Warriors fall short in Robertson Cup

The Fairbanks Ice Dogs were crowned the 2011 Robertson Cup champions after their 4-2 victory over the Michigan Warriors in the championship game of the North American Hockey League’s Robertson Cup Championship Tournament on Saturday at the Kansas Expocentre in Topeka, Kan.

Forward John Stampohar connected for a goal and two assists, including one on defenseman Pete Spratte’s game-winning marker, in the victory, and goaltender Joe Phillippi, who was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player and to the All-Tournament Team, turned aside 23 shots.

Also named to the All-Tournament Team were forwards Jordan Davis (Topeka RoadRunners), Scott Henegar (Michigan) and Tayler Munson (Fairbanks) and defensemen Derek Hills (Amarillo Bulls) and Kevin Gibson (Michigan).

The Robertson Cup crowns the playoff champion of the NAHL and USA Hockey's Tier II Junior A national champion.

At the conclusion of the three-game round robin, which ran from Tuesday through Thursday, the West Division champion Ice Dogs finished with the most points (six) to earn an automatic berth to the championship game.

The South Division champion Bulls, who finished the round robin with a 2-1 record (four points), and the North Division champion Warriors, who finished at 1-2 (two), played in the semifinal game on Friday (Michigan won, 6-2).

With the fewest points at the conclusion of the round robin (zero), the NAHL’s regular-season champion and host RoadRunners were eliminated from the tournament.

The oldest junior hockey trophy in the United States, the Robertson Cup is named in honor of Chuck Robertson, a pioneer of junior hockey in the NAHL and youth hockey in the state of Michigan. Robertson was the owner of the Paddock Pools Saints when they won a record seven straight NAHL championships from 1976-83.

This marks the Ice Dogs' first Robertson Cup championship in the organization's history.

Metal Jackets moving to Buffalo area

The North American Hockey League has announced that its Board of Governors has approved the relocation of the Motor City Metal Jackets’ membership to Jamestown, N.Y., for the 2011-12 season.

The team, which is owned by a group headed by Kenji Yamada (pictured), will be renamed the Jamestown Ironmen and play its home games out of the 2,685-seat James Saving Bank Arena in Jamestown, which is located 75 miles southwest of Buffalo.

“Since he’s been associated with our league, Kenji Yamada has shown a tremendous commitment to the growth and success of the NAHL,” said NAHL commissioner Mark Frankenfeld. “He and his staff deliver a first-class product, both from a business perspective and in terms of player development, and we’re looking forward to him carrying that winning combination into the Jamestown market for years to come.”

“I’m thankful for the support the NAHL, the arena and the local community has shown for our organization,” said Yamada. “Our relocation is sure to be a positive move for junior hockey in Western New York and the surrounding areas, and it’s our hope to showcase a competitive and entertaining product for both the community and the NAHL.”

“The Lake Chautauqua and Jamestown areas give the team the opportunity to be the premier hockey program in the region,” said Ironmen vice president David Cole. “Western New York has a great hockey tradition and a first-class facility like the Jamestown Saving Bank Ice Arena gives our organization and the NAHL the opportunity to provide hockey players an ideal platform to develop and great entertainment for local fans.”

Dan Daikawa has been named the team’s head coach. He replaces Cole, who served as the organization’s head coach its first two seasons.

The last four years, Daikawa served as the head coach of the Miami University club team of the American Collegiate Hockey Association where he guided the program to four consecutive national tournament appearances.

“With Dan’s experience and professionalism, I expect him to instill a strong work ethic in our team and a high level of player development,” said Yamada. “He’s also a very admirable person to work with, so I strongly believe we can build a competitive team - one that will prove successful on the ice and in the community - among our management, staff and players.”

“I’m extremely excited for the opportunity to lead the Ironmen and begin our quest to establish the team as a top NAHL program, on and off the ice,” said Daikawa. “I'd like to thank Ironmen president Kenji Yamada for the trust he's placed in me to pursue this great challenge.”

As a player, Daikawa skated in the United States Hockey League before playing at Miami University from 1991-94. He was named to the CCHA All-Rookie Team his freshman season and was a member of the Redhawks team that advanced to the NCAA tournament in 1992.

After college, Daikawa embarked on a successful playing career in Japan, where he played 11 years in the JIHL and AHL. He was a four-time member of the Japanese National Team, playing on four Pool A World Championship squads, and was a member of the Japanese Olympic Team that competed in the 1998 Olympic Games in Nagano, Japan.

“The NAHL is a great league and I’m excited to be a part of it,” Daikawa added.

Daikawa and his wife, Lori, have three children: Kullan, Makenna and Cooper.

Motor City, which played in suburban Detroit, was a member of the NAHL since the 2008-09 season. It played the 2008-09 season as the Motor City Machine.

Jets tender local goalie Hellebuyck

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

'Jacks Taft chooses Colorado College

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Whalers add picks for Saturday's draft

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

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

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

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

Muskegon had stability in 2010-2011

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Warriors' Tadazak named NAHL MVP

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other award winners recognized at the banquet were:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Warriors win play-in, will stay in Topeka

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

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

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

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

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

Muskegon finishes successful season

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NAHL All-North team has Michigan feel

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

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

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

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

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

Warriors win North, advance to play-in

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OHL draft should have Michigan flavor

Courtesy Michigan Hockey

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

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

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

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

Forwards

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Defensemen

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

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

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

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

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

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

Goaltenders

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

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

Honorable mention

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

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

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

Panthers ink Spirit forward McFarland

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

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

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

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

Photo courtesy CHL Images

19 from Michigan taken in Futures Draft

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

USHL Futures Draft - Frequently Asked Questions

USHL Clubs Set for 2011 Futures Draft

Eagles off to chase Dudley Hewitt Cup

By SCOTT NASON (snason@lssu.edu)

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

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

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

More from EUPNews.com HERE.

Photo courtesy sandmarkphotography.com.

Megna brothers face-off in round 2

By Christopher Heimerman

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UNO draws two

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It’s all in the family

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

USHL Futures Draft set for tomorrow

USHL Futures Draft - Frequently Asked Questions

USHL Clubs Set for 2011 Futures Draft

Whalers finish season with banquet

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

The following players received awards:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHALERS BOOSTER CLUB AWARDS:

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

SCHOLASTIC PLAYER of the YEAR: Czarnik.

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

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

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

Wyandotte's Wydo picks Robert Morris

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Six Questions with Jason Cirone

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo by Andy Grossman/Detailed Images