The Plymouth Whalers close out 2007 with a New Year’s Eve date at 4 p.m. at Compuware Arena against the Kitchener Rangers. The Rangers (28-4-1-2) are the top team in the Ontario Hockey League and the top-ranked team in the Canadian Hockey League.
Monday’s game is the first time the Whalers have ever played at home on New Year’s Eve. In 1993, the Whalers (then known as Detroit Jr. Red Wings) defeated Kingston, 7-4, at the Kingston Memorial Centre in the only other game that Plymouth has played on New Year’s Eve.
The Whalers are offering an added bonus for fans purchasing a $14 or $10 ticket. Fans will be allowed to skate free of charge on the Compuware Arena ice from 2-3:30 p.m.
The Whalers (19-11-2-2) come into Monday’s game winless over their last four games. Kitchener has defeated Plymouth twice in Kitchener – 1-0 in overtime on Sept. 29 and 3-1 on Oct. 30.
Both teams are missing players at the 2008 World Junior Championship currently being played in the Czech Republic. Plymouth goaltender Jeremy Smith is backstopping the United States to a 3-0 record through Sunday and defenseman Michal Jordan (Czech Republic) is one of the youngest players in this year’s tournament. Kitchener is missing Yannick Weber (Switzerland), Matt Halischuk (Canada) and Mikkel Boedker (Denmark).
Both teams have plenty of firepower available for Monday’s game. The Whalers are led offensively by Carolina draft pick Chris Terry (25-37-62), veteran Andrew Fournier (21-23-44) and Wolverine Lake native AJ Jenks (20-12-32). Kitchener features Justin Azevedo (19-46-65), Nazem Kadri (10-21-31) and Mike Duco (13-13-26). Josh Unice – passed over by Team USA for the World Junior Championship in favor of Smith – has a 2.21 goals-against average and .915 save percentage in 26 games this season.
After today's game, the Whalers hit the road on Thursday in Windsor and Friday at Sault Ste. Marie before returning home Saturday against Guelph.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Sunday, December 30, 2007
'Diggers host North Stars tomorrow night
With only one day remaining in 2007, the Alpena IceDiggers will play host to the Traverse City North Stars one last time during the calendar year. Faceoff is set for 7:00 p.m. inside Northern Lights Arena tomorrow night.
The IceDiggers are coming off a much-needed seven-day break where most, if not all, the players returned to their hometowns to celebrate the holidays with their families.
Traverse City has played three games since Christmas Day and dropped all three to the Marquette Rangers.
"We are going to have to jump on them early as they have not had much success the last few games," Alpena coach-GM Kenny Miller said. "But they will come ready to play, so we will have to be ready."
In Alpena's last game before the break, the IceDiggers recorded a 3-2 shootout loss at Traverse City. It was the IceDiggers' first shootout of the year.
The IceDiggers are coming off a much-needed seven-day break where most, if not all, the players returned to their hometowns to celebrate the holidays with their families.
Traverse City has played three games since Christmas Day and dropped all three to the Marquette Rangers.
"We are going to have to jump on them early as they have not had much success the last few games," Alpena coach-GM Kenny Miller said. "But they will come ready to play, so we will have to be ready."
In Alpena's last game before the break, the IceDiggers recorded a 3-2 shootout loss at Traverse City. It was the IceDiggers' first shootout of the year.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Fischer to make appearance in Saginaw
Former Detroit Red Wings defenseman and CHL alumnus Jiri Fischer will make a celebrity appearance at the Saginaw Spirit home game this Saturday when Spirit take on the Plymouth Whalers at 7:11 p.m. at TheDow Event Center in Saginaw. The former Stanley Cup winner will be at the game to participate in a ceremonial puck drop and sign autographs for fans in the Bud Light Blue Line Club.
The Saginaw Spirit Charitable Foundation will be selling photo and puck packages for Fischer to sign, with the proceeds going to benefit the Jiri Fischer Healthy Hope Foundation. Fans can purchase a Red Wings puck and 8x10 photo package for $10 or a Red Wings puck and 11x14 photo package for $20 - limited quantities of 11x14 photos available. Fans can also get one additional item signed with the purchase of a puck and photo package.
“We are thrilled to have Jiri Fischer as our celebrity guest,” stated Spirit president and managing partner Craig Goslin. “He has been an inspiration to many people, including those with heart conditions. Ours fans will have a great opportunity to get up close and personal with a great athlete who is a Stanley Cup champion both on and off the ice.”
The Saginaw Spirit Charitable Foundation will be selling photo and puck packages for Fischer to sign, with the proceeds going to benefit the Jiri Fischer Healthy Hope Foundation. Fans can purchase a Red Wings puck and 8x10 photo package for $10 or a Red Wings puck and 11x14 photo package for $20 - limited quantities of 11x14 photos available. Fans can also get one additional item signed with the purchase of a puck and photo package.
“We are thrilled to have Jiri Fischer as our celebrity guest,” stated Spirit president and managing partner Craig Goslin. “He has been an inspiration to many people, including those with heart conditions. Ours fans will have a great opportunity to get up close and personal with a great athlete who is a Stanley Cup champion both on and off the ice.”
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Ex-Whaler signs NHL deal with Flames
The Peterborough Petes announced that captain John Armstrong has signed a three-year entry-level contract with the NHL’s Calgary Flames.Armstrong, the Flames' third draft pick at the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, joined the Petes in January after being acquired from the Plymouth Whalers in the Daniel Ryder deal. He immediately showed leadership abilities on a young Petes team and this year was rewarded with the captaincy.
Currently leading the Petes in scoring with seven goals and 27 points in 31 games this season, Armstrong is obviously elated at signing an NHL contract.
“This is a dream come true," said Armstrong. "It is the best Christmas present I have received.
“I would really like to thank the Petes and general manager Jeff Twohey for bringing me in at the trade deadline last season. It is nice to get this out of the way so I don’t have to worry about it the rest of the season and I can just concentrate on helping our team.”
Armstrong was the first-round pick (13th overall) of the Whalers at the 2004 OHL Priority Selection.
Photo by Walt Dmoch/Plymouth Whalers
Three Challenge Cup games on tap
Following the North American Hockey League holiday break, the Marquette Rangers resume their schedule with three games against Traverse City this weekend. The North Stars come to Lakeview Arena Thursday and Friday before hosting the Rangers Saturday night at Centre Ice Arena.
The two teams will face-off Thursday and Friday in Marquette at 7:30 p.m.
Marquette is currently in a third-place tie with Alpena in the NAHL North Division with 34 points (16-10-2) while the North Stars are in sixth place in the division with a record of 11-11-5 (27 points).
The weekend will also be key games towards determining who wins the Smith Barney Challenge Cup that the two teams are fighting for this year. The winner of the cup, donated by Smith Barney offices in both Marquette and Traverse City, will be determined by head-to-head competition between the two clubs. So far, Traverse City holds a 2-1 edge after three games.
“We feel pretty good about where we are right now,” said Rangers head coach Randy Enders. “It was obvious we all needed a break and needed to get away from hockey for awhile. Now that we’ve had a chance to rest our bodies and our minds, I’m confident our guys will return to Marquette with a new hunger and desire to get back at it.
“The goal now is to come back and really be focused on these three games this weekend because it’s our last series at Lakeview for quite awhile, so taking advantage of home ice is the number one priority. If we can get a good start against a quality division rival like Traverse City, it’ll help set the stage for the second half of the year.”
Following this weekend, the Rangers won’t play a game at Lakeview Arena until Jan. 24-25 against Traverse City and Alpena.
According to Enders, being on the road is just part of the junior hockey experience and it’s something the team will play through.
“It’s going to be a long month, no doubt about it, but like we always tell the guys, it will help them be better players in the long-run,” said Enders. “Junior hockey is all about challenges like this and facing them head-on. I think it will help our young guys the most and we’ll come out of the month on the road more mature and battle-tested.
“We’re fortunate in the sense that we do have a number of guys who have been through a year or two at this level. This is a great opportunity for our veterans to really take-charge and lead this team. So as much as it is a tough part of our schedule, I’m looking forward to it because there are so many good things that can come from this challenge.”
The two teams will face-off Thursday and Friday in Marquette at 7:30 p.m.
Marquette is currently in a third-place tie with Alpena in the NAHL North Division with 34 points (16-10-2) while the North Stars are in sixth place in the division with a record of 11-11-5 (27 points).
The weekend will also be key games towards determining who wins the Smith Barney Challenge Cup that the two teams are fighting for this year. The winner of the cup, donated by Smith Barney offices in both Marquette and Traverse City, will be determined by head-to-head competition between the two clubs. So far, Traverse City holds a 2-1 edge after three games.
“We feel pretty good about where we are right now,” said Rangers head coach Randy Enders. “It was obvious we all needed a break and needed to get away from hockey for awhile. Now that we’ve had a chance to rest our bodies and our minds, I’m confident our guys will return to Marquette with a new hunger and desire to get back at it.
“The goal now is to come back and really be focused on these three games this weekend because it’s our last series at Lakeview for quite awhile, so taking advantage of home ice is the number one priority. If we can get a good start against a quality division rival like Traverse City, it’ll help set the stage for the second half of the year.”
Following this weekend, the Rangers won’t play a game at Lakeview Arena until Jan. 24-25 against Traverse City and Alpena.
According to Enders, being on the road is just part of the junior hockey experience and it’s something the team will play through.
“It’s going to be a long month, no doubt about it, but like we always tell the guys, it will help them be better players in the long-run,” said Enders. “Junior hockey is all about challenges like this and facing them head-on. I think it will help our young guys the most and we’ll come out of the month on the road more mature and battle-tested.
“We’re fortunate in the sense that we do have a number of guys who have been through a year or two at this level. This is a great opportunity for our veterans to really take-charge and lead this team. So as much as it is a tough part of our schedule, I’m looking forward to it because there are so many good things that can come from this challenge.”
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Plymouth hosts Saginaw Thursday
The Plymouth Whalers (19-9-2-2) start the second half of the season Thursday at 2 p.m. against the Saginaw Spirit in the Annual Kid’s Day celebration at Compuware Arena. With all kinds of activities for kids as a pleasant backdrop, Plymouth and Saginaw (14-14-3-1) meet in the second of eight meetings over the course of the season. The Whalers and Spirit also meet in Saginaw next Saturday at the Dow Event Center.
Plymouth defeated Saginaw, 4-1, at Compuware Arena on Nov. 21.
Plymouth goaltender Jeremy Smith and defenseman Michal Jordan are playing in the World Junior Championship which starts Wednesday. Smith is with Team USA and Jordan (just 17 years old and joining Canada’s Steven Stamkos and John Tavares as the youngest players in the tournament) is playing for the Czech Republic.
Smith and Jordan are expected to be with their respective teams through Jan. 6.
With Smith away, backup Matt Hackett is expected to carry to load over the next two weeks. With Jordan away, the Whalers called rookie defenseman Anthony Donati on Dec. 11 and he’s played in three games. The Whalers should also get Andrew Fournier (21-20--41) back from injury and perhaps Joe McCann (8-7--15 in 20 games) as well. Fournier and McCann have missed three games with nagging injuries, but should be back on Thursday. Chris Terry (24-35--59) continues to lead the Whalers in scoring and is fourth overall in the OHL.
Saginaw general manager Don Edwards seemed to energize the Spirit when he traded three veterans - right wing Jan Mursak, defenseman Nigel Williams and goaltender Parker Van Buskirk - to Belleville on Dec. 9 in exchange for goaltender Edward Pasquale, forward Brendan Taylor and a pair of third-round draft choices. Saginaw won all three games directly after the trade to climb back to the .500 mark. Veterans Jack Combs (22-28--50), Ryan McDonough (22-19--41) and Tomas Zaborsky (18-17--35) lead the Spirit in scoring.
Plymouth defeated Saginaw, 4-1, at Compuware Arena on Nov. 21.
Plymouth goaltender Jeremy Smith and defenseman Michal Jordan are playing in the World Junior Championship which starts Wednesday. Smith is with Team USA and Jordan (just 17 years old and joining Canada’s Steven Stamkos and John Tavares as the youngest players in the tournament) is playing for the Czech Republic.
Smith and Jordan are expected to be with their respective teams through Jan. 6.
With Smith away, backup Matt Hackett is expected to carry to load over the next two weeks. With Jordan away, the Whalers called rookie defenseman Anthony Donati on Dec. 11 and he’s played in three games. The Whalers should also get Andrew Fournier (21-20--41) back from injury and perhaps Joe McCann (8-7--15 in 20 games) as well. Fournier and McCann have missed three games with nagging injuries, but should be back on Thursday. Chris Terry (24-35--59) continues to lead the Whalers in scoring and is fourth overall in the OHL.
Saginaw general manager Don Edwards seemed to energize the Spirit when he traded three veterans - right wing Jan Mursak, defenseman Nigel Williams and goaltender Parker Van Buskirk - to Belleville on Dec. 9 in exchange for goaltender Edward Pasquale, forward Brendan Taylor and a pair of third-round draft choices. Saginaw won all three games directly after the trade to climb back to the .500 mark. Veterans Jack Combs (22-28--50), Ryan McDonough (22-19--41) and Tomas Zaborsky (18-17--35) lead the Spirit in scoring.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Canton's Underwood dealt to Saginaw
The Saginaw Spirit completed a trade with the Guelph Storm yesterday, acquiring defenseman Joe Underwood, a Canton native.Guelph received Saginaw's 15th-round pick in the 2009 OHL Priority Selection as well as a conditional sixth-round pick in the 2009 selection.
“This is the 1990-born right-handed defenseman that the Spirit were looking for,” stated Spirit GM Don Edwards. “He is a steady, stay-at-home defenseman that will greatly compliment our defensive corps.”
Underwood played with the Detroit Compuware program during the 2005-06 season and during the 2006 OHL Cup he tallied two points in three games. The Storm selected Underwood in the seventh round of the 2006 draft and during his rookie season with the Storm, he notched a goal, three assists, 18 penalty minutes and was plus-9 in 60 games. He tallied his first OHL goal last Dec. 16 against the London Knights.
Underwood has played 19 games with the Storm this season, posting two assists, six PIMs and a plus-3 rating.
“As an organization, we welcome Joe Underwood to the Saginaw Spirit family,” stated Spirit president and managing partner Craig Goslin. “Attracting top-tier players with Michigan roots is always an additional benefit."
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Team USA travels to Traverse City
Each year, the U.S. National Team Development Program harvests some of the top under-17 talent in the country. After a year of contests against North American Hockey League and international tournament action, most of the players graduate to the under-18 squad, from which the National Hockey League has stuffed its personnel coffers over the past few years.
This year’s Under-17 crop is every bit as talented as those that have seen almost 50 players plucked in recent NHL Drafts, and the team is presently situated in the fourth and final postseason slot in the NAHL North Division, five points ahead of Traverse City. The North Stars host the U-17s this weekend at Centre ICE arena for an important Friday-Saturday series.
“They are a supremely talented team,” said North Stars head coach-GM Anthony Palumbo. “If you give them a chance to make plays, they will hurt you. You can’t give them so much respect that you don’t maintain that aggressive approach, but you also can’t give them any freebies, because they’ll bury the puck in your net.”
Among the USNTDP’s top performers are a pair of NHL-reared players: Forward Ryan Bourque, son of all-time NHL great Ray Bourque, and Bjorn Krupp, whose father Uwe spent time with the Detroit Red Wings during a 20-year pro career. Bourque made an impression on Palumbo – and the net – during the teams’ first meeting back on Oct. 5.
“Ryan’s shot is just like his dad’s,” Palumbo explained. “When we played them down there, he shot one so hard - the puck had gone in, bounced off the back of the net, and landed out in the neutral zone before anyone could even react.”
Jeremy Morin leads the U-17s with 15 goals and 24 points in his 19 games, while Drew Shore (17 pts.) has dished out a team-best 11 assists. Bourque is third with nine goals and 16 points. The Under-17 squad downed TC by a 6-3 margin back on Oct. 5 in Ann Arbor in a game that Palumbo said hinged on poor puck control.
“We turned the puck over no less than 10 times and five of them resulted in goals,” he said following the game.
For Traverse City, the forward line of Nate Urbaniak, Harrison Niemann and Kyle Bonis is firing on all cylinders over the past few weekends. Urbaniak, who has scored a team-high 13 goals to go with 26 points in 23 games, has eight of those tallies in the past five contests. Niemann has 10 points over that span, while Bonis has a goal and four assists in his first four games with the North Stars. The team will also get back a pair of players who were nursing injuries of late in forward Kellen Michalak (lower body) and defenseman Ben Plocar (upper body).
“We have to try to control the puck and we have to always know where everybody is at – account for all five skaters at all time,” Palumbo assessed. “We can’t be sloppy for one minute, because we know what they can do when given the chance.”
The North Stars (9-9-5) and Team USA U-17s begin a stretch where the clubs will face off seven times between Friday and March 4. The USNTDP – whose 13-13-2 record includes games played against NAHL competition by both the U-17 and U-18 teams – has played five more games so far this season than Traverse City, while third-place Marquette and fifth-place Alpena has played two additional contests. Palumbo cautions against overvaluing games-in-hand.
“Right now, we’re playing .500 hockey and it’s not going to get us into the playoffs in this division, where no one is below .500,” he said. “We can’t count on having more games left than other teams we’re battling for playoff position. Those are games we have the opportunity to win, but there are no guaranteed points left out there.”
Friday’s contest will feature an intermission performance by Twin Bay Skating Club’s Northern Lights ‘High Ice Theatre.’ The decorated troupe will perform a number from the musical, “Hairspray.” Both Friday’s and Saturday’s showdowns will face-off at 7 p.m.
This year’s Under-17 crop is every bit as talented as those that have seen almost 50 players plucked in recent NHL Drafts, and the team is presently situated in the fourth and final postseason slot in the NAHL North Division, five points ahead of Traverse City. The North Stars host the U-17s this weekend at Centre ICE arena for an important Friday-Saturday series.
“They are a supremely talented team,” said North Stars head coach-GM Anthony Palumbo. “If you give them a chance to make plays, they will hurt you. You can’t give them so much respect that you don’t maintain that aggressive approach, but you also can’t give them any freebies, because they’ll bury the puck in your net.”
Among the USNTDP’s top performers are a pair of NHL-reared players: Forward Ryan Bourque, son of all-time NHL great Ray Bourque, and Bjorn Krupp, whose father Uwe spent time with the Detroit Red Wings during a 20-year pro career. Bourque made an impression on Palumbo – and the net – during the teams’ first meeting back on Oct. 5.
“Ryan’s shot is just like his dad’s,” Palumbo explained. “When we played them down there, he shot one so hard - the puck had gone in, bounced off the back of the net, and landed out in the neutral zone before anyone could even react.”
Jeremy Morin leads the U-17s with 15 goals and 24 points in his 19 games, while Drew Shore (17 pts.) has dished out a team-best 11 assists. Bourque is third with nine goals and 16 points. The Under-17 squad downed TC by a 6-3 margin back on Oct. 5 in Ann Arbor in a game that Palumbo said hinged on poor puck control.
“We turned the puck over no less than 10 times and five of them resulted in goals,” he said following the game.
For Traverse City, the forward line of Nate Urbaniak, Harrison Niemann and Kyle Bonis is firing on all cylinders over the past few weekends. Urbaniak, who has scored a team-high 13 goals to go with 26 points in 23 games, has eight of those tallies in the past five contests. Niemann has 10 points over that span, while Bonis has a goal and four assists in his first four games with the North Stars. The team will also get back a pair of players who were nursing injuries of late in forward Kellen Michalak (lower body) and defenseman Ben Plocar (upper body).
“We have to try to control the puck and we have to always know where everybody is at – account for all five skaters at all time,” Palumbo assessed. “We can’t be sloppy for one minute, because we know what they can do when given the chance.”
The North Stars (9-9-5) and Team USA U-17s begin a stretch where the clubs will face off seven times between Friday and March 4. The USNTDP – whose 13-13-2 record includes games played against NAHL competition by both the U-17 and U-18 teams – has played five more games so far this season than Traverse City, while third-place Marquette and fifth-place Alpena has played two additional contests. Palumbo cautions against overvaluing games-in-hand.
“Right now, we’re playing .500 hockey and it’s not going to get us into the playoffs in this division, where no one is below .500,” he said. “We can’t count on having more games left than other teams we’re battling for playoff position. Those are games we have the opportunity to win, but there are no guaranteed points left out there.”
Friday’s contest will feature an intermission performance by Twin Bay Skating Club’s Northern Lights ‘High Ice Theatre.’ The decorated troupe will perform a number from the musical, “Hairspray.” Both Friday’s and Saturday’s showdowns will face-off at 7 p.m.
OHL games in Michigan rescheduled
The Ontario Hockey League today announced that the postponed games involving the Kingston Frontenacs in Saginaw and Plymouth have been rescheduled.
The games were postponed on November 30 and December 1, respectively.
The Frontenacs will play the Plymouth Whalers on Sunday, February 3, 2008, starting at 2:00 p.m. at the Compuware Arena while the game in Saginaw against the Spirit will be played Wednesday, February 27, 2008 starting at 7:11 p.m. at The Dow Event Center.
The games were postponed on November 30 and December 1, respectively.
The Frontenacs will play the Plymouth Whalers on Sunday, February 3, 2008, starting at 2:00 p.m. at the Compuware Arena while the game in Saginaw against the Spirit will be played Wednesday, February 27, 2008 starting at 7:11 p.m. at The Dow Event Center.
Rangers host Alpena on Saturday
The Marquette Rangers head to Alpena this Friday before playing the IceDiggers in a return engagement on Saturday at Lakeview Arena.
Saturday’s game begins at 7:30 p.m.
The series will be the final weekend of action for the Rangers before the North American Hockey League's annual holiday break.
Marquette sits solidly in third place in the NAHL North Division with 33 points (16-9-1) while Alpena is in fifth place, just one point behind the U.S. National Team Development Program.
“Every week it seems we’re talking about how important the next two games are,” said Rangers head coach Randy Enders. “As strange as that may seem, it’s true. We’ve started to see a little bit of separation in our division, but every weekend remains important because it won’t take much for things to get real close again. Every team in our division is capable of putting together a winning streak, so the more points we can collect the better.
“We realize it’s only December, but believe it or not, the playoffs will be here before we know it so we need to continue to play well, play smart and do the little things necessary to maintain the success we’ve had so far.”
With 12 wins, 18 losses and two overtime losses at this time a year ago, Enders sees that the Rangers have improved in their second year.
“Last season we were a new team," Enders said. "We had guys who had played at the junior level before, but never in this system, which made for some tough going in the first year.
“Now we have several veterans who were Rangers last year, so they know the league and they know what the expectations from our organization are. So in that sense, we’re much better off than we were at this time a year ago.”
Saturday’s game begins at 7:30 p.m.
The series will be the final weekend of action for the Rangers before the North American Hockey League's annual holiday break.
Marquette sits solidly in third place in the NAHL North Division with 33 points (16-9-1) while Alpena is in fifth place, just one point behind the U.S. National Team Development Program.
“Every week it seems we’re talking about how important the next two games are,” said Rangers head coach Randy Enders. “As strange as that may seem, it’s true. We’ve started to see a little bit of separation in our division, but every weekend remains important because it won’t take much for things to get real close again. Every team in our division is capable of putting together a winning streak, so the more points we can collect the better.
“We realize it’s only December, but believe it or not, the playoffs will be here before we know it so we need to continue to play well, play smart and do the little things necessary to maintain the success we’ve had so far.”
With 12 wins, 18 losses and two overtime losses at this time a year ago, Enders sees that the Rangers have improved in their second year.
“Last season we were a new team," Enders said. "We had guys who had played at the junior level before, but never in this system, which made for some tough going in the first year.
“Now we have several veterans who were Rangers last year, so they know the league and they know what the expectations from our organization are. So in that sense, we’re much better off than we were at this time a year ago.”
Stefan named new Plymouth head coach
Compuware CEO and Plymouth Whalers owner Peter Karmanos, Jr. announced the promotion of Mike Vellucci to Governor, President and General Manager of the Plymouth Whalers and Compuware Arena, effective immediately.In relation with the promotion, Vellucci named Greg Stefan (pictured) as new head coach of the Whalers. Stefan resigned as an assistant coach of the Carolina Hurricanes today and rejoins the Whalers for the third time in his coaching career.
Joe Stefan remains with Plymouth as an assistant coach. Greg and Joe Stefan will be behind the bench Thursday when the Whalers resume action in Peterborough against the Petes.
“Mike’s had tremendous success as a head coach, while balancing the demands of three different jobs,” said Karmanos. “He’s created stability and has built a winning environment within the organization. He has taken our on-ice performance in Plymouth to another level. I’m proud of the fact that Mike was able to bring home a championship to Plymouth. Mike will now have an opportunity to focus his energies towards running Compuware Arena and the Whalers without the day-to-day time restraints of coaching.”
After losing in the OHL finals in 2000 to Barrie and in 2001 to Ottawa, Vellucci went behind the bench in the summer of 2001 and led Plymouth to the second championship last season in the Whalers' 18-year history.
Vellucci recently became the winningest coach in Plymouth history, compiling a record of 246-132-37-22, good for a .630 winning percentage, second in franchise history behind Paul Maurice (.681), now with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Vellucci became the first American to win the Ontario Hockey League’s Matt Leyden Award last season as Coach of the Year.
Plymouth won four West Division titles and never finished lower than second place during Vellucci’s tenure behind the bench. The Whalers are currently 18-8-1-2 and in third place in the ultra-competitive OHL West, eight points behind the first-place Windsor Spitfires (21-6-2-3) and seven points behind the second-place Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.
Greg Stefan, 46, worked as an assistant for the Whalers originally from 1993-98 and rejoined the Whalers from 2003-05 before moving to the Hurricanes in 2005, helping Carolina to the first Stanley Cup in their history in 2006.
Stefan played in the OHL as a goaltender with the Oshawa Generals from 1978-81 before being selected in the seventh round of the 1981 National Hockey League Entry Draft by the Detroit Red Wings. Stefan turned to coaching after retiring as a player in 1991.
“I’ve worked closely with Greg for a long time and he has been loyal to the organization,” Vellucci said. “He deserves this opportunity to become a head coach. I am confident he will develop our players for the next level and continue our winning tradition. He knows what it takes to make it to the National Hockey League, both as a player and a coach.”
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
IceDiggers home Friday against Marquette
After coming off a 3-2 overtime win on Saturday in Traverse City, the Alpena IceDiggers will get ready for division rival Marquette on Friday as the Rangers will come to Northern Lights Arena for a 7:00 p.m. contest.
Newly-acquired netminder Nick Graves picked up his first win in net on Saturday making 20 saves in the OT win. On Friday afternoon, the IceDiggers landed free-agent defenseman Nick Grasso, who made an immediate impact in his first game picking up an assist and the game-winning goal.
Jimmy McCusker and Bryan Ross tallied the other two makers for Alpena, who improved its record to 13-12-1.
Marquette (16-9-1) comes to Alpena after splitting two games with Mahoning Valley. On Saturday, Mahoning Valley exploded for eight goals in an 8-2 route on the Rangers.
"We have to be better at home," Alpena coach-GM Kenny Miller said. "So far this season, we have not played up to par in our rink. Somehow, we have to find a way to put a string of home wins together and we will get our shot this weekend when a very sound Marquette team comes to town. It will be a challenge."
The IceDiggers have 2-3 record against Marquette and are winless against the Rangers at NLA.
On Saturday, Alpena travels to Marquette to wrap up the home-and-home series at 7:30 p.m.
NOTES
Graves was acquired in a trade from Southern Minnesota last week and in order to make room for Graves, the IceDiggers released goalie Dan Pason.
"Nick was the difference in the game on Saturday," Miller said. "He deserved the win."
Defenseman Anton Thornquist has left the team to pursue other options.
Newly-acquired netminder Nick Graves picked up his first win in net on Saturday making 20 saves in the OT win. On Friday afternoon, the IceDiggers landed free-agent defenseman Nick Grasso, who made an immediate impact in his first game picking up an assist and the game-winning goal.
Jimmy McCusker and Bryan Ross tallied the other two makers for Alpena, who improved its record to 13-12-1.
Marquette (16-9-1) comes to Alpena after splitting two games with Mahoning Valley. On Saturday, Mahoning Valley exploded for eight goals in an 8-2 route on the Rangers.
"We have to be better at home," Alpena coach-GM Kenny Miller said. "So far this season, we have not played up to par in our rink. Somehow, we have to find a way to put a string of home wins together and we will get our shot this weekend when a very sound Marquette team comes to town. It will be a challenge."
The IceDiggers have 2-3 record against Marquette and are winless against the Rangers at NLA.
On Saturday, Alpena travels to Marquette to wrap up the home-and-home series at 7:30 p.m.
NOTES
Graves was acquired in a trade from Southern Minnesota last week and in order to make room for Graves, the IceDiggers released goalie Dan Pason.
"Nick was the difference in the game on Saturday," Miller said. "He deserved the win."
Defenseman Anton Thornquist has left the team to pursue other options.
Whalers call up Donati from London midgets
The Plymouth Whalers have called up defenseman Anthony Donati, selected in the sixth round (109th overall) in last spring's OHL Priority Selection, from the London Junior Knights midgets.This season, Donati (pictured) has scored 10 goals with 14 assists for 24 points and 110 penalty minutes in 36 games.
Donati - no relation to former OHL players Justin and Tyler Donati - will wear No. 21 and is expected to make his Whalers debut Thursday night in Peterborough.
In other Plymouth news, the team acquired the overage rights to Chris Stewart over the weekend from the Kingston Frontenacs for a 15th-round pick in 2011. Stewart is currently with the Lake Erie Monsters of the American Hockey League (under contract with the Colorado Avalanche after he was their first-round pick in 2006) and it is very doubtful he'll report to the Whalers.
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Saginaw makes major swap with Bulls
The Saginaw Spirit completed a trade with the Eastern Conference’s Belleville Bulls today.The Spirit pick up forward Brendan Taylor, goaltender Edward Pasquale, a third-round pick in 2008 and a third-round pick in 2010 for forward Jan Mursak, defenseman Nigel Williams (pictured) and goaltender Parker Van Buskirk.
“We are very excited about the latest additions to our organization,” stated Spirit GM Don Edwards. “Pasquale is one of the best 1990-born goaltenders in Ontario and is someone that we can build on for the future. Taylor will bring a great dynamic to our team as he is a gifted forward who can also help out on special teams play.”
Taylor is a 1989-born native of Oakville, Ontario. In 26 games with the Bulls, he has tallied three goals and 12 assists. Last season, Taylor played with Peterborough Petes, notching 10 goals and 15 assists in 64 games.
Pasquale has played 10 games in net for the Bulls this season, posting a record of 4-4-1-1 with a 2.90 goals-against average and a .900 save percentage. He had his first OHL career shutout against Peterborough on Oct. 13.
"We wish these three young men the best of luck in Belleville," said Edwards. "We as an organization are very appreciative for all of their efforts this past season.”
Mursak is a 1988-born Slovenia native that was selected by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. This season he tallied six goals and 20 assists in 26 games. Mursak is currently away playing in the World Junior Championship ‘B’ pool tournament.
Williams is an Aurora, Ill., native that came to the Spirit from the University of Wisconsin in the early part of the 2006-2007 season. This season he has notched five goals and 19 assists in 29 games. The 1988-born player was selected by the Colorado Avalanche in the second round in 2006.
Van Buskirk is a 1988-born goalie from Windsor, Ontario. This was his first season with the Spirit, after coming to Saginaw via a trade with the Sarnia Sting in the beginning of the season. In 10 games he has posted a record of 5-4-0-0, with a 3.26 goals-against average and a .874 save percentage.
Friday, December 07, 2007
Whalers send Shepley to Brampton
The Plymouth Whalers today traded 20-year-old defenseman Zack Shepley to the Brampton Battalion in exchange for a third-round draft choice in 2010.The deal gets Plymouth to the limit of three overage players (1987 birthdays) as required by Ontario Hockey League rules. The Whalers’ other overage players include center Andrew Fournier, right wing Joe McCann and defenseman Wes Cunningham.
Shepley was originally selected by Plymouth in the tenth round (199th overall) of the 2003 OHL Priority Selection. Shepley developed into an excellent stay-at-home defenseman who was an integral part of the Whalers championship team last season. In 176 career regular season games with Plymouth, Shepley scored two goals with 20 assists for 22 points and 165 penalty minutes.
Shepley has not played this season due to an injury, but has resumed skating over the past couple of weeks and is expected to report to the Battalion ready to play. Brampton hosts Niagara tonight and Sudbury on Sunday.
“We appreciate everything Zack did for us,” Plymouth coach-GM Mike Vellucci said. “He was a big part of our championship team last year. By going to Brampton, he has a chance to play close to home.”
Shepley grew up in Oakville, Ontario, and his family lives in nearby Milton, roughly 15 miles away from Brampton.
Photo by Walt Dmoch/Plymouth Whalers
North Stars gear up for Saturday showdown
Upon first glance, Saturday evening’s showdown at Centre ICE arena between the Traverse City North Stars and Alpena IceDiggers looks like any other intradivisional mid-season contest.
But according to Stars head coach-GM Anthony Palumbo, such games are what will separate the playoff wheat from the stay-home chaff when April rolls around.
“You look at the standings and you see us at the bottom, and yes we do have some games in hand,” Palumbo explained. “But that won’t matter at all if we don’t win the games against the three or four teams we’re in direct competition with for the few playoff spots. This is exactly the kind of game we’ve got to win if we want to play on after the regular season.”
Traverse City, at 9-9-4, has played three fewer games then Alpena, and is three points behind the fifth-place Diggers. The fourth-place U.S. National Team Development Program has played five more contests then the Stars, while third-place – and recently red-hot – Marquette (5-2 last seven) has two games on TC. In fact, only one North American Hockey League team – Alexandria – has played fewer games so far than the North Stars.
“That’s a scheduling quirk, and obviously we’ll all end up with the same number of games played,” Palumbo added. “And that’s why these games are so important if we want to move up.”
The IceDiggers dropped a 4-3 decision at home to the USA Under-17s on Thursday, but also downed mighty Mahoning Valley by a 2-1 count in Youngstown on Saturday. Alpena product Erik Peterson leads the Diggers with 32 points, including 24 assists. He leads the NAHL with 15 power play assists. Jon Puskar (11) and Cheboygan product Isaac Viau (10) are Alpena’s top goal scorers. Nate Pallegrino is 10-6-1 in net for the IceDiggers, but the club just completed a trade for ex-Southern Minnesota netkeep Nick Graves, who started nine games this year for the Express.
For Traverse City, the trigger-happy trio of Nate Urbaniak, Harrison Niemann and Kyle Bonis have been ablaze of late. Urbaniak and Niemann each have nine points over the past, with Urbaniak scoring in four straight contests. Bonis, who joined the team late last month, has made himself at home with a goal and two assists in his three games in a Stars sweater.
“They are working together right now,” Palumbo assessed. “They’re doing all the little things they have to do to score goals.”
Following Saturday’s contest, the North Stars welcome the U-17s to Centre ICE next weekend for a Friday-Saturday series.
But according to Stars head coach-GM Anthony Palumbo, such games are what will separate the playoff wheat from the stay-home chaff when April rolls around.
“You look at the standings and you see us at the bottom, and yes we do have some games in hand,” Palumbo explained. “But that won’t matter at all if we don’t win the games against the three or four teams we’re in direct competition with for the few playoff spots. This is exactly the kind of game we’ve got to win if we want to play on after the regular season.”
Traverse City, at 9-9-4, has played three fewer games then Alpena, and is three points behind the fifth-place Diggers. The fourth-place U.S. National Team Development Program has played five more contests then the Stars, while third-place – and recently red-hot – Marquette (5-2 last seven) has two games on TC. In fact, only one North American Hockey League team – Alexandria – has played fewer games so far than the North Stars.
“That’s a scheduling quirk, and obviously we’ll all end up with the same number of games played,” Palumbo added. “And that’s why these games are so important if we want to move up.”
The IceDiggers dropped a 4-3 decision at home to the USA Under-17s on Thursday, but also downed mighty Mahoning Valley by a 2-1 count in Youngstown on Saturday. Alpena product Erik Peterson leads the Diggers with 32 points, including 24 assists. He leads the NAHL with 15 power play assists. Jon Puskar (11) and Cheboygan product Isaac Viau (10) are Alpena’s top goal scorers. Nate Pallegrino is 10-6-1 in net for the IceDiggers, but the club just completed a trade for ex-Southern Minnesota netkeep Nick Graves, who started nine games this year for the Express.
For Traverse City, the trigger-happy trio of Nate Urbaniak, Harrison Niemann and Kyle Bonis have been ablaze of late. Urbaniak and Niemann each have nine points over the past, with Urbaniak scoring in four straight contests. Bonis, who joined the team late last month, has made himself at home with a goal and two assists in his three games in a Stars sweater.
“They are working together right now,” Palumbo assessed. “They’re doing all the little things they have to do to score goals.”
Following Saturday’s contest, the North Stars welcome the U-17s to Centre ICE next weekend for a Friday-Saturday series.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Whalers host Spits, Colts this weekend
The Plymouth Whalers are home this weekend in their final two home games at Compuware Arena before the Christmas break, hosting Windsor on Friday and Barrie on Saturday. Both games start at 7:05 p.m.Here’s a closer look:
Friday – Windsor (19-6-1-3) at Plymouth (16-8-1-2)
The high-flying Spitfires are off to one of the best starts in their history and are ranked seventh overall in the Canadian Hockey League Mosaik Mastercard Top 10 Rankings. Windsor has defeated Plymouth in three of the four games played between the two teams so far this season.
WHO’S HOT FOR WINDSOR: Former Whalers goaltender Michal Neuvirth (pictured) is 5-1-0-0 since coming over to Windsor in a trade on Nov. 13 and defeated Plymouth, 5-3, on Nov. 16. Neuvirth is second in the OHL with a .928 save percentage. Veteran Bradley Snetsinger (team leading 18-27-45) has five goals against the Whalers this season over four games. Calgary draft choice and Windsor captain Mickey Renaud (12-12-24) and first-rounder Taylor Hall (17-11-28) have also played well against Plymouth this season. Windsor rookie defenseman Ryan Ellis (5-19-24) – a second-round pick - leads all first-year OHL defensemen in scoring.
WHO’S HOT FOR PLYMOUTH: Goaltender Jeremy Smith posted a 7-2-0-1 won-loss record, 1.97 goals-against average and .944 save percentage in November and was named to the United States World Junior Championship team. Smith leads the OHL with a .931 save percentage. Co-captains Chris Terry (18-29-47, 9-14-23 in November) and Andrew Fournier (20-20-40, 10-11-21 in November) led Plymouth in scoring last month. NHL scouts will continue to evaluate AJ Jenks (15-6-21), who is currently ranked ninth overall by the National Hockey League’s Central Scouting Bureau in their preliminary rankings. Carolina prospect Brett Bellemore (3-6-9, team-leading +14) and veteran Wes Cunningham (4-26-30) lead an underrated Plymouth defense.
Saturday – Barrie (16-11-1-1) at Plymouth
It’s Teddy Bear Toss night at Compuware Arena. Fans are encouraged to bring a new stuffed animal to the game and throw it on the ice when the Whalers score their first goal of the evening. The animals with be picked up and, with the help of Plymouth United Way, will find a new home for the holidays.
The Whalers defeated Barrie, 4-1, on Oct. 11 at the Molson Centre.
WHO’S HOT FOR BARRIE: Andrew Perugini (2.75 GAA. .927 save percentage – third in the OHL) is one of the more underrated goaltenders in the OHL. Overager Vladimir Nikiforov (19-27-46) rivals Plymouth’s Vern Cooper as one of the fastest players in the OHL. New York Islanders draft pick Tomas Marcinko (11-9-20 in 18 games) has a history of playing well against the Whalers. Head coach Marty Williamson has done a good job keeping Barrie competitive in the OHL’s Central Division as the Colts have been banged up all season.
Photo by Walt Dmoch/Plymouth Whalers
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
NAHL announces Ann Arbor tournament
The North American Hockey League announced today details on its first annual Top Prospects Tournament, which will be held February 17-19 at the Ice Cube in Ann Arbor.The event will feature all-star teams from the NAHL's Central, North and South Divisions, as well as a team from the U.S. National Team Development Program, competing in a three-game, round-robin tournament.
“This is shaping up to be an exciting event that can’t help but draw a significant number of college and professional scouts,” said NAHL commissioner Mark Frankenfeld.
Each team will consist of a 20-man roster. In the two, six-team divisions - the Central and South – five players will represent the first-place team as of January 1; four will represent the second-place team; three for the third; and two for the fifth- and sixth-place teams. Coaches will also select one wildcard player from each of the two divisions. In the five-team North Division (excluding the NTDP), five players will represent the first-place team as of January 1; four will represent the second-place team; and three will represent the third-, fourth- and fifth-place teams.
Coaches will also select two wildcard players from the division.
The NTDP team will be comprised of players from both the Under-17 and Under-18 Teams.
The rosters will be announced on Monday, January 14.
Coaches for the Top Prospects teams will be selected based on the highest winning percentage in the standings as of January 1. The first-place team’s coach in each division will serve as head coach, while the second-place team’s coach will serve as the assistant coach.
In conjunction with the Top Prospects Tournament, the third and final event of the season's NAHL Midget Showcase Series will be held February 15-18 at the Ice Cube.
A USA Hockey Tier I sanctioned event, the tournament will field 12 teams at the Midget Major level.
Applications, which can be found at nahlmidgetshowcase.com, are still being accepted for the Midget Showcase event, with all teams being notified of their application status by January 1.
More details on the Top Prospects Tournament and the Midget Showcase Series will be released in the coming weeks.
Rangers host Phantoms this weekend
After taking five out of six possible points this past weekend, the Marquette Rangers host the Mahoning Valley Phantoms this Friday and Saturday at Lakeview Arena.
Mahoning Valley and St. Louis are currently tied for the top spot in the North Division with 36 points each while Marquette is alone in third place just five points back.
“Our division is all about opportunity this year,” said Rangers head coach Randy Enders. “We’ve been fortunate enough to put some positive things together against teams beneath us in the standings, and with that create some separation between our team and those behind us. Mahoning presents a great challenge this weekend because not only are they a tremendous team, but this will be the first time in a while we’ve had a chance to head to head with a team in front of us in the standings.
“We’ll learn a lot about the kind of hockey team we are through these games this weekend. If the last three games are any indication, we’ve come quite a ways since the beginning of the season.”
The Rangers beat Traverse City last Thursday and split with the U.S. National Team Development Program Friday and Saturday. The game Saturday saw the Rangers climb back to win 5-4 after trailing 4-1 after two periods.
“Earlier this year who knows how Saturday would have turned out,” Enders said. “But as the season has gone along our older guys have really accepted their roles as leaders and have done a nice job of helping the younger players develop and grow. We’ll need more of that this weekend with Mahoning Valley in town.”
The challenge brought by the Phantoms has resonated in the Rangers locker room as well.
“They’re a good team,” said Rangers defenseman and assistant captain Derek Grogan. “We’re excited to play them because this will be a good measuring stick for where we are so far this season. It’s the kind of challenge you look forward to as a player, so I think we’ll be ready to play Friday and Saturday.”
The Rangers continue to be led in scoring by Aaron Pietila, who had a six-point weekend (three goals, three assists) and now has 30 points on the year with 17 goals and 13 assists.
Goaltender Matt Brooker, who was named North Division Player of The Week for his play against Traverse City and the USNTDP, continues to produce solid numbers for the Rangers this year. He sports a record of 11-2-0 with a goals-against average of 2.83 and a save percentage of .921.
One battle to keep an eye on this weekend may very well be in net, as Brooker and Mahoning Valley goaltender Garrett Bartus are in a statistical dead-heat so far this season featuring near identical numbers going into this weekend.
The Phantoms feature a balanced attack offensively this season with seven players scoring 20 or more points on the year. Mahoning Valley brings with them one of the NAHL’s top scoring threats in Schoolcraft native and Ferris State recruit Derek Graham, who leads the potent attack with 38 points (20 goals, 18 assists,). As a team, Mahoning Valley averages nearly four goals a game on offense.
“They’re as good a team as there is in this league” added Enders. “This will be a great test for our guys, and a terrific weekend of hockey for our fans.
Both games begin at 7:30 at Lakeview Arena.
Mahoning Valley and St. Louis are currently tied for the top spot in the North Division with 36 points each while Marquette is alone in third place just five points back.
“Our division is all about opportunity this year,” said Rangers head coach Randy Enders. “We’ve been fortunate enough to put some positive things together against teams beneath us in the standings, and with that create some separation between our team and those behind us. Mahoning presents a great challenge this weekend because not only are they a tremendous team, but this will be the first time in a while we’ve had a chance to head to head with a team in front of us in the standings.
“We’ll learn a lot about the kind of hockey team we are through these games this weekend. If the last three games are any indication, we’ve come quite a ways since the beginning of the season.”
The Rangers beat Traverse City last Thursday and split with the U.S. National Team Development Program Friday and Saturday. The game Saturday saw the Rangers climb back to win 5-4 after trailing 4-1 after two periods.
“Earlier this year who knows how Saturday would have turned out,” Enders said. “But as the season has gone along our older guys have really accepted their roles as leaders and have done a nice job of helping the younger players develop and grow. We’ll need more of that this weekend with Mahoning Valley in town.”
The challenge brought by the Phantoms has resonated in the Rangers locker room as well.
“They’re a good team,” said Rangers defenseman and assistant captain Derek Grogan. “We’re excited to play them because this will be a good measuring stick for where we are so far this season. It’s the kind of challenge you look forward to as a player, so I think we’ll be ready to play Friday and Saturday.”
The Rangers continue to be led in scoring by Aaron Pietila, who had a six-point weekend (three goals, three assists) and now has 30 points on the year with 17 goals and 13 assists.
Goaltender Matt Brooker, who was named North Division Player of The Week for his play against Traverse City and the USNTDP, continues to produce solid numbers for the Rangers this year. He sports a record of 11-2-0 with a goals-against average of 2.83 and a save percentage of .921.
One battle to keep an eye on this weekend may very well be in net, as Brooker and Mahoning Valley goaltender Garrett Bartus are in a statistical dead-heat so far this season featuring near identical numbers going into this weekend.
The Phantoms feature a balanced attack offensively this season with seven players scoring 20 or more points on the year. Mahoning Valley brings with them one of the NAHL’s top scoring threats in Schoolcraft native and Ferris State recruit Derek Graham, who leads the potent attack with 38 points (20 goals, 18 assists,). As a team, Mahoning Valley averages nearly four goals a game on offense.
“They’re as good a team as there is in this league” added Enders. “This will be a great test for our guys, and a terrific weekend of hockey for our fans.
Both games begin at 7:30 at Lakeview Arena.
Alpena back home tomorrow night
After playing six straight games away from the friendly confides of the Northern Lights Arena, the Alpena IceDiggers return home this Thursday night to take on the USA Under-17 Team.
"It is good to get back here and play in front of the best fans in the league," said coach-GM Kenny Miller.
The IceDiggers are coming off a weekend split against with the Mahoning Valley Phantoms in Ohio. On Friday, the IceDiggers dropped the contest 4-1, but rallied on Saturday to claim a 2-1 victory.
Alpena is currently 12-11-1; Team USA is 12-13-2.
"It is good to get back here and play in front of the best fans in the league," said coach-GM Kenny Miller.
The IceDiggers are coming off a weekend split against with the Mahoning Valley Phantoms in Ohio. On Friday, the IceDiggers dropped the contest 4-1, but rallied on Saturday to claim a 2-1 victory.
Alpena is currently 12-11-1; Team USA is 12-13-2.
Mursak, Smith, Jordan off to WJHC
Saginaw Spirit winger Jan Mursak has taken a temporary leave of absence from the team to participate in the World Junior Championship with Team Slovenia for the second consecutive year.
The IIHF Under-20 Division I ‘B' tournament will take place in Latvia from December 12 through December 18. Mursak tallied five points on three goals and two assists in last year's tournament that saw Slovenia post a record of 1-3-0-0.
“We wish Jan and Team Slovenia the best of luck in the tournament,” stated Spirit GM Don Edwards.
Plymouth Whalers goaltender Jeremy Smith was selected for Team USA and defenseman Michal Jordan has received an invitation to try out for the Czech Republic team.
The IIHF Under-20 Division I ‘B' tournament will take place in Latvia from December 12 through December 18. Mursak tallied five points on three goals and two assists in last year's tournament that saw Slovenia post a record of 1-3-0-0.
“We wish Jan and Team Slovenia the best of luck in the tournament,” stated Spirit GM Don Edwards.
Plymouth Whalers goaltender Jeremy Smith was selected for Team USA and defenseman Michal Jordan has received an invitation to try out for the Czech Republic team.
North Stars tender pair of state midgets
The calendar still says 2007, but Traverse City North Stars coach-GM Anthony Palumbo is already thinking ahead to next fall, locking up a pair of talented 1989 birthdates to tenders for 2008-09: Soo Indians defenseman Bo Jacobs and forward Ryan Amin of Detroit Compuware.
Jacobs would become the sixth former Soo Indians player to don the interlocking ‘TC’; Former Soo alums now in with the North Stars include captain Joe Greener, Kory Kaunisto, Eric McLintock, Eric O’Hearn and Garrett and Marc Thompson.
“Bo’s an offensive defenseman who doesn’t contribute offensively at the expense of his defensive responsibilities,” Palumbo assessed. “He’s got size and skill, and is a hard worker.”
Through 10 Midwest Elite Hockey League games so far this season, Jacobs has five assists and 37 penalty minutes. The 6-foot, 210-pound Jacobs was a First Team All-State performer at Muskegon Reeths-Puffer in 2006-07.
“Bo is an all-around outstanding athlete,” Soo Indians head coach Rick Corbiere said. “He gives 110 percent in everything he does. It seems like he fears nothing and isn’t afraid to push anything to the limits if it helps his team.
“We bring kids here to concentrate on learning the skills to advance to higher levels of hockey. It’s no surprise that Bo will be playing in the NAHL.”
Jacobs says his ultimate goal is similar to that of most juniors – NCAA hockey.
“It’s a good place to live and a good team to play for,” Jacobs said. “I hope to make the team, get some playing time, contribute, and eventually get the scholarship.”
Amin, who came out of the starting block with both guns blazing this season, has a Compuware-leading four goals and five assists through his first eight MWEHL contests. Over his past three seasons – 2004-05 with Compuware’s 1990 team, 2005-06 with Honeybaked’s midget minor club, and 2006-07 with the Honeybaked midget majors – Amin (now 5-foot-10, 180 pounds) has totaled 19 goals and 28 assists in 82 MWEHL outings.
“Ryan is player we’ve been keeping our eye on and we really wanted him here,” Palumbo added. “We’re going to have some offense to replace next season, and we think Ryan could be a part of that.”
Amin, a Canton native, played with current TC defenseman Chris Heineman, when the two were with Honeybaked in 2005-06.
“I came up to Traverse City for pre-season training camp when I was with Honeybaked, and we really liked the city,” Amin explained. “And Chris told me that it was a good place to play. Plus it’s close to home where my parents could still come and watch regularly. I’m pretty excited about the opportunity.”
Jacobs would become the sixth former Soo Indians player to don the interlocking ‘TC’; Former Soo alums now in with the North Stars include captain Joe Greener, Kory Kaunisto, Eric McLintock, Eric O’Hearn and Garrett and Marc Thompson.
“Bo’s an offensive defenseman who doesn’t contribute offensively at the expense of his defensive responsibilities,” Palumbo assessed. “He’s got size and skill, and is a hard worker.”
Through 10 Midwest Elite Hockey League games so far this season, Jacobs has five assists and 37 penalty minutes. The 6-foot, 210-pound Jacobs was a First Team All-State performer at Muskegon Reeths-Puffer in 2006-07.
“Bo is an all-around outstanding athlete,” Soo Indians head coach Rick Corbiere said. “He gives 110 percent in everything he does. It seems like he fears nothing and isn’t afraid to push anything to the limits if it helps his team.
“We bring kids here to concentrate on learning the skills to advance to higher levels of hockey. It’s no surprise that Bo will be playing in the NAHL.”
Jacobs says his ultimate goal is similar to that of most juniors – NCAA hockey.
“It’s a good place to live and a good team to play for,” Jacobs said. “I hope to make the team, get some playing time, contribute, and eventually get the scholarship.”
Amin, who came out of the starting block with both guns blazing this season, has a Compuware-leading four goals and five assists through his first eight MWEHL contests. Over his past three seasons – 2004-05 with Compuware’s 1990 team, 2005-06 with Honeybaked’s midget minor club, and 2006-07 with the Honeybaked midget majors – Amin (now 5-foot-10, 180 pounds) has totaled 19 goals and 28 assists in 82 MWEHL outings.
“Ryan is player we’ve been keeping our eye on and we really wanted him here,” Palumbo added. “We’re going to have some offense to replace next season, and we think Ryan could be a part of that.”
Amin, a Canton native, played with current TC defenseman Chris Heineman, when the two were with Honeybaked in 2005-06.
“I came up to Traverse City for pre-season training camp when I was with Honeybaked, and we really liked the city,” Amin explained. “And Chris told me that it was a good place to play. Plus it’s close to home where my parents could still come and watch regularly. I’m pretty excited about the opportunity.”
Friday, November 30, 2007
Saginaw, Plymouth games postponed
The Ontario Hockey League today confirmed that Kingston Frontenacs players Jonathan Sciacca, 19, and Anthony Peters, 17, and assistant trainer Kurt Pearson, 20, were involved in a vehicle/pedestrian accident around 11:00 a.m. today in Windsor, Ontario.
All three members of the Frontenacs received non-life threatening injuries in the accident and were treated at the hospital in Windsor.
Several players and members of the team's training staff were on a morning walk when the incident occurred. The Frontenacs spent the night in Windsor after playing the Spitfires last night and were scheduled to travel to Michigan to play the Saginaw Spirit tonight and the Plymouth Whalers on Saturday.
Frontenacs' ownership and management along with the league recognize what a traumatic experience this has been for everyone involved and to that end are postponing the balance of the team's western swing in order that the players may be returned home to familiar surroundings and be provided with professional counselling and support as required.
"We appreciate the support of the league as well as the teams in their understanding of this difficult and traumatic experience," said Frontenacs' owner and governor Doug Springer. "At this time our focus is on the well-being of Jonathan, Anthony and Kurt and the well-being of our team as a whole."
Additional details on the postponed games will be provided in the near future.
All three members of the Frontenacs received non-life threatening injuries in the accident and were treated at the hospital in Windsor.
Several players and members of the team's training staff were on a morning walk when the incident occurred. The Frontenacs spent the night in Windsor after playing the Spitfires last night and were scheduled to travel to Michigan to play the Saginaw Spirit tonight and the Plymouth Whalers on Saturday.
Frontenacs' ownership and management along with the league recognize what a traumatic experience this has been for everyone involved and to that end are postponing the balance of the team's western swing in order that the players may be returned home to familiar surroundings and be provided with professional counselling and support as required.
"We appreciate the support of the league as well as the teams in their understanding of this difficult and traumatic experience," said Frontenacs' owner and governor Doug Springer. "At this time our focus is on the well-being of Jonathan, Anthony and Kurt and the well-being of our team as a whole."
Additional details on the postponed games will be provided in the near future.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Plymouth plays three-in-three this weekend
The red-hot Plymouth Whalers are taking the Rebuilding After a Championship Season Theory and throwing it out of Compuware Arena and right onto M-14.The Whalers – 10-1-0-1 since Oct. 26 and currently 16-7-1-1 – are challenging first place Sault Ste. Marie (19-6-1-1) and second place Windsor (17-5-1-3) for the top of the Ontario Hockey League West Division standings. The Whalers have a busy weekend ahead:
Friday – Plymouth (16-7-1-1) at Kitchener (21-3-0-1), 7:30 p.m. Kitchener Memorial Auditorium: The Whalers take on the Rangers – the top-ranked team in the Canadian Hockey League – before what is sure to be a sold-out Kitchener Memorial Auditorium. The Rangers beat Plymouth, 1-0 in overtime, on Sept. 28 in Kitchener.
WHO’S HOT FOR THE WHALERS: Goaltender Jeremy Smith (Brownstown) is the current OHL Boston Pizza Player of the Week and has posted a 1.85 goals-against average, .947 save percentage and 7-1-0-1 won-lost record with three shutouts in November. Defenseman Brett Bellemore (3-6-9, +14) returned from the disabled list at the end of October and has been a big part of the Whalers’ success this month. Chris Terry (17-28-45, +16), Andrew Fournier (20-20-40, +8) and AJ Jenks (15-5-20) lead Plymouth offensively.
WHO’S HOT FOR THE RANGERS: Kitchener's current ten-game stretch of 8-1-0-1 is the same as the Whalers. Rangers are 5-0-0-1 in their last six, the Whalers are 4-0-0-1 in their last five.
Kitchener is hosting the Memorial Cup in May of 2008 and made a bit of a statement Tuesday in hammering London, 7-1. London held the OHL's top scoring line - Kitchener's Justin Azevedo (16-37-53), Nick Spaling (23-19-42) and Matt Halischuk (12-30-42) - off the scoresheet, but it didn't matter. Scott Timmins scored twice for the Rangers and Matt Pepi, Alex Dzielski, Mike Duco, Nazem Kadri and Mikkel Boedker added singles.
Kitchener goaltender Josh Unice comes into this weekend leading the OHL with a 2.25 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage.
Saturday – Kingston (7-15-0-1) at Plymouth, 7:05 p.m., Compuware Arena. No doubt Red Wing fans will go to Joe Louis Arena to watch the Phoenix Coyotes, but fans looking to watch a Red Wing prospect should attend Saturday’s Plymouth-Kingston game.
The Frontenacs feature Red Wing draft pick Cory Emmerton (12-16-28), who has a history of playing well at Compuware Arena. He’s been named the game’s first star for Kingston in the Frontenacs’ last two games at Compuware Arena – Nov. 18, 2006 in a 5-2 win over the Whalers in which he scored two goals and an assist and Nov. 18, 2005 in a 7-5 win over the Whalers in which he also scored two goals with an assist. Emmerton was also the game’s second star on Nov. 22, 2004 in Kingston in a 4-2 victory over Plymouth. Emmerton scored a goal and an assist in that game.
In all, Emmerton has scored six goals with four assists for 10 points in six games against Plymouth in his career.
Emmerton was selected by the Red Wings in the second round (41st overall) of the 2006 National Hockey League Entry Draft.
Sunday – Plymouth at Sarnia (15-12-0-0), 6:05 p.m. The Whalers take on top NHL prospect Steven Stamkos (25-20-45), who scored the game-winning goal for the Sting against Plymouth in a 3-2 victory on Oct. 24 at Compuware Arena.
Kitchener is hosting the Memorial Cup in May of 2008 and made a bit of a statement Tuesday in hammering London, 7-1. London held the OHL's top scoring line - Kitchener's Justin Azevedo (16-37-53), Nick Spaling (23-19-42) and Matt Halischuk (12-30-42) - off the scoresheet, but it didn't matter. Scott Timmins scored twice for the Rangers and Matt Pepi, Alex Dzielski, Mike Duco, Nazem Kadri and Mikkel Boedker added singles.
Kitchener goaltender Josh Unice comes into this weekend leading the OHL with a 2.25 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage.
Saturday – Kingston (7-15-0-1) at Plymouth, 7:05 p.m., Compuware Arena. No doubt Red Wing fans will go to Joe Louis Arena to watch the Phoenix Coyotes, but fans looking to watch a Red Wing prospect should attend Saturday’s Plymouth-Kingston game.
The Frontenacs feature Red Wing draft pick Cory Emmerton (12-16-28), who has a history of playing well at Compuware Arena. He’s been named the game’s first star for Kingston in the Frontenacs’ last two games at Compuware Arena – Nov. 18, 2006 in a 5-2 win over the Whalers in which he scored two goals and an assist and Nov. 18, 2005 in a 7-5 win over the Whalers in which he also scored two goals with an assist. Emmerton was also the game’s second star on Nov. 22, 2004 in Kingston in a 4-2 victory over Plymouth. Emmerton scored a goal and an assist in that game.
In all, Emmerton has scored six goals with four assists for 10 points in six games against Plymouth in his career.
Emmerton was selected by the Red Wings in the second round (41st overall) of the 2006 National Hockey League Entry Draft.
Sunday – Plymouth at Sarnia (15-12-0-0), 6:05 p.m. The Whalers take on top NHL prospect Steven Stamkos (25-20-45), who scored the game-winning goal for the Sting against Plymouth in a 3-2 victory on Oct. 24 at Compuware Arena.
Emmerton photo by Walt Dmoch/Plymouth Whalers.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Rangers return home for three games
Fresh off a weekend sweep of the U.S. National Team Development Program in Ann Arbor, the Marquette Rangers return to Lakeview Arena for a rematch with the USNTDP Friday and Saturday, as well as a Challenge Cup series match-up Thursday evening with Traverse City.
Marquette currently sits alone in third place in the North American Hockey League’s North Division with 26 points while the USNTDP is in fourth place just two points back. Traverse City is currently in sixth place in the North Division with 22 points.
“It’s another big weekend for us,” said Rangers head coach Randy Enders. “The fact that it is so close proves what we’ve been saying is true: our division is going to be tight all year. Every game is going to count and we need to be mentally and physically ready to go at all times. We took a big step last weekend in Ann Arbor, now we have to take the next step in developing as a team this weekend and give our fans a good weekend of hockey here at Lakeview.”
Thursday’s game with Traverse City will be the first opportunity for Rangers’ fans to see the Smith Barney Challenge Cup this season. The Challenge Cup is sponsored by Smith Barney offices in both Marquette and Traverse City and is awarded at the end of the year to the team who wins the season series between the two rivals. The North Stars lead the series two games to none with a pair of wins at Centre Ice in Traverse City in early October. A total of 12 regular season games between the two teams are scheduled this year.
Marquette’s Aaron Pietila has scored goals in three out of the Rangers’ last four games, including a four-point weekend at Ann Arbor in the sweep of the USNTDP (2g, 2a.) Pietila has now taken the lead in overall scoring for the Rangers with 24 points on the season. Josh Bussell heads a group of nine other Rangers scoring in double digits so far this season.
Two Rangers defensemen are currently among the top players in NAHL scoring this year. Derek Grogan is second among blueliners in goals this season with seven, while Nick Condon is fourth in the league for point production for a defenseman with 19 (1g, 18a).
Matt Brooker continues his strong play in goal for Marquette, improving to 9-2 on the season with a 2.70 goals-against average and a save percentage of .922.
Eight of the next nine games for the Rangers will be played on home ice leading up to the NAHL holiday break in late December.
“We wanted to be on solid footing by the time this homestand rolled around,” Enders added. “As a coach, you’re never satisfied with third place, but with the North Division being as tough as it is, we’re certainly not unhappy about where we are and with the opportunity to hopefully do well during this stretch of home games.”
Marquette currently sits alone in third place in the North American Hockey League’s North Division with 26 points while the USNTDP is in fourth place just two points back. Traverse City is currently in sixth place in the North Division with 22 points.
“It’s another big weekend for us,” said Rangers head coach Randy Enders. “The fact that it is so close proves what we’ve been saying is true: our division is going to be tight all year. Every game is going to count and we need to be mentally and physically ready to go at all times. We took a big step last weekend in Ann Arbor, now we have to take the next step in developing as a team this weekend and give our fans a good weekend of hockey here at Lakeview.”
Thursday’s game with Traverse City will be the first opportunity for Rangers’ fans to see the Smith Barney Challenge Cup this season. The Challenge Cup is sponsored by Smith Barney offices in both Marquette and Traverse City and is awarded at the end of the year to the team who wins the season series between the two rivals. The North Stars lead the series two games to none with a pair of wins at Centre Ice in Traverse City in early October. A total of 12 regular season games between the two teams are scheduled this year.
Marquette’s Aaron Pietila has scored goals in three out of the Rangers’ last four games, including a four-point weekend at Ann Arbor in the sweep of the USNTDP (2g, 2a.) Pietila has now taken the lead in overall scoring for the Rangers with 24 points on the season. Josh Bussell heads a group of nine other Rangers scoring in double digits so far this season.
Two Rangers defensemen are currently among the top players in NAHL scoring this year. Derek Grogan is second among blueliners in goals this season with seven, while Nick Condon is fourth in the league for point production for a defenseman with 19 (1g, 18a).
Matt Brooker continues his strong play in goal for Marquette, improving to 9-2 on the season with a 2.70 goals-against average and a save percentage of .922.
Eight of the next nine games for the Rangers will be played on home ice leading up to the NAHL holiday break in late December.
“We wanted to be on solid footing by the time this homestand rolled around,” Enders added. “As a coach, you’re never satisfied with third place, but with the North Division being as tough as it is, we’re certainly not unhappy about where we are and with the opportunity to hopefully do well during this stretch of home games.”
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Rangers off to Ann Arbor this weekend
The Marquette Rangers take to the road this weekend for a key matchup with the U.S. National Team Development Program Under-17 team based in Ann Arbor.
Marquette currently sits alone in third place in the North American Hockey League North Division with 22 points (11 wins, eight losses). The NTDP is in a fourth-place tie with Alpena just one point behind.
“We knew at the beginning of the season that our division was going to be very tight,” said Rangers head coach Randy Enders. “The balance we’ve seen in our division has been amazing and we’re not even to December yet. It’s great for all involved because it forces us to be at the top of our game every weekend because if you’re not, you’re going to lose ground quick - ground you may never make up during the season.
“With young men like we have in our league, it’s a great lesson on being prepared and what it takes to win at a very high level. We as coaches can see the growth almost on a daily basis from the guys who show up ready to go. It’s very rewarding when you can see the switch get turned on in a players head, because you know he’ll be ready for the next challenge.”
Marquette is coming off a split at Lakeview Arena against the IceDiggers, winning 4-1 on Friday before falling 2-1 on Saturday night.
Team USA, following a silver medal at the Four Nations Cup in Russia traveled to St. Louis and split with the defending Robertson Cup champion Bandits, losing 5-3 Friday and winning on Saturday by a score of 7-3.
The two teams split their only other weekend together in late September in Marquette with the NTDP winning the first night 5-3. The Rangers held on for a 6-4 win on Saturday night.
The Rangers have been getting solid goaltending so far this season from second-year Ranger Matt Brooker. The Richmond, Virginia native sports a record of 8-2 on the year with a 2.88 goals-against average and a save percentage of .919.
Offensively, Aaron Pietila (Brighton) and Josh Bussell (LaSalle) lead the team with 20 points each. Ten Rangers have double-digit point totals so far on the season.
The NTDP, coached by former Michigan Tech standout Ron Rolston, is led by Jeremy Morin’s 15 points (11 goals, four assists) on the season.
Marquette currently sits alone in third place in the North American Hockey League North Division with 22 points (11 wins, eight losses). The NTDP is in a fourth-place tie with Alpena just one point behind.
“We knew at the beginning of the season that our division was going to be very tight,” said Rangers head coach Randy Enders. “The balance we’ve seen in our division has been amazing and we’re not even to December yet. It’s great for all involved because it forces us to be at the top of our game every weekend because if you’re not, you’re going to lose ground quick - ground you may never make up during the season.
“With young men like we have in our league, it’s a great lesson on being prepared and what it takes to win at a very high level. We as coaches can see the growth almost on a daily basis from the guys who show up ready to go. It’s very rewarding when you can see the switch get turned on in a players head, because you know he’ll be ready for the next challenge.”
Marquette is coming off a split at Lakeview Arena against the IceDiggers, winning 4-1 on Friday before falling 2-1 on Saturday night.
Team USA, following a silver medal at the Four Nations Cup in Russia traveled to St. Louis and split with the defending Robertson Cup champion Bandits, losing 5-3 Friday and winning on Saturday by a score of 7-3.
The two teams split their only other weekend together in late September in Marquette with the NTDP winning the first night 5-3. The Rangers held on for a 6-4 win on Saturday night.
The Rangers have been getting solid goaltending so far this season from second-year Ranger Matt Brooker. The Richmond, Virginia native sports a record of 8-2 on the year with a 2.88 goals-against average and a save percentage of .919.
Offensively, Aaron Pietila (Brighton) and Josh Bussell (LaSalle) lead the team with 20 points each. Ten Rangers have double-digit point totals so far on the season.
The NTDP, coached by former Michigan Tech standout Ron Rolston, is led by Jeremy Morin’s 15 points (11 goals, four assists) on the season.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Whalers play three in four this week
With a 13-7-1-1 record, two consecutive sellouts last week and three straight home games at Compuware Arena this week, the Plymouth Whalers look to continue to move up the Ontario Hockey League’s West Division standings.
The Whalers host West Division rivals Saginaw on Wednesday at 7:05 p.m. and Sault Ste. Marie on Friday afternoon at 2 p.m. before hosting the Sudbury Wolves this Saturday at 7:05 p.m.
Here’s a look at each game:
Wednesday – Saginaw (9-9-2-1) at Plymouth (13-7-1-1), 7:05 p.m., Compuware Arena: The Spirit and Whalers meet for the first of eight games this season, and there’s added spice to the rivalry with former Plymouth assistant coach Todd Watson taking over as head coach in Saginaw. The Spirit is getting excellent seasons from veterans Jack Combs (13-20-33), Ryan McDonough (15-11-26) and New York Rangers draft choice Tomas Zaborsky (12-12-24). Detroit Red Wings prospect Jan Mursak (5-16-21) plays with speed.
The Whalers are led offensively by Carolina draft pick Chris Terry (15-26-41, +15) and veteran Andrew Fournier (19-17-36, +7), who comes into the weekend with a 13-game scoring streak (11-12-23) dating back to Oct. 19. Plymouth is led defensively by Wes Cunningham (3-23-26, +6) and Carolina prospect Brett Bellemore (3-6-9, +13 in 10 games). With the trade of Michal Neuvirth last week to Windsor, Brownstown’s Jeremy Smith has taken over the Whalers’ lead goaltending position and has posted a 2.78 goals against average and .925 save percentage in 12 games. Smith is a candidate to represent the United States in the World Junior Championship over the Christmas holidays in the Czech Republic.
Friday – Sault Ste. Marie (16-5-1-1) at Plymouth, 2:00 p.m., Compuware Arena. The Greyhounds are battling with Windsor and Kitchener for the top spot overall in the OHL standings. Head coach Craig Hartsburg is receiving good years from goaltender Kyle Gajewski (2.46, .913 in 19 games), defenseman Josh Godfrey (8-13-21, +9) and leading scorer and center Dustin Jeffrey (14-23-37, +5) – a Pittsburgh Penguins’ draft choice who has already been signed by the Penguins. Sault Ste. Marie defeated Plymouth, 4-2, on Oct. 14 at the Steelback Centre in Sault Ste. Marie.
Saturday – Sudbury (7-16-0-0) at Plymouth, 7:05 p.m., Compuware Arena. After playing in the Rogers Ontario Hockey League Championship Series last year and losing to the Whalers in six games, the Wolves are rebuilding under general manager and head coach Mike Foligno. The Wolves depend heavily on veteran goaltender Sebastian Dahm (3.62, .910 in 18 games) and veterans forwards Kevin Baker (13-9-22) and Patrik Lusnak (6-16-22) and second-year right wing Jared Staal (8-7-15). Plymouth defeated Sudbury, 6-5, at the Sudbury Community Arena on Oct. 13.
The Whalers host West Division rivals Saginaw on Wednesday at 7:05 p.m. and Sault Ste. Marie on Friday afternoon at 2 p.m. before hosting the Sudbury Wolves this Saturday at 7:05 p.m.
Here’s a look at each game:
Wednesday – Saginaw (9-9-2-1) at Plymouth (13-7-1-1), 7:05 p.m., Compuware Arena: The Spirit and Whalers meet for the first of eight games this season, and there’s added spice to the rivalry with former Plymouth assistant coach Todd Watson taking over as head coach in Saginaw. The Spirit is getting excellent seasons from veterans Jack Combs (13-20-33), Ryan McDonough (15-11-26) and New York Rangers draft choice Tomas Zaborsky (12-12-24). Detroit Red Wings prospect Jan Mursak (5-16-21) plays with speed.
The Whalers are led offensively by Carolina draft pick Chris Terry (15-26-41, +15) and veteran Andrew Fournier (19-17-36, +7), who comes into the weekend with a 13-game scoring streak (11-12-23) dating back to Oct. 19. Plymouth is led defensively by Wes Cunningham (3-23-26, +6) and Carolina prospect Brett Bellemore (3-6-9, +13 in 10 games). With the trade of Michal Neuvirth last week to Windsor, Brownstown’s Jeremy Smith has taken over the Whalers’ lead goaltending position and has posted a 2.78 goals against average and .925 save percentage in 12 games. Smith is a candidate to represent the United States in the World Junior Championship over the Christmas holidays in the Czech Republic.
Friday – Sault Ste. Marie (16-5-1-1) at Plymouth, 2:00 p.m., Compuware Arena. The Greyhounds are battling with Windsor and Kitchener for the top spot overall in the OHL standings. Head coach Craig Hartsburg is receiving good years from goaltender Kyle Gajewski (2.46, .913 in 19 games), defenseman Josh Godfrey (8-13-21, +9) and leading scorer and center Dustin Jeffrey (14-23-37, +5) – a Pittsburgh Penguins’ draft choice who has already been signed by the Penguins. Sault Ste. Marie defeated Plymouth, 4-2, on Oct. 14 at the Steelback Centre in Sault Ste. Marie.
Saturday – Sudbury (7-16-0-0) at Plymouth, 7:05 p.m., Compuware Arena. After playing in the Rogers Ontario Hockey League Championship Series last year and losing to the Whalers in six games, the Wolves are rebuilding under general manager and head coach Mike Foligno. The Wolves depend heavily on veteran goaltender Sebastian Dahm (3.62, .910 in 18 games) and veterans forwards Kevin Baker (13-9-22) and Patrik Lusnak (6-16-22) and second-year right wing Jared Staal (8-7-15). Plymouth defeated Sudbury, 6-5, at the Sudbury Community Arena on Oct. 13.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Alpena travels to Traverse City Wednesday
The Alpena IceDiggers will travel to Traverse City to play in the traditional Wednesday-before-Thanksgiving contest against the North Stars for the third straight year. Faceoff is set for 7:05 p.m.
The IceDiggers are coming off a split with the Marquette Rangers last weekend in Marquette. Traverse City hosted Mahoning Valley for three in a row coming out on top in only one game.
Prior to Saturday's win, the IceDiggers were in the midst of a three-game losing streak - their longest dating back to February of last season.
"We played well enough early in the game to get the win," Alpena coach-GM Kenny Miller said. "Credit (goalie) Nate (Pellegrino) as he was the difference on Saturday."
Alpena is currently 10-9-1 good for 21 points, while Traverse City sits at 8-6-4 with 20 points.
The IceDiggers wrap up the weekend with a road game in Ann Arbor on Sunday at 3:00 p.m. against the National Team Development Program.
NOTES
The IceDigger players and coaching staff will be able to enjoy Thanksgiving with family members as the team will be giving the holiday off to travel home and return for Sunday's game in Ann Arbor. "We all know how much these guys sacrifice to play hockey at this level, so to be able to let them go home and enjoy some time with their families will mean a lot to them," said Miller. Players that are unable to travel home for the holiday will travel with their teammates or enjoy the holiday with their billet families.
Pellegrino is ranked tenth in the NAHL among goaltenders with a 8-4-1 record, one shutout and a .906 save percentage.
Assistant captain Erik Peterson has a point in 16 of Alpena's 20 games so far this season for a total of 28 points.
Carl Nielsen is ranked 16th in scoring among defensemen with four goals and six assists for 10 points.
Jerrod Hartman was recruited this summer to add scoring to the IceDiggers lineup, but now the first-year player is going to be counted on to help stop the other team from scoring as Miller has moved Hartman to defense. "Jerrod is one of our best skaters," Miller said. "He can make a difference back there with his skill." Hartman played defense in both games last week in Marquette.
The IceDiggers are ranked third overall on the power-play with a 19.69%. Alpena has scored 25 of their 62 goals with the man advantage. However, the team has allowed five shorthanded goals.
The penalty kill is a different story. Alpena has allowed 23 power-play goals against and has a rating of 79.46%. Alpena has one shorthanded goal to their credit.
The IceDiggers are coming off a split with the Marquette Rangers last weekend in Marquette. Traverse City hosted Mahoning Valley for three in a row coming out on top in only one game.
Prior to Saturday's win, the IceDiggers were in the midst of a three-game losing streak - their longest dating back to February of last season.
"We played well enough early in the game to get the win," Alpena coach-GM Kenny Miller said. "Credit (goalie) Nate (Pellegrino) as he was the difference on Saturday."
Alpena is currently 10-9-1 good for 21 points, while Traverse City sits at 8-6-4 with 20 points.
The IceDiggers wrap up the weekend with a road game in Ann Arbor on Sunday at 3:00 p.m. against the National Team Development Program.
NOTES
The IceDigger players and coaching staff will be able to enjoy Thanksgiving with family members as the team will be giving the holiday off to travel home and return for Sunday's game in Ann Arbor. "We all know how much these guys sacrifice to play hockey at this level, so to be able to let them go home and enjoy some time with their families will mean a lot to them," said Miller. Players that are unable to travel home for the holiday will travel with their teammates or enjoy the holiday with their billet families.
Pellegrino is ranked tenth in the NAHL among goaltenders with a 8-4-1 record, one shutout and a .906 save percentage.
Assistant captain Erik Peterson has a point in 16 of Alpena's 20 games so far this season for a total of 28 points.
Carl Nielsen is ranked 16th in scoring among defensemen with four goals and six assists for 10 points.
Jerrod Hartman was recruited this summer to add scoring to the IceDiggers lineup, but now the first-year player is going to be counted on to help stop the other team from scoring as Miller has moved Hartman to defense. "Jerrod is one of our best skaters," Miller said. "He can make a difference back there with his skill." Hartman played defense in both games last week in Marquette.
The IceDiggers are ranked third overall on the power-play with a 19.69%. Alpena has scored 25 of their 62 goals with the man advantage. However, the team has allowed five shorthanded goals.
The penalty kill is a different story. Alpena has allowed 23 power-play goals against and has a rating of 79.46%. Alpena has one shorthanded goal to their credit.
Kaunisto back with North Stars
When Kory Kaunsito decided this summer to play for the Waterloo Blackhawks of the United States Hockey League this season, Traverse City North Stars coach-GM Anthony Palumbo left the door open a crack.
On Monday, Kaunisto came back through that door, and into the Stars’ dressing room.
The Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. native – who played for Traverse City last season - will be in a TC sweater again on Wednesday when the Alpena IceDiggers visit Centre ICE arena for the clubs’ traditional Thanksgiving Eve clash.
“We’re thrilled to get Kory back,” Palumbo said. “He instantly adds another dimension to our club, especially offensively. He will step in and help this team right away, no question about it. He’s also a guy with tremendous character, which is among the chief reasons we were so eager to have him back.”
Kaunisto, who had a goal and a pair of assists in seven games this season in Waterloo, played 61 contests for the North Stars in 2006-07 and recorded six goals and 16 assists. A tremendous student, Kaunisto was tabbed as the league’s top scholar, winning the NAHL Academic Achievement Awards following the season.
“I like the town and I have a lot of friends here,” said Kaunisto, who is likely to head to Northern Michigan University to play for the Wildcats on scholarship in 2008-09. “I’m excited to be back. There are a lot of veteran guys here, and a lot of younger talents, too. I think this is a group that can contend for a title, and I just want to be a part of it.”
Kaunisto said a lack of ice time in Waterloo prompted his decision to return.
“Waterloo wouldn’t give me my outright release, and their price was too high for other teams to trade for me,” he explained. “Basically, I just want to play hockey, and I’m looking forward to just getting out there again and try to contribute to team success.”
Palumbo says that ice time won’t be a problem in Traverse City, where Kaunisto will start off on a line with leading goal-scorer Matt Hughes and Joe Greener.
“He’ll see time on the power play, on the penalty kill – we’ll make sure we get some minutes out of him. I know Joe and Matt will be excited.”
The North Stars-IceDiggers contest on Wednesday is slated for a 7 p.m. face-off.
On Monday, Kaunisto came back through that door, and into the Stars’ dressing room.
The Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. native – who played for Traverse City last season - will be in a TC sweater again on Wednesday when the Alpena IceDiggers visit Centre ICE arena for the clubs’ traditional Thanksgiving Eve clash.
“We’re thrilled to get Kory back,” Palumbo said. “He instantly adds another dimension to our club, especially offensively. He will step in and help this team right away, no question about it. He’s also a guy with tremendous character, which is among the chief reasons we were so eager to have him back.”
Kaunisto, who had a goal and a pair of assists in seven games this season in Waterloo, played 61 contests for the North Stars in 2006-07 and recorded six goals and 16 assists. A tremendous student, Kaunisto was tabbed as the league’s top scholar, winning the NAHL Academic Achievement Awards following the season.
“I like the town and I have a lot of friends here,” said Kaunisto, who is likely to head to Northern Michigan University to play for the Wildcats on scholarship in 2008-09. “I’m excited to be back. There are a lot of veteran guys here, and a lot of younger talents, too. I think this is a group that can contend for a title, and I just want to be a part of it.”
Kaunisto said a lack of ice time in Waterloo prompted his decision to return.
“Waterloo wouldn’t give me my outright release, and their price was too high for other teams to trade for me,” he explained. “Basically, I just want to play hockey, and I’m looking forward to just getting out there again and try to contribute to team success.”
Palumbo says that ice time won’t be a problem in Traverse City, where Kaunisto will start off on a line with leading goal-scorer Matt Hughes and Joe Greener.
“He’ll see time on the power play, on the penalty kill – we’ll make sure we get some minutes out of him. I know Joe and Matt will be excited.”
The North Stars-IceDiggers contest on Wednesday is slated for a 7 p.m. face-off.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
IceDiggers travel to Marquette this weekend
When the Alpena IceDiggers head north on Friday for a two-game set against the Marquette Rangers, some will wonder if they should be called the road warriors.
Nine of their next 13 games are away from Northern Lights Arena with six in a row starting on Friday.
The IceDiggers will not return for another home game until Dec. 6 when they play host to the USA Under-17 Team. That is a span of 21 days without a home game.
"This road swing is very important for our season," Alpena coach-GM Kenny Miller said. "We have not been the best at home, so going on the road may be a good thing for us. This will give us a chance to spend a lot of time together as a team."
This weekend's trip to Marquette marks the first back-to-back road games for the 'Diggers since the NAHL Showcase in mid-September. During this six game road trip, the IceDiggers will travel to every team in the division except St. Louis.
The IceDiggers are 4-1-1 on the road this season, 3-0-1 in division play and 1-1 at the NAHL Showcase.
"We have played well on the road so far this season," added Miller. "Our hockey club has a point in every game expect one and that was at the showcase."
Alpena has an overall record of 9-8-1 for 19 points, while Marquette is sitting one point ahead of the IceDiggers with 20 points and a record of 10-7-0.
DIGGER NOTES:
Bryan Ross has eight points in six games since being acquired from the St. Louis Bandits.
Newly-acquired goaltender Matt Ferraro will wear No. 37 this weekend.
Several IceDiggers spent the afternoon on Thursday at Northern Lights Arena with students from Immanuel Lutheran School. Over 150 students participated in the open skate and enjoyed lunch with the players.
Alpena native Erik Peterson leads the team in scoring with 26 points in 19 games.
Nine of their next 13 games are away from Northern Lights Arena with six in a row starting on Friday.
The IceDiggers will not return for another home game until Dec. 6 when they play host to the USA Under-17 Team. That is a span of 21 days without a home game.
"This road swing is very important for our season," Alpena coach-GM Kenny Miller said. "We have not been the best at home, so going on the road may be a good thing for us. This will give us a chance to spend a lot of time together as a team."
This weekend's trip to Marquette marks the first back-to-back road games for the 'Diggers since the NAHL Showcase in mid-September. During this six game road trip, the IceDiggers will travel to every team in the division except St. Louis.
The IceDiggers are 4-1-1 on the road this season, 3-0-1 in division play and 1-1 at the NAHL Showcase.
"We have played well on the road so far this season," added Miller. "Our hockey club has a point in every game expect one and that was at the showcase."
Alpena has an overall record of 9-8-1 for 19 points, while Marquette is sitting one point ahead of the IceDiggers with 20 points and a record of 10-7-0.
DIGGER NOTES:
Bryan Ross has eight points in six games since being acquired from the St. Louis Bandits.
Newly-acquired goaltender Matt Ferraro will wear No. 37 this weekend.
Several IceDiggers spent the afternoon on Thursday at Northern Lights Arena with students from Immanuel Lutheran School. Over 150 students participated in the open skate and enjoyed lunch with the players.
Alpena native Erik Peterson leads the team in scoring with 26 points in 19 games.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Alpena adds goaltender Ferraro
The Alpena IceDiggers added goaltender Matt Ferraro today from the Cowichan Valley Capitals of the British Columbia Hockey League."We felt we needed to bring in a new guy," Alpena coach-GM Kenny Miller said. "Not all of our defensive struggles have not been a result of our goaltending, but we think we can be better in goal and that is why we have added Matt."
The Trail, B.C., native played in 10 games for Cowichan Valley, recording a record of 4-3-0 after starting the season with three straight wins. Prior to playing in the BCHL, the 19-year-old spent three seasons playing Junior B in Canada with the Beaver Valley Nitehawks and the Castlegar Rebels in the KIJHL.
Ferraro arrived in Alpena for practice on Tuesday and will travel with the team this weekend to Marquette for a two-game set against the Rangers Friday and Saturday. Both games start at 7:30 p.m. at Lakeview Arena.
"As an organization, we are always trying to make our hockey team better and by adding Matt we think we have done that." added Miller. "We will take a hard look at our goaltending situation and make a decision that is best for the entire club."
Matt's father, Ray, spent 18 years playing in the National Hockey League and his younger bother Landon, 16, is a member of the Red Deer Rebels of the Western Hockey League.
O'Connor dealt from Plymouth to London
The Plymouth Whalers announced the trade of 20-year-old right wing Sean O’Connor to the London Knights today in exchange for a fifth-round draft choice in 2009.Ontario Hockey League teams have until tomorrow to cut down to four 1987 birthdays on their respective rosters. The Whalers started the season with five overagers on the roster – defenseman Wes Cunningham, center Andrew Fournier, right wing Joe McCann, defenseman Zack Shepley and O’Connor on the roster. Teams can play only three overagers at one time and Shepley is currently hurt.
OHL teams have to cut to three overagers by Jan. 10.
Plymouth acquired O’Connor last season on Jan. 9 at the trading deadline from Erie for defenseman Frank Grzeszczak. O’Connor helped the Whalers win the OHL championship, scoring nine goals with 17 assists for 26 points in 28 regular-season games. He also scored seven goals and eight assists for 15 points in 25 playoff games for Plymouth.
O’Connor underwent shoulder surgery last summer and made his season debut this season for Plymouth on Oct. 11 in Barrie. In eight games this season, O’Connor had two assists for the Whalers.
Photo by Walt Dmoch/Plymouth Whalers
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Rangers ready for battle with Alpena
After splitting their series at Fargo-Moorhead this past weekend, the Marquette Rangers return home to Lakeview Arena this Friday and Saturday to battle North Division rivals, the Alpena IceDiggers.
Marquette leads Alpena by one point in the race for third place in the division.
“It’s a great rivalry” said Rangers forward and assistant captain Dustin Partacz. “You always have to be ready when Alpena comes to town because it’s really intense when we play one another. We see them so many times during the year (12 games in the regular season) that we know each others’ game plan so the games will always be tight and close.”
Marquette lost last Friday at Fargo-Moorhead 6-3, but came back to win on Saturday, 5-2, behind two goals from Josh Bussell and a 30-save effort by goaltender Matt Brooker.
Alpena, meanwhile, was swept at home by Mahoning Valley by scores of 4-3 and 2-1.
The Rangers and IceDiggers have played three times this season, with Marquette winning two times, Alpena once. The home team has yet to win a game in the series this year.
The tightness of the race between the two teams is no surprise to Rangers head coach Randy Enders.
“When you play a team as often as we play Alpena or Traverse City for that matter; it’s only natural that it will be close every game," Enders said. "It’s sounds like a cliché, but it’s true that in a rivalry like this every second of every shift becomes crucial to our success. It makes the players more focused, and it makes them work harder which will obviously help them grow and be better hockey players.
“It’s also great for the fans because they get the best efforts from both teams every time we play, which guarantees a great night of hockey to come watch.”
Marquette is led in scoring by Bussell’s 20 points (9g, 11a), but the Rangers do boast having ten players on the roster in double figure in point production so far this season.
“That’s huge” Enders added. “When you can achieve balance it makes you more dangerous. We’re harder to defend when we have more than just a few guys scoring goals, it’s a trend I hope we continue for a long time this season because it not only helps us with games it help our guys’ confidence as the grind of the long season kicks in.”
Marquette leads Alpena by one point in the race for third place in the division.
“It’s a great rivalry” said Rangers forward and assistant captain Dustin Partacz. “You always have to be ready when Alpena comes to town because it’s really intense when we play one another. We see them so many times during the year (12 games in the regular season) that we know each others’ game plan so the games will always be tight and close.”
Marquette lost last Friday at Fargo-Moorhead 6-3, but came back to win on Saturday, 5-2, behind two goals from Josh Bussell and a 30-save effort by goaltender Matt Brooker.
Alpena, meanwhile, was swept at home by Mahoning Valley by scores of 4-3 and 2-1.
The Rangers and IceDiggers have played three times this season, with Marquette winning two times, Alpena once. The home team has yet to win a game in the series this year.
The tightness of the race between the two teams is no surprise to Rangers head coach Randy Enders.
“When you play a team as often as we play Alpena or Traverse City for that matter; it’s only natural that it will be close every game," Enders said. "It’s sounds like a cliché, but it’s true that in a rivalry like this every second of every shift becomes crucial to our success. It makes the players more focused, and it makes them work harder which will obviously help them grow and be better hockey players.
“It’s also great for the fans because they get the best efforts from both teams every time we play, which guarantees a great night of hockey to come watch.”
Marquette is led in scoring by Bussell’s 20 points (9g, 11a), but the Rangers do boast having ten players on the roster in double figure in point production so far this season.
“That’s huge” Enders added. “When you can achieve balance it makes you more dangerous. We’re harder to defend when we have more than just a few guys scoring goals, it’s a trend I hope we continue for a long time this season because it not only helps us with games it help our guys’ confidence as the grind of the long season kicks in.”
Whalers trade Neuvirth, Kane to Windsor
The Plymouth Whalers acquired 17-year-old Import defenseman Michal Jordan, goaltender Matt Hackett (also 17), Barrie’s second-round selection in the 2008 OHL Priority Selection and a third-round selection in 2009 from the Windsor Spitfires in exchange for goaltender Michal Neuvirth, defenseman Tom Kane and Plymouth’s fourth-round selection in 2009.The trade alleviates Plymouth’s crowded goaltending situation, with both Neuvirth - a second-round pick of the Washington Capitals in 2006 - and Jeremy Smith (second-round pick of the Nashville Predators last summer) sharing time in goal since the start of last season. Smith will now be the No. 1 goaltender in Plymouth, with Hackett as a promising young backup.
“With two goaltenders that are second-round NHL picks on one team and sharing duties, I felt I owed it to both Jeremy and Michal to find a place for them to play,” Plymouth coach-GM Mike Vellucci said. “We won a championship with them last year. Now, they both get a chance to play regularly.”
Neuvirth and Smith backstopped Plymouth to the OHL championship last season. The duo won the Dave Pinkney Trophy in allowing a league-low 173 goals. Neuvirth played most of the way in the 2007 playoffs, posting a 2.54 goals-against average and .927 save percentage while going 16-5-2 in 23 games. Neuvirth was awarded the F.W. “Dinty” Moore Award last season when he led all OHL goaltenders with the 2.32 goals-against average in 41 games.
Neuvirth posted a 2.38 goals-against average, .931 save percentage and a 31-12-3-2 won loss record with the Whalers in his career.
Kane – Plymouth’s third-round choice in 2006 – made the Whalers this year and was scoreless in 13 games.
Jordan (pronounced “Mee-kel Yor-DAN”) was selected by Windsor in the first round (eighth overall) of the 2007 Canadian Hockey League Import Draft and is considered a future National Hockey League prospect. Jordan – from Zlin, Czech Republic - has a goal and five assists and is +7 with 12 penalty minutes in 22 games for Windsor this season.
Hackett was selected by Windsor in the fifth round of the 2006 OHL Priority Selection. In 11 career games over two seasons, Hackett has a 4.94 goals-against average and .858 save percentage.
Neuvirth and Kane are expected to report to Windsor in time for the Spitfires’ next game – Thursday night at Windsor Arena against Brampton. Jordan and Hackett are expected to report to Plymouth in time for the Whalers’ next game – Friday night at 7:05 p.m. at Compuware Arena - against Windsor.
Jordan photo courtesy Windsor Spitfires
Saginaw deals captain Asselin to Oshawa
The Oshawa Generals have acquired one of the top veterans in the Ontario Hockey League.
Patrick Asselin, who holds the Saginaw Spirit franchise record for games played with 255, was acquired by the Generals on Tuesday in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick in 2008 and a second-round pick in 2009. Asselin will make his debut Friday when the Generals play host to the Belleville Bulls at 7:35 p.m. at the General Motors Centre.
“He’s a perfect fit for our hockey club,” Oshawa coach-GM Brad Selwood said. “He’s a guy that can play in a variety of roles, he does so many things well and he’s the kind of a veteran you need to win in this league.”
Asselin, 20, is a Peterborough, Ont., native who is in his fifth season in the OHL, all of them with the Spirit. He enjoyed his best season in the OHL last year, with 27 goals, 26 assists for 53 points in 68 games. The veteran left winger has 70 goals and 136 points in his OHL career and brings extensive experience in the league to the Eastern Conference leading Generals.
“I’m really excited to be joining the Generals,” Asselin said. “This is a team with a legitimate shot at winning the league title and I’m happy to be a part of it.”
Patrick Asselin, who holds the Saginaw Spirit franchise record for games played with 255, was acquired by the Generals on Tuesday in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick in 2008 and a second-round pick in 2009. Asselin will make his debut Friday when the Generals play host to the Belleville Bulls at 7:35 p.m. at the General Motors Centre.
“He’s a perfect fit for our hockey club,” Oshawa coach-GM Brad Selwood said. “He’s a guy that can play in a variety of roles, he does so many things well and he’s the kind of a veteran you need to win in this league.”
Asselin, 20, is a Peterborough, Ont., native who is in his fifth season in the OHL, all of them with the Spirit. He enjoyed his best season in the OHL last year, with 27 goals, 26 assists for 53 points in 68 games. The veteran left winger has 70 goals and 136 points in his OHL career and brings extensive experience in the league to the Eastern Conference leading Generals.
“I’m really excited to be joining the Generals,” Asselin said. “This is a team with a legitimate shot at winning the league title and I’m happy to be a part of it.”
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Whalers host Majors, Storm this weekend
After spending last weekend on the road, the Plymouth Whalers (10-6-1-0) bring in the Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors (6-8-1-0) on Friday and the Guelph Storm (8-8-2-0) on Saturday in Ontario Hockey League action at Compuware Arena.Both games start at 7:05 p.m. and both games will be broadcast on http://www.plymouthwhalers.com/.
The Whalers come in to the weekend with a four-game winning streak, the last three victories on the road – a 4-0 shutout of Niagara on Nov. 1, a 3-2 victory in Erie last Saturday and a 5-2 win over Mississauga last Sunday.
WHO’S HOT FOR PLYMOUTH: Co-captains Andrew Fournier (15 goals with 12 assists for 27 points) and Chris Terry (10-20-30) carried the team on the road last week, with Fournier scoring five goals and three assists for eight points over three games and Terry a goal with six assists for seven points…Plymouth goaltenders Jeremy Smith (2.98 GA, .923 save percentage) and Michal Neuvirth (2.60, .928) continue to be among the best netminders in the OHL… Defenseman Brett Bellemore rejoined the team from injury Oct. 26 and has two goals with two assists for four points and in +8 in five games…Veteran Wes Cunningham (3-21-24) is tied with Sarnia’s Ryan Wilson for the league lead among all OHL defensemen with 21 assists…Whaler penalty killers pitched a shutout on the road last weekend when they went 24-for-24.
MISSISSAUGA TOP GUNS: Ottawa-draft Kaspars Daugavins (9-8-17, +5) leads the Majors in scoring and Casey Cizikas (3-7-10) – taken third overall last spring in the OHL Priority Selection – is a quality rookie. Veteran Matt Caria (5-5-10, +6 in five games) has missed the last couple of weeks with an injury.
WHO’S HOT FOR GUELPH: NHL scouts are watching 17-year-old Drew Doughty (5-20-25) with great interest. Doughty and Niagara defenseman Alex Pietrangelo are expected to be the first two OHL defenseman selected in next summer’s National Hockey League Entry Draft. Luke Pither, 18, (11-14-25, +8) leads Guelph in scoring. USA Hockey officials may attend the game on Saturday to evaluate American goaltenders Thomas McCollum (3.26, .901) and Smith. Both are in the running to represent the United States in the upcoming World Junior Championship Dec. 26-Jan.5 in the Czech Republic.
NEXT WEEK: The Whalers remain home, hosting Windsor on Fri. Nov. 16 and London on Sat. Nov. 17.
Cunningham photo by Walt Dmoch/Plymouth Whalers
Spirit hire Ficorelli as new broadcaster
Terry Ficorelli has accepted the position of Vice President of Broadcasting for the Saginaw Spirit of the Ontario Hockey League.In his new role, he will serve as the team’s Vice President of Communications and the “Voice of the Spirit” for all of the Saginaw Spirits game broadcasts. In addition to broadcasting the OHL contests, Ficorelli will assist with corporate sales, season ticket and group sales efforts.
“We are extremely happy for Terry as he moves on to the OHL,” stated Paul Pickard, IHL President/CEO. “We have enjoyed working with him and wish Terry nothing but the best in his new endeavor.”
Ficorelli has been broadcasting hockey for over 30 years and has called more than 3,000 consecutive games. He began his career with the Kalamazoo Wings in the International Hockey League during the 1974-75 season. The Detroit native will be leaving the Muskegon Fury after 13 years with the organization.
Ficorelli will join the Spirit in early December.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Alpena to sport camo jerseys this weekend
With the opening of deer hunting season only one week away, the Alpena IceDiggers are getting an early start on their hunting gear this weekend when they play host to the Mahoning Valley Phantoms on Friday and Saturday night at Northern Lights Arena.The IceDiggers will wear special event camouflage jerseys this weekend.
"Hunting is very popular here in northern Michigan, so what better way to bring in deer season than to wear a cool camouflage jersey," said Alpena head coach Kenny Miller.
The jerseys will be worn by the players on Friday and Saturday and after Saturday's game auctioneer Ivan Sumrix will auction off all 25 game-worn jerseys to fans in attendance immediately after the final horn sounds. The auction will take place in the main grandstands and the bidding on each jersey will start at $100.
"The fans of Alpena have always supported us and this is a great way for them to get a chance to own their favorite players game-worn jersey," added Miller
OT Sports (Burlington, N.C.) designed the jerseys with help from the IceDiggers staff.
The players always enjoy wearing special event jerseys.
The jerseys will be worn by the players on Friday and Saturday and after Saturday's game auctioneer Ivan Sumrix will auction off all 25 game-worn jerseys to fans in attendance immediately after the final horn sounds. The auction will take place in the main grandstands and the bidding on each jersey will start at $100.
"The fans of Alpena have always supported us and this is a great way for them to get a chance to own their favorite players game-worn jersey," added Miller
OT Sports (Burlington, N.C.) designed the jerseys with help from the IceDiggers staff.
The players always enjoy wearing special event jerseys.
"It is fun to wear a special jersey that you know will be auctioned off to one of your fans, so this is always cool," said third-year veteran forward Erik Peterson.
The IceDiggers have had more than 10 days off since their last home game, a 6-5 win over the USA Under-17 team. Mahoning Valley comes to Alpena for the final time this regular season after beating division leader St. Louis on Friday before falling in a shoot-out on Saturday versus the defending champs.
The IceDiggers have had more than 10 days off since their last home game, a 6-5 win over the USA Under-17 team. Mahoning Valley comes to Alpena for the final time this regular season after beating division leader St. Louis on Friday before falling in a shoot-out on Saturday versus the defending champs.
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Former Marquette forward Zuk off to Princeton
Former Marquette Rangers forward Brodie Zuk has committed to play collegiately at Princeton University for the 2008-2009 hockey season.Zuk, 20, from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, was a member of the inaugural Rangers’ team in 2006-2007 finishing as the team's second leading scorer with 21 goals and 31 assists in 55 games.
“It’s a great opportunity for Brodie and we couldn’t be happier as an organization” said Rangers head coach Randy Enders. “Brodie’s a quality guy and a hard worker who’s dedicated to being a successful hockey player. I’m confident he’ll be as big an asset to Princeton’s program as he was for ours while he was here.”
Zuk is currently playing for the Naniamo Clippers of the British Columbia Hockey League and has scored 10 goals and 10 assists after 20 games.
Rangers travel to Fargo this weekend
The Marquette Rangers return to North American Hockey League action following a bye week, traveling to Fargo, North Dakota for games this Friday and Saturday against the Fargo-Moorhead Jets of the NAHL Central Division.
The two teams split in Marquette in early October with the Jets winning 5-4 on Friday, night; Marquette won the Saturday match-up 6-5.
“It was good for our guys to get some time back home” said Rangers head coach Randy Enders. “For a lot of our players this is their first experience where their lives are nothing but hockey, and the length of the season can catch-up to the new guys pretty quick, so just getting away from the grind is a valuable thing.
“The great thing about athletes at this level is that we as coaches really don’t need to pester them during the off week, as they all skated and worked-out even while they were at home. Time away not only gives you a mental break, but being away from the game fuels your passion to play so I’m confident we’ll be anxious to get going again and to get ready for the trip to Fargo."
After the bye week, Marquette sits in fifth place in the North Division with a 9-6 record and 18 points. St. Louis continues to lead the division with 28 points, but only five points separate second place from sixth place.
The race being so close isn’t a surprise to Enders.
“We knew going into this year that every weekend was going to be important with the quality of the competition in the North Division” said Enders. “With St. Louis being the defending league champions, and Mahoning Valley having another solid season every point is going to be crucial for the rest of us in the division. But it’s great for our players knowing they have to be ready every night, and great for our fans because they’re going to see everyone’s best effort all season long.”
The Rangers return to Lakeview Arena November 16-17 taking on Alpena in a weekend featuring several game promotions, including a chance to win up to $300 in gasoline from Holiday Station Stores Friday night.
The two teams split in Marquette in early October with the Jets winning 5-4 on Friday, night; Marquette won the Saturday match-up 6-5.
“It was good for our guys to get some time back home” said Rangers head coach Randy Enders. “For a lot of our players this is their first experience where their lives are nothing but hockey, and the length of the season can catch-up to the new guys pretty quick, so just getting away from the grind is a valuable thing.
“The great thing about athletes at this level is that we as coaches really don’t need to pester them during the off week, as they all skated and worked-out even while they were at home. Time away not only gives you a mental break, but being away from the game fuels your passion to play so I’m confident we’ll be anxious to get going again and to get ready for the trip to Fargo."
After the bye week, Marquette sits in fifth place in the North Division with a 9-6 record and 18 points. St. Louis continues to lead the division with 28 points, but only five points separate second place from sixth place.
The race being so close isn’t a surprise to Enders.
“We knew going into this year that every weekend was going to be important with the quality of the competition in the North Division” said Enders. “With St. Louis being the defending league champions, and Mahoning Valley having another solid season every point is going to be crucial for the rest of us in the division. But it’s great for our players knowing they have to be ready every night, and great for our fans because they’re going to see everyone’s best effort all season long.”
The Rangers return to Lakeview Arena November 16-17 taking on Alpena in a weekend featuring several game promotions, including a chance to win up to $300 in gasoline from Holiday Station Stores Friday night.
Sunday, November 04, 2007
WEEKEND ROUNDUP
Thurs. Nov. 1
OHL
Plymouth 4 at Niagara 0
NAHL
at Alpena 6, U.S. Under-17 Team 5
Fri. Nov. 2
OHL
Owen Sound 4 at Saginaw 1
NAHL
Traverse City 4 at U.S. Under-18 Team 1
Sat. Nov. 3
OHL
Plymouth 3 at Erie 2
NAHL
at U.S. Under-18 Team 5, Traverse City 1
Sun. Nov. 4
OHL
Plymouth 5 at Mississauga 2
OHL
Plymouth 4 at Niagara 0
NAHL
at Alpena 6, U.S. Under-17 Team 5
Fri. Nov. 2
OHL
Owen Sound 4 at Saginaw 1
NAHL
Traverse City 4 at U.S. Under-18 Team 1
Sat. Nov. 3
OHL
Plymouth 3 at Erie 2
NAHL
at U.S. Under-18 Team 5, Traverse City 1
Sun. Nov. 4
OHL
Plymouth 5 at Mississauga 2
Friday, November 02, 2007
North Stars face Team USA this weekend
Anthony Palumbo is hoping for a big letdown this weekend when his team visits the Ann Arbor Ice Cube – just not from his own team.
The Traverse City North Stars’ head coach-GM is counting on the U.S. National Team Development Program’s Under-18 squad looking past their NAHL North Division rivals. The U-18s are coming off a weekend against two of the top NCAA Div. I programs in the country, and acquitted themselves nicely, falling to No. 8 Minnesota 3-1 and battling No. 19 St. Cloud State to a 1-1 draw.
“And now here we come, the little Traverse City North Stars, tucked in between the University of Minnesota and Harvard on their schedule,” Palumbo quipped. “I don’t think we’re necessarily one of the dates they’ve circled on their calendar. They're stacked, but we don’t mind playing the role of David.”
The Stars gained a split with Mahoning Valley last weekend, and are 6-4-3 – two points behind the USNTDP for fifth place in the North Division standings with four games in hand. The U-17s dropped a 6-5 decision in Alpena on Thursday night.
If Traverse City hopes to gain any ground, they’ll have to do it with five defenders, as Jameson Raymond’s lower body injury will likely keep him out of action in Ann Arbor. Alex Breeden, Tyler Stephens, Phil Wendecker, Chris Heineman and Jonathan Sheridan will get yoked early and often over the course of the two-game set.
“Sometimes, that’s actually a positive,” pointed out Stars associate head coach Mike Matteucci, a defenseman by trade for 11 years in the minor pro ranks. “I think when you’re getting more ice time out there you get into a rhythm that you might not otherwise achieve. You’re cognizant of taking shorter shifts, and you just kind of go into the game knowing you have a little extra responsibility.”
The Under-18s are led by David Warsofsky (3 G – 4 A), Patrick Gaul (2 G – 4 A), and Robbie Czarnik (3 G – 2 A) in the scoring department, while Nick Maricic has allowed just four goals in four games and boasts a .960 save percentage.
“Let’s face it, a lot of these guys are NHL draft picks,” said Palumbo, referring to the USNTDP-to-NHL pipeline that saw 17 USA alums selected in the 2007 NHL Draft. “This is probably the most scouted rink in the league, and they’ll (college and pro scouts) be there this weekend. We have every reason to play our best, to go after it hard. It’s exciting and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”
The Traverse City North Stars’ head coach-GM is counting on the U.S. National Team Development Program’s Under-18 squad looking past their NAHL North Division rivals. The U-18s are coming off a weekend against two of the top NCAA Div. I programs in the country, and acquitted themselves nicely, falling to No. 8 Minnesota 3-1 and battling No. 19 St. Cloud State to a 1-1 draw.
“And now here we come, the little Traverse City North Stars, tucked in between the University of Minnesota and Harvard on their schedule,” Palumbo quipped. “I don’t think we’re necessarily one of the dates they’ve circled on their calendar. They're stacked, but we don’t mind playing the role of David.”
The Stars gained a split with Mahoning Valley last weekend, and are 6-4-3 – two points behind the USNTDP for fifth place in the North Division standings with four games in hand. The U-17s dropped a 6-5 decision in Alpena on Thursday night.
If Traverse City hopes to gain any ground, they’ll have to do it with five defenders, as Jameson Raymond’s lower body injury will likely keep him out of action in Ann Arbor. Alex Breeden, Tyler Stephens, Phil Wendecker, Chris Heineman and Jonathan Sheridan will get yoked early and often over the course of the two-game set.
“Sometimes, that’s actually a positive,” pointed out Stars associate head coach Mike Matteucci, a defenseman by trade for 11 years in the minor pro ranks. “I think when you’re getting more ice time out there you get into a rhythm that you might not otherwise achieve. You’re cognizant of taking shorter shifts, and you just kind of go into the game knowing you have a little extra responsibility.”
The Under-18s are led by David Warsofsky (3 G – 4 A), Patrick Gaul (2 G – 4 A), and Robbie Czarnik (3 G – 2 A) in the scoring department, while Nick Maricic has allowed just four goals in four games and boasts a .960 save percentage.
“Let’s face it, a lot of these guys are NHL draft picks,” said Palumbo, referring to the USNTDP-to-NHL pipeline that saw 17 USA alums selected in the 2007 NHL Draft. “This is probably the most scouted rink in the league, and they’ll (college and pro scouts) be there this weekend. We have every reason to play our best, to go after it hard. It’s exciting and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)