Jets tender local goalie Hellebuyck

The Metro Jets have announced the signing of goalie Connor Hellebuyck to a playing tender for the 2011-2012 season.

Hellebuyck, a soon-to-be graduate of Walled Lake Northern High School, played four years for the Knights and also had successful stints in the Michigan Developmental Hockey League and with Team Michigan this spring.

“We are pleased to have signed Connor to a tender,” Metro head coach Jason Cirone said. “He's a young man we pursued last year, so it’s nice to have him this year. He's a big goalie that competes on every puck, but more importantly, he's a quality person who will improve our team both on and off the ice.”

A tender is a contract of sorts a player signs announcing his intentions to play for that particular North American 3 Hockey League team and that NA3HL team only. Once a player signs a tender with an NA3HL team, his playing rights belong to that team within the NA3HL and he may not be recruited by any other NA3HL team. Each team is granted two tenders and tendered players are not eligible for the NA3HL draft.

Being a local player, Hellebuyck (pronounced HELL-uh-buck) is well-versed in what the Jets are all about.

“When I was tendered, I saw a team that has heavily improved since last year and a stable place to play,” said Hellebuyck who will turn 18 on May 19. “I didn’t get any special treatment as an individual, but my on-ice training will be greatly improved with Jason and (goaltending coach) Randy (Wilson) as coaches. I know the NA3HL is a good place to get experience. The NAHL can pick up players from the league and team which is always great when looking for a future in juniors and hockey.”

Hellebuyck said his hockey idol is former Washington Capitals’ goalie Olaf Kolzig and he sees similarities between himself and Kolzing, such as size and work ethic.

“My strengths as a goalie are my movement and size,” said Hellebuyck. “I’m a big goalie (6-foot-4, 190 pounds) and I work really hard to be fast, which I feel is key in the game today. Kolzig was big and solid. He took the Capitals to the Stanley Cup finals in the 1998 playoffs against the Red Wings and I will never forget that.”

Playing at Lakeland Arena, also the home rink of Walled Lake Northern, is a situation Hellebuyck hopes will propel him higher up the hockey ladder.

“My expectations for next season would be to improve greatly and pursue a future in junior hockey and someday college hockey,” said Hellebuyck. “The coaching is great here and that’s key for choosing a team.”

The Jets’ brass is still weighing their options on using the second tender, but looks to have their second player signed ahead of the NA3HL draft on May 31.

'Jacks Taft chooses Colorado College

Charlie Taft posted a sensational rookie United States Hockey League season with the Muskegon Lumberjacks and he recently parlayed that breakout campaign into a commitment to play hockey at Colorado College.

Taft, a 19-year-old Edina, Minn., native, accepted a scholarship to play for the WCHA institution beginning this fall. A strong-skating winger, Taft finished fourth for the Jacks with 17 goals and is thrilled that he will play numerous games this season in his home state and in front of his family.

“I wouldn’t be in the situation I’m in right now without the USHL and the Lumberjacks,” Taft said. “The 60 rigorous games I played in helped me develop my game and get used to greater physicality than I’d ever faced.”

“When you play for the Lumberjacks, you’ll get the opportunity – as long as you work hard – to develop into a player who goes to the top schools and the best schools,” Lumberjacks owner Josh Mervis said.

Taft captained Edina High School to a Minnesota state championship about a year ago. While he had conversations with Colorado College for about two years, the discussions intensified as he filled the box score for Muskegon.

“For whatever reason, things were quiet for him college-wise, coming off a state title at Edina,” Lumberjacks head coach Kevin Patrick said. “We were lucky enough to draft him and he just continually got better.”

Chris LaCombe, the Jacks’ scout in Minnesota, pegged Taft several years ago and battled for the team to draft him in the fourth round of the 2010 USHL Entry Draft with the 51st pick overall.

LaCombe knew Taft had and still has tons of upside, and the fleet-footed winger steadily delivered.

“Charlie’s willingness to compete for pucks and for ice continued to grow as the year went on, and it’s a testimony to what the USHL forces players to have to do to be successful,” Patrick said. “He learned to put his size and strength to his advantage and learned to work for contact. You have to battle for ice. You don’t score 17 goals in this league without the willingness to go to the hard areas.”

Taft says he’ll miss his teammates most, but he also relished the chance to play for a dedicated coach who spent five years in the WCHA as the assistant coach of the Wisconsin Badgers.

“Coach Patrick was a great hands-on coach and helped me develop my game,” Taft said. “With his experience at the college level, he knows what it takes to not only get there, but be successful.”

Patrick points to Taft’s natural strength as one of his best attributes. Taft pays the credit forward to Jacks assistant coach Dave Noel-Bernier and the certified strength trainer’s innovative workout program.

“All of Coach Noel-Bernier’s workouts were different,” Taft said. “They were very tough, I must say, but they did their job. That’s a big reason I had success this year was Bernie helping me get stronger.”

Taft’s hockey career appears to be on the fast track. He’s focused on putting one skate in front of the other. He knows if he doesn’t look too far forward, anything is possible.

“To play in the NHL is the dream for everyone,” Taft said. “Now I’ve taken the next step to get there. It’s a long road, but regardless of where it is, I want to be playing hockey until I grow old.”

Patrick admits that Taft’s departure is bittersweet for the Jacks.

“We’re very excited for Charlie,” Patrick said. “Selfishly, it’s tough to see him moving on after just one year with us. But developing student-athletes on and off the ice for opportunities beyond Muskegon is why we’re here and what we’re about. What a great honor for Charlie to play for a program of that caliber.”

The 13th-ranked Colorado College Tigers lost 2-1 to the eventually national title runner-up Michigan Wolverines in the recent Frozen Four tournament.

Whalers add picks for Saturday's draft

In anticipation of Saturday’s Ontario Hockey League draft, Plymouth Whalers coach-GM Mike Vellucci announced the acquisition of five separate draft choices in a deal with the Belleville Bulls.

The Whalers acquired Sudbury’s fifth round pick, their own fifth round pick, Peterborough’s eighth round pick, Belleville’s 11th round choice, and Windsor’s 15th round selection in Saturday’s draft in exchange for Belleville’s fourth round choice and Oshawa’s fifth round selection.

“We wanted more draft choices for Saturday,” Vellucci said. “We go from 10 choices on Saturday to 13.”

The Whalers – who finished in sixth place in the Western Conference last season with a record of 36-26-2-4 – will select 11th overall in the first round of the draft, which will be held over the internet starting at 9am on Saturday and can be followed online.

Muskegon had stability in 2010-2011

Muskegon Lumberjacks owner Josh Mervis knows the stability is the key to developing both players and a premier hockey franchise.

And the Jacks stuck to that core philosophy this season. While they achieved massive success in their inaugural United States Hockey League season, they used very few transactions to do so.

The Jacks traded just two of the players who were on the team’s opening-day 23-man roster. Only the defending Clark Cup champion Green Bay Gamblers, who made no trades, had fewer transactions.

“If you look at the 25-man roster we assembled after camp on July 1, and our 23-man roster on Oct. 1, and then look at our playoff roster, it didn’t vary much,” Lumberjacks head coach Kevin Patrick says. “We want to be the team in this league that makes the fewest transactions, if possible. The biggest thing we talk about here is building a team and developing players. We’ll make moves when it’s appropriate and when it’s in the best interest of the team. Making moves just to make moves and change the roster is not part of our philosophy.”

“I refuse to trade high school-age players – it goes against my grain as a parent,” Mervis says. “Our mantra is, ‘If you do your job as a player and work hard, you will stay here and develop.’ We never forget that our players are someone’s children. This team isn’t a meat market like so many other junior teams. That’s why so many of the truly elite young players and their families want to play in Muskegon.”

With the renovations at the L.C. Walker Arena last offseason, Jacks players enjoy one-stop-shopping for their development. They have a National Hockey League-worthy locker room, a complete weight-training facility and a state-of-the-art players lounge. They play for one of the brightest young minds in hockey in Patrick and have a certified strength trainer in assistant coach Dave Noel-Bernier. But, while the Jacks’ brass takes immense pride specifically in its hockey operations, they also know there’s a lot more that goes into giving a player the best experience possible.

“Players wanting to return is a credit to our organization, the city of Muskegon, the billet families and the whole program we’ve put together,” Patrick said. “The Lumberjacks program will help them develop and reach their goals. You have to be excited about where you are and who you’re with in order to reach those goals. You can believe in the development, but if you’re not excited about your surroundings, you’ll struggle.”

While 14 of the 23 members of the Jacks’ final roster had already committed to Division-I universities, several of their other skaters have garnered the attention of premier colleges. Patrick is elated that, while those players mull their options, they’d be more than happy to keep developing in Muskegon should the time not be right to move on to collegiate and professional hockey.

While being one of the last five teams standing in the Clark Cup playoffs is a tremendous achievement for an expansion franchise, there is no time for rest for Patrick and Noel-Bernier. They scouted the USHL Combine last weekend in Chicago, where every USHL team was represented. They could potentially be in Topeka, Kan., for a similar North American Hockey League event this week before heading to Taylor for the Michigan District USA Hockey Select tryouts. With the assistance of the team’s prestigious scouting staff, the organization long has been building its big board for the USHL Entry Draft, which is Monday, May 16 at 11 a.m.

Once again, the Jacks will look for the fastest skaters, the heaviest hitters and the best hands around. But first and foremost, they’ll be looking beyond what’s visible on the ice.

“We like to think we’re doing our work up front to find the players who fit in the Lumberjacks’ style and system,” Patrick said. “You build with character and work ethic. That’s got to be the foundation. Then you look at skills. All those things have to come together.”

Warriors' Tadazak named NAHL MVP

The North American Hockey League announced on Monday night at the Robertson Cup Championship Tournament banquet that Michigan Warriors goaltender Robert Tadazak has been named its Most Valuable Player for the 2010-11 season, as selected by the league’s head coaches and general managers.

Tadazak, a 20-year-old from Lapeer, fashioned a 27-9-5 record, including a league-leading nine shutouts, in 45 regular-season appearances this season. His .944 save percentage was the highest among NAHL goaltenders, and his 1.77 goals-against average ranked second best in the league.

“This is an outstanding honor for Robert and one that’s well-deserved,” said Warriors head coach Moe Mantha. “I don’t think it’s any secret he’s been a huge part of our success this season; he’s an outstanding goaltender with a bright future ahead of him.”

An Army recruit, Tadazak, who played 23 games last season with the Alexandria Blizzard, was named the SBK Goaltender of the Month for February.

Tadazak was also named the SBK Hockey Goaltender of the Year and to the All-NAHL Team.

Also named to the All-NAHL Team were forwards Michael Hill of the Topeka RoadRunners, Nardo Naagtzaam of the Blizzard and Cody Wydo of the Motor City Metal Jackets and defensemen Jack Callahan of the Fairbanks Ice Dogs and Ralfs Freibergs of the Texas Tornado.

Other award winners recognized at the banquet were:

Forward of the Year
Cody Wydo, Motor City Metal Jackets
In 58 games with the Metal Jackets this season, Wydo won the league’s scoring title with 91 points on an NAHL-leading 40 goals and 51 assists (tied for most in the league). He was also a plus-26. The 20-year-old from Wyandotte has also secured a scholarship to Robert Morris University (Atlantic Hockey) for next season.

Defenseman of the Year
Ralfs Freibergs, Texas Tornado
A 19-year-old from Riga, Latvia, Freibergs led all NAHL defensemen in scoring this season with 55 points (seven goals) in 53 games with the Tornado. He was also a plus-21. Freibergs also won an IIHF Division I World Junior Championship with his native country in December.

Rookie of the Year
Justin Hussar, Topeka RoadRunners
In his first Junior A season, Justin Hussar ranked tied for sixth in NAHL scoring with 66 points on 33 goals in 58 games for the Presidents Cup champion RoadRunners. He was also a plus-26. The 18-year-old from Lancaster, N.Y., has also secured a scholarship to Merrimack College of Hockey East.

Coach of the Year
Scott Langer, Topeka RoadRunners
In addition to a South Division regular-season title, Scott Langer guided the RoadRunners to the Presidents Cup as the NAHL’s regular-season champions with a 43-12-3 record, good for 89 points. Eight of his players are also committed to Division I schools for the 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons to date.

General Manager of the Year
Rob Proffitt, Fairbanks Ice Dogs
The architect behind the Ice Dogs’ West Division regular-season title this season, Rob Proffitt witnessed his team post a 40-15-3 record, good for 83 points. Under his watch, three Ice Dogs players have committed to Division I schools to date, and he also orchestrated the NAHL’s third annual outdoor game in March, which drew over 2,000 in attendance.

Organization of the Year
Fairbanks Ice Dogs
The West Division regular-season champions, the Ice Dogs drew both a fifth-highest average attendance of 2,126 and total attendance of 61,660 in the entire NAHL. They also hosted the league’s third annual outdoor game in March, which drew over 2,000 spectators. In addition, three of their players have committed to Division I programs to date.

Academic Achievement Award
Dominic Granato, Kenai River Brown Bears
A 19-year-old from Pittsburgh, Brown Bears forward Dominic Granato proved exemplary in the classroom this season, highlighted by his 4.42 GPA and 33 ACT and 2350 SAT scores in addition to enrolling in college classes in Kenai River.

Dick’s Sporting Goods Community Service Award
Karl Beckman, Amarillo Bulls
Holy Cross recruit Karl Beckman amassed over 90 hours of community service work for the Bulls this season. Just a few of the programs the 19-year-old from Okemos participated in included donating time at Amarillo’s Children’s Hospital, tutoring students at Tascosa High School and assisting with the team’s “Hockey for Health” program.

Dick’s Sporting Goods Community Service Award
Chris Bond, Topeka RoadRunners
Not only did he organize and execute the team’s “Runners Get Fit” and “Reading with the RoadRunners” programs in local schools, Chris Bond, a 19-year-old from Centreville, Va., also created his own charitable endeavor at a local hospital in addition to participating in virtually every RoadRunners’ community service event this season.

Mark Messier Leadership Award
Matt Millis, Fairbanks Ice Dogs
A third-year forward with the Ice Dogs, Matt Millis has overcome a number of adversities during his NAHL career, from injuries to limited playing time, to become one of team’s most respected leaders. The 21-year-old from Black River Falls, Wis., faced his biggest challenge in February when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer only to return to the Ice Dogs’ lineup three weeks later to help lead the team to a West Division regular-season title.

NAHL All-Division Teams: http://www.nahl.com/news/story.cfm?id=2646

NAHL All-Rookie Teams: http://www.nahl.com/news/story.cfm?id=2657

Warriors win play-in, will stay in Topeka

The Michigan Warriors earned the North American Hockey League's fourth and final berth to the Robertson Cup Championship Tournament after their 6-5 double-overtime victory over the Bismarck Bobcats in Game 2 of the best-of-three Robertson Cup Playoffs play-in series on Friday night at the Kansas Expocentre in Topeka, Kan.

Defenseman Ryan Trenz (pictured) notched the game-winning marker in double-OT for the Warriors and forward Kevin Gibson rang up a goal and two assists in regulation.

Between the pipes, Army recruit Robert Tadazak turned aside 39 shots.

The North Division champion Warriors, who will be the No. 3 seed at the Robertson Cup Championship Tournament, which will be held from May 3-7 at the Kansas Expocentre, won Game 1 of the play-in series on Thursday, 1-0.

The other three teams to advance to this year’s Robertson Cup Championship Tournament are the host Topeka RoadRunners (No. 4 seed), South Division champion Amarillo Bulls (No. 2) and West Division champion Fairbanks Ice Dogs (No. 1).

Muskegon finishes successful season

As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end.

While the Muskegon Lumberjacks’ inaugural season in the United States Hockey League did not conclude with the hoisting of the Clark Cup, there are still innumerable accomplishments to celebrate.

With a thorough sweep of Team USA’s developmental program, the Jacks advanced to the second round of the Clark Cup playoffs. The Jacks were very well-represented in the league’s scoring leaders, and they never went more than three games without picking up at least a point. Of the 23 members of the team’s final roster, 14 of them committed to Division I universities.

The Jacks were one of the last five teams standing in the postseason, as the other three teams eliminated in the second round all were swept. The fifth-seeded Jacks, who finished 24-28-8 for 56 points in the regular season, forced Game 4 against the top-seeded Cedar Rapids RoughRiders with a decisive 5-1 victory at the L.C. Walker Arena on Saturday. But the Riders won 7-3 on Monday to bring the Jacks’ splendid first USHL season to a close.

“We met a lot of our expectations,” Jacks head coach Kevin Patrick said. “But we’re not happy, and we’re not satisfied. We want to win our last game of the season. The ultimate goal is winning the championship.”

Through the first two rounds, the Jacks placed four skaters – Matt DeBlouw, Matt Berry, Ryan Misiak and Travis Belohrad – in the league’s top 12 in postseason scoring. DeBlouw, who, along with Berry, is committed to Michigan State University, finished tied for second in the playoffs with eight points. His three goals and five assists both were one more than his haul in those categories in the regular season.

As for the regular season, the Jacks boasted two skaters in the top 16 in points. Misiak, a Shelby Township native who was acquired from Sioux Falls during exhibition play, finished tied for ninth in the league with 58 points. The Mercyhurst College commit was fifth in the league in assists with 43. His linemate, Berry, a Canton native, was 16th in the league in points with 51. The USHL rookie’s 25 goals were tied for sixth in the league.

Berry also was one of three Jacks, including Belohrad and Charlie Taft, to register a hat trick this season. Taft parlayed his trifecta with two assists to set a franchise record with five points in a 5-0 victory over Cedar Rapids on Friday, March 18. The Edina, Minn., native also set a team mark with a +5 plus/minus rating in the rout.

Misiak and Berry tied for the team’s longest point streak this season, both stretching eight games from Friday, Nov. 5 through Saturday, Nov. 20. Misiak led the Jacks in multi-point games with 17, which included a team-best four three-point games. Rock-steady defenseman Carter Foguth, a Fenton native and USHL rookie, led the team in plus/minus at +10.

Travis Walsh, another rookie defenseman, finished 4-for-8 in the shootout. His finest work came in a 2-1 shootout win over Cedar Rapids on Saturday, Dec. 4, in which he broke up a scoreless shootout in the fourth round. The dazzling play impressed on a global scale, as it was featured many times during ESPN programs and appeared on myriad websites, many of them not sports-related.

Jacks defenseman Alexx Privitera, an Old Tappan, N.J., native who is committed to Boston University for this fall, was among the league’s leaders in terms of defensemen throughout the course of the season. He finished tied for fourth in points among blueliners with 34. His 10 goals also were tied for fourth among defensemen.

But Patrick prefers to focus how the team got stronger from top to bottom throughout its first USHL season, as evidenced by its promising postseason run. Now he and his assistant coach, Dave Noel-Bernier, quickly will get to work on surrounding the Jacks’ returners with even more talent.

They will be scouting in Chicago this weekend for the USHL Combine, where every USHL team will be represented. They could potentially be in Topeka, Kan., next week before heading to Taylor for the Michigan District USA Hockey Select tryouts. With the assistance of Jacks owner Josh Mervis and the team’s prestigious scouting staff, the organization long has been building its big board for the USHL Entry Draft, which is Monday, May 16 at 11 a.m.

“You’ve got to put this season to bed,” Patrick said. “Building for the future is an ongoing process.”

The Jacks’ tryout camp will take place from June 13-19 at the L.C. Walker Arena. They’ve already brought six players into the system – three of them Michigan products – via the recent USHL Futures Draft.

“I’m excited about the players we have on our list from last year’s draft who weren’t with us this year,” Patrick said. “Now we’ve got the opportunity to get the next group of players under our umbrella."

NAHL All-North team has Michigan feel

The North American Hockey League has announced its All-Central, -North, -South and -West Division Teams for the 2010-11 season, as selected by the league’s coaches and general managers.

All-Central Division Team
Forward: Zac Frischmon, Coulee Region Chill
Forward: Connor Gaarder, Coulee Region Chill
Forward: Nardo Naagtzaam, Alexandria Blizzard
Defenseman: Marian Fiala, Owatonna Express
Defenseman: Michael Pieper, Alexandria Blizzard
Goaltender: Ryan Faragher, Bismarck Bobcats

All-North Division Team
Forward: Chris Ciotti (Romeo), St. Louis Bandits
Forward: Andrew Kolb, Michigan Warriors
Forward: Cody Wydo, Motor City Metal Jackets
Defenseman: Mike Monfredo, Motor City Metal Jackets
Defenseman: Travis White, Traverse City North Stars
Goaltender: Robert Tadazak, Michigan Warriors

All-South Division Team
Forward: Michael Hill, Topeka RoadRunners
Forward: Justin Hussar, Topeka Roadrunners
Forward: Beau Walker, Corpus Christi IceRays
Defenseman: Ralfs Freibergs, Texas Tornado
Defenseman: Derek Hills, Amarillo Bulls
Goaltender: Nikifor Szczerba, Amarillo Bulls

All-West Division Team
Forward: Doug Beck (Plymouth), Kenai River Brown Bears
Forward: Jared Linnell, Fairbanks Ice Dogs
Forward: JT Osborn, Fairbanks Ice Dogs
Defenseman: Jack Callahan, Fairbanks Ice Dogs
Defenseman: Jake Williams, Alaska Avalanche
Goaltender: Brandon Jaeger, Wenatchee Wild

Warriors win North, advance to play-in

The North American Hockey League has announced the schedule for the best-of-three play-in series of the Robertson Cup Playoffs between the Central Division champion Bismarck Bobcats and North Division champion Michigan Warriors.

All games will be played at the Kansas Expocentre in Topeka, Kan., home of the Topeka RoadRunners and host of the Robertson Cup Championship Tournament, which will be held from May 3-7.

Game 1 will be played on Thursday, April 28 and Game 2 will be played on Friday, April 29. Both games are scheduled for 7 p.m. Central time.

In the event the series is tied 1-1 after two games, a third mini-game will be played immediately following Game 2 to determine the winner, which will advance as the No. 3 seed to the Robertson Cup Championship Tournament.

“After exploring all of our options regarding where to host the play-in series, it was determined it was in the best interest of the participating players, from a travel perspective, to play the games in Topeka,” said NAHL commissioner Mark Frankenfeld. “This gives both teams plenty of rest leading up to the play-in series and, for the winner, time to prepare for the Robertson Cup Championship Tournament.”

With a higher point total in the regular season - Michigan totaled 76 over Bismarck’s 67 - the Warriors will be the home team throughout the series.

The other three teams to advance to this year’s Robertson Cup Championship Tournament are the host RoadRunners, South Division champion Amarillo Bulls and West Division champion Fairbanks Ice Dogs.

OHL draft should have Michigan flavor

Courtesy Michigan Hockey

The annual Ontario Hockey League draft is on tap for May 7 and as in past years, there is no shortage of Michigan talent for the taking.

Of course, the OHL is just one option for many of the talented Michigan players as many have colleges and the United States National Team Development Program on their heels.

That said, expect many a Michigan player born in 1995 to see his name pop up on the computer screen during the online draft that goes 15 rounds and lasts nearly eight hours.

OHL Michigan scout Kevin Hess sat down with Michigan Hockey recently to assess the top in-state players at each position.

Forwards

Evan Allen, Honeybaked U-16 – “Speedy forward who competes at a very high level. Possesses a very good shot with a pro-style release.”

Dawson Cook, Cadillac High School – “Prototypical power forward. Good north/south skater. Has a heavy shot and possesses the physical tools to be an effective player at the next level.”

Zach Diamantoni, Compuware U-16 – “Skilled center that is a great set-up man.”

Joel Lesperance, Compuware U-16 – “Plays a solid two-way game and possesses very good hockey sense. Plays in every situation.”

Michael McCarron, Honeybaked Major Midget – “Big-bodied power forward with high-end skill. Uses his size and skill to make everyone on the ice better. Playing up this season has helped him elevate his overall game.”

Tyler Motte, Honeybaked U-16 – “Reads the play in the offensive zone well. Extremely dangerous in the goal scoring area. If my team needed a goal, this is the guy I want with the puck on his stick.”

Jacob Pritchard, Little Caesars U-16 – “Speedy, shifty, and skilled forward who has steadily improved throughout the season.”

Samuel Rennaker, Forest Hills North/East High School – “Competes at a high level in all three zones on the ice. Has a good shot and converts on a high percentage of his scoring chances.”

Michael Sabatini, Honeybaked U-16 – “Good skater with good high-end speed. Possesses a good skill set and is dangerous both as a passer and a shooter in the goal-scoring area.”

Brendan Smith, Compuware U-16 – “Very good skater with exceptional top-end speed. Plays the game at full speed at all times. Possesses a very good shot with a quick release.”

Alex Talcott, Honeybaked Major Midget – “Good north/south skating prospect with excellent acceleration. Not afraid to go to the tough areas of the ice to score. Another player that improved his overall game by playing Major Midget this season.”

Christian Wolanin, Little Caesars U-16 – “Versatile prospect that can play both forward and defense. Plays a very smart two-way game.”

Defensemen

Michael Downing, Novi Catholic Central High School – “Very good skating defender with high-end offensive capabilities.”

Trevor Hamilton, Honeybaked U-16 – “Physical defender who is not afraid to jump into the rush.”

Mitch Jones, Honeybaked U-16 – “Stay-at-home defenseman with an offensive upside. Makes a very good first pass.”

Alex Roberts, Honeybaked U-16 – “Very mobile defenseman who plays both ends of the rink effectively.”

Cory Schueneman, Little Caesar’s U-16 – “Smooth skating defenseman who takes care of his own end first before joining the offense. Has the skating and skill to take the puck end to end.”

Alexander Smith, Honeybaked Major Midget – “Primarily an offensive-minded defenseman, but playing Major Midget has helped him get better in his own zone. Powerful skater who is very light on his feet and possesses a great range of mobility.”

Goaltenders

Ian Jenkins, Belle Tire U-16 – “Very athletic goaltender who never gives up on a puck. Has quick reflexes and does a nice job of controlling his rebounds.”

Devin Williams, Motor City Metal Jackets U-16 – “Fundamentally-sound butterfly goaltender with good rebound control.”

Honorable mention

Bryan Basillico, F, Belle Tire U-16; Taylor Fernandez, F, Little Caesars U-16; Troy Saunders, D, Compuware U-16; Reed Whiteside, D, Trenton High School; Michael Yuhasz, F, Little Caesars U-16.

Recent Plymouth First Round Draft Picks
2006 – Vern Cooper, F
2007 – Beau Schmitz, D
2008 – Tyler Seguin, F
2009 – Garrett Meurs, F
2010 – Max Iafrate, D

Recent Saginaw First Round Draft Picks
2006 – Nick Crawford, D
2007 – Daniel Pachis, F
2008 – Brandon Saad, F
2009 – Anthony Camara, F
2010 – Justin Kea, F

Panthers ink Spirit forward McFarland

The Saginaw Spirit have announced that forward John McFarland has signed an entry-level contract with the Florida Panthers.

McFarland joined the Spirit in the first half of the season via a trade with the Sudbury Wolves, notching a combined 25 goals and 13 assists for 38 points in 49 regular season games this year.

McFarland was drafted by Florida in the second round (33rd overall) in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

“John is another talented prospect who we drafted in the Top 40 last year,” Florida GM Dale Tallon told FloridaPanthers.com. “He is a hard working and high character forward who has the ability to score and will continue to develop both on and off the ice.”

Photo courtesy CHL Images

19 from Michigan taken in Futures Draft

The USHL Futures Draft was held on Tuesday and 19 players from Michigan born in 1995 were chosen amongst the 90 selections.

The Muskegon Lumberjacks drafted three in-state natives with their six picks.

1st Round
3rd overall – Dubuque – Michael Downing, D, Canton, Catholic Central
5th overall – Muskegon – Alex Smith, D, Brownstown, Honeybaked

2nd Round
16th overall – Muskegon – Alex Talcott, C, Kentwood, Honeybaked
17th overall – Cedar Rapids – Levi Erkkila, F, Calumet, Calumet HS
21st overall – Fargo – Brett Heikkila, F, Marquette, Marquette Electricians
22nd overall – Sioux Falls – Reed Whiteside, D, Trenton, Trenton HS
28th overall – Youngstown – Jacob Pritchard, LW, Macomb, Little Caesars

3rd Round
36th overall – Green Bay – Alexander Robert, D, Novi, Honeybaked
39th overall – Sioux Falls – Michael Sabatini, C, Grosse Pointe, Honeybaked
41st overall – Des Moines – Joel L’Esperance, RW, Brighton, Compuware
45th overall – Muskegon – Cole Cassels, C, Dublin, Oh., Blue Jackets

4th Round
46th overall – Muskegon – Corey Schueneman, D, Milford, Little Caesars
59th overall – Chicago – Jacob McNamara, D, Grand Rapids, Victory Honda

5th Round
68th overall – Cedar Rapids – Michael Babcock, F, Northville, Catholic Central
75th overall – Muskegon – Riley Alferd, F, Portland, Ore., L.A. Selects

6th Round
76th overall – Muskegon – Matej Paulovic, RW, Nitra (Slovakia)
78th overall – Dubuque – Zachary Diamantoni, C, Kalamazoo, Compuware
79th overall – Lincoln – Max Humitz, F, Livonia, Stevenson HS
81st overall – Fargo – Dante Suffredini, D, Shelby Township, Belle Tire
82nd overall – Sioux Falls – Bryan Basilico, C, Rochester, Belle Tire
84th overall – Des Moines – Mitch Jones, D, Oakland Township, Honeybaked
89th overall – Chicago – Kameron Limburg, G, Howell, Compuware

USHL Futures Draft - Frequently Asked Questions

USHL Clubs Set for 2011 Futures Draft

Eagles off to chase Dudley Hewitt Cup

By SCOTT NASON (snason@lssu.edu)

The Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League champion Soo Eagles gave thanks Friday night to their large number of staff, host parents, volunteers and members of the community, with a dinner at the Christopher Columbus Hall.

The Eagles head to the Dudley Hewitt Memorial Cup in Huntsville, Ont., where they hope to bring back another trophy to Sault Ste. Marie.

The Eagles begin round-robin play on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. against the Huntsville Otters. On Wednesday, the Eagles will face Wellington at 2 p.m., and on Thursday they will face the Wisconsin Wilderness. The semifinal is Friday with the championship game set for Saturday at 4:30 p.m.

More from EUPNews.com HERE.

Photo courtesy sandmarkphotography.com.

Megna brothers face-off in round 2

By Christopher Heimerman

There came a time when Jayson Megna lost the right to call his kid brother his “little” brother.

“It’s tough calling him my little brother when I need to look up to look him in the eye,” says Jayson, laughing.

In less than a year, Muskegon Lumberjacks defenseman Jaycob Megna grew half a foot to his current height of 6-foot-5. Last summer, he went through a rigorous program – in terms of both diet and workout regimen – to fill out his frame.

“I was eating every two hours, getting up early, eating, going back to bed,” Jaycob says. “It was rough, but it was worth it.”

Jaycob merely whetted his proverbial appetite this past weekend as he posted a pair of assists in Game 2 of the Jacks’ sweep of Team USA in a first-round, best-of-three Clark Cup Playoff series at the Ann Arbor Ice Cube. Now he and the Jacks will look to take a bite out of his big brother’s squad, the top-seeded Cedar Rapids RoughRiders in the second-round, best-of-five series that opens Wednesday at the Stable in Cedar Rapids.

Last week, Jayson admitted he’s not crazy about running into the Jacks in the postseason.

“It’s always a good battle,” Jaycob says about the season series, in which both teams went 2-1-1. “I don’t think they particularly like the style of game we play. We like to muck it up, and they play a fast, up-tempo game.”

UNO draws two

During his first regular season in the United States Hockey League, Jaycob has amassed 18 points on a goal and 17 assists. Thanks to the strength-training program of Jacks assistant coach Dave Noel-Bernier, he’s gotten immensely stronger while adjusting to the frenetic pace of the league.

Jaycob, with the help of his “big” brother, will look to repay the favor to Noel-Bernier when they attend his alma mater, the University of Nebraska-Omaha this fall.

Noel-Bernier is a UNO alumnus and served as its director of hockey operations for three seasons. Now that he’s done all he can to help Jaycob develop, Noel-Bernier is ecstatic to turn him over to his former mentor, Mavericks head coach Dean Blais.

“It’ll be good for him,” Noel-Bernier says. “Dean is known for producing NHL players. He’s tough on guys, but he’s fair. If you play hard for him, he’s going to play you. If anybody can instill an edge into a player, it’s that coaching staff. They’ve been in the business a long time and have tricks that other guys don’t.”

Blais recently was named the head coach of the 2012 U.S. National Junior team.

“He’s a little mesmerizing, to be honest,” Jaycob says. “He’s one of the great figures in college hockey.”

Blais’ associate head coach Mike Hastings previously served as an assistant at the University of Minnesota after 14 seasons as the head coach of the Omaha Lancers, with whom he became the winningest coach in USHL history. Assistant coach Mike Guentzel also is a veteran college hockey coach and came to UNO from the Des Moines Buccaneers of the USHL, with whom he was the head coach and general manager.

It’s all in the family

The Megna brothers haven’t played together since their time with Tabor Academy in Marion, Mass.

“That was a great year,” Jayson says. “Not a lot of people get the chance to play with their brother. This fall will be a lot easier on our parents, too.”

This season their parents, Jay and Jacqueline, have done their best to split time between Muskegon and Cedar Rapids, where Jayson has racked up 58 points on 30 goals and 28 assists for the RoughRiders in his third USHL campaign.

“Jayson’s had a great year and is probably one of the best goal-scorers in the league,” Noel-Bernier says. “They’re both ready to take the step to the next level, and I’m excited for them.”

Jay Megna played two seasons in the National Football League with the Miami Dolphins and the New Orleans Saints, despite his detractors. He stands 5-foot-11, and his sons agree that the best message he offered was one of persistence.

“He taught us a lot growing up,” Jayson says. “He especially taught us about being a competitor and working harder than the next guy. He never wanted to be beat, and that rubbed off on us.”

“A lot of people said the same things about Jayson – he’s too small, he’s too slow, he doesn’t have what it takes,” Jaycob says. “He just kept working and kept working. Now he’s a phenomenal player, and I know he’s going to play in the NHL someday.”

Jaycob says the brothers’ respect for each other is a “two-way street.” But that respect will take a back seat to the drive for the Clark Cup as, for the Jacks, the road to the Eastern Conference finals runs through Cedar Rapids.

USHL Futures Draft set for tomorrow

USHL Futures Draft - Frequently Asked Questions

USHL Clubs Set for 2011 Futures Draft

Whalers finish season with banquet

The Plymouth Whalers concluded the 2010-11 season with an annual awards banquet held last Friday at CJ’s Brewing Company at Compuware Arena.

The following players received awards:

LEADING SCORER and MOST VALUABLE PLAYER, REGULAR SEASON: Right wing Stefan Noesen, who scored a career-best 34 goals with 43 assists for 77 points in 68 games.

REGULAR SEASON LEADING SCORER: Overage center Robbie Czarnik, who tied Noesen in points with 33 goals and 44 assists for 77 points in 61 games.

LEADING SCORER and MOST VALUABLE PLAYER in the PLAYOFFS: Overage forward Tyler Brown, who scored three goals with 11 assists for 14 points in 11 playoff games.

BEST DEFENSEMAN: Whalers captain Beau Schmitz, who scored a career-high seven goals with 24 assists for 31 points and was +8 over 48 games.

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER: Noesen, who is rated 35th overall by Central Scouting for the 2011 National Hockey League Entry Draft.

UNSUNG HERO: Defenseman Colin MacDonald, who scored a goal with 14 assists for 15 points and was +15 in 68 games.

BLUE COLLAR, HARDEST WORKING PLAYER: Left wing RJ Mahalak, who scored seven goals with 12 assists for 19 points in 56 games.

ROOKIE of the YEAR: Center-right wing Rickard Rakell, who scored 19 goals with 24 assists for 43 points and was +14 in 49 games.

HUMANITARIAN of the YEAR: Center Mitchell Heard, who led the Whalers Community Relations efforts with 64 appearances.

ACADEMIC PLAYERS OF THE YEAR: Goaltender Matt Mahalak and right wing Tom Wilson.

ALICE IAFRATE AWARD (Off-Ice Officials Overage of the Year): Czarnik, a Los Angeles Kings draft pick who will be reporting to Manchester of the American Hockey League.

WHALERS BOOSTER CLUB AWARDS:

BARBARA MOHRLOCK MEMORIAL AWARD as FAN FAVORITE: Goaltender Scott Wedgewood.

SCHOLASTIC PLAYER of the YEAR: Czarnik.

GRINDER of the YEAR: Overage right wing James Livingston, who has been called up by the NHL’s San Jose Sharks.

NEXT UP FOR THE WHALERS: Five Whalers – Stefan Noesen, Rickard Rakell, Garrett Meurs, Dario Trutmann and Matt Mahalak – are all up for the National Hockey League Entry Draft, held June 25-26 in St. Paul, Minn.

Before that, the Whalers will be participating in the annual Ontario Hockey League draft on Saturday, May 7.

Wyandotte's Wydo picks Robert Morris

The Motor City Metal Jackets have announced that forward Cody Wydo has committed to Robert Morris University (Atlantic Hockey) for next season.

Wydo, a 20-year-old from Wyandotte, won the North American Hockey League’s regular-season scoring title with 91 points on 40 goals in 58 games. He was also a plus-26.

“I chose Robert Morris because of its commitment to its hockey program and how I’ll fit in over the next four years,” said Wydo. “I’m also excited to attend its highly-ranked business program.”

"Cody’s commitment to the game, on and off the ice, is exemplary,” said Metal Jackets head coach David Cole. “It’s great to see a young player rewarded for his work ethic.”

Wydo, who competed in both NAHL Top Prospects Tournaments this season, is thankful for his opportunity to play in the NAHL and with Motor City.

“The competition in the North Division challenged me and my teammates to be on our game each night,” he said. “It was an exciting two years and now I’m looking forward to working out hard over the summer and competing for a spot in the RMU lineup.”

Wydo is the first player from this year’s Metal Jackets team to commit to a Division I program.

“We’re thankful for Cody’s contributions and we wish him continued success as he embarks on his NCAA career,” Cole added.

Six Questions with Jason Cirone

With the 2010-2011 North American 3 Hockey League season now in the rear-view mirror, Metro Jets head coach Jason Cirone has had time to reflect on the season – what went wrong, what went right, and what’s ahead for the Jets.

Cirone recently sat down with MetroJetsHockey.com at Lakeland Arena for an in-depth Q & A session.

METROJETSHOCKEY.COM: What were your impressions from a coaching standpoint as to how the season went?

JC: I think we came in under some tough conditions and on Day 1, we only had nine players rostered. We kind of had to feel our way around and call in a few favors to get our roster filled out, but the kids that came in, they did a hell of a job. I thought up until the (NA3HL) Showcase (in October), we were a very competitive team and then we made a few deals to bring a few kids in and made us stronger, but I think at the same time, we kind of fell apart in other areas.

Special teams I don’t think meant what I wanted them to mean this year and I think our goaltending really struggled at times this year, but when they didn’t struggle, the rest of the team struggled, so I don’t think we really put it together from Day 1.

The fortunate and the unfortunate thing is that the last three weekends of the season, I thought was the true team that we could be. We did have the 8-0 loss in Cleveland, but other than that, our goaltending put it together at the same time as the rest of our players and we go out and sweep Quad City, and then they go out and beat St. Louis in the first round of the playoffs. It tells you a little about what we could have accomplished and what we should be able to accomplish next year.

METROJETSHOCKEY.COM: Looking ahead to next season, will it be a major benefit to you being here for the draft, the tryouts, all the summer events, and to know what type of team you want to have and to know now what types of kids you want to recruit?

JC: I think so. I hope what we accomplished this year by bringing in guys like (goaltending coach) Randy (Wilson) and (assistant coach) Sean (Clark) and keeping (associate coach) Jamie (Hayden) and having (head scout) Tim (Ross) around more and watching more games, I hope people take note of that and recognize that we’re trying harder.

(Jets GM) Butch (Wolfe) has done a little changing himself in the way things work and I think we’ve improved the organization. I hope people outside of our organization realize that. It makes it easier to put a team together next year and makes kids want to come here. Tim’s done a lot of work and Sean and Butch and myself and then Randy, he watches probably 500-600 games a year.

There will not be a kid who slips through the cracks and there is not a reason for them to not want to come here with the kind of coaching they’re going to get.

METROJETSHOCKEY.COM: What players stood out from Game 1 to Game 45 this season?

JC: Kids like Matt Stirling, certainly. I think he was our most consistent player, but was he our best player every night? No, but he was never our worst player. He did a great job and led our team in goals (with 24) – that was unexpected.

I think Brett Grech did a great job for us and when he got injured with the cut on the back of his leg and missed eight or nine games, that’s when our team really struggled. That was probably another downfall of our season, when he got injured.

As for other kids, I think Morgan James came in and did a hell of a job for us, considering he didn’t play hockey last year. Tommy Kilgore got a chance to go up and play in the North American Hockey League and really improved his game throughout the year. There were really a lot of kids that came in and just worked hard. Mike Moroso was another kid that came out of AA hockey and scored 20 goals. It’s looking really good for next year, I think.

We had a last-year guy this year, Justin Bennett, who couldn’t find his role all year, and then the last month-and-a-half of the season, he was probably one of our best players, which is a credit to him – he didn’t quit and he played right to the end. I can pretty much say that about all our kids.

I think our whole team, and based on some of the things I heard about last season when there were times we had trouble putting 15 kids on the ice, the last road trip of the season at Quad City, I had to sit three kids out of the lineup because we had too many. I give the kids a lot of credit. They never, ever quit and they worked hard all year. Did they work hard and smart? No, but they’re kids and that’s what we’re here for, to guide them and to teach them. I thank them and I give them a lot of credit for not quitting.

METROJETSHOCKEY.COM: What is your philosophy entering June’s NA3HL draft? Is there a specific type of player you’re after or will it be like in the NHL where you take the best players available?

JC: I think we’ll start out with the best available and are there holes to fill? Definitely. As much as I love our goaltenders from last season (Eric Trunick and Matt Braun), I think we need to upgrade there. That said, if that means them coming in and playing better, great, but we’re not going to be a team that stands pat and gives up eight, nine, 10, 13 goals a night. That’s pretty frustrating not only for me, but for the guys in front of the goalie, too.

I think we look for the best player available and then we go from there and start filling holes. We have two tenders now and I think we’ll use those to fill two gaping holes. We also have two first-round picks and in the first four rounds, we have four or five picks, so we’ll fill holes with those picks with the best players available.

METROJETSHOCKEY.COM: When did the planning for next season start for the Jets?

JC: The planning for next season started with about a month to go in this past season. You’re always thinking about next season no matter what’s happening. Even if we finished first overall and we’re getting ready for the playoffs, you’re always thinking about next year. We’ll meet here at the rink once a week we’ll go over stuff we need to go over, players we want to try and get out here and we’ll be starting our Monday night skates (beginning April 11 at Farmington Hills Ice Arena) so we can look at and evaluate players as a springboard to get themselves ready for North American Hockey League camps.

There is a lot of work to be done, there is a lot of work that’s been done already and it’s pretty exciting to see what’s going to happen and what we hope is going to happen.

METROJETSHOCKEY.COM: This was your first season as a head coach in junior hockey. Was there something you learned about coaching at this level and maybe something you learned about yourself?

JC: One of the things I learned is that it’s not a sprint – it’s a marathon. It’s a long season and I think at the beginning of the year, I don’t want to say I was emotional, but I think I wore it a little on my sleeve than at the end of the year.

I think I learned more from the kids this year, good and bad, than I have in any of my previous years coaching. We had some pretty weird situations this year and a couple of unusual demands and questions, but I think I started with the weirdest it could get, I’m hoping, and I hope I don’t run into any of the situations I ran into this season again.

There were no off-ice problems, but just crazy ‘Can I miss a game to go to a high school dance?’ kind of stuff. I don’t think kids realize that they have to sacrifice to be hockey players and me being what I am and how long I played, I never really heard those kinds of questions and never really thought of a high school dance before a hockey game.

This season was an experience, it was fun and I could probably write a real good book, but I guess I should be ready for any more surprises that are coming because there will always be surprises, I guess.

Photo by Andy Grossman/Detailed Images

Muskegon clinches USHL playoff berth

By Christopher Heimerman

There was no pomp and circumstance, no cork-popping, no noisemakers going off at the Patrick household last night.

“There was no celebration,” Muskegon Lumberjacks head coach Kevin Patrick said. “We’re just continuing to focus on what’s ahead.”

Youngstown’s 7-0 loss to Des Moines on Tuesday clinched a Clark Cup playoff berth for the Jacks in their inaugural season in the United States Hockey League, but what’s ahead is a pursuit for the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference and, of course, the second season.

Patrick has helped a long list of players reach the National Hockey League, and he draws optimism from the closing chapter of the 2009-10 NHL season.

“Last year, the Philadelphia Flyers needed to win in a shootout to get to the second season,” Patrick said, “and they went all the way to the finals. Anything can happen when you give yourself the opportunity to keep playing.”

Before the Jacks begin the postseason, there’s still plenty of work to be done. The Jacks’ magic number to clinch the fifth seed is two, meaning any combination of Jacks wins and Waterloo Black Hawks losses in regulation adding up to two would secure the fifth spot for Muskegon. If the Jacks clinch the fifth spot, they’ll travel to Ann Arbor to face Team USA, against which the Jacks are 3-3-1 this season. On Friday, the Jacks host the Chicago Steel, against which they’re 5-1-0 this season.

Despite Chicago’s struggles and the Jacks’ dominance of them, Jacks defenseman Alexx Privitera is aware of the game’s trap-like nature and knows his club won’t overlook the Steel.

“You don’t overlook them. You really can’t,” Privitera said. “That’s a must-win to lock up that fifth spot.”

Then the Jacks will wrap up their first USHL campaign against debatably their biggest rival, the Indiana Ice on Saturday. The teams split the first two games in the seven-game season set, but the Ice have won the last four matchups.

“It’d be nice to get a victory over those guys just in case we do run into them,” Privitera said. “It would send a message and give us a nice confidence boost.”

While the Jacks have only won two of their last nine, Patrick has been impressed with his club down the stretch.

“Two weekends ago, I liked us in a 2-1 win (over Waterloo) and a 2-1 loss (to Team USA),” Patrick said. “Last weekend, I really liked us in a 5-4 loss in Lincoln. Three of our last four games, I’ve liked a lot about what we’ve done, despite the results.”

Making the postseason is a culmination, says Privitera.

“It’s a long, 60-game year,” Privitera said. “There’s a lot of time to do what you need to do. We’ve got great players, a great staff and we’re focused on what we need to do these next couple of days before finishing the season.”

The Jacks’ body of work featured unimaginable highs and, of course, some lows. But that, Patrick says, is what comes with the territory of playing the premier junior hockey league in North America.

“The USHL is an absolute battle and there are no off nights,” Patrick says. “We’ve found a way to beat a lot of top teams and we’ve dropped games to teams below us, and that shows the parity. There isn’t anybody at the top of this league who’s saying they’re looking forward to their matchup.”

North Stars to stay in Traverse City

Well before the 2011-12 season kicks off, the Traverse City North Stars will be right where they’ve always been: Plying their trade at Centre ICE Arena.

The Stars announced their slate of summer tryout camps, kicking off with the pre-draft camp in May and culminating with the July 29-31 training camp.

“We’ve made some of the same annual in-house evaluations that we’ve made every year at this time, and there really isn’t much to say about that other than to confirm that we’ll continue to play right here in Traverse City,” said majority owner Raj Wiener. “There has been some degree of speculation about that, but it can officially be put to rest.”

The club joined the North American Hockey League in 2005, making the playoffs thrice in its first six seasons, and advancing to its first Robertson Cup national championships last spring. The Stars have ranked among the league’s elite over the past three years, posting a 107-54-13 regular season mark and 11-6 playoff record. Only five other teams can lay claim to that many victories since the start of the 2008-09 campaign.

Even more impressive is the veritable Traverse City-to-college pipeline that is presently gushing with NCAA Division I-quality talent. No fewer than 10 current players or alums have committed to top-tier collegiate hockey programs this year alone – tops in the NAHL – and more than 50 alums have already taken their talents to the proverbial next level.

“That is exactly the goal of junior hockey,” Wiener offered. “To provide opportunities for student-athletes to refine and further their abilities on the ice, in the classroom, and as members of the community. In that respect, we’ve enjoyed tremendous success.”

More than a dozen locally-grown players have suited up for the North Stars over the first six seasons (Scott Ponstein, Joe St. John, Nathan Peterson, Jake Erway, Mike Glaesmer, Spencer Sonneveldt, Eric McLintock, Eric O’Hearn, Dallas Kniss, Sean Burke, Matt Zaremba, Eric Rivard, Chris Dienes, Mitchell Snider, Jared Van Wormer), with the current club boasting four players who learned the sport through the local Grand Traverse Hockey Association youth program and Traverse City high schools.

“The quality of the North American Hockey League product is tremendous,” Wiener continued. “The speed and physicality of the Junior A game, the skill involved are first-rate. That’s why so many colleges come to NAHL rinks and stock their rosters with alums from this league.”

Port Huron goalies contribute to charity

The Port Huron Fighting Falcons are proud to announce that over $800 was raised in the “Saves for Charity” program with E&A Credit Union. E&A made a $1 donation for each save made in 2010-11 home games.

Both the Port Huron Minor Hockey Association and the Diabetes Care Educational Association will be presented with donations of over $400 each as a result of the Saves for Charity program.

“E&A Credit Union is very happy to contribute to the Diabetes Care Educational Association and the Port Huron Minor Hockey Association. The Saves for Charity program is such a great way for E&A Credit Union and the Port Huron Fighting Falcons to give back to our community,” commented Janice Rose, President/CEO of E&A Credit Union.

Six goaltenders made saves in home games for the Fighting Falcons in their inaugural season in the North American Hockey League. Tyler Last led the way with 299 saves in 11 home appearances, while Peter Megariotis was second with 198 saves in his seven starts.

Alex Cantrell, Mason Murovich, Salvatorre Tecci and Anthony Jacaruso also did their part in raising money for these local charities.

The Port Huron Minor Hockey Association (PHMHA) has provided organized youth hockey in Port Huron for over fifty years, and for the past 48 years, the PHMHA has hosted the Pee Wee and Bantam B, A, AA and AAA International Silver Stick Finals. Each year, financial assistance is provided to a limited number of recipients through the Roger Jones Scholarship. For more information or to make a donation, contact the PHMHA at (810) 982-0242 or contact PHMHA President Jim McPhee by phone at (810) 531-6016 or by e-mail at jmcphee@phhockey.com.

The Diabetes Care Educational Association (DCEA) is a Michigan-based charity working to help people of all ages control diabetes through education. DCEA supports local diabetes programs that produce tangible results. The Detroit Red Wings Alumni Association is among the biggest supporters of DCEA, “skating for a cause” for diabetes awareness and education. To join Diabetes Care Educational Association, please contact Operations Manager David Goetze at (810) 434-4446.

Link joins Muskegon scouting staff

The Muskegon Lumberjacks took another measure to make sure no future hockey stars in Michigan go unevaluated by adding Charlie Link to the team’s scouting crew.

Link is the varsity head coach of Mona Shores’ outstanding hockey program. The Muskegon native assisted with the Jacks’ tryout and training camps last summer and was also a key player in the organization and execution of the inaugural Muskegon Winter Showcase in February.

“Since I arrived in Muskegon, Charlie has been a phenomenal support and outreach,” Lumberjacks head coach Kevin Patrick said. “He’s been tied into the high school game in Michigan for years, and we’re proud to have someone with his background and knowledge.”

“It’s a pleasure to work with such a first-class organization,” Link said. “I know how hard (Lumberjacks owner) Josh Mervis works, and how hard Coach Patrick works. It’s hard to keep up with them, but I know I will. And I’m looking forward to it.”

Link has directed the Sailors to three runner-up finishes in the Michigan High School Athletic Association state hockey tournament during his 10 years behind the bench. He also coached fellow Muskegon native and current Detroit Red Wing Justin Abdelkader.

Link played minor-professional hockey on and off for five years, including a stint with the Muskegon Mohawks. Link’s scouting emphasis will be Michigan prep hockey, but that’s not to say he won’t assist in other districts.

“We like our scouts to cross over and see different areas,” Patrick said. “If they only see their level, they won’t see how the big picture comes together.”

Link’s addition bolsters the Jacks’ scouting presence in Michigan, the second-leading producer of United States Hockey League skaters. He is committed to discovering and recommending players who not only aspire to someday make the National Hockey League, but also the honor roll.

“Scholastics are crucial,” Link said. “You’ve got to be a good student – not just a great hockey player, but also a great young man.”

Link and his wife of 25 years, Kristi, have a son Ian and a daughter Lauren.

Warriors, North Stars battle in round 1

The North American Hockey League has announced the schedule of the eight best-of-five divisional semifinals series of the 2011 Robertson Cup playoffs. One of the North Division series features the Michigan Warriors vs. the Traverse City North Stars.

Game 1: Friday, April 1 @ Traverse City, 7 p.m.
Game 2: Saturday, April 2 @ Traverse City, 7 p.m.
Game 3: Friday, April 8 @ Michigan, 7:30 p.m.
Game 4: Saturday, April 9 @ Michigan, 7 p.m. *
Game 5: Monday, April 11 @ Traverse City, 7 p.m. *

* if necessary

'Jacks coach Patrick grooms NHLers

By Christopher Heimerman

Blake Geoffrion recently scored six goals in his first 90 minutes of ice time with the National Hockey League’s Nashville Predators.

Less than a year ago, he was hoisting the first Hobey Baker Award ever won by a Wisconsin Badger. During Geoffrion’s four years at the University of Wisconsin, Muskegon Lumberjacks head coach Kevin Patrick played a vital role in the upstart forward’s development.

“I couldn’t be more proud of Blake. He got drafted by his hometown team and has gotten off to a great start,” Patrick says. “Despite the fact that he’s only been playing seven or eight minutes a game, he’s finding his way into the scoresheet. He’s doing just what you’ve got to do – he’s playing his role, being a great teammate and making it hard for them to keep him off the ice.”

Patrick also played the role of advisor for Geoffrion, a former United States Hockey League star who was ready for the American Hockey League following his junior year at UW, but elected to stick around for a fourth year.

“Blake had to make a real tough decision, and of course I was pleased to get the chance to keep watching his growth and further assist in his development,” Patrick says. “And in hindsight, he got to play for a national championship. He won the Hobey Baker and after spending about half the season in Milwaukee he’s tearing it up with Nashville. When he looks back, I think he’d probably make the same decisions.”

Geoffrion’s name is on some long, heralded lists. He has become the first fourth-generation player in NHL history. He also is one of many former Patrick mentees who are enjoying massive success at the highest level of hockey.

Patrick can’t help but gush when he talks about Jake Dowell, who was a captain on the Badgers’ 2006 national championship club, also wore the “C” with the Rockford IceHogs in the American Hockey League and played a role in the Chicago Blackhawk’s Stanley Cup season a year ago.

“Jake Dowell is just a warrior,” Patrick says. “He is as hard-nosed as they get and was a big piece of the national championship team. He’s paid his dues and done it the hard way and now he’s getting the opportunity to be a regular in the Blackhawks’ lineup. It’s always great to see great players get rewarded.”

Dowell wasn’t the only Patrick protégé who had his fingerprints all over the Stanley Cup playoffs last season. Patrick basked in the opportunity to see one of his more cerebral students, Joe Pavelski, when the former Badger was running up the light bill for the San Jose Sharks during his goal-scoring spree in the NHL’s Western Conference playoffs.

“Joe is a special player. He’s a very cerebral player and thinks the game on another level,” Patrick says. “He’s a student of the game and can’t get enough. Those players are so much fun to be around and coach. Then to see him have such massive success on the highest level, I couldn’t be more excited for him.”

Throughout his celebrated coaching career, Patrick has learned that every player is different and coaches play a different role in helping them maximize their potential. For instance, Brendan Smith, who posted a 30-point season for the Badgers last year and currently is a Western Conference All-Star with the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins, had something you just can’t coach – unbridled tenacity.

“You don’t coach Brendan Smith’s compete level,” Patrick says, laughing. “You try to manage it. He’s as competitive as the day is long.”

Which is why it’s a foregone conclusion to Patrick that Smith will be a Red Wing in the near future.

“If he was in another organization, I’m sure he would have already seen NHL games,” Patrick says. “But Detroit has a great process and it works – they’re very patient with their players. Brendan will be up when (Wings GM) Ken Holland determines that the time is right.”

Patrick had a hand in Smith’s arrival at UW, as he did with so many standout players. Scouting and recruiting is as crucial a facet of his current job as any other. Orchestrating victories behind the bench is only an excerpt from his “War and Peace”-like job description. Not surprisingly, the recruiting aspect is the one that Patrick relishes most.

“Why I love this game so much is the people who you meet,” Patrick says. “You’re going to a lot of different towns, a lot of different rinks, all in the hopes of not only learning about the player on the ice. You find out about what they’re about, what their character is and what their background is.”

And recruiting is one aspect of the job that can never be short-changed.

“The biggest thing is you’ve got to do the work,” Patrick says. “You have to be talking to people and have to be watching. You can’t fly in and fly out. It doesn’t work that way. It’s an inexact science to begin with, and if you’re flying in and out and not putting in the time, you’ll hit more foul balls than you do home runs. I like to focus on hitting a lot of doubles.”

Muskegon scout LaCombe a key cog

By Christopher Heimerman

Charlie Taft is a skating testament to Chris LaCombe’s eye for hockey talent.

LaCombe, the Muskegon Lumberjacks’ scout in Minnesota, first pegged Taft when he was 12.

LaCombe was coaching Taft’s summer team, the ’91 Predators, and the student had a profound impact on his teacher.

“Greatness has always been in Charlie, and I saw it in him immediately,” LaCombe says.

At the time, Taft’s current linemate Isaac Kohls – then with the ’91 Lightning – was a much bigger blip on scouts’ radars. But LaCombe was able to identify, and was drawn to, Taft’s intangibles.

“He’s going to be in the NHL one day,” LaCombe says. “He has the personality. He’s soft-spoken but strong. He’s a natural-born leader. He’s not a boisterous type. A lot of guys who tell you how great they are? They’re usually wrong.”

Taft, an Edina, Minn., native, had a breakout game within a breakout season Friday, March 25, when he set a Jacks record with five points in a 5-0 victory over Cedar Rapids at the L.C. Walker Arena. He also set the franchise’s high-water mark with a +5 plus/minus rating. The 6-foot-1, 186-pound winger registered the Jacks’ third hat trick of the season and scored a highlight-reel short-handed goal, his third such tally of the season. His 16 goals rank fourth on the team.

Jacks head coach Kevin Patrick had personal knowledge of Taft long before the Jacks selected him in the fourth round – 51st overall – and calls him “one of the strongest skaters in the league.”

Strong skating is just one of a laundry list of attributes – tangible and intangible – that LaCombe looks for when scouting.

“I look for a passion for the game,” LaCombe says. “Do they have an edge to their game? Are they physical and working to get there? I’m also looking for a consistent player. Skills are very important, but you can’t overlook a player’s makeup.”

LaCombe, who’s been pegging players for the Jacks for two years, struck up a friendship with Jacks owner Josh Mervis while working for the Omaha Lancers. The rest, as they say, is history.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year

LaCombe says he “pushed very hard” for the Jacks to draft Taft a year ago.

“Even though I knew of Charlie and was impressed with him, Chris had much more personal interaction with him, and we want our scouts to fight for the guys they believe in,” Patrick says. “Getting Charlie was a great pick for us.”

It’s that time of the year again; LaCombe is in town for the weekend, helping the Jacks’ brass build their big board for the upcoming Futures and Entry drafts.

“The board gets bigger and bigger every year,” says LaCombe, who thrives on the draft process. “This is definitely the most exciting time of the year for me,” LaCombe says. “The action in the war room is intense. You’re trying to build the best team possible. I’m only one opinion and, of course, ultimately coach makes the decision. But it’s exciting to be part of the process.”

The building process is a relentless one, and LaCombe and the Jacks’ Michigan scout Dan Lerg were involved in intense meetings with the Jacks’ brass during the recent Muskegon Winter Showcase. During said meetings, the Jacks’ scouts shared their targets and recommendations. Patrick’s metaphor of choice for the draft is a puzzle. And he knows it’s one that can’t be solved without the Jacks’ scouting staff.

“Chris is a key to the development of our program and our culture here,” Patrick says. “What his eye is on is going to be an important piece of the puzzle.”

A year ago, LaCombe not only pushed for the Jacks to draft Taft, but also affiliate players Josh Archibald, Ryan Bullock, Grant Besse and Nicolas Seeler, all of whom Patrick says are either on or ahead of their development schedule. In fact, Archibald might not even get the chance to wear the Jacks’ crest, as he might be bound for the University of Nebraska-Omaha this fall.

“That’s ultimately what our goal is to do here,” Patrick says. “It’s a good pick even if we never see him in Muskegon. It means we’re onto the right players.”

Trading punts for pucks

LaCombe is in his 24th season coaching bantam hockey in Minnesota. He grew up in the small town of Mora in central Minnesota. He followed in his brothers’ footsteps and played football at St. Thomas University.

“I think I should’ve probably played hockey looking back on it,” LaCombe says. “But my brothers had played football, and Mora was a big football town. It was mini-Friday Night Lights.”

Now LaCombe’s children are following the family tradition. His oldest daughter, Christina, is a freshman hockey player at Syracuse. His son, James, just completed his senior season with Minnesota prep powerhouse Eden Prairie High School. His 14-year-old daughter Stephanie also plays, as does his 10-year-old son Jack, who is in squirts. LaCombe’s wife, Sandy, is the daughter of a former Minnesota Golden Gophers goaltender.

“She’s a key player and has seen literally thousands of hockey games,” LaCombe says, laughing. “She’s been around the game for a very long time.”

LaCombe takes immense pride in being the Jacks’ eyes in Minnesota.

“In Minnesota, you play with everybody in your ZIP code,” LaCombe says. “It’s unlike anywhere else in the United States. You can’t play outside your school district. It develops a unique style of hockey. You play with your friends you grew up with basically, and it’s hard to get Minnesota players out of here. You’re asking them to leave their home and everybody they’ve been with all their life.

“If you get a kid from Minnesota, you’re getting a guy you know is loyal.”

NTDP's Sieloff commits to Miami

Team USA defenseman Patrick Sieloff has committed to play collegiate hockey at Miami University following his USHL career.

The 16-year-old has collected four points (1g, 3a) and a plus-two rating in 29 USHL games this season for Team USA's Under-17 squad. Sieloff is also second on the team with 58 penalty minutes.

The native of Ann Arbor scored his first career USHL goal last month in the 3-2 shootout loss to Youngstown on February 25.

Photo by Tom Sorenson

K-Zoo tender Mayhew named Mr. Hockey

The Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings have announced that forward Gerald Mayhew, one of its first NAHL tender signings for next season, has been selected as Michigan's Mr. Hockey.

Guiding the Wyandotte Roosevelt Bears to the their first state championship in school history on March 12, Mayhew capped off a senior season, where he dazzled the competition scoring 44 goals in leading the Bears to a 27-3 record.

“This is a tremendous honor for Gerald,” said Marc Fakler, general manager and head coach. “This is a result of his consistency and hard work throughout the season and demonstrated sportsmanship and leadership.”

Mayhew, who captained the Bears this season, is the first Wyandotte player to receive the title given annually to the top high school hockey player in the state by the High School Coaches Association. He was also selected to the Michigan High School Dream Team.

“He is a very skilled player and possesses a strong desire to win,” said Fakler. “His character and state championship experience will be an asset as we build our program.”

The 5-foot-10, 160 pound forward was also the leading scorer in the Michigan Developmental Hockey League, a pre-season high school all-star league. He scored 15 goals and 24 points in 11 MDHL contests.

NTDP names seven to Under-17 Team

Forwards Connor Chatham (Shiloh, Ill.), J.T. Compher (Northbrook, Ill.), Hudson Fasching (Apple Valley, Minn.) and Brandon Shea (Marshfield, Mass.), along with defensemen Will Butcher (Sun Prairie, Wis.), Steve Santini (Mahopac, N.Y.) and Scott Savage (San Clemente, Calif.) have committed to join USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program for the 2011-12 season.

The players, all from the 1995 birth year, will compete as members of the U.S. National Under-17 Team.

“These seven players will serve as the building blocks for the U.S. National Under-17 Team and represent our largest group of commitments prior to our evaluation camp,” said Ryan Rezmierski, director of player personnel for the NTDP. “Their decision shows that the National Team Development Program is the destination for elite athletes.”

During the 2010-11 season, Chatham skated for the St. Louis Blues Midget Minor team. In limited action due to an injury-shortened season, he tallied two goals in four games in Tier I Elite Hockey League action.

Compher competed for Team Illinois Midget Minor of the Tier I Elite Hockey League and recorded 39 points (17-22), including three power-play goals, two shorthanded tallies and four game-winning goals.

Fasching comes from Apple Valley (Minn.) High School, where he notched 35 points (16-19) in 25 games this season. His five game-winning-goals led the squad.

Shea played for Noble and Greenough (Mass.) School of the Independent School League in New England during the 2010-11 campaign. The forward ranked third on the team with 34 points (16-18) in 27 games.

Butcher skated for the Madison (Wis.) Capitols of the Tier I Elite League. As a defenseman, he led the team with 30 points (10-20) and five power-play goals in 34 games.

During the 2010-11 campaign, Santini played for the New York Apple Core of the Eastern Junior Hockey League and recorded 17 points (3-14) in 44 games.

Savage competed for the LA (Calif.) Selects Midget Minor team of the Tier I Elite Hockey League. He led team defensemen with 24 points (4-20) through 31 games.

Jets' captains reflect on '10-11 season

By earning 15 wins this season, the Metro Jets have certainly built a foundation for the future.

Still, not qualifying for the North American 3 Hockey League playoffs stings, but the outlook is bright for next season and a playoff berth is already being discussed for this time next year.

Team captain Morgan James and alternates Justin Bennett and Matt Stirling all feel the 2010-2011 season went better than expected, even considering head coach Jason Cirone didn’t come aboard until late in the summer.

“We had a lot of potential as a team and had the ability to beat any team in the league,” said James. “I just don't think we knew how to put it all together for every game. I feel like we under-achieved because we had the potential to be great.”

“Cirone is a great coach and he deserved more from us,” Bennett said. “The whole year was a roller coaster – highs to high and lows to low. We showed glimpses of the hockey we should have played all year. We as a team were a shell of what could have been.”

“I think the season went well for the Jets,” added Stirling, who represented the Jets in the first annual NA3HL Top Prospects Tournament this season. “I think the addition of Jason Cirone was definitely a great move. Jason established an attitude that the Metro Jets needed to make them successful again. I think we could have done better than our record, but we won more games than most people expected.”

In December, goalie Matt Braun earned his first win in a shootout against then-first place Chicago. Other highlights included the Jets taking every game from Battle Creek, their season-ending sweep on the road over Quad City and an earlier sweep at home over Quad City. An early-season five-game winning streak also boosted team confidence when the team hit the .500 mark.

Seeing certain players develop was also a key part of the year, especially in January when forward Tommy Kilgore earned a call-up to the Port Huron Fighting Falcons of the North American Hockey League.

“Tommy played well for us all year and his success at the beginning gave him a chance to play in the NAHL,” said Stirling. “Mike (Moroso) came to the Jets from his travel team and helped the Jets considerably. His offensive help, especially in the beginning of the year, helped the Jets win games early as everyone else found their stride. For Ian (Costello), he didn't play many games at the beginning of the year, but he came a long way from where he was and played in many games at the end of the year. Ian didn't give up when he didn't see much action in games and looks like a great player for the Jets in years to come.”

“To me everyone grew significantly,” added Bennett. “Kilgore came in with loads of raw talent and is now leaving polished ready to tackle the NAHL. Stirling came in a shy, skilled player and is leaving a proven leader and go-to player. Costello overcoming size and age to be one of the most reliable blue liners at the end was also something very positive for us.”

As for what lies ahead, uncertainty has always been a staple in junior hockey, but with Metro, good things appear to be lurking on the horizon.

“The Jets are heading in the right direction as a franchise,” Stirling said. “With our improved record this year from previous years, this coming year looks to be even better. Young guys like Travis Hargett and Ian Costello are set to lead the team and hopefully to the playoffs. With some veteran help as well, the Jets can be a playoff team next year.”

Bennett showed a humorous side when discussing the 2011-2012 season.”The future for the Jets looks less handsome without me, but with the coaching staff in place and a solid foundation of talented young players, nothing but good things will happen with this team,” said Bennett.

As the wearer of the ‘C’ and a graduating player, James reflected on what he wishes could have been.

“We had a great time, a lot of fun, and became very close teammates,” James said. “I wish we could start over and do it again.”

Check back next week when head coach Jason Cirone reflects on the Jets’ 2010-2011 campaign.

Photo by Andy Grossman/Detailed Images

Saginaw's Chiarot signs with Atlanta

The NHL’s Atlanta Thrashers have signed Saginaw Spirit defenseman Ben Chiarot to an entry-level contract with the team.

The Thrashers drafted Chiarot with the 120th pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.

Chiarot has tallied 34 points (nine goals, 25 assists) in 61 games this season for the Spirit and Sudbury Wolves.

The 6-foot-3, 215-pound defenseman has recorded 67 points (19 goals, 48 assists) in 226 career OHL games over four seasons with Guelph (2007-08 to 2009-10), Sudbury (2009-10 to 2010-11) and Saginaw (2010-11).

The Hamilton, Ont., native competed in one game for the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League during the 2009-10 campaign.

Photo courtesy CHL Images