MiHockeyMag - October 22, 2012

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V.23 : I.4 | OCTOBER 22, 2012

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

OCTOBER 22, 2012 VOLUME 23: ISSUE 4 8 THE LOCKER ROOM Talking hockey on Facebook and Twitter

10 SLIDESHOW

Photos from Perani’s grand opening in Brighton

12 SPEAKING OF HOCKEY What is your favorite hockey arena in Michigan?

14 GET BETTER A two-on-two puck protection drill for your next practice

16 YOU SHOULD KNOW

NTDP goaltender Ed Minney

20 HOMETOWN HEROES The captains of Michigan’s NCAA D-1 programs for the 2012–13 season

21 NAHL

26-27

HOCKEY’S BIGGEST QUESTIONS... YOUR ANSWERS In the spirit of election season, we created our own ballot, and asked you to vote on the questions. The answers may surprise you.

NAHL kicks off season with college commitments

34 PLYMOUTH WHALERS

Colin MacDonald goes from late-round pick to captain

35 GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS Time to shine for Joakim Andersson

30

YOST’S FACELIFT

Historic arena in Ann Arbor given some 21st-century upgrades

4

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RED WINGS INSIDER

MiHockey remembers the longest-tenured employee in Red Wings history - Budd Lynch

38

LOOK FOR OUR NEXT ISSUE LAST LINE

Darren Eliot shares his favorite memories of the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame’s three new members

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NOVEMBER 12, 2012

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

October 22, 2012 V.23 : I.4


FROM THE EDITOR MIHOCKEYMAG EDITOR Michael Caples

mcaples@mihockeynow.com

ADVERTISING & DISTRIBUTION Lucia Zuzga lucia@mihockeynow.com

DESIGN Emily Huston Chuck Stevens CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Darren Eliot Ben Fleck Brian Kalisher Stefan Kubus Matt Mackinder Dave Waddell Ryan Zuke ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTORS Amy Jones Anne Ellis

BY MICHAEL CAPLES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: MICHIGAN HOCKEY® welcomes Letters to the Editor. E-mail mcaples@mihockeynow.com

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

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

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

PHOTOS AT LEFT: ‘Hockey’s Biggest Questions’ graphic designed by Chuck Stevens/MiHockey based on Shepard Fairey’s Vote, Yost Ice Arena’s scoreboard (Michael Caples/MiHockey), Ken Holland and Budd Lynch (Dave Reginek/DRW) COVER: Design by Chuck Stevens/MiHockey

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

Ocotber 22, 2012 V.23 : I.4

@michaelcaples

THE JOYS OF DEADLINES So here we were, the MiHockey staff, cruising along through our latest issue of the magazine. In fact, things were going very well, in this editor’s opinion (knock on wood, since we still have a couple of things to get done before we send the magazine to press). And then, the NHL comes out with a landmark proposal that could dramatically change where negotiations are heading. I had held the unfortunate opinion that we wouldn’t be seeing NHL hockey for a long time to come, but what the NHL announced yesterday (Oct. 17) brought hope to counteract my negative viewpoint on the subject. Now, we wait for the NHLPA’s response. With the owners putting a presumably 50/50 offer on the table, it’s going to be hard for the players to simply say ‘no’ and ask for it to be scrapped. Hopefully this is what the two sides needed to finally get their act in gear, and finally start talking about the issues at hand – instead of presenting ‘proposals’ that do nothing but upset the people on the other side of the table. I’m not going to lie; we got a little caught up in the excitement. We’re fans, too, and we want to see this resolved. There was chatter around the office, there were theories passed around, and there was a general optimism around the K-Cup machine. Yet you’re not going to see that in this issue of the magazine. The following 35 pages, and the ones you previously flipped through, take hours of work to organize, collect, and create. The editorial has

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been planned, cultivated, and placed in its selected location by our talented graphic design team. For us to simply scrap some of those pages to cover the latest in the NHL proceedings would not lend kindly to deadlines. Nor to the hard work of our staff. Instead, we made the last-second decision to plow forward with the hockey that is actually being played, the stories and features that we decided to compile while we waited for the NHL and NHLPA to take action. After all, there’s far too much hockey in this state for us to try to cover it all – NHL included. Ironically, this is the first issue where we let you - the players, coaches, parents and fans – literally fill our editorial pages with your opinions. In the spirit of this election season, we came up with a ballot of our own, with some of the questions we debate on a daily basis, and asked you to answer them. Considering the majority of the votes came in 24 hours before the 50/50 proposal by the NHL, a few of the questions would probably be answered very differently now. But alas, that’s the joy of deadlines, in both the media, and the world as a whole. We don’t have time to keep going back and forth, back and forth, deciding on what we want to do next. And neither does the NHL and NHLPA. End this lockout, and give us back our hockey. See you at a rink soon,

MiHockeyMag

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EVERY GAME, EVERY SHIFT, STAND SHOULDER-TO-SHOULDER.

OWN THE MOM


ENT

#OWNTHEMOMENT © 2012 Bauer Hockey, Inc. and its affiliates. All rights reserved.


THE LOCKER ROOM

THE

LOCKERROOM

ON THE FLY

TWO FOR TWEETING

We love when fans send us photos of the games that they are at. If you snap a photo at a rink in Michigan or beyond, send it over!

It was great to hear from former Michigan star Jack Johnson via Twitter, and we sure were glad that he liked the photo we tweeted of him.

LOCKER ROOM POLLS our latest ‘Speaking of Hockey’ question, we Q: With asked our Facebook friends to tell us what their favorite rink in the state is. We got a variety of answers, and we thought it would be fun to count them up. These rinks received the most mentions:

A: 18%

Munn Ice Arena

13%

Yost Ice Arena

13%

Joe Louis Arena

*20 different rinks - not including ponds and outdoor rinks - were mentioned. See some of the answers on Pg. 12.

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The photo we posted of Yost Ice Arena before Michigan’s exhibition opener got a lot of attention on Twitter, including people picking out individual players.

It was more enjoyable for us to be back at the rinks, we can assure you of that.

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October 22, 2012 V.23 : I.4


“I WANT MORE OF MICHIGAN FOR LESS!”

Book early at choicehotels.com/mi-hockey and

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SLIDESHOW

MICHIGAN HOCKEY IN PICTURES: THE NEW PERANI’S LOCATION IN BRIGHTON

Photos by Michael Caples / MiHockey 10

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October 22, 2012 V.23 : I.4


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SPEAKING OF HOCKEY

With another hockey season getting underway, we asked our Facebook friends…

“What is your favorite ice arena in Michigan?” For each issue of the magazine, we will post a question on Facebook, and one randomly selected answer will win a Warrior prize pack: hoodie, hat, and T-shirt. Good luck!

WINNER

MUNN. Followed closely by Wings Stadium where I skated as a tot. None compare to the pond in the woods on my parent’s farm though. — Jöcelyn Stott Yost of course..... Bob Rose Troy Sports Center and Georgetown Ice in Hudsonville. William Gipson The one and ONLY MUNN!!! Bob Gianettino

Suburban Farmington Hills! Awesome music. Jeff VanderKlok

Berkley

Kit Murrell

I LOVE the rink at Orchard Lake St. Mary’s and Wyandotte Mary Kay Cathy Demma-Gillis

The Joe, Yost, and of course Centre Ice! Pullar is always fun too ;) Tara Noffsinger Munn then JLA. Ron Crandell The Pullar in the Soo. Claude Tunison

Onyx. I’ve never skated on smoother ice! Nicholas König

Greetings from Nashville — sneaking into the old Birch Run golf course in Westland with buddies as a kid to play on the frozen water traps... Dennis Pepperack Visit our Facebook page to try and win our next Warrior prize pack, facebook.com/mihockeynow 12

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October 22, 2012 V.23 : I.4


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GET BETTER

GETBETTER

POWERED BY

2-ON-2 PUCK PROTECTION ORGANIZATION: Place four players in any small area on the ice with a net. Using a border patrol pad or barrier of some sort, close off a tight area. The four players are to battle 2-on-2 trying to maintain control of the puck while trying to create scoring chances on the goalie in the net. VARIATION: Can use this as a 1-on-1 to get your players to compete in a tight area

DRILL OBJECTIVE: To maintain control of the puck

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KEY ELEMENTS: • Protect the puck • Mobility/foot work • Beat pressure • Create scoring chances • Give-and-go passing

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GOALIE: A lot of scoring chances, requiring quick reactions by the goalie. Low coverage, competitive, rebound control. Encourages the goalie to play the puck and keep the play moving.

October 22, 2012 V.23 : I.4


FUTURE PRO GOAL

A

fter countless hours on the ice and in the gym, my body and brain have developed habits that go on display when I hit the ice and pucks start flying at me. Most movements and saves have become second nature and are happening without any BY JEFF LERG thinking at all. To the frustration of everyone, just because something has been imbedded into our brains, it doesn’t mean we perform perfectly every time. When I feel like I am getting away from my game, I try to simplify it with a three-part method. For each shot, I will locate the puck, track the puck off the shooter’s stick, and then control each puck. Notice that this method does not say “stop” the puck, but “control” the puck. It doesn’t do much good if you make a save and let the rebound end up behind you not long after. This very basic guideline can be a teaching point for young goaltenders to follow and also helps to simplify the position when the speed of the game pushes goaltenders beyond their comfort zone. First, locate the puck. It seems very simple but becomes

A D V E R T I S I N G F E A T U R E Jeff Lerg is the head director of Future Pro USA Goaltending. Visit Future Pro on the web at futurepro.com

LOCATE, TRACK, CONTROL

increasingly difficult when you add five players on each team skating around simultaneously. Locating the puck through traffic is one of the toughest skills that a goaltender needs to develop. It isn’t easy to control the puck if you don’t know the origin of the shot. The puck moves faster than any skating player, so any time the puck is moved from any point on the ice, your eyes can find the puck faster than your body can physically get there. Locating the puck with your eyes before moving also helps you select the correct type of movement. Your peripheral vision will help decide if you have enough time to move on your feet or if you are more desperate and need to slide. Next, track the puck. Tracking the puck correctly means watching the puck release from the shooter’s stick and simultaneously choosing the correct save selection. Since the technical aspect of goaltending has become more prevalent in the modern hockey era, I feel that this has led to a decreased ability for many goalies to track the puck. Many goaltenders have perfected the crease movements and will be ready for a shot and just expect the puck to hit them if they drop down into a butterfly every time. Being patient on your feet and actually reading the stick

of the shooter are both necessary to fully track the puck. The motion of the player’s stick tells the story for where the shot will end up, and this skill is developed by truly watching the puck release from the stick. The goaltender’s eyes should be glued on the puck from the moment it releases off the opponents stick. Finally, you need to control the puck. It should go without saying that if you control the puck, that means that you have stopped it. In order to control each puck, some of the skills that you need to develop are stick control, glove and blocker control, gut traps and pad control. No goalie in the world can put every single puck where they want to because the speed and unpredictability of the game just doesn’t allow it. The goaltenders who make it to elite levels are the ones who consistently control pucks when moving (forwards, backwards, or laterally) and also the ones who can control shots through traffic. I try to remind myself to have laser-like precision on the puck in order to control it. So, instead of filling your head with many technical movements and over-thinking the game, just keep it simple and locate, track, and control every puck.

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15


YOU SHOULD KNOW

you should know

Photo courtesy of the NTDP

FAVORITE BREAKFAST FOOD:

Cheese omelet and chocolate milk

MUST-SEE TV:

Big Break on the golf channel

FAVORITE MOVIE: The Guardian

WHAT DO YOU DO WITH AN HOUR OF FREE TIME: Ill either play NHL on the Xbox or if its nice outside I’ll practice my golf game in the backyard

IF YOU COULD HAVE ONE WISH GRANTED, WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH IT: I would live forever

THREE PEOPLE YOU WOULD WANT TO HAVE DINNER WITH:

Michael Jordan, Will Ferrell, Bill Gates

NICKNAME:

Most people just call me Minney, but there are some that call me Big Red

ONE PIECE OF TECHNOLOGY YOU CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT: My iPhone, has my calendar and contacts that I use everyday, wouldn’t be able to keep everything in order without it

FAVORITE CHILDHOOD MEMORY:

Playing street hockey with my brothers and sisters when I lived in Georgia before I played ice hockey. Pretty much what got me into playing ice hockey

WHO WAS MOST INFLUENTIAL ON YOUR HOCKEY CAREER:

My dad, without a doubt, was the biggest influence. Has supported me from day 1, and still continues to help me. He has always said I could accomplish what I wanted to if I worked hard enough, and he always helps me through the ups and downs of hockey

Edwin Minney

NTDP U17 Team goaltender It’s never too early to start looking for your next goaltender. As of right now, the Spartans have that taken care of. Edwin Minney, a goaltender on the National Team Development Program’s U17 team, recently gave a verbal commitment to Tom Anastos and Michigan State. The native of Wind Gap, Penn., checks in at 6-foot-4 and 200 pounds, with room to grow in the NTDP’s rigorous training program. Last season, he played for the Washington Little Capitals of the Tier I Elite League, where he recorded a 2.71 goals-against average and .902 save percentage over 25 games. Minney also has international experience, having played for Team USA in the 2012 Olympic Youth Winter Games in Innsbruck, Austria.

Photos courtesy of: en.wikipedia.org (The Big Break, The Guardian, Michael Jordan, Bill Gates), www.engadget.com (iPhone)

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October 22, 2012 V.23 : I.4


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

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

Ethan Gerbs 9 White Lake 4'6" 92 lbs '03 Orchard Lake United Red Team Forward/Defense Nick Turcotte Dublin Elementary 4th Detroit Red Wings Pavel Datsyuk

2012 UNDER-18

FOUR NATIONS CUP

World Class Hockey

Jakob Harper

Tuesday, Nov. 6

9 Clarkston 4'8" 75 lbs. '02 Orchard Lake Warriors Goalie Matt Romaniski Bailey Lake Elementary 4 Red Wings Jimmy Howard

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

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

Friday, Nov. 9 Switzerland vs. Finland, 3:30 p.m. Sweden vs. USA, 7 p.m.

Make your player a "Star of Tomorrow" Every player appearing on Reebok's Stars of Tomorrow will win a new Reebok hockey stick! Go to MiHockeyNow.com and fill out the form on the 'Stars of Tomorrow' page. We will contact you about a photo to appear in the paper.

Third Place Game, 3:30 p.m. First Place Game, 7 p.m.

ALL GAMES PLAYED AT

THE ANN ARBOR ICE CUBE 2121 OAK VALLEY DRIVE CALL 734.327.9251 FOR TICKETS! USAHOCKEY.COM/USANTDP

"STARS OF TOMORROW" c/o Michigan Hockey 'SFFXBZ 1BSL %SJWF t 4VJUF Farmington Hills, MI 48335-2829 mh@mihockeynow.com

Ocotber 22, 2012 V.23 : I.4

Saturday, Nov. 10

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October 22, 2012 V.23 : I.4


COMPLETE AND UP-TO-DATE TOURNAMENT LISTINGS AT

TOURNAMENT CALENDAR MICHIGAN OCTOBER 2012 Otsego County Sportsplex Gaylord, MI AAA Early Bird Tournament October 19 - 21, 2012 4 game guarantee Level: 2002 8 team limit Jim Driver 989-858-3400 Email: jim@premierjd.com Hockey Time Productions Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MI October 19-21, 2012 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com JV Preseason Shootout Scottville, MI October 19-21, 2012 JV 231-843-9712 westshoreice.com GTHA Tournament Series Traverse City, MI October 19-21, 2012 Squirt AA 231-933-4842 Email: gthatournaments@ yahoo.com tchockey.com Battle at the Bridge 3 on 3 St. Ignace, MI October 20-21, 2012 906-643-8676 Email: lbe@cityofstignace.net littlebeararena.com Great Lakes Fall Classic I Holland, MI October 26-28, 2012 Squirt A, B and House, Pee Wee AA, Bantam A, B and House, Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com

Email: gthatournaments@ yahoo.com tchockey.com Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MI October 26-28, 2012 Mite through Midget: House, B, A and AA, High School Varsity and JV Hockey Time Productions (216) 325-0567 itshockeytime.com Fall Classic Hockey Tournament Dimondale, MI October 26-28, 2012 Squirt – Bantam B, A & AA & Midget AA 517-319-1000 thesummitsportsandice.com

NOVEMBER 2012 Hockey Time Productions Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MI November 2-4, 2012 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com Great Lakes Fall Classic II Holland, MI November 2-4, 2012 Squirt AA, Pee Wee A, B and House, Bantam AA, Midget B and House Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com GTHA Tournament Series Traverse City, MI November 2-4, 2012 Bantam A & AA 231-933-4842 Email: gthatournaments@ yahoo.com tchockey.com

Hocktoberfest Muskegon, MI October 26-28, 2012 Squirt-Bantam Travel 231-739-9423 lakeshoresportscentre.net

Bar Down Showdown Muskegon, MI November 9-11, 2012 Squirt & Pee Wee House/ Travel, Bantam House, MiniMite/Mite Jamboree 231-739-9423 lakeshoresportscentre.net

GTHA Tournament Series Traverse City, MI October 26-28, 2012 Pee Wee A & AA 231-933-4842

Great Lakes Veterans Cup Holland, MI November 9-11, 2012 Squirt A, B and House, Pee

Ocotber 22, 2012 V.23 : I.4

Wee AA, Bantam A, B and House, Midget Major and HS Varsity Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Columbus Cup Mt. Pleasant, MI November 9-11, 2012 Pee Wee House B 989-772-9623 fo@mpicearena.org mpicearena.org

Great Lakes Thanksgiving Classic Holland, MI November 23-25, 2012 Squirt through Midget; House, B, A, and AA, High School Varsity and JV Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com

OUT OF STATE

FSU-BRAJHA Squirt B Tourney Big Rapids, MI November 9-11, 2012 Squirt B (231) 591-2881 ferris.edu/icearena or bigrapidshockey.org Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MI 11/9/2012 - 11/11/2012 Mite through Midget: House, B, A and AA, High School Varsity and JV Hockey Time Productions (216) 325-0567 itshockeytime.com St. Ignace Bridge Brawl St. Ignace, MI November 9-11, 2012 Pee Wee B 906-643-8676 Email: lbe@cityofstignace.net littlebeararena.com Squirt B “Fall Kickoff ” Scottville, MI November 16-18, 2012 Squirt B 231-843-9712 westshoreice.com FSU-BRAJHA Pee Wee B Tourney Big Rapids, MI November 16-18, 2012 Pee Wee B (231) 591-2881 ferris.edu/icearena or bigrapidshockey.org Hockey Time Productions Motown Cup Tournament Series Brighton/Novi, MI November 23-25, 2012 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com

OCTOBER 2012 Hockey Time Productions Rock ‘n Roll Cup Tournament Series Cleveland, OH October 19-21, 2012 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com Buckeye State Tournament Series: Cincinnati Fall Classic Cincinnati, OH October 19-21, 2012 Squirt through Midget: House, B, A and AA, High School Varsity and JV Girls U10, U12, U14, U16, U19 Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Three Rivers Cup Tournament Series Pittsburgh, PA October 19-21, 2012 Mite through Midget: House, B, A and AA, High School Varsity and JV Hockey Time Productions (216) 325-0595 itshockeytime.com CHICAGO CUP Tournament Series: Chicago Fall Classic Chicago, IL October 26-28, 2012 Mite through Midget; House, B, A, and AA, High School Varsity and JV Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Steel City Tournament Series: Pittsburgh Fall Classic Pittsburgh, PA October 26-28, 2012 Squirt through Midget: B, A

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and AA, High School Varsity and JV Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Empire State Tournament Series: Empire State Showdown Rochester, NY October 26-28, 2012 Mite through Midget: B, A, AA, High School Varsity and JV Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Liberty Cup Tournament Series: Philadelphia Fall Classic Philadelphia, PA October 26-28, 2012 Squirt through Midget: B, A and AA, High School Varsity and JV Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com Hemby Cup Tournament Series: Hemby Cup Fall Classic Charlotte, NC October 26-28, 2012 Squirt through Midget: B, A and AA, High School Varsity and JV Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com

Buckeye State Tournament Series: Cincinnati Veterans Cup Cincinnati, OH November 2-4, 2012 Squirt through Midget: House, B, A and AA, High School Varsity and JV Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com

CANADA NOVEMBER 2012 Weekend Hockey Tournament Niagara Falls, ON Canada November 9-11, 2012 Adult men & women 19+, 25+, 30+, 35+, 40+, 45+ & 50+ A, B, C, D, E 1.877.702.5701 weekendhockey.com Canadian Hockey Enterprises November 9-11, 2012 Montreal Adult & Old-timer Tournament Montreal, Quebec Over 19, 25, 30, 35, 40, divisions Canadian Hockey Enterprises...1-800-461-2161 chehockey.com Email: goals@chehockey.com CANADIAN CUP November 30-December 2, 2012 Montreal, Quebec Novice, Atom, Peewee, Bantam, Midget, High School Boys AA, A, B, Select - Minor/Major/ Mixed divisions Canadian Hockey Enterprises 1-800-461-2161 chehockey.com

NOVEMBER 2012 Hockey Time Productions Rock ‘n Roll Cup Tournament Series Cleveland, OH November 2-4, 2011 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com Hockey Time Productions Three Rivers Cup Tournament Series Pittsburgh, PA November 2-4, 2012 Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV 216-325-0567 itshockeytime.com

OCTOBER 2012 Otsego County Sportsplex Gaylord, MI AAA Early Bird Tournament October 19 - 21, 2012 4 game guarantee Level: 2002 8 team limit Jim Driver 989-858-3400 Email: jim@premierjd.com

2012 SCHEDULE North American Holiday Hockey Adult & Youth 1-800-322-NAHH nahhtours.com NAHHTOURS@aol.com

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HOMETOWN O O HEROES O

CARL NIELSEN

MICHIGAN TECH HUSKIES

DANE WALTERS

(co-captain, along with Danny DeKeyser & Luke Witkowski) WESTERN MICHIGAN BRONCOS

GREG WOLFE

MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS

LEADING 20

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October 22, 2012 V.23 : I.4


KYLE BONIS

FERRIS STATE BULLDOGS

DOMENIC MONARDO

LAKE SUPERIOR STATE LAKERS

SCOTT MACAULAY NORTHERN MICHIGAN WILDCATS

A.J. TREAIS

MICHIGAN WOLVERINES

THE WAY

THE MITTEN’S 2012-13 NCAA DIVISION I CAPTAINS October 22, 2012 V.23 : I.4

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NAHL

NAHL STARTS 2012 – 13 SEASON

WITH EARLY COLLEGE COMMITMENTS BY MATT MACKINDER

It’s barely a month into the North American Hockey League’s 37th season, and four players have already made NCAA Division I commitments. Wenatchee Wild forward Jono Davis (Nebraska-Omaha), Wenatchee defenseman Josh Hartley (Dartmouth), Kenai River Brown Bears’ forward Albin Karlsson (Niagara) and Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings’ forward Robbie Payne (Northern Michigan) know their college destinations for next season and beyond as the NAHL continues to produce collegecaliber talent. Davis was named the NAHL’s Forward of the Month for September and has been at or near the top of the league scoring list all season long. “It feels good,” Davis said of his commitment to UNO. “(Wenatchee head coach) Bliss Litter and I talked about getting it out of the way early in the year. I’m pretty happy about it. I’m not going to take credit for all the accomplishments myself. My teammates have done everything for me. Everyone has a role on this team. The coaching staff is great. Wenatchee is just a great spot for

Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings forward Robbie Payne recently committed to Northern Michigan. Photos courtesy of the NAHL

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me and I’m having success through everyone.” One of the NAHL’s top-scoring blueliners, Hartley now wants to focus on bringing a Robertson Cup title to Wenatchee. ”(The commitment is) something I’ve been working toward for quite a few years,” Hartley said. “It’s nice to be able to get it out of the way and focus on winning a championship.” Karlsson, a native of Sweden, won’t suit up for the Purple Eagles until the fall of 2014. On Sept. 13 at the NAHL Showcase in Blaine, Minn., Karlsson skated in his first-ever game in the United States against the Johnstown Tomahawks and notched two goals in front of the Niagara brass. “Niagara was interested from the start,” said Brown Bears’ head coach Oliver David. “He has contributed offensively to our team from day one. He is a threat each and every time he has the puck and his skating ability is second to none. The type of play here is 180 degrees different from what he is used to in Sweden. That shows how quickly he can pick things up.” Payne, a Gaylord native, is now in his second year in Kalamazoo and off to a fast start. Last season, Payne scored 26 goals and added 29 assists for 55 points. In a game against the Jamestown Ironmen, Payne set a league-high with seven points (three goals, four assists) in one game. “Robbie is certainly known as a tremendously gifted offensive player, but we also know that he is reliable in all situations,” said Jr. K-Wings’ head coach Marc Fakler. “Northern Michigan is not only getting a hard working and talented young hockey player, but a quality young man.” Expect more commitments in the coming weeks from NAHL talent.

JR. GENERALS’ VET LAY OFF TO FAST START Andrew Lay wants to finish his junior career on a high note for the Flint Jr. Generals. After the first month of the North American 3 Hockey League season, he is well on his way. Lay has recorded 17 points in seven games heading into this weekend to lead the team and sit in a tie for the NA3HL scoring lead. “I plan on treating my last year of juniors just like any other year, trying to improve my game and get better each day,” Lay said. “I will do the same thing that I have done in my two years here in Flint and that is going to the gym after practice and showing up early to the rink. “I believe that my time here in Flint has made me realize that I need to play both ends of the ice. Coming from high school hockey, I only focused on the offensive side of the ice and at first, I would hurt my team because of that, but

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over the past two years I have developed into a better hockey player because of my defensive play, which has made me an all-around better player.” Playing in the NA3HL has also been a boon to Lay’s development as well. “The NA3 has helped my development as a player by year in and year out each team putting together the best young talent that they can,” said Lay. “This is a great developmental league for any young and up-and-coming player that has dreams of playing in the NAHL or playing college hockey and that has not only helped me as a player, but many of my teammates who are now playing in the NAHL or playing college hockey.”

NAPHL HEADS TO SAN JOSE THIS WEEKEND The North American Prospects Hockey League season resumes this week with its second event of the year Oct. 19-22 at Sharks Ice in San Jose, Calif. This will be the fourth season in a row that the NAPHL has held an event at the facility. “We are thrilled to be back at Sharks Ice in San Jose, where we have enjoyed tremendously successful events in each of the past three seasons,” said NAPHL commissioner and director Denny Scanlon. “San Jose is a very important stop on the PHL schedule, as we aim to build upon our league’s already glowing reputation on the West Coast. The PHL season got off to a great start at the NAHL Showcase with some PHL players already receiving some serious junior and college interest. “With NAHL tender signings beginning on Nov. 1, the San Jose event should be exciting and a great opportunity for all the players.” Andrew Lay

Albin Karlsson

October 22, 2012 V.23 : I.4


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25


HOCKEY’S BIGGE SHOULD NCAA PLAYERS BE ALLOWED TO WEAR VISORS?

No 21%

SHOULD PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HIGH SCHOOLS COMPETE FOR THE SAME STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS? Yes 55%

HOW ARE YOU GETTING YOUR HOCKEY FIX WITH NO RED WINGS TO WATCH? Griffins/AHL 11% KHL on ESPN 4%

Youth Hockey 17%

No 45% Yes 79%

Juniors 11% Other 11%

ARE YOU HAPPY WITH THE CURRENT STATUS OF YOUTH HOCKEY IN MICHIGAN?

College 46%

WHO IS THE BEST RED WING OF ALL-TIME? Steve Yezerman 50%

No 28%

HAS THE LOCKOUT AFFECTED YOUR OPINION ON ATTENDING RED WINGS GAMES IN FUTURE SEASONS?

No 80%

Nick Lidstrom 13%

Yes 72% Gordie Howe 37%

Yes 20%

YOUR A 26

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October 22, 2012 V.23 : I.4


EST QUESTIONS.... WILL THE BIG TEN CONFERENCE AND THE ACCOMPANYING CHANGES HELP OR HURT COLLEGE HOCKEY?

WILL THE RED WINGS PLAY THIS SEASON? No 31%

Hurt 33%

WILL THE WINTER CLASSIC TAKE PLACE AT THE BIG HOUSE THIS SEASON? No 37%

Yes 69%

Help 67%

Yes 63%

DO YOU PREFER COLLEGE OR MAJOR JUNIOR HOCKEY?

WILL THE HOCKEYTOWN WINTER FESTIVAL TAKE PLACE AT COMERICA PARK THIS SEASON?

Major Junior 19%

No 26%

THE OWNERS VS. THE PLAYERS — WHAT SIDE ARE YOU ON DURING THIS LOCKOUT? Neither 40% Yes 74% College 81%

Owners 5% Players 55%

ANSWERS October 22, 2012 V.23 : I.4

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Ferris State ICE ARENA Big Rapids Area Junior Hockey Association 2012 – 2013 Youth Tournament Schedule

Premier Tournament Sponsor — Holiday Inn Sept 28-30 = HS Fall/Midget AA-AAA Showcase 8 – 10 teams ($700-$800) 4 games Oct 12-14 = HS Fall/Midget AA-AAA Showcase 8 – 10 teams ($700-$800) 4 games Nov 9-11 = Squirt B Tourney weekend, 8 teams ($725) Nov 16-18 = Pee Wee B Tourney weekend | 8 teams ($750) Dec 1-2 = Mite ADM Studio Rink Tournament 8 teams ($450) 4x4/3x3 hockey played on the Ferris State Studio Rink. FSU vs Michigan, Fri/Sat, Nov 30-Dec 1 — call early for group tickets Dec 7-9 = Bantam B Tourney weekend, 8 teams ($800) Jan 4-6 = Mite ADM Studio Rink Tournament 8 teams ($450) 4x4/3x3 hockey played on the Ferris State Studio Rink. FSU vs Michigan State, Sat, Jan 5 — call early for group tickets Jan 18-20 = Mini-Mite & IP ADM Tourney weekend 8-10 teams ($400) 4x4/3x3 hockey played on the Ferris State Studio & Full Sheet. FSU vs Michigan State, Sat, Jan 19 — call early for group tickets

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Feb 8-10 = Midget B/BB Tourney weekend, 8 teams ($850) Feb 16-17 = Mite ADM Studio Rink Tournament 8 teams ($450) 4x4/3x3 hockey played on the Ferris State Studio Rink. FSU vs Bowling Green, Fri/Sat, Feb 15-16 — call early for group tickets (tourney discount) Feb 16-17 = Mini-Mite ADM Studio Rink Tournament, 8-10 teams ($400) 4x4 / 3x3 hockey played on the Ferris State Studio Rink. FSU vs Bowling Green, Fri/Sat, Feb 15-16 — call early for group tickets (tourney discount) All Tournaments are 4-game guarantees, with Fri/Sat/Sun games unless noted Studio Rink Dimensions — 100 x 85 with radiused corners Midget and Bantam tournament games = 1.5 hours All participants/teams must be USA registered Tournament Info: printable application, tournament rules, etc – www.ferris.edu/icearena or www.bigrapidshockey.org

Tournament Hotline: 231-591-2881 Ferris State Ticket Hotline: 231-591-2888 Hotel Sponsor, Holiday Inn: 231-796-4400 www.hibigrapids.com/ please call 3-4 weeks prior for reservations.

October 22, 2012 V.23 : I.4

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29


JUNIORS COLLEGEPREVIEW HOCKEY

A BRAND NEW BARN ARTICLE & PHOTOS BY MICHAEL CAPLES Wolverines fans have been spoiled by an elite hockey program over the years, and now they will be spoiled by upgrades to Yost Ice Arena. The historic building in Ann Arbor first opened in 1923, and has served as the home of the University of Michigan men’s hockey program since 1973. Yost underwent renovations in 1992, 1996, 2001, and now the latest batch of changes have the ice arena looking better than ever. While it looks basically the same from the outside, the inside of Yost has been transformed. New bleachers, more ADA accessible seating, and premium seats (suites) were added, while the main concourse was redesigned for improved concession stands and more points of sale. Yet arguably the most noticeable change was in the lighting of the building; Yost received new exterior windows, and an improved lighting system to make the entire building

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MiHockeyMag

– and the playing surface – brighter and more viewerfriendly. Plus, the university improved the audio system to match the huge jumbotron above center ice, and a new press box area was constructed. And the renovations weren’t just for the fans. Coach Red Berenson said it played a part in him deciding to return behind the bench when the school announced his new contract over the summer. “I’m pleased that the administration and the program are looking ahead,” Berenson said in the press release. “I’m excited about the opportunity to remain at Michigan, especially with the current Yost Ice Arena renovations, the move to the Big Ten and for our incoming recruits. We have a great staff here, and I’m looking forward to the next few years at Michigan.”

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October 22, 2012 V.23 : I.4

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PLYMOUTH WHALERS

COLIN MACDONALD: Late-round draft pick to OHL captain

BY MATT MACKINDER

I

t’s rare that 14th-round draft picks amount to anything in the Ontario Hockey League, but for Plymouth Whalers’ defenseman Colin MacDonald, he is the exception to the rule. Drafted with the 270th overall selection in the 2008 OHL draft (and 13 rounds after the Whalers took a young prodigy named Tyler Seguin), MacDonald has quietly become one of the OHL’s most consistent shutdown defenders and was named Plymouth’s captain this season. Not bad for a player passed over by team after team four years ago. “When I found out I was named captain, it was after practice and coach (Mike Vellucci) pulled everyone together and named me captain then all the assistants,” said MacDonald, a 20-year-old native of London, Ont. “I was really excited when I found out. I think it’s something that everyone wants to be when you’re playing a team sport and I was privileged enough to have the coaches name me it. It wasn’t something I expected, but it was definitely a responsibility that I wanted to have.” “He brings work ethic, maturity and leadership off the ice and on the ice, he’s just steady,” Vellucci said. “He’s one of those guys you can always count on. He understands how to play the game.” MacDonald served as an assistant captain last season. The assistants this season are forwards and first-round NHL draft picks Stefan Noesen and Tom Wilson, along with defenseman Connor Carrick. For MacDonald, wearing the ‘C’ is certainly about responsibility, but also an honor. “There are many names that stand out (as past captains of the Plymouth franchise), but a couple that really do is a guy like Chris Terry, who Coach talks about a lot and how great of a leader he was (Terry won the inaugural Mickey Renaud Captain’s Award in 2009). Then there are others like James Wisniewski and Jamie Allison who continued on to the NHL and had, or still have in Wisniewski’s case, great careers.” MacDonald called his leadership approach “professional” and attributed that to how he has developed in his years with the Whalers. “When I am at the rink, I am there to work,” MacDonald said. “I still like having fun, but when it comes to before games or in practice, I expect a lot out of myself and work my hardest. My assistants are great, but having a letter doesn’t mean anything if we don’t lead the team and provide a good example for the younger guys. We have a large leadership group and everyone chips in and that is what will take our team far, having everyone chip in.” Looking back on his three prior years with the Whalers, MacDonald realizes he has improved tremendously, but also has work to do if he wants to continue playing

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competitively past this season. “I have always been a defensive guy, but now being able to play against the top lines in the league is something I have worked at and take pride in,” MacDonald said. “I’ve also learned a lot off the ice and matured a lot in my time here which is huge. This season is huge for me and my future. I think every overager comes into the year hoping to get an NHL contract if they don’t have one already and make it to that next level, so that is my hope and what I am working for this year.” The Whalers received a major boost recently when defenseman Austin Levi, who played on a defense pair with MacDonald last season, returned to Plymouth for his overage season on assignment from the Carolina Hurricanes. For MacDonald, the Whalers’ Colin MacDonald will serve as captain of the Whalers this season addition of Levi has many (Photo by Rena Laverty/Plymouth Whalers) perks. “It’s really nice to have Levi back because he is one of my best friends and it’s always great having someone like that around, not only as a friend, but he’s a great hockey player and adds a lot of depth for our team on the back end,” explained MacDonald. “We have been on the ice together, but we The Saginaw Spirit acquired overage forward Gregg have plenty of ‘D’ and throughout the game we get paired Sutch from the Barrie Colts in early October for a fifthwith almost everyone so we never really have set pairings round pick in the 2015 OHL draft. as it depends on the situation.” Sutch was originally the Sarnia Sting’s first-round Having a championship-caliber team every season is selection (11th overall) in 2008 and has also played for the something MacDonald has experienced since his rookie Mississauga Majors in his OHL career. He was drafted by season of 2009-10 and going out on top would be a the Buffalo Sabres in 2010, but did not sign and is now an perfect capper to his OHL career. NHL free agent. “My expectations for the rest of the year are for our Sutch brings the Spirit’s overage player number to team to turn it around,” said MacDonald. “We have had a four, joining Garret Ross, Carlos Amestoy and Brandon rough start and it has been a learning lesson for a lot of Archibald. the guys that you have to show up every game and play Saginaw also appointed veteran Vince Trocheck as 60 minutes in this league to win games. I expect us to do a team captain and named Ross, Steven Strong and Eric lot better than what our record shows at the moment and Locke assistant captains. hopefully, go on and win a championship. This is my final chance, so that is the ultimate goal for this year and I think we have the team to do it this year.”

SAGINAW SPIRIT NOTEBOOK

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GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS

Andersson expected to lead in third season with Griffins

BY ANDREA NELSON

H

ockey might be Joakim Andersson’s first love, but his second is never far from his mind. Whether he’s warming up before a hockey game or playing FIFA World Cup, soccer fills the minutes that aren’t reserved for the ice. “I love soccer, I’d play soccer,” Andersson said of his optional career choice. “I’m real good at [soccer] video games, too – FIFA.” The Grand Rapids Griffins are happy the center chose skates instead of cleats. Andersson had a breakout year during the 2011-12 season, besting his AHL rookie season totals in goals (21), assists (30), points (51) and penalty minutes (34). He quickly evolved from a defensive role as a rookie into one of the Griffins’ top scorers, and thenhead coach Curt Fraser named him an alternate captain on a veteran team during the season. “I got a different role than I had the last couple years,” Andersson said. “I was playing on the top line with a lot of skilled players and I was an alternate captain. I usually grow with responsibility and then I got confidence offensively and was producing more.” Andersson welcomed the responsibility of being an alternate captain, a role he will reprise in 2012-13, but he never let the title affect his attitude. “When I get a letter on my jersey, I don’t change as a person,” Andersson explained. “I lead by example. I’m going to try to be the same player I was last year and the same person. I hope I get a big role on the team and play big minutes in all different types of situations.” The hard work and dedication Andersson has displayed on the ice hasn’t gone unnoticed. “He’s somebody that does everything right every day,” head coach Jeff Blashill said. “Those are the types of people that ultimately become very successful. He leads by example. I expect that he’ll have a very good year.” The center already has his goals and expectations for the 2012-13 season set before him. And his eyes are already fixated on April.

October 22, 2012 V.23 : I.4

“I just hope that this team can make the playoffs,” Andersson said. “It’s been a couple years. That’s what we want to do – win more games. I hope I can have a better year than I had last year.” He has plenty of experiences to learn from and improve upon. Andersson was one of the lucky few to be called up to the big leagues last season. He appeared in five games for the Detroit Red Wings, recording three shots and a plus-one rating. It was one of his most important learning experiences, both on and off the ice. “That was fun, it was real fun to play in those games,” Andersson said. “It was a big experience for me and to take with me over the next couple years. I watched those guys, how they prepared for games, what they do after the games to prepare for the next games, all the small details. I usually play center so I watched (Henrik) Zetterberg, (Justin) Abdelkader, (Pavel) Datsyuk and all those guys, what they do on the ice that I can use.” Andersson was also called up during the Stanley Cup playoffs, serving as a black ace for Detroit’s short run at the championship. But you won’t find him complaining about the Red Wings’ early exit. He was learning from some of the best players in the game, soaking in every second he was wearing the winged wheel. “It was good to be around there and see what playoff hockey in the NHL is all about,” Andersson said. “They for sure put a step up there, everyone on the ice, they were more aggressive and more intense. It was good to watch those games live.” After getting a taste of the Stanley Cup playoffs, Andersson is even more determined to help the Griffins reach the Calder Cup playoffs. It’s a goal he’s had for months, and one he’ll be working towards for the next six. Andersson’s on-ice performance is only a small part of what the Griffins will need of the center in order to reach the postseason. “He’ll be a leader based on his approach every single day,” Blashill said. “He’ll be in a realm of leadership including a number of others that will have an impact on the type of locker room we’ll have.”

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Faces new and old fill the Griffins locker room this season, but Andersson knows they have the tools and talent to have a special year. For his part, the Munkedal, Sweden, native has picked up where he left off last season, even winning a prized pumpkin grown by the team minister and offered up as a reward for scoring the team’s first goal in 2012-13. The pumpkin may last only a few weeks, but one thing will never change: Andersson’s character. “The people around here, they care about the Griffins and they like hockey so we always have a good crowd here and that helps us a lot,” Andersson said. “It’s fun to play in this city. I’m excited to be back here playing for the Griffins again.”

Photos by Mark Newman/Grand Rapids Griffins

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JUNIORS PREVIEW RED WINGS INSIDER

Remembering Budd Lynch

Red Wings Insider Dave Waddell lets past interviews with the Red Wings legend tell the story

BY DAVE WADDELL

S

ome men leave an impossible void to fill, some an ache in the heart, but Budd Lynch leaves a silence for those Detroit Red Wings’ fans who have listened to the warm tone of his voice for over six decades. The Hockey Hall of Fame broadcaster fell silent for the final time with his death Oct. 9. Lynch died at age 95 and is the longest-serving employee in the history of the Detroit Red Wings. “Budd Lynch was a dear member of the Detroit Red Wings family and legendary icon of our community,” said Red Wings’ owner Mike Ilitch. “Hearing Budd’s voice on the radio and over the public address at Joe Louis Arena was something that every Red Wings fan looked forward to and loved. His calm, friendly and distinguished voice was symbolic of who Budd was as a person. “He always had a smile on his face, an upbeat spark in his voice and a kind and encouraging word for everyone he met. The Red Wings, our fans and the entire hockey world will miss Budd’s renowned voice, but most of all we will miss a dear friend.” With the echoes of his voice embedded in childhood memories of so many, Lynch shared many traits with the Detroit sports scene’s other great broadcasting legend Ernie Harwell. A folksy style, a sharp wit and friendly tone in his voice left no doubt that Lynch was living his dream. Like Harwell, Lynch was as popular in his own way with Wings’ fans as Harwell was with the Tigers’ faithful. “I’ve been with the Red Wings for over 60 years and never scored a goal,” Lynch once said. “I’ve never paid to see a hockey game, either.” “I don’t know how anyone could have more fun and still have someone call it work.” Lynch, a Windsor native born Aug. 7, 1917, was embraced as a Detroiter as if he’d grown up in the shadow of Olympia Stadium. Even though he hasn’t been on the air for decades, more than 300 people attended Lynch’s funeral Oct. 12. Among them was Wings’ legend Gordie Howe. “I saw more of Gordie Howe than perhaps anyone else,” Lynch had said of Mr. Hockey. “There wasn’t anything Gordie couldn’t do in a hockey rink except maybe sit on the bench.” Perhaps, in a gritty town where toughness has long been recognized as a desirable characteristic, Lynch’s story resonated with the locals. After his family moved to Hamilton, Ont., where he

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graduated high school, Lynch began his broadcasting career as a lark at a local station in 1937. However, when World War II broke out, Lynch immediately volunteered with the Essex Scottish Regiment formed in his hometown. He stormed the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944 and survived the hell of that day unscathed. “Guys were sick and everyone was scared,” Lynch had recalled. “They didn’t know what was going to happen. “You hit the ground and you kept your fingers crossed that you were going to keep moving. It’s a harrowing experience to know that human life is nothing when there’s an invasion.” His luck changed July 28, 1944 just outside of the French city of Caen as he tried to flush German troops out of the hedgerows. Lynch would have a German shell pass through his right shoulder costing him his right arm as well. Unfazed by his injuries, Lynch’s sunny disposition could not be dimmed. He insisted on seeing out the war in Europe by working for BBC radio for the rest of the conflict. Lynch launched his hockey broadcasting career when he returned to Windsor to work for CKLW AM 800 as the radio station’s sports director and play-by-play man for the Windsor Spitfires. The Spits were then a Red Wings’ farm team and Lynch got an early look at the likes of future stars like goalie Terry Sawchuk and Marcel Pronovost. It also led to his big break in broadcasting.

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“If there’s one person in the Detroit Red Wings organization that I owe a debt of gratitude to, it’s Jack Adams,” Lynch once said. “He said, ‘Let’s give the onearmed guy a try. “He opened the door for me, gave me a chance to be part of the club’s broadcasting team in 1949. “I’ve always believed that in life, a lot of it was being in the right place at the right time and that’s exactly what happened to me when I became the Red Wings’ broadcaster. “I had such a good run.” Lynch took to the television airwaves for the 1949-50 season, just in time for one of the greatest runs of success in Red Wings’ history. Over the next five seasons, Lynch called games that led to four Stanley Cup championships. In 1960, he also took on the radio playby-play for the Wings when Al Nagler stepped down. After 25 seasons in the broadcast booth Lynch retired. However, Wings GM Alex Delvecchio made him director of publicity until he tried to retire again in 1985. This time it was the Ilitches who wouldn’t let him go by asking him to remain as the JLA public address announcer. A position he held through last season and one that saw him watch the Wings win another four Stanley Cups. Along the way, Lynch picked up numerous awards for his excellence in the broadcast booth. In 1985, he was honored with the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award at the Hockey Hall of Fame. He’s a member of both the Michigan and Windsor Essex Sports Hall of Fames. In 2005, he was given the Ty Tyson Award for excellence in broadcasting by the Detroit Sports Broadcasters. In 2008, Lynch’s life story was chronicled in the book, ‘My Life: From Normandy to Hockeytown.’ “Budd Lynch will forever be synonymous with the Detroit Red Wings,” said Wings general manager Ken Holland. “He experienced it all in his 63 years with the organization – from the glory days of Howe, Lindsay, Abel and Delvecchio all the way to the championship runs of Yzerman and Lidstrom. “He had a vast knowledge of the game and the stories he could tell would have anyone who loves the sport mesmerized for hours. “Budd was one-of-a-kind, not only in his talents as a broadcaster, but in the way he lived his life and the upbeat attitude he always carried.”

October 22, 2012 V.23 : I.4



JUNIORS THE LAST PREVIEW LINE

T

he U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame recently inducted Lou Lamoriello, Eddie Olczyk and Mike Modano into its pantheon of greats for their respective achievements and contributions to hockey in this country. All are certainly deserving of the accolades for a variety of reasons. In Lamoriello’s case, he is a builder beyond belief in the world of US hockey. His protégés are legion and they themselves have lineage linking all the way back to Lamoriello’s days as the head coach at Providence College. Follow the branches and you will find the Lou disciples in management, coaching and scouting across the hockey landscape. The most notable is Brian Burke, who is larger than life in his own right in the world of hockey both at large and specifically at USA Hockey, where he serves in many capacities including GM of Team USA. I remember chatting with Lamoriello years after my Cornell Big Red team beat his Friars in the ECAC semifinal game at the old Boston Garden in 1980. Lamoriello’s N.J. Devils were about to win the 2003 Stanley Cup over the Anaheim Ducks. I was there covering the Final for NHL Radio on Westwood One and we were just casually talking hockey before Game 7. As we reminisced, I made the error of reminding him of our 1980 triumph, to which Lamoriello pointedly and succinctly countered with, “But we got you in ’81 in the Final. Good too. 6-1 after two, as I remember…” He was right about the outcome and every detail. I shouldn’t have been surprised. Lamoriello has one of the sharpest minds – not just hockey minds – I’ve come across. When it comes to Eddie Olczyk, my memories span nearly 30 years when he was a projected first-round pick playing for Team USA during the 1984 Olympic season and I was a goaltender fresh out of college playing for Team Canada. In those days we competed as rivals, but we became friends and colleagues over the years. “Edzo”, as he has been known by people in the game forever, is a character with a quick wit and a quicker smile. He was one of the better “chirpers” that I remember, his delivery punctuated by a twinkle in his eye making his epithet all the more galling. In one goal-mouth scramble sequence, Olczyk was skating for the Chicago Blackhawks and I was tending goal for the L.A. Kings. I had the puck covered and Olczyk crashed the crease sending us both sprawling in a heap, as other players hovered above pushing and shoving. Referee Bob Myers signaled goal, to which I started screaming at him from the bottom of the pile. As I tried to extricate myself and get at Myers, Olczyk - in no hurry to get up at all - kept me pinned as I writhed and whined, and just started laughing at me, which only infuriated me more. The puck never entered the net and there was no way Myers could see it in the midst of all that crease chaos. Olczyk stood up, looked at me and said, “Get the right guy”, pointing to the goal judge – in the Fabulous Forum - our home rink - who had turned on the red light in error, signaling the late game-tying goal and giving Myers a visual he deferred to. Olczyk went on to score 342 goals in his NHL career – many more legitimate and memorable than the one I described. As we got to know each other over the years working together as broadcasters, I got to see how

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TRUE STORIES ABOUT THIS YEAR’S U.S. HOCKEY HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES BY DARREN ELIOT

@Darren_Eliot

invested he was in all things hockey. As the 3rd overall pick in 1984 and a Chicago kid drafted by his hometown team, there was a lot expected of him. There always has been. And Olczyk has been a tremendous ambassador for the game of hockey in this country since his teenage years, handling the pressure of expectations with aplomb every step of the way. In Mike Modano’s case, he was another teenage phenom – a Michigan product who opted to make the jump from Compuware’s Midget team to the Prince Albert Raiders of the Western Hockey League in Canada. He was breaking into the NHL as I was busting down to the AHL, so my interactions with him have been solely as a broadcaster. I was in Nashville covering the game when he broke Joe Mullen’s record of 502 goals by an American-born player, which was very cool, as was Modano taking extra time to make sure all media outlets and fans got what they needed from him. It was his achievement, but he made time for everyone who wanted or needed to be a part of it. Personally, though, my most vivid Modano memory – other than being captivated by his smooth stride as he effortlessly cruised around would-be defenders – was at the 2002 NHL All-Star Game in L.A. I was again working rink side for NHL Radio. The entire player entrance before the game was “scripted” and as part of that, I was to interview Modano as he lined up in the tunnel before the on-ice player introductions. Well, “backstage” was bedlam. Players weren’t in line by number and people – mostly non-hockey, just-here-for-the-event types – were randomly roaming the corridors of the Staples Center. And I couldn’t find Modano anywhere. Don’t ask me how you lose a star of that magnitude, but I did. As the producer was counting me down to go live – Modano saunters up to me and says with a grin, “Aren’t you supposed to interview me?” I responded, “Yeah, but aren’t you supposed to be headed to the ice?” Modano shrugged and said, “Whatever you need.” I always thought that was such a cool - there’s that description again - gesture and response. He didn’t need to seek me out, but he did. Amidst the chaos, he was calm and composed – just as smooth and controlled as he was on the ice finding the open spot in traffic. So, for different reasons and on different levels, I feel a connection with this class of USAH inductees. And that is the word that best describes all three men: class. Congrats to all three and thanks for the hockey memories.

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October 22, 2012 V.23 : I.4


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