Ray Kaunisto's second goal of the game, 3:49 into overtime, gave the Soo Indians a 5-4 win and a 3-2 lead in their North Division final with the U.S. Under-17 Team in Ann Arbor last night.
Nik Sellers had tied the game with eight seconds left in the third period after Joe Beaudry made it 4-3 at 17:49 of the third period with his second goal of the game.
Troy Redmann made 29 saves in net for the win while at the other end, Brett Bennett stopped 36 for Team USA.
Zac MacVoy (incoming Michigan recruit), Blake Geoffrion, Trent Palm and Rhett Rakhshani scored for the Under-17 Team.
Game 6 is tomorrow night in Sault Ste. Marie. If Game 7 is needed, it will be Sunday night back at the Ann Arbor Ice Cube.
Friday, April 22, 2005
Thursday, April 21, 2005
Alpena gets NAHL team for this fall
It's official - the Toledo IceDiggers are moving to Alpena.
In a press conference held at the Northern Lights Arena last Saturday night, Mike Mankowski, head coach and general manager of the IceDiggers, the team's owners, and Norm Sommerfeld, manager of Northern Lights Arena, made the announcement that the North American Hockey League unanimously approved moving the team to Alpena and an agreement has been signed with the rink.
The team will be re-named the Alpena IceDiggers.
"It's been a long three to four weeks working out the final details," Mankowski said. "Obviously, this is an exciting time for us and the Alpena community. We're excited to go to a community where we're wanted and appreciated. Norm has done a tremendous amount of work to get this done and our owners have done a tremendous amount of work to get this done. The Northern Lights Arena and the IceDiggers see this as a great opportunity - a win-win situation."
The IceDiggers are signed to a one-year contract with two one-year options.
"First off, we're glad it's over," Sommerfeld said. "There have been a lot of revisions to make it happen. There hasn't been any one sticking point, but we've been going back and forth. This is huge for us economically and for the community. This is going to bring $70-80,000 in revenue to the rink. There are a lot of expenses, but the revenue outweighs the expenses."
The NAHL playoffs are in full swing and although the IceDiggers aren't in the postseason things aren't going to slow down for long.
"April and May are big recruiting months," Mankowski said. "In June and July are open tryouts."
The IceDiggers will be holding their invitational camp in Alpena July 31-Aug. 2. Rookies will report on Aug. 14 and veterans on Aug. 21. Mankowski said the IceDiggers are holding open camps in Toledo and Philadelphia and there are plans to hold an open camp in Alpena in late July.
ICEDIGGERS TENDER THREE FOR '05-06
Goalie Phil Greer, center Andrew Wilcox and left wing Darin Holland have all signed with Alpena for this coming fall.
Wilcox and Holland were teammates this past season with the Rochester (Minn.) Century High team while Greer tended goal for for Kimball Union (Mass.) Academy in the New England Prep League where he played 897 minutes posting a 3.01 goals-against average and a .900 save percentage.
In a press conference held at the Northern Lights Arena last Saturday night, Mike Mankowski, head coach and general manager of the IceDiggers, the team's owners, and Norm Sommerfeld, manager of Northern Lights Arena, made the announcement that the North American Hockey League unanimously approved moving the team to Alpena and an agreement has been signed with the rink.
The team will be re-named the Alpena IceDiggers.
"It's been a long three to four weeks working out the final details," Mankowski said. "Obviously, this is an exciting time for us and the Alpena community. We're excited to go to a community where we're wanted and appreciated. Norm has done a tremendous amount of work to get this done and our owners have done a tremendous amount of work to get this done. The Northern Lights Arena and the IceDiggers see this as a great opportunity - a win-win situation."
The IceDiggers are signed to a one-year contract with two one-year options.
"First off, we're glad it's over," Sommerfeld said. "There have been a lot of revisions to make it happen. There hasn't been any one sticking point, but we've been going back and forth. This is huge for us economically and for the community. This is going to bring $70-80,000 in revenue to the rink. There are a lot of expenses, but the revenue outweighs the expenses."
The NAHL playoffs are in full swing and although the IceDiggers aren't in the postseason things aren't going to slow down for long.
"April and May are big recruiting months," Mankowski said. "In June and July are open tryouts."
The IceDiggers will be holding their invitational camp in Alpena July 31-Aug. 2. Rookies will report on Aug. 14 and veterans on Aug. 21. Mankowski said the IceDiggers are holding open camps in Toledo and Philadelphia and there are plans to hold an open camp in Alpena in late July.
ICEDIGGERS TENDER THREE FOR '05-06
Goalie Phil Greer, center Andrew Wilcox and left wing Darin Holland have all signed with Alpena for this coming fall.
Wilcox and Holland were teammates this past season with the Rochester (Minn.) Century High team while Greer tended goal for for Kimball Union (Mass.) Academy in the New England Prep League where he played 897 minutes posting a 3.01 goals-against average and a .900 save percentage.
Kvapil named to OHL All-Rookie Team
Saginaw Spirit forward Marek Kvapil is the first runner-up for the OHL Rookie of the Year honors, earning a spot on the league's All-Rookie squad for 2004-05.
Kvapil was the OHL Rookie of the Month in November and January. He had 25 goals and 37 assists in just 53 games with the Spirit and also represented Saginaw during the World Junior Tournament on the Czech Republic squad and earned a bronze medal.
The 20-year-old native of Prague was the Spirit's selection in the 2004 Canadian Hockey League European Draft.
Sudbury Wolves forward Benoit Pouliot won Rookie of the Year honors.
2004-05 OHL All-Rookie Teams
First Team
Centre - Justin Azevedo, Kitchener (59)
Left Wing - Benoit Pouliot, Sudbury (93)
Right Wing - Marek Kvapil, Saginaw (78)
Defence - Michael Vernace, Brampton (67)
Defence - Andrej Sekera, Owen Sound (43)
Goal - Daren Machesney, Brampton (67)
Second Team
Centre - Jordan Staal, Peterborough (55)
Left Wing - Mike Duco, Kitchener (33)
Right Wing - Matt D'Agostini, Guelph (51)
Defence - Bob Sanguinetti, Owen Sound (40)
Defence - Ben Shutron, Kingston (37)
Goal - Kyle Gajewski, Sault Ste. Marie (53)
Voting points in brackets
Kvapil was the OHL Rookie of the Month in November and January. He had 25 goals and 37 assists in just 53 games with the Spirit and also represented Saginaw during the World Junior Tournament on the Czech Republic squad and earned a bronze medal.
The 20-year-old native of Prague was the Spirit's selection in the 2004 Canadian Hockey League European Draft.
Sudbury Wolves forward Benoit Pouliot won Rookie of the Year honors.
2004-05 OHL All-Rookie Teams
First Team
Centre - Justin Azevedo, Kitchener (59)
Left Wing - Benoit Pouliot, Sudbury (93)
Right Wing - Marek Kvapil, Saginaw (78)
Defence - Michael Vernace, Brampton (67)
Defence - Andrej Sekera, Owen Sound (43)
Goal - Daren Machesney, Brampton (67)
Second Team
Centre - Jordan Staal, Peterborough (55)
Left Wing - Mike Duco, Kitchener (33)
Right Wing - Matt D'Agostini, Guelph (51)
Defence - Bob Sanguinetti, Owen Sound (40)
Defence - Ben Shutron, Kingston (37)
Goal - Kyle Gajewski, Sault Ste. Marie (53)
Voting points in brackets
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Martinez, Zatkoff commit to Miami-Ohio
Miami University signed two Michigan natives to play for the RedHawks, announced last week.
Defenseman Alec Martinez (Rochester) and goaltender Jeff Zatkoff (Chesterfield) will call Oxford, Ohio, home this fall. Miami also signed five student-athletes in the fall.
Alec Martinez
D 6-1 190 7/26/87
Rochester, Mich.
Cedar Rapids Roughriders - United States Hockey League
2004-05 Statistics: 58 games 10-11-22, +16, 30 PIMS.
Coach Enrico Blasi's Comments: "Alec is a tremendous skater and is extremely efficient offensively while also providing a strong presence in the defensive zone."
Jeff Zatkoff
G 6-2 150 6/9/87
Chesterfield, Mich.
Sioux City Musketeers - United States Hockey League
Statistics: 24 games 2.55 GAA, .914 save percentage.
Coach's Comments: "Jeff is a great young goaltender with a lot of upside. He plays his size well and is very athletic."
RedHawks press release here.
Defenseman Alec Martinez (Rochester) and goaltender Jeff Zatkoff (Chesterfield) will call Oxford, Ohio, home this fall. Miami also signed five student-athletes in the fall.
Alec Martinez
D 6-1 190 7/26/87
Rochester, Mich.
Cedar Rapids Roughriders - United States Hockey League
2004-05 Statistics: 58 games 10-11-22, +16, 30 PIMS.
Coach Enrico Blasi's Comments: "Alec is a tremendous skater and is extremely efficient offensively while also providing a strong presence in the defensive zone."
Jeff Zatkoff
G 6-2 150 6/9/87
Chesterfield, Mich.
Sioux City Musketeers - United States Hockey League
Statistics: 24 games 2.55 GAA, .914 save percentage.
Coach's Comments: "Jeff is a great young goaltender with a lot of upside. He plays his size well and is very athletic."
RedHawks press release here.
Monday, April 18, 2005
Indians rally to tie series with USA
Down 2-0 in their NAHL North Division series with the U.S. Under-17 Team, the Soo Indians scored back-to-back wins last weekend on home ice to knot the series at 2-all.
Friday night, Matt Buckley's goal 1:45 into the third period stood as the game-winner and made Troy Redmann's 27 saves hold up in the 3-2 win. Ricky Akkerman and Marty Gurnoe also scored for the Soo.
Saturday, Redmann pitched a 21-save shutout as the Indians got three goals in the third period for a 3-0 victory. Buckley, Ray Kaunisto and Joe Beaudry tallied for the Indians.
Game 5 is Thursday night at the Ann Arbor Ice Cube with Game 6 Saturday in Sault Ste. Marie. If a deciding seventh game is needed, it will go Sunday in Ann Arbor.
Friday night, Matt Buckley's goal 1:45 into the third period stood as the game-winner and made Troy Redmann's 27 saves hold up in the 3-2 win. Ricky Akkerman and Marty Gurnoe also scored for the Soo.
Saturday, Redmann pitched a 21-save shutout as the Indians got three goals in the third period for a 3-0 victory. Buckley, Ray Kaunisto and Joe Beaudry tallied for the Indians.
Game 5 is Thursday night at the Ann Arbor Ice Cube with Game 6 Saturday in Sault Ste. Marie. If a deciding seventh game is needed, it will go Sunday in Ann Arbor.
Friday, April 15, 2005
North Stars sign first three players
The Traverse City North Stars, who will play in the NAHL this fall, announced their first three player signings Tuesday. Centers Patrick Nagorsen and Ryan Bond and winger Tommy Higgins will join the North Stars for their inaugural season.
Read the story from the Traverse City Record-Eagle here.
Read the story from the Traverse City Record-Eagle here.
Indians in 2-0 hole to Team USA
The U.S. Under-17 Team and goalie Brett Bennett pitched a 2-0 shutout over the Soo Indians last night in Ann Arbor to take a 2-0 lead in their best-of-seven NAHL North Division final.
Chris Summers (Ypsilanti) and Patrick Kane scored for Team USA.
Jason Kearney made 27 saves in the Soo net. Bennett finished with 16 saves.
Games 3 and 4 go Saturday and Sunday in Sault Ste. Marie.
Chris Summers (Ypsilanti) and Patrick Kane scored for Team USA.
Jason Kearney made 27 saves in the Soo net. Bennett finished with 16 saves.
Games 3 and 4 go Saturday and Sunday in Sault Ste. Marie.
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Michigan natives take USHL honors
Omaha goaltender Jeff Lerg, who set a new USHL record for wins in a single season by a goaltender while helping the Lancers to a share of the regular season championship and the Anderson Cup, was honored as the USHL Player of the Year and USHL Goaltender of the Year.
Lerg, from Livonia, also earned All-USHL First Team honors, named to the 2005 Prospects / All-Star Game and led the league in wins (36) and a goals-against average (2.16). He was named Itech/Goalies World Goalie of the Month twice (Nov. '04, Feb. '05) and Player of the Week on Sept. 29, 2004.
In his rookie season, Lerg was named to the All-USHL Second Team and the USHL All-Rookie Team.
The 2004-05 CCM Forward of the Year Award was earned by the league-leading scorer in Dan Riedel of the Lincoln Stars. Riedel, a Rochester Hills native, also earned a spot on the 2004-05 All-USHL First Team and tallied 30 goals and 51 assists for 81 points. He was selected as the Player of the Week (Feb. 14) and named to the 2005 Prospects/All-Star Game.
Jackson native and Sioux City Musketeers' defenseman Steven Kampfer was also named to the USHL All-Rookie Team.
Lerg, from Livonia, also earned All-USHL First Team honors, named to the 2005 Prospects / All-Star Game and led the league in wins (36) and a goals-against average (2.16). He was named Itech/Goalies World Goalie of the Month twice (Nov. '04, Feb. '05) and Player of the Week on Sept. 29, 2004.
In his rookie season, Lerg was named to the All-USHL Second Team and the USHL All-Rookie Team.
The 2004-05 CCM Forward of the Year Award was earned by the league-leading scorer in Dan Riedel of the Lincoln Stars. Riedel, a Rochester Hills native, also earned a spot on the 2004-05 All-USHL First Team and tallied 30 goals and 51 assists for 81 points. He was selected as the Player of the Week (Feb. 14) and named to the 2005 Prospects/All-Star Game.
Jackson native and Sioux City Musketeers' defenseman Steven Kampfer was also named to the USHL All-Rookie Team.
Indians drop Game 1 to Team USA
The Soo Indians are in a 1-0 hole after losing 5-4 in Game 1 of their NAHL North Division finals to the U.S. Under-17 Team last night in Ann Arbor.
Game 2 is tonight in Ann Arbor.
Jim Pentecost scored twice and Joey Bacon and R.G. Flath netted the others for the Indians. Jason Kearney started and suffered the loss in net, but did make 14 saves on 18 shots in the first two periods. Troy Redmann played the other 18:54 and stopped 10 of 11 shots.
Game 2 is tonight in Ann Arbor.
Jim Pentecost scored twice and Joey Bacon and R.G. Flath netted the others for the Indians. Jason Kearney started and suffered the loss in net, but did make 14 saves on 18 shots in the first two periods. Troy Redmann played the other 18:54 and stopped 10 of 11 shots.
Friday, April 08, 2005
Spirit and Whalers represented at Under-18's
The Saginaw Spirit and Plymouth Whalers will be well represented at the 2005 IIHF World Under-18 Hockey Championship. Spirit defenseman Patrick McNeill and forward Tom Pyatt have both earned spots on Team Canada. Plymouth forwards Dan Collins (United States) and James Neal (Canada) were also named to their respective teams.
“This is a great honor for Patrick and Tom and recognition for their hard work and talent,” Saginaw head coach and general manager Bob Mancini said. “The Spirit wish them and their teammates well.”
McNeill says he’s looking forward to the chance to bring home some hardware.
“We won gold last summer,” McNeill said. “So it’s a great chance to repeat. Personally, I look forward to getting back on the ice. It’s a great chance to play with very talented players and test yourself against the best players of your age in the world.”
“We’re very happy for Dan and James,” said Plymouth head coach and GM Mike Vellucci. “Both are deserving of this honor. They’ve worked very hard over their two seasons here and are considered among the top players in their age group. It’s a thrill for anyone to represent their country in international competition. I’m sure playing in this tournament will be a boost in their development as players and citizens.”
UPDATE: McNeill fell awkwardly during practice today and dislocated his shoulder and will be unable to participate.
The tournament takes place in in Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic, from April 14-24.
“This is a great honor for Patrick and Tom and recognition for their hard work and talent,” Saginaw head coach and general manager Bob Mancini said. “The Spirit wish them and their teammates well.”
McNeill says he’s looking forward to the chance to bring home some hardware.
“We won gold last summer,” McNeill said. “So it’s a great chance to repeat. Personally, I look forward to getting back on the ice. It’s a great chance to play with very talented players and test yourself against the best players of your age in the world.”
“We’re very happy for Dan and James,” said Plymouth head coach and GM Mike Vellucci. “Both are deserving of this honor. They’ve worked very hard over their two seasons here and are considered among the top players in their age group. It’s a thrill for anyone to represent their country in international competition. I’m sure playing in this tournament will be a boost in their development as players and citizens.”
UPDATE: McNeill fell awkwardly during practice today and dislocated his shoulder and will be unable to participate.
The tournament takes place in in Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic, from April 14-24.
Thursday, April 07, 2005
Indians sweep away Phantoms in OT
The Youngstown Phantoms jumped out to a 3-0 lead Wednesday night over the Soo Indians, but it was the Indians who rallied and won, 4-3, in overtime on a goal by Jim Pentecost.
The Indians will now play the U.S. National Under-18 Team in the North Division finals. Team USA swept the Fairbanks Ice Dogs in their semi-final series.
Steven Kaunisto, R.G. Flath and Matt Jones scored the other Soo goals. Jones' tied the game at 3-all five minutes into the third period and then Pentecost won it 8:49 into the fourth period.
Jason Kearney earned the win in the Indians' net making 28 saves.
The Soo-USA series will begin this weekend in Ann Arbor.
The Indians will now play the U.S. National Under-18 Team in the North Division finals. Team USA swept the Fairbanks Ice Dogs in their semi-final series.
Steven Kaunisto, R.G. Flath and Matt Jones scored the other Soo goals. Jones' tied the game at 3-all five minutes into the third period and then Pentecost won it 8:49 into the fourth period.
Jason Kearney earned the win in the Indians' net making 28 saves.
The Soo-USA series will begin this weekend in Ann Arbor.
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
Whalers hand out year-end awards
The Ontario Hockey League's Plymouth Whalers officially closed out the 2004-05 season with a season-ending awards banquet held April 5 at Ginopolis on the Ice Restaurant at the Compuware Sports Arena.
The following players received awards:
REGULAR SEASON MOST VALUABLE PLAYER – Goaltender Ryan Nie, who posted a 2.56 goals against average, 3 shutouts and a .914 save percentage in 57 games.
REGULAR SEASON SCORING LEADER - Center John Mitchell, who scored 25 goals with 50 assists for 75 points in 63 games. Mitchell is the franchise career leader with 258 regular season games played and is seventh on the Whalers all-time scoring list with 80 goals and 150 assists for 230 points.
BEST DEFENSEMAN - Mike Knight, who had 8 goals with 40 assists for 48 points in 64 games.
SCHOLAR ATHLETE – Veteran left wing-center Tim Sestito, who attended Schoolcraft Community College full-time this season while playing and maintained a GPA greater than 3.0.
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR – Left wing-center James Neal, who scored 18 goals with 26 assists for 44 points in 67 games.
MOST IMPROVED PLAYER - Right wing Dan Collins, who scored 25 goals with 21 assists for 46 points in 68 games.
LABATT'S BLUE COLLAR PLAYER of THE YEAR – Rookie Cory Tanaka, who scored 10 goals with 11 assists for 21 points in 67 games.
ALICE IAFRATE AWARD (Overage Player of the Year) - Tim Sestito, who scored a career-high 14 goals with 18 assists for 32 points in 67 games.
WHALERS' BOOSTER CLUB PLAYER of the YEAR: Tim Sestito.
WHALERS' BOOSTER CLUB GRINDER of the YEAR: Cory Tanaka.
WHALERS' BOOSTER CLUB SCHOLASTIC PLAYER of the YEAR: John Vigilante.
MOVING UP: With the Whalers' season completed, Sestito, Mitchell, Jonas Fiedler and Knight are all making their pro debuts this spring. Sestito signed the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the American Hockey League and Mitchell with the St. John's Maple Leafs of the AHL. Both played last weekend with Sestito scoring a goal in two games, while Mitchell was scoreless in one game. Fiedler will make his professional debut this weekend with the Florida Everblades of the East Coast Hockey League, while Knight signed with the Greenville Grrrowl of the ECHL.
The following players received awards:
REGULAR SEASON MOST VALUABLE PLAYER – Goaltender Ryan Nie, who posted a 2.56 goals against average, 3 shutouts and a .914 save percentage in 57 games.
REGULAR SEASON SCORING LEADER - Center John Mitchell, who scored 25 goals with 50 assists for 75 points in 63 games. Mitchell is the franchise career leader with 258 regular season games played and is seventh on the Whalers all-time scoring list with 80 goals and 150 assists for 230 points.
BEST DEFENSEMAN - Mike Knight, who had 8 goals with 40 assists for 48 points in 64 games.
SCHOLAR ATHLETE – Veteran left wing-center Tim Sestito, who attended Schoolcraft Community College full-time this season while playing and maintained a GPA greater than 3.0.
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR – Left wing-center James Neal, who scored 18 goals with 26 assists for 44 points in 67 games.
MOST IMPROVED PLAYER - Right wing Dan Collins, who scored 25 goals with 21 assists for 46 points in 68 games.
LABATT'S BLUE COLLAR PLAYER of THE YEAR – Rookie Cory Tanaka, who scored 10 goals with 11 assists for 21 points in 67 games.
ALICE IAFRATE AWARD (Overage Player of the Year) - Tim Sestito, who scored a career-high 14 goals with 18 assists for 32 points in 67 games.
WHALERS' BOOSTER CLUB PLAYER of the YEAR: Tim Sestito.
WHALERS' BOOSTER CLUB GRINDER of the YEAR: Cory Tanaka.
WHALERS' BOOSTER CLUB SCHOLASTIC PLAYER of the YEAR: John Vigilante.
MOVING UP: With the Whalers' season completed, Sestito, Mitchell, Jonas Fiedler and Knight are all making their pro debuts this spring. Sestito signed the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the American Hockey League and Mitchell with the St. John's Maple Leafs of the AHL. Both played last weekend with Sestito scoring a goal in two games, while Mitchell was scoreless in one game. Fiedler will make his professional debut this weekend with the Florida Everblades of the East Coast Hockey League, while Knight signed with the Greenville Grrrowl of the ECHL.
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
Indians up 2-0 on Phantoms
The Soo Indians won their first two games against the Youngstown Phantoms in their NAHL North Division semi-final series last weekend and can sweep the series with a win in Youngstown tomorrow night.
Friday night, Joe Beaudry had a goal and two assists and Ricky Akkerman, Jim Pentecost, Tommi Maata and Nik Sellers also scored in the 5-2 win in Sault Ste. Marie. Goalie Jason Kearney made just 17 saves.
Ray Kaunisto was the hero Saturday night as his goal 9:24 into overtime gave the Indians a 4-3 win. Tiger Marcotte, Sellers and Kellen Chamblee, whose short-handed goal at 13:39 of the second period tied the game, scored the others. Kearney stopped 36 shots for the victory.
Game 3 is Wednesday night at Youngstown.
Friday night, Joe Beaudry had a goal and two assists and Ricky Akkerman, Jim Pentecost, Tommi Maata and Nik Sellers also scored in the 5-2 win in Sault Ste. Marie. Goalie Jason Kearney made just 17 saves.
Ray Kaunisto was the hero Saturday night as his goal 9:24 into overtime gave the Indians a 4-3 win. Tiger Marcotte, Sellers and Kellen Chamblee, whose short-handed goal at 13:39 of the second period tied the game, scored the others. Kearney stopped 36 shots for the victory.
Game 3 is Wednesday night at Youngstown.
Friday, April 01, 2005
Whalers swept by Owen Sound
The season ended last night for the Plymouth Whalers as the Owen Sound Attack swept the Whalers in a first-round playoff series, winning 7-2 in Game 4.
James Neal and Jonas Fiedler, in his last OHL game, scored for Plymouth and goalie Ryan Nie made 33 saves.
Owen Sound goalie Mike Brown needed to stop just 13 shots for the win.
Brad Richardson scored two goals and an assist and Bobby Ryan, Patrick Jarrett, Robin Big Snake, Jeff Kyrzakos and Stefan Ruzicka added goals for the Attack.
The Whalers were outscored 19-3 in the series.
James Neal and Jonas Fiedler, in his last OHL game, scored for Plymouth and goalie Ryan Nie made 33 saves.
Owen Sound goalie Mike Brown needed to stop just 13 shots for the win.
Brad Richardson scored two goals and an assist and Bobby Ryan, Patrick Jarrett, Robin Big Snake, Jeff Kyrzakos and Stefan Ruzicka added goals for the Attack.
The Whalers were outscored 19-3 in the series.
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Whalers in 3-0 hole to Attack
Last night in Owen Sound, Brad Richardson scored three goals and added an assist to pace the Attack to a 5-0 win over the Plymouth Whalers.
Owen Sound leads the series 3-0 and can sweep with a win in Game 4 on Thursday in Plymouth.
Patrick Jarrett and Igor Gongalsky also scored and Bobby Ryan and Mike Angelidis each chipped in with a pair of assists. Mike Brown made 18 saves for his second shutout of the series.
Plymouth goaltender Ryan Nie stopped 24 of 28 shots before being replaced by Justin Garay to start the third period. Garay stopped four of five shots.
The Whalers have scored just one goal in the three playoff games so far.
Owen Sound leads the series 3-0 and can sweep with a win in Game 4 on Thursday in Plymouth.
Patrick Jarrett and Igor Gongalsky also scored and Bobby Ryan and Mike Angelidis each chipped in with a pair of assists. Mike Brown made 18 saves for his second shutout of the series.
Plymouth goaltender Ryan Nie stopped 24 of 28 shots before being replaced by Justin Garay to start the third period. Garay stopped four of five shots.
The Whalers have scored just one goal in the three playoff games so far.
Monday, March 28, 2005
Saginaw hands out year-end awards
Saginaw captain Thomas Harrison inked an ECHL deal with the Reading Royals after winning two awards at Saginaw's awards banquet.
The Saginaw Spirit hosted their 2004-05 Awards Ceremony at the Dow Event Center last Tuesday.
The 2004-05 award winners:
Leading Scorer
Marek Kvapil
Wren Blair Leadership Award
Jeff Weber
Community Service Award
Thomas Harrison
Nouvel Spirit Achievement Award
Jamie Klie
Davenport Spirit Academic Award
Daniel Borges
Heart and Soul Award
Thomas Harrison
Rookie of the Year
Marek Kvapil
Most Improved Player
Jamie Klie
Most Valuable Defenseman
Patrick McNeill
Fan Favorite
Marek Kvapil
Team Most Valuable Player
Marek Kvapil, Tom Pyatt
On a side note, Harrison inked a deal with the Reading Royals of the ECHL last week.
Indians finish season with sweep
The Soo Indians finished what could be their final NAHL regular season with a two-game sweep at home against the Youngstown Phantoms last weekend.
Ending with a 33-18-5 record, the Indians finish in second place in the North Division and will play Youngstown in a semi-final playoff series starting this weekend.
Friday night, Glenn Ylitalo scored twice and Jim Pentecost added a solo as the Soo took a 3-2 win. Goalie Jason Kearney made 16 saves.
Drew Satterley was the overtime hero Saturday as his goal 1:57 into the extra session gave the Indians another 3-2 victory. Ylitalo and Marty Gurnoe also scored for the Soo, who got a 20-save performance out of goalie Troy Redmann.
The U.S. National Under-18 Team finished first in the division, followed by the Soo, Youngstown and Fairbanks IceDogs. The Cleveland Barons and Toledo IceDiggers did not qualify for the playoffs. Team USA will play the IceDogs in the other semi-final series.
Ending with a 33-18-5 record, the Indians finish in second place in the North Division and will play Youngstown in a semi-final playoff series starting this weekend.
Friday night, Glenn Ylitalo scored twice and Jim Pentecost added a solo as the Soo took a 3-2 win. Goalie Jason Kearney made 16 saves.
Drew Satterley was the overtime hero Saturday as his goal 1:57 into the extra session gave the Indians another 3-2 victory. Ylitalo and Marty Gurnoe also scored for the Soo, who got a 20-save performance out of goalie Troy Redmann.
The U.S. National Under-18 Team finished first in the division, followed by the Soo, Youngstown and Fairbanks IceDogs. The Cleveland Barons and Toledo IceDiggers did not qualify for the playoffs. Team USA will play the IceDogs in the other semi-final series.
Sunday, March 27, 2005
Whalers down 2-0 to Attack
Scoring just one goal in two games won't get it done in the playoffs, but maybe the Plymouth Whalers are hoping to be the exception.
The Whalers opened their first-round OHL playoff matchup with the Owen Sound Attack last weekend and lost 1-0 in Owen Sound Friday night and 6-1 Saturday night at the Compuware Sports Arena.
Friday, former Western Michigan forward Jeff Kryzakos scored the lone goal and goalie Mike Brown, formerly of the Saginaw Spirit, stopped all 21 shots he saw for the shutout. Plymouth goalie Ryan Nie made 33 saves.
Brown was again stellar Saturday night as he stopped 26 shots, only allowing a late second-period goal to Whalers co-captain John Mitchell. Nie finished with 32 saves.
Game Three is Tuesday night in Owen Sound with Game Four going Thursday night in Plymouth at 7:30 p.m.
The Whalers opened their first-round OHL playoff matchup with the Owen Sound Attack last weekend and lost 1-0 in Owen Sound Friday night and 6-1 Saturday night at the Compuware Sports Arena.
Friday, former Western Michigan forward Jeff Kryzakos scored the lone goal and goalie Mike Brown, formerly of the Saginaw Spirit, stopped all 21 shots he saw for the shutout. Plymouth goalie Ryan Nie made 33 saves.
Brown was again stellar Saturday night as he stopped 26 shots, only allowing a late second-period goal to Whalers co-captain John Mitchell. Nie finished with 32 saves.
Game Three is Tuesday night in Owen Sound with Game Four going Thursday night in Plymouth at 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 24, 2005
Jackson native Kampfer earns USHL honors
Sioux City Musketeers' defenseman Steven Kampfer (Jackson) earned top honors for USHL Defensive Player of the Week by posting four points in two games played last week.Kampfer scored both of his goals on the power play in two victories that helped put Sioux City into the postseason. He put the Musketeers on the board first against Des Moines in a 4-3 win and tallied three points against Waterloo the next night.
Kampfer has committed to the University of Michigan of the CCHA for 2006.
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
Whalers & Spirit players drafted by UHL teams
In yesterday's United Hockey League North American Amateur Draft, several Ontario Hockey League players with Michigan ties were taken by the 14 member teams.
Four Plymouth Whalers were drafted, all by the Richmond (Va.) RiverDogs, including defenseman Mike Knight fifth overall in the first round. Knight had actually signed with Richmond last summer before deciding to come back to Plymouth for his overage season.
Plymouth defenseman Mike Letizia went in the fourth round to Richmond as did forward John Vigilante, a Dearborn native, in the fifth round and goalie Ryan Nie in the sixth round.
Saginaw Spirit captain Thomas Harrison and leading scorer Marek Kvapil were both selected in the first round by the Flint Generals.
Erie Otters captain and Berrien Springs native Brian Lee went in the third round to the Kansas City Outlaws.
Players that are 19 years of age or older who played in North America during the 2004-05 season are eligible for the draft.
The draft consisted of six rounds with each UHL team selecting in reverse order of their current winning percentage. Each UHL team is permitted to protect up to four of their six drafted players and place them on their final roster. In addition, each UHL team is allowed to protect two players for their team's playoff roster. These two selected players are exempt from the six games played requirement for players on the postseason roster.
There is no guarantee that any of the players taken will report to their respective teams, however.
Four Plymouth Whalers were drafted, all by the Richmond (Va.) RiverDogs, including defenseman Mike Knight fifth overall in the first round. Knight had actually signed with Richmond last summer before deciding to come back to Plymouth for his overage season.
Plymouth defenseman Mike Letizia went in the fourth round to Richmond as did forward John Vigilante, a Dearborn native, in the fifth round and goalie Ryan Nie in the sixth round.
Saginaw Spirit captain Thomas Harrison and leading scorer Marek Kvapil were both selected in the first round by the Flint Generals.
Erie Otters captain and Berrien Springs native Brian Lee went in the third round to the Kansas City Outlaws.
Players that are 19 years of age or older who played in North America during the 2004-05 season are eligible for the draft.
The draft consisted of six rounds with each UHL team selecting in reverse order of their current winning percentage. Each UHL team is permitted to protect up to four of their six drafted players and place them on their final roster. In addition, each UHL team is allowed to protect two players for their team's playoff roster. These two selected players are exempt from the six games played requirement for players on the postseason roster.
There is no guarantee that any of the players taken will report to their respective teams, however.
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Shouneyia commits to Michigan State
The Cleveland Barons of the North American Hockey League are proud to announce that defenseman Matt Shouneyia has committed to Michigan State University for the upcoming 2005-06 season.
Shouneyia, a 6-foot, 185-pound left defenseman, is a native of West Bloomfield. He currently has 30 pts (9G-21A) in 54 games, which ranks him in a tie for fifth place among defensemen in the NAHL.
Shouneyia, the Barons captain, is in his second season with the club. He started his career in the Compuware organization and from there he joined the Danville Wings in the USHL in 2003-04. Cleveland acquired Shouneyia in October of that year. Shouneyia is noted for his speed and a great passing skills, which earned him a place on the NAHL All-Star team this past February.
Matt will be the fourth Baron to wear the Green and White colors of Michigan State. He joins current Spartans Tommy Goebel and graduating senior captain Jim Slater and current teammate Kurt Kivisto, another 2005-2006 recruit.
"I congratulate Matt and his family for committing with MSU," said Barons head coach and general manager Tim Alexander. "Matt has the potential to be a top defenseman in the CCHA. I wish him all the best at Michigan State.”
Shouneyia becomes the fifth current Baron to commit to a CCHA school this year joining defenseman Steve Silver (Western Michigan), defenseman Nick Biondo (Ohio State University), forward Kurt Kivisto (Michigan State) and forward Jacob Cepis (Bowling Green).
John Shouneyia, Matt's older brother, played at Michigan from 1999-2003 and had a free-agent tryout with the Detroit Red Wings in 2003.
Shouneyia, a 6-foot, 185-pound left defenseman, is a native of West Bloomfield. He currently has 30 pts (9G-21A) in 54 games, which ranks him in a tie for fifth place among defensemen in the NAHL.
Shouneyia, the Barons captain, is in his second season with the club. He started his career in the Compuware organization and from there he joined the Danville Wings in the USHL in 2003-04. Cleveland acquired Shouneyia in October of that year. Shouneyia is noted for his speed and a great passing skills, which earned him a place on the NAHL All-Star team this past February.
Matt will be the fourth Baron to wear the Green and White colors of Michigan State. He joins current Spartans Tommy Goebel and graduating senior captain Jim Slater and current teammate Kurt Kivisto, another 2005-2006 recruit.
"I congratulate Matt and his family for committing with MSU," said Barons head coach and general manager Tim Alexander. "Matt has the potential to be a top defenseman in the CCHA. I wish him all the best at Michigan State.”
Shouneyia becomes the fifth current Baron to commit to a CCHA school this year joining defenseman Steve Silver (Western Michigan), defenseman Nick Biondo (Ohio State University), forward Kurt Kivisto (Michigan State) and forward Jacob Cepis (Bowling Green).
John Shouneyia, Matt's older brother, played at Michigan from 1999-2003 and had a free-agent tryout with the Detroit Red Wings in 2003.
Saginaw goalie Weber goes pro
Former Buffalo draft pick signs first professional contract
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – The Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies of the ECHL, a proud affiliate of the New York Islanders, have announced that the club has signed rookie goaltender Jeff Weber to a contract for the remainder of the season. Weber is expected to be in uniform when the Bullies face-off with the Trenton Titans Friday at Sovereign Bank Arena.
Weber, 20, recently completed his final season of major junior hockey with both the Barrie Colts and Saginaw Spirit of the prestigious Ontario Hockey League. The Manotick, ON native finished with a record of 15-28-4 along with a 3.41 goals against average and a .906% save percentage in 48 games between Barrie and Saginaw.
A former eighth round draft pick of the Buffalo Sabres from the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, Weber led all OHL goaltenders with a 2.32 goals against average and a .925% save percentage in 2002-03 as a rookie with the Plymouth Whalers.
In a separate transaction, the Bullies have released goaltender Dave Marlin.
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – The Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies of the ECHL, a proud affiliate of the New York Islanders, have announced that the club has signed rookie goaltender Jeff Weber to a contract for the remainder of the season. Weber is expected to be in uniform when the Bullies face-off with the Trenton Titans Friday at Sovereign Bank Arena.
Weber, 20, recently completed his final season of major junior hockey with both the Barrie Colts and Saginaw Spirit of the prestigious Ontario Hockey League. The Manotick, ON native finished with a record of 15-28-4 along with a 3.41 goals against average and a .906% save percentage in 48 games between Barrie and Saginaw.
A former eighth round draft pick of the Buffalo Sabres from the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, Weber led all OHL goaltenders with a 2.32 goals against average and a .925% save percentage in 2002-03 as a rookie with the Plymouth Whalers.
In a separate transaction, the Bullies have released goaltender Dave Marlin.
Monday, March 21, 2005
Indians swept by U.S. Under-18 squad
The Soo Indians dropped both games to the United States Under-18 Team last weekend and will finish in second place behind Team USA in the NAHL North standings.
Jason Kearney made 26 saves Saturday night, but lost 2-1 in a shootout. Ray Kaunisto scored the lone goal for the Indians (31-18-5).
Sunday, Ryan Ward scored for the Soo in the 3-1 loss. Kearney stopped 10 shots.
Team USA had pasted the Toledo IceDiggers 13-0 Friday night and earned a weekend sweep over their North Division rivals.
The Indians host the Youngstown Phantoms this weekend to close out the regular season. Game time Friday and Saturday night at Chi Mukwa Arena is 7 p.m.
Jason Kearney made 26 saves Saturday night, but lost 2-1 in a shootout. Ray Kaunisto scored the lone goal for the Indians (31-18-5).
Sunday, Ryan Ward scored for the Soo in the 3-1 loss. Kearney stopped 10 shots.
Team USA had pasted the Toledo IceDiggers 13-0 Friday night and earned a weekend sweep over their North Division rivals.
The Indians host the Youngstown Phantoms this weekend to close out the regular season. Game time Friday and Saturday night at Chi Mukwa Arena is 7 p.m.
Saginaw finishes season on high note
The Saginaw Spirit downed the Erie Otters, 5-1, in Erie Saturday night. The Spirit victory locked the team in 17th place in the OHL, the highest place the Spirit have finished in team history.
Saginaw opened scoring in the first period when forward Tommy Mannino connected with linemate Joe McCann. Matt Corrente also assisted on the goal. The Otters equalized at the thirteen-minute mark, when forward Andrew Shennan scored on the power play. The Otters outshot Saginaw 22-5 in the period.
Saginaw took the lead at the five minute mark of the second period, when hustle from forward Chris Ferguson created a scoring opportunity. Ferguson took the puck deep into Erie's zone, then flipped the puck in front of the net where Corrente put the puck in on the backhand. The Spirit opened the lead to 3-1 twelve minutes later when forward Michal Birner hit Mannino in stride on a breakaway.
The score remained 3-1 into the third period, when Birner set up another scoring opportunity. Birner fired the puck into Erie's zone, where Marek Kvapil put the puck on net. Linemate Tom Pyatt crashed the net and put in Kvapil's rebound for the Spirit's fourth goal. The Spirit opened the lead to 5-1 three minutes later on the power play, when Mannino tipped in a Birner shot. Pyatt also assisted.
Mannino's three point night helped him break the 50-point mark for the season. Birner's three assists pushed him over the 40-point mark in his first OHL season. Pyatt and Corrente had two-point nights. Spirit goalie Jeff Weber turned back 49 shots in the effort.
The Spirit finish the season 18-42-4-4 on the season, fourth in the OHL West Division and ninth in the Western Conference.
Saginaw opened scoring in the first period when forward Tommy Mannino connected with linemate Joe McCann. Matt Corrente also assisted on the goal. The Otters equalized at the thirteen-minute mark, when forward Andrew Shennan scored on the power play. The Otters outshot Saginaw 22-5 in the period.
Saginaw took the lead at the five minute mark of the second period, when hustle from forward Chris Ferguson created a scoring opportunity. Ferguson took the puck deep into Erie's zone, then flipped the puck in front of the net where Corrente put the puck in on the backhand. The Spirit opened the lead to 3-1 twelve minutes later when forward Michal Birner hit Mannino in stride on a breakaway.
The score remained 3-1 into the third period, when Birner set up another scoring opportunity. Birner fired the puck into Erie's zone, where Marek Kvapil put the puck on net. Linemate Tom Pyatt crashed the net and put in Kvapil's rebound for the Spirit's fourth goal. The Spirit opened the lead to 5-1 three minutes later on the power play, when Mannino tipped in a Birner shot. Pyatt also assisted.
Mannino's three point night helped him break the 50-point mark for the season. Birner's three assists pushed him over the 40-point mark in his first OHL season. Pyatt and Corrente had two-point nights. Spirit goalie Jeff Weber turned back 49 shots in the effort.
The Spirit finish the season 18-42-4-4 on the season, fourth in the OHL West Division and ninth in the Western Conference.
Whalers end regular season beating Knights
John Vigilante’s power play goal at 14:32 of the second period proved to be the game-winner as the Plymouth Whalers went on to defeat the London Knights 4-3 played Saturday night before a sellout crowd of 3,916 at the Compuware Sports Arena.
The victory was Plymouth’s first against the Canadian Hockey League’s best team. London is now 59-6-2-0. The Whalers finish the season with a 30-29-6-3 record good for 69 points and second place in OHL’s West Division.
Plymouth fell behind 2-1 in the first period when London’s Danny Fritsche scored two goals (17, 18) just 17 seconds apart. Plymouth countered when the game’s first star Tim Sestitio scored on a backhand shot that beat Kinights’ goaltender Adam Dennis just above the glove-hand side.
In the second period, Plymouth scored three times to take a 4-2 lead into the third. Jonas Fiedler scored his 19th goal of the season by taking a beautiful pass from Cory Tanaka and firing it into the back of the net. Vaclav Meidl’s (12th) persistency paid off by slapping at a rebound until it slid passed Dennis at 10:35 of the second. Vigilante (24th) ripped a slap shot from the left point that lit the lamp and gave the Whaler’s 4-2 lead after two periods of play.
London’s Jordan Foreman (11th) scored the lone third period goal, but it wasn’t enough to top Plymouth.
Plymouth starts the playoffs next Friday night in Owen Sound against the Attack. The game can be heard at 7:15 p.m. on WSDS 1480-AM. Game Two of the series is back at the Compuware Sports Arena next Saturday. Tickets are available for the Plymouth Whalers playoff games at the Compuware Sports Arena Box office. Tickets can be ordered by phone by calling (734) 453-8400. The CSA box office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Saturday game days from 11:00 a.m. until the end of the second period.
The victory was Plymouth’s first against the Canadian Hockey League’s best team. London is now 59-6-2-0. The Whalers finish the season with a 30-29-6-3 record good for 69 points and second place in OHL’s West Division.
Plymouth fell behind 2-1 in the first period when London’s Danny Fritsche scored two goals (17, 18) just 17 seconds apart. Plymouth countered when the game’s first star Tim Sestitio scored on a backhand shot that beat Kinights’ goaltender Adam Dennis just above the glove-hand side.
In the second period, Plymouth scored three times to take a 4-2 lead into the third. Jonas Fiedler scored his 19th goal of the season by taking a beautiful pass from Cory Tanaka and firing it into the back of the net. Vaclav Meidl’s (12th) persistency paid off by slapping at a rebound until it slid passed Dennis at 10:35 of the second. Vigilante (24th) ripped a slap shot from the left point that lit the lamp and gave the Whaler’s 4-2 lead after two periods of play.
London’s Jordan Foreman (11th) scored the lone third period goal, but it wasn’t enough to top Plymouth.
Plymouth starts the playoffs next Friday night in Owen Sound against the Attack. The game can be heard at 7:15 p.m. on WSDS 1480-AM. Game Two of the series is back at the Compuware Sports Arena next Saturday. Tickets are available for the Plymouth Whalers playoff games at the Compuware Sports Arena Box office. Tickets can be ordered by phone by calling (734) 453-8400. The CSA box office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Saturday game days from 11:00 a.m. until the end of the second period.
Friday, March 18, 2005
IceDiggers closer to calling Alpena home
DAN STRAWSER
Alpena News
A few final details aside, it looks like Alpena may be the new home for the North American Hockey League IceDiggers franchise.
The team, currently based in Toledo, has rescheduled its final home game of the season to be played at Northern Lights Arena on Monday night.
“We’re looking at this like it’s Alpena’s team,” IceDigger coach and general manager Mike Mankowski said. “This is our last home game. We thought we might set the table for next season by introducing the possibility of season tickets plans and some early-bird specials. We want to continue to make our guys feel at home up there. We’re going to be returning 8-12 guys from this year’s squad and it’s a situation where we’d like to continue to let them get comfortable.”
Northern Lights Arena manager Norm Sommerfeld said the M-PAC board voted on Tuesday night to approve going after the Junior A program, believing it was a better fit for Alpena than the Junior B proposal NLA received.
“We selected a six-member panel to look over the contract and that’s where we’re at,” Sommerfeld said. “The committee seemed very positive. I think we have a good shot at doing this. We need to get approval from the Alpena Area Recreation Commission, but we’re putting together a contract.”
Two of the IceDiggers’ three owners were able to visit Alpena for the game against the Sault Kewadin Indians on Sunday and it’s likely the third owner will be available to come up for Monday night’s game.
“We were very impressed with the hospitality,” Mankowski said. “We were impressed with how hockey-savvy the people are up there and we were impressed with the amount of support shown to the players, owners and staff.”
The game between the IceDiggers and Sault Kewadin Indians, which attracted 852 fans, set a new franchise attendance record for the IceDiggers.
“The facility was awesome,” Mankowski said. “From a coaches’ standpoint it would make recruiting life much easier. A facility that’s less than two years old and is state-of-the art will certainly make a great recruiting tool.”
In Monday’s home finale, which begins at 7 p.m., the IceDiggers (18-31-3) will face their long-time rivals the Youngstown Phantoms.
“The rivalry is very good,” Mankowski said. “Both of us were in the CEHL (Continental Elite Hockey League) and we both entered the NAHL last season. I think the rivalry will continue to be good.”
Alpena News
A few final details aside, it looks like Alpena may be the new home for the North American Hockey League IceDiggers franchise.
The team, currently based in Toledo, has rescheduled its final home game of the season to be played at Northern Lights Arena on Monday night.
“We’re looking at this like it’s Alpena’s team,” IceDigger coach and general manager Mike Mankowski said. “This is our last home game. We thought we might set the table for next season by introducing the possibility of season tickets plans and some early-bird specials. We want to continue to make our guys feel at home up there. We’re going to be returning 8-12 guys from this year’s squad and it’s a situation where we’d like to continue to let them get comfortable.”
Northern Lights Arena manager Norm Sommerfeld said the M-PAC board voted on Tuesday night to approve going after the Junior A program, believing it was a better fit for Alpena than the Junior B proposal NLA received.
“We selected a six-member panel to look over the contract and that’s where we’re at,” Sommerfeld said. “The committee seemed very positive. I think we have a good shot at doing this. We need to get approval from the Alpena Area Recreation Commission, but we’re putting together a contract.”
Two of the IceDiggers’ three owners were able to visit Alpena for the game against the Sault Kewadin Indians on Sunday and it’s likely the third owner will be available to come up for Monday night’s game.
“We were very impressed with the hospitality,” Mankowski said. “We were impressed with how hockey-savvy the people are up there and we were impressed with the amount of support shown to the players, owners and staff.”
The game between the IceDiggers and Sault Kewadin Indians, which attracted 852 fans, set a new franchise attendance record for the IceDiggers.
“The facility was awesome,” Mankowski said. “From a coaches’ standpoint it would make recruiting life much easier. A facility that’s less than two years old and is state-of-the art will certainly make a great recruiting tool.”
In Monday’s home finale, which begins at 7 p.m., the IceDiggers (18-31-3) will face their long-time rivals the Youngstown Phantoms.
“The rivalry is very good,” Mankowski said. “Both of us were in the CEHL (Continental Elite Hockey League) and we both entered the NAHL last season. I think the rivalry will continue to be good.”
Thursday, March 17, 2005
Plymouth to face Owen Sound
Erie defeats Owen Sound, 4-2, on Wednesday night to clinch fifth spot in the Western Conference standings. The Plymouth Whalers will finish sixth and draw the No. 3 seed Owen Sound Attack in the first round of the playoffs.
Here are the Plymouth-Owen Sound playoff dates and times:
The series is best four-out-of seven:
Game 1 - Fri. Mar. 25 - Plymouth at Owen Sound, 7:30 pm.
Game 2 - Sat. Mar. 26 - Owen Sound at Plymouth, 7:30 pm.
Game 3 - Tues. Mar. 29 - Plymouth at Owen Sound, 7:30 pm.
Game 4 - Thur. Mar. 31 - Owen Sound at Plymouth, 7:30 pm.
* Game 5 - Sat. Apr. 2 - Plymouth at Owen Sound, 7:30 pm.
* Game 6 - Sun. Apr. 3 - Owen Sound at Plymouth, 6:00 pm.
* Game 7 - Tues. Apr. 5 - Plymouth at Owen Sound at 7:30 pm.
* if necessary.
The other Western Confrence playoff pairings are also set:
#1 London vs. # 8 Guelph
#2 Sault Ste. Marie vs. #7 Windsor
#4 Kitchener vs. #5 Erie
Here are the Plymouth-Owen Sound playoff dates and times:
The series is best four-out-of seven:
Game 1 - Fri. Mar. 25 - Plymouth at Owen Sound, 7:30 pm.
Game 2 - Sat. Mar. 26 - Owen Sound at Plymouth, 7:30 pm.
Game 3 - Tues. Mar. 29 - Plymouth at Owen Sound, 7:30 pm.
Game 4 - Thur. Mar. 31 - Owen Sound at Plymouth, 7:30 pm.
* Game 5 - Sat. Apr. 2 - Plymouth at Owen Sound, 7:30 pm.
* Game 6 - Sun. Apr. 3 - Owen Sound at Plymouth, 6:00 pm.
* Game 7 - Tues. Apr. 5 - Plymouth at Owen Sound at 7:30 pm.
* if necessary.
The other Western Confrence playoff pairings are also set:
#1 London vs. # 8 Guelph
#2 Sault Ste. Marie vs. #7 Windsor
#4 Kitchener vs. #5 Erie
Monday, March 14, 2005
Lerg named February's best
The United States Hockey League, in conjunction with Goalies' World Magazine, announced that Omaha Lancers goaltender Jeff Lerg (Livonia) was named Itech-Goalies' World Magazine/ USHL Goaltender of the Month for February 2005.
The 5-foot-6 150-pound goaltender has been among league leaders in all goaltending statistics throughout the season. February of 2005 will mark the second time this season that Lerg has been named Goalie of the Month, he was awarded the honor in November of 2004.
Through 52 games played by the Lancers, Lerg has manned the station been between the pipes 45 times. In 45 games played, he has a league leading 31 victories including 5 in which were shut-outs.
Two seasons in the USHL has provided an environment for the 19-year-old to develop his skills on the ice and mature off the ice as well. He feels that the transition from high school to the USHL will definitely help him as he continues onto the NCAA Division 1 ranks. Jeff will be heading back to his home state of Michigan where he will play his college hockey for the Spartans of Michigan State University.
When asked how the USHL has helped prepare him for the next level of play, Lerg said, "Playing in the USHL for the last two years has definitely helped me as far as moving on into Division 1 hockey. Every team in this league has quality players and anyone can beat anyone on any given night, much like Division 1 hockey".
With the help of Lerg, the Lancers have clinched a spot in the play-offs and are battling for the Anderson Cup, which is awarded to the team with the best regular season record.
In the Goalies' World Magazine scoring system, Lerg accumulated 102.9 points to top the list that includes: Chicago's Shane Connelly (102.88), Cedar Rapids' Dan Tormey (102.27), Sioux City's Jimmy Spratt (101.89), and Lincoln's Steve Jakiel (101.68).
The 5-foot-6 150-pound goaltender has been among league leaders in all goaltending statistics throughout the season. February of 2005 will mark the second time this season that Lerg has been named Goalie of the Month, he was awarded the honor in November of 2004.
Through 52 games played by the Lancers, Lerg has manned the station been between the pipes 45 times. In 45 games played, he has a league leading 31 victories including 5 in which were shut-outs.
Two seasons in the USHL has provided an environment for the 19-year-old to develop his skills on the ice and mature off the ice as well. He feels that the transition from high school to the USHL will definitely help him as he continues onto the NCAA Division 1 ranks. Jeff will be heading back to his home state of Michigan where he will play his college hockey for the Spartans of Michigan State University.
When asked how the USHL has helped prepare him for the next level of play, Lerg said, "Playing in the USHL for the last two years has definitely helped me as far as moving on into Division 1 hockey. Every team in this league has quality players and anyone can beat anyone on any given night, much like Division 1 hockey".
With the help of Lerg, the Lancers have clinched a spot in the play-offs and are battling for the Anderson Cup, which is awarded to the team with the best regular season record.
In the Goalies' World Magazine scoring system, Lerg accumulated 102.9 points to top the list that includes: Chicago's Shane Connelly (102.88), Cedar Rapids' Dan Tormey (102.27), Sioux City's Jimmy Spratt (101.89), and Lincoln's Steve Jakiel (101.68).
Saginaw to host 2007 All-Star Game
The Ontario Hockey League announced Saturday that the Saginaw Spirit will host the 2007 Bell OHL All-Star Classic.
“The Ontario Hockey League is elated to take this opportunity to award the Saginaw Spirit with this special event,” said OHL commissioner David Branch. “The mid-Michigan community has passionately supported the Spirit and the Ontario Hockey League since the team’s arrival in 2002 and we look forward to shining the spotlight of the entire league on the city of Saginaw and the Dow Event Centre in 2007.”
Forty of the league’s brightest stars will face-off in an Eastern Conference versus Western Conference showdown format.
“We are thrilled that the OHL Board of Governors awarded the Bell OHL All-Star Classic to the City of Saginaw,” said Spirit owner and OHL governor Richard Garber. “This is a great opportunity to thank the fans in our community for their support of the franchise and to bring the entire Ontario Hockey League to Saginaw in 2007 for this special event.”
Spirit managing partner Craig Goslin echoed Garber’s comments.
“The entire Saginaw Spirit organization is committed to hosting this first class event,” Goslin said. “The Bell OHL All-Star Classic is one of the of the most prestigious sporting events to be hosted by our community. I know our town has what it takes to showcase Saginaw to the rest of the hockey world. This helps cement Saginaw’s image as a “Cool City”, as designated by Governor Jennifer Granholm.”
The OHL All-Star Game was first played in 1977 in Sudbury when the Emms Division defeated the Leyden Division 6-5 in overtime. The Emms vs. Leyden format continued for nine seasons through 1985 following which the game was replaced by the OHL/QMJHL All-Star Challenge Series. The East-West format was re-introduced for the 2004 OHL All-Star Classic in Peterborough in 2004 and the Owen Sound Attack hosted the most recent game this past February.
The Belleville Bulls will host the 2006 Bell OHL All-Star Cup next February.
“The Ontario Hockey League is elated to take this opportunity to award the Saginaw Spirit with this special event,” said OHL commissioner David Branch. “The mid-Michigan community has passionately supported the Spirit and the Ontario Hockey League since the team’s arrival in 2002 and we look forward to shining the spotlight of the entire league on the city of Saginaw and the Dow Event Centre in 2007.”
Forty of the league’s brightest stars will face-off in an Eastern Conference versus Western Conference showdown format.
“We are thrilled that the OHL Board of Governors awarded the Bell OHL All-Star Classic to the City of Saginaw,” said Spirit owner and OHL governor Richard Garber. “This is a great opportunity to thank the fans in our community for their support of the franchise and to bring the entire Ontario Hockey League to Saginaw in 2007 for this special event.”
Spirit managing partner Craig Goslin echoed Garber’s comments.
“The entire Saginaw Spirit organization is committed to hosting this first class event,” Goslin said. “The Bell OHL All-Star Classic is one of the of the most prestigious sporting events to be hosted by our community. I know our town has what it takes to showcase Saginaw to the rest of the hockey world. This helps cement Saginaw’s image as a “Cool City”, as designated by Governor Jennifer Granholm.”
The OHL All-Star Game was first played in 1977 in Sudbury when the Emms Division defeated the Leyden Division 6-5 in overtime. The Emms vs. Leyden format continued for nine seasons through 1985 following which the game was replaced by the OHL/QMJHL All-Star Challenge Series. The East-West format was re-introduced for the 2004 OHL All-Star Classic in Peterborough in 2004 and the Owen Sound Attack hosted the most recent game this past February.
The Belleville Bulls will host the 2006 Bell OHL All-Star Cup next February.
Saginaw plays to Spirited tie with Hounds
The Saginaw Spirit notched a come-from behind tie in Saturday's 3-3 game with divison-leading Sault Ste. Marie before a sellout crowd at the Dow Event Center.
The season home finale also marked the team's Fan Appreciation Day and live jersey auction to benefit the Spirit Charitable Foundation.
Spirit head coach and general manager Bob Mancini said the team demonstrated a "no-quit" attitude in the game.
"It's important to finish hard," Mancini said. "It was a good effort tonight. We cut our openings and played smart defense along the blue line. A lot of our younger players got to play more tonight, and demonstrated the promise and potential for next year."
Tommy Mannino, Joe McCann and Matt Corrente scored for the Spirit with Corrente's game-tying goal coming at 14:30 of the third period.
Saginaw goaltender Jeff Weber turned back 28 shots in the effort. The tie takes Saginaw's record to 17-41-4-4 on the season and the Spirit finish the season with a pair of road games Friday and Saturday in Guelph and Erie, respectively.
The season home finale also marked the team's Fan Appreciation Day and live jersey auction to benefit the Spirit Charitable Foundation.
Spirit head coach and general manager Bob Mancini said the team demonstrated a "no-quit" attitude in the game.
"It's important to finish hard," Mancini said. "It was a good effort tonight. We cut our openings and played smart defense along the blue line. A lot of our younger players got to play more tonight, and demonstrated the promise and potential for next year."
Tommy Mannino, Joe McCann and Matt Corrente scored for the Spirit with Corrente's game-tying goal coming at 14:30 of the third period.
Saginaw goaltender Jeff Weber turned back 28 shots in the effort. The tie takes Saginaw's record to 17-41-4-4 on the season and the Spirit finish the season with a pair of road games Friday and Saturday in Guelph and Erie, respectively.
Soo falls to 2nd spot in NAHL North
The Soo Indians dropped to second place in the NAHL's North Division after losing both games at home last weekend to the then-second place U.S. National Under-18 Team.
Team USA is now four points up on the Indians (30-17-4) with two games in hand.
Friday night, Jim Pentecost scored the lone Indians' goal and Jason Kearney made 15 saves in the 4-1 loss.
Saturday night, R.G. Flath and Pentecost scored, but fell by a 3-2 mark. Troy Redmann stopped 19 shots in net for the Soo.
There was no information readily available from Sunday's game in Toledo.
The Indians travel to Ann Arbor for a rare three-game series this Friday, Saturday and Sunday against the same Under-18 squad.
Team USA is now four points up on the Indians (30-17-4) with two games in hand.
Friday night, Jim Pentecost scored the lone Indians' goal and Jason Kearney made 15 saves in the 4-1 loss.
Saturday night, R.G. Flath and Pentecost scored, but fell by a 3-2 mark. Troy Redmann stopped 19 shots in net for the Soo.
There was no information readily available from Sunday's game in Toledo.
The Indians travel to Ann Arbor for a rare three-game series this Friday, Saturday and Sunday against the same Under-18 squad.
Whalers clinch 2nd place in West Division
The Plymouth Whalers clinched second place in the OHL's West Division yesterday with a 2-0 shutout over the first-place Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds at the Compuware Sports Arena.
Mike Looby and John Vigilante scored for Plymouth (29-28-6-3), while goalie Ryan Nie stopped all 26 shots for his thid shutout of the season.
There is still a question as to who Plymouth will meet in the playoffs. Owen Sound is a distinct possibility, but the Whalers could also catch the Erie Otters for fifth in the Western Conference race.
If that's the case, Plymouth could meet the Kitchener Rangers in the first round of the playoffs.
The Whalers beat Erie, 3-1, on the road Friday night behind short-handed goals from Dan Collins and John Mitchell and a power-play tally from Tim Sestito (also his 100th career point). Goalie Justin Garay, from nearby Monaca, Penn., made 25 saves in front of more than 35 friends and family.
Next up for Plymouth is a road game in Sarnia Friday night and their regular season home finale Saturday night against London. The OHL playoffs begin March 24.
Mike Looby and John Vigilante scored for Plymouth (29-28-6-3), while goalie Ryan Nie stopped all 26 shots for his thid shutout of the season.
There is still a question as to who Plymouth will meet in the playoffs. Owen Sound is a distinct possibility, but the Whalers could also catch the Erie Otters for fifth in the Western Conference race.
If that's the case, Plymouth could meet the Kitchener Rangers in the first round of the playoffs.
The Whalers beat Erie, 3-1, on the road Friday night behind short-handed goals from Dan Collins and John Mitchell and a power-play tally from Tim Sestito (also his 100th career point). Goalie Justin Garay, from nearby Monaca, Penn., made 25 saves in front of more than 35 friends and family.
Next up for Plymouth is a road game in Sarnia Friday night and their regular season home finale Saturday night against London. The OHL playoffs begin March 24.
Friday, March 11, 2005
Spartans get Brighton native for this fall
The Cleveland Barons of the North American Hockey League are proud to announce that center Kurt Kivisto has committed to Michigan State University for the 2005-06 season.
Kivisto, a 5-foot-7, 175-pound left-handed center, is a native of Brighton. Currently, he has 12 goals and 20 assists for 32 points in his second year with the Barons. Before joining the Barons, Kivisto attended Brighton High School where he started as a team manager in freshman year. With his hard work and dedication, by his senior year (2002-2003) he made the state of Michigan’s hockey “Dream Team." Kivisto is noted for his work ethic and steady two-way play on the ice, which makes him a valuable asset on the power play and penalty kill.
Barons head coach and general manager Tim Alexander had this to say: “I congratulate Kurt and his family on this occasion. He has had to work for everything in his hockey career, he came to Cleveland, earned his ice time, which has now led him to the next level at Michigan State. I wish him all the best at MSU.”
Kivisto has become the fourth Barons to commit to a CCHA school. He joins Steve Silver (Western Michigan), Nick Biondo (Ohio State), and Jacob Cepis (Bowling Green).
Kivisto, a 5-foot-7, 175-pound left-handed center, is a native of Brighton. Currently, he has 12 goals and 20 assists for 32 points in his second year with the Barons. Before joining the Barons, Kivisto attended Brighton High School where he started as a team manager in freshman year. With his hard work and dedication, by his senior year (2002-2003) he made the state of Michigan’s hockey “Dream Team." Kivisto is noted for his work ethic and steady two-way play on the ice, which makes him a valuable asset on the power play and penalty kill.
Barons head coach and general manager Tim Alexander had this to say: “I congratulate Kurt and his family on this occasion. He has had to work for everything in his hockey career, he came to Cleveland, earned his ice time, which has now led him to the next level at Michigan State. I wish him all the best at MSU.”
Kivisto has become the fourth Barons to commit to a CCHA school. He joins Steve Silver (Western Michigan), Nick Biondo (Ohio State), and Jacob Cepis (Bowling Green).
Whalers tripped up in Windsor, 5-2
It looked more like two teams gearing up for a playoff showdown than simply playing out the stretch.
The Windsor Spitfires and Plymouth Whalers showed there's still plenty of fire left in their rivalry in Windsor's 5-2 win Thursday at Windsor Arena.
Read the rest of the game recap in today's Windsor Star here.
The Windsor Spitfires and Plymouth Whalers showed there's still plenty of fire left in their rivalry in Windsor's 5-2 win Thursday at Windsor Arena.
Read the rest of the game recap in today's Windsor Star here.
Former Soo standout named top CHA rookie
Wayne State freshman and former Soo Indians forward Stavros Paskaris (2002-2004) was named College Hockey America's rookie of the year at the CHA tournament banquet last night in Grand Rapids, Minn.
Paskaris, 20, was the top-scoring newcomer in the CHA with 20 points on six goals and 14 assists in 20 games, Paskaris finished tied-for-eighth among all players in scoring. He tied-for-third in league assists (14) and tied-for-eighth in league power-play points (9). His four conference power-play goals was tied-for-fifth.
Overall, Paskaris led WSU in scoring with 31 points (11 goals, 20 assists) in all 34 games.
Paskaris, 20, was the top-scoring newcomer in the CHA with 20 points on six goals and 14 assists in 20 games, Paskaris finished tied-for-eighth among all players in scoring. He tied-for-third in league assists (14) and tied-for-eighth in league power-play points (9). His four conference power-play goals was tied-for-fifth.
Overall, Paskaris led WSU in scoring with 31 points (11 goals, 20 assists) in all 34 games.
Thursday, March 10, 2005
Livonia native nets USHL honors
Lincoln Stars forward Erik Condra (Livonia), earned top honors for Offensive Player of the Week by posting seven points in four USHL games last week. He also had a +6 plus/minus rating. Condra is now tied for second in scoring on the Stars with 53 points. In the four games last week, Condra tallied four goals and three assists while helping the Stars clinch a playoff spot in the West Division.
Spirit downed by Greyhounds, 7-2
The Saginaw Spirit went through the motions Wednesday night with a 7-2 loss on the road to the West Division-leading Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.
Rookie goalie Ryan Daniels made 37 saves and Tom Pyatt recorded a goal and an assist. Jesse Gimblett tallied the other goal for the Spirit (17-41-3-4), who played with just 16 skaters due to team-imposed suspensions (see below).
Saginaw returns home for the last time this season to face the Greyhounds at 7:00 p.m. Saturday on Fan Appreciation Day.
Spirit Discipline Six Players
The Saginaw Spirit hockey club is disciplining six players for violating team policy. Patrick Asselin, Chase Crowder, Jesse Gimblett, captain Thomas Harrison and Steven Whitely will each serve two-game suspensions between now and the end of the season. Scott Fletcher will serve a four-game suspension.
Spirit head coach and general manager Bob Mancini says he's disappointed with the players.
"It's a violation of the team's rules and the trust of these players' teammates," Mancini said. "Team rules are in place for a reason and there are consequences for violations.”
The suspensions began with last night's game.
Rookie goalie Ryan Daniels made 37 saves and Tom Pyatt recorded a goal and an assist. Jesse Gimblett tallied the other goal for the Spirit (17-41-3-4), who played with just 16 skaters due to team-imposed suspensions (see below).
Saginaw returns home for the last time this season to face the Greyhounds at 7:00 p.m. Saturday on Fan Appreciation Day.
Spirit Discipline Six Players
The Saginaw Spirit hockey club is disciplining six players for violating team policy. Patrick Asselin, Chase Crowder, Jesse Gimblett, captain Thomas Harrison and Steven Whitely will each serve two-game suspensions between now and the end of the season. Scott Fletcher will serve a four-game suspension.
Spirit head coach and general manager Bob Mancini says he's disappointed with the players.
"It's a violation of the team's rules and the trust of these players' teammates," Mancini said. "Team rules are in place for a reason and there are consequences for violations.”
The suspensions began with last night's game.
Monday, March 07, 2005
Whalers tie, win, lose
The Plymouth Whalers got a notch in each column of their record last weekend as they tied Sudbury, beat Sarnia and lost in Sault Ste. Marie.
The loss against the Greyhounds was huge, as Sault Ste. Marie is now six points up on Plymouth for first place in the West Division.
Against the Wolves at home Friday night, rookie Cory Tanaka scored with the extra attacker at 19:37 of the third period to knot the game at 1-all. Ryan Hastings had given Sudbury a 1-0 lead just 62 seconds earlier.
Plymouth goalie Ryan Nie turned aside 27 shots.
Saturday night against the lowly Sting, Michael Haley scored at 19:40 of the third period to send the game into overtime for Sarnia. But Plymouth rookie James Neal stripped Sarnia defenseman Erik Schwanz, a North Lakeport native, and scored the game-winner on goalie Ryan Munce at 2:18 of OT for the 4-3 win.
Jonas Fiedler scored twice and Mike Letizia also scored for the Whalers. Rookie goalie Justin Garay made 26 saves.
Sunday, Nie made seven saves on 11 shots before being replaced by Garay, who finished with 17 saves on 19 shots. The lone Plymouth goal was scored by Dan Collins midway through the third period.
The Whalers (27-27-6-3) are in Windsor Thursday night and in Erie Friday night before a 2:00 p.m. matinee at home Sunday against the Greyhounds.
The loss against the Greyhounds was huge, as Sault Ste. Marie is now six points up on Plymouth for first place in the West Division.
Against the Wolves at home Friday night, rookie Cory Tanaka scored with the extra attacker at 19:37 of the third period to knot the game at 1-all. Ryan Hastings had given Sudbury a 1-0 lead just 62 seconds earlier.
Plymouth goalie Ryan Nie turned aside 27 shots.
Saturday night against the lowly Sting, Michael Haley scored at 19:40 of the third period to send the game into overtime for Sarnia. But Plymouth rookie James Neal stripped Sarnia defenseman Erik Schwanz, a North Lakeport native, and scored the game-winner on goalie Ryan Munce at 2:18 of OT for the 4-3 win.
Jonas Fiedler scored twice and Mike Letizia also scored for the Whalers. Rookie goalie Justin Garay made 26 saves.
Sunday, Nie made seven saves on 11 shots before being replaced by Garay, who finished with 17 saves on 19 shots. The lone Plymouth goal was scored by Dan Collins midway through the third period.
The Whalers (27-27-6-3) are in Windsor Thursday night and in Erie Friday night before a 2:00 p.m. matinee at home Sunday against the Greyhounds.
Spirit eliminated from OHL post-season
Saginaw dropped all three games over the weekend and in doing so were eliminated from the OHL post-season for the third consecutive year.
The Spirit went into London Friday night and came out suffering a 12-0 defeat, their worst in the three years in Saginaw, to the top team in the OHL. Goalie Jeff Weber did make 35 saves in the lone bright spot for Saginaw (17-40-3-4).
Then Saturday night in front of a sellout crowd, Sudbury escaped with a 3-2 win as Saginaw rookie goalie Ryan Daniels stopped 29 shots in his home debut.
"I had a lot of confidence in the players," Daniels said. "It was nice playing in front of so many fans. They're noise gives us guys energy on the ice."
Tom Mannino and Tom Pyatt scored for the Spirit.
Sunday against Windsor, the visiting Spitfires took a 3-2 win that mathematically eliminated Saginaw from the playoffs.
"No one gave up today. We played with a lot of effort and pride," Spirit head coach and general manager Bob Mancini said. "We're going to battle hard in the remaining games. Everyone on this young team is still learning."
Jesse Gimblett and Marek Kvapil scored for Saginaw and Weber had 25 saves.
Third-year forward Daniel Borges said he and his teammates knew what was on the line for the game.
"We competed longer and later than ever before," Borges said of the playoff run. "This year's loss is next year's gain."
The Spirit return to action Wednesday night in Sault Ste. Marie against the division-leading Greyhounds. The Hounds travel to Saginaw Saturday for the Spirit home finale.
The Spirit went into London Friday night and came out suffering a 12-0 defeat, their worst in the three years in Saginaw, to the top team in the OHL. Goalie Jeff Weber did make 35 saves in the lone bright spot for Saginaw (17-40-3-4).
Then Saturday night in front of a sellout crowd, Sudbury escaped with a 3-2 win as Saginaw rookie goalie Ryan Daniels stopped 29 shots in his home debut.
"I had a lot of confidence in the players," Daniels said. "It was nice playing in front of so many fans. They're noise gives us guys energy on the ice."
Tom Mannino and Tom Pyatt scored for the Spirit.
Sunday against Windsor, the visiting Spitfires took a 3-2 win that mathematically eliminated Saginaw from the playoffs.
"No one gave up today. We played with a lot of effort and pride," Spirit head coach and general manager Bob Mancini said. "We're going to battle hard in the remaining games. Everyone on this young team is still learning."
Jesse Gimblett and Marek Kvapil scored for Saginaw and Weber had 25 saves.
Third-year forward Daniel Borges said he and his teammates knew what was on the line for the game.
"We competed longer and later than ever before," Borges said of the playoff run. "This year's loss is next year's gain."
The Spirit return to action Wednesday night in Sault Ste. Marie against the division-leading Greyhounds. The Hounds travel to Saginaw Saturday for the Spirit home finale.
Indians split with Phantoms
The Soo Indians (30-15-4) continute to lead the NAHL's North Division by four points over the U.S. National Team after a split last weekend with the Youngstown Phantoms at home last weekend.
Friday night, five different players - Ricky Akkerman, R.G. Flath, Matt Jones, Jim Pentecost and Drew Satterley - scored for the Soo and Jason Kearney made 29 saves in the 5-2 win.
The next night, Ray Kaunisto gave the Indians a 1-0 lead early in the second period, but Youngstown rattled off four unanswered goals to take a 4-1 win. Kearney finished with 21 saves.
Team USA visits the Soo Friday and Saturday night for games at 7:00 p.m. The Indians then play at Toledo Sunday at 12:30 p.m.
Friday night, five different players - Ricky Akkerman, R.G. Flath, Matt Jones, Jim Pentecost and Drew Satterley - scored for the Soo and Jason Kearney made 29 saves in the 5-2 win.
The next night, Ray Kaunisto gave the Indians a 1-0 lead early in the second period, but Youngstown rattled off four unanswered goals to take a 4-1 win. Kearney finished with 21 saves.
Team USA visits the Soo Friday and Saturday night for games at 7:00 p.m. The Indians then play at Toledo Sunday at 12:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Future Traverse City forward reluctant to move
Leaving parents, who are deaf, will be tough for Howell's Madden
BY JEFF ARNOLD Ann Arbor News Sports Reporter
HOWELL - Surrounded by chaos, Sandy Madden sits in silence. After years of watching hockey, she's aware of what's going on around her. A lifetime of being deaf keeps her from hearing it.
She feels the wooden bleachers shiver underneath her when one of her son's Howell High School teammates is driven into the boards. Even through she can't hear a referee's shrieking whistle, Sandy, who has been unable to hear since the age of 3, expresses her displeasure with an emotional moan.
At one end of Howell's cavernous ice rink, Sandy's husband, Bob - also deaf since the age of 3 - stands behind a glass partition with a hand-held camcorder pressed against his eye. He can't believe how far his son, 17-year-old Jon Madden - a junior forward - has come since the days when he'd form two pieces of masking tape into an "X" and press it onto kitchen cabinets.
Read the rest of the story from the Ann Arbor News here.
BY JEFF ARNOLD Ann Arbor News Sports Reporter
HOWELL - Surrounded by chaos, Sandy Madden sits in silence. After years of watching hockey, she's aware of what's going on around her. A lifetime of being deaf keeps her from hearing it.
She feels the wooden bleachers shiver underneath her when one of her son's Howell High School teammates is driven into the boards. Even through she can't hear a referee's shrieking whistle, Sandy, who has been unable to hear since the age of 3, expresses her displeasure with an emotional moan.
At one end of Howell's cavernous ice rink, Sandy's husband, Bob - also deaf since the age of 3 - stands behind a glass partition with a hand-held camcorder pressed against his eye. He can't believe how far his son, 17-year-old Jon Madden - a junior forward - has come since the days when he'd form two pieces of masking tape into an "X" and press it onto kitchen cabinets.
Read the rest of the story from the Ann Arbor News here.
Bighorns ink Rauch for '05-06
The Helena Bighorns of the NAHL signed three players to tender sheets on Monday and one was defenseman Philip Rauch, a 6-foot-2, 175-pound native of Lambertville, Michigan.
Rauch has been a solid performer for the Toledo Cherokee (CSHL) this season. In 37 games, Rauch has piled up eight goals and 13 assists to go along with 78 penalty minutes, proving he is every bit of the player Bighorns head coach Brent Agrusa has come to know.
“Rauch is a rugged two-way defenseman, who does it at both ends of the ice,” claimed Agrusa. “He has a good knowledge of the defensive zone and is a good candidate to step in next year a fill a solid role.”
Agrusa attributes the signing of Rauch to Cherokee GM Mike Robertson.
“Mike was instrumental in recruiting current Bighorn and former Cherokee Larry Willard to our program,” says the Bighorns coach. “Larry is having a good season and Mike likes our program so he was very helpful in the signing process.”
Agrusa also attributes Rauch’s development to solid coaching from Toledo’s Chris Varga. Rauch is the second Cherokee to sign with the Bighorns in the last two years and the ninth player from the CSHL in that time span.
Helena president Mike Butters also had good things to say about Rauch.
“Philip is the only 1987-born defenseman in the top ten scoring of the CSHL," noted Butters. "He has a lot of raw tools and possesses plenty of upside. We all look forward to seeing him in Chicago this May.”
Rauch will get his first opportunity to impress the Bighorn brass at their summer prospect camp this May in Chicago. Players from all over the country will attend this prospect camp with hopes of joining Rauch in a Bighorns uniform in September.
Rauch has been a solid performer for the Toledo Cherokee (CSHL) this season. In 37 games, Rauch has piled up eight goals and 13 assists to go along with 78 penalty minutes, proving he is every bit of the player Bighorns head coach Brent Agrusa has come to know.
“Rauch is a rugged two-way defenseman, who does it at both ends of the ice,” claimed Agrusa. “He has a good knowledge of the defensive zone and is a good candidate to step in next year a fill a solid role.”
Agrusa attributes the signing of Rauch to Cherokee GM Mike Robertson.
“Mike was instrumental in recruiting current Bighorn and former Cherokee Larry Willard to our program,” says the Bighorns coach. “Larry is having a good season and Mike likes our program so he was very helpful in the signing process.”
Agrusa also attributes Rauch’s development to solid coaching from Toledo’s Chris Varga. Rauch is the second Cherokee to sign with the Bighorns in the last two years and the ninth player from the CSHL in that time span.
Helena president Mike Butters also had good things to say about Rauch.
“Philip is the only 1987-born defenseman in the top ten scoring of the CSHL," noted Butters. "He has a lot of raw tools and possesses plenty of upside. We all look forward to seeing him in Chicago this May.”
Rauch will get his first opportunity to impress the Bighorn brass at their summer prospect camp this May in Chicago. Players from all over the country will attend this prospect camp with hopes of joining Rauch in a Bighorns uniform in September.
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
Defenseman takes Case to Ferris State
Evan Case, a rookie defenseman with the NAHL's Youngstown Phantoms, has committed to Ferris State for this coming fall.
The 18-year-old Grosse Pointe Woods native played for the state champion Little Caesar's midget AAA team last season before jumping to the Phantoms.
The 18-year-old Grosse Pointe Woods native played for the state champion Little Caesar's midget AAA team last season before jumping to the Phantoms.
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
Saginaw gets just one point over weekend
Fighting to make the OHL playoffs, the Saginaw Spirit may have done themselves in last weekend as they tied and lost after a loss Wednesday night to Plymouth.
Saturday night at home to the Kitchener Rangers, the Rangers scored with an extra attacker at 19:06 of the third period to gain the 2-2 tie. Jesse Gimblett and Matt Corrente scored for Saginaw and goaltender Jeff Weber made 35 saves.
"We're in a fragile state right now," Saginaw head coach and general manager Bob Mancini said. "But the players battled back from a 1-0 deficit. I think we played our best hockey tonight when we were down."
Sunday in Windsor, the hometown Spitfires took a 6-2 decision. Erik Lundmark and Gimblett scored for the Spirit. Weber turned back 17 shots. Rookie Ryan Daniels played the third period and made nine saves on ten shots.
The loss takes Saginaw's record to 17-37-3-4 on the season, nine points behind the eighth-seed Guelph Storm for the final Western Conference playoff spot.
Saginaw returns to action Friday night in London and home Saturday to face the Sudbury Wolves at 7:00 p.m. Detroit Red Wings national anthem singer Karen Newman will do the honors in Saginaw that evening.
Saturday night at home to the Kitchener Rangers, the Rangers scored with an extra attacker at 19:06 of the third period to gain the 2-2 tie. Jesse Gimblett and Matt Corrente scored for Saginaw and goaltender Jeff Weber made 35 saves.
"We're in a fragile state right now," Saginaw head coach and general manager Bob Mancini said. "But the players battled back from a 1-0 deficit. I think we played our best hockey tonight when we were down."
Sunday in Windsor, the hometown Spitfires took a 6-2 decision. Erik Lundmark and Gimblett scored for the Spirit. Weber turned back 17 shots. Rookie Ryan Daniels played the third period and made nine saves on ten shots.
The loss takes Saginaw's record to 17-37-3-4 on the season, nine points behind the eighth-seed Guelph Storm for the final Western Conference playoff spot.
Saginaw returns to action Friday night in London and home Saturday to face the Sudbury Wolves at 7:00 p.m. Detroit Red Wings national anthem singer Karen Newman will do the honors in Saginaw that evening.
Whalers fall behind 'Hounds in OHL West
After a 3-1 win Wednesday night in Saginaw, the Plymouth Whalers decimated the Windsor Spitfires Friday night before falling to the dominant London Knights Saturday and Erie Otters Sunday.
In Friday's home sellout, rookie Cory Tanaka scored twice and John Mitchell and John Vigilante each had a goal and two assists in the 7-2 win over the Spitfires. Jonas Fiedler, Gino Pisellini and Mike Looby also scored for the Whalers, who got a 26-save performance out of goalie Ryan Nie.
Saturday, the CHL-leading Knights put three on the board in the first period and never looked back in the 5-1 win, another sellout. Dan Collins ruined Adam Dennis' shutout bid with a power-play goal at 15:45 of the third period. Rookie Justin Garay, in net for the previous two losses at London, finished with 26 saves.
Then Sunday in Erie, Penn., Vigilante and Tanaka scored, but couldn't overcome the Otters and lost, 5-2. Nie was back in goal and made 20 saves. Erie’s victory is their first against Plymouth at the Tullio Arena since March 1, 1998. The Whalers had gone 16-0-3 during that time in Erie over 16 regular season games and three playoff games.
Plymouth is now three points back of the first-place Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in the OHL's West Division. The Whalers (26-26-5-3) host the Sudbury Wolves (Friday) and Sarnia Sting (Saturday) this weekend before venturing to Sault Ste. Marie Sunday night. Game time Friday and Saturday is 7:30 p.m.
In Friday's home sellout, rookie Cory Tanaka scored twice and John Mitchell and John Vigilante each had a goal and two assists in the 7-2 win over the Spitfires. Jonas Fiedler, Gino Pisellini and Mike Looby also scored for the Whalers, who got a 26-save performance out of goalie Ryan Nie.
Saturday, the CHL-leading Knights put three on the board in the first period and never looked back in the 5-1 win, another sellout. Dan Collins ruined Adam Dennis' shutout bid with a power-play goal at 15:45 of the third period. Rookie Justin Garay, in net for the previous two losses at London, finished with 26 saves.
Then Sunday in Erie, Penn., Vigilante and Tanaka scored, but couldn't overcome the Otters and lost, 5-2. Nie was back in goal and made 20 saves. Erie’s victory is their first against Plymouth at the Tullio Arena since March 1, 1998. The Whalers had gone 16-0-3 during that time in Erie over 16 regular season games and three playoff games.
Plymouth is now three points back of the first-place Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in the OHL's West Division. The Whalers (26-26-5-3) host the Sudbury Wolves (Friday) and Sarnia Sting (Saturday) this weekend before venturing to Sault Ste. Marie Sunday night. Game time Friday and Saturday is 7:30 p.m.
Monday, February 28, 2005
Indians complete sweep of Cleveland
The Soo Indians swept the Cleveland Barons in northern Michigan last weekend and maintained their top spot in the NAHL's North Division with a 29-14-4 overall record.
Friday night, the Indians broke a 1-1 tie with third-period goals by Matt Jones and Matt Buckley and escaped with a 3-1 win. Joe Beaudry scored in the first period and Jason Kearney made 23 saves for the win.
Ray Kaunisto and Jones (empty-net) scored and Kearney earned his league-leading sixth shutout Saturday night as the Soo blanked Cleveland, 2-0. Kearney needed to make only 12 saves in the win.
"I am very proud of the way our players reacted to last weekends loss to Cleveland." said Indians coach Joe Shawhan. "Jason was solid in the net and our entire defensive effort from the D-corp to the forwards were outstanding."
The Indians still hold a slim three point lead on the U.S. Under-18 National Team, who also won, defeating Youngstown 3-1. The USNTDP has four games in hand.
The Indians will host the Youngstown Phantoms this Friday and Saturday as they head into the final nine games of the regular season.
Friday night, the Indians broke a 1-1 tie with third-period goals by Matt Jones and Matt Buckley and escaped with a 3-1 win. Joe Beaudry scored in the first period and Jason Kearney made 23 saves for the win.
Ray Kaunisto and Jones (empty-net) scored and Kearney earned his league-leading sixth shutout Saturday night as the Soo blanked Cleveland, 2-0. Kearney needed to make only 12 saves in the win.
"I am very proud of the way our players reacted to last weekends loss to Cleveland." said Indians coach Joe Shawhan. "Jason was solid in the net and our entire defensive effort from the D-corp to the forwards were outstanding."
The Indians still hold a slim three point lead on the U.S. Under-18 National Team, who also won, defeating Youngstown 3-1. The USNTDP has four games in hand.
The Indians will host the Youngstown Phantoms this Friday and Saturday as they head into the final nine games of the regular season.
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Plymouth dumps Saginaw, 3-1
Mike Looby scored with with 1:32 left in regulation to snap a 1-1 tie and lead the Plymouth Whalers past the Saginaw Spirit, 3-1, Wednesday night before 3,443 at the Dow Event Center in Saginaw.
The Plymouth victory – combined with Sault Ste. Marie’s 4-1 loss to Sarnia Wednesday night – moves the Whalers to within one point of Sault Ste. Marie in the tight OHL West Division race. Sault Ste. Marie leads the division with a record of 25-24-8-1.
Mike Knight and Dan Collins (empty-net) also scored for Plymouth. Daniel Borges scored the lone Saginaw goal, a power-play marker on Saginaw's first shot of the first period.
Plymouth (25-24-5-3) outshot Saginaw, 43-16, but ran into hot goaltending from Spirit overage goalie Jeff Weber, a former Whaler, who made 39 saves. Plymouth goalie Ryan Nie stopped 15 shots for the win.
Rookie goalie Ryan Daniels played 3:02 in the second period for Saginaw and stopped both shots he faced.
The Whalers host Windsor on Friday night while the Spirit hosts Kitchener Saturday night.
The Plymouth victory – combined with Sault Ste. Marie’s 4-1 loss to Sarnia Wednesday night – moves the Whalers to within one point of Sault Ste. Marie in the tight OHL West Division race. Sault Ste. Marie leads the division with a record of 25-24-8-1.
Mike Knight and Dan Collins (empty-net) also scored for Plymouth. Daniel Borges scored the lone Saginaw goal, a power-play marker on Saginaw's first shot of the first period.
Plymouth (25-24-5-3) outshot Saginaw, 43-16, but ran into hot goaltending from Spirit overage goalie Jeff Weber, a former Whaler, who made 39 saves. Plymouth goalie Ryan Nie stopped 15 shots for the win.
Rookie goalie Ryan Daniels played 3:02 in the second period for Saginaw and stopped both shots he faced.
The Whalers host Windsor on Friday night while the Spirit hosts Kitchener Saturday night.
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Whalers hit busy stretch
The Ontario Hockey League League’s Plymouth Whalers face a busy stretch of the season when they play four games over five days this week. The Whalers enter the week tied for second place in the OHL West with the Windsor Spitfires with a record of 24-24-5-2, good for 56 points and three points behind the first place Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (25-23-8-1). Windsor is 22-24-6-6.
Here is a closer look at the Whalers’ week:
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 23 – PLYMOUTH (24-24-5-3) at SAGINAW (17-35-2-4), 7:30 pm at the Saginaw Dow Event Center (7:15 pm, WSDS 1480-AM). Plymouth holds a 5-1-0-1 record over Saginaw this season. The Whalers and Spirit are on the opposite ends of the
Western Conference playoff spectrum, with Plymouth continuing to chase Sault Ste. Marie and Windsor for first place in the OHL West (and then second spot in the Western Conference seeding) and Saginaw eight points behind Guelph for the final playoff berth in the Western Conference.
WHO’S HOT FOR PLYMOUTH: Whalers’ leading scorer John Mitchell (23 goals with 42 assists for 65 points in 51 games) has torched the Spirit for 7 goals and 10 assists for 17 points in six games. Mitchell’s linemate, John Vigilante (19-34-53), has 5 goals and 7 assists for 12 points in 7 games against Saginaw, while Dan Collins (21-17-38) has 4 goals and 7 assists for 11 points in 7 games against the Spirit. Whalers are getting a lift from rookie Cory Tanaka (6-9-15), who scored in both Plymouth games last weekend and has goals in three of his last four games. Plymouth goaltender Ryan Nie (50 games, 2.57 goals against average, .915 save percentage) has played well this season against Saginaw. In 7 games against the Spirit, Nie has a 1.83 GAA and .941 save percentage.
WHO’S HOT FOR SAGINAW: Rookie Marek Kvapil (23-42-65) was the game’s first star in Saginaw’s only victory against Plymouth when he scored a goal with two assists in a 5-4 decision Feb. 13 in Saginaw. Defenseman Patrick McNeill (7-25-32) is Saginaw’s leading scorer against Plymouth this season with 2 goals and 6 assists for 8 points in 7 games. Tom Pyatt (15-25-40) and Jesse Gimblett (14-13-27) lead Saginaw against the Whalers with three goals each.
FRIDAY, FEB. 25 – WINDSOR (22-24-6-6) at PLYMOUTH, 7:30 pm at the Compuware Sports Arena (7:30 pm, Comcast-Plymouth, Channel 25). Spitfires and Whalers play in the seventh of eight games during the regular season with Windsor holding a 5-1-0-0 edge. Plymouth won the last game played with Windsor in a 6-3 victory Feb. 12 at the Compuware Sports Arena. Windsor has good firepower with John Scott Dickson (28-36-64), David Lomas (32-29-61), Cal O’Reilly (18-43-61, team leading five goals against Plymouth), Steve Downie (16-44-60) and Ryan Garlock (29-30-59). In each Windsor victory against Plymouth this season, one of the Spitfire goaltenders – either Kyle Knechtel (3.43, .899) or Brad Topping (3.68, .892) – has been a star.
SATURDAY, FEB. 26 – LONDON (50-5-2-0) at PLYMOUTH, 7:30 pm at the Compuware Sports Arena (7:25 pm www.plymouthwhalers.com; tape-delayed by the Schoolcraft College Sports Network). The top team in the Canadian Hockey League plays before sellout crowds wherever they go around the OHL. Plymouth lost in overtime, 5-4, in London Oct. 1 and 4-2 in London Nov. 26. Knights lead the OHL with 248 goals scored with only 108 against. There’s tons of firepower with OHL leading scorer and Anaheim-draft Corey Perry (39-63-102), Buffalo-draft Dylan Hunter (28-58-86, second in OHL scoring), Edmonton-draft Rob Schremp (33-42-75, fifth in OHL scoring) and Chicago-draft Dave Bolland (31-38-69, eighth in OHL scoring). Veteran defenseman Danny Syvret (19-38-57) leads the OHL with a +56 rating.
SUNDAY, FEB. 27 – PLYMOUTH at ERIE (26-20-6-5), 6:00 pm at Erie’s Tullio Arena (5:45 pm, WSDS 1480-AM). Whalers have enjoyed excellent success in Erie over the years. Like Plymouth, Erie is a younger-based team looked to be on the upswing over the next
couple of seasons. Veteran Geoff Platt (39-30-69) is tied with Perry and Owen Sound’s Brad Richardson for the OHL lead in goals. Young veterans Ryan O’Marra (21-32-53) and Michael Blunden (20-18-38) are quality players worth watching.
Tickets are available for all Plymouth games by calling the Compuware Sports Arena box office Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm at (734) 453-8400. The CSA box office opens on Saturday game days at 11:00 am.
Here is a closer look at the Whalers’ week:
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 23 – PLYMOUTH (24-24-5-3) at SAGINAW (17-35-2-4), 7:30 pm at the Saginaw Dow Event Center (7:15 pm, WSDS 1480-AM). Plymouth holds a 5-1-0-1 record over Saginaw this season. The Whalers and Spirit are on the opposite ends of the
Western Conference playoff spectrum, with Plymouth continuing to chase Sault Ste. Marie and Windsor for first place in the OHL West (and then second spot in the Western Conference seeding) and Saginaw eight points behind Guelph for the final playoff berth in the Western Conference.
WHO’S HOT FOR PLYMOUTH: Whalers’ leading scorer John Mitchell (23 goals with 42 assists for 65 points in 51 games) has torched the Spirit for 7 goals and 10 assists for 17 points in six games. Mitchell’s linemate, John Vigilante (19-34-53), has 5 goals and 7 assists for 12 points in 7 games against Saginaw, while Dan Collins (21-17-38) has 4 goals and 7 assists for 11 points in 7 games against the Spirit. Whalers are getting a lift from rookie Cory Tanaka (6-9-15), who scored in both Plymouth games last weekend and has goals in three of his last four games. Plymouth goaltender Ryan Nie (50 games, 2.57 goals against average, .915 save percentage) has played well this season against Saginaw. In 7 games against the Spirit, Nie has a 1.83 GAA and .941 save percentage.
WHO’S HOT FOR SAGINAW: Rookie Marek Kvapil (23-42-65) was the game’s first star in Saginaw’s only victory against Plymouth when he scored a goal with two assists in a 5-4 decision Feb. 13 in Saginaw. Defenseman Patrick McNeill (7-25-32) is Saginaw’s leading scorer against Plymouth this season with 2 goals and 6 assists for 8 points in 7 games. Tom Pyatt (15-25-40) and Jesse Gimblett (14-13-27) lead Saginaw against the Whalers with three goals each.
FRIDAY, FEB. 25 – WINDSOR (22-24-6-6) at PLYMOUTH, 7:30 pm at the Compuware Sports Arena (7:30 pm, Comcast-Plymouth, Channel 25). Spitfires and Whalers play in the seventh of eight games during the regular season with Windsor holding a 5-1-0-0 edge. Plymouth won the last game played with Windsor in a 6-3 victory Feb. 12 at the Compuware Sports Arena. Windsor has good firepower with John Scott Dickson (28-36-64), David Lomas (32-29-61), Cal O’Reilly (18-43-61, team leading five goals against Plymouth), Steve Downie (16-44-60) and Ryan Garlock (29-30-59). In each Windsor victory against Plymouth this season, one of the Spitfire goaltenders – either Kyle Knechtel (3.43, .899) or Brad Topping (3.68, .892) – has been a star.
SATURDAY, FEB. 26 – LONDON (50-5-2-0) at PLYMOUTH, 7:30 pm at the Compuware Sports Arena (7:25 pm www.plymouthwhalers.com; tape-delayed by the Schoolcraft College Sports Network). The top team in the Canadian Hockey League plays before sellout crowds wherever they go around the OHL. Plymouth lost in overtime, 5-4, in London Oct. 1 and 4-2 in London Nov. 26. Knights lead the OHL with 248 goals scored with only 108 against. There’s tons of firepower with OHL leading scorer and Anaheim-draft Corey Perry (39-63-102), Buffalo-draft Dylan Hunter (28-58-86, second in OHL scoring), Edmonton-draft Rob Schremp (33-42-75, fifth in OHL scoring) and Chicago-draft Dave Bolland (31-38-69, eighth in OHL scoring). Veteran defenseman Danny Syvret (19-38-57) leads the OHL with a +56 rating.
SUNDAY, FEB. 27 – PLYMOUTH at ERIE (26-20-6-5), 6:00 pm at Erie’s Tullio Arena (5:45 pm, WSDS 1480-AM). Whalers have enjoyed excellent success in Erie over the years. Like Plymouth, Erie is a younger-based team looked to be on the upswing over the next
couple of seasons. Veteran Geoff Platt (39-30-69) is tied with Perry and Owen Sound’s Brad Richardson for the OHL lead in goals. Young veterans Ryan O’Marra (21-32-53) and Michael Blunden (20-18-38) are quality players worth watching.
Tickets are available for all Plymouth games by calling the Compuware Sports Arena box office Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm at (734) 453-8400. The CSA box office opens on Saturday game days at 11:00 am.
Trenton native commits to WMU
Omaha Lancers defenseman Kevin O'Connor (Trenton) is the latest Lancer to commit to a Division I school for this fall as the 20-year-old has given the nod to Western Michigan University of the CCHA.
“It's great to see the strides that Kevin has made in his two seasons with the Lancers, both on and off the ice," Omaha head coach Mike Hastings said. "I expect Kevin to be an impact player for the Broncos right away."
In 39 games this season, O'Connor has 21 points (5g, 16a). He is the 12th Lancer to commit to college hockey for next year.
Other Omaha players with Michigan college ties:
Goaltender Jeff Lerg (Livonia) - Michigan State University
Forward Jeff LoVecchio - Western Michigan University
Forward Tim Miller (Davisburg) - University of Michigan
Forward Brandon Naurato (Livonia) - University of Michigan
Defenseman Ryan Turek (Northville) - Michigan State University
“It's great to see the strides that Kevin has made in his two seasons with the Lancers, both on and off the ice," Omaha head coach Mike Hastings said. "I expect Kevin to be an impact player for the Broncos right away."
In 39 games this season, O'Connor has 21 points (5g, 16a). He is the 12th Lancer to commit to college hockey for next year.
Other Omaha players with Michigan college ties:
Goaltender Jeff Lerg (Livonia) - Michigan State University
Forward Jeff LoVecchio - Western Michigan University
Forward Tim Miller (Davisburg) - University of Michigan
Forward Brandon Naurato (Livonia) - University of Michigan
Defenseman Ryan Turek (Northville) - Michigan State University
Monday, February 21, 2005
Indians still atop NAHL North
Even though they were swept by the Cleveland Barons last weekend in Cleveland, the Soo Indians maintained their first-place position in the NAHL's North Division.
Friday night, Ray Kaunisto scored the Soo's lone goal in a 2-1 loss that was decided in a shootout. Jason Kearney made 27 saves for the Indians (27-14-4).
Saturday night, R.G. Flath scored twice and Matt Jones added a single, but the Barons took a 4-3 victory.
Troy Redmann started in net and made 15 saves through 47:02. Kearney took over and stopped all eight shots he saw in 12:58.
Ending their road trip, the Indians pitched a 5-0 shutout against the Toledo IceDiggers on Sunday. Drew Satterley scored twice and Matt Buckley, Marty Gurnoe and Nik Sellers added goals. Kearney made just 17 saves for the goose egg.
Cleveland travels up to Sault Ste. Marie this weekend for games Friday and Saturday. Game time both nights is 7:00 p.m.
Friday night, Ray Kaunisto scored the Soo's lone goal in a 2-1 loss that was decided in a shootout. Jason Kearney made 27 saves for the Indians (27-14-4).
Saturday night, R.G. Flath scored twice and Matt Jones added a single, but the Barons took a 4-3 victory.
Troy Redmann started in net and made 15 saves through 47:02. Kearney took over and stopped all eight shots he saw in 12:58.
Ending their road trip, the Indians pitched a 5-0 shutout against the Toledo IceDiggers on Sunday. Drew Satterley scored twice and Matt Buckley, Marty Gurnoe and Nik Sellers added goals. Kearney made just 17 saves for the goose egg.
Cleveland travels up to Sault Ste. Marie this weekend for games Friday and Saturday. Game time both nights is 7:00 p.m.
Saginaw loses trio over weekend
The OHL playoffs may now just be a pipe dream for the Saginaw Spirit.
Needing wins badly, the Spirit (17-35-2-4) dropped all three of their games last weekend.
Friday night in Saginaw, the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds posted a 3-0 win over the Spirit. Jeff Weber made 36 saves in the loss.
"We couldn't overcome their pressure early on," Saginaw head coach and general manager Bob Mancini said. "A couple of deflection goals put us behind and we didn't play with passion to overcome that lead."
The Barrie Colts then took a 7-2 win Saturday night in Barrie. Marek Kvapil and captain Thomas Harrison scored for Saginaw.
Weber had 21 saves in two periods. Aaron Rock had four saves in the final period of play.
Sunday up in Sudbury, the hometown Wolves defeated Saginaw, 6-2. Patrick McNeill and Michal Birner got on the board for the Spirit. Weber turned back 30 shots in the game.
Saginaw is now eight points behind the Guelph Storm for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference with ten games left.
The Spirit host the Plymouth Whalers Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m.
Needing wins badly, the Spirit (17-35-2-4) dropped all three of their games last weekend.
Friday night in Saginaw, the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds posted a 3-0 win over the Spirit. Jeff Weber made 36 saves in the loss.
"We couldn't overcome their pressure early on," Saginaw head coach and general manager Bob Mancini said. "A couple of deflection goals put us behind and we didn't play with passion to overcome that lead."
The Barrie Colts then took a 7-2 win Saturday night in Barrie. Marek Kvapil and captain Thomas Harrison scored for Saginaw.
Weber had 21 saves in two periods. Aaron Rock had four saves in the final period of play.
Sunday up in Sudbury, the hometown Wolves defeated Saginaw, 6-2. Patrick McNeill and Michal Birner got on the board for the Spirit. Weber turned back 30 shots in the game.
Saginaw is now eight points behind the Guelph Storm for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference with ten games left.
The Spirit host the Plymouth Whalers Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m.
Whalers fall out of first place
The Plymouth Whalers fell out of a three-way tie for first place in the OHL's West Division with a win and a loss last weekend.
Friday night in Guelph, Cory Tanaka and co-captain Tim Sestito each had a goal and an assist to lead the Whalers to a 3-1 win over the Storm. John Vigilante also scored and Ryan Nie made 17 saves.
Saturday night at home, Brody Todd scored three goals as the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds defeated the Whalers 6-2 to move atop the division.
The Greyhounds took first with the win and the Windsor Spitfires losing 6-2 to the Peterborough Petes.
The Greyhounds, Whalers and Spitfires were all tied for first heading into action Saturday.
Mike Looby and Tanaka scored for Plymouth (24-24-5-3). Nie stopped 17 shots before being pulled after the fifth goal for Justin Garay, who finished with four saves.
Plymouth plays in Saginaw Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m.
Friday night in Guelph, Cory Tanaka and co-captain Tim Sestito each had a goal and an assist to lead the Whalers to a 3-1 win over the Storm. John Vigilante also scored and Ryan Nie made 17 saves.
Saturday night at home, Brody Todd scored three goals as the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds defeated the Whalers 6-2 to move atop the division.
The Greyhounds took first with the win and the Windsor Spitfires losing 6-2 to the Peterborough Petes.
The Greyhounds, Whalers and Spitfires were all tied for first heading into action Saturday.
Mike Looby and Tanaka scored for Plymouth (24-24-5-3). Nie stopped 17 shots before being pulled after the fifth goal for Justin Garay, who finished with four saves.
Plymouth plays in Saginaw Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m.
Friday, February 18, 2005
Rassey commits to Crusaders
Rob Rassey, captain of the Youngstown Phantoms, has verbally committed to Holy Cross and the Atlantic Hockey hockey team in Worcester, Mass., for the 2005-2006 season.
Rassey, a 20-year-old Shelby Township native, is in his second year with the NAHL's Phantoms and leads the team with 53 points (21 goals, 32 assists) in 42 games.
Rassey, a 20-year-old Shelby Township native, is in his second year with the NAHL's Phantoms and leads the team with 53 points (21 goals, 32 assists) in 42 games.
Thursday, February 17, 2005
Soo Indians alumni making news
At the present time there are 33 former Soo Indians playing NCAA Division I college hockey. Below are some who have made news recently.
Former Indians netminder and NAHL All-League First Team goaltender Cam Ellsworth continued his phenomenal play as he backstopped the Michigan Tech Huskies to a three point weekend against Minnesota State. The victories moved the Huskies out of the WCHA basement for the first time all season. Ellsworth, a senior, lost the starting job heading into the season, but earned it back in December. Since that time, he has beaten top-ranked Denver in Denver, swept the University of Minnesota in St. Paul and Minnesota-Duluth in Duluth. Ellsworth has been selected WCHA Defensive Player of the week in three of the last four weekends and earned the honor again this week after allowing just three goals in a 1-1 tie and a 4-2 win. Since Jan. 1, Ellsworth has stopped 344 of 363 shots for a .948 save percentage and has a 2.11 goals-against average. He is currently third in the WCHA with a .919 save percentage.
Dearborn's Stavros Paskaris, now at Wayne State, is tied for the team scoring lead (with Canton native Jason Bloomingburg) with 25 points.
Charlie Cook, a senior defenseman for the first place Cornell Big Red, is fifth in team scoring with five goals and ten assists for fifteen points. Cook calls Port Huron home.
Justin Cross, a junior forward at Niagara, is fifth in team scoring with seven goals and eight assists. He scored two in last Sunday's 3-1 win at Wayne State and was named the CHA's Offensive Player of the Week.
Junior defenseman Jamie Milam (Lake Orion) is sixth in scoring for Northern Michigan University. The former NAHL Rookie of the year has totaled seven goals and nine assists for 16 points.
Freshman goaltender Bill Zaniboni, a former NAHL First Team All-League Player, has a 2.79 goals against average and a .916 save percentage in eight games with Northern Michigan.
Ferris State freshman defenseman Jim Jorgensen (Sault Ste. Marie) has totaled two goals and four assists in 27 games for the Bulldogs while freshman teammate and Stanwood native Derek McIntyre has played in sixteen games for the Bulldogs and has a 3.13 goals-against average and a .894 save percentage.
Lake Superior senior captain Bo Cheeseman was recently featured on a CCHA hockey show for his involvement with community youth.
Senior forward Adam Nightingale, and brother Jared, a junior defenseman, are alternate captains for the Michigan State Spartans. Both Cheboygan natives were All-League players with the Indians.
Former Indians goaltender and NAHL MVP Ryan Miller (East Lansing) currently leads the American Hockey League in wins with 29. The AHL All-Star has a 2.09 goals-against average and a .932 save percentage with the Rochester Americans.
Former Indians netminder and NAHL All-League First Team goaltender Cam Ellsworth continued his phenomenal play as he backstopped the Michigan Tech Huskies to a three point weekend against Minnesota State. The victories moved the Huskies out of the WCHA basement for the first time all season. Ellsworth, a senior, lost the starting job heading into the season, but earned it back in December. Since that time, he has beaten top-ranked Denver in Denver, swept the University of Minnesota in St. Paul and Minnesota-Duluth in Duluth. Ellsworth has been selected WCHA Defensive Player of the week in three of the last four weekends and earned the honor again this week after allowing just three goals in a 1-1 tie and a 4-2 win. Since Jan. 1, Ellsworth has stopped 344 of 363 shots for a .948 save percentage and has a 2.11 goals-against average. He is currently third in the WCHA with a .919 save percentage.
Dearborn's Stavros Paskaris, now at Wayne State, is tied for the team scoring lead (with Canton native Jason Bloomingburg) with 25 points.
Charlie Cook, a senior defenseman for the first place Cornell Big Red, is fifth in team scoring with five goals and ten assists for fifteen points. Cook calls Port Huron home.
Justin Cross, a junior forward at Niagara, is fifth in team scoring with seven goals and eight assists. He scored two in last Sunday's 3-1 win at Wayne State and was named the CHA's Offensive Player of the Week.
Junior defenseman Jamie Milam (Lake Orion) is sixth in scoring for Northern Michigan University. The former NAHL Rookie of the year has totaled seven goals and nine assists for 16 points.
Freshman goaltender Bill Zaniboni, a former NAHL First Team All-League Player, has a 2.79 goals against average and a .916 save percentage in eight games with Northern Michigan.
Ferris State freshman defenseman Jim Jorgensen (Sault Ste. Marie) has totaled two goals and four assists in 27 games for the Bulldogs while freshman teammate and Stanwood native Derek McIntyre has played in sixteen games for the Bulldogs and has a 3.13 goals-against average and a .894 save percentage.
Lake Superior senior captain Bo Cheeseman was recently featured on a CCHA hockey show for his involvement with community youth.
Senior forward Adam Nightingale, and brother Jared, a junior defenseman, are alternate captains for the Michigan State Spartans. Both Cheboygan natives were All-League players with the Indians.
Former Indians goaltender and NAHL MVP Ryan Miller (East Lansing) currently leads the American Hockey League in wins with 29. The AHL All-Star has a 2.09 goals-against average and a .932 save percentage with the Rochester Americans.
Monday, February 14, 2005
Whalers and Spirit have busy weekend
The Plymouth Whalers and Saginaw Spirit split their two games with each other over the weekend while Plymouth won Saturday night and the Spirit lost in other action.
Friday night in Plymouth, John Vigilante’s goal at 19:12 of the second period proved to be the game-winner as the Whalers defeated the Spirit, 5-1.
Saginaw opened up the scoring in the first period when Joe McCann scored on a wrap-around shot at 2:29. The Spirit led 1-0 after one period of play.
Plymouth came back with the equalizer at 4:47 of the second period when co-captain John Mitchell scored. Vigilante scored in the final minute of the second period and the Whalers led 2-1 after two periods. In the third period, Plymouth pulled away with goals from Dan Collins, Vaclav Meidl, and rookie defenseman Zack Shepley’s first-ever OHL goal came at the 14-minute mark.
"Shep played 28 minutes tonight," Plymouth head coach and general manager Mike Vellucci said. "We've been relying on him a lot lately and it was great for him to get his first goal."
Plymouth’s Ryan Nie turned away 25 of the 26 shots he faced and Saginaw’s Jeff Weber had 34 saves in the loss.
Sunday afternoon in Saginaw, Jesse Gimblett scored at 13:07 of the third period and the Spirit held on for a 5-4 win over Plymouth. It was only the second time in Saginaw's three-year existence they have beaten the Whalers in regulation.
Marek Kvapil, Michal Birner, Chase Crowder and Tom Pyatt scored the other Saginaw goals, while defenseman Patrick McNeill chipped in with three assists. Plymouth got two goals and two assists from Mitchell and singles from Vigilante and Jonas Fiedler. Plymouth defenseman Mike Knight added four assists.
After Pyatt's goal early in the third period, Vellucci pulled starting goaltender Justin Garay (20 shots, 16 saves) for Nie, who stopped seven of the eight shots he faced and took the loss. Weber stopped 26 of 30 Plymouth shots.
"No matter what the score was, we never stopped working," Saginaw head coach and general manager Bob Mancini said. "We battled hard and realized that when we keep doing things right, we always have a chance to win."
In their non-Plymouth action, Saginaw fell, 3-1, to the top-ranked London Knights on Saturday night. Kvapil scored the Spirit's lone goal and Weber stopped 29 shots.
"Half of their team is an all-star team," Weber said. "So we were a little intimidated at first. It was hard to realize that London makes mistakes, too. But once we got past that, we knew we could challenge those guys."
"London is the top team right now," said Spirit captain Thomas Harrison. "But we can't give them too much respect in our game. We fell down 3-0 in the first, but we battled back and went right at them."
The Spirit are now only four points out of a playoff spot in the Western Conference. The defending OHL champion Guelph Storm currently have the eighth seed.
Saturday night in Plymouth, the Whalers ended their 0-5 skid against Windsor this season with a convincing 6-3 win. James Neal scored twice and Vigilante added three assists. Nie made 30 saves while Steve Ward, Cory Tanaka and co-captain Tim Sestito also scored.
"The win was huge," Vigilante said. "We knew our record going in against Windsor and it feels great to get a win, especially with the fight for first in the division."
Plymouth and the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds remain tied for first in the OHL West with 54 points each. Both teams have played 54 games.
Plymouth travels to Guelph on Friday night before hosting Sault Ste. Marie on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
Friday night in Plymouth, John Vigilante’s goal at 19:12 of the second period proved to be the game-winner as the Whalers defeated the Spirit, 5-1.
Saginaw opened up the scoring in the first period when Joe McCann scored on a wrap-around shot at 2:29. The Spirit led 1-0 after one period of play.
Plymouth came back with the equalizer at 4:47 of the second period when co-captain John Mitchell scored. Vigilante scored in the final minute of the second period and the Whalers led 2-1 after two periods. In the third period, Plymouth pulled away with goals from Dan Collins, Vaclav Meidl, and rookie defenseman Zack Shepley’s first-ever OHL goal came at the 14-minute mark.
"Shep played 28 minutes tonight," Plymouth head coach and general manager Mike Vellucci said. "We've been relying on him a lot lately and it was great for him to get his first goal."
Plymouth’s Ryan Nie turned away 25 of the 26 shots he faced and Saginaw’s Jeff Weber had 34 saves in the loss.
Sunday afternoon in Saginaw, Jesse Gimblett scored at 13:07 of the third period and the Spirit held on for a 5-4 win over Plymouth. It was only the second time in Saginaw's three-year existence they have beaten the Whalers in regulation.
Marek Kvapil, Michal Birner, Chase Crowder and Tom Pyatt scored the other Saginaw goals, while defenseman Patrick McNeill chipped in with three assists. Plymouth got two goals and two assists from Mitchell and singles from Vigilante and Jonas Fiedler. Plymouth defenseman Mike Knight added four assists.
After Pyatt's goal early in the third period, Vellucci pulled starting goaltender Justin Garay (20 shots, 16 saves) for Nie, who stopped seven of the eight shots he faced and took the loss. Weber stopped 26 of 30 Plymouth shots.
"No matter what the score was, we never stopped working," Saginaw head coach and general manager Bob Mancini said. "We battled hard and realized that when we keep doing things right, we always have a chance to win."
In their non-Plymouth action, Saginaw fell, 3-1, to the top-ranked London Knights on Saturday night. Kvapil scored the Spirit's lone goal and Weber stopped 29 shots.
"Half of their team is an all-star team," Weber said. "So we were a little intimidated at first. It was hard to realize that London makes mistakes, too. But once we got past that, we knew we could challenge those guys."
"London is the top team right now," said Spirit captain Thomas Harrison. "But we can't give them too much respect in our game. We fell down 3-0 in the first, but we battled back and went right at them."
The Spirit are now only four points out of a playoff spot in the Western Conference. The defending OHL champion Guelph Storm currently have the eighth seed.
Saturday night in Plymouth, the Whalers ended their 0-5 skid against Windsor this season with a convincing 6-3 win. James Neal scored twice and Vigilante added three assists. Nie made 30 saves while Steve Ward, Cory Tanaka and co-captain Tim Sestito also scored.
"The win was huge," Vigilante said. "We knew our record going in against Windsor and it feels great to get a win, especially with the fight for first in the division."
Plymouth and the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds remain tied for first in the OHL West with 54 points each. Both teams have played 54 games.
Plymouth travels to Guelph on Friday night before hosting Sault Ste. Marie on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
Indians sweep IceDiggers
The Soo Indians swept the Toledo IceDiggers at home last weekend and are now in sole possession of first place in the NAHL's North Division.
In Friday night's 4-2 win, Tiger Marcotte, Glenn Ylitalo, Drew Satterley and Nik Sellers scored to pad Jason Kearney's 10-save outing.
Saturday, Troy Redmann stopped all 15 shots he saw to lead the Indians to a 3-0 shutout. Ray Kaunisto, Joey Bacon and Jim Pentecost scored the Soo's goals and each was assisted by Joe Beaudry.
This weekend, the Indians (26-13-3) are at Cleveland to face the Barons on Friday and Saturday and then visit Toledo on Sunday evening.
In Friday night's 4-2 win, Tiger Marcotte, Glenn Ylitalo, Drew Satterley and Nik Sellers scored to pad Jason Kearney's 10-save outing.
Saturday, Troy Redmann stopped all 15 shots he saw to lead the Indians to a 3-0 shutout. Ray Kaunisto, Joey Bacon and Jim Pentecost scored the Soo's goals and each was assisted by Joe Beaudry.
This weekend, the Indians (26-13-3) are at Cleveland to face the Barons on Friday and Saturday and then visit Toledo on Sunday evening.
Friday, February 11, 2005
Bighorns ink Redford native for '05-06
The Helena Bighorns of the NAHL have signed Joseph Trotter from the Michigan Ice Dogs Junior B team to a tender sheet offer to play for the team in 2005-2006.
Trotter, a Redford native, is a solid 5-foot-9, 180-pound forward who has been a big contributor to the Ice Dogs team this season. In 37 games in the Central States Hockey League, Trotter has scored 17 goals to go along with 17 assists.
“Joe is an extremely skilled forward and should have no problem fitting in with the system we like to play.” Helena head coach Brent Agrusa said. "Trotter is a fierce competitor and his will to win and excel is what made our decision easy.”
Trotter will be attending the Bighorns summer camp in Chicago this summer.
Trotter, a Redford native, is a solid 5-foot-9, 180-pound forward who has been a big contributor to the Ice Dogs team this season. In 37 games in the Central States Hockey League, Trotter has scored 17 goals to go along with 17 assists.
“Joe is an extremely skilled forward and should have no problem fitting in with the system we like to play.” Helena head coach Brent Agrusa said. "Trotter is a fierce competitor and his will to win and excel is what made our decision easy.”
Trotter will be attending the Bighorns summer camp in Chicago this summer.
Thursday, February 10, 2005
Whalers play three-in-three this weekend
The Ontario Hockey League’s Plymouth Whalers come into this upcoming weekend’s action with their fate squarely in their collective hands. Plymouth (21-22-5-3) is now tied with Sault Ste. Marie (21-23-7-1) for first place in the OHL’s West Division with 50 points, and the Whalers and Greyhounds are two points ahead of the Windsor Spitfires (18-22-6-6).
Plymouth hosts the Saginaw Spirit on Friday and the Windsor Spitfires on Saturday at the Compuware Sports Arena before playing Sunday afternoon in Saginaw. Sault Ste. Marie hosts Oshawa on Friday and Barrie on Saturday at the Sault Memorial Gardens. Windsor hosts Oshawa Thursday night at Windsor Arena, plays in Guelph on Friday and then in Plymouth on Saturday night.
Here a closer look at Plymouth’s action this weekend:
FRIDAY, FEB. 11 – SAGINAW (16-30-2-4) at PLYMOUTH (21-22-5-3), 7:30 pm, Compuware Sports Arena (7:30 pm, Comcast- Plymouth, Channel 25).
The Whalers have a 4-0-1 edge on Saginaw in five games this year and lead the all-time series 30-10-4-1. Saginaw has picked up the pace over the second half and is just six points behind Guelph for the final playoff spot in the OHL’s Western Conference.
WHO TO WATCH FOR SAGINAW: Although veteran goaltender and former Whaler Jeff Weber (35 games, 3.03 goals against, .916 save percentage) has better numbers than backup Aaron Rock (11, 4.35, .893), Rock has actually played better against the Whalers. The Spirit is led offensively by Marek Kvapil (21 goals, 30 assists for 51 points in 37 games), Tom Pyatt (14-24-38), Jesse Gimblett (13-13-26), St. Louis draft pick Michal Birner (9-19-28) and Farmington Hills native Tom Mannino (17-21-38).
WHO TO WATCH FOR PLYMOUTH: Veteran John Mitchell (46, 20-37-57, +13) enters the weekend moving up several all-time career charts. Mitchell is ninth on Plymouth’s all-time scoring list with 212 points, is currently sixth overall with 137 career assists and third overall with 241 career games. Barring injury or suspension, Mitchell and fellow veteran Jonas Fiedler (238 games) will break Eric Gooldy’s all-time career mark of 249 games played before the end of the regular season. Second-year players James Neal (50, 15-21-36) and Dan Collins (51, 19-16-35) give the Whalers another dynamic deminson when they are playing well. Goaltender Ryan Nie (45, 2.55, .917) shut out Saginaw, 5-0, two weeks ago at the Compuware Sports Arena for his second shutout of the season and remains among the top five in all OHL goaltending categories.
SATURDAY, FEB. 12 – WINDSOR (18-22-6-6) at PLYMOUTH, 7:30 pm, Compuware Sports Arena (7:30 pm via the internet
on www.plymouthwhalers.com; telecast by Schoolcraft College Sports Network).
The Spitfires come into this game having won all five games against Plymouth this so far this season in the eight-game regular season series.
WHO TO WATCH FOR WINDSOR: Three keys for Windsor’s success against Plymouth this season has been the play of goaltenders Kyle Knechtel (29, 3.56, .897) and Brad Topping (30, 3.67, .893) – a Windsor goaltender has been a star in every Spitfire victory against Plymouth so far this season. Another key has been the play of second-year centerman Cal O’Reilly (52, 17-41-58), who has scored a goal in every game this season against Plymouth. Spitfires boast firepower with the likes of David Lomas (28 goals), Ryan Garlock (26), John-Scott Dickson (21) and Steve Downie (16).
SUNDAY, FEB. 13 – PLYMOUTH at SAGINAW, 2:00 pm, Dow Event Center (1:45 pm, WSDS 1480-AM).
Plymouth hosts the Saginaw Spirit on Friday and the Windsor Spitfires on Saturday at the Compuware Sports Arena before playing Sunday afternoon in Saginaw. Sault Ste. Marie hosts Oshawa on Friday and Barrie on Saturday at the Sault Memorial Gardens. Windsor hosts Oshawa Thursday night at Windsor Arena, plays in Guelph on Friday and then in Plymouth on Saturday night.
Here a closer look at Plymouth’s action this weekend:
FRIDAY, FEB. 11 – SAGINAW (16-30-2-4) at PLYMOUTH (21-22-5-3), 7:30 pm, Compuware Sports Arena (7:30 pm, Comcast- Plymouth, Channel 25).
The Whalers have a 4-0-1 edge on Saginaw in five games this year and lead the all-time series 30-10-4-1. Saginaw has picked up the pace over the second half and is just six points behind Guelph for the final playoff spot in the OHL’s Western Conference.
WHO TO WATCH FOR SAGINAW: Although veteran goaltender and former Whaler Jeff Weber (35 games, 3.03 goals against, .916 save percentage) has better numbers than backup Aaron Rock (11, 4.35, .893), Rock has actually played better against the Whalers. The Spirit is led offensively by Marek Kvapil (21 goals, 30 assists for 51 points in 37 games), Tom Pyatt (14-24-38), Jesse Gimblett (13-13-26), St. Louis draft pick Michal Birner (9-19-28) and Farmington Hills native Tom Mannino (17-21-38).
WHO TO WATCH FOR PLYMOUTH: Veteran John Mitchell (46, 20-37-57, +13) enters the weekend moving up several all-time career charts. Mitchell is ninth on Plymouth’s all-time scoring list with 212 points, is currently sixth overall with 137 career assists and third overall with 241 career games. Barring injury or suspension, Mitchell and fellow veteran Jonas Fiedler (238 games) will break Eric Gooldy’s all-time career mark of 249 games played before the end of the regular season. Second-year players James Neal (50, 15-21-36) and Dan Collins (51, 19-16-35) give the Whalers another dynamic deminson when they are playing well. Goaltender Ryan Nie (45, 2.55, .917) shut out Saginaw, 5-0, two weeks ago at the Compuware Sports Arena for his second shutout of the season and remains among the top five in all OHL goaltending categories.
SATURDAY, FEB. 12 – WINDSOR (18-22-6-6) at PLYMOUTH, 7:30 pm, Compuware Sports Arena (7:30 pm via the internet
on www.plymouthwhalers.com; telecast by Schoolcraft College Sports Network).
The Spitfires come into this game having won all five games against Plymouth this so far this season in the eight-game regular season series.
WHO TO WATCH FOR WINDSOR: Three keys for Windsor’s success against Plymouth this season has been the play of goaltenders Kyle Knechtel (29, 3.56, .897) and Brad Topping (30, 3.67, .893) – a Windsor goaltender has been a star in every Spitfire victory against Plymouth so far this season. Another key has been the play of second-year centerman Cal O’Reilly (52, 17-41-58), who has scored a goal in every game this season against Plymouth. Spitfires boast firepower with the likes of David Lomas (28 goals), Ryan Garlock (26), John-Scott Dickson (21) and Steve Downie (16).
SUNDAY, FEB. 13 – PLYMOUTH at SAGINAW, 2:00 pm, Dow Event Center (1:45 pm, WSDS 1480-AM).
Kvapil repeats as OHL Rookie of the Month
Saginaw Spirit forward Marek Kvapil has earned the OHL Rookie of the Month honor for the month of January. Kvapil earned the honor in November as well.
The 20-year-old native of Prague, Czech Republic, scored seven goals and 15 points in 10 games to help the Spirit to a 6-6-1-0 record in January.
Kvapil earned points in eight of 10 games last month, including a goal and two assists against the Sarnia Sting on Jan. 15 and his first OHL hat trick against the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds on Jan. 29. Kvapil is second among OHL freshmen with 51 points in 37 games.
The Spirit drafted Kvapil in the 2004 Canadian Hockey League Import Draft.
The 20-year-old native of Prague, Czech Republic, scored seven goals and 15 points in 10 games to help the Spirit to a 6-6-1-0 record in January.
Kvapil earned points in eight of 10 games last month, including a goal and two assists against the Sarnia Sting on Jan. 15 and his first OHL hat trick against the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds on Jan. 29. Kvapil is second among OHL freshmen with 51 points in 37 games.
The Spirit drafted Kvapil in the 2004 Canadian Hockey League Import Draft.
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
'Save The Indians'
The Soo Indians have begun their "Save the Indians" campaign.
The team's ten-year ownership by the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians will terminate at the conclusion of this season. The Tribe has agreed to allow the team to continue in Sault Ste. Marie if an ownership structure and funding can be put together outside of Tribal responsibility.
A season ticket campaign is underway. Indians head coach and GM Joe Shawhan said at least 1,000 season tickets will need to be sold in order for the team to continue past the current season.
"The team will fold if we cannot put things together," said Shawhan. "At this time the Tribe has no intention of paying the monthly dormant franchise fees which range in upwards of $1,000 per month. In addition, it is not the league's intention to let the dormant status be a tool used by franchises to sell. It is the intent of the dormant status to give teams a break who are going to re-join the league. "
Shawhan has been granted until early March to put the financing together.
The team's ten-year ownership by the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians will terminate at the conclusion of this season. The Tribe has agreed to allow the team to continue in Sault Ste. Marie if an ownership structure and funding can be put together outside of Tribal responsibility.
A season ticket campaign is underway. Indians head coach and GM Joe Shawhan said at least 1,000 season tickets will need to be sold in order for the team to continue past the current season.
"The team will fold if we cannot put things together," said Shawhan. "At this time the Tribe has no intention of paying the monthly dormant franchise fees which range in upwards of $1,000 per month. In addition, it is not the league's intention to let the dormant status be a tool used by franchises to sell. It is the intent of the dormant status to give teams a break who are going to re-join the league. "
Shawhan has been granted until early March to put the financing together.
Monday, February 07, 2005
Spirit fans to attempt world record
Saginaw Spirit fans will attempt to set a Guinness Book of World Records mark at the Spirit-London Knights game Feb. 12. Spirit fans in attendance will have a chance to break the record for "Greatest number of people to pop balloons at one time."
According to Guinness, the current mark of 2477 is held by a group from Wu Kai Sai Youth Village, Hong Kong, who set the record on a football pitch in 2004.
"Fans have to blow up the balloons themselves and pop them without an external object, like a pin or keys," said Spirit assistant game day operations director Kerri Dhyse. "There are a few other rules which we'll explain to fans on a card they'll get before the game."
Volunteers will pass around a log for the poppers to sign in order to verify the record. The record won't be verified for several months by Guinness.
According to Guinness, the current mark of 2477 is held by a group from Wu Kai Sai Youth Village, Hong Kong, who set the record on a football pitch in 2004.
"Fans have to blow up the balloons themselves and pop them without an external object, like a pin or keys," said Spirit assistant game day operations director Kerri Dhyse. "There are a few other rules which we'll explain to fans on a card they'll get before the game."
Volunteers will pass around a log for the poppers to sign in order to verify the record. The record won't be verified for several months by Guinness.
Soo upends NAHL North rivals
The Soo Indians won both games over the weekend in decisive fashion over the Cleveland Barons and Toledo IceDiggers.
Friday night, Drew Satterley scored twice as the Indians took a 6-2 victory over the Barons. Ray Kaunisto, Tiger Marcotte, Matt Jones and Kellen Chamblee also scored to back Troy Redmann's 28-save performance.
Jason Kearney made 21 saves and pitched the shutout Saturday night as the Soo trampled Toledo for a 5-0 win.
Jones scored twice and Jim Pentecost, Tommi Maata and Kaunisto added singles for the Indians (24-13-3).
This weekend, the second-place Indians host Toledo on Friday and Saturday. Both games start at 7:00 p.m.
Friday night, Drew Satterley scored twice as the Indians took a 6-2 victory over the Barons. Ray Kaunisto, Tiger Marcotte, Matt Jones and Kellen Chamblee also scored to back Troy Redmann's 28-save performance.
Jason Kearney made 21 saves and pitched the shutout Saturday night as the Soo trampled Toledo for a 5-0 win.
Jones scored twice and Jim Pentecost, Tommi Maata and Kaunisto added singles for the Indians (24-13-3).
This weekend, the second-place Indians host Toledo on Friday and Saturday. Both games start at 7:00 p.m.
Saginaw 1-2 over weekend, beat Attack
Sandwiched between losses to Windsor and Toronto, the Saginaw Spirit beat the Owen Sound Attack, 4-2, Saturday afternoon at home.
Tom Mannino (Farmington Hills), Michal Birner and captain Thomas Harrison scored for Saginaw and Jeff Weber made 39 saves for the Spirit (16-30-2-4) in their first-ever win over the Attack, one of the OHL's top teams all year.
"Everything in this game is won or lost on how you react to different situations," Saginaw head coach and general manager Bob Mancini said. "The guys didn't give up when the game was close."
"We came out tonight and battled hard for 60 minutes," Harrison said. "We showed we can play with anyone in this league if we bring our 'A' game."
Friday, Marek Kvapil scored Saginaw's lone goal in the 3-1 loss to the Majors. Then Sunday, Tom Pyatt scored Saginaw's goal as they fell 5-1 to Windsor.
Next up for the Spirit is a game with the OHL's best team, the London Knights, Saturday night at home. Saginaw also plays at Plymouth on Friday and hosts the Whalers Sunday afternoon.
Tom Mannino (Farmington Hills), Michal Birner and captain Thomas Harrison scored for Saginaw and Jeff Weber made 39 saves for the Spirit (16-30-2-4) in their first-ever win over the Attack, one of the OHL's top teams all year.
"Everything in this game is won or lost on how you react to different situations," Saginaw head coach and general manager Bob Mancini said. "The guys didn't give up when the game was close."
"We came out tonight and battled hard for 60 minutes," Harrison said. "We showed we can play with anyone in this league if we bring our 'A' game."
Friday, Marek Kvapil scored Saginaw's lone goal in the 3-1 loss to the Majors. Then Sunday, Tom Pyatt scored Saginaw's goal as they fell 5-1 to Windsor.
Next up for the Spirit is a game with the OHL's best team, the London Knights, Saturday night at home. Saginaw also plays at Plymouth on Friday and hosts the Whalers Sunday afternoon.
Whalers blasted over the weekend
The Plymouth Whalers dropped two games last weekend, losing 5-2 in Kitchener on Friday night and 6-3 to a scrappy Toronto St. Michael's Majors team Saturday night at home.
Dan Collins scored his 19th goal of the season for Plymouth in the second period and rookie Tom Sestito scored his first-ever OHL goal in the third period in the Kitchener loss. Ryan Nie made 23 saves, but the Rangers scored four power-play goal and a short-handed tally.
Saturday, overagers Jonas Fiedler and Mike Knight and rookie John Armstrong scored. John Vigilante chipped in two assists. Nie started in net and made eight saves on 11 shots in the first period before Justin Garay took over at the start of the second period. Garay made 17 saves on 20 shots.
The loss drops Plymouth's record to 21-22-5-3 and puts them into a first place tie with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, who skated to 1-1 tie against against Mississauga on Saturday night. The Whalers host the Saginaw Spirit (Friday) and Windsor Spitfires (Saturday) this weekend before travelling to Saginaw for a 2:00 p.m. matinee Sunday. Game times Friday and Saturday are 7:30 p.m.
Dan Collins scored his 19th goal of the season for Plymouth in the second period and rookie Tom Sestito scored his first-ever OHL goal in the third period in the Kitchener loss. Ryan Nie made 23 saves, but the Rangers scored four power-play goal and a short-handed tally.
Saturday, overagers Jonas Fiedler and Mike Knight and rookie John Armstrong scored. John Vigilante chipped in two assists. Nie started in net and made eight saves on 11 shots in the first period before Justin Garay took over at the start of the second period. Garay made 17 saves on 20 shots.
The loss drops Plymouth's record to 21-22-5-3 and puts them into a first place tie with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, who skated to 1-1 tie against against Mississauga on Saturday night. The Whalers host the Saginaw Spirit (Friday) and Windsor Spitfires (Saturday) this weekend before travelling to Saginaw for a 2:00 p.m. matinee Sunday. Game times Friday and Saturday are 7:30 p.m.
Friday, February 04, 2005
Axtell out, Ricci in for USHL classic
The United States Hockey League announced today that Rob Ricci, a forward for the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders will replace Phillip Axtell, a RoughRiders teammate of Ricci's, in the USHL Prospects/All-Star Game next Tuesday in Grand Forks, N.D.
Axtell will not be able to participate in the game due to an injury. Axtell is in his first season in the USHL and has committed to play his college hockey at Michigan Tech University of the WCHA starting this fall.
Axtell played from 2002-2004 with the Marquette Electricians midget AAA team in the Midwest Elite Hockey League.
Axtell will not be able to participate in the game due to an injury. Axtell is in his first season in the USHL and has committed to play his college hockey at Michigan Tech University of the WCHA starting this fall.
Axtell played from 2002-2004 with the Marquette Electricians midget AAA team in the Midwest Elite Hockey League.
Spirit pick takes OPJHL rookie honors
Saginaw Spirit draft pick Tim Priamo has earned Rookie of the Year honors for the Western Division of the Ontario Provincial Junior A League. Priamo plays for the Burlington Cougars, where he has 22 goals and 22 assists in 45 games this season. He's teammates with Spirit prospect goaltender Chris Rowan.
Priamo was the Spirit's 12th-round pick in the 2004 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection. The 6-foot-1, 175-pound left winger is a native of Guelph, Ontario.
Priamo was the Spirit's 12th-round pick in the 2004 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection. The 6-foot-1, 175-pound left winger is a native of Guelph, Ontario.
Whalers play two this weekend
The Ontario Hockey League’s Plymouth Whalers come into this weekend’s action in first place in the OHL West Division with a record of 21-20-5-3, three points ahead of the second place Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (20-23-6-1) with a game in hand.
Plymouth and Sault Ste. Marie both play two games this weekend. The Greyhounds will host Belleville tonight and Mississauga on Saturday night at the Sault Memorial Gardens.
Here’s a closer look at the Whalers’ two games this weekend:
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4 – PLYMOUTH (21-20-5-3) at KITCHENER (24-12-6-4), 7:30 pm, Kitchener Memorial Auditorium (7:15 pm, WSDS 1480-AM).
Although Kitchener holds a 2-1 edge over Plymouth in three previous games this season, the Whalers hold a 13-12-2 edge in regular season and playoff games since former Plymouth general manager and head coach Peter DeBoer and assistant Steve Spott left for Kitchener in 2001.
Kitchener comes into the game banged up, with captain Mike Richards (groin), Patrick Davis (Detroit) and Justin Azevedo - among others - missing last Sunday’s 3-3 tie with Ottawa. Rangers’ leading scorer and Detroit Red Wing draft Evan McGrath (18 goals with 41 assists for 59 points) along with veteran David Clarkson (23-13-36) have a history of playing well against Plymouth. Veteran Andre Benoit, the WHA's Detroit Gladiators first-round pick last summer, (19-35-54) leads all OHL defensemen in scoring. Kitchener is led in net by Atlanta Thrashers’ draft Dan Turple (33 games, 3.02 goals against, .903 save percentage), who beat Plymouth, 4-2, on Dec. 4 at the Compuware Sports Arena.
WHO’S HOT FOR PLYMOUTH: Plymouth veteran John Mitchell (20-35-55) was Plymouth’s leading scorer in January with 7 goals and 12 assists for 19 points – including an eight-point weekend last week over three games. Mitchell is currently 9th overall in franchise career scoring with 210 points. John Vigilante (16-27-43) was second in January with 5 goals and 11 assists for 16 points over 13 games. Young guns James Neal (15-21-36) and Dan Collins (18-16-34) are ranked 20th and 23rd overall by the National Hockey League’s Central Scouting Bureau in the mid-term ranking for North American players. Defenseman Steve Ward (4-8-12) scored three goals last weekend and comes into this week playing his best hockey of the season. Goaltender Ryan Nie (2.44, .921 in 43 games) played in the OHL All-Star Classic Wednesday night and has a history of paying well in Kitchener.
SATURDAY, FEBURARY 5 – TORONTO ST. MICHAEL’S MAJORS (18-24-4-2) at PLYMOUTH, 7:30 pm, Compuware Sports Arena (7:30 pm, www.plymouthwhalers.com, tape delayed by Schoolcraft Sports Network television).
The Whalers and Majors play twice per season, with St. Mike’s defeating Plymouth, 2-1, Dec. 17 in Toronto. Majors come into the game playing their third game as in many nights.
Goaltender Justin Peters (2.82, .907 in 44 games) played well in Toronto’s win over Plymouth in December. Majors need Peters to play well as they are the lowest-scoring team in the OHL with 111 goals in 48 games. To try to inject offense in the Toronto lineup, Director of Hockey Operations and Head Coach Bud Stefanski acquired twins Justin and Tyler Donati from Oshawa at the OHL trading deadline and they have been moderately successful with 20 and 32 points respectively.
After Saturday’s game, the entire Whaler team will be signing autographs around the National Hockey League rink at the Compuware Sports Arena.
The Whalers are averaging 3,200 fans per game through 24 home dates. Plenty of tickets are available for Plymouth’s remaining ten home games this season by calling the Compuware Sports Arena box office at (734) 453-8400.
Plymouth and Sault Ste. Marie both play two games this weekend. The Greyhounds will host Belleville tonight and Mississauga on Saturday night at the Sault Memorial Gardens.
Here’s a closer look at the Whalers’ two games this weekend:
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4 – PLYMOUTH (21-20-5-3) at KITCHENER (24-12-6-4), 7:30 pm, Kitchener Memorial Auditorium (7:15 pm, WSDS 1480-AM).
Although Kitchener holds a 2-1 edge over Plymouth in three previous games this season, the Whalers hold a 13-12-2 edge in regular season and playoff games since former Plymouth general manager and head coach Peter DeBoer and assistant Steve Spott left for Kitchener in 2001.
Kitchener comes into the game banged up, with captain Mike Richards (groin), Patrick Davis (Detroit) and Justin Azevedo - among others - missing last Sunday’s 3-3 tie with Ottawa. Rangers’ leading scorer and Detroit Red Wing draft Evan McGrath (18 goals with 41 assists for 59 points) along with veteran David Clarkson (23-13-36) have a history of playing well against Plymouth. Veteran Andre Benoit, the WHA's Detroit Gladiators first-round pick last summer, (19-35-54) leads all OHL defensemen in scoring. Kitchener is led in net by Atlanta Thrashers’ draft Dan Turple (33 games, 3.02 goals against, .903 save percentage), who beat Plymouth, 4-2, on Dec. 4 at the Compuware Sports Arena.
WHO’S HOT FOR PLYMOUTH: Plymouth veteran John Mitchell (20-35-55) was Plymouth’s leading scorer in January with 7 goals and 12 assists for 19 points – including an eight-point weekend last week over three games. Mitchell is currently 9th overall in franchise career scoring with 210 points. John Vigilante (16-27-43) was second in January with 5 goals and 11 assists for 16 points over 13 games. Young guns James Neal (15-21-36) and Dan Collins (18-16-34) are ranked 20th and 23rd overall by the National Hockey League’s Central Scouting Bureau in the mid-term ranking for North American players. Defenseman Steve Ward (4-8-12) scored three goals last weekend and comes into this week playing his best hockey of the season. Goaltender Ryan Nie (2.44, .921 in 43 games) played in the OHL All-Star Classic Wednesday night and has a history of paying well in Kitchener.
SATURDAY, FEBURARY 5 – TORONTO ST. MICHAEL’S MAJORS (18-24-4-2) at PLYMOUTH, 7:30 pm, Compuware Sports Arena (7:30 pm, www.plymouthwhalers.com, tape delayed by Schoolcraft Sports Network television).
The Whalers and Majors play twice per season, with St. Mike’s defeating Plymouth, 2-1, Dec. 17 in Toronto. Majors come into the game playing their third game as in many nights.
Goaltender Justin Peters (2.82, .907 in 44 games) played well in Toronto’s win over Plymouth in December. Majors need Peters to play well as they are the lowest-scoring team in the OHL with 111 goals in 48 games. To try to inject offense in the Toronto lineup, Director of Hockey Operations and Head Coach Bud Stefanski acquired twins Justin and Tyler Donati from Oshawa at the OHL trading deadline and they have been moderately successful with 20 and 32 points respectively.
After Saturday’s game, the entire Whaler team will be signing autographs around the National Hockey League rink at the Compuware Sports Arena.
The Whalers are averaging 3,200 fans per game through 24 home dates. Plenty of tickets are available for Plymouth’s remaining ten home games this season by calling the Compuware Sports Arena box office at (734) 453-8400.
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
Spratt looking forward to Bowling Green
Sioux City Musketeers veteran goaltender Jimmy Spratt committed to Bowling Green State University last November and has been a rock in net for the Muskies this season.
Spratt, in his third season with the Musketeers, played in 34 games last year and was 19-6-5 with a 2.34 goals-against average and a .918 save percentage. This season, he has gone 16-8-3 with a 2.72 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage.
After last year, Spratt was drafted in the seventh round by the Calgary Flames. But while an NHL contract is the obvious long-term goal for Spratt, the Chesterfield native is looking forward to playing for BGSU this fall.
“I am very excited for this opportunity," said Spratt. "Bowling Green is definitely a program on the rise. This year and next years recruiting classes are great and I am privileged to be in the company of some of these great athletes. Bowling Green is a place where I will be able to step in and play right away. I think that I am goalie that can move them from a mid-road CCHA team to a championship contending team.”
“Jimmy has a tremendous opportunity to be the number one goalie on a Division I team that is improving every year," said Sioux City head coach and general manager Dave Siciliano. "He will have a chance to lead them in becoming one of the top ten to fifteen schools in the nation. This is the responsibility and challenge that Jimmy has been looking for.”
OTHER MUSKIES WITH MICHIGAN TIES
Corey Elkins, West Bloomfield, Ohio State (2005-2006)
Steven Kampfer, Jackson, Michigan (2006-2007)
Tim Kennedy, Michigan State (2005-2006)
Spratt, in his third season with the Musketeers, played in 34 games last year and was 19-6-5 with a 2.34 goals-against average and a .918 save percentage. This season, he has gone 16-8-3 with a 2.72 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage.
After last year, Spratt was drafted in the seventh round by the Calgary Flames. But while an NHL contract is the obvious long-term goal for Spratt, the Chesterfield native is looking forward to playing for BGSU this fall.
“I am very excited for this opportunity," said Spratt. "Bowling Green is definitely a program on the rise. This year and next years recruiting classes are great and I am privileged to be in the company of some of these great athletes. Bowling Green is a place where I will be able to step in and play right away. I think that I am goalie that can move them from a mid-road CCHA team to a championship contending team.”
“Jimmy has a tremendous opportunity to be the number one goalie on a Division I team that is improving every year," said Sioux City head coach and general manager Dave Siciliano. "He will have a chance to lead them in becoming one of the top ten to fifteen schools in the nation. This is the responsibility and challenge that Jimmy has been looking for.”
OTHER MUSKIES WITH MICHIGAN TIES
Corey Elkins, West Bloomfield, Ohio State (2005-2006)
Steven Kampfer, Jackson, Michigan (2006-2007)
Tim Kennedy, Michigan State (2005-2006)
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