Plymouth training camp has much intrigue

Courtesy PlymouthWhalers.com

Plymouth Goaltending – The three Plymouth Whalers goaltenders are in different stages of their respective careers. Jeremy Smith – already signed by the NHL’s Nashville Predators – comes back as one of the best goaltenders in the OHL. Eighteen-year-old Matt Hackett – acquired by the Whalers from Windsor last November in the Michal Neuvirth deal – came to the Whalers as an unknown quantity, but established himself as a capable OHL goaltender. Rookie Scott Wedgewood comes in highly touted and will see playing time with the Whalers when Smith is away at Nashville’s camp at the start of the season and at the World Junior Championship.

We’re An American Band, Part I – Smith is in a battle with Guelph’s Thomas McCollum and Kitchener’s Josh Unice (Chicago) to represent the United States in the upcoming World Junior Championship in Ottawa. How each plays over the first half of the OHL season will go a long way to determining their chance to play for Team USA. Smith was the number one man last year for Team USA, but some observers as saying now that McCollum (the first round pick of the Red Wings this summer) has moved ahead. Smith will definitely have something to say about that.

The Whalers open the season September 19 in Kitchener, host Guelph on September 27 and then play in Guelph on November 7.

We’re An American Band, Part 2 – The Whalers start the season with a lot of local talent on the roster. Plymouth’s training camp roster includes Smith (Brownstown), Josh Bemis (Clarkston), Christian Steingraber (Oregon, OH – just outside of Toledo), RJ Mahalak (Monroe), Beau Schmitz (Howell), AJ Jenks (Wolverine Lake), Tyler J. Brown (Westland), Mike Yovanic (Highland), Austin Levi (Farmington Hills), DJ Hastings (Grosse Ile), Brendan McLeskey (Pinckney), Myles McCauley (Sterling Heights) and Ali Dakroub (Dearborn).

Like the goaltenders, all the local players are in different parts of their careers. Smith, Bemis, Jenks, Steingraber, Mahalak, Brown and Yovanic return from last season. Schmitz – the Whalers’ first round pick from 2007 – comes over from the National Team Development Program in Ann Arbor with promising reviews. Levi, Hastings and McLeskey are Whaler draft picks who may play with Plymouth or skate with the Compuware Midget Majors. McCauley is an older 14th round draft pick from 2007 with good skill. Free agent Dakroub earned an invitation to training camp after playing for the Whalers at the rookie orientation last May.

Chris Terry – With 195 points (75 goals and 120 assists) in 200 career games with the Whalers, Terry comes into the season 124 points shy of Pat Peake’s all-time franchise record of 319 points. 2008-09 is an important year for Terry for a couple of reasons:

It’s his signing year and the Carolina Hurricanes will be watching Terry with great interest.

Terry played well enough at Canada’s National Junior Evaluation Camp over the summer to rate a chance to play for Team Canada in the upcoming World Junior Championship.

Terry will finish his Whaler career somewhere in the top ten in all franchise scoring categories.

More importantly, Terry is a young man who has grown up literally before our eyes in Plymouth. The maturity he has exhibited in befriending the late Bobby Suvoy is something we can all be proud of.

Third Year Charm – Do a little research and you’ll find a lot of OHL forwards in their third year break out offensively. Terry is a case in point, going from 28 points as a rookie in 2005-06, to 66 points during the Whalers championship year in 2006-07, to 101 points last season. Other examples include former Whalers James Neal (6-44-53), Dan Collins (22-46-49), Tom Sestito (4-20-64), John Mitchell (18-55-82) and Chad LaRose (25-59-117).

To be fair, the three year progression doesn’t happen with every forward on every team, but it does happen somewhat regularly. Jenks, Kaine Geldart and Vern Cooper all have a chance to develop in the same manner.

Schmitz and Michal Jordan – Schmitz is a smooth skater and an offensive-minded defenseman who plays with grit. It’s no accident that he led the NTDP last season with 108 penalty minutes with no fighting majors. To paraphrase a baseball expression, Schmitz definitely plays to contact. He will be fun to watch this season.

Some will say that Jordan was over-hyped last season, but he was one of the youngest players to skate in the 2008 World Junior Championship last season and by all accounts played well. And like him or not, he played well for the Plymouth, even though he probably had to play too much at times.

Schmitz and Jordan are a year older and stronger this year and will be integral members of the Plymouth blue line.

The Overage Question – Plymouth head coach Greg Stefan has said he’s satisfied with one overage player on the roster (right wing Patrick Lee) and that he wants to play as many young players as he can. Most championship teams in the OHL are a little older than the Whalers are now, so Plymouth general manager Mike Vellucci will be watching OHL rosters closely. If he adds two OAs, they’ll be done with care.

Watch trades around the OHL and overages (this season, 1988 birthdays) are moved frequently around as the teams sort their respective rosters. A good overage player usually doesn’t cost much in terms of trade, because GMs know they’re receiving a player for one season only.

Free Agents – Two free agents made the Whalers training camp roster. Dakroub (Hampton Roads Jr. Whalers) and David Morden (Sarnia, Chatham Maroons) played well enough at Plymouth’s rookie orientation last May.

Two other potential Whalers on the training camp roster – Chad Rutkowski and Buddy Wightman – were inactive last season due to injuries and are trying to make it back on the roster.

Steingraber photo by Walt Dmoch/Plymouth Whalers

Saginaw makes Walch signing official

The Saginaw Spirit have added a Saginaw native to its roster with the signing of local hockey standout Brad Walch.

“The signing of Brad Walch is a very special moment that brings great recognition to the Walch family, the city of Saginaw and the Saginaw Spirit hockey club,” stated Spirit GM Don Edwards.

Walch, from Thomas Township, is participating in the Spirit 2008 training camp this week at the Saginaw Bay Ice Arena in preparation for his first season in a Spirit uniform. The 1991-born defenseman is the first Spirit prospect from the Tri-County region to sign a contract with the team.

"We have all looked forward to the day when we would have a local player play for the club," said Saginaw owner Dick Garber. "I'm glad it's Brad because he will be not only a great representative of our club and community on the ice, but off the ice as well. He is a terrific young man. This is certainly a milestone that we hope will further connect the club with the region."

“He gained valuable experience last season and proved that he is now ready to make a big impact at the OHL level. Brad is a very reliable defensive defensemen, a strong skater who plays a poised, steady and physical game. He is a valuable addition to our hockey club, and will certainly become a local crowd favorite,” added Edwards.

Walch was drafted by the Spirit in the fifth round of the 2007 OHL Priority Selection, but choose to play for the USHL's Des Moines Buccaneers last season to keep his NCAA eligibility. Walch compiled four assists in 53 games with the Buccaneers and joins the Spirit for his first year of NHL draft eligibility.

The Spirit's 2008-2009 slogan ‘Here Today, NHL Tomorrow’ is a good fit with this recent signing according to Spirit president and managing partner Craig Goslin.

“Having a local player of Brad's caliber on our roster will connect the dots with many in our community in regards to those that have not yet made the NHL connection between our league and the NHL," Goslin said. "Our league is the premier development league to the NHL, similar to what NCAA Division I football is to the NFL. The top four picks, and 80 of the top 100, selected in last year’s NHL draft came out of our league.

"We are looking forward to putting Brad in an environment where he can develop his talents and to see if he, too, can be one of the NHL draft picks that comes from the Saginaw Spirit and the OHL."

"The OHL is the finest development league in the world for young hockey players,” stated Garber. "I acknowledge Brad and his family for recognizing this and thank them for the confidence they have shown our organization."

More from the Saginaw News HERE.

Fitzgerald turns to coaching, Lock traded

Former Plymouth Whalers captain Randy Fitzgerald has been hired as an assistant coach by the Oshawa Generals.

Fitzgerald, 28, played for the Whalers from 1996-2000, playing in 233 regular-season games and another 54 playoff games. He was a solid left winger who played in the OHL finals in his final season as a player.

Drafted by the Hartford Whalers in the 1997 NHL Draft, Fitzgerald later signed a free agent contract with the Minnesota Wild and played in their farm system before injuries forced him to retire.

“After having numerous discussions with prospective coaches, I found that Randy was the right fit for where we are as an organization and where we are going," Oshawa head coach-GM Chris DePiero said. “The experience he brings of his playing days in the OHL and in professional hockey will be invaluable for our forwards. He played the game hard and with passion, and was a leader - all very good traits for a coach.”

Fitzgerald joins Rich Ricci behind the bench with DePiero this season and joins fellow Whaler alums Jamie Allison (Brampton) and Troy Smith (Kitchener) who work in the OHL as assistant coaches.

In other Plymouth news, the Whalers traded forward Steve Lock to Kitchener today for a 15th-round pick in next year's draft and a conditional pick in 2010. Lock made the Whalers out of training camp last season after being acquired from Peterborough, but left the team prior to the start of the season.

Eagles host final tryouts next week at Big Bear

The new Soo Eagles will hold their final training/tryout camps from August 24-26 at the Big Bear Arena in Sault Ste Marie.

Tryout times are August 24 - 8:45 am-10:05 am, 1:15pm-2:35pm; August 25 - 9:15am-10:35am, 3:15pm-4:35pm; August 26 - 9:15am-10:35am, 3:15pm-4:35pm.

The Eagles currently have 19 players committed to the new organization, so camp tryouts should be very intense as players compete for limited team positions.

The Eagles will begin their exhibition games with a back-to-back series against the Alpena IceDiggers of the NAHL. They will host the Icediggers at Pullar Stadium on Friday, September 5 with a 7 p.m. start time. They will then play the IceDiggers in Alpena the following night at 7 p.m.

The team has also finalized their new jersey designs as well as mounting an aggressive marketing campaign trying to establish a hometown fan base. The Eagles offer the lowest ticket prices in the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League at only $6 per game, as well offering season tickets at the incredible cost of $125 for 25 home games.

Central Savings Bank has stepped up to offer sponsorship and fans can purchase season tickets using credit cards or bank cards at any Central Savings Bank location. The Eagles are also offering an new "Super Fan Season Ticket" package that lets fans order an official Soo game jersey and hat with their ticket purchase. For $250, true fans can get a game jersey customized with their choice of number and their name on the back.

Walch to Saginaw, Golembiewski to USHL

According to the Western College Hockey blog, two players from last season's United States National Under-17 Team won't be back to play with the Under-18 Team this season and one United States Hockey League skater is also moving on.

Two have implications with the Plymouth Whalers and Saginaw Spirit.

Des Moines Buccaneers defenseman Brad Walch (pictured) will be playing with Saginaw. Walch received some college interest last season, but is a Saginaw native, so he will be playing close to home. The Spirit drafted Walch, the first Saginaw native to play for the Spirit, in the fifth round (82nd overall) of the 2007 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection out of the Honeybaked '91s.

NTDP defenseman Bjorn Krupp signed with the Belleville Bulls. Krupp, and his father, Uwe, reportedly didn't feel that Bjorn received enough playing time with the NTDP last season.

Also, NTDP forward and Michigan State recruit Zach Golembiewski has left the NTDP and will be playing for the Indiana Ice next season. The Whalers selected Golembiewski, a St. Clair native, in the fifth round (93rd overall) in 2007 after he won a national title with the Belle Tire minor midgets.

Golembiewski's teammate from Belle Tire, smallish defenseman Torey Krug (Livonia), will also be playing for the Ice this season and Krug is also a Plymouth draft selection, having been taken in the 13th round (259th overall) a year ago.

Goaltender Brett Bennett, a one-time Plymouth draft pick in 2004, (seventh round, 133rd overall, Honeybaked '88s), left Boston University after last season and will also play in Indiana this year. Bennett should be pushed by Chris Paliafito, who played part of last year with the Traverse City North Stars.

Saginaw's second-round pick (38th overall) from this past May, forward John Parker, has also signed with Indiana.

Whalers start training camp next week

The Plymouth Whalers get back to action next week with their annual training camp, set for Tuesday, August 26 through Friday, August 29 at Compuware Arena in Plymouth Township.

Prior to camp, the 11th annual Plymouth Whalers Golf Outing, which benefits the players' education fund, will be held Monday, August 25 at the Northville Hills Golf Course.

For more information or to register, contact Char Merckel at 734-453-8400 or email her.

But the next day, it's down to business for the Whalers, the 2007 Ontario Hockey League champions, but a team that was swept in the first round of last year's playoffs by the eventual champion Kitchener Rangers.

Training Camp Schedule:

Tuesday, August 26 – Off-ice testing
Wednesday, August 27 - Blue vs. White scrimmages, 9-11 a.m. and 2-4 p.m. Scrimmages are open to the public
Thursday, August 28 – Blue vs. White scrimmages, 9-11 a.m. and 2-4 p.m. Scrimmages are open to the public
Friday, August 29 – On-ice practice at 10 a.m. The practice is open to the public

Rosters will be provided at the scrimmages.

The Whalers play their first preseason game of the season on Saturday, August 30 at 2 p.m. against the Windsor Spitfires. Plymouth opens the 2008-09 regular season on Friday, September 19 in Kitchener, with the home opener on Saturday, September 20 against Erie.

Plymouth (34-28-2-4 last season) brings back a full roster for 2008-09, which includes a host of Michigan players: Jeremy Smith (Brownstown), Josh Bemis (Clarkston), RJ Mahalak (Monroe), Beau Schmitz (Howell), AJ Jenks (Wolverine Lake), Tyler J. Brown (Westland), Mike Yovanic (Highland), Austin Levi (Farmington Hills), DJ Hastings (Grosse Ile), Brendan McLeskey (Pinckney), Myles McCauley (Sterling Heights) and Ali Dakroub (Dearborn).

Dalpe not reporting to Plymouth

Courtesy Raleigh News & Observer

The Carolina Hurricanes won't have their second-round draft pick, forward Zac Dalpe, at training camp next month.

Dalpe informed the team Monday that he has decided to attend Ohio State this year (and not report to the Plymouth Whalers, who made him their own second-round pick in May's OHL Priority Selection), Canes general manager Jim Rutherford said Tuesday. Rutherford said Dalpe was offered a contract.

"I guess he can revisit it next year," Rutherford said. "We'll see how he plays next year and we'll revisit it.

"This does not change our position on drafting him or his future with us. Our staff was excited and surprised to get him in the second round. Hopefully, they were right."

Dalpe, the 45th overall pick of the 2008 NHL draft, was at the Canes' prospect camp this summer and impressed with his hustle and attitude. He had 27 goals and 36 assists in 46 games last season with Penticton (BCHL).

Traverse City's Breeden commits to UW-Stout

Once the 2007-08 hockey season ended, Traverse City North Stars defenseman Alex Breeden started thinking about the 2008-09 hockey season.

Breeden, who skated in 160 junior games - including his final 83 with Traverse City – is heading off to the University of Wisconsin-Stout this fall to ply his trade for the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association’s Blue Devils. He also discovered that he wasn’t alone in his future focus.

“I’m going to a team that just came off their first NCAA Tournament appearance,” Breeden said of the 18-9-3 Stout squad that skated into the Division III national playoffs this past spring. “And I kind of started thinking about wanting to get back there and maybe even further. I talked to a few of the returning guys and it was on their minds, too. It’s a program on the rise, and I’m excited for the opportunity.”

Known as much for his stay-at-home defensive posture as his almost-legendary gym regimen, Breeden should be a productive player at the next level, according to at least one observer.

“The guy is all hockey, all work, all the time,” opined Stars head coach-GM Anthony Palumbo. “Alex brings a tremendous intensity to the ice, the locker room, and he lives in the weight room. They’re getting a player in Alex who can contribute in the rink, in the classroom, in the community, and in the locker room.”

Breeden, a Ft. Collins, Colo. native who registered a pair of goals and eight assists over 47 contests last year, didn’t rush into his college decision. In fact, he got to see two vastly different sides of the northern Wisconsin campus.

“I went for a visit in the middle of winter when we had a weekend off, and then I went back after our season, early in the summer,” he explained. “Quite chilly the first time, but I really enjoyed the campus. It’s got a small-town feel and there’s a river that runs right through the center. It seemed like a good fit for me.”

Breeden plans to room with former teammate Matt Morin (North Iowa defenseman) and will be reunited with another former North Stars rearguard, Eric Scovill, who is entering his sophomore season with the Blue Devils. He credits his junior experiences in North Iowa and Traverse City with helping to prepare him for the overall collegiate undertaking.

“It’s been a great learning time in juniors – the game speeds up and you have to learn to make faster decisions,” said Breeden, who plans to enroll in Stout’s pre-law curriculum. “But there’s been some value off the ice as well, with managing your time and money. You can draw on those experiences when you’re juggling classes, practice, assignments, work, and all the stuff that go with playing college hockey.

"But I feel pretty fortunate to be able to continue to play the game and get a quality education at the same time.”

Photo by John L. Russell/Great Lakes Images

PHOTO: Centre ICE with new front

Local hockey heroes grace the entrance of Traverse City's Centre ICE.

Machine ready to hit the Ice Box ice

The Motor City Machine will officially take the ice as a team for training camp on August 25 at the Ice Box in Brownstown.

After three long months of preparation, not only in the office but on the ice, the MCM are gearing up for their first-ever season in the North Division.

With a selected roster of 25 young, energetic and talented players, the Machine will be one of the youngest teams in the North Division. Familiar faces from Trenton, Wyandotte, St. Clair Shores, Orchard Lake and Dexter will be gracing the Downriver’s newest addition to the North American Hockey League.

Fans, friends and family can get a first look at the newly formed Machine on September 6 when they host the Mahoning Valley Phantoms, last year’s Robertson Cup runners-up.

The Machine isn’t releasing any roster information until after training camp and their first game for protection of the players, according to the team.

Centre ICE to get facelift this week

With nearly 400,000 annual visitors, Centre ICE arena is far and away the busiest sports entertainment venue in northwest Michigan.

By Wednesday, it’ll be one of the best-looking as well.

As part of the Hockeytown North unification effort – bringing each of the area’s hockey user groups together (Red Wings training camp/golf classic, NHL Prospects Tournament, Traverse City North Stars, TC Central High, TC West High, Bay Reps and the Grand Traverse Hockey Association) – the first phase of a building beautification project is slated to commence on Tuesday.

The first phase will be covering the front windows with a space-age appliqué that will feature TC’s own Dallas Drake hoisting the Stanley Cup following Game 6 of last June’s Stanley Cup finals, plus bigger-than-life cutouts of Red Wings Nick Lidstrom and Chris Osgood and former North Stars greats Eric Elmblad and Steven Oleksy. Additionally, parking lot banners featuring Red Wings Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk and current North Stars Kyle Bonis, Chris Heineman, Brandon Stephenson and Nate Urbaniak will be unveiled.

Future plans include prodigious art of local high school players and GTHA members.

“It’s a pretty exciting time for the Hockeytown North family,” said business manager Rick Deneweth. “We have a pretty amazing product here, and this is just another step in the process of taking it to that next level. It was a way to honor one of our own in Dallas, and to help create some excitement around the one of the busiest hubs of activity in the region. The Red Wings and their people have been so helpful in putting some aspects of this together. It’s an emblem of honor for Hockeytown North.”

While local media concern Britten will commence the installation process around 8 a.m. on Tuesday, the entire first phase of the project should be completed by the end of the business day. Arena visitors will walk underneath the giant photo of Drake to enter the rink.

“It’ll probably be a little weird at first to see my ugly mug up there,” joked Drake, who retired from the NHL after claiming his first cup this spring with the team that originally drafted him in 1989. “But it’ll be pretty cool having the Stanley Cup on the front of our building.”

The other window treatments include a pair of North Stars alums who have gone on to play NCAA hockey. The photo of Elmblad, now playing for the University of Michigan, depicts his celebration following an overtime victory over Team USA in the first round of the 2006 North American Hockey League playoffs. Oleksy, now starring at Lake Superior State University, is among the Stars’ most popular players ever and ended the 2005-06 campaign as the club’s captain.

“We wanted to honor the guys who helped take the North Stars program to where it is today,” said Kevin Endres, director of marketing. “And with the Red Wings coming into the building each fall, we wanted to acknowledge them as members of the Hockeytown North family as well.”

Whalers trade Carnevale to Oshawa for picks

The Plymouth Whalers have traded 17-year-old center Taylor Carnevale to Oshawa in exchange for the Generals’ second-round draft choice in 2011. The Whalers also sent a fourth-round pick in 2011 to Oshawa and received the Generals’ fifth-round pick in 2011.

Carnevale, selected by the Whalers in the second round (30th overall) of the 2007 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection, scored six goals with seven assists for 13 points in 57 games last year as a rookie for Plymouth.

With veteran centers Chris Terry, AJ Jenks, Vern Cooper, Joe Gaynor and Tyler G. Brown all returning and 2008 first-round pick Tyler Seguin also a center, Carnevale faced a numbers game in Plymouth.

“We have a lot of strength up the middle,” Plymouth general manager Mike Vellucci said. “The trade allows Taylor to play at his natural position.”

Photo by Walt Dmoch/Plymouth Whalers

Bellemore one step closer to NHL dream

Courtesy PlymouthWhalers.com

There’s a certain beauty in following the Ontario Hockey League.

Players like Steven Stamkos, Drew Doughty, Patrick Kane, Eric Staal, Rick Nash, Joe Thornton and other OHL stars over the years deserve their status as high draft picks and sign National Hockey League contracts befitting their status.

But there’s also room in the OHL for players like former Plymouth Whalers defenseman Brett Bellemore, Plymouth’s 12th round pick in 2004 and a sixth round pick of the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2007 National Hockey League Entry Draft.

After being skipped over during his first year of eligibility, Bellemore wasn't even on Central Scouting's draft list for the 2007 NHL Entry Draft when Carolina decided to select him, working on a recommendation from Plymouth president and general manager Mike Vellucci, who had coached Bellemore for two seasons.

With no fanfare, the Hurricanes signed Bellemore last spring to a multi-year, entry-level contract. So instead of playing an overage year this season in Plymouth, Bellemore is penciled in to start in the American Hockey League with the Albany River Rats.

Bellemore’s career path is different from Stamkos and the rest of the high-end talent in the OHL, but the end result won’t be much of a change from his OHL days if he faces Stamkos again in the NHL.

“Brett is a big and smart defenseman who can log a lot of minutes,” said Ron Francis, Carolina assistant general manager and director of player development. “He played well in Albany at the end of the year and we look forward to watching his development as a professional.”

“I’m really excited about it,” Bellemore said with a smile. “Nothing’s final, of course – I still have to work really hard going into training camp and play well – but it’s exhilarating and a lot of fun. It just goes to show you that anyone can do well in this league and make an impact on a team, whether it’s something small like being a stay-at-home defenseman or anyone of those big-name guys that puts up the points.”

“We saw a lot of potential in Brett, even though he was a 12th round draft pick at the time,” said Plymouth head coach Greg Stefan. “We thought with his size and reach, there would be something there. Fortunately for us, he came into his own during our championship year (2006-07) and became one of the better stay-at-home defensemen of all of junior hockey.

“He came back last year and was a stalwart defenseman for us in playing 30 minutes a game. After we were eliminated in the playoff, Carolina decided to give him a chance in the playoffs with Albany of the AHL. It’s going to hurt us, in losing him, because he was going to be a go-to guy. But on the other hand, it’s great to see our players reach their goals by signing NHL contracts. We wish him the best.”

Go back to the 2006-07 and Bellemore was a healthy scratch for the six weeks of the season. It was tough to watch, but to Bellemore’s credit, he kept a positive attitude.

“Obviously, it wasn’t fun sitting out,” Bellemore said. “The coaching staff (Vellucci and Todd Watson at that time) was good about it, telling me what I needed to do. I believe I worked really hard and worked my way up and good things started to happen.”

A funny thing happened on the way to a championship year. Bellemore and defensive partner Zack Shepley complimented each other so well they became the Whalers shut-down defensive pairing against all the top lines in the OHL. Bellemore led the entire Canadian Hockey League with a +48 plus-minus rating.

“Zack and I are the exact kind of player – a stay-at-home d-man,” Belemore said. “We had fun trying to shut down guys. It was awesome.”

Fast forward to last spring after the Whalers were eliminated by Kitchener and Bellemore headed to Albany. There’s always an adjustment for players moving up a couple of levels. Albany’s head coach then, Tom Rowe - who has since moved to Carolina as an assistant - expected Bellemore to go through a learning process.

“To be honest, I thought he might be overwhelmed at this level,” Rowe said about Bellemore during his time in Albany. “But he’s done a great job for us and he’s definitely in the mix to play for us in the playoffs. At this level, he needs to continue to learn how to do things quicker and deal with the pace of the game. But Belly’s a real competitive guy and is not afraid to stick his nose in there.”

Some players say the game can get easier as they move up the hockey ladder. Bellemore kept his approach simple in Albany.

“If you’re going up against big-name players up front, all you have to do is chip the puck off the glass and they’re gone. It’s also tougher (because) the players are faster, a lot stronger and a lot bigger. So it’s a little bit of both.”

Bellemore has worked out in Plymouth periodically this summer, but is not scheduled to attend the Whalers’ training camp starting August 25. Instead, he’ll report to Carolina’s camp.

“Plymouth’s a great place to play and that was on the agenda before I went to Albany,” Bellemore said. “I love playing in Plymouth, along with the guys and the coaches. But the plan right now is to start in Albany, so I hope everything turns out well.”

Things have worked out well for Bellemore, the anti-Stamkos.

Photo by Walt Dmoch/Plymouth Whalers

Plocar off to MSOE for hockey, academics

Ben Plocar loves hockey and brats.

The former Traverse City North Stars defenseman will get plenty of both – and a healthy dose of academics – as he heads off to the Milwaukee School of Engineering to play for the Raiders this fall.

Plocar, who hails from Elkhart Lake, Wisc., signed with MSOE, an NCAA Division III school in the bratwurst capital of North America, where he’ll try to help the school to it’s fourth Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association title in five years. But it isn’t just the icy returns that Plocar is looking forward to.

“It’s a great place for me to be, and I feel pretty fortunate,” said Plocar, a 6-foot-3, 215-pound blueliner. “I had pretty good grades in high school, so I wanted to use that to help me get into the best possible school. I’ll be in the International Business program and there is a 98-100 percent placement for graduates, so I’m hoping to get a good job right out of school.”

Plocar scored four goals and assisted on 14 others last season with Traverse City, and levied 16 goals to go with 48 assists over a four-year, 146-game junior career that began in Springfield (Ill.). His ability to join the play yielded seven points over six games during one stretch last season.

“Ben has the ability come in and be a player for them right away,” said North Stars head coach-GM Anthony Palumbo. “He can provide support on both ends of the ice, and even more importantly, has a tremendous opportunity at a widely-respected school.”

The rigors of the North American Hockey League have had a positive impact on Plocar, both on and off the ice.

“I think over four years, I grew up a lot,” he said. “I’ve seen a lot of things, met a lot of different people, and made a lot of friends along the way. On the ice, just working every day – whether it’s practice, games, or getting in the weight room – I think that kind of regimen helps prepare you to play, study, and succeed at the next level.”

There’ll also be a couple of North Stars reunion games this season, as fellow former Stars Matt Hughes, Jameson Raymond and Jonathan Sheridan will suit up for MCHA-rival Lawrence University against the Raiders twice during the regular season.

“That’ll be a lot of fun,” Plocar added. “It’s an exciting time. I’m going to a great school with a winning program that has an unbelievable new athletic facility right in downtown Milwaukee, I grew up playing with a couple of my new teammates, and I’m playing close to home. I’m looking forward to it.”

Photo by John L. Russell/Great Lakes Images

Hughes and Raymond continue their bond

For the past 10 seasons, Traverse City North Stars Matt Hughes and Jameson Raymond have been teammates – from mites through three years of North American Hockey League action.

So it’s no surprise that the tandem will play college hockey – and baseball – together.

Hughes and Raymond made it official last week, signing to play this fall at Division III Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisc.

“Coach (Mike) Szkodzinski had been talking to us since the beginning of the year,” explained Hughes, a forward who had 29 goals and 16 assists over 111 contests in Traverse City. “He came to the (NAHL) Showcase, saw us in Marquette and also in Traverse. It’s a great school and it seems like a good fit. We didn’t plan on going off to school together, it just worked out that way.”

Raymond, a defenseman who scored eight goals and assisted on 48 others in his two seasons with the North Stars and was one of the club’s representatives at the NAHL Top Prospects All-Star event, says he picked Lawrence for its scholastic repute.

“This isn’t something that Matt and I have discussed since we were kids or anything, but the opportunity came along to play at a great academic institution and that’s what we’re her for first and foremost is get an education,” the Flint native explained. “I guess there’s a sort of comfort zone knowing that Matt and 'Sherry' will be there, too.”

‘Sherry’ - fellow North Stars blueliner Jonathan Sheridan - signed with Lawrence earlier this summer. All three should be able to contribute at the next level right away, according to North Stars head coach-GM Anthony Palumbo.

“These guys are getting a world-class education at one of the Midwest’s premiere schools, and Coach Szkodzinski is getting some guys who will be productive college hockey players," said Palumbo. "That’s a program on the rise, and a good place for them to be.”

Both Hughes and Raymond plan to play baseball for the Vikings in the spring – both are middle infielders – but both say that the rigors of the NAHL have prepared them for the collegiate experience both on and off the ice.

“I learned a lot in juniors,” said Hughes, who played with Raymond for the now-defunct Bozeman IceDogs in 2005-06. “That first year was pretty hard, and I was injured, but the past two years I’ve had a chance to develop my skills, and get bigger. I started off at 150, and I’m past 170 right now.”

“The biggest thing I’ll take away from my experience playing junior hockey was the discipline of it,” Raymond added. “You have to manage your time and resources, and you have to be here or there at a certain time and place or you won’t play. I don’t think I’d be as successful in school if I hadn’t been part of that kind of structure while being on my own and away from home over the past few years.”

Michigan natives dot NTDP Under-17 roster

USA Hockey today announced the 21-player roster for the 2008-09 U.S. National Under-17 Team within USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program.

Six players from Michigan and another two from out of state that played on Michigan-based minor hockey programs were named to the roster.

Goalies Jack Campbell (Port Huron, Honeybaked major midget) and Will Yanakeff (Jerome, Honeybaked minor midget) will be in net for Team USA.

On defense, Brighton native Jon Merrill (Little Caesars major midget) is the lone skater with Michigan ties.

Up front, Austin Czarnik (Washington, Belle Tire minor midget), Stuart Higgins (Troy, Compuware minor midget), Luke Moffatt (Phoenix-area native, Compuware minor midget), Bryan Rust (Bloomfield Hills, Honeybaked minor midget) and Jason Zucker (Las Vegas native, Compuware minor midget) all made the final cut.

Download roster HERE

Marquette finalizes training camp roster

Collin Saint-Onge and James Gallagher of Marquette will be back for another season with the Marquette Rangers.

They join newcomer Kevin Gravel (pictured) of Kingsford in making the team's preliminary roster for training camp scheduled to open in early September.

Rangers head coach Kenny Miller and his staff picked 25 players for the North American Hockey league squad from a field of 43 hopefuls.

"It was a very competitive camp," the first-year Rangers coach said. "We had to cut some guys who I think can play in this league.

"But at the end of the day, we took what we feel are the best 25 players from the weekend. We're confident we can do very well with this group of guys."

There could still be some revisions to the roster, as off-season trades and acquisitions are expected to continue throughout the NAHL as the season approaches.

In all, nine veterans and 16 newcomers are slated to don the Rangers' jersey this coming season, which begins Sept. 17-20 at the NAHL Showcase in Blaine, Minn.

There will be 18 Rangers from Michigan, two from both Wisconsin and Illinois, and one each from Virginia, Minnesota and New York.

The roster (* denotes returning player):

FORWARDS
* Jimmy Gallagher, Marquette
* Garrett Ladd, Fenton
* Dustin Partacz, Naperville, Ill.
* Collin Saint-Onge, Marquette
* Chad Pietila, Brighton
* Josh Bussell, LaSalle
Doug Beck, Plymouth
Kent Daavettila, Howell
Kevin Gibson, Grosse Pointe
Kyle Heck, Plover, Wis.
Scott Henegar, Trenton
Ryan Johnson, Blaine, Minn.
Mike Lennon, Reedsburg, Wis.
Nathan Milam, Westland

DEFENSE
*Tyler Matthews, Buffalo, N.Y.
*Michael Thompson, Farmington Hills
Austin Accettura, Novi
Evan Accettura, Novi
Brendan Bandyk, Mokina, Ill.
Kevin Gravel, Kingsford
Andrew Chovich, Macomb
Jeff Slusser, Kentwood

GOALTENDERS
*Matt Brooker, Richmond, Va.
Kevin Kissaw, Goodrich
Robert Tadazak, Lapeer

Fournier signs ECHL deal with Everblades

The Florida Everblades announced yesterday that the team has signed forward Andrew Fournier to a contract for the 2008-09 season.

Fournier comes to the Everblades after splitting the 2007-08 season between the Plymouth Whalers of the Ontario Hockey League and the Norfolk Admirals of the American Hockey League. The 20-year-old began last season as the captain of the Whalers and wrapped up a five-year junior career by putting together a strong season in notching 35 goals and 40 assists for 75 points, all career-highs, in 64 games. Fournier then jumped to the pro ranks after signing with the Admirals and finished off the season skating in six games.

“Andrew had a tremendous overage year in Plymouth last season putting together a breakout offensive year,” Everblades head coach Malcolm Cameron said. “He’s the kind of player that plays equally well at both ends of the ice and is versatile. Andrew improved every year at the junior level and capped it off by getting a good taste of the pro game in Norfolk. We’re hoping he’s going to transform that into success with the Everblades.”

In Fournier’s last three seasons with Plymouth, the Amherstview, Ontario native registered 152 points (78g, 74a) in 189 games. In addition to his strong regular season numbers, Fournier also impressed in the postseason each of the last three years with the Whalers, tallying 27 points (10g, 17a) in 37 playoff games. In 2006-07, Fournier helped lead the Whalers to the OHL championship and a trip to the Memorial Cup semifinals before losing out to eventual Memorial Cup champion Vancouver.

Overall during his five-year OHL career, Fournier notched 168 points (85g, 83a) in 226 games. At the end of his five-year career with Plymouth, the 5-foot-11, 192 pound center ranked 11th all-time in team history in assists, 12th all-time in goals and 19th all-time in points.

Photo by Walt Dmoch/Plymouth Whalers

Vets, free agents crack North Stars roster

There was a fair amount of initial consternation on Sunday at Centre ICE arena, but in the end Traverse City North Stars head coach-GM Anthony Palumbo was thrilled with the roster he and the coaching staff selected to the 2008-09 roster.

The club capped its summer tryout season with its training camp, which was comprised of athletes from each of the two open camps, drafts, tenders, and those who skated their way onto the Stars’ radar.

“It didn’t get any easier this year – in my mind it was much harder to pick a team,” said Palumbo, who is entering his second season behind the TC bench. “We had a whole year to scout kids, and with four and five guys out there brining us players, we had some very tough decisions. There are at least five or six players we let go who can play in this league.”

Thirteen North Stars players who were age-eligible to return made the final round of cuts, while six tenders, draft pick Cody Walsh, and a trio of free agent performers – along with recent trade acquisition Travis White – comprise the club’s fourth opening roster.

“I’d like to think it’s a group with a good balance,” Palumbo explained. “We are definitely stronger up front 1 through 15. We don’t want to have just one or two lines doing most of the damage. We’d like to have a bunch of 40-point guys, but so would everyone.”

The three free agents who came from Midwest Elite league midget major programs and played onto the roster include David Johnstone, a high-scoring forward from Team nXi (42 goals, 85 points in 65 games), Belle Tire’s Dean Pawlaczyk (28 goals, 30 assists over 59 contests), and goalie C.J. Motte (pictured) of Honeybaked (7-3-4, 2.23 goals-against average).

Johnstone, already committed to Michigan State University, had at least a point in each of the weekend scrimmages at Centre ICE, while the 16-year old Pawlaczyk was a spirited match for third-year TC blueliner Chris Heineman during a Sunday morning fracas.

Motte did not permit a goal during a 5-0 victory over the Red Team in Sunday’s camp finale.

“We have guys that we think can play the sniper/goal-scorer role, guys that can bang and dig the puck out, and a bunch of defensemen with the skills to be a force at both ends of the ice,” Palumbo beamed. “And we also think we have quite a few that can do all of those things and play with the edge you need in the (NAHL’s) North Division.”

The North Stars open the 2008-09 season at the annual North American Hockey League Showcase in Blaine, Minn. Former North Division rival and reigning league champ St. Louis is the first opponent at the four-day event, followed by Alaska, Bismarck, and Fairbanks. TC opens its home schedule on Sept. 27 at Centre ICE against Marquette.

“It feels pretty good to have that part of the off-season behind us and to be able to know the personnel heading into the year,” Palumbo said. “It gives you something concrete to work with.”

WHITE 5, RED 0: Ryan Amin bagged a pair of goals, while Motte and Tyler Marble combined to help the White Team blank the Red Team in Sunday’s camp finale all-star game. Amin, a tender who poured in 16 points in 25 MWEHL contests last year for Compuware, also landed on the final roster.

Motte photo courtesy Honeybaked

O'Hearn enters final season in Traverse City

Just about the time the Traverse City North Stars were enjoying their first season in the North American Hockey League, Eric O’Hearn was singing a sweet swan song across town at Traverse City Central High School, leading the Trojans to the city’s first-ever state hockey championship.

Soon after O’Hearn’s aria – a pair of goals and an assist in the state semifinals, and the opening salvo in the title game against Saline – he headed off to play for the midget Soo Indians and signed a tender to return the following season with the North Stars.

“It’s a privilege to get to play juniors in the town you grew up in,” said O’Hearn, a product of the youth Grand Traverse Hockey Association program and brother of TC West High School assistant coach and ex-Wayne State University forward Charlie O'Hearn. “It’s an honor to get to play Junior A hockey, but to get to do it in front of family and friends is an exciting added bonus.”

O’Hearn posted six goals and five assists in his first junior season, helping the Stars to a franchise-best 23 wins. TC head coach-GM Anthony Palumbo, observing this weekend’s training camp at Centre ICE arena, said O’Hearn appears fleet afoot.

“Last year was a pretty solid first year for him,” said Palumbo. “He was defensively responsible, a very good penalty-killer, and chipped in with some offense. From what I have seen this summer, his skating has improved tremendously, even from where he was at the end of the season – which was much better than at the start of the year. We’re looking for some big things from Eric, no question about it.”

Most hockey players are reticent to publicly target personal statistical goals, and the 6-1, 185-pound centerman is no different. But while others might be quick to cite an NAHL crown as the primary team focus, O’Hearn assumes a more progressive, incremental posture.

“Obviously, we want to improve on our record,” he explained. “We want to make the playoffs, then make a deep run. And I would not rule out a national championship if all those things fall into place.”

As Sunday’s summer camp finale approaches, O’Hearn and his fellow Stars hopefuls will find out which players will comprise the North Stars’ 2008-09 roster. Regardless of the make-up of the club, O’Hearn says that everyone begins the year on equal footing.

“Once the team is named, each player is an equal, a teammate, and North Star – not a rookie or a vet or anything like that. Guys are going to earn respect according to how they comport themselves on and off the ice.”

Palumbo says O’Hearn should make an impact in both areas.

“Eric’s one of the leaders of this team. I like the way he goes about his business – he’s always got a smile on his face, and his work ethic is outstanding.”

RED 3, WHITE 2: Kyle Bonis had a goal and an assist, Nate Urbaniak set up a pair of scores, and Brandon Stephenson pitched just under 30 minutes of shutout hockey as the Red Team overcame a two-goal deficit to post a 3-0 win in the first of two all-star games this weekend. The final contest is slated for 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, followed by the final round of personnel decisions.

O'Hearn photo by kidzplayphotography.net

Bonis ready for '08-09 with North Stars

Over the course of his 39 games with the Traverse City North Stars last season, Kyle Bonis became one of the most prolific goal-scorers in the North American Hockey League.

His 25 tallies tied a team record, he was first among TC skaters with 10 power-play markers, and accrued a paltry Lady Byng-esque eight minutes of penalty time.

Despite the eye-popping numbers, Bonis isn’t taking aim at a certain number of lamplighters this season. As the Lindsay, Ont., native was gearing up for this weekend’s North Stars training camp at Centre ICE arena, he only spoke of team success.

“Our goal here, from day one, is to win a national championship,” said Bonis, who is toiling for the White Team at this weekend’s 52-player, invite-only camp. “We learned a lot in the second half of last year about what it takes to win. We do have a lot of vets coming back, and hopefully we can carry that momentum right into this season.”

Bonis isn’t the only one who won’t attach a number to expectations. Stars head coach-GM Anthony Palumbo says that Bonis will end up on the scoresheet simply by doing the things he’s capable of.

“I would never want to saddle a kid with some kind of magic number that he’s supposed to attain,” Palumbo explained. “We need Kyle to be a leader, to play both ends of the ice, and utilize his considerable offensive abilities. If he does all that, the numbers are going to take care of themselves.”

Palumbo also says that Bonis will assume additional responsibilities this season.

“Toward the end of last year, we put Kyle out on the (penalty) kill and he was very effective. He’s always been great on the power play, and we’ll continue to expand his role this year.”

Bonis and linemate Nate Urbaniak – who also posted a team-record 25 goals last year – are likely to be re-united this season. The third member of their forward triad is yet to be determined, but Urbaniak is pleased that at least two-thirds of the club’s top scoring line is back.

“We talked a lot over the summer, and I was among those who were trying to get Kyle to come back here,” said Urbaniak, who enters his third season in Traverse City. “I was very excited when he said he’d be back. He should tear it up this year.”

Palumbo, who used Harrison Niemann and Kory Kaunisto with the tandem in 2007-08, says he hasn’t decided which player will fill that role.

“It will have to be a guy who has the offensive skill and unselfishness,” he said.

Bonis, who has yet to commit to a college program, plans to major in business. He posted a 3.3 grade-point average at Lindsay Collegiate Vocational, and says he very much enjoys living in Traverse City during the season.

“The atmosphere here is great – much better than I expected when I first came in,” he said. “I’ve been to northern towns that didn’t care so much about their teams. Here, if you give a good effort, they respond.”

While Bonis came out of the proverbial box ablaze – he had seven points in his first five games with TC – he also closed out the campaign strong, registering at least a point in 14 of the Stars’ final 17 games last year, including a hat trick (three goals) and a playmaker (three assists) in back-to-back games during a sweep of North Division rival Marquette on Feb. 29-March 1. But Palumbo says the winger is every bit as productive in the locker room.

“Kyle bring an infectious attitude to the team – a pure love for the game of hockey. That rubs off on guys. That’s the kind of mindset you look for from your veteran leaders.”

Bonis and the rest of the Stars hopefuls are set for another two days of training camp this weekend at Centre ICE, at the conclusion of which the club’s roster will be selected. The first round of cuts are slated for mid-day on Saturday, followed by a pair of all-star games pitting the best of the summer camps against one another. Following Sunday’s all-star finale, Palumbo and his staff will pick the 23-25 players that will don the interlocking ‘TC’ when the team heads to Blaine, Minn., in the season-opening NAHL Showcase on Sept. 17. Bonis, for one, is well aware which team the Stars face in that opener.

“I’m looking forward to playing St. Louis,” he said. “They’re the team that knocked us out of the playoff race last year, they’re the champions, and they’re the first team standing between us and a successful season.”

Traverse City to set '08-09 roster Sunday

The 2008-09 edition of the Traverse City North Stars will come together this weekend at Centre ICE arena.

Exactly how that mosaic of hockey talent comes together remains to be seen.

“There are 25 spots up for grabs out there,” said Stars head coach-GM Anthony Palumbo. “Nothing is guaranteed. I expect a very up-tempo, high-energy camp as guys look to make our team.”

As many as 52 players are divided into three teams for a day and a half of round-robin action. On Saturday, that number is pared to two teams, as the first round of cuts are made. Following the Sunday morning all-star game, Palumbo and staff will award North Stars sweaters to the top performers.

The free weekend event will be the first off-season camp for veteran Stars forward Kyle Bonis, as well as TC tender and reigning "Mr. Hockey" Josh Miller of Trenton High.

“We’re really looking forward to having all the top guys together this weekend and let them go at it,” Palumbo added. “There will be a lot of talent on the ice.”

FRIDAY, JULY 25
11 A.M.-12 P.M.: Check-in
Noon-12:15 P.M.: Player/Parent Meeting
1-2 P.M.: RED practice
2-4 P.M.: WHITE vs. BLUE
7-8 P.M.: WHITE practice
8-10 P.M.: RED vs. BLUE

SATURDAY, JULY 26
9-10 A.M.: BLUE practice
10 A.M.-Noon: RED vs. WHITE
Noon-12:30 P.M.: CUTS
6-8:30 P.M.: ALL-STAR GAME #1

SUNDAY, JULY 27
9:30 A.M.-Noon: ALL-STAR GAME #2
Noon-?: Player conferences/final cuts
12:15-2 P.M.: Lunch/Player orientation

North Stars get White, trade Bourbonais

One way or another, Travis White was destined to become a Traverse City North Star.

The team originally selected the Sterling Heights defenseman in the 2006 NAHL Entry Draft, and re-acquired White in a trade with St. Louis last week in exchange for forward Clinton Bourbonais.

“We graduated four of our top defensemen and we’ve been working all summer to re-stock,” explained Stars head coach-GM Anthony Palumbo. “We had to give a quality player to get one, and we like what Travis brings to the table. He’s a tough, gritty defenseman who plays with an edge, is very good on the penalty kill, and was an integral part of a team that just won a national championship.”

White, a 5-foot-7, 170-pound blueliner, came up through the Honeybaked and Victory Honda midget programs before spending 2007-08 with St. Louis. He had a goal and eight assists in 47 regular season games with the Bandits to go with 57 penalty minutes and a +20 plus-minus rating. The Stars’ fifth-round pick (67th overall) in 2006, White was also drafted by the Lincoln Stars in the 2008 United States Hockey League draft.

Bourbonais registered seven goals and 23 assists in 54 contests last season, good enough for fourth among TC skaters.

The North Stars and Bandits will open the 2008-09 season at the NAHL Showcase in suburban Minneapolis on Sept. 17.

Ann Arbor native Duddy off to Ohio State

The Wichita Falls Wildcats of the North American Hockey League announced today that defenseman Sean Duddy has committed to Ohio State University for this coming fall.

In 56 regular-season games with the Wildcats in 2007-08, Duddy, from Ann Arbor, posted two goals and five points. He was also a plus-7.

“I’m excited to play in the CCHA which will allow my family and friends the opportunity to come and watch me play,” said Duddy, who turned 19 last week. “Ohio State was one of my top choices; they not only have a great hockey tradition, but were also one of the few schools that has the academic programs that are right for me.”

Duddy credits the organization and Wildcats coach-GM John Bowkus (Lansing) for helping mold him into a Division I player.

“Wichita Falls and Coach Bowkus played a huge role in my development,” said Duddy. “I’m grateful I had the opportunity to play for the city of Wichita Falls and Coach Bowkus.”

“Ohio State is getting a solid defenseman, but even more than that it’s getting a great character kid as well,” said Bowkus. “Sean has made huge strides in his development and we’re going to miss him.”

Duddy was slated to return to Wichita Falls this season, most likely as the team’s No. 1 defenseman.

“Sean would have been the top defenseman in the NAHL,” Bowkus added. “He’s worked his whole hockey life for an opportunity like this and I couldn’t be happier about his decision.”

Photo by RJ Meyer/NAHL

Brown and Schmitz named to Team USA squad

Plymouth Whalers forward Tyler J. Brown (Westland) and defenseman Beau Schmitz (Howell) were among 21 players selected by USA Hockey today for the USA Under-18 team to play in the 2008 Memorial of Ivan Hlinka Tournament August 12-16 in Breclav, Czech Republic, and Piestany, Slovakia.

Brown (pictured) scored four goals with six assists for 10 points and added 18 penalty minutes in 64 games last year in his first season with Plymouth. Brown was selected by Plymouth in the eighth round (159th overall) of the 2007 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection.

Schmitz played last season for the U.S. National Team Development Program Under-17 Team in Ann Arbor, scoring six goals with nine assists for 15 points and 108 PIMs in 59 games. Schmitz was taken by the Whalers in the first round (19th overall) of the 2007 OHL draft and will play in his first season this year with the Whalers.

USA Hockey Release

Photo by Walt Dmoch/Plymouth Whalers

Farmington Hills' Levi the latest Whalers' signee

The Plymouth Whalers today signed 16-year-old defenseman Austin Levi, who was taken by the Whalers in the sixth round (110th overall) of the 2008 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection.

“Austin Levi is a big, strong defenseman,” Plymouth GM Mike Vellucci said. “His midget coach last year (Todd Jenkins) said Austin had the most potential of any of the players on his team. He has a lot of raw ability. We’re very excited to work with him and get him to be the National Hockey League defenseman we think he can be.”

Levi – 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds and from Farmington Hills – recorded five assists in 22 games and 33 penalty minutes for the Compuware Under-16 team of the Midwest Elite Hockey League last season. Levi (pronounced LEE-vi) recently participated in USA Hockey’s Under-16 Festival, held June 21-27 in Rochester, NY.

“I’ve been in this rink for two years and I know what the Whalers are like,” Levi said. “I can get my education taken care of right now, so I wanted to go ahead and do this. It’s very comfortable and I know a lot of people here. It’s a good situation and I’m ready to take the next step.”

The Whalers have a long history of drafting and signing local players. There are nine local players on the Whalers current roster – Jeremy Smith (Brownstown), Josh Bemis (Clarkston), Christian Steingraber (Oregon, OH – just outside of Toledo), RJ Mahalak (Monroe), Beau Schmitz (Howell), AJ Jenks (Wolverine Lake), Tyler J. Brown (Westland), Mike Yovanic (Highland) and now Levi (Farmington Hills).

Levi is expected to report to Plymouth’s training camp in late August.

Photo of Levi and Vellucci by Natalie Shaver/Plymouth Whalers

Machine gearing up for first season

By Phil Colvin, Michigan Hockey

Metro Detroit has a North American Hockey League team again.

The Motor City Machine introduced its coach and general manager, Matt Romaniski, last month at Brownstown’s Ice Box Sports Center, the team’s new home arena.

The Downriver-based franchise relocated from Owatonna, Minn., after playing three seasons in the NAHL as the Southern Minnesota Express.

“This was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up,” said Romaniski (pictured), who grew up in St. Paul, but moved to Belleville in 1999 and has worked with several top young Michigan-based players in the past. “I’m glad to be back in this area, and we’re really excited about building a team with strong Michigan ties.”

With the wide array of high-level hockey in metro Detroit, Romaniski sees the Machine as a great fit.

“College coaches already come here to watch the (USA Hockey) NTDP, Midget AAA and high school and this will give kids a chance to stay and play at home at a high level and keep their college eligibility,” he said.

The Machine will compete in the NAHL’s six-team North Division along with the Mahoning Valley Phantoms, the U.S. National Under-17 Team and the league’s three other Michigan-based franchises, the Traverse City North Stars, Alpena IceDiggers and Marquette Rangers.

Romaniski believes the 33-year old NAHL has grown into a great league for player development, and the proximity to Central Collegiate Hockey Association campuses, the fact that Detroit is direct flight for most Eastern-based colleges and having the high-profile U.S. Under-17 Team in its division ensures high visibility for the Machine’s players.

“The league has changed so much,” he said. “The quality of play is very high, the pace is fast, the players play with passion and the fans will enjoy it.”

After deciding to move from Minnesota, the franchise ownership group looked at other venues, but quickly opted for Brownstown after seeing the arena and meeting Ice Box owner Johno Norian.

“I hit if off with Johno and we really wanted to be here,” said Romaniski.

Brownstown is undergoing an expansion of its downtown area and the Ice Box has plans for a $1 million renovation of the 5/3 Bank Arena that will be the home of the Machine. The planned expansion will have new seating, flooring and locker rooms, including an 1,800 square foot area for the Machine.

“We’re really excited to have the Machine here,” said Norian. “With the expansion of downtown and the arena we can help build up the sport and give back. It’s a win-win for the community and a win-win for the team.”

The Machine held tryouts in June and has a training camp scheduled for early July.

Defenseman Bennett Schnieder, who played two years at Cranbrook-Kingswood prep school in Bloomfield Hills, spent last season with the Express and will be one of the veterans on the Machine.

“It’s great to be back here,” said Schnieder, who is originally from Fort Myers, Fla. “I am excited about next season. We should have a good team.”

Romaniski expects a total of “five or six” players from last year’s squad to return, but the Machine has drafted, tendered and traded for Michigan natives, including brothers Nate and Nick Taurence of Trenton who played last season with the NAHL’s Bismarck Bobcats.

“We should have very solid goaltending and defense,” said Romaniski, who expects his roster to be on the young side with numerous 1990 and ’91 birthdates. “We’ve got a lot of work to do on and off the ice, but I am looking forward to it.”

MACHINE NOTES: Jesse Davis has assumed the role of assistant general manager and vice president of the Machine’s AAA teams. He will also serve as head coach of the Midget Major AAA squad… Victoria DePalma has been hired as part of the team’s sales and marketing staff… The Ice Box Sports Center has begun its new facelift for the NAHL and AAA teams.

Seguin, Wedgewood sign with Plymouth

The Plymouth Whalers announced today the signing of 16-year-old center Tyler Seguin, who was selected by the Whalers in the first round (ninth overall) in this spring’s Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection.

Seguin (pronounced SAY-gann) scored 39 goals and 47 assists for 86 points in 51 games last season for the Toronto Young Nationals.

“We are very fortunate to sign Tyler,” Plymouth GM Mike Vellucci said. “He was a top-five pick in this year’s OHL draft and had several NCAA school offers. In the end, Tyler decided that he would play in the top developmental league in the world and at the same time receive a great education.”

“I’m just glad to get the opportunity to come to this great hockey club,” Seguin said. “I can’t wait to suit up in August. Plymouth is an unbelievable town with unbelievable fans. I got to meet all the rookies on the team from last year. Everyone's a bunch of great guys. I can’t wait to play. The summer’s going by so slow.”

Central Scouting describes Seguin as "a very skilled, offensively minded forward who plays a very prominent role in the success of his team. He is a very good skater that possesses quickness, agility and a great start. He plays the game at top speed and is always moving his feet while handling the puck. He is a great puck handler and an equally adept passer. He displays great vision and the ability to get his teammates the puck anywhere on the ice."

Whaler fans saw flashes of Seguin’s skill at Plymouth’s rookie orientation camp in May when he scored a goal with four assists over two sessions.

As Vellucci said, Seguin considered going to college. His dad, Paul, played from 1984-88 for the University of Vermont.

“All my life, I thought that was the path (college hockey) that I was going to take,” Seguin said. “But two or three weeks before the (OHL) draft, I came to Plymouth, found out about the program, found about the school packages and fell in love with the place. So that’s (Plymouth) where I see myself playing for the next couple of years.”

Seguin, from Brampton, Ont., will report to Plymouth’s training camp in late August and will attend school at the Plymouth-Canton Educational Park during the 2008-09 school year.

The Whalers also announced the signing of goaltender Scott Wedgewood, who was taken by Plymouth in the seventh round (130th overall) in the 2008 draft. Wedgewood, who turns 16 next month, compiled a 2.17 goals-against average and recorded two shutouts in 29 games last year for the Mississauga Senators.

Photo by Rena Laverty/Plymouth Whalers

NAHL North coaches ready for challenges

Courtesy NAHL.com

Between expansion, relocation and just plain old changes of scenery, plenty of head coaches will find themselves behind new NAHL benches this season, and the North Division is no exception.

Three bench bosses will mentor new clubs in the six-team North, all of whom have proven track records of winning and development.

In Marquette, the Rangers have ushered in a respected coach who’s anything but new to the league’s North Division. Kenny Miller, who spent the last three seasons with the Alpena IceDiggers since their move from Toledo after the 2004-05 season, will take the reigns of a third-year Marquette squad that has heightened expectations after missing the playoffs last year.

“My family and I are very happy with our decision to join the Rangers,” said Miller, the NAHL General Manager of the Year in 2007. “This is an organization that does everything first class and I’m looking forward to this coming season. The scouting staff has done a great job of identifying talent.”

A difficult decision to leave Alpena, Miller, who was the architect behind the team’s 46-point turnaround from the 2005-06 season to 2006-07, will miss his old home, but is looking forward to the task of turning the Rangers into a contender.

“We enjoyed our time in Alpena and we still have great friends there, but it was time for change and we’re glad we decided on Marquette,” said Miller, who made the move along with equipment manager Tate Precord.

With the departure of Miller in Alpena enters the highly regarded Jack Fritsche, who is no stranger to success in the NAHL.

Fritsche spent the 2005-06 season with the NAHL’s Cleveland Barons, where, in his first year, he led the team to a 35-19-4 record while guiding it to its first North Division playoff championship. The head coach of the USHL’s Ohio Jr. Blue Jackets last season, Fritsche is one of two coaches to leave the USHL for an NAHL head coaching position this season, joining St. Louis’ Regg Simon, who last season held the head job in Des Moines.

The Detroit area hasn’t seen Junior A hockey since the Compuware Ambassadors left after the 2002-03 season, but the NAHL is back in Hockeytown in the form of the Motor City Machine, which relocated from Southern Minnesota after last season. The Machine is led by Matt Romaniski, a seasoned coach who has strong ties to the Michigan hockey scene. He knows his team has big shoes to fill as it begins to forge its identity in the Motor City.

“The opportunity to coach in one of the country’s biggest hockey markets is great,” said Romaniski, who led the Express to a second-place finish in the NAHL’s Central Division last season. “It’s been along time since the NAHL has had a franchise here and we’re looking to bring back a winning tradition like so many of the old NAHL teams had here in Detroit.”

Three players under Romaniski’s watch last season have made college commitments, and he’s pushing for more of the same as he ushers in a new NAHL era in Detroit.

“My expectations are to have every player who puts on a Machine jersey become a better player and person by the end of the year, and to give them the opportunity to fulfill their goals and aspirations both in hockey and life,” he said.

Among the returning coaches in the North Division is Bob Mainhardt, who is back behind Mahoning Valley’s bench. Mainhardt, who has guided the Phantoms to a Roberson Cup championship tournament appearance the last three seasons, has had a hand in the development of over a dozen Division I players over the past two seasons.

Anthony Palumbo returns for his second season behind the Traverse City North Stars’ bench. The former Lake Superior State University standout guided the North Stars to a 23-23-12 mark last season, narrowly missing a postseason berth. Three of his players have committed to colleges for the upcoming fall.

And in Ann Arbor, USA Hockey National Team Development Program Under-18 Team coach John Hynes and Under-17 Team coach Ron Rolston will also return to their respective posts this coming season.

Spirit ink 2007 eighth-rounder Trecapelli

Defenseman Nick Trecapelli has signed a contract with the Ontario Hockey League's Saginaw Spirit.

The Spirit made the final contract offer a little more than a week ago and after some back-and-forth between them and the Trecapelli family, the deal was signed.

"It's pretty exciting," said the 6-foot-1, 180-pound Trecapelli, a graduate of the Guelph Minor Hockey Association who played for the Junior B Guelph Dominators last season.

Saginaw selected Trecapelli in the eighth round (145th overall) of the 2007 OHL Priority Selection.

"They came to quite a few of my games last year and they came to the Junior B all-star game where I played in Stratford," Trecapelli said.

He attended the Spirit's rookie and main camps in 2007.

"They had a big draft group last year and only five of us were invited to the main camp," Trecapelli said.

Trecapelli said the OHL was always his No. 1 choice.

"I grew up watching the Storm and the OHL. It was always my main goal growing up," he said.

He heads to Saginaw Aug. 25.

SOURCE

Clark named assistant with Motor City

The Motor City Machine has announced the hiring of Sean Clark as an assistant coach.

Clark, from Troy, spent his college playing days in the WIAC at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire before moving on to the professional level with the Bakersfield Condors of the ECHL.

After his playing career, Clark became an assistant coach for the Metro Jets of the Central States Hockey League before serving as head coach of the Michigan Jaguars during the 2006-07 season. After leaving the Jaguars, Clark jumped on board with the USA Hockey Select 17 staff in 2008.

"I'm very excited to be a part of the Motor City Machine organization,” said Clark. “I look forward to working together with (Machine) coach (and GM-Matt) Romaniski and building a solid franchise here in the Detroit area."

Since 2006, Clark has been with CORE Sports Fitness, where he serves as a skating instructor, performance coach and business director. He’s also the creator, director and head instructor of Kris Draper’s CORE Fundamentals Hockey School.

“Through my coaching experience and my training experience at CORE Sports Fitness, I believe that I can contribute both on and off the ice to the success of this team,” Clark added.

Oakland Township native off to WMU

The St. Louis Bandits of the North American Hockey League have announced that second-year forward Ben Miller has committed to Western Michigan University for the 2009-10 season.

Miller, who began his NAHL career with the Texas Tornado, tallied 26 goals and 52 points in 43 regular-season games for the Bandits in 2007-08. The 19-year-old from Oakland Township then netted five goals and 11 points in 11 playoff games.

Top Saginaw pick ready to report?

In the case of 15-year-old Brandon Saad, playing hockey became a huge part of his life at a very early age. His parents took him to their local ice rink in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania, and they were surprised to find that two-year-old Brandon was so enthusiastic about skating. After developing his skills a little more, Brandon joined his cousins and brother in the game at the age of four.

Read the rest HERE.

Photo courtesy of the Saginaw Spirit

NOJHL Soo rivalry ready to resume

BY RANDY RUSSON
RR Media Service

Paul Theriault can barely contain his excitement that junior hockey has returned to the Michigan Soo, specifically venerable Pullar Stadium.

And the fact that it revisits a crossborder rivalry with the Soo Thunderbirds is merely a bonus.

"There's a lot of excitement about this team already," Theriault said of the Soo Eagles, an expansion franchise that will debut in the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League this coming '08-09 season.

Theriault noted that a recent tryout camp for the Eagles drew several hundred interested spectators.

Hoping to succeed in a town where the Northern Michigan Black Bears couldn't make a go of it as recent as the 2005-06 season and where the Soo Indians had little fan interest during the 2006-07 campaign despite winning the NOJHL title, Theriault is cautiously confident that a move from Big Bear Arena to the downtown Pullar will result in better support for the Eagles.

"The Pullar is the ideal rink for junior hockey," said Theriault. "You can hear everything, you can see everything and the ice is very fast."

No stranger to the junior game on either side of the St. Mary's River, Theriault coached the old Soo Indians of the erstwhile International Junior Hockey League during the mid-1970s.

"We were well supported at the Pullar then and I see no reason why we won't be now," said the 58-year old Theriault, who has had success as a head coach with the Soo Greyhounds, Oshawa Generals and Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League and with pro teams in Germany, Italy and Japan.

Theriault also feels that stable ownership led by Michigan Soo native Greg Eagle along with corporate sponsors already on board and an "eager volunteer base committed to helping out" will make the Eagles a viable franchise.

"I'm just one of many who are willing to work hard to try to make this work," added Theriault, who was born on the Canadian side of the St. Mary's River, but has owned a home in the Brimley, Mich. area for many years.

As the Eagles' head coach, Theriault has thus far signed 17 players for the 2008-09 season, including centre Jason Johnson, who skated with the AAA midget Soo Indians during the 2007-08 term.

"Hopefully Jason will be the first of many local kids who'll play for the Eagles," noted Theriault, who said he hopes to assist with the development of the Michigan Soo minor hockey program.

Meantime, Theriault who has added veteran Michigan Soo minor hockey coach David Guisbert as an assistant, said Isaac McKechnie will be the Eagles' administrator with George Nesom performing the duties of manager.

The well-travelled Theriault said he has made a two-year commitment to the Eagles and "after that, we'll see where we are. We did a lot of work over the winter to get ready for this and overcame a lot of obstacles thanks to the efforts of Isaac and others. There's more work ahead, but I'm as excited as I've been about hockey in a long time."

Theriault said that not only is he enthused about coaching junior hockey in the Michigan Soo again but he's looking ahead to the crossriver rivalry with the Thunderbirds.

"I think that will be great for the league and for both teams," he stated emphatically. "I don't need to tell you about the intense rivalry there's been over the years with junior and senior teams from the two Soos."

Meantime, Thunderbirds' general manager Al Jones is eagerly anticipating the return of the Michigan Soo to the NOJHL.

"As an organization, we're pretty thrilled," said Jones. "Hopefully the rivalry will put more fans in both rinks. With Paul at the helm, the Soo Eagles will be a well-coached team."

Neither Jones or Theriault will have to wait long to establish the latest Twin Soo rivalry once the 2008-09 regular season starts. The Thunderbirds will play host to the Eagles on Sat. Sept. 13 at John Rhodes Community Centre. And on Wed. Sept. 17, the Eagles will entertain the Thunderbirds in their Pullar Stadium home opener.

"I can't wait to get started," Theriault concluded.