashers Chicago Wolves Atlanta Thrashers Atlanta Thrashers Atlanta Thrashers

League

GP

G

A

Pts PIM

NAHL 50 NAHL 56 NAHL 48 CCHA 37 CCHA 37 CCHA 42 CCHA 41 NHL 71 AHL 4 NHL 74 NHL 69 AHL 3 NHL 60 NHL 61 NHL 36 NHL Totals 371

13 35 27 11 18 19 16 10 0 5 8 0 8 11 5 47

20 50 37 21 26 29 32 10 2 14 5 0 10 7 7 53

33 85 64 32 44 48 48 20 2 19 13 0 18 18 12 100

58 129 122 50 26 38 30 46 2 62 41 0 52 60 19 280

Led the Cleveland Barons in scoring with 64 points in his third season in the Junior A North American Hockey League in 2000-01…The next season as a freshman at Michigan State, he scored game-tying goal with 47 seconds left in regulation in the Spartans’ 3-3 overtime tie against Michigan in the Cold War outdoor game at Spartan Stadium (Oct. 6)… Named to All-CCHA Rookie Team that year… Named to All-CCHA Team in 2002-03 and 2003-04 season… Was a Top 10 finalist for the Hobey Baker Memorial Trophy and finalist for the CCHA Player of the Year Award in 2004 … Recipient of Michigan State’s Outstanding Offensive Player Award that season… Tied for 10th in scoring in the NCAA, tied for CCHA lead and led the Spartans with 48 points his senior year… Led CCHA with a career-best plus-27 rating that year …Finished career ranked 23rd on MSU’s career scoring list with 172 points (64 goals, 108 assists)…Drafted by Atlanta Thrashers in the first round (No. 30 overall) of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft…

Made his NHL debut on October 5, 2005 at Florida … Earned his first NHL point with an assist on November 4 at Washington… Scored his first NHL goal on November 9 against Pittsburgh …Awarded the Thrashers 2010 Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy and was co-winner of the Gilner-Reeves Community Service Award …Spends the off-season in Michigan and California …Majored in human resources…Son of Bill and Diane Slater. His father played defensive line for the Minnesota Vikings and New England Patriots … Enjoys playing golf, tennis and watching movies. extension with the Kings on Jan. 8, 2011.

MH Beat

Lansing Capitals

MAHA Select Festival draws top players to the Taylor Sportsplex

AAA TIER 1 Hockey Midget Major 2011 –12 Season TRYOUTS

Midget Minor 97/98 Bantam

AAA

Coach Darrel Newman and Freeland’s Evan Cline (left) watch 1995 Team Light Blue at the MAHA Select Festival at the Taylor Sportsplex.

&

Midget AA

BY CARL CHIMENTI

Suburban Ice-East Lansing 18U MIDGET MAJOR AAA TRYOUTS June 6 Mon 5:00PM Check-In 6:00 PM On Ice June 7 Tue 6:00 PM On Ice June 8 Wed 5:30 PM On Ice 16U MIDGET MINOR AAA TRYOUTS June 10 Fri 5:00PM Check-In 6:00 PM On Ice June 11 Sat 10:00 AM On Ice June 11 Sat 5:00 PM On Ice 97/98 BANTAM AAA June 7 Tues 6:00 PM Check-In 7:00 PM On Ice June 9 Thursday 7 PM On Ice Midget AA June 10 Fri 6:30 PM Check-In 7:30 PM On Ice June 11 Sat 2:00 PM On Ice

www.naphl.net Director /Head Coach Dean Dixon ddixon16@yahoo.com pre-registration and schedule at www.glaha.org

Greater Lansing Amateur Hockey Association

For some of Michigan’s top 16 and 17-year old players, the place to be on the first weekend of May was the Taylor Sportsplex for the Michigan Amateur Hockey Association’s annual Select Festival.

The 1994 and 1995 born players were vying for a spot at the USA Hockey National Festivals, June 24-30 and July 7-13 respectively, at the ESL Sports Center in Rochester, New York.

The Select Camps in Taylor have helped numerous players get noticed by junior scouts and college coaches.

“I got drafted by Cedar Rapids (USHL) after they saw me here last year,” said Charlie Green, who plays at Detroit Catholic Central.

Over 160 players attended this year’s camp and competed on eight teams, four at each group. Practice started Thursday evening and there were games both Friday and Saturday morning and evening. Each team played three games in a round robin format, with the top two teams in each age group playing single playoff game on Saturday evening to close out the camp.

While National Team Development Program (NTDP) players are no longer invited, USA Hockey lowered the overall number of 16-year old players invited to the National Festival last year in the hopes of improving the competition and on-ice product.

“Fewer spots means the players have ramped up the level of competition,”said Michigan Select Camp Director Tim McIntosh.

“The kids have to work a little harder to make it to the National Festival now and they are certainly aware of that.”

Judging from the results, McIntosh believes that USA Hockey has met its goal.

“The downsizing has brought better talent to the Under-17 team and that was the goal they were hoping to accomplish from the outset,” says McIntosh.

Calumet’s Ben Johnson made the Select Festival last season as a 16-year old and could tell the difference in the mood of the ‘94 birthdates at this year’s camp.

“It’s not hard to see how serious the guys are and how hard they are working to land a spot this year,” said Johnson, the state’s co-Mr. Hockey this season.“All the guys in camp are good players. The hockey is fast and everyone is hard to play against.”

New Boston’s Scott Clark has been looking forward to the weekend and he wasn’t disappointed in the quality of the players that took part.

“The skill level was really high and that’s good for everyone’s development,”said Clark, a 1995 born forward who played last season with the Compuware Midget Minor squad.

At the conclusion of the camp, the eleven evaluators got together to compare notes and select the players that will move on to the National Festivals. Michigan’s 1994 group will

MichiganHockeyOnline.com

include one goaltender, eight forwards and five defensemen, while the 1995’s will have two goaltenders, 11 forwards and seven defensemen.

“I love to work with the kids and it’s very worthwhile because you see visible results,”said McIntosh, who has served as the camp director since 2001 and is also a team leader at the National Festivals. “You can look at the list of kids from five or six years ago and then look at the National Hockey League and see the players that have attended this camp in the past.”

MICHIGAN PLAYERS IN USA SELECT FESTIVALS 1994 Trevor Boyd Garrett Cockerill Joseph Cox Sheldon Dries Joshua Henke Brandon Hope Ben Johnson Ryan Lowney Martin Vandervoort Nicholas Schilkey Maxwell Shuart Grant Webermin Connor Wood Mark Yanis

F D F F F G F D D F F D F D

Muskegon Brighton Chelsea Macomb Trenton Canton Calumet Redford East Lansing Smiths Creek Northville Novi Bloomfield Hills Grosse Pointe Woods

1995 Bryan Basilico Nicholas Betz Augustino Biondo Nickola Coffman Dawson Cook Michael Downing Levi Erkkila Trevor Hamilton Brett Heikkala Ian Jenkins Mitchell Jones Michael McCarron Zack Pittman Jacob Pritchard Alex Robert Michael Sabatini Corey Schueneman Alex Smith Alex Talcott Devin Williams

F F F F F D F D F G D F D F D F D D F G

Macomb Macomb Washington Chelsea Cadillac Canton Calumet Grosse Pointe Farms Marquette Ypsilanti Oakland Macomb Macomb Macomb Novi Grosse Pointe Woods Milford Brownstown Kentwood Saginaw

SELECT 16-17 PLAYERS FROM MICHIGAN Michigan Hockey

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MH Beat

TOURNAMENT CALENDAR

COMPLETE and UP-TO-DATE TOURNAMENT LISTING ON WEBSITE

michiganhockeyonline.com

Team Michigan goes 3-1 in Minnesota National Tournament A squad of 20 of the state’s top high school seniors won three of their four games at the Minnesota National Invitational Tournament in Plymouth, MN on April 14-17.

At the heavily scouted event, Team Michigan opened with a 2-1 win over North Dakota in the preliminary round, and then beat Team Wisconsin, 5-4, in the first game of the pool play before losing to Team Minnesota U18s, 6-3. Team Michigan wrapped up the tournament, won by the Team Minnesota Seniors, with a 3-2 win over North Dakota on April 17.

“The team played well in all the games other than a third period lapse in the loss to the Minnesota U18’s,” said Kevin Ahern, Team Michigan head coach and general manager.

Tryouts for Team Michigan were held in late March at the Taylor Sportsplex and the team included players from 13 high schools.

Brighton’s Sean Nelson led the team in scoring (3-2-5), while Novi’s Joey Ferriss finished with three goals and Trenton’s Carlo DeGrazia finished with a goal and three assists and Kingsford’s Jay Pietila (2-1-3), Novi’s NolanValleau (1-2-3) and Frank Gilbert of Traverse City West (1-2-3) each finished with three points.

Goaltender Michael Pesendorfer of Novi, who made 42 saves in the win over Wisconsin and 36 in the second win over North Dakota, finished with a 2-0 record, a 3.00 GAA and a .929 save percentage. Walled Lake Northern’s Connor Hellebuyck finished 1-1 with a 3.50 GAA and a .857 save percentage.

While in Minnesota, the team visited the University of Minnesota and took a tour of Marriuci Arena as well as the Field House and other athletic facilities.

Team Michigan also included defensemen Brad Annas (De La Salle), Christian Black (Orchard Lake St. Mary’s), Kyle Cobb (New Boston Huron), CodyWickstrom (Marquette) and Cameron Kwaiser (Grand Rapids Catholic Central); and forwards Trevor Bardallis (Orchard Lake St. Mary’s), Alan Boozer (Orchard Lake St. Mary’s), Jacob Henrikson (Howell), Aaron Leach (Marquette), Justin Shureb (Livonia Stevenson), Jordan Simmonds (Howell) and Nicholas Webb (Swartz Creek).

Ahern was assisted by Bill DeLyon, Dan Phelps and A.J. Walczak, while Zvi Levran was Trainer and Team Doctor.

U.S. NATIONAL TEAMS WIN TWO GOLD MEDALS In the span of two days in late April, two U.S. National team continued their winning streaks in Europe.

First, the U.S. Under-18 Team won their third straight gold medal with a 4-3 overtime win over Sweden on April 24 in the

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Michigan Hockey

final of the International Ice Hockey Federation World Men’s U18 Championship in Crimmitschau, Germany.

Connor Murphy had two goals, including the game-winner at 6:06 of the overtime period, and added an assist, as Team USA overcame a two-goal third-period deficit to win its sixth gold medal in tournament history (2002, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011).

“We knew how talented Sweden was from past tournaments,” said Ron Rolston, head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Under-18 Team. “This year, our players fought hard to earn this gold medal.”

Down 1-0 in the final, defenseman Jacob Trouba (Rochester) tied the game with a first period powerplay goal. Then after falling behind 3-1, Murphy scored his first of the game in the middle period and Reid Boucher (Grand Ledge) tied it, 3-3, with just 1:29 left in regulation.

John Gibson made 28 saves in the win for the U.S. and was named the tourney’s top goaltender. Gibson, forward J.T. Miller and defenseman Robbie Russo were named Team USA’s best three players.

The U.S. went undefeated in the tournament, beating Switzerland, 2-1, Slovakia, 8-1, Russa, 4-3, and Canada, 5-4 in OT in the semifinals.

Just a day later the U.S. Women’s National Team won their third straight world title with a 3-2 overtime victory against Canada at the 2011 IIHF World Women’s Championship in Zurich, Switzerland.

Hilary Knight scored the game-winning goal at 7:48 of the extra session, Jocelyne Lamoureux and Jenny Potter also scored for the U.S. and Jessie Vetter made 51 saves in the championship game.

Team USA went undefeated to capture the gold medal for the fourth time in the last five world championships.

“I am so thrilled for the players,” said Katey Stone, head coach for Team USA. “They’ve worked extremely hard and bought into everything we were trying to accomplish. They played their hearts out.”

Team USA beat Slovakia, 5-0, Russia, 13-1, and Sweden, 9-1, to make the final. Monique Lamoureux-Kolls was named the top forward of the tournament and Caitlin Cahow and Knight were selected to the media all-star team. Knight was the tournament’s leading scorer with 14 points (5-9), while Brianna Decker was second overall with 11 points (4-7).

By Philip Colvin

McCann Ice Arena 8th Annual Travel Springfest Tournament Grosse Pointe Woods, MI May 14-17, 2011 Mite-Midget Travel 313-343-0947

OUT OF STATE Hockey Time Productions Rock ‘n Roll Cup Tournament Series Cleveland, OH May 13-15, 2011 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com Chicago Wolves Windy City Challenge Series May Madness Challenge West Dundee, IL May 19-22, 2011 Mite-Midget B, A & AA 847-844-8700 Ext. 224 glapato@ clubsportconsulting. com leafsicecentre.com Advanced Tournaments May 20-22, 2011 Chicago, IL CHICAGO CUP Tournament Series: Seven Bridges Spring Classic

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Mite through Midget; B, A, and AA, High School Varsity and JV Contact Advanced Tournaments 847-277-7343 advancedtournaments.com Advanced Tournaments May 20-22, 2011 Chicago, IL CHICAGO CUP Tournament Series: Seven Bridges Spring Classic Mite through Midget; B, A, and AA, High School Varsity and JV Contact Advanced Tournaments 847-277-7343 advancedtournaments.com OneHockey International 8th Summer Challenge June 30-July 3, 2011 Philadelphia, PA 1993-98’s info@onehockey.com www.onehockey.com OneHockey International 8th Summer Challenge June 30-July 3, 2011 Philadelphia, PA 1999-2003’s info@onehockey.com www.onehockey.com

CANADA Bluewater Sharks Tournaments Sarnia, ON May 20-22, 2011 Boys AAA Pee Wee Minor 1999 & Major 1998, Girls 16 & Under Competitive www.sarnia.com/ groups/bluewatersharks emarcy@sympatico.ca Bluewater Sharks Tournaments Sarnia, ON May 27-29, 2011 Boys AAA Atom/Squirt Minor 2001 & Major 2000 www.sarnia.com/ groups/bluewatersharks emarcy@sympatico.ca Bluewater Sharks Tournaments Sarnia, ON June 3-5, 2011 Boys AAA Mite Minor 2002 & Major 2003, Pre-novice 2004 www.sarnia.com/ groups/bluewatersharks emarcy@sympatico.ca

2010/2011 CHAMPIONSHIP WEEKEND Mite: Fraser Ice Dogs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Champions OLSM Pirates â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Finalist Squirt: Bay County â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Champion KOHA Brown â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Finalist PeeWee: GLSC Bruins â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Champion Mt Pleasant â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Finalist Bantam: SCS Bruins â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Champion Bay County â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Finalist Midget: Mt Pleasant â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Champion Tawas â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Finalist President Jeff Spedowski jspedows@charter.net 231-796-0728

Greater West Vice President Kevin Wood kwoodadraywest@yahoo.com 616-560-6503

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Metro Vice President Bobby Mitchell bmitchell8@yahoo.com 248-302-0913

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21

May 23, 2011 Volume 21 : Issue 22

20 Years/20 Issues Michigan Hockey Headlines

February 10th North Korea announces that it possesses nuclear weapons as a protection against the hositility it feels from the United States

JANUARY January 20th George W. Bush inaugurated for his second term

January 23rd Johnny Carson passes away 22

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The USA Women’s National Team wins first ever gold medal. Michigan natives Angela Ruggiero (Harper Woods) and Shelley Looney (Brownstown) tasted gold at the Women’s World Championship in Linkoping, Sweden. Team USA beat Canada in a shootout after no goals were scored in regulation and one overtime period.

Ruggiero scored the game winning shootout goal.

Detroit Red Wing’s, Jiri Fischer collapses due to cardiac arrest during a game against the Nashville Predators. Fischer, who had no pulse, laid motionless as team doctors tended to him. Fischer’s life was saved after flat-lining for 24 seconds with a portable defibrillator.

The 25-year- old defenseman’s heartbeat was restored and the game was postponed.

Mite Travel proposal passes at MAHA summer meeting.

Mite travel was made association based, meaning no independent teams can participate, and are limited to a 40 game schedule and no more than three out-of-district players per team.

March 24th The Office (U.S. version) premieres on NBC

FEBRUARY February 10th Arthur Miller, American playwright & University of Michigan alum, dies at 89

March 3rd Steve Fossett breaks world record by completeing the fastest non-stop solo flight around the world

June 12th Pink Floyd announces that they will reunite with former bassist Roger Waters for the Live 8 London concert

April 1st ABC news anchor Peter Jennings anchors what will turn out to be his final World News Tonight telecast

February 16th YouTube, a popular video sharing website, was officially activated

January 8th CBS’ The Will cancelled after one episode. Only 10th time to happen in television history

The National Hockey League ends its lockout and starts the 2005-06 season. Despite losing the 2004-05 season, attendance rose to 92% a four percent increase from 03-04. The Red Wings continue to sell out Joe Louis Arena. Darren McCarty would not be resigned; however the Red Wings signed Johan Franzen and named Mike Babcock head coach.

April 12th Deadliest Catch starts on Discovery

MARCH

APRIL April 19th Pope Benedict XVI succeeds Pope John Paul II

March 14th Mad Money airs on CNBC

March 9th Dan Rather retires as head anchor of the CBS Evening News

April 2nd Pope John Paul II dies; over 4 million people travel to the Vatican to mourn him

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May 1st Family Guy returns on FOX schedule, after three years, due to popularity of cable reruns and DVD releases

MAY

JUNE May 25th Carrie Underwood wins fourth American Idol

May 22nd Thurl Ravenscroft, singer of the Grinch song and voice of Tony the Tiger passes away

Michigan Hockey 20th Season

Flashback: MLB Champion Chicago White Sox

#1 NHL Draft Pick Sidney Crosby - Pittsburgh

NFL Superbowl winner New England Patriots

Vezina trophy Best NHL Goaltender Lockout

NBA Champion San Antonio Spurs

Hart trophy - NHL MVP Lockout

NHL Stanley Cup winner Lockout - no champion

Cost of a U.S. Stamp $0.37

OHL Champion London Knights

Cost of a dozen Eggs $0.90

Memorial Cup Champion London Knights

Cost of a gallon of Milk $3.66

CCHA Champion Michigan

Cost of a gallon of Gas $1.71

NCAA Champion Denver

Top Television Show American Idol

Jack Adams awardTop NHL Coach Lockout

Academy Award’s Top Movie Crash #1 Song Sometimes You Can’t Make It On Your Own- U2

Ross trophy - Top NHL scorer Lockout

LITTLE CAESARS GETS FIRST-EVER TITLE Two Michigan teams battled in the final of the 2005 World Hockey Pee Wee Championship in Quebec and Little Caesars’ won their first-ever title at the prestigious tournament on Feb. 20 with a 4-1 won over Compuware.

Little Caesars lost their first game of the tournament on Feb. 10, but then rattled off six consecutive wins for the championship.

“This is the largest tournament of its kind in the world,” Little Caesar’s head coach Skip Howey said. “You’ve got teams from Russia, the Czech Republic, Mexico, Italy, Canada and the list just goes on and on. As the days go by it is sinking in more, but I think for the kids, they haven’t quite realized the magnitude of this win and probably won’t for a while.”

The team of 1992 birth-years billeted with families for the almost two weeks and learned about Canadian culture and the French language.

Caesar’s won two games in overtime and both on goals by Stuart Higgins.

Jack Campbell (Port Huron) was in net for all six wins and said for a 12-year-old, he didn’t feel pressure.

“The team came out and played well,”Campbell said. “We all did what we had to do and what we set to do and that was win. I didn’t really feel any pressure because I’m comfortable with this team.”

Higgins, a Birmingham native, scored six goals and two assists in six games while West Bloomfield native William Kessel had five goals plus an assist.

“A lot of people don’t realize how big this tournament is,” said Compuware coach Dan Hastings. “They turned away 150 teams, so for us, just getting in and qualifying was work in itself. But so what if we lost. I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything in the world.”

So what was the secret to winning?

“We came prepared every game,” Howey said. “We came into the tournament on a 10-game winning streak and once we got there, we had the same composure

March 24th Rosa Parks passes away

July 7th Four terror attacks rock the transport network in London

JULY

July 1st Luther Vandross, American R&B singer dies at the age of 54 due to an apparent heart attack

August 7th ABC’s acclaimed newsanchor Peter Jennings succumbs to lung cancer

AUGUST

August 29th Hurricane Katrina

November 22nd Ted Koppel steps down as host of ABC’s Nightline after 25 years

OCTOBER

December 31st Another second is added, called a leap second, to the end of the year

NOVEMBER November 6th Madonna earns her 36th top ten single. This ties her with Elvis Presley for the most top ten singles and the most for any female artist

September 14th Britney Spears gives birth to her first child, a baby boy named Sean Preston with husband Kevin Federline

September 12th Meerkat Manor debuts on Animal Planet

November 30th Surgeons in France carry out the first human face transplant

October 24th The trials of Saddam Hussein begin

September 2nd While presenting on the Concert for Hurricane Relief, music producer and artist Kanye West strayed from his script

SEPTEMBER

we’ve had all year.

Campbell knows the title is a huge accomplishment, but it might not sink in for a few more seasons.

“It does feel good now,” said Campbell, who posted a 1.71 goals-against average and a .904 save percentage in the tournament. “And I’m sure it’ll feel even better in a few years when I look back at all we’ve done. But now, all the teams want to play us and teams that beat us early in the season want to beat us again so they can say they beat the world champs.”

Since beginning in 1960, this was also only the seventh time a United Statesbased team has won the tournament. Caesar’s beat Quebec-based teams Halton, Drummondville, Yamaska (overtime) and Laval (overtime semi-final win) and Zurich (Switzerland) on the road to the finals against Compuware.

“At the beginning of the year, qualifying for the tournament and winning the tournament were two of our goals,” Howey noted. “Now we have to finish the season strong and see what happens at the state tournament.”

By Matt Mackinder

DECEMBER December 21st Elton John marries David Furnish in London

October 17th The Colbert Report, a spin off from the Daily Show, debuts

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Michigan Hockey

23

Training & Fitness Guide bench. Some effective drills are: box depth jumps, repetitive box jumps on and off a box, lateral box jumps. I have found that high level box jumps are very taxing on the body and should not be overused as this can potentially cycle the athlete into injury or slow speed development. Form and technique are a MUST. Skipping – overlooked by many coaches and athletes but very effective for speed development.

Sprints – It is hard to beat sprints for overall speed development.

REMEMBER

My coach says I have to get quicker and faster

BY KIRK VICKERS

Where should we begin when we are told to improve speed and quickness?

First we must know what type of speed and quickness we are looking to improve.

Is it linear speed (straight ahead speed); is it acceleration/deceleration (stop and go speed); do we need to improve lateral speed (side to side); first step (from a dead stop to high level speed, also called reaction time); do we need to develop angular or multidirectional speed (rotational or combinations of the previously mentioned types of speed).

Don’t be afraid to ask the coach specifically what he or she is looking for when they are asking you to improve your speed. You want to be specific on the areas you need to work on.

SPEED ASSESSMENT All types of speed and agility are very important for hockey and other sports.

But knowing the type of speed we need to improve is very important to setting up a program to achieve maximum speed and quickness.

It is not uncommon for an athlete to be fast or quick in one direction but deficient in another. A good example might be a forward who is extremely fast from blue line to blue line but doesn’t go from circle to circle very well. In this case we would want to focus and incorporate more drills and exercises that involve more angular/ multidirectional speed or lateral speed depending on which angle or direction we see the most deficiencies.

Before starting a program the athlete should be assessed for each type of speed to determine their strengths and weaknesses.

Here are some assessment tools/drills to use to identify strengths and weaknesses.

I would first do these as off ice drills, but these drills could be progressed to on-ice drills with some minor modifications.

- 20 or 40 yard sprint (linear speed) - Use lines or cones to do a side-to-side shuffle or shuttle run 10 – 15 yards (lateral speed) - Set up 2 cones 10 yards apart. Start at one cone - jump turn and sprint 10 yards to the other cone (first step) - Set up 2 cones or lines 10 – 15 yards apart. Start at one cone/line then forward sprint to the second line or cone, then back-peddle to starting point (acceleration/ deceleration) - Set up 3 cones in a diamond pattern 5 yards x 5 yards x 5 yards. Start at one cone and sprint to the next doing a 360 degree circle around the first cone then sprinting to the next cone doing the same until this is repeated for all 3 cones (angular/multidirectional).

Each of the drills should be timed and recorded as well as assessing form and technique. All of this information should be recorded and dated to create a baseline or starting point to bench mark improvement. These same drills can now be used as training techniques and exercises to improve speed and agility.

24

Michigan Hockey

TECHNIQUE We always say that “the shortest distance between two points is always a straight line.” In order to go from Point A to Point B the fastest and quickest way is to eliminate any wasted motion or movement and keep the motion as true to form as we possibly can.

During our drills and exercises we want to watch for excessive motion or movement that could take us out of straight alignment. It is best to have someone else watch you or video tape yourself. Many times athletes feel they are doing our exercises or drills effectively and efficiently when in reality they are a mess. It helps to have someone tell you during a drill or exercise when you are out of position or alignment.

If you have difficulties correcting the flaw(s) during the exercise, then slow the exercise down to a level where you can gain mastery over the movement or drill.

If you are still struggling break the movement down into even slower and smaller parts and do multiple repetitions (this is what I call “Patterning” the movement).

You may have to perform several hundred small movements over and over again until it feels natural; some would call this muscle memory. After you have“patterned” this area then you can start to add more speed and complexity to the movement or drill.

You will be amazed by how much speed and strength you will be able to develop by adopting this strategy. We tell athletes all the time that “you have to know how to go slow before you can go fast”.

SPEED DEVELOPMENT DRILLS Hopping – Single leg and double leg hops are great for speed development.

Hopping promotes explosive power through the hips, knees, and feet/ankles.

Jumping – Forward, lateral, and angular jumps. These can be done single leg and double leg. Mix controlled jumps as well as quick repetitive jumps. Jumping can improve reaction time as well as explosive power.

Shuffle – This is quick side to side stepping. For variety add directional changes.

Hops and jumps can also be added with shuffle drills.

Speed ladders – Can be beneficial for speed enhancement. Remember to change up the patterns of the drills, forward, lateral, and crossover.

Cone running – Allows an opportunity to work on most components of speed.

Some beneficial drills are; figure 8’s, zig-zag cone running, L-cone sprints, drop down pop-up sprints.

Hill sprints – Uphill and downhill (be careful to watch form and technique).

Jump rope – Can also increase speed and agility Plyometric work – Most lower body plyometric drills will incorporate some form of jumping, or hopping; often times jumping or hopping on or off a box or a

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When designing speed and agility drills, form and technique are critical for maximal speed enhancement. Assess, date and record your starting speed so you can monitor your progress. Create variety within your program.

Recovery after a high intensity workout is important to prevent injury and allow for optimal speed development. Overtraining is one of the biggest mistakes we see when athletes design their speed and agility programs. Have someone watch you or video tape your workouts so you can effectively identify flaws in techniques. We recommend having an experienced coach or trainer help you put together a proper speed and agility program.

Kirk Vickers, the owner of TRIAD Health and Fitness, a high performance training facility in Farmington Hills, has been a respected figure in the Michigan sports community for more than two decades. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training and Exercise Physiology from Central Michigan University and has worked with many high-level high school, collegiate, club and professional sports programs as well as individual athletes.

Dynamic warm-up prepares you for activity

BY DR. CHAD MOREAU

Most players and teams have a pre-game ritual that they go through in getting ready for a game.

For some players this might be riding a stationary bike followed by static stretching. For a lot of younger players the pre-game routine might be static stretching in the locker room before going out onto the ice. And for a lot of adult recreational players the pre-game warm-up might only be a couple of knee-bends before the first shift!

Recently there have been a few research studies that suggest that static stretching, such as simple toe touches, is not effective at decreasing injuries.

More importantly they can actually be detrimental to hockey performance because they actually decrease the power output of the muscles.

Now, more and more I am seeing young teams using a dynamic warmup to get ready for a game or practice. A dynamic warm-up that gradually increases the athlete’s body temperature, stimulates the central nervous system and prepares the muscles to generate the power needed for a dynamic activity like hockey.

The warm-up starts 45-90 minutes prior to the opening face-off. The dynamic warm-up consists of 30-foot skipping drills with arm circles, skipping with hip rotations, skipping with high knees, skipping with arm rotations, repetitive heel ups, a lunge walk, side-shuffles, carioca and back-pedal runs.

These exercises can be done in a hallway in the arena or even outside.

A lot of the players will also do a few short sprints.

For the more sophisticated players we will then proceed to do a weight room warm up consisting of low loads and high velocity. An example would be power cleans for four sets of 3 repetitions at a light weight so that the bar is moving as quickly as possible. This workout will usually last 10-15 minutes and the player will usually feel“wired”afterwards and ready to play.

I have found that this type of workout decreases injuries and has an interesting performance enhancement effect.

Dr. Moreau is the Strength and Conditioning consultant for the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers and a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist based in Lomita, California. Check out hockeyOT.com for more information.

Training & Fitness Guide A D V E R T O R I A L

Tr i a d H e a l t h a n d Fitness’ Kirk Vickers (left) and Andrew Soley

Triad will create a strategy to increase your hockey strength, power and speed Triad Health and Fitness is a highperformance training center that focuses on solving athletic problems and decreasing injuries.

Founded in 1996 by former Detroit Red Wings athletic trainer Kirk Vickers is a place where athletes can develop through unique and innovative training regimens.

Vickers is a pioneer in fitness training, performance enhancement and injury prevention. He and his staff have trained some of the most elite athletes, as well as individuals with severe restrictions and problems.

Located in Farmington Hills, Triad’s facility has 7,000 square feet of workout space and combines cardio and fitness equipment with non-traditional exercise apparatus.

These days, most athletic training puts a priority on intensive weight training. The goal is to make athletes a big as possible. While this type of training can have some short-term benefits, in the long run focusing only on weight training can put you at greater risk of injury, reduce your endurance and diminish your overall performance.

Triad takes a broader approach by stressing the importance of creating a strong foundation that includes Mental Focus, Nutritional Education and Physical Training.

This “Triad of Success” includes the principles of starting simple and progressing to more advanced movement. The goal is always to strive for control before increasing speed, strength, or power. Training should be fun and creative, but should also get results. And the greatest form of

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motivation is education.

“This comprehensive approach is what sets us apart from other gyms and makes our athletes more successful,” said Vickers.

Triad emphasizes balance, control, and proper body alignment, so before starting strength training all of their athletes go through a comprehensive body movement analysis. Triad studies things like the alignment of feet and knees, posture, and body control.

Then they work on ways to improve them to make our athletes more efficient. At Triad, the basics are critical to developing maximum athletic performance.

Triad always stresses the importance of a strong foundation before increasing load and intensity. This doesn’t mean you won’t use equipment at Triad. The facility has standard equipment found in most gyms like treadmills, elliptical trainers, machine weights and free weights, and Triad understands the value of this type of equipment, but they believe most fitness facilities miss the opportunity to fully engage their members with new and fresh ideas on how to properly train for the quickest, safest and best results.

This results-oriented training philosophy has been honed and developed by Vickers, who has dedicated his life to helping others achieve optimal health, fitness and performance.

“Whether you are an elite athlete or someone who has struggled with an ongoing injury, let us design a fun and challenging program that gets results,” said Vickers. “We care about your success and are committed to helping you reach your goals.”

Michigan Hockey

25

Training & Fitness Guide nce Finding the right insura . program just got easier

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Can I play if I am injured?

BY MICKEY TULETT, AT, CES, MS, BHK AND GWYNNE WATERS, PT, OMPT, PES

The pace of hockey demands top level conditioning with regards to strength, flexibility, and anaerobic conditioning.

Preparation to play is important both in season and off season. Many injuries can be prevented with proper conditioning, warm up and cool down. Self treatment may suffice in some cases, while in other instances consultation with a sports medicine professional is imperative. Some knee and shoulder injuries, concussions, high ankle sprains, and lacerations fall into this category. These injuries are usually the result of contact with another player or with the boards.

MCL STRAIN Pain localized to the inside of the knee may be the result of an MCL strain.

Treatment includes RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation), but the player may also benefit from a brace to support the knee during daily activities and for use upon return to skating. Rehabilitation exercises will include strengthening and flexibility of hip and knee musculature.

ACL INJURY A player may have experienced an ACL injury if a â&#x20AC;&#x153;popâ&#x20AC;? is heard and pain is felt deep in the knee, accompanied by swelling. The player may require surgery, bracing, and rehabilitation both prior to and following the surgery.

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Michigan Hockey

LACERATIONS Lacerations may occur to the face, wrists, legs and even the throat. When a laceration occurs, the skin is not the only structure that can be injured.

Underlying tissue such as muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves may also be damaged. Even though an emergency room doctor can treat these injuries, a plastic surgeon may be another option, especially for injuries to the wrist and hand area.

A plastic surgeon will pay attention to smallest details which is necessary for ideal healing and return to function.

If damage to muscles, ligaments, or nerves occurs, physical or occupational therapy may also be recommended to facilitate the healing process and assist in the playerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s return to full function, which will aid in prevention of improper movement patterns and future injuries.

Some injuries will respond to the RICE formula with progression to gentle stretching, strengthening, and gradual return to play. If symptoms persist beyond 1-2 weeks, the player should seek advice from a sports medicine professional.

GROIN PULLS

HIGH ANKLE SPRAIN

Contact: Jim Campbell

A shoulder separation, which occurs at the acromioclavicular joint on top of the shoulder, occurs when the end of the collar bone becomes partially or completely separated from the shoulder bone. For both of these conditions, the player will be placed into a sling, and may or may not require surgery and subsequent rehabilitation.

High ankle sprains occur as the result or twisting or torquing at the top of the skate. The player will need X-rays to make sure no fracture has occurred. Treatment will include RICE and rehabilitation with stretching and strengthening and dynamic balance activities for calf and leg muscles.

Groin pulls, or adductor strains, are one of the most common injuries experienced by hockey players. Pain along the inside of the leg into the groin may come on gradually or result from a contact injury. Treatment includes ice, gentle stretching of hip adductors and flexors, with strengthening of adductors and core muscles.

SPORTS HERNIA

CONCUSSION Head or neck injuries may result in a concussion. A concussion is a change in mental status caused by trauma or shock and is accompanied by confusion, loss of memory, and sometimes loss of consciousness.

Eighty percent of all concussions are sport related. Concussions can be a very difficult injury to deal with, which makes it important to choose the proper professional for treatment and management. The healthcare professional should have experience in testing different aspects of a concussion such as cognitive (i.e. reaction time), physical (i.e. loss of consciousness), somatic (i.e. headaches) and emotional (i.e. anger or sadness).

A neuropsychologist can provide the proper balance of all these aspects along with a variety of tests designed to identify even the smallest deficits which help determining readiness in returning an athlete to play.

SHOULDER INJURIES A shoulder subluxation or dislocation occurs when the ball (humerus bone) comes partially or completely out of the shoulder socket. The shoulder must be put back into place by a medical professional and is considered a medical emergency.

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Some groin pulls seem to linger, with the pain and aching extending up into the lower abdomen. This may be indicative of pubalgia, or a sports hernia. A sports hernia is different than a regular hernia. It may occur as a result of a muscle imbalance between the stronger inner thigh muscles and the weaker lower abdominal muscles.

A physician may order an ultrasound or an MRI to help diagnose this condition.

A physical therapist can assess and prescribe stretching and strengthening exercises for muscle imbalances. If conservative treatment fails, the patient may be referred for surgical intervention.

The DMCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sports Medicine Program and Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan, can help you get back in the game. The DMC Sports Medicine Program is staffed with the same orthopaedic specialists and physical therapists treating Detroitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best pro athletes, and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re ready to treat you like a pro, too. If you or a member of your family has a sports injury and you are not sure what to do, for immediate attention or to schedule an appointment, call (313) 910-9328 to get in touch with DMC Sports Medicine physician 24/7 regarding your injury.

Training & Fitness Guide

Training your neck can help save your brain Exercises like the Neck Extension (from left), Shoulder Shrugs and Neck Flexion can help strengthen the muscles in your neck and help prevent injuries.

BY JIM KIELBASO, MS, CSCS

Concussions in sports, and long-term brain damage, have been all over the news lately. Sports organizations are trying to figure out the best policies for dealing with concussions and product manufacturers are spending millions of dollars to come up with the best equipment to save our brains.

Unfortunately, training to prevent these injuries is rarely talked about. New research out of Elon College is showing that training the neck can actually help save your brain.

The monster hits that knock people out are devastating, but research the NFL is conducting has shown that the build-up of sub-concussive blows is the shadowlingering menace that is responsible for much of the long-term brain damage.

It seems that every person is able to sustain a certain number of sub-concussive blows before long-term damage occurs. Unfortunately, nobody knows what their “number of hits threshold” is before damage occurs.

CRASH TESTS Fortunately, the automotive industry has demonstrated for years that during crash tests when the head is sitting on top of a larger and stronger cylinder (i.e. your neck) the brain encounters lower G-forces at impact. The stronger neck also helps protect an athlete from devastating spinal cord injuries.

What this means to you is that, through training, you can actually increase the size and strength of your neck which will reduce the G-forces your brain encounters on every jarring hit. Over the course of time, lowering those forces can raise your

“number of hits threshold” and save you from long-term damage.

back to the starting position as you resist the pressure. Perform 10-15 repetitions.

NECK TRAINING

Shrugs – Hold a weight in each hand at your sides. Shrug your shoulders up toward your ears as high as you can, hold for one second, and slowly lower. Repeat for 10-15 repetitions using a heavy enough weight to make this challenging.

It would be great if everyone had high-tech neck training equipment, but most people don’t have access to this kind of technology. The Elon College research uses a seven-exercise protocol for complete development, but performing the following three exercises is an excellent place to start if you have limited resources. These three exercises can be done with minimal equipment, but it’s important to do them correctly.

Manual Resistance Neck Flexion – Sit on the floor with your hands behind you to support yourself. Have a partner/spotter stand behind you with his knee placed between your shoulder blades. His hands will be placed on your forehead. Start by tilting your head backwards slightly. The spotter will apply a little pressure to your forehead as you slowly pull your chin to your chest. Pause, then have the spotter apply more pressure as you slowly return to the starting position, resisting his pressure. As you fatigue, the spotter will use less and less pressure. Perform 10-15 repetitions.

Manual Resistance Neck Extension – Lay face down on a bench or get on all fours on the ground. Start with your chin tucked until the back of your head is slightly below parallel to the ground. Have a spotter place his hands on the back of your head and apply pressure as you raise your head as though you’re looking up at the sky. Hold at the top, have the spotter apply more pressure, and slowly lower

Perform these exercises 2-3 times a week. As you get used to the workout, you can gradually increase the intensity and number of sets you perform. If you feel any pain during these exercises, stop immediately. A greater range of motion is not good for the neck, so keep the movements relatively small for safety.

Perform the manual resistance exercises with slow, controlled movements with constant tension through the range of motion. You’ll notice the muscles in your neck respond quickly and get stronger, which will help you prevent concussions and neck injuries.

If doing these exercises a few minutes a week may help prevent concussions and neck injuries, what reason do you have for not doing them? Start training your neck so you can save your brain.

Jim Kielbaso, MS, CSCS, is the Director at Total Performance Training Center in Wixom.

You can learn more about his training systems at: TotalSportsComplex.com or get more training related information at: UltimateStregthAndConditioning.com.

Train harder and more often: the Top 10 Tips for optimal recovery

BY DR. CHAD MOREAU

There are ten things that an athlete can do to assist their body in regenerating between workouts. This is a crucial element in any training regimen because the quicker you can recover between workout sessions, the more frequently you can train with a higher intensity.

1. Drink water before, during and after exercise This seems like a no-brainer, but most athletes simply do not consume enough water. If you do nothing else to change your ability to recover other than to consume more water you will notice a significant improvement in your recovery rate.

2. Eat fruit upon completion of exercise To help bring blood sugar back to normal levels and provide sugar for conversion to muscle glycogen. Athletes need to eat a lot of fruit. Some of my pro players eat more than 10 pieces of fruit per day!

3. Rest after meals Rest whenever possible to foster optimum digestion. Food is your fuel so you need

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to let it digest and make its way to your body’s cells for energy.

4. Sleep Remember, exercise does not provide energy, it requires energy. Sleep as much as you desire. Athletes need more sleep than non-athletes. Unfortunately the athlete’s busy schedule sometimes will lead to sleep deprivation and subsequent poor ability to recover.

5. Drink diluted sports drinks During practices and games, drink diluted sports drinks. That way you get your sugar and water needs met while on the ice.

6. Monitor water losses Use a scale to measure weight before and after exercise. Make sure you replenish your water stores by consuming water before, during and after exercise.

7. Eat raw foods They provide maximum nutrients for minimal calories and encourage the most

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rapid recovery. Eat as many of your foods raw as possible so that they contain the most nutrients, water content and energy.

8. Go to bed Develop the habit of going to bed earlier. Again sleep is crucial for recovery.

9. Eat simply Keep meals simple for optimum digestion, and varied to insure optimum nutrition.

10. Get a massage Consistently use soft tissue work and hot/cold contrast therapy. Getting a massage is great for recovery. Also going from a warm bath to a cold bath every three minutes will help speed recovery after workouts.

Dr. Moreau is the Strength and Conditioning Consultant for the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist based in Lomita, California.

Check out hockeyOT.com for more information.

Training & Fitness Guide A D V E R T O R I A L

Prepare yourself for the next level.

At Total Performance we combine hockey training with professional strength and conditioning. We customize all of our programs toward your needs.

With the hockey treadmill, weight room, plyometric areas, our certified staff and shooting range we cover all aspects of your training. We also offer team training.

Call or visit our website for more information.

Hockey Treadmill - Proper stride mechanics - Increased force production - Body awareness and balance - Greater stride length and frequency - Explosive speed Call to set up your FREE skating evaluation today!

Total Performance Training Center 30990 Wixom Road, Wixom, MI 48393 (248) 669-9818 totalsportscomplex.com

Total Performance Training Center features a skating treadmill to help develop power in the key muscles involved in skating

Total Performance Training Center is committed to hockey The Total Performance Training Center opened in 2002, when University of Detroit Mercy strength and conditioning coach Jim Kielbaso wanted to bring the performance training techniques the pros were using to more athletes in the metroDetroit area.

The Total Sports Complex in Wixom shared the same vision and brought Jim in to direct the first facility of its kind in Detroit – a high-tech facility with an experienced staff of professional strength & conditioning coaches.

For the first few years, Total Performance focused mainly on ground-based sports, but so many hockey players were training with them that they eventually made a major commitment to the sport. Not only did they invest in the area’s first hockey treadmill and a sheet of synthetic ice for shooting and stickhandling, they also brought in top-notch skating instructor and Oakland University hockey coach Gordie Schaeffler to head up the new hockey programs.

“When I moved to TPTC from Grand Rapids I knew this was a great opportunity to teach more hockey players how to skate faster and more efficiently,” commented Schaeffler.

“To combine hockey training with professional strength and conditioning isn’t being done in many places, so I was excited to join this team. The results have been fantastic and it seems like every player we train ends up bringing a friend or teammate at some point.”

Every program at Total Performance is customized to meet the needs of the

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athlete or team. The staff is incredibly experienced and able to create the perfect program for each hockey player, but you have to be prepared for some hard work.

While shooting and stickhandling are included in every package, they definitely emphasize hard work through strength training and skating on the hockey treadmill.

Most of the work on the treadmill is done on an incline to help develop power in the key muscles involved in skating. Even more important, though, is the instruction and feedback that every athlete gets during each session.

Small changes in skating mechanics can make a huge difference on the ice, so Schaeffler and the rest of the staff focus on details in their proven coaching system.

“Whether you’re a young player just looking to learn better skating mechanics or an elite athlete who just needs a little extra boost, our experienced staff and excellent facilities will give you what you need,” said Kielbaso. “Every athlete is different, and we pride ourselves in giving each person exactly what they need. We even have specialized programs like vision training for goalies and a concussion prevention program for all players.”

Total Performance offers summer camps, team training and individualized performance programs on an ongoing basis. For more information visit TotalSportsComplex.com or call 248669-9818 to find out which program fits you the best.

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Training & Fitness Guide

Nutrition and hydration: bang for your buck AAthletes hl are often f faced f d with i h the h challenge h ll off eating i for f high hii h performance f while hil on a limited budget.

Coupled with time constraints, the many temptations of fast food outlets, convenience stores, and even the grocery store can interfere with achieving optimal nutrition.

But with a little planning you can help you make training a nutrition success.

SHOPPING TIPS

Bottled water alternative — Instead of expensive bottled water, use tap water. If you want to avoid chlorine, let your tap water sit open overnight in the fridge before putting the lid on. An alternate is to buy a water-filter pitcher. For a different fresh taste, add slices of lemon or cucumber to your water bottle.

On special — Purchase discounted items! Buy fresh produce, poultry, lean beef, fish, and seafood according to what is on sale. This will also create variety in your diet. Watch for online coupons for additional savings.

Buy bulk — Items such as canned goods, frozen vegetables, rice, pasta, cereal, and other dry goods. See below list for staple, budget conscious food items to bulk up on.

Bag it — Take advantage when meats are on sale. Buy large quantities and then freeze in smaller individual portions.

Cheaper cuts — Cheaper cuts of beef can be cooked at lower temperatures and for longer periods of time for an inexpensive alternative in stews, soups, and crockpot meals.

Budget proteins — Look for recipes that use canned meats and beans for a cheaper protein source.

Buy only what you can eat — When purchasing fresh produce only buy what you will eat in a few days so you don’t waste any due to spoilage. Alternatively, purchase produce that has a long shelf life in your fridge (when kept in plastic bags), such as carrots, cabbage, celery, potatoes, apples and oranges.

Skip Pre-Prepared foods — Choose regular rice and oats instead of the quick cook varieties; the more processed the greater the cost. Choose whole foods and spend the extra time to prepare as the savings add up.

Pack your own lunch — It may be a bit more work initially to make your own sandwiches, soups or salads, but the effort will save you big bucks. In addition, nutritionally, you can control your meal ingredients.

Limit Pre-Packaged sport foods — Sport bars and beverages may be convenient and nutrient-dense, but they are expensive and can be easily made from scratch. Look online for low-fat energy bar recipes with mixed nuts, dry cereals, raisins and dried fruits.

IN THE KITCHEN

Organize - Knowing where supplies and equipment are located in your kitchen can save precious preparation time. Keep a “running” grocery list to limit the number of times you have to go to the grocery store.

Cook big - Cook in batches. Pasta and rice can be easily reheated by pouring boiling water on top. One-pot dishes like stirfries, soups, stews, and casseroles are inexpensive meals that go a long way. Portion in freezer safe containers for quick reheated meals on the go. You can prepare a month’s worth of meals in one weekend.

Containers - Purchase quality, reusable food storage containers in different sizes and shapes. Packing leftovers the night before or making several lunches at once will save time and ensure your meals are portable.

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KITCHEN MUST HAVES

Crockpot – arrive home to a hot meal by throwing in a few ingredients in the morning, such as veggies, beans, and cubes of meat, for quick one-dish meals.

Microwave – for quickly cooking potatoes, chicken, and fish in a flash.

Blender – for cost saving smoothies to refuel and rehydrate.

Cookware – microwave egg cookers and vegetable steamers will save you time.

Good foods Cupboard Dry pasta Low fat whole wheat crackers Pretzels Canned tomatoes and sauce Pizza sauce Canned fish Broth based soups Peanut butter Nuts (almonds, walnuts, etc.)

Sesame seeds Kidney beans, lentils, chickpeas Dry cereals, low-fat granola Raisins Dried fruit Bulk oatmeal Brown or whole grain rice Sweet potatoes, white potatoes Rice cakes Popcorn Honey Refrigerator Low-fat yogurt and milk Regular or light cheeses Low-fat cottage cheese Eggs Vegetable juice Fresh fruits and vegetables Jam Freezer Multigrain breads, buns Whole grain bagels, English muffins, pitas, tortillas Frozen vegetables (Stir fry mix) Chicken portions Lean beef cuts and ground Orange juice concentrate Frozen yogurt

FLUIDS FOR ATHLETES

Fluids are important for athletes for many reasons, including to replace water lost during exercise, to avoid decreases in performance due to dehydration and to help maintain core body temperature within acceptable limits.

Fluids can also deliver carbohydrate during prolonged exercise (e.g., sport drink) and provide electrolytes (sodium and potassium) lost through sweat (e.g., sport drink).

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Monitor M it your fluid id lloss It’s important to pay attention to your fluid loss to perform at your best: • Ample, light colored urine means well hydrated.

• Dark, scant urine signals a need for more fluid.

• Weigh yourself before and immediately after exercise – see “Fluids after exercise” below.

Fluids before exercise Drink plenty of fluid daily to maintain weight and adequate urine output: • Drink 13 – 20 ounces of fluid 2-3 hours before exercise.

• Drink 5 – 12 ounces about 15 minutes before exercise.

Try this when training, not in competition, to find how much fluid is comfortable.

Also limit beverages that contain caffeine.

Fluids during exercise Drink enough fluid to maintain fluid balance.

• Drink 5 – 12 ounces every 15 to 20 minutes.

• Test how much you can tolerate without discomfort.

Athletes rarely consume enough to maximize the absorption rate of the digestive system.

Fluids after exercise • Replace fluid loss by 150% (about 22 fluid ounces per pound of weight loss).

For example, if you have four-pound weight loss, drink about 88 ounces of fluid.

• Include sodium with or in fluids consumed after exercise.

Sodium helps maintain plasma electrolyte balance and the desire to drink.

Important – away from home Although tap water may be “safe” to drink, variations in the bacteria may cause gastro-intestinal upset. Adding ice to drinks is the same as adding tap water.

Acclimatize If you expect to compete in a very hot environment, acclimatize yourself prior to competition by: • Training in a similar environment prior to departure • Traveling to the competition site at least a week prior to competition and gradually increasing your training in those conditions.

Factors that encourage fluid consumption • Easy access to the beverage • Chilled drinks (about 50 degrees F) • Flavored fluids • Sodium added Carbohydrate – energy for endurance If exercising more than one hour, consume carbohydrate with your fluids.

• Commercial sport drinks containing 4% to 8% carbohydrate are a suitable choice.

• Test sport drinks in training, not in competition.

Recovery after exercise • Drink 22 ounces of fluid for every pound of weight lost during exercise.

• Consume high carbohydrate foods and drinks.

• Consume foods containing sodium (tomato or vegetable juice, pretzels, commercial soup, low fat cheese, salted nuts) and foods containing potassium (vegetables, fruit, milk, legumes, or meat) to replace electrolytes.

Remember to drink beyond thirst because exercise dulls the thirst mechanism.

Source: Sports Nutrition Advisory Committee/Coaching Association of Canada (coach.ca)

Training & Fitness Guide A D V E R T O R I A L

Adam Lidstrom works on a skating treadmill.

State of the Art Training Facility Programs offered for all levels: boys and girls house, travel and AAA Limited Spaces! Call for more information 248-926-5656 FEATURES • 14,000+ sq. foot facility

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50950 Century Court • Wixom, MI 48393 www.puckmasters.com/detroit • detroit@puckmasters.com

Wixom Puckmasters’ general manager J.P. Ferrari (left) and manager Stephen Schaeffler on one of the facility’s two real ice surfaces

Puckmasters going full blast on and off the ice in Wixom Just west of downtown Wixom there is nothing to give away that there is a hockey training facility tucked a mile back inside a business park.

Located south of Pontiac Train off of Century Drive on Century Court, Puckmasters Hockey Training Center is a 14,250 square foot facility with one purpose: to help players improve their skills.

The Wixom Puckmasters opened in the fall of 2008 and features two real ice sheets, one measuring 100 x 44, and the other 60 x 40 that is used for goalie training.

The facility also includes an Endless Ice Skating Treadmill, Real Hockey Shooting Simulator, a Rapid Shot Shooting range, an off-ice training room with free weights, two locker rooms, showers and a pro shop.

Lessons are 45 minutes in length and utilize both on-ice and off-ice training. Every student that trains at Puckmasters goes through a full onice evaluation prior to starting their individual program to give instructors a look at each player’s needs.

“The individual attention to each student’s specific needs is the reason why we have been successful,” said co-owner Jon-Paul Ferrari. “The 1-on1 training allows our instructors to assess and correct the player’s missteps during the lesson.”

Puckmasters training programs combine work on the two ice sheets and offers personal training, weights and dry land training.

Co-owner, and mastermind behind the training facility, Scott Lavoie had the idea for putting this facility up after years of planning and research.

“Having two sons and a daughter

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that play amateur hockey in the Detroit area, I knew that a training facility like this would help these kids make it to the next level and have fun along the way,” said LaVoie.

Team training packages and goalie instruction are available with private 1-on-1 lessons on the Puckmasters’ ice Puckmasters has attracted high-end coaches, including former Detroit Red Wing and Stanley Cup champion Manny Legace, who uses Puckmasters as a summer training center and teaches 1-on-1 goalie lessons. The facility also features former Michigan State star Jeff Lerg, who owns Post to Post Goalie School out of Puckmasters and Goal-Tec Goalie Training.

“I think we have the best goalie training in the state” said Ferrari.

Adam Lidstrom, son of future NHL hall of famer Nick Lidstrom, played last season with Compuware and has trained at Puckmasters since it opened.

“The smaller ice surface helped with my decision making and response time,” Lidstrom said. “The treadmill has helped my speed and power. Being able to stickhandle while skating on the treadmill has made my hand eye coordination better. The rapid shot helped improve my shot release and accuracy.”

When it comes to player development Puckmasters Hockey Training is in a league of its own.

“It makes absolutely no difference whether you’re a beginning player, learning to skate or a professional athlete training for the upcoming season. Our instructors have the skills and knowledge to help you,” said Ferrari.

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Training & Fitness Guide

Top 10 fundamentals of off-ice training

BY RICHARD TREMBLAY, CPT, SSC, USAW

Most hockey players want to play at the next level and as you advance the competition becomes more demanding both physically and mentally. It is important to understand that it takes a certain work ethic and focus, on and off ice, to keep playing.

To achieve these goals, it’s important to perform off-ice strength and conditioning.

1. Dynamic warm-up: Essential to prepare your mind, body and nervous system for the demands of off-ice training. It will help warm up muscle tissue and lubricate joints. This should take 10-15 minutes and should include a variety of sprinting, kicking, bending, jumping, twisting and lunging exercises.

2. Hockey movements, not isolation: An athletic body functions as a whole by utilizing muscles, joints and the central nervous system. Therefore it’s important to strength train with the same technique using your entire body. The objective is hockey function, not strict isolated movements. Utilizing multi-joint movements (squats, deadlifts, lunges, pull-ups, etc.) and avoiding isolation movements (leg curls/ extensions, bicep curls, chest flies, etc.) will help you become and stay hockey strong.

3. Ground-based movements: The principal of applying force into the ground with your feet starts most athletic movements and is demonstrated in hockey during skating. Exercises and agility drills that focus on ground-based force will help with your first three steps and remaining strong on your skates. These include plyometrics, squats (single and double leg), Olympic movements (hang cleans, snatches and jerk). Performing exercises lying or seated is not as beneficial for a hockey player.

Remember to train how you play!

4. Unilateral movements: Eighty percent of a game is played on one leg. Skating involves explosively pushing off with one leg and then quickly with the other. This single leg explosiveness is improved by performing exercises on one foot at a time.

Unilateral exercises include single leg squats, hockey lunges, single leg deadlifts, along with plyometrics that involve unilateral takeoffs.

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5. The Hockey Core: Core strength and endurance is important for effective movement and to decrease the risk of injury. The core is where the initiation of all movement begins and contains all the stabilization muscles that support the spine.

To build a strong hockey core perform planks, side planks, medicine ball twists and resistance exercises with bands.

6. Become unstable: Once you’ve mastered the fundamentals of strength training you can start performing exercises on an unstable surface. This type of training should only be used to focus on stabilization muscles and not take the place of your primary strength exercises. You should consider using less weight and concentrate on lateral stabilization. Swiss balls, balance boards and air disks are just some of the tools that you can use to create an unstable surface. For example, instead of performing the split squat on the floor, which is stable, put your front foot on an air disk to create instability.

7. Include variation: Variation in your workout will help keep from hitting a plateau and becoming bored. It’s important to constantly change your training variables: volume (the amount of reps and sets performed), lifting tempo (speed of reps), rest (between sets), intensity and difficulty. These should be adjusted depending on your goals, strength and weaknesses and training phases. Try to change at least one of these training variables every 2-3 weeks. For example, perform the double leg squat for two weeks, then switch to the single leg squat for two weeks, and then to a split squat.

8. Proper energy system: Hockey involves short bursts of energy followed by long rest periods. You challenge the anaerobic system (meaning without oxygen) while skating during a shift and use the aerobic system (meaning with oxygen) while sitting on the bench. To train these systems you can perform interval training (sprinting, jump rope, biking, skating) which involves short (0-15 sec), medium (16-45 sec) and long intervals (46-90 sec).

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An off-ice strength and conditioning program is an important part of becoming faster, stronger and a better player.

9. Static stretching: Static stretching is an essential part of strength training and should be performed after you’ve finished training while the body is warm and loose. This will help your flexibility (which helps prevent injuries) and promotes muscle recovery by increasing fresh oxygenated blood flow. A 10-15 minute stretch of the muscle groups used during your workout should be your objective. Hold each stretch for 30 seconds per muscle. A great alternative to static stretching for a hockey player is performing yoga 2-3 times per week.

10. Nutrition: Providing the body with the proper foods and supplements at the correct times can make a world of difference to your training and performance on the ice. A carbohydrate to protein ratio of 3:1 should be consumed post training.

Carbohydrates help replenish empty glycogen reserves and blood sugar and protein repairs damaged muscle tissue. Also, fluids should be replaced within 30-40 minutes after training and a multi-vitamin supplement should be considered daily.

Tremblay is the owner of Hockey Strength and Performance. Check out his website at hockeysp.com or contact him at rich@hockeysp.com.

Training & Fitness Guide

Recharge, recommit and refocus for a productive summer

BY BRANDON NAURATO

Playing college hockey and two seasons of pro hockey has taught me a lot about the game on the ice as well as off of it. After experiencing so many ups and downs in the game, I have developed a passion for educating young players on how to prepare themselves for the next level.

With the winter season over and spring winding down there is one question that continually running through the minds of young players across the country as summer approaches. How do I prepare myself this summer for the upcoming season to be a better and more dominant player?

While trying to find the answer to this question I always refer back to the three R’s: Recharge, Recommit and Refocus.

RECHARGE First things first so recharge your hockey battery by taking some time off. Every player from youth hockey to the NHL level experiences numerous mental and physical battles throughout each grueling season.

Whether you experienced an injury, a lack of ice time, or are just burned out from playing games from last August or September, it is crucial to recharge your battery by taking some time away from the rink, trying out another sport and just enjoying life.

One thing that you want to keep in mind is that hockey is just a game and you need to keep it fun. When it’s time to work out make sure you bring the intensity and get your work done on or off the ice. Then, enjoy life! Hang out with friends, go to movies, educate yourself and treat people the right way. There are plenty of life lessons that can be learned from hockey, such as developing a good work ethic, learning how to work with teammates, giving your best effort at all times and having fun.

These are just a few great lessons that you can use for the rest of your life that will make you a better player on the ice and more importantly a better person off the ice.

RECOMMIT After you take some time away from the rink and gym, you need to recommit and set up a training plan for the rest of the summer. Some questions you should be asking yourself include: Where am I going to train? What supplements am I going to take?

What is my nutrition plan going to look like?

One huge part of hockey specific training is keeping track of your progress. It is crucial that you write everything down in a workout log sheet. How else are you going to know where you want to be if you don’t know where you started from?

Each week you want to be improving on your strength and doing more and more.

By writing it all down you are challenging yourself to lift more weight, run faster and continue to improve in all aspects of your training.

Not only should you be recording your workouts, but you should be writing down everything that you are putting into your body in a “nutrition journal.” Looking back on my hockey career; the times that I have had the most success on the ice is when I am tracking how I feed my body off the ice.

Nutrition is 80% of training and if you are filling yourself with junk food after a workout, you are going to take one step forward and two steps back.

REFOCUS The last point in your success guide for summer is to refocus. By refocusing on your hockey career, you are basically setting up goals for yourself for the summer and next season.

You need to analyze yourself as a player and write down three short-term goals for the summer and three long-term goals for the upcoming season.

What type of player are you? Think about all of your weaknesses as well as your strengths and set goals on what you can do to become a better all-around player.

Ask yourself, am I a player that needs to lose fat or gain lean muscle? Do I need to improve my foot speed, shot, or stride? These are just a few questions that you

Take some time to recharge your hockey battery by trying different sports and relaxing with friends and family.

can think about before you sit down to write out your goals.

Goal setting is huge for hockey players and in business. By getting into good habits now of setting goals, you are only preparing yourself to be ahead of the curve in the future when you step into the real world.

Naurato played college hockey at the University of Michigan and finished last season, his second as a pro, with the Dayton Gems of the Central Hockey League. Check out his hockey specific training and nutrition blog at: HockeyTrainingFromThePros.com/blog for more information on how you can be the best player you can this upcoming season.

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Spring is here and off season training has begun. Many players are already hitting it hard to be ready for try-outs, combines & next season.

Michigan Hockey

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Junior Hockey

Muskegon finishes es strong with Clark Cup playoff run

BY CHRISTOPHER HEIMERMAN

PHOTO BY DAVE REGINEK/DIG PHOTO

While the Muskegon Lumberjacks’ inaugural season in the United States Hockey League did not conclude with the hoisting of the Clark Cup, there are still innumerable accomplishments to celebrate.

The Jacks were well represented in the league’s scoring leaders and they never went more than three games without picking up at least a point. After a sweep of the U.S. National Team, the Jacks advanced to the second round of the Clark Cup playoffs. Of the 23 members of the team’s final roster, 15 of them have committed to Division I universities.

The Jacks, who finished 24-28-8 for 56 points in the regular season, forced a Game 4 in the second round against the top-seeded Cedar Rapids RoughRiders with a 5-1 victory at the L.C. Walker Arena on April 23. But the Riders won 7-3 two nights later in Muskegon to bring the Jacks’ first USHL season to a close.

“We met a lot of our expectations,” Lumberjacks head coach Kevin Patrick said.

“But we’re not happy, and we’re not satisfied. We want to win our last game of the season. The ultimate goal is winning the championship.”

Through the first two rounds, the Jacks had four players – Matt DeBlouw, Matt Berry, Ryan Misiak and Travis Belohrad – in the league’s top 12 in postseason scoring.

DeBlouw, who, along with Berry, is committed to Michigan State University, finished tied for second in the playoffs with three goals and eight points.

As for the regular season, the Jacks boasted two skaters in the top 16 in league scoring. Misiak, a Shelby Township native acquired from Sioux Falls during exhibition play, finished tied for ninth in the league with 58 points. The Mercyhurst College commit was fifth in the league in assists with 43. His linemate, Berry, a Canton native, was 16th in the league in points with 51. The USHL rookie’s 25 goals were tied for sixth in the league.

Berry also was one of three Jacks, including Belohrad and Charlie Taft, to register a hat trick this season. Taft added two assists to set a franchise record with five points in a 5-0 victory over Cedar Rapids on March 18. The Edina, Minn., committed to attend Colorado College next season.

Rock-steady defenseman Carter Foguth, a Fenton native and USHL rookie, led the team with a +10. Travis Walsh, another rookie defenseman, finished 4-for-8 in the shootout. His finest work came in a 2-1 shootout win over Cedar Rapids on Saturday, Dec. 4, in which he broke up a scoreless shootout in the fourth round with a highlight reel goal that appeared on ESPN. Jacks defenseman Alexx Privitera, an Old Tappan, N.J., native who is committed to Boston University for this fall, finished tied for fourth in goals (10) and points among blueliners with 34.

But Patrick prefers to focus how the team got stronger from top to bottom throughout its first USHL season, as evidenced by its promising postseason run. Now

Develops a Powerful Shot Forehand & Backhand Core Muscle Development

he and his assistant coach, Dave Noel-Bernier, quickly will get to work on surrounding the Jacks’ returners with even more talent.

The organization spent numerous hours watching players in preparation for the May 16 USHL Draft. Muskegon selected power forward Ryan Lomberg, of Richmond Hill, Ontario, with their first round pick (sixth overall). Lomberg scored 52 goals at Hill Academy this season and has committed to attend the University of Maine.

The Jacks’ tryout camp will take place from June 13-19 at the L.C. Walker Arena.

The club added six players into the system – three of them Michigan products – via the recent USHL Futures Draft.

“Building for the future is an ongoing process and I’m excited about the players we have on our list from last year’s draft who weren’t with us this year,” Patrick said.

JACKS’S SELECT HONEYBAKED’S SMITH IN FUTURES DRAFT Honeybaked Midget Major AAA defenseman Alex Smith can’t wait to get to Muskegon to start his junior career.

The Brownstown native was the Lumberjacks first-round pick and the fifth overall selection in the 2011 USHL Futures Draft on April 19.

“This is only the start of a long journey,”said Smith.“I’ve got to keep working hard,

Stresses Proper Technique Ingrains Correct Muscle Memory Used at Home or at the Rink!

WWW.DDKHOCKEY.COM

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Michigan Hockey

MichiganHockeyOnline.com

go to camp, make the team and contribute right away in September. It’s my dream to start in Muskegon, play college hockey and then go play in the NHL.” Smith is a strong skater who contributes in all three zones. He posted four goas and 12 points last season with Honeybaked.

“Alex is a great two-way defenseman who makes a good outlet pass,”Patrick said.

“And he’s got great character. He’s coming from a great program in Honeybaked. They do an excellent job of developing players and having them ready for the next level.”

The 5-foot-11, 173-pound blueliner is excited about the chance to play in the United States Hockey League. He’s determined to wear the Jacks’ crest as soon as this fall for Patrick and Jacks Owner Josh Mervis.

“I can’t wait to play for both of them,” Smith said. “Mr. Mervis is a really great guy who is all about family and hockey.

“I get to stay in Michigan and play in a great town like Muskegon.”

The Lumberjacks also selected Michigan products Alex Talcott (Kentwood/ Honeybaked Midget Major) 16th overall and Corey Schueneman (Milford/Little Caesars Midget Minor) with the 46th pick in the Futures Draft. Muskegon’s other selections included Cole Cassels (Dublin, OH, Blue Jackets), Riley Alferd (Portland, OR, LA Selects) and Matej Paulovic (Slovakia/Nitra).

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Junior Hockey

S oo E Soo Eagles agles e end nd sstorybook torybook season season with h trip to Dudley Hewitt Cup After winning the 2011 Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League playoff title, the Soo Eagles earned a trip to the Dudley Hewitt Cup, Central Canada’s junior hockey championship.

The speedy Eagles, who play at Sault Ste. Marie’s historic Pullar Stadium, represented the NOJHL in the four-team competition that took place April 19-23 in Huntsville, Ontario and also included the host Huntsville Otters (OJHL), the OJHL champion Wellington Dukes and the SIJHL champion Wisconsin Wilderness.

The four teams were competing to be crowned Central Canadian Champions and earn a trip to the RBC Cup, the Canadian Junior A Tier II National Championship.

The Soo opened with a 6-4 loss to Huntsville on April 19 with goals coming from George Curry, Robbie Payne (Gaylord), Gavin Burbach (Newberry) and Aaron Leonard (Allen Park). In game two the next day the Eagles were beaten by Wellington, 7-1, with the team’s only goal coming from Joseph Duoba (Livonia), with assists to Anthony Wolfe and Derek Diaz.

The 0-2 start set up an April 21 must win game for the Eagles against the Wilderness, who had also lost their first two games of the tournament.

It took four overtimes, but the Eagles beat Wisconsin, 2-1, on an unassisted goal from Leonard to earn a spot in the semifinals againstWellington, who lost to Huntsville, 3-2 in two overtimes.

In the rematch against the Dukes, the Eagles lost 3-2 in another game that went four extra sessions. Brock Raffaele (Cadillac) and Travis Payne (Gaylord) scored for the Soo, and goaltender Jake Paterson made an incredible 90 saves in the end of the season loss that lasted over four and half hours.

“Our guys have nothing to be ashamed of,”said Soo general manager and head coach Bruno Bragagnolo, who was assisted behind the bench by Dennis Bolton. “They played hard and did everything they could. We had a really good run and a very good season.”

Last year around this time Eagles former owner and coach Paul Theriault stepped down because of health issues and turned over the reins to a new ownership group for this season that included Bragagnolo, Gerry Fraser and Ron Lavin.

This season was the Eagles third in S.S. Marie and the area embraced the team’s hard-working and entertaining style of play, while the players flourished both on the ice and in the community.

The Eagles are made up of almost entirely of American born players, including 15 players from Michigan.

Big crowds were the norm at Pullar Stadium this year. The team drew over 1,000 fans a game during the league playoffs and the season highlights included the Rollie King Memorial Cup, the NOJHL Championship and back-to-back four OT games in the Dudley Hewitt Cup. The organization planned a parade through the streets of Sault Ste. Marie, the first to honor a sports team since the 1990s, on May 14 that ended with a celebration at Pullar Stadium to honor the Eagles and their accomplishments this season.

In addition, the team will be holding four tryout camps this summer, including one in S.S. Marie (June 10-12) and one in Farmington Hills (July 8-10).

With a file from Scott Nason

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35

Junior Hockey

Fairbanks takes Robertson Cup over Michigan The Michigan Warriors were less than six minutes away from bringing the Robertson Cup to Flint.

Three goals in less than four minutes, however, snatched the NAHL championship from the Warriors’ hands and the Fairbanks Ice Dogs skated out of Topeka, Kan., with their first North American Hockey League title with a 4-2 victory on May 7.

“I don’t even know what to say,” Fairbanks coach Josh Hauge told the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. “It’s just one of the best, if not the best feelings I’ve ever had in my life. I can’t tell you how happy I am for our players, our organization and our town. It’s just an incredible feeling that I can’t describe right now.”

The Warriors, winners of the North Division title by winning playoff series over Traverse City and St. Louis, had to win the play-in series with Bismarck, and then after losing the first two games of the Robertson Cup round-robin, beat host Topeka in the final game of the round-robin and then Amarillo in the semi-finals.

The Ice Dogs’ Pete Spratte scored at 14:38 of the third period to tie the game at 2-all and then Alexander Jensen netted the game-winner at 16:17. Alec Hajdukovich iced the championship for Fairbanks at 18:30.

Chris Eckler and Brad Chapman scored first period goals for the Warriors and goalie Robert Tadazak made 27 saves in the loss.

After busing home after beating St. Louis in the NAHL playoffs, the Warriors had to turn right around and head to Detroit’s Metro Airport, where they flew to Kansas City before heading to Topeka. In all, the Warriors played seven games in 10 nights “That was tough, but we ran out of gas,” said Michigan coach Moe Mantha. “I am proud of the boys. They played hard and have nothing to hold their heads down.

They did something nobody expected them to do.”

Fairbanks goaltender Joe Phillippi, who was named the tournament’s MVP and to the All-Tournament Team, turned aside 23 shots in the final.

Also named to the All-Tournament Team were forwards Jordan Davis (Topeka), Scott Henegar (Michigan) and Tayler Munson (Fairbanks) and defensemen Derek Hills (Amarillo) and Kevin Gibson (Michigan).

On a local note, Fairbanks defenseman Brock Carlston is a Muskegon native and the lone Michigander on the Ice Dogs.

The 2012 Robertson Cup tournament will be held in Frisco, Tex.

WARRIORS’ TADAZAK NAMED MVP Tadazak was named NAHL MVP for the 2010-11 season and was honored at the Robertson Cup banquet on May 2.

The 20-year-old Army recruit from Lapeer went 27-9-5 with a league-leading nine shutouts, while his .944 save percentage was the highest among NAHL goaltenders

36

Michigan Hockey

PHOTO BY AARON BELL/OHL IMAGES

BY MATT MACKINDER

Michigan’s Robert Tadazak won the NAHL MVP Award and will attend West Point and play for Army next season.

and his 1.77 goals-against average ranked second best in the league.

“This is an outstanding honor for Robert and one that’s well-deserved,” said Mantha. “I don’t think it’s any secret he’s been a huge part of our success this season.

He’s an outstanding goaltender with a bright future ahead of him.”

Tadazak was also named the SBK Hockey Goaltender of the Year and to the All-NAHL Team.

Also named to the All-NAHL Team were forwards Michael Hill of Topeka, Nardo Nagtzaam of theAlexandria Blizzard and Cody Wydo of Motor City and defensemen Jack Callahan of the Ice Dogs and Ralfs Freibergs of Texas.

Wydo earned Forward of the Year honors after winning the league’s scoring title with 91 points on an NAHL-leading 40 goals and 51 assists. He was also a plus-26.

Okemos native Karl Beckman was a co-honoree of the Dick’s Sporting Goods Community Service Award by amassing over 90 hours of community service work

MichiganHockeyOnline.com

for Amarillo this season.

Other award winners: Defenseman of the Year – Freibergs, Rookie of the Year – Justin Hussar, Topeka, Coach of the Year – Scott Langer, Topeka, General Manager of the Year – Rob Proffitt, Fairbanks, Organization of the Year – Fairbanks, Academic Achievement Award – Dominic Granato, Kenai River, Dick’s Sporting Goods Community Service Award – Chris Bond, Topeka (shared with Beckman), Mark Messier Leadership Award – Matt Millis, Fairbanks.

FOURNIER NEW HEAD COACH IN TRAVERSE CITY The Traverse City North Stars will kick off their seventh season with a new coach at the helm for 2011-12, but it’s a familiar face and a recognizable philosophy. Chad Fournier, who has spent the past four seasons as an assistant coach, will move down to bench to take the spot of Anthony Palumbo, who will remain as general manager.

Co-owner Dallas Drake will join incumbents Mike Matteucci and Bob Fernandez as assistants. Bob Spence and Steve Witt, who have served as a Midwest scouts, will also assume some coaching duties.

“It should be a pretty seamless transition,” said Fournier, who inherits the keys to a club that posted a 40-17-1 mark in 2010-11. “Anthony and I have coached together for a long time at many different levels, and we have a very similar approach. It’ll be the same message, just a different voice delivering it.”

Palumbo, who went 141-85-25 in his four years behind the bench, has opted to focus on front office and player personnel responsibilities after leading the Stars to the franchise-record 40 victories last season.

“I simply couldn’t continue commit the same amount of time to the coaching that the job requires and deserves,” said Palumbo. “I recently took a new job and needed to be around more. I also want to be able to spend more time with my wife and family. But it’s not like I’m leaving the rink. I’ll be there to support Chad in any way he wants - film sessions, player evaluation before and during the season, keeping our college network strong. And with adding a guy like Dallas to the staff that’s already in place, I think it just strengthens the organization all around.”

NAHL NOTEBOOK Wichita Falls named Paul Baxter the team’s new head coach, general manager of hockey operations and partner, effective May 1. Baxter previously held the same titles with Wenatchee from 2008-10 … Alaska defenseman Jake Williams has committed to American International College for this fall. Williams finished the regular season third in scoring among NAHL defensemen with 47 points and was also a plus-22 …

Motor City will re-locate to Jamestown, N.Y., next season after the past three seasons Downriver and will be re-named the Jamestown Ironmen.

Junior Hockey

May 23, 2011 Volume 21 : Issue 22

Whalers halers and Spirit restock in annual OHL draft dra Year after year, the Plymouth Whalers build a skilled and physical team to compete in the Ontario Hockey League.

By adding Mitchell Dempsey with their first of 13 picks (11th overall) in the OHL draft on May 7, the Whalers are hoping Dempsey can continue the trend of gritty, talented skaters to play in Plymouth.

“He’s a big, rugged power forward,” Whalers coach and general manager Mike Vellucci told the Detroit Free Press. “We think he’s going to be a good solid player, and hopefully he can turn into a James Neal or Tom Sestito or somebody like that, someone who scored a lot of goals here, but also was a beast around the net.”

The 16-year-old Cambridge, Ont., native tallied 38 goals last year for the Cambridge Hawks minor midget team. And while playing closer to home was something the 6-foot-2, 205-pound Dempsey hoped would happen, coming to Plymouth is an opportunity he embraces.

“The OHL is every kid’s dream,” Dempsey said on the Plymouth website. “It’s just a great honor to be part of the organization. Obviously, I would like to stay closer to home, but I’m glad to say I’m with Plymouth now.”

With their second round pick, the Whalers selected left wing Matthew Mistele, a 43-goal scorer last season for the Whitby Wildcats.

With no selections in the third or fourth rounds, Plymouth took St. Louis native Connor Chatham and diminutive forward Dylan Mascarin from the Thunder Bay Kings in the fifth round.

With both goalies and as many as eight defensemen eligible to return next season, Plymouth focused mostly on forwards during the draft, taking eight altogether, and not one goaltender.

“I always look to draft skill and size,” Vellucci told the Free Press. “If you can get both, great, but if not, I like the skaters and I like skill. We’re losing three forwards, (Tyler) Brown, (Robbie) Czarnik and (James) Livingston, so we have spots.”

The Whalers drafted players they feel are OHL-caliber players, even in the later rounds.

“A lot of teams say after the eighth round or so, the draft’s done,”Plymouth assistant general manager Brian Sommariva said to the Plymouth website.“We don’t feel that way. The picks in the late rounds aren’t wasted. The slots late in the draft could get us players that are just as valuable as the higher selections.”

Plymouth chose Carolina Hurricanes U-16 defenseman Charlie Pelnik in the seventh round, Team Illinois U-16 forward Danny Vanderwiel in the eighth round, Honeybaked U-16 defenseman Mitch Jones in the 11th round, Christian Wolanin

PHOTO BY AARON BELL/OHL IMAGES

BY MATT MACKINDER

last season (43-45-89) with the York Simcoe Express. He has speed and is not shy about going into the tough areas.

“He can put the puck in the net consistently,”said Saginaw coach/GM Todd Watson.

“We hope he will help us immediately in that department.”

Povorozniuk is a native of suburban Chicago and played last season with the Chicago Steel.

“He has speed and fills a need that we have at center,” said Watson.

The 5-11/150 pound Lodge is from Downing, PA but played last season with the Toronto Titans where he scored 18 goals and 43 points.

The Spirit also selected Smith, whom Watson has known since he was 12-years old.

“He is a former neighbor of mine who lived down the street from me in Brownstown,” said Watson.

Saginaw also drafted Ramon Lopez (5th round), Ian McCoshan (6th round), Nicholas Hirst (8th round), Josh Miller (9th round), Josh Pace (10th round), JT Comper (11th round), Lucas Pressini (12th round), Rylee McKinnon (13th round) and Tony Crema (15th round).

OHL DRAFT NOTEBOOK

Calumet’s Ben Johnson, the 2011 co-Mr. Hockey, signed a free agent contract with the Windsor Spitfires on May 13.

from the Little Caesars U-16 squad in the 13th round and defenseman Matt Miller from the Pittsburgh Hornets U-16s in the 15th and final round to complete their American draft contingent.

SPIRIT GOES ON THE OFFENSIVE With the possibility of losing several key cogs up front over the next couple of years, the Saginaw Spirit selected eight forwards among their 13 picks during the OHL draft.

Saginaw started with with first rounder Nick Moutrey (15th overall), and then tabbed second rounder Sam Povorozniuk (36th overall) and Jimmy Lodge in the third round (62nd overall). The Spirit used a fourth round pick to take Honeybaked midget minor defenseman Alex Smith.

The 6-1/185 pound Moutrey hails from Shelburne, Ontario and put up big numbers

At the draft, a total of 49 players were chosen from 32 different programs based in the United States, including eight players from Honeybaked – Jones, Michael McCarron (Belleville), Trevor Hamilton (London), Alexander Smith (Saginaw), Tyler Motte (Sarnia), Alex Talcott (Sarnia), Michael Sabatini (Sault Ste. Marie) and Evan Allen (Windsor) …Belle Tire goalie Ian Jenkins was the first goalie taken when London tabbed him in the second round with the 29th overall pick … Cadillac High standout Dawson Cook was drafted by Sault Ste. Marie in the fifth round.

CALUMET’S JOHNSON SIGNS WITH WINDSOR Undrafted in the past two OHL drafts, Calumet native Ben Johnson earned a free agent contract from Windsor and signed with the Spitfires on May 13.

The Mr. Hockey co-winner this past season at Calumet High School had 77 points in 30 games.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to play for Windsor,” said Johnson, who will go to a Windsor-area high school for his senior year. “I love the city already and I’m looking forward to playing here. The OHL is the best junior league in the world and it will be a big step for me, but one that I look forward to.”

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College Hockey

Pletsch named CCHA commissioner; Pearson takes job at Michigan Tech Former CCHA associate commissioner Fred Pletsch was named the league’s commissioner on May 2.

Pletsch had served as interim commissioner since March 23, when former commissioner Tom Anastos resigned to become the head coach at Michigan State.

Previously, Pletsch was the league’s associate commissioner (2008-11) and director of communications (2001-08).

“I would like to thank the CCHA membership for providing me this opportunity to continue to serve a league with such great tradition and history,” Pletsch said. “The CCHA staff is committed to maintaining the high standards of service and professionalism that have become synonymous with the conference.”

Prior to joining the CCHA, the Canton resident served as Commissioner of the Junior A North American Hockey League for three years. During that time, NAHL teams graduated over 150 players to the NCAA Division I ranks.

“Fred steps into the Commissioner’s role at an important time for the CCHA,” said Greg Christopher, Chair of the CCHA Council and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at Bowling Green State University. “He has been integrally involved in the direction of the conference for nearly a decade, and understands the details of the position along with the broader vision necessary to lead the CCHA. All 11 institutions have confidence in Fred and believe that he is the right person to help us navigate the future.”

PEARSON HEADS NORTH TO HOUGHTON After over two decades in Ann Arbor, Mel Pearson is heading north again to Houghton to become the head coach of his alma mater Michigan Tech.

Pearson played (1977-81) and served as an assistant coach for the Huskies (198288) and spent the last 23 seasons as an assistant coach and associate head coach at the University of Michigan where he helped theWolverines to a 667243-71 record, 11 Frozen Fours and two national championships.

Pearson was introduced as the Huskies’ new coach by Michigan Tech athletic director Suzanne Sanregret at a press conference on May 10.

“I’m very excited and grateful for this opportunity,”said Pearson.

“Michigan Tech was the school that gave me my first chance not only as a player but as a coach, and I’m looking forward to working with the University, alumni and community in bringing back the winning tradition.

“I want to thank the University of Michigan, (athletic director) Dave Brandon, Coach Berenson, Coach Billy Powers, the hockey staff and the players who have made my 23 years in Ann Arbor a truly great experience. It will always be a special place for me and my family.”

Pearson, a Vancouver, B.C. native and former winner of the Terry Flanagan Award that honors an assistant coach’s career, has been hailed as one of the nation’s top

recruiters. He was credited with landing the bulk of the players on Michigan’s 1996 and 1998 NCAA championship teams, and has recruited dozens of All-Americans and several Hobey Baker finalists during his time in Ann Arbor. A total of 54 Michigan players have gone on to play in the NHL since 1988.

“I’m thrilled that our search has led us to someone with the quality background of Mel,”said Sanregret.“He has extensive experience in all aspects of college hockey, but his reputation as a recruiter made him our top candidate. He has contacts within all of hockey from juniors to the professional ranks, and he’s well connected to our alumni.”

As a player, Pearson earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Michigan Tech and helped the Huskies to a third-place finish at the 1981 NCAA Championship.

“It is a good opportunity for Mel,” said Michigan head coach Red Berenson. “He’s been a great asset to the Michigan hockey program. We’re going to miss him but part of this whole process is to help people move up and develop into head coaches.”

WESTERN MICHIGAN EXTENDS BLASHILL’S CONTRACT Western Michigan’s Jeff Blashill had a pretty good first season behind the bench.

The Broncos won 19 games, made the CCHA Mason Cup championship game for the first time since 1986 and earned a berth in the NCAA Tournament for the fourth time in school history.

On April 25 the school extended Blashill’s contract to keep him behind the Broncos bench through the 2015-16 season.

“I am very excited to strengthen my commitment to Western Michigan University and the Bronco Hockey program,” said Blashill. “I am equally pleased to see Western Michigan’s commitment to building an elite Division I college hockey program with the support needed to win at the highest level nationally. The passion for Bronco Hockey on our campus and in our community is unmatched. I would like to thank President Dunn, Athletic Director Kathy Beauregard, Associate Athletic Director Monty Porter, and all those associated with Bronco Hockey for their belief in me and this program.”

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Red Wings Insider WHAT WILL WINGS LOOK LIKE NEXT YEAR?

Solid core remains after tough loss to Sharks

History was made, but from the Detroit Red Wings’ perspective just not the right kind.

Detroit failed to become the fourth team in NHL history to overcome a 3-0 series deficit, but their loss in seven games to the San Jose Sharks was the closest series in league history.

For the first time there were six one-goal games in a seven-game series. The previous high had been five.

“I can’t remember a series being this close,” Wings captain Nick Lidstrom said.

“Every game being a goal.”

Even the goal totals for the series (18) ended up being identical for both teams.

However, the one statistic that matters is wins and the Sharks got the extra one to send them on to the Western Conference Final against the Vancouver Canucks.

“It was a good series, real good teams,”Wings coach Mike Babcock said.“I thought we were in the driver’s seat because we were coming after them. We had lots of opportunity, but it didn’t go in.”

Indeed, the Wings outshot the Sharks 29-13 over the final 40 minutes of Game 7 on May 12, but they tried to comeback one time too many after falling behind 2-0 and 3-1 in the game.

“I thought the team that came out of this series was going to have a real shot at winning (the Stanley Cup),” Babcock said.

It won’t be hard to dissect where their season came off the rails. Detroit’s special teams were second-best in this series.

The Wings’ power play was abysmal in Game 7 as it had largely been the previous four games and Detroit allowed a power-play goal. The Sharks won every game in which they scored a power-play goal.

The other blow the Wings suffered was missing half of their top six forwards.

Johan Franzen didn’t start the game with an ankle sprain while Todd Bertuzzi left early in the first period with a concussion and Dan Cleary followed him before the game’s midway point with the same ailment after colliding with teammate Jiri Hudler.

PHOTO BY TOM TURRILL/MICHIGAN HOCKEY

BY DAVE WADDELL

After missing the first round of the playoffs against Phoenix, Henrik Zetterberg had three goals and eight points in the series against the Sharks.

Unfortunately for Hudler, it’s the only impact he had in dreadful series for him.

He finished with zero points and a minus-three.

Despite the defeat, the Wings preferred to look to the future with optimism.

Detroit was getting stronger as the series wore on against the team that dumped them from last year’s post-season in five games.

“I truly believe in the core group we have,” Lidstrom said. “Looking at the top players, Zetterberg and Datsyuk, and the guys behind them, Franzen, Filppula, Kronwall, Stewie (Brad Stuart), you got guys that are making strides and guys that are star players in this league. I think this team has a good core group.”

Babcock was impressed with the progress of his team this season along with seeing the competitive fires still burning brightly among the veterans.

Youngsters like Darren Helm, Patrick Eaves and Justin Abdelkader proved more important performers than a year ago.

“I’m pleased with the effort, pleased with the growth of our young players,” Babcock said. “Our high-end players, Datsyuk and Zetterberg, were fantastic in this series. They showed great leadership quality. We need these guys to be great.’’

However, the development of goalie Jimmy Howard may prove the most important step forward of any for the Wings in the long haul.

Howard gave Detroit a chance to win every night and proved capable of stealing games.

“This has been tremendous for his growth,”Wings general manager Ken Holland said. “He’s 27, just coming into his prime. He’s played in a lot of big games.

“Game 7 against Phoenix, Game 7 this year. You’re down 3-0, four straight elimination games.

“We believe half way through last year we had a real goalie. We rode him into the playoffs a year ago.”

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