HOCKEY M AY W 9, 2012 E E Vol. K 38, Iss L ue 20 Y $2.00

Hw w w . h o c k We y w e e k l y . c o m GLJHL DROPS USA HOCKEY FOR AAU - P. 3 YOUR #1 AMATEUR HOCKEY CONNECTION WORKING HIS WAY BACK

Photo courtesy of Master Sgt. Robert Rais JERSEY DUTY: Air Force Master Sgt. Robert Rais, center, an avid hockey fan and player from Livonia, was looking for a place to play hockey while stationed in Italy when he discovered the Aviano Ice Dragons, an Air Force hockey team. Seeing that the team could use a uniform upgrade, Rais, who has connections with the Plymouth Canton Hockey Association, brought with him more than 30 hockey jerseys to deliver to the Hockey Weekly photo by Rena Laverty team. Modeling the new jerseys are, to Rais’s left, Tech. Sgt. Michael Under the watchful eye of skating instructor Kim Muir, the Red Wings’ works on his Christopher and, to his right, Senior Airman Kyle Calabrese. See story and stride at Compuware Arena recently. Eaves, who missed most of the season due to a concussion, is more photos on Page 3. fighting to get back with the team next season with help from Muir. See story on Page 5. Fly-by HW ON THE WEB Victory Honda’s Bantam Minor Use your Chris Cornford celebrates his smart phone breakaway goal against to take you Cleveland goalie Drew Nevin directly to with a mid-air double hand pump our website at the 25th Annual Showdown for all the in Motown Tournament at the latest Taylor Sportsplex April 29. Honda hockey news, photos, videos won this semifinal, 6-3. See Page 15 for results. and other features. Hockey Weekly/John Castine UUSSAA HHOOCCKKEEYY TTOO VVOOTTEE OONN MMIITTEE MMAANNDDAATTEE –– PPAAGGEE 33 PAGE 2 HOCKEY WEEKLY MAY 9, 2012

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ORCHARd LAKE sT. MARY’s SUMMER HOCKEY CAMPS 2012 OLSM Athletic Complex, 3535 Indian Trail, Orchard Lake, MI 48324 248-706-4200 CAMPS GOALTENDING CLINIC • 5 hours of personal video training WITH JOSH BLACKBuRN • All 9 am-4:30 pm, Mondays-Thursdays University of Goaltending Coach Josh • Friday camp ends 12:00 pm Blackburn will be conducting a clinic at Orchard • All camps are divided by age and skill level Lake St. Mary’s in coordination with St. Mary’s • Start times vary depending on age group • 15 hrs on-ice, 5 hrs off-ice hockey camp. The camp will be • 4 to 1 student-instructor ratio 100% focused on goaltending fundamentals. Each week will ALL CAMPS $295 focus on movement and depth in June 18-22 Mini-Mite the net, saves and save selection, rebounds, puck handling skills, June 25-29 Mite 1 quick and explosive recovery, and July 9-13 Squirt an overall understanding of the July 16-20 Pee Wee & Mite 2 position and the game. July 23-27 Bantam All dates and times for each age group will DIRECTOR – Brian Klanow follow dates and times of st. Mary’s Camp St. Mary’s Head Coach • 4.5 hours of on ice training each day HEAD INSTRUCTORS • 1.5 hours of station training/day (on-ice) Jim Cariera - St. Mary's Assistant Coach, Pro Skill Intructor • 3 hours of private training/day with Josh Blackburn Zack Doyen - St. Mary's Assistant Coach • 3:1 Ratio of instructor to student CAMP COUNSELORS • Supervised Video training with use of Division 1 College and Nick Czinder - Windsor Spitfires OHL NHL goalies Dan Milan - Tampa Lightning NHL • Off-ice training, including stretching, strength training, and Tanner Pond - Cedar Rapids USHL Brett Lubanski - Holy Cross quick feet drills Clinton Bourbonais - Yale • Swimming in Orchard Lake and many other college and junior players • All instructors of at least college playing experience

ON-ICE TOpICs: Skating technique, shooting, scoring, passing, Cost: $395 puck control, stick handling, body contact, game situation Blackburn Goaltending camp jersey will be Off-ICE TOpICs: Strength & conditioning, foot speed and quick - provided to each student ness, hand/eye coordination, endurance, stamina, power & flexibility, plyometrics, hockey specific off ice train ing Any questions can be directed to Josh Blackburn [email protected] or register at ST. MARY’S CAMP JERSEY PROVIDED TO ALL PLAYERS www.blackburngoaltending.com ALL CAMps fOR sERIOUs pLAYERs ONLY MAY 9, 2012 HOCKEY WEEKLY PAGE 3 GLJHL leaves USA Hockey for AAU By Paul Harris announced it will play under AAU sanctioning for the Hockey Weekly Editor USA Hockey’s John Vanbiesbrouck 2012-13 season. The Great Lakes Junior Hockey League is leaving USA pointed out that most of the There are also plans for a AAU Junior national champi - Hockey for the Amateur Athletic Union. onship tournament among the three leagues. Three of the league's 11 teams will be joined by at least GLJHL’s teams decided to remain Another issue for the GLJHL-AAU is the ability to seven other franchises to form the GLJHL-AAU, which will in USA Hockey. “That answers the expand. begin play with the 2012-13 season. The GLJHL-AAU will begin the 2012-13 season with “The members joining the AAU, where their theme is question,” he said. five teams in Michigan, two in Illinois, two in and ‘sports for everyone,’ feel the organization is a better fit one in Indiana with tentative proposals for additional for the GLJHL's main purpose – continuing the develop - Dore. “To me, USA Hockey has stronger rules, and you’ve teams in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and ment of our players who need the little extra help to got to follow rules." Kentucky. achieve their goals of playing at that next level,” the USA Hockey Junior Council Vice President John “The entrepreneurs, the Junior operators, have devoted GLJHL-AAU Board of Directors wrote in a press release. Vanbiesbrouck pointed out that most of the GLJHL’s teams so much of their time and assets in building a valued $50 The entire release can be seen on the GLHJL page in this decided to remain in USA Hockey. million division for USA Hockey, to not be afforded the issue on Page 18. “That answers the question,” he said. ability to improve, expand and develop their investments Colleen Dore, GM/owner of the GLJHL's Tri City The teams remaining with USA Hockey are Central because of affiliate interference, is detrimental to the IceHawks, said she along with seven other teams in the Wisconsin Saints, Wisconsin Rampage, Chicago Junior process,” the press release also read. “AAU affords us the league voted to stay as USA Hockey affiliates and that she Bulldogs, Ft. Wayne Federals, Tri City IceHawks, Wooster opportunity to expand into rural areas that need this devel - wished good luck to the teams that wanted to go to the Oilers and the St. Louis Frontenacs. opment process at a lower affordable cost than others in the AAU. The teams voting to move to AAU were the Motor City youth programs are charging.” “To me, USA Hockey is hockey,” said Dore. “AAU is an Chiefs, Michigan Ice Dogs and new Ste. Sault Marie fran - Vanbiesbrouck responded: organization that does all the other sports and is known for chise. “We hear that they want to expand into rural areas and a good job with those sports. But hockey players are not The GLJHL-AAU follows the lead of the Western States that’s fine,” he said. “But there’s just not enough players.” familiar with AAU, which is too new to hockey.” Hockey League (see related story on Page 7), which The press release also thanked USA Hockey for its sup - Dore said that the eight GLJHL teams that voted to stay switched from USA Hockey to AAU last year for the 2011- port in the growth of the GLJHL to this . USA Hockey will play next season as affiliates of the 12 season. Also, the fledgling Northeast Junior Hockey Keith Noll, AAU National Hockey Chairperson, was Minnesota Junior Hockey League. League – which has developed out of the remains of the unable to return messages for comment before Hockey “A vote on May 2 allows us to stay as USA Hockey,” said independent International Junior Hockey League – Weekly’s press deadline. PCHA gives USA Hockey Air Force team to vote on Mite issue in Italy jerseys in June By Paul Harris off its back Hockey Weekly Editor USA Hockey will weigh in on the Mite By Paul Harris At right, mem - issue that has been the subject of so much Hockey Weekly Editor bers of the Ice controversy and upheaval in the Michigan The Plymouth Canton Hockey Associa- Dragons show Amateur Hockey Association for the past tion is responsible for the jerseys that are off their new couple of years. being worn by a United States Air Force jerseys. Of course the main issue has been whether hockey team in Italy. players 7 & 8 years old should be forced to And it is mainly thanks to the efforts of play only half- or cross-ice games or be Air Force reservist Master Sgt. Robert also allowed to play full-ice contests. Rais, PCHA Instructional Program Director The issue divided many in MAHA and, Ron Hayes and PCHA President Matt Zink. after legislation that limited most Mites to It began when Rais, who is from Livonia only half-or cross-ice was voted into law at but whose kids play in the PCHA, learned the MAHA Summer Meetings last July, was that he was being sent to Aviano, Italy. the impetus for many Mite teams leaving Rais, a fuels superintendent with the MAHA and USA Hockey for AAU-backed 927th Logistics Readiness Squadron, still leagues where teams played full-ice games skates and plays hockey. So he wanted to this past season. Some teams played in make sure he could get onto the ice during both MAHA/USA Hockey and AAU. his time in Aviano, where he was stationed That same scenario could play out nation - Feb. 2-20. ally. During his skating search, he came upon At its National Congress in the Aviano Ice Dragons, the Air Force Base Springs, scheduled for June 6-9, USA hockey team there. He saw a team picture on Hockey will vote on the same issue. USA the team’s website and noticed that the Ice The Air Force team received home and away jerseys, thanks to Robert Rais and the PCHA. Hockey calls the principles – from its Dragon’s jerseys were old and tattered. He American Development Model – the Red, also saw saw that the Ice Dragons had an that the association had a set of new sten - low airmen when I get the chance,” Rais White and Blue Mite Hockey Program. upcoming tournament in Germany. ciled jerseys and had already paid for num - said. “As reservists and having a normal “This June, the Board of USA Hockey will So first he contacted PCHA’s Hayes. bers and patches to be sewn on at a future job, we have more contacts.” cast a vote on having small area games as a Rais’ kids had gone through the PCHA date. It also made him feel good because the Ice standard for mite hockey games,” wrote Learn to Skate program, and Rais has also “I had some jerseys I was trying to get Dragons have so few resources. Their rink is USA Hockey President Ron DeGregorio in been an instructor under Hayes in the pro - some use out of,” Zink said. an hour away from the base and it’s difficult his President's Report, dated March 12. “It gram for years. So Zink had the work done and had a for them to get the basics, like regularly will require all mite games in our traditional “Ron is actually the one who started it Plymouth Canton Hockey Association getting their skates sharpened and getting season to be played on small surfaces such off,” Rais said. “I talked to him and he told patch put on the shoulder of each jersey. new skate laces, etc. as cross ice or half ice.” Matty (Zink) what I was doing.” He said it cost the association about Rais said he also informed Perani’s MAHA currently plans to submit a pro - Hayes picks up the story from there. $2,000. Hockey World of what he was doing, and the posal that allows 7 & 8 year-olds to play “He said he was going over to Italy and “Money wasn’t the big thing,” Zink said. store in Livonia donated 30 sets of skate full-ice at this year's Summer Meetings, that they had a hockey team there that had This all transpired over two or three laces that he took to Aviano. which will be held in Sault Ste. Marie July really old and beat-up jerseys. So I told him weeks in December and January. The Ice Dragons wore their new jerseys 12-15. I had a box of adult jerseys. They were used All that was left to do was to get the uni - during the tournament in Germany. And it’s But if USA Hockey votes to make the Red, but they were in good shape,” Hayes said. forms to arrive by the time Rais left for safe to say they will never forget the White and Blue Mite Hockey Program Hayes told Zink he had finally found a use Italy. They did, two days before he stepped Plymouth Canton Hockey Association. mandatory for all its affiliates, it would for the box of adult jerseys. onto the plane with his unit. For a video of the team receiving their make the MAHA vote a moot point because Zink, whose son is in the Air Force and is Rais delivered the uniforms and actually jerseys visit this website: as a USA Hockey affiliate, MAHA has to fol - stationed at Spangdahlem, Germany and scrimmaged with the Ice Dragons during his http://aviano.afneurope.net/Home/Articl low USA Hockey's regulations. plays on the base hockey team there, knew deployment. eDisplayDD/tabid/1326/Default.aspx?aid= USA Hockey representatives didn't of the upcoming tournament. He told Hayes “I always feel good about helping my fel - 23006&dd=3170. respond to messages seeking a comment. PAGE 4 HOCKEY WEEKLY MAY 9, 2012 Parise, Suter top Red Wings’ shopping list wo of the free agents who will be for much of the season. He had to take pain- available beginning July 1 are head RED WINGS killing injections before each playoff game Tand shoulders above the rest. WINGS PLAYOFF STATS and estimated that it was “about 50 per - Most Red Wings fans know who they cent.” are – winger Zach Parise FINAL He said the knee has caused him to limp and ’ defenseman Ryan BEAT PLAYER GP G A PTS +/- PIM since November. Suter. PAVEL DATSYUK 512 3 0 2 Cleary is expected to be ready for training 521 3-3 4 Since the two are good friends who have By Paul Harris TOMAS HOLMSTROM 511 2 0 2 camp in September. said they would love to be teammates, they 502 2-2 4 Patrick Eaves, who was out with post- could be a package deal. VALTTERI FILPPULA 502 2-3 2 concussion syndrome since being hit in the And Detroit has the cap space for both He’s a great skater who plays in all situa - JIRI HUDLER 520 2-3 4 face by a from Nashville’s KYLE QUINCEY 502 2-2 6 whether or not Nicklas Lidstrom returns for tions and is good in his own zone or inside BRAD STUART 501 1-5 0 on Nov. 26, is also expected to be ready for his 21st season (see story on Page 5). the opponent’s blue line. He had seven IAN WHITE 510 1-2 0 camp (see story on Page 5). The two would certainly fit the Wings’ goals and 46 points during the regular sea - 501 1 0 2 Joey MacDonald, who didn’t needs. Detroit scored only nine goals in son. JOHAN FRANZEN 510 1-1 8 play or practice after March 14 because of their five-game, first-round playoff loss to The 27-year-old also has great blood - CORY EMMERTON 510 1 1 2 what was diagnosed as a bulging disc in his NICKLAS LIDSTROM 500 0 0 0 the Predators. The team lacked another lines. His uncle is former NHL All-Star TODD BERTUZZI 500 0-5 9 back, may need surgery. The team hopes sniper and overall forward depth with defenseman Gary Suter, who was enshrined DANNY CLEARY 500 0-1 2 rehab, injections and rest will do the trick. and Patrick Eaves injured and in the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame last year, JONATHAN ERICSSON 500 0-1 6 MacDonald had surgery to repair a Danny Cleary playing on one leg. and his father is Bob Suter, who was a mem - 500 0-5 2 bulging disc in 2006. Parise, who turns 28 in late July, has ber of the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” gold medal DARREN HELM 100 0 0 0 topped 30 goals five times with 31 goals Olympic team. GOALIE GP GS GAA W L OT SO SA GA SV% Briefly and 69 points last season. He is the son of Now, obviously Detroit needs to outbid HOWARD 552.64 1400116 13 .888 Several Red Wings are playing for their J.P. Parise, who spent most of a 14-season other teams for their services, but they countries at the World Championships in NHL career (from 1965-66 to 1978-79) with would be welcomed with open arms by the his body, or his mind, is up to it. Sweden and Finland. the (now remaining players after the Red Wings have “I love the game, I love to play,” said Jimmy Howard and Justin Abdelkader are Stars) and . failed to reach the conference finals for Holmstrom, who just completed his 15th playing for Team USA; Johan Franzen, Even if Lidstrom returns, Brad Stuart three consecutive seasons. season . “ … But it’s if your body can take Henrik Zetterberg, Niklas Kronwall and probably won’t. His family has remained “The last three years haven’t been great one or two more years of that. And can you Jonathan Ericsson are skating for Sweden; on the West Coast since Stuart was acquired for us, so changes are going to come,” deal with the struggle with the soreness and Valtteri Filppula is playing for Finland, from the at the trade Nicklas Kronwall said. “Two guys like that the pain?” Pavel Datsyuk for Russia and Tomas Tatar, deadline in 2008. He has been away from are elite players. Suter is one of the best D- He has had chronic knee and back issues who played for Grand Rapids this season, is them during the season in all of that time men in the league. Parise is one of the best over the years but says he doesn’t think skating for Slovakia. and will also be an unrestricted free agent forwards in the league and one of the hard - he’ll need surgery during the off-season. Jakub Kindl was originally picked for the on July 1. est-working guys, so it would be great to Hudler had a career-high 25 goals. Czech republic team but he was removed He said if hockey was the only considera - add them.” The Wings would love to have him back. from the roster just before the start of the tion, he would want to remain a Red Wing. We’ll see what happens starting July 1. But at the right price. tournament, which runs from May 4-20. But it isn’t and he likely won’t. Tomas Holmstrom and Jiri Hudler are also … Red Wings’ assistant Suter, whom Wings’ fans know well from unrestricted free agents. Injury updates Jim Nill has decided to stop pursuing the Nashville, would be a great addition in any Holmstrom, 39, is considering retire - Danny Cleary was scheduled to undergo ’ general manager post case. ment. He wants to return but isn’t certain surgery on the left knee that hampered him and remain with Detroit. HOCKEY Blues bucking Cup norm with two goalies hen it comes to goaltending and WEEKLY the playoffs, general - ly two doesn’t equal won. Publisher: John Castine W History shows us that the teams that go Executive Editor: Peggy Castine all the way settle on a No. 1 goaltender and Editor: Paul Harris ride him to the promised land. There are rare Through games of May 2, 2012 Office Manager/Circulation: Jennifer Watters occasions, though, when the two-goalie Contributors: Bob Duff, Pete Krupsky, Randy Russon, system can still add up to a title. WESTERN CONFERENCE EASTERN CONFERENCE Paul Lubanski, Lou Issel, Byron Copley, As recently as Lisa Ilitch-Murray, Chuck Klonke, 2007-08, the Detroit SECOND ROUND SECOND ROUND Frank Dattilo, Chris Galton, Rena Laverty, Red Wings won the LOS ANGELES KINGS VS. NEW YORK RANGERS VS. Jennifer Watters, Tess Castine and Jonathan Castine Stanley Cup with Advertising: John Castine ST. LOUIS BLUES WASHINGTON CAPITALS both Dominik Hasek LOS ANGELES LEADS SERIES 2-0 NY RANGERS LEAD SERIES 2-1 and Jennifer Watters and Chris Osgood GAME 1 - LOS ANGELES 3, ST. LOUIS 1 GAME 1 - NY RANGERS 3, WASHINGTON 1 Web Site: http://www.hockeyweekly.com sharing the work - email address: [email protected] load. In 1971-72, GAME 2 - LOS ANGELES 5, ST. LOUIS 2 GAME 2 - WASHINGTON 3, NY RANGERS 2 Frequency: HOCKEY WEEKLY is devoted to the best inter - Boston split duties GAME 3 - NY RANGERS 2, est of organized hockey including amateur, high school, between Gerry PHOENIX COYOTES VS. WASHINGTON 1, 3 OT college and professional. HW is published 28 times a year. Cheevers and Ed NASHVILLE PREDATORS Weekly on Wednesday from Nov.-March (except at Johnston en route to PHOENIX LEADS SERIES 2-1 NEW JERSEY DEVILS VS. Thanksgiving & Christmas), twice each during April, May, a Cup victory. And in GAME 1 - PHOENIX 4, NASHVILLE 3, OT PHILADELPHIA FLYERS June, Sept. and Oct., 3 times in July and Aug. NHL ’s last cham - GAME 2 - PHOENIX 5, NASHVILLE 3 SERIES TIED 1-1 Subscription Rates: HOCKEY WEEKLY (USPS 097-850) pionship season in GAME 3 - NASHVILLE 2, PHOENIX 0 GAME 1 - PHILADELPHIA 4, NEW JERSEY 3 OT (ISSN 0746-7451) is published on Wednesdays 28 times BEAT 1966-67, Johnny GAME 2 - NEW JERSEY 4, PHILADELPHIA 1 a year for $60 U.S., $80 mailed to Canada per year by By Bob Bower and Terry FIRST ROUND Castine Communications Inc., PO Box 279, Farmington MI Sawchuk each won NASHVILLE DEF. DETROIT 4-1 FIRST ROUND 48332. Periodical postage paid at Farmington Hills, MI, Duff two games during the LOS ANGELES DEF. VANCOUVER 4-1 NY RANGERS DEF. OTTAWA 4-3 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send Leafs’ six-game final ST. LOUIS DEF. SAN JOSE 4-1 WASHINGTON DEF. BOSTON 4-3 address changes to HOCKEY WEEKLY, PO Box 279, series win over the PHOENIX DEF. CHICAGO 4-2 NEW JERSEY DEF. FLORIDA 4-3 Montreal Canadiens. Farmington MI 48332. None of this publication may be PHILADELPHIA DEF. PITTSBURGH 4-2 reproduced in part or whole without written permission of This is music to the ears of St. Louis publisher. Blues coach Ken Hitchcock, who utilized both Jaroslav Halak and Brian Elliott all The opinions and views of the columnists are not neces - season long, as well as during the Blues’ Winning three games in the opening round was early in games, when the game’s on the sarily those of HOCKEY WEEKLY. Also, Hockey Weekly will five-game first-round verdict over the San of the playoffs against San Jose, Elliott line, middle of the game – it doesn’t matter,” make every effort to print as many youth stories as space Jose Sharks. Hitchcock feels equal confi - posted a 1.37 GAA and .949 save percentage. Hitchcock said. “It seems like they make the permits, but we reserve the right to edit submitted stories dence in his netminders, a sensation shared Halak, who backstopped Montreal to the stop at the right time that keeps us going.” for length, grammar, punctuation and clarity. by his team. Eastern Conference final in 2009-10, fin - During the regular season, the St. Louis Copyright c 2012 “The players don’t even look at who’s ished fourth in GAA (1.97), fifth in shutouts goalie tandem combined to allow a league- CASTINE COMMUNICATIONS INC. posted as starting goalie,” Hitchcock said. (six), and sixth in save percentage (926). low 165 goals, earning the Jennings All Rights Reserved “They don’t even care.” Against the Sharks, he posted a .935 save Trophy, big because the Blues finished HOCKEY WEEKLY Why should they, though? percentage and 1.73 GAA, but Hitchcock ninth in the Western Conference with only PO Box 279 During the regular season, Elliott led the insists the belief his players hold in their 210 goals scored. Farmington MI 48332 in goals-against goalies has nothing to do with numbers. “We’re not exactly blitzing anybody,” 248-477-1600 average (1.56) and save percentage (.940), “The biggest thing for us with the goalies and was second overall with nine shutouts. is that they’ve made the right stop, whether it See NHL BEAT, Page 7 MAY 9, 2012 HOCKEY WEEKLY PAGE 5 Eaves gets assist from Muir in post-concussion recovery By Paul Harris Hockey Weekly Editor It’s been a long road back for Red Wings’ for - ward Patrick Eaves, who missed most of the sea - son due to post-concus - sion syndrome after being hit in the face by a shot from Nashville’s Roman Josi on Nov. 26. And while Eaves still isn’t back to 100 per - cent of his old self, he’s made significant progress. Both he and the Wings think he will be at full strength in Hockey Weekly photos by Rena Laverty September when train - Skating instructor Kim Muir works with the Wings’ Patrick ing camp begins. Eaves on his skating at Compuware Arena. “It’s still a process, “I’ll be ready to go but I think it’s getting better,” Eaves said of his recovery. next year,” Eaves said as the Red Wings cleaned out their lockers a few days after Muir said that, in early sessions with Eaves, she pretty the team was eliminated in five games in the first round of much eliminated any start-and-stop drills and instead Eaves the Stanley Cup Playoffs by the Nashville Predators. “It’s emphasized that he keep his feet moving. and his still a process, but I think it’s getting better.” “He just had to think about what he was doing on a cog - skating One of the ways he has gotten better has been working nitive level,” Muir said. instructor, with power skating instructor Kim Muir, the owner of Kim In the beginning, the success of each session varied. Kim Muir. Muir’s Can’t Skate Can’t Play Skating Schools. “There were great days and there were bad days, where we “My heart Muir had previously worked with Eaves and some of his Red had to start all over,” she said. goes out to Wing teammates on subtle improvements in their skating. Early on, Muir also had to make sure that neither Eaves’ him,” she After their mostly twice-weekly sessions at Compuware heart rate nor his blood pressure rose too high. said. “He’s Arena beginning in February after Eaves was cleared by a After their last session, the morning of April 27, Muir a super neurologist, Muir – who also has medical certification – said she was confident Eaves would be able to regain the nice guy.” said he is “about 70-75 percent.” last 25-30 percent of what he lost when he returns to his “It’s all symptom-related,” he said. “As soon as symp - summer home in Minnesota. toms start to decline and I can do more without getting “My heart goes out to him,” she said. “He’s a super nice worse, it’ll be fine.” guy. This isn’t where he should be.” He was able to skate with the Red Wings extras, the Eaves was limited to 10 games during the 2011-12 season. “Black Aces,” a couple of times during the series with “It’s not the way I had it mapped out,” he said. “But it Nashville. happened, and here’s where we are.” Will he or won’t he? Summer workouts may keep Lidstrom from returning next season

e see what professional athletes do was surprised by the words of Predators’ on a regular basis during the sea - coach Barry Trotz as the two met. Wson. We see the games and know Trotz, who has been the Predators’ only that they practice on an almost daily basis. coach since they came into the NHL in But we don’t see what they do during the 1998-99, has arguably seen more of off-season. Lidstrom than any other opposing bench They continue to work, about six hours a boss in that span of time as the coach of a day. Running (distance Central Division rival and three-time play - and/or sprinting), weight off opponent. Yet he also wants Lidstrom to lifting, plyometrics, cy- return. cling – even yoga. You “He said ‘Please don’t retire’ when we name it, athletes do it shook hands,” Lidstrom said. “Kind of flat - when their sport isn’t in tered to hear that from an opposing coach.” season in order to get And despite Detroit’s first-round playoff ready for when it is. exit after two consecutive second-round That’s the only way ousters, Lidstrom is confident the Wings they can do what they do will be one of the league’s top teams once IN MY on a regular basis during again next season. a long and grueling pre- Lidstrom has the ultimate poker face and OPINION season, regular season won’t tip his hand. But that said, something By Paul and playoffs, should their seems different this time from the past few team make it. seasons. Harris Hockey players in gen - Yes, he said he will talk to Detroit gener - eral, and the Red Wings al manager , take some time, and Nicklas Lidstrom in particular, are no Hockey Weekly photo by Rena Laverty talk to his family and let Holland know his different. Nicklas Lidstrom meets the press as he cleans out his locker. “I feel physically that I can decision before July 1, as he has at the end “It’s a grind, having to work out six, still play, still contribute,” Lidstrom said. “But it’s just ‘Do you have the drive?’ ” of the past few seasons. seven times a week,” Lidstrom said as the But this time the family situation is dif - Red Wings cleaned out their lockers at Joe retire is nothing new. When “He’s so good. How can you quit when ferent. Lidstrom said his second-oldest son, Louis Arena on April 24. “It’s a grind retired as a player after the 1998-99 season you’re that good?” Kronwall said. “Maybe Adam, has been talking about wanting to because you work hard. That’s what every - at the age of 38, he said he still loved play - that’s selfish thinking on my part because return to Sweden where his oldest son, body in here does.” ing games during the season but couldn’t I want our team to be as good as it can be Kevin, has lived the past two years. And whether he wants to go through that face another summer of workouts. next year.” “That’s something as a family we’ll sit grind this summer at 42 (his birthday was There’s no question Lidstrom is still Detroit coach also said he down and discuss,” Lidstrom said. April 28) will determine if Lidstrom returns among the NHL’s elite. In a Hockey News thought Lidstrom was “too good to quit.” He may be too good to retire, but he for his 21st NHL season with the Wings. player poll taken this last season, the A surprising member of another organiza - knows he’s got to put in the work in the “I feel physically that I can still play, seven-time Norris Trophy winner was voted tion wants to see Lidstrom back next season. summer to continue to be that good. still contribute,” Lidstrom said. “But it’s the league’s seventh-best player and best As the Red Wings and Predators were “It’s different when you get older, but I just ‘Do you have the drive?’ ” defenseman. shaking hands after Nashville’s 2-1 series- know I have to do it,” Lidstrom said. An athlete who considers off-season Teammate Niklas Kronwall said that’s ending win at Nashville’s Bridgestone But if he doesn’t want to do it anymore … workouts when deciding to keep playing or one of the reasons Lidstrom should return. Arena on April 21 after Game 5, Lidstrom he won’t. PAGE 6 HOCKEY WEEKLY MAY 9, 2012

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1E] 1EE]]  *VM 7EX*VM 7EX Photo by Rena Laverty Whalers Mitchell Heard, left, and Garrett Meurs with their billet parents, Sue and Dan Stechschulte of Canton. 1E]1EE]] *VM7EX 7YR*VM7EX 7YR Whaler billet families )XQ$OO6XPPHU/RQJ )XQ$OO6XPPHU/RQJ ))XXQQ $$OOOO 66XXPPPPHHUU  //RRQQJJ deserve their due ((MRRIV 1SZMIMRRIV 1SZMI lymouth Whalers general manager TIVTIVWSRTIV TIVWSR and coach Mike Vellucci always  P points to an integral but often over - WHALERS VWSR RSREPGSLSPMGRSREPGSLSPMG  looked group at the Whalers post-season TIVTI VXMIW FFIZIVEKIWIZIVEKIW 7XY banquet: 4E  HIR BEAT ] XMGOIX X8 “Our land parents are essential to our suc - HE QSZMI 7YR8 MGO XL EXYVI GSVR LYVW2 IXW cess,” Vellucci says. “We couldn’t function &MV YFPIJI T TS Q ;MX MKLXW (S ^^ETS X]VSS L,MKL By Pete .´W4M^ .´WTEV GI 7GLSS without them. They help our players every ' SJE' REWTE ' PSV RHYWI MHIEVI SPPIKI day, acting like parents. Our billets assist E VSYXW -( Krupsky HIGOS our team in so many ways that aren’t seen. But our players appreciate their efforts, and so does the coaching staff.” tion. The come into this Dan Stechschulte feels it is essential to off-season looking for a few more good try to match a player’s personality with his land parents. potential family. 7MKRYTJSV[IIOP]QSZMIIQEMPWEXGSQTY[EVIEVIREGSQ7MKRYTJSV [IIOP] QSZMI IQEMPW EX GSQTY[EVIEVIREGSQ Whaler players – who range in age from “Each family has a distinct personality,” (((((((((( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( 15-to-21 years-old – all live with families he said. “If a family has an easy-going per - in the Plymouth area. sonality, then it helps to have a player The Whalers report to training camp at that’s the same way.” the end of August, start the regular season The Whalers’ busy schedule gives the during the third week of September and – players a regimented lifestyle that keeps outside of a 10-day break around Christmas them busy nearly every day, a fact not lost +VIEXJSV)RHSJ=IEV4EVXMIW+VVIIEXJSV )RHSJ==IIEV 4EVXMIW  – follow a regimented lifestyle of school, on Stechshculte. //MHW8M\MHW8M\ 'SQTER]3YXMRKW8IEQ)ZIRXW'SQTER]3YXMRKW88IIEQ )ZIRXW games, practice, travel and other team “The Whalers play almost every Friday  obligations lasting until April or May. and Saturday – with travel – and practice ))ZIV]ZIV] &MVXLHE]W4EVXMIW*EQMP]*YR&MVXLHE]W4EVXMIW *EQMP] *YR Younger players go to high school at the nearly every day they aren’t playing,” Plymouth-Canton Education Park and often Stechschulte said. “Living with a Plymouth 2MKLX2MKLX (EXI2MKLXW (EXI 2MKLXW finish the school year in May before return - Whaler can take over your life.”   ing home for the summer. Although a few may see a downside to /MHW9RHIV*6))/MHW9RHIV *6)) Although some land parents house one housing a hockey player, Stechschulte sees Whaler, others bring in a pair of players. a greater reward. 3TIR2MKLXW;IIOP]7XEVXMRK*VMHE].YRI3TIR 2MKLXW ;V;IIOP] 7XEVXMRK *VMHE] .YRI XLXL Dan and Sue Stechschulte of Canton house “If someone has kids that are 6-, 7- or 8- veteran Plymouth Whalers Garrett Meurs years old and looking to house a player, I’d (three years) and Mitchell Heard (two years). recommend it,” he said. “The player 0EVKI7GVIIRW3RWMXI'SRGIWWMSRW2I[1SZMI6IPIEWIW0EVVKKI 7GVIIRW 3RWMXI 'SRGIWWMSRW 2I[ 1SZMI 6IPIEWIW The Stechschultes have two daughters – becomes an instant brother and a member of Kelly, 20, away at college, and Riley, 14. the family.” %%PP(SYFPI*IEXYVIW1SZMIW7XEVXEX(YWOPP(SYFPI *IEXYVIW 1SZMIW 7XEVVXX EX (YWO So much so – in the case of Meurs and GPSWIH.YRIXLGPSWIH.YRI XL Both players are roughly five hours away from home. Meurs is from Ripley, Ontario, Heard – that when they aren’t around, while Heard comes from Bowmanville, there’s a void in the Stechschulte house. ZWVUZVYLKI`ZWVUZVYLKI` Ontario. And the fact that Heard is in a good situa - “We had Garrett first and brought in tion in Plymouth is a comfort to his moth - Mitchell when he first joined the Whalers er, Sheri. (in 2009) … he was over here anyway,” said “I never have to worry about Mitchell, 9 'SQTY[EVI%VIRE'SQTY[EVI%VIRE Dan Stechschulte. “And then when he seeing as he has two wonderful step-parents joined the Whalers the following year, he in Plymouth,” Ms. Heard said. “He is a  '.´W&VI[MRK'SQTER] ''..´W &VI[MRK 'SQTER] came here full-time.” lucky young man to have such wonderful &IGO6SEH&IGO 6SEH  .YWX2SVXLSJ1.YWX 2SLVXL SJ 1MR4P]QSYXLMR 4P]QSYX Like linemates on the ice, Meurs and people who care for him … not just as a Heard have fit in well with the player they took in, but they’ve treated him Stechschultes. as a part of the family. I will always be “It’s been a good situation, especially for grateful to Dan and Sue for all the love and our younger daughter,” said Stechschulte. support they gave to our son.” 1SZMI,SXPMRI1SZMI,SXPMRI “It’s like having two instant big brothers. Typically, the Whalers have two players There’s plenty of joking around and give- each season from Europe, courtesy of the   and-take. But the truth is, they look out for annual Import one another. Having Mitchell and Garrett in Draft. Center Rickard Rakell comes from the house has been a good situation.” Sollentuna, Sweden, and is a first-round GGSQTY[EVIEVIREGSQSQTY[EVIEVIREGSQ Each year, the Stechschultes have two pick of the National Hockey League’s Thanksgivings in their house – Canadian . Thanksgiving (second Monday in October) Rakell has lived for the past two years with ((((((((((((( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( and American Thanksgiving – and have more than two Whalers over in the celebra - See WHALERS BEAT, Page 7 MAY 9, 2012 HOCKEY WEEKLY PAGE 7 Kyle Pobur: DEAR WSHL is happy with move Living the HOCKEY to AAU for 2011-12 season By Paul Harris five teams in Michigan, recently announced MOM Hockey Weekly Editor it is moving from USA Hockey to AAU (see dream The Junior Western States Hockey League story on Page 3 and letter on Page 18). And By Lisa Ilitch Murray moved from USA Hockey to the Amateur the fledgling Northeast Junior Hockey Dear Readers, Athletic Union last year and played the League – which has developed out of the What is your dream? Your passion? What 2011-12 season under the AAU banner. remains of the independent International are your plans? These are questions we have hockey team three out of his four years at And WSHL President/Commissioner Ron Junior Hockey League – announced it will all pondered. Too often the answers fade Lake Superior State. Most would be White is happy with the way things have play under AAU sanctioning for the 2012- only to become memories or sometimes impressed with just playing at this level, gone so far. 13 season. even nightmares. but to play and earn high grades at the same “We like the advantages of playing at the The WSHL isn't standing pat. The league, In the hockey world, living the dream for time is even more impressive. AAU and we had a terrific season,” he said. which had 16 teams in California, Arizona, us comes in many ways at many So that means that it must of White also talked about the reason the Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, Texas different times in our lives. For just come easy to him, right? league switched governing bodies. and New Mexico in 2011-12, is adding six the beginning hockey player, Not so, says Kyle. It comes “There seems to be, at least in our team franchises for the 2012-13 season. Four conquering skating backwards with hard work, sacrifice and owners' opinion, a direction change at USA will be new, and two more already-existing for the first time is “it.” For dedication. Hockey where there was a restriction of the franchises are moving from the Northern others, it’s making their first Kyle comes from an athletic growth of Juniors,” he said. “At least in our Pacific Hockey League to the WSHL. hockey team. Some call living family. His dad, Hugh, pitched opinion.” White doesn't know if those additions the dream scoring a goal, mak - for the University of Nevada Other Junior leagues around the country would have been possible under USA ing the lineup or even winning Las Vegas and then spent four are following the Western States Hockey Hockey. a championship. years in the minor leagues with League's lead. The Chicago-based Great “It certainly would have been question - Our passions, dreams and the Baltimore Orioles and Lakes Junior Hockey League, which features able, in my honest opinion,” he said. plans evolve. It’s often not one Chicago Cubs. Hugh was single event but a series of Kyle’s coach in the early years. events we call life. When I hear When Kyle decided at age 10 Blues bucking Cup norm about a person who has worked Kyle Pobur talks about that he wanted to play college so hard to live their dream, I am hockey and college. hockey, his dad helped him map compelled to share it. out the path. However, before by using two goalies That’s why this week I’m sharing the suc - he could even play hockey, his mom, Carin, cess story of one player’s road to College told him that school had to come first. “I NHL BEAT, from Page 4 added defenseman Will Weber of Gaylord to Hockey as an example to one of the most would go to the coach and tell him to bench the fold, signing the 23-year-old to the two- asked questions I get: How do I get there? my boys if their school work wasn’t done,” Hitchcock said. “We’re finding that one- year entry level deal. Kyle Pobur is this year’s Hockey Scholar she said. “I could do that because my hus - goal edge and those guys keep us going. Weber just completed his senior season Athlete of the Year for Lake Superior State band was the coach. Fortunately, Kyle did - We’re not chasing the game from behind. with the Central Collegiate Hockey University. He also was recognized at by n’t get benched. “ When you’ve got both of your goalies with Association’s Miami Redhawks, collecting the Central Collegiate Hockey Association Kyle’s journey has been long and has save percentages in excess of .910, that’s four assists and 69 minutes in 40 as the runner-up for CCHA Scholar Athlete. going to give you a lot of wins.” games. Selected 53rd overall by Columbus Kyle maintained the highest GPA on the See HOCKEY MOM, Page 8 Hitchcock also believes his in the 2007 NHL entry draft, Weber was feed off each other’s differences to make named to the CCHA All-Tournament team in themselves better puckstoppers. 2010-11, and was recognized as the CCHA’s “They’re interesting, because I think best defensive defenseman during the 2009- Elliott’s practice habits have rubbed off on 10 season. Whaler billet families Halak, and it’s made him more competitive at practice,” Hitchcock said. “Halak’s Tipping his hat demeanor under pressure has rubbed off on A year ago, Joel Ward was a Nashville deserve their due Elliott. I think they’ve both fed off each Predator, but this spring, while he was help - WHALERS BEAT, from Page 6 Whalers – if they don’t have something other in a really good way. ing the Washington Capitals advance to the else going – always join us. I think they “It’s not like a healthy rivalry. It’s like second round by netting a Game 7 OT tally Steve and Suzanne Kowalkoski in Canton, enjoy that.” two guys working as a team and learning to eliminate the defending Stanley Cup along with sons Tom (14) and Ben (18). The Kowalkoskis’ adjustment to housing from each other. I think the way both guys’ champion Bruins, Ward was also keeping an In past seasons, the Kowalkoskis have a player from Sweden was smooth. disposition is on the ice has helped. It’s eye on his old club as they sent Detroit to billeted Chris Terry (from Brampton, “The biggest adjustment was the lan - allowed Brian to relax more when he sees the sidelines. Ontario), Ryan Hayes (Syracuse, NY), guage,” Kowalkoski said. “He wasn’t used to the way Jaro prepares, and I think Brian’s “Good for them,” Ward said. “I’m happy James Livingston (Newmarket, Ontario) American slang, but he learned very quickly. compete level, his professionalism, and his for those guys. It should be a good opportu - and Matt Caria (Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario). Other than that, Rickard really wanted to be attitude toward practice have rubbed off on nity.” No matter who has lived in their house, here and play in Plymouth. When a player Jaro. I think it’s really helped both guys.” “I think everyone wants to build on what Kowalkoski feels the adjustment to each wants to be here, and understands this is his you did the previous year. They had some player has been smooth – so smooth, in stepping stone to the next level, it makes Jackets sign Weber success there a little bit and they want to fact, that relationships remain intact. the transition easy for the billets.” The recently keep building.” “In fact, Ryan will be moving back in The Kowalkoskis are in contact with par - when Rickard leaves,” Kowalkoski said. ents Rolle and Annika Rakell, who have vis - “He’s stayed every summer since leaving (in ited several times over the past two seasons. Did you play in the Michigan National 2009). Once a billet, always a billet, I guess. The Rakells appreciate the care the “We have a finished lower level in our Kowalkoskis have shown their son. Hockey League and are looking for home, which is the Whaler area. The players “We are all very happy that Rickard came that live with us have their own bedroom, to Steve and Suzanne as they have treated financial aid for college? Then it’s bathroom and TV area. It’s really set up just him like their own son,” said Rolle Rakell. time to apply for the Neil J. Carnes for them. Suzanne and I say it’s our home, “We have gotten friends for life in them. As but it’s their space. Suzanne often says, you parents it has been tough living far away, Memorial Scholarship. open your home and your heart soon fol - but since Rickard is happy as we know lows, because you do get close to the kids.” speaking to him via Skype several times a A $1,000 scholarship is available through the Whalers living with the Kowalkoskis are week, we couldn’t ask for more. scholarship fund for the 2010-11 academic year. quickly included in family activities. We are so thankful for their great hospi - You first need an application, which you can get “We’ve found they become very engaged tality and participation.” in the family and become one of your (sur - If anyone is interested in becoming a by calling Gale M. Cronk, MNHL President- rogate) sons,” Kowalkoski said. “Ben and Whalers billet, please visit: Treasurer, at 810-629-7637 or mailing Cronk at Tom have embraced the Whalers, and vice- http://www.plymouthwhalers.com/page/ versa. Whatever we do as a family, our billets. 830 Westwood Drive, Fenton, MI 48430. You can also call Hockey Weekly at 248-477-1600 we cover or email your request for an application form to hockey [email protected]. like The deadline to send in your application along with a Hwww.hockeW yweekly.com resume and high school transcript is June 1, 2012 nobody Call now: 248-477-1600 else All questions should be directed to Gale M. Cronk PAGE 8 HOCKEY WEEKLY MAY 9, 2012 Kyle Pobur learns to expertly balance studies and hockey HOCKEY MOM, from Page 7 come with many bumps in the road. As a From Hockey Mom youngster, he played for various travel teams, much of his career with Little to Hockey Moms Caesars AAA teams. As a Midget, he played College Hockey mom Carin Pobur, for coach Bill Ciraulo who gave him the mother of Kyle, has some of the best exposure he needed to go on to Junior advice I’ve ever heard for us hockey Hockey. After playing in the East Coast moms: Junior League for the South Shore Kings for “Take the time you have with your two years, Kyle finally got his shot. kids when you’re driving to hockey in Through a family friend, Jim Roque, head the car to listen to what they’re saying. coach of Lake Superior’s hockey team, was Engage them, and you will have great encouraged to give Pobur a look. As a pre - memories. We have a lot of second sons ferred walk on, Kyle exceeded all expecta - and have friends for a lifetime thanks to tions. hockey.” “Kyle was never a lazy student or hockey player,” his dad said. “His priority was get - ting straight A’s. going to school? “Kyle’s perseverance on and off the ice is It was tough. I did take a few prerequisite an example to kids. Kyle battled through classes in English and Math. It was an the first few years to be rewarded his Junior Outgoing Laker Kyle Probur high-fives two young fans during senior recognition night in interesting time. Staying focused and and Senior years. He’s an example of how Lake Superior State University's Taffy Abel Ice Arena on Feb. 18. knowing what the goal was proved impor - hard work and dedication on the ice with his tant. You do the best you can to put your all hockey and off the ice in academics pays side waiting for us. We take off our skates, my work and read. into it to compete and move on. That’s the off. We’re very proud of this award and all he gloves and helmets and put on our shoes. What was your favorite subject? purpose of Junior hockey — to move on. has accomplished.” The whole team runs from the locker room I really enjoyed International Manage- What’s next for you? Hugh added that head coach Roque echoed through the tunnel to the Victory Bell (out - ment where we learned about how things I have a couple of tryouts to continue on his comments by saying at their recent col - side Taffy Abel Arena). Someone rings it, work in different countries. How business in hockey and play pro, which would make lege hockey banquet that Lake Superior and then we all run back. The first time I got works all over the world, and how it is me extremely happy. I also would like looks for good kids and never had to worry to ring the bell, I was a freshmen and it was becoming one, is interesting. coaching. I have two degrees and will have about Kyle. He loved him for that and said something I’ll never forget.” What advice would you have for someone to get a job and get going in the real world that those are the types of players the col - What was your favorite school moment? trying to make it to College Hockey? to be a successful in business. These will all lege looks for. Being close to the guys in my major Hard work. Be ready to miss out on be decisions I make this summer. Additionally, Kyle’s good grades provid - (business). The school is small, and we are school events and other things with Finally, what would you like to say to ed him with scholarship money. He won a like a family, staying up late, doing assign - friends. If you really want it, you have to your parents? scholarship from Ilitch Charities for his ments together to maintain our grades. put in the hard work and sacrifice — always Hockey parents are crazy parents. Good hockey and academic achievements as well How do you balance school and hockey? be pushing yourself to get better. crazy. The sacrifices parents make of get - as from other sources for his high ACT and Along the way, this has been grilled into When did you decide you wanted to play ting out of bed for early skates, skipping SAT scores and his GPA. me that my school was more important. My College Hockey? work - just huge sacrifices and having fun Here are excerpts from my interview with parents emphasized school first. Time man - When I was in sixth grade, so always so it seems worth it. What I want to do as a Kyle: agement was tough, but I set aside time to from the time I played AAA. I went to a col - dad is to keep it going. Hockey people are What is your favorite College Hockey get away from hockey and stay up all hours lege game and saw the atmosphere and special. My parents made so many sacri - moment? to do work. Finding time to be by myself thought it was a unique experience. fices spending money on hockey instead of “After all our home games we won, coach and being focused a couple of hours at a time How did it feel when all your friends were other things. There is no way I could ever talks to you and then the fans line up out - was important. Also, on bus trips I’d bring in college and you were in Juniors not thank them enough. MAY 9, 2012 HOCKEY WEEKLY PAGE 9 Detroit, St. Paul to host Big 10 tournament ust because the Central Collegiate Hockey Association is heading into its J last year doesn’t mean that champi - CCHA onship College Hockey won’t still be played at . With men’s ice hockey set to become an BEAT official Big Ten sport in the 2013-14 acad - emic year, the conference office has By Paul Harris announced the Big Ten Men’s Ice Hockey Tournaments will be played at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, MN, in 2014 and 2016, play in the Friday semifinals, with the No. and at JLA in 2015 and 2017. 1 seed against either the No. 4 or 5 seed and EXHIBITORs The inaugural Big Ten Men’s Ice Hockey the No. 2 seed facing the No. 3 or 6 seed. Tournament will be played March 20-22, The championship game will be held on 2014, at Xcel Energy Center. The tourna - Saturday. ment moves to Joe Louis Arena the follow - When Penn State announced it would be TABLEs fOR ing year and will be played March 19-21, adding a Varsity ice hockey team, it gave 2015, and March 16-18, 2017, in Detroit. the Big Ten the six Varsity Men’s programs The 2016 event will return to St. Paul on it needed to have a hockey conference. And MAHA sUMMER March 17-19. Tickets for the 2014 Big Ten in June of 2011, the Big Ten Council of tournament in St. Paul are expected to go Presidents/Chancellors established Men’s on sale in the summer of 2013. ice hockey as an official conference sport The tournament will feature all six teams beginning with the 2013-14 academic year. MEETING -– Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, The loss of Michigan, Michigan State Ohio State, Penn State and Wisconsin – in and Ohio State triggered a chain reaction in a single-elimination format. Thursday’s which all of the other CCHA schools decid - JULY 13-15, 2012 quarterfinals will feature the No. 3 seed fac - ed to join other conferences, effective after ing the No. 6 seed and the No. 4 seed bat - the 2012-13 season. Kewadin Casino, Hotel & Convention Center tling the No. 5 seed. Joe Louis Arena has hosted the CCHA The top two seeds will open tournament Championship Tournament since 1982. in Sault Ste. Marie, MI The o-zone exchange MAHA is in the process of planning its Summer Meeting to be held July 13-15, 2012, at Kewadin Casino, Hotel & oday’s column piggy-backs on last issue’s effort in that it is designed to Convention Center in Sault Ste. Marie, MI. We will be Toffer you another fool-proof play to HOCKEY having exhibitors tables set up during this time. The easily create the time and space required to manufacture GRADE A scoring opportunities. TIPS cost of a table is $75 and is limited to 20 tables. If you I refer to the play as an “o-zone are interested in a table, please complete the form below exchange.” By Paul When executed successfully, this play is or from our web site – www.maha.org – and send it with one of the top two or three offensive Lubanski weapons available. $75 to MAHA Secretary Kerin Wear at the address below. Here’s how it works: Exhibit tables can be set up from 9:00 a.m. on Friday, Player A of our team has gained possession July 13, and left until Sunday morning. Our of the puck somewhere above the goal line There is nothing more worrisome to the along either wall in the opposition’s end. defensive team than a player moving with hospitality room will be centered around the exhibit Player A scans for options and determines speed and control around the wall deep and tables, thus giving you great exposure. We expect to that he/she has no immediate lane to and towards the back of the cage. So many exploit to the net or a safe passing seam out options now then ensue. have 200-225 persons present at our meetings. A form front somewhere. What is cool is that the play can work for lodging and a tentative meeting schedule can also be Additionally, he/she is being forced out just as beautifully in reverse. “away” from the opponent’s cage (a well- In other words, the defense-person flies found at MAHA.org. taught defender will do this consistently) down-the-wall and is about to run into and up the boards towards the blue line. heavy traffic so he/she hands off safely to a Ahh, now the perfect storm has developed forward moving with a strong sense of pur - for the offensive zone exchange to WORK pose and awareness in the opposite direc - MAHA EXHIBITORs magnificently. tion towards the blue line. Talk about Name of company ______Instead of merely cycling the puck back options developing off of this exchange, down low (which could result in a loss of they become endless! Contact name ______possession), the Player A makes eye con - In closing, my advice is to immediately Address ______tact with the strong-side defense-person and begin introducing these plays in practice that defense-person slides quickly along the and incorporating them into game-play. City ______State ______Zip ______wall. And as the two players pass one Five-on-five, five-on-four or even on the another, a safe board-side hand-off or penalty kill, ALL WILL WORK. Phone H ______W ______exchange takes place. Best of luck. Email ______If done with efficiency, the defenders become confused and must try to communi - Visit www.amazon.com and enter key - Brief description of exhibit: cate while scrambling to determine who words “Paul Lubanski”and “book” to obtain will now be covering whom. Offense wins a copy of Paul’s inspirational and exciting that equation almost every time HANDS hockey-accented children’s book: “Bonky, DOWN! a Moose and the Magic Hockey Stick.” U.S. wins 4th straight U18 gold medal The United States Men’s U-18 team won Cole. its fourth straight gold medal at the “We worked hard, played a very disci - International Ice Hockey Federation Men’s plined game and never let up. These players World Under-18 Championship, which was deserve to call themselves champions.” held April 12-22 in Brno, Czech Republic Nicolas Kerdiles led the way offensively this year. with two goals and three assists and Collin Completed forms and $75 should be mailed to: The U.S. Defeated Sweden 7-0 in the Olson, who was voted the tournament’s top championship game on April 22. Team goaltender, posted the shutout by making Kerin R. Wear, MAHA secretary USA was 6-0 in the tournament. 27 saves. 366 Tara drive, Troy, MI 48085. “I’m very proud of how our players con - Abdrew Copp (Ann Arbor), Thomas Di Any questions, please call her at 248-879-1668 ducted themselves throughout this tourna - Pauli, Ryan Hartman, Daniel O’Regan and or Email [email protected]. ment,” said United States coach Danton J.T. Compher also scored for the U.S.. PAGE 10 HOCKEY WEEKLY MAY 9, 2012 GIRLS TRAVEL, HOuSE TEAMS, 3 ON 3 TOuRNEY U12 GIRLS TIER 1 Head Coach Carl Voelker Jr VViiccttoorryy HHoonnddaa 1100UU GGiirrlls s 586-781-0848 • [email protected] Looking for additional players U10 GIRLS TIER 2 Contact Krysta Brooks Contact Coach Terry Mathews [email protected] email: [email protected] Will be skating out of Taylor sportsplex VViiccttoorryy HHoonnddaa 0033 PPoonndd TTeeaam m Looking for House coaches and players at all age levels, Midget B to Mini-Mites. Looking for additional For info call Hockey Director John Kay travel players at 313-655-1010 or email Contact Coach Ron Abraham [email protected] or Rob Smith at 734-771-8800 email: [email protected] or email [email protected]. VViiccttoorryy HHoonnddaa 1122UU GGiirrlls s Belle Tire 3 On 3 Tournament Pre-Season 12U Tier 1 team looking for additional players and goalie August 17-19 at Taylor sportsplex for Info email John Kay at Contact Head Coach Tim Ames [email protected] 734-231-3737 FFLLIINNTT JJRR.. GGEENNEERRAALLSS TTRRYYOOUUTT CCAAMMPP 22001122--22001133 SSEEAASSOONN JJUUNNEE 2222--2244,, 22001122 AT FLINT ICELAND ARENAS (810-635-8487) Fri. June 22 4:30-6:00 pm Goalies Only Please fill out form below Fri. June 22 6:00-8:00 pm All Players and mail with check payable to: Sat. June 23 9:00-10:30 am Goalies Only Sat. June 23 10:30 am-12:30 pm All Players FLINT JR. GENERALS Sat. June 23 6:00-8:00 pm All Players HOCkEY CLUb Sun. June 24 10:00 am-12:00 pm All Star Game 830 Westwood Drive COST: $200 for skaters, $180 for goaltenders Fenton, MI 48430 (Must include payment with enrollment form)

for more information, please contact NAME ______Owner Gale Cronk ADDRESS ______General Manager Kelly Cronk CITY ______STATE ______ZIP ______810-735-7667 H 810-265-6041 C PHONE ______D.O.B. [email protected] EMAIL ______Coach Jeff Worlton 507-398-8435 POSITION ______LAST TEAM ______Scout Doug Bailey 810-444-2634 USA IMR. NO. ______Please bring USA Hockey IMR Team website – www.jrgenerals.com PARENTS NAMES ______Team fax – 810-750-9199 HAVE YOU BEEN DRAFTED? ❏ No ❏ Yes WHICH TEAM? ______MAY 9, 2012 HOCKEY WEEKLY PAGE 11 MICHIGAN’S PREMIER SPORTS FACILITY “Home of the Champions …” Michigan Sports Enterprises Regina High School Varsity/JV Summit Plastics Hockey Club ISI Figure Skating Program Michigan Travelers Hockey Assn Fraser Figure Skating Club Chippewa Valley High School GLSC House Program De La Salle High School JV Learn to Play Hockey Instructional L’Anse Creuse Central Varsity Stevenson High School Varsity 34400 Utica Road Fraser, MI 48026 Phone: (586) 294-2400 Fax: (586) 294-1290 Fraser Falcons Hockey Club Fraser High School Varsity www.glsportscity.com Grosse Pointe North Varsity Full-service concessions and bars in main lobby Several Acclaimed Instructional Programs De La Salle High School Varsity – 2011 Catholic League Champions LOCATED INSIDE GREAT LAKES SPORTS CITY JAZZERCISE CLASSES NOW LOCATED INSIDE GLSC - CONTACT YVONNE AT 586-212-3535 Lisa Tori’s Pizza/Deli & Restaurant ••••• blades Sports bar and Grill Fall 2012-13 House League Hockey SEASON AT GREAT LAKES SPORTS CITY One low price for the entire season! Mini-Mites (06 & younger): $450 Mites (04-05): $450 Squirt (02-03): $550 Pee Wee (00-01): $650 Bantam (98-99): $650 Midget (94-97): $650 Register online at: www.glsportscity.com or call 586-294-2400 or 586-294-2408 Registration deadline: March 31, 2012 Save $50.00 if Registration paid in full by March 31, 2012

EVENT SCHEDULE FOR 2012 Adult Mens States March 9-11 April 20-22 Playmaker Sports USA Spring Rumble Last Chance Tournament March 23-25 May 18-19 FFSC Ice Show Tri-State Individual Syncro Competition April 14-15 July 14 Fraser Invitational Competition Sept. 14-16 Playmaker Sports USA Rumble on the Rink PAGE 12 HOCKEY WEEKLY MAY 9, 2012

In a solemn pre-game tribute, Hayden Domagalski of the Summitt ’99s skates with the goalie stick he and his teammates signed for the family of Troy Sting goalie Cooper Salsberry, who died April 14. In the April 25 issue of Hockey Weekly, the Summitt ’99s were misidentified. Hockey Weekly apologizes for the error. Taylor Sportsplex sale approved The development of a hotel and a restau - was premature and that further assessment rant are the keys to the sale of the Taylor of the complex and property value was Sportsplex from the city of Taylor to JRV needed. Consulting. “This is a purchase agreement that poses Taylor city council approved the $6 mil - more questions than answers,” Delo said. lion sale in a 4-3 vote on April 17. It “I’m certain someone didn’t just walk into includes 14 acres south of the Taylor the mayor’s office last Thursday. There Sportsplex where the hotel and restaurant must have been time for an appraisal to be would be built. considered.” “It’s in the best interest of the city,” JRV Consulting has been running the Mayor Jeffrey Lamarand told Times-Herald Taylor Sportsplex, which has two rinks and Newspapers. “I think it’s a catalyst; there’s two indoor soccer fields, through a lease not really a downside to us.” agreement. Dissenting councilors John Delo, Rick Under the terms of the agreement, plans Sollars and Dennis Stapleton supported the for a hotel and restaurant must be in place idea of the sale, but said last week’s vote within two years. MMOOTTOORR CCIITTYY CCHHIIEEffss JJuunniioorr HHoocckkeeyy CClluubb EEaasstt DDiivviissiioonn CChhaammppss •• LLaakkeess CCuupp PPaarrttiicciippaannt t UUppggrraaddee yyoouurr ggaammee –– oonn aanndd ooffff tthhee iicce e HHeeaadd CCooaacchh DDaann VVaassqquueezz 773344--667755--4477664 4

Our goal is to TRYOUT CAMp JUNE 19-21 develop and at Farmington Hills ice arena promote YOU • Jr. Tier 1& II-155 Tuesday June 19 5:30 pm - Check-in/Registration • Division I & III Schools-190 Tuesday June 19 7:00-9:00 pm • USHL & NAHL, NCAA & ACHA Wednesday June 20 7:00-9:00 pm THE MOTOR CITY CHIEFS COACHING STAFF WILL BE Thursday June 21 7:00-9:00 pm ON HAND TO FILL OUT, TEAR OFF, ENCLOSE PAYMENT AND MAIL TO ADDRESS BELOW: SCOUT FOR THE CHIEFS CAMP COST CAMP COST NAME ______AAU HOCKEY-SANCTIONED $$9955 ADDRESS ______PROGRAM CITY/STATE/ZIP ______For more information, e-mail FFOORR AALLLL PHONE# [email protected] SSKKAATTEERRSS ______or call 248-489-0012 AANNDD EMAIL ______Web-site: www.chiefsjrhockeyclub.com GGOOAALLIIEESS D.O.B. ______POS. ______HGT. ______WGT. ______PREVIOUS TEAM ______LODGING? ❏ YES ❏ NO MAY 9, 2012 HOCKEY WEEKLY PAGE 13 Eagles, Bragagnolo looking forward to NAHL he are in good company. now that we have indicated that we are keeping tabs on players from the Canadian After four seasons in the Northern VIEW FROM going to be here for the foreseeable future.” side of the St. Mary’s River. TOntario Junior Hockey League, during The Warriors briefly declared dormancy Defenseman Tyler Sehovic, formerly of the which they were 2010-11 champions, the for the 2012-13 season only to recently Midget AAA Soo North Stars and a 2011 Eagles are leaving for the North American THE NORTH secure a new lease with Perani Arena. draft pick of the Soo Hockey League effective the 2012-13 cam - By Randy The 51-year old Mantha, who grew up in Greyhounds, played in the NOJHL with the paign. Sturgeon Falls, Ontario (just outside North Eagles during the 2011-12 campaign. If he The Eagles will continue to play their Russon Bay) before becoming a first-round Ontario doesn’t end up with the Greyhounds come the home games at venerable Pullar Stadium in Hockey League draft pick of the erstwhile 2012-13 season, Sehovic could well remain Sault Ste. Marie, MI. Toronto Marlboros and then going on to play with the Eagles now that they are in the NAHL. Bruno Bragagnolo, who will lead the to the next level, but it also provides fans close to 700 National Hockey League games As a person of First Nation descent, Eagles into the NAHL, where they will com - in the respective NAHL communities an as a journeyman defenseman, is also looking Sehovic is not classified as an import play - pete in the North Division, is looking for - entertaining product to watch.” forward to the Eagles joining the NAHL. er as far as the NAHL is concerned. Thus, the ward to the new challenge, though he said While the California-based Fresno “I hear nothing but good about Bruno, the Eagles, for example, could sign Sehovic he will miss the NOJHL. Monsters led the NAHL during the 2011-12 Soo Eagles and the hockey community up and still have room for two other Canadian- “Leaving the NOJHL for the NAHL is bit - regular season with an average attendance there,” said Mantha. “We’re looking for - born players. tersweet,” said Bragagnolo, who was the per game of 3,557, two second-year fran - ward to establishing a strong rivalry with Eagles coach and general manager during chises that are based in Michigan are going the Eagles, that is for sure.” NAHL North the 2010-11 and 2011-12 NOJHL seasons. through some mild growing pains. Mantha said he hopes to take advantage As of now, the Eagles will be part of a “The NOJHL is a good league and I have The Port Huron Fighting Falcons aver - of an NAHL rule that allows all teams two five-team NAHL North Division for the made some good friendships there. We just aged 715 fans and the Flint-based Michigan Canadian-born players on their roster. He 2011-12 season. Pending any division re- think the NAHL offers more opportunities Warriors drew an average of 669. While added that he is looking to Sault Ste. Marie alignment, the Eagles will compete in the for our players at the (National Collegiate respectable, those numbers have room for for possible additions to the Warriors for NAHL North with Port Huron Fighting Athletic Association) level.” improvement. the 2012-13 season. Falcons, , Kalamazoo Jr. Currently a 28-team, five-division league It should be noted that fans in Port Huron Likewise are Bragagnolo and the Eagles K-Wings and . spanning 14 American states (including and Flint are used to the minor pro game Michigan) more than 100 NAHL players from years in the International Hockey have received commitments from NCAA League and getting used to the Junior level schools during the current 2011-12 season. may take a while. Are you in the game? As well, the NAHL is reporting a new Port Huron coach-general manager Bill record for the 2011-12 regular season with a Warren told Hockey Weekly that “our num - THE ONLINE GAME? league-average attendance of 1,342. bers have improved from last season to NAHL commissioner Mark Frankenfeld is this. We are definitely attracting more of a If not, then join the thousands of others who are! of the notion that the players who are following.” developing within the league are a key to Warren added that he and the Fighting www.hockeyweekly.com growing the Junior hockey game. Falcons are “certainly looking forward to subscribe to “Our teams have done a tremendous job of establishing a rivalry with the Soo Eagles promoting our game and the players play next season.” Try it for a month for $4, or a year for with an exuberance and passion that trans - Moe Mantha, coach-general manager of lates into a competitive atmosphere on the the Flint-based Warriors, told Hockey $36 – only $3 a month! ice,” said Frankenfeld. “Not only does the Weekly that now that his team has commit - NAHL provide players with an opportunity ted to a new lease at Perani Arena and Event Go to www.hockeyweekly.com and sign up today! to develop their hockey careers and advance Centre, “we hope to increase our fan base LIVONIA HOCKEY ASSOCIATION OPEN ENROLLMENT! PAGE 14 HOCKEY WEEKLY / TOURNAMENTS MAY 9, 2012 THE HOCKEY WEEKLY TOURNAMENT HwPwAwG.Eh 2ockeW yweekly.com CALENDAR To get your tournament listed here, call 248-477-1600

Michigan Amateur Hockey Association requires all invitational tournaments held in Michigan to secure a sanction and sanction number before any fees are collected. Any regis - tered team or registered player part icipating in a non-sanctioned tournament shall be declared ineligible for District or State and National playoffs during the season of such viola - tion. It is the responsibility of team officials to insure that the tournament has secured a sanction and to record the sanction number before entering any invitational tournament. Questions, contact George Atkinson or Bob Yohe. - INDICATES NEW LISTING

MAY Mike Coleman 248-670-5742, mcoleman@- Niagara Falls, ON, Canada. CCT has the perfect event for every * selectshockey.com.Sanction #MIT120285 Boys OR Girls team. In 2011 we hosted over 2,000 teams. Ages: 11-13 25-27 2006 up to Midget (U18); Caliber: Elite - AAA - AA - A - AE - B. 5 Canlan Classic Tournaments May Madness , Toronto, ON, games guaranteed. No spectator fees. Prize for all players. Canlan Classic Tournaments Memorial Holiday Classic , Canada. CCT has the perfect event for every Boys OR Girls team. Player of the game awards. Team award for division champions. Toronto, ON, Canada. CCT has the perfect event for every Boys In 2011 we hosted over 2,000 teams. Ages: 2006 up to Midget Qualified referees. Tournament staff on site. Hotel discounts. OR Girls team. In 2011 we hosted over 2,000 teams. Ages: (U18); Caliber: Elite - AAA - AA - A - AE - B. 5 games guaranteed. Register today and experience the difference! 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CCT has the perfect event for every Boys OR Girls 18-20 details.aspx?pageid=13&ItemID=28&mid=15. team. In 2011 we hosted over 2,000 teams. Ages: 2006 up to Canlan Classic Tournaments Komets Spring Sizzler , Fort JUNE Midget (U18); Caliber: Elite - AAA - AA - A - AE - B. 5 games Wayne, IN. CCT has the perfect event for every Boys OR Girls guaranteed. No spectator fees. Prize for all players. Player of the team. In 2011 we hosted over 2,000 teams. Ages: 2006 up to 1-3 game awards. Team award for division champions. Qualified ref - Midget (U18); Caliber: Elite - AAA - AA - A - AE - B. 5 games guar - Canlan Classic Tournaments East End Showdown , Toronto, erees. Tournament staff on site. Hotel discounts. Register today anteed. No spectator fees. Prize for all players. Player of the ON, Canada. CCT has the perfect event for every Boys OR and experience the difference! For more information call 1-888- game awards. Team award for division champions. Qualified refer - Girls team. 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CCT has the perfect event for every http://www.ccthockey.com/tournament- Boys OR Girls team. In 2011 we hosted over 2,000 teams. Ages: event. Mite through Bantam House, B, A, AA. Midget U16, U18 details.aspx?pageid=13&ItemID=30&mid=15. House, B, A, AA, High School Varsity & JV. Southgate Arena and 2006 up to Midget (U18); Caliber: Elite - AAA - AA - A - AE - B. 5 other locations as necessary. Visit www.itshockeytime.com, call 8-10 games guaranteed. No spectator fees. Prize for all players. Tony Prpic at 216-325-0567 or 216-970-5523, email Canlan Classic Tournaments Bring Your Best , Toronto, ON, Player of the game awards. Team award for division champions. [email protected]. Canada. CCT has the perfect event for every Boys OR Girls Qualified referees. Tournament staff on site. Hotel discounts. 18-20 team. In 2011 we hosted over 2,000 teams. Ages: 2006 up to Register today and experience the difference! For more informa - Midget (U18); Caliber: Elite - AAA - AA - A - AE - B. 5 games tion call 1-888-422-6526 or visit our website at CHICAGO CUP Tournament Series: Seven Bridges Spring guaranteed. No spectator fees. Prize for all players. Player of http://www.ccthockey.com/tournament- Classic in Chicago. Mite through Midget; B, A, and AA, High the game awards. Team award for division champions. Qualified details.aspx?pageid=13&ItemID=98&mid=15. School Varsity and JV, also Mite Cross-Ice Jamboree. Contact referees. Tournament staff on site. Hotel discounts. Register MYHockey Tournaments toll free at 855-898-4040 or visit 13-15 today and experience the difference! For more information call www.myhockeytournaments.com. Canlan Classic Tournaments Youth Classic , Toronto, ON, 1-888-422-6526 or visit our website at Canada. CCT has the perfect event for every Boys OR Girls 18-20 http://www.ccthockey.com/tournament- team. In 2011 we hosted over 2,000 teams. 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CLEVELAND • DETROIT FORT WAYNE KALAMAZOO PITTSBuRGH MITE THRU MIdGET/HIGH sCHOOL, TRAVEL & HOUsE uSA HOCKEY SANCTIONED EVENTS MAY 9, 2012 HOCKEY WEEKLY / TOURNAMENTS PAGE 15 You can’t teach experience eam Canada and Team USA led the charge for Canada and put the ers together from year-to-year is something that is extreme - faced off twice in the Women’s COACH puck in the net when it mattered. ly valuable – especially as you get into pressure-filled games TWorld Championships recent - After watching that final game, and that fill the end of the season. And as we work our way ly. Every game between these two KIM’S spending the past few weekends at the through tryouts here in Ontario, experience is certainly powerhouses is always very intense rink watching games at the league, something that has a great deal of value. Sometimes parents, physically and emotionally. And CORNER provincial and national champi - players and coaches think the grass is greener on the other they are usually very close games. onships, I got to thinking about what side, and look to find the next best thing. But the reality is So when the first game ended up By Kim McCullough makes for a successful team at such that having players who are familiar with each other and with USA winning 9-2, it sent a bit MSc, YCS high pressure events. There’s no ques - have experience playing in “big” games is something that of a shockwave through the tion that teams who make it to the must be taken into consideration. Women’s hockey world. I’m not sure that there has ever medal round have the skills, systems, strategies, work ethic been such a lopsided score between these two teams at a and heart needed to succeed. But one thing that coaches can’t Resource box major championship. teach or give their players is EXPERIENCE. The fact that the To learn more about how to take your game to the next When people started dissecting the game afterwards, veterans had been at and won many world championships level with off-ice training during this off-season, there were all sorts of explanations of why the score ended certainly helped Canada in that gold medal game. And many visit: http://www.totalfemalehockey.com/off-season.- up that way. The Americans are too fast. The Canadians are of the teams that I watched win medals at the provincial shtml. Kim McCullough, MSc, YCS, is an expert in the too slow. The Americans are young and eager. The championships this month had players who had been in development of aspiring young hockey players. Kim’s play - Canadians are past their prime. Needless to say, everyone those final games before at some point in their young hock - er development websites give coaches and parents of young was eagerly anticipating the rematch. And the gold medal ey careers. players access to programs, articles and advice on how to game couldn’t have been much closer with Canada edging Experience counts for a lot in hockey and it takes time and help their players take their game to the next level safely and out the U.S., 5-4 in overtime. And it was the veterans that patience to develop. Being able to keep a core group of play - effectively.

erees. Tournament staff on site. Hotel discounts. www.playmakersportsusa.com for more details Register today and experience the difference! For and to register. more information call 1-888-422-6526 or visit our 21-23 website at http://www.ccthockey.com/tournament- details.aspx?pageid=13&ItemID=97&mid=15. 5th Annual ‘98 Rumble on the Rink Tournament in Troy, MI. Presented by AUGUST Playmaker Sports USA, LLC. 4 game guaran - 10-12 tee, no gate fees, no curfew. Bantam Major (98). Visit www.playmakersportsusa.com for more Canlan Classic Tournaments King of the Rings info and to apply. & Queen of the Rings , Toronto, ON, Canada. CCT has the perfect event for every Boys OR 21-23 Girls team. In 2011 we hosted over 2,000 teams. Canlan Classic Tournaments Komets Pre- Ages: 2006 up to Midget (U18); Caliber: Elite - Season Blast , Fort Wayne, IN. CCT has the AAA - AA - A - AE - B. 5 games guaranteed. No perfect event for every Boys OR Girls team. In spectator fees. Prize for all players. Player of the 2011 we hosted over 2,000 teams. Ages: 2006 game awards. Team award for division champi - up to Midget (U18); Caliber: Elite - AAA - AA - A ons. Qualified referees. Tournament staff on site. - AE - B. 5 games guaranteed. No spectator Hotel discounts. Register today and experience fees. Prize for all players. Player of the game the difference! For more information call 1-888- awards. Team award for division champions. 422-6526 or visit our website at Qualified referees. Tournament staff on site. http://www.ccthockey.com/tournament- Hotel discounts. Register today and experience details.aspx?pageid=13&ItemID=40&mid=15. the difference! For more information call 1-888- 17-19 422-6526 or visit our website at http://www.ccthockey.com/tournament- Canlan Classic Tournaments King of the Rings details.aspx?pageid=13&ItemID=44&mid=15. Hockey Weekly Action Photo by John Castine - Elite , Toronto, ON, Canada. CCT has the perfect Showdown champs: The Belle Tire ‘99 Bantam Minor team celebrates their event for every Boys OR Girls team. In 2011 we OCTOBER win in the 25th Annual Showdown in Motown Tournament at the Taylor Sportsplex. They hosted over 2,000 teams. Ages: 2006 up to 5-8 were one of three Belle Tire teams to win out of the nine divisions with the 16U AAA and Midget (U18); Caliber: Elite - AAA - AA - A - AE - Canlan Classic Tournaments Whitby B. 5 games guaranteed. No spectator fees. Prize 18U AAA BT Red teams winning also. See all championship game results below. Thanksgiving Tournament , Whitby, ON, for all players. Player of the game awards. Team Canada. CCT has the perfect event for every award for division champions. Qualified referees. Boys OR Girls team. In 2011 we hosted over 25TH ANNUAL AAA Tournament staff on site. Hotel discounts. Register 2,000 teams. Ages: 2006 up to Midget (U18); today and experience the difference! For more Caliber: Elite - AAA - AA - A - AE - B. 5 games SHOWDOWN IN MOTOWN information call 1-888-422-6526 or visit our web - guaranteed. No spectator fees. Prize for all play - site at http://www.ccthockey.com/tournament- ers. Player of the game awards. Team award for CHAMPIONS details.aspx?pageid=13&ItemID=107&mid=15. division champions. Qualified referees. 24-26 Tournament staff on site. Hotel discounts. Canlan Classic Tournaments GTA Pre-Season Register today and experience the difference! April 27-29, 2012, Metro Detroit Blast , Toronto, ON, Canada. CCT has the perfect For more information call 1-888-422-6526 or event for every Boys OR Girls team. In 2011 we visit our website at MITE 04/05 hosted over 2,000 teams. Ages: 2006 up to http://www.ccthockey.com/tournament- Windsor Spitfires 3, HoneyBaked 2 (OT) Midget (U18); Caliber: Elite - AAA - AA - A - AE - details.aspx?pageid=13&ItemID=54&mid=15. B. 5 games guaranteed. No spectator fees. Prize NOVEMBER for all players. Player of the game awards. Team sqUIRT MINOR 03 award for division champions. Qualified referees. 16-18 Washington Warriors 5, DC Selects 4 (Shootout) Tournament staff on site. Hotel discounts. Register Canlan Classic Tournaments Huskies Fall today and experience the difference! For more Classic , Chicago, IL. CCT has the perfect event sqUIRT MAJOR 02 information call 1-888-422-6526 or visit our web - for every Boys OR Girls team. In 2011 we host - ed over 2,000 teams. Ages: 2006 up to Midget Detroit Stars 6, Team Illinois 4 site at http://www.ccthockey.com/tournament- details.aspx?pageid=13&ItemID=41&mid=15. (U18); Caliber: Elite - AAA - AA - A - AE - B. 5 games guaranteed. No spectator fees. Prize for pEE WEE MINOR 01 SEPTEMBER all players. Player of the game awards. Team HoneyBaked 5, Oakland Jr. Grizzlies 2 14-16 award for division champions. Qualified refer - 5th Annual Rumble on the Rink Tournament ees. Tournament staff on site. Hotel discounts. pEE WEE MAJOR 00 (Tier 2) in Fraser, MI. Presented by Playmaker Register today and experience the difference! For more information call 1-888-422-6526 or Canadian Flames 6, Lambton Selects 3 Sports USA, LLC. 4 game guarantee, no gate fees, no curfew. Bantam Minor (99), Peewee visit our website at Major (00), Peewee Minor (01), Squirt Major (02), http://www.ccthockey.com/tournament- BANTAM MINOR 99 Squirt Minor (03). Visit details.aspx?pageid=13&ItemID=109&mid=15. Belle Tire 4, Victory Honda 1 BANTAM MAJOR 98 Little Caesars 4, TPH 0 we cover hockey 16U AAA Belle Tire 1, Little Caesars 0 like Hwww.hockeW yweekly.com 18U AAA nobody Belle Tire Red 8, Victory Honda 1 Call now: 248-477-1600 else PAGE 16 HOCKEY WEEKLY MAY 9, 2012 Fighting Falcons advance to Robertson Cup finals The Port Huron Fighting Falcons have , , the gone from winning only six games to the , St. Louis Bandits and North ’s the . Robertson Cup finals in two seasons. The Falcons allowed only six goals in Port Huron beat the Kalamazoo Jr. K- their four-game series with the Jr. K-Wings. Wings in four games (three games to one) in “I think we got outstanding goaltending, the North Division Finals to advance to the and not only did we get outstanding goal - finals, which were scheduled to begin in tending, but I think our defense did an out - Frisco, TX, May 3. standing job of controlling the play,” “It’s great,” Falcons defenseman Alex Warren said. Archibald told the Port Huron Times Herald “They were really physical on their for - after the Falcons clinching 4-0 win over wards, their top-end players. Any chance Kalamazoo on April 27. “From watching they had to stand them up, play physical the team go six and whatever they were last and take away their time and space, I think year” – they were 6-46-6 – “I was a little our defense did a really nice job of that.” worried about what this year was going to Last season the North Division represen - be. It’s really amazing to be in the position tative in the Robertson Cup Finals were the we are in now. The Fighting Falcons look forward to competing for the Robertson Cup. Michigan Warriors. “I wouldn’t say I never imagined it, but at They made it to the championship game the beginning of the year, it’s hard to think pared for the Robertson Cup finals. “They’re ready to go to Texas, hopefully but came up one win short of the NAHL we would be here.” “They seemed pretty determined and do our best, and try to be successful.” Robertson Cup championship, losing to Coach Bill Warren felt his team was pre- focused,” Warren said. Joining Port Huron in the field are the Fairbanks. League recognizes three players with Michigan connections The North America 3 Hockey League’s games, including four four-point perfor - Meanwhile other NA3HL post season home Defenseman of the Year honors. 2011-12 season award winners include mances. honors went to the following: Lecey was second among 3HL defensemen three players with Michigan connections. Dimmitt, 19, led the 3HL in scoring with goaltender in scoring with 35 points. The Peter Klisch of Livonia 77 points with 29 goals and 48 assists in Matt Grove was named Most Valuable head coach Todd Sanden and the Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks Cameron 48 games. Dimmitt’s performance in addi - Player and Goaltender of the Year. Grove, won the 3HL Coach of the Year award thanks Dimmitt of Howell were both selected to tion garnered him the league’s Rookie of 21, dominated between the pipes this sea - in large part to leading the expansion team the NA3HL’s First Team All League at the the Year Award. son and was honored three times as Brian’s to a second-place finish in the West forward position while Flint Jr. Generals Before going to Cleveland this season Goaltender of the Division in both goalie Ben Myers, of Wauwatosa, WI was Dimmitt played for the Michigan Mountain Month. the regular sea - named to the All-League Second Team. Cats in the Great Lakes Junior Hockey The Crook- son and play - Klisz, a 20th-round draft pick of the Jets League where he was also the league-leading ston, MN native offs, while also in 2011 out of Livonia Churchill High scorer during the 2010-11 season. led the 3HL in leading the 3HL School, tied for the team lead in scoring Myers played in 29 games for the Jr. wins (29), shut- in attendance. with Mike MacKinnon as each tallied 67 Generals and his record was 22-7 with two outs (five), goals The Granite points. Klisz posted 30 goals and 37 shutouts and a 2.45 goals against average against average City Lumber- assists while playing in all 48 regular-sea - while allowing 68 goals. His 676 saves put (1.66), games jacks and their son games. He also recorded 21 multi-point Myers’ save percentage at .909 for the season. played (37) and head coach/GM minutes played Brad Willner (2,134). received the 3HL He was second Organization of Did you play in the in save percent - the Year recogni - age (92.2%). tion and Willner Michigan National “Matt has as the General been so consis - Manager of the Hockey League and tent all season Year. long,” said Lum- The Lumber- are looking for berjacks head jacks won both coach Brad the regular sea - Willner. “He son and playoff financial aid for deserves a lot of titles in the West credit for our Division and college? Then it’s team’s success finished second this season and in the 3HL in time to apply for the the guys are both wins (33) playing with a and points (70), Neil J. Carnes Memorial Scholarship. lot of confidence while also hav - knowing he is ing several play - A $1,000 scholarship is available through behind them.” ers move up to Peter Lindblad the NAHL during the scholarship fund for the 2012-13 was honored as the season. academic year. the 3HL’s For- Last season, Cameron Dimmitt, then a Michigan Trace Jablin, ward of the Year. Mountain Cat (above), led the GLJHL in scoring. an 18-year-old The 20-year-old This season he led the NA3HL. forward from the You first need an application, which you from Benson, St. Louis Jr. can get by calling Gale M. Cronk, MN native tied for 2nd in the 3HL scoring Blues was honored with the 3HL’s Academic with 67 points with Klisch and was tied for Achievement Award. MNHL President/Treasurer, at 810-629-7637 first in game-winning goals with seven. forward Jeremy Edwards, While Dimmitt was Rookie of the Year, 18, was honored with the 3HL’s Community or mailing Cronk at 830 Westwood Drive, his Cleveland teammate Steve Lecey took Service Award. Fenton, MI 48430. NA3HL’S ALL-LEAGUE TEAMS You can also call Hockey Weekly at fIRsT TEAM sECONd TEAM 248-477-1600 or email your request for an forwards forwards application form to [email protected]. Cameron Dimmitt, Cleveland Jr. Matt Kroska, North Iowa Bulls Lumberjacks Michael Mikulan, Peoria Mustangs The deadline to send in your application Peter Lindblad, Granite City Lumberjacks Nico Vecchio, Pittsburgh Jr. Penguins Steve Klisz, Metro Jets defense along with a resume and high school defense Nikolas Sakellaropoulos, Peoria transcript is June 1, 2012. Steve Lecey, Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks Mustangs Nick Zierden, Granite City Lumberjacks Joe Bowler, St. Louis Jr. Blues Goalie Goalie All questions should be directed to Gale M. Cronk Matt Grove, Granite City Lumberjacks Ben Myers, Flint Jr. Generals MAY 9, 2012 HOCKEY WEEKLY PAGE 17 TIER I ELITE HOCKEY LEAGUE NEWS For information, contact Commissioner Larry Johnson at 313-255-2666 Tier 1 welcomes Las Vegas Storm The Tier 1 Elite Hockey League The Las Vegas Storm teams than hockey along the way,” the organization is pleased to welcome the Las train and play at the Las Vegas Ice noted. “Pokey gives countless hours to the youth Vegas Storm organization as the Center, a two-sheet facility with of these organizations, whether it be the 6:00 a.m. newest member of the 24-team, 10 spacious locker rooms; a full- skates or the Reddick invites at 9:30 p.m. We are nationally competitive league. time pro locker room complete proud to have a former player that dedicates so A merger between the Los with washer, dryer, video capabil - many hours to the youth of this community. “ Angeles Kings and Los Angeles ities; a complete modern workout Reddick and his wife, Jana, reside in Las Vegas Select hockey organizations creat - room, and a skating treadmill. with their children Bryce, Matt, Jenna and Zoe. ed an open position in the Tier 1 The Storm’s full-time coaching Kirk Brooks, owner, founding Board member and Elite Hockey League. Numerous staff is led by Stanley Cup winner sustaining sponsor of the Las Vegas Outlaw organi - organizations applied for member - Pokey Reddick. To anyone who zation, purchased the USHL Tri-City Storm in 2009. ship to increase their exposure and has played for him, Reddick needs The Outlaws fielded teams in all levels of youth level of competition. After a no introduction. According to the hockey. Since the acquisition, the Outlaw organiza - lengthy interview process, Las Vegas was selected Las Vegas Storm website, Reddick is a strict disci - tion as a whole has adopted the Storm brand. by the Board of Governors from a final pool of six plinarian and demands no less from his players. Now known as the Las Vegas Storm, the organi - qualified applicants. He has been with the Outlaws/Stars zation will field teams in the Midget Major and Larry Johnson, Commissioner of Tier 1 Elite Organizations for the last Midget Minor range in the Tier 1 Elite League, League, noted, “We are excited to welcome the Las five years. In that time he while maintaining younger division programs Vegas Storm to the Tier 1 Elite League. I am confi - has won two regional cham - under the name of the Nevada Storm. dent that the talent and professionalism exhibited pionships at the Midget 16 Brooks, who also owns the Las Vegas Ice Center throughout the Storm’s history will prove to be an AA level to advance his said, “It is my goal and commitment to provide the asset to our organization by increasing the compet - teams to Nationals, and has players in Las Vegas with the best available afford - itiveness and opportunities for local hockey play - taken his Bantam AA team to able opportunity to succeed in the sport of hockey. ers and fans.” Nationals where they cap - I believe that the Tier 1 League affords them that Participation in the Tier 1 Elite League allows tured the National opportunity.” players to attend numerous events that showcase Championship. The Tier 1 Elite Hockey League would like to talent and compete against more highly skilled “While not forgetting that thank the L A Selects for their past participation in teams from around the country. As the players every player’s dream is to our league. The Tier 1 Elite Hockey League appreci - develop, the Tier 1 Elite Hockey League routinely play in the NHL someday, ated the professionalism shown by the L A Selects’ extends their careers by advancing them to organi - one of Pokey’s many talents staff, coaches, and players in their approach to pro - zations such as the NAHL, USHL, NCAA and NHL. is to teach the players more Pokey Reddick moting youth hockey. CCoonnggrraattuullaattiioonnss!! The Tier 1 Elite Hockey League congratulates all these member teams who moved on to USA Hockey Nationals this season BOYs BOYs pARTICIpANTs, CONT. RUNNERs-Up 18U Los Angeles Jr. Kings 14U St. Louis Blues Philadelphia Jr. Flyers 16U Pittsburgh Hornets 18U Los Angeles Jr. Kings Milwaukee Jr. Admirals pARTICIpANTs Colorado Thunderbirds 12U Los Angeles Selects DC Capitals Dallas Stars Buffalo Regals Thunder AAA Hockey GIRLs pARTICIpANTs 14U Ohio Jr. Blue Jackets 12U Milwaukee Jr. Admirals Los Angeles Selects Elite St. Louis Blues Belle Tire 14U St Louis Lady Blues Dallas Stars Pittsburgh Penguins Elite 16U Cleveland Barons 19U Pittsburgh Penguins Elite Los Angeles Jr. Kings Madison Capitols Dallas Stars THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR MAKING IT ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL SEASON! PAGE 18 HOCKEY WEEKLY MAY 9, 2012 IInnttrroodduuccIInngg tthhee ggLLJJHHLL--AAAAuu

The GLJHL, in its continued effort to provide the junior experience to all, has decided to create the GLJHL-AAU for those who wish to join the Amateur Athletic Union as their governing body for Ice Hockey. The entire Board of Directors of GLJHL-AAU wishes to thank USA Hockey for its direction over the past 75 years and for contributing to the success of the Great Lakes Junior Hockey League.

The members joining the AAU, where their theme is “sports for everyone,” feel the organization is a better fit for the GLJHL's main purpose – continuing the development of our players who need the little extra help to achieve their goals of playing at that next level.

AAU offers us the opportunity to do that without the legislative hang-ups of the haves and the have-nots, who knows whom and the personal agendas that are running rampant in USA Hockey. USA Hockey stood 75 years ago as the banner for a kid’s game to be played by everyone, kids and adults. Over time it has changed that mission statement to what’s better than MONEY and MEDALS!

The entrepreneurs, the junior operators, have devoted so much of their time and assets in building a $50 million- division for USA Hockey that, to not be afforded the ability to improve, expand and develop their investments because of affiliate interference, is detrimental to the process. AAU affords us, the GLJHL, the opportunity to expand to rural areas that need this development process at a lower, more affordable cost than others in the youth programs are charging. AAU’s ”sports for everyone” is the attitude that we believe is the sustaining element of sports today, not only for those who can afford it.

We, the GLJHL, in partnership with the AAU, the Western States Hockey League and the North East Junior Hockey League, will build together an atmosphere around the game the old way – with hard work, team work, dedication and development, a National Championship program that will reinstate the prestige of past.

The Great Lakes Junior Hockey League would like to thank all the Junior operators in the USA for their continued devotion to their leagues, teams and players. Without them, we would not be here during these troubled times.

The Great Lakes Junior Hockey League, along with the AAU, is offering a $14.00 registration fee per player with the AAU’s $10 million insurance coverage for a a $250.00 deductible per player for the 2012-2013 season. Register on line at www.aausports.org.

The GLJHL-AAU will begin the 2012-13 season with five teams in Michigan, two in Illinois, two in Ohio and one in Indiana with tenta - tive proposals for additional teams in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Kentucky. Nationally, the planning is for a second-tier junior program as a greater development feeder system with greater opportunities and access to Collegiate and upper-level programs while paying less for the development than is currently in place at youth levels.

The teams remaining with USA Hockey are Central Wisconsin Saints, Wisconsin Rampage, Chicago Junior Bulldogs, Ft Wayne Federals, Tri-City Icehawks, and the St. Louis Frontenacs. If interested in providing this opportunity and being a member of the GLJHL-AAU, please email [email protected].

The GLJHL’s Motor City Chiefs and Michigan Ice Dogs, shown in Board of directors action this past season, will both be moving into the GLJHL-AAU gLJHL-AAu in the 2012-13 season. MAY 9, 2012 HOCKEY WEEKLY PAGE 19

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U#!,%44!<6($!/+4$0%1!V!HQGDKWIDEWQH.!!90%64X!!U#!,%44!<6($!/+4$0%1!V!HQGDKWIDEWQH.!!90%64X!!0,+4$0%1V)$4$,&);+,($-.,+00,+4$0%1V)$4$,&);+,($-.,+0! ! PAGE 20 HOCKEY WEEKLY MAY 9, 2012 Little Caesars Amateur Hockey League www.lcahl.org / Largest amateur hockey league in the U.S. 22001111--1122 LLCCAAHHLL PPllaayyooffff CChhaammppiioonnss Girls 12U Girls 12U Adams Patrick champion champion Michigan Ice Troy Lady Breakers Sting

Pee Wee Pee Wee AA AA Norris champion champion Patrick USA Kentwood Eagles Falcons

Pee Wee AA Bantam AA Smythe champion champion Adams Sylvania Livonia Maple Knights Leafs

Bantam AA Bantam AA champion champion Campbell Norris Troy Sting Michigan Ice Hawks