Jets anxious to start NA3HL season

The Metro Jets went with an older, seasoned roster in 2011-12 and had their best season in several years.

This year, the roster looks a bit younger and while wins and losses may not mirror last season, the expectations for Metro coach Jason Cirone have not changed.

“We’re a development league and our goal is to develop these kids and move them to the North American Hockey League and the United States Hockey League,” said Cirone, entering his third year behind the bench in Waterford. “I’m excited that we have a younger team, to be honest with you, but I know the returning guys will help to bring along the younger guys.”

Third-year forward Matt Stirling (pictured above) will serve as the Jets’ captain this year after having been an alternate his first two seasons with the Jets. According to Cirone, Stirling was the obvious choice.

“I don’t know how much more I can expect from Matt,” said Cirone. “He has been outstanding for us the past two years. He’s played forward, he’s played ‘D,’ he’s done everything I’ve asked of him and done it well.”

Stirling said that while he’ll be the one donning the ‘C,’ he won’t be alone in leading Metro.

“As captain this year, I don’t feel much outside pressure because I have been here and know what to expect,” said Stirling, a 20-year-old from Dexter. “I put more pressure on myself this year than the past few just because I need to be a role model for a lot of these younger guys to look up to. I learned a lot about the role between (2010-11 captains Mike) Corder and Morgan (James) and (2011-12 captain Tommy) Kilgore as I have seen how they have handled certain situations and have learned from them along the way. I also plan to rely on older guys like (Jeff) Monfils, (Doug) Andrews and (Derek) Britton to help assist me.”

The Jets open the 2012-13 North American 3 Hockey League campaign this weekend with games Saturday night and Sunday afternoon at Lakeland Arena against the Battle Creek Jr. Revolution.

“My expectations for the season are for the guys to keep improving as a team and individually,” Stirling said. “With the guys we have this year, I think we can be one of the premier teams in the league and I expect us to make a good playoff run this year. I think after the first week of the season, the older guys might have to carry some of the load, but as the younger guys get used to the system and the pace of play, the team will come together and gel pretty well.

“We have a lot of young talent that is different from past seasons. The younger guys may be a little overwhelmed at the beginning of the season, but should settle down and be a huge part of what the Metro Jets need to be successful. I think with this younger talent and a mixture of the older guys we can be very successful this year. All of the rookies have done well so far and they are all catching on to the system and what we are trying to do.”

Back from last season are forwards Travis Hargett (Clarkston) and Andrews (Macomb), along with defenseman Chad Frost (Clarkston). Monfils (Cleveland, Washington native) and Britton (Toledo, Sterling Heights native) played in the NA3HL last year as well.

In goal, gone is Petoskey’s Dillon Kelley (NAHL’s Corpus Christi Ice Rays), but the three newcomers – Trevor Kalinowski (Commerce Township), Luke DuBois (New Boston) and Austin Julvezan (Dexter) – will rotate for the first few weeks until one takes the reins as the No. 1 goaltender.

“Randy Wilson has done a great job with all of our goalies and I’m not a goalie coach, so whatever Randy tells me about our goalies, I listen,” Cirone said. “Last year when Devin Williams got called up to Erie (Otters of the Ontario Hockey League), we only had one other goalie in Dillon and to his credit, he stepped up and played well for us. We learned our lesson, though, and this year, we’ll carry three goalies and will see if anyone jumps up for us.”

Other first-year Jets include forwards Ryan Chapie (Midland), James Tuljus (West Bloomfield), Zach MacKay (Brighton), 2012 first-round pick Mike Gambino (Livonia) and Chris Mayer (West Bloomfield) and defensemen Steve Shariak (New Boston), Myles Burrough (Metamora), T.J. Krajewski (Macomb), Thomas Evans (Waterford) and the recently-turned 16-year-old Ian Springfield (Sterling Heights).

Chapie’s cousin, Adam Chapie, played in the NA3HL for Cleveland and then in the NAHL for New Mexico before heading to the University of Massachusetts-Lowell, where he is now a freshman on the Riverhawks’ Division I hockey team.

How will the mix of young and old shake out for the Jets? This weekend will prove to be a test, no doubt.

“We open the season against a Battle Creek team that was much improved last year from their first year and I only expect them to get better,” said Stirling. “This will be a competitive series and I expect that they will come ready to play.”

Game time Saturday night is 7:50 p.m.with a 12:10 p.m.puck drop scheduled for Sunday.

Photo by Andy Grossman/Detailed Images

Stewart a fan favorite with Ice Dogs

Alex Stewart is a veteran Michigan Ice Dogs’ player who is beginning his third season with the team.

An abrasive player who makes a big impact on the ice, Stewart is a hard worker who isn’t afraid to get into the middle of things. Although he often appears to be smiling and joking on the ice, he’s not making any friends out there. Yet Stewart is well-liked by Ice Dog fans who appreciate his hard work and strong effort.

You’ll see him skating with the puck or working the puck out of the corner and his efforts do not go unnoticed.

“He’s a gritty, hard-working, two-way player,” said Michigan coach Tony Graham. “He brings a lot to the team.”

Stewart is not new to successful teams. As a member of the 2008 Rochester Rattlers Bantam AA team, Stewart went all the way to nationals with his team.

“It was a perfect season and to top it off, we won the tournament,” Stewart said. “Hockey has given so much to me throughout the years, on and off the ice, but mostly it has given me a drive and determination like no other. I know that if want something bad enough, I will put in the hard work and I can get what I want.”

Favorite Ice Dog memory: “My favorite Ice Dog highlight would have to be from my first season on the team. We were in playoffs and after winning the first two games in OT fashion, we had clinched a place in the playoff finals. We had one more round-robin game to play. It was a completely meaningless game so I was joking around with the coach, telling him I was going to get into a fight. They had a lot of really big players on their team and I had no intention of really fighting. I went out on a 5-on-4 penalty kill. After about 30 seconds on the PK, our goalie made a great save and one of their players ran our goalie. One of our players retaliated and before we knew what was happening, it became a line brawl. Fights broke out all over the ice. This fight was so out of control. The next thing I knew, I was toe-to-toe with some guy who’d already ripped off his gear to fight me. He had no shoulder pads, helmet or anything. Eventually things calmed down and the fights broke up. This was one of my favorite memories, especially seeing the look on my coaches’ faces as I was tossed from the game.”

Stewart’s advice for young players: “Play every game like it’s your last. It goes by way too fast and you don’t want any regrets.”

In the future, Stewart plans to continue to attend college to obtain his administrative business degree and open his own business shortly afterwards.

Hounds ready to open MWJHL season

The ice is frozen and the nights are getting colder – time to drop the puck on the inaugural season of Hartland Hounds hockey in the Midwest Junior Hockey League.

As one of 10 teams in the first-year MWJHL, the Hounds are extremely optimistic that the roster they’ve created will be able to compete with any team on any given night this season.

“All the guys we recruited are guys with skill and character,” Hounds’ coach Randy Montrose said. “As we’ve watched all of them at our summer skates, training camp and practices, they are all learning their roles and how to play them accordingly. A lot of these kids have never played juniors before and while we may go through some growing pains, I’m confident that the older guys that have played juniors before will serve as mentors and help us get off to a fast start.”

Hartland starts its season tonight on the west side of the state with a two-game set against the Holland River Bandits.

“We had a good test last weekend against the University of Michigan-Dearborn (in an exhibition game) and several of our guys played very well,” Montrose said. “As a staff, we took note of what we needed to work on as a team and we did that this week in practice. If the effort and work ethic is there this weekend, I would expect us to be successful.”

Many of the Hounds’ players skated for Montrose, co-head coach Scott Gardiner and assistant coaches Marty Passino and Rick Gadwa in high school and several players have noted the instant chemistry right from the first summer skate.

“We had a fun camp (Aug. 3-4) and the guys really bonded and got to know each other,” said forward and Howell native P.J. Krystyniak. “We should have a good team. It’s basically the same fan base I’ve played for the last couple years and to play again for Randy will be pretty exciting, too.”

Fellow forward Jordan Ruterbusch is Hartland-born and is equally as excited for the puck to drop.

“Most of the guys on this team have either played against or with each other and I think we’ve looked good so far,” said Ruterbusch. “I think chemistry is important and it’s a good thing that everyone is getting along and bonding.”

The offense should be strong with Krystyniak, Cam Miglia (Brighton), Jake Henrikson (Commerce) and Jared Vincek (South Lyon) leading the charge, Max Biggings (Hartland) providing size and sandpaper, Darek Kalisz (Brighton) and Scott Augustyn (Howell) leading from the back end and goalies Andrew Brownlee (Fowlerville) and Colin Longeway (Pinckney) pushing one another for playing time.

“I think one thing that is very important is the number of local players we have,” said Montrose. “So many kids have to leave the state to play junior hockey and we feel that the opportunities we can provide for in-state players is really second to none.

“I’m excited to see how we match up with the rest of the league and to finally get this season underway.”

The Hounds will open their home season Sept. 28-29 at the Hartland Sports Center against the Michigan Ice Dogs and Dayton Aeros.

Ice Dogs' Ledgerwood all effort on the ice

Hunter Ledgerwood is beginning his second season as a Michigan Ice Dog.

During the 2010-2011 season, Ledgerwood was playing on the Michigan Ice Dogs’ AA team for coach Tony Digusti, a turning point in his young career.

“Coach Digusti got me prepared for the upcoming junior season and he told me to try out and I made the junior team,” recalled Ledgerwood.

 “Ledgerwood came into his own in the second half of last season,” said Ice Dogs’ junior coach Tony Graham. “He’s playing smarter and he’s stronger than he was last year. He’s due for a big season this year and I expect him to be in the top six for scoring.”

Ledgerwood plays hockey with a lot of passion. While he’s not the biggest guy on the team, he knows how to take care of himself. He’s not scared to go to the boards. You can find him dodging big hits while hanging out in the middle of the action. Ledgerwood is always competing. He’s an unselfish player who will pass the puck as often as he’ll shoot it.

Hockey has meant a lot to Ledgerwood.

“I've gotten a lot from hockey; the team is my family,” Ledgerwood said. “Not only is it a sport, but it's a lifestyle. We make sacrifices and give so much time to it. I feel as if it's getting me prepared for life. Hockey definitely keeps me on the right track keeping up my grades and being the person I am today. “

Best Ice Dog memory: “I have many, but one of my favorite memories as an Ice Dog happened during playoffs. I was rooming at the hotel with Stewie, Subu and Barton and we were making so much noise that we woke up Coach Tony. He came into our room at about 2 a.m. to yell at us and we all acted as if we were sleeping, but then we jumped up, attacked him and started beating him up. Good times. I also remember how great it was to beat Wooster in playoffs and how we were celebrating our success with all the guys.”

Ledgerwood’s advice for young players: “My advice to a younger player is to always push yourself, but never be too hard on yourself. You want to be the best player you can be but you don't want to put yourself down while doing it.”

In the future, Ledgerwood plans to go to college and move into the medical field to become a physician’s assistant or a trainer.

Textor an impact player for Ice Dogs

If there’s a melee on the ice, chances are Tyler Textor is in the mix.

A quiet, polite man off the ice, Textor morphs into a meddler on the ice.

Don't let his big grin fool you, though. Textor takes his role as assistant captain with the Michigan Ice Dogs very seriously. He's the kind of guy who will go into the corners and get the job done. He's the player that always has his teammates' backs. He’s known as the player who fiercely guards the goalie.

"Textor is one of the backbones of our team,” said Ice Dogs’ coach Tony Graham. “We are going to expect a lot out of Tyler this year.”

Textor, who is starting his third season as an Ice Dog, gives credit to his youth travel team, the Toledo Cherokee, for helping to mold him into the player he has become.

“They basically made me the defenseman I am today,” said Textor. “I played there from my Squirt AA year until Bantam AA. Hockey has taught me a lot. I've learned to work hard and to never give up. Nothing is ever out of reach and with hard work and determination, anything can be achieved. Hockey has taught me to be responsible. "

Best Ice Dog memory: During the 2010-2011 season, we advanced to the final round of league playoffs in Stevens Point, Wis. This series would determine which two teams from our league would go to the USA Hockey Tier III nationals in Marlborough, Mass. The Ice Dogs were on a hot streak and we had beaten two very good teams in overtime.

"I took the shot that got tipped-in in overtime to beat Chicago and put us into the championship game,” said Textor. “After our win, the Ice Dogs and our fans hung around to watch the next game which would determine our opponent in the championship game. We were getting rowdy and started taunting our cross-town rivals, chanting, ‘YOU CANT DO THAT’ and ‘THANK YOU MCFARLANE’ when they took a penalty and ‘THE BELT DON'T FIT!’ when they tried to score. As we watched the final minutes of the game, it became clear that our cross-town rivals would not advance to the championship game, securing our ticket to Boston for nationals.

“We were so happy and we began singing ‘Sweet Caroline’ in the stands. It was an exciting moment. It was an amazing weekend.”

Textor's advice for young players: "Enjoy it and always push yourself beyond the limit. Hockey's more than just a game; it's a way of life. The moment is yours for the making, so make it what you want and you will remember it for the rest of your life. You'll learn from hockey and you'll learn to appreciate the game."

In the future, Textor expects to get his degree in accounting and become a certified public accountant.

Two prospective Hounds choose colleges

The puck hasn’t even dropped on the inaugural Midwest Junior Hockey League season, but the Hartland Hounds have already sent two players that had committed to play for the team this season to play college hockey.

Defenseman Dean Burggrabe (NCAA Division III Finlandia University) and forward Tommy Kilgore (ACHA Division I Oakland University) were prospective Hounds over the summer, but will now start the upcoming season on college campuses.

“This is what we do as coaches and why we get into coaching in the first place – to move these kids on to the next level and to not hold them back just to maybe get a few more wins during the season,” said Hartland coach Randy Montrose. “Junior hockey is for developing kids to have the ability to play college hockey. Does losing Dean and Tommy before the season starts hurt? For sure, but these are kids that have put in the hard work and have earned these opportunities. Both Dean and Tommy will flourish at their new schools.”

 Burggrabe, a 19-year-old from Marquette, skated during the 2010-11 season with the Tri-City Storm of the United States Hockey League and last year with the North American Hockey League’s Traverse City North Stars.

“I believe the opportunity came up from Randy talking to (Finlandia) coach (John) McCabe, who then contacted me to see if I was interested in joining the team at Finlandia,” Burggrabe said. “I then scheduled a visit with the school to see if I was interested. At the visit, I got a gut feeling that it was the best decision for me to enroll and play for Finlandia.”

Another two-year veteran of junior hockey, Kilgore played the last two years with the Metro Jets of the North American 3 Hockey League, donning the captain’s ‘C’ last year. A Pinckney native, Kilgore decided to play closer to home this season with the Hounds before the opportunity to play for Oakland came about.

“At the beginning of the summer, I began to realize that if I wasn’t going to play in the NAHL that it was time to start looking at colleges,” said Kilgore, who turns 20 on Sept. 18. “I met one of the coaches (Gordie Schaeffler) where I work out at Total Performance (in Wixom) and he told me about the team’s tryout camp that was happening last week and that I should come out and skate. I took him up on his offer and at the end of the camp, the coaches offered me a spot and I accepted.”

Kilgore, who also played three games with the NAHL’s Port Huron Fighting Falcons in 2010-11, said that telling Montrose of his decision was not nerve-racking in the least.

“Randy made me feel comfortable all summer long and never forced me into anything,” said Kilgore. “He really wants to see kids move on and not quit, so when I let him know I was going to Oakland, he was just as excited as I was, maybe more.

“That’s just the kind of person Randy is.”

Hounds announce coaching additions

The Hartland Hounds have announced two additions to the coaching staff.

Scott Gardiner will join Randy Montrose on the bench as co-head coach and Rick Gadwa has been added as a new assistant coach.

Former assistant coach Gordie Meisel has been promoted to assistant general manager.

Gardiner has coached Traverse City teams at the junior level in the Continental Elite Hockey League and North American Hockey League and also has a long history with Montrose at Hartland High School and Howell High School.

Gadwa is currently the head coach at Hartland High School and will remain in that capacity.

Skill, youth, luck on the side of Spisak

Goals don’t come pretty for Jake Spisak, but nobody asks how, they just ask how many, right?

“I don’t score too many goals, but I take them any way I can get them,” said Spisak, a 16-year-old forward from Howell. “They always seem to go in off my head, my back, my butt, anywhere but off my stick. I just seem to always get the luckiest goals on Earth, but if that’s what it takes to help us win, I’ll take it.”

As one of the younger players on the Hartland Hounds, Spisak should still see immediate playing time while learning from some of the older players head coach Randy Montrose recruited this season.

“Jake is a player that makes things happen,” said Montrose. “He’s young and he’s learning, but I have already seen him improve during our summer skates and at camp and am looking forward to seeing how much more he can improve.

"The sky is the limit for Jake and he has youth on his side.”

Spisak also bring a winning pedigree with him as he was part of the Howell High School junior varsity team that won the Michigan Tier II state championship last spring.

Making the leap from JV to juniors is a major jump, but Spisak feels he’s ready for the challenge.

“The way I see it, playing here is the best of both worlds,” said Spisak. “A lot of kids my age have to leave the state to play juniors. I can stay here, sleep in my own bed each night and still go to my same high school. It’s a great opportunity here and the season can’t start soon enough.”

Lightning signs two more players

The Great Lakes Lightning announced today the signing of two more players for the 2012-13 season.

Jeff LaBaere, a 1995-born skater from Shelby Township, played last year for the Rochester Rattlers U-18 team.

Waterford native Colin Walsh, a 1996 birthdate, skated last year at Clarkston High School.

“Jeff and Colin should be impact players for us this season,” said Lightning coach-GM Mike Janish. “I’m excited to see how they develop.”

Hartland defense starts with calm Kalisz

If defense wins championships, the Hartland Hounds should have support on the blue line in the form of Darek Kalisz.

As one of the first players signed for this season, Kalisz will be looked upon to play close to 30 minutes a game and in all situations.

And as has become a trend with the Hounds, Kalisz played for Hartland coach Randy Montrose last year at Howell High School.

“I had the option to go play another year at Howell,” said Kalisz, who turns 17 later this month. “When I heard about the opportunity to come play for this team in this new league, it really excited me. I believe coach Montrose will make the transition a bit smoother making the jump from high school to juniors.”

Kalisz can play both ends of the ice and said he patterns his game after retired Detroit Red Wings’ defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom.

“What you’ll notice right away from Darek is his stable play and poise with playing under pressure,” said Montrose. “Darek will be important to my blue line and will have to play a lot of minutes in all situations.”

His goal this year to “win it all,” Kalisz simply wants to contribute to any success the Hounds may have while working towards his goal of one day playing college hockey.

Terry Kucharski - 1964-2012

Terry Kucharski, a fixture in the Michigan hockey scene for many years, passed away earlier this morning.

He was 48.

The Midwest Junior Hockey League family would like to request that you keep Terry, his family and friends in your prayers.

Kucharski was the founder and general manager of the Michigan Ice Dogs junior hjockey team and was a dedicated "hockey guy" for all levels of hockey.

Known as a person who truly believed in player development and a person who was passionate about developing local talent, Kucharski's presence will be greatly missed in Michigan hockey circles.

Details to follow when arrangements are made public.

Monfils acquired by Jets from Jr. Jacks

The Metro Jets continue to fine-tune their roster and made a trade Wednesday with the Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks, acquiring 20-year-old forward Jeff Monfils for a fourth-round pick in the 2013 North American 3 Hockey League draft.

Monfils, a Macomb native, scored 17 goals (two on the power play) and 28 points in 46 games a year ago with Cleveland.

“We are going to have a young team this year and we were looking to add a veteran presence and leadership and think we found that in Jeff,” said Metro GM Butch Wolfe. “We saw him a lot last season and were impressed with what we saw. He plays bigger than he really is (5-foot-9, 180 pounds). We’re excited to see how he will fit in with the younger crop we have coming in.”

During the 2010-11 season, Monfils skated with the Missoula Maulers, Bozeman Icedogs and Billings Bulls of the Northern Pacific Hockey League.

Jets, Toledo swap 19-year-old defenders

The Metro Jets have announced that they have acquired defenseman Derek Britton from the Toledo Cherokee in exchange for defenseman Zach Schlacht and a future player tender.

 “This is a trade that we feel will benefit both teams,” said Metro GM Butch Wolfe. “Derek brings some good size (6-foot-4, 195 pounds) to our team and Zach will get a chance to see increased playing time with Toledo.”

Britton (pictured), a 19-year-old from Sterling Heights, tallied six assists and 53 penalty minutes in 27 games in 2011-12 with the Cherokee.

Schlacht, a 19-year-old Allen Park native, played last season with older brother Jake and had two goals and 10 points with 63 penalty minutes for Metro.

No place like home for Hounds' Passino

Matt Passino should be pretty familiar with the Hartland Hounds’ coaching staff this season.

After all, he played for head coach Randy Montrose and assistants Gordie Meisel and Marty Passino (his father) last year at Howell High School and is well aware of what is expected once he steps on the ice and how he is to conduct himself off the ice.

Just 16, Passino had the opportunity to play Midget AAA hockey this season or venture to Ontario to play for the LaSalle Vipers of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League. In the end, he went where he was most comfortable and that was to the Hounds.

“When the chance came to play for this coaching staff, I decided that this would be the best place to win a championship,” said Passino, who transitioned from defense to forward last year. “Last season was my first season playing varsity and it was probably the best season for me in hockey. I think the transition from high school to juniors should be easy because Randy coached us as if we were in a junior environment.”

“Matt is like a sponge,” said Montrose. “He absorbs everything and never has any complaints. We asked him to move from defense to forward and he did it seamlessly. He may only be 16, but his maturity level is through the roof. He’ll be an exciting kid to watch develop this year for us.”

Passino, who said he models his game after Detroit Red Wings’ star forward Henrik Zetterberg because he “can forecheck hard and be an asset to the team like him,” obviously wants to bring the Veteran’s Memorial Cup to Hartland, but has other goals in mind as well.

“I just want to work hard to be faster and get better at putting the puck in the net – pretty much just become an all-around asset to the team,” Passino said. “My short-term goal is to get a harder shot and hit more and my long-term goal would to be an asset to the team on the power play and penalty kill.

“I think the team will do very well this season. We have a great group of guys on the team.”

McCrimmon named Holland bench boss

The Holland River Bandits have announced the hiring of Jason McCrimmon to the position of head coach.

After playing professional hockey the last five years and developing players the last two spring seasons while coaching AAA hockey in the Detroit area, McCrimmon decided that it was time to move on with his life and begin to coach.

“It was just time to move on from playing hockey professionally and the River Bandits provided that opportunity for me,” said McCrimmon. “This is the River Bandits’ inaugural season and we are looking to get our season off to a great start.”

"Jason is a person that we had great interest in,” added Holland general manager Deveri Del Core. “His reputation as a player development coach is well known in the Detroit area and his experience as both a player and coach will bring a wealth of knowledge to our players. We were very excited to get Jason in town to begin assembling our team.

"We are equally excited about Jason’s depth of knowledge in the game of hockey for such a young coach. With Jason having recently completed college and playing professional hockey, he has numerous connections throughout the hockey community. This network will give our players the opportunity to be seen, scouted and eventually move on to higher levels of hockey.”

Born and raised in Detroit, McCrimmon played youth hockey for the Detroit Rockies out of the Jack Adams Ice Arena. He then played Junior A hockey for Belle Tire Lightning of the Continental Elite Hockey League before going on to play NCAA Division III hockey at the University of Massachusetts-Boston. While there, McCrimmon was awarded ECAC East player of the week honors on one occasion, while majoring in business administration and minoring in sports marketing.

After college, McCrimmon played two years of professional hockey in Europe and was named captain of Hela–Kiekko in Finland. He also skated in the Central Hockey League and International Hockey League, ending his career last season after a stint with the Danbury Whalers of the Federal Hockey League.

McCrimmon began coaching and has found joy in knowing that this would be a great way to give back to a game that gave him so much, enabling him to pass on his knowledge to up-and-coming players. He owns his own hockey development school, Iceman Corporate Enterprises. This school focuses on giving underprivileged players in the inner city of Detroit the opportunity to play ice hockey.

Working with and training players from Mites on up to college-level in all aspects of proper skating techniques, off-ice training and nutrition, McCrimmon has also trained with players such as Ryan Kesler (Vancouver Canucks), James Wisniewski (Columbus Blue Jackets) and Fedor Fedorov (Kontinental Hockey League). McCrimmon knows that having worked with these players in the past will aid the River Bandits players with their development to achieve higher levels of hockey.

Biggings finds time to smile in Hartland

Max Biggings had never played for Randy Montrose before, but he will get his chance this season with the Hartland Hounds.

A Hartland native, Biggings played for Hartland High School and last season, saw action in 28 games for the North American 3 Hockey League’s Metro Jets, based just east on M-59 in Waterford.

Biggings, who turned 20 earlier this month, will be utilized as a forward instead of a defenseman for Montrose this season, a move Montrose feels will be a huge benefit to the Hounds.

“Max is a big kid (6-foot-3, 195 pounds) and I think if we put him on a wing, he can really do some damage,” Montrose said. “The good thing about that, too, is that if we ever get into injury trouble, I can slot Max back on ‘D’ and he probably won’t miss a beat.”

“Well it's going to be different playing up front,” added Biggings. “But I'm a quick learner and I trust coach Randy and his coaching abilities.

“When I heard about the new team with Randy being the coach, I knew it was a great opportunity as I have always wanted to play for him. The expectations are always high and we expect to compete for the (Midwest Junior Hockey League) title.”

Biggings said with the Jets, he was able to adjust to the speed of the junior level and will use that knowledge this coming season in Hartland.

“This year, I’m looking for redemption at Hartland Arena and want to end on a positive note before moving on to play college hockey,” said Biggings, a Division 2 All-State honorable mention his senior year at Hartland. “The last time I played at the arena, I lost to my travel coach, who is now at Lakeland.”

For being such a big player with noticeable size, Biggings always seems to have a smile on his face and that was never more evident than during the Hounds’ tryout camp the first weekend in August.

According to Biggings, the grin has its’ time and place.

“I believe we already have great team chemistry and have a solid locker room,” said Biggings. “The smile will disappear when I hit the ice during the season, but off the ice, the smile will return.”

And if the Hounds win, even more reason to smile.

Kilgore brings leadership to Hounds

High school homecoming events don’t usually happen until October, but for Tommy Kilgore, his homecoming is now.

A 20-year-old Pinckney native, Kilgore has chosen to play his final season of junior hockey with the Hartland Hounds.

He skated the past two years with the Metro Jets of the North American 3 Hockey League in Waterford, serving as team captain during the 2011-12 season and earning a mid-season call-up to the North American Hockey League’s Port Huron Fighting Falcons the season prior.

Needless to say, Hounds’ coach Randy Montrose is more than elated with Kilgore electing to play in Hartland, just a stone’s throw from Pinckney, where Kilgore played high school hockey.

“I know Tommy had several options on where to play next season, but he made the decision to play here and we couldn’t be happier,” said Montrose. “He’s played in the NAHL and he’s been a captain in the NA3, so we’re banking on him being a leader for us this season. I think he’ll wear a letter for sure.”

Kilgore said that the intrigue of staying near his home base was a big reason why he picked the Hounds.

“The Hounds are close to home and I think that I would play more in this league and put up better numbers this year,” said Kilgore. “I think the experience I have gained in the past two years will help me this year to put up very good numbers and feel more comfortable playing in games.”

Giving credit where credit is due, Kilgore praised Jets’ coach Jason Cirone for his guidance the past two years.

 “Jason taught me more In the past two years than I have ever learned before,” explained Kilgore. “He helped me become a tougher, smarter player on the ice and how to perform in certain situations and I plan on using that this year.”

Kilgore added that he wants to use this year as a spring-board to more competitive hockey down the road, but that he is a team player first and foremost.

"I expect to put up points and help the team somehow every night,” Kilgore said. “I think we can gear up for a championship run and have a successful season.”

Hounds' Bodziak down, but not out

The season hasn’t started yet for the Hartland Hounds, yet the team is already down one key player.

Hartland native Zak Bodziak, a forward who committed to the team earlier this summer, will miss at least the first half of the season while he continues to recover from a separated shoulder suffered last year playing for Davenport University (pictured).

 “I just want to take my time and let this thing heal properly,” said Bodziak. “I’m not ready to hang up the skates yet.”

During a national tournament game last spring against California University of Pennsylvania, Bodziak had the puck behind the net and got hit by an opposing player.

“I got buried, just crushed,” said Bodziak. “It might have been a late hit, but whatever. I had X-rays a couple weeks ago at the University of Michigan and all the doctor really said was to stay away from heavy lifting. This isn’t something I can’t get through and I’m glad I made the decision to take my time with it.”

Hartland coach Randy Montrose said he will keep Bodziak on the active roster and Bodziak said he will be around the team as much as he can.

“I’m going to take some classes at Lansing Community College and work, but I’ll make it out to some games and maybe do some no-contact skating at practices,” Bodziak said. “My hope is that I can come back around Christmas and help give the team a push. The team seems like it’s really coming together and however I can contribute, that’s what I’ll do.

“Like I said, I’m not ready to be done with hockey and if this is a situation where I can put more focus on school and work, then I’ll take it. It’s really a win-win situation.”

Hartland's Krystyniak has winning mantra

The Hartland Hounds are a team with numerous local connections on the ice and forward P.J. Krystyniak is one that should bring a strong offensive impact to the team this season.

An 18-year-old Howell native who played for Hounds’ coach Randy Montrose the past two seasons at Howell High School, Krystyniak had his pick of teams for the upcoming season and was very comfortable in choosing to stay local.

“We had a fun camp (Aug. 3-4) and the guys really bonded and got to know each other,” said Krystyniak. “We should have a good team. It’s basically the same fan base I’ve played for the last couple years and to play again for Randy will be pretty exciting, too.

“Randy is so well-connected in the hockey world that we all know that if we work hard, he’ll do what he can to move us up.”

Krystyniak admitted that off the ice, he can be a quiet person, but on the ice, where he transitioned from defense to forward just two years ago, he’s far from quiet.

“Most the time, I go out have fun and do my job,” Krystyniak said. “I can bring an understanding of the coaching staff and help other players to buy into what systems we plan on running. There has been an overall sense of excitement in the locker room lately.”

“He’s just 18, but P.J. has already started to emerge as a leader on this team,” Montrose said. “He knows how to win and that type of mentality will rub off on the rest of the players.”

Even though he wasn’t a member of the two Howell teams that went to the state championship game in 2009 and 2010, Krystyniak practiced with the team everyday and said he “felt as if I was part of the team.”

 Krystyniak also went to the state finals in 2007 with the Pee Wee AA Kensington Valley Rebels, a team that also featured current Hounds’ forward Jared Vincek.

Knowing what it takes to get notches in the win column is one aspect Krystyniak hopes he can contribute this year with the Hounds.

“My expectations are the same as most guys on the team,” said Krystyniak. “We all want to play well enough to move to the next level and as it is on most teams, the team goal is to win everything possible.”

Metro d-man Baker off to Robert Morris

John Baker came home to Waterford last season to play his final season of junior eligibility and he parlayed a terrific season with the Metro Jets into a college hockey deal with the Robert Morris University ACHA Division I gold team in Chicago.

Baker said he had several other options to play collegiately next season, but the opportunity to play in Chicago and for RMU coach Tom Adrahtas was too much to pass on.

“I was in contact with their coordinator and coach throughout the past three seasons,” said Baker. “I also talked with Davenport, Lindenwood, Kent State and Curry College, but Robert Morris just felt like it was the best place for me.”

Robert Morris was once a private college, but became a university in 2009. The school hosted the ACHA national tournament in 2010 and Adrahtas has coached at the NCAA level and in the United States Hockey League.

On the ice, Baker is hoping to be a top-four defenseman for Robert Morris, while in the classroom, he will be majoring in business.

Reflecting on the 2011-12 season where he led all Jets’ defenders with five goals and 22 points playing alongside Adam Reid much of the year, Baker said he’s not sure he’d be in the position he is right now if he hadn’t decided to play in Waterford.

“I feel like the division we were in really helped my compete level every night,” said Baker. “In our division, we had to come to play every night and it was anybody’s game. I think playing for coach (Jason) Cirone was the best choice I made during my junior hockey career. He is a great coach and gave me a chance to put up a lot of minutes every game and really develop even more even though it was my last year of junior. Even though I wish I could have played at a higher level, I had fun and loved competing every night as a Jet and for coach Cirone.”

On a team scale, Baker saw the Jets take the proverbial step up into a legitimate contender in the North American 3 Hockey League.

“I feel like we definitely turned some heads last season as an organization because of the team we had and the coaching,” Baker said. “Nobody could really look down on our team last season. We were a tough top team in the league and definitely took a big stride in the right direction, much thanks to Jason. We had a lot of talent and we were tough. I feel like you could call us a hard-nosed, blue-collar team, finished our hits and really just wore teams down by the third period in many of our games.”

Now off to the Windy City this week to get settled, Baker is focused on the future.

”I am set on taking my collegiate hockey to the next level,” said Baker. “I would really enjoy playing professional over in Europe after a few years of school. I love hockey and really want to make something out of the past 18 years of playing.

“I believe if I want it bad enough, it might be the road less traveled, but I think I have the heart to take my game to the next level.”

Ross brings skill, bloodlines to Cohos

As an avid fisherman on the waters of Northern Michigan, Thomas Ross has pulled in his share of big fish over the years.

However, it was the Traverse City Cohos who reeled in a trophy catch this week, signing Ross to light the lamp and bait the hook for teammates in the Midwest Junior Hockey League’s inaugural campaign. The Livonia Stevenson High School product says he’s found a comfort zone with the Cohos and the environs.

“Obviously, it’s very nice up there – I’ve always loved Traverse City,” said Ross, who graduated in the spring and plans to attend Northwestern Michigan College in the fall. “I have family there and we’ve spent a lot of time fishing on that side of the state. I’m looking forward to getting the opportunity to play the sport I love in a place like TC.”

Cohos head coach-GM Scott Gardiner is equally excited to bring Ross into the fold.

“He’s skilled and speedy and very creative with the puck,” he lauded. “Thomas will be a huge asset to us on special teams, as well as his regular shift as one of the top forwards.”

Ross, who says he derives equal pleasure from scoring goals and assisting on them, says he’s eager to get to work.

“The hope is to be competitive right away, to get as many wins and go as far as we can,” he offered.

The 5-foot-8, 160-pound center tallied 11 goals and assisted on 20 others in 25 contests last season for Stevenson.

But magic with the puck is in the Ross’ DNA.

His father, Tom Ross, is the NCAA’s second all-time scoring leader after racking up 138 tallies and 186 assists from 1973-76 at Michigan State University. After re-writing practically the entire Spartans’ record book, the elder Ross then went on to score 123 goals and set up 178 others over three seasons with Kalamazoo of the International Hockey League.

For some, the long shadow cast by such a storied career might be a burden. Thomas, however, is not among them.

“I don’t feel like there’s a ton of extra pressure on me because my father had a great hockey career,” he explained. “I really enjoyed having him as a coach over the years and he’s a great hockey resource. I know when I talk to him about something, he’s already experienced it and help me work through it. The success he achieved just gives me something to aspire to.”

Given the Ross hockey pedigree, it isn’t surprising to hear Thomas recall that his first time on skates came at the tender age of four.

“We grew up in a hockey family,” he said. “My father, brother, uncle, cousins all played hockey, so they got me on skates pretty early on, but I loved it right away.”

Ross acknowledges that making the transition from high school to juniors can be challenging, but takes a philosophical approach to his hockey journey.

“Obviously, you want to have as much success as you can right away, you want to contribute to a lot of wins right away and we’re all excited to take that next step in the sport,” Ross said. “But as far as individual goals, there really isn’t a number of goals or anything like that to aim for.

“It’s important to have the best hockey experience I can, on and off the ice.”

Ruterbusch aiming for consistency

Jordan Ruterbusch has just one goal for himself this season with the Hartland Hounds.

Consistency.

No certain number of points or anything like that.

The 18-year-old Hartland native just wants to a dependable forward for Hounds’ coach Randy Montrose.

“That’s how I’ve always played,” said Ruterbusch. “I’m not much of a goal-scorer, but I like to be a playmaker. I’ll take care of the defensive zone first and then hopefully that carries over to the offensive zone.”

A 2012 Hartland High School graduate, Ruterbusch had a handful of playing options for this year after playing for the Hartland hockey team. Ultimately, he picked staying in his hometown.

“My coach from last year, Rick Gadwa, said the Midwest Junior Hockey League was going to be a good league and that he thought it would be a good opportunity for me,” Ruterbusch said. “Then when I first met Randy, he talked about how big he was into moving guys up to higher levels and that really appealed to me. I see this league as another door and another chance to play competitive hockey.”

 Ironically enough, Gadwa played the 2003-04 season for the Brighton-based Michigan Stars – a team Montrose ran as general manager – of the defunct Continental Elite Hockey League and also skated for Montrose and current Traverse City Cohos’ coach Scott Gardiner at Hartland High previous to the CEHL.

“What I like most about Jordan is his character and his competitiveness,” Montrose said. “He’s a kid that will make a lot of noise and will definitely be a spark plug for us this season. When he’s on the ice, you’ll know it.”

And while Ruterbusch sees the Hounds having a strong regular season that he hopes will carry over to the Veteran’s Memorial Cup playoffs, it’s the mood right now that makes Ruterbusch ooze with confidence before the first puck has even dropped.

“Most of the guys on this team have either played against or with each other and I think we’ve looked good in our informal skates and at camp,” said Ruterbusch. “I think chemistry is important and especially for right now, it’s a good thing that everyone is getting along and bonding.

“It should be a good season for us and I hope these next couple weeks just fly by.”

Lightning signs seven for '12-13 season

The Great Lakes Lightning has announced seven player signings for the upcoming 2012-13 season after the team’s mini-camp this past weekend at Great Lakes Sports City in Fraser.

Zach Boes, Rochester, Mt. Clemens Wolves U16
Jacob Bradley, Armada, Oakland Jr. Grizzlies U16
Andrew Defauw, Orion, Detroit Falcons U16
Mikey Edwards, Warren, Atlanta Jr. Knights (EJHL)
Ben Katan, Harper Woods, Michigan Mountain Cats (NA3HL)
Jeff Monfils, Washington, Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks (NA3HL)
Andrew Shalawylo, Clinton Township, Metro Jets (NA3HL)

“I think it’s important to have local flavor on our team,” said Lightning coach-GM Mike Janish. “Not only does it give local kids the opportunity to stay close to home, but it lets their family and friends be able to come see them play on a regular basis.”

Henrikson ready to start Hounds' year

It wasn’t a tough decision at all for Jacob Henrikson to play for the Hartland Hounds this season.

After all, the 19-year-old Howell native and tough forward had already played for Hounds’ coach Randy Montrose at Howell High School and helped the Highlanders to the state finals in 2009 and 2010. Now, Henrikson wants to see some of the Howell magic duplicated in the Midwest Junior Hockey League.

“To come and play in Hartland, it really came up by Randy talking to me seeing if I wanted to play,” Henrikson said. “Of course, I said ‘yes.’”

“Jake is one of those kids that makes plays happen,” said Montrose. “He’s a horse and it’s hard to take him off the ice because things tend to happen when he’s out there. He’s got good hands for a big man (6-foot-2, 180 pounds) and can really fire the puck. Jake will play in all situations and is one of those players as a coach that you want out there in the final minute of a close game. He’ll also bring an element of leadership to our team.”

In the 2010 state semifinals against Traverse City West, Henrikson’s goal (pictured above) gave Howell a 2-0 lead and helped the Highlanders advance to the state championship game.

 “That was certainly a highlight of my career,” said Henrikson. “Making it to state finals and playing in front of 6,500 people was plain awesome.”

Last season, Henrikson ventured across the border and played for the Leamington Flyers of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League where he put up seven goals and 13 points in 38 games.

With a year of junior experience under his belt, Henrikson wants his final season of junior eligibility to be his best.

”I think playing for Randy will make it easier on helping teach the new guys the systems we run,” Henrikson said. “My personal goal is to play well enough to where I can hopefully go to a college of my choice and play hockey. On a team level, I think we can take first place and win a national championship.

“This team has a lot of confidence right now.”

Former Jet, Falcon to play at Adrian

Count Mike Moroso as the latest Metro Jets’ alum to advance to college hockey.

Moroso, who played for the Jets during the 2010-11 season, will play ACHA Division I hockey this coming season at Adrian College, a team that boasts several former North American 3 Hockey League players.

“I really just weighed my options and decided that Adrian was a good fit for me and not too far from home,” said Moroso, a 20-year-old forward from Macomb. “I contacted (Adrian coach Dan) Phelps and he pursued me from there. I know that Adrian is a school with high standards in academics and sports.”

Moroso said he will major in physical science at Adrian and that he’s “expecting to have to work for what I get hockey- and academics-wise.”

During the 2011-12 season, Moroso finished second in scoring for the North American Hockey League’s Port Huron Fighting Falcons and also represented Port Huron at the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament in February.

“Last season with Port Huron was very successful, but also slightly disappointing,” explained Moroso. “We made it to the Robertson Cup, but didn't achieve our goal of winning it all.”

Moroso recorded 14 goals and 38 points last season coming off a 20-goal season with Metro two years back. He wound up third in team scoring with 36 points in 43 games for the Jets and also led the team and was second in the NA3HL with four shorthanded goals.

”The thing that stands out from the season I had with the Jets was what I learned from coach (Jason) Cirone and just the experience of junior hockey,” Moroso said.

Other former NA3HL/CSHL players who played for Adrian last year include Ryan Bachman (Dubuque), Matt Zaremba (Cleveland), Shamus Finnerty (Quad City/Pittsburgh), Jeffrey Blackwell (Queen City), Jack Goodell (Toledo), Tristan Musser (Dubuque), Alex Dobrzeniecki (Queen City), Justen Mitchell (Michigan), Spencer Jordan (Toledo), Louie Ronayne (Chicago), Kevin Sunde (Dubuque) and Brandon Boelter (Toledo).

Photo by Andy Grossman/Detailed Images

Flint tabs Howard to lead Jr. Generals

The Flint Jr. Generals have announced that Steve Howard has accepted the head coaching job for the upcoming season.

Howard, a Burton native, grew up playing hockey in the EMHA in Flint and since his days as an Icelander, he has been around the world playing hockey, including seven professional seasons as a defenseman. He was the player-assistant coach for the Columbus Cottonmouths (SPHL) in 2006-07 and helped guide them to the Presidents Cup that season.

Howard retired from playing hockey at the age of 30 and spent the next four years training and advancing elite players with Minnesota’s Advancement Program in Minneapolis.

He recently moved back to his hometown with his fiancé, Jamie, to start his own hockey specific training company, STRIDA Hockey Inc.

Also the Michigan scout for the Waterloo Blackhawks of the USHL, Howard knows player advancement is important plus putting a good team on the ice to continue the winning tradition.

All ingredients in place for Tennyson

Building a team is like baking a cake.

That is one of those great sports metaphors.

However, “building a team is like making a soup” probably best describes Tennyson Chevrolet’s coaching staff that is handling its approach to the preseason more like a Food Network competition, putting all of the ingredients together and adding the spices for a hearty result.

Full story here: All ingredients in place for Tennyson Chevrolet

Vincek a mix of skill, grit for Hartland

If the Hartland Hounds were ever known as the Hartland Horses, Jared Vincek would be the poster child for the franchise.

Vincek, who Hartland coach and general manager Randy Montrose has said “will be a horse for us this year,” actually didn’t take too kindly to the game of hockey as a young boy growing up in South Lyon, but nowadays, he can’t picture himself doing anything but playing hockey.

“I learned to skate when I was five and I hated it,” said the 18-year-old Vincek. “So I took a year off and did other things, but then I came back and decided to give it another shot and here we are. I’m happy I gave it another shot.”

Choosing to play for the Hounds this season was something Vincek took time to decide, but eventually realized getting the chance to play 15 minutes from home and still be able to attend college was his best choice.

“To be honest with you, playing for coach Montrose was also a huge attraction to me playing in Hartland,” Vincek said. “He has a heck of a track record for moving guys on and I trust that if I go out and give him 110 percent that he’ll return the favor and give 110 percent back to me.”

Drafted in the first round of the 2012 North American 3 Hockey League draft by the Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks, Vincek also went to North American Hockey League camps this summer of the Texas Tornado, Michigan Warriors and Amarillo Bulls and also attended main camp of the United States Hockey League’s Indiana Ice back in the summer of 2010.

“I didn’t make any of those teams, but at each of those camps, I received great feedback that really helped boost my confidence level coming back home to play high school hockey,” said Vincek. “When I got that letter in the mail from Indiana inviting me to camp, I was ecstatic. I always figured I’d start out in the NAHL, but realizing that USHL teams were noticing me was a wake-up call. The hard work is paying off.”

Last year with South Lyon, Vincek captained the Lions and recorded 40 points, notching his 40th point on a pretty goal the last game of the season. In 2010-11, Vincek said “we didn’t have a great year,” but that a major highlight was beating then-No. 3 Livonia Stevenson 3-0 on the road with Vincek netting two goals for South Lyon.

Off the ice, South Lyon worked with a special-needs hockey team, the MORC Stars. Vincek said he loved every minute of that experience. “When I was able, I attended their practices and assisted the players with anything from dressing, lacing skates, working with them on their skating and stickhandling,” said Vincek. “The varsity team also hosted a scrimmage against the Stars and it was quite rewarding to watch their accomplishments and see the joy. It was a very powerful event for our team.”

This season with Hartland, Vincek said fans can expect “a little bit of everything” from his play on the ice.

“I’m not afraid to get my nose bloody,” exclaimed Vincek. “I’ll backcheck, forecheck, block shots, score goals, whatever. I can be that role player that blocks shots if the score is 7-1 or 2-1. I haven’t really set any goals for myself yet, but I’m sure I’ll do that pretty soon.

“I think our team can be a contender once we gel and get that certain chemistry. I think we can win the league and then go to nationals. This is a season I can see us going for it all, so let’s do it.”

Worlton leaves Jr. Generals for NAHL gig

The Corpus Christi IceRays of the North American Hockey League held a press conference on Tuesday releasing the logo that celebrates the 15th anniversary of ice hockey in the Coastal Bend.

Also, former professional hockey player and collegiate hockey coach Jeff Worlton, the bench boss for the Flint Jr. Generals of the North American 3 Hockey League, was officially named the team's new assistant coach.

“Jeff was a no-brainer for this organization,” said Corpus Christi head coach Justin Quenneville on the addition of Worlton.

In his pro days, the Rochester, Minn., native played several years in the ECHL, CHL and UHL. In the 2000-01 season, Worlton notched 15 goals and 52 assists in 67 games for the Simcoe Wolves of the WSHL.

“He has the experience and is well respected in the hockey world.” Quenneville added. “He represents everything I believe in through his work ethic, loyalty and passion for the sport. We are excited to have him on board and I look forward to begin working with him.”

Worlton led the Jr. Generals to the best regular season record in the 3HL last season at 35-10-3. He also helped 11 players from the 2011-12 team advance to other junior or collegiate hockey opportunities.

Marshall named Hounds' new assistant

The Hartland Hounds announced Tuesday that they have added Brandon Marshall as an assistant coach.

“It is with great pride that I welcome Brandon to our coaching staff,” said Hartland general manager and head coach Randy Montrose. “I have had the sincere pleasure of knowing Brandon for many years both on and off the ice and I believe he will be a tremendous asset to the players and the coaching staff.”

Marshall, a Howell native, played junior hockey in the North American Hockey League from with the Alpena IceDiggers and Corpus Christi IceRays. Most recently, he played ACHA hockey for the University of Nevada-Las Vegas.

Montrose also coached Marshall at Howell High School from 2006-09 and as a captain, led the Highlanders to the 2009 Michigan state finals.

New 'Jack Garland chooses Penn State

The Muskegon Lumberjacks have announced that incoming forward Conor Garland has committed to play for Penn State University in 2015-16.

Garland was drafted in May by the Lumberjacks in the third round of the United States Hockey League Futures Draft.

The Scituate, Mass., native spent the 2011-12 season with the Boston Jr. Bruins of the Tier III Empire Junior Hockey League. He scored 94 points, which included 42 goals to lead the Bruins. He also finished the season third in league scoring. Garland was playing against much older players last year, some as much as five years his senior.

Penn State begins play this fall as a Division I varsity program for the first time since 1946. They will join the Big Ten in 2013-14 when the conference adds the sport.

Hounds get stronger up front with Miglia

And the Hartland Hounds continue to get stronger up front.

Cam Miglia should play in the Hounds’ top six forwards this season after a solid year in 2011-12 with the Detroit Falcons 18U team (pictured), finishing third in the North American Prospects Hockey League standings.

He’ll look to be equally as successful this year in the Midwest Junior Hockey League.

It was actually two years ago while a senior at Brighton High School that Miglia was first noticed by Hartland coach Randy Montrose, who was then at the helm of rival Howell High School.

“Coach Montrose saw me play in high school and thought I would be a good fit for the Hounds being so close to home,” said the 19-year-old Brighton native. “It’s a new league and I don’t know much about it, but Randy is a great coach and that’s why I decided to play here.”

Miglia, like many of the Hartland players, had numerous options for this coming season and was even taken third overall in the North American 3 Hockey League draft by the Battle Creek Jr. Revolution in June.

When the opportunity to play for the Hounds arose, Miglia didn’t think twice.

“What really made me want to play here is Montrose,” beamed Miglia, who stands 5-foot-10 and tips the scales at 170 pounds. “He really develops his players and moves them to the next level; he is a great coach. It’s also close to home, so I can get some schooling taken care of as well.”

“I am excited to see what Cam can do in this league,” said Montrose. “He’s a kid that I have seen play a great deal and a kid that can do some great things with the puck. Cam is one of those players that make everyone around him better.”

Miglia feels the strongest part of his game is having a nose for the net and putting the puck in the net.

 “I like to think I’m a skilled guy with the puck, but being offensive isn’t the only part of the game,” Miglia said. “I like to battle down low and help get the puck out, too.”

Being part of what is shaping up to be a very promising team in Hartland, Miglia is keeping his goals simple for the season that gets underway in one month’s time.

 “This season, I would like to win the league go on to nationals and win that for coach Montrose,” Miglia said. “From a personal perspective, I would like to be a team player and help the team as much as possible in whatever role coach Montrose gives me.

 “I’m looking forward to getting the season started.”

Photo/NAPHL

Port Huron names training camp roster

The NAHL North Division champion Port Huron Fighting Falcons will be opening their 2012 training camp August 20 with 16 forwards, nine defenseman and three goalies fighting for 25 spots.

The Falcons will be returning seven forwards, including leading scorers Ian Miller and Kody Polin, while Alex Archibald and Ryan Nick will anchor the defense with Max Milosek back in goal.

The Falcons will be bringing in four new forwards Matt Uvodich, Zach Lindsay, Zach Badalalmenti and Port Huron resident Dillon Pfeifer and one defenseman, Jon Kopacka, who has played previously in the NAHL.

The additional Falcon players come from nine different leagues across the world with four players from the HPHL, two players from each of the NAPHL, Tier 1 Elite, SJHL and Michigan high school, along with one player from each of the NA3HL, EJHL, WSHL and the Swedish Jr. Hockey League.

The players come from six different states and two different countries:
21 - Michigan
2 - Pennsylvania
1 - Arizona
1 - New Jersey
1 - Texas
1 - Kansas
1 - Sweden
1 – Canada

Week one of camp with be at the Mount Clemens Ice Arena from 3-5 p.m. Monday through Friday before moving back to McMorran Arena for the second week starting on August 27 at 1 p.m. All practices are open to the public.

The following players will be attending this year's camp in hopes of making the team:

Pos First Name Last Name YOB Last Team

G Alex Blankenburg 94 Honeybaked U18 (HPHL)
G Max Milosek 93 Port Huron Fighting Falcons (NAHL)
G Scott Murray 93 Detroit Falcons (NAPHL)

D Alex Archibald 94 Port Huron Fighting Falcons (NAHL)
D Beau Browning 94 Osoyoos Coyotes (SJHL)
D Bobby Brown 93 St. Louis Jr. Blues (NA3HL)
D Chris Hansen 93 Wenatchee Wild U18 (NAPHL)
D Cole Pierce 93 Belle Tire U18 (Tier 1 Elite)
D Jon Kopacka 93 Compuware U18 (HPHL)
D Mark Evan Auk 95 University Liggett H.S.
D Ryan Murray 92 Port Huron Fighting Falcons (NAHL)
D Ryan Nick 93 Port Huron Fighting Falcons (NAHL)

F Bryan Yim 94 Honeybaked U18 (HPHL)
F Daniel Rehnstrom 93 Mjolby HC
F Dillon Pfeifer 94 Port Huron Northern H.S.
F Easton Powers 92 Port Huron Fighting Falcons (NAHL)
F Ian Miller 92 Port Huron Fighting Falcons (NAHL)
F Jake Goldberg 92 Port Huron Fighting Falcons (NAHL)
F Kody Polin 92 Port Huron Fighting Falcons (NAHL)
F Mathew Uvodich 92 New Mexico Renegades (WSHL)
F Mitch Maloney 94 Honeybaked U18 (HPHL)
F Nick Horne 93 Port Huron Fighting Falcons (NAHL)
F Nick Sierra 92 Port Huron Fighting Falcons (NAHL)
F Rick DeRosa 92 Port Huron Fighting Falcons (NAHL)
F Tom Kempinski 93 Princeton Posse (SJHL)
F Vito Aluia 94 Belle Tire U18 (Tier 1 Elite)
F Zach Badalalmenti 93 New England Huskies (EJHL)
F Zach Lindsay 92 Corpus Christi Ice Rays (NAHL)

Chapman named Tennyson's first captain

Speedy forward Zach Chapman has been named Tennyson Chevrolet’s team captain for the 2012-13 season.

Chapman, who stands just 5-foot-4, was one of the big stories of the 2011-2012 Great Lakes Junior Hockey League season with the Motor City Chiefs.

"We are very pleased and honored to name Zach as our captain,” said Tennyson coach-GM Dan Vasquez. “Zach's work ethic, commitment to his team and dedication to the game was one of the most impressive things I have seen in my 30-plus years as a coach. I know that Zach will help make that type of dedication part of our everyday habits. Chapman started last season as a player that was supposed to not break the taxi squad and ended up being a player that we used in every situation and was invaluable to our everyday play.

"We have spent a lot of time over the summer talking about him taking this role and we think he will be a great captain.”

Whalers add scouts Debenham, Robert

The Plymouth Whalers have announced the hiring of Jim Debenham and Norm Robert to the team's scouting staff.

Debenham, in a sense, is coming home to Plymouth. He worked as the Whalers' director of scouting from 2002-09 before moving to Sarnia in the same position over the past three seasons.

Robert worked in Peterborough as a scout from 1996-2010 before moving to Sudbury as the Wolves’ scouting director for the past two seasons.

“We welcome Jim back,” said Plymouth coach-GM Mike Vellucci. “He brings a lot of experience and he already knows what kind of player we want to play Whaler hockey. Norm has a ton of experience in the Toronto area. I look forward to getting to know him and work with him.”

Debenham and Robert worked for the Central Scouting Bureau before moving on to Ontario Hockey League.

Blum named to Saginaw coaching staff

The Saginaw Spirit have announced that the team has hired Jeff Blum to assume an assistant coaching position with the team.

With this appointment, the Spirit also confirm that George Daniel will not be returning for the 2012-13 season as an assistant coach.

Blum’s duties will primarily center on working with the Spirit’s defense corps and he will join fellow assistant John Kisil and head coach Greg Gilbert on the bench this season.

Following a career that spanned four years at the University of Illinois-Chicago where he captained his collegiate team, the Warren native spent parts of five seasons in the Colonial, International and United Hockey Leagues.

Traverse City adds Howell goalie Goulah

The Traverse City Cohos have signed a few players to score goals.

And now they’ve inked one to prevent them.

Bryce Goulah joined the fold this week and the former Howell High School goaltender says he’s looking forward to donning TC black, blue and silver.

“Junior hockey is a good stepping stone to the next levels,” said the 6-foot, 185-pound netkeep. “And I know coach (Scott) Gardiner and know he’s committed to moving kids on. My goal is to play at the NCAA Division I level, to get an education and hopefully further my playing career.”

Goulah went 9-1-1 during the 2011-12 regular season with the Highlanders, sporting a 1.76 goals-against average and .922 save percentage while leading the team to a district final before bowing out to eventual state champion Brighton.

“We’re hoping for big things from Bryce,” said Gardiner, who was an assistant coach at Howell a year ago. “I know what he can do, what he’s capable of and how we envision the next stage of his development. It’s a real boon for us to get him here.”

Goulah spent Tuesday in Traverse City, checking out the region, Centre ICE Arena and Traverse City Central High School– where the senior-to-be will attend classes beginning this fall.

“It’s a great area with great atmosphere,” Goulah explained. “With a new team in a new league that really looks like a solid model, I hope to be able to acclimate to the speed and physical demands and contribute to a lot of wins.”

Goulah is acquainted with at least one of his new teammates. He and current TC forward Alex Grizzel were classmates a year ago when Grizzel lived downstate during a midget major stint.

While his style is admittedly “very unorthodox,” Goulah says he prides himself on his ability to maintain posture while getting between puck and twine.

“I’d say it’s a little bit of a non-traditional, Tim Thomas-style of goaltending,” he offered. “But I can control my body, something even Thomas can struggle with. Hopefully, what has helped me be successful at other levels of the game can help me in Traverse City as well.”

Brownlee looks to fit in with Hounds

It’s often said that a successful hockey teams builds from the net out.

For the Hartland Hounds, that means starting with goaltender Andrew Brownlee.

An 18-year-old Howell native (he turns 19 later this month), Brownlee signed a tender agreement with the Hounds earlier this summer after jumping at the opportunity to play for a team so close to home.

“When the Hounds came about, I thought that would be the perfect opportunity to play close to home and still have the chance to possibly play some sort or college hockey and a chance at some sort of scholarship,” explained Brownlee, who saw brief time at the junior level last season with the Metro Jets of the North American 3 Hockey League. “I like the pace of play at the junior level because I feel more in the game when the pace of play is faster.”

Hartland head coach Randy Montrose is also someone Brownlee is familiar with having played under Montrose at Howell High School.

“I think we are here to get our best chance at moving on in the hockey world to the next level with the amount of connections Randy has,” explained Brownlee. “I expect Randy to be there as a coach this season and no one’s friend because he’s a very competitive guy and wants to do nothing but win.”

That certainly bodes well for Brownlee, who said he models his game after NHL Hall of Fame goalie Patrick Roy. “I love to battle when I step on the ice,” Brownlee said. “I need to get myself to compete in practice as much as I do in a game because practice is where you get better and try new things and maybe if I get a better in practice, my game could improve a little bit in games as well. This year, I want to have a better season than the last because I always want to improve in anything I do.”

That said, Brownlee knows hockey is a team game and wants nothing more than to be a contributing factor in any success the Hounds may have this year during the inaugural season of the Midwest Junior Hockey League.

“My expectations this year are to not only make the playoffs, but to also win the playoffs and represent our league at nationals,” said Brownlee. “I’d like to win nationals as well.”

Big goals from a competitive player can only mean big things for the Hounds this season.

Whalers trade for Soo defender Curcuruto

The Plymouth Whalers announced today the acquisition of 18-year-old defenseman Gianluca Curcuruto from the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in exchange for 17-year-old left wing Mitchell Dempsey and 16-year center Dylan Mascarin.

“With three defensemen leaving from last year’s team, we were looking to add more experience to our defense,” said Plymouth coach-GM Mike Vellucci. “Curcuruto is a young veteran who will help.”

Curcuruto was originally selected by Sault Ste. Marie in the first round (14th overall) of the 2010 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection. He played for Team Ontario at the 2011 World Under-17 Championships.

In two seasons with the Greyhounds, Curcuruto has scored four goals with 38 assists for 42 points and 62 penalty minutes in 119 games.

Curcuruto was selected in the seventh round (182nd overall) by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2012 National Hockey League Entry Draft.

Dempsey was originally selected by Plymouth in the first round (11th overall) in the 2011 OHL draft and scored a goal with four assists for five points in 34 games last season as a rookie. Mascarin was originally taken by Plymouth in the fifth round (93rd overall) in 2011.

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

Photo/CHL Images

'Jacks running underwater marathon

While they prepare for the 2012-13 USHL regular season, the Muskegon Lumberjacks will donate their time and effort to help some of our country’s MVPs.

With the assistance of Mercy Athletic Performance, the Lumberjacks will take part in the first-ever HydroWorx Underwater Marathon on Sunday, Sept. 9. Funds raised by the event will go directly to the Eagle Fund, which helps wounded special forces soldiers get the treatment they need to properly rehabilitate.

Lumberjacks players, coaches and staff members will combine to complete a full 26.2-mile marathon on a HydroWorx underwater treadmill at the Mercy Campus in Muskegon. The runners will be linked via video to Hershey, Pa., where the majority of the charity event will be held.

The Jacks will be running in the second “heat” of the event at 1:30 p.m.

Fans looking to support the team can stop by the Mercy Campus at 1400 Mercy Drive. The Mercy Athletic Performance Center is the official training center of the Muskegon Lumberjacks.

Second-year Lumberjacks athletic trainer Josh Bennett first heard of this event earlier this summer at the National Athletic Trainers Association’s annual conference in St. Louis.

“Once I saw what it was all about, I needed to find a way to get our team involved,” Bennett said. “It just so happened that Mercy had a HydroWorx pool, so we were able to organize it.”

Bennett’s goal is to raise $2,500 for the Eagle Fund through online contributions. Fans can donate funds and monitor the team’s progress at www.crowdrise.com/MuskegonLumberjacks.

The marathon has the expressed goal of raising $100,000 toward getting wounded warriors back in action via pro sports-quality rehabilitation. The HydroWorx treadmill effectively removes about 80 percent of a person’s body weight through the natural buoyancy of water. Because of this, running on the apparatus is remarkably low-impact and comfortable. For more information on the event, visit www.underwatermarathon.com.