Lumberjacks' Kohls commits to Niagara

The Muskegon Lumberjacks have announced that Isaac Kohls verbally committed to Niagara University on Tuesday afternoon.

Kohls, a 19-year-old forward from Forest Lake, Minn., chose the accredited institution for its premier business program and because the Atlantic Hockey Association champion automatically earns an NCAA Tournament berth. Kohls finalized his decision after a recent visit, during which he liked the campus in Lewiston, N.Y., and everyone around the program.

Kohls will join Niagara’s squad this fall. He believes that playing for the AHA’s Purple Eagles, after rapid development in one season in the United States Hockey League, will keep his hockey career – and the one that will follow – on the right track.

“I want to be able to play all four years, develop and hopefully someday play some kind of pro hockey,” Kohls said. “That’s part of their motto there – getting every player a chance to play pro. Their business program is a very good one, and my education was a big part of the decision. I’ll go there, play four years and have a great degree, and hopefully someday make a good living from it.”

“We are very pleased for Isaac that he has achieved the next step in his career, as well as secured his future with his scholarship,” Lumberjacks owner Josh Mervis said. “Isaac had a lot of different opportunities, from the Western Hockey League to the NCAA, and we’re thrilled that he was able to make the perfect choice – the college route – as that will not only enable him to develop as a hockey player, but will set him up for a lifetime of success beyond the game.”

The Jacks’ 15th-round selection (216th overall) in the 2010 USHL Entry Draft has 13 points (six goals and seven assists) in his rookie season. He also leads the club with two short-handed goals and posted a five-game point streak early in the season.

Kohls honed his skills with the Deux-Rives Dolphins Youth Hockey program. Last season, he racked up 81 points with the Streetsville Derbys of the Central Canadian Hockey League before making the big jump to the USHL and enjoying immediate success in Muskegon.

“Congratulations to Isaac and to the university for the player they’re getting.” Lumberjacks head coach Kevin Patrick said. “Isaac’s got top-six forward offensive skills. He’s a guy who will make things happen with the pass and can beat you with his shot. He’s got a great wrist shot.”

Kohls leaned heavily on his parents’ input and that of his coaching staff, particularly Patrick.

“KP’s been in the recruiting business for a long time,” Kohls said of his coach, who had a big hand in recruiting during his six years as an assistant at the University of Wisconsin. “He knows a lot about it and gave me a lot of helpful advice.”

“Our mission is to develop players both on and off the ice for the challenges that lay ahead,” Patrick said. “The level of play in this league is producing players who are ready to immediately contribute at good Division I programs.”

Niagara is second in the AHA standings with a conference mark of 8-5-0, and is 11-7-2 overall. Kohls will inevitably bump into current teammate Ryan Misiak, who is committed to Mercyhurst College.

Bazin has lofty goals for Metro

Chad Bazin didn’t play for the Metro Jets when he was drafted by the team back in 2005, but his younger brother, Cameron, is making the most of his opportunity with the Jets this year.

Undrafted, Cameron Bazin played the last two years for Troy Athens High School, winning the Oakland Activities Association White Division both years, and upon graduating last June, figured that was it for his hockey career as he had no plans to play hockey this season

“To start the year, I wasn't playing anywhere, but I quickly realized a year without hockey is something I can not and will not accept,” said the 18-year-old Bazin. “I started making some calls around to find a team and (Metro head) coach (Jason) Cirone said he had an available spot and to come out for a skate to see how I liked it. A couple days later, I was at a practice and it just felt like a good fit, so I signed.”

Fitting in with his new teammates was an adjustment at first, as was what was expected of him on the ice.

“In high school, I was a top player, so I was doing a lot,” said Bazin. “Now in juniors, you have your players each having a role and that was something for me to adjust to. I feel like I can help the team get the momentum back on our side with a big hit or nice play. I also like to get into the other team’s heads. A lot of guys will talk trash to you and I'll listen to them, but not say anything in return – just smile and laugh. As long as I'm doing that, my role would be perfect to me.”

Bazin said that he knew about Metro’s recent history of sub par seasons, but that didn’t deter him from making the commitment to the team.

“I didn't care about past seasons and all that and to me, every year is a fresh start,” explained Bazin. “Any team can come into a season and be the top dog. I thought that we had a shot of being a top team in this league and despite our current record, I feel we will surprise a lot of teams once playoffs start.”

To date, Bazin has three goals (two on the power play) and five points through 20 games and is keeping a positive frame of mind during the Jets’ latest slump.

“I know we are not where we should be in the standings,” Bazin said. “We have had a lot of ups and downs, but that’s hockey. Riding your ups and staying up is what the good teams do and we will be doing that in our last 16 games of the regular season.

“I expect us as a team to all come together and start a streak. I expect us to get into the playoffs. If not, it will be really disappointing. I feel when we play our game we can compete with anyone in the league. Once in the playoffs, I expect us to make a run for the championship.”

Individually, Bazin’s goals are just as lofty.

“Next year, I'd like to be in the NAHL and stay there for a year or two,” said Bazin. “For long-term goals, I would like to play college hockey, preferably Division I, but I would settle for anything as long as I get there.”

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

The Jets hit the road to kick off 2011 and were greeted with two lopsided losses to the Pittsburgh Jr. Penguins last weekend.

Pittsburgh topped the Jets on Saturday night, 12-3, and then 13-6 on Sunday afternoon.

In the first game, Tommy Burns (Pinckney) scored twice, Brett Grech (Hartland) had a goal and an assist and Matt Stirling (Dexter) added two assists.

Eric Trunick (Commerce Township) and Matt Braun combined for 26 saves in goal.

Sunday afternoon, Grech and Tommy Kilgore (Pinckney) each potted two goals, while Mike Moroso (Macomb) and Stirling scored the others.

Trunick played the entire game in net and finished with 44 saves.

“The results of the games last weekend are embarrassing and I don’t care to reflect on it,” Jets captain Morgan James said. “Some guys played hard, some guys gave up, but I’m not going to get into names.”

Jayson Angus led the offensive attack for Pittsburgh, scoring 13 points (seven goals, six assists) in the two wins to leap atop the NA3HL scoring race with 55 points on the season.

The Jets (9-19-1-0) will now play two games with the Battle Creek Jr. Revolution at Lakeland Arena this weekend. Saturday night’s game will be a “home” game for Battle Creek and will start at 7:40 p.m. Game time Sunday afternoon for the rematch is 1:20 p.m.

JET STREAKS

Stirling has four goals and six points in his last four games … New defenseman Kevin Lander (Brighton) made his debut last weekend in Pittsburgh … Moroso is tied for the NA3HL lead with four shorthanded goals (Mason Riley/Peoria, Jayson Angus/Pittsburgh). With 14 goals total, the other 10 have all come at even strength … Trunick is third in the league with 649 saves this season.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Jack McCoy played with the Jets during the team’s early years and has worked his way up to be a linesman at the American Hockey League level.

McCoy, a Livonia native who played college hockey at Oswego State in the SUNYAC, has also worked as an on-ice official in the Ontario Hockey League, ECHL, International Hockey League and United Hockey League.

Photo by Andy Grossman/Detailed Images

Top Prospects coming to Ann Arbor

The North American Hockey League has announced that its second Top Prospects Tournament of the season, sponsored by SBK Hockey, will be held from Feb. 20-22 at the Ice Cube in Ann Arbor.

At the event, four teams - Team Central, Team North, Team South and Team West - will play a three-game round robin.

All NAHL players are eligible to participate, regardless if they’re committed or un-committed to a Division I school or participated in the NAHL’s first Top Prospects Tournament of the season, which was held from Dec. 5-7 in Walpole, Mass.

Each team will consist of a 20-man roster, with minor player crossover amongst the four teams. In the three six-team divisions - Central, South and West - four players will represent the first- and second-place teams as of Jan. 17 (highest winning percentage); three will represent the third- and fourth-place teams; and two for the fifth- and sixth-place teams.

In the eight-team North Division, four players will represent the first- and second-place teams as of Jan. 17; three will represent the third-, fourth-, fifth- and sixth-place teams; and two will represent the seventh- and eighth-place teams. The two NAHL teams with the highest winning percentages as of Jan. 17 will be allowed to send one additional player to the event. The rosters, which will be chosen by the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament Selection Committee, will be announced on Monday, Jan. 24.

The head coach of the team with the highest winning percentage in each division as of Jan. 17 will serve as the head coach of the Top Prospects team representing that division. The head coach with the second-highest winning percentage will serve as the team’s assistant coach.

In conjunction with the Top Prospects Tournament, all North American Prospects Hockey League teams - Midget Major, Midget Minor and Bantam Major - will compete in the Championship Tournament Series for the right to be crowned league champions. That event will run from Feb. 18-21 at the Troy Sports Center in Troy, with the three division championship games being played at the Ice Cube.

The North American 3 Hockey League will also have representation at the Top Prospects Tournament, as two NA3HL all-star teams will compete against each other at the event. The NA3HL will also extend invitations to other USA Hockey-sanctioned Tier III Junior A leagues to participate with all-stars teams.

At the NAHL’s first Top Prospects Tournament of the season, four teams comprised of the NAHL’s top committed and un-committed college players, including those recognized on the NHL Central Scouting Bureau’s Players to Watch list for 2011 draft-eligibles, played a three-game round robin.

Whalers obtain trio at trade deadline

The Plymouth Whalers announced three deals at today’s final Ontario Hockey League trade deadline.

Plymouth picked up 17-year-old defenseman Curtis Crombeen from the Owen Sound Attack in exchange for 19-year-old defenseman Jay Gilbert. The Whalers also acquire a second round draft choice (originally Saginaw’s) in 2012 and a third round draft choice in 2013.

“We are very excited to get Curtis,” Plymouth coach-GM Mike Vellucci said. “He was a first round draft choice in the league and was high on our list.”

Crombeen – 5-feet-11, 175 pounds and from Sarnia, Ont. - was originally selected by Owen Sound in the first round (ninth overall) in the 2009 OHL draft. He’s been injured through much of this season and has played in seven games. Crombeen has a goal and three assists for four points and has eight penalty minutes in 40 games in his career with Owen Sound.

He played with the Whalers’ Garrett Meurs in the 2010 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge and helped Team Ontario win the silver medal in the tournament.

Crombeen is the cousin of B.J. Crombeen, a former OHL player who now plays for the St. Louis Blues.

The Whalers also acquired 17-year-old center Michael Whaley from the Windsor Spitfires in exchange for a 13th round draft choice in 2012. Whaley was taken by the Spitfires in the 13th round (260th overall) of the 2009 OHL draft. In two seasons with Windsor, Whaley has two goals with 10 assists for 12 points at 19 penalty minutes in 65 games.

Plymouth also acquired the rights to 17-year-old center Cory Czarnik from the Barrie Colts for a 12th round draft choice in 2012. Czarnik is the younger brother of Plymouth forward Robbie Czarnik. Cory Czarnik started the season with Tri-City of the United States Hockey League, but is currently playing with the Compuware Midget Majors of the Tier I Elite Hockey League.

Photo courtesy CHL Images

Port Huron native Archibald to Spirit

The Saginaw Spirit have completed a trade with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, acquiring top-flight defenseman and Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Brandon Archibald in return for winger Michael Kantor.

The Spirit also sent the Hounds a fourth round pick in the 2012 OHL Priority Selection, a sixth round pick in 2013 and a second round pick in 2014.

The trade for Archibald comes on the heels of an earlier trade that saw the Spirit add another highly touted defenseman in Dalton Prout, who is also a Blue Jackets draft pick.

Archibald hails from Port Huron and was the 94th overall pick of Columbus in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. The 1992-born defenseman has posted two goals and 17 assists for 19 points in 37 regular season games this season and seven goals and 53 assists for 60 points in 166 regular season games during his three year OHL career.

He played in the Detroit Honeybaked midgets before being chosen by Sault Ste. Marie with the 29th overall pick in the 2008 OHL Priority Selection. Archibald, an alternate captain with the Greyhounds this season, also played in the 2010 CHL Top Prospects game, with Team USA at the 2009 Under-18 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament and was invited to USA Hockey’s 2010 National Junior Team Evaluation Camp.

Photo courtesy CHL Images

Saginaw deals Underwood to Belleville

The Saginaw Spirit have completed a deal with the Belleville Bulls of the Eastern Conference, sending overage defenseman Joe Underwood to the Bulls in return for an eighth round pick in the 2012 OHL Priority Selection.

The Canton native was drafted by the Guelph Storm in 2006. In his career, Underwood posted seven goals and 45 assists for 52 points in 271 games.

This season, he tallied one goal and seven assists for eight points with a plus-9 in 22 games.

With the trade, the Spirit get down to the three overage limit with goalie Mavric Parks, recently acquired defenseman Dalton Prout and forward Matt Sisca.

Photo courtesy Terry Wilson/OHL Images

Saginaw gets blueliner Prout from Barrie

The Saginaw Spirit have completed a trade with the Barrie Colts, acquiring defenseman Dalton Prout for defensemen Alex Lepkowski and Matt Ashman.

The Spirit also sent the Colts a third round pick in the 2013 OHL Priority Selection, originally owned by Kitchener, and Saginaw’s third round pick in the 2014 selection.

Prout is a five-year veteran of the league and is on pace to eclipse his offensive production from a season ago having posted seven goals and 13 assists for 20 points in 23 regular season games since his return from the Columbus Blue Jackets in October.

In his OHL career, Prout has notched 15 goals and 39 assists for 54 points in 255 regular season games and one goal and nine assists for 10 points in 34 post-season games.

The 1990-born Kingsville, Ont., native was drafted by the Blue Jackets in the sixth round (154th overall) in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

Prout started his OHL career with the Sarnia Sting in the 2006-2007 season. He was traded to the Barrie Colts during the 2007-2008 season and was a key cog of the team’s defensive unit the last two seasons, including their Eastern Conference title run last year that saw him post seven goals and 14 assists for 21 points and a plus-26 in 63 regular season games and one goal and six assists for seven points and a plus-11 in 17 post-season games.

Photo courtesy Aaron Bell/OHL Images

Whalers sign defenseman MacDonald

The Plymouth Whalers on Thursday announced the signing of 17-year-old defenseman Dylan MacDonald to a standard player’s contract.

MacDonald – no relation to Whalers defenseman Colin MacDonald – was originally selected by Plymouth in the seventh round (133rd overall) in the 2009 Ontario Hockey League draft.

MacDonald – 6-feet and 190 pounds, from London, Ont. – was playing with the Sioux City Musketeers of the United States Hockey League, where he recorded two assists and 17 penalty minutes in 15 games.

"We are excited that Dylan is joining our team. He had college options, but playing in the OHL was his dream," Plymouth coach-GM Mike Vellucci said. "He realizes he can get a great education while playing in the top developmental league in the world.

"He's a steady defenseman, who we have been trying to sign since we drafted him."

In 2009-10, MacDonald played for the St. Thomas Stars of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League, where he scored five goals with 12 assists for 17 points and 38 PIMs in 49 games. He also had a goal with 10 assists for 11 points and four PIMs in 15 playoff games for the Stars.

MacDonald – who will wear number 8 – is expected to make his Whalers debut this weekend when Plymouth plays in Windsor on Thursday, in Guelph on Friday and back home at Compuware Arena on Saturday, hosting Sarnia at 7:05 p.m.

Top line in Muskegon paying dividends

By Christopher Heimerman

Any job is easier when you enjoy the people you work with.

Right now, Ryan Misiak, Matt Berry and Travis Belohrad feel like they’ve got the greatest job in the world.

The three Muskegon Lumberjacks comprise one of the most prolific lines in the United States Hockey League. In fact, it’s one of just two lines in the league whose three skaters have each scored at least 10 goals. Their success stems not just from their talents, but also from the job the Jacks’ coaching staff has done in developing them and identifying their chemistry.

It’s also a tribute to how much the trio genuinely enjoys being together.

“We’re with each other a lot,” Belohrad says. “We’ll go sledding, bowling…”

“See movies, play Xbox…” Berry adds.

“And mini sticks,” Misiak chimes in. “I scored the greatest mini stick goal of all time.”

Whether it’s in the heat of battle on the ice or wherever the war is being waged, the three Jacks are driven by friendly competition.

“More than anything, we’re really competitive – even with each other,” Misiak says, with a smile spreading across his face. “One wants to outdo the other, and it just continues to go from there.”

“We go back and forth with it all the time, but it’s all in good fun,” Berry says.

“We push each other that way, but we also support each other,” Belohrad adds.

Misiak, a Shelby Township native who is committed to Mercyhurst College, is third in the league in points with 34 (11 goals, 23 assists). He’s the line’s left wing, and he’s played the position since playing youth hockey for the Little Caesars program.

Berry, another Michigan product hailing from Canton, is committed to Michigan State University and has racked up 29 points (13 goals, 16 assists), good for fifth in the league. Berry made the transition from center to right wing a few years ago during his time with Belle Tire youth hockey.

Belohrad, a Brighton, Colo., native, scored three goals over two games on Friday, Dec. 31 and Saturday, Jan. 1, and now has 13 points on 10 goals and three helpers. The playmaking pivot also made a position change – from right wing to center – a few years ago while with the Colorado Outlaws. His assist numbers don’t do his selflessness justice, but they do reflect how in-sync he and his linemates are, constantly filling in for one another.

“We’re very good at covering for each other and jumping into each other’s positions,” Belohrad says. “If I’m not the first guy back, I can trust Meesh or Berry going down low to cover me. That’s one of the main reasons we have success.”

Berry and Belohrad are cutting their teeth on the fastest, most skilled competition in junior hockey in the nation during their rookie season in the USHL. Misiak posted 17 points in 52 games for the Sioux Falls Stampede last season.

The three skaters have been virtually inseparable both on and off the ice since they were first assembled by Jacks head coach Kevin Patrick on Friday, Oct. 15, the night the Jacks earned their first USHL victory, 6-0 in Sioux City. Time has blurred by for the threesome since then, particularly since they’ve spent so much time “in the zone.”

“I don’t know how to describe it; something just happens and everything’s going your way,” Misiak said.

“You definitely get on a roll when you get a few good shifts in,” Belohrad said. “It’s often the little plays like lifting a guy’s stick in front of the net or creating turnovers on their blue line - little things like that can make a huge difference in the game and get you going.”

Despite the trio’s success, it’s not lost on the group that there’s no “I” in Muskegon Lumberjacks.

“At the end of the day, I can say all of us would rather have two points than the points we’d get individually,” Belohrad said.

They’re quick to pay credit to all 23 rostered players for the Jacks’ success as an expansion team.

“Obviously when all of our lines are rolling, it tires out the other team,” Berry said. “It gives us a better chance to cycle and get things going.”

They’ve certainly got a good thing going, and they anticipate looking back on it fondly for years to come.

“We’ve learned to rely on each other,” Misiak says. “It’s crazy to think that one year in Muskegon could give you lifelong friendships with guys like these. It’s kind of cool if you think about it.”

- Christopher Heimerman is the broadcaster and communications director of the Muskegon Lumberjacks. He can be reached HERE.

Metal Jackets ready for second half

The Motor City Metal Jackets have started the 2010-2011 season with an impressive 20-8-1 record in the NAHL's North Division.

The Metal Jackets ended the 2009-2010 season with a second round playoff loss to Traverse City and over the offseason has built a program that not only can compete, but can offer consistency every night.

The Metal Jackets' main focus has been on developing the defensive side of the game with the leadership from Mike Monfredo (fourth in league plus/minus) and finding the right mix in the net. The offensive power is a direct result of their defensive style with Cody Wydo, RJ Kleiman and Steve Brancheau all in the top five in league scoring. Special teams has been a key to their success with a league leading 27 percent efficiency on the power play with 56 goals scored.

"We continue to work hard enjoying honorable results from the first half of the season," Motor City coach-GM David Cole said. "Our veterans have set a solid example for our new players in a very encouraging athletic environment that continues to build. Our first-year team from last year set the table for this year's group with a never-give-up attitude and the second year's team continues with the same. Things get more difficult the second half of the year in the NAHL so the trend will hopefully continue. It is the objective of this 2010-11 team to continue to grow the Metal Jackets' tradition of hard work, physical and entertaining hockey."

The Metal Jackets are looking forward to the second half of the season as a new beginning. This is their first year in Trenton and attendance has been average, but overall the team has been working on increasing the visibility in the community.

“We had a very good start for our second season," team owner Kenji Yamada said. "Thanks to everyone in the organization, the team has been performing quite well on the ice, and all business, game operations, and other supporting activities have been exceeding my expectations. I strongly believe that this organization is growing with people surrounding us.

"We still have a long season to go, and I hope that we keep up the excellent performance on the ice, as well as how the entire organization keeps providing high-quality service to our customers. Buy a seat, you’ll only need the edge."

Five years later, Grech ready to leave

Brett Grech has had many opportunities to move on to higher levels of hockey, but admittedly, he hasn’t been ready to leave the comfy confines of home or the homey feeling of Lakeland Arena.

That may change next season.

Grech is in his fifth season with the Metro Jets and has matured physically, emotionally and athletically since he entered the North American 3 Hockey League (then Central States Hockey League) as a pudgy 16-year-old back in 2006.

“The years have definitely flown by,” said Grech. “But it’s been a lot of fun. I’m not 100 percent sure where I’m going to school next year, but I will definitely be playing hockey.”

Over the span of his junior career, Grech has seen time at both forward and defense and excelled at both.

“I mean, I just play what position I need to,” said Grech, a 20-year-old from Hartland. “Hockey is hockey. It’s all fun to me. You just work hard and the rest is the easy part.”

“Grechy has been a very versatile guy for us,” added Metro GM Butch Wolfe. “Anywhere he plays he produces and does it with no complaints whatsoever. He’s been one of our leaders for a number of years now. A few college coaches have called me inquiring about Brett and I have had nothing but rave reviews for them. Wherever he goes next year, that school will be getting a heck of a hockey player and an even better person.”

Grech has seen his share of players come and go through the Lakeland doors in five years and said that fact alone is what he’ll remember most about his time in Waterford.

”The most memorable part of being here to me is being in locker room around all the guys,” Grech said. “My first year we went to the playoffs and it was awesome.”

Metro is still in the hunt for a playoff spot this season, but either way, you can bet Grech will walk out of Lakeland with a smile on his face and a plan for the future.

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

Metro last played on Dec. 21 and earned a 6-4 win on the road against the Flint Jr. Generals.

Tommy Kilgore and Matt Stirling each scored twice, while Grech and Dan Hudson added singles to back Eric Trunick’s 46-save performance in goal.

This weekend, the Jets (9-17-1-0) travel to Pittsburgh to face the Jr. Penguins.

Pittsburgh swept the Jets at Lakeland Arena back on Nov. 20-21, though Metro did earn a point in their 3-2 overtime loss in the first game of that series.

The Jr. Penguins (17-11-0-0) are led offensively by the top line of Jayson Angus (24 goals), Charles Williams (20 goals) and David Dinnison (17 goals). On defense, Mike Kretz has 24 points and three other blueliners have 10 points or more. In goal, Collin LeMay has 10 wins and a shutout and was just returned from the Janesville Jets of the North American Hockey League.

Pittsburgh is also second in the league with 140 goals scored.

Last year, Pittsburgh’s first in the league, saw the Jr. Penguins win all four meetings against the Jets.

JET STREAKS

The Jets added defenseman Kevin Lander (Brighton) this week. Lander, who turns 20 on Jan. 21 and was a 2010 draft pick of the Jets, played 18 games for the Wisconsin Wilderness of the Superior International Junior Hockey League this season without registering a point, but accruing 32 penalty minutes.

Lander is now the sixth member of the 2010 Metro draft class to be on the 2010-2011 roster, joining forwards Josh Beleski (never played a game, later traded), Hudson, Kilgore and Stirling and defenseman Will Shier.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Scott Hughes, a Lathrup Village native, was a goaltender for the Jets during their first season of 1989-1990 and is now a goalie equipment representative for Vaughn.

Photo by Walt Dmoch/WCD Photo

Warriors, Falcons complete big trade

The Michigan Warriors completed a trade with the Port Huron Fighting Falcons today, acquiring center Ryan Green and left wing Jeremy Humenny from Port Huron in exchange for defensemen Ryan Teal and Bret Lewandowski and right wing Ian Miller.

“We feel that while we had to give up some talented players, this trade significantly bolsters our roster,” said Warriors coach-GM Moe Mantha. “Green should bring some veteran leadership and size (6-foot-3, 215 pounds), while Humenny will add some depth and grit up front for us. Teal, Lewandowski and Miller were hard to trade, but if you want talent, you have to give up talent. I feel this trade will work out well on both ends.”

Green (pictured) was Port Huron’s captain and leading scorer this year. In 25 games, the 20-year-old from Essex, Ont., had eight goals and 14 assists for 22 points. Green played last year for the Cowichan Valley Capitals of the British Columbia Hockey League.

The 18-year-old Humenny (he turns 19 on Jan. 17) is joining his third NAHL team this season after beginning the year with the St. Louis Bandits. In 22 games with St. Louis and Port Huron, the Inner Groves Heights, Minn., native has totaled five goals and four assists for nine points, along with 82 penalty minutes.

Teal (New Baltimore), 19, posted three assists in 21 games this year, while Lewandowski (Chesterfield), 19, was pointless in 14 contests. Miller (Fraser), 18, had three goals and three assists for six points in 19 games.

“The North Division is a very tough division and we feel that by upgrading our team with Green and Humenny that we can make a push to move up the standings and challenge the teams above us,” added Mantha. “I would also like to thank Ryan, Bret and Ian for their contributions here in Flint and wish them all the best in Port Huron.”

Just four points separate the fifth place Warriors (37 points) from the second place Motor City Metal Jackets (41 points). St. Louis sits in first place with 50 points (23-8-4).

Green and Humenny are expected to be in the lineup Wednesday night when the Warriors (17-10-3) host the Traverse City North Stars at Perani Arena at 7 p.m.

Ex-North Star Nagy makes D-I choice

The Youngstown Phantoms have announced that defenseman Nilan Nagy has committed to play collegiate hockey at Holy Cross.

"Holy Cross has been talking to me since the Fall Classic," said Nagy. "They have kept up with me during the season and I recently had a chance to visit the school. After my visit, I loved the program and I loved the atmosphere there. I knew it was the right fit for my college career."

Nagy, who played last year for the Traverse City North Stars, has put up four points (1g, 3a) in 21 games during his first USHL season. His first career USHL point was the game-winning goal in the Phantoms' 3-1 win over Chicago on November 27.

The 19-year-old native of Canonsburg, Pa., was selected by the Phantoms during the 2010 USHL Entry Draft.

"(Holy Cross) liked my style of play," said Nagy who will pursue a degree in accounting at the school. "I play a more defensive minded style and I worry about things in my own end. The commitment takes the pressure off me, but I still need to work hard and focus on the little things to help my team succeed."

"Nilan is a very good, all-around defenseman," said Youngstown coach-GM Curtis Carr. "He makes simple, smart plays with the puck. He is a very dedicated young man who works hard both on and off the ice. He will be an asset and a staple at the Holy Cross program for the next four years."

Photo courtesy Youngstown Phantoms

Niagara up next for Woodhaven native

The Des Moines Buccaneers have announced that forward Doug Clifford has committed to play collegiate hockey at Niagara University beginning in the fall of 2011.

The 20-year-old from Woodhaven is currently tied for second on the team in scoring with 15 points (8g, 7a) in 19 games. It is the first USHL season for Clifford who has put up six points (3g, 3a) over his last five games. Clifford, who played last year for the Traverse City North Stars, scored his first career USHL goal in the 3-2 win over Youngstown on October 30.

"Doug has been a major contributor for the Buccaneers, has put in his time in junior hockey and has earned this opportunity," said Des Moines coach-GM Regg Simon. "I think most scouts looked at him as not being fast or big, but he has proven himself as a warrior and a strong hockey player and you can never have enough of those types of players on your team."

Photo by Bryce Loshman

Kovacs picks Northeastern for '11-12

Cedar Rapids RoughRiders forward Justin Kovacs has committed to play collegiate hockey at Northeastern University beginning in the fall of 2011.

Kovacs is playing in his second USHL season with the Riders and is third on the team in scoring with 18 points (4g, 14a) while also posting a plus-seven rating in 23 games. His 14 assists lead the club and two of his goals have been game-winners. Kovacs recorded a hat trick, including the game-winning goal, in the 4-3 win over Indiana on November 17.

The 19-year-old from Grosse Pointe Woods has experienced a breakout season after putting up seven points (3g, 4a) in 24 games during his rookie USHL season in 2009-10.

Kovacs will be joined by RoughRiders teammate Rasmus Juell, who is also committed to Northeastern.

Northeastern University is located in Boston and is a member of Hockey East.

Photo courtesy USHL Images

Brighton's Stewart chooses Broncos

The Green Bay Gamblers have announced that defenseman Matt Stewart will play collegiate hockey at Western Michigan University.

Stewart, 19, has appeared in all 24 games for the Gamblers and recorded four assists during his second USHL season.

In 55 games during the 2009-10 campaign, he tallied 18 points (2g, 16a) and a plus-33 rating which was the seventh best mark in the League.

The Brighton native also appeared in five games, before being lost to injury, during the Gamblers' run to the Clark Cup title in 2010.

Stewart is one of four Gamblers committed to Western Michigan, joining forwards Robert Francis, William Kessel and Nolan LaPorte. Four other current USHL players will attend the school following their USHL careers: Austin Hervey (Lincoln Stars), Jordan Oesterle (Sioux Falls Stampede), Alex Carpenter (Tri-City Storm) and Joe Fiala (U.S. NTDP).

A total of 18 USHL alumni are part of the Broncos roster for the 2010-11 season: Chase Balisy (Team USA), Brett Beebe (Chicago Steel), Shane Berschbach (Indiana Ice), Dennis Brown (Omaha Lancers), J.J. Crew (Lincoln Stars), Dan DeKeyser (Sioux City Musketeers), Dave Donnellan (Youngstown Phantoms), Ross Henry (Lincoln Stars), Jerry Kuhn (Sioux City Musketeers), Ben Miller (Waterloo Black Hawks), Travis Paeth (Des Moines Buccaneers), Nick Pisellini (Chicago Steel), Derek Roehl (Ohio Jr. Blue Jackets), Ian Slater (Cedar Rapids RoughRiders), Greg Squires (Indiana Ice), Matt Tennyson (Cedar Rapids RoughRiders), Dane Walters (Sioux Falls Stampede) and Luke Witkowski (Fargo Force).

In addition, the Broncos are led by first-year head coach Jeff Blashill, who spent the last two seasons in the USHL as the head coach of the Indiana Ice, guiding them to their first Clark Cup during the 2008-09 season.

Photo courtesy Green Bay Gamblers

Johnstone will join brother at MTU

Indiana Ice forward David Johnstone has committed to play collegiate hockey at Michigan Tech University.

Johnstone is in his second USHL season with the Indiana Ice and is currently tied for second on the team in scoring with 18 points (4g, 14a) in 22 games played.

The 19-year-old from Grand Ledge appeared in 48 games during the 2009-10 season and collected 20 points (6g, 14a).

Three other players are committed to attend Michigan Tech following their USHL careers: Tanner Kero (Fargo Force), Nick Cecere (Lincoln Stars) and Reid Sturos (Omaha Lancers).

Eight USHL alumni are on the roster for the Huskies this season, including Johnstone's older brother, Jacob, who played three seasons in the USHL (2007-10), Corson Cramer (Ohio Jr. Blue Jackets), Rick Doriott (Sioux City Musketeers), Ryan Furne (Green Bay Gamblers), Jacob Johnstone (Sioux Falls Stampede/Green Bay Gamblers), Patrick McCadden (Green Bay Gamblers), Brett Olson (Waterloo Black Hawks/Sioux City Musketeers), Josh Robinson (Sioux City Musketeers), Anthony Schooley (Green Bay/Tri-City/Waterloo) and Dan Sova (Waterloo Black Hawks).

In addition, Michigan Tech assistant coach Pat Mikesch played two seasons in the USHL for the Des Moines Buccaneers (1990-92) and was named All-USHL First Team following the 1991-92 season when he posted 80 points (37g, 43a) in 46 games.

Photo courtesy Whiteshark Photography

James brings character to Waterford

Morgan James is hoping his last year of junior hockey will be more memorable than the past couple years.

After taking a break from the game after his last year of midget hockey three years ago dealing with personal problems, James signed with the Metro Jets in the offseason and was recently named team captain.

Making the decision to return to hockey was the easy part and once he laced up the skates for the Jets’ training camp, the comeback was complete.

“I signed with the Jets because I wanted to get back into the game that I’ve always played and loved,” said James, a 20-year-old from Commerce Township. “I called (Metro GM) Butch (Wolfe), he had me come out, and that was that. After taking a couple years off going through a rough time in my life, now I’m back and I regret ever stopping (playing hockey). The adjustment hasn’t been a problem.”

With just one assist through 20 games this season, James does lead the team with 103 penalty minutes, also second overall in the North American 3 Hockey League.

More than points, though, are James’ desire to improve on a daily basis and continue playing hockey after this season.

“Morgan’s come a long way since he joined us,” Metro associate coach Jamie Hayden said. “He’s a good leader in the locker room and on the ice, he’ll definitely step up for any one of his teammates. He can also play forward or defense and has done anything we’ve asked of him.

“As for being captain, I think he was a good selection. He’s never been a captain at any level of hockey before and growing up, a lot of teams pick their three best players as captains and Morgan was probably never one of those players. When you get to this level, character plays a big role in who you pick as a captain.”

Racking up the penalty minutes has always been a part of the way James plays the game. He realizes he’s not going to be a 30-goal scorer or a top-four defenseman, so playing the physical side of hockey is the role he fills to a ‘T.’ Being 6-foot-4 and 255 pounds only helps matters.

”I’m going to do whatever it takes to keep playing this game at a competitive level and if that means fighting, then bring it on,” boasted James. “I’ve always been a bigger guy on the ice, so I’ve been pushed to be physical. It’s my strongest and favorite point of ice hockey.”

James wants to come back from the holiday break ready to get back to business and start the Jets’ push for a playoff spot. Looking even further ahead, James reiterated that continuing his career is more than just a hope.

”Come the New Year, we will be better than ever before,” said James. “Everyone has a better feel for each other now and it’s time to dominate. After this season will be a long summer of work and then hopefully some good hockey.”

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

The Jets stumbled a bit last weekend in getting swept at home by the Peoria Mustangs, but rebounded with a 6-4 win in Flint Tuesday night.

The visitors from Illinois won 3-0 on Saturday night and then 7-2 Sunday afternoon at Lakeland Arena.

“Not many positives to take from last weekend,” said Hayden. “Eric Trunick played well Saturday night in the second and third periods, but didn’t show up in the first period and that was pretty much the difference in the game. Sunday, we just didn’t bring the effort we needed to play a team like Peoria, who is in fourth place and battling for one of the top spots in the league.”

Trunick (Commerce Township) made 28 saves in Saturday’s loss and then suffered the loss again Sunday despite playing only 22 seconds.

Matt Braun started in goal, but was pulled for Trunick after Mason Riley scored a shorthanded goal at 11:55 of the first period to give Peoria a 2-0 lead. Kyle Hamilton scored again shorthanded on Trunick at 12:17 and Trunick was yanked for Braun.

With the Jets scoring twice, Peoria’s third goal (Hamilton’s) stood as the game-winner and Trunick the goalie of record.

Cameron Bazin (Troy) and Matt Stirling (Dexter) scored for Metro and Braun finished with 28 stops.

Riley and Brandon Neville each had two goals for Peoria.

Tuesday night at Iceland Arena, it was a 3-2 game in favor of the Jets after two periods before three goals in a 68-second span to start the third period from Tommy Kilgore (Pinckney), Stirling and Brett Grech (Hartland) gave the Jets a four-goal cushion at the time.

Stirling and Kilgore scored in the first period and Dan Hudson (Gregory) added a goal in the middle frame.

Trunick finished with 46 saves between the pipes for the Jets, now 9-17-1-0.

For Flint, Andrew Lay had two goals and an assist, Nate Scurfield a goal and an assist and Stephen Hibbard three assists. Nick Szalacinski also scored in the loss and Dominic Orlando and Andrew Habasevich combined for 24 saves.

Metro’s next action comes Jan. 8-9, 2011 in Pittsburgh before a home-and-home with Battle Creek the following weekend.

JET STREAKS

Grech made his return to the lineup last Saturday night after being out with a deeply lacerated thigh suffered Nov. 7 against St. Louis … The Jets have four players named Matt on the roster (Braun, Elswick, Stemkoski, Stirling) and three players named Mike (Corder, Denston, Moroso). They also have two Jordans (Jones, Reames) and two Tommys (Burns, Kilgore). Burns and Kilgore are also both Pinckney natives … Moroso, Stirling and Kilgore have each played in all 26 games this season.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Chicago native Anthony Cacciatore played on the Jets’ blueline during the 2000-2001 season and after that season, he played two years of Division I club hockey at Robert Morris College and then two years of pro hockey in the United Hockey League with Muskegon and Port Huron.

Cacciatore, now 29, has come full-circle as he now lives and works in Chicago operating his own business as a private and personal chef.

Photo by Andy Grossman

Port Huron names new coach, GM

The Port Huron Fighting Falcons will come back from their holiday break as a very different team, as they today filled their head coaching vacancy.

Bill Warren, who coached last weekend’s games in Flint on an interim basis, has been hired to guide the team through the remainder of this season.

Warren had been the head coach at Port Huron Northern, in the most competitive high school league in Michigan, for the past six seasons before accepting the Fighting Falcons job. The PHN graduate had led the Huskies to a 4-4 record in the early stages of their season. Warren also coaches in the Honeybaked AAA organization and scouted for five years in the Ontario Hockey Association with the Strathroy Rockets.

The coaching position was left vacant after Ernie and Shane Hicke were relieved of their positions with the team last Friday. The Fighting Falcons were just 1-24-1 under the Hickes, and majority owner Maribeth Hayes decided to make a change before the three-week holiday break.

Warren says he’s up to the challenge he’s been presented with and looks forward to showing fans the level of hockey they hoped for when the team was first brought to town this summer.

In two games as interim coach, Warren’s Fighting Falcons showed improvement, setting a team record with six goals in Friday’s 8-6 loss to the Michigan Warriors at Perani Arena. Saturday night the team set another record, as they were whistled for just five penalties, the lowest mark of the season. That game resulted in a 3-1 loss, but the team’s play was encouraging, as they held the Warriors scoreless over the game’s final 51 minutes

Ernie Hicke’s departure also left the general manager position open, which will be filled by former assistant coach Marty Haddad. Haddad will also serve as the team’s associate head coach. A Port Huron native, Haddad has been involved with the Fighting Falcons since training camp, and will take over player personnel decisions while also running the day-to-day operations in the front office.

Port Huron native Chad Noetzel will become the team’s new strength and conditioning coach, and Todd Churchill of Marysville will keep his position as the team’s goaltender coach and equipment manager.

“I can’t speak highly enough of our players for the way they’ve handled this tough situation,” said Haddad. “It would have been easy for them to not be at their best over the weekend and every guy out there played hard and gave it everything they had. Coach Warren and I are extremely excited about the new roles we’re taking on and we look forward to putting a better product on the ice when we come back in January.”

Lumberjacks play role of holiday heroes

By Christopher Heimerman, Muskegon Lumberjacks

"Candy or video games? Candy or video games?" Lance Fredrickson asked. "You pick. Video games? OK, let's go!"

And away they went.

The Muskegon Lumberjacks players, each with a Muskegon-area youngster and a $100 gift card, jumped into action like it was Game 5 of the Clark Cup finals.

One can only hope Shop With the Jacks, which took place at the Meijer Superstore on Henry Street, will be an annual affair. Meijer donated the gift cards, and the Jacks' players gladly donated their time to help lesser-privileged kids put a few more presents under the Christmas tree this year.

Jordan Masters put aside his distaste for Michigan State long enough to help pick out a Sparty hoodie. Brendan Woods (eventually) learned how to use the price check scanner to add up purchases. Kevin Albers and Jaycob Megna, a couple of the Jacks' more physically imposing defensemen, smiled from ear to ear as they spent a considerable amount of time perusing the Barbie doll aisle.

But the play of the game once again came from Travis Walsh who, when his shopper accidentally overspent, pulled out his debit card to take care of the balance.

The event was a perfect example of pay it forward, and it melted at least one reporter's heart. I'd like to meet anyone who doesn't feel all warm and gooey inside when they see kids given $100 to spend and, for the most part, they want to spend it on their family members. It's the embodiment of the holiday spirit – people being driven by the satisfaction of making others happy.

Detroit native Mingo picks BGSU

The Des Moines Buccaneers have announced that forward Dajon Mingo will attend Bowling Green State University beginning in the fall of 2011.

Mingo is in his first USHL season and has put up 13 points (10g, 3a) in 16 games for the Bucs. He leads the team with 10 goals and ranks tied for first in the USHL with five power play tallies.

The 20-year-old also leads Bucs forwards with a plus-six rating.

Mingo scored a goal in his USHL debut on October 1, a 3-2 overtime loss to Youngstown.

The Detroit native also recorded a hat trick in his home state when he netted three goals, including the game-winner, on November 27 at Muskegon.

"Dajon is an intelligent, hard-working player who complements any unit that he plays on – we've seen great improvement in his game this season," said Des Moines head coach Regg Simon. "He'll be playing in a great program and will have a chance to become a major contributor."

Photo by Bryce Loshman

Soo Eagles d-man signs with Otters

By RANDY RUSSON, RR MEDIA SERVICE

The Erie Otters have signed Soo Eagles defenceman Nathan Glass to an Ontario Hockey League card.

The smooth-skating Glass, a 1994 birth year defender, has four goals and 12 points in 28 games with the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League's Eagles thus far this season. He was Erie's seventh round pick at the 2010 OHL Draft.

According to Eagles coach/general manager Bruno Bragagnolo, Glass is expected to play three games with Erie when the Otters head out on an OHL road trip Dec. 28-31. After that, the Otters will likely determine whether or not Glass will be sent back to the Eagles for the remainder of the 2010-11 season.

Port Huron names interim coaches

The Port Huron Fighting Falcons have announced that Marty Haddad and Bill Warren have been named the team’s interim coaches.

Haddad was serving as an assistant coach with the Fighting Falcons, while Warren is currently the head coach of the Port Huron Northern High School varsity team.

The Fighting Falcons have begun a search for a permanent head coach.

More from the Port Huron Times-Herald HERE.

Braun hopes first win leads to more

Matt Braun picked a pretty good time to get his first win of the season last Sunday for the Metro Jets.

Playing both ends of a two-game series in Chicago against the North American 3 Hockey League’s top team, the Chicago Hitmen, Braun rebounded from a loss Saturday night to make 31 saves in regulation and overtime and then stop all five shooters in the shootout as the Jets won the game, 3-2.

Braun’s efforts may not have been the material for a Hollywood motion picture, but it was still a great moment for the 18-year-old New Jersey native, Eric Trunick’s backup much of the season.

“It was great finally getting my first win and getting it against the first place team made it even better,” said Braun. “Before the shootout, I was pretty nervous. This was my first shootout in juniors. During the shootout, I calmed down a bit and just did what I had to do and focus on the puck and not fall for any dekes. After the shootout, it felt great knowing that we just beat the first place team.”

The only non-Michigander on the Metro roster, Braun said being away from home for the first time has been “a wonderful experience” and that he hopes the Jets can help him attain higher levels of hockey.

“(Goaltending) coach (Randy) Wilson and (head) coach (Jason) Cirone have been great helping me get my game where it needs to be to move on,” noted Braun. “I don’t feel that I pattern myself after any goalie. I just play how I have to play.”

And play he does. Just look at the 2009-2010 season.

Last year, Braun won an NJSIAA/Devils Public B state championship with Ramsey High School (just outside New York City), making 40 saves and posting a shutout in the title game. He had hoped to stay local to play junior hockey, but when that option fell through, he had another opportunity just around the corner.

“I came in contact with the Jets through Randy,” explained Braun. “He has helped me out a lot this past summer with finding a team to play for and when things weren’t going so well for me back in New Jersey, I decided to give him a call and he said he would call coach Cirone. As soon as I know it, I’m packing up my stuff to come and play out here.”

Now with a boatload of confidence, Braun is hoping that rubs off on his teammates going into the final three games of the calendar year.

”I feel that our team is on the upswing now and we’re going to do a lot better in the second half of the season,” Braun said. As for myself, I just hope to be the best I can and help my team out as much as possible.”

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

The Jets ended their losing streak Sunday afternoon in the shootout win over the Chicago Hitmen.

After Mike Moroso (Macomb) and Tommy Burns (Pinckney) scored in the second period, Matt Stirling (Dexter) tallied the only goal in the shootout

Saturday night, the Hitmen topped the Jets, 6-2.

Moroso and Tommy Kilgore (Pinckney) each had a goal and an assist and Stirling assisted on both goals.

Braun made 43 stops between the pipes.

The Jets (8-15-1-0) host the Peoria Mustangs this weekend at Lakeland Arena for two games. Game time Saturday night is 7:40 p.m. with a 1:20 p.m. Sunday matinee. Metro then plays Tuesday night in Flint before breaking for the holidays.

“Beating Chicago let us know that we can put it to any team out there,” Metro captain Morgan James said. “We are a good team and we are going to let it be known. Sunday’s game was very exciting, but that’s over now. We've got other games ahead. Peoria is solid team and it will take the same effort to beat them.”

JET STREAKS

Forward Matt Stemkoski (Novi) has two goals and two assists in six games since being acquired from Toledo on Nov. 12 … Moroso, Metro’s leading scorer with 13 goals and 25 points, has six of those points (two goals, four assists) over his last five games … Stirling is also on a mini-streak with six points (goal, five assists) in his last three games.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Karl Merkle, a forward on the 1995-1996 Jets team, still lives in Waterford is now an area manager for Honeybaked Ham.

Merkle’s younger brother, David, played for the Jets last season.

Photo by Andy Grossman

Warriors to assist with food drive today

Members of the Michigan Warriors will be helping out with a food drive at a local elementary school Thursday.

A food truck will be at the Richfield Public School Academy tomorrow to provide meals to community families who may not have a fresh meal this time of year.

Krista Ketterer, a teacher at Richfield, explained how this opportunity came about and how the Warriors got involved.

“My school has been working with the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan for over a year now,” said Ketterer. “Over a month ago, Joni Clemons, the director of the after-school program at RPSA, was approached about having a mobile food pantry come to our building since we have had such a great partnership over the past year. Joni said that we did not have the $600 to purchase the mobile food pantry and the food bank said that they were donating it because we've been such great supporters.

“The only condition is that they needed 25 volunteers to unload the truck – that is where the Warriors came into play. We may have the numbers when it comes to staff, but we do not have the time. There is no way that we could have the food truck arrive after school, unload it and then serve families. We would be there until midnight.”

“Here in Flint, we are not only grooming these kids to be excellent players, but to also go a step further and be excellent and honorable human beings,” said Warriors’ head coach Moe Mantha. “These boys didn’t even think twice when we brought it to their attention. Maturity and respect is definitely an asset all of our players have and this proves it.”

Richfield has a very high percentage of students that receive free and/or reduced lunch. This food truck will not only help out the families at the school, but also anyone from the community. Flyers have been distributed to all of the schools where Warriors’ players volunteer and also to local churches. There is also a sign out in front of the school promoting tomorrow’s event

“Without the help and support of the Warriors, we would not be able to participate in this program that our families so desperately need,” added Ketterer. “We would have needed to decline the wonderful offer that the food bank had given us. It's a win-win for everyone.”

In addition, the Warriors are giving each family that receives food from the food truck a four-pack of tickets to Sunday’s home game against the Traverse City North Stars.

Richfield Public School Academy is located at 3807 N. Center Road in Flint, just three miles north of Perani Arena.

For more information, call the RPSA at 810-736-1281 or Krista Ketterer at 810-287-3581.

Albertini, Dennis recalled to Plymouth

The Plymouth Whalers announced the recall today of 17-year-old defenseman Chris Albertini and 16-year-old left wing Jared Dennis.

Both are joining the Whalers on the road this weekend, starting Thursday on Barrie, Friday in Oshawa and Saturday in Belleville.

Albertini (pictured) - 6-feet-3 inches and 200 pounds - was playing for the Cobourg Cougars of the Ontario Junior Hockey League, where he had a goal and two assists for three points and 75 penalty minutes in 25 games. Albertini was selected by the Whalers in 14th round (273rd overall) of the 2009 Ontario Hockey League draft.

Dennis - 6-feet-1 inch and 180 pounds - was playing for the Leamington Flyers of Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League, where he had four goals and seven assists for 11 points in 29 games. Dennis was selected by the Whalers in the 10th round (190th overall) of the 2010 OHL draft.

Dennis will practice with the Whalers on Wednesday, while Albertini will join the Whalers Thursday in Barrie.

Several Whalers are expected to miss part or all of the road trip.

RJ Mahalak remains out with an upper body injury and Jamie Devane was assessed a two-game suspension on Sunday for his part of a second fight in the same sequence. Devane is expected to return Saturday in Belleville.

In addition, Rickard Rakell is currently in Sweden trying out for the Swedish National Team for the upcoming World Junior Championship. Dario Trutmann leaves Saturday for St. Catharines, Ont., to try out for the Swiss World Junior team.

Saginaw acquires McFarland, Chiarot

The Saginaw Spirit have completed a trade with the Sudbury Wolves, acquiring two top-flight veterans in forward John McFarland and defenseman Ben Chiarot in return for forward Michael Sgarbossa, forward Alex Racino and defenseman Frank Schumacher.

The two teams also swapped draft picks, with the Spirit getting a third round pick in the 2011 OHL Priority Selection and the Wolves getting a fourth round pick in the 2011 selection.

McFarland is a three-year veteran of the Ontario Hockey League, the first overall pick in the 2008 OHL Priority Selection. McFarland has tallied six goals and four assists for ten points in 12 regular season games this season, and 47 goals and 65 assists for 112 points in 134 regular season games in his OHL career. The 1992-born Richmond Hill, Ont., native has notched four goals and three assists for seven points in 10 post-season appearances with the Wolves.

McFarland was selected 33rd overall by the Florida Panthers in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

Chiarot is playing in his fourth OHL season, second with the Wolves after spending two and a half seasons with the Guelph Storm. He has posted five goals and eight assists for 13 points in 25 regular season games this season, and 15 goals and 31 assists for 46 points in his 190 regular season games in his OHL career. Chiarot has visited the post-season twice, notching three assists in four games with the Storm in the 2009 playoffs and one goal and one assists for two points in four games with the Wolves in the 2010 playoffs.

The 1991-born Hamilton, Ont., native was selected 120th overall by the Atlanta Thrashers in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.

Both McFarland and Chiarot are expected to join the Spirit for this weekend’s home games against the Kingston Frontenacs tonight and the Plymouth Whalers on Sunday.

Photo by Terry Wilson/OHL Images

Denston keeping Jets loose during slump

Mike Denston may not have a letter on his jersey, but he speaks like a true leader.

He knows that there is a difference between winning and losing, but also knows that at the end of the day, hockey is just a game. Denston has been trying to exude that attitude onto his Metro Jets teammates recently as the team is stuck in a losing streak.

“I've just been trying to make sure that everyone is still having fun,” said Denston, a 19-year-old forward. “Whether it's going to team dinners or coming over to my house to play NHL (video games) or just hanging out with the team, we can't beat ourselves up too bad mentally because that's what happened last year and it wasn't fun.

“We've got to keep working hard and do as (head) coach (Jason Cirone) tells us, but we also need to have fun and not lose our heads.”

Even as it seems the Jets’ last win was eons ago, Denston feels more are just around the corner.

“You can definitely tell that we’re not happy with the way things have been going for us, but that hasn't stopped us from working harder every time we get on the ice,” Denston said. “We just have to go back to doing the things that coach has taught us and we'll start winning again.”

A native of nearby White Lake, Denston grew up following the Jets and started his junior hockey career last season with a 17-point output for his hometown team.

This season, Denston is on pace to eclipse his 2009-2010 point total. More than that, though, is the notion that Denston wants to become a better all-around player on the ice.

“I think the biggest difference this year compared to last year is how serious everyone is taking the season,” said Denston. “It seemed like last year, a lot of guys just showed up to be here. This year, we have a team that comes to the rink looking to get better whether it's a practice or game.

“I'm expecting us to finish hard and win a lot of games. We've been working very hard in practice and we just have to transfer it all to a game for the full 60 minutes and we'll be fine.”

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

After being off last weekend, the Jets (7-14-1-0) travel to suburban Chicago this weekend to take on the league’s top team, the Chicago Hitmen, in a two-game series Saturday and Sunday.

Game time Saturday is 5:30 p.m. EST, while Sunday’s game goes at 3:00 p.m.

Chicago is 18-5-1-0 this year and has scored an NA3HL-best 132 goals, with captain Quentin Bicknase accounting for 21 of them. In goal, Nick Clarke has fashioned an 11-1-0 record with a 1.94 goals-against average, .920 save percentage and a pair of shutouts.

The Hitmen swept the Jets in a two-game set in Waterford back on Oct. 30-31.

This time, the Jets are looking for opposite results.

“I can tell you we are physically ready,” Metro captain Morgan James said. “We've worked our tails off the last two weeks prepping for these games. The mental part, which we have, is what it’s going to take to pull it off. We just need to make sure everyone brings it to Chicago.”

Metro returns home next weekend for two games with the Peoria Mustangs at Lakeland Arena. After a road game against the Flint Jr. Generals on Dec. 21, the Jets sit idle for the holiday break, next playing in Pittsburgh Jan. 8-9.

JET STREAKS

The Jets released defenseman Brennan Borowiak (Gaylord) last Saturday and forward Ryan Kelly on Tuesday and signed defenseman Will Shier (Sterling Heights) on Monday.

Borowiak had three assists in 18 games for Metro, while Kelly tallied three assists in six games.

Shier, 18, started the season in the Northern Pacific Hockey League with the Yellowstone Quake and recorded a goal and four assists in 14 games.

Defenseman Austin Shipaila (Wyoming), released by the Jets on Nov. 25, signed with Battle Creek last Friday.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Forward Dominic Osman, who played for Metro during the 1999-2000 season, is now in his fourth pro season and second with the ECHL’s Toledo Walleye.

After playing for the Jets, the 28-year-old Dearborn native played for the Soo Indians, Capital Centre Pride and Cleveland Barons in the North American Hockey League and then four years of Division I college hockey at Lake Superior State University.

Photo by Andy Grossman/Detailed Images

Jacks to 'pay their fortune forward'

The Muskegon Lumberjacks’ players are very aware of how fortunate they are to play in a premier league like the United States Hockey League. That is why they are eager to pay their fortune forward next Monday and Tuesday.

After ringing bells for the Salvation Army at several locations Monday night, the Lumberjacks’ players and coaches will accompany underprivileged children from the area in shopping at the Meijer Superstore, 3267 Henry St., on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.

Meijer will be donating individual $100 gift cards to 25 kids, and the Jacks will help them from the time they start filling their carts until they load up the groceries to bring them home.

“What started out as a simple request to get our players out in the community has turned into an opportunity to reach out and positively impact 25 young people and their families,” Lumberjacks president Tim Taylor said. “We’re grateful for the chance to work with Meijer on such a great initiative.”

On Monday night from 7-9 p.m., the Lumberjacks will be ringing bells for the Salvation Army at numerous locations throughout the city. The players will pair up, and you can spot them at the Plumbs Market locations on Apple Avenue and West Sherman Boulevard; Kmart on Apple Avenue; the Walgreens locations on Apple Avenue, Holton Road and East Sherman Boulevard; Sam’s Club on East Sherman Boulevard; the Lakes Mall, and Walmart on Henry Street. The players will also be handing out Salvation Army pins

“When you have the given ability and opportunity to play sports and be in the public eye, there needs to be a realization that it’s about something bigger than yourself,” Lumberjacks head coach Kevin Patrick said. “You need to carry yourself and be a role model. To whom much is given, much is expected.”

Metro's Elswick finding scoring touch

Matt Elswick started this season for the Metro Jets going 17 games before scoring his first goal.

He followed that milestone up with two more goals in the next three games.

Elswick’s confidence, obviously, is peaking and he’s admitted to not gripping his stick as tightly after scoring goal No. 1 on Nov. 20 at home against Pittsburgh.

“It was definitely a huge relief to finally put the puck in the net,” said Elswick, an 18-year-old native of Gaylord. “We all talk about how we plan on celebrating our next goal, but that was the last thing on my mind at the time. I was just so overwhelmed to finally bury one.

“This has been a big jump from high school hockey – much faster, much tougher, and a lot more talent.”

Still, being put on a forward line with Justin Bennett and Mike Denston has been paying off in recent games.

“I get along with both of them really well both on and off the ice,” Elswick said. “The two of them talk to me on the ice, which is a big help to me knowing where they are.”

Looking ahead, Elswick has both short-term and long-term aspirations in mind.

“I would enjoy shooting for college hockey and be able to study and get my education as well,” noted Elswick. “I expect as a team to start winning again and make the playoffs. Personally, I would like to continue getting my points and help my team win some games and complete our goals.”

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

The Jets played a strong game, but fell to the Toledo Cherokee, 8-5, Sunday afternoon at Lakeland Arena.

Five different players scored for the Jets, including newcomer Bryan Marks (Milford), who scored Metro’s first goal at 15:20 of the first period.

Marks, 18, signed with Metro last Friday after starting the season in Toledo.

Elswick added a goal and an assist, while Bennett, Matt Stemkoski (Novi) and Tommy Kilgore (Pinckney) also scored.

Denston and Matt Stirling (Dexter) each recorded two assists and Eric Trunick (Commerce Township) finished with 35 saves in goal.

For Toledo, Cameron Rossman scored three goals and Cory Bastian had two goals and an assist in the win.

The Jets (7-14-1-0) are off idle this weekend and don't play again until Dec. 11-12 when they hit the road to play the Chicago Hitmen.

JET STREAKS

Defenseman Austin Shipaila (Wyoming) was released last Thursday. Shipaila was acquired from Pittsburgh on Oct. 15 and had one assist in 11 games with Metro … Marks tallied a goal and an assist during his 12-game stint with Toledo … Goalie Rick Ice (Sterling Heights), released by the Jets on Nov. 23, signed with Toledo two days later.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Vinny Pietrangelo, a defenseman on last year’s Metro team, is in his freshman season at Finlandia University in Hancock, Mich.

Finlandia is one of two Division III schools in Michigan with Adrian College being the other.

Pietrangelo, a Traverse City native who turns 20 on Dec. 26, leads the Lions with a plus-3 plus/minus rating and recorded his first collegiate point with an assist against Lake Forest College on Nov. 5.

Last season, Pietrangelo registered a goal and eight assists in 47 games for the Jets.

Photo by Andy Grossman/Detailed Images

Dearborn Heights native picks Broncos

The Sioux Falls Stampede announced Wednesday that defenseman Jordan Oesterle has committed to Western Michigan University.

He becomes the ninth Stampede player to commit to a Division I program this season.

The Dearborn Heights native has tallied seven points (1g, 6a) in 16 games and is a team best plus-6 on the year.

Oesterle spent last year playing Midget Major hockey with Belle Tire in Detroit, where he recorded 58 points (8g, 50a) in 71 games.

Metal Jackets to partner with FHHA

The Motor City Metal Jackets and the Farmington Hills Hockey Association have formed a partnership called the Junior Metal Jackets of Farmington Hills.

The Metal Jackets and the executive board of the Farmington Hills Hockey Association have announced a mutual partnership starting in the spring of 2011.

The Metal Jackets are going to utilize the resources on and off the ice in their Junior A program in the NAHL to enhance the opportunity for players and parents of the FHHA. The Motor City organization will offer support at every level, including player skill development, coaching development and education on hockey fundamentals for both parents and players. The goals and philosophy of this organization align completely with those of the FHHA strengthening all aspects of their programs.

The FHHA has been a forerunner in the area youth hockey organizations for over a decade.

“We believe this partnership will enhance and strengthen the program and together, we will become a powerhouse in amateur hockey,” stated Kelly Moran, president of the Farmington Hills Hockey Association.

The FHHA has steadily declined participation in the past due to the emergence of associations to the west of that it originally drew players from, as well as to the economic recession. What the Metal Jackets have to offer in conjunction with the FHHA can only strengthen and grow the game of hockey in the area. The city of Farmington Hills and the rink management fully support this venture.

The Metal Jackets professional coaching staff will offer many benefits to the FHHA players, including a strength and conditioning coach and guidelines to ensure the kid's development at the right age, off-ice training guides to develop skills, coaching development at all levels to ensure players and coaches are receiving proper training, and weekly skills development sessions.

“Our program at the Junior A level is developed on the endurance of skating like the Japanese, the skill development of the Europeans, and the aggressive play of the United States and Canada," said Metal Jackets owner Kenji Yamada. "We would like to bring this same philosophy to the youth association and develop these young players while having fun each and every time they hit the ice.”

The partnership will create a path of opportunity from Tim Bits through House, Travel and possibly AAA (with the affiliate Jr Metal Jackets Grizzlies who play in the North American Prospects Hockey League) and Junior A that no other youth organization in the area will be able to offer.