Whalers trade Neuvirth, Kane to Windsor

The Plymouth Whalers acquired 17-year-old Import defenseman Michal Jordan, goaltender Matt Hackett (also 17), Barrie’s second-round selection in the 2008 OHL Priority Selection and a third-round selection in 2009 from the Windsor Spitfires in exchange for goaltender Michal Neuvirth, defenseman Tom Kane and Plymouth’s fourth-round selection in 2009.

The trade alleviates Plymouth’s crowded goaltending situation, with both Neuvirth - a second-round pick of the Washington Capitals in 2006 - and Jeremy Smith (second-round pick of the Nashville Predators last summer) sharing time in goal since the start of last season. Smith will now be the No. 1 goaltender in Plymouth, with Hackett as a promising young backup.

“With two goaltenders that are second-round NHL picks on one team and sharing duties, I felt I owed it to both Jeremy and Michal to find a place for them to play,” Plymouth coach-GM Mike Vellucci said. “We won a championship with them last year. Now, they both get a chance to play regularly.”

Neuvirth and Smith backstopped Plymouth to the OHL championship last season. The duo won the Dave Pinkney Trophy in allowing a league-low 173 goals. Neuvirth played most of the way in the 2007 playoffs, posting a 2.54 goals-against average and .927 save percentage while going 16-5-2 in 23 games. Neuvirth was awarded the F.W. “Dinty” Moore Award last season when he led all OHL goaltenders with the 2.32 goals-against average in 41 games.

Neuvirth posted a 2.38 goals-against average, .931 save percentage and a 31-12-3-2 won loss record with the Whalers in his career.

Kane – Plymouth’s third-round choice in 2006 – made the Whalers this year and was scoreless in 13 games.

Jordan (pronounced “Mee-kel Yor-DAN”) was selected by Windsor in the first round (eighth overall) of the 2007 Canadian Hockey League Import Draft and is considered a future National Hockey League prospect. Jordan – from Zlin, Czech Republic - has a goal and five assists and is +7 with 12 penalty minutes in 22 games for Windsor this season.

Hackett was selected by Windsor in the fifth round of the 2006 OHL Priority Selection. In 11 career games over two seasons, Hackett has a 4.94 goals-against average and .858 save percentage.

Neuvirth and Kane are expected to report to Windsor in time for the Spitfires’ next game – Thursday night at Windsor Arena against Brampton. Jordan and Hackett are expected to report to Plymouth in time for the Whalers’ next game – Friday night at 7:05 p.m. at Compuware Arena - against Windsor.

Jordan photo courtesy Windsor Spitfires

Saginaw deals captain Asselin to Oshawa

The Oshawa Generals have acquired one of the top veterans in the Ontario Hockey League.

Patrick Asselin, who holds the Saginaw Spirit franchise record for games played with 255, was acquired by the Generals on Tuesday in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick in 2008 and a second-round pick in 2009. Asselin will make his debut Friday when the Generals play host to the Belleville Bulls at 7:35 p.m. at the General Motors Centre.

“He’s a perfect fit for our hockey club,” Oshawa coach-GM Brad Selwood said. “He’s a guy that can play in a variety of roles, he does so many things well and he’s the kind of a veteran you need to win in this league.”

Asselin, 20, is a Peterborough, Ont., native who is in his fifth season in the OHL, all of them with the Spirit. He enjoyed his best season in the OHL last year, with 27 goals, 26 assists for 53 points in 68 games. The veteran left winger has 70 goals and 136 points in his OHL career and brings extensive experience in the league to the Eastern Conference leading Generals.

“I’m really excited to be joining the Generals,” Asselin said. “This is a team with a legitimate shot at winning the league title and I’m happy to be a part of it.”

Whalers host Majors, Storm this weekend

After spending last weekend on the road, the Plymouth Whalers (10-6-1-0) bring in the Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors (6-8-1-0) on Friday and the Guelph Storm (8-8-2-0) on Saturday in Ontario Hockey League action at Compuware Arena.

Both games start at 7:05 p.m. and both games will be broadcast on http://www.plymouthwhalers.com/.

The Whalers come in to the weekend with a four-game winning streak, the last three victories on the road – a 4-0 shutout of Niagara on Nov. 1, a 3-2 victory in Erie last Saturday and a 5-2 win over Mississauga last Sunday.

WHO’S HOT FOR PLYMOUTH: Co-captains Andrew Fournier (15 goals with 12 assists for 27 points) and Chris Terry (10-20-30) carried the team on the road last week, with Fournier scoring five goals and three assists for eight points over three games and Terry a goal with six assists for seven points…Plymouth goaltenders Jeremy Smith (2.98 GA, .923 save percentage) and Michal Neuvirth (2.60, .928) continue to be among the best netminders in the OHL… Defenseman Brett Bellemore rejoined the team from injury Oct. 26 and has two goals with two assists for four points and in +8 in five games…Veteran Wes Cunningham (3-21-24) is tied with Sarnia’s Ryan Wilson for the league lead among all OHL defensemen with 21 assists…Whaler penalty killers pitched a shutout on the road last weekend when they went 24-for-24.

MISSISSAUGA TOP GUNS: Ottawa-draft Kaspars Daugavins (9-8-17, +5) leads the Majors in scoring and Casey Cizikas (3-7-10) – taken third overall last spring in the OHL Priority Selection – is a quality rookie. Veteran Matt Caria (5-5-10, +6 in five games) has missed the last couple of weeks with an injury.

WHO’S HOT FOR GUELPH: NHL scouts are watching 17-year-old Drew Doughty (5-20-25) with great interest. Doughty and Niagara defenseman Alex Pietrangelo are expected to be the first two OHL defenseman selected in next summer’s National Hockey League Entry Draft. Luke Pither, 18, (11-14-25, +8) leads Guelph in scoring. USA Hockey officials may attend the game on Saturday to evaluate American goaltenders Thomas McCollum (3.26, .901) and Smith. Both are in the running to represent the United States in the upcoming World Junior Championship Dec. 26-Jan.5 in the Czech Republic.

NEXT WEEK: The Whalers remain home, hosting Windsor on Fri. Nov. 16 and London on Sat. Nov. 17.

Cunningham photo by Walt Dmoch/Plymouth Whalers

Spirit hire Ficorelli as new broadcaster

Terry Ficorelli has accepted the position of Vice President of Broadcasting for the Saginaw Spirit of the Ontario Hockey League.

In his new role, he will serve as the team’s Vice President of Communications and the “Voice of the Spirit” for all of the Saginaw Spirits game broadcasts. In addition to broadcasting the OHL contests, Ficorelli will assist with corporate sales, season ticket and group sales efforts.

“We are extremely happy for Terry as he moves on to the OHL,” stated Paul Pickard, IHL President/CEO. “We have enjoyed working with him and wish Terry nothing but the best in his new endeavor.”

Ficorelli has been broadcasting hockey for over 30 years and has called more than 3,000 consecutive games. He began his career with the Kalamazoo Wings in the International Hockey League during the 1974-75 season. The Detroit native will be leaving the Muskegon Fury after 13 years with the organization.

Ficorelli will join the Spirit in early December.

Alpena to sport camo jerseys this weekend

With the opening of deer hunting season only one week away, the Alpena IceDiggers are getting an early start on their hunting gear this weekend when they play host to the Mahoning Valley Phantoms on Friday and Saturday night at Northern Lights Arena.

The IceDiggers will wear special event camouflage jerseys this weekend.

"Hunting is very popular here in northern Michigan, so what better way to bring in deer season than to wear a cool camouflage jersey," said Alpena head coach Kenny Miller.

The jerseys will be worn by the players on Friday and Saturday and after Saturday's game auctioneer Ivan Sumrix will auction off all 25 game-worn jerseys to fans in attendance immediately after the final horn sounds. The auction will take place in the main grandstands and the bidding on each jersey will start at $100.

"The fans of Alpena have always supported us and this is a great way for them to get a chance to own their favorite players game-worn jersey," added Miller

OT Sports (Burlington, N.C.) designed the jerseys with help from the IceDiggers staff.

The players always enjoy wearing special event jerseys.

"It is fun to wear a special jersey that you know will be auctioned off to one of your fans, so this is always cool," said third-year veteran forward Erik Peterson.

The IceDiggers have had more than 10 days off since their last home game, a 6-5 win over the USA Under-17 team. Mahoning Valley comes to Alpena for the final time this regular season after beating division leader St. Louis on Friday before falling in a shoot-out on Saturday versus the defending champs.

Former Marquette forward Zuk off to Princeton

Former Marquette Rangers forward Brodie Zuk has committed to play collegiately at Princeton University for the 2008-2009 hockey season.

Zuk, 20, from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, was a member of the inaugural Rangers’ team in 2006-2007 finishing as the team's second leading scorer with 21 goals and 31 assists in 55 games.

“It’s a great opportunity for Brodie and we couldn’t be happier as an organization” said Rangers head coach Randy Enders. “Brodie’s a quality guy and a hard worker who’s dedicated to being a successful hockey player. I’m confident he’ll be as big an asset to Princeton’s program as he was for ours while he was here.”

Zuk is currently playing for the Naniamo Clippers of the British Columbia Hockey League and has scored 10 goals and 10 assists after 20 games.

Rangers travel to Fargo this weekend

The Marquette Rangers return to North American Hockey League action following a bye week, traveling to Fargo, North Dakota for games this Friday and Saturday against the Fargo-Moorhead Jets of the NAHL Central Division.

The two teams split in Marquette in early October with the Jets winning 5-4 on Friday, night; Marquette won the Saturday match-up 6-5.

“It was good for our guys to get some time back home” said Rangers head coach Randy Enders. “For a lot of our players this is their first experience where their lives are nothing but hockey, and the length of the season can catch-up to the new guys pretty quick, so just getting away from the grind is a valuable thing.

“The great thing about athletes at this level is that we as coaches really don’t need to pester them during the off week, as they all skated and worked-out even while they were at home. Time away not only gives you a mental break, but being away from the game fuels your passion to play so I’m confident we’ll be anxious to get going again and to get ready for the trip to Fargo."

After the bye week, Marquette sits in fifth place in the North Division with a 9-6 record and 18 points. St. Louis continues to lead the division with 28 points, but only five points separate second place from sixth place.

The race being so close isn’t a surprise to Enders.

“We knew going into this year that every weekend was going to be important with the quality of the competition in the North Division” said Enders. “With St. Louis being the defending league champions, and Mahoning Valley having another solid season every point is going to be crucial for the rest of us in the division. But it’s great for our players knowing they have to be ready every night, and great for our fans because they’re going to see everyone’s best effort all season long.”

The Rangers return to Lakeview Arena November 16-17 taking on Alpena in a weekend featuring several game promotions, including a chance to win up to $300 in gasoline from Holiday Station Stores Friday night.

WEEKEND ROUNDUP

Thurs. Nov. 1

OHL
Plymouth 4 at Niagara 0

NAHL
at Alpena 6, U.S. Under-17 Team 5


Fri. Nov. 2

OHL
Owen Sound 4 at Saginaw 1

NAHL
Traverse City 4 at U.S. Under-18 Team 1


Sat. Nov. 3

OHL
Plymouth 3 at Erie 2

NAHL
at U.S. Under-18 Team 5, Traverse City 1


Sun. Nov. 4

OHL
Plymouth 5 at Mississauga 2

North Stars face Team USA this weekend

Anthony Palumbo is hoping for a big letdown this weekend when his team visits the Ann Arbor Ice Cube – just not from his own team.

The Traverse City North Stars’ head coach-GM is counting on the U.S. National Team Development Program’s Under-18 squad looking past their NAHL North Division rivals. The U-18s are coming off a weekend against two of the top NCAA Div. I programs in the country, and acquitted themselves nicely, falling to No. 8 Minnesota 3-1 and battling No. 19 St. Cloud State to a 1-1 draw.

“And now here we come, the little Traverse City North Stars, tucked in between the University of Minnesota and Harvard on their schedule,” Palumbo quipped. “I don’t think we’re necessarily one of the dates they’ve circled on their calendar. They're stacked, but we don’t mind playing the role of David.”

The Stars gained a split with Mahoning Valley last weekend, and are 6-4-3 – two points behind the USNTDP for fifth place in the North Division standings with four games in hand. The U-17s dropped a 6-5 decision in Alpena on Thursday night.

If Traverse City hopes to gain any ground, they’ll have to do it with five defenders, as Jameson Raymond’s lower body injury will likely keep him out of action in Ann Arbor. Alex Breeden, Tyler Stephens, Phil Wendecker, Chris Heineman and Jonathan Sheridan will get yoked early and often over the course of the two-game set.

“Sometimes, that’s actually a positive,” pointed out Stars associate head coach Mike Matteucci, a defenseman by trade for 11 years in the minor pro ranks. “I think when you’re getting more ice time out there you get into a rhythm that you might not otherwise achieve. You’re cognizant of taking shorter shifts, and you just kind of go into the game knowing you have a little extra responsibility.”

The Under-18s are led by David Warsofsky (3 G – 4 A), Patrick Gaul (2 G – 4 A), and Robbie Czarnik (3 G – 2 A) in the scoring department, while Nick Maricic has allowed just four goals in four games and boasts a .960 save percentage.

“Let’s face it, a lot of these guys are NHL draft picks,” said Palumbo, referring to the USNTDP-to-NHL pipeline that saw 17 USA alums selected in the 2007 NHL Draft. “This is probably the most scouted rink in the league, and they’ll (college and pro scouts) be there this weekend. We have every reason to play our best, to go after it hard. It’s exciting and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”

IceDiggers host Team USA tonight

Tonight, the Alpena IceDiggers will play host for the first time this season to the USA Under-17 Team inside Northern Lights Arena.

This meeting will mark the first time the two clubs have hooked up since USA eliminated the IceDiggers from the 2006-2007 playoffs.

Alpena currently sits tied with USA in the North Division standings with 17 points. Alpena is 8-6-1, while USA is 8-7-1. Alpena holds a game in hand.

"In order for us to be successful, we are going to have to be physical," Alpena coach-GM Kenny Miller said. "They are a talented bunch and we will have to be mentally and physically stronger than them in all areas to win."

The IceDiggers had a 9-3-2 record last season versus both the Under-17 Team and the Under-18 Team. This is the first of five home games versus the Under-17 squad.

NOTES:

Veteran forward Erik Peterson remains red-hot for Alpena, recording a goal and three assists last weekend versus Marquette. The Alpena native sits six points out of the NAHL scoring race through 15 games. Peterson has a total of 20 points on the year. The forward was also nominated for North Division player of the week.

Toledo native Tyler Pilmore leads the IceDiggers in plus-minus on the season with a +5 rating. Isaac Viau and JC Gulch are each plus-4.

Russ Anderson remains sidelined with an injury. The IceDiggers training staff expects Anderson to miss up to four weeks.

Newly-acquired forward Bryan Ross has a point in all three games he has suited up for Alpena.

Alpena native Steve Tulgestka is plus-2 in two games played this season. The 16-year-old is in his first year with the IceDiggers after spending the 2006-07 season at Alpena High School.

WEEKEND ROUNDUP

Weds. Oct. 24

OHL
Sarnia 3 at Plymouth 2


Thurs. Oct. 25

NAHL
Alpena 3 at Marquette 2


Fri. Oct. 26

OHL
at London 3, Plymouth 2
at Sarnia 7, Saginaw 5

NAHL
Marquette 6 at Alpena 4
Mahoning Valley 6 at Traverse City 2


Sat. Oct. 27

OHL
at Plymouth 4, Niagara 1
at Saginaw 6, Mississauga 1

NAHL
at Traverse City 6, Mahoning Valley 5


Sun. Oct. 28

OHL
Niagara 5 at Saginaw 3

Alpena ready for Marquette this week

The Alpena IceDiggers return to Northern Lights Arena on Friday at 7:00 p.m. versus the Marquette Rangers.

Kids are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes. The IceDiggers will host a trick or treat after the game inside the lobby. Members of the team will be on hand to sign autographs and pass out candy.

Fans that dress up will get to have a picture taken with their favorite player.

The IceDiggers split last weekends two game series with the Mahoning Valley Phantoms, winning on Saturday, 4-2.

Alpena travels to Marquette on Thursday before returning home for Friday's game at NLA.

Marquette comes into the home-and-home series with a three-game winning streak. The Rangers took on the Alexandria Blizzard last weekend and came away with two wins.

"They are playing real well right now," Alpena coach Kenny Miller said of the Rangers. "We will have to go into this weekend with the same attitude as last weekend and that is we need to pick up points."

NOTEBOOK:
Forward Russell Anderson was nominated for North Division player of the week for last week.

"I thought that was the best weekend Russ has had for us since the Showcase," said Miller. "He was very good in every department."

Anderson scored two goals over the weekend and was involved in a fight on Friday night.

Newcomer Bryan Ross recorded an assist in his first game as an IceDigger on Saturday.

Defensemen Mike Dokho has left the team due to personal reasons.

"Mike has told us he no longer wants to play hockey and we respect his decision," noted Miller.

North Stars get back to work

The Traverse City North Stars’ idle weekend was a case of ‘good news, bad news’ as the club heads into a weekend homestand against Mahoning Valley on Friday and Saturday at Centre ICE arena.

The good news? The Stars got a chance to heal up physically, enjoy a respite from the requisite intensity of junior hockey and visit family and friends. The bad news? The rest of the North American Hockey League’s North Division was busy leapfrogging Traverse City in the standings. Still more good news? The North Stars, presently in the sixth slot are just four points out of second place.

“It was a great help to us at this point in the season to get a week off,” said TC head coach-GM Anthony Palumbo. “We had some guys banged up who got a chance to heal, guys got to go home, and for some of the kids who are new to junior hockey, a break from the intense strain that it can be both physically and mentally.”

The North Stars (5-3-3) will have to hit the ground running to regain positioning in the North Division, as Marquette – by virtue of a two-game sweep of Alexandria – jumped from sixth to third, and the Mahoning-Alpena split earned both teams a pair of points. Mahoning Valley comes into Centre ICE with two of the league’s top scoring forwards in Derek Graham and Chad Boeckman. Graham has seven goals and assists on 10 others through 12 games, while Boeckman has dished out a team-high 12 helpers. Phantoms netkeep Garrett Bartus owns the second-best goals-against average (2.16) and save percentage (.939) in the NAHL.

“Mahoning has a very talented team again, with one of the better offenses in the league,” Palumbo assessed. “We’re going to have to play a very strong defensive game in order to compete. We’d like to play the game in their end as much as possible.”

Through 11 games, Matt Hughes and Harrison Niemann lead Traverse City with 10 points, while Nate Urbaniak has nine and Joe Greener and defenseman Ben Plocar have seven each. Hughes has a team-best six goals, while Niemann’s eight assists are tops in TC. Brandon Stephenson is eighth in the NAHL in goals-against average (2.36) and tied for seventh with a .920 save percentage.

“We’re ready to get back to work,” Palumbo said. “It’s good to get some time away, but we need to be able to re-focus and jump right back in the mix.”

The Stars welcome Mahoning in for games on Friday and Saturday. Both contests face-off at 7:05 p.m.

WEEKEND ROUNDUP

Thurs. Oct. 18

OHL
at Peterborough 4, Saginaw 3
Plymouth 2 at Windsor 1 (SO)


Fri. Oct. 19

OHL
Saginaw 7 at Kingston 1
Windsor 4 at Plymouth 1

NAHL
Mahoning Valley 6 at Alpena 1
Marquette 5 at Alexandria 4


Sat. Oct. 20

OHL
at Plymouth 6, Owen Sound 3

NAHL
at Alpena 4, Mahoning Valley 2
Marquette 5 at Alexandria 1


Sun. Oct. 21

OHL
Saginaw 7 at Ottawa 2

IceDiggers get Livonia's Ross from Bandits

The Alpena IceDiggers announced today the team has acquired forward Bryan Ross from the St. Louis Bandits.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Ross is a native of Livonia and has spent the first nine games with the defending champion Bandits. In those nine games, the 5-foot-10, 180-pound winger scored three goals while assisting on five others for a total of eight points.

Ross split the 2006-07 season with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs and the Penticton Vees in the British Columbia Hockey League.

"Brian is the type of player we feel can step in and add scoring to our lineup," said Alpena coach-GM Kenny Miller. "We are expecting good things from him. We are very happy to have him on board."

Otters add Troy native Messier to back end

The Erie Otters announced today that they have added defenseman Lyon Messier to their roster.

The 20 year-old Troy native started the 2007-08 season with the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League where he played four games without registering a point.

The previous two seasons, Messier, who stands 6-foot-1 and weighs 205 pounds, played for the Texas Tornado of the North American Hockey League. In 112 games with the Tornado, he collected five goals and 32 assists for 37 points to go along with 86 penalty minutes.

Messier is scheduled to make his Otters debut tonight when Erie travels to Sarnia to face the Sting.

FLASHBACK (Nov. 10, 2005): Tornado's Messier carving a name for himself

Spirit to join breast cancer fight on Oct. 27

The Saginaw Spirit will partner with National City Bank and the St. Mary's of Michigan Seton Cancer Institute to host a Breast Cancer Awareness game on Oct. 27 when the Spirit take on the Mississauga St. Michael's Majors at 7:11 p.m.

The game will feature the first ever Spirit "Pink Out." Fans are encouraged to wear pink to the game. The first 5,000 fans will also receive pink pom-pons.

The night starts out with a special pre-game ceremony recognizing several local breast cancer survivors. National City Bank will be hosting the survivors and their families for a special reception prior to the game at their Tittabawassee Road location.

“There are two million breast cancer survivors in America – enough to fill the arena many times over,” stated Angela Hine, National City's Community President in Saginaw. “The survivors we're honoring are a small handful of those who command our respect and admiration."

Spirit captains Patrick Asselin and Ryan McDonough are chipping in on the fight against breast cancer by wearing a limited edition pink jersey during warm-ups. The jerseys will be signed and auctioned off following the game. There will also be two pink jerseys signed by the team up for grabs. The proceeds from the jersey auction go to support the Seton Cancer Institute and their battle against Breast Cancer.

The Spirit merchandise booths will be selling a pink Spirit hat during the game for a special reduced price and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Breast Cancer Awareness cause.

The Bud Light Blue Line will also feature music from Cherry Red. The Saginaw Spirit Dance Team and the Saginaw Spirit Junior Dance Team will be performing during the game and the Citadel Broadcasting Family will be in attendance.

Americans faring well in NOJHL

By Randy Russon
OspreyBlogs.com

With 23 Americans on the roster, the Soo Indians won the 2006-07 NOJHL regular season and playoff titles. The Indians are now on hiatus from the NOJHL, but American kids continue to have a major impact on the league.

Blind River leads all NOJHL teams with six Americans: goalies Jake Rosenthal and Mike Wuthrich, defensemen Matt Bell and Brett LaValley and forwards Bryan Cooper and Alex Falardeau.

North Bay has four from south of the border on board including goalie Ian Wilson, defensemen David Ciminelli and Mike Lawler and forward A.J. Shiverdecker.

The Soo Thunderbirds also have four: rookie defensemen Ian Cosgrove, Drew Otto and Warren Webster and veteran forward Rob Johnson.

And Manitoulin has a pair: backup goalie Ben Caneba and defenseman Michael Barrett.

Alpena moving in right direction

From NAHL.com -

It’s only October, but with just six points separating the first- and sixth-place teams in the NAHL’s North Division, the Alpena IceDiggers aren’t discounting the importance of their two wins over the Traverse City North Stars last weekend.

“For us to be able to pick up four points was huge because our division is so tight right now,” said IceDiggers coach-GM Kenny Miller, whose team improved to 6-4-1. “You can’t afford to give away points or you’ll find yourself playing catch-up.”

On Friday, goaltender Nate Pellegrino turned aside all 30 shots as the IceDiggers blanked the North Stars, 1-0. Jimmy McCusker scored the only goal of the game in the second period, with assists going to Erik Peterson and Isaac Viau.

The next night, four different IceDiggers struck for goals in a 4-1 win over Traverse City. Defenseman Ryan Sell netted the game-winner, while Jon Puskar and Viau each added a goal and an assist. Between the pipes, Pellegrino made 33 saves.

“For being a young team, I’m happy with the way we’ve started,” said Miller, whose team has 13 points after 11 games, tied with Mahoning Valley and Traverse City. “We compete every night and, as a coach, that’s all you can ask for.”

The IceDiggers couldn’t ask much more of Pellegrino. With five straight periods of shutout hockey last weekend – Traverse City’s only goal came in the third period on Saturday – the 19-year-old from Woodlyn, Pa., has fueled Alpena’s recent success.

“When we picked him up, this is the type of play we thought we would get from him,” said Miller, who acquired Pellegrino in a trade with Alaska in the offseason. “Nate was the difference last weekend. When we needed the save, we got it, and that allowed us to win both nights.”

On the offensive end, veterans Peterson, who leads team in scoring with 16 points (five goals) after 11 games, and McCusker (four goals for 11 points) have also lived up to early expectations.

“Erik and Jimmy put up numbers last year for us, too, and we knew we’d need scoring from them this year in order to have success and they’ve come through so far,” said Miller. “They need to continue to be a force for us every time they go out on the ice.”

One pleasant surprise has been the offensive production from the first-year Puskar, an 18-year-old who ranks second on the IceDiggers’ scoring chart with 13 points (five goals).

“I knew he was a hard-working kid, but I didn't realize the skill set that he has,” said Miller. “He’s a threat to score every time he’s out there.”

Viau is also seeing results through his strong work ethic (“He just plays at full speed all the time,” said Miller), as has Tyler Pilmore, whose efforts should translate onto the scoresheet in short time, according to his coach.

“For a first-year guy, he’s playing like a veteran,” said Miller.

On the blue line, veterans Evan West, Carl Nielsen and Tim Olson are doing their part in helping lead a relatively inexperience defensive corps.

“Our defense is starting to play the way I thought it would,” said Miller. “They’re moving the puck and getting us going on the offense end. We feel we have guys that can score, we just need to continue to get better in our on end.”

Up next for the IceDiggers is a two-game set against Mahoning Valley. The teams split a pair of games in Alpena earlier this month.

“They’re a strong team with a lot of veterans so they know how to win,” said Miller. “With our division so tight, we have to come ready to play both nights to give our team a chance.”

WEEKEND ROUNDUP

Thurs. Oct. 11

OHL
Plymouth 4 at Barrie 1


Fri. Oct. 12

OHL
at Sault Ste. Marie 5, Saginaw 1

NAHL
at Alpena 1, Traverse City 0
Fargo-Moorhead 5 at Marquette 4


Sat. Oct. 13

OHL
Plymouth 6 at Sudbury 5
at Saginaw 5, Barrie 4 (OT)

NAHL
Alpena 4 at Traverse City 1
at Marquette 6, Fargo-Moorhead 5

IceDiggers ready for North Stars Friday

The Alpena IceDiggers return to action on Friday night versus in-state rival Traverse City at 7:00 p.m.

Alpena is coming off a three-game weekend where they only recorded two out of possible six points. The IceDiggers know they have to be better than last weekend in order to secure points this weekend.

"We have to play more consistent," Alpena coach Kenny Miller said. "At times last weekend, we played good, but then we showed at times how young we really are. Our players need to understand we have to play a full 60 minutes every night in this league to win."

Alpena currently sits in the sixth spot in the North Division standings with a record of 4-4-1. With four points on the line this weekend, if the IceDiggers can pull out a couple of wins they can jump ahead a few spots in the standings.

"With us playing so many games at home the first few weeks of the season, it is important for us to win these home games," added Miller

Third-year veteran and Alpena native Erik Peterson leads the team in scoring with 14 points and is only two points out of the league scoring race.

Goaltender Nate Pellegrino, who went 1-2 last weekend, will get the start in goal for Alpena on Friday.

"This team is going to be OK," Pellegrino said. "We just need to make sure we all play for 60 minutes."

Alpena travels to Traverse City on Saturday night for a 7:05 p.m. faceoff.

WEEKEND ROUNDUP

Weds. Oct. 3

OHL
Plymouth 6 at Owen Sound 4


Thurs. Oct. 4

OHL
at Windsor 4, Saginaw 3 (SO)


Fri. Oct. 5

NAHL
Marquette 3 at Alpena 2
at U.S. Under-17 Team 6, Traverse City 3


Sat. Oct. 6

OHL
at Plymouth 5, Oshawa 2
at Belleville 3, Saginaw 2 (OT)

NAHL
at Traverse City 4, Marquette 1
at Alpena 3, Mahoning Valley 2


Sun. Oct. 7

OHL
at Niagara 4, Saginaw 3

NAHL
at Traverse City 6, Marquette 4
Mahoning Valley 6, Alpena 4

Smith-Barney Challenge Cup introduced

When the Marquette Rangers visit the Traverse City North Stars Centre ICE arena this Saturday night, it will mark the first round in a season-long quest for the Cup between the North American Hockey League North Division rivals.

Yes, the Robertson Cup is each NAHL club’s ultimate goal, but the Stars and Rangers will be playing for another shiny chalice over the course of their 12-game season series: the Smith-Barney Challenge Cup.

The Smith-Barney Challenge Cup, donated by the company’s offices in both Marquette and Traverse City, will be displayed at each game between the clubs, and will be decided on the same point system used in the NAHL standings: two points for a win, one point for an overtime appearance, zero points for a loss. The winning team will retain the trophy in the off-season. In the event of a series tie, the trophy will go with the winner of the final game, slated for March 29 in Marquette.

“It adds a little spice to the rivalry, no question,” said North Stars head coach-GM Anthony Palumbo. “But it’s also illustrative of a collaboration between the clubs. We may go at it on the ice, but we have a great working relationship with their organization. That’s important given our clubs’ geographic proximity within the league footprint.”

“This will greatly enhance what’s already become terrific rivalry” said Rangers president and GM David Saint-Onge. “A challenge series like this gives one team bragging rights at the end of the year, which we believe will make our games against one another even more enjoyable for the fans and players of both organizations. Since we play one other 12 times during the season, it will also keep the games fresh for all involved, due to the added incentive of winning the trophy.”

When the Stars and Rangers lace ’em up on Saturday, both teams will have played road contests the night before, with Traverse City (3-0-3) visiting the U.S. National Team Development Program’s Under-17 (6-3-1) squad and Marquette (4-2-0) playing a Friday contest in Alpena (3-2-1).

“It doesn’t matter who has bus legs in this division,” Palumbo said. “Every night is going to be a dogfight. I think we saw at the showcase that it’s possible that the North Division has six of the top 10 teams in the league. We also saw Marquette in Blaine (Minn.) and came away very impressed. They’re a very solid club.”

The Rangers are led by forward Josh Bussell (4 G-5 A) - who scored a pair of goals and assisted on a third in a 6-4 win over the U-17s last weekend – along with Nic Weight (25 goals in 2006-07), while Nick Condon (7 pts./+3) and Derek Grogan (2 G -3 A) anchor the Marquette blue line. Saturday will also mark the return of former North Stars forward Aaron Pietila. The Brighton product was traded to the Rangers this spring so he could play juniors with his cousin, winger Chad Pietila. Beau Christian (2-0-0, 2.40 GAA) and Matt Brooker (2-2-0, 3.67) return in net this season for Marquette.

“They’re a balanced team that can do a lot of things well,” Palumbo assessed. “And we all know what the U.S. team’s all about. I’d expect nothing less from this weekend than three very tough, very physical games.”

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The Marquette Rangers and Traverse City North Stars have agreed to terms for a challenge series between the two North American Hockey League North Division teams. The Smith-Barney Challenge Cup will be an annual event, and will begin this year at Centre Ice Arena in Traverse City when the Rangers come to town this Saturday.

“This will greatly enhance what’s already become terrific rivalry,” said Rangers president and GM David Saint-Onge. “A challenge series like this gives one team bragging rights at the end of the year, which we believe will make our games against one another even more enjoyable for the fans and players of both organizations. Since we play one other 12 times during the season, it will also keep the games fresh for all involved, due to the added incentive of winning the trophy.”

NAHL commissioner Mark Frankenfeld hailed the decision as a real positive for the league and the Challenge Cup will be something the North American Hockey League supports completely.

“The rivalries that have developed in our league over the years have helped establish the NAHL as one of the top junior leagues in the country,” Franfenfeld said. “The Challenge Cup Series between Marquette and Traverse City is extra special because of the long, storied roots the North American Hockey League has in Michigan.”

The Smith-Barney Challenge Cup will be displayed at each game between the two teams, and will be decided on the same point system used by The North American Hockey League: two points for a win, one point for an overtime appearance, zero points for a loss. The winning team will retain the trophy for the off-season. In the event of a tie, the trophy will go with the winner of the final game.

Rangers head coach Randy Enders agrees that having Challenge Cup to play for is something his players will take seriously.

“Any time you have a trophy or a piece of hardware involved it makes a difference,” Enders said. "Take a look at games like the battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe (Wisconsin vs. Minnesota) or the Little Brown Jug in college football and how much pride the players of those teams take in winning those things. This may not be to that level because it’s new, but it’s something our team will be proud to fight for, as it’s a benefit not only to our club, but to our city as well.”

The Smith-Barney Challenge Cup was donated by Smith-Barney offices in both Marquette and Traverse City and will be engraved with the winning team at the end of each season.

Plymouth claims Lee off waivers from Erie

The Plymouth Whalers announced that the Whalers have acquired 19-year-old right wing Patrick Lee off waivers from the Erie Otters today.

Lee, from Sharon, Ont., was originally selected by Erie in the sixth round (109th overall) of the 2004 OHL Priority Selection.

He played two seasons in Erie, scoring 10 goals with 20 assists for 30 points and 106 penalty minutes over 119 games. Lee's best offensive season was last year when he scored five goals with 12 assists for 17 points and 59 penalty minutes in 57 games.

Lee did not play this season in Erie.

IceDiggers back home this weekend

After two weeks of the regular season in the books, there is a logjam in the North Division standings and the Alpena IceDiggers hold a record of 3-2-1 with three important games this weekend, all on home ice.

On Friday, Alpena will play host to the Marquette Rangers before last season's conference champion Mahoning Valley Phantoms come calling for contests on Saturday and Sunday. Friday and Saturday's games start at 7:00 p.m. with a 5:00 p.m. face-off on Sunday.

The IceDiggers know in order to keep pace with the rest of the division, they will have to be ready to play this weekend.

"With three games on the schedule, we will have to be better than we were last week in order to have success," said head coach Kenny Miller.

Last week, the IceDiggers picked up three out of a possible four points against Traverse City and with six points on the line this weekend, it is important for the IceDiggers to earn as many points as possible.

"This division is going to be a dogfight all year long," added Miller

Veterans Erik Peterson and Russ Anderson continue to lead the Diggers in points with rookie Jon Puskar right behind them.

Whalers send Beal to Knights for pick

The London Knights announced today that the team has acquired 18-year-old center Chad Beal from the Plymouth Whalers in exchange for a conditional draft pick in the 2008 OHL Priority Selection.

The 6-foot-3, 213-pound Beal was the Whalers' third-round choice in 2005. He was a member of the Pickering Panthers Junior A team last season after starting the year in Plymouth, but had not been with the Whalers at all this season.

Saginaw deals Clouthier, gets Pleckaitis

The Saginaw Spirit have acquired winger Joe Pleckaitis and a 12th round pick in the 2009 OHL Priority Selection from the Barrie Colts for winger Andrew Clouthier and a 11th round pick in the same 2009 draft.

“Joe is a good fit for the team and is the type of player that fits Todd Watson’s style,” stated Spirit GM Don Edwards. “He is a hard-working grinder that gives 110 percent on every shift.”

The Markham, Ontario native enters his third season in the OHL. Pleckaitis was selected by the Ottawa 67’s in the second round of the 2005 OHL Priority Selection and tallied seven assists in 48 games with the 67’s that season. He notched a goal and six assists in 14 games with the 67’s during the 2006-07 season before being traded to the Barrie Colts, where he scored two goals and two assists in 30 games. He also tallied a goal for the Colts in the 2007 post-season. Pleckaitis comes to the Spirit having played 4 games with the Colts this season and tallied a goal against the Oshawa Generals on September 27.

Clouthier was selected by the Spirit in the 2006 OHL Priority Selection. During the 2006-07 season, Clouthier tallied two goals and three assists in 53 games.

“We feel that this is a good move for Andrew," added Edwards. "We expect that he will receive a lot of ice time and will continue to develop his skills with the Barrie Colts organization.”

“We wish Andrew the best of luck in Barrie and will miss his contributions to the team,” stated Watson. “He is a hard-working player that will find success wherever he plays.”

Rangers to 'Paint the Place Pink' for charity

The Marquette Rangers are partnering with Marquette General Hospital and the Marquette General Foundation on a fundraiser to benefit the Marquette General Cancer Center.

The effort will culminate on October 25 with a "Paint the Place Pink" home game at Lakeview Arena, when the Rangers will wear customized pink jerseys that will be auctioned off at the end of the game.

Unveiled at a press conference at Lakeview Arena on September 27, several of the jerseys will be on display at locations throughout Marquette County until the October 25 game and auction.

"We're very excited about partnering with the Rangers, not only to raise money for the Cancer Center, but also to raise awareness about the importance of mammograms and early detection of breast cancer," said Terry Reser, Marquette General Cancer Center program director. "October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we're building our annual awareness campaign and mammography discounts around the pink jerseys. It's a great way for the whole community to be involved."

"The Marquette General Foundation greatly appreciates the involvement of the Marquette Rangers and the Upper Mic¬higan community in the fight against cancer," said Dr. Daniel Arnold, president of the Board of the Marquette General Foundation. "The funds raised will help defray the costs of the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer for patients from the Upper Peninsula. We are excited to be part of this partnership."

Rangers representative Mark Evans said the idea grew from a game last year in Fargo, N.D., and it's already generating a buzz among the Rangers organization.

"We're aware of a couple of groups who are pooling their money and planning to bid on specific players' jerseys in honor of family members, friends and co-workers who are breast cancer survivors," said Evans. "The minimum bid for a jersey will be $100 and we think some of the bids may go pretty high."

Evans noted that the pink shirt concept has already taken on a life of its own.

"Thanks to Lorrie Hayes, who is a breast cancer survivor and a local T-shirt printer, we're also offering Paint the Place Pink T-shirts that anyone can purchase for $12," said Evans. "We'd like to see these pink shirts all over the U.P. during the next few weeks, so we can raise even more money for the Cancer Center and truly paint the whole region pink."

Paint the Place Pink T-shirts can be purchased from the Marquette General Hospital gift shop, at the Screened Image in Downtown Marquette, the Marquette General Foundation office, or online at the Marquette General Foundation website at http://www.mgh.org/foundation/. For secure ordering online, click on the "Online Donation" form"and specify "Pink T-shirt, quantity, and size S, M, L, XL or XXL" in the comments section.

The T-shirts will also be available at the October 25 Rangers game at Lakeview Arena in Marquette.

Spirit announce 'Guns & Hoses' fundraiser

The Saginaw Spirit is pleased to announce the ‘Guns & Hoses’ hockey game, a fundraiser for the Meijer ‘Shop with a Hero’ program, that will be held on Saturday, November 10.

Local police officers and firefighters will be playing the game at 5:30 p.m, prior to the 7:11 p.m. Spirit game against the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.

Tickets are available for $9.50, with $2 from each ticket sold going to support the fundraiser. One ticket is good for both the ‘Guns & Hoses’ game and the Spirit game. Both events will take place at TheDow Event Center in Saginaw.

“The Saginaw Spirit has given local police and firemen a great opportunity to have some fun and do something great for the community. The ‘Shop with a Hero’ program is certainly a great benefit to local children, and we're elated to be able to raise money for them," said Team Guns co-captain Michael East, a 13-year veteran of the Saginaw Police Department. "The cops on my team can't believe they get to raise money for a charitable cause and kick around a bunch of firemen for an entire hockey game at the same time."

“The teams appreciate the generous support of the Saginaw Spirit and the sponsors for this event to benefit a great cause,” stated Saginaw Township Fire Department assistant chief Rick Humphreys. “The ‘Shop with a Hero’ program has been a huge success for many years and we are proud to assist the program. The game will give both sides a chance to take a long standing rivalry between fire and police to a new venue and provide an entertaining event for the community. And, despite our differences, this event provides an opportunity to unite and support the community.”

Promotional support for the ‘Guns & Hoses’ game will be provided by Gohm Insurance Restoration, 1-800 Board Up and Mike’s Wrecker Service.

WEEKEND ROUNDUP

Fri. Sept. 28

OHL
at Kitchener 1, Plymouth 0 (OT)
at Sault Ste. Marie 5, Saginaw 4 (OT)

NAHL
at Alpena 4, Traverse City 3 (OT)
U.S. Under-17 Team 5 at Marquette 3


Sat. Sept. 29

OHL
Windsor 6 at Plymouth 4
at Saginaw 5, Owen Sound 3

NAHL
at Traverse City 3, Alpena 2 (OT)
at Marquette 6, U.S. Under-17 Team 4

IceDiggers make roster moves

The Alpena IceDiggers have made a couple of roster changes heading into their home opener tonight.

Joining the club are defensemen Anthony Leone and Mike Dokho. Leone spent last season with the Honeybaked midget AAA team and Dokho played with the Belle Tire midget AAA squad.

To make room for Leone and Dokho, the IceDiggers released defensemen Cameron Small and Tom Murphy.

Meet the IceDiggers on Oct. 4

On Thursday, October 4, the Alpena IceDiggers will host a meet the team dinner at the Thunder Bay Recreation Center in conjunction with the Alpena Youth Center at 6:00 p.m.

Tickets are on sale inside the IceDiggers' main office and at various locations around Alpena. Prices are $30.00 for a family (two adults and up to four children 0 to 18), $20.00 for couples and $12.00 for an individual tickets.

The event will include a VIP table auction at 6:00 p.m. with dinner being served at 6:30 p.m. The IceDiggers and the Youth Center will auction off an IceDiggers jersey and tickets to future home games. All profits go to the Youth Center.

"We are very excited about this event," Alpena coach-GM Kenny Miller said. "Fans will get a chance to meet the new players and sit with them for a night of food and fun. The kids at the Youth Center will also be auctioning off art they have made for the event."

The meet the team dinner will have a cash bar that begins at 5:30 p.m.

For more information on this event, please contact the IceDiggers main office at (989) 356-9812 or call the Alpena Youth Center at (989) 354-3213 and ask for Charleen Dubie.

Businesses in Alpena that are selling the tickets are The Market Place, LaFave Pharmacy, The Bank of Alpena, 19th Hole, Northern Foot & Ankle and Glitz & Glamor Bridal.

Spirit trade Berard, acquire VanBuskirk

The Saginaw Spirit today picked up 19-year-old goaltender Parker VanBuskirk from the Sarnia Sting for overage forward Ryan Berard.

“The Saginaw Spirit organization is proud to welcome Parker to our family,” stated Spirit GM Don Edwards. “He has played more than 70 games in the Ontario Hockey League. With that kind of experience, he adds depth to our goaltending corps.”

VanBuskirk is a native of Windsor, Ontario and spent two seasons with the Sarnia Sting. During the 2005-06 season he posted a record of 6-16-1-1 in 30 games, with a .887 save percentage. He tallied a .900 save percentage last season with a record of 25-13-3-3 in 48 games and also had two shutouts.

Whalers deal Whitely to Sarnia for pick

The Plymouth Whalers announced the trade of 20-year-old defenseman Steven Whitely to the Sarnia Sting today in exchange for a conditional 10th-round draft choice in the 2009 OHL Priority Selection.

Two weeks ago, the Whalers sent the same draft pick to Sarnia for 18-year-old defenseman Christian Steingraber.

Plymouth acquired Whitely from Belleville last January at the trade deadline. Whitely scored a goal with six assists for seven points and 33 penalty minutes and was +10 over 25 regular season games last season. He then added five assists with 23 PIMs and was +10 in 20 playoff games during the Whalers’ championship run last spring.

Whitely’s trade leaves Plymouth with five overage players – captain Andrew Fournier, fellow forwards Sean O’Connor and Joe McCann and defensemen Wes Cunningham and Zack Shepley.

Photo by Walt Dmoch/Plymouth Whalers

IceDiggers ready for home opener Friday

After starting the season last week at the NAHL Showcase with a 2-2 record in Blaine, Minn., the Alpena IceDiggers open their home schedule this Friday at 7:00 p.m. versus the Traverse City North Stars.

Alpena is currently six points behind first place St. Louis and the Bandits have played two more games than Alpena.

"At times at the Showcase, we looked very good and at other times we looked like the young team we are," said Alpena head coach Kenny Miller. "The guys worked very hard and we were able to get two wins and stay in the hunt after one week of the regular season."

The North Stars recorded a record of 2-0-2 at the Showcase.

"They played good hockey all week," added Miller. "The North Division is going to be very tough."

Leading Alpena in points after four games is rookie forward Jon Puskar, who has recorded one goal and six assists. Alpena native Erik Peterson is second in points with a goal and five assists. Goaltenders Dan Pason and Nate Pellegrino both earned a victory at the Showcase.

Neuvirth returned to Whalers by Capitals

The Plymouth Whalers announced that the National Hockey League’s Washington Capitals have returned goaltender Michal Neuvirth to the Whalers.

Neuvirth (pronounced “NOY-vair”) now rejoins Brownstown native Jeremy Smith in goal for Plymouth. Neuvirth, taken by Washington in the second round (34th overall) in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, played in one game for Washington in the preseason, a 4-3 overtime loss to Carolina on Sept. 16.

Smith was selected in the second round and 54th overall by the Nashville Predators in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

Neuvirth and Smith teamed up last season to contribute to Plymouth’s run to the Ontario Hockley League title as the Whalers won the OHL’s Dave Pinkney Award for the fewest goals allowed (173 over 68 games). Neuvirth won the OHL’s F.W. “Dinty” Moore Trophy last season after posting a league-best 2.32 goals-against average and .932 save percentage while going 26-8-2-2 in 41 regular season games. Neuvirth played most of the way in the 2007 playoffs and Memorial Cup, going 16-5-2 with a 2.54 goals-against average and .927 save percentage in 23 games.

Neuvirth and Smith give the Whalers a unique situation – two talented NHL-drafted goaltenders playing for the same team.

Photo by Walt Dmoch/Plymouth Whalers

Plymouth and Saginaw weekend roundup

Weds. Sept. 19
Sault Ste. Marie 7 at Saginaw 5

Sat. Sept. 22
Erie 6 at Plymouth 4
at Saginaw 5, Sarnia 4

Michigan teams fare well at NAHL Showcase

Weds. Sept. 19
Wichita Falls 6, Alpena 3
Marquette 4, North Iowa 3 (SO)
Traverse City 4, Bismarck 2

Thurs. Sept. 20
Alpena 7, Southern Minnesota 2
North Iowa 1, Traverse City 0 (OT)
Marquette 2, Wichita Falls 1 (SO)

Fri. Sept. 21
St. Louis 3, Marquette 2
Traverse City 6, Alaska 1
Fargo-Moorhead 6, Alpena 4

Sat. Sept. 22
Marquette 7, Kenai River 4
Alpena 3, North Iowa 2
Alexandria 3, Traverse City 2 (SO)

Whalers open at home Saturday night

There will be plenty happening when the Ontario Hockey League champion Plymouth Whalers host the Erie Otters in the season opener this Saturday at 7:05 p.m. at Compuware Arena.

Before the game, the AM-910 Radio Disney D-Tour will be on hand to greet the fans as they come into Compuware Arena.

The Whalers will raise their 2007 championship banner to the rafters of Compuware Arena in a pre-game ceremony. Plymouth coach-GM Mike Vellucci and OHL commissioner David Branch will be on hand to participate in the ceremony.

The J. Ross Robertson trophy and the Wayne Gretzky Western Conference championship trophy will be available for photographs with fans during and after the game. Plymouth photographers will be available to assist for a nominal fee.

Erie has been a frequent guest at Compuware Arena for the Whalers’ home opener, having played in 2000, 2002 and last season. Plymouth is 9-7-1-0 in home openers since 1990:

Sept. 23, 2006 – Plymouth 7, Erie 6 (shootout)
Sept. 24, 2005 – Sarnia 2, Plymouth 1 (overtime)
Sept. 25, 2004 – Plymouth 5, Saginaw 1
Sept. 20, 2003 – Oshawa 5, Plymouth 2
Sept. 21, 2002 – Erie 2, Plymouth 0
Sept. 22, 2001 – Owen Sound 6, Plymouth 4
Sept. 23, 2000 – Erie 4, Plymouth 0
Sept. 25, 1999 – Oshawa 4, Plymouth 2
Oct. 3, 1998 – Plymouth 6, Sudbury 3
Sept. 20, 1997 – London 6, Plymouth 4
Oct. 5, 1996 – Detroit 2, Kingston 0
Sept. 30, 1995 – Detroit 11, Oshawa 5
Sept. 30, 1994 – Detroit 7, Belleville 3
Sept. 29, 1993 – Detroit 4, Windsor 1
Oct. 3, 1992 – Detroit 8, Belleville 4
Sept. 27, 1991 – Oshawa 8, Detroit 3
Sept. 20, 1990 – London 4, Detroit 0

Rangers, RE/MAX form Junior Rangers

The Marquette Rangers have teamed up with Cheryl Jackson of RE/MAX 1st Realty to form an exciting opportunity for area youth hockey players.

The Marquette Junior Rangers will be open to both boys and girls who will be ages 8, 9 and 10 during the 2007-2008 hockey season and who are currently playing in a youth hockey organization. The Marquette Junior Rangers will serve as an opportunity for young players to learn more about the game, while keeping their interest in the game at a high level.

“When we first met with Cheryl Jackson, her love of hockey in this area was pretty easy to see,” said Mark Evans, public relations and marketing for the Rangers. “She wanted to sponsor an event that got young kids excited not only about the Rangers, but excited about the game in general and hopefully keep them playing hockey for years to come. This will be a lot of fun, and it’s something I know our players and coaches are really looking forward to this year.”

The Junior Rangers will skate with the Rangers players and coaches one Sunday a month throughout the season and will receive age appropriate instruction from the coaching staff and players in a fun relaxed atmosphere. Each player will receive a practice jersey for them to keep, and Junior Rangers players will also be featured at Marquette Rangers home games during the 2007-2008 season.

The Junior Rangers program is free and open to the first 40 kids who apply and who are willing to represent themselves and the Ranger organization is a positive manner. Interested players should have a parent or guardian stop in the Rangers office in Lakeview Arena as this will be first come, first serve and is not a hockey competition. Players will be required to have a permission form on file in the Rangers office, signed by a parent or guardian before they can participate.

North Stars ready for NAHL Showcase

From an existential standpoint, this week’s North American Hockey League Showcase in suburban Minneapolis will be a journey of self-discovery for the Traverse City North Stars.

After a pair of exhibition contests against North Division foe Alpena, the North Stars have learned a few things about the quality and character of the club, but when the bright lights go up on Wednesday at the Schwan’s Super Rink, first year head coach-GM Anthony Palumbo will get his first real look at the roster under the microscope of actual game conditions.

“I learned that we’re a hard-working team and that our work ethic is excellent,” said Palumbo, after a preseason split with the IceDiggers. “I think we’re still learning to trust each other, to play within the system, but like most teams, we’re trying to bring 20 or 25 different mindsets in line. Most of these guys are coming from different systems, different backgrounds. The cohesion can only come with time and experience.”

The 18-team annual event - which attracts hundreds of college hockey scouts - will also be Palumbo’s initial peek at a quartet of interdivisional foes in Bismarck, North Iowa, Alaska and Alexandria (Mn.). While the Stars did face Bismarck at last year’s Showcase - dropping a 4-3 decision to the Bobcats – Palumbo says he will have to fine-tune on the fly.

“I have to admit, I know nothing about the teams we’re playing other than having a roster, but I think most of the teams here are in the same situation in that respect. You kind of have to focus on what you do, not what you think the other team is going to do, especially a team from outside your region, your division. You make your adjustments as the game goes on, but try to play your one system.”

The Stars are healthy for the most part, with veteran forwards Harrison Niemann and Zach Hitch – along with returning defenseman Jameson Raymond – nursing minor lower body injuries. Additionally, Palumbo says he was pleasantly surprised with the exhibition season performances of a few of the new arrivals, including forward Jarrod LaBelle.

“We knew Jarrod had the speed and the skill,” Palumbo said of the Midland native’s showing. “But I guess we weren’t prepared for just how hard he plays. I think the people of Traverse City – the fans of the North Stars – are really going to come to love this kid and how hard he works.”

Traverse City opens the NAHL Showcase on Wednesday against Bismarck (8:30 p.m. ET), faces North Iowa in a Thursday matinee (2:15 p.m. ET), takes on Alaska (0-1-0 after a 6-2 loss to expansion Kenai River on Sept. 14) on Friday at 5:30 p.m. ET, and closes out the event against Alexandria on Saturday evening (7:45 p.m. ET). The Showcase also marks the beginning of the NAHL’s partnership with B2 Networks, who will provide pay-per-view video webcasting of all league games this season. Fans wishing to watch the games can find a link to the B2 feed from the team’s Web site, traversecitynorthstars.com, or the event site, nahlshowcase.com.

“I’d imagine that all the teams feel like we do – those that haven’t had a game or two already, anyway,” Palumbo surmised. “We’ve spent a spring and summer getting ready, and we’re just eager to get to it.”


NAHL SHOWCASE

WHEN: Sept. 19-22
WHERE: Schwan’s Super Rink – Blaine, Minn.

WEDNESDAY: TC vs. Bismarck (20-36-6 in 2006-07), 8:30 p.m. ET
THURSDAY: TC vs. North Iowa (27-29-6), 2:15 p.m. ET
FRIDAY: TC vs. Alaska (16-39-7), 5:30 p.m. ET
SATURDAY: TC vs. Alexandria (28-29-5), 7:45 p.m. ET

WATCH LIVE: Link to the pay-per-view B2 video feed at traversecitynorthstars.com or nahlshowcase.com

IceDiggers off to NAHL Showcase

With the exhibition season coming to a close last weekend and the Alpena IceDiggers finishing with a 2-0-1 record, the team will now turn their attention to the NAHL Showcase in Blaine, Minn., as the regular season schedule begins Wednesday for the IceDiggers.

The IceDiggers are looking to make an impression at this year's Showcase.

"We played good at times during the preseason and we know in order to have success at the showcase, we will have to compete every shift for 60 minutes in all four games," said third-year head coach Kenny Miller.

Alpena will play one member of the South Division and three members of the Central Division. All games will count in the NAHL standings.

All four IceDigger games at the NAHL Showcase can be seen live on B2 TV for only $6 per game.


ALPENA ICEDIGGERS - NAHL SHOWCASE SCHEDULE

Wednesday vs. Wichita Falls Wildcats, 2:00 p.m.
Thursday vs. Southern Minnesota Express, 1:00 p.m.
Friday vs. Fargo-Moorhead Jets, 6:30 p.m.
Saturday vs. North Iowa Outlaws, 7:30 p.m.

Saginaw beats London again Sunday

The Saginaw Spirit beat the London Knights, 3-2, Sunday afternoon in Woodstock, Ont.

Scoring for the Spirit were T.J. Brodie, Kain Allicock and Mitch Fillman.

Saginaw wraps up the exhibition season with a record of 2-2-0-0, losing to the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in two games and beating the Knights in two games.

Saginaw tops London Saturday night

The Saginaw Spirit beat the London Knights, 5-4, in exhibition action Saturday night in London.

Jack Combs tallied two goals and Tom Craig, Tyler Murovich and Patrick Asselin had a goal apiece.

Scoring for the Knights were Greg Zavitz, Kevin Montgomery, Tony DeHart and Vladimir Roth.

The Spirit tallied 33 shots on net; the Knights 22.

The Spirit play the Knights this afternoon in Woodstock, Ontario for the second of two exhibition games.

Marysville's Rogers verbals to Notre Dame

From the Western College Hockey blog...

The Port Huron Times Herald is reporting that Notre Dame has received a verbal commitment from Marysville goalie Joe Rogers.

Rogers has to be one of the most interesting stories in junior hockey. He was born with a birth defect in his glove hand, which makes it nearly impossible to catch pucks in his glove, but he has worked to become one of the best goalies in his age group.

He'll be playing Junior B hockey for the Petrolia Jets in the Western Ontario Hockey League.

UPDATE: The Times Herald ran a full article on Rogers this week. He'll join the Irish in 2009.

Whalers finish 1-5 in preseason action

The Plymouth Whalers lost Friday night in Erie against the Otters, 5-2. Kaine Geldart and Joe McCann scored the Whalers goals.

Plymouth lost Thursday in St. Catharines, Ont., against the Niagara IceDogs, 10-1. Josh Bemis scored the lone Whalers goal and The Standard out of St. Catharines had the game story.

For the weekend, the Whalers were without regulars Michal Neuvirth, Jeremy Smith and Chris Terry (all away at NHL camps), as well as Brett Bellemore, Leo Jenner, Sean O'Connor, R.J. Mahalak and Zack Shepley (all injured).

The Whalers open the regular season next Saturday at home with their 2007 championship banner raising night against Erie. Game time is 7:05 p.m.

Plymouth gets D-man Steingraber from Sting

The Plymouth Whalers acquired defenseman Christian Steingraber from the Sarnia Sting today for a conditional 10th-round draft pick in 2009.

Steingraber hails from Oregon, Ohio and is expected to be in the line-up tonight in Erie. He played minor hockey with Honeybaked and was originally the first pick of the Alpena IceDiggers in the 2006 NAHL Draft, but instead went to Sarnia.

The Sting drafted Steingraber, 18, in the seventh round (134th overall) in the 2005 OHL Priority Selection.

Spirit acquire rights to goalie Hoyle

The Saginaw Spirit acquired the rights of goaltender Matt Hoyle from the Kingston Frontenacs today.

“We look upon this move as a unique opportunity, one where we have acquired the rights to one of the top goaltenders in the 1990 age group who definitely has the talent to one day be an elite NHL goaltender," Saginaw GM Don Edwards said. "Matt is a big, strong and athletic goaltender as well as a fierce competitor. Having coached him last year, he is an individual with great moral fiber. Should we land him, he will be a tremendous asset to our organization. The challenge for the Spirit management will be to intrigue Matt to join the OHL, knowing that he has already accepted an offer to attend Harvard University nest season.”

The 1990-born native of Toronto was selected by the Frontenacs in the fifth round of the 2006 OHL Priority Selection. Hoyle played last season in the OPJHL with the Oakville Blades where he posted a record of 27-7-1-1, a 2.59 goals-against average and a .906 save percentage. He also recorded four shutouts, was voted the West Division Rookie of the Year and was named to the All-Star team as an underage rookie.

“The solid relationships that our GM Don Edwards has built through the years are paying off for the Saginaw Spirit,” stated Spirit president and managing partner Craig Goslin. “Matt Hoyle is a highly-touted goaltender that played for Don last season in Oakville. We are hopeful that Matt will find Saginaw a great fit to develop his immense skills into a NHL goalie as he is tutored by a Vezina Award-winning goaltender such as Spirit GM Don Edwards.”

Whalers throttled in St. Catharines

The Plymouth Whalers lost Thursday in St. Catharines against the Niagara IceDogs, 10-1.

Josh Bemis scored the lone Whalers goal from Tyler J. Brown and Joey Gaynor.

The Standard out of St. Catharines has the game story.

The Whalers finish up the preseason Friday in Erie against the Otters.

Saginaw inks free agent Ogilvie

The Saginaw Spirit announced the signing of free agent Jordan Ogilvie yesterday.

The Ancaster, Ontario native played the 2006-07 season with the OPJHL's Oakville Blades, notching two goals and 10 assists in 45 games.

“He is a gritty competitor who brings great character to the Spirit organization,” stated Spirit GM Don Edwards. “He is a no-nonsense player who may become one of the hardest hitting players in the league.”

The signing reunites Ogilvie and Edwards, the former vice-president, GM and head coach of the Blades, in Saginaw.

Spirit head coach Todd Watson expressed similar thoughts on Ogilvie in saying “Jordan is a hard-nosed kid that's going to battle and compete every night.”

Whalers arena undergoes name change

Effective today, Compuware Sports Arena will now be known simply as Compuware Arena.

"Compuware Arena has always hosted a wide range of events: drive-in movies, tradeshows, concerts, graduation ceremonies, and corporate meetings,” said Compuware Arena president and Plymouth Whalers GM Michael Vellucci. “Even though the Whalers, youth hockey, figure skating and professional indoor soccer are very important to our business, we feel that the new name more accurately reflects what we bring to our community and the over 1.2 million guests we serve each year.”

Compuware Arena, located on Beck Road just north of M-14 in Plymouth Township, was originally built in 1996 as a venue for the Ontario Hockey League’s Whalers and the Compuware youth hockey program.

Along with the name change, Compuware Arena is adopting a new logo (see above), updated signage around the arena and a new website that can be found at http://www.compuwarearena.com/. The changes are effective immediately, with all future business to be undertaken with the new name.

WEEKEND JUNIORS ROUNDUP

Preseason

Fri. Sept. 7

OHL
at Sarnia 6, Plymouth 2
at Sault Ste. Marie 4, Saginaw 1


Sat. Sept. 8

OHL
Sarnia 6 at Plymouth 3
Sault Ste. Marie 4 at Saginaw 2

NAHL
at Alpena 5, Traverse City 3

Saginaw adds another McDonough

The Saginaw Spirit announced the addition of Jason McDonough to the roster via a trade with the Peterborough Petes this past weekend. The Spirit sent a seventh-round pick in the 2008 OHL Priority Selection to the Petes.

“Jason is a hard-nosed left winger who can also play on the right,” stated Spirit GM Don Edwards. “He has a high skill level and also brings additional grit and toughness to the team.”

“We are excited to bring him on board and working with him to develop as a hockey player,” said Spirit head coach Todd Watson.

McDonough was selected by Peterborough in the second round of the 2005 OHL Priority Selection. In two seasons with the Petes, he tallied two goals, six assists and 72 penalty minutes in 74 regular-season games.

The left winger is a native of Etobicoke, Ont., and will join his older brother, Ryan, in Saginaw.

“We are pleased to have another member of the McDonough family in our organization,” stated Spirit president and managing partner Craig Goslin. “We look forward to contributions to the team both on and off the ice.”

This is the fourth set of brothers the Spirit have had play for the team: Jesse (2003-06) and Tyson (2004-06) Gimblett, Jean-Michel (2002-05) and Marc-Andre (2002-04) Rizk and Scott (2002-03) and Andrew (2007) Hotham.

Former IceDigger joins team staff

The Alpena IceDiggers of the North American Hockey League announced Friday that former player Chris Lanciano will broadcast home games for the club on the B2 Network.

Lanciano played for the IceDiggers during their first season in Alpena (2005-2006). The Philadelphia native has lived in Alpena ever since his playing career ended.

"Chris was an important part of our team both on and off the ice our first year up here," said Alpena coach-GM Kenny Miller. "With him now as our broadcaster, I couldn't be happier."

This will be the 21-year-old's first season as a broadcaster and during home games, players that are out of the lineup will fill in as color commentators.

All 25 home games can be viewed on the Internet at http://www.icediggers.com/ for a fee of $6 per game.

Lanciano resides in Ossineke with his girlfriend, Jillian, 20.

Livonia's Barczuk commits to LSSU

According to the Lake Superior State hockey blog, the Lakers have received a verbal commitment from forward Daniel Barczuk of the USHL's Ohio Junior Blue Jackets.

Last season, the 6-foot-1, 185-pound Livonia native posted nine goals and 22 points in 56 games after having posted two goals in four games for the Lincoln Stars earlier in the season. Barczuk was fourth on the team in scoring, finishing behind current Laker, and fellow Livonia native, Zac MacVoy.

In 2005-06, Barczuk posted a goal and 10 penalty minutes in 10 games for the USHL champion Cedar Rapids RoughRiders.

Whalers sign Belle Tire forward Brown

The Plymouth Whalers today announced the signing of 16-year-old left wing Tyler J. Brown, who was selected by the Whalers in the eighth round (159th overall) of the 2007 OHL Priority Selection.

Brown, from Westland, scored 27 goals with 44 assists for 71 points in 72 games last season for the Belle Tire Under-16 Team - a team that won state and national championships.

Earlier this summer, the Whalers signed Brown’s teammate R.J. Mahalak (Monroe). Both players are skating with Plymouth in training camp and are expected to make the Whalers’ roster.

Brown is no relation to Tyler G. Brown, who was taken by the Whalers in the 11th round (219th overall) of May's draft.

Alpena opens preseason against TC

The Alpena IceDiggers will open their exhibition season this Saturday night at Northern Lights Arena when they play host to in-state rival Traverse City. Face-off is set for 7:00 p.m. This will be the only exhibition game the IceDiggers will play at NLA.

Season ticket holders will be admitted for free. General admission tickets will be on sale one hour prior to the game and can be purchased for only $5.

The IceDiggers opened with their first practice on Tuesday and head coach Kenny Miller was impressed with his guys.

"I was really glad to see the boys come to training camp in good shape and ready to go," said Miller. "The game on Saturday will give me a chance to see them in a game situation and I am looking forward to it."

The players will continue their on- and off-ice training the rest of the week as they prepare for the upcoming game this weekend.

"By the end of the week they will be ready to play against someone other than their teammates," added Miller. "We still have a few decisions to make before we head off to the Showcase and this game will be a good test for some of the guys that have not played at the NAHL level."

Plymouth doubles Windsor on Labor Day

Goaltender Jeremy Smith stopped 43 shots and Joe McCann scored twice as the Plymouth Whalers defeated the Windsor Spitfires, 6-3, in an OHL preseason game Monday afternoon at Windsor Arena.

Plymouth and Windsor are both 1-1-0-0 in preseason.

Besides McCann, Chris Terry, Taylor Carnevale, AJ Jenks (Wolverine Lake) and Brett Valliquette all scored single goals for the Whalers.

Matthew Bragg, Brad Snetsinger and Josh Bailey replied for Windsor.

Smith, a second-round pick of the Nashville Predators from Brownstown, was sharp in his first action of the preseason as Plymouth built a 3-0 lead after one period and never looked back. Terry started the scoring during a two-man advantage at 7:02 of the first period with a hard shot from the left faceoff dot that pinged off both goal posts and then beat Windsor goaltender Andrew Engelage. McCann made it 2-0 just 23 seconds later when he batted home Jordon O’Neill’s shot past Engelage. McCann chased Engelage at 16:57 of the period when he scored a shorthanded goal from the top of the right circle.

Bragg (12:13) and Snetsinger (15:27) cut the Plymouth lead to 3-2 with shorthanded goals in the second period for Windsor.

But Plymouth put the game away with third-period goals by Carnevale (4:15) and Jenks (4:28) 13 seconds apart and added some insurance on Valliquette’s goal at 6:55. Bailey closed the scoring with a minute left in the game.

Windsor outshot Plymouth, 46-27.

Plymouth scratches included Michal Neuvirth, Brett Bellemore, Tyler J. Brown, Leo Jenner, Steve Lock, RJ Mahalak, Steve McDonald, Sean O’Connor and Zack Shepley.

Plymouth continues in the preseason in Sarnia on Friday and then will host Sarnia on Saturday at 7:05 p.m. at Compuware Arena.

White tops Blue in Saginaw Blue/White Game

The Saginaw Spirit held their annual Blue/White Game today at TheDow Event Center in Saginaw and Team White came from behind to beat Team Blue, 6-4.

Scoring for Team White were Tomas Zaborsky, with two goals, and Chris Chappell, Patrick Asselin, Mitch Fillman and Sloan Stewart.

Team Blue saw scoring from Daniel Pachis, Kain Allicock and back-to-back goals from Ryan Berard. Cody Sol also notched two assists.

The Spirit resume action next Friday night against the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds for an away exhibition game at 7:30 p.m.

Spits down Plymouth in preseason, 6-2

Jordan Nolan scored twice and Mickey Renaud added a goal and three assists as the Windsor Spitfires led from start to finish to defeat the Plymouth Whalers, 6-2, in an OHL preseason game played Saturday afternoon at Compuware Arena.

Windsor is 1-0-0-0 in the preseason; Plymouth is 0-1-0-0.

Eric Wellwood, Greg Nemisz and James Woodcroft also scored for Windsor.

AJ Jenks (Wolverine Lake) scored both Plymouth goals.

Windsor built a 3-0 lead after 40 minutes on Wellwood’s shorthanded goal at 18:16 of the first period, Renaud’s goal at 8:17 of the second period and Nemisz’s marker at 16:25 of the second frame. After Woodcroft scored a shorthanded goal at 2:41 of the third period and Nolan gave Windsor a 5-0 lead at 5:57 of the third period, Jenks replied with a pair – the first, a deflection of Jordon O’Neill’s shot from the right point at 5:57 and the second, a hard shot from the left wing at 18:31. Nolan – the son of New York Islanders head coach Ted Nolan, who was watching from the stands – finished the scoring on a power play with 54 seconds remaining.

Windsor outshot Plymouth, 49-23.

Michal Neuvirth started in goal for Plymouth and Matt Hackett for Windsor. Both were relieved 11 minutes into the second period by Kyle Jendra and Ryan Ludzik, respectively. Ludzik's father, former Detroit Vipers head coach Steve Ludzik, was also in attendance.

Plymouth and Windsor play again on Monday afternoon at 2 p.m. at Windsor Arena.

Plymouth finishes scrimmages, Spits next

After two days of training camp scrimmages, the OHL champion Plymouth Whalers kick off the preseason today, hosting the Windsor Spitfires at 4 p.m. at Compuware Arena.

Plymouth then plays in Windsor on Labor Day at 2 p.m. at Windsor Arena.

The Whalers completed training camp scrimmages Friday morning when the Blues defeated the Whites, 7-5.

Seven different players scored for the Blues - veterans Kaine Geldart, Andrew Fournier and Joe Gaynor, newcomer Steve Lock, rookie free agents Micki Mihailovich (Westland) and Zack Rourke (Oxford) and draft choice Anthony Donati (sixth round, 2007). Fournier and Rourke added two assists apiece for a three-point scrimmage.

Five different players scored for the Whites - veterans Joe McCann and Vern Cooper, rookie free agents Nick Bazzy (Dearborn) and Doug Clifford (Brownstown) and draft choice Myles McCauley (Sterling Heights, 14th round, 2007).