Plymouth swings deal with Mississauga

Former Whalers forward Jeff McFarland on his way to Mississauga.

The Plymouth Whalers swung a deal with the Mississauga IceDogs today, landing defenseman Scott Madden from Mississauga for right wing Jeff McFarland.

Both players are 17 and were both selected in the 2004 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection – Madden in the fourth round (77th overall) by Mississauga and McFarland in the third round (61st overall) by the Whalers.

Madden is the younger brother of New Jersey Devils' forward John Madden, who played for the University of Michigan from 1993-97 before moving on to New Jersey, where he won the Selke Trophy in 2001 as the NHL's top defensive forward.

Scott Madden – 6-feet and 185 pounds - played for the Lindsay Muskies of the Ontario Provincial Jr.A League last season, scoring five goals with six assists for 11 points with 35 penalty minutes in 36 games.

McFarland played briefly for the Whalers last year and was scoreless in two games. He spent the bulk of his time last season with the St. Thomas Stars of the Western Jr. B League, scoring eight goals and five assists for 13 points and 78 penalty minutes in 41 games.

Whalers and Spirit drafted in Ottawa

Plymouth forward Dan Collins has Florida in his sights.

Plymouth Whalers forward James Neal was the first Plymouth player taken today in the NHL Entry Draft when the Dallas Stars chose him in the second round, 33rd overall.

"I've been in touch with Dallas," Neal said, minutes after being selected from his home in Whitby, Ontario. "They showed a lot of interest. I had a feeling they might take me. It was between a couple of teams that talked to me a lot - Dallas and Florida. Bottom line, I'm thrilled to go to Dallas. They have a couple of slots opening up. Their general manager (Doug Armstrong) just called me, and he's going to keep in touch to let me know about training camp and other things."

Fellow Plymouth forward Dan Collins went in the third round, 90th overall, to the Florida Panthers while incoming Whalers forward Jared Boll was taken in the fourth round, 101st overall, by the Columbus Blue Jackets.

"It's gratifying to know all the hard work has paid off," Collins said. "I dreamed for this day and now that it's come and gone, it's really exciting. A lot of my hard work was done during the off-season, mostly, because I needed to gain weight. I worked out five days a week for two-and-a-half hours every day and I drove an hour-and-a-half there and an hour-and-a-half back. So I paid the price with a lot of hard work to get to where I am now."

The New York Rangers selected Saginaw Spirit forward Tom Pyatt in the fourth round, 107th overall. Fourteen picks later, Spirit defenseman Patrick McNeill went to the Washington Capitals.

Plymouth's 2005 Import Draft pick, Slovenian forward Ondrej Otcenas, was also selected in the fourth round, 123rd overall, by the Compuware-owned Carolina Hurricanes. Saginaw's 2004 Import pick, Slovakian forward Marek Kvapil, was the first pick of the sixth round, 163rd overall, by the Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning.

Fenton native and Plymouth defenseman Ryan McGinnis went to the Los Angeles Kings in the sixth round as well, 184th overall.

Defenseman Kyle Lawson, a New Hudson native who is off to Notre Dame next fall, was drafted by Carolina in the seventh round, 198th overall. His OHL rights belong to Plymouth.

Whalers, Spirit in final NHL draft rankings

Plymouth forward James Neal is ranked 19th for the July 30 NHL Draft.

Three Plymouth Whalers and three Saginaw Spirit players are listed in the final rankings for Saturday's NHL Entry Draft in Ottawa.

Whalers' forwards James Neal (19th) and Dan Collins (24th) lead the pack followed by Saginaw defenseman Patrick McNeill at No. 75 and Spirit forward and Farmington Hills native Tommy Mannino popping in at No. 102.

Tom Pyatt rounds out Saginaw's NHL hopefuls in the 159 spot while Plymouth defenseman Ryan McGinnis, a Fenton native, is listed 168th. Newly-acquired Plymouth forward Jared Boll is ranked 187th while New Hudson defenseman Kyle Lawson, whose rights are held by the Whalers, is one later at 188.

Forward Ondrej Otcenas, Plymouth's pick in last month's Import Draft, is listed 35th among European prospects.

The draft will be held at the Westin Hotel in Ottawa. This year, the draft has been scaled down to seven rounds instead of nine.

Former Spirit players sign NHL deals

As the 5 p.m. deadline approached yesterday for NHL teams to sign their 2003 draft picks, two former Saginaw Spirit players beat the deadline and will advance to the pro ranks this coming season.

Goaltender Mike Brown and defenseman Paul Bissonnette both played for the Spirit since the team came to Saginaw in 2002 and both were traded to the Owen Sound Attack this past year. Bissonnette was also a rookie on the North Bay Centennials, now the Spirit, in 2001-2002.

Brown signed with the Boston Bruins and Bissonnette, a former Spirit captain, inked his first contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Brown was a fifth-round pick of Boston while Bissonnette went a round earlier.

Whalers' forward signs with Maple Leafs

John Ferguson, general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, announced Thursday that the club has signed forward John Mitchell to a multi-year entry level contract. In keeping with club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Mitchell, 20, played 63 games for Plymouth of the Ontario Hockey League last season collecting 75 points (25 goals, 50 assists) with 59 penalty minutes. He finished second in the OHL in shorthanded goals (5-tie), 13th in assists (tie) and 17th in points. He finished first on the team in goals (tie), first in assists, first in points, first in powerplay goals (8), first in shorthanded goals and fourth in plus/minus (+14).

He played four OHL playoffs games collecting two points (one goal, one assist). He led the team during the playoffs in points (tie).

Mitchell also appeared in two regular season games for St. John's of the American Hockey League after Plymouth had been eliminated from the OHL playoffs.

The native of Oakville, Ontario finished ninth in the OHL in points (82-tie) in 2003-04. Mitchell was Toronto's fourth choice, 158th overall in the 2003 Entry Draft and was a Whalers' co-captain last season along with Tim Sestito. Originally, Mitchell was Plymouth's first-round pick (19th overall) in the 2001 OHL Priority Selection and is also Plymouth's all-time leader in regular-season games played with 258.

Whalers' newest hire a hockey lifer

The Plymouth Whalers are pleased and proud to announce they have hired Marshall Mackinder (yes, my brother!) as the team’s new Ticket Sales Coordinator and Director of Community Relations.

Mackinder, 22, comes to the Whalers from Niagara University in Lewiston, N.Y., where he earned a degree in communications and was the student equipment manager for the men’s Division I hockey team, an NCAA Tournament qualifier in 2004.

A native of Oak Park and 2001 Ferndale High graduate, Mackinder began his duties last Thursday and he will be responsible for group sales, fundraisers, community relations and the Whalers Kids Club.

“It’s always been a goal of mine to work in hockey and be able to make a living out of it,” said Mackinder, engaged to Ann McLellan of Coquitlam, British Columbia, a fellow 2005 Niagara graduate and four-year member of the Purple Eagles’ women’s hockey team. “I’ve been around this organization seemingly my whole life and it’s a great feeling and an honor to be a part of something special. I started out as a young kid attending Jr. Red Wings games at Joe Louis Arena and Cobo Arena and then games at Oak Park Arena and in Plymouth, but when I went to college, I got more into college hockey.

"Now that I have experience working closely with a Division I team, and was hired by the Whalers, it comes full circle and I am right where I want to be: working with the team I closely followed as a kid growing up."

Hopefuls to battle for IceDiggers roster spots

The Alpena IceDiggers 25-man roster will be set following a pair of tryout camps at Northern Lights Arena this week.

The IceDigger coaching staff is conducting the three-day camp from Wednesday, July 27 to Friday, July 29. Some 80 players will be spilt into four teams for game action on Wednesday and Thursday. The 80 players will then be narrowed to 45 players for an all-star game that runs from 2:00 to 5:00.

IceDiggers head coach and general manager Ken Miller says, "(Assistant coach) Kelly (Miller) and I are looking for the top 25 players at the camp to fill out our roster for the '05-06 season."

THE TOP 45 PLAYERS from the OPEN camp move on to an invitation only camp which runs from July 31 through August 2. From there the hopefuls will battle with IceDigger veterans for a spot on the final 25 man roster.

A number of local players will be taking part in the camp including former Alpena Wildcats CJ MacKenzie, Kevin Lundquist, Brian Bennett and Ryan Ballard. Also attending the camp are current Alpena High players Jeff Olson and Brandon McConnell.

Miller thinks it would be great if some former Wildcats could join Erik Peterson who was tendered by the IceDiggers this past May.

"We feel that if the local players come in work hard and showcase their talents they should have a chance of making the club," Ken Miller said.

Fans are encouraged to attend all the sessions as admission is free.

ALPENA ICEDIGGERS OPEN CAMP SCHEDULE

Wednesday July 27, 2005
6:00pm - 7:20pm, Team White VS. Team Blue
7:30pm - 8:50pm, Team Red VS. Team Green

Thursday July 28, 2005
12:30pm - 1:50pm, Team Blue VS. Team Green
2:00pm - 3:20pm, Team White VS. Team Red
5:00pm - 6:20pm, Team White VS. Team Blue
6:30pm - 7:50pm, Team Red VS. Team Green

Friday July 29, 2005
2:00pm - 4:50pm, All-Star Game

ALPENA ICEDIGGERS MAIN CAMP SCHEDULE

Sunday July 31, 2005
2:00pm - 3:20pm, Team White practice
3:30pm - 4:50pm, Team Red practice
7:00pm - 8:50pm, Team White VS. Team Red

Monday August 1, 2005
9:00am - 10:20am, Team Red practice
10:30am - 11:50am, Team White practice
4:00pm - 5:50pm, Team Red VS. Team White

Tuesday August 2, 2005
12:00pm - 1:50pm, Team White VS. Team Red

The coaching staff will select the top 25 players for the '05-06 Season. Players that make the roster will report to Alpena on Saturday August 13, 2005 at 2:00pm at the Northern Lights Arena.

The IceDiggers' first official team practice will be Monday August 15, 2005 at 3:00pm.

Surprises unearthed by North Stars

By Jeff Peek
Traverse City Record-Eagle

Surprise, surprise.

The Traverse City North Stars found a couple of them during their training camp over the weekend at Centre ICE. They're just not naming all of them yet.

"It went well. A few guys jumped out at us that we weren't expecting," said Scott Gardiner, head coach of the first-year North American Hockey League team. "There were some pleasant surprises. We still have some tough decisions to make before the first (Aug. 1)."

Gardiner said that "on paper, we're in a much better position than I anticipated."

"Now it's up to Mike (Stapleton, assistant coach) and I to whip them into shape."

Some 50 players took part in the three-day camp that ended Sunday. Nearly 700 fans attended Saturday night's Blue-White All-Star Game and a tailgate party that followed.

According to Gardiner, the line of Jake Mullen, Matt Larke and John Juliano were "by far the best line going."

Mullen, a 6-foot, 170-pound winger who played for Belle Tire AAA in St. Clair Shores a year ago, was one of the non-drafted players to make the cut.

"It feels good; I'm excited about it," Mullen said. "Once the first cuts were made the tempo really picked up."

Mullen is the 16-year-old nephew of former NHL star Joey Mullen, who scored over 500 goals in his career, and Brian Mullen, who played 11 seasons in the NHL.

Seventeen players have been awarded roster spots. Eight more will be decided upon on Aug. 1.

The North Stars begin preseason camp Aug. 15-20. Their regular season home opener is Sept. 23.

Grand Blanc native to play for Colonials

Grand Blanc native Steve Bandurski, a 19-year-old forward who played last year in the NAHL with the Texarkana Bandits, is off to Robert Morris University in the fall and will also play hockey for the second-year Colonials.

Bandurski totalled 21 goals (six power-play, two short-handed) and 43 points in 55 games last season for the Bandits and added four more points in seven playoff games.

The 6-foot-3, 190-pound Compuware AAA alum was also the very last pick (298th overall) of the 2002 OHL Priority Selection by the Plymouth Whalers.

Robert Morris is entering their second season in Division I hockey as part of the College Hockey America conference. The university is in Moon Township, a suburb of Pittsburgh.

North Stars look to finalize roster

The Traverse City North Stars are putting on their final tryout camp this weekend at Centre ICE and in a perfect world, come Monday, Traverse City head coach and general manager Scott Gardiner will have his first roster set for the 2005-2006 season, the North Stars' first in the NAHL.

The team is also hoping the end of the NHL lockout will have a trickle-down effect on junior hockey, especially with the North Stars starting the season soon after the Detroit Red Wings finish training camp in Traverse City.

"Hopefully, we'll be riding the coattails of some positive hockey news, finally," said Gardiner to the Traverse City Record-Eagle.

The approximately 45 players at the invitation-only camp will be split into three teams for games Friday evening and Saturday morning. The pool will then be trimmed down to about 30 players for a Blue-White game at 7 p.m. Saturday evening and more games Sunday morning starting at 9 a.m.

"I wanted to go with two teams going head-to-head all weekend, but we kept seeing guys we wanted to see again," Gardiner said. "So we decided to go with three teams."

The team doesn't have a goaltender on its roster yet, as third-round draft pick Kyle Jendra of Chicago is trying out for the Plymouth Whalers of the Ontario Hockey League. Gardiner said Jendra told him that he would play for the North Stars if he doesn't make the Whalers. The North Stars do have three goaltenders in this weekend's camp fighting for spots on the team in Jeremy Kaleniecki (Addison Township), Ryan Donavan (Pinckney) and Stephan Shivley. Second-round pick Daniel Lawson also did not sign with the North Stars, opting to play for the Chicago Steel of the United States Hockey League and tendered player Jon Madden (Howell) has not yet committed to TC.

Check out the full story by James Cook here.

Whalers sign Terry, make other moves

Just a week after visiting Plymouth with his family, forward Chris Terry, one of the Whalers' two second-round picks last May, signed with the team for this coming season the Whalers announced today.

Terry played last season for the Markham Islanders minor midgets of the Greater Toronto Metro Hockey League and scored 47 goals with 57 assists for 104 points and 115 penalty minutes in 68 games.

The 16-year-old Terry comes with the reputation of a scorer who plays with an edge and showed that trait during the Whalers' Rookie Orientation in May.

“Terry plays a lot like (current Plymouth forward and second-round pick in 2004) Cory Tanaka,” Plymouth head scout Jim Debenham said at the time Terry was drafted. “He competes hard. He's got good hands and (in time) he'll be hated by the rest of the league.”

STEFAN MOVES TO CAROLINA; MCDONNELL HIRED AS PLYMOUTH DIRECTOR OF PLAYER PERSONNEL: The Carolina Hurricanes have announced the hiring of former Whalers Director of Player Personnel and Assistant Coach Greg Stefan as a professional scout and goaltending coach. Stefan spent the past two seasons with Plymouth in his second stint with the organization. Stefan fills the role previously handled by former NHL goaltender Don Edwards.

The Whalers have hired Terry McDonnell has the team's new Director of Player Personnel. McDonnell spent the past six seasons as a scout with Carolina, concentrating on the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, the Ontario Hockey League and college hockey in the United States.

McDonnell will concentrate primarily on scouting for the Whalers.

“I'm excited to be in Plymouth,” McDonnell said. “Peter Karmanos is an owner with a tremendous passion for the game. We want to try to win for him.”

In other front office appointments, the Whalers have hired Jason Varlesi as new Sales and Marketing Coordinator. A native Detroiter, Jason attended and played hockey at Dearborn Divine Child before moving to Henry Ford Community College and eventually to Western Michigan University, where he earned a degree in Business Administration. Before joining the Whalers, Varlesi worked in Erie with the Otters and the Erie Seawolves of the AA Eastern League.

IceDiggers start new era with new jerseys

The Alpena IceDiggers will be sporting a new look for the 2005-2006 season.

The switch to redesigned jerseys couldn't come at a better time as the club is set to embark on a new season, in a new home with a new coach.

The project has been in the works for the past few months," said IceDiggers' general manager and head coach Ken Miller. "A tremendous amount of time and effort went into the design and production of the jersey. Our jersey supplier, OT Sports, has done a terrific job helping us design our new jerseys. The majority of the home jersey is white, while the shoulders, sleeves and band at the bottom are complemented by red and blue trim. It also includes a modification of the logo on the front of the uniform."

The away jersey (which Miller notes will be switched to the home jersey after the Christmas break) is royal blue, and sports a red collar. The uniform celebrates the heritage of hockey with a traditional lace-up front reminiscent of the NHL's "Original Six" era and features "Alpena" in white letters with red trim running diagonally across the front. There will also be IceDigger logos on each shoulder.

"The hockey sweater is more than the uniform, its appeal is universal. You see them everywhere and everyone wearing them," added Miller. "It becomes the symbol of pride to the team and our fans."

The replica jerseys will be available at the home opener. Adult sizes will cost fans $65.00 and youth sizes are $55.00.

Terry gets acquainted with Plymouth

Forward Chris Terry, one of the Plymouth Whalers' two second-round picks last spring, 29th overall, was in town recently with his family to get acquainted with the area and meet the staff.

Terry scored 47 goals with 57 assists for 104 points and 115 penalty minutes in 69 games with the Markham (Ont.) Islanders last season.

Joe Gaynor, another forward, was Plymouth's other second-rounder, going 37th overall.

Spirit announce pre-season schedule

The Saginaw Spirit will play an inter-squad scrimmage and four pre-season games before the Wednesday, Sept. 21 home opener against the Plymouth Whalers.

The club will host the fourth annual Blue-White game on Sunday, Aug. 28 at 4:00 PM at the new Midland Ice Arena. The event is free of charge, but donations will be collected to benefit area youth hockey.

Saginaw's pre-season schedule begins Friday, Sept. 9 at 7:00 PM in Sault Ste. Marie versus the Greyhounds. The Hounds return to Saginaw on Saturday, Sept. 10 at 7:00 PM to play the Spirit at Saginaw Bay Ice Arena. General admission tickets are $7. Donations will also be collected to benefit area youth hockey.The Spirit conclude their pre-season on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 16-17 at a pre-season tournament in Erie, Penn. Game times and opponents will be announced closer to the event.

Tickets for the Spirit pre-season game and regular season contests will go on sale on Aug. 29.

Jared Boll visits Plymouth

Newly-signed forward Jared Boll came to Plymouth with his father, Peter, on Tuesday afternoon to get acquainted with the staff and learn a little about the area. Jared is shown shaking hands with Whalers president, general manager and head coach Mike Vellucci.

(photo credit - Walt Dmoch)

Brighton native off to Bucs, then Irish in '07

Ben Ryan was a key part of the '04-05 Victory Honda squad.

Ben Ryan, a center from Brighton who won a state championship last year with the Victory Honda Major Midget AAA team, has reportedly verbally committed to Notre Dame for the fall of 2007.

The 5-foot-11, 170-pound Ryan scored 31 goals in 65 games last season and will play this coming fall in the USHL with the Des Moines Buccaneers, the team that selected him in the second round of May's USHL draft.

"Ben was certainly one of the best young, skilled players at our Invite Camp," Buccaneers head coach and general manager Regg Simon said. "He's very mature for his age though, and I'm not surprised that he made the decision to attend Notre Dame. Ben will play for a top-level hockey program, and he'll get a world-class education. That shows how well he thought the whole process through."

A right-handed shot, Ryan has a 10/16/88 birthdate and was also reportedly considering Michigan and Michigan State.

"The education, tradition and spirit of Notre Dame are what won me over," Ryan said. "I'm also excited to play for (New Irish head) coach (Jeff) Jackson. He's won everywhere he's coached and has what it takes to get the hockey program turned around."

Boll signs with Whalers, shuns NCAA

Jared Boll said no to the NCAA and hello to the OHL.

(Photo credit - Robert Meyer)

Jared Boll, acquired by the Plymouth Whalers last week from the Kingston Frontenacs for fifth-round draft choice in 2006, has shunned Minnesota-Duluth and will instead play for the Whalers this season.

“We're excited about having Jared on board,” Plymouth head coach and general manager Mike Vellucci said. “We think he'll bring some scoring with grit and toughness to the rink.”

“I've heard nothing but good things about the Whalers,” said the 19-year-old Boll. “I'm excited to get started and become part of things, especially since Plymouth acquired my rights. I had a few options, but the OHL seems to suit my game.”

In signing Boll, a Crystal Lake, Ill., native, the Whalers' Chicago connection gets a little stronger. Current Whalers Gino Pisellini and Mike Letizia come from the Chicago area, as do 2005 draft choices Kyle Jendra (Chicago Chill) and Vincent Loverde (Chicago Young Americans).

Boll and Pisellini were teammates in 2002 with the Team Illinois midgets.

Although Boll, a center, was drafted by Kingston in the 6th round (101st overall) of the 2002 OHL Draft, he played the last two seasons for the Lincoln Stars of the United States Hockey League. Boll scored 23 goals and 24 assists for 47 points and a league-leading 294 penalty minutes in 59 games last year and scored six goals with eight assists for 14 points and 176 PIMs in 57 games for the Stars in 2003-04.

Boll was captain of the Stars last season and made the USHL all-star team. He is currently ranked 212th by the National Hockey League Central Scouting Bureau among North American skaters.

In coming to Plymouth, Boll understands the physical side of the game.

“Penalty minutes are a part of the game,” Boll admitted. “I have no problem getting into your face. I have to play physical to be effective.”

Boll will report to Plymouth's training camp August 30 with the rest of the Whalers.

Indians players moving on to juniors, NCAA

While the Soo Indians may be no more, several players from this past season’s team will be moving on to Division I and Division III programs this fall, as well as other junior programs.

League MVP Jason Kearney is heading to Bentley College in Waltham, Mass., to tend goal for the Falcons. Fellow goalie Troy Redmann is off to the NAHL champion Texas Tornado for another season of juniors.

A foursome of forwards, Jim Pentecost, Nik Sellers, Andrew Broughton (started last season with the Indians, finished with Texarkana) and Derek Punches (finished with Texas) are all college-bound. Pentecost and Broughton will play for D-III Curry College in Milton, Mass., while Sellers and Punches will offer their services to Wayne State University.

Sellers and Punches will join former Soo forward and 2004-2005 CHA rookie of the year Stavros Paskaris in Detroit.

Defenseman Tiger Marcotte has committed to Utica College, a D-III college in New York and Marty Gurnoe, another blueliner, is staying close to home and will play for Lake Superior State University.

Ray Kaunisto, a Northern Michigan recruit for 2006, and cousin Steven Kaunisto are leaving town to play for the USHL Clark Cup champion Cedar Rapids (Iowa) RoughRiders.

The Indians finished in third place at the Gold Cup National Championship in April and promptly folded after their tenth season in the NAHL, all under head coach Joe Shawhan.

Whalers keep dealing, get Kyle Lawson

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

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

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

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

Whalers draft Slovakian centerman Otcenas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spirit deal Crowder, get McDonough

Newly-acquired Saginaw forward Ryan McDonough.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Whalers ready for CHL Import Draft

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

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

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

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

Plymouth selections since the beginning of the draft in 1992:

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

Whalers make minor deal with Frontenacs

Might Jared Boll spurn the NCAA for the OHL?

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

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

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

Grabarek coming home to Wayne State

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

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

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

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

Grabarek graduated in 2002 from Sterling Heights Stevenson High School.

IceDiggers to host late August showcase

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

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

The schedule is as follows:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saginaw signs 2004 draft pick Chappell

Chris Chappell is on his way to Saginaw

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

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

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

Spirit and Whalers release '05-06 schedules

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

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

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

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

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

A message from the Plymouth Whalers

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sincerely,

Michael Vellucci
President, General Manager and Head Coach
Plymouth Whalers

Whalers ink local goaltender for '05-06

Whalers sign goalie Jeremy Smith

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Michigan OHL trio World Junior hopefuls

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Northville native Giosa makes D-I choice

Alpena leading scorer Eric Giosa makes his college commitment.

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

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

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

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

Sacred Heart University is located in Fairfield, Conn.

Northern Michigan Black Bears Notebook

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

IceDiggers hire assistant coach

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

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

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

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

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

IceDiggers promote assistant to head coach

New Alpena IceDiggers head coach Ken Miller

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Courtesy of the Alpena News.

Mankowski leaving 'Diggers for Canisius College

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Press release courtesy of Alpena's official Web site.

Bighorns ink two CSHLers from Michigan

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

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

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

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

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

North Stars sign two forwards, defenseman

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

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

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

Read the rest of the Record-Eagle story here.

Three Tornado players move on to D-I

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

IceDiggers forward makes D-III commitment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Larman part of Knights CHL championship

Drew Larman came to the London Knights early in the Ontario Hockey League season from the Sarnia Sting and had his season extended into late May.

Sarnia didn't qualify for the playoffs and London dominated the OHL from wire to wire en route to their first OHL Robertson Cup title and then Sunday night, a Canadian Hockey League Memorial Cup championship on their home ice.

Larman, a 20-year-old Canton native, was an integral part of the Knights run to their dual championship. Larman tallied two goals against the Kelowna Rockets in the Memorial Cup round-robin on May 23 after totalling just 13 goals in 70 regular-season games.

"It (felt) pretty good to be able to contribute offensively and getting those two goals was huge, especially to get it started because we were struggling a little bit in the beginning," said Larman in the London Free Press, who tied it 1-1 at 7:16 of the first period.

His second goal came seven minutes into the third period, giving the Knights a 4-1 lead.

The Knights beat Sidney Crosby and the Rimouski Oceanic in the opening game and championship game of the Memorial Cup. Kelowna and the Ottawa 67's also fell to London. The final was a 4-0 shutout for the Knights.

The trade from Sarnia wasn't expected, but proved to be a turning point for Larman's season.

"I was a little nervous coming in, especially to a team already 10-0," Larman said in the same Free Press story of the Knights' record at the time of the trade. "I didn't want to shake things up too much, but it didn't take too long for me to get comfortable."

Larman is eligible to return to the OHL next season as an overage (20-year-old) player.

Another Michigan native, Sterling Heights defenseman Frank Rediker, was hurt much of the year and didn't see any action in the OHL playoffs or Memorial Cup. His career may be done, but he has an overage option next season as well. Rediker came to the Knights at the 2004 OHL trade deadline from the Windsor Spitfires, the team that took him in the first round of the 2001 OHL Priority Selection.

Lerg garners top junior, goalie honors

Omaha Lancers goalie Jeff Lerg, a Livonia native, has been named the USA Hockey/Dave Peterson Goalie of the Year as well as USA Hockey's Junior Player of the Year.

While setting a new United States Hockey League (Junior A Tier II) record for wins in a single season with 36, Lerg helped the Lancers to a share of the 2004-05 regular-season championship. In addition, the USHL honored him with the 2005 USHL Player of the Year and Goaltender of the Year awards.

Lerg also earned All-USHL First Team honors, was named to the 2005 Prospects/All-Star Game and led the league in wins and goals against average (2.16). He was named Itech/Goalies World Goalie of the Month in both November and February and Player of the Week on Sept. 29. In addition, Lerg boasted six shutouts and a .916 save percentage in 52 games and was voted the Most Valuable Player of the Lancer team.

In his rookie season (2003-04), Lerg was named to the All-USHL Second Team and the USHL All-Rookie Team and received Player of the Week honors twice as he recorded 24 wins in 35 games with four shutouts and a 2.20 GAA. Prior to joining the Lancers, he played for the HoneyBaked organization in Michigan.

Lerg signed a National Letter of Intent with Michigan State University of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association last fall and will join the Spartans for the 2005-06 season.

He is the son of Ken and Jane Lerg.

The recipient of the Dave Peterson Goalie of the Year Award is chosen from the pool of goaltenders that annually attends the USA Hockey National Goaltenders Camp and the USA Hockey Select 16 and Select 17 Festivals.

The USA Hockey Junior Player of the Year Award is presented annually to the most outstanding American-born player in junior hockey. Chosen by a blue-ribbon panel of junior coaches and administrators, criteria for the award also includes having played for a U.S.-based junior team.

Mantha hired to run Spitfires

Former Saginaw Spirit head coach and general manager Moe Mantha has been hired to fill the same dual position with the Windsor Spitfires.

Mantha was introduced at a press conference at Windsor Arena this morning.

Last summer, Mantha was named head coach of the rejuvenated World Hockey Association's Detroit Gladiators, but the WHA never got off the ground. He coached the Spirit the latter half of the 2003-2004 season and also has experience with the London Knights and the U.S. National Team Development Program.

Mantha has also spent time as a head coach in the American Hockey League and East Coast Hockey League and over 650 games played in the National Hockey League.

“We look forward to having Moe Mantha guide the Spitfires," Windsor president and owner Steve Riolo said. "I believe that we have the right person to build a very competitive program for our organization and the Spitfires fans. He offers a wealth of experience from all different levels of hockey.”

Mantha is married to wife Kathy and they have three children, Ashley (19), Devin (16) and Brody (12).

Michigan teams participate in CSHL Draft

The five Michigan teams in the Junior B Central States Hockey League have released their draft lists from Sunday's CSHL draft.

All lists are in alphabetical order.

FLINT JR. GENERALS
David Adams, Commerce, Livonia Midgets
Reid Allison, Flint, Compuware Midgets
Antony Bain, Pinckney, Livonia Midgets
Adam Bolton, Metamora, Lapeer HS
Josh Brown, Grand Blanc, Flint Powers HS
Gorman Casey, Rochester, Minn., Rochester High School
Mike Crowder, Flint, Flint Powers HS
Anthony Francis, Grand Blanc, Livonia Midgets
Joshua Jean, Saginaw, Flint Midgets
Charles Margosian, Sterling Heights, Lakeland Midgets
Blake Miller, Hancock, Hancock HS
Christopher Noonan, Portage, West Michigan Warriors
Nick Podgorski, Metamora, Lapeer HS
Peter Radecki, Hancock, Hancock HS
Bruce Simms, Montrose, Flint Powers HS
Ben Warda, Oxford, Compuware Midgets
Nick Williams, Davison, Davison HS
Randy Wills, Davison, Flint Kearsley HS

GRAND RAPIDS JR. OWLS
Joe Battaglia, Joliet, Ill.,Chicago Flames AAA
Brandon Dault, Mattawan, Mattawan HS
Clayton Gallup, Rockford, West Michigan AAA
Zach Grover, Kentwood, East Kentwood HS
Jonathan Gulch, Temperance, Toledo Chiefs Midget Minor AA
Matt Harris, Okemos, Capitol Center Pride AAA
Joe Hess, Ada, Capital Center Pride AAA
Adam Hull, Kentwood, Southern Ice Lightning AAA
Erik Jansen, Lindenhurst, Ill., Barrington Red Wings AA
Trevor Jewell, Muskegon, Florida Everblades AAA
Max Keagle, Elkhart, Ind., Southern Ice Lightning AAA
Bill Krueger, Pewaukee, Wis., Team Powerade AAA
Steve Mankowske, Green Bay, Wis., Green Bay Gamblers AAA
Tony Martin, Laotto, Ind., Indy Checkers AAA
Kevin Mixon, Ft. Meyers, Fla., Florida Everblades AAA
Tad Norris, Snowmass, Co., Aspen HS
Zach Root, Grand Rapids, Capital Center Pride AAA
Andrew Sobiech, Mooresville, NC, Southern Ice Lightning AAA
David Solway, Green Bay, Wis., Green Bay Gamblers AAA
Shawn Steggles, Kentwood, East Kentwood HS
Kyle Tejchma, Fruitport, Indy Checkers AAA
Derek Thocker, Grand Ledge, Soo Indians AAA
Nolan Tuma, Greenfield, Wis., Wisconsin AAA
Isaac Viau, Cheboygan, Cheboygan HS
Chris Waterstradt, Tulsa, Okl., Tulsa Blues Jr. B
Brett Wysopal, Chicago, Ill., Chicago Chill AAA

METRO JETS
Sal Asaro, St. Clair Shores, St. Clair Shores Midget A
Chad Bazin, Troy, Troy HS
Austin Brown, Bloomfield, Birmingham Unified
Steve Chandonais, St. Clair Shores, St. Clair Shores Unified
Ryan Compeau, Oakland, East Side Falcons
Mike Dohko, Sterling Heights, Belle Tire Midget A
Matt Grassley, Grosse Pointe Woods, St. Clair Shores Midget AA
Chris Harvey, Waterford, Waterford Kettering HS
Robert Howe, Bloomfield, Birmingham Unified
Nick Kenney, Wixom, Walled Lake Western HS
Robert Laing, Waterford, Compuware Midgets
Stephen Luongo, Ann Arbor, Huron HS
Jason Maltese, Shelby, St. Clair Shores Midget AA
Doug Miller, Lake Orion, St. Clair Shores Midget A
Eric Miras, Brighton, Howell HS
Mike Murray, Romeo, HoneyBaked AAA
Darren Narr, Beverly Hills, Birmingham Unified
Steve Parry, Clearwater, Fla., Belle Tire Midget A
Christopher Sarnowski, Fraser, St. Clair Shores Midget A
John Schruga, Shelby Township, Detroit Trackers AAA
Brad Townsend, Davisburg, Lakeland Midget AA
Brett Traub, Shelby, Troy Midget AA
Jon Valantege, Shelby Township, Troy Midget AA

MICHIGAN ICE DOGS
Chris Bartholomew, New Carlisle, Ind., John Adams HS
Colin Brown, Grosse Pt. Woods, North HS
Kenny Cobb, Grosse Ile, Grosse Ile HS
Mike Fogg, Clarkston, Clarkston HS
Dan Koslowski, Livonia, Franklin HS
Dan L'Esperance, Brighton, Brighton HS
Reece McCabe, Canton, Canton HS
Rob McTavish, Northville, Northville HS
Justin Petterle, Allen Park, Cabrini HS
Justin Stadler, Livonia, Churchill HS
Tim Taylor, Southgate, Anderson HS
Justin Tonti, Livonia, Churchill HS
Kevin Vlazny, Ann Arbor, Dexter HS
Shawn Wilson, Riverview, Riverview HS

MOTOR CITY CHIEFS
Jake Butchback, Marysville, Belle Tire AAA
Evan Carpenter, Clawson, Royal Oak Blades
Chris Giebe, Overland Park, Kan., Russell Stover HS
Chad Hammer, Roseville, East Side Falcons
Alex Handley, Clarkston, Clarkston HS
Graham James, Oxford, Detroit Trackers AAA
Jonathon Juliano, Macomb, Belle Tire AAA
Adam Krefski, Lake Orion, Marquette Electricians
Zak Lewis, Colorado Springs, Co., Colorado Rampage
Scott Luther, Southlake, Tex., Alliance Bulldogs
Anthony Martin, South Bend, Ind., Team Indiana
Anthony Oddo, Warren, Compuware AAA
Todd Orlando, Clinton Township, St. Clair Shores Midget AA
Steve Popp, Dearborn Heights, Crestwood HS
Jay Sandy, Napparwe, Ind., Team Indiana
Brett Storm, Livonia, Catholic Central HS
Nick Stroup, Fairhaven, Port Huron AA
Bryan Wallerman, St. Clair Shores, St. Clair Shores HS
Mitch Washer, Leonard, Motor City Chiefs AAA
Tom Whalin, Madison Heights, Royal Oak Blades
Matt Wiegand, Dearborn Heights, St. Clair Shores Midget AA

Spirit ink top three 2005 draft picks

The Saginaw Spirit have signed forwards Zack Torquato, Anthony Soboczynski and Thomas Craig to OHL contracts. Torquato was Saginaw's top pick, third overall, in the May 7 draft while Soboczynski and Craig were selected in the second round.

Torquato, a 15-year-old native of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, signed last week and has his new head coach excited.

“We feel he’s a great fit for our club and has the character and determination that we hope to see in every Saginaw Spirit draft pick," Bob Mancini said.

Torquato, 6-foot and 185 pounds, played with the Stratford Cullitons Junior B team during the 2004-05 season and had 34 goals and 75 points in 47 games while being named the Midwestern Junior Hockey League's rookie of the year. He was also fourth in league scoring.

“Anthony and Thomas are great additions to our roster," said Mancini on his second-round picks. "They both bring the much needed elements of size, skill, skating and hockey sense to the future of the Saginaw Spirit.”

Soboczynski was chosen 21st overall and is a 15-year-old, 6-foot-1, 185-pound winger from London, Ontario. Craig was chosen 23rd overall. He is a 16-year-old, 6-foot-2, 215-pound forward from St. Louis, Missouri.

All three are expected to attend Spirit training camp this fall.

Michigan players taken in NAHL draft

The Alpena IceDiggers and Traverse City North Stars participated in their first NAHL Entry Draft and each team selected five players during yesterday's conference call.

Alpena took Zach Barron (St. Louis Jr. B), Alex Handley (Clarkston High), Keith Manowske (Green Bay AAA), Tim Okicki (Cleveland Jr. B) and Ian Slater (Madison Capitals AAA).

The North Stars drafted Lucas Dubay (Quad City Jr. B), Kyle Jendra (Chicago Chill AAA), Daniel Lawson (Chicago Chill AAA), Jarrett Rush (Cobourg Cougars - OPJHL) and Mark Thompson (Davison High).

Other state players drafted by NAHL member teams:

Billings - Sam Ectles (Marquette AAA)

Bozeman - Shawn Hunwick (Victory Honda AAA)

Cleveland - Joe Greener (Soo AAA)
Cleveland - Mike Hull (HoneyBaked AAA)
Cleveland - Anthony Schooley (HoneyBaked AAA)

Fairbanks - Toby Brune (Soo AAA)

North Iowa - Shaun Fulton (Belle Tire AAA)
North Iowa - Austin Rugal (Belle Tire AAA)

Springfield (IL) - Brad Reck (Little Caesars AAA)

Springfield (MO) - Oliver Saint-Victor (Detroit Trackers AAA)

Texarkana - Kerry Bence (Belle Tire AAA)
Texarkana - Todd Pococke (HoneyBaked AAA)
Texarkana - Myles Williams (Soo AAA)

Texas - Andrew Rowe (Mona Shores High)

Youngstown - Tony Yearego (Belle Tire AAA)

Black Bears move to Big Bear Arena

After playing their first two seasons in St. Ignace at the Little Bear East Arena, the Northern Michigan Black Bears are moving into the Soo Indians' old digs, the Big Bear Arena in Sault Ste. Marie.

The Black Bears are members of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League.

Click here for the Black Bears' Web site.

IceDiggers tender two more players

The Alpena IceDiggers have signed defensemen Evan Carrick and Eric Roman to tenders for the 2005-06 season.

Carrick (5-foot-11 and 185 pounds) is from Belle River, Ontario. This past season, he played for the Sun County (outside Windsor) Panthers major midgets and recorded 15 goals and 35 assists in 45 games. In 2003-04, he played for the Sun County midget minor team and had four goals and 35 assists and was invited to the Ontario Under-17 Camp.

Carrick, born April 22, 1988, is the youngest player protected by the IceDiggers to date.

Roman (6-foot-1, 190 pounds) is from Orchard Lake St. Mary's Prep School. He was team captain of St. Mary's last season and led the Eagles to the 2005 Michigan High School Divison III state championship. He was also invited to participate in the 2005 Prospects Tournament in Toronto.

USHL draft yields state-bred talent

The USHL held their annual entry draft yesterday and several prominent Michigan hockey players were selected by the 11 teams.

Defenseman Chad Morin of the U.S. National Team Development Program, based in Ann Arbor, went to the Clark Cup runner-up Sioux City Musketeers with the eighth pick of the first round. Soo Indians forward Ray Kaunisto went to the Clark Cup champion Cedar Rapids RoughRiders with the tenth pick of the first round. Kaunisto has committed to Northern Michigan for the 2006-2007 season.

Other players with Michigan ties with round and (overall pick):

2 (17) - Ben Ryan, F, Des Moines (Victory Honda AAA)
2 (19) - Frank Grzeszczak, D, Sioux City (HoneyBaked AAA)
2 (20) - Chad Langlais, D, Lincoln (Cranbrook Kingswood H.S.)

3 (25) - Patrick Tiesling, F, Sioux Falls (Marquette Electricians AAA)
3 (30) - Dustin Gazely, F, Sioux City (Compuware AAA)

4 (37) - Jon Madden, F, Indiana (Howell H.S.)
4 (38) - Derek Roehl, F, Lincoln, (Youngstown Phantoms - NAHL)
--Roehl is a Clinton Township native.
4 (40) - Kyle Page, D, Indiana, (Victory Honda AAA)
4 (43) - Scott Wietecha, D, Cedar Rapids (Victory Honda AAA)

6 (59) - Cody Reichard, G, Indiana (Capital Centre Pride AAA)

7 (71) - Michael Guzzo, F, Chicago (Victory Honda AAA)

8 (83) - Andrew Rowe, F, Sioux City (Mona Shores H.S.)

9 (92) - Brian Hogan, G, Lincoln (Catholic Central H.S.)

14 (110) - Matt Jones, F, Sioux City (Soo Indians - NAHL)

15 (119) - Travis Paeth, F, Waterloo (Mona Shores H.S.)
15 (122) - Bobby Reiners, D, Lincoln (Cranbrook Kingswood H.S.)

16 (128) - Tony Yearego, D, Indiana (Belle Tire AAA)

18 (150) - Harrison Niemann, F, Indiana (Catholic Central H.S.)
18 (152) - Anthony Schooley, F, Waterloo (HoneyBaked AAA)
18 (155) - Stephen Balint, F, Lincoln (Chilliwack Chiefs - BCHL)
--Balint is a Grosse Ile native.

20 (172) - Kevin Piepsney, F, Indiana (HoneyBaked AAA)

NAHL commish hypes IceDiggers and North Stars

NAHL commissioner Mike Santos recently chatted with the fine people at HockeyRefs.com and offered his take on the future of the NAHL with a heavy emphasis on the new Michigan teams in Alpena and Traverse City and what may happen in Sault Ste. Marie.

Read the interview here.

Clark Cup Finals featured Michigan natives

Sioux City’s Michigan Connection:
from L-R, Jimmy Spratt, Steven Kampfer,
assistant coach Marty Quarters, Corey Elkins and Jeff Zatkoff
Photo by Robert Meyer

The Cedar Rapids RoughRiders and Sioux City Musketeers went to a deciding Game 5 in the USHL Clark Cup Finals and the RoughRiders prevailed last night with a 4-1 win on home ice.

Sioux City won Game 4 Saturday night at home, 2-1 in overtime after Cedar Rapids took a 4-3 double-overtime win in Sioux City in Game 3. The teams split Games 1 and 2 in Cedar Rapids.

Both teams featured Michigan natives and all but one are college-bound.

For the Muskies, goalies Jimmy Spratt and Jeff Zatkoff are both Chesterfield natives and both will play for CCHA schools this fall. Spratt is off to Bowling Green while Zatkoff will play at Miami-Ohio.

Defenseman Steven Kampfer, a Jackson native, will attend Michigan in the fall of 2006 and forward Corey Elkins, from West Bloomfield, is going to Ohio State this fall.

On the RoughRiders' side of things, forward Justin Abdelkader (Muskegon) will head to Michigan State in a couple months and will be joined in the CCHA by Rochester's Alec Martinez, a defenseman, and West Bloomfield's Billy Loupee, a forward, as both will head to Miami. Another Cedar Rapids player, forward Gary Steffes (Grand Blanc) will head to Miami next fall.

Hulking Cedar Rapids forward Phil Axtell (6-foot-5 1/2, 260 pounds) is on his way to Michigan Tech in 2006 after playing from 2002-2004 with the Marquette Electricians midget major team up north.

Cedar Rapids forward Jon Grabarek is the lone Michigan player (Sterling Heights) not committed to the NCAA next year.

Whalers draft Petrecki, Spirit nab Torquato

In last Saturday's OHL Priority Selection, the Plymouth Whalers and Saginaw Spirit both made a splash in the first round by drafting blue-chip prospects.

The Whalers, at ninth overall, took defenseman Nick Petrecki while six picks earlier, Saginaw nabbed forward Zack Torquato.

Torquato will be in mid-Michigan this fall while Petrecki is reportedly 50-50 at this point as he told the Whalers, and the rest of the OHL, he'll stay home in New York this upcoming season with his Capital District Selects (EJHL) team.

Read about Saginaw's draftees here and Plymouth's here.

Indians end season, franchise with 5-2 win

Tornado repeat as NAHL champions

The Soo Indians closed out their ten-year run in the North American Hockey League with a 5-2 win over the host Bismarck (N.D.) Bobcats in the Gold Cup consolation game Saturday afternoon.

Though maybe a tad bittersweet, it was a win nonetheless.

"I think the guys just decided they were going to take advantage of this opportunity," Soo coach Joe Shawhan told the Bismarck Tribune. "It was nothing fancy, the guys just made good plays. They had good jump and good emotion."

Marty Gurnoe, Kellen Chamblee and Matt Jones scored power-play goals for the Indians and Ryan Ward and Drew Satterley (empty-net) completed the scoring.

Troy Redmann made 33 saves for the win.

"I think we lost a little confidence over the last couple days, but we know we're a pretty good hockey team," Shawhan said. "The guys were disappointed that we couldn't have done better here, but we're fortunate that things worked out this way. It was great to go out on a winning note."

In the Gold Cup championship game Saturday night, the Texas Tornado repeated as national champions with a 6-1 win over the Fargo-Moorhead Jets.