FROM THE SAGINAW NEWS...
The Saginaw Spirit have the same man handling the general manager and coach's duties.
That man is Bob Mancini, and under his direction the franchise has gone from a laughingstock to one of the best in the league.
Make no mistake about it, Mancini laid the foundation and built on it, erecting a strong squad that seems capable of making a long run in this year's playoffs.
Team owner Dick Garber wants both a general manager and a coach next season. He'll get no argument from Mancini.
"One of the issues Bob and I have had is the dynamics of this situation," Garber said. "I felt and still feel strongly based on our location in Saginaw we need a general manager and a coach; the positions are separate.
"It is a tremendous workload for one person. We're removed from the mainstream of the league being in Saginaw, and I believe Bob is in agreement it is a two-person job. Hopefully we'll come up with a plan that complements the community."
Mancini doesn't disagree with his boss, but he isn't happy Garber hasn't offered him a new contract and his current three-year deal expires in May.
Actually, Garber did submit a proposal to Mancini last summer and Mancini felt slighted by it.
"He offered me a one-year extension and I turned it down," Mancini said. "I would have expected for Dick to offer me a contract to be general manager beyond this year. I think Dick thinks I want to be coach and general manager and that's not true.
"I've told Dick time and time again I just want to be the general manager, but I felt strongly that the right thing for me and the team this year was for me to do both."
The issue is moot right now as far as Garber is concerned.
"We have higher priorities right now, and neither Bob nor I need the distraction right now," Garber said, referring to negotiating with Mancini for next season and possibly beyond.
Mancini doesn't see it the same way.
"I think I've earned a minimum of three years," Mancini said. "They gave (Owen Sound general manager-coach) Mike Futa a four-year extension. I turned it down because not only have I brought stability to this organization, I've obviously shown that I can not only point it in the right direction to win, but I can lead it in the right direction to win.
"I think I've shown so far I deserve a lot more than one year."
Mancini refused to speculate whether Garber is waiting to see how this season turns out before starting serious negotiations to keep him in Saginaw.
"The only pressure I feel is the pressure I put on myself," Mancini said. "That's just to do the best job I can every day."
But Garber said performance is part of any evaluation he makes of Mancini.
"Performance is tied to everything we do, and Bob understands that," Garber said. "He understands the expectations of the franchise. I made it clear to him when I hired him what I expected.
"He has done a great job. He has done exactly what I anticipated he'd do, but we still have a lot to prove. We have not won anything."
http://www.mlive.com/hockey/sanews/index.ssf?/base/sports-0/1164983126293280.xml&coll=9
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Mursak selected to Slovenia World Juniors
Saginaw Spirit forward Jan Mursak has been selected to play in the 2007 IIHF World U-20 Championships with Team Slovenia.Team Slovenia will take part in the Division 1, Group B Championship from December 11 to December 17 in Odense, Denmark. The team will see action against squads from Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Poland and Ukraine.
"We wish Jan the best of luck in helping his country at the World Juniors in Denmark," stated Spirit coach-GM Bob Mancini.
Mursak is a native of Maribor, Slovenia and came to the Spirit in the 2006 CHL Import Draft. The 1988-born player was selected by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.
This season has seen Mursak score 13 goals and 33 assists for 46 points. He also has the distinction of holding the team's consecutive point streak record, scoring at least one point in 22 consecutive games.
The World Juniors is an annual competition that pits the best junior hockey players in the world against each other. Spirit forward Tom Pyatt was part of the Team Canada squad that won the 2006 World U-20 Championship. Spirit forward Ryan O'Marra, who was with the Erie Otters at the time, also participated in last year's gold medal winning Canada team. Canada's roster has yet to be announced.
Past Saginaw World Junior participants:
2006: Tom Pyatt, Canada (Gold)
2006: Michal Birner, Czech Republic
2005: Marek Kvapil, Czech Republic (Bronze)
IceDiggers add Plymouth native Brandt
The Alpena IceDiggers have signed forward and Plymouth native Kenny Brandt.The 5-foot-10, 185-pounder reported to Alpena on Monday and began practicing with his new teammates at that time.
Brandt spend time with the Ohio Junior Blue Jackets of the USHL prior to joining the IceDiggers. In two seasons in the Eastern Junior Hockey League, Brandt played with the Valley Junior Warriors where he suited up in 79 games, scoring 24 goals and 26 assists for 50 points.
"We have a few minor injures up front and to be able to add a player like Kenny is a big plus for our hockey club," stated Alpena coach-GM Kenny Miller. "He will give us another scoring threat and he is a tremendous skater with a knack for being around the net."
In other news, the IceDiggers will play without captain Nolan Craner this weekend as he nurses a minor injury. Miller said Craner should be ready to go next Thursday when Alpena travels to Ann Arbor to take on the USA Under-17 team before heading to Mahoning Valley to play the Phantoms on Friday and Saturday.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Marquette to face Traverse City, Alpena
The Marquette Rangers travel to Traverse City to play the North Stars in a two-game series this weekend and the trip may be just what the doctor ordered for the first-year Rangers.
When the Rangers (9-14-2) and North Stars (8-13-4) meet on Friday and Saturday an important four points will be at stake. The clubs are deadlocked at 20 points each and tied for third in the North Division, but trail frontrunners Alpena and Mahoning Valley who have both posted 18 wins and a division-best 37 points apiece.
The Rangers pushed past Traverse City for a pair of two-goal wins in late October and won their next game at Central Division leading Fargo-Moorhead, but have since lost nine consecutive times. Marquette's stellar defense - the Rangers have held teams to two or fewer goals nine times this year - has suffered a bit lately, giving up 5.11 goals per game during the dry spell. Goalie Stephen Ritter, who has stymied Traverse City this season, is ninth in the NAHL with a 2.85 goals-against average and 10th overall with a .910 save percentage.
"We have struggled defensively over the last several weeks," said Marquette head coach Leigh Mendelson. "We tend to play solid hockey for long stretches, but when we make a mistake and turn the puck over, the good teams we've played in our last 10 games have made us pay."
According to Scott Gardiner, head coach of the North Stars, the Rangers are no pushover.
"We need all four of these points and it won't be easy," Gardiner admitted. "They're going through some growing pains just like all new franchises do, but make no mistake - they have a good team. They sure came in and played well against us last month."
The Rangers hope to remedy its play of late with the recent addition of two players.
"As a new franchise, we continue the task of building a solid team," said Rangers' GM David Saint-Onge. "Earlier this week we consummated a deal with Alexandria as we traded forward Stephen Sperry for defenseman Derek Grogan (1 goal, 8 assists and 20 penalty minutes in 21 games). He has good size (6’-0”, 205 lbs.) and should be a solid addition to our blue line.
"We also added forward Chris Smith, (5’-11”, 205 lbs.) acquired from Surrey of the British Columbia Junior Hockey League. Smith was in our final camp this past summer and made an impact. At the time he decided to play for his original team in the BCHL, but recently the opportunity presented itself to return to Marquette and we are excited to have him."
Fans will notice the ability of the new players immediately, as noted by Mendelson.
"We expect to be more reliable in our own zone and improve our offensive transition," Mendelson said. "But perhaps the biggest upside is the presence of Chris Smith. He plays with an edge that will be noticeable. He is a solid offensive player and adds an element of grit that we felt we were lacking.”
Nick Kosinski (8 G, 16 A) leads Marquette with 24 points, while Brodie Zuk (9, 13) has amassed 22 points. Neeco Belanger has a Rangers-best 10 goals and is third in the league with 108 penalty minutes. As a team, Marquette is second in the NAHL in box time with 787 minutes - or an average of 31.48 minutes per game.
Following the Friday-Saturday series with the North Stars, the Rangers return home for a Sunday matinee game against rival Alpena.
“Not only will the game pit us against a team we need to beat, it is billed as a ‘Soldier’s Christmas’ and will be an opportunity for the community to help the families of our service men and women stationed overseas,” noted Saint-Onge.
The Rangers organization will collect new toys, games and clothing to help the families of U.P. soldiers. Fans donating such items will receive one free kids (eight and under) admission, or $1.00 off each student or adult ticket purchased (maximum of four), and are entered in door prize drawings to be held during the game.
“This will be a special game and opportunity for our fans to show their support of our troops during this holiday season," added Saint-Onge. "So many young men and women serve our country, but must leave their families behind for long periods of time. We thought of no better way to extend a thank you to them by putting this event together.”
The Sunday game versus Alpena will start at 3 p.m. at Lakeview Arena.
When the Rangers (9-14-2) and North Stars (8-13-4) meet on Friday and Saturday an important four points will be at stake. The clubs are deadlocked at 20 points each and tied for third in the North Division, but trail frontrunners Alpena and Mahoning Valley who have both posted 18 wins and a division-best 37 points apiece.
The Rangers pushed past Traverse City for a pair of two-goal wins in late October and won their next game at Central Division leading Fargo-Moorhead, but have since lost nine consecutive times. Marquette's stellar defense - the Rangers have held teams to two or fewer goals nine times this year - has suffered a bit lately, giving up 5.11 goals per game during the dry spell. Goalie Stephen Ritter, who has stymied Traverse City this season, is ninth in the NAHL with a 2.85 goals-against average and 10th overall with a .910 save percentage.
"We have struggled defensively over the last several weeks," said Marquette head coach Leigh Mendelson. "We tend to play solid hockey for long stretches, but when we make a mistake and turn the puck over, the good teams we've played in our last 10 games have made us pay."
According to Scott Gardiner, head coach of the North Stars, the Rangers are no pushover.
"We need all four of these points and it won't be easy," Gardiner admitted. "They're going through some growing pains just like all new franchises do, but make no mistake - they have a good team. They sure came in and played well against us last month."
The Rangers hope to remedy its play of late with the recent addition of two players.
"As a new franchise, we continue the task of building a solid team," said Rangers' GM David Saint-Onge. "Earlier this week we consummated a deal with Alexandria as we traded forward Stephen Sperry for defenseman Derek Grogan (1 goal, 8 assists and 20 penalty minutes in 21 games). He has good size (6’-0”, 205 lbs.) and should be a solid addition to our blue line.
"We also added forward Chris Smith, (5’-11”, 205 lbs.) acquired from Surrey of the British Columbia Junior Hockey League. Smith was in our final camp this past summer and made an impact. At the time he decided to play for his original team in the BCHL, but recently the opportunity presented itself to return to Marquette and we are excited to have him."
Fans will notice the ability of the new players immediately, as noted by Mendelson.
"We expect to be more reliable in our own zone and improve our offensive transition," Mendelson said. "But perhaps the biggest upside is the presence of Chris Smith. He plays with an edge that will be noticeable. He is a solid offensive player and adds an element of grit that we felt we were lacking.”
Nick Kosinski (8 G, 16 A) leads Marquette with 24 points, while Brodie Zuk (9, 13) has amassed 22 points. Neeco Belanger has a Rangers-best 10 goals and is third in the league with 108 penalty minutes. As a team, Marquette is second in the NAHL in box time with 787 minutes - or an average of 31.48 minutes per game.
Following the Friday-Saturday series with the North Stars, the Rangers return home for a Sunday matinee game against rival Alpena.
“Not only will the game pit us against a team we need to beat, it is billed as a ‘Soldier’s Christmas’ and will be an opportunity for the community to help the families of our service men and women stationed overseas,” noted Saint-Onge.
The Rangers organization will collect new toys, games and clothing to help the families of U.P. soldiers. Fans donating such items will receive one free kids (eight and under) admission, or $1.00 off each student or adult ticket purchased (maximum of four), and are entered in door prize drawings to be held during the game.
“This will be a special game and opportunity for our fans to show their support of our troops during this holiday season," added Saint-Onge. "So many young men and women serve our country, but must leave their families behind for long periods of time. We thought of no better way to extend a thank you to them by putting this event together.”
The Sunday game versus Alpena will start at 3 p.m. at Lakeview Arena.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Rangers come to Traverse City for two
The Traverse City North Stars are on the other side of a prolonged winless streak, so Scott Gardiner and his team can sympathize with the Marquette Rangers as they come into this weekend’s two-game series at Centre ICE arena in the throes of a nine-game losing skid.
However, don’t expect the Stars to do anything but try to add to the misery quotient of the first-year franchise, as both clubs battle to stay on the leeward side of a growing chasm in the North American Hockey League’s North Division.
When the Rangers (9-14-2) and North Stars (8-13-4) meet on Friday and Saturday, an important four points will be on the proverbial table. The clubs are deadlocked at 20 points each tied for third in the North, but Alpena and Mahoning Valley have put some distance between themselves and the pack, galloping to 18 wins each and a division-best 37 points apiece.
“We need all four of these points, and it won’t be easy,” Gardiner admitted. “They’re going through some growing pains just like all new franchises do, but make no mistake – they have a good team. They sure came in and played well against us last month.”
The Rangers pushed past Traverse City for a pair of two-goal wins Oct. 27-28 at Centre ICE, and won their next game at Fargo-Moorhead, but have since tasted defeat nine consecutive times. Marquette’s stellar defense – the Rangers have held teams to two or fewer goals nine times this year – has suffered a bit of late, giving up 5.11 goals per game during the dry spell.
Goalie Stephen Ritter, who has stymied TC on two different occasions this year, is ninth in the NAHL with a 2.85 goals-against average and 10th overall with a .910 save percentage.
“He has been great against us, and he has the ability to step up at any time,” Gardiner admitted.
Nick Kosinski (8 G, 16 A) leads Marquette with 24 points, while Brodie Zuk (9, 13) has amassed 22. Neeco Belanger has a Rangers-best 10 goals and is third in the league with 108 penalty minutes. As a team, Marquette is second in the NAHL in box time with 787 minutes – or an average of 31.48 minutes per game.
Patrick Nagorsen leads the hosts with 19 points on seven goals and 12 helpers, and the Stars’ captain has six points in his past five outings. Defensemen Kent Detlefsen has also had a hot hand lately, dumping in six goals and assisting on four others in just eight games in a TC sweater. Detlefsen had the first natural hat trick in North Stars history on Sunday in a 5-4 overtime loss at Team USA.
Friday’s game is sponsored by AT&T Yellow Pages and Yellowpages.com, while Traverse City State Bank night is slated for Saturday. Both contests face off at 7 p.m.
However, don’t expect the Stars to do anything but try to add to the misery quotient of the first-year franchise, as both clubs battle to stay on the leeward side of a growing chasm in the North American Hockey League’s North Division.
When the Rangers (9-14-2) and North Stars (8-13-4) meet on Friday and Saturday, an important four points will be on the proverbial table. The clubs are deadlocked at 20 points each tied for third in the North, but Alpena and Mahoning Valley have put some distance between themselves and the pack, galloping to 18 wins each and a division-best 37 points apiece.
“We need all four of these points, and it won’t be easy,” Gardiner admitted. “They’re going through some growing pains just like all new franchises do, but make no mistake – they have a good team. They sure came in and played well against us last month.”
The Rangers pushed past Traverse City for a pair of two-goal wins Oct. 27-28 at Centre ICE, and won their next game at Fargo-Moorhead, but have since tasted defeat nine consecutive times. Marquette’s stellar defense – the Rangers have held teams to two or fewer goals nine times this year – has suffered a bit of late, giving up 5.11 goals per game during the dry spell.
Goalie Stephen Ritter, who has stymied TC on two different occasions this year, is ninth in the NAHL with a 2.85 goals-against average and 10th overall with a .910 save percentage.
“He has been great against us, and he has the ability to step up at any time,” Gardiner admitted.
Nick Kosinski (8 G, 16 A) leads Marquette with 24 points, while Brodie Zuk (9, 13) has amassed 22. Neeco Belanger has a Rangers-best 10 goals and is third in the league with 108 penalty minutes. As a team, Marquette is second in the NAHL in box time with 787 minutes – or an average of 31.48 minutes per game.
Patrick Nagorsen leads the hosts with 19 points on seven goals and 12 helpers, and the Stars’ captain has six points in his past five outings. Defensemen Kent Detlefsen has also had a hot hand lately, dumping in six goals and assisting on four others in just eight games in a TC sweater. Detlefsen had the first natural hat trick in North Stars history on Sunday in a 5-4 overtime loss at Team USA.
Friday’s game is sponsored by AT&T Yellow Pages and Yellowpages.com, while Traverse City State Bank night is slated for Saturday. Both contests face off at 7 p.m.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Saginaw players help edge Russia Monday
Three Saginaw Spirit players helped Canada's Team OHL secure a 4-3 win over Russia in the 2006 ADT Canada-Russia Challenge last night in Oshawa.
Spirit forward Ryan O'Marra scored the first goal for Team OHL during the first period, assisted by Spirit forward Tom Pyatt and Ottawa 67's forward Logan Couture.
Saginaw defenseman and captain Patrick McNeill finished the period with a goal on the power play, assisted by Oshawa Generals' forward John Tavares and London Knights' forward Sam Gagner.
O'Marra later earned an assist on a goal from Barrie Colts forward Brian Little during the third period. Sudbury Wolves defenseman Marc Staal also assisted on the goal. O'Marra's two-point game earned him Team OHL's player of the game honors.
All three Saginaw players are expected to re-join their Spirit teammates for the Thursday night home game against the Kitchener Rangers.
Spirit forward Ryan O'Marra scored the first goal for Team OHL during the first period, assisted by Spirit forward Tom Pyatt and Ottawa 67's forward Logan Couture.
Saginaw defenseman and captain Patrick McNeill finished the period with a goal on the power play, assisted by Oshawa Generals' forward John Tavares and London Knights' forward Sam Gagner.
O'Marra later earned an assist on a goal from Barrie Colts forward Brian Little during the third period. Sudbury Wolves defenseman Marc Staal also assisted on the goal. O'Marra's two-point game earned him Team OHL's player of the game honors.
All three Saginaw players are expected to re-join their Spirit teammates for the Thursday night home game against the Kitchener Rangers.
Monday, November 27, 2006
Trio of Saginaw players to face Russians
Saginaw Spirit defenseman Patrick McNeill and forwards Tom Pyatt and Ryan O’Marra were recently named to the OHL roster for the 2006 ADT Canada-Russia Challenge. The game will be played tonight in Oshawa, Ontario.All three players participated in last years ADT Challenge with O’Marra representing Erie.
“We are very excited for Patrick, Tom, and Ryan," stated Spirit coach-GM Bob Mancini. “All three are very deserving of this oppourtunity."
The ADT Canada Russia Challenge is a yearly event that plays an important role in the selection process of the Team Canada roster for the World Junior Championship. The Challenge is played twice in the QMJHL, the WHL and the OHL. Sarnia and Oshawa were chosen as the OHL's host cities.
Sunday, November 26, 2006
WEEKEND SCOREBOARD
OHL
Fri. Nov. 24
at Kitchener 4, Plymouth 3 (OT)
Saginaw 4 at London 3 (SO)
Sat. Nov. 25
at Plymouth 6, Peterborough 1
at Saginaw 2, Owen Sound 1
NAHL
Fri. Nov. 24
Mahoning Valley 4 at Marquette 2
Alpena 3 at U.S. Under-17 Team 1
Sat. Nov. 25
Mahoning Valley 5 at Marquette 1
Alpena 4 at U.S. Under-17 Team 1
Sun. Nov. 26
Mahoning Valley 5 at Marquette 1
at U.S. Under-17 Team 5, Traverse City 4 (OT)
NOJHL
Fri. Nov. 24
at Soo 4, Abitibi 1
Fri. Nov. 24
at Kitchener 4, Plymouth 3 (OT)
Saginaw 4 at London 3 (SO)
Sat. Nov. 25
at Plymouth 6, Peterborough 1
at Saginaw 2, Owen Sound 1
NAHL
Fri. Nov. 24
Mahoning Valley 4 at Marquette 2
Alpena 3 at U.S. Under-17 Team 1
Sat. Nov. 25
Mahoning Valley 5 at Marquette 1
Alpena 4 at U.S. Under-17 Team 1
Sun. Nov. 26
Mahoning Valley 5 at Marquette 1
at U.S. Under-17 Team 5, Traverse City 4 (OT)
NOJHL
Fri. Nov. 24
at Soo 4, Abitibi 1
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Plymouth holds on to beat Spits
Rookie Vern Cooper's goal early in the third period proved to be the winner as the Plymouth Whalers held off a late rally and edged the Windsor Spitfires, 5-4, Wednesday night.Cooper (pictured), Plymouth's first-round selection in last May's OHL draft, had staked the Whalers to a 5-1 lead with his rebound marker at 5:37 of the third before the Spitfires scored three straight.
"We got up early and guys started taking it easy," Plymouth coach-GM Mike Vellucci said to the Canadian Press. "You can stress it all the time but when you have your way early, you start to do things by yourself and not with teamwork. You start taking shortcuts. Then you take some stupid penalties because of it."
James Neal, Tom Sestito, Chris Terry and John Armstrong added goals for Plymouth (13-10-0-0).
Windsor got power-play goals from rookie Mark Cundari (his first OHL goal), Craig Voakes and Bradley Snetsinger, while rookie Ryan Baldwin added his first OHL goal at even strength.
Plymouth goalie Michal Neuvirth finished with 34 saves, while Windsor's Anthony Guadagnolo stopped 24 shots.
Photo by Walt Dmoch
Saginaw falls to Sault Ste. Marie Wednesday
Jiri Tlusty and David Kuchejda each scored twice as the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds erased a two-goal deficit to earn a 6-3 win over the Saginaw Spirit on Wednesday.
Tlusty's second goal of the game with 4:45 left in the second period stood as the game winner for the Greyhounds, who trailed 3-1 early in the period. Michael Quesnele and Josh Godfrey added singles while Dustin Jeffrey had four assists in Sault Ste. Marie's fourth straight win.
Nigel Williams, Matt Corrente and Ryan Berard replied for the Spirit (17-7-0-1).
"We were disappointed by the loss and I don't believe that we are at the top of our game at this point," stated Spirit coach-GM Bob Mancini. "Now we just need to buckle down and move forward."
Tyler Haskins assisted on Berard's goal to incrase his assists streak to eight games, tying Ryan McDonough's team record.
Kyle Gajewski earned the win with an 18-save performance for the Greyhounds. Saginaw netminder Ryan Daniels stopped 28 shots in defeat.
Tlusty's second goal of the game with 4:45 left in the second period stood as the game winner for the Greyhounds, who trailed 3-1 early in the period. Michael Quesnele and Josh Godfrey added singles while Dustin Jeffrey had four assists in Sault Ste. Marie's fourth straight win.
Nigel Williams, Matt Corrente and Ryan Berard replied for the Spirit (17-7-0-1).
"We were disappointed by the loss and I don't believe that we are at the top of our game at this point," stated Spirit coach-GM Bob Mancini. "Now we just need to buckle down and move forward."
Tyler Haskins assisted on Berard's goal to incrase his assists streak to eight games, tying Ryan McDonough's team record.
Kyle Gajewski earned the win with an 18-save performance for the Greyhounds. Saginaw netminder Ryan Daniels stopped 28 shots in defeat.
North Stars top Alpena, 3-1
The Thanksgiving turkey goes down a little smoother when dipped in the victory gravy.
Just ask Traverse City North Stars coach Scott Gardiner, whose team ended an 11-game losing streak with a 3-1 triumph over the first-place Alpena IceDiggers on Wednesday night at Centre ICE arena.
The North Stars (8-13-3) fell behind 1-0 when Chad Billins poked home a power-play tally just 3:13 into the second period, but a trio of third period goals – including the game-winner off the stick of Brett Englebright – gave Traverse City its first triumph since a 3-2 shootout win over Mahoning Valley on Oct. 14.
“We showed a lot of guts down the stretch in the third period there,” Gardiner said. “I’m very proud of these guys. We can’t exactly start over, but this is the start of a new ending. I think it was an impressive win against a good team and we hope it’s the start of a different kind of streak.”
Patrick Nagorsen evened the contest at 1-all just 4:40 into the second period on a power-play tally – his seventh of season – on an assist from Mike Glaesmer. Just over four minutes later, Englebright levied the eventual game-cincher on setups from Joe Greener and Nick Von Bokern. Glaesmer added a short-handed empty-netter with mere seconds on the clock. Harrison Niemann assisted.
“It was a great team win, no question about it,” Gardiner added. “And (goalie) Kyle (Jendra) was just awesome in net tonight. He made some crucial stops there late in the third, and really all throughout the game. I hate to single anyone out because it was such a team victory, but he was key for us.”
Jendra rebuked 30 of the 31 shots he faced, while Mike Jarboe was nearly as effective for the IceDiggers (16-6-1), making 25 stops on the 27 shots he saw.
"I thought we outplayed them in the first and second periods," Alpena coach-GM Kenny Miller said. "We got in penalty trouble in the third and they were able to score a 5-on-3 power-play goal and get momentum. We'll chalk this up as a missed opportunity and turn our attention Friday's game in Ann Arbor."
The North Stars travel to face the Team USA Under-17 squad on Sunday in Ann Arbor before returning to Centre ICE for a Dec. 1-2 series against Marquette. Alpena heads to Ann Arbor to take on the USA Under-17 team on Friday and Saturday night.
Just ask Traverse City North Stars coach Scott Gardiner, whose team ended an 11-game losing streak with a 3-1 triumph over the first-place Alpena IceDiggers on Wednesday night at Centre ICE arena.
The North Stars (8-13-3) fell behind 1-0 when Chad Billins poked home a power-play tally just 3:13 into the second period, but a trio of third period goals – including the game-winner off the stick of Brett Englebright – gave Traverse City its first triumph since a 3-2 shootout win over Mahoning Valley on Oct. 14.
“We showed a lot of guts down the stretch in the third period there,” Gardiner said. “I’m very proud of these guys. We can’t exactly start over, but this is the start of a new ending. I think it was an impressive win against a good team and we hope it’s the start of a different kind of streak.”
Patrick Nagorsen evened the contest at 1-all just 4:40 into the second period on a power-play tally – his seventh of season – on an assist from Mike Glaesmer. Just over four minutes later, Englebright levied the eventual game-cincher on setups from Joe Greener and Nick Von Bokern. Glaesmer added a short-handed empty-netter with mere seconds on the clock. Harrison Niemann assisted.
“It was a great team win, no question about it,” Gardiner added. “And (goalie) Kyle (Jendra) was just awesome in net tonight. He made some crucial stops there late in the third, and really all throughout the game. I hate to single anyone out because it was such a team victory, but he was key for us.”
Jendra rebuked 30 of the 31 shots he faced, while Mike Jarboe was nearly as effective for the IceDiggers (16-6-1), making 25 stops on the 27 shots he saw.
"I thought we outplayed them in the first and second periods," Alpena coach-GM Kenny Miller said. "We got in penalty trouble in the third and they were able to score a 5-on-3 power-play goal and get momentum. We'll chalk this up as a missed opportunity and turn our attention Friday's game in Ann Arbor."
The North Stars travel to face the Team USA Under-17 squad on Sunday in Ann Arbor before returning to Centre ICE for a Dec. 1-2 series against Marquette. Alpena heads to Ann Arbor to take on the USA Under-17 team on Friday and Saturday night.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Saginaw deals Torquato for O'Marra
From GoErie.com.The Erie Otters' rookie dinner turned into Ryan O'Marra's last meal.
The club traded O'Marra, 19, the veteran center and captain, to Saginaw for highly rated, second-year center Zack Torquato, 17, on Tuesday night. The Otters also received second-round and fourth-round picks in the 2007 OHL Priority Selection, giving them six picks in the first four rounds of that draft.
The deal remains unofficial until the OHL approves the deal today, said Sherry Bassin, the Otters managing partner and general manager. But Bassin expects that to be a formality.
"It's an emotional night," O'Marra said by telephone late Tuesday night.
Given the club's emphasis on the future and its current on-ice struggles, O'Marra, knew the deal could happen at any time. In reality, the possibility has existed since last summer, he said. At that time, he and Bassin spoke about possibly making the move if the Otters endured a slow start this season. The feeling grew stronger in the past few days, he said. But it did not make the team dinner at Aoyama Restaurant less emotional.
O'Marra learned about the trade when Saginaw right wing Ryan Berard called his close friend, Otters goaltender Ryan Ludzik. Berard and his teammates were having a farewell meal for Torquato at the same time. So instead of enjoying Japanese food paid for by the rookies, O'Marra said goodbye to his teammates.
"(Erie) is a great place to play. It's a great group of kids, a great foundation for the future," O'Marra said. "Hopefully I've rubbed off on them for the future. ... I wish that Erie could be in the situation that Saginaw is in now. Nothing would have pleased me more than to have won (an OHL championship) in Erie."
The trade provides O'Marra with an opportunity to win a title in what should be his final OHL season. He is expected to play for the New York Islanders or the Bridgeport (Conn.) Sound Tigers, the club's AHL affiliate next season.
Meanwhile, Torquato provides the cornerstone of the Otters' rebuilding effort, Bassin said.
"This is a significant player," he said.
OFFICIAL RELEASE FROM SAGINAW:
The Saginaw Spirit have acquired forward Ryan O’Marra from the Erie Otters, in a trade that sends Spirit 2005 first round draft pick Zack Torquato to Erie.
“This is a deal that benefits both teams, and both players," said Spirit Head Coach and General Manager Bob Mancini. "In Ryan O'Marra, we acquire one of the top experienced forwards in the Ontario Hockey League, and Zack gets a chance to showcase his talent with a young and talented Erie team in his NHL draft year. On behalf of the entire Spirit organization, I want to thank Zack for his time in Saginaw and wish him the best of luck in his OHL career and beyond.”
O’Marra was a 1st round pick, 4th overall in the 2003 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection and 1st round pick, 15th overall in the 2005 NHL draft by the New York Islanders. He was named to the OHL Team for the 2006 ADT Canada-Russia Challenge. The 19 year old native of Mississauga, Ontario is expected to join the Spirit for tonight’s game.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Traverse City acquires two defensemen
The Traverse City North Stars came into the season a little bit front-heavy, but have been getting defensive about it ever since.
With a bevy of slick-skating forwards dotting the roster – the Stars carried as many as 16 front-liners at one point– head coach Scott Gardiner had been looking to add size, toughness, and grit to the defense. With a pair of deals that were completed on Tuesday, the North Stars furthered the beefing process by acquiring imposing (6-3, 215 lbs.) blue-liner Ben Plocar from Springfield, as well as stalwart stay-at-home defenseman Alex Breeden from North Iowa.
The Stars dealt away defenseman Richie Zobak in a one-for-one swap with Springfield, while forwards Jared Mullen and Mario Mjelleli were sent to North Iowa for Breeden. Both Zobak and Mullen were charter members of the North Stars’ original roster.
“We’ve hit a bit of a bad streak here, but what are we supposed to do – stop trying?” asked Gardiner. “No, we’ve got a good team here and we just needed to add some parts to the machine. We got another player sort of in the (Nick) Von Bokern mold – big, strong and good with the puck in Plocar, and a seasoned meat-and-potatoes defenseman in Breeden. We think these guys can come in and make an impact.”
Plocar, a Howard Grove, Wis. product, played 19 games this season for the Junior Blues, collecting a pair of goals and 11 assists, including a power play goal, four power play assists and a pair of shorthanded helpers. In 2005-06, he led the Springfield defensemen with five goals and 19 assists in 45 contests. Breeden, a 5-11, 190-pounder from Ft. Collins, Co., had six assists through 20 games for the Outlaws after posting a goal and seven assists last year for North Iowa. Both players have 1987 birthdates.
“You just can’t play your defense as shorthanded as we’ve been playing them,” Gardiner explained. “We needed size, experience and that physical presence. You can’t just stand in front of our net anymore, you can’t just chase the puck into the corner anymore, or you’re going to pay the price physically. That’s something we’ve really been craving, and we think we have that.”
The acquisition also gives Traverse City a third member of the ‘treehouse gang,’ with recent acquisition Von Bokern (6-4) and Phil Partyka (6-3) already staffing the blue line. Harrison Niemann (6-2) is also a part-time member, but has seen extensive duty at forward of late.
The bigger North Stars will look to bring their bigger games to Centre ICE arena on Wednesday, when the first place Alpena IceDiggers bring a six-game winning streak into the annual Thanksgiving Eve clash. The Diggers survived for a pair of wins in the teams’ last series – a 6-5 overtime victory at Alpena on Nov. 10, and a thrilling 3-2 shootout win the following night at Centre ICE.
“They’re playing as well as anyone in the league,” admitted Gardiner. “But we can play with them. Our games are usually pretty tight, usually close, hard-fought games. I don’t see anything different on the horizon for Wednesday.”
The Stars-Diggers contest will face off at 7 p.m. on Wednesday.
With a bevy of slick-skating forwards dotting the roster – the Stars carried as many as 16 front-liners at one point– head coach Scott Gardiner had been looking to add size, toughness, and grit to the defense. With a pair of deals that were completed on Tuesday, the North Stars furthered the beefing process by acquiring imposing (6-3, 215 lbs.) blue-liner Ben Plocar from Springfield, as well as stalwart stay-at-home defenseman Alex Breeden from North Iowa.
The Stars dealt away defenseman Richie Zobak in a one-for-one swap with Springfield, while forwards Jared Mullen and Mario Mjelleli were sent to North Iowa for Breeden. Both Zobak and Mullen were charter members of the North Stars’ original roster.
“We’ve hit a bit of a bad streak here, but what are we supposed to do – stop trying?” asked Gardiner. “No, we’ve got a good team here and we just needed to add some parts to the machine. We got another player sort of in the (Nick) Von Bokern mold – big, strong and good with the puck in Plocar, and a seasoned meat-and-potatoes defenseman in Breeden. We think these guys can come in and make an impact.”
Plocar, a Howard Grove, Wis. product, played 19 games this season for the Junior Blues, collecting a pair of goals and 11 assists, including a power play goal, four power play assists and a pair of shorthanded helpers. In 2005-06, he led the Springfield defensemen with five goals and 19 assists in 45 contests. Breeden, a 5-11, 190-pounder from Ft. Collins, Co., had six assists through 20 games for the Outlaws after posting a goal and seven assists last year for North Iowa. Both players have 1987 birthdates.
“You just can’t play your defense as shorthanded as we’ve been playing them,” Gardiner explained. “We needed size, experience and that physical presence. You can’t just stand in front of our net anymore, you can’t just chase the puck into the corner anymore, or you’re going to pay the price physically. That’s something we’ve really been craving, and we think we have that.”
The acquisition also gives Traverse City a third member of the ‘treehouse gang,’ with recent acquisition Von Bokern (6-4) and Phil Partyka (6-3) already staffing the blue line. Harrison Niemann (6-2) is also a part-time member, but has seen extensive duty at forward of late.
The bigger North Stars will look to bring their bigger games to Centre ICE arena on Wednesday, when the first place Alpena IceDiggers bring a six-game winning streak into the annual Thanksgiving Eve clash. The Diggers survived for a pair of wins in the teams’ last series – a 6-5 overtime victory at Alpena on Nov. 10, and a thrilling 3-2 shootout win the following night at Centre ICE.
“They’re playing as well as anyone in the league,” admitted Gardiner. “But we can play with them. Our games are usually pretty tight, usually close, hard-fought games. I don’t see anything different on the horizon for Wednesday.”
The Stars-Diggers contest will face off at 7 p.m. on Wednesday.
Monday, November 20, 2006
WEEKEND SCOREBOARD - Nov. 20, 2006
Plymouth's Andrew Fournier celebrates his goal Friday night
OHL
Fri. Nov. 17
at Plymouth 7, Saginaw 3
Sat. Nov. 18
Kingston 5 at Plymouth 2
at Saginaw 4, Sarnia 3 (OT)
NAHL
Fri. Nov. 17
Alpena 5 at Marquette 3
at Mahoning Valley 5, Traverse City 2
Sat. Nov. 18
Alpena 4 at Marquette 3 (OT)
at Mahoning Valley 3, Traverse City 1
NOJHL
Sat. Nov. 18
Soo 4 at Blind River 1
Sun. Nov. 19
Soo 7 at Canadian Soo 2
Photo by Walt Dmoch
Friday, November 17, 2006
Rangers set up mitten tree for charity
The Marquette Rangers will have a mitten tree set up beginning at the game tonight against the Alpena IceDiggers and ending at the game Dec. 22.
The tree will be accessible at all games and 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday in the Rangers' office for people to donate mittens, hats and scarves for local charity.
The Rangers will be collecting the items and distributing to organizations and local charities such as the Salvation Army, women’s shelter and Janzen House, or as needed.
The tree will be accessible at all games and 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday in the Rangers' office for people to donate mittens, hats and scarves for local charity.
The Rangers will be collecting the items and distributing to organizations and local charities such as the Salvation Army, women’s shelter and Janzen House, or as needed.
Saginaw wins fifth straight Thursday
Zack Torquato scored a pair of goals as the Saginaw Spirit beat the Erie Otters, 4-3, Thursday night at home for their fifth straight win.
Jack Combs had the game winner 6:57 into the third period as the Spirit (16-5-0-1) extended its overall OHL lead to three points over London, who fell 3-0 to Kitchener.
Captain Patrick McNeill added a single goal for Saginaw.
Erie captain Ryan O'Marra, Shayne Taylor and Nick Palmeiri replied for the Otters (5-15-0-2), who have lost two straight and own the worst record in the league.
Saginaw goalie Ryan Daniels stopped 29 shots in the win, while Jonathan Laniel made 44 saves for Erie.
The Spirit travel to Plymouth tonight to battle the Whalers.
Jack Combs had the game winner 6:57 into the third period as the Spirit (16-5-0-1) extended its overall OHL lead to three points over London, who fell 3-0 to Kitchener.
Captain Patrick McNeill added a single goal for Saginaw.
Erie captain Ryan O'Marra, Shayne Taylor and Nick Palmeiri replied for the Otters (5-15-0-2), who have lost two straight and own the worst record in the league.
Saginaw goalie Ryan Daniels stopped 29 shots in the win, while Jonathan Laniel made 44 saves for Erie.
The Spirit travel to Plymouth tonight to battle the Whalers.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Mancini named Grand Marshall of parade
The Saginaw Spirit have been given the honor of Grand Marshall for Saginaw’s 29th Annual Christmas Parade, presented by PRIDE in Saginaw Inc.
The parade kicks off at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday at the corner of Genesee and Jefferson and will head west, ending at the corner of North Michigan and Cass Avenue.
Spirit coach-GM Bob Mancini will serve as the Grand Marshall for the parade and will be joined by Sammy Spirit, Steagle Colbeagle the Eagle and the Saginaw Spirit Dance Team.
Spirit fans are invited to walk in the parade with the Spirit. Those interested are asked to wear Spirit apparel and meet at the Spirit float by 10:45 a.m.
The parade kicks off at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday at the corner of Genesee and Jefferson and will head west, ending at the corner of North Michigan and Cass Avenue.
Spirit coach-GM Bob Mancini will serve as the Grand Marshall for the parade and will be joined by Sammy Spirit, Steagle Colbeagle the Eagle and the Saginaw Spirit Dance Team.
Spirit fans are invited to walk in the parade with the Spirit. Those interested are asked to wear Spirit apparel and meet at the Spirit float by 10:45 a.m.
Monday, November 13, 2006
TC goalie to become NAHL's youngest player
Traverse City is expecting to formally add 15-year-old goaltender Spencer Sonneveldt to its roster, giving the North Stars the youngest player in the entire North American Hockey League."It's a little weird, but everybody's cool about it," Sonneveldt said. "It makes me work harder to keep up with them."
The 5-foot-9, 170-pound netminder received his release from the Midget A North Stars travel team on Monday, and is expected to be officially added to the Junior A North Stars' roster later this week.
"I believe he's the goalie of the future," North Stars head coach Scott Gardiner said.
Read the rest from the Traverse City Record-Eagle here.
Whalers take three wins over weekend
The Plymouth Whalers ended their five-game losing streak with a perfect three-win weekend.
PLYMOUTH 4, SARNIA 1 on SUNDAY
Led by goaltender Michal Neuvirth's 40 saves, the Whalers win their third straight game.
PLYMOUTH 6, SARNIA 5 in SATURDAY SHOOTOUT
Evan Brophey scores the winner as the Whalers remain perfect in shootouts this season at 4-0.
PLYMOUTH 4, OWEN SOUND 0 on FRIDAY
Jeremy Smith records his OHL-leading third shutout of the season with 42 saves in 4-0 win over Owen Sound.
The third-place Whalers host the Saginaw Spirit Friday night and Kingston on Saturday.
In other Michigan junior news...
Saginaw took a 5-4 shootout win over Owen Sound Saturday and then took over first place in the OHL with a 7-2 win against Brampton yesterday. The Spirit return home Thursday against Erie. Friday night, Saginaw will be in Plymouth and will then finish out the weekend at home against Sarnia on Saturday night.
The Alpena IceDiggers beat the Traverse City North Stars twice last weekend - Friday 6-5 in overtime and Saturday in a shootout, 3-2. Traverse City plays two at Mahoning Valley this weekend, while Alpena will head to Marquette to play a pair with the Rangers.
Marquette was swept in their three-game set in Mahoning Valley. The Phantoms won 5-0 on Friday, 7-2 on Saturday and 6-1 on Sunday. The Rangers host Alpena this weekend.
The Soo Indians fell to Abitibi, 5-3, on Saturday night and 5-2 to North Bay Sunday. The Indians are at Blind River Saturday and Canadian Soo Sunday.
PLYMOUTH 4, SARNIA 1 on SUNDAY
Led by goaltender Michal Neuvirth's 40 saves, the Whalers win their third straight game.
PLYMOUTH 6, SARNIA 5 in SATURDAY SHOOTOUT
Evan Brophey scores the winner as the Whalers remain perfect in shootouts this season at 4-0.
PLYMOUTH 4, OWEN SOUND 0 on FRIDAY
Jeremy Smith records his OHL-leading third shutout of the season with 42 saves in 4-0 win over Owen Sound.
The third-place Whalers host the Saginaw Spirit Friday night and Kingston on Saturday.
In other Michigan junior news...
Saginaw took a 5-4 shootout win over Owen Sound Saturday and then took over first place in the OHL with a 7-2 win against Brampton yesterday. The Spirit return home Thursday against Erie. Friday night, Saginaw will be in Plymouth and will then finish out the weekend at home against Sarnia on Saturday night.
The Alpena IceDiggers beat the Traverse City North Stars twice last weekend - Friday 6-5 in overtime and Saturday in a shootout, 3-2. Traverse City plays two at Mahoning Valley this weekend, while Alpena will head to Marquette to play a pair with the Rangers.
Marquette was swept in their three-game set in Mahoning Valley. The Phantoms won 5-0 on Friday, 7-2 on Saturday and 6-1 on Sunday. The Rangers host Alpena this weekend.
The Soo Indians fell to Abitibi, 5-3, on Saturday night and 5-2 to North Bay Sunday. The Indians are at Blind River Saturday and Canadian Soo Sunday.
Friday, November 10, 2006
Saginaw upends Toronto Thursday night
Chris Chappell scored twice and added an assist as the Saginaw Spirit defeated the Toronto-St. Michael's Majors, 8-3, Thursday night in Toronto.
Toronto native Ryan McDonough and captain Patrick McNeill each added a pair of goals while Tom Pyatt and Tom Craig contributed singles for the Spirit (13-5-0-1).
Former Toronto captain Tyler Haskins chipped in with three assists. Ryan Berard and Garrett Sinfield helped out on two goals each.
"They made us look pretty average with their skill," Majors coach Bud Stefanski told the Canadian Press.
Ryan Daniels made 29 saves to earn the win for Saginaw.
Toronto native Ryan McDonough and captain Patrick McNeill each added a pair of goals while Tom Pyatt and Tom Craig contributed singles for the Spirit (13-5-0-1).
Former Toronto captain Tyler Haskins chipped in with three assists. Ryan Berard and Garrett Sinfield helped out on two goals each.
"They made us look pretty average with their skill," Majors coach Bud Stefanski told the Canadian Press.
Ryan Daniels made 29 saves to earn the win for Saginaw.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
North Stars, IceDiggers set for two
A year ago, the Alpena IceDiggers won a North American Hockey League-low 13 games in 58 tries.
Through just 18 contests in 2006-07, the Diggers have scored a dozen wins, lead the North Division by a full four points, and have built a 10-point cushion between themselves and this weekend’s opponent, the Traverse City North Stars.
When the regional rivals square off on Friday in Alpena before returning to Centre ICE arena on Saturday, the North Stars will look to end a seven-game skid against a team that has lost three of its last five.
“Every game between us is a battle – they know it and we know it,” said Traverse City head coach Scott Gardiner. “And certainly, I don’t think they’ll count us out because we’re 10 points behind them, but at the same time we can’t let the spread get two big or it’ll be too hard to catch them.”
The North Stars, having reshuffled the deck last week in terms of personnel movement, were not as cohesive a unit last Friday as they were on Saturday in a 3-2 loss at Mahoning Valley.
Newly-acquired defenseman Nick Von Bokern paid immediate dividends soon after his arrival from Fairbanks last week, scoring a power play goal and assisting on two others versus the Phantoms, while TC native Mike Glaesmer – another new pickup – also registered a goal and a pair of assists in Boardman.
“We’re close to coming out of this and it seems like we’re starting to jell a little bit after throwing so many new guys into the mix all at once,” Gardiner said. “You go into every weekend looking for four points, so we’re going to have to go into their building with a lot of effort and get after them as quickly as possible.”
Alpena’s dynamic duo of Nolan Craner (13 G/19 A) and Todd Rudasill (12 G – 19 A) – the NAHL’s top two leading scorers – has become a tremendous trio, as fellow forward Drew Pierson (9 G/13 A) has climbed the league’s scoring chart, coming into the weekend eighth among all NAHL skaters. The threesome is most exacting on the power play, combining for 22 extra-man markers, while powering the Diggers’ PP unit to a 21.74 percent efficiency – far and away tops in the league.
Both weekend games face-off at 7 p.m., with Friday night’s contest at Northern Lights Arena in Alpena, and Saturday’s back-ender at Centre ICE arena.
Through just 18 contests in 2006-07, the Diggers have scored a dozen wins, lead the North Division by a full four points, and have built a 10-point cushion between themselves and this weekend’s opponent, the Traverse City North Stars.
When the regional rivals square off on Friday in Alpena before returning to Centre ICE arena on Saturday, the North Stars will look to end a seven-game skid against a team that has lost three of its last five.
“Every game between us is a battle – they know it and we know it,” said Traverse City head coach Scott Gardiner. “And certainly, I don’t think they’ll count us out because we’re 10 points behind them, but at the same time we can’t let the spread get two big or it’ll be too hard to catch them.”
The North Stars, having reshuffled the deck last week in terms of personnel movement, were not as cohesive a unit last Friday as they were on Saturday in a 3-2 loss at Mahoning Valley.
Newly-acquired defenseman Nick Von Bokern paid immediate dividends soon after his arrival from Fairbanks last week, scoring a power play goal and assisting on two others versus the Phantoms, while TC native Mike Glaesmer – another new pickup – also registered a goal and a pair of assists in Boardman.
“We’re close to coming out of this and it seems like we’re starting to jell a little bit after throwing so many new guys into the mix all at once,” Gardiner said. “You go into every weekend looking for four points, so we’re going to have to go into their building with a lot of effort and get after them as quickly as possible.”
Alpena’s dynamic duo of Nolan Craner (13 G/19 A) and Todd Rudasill (12 G – 19 A) – the NAHL’s top two leading scorers – has become a tremendous trio, as fellow forward Drew Pierson (9 G/13 A) has climbed the league’s scoring chart, coming into the weekend eighth among all NAHL skaters. The threesome is most exacting on the power play, combining for 22 extra-man markers, while powering the Diggers’ PP unit to a 21.74 percent efficiency – far and away tops in the league.
Both weekend games face-off at 7 p.m., with Friday night’s contest at Northern Lights Arena in Alpena, and Saturday’s back-ender at Centre ICE arena.
Saginaw gets Williams from Wisconsin
ANDY BAGGOTabaggot@madison.com
Wisconsin State Journal
Unhappy with a lack of playing time, highly regarded defenseman Nigel Williams left the University of Wisconsin men's hockey team.
Williams was in the process of withdrawing from school Wednesday and is expected to sign with Saginaw, a Michigan-based major junior franchise in the Ontario Hockey League.
"He was not a happy young man," UW coach Mike Eaves said Wednesday. "Hockey is very important to him. It's what makes him tick and feeds his self-esteem and all those important issues as an 18-year- old. He just felt right now this is what he had to do."
A second-round pick of Colorado in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, Williams appeared in one of the first 10 games for the Badgers. He was unable to crack the top seven of a veteran unit in part because his puck- handling and decision-making were not yet to the level Eaves wanted.
Williams, listed at 6-foot-5 and 220 pounds, spoke last month of being "very frustrated" at not playing. He said it was reminiscent of a year ago when he didn't see regular playing time with the U.S. National Team Development Program.
"I thought I was going to be playing a lot more (with UW)," Williams said.
Eaves said the situation with Williams was similar to last season when sophomore winger Matt Auffrey left school and signed with Kitchener of OHL.
"(Williams) kind of wants to play now instead of being patient and growing," Eaves said.
Saginaw drafted Williams in the 14th round (263rd overall) of the 2005 OHL Priority Selection.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
IceDiggers to wear camo jerseys Friday night
The Alpena IceDiggers will wear special event camouflage jerseys, sponsored by Lafarge, this Friday night at Northern Lights Arena when they play host to the Traverse City North Stars at 7:00 p.m.The game-worn jerseys will be auctioned off immediately following the game in the main grand stands. The bidding will start at $100.
With the help of OT Sports, the official jersey supplier of the NAHL, the IceDiggers are extremely happy with the design of the jerseys.
"We are excited about the jerseys and really feel our fans will like them." said Alpena VP/GM Bob Krafft. "If you have a favorite IceDigger player, this is a great chance to own a game-worn jersey."
The IceDiggers will sport the camouflage jersey on Friday only five days prior to opening day of hunting season in Alpena. Krafft and his staff thought it would go over great with not only the IceDigger faithful, but hunters in the area as well.
"When we were looking at doing the special event jerseys, we went to Lafarge and gave them the idea and they were very excited about it," Krafft added. "This jersey not only appeals to hockey fans, but hunters as well."
The IceDiggers play only one their next 12 games inside Northern Lights Arena.
Alpena currently sits atop the North Division with a record of 12-5-1. Nolan Craner and Todd Rudasill sit one and two in the NAHL scoring race. As a team, the IceDiggers currently lead the NAHL in power-play goals with 35.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Marquette splits with Fargo-Moorhead
The Marquette Rangers took advantage of a five-minute power play in the first period, registering three goals en route to a 6-3 road win over the Fargo-Moorhead Jets Friday night.
Neeco Belanger, Nic Weight and Matt Tinordi all registered goals in under a minute for a 3-1 lead in the first period, but the Jets cut the Rangers’ lead to one before intermission.
Marquette responded in the second and third periods with three unanswered goals. Jason Cohen had the lone goal in the second period and in the third, Belanger and Nick Kosinski each posted scores.
Belanger finished the game with two goals and two assists, while Kosinski notched a goal and an assist.
Goalie Stephen Ritter stopped 22 of 25 shots faced for Marquette.
Saturday night, after scoring the most goals by any opponent against the Jets in four seasons at home, the Rangers looked for the sweep Saturday night. The Rangers never led in the contest and were outshot 44-26 on the way to a 5-1 loss.
Dustin Partacz scored the lone Ranger goal in the third period and Matt Brooker made 41 saves.
The Rangers hit the road for the last away series against the Mahoning Valley Phantoms in Boardman, Ohio this weekend, before returning home to host Alpena Nov. 17 and 18.
Neeco Belanger, Nic Weight and Matt Tinordi all registered goals in under a minute for a 3-1 lead in the first period, but the Jets cut the Rangers’ lead to one before intermission.
Marquette responded in the second and third periods with three unanswered goals. Jason Cohen had the lone goal in the second period and in the third, Belanger and Nick Kosinski each posted scores.
Belanger finished the game with two goals and two assists, while Kosinski notched a goal and an assist.
Goalie Stephen Ritter stopped 22 of 25 shots faced for Marquette.
Saturday night, after scoring the most goals by any opponent against the Jets in four seasons at home, the Rangers looked for the sweep Saturday night. The Rangers never led in the contest and were outshot 44-26 on the way to a 5-1 loss.
Dustin Partacz scored the lone Ranger goal in the third period and Matt Brooker made 41 saves.
The Rangers hit the road for the last away series against the Mahoning Valley Phantoms in Boardman, Ohio this weekend, before returning home to host Alpena Nov. 17 and 18.
North Stars swept in Mahoning Valley
FRIDAY
When it rains, it pours.
And there was a deluge on Friday at the Boardman IceZone, as Mahoning Valley handed the visiting Traverse City North Stars a 7-2 setback at the Phantoms' home opener.
Doug Leaverton's knuckling, bounding puck from beyond the blue line somehow found its way into the back of the Traverse City net just 2:26 into the contest, and the affair snowballed in favor of the hosts from there.
"When it's bad, it's bad - and it was bad tonight," admitted Stars head coach Scott Gardiner. "That first dump-in that scored - it wasn't why we lost, and it wasn't anybody's fault, but it was kind of symbolic of how our night went."
New TC defenseman Nick Von Bokern did give the North Stars a 1-1 tie when he registered a power-play marker a mere :16 into the second period, but Matt Quigley responded for Mahoning Valley a little more than two minutes later and Nathan Longpre added what turned out to be the game-winner a minute after that. It was the first of two for Quigley, and the first of three for Longpre, who would post two more in the second period.
Mike Glaesmer posted his first goal in a Stars sweater, keeping Longpre from the natural hat trick with a power-play effort at 11:46 of the second. Glaesmer and Aaron Pietila had assisted on Van Bokern's goal, while Jameson Raymond and Kent Detlefsen drew helpers on Glaesmer's marker.
The game featured a plethora of shots on net as the teams combined for 93 attempts, but TC's Stefan Shively was the busiest goalkeep, absorbing 55 shots to Ryan Zapolski's 38. The North Stars fell to 7-10-1, while Mahoning Valley upped its mark to 9-7-1. The clubs have now split their four regular season meetings in 2006-07.
"I know we have a ton of new guys, and you might expect as much, but we were not in sync tonight," Gardiner added. "We had two new guys with the goals, but we need our producers to produce. There were times tonight when we dominated - like almost the entire second period - but it's a period we still lost, and it's frustrating."
SATURDAY
The Traverse City North Stars struck first and struck last on Saturday at the Boardman Ice Zone, but the host Mahoning Valley Phantoms wedged a trio of goals betwixt to claim a 3-2 triumph in the finale of a two-game series.
Joe Greener put Traverse City ahead just five minutes into the contest on a power play marker set up by Aaron Pietila and newly-acquired Nick Van Bokern, but Chris Fairbanks (7:42), Alden Hirschfeld (12:30) and Dustin Cloutier (13:32) reeled off the game-winning trifecta in the middle stanza.
Patrick Nagorsen pulled Traverse City (7-11-1) to within one on a power play goal at 10:12 of the third, but the North Stars couldn't crack Phantoms goalkeep Ryan Zapolski down the stretch. Mike Glaesmer and Van Bokern drew assists on Nagorsen's sixth of the season.
Glaesmer recorded three points in the two-game series, while Van Bokern now leads all North American Hockey League defensemen with 10 power-play assists.
Kyle Jendra staffed the TC net, stopping 30 of the 33 shots he faced, while Zapolski went 31-for-33.
The North Stars face off with regional adversary Alpena next weekend, with Friday night's contest slated for Northern Lights Arena and Saturday's return engagement at Centre ICE arena. Both clashes commence at 7 p.m.
When it rains, it pours.
And there was a deluge on Friday at the Boardman IceZone, as Mahoning Valley handed the visiting Traverse City North Stars a 7-2 setback at the Phantoms' home opener.
Doug Leaverton's knuckling, bounding puck from beyond the blue line somehow found its way into the back of the Traverse City net just 2:26 into the contest, and the affair snowballed in favor of the hosts from there.
"When it's bad, it's bad - and it was bad tonight," admitted Stars head coach Scott Gardiner. "That first dump-in that scored - it wasn't why we lost, and it wasn't anybody's fault, but it was kind of symbolic of how our night went."
New TC defenseman Nick Von Bokern did give the North Stars a 1-1 tie when he registered a power-play marker a mere :16 into the second period, but Matt Quigley responded for Mahoning Valley a little more than two minutes later and Nathan Longpre added what turned out to be the game-winner a minute after that. It was the first of two for Quigley, and the first of three for Longpre, who would post two more in the second period.
Mike Glaesmer posted his first goal in a Stars sweater, keeping Longpre from the natural hat trick with a power-play effort at 11:46 of the second. Glaesmer and Aaron Pietila had assisted on Van Bokern's goal, while Jameson Raymond and Kent Detlefsen drew helpers on Glaesmer's marker.
The game featured a plethora of shots on net as the teams combined for 93 attempts, but TC's Stefan Shively was the busiest goalkeep, absorbing 55 shots to Ryan Zapolski's 38. The North Stars fell to 7-10-1, while Mahoning Valley upped its mark to 9-7-1. The clubs have now split their four regular season meetings in 2006-07.
"I know we have a ton of new guys, and you might expect as much, but we were not in sync tonight," Gardiner added. "We had two new guys with the goals, but we need our producers to produce. There were times tonight when we dominated - like almost the entire second period - but it's a period we still lost, and it's frustrating."
SATURDAY
The Traverse City North Stars struck first and struck last on Saturday at the Boardman Ice Zone, but the host Mahoning Valley Phantoms wedged a trio of goals betwixt to claim a 3-2 triumph in the finale of a two-game series.
Joe Greener put Traverse City ahead just five minutes into the contest on a power play marker set up by Aaron Pietila and newly-acquired Nick Van Bokern, but Chris Fairbanks (7:42), Alden Hirschfeld (12:30) and Dustin Cloutier (13:32) reeled off the game-winning trifecta in the middle stanza.
Patrick Nagorsen pulled Traverse City (7-11-1) to within one on a power play goal at 10:12 of the third, but the North Stars couldn't crack Phantoms goalkeep Ryan Zapolski down the stretch. Mike Glaesmer and Van Bokern drew assists on Nagorsen's sixth of the season.
Glaesmer recorded three points in the two-game series, while Van Bokern now leads all North American Hockey League defensemen with 10 power-play assists.
Kyle Jendra staffed the TC net, stopping 30 of the 33 shots he faced, while Zapolski went 31-for-33.
The North Stars face off with regional adversary Alpena next weekend, with Friday night's contest slated for Northern Lights Arena and Saturday's return engagement at Centre ICE arena. Both clashes commence at 7 p.m.
Saginaw topples champs, falls to Barrie
Saginaw went 1-1 last weekend with a loss at home to Barrie and a win at home against Peterborough on Saturday.
Jan Mursak and Tom Pyatt both registered a goal and an assist to help lead the Spirit to a 5-3 win over Peterborough Saturday. Captain Patrick McNeill, Zack Torquato and Patrick Asselin also scored for Saginaw, who out-shot the Petes, 48-19.
Jovica Zelenbaba made 16 saves for the win. Mursak extended his consecutive point streak record to 18 games as well.
Friday, Barrie defeated Saginaw, 4-2.
Mursak and Torquato tallied for Saginaw and Ryan Daniels made 24 saves.
The Spirit go on a road trip this weekend, with games in Toronto, Owen Sound and Brampton. The team’s next home game in on Thursday, Nov. 16 against Erie.
Jan Mursak and Tom Pyatt both registered a goal and an assist to help lead the Spirit to a 5-3 win over Peterborough Saturday. Captain Patrick McNeill, Zack Torquato and Patrick Asselin also scored for Saginaw, who out-shot the Petes, 48-19.
Jovica Zelenbaba made 16 saves for the win. Mursak extended his consecutive point streak record to 18 games as well.
Friday, Barrie defeated Saginaw, 4-2.
Mursak and Torquato tallied for Saginaw and Ryan Daniels made 24 saves.
The Spirit go on a road trip this weekend, with games in Toronto, Owen Sound and Brampton. The team’s next home game in on Thursday, Nov. 16 against Erie.
Whalers suffer brutal weekend out east
The Plymouth Whalers left for their eastern Ontario road swing a .500 team (8-6-0-0) only to return one game under (8-9-0-0) the break-even mark.
Plymouth lost 3-2 in Ottawa on Friday, 3-1 in Belleville Saturday and 5-2 in Kingston yesterday with only five defenseman and seven forwards.
James Neal scored both goals for the Whalers against Ottawa and Jeremy Smith made 31 saves in goal.
Vern Cooper tallied the lone goal Saturday. Michal Neuvirth stopped 33 shots.
Sunday, Cooper and Wes Cunningham scored and Smith and Neuvirth combined for 31 saves. Neuvirth started, played the first 40 minutes and took the loss.
Captain Steve Ward, Jared Boll, Dan Collins, Neal, Ryan McGinnis and Tom Sestito didn't play Sunday along with Andrew Fournier and Joe McCann. Zack Shepley and John Armstrong didn't play all weekend.
Eight players broke curfew Saturday night while at a Belleville restaurant and were caught by head coach Mike Vellucci.
"Not the way I wanted to spend my birthday," Fournier told the Kingston Whig-Standard.
He turned 19 yesterday and missed his team's only visit to his hometown.
Vellucci refused to elaborate on the incident, saying only that the matter "was behind us" and that the eight would be reinstated for Plymouth’s next game.
"The guys that did play played great and showed a ton of character," Vellucci said in the same Whig article. "We never gave up and with a couple of breaks, who knows?"
The Whalers return home to host Owen Sound Friday and Sarnia Saturday. Plymouth is then in Sarnia for a Sunday matinee.
Plymouth lost 3-2 in Ottawa on Friday, 3-1 in Belleville Saturday and 5-2 in Kingston yesterday with only five defenseman and seven forwards.
James Neal scored both goals for the Whalers against Ottawa and Jeremy Smith made 31 saves in goal.
Vern Cooper tallied the lone goal Saturday. Michal Neuvirth stopped 33 shots.
Sunday, Cooper and Wes Cunningham scored and Smith and Neuvirth combined for 31 saves. Neuvirth started, played the first 40 minutes and took the loss.
Captain Steve Ward, Jared Boll, Dan Collins, Neal, Ryan McGinnis and Tom Sestito didn't play Sunday along with Andrew Fournier and Joe McCann. Zack Shepley and John Armstrong didn't play all weekend.
Eight players broke curfew Saturday night while at a Belleville restaurant and were caught by head coach Mike Vellucci.
"Not the way I wanted to spend my birthday," Fournier told the Kingston Whig-Standard.
He turned 19 yesterday and missed his team's only visit to his hometown.
Vellucci refused to elaborate on the incident, saying only that the matter "was behind us" and that the eight would be reinstated for Plymouth’s next game.
"The guys that did play played great and showed a ton of character," Vellucci said in the same Whig article. "We never gave up and with a couple of breaks, who knows?"
The Whalers return home to host Owen Sound Friday and Sarnia Saturday. Plymouth is then in Sarnia for a Sunday matinee.
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Indians in three-way tie for second
A weekend split has left the Soo Indians in a three-way tie for second place within the torrid standings of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League.
After losing 2-1 to Sudbury despite outshooting the Kal Tire Junior Wolves 37-29 on Friday night, the Indians rebounded on Saturday evening to post a tidy 3-1 decision over the crossriver rival Soo Thunderbirds before 254 fans at Big Bear Arena.
With 20 points from a 10-6 record, the Indians are tied with North Bay and Blind River for second place, just three points back of first-place Sudbury but just three points ahead of surging Abitibi.
Friday night, defenceman Sean Reid scored the only goal for the Indians, who were repeatedly thwarted by Sudbury rookie goalie Alain Valiquette.
Saturday night, the Indians ran into another hot goalie in Ryan Dube of the Thunderbirds. The Indians poured 50 shots at Dube -- 20 in the third period -- but needed two goals in the final frame to break a 1-1 tie and secure the 3-1 triumph.
Joe Larson, Chris Cooper and Sean Farley, with his team-leading 13th goal, handled the Indians' scoring. Paul Isleib added two assists for the Indians to boost his point totals to 3-12-15, second on the Indians to Farley, who is 13-7-20.
Brennan Poderzay started in the Indians net and blocked 13 of 14 shots in the first period before tweaking his hamstring. Elliot Hogue finished up with a 23-save effort over two periods to post the win.
Indians' head coach Jim Capy was relieved to get the win over the Thunderbirds.
"We had 87 shots in two games and scored only four goals and that is a concern. Had we finished better around the net, we would have won both games," the Indians' boss said evenly.
Capy, Hogue and Indians' chief scout Jim Yardanoff will be among the guests when "The Hockey North Show" makes its debut on SportsZeus.com on Thursday, November 9 at 7:00 p.m. The show will be broadcast live from Brody's Sports Bar in Soo, Ontario.
After losing 2-1 to Sudbury despite outshooting the Kal Tire Junior Wolves 37-29 on Friday night, the Indians rebounded on Saturday evening to post a tidy 3-1 decision over the crossriver rival Soo Thunderbirds before 254 fans at Big Bear Arena.
With 20 points from a 10-6 record, the Indians are tied with North Bay and Blind River for second place, just three points back of first-place Sudbury but just three points ahead of surging Abitibi.
Friday night, defenceman Sean Reid scored the only goal for the Indians, who were repeatedly thwarted by Sudbury rookie goalie Alain Valiquette.
Saturday night, the Indians ran into another hot goalie in Ryan Dube of the Thunderbirds. The Indians poured 50 shots at Dube -- 20 in the third period -- but needed two goals in the final frame to break a 1-1 tie and secure the 3-1 triumph.
Joe Larson, Chris Cooper and Sean Farley, with his team-leading 13th goal, handled the Indians' scoring. Paul Isleib added two assists for the Indians to boost his point totals to 3-12-15, second on the Indians to Farley, who is 13-7-20.
Brennan Poderzay started in the Indians net and blocked 13 of 14 shots in the first period before tweaking his hamstring. Elliot Hogue finished up with a 23-save effort over two periods to post the win.
Indians' head coach Jim Capy was relieved to get the win over the Thunderbirds.
"We had 87 shots in two games and scored only four goals and that is a concern. Had we finished better around the net, we would have won both games," the Indians' boss said evenly.
Capy, Hogue and Indians' chief scout Jim Yardanoff will be among the guests when "The Hockey North Show" makes its debut on SportsZeus.com on Thursday, November 9 at 7:00 p.m. The show will be broadcast live from Brody's Sports Bar in Soo, Ontario.
Friday, November 03, 2006
IceDiggers beat Team USA Friday night
In Alpena, the hometown IceDiggers completed their delayed three-game set with the U.S. National Team with a 5-2 win. The two teams had split Tuesday and Wednesday.
Captain Nolan Craner scored twice with an assist, while Todd Rudasill had a goal and two helpers. Drew Pierson added three assists to go along with single goals from Marco Ruggeri and Mike DeGrazia.
Mike Jarboe took the win making 23 saves.
Alpena plays a home-and-home series with the Traverse City North Stars next weekend. Friday's game is in Alpena and Saturday's shifts to Traverse City.
Captain Nolan Craner scored twice with an assist, while Todd Rudasill had a goal and two helpers. Drew Pierson added three assists to go along with single goals from Marco Ruggeri and Mike DeGrazia.
Mike Jarboe took the win making 23 saves.
Alpena plays a home-and-home series with the Traverse City North Stars next weekend. Friday's game is in Alpena and Saturday's shifts to Traverse City.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
IceDiggers lose Tuesday, win Wednesday
Alpena split the first two games of its staggered three-game series with the U.S. National Team Development Program.
Tuesday night in Ann Arbor, the Under-18 squad took a 6-3 win. Eric Roman, Evan West and Drew Pierson scored for the IceDiggers. Chris Hendrickson tacked on two assists and Shawn Hunwick made 22 saves.
Last night, Alpena scored three times in the third period to rally for a 4-3 win. Nolan Craner and Todd Rudasill each had a goal and an assist to go along with single goals from Ben Kitzmiller and Jim McCusker (first NAHL goal). Mike Jarboe finished with 23 saves in net.
The two teams play again tomorrow night in Alpena. Game time is 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday night in Ann Arbor, the Under-18 squad took a 6-3 win. Eric Roman, Evan West and Drew Pierson scored for the IceDiggers. Chris Hendrickson tacked on two assists and Shawn Hunwick made 22 saves.
Last night, Alpena scored three times in the third period to rally for a 4-3 win. Nolan Craner and Todd Rudasill each had a goal and an assist to go along with single goals from Ben Kitzmiller and Jim McCusker (first NAHL goal). Mike Jarboe finished with 23 saves in net.
The two teams play again tomorrow night in Alpena. Game time is 7:00 p.m.
Spirit edges Greyhounds Wednesday night
Garrett Sinfield scored his first goal of the season 6:39 into the third period and it stood as the game-winner as the Saginaw Spirit beat the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, 5-4, last night in Sault Ste. Marie.
Zack Torquato scored twice for Saginaw, winners of nine of their last 10 games. Patrick Asselin and Tom Pyatt added singles, while Ryan Daniels posted 23 saves in net.
The Barrie Colts are in first place in the Eastern Conference with 23 points, making Friday night's game in Saginaw a match-up for first place overall in the OHL.
Zack Torquato scored twice for Saginaw, winners of nine of their last 10 games. Patrick Asselin and Tom Pyatt added singles, while Ryan Daniels posted 23 saves in net.
The Barrie Colts are in first place in the Eastern Conference with 23 points, making Friday night's game in Saginaw a match-up for first place overall in the OHL.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Indians make four-player deal with Blind River
The Soo Indians have shipped two players from their active roster to the Blind River Beavers in exchange for the playing rights to two others in a trade completed Tuesday night.
Going to Blind River are winger Alex Durinka and defenceman Brett Lavalley. Durinka had one assist in six games with the Indians this season while Lavalley was pointless in his only outing. Both are 1987 birth years.
In exchange for the two, the Indians acquired the rights to forwards Shane Bailey and Sam Yearsley, both of whom are currently playing in the North American Hockey League.
Both Bailey and Yearsley played for Indians' coach-general manager Jim Capy when he was with Blind River last season.
Bailey, a 1986 birth year, had 19 goals and 10 assists in 38 games with the Beavers last season. Yearsley, a 1987 birth year, had 15 goals and 20 assists in 40 games with the Beavers last season.
Should Bailey and Yearsley join the Indians, they would hook up with two of their former Blind River teammates from last season -- forwards J.P. Perpich and Nick Zilka -- who were obtained by Capy from the Beavers in transactions made earlier this season.
Going to Blind River are winger Alex Durinka and defenceman Brett Lavalley. Durinka had one assist in six games with the Indians this season while Lavalley was pointless in his only outing. Both are 1987 birth years.
In exchange for the two, the Indians acquired the rights to forwards Shane Bailey and Sam Yearsley, both of whom are currently playing in the North American Hockey League.
Both Bailey and Yearsley played for Indians' coach-general manager Jim Capy when he was with Blind River last season.
Bailey, a 1986 birth year, had 19 goals and 10 assists in 38 games with the Beavers last season. Yearsley, a 1987 birth year, had 15 goals and 20 assists in 40 games with the Beavers last season.
Should Bailey and Yearsley join the Indians, they would hook up with two of their former Blind River teammates from last season -- forwards J.P. Perpich and Nick Zilka -- who were obtained by Capy from the Beavers in transactions made earlier this season.
Rangers make several roster tweaks
The Marquette Rangers have made some roster moves to hopefully help the team continue its climb to the top of the NAHL's North Division.
Forward Chad Johnson and defenseman Andy Keogh have been released, making room for defensemen Nikki Holt and John McAfee. Holt joins the Rangers from the Bozeman IceDogs Junior B team, while McAfee was released by the Alaska Avalanche of the NAHL.
"We feel we've complemented our current roster with the addition of Holt and McAfee," said Marquette head coach Leigh Mendelson. "Holt is a 6-foot, 180-pound 20-year-old that gives us a little more experience at the blue line. He played for John LaFontaine in Bozeman and has been an immediate contributor to our team. McAfee was released by Alaska and we feel he has a good upside. Our fans will certainly notice his size (6-foot-5, 220 pounds) but as an 18-year-old he will learn a lot from some of our veteran defensemen."
In addition, the Rangers traded defenseman Todd Graham to the Fairbanks Ice Dogs for forward Artie Peckscamp. Peckscamp saw limited action in five games with Fairbanks, registering one assist and four penalty minutes.
"Artie is an 18-year-old who played Minnesota high school hockey last season," Mendelson said. "He is a young forward who will have a chance to learn and play under some very good forwards on our team."
Forward Chad Johnson and defenseman Andy Keogh have been released, making room for defensemen Nikki Holt and John McAfee. Holt joins the Rangers from the Bozeman IceDogs Junior B team, while McAfee was released by the Alaska Avalanche of the NAHL.
"We feel we've complemented our current roster with the addition of Holt and McAfee," said Marquette head coach Leigh Mendelson. "Holt is a 6-foot, 180-pound 20-year-old that gives us a little more experience at the blue line. He played for John LaFontaine in Bozeman and has been an immediate contributor to our team. McAfee was released by Alaska and we feel he has a good upside. Our fans will certainly notice his size (6-foot-5, 220 pounds) but as an 18-year-old he will learn a lot from some of our veteran defensemen."
In addition, the Rangers traded defenseman Todd Graham to the Fairbanks Ice Dogs for forward Artie Peckscamp. Peckscamp saw limited action in five games with Fairbanks, registering one assist and four penalty minutes.
"Artie is an 18-year-old who played Minnesota high school hockey last season," Mendelson said. "He is a young forward who will have a chance to learn and play under some very good forwards on our team."
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Muskegon's Paeth off to Western Michigan
Des Moines Buccaneers' forward Travis Paeth has verbally committed to Western Michigan University.Paeth, a native of Muskegon, was a fourth-round draft pick by the Buccaneers in the 2006 USHL Entry Draft. He came to Des Moines after spending last season playing for the Traverse City North Stars of the NAHL.
The 19-year-old Paeth currently has two goals and three assists in seven games for the Buccaneers and has helped the team to get off to a 7-1 start in its first eight games.
"Travis has come in and worked hard for our club," said Des Moines coach-GM Regg Simon. "He's filled a role for our team and now he'll be a great fit for the Western Michigan program."
Paeth is the eleventh member of the Buccaneers to commit to a Division I hockey program this season. Previously committed players to Michigan schools are Jeff Petry (Farmington Hills/Michigan State), Aaron Palushaj (Northville/Michigan), Ben Ryan (Brighton/Notre Dame) and Austin Handley (Clarkston/Michigan State).
North Stars deal trio to Fairbanks
The Traverse City North Stars dealt away a trio of core players on Tuesday, acquiring a physical defensive presence and additional scoring punch.
The club traded away forwards Jonathan Juliano and Travis Hamway, along with defenseman Arthur Bidwill, to the Fairbanks Ice Dogs for behemoth defenseman Nick Von Bokern and forward Mario Mjelleli.
Traverse City head coach Scott Gardiner says the move, which comes on the heels of a five-game skid, should pay dividends immediately.
“I think we needed a change of team chemistry,” said Gardiner, whose club is now 7-9-1 after a pair of narrow losses to Marquette this weekend. “What we have here is a very good team not playing to its potential, and we felt like we had to do something to jump-start the team.”
Van Bokern, a 6-4, 210-pound defenseman from Burnsville, Minn., has a goal and 10 assists through 18 games this year for Bozeman. The 19-year-old (he turns 20 on Saturday) played the previous two seasons with the Ice Dogs as well, collecting 27 points over that span. He has been most effective on special teams, dishing out eight power play assists and a pair of short-handed helpers.
“He has the size and the physical presence to make a huge impact with us from the day he gets here,” said Gardiner, who hopes to have his new tandem in uniform for this weekend’s two-game series at Mahoning Valley. “He has a tremendous shot from the point on the power play, and we could use that, too.”
The 20-year-old Mjelleli, a 5-10, 180-pound center/wing from Faribault, Minn., has four goals and seven assists in his 18 games of action this season, and tallied 11 goals to go with five assists for Fairbanks in 2005-06.
“Mario’s another hard-worker, he can play anywhere along the front line,” Gardiner assessed. “He plays on the power play, the penalty kill, and is just a very good all-around type of player.”
Juliano, an original member of the inaugural North Stars squad, scored 18 goals over 77 games with Traverse City, and had two goals with seven assists through 15 games this season. Hamway, who came to Traverse City from the now-defunct Billings Bulls, had a goal and nine assists in 16 games for the Stars, while Bidwill had posted career numbers through 17 games this season, scoring twice and amassing seven assists.
“I think it’ll be good for those guys to have a change of scenery,” Gardiner said. “They’re all very good players. We just had too many of the same kinds of players, and had to make a move. If it’s possible to have too much skill and not enough grit, that’s what we had.”
The club traded away forwards Jonathan Juliano and Travis Hamway, along with defenseman Arthur Bidwill, to the Fairbanks Ice Dogs for behemoth defenseman Nick Von Bokern and forward Mario Mjelleli.
Traverse City head coach Scott Gardiner says the move, which comes on the heels of a five-game skid, should pay dividends immediately.
“I think we needed a change of team chemistry,” said Gardiner, whose club is now 7-9-1 after a pair of narrow losses to Marquette this weekend. “What we have here is a very good team not playing to its potential, and we felt like we had to do something to jump-start the team.”
Van Bokern, a 6-4, 210-pound defenseman from Burnsville, Minn., has a goal and 10 assists through 18 games this year for Bozeman. The 19-year-old (he turns 20 on Saturday) played the previous two seasons with the Ice Dogs as well, collecting 27 points over that span. He has been most effective on special teams, dishing out eight power play assists and a pair of short-handed helpers.
“He has the size and the physical presence to make a huge impact with us from the day he gets here,” said Gardiner, who hopes to have his new tandem in uniform for this weekend’s two-game series at Mahoning Valley. “He has a tremendous shot from the point on the power play, and we could use that, too.”
The 20-year-old Mjelleli, a 5-10, 180-pound center/wing from Faribault, Minn., has four goals and seven assists in his 18 games of action this season, and tallied 11 goals to go with five assists for Fairbanks in 2005-06.
“Mario’s another hard-worker, he can play anywhere along the front line,” Gardiner assessed. “He plays on the power play, the penalty kill, and is just a very good all-around type of player.”
Juliano, an original member of the inaugural North Stars squad, scored 18 goals over 77 games with Traverse City, and had two goals with seven assists through 15 games this season. Hamway, who came to Traverse City from the now-defunct Billings Bulls, had a goal and nine assists in 16 games for the Stars, while Bidwill had posted career numbers through 17 games this season, scoring twice and amassing seven assists.
“I think it’ll be good for those guys to have a change of scenery,” Gardiner said. “They’re all very good players. We just had too many of the same kinds of players, and had to make a move. If it’s possible to have too much skill and not enough grit, that’s what we had.”
Saginaw Spirit News & Notes
During the month of October, the Saginaw Spirit were 9-1-0-0 overall, 6-0-0-0 at home. The team kicks off November with three games this week. Sault Ste. Marie will be the site of a Wednesday match-up against the Greyhounds, while Friday and Saturday will be home games against the Barrie Colts and Peterborough Petes, respectively.
The Spirit enter the upcoming series in first place in the West Division with 21 points and a record of 10-4-0-1.
Mursak Beats Team Record
Spirit forward Jan Mursak beat the team’s point streak record on Sunday following his assist on a Patrick McNeill goal. Mursak has had at least one point in the last 15 games, giving him the record that was previously held by former Spirit Nick Lees (14 games in the 2003-04 season) and Marek Kvapil (14 games in the 2004-05 season). So far this season, Mursak has notched 26 points, with nine goals and 17 assists. He also has the distinction of scoring at least one point in every game he has played in Spirit uniform.
OHL Leader Boards
Mursak (9G-17A-26PTS) is currently ranked sixth in OHL scoring, third in rookie scoring and ninth in assists.
Tom Pyatt is ranked third in goal scoring and eighth in overall scoring with 25 points (14G-11A).
McNeill is fifth in scoring for defenseman with 16 points (6G-10A).
Goaltender Ryan Daniels is ranked seventh in both goals-against average and save percentage with a GAA of 2.99 and save percentage of .913.
November 1, 2006
Wednesday at 7:00 PM
Away at the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
For ticket and travel information, please visit www.saulttourism.com or call 1-800-461-6020.
The Greyhounds received good news last week in the form of center Jiri Tlusty. The Czech native and Toronto Maple Leafs' prospect was sent down from the AHL Toronto Marlies to join an already potent Greyhound offense that includes Dustin Jeffrey (14G-10A-24 PTS), Cody Thornton (7G-11A-18PTS) and David Kuchejda (3G-7A-10PTS). Josh Godfrey has not only been a constant presence on the defense, but on offense as well with 15 points (6G-9A). Starting goaltender Kyle Gadjewski (.888 save percentage) had a shutout in last weekend’s game against the Peterborough Petes. The Spirit, who have a 11-19-1-0 record against the Greyhounds since 2002, will face-off against the Greyhounds in the newly built Steelback Centre.
November 3, 2006
Friday at 7:11 PM
Home vs the Barrie Colts
For ticket information, please visit www.saginawspirit.com or call 989-497-7747.
Bryan Little (15G-18A-33PTS) is back to lead the Colts in what is shaping up to be a successful season. Right behind him in scoring production is Hunter Tremblay (8G-14A-22PTS) and Andrew Marshall (3G-15A-18PTS), followed by Richard Clune (8G-9A-17PTS) and Tomas Marcinko (6G-6A-12PTS). On defense is Marshall (3G-15A-18PTS), Tyson Aitcheson (4A-4PTS) and Blake Parlett (1G-3A-4PTS). ADT CHL Goaltender of the Week (10/17/06) Andrew Perugini (.909 save percentage) has been starting for the Colts this season following the departure of Dan LaCosta.
The Spirit have a team record of 1-5-2-0 against the Colts since 2002.
November 4, 2006
Saturday at 7:11 PM
Home vs the Peterborough Petes
For ticket information, please visit www.saginawspirit.com or call 989-497-7747.
Saturday, the Spirit will host the Petes, who are looking for a rematch following their 5-3 loss to Saginaw on October 12. Leading the Petes’ offense is Daniel Ryder (11G-17A-28PTS), Steve Downie (6G-11A-17PTS) and Justin Soryal (9G-7A-16PTS). On defense, the Petes are counting on three overagers – former Plymouth Whaler Craig Cescon (2A-2PTS), Davin Welsh (2G-1A-3PTS) and Kyle Raftis (1G-10A-11PTS). Starting goalie Trevor Cann (.915 save percentage) is backstopping the Petes in net.
The overall record between the two teams since 2002 stands at 4-2-1-0.
The Spirit enter the upcoming series in first place in the West Division with 21 points and a record of 10-4-0-1.
Mursak Beats Team Record
Spirit forward Jan Mursak beat the team’s point streak record on Sunday following his assist on a Patrick McNeill goal. Mursak has had at least one point in the last 15 games, giving him the record that was previously held by former Spirit Nick Lees (14 games in the 2003-04 season) and Marek Kvapil (14 games in the 2004-05 season). So far this season, Mursak has notched 26 points, with nine goals and 17 assists. He also has the distinction of scoring at least one point in every game he has played in Spirit uniform.
OHL Leader Boards
Mursak (9G-17A-26PTS) is currently ranked sixth in OHL scoring, third in rookie scoring and ninth in assists.
Tom Pyatt is ranked third in goal scoring and eighth in overall scoring with 25 points (14G-11A).
McNeill is fifth in scoring for defenseman with 16 points (6G-10A).
Goaltender Ryan Daniels is ranked seventh in both goals-against average and save percentage with a GAA of 2.99 and save percentage of .913.
November 1, 2006
Wednesday at 7:00 PM
Away at the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
For ticket and travel information, please visit www.saulttourism.com or call 1-800-461-6020.
The Greyhounds received good news last week in the form of center Jiri Tlusty. The Czech native and Toronto Maple Leafs' prospect was sent down from the AHL Toronto Marlies to join an already potent Greyhound offense that includes Dustin Jeffrey (14G-10A-24 PTS), Cody Thornton (7G-11A-18PTS) and David Kuchejda (3G-7A-10PTS). Josh Godfrey has not only been a constant presence on the defense, but on offense as well with 15 points (6G-9A). Starting goaltender Kyle Gadjewski (.888 save percentage) had a shutout in last weekend’s game against the Peterborough Petes. The Spirit, who have a 11-19-1-0 record against the Greyhounds since 2002, will face-off against the Greyhounds in the newly built Steelback Centre.
November 3, 2006
Friday at 7:11 PM
Home vs the Barrie Colts
For ticket information, please visit www.saginawspirit.com or call 989-497-7747.
Bryan Little (15G-18A-33PTS) is back to lead the Colts in what is shaping up to be a successful season. Right behind him in scoring production is Hunter Tremblay (8G-14A-22PTS) and Andrew Marshall (3G-15A-18PTS), followed by Richard Clune (8G-9A-17PTS) and Tomas Marcinko (6G-6A-12PTS). On defense is Marshall (3G-15A-18PTS), Tyson Aitcheson (4A-4PTS) and Blake Parlett (1G-3A-4PTS). ADT CHL Goaltender of the Week (10/17/06) Andrew Perugini (.909 save percentage) has been starting for the Colts this season following the departure of Dan LaCosta.
The Spirit have a team record of 1-5-2-0 against the Colts since 2002.
November 4, 2006
Saturday at 7:11 PM
Home vs the Peterborough Petes
For ticket information, please visit www.saginawspirit.com or call 989-497-7747.
Saturday, the Spirit will host the Petes, who are looking for a rematch following their 5-3 loss to Saginaw on October 12. Leading the Petes’ offense is Daniel Ryder (11G-17A-28PTS), Steve Downie (6G-11A-17PTS) and Justin Soryal (9G-7A-16PTS). On defense, the Petes are counting on three overagers – former Plymouth Whaler Craig Cescon (2A-2PTS), Davin Welsh (2G-1A-3PTS) and Kyle Raftis (1G-10A-11PTS). Starting goalie Trevor Cann (.915 save percentage) is backstopping the Petes in net.
The overall record between the two teams since 2002 stands at 4-2-1-0.
Alpena heads to Ann Arbor to battle NTDP
The Alpena IceDiggers hit the road for two mid-week games to take on the USA Under-18 National Team tonight and the USA Under-17 National Team tomorrow night.Both games will be played at the Ann Arbor Ice Cube and the puck will drop at 7:00 p.m. for both contests.
With the North Division standings tight, Alpena knows that these two games are very important for the first-place club.
"We have to go into these games and give a great effort in order to be successful," IceDiggers' coach-GM Kenny Miller said. "We will give it everything we got."
Alpena will need to get a balanced scoring attack like they have had the past four games.
"When we get scoring from all four lines and our defensemen, we have more success," noted Miller. "I am happy with how we are playing right now."
The IceDiggers are coming off a weekend where they played host to the Mahoning Valley Phantoms and lost 5-2 on Friday and 5-4 Saturday in a shootout. Saturday's shootout was a first for Alpena this season.
"On Friday we were not good and didn't deserve to win," Miller said. "On Saturday, I thought we outplayed them and had a few breakdowns and that cost us the extra point."
The IceDiggers are led by Nolan Craner and Todd Rudasill, who are still 1-2 in scoring in the NAHL. Veterans Ricardo Yesue and Erik Peterson are starting to heat up offensively. Peterson has scored six points in his last five games, while Yesue has added a goal and four assists in the last five contests.
The goaltending tandem of Shawn Hunwick and Mike Jarboe has played well for the 'Diggers so far this season in combing for 10 wins in 14 games.
Indians out to even Cup series with T'birds
The battle of the border continues on Saturday night when the Soo Indians play host to the Soo Thunderbirds.
Game time is 7:00 p.m. at Big Bear Arena in the Michigan Soo and the Indians will be out to avenge a 3-2 home-ice loss to the Thunderbirds from Oct. 22.
The Indians are in third place in the tight Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League standings with a 9-5 record and the Thunderbirds are sixth with an even 6-6 mark.
Saturday's game will be the second regular-season meeting between the crossriver rivals as part of the Carmen Provenzano Memorial Cup series.
"In that first game against us they played with a lot of energy and spirit," Indians' coach/general manager Jim Capy said of the Thunderbirds. "It was a very good game that could have gone either way and I am expecting more of the same on Saturday."
During that first game of the Provenzano Cup series, both Travis O'Brien of the Thunderbirds and Elliot Hogue of the Indians fashioned first-rate goaltending displays.
Saturday's game with the Thunderbirds is the back end of a two-game homestand for the Indians, who begin by playing host to the Sudbury Kal Tire Jr. Wolves on Friday at 7 p.m. at Big Bear. Sudbury is led by sniper Scott Restoule, formerly of the Ontario Hockey League's Soo Greyhounds.
From an Indians' offensive standpoint, Sean Farley is the points leader with 12-6-18 totals followed by Paul Isleib at 3-10-13, Chris Cooper at 4-8-12, Nick Novak at 1-10-11 and Derek Thocker at 6-4-10.
Defensively, the Indians have the two top ranked goalies in the NOJHL. Hogue has a .926 save percentage to go with a 2.42 goals-against average and 5-4 record. Brennan Poderzay has a .900 save percentage, 2.30 GAA and 4-0 record.
Game time is 7:00 p.m. at Big Bear Arena in the Michigan Soo and the Indians will be out to avenge a 3-2 home-ice loss to the Thunderbirds from Oct. 22.
The Indians are in third place in the tight Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League standings with a 9-5 record and the Thunderbirds are sixth with an even 6-6 mark.
Saturday's game will be the second regular-season meeting between the crossriver rivals as part of the Carmen Provenzano Memorial Cup series.
"In that first game against us they played with a lot of energy and spirit," Indians' coach/general manager Jim Capy said of the Thunderbirds. "It was a very good game that could have gone either way and I am expecting more of the same on Saturday."
During that first game of the Provenzano Cup series, both Travis O'Brien of the Thunderbirds and Elliot Hogue of the Indians fashioned first-rate goaltending displays.
Saturday's game with the Thunderbirds is the back end of a two-game homestand for the Indians, who begin by playing host to the Sudbury Kal Tire Jr. Wolves on Friday at 7 p.m. at Big Bear. Sudbury is led by sniper Scott Restoule, formerly of the Ontario Hockey League's Soo Greyhounds.
From an Indians' offensive standpoint, Sean Farley is the points leader with 12-6-18 totals followed by Paul Isleib at 3-10-13, Chris Cooper at 4-8-12, Nick Novak at 1-10-11 and Derek Thocker at 6-4-10.
Defensively, the Indians have the two top ranked goalies in the NOJHL. Hogue has a .926 save percentage to go with a 2.42 goals-against average and 5-4 record. Brennan Poderzay has a .900 save percentage, 2.30 GAA and 4-0 record.
Monday, October 30, 2006
Rangers complete sweep of North Stars
For the second straight night, the Traverse City North Stars were flummoxed by the Hooveresque goaltending of Stephen Ritter, and for the second straight night the Marquette Rangers walked out of Centre ICE arena with a victory, this time a 4-2 triumph that sent the host Stars to a fifth straight defeat.
"The goalie stole one from us tonight and this time we outplayed them, outskated them, beat them to pucks, and should have won it," assessed North Stars head coach Scott Gardiner. "It was a better effort than Friday, but we're too good on paper not to be winning more than we are."
The loss dropped the Stars from a four-way tie for second place in the NAHL's North Division and into a tie with Team USA for fourth at 15 points. Alpena was swept at home by Mahoning Valley this weekend, so the IceDiggers' lead is down to four points over the Phantoms and Rangers.
"As the only new team in the NAHL this year, we have steadfastly stayed the course, building team chemistry and patiently waiting for our players to learn to play together," said Marquette general manager David Saint-Onge. "Although the season still has a long way to go, we're coming together as a team and expect to be in the hunt as the season progresses."
On Saturday, Kory Kaunisto got the North Stars on the board first, opening the scoring at 8:24 of the first period on an assist from Richie Zobak, before Neeco Belanger tied the contest less than five minutes later. Belanger was able to shake the cobwebs off following a game-opening bludgeoning at the hands of TC's Joe Greener.
Just over two minutes later, Nate Urbaniak converted a beautiful cross-ice pass from Travis Hamway and the Stars took a one-goal bulge into the first intermission. Sabastion Kimmel was also credited with an assist on the play.
Marquette got goals from Matt Tinordi (power play) and the eventual game-winner from Nic Weight in the second period, and Luke Bennett closed the scoring with an empty-netter in the final half-minute of play.
"That second goal in the second period was a weak one," Gardiner said. "We gave it up on a turnover that should have never happened. Other than those two mistakes, I thought we kept the pressure on them all night. We just couldn't put the puck in the net. But there are changes coming."
"Saturday was a character win with our bench being short because of an injury and a suspension," Rangers' head coach Leigh Mendelson said. "I am very pleased with our progress, though. Our forwards are starting to click and our team defense is continuing to make progress. We've been getting contributions from all four lines and our special teams have continued to be effective."
Ritter snuffed 25 of the 27 shots he faced, while his TC counterpart, Kyle Jendra, collected 24 attempted shots in his 58-plus minutes of action in net.
The North Stars travel to Mahoning Valley next weekend for a two-game series with the Phantoms before a home-and-home set with Alpena on Nov. 11-12.
Marquette continues their month-long road trip with two games this weekend against Fargo and then a trip to Mahoning Valley for a three-game series. The Rangers finally return to Lakeview Arena to take on Alpena Nov. 17-18.
"The goalie stole one from us tonight and this time we outplayed them, outskated them, beat them to pucks, and should have won it," assessed North Stars head coach Scott Gardiner. "It was a better effort than Friday, but we're too good on paper not to be winning more than we are."
The loss dropped the Stars from a four-way tie for second place in the NAHL's North Division and into a tie with Team USA for fourth at 15 points. Alpena was swept at home by Mahoning Valley this weekend, so the IceDiggers' lead is down to four points over the Phantoms and Rangers.
"As the only new team in the NAHL this year, we have steadfastly stayed the course, building team chemistry and patiently waiting for our players to learn to play together," said Marquette general manager David Saint-Onge. "Although the season still has a long way to go, we're coming together as a team and expect to be in the hunt as the season progresses."
On Saturday, Kory Kaunisto got the North Stars on the board first, opening the scoring at 8:24 of the first period on an assist from Richie Zobak, before Neeco Belanger tied the contest less than five minutes later. Belanger was able to shake the cobwebs off following a game-opening bludgeoning at the hands of TC's Joe Greener.
Just over two minutes later, Nate Urbaniak converted a beautiful cross-ice pass from Travis Hamway and the Stars took a one-goal bulge into the first intermission. Sabastion Kimmel was also credited with an assist on the play.
Marquette got goals from Matt Tinordi (power play) and the eventual game-winner from Nic Weight in the second period, and Luke Bennett closed the scoring with an empty-netter in the final half-minute of play.
"That second goal in the second period was a weak one," Gardiner said. "We gave it up on a turnover that should have never happened. Other than those two mistakes, I thought we kept the pressure on them all night. We just couldn't put the puck in the net. But there are changes coming."
"Saturday was a character win with our bench being short because of an injury and a suspension," Rangers' head coach Leigh Mendelson said. "I am very pleased with our progress, though. Our forwards are starting to click and our team defense is continuing to make progress. We've been getting contributions from all four lines and our special teams have continued to be effective."
Ritter snuffed 25 of the 27 shots he faced, while his TC counterpart, Kyle Jendra, collected 24 attempted shots in his 58-plus minutes of action in net.
The North Stars travel to Mahoning Valley next weekend for a two-game series with the Phantoms before a home-and-home set with Alpena on Nov. 11-12.
Marquette continues their month-long road trip with two games this weekend against Fargo and then a trip to Mahoning Valley for a three-game series. The Rangers finally return to Lakeview Arena to take on Alpena Nov. 17-18.
Whalers go 1-2 on rough weekend
Former Whalers captain Jared Newman shakes hands with current Plymouth captain Steve Ward before Saturday's game with Kitchener. Rangers captain Jean-Michel Rizk is on the left.
The Plymouth Whalers beat Toronto on Friday night, but then fell to Kitchener and Saginaw to finish out the weekend.
Against Toronto at home, the Whalers rode Jeremy Smith's second straight shutout en route to a 3-0 victory and their third straight win. Chris Terry, Tom Sestito and James Neal scored for Plymouth. Smith stopped all 30 shots he faced as the game's first star.
John Murray made 43 saves Saturday as the Rangers blanked Plymouth, 3-0. Michal Neuvirth turned aside 38 shots for the Whalers. Before the game, Plymouth welcomed back former captain Jared Newman, who dropped a ceremonial faceoff to start the game and then signed autographs. Newman played for Plymouth from 1998-2002 and was captain from 2000-2002.
Yesterday in Saginaw, the Spirit soared into first place in the West Division following their 5-2 victory over the Whalers. The Spirit have been undefeated at home during the month of October. The team point streak record was broken by forward Jan Mursak when he earned an assist in the third period, giving him at least one point in the last 15 games. The record of 14 games was previously held by Nick Lees and Marek Kvapil.
Zack Torquato and Patrick McNeill scored two goals apiece and goaltender Ryan Daniels stopped 45 for Saginaw. Tom Pyatt also scored for the Spirit. Sestito and Steve Ward tallied for Plymouth, who got a 39-save outing from Smith.
The Whalers hit the road all of this week, playing in Ottawa Friday, Belleville Saturday and Kingston on Sunday. Plymouth’s next home game is Nov. 10 against Owen Sound.
Photo by Rena Laverty
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Rangers out and about in community
Marquette Rangers' staff and players were in attendance at the Celebrity Waiter dinner this past Thursday in Kingsford. Representatives from Debbie Stabenow’s office, Artic Blast football players and USOEC boxers and wrestlers were among the “celebrities” that waited tables and entertained with the Rangers.Courtney Fisk (Rangers PR) gathered celebrity athletes in attendance and raised $50.00 as the players built themselves into a human pyramid. Rangers were able to contribute a significant amount of tips to the benefit because of the pyramid, waiting tables and donating Rangers’ apparel. A Rangers T-shirt was auctioned (retail value $20.00) and sold for $45.00 thanks to the winning bid from David and Kathleen Engelman of Iron Mountain, whose daughter plays for the girls U-19 Iron Rangers.
The dinner benefited the Caring House and Domestic Violence Shelter in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness month.
After their return from a weekend series in Traverse City, all 23 Rangers will be volunteering at the YMCA for their annual Halloween party. Monday, 10 players will be in Munising for a Skate with the Rangers clinic.
Photo:
Front row: Dustin Partacz; Marlene Mottes, Caring House Board Member; Courtney Fisk, Rangers’ Public Relations; Cheryl O'Niel, Caring House Director
Back row: Jacob Hauswirth; Nic Weight; Richard Tegge, Rangers’ Director of Hockey Operations
DeVos accepts Spirit invitation to drop puck
The Saginaw Spirit, in partnership with Davenport University, confirmed yesterday that gubernatorial candidate Dick DeVos will show his Spirit at the Friday, November 3 home game. DeVos will meet fans as they enter the arena and then participate in a ceremonial puck drop at 7:11 p.m.
The Spirit recently extended an invitation to both DeVos and incumbent Jennifer Granholm to be honored at a Spirit game. The Granholm organization has expressed interest in coming to a future Spirit game and is in discussions with the Spirit organization to arrange a date.
"The Saginaw Spirit is thrilled to have gubernatorial candidate Dick DeVos bring his campaign out to a game," stated Spirit managing partner Craig Goslin. "We are hoping that Governor Granholm is able to make an appearance as well. We are hoping to see our fans come out to personally meet the candidate of their choice and show their support."
The Spirit recently extended an invitation to both DeVos and incumbent Jennifer Granholm to be honored at a Spirit game. The Granholm organization has expressed interest in coming to a future Spirit game and is in discussions with the Spirit organization to arrange a date.
"The Saginaw Spirit is thrilled to have gubernatorial candidate Dick DeVos bring his campaign out to a game," stated Spirit managing partner Craig Goslin. "We are hoping that Governor Granholm is able to make an appearance as well. We are hoping to see our fans come out to personally meet the candidate of their choice and show their support."
Friday, October 27, 2006
IceDiggers host Phantoms this weekend
For the first time this season, the Alpena IceDiggers (10-3-0) will play host to the Mahoning Valley Phantoms (6-7-1) at Northern Lights Arena. The two teams will tangle on Friday and Saturday with both games set for 7:00 p.m.The IceDiggers and Phantoms play a total of 16 times during the 2006-07 season.
With these two games, the Phantoms are finishing up a road trip that has consisted of 16 straight games away from the Ice Zone in Boardman Ohio. The IceDiggers are playing their fifth and sixth home games of the year and are currently 4-0 inside the NLA.
With the Phantoms coming to town, Alpena head coach Kenny Miller and his team know they will have to be on their game in order to come away with two victories.
"We are going to have to be at our best in order to win," Miller said. "They have a veteran team and their record is not an indication of what type of team they are. As for our team I feel this group is as good as any we have ever had since joining the league in 2003."
Mahoning Valley, led by head coach Bob Mainhardt, currently sits in fifth place in the North Division seven points behind the first-place IceDiggers.
Alpena is coming off a two-game road sweep of cross-state rival Traverse City (7-7-1) .
The IceDiggers currently have the best power play in the NAHL with a 21.37 % efficiency rate. Alpena has scored 28 goals on the man advantage. Mahoning Valley ranks sixth in the league with a 15.25 % rating in scoring 18 power-play goals. On the penalty kill, the IceDiggers rank eighth among the 17 teams with a 86.36 clip and Mahoning Valley currently has the worst penalty kill percentage in the NAHL with a 78.99 rating.
NEWS AND NOTES:
BROADCAST:
Courtesy of the Mahoning Valley Phantoms and play-by-play announcer Ron Rinaldi, fans can log onto http://www.mvpphantoms.com/ and listen to both games this weekend. The broadcast will begin at 6:45PM each night.
SCORERS:
Alpena IceDiggers forwards Nolan Craner and Todd Rudasill are currently one and two in NAHL scoring. Craner leads the NAHL with 10 goals (six on the power play) and 17 assists for 27 points. Rudasill is second among skaters with 10 goals (five on the power play with three game-winners) and 15 assists for 25 points. Linemate Drew Pierson leads the NAHL in power-play goals with seven and also has 17 points on the season.
GOALTENDERS:
Shawn Hunwick has won seven games for Alpena in nine starts, Hunwick has a 2.67 goals-against average with a .907 save percentage. Last week's North Division player of the week Mike Jarboe has won all three games he has started and currently has a 3-0 record with a 2.33 goals-against average with a .918 save percentage.
ROLLING:
Alpena forward Erik Peterson broke out of his scoring slump last weekend scoring a goal and adding three assists in the two-game sweep over Traverse City. Newcomer Mike DeGrazia added two points in the two wins last weekend by assisting on Peterson's goal Friday and scoring his first goal in an IceDiggers uniform Saturday. Austin Seiple recorded his first Junior A goal on Friday night.
ROSTER MOVE:
Rookie forward Ryan King has decided to leave the team. The IceDiggers' roster is now at 24 players.
INJURIES:
Veteran defenseman Korey O'Brien was injured in Saturday's 4-3 win in Traverse City and will be sidelined up to three weeks.
OPPONENTS:
Mahoning Valley is led offensively by Matt Quigley and Chris Fairbanks who both have 15 points in 14 games. Mike Fillinger is third on the team with 11 points in the 14 games the Phantoms have played. The Phantoms are led in goal by Ryan Zapolski and Bryce Merriam. Zapolski has a 5-5-1 record with a 4.17 GAA, while Meriam has played in four games and has a 1-2-0 record with a 3.82 GAA. Both goalies have identical save percentages at .868.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
North Stars’ Nagorsen commits to WMU
Next year’s CCHA schedule could well read like a Traverse City North Stars reunion tour.
With Stars captain Patrick Nagorsen committing to Western Michigan University this week, he joins former North Stars Steven Oleksy and Eric Elmblad, who are already at Lake Superior State and Michigan, respectively, in what could be a four-sided Central Collegiate Hockey Association rivalry in 2007-08. Current North Stars forward Kory Kaunisto is committed to Northern Michigan, but could also opt for another year of junior hockey before heading to Marquette.
Nagorsen, who was given preferred walk-on status at Western– which means his roster spot is guaranteed with the potential to earn a scholarship – eschewed potential scholarships from a number of NCAA Div. I and III suitors to realize a long-awaited goal.
“It’s always been my dream to play in the CCHA, to play versus Michigan and Michigan State,” said the Novi product, who leads Traverse City in scoring this season with five goals and seven assists through 15 games. “Plus, I’ll be close to home where my family can come and watch, and it’s a great school with a great business school. I’ve thought past hockey and tried to plan for my future.”
Nagorsen, who prepped at Orchard Lake St. Mary’s and powered the Eaglets to the 2005 MHSAA state championship, also led the 2005-06 North Stars in scoring with 17 goals and 25 assists. He has also served as one of the franchise’s front men, serving as assistant captain last year and as captain this season, appearing on the cover of the team’s yearbook, and even on the cover of the region’s AT&T Yellow Pages book.
“We’re all very happy for him,” said North Stars head coach Scott Gardiner. “Patrick worked hard to get to the CCHA, and he knows he has to continue to do that now that he has his commitment.
“He’s just been a great leader for us, a skilled player with speed and skill and a great work ethic. Western’s getting a good one.”
When he lands in Kalamazoo for the 2007-08 season, Nagorsen will find some familiar faces in the Broncos locker room, including a pair of former NAHL foes in goalie Riley Gill (Texarkana Bandits) and defenseman Tyler Ludwig (Texas Tornado), both of whom faced off against Nagorsen four times each last year. Nagorsen also looks forward to future meetings with his TC brethren – at least until the first puck drops.
“It would be a lot of fun. Kory and I actually talked about it,” Nagorsen said. “But when you go out on the ice, you don’t really have any friends, so I’d have to look out for Kory. It’d be great to see through my four years there (at WMU) how many former North Stars players I’ll play with and against.”
With Stars captain Patrick Nagorsen committing to Western Michigan University this week, he joins former North Stars Steven Oleksy and Eric Elmblad, who are already at Lake Superior State and Michigan, respectively, in what could be a four-sided Central Collegiate Hockey Association rivalry in 2007-08. Current North Stars forward Kory Kaunisto is committed to Northern Michigan, but could also opt for another year of junior hockey before heading to Marquette.
Nagorsen, who was given preferred walk-on status at Western– which means his roster spot is guaranteed with the potential to earn a scholarship – eschewed potential scholarships from a number of NCAA Div. I and III suitors to realize a long-awaited goal.
“It’s always been my dream to play in the CCHA, to play versus Michigan and Michigan State,” said the Novi product, who leads Traverse City in scoring this season with five goals and seven assists through 15 games. “Plus, I’ll be close to home where my family can come and watch, and it’s a great school with a great business school. I’ve thought past hockey and tried to plan for my future.”
Nagorsen, who prepped at Orchard Lake St. Mary’s and powered the Eaglets to the 2005 MHSAA state championship, also led the 2005-06 North Stars in scoring with 17 goals and 25 assists. He has also served as one of the franchise’s front men, serving as assistant captain last year and as captain this season, appearing on the cover of the team’s yearbook, and even on the cover of the region’s AT&T Yellow Pages book.
“We’re all very happy for him,” said North Stars head coach Scott Gardiner. “Patrick worked hard to get to the CCHA, and he knows he has to continue to do that now that he has his commitment.
“He’s just been a great leader for us, a skilled player with speed and skill and a great work ethic. Western’s getting a good one.”
When he lands in Kalamazoo for the 2007-08 season, Nagorsen will find some familiar faces in the Broncos locker room, including a pair of former NAHL foes in goalie Riley Gill (Texarkana Bandits) and defenseman Tyler Ludwig (Texas Tornado), both of whom faced off against Nagorsen four times each last year. Nagorsen also looks forward to future meetings with his TC brethren – at least until the first puck drops.
“It would be a lot of fun. Kory and I actually talked about it,” Nagorsen said. “But when you go out on the ice, you don’t really have any friends, so I’d have to look out for Kory. It’d be great to see through my four years there (at WMU) how many former North Stars players I’ll play with and against.”
North Stars trade for TC native
Late last week, Mike Glaesmer asked Bay State Breakers' coach David McCauley for his unconditional release from the Eastern Junior Hockey League club. He wanted to come home.While Traverse City North Stars head coach Scott Gardiner worked feverishly to acquire his North American Hockey League rights from the Alaska Avalanche, Glaesmer became restless. By Tuesday, he could take no more. Glaesmer packed up his car and started the long road trip from Rockland, Mass. to Traverse City.
He finally got the call that the trade had been arranged somewhere between Syracuse and Buffalo.
“I just couldn’t wait any longer,” said Glaesmer, who scored 21 goals for Traverse City West H.S. in 2001-02 en route to a berth on the Record-Eagle All-Region team. “I had a feeling it would get done. I’m so excited to get to play my last year of juniors at home in front of my family and friends. I can’t wait to get out there and get to it.”
The Avalanche let go of Glasemer’s rights for a player to be named at a later date after a lengthy series of negotiations.
“We’re glad to finally get it done and get Mike back here,” Gardiner said. “We think he can come in right away and be a major contributor. He’s a big body with good speed and a scoring touch, and he can play anywhere on the power play or penalty kill. We’re excited to finally get him in here.”
Glaesmer left Traverse City after his sophomore season with the Titans to play for the midget-AAA Marquette Electricians. After two years in the U.P., he went to the North American Hockey League’s Springfield (Mo.) Sprit, where he scored 12 goals and assisted on 10 others in 2004-05. The Spirit moved to Wasilla, Alaska before the 2005-06 season, and Glaesmer’s offensive totals also went north – he amassed 17 goals and 11 assists in 55 games last year for the Spirit.
After a year near the Arctic Circle, Glaesmer longed to be closer to home and family, but the Avalanche would not release his NAHL rights. The Stars and Avs exchanged proposals for what stretched into months. His NAHL status in limbo, Glaesmer took a turn with the Bay State Breakers of the junior-A Eastern Junior Hockey League, hoping the call would come from Gardiner. On Tuesday, it did.
This weekend, Glaesmer will don his familiar #28 sweater when the North Stars play host to the Marquette Rangers in a Friday-Saturday series. He will also line up across from a trio of former teammates, including the Rangers’ top two scorers in Nick Kosinski (4 goals, 11 assists) and Neeco Belanger (7 goals, 5 assists). The trio, along with Rangers defenseman Bret Larson, toiled together for the Electricians from 2002-2004.
“That’ll be a lot of fun, too,” said Glaesmer. “I really hope I can come in and contribute to what the North Stars have going. My dad (Kerry) is a North Stars season ticket holder, and he tells me they have a lot of skill and some depth, too. I hope to be able to come in and help out right away.”
When the North Stars and Rangers meet this weekend, the hosts are expected to have forward Aaron Pietila back in the lineup. The Brighton product has played in only eight games this year while weathering a bevy of ailments, but has been extremely productive, netting five goals and three assists in those games -- with four goals and three assists in his last three outings. Forward Alex Prough could also be available after suffering a concussion two weeks ago against Mahoning Valley.
“We have to get the effort this weekend, because we could really use all four points,” Gardiner added. “We haven’t been playing to our potential the last two or three games.”
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Rangers take split in Bismarck
The Marquette Rangers split on the road in Bismarck last weekend.Friday night, Nick Kosinski had two goals and an assist to go along with a goal and an assist from Iiro Junnila in the 5-4 loss. Brodie Zuk also scored and Matt Tinordi added two assists. Stephen Ritter stopped 23 shots in net.
Saturday night, the Rangers rebounded for a 7-2 victory. Ritter made 38 saves and Mike Macari (pictured) had a four-point game with two goals and two assists. Bret Larson, Neeco Belanger, Jake Hauswirth, Dustin Partacz and James Gallagher joined in the scoring barrage. Zuk and Jason Cohen each recorded two assists.
Marquette travels to Traverse City this weekend for two games with the North Stars.
Saginaw downs Attack, lose to Sting
Saginaw broke even last weekend with a loss in Sarnia and a win at home against Owen Sound.Friday night, Jan Mursak and Zach Torquato scored in the 5-2 loss. Ryan Daniels and Jovica Zelenbaba combined for 24 saves.
"We are disappointed with the loss, but pleased that the team never gave up and played hard in the third period," stated Spirit coach-GM Bob Mancini. "However, it is important to put this behind us."
Ryan McDonough (pictured) scored twice in Saturday's 6-3 win over Owen Sound at home. Ryan Berard, Tom Pyatt, Tomas Zaborsky and Chris Chappell also tallied to back Daniels' 48-save performance.
With an assist on Pyatt's goal, Mursak has a point in all 13 games this season.
The Spirit host Toronto Saturday night and Plymouth Sunday afternoon.
IceDiggers complete sweep of North Stars
The Alpena IceDiggers went into Traverse City looking for a split and came back to Alpena with a weekend sweep after a 6-3 win on Friday and a 4-3 come-from-behind win on Saturday.Netminder Mike Jarboe (pictured above) collected back-to-back wins making 23 saves on Friday and 29 on Saturday.
Austin Seiple picked up his first Junior A goal on Friday and newcomer Mike DeGrazia scored his first goal in an IceDigger jersey on Saturday.
On Friday, Todd Rudasill, Erik Peterson, Zach Barron, Drew Pierson, captain Nolan Craner and Seiple scored and Craner added a pair of assists.
Jared Mullen, Matt Hughes and Kory Kaunisto scored for the North Stars and Kyle Jendra stopped 25 shots in defeat.
Eric Roman scored the game-winner midway through the third period Saturday with singles coming from Ricardo Yesue, Justin Stadler and DeGrazia. Peterson notched three assists and Stadler added two.
Zach Hitch potted two goals for Traverse City and captain Patrick Nagorsen also tallied. Christopher Heineman picked up two assists and Stefan Shively made 33 saves.
The IceDiggers return to Northern Lights Arena on Friday and Saturday this weekend to play host to the Mahoning Valley Phantoms.
Traverse City hosts the Marquette Rangers this weekend at Centre ICE.
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