Metal Jackets satisfied with early play

After inheriting a team that won all of 11 games last year, Motor City Metal Jackets head coach David Cole had his work cut out for him in the offseason.

His arduous efforts - through September, anyways - have seemingly paid off.

The Metal Jackets, who play out of the Detroit suburb of Wyandotte, are out of the gates with a formidable 3-0-2 record, picking up eight out of a possible 10 points as they enter the heart of their North Division schedule.

This weekend, they welcome the Marquette Rangers to town for a two-game set on Friday and Saturday.

“I’m happy with our start - it’s very important for our franchise,” said Cole. “To not have any blemishes in the loss column at this point is encouraging, and we certainly feel we can build on all the positives.”

The Metal Jackets’ success begins between the pipes, where Randy Willis (pictured) has won two of his four starts - both shutouts - with Jason Torf picking up the other victory allowing only one goal against.

“Our goaltending has been very solid up this point and has been the backbone of our success so far,” said Cole.

Offensively, veteran Patrick Sullivan is fitting in nicely in his new surroundings. After spending last season with the Kenai River Brown Bears, he has three goals and an assist to start his season.

First-year players Steve Brancheau, a 19-year-old from River Rouge, and John Scorcia have also impressed. Brancheau has seven points on two goals and Scorcia six on three tallies.

“Those two have been pleasant surprises,” said Cole.

So, too, has the response from the local community, where the Metal Jackets continue to build winning relationships off the ice.

“It’s been extremely encouraging to experience the positive support from Wyandotte and the Downriver communities of Detroit,” said Metal Jackets owner Kenji Yamada. “We’re confident, as we continue to build our organization, we’ll continue to provide quality, affordable entertainment.”

The Rangers make their way to town with some swagger of their own, coming off a two-game sweep over Fairbanks last weekend after a 3-1 record at the NAHL Showcase Tournament.

“The North Division is going to be very competitive, and Marquette is a very good hockey team that will be a very big test for us,” said Cole. “The games should be a measuring stick for where we are this early in this season.”

Bussell back with Marquette, again

Former Marquette Rangers forward Josh Bussell is coming home.

After being traded to Motor City in October of 2008, Bussell became available and has been offered a spot back on the Marquette roster. He should be in the lineup this weekend as the team travels to Wyandotte for games this weekend against the Metal Jackets.

“We’re excited to have Josh back in our lineup,” Rangers head coach Kenny Miller said. “He always played well in Lakeview, was a bit of a crowd favorite, and can do a lot offensively when given the chance. We’re confident he’ll once again be a strong presence in our division.”

Bussell, 20, was the Rangers' second-leading scorer during his rookie season in 2007 with 44 points (22g, 22a) on the season, and was leading the team in scoring in 2008 when the trade was made to bolster the Rangers' defensive unit. That trade brought Reed Rushing to Marquette, and Rushing later signed with Bowling Green for this season.

Bussell also spent time last season with Mahoning Valley before that organization moved to the United States Hockey League. He began the season with the Texas Tornado before returning to Marquette.

Plymouth acquires Marsden from Fronts

The Plymouth Whalers announced today the acquisition of 19-year-old right wing James Marsden from the Kingston Frontenacs.

Marsden, from Exeter, Ont., was originally selected by Kingston in the seventh round (134th overall) of the 2006 Ontario Hockey League draft. In three seasons with Kingston, Marsden scored 13 goals with 10 assists for 23 points and 100 penalty minutes in 129 games. Marsden enjoyed his best offensive season last year when he scored eight goals with five assists for 13 points in 55 games.

Marsden adds to Plymouth’s depth, with forwards Ryan Hayes, Jamie Devane, Stefan Noesen, Austin Mattson and RJ Mahalak all currently out of the lineup with various injuries.

Schnell signs AHL deal with Penguins

The Saginaw Spirit has announced that forward Ryan Schnell has signed a one-way contract with the AHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins – the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

Additional terms of the contact where not disclosed.

“We are really happy for Ryan as he takes the next step in his hockey career,” stated Spirit coach-GM Todd Watson. “We wish him the best of luck this season.”

Schnell came into the Ontario Hockey League as a free agent, signing with the Spirit as a free agent in January. The 1989-born forward tallied two goals, four assists and 71 penalty minutes in 23 games for the Spirit last season.

The Cary, Ill., native was a free agent invite to the Penguins 2009 rookie camp and participated in their September 2009 prospect tournament. Schnell attracted the notice of the Penguins’ management during camp, as noted by Wilkes-Barre/Scranton head coach Todd Reirden on Penguins.NHL.com.

“Ryan Schnell has come in here and opened a lot of people's eyes with the elements that he brings to the game," said Reirden.

“Ryan Schnell is the perfect example as to why players come to our league rather than pursue other options,” stated Spirit president Craig Goslin. “We wish him all the best as he continues to pursue his NHL dreams.”

LIST: Michigan natives in the NPHL

Dan Conner (Farmington Hills), Missoula
Corey Denback (Trenton), Yellowstone
Andy DiCristofaro (St. Clair Shores), Missoula
Kyle Kennedy (Howell), Eugene
Nick Kent (Milford), Yellowstone
Alex Odea (Lake Orion), Yellowstone
Doug Raymond (Livonia), Missoula
Chris Rinaldi (Sterling Heights), Yellowstone
Kory Sosnowski (Canton), Yellowstone
Matt Topolewski (Bloomfield), Eugene
Alex Vasquez (Shelby Township), Yellowstone

*** This is an incomplete list as several teams have not yet released their 2009-2010 rosters.

LIST: Michigan natives in the EJHL

Rick Brown (Holt), Bay State
Fred Burnham (Rochester Hills), New England
Ricky Cigile (Plymouth), Capital District
Nick Dries (Lake Orion), Bay State
Jake Friedman (West Bloomfield), South Shore
Josh Goryl (Rochester), Bay State
Arthur Griem (Grosse Pointe Shores), New York
Hayden Hafey (Birmingham), Green Mountain
Rob Heath (Portage), Bay State
Greg Merrill (Brighton), Bay State
Chris Sandmeyer (Portage), Green Mountain
Kyle Schultz (Macomb), Philadelphia
Mike Szuma (Novi), Green Mountain
Andrew Tate (Canton), Bay State
Trevor Wight (Portage), Valley
Mike Yanis (Grosse Pointe Woods), Green Mountain

North Stars get Wild tonight, tomorrow

Just eight games into the 2009-10 season, the Traverse City North Stars are gearing up for a measuring-stick series.

The Wenatchee Wild, who are undefeated at 9-0-0, coming off an NAHL West Division playoff title and a berth in the Robertson Cup championship, visit Centre ICE arena on Monday and Tuesday to kick off the Stars’ home slate.

“If they’re not the best team in the league, then they’re one of the best,” offered North Stars head coach-GM Anthony Palumbo. “They have a ton of talent, pretty much spread across the roster – I guess you call that ‘balance.’ It’s early in the season, but I think you want to see how you stack up against the best teams and players out there.”

Rookie Andy Huff and defenseman Phil Wendecker lead Traverse City with seven points each, with Huff and TC native Sean Burke each scoring a team-best five goals through seven outings.

Kelin Ainsworth sports a plus-8 plus-minus rating, while goalkeeper Drew Strandberg is 4-1-0 with a 2.36 goals-against average and .870 save percentage. The North Stars got late goals from Wendecker and Ainsworth on Saturday night at Motor City, forcing an overtime session in a 5-4 shootout victory over the Metal Jackets.

“We played a very solid third period (on Saturday), and if we play that way against Wenatchee, we’ll have a chance,” Palumbo added. “But we know we’re going to have to be at our best – playing with the same energy and intensity we showed late Saturday.”

The Wild stayed in the Midwest since finishing the NAHL Showcase 4-0 earlier this month, and swept a trio of games this weekend at Alpena before heading west.

Jeff Jubinville leads Wenatchee with seven goals, while Shawn Pauly is tops with 12 points. Goalie Mac Carruth has started six games, winning each with a 1.55 goals-against average and .940 save percentage.

Wenatchee - a hockey-crazed town of nearly 30,000 located in central Washington state – will return to the Robertson Cup finals this year regardless of their record as hosts of the annual event. The Wild lost a 3-2 overtime decision in the championship game last May to St. Louis.

LIST: Michigan natives in the CSHL

Marcus Andary (Sault Ste. Marie), Dubuque
Jason Avedesian (Canton), Motor City
Dalton Bates (North Branch), Flint
Benjamin Belton (Kentwood), Grand Rapids
Aaron Beutenmiller (Tecumseh), Toledo
Jeff Birk (Gaylord), Flint
Mason Bohlinger (Grand Rapids), Grand Rapids
Justin Bowyer (Caledonia), Grand Rapids
John Brooks (Walker), Grand Rapids
Jonathan Bunch (Riverview), Motor City
Matthew Busterna (Commerce), Cleveland
Robert Butterfield (Big Rapids), Grand Rapids
Joseph Camarata (Clinton Township), Flint
Nick Ceccolini (Dexter), Grand Rapids
Adam Chapie (Oxford), Cleveland
Matt Cinader (Ortonville), Flint
Mike Corder (Warren), Metro
William Dawson (Fenton), Flint
David Defever (Brighton), Motor City
Mike Denston (White Lake), Metro
Kristofer DesMadryl (Algonac), Motor City
Connor Dresser (Canton), Motor City
Scott Eberline (Novi), Quad City
Ryan Eby (Linden), Flint
Daniel Edwards (Casco), Motor City
Paul Elezaj (Leonard), Motor City
Jonathon Elliott (Bloomfield Hills), Metro
Michael Evans (Kalamazoo), Grand Rapids
Shamus Finnerty (Novi), Quad City
Eric Fletcher (Adrian), Toledo
Shawn Flynn (Northville), Motor City
Jacob Frein (Muskegon), Grand Rapids
Jack Garrettson (Port Huron), Grand Rapids
Brett Grech (Hartland), Metro
Brandon Greulich (Woodhaven), Motor City
Taylor Jarvis (Southgate), Toledo
Derek Johnson (Livonia), Toledo
Jake Harlick (Royal Oak), Flint
RJ Heath (Holly), Metro
Mike Herter (Dexter), Metro
John Hickman (West Bloomfield), Motor City
Brandon Hogrefe (Fenton), Flint
Tim Hooker (White Lake), Metro
Richard Jones (Grand Blanc), Flint
Adam Keasey (Canton), Quad City
Theodore Keranen (Northville), Motor City
Derek Kessler (Farmington), Motor City
Dean Kmiecik (Sterling Heights), Toledo/Flint
Jacob Koslakiewicz (Dearborn), Motor City
Nathan Kranich (Lansing), Grand Rapids
Joseph Larson (Flint), Peoria
Gregg Leonardo (Bloomfield Hills), Cleveland
David Lindensmith (Sterling Heights), Toledo
Anthony Lobstein (Macomb), Motor City
Steve Lockwood (Clarkston), Metro
Michael Maciag (Plymouth), Flint
Joel Majszak (Canton), Motor City
Bradley Makowski (Wyandotte), Dubuque/Peoria
Dylan Mantay (Troy), Metro
Anthony Marrocco (Shelby Township), Metro
Frank Matyok (Clinton Township), Toledo
Joe McAuliffe (Goodrich), Flint
Lucas McCarthy (Scottville), Grand Rapids
Matthew McLaughlin (West Bloomfield), Motor City
Benjamin McParlan (Kawkawlin), Flint
Ian Mercer (Rochester Hills), Metro
David Merkle (White Lake), Metro
Drew Meyers (Brighton), Flint
Zachary Mielen (Allen Park), Motor City
Tyler Miller (Livonia), Motor City
Matt Moeller (Fraser), Metro
Tristan Musser (Lansing), Dubuque
Nicholas O'Lewin (Linden), Flint
Nicholas Page (Lake Orion), Flint
Jesse Peterson (Clinton Township), Metro
Michael Peterson (Marquette), Cleveland
Vinnie Pietrangelo (Traverse City), Metro
Radney Ritchie (Kendallville), Grand Rapids
Louis Ronayne (Northville), Chicago
Cameron Rossman (Allen Park), Toledo
Joe Rutkowski (St. Clair Shores), Metro
Zachary Runge (Hastings), Grand Rapids
Will Saley (Milford), Metro
Kurt Schoenherr (Royal Oak), Toledo
Tyler Schofield (Clio), Metro
Nathan Scurfield (Midland), Flint
Sean Serapilia (Madison Heights), Toledo
Zachary Shaw (Troy), Motor City
Ryan Shepard (Canton), Motor City
Nathan Sherriff (Rochester Hills), Flint
Jonathon Starling (Saginaw), Grand Rapids
Tyler Stricker (Ceder), Flint
Lucas Swardenski (Ada), Dubuque
Andrew Theisen (Dearborn), Motor City
Chad Tickner (Ann Arbor), Toledo
Trevor Troupe (Goodrich), Flint
Steve Vandenberghe (Bruce Township), Metro
Derek Vanderlinder (Ann Arbor), Motor City
Justin Vinson (Livonia), Metro
Casey Wheatley (Tawas City), Flint
Jonathan Wickersham (Macomb), Metro
Joshua Williams (Flushing), Toledo
Zacari Woodard (Jackson), Grand Rapids
Cole Workman (Howell), Motor City
Peter Wychocki (Allen Park), Motor City
Ryan Wysocki (Wyoming), Toledo
Andrew Yocius (Holland), Peoria
Matthew Zaremba (Gaylord), Cleveland
Michael Zielke (Clinton Township), Toledo

LIST: Michigan natives in the USHL

Kevin Albers (Lake Orion), Green Bay
Shane Berschbach (Clawson), Indiana
Reid Boucher (Grand Ledge), U.S. Under-17 Team
Jack Campbell (Port Huron), U.S. Under-18 Team
Brock Carlston (Muskegon), Cedar Rapids
Jake Chelios (Bloomfield Hills), Chicago
Austin Czarnik (Washington), U.S. Under-18 Team
Scott Czarnowczan (Macomb), Green Bay
Nick Czinder (West Bloomfield), Youngstown
Brent Darnell (Canton), Sioux Falls
Dan Dekeyser (Algonac), Sioux City
Justin DeMartino (Macomb), Tri-City
Luke Eibler (Pinckney), Youngstown
Kevin Gravel (Kingsford), Sioux City
Rocco Grimaldi (Auburn Hills), U.S. Under-17 Team
Steven Hensley (Livonia), Cedar Rapids
Stuart Higgins (Troy), Youngstown
Cason Hohmann (Plymouth), Cedar Rapids
Adam Janeczyk (Ada), Sioux City
David Johnstone (Grand Ledge), Indiana
Jacob Johnstone (Grand Ledge), Sioux Falls
Joe Kalisz (Davison), Sioux City
William Kessel (Bloomfield Hills), Green Bay
Justin Kovacs (Grosse Pointe Woods), Cedar Rapids
Alex Krushelnyski (Bloomfield Hills), Chicago
Christopher Leone (Dearborn Heights), Green Bay
Travis Lynch (White Lake), Green Bay
Matthew Mahalak (Monroe), Youngstown
John McCarron (Macomb), Lincoln
James McNulty (Fenton), Lincoln
Jon Merrill (Brighton), U.S. Under-18 Team
Ryan Misiak (Shelby Township), Sioux Falls
Michael Montrose (Howell), Tri-City
CJ Motte (St. Clair), Waterloo
Mac Olson (Grosse Pointe), Chicago
Adam Philips (Farmington Hills), Indiana
Blake Pietila (Brighton), U.S. Under-17 Team
Rick Pinkston (Trenton), Tri-City
Ryan Rashid (Farmington Hills), Sioux City
Eric Rohrkemper (Grosse Pointe Woods), Omaha
Bryan Rust (Bloomfield Hills), U.S. Under-18 Team
Andy Ryan (Brighton), U.S. Under-17 Team
Reed Seckel (Melvin), Green Bay
Dominik Shine (Pinckney), Lincoln
Andrew Sinelli (Dexter), Sioux City
Brad Smith (Trenton), Green Bay
Matt Stewart (Brighton), Green Bay
Brent Tate (Canton), Lincoln
Brady Vail (Northville), Waterloo
DJ Vandercook (Farmington Hills), Des Moines
Michael Voran (Livonia), Sioux Falls
Steve West (Milford), Lincoln
Charles Williams (Canton), Des Moines
Camden Wojtala (Trenton), Omaha
Greg Wolfe (Canton), Chicago
Willie Yanakeff (Jerome), Sioux City

LIST: Michigan natives in the NAHL

Austin Accettura (Novi), Marquette
Ryan Amin (Canton), Kenai River
Alex Amundson (Brookfield), Janesville
Kurtis Anton (Rochester Hills), Topeka
Billy Balent (Waterford), Motor City
Derek Bayagich (Clinton Township), Kenai River
Kevin Bechard (Trenton), Marquette
Doug Beck (Canton), Kenai River
Steven Behm (Grand Rapids), Texas
Wolff Belanger (Marquette), Marquette
Sam Bell (Munith), Motor City
Joel Benson (Marquette), Alpena
Bobby Bodette (Garden), Marquette
Josh Botimer (Bay City), Alpena
Mike Bourgon (Plymouth), Motor City
Steve Brancheau (River Rouge), Motor City
Sean Burke (Traverse City), Traverse City
Josh Bussell (Detroit), Texas
Brad Chapman (Marquette), Marquette
Chris Ciotti (Romeo), St. Louis
Doug Clifford (Woodhaven), Traverse City
Kent Daavettila (Howell), Marquette
Ali Dakroub (Dearborn), Motor City
Scott Deur (Big Rapids), Texas
Cody Donnay (Fenton), Marquette
Carter Foguth (Fenton), Marquette
Will Ford (Ann Arbor), Marquette
Ryan Gaffney (Okemos), Alpena
Nickolas Gatt (Farmington Hills), Topeka
Kevin Gibson (Grosse Pointe), Marquette
Matt Grassa (Clinton Township), Wichita Falls
Philip Graveline (Marshall), Wichita Falls
Andrew Graves (Allen Park), Motor City
Mike Gunn (Livonia), St. Louis
Jimmy Hamby (Ann Arbor), Kenai River
Chris Heineman (New Boston), Traverse City - pictured
Curtis Heinz (Grand Rapids), Traverse City
Scott Henegar (Trenton), Marquette
Tyler Hinkson (Manistique), Alpena
Dustin Hopfner (Eastpointe), Motor City
Andy Huff (Howell), Traverse City
Anthony Iaquinto (Brighton), Wichita Falls
Alex Jacobs (Detroit), Texas
Bo Jacobs (Twin Lakes), Traverse City
Brian Jean (Sault Ste. Marie), Traverse City
Kyle Jean (Sault Ste. Marie), Traverse City
Dave Johnson (Lake Orion), Marquette
Matt Johnson (Clinton Township), Albert Lea
Tanner Kero (Hancock), Marquette
Kevin Kissaw (Goodrich), Marquette
Bryon Kozlowski (Livonia), Springfield
Adam Kuhn (Southgate), Wichita Falls
Garrett Ladd (Fenton), Marquette
Trevor Ladd (Fenton), Marquette
Rodney Lalonde (Utica), Janesville
Gregg Leonardo (Bloomfield Hills), Kenai River
Brett Lubanski (Farmington Hills), Kenai River
Brandon Lubin (Commerce Township), Albert Lea
Micki Mahailovich (Westland), Kenai River
Tyler Marble (Traverse City), Traverse City
Brandon Marshall (Howell), Alpena
Jimmy McCusker (Novi), Alpena
MacAulay McDonnell (Allen Park), Motor City
Daniel McDougall (Sterling Heights), Marquette
Sean McKenzie (Howell), Wichita Falls
Kevin McLean (Detroit), Texas
Eric McLintock (Traverse City), Traverse City
Nate Milam (Westland), Topeka
Jordan Miller (Trenton), Alpena
Josh Miller (Trenton), Traverse City
Dajon Mingo (Canton), Kenai River
Patrick Moran (Highland), Kenai River
Josh Munford (Muskegon), Bismarck
Kevin O'Connor (Ann Arbor), Motor City
Stephen Obarzanek (Macomb), Alpena/Albert Lea
Tim Opie (Troy), Traverse City
Dominic Panetta (Grand Rapids), Bismarck
Nicholas Peruzzi (Rochester Hills), St. Louis
Sam Rendle (Grand Rapids), Bismarck
Eric Rivard (Traverse City), Traverse City
Joe Rogers (Marysville), Albert Lea
Josh Royston (Mason), Kenai River
Collin Saint-Onge (Marquette), Marquette
Nick Shkreli (Romeo), Traverse City
Petrus Siplila (Grosse Ile), Albert Lea
Thor Skalski (Brighton), Motor City
Michell Snider (Traverse City), Alpena
Jason Souva (Alpena), Alpena
Joe Spencer (Clinton Township), Kenai River
Robert Tadazak (Lapeer), Alexandria
Nate Taurence (Trenton), Marquette
Nick Taurence (Trenton), Alpena
Sheldon Taylor (Grosse Ile), Motor City
Tony Thomas (South Lyon), Topeka
Garrett Thompson (Traverse City), Traverse City
Mike Thompson (Farmington Hills), Janesville
Ryan Timar (Novi), Alpena
Steve Tulgetska (Alpena), Alpena
Jared Van Wormer (Traverse City), Traverse City
Phil Wendecker (Westland), Traverse City
Travis White (Sterling Heights), Traverse City
Jon Wilson (Trenton), Motor City
Cody Wydo (Allen Park), Motor City
Andy Yarber (Livonia), Alpena
Joe Zarzycki (Clinton Township), Motor City

Photo by Robert Meyer

Watson promoted to GM in Saginaw

The Saginaw Spirit have announced a contract extension and promotion for director of hockey operations and head coach Todd Watson.

Effectively immediately, Watson will serve as the team’s general manager and head coach.

“We are happy to come to the agreement with Todd that essentially has him here for another five years minimum," said Spirit president Craig Goslin. "He is supported by a family that includes his wife, Nicole, daughters, Emily and Allison, and sons, Joseph and John Michael that have all become major ingredients to the fabric of the Saginaw Spirit and of the Great Lakes Bay region. We are glad that they will call Saginaw their home for many years to come."

"Todd has done a outstanding job building and representing our community and franchise,” stated Spirit owner Dick Garber. “I have complete confidence that with Todd and the staff he has assembled around him that we will accomplish the franchise’s goal of competing for championships. However, even more important is the confidence I have that the young men who represent our hockey club are getting developed off the ice. What I respect most about Todd Watson is that he cares more about the our players, program and our community than he does about himself or career, and that is a sign of a great leader"

“My family and I couldn’t be happier," said Watson. “We’re happy to be here and we’re thankful to Dick and Craig for the continuing opportunity to be a part of the Saginaw Spirit family. We’ve been very successful on and off the ice thanks in no small part of the work ethic and devotion of our players and hockey staff. I am proud of their involvement in the fabric of the local community and I am thankful for the opportunity to continue working with them.

"Professionalism, competency, work ethic, accountability, respect, loyalty, honesty and integrity are all values that the Saginaw Spirit organization strives for each day," added Goslin. "Todd Watson has a proven track record of working to achieve these values in his managing and coaching of the fine young men that make up the roster for the Spirit hockey club. We look forward to continuing to work together with Todd and his fine staff to build a winner here in the Great Lakes Bay region that we all can be very proud of."

LIST: Michigan natives in the OHL

Evan Accettura (Novi), Erie
Alex Aleardi (Farmington Hills), Kitchener - pictured
Brandon Archibald (Port Huron), Sault Ste. Marie
TJ Battani (Armada), Sault Ste. Marie
Josh Bemis (Clarkston), Plymouth
Tyler J. Brown (Westland), Plymouth
Cam Fowler (Farmington Hills), Windsor
AJ Jenks (Wolverine Lake), Plymouth
Jared Knight (Battle Creek), London
Austin Levi (Farmington Hills), Plymouth
RJ Mahalak (Monroe), Plymouth
Austin Mattson (Livonia), Plymouth
Myles McCauley (Sterling Heights), Plymouth
Jimmy McDowell (Dimondale), Oshawa
Dean Pawlaczyk (Madison Heights), Barrie
Saverio Posa (Grand Blanc), Windsor
Garrett Ross (Dearborn Heights), Saginaw
Barry Sanderson (Dearborn), Saginaw
Beau Schmitz (Howell), Plymouth
Shawn Szydlowski (St. Clair Shores), Erie
Joe Underwood (Canton), Saginaw
Brad Walch (Saginaw), Saginaw
Austin Watson (Ann Arbor), Windsor

Photo by Walt Dmoch

Vandenberghe looks steady for Jets

When the Metro Jets overhauled their roster during the offseason, they did so by bringing back three defensemen from last year, leaving only a handful of spots on the back end for the taking.

At the annual CSHL draft last May, the Jets picked up blueliner Steve Vandenberghe from De La Salle Collegiate High School in Warren, and he’s fit in very nicely most nights playing with second-year defenseman Steve Lockwood (Clarkston).

“Playing with Lockwood has been good and we have done pretty well together,” said Vandenberghe, a 17-year-old from Bruce Township. “I think I have adjusted well to the speed of the game and am used to the speed.”

The 5-foot-10, 160-pound Vandenberghe said he had several options after last season, a season in which he captained De La Salle, but bought into what the Jets are building and chose to come to Waterford, even if the team is off to a rough start.

“The mood is still positive,” Vandenberghe said. “I think we will get it going soon.”

Metro’s coaching staff is high on Vandenberghe, who turns 18 next month, and feels he can definitely advance his game to higher leagues.

“Steve is a skilled player and was a top-notch defenseman last year,” Jets GM Butch Wolfe said. “With good offensive instincts, he needs to simplify his game a bit to be successful at this level. If he can pull that together, he should be able to move on.”

“Vandy’s a guy who’s got good skill on the back end,” continued Metro assistant coach Ryan Skop. “He’s very mobile and he’s learning that sometimes keeping it simple will make him much more effective. He’s a good character guy, doesn’t say much, but he works very hard. He fits right in here and he keeps working like he does, I’m sure he’ll have a chance to move up.”

Vandenberghe, who said his strengths are puckhandling and skating and weakness is lack of a physical game, already has thought of what the words “moving up” mean.

“In five years, I want to be done with college and be able to start off with a solid job,” he said. “That would be nice.”

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

Metro was idle in CSHL action last weekend, but did play an exhibition game against ACHA D-I Adrian College, losing to the Bulldogs, 6-3, in Adrian.

Justin Vinson (Livonia) scored twice and Michael Denston (White Lake) added a single for the Jets.

Ian Mercer (Rochester Hills) started in goal and allowed one goal on 13 shots in 30 minutes of work. R.J. Heath (Holly) played the last half of the game and gave up five goals on 22 shots.

"The guys picked their game back up to a more respectable level after, more or less, a total letdown last Wednesday," Wolfe said.

Metro also had two goals disallowed.

Prior to the game, the Jets toured the arena and its facilities, as well as the rest of the 1400-student campus.

"(Adrian coach) Dan Phelps and his staff were very gracious hosts," added Wolfe.

Metro heads to Pittsburgh this Saturday and Sunday for a pair of games with the Jr. Penguins, who are a perfect 4-0-0 in their first season in the league.

Pittsburgh is led offensively by Mikael Lemieux (5-8-13), Vincent Somma (3-7-10) and Kyle Rosendale (4-4-8) and by goaltender Colin LeMay, who has three of the team’s four wins this year while posting a 2.00 goals-against average and a .920 save percentage.

The Jr. Penguins are also second in the CSHL in goals allowed with eight and also sit second in goals scored with 26 – an average of more than six per game.

JET FUEL

Rookie forward Jesse Peterson (Clinton Township) was released on Tuesday after posting no points in the season opener Sept. 12 against St. Louis.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Steve Greenberg, a Metro forward in the late 1990s, is now an assistant coach for the Capital Centre Pride Midget Major AAA team that plays in the Northern Lakes Hockey League.

After playing for the Jets, Greenberg played for the Pride franchise in the North American Hockey League and then went on to play Division III college hockey at SUNY-Fredonia.

Photo by Andy Grossman

Rangers' home opener tomorrow night

You would be right in thinking the Marquette Rangers are anxious to start the 2009-10 regular season, especially after going 3-1 at the North American Hockey League Showcase last week in Blaine, Minn.

Although optimistic following the strong start, head coach Kenny Miller says the team is taking a “moment by moment” approach heading into the Rangers’ home opener tomorrow night at Lakeview Arena against the Fairbanks Ice Dogs of the NAHL West Division.

“The showcase was great, but that was last week,” Miller said. “We’re really trying to focus in on today and what we need to do today to be a better hockey team. We’re pleased at what we’ve seen so far, but we’re really trying to get across to the guys that every day is important. We’re not talking about playoffs, we’re not talking about points in the division, we’re not talking about next week. We’re truly working on just being as good of a hockey team today as we can be.”

Miller acknowledges it sounds cliché, but with a young group of players and a 54-game schedule ahead, he wants to make sure this team sees the big picture.

“If we get too far ahead of ourselves, we might start focusing on things other than improvement,” Miller added. “If we keep our eye on what we’re doing, and take away talk of division races, points, individual numbers and things like that, I really think good things will happen for this team.”

The Rangers recorded Showcase wins over Texas, Wichita Falls and Kenai River. Their only loss was to Wenatchee.

In the early part of the season, Miller has seen a balance in scoring between returning Rangers and a talented group of rookies.

Rookie Brent Bain and third-year Ranger Garrett Ladd (Fenton) lead the team in scoring with five points apiece on the young season, while newcomer Andrew Kolb leads the team in goals so far with three in four games at the Showcase.

Kevin Kissaw (Goodrich) has seen the bulk of the load in goal so far this season, sporting a record of 2-1 and a goals-against average of 1.33 to go with a save percentage of .968. Ranger rookie netminder Lukas Hafner saw action in the team's win against Kenai River, picking up his first win, as well as his first point (an assist) in a Rangers uniform.

Fairbanks, a perennial power in the West, is off to another strong start with a 3-2-2 record on the season, including a Showcase record of 3-1 with wins over Springfield, Albert Lea and North Iowa.

The Ice Dogs, who will stay in the Lower 48 to play at Alpena next week, are led in scoring by Michael Juola (3-8-11) and Mark Pustin (5-5-10) in six games so far this season.

Tyler Bruggeman (2.91 GAA, .922 SV%.) and Mike Taffe (1.00 GAA, .959 SV% ) have split time between the pipes for Fairbanks.

North Stars meet the public Thursday

The Traverse City North Stars will officially meet the public tomorrow at Auntie Pasta’s in Traverse City, hosting its annual meet-and-greet from 5-8 p.m.

North Stars players, coaches, and ownership, including new co-owner and former Detroit Red Wings great Dallas Drake, will be in attendance.

The event will be part of a live broadcast on WKLT-FM (97.5/98.9) and is open to the public.

Auntie Pasta’s is located in Logan’s Landing in Traverse City, 1 ½ miles east of the Grand Traverse Mall on S. Airport Rd.

Whalers very active in local community

Courtesy Plymouth Whalers

If you are a fan of the Plymouth Whalers, you’ve heard of the term "Whaler Hockey."

Whaler Hockey is aggressive, blue-collar, in-your-face, emotional hockey. It’s successful hockey that doesn’t work for the faint of heart.

Sweat equity equals success on the ice.

The attitude of Whaler Hockey permeates into other areas of the organization away from the rink.

On Saturday, Tyler G. Brown scored a goal in overtime that was sure to make the highlight reel.

On Sunday, the team came together and made more highlights that nobody even knew about.

Following a weekend in which the Whalers won two games, the team could have taken the day off to rest, follow the pennant race with the Detroit Tigers, cheer for the Detroit Lions, or maybe hit the golf course.

Maybe the Whalers did get to do those things on a beautiful afternoon, but first they had a job to do. Whalers head coach and GM Mike Vellucci led his team to Northville High School, where the Whalers worked cleaning up and beautifying the Mustangs’ softball field.

Three hours later, the sweat equity of pulling weeds, edging the infield, defining the warning track, picking up debris and generally cleaning up the area left the field in excellent playing shape.

WHALERS WORK TO SHOW GREATEST ASSIST CAN HAPPEN OFF THE ICE

Saginaw trades former top pick Pachis

The Saginaw Spirit traded forward Daniel Pachis to the Oshawa Generals Friday for a conditional 10th-round pick in the 2010 OHL Priority Selection.

Pachis is entering his third year in the Ontario Hockey League. The 1991-born Whitby, Ont., native tallied four goals and six assists in 81 games the past two seasons after being Saginaw's first-round pick in the 2007 draft.

Heath playing well early for Metro

Last season, it was no secret that goaltending wasn’t at the level it needed to be for the Metro Jets to make an impact in the Central States Hockey League.

This season, the team brass went out and made sure goaltending would be an asset this season and so far, even though Metro is still winless, the goalies cannot be faulted.

R.J. Heath and Ian Mercer make up the combo in net for the Jets this season and are the main reason for keeping the team in all three games they’ve played so far.

Heath, in particular, has been stellar and has the praise of the coaching staff.

“Heater's a goalie who's capable of carrying a team,” Metro assistant coach Ryan Skop said. “From the day he got here, he's made a difference in how our team plays. Our guys are very comfortable with him between the pipes and most times, R.J.'s going to make the big save when called upon. Through our first couple exhibition games and our first couple regular season games, he's yet to give up a bad goal.”

This time last year, Heath, a Holly native, was the No. 3 goalie with the Alexandria Blizzard of the North American Hockey League and wound up the year back in Michigan with the Motor City Machine, but didn’t see any game action with either club.

“Our scout, Tim Ross, had been watching R.J. play for a year or two before this one and Tim had always liked him,” said Skop. “R.J. started the past couple years up in the NAHL, and because of a few injury problems, never really got a chance. This year, he was looking for a place where he could play. He wanted a chance to compete and play, and he's getting that here. It works out well for him because he's a local guy, and he can take care of some school while he's playing, too.”

Skop added that in addition to his skill, Heath comes with a bit more of the intangibles.

“He's a big guy who doesn't give you much to look at when you're shooting,” Skop said. “He fills up a lot of the net. The best thing about Heater is he's really quick for his size. I don't think there are too many guys at 6-foot-3 and 235 pounds that can move the way he does.”

Heath will also serve as a mentor to Mercer (Rochester Hills), two years his junior, and once the Jets team as a whole gets untracked, goaltending will be an even bigger key to any success Metro will have this year.

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

The Jets opened their 21st season in the CSHL last weekend at home and suffered a pair of defeats to the St. Louis Jr. Blues.

Saturday night, Josh Magnan (Waterford), Jonathon Elliott (Bloomfield Hills), Will Saley (Milford) and Vinnie Pietrangelo (Traverse City) scored in the 8-4 loss, while Heath stopped 31 shots.

Then on Sunday afternoon, Magnan and Jonathan Wickersham (Macomb) were the goal scorers in a 4-2 loss that saw Mercer make 36 saves.

"On Saturday night, if not for a six-minute stretch in the second period, that's a one-goal game," Metro GM Butch Wolfe said. "Then Sunday, we took a three-minute stretch off in the third period and it cost us the game.”

Veteran defenseman Brett Grech (Hartland) had an assist in each game for Metro, who was then shutout Wednesday night in Flint, 6-0. Heath and Mercer combined for a 38-save outing.

Afterwards, Skop showed his emotions.

"(Wednesday) night was a setback I'm not happy about," said Skop. "We weren't ready to play. Period. The easiest thing to do in hockey is work hard and we didn't do that. No one did that. We weren't physical and we weren't intense. We brought nothing. If not for Heath and Mercer, it could easily have been a 12-0 game.

"This is surprising because our guys have done a good job of bringing it every day. I'm sure they'll get back to that."

Tomorrow night, the Jets play an exhibition game against Adrian College’s ACHA Division I team before jumping back into CSHL play next weekend in Pittsburgh.

JET FUEL

Captains have yet to be named this season … Two Jets from last season – goaltender Nick Ceccolini (Grand Rapids) and forward Paul Elezaj (Motor City) – have landed with new CSHL teams this year … This season is the 20th for the Jets at Lakeland Arena. Their first year’s home games were played at Inkster Ice Arena.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Austin Brown, a defenseman who played for the Jets during the 2005-2006 season, is entering his sophomore season at St. Scholastica College, a Division III school located in Duluth, Minn.

Brown, a 22-year-old from Bloomfield Township, tallied five assists in 23 games last season with the Saints.


Photo by Andy Grossman

Rangers readying for NAHL Showcase

Despite temperatures in the high 70s over the past week, the Marquette Rangers have been on the ice preparing for this Wednesday’s North American Hockey League season opener against the Texas Tornado at the NAHL Showcase in Blaine, Minn.

“We’re to the point where it will be good to play in an actual game instead of just practice,” said head coach Kenny Miller. “We had a successful exhibition weekend over in the Soo (against the Soo Eagles of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League) where we won two games against a good team, but to see how we play within our league will give us a much better idea of where we are and what we might need to work on.

“Obviously, we’re excited to try and improve on last year where we had some good things happen, but ultimately didn’t make the playoffs which is one of our main goals this season.”

The Rangers open the showcase Wednesday against a perennial NAHL power in the Texas Tornado. The Tornado organization was dormant last year while renovations were made to their rink in suburban Dallas, but have a strong history in the NAHL claiming three straight Robertson Cup championships from 2004-2006.

The game with Texas will also be a matchup involving four Tornado players who skated in Marquette prior to moving south. Forward Scott Deur, defenseman Brendan Bandyk and goaltender Dan Sullivan all skated for the Rangers last season, while Texas forward Josh Bussell was a Ranger in 2007-08 before being traded to the Motor City Machine.

Marquette will follow with games Thursday against the Wenatchee Wild and Friday against the Wichita Falls Wildcats before wrapping up the event Saturday against the Kenai River Brown Bears.

Marquette opens the home portion of the regular season September 25-26 at Lakeview Arena against the Fairbanks Ice Dogs of the West Division.

“We have a good blend of newcomers and veterans,” Miller added. “We’ll be strong in goal with Kevin Kissaw returning and the addition of Lukas Hafner. We have experienced defense and a strong core group of guys who can put the puck in the net, too, so we’re anxious to get on the bus and get the season underway.”

The Rangers have also named captains for the 2009-10 campaign. Garrett Ladd, a third-year Rangers forward has been named captain, while Collin Saint-Onge, Scott Henegar and Austin Accettura will act as assistants.

Spirit sign Russian forward Telegin

The Saginaw Spirit announced yesterday the signing of Russian center Ivan Telegin, who was drafted by the Spirit 42nd overall in the 2009 CHL Import Draft.

Telegin is a top prospect for the 2010 NHL Entry Draft and is one of the top-rated 1992-born players coming out of Russia.

The Novokuznetsk native spent the 2008-2009 regular season with the Novokuznetsk Metallurg in addition to sevaral stints on the international stage. Telegin participated in the 2009 World Under 17 Hockey Challenge with Russia, where he garnered two goals and two assists in five games and won silver with Russia in the 2009 Memorial of Ivan Hlinka, where he tallied three assists.

“We are excited to get Ivan,” stated Spirit head coach Todd Watson. “He is a top NHL prospect that plays with an edge that combines grit with offensive skill. From the video I’ve seen and from what I’ve heard, this kid will be a factor on-ice.”

Spirit director of scouting Jim Paliafito echoed Watson’s thoughts.

“He is an elite center with NHL first round talent," Paliafito said. "He plays the North American style of hockey, and combined with his offensive skill, makes a valuable addition to the Spirit’s future."

"The Saginaw Spirit organization is thrilled to welcome a player with the international credentials that Ivan Telegin brings to the Great Lakes Bay Region,” stated Spirit president and partner Craig Goslin. “He was the captain of Team Russia and is regarded by many in the NHL scouting community as being a ‘highly skilled difference maker.' His presence as part of the Saginaw Spirit will certainly be something that all sports fans are going to want to come to the Dow Event Center to experience for themselves this season."