Whalers keep dealing, get Kyle Lawson

Plymouth's newest acquisition - former HoneyBaked D-man Kyle Lawson.

The Plymouth Whalers continue to stockpile college players as today, Plymouth traded the rights to Ohio State goalie Ian Keserich to the Saginaw Spirit for the rights to defenseman Kyle Lawson, a New Hudson native.

Lawson, 18, has signed with Notre Dame for 2006-2007, played this past year with the U.S. Under-18 Team and will suit up for the Tri-City Storm of the USHL this coming season. He was originally an Owen Sound pick in 2003 and was traded to Saginaw this past season.

The 19-year-old Keserich was a Sudbury Wolves’ pick in 2002 and acquired by the Whalers two seasons ago. He'll be starting his sophomore season with the Buckeyes this fall.

Whalers draft Slovakian centerman Otcenas

The Plymouth Whalers had two picks in the annual Canadian Hockey League Import Player Draft today and with their first pick (25th overall) took center Ondrej Otcenas, an 18-year-old who played for HK Dukla Trencin last year in Slovakia.

He was rated among Europeans in the fifth round of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft that never took place.

Otcenas scored 17 goals and added 26 assists for 43 points last season and also had four goals and an assist for Team Slovakia at the IIHF World Under-18 Championships in April, won by the United States. He added four goals in eight playoff games for Trencin.

Otcenas is the second Slovakian ever taken by the Whalers since the draft started in 1992. Milan Kostolny, who played for the team from 1994-1996, was the first.

Plymouth head coach and general manager Mike Vellucci credited Plymouth 's European scout Willy Langer for recommending Otcenas.

“We received excellent reports about Otcenas through Willy,” Vellucci said. “Otcenas is coming off a good year overseas and has a chance to make an impact in Plymouth . We look forward to seeing him in training camp.”

The Whalers passed on their second pick at No. 83.

CHL teams are permitted two imports per team and Plymouth already has forward Vaclav Meidl returning in the fall.

Plymouth has had moderate success in getting their imports to report to the OHL as all their picks since 1992, when the draft was started, have reported with the exception of Jozef Kohut in 1993 and Denis Arkhipov in 1998. Last year’s pick, defenseman Michael Kolarz was traded to the Kingston Frontenacs when Jonas Fiedler returned for his overage season.

Spirit deal Crowder, get McDonough

Newly-acquired Saginaw forward Ryan McDonough.

On the day of the Canadian Hockey League's Import Draft, the Saginaw Spirit made some noise by dealing for youth.

The Spirit acquired forward Ryan McDonough from the Sudbury Wolves and Sudbury's first-round pick (37th overall) in the Import Draft. Going to the Wolves is forward Chase Crowder, 17, Saginaw's first-round pick (7th overall) in the Import Draft as well as second-round picks in the 2006 and 2007 OHL drafts. Saginaw also receives Sudbury's first-round CHL pick next year.

McDonough is a 17-year-old native of Toronto, Ontario, and was Sudbury's first-round pick (5th overall) in the 2004 OHL Priority Selection. He had 15 goals, 22 assists and 31 penalty minutes in 58 games with the Wolves during the 2004-05 season.

"We are extremely pleased to add a player of Ryan's caliber to our roster," said Spirit general manager and head coach Bob Mancini. "He quickly proved himself to be a point-producer in the OHL. I look forward to adding him to our offense."

McDonough, who was the third leading under-age scorer in the OHL last season, also lead Team Ontario in scoring at the last Under-17 World Challenge in Lethbridge, Alberta. Crowder collected six points and was minus-18 in 55 games last season, his second in the OHL. He was originally the Spirit's third-round pick (42nd overall) in 2003.

"We wish Chase well in his new home in Sudbury," Mancini said. "He's a good young man and the Spirit thank him for his time in Saginaw."

Both Marek Kvapil and Michael Birner are expected back as Saginaw's two import players this upcoming season.

Whalers ready for CHL Import Draft

Defenseman Michael Kolarz was Plymouth's selection last year, but was dealt to the Kingston Frontenacs prior to training camp.

The Plymouth Whalers are in preparation for tomorrow's Canadian Hockey League Import Draft. The draft is designed to distribute non-North American players throughout the 58-team CHL.

The Whalers will select 25th and 83rd overall. CHL teams can play two import players per season.

Third-year forward Vaclav Meidl is the lone import returning thus far as Jonas Fiedler finished his four-year career as a Whaler last spring in Plymouth's opening-round playoff defeat to the Owen Sound Attack.

Plymouth selections since the beginning of the draft in 1992:

2004- Michael Kolarz
2003- Vaclav Meidl
2002- Martin Cizek
2001- Jonas Fiedler
2000- no selections
1999- Tomas Kurka, Libor Ustrnul
1998- Tomek Valtonen, Denis Arkhipov
1997- Steve Lyle, Yuri Babenko
1996- Sergei Fedotov
1995- Jan Vodrazka
1994- Milan Kostolny
1993- Jozef Kohut
1992- Richard Ujvary

Whalers make minor deal with Frontenacs

Might Jared Boll spurn the NCAA for the OHL?

The Plymouth Whalers made a minor trade last Saturday, but if it comes to fruition the team will have scored a major coup.

Plymouth sent a fifth-round pick in next year's OHL Priority Selection to the Kingston Frontenacs in exchange for forward Jared Boll. The pick was originally Kingston's and obtained by the Whalers in the Rane Carnegie trade last summer.

Kingston had drafted the Chicago-area native in the sixth round of the 2002 OHL draft, but Boll headed to the USHL with hopes of playing NCAA hockey. The 19-year-old captained the Lincoln Stars this past season and has also signed with Minnesota-Duluth for this fall. Boll scored 23 goals and 47 points in 54 games last year and also had a league-leading 294 penalty minutes.

Grabarek coming home to Wayne State

Sterling Heights native Jon Grabarek has signed a National Letter of Intent for the 2005-06 season with Wayne State. Grabarek joins defenseman Matt Krug (Livonia), who previously signed an NLI, as Warrior recruits for the upcoming school year.

A 5-11, 180-pound forward, Grabarek (pronounced gra-BEAR-ick) tallied 43p oints on 17 goals and 26 assists in 59 games in 2004-05 with the Clark Cup champion (USHL) Cedar Rapids RoughRiders. He scored three power-play goals and three game-winning goals while recording a plus/minus rating of +11 as Cedar Rapids compiled a 42-13-5 mark. In helping the RoughRiders to the playoff title (Clark Cup), Grabarek had 10 points in 11 contests on four goals and six assists.

During the 2003-04 campaign, he set the franchise record for points in aseason with 57, while also leading the squad in assists (35), power-play goals (6) and plus/minus rating (+19).

In his initial season with the RoughRiders (2002-03), Grabarek had 15 goals and 14 assists for 29 points while playing in all 60 games. He also tied for third on the team with five power-play goals.

Grabarek graduated in 2002 from Sterling Heights Stevenson High School.

IceDiggers to host late August showcase

The Alpena IceDiggers are hosting an exciting showcase of hockey August 26-28 at the Northern Lights Arena.

The showcase is featuring five teams including NAHL North Division rival Traverse City North Stars and Central States Hockey League members Toledo Cherokee, Grand Rapids Jr. Owls and Motor City Chiefs. The IceDiggers, Cherokee, Chiefs and Owls will each play three games over the course of the weekend, while the North Stars will play in two.

The schedule is as follows:

Friday, August 26, 2005 4:00pm-7:00pm Traverse City v. Grand Rapids
Friday, August 26, 2005 7:00pm-10:00pm Alpena v. Motor City

Saturday, August 27, 2005 9:00am-12:00pm Toledo v. Traverse City
Saturday, August 27, 2005 4:00pm-7:00pm Motor City v. Grand Rapids
Saturday, August 27, 2005 7:00pm-10:00pm Alpena v. Toledo

Sunday, August 28, 2005 10:00am-1:00pm Toledo v. Motor City
Sunday, August 28, 2005 1:00pm-4:00pm Alpena v. Grand Rapids

“We are looking forward to this big weekend of hockey action. It will be our first look at the team in a game situation," Alpena head coach and general manager Ken Miller stated. “The teams we have coming in from the CSHL are very competitive at the Junior B level; it should be great hockey for the fans of Alpena.”

Fans are encouraged to come and follow the action. Admission is $3 per person or $15.00 for a weekend pass good for all seven games. For ticket information please contact the Northern Lights Arena at (989) 356-1878.

These will be the only pre-season games the IceDiggers will play before regular season action begins the second weekend in September.

Saginaw signs 2004 draft pick Chappell

Chris Chappell is on his way to Saginaw

The Saginaw Spirit have signed 2004 draft pick Chris Chappell to an Ontario Hockey League contract for this upcoming season. Chappell, a forward, was the Spirit's 11th round pick, 202nd overall, a year ago.

The 6-foot-4, 204-pound Chappell had eight goals and 27 assists for 35 points and was plus-8 for his hometown Pickering (Ont.) Panthers Junior A team during 2004-05 and was a teammate of Spirit goalie Ryan Daniels.

"Chris performed very well against older players in Pickering," said Spirit general manager and head coach Bob Mancini. "We expect him to add size and offense to the Spirit line-up and challenge for a top line position."

Spirit and Whalers release '05-06 schedules

The Saginaw Spirit and Plymouth Whalers released their 2005-2006 regular season schedules yesterday and will ironically play the first game on the Ontario Hockey League docket, against each other, in Saginaw on Wednesday, Sept. 21 at 7:00 p.m.

Plymouth's home opener is three days later against the Sarnia Sting.

Saginaw and Plymouth play each other seven more times over the course of their 68-game schedules. Games in Plymouth are at 7:30 p.m. and games in Saginaw are at 7:00 p.m., unless noted.

Weds. Jan. 11 at Plymouth
Thurs. Jan. 26 at Saginaw
Sat. Jan. 28 at Plymouth
Sun. Feb. 26 at Saginaw (2:00 p.m.)
Fri. Mar. 3 at Plymouth
Weds. Mar. 15 at Saginaw
Sat. Mar. 18 at Plymouth

Plymouth's schedule here.
Saginaw's schedule here.
Entire OHL schedule here.

A message from the Plymouth Whalers

Plymouth president, head coach and
general manager Mike Vellucci clears up any rumors.

Peter Karmanos Jr. has sponsored youth and junior hockey in Detroit for over 20 years. It is his passion and will continue to be his passion.

I'm excited about the upcoming 2005-06 season. While setting attendance records last season and with seven NHL first round picks in our history and two potential first round picks in Dan Collins and James Neal, fans like watching this young, exciting team. Clearly, the Whalers have made a strong statement in Plymouth and will continue to do so.

There are many rumors concerning the sale of the Compuware Sports Arena, the Plymouth Whalers and the Compuware Youth Hockey Program.

I can assure you the rumors are 100 percent false and inaccurate.

As an organization, we will continue the tradition of excellence that has been the hallmark of Plymouth Whalers hockey for the last 15 years.

Sincerely,

Michael Vellucci
President, General Manager and Head Coach
Plymouth Whalers

Whalers ink local goaltender for '05-06

Whalers sign goalie Jeremy Smith

Goaltender Jeremy Smith, the Plymouth Whalers fourth round (64th overall) pick in the 2005 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection, has signed with the Whalers and will compete for a roster spot this fall.

Smith, a native of Brownstown Township, posted a 2.44 goals against average and three shutouts in 39 games last season for the Belle Tire minor midgets.

“We think Smith's the best goalie in the draft,” said Plymouth head coach and general manager Mike Vellucci. “We're happy to take him where we did.”

“He's one of the best goaltenders in the United States,” said Plymouth head scout Jim Debenham. “Every time we watched him last year, he was outstanding. There was a game at the OHL Cup Tournament last spring when he allowed eight goals in the game and was named the star of the game. He must have stopped 50 shots and still gave up eight and was called the best player in the game.”

Smith said several factors led to his family's decision to sign with Plymouth.

“There wasn't just one thing – it was a great package,” Smith said. “I love the idea of being able to stay at home while playing for the Whalers. Everyone we've met has been unbelievably nice, especially Mr. Vellucci. I met a lot of the players at (rookie) camp and they all seem like a good group of guys. I have no regrets.”

Plymouth - 30-29-6-3 last season – played last year with 19-year-old Ryan Nie and 17-year-old Justin Garay in goal. Nie played in 57 games last year and could return next season as an overage player. Garay played in 22 games last year as a rookie.

Michigan OHL trio World Junior hopefuls

Saginaw's Tom Pyatt hopes to play for Canada's World Junior Team.

Saginaw Spirit forward Tom Pyatt has been invited to the tryout camp for Canada's National Junior Team in early August to prepare for the 2006 IIHF World Junior Championship this Christmas.

Spirit general manager and head coach Bob Mancini said Pyatt has earned the honor.

"This is a great example of how hard work, and taking advantage of opportunities, can pay off for a young man," said Mancini. "We're all proud of Tom for being invited to this camp as an 18-year-old."

Pyatt earned silver with Team Canada at the IIHF U-18 World Championship in April and had two goals and three assists in six games. The United States won the gold medal.

Spirit teammate Michael Birner earned an invite to the Czech Republic tryout camp as well.

“Michael has been a part of the Czech National Team Development Program for a number of years," added Mancini. "His nomination to the Czech Junior National Team is a testament to his hard work and development.”

Plymouth Whalers second-year forward John Armstrong was invited to Canada's Under-18 summer camp.

Northville native Giosa makes D-I choice

Alpena leading scorer Eric Giosa makes his college commitment.

Outgoing Alpena IceDiggers forward Eric Giosa has committed to play Division I college hockey this fall for the Sacred Heart Pioneers.

The 20-year-old from Northville led the team in scoring this past season with 22 goals and 24 assists for 46 points while playing in all 56 games. Giosa recorded seven power-play goals and had one game-winner.

"Eric was a big part of our team the last two seasons," Alpena head coach and general manager Ken Miller said. "We are very proud of Eric and we wish him the best as he moves on to Sacred Heart.”

Giosa will join former IceDiggers Archie Dessert (Connecticut), Bret Norris (Canisius), Bobby Phillips (Mercyhurst) and Paul Scalici (Bentley) who play in the Atlantic Hockey conference. It also means he will see former IceDiggers head coach-GM Mike Mankowski who will be behind the bench as an assistant coach with Canisius.

Sacred Heart University is located in Fairfield, Conn.

Northern Michigan Black Bears Notebook

The Black Bears have had a busy off-season thus far.

The off-season for the Northern Michigan Black Bears has been an eventful one thus far.

Head coach Gerry Lortie has announced his retirement from coaching, but will be staying with the team as an advisor for the 2005-2006 season. Assistant coach Bart Jarrett will be taking the reigns as head coach for the upcoming season with Dave Murphy returning as goalie coach.

The following players have also accepted academic scholarships and will continue playing hockey at the NCAA level:

John Nogatch, Wayne State University (D-I CHA)
Bill Brennan, Utica College (D-III ECAC West)
Russell Law, University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point (D-III NCHA)
Colin Sarfeh, SUNY-Fredonia (D-III SUNYAC)
Ryan Behnke, University of Delaware (D-II ACHA)

Nogatch will sit-out the 2005-2006 season with the Warriors and be eligible for the start of the 2006-2007 season. He left Lake Superior State during last season and returned to the Black Bears. He must attend WSU for one full year before becoming eligible.

In addition, Nick Adamek, Jordan Boman, Chris Kraft and Jared Lavender have received offers of academic scholarships from at least one university. While these players are undecided at this time, the team would like to acknowledge their achievements.

IceDiggers hire assistant coach

The Alpena IceDiggers have hired Kelly Miller as a full-time assistant coach. The 26-year-old brings a wealth of junior and professional playing experience to the organization.

”Kelly has experienced first hand the knowledge, skill dedication and the hard work it takes to become a successful hockey player," new Alpena head coach-GM Ken Miller said. "He will be a great asset to the organization."

Miller, a NAHL alum, played for the Chicago Freeze and the Cleveland Barons where he recorded 44 goals and 29 assists in two seasons. He also played two seasons in the USHL for Des Moines and Waterloo. He recently retired from playing professional hockey having spent time in the ECHL, CHL and UHL. In five seasons, he recorded 52 goals and 69 assists.

”I’m very excited to begin my coaching career," Kelly Miller said. "It is going to be a great challenge, as a coaching staff we will set our standards very high when it comes to developing players for the next level.”

Miller will begin working in Alpena immediately, preparing for the upcoming season. Kelly and his family will call Alpena home.

IceDiggers promote assistant to head coach

New Alpena IceDiggers head coach Ken Miller

The Alpena IceDiggers filled their vacant head coach and general manager position Tuesday when they hired assistant coach Ken Miller.

Miller, a 30-year-old Toledo native, has been the assistant coach of the IceDiggers the last four seasons. He has also served the last two seasons as assistant GM and was the general manager of the team for the 2002 season when the team won the CEHL championship.

“I’ve been waiting for this,” Miller said. “It’s kind of bittersweet because I hate to see (former IceDiggers coach) Mike (Mankowski) go, we’re such good friends, but I’m really looking forward to this opportunity. I’ve been an assistant coach under Mike for five years and I’m ready for the next step.”

As the team’s assistant Miller has been primarily responsible for bench coaching, scouting and game-day operations. Ken also worked with former Toledo Storm GM Pat Pylypuik in Toledo’s minor hockey scene for several years before joining the IceDiggers.

“We are very excited to have a guy with such experience to promote into the position,” said IceDiggers president Mike Bihn. “Ken has been involved with the organization from day one and is the best guy for the job. We are confident he will take the team to the next level.”

Miller said he doesn’t see too many challenges for his first year at the helm of the Junior A franchise.

“I’m just looking for the kids to buy into the system and give 110 percent,” he said. “Things are going to change a bit, they always will when you bring a new coach in.”

Miller is eager to begin his new job. He’ll start working in Alpena immediately.

“My family and I are very thankful for this opportunity,” he said. “I am looking forward to becoming a member of the Alpena community. I am also excited about the group of kids that we have recruited for this season.”

Miller and his wife, Stephanie, will reside in Alpena throughout the year, along with their two-year-old daughter, Kadyn.

Courtesy of the Alpena News.

Mankowski leaving 'Diggers for Canisius College

Alpena head coach Mike Mankowski is leaving to become an assistant coach at Canisius College.

Alpena IceDiggers ownership and head coach Mike Mankowski have agreed to waive the coach's contract and obligations to the IceDiggers to pursue a career of coaching college hockey.

Mankowski is headed to Canisius College, located in Buffalo, N.Y., to serve as the assistant coach. He just finished his fourth season with the IceDiggers and is the only head coach in IceDiggers history. Canisius College, a NCAA Division I hockey program, is a member of the Atlantic Hockey conference. After a national search, they hired Dave Smith on April 15 as their head coach. Smith and Mankowski have worked together previously at USA Hockey Select Festivals.

"We appreciate all the hard work Mankowski has put into the IceDiggers organization and are very excited to have him move on to college hockey," said IceDiggers president Mike Bihn. "We have said all along that our goal was to move everyone on our team to college and/or pro, and that includes our coaches. This is clearly a positive thing for our organization. "

"My family was very excited to make the move to Alpena with the IceDiggers, but with the opportunity at hand my family will now be moving to Buffalo," said Mankowski. "I am very thankful for this opportunity the owners, staff and players have given to me." "We were able to win a championship together and advance over 20 players on to the next level, and that is what junior hockey is all about."

Mankowski will join former IceDiggers Archie Dessert (Connecticut), Bret Norris (Canisius), Bobby Phillips (Mercyhurst) and Paul Scalici (Bentley) who currently play in the Atlantic Hockey conference.

The Toledo IceDiggers won the Continental Elite Hockey League hampionship in 2002 and were runners-up in 2003. They finished sixth in the NAHL North Division in 2004 and 2005.

Recently relocated to Northern Lights Arena in Alpena, the IceDiggers feature 12 players that are age-eligible to return to action next season.

According to ownership, a replacement has been selected and will be announced within days.

Press release courtesy of Alpena's official Web site.

Bighorns ink two CSHLers from Michigan

The Helena Bighorns recently signed two more Michigan area players from the CSHL.

Jordan Adams (Michigan Ice Dogs) and Ross Janecyk (Motor City Chiefs) were recently signed by the NAHL West Division's Bighorns.

Helena head coach Brent Agrusa said he expects both to perform well this fall.

"He (Janecyk) had a great camp in Chicago and will be an impact player for us next season," said Agrusa. "Jordan plays a very physical role, finishing all of his checks. With the offensively skilled team that we have, Jordan was exactly what we are looking for in a Maltby, Draper-type player to insure we have good chemistry this season."

Janecyk, a Grand Rapids native, spent the 2004-05 season playing in the OPJHL for the Buffalo Lightning where he scored 21 points in 49 games. Adams, from Milford, finished the season among the CSHL scoring leaders with 44 points in 45 games.

North Stars sign two forwards, defenseman

The Traverse City North Stars continue to build their roster for their inaugural season in the NAHL and last week added three area players for the upcoming 2005-2006 season.

Forwards Jake Erway (Traverse City) and Joe St. John (Gaylord) along with Cadillac defenseman Nathan Peterson will don the North Stars' colors this fall.

"All three bring something different to the table," North Stars general manager and coach Scott Gardiner said in the Traverse City Record-Eagle. "Jake is a Junior A veteran. He was captain of his last junior team. Nathan Peterson is a great defenseman and moves the puck well. Joe is a prototypical power forward - he can score goals, is physical and fast."

Read the rest of the Record-Eagle story here.

Three Tornado players move on to D-I

Three Michigan natives who played this past year with the NAHL champion Texas Tornado have committed to Division I colleges for this fall.

Tornado captain and Troy native Tom Train (Alabama-Huntsville), Manchester's Derek Punches (Wayne State) and Bloomfield Hills native Justin Liut (Bowling Green), all forwards, will hone their skills on separate college campuses come September.

Punches started this past season with the Soo Indians after backing out of an Air Force commitment last summer.

Forward Matt Krug (Livonia) signed with Wayne State during November's early signing period and will join his older brother Adam in Detroit.

Train scored 33 goals and 69 points this past season in Texas and will join former Tornado teammate Denny Reagan, who just completed his freshman season with the Chargers.

"I think it will be nice fit for Tommy," said Tornado head coach and general manager Tony Curtale, a Detroit native. "I think he will be able to go in there and contribute immediately to become one of their better players. Tommy is a great power forward and will do the little things to make his team successful. I have no doubt he is ready for the next level."

Punches joined the Tornado at the trade deadline in January after playing the past two seasons for the Indians. Between the two clubs, Punches recorded 19 points in 32 games.

"Derek is a very responsible player defensively and also a very strong threat from the circles in," said Curtale. "He was a great addition for us mid-season and help give us depth in order to win a National Championship. I have no doubt he'll make Wayne State a better team."

Punches will join Krug, along with Tornado alumni Jason Bloomingburg, Mark Nebus and Ryan Wright, on the Warriors.

Liut's father, former NHL goaltender Mike Liut, also attended Bowling Green from 1973-77. Justin netted 15 goals last year for the Tornado.

"Justin was not a player that was heavily recruited when he joined us, so he has come a long way in the time he has spent with the Tornado," said Curtale. "Justin found a style that worked for him and for this team, and it paid off for him in the long run. I know he is working very hard to become a player that will consistantly be in the line-up during his time at Bowling Green, but we are very proud of him."

Nine players from last season's Tornado squad have committed to NCAA institutions for this coming fall.

IceDiggers forward makes D-III commitment

Alpena IceDiggers' veteran forward Kaleigh Schrock has committed to play varsity hockey at Neumann College beginning this fall.

Schrock, a 20-year-old from Fort Wayne, Indiana, came to this IceDiggers this past season from the Grand Rapids Jr. Owls of the CSHL. He finished the 2004-05 campaign as the team captain and recorded 15 goals and eight assists. He was second on the team in power play goals with six and his 175 penalty minutes led the IceDiggers and were fourth highest in the NAHL.

"We are extremely excited for Kaleigh," remarked Alpena head coach and general manager Mike Mankowski. "He was a warrior, played well in big games and gave us everything he had."

Neumann College is a member of the ECAC-West (Division III) and is located in Aston, Pennsylvania. Schrock will join former IceDiggers forward Dayne Bihn at Neumann.

In other Alpena news, the IceDiggers completed their first of three tryout camps scheduled for this off-season this past weekend in Toledo, Ohio. Over 85 players participated in the four-day camp at the Toledo Ice House.

The camp included four goalie-only sessions, eight scrimmage games and a final all-star game. Veteran defenseman Adam Snead led all players in scoring with five goals. Kyle Botos, Branden Moran, Bryan Murphy and Nick Stroup all recorded three goals each over the weekend. Goaltender Bryan Kalczynski allowed only one goal the entire weekend.

Other goalies Stephen Madej, Andrew New and Jason Spencer allowed three goals each.

Numerous impressive performances were turned in by underclassmen. A total of eight '88 birth year and four '89 birth year players advanced to the all-star game. All players are looking to advance to the invitation-only tryout camp, which will be held later this summer at Northern Lights Arena in Alpena.