Rangers players wait tables for charity

The Marquette Rangers will take the ice tonight dressed in pink jerseys and socks to help raise awareness and money for the Cancer Center at Marquette General Health Systems.

The team got an early start to the fundraiser at the Marquette Big Boy restaurant on Monday, taking the role of “celebrity servers” for three hours.

“This was a blast,” said Rangers forward Josh Bussell. “It was great to get out in the community and promote this game. I don’t know if I’d want to wait tables for a living, but for one night we all had a really good time.”

Bussell was one of 12 players who gave their time for the event.

For three hours, the players seated customers and waited tables with the Big Boy staff with all tips the players earned going directly to the Cancer Center.

In all, the team raised around $350 to kick off a campaign that reached $20,000 in 2007.

NAHL's Michigan players on NHL draft list

Several North American Hockey League players were recognized on the NHL Central Scouting Bureau's "Players to Watch" list for 2009 draft-eligibles released on Oct. 20.

The preliminary listing is comprised of players who have been identified by NHL Central Scouting using the following criteria: A Rating: A must-see player who is predicted to be a potential first- or second-round draft selection in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft; B Rating: A player to note if a scout is in the area, a potential selection in the third-to-fifth round; C Rating: A player that Central Scouting is tracking, a potential late-round selection in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft.

C-Rated players with Michigan connections from the NAHL include Traverse City forward and Lake Superior State University recruit Kyle Jean and Alpena defenseman Alex Kuqali.

Twenty players from the U.S. National Team Development Program’s Under-18 Team were recognized, among them seven A Players: forwards Ryan Bourque, Chris Brown, Jeremy Morin, Kyle Palmieri and Drew Shore, defenseman William Wrenn and goaltender Brandon Maxwell.

B Players include forwards Jerry D’Amigo, John Henrion, Kevin Lynch, Chris McCarthy, Kenny Ryan and David Valek, defensemen Tyler Amburgey, John Ramage and Brendan Rempel and goaltender Adam Murray.

C Players listed from the NTDP are forward A.J. Treais and defensemen Sam Calabrese and Richie Crowley.

NHL Central Scouting will release its midseason rankings of 2009 draft-eligibles in January, followed by its final rankings in April.

The 2009 NHL Entry Draft will be held on June 20-21 in Montreal.

Marquette seeing pink this Thursday

Marquette Rangers fans will see two unique things when the team takes the ice Thursday night at Lakeview Arena.

First, the team will be wearing pink jerseys that will be auctioned off following the game to benefit the Cancer Center at Marquette General Health Systems.

Secondly, and most important for head coach Kenny Miller, fans will get to see the team play at home.

After 10 games, the Rangers (3-5-2) have only one home game under their belt - a 4-3 win against North Division-leading Traverse City on September 26.

“It’ll be good to play in front of the home crowd,” Miller said. “As much as this is a great event for the community, we still need to come out and play the way we’re capable of playing and get some points out of these games and keep things moving forward.

“It’s a great event and we’re happy to do what we are doing for the Cancer Center, and even though we’re wearing the pink jerseys, it’s still an important game for our guys and they realize they still need to get things done out on the ice. Once the puck drops and we get settled in, things will be good”

Following last weekend, the Rangers find themselves two points behind Alpena for fourth place and two points ahead of this week’s first opponent, the Motor City Machine.

Marquette will play at Alpena Saturday night following the two games with the Machine Thursday and Friday.

The Machine played last year in the NAHL Central Division as the Southern Minnesota Express before moving to suburban Detroit during the summer.

Motor City (3-9-0) is led in scoring by Jared Williams (4g 3a, 7pts) and Reed Rushing (2g 4a, 6pts) The Rangers continue to be led by James Gallagher and Chad Pietila, who enter the weekend with 11 points apiece. Josh Bussell is third in scoring with eight points.

The game Thursday is at 7:00 p.m. instead of the usual 7:30 p.m. to allow for the post-game jersey auction. Marquette General will be selling “Paint the Rink Pink” T-shirts at the game to help supplement the fundraiser, which raised nearly $20,000 last season.

Wiechec more than points for Jets

Take a look at the scoring leaders for the Metro Jets and you have to scroll down a tad to find Steve Wiechec's name.

Granted, the 18-year-old second-year Troy native only has two goals and three points in nine games, but his game is more than getting on the scoresheet.

"Steve will probably never be a big-time scorer," Metro GM Butch Wolfe said. "But he plays the game right and does all the little things. He blocks shots, finishes his checks, things like that. Every team should have a Steve Wiechec on their team."

Wiechec (pronounced WEE-check) scored his first goal on Sept. 14 against Cleveland and then made his second count as it proved to be the game-winner on Sept. 27 against Motor City in the Jets' first win of the season. His 33 penalty minutes are also among the top 15 in the Central States Hockey League.

"He's a quiet kid off the ice," Wolfe added. "But when we need a big play or someone to just make something happen to try and turn the tide of a game, Wiechec will be out there."

Case in point. In the 2007 Midget A state championship game, Wiechec scored the first goal of the game (the eventual game-winner) as the Troy Sting beat the Canton Crush, 5-0.

He was then drafted by the Jets that May and put up 10 points in 45 games last season.

Whalers' McGillis traded to hometown Wolves

The Plymouth Whalers have traded overage left wing Cory McGillis to the Sudbury Wolves in exchange for a third-round draft choice in 2010.

McGillis, just acquired by the Whalers September 30 from Barrie, scored one goal in three games for the Whalers.

McGillis’ trade leaves Plymouth with just one overager in right wing Patrick Lee.

McGillis is from Coniston, Ont., not far from Sudbury, so he receives an opportunity to play for his hometown team.

Highland native Moran dealt to Windsor

The Windsor Spitfires today announced that they have acquired defenseman Patrick Moran (Highland) as well as seventh- and ninth-round picks from the Guelph Storm in the 2009 OHL Priority Selection for sixth-, seventh-, eighth- and ninth-round picks in 2009.

“Patrick will bring a defensive presence with experience in the OHL to our lineup," Windsor general manager Warren Rychel said. "Hewill also add grit and toughness to our back end."

Moran will be in the Spitfires lineup for tomorrow’s game against the Ottawa 67’s.

Photo by Paul Surette/surettephotography.com

North Stars sweep Team USA at home

The Traverse City North Stars have won five straight games after their two-game sweep of the U.S. National Under-17 Team last weekand at home.

FRIDAY RECAP

SATURDAY RECAP

The goaltending tandem of CJ Motte and Brandon Stephenson each tallied a win with Motte's coming on Friday night and Stephenson (pictured) getting the shutout Saturday.

Traverse City's 8-2-0 start marks the club's best start, but the team has never had a losing record after 10 games in club history. TC was 5-2-3 last year through 10 outings, 5-4-1 in 2006-07 and 4-4-2 in its inaugural season of 2005-06.

The North Stars continue their month-long homestand this weekend, playing host to the Motor City Machine in a Friday-Saturday series. The Machine (3-6-0) moved to metro Detroit this season from Southern Minnesota and will be making their first-ever Centre ICE appearance.

Photo by BJ Stephenson/Kidz Play Photography

Saginaw to also play PINK OUT game

The Saginaw Spirit are proud to partner with National City Bank and the St. Mary's of Michigan Seton Cancer Institute for the second annual 'PINK OUT,' a game being played in support of breast cancer awareness.

The 'PINK OUT' game will take place on Saturday when the Spirit take on the Niagara IceDogs at 7:11 p.m. at TheDow Event Center in Saginaw.

Breast cancer survivors from the mid-Michigan region will be participating in a ceremonial puck drop starting off the night's activities. The first 5,000 fans will receive a free pink rally towel, courtesy of National City Bank and the St. Mary's of Michigan Seton Cancer Institute.

The Spirit team will hit the ice wearing a limited edition pink Spirit jersey, which will be auctioned off in a silent auction taking place during the game to raise funds in support of breast cancer awareness.

There will also be post-game Skate with the Players event where the jerseys worn by Adam Comrie, T.J. Brodie and Nick Crawford during the 'PINK OUT' will be auctioned off live.

Grosse Pointe Woods native has 'come full circle'

By Brian McDonough/NAHL.com

Jerry Freismuth has always set high expectations for himself and his teammates and this year is no exception.

After helping the Alexandria Blizzard to its first Robertson Cup Championship Tournament appearance a year ago, the third-year forward wants nothing more than another crack at an NAHL title.

“We definitely want to get back really bad, because we thought we underachieved there last year,” said Freismuth, whose team was winless at the tournament, which was hosted and won by St. Louis. “It was a great experience and we wish we could have done better, but that’s over with.

“Now that the season has started, we have our eyes focused on getting back and we really want it more this year, because we know what it’s like to face adversity and we to get back there and take it.”

And Freismuth is leading the charge early on, sitting atop the NAHL’s scoring chart three weeks into the season. The reigning Central Division Player of the Week has three goals to go along with 12 assists in eight games for the Central Division-leading Blizzard.

“We’re off to good start, the team’s playing with confidence and I’ve had some good players around me helping me out, so I have to give a lot of credit to my teammates,” said Freismuth, who did his offensive damage last weekend on a line with Garrett Grimstad and Joe Knoepke.

After his final year of midgets with Little Caesars in Detroit, Freismuth, who calls Grosse Pointe Woods home, ventured out to Minnesota where he began his junior career with the Minnesota Junior League’s Minnesota Ice Hawks.

Halfway into that 2006-07 season, he was summoned to Alexandria where he put away four goals for 23 points in team’s final 34 games. He more than doubled that point total last year and finished at a plus-32.

“My first year I was lucky enough to play with some good players - some older players - so they really helped turn me into the player I am now. They helped me out coming into the league, and gave me some more confidence and that’s huge for younger guys,” said Freismuth. “Now I’m the older guy helping out the younger guys, so it’s kind of come full circle.”

Freismuth, who turns 20 on Oct. 28, stayed in Minnesota for the first part of the summer before returning home to Michigan in July to spend time with friends and family. Wherever he was, off-season conditioning was a priority for the 5-foot-10, 170-pounder.

“We have a really good training program in the summer and I did that every day,” he said. “I worked out as hard as I could every day, skated as much as I could, dryland, all that good stuff.”

Freismuth is high on the potential of this year’s team. From the returning vets to the promising newcomers, he’s confident the Blizzard has the all the ingredients to make another charge at the Robertson Cup.

“I said this in the locker room, that out of my three years here, this is the most talented team I’ve been on, right up from our new, young guys to our older guys… very talented, very talented group of guys,” Freismuth said.

And Freismuth, a Division I hopeful, is counting on the team’s success to generate college interest for not just himself, but for his teammates as well.

“I have confidence in my coach (Brad Willner) that he’s going to work hard to move myself and other players (to college),” said Freismuth, who spoke with a few schools at last month’s NAHL Showcase Tournament. “I just look at it like the better we do as a team, the better opportunity we’ll have to go to a school that we want to go to.”

Photo by RJ Meyer/NAHL

Whalers skate for breast cancer Friday night

The primary colors of the Ontario Hockey League’s Plymouth Whalers are blue and green.

The primary colors found on a hockey player after a collision are black and blue.

The Whalers will be skating for an excellent cause of a different color on Friday at 7:05pm when they take on the Niagara IceDogs at Compuware Arena during the team’s first annual Pink Out! For Breast Cancer Awareness.

The event is first for the Whalers and something they hope to make an annual event during the month of October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month as well as Hockey Fights Cancer Month.

“Our Pink Out! is a chance for our players, our sponsors and our fans to rally together to increase breast cancer awareness and raise funds in a way that is familiar and fun for us. We promise it will be pink. And, it will be memorable,” said Denise Ronayne, Whalers director of sales and marketing. “We are so grateful to all of our corporate partners who helped us make this event relevant in our community. And importantly, there’s a natural tie-in with the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, who will receive the proceeds.”

Plymouth owner Peter Karmanos, Jr., who is also the CEO and co-founder of the Compuware Corporation, established the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute in 1995. Based in midtown Detroit, Karmanos is one of 41 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the United States. Caring for more than 6,000 new patients annually on a budget of $216 million, conducting more than 700 cancer-specific scientific investigation programs and clinical trials, the Karmanos Cancer Center is among the nation’s best cancer centers.

Several of the Whalers corporate sponsors are contributing to make the Pink Out! a special event:

Vanity Salon, located at 857 Penniman in Plymouth, will be dyeing Whaler players hair pink tomorrow from 5-8pm. Everyone is encouraged to attend the event. In addition, Vanity Salon will have stylists at the game creating fancy pink ribbon up-dos for a donation.

Woody's Bar-B-Q, located at 44741 Five Mile Road, will be donating 500 pink bandanas. You'll also see their Pink Pig Mascot at the event on October 17.

Bianco Tours will be bringing in the Eastern Michigan University Sports Marketing Group, who donated their time and effort to sell tickets for the event.

Vanessa's Flowers, located at 545 Ann Arbor Road, will be donating pink carnations.

The Whalers were recently affected by cancer with the passing of co-owner Thomas Thewes, who lost his battle with leukemia on September 28. In addition, Mary Beth Bloom, a land parent of Whalers' defenseman Leo Jenner and a breast cancer survivor, will drop a ceremonial faceoff at the start of the game.

“It would be an honor to represent all the women and men with breast cancer,” said Bloom.

Jets add young defenseman Schofield

The Metro Jets added defenseman Tyler Schofield to the active roster on Thursday.

Schofield, a 17-year-old Clio native, was playing with the Flint Icelanders midgets and made his season debut tonight.

"Tyler is a young defenseman that we feel can add depth and potentially play some big minutes for us," Metro GM Butch Wolfe said. "We hope we can help continue his development over the course of this season."

Spirit prospect a calming influence for Jets

A calm, cool under pressure goalie can do wonders for a team and Colin Greeley appears to be that player for the Metro Jets.

And oh yeah, he’s also the youngest player on the team having just turned 16 last month.

Greeley earned his first win of the season Sept. 27 against Motor City in a fight-filled game at home. On one of his saves, the red light went on behind him, but the goal was disallowed.

“My family and friends were at that game, so it was special to get the win in front of them,” said Greeley, a Howell native. “On that disallowed goal, it was funny, because I looked over at the bench and ‘Skopes’ (Metro assistant coach Ryan Skop) was motioning to the ref that it’s only a goal if it goes over the line.”

Last year, Greeley played for the Victory Honda minor midget team and was then drafted in the fourth round of the Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection by the Saginaw Spirit. He went to camp this year with Saginaw, had a good showing, and plans on playing in Saginaw next year. That said, Greeley knows he has options, including the Jets.

“I don’t think they’d want me back,” laughed Greeley. “The goal here is to move players on. Right now, I want to play for Saginaw, but I’m keeping all my options open. The USHL (Futures) draft is coming up (Oct. 14) and I’ll have to see what happens there.”

In the present, however, the Jets have a capable goaltender that has taken the No. 1 role and run with it. Metro has five of six points in their last three games and a great deal of the credit goes to Greeley.

Combs back in Saginaw after pro camps

The Saginaw Spirit have announced the return of overage forward Jack Combs to the lineup.

Combs, a St. Louis native, was away at the respective rookie camps of the Colorado Avalanche and their minor league affiliates.

'It was a positive experience in camp," stated Combs. "I learned a lot and my goal is to bring that back to Saginaw in hopes of having another great year."

Combs is one of the highest scoring forwards to play for the Spirit in the team's seven-year history. Last season, he notched 42 goals and 58 assists for 100 points, setting a new single-season scoring record for the Spirit. Combs served as one of the team's leaders on and off the ice last season and his efforts were recognized when he was selected to represent the Spirit at the 2008 OHL All-Star Classic.

"We have a very hard-working team right now and I am excited to play with these guys," added Combs. "We have all molded and gelled really well and we are all looking forward to winning some games."

Jets, MRSN form broadcast agreement

The Metro Jets have announced an agreement with the Michigan Regional Sports Network (MRSN) to broadcast select home games online this season, starting with Saturday’s game against the Queen City Steam.

“The Michigan Regional Sports Network is expanding their scope to include hockey and when they contacted us, it was an easy decision,” Jets GM Butch Wolfe said. “We think this coverage can be nothing but great publicity for our team and the Central States Hockey League and we are very excited and looking forward to Saturday night.”

Metro Jets games to be broadcast by MRSN:

Sat. Oct. 11 vs. Queen City
Sat. Oct. 18 vs. Grand Rapids
Sun. Nov. 2 vs. Cleveland
Sun. Dec. 14 vs. Motor City
Sat. Jan. 10, 2009 vs. Flint
Sat. Jan. 31, 2009 vs. Flint

The MRSN, based in Flint since 2004, broadcasts the high school football game of the week, as well as college club hockey and high school basketball and baseball. Next spring, MRSN will be the exclusive home for the Michigan Admirals minor league football team.

"We were looking to branch out from broadcasting just football and junior hockey is the next step up," MRSN play-by-play broadcaster Bill Schnorenberg said. "We are happy to be involved with a quality program like the Metro Jets."

More information about MRSN can be found on their official website at http://www.mrsn.us/.

Saginaw re-acquires Skellett from Otters

The Saginaw Spirit has completed a trade with the Erie Otters, picking up forward Jordan Skellett and a seventh round pick in the 2009 OHL Priority Selection in return for defenseman Chris Breen and a fifth round pick in 2009.

Additional terms of the trade were not disclosed.

“We are excited to get a player of Jordan’s caliber and look forward to his arrival in Saginaw," stated Spirit head coach Todd Watson. "We wish Chris the best of luck in Erie and we are happy for the opportunity he will get there. It’s always tough to move someone with the character and class like that found in Chris.”

Skellett is a 1989-born native of London, Ontario. The Niagara IceDogs, then located in Mississauga, drafted Skellet 17th overall in the 2005 OHL Priority Selection. He played a season and a half with the IceDogs before being traded to Saginaw along with Cody Bass in the 2006 blockbuster trade that saw Matt Corrente and Scott Fletcher go to Niagara. Immediately following the trade, Skellett was sent to Erie in return for Andrew Hotham.

Skellet has accumulated 33 goals and 44 assists during his career in the OHL.

From loosepucks.com, more on the deal and more Spirit news:

Sources say this deal was originally agreed to between former Saginaw GM Don Edwards and Otters GM Sherry Bassin. Just as it came time to do the paperwork, Edwards is said to have changed his mind and pulled the plug. With Watson now in charge, the deal returned to the table and was quickly completed.

Meanwhile, the Spirit will give goaltender Zac Fryia a tryout. The Peterborough Petes third-string goaltender is behind Trevor Cann and Jason Missiaen on the depth chart. If the Spirit choose to keep Fryia, a deal will then be completed between Watson and Petes GM Jeff Twohey.

Edwards out as Saginaw general manager

Nothing official from the Saginaw Spirit (yet), but word on the street is that Spirit general manager Don Edwards has been relieved of his duties.

Head coach Todd Watson is now in charge of hockey operations.

LoosePucks.com has more.

The Saginaw News also has the story.

UPDATE: Spirit confirms move

The Saginaw Spirit hockey club announced today that a decision has been made to change the hockey operational model of the franchise. Through the changes and adjustments, Don Edwards has been relieved of his duties as general manager, effective immediately.

Head coach Todd Watson will assume the role of director of hockey operations in addition to his coaching duties, and will be responsible for all hockey operations. Assistant coach John Kisil and director of scouting Dan Halliburton will take on additional duties with the team as part of this new hockey managerial structure.

More HERE.

North Stars off to solid start, sweep Alpena

Slow out of the gates in recent years, the Traverse City North Stars are doing their best to buck that trend this season, jumping out to a 6-2 start thanks in part to a two-game sweep of the Alpena IceDiggers last weekend.

“Last season a slow start really hurt our ability to challenge for a playoff spot in March,” said North Stars head coach Anthony Palumbo. “So those wins are big; it keeps us in a good position in our (North) division, which is again proving to be as tough as they come.”

Kyle Bonis and Marc Thompson (game-winner) struck for the North Stars’ goals and netminder C.J. Motte turned aside 21 shots as Traverse City downed Alpena on Friday, 2-1.

The next night, Bonis’ overtime tally lifted the North Stars to a 5-4 triumph. Chris Salomone rang up two goals for TC and Nate Urbaniak chipped in with three assists. Between the pipes, Brandon Stephenson stopped 18 shots.

“It was a pretty solid effort all weekend,” Palumbo said. “We got to play every single skater on our roster, and I’ve yet to find a weak link - that’s a good sign.”

Bonis, 19, named the team’s captain last week, has returned in top form. The second-year forward from Lindsay, Ont., has found an early knack for coming up big in critical moments.

“Kyle just finds a way to score goals,” said Palumbo. “They're important, timely goals, usually. He's obviously got the talent, but he's also an intense leader and the guys pick up on that and sort of feed off that.”

The third-year Urbaniak, a 20-year-old from Perrysburg, Ohio, is also starting to find his groove offensively.

“He and Kyle form a really good one-two punch,” said Palumbo.

Only 16-year-old, Motte, from Port Huron, has risen to the occasion, delivering a clutch performance on Friday to pick up his third win of the young season.

“He was definitely a key in that win,” said Palumbo. “He’s proven he can play at this level and make a huge impact. We knew he was good coming in, but C.J. has been even better than we expected even sooner than we expected.”

Second-year forwards Kyle Jean, a Lake Superior State recruit, and Eric O’Hearn are also establishing themselves as versatile contributors.

“They’ve really stepped up this year and taken on big roles with our team,” said Palumbo. “They’re logging minutes on the penalty kill and the power play and they’re also providing us another line with an ability to create offense at any time.”

Pleased with the North Stars’ start - particularly his team’s balanced attack up and down the lineup – Palumbo’s focus now is tightening the screws defensively.

“Timely goals and timely saves - that’s the formula we’re winning with right now,” said the coach. “It’s still early in the season, but we like the determination and grit we’ve been playing with.

“I think the big thing is that everyone has contributed. It seems that every night someone has stepped up for us.”

With a 2-0 record at home this season, the North Stars have a chance to improve on that mark over the next month. The team’s next eight games are slated for Traverse City’s Center ICE arena commencing this weekend against the U.S. Under-17 Team.

“You always want to take advantage of your home games and I think this upcoming stretch could provide us with a great opportunity,” said Palumbo.

Courtesy NAHL.com

Saley a 'pleasant surprise' for Metro

Will Saley made the Metro Jets’ roster this year after being drafted by the team in May’s Central States Hockey League draft.

He was originally penciled in as a depth player, but has shown a willingness to work hard and improve. That work ethic has moved Saley, a 17-year-old Milford native, to the second line with linemates Mick Kolbasowski and captain Adam Novack (Rochester Hills) where he has been a consistent scoring threat and currently leads the Jets in goals with five through seven games.

“When we got Will, it was with the idea that he’d be a two-year project for us,” Metro head coach Jamie Hayden said. “He’s shown us he can be an impact player right now and he’s been a pleasant surprise thus far.”

“Will’s not the biggest kid in the world (5-foot-9, 165 pounds), but he’s quick and knows how to effectively use his speed,” Metro GM Butch Wolfe said. “If he continues to improve for the remainder of this year, he should attract several North American Hockey League teams for next season. But in the meantime, we’re elated to have him with us this year.”

Saley played last year at Milford High School. He’s also just one of three draft picks to make Metro’s opening game roster this season along with goaltender Andrew New and Justin Vinson (Livonia).

Whalers pick up McGillis from Colts

The Plymouth Whalers acquired 20-year-old left wing Cory McGillis from the Barrie Colts today in exchange for an eighth-round draft choice in 2009 and a third-round draft choice in 2010.

“Cory is a big, physical power forward who has a nice scoring touch around the net,” Plymouth GM Mike Vellucci said.

McGillis is 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds and can play center or left wing.

Ontario Hockey League teams can carry three overage players (1988 birthdays) on the roster. Along with right wing Patrick Lee, the acquisition of McGillis gives Plymouth two overagers.

McGillis, a Coniston, Ont., native, is no stranger to the West Division. He was originally selected in the first round (seventh overall) by the Windsor Spitfires in the 2004 draft, where he played for 2 1/2 seasons. McGillis was acquired by Barrie at the 2007 trade deadline and enjoyed his best offensive season last year with Barrie when he scored 18 goals with 21 assists for 39 points in 48 games.

Overall, McGillis has scored 51 goals with 56 assists for 107 points with 394 penalty minutes in 205 career games.

Jets captain Novack leads by example

Adam Novack was one of just a handful of skaters to return to the Metro Jets from last season and he’s brought back improved leadership qualities that have made the team brass name him captain this year.

Novack, a 19-year-old native of Rochester Hills, posted seven goals and 19 points a year ago, but seems primed to break those totals this season.

More than points, though, is why Novack has the ‘C’ on his left shoulder this year.

“Adam is your typical lead-by-example captain,” Jets GM Butch Wolfe said. “But if something needs to be said on the bench or in the locker room, you can bet he’ll speak up. He is very mature and knows how to conduct himself in a professional manner on and off the ice.

“‘Novy’ is a great ambassador for not only our hockey club, but for the entire Central States Hockey League.”

Alternate captains under Novack are third-year defenseman Brett Grech (Hartland) and 20-year-old forward Jonathan Asher.

Grech has been steady all season, prompting Metro assistant coach Ryan Skop to say he’s been playing “out of his mind,” while Asher signed with the Jets over the summer, had a tryout with the Weyburn Red Wings of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, and then rejoined the Jets for their season opener on Sept. 6 against Toledo. His plane landed in Windsor at 5:30 that afternoon and he drove to Waterford, missed warm-ups, but dressed in time to play in the game.

Whalers deal Yovanic to Knights for pick

The Plymouth Whalers traded 19-year-old left wing Mike Yovanic to the London Knights today in exchange for an eighth-round draft choice in the 2010 OHL Priority Selection.

Yovanic, a Highland native, was signed by the Whalers as a free agent at the beginning of last season. He played in 21 games last year, compiling 25 penalty minutes.

This season, Yovanic played in Plymouth's first two games and compiled 10 PIMs.

Photo by Donna Roberts

Challenge Cup series starts tomorrow night

Last season, the Marquette Rangers and Traverse City North Stars introduced the Smith Barney Challenge Cup to their fans. The Cup, sponsored by Smith Barney offices in Marquette and Traverse City, is awarded to the team who wins the head-to-head competition between the two squads at the end of season.

Traverse City claimed the title of the Challenge Cup in its inaugural season when the team came from behind to win it in the last game of the season against the Rangers.

"Winning the Cup last season was a bright spot in a season where we had higher expectations, but it's something we look at that happened last season that we can build on," North Stars head coach Anthony Palumbo said. "We made a strong push at the end of the season and that became one of our main goals as the playoffs became out of reach. We wanted to win the Marquette series."

The creation of the Challenge Cup not only added to the two teams' competition, but also has given fans another reason to cheer louder.

"It was new to our fans last season and it gained some popularity as the season went on," Palumbo added. " I think as we continue to build the rivalry with Marquette the Cup will become more of a focus for our fans."

However, Rangers head coach Kenny Miller views the Challenge Cup in a different light as he hopes to capture the title this season.

"It's a terrific added prize for the season, but in all honesty it's only a piece of the bigger picture," he said. "Sure we'd like to claim the Challenge Cup this year, and I think if we're successful through the season, winning the Cup will kind of fall into place.

"The Smith Barney Challenge Cup certainly adds to the fun of playing the game and to playing against Traverse City. I know some of our guys were disappointed after last year so we're going to making winning it one of many goals this season."

For the players, the Challenge Cup is an added incentive on the season as well.

"Watching them (Traverse City) skate off the ice with that thing last year didn't sit very well," said Rangers forward and captain Aaron Pietila. "We want to make some noise in our division this year, and I think if we do that, winning the Cup will hopefully be one of a lot of things we accomplish this season."

Palumbo added, "Winning the Challenge Cup will be part of our goals for the upcoming season. We're hoping to win all our series against the teams in our division but the Challenge Cup will definitely provide some additional incentive for our team against Marquette."

The first game of 12 contests between the Rangers and North Stars begins on Friday at Marquette's Lakeview Arena with an 8 p.m. faceoff.

Two points are awarded to a team for a win, one point is awarded for an overtime loss and no points are given for a regulation loss. At the end of the season, the points are totaled and the team with the most points claims the Challenge Cup.

Saginaw acquires OA Bochek from Fronts

The Saginaw Spirit completed a trade with the Kingston Frontenacs today, acquiring forward Kyle Bochek from the Fronts in return for the Spirit’s seventh-round pick in the 2010 OHL Priority Selection.

Bochek, an overager from Port Severn, Ont., spent the last two season with the Frontenacs, accumulating 17 goals and 17 assists. Last season, he notched 10 goals and 10 assists in 54 games.

“Having watched Kyle play on multiple occasions, he is a natural centerman and a gritty grinder that competes on every shift,” stated Spirit GM Don Edwards.

Eagles goalie coach signs CHL deal

Grech playing 'out of his mind' for Jets

Though the Metro Jets have stumbled to an 0-4-0 mark in the Central States Hockey League this season, there are positives to be taken.

One of those is 17-year-old Hartland native and third-year skater Brett Grech, the anchor on Metro’s defense corps. Grech, who came to the Jets from the Lakeland Hawks Midget A team in 2006, is currently tied for the team lead in scoring with five points (four on the power play)through four games and has been logging important minutes on the back end.

Thing is, he’s a natural forward playing defense this year.

“I’m really happy with what ‘Grechy’ has done for us so far,” Metro head coach Jamie Hayden said of his alternate captain. “We moved him back to ‘D’ and skill-wise, he’s as good as anyone in the league. I just think to get better it’s just a matter of getting his bearings back there. At the end of the year, he could be one of the best defensemen in the league.”

“Grech has been playing out of his mind,” Jets assistant coach Ryan Skop added.

Grech has points in every game this season and scored his first goal in Wednesday night’s 5-4 loss in Flint. During the 2007-2008 season, Grech led the Jets in scoring with 16 goals among 33 points and seems poised to top that mark this season.

“He’s been a bright spot for us,” said Hayden. “He moves the puck well on the power play and blocks shots down low. As far as returning guys, he’s been the one that’s stepped up to the plate for us.

“We just have to get some of the other guys to follow his lead, but until that happens, we’ll probably be on the tail end of more games like we’ve been playing.”

Plymouth ready for start of '08-09 season

Courtesy Plymouth Whalers

Some will say the Plymouth Whalers had a down year in 2007-08.

At 34-28-2-4, 74 points and a .544 winning percentage, the Whalers weren’t bad, but finished eighth overall in the tough Western Conference.

This year, most observers feel the Windsor Spitfires are the top team in the league and the Western Conference remains strong. The Whalers? Flying a little below the radar as the 2008-09 season starts.

Expect that to change as the season wears on.

“We have a lot of returning players this year and we’ve added a couple of good players (2007 first-round choice Beau Schmitz and 2008 first-round choice Tyler Seguin) at key positions,” said Plymouth head coach Greg Stefan. “I’m really excited from the first day of training camp to see how our younger players from last year develop. Hopefully, they’ll continue to improve this year.

“We’re excited about getting the talent and skill-level of Schmitz and Seguin into our lineup. Having said that, they are only 16 and 17-years-old in a 19-year-old league and you have to be patient with them. But with their skill-level and skating ability, they should be able to contribute to our team right away.”

GOALTENDING: The three Whalers goaltenders are in different stages of their respective careers. Jeremy Smith (Brownstown) – 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 last year as an unknown quantity, but established himself as a capable OHL goaltender. Hackett is a steady goaltender who seems to flourish in shootouts. Rookie Scott Wedgewood comes in highly touted, played well in preseason and will see playing time when Smith is away at Nashville’s camp and then if Smith makes Team USA for the World Junior Championship.

“I think this year’s going to be a big year for Jeremy,” said Stefan. “He got last season as the number one guy under his belt and we expect big things from him. He’s one of the key players for our success this year. With Matt, I had never seen him until last year, but I thought he played well. Saying that, I think Matt has to come in from the start of this year and play well. I think he’s capable of doing just that.”

Hackett played well to close out the preseason, stopping 45-of-48 shots in London in a 4-3 victory over the Knights on September 12 as the game’s first star and then went 38-of-42 in a 4-1 loss to London the next evening.

BLUE LINE: The Whalers expected veteran Brett Bellemore to return as an overager, but Bellemore played so well for Albany of the American Hockey League last spring that he was signed by the Carolina Hurricanes. Bellemore isn’t expected back in Plymouth.

Schmitz, a Howell native, is in from the National Team Development Program and he will add offense, skating and a certain amount of grit. Steady second-year defenseman Josh Bemis (Clarkston) is back healthy after missing 41 games last year with a broken wrist. Plymouth will benefit with returnees Michal Jordan (Carolina draft pick), Christian Steingraber, Jordon O’Neill and Leo Jenner. The Whalers' coaching staff likes the potential of rookie blueliners Austin Levi (Farmington Hills) and Anthony Donati. Import selection Jan Látal has played well in preseason and lends a steady presence.

OFFENSE: With 195 points (75 goals and 120 assists) in 200 career games with the Whalers, veteran Chris Terry comes into the season 124 points shy of Pat Peake’s all-time franchise record of 319 points.

Terry – who had three goals during the preseason – will finish his Whalers career somewhere in the top 10 in all franchise scoring categories. He was named team captain for 2008-09 on Monday.

Veteran Vern Cooper got off to a sizzling start in training camp and led the Whalers with five goals during the preseason. He expects to continue to put up the points during his NHL Draft season.

Third-year forward AJ Jenks (Wolverine Lake) made the Whalers as a rookie in 2006-07 as a penalty killer and depth player, then blossomed offensively last year with 26 goals and 29 assists for 55 points. Drafted by the Florida Panthers in the fourth round (100th overall) in last summer’s NHL Entry Draft, Jenks is making a positive impression with Florida in his NHL Training Camp and will go to the Panthers’ main camp later this month. Stefan awarded Jenks an “A” as an alternate captain for the second straight season.

If you like a blue collar grinder with plays with grit, third-year-forward Kaine Geldart is your man. Quiet off the ice, Geldart gets chirped and chirps with the opposition as much as anyone in the OHL. He was voted the Whalers Labatt Blue Collar Player of the Year last season and will continue in that role this year. Stefan awarded Geldart an “A” as alternate captain on Monday.

SECOND YEAR FORWARDS: Expect second year forwards RJ Mahalak (Monroe), Tyler J. Brown (Westland), Tyler G. Brown and Ryan Hayes to improve offensively in 2008-09. Hayes – who joined the Whalers at mid-season last year after leaving Boston College – played well in training camp and in the preseason and appears to be primed to have a big year. In addition, Mahalak and TG Brown both played well in the preseason.

FORWARD PUPS: There’s a reason Seguin was selected by the Whalers ninth overall in the last spring’s OHL draft. Skilled offensively, Seguin appears to be a good faceoff man and is improving defensively. Jamie Devane is tall and lanky with a good reach. Devane’s offensive numbers will come with experience. Myles McCauley (Sterling Heights) is a skilled centerman who appears to be able to kill penalties.

UNSUNG, BUT EFFECTIVE: It’s taken a little time, but Joe Gaynor appears to be ready to have an excellent year. Always good defensively, Gaynor used his size effectively during the preseason.

DARK HORSE?: Sportsnet.ca writer Patrick King rates the Whalers as a darkhorse in his Ontario Hockey League preview.

King writes: “It wasn't necessarily a rebuilding season for the Plymouth Whalers who entered last season as defending league champions. However, with a core of returning players which include American world junior goaltender Jeremy Smith, the Whalers could quietly put together another strong season."I don't know if a lot of people are talking about Plymouth but I like their team an awful lot," a coach said. "I think they're a bit of a sleeper with Jeremy Smith in net. (Forward) Chris Terry could be an MVP this year. They've just got some real nice weapons. They're also very rugged, they always play that way. They're going to be a tough opponent."

"I like to say that Plymouth team because nobody really has them picked as being one of the leaders but I think they're really strong," another coach said.

Geldart photo courtesy Walt Dmoch/Plymouth Whalers

One game, one win for Machine

The Motor City Machine got its season off on the right foot, picking up its first win in franchise history with a 2-1 overtime victory over the Wenatchee Wild on Day 1 of the NAHL Showcase Tournament at the Schwan Super Rink in Blaine, Minn., today.

Trevor John’s OT goal sealed the deal for Motor City, with Andy Inderieden recording a goal of his own and assisting on John’s tally.

Goaltender Zach Hansen made 19 saves.

“We came out slow in the first period, but it felt good to get our first win,” said Machine head coach Matt Romaniski. “Wenatchee came out quick and hard and Zach kept us in the game.”

Traverse City gets St. Louis today in Blaine

Minnesota may be the "Land of 10,000 Lakes" and there are at least that many high hopes inside the Traverse City North Stars locker room as the team prepares to open the 2008-09 campaign today in suburban Minneapolis.

The Stars will jump right into the fire in the opening contest of the four-day North American Hockey League Showcase at the Schwan Super Rink in Blaine, facing off against defending NAHL Robertson Cup champion St. Louis Bandits.

“I think we’re all pretty much ready to get started,” said TC head coach-GM Anthony Palumbo. “You always look good before you play the games that count. And the first one against a very good team that lost a lot of their top players but really has re-loaded.”

The season-opening contest – in front of literally hundreds of college and pro scouts - will also feature a pair of players going against their former teams: The North Stars acquired defenseman Travis White during the off-season from the Bandits in exchange for forward Clinton Bourbonais. It’ll also be the first game behind the St. Louis bench for new head coach-GM Jeff Brown, a 13-year NHL vet and All-Star (1992-93).

The Stars will also face a trio of interdivisional foes in subsequent days, meeting Alaska, Bismarck, and Fairbanks before heading home to begin North Division action the following weekend – including the Sept. 27 home opener against Marquette at Centre ICE arena.

“We don’t see these teams during our regular season, so it’s not like you can prepare yourself for what they might do,” Palumbo explained. “You go out, you play your system, you make your adjustments. The one thing we’ve been stressing a lot lately, though, is that you can control how hard you work. We always have to go out and compete hard every shift. It’s a bit cliché, but a pretty good mantra.”

Each of the North Stars’ 58 home games will be broadcast live on the Internet via the B2 Network. Fans can link up to the video webcast at the Stars’ website.

Whalers name Terry captain

Chris Terry has been named the Plymouth Whalers' team captain for 2008-09.

AJ Jenks (Wolverine Lake), Joe Gaynor and Kaine Geldart have been named alternate captains and Michal Jordan has been named an acting alternate captain when the other "As" are out of the lineup.

Terry All-Star photo by Aaron Bell/OHL

Rangers off to NAHL Showcase

The Kenny Miller era officially begins this week for the Marquette Rangers as the team heads to Blaine, Minn., for four games in the annual North American Hockey League Showcase.

After a two-week training camp featuring both on and off ice training, the first-year Rangers coach says he’s optimistic about the first part of the season.

“We had two good weeks of training camp,” Miller said. “I think the guys are ready to start league play and to get going on the season, and from what I’ve seen, I think we’re going to be just fine heading into the Showcase.”

Marquette opens play against the North Iowa Outlaws Wednesday evening at 8:30 p.m. Last year, the Rangers opened the Showcase against the Outlaws and skated away with a 4-3 shootout win en route to a 3-1 Showcase record.

Despite wanting a fast start again this season, Miller added that the Showcase won’t make or break the season for his team.

“Obviously we want to go in there and play well and get some confidence coming into our home opener, but the real value of the event is getting our guys in front of all the college programs who will be there watching,” Miller added. “We’ll do all the necessary things we need to do to win, but we’re certainly not putting the entire season on one four-game tournament.”

In addition to facing the Outlaws, Marquette also plays the Topeka Roadrunners Thursday afternoon and Friday, they’ll play the Owatonna (Minn.) Express before wrapping up the four-game set with the Wichita Falls Wildcats on Saturday morning.

All Rangers games from the NAHL Showcase will be available with streaming video and audio through B2 Networks by accessing the team website.

2008 pick Fitze signs with Saginaw

The Saginaw Spirit has announced the signing of 2008 draft pick Dylan Fitze.

Fitze was selected by the Spirit in the third round (60th overall) last May.

Fitze, a native of Peterborough, Ont., notched 38 goals and 24 assists in 64 games last season with the Peterborough Petes minor midget team. The 1992-born forward will spend time this season with the Ontario Provincial Junior Hockey League's Lindsay Muskies.

"Dylan fits the mold of the type of player we want here in Saginaw," stated Spirit GM Don Edwards. "He competes hard and will compliment our offense nicely."

Ficorelli leaving Saginaw, back to Muskegon

The Saginaw Spirit regretfully announces the resignation of vice president of communications and broadcasting Terry Ficorelli, who will be leaving the organization in the following weeks to pursue a new job with his former team, the IHL's Muskegon Fury.

Ficorelli will be assuming a management role with the Fury.

“The Saginaw Spirit are thankful for the contributions Terry has made to this organization, both in the broadcast booth and in developing an exciting new relationship with Next Media,” stated Spirit president and partner Craig Goslin. “We are extensively searching for a replacement and plan on having someone in place in the near future.”

All 68 regular-season games, the Spirit daily update and the Spirit hockey show will still air as scheduled this season on Next Media’s FM Talk 100.5.

Machine moving to Wyandotte's Yack Arena

The Motor City Machine notified the North American Hockey League today that they will relocate their home games from the Ice Box Sports Center in Brownstown to the newly-renovated Yack Arena in Wyandotte.

“This was a very difficult and arduous decision, but the dreams, academic and athletic pursuits of the 25 young men on our roster are our priority,” said Machine managing partner Marc S. Schneider, MD. “We began this journey to relocate to Downriver area eight months ago and we investigated several venues.”

Yack Arena, the Taylor Sportsplex and the Ice Box, were all evaluated. In the end, the Ice Box was willing to contractually obligate itself to the significant structural improvements that are essential to a Junior A team's success. Due to other contracts, Yack and Taylor at the time, were unavailable.

“It was critical for the Ice Box to implement these changes and have them finalized prior to training camp," added Dr. Schneider. "We were very patient and worked diligently with the Ice Box to get these things accomplished. However, continued delays and unacceptable timelines forced us to consider other options.”

The city of Wyandotte has graciously opened its doors and is excited about the Machine playing their home games at the facility. The Machine will play their home opener against defending champion St Louis Bandits at Yack on Fri. Sept. 26 with a second game against the Bandits the next day.

“The Downriver community has been very excited and supportive of our move to the area,” said Motor City coach-GM Matt Romaniski. “Our players are starting to become part of the community, working with youth teams, making appearances at local businesses and working with elementary school reading programs.

"Playing at the Yack Arena will not only showcase one of the finest venues in our league, but also the people and fans that make Downriver area a great place to live.”

Former Whaler Merlini re-signs with Icehawks

The Port Huron Icehawks of the International Hockey League announced Tuesday that they have added rookie defenseman Derek Merlini to the training camp roster for the 2008-09 season.

Merlini (6-foot-6, 245 pounds) joined the Icehawks in January of the 2007-08 season and finished the campaign with five points (two goals, three assists) and a plus-5 rating in 43 regular-season games. He also had one assist in eight playoff games.

The defenseman came to the Icehawks from the University of Windsor where he played parts of two seasons. He also spent five seasons in the OHL with the Erie Otters and Plymouth Whalers (2006).

“Merlini is a big player who towers above his opponents,” Port Huron coach-GM Stan Drulia said. “He is a capable defenseman and could be a big part of our defense if he uses his size in a physical way.”

The 23-year-old native of Clinton Township still qualifies for rookie status in the International Hockey League because he has played in less than 60 professional games.

Merlini joins two other ex-Whalers on the Icehawks this year as forward Kris Vernarsky (1998-2002) and goalie Larry Sterling (2000-2001) signed over the summer.

Michigan players aplenty on NAHL rosters

The North American Hockey League announced Monday the release of the rosters for its 18 teams and a Michigan player is rostered on 16 of them:

ALEXANDRIA BLIZZARD
Jerry Freismuth, F, Grosse Pointe Woods
Josh Munford, F, Muskegon
Ryan Leets, G, Kentwood

ALPENA ICEDIGGERS
Jason Souva, D, Alpena
Ryan Sell, D, Riga
Erik Peterson, F, Alpena
Jimmy McCusker, F, Novi
Jordan Miller, F, Trenton
Ryan Baratono, F, Livonia
Calvin Reed, D, Beverly Hills
J.C. Gulch, D, Temperance
Ryan Timar, F, Farmington Hills
Steve Tulgestka, D, Alpena
Scott Eberline, D, Novi
Clayton Hodges, F, Livonia
Andy Yarber, F, Livonia
Christopher Pobur, D, Detroit
Mike DeGrazia, F, Novi

BISMARCK BOBCATS
Anthony Brown, F, St. Johns
Cody Keefer, F, Big Rapids
Bryan Kozlowski, F, Livonia
Greg Thocker, F, Grand Ledge

FAIRBANKS ICE DOGS
Cody Holzworth, F, Grosse Ile
Matt Anderson, G, Mason

KENAI RIVER BROWN BEARS
Jimmy Hamby, G, Ann Arbor
Robbie Michalka, D, Portage
Rodney Lalonde, D, Utica
Gary Astalos, F, Southgate
Ryan Lemke, F, Clarkston
Robert Scott, F, Shelby Township
Mike Vallier, F, Kalamazoo
Joe Spencer, F, Clinton Township
Nick Dries, G, Lake Orion

MAHONING VALLEY PHANTOMS
Dustin Hopfner, D, Eastpointe
Robert Harrison, D, Lakeville
Michael Gunn, D, Livonia
Nick Kenney, F, Wixom
Brad Smith, F, Trenton
Kyle Verbeek, F, Bloomfield Hills
Nick Shkreli, F, Romeo
Mike Miller, D, Bloomfield Hills
Erik Higby, F, Shelby Township
Doug Clifford, F, Woodhaven

MARQUETTE RANGERS
Kevin Kissaw, G, Goodrich
Austin Accettura, D, Novi
Andy Chovich, D, Macomb
Evan Accettura, D, Novi
Kevin Gravel, D, Kingsford
Jeff Slusser, D, Kentwood
Kent Daavettila, F, Howell
Collin Saint-Onge, F, Marquette
Aaron Pietila, F, Brighton
Nate Milam, F, Westland
Mike Thompson, D, Farmington Hills
Garrett Ladd, F, Fenton
Chad Pietila, F, Milford
Scott Deur, F, Big Rapids
Scott Henegar, F, Trenton
Doug Beck, F, Plymouth
Josh Bussell, F, LaSalle
Jim Gallagher, F, Marquette
Kevin Gibson, F, Grosse Pointe

MOTOR CITY MACHINE
Zach Hansen, G, Dexter
Trevor John, D, Grosse Pointe
Nate Taurence, D, Trenton
Kurtis Anton, F, Rochester Hills
Alec Thieda, D, Rochester Hills
Jake Friedman, F, West Bloomfield
Nick Taurence, F, Trenton
Phil Webb, F, Brownstown
Marco Ruggeri, F, St. Clair Shores
Kevin Bechard, F, Trenton
Dominic Chiappelli, F, Clarkston
Adam Kuhn, F, Southgate
Anthony Olson, F, West Bloomfield
Andrew Tate, F, Canton
Ryan Misiak, F, Shelby Township
R.J. Heath, G, Holly
Joe Rogers, G, Marysville

NORTH IOWA OUTLAWS
Alex Charette, D, Wolverine Lake
Jacob DeSano, D, Washington Township

OWATONNA EXPRESS
Carson Curran, D, Flint

SPRINGFIELD JR. BLUES
Matt Globke, F, Bloomfield

ST. LOUIS BANDITS
Billy Balent, F, Waterford
Chris Ciotti, F, Romeo
Ryan Rashid, F, Farmington Hills

TOPEKA ROADRUNNERS
Eric Artman, D, East Lansing
Colin Smith, F, Macomb
Steve Shafer, F, Rochester

TRAVERSE CITY NORTH STARS
Brandon Stephenson, G, Saline
Travis White, D, Sterling Heights
Bo Jacobs, D, Muskegon
Chris Heineman, D, New Boston
Tyler Stephenson, D, Rockford
David Johnstone, F, Grand Ledge
Kyle Jean, F, Sault Ste. Marie
Eric McLintock, F, Traverse City
Eric O'Hearn, F, Traverse City
Josh Miller, F, Trenton
Garrett Thompson, F, Traverse City
Ryan Amin, F, Canton
Marc Thompson, F, Traverse City
Dean Pawlaczyk, F, Madison Heights
Jarrod Labelle, F, Midland
Sean Burke, F, Traverse City
Phil Wendecker, D, Westland
C.J. Motte, G, Port Huron
Dallas Kniss, G, Traverse City

WENATCHEE WILD
D.J. Vandercook, F, Farmington Hills
Michael Voran, F, Livonia

WICHITA FALLS WILDCATS
Zachary Trotman, D, Novi
Patrick Cahill, F, Farmington Hills
Adam Sponseller, F, Mt. Pleasant
Sean Mckenzie, F, Howell
Ricky Brown, F, Holt
Jeff McNeil, F, Mulliken
Tim Opie, F, Troy
Zachary Rourke, F, Oxford
Mike Jarboe, G, Grosse Pointe Park
Philip Graveline, G, Marshall
Curtis Heinz, D, Grand Rapids

Ann Arbor Futures field announced

The North American Hockey League, in conjunction with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program, announced Monday the field for the season’s second Sherwood Future Prospects Tournament.

The event, which will be held in conjunction with the second annual NAHL/Sherwood Top Prospects Tournament from January 16-19, 2009 at the Ice Cube in Ann Arbor, will feature eight teams at the U18 (Midget Major) level, 20 at the U16 (Midget Minor) level and six at the U14 (Bantam) level.

U18 Division

Dallas Penguins

LA Selects

Lansing Capitals

Motor City Machine

Ohio AAA Blue Jackets

Pikes Peak Miners

San Jose Jr. Sharks

St. Louis Selects

U16 Division

Belle Tire

Chicago Fury

Chicago Mission

Colorado Thunderbirds

Compuware

Dallas Penguins

Honeybaked

LA Selects

Little Caesars

Mahoning Valley

Motor City Machine

Ohio AAA Blue Jackets

Pikes Peak Miners

Pittsburgh Hornets

S2 AAA Hockey

San Jose Jr. Sharks

St. Louis AAA Blues

Team Illinois

TPH Thunder

Victory Honda

U14 Division

Chicago Fury

Compuware

LA Selects

Ohio AAA Blue Jackets

S2 AAA Hockey

TPH Thunder

More information on the Future Prospects Tournament, including tournament-approved hotels and the schedule, will be released this week.

Former Whaler Drew earns ECHL contract

The Dayton Bombers of the ECHL have signed former Plymouth Whalers goaltender Paul Drew for the 2008-09 season.

As per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Drew enters his first professional season after playing four years at the University of Prince Edward Island. The Merlin, Ontario, native backstopped 95 games for PEI, collecting a career 3.66 goals-against average and a .881 save percentage. He was twice named team MVP and was selected to the 2007 Atlantic Universities All-Star Team.

“It feels great to get to this point in my career after four years at the collegiate level and I’m anxious to get to Dayton and get the season started,” Drew said. “I’m looking forward to having a shot at being the team’s No. 1 goalie. This is the highest point of my career and I want to help take the team as far as I can.”

Prior to his collegiate career, the 5-foot-10, 190-pound goalie spent four years with the Whalers where he went 73-35-16 with a 2.63 GAA and a .911 SV%.

“Paul comes highly recommended from his coaches at PEI and Plymouth,” said Dayton head coach Bill McDonald. “He has a lot of positive qualities as a goaltender and is an outstanding individual when it comes to attitude, character and leadership.”

Late draft pick McCauley signs with Whalers

The Flint Junior Generals of the Central States Hockey League have announced that 17-year-old forward Myles McCauley will play for the Plymouth Whalers in the Ontario Hockey League this coming season.

The 6-foot-2, 190-pound McCauley came in at midseason during the 2007-08 season and played 21g ames, scoring 7 goals.

"The CSHL was a good experience for Myles," said Flint GM Kelly Cronk. "He learned what junior hockey was all about coming from the Honeybaked midget AAA program. The Flint Junior Generals are proud of Myles and wish him luck in his future with the Whaler program."

McCauley, a Sterling Heights native, was drafted by Plymouth in the 14th round (279th overall) of the 2007 OHL Priority Selection from the Belle Tire Spartans.

Rangers acquire tough Deur from Brown Bears

The Marquette Rangers continued their preparations for the upcoming North American Hockey League season with the acquisition of Scott Deur from the Kenai River Brown Bears of the NAHL West Division.

The 5-foot-11, 175-pound forward from downstate Big Rapids finished the 2007-08 NAHL season with six goals and 10 assists and a -2 plus/minus rating in 48 games for Kenai River.

“Scott will add a dimension to this team that we really didn’t have,” said Rangers head coach Kenny Miller. “He’s tough, hard-nosed and gives us a strong physical presence on the ice which is an area we needed to improve on if we were to be successful this year. Scott can play that physical game, but is also capable of adding to our offense as the season goes along. He’s a well-rounded hockey player who we feel will fit right in with the players already on our roster.”

Miller added that Deur’s style of play is one the fans will notice right away.

“Scott will no doubt be appreciated by the fans this year," said Miller. "He works hard, he leads by example, he makes things happen and he’s the kind of guy you know is on the ice when he takes his shift. We’re confident he’ll be a great addition to the Rangers and to what we’re trying to accomplish this season.”

TC's Jean commits to Lake Superior State

It wasn’t long after Kyle Jean’s family moved to Sault Ste. Marie from California that the youngster began to take a rooting interest in the local Lake Superior State University hockey team.

Almost 15 years later, Lake Superior State has a rooting interest in Kyle Jean.

The Traverse City North Stars forward effectively fulfilled the ‘local boy makes good’ axiom by accepting a scholarship to play at LSSU, starting in the fall of 2009.

“It’s pretty amazing,” said Jean, who reported to Traverse City on Sunday for the start of the current campaign. “I used to love going to Lakers games, I had a Lakers jersey – Kurt Miller even gave me an autographed stick one time. I never thought I’d get the opportunity to actually play there, to play in the CCHA, and now it’s becoming a reality. It’s pretty sick.”

Ailments aside, Jean is described as a veritable kid-in-a-candy-store when he hits the rink by another Lake Stater, North Stars head coach-GM Anthony Palumbo.

“He has the talent and the work ethic, but he just loves the game of hockey,” said Palumbo, who hailed from just across the boarder in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. and captained LSSU to an NCAA championship in 1989. “Kyle eats, breathes, and sleeps the game. His natural enthusiasm just to lace ’em up is something that has an effect on the (other) guys.”

Jean, seeking a regular shift in the North American Hockey League, asked the Marquette Rangers to trade him, and a deal was reached to bring him to TC early in January. He played in 42 games between the Stars and Rangers, collecting seven goals and four assists to go with 30 minutes of box time. All five of his goals with Traverse City came against his former team, including a trio of goals in the final weekend series of the 2007-08 season - a sweep that clinched the SmithBarney Challenge Cup series with Marquette.

“Kyle just scratched the surface of his immense potential,” Palumbo opined. “He’s a big kid (6-3, 210), but he can play the finesse game too. I think a local kid with his skill set and character will be a great fit for the (LSSU) program.”

Jean, who amassed a 3.5 GPA en route to the collegiate ranks, plans to major in business. In the meantime, he knows the North Stars – who narrowly missed the final NAHL North playoff berth by two points last season – have some unfinished business.

“Of course, the ultimate goal is to first get in the playoffs, then to advance and play for a national championship,” Jean offered. “I think we’d all agree on those goals, team-wise. I’m not looking for a certain number of goals or points or anything like that. If we go out and play the best we can, the wins will come – and part of that is just going out and having fun and playing like we did when we were kids.”

Kids with Lakers jerseys, that is.

Photo by John L. Russell/Great Lakes Images

Four Michigan natives on NTDP U-18 roster

Four players from Michigan have made the final roster for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program's Under-18 Team.

All four - defenseman Cam Fowler (Farmington Hills) and forwards Kevin Lynch (Grosse Pointe), Kenny Ryan (Franklin Village) and A.J. Treais (Bloomfield Hills) - played on the Under-17 Team last season.

Fowler has committed to Notre Dame, Lynch and Treais to Michigan and Ryan to Boston College. All commitments, except for Ryan (2010-2011), are for the 2009-2010 season.

Lynch is also a 2007 Plymouth Whalers draft pick (third round, 56th overall) and Fowler was a first-round pick of the Windsor Spitfires this past May, joining Ryan who went in the seventh round to Windsor last year. Treais was a 15th-round pick of the Niagara IceDogs in 2007.

Full roster HERE.

Treais photo courtesy USA Hockey

More scrimmages for Plymouth today

The Whites came out in the morning with a 5-2 victory over the Blues in a Plymouth Whalers training camp scrimmage. AJ Jenks tallied two goals and an assist in the win.

Jan Látal (1-1), Ali Dakroub and Tyler Seguin (1-1) also added goals for the Whites. Tyler G. Brown and Beau Schmitz replied for the Blues. In the practice shootout, DJ Hastings and Peter Neal scored for the Whites, while Colin MacDonald and Ryan Hayes replied for the Blues.

The teams will meet again from 2-4 p.m. in another scrimmage this afternoon. The scrimmage is open to the public and rosters will be provided.

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Free agent Ali Dakroub scored a pair of goals to lead the Whites to a 4-2 victory over the Blues in the scrimmage held this afternoon at Compuware Arena.

Peter Neal (younger brother of Whaler alum James Neal) and Christian Steingraber scored the other goals for the Whites. Patrick Lee and Beau Schmitz replied for the Blues.

The Whalers practice Friday moring at 10 a.m. and then will host Windsor in preseason action on Saturday at 2 p.m. at Compuware Arena.

Whalers start inter-squad scrimmages today

Tyler Seguin (2-1) and AJ Jenks scored two goals apeice as the Whites defeated the Blues, 4-3, in a Plymouth Whalers training camp scrimmage played played Wednesday afternoon at Compuware Arena.

Ryan Hayes scored twice for the Blues, while Chad Rutkowski added a single. Jordon O'Neill recorded two assists for the Whites.

Hayes tallied the only goal in the post-game shootout for the Blues, scoring on goaltender Scott Wedgewood. Matt Hackett pitched a shutout in the shootout for the Whites, going 7-for-7.

The Blues and Whites played two 30-minutes halves with one fight - Buddy Wightman vs. Mike Yovanic early in the second half.

FIRST HALF:
Whites - Tyler Seguin (Jordon O'Neill, Vern Cooper) 0:23
Blues - Ryan Hayes (Tyler G. Brown, Chris Terry) 11:33.
Whites - Tyler Seguin (Tyler J. Brown, Buddy Wightman) 14:16

SECOND HALF:
Whites - AJ Jenks (Jordon O'Neill, Christian Steingraber) 4:20
Blues - Chad Rutkowski (Mike Yovanic, Myles McCauley) 6:20
Blues - Ryan Hayes (Chris Terry, Patrick Lee) 8:15
Whites - AJ Jenks (Tyler Seguin) 8:43

The Blues and Whites meet from 9-11 a.m. and 2-4 p.m. in scrimmages on Thursday. The scrimmages are open to the public. Rosters will be provided.

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Brendan McLeskey scored the deciding goal in a shootout as the Blues defeated the Whites, 6-5, in the Plymouth Whalers first training camp scrimmage held this morning at Compuware Arena.

Goaltenders Jeremy Smith and Scott Wedgewood went eight shooters apiece before McLeskey won the game. Beau Schmitz scored the other Blues goal in the shootout. AJ Jenks replied in the shootout for the Whites.

Before the shootout, Patrick Lee scored twice for the Blues and added an assist. Chris Terry (1-1), RJ Mahalak (1-3) and Ryan Hayes scored single goals, while Jamie Devane added two assissts. Tyler Seguin, Tyler J. Brown, Kaine Geldart (1-1), Christian Steingraber and Jenks (1-1) scored for the Whites with Jan Látal notching two assists.

The teams played two 30-minute halves this morning with no fights.

FIRST HALF:
Blues - Chris Terry (Tyler G. Brown, Colin MacDonald) 5:02
Blues - Patrick Lee (Jamie Devane, RJ Mahalak) 7:26
Whites - Tyler Seguin (AJ Jenks, Jan Látal) 10:30
Blues - Patrick Lee (Jamie Devane, RJ Mahalak) 12:53
Whites - Tyler J. Brown (Joe Gaynor, Kaine Geldart) 14:21
Blues - Ryan Hayes (Chris Terry, RJ Mahalak) 17:56

SECOND HALF:
Whites - Kaine Geldart (Ryan Jablonski, Leo Jenner) 8:10
Blues - RJ Mahalak (Patrick Lee) 12:40
Whites - Christian Steingraber 15:13
Whites - AJ Jenks (Jan Látal, Vern Cooper) 16:31

The Blues and Whites play again this afternoon at 2:00 p.m.

Saginaw opens exhibition play next Saturday

The Saginaw Spirit will play its first exhibition game of the season against the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds on Saturday, September 6 at 7:11 p.m. at the Saginaw Bay Ice Arena.

General admission tickets for the game are on-sale now at several Spirit ticket locations for only $7 each.

The team will play the Greyhounds the following day at Sault Ste. Marie and then play a two-game series against the Niagara IceDogs September 13 and September 14. The first game of the series will be played in Niagara and the second game will be played in Woodstock, Ont., in support of charity.