Malysa putting in work for Whalers

By Bob Miller
Special for plymouthwhalers.com

Nick Malysa is a guy who knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to go after it.

The Bridgewater, N.J., native had friends who had advanced their hockey careers by playing in the OHL. When he heard about the Plymouth Whalers’ interest, Malysa didn’t sit idly by and wait to be sold on playing in Plymouth. He took proactive steps to find all he could about the franchise.

“Once a team contacted me or my agent, I would go on their website and look at the team and I’d look at the community to see how it is,” said Malysa of the process he used of garnering information about his potential new home.

“I also talked to two guys from my area who were in the OHL,” continued Malysa. “I talked to them about how they liked it. My choice to come to Plymouth was an easy one. I came to the town for a Friendship Tournament Weekend and got to see the place. It’s a great town and it’s in the US, so that helps with the schooling.”

When they drafted the 6-foot, 193-pound defenseman in the fifth round of last spring’s OHL draft, the Whalers provided Malysa the opportunity to make the jump from the North Jersey Avalanche of the MJHL all the way to playing as a 16-year-old in the OHL.

Known as an all-round style of blueliner, Malysa combines great skating ability with good puck movement skills and a keen sense of composure.

Modestly, Malysa says he’s “a stay at home d-man, not flashy, just doing what I have to do to get the job done.”

As a young player, moving so far away from home requires a big transition both on the ice and off the ice.

Purely as a hockey player, Malysa immediately noticed the difference in the level of play.

“The first month was kind of hard to adjust to,” he observed. “The game is faster than I was used to and the other players are so much bigger and stronger. The practices are a lot more fast-paced and there’s a lot of competition.”

Malysa has held his own in the early going of his initial OHL season, though, as he adapts to OHL play with a little help from his friends.

“The biggest difference would have to be the speed of the game,” cited Malysa comparing the OHL to his previous time in the MJHL. “The vet who has helped me the most is Leo Jenner. He has been giving me tips on how to be a better player and has taught me a lot.”

Malysa has also adapted to the change in pace from New Jersey to suburban Detroit.

“Off the ice, it took a little to get used to the rural town because I’m from more of a city,” said Malysa. "Not knowing a lot of the team and not knowing anybody was hard.”

Concentrating on constantly improving to make his stay in Plymouth a long and successful one, Malysa is currently “working on my skating, my speed and also my passing.”

If the time and effort he put into learning about the OHL and the Whalers is any indication of the work he will do, Malysa will put in the time and ask the right questions to improve his game and contribute to the team.

Photo by Walt Dmoch

Rangers and North Stars ready to go

It’ll be a clash of styles this weekend at Centre ICE, when the irresistible force (Traverse City North Stars) plays host to the immovable object (Marquette Rangers).

The Rangers, who come to town for a Saturday-Sunday series, are permitting a paltry 1.75 goals per game – easily tops in the North American Hockey League – while Traverse City is second in the NAHL on the other end of the ice, cranking out goals at a 4.15/game clip. Only St. Louis (4.18) has generated more scoreboard success.

“It’s early, but it’s our biggest games of the season so far,” North Stars head coach-GM Anthony Palumbo conceded. “They’re in first place and ahead of us by three points, they’re 10-2, and they’re just not giving up many goals against. We’re going to have our work cut out for us.”

Marquette has won nine of its last 10 games, including three of four against North Division rival Alpena over the last two weekends. Rangers goalkeep Kevin Kissaw has been virtually impenetrable so far this season, with a .953 save percentage and 1.44 goals-against average in his 11 starts.

“They’re playing a sound team defensive game and getting great goaltending, and that’s hard to beat,” Palumbo added. “Then you throw in the skilled veterans like (Garrett) Ladd, (Josh) Bussell and (Colin) Saint-Onge – plus the new guys they picked up that are already contributing – and those are the makings of a team poised to make a deep run this season.”

Ladd leads Marquette with 15 points over his first 12 outings, while rookies Brent Bain and Andrew Kolb have 13 points each. Those three players lead the club with six goals apiece.

Bussell, whose junior career has come full circle after starting out with the Rangers in 2007 and stopping off in Motor City, Mahoning Valley and Texas, has two goals and three assists in his first six contests back with Marquette.

“If we want to be successful, we’ll have to come out with a better first period than we’ve been playing,” Palumbo surmised. “We’ve played well, but in spurts. We have to start putting together three full periods of hockey and there’s no better time to stem that trend than against the team we’re chasing in the standings.”

The North Stars’ offensive cavalcade begins with Andy Huff, who leads the NAHL with 11 goals. The primary setup man has been Dan Radke (pictured), whose 11 assists put him third among NAHL skaters. Eric McLintock and Kelin Ainsworth have double-digit point totals through a baker’s dozen worth of games, while former Marquette winger Kyle Jean has racked up three goals and three assists in his first four games since coming off the injured list.

“We’ve been able to score some goals, and there’s nothing wrong with that, but we have to play a more complete game,” Palumbo opined. “The goals can’t come at the expense of playing in our own zone.”

The Rangers and North Stars hook up on Saturday night in a 7 p.m. contest before the first matinee of the season to close out the series on Sunday at 1 p.m.

Challenge Cup series renewed Friday

The top spot in the North American Hockey League North Division will be on the line this weekend as the Marquette Rangers travel to Centre Ice Arena in Traverse City Saturday and Sunday to take on the second-place North Stars.

The weekend will also mark the first two games in the newly re-named Charter Communications Challenge Cup series between the two teams. Traverse City has claimed the trophy each year dating back to the 2007-08 season when it was first introduced.

“I love playing in these games,” Rangers forward Josh Bussell said Wednesday. “The intensity is always really high between us and them, and if we don’t give 110 percent every shift, we won’t win - it’s that simple. Our job is to go out and play the way we’ve been playing so far this season, work our butts off and hope for good things to happen.”

Bussell added that the rivalry between the two teams in complimented by the similarity of the two organizations, and the cities they represent.

“Marquette and T.C. are a lot alike,” he said. “The games there are loud and fun to be at, just like here at Lakeview with all of our fans. The atmosphere when we come to town is like it is here when they come to Marquette. The communities are similar, so those things just add to the rivalry between us and them.”

The Rangers, fresh off a sweep of Alpena at Lakeview Arena, continue to be led in scoring by a combination of veterans and newcomers. Third-year forward Garrett Ladd leads the team with 15 points on six goals and nine assists, while rookies Brent Bain and Andrew Kolb each have 13 points apiece. Marquette native Collin Saint-Onge has tallied five goals and six assists for 11 points.

Marquette’s Kevin Kissaw (9-2, pictured) continues to lead all NAHL goaltenders with a 1.44 goals-against average and a save percentage of .959.

Traverse City split with the Janesville Jets last weekend, winning 5-4 Friday, before falling to the Jets 6-3 Saturday evening. Marquette travels to Janesville next weekend.

Alpena's Timar commits to Air Force

The Alpena IceDiggers have announced that third-year forward Ryan Timar has committed to the U.S. Air Force Academy for next season.

Timar, from Novi, has five goals and seven points through 11 games this season. He tallied 11 goals among 37 points in 53 regular-season games in 2008-09.

“(Air Force head coach) Frank Serratore and myself agreed that this is a great opportunity for Ryan and the perfect fit,” said IceDiggers head coach Jack Fritsche. “I think he'll make an immediate impact on the Air Force in a lot of ways. He has the commitment and discipline to shine and contribute when he walks through the door.”

Timar, who turns 20 next month, is the seventh current NAHL player to commit to Air Force, which has qualified for the NCAA tournament the past three seasons.

“Ryan has had an amazing impact on the (IceDiggers) organization,” Fritsche added. “He's a leader by example. Through good times and bad, he's been a positive influence on his teammates, not to mention the coaching staff.

“He has an amazing work ethic and dedication to not only the success of the team, but to his day-to-day performance as a person. No matter what Ryan chooses to do in life, we're going to see great things from him.”

PHOTOS: Whalers dye the 'dos pink

TOP PHOTO (l-r) - Tyler G. Brown, Peter Neal and Ryan Hayes admire Michal Jordan's mohawk.

BOTTOM PHOTO (l-r) - Leo Jenner, Tyler J. Brown, Matt Hackett and James Marsden

Photos taken at Lucky Hair Salon in Canton by Rena Laverty

Michigan NAHLers on NHL draft list

Thirteen North American Hockey League players were recognized on the NHL Central Scouting Bureau's "Players to Watch" list for 2010 draft-eligibles released on Oct. 20.

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

B-rated players from the NAHL include: Alpena IceDiggers defenseman Joel Benson, Marquette Rangers defenseman Carter Foguth, Traverse City North Stars forward Andrew Huff (pictured) and Wenatchee Wild forward Shawn Pauly and goaltender Mac Carruth.

C-rated players are: St. Louis Bandits forward Ryan Belonger and defenseman Michael Gunn (Livonia), Marquette forward Tanner Kero, defenseman Cody Donnay and goaltender Lukas Hafner, Wenatchee forwards Christian Hilbrich and Tyler Parker and Wichita Falls Wildcats defenseman Ian Young.

In addition, one player from the North American Prospects Hockey League was recognized: Milwaukee Jr. Admirals’ U18 defenseman Jose Delgadillo, who is a C-rated prospect.

NHL Central Scouting will release its midseason rankings of 2010 draft-eligibles in January, followed by its final rankings in April.

Four Michigan natives make U.S. Selects

USA Hockey announced yesterday the 22-man roster for its 2009 U.S. Junior Select Team that will compete at the World Junior A Challenge Nov. 1-8 in Summerside, P.E.I.

The U.S. roster includes 21 players currently competing in the United States Hockey League, the nation's only Tier I junior hockey league.

Four players on the roster are from Michigan - goalie Will Yanakeff (Jerome, Sioux City), defensemen Kevin Albers (Lake Orion, Green Bay) and Kevin Gravel (Kingsford, Sioux City), both also property of the OHL's Plymouth Whalers, and forward Shane Berschbach (Clawson, Indiana).

Team USA takes on Canada East in its first game on Nov. 1 at 6:00 p.m. EST.

Whalers gearing up for Pink Out! game

When the Plymouth Whalers take on the Belleville Bulls this Saturday at Compuware Arena at 7:05pm, they’ll be playing for more than two points in the competitive Western Conference standings.

Saturday is the Whalers annual Pink Out! for Breast Cancer and the team will playing to raise money and awareness for breast cancer, with a couple of notable changes in the way they normally look.

The Whalers will be playing in pink jerseys designed specifically for the event. The game-worn jerseys will be available for fans to bid on during an auction at the game until the start of the third period. The proceeds from the jersey auction, along with the 50/50 raffle and Hines Park Chuck-a-Puck, will also go to the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute. In addition, the Whalers will be sporting pink hair, courtesy of Lucky Hair Company in Canton, and fans will have a chance to get pink hair of their own or massages at the game for a donation.

The entire Whalers team will be having their hair dyed pink in two shifts on Wednesday at 10am and 5pm.

By dyeing their hair on Wednesday, the Whalers will be wearing pink hair at high school the rest of the week and then play Friday on the road in Kitchener against the Rangers the night before the Pink Out!

“We did the same thing last year,” said Plymouth defenseman Leo Jenner. “Doing this a couple of days before raises awareness. People get to see you out in public and it raises questions. We can tell the public why we’re doing it and support the cause at the same time. (In the end) that’s what it’s all about.”

Contributing sponsors to the Whalers Pink Out! include Meijer and Stautzenberger Institute, located in Livonia, and Lucky Hair Company.

Last season's first-ever Whalers Pink Out! drew an unprecedented response from the media and fans alike.

Photo - Plymouth forward Tyler Seguin models the team's pink jersey

PHOTOS: Marquette goes pink vs. Alpena

Marquette Rangers captain Garrett Ladd moving up ice, as well as a shot of the opening faceoff in front of a record crowd, pink ice and female referee Leah Wrazidlo.

The attendance was 2,471 - a record crowd for the NAHL North Division.

Photos by Daryl Jarvinen

Jets hope to keep momentum going

The potential is there for the Metro Jets and there were signs of that last weekend when the Jets took three of four points from the Peoria Mustangs on home ice.

It was a long time coming for Metro, with Saturday night’s 3-1 win being win No. 1 on the young season.

“We had a rough start to the schedule facing two teams that still remain undefeated in league play (Pittsburgh and St. Louis),” Jets GM Butch Wolfe said. “My feeling is that the talent is still there to be successful. It does seem, however, that the learning curve for the new team members is proving to be a bit steeper than anticipated.”

Todd Knaus, Josh Magnan and David Merkle scored in Saturday’s outing to back R.J. Heath’s 30-save performance in goal.

Knaus, just signed last week, he has shown the ability to be in a go-to player in his short time with the Jets. He and Magnan were also teammates last year with the Soo Eagles of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League.

“Knaus has proved that he is a top-end player for us,” Wolfe said. “Thus, improving our depth at forward.”

Sunday afternoon, Metro let a 3-2 lead slip away and had to settle for a 4-3 shootout loss after the shootout went nine rounds.

Will Saley, Steve Lockwood (pictured) and Magnan tallied in regulation and Heath continued his stellar play making 31 stops.

In the shootout, Knaus scored in the second round, only to be answered by Timothy Prinz. Dylan Mantay scored five rounds later, but Christopher Kennedy-Prewitt answered back. Saley was then stopped by Ryan Siuzdak and Parker Johnson beat Heath to put Peoria up. Mike Denston failed to score on the next shot and the Mustangs had their first point of the season.

Wolfe said last weekend was a step in the right direction, but the team still has to make improvements, and some of that comes from the veterans on the squad.

“Our leadership is improving with the naming of our captains,” said Wolfe. “But others without the letter on their sweater need to realize that everyone needs to pitch-in to lead by example to get the team going.”

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

After the Peoria games, the Jets traveled to the Lansing suburb of Dimondale Wednesday night for a “home” game against Grand Rapids and fell to the Jr. Owls, 3-2.

It was Grand Rapids’ first win in two years.

"Grand Rapids improved their talent this year, no doubt,” noted Wolfe. “Should we have beaten them? Maybe. Can we beat them the next time out? Yes. Did we beat them Wednesday night? No.”

Jonathon Elliott and Knaus scored Metro’s goals and Ian Mercer stopped 24 shots in the loss.

Former Metro goalie Nick Ceccolini (2008-2009) turned aside 37 shots in defeating his old team.

Metro (1-8-0-1) hosts the three-time defending Hurster Cup champion Dubuque Thunderbirds Sunday afternoon at Lakeland Arena. Game time is 1:20 p.m.

"With regards to Dubuque, they are always a physical team,” Wolfe said. “So we need to pull our laces a little tighter and come to play the way we have shown glimpses of thus far this season.”

Thunderbirds’ head coach Joe Coombs will be back behind the bench this weekend after serving a six-game league-imposed suspension.

JET FUEL

Dubuque has four Michigan natives on their roster in goaltender Bradley Makowski (Wyandotte), forwards Marcus Andary (Sault Ste. Marie) and Lucas Swardenski (Ada) and defenseman Tristan Musser (Lansing).

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Goalie Wylie Rogers, a key cog on Metro’s 2002 Silver Cup national championship team, re-signed over the summer with the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees of the Central Hockey League.

Photo by Andy Grossman

North Stars host Janesville this weekend

Real men wear pink.

Or at least that’s the mantra of the Traverse City North Stars heading into Friday’s series-opener at Centre ICE arena – a contest that’ll be played on pink ice and with the host Stars sporting pink jerseys for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

“I think it’s an awesome idea, and hopefully it’ll grow into an annual event,” Traverse City head coach-GM Anthony Palumbo. “My family has been touched by cancer – I lost my father and some aunts and uncles to cancer – just like so many families have been impacted by this disease. Our hope is to make a small contribution to worldwide problem through the game of hockey.”

The event will feature auction items – including the same rosy-hued sweaters worn by the home team – as well as food and drink specials, and a ticket discount for fans wearing pink to the game.

It will also feature the second go-round between the NAHL North Division rival North Stars and Jets. The clubs split a pre-Showcase series in southern Wisconsin in early September, with Janesville claiming their inaugural home opener on Sept. 12 (4-3) before TC scored a 4-3 win the following night.

“They’re a bit of a different team than when we first faced them,” Palumbo explained. “I’d have to look, but I’d say off the top of my head that they’ve made 3-5 upgrades to their roster. We’ll have to be ready to play a high-energy first period on Friday and go from there.”

One of those upgrades originated by the Bay, as the North Stars sent veteran defenseman Mike Schenfeld to the Jets late last month for a draft pick. Schenfeld spent 2008-09 in Traverse City. Ross Mauerman and blue-liner Cam Severson lead Janesville (5-6-0) with 10 points each, while Rui Encarnarcao has a team-best six goals through 11 games. Matt Wichorek has started seven of Janesville’s 11 outings, going 3-4-0 with a 3.03 goals-against average and .899 save percentage.

“Our power play will have to keep improving,” Palumbo added. “And we’ll have to find a way to keep them off the board when we’re on the power play, too. We gave up three shorthanded goals last Saturday (at Motor City), most because we were all thinking about the offense, and forgot to play in our own end as well.”

Andy Huff leads the 7-3-1 North Stars with eight goals and 12 points, while Eric McLintock has 10 points and Dan Radke has dished out a team-high seven assists. Winger Kyle Jean returned from injury last weekend with a bang, recording three goals and a pair of assists over his first two games. The team expects former Mahoning Valley forward Nick Shkreli to make his season debut this weekend after missing the first 11 games with an upper-body injury suffered in last spring’s NAHL playoffs.

“We’re getting closer to being at full-strength, personnel-wise,” Palumbo said. “That’s a real positive. We just have to be way more consistent that we have been, and way more than we were last weekend.”

The Turn the Rink Pink event is sponsored by Williams Honda, TV 7&4, WLKT/YOU-FM, Thompson Pharmacy & Medical, UV Vodka, Bon Fitte and Miner’s North Jewelers.

Wrazidlo to ref in Marquette Saturday

The Marquette Rangers’ annual “Paint the Rink Pink” game has drawn plenty of well-deserved publicity for its dedication to cancer research over the past couple of years.

This weekend’s festivities will carry even more meaning, as Leah Wrazidlo will officiate the contest to become the first female referee to work a cancer awareness game.

“I’m honored to represent the Junior Development Program and USA Hockey by refereeing in the NAHL, and I’m also honored to represent females and female officials for this charitable cause,” she said. “Each game I officiate is equally important as the last, so every time I step on the ice I make sure I’m prepared to the best of my ability.”

The Rangers, who have again partnered with the Marquette General Foundation at Marquette General Health Systems to raise money for the Cancer Center at MGHS, will play the “Paint the Rink Pink” game on Saturday, Oct. 17 against the Alpena IceDiggers in customized pink jerseys, which will be auctioned off at the conclusion of the game. The opening bid for each jersey is $100.

“This should be a fun evening of hockey and entertainment,” said Rangers spokesperson Mark Evans. “It’s a key game within our division, but it’s also a great opportunity for our players to do something to embrace the community they represent. We’re hoping for a great turnout, and high bids on the jerseys to help the Cancer Center.”

Almost everybody’s life has been affected by cancer, and Wrazidlo is no different. Two of her fellow female officials were diagnosed with breast cancer a few years ago.

“Thankfully, both of them have recovered, and I know the support they received from the officiating community was extremely positive,” she said.

Wrazidlo began officiating in 2001 as a student-athlete at the University of Minnesota Duluth to earn extra money while finishing up school. Her path up the ranks has led to state tournaments, national championships and international events.

And speaking of the world stage, Wrazidlo, who won an NCAA championship as a player with UMD, will be on the largest in just a couple of months as she, along with two other American female officials - Michigan’s Meg Hishmeh and Minnesota’s Kelly Rolstad - recently received an invite from the International Ice Hockey Federation to officiate in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

“It’s been a long and fun ride,” said Wrazidlo of her career in stripes. “Each year I can’t believe I have the opportunity to do so much. I’ve traveled the United States and several parts of the world to officiate hockey. The best part has been the relationships I’ve formed with so many individuals thanks to ice hockey.”

Saginaw goes pink this Saturday night

The Saginaw Spirit is partnering with the St. Mary’s of Michigan Seton Cancer Institute for the third annual PINK OUT Breast Caner Awareness Game, taking place this Saturday, October 17.

The Spirit host the Ottawa 67’s at 7:11 p.m.

The action starts with the ladies of the Bay City Hockey Angels. They’ll be putting the fight against breast cancer on ice with a hockey game starting at 5:00 p.m. A Spirit ticket dated for the October 17th game will get you in the door for both games.

The Spirit game will feature a PINK OUT pink pom-pon giveaway for the first 2,500 fans and for a limited time, the Spirit will be selling PINK OUT ribbons for $1.00. Plus, the Spirit will be selling PINK OUT-themed t-shirts, long-sleeve shirts and hats to benefit the Seton Cancer Institute. Proceeds from the team’s PINK OUT merchandise will go to benefit the cause.

The highlight of the event is the recognition of over 30 breast cancer survivors who will be participating in an on-ice ceremonial recognition and puck drop pre-game. The Spirit team will be joining the fight as well, wearing authentic Reebok pink-toned jerseys and pink laces in their game against the 67’s. There will be a live auction benefiting the cause post game, where fans can bid on their favorite player's PINK OUT jersey. Plus, there will be a team autographed PINK OUT jersey on the auction block during the game, with raffle tickets being sold for $5.00 each.

The third annual PINK OUT Breast Cancer Awareness game is made possible due to the support of St. Mary’s of Michigan and the St. Mary’s of Michigan Seton Cancer Institute.

“St. Mary’s of Michigan is a regional leader in the fight against one of America’s top health concerns – cancer,” stated St. Mary’s of Michigan marketing manager Christine Bergman. “By partnering with the Saginaw Spirit for the PINK OUT event and tapping into their incredible fan base, we are able to spread awareness and raise funds to help find a cure for breast cancer. Through our breast diagnostic services including digital mammography and the Seton Cancer Institute for advanced treatment options, we have been able to save more lives and see fewer cases of this disease that can take so much from so many.”

Fowler impressing early with Spitfires

By Aaron Bell

Cam Fowler isn't your typical first-year OHL player.

The 18-year-old defenceman with the Windsor Spitfires was selected in the first round of the OHL Priority Selection - twice. First by the Kitchener Rangers in 2007 and again in 2008 by the Spitfires. Fowler was committed to playing in the U.S. Development Program and planned to play in the NCAA.

But after watching the Spitfires' impressive run through the OHL playoffs and into the Memorial Cup last spring, Fowler, born in Windsor but raised in Farmington Hills, decided to make the move to the OHL and join the Spitfires this season. So far, it's been a very good fit.

"I think I've been pretty successful so far," Fowler said. "The first couple of games I was just trying to get used to the league and try to get my feet under me. Now I think I know what to expect so it should be good from here on out."

Fowler said that initially he didn't think the OHL route was the best one for him to take but after meeting with Spitfires' GM Warren Rychel and coach Bob Boughner, decided that it was his best opportunity to get to the National Hockey League.

"It just kind of happened that by the time Windsor picked me up the OHL seemed to be the route that I wanted to take," Fowler said. "It was nothing against Kitchener or anything like that; it was just kind of a coincidence. The coaches were a big influence in me coming to Windsor. They haven't let me down since I've been here. They obviously know so much about the game and have been in the NHL before. They can definitely help me get to where I want to be."

Despite being a first year player, Fowler's teammates aren't treating him like a regular rookie.

He helps with some of the rookie tasks like cleaning up the pucks after warm-up but Spitfires' captain Harry Young said that he is spared some of the other duties like loading the bus.

"He gets a bit of a pass," Young said. "I think the guys have really taken to him. He's a great guy for the room and he's fitting in really well. He's an elite player. He's a rookie on the team but he's really not. He's got the skill to play in this league and so far he's been showing them off.

"He's the real deal."

Fowler made an immediate impression in the Spitfires' lineup. He picked up four assists in his OHL debut against the Plymouth Whalers last month and has recorded points in six of eight games this season. Fowler leads all OHL defenceman with 13 points on one goal and 12 assists.

"He's adapted to the league quicker than I thought he would," said Boughner, a former OHL and NHL defenceman himself. "He's a real smart player. He's a puck mover and he makes it easy on himself because he advances the puck. I think he's still learning his opponents but you can see when he has the puck that his natural offensive instincts just take over. He has a real calming effect back there on the blueline."

Fowler is one of five regular defencemen that the Spitfires roll out on any given night and frequently teams with Ryan Ellis on the power play. The Spitfires' powerplay is second best in the OHL, converting on 32.6% of their chances.

"He definitely makes things a little easier out there," Fowler said about playing with Ellis, a first round pick of the Nashville Predators last June. "He sees the ice better than anyone I've ever played with. He made it a smooth transition for me to come in here. I think we've got a good powerplay going and hopefully we just keep it up."

Fowler is a highly regarded prospect for the upcoming NHL Draft and some experts have suggested that Fowler and teammate Taylor Hall could make history as the first two players selected in the draft. So far, Fowler isn't putting much thought into where he will be selected in the draft. He is more concerned with helping the Spitfires enjoy another tremendous season.

"My main goal is just trying to help the team win another Memorial Cup," Fowler said. "I think if we can do that then the personal goals will come along with that. Obviously I'd like to try to be drafted high into the NHL but I understand I still have a lot of work to do to do that.

"We'll just see how things play out."

Click here to watch this video feature on Fowler

Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images

Rangers painting the rink pink Saturday

The Marquette Rangers will be busy this week.

First, they will be preparing on the ice for their home-and-home weekend series this Friday and Saturday against the Alpena IceDiggers. Secondly, and for some, more importantly, the team will be at several locations around Marquette County promoting the “Paint the Rink Pink” night Saturday at Lakeview Arena.

The team has again partnered with the Marquette General Foundation at Marquette General Health Systems to raise money for the Cancer Center at MGHS. The team will play the game Saturday in customized pink jerseys, which will in turn be auctioned off at the conclusion of the game.

“The goal is to get as many people aware of the game and involved in this fundraiser as possible,” said Rangers spokesman Mark Evans. “We’ve always said that part of being a Marquette Ranger will be community involvement, so our guys have been at service clubs making presentations. They’ll be at several bank locations this week all to get people excited for Saturday.”

The Rangers will also be hosting a tailgate party prior to Saturday’s game at Lakeview Arena. The event runs from 5:30-7:00 with food and beverages available. Music will be provided by The Flat Broke Blues Band. The groups’ lead vocalist, Lorrie Hayes, is herself a breast cancer survivor and has performed the national anthem at the two prior “pink games” in 2007 and 2008. The band’s performance has been underwritten by mBank of Marquette.

“This should be a fun evening of hockey and entertainment,” Evans added. “It's a key game within our division, but it’s also a great opportunity for our players to do something to embrace the community they represent. We’re hoping for a great turnout and high bids on the jerseys to help the Cancer Center.”

The opening bid for each jersey will start at $100.00.

PHOTO: From left - Rangers defensemen Cody Donnay and Carter Foguth, along with forwards Josh Bussell and Garrett Ladd, were at River Valley Bank in Marquette Monday promoting the “Paint the Rink Pink” game this Saturday.

Mercer providing hope for Metro early

If there has been a bright spot this season for the Metro Jets, look no further than their goaltending.

Rotating veteran R.J. Heath and Ian Mercer has proved a viable option for the Jets as each has played well through the team’s first seven games. Heath is two years older than Mercer and the latter has shown he has the maturity in goal to match his counterpart.

Mercer, a Rochester Hills native, was a draft pick of Metro back in May out of the highly successful Honeybaked AAA program. His personal goalie coach, Erik Schardt of Post To Post Goalie Schools, is now on board as the Jets’ goaltending coach.

“Ian has developed greatly over the past season,” said Schardt. “He has shown from moving up from high school to midget minor and now to juniors that he can compete at any level.”

Standing just 5-foot-7 and tipping the scales at just a shade under 150 pounds, size is not an issue with Mercer, who Schardt said reminds him of some pretty elite talent.

“Even though he is not the tallest goalie, he utilizes his quickness and reaction time which allows him to appear larger than he actually is,” Schardt said. “Ian reminds me a lot of (former Michigan State goalie) Jeff Lerg, who is also a smaller stature goaltender.”

Schardt added that if Mercer, who only turns 17 next Monday, continues to improve on a daily basis, the sky is the limit for him.

“Ian is very strong on the cross-crease movements and his anticipation of plays,” added Schardt. “He is one of the hardest workers I have seen and is such a natural athlete. With his hard work and productivity in hockey and in school, I can see Ian playing NCAA hockey in the future.”

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

The Jets' struggles continued last weekend as the Quad City Jr. Flames swept them on the road.

Saturday night, Quad City took a 5-1 decision. Mercer made 32 saves for the Jets, whose only goal was a shorthanded effort by Justin Vinson (Livonia) 13 seconds into the second period.

Then Sunday afternoon, Heath (Holly) was the lone bright spot as Metro was blanked, 6-0. Heath stopped 34 shots in the loss.

The Jets (0-7-0) return home this weekend hosting the Peoria Mustangs for two at Lakeland Arena. Game times are 7:50 p.m. Saturday night and 1:20 p.m. Sunday afternoon.

Peoria, 0-6-0 this year, is coached by former NHL draft pick Darwin McPherson, a fourth-round pick in 1987 of the Boston Bruins. McPherson also played four seasons with the Peoria minor-league franchise in the IHL and ECHL.

JET FUEL

Metro has officially named their captains for this season as veteran defenseman Brett Grech (Hartland), an alternate captain last year, rookie defenseman Mike Corder (Warren) and rookie forward Jonathan Wickersham (Macomb) will all wear an ‘A’ this year.

“Grechy’s more of a vocal guy, while Wick and Cords have been our hardest workers,” Metro assistant coach Ryan Skop said.

In the transactions department, Metro released forward James Ryerse on Tuesday and then signed forward Todd Knaus, a Traverse City native who played with current Jets forward Josh Magnan (Waterford) last season with the Soo Eagles of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League.

“I’m anxious to see what Todd can do for us,” Metro GM Butch Wolfe said. “He plays with an edge and plays with a lot of intensity. I think he can help us right away.”

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

The Detroit Hitmen of the All American Hockey League have three ex-Jets on their roster this season in forward Matt Mosley (2002-2003), defenseman Jarrett Samp (2004-2005) and goaltender Rollyn Llewellyn (2006-2007).

The AAHL is a Single-A league with six teams for the 2009-2010 season, including two in Michigan with the Hitmen, based in Fraser, and the Battle Creek Revolution.

Photo by Andy Grossman

Marquette hosts Alpena this weekend

The Marquette Rangers are off to their best start in franchise history and will look to maintain first place in the North American Hockey League North Division race against the Alpena IceDiggers at Lakeview Arena this weekend.

The puck drops Friday and Saturday evening at 7:30 p.m.

The Rangers (7-1, 14 pts.) lead second-place Traverse City (6-3, 12 pts.) heading into this weekend’s action. The Motor City Metal Jackets sit in third place (3-1-3, 9 pts.) with the Janesville (Wis.) Jets fourth at 4-5, good for eight points, while Alpena is fifth at 2-7, good for four points.

If history is any indication, it should be a competitive weekend despite the fact that it’s first place against last place. Alpena leads the all-time series between the two teams, 28-12, over the past three seasons, and holds a commanding lead in games played at Lakeview Arena since 2006.

Rangers head coach Kenny Miller, who came to Marquette from Alpena after the 2007-08 season, is 5-8 against his former club heading into this weekend.

But the Rangers have been hot, and have been getting solid play to this point on both ends of the ice. Goaltender Kevin Kissaw is 6-1 on the season with two shutouts and an NAHL-leading 1.55 goals-against average to compliment a .959 save percentage. Kissaw has twice been named the NAHL GDI Goalie of The Week for his efforts over the past two weeks as the team swept both Fairbanks and Motor City.

Scoring has been balanced offensively between rookies and veterans to start the season. Garrett Ladd leads the team in scoring with 13 points on five goals and eight assists, with newcomer Andrew Kolb keeping pace with 10 points (6g, 4a.)

The IceDiggers have struggled in the early going this season, and only feature one player (Nick Taurence) in double-digit scoring with 12 points on five goals and seven helpers. Taurence is the brother of current Rangers defenseman Nate Taurence.

Whalers add depth with rookie Nanji

The Plymouth Whalers announced today the signing of 16-year-old forward Adam Nanji to a standard Ontario Hockey League contract.

Nanji was selected by the Whalers in the ninth round (173rd overall) of the 2009 Ontario Hockey League draft.

After participating in rookie orientation camp in May and playing in Plymouth’s training camp in August, Nanji was recalled from the Streetsville Derbys of the Central Canadian Hockey League, where he had scored three goals with two assists for five points over 10 games.

Nanji reported to Plymouth today for practice, adds depth to the Whalers forward group and may see some temporary action this season.

Plymouth is currently playing without injured forwards Ryan Hayes, Jamie Devane, RJ Mahalak, Stefan Noesen and Austin Mattson.

Last week, the Whalers acquired 19-year-old right wing James Marsden from Kingston, who played on the road last weekend for Plymouth in Barrie, Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie.

Rangers continue to impress in NAHL

Basking in their promising 5-1 start heading into last weekend, the Marquette Rangers kept their winning momentum in full swing with a two-game sweep over the Motor City Metal Jackets.

The series marked an important test for the Rangers, who were eager to get their North Division schedule off on the right foot.

“It was our first road series of the season, so for us to be able to go in and get four points was good for us,” said Rangers head coach Kenny Miller, whose team sits atop the North Division standings with 14 points. “This division is going to be tight, so any weekend sweep is good for any team.”

The Rangers opened the set with a 4-3 shootout victory on Friday. Tanner Kero and Andrew Kolb scored in regulation and the shootout, with Josh Bussell adding Marquette's other goal in regulation. Between the pipes, goaltender Kevin Kissaw stopped 29 shots in regulation and overtime and three of five in the shootout.

Kissaw (pictured) turned aside all 33 shots he faced the next night as the Rangers skated to a 2-0 triumph over the Metal Jackets. Kero and Garrett Ladd supplied the Marquette goals.

“We're really happy with our start,” said Miller, whose team has surrendered only 15 goals, fewest in the entire NAHL. “We knew going into the season we had a younger group (of players) than in years past, but we also knew we had good players.“Kevin (Kissaw) has been solid every night, our team defense has been really good, and we've gotten timely goals at key times.”

Kissaw, whose stock continues to rise in the college recruiting circles, has been pivotal in the Rangers' early success. Now in his second season with the club, the 19-year-old from Goodrich holds a 7-1 mark to compliment a league-best .959 save percentage and a 1.55 goals-against average, which is tied for lowest in the league.

“He's our rock, and he gives us a chance to win every night,” said Miller. “This is a big year for Kevin in terms of making a solid impression on the college scouts that are in the building each night.”

Offensively, the Rangers are getting a boost from another veteran in Ladd, 20. Now in his third season in Marquette, the team's captain from Fenton leads the club with 13 points on five goals after eight games.

“We've leaned on Garrett, both on the ice and in the locker room,” said Miller. “He has the ability to take games over with his skating and his skill set. He definitely has the ability to be one the elite players in this league.”

Other veterans making a difference upfront include Collin Saint-Onge and Scott Henegar, along with defensemen Austin Accettura, Kevin Gibson and Nate Taurence.

“These guys have helped in a lot of ways,” said Miller. “They've made an impact in each of the first eight games and they're making sure our young guys understand what it means to be a Ranger, both on and off the ice.”

Kero, a University of Nebraska-Omaha recruit, headlines a talented crop of first-year forwards, along with Kolb and Brent Bain, both of whom are among the team's most consistent scorers.

On the back end, Cody Donnay and Carter Foguth - both only 17 years old - continue to make strides game after game.

Despite the fast start, the Rangers, who have missed the postseason two years in a row, aren't looking too far ahead. Constant improvement is first and foremost on Miller's mind as they delve into their competitive divisional schedule.

The team plays three of its eight remaining October games at home, including its third annual “Paint the Rink Pink” charity game to support breast cancer awareness and the Marquette General Foundation fund for cancer treatment. That game is slated for Oct. 17 against the Alpena IceDiggers.

“We've been preaching to the guys that we just want to get better each day,” said Miller. “We want to continue to play well in our own end and continue to make good, smart plays every night.”

And winning ultimately means more attention from college programs, something not lost on Miller or his band of Division I hopefuls.

“Several of our guys have gotten interest from colleges,” said Miller. “It's important for us to keep playing the way we are and, if we do, I think we'll get much more attention.”

Wickersham more than just a last name

When the Metro Jets drafted Jonathan Wickersham last May, the Jets hoped they would be getting more than just a talented forward with a snazzy last name.

They were right.

“Wick's been the guy on the team that, thus far, has most exceeded our expectations coming into the year,” Metro assistant coach Ryan Skop said. “When we drafted him, we knew we were getting a solid two-way hockey player, but he's been all that and more. When we talk about ‘bringing it every night,’ Wick's the guy who does that best. He's a hard-working guy that just doesn't quit.”

Wickersham, a 6-foot-1, 185-pound native of Macomb, also has impressed on the ice.

“He's a big guy up front who skates well and does all the little things, whether it be finishing a check, blocking a shot, taking a hit or whatever he's going to do what it takes to help the team,” Skop noted. “The most underrated part about his game is what he brings to the dressing room. He has very good leadership skills and because he's such a hard worker, when he talks, guys listen.

“He's been key in guiding us through our slow start here, and it's because of guys like Wick that I'm confident that, despite our start, we'll be alright this season.”

Wickersham has two goals this season and both were the result of hard work. His first tally came Sept. 13 at home against St. Louis and his second came last Sunday in Pittsburgh. His two goals also rank him second on the team behind Josh Magnan’s (Waterford) three.

Last season, Wickersham, 19, played for the Summit Plastics Midget AA team with current teammates Anthony Marrocco (Shelby Township) and Dylan Mantay (Troy), and that Summit team went on to win the Michigan Midget AA state championship.

Snazzy name and all.

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

The Jets' first visit to suburban Pittsburgh was not a pleasant one as the first-year Jr. Penguins pinned two losses on the Jets last weekend.

R.J. Heath (Holly) made 40 saves in Saturday night's 7-0 loss.

Sunday afternoon, Magnan, Wickersham and Mike Denston (White Lake) scored for Metro, but it wasn't enough as Pittsburgh took the game by a 10-3 count.

Ian Mercer (Rochester Hills) started in goal and stopped 57 shots for the Jets, now 0-5-0.

“This weekend was a tough one,” Skop said. “We made a lot of mistakes I didn’t expect wed be making at this point. Against good teams like Pittsburgh, we can’t do that. It seemed like every time we got going, we ended up in the box – penalties are mistakes, too. We have to stay aggressive, but we’re going to correct these mistakes and move forward. I think our guys went through stretches in all our games where they stuck to the plan and had success, so now we have to start sustaining those stretches through entire games.”

“We're having a hard time figuring our what to do to get the things being taught in practice to get applied to games,” Metro GM Butch Wolfe said. “We’re collectively scratching our heads right now.”

The Jets travel to Quad City this weekend for two games with the Jr. Flames Saturday night and Sunday afternoon. Metro's next home games are a pair with the Peoria Mustangs Oct. 10-11 at Lakeland Arena.

Quad City (0-4-0) is lead offensively by Andrew Amendola (two goals), Devin Holmes (three assists, four points) and Josh Prygon (three assists). Balazs Goz, a Hungary native, has looked good on defense, along with Zach Honert and Scott Eberline, while David Jacobson has a 2.40 goals-against average and a .940 save percentage in goal.

The Jr. Flames won all four games last year with the Jets.

JET FUEL

A year ago this weekend (Oct. 4, 2008), Metro beat Flint, 6-3, in Flint behind six different goal scorers – Brandon Nault, Will Saley, Lou Licari, Adam Novack, Brett Grech and Cameron Hnot. Mick Kolbasowski added three assists and Nick Ceccolini made 49 stops in goal.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Defenseman Sam Bell made the lineup of the NAHL’s Motor City Metal Jackets this season after playing with the Jets two seasons ago and recording four assists in 47 games and finishing second on the team with 132 penalty minutes.

The 19-year-old Bell, a 6-foot-6, 235-pound native of Munith, is pointless in three games so far this season with five penalty minutes.

Photo by Andy Grossman