Two Saginaw forwards ranked by NHL

The National Hockey League’s Central Scouting Bureau released its Fall 2009 Preliminary Rankings for the top North American junior hockey players eligible for the 2010 NHL Entry Draft today and the Saginaw Spirit was well represented on the list, with center Ivan Telegin ranked ninth overall and winger Josh Shalla ranked 22nd overall amongst the top 25 eligible Ontario Hockey League skaters.

Telegin is enjoying a breakout rookie season in Saginaw, having notched 16 goals and 10 assists in his first 22 OHL games. The Novokuznetsk, Russia native was selected by the Spirit 42nd overall in the 2009 CHL Import Draft.

Shalla (pictured) is in his third season in the OHL and his first with the Spirit. He has tallied 14 goals and 11 assists in 22 games this season, for an OHL career total of 28 goals and 17 assists in 89 regular season games. The Spirit acquired Shalla via a trade with the Guelph Storm this past summer.

Seguin and Hackett lead the Whalers

Courtesy Plymouth Whalers

Plymouth Whalers center Tyler Seguin wanted to get off to a good start this season.

His good start has catapulted him to the top of the National Hockey League’s Central Scouting Preliminary Rankings among OHL players for the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, held June 25-26, 2010 in Los Angeles.

Plymouth defenseman Austin Levi checks in at #24 and Whalers goaltender Scott Wedgewood is rated sixth among OHL goaltenders in the preliminary rankings.

Even missing a few games because of a lower-body injury hasn’t clouded Seguin’s good start (19 goals and 17 assists for 36 points in 18 games) in the eyes of NHL scouts.

"Tyler Seguin has had a great start to the season," Central Scouting's Chris Edwards told NHL.com. "He has been producing and playing consistently well. He makes things happen every time he is on the ice and he makes his teammates better."

Seguin (pictured), Windsor left wing Taylor Hall and Spitfire defenseman Cam Fowler has gone 1-2-3 all season long among OHL players up for the NHL Entry Draft.

"Hall is a proven player, he won the Memorial Cup MVP last year and for good reason," Edwards said. "Both of these players (Seguin and Hall) will be very good pros."

Central Scouting annually ranks the top 25 skaters and top six goaltenders for the Ontario Hockey League, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, Western Hockey League and United States Hockey League, which now includes the United States National Team Development Program.

And while Seguin, Levi and Wedgewood are going through the NHL Draft, Whalers goaltender Matt Hackett continues to be the glue around Plymouth’s success.

Drafted in the third round (77th overall) by the Minnesota Wild in the 2009 National Hockey League Entry Draft, Hackett has picked up the pace from October on.

In October, Hackett posted a 2.53 goals against average and .928 percentage in 11 games and was named Canadian Hockey League Goaltender of the Week for the week ending October 25.
He’s been even better in early November, posting a 2.00 GAA and .953 save percentage through five games.

It’s obvious that Hackett is playing with a lot of confidence this season.

“I felt I had a great year last year,” he said Tuesday. “I went to Minnesota and they said they loved everything about me. They were impressed with how I played (at training camp) and they gave me a shot to play in an NHL exhibition game, so it gave me a lot of confidence knowing they have that much confidence in me.

“Coming in here (this year), I wanted to show the boys that I was ready to play. We’re going to make a push for the playoffs this year and (I feel) we’re going to go deep in the playoffs.”

Hackett wants to be named to Team Canada for the upcoming World Junior Championships, held in Regina and Saskatoon, SK from December 26-January 5.

“It’s a big goal of mine,” he admitted. “Since I’ve been a kid, I’ve been watching the World Junior Championships at Christmas time. It’s always in the back of my mind, obviously. I want to make big saves at key times. I want to win games right now and prove to them (Hockey Canada) that I can play on that team.”

Watch the Whalers and you’ll see how hard Hackett’s teammates work for him.

“They’re just a bunch of great guys,” Hackett said. “We all get along and we’re all good friends here. We all want to make each other better. We all work hard for each other and in the end, that’s how we win games.”

Photo by Walt Dmoch

Kettering trio together again with Jets

The Metro Jets have had their share of local players suit up over the years, but none have shared the bond that Steve Lockwood, Josh Magnan and David Merkle share on and off the ice.

It’s a bond that goes back several years, too.

All three grew up in the area and all graduated from Waterford Kettering High School. They’re also the best of friends.

“Me and Lock started going to middle school together at Mason and throughout high school at Kettering,” said Magnan, who played against Merkle and Lockwood at Lakeland Arena when he was with the USA Eagles. “Me and Merk started at Kettering and we weren’t exactly inseparable, but we were always aound the school together.”

“Me and Lox have been friends since Pee Wee when we played on the Lakeland Hawks together,” added Merkle, a White Lake native. “Mags and I started to be friends when I went to high school and started practicing with Kettering. Once I was in tenth grade and I was on the high school team with them, you could find us in the hallways chatting it up about some puck.”

“Merk and I have been pretty close friends growing up through high schooI,” Lockwood said. “I met Mags in middle school, but we weren’t really good friends until high school when we started to play on the same team.”

Now with the Jets, each has a role they play to a ‘T’ for the suddenly resurgent Jets. Lockwood, a 19-year-old from Clarkston, is the steady second-year defenseman with a knack for keeping the opposition honest, Magnan, also 19 and a Waterford native, is the offesnive catalyst and leads the team with 11 tallies and the 18-year-old Merkle, whose brother, Karl, played for the Jets in the 1996-1997 season, is a solid second-line forward.

Being friends off the ice has helped the on-ice play for all three, who have also all called Lakeland home for more than 10 years.

“I think it’s a good thing because we have built chemistry between us and can read off each other on the ice,” said Lockwood.

“It's nice having some teammates on the Jets that I know,” Merkle said. “It was an easy transition coming to a new team already knowing Mags and Lox.”

Magnan said he almost didn’t get the chance to get to know Lakeland and his future buddies.

“My dad always loved the game of hockey, so he was going to start me up at Lakeland, but back in the day there was a two-year waiting list, so I started off my hockey career at Southfield,” remembered Magnan. “I played there till Pee Wee AA. Then I came to Lakeland and played for the USA Eagles travel team until Bantam A and then I started playing varsity hockey for Waterford Kettering.”

After this season, each one has different aspirations as to what they are shooting for hockey-wise.”I'm not too sure what’s next in store for me as far as hockey goes,” Merkle said. “I'm just working hard day to day and wherever that takes me I guess that's where I'll end up.”

“I'd like to play in the NAHL next season, but hard work comes first,” added Lockwood. “I have things I need to work on to improve so I can make it to that next level.”

“I’d really like to find a decent D-III school where I could play because I’m already two years behind my graduating class,” said Magnan. “If that falls through, maybe I might just go to college, but the NAHL is never out of the equation.”

Wherever these three lifelong friends wind up, you can bet they will always stay in touch and pick up where they left off.

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

The Jets took both games last weekend as they topped Motor City Friday night on the road, 4-3, and then defeated Grand Rapids, 4-3, in an overtime thriller as Magnan completed his hat trick 2:05 into OT.

Goaltender R.J. Heath won both games for the Jets.

Metro (5-10-0-1), winners of four of their last five games, heads to Dubuque this weekend for two with the defending Hurster Cup champs tonight and Saturday night. The Thunderbirds blanked the Jets, 6-0, at Lakeland back on Oct. 18.

The Jets stay on the road next weekend for three games in three days as they play in Toledo next Friday night and then follow that up with two in Cleveland.

Metro’s next home game is Sunday, Nov. 29 against Motor City.

JET FUEL

Forward Mike Herter was released Monday. The 18-year-old was held pointless in six games for the Jets.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Former head coach Jon Cooper, who guided the Jets to the 2002 Silver Cup Junior B national championship, is now coaching the Green Bay Gamblers of the USHL. In 2007 and 2008, Cooper led the NAHL’s St. Louis Bandits to the Robertson Cup title.

Photo (l-r) - Lockwood, Magnan, Merkle

O'Connor named to Team OHL roster

New Saginaw Spirit defenseman Ryan O’Connor has been added to the Team OHL roster for the 2009 Subway Super Series, which will see Team Russia squaring off against the Canadian Hockey League’s best.

O’Connor will participate in the Windsor game of the six game series, taking place on November 23.

The announcement by Team OHL came on the heels of Team Russia’s naming of Spirit forward Ivan Telegin to their roster for the event, pitting the two teammates against each other as they represent their respective countries.

O’Connor is no stranger to international play, having participated in the 2009 World Hockey Challenge with Team Ontario’s Under-17 squad and winning a gold medal with Team Canada’s Under-18 team in the 2009 Memorial of Ivan Hlinka Tournament.

The Hamilton, Ont., native has tallied two goals and 10 assists in 20 games this season.

Rangers hosting Outlaws this weekend

The Marquette Rangers' schedule for 2009-10 has some new faces for fans to see this year and this weekend is a prime example as the Rangers will host the North Iowa Outlaws of the North American Hockey League Central Division.

The two teams have met before, at the NAHL Showcase in 2007 and 2008, and are 1-1 against each other over that span.

Regardless of the opponent, the Rangers are in need of a solid weekend having gone 1-5 in their last six games, including a split last weekend with the Janesville Jets at Lakeview Arena.

Despite the recent setbacks, Marquette remains in second place in the North Division, three points behind first place Traverse City. The Rangers are two points ahead of Janesville for third in the division.

Marquette continues to be led in scoring by Garrett Ladd (6g 12a, 18pts) and Andrew Kolb (8g 10a, 18pts), with Brent Bain (17 pts), Collin Saint-Onge (13 pts) and Tanner Kero (11 pts) all reaching double digits in scoring for the team.

The Outlaws currently share first place in the Central Division with the Owatonna Express.

Several events are planned for fans during the weekend, including the team’s third annual “Save A Buck Night” on Saturday evening. Friday is “Scary Movie Night” in celebration of Friday the 13th.

Spirit rookie named to Team Russia

Saginaw Spirit forward Ivan Telegin has been named to Team Russia’s roster for the 2009 Subway Super Series, which will pit Team Russia against the Canadian Hockey League’s best.

Telegin will play in the Windsor game of the six-game series, on November 23.

Telegin enters the week as the top scoring rookie in the Ontario Hockey League with 14 goals and 10 assists in 20 games.

The Novokuznetsk, Russia native is also considered a top prosepct for the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

Saginaw makes big trade with Barrie

The Saginaw Spirit completed a trade with the Eastern Conference’s Barrie Colts today.

Saginaw has acquired defenseman Ryan O’Connor (right) and forward Michael Sgarbossa (left) in the deal that sees Barrie receive defensemen T.J. Brodie and Nick Crawford. The Colts also received a third-round pick in the 2010 OHL Priority Selection.

“We are excited for this deal and feel that it is a great trade for all parties,” stated Spirit coach-GM Todd Watson. “We are getting additional years of service with this trade that will pay dividends this season and beyond. Ryan and Michael are highly-talented skaters that will contribute instantly. Brodie and Crawford have played significant roles with the Spirit these past seasons and we are happy that they are going to a great program like the Barrie Colts where they will continue to find success on and off the ice.”

O’Connor enjoyed a successful rookie season that saw him post 10 goals and 25 assists in 62 games. The Hamilton, Ont., native has tallied two goals and 10 assists in 19 games this season. O’Connor posted a four-point game (two goals and two assists) against the Kingston Frontenacs on December 12, 2008, and a three-point game (goal and two assists) against the Oshawa Generals on October 8, 2009.

“Ryan is a highly-skilled defenseman that can really move the puck, as evident by him being named to the OHL All-Rookie Second Team last season," noted Watson.

Barrie selected O’Connor sixth overall in the 2008 Priority Selection after a stint with the Toronto Jr. Canadiens minor midgets. O’Connor scored two goals and five assists to help the Canadiens win the 2008 OHL Cup Showcase Tournament. He was selected to Team Ontario’s roster for the 2009 Under-17 World Hockey Challenge and helped Team Canada’s Under-18 squad win the gold medal in the 2009 Memorial of Ivan Hlinka Tournament. O’Connor is eligible for 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

Sgarbossa had a prolific rookie season as well, notching 10 goals and 33 assists in 67 games. The Campbellville, Ont., native has tallied seven goals and 13 assists in 19 games this season. He posted two goals in Barrie’s home opener against the Owen Sound Attack on September 17, 2009, and had a four-point effort (two goals and two assists) against the Erie Otters on October 10, 2009.

“Michael is a tough competitor that can put up some big points with his scoring ability,” said Watson.

Barrie selected Sgarbossa 54th overall in 2008 after a campaign with the Halton Hurricanes minor midgets. He tallied three goals and two assists in four games during the 2008 OHL Cup. Sgarbossa is also eligible for 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

Brodie is playing in his fourth Ontario Hockey League season and was signed by the Calgary Flames over the summer. Crawford, also playing his fourth OHL season, was selected by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

“The Barrie Colts will love the talent, leadership and character, both on and off the ice, of Nick Crawford and T.J. Brodie," said Spirit president and partner Craig Goslin. "We wish both of these fine young men all the best with their new opportunity in Barrie and in the rest of their hockey careers. We, too, are equally as excited to be welcoming Michael Sgarbossa and Ryan O’Connor to the Saginaw Spirit. From all reports, if our fans like the moves that Watson has made to date with Ivan Telegin, Anthony Camara, Vince Trocheck, Josh Shalla, Garret Ross and more, then you will also like our new additions of Michael Sgarbossa and Ryan O’Connor.

"Dick (Garber) and I are confident that Todd and his staff are building a championship quality contender one piece at a time.”

“It’s tough losing two guys that were a big part of the team on and off the ice, but we are excited for them and us as this trade provides a whole new dynamic,” stated Spirit captain Tyler Murovich. “It sounds like both guys will jump right in and help us continue our successful start to the season."

Photos by Terry Wilson/OHL Images

Drake & Co. a benefit for North Stars

Courtesy NAHL

When Dallas Drake skated around Pittsburgh’s Mellon Arena with the Stanley Cup back in June of 2008 as a member of the Detroit Red Wings, he knew his NHL career was going out on a high note.

But even as a summer-long party ensued in Detroit, Drake (pictured) quietly announced his retirement and made his way to his new home in Traverse City.

One year later, he’s a part owner of the Traverse City North Stars and enjoying his time staying in hockey, but without the spotlight.

“I love being at the rink,” said Drake. “I’m really a hockey geek and just love watching games and coaching the kids at the younger levels.”

Drake gets out into the Traverse City community to promote the North Stars and help get fans into Centre ICE arena. He said he initially came on board when founding owner Steve Fournier approached him to buy into the team.

“I’m here to help in any way I can,” said Drake, who played 15 years in the NHL. “Whether it’s sponsorships or just getting more people to the rink, I’ll do whatever I can. We have a great group of kids here who all want to play Division I hockey and the North American League is a very exciting league to watch.”

Drake was one of several new pieces brought into the North Stars’ expanded ownership group. The husband-wife team of Richard and Raj Wiener, lawyers based out of Lansing, are also new to the fold. Raj is more of the hands-on owner while Richard keeps things running at their law office in Lansing. When asked why she decided to get involved with owning a hockey team, Raj showed her sense of humor right from the start.

“Well, I’m questioning my sanity,” she laughed. “I do a lot of the mundane stuff, like the financial aspects and not any of the on-ice things. It costs money to run a team like this; it doesn’t happen on its own.”

Over the summer, North Stars head coach and general manager Anthony Palumbo called Lansing Capitals Midget Major coach Dean Dixon for help in finding ways to keep the North Stars in Traverse City. Dixon then contacted the Wieners.

“We’ve had a home in Traverse City for 30 years, so to help out was really an easy step,” Wiener said. “Anthony runs a great program and has really built a strong team this year. He believes in getting the kids out into the community; whether it’s with Big Brothers/Big Sisters or Habitat For Humanity, everyone is always ready to help."

Raj also credits Drake for his passion for the community, the team and the NAHL.

“Dallas has just been wonderful,” said Wiener. “He brings so much knowledge to the team and really does more for the team than he lets on. Dallas is a very humble person.”

So far, Traverse City has shown it’s a contender in the league (the North Stars sit atop the North Division standings with 25 points after 17 games) and that in itself has impressed Drake, who admitted he hasn’t watched a whole lot of junior hockey the past 15 years or so.

“The teams I’ve seen come in here, like Wenatchee and Janesville, have looked very solid,” said Drake. “I think from top to bottom, the whole league has a lot of good players and they have a lot of good opportunities in this league.”

And while most teams prepare on a season-to-season basis, when it comes to ownership, that’s a totally different story.

“We came in here with a three-year plan,” explained Wiener. “The foundation for what we have now was laid by the Fourniers and we’re excited to build off of it.”

U.S. Junior Selects defend world title

Eamonn McDermott tallied a goal and an assist as the U.S. Junior Select Team captured its second straight World Junior A Challenge championship with a 2-1 win over Canada West tonight at Credit Union Place in Summerside, P.E.I.

Team USA finished the tournament with a 4-0-1-0 record.

"The team showed some great resiliency, not only tonight, but for the entire tournament," said Mark Carlson, head coach of the 2009 U.S. Junior Select Team. "They continued to fight when trailing tonight and the coaching staff is extremely proud of their effort. It's a great feeling winning the championship for the second straight year."

After a scoreless opening period, Kellen Jones netted a power-play goal at 10:01 of the second period to give Canada West a 1-0 lead.

The U.S. tied the game with McDermott's power-play marker at 16:07 of the middle frame. Shane Berschbach passed to David Gerths in the slot, who fired the puck on net. McDermott slid down from his defensive spot and knocked the rebound past Canadian West goaltender Sean Bonar.

In the final stanza, Matt Leitner scored the game-winning goal 50 seconds into the period. After collecting a Nick Mattson pass, McDermott passed to Leitner up the left wing. He beat a defenseman and fired the puck through Bonar's five-hole while falling to the ice.

U.S. netminder Eric Mihalik turned aside 28 shots in the championship-winning effort.

USA Under-18s win Four Nations Cup

Nick Shore scored a pair of goals in the first period as the U.S. National Under-18 Team dropped Switzerland, 3-2, tonight in the finale of the 2009 Under-18 Four Nations Cup in Pori, Finland.

Team USA finished with a perfect 3-0-0-0 record to capture the tournament title.

"This was a good week for us," said Kurt Kleinendorst, head coach of the U.S. National Under-18 Team. "Playing three games in three nights is always tough. Switzerland battled hard the whole way tonight, but we did what we had to do to win. We're definitely happy to come out of this tournament on top."

Switzerland stunned the U.S. just 10 seconds into the game when Joel Vermin put the puck past Andy Iles. Just 13 seconds after falling behind, 1-0, Jason Zucker's feed from behind the net found Shore who fired the puck into the top corner to knot the score. In a similar style as Team USA's first goal, Brandon Saad's pass from behind the Finland cage found Shore who put the puck past netminder Dennis Saikkonen at 12:06 to give the U.S. a 2-1 lead.

With just seven seconds to play in a hotly contested second stanza, Stephen Johns collected a rebound in front of the net and slid the puck to Charlie Coyle, who wired a shot past Saikkonen from the high slot to give Team USA a 3-1 advantage.

Switzerland battled hard throughout the third period and was able to get back within a goal when Kaj Leuenberger scored with just 3:49 to play in regulation. Iles and the defensive unit held strong the rest of the way, however, to allow Team USA to earn the 3-2 victory.

Iles made 22 saves to earn his second win of the tournament.

USA Under-17s win Four Nations Cup

Rocco Grimaldi notched three points and Seth Ambroz scored twice as the U.S. National Under-17 Team rolled past Switzerland, 8-2, to capture first place at the 2009 Under-17 Four Nations Cup in Trnava, Slovakia, with a perfect 3-0-0-0 record.

"Obviously this was a great way to end the tournament," said Ron Rolston, head coach of the U.S. National Under-17 Team. "We definitely played our best game today. It's always great to win a championship. We'll look to build off of this week and take this momentum into our USHL competition when we get back."

Ambroz opened the scoring just 1:16 into the contest when he tipped Barrett Kaib's point shot past netminder Patrick Bonvin. After being hauled down one a breakaway at 6:35, Grimaldi was awarded a penalty shot. Grimaldi skated in on Bonvin, deked to open up the five hole and slipped the puck through to double the U.S. lead. Reid Boucher converted on a rebound chance from the right side at 15:16 to make it 3-0. Sven Andrighetto notched a power-play goal at 17:14 to get the Swiss on the board.

It was all Team USA in the second stanza, as it got four goals from four different players. Just 1:35 into the period, Blake Pietila took a stretch pass from Jake McCabe, skated in on a breakaway, deked to his backhand and roofed the puck just under the crossbar to make it 4-1. Just 2:19 later, Michael Paliotta's feed sent J.T. Miller on a breakaway and Miller slipped the puck under new netminder Luca Boltshauser to give the U.S. a four-goal advantage. At 16:16, Miller took a shot that hit both the post and crossbar before bouncing to Ryan Haggerty who tapped it home to make it 6-1. Just 44 seconds later, Grimaldi won a draw back to Tyler Biggs, who snapped it past Boltshauser to give Team USA a 7-1 lead. U.S. goaltender Matt McNeely stopped all nine shots he saw in the stanza to keep Switzerland at a distance.

Robin Leone scored 1:28 into the final frame for Switzerland and Ambroz tallied a power-play marker at 16:45 to account for the 8-2 final.

McNeely made 23 stops to earn his second win of the tournament.

Elliott starting to come around for Metro

When the Metro Jets drafted Jon Elliott last May, the team had hopes for Elliott bringing his high school goal-scoring prowess with him to the Central States Hockey League.

And while the 18-year-old from Bloomfield Hills has just three goals through 14 games, Elliott has started to turn the corner recently.

“When we first picked him up, we could see the potential was there,” Metro assistant coach Ryan Skop said. “In high school (at Brother Rice), he was one of the most talented guys on a nightly basis and could basically do whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted. Now that he’s made a big step up, it’s taken him some time to adapt to the competition.”

“Jon is starting to show in practice and in games his ability to score goals at this level,” said Jets GM Butch Wolfe. “We’re definitely excited by the progress he’s made so far and look forward to seeing how much more he can keep improving.”

In order to kick-start Elliott, the Jets’ coaching staff put him on a line with fellow winger Jon Wickersham and center David Merkle (Brett Grech now centers the line with Elliott and Wickersham).

“He and Wick make for a difficult matchup with their size (Elliott is 6-foot-1, 190 pounds, and Wickersham is 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds) and speed,” noted Skop. “We’ve also been using Jono on the power play. He’s got great vision on the ice and is able to help settle things down and wait for that good chance.”

Hopefully, sooner than later, Elliott’s three-goal total can grow to double digits. If recent practice is any indication, that will happen soon.

“I’m a bit surprised he hasn’t scored more so far, but lately in practice, Jono’s started to get some of that swagger back where he knows he’s going to score and expects to score,” Skop said. “I’m sure that will translate into games here very shortly.”

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

The Jets played just one game last week and it was one they’d like to forget as the Queen City Steam came into Lakeland Arena last Saturday night and blanked Metro, 6-0.

Ian Mercer stopped 25 shots in goal for the Jets, who saw their two-game winning streak snapped.

This weekend, the Jets play two in-state rivals as they travel to Motor City tonight for a 9:20 p.m. start time and then host Grand Rapids tomorrow night at 7:40 p.m.

Last time out against Motor City, the Jets took a 4-1 win at home on Oct. 25, while Grand Rapids beat Metro, 3-2, on Oct. 14.

JET FUEL

After tomorrow night’s game against Grand Rapids, the Jets play just three more games at home in the 2009 calendar year – Nov. 29 vs. Motor City and Dec. 12-13 vs. Cleveland.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Forwards Troy Storm (2006-2007) and Brandon Van Acker (2004-2005) are playing for Finlandia University’s Division III team in the Upper Peninsula.

Storm is a freshman from Livonia, while Van Acker is a senior from Lincoln Park.

Finlandia plays in the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association along with Michigan’s other D-III school, Adrian College.

Former Metro defenseman Steven Oleksy (2003-2004) signed with the IHL’s Port Huron Icehawks this week after being released by the ECHL’s Toledo Walleye.

Photo by Walt Dmoch

Bloomfield Hills native commits to CC

The Chicago Steel announced that forward Alex Krushelnyski has committed to Colorado College and will attend the school beginning in the fall of 2010.

The 18-year-old forward has recorded 11 points (4g, 7a) and a plus-seven rating in 10 games for the Steel this season. Krushelnyski began the year registering a point in each of the first seven games. The native of Bloomfield Hills is in his second USHL season after posting 18 points (7g, 11a) in 38 games for the Steel in 2008-09.

Krushelnyski's father, Mike, played 14 seasons in the NHL and won three Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers.

Photo courtesy USHL Images

Spirit alum Pyatt makes NHL debut

Saginaw Spirit graduate Tom Pyatt made his NHL debut Thursday night for the Montreal Canadiens, becoming the first Spirit player that was drafted by the Spirit to play at the NHL level.

He logged 11:27 of ice time in the effort, which saw the Canadiens beat the Boston Bruins, 2-1, in a shootout.

“Here today, NHL tomorrow! The entire Saginaw Spirit organization is proud of Tom,” stated Spirit president and partner Craig Goslin. “Our team’s mission of developing top-tier players for the National Hockey League is exemplified by him being on the ice Thursday night for the Canadiens."

Pyatt was drafted by the New York Rangers 107th overall in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. He played parts of two seasons with the the Hartford Wolf Pack, their AHL affiliate, before seeing his rights traded to Montreal over the summer. He opened the 2009-2010 season with the Canadiens' AHL affiliate, the Hamilton Bulldogs, before being called up this past Wednesday by the Canadiens.

Pyatt arrived in Saginaw after being drafted 21st overall in the 2003 OHL Priority Selection. He played for the Spirit from 2003-2007, posting 94 goals and 106 assists in 240 regular-season games. Pyatt is ranked third on both the Spirit’s all-time career points list and the all-time career goals list. He also represented Saginaw in the 2007 OHL All-Star Classic and in several international tournaments for Team Canada.

Pyatt is the first Spirit player drafted by Saginaw since the team’s inception in 2002 to play in the NHL, but several other Spirit alums have played at the top level, including Geoff Platt (Anaheim Ducks), Paul Bissonnette (Phoenix Coyotes) and Cody Bass (Ottawa Senators). Platt and Bissonnette followed the franchise from North Bay when it moved to Saginaw in 2002. Platt played two seasons (2002-2004) and Bissonnette three seasons (2002-2005) with the Spirit. Bass spent the 2006-2007 season with the Spirit after being acquired via a trade with the Mississauga IceDogs.

Over 60 percent of all active NHL players came out of the Canadian Hockey League, with 29 NHL draftees and two NHL-signed free agents having played for the Spirit since 2002.

Saginaw’s T.J. Brodie (Calgary Flames) and Nick Crawford (Buffalo Sabres) were drafted in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, while Jordan Szwarz (Phoenix Coyotes), Edward Pasquale (Atlanta Thrashers) and Cody Sol (Atlanta Thrashers) were chosen in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. An additional four active Spirit players were invited to attend NHL training camps as free agents over the summer.

North Stars readying for IceDiggers

The teams might be at polar opposite ends of the North American Hockey League’s North Division standings, but Traverse City head coach-GM Anthony Palumbo says his North Stars and the Alpena IceDiggers are much closer than their comparative records would seem to indicate.

The Stars – who visit Alpena on Friday before hosting the IceDiggers at Centre ICE arena on Saturday night – enjoyed Halloween weekend off while second-place Marquette was swept at Janesville, keeping TC in the top spot at 10-4-1. Alpena (5-12-0) split a pair with Motor City, and currently hold down fifth place in the five-team North.

“I think they’re absolutely a very dangerous team,” Palumbo offered. “They’ve lost a ton of tough, close games, and they’re ready to break loose at any time. We’ll have to be ready for them to play their best hockey and we know how stocked their roster is. You look at it and see all the veterans and know they’re going to get it going any time.”

The numbers seem to back up Palumbo’s assertions. Alpena has lost seven games by a single goal, and an eighth by two goals. And the Diggers roster is lined with NAHL-tested personnel, including leading scorer Nate Taurence (five goals, 14 points) and fixture Jimmy McCusker (five goals) who is in his fourth season with Alpena. Swedish import Jonas Vassalli leads the way with 11 assists, while Austrian netkeep Marco Wieser has garnered the lion’s share of the crease time, going 4-9-0 with a 3.29 goals-against average and a .884 save percentage.

“I’d say I’m concerned about coming off a week away from game action, being on the road, that we’re going to have some rust,” Palumbo added. “That makes the first period on Friday that much more critical. We need to come out with the same energy and intensity we showed in the Marquette series (Oct. 24-25) to be able to match them.”

Eric McLintock leads the North Stars with 17 points (eight goals) through 15 contests, while Andy Huff is second in the NAHL with 12 goals. Dan Radke has 11 assists for Traverse City, and Kyle Jean is red-hot since returning from injury – with six goals and as many assists through six outings.

In net, Drew Strandberg leads the way with an 8-2-0 mark, a pair of shutouts, a 2.51 GAA and saves on 90.5 percent of his chances.

The Stars and 'Diggers face off at Northern Lights Arena on Friday before the set shifts west for Saturday’s weekend-capper. Both games drop at 7 p.m.

Telegin, Fowler win monthly OHL honors

The Ontario Hockey League today announced the OHL Performers of the Month for October, 2009.

OHL Rookie of the Month – Ivan Telegin, Saginaw Spirit

Ivan Telegin led all OHL rookies in October scoring with 16 points for the Saginaw Spirit including seven goals and nine assists in 12 games with a plus-minus rating of plus-7. He opened the month with points in six straight games forming a nine-game scoring streak that began September 19 in just his second career OHL game. He was held scoreless in just two games and finished October with two straight three-point games including October 30 with a goal and two assists in a 6-1 win over the Sarnia Sting, and on October 31 with two goals and one assist as second star of the 5-4 shootout win over the Windsor Spitfires.

Telegin, a 17-year-old from Novokuznetsk, Russia, currently leads all OHL rookies in scoring with a rookie-best 10 goals and 10 assists for 20 points in 16 games played. Eligible for the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, Telegin was selected by the Spirit in the first round, 42nd overall, in the 2009 CHL Import Draft.

OHL Defenceman of the Month – Cam Fowler, Windsor Spitfires

Cam Fowler led all OHL defencemen in scoring during October with 17 points in 14 games for the Windsor Spitfires. He scored three goals and collected 14 assists and just four penalty minutes with a league-leading plus-minus rating of plus-22 in a month where the Spitfires produced a record of 10-2-0-2. In 14 games Fowler never finished with a negative plus-minus rating and finished a career-best plus-5 on October 23 in an 8-4 win over the Owen Sound Attack where he registered one assist. In addition to being named third star of the game twice this month, he was named first star of the October 12 game against the Sudbury Wolves scoring a goal and two assists in the 7-0 win.

Fowler, a 17-year-old from Farmington Hills, is playing in his first OHL season and currently leads all defencemen in scoring with 25 points in 19 games with three goals and is tied for the league-lead with 22 assists. Fowler is eligible for the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

Rangers host Jets, Army this weekend

The Marquette Rangers have hit a key portion of their schedule - heading into a nine-game home stand alone in second place in the North American Hockey League North Division.

The Rangers will face the expansion Janesville Jets this weekend at Lakeview Arena, seeking some redemption against the team that handed them a pair of losses last weekend in southern Wisconsin.

“We got off to such a great start this season that it started to be taken for granted by some in our locker room that we’d win just by showing up,” Rangers head coach Kenny Miller said. “We’ve been driving home to the guys this week that every shift, every period of every game, has to be skated one hundred percent or you don’t win in this league. I think they’ve responded well and understand that we need to work to be successful.”

Miller added that although losing is never good, being knocked down a few pegs in November is better than having it happen later in the year.

“We have plenty of time to get back to where we need to be," Miller said. "If we learn from our mistakes and move forward to the games we have this weekend, we’re confident that good things will happen for us. Playing these games at home will be a welcome addition as well.”

Some new faces will be in the lineup for Millers’ club this weekend as the team continues to add talent and searches to improve. Goaltender Kevin Kissaw will be having knee surgery to prepare meniscus damage, so the team has brought in Zac Enstrom from the Tulsa Rampage of the Western States Hockey League to share time with current goaltender Lukas Hafner. Enstrom spent time in the NAHL with Wichita Falls during the early part of the 2009 season, and was recommended to the Rangers by former Northern Michigan netminder Billy Pye.

Marquette has also added a forward Dane Shaugabay, who until this week was a member of the Fairbanks Ice Dogs of the NAHL West, and defenseman Tyler Vanscourt, who comes to Marquette from the Topeka RoadRunners of the NAHL South.

“Both of these guys were in situations where they weren’t getting the ice time they needed with the clubs they were with, so we're bringing them here to see if they can help us be a better hockey team,” Miller said.

The puck drops at Lakeview Arena at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday night.

The Rangers will host their third annual “U.S. Army Night” during Saturday’s game.

To honor the men and women who currently serve our nation, as well as all veterans who have performed military service to the United States in the past, the Rangers will be wearing custom-designed camouflage jerseys during the game. The jersey (pictured) features the “Rock” Rangers logo, with the mascot holding an M-16 and wearing military field gear. They also feature both a U.S. Army patch and well as an R.O.T.C. patch on each shoulder.

“We’ve had a great relationship with the U.S. Army over the years,” Rangers spokesman Mark Evans said of the event. “This game continues that relationship and takes it to the next level with our guys wearing camo on Saturday. We’re excited to host the Army and proud to honor all the men and women who are either active military or a veteran.”

Evans added that even though it’s “Army Night,” all branches of the service are encouraged to come.

“Anyone with a military ID, either active or a veteran, will be admitted for free to Saturday’s game," said Evans. "It’s a small gesture on our behalf, but a way for our guys to salute the men and women who have sacrificed and served this great country.”

United States Army personnel will be in attendance at the game that will feature several games and prizes for fans, and will also offer up one of the camouflage-style jerseys the team will be wearing in a free raffle during the game. No purchase is necessary to enter the raffle.

The jerseys will be given away at the conclusion of the game Saturday night.

Ross wins monthly OHL academic award

The Ontario Hockey League today announced the OHL Academic Players of the Month for October.

The OHL Academic Player of the Month for October in the West Division is left winger Garret Ross of the Saginaw Spirit.

Ross, 17, a native of Dearborn Heights, is currently enrolled at Heritage High School in Saginaw.

“Garret is carrying an 88 percentaverage in his classes, which leads all Spirit players, while maintaining a full course load,” commented Spirit assistant coach Adam Mattson.

Ross originally had a verbal commitment to Ferris State prior to joining the Spirit this season.

Armada's Battani on move in OHL

The Soo Greyhounds reduced their roster, and overage situation, as a result of a pair of trades (one involving a Michigan native) on Monday afternoon.

Overage forward T.J. Battani was traded to the Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2010 OHL Priority Selection.

Battani originally came to the Hounds this past June as part of a transaction that saw the Hounds drop to the ninth overall pick in the CHL Import draft. The Armanda native is in his fourth season in the OHL and in 15 games played for the Hounds had five goals and three assists, eight points and 13 penalty minutes.

“It’s been a tough situation for our four overagers and although this isn’t a perfect scenario, we feel strongly that it allows our club to positively move forward," said Soo GM Dave Torrie. "T.J. is going to a strong club where he will be a valuable addition to coach Dave Cameron. We cannot say enough positives about T.J. and we wish him all the best and feel this will be a great move for his career."

Battani has also played for Windsor and Kitchener, winning an OHL title with Kitchener in 2008.

Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images

Whalers get new radio home on WSDP

Fans of the Ontario Hockey League’s Plymouth Whalers will be able to follow their team on the radio again.

Plymouth has signed an agreement with 88.1 FM WSDP, “The Escape,” as the team’s new radio home. The first broadcast on 88.1 FM is set for this Saturday, November 7 at 6:45 p.m. against the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.

After evaluating the first few broadcasts in November, the Whalers hope to reach a longer-term deal with 88.1 FM.

Long-time Plymouth voice Pete Krupsky provides the play-by-play, working with partner Sean Baligian on the home broadcasts.

“I’m very happy for our fans,” said Whalers coach-GM Mike Vellucci. “We’ve been looking to get back into radio at some point in time and working with 88.1 FM makes a lot of sense. Their signal can be heard all over the area.”

WSDP’s broadcast signal effectively reaches a primary target audience of over 100,000 people in Canton, Plymouth and Plymouth Township and can be heard throughout the Detroit-metropolitan area. The station also broadcasts online.

The Whalers have been broadcasting online over the last five years and will continue their partnership with INSINC.com, which has a league-wide agreement with the OHL for streaming content.

Schoolcraft College and the Schoolcraft College Sports Network telecasts most of the Whalers home games and will provide real-world experience on the broadcasts for Plymouth-Canton students interested in learning about the media business. In addition, the Whalers will offer assistance to students interested in finding out about marketing, broadcasting and public relations.

“Moving to 88.1 FM extends the partnership we already have with the Plymouth-Canton Educational Park,” said Denise Ronayne, Whalers director of sales and marketing. “We have players going to school there, so having the broadcasts on 88.1 FM is a natural fit for everyone.”

Nine Whalers attend high school at the Plymouth-Canton Educational Park.

“A team as well-loved in the area as the Plymouth Whalers only means good things for the radio station,” said 88.1 FM station manager Bill Keith. “I think the broadcasts will bring new people to the radio station as potential listeners. The broadcasts will allow us to promote the radio station to a new audience, which is always a good thing.

“I’m also excited about the educational opportunities for our students, whether they’re helping out behind the scene of the broadcasts, or assisting with the marketing of the Whalers. Any way we can explore those connections with the students is a win-win for everyone involved.”

The Whalers’ agreement on WSDP is not the first time 88.1 FM has ventured outside the Plymouth-Canton high school sports market. The radio station broadcast Detroit Compuware Ambassadors games at one point in the late 1990’s and early in this decade.