Paliafito and Patafie hired in Saginaw

The Saginaw Spirit has announce several key additions to its hockey operations staff with the hiring of James Paliafito in the position of director of scouting and Brian Patafie as the team’s athletic trainer and equipment manager.

The hirings represent a huge win for the organization as it continues to develop both its on-ice and off-ice product.

Paliafito brings nearly 30 years of sports business experience to the Spirit. Most recently, he served as the VP of player personnel for the USHL's Indiana Ice. While with the Ice, the Shelbyville, Ky., resident ran the team’s draft and conducted all player transactions. His efforts helped field the current Ice team that is currently competing in the USHL championship.

Prior to working with Indiana, Paliafito was a sports agent in the NFL for 20 years and represented several Heisman Trophy winners. His father was also a partner in a group that owned the Chicago Bulls in the late 1960s.

“I am very excited about joining the Spirit family and a great league,” stated Paliafito. “I look forward to the OHL draft and the opportunity to help build a championship team with head coach (Todd) Watson and the rest of the staff.”

"Jim's reputation throughout the world of junior hockey precedes him here in Saginaw,” stated Spirit president and partner Craig Goslin. “He has been a consistent champion as a major ingredient to the Indiana Ice in the USHL. He also has been regarded by many in the NHL as one of the top scouts in the amateur ranks. Jim is very familar with the Ontario-based draft-eligible talent, making him a great fit for the model that Todd Watson is building here in Saginaw."

Patafie is considered one of the premier and most respected trainers in the sport of hockey, having accumulated over 32 consecutive years of experience. He spent eight years with the OHL's Ottawa 67’s, including the last six seasons, and 15 years with the Calgary Flames organization. Patafie is also the author of the recently released book "ICE IT DOWN - A Look At Pro Hockey Through A Trainers Eyes!"

“My family and I are very excited about the opportunity that awaits us in Saginaw," Patafie said. "Coming into the Dow Events Center over the last six years as part of the Ottawa 67's staff, I have witnessed that it is an exciting and fun atmosphere for the fans, but it is a tough building for the visiting teams. (Former Ottawa head coach) Brian Kilrea used to say to us before the games in Saginaw, ‘We are already down a man, their fans are their extra man!’ We feel very blessed to be moving to Saginaw and joining such a fine organization.”

"Along with being a personal friend of mine for the past eight years, Brian Patafie is regarded by many as the premier athletic trainer/equipment manager in the entire business,” stated Goslin. “Brian's reputation of being a family man and a major support for the players that he works with are just a few of the reasons that we selected him to be a part of the Spirit organization. He has written a book and has been the focus on many positive stories that have been written about his life in the business of hockey.

"Brian's positive attitude and championship pedigree are elements that we welcome to the Saginaw Spirit."

Younger Mahalak, Jenner to be drafted

Saturday’s version of the annual OHL Priority Selection takes on a little more significance for Plymouth Whalers left wing RJ Mahalak than just adding a handful of new teammates for the upcoming season.

Mahalak’s brother, Matt, is one of the top-rated goaltenders in the draft and is considered by several pundits as a potential first round selection.

“It’s a different experience for him than it was for me,” said RJ of his brother’s approach to the OHL’s spring selection process.

RJ stayed at home in Michigan and played his preparatory midget hockey in the Belle Tire minor system, racking up a state and national championship in the year preceding his selection by the Whalers in the fourth round two springs ago in 2007.

Matt, however, decided to move to Indiana and play for Culver Military Academy as the next step in his hockey career.

“It’s a big opportunity for Matt,” said RJ. “I just wish him good luck. I don’t know if I’ll be playing against him or not. Right now, he has all his options open to him for next season.”

Listed as 6-foot-2, 175 pounds, Matt “is long and lanky and moves well for a big goaltender” according to his older brother.

“He plays the puck very well,” noted RJ. Laughing, he added, “I think that’s from all the time he spent in the basement as a kid practicing his puck handling. He passed me up already, size-wise, and my parents think that’s pretty funny.”

Even though Matt may choose to spend next season, his senior year, at Culver, RJ thinks he’s ready to take the next step in his development.

“He’s ready to make a move up in competition,” said RJ. “He’s a level-headed, smart kid. He gets good grades in school. He can handle any of the challenges he’ll face.”

Look for another Whalers brother to be drafted early as defenseman Leo Jenner's youngest brother, Boone, is expected to be a first round draft pick.

The Whalers have the 13th overall selection at the 2009 OHL Priority Selection and complete coverage of all the Whalers draft picks can be found on plymouthwhalers.com. Don't miss any of the OHL selections as the league's website will have the draft picks up-to-date as they occur.

By: Bob Miller
Special for plymouthwhalers.com

Marquette's Partacz makes D-III choice

Former Marquette Rangers forward Dustin Partacz has committed to play college hockey next season at Concordia University in Mequon, Wis.

The Falcons are a member of the NCAA Division III Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association and are coached by former University of North Dakota forward and Hobey Baker Award winner Tony Hrkac.

“It’s been a great experience,” Patracz said of the recruiting process. “I have grown from it as a person and I’m excited to finally find a school where I can play hockey, hit the books and move on to the next chapter of my life. I really enjoyed my time in Marquette and I’m grateful to the organization for three great years.”

Partacz hopes to major in Radiology while at Concordia.

The Naperville, Ill., native played three seasons in Marquette and was a member of the original roster when the team was formed in 2006. He concluded his junior career second on the all-time list for games played as a Ranger with 162, while adding 18 goals and 23 assists during his career.

Rangers head coach Kenny Miller said that although Partacz’s numbers may not turn too many heads, he’s grateful to have had him and his leadership in the lineup during this past season.

“Dustin is the ultimate team player,” said Miller. “Every coach should consider themself lucky if they are able to coach a player like Dustin once in their career. Our entire organization is happy for him and his family. He’s very deserving of this opportunity. Dustin is a first-class kid and I enjoyed coaching him very much this past season and he’ll do well at Concordia and as a young man in society.”

Partacz becomes the seventh player from the 2008-09 Rangers roster to commit to play college hockey.

Metro staff pleased with weekend's camp

The Metro Jets started their efforts of putting this past season behind them with a two-day pre-CSHL draft camp last weekend at Lakeland Arena.

More than 30 players came to the camp with hopes of impressing the Jets' brass enough to make the team next fall and help Metro improve on their seven-win season of 2008-2009.

"I was pretty happy this weekend," Jets assistant coach Ryan Skop said. "We had a turnout of just about what we expected. We had a real good mix of veterans and prospects on each squad and it was fun to watch how well they worked together."

The camp consisted of up-tempo scrimmages and goalie changes on the fly. If nothing else, the camp provided optimism to a team that searched to find that last season.

"Certainly, we still have plenty of work to do," said Skop. "However, after this weekend, I'm confident we're headed in the right direction. After getting a chance to see our top prospects on the ice together, I'm really excited to get to the draft (May 23-24) and get to main camp (in mid-July)."

"The consensus was that the camp was successful," added Metro GM Butch Wolfe. "In my opinion, it did what it was supposed to do. It gave us a look at players we are considering taking in the draft in a bit more of a competitive environment."

Still, the camp did have one minor negative and that was players that had committed to coming to camp decided not to. In Skop's mind, that's not even an issue and he actually put a spin on it to be a positive in the long run.

"Anytime you hold any sort of camp or tryout, you're going to have letdowns and you're going to have some surprises," added Skop. "It's safe to say the surprises far outweigh the letdowns from the weekend. There were two or three guys who were further down our radar, or not on it at all, that jumped up and made a name for themselves. That's what we wanted."

"For now, though, it's back to the rinks and phones to continue talking to and recruiting players."

Greeley to play for CSHL at Toronto tourney

Goaltender Colin Greeley, who led the Metro Jets in wins last season, has been named to a team of Central States Hockey League All-Stars that will play at the Toronto Prospects Tournament this summer.

Greeley, a 16-year-old native of Howell, went 4-18-0 last year with a 6.56 goals-against average and a .839 save percentage.

Cleveland goalie Gregg Gruehl will be Greeley's counterpart at the tournament.

The rest of the roster is HERE.

Terry wins OHL's Snyder Humanitarian Award

The Ontario Hockey League today announced that forward Chris Terry of the Plymouth Whalers is the recipient of the Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy as the OHL’s Humanitarian of the Year for the 2008-09 season.

Terry, a 20-year-old from Brampton, Ontario, has consistently been a leader for the Whalers franchise at events in the Plymouth community and surrounding area throughout his career. This season, the fourth-year veteran and team captain averaged more than two official player appearances per week, always demonstrating a positive attitude and serving as a role model for many young fans.

“I love going out to schools to read and interact with the kids” said Terry. “I never felt obligated to do it, I just really enjoyed seeing their excitement when we would arrive, it was always a lot of fun” added Terry. “It has been exciting to see our fan base in Plymouth grow by reaching the community in the years I have been here and I have a lot of great memories, I always enjoyed what we did.”

Terry spent a great deal of time visiting schools and reading to kids. He was active in the Whalers Learn to Skate and Learn to Play programs and always heavily involved and enthusiastic in events with season ticket holders and their families. He is always the first to sign up for events and to volunteer his time on days off. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month this past October, Terry was the first Whaler to volunteer to dye his hair pink which led to the entire team participating. Together they helped raise money for the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute.

Terry’s professional conduct, leadership, and willingness to give back to the community certainly made impressions with his teammates who have learned from his actions, including Ryan Hayes. “Terry just takes over at these appearances and does all the work and I just follow his lead” said Hayes. “I need to give him credit; he just makes it look easy.”

“You can tell he genuinely cares when he is out in the community,” says Natalie Shaver of the Whalers. “He wants to have a positive affect on everyone and takes the extra step to ensure everyone is included. People request him because of the relationships he builds with the kids."

Last season, Terry developed a special relationship with one of his young fans, Bobby Suvoy, a 16-year-old boy who had been diagnosed with ALS which is commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. He spent time visiting with Bobby and checking in with the family for updates on his health even when the team was on the road. When Bobby’s health took a turn for the worse, Terry visited the Suvoy home early in the morning following a team road-trip where they arrived in Plymouth around 5:00 am. Terry was able to spend a few hours with Bobby and sign a jersey in front of Suvoy’s relatives that had travelled from across the country to be there. When Bobby Suvoy passed away on May 6, 2008, many people thanked Terry for the positive influence and contributions he made towards Bobby’s life.

The Suvoy’s have said that Terry is “so selfless and caring to take time out of his exciting and busy schedule to stay in touch with our sick child. Chris remains a true friend even today.”

On the ice, Terry finished second in league scoring with 94 points including 39 goals and 55 assists in 53 games. He was named a Western Conference All-Star and the Kal Tire OHL Player of the Month for both December and February. Terry is a Carolina Hurricanes draft pick, selected in the fifth round of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

Each year the OHL awards a player that has demonstrated outstanding qualities as a positive role model in the community with the Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy. The Ontario Hockey League Board of Governors announced in 2004 that the OHL Humanitarian of the Year award would be renamed in recognition of the former Owen Sound Platers captain, who was twice named his team's humanitarian of the year in recognition of his tremendous efforts in supporting community activities.

Terry is the first member of the Plymouth Whalers hockey club to receive the Humanitarian of the Year Award. Andrew Gibbons received the award in 2006-07 with the Belleville Bulls, with the award presented to Peter Stevens of the Kingston Frontenacs last season.

Photo by Walt Dmoch/Plymouth Whalers

Whalers announce annual award winners

The Ontario Hockey League’s Plymouth Whalers finished the 2008-09 season Monday night with an awards banquet held at CJ’s Brewing Company at Compuware Arena.

The following players received awards:

REGULAR SEASON MOST VALUABLE PLAYER, LEADING SCORER, ACADEMIC PLAYER and HUMANITARIAN of the YEAR: Captain Chris Terry, who led the Whalers with 39 goals and 55 assists for 94 points and was +25 during the regular season. Terry is third overall in franchise career scoring with 114 goals and 175 assists for 289 points in 253 games. Selected by the Carolina Hurricanes in the fifth round (132nd overall) in the 2007 National Hockey League Entry Draft, Terry must be signed by the Hurricanes by this summer’s NHL Entry Draft. Terry has been a leader in the Whalers’ community relations efforts over the past three seasons and is Plymouth’s nominee for the OHL’s Dan Snyder Award as Humanitarian of the Year.

ROOKIE of the YEAR: Center Tyler Seguin, who scored 21 goals with 46 assists for 67 points and was +14 in 61 games.

DEFENSEMAN of the YEAR: Defenseman Michal Jordan, who scored 12 goals with 30 assists for 42 points and was a team-leading +28 in 58 games. Jordan – a fourth-round pick (105th overall) of the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft – played for the Czech Republic in the 2008 and 2009 World Junior Championship.

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER of the YEAR and PLAYOFF MVP: Goaltender Matt Hackett, who won the lead goaltender’s position with the Whalers in November and posted a career-best 3.04 goals-against average, .913 save percentage, two shutouts and a 34-13-3-0 record in 55 games for the Whalers this season. Hackett continued his fine work through the playoffs, posting a 3.01 goals-against average and .930 save percentage in 11 playoff appearances. Hackett is rated by the NHL’s Central Scouting Bureau as top prospect among all North American goaltenders for this summer’s NHL Entry Draft.

UNSUNG HERO of the YEAR: Center Matt Caria, who came to the Whalers in December in a trade with Sault Ste. Marie and scored 34 goals with 58 assists for 92 points, which tied him for fourth in league scoring, and was +14 in 67 games this season. Currently a free agent, Caria is playing for a professional contract next season.

LABATT BLUE COLLAR PLAYER of the YEAR: Veteran center Joe Gaynor, who enjoyed career highs with 12 goals and 18 assists for 30 points and was +7 in 68 games this season. Gaynor is one of the best defensive forwards in the OHL and could return to the Whalers next season as an overage player.

LEADING SCORER IN THE PLAYOFFS (tie): Terry, who scored seven goals with nine assists for 16 points and Seguin, who tallied five goals with 11 assists for 16 points.

WHALER BOOSTER CLUB AWARDS: Barb Mohrlock Award as Fan Favorite – Terry; Player of the Month for March - Caria; Academic Player of the Month - Tyler J. Brown; Grinder of the Year - Gaynor.

WHALER OFF-ICE OFFICIALS: Alice Iafrate Award – Brett Bellemore. Certificates and cash awards to Caria and Scott Fletcher.

Plymouth's Hackett top NHL goalie prospect

The National Hockey League’s Central Scouting Bureau has named Plymouth Whalers goaltender Matt Hackett as the top prospect among North American goaltenders for the upcoming NHL Entry Draft, held June 26-27 in Montreal.

Hackett moved up the Central Scouting list from not being listed in the preliminary rankings to eighth in the mid-term rankings to No. 1 in Central Scouting final list released Tuesday.

"A huge improvement over last year," Central Scouting's Al Jensen, the group's goalie specialist, told NHL.com. "Great potential, got very good size (6-2, 170), very poised. His angles, his net positioning are very good. He's a very smart goaltender with excellent net coverage."

Hackett, who posted a 3.04 goals-against average, .913 save percentage, two shutouts and a 34-13-3-0 record in 55 games for the Whalers this season, started 2008-09 as a backup to Jeremy Smith. But when Plymouth struggled at the start of the season, Hackett won the lead goaltender’s position in November and was effective all year. Hackett continued his fine work through the playoffs, posting a 3.01 goals-against average and .930 save percentage in 11 playoff appearances.

Hackett was named ADT Canadian Hockey League Goaltender of the Week twice this season – for the weeks ending January 10 and March 31. In addition, Hackett started 29 consecutive regular season games from January 9-March 15 and continued with 11 straight playoff starts from March 21-April 11.

“You look at Matt, and he’s a pure goaltender,” said Whalers goaltending coach Stan Matwijiw. “He’s the type of goaltender that NHL teams are looking for. He’s big in stature and takes up a lot of net. He’s very fundamentally sound. The work that I’ve done with him is tweaking a thing here and there. He’s already had good instruction, with his uncle (former NHL goaltender Jeff Hackett) already a goaltending coach in the NHL (for Colorado).”

“He’s taken the ball and run it with,” said Plymouth general manager and head coach Mike Vellucci earlier this year. “He’s improved his reflexes and his rebound control is very good. One of the things I like about Matt is the fact that the players play really well for him. He’s a likeable guy, and our guys play great and want to play in front of him. They help him, they block shots and they clear the pucks away from in front of the net.”

While London’s John Tavares has been rated first or second in the Central Scouting’s rating all season long, Hackett has come a long way during his time with the Whalers. Hackett, acquired by the Whalers from Windsor on November 13, 2007, was Windsor’s third-string goaltender at the time he came to Plymouth.

Plymouth defenseman Beau Schmitz was also listed by Central Scouting at 195th overall.

VELLUCCI FINISHES THIRD IN MATT LEYDEN TROPHY VOTING: Although Vellucci didn’t start the season behind the Whalers bench, he still finished third in the voting for the Matt Leyden Trophy as the Ontario Hockey League’s Coach of the Year. Vellucci, who took over for Greg Stefan on November 10, finished third in the voting, behind Windsor’s Bob Boughner and Belleville’s George Burnett.

Boughner, who won the Matt Leyden Trophy for the second consecutive year, finished in the voting with 58 points, Burnett with 38 and Vellucci with 34.

Vellucci won the Matt Leyden Award in 2007.

Photo by Walt Dmoch/Plymouth Whalers

Trio of Spirit players ranked for NHL Draft

The National Hockey League's Central Scouting Bureau released its final rankings of the top prospects for the 2009 NHL Entry Draft Tuesday and three Saginaw Spirit players made the cut.

Spirit goalie Edward Pasquale (pictured) was ranked the third North American goalie entering the draft, while forward Jordan Szwarz was ranked 68th and defenseman Cody Sol was ranked 192nd amongst North American skaters.

"These guys worked really hard to get to this point, and it's a great honor for both the players and the organization to have them ranked for the upcoming NHL Entry Draft," stated Spirit assistant coach and director of hockey administration Adam Mattson.

The 2009 NHL Entry Draft takes place in Montreal on June 26 and June 27.

Pasquale and forward Szwarz have also been invited to attend the NHL Scouting Combine taking place in Toronto from May 25-May 30. The two players will join approximately 100 other top prospects of the upcoming NHL Entry Draft for the combine and will be put through vigorous physical, medical and psychological tests that will help NHL teams rank the players in their draft boards.

Spirit prospect named NAHL's top rookie

The North American Hockey League announced today that Mahoning Valley Phantoms forward Brandon Saad has been named Rookie of the Year.

Saad, from Gibsonia, Pa., totaled 29 goals among 47 points in 47 regular-season games with the Phantoms. He was also a team-best plus-21.

“Brandon is the most well-rounded prospect I’ve coached, or even seen,” said Phantoms head coach Bob Mainhardt. “He pretty much can do it all. He’s very dominant physically, does a very good job defensively, wins battles, and, for a big man (6-foot-2, 195 pounds), has unbelievable agility.”

Saad, 16, was also a member of the U.S. National Under-17 Team that earned a bronze medal at the 2009 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge held in Port Alberni, British Columbia, in December-January. He was named to the tournament’s all-star team after finishing tied for the team lead in scoring (four goals, five assists).

“He’s very mature for a young man,” Mainhardt added. “He’s really dealt with all the attention he’s gotten very well. He’s just a part of the team. He’s a funny, regular 16-year-old. He’s a little more mature, but you can see the kid in him sometimes. He just loves playing the game and he fits in well. His teammates love him.”

Saad, a three-time winner of the Sherwood/NAHL North Division Player of the Week Award, was also named to the NAHL All-Rookie Team.

“Because of his size and physical stature, we joke that we need to check his birth certificate because he’s so young,” said Mainhardt. “He’s the youngest player on our team, but he looks like one of the older guys and he carries himself that way, too.”

The Ontario Hockey League's Saginaw Spirit drafted Saad in the first round of last May's priority selection out of the Pittsburgh Hornets organization.

Jets seek new talent at pre-draft camp

Three weeks from now, the Metro Jets may get to see a glimpse of their future as 40 of their top-rated prospects will take part in a pre-CSHL Draft camp at Lakeland Arena.

For assistant coach Ryan Skop, it's something he and the rest of the coaching staff are definitely looking forward to.

"The pre-draft camp is something that's new to the Jets," Skop said. "Instead of doing a once a week 'drop-in skate' or something like that, we decided to make it more formal. What we're looking to do is get our top 40 prospects on the ice, together, prior to the draft."

Skop added that he hopes the players that come out can help the Jets improve on their seven-win season they suffered through this year.

"It's a camp designed more for the players than anything," said Skop. "We want to show them the quality players we have coming out and that we're trying to recruit to Metro. A lot of guys are apprehensive in coming to Metro because of our recent lack of success, but I'm hoping that if they can get on the ice together and see the talent that's there, they'll decide to see what we have to offer.

"On top of that, it allows guys who are going to North American Hockey League camps an opportunity to play a weekend of very competitive hockey and a chance to stay on the ice."

The camp will run April 25-26 for two hours each day with times to be determined shortly. Practice jerseys will be provided and cost is just $40 total for both days.

For more information, call Ryan Skop at (734) 771-3139.

Three Stars, one Ranger named All-North

The North American Hockey League announced today its All-North Division Team for the 2008-09 season, as selected by the league’s coaches and general managers.

Forward: Kyle Bonis, Traverse City North Stars
Forward: Chad Pietila, Marquette Rangers
Forward: Brandon Saad, Mahoning Valley Phantoms
Defenseman: Cullen Lundholm, Mahoning Valley Phantoms
Defenseman: Travis White, Traverse City North Stars
Goaltender: CJ Motte, Traverse City North Stars

The All-Central, All-West and All-South Teams are HERE.

North Stars get tough Phantoms in first round

Back on March 13, the Traverse City North Stars turned a 2-2 second period tie at Mahoning Valley into a 9-2 loss, with the host Phantoms rattling off the final seven scores of the contest.

Stars head coach-GM Anthony Palumbo and staff were rankled, to say the least.

Since that time, Traverse City has gone 6-0-1 – including a pair of subsequent victories at Mahoning – and will look to continue their elevated play well into the NAHL Playoffs. The North Stars will open their first postseason since 2006 on Friday at the same place where the club’s late-season resurgence kicked off: Mahoning Valley.

“We lost 9-2 and it wasn’t that close,” Palumbo recalled. “But since then, we’ve worked very hard to fix the things that put us in that position, and so far the results have been encouraging. Now we put it to the test with the season on the line.”

While TC actually won seven of the teams’ 13 meetings this season, Mahoning has the decided advantage in playoff experience. The Phantoms have advanced to the NAHL championship game in each of the past two seasons.

“It’s the playoffs, so the intensity is certainly up a notch,” continued Palumbo. “Over the course of a 58-game (regular season) schedule, you know you’ll probably drop a game here or there along the way. In the playoffs, there is no such room for error. They know that, and they’ve won some (playoff) series over the years. But we’re hoping we can match their energy. We’re very excited to go.”

The Phantoms, who led the NAHL North Division for most of the season, fell into second place on the final night of the regular season, with Team USA overtaking the two-time national runners-up for the top seed in the playoffs. Mahoning went 36-17-5, finishing a mere two points ahead of Traverse City for the final home-ice position.

“We never really focused on one team or the other,” Palumbo explained. “We knew that either way it fell, we were going to have to go up against one of the best teams in the league. We welcome the challenge no matter who we line up against.”

Stefan Salituro leads the Phantoms with 48 points, including a team-high 34 assists, while Brandon Saad (47 pts.) is the club’s top goal-scorer with 29. Jordy Trottier (46 pts.) and Nick Shkreli (44) are also among Mahoning’s top threats. Nick Kenney had seven goals in 13 outings against the North Stars this year. Goalie Jordan Tibbett is 5-3-1 versus TC, with a 2.08 goals-against average and .924 save percentage.

“They have some real game-changers that we can’t lose track of,” Palumbo said. “But they also have a lot of depth. They are a pretty solid team, front-to-back.”

The North Stars’ top scorers – Kyle Bonis and Kyle Jean – have been at their best against Mahoning this year. Each has seven goals in 13 contests, with Bonis assisting on nine other tallies. Bonis set a team record this year with 30 lamplighters, and leads the NAHL with eight game-winners. C.J. Motte had the finest statistical season in team history for a netkeeper, going 22-9-2 with a 2.30 goals-against average and .918 save percentage to go with his three shutout efforts.

“I’ve watched game films of five Traverse City-Mahoning Valley games so far, and the team that works the hardest has won every one of ‘em,” Palumbo said. “I think we’re fairly close in terms of talent and depth, but we’ll have to outwork them if we want to advance.”

The series opens at the opulent Chevrolet Centre in downtown Youngstown on Friday, followed by a Sunday matinee. The best-of-five series shifts to Traverse City next Thursday and Friday (Apr. 9 and 10), with a decisive Game 5 slated for Easter Sunday in Mahoning should it become necessary.

The b2 Network will provide the video feed of the series, while free audio play-by-play can be heard at http://www.wbbw.com/.

NAHL North Division semifinals (Best-of-5)
Game 1: Friday, April 3 at Mahoning Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Game 2: Sunday, April 5 at Mahoning Valley, 3 p.m.
Game 3: Thursday, April 9 at Traverse City, 7:05 p.m.
Game 4: Friday, April 10 at Traverse City, 7:05 p.m.*
Game 5: Sunday, April 12 at Mahoning Valley, 7 p.m.*

* = if necessary

Marquette goalie Jarboe picks Wentworth

Marquette Rangers goaltender Mike Jarboe has committed to play his college hockey next season in Boston at Division III Wentworth Institute of Technology, a member of the East Coast Athletic Conference Northeast Division.

The Grosse Pointe native came to Marquette from Wichita Falls at the trade deadline in February. He played in four games for Marquette and compiled a total record of 10-13-5 on the season between the Rangers and the Wildcats.

“This is the end of a long road for Mike,” said Rangers head coach Kenny Miller, who also coached Jarboe while the two were in Alpena in 2006-07. “Here’s a guy who had paid his dues and is ready to go on to the next level and contribute to their program. Everyone in our organization is happy for Mike and his family and we’re confident he’ll represent us and the league very well.”

Jarboe made his rounds the NAHL before ending his junior career in Marquette. He had previous stops in Bozeman, St. Louis, Alpena and Wichita Falls and becomes the sixth Rangers player from this year's roster to make a college commitment.

IceDiggers and Stars announce playoff slates

Team USA vs. Alpena IceDiggers
Game 1: Friday, April 3 @ USA, 7:00 p.m.
Game 2: Saturday, April 4 @ USA, 5:00 p.m.
Game 3: Friday, April 10 @ Alpena, 7:00 p.m.
Game 4: Saturday, April 11 @ Alpena, 7:00 p.m.*
Game 5: Sunday, April 12 @ USA, 7:00*

Traverse City North Stars vs. Mahoning Valley Phantoms
Game 1: Friday, April 3 @ Mahoning Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Game 2: Sunday, April 5 @ Mahoning Valley, 3:00 p.m.
Game 3: Thursday, April 9 @ Traverse City, 7:05 p.m.
Game 4: Friday, April 10 @ Traverse City, 7:05 p.m.*
Game 5: Sunday, April 12 @ Mahoning Valley, TBA*

*if necessary

NAHL North Division playoffs set

With five straight wins to close the season, including four last week, the U.S. National Team won the NAHL’s North Division regular-season championship.

After doubling up the Motor City Machine on Tuesday, 8-4, Team USA skated to victories over Motor City on Friday (6-2) and Saturday (4-2). The U.S. team capped off its regular season on Sunday with a 5-3 triumph over the Alpena IceDiggers.

As the No. 1 seed in the North, Team USA will face off against No. 4 Alpena in the first round of the divisional playoffs. The No. 2-seed Mahoning Valley Phantoms will play the Traverse City North Stars in the other divisional semis.

Motor City and the Marquette Rangers did not qualify for the postseason.

Photo by Robert Meyer/NAHL

North Stars, Father Fred team up for charity

Fans of the Traverse City North Stars can support two of their favorite organizations for the duration of the North American Hockey League playoffs - their North Stars and the Father Fred Foundation.

By donating a non-perishable food item, fans can get $2 off a North Stars general admission playoff ticket. The Stars take on Mahoning Valley in the first round of the postseason, with home dates at Centre ICE arena on Thursday, April 9 and Friday, April 10. Two dollars from each ticket sold to fans without a food item will be donated to the Father Fred Food Pantry and the offer stands for as long as the team chases the Robertson Cup.

“We’re delighted to be able to contribute to an exceedingly beneficent community organization such as the Father Fred Foundation – the spirit and impact of the Foundation are shining examples of what makes living in this area so great,” said North Stars owner-president Steve Fournier. “Basically, for every fan that buys a playoff ticket, the food pantry gets a food item or two bucks – and we’re certainly hoping to have as many home games as it takes to win a championship.”

Founded by namesake Father Edwin Frederick in 1989, the Father Fred Foundation serves Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Leelanau counties by providing food, clothing, household goods, financial assistance and hope to thousands of families and individuals in crisis living in the region.

For tickets or more info, call the North Stars ticket office at (231) 941-9200.

OHL Western Conference semifinal dates

Series "E"
WINDSOR vs. PLYMOUTH
Game 1 - Thu Apr 2 7:05 PM Plymouth at Windsor
Game 2 - Sat Apr 4 7:05 PM Windsor at Plymouth
Game 3 - Sun Apr 5 TBA Plymouth at Windsor
Game 4 - Tue Apr 7 7:05 PM Windsor at Plymouth
Game 5 - Thu Apr 9 7:05 PM * Plymouth at Windsor
Game 6 - Sat Apr 11 7:05 PM * Windsor at Plymouth
Game 7 - Mon Apr 13 7:05 PM * Plymouth at Windsor

Series "F"
LONDON vs. SAGINAW
Game 1 - Thu Apr 2 7:00 PM Saginaw at London
Game 2 - Sat Apr 4 7:11 PM London at Saginaw
Game 3 - Sun Apr 5 TBA Saginaw at London
Game 4 - Tue Apr 7 7:11 PM London at Saginaw
Game 5 - Thu Apr 9 7:00 PM * Saginaw at London
Game 6 - Sat Apr 11 7:11 PM * London at Saginaw
Game 7 - Mon Apr 13 7:00 PM * Saginaw at London

*if necessary

Whalers and Spirit both advance

Series C (West)
SAGINAW vs. GUELPH
Saginaw wins series 4 - 0
Game 1 - Sat Mar 21 SAGINAW 6, Guelph 5 (2OT)
Game 2 - Sun Mar 22 Saginaw 3, GUELPH 2
Game 3 - Tue Mar 24 SAGINAW 7, Guelph 6 (2OT)
Game 4 - Thu Mar 26 Saginaw 4, GUELPH 1

Series D (West)
PLYMOUTH vs. SARNIA
Plymouth wins series 4 - 1
Game 1 - Sat Mar 21 Sarnia 2, PLYMOUTH 0
Game 2 - Sun Mar 22 Plymouth 3, SARNIA 2 (OT)
Game 3 - Tue Mar 24 PLYMOUTH 5, Sarnia 1
Game 4 - Thu Mar 26 Plymouth 5, SARNIA 0
Game 5 - Sat Mar 28 PLYMOUTH 8, Sarnia 1

Alpena wins Friday, earns last playoff berth

The Alpena IceDiggers clinched the final NAHL playoff spot Friday night with a clutch victory over the Mahoning Valley Phantoms, 5-2.

With the win, Alpena eliminates the Marquette Rangers from the final spot as Marquette lost Friday to the Traverse City North Stars.

The 'Diggers were led by Jon Puskar with two goals and single tallies going to Erik Peterson, Tyler Pilmore and Adam Bristol.

Alpena's next game is Sunday against the USA Under-17 Team, who can clinch the North Division title with a win Saturday or Sunday against Motor City.

Alpena will either play the USA Under-17s or Mahoning Valley in the first round of the division playoffs starting next weekend.

IceDiggers hoping to make NAHL playoffs

In the run for the final payoff spot in the North Division of the NAHL, five Alpena IceDiggers will be playing their final regular season weekend series.

Ryan Sell, J.C. Gulch, Mike Degrazia, Nick Graves and Erik Peterson will suit up against Mahoning Valley tonight and Friday night and on Sunday against the USA Under-17 Team.

Alpena needs a combination of four points either by Alpena wins or Marquette losses for the final payoff spot.

Graves will leave Alpena as the all-time leader in wins and shutouts with a 42-29-11 record at present and six shutouts.

Peterson, a center, leaves as the the all-time leading scorer with 72 goals, 131 assists and in games played.

Degrazia is second in games played and has scored 33 goals and 56 assists.

Sell and Gulch are both defensemen who have played the last two years after moving up from the Toledo Cherokee of the CSHL. Gulch, an alternate captain, has contributed 11 goals and 31 assists, while Sell has scored six goals and 17 assists.

Partacz not quite ready to leave Marquette

By Mark Evans/Marquette Rangers

Marquette Rangers forward Dustin Partacz says it hasn’t really hit him yet that his time playing junior hockey is coming to a close.

However, the Naperville, Ill., native says that if he had it to do all over again, there are very few things he would change about his time in the Upper Peninsula.

“My time here has gone by unbelievably fast,” Partacz said before his team faced the Motor City Machine this past weekend. “I can’t believe three years came and went this quick, and that it’s time to start looking at the next chapter in my life, but I’ve loved my time in Marquette and with the guys here on the team.”

Partacz is the last remaining member of the original Rangers team which took the ice for the 2006-07 North American Hockey League season. Jim Gallagher, a University of Connecticut recruit, joined the Rangers that year right after the beginning of the season.

Gallagher will also be aged-out of juniors at the end of the season, along with forwards Aaron Pietila and Colin Smith, defenseman Reed Rushing and goaltender Mike Jarboe.

Partacz, who has played in 160 games over his Rangers career (second only to Gallagher’s 166), came to the Rangers after playing high school hockey in the Chicago area, as well as with the Midget AAA Chicago Chill. He said he left Chicago for Marquette not knowing exactly where it was he was going.

“I didn’t even know the U.P. existed before I made the team,” he joked. “I actually had to look it up on the map. I thought it was in Canada at first. But after being here for awhile, getting to know the people and the way of life up here I’m so glad I made Marquette my home for the past three seasons. The people I’ve met here have really helped me grow and become a better person and become who I am today.

“I’m really grateful for the friendships I’ve made both in and out of the locker room during my time here”

Partacz said that the biggest thing to get used to, was the rural setting in Marquette compared to the hustle and bustle of the big city.

“Total culture shock," exclaimed Partacz. "When you grow up in a huge city like Chicago, you never see the same people from day to day. But here you see the same people every day which took some getting used to. It was odd at first with all these trees, too, but I’ve learned to love the outdoors by being here and I think I’ll actually miss the snow.”

Unlike many of his Rangers teammates, Partacz says the next step in his life probably won’t involve organized hockey.

“I had a few offers, but I want to go into radiology, so I’m looking for a school that offers that program; that’s what matters to me most right now," Partacz said. "I could go somewhere and just play hockey, but that wouldn’t be right. As I look at the rest of my life and my education, I want to do what’s going to take me the farthest and that’s getting my degree.”

With his Rangers career winding down, and his team in the midst of a playoff run, Partacz was quick to acknowledge the people in the area who have adopted the team over the years.

“The fans have been great,” he said. “They’ve made playing here a lot of fun and I can’t thank them for all they’ve done for us over the years. I think I’ll be pretty emotional after this Saturday. Hopefully, we’ll be in the playoffs so I’ll have another chance to wear the uniform before I go home.”

Marquette concludes the regular season with two games this Friday and Saturday against the Traverse City North Stars at Lakeview Arena.

Photo by Robert Meyer/NAHL

Pair of Rangers commit to CCHA schools

The Marquette Rangers now have a total of five NCAA Division I commitments from this year's squad.

Defenseman Reed Rushing has been offered a spot at Bowling Green State University of the CCHA, while Chad Pietila will skate for the CCHA’s Northern Michigan Wildcats in Marquette.

They join Rangers teammates Kevin Gravel (St. Cloud State,) Aaron Pietila (Michigan Tech) and James Gallagher (Connecticut) as Division I commitments from head coach Kenny Miller’s team.

“They’re both going to do well at their schools,” Miller said. “They’ve both worked extremely hard to get to this point, both were able to turn some heads over the course of the season and we couldn’t be happier for these guys and their families. There isn’t a kid playing junior hockey that doesn’t dream of making it to D-I college, so we’re very proud as an organization to do our part and help them realize that dream.”

The two players, however, had very different paths to their college destinations. For Rushing, it was more of a process over time, whereas Pietila’s journey from Lakeview Arena across the street to the Berry Events Center was much shorter in both distance and time.

“We started talking seriously about a week ago,” Pietila said of his conversations with NMU. “We talked and they told me where things stood and I decided to take it. It’s such a great opportunity for me as a player, plus I’ve got a lot of family here in the U.P., so it really is a dream for me to be able to stay in Marquette and play for Northern.”

Pietila, a native of Milford, added that playing for the Rangers in Marquette, in such close proximity to NMU, played a part in his becoming a Wildcat.

“Our schedules don’t match up very often, but they had a chance to follow me and see me from time-to-time, which I’m sure played a part in me winding up there," Pietila said. "Coach (Miller) was real helpful in making this happen, too, so I’m grateful to him and everyone in the organization for helping make this happen for me.”

Rushing, a Seattle, Wash., native echoed Pietila on the help he received from Miller and the Rangers.

“Coach was great,” Rushing said. “He communicated with Coach (Scott) Paluch at BG a lot about me and really helped me get in front of them at the right times," said Rushing. "They (BGSU) came to the Future Prospects to watch me play and Coach (Miller) talked to them after that and it all fell in to place from there. I’m grateful to him and the Rangers for helping me to get to this point and I’m excited to be going to BG next year”

Rushing said he’s excited to be a part of a rebuilding process with the Falcons.

“They’ve been down for awhile, but they’re rebuilding and it’ll be exciting to be a part of that," he said. "They have a national championship (1984) already and I hope to be able to get in there and make a difference right away.”

Rushing is in his final year of junior eligibility and came to Marquette from the Motor City Machine last fall in a three-player deal. Pietila is completing his second full season with the Rangers and is currently the team’s leading scorer with 60 points (24g, 36a) on the season.

Pietila photo (top) by Daryl Jarvinen

Motor City's Misiak commits to Mercyhurst

The Motor City Machine has announced that first-year forward Ryan Misiak has committed to Mercyhurst College for the 2011-12 season.

Misiak, a 17-year-old from Shelby Township, is the tenth player who competed in January's NAHL Top Prospects Tournament (pictured above) to commit to a Division I program following the event.

“We couldn’t be happier for Ryan,” said Machine head coach Sean Clark. “He’s worked hard for this opportunity and we have no doubt he’ll be a great fit for the Mercyhurst program.”

Misiak, who ranks second in team scoring with 12 goals among 32 points after 52 games, is the fourth player from this year’s Machine team to commit to an NCAA program, joining Jon Bobb (Army), Trevor John (Tufts University) and Joe Rogers (University of Notre Dame).

Photo by Robert Meyer/NAHL

Marquette needs to keep winning games

As the final two weeks of the North American Hockey League regular season unfold this weekend and next, the Marquette Rangers find themselves in a rather unenviable position.

The team must win and then wait and hope for some help if they are to make the North Division playoffs.

Marquette (23-23-8, 54 pts.) trails the Alpena IceDiggers by three points after splitting an interdivisional series with Alexandria at Lakeview Arena last weekend. The Rangers face the Motor City Machine this weekend before ending the regular season next weekend with two games at home against Traverse City.

Help, however, may lie in the daunting schedule faced by Alpena as they head into the final six games of their season.

The IceDiggers, who also have two games in hand on Marquette, are facing their first of two very difficult weekends this Friday and Saturday facing the U.S. National Team Development Program Under-18 squad at the Ice Cube in Ann Arbor.

The USNTDP is currently in the process of preparing for the International Ice Hockey Federation World U-18 tournament April 8-18 in Fargo, N.D., and Moorhead, Minn.

After the two games this weekend in Ann Arbor, Alpena then travels home to face Traverse City for a one-game series against the North Stars on Sunday afternoon.

Alpena wraps up their regular season the following Thursday and Friday with games at North Division champions Mahoning Valley and then a Sunday game March 29 at the USNTDP U-17s in Ann Arbor.

For Marquette, the Rangers and the Machine have played six times so far this season, with Marquette leading the season series five games to one. Marquette took two from the Machine at Lakeview in October by scores of 6-3 and 6-2.

The Rangers continue to be led in scoring by Chad Pietila (21g 33a, 54 pts.), along with Marquette native James Gallagher (22g 26a, 48pts.). Kevin Kissaw has been splitting time in net the past few weekends with newcomer Mike Jarboe, who was acquired prior to the trade deadline from Wichita Falls of the South Division. Kissaw is 14-10-2 on the year with a 2.48 goals-against average and a save percentage of .918.

Motor City (11-40-2, 24pts.) have been led during their inaugural season in Wyandotte by Nick Taurence (8g 25a, 33 pts.) and Ryan Misiak (12g 20a, 32pts.).

Rangers tender U.P. native, Tech recruit Kero

The Marquette Rangers continued their efforts to piece together potential prospects for next season by tendering Hancock native Tanner Kero today.

The Hancock High School standout was recently named First Team All-State in Division III and scored 36 goals for the Bulldogs to go along with 31 assists for 67 points.

Kero has also verbally committed to Michigan Tech University after his junior hockey career.

“Tanner is an offensive minded player that had a great high school career,” said Rangers head coach Kenny Miller. “We will look for him to step in an add scoring to what is already an impressive group of tenders we have signed so far this offseason.”

Kero joins four players already tendered by the club for 2009-10 - forwards Brent Bain, Bobby Bodette, Will Ford and Andrew Kolb.

TC's Radke commits to Lake Superior State

By Lance-Michael Correia/Traverse City North Stars

It’s a long way from northern California to the Upper Peninsula, but Dan Radke has always felt right at home in the Soo.

The Traverse City North Stars center and Orinda, Calif., native spent the previous two seasons plying his trade for the midget major Soo Indians – just across the river from his father’s hometown.

Now, Radke will be able to keep the home fires burning for at least four more years, having committed to play collegiately at Lake Superior State University.

“The Soo is like a second home to me,” said Radke, who is tentatively slated to join the CCHA’s Lakers in 2010-11 along with fellow Stars forward Kyle Jean. “Lots of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends there. Growing up in California, I never got to play in front of them, but when I got to the Indians, they were very supportive, always coming out to the games.

“When I came to the Soo, the goal was to earn a college scholarship. It’s been a bit of a journey, but it all seems worth it now that college hockey is a reality. It’s pretty exciting to get the chance to do that so close to family and friends.”

North Stars head coach-GM Anthony Palumbo – an LSSU alum and two-time national champion with the Lakers – says his alma mater is getting a dynamic contributor.

“I think they (LSSU) saw what we saw as a midget major – and that was the day-in, day-out best player on the rink,” Palumbo opined. “He has great vision and great skill – he sees the entire ice. With his great sense of anticipation, he’s an offensive performer and is really starting to come into his own at the junior level.”

Radke has six goals and 19 assists through 33 games this year for Traverse City, but has 11 points in his last 11 games – including three in a 3-1 win at Alpena on Feb. 28 where he bagged the game-winning tally. The recent increase in statsheet ink coincides with a more frequent shift – something that Radke had grown accustomed to playing in sport-diverse California.

“Out there, playing time was never really an issue,” said the Traverse City Central senior. “The term ‘healthy scratch’ was a whole new thing when I got to the Soo, and again when I got to Traverse City. It’s tough, and no competitor likes it. I just tried to keep working hard and to make the most of my opportunities when they came along.”

Radke led the Indians in scoring last season, with 32 goals and 31 assists in 58 games, including six multiple-point outings in the Soo’s 26 league contests. He was tendered along with fellow Indians stalwart and current North Stars defenseman Bo Jacobs.

“I try to be a complete player at both ends of the ice, but like most guys, it’s fun to try to score goals, to make plays,” Radke explained. “Things were a lot faster and a lot more physical when I got here (to juniors) – you have to do everything out there a little bit faster at this level.”

While his formidable acumen has emerged at the junior level, Radke may well have caught the eye of Lake State coach Jim Roque as a midget.

“We practiced in the same rink, right after them, all the time,” he explained. “Their staff would see us practice, see our games. I thought maybe someday there’d be a chance of going there, given all that exposure.”

Radke, who sports a 3.71 grade-point average and scored a 28 on the ACT, plans to major in math at Lake Superior with an eye on graduate school. His father, a professor of geographic information sciences at Cal-Berkley, is also a LSSU alum. While there are sure to be many happy homecomings for the Radke family, Dan’s Soo relations will almost certainly help slake his college-caliber appetite.

“I have one aunt who’s an especially awesome cook,” he added. “My favorite is this lemon-poppy loaf – and she makes a mean bean salad, too.”

Photo by John L. Russell/Great Lakes Images

Plymouth and Saginaw playoff dates set

OHL Western Conference Quarterfinals

Series "C" - SAGINAW vs. GUELPH
Sat., March 21, at Saginaw 7:11
Sun., March 22, at Guelph 7:00
Tues., March 24 at Saginaw 7:11
Thurs., March 26, at Guelph 7:00
Sat. March 28, at Saginaw 7:11 *
Sun., March 29, at Guelph 7:00 *
Tues., March 31, at Saginaw 7:11 *

Series "D" - PLYMOUTH vs. SARNIA
Sat., March 21, at Plymouth 7:00
Sun., March 22, at Sarnia 6:00
Tues., March 24, at Plymouth 7:00
Thurs., March 26, at Sarnia 7:30,
Sat., March 28, at Plymouth 7:00 *
Sun., March 29, at Sarnia 6:00 *
Tues., March 31 at Plymouth 7:00 *

* denotes if necessary games

Jets' season forgettable, positive all in one

The Metro Jets finished the 2008-2009 season with just seven wins in 45 games, down from their nine wins of a year ago, but still found plenty of reasons to walk away from their 20th anniversary season with their collective heads held high.

Individually, several players achieved success on the ice with third-year defenseman Brett Grech notching 40 points to finish second on the team and second among all Central States Hockey League blueliners.

““He’s our best player and it’s going to be hard to replace him next year when he moves on,” Metro assistant coach Ryan Skop said. “But there isn’t anyone more deserving of advancement than Grechy.”

Finishing first in scoring was captain Adam Novack, whose 57 points were good enough for 13th overall in the CSHL. He finished the year with 19 points in his last seven games, including a four-goal, one-assist game Feb. 14 against Queen City. This all happened, remarkably enough, with an injury to start the season.

“At the beginning of the year, maybe three or four weeks in, Novy broke his foot in practice, but didn’t miss a single game or practice,” said Skop. “He’d walk into the rink with his walking cast on, take it off, jam his skate on and go out and score a couple goals. I think he answered any and all questions right there and just continued to lead by example.”

Novack and rookie Will Saley, one of two 2008 draft picks to make the team, were also the only two players to suit up for all 45 games. Tough defenseman Steve Lockwood emerged as a team leader, led the CSHL in penalty minutes with 216 despite having his season cut short by a shoulder injury.

“Woody’s biggest asset is his size and strength,” said Skop. “At the beginning of the season, he seemed very tentative to use it. He got into a good scrap in Dubuque (against Seth Burrow three seconds into the game Nov. 22), won that fight, and played very confident ever since. Not only did he start winning his fights, but his entire game improved.”

Off the ice, the Jets introduced their new website in September and also brought aboard two new staff members in strength and conditioning coach Stephanie Dunn and communications director Matt Mackinder. Both will return for the 2009-2010 season along with Skop and head coach Jamie Hayden, scout Tim Ross and trainer Dave Ross.

Skop, also new this season, played on Metro’s 2002 Silver Cup-winning Junior B national championship team and has been actively recruiting players for next year.

Jets owner and general manager Butch Wolfe already has ideas on how to put the past behind him and focus on next fall.

“In my opinion, a major contributing factor to our lack of success this year was our misjudging of the character of those players who failed to finish the season with us,” said Wolfe. “Needless to say, we were way off base in our assessments of those players. Without question, next season we need to rethink how we evaluate that trait in prospective players.”

Next up for the Jets will be a tryout camp next month and then the CSHL Priority Selection in late May. More information will be posted on the Metro Jets website when it becomes available.

Machine forge affiliation with Atlanta Knights

The Motor City Machine has announced an affiliation with the Atlanta Knights of the Southeast Junior Hockey League.

The relationship will help identify players in the southeast who desire playing in the NAHL.

This year, the Knights have advanced several players to college.

Machine associate coach Jason Cirone and Knights head coach J.A. Schneider were major junior teammates with the Ontario Hockey League's Cornwall Royals in 1989-1990.

North Stars off to Mahoning Valley for three

Somewhere deep in the regular season schedule, teams enter a transitional phase – where games still count in the regular season standings, but each contest takes on added significance with playoff implications at every turn.

The Traverse City North Stars have entered that post-regular season/pre-playoff chapter, and this weekend’s three-game series at the first-place Mahoning Valley Phantoms is chock-full of postseason repercussions.

The Stars can clinch one of the three remaining playoff berths in the NAHL North Division with a victory in any of their final eight games, and is two points back of Team USA for home ice in the first round.

“At this point, we’re still trying to clinch but every game left is already like a playoff game,” said Traverse City head coach-GM Anthony Palumbo. “We always use the cliché that you just play every game to win it and the other stuff will take care of itself, but it’s especially true at this point of the year.”

While the first-place Phantoms have yet to sew up the NAHL North Division regular season crown, they are teetering on the precipice. Mahoning leads second-place Team USA by seven points and is nine up on third-place Traverse City, and is a sterling 10-2-2 in its last 14 outings. The Phantoms took two of three from the North Stars during the teams’ last series, Feb. 6-8 in Youngstown.

TC is coming off a two-game sweep at the hands of the Team USA Under-18s, but Palumbo says a replication of his team’s performance will likely yield better results this weekend.

“I know it sounds a bit strange after losing twice, but if we play the way we did last weekend, we’ll stay with Mahoning all weekend,” he explained. “We had good energy and intensity, and you can pretty much pinpoint the places where we lost those games.

“We knew this was going to be the toughest stretch of the (regular) season with two at the USA-18s and three at Mahoning, and I like the way we came out against USA. We have to maintain that level of play but get the results.”

Mahoning is coming off a two-game lambasting of sixth-place Motor City, outscoring the Machine by a 17-7 margin in the process. Brandon Saad (25 goals) and Jordy Trottier (26 assists) lead the club with 42 points each, while Stefan Salituro (41) and Nick Shkrelli (39) are also dynamic offensive performers. Nick Kenney broke off four goals in his last two versus Traverse City. Jordan Tibbett leads the Phantoms’ goalkeeping crew with a 22-6-2 record, 2.41 goals-against average and .915 save percentage.

Traverse City captain Kyle Bonis leads the visitors with 24 goals, 24 assists and 48 points. He is one score from tying the team single-season record he and Nate Urbaniak (pictured) achieved a season ago. Kyle Jean has 19 goals to go with as many assists, while Urbaniak – the Stars’ career leader with 106 points - has 33 this year. Dan Radke has caught fire of late, with nine points over his last six games.

C.J. Motte is in the process of re-writing the team record book for goalies, setting a single-season mark for victories (16), and is on pace to own the single-season goals-against average (2.38) and save percentage (.913) benchmarks.

The Stars and Phantoms will square off at the Chevy Center in downtown Youngstown at 7:15 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, with a 3 p.m. Sunday matinee to wrap.

Ex-Jet Cosgrove commits to SUNY-Fredonia

Former Metro Jets forward/defenseman Ian Cosgrove has committed to play for the State University of New York at Fredonia beginning in the 2009-2010 season.

The 6-foot-1, 185-pound Cosgrove appeared in 13 regular-season games for the Jets during the 2006-2007 season, amassing eight points on three goals and five assists. He also went pointless in the Jets' two playoff games that spring.

This year, the 19-year-old Rochester native recorded five goals and 18 assists for 23 points with the Soo Thunderbirds of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League.

Marquette faces Blizzard this weekend

The scenario is quite simple for the Marquette Rangers: Win, and the chances of catching Alpena for the fourth and final North American Hockey League North Division playoff spot are a distinct possibility. Lose, and making the playoffs becomes out of the question.

“We have our last six at home which is key,” said Rangers head coach Kenny Miller. “If we can continue to play like we did last weekend where we took three out of four points on the road, (at Motor City) then I like our chances. The key for this club is to play the full 60 minutes. When we do that, we can beat anyone in our division. When we don’t, anyone can beat us.”

Up first this weekend is the Alexandria (Minn.) Blizzard of the Central Division. The Blizzard swept three games from the Rangers in October, but Alexandria is currently riding a nine-game losing streak coming into Lakeview Arena.

The Blizzard also spent the last three weekends on the road before making the trek to the Upper Peninsula.

“Don’t let that number of losses fool you,” Miller said of Alexandria. “They’re big on defense and have the ability to score goals and be fairly opportunistic, but our focus these next three weekends has to be on what we do. When you’ve already played 52 games of your schedule, it’s really not about x’s and o’s anymore, it’s about attitude and wanting to get the job done.”

Marquette (22-22-8, 52 pts.) currently trails Alpena by a single point for the last playoff spot in the North. The Icediggers also have two games in hand on Marquette.

Complicating things for Alpena though is the fact that only one of those eight remaining games is at home. Alpena has three against the U.S. National Team Development program in Ann Arbor, a two-game series at division-leading Mahoning Valley and a pair in Wyandotte against the Machine. Included in the Icediggers' schedule is a single game at Traverse City in two weeks.

For the Rangers, they play two with Alexandria this weekend before hosting Motor City on the 20th and 21st before wrapping up the regular season with Traverse City on the 27th and 28th. All Rangers games are at Lakeview Arena, a fact that hasn’t been lost on the head coach.

“We need some help,” Miller said. “If we’re going to catch them (Alpena), we need to take care of business in our own building and then hope for the best when we look at the scoreboard after we’re done every night. We can’t worry about Alpena until after we’ve taken care of our own situation each night first.”

The Rangers continue to be led in scoring by Chad Pietila’s 50 points (20g, 30a) and James Gallagher who has 46 points on 22 goals and 24 assists. In all, 14 players have scored in double-digits this season for Marquette.

Alexandria has been led all season in scoring by Grosse Pointe Woods native Jerry Freismuth, who has 53 points in 49 games for the Blizzard the season (15g, 38a).

Whalers enter final weekend of OHL season

Fresh off a disappointing 9-4 loss to the top-ranked Windsor Spitfires on March 6, the Plymouth Whalers were looking to bounce back the next night against the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.

Mission accomplished, in a big way, as the Whalers hammered the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, 8-2, before 3,369 at Compuware Arena.

The Whalers were led offensively by their top scoring line of first star Matt Caria (three goals and two assists), second star Chris Terry (1-2) and third star Tyler Seguin (1-1). Beau Schmitz scored the game-winning goal (sixth) and recorded three assists. Brett Bellemore (second) and AJ Jenks (21st) added single goals for Plymouth.

James Livingston (20th) and Jake Carrick (10th) replied for Sault Ste. Marie.

Special teams played a major role in the Plymouth victory. Whalers went 5-for-9 on the power play and killed 8-of-9 Soo power plays.

Although Caria scored the only goal of the first period at 2:38 to give Plymouth a 1-0 lead, the Whaler penalty killers were the difference in the first frame and they killed off a continuous 5-on-3 Soo power play for a span of five minutes midway through the first period. Goaltender Matt Hackett (pictured) and defenders Michal Jordan, Joe Gaynor, Schmitz and Bellemore – among others – played a key role during that segment of the game.

“That really set the tone (of the game),” said Plymouth associate coach Joe Stefan. “We were really disappointed with the effort we gave last night (in the loss to Windsor). We wanted to make amends. Our penalty killing has really come on in the second half of the year. The boys stepped up in the first period and killed off those penalties. The momentum changed and we took off from there.”

Whaler penalty killers blocked a lot of shots in front of Hackett and Stefan and assistant coach Brian Sommariva had the Whalers penalty killing unit well-prepared.

“They show us a lot of video before every game – especially late in the season, like this,” said Gaynor. “It’s important to know what teams are going to do, because we need these points."

“We knew they were going to go into a sort of a box-and-one formation,” Stefan said. “When we see that happen, our guys know how to defend it and did it perfectly. We had the right guys out there at the right time. The boys stepped up and did a real good job. Hackett made a few big saves when he had to, but the boys got in the shot lanes and took the passing lanes away and we got the clears when we needed them.”

“I think we did a good job staying in the lanes, so they couldn’t shoot the puck and had to pass it,” Gaynor said about Plymouth’s penalty killing. “We were keeping them to the outside – they weren’t getting very many shots. We did what we do best – stay in the lanes and clear the pucks.”

Plymouth blew the game open on the power play in the second period after Greyhounds’ veteran Jordan Nolan was given a two-minute minor for instigating and a five-minute major in an altercation with RJ Mahalak at 2:26 of the period. Power-play goals by Terry (team-leading 38th of the year at 2:31), Schmitz (3:49), Bellemore (7:07) and Jenks (7:21) extended the Whalers’ lead to 5-0. After Livingston scored at 15:19 to cut the Plymouth lead to 5-1, Caria (15:31) and Seguin (18:59) went back to work to give to Whalers a 7-1 lead after 40 minutes.

By the way, Mahalak is OK, but will be held out of the line-up this week for precautionary reasons. Josh Bemis, however, broke a bone in his foot blocking a shot during the second period Saturday night and will miss about four weeks. Leo Jenner and Ryan Hayes received league suspensions for incidents during Friday's game versus Windsor. Jenner received a two-game suspension and will return to the lineup on Friday in the Soo, while Hayes received a minimum of three games with the league reviewing the incident to determining the length of the suspension.

“Coming out of last night’s game, we wanted to redeem ourselves,” Caria said. “Our penalty killing was outstanding in the first period. Chris Terry and Tyler Seguin are so gifted offensively, so it comes easy to give them the puck. You go to the net and you know you’re either going to get it back or they’re going to beat the goalie. Right now, we’re working for each other.”

The victory sets up a wild final week in the OHL’s Western Conference race. Plymouth will play in Windsor on March 12 and in Sault Ste. Marie on March 13 before finishing the season at home on Sunday against Sarnia.

Plymouth has defeated Windsor twice this year and has played three other one-goal games against the top-ranked Spitfires. There’s plenty of respect on both sides of the rink.

“The Windsor game last night really stung us,” Stefan said. “We’re going to go into Windsor really hungry on Thursday. We want to make amends for the effort last night. I know the boys are going to be ready.”

“When Mike Vellucci came back, his team has gone very aggressive,” Windsor head coach Bob Boughner said. “I think that Mike gets the best out of his players. He’s a great coach and they’re a hard working team and they’re a physical team. That’s how you match up against the Windsor Spitfires, you have to match us physically. They have some good young players and good speed.”

THE WEEK AHEAD: As tight as the Western Conference race is, the Whalers may not know who they’re playing in the first round of the playoffs until the evening of the 15th.

Here are the remaining schedules of the Western Conference’s third through eight seeds (all teams have played 65 games):

SAGINAW (35-23-3-4, 77 points, 3rd): Thursday, home vs. Owen Sound; Saturday at London; Saturday, home vs. Sarnia.
PLYMOUTH (35-25-5-0, 75 points, 4th place): Thursday, at Windsor; Friday at Sault Ste. Marie; Sunday, home vs. Sarnia.
SARNIA (33-25-4-3, 75 points, 5th place): Friday, home vs. Owen Sound; Saturday at Saginaw; Sunday, at Plymouth.
GUELPH (33-25-4-3, 75 points, 5th place): Wednesday, home vs. Kitchener; Friday, home vs. Erie; Sunday, at Erie.
ERIE (32-29-3-1, 68 points, 7th place): Friday at Guelph; Saturday, home vs. Kitchener; Sunday, home vs. Guelph.
OWEN SOUND (25-26-7-7, 8th place): Thursday at Saginaw; Friday at Sarnia; Saturday, home to Windsor.

Photo by Walt Dmoch

Grech ready, poised for jump to next level

It’s time for Brett Grech to move on.

The third-year defenseman for the Metro Jets is the longest-tenured player on the Jets and would like to have the chance to make the jump to the North American Hockey League next fall.

But he knows that’s not necessarily a given and accepts the reality of the situation.

“It all depends on how hard I work,” said Grech, an 18-year-old from Hartland.

Grech is second in team scoring this year with seven goals and 33 assists for 40 points. He led Metro in scoring last season as a forward.

Beyond numbers, though, are the intangibles Grech brings to the rink each night. Metro assistant coach Ryan Skop thinks Grech’s well-rounded game would be an asset to any NAHL team

“I think Grechy can be an impact guy in the NAHL,” said Skop. “For the most part, I think he can play in the top four or five on just about any team there is. His value to the league will come from his offense. He’s so good with the puck and so good offensively that I think he’ll be a good power-play guy up there.”

To play with the Jets the past three years, despite the losing records, hasn’t been a total disappointment for Grech. He said at the end of each year, he wanted to make the trek back to Waterford to further fine-tune his skills.

“Everyone always has options,” the 6-foot, 200-pound Grech said. “It’s fun playing in this league because it’s like you are a pro in that you practice everyday and go on road trips. I also think my confidence and decision-making has improved playing here due to (head coach) Jamie (Hayden) and Ryan pushing me and helping me to become a better hockey player.

“I think I’ve stayed upbeat by just having fun. I just love to play hockey.”

To play in the NAHL, however, Grech either needs to be tendered, drafted, or signed as a free agent via a summer tryout camp. In other words, he just needs an opportunity to showcase his talent that has had him at or near the top of CSHL defensemen scoring all season long. Grech is a single point behind St. Louis’ John Wright entering this weekend’s final regular season games.

“North American League teams are going to want to take a chance on Grechy for a couple reasons,” Skop said. “One is that he’s a good player, obviously, and two, is that he’s got so much junior experience. He’s so young, but it’s hard to believe he’s been playing juniors for three years.”

Once he hopefully lands with one of the 19 NAHL teams next fall, Skop said he should have no trouble staying in the league and finding his way into the lineup each game.

“The most improved part of his game, and the one part that’s going to make him survive in the NAHL, is just his game in his own end,” said Skop. “He doesn’t get beat. He owns the front of the cage. He does all the little things that you would expect out of a guy ready to make the jump to the North American League.”

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

Last Saturday night, the Jets topped the Grand Rapids Jr. Owls, 9-2 on the road, and in the process swept the season series.

Jets captain Adam Novack tallied a goal and three assists, while Matt McCaig, Sean Carlock and Justin Vinson each recorded two goals and an assist in the win.

Will Saley and Grech had a goal and a helper apiece and Jake Williams chipped in two assists for Metro (7-35-1-1).

In net, Colin Greeley finished with 50 saves for his fourth victory of the season and third versus Grand Rapids.

Carlock's and Williams' points were their first of the season for Metro.

Tonight, Metro closes out the 2008-2009 season against Toledo at the Toledo Ice House. Game time is 8:00 p.m.

The Cherokee are three points behind first-place St. Louis for top spot overall in the CSHL standings and have Dubuque on their tails for second place.

Photo by Walt Dmoch

Alpena's Peterson to reach milestone

Veteran Alpena IceDiggers forward Erik Peterson will reach the 200-point milestone with his next point.

Peterson, tendered out of Alpena High School in 2005, has accumulated 69 goals and 130 assists in 202 games for the IceDiggers.

The 20-year-forward is uncommitted for next year.

Alpena hosts the U.S. NTDP for three games this weekend, starting tonight at Northern Lights Arena.

Whalers getting hot at the right time

Courtesy Plymouth Whalers

Plymouth captain Chris Terry and the Whalers are on a torrid pace as they head into the home stretch of the Ontario Hockey League’s regular season.

Playing most of February with Matt Caria and Tyler Seguin, the line clicked for 24 goals and 43 assists for 67 points over ten games in the month as the Whalers went 9-1-0-0 to move into third place in the OHL’s Western Conference playoff race.

Suddenly, a team that was out of the playoffs in November with a record of 6-11-2-0 has righted the ship in a big way. Nobody wants to face the Whalers in the playoffs.

As captain, Terry realizes the Whalers turnaround is a credit to everyone associated with the team.

"Everyone with the team - the coaches, the players and everyone who works at the rink - has been part of this turnaround," Terry said a day after the Whalers ended February with a 6-3 win in Kitchener. "We aren't done - there's still work to do. We all know that, we know what's at hand and we're going to keep going."

The Whalers first game in March – a 6-3 victory in Erie – showed how Terry’s line can dominate the game.

With Terry (a goal with four assists), Caria (2-1) and Seguin (1-2) leading the way, Plymouth built a 6-0 lead after 40 minutes. Plymouth blew the game open for good with a pair of goals 0:24 apart in the second period to take a 5-0 lead. Terry - at the lower rim of the left circle in the Erie zone - found Caria at the top of the circle. Caria's shot was stopped by Erie goaltender Jaroslav Janus, but the rebound trickled behind him and into the goal at 8:19. Seguin came right back to make it 5-0 at 8:43.

Terry was asked to describe why his line is so effective.

"When our line is going, there's not many defensive pairings that are going to stop us," he said. "There's a certain amount of grit on the line and skill with Matt and Tyler. It just took time for us to start clicking. We're going to need this over the last seven games."

The Whalers have developed into a nice blend of older players and young contributing to a winning effort.

"This is a different team than what I've played on in the past," Terry said. "Usually, it's the older guys who carry the team. But this year, we're getting contributions from everywhere - 19-year-olds and OAs (overagers) are playing their role. You've got a 17-year-old like Seguin helping out and has been unbelievable for us and Beau's (Schmitz) been rock-solid for us and has picked up his offense of late. (Goaltender Matt) Hackett has been consistent, which is what we need from him.

"Everything's going well right now. And we're going to try to keep it going."

Photo by Walt Dmoch