Celebrating more than 40

years HOCKEYAPRIL 5, 2017 Vol. 43, WEEK Issue 14 $2.00 LY U.S. WOMEN SCORE BIG WIN OFF ICE - P. 3 www.hockeyweekly.com

HIGHHIGH SCHOOLSCHOOL HOCKEYHOCKEY ROYALTYROYALTY Two Miss Hockeys bracket the 2017 Mr. Hockey at the Hockey Weekly High School All-State Awards Luncheon March 19. The three top High School players as chosen by the coaches are, left to right, Katie Hayward of Ladywood, Jake Crespi of Brighton and Julia Barrett of Walled Lake. At far left is guest speaker Dave Moss, former High School, college and NHL player who announced the awards. See stories and more photos on Pages 3 and 12-14.

Hockey Weekly photo by Rena Laverty

Hockey Weekly photo by John Castine

ACharging Kensington Valley player the makes net a move on a Little Caesars goalie during GoldenMark Wells of the 1980 touch “” gold-medal winners at the Lake action at the Little Caesars Girls Hockey League championships March Placid Olympics, shows a group of young players a photo of himself from that 17-19. Thirteen division winners were crowned. You’ll find photos of eight of legendary team. Wells, a St. Clair Shores native, appeared on opening day of them on the Back Page; the rest will appear in the April 19 issue. the Amateur Athletic Union North American Championships in Fraser March Hockey Weekly Action Photo by Jacek Zdziarski 24-26 to encourage the teams and share some golden stories. See more on Pages 5-6. SHOWDOWNSHOWDOWN ININ MOTOWNMOTOWN –– PAGE PAGE 1919 PAGE 2 HOCKEY WEEKLY APRIL 5, 2017 APRIL 5, 2017 HOCKEY WEEKLY PAGE 3 HS season ends with Mr. Hockey, 2 Miss Hockey awards Barrett, Brighton’s Hayward Crespi led take top team to girls honors state crown By Alexis Bohlinger By Alexis Bohlinger Hockey Weekly Staff Writer Hockey Weekly Staff Writer Julia Barrett, a junior from Jake Crespi of Brighton High Walled Lake Northern, and School is Michigan High School Katie Hayward, a senior from Hockey’s Mr. Hockey for 2017. Ladywood High School, have Just one week before receiving both been named Miss Hockey the award at the 15th annual 2017 for the Michigan Metro Hockey Weekly High School All- Girls High School Hockey State Luncheon, the senior cap- League in the second-ever tie in tain helped lead his team to a league history. state championship against “It was a huge surprise to Catholic Central. Crespi win,” said Barrett. “I didn’t scored the empty-net for a 5- even know I was nominated 2 lead with 68 seconds remain- until I was called up there.” ing. Once the moment sank in, The game capped off an she felt very excited to be impressive season for Crespi, named Miss Hockey. “This was who had 30 goals and 29 assists the best season in Walled Lake for 59 points in 31 games. history,” she said. “We beat When asked how he felt about teams we have never beaten in his name being called above the the past. I am super proud to other Dream Team members at have been a part of it.” the luncheon, he replied, “It felt Walled Lake finished fourth amazing to win. It’s such a huge overall in the league and made honor to get that kind of recogni- it to the semifinal game of the tion from the rest of the coaches Division 1 state championship, in the league.” where it lost to Ladywood. Crespi began playing hockey Barrett was a strong force on after living in Europe for five defense but also an offensive years with his family. “When we threat. She scored 29 goals, and moved back to Michigan, my dad earned 18 assists for a total of put me in football and I played 47 league points. one year,” he said. Hayward, who had just min- Although Crespi was a natural utes before won the Zetterberg Hockey Weekly photos by Rena Laverty and picked up football quickly, scholarship, excitedly took her Michigan’s top High School players for 2016-17 show off their hardware. From left are Miss Hockey Katie Hayward he did not seem too enthused place next to Barrett. of Ladywood, Mr. Hockey Jake Crespi of Brighton and Miss Hockey Julia Barrett of Walled Lake. about the sport. It wasn’t until he “I feel really honored and attended a skating birthday party grateful to be named Miss that he fell in love with the idea of being a Hockey,” she said. “There were a lot of really Barrett thanks her parents, Gary and the Blazers, and she certainly did not take the hockey player. good girls in the league, most of whom I’ve Kristen, for all they have done to support her moment for granted. “I had never skated before, and the first played against for three or four years. Any one and also her coaches, Erik Carlson, Tim “I’m so proud of my team for making it all time I got out there I could immediately skate of them deserved it.” Hawley, and Jane Eustice. “My coaches have the way to the finals,” she said. “Nine of us really fast,” he said, “It was way faster than Hayward helped her team secure a spot in always been huge supporters of mine since started together as freshmen and became real- running. I thought that was cool. the state championship game with an impres- day one. They have made me a better player.” ly close throughout our four years. “I came home and told my parents I wanted sive season of 21 wins and just two overtime Hayward, like many other younger sisters, “We were a really close team. If you can to play hockey.” losses. Hayward earned 27 goals and 14 wanted to be just like her big brother, Richie, support each other off the ice, you can sup- Crespi spent his first year in House hockey assists for a total of 41 of her team’s points. and play hockey. port each other on the ice.” acclimating himself to the game. The follow- Barrett started playing hockey about eight In sixth grade she began participating in the In addition to the team camaraderie, ing year he tried out for Compuware on a years ago when her cousin gave her some Ladywood summer hockey programs and Hayward attributed much of her success this whim and made the team. He spent two years hand-me-down hockey gear. started her career with the 10U Livonia season to her coaches, teammates and family. with Compuware and the next four with Belle “My dad said, ‘No, you cannot play hock- Knights. She knew then she wanted to be a “Thanks to my coaches for supporting me Tire. ey,’ so obviously when someone tells me I member of the Ladywood Blazers high the past few years and being incredible men- After six years of Tier 1 hockey, however, can’t do something it makes me want to do it school team. tors,” she said. “Thanks to my teammates for Crespi came to a crossroads in his career. He even more,” she said. “I love everything about hockey,” she said, always being there for me, and thanks to my felt as though he was losing passion for the Barrett played a few years of Girls Tier 1 “When I started playing, I would have to get parents, Rich and Debbie, for all the sacri- game he loved. When it came time for him to hockey, but juggling the rigorous schedule up at 6 a.m. for initiation in the Livonia fices they make for my hockey career.” decide between Midget Majors and High with elite softball became very difficult. league, and I was always so excited to go. I Hayward is a two -sport athlete, also partic- School hockey, he chose the path of playing “I decided to play hockey for my high think that feeling stuck with me. ipating on the high school tennis team. for his school. school and I have loved it so far,” she said. “Every day I was so excited to go to the Throughout her busy high school career she “In high school hockey, you get to play “I’ve made so many friends and it’s been a rink, even if I knew we were getting bag skat- maintained a 3.85 GPA. Hayward plans to with your friends and have more fun,” he great experience.” ed,” she said with a laugh. attend Adrian College next year to major in said. “When you’re losing touch with some- Although only a junior, Barrett already is This was Hayward’s first opportunity to athletic training and play hockey for the See MR. HOCKEY, Page 18 hoping to play hockey after high school. participate in a state championship game with ACHA team.

ByUSA Lou Issel Hockey, Women’stiations lasting team more than a year. celebrate accordsince 1990. The team over has also won medalswages in every Olympics Hockey Weekly Special Writer The players wanted an improvement to what they saw as a since 1998, when it won gold. USA Hockey and the National Women’s Team have paucity of financial, training, public exposure to grow the The tournament runs through April 7 with the best women reached an agreement on wages, expenses and training and game and other support in comparison to boy’s and men’s players from national teams of the USA, Canada, Russia, growth support for the team that promises a bright future for programs. Finland, Sweden, Czech Republic, Switzerland and Germany women’s hockey in the U.S. USA Hockey said in a statement that the National Team competing for a gold medal. The announcement came on March 28, just days before the would be on the ice for practice on March 30. The team is The championship game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday, women’s team was to play in the 2017 IIHF World scheduled to face off against Team Canada at 7:30 p.m. March April 7. Championship Tournament at USA Hockey Arena in 31 in a preliminary round. The NHL Network will carry this Hockey Weekly will run a full account of the recent drama Plymouth. and other games live. of the negotiations between USA Hockey and theWomen’s The women began a boycott of the tournament a month ago Team USA has dominated this event the past four years. team as well as a report on the results of the tournament in its after having failed to win support from USA Hockey in nego- Team USA has medaled in every IIHF world tournament next issue, dated April 19. PAGE 4 HOCKEY WEEKLY APRIL 5, 2017

Wingshis was a bookend theend Detroit Redtheir history at the Joe by missingslip, it’s hard playoffs to get back. There’s a lot of Wings probably didn’t put into the RED organizations around the league that will blueprint of their plans to celebrate the WINGS attest to that. We’re going to make sure it farewell season at Joe Louis Arena. WINGS STATISTICS doesn’t slip.” TIn 1979-80, their first campaign at the Joe, Remembering The Brawl the Red Wings missed the Stanley Cup play- Through March 28, 2017 offs – just as they’ve done this season, their BEAT The week also featured another memory, final one at the rink. PLAYER GP G A PTS +/- PIM and a happier one, the 20th anniversary of By Bob HENRIK ZETTERBERG 76 16 47 63 13 20 Detroit’s March 26, 1997 brawl with the When the Wings lost 4-1 March 28 at GUSTAV NYQUIST 70 10 32 42 -3 14 Carolina to the Hurricanes, coupled with wins Colorado Avalanche, the day many feel the Duff TOMAS TATAR 76 23 18 41 -10 26 Wings became a championship club. the same night by the Toronto Maple Leafs ANTHONY MANTHA 59 17 19 36 10 48 and , it officially brought to an Detroit lost to Colorado in the 1995-96 FRANS NIELSEN 73 14 20 34 -17 16 Western Conference final after winning an end Detroit’s 25-year run of consecutive post- MIKE GREEN 66 12 21 33 -20 40 season appearances. “Kenny’s (Detroit GM Ken Holland) done ANDREAS ATHANASIOU 60 18 11 29 -8 28 NHL-record 62 games, a series that ended “Certainly, we’re all disappointed that a tremendous job of managing the team and DYLAN LARKIN 74 15 12 27 -30 35 with Avalanche forward Claude Lemieux we’re in the spot we’re in,” Detroit coach Jeff keeping it competitive on a yearly basis.” JUSTIN ABDELKADER 58 7 14 21 -19 44 slamming the face of Detroit forward Kris Blashill said. “I think we’ve all known we’re Even though the final bell didn’t toll for LUKE GLENDENING 74 3 11 14 -10 26 Draper into the boards via a dirty check from in a tough spot here.” them until the loss in Carolina in what was DARREN HELM 44 8 5 13 -3 16 behind. Curiously, the end came almost 27 years to their third game in as many nights, the Wings XAVIER OUELLET 60 3 9 12 1 46 Draper was hospitalized and required facial the day of their previous official elimination knew it was inevitable for quite some time. NIKLAS KRONWALL 51 1 11 12 -8 28 surgery to repair the damage. from playoff contention when the Wings fell “We’ve been talking about this for the last DANNY DEKEYSER 76 3 8 11 -19 29 Colorado won the first three meetings with 6-5 to the Buffalo Sabres at the JLA on March two months,” Detroit captain Henrik RILEY SHEAHAN 74 0 10 10 -26 14 the Wings in 1996-97, so as much as the night Zetterberg said. “It’s a great streak. The guys NICK JENSEN 43 3 6 9 -3 12 was about Darren McCarty exacting revenge 28, 1990, putting them out of that spring’s JONATHAN ERICSSON 51 1 8 9 -2 63 chase for the Stanley Cup. who’ve been a part of it should be proud of it. on Lemieux in the brawl, it was also about “Unfortunately it’s over. We’ve just got to DREW MILLER 51 5 2 7 -9 16 McCarty scoring the OT winner in a 6-5 vic- They’d made the playoffs every season RYAN SPROUL 27 1 6 7 -8 6 since – minus the 2004-05 season that was move on and look for the future.” tory. The key for the Wings is that they make this TOMAS NOSEK 5 1 0 1 2 2 “I think when you look at a lot of teams that lost to an owners’ lockout – winning four ROBBIE RUSSO 13 0 0 0 0 2 Stanley Cups along the way. failure a one-and-done deal and not allow it to go on to win the Stanley Cup, they can pick, “I think everyone in Detroit should be become habit forming. GOALIE GP W L T OTL SO SA GA SV% GAA it might be a playoff game, it might be a reg- proud of it,” former Wings captain and cur- “Our focus is 100 percent then and will con- MRAZEK 47 17 20 0 8 1 1356 133 .902 2.99 ular season game down the stretch, something rent Tampa Bay Lightning general manager tinue to be on making sure this is a one-time HOWARD 23 9 9 0 1 1 599 41 .932 2.02 they allude to that they believe ‘this is our Steve Yzerman said of the streak. “It’s incred- deal, not an eight and nine and 10-time deal,” year’ kind of thing,” Draper said. “There’s ibly difficult to make the playoffs in this Blashill said. “How do you do that? You do always that special defining moment of great league. that by making sure you maintain the culture “We’ve got to make sure we maintain this teams. For us that was a big one.” “Going back, I forget when the exact year it that’s allowed that streak to continue for a long culture we’ve talked about. We’ve got to Detroit beat Colorado in the 1996-97 was, the last one, but from the early ’90s, this time: work ethic, attention to detail, selfless- make sure that’s there every single night. You Western Conference final en route to the fran- team was a legitimate competitor for the ness, competitiveness. can’t let it slip whatsoever. Once you let it chise’s first Stanley Cup win since 1954-55. Stanley Cup for a lot of years. It wasn’t just a four or five-year span, it’s been a 20-year span they’ve been legitimate contenders for the Cup.

By BobYzerman Duff on the“I liked Joe: the ice surface. ‘I The loved ice was always playingously, or coming in there here’ as the home team. Hockey Weekly Staff Writer good. The boards were good. They had a little The history and the tradition and the banners At first, general manager Steve Yzerman cushion to them. All the things that were and the jerseys that are retired, I think that’s a HOCKEY wanted no part of a sentimental journey as his important to a player, this building had.” big part of our league. Tampa Bay Lightning made their farewell Yzerman wasn’t the only NHLer with fond “Obviously time marches on but the Joe WEEKLY appearance at Joe Louis Arena. But before memories of the place they call the Joe. was a great building.” long, Yzerman couldn’t help himself but “It’s a pretty special place for a lot of peo- Publisher: John Castine Not everyone, though, was waxing nostal- warm up to the place that he called home for ple,” captain Ryan Executive Editor: Peggy Castine gic and poetic about Joe Louis Arena. more than two decades, the vast majority of it McDonagh said. Editor: Paul Harris “It’s a great historic landmark ... but I’m as captain of the from “We had some great moments here,” added Office Manager/Circulation: Jennifer Watters sure the new facility will be very nice,” 1986-2006. Chicago Blackhawks left-winger Patrick Contributors: Randy Russon, Paul Lubanski, Lou Issel, Buffalo forward Matt Moulson said. “I loved playing here, I loved being in the Kane, the NHL’s reigning Art Ross and Hart Bob Duff, Lisa Ilitch-Murray, Alexis Bohlinger, “Obviously you like to come here because of building,” Yzerman said. “Obviously I have a Trophy winner. Kim McCullough, Frank Dattilo, Rena Laverty, all the history that has happened here, but it lot of very exciting moments. “Anytime you got the chance to play here, Jennifer Watters, Tess Wolfe and Jonathan Castine will be nice to play in a new rink.” “Every now and then you see a highlight on it was always fun. Coming here, just the his- Advertising: John Castine Welcome TV and it and Jennifer Watters home brings back Web Site: http://www.hockeyweekly.com some memo- At the start email address: [email protected] ries.” of the season, Yzerman B r e n d a n Frequency: HOCKEY WEEKLY is devoted to the best inter- admitted that Smith didn’t est of organized hockey including amateur, high school, being grant- figure that college and professional. HW is published 26 times a ed the oppor- his final ap- year – three times in Jan., Feb., March, Sept. and Nov.; tunity to play pearance at twice in April, June, Oct. and Dec., and once in May, July his entire Joe Louis and August. career in one Arena would Subscription Rates: HOCKEY WEEKLY (USPS 097-850) city and one come as a (ISSN 0746-7451) is published on Wednesdays 26 times arena was a member of a year for $60 U.S., $80 mailed to Canada per year by bonus he the visiting Castine Communications Inc., 22658 Brookdale St., hadn’t antic- team. Farmington MI 48336. Periodical postage paid at ipated on en- Joe Louis Arena: “The simplicity of the building is what was great about it,” Steve Yzerman said. He did just Farmington Hills, MI, and additional mailing offices. joying. that when the POSTMASTER: Send address changes to HOCKEY WEEKLY, “I take great pride in that,” Yzerman said. tory, the way the building is, the old-school Rangers, who acquired Smith from Detroit PO Box 279, Farmington MI 48332. None of this publi- “I loved playing here, I loved playing in set up, it gets you excited to play hockey. just prior to the NHL trade deadline, visited cation may be reproduced in part or whole without writ- Detroit. It was really special to be a Red Wing “It’s unfortunate that it’s ending this year, the Joe March 12. ten permission of publisher. my entire career. I was really lucky and I but looking back we’ll have a lot of memo- “It was really different, just being on the never forget that there was a lot of luck ries.” opposite side,” Smith admitted. “It was excit- The opinions and views of the columnists are not neces- involved. Though the Blackhawks fell 4-2 in the final ing to play back at the Joe again. I love play- sarily those of HOCKEY WEEKLY. Also, Hockey Weekly “The timing comes into it. We did a lot of visit to Detroit, they still cherished one final ing here. It was just a little different playing will make every effort to print as many youth stories as winning as a team. When a team wins, they chance to play at the Joe. against your buddies. A couple of times some space permits, but we reserve the right to edit submitted keep it together. That was one of the biggest “When it’s your last time playing in a sto- of the boys were chirping back and forth. stories for length, grammar, punctuation and clarity. reasons I stayed here.” ried building like this, a lot of guys have a lot “It’s all in good fun but once the puck Copyright c 2017 Beyond the three Stanley Cup teams he of good memories here,” Chicago defense- dropped, it’s business time.” CASTINE COMMUNICATIONS INC. captained in Detroit – in 1996-97, 1997-98 man Trevor Van Riemsdyk said. Going from the Wings to the Rangers, All Rights Reserved and 2001-12 – it’s the uniqueness of the JLA Carolina Hurricanes coach Bill Peters spent Smith now finds himself with a club that has HOCKEY WEEKLY that Yzerman will cherish the most. time on Mike Babcock’s coaching staff with a legitimate shot to win it all. PO Box 279 “The simplicity of the building is what was the Red Wings and admitted he’ll miss the “It’s really exciting to be on a team that has Farmington MI 48332 great about it, why it lasted so long,” Yzerman JLA dearly. been this good and are continuing to get bet- 248-477-1600 said. “The atmosphere in the building. The “I loved that place,” Peters said. “It was a ter,” Smith said. “It’s an exciting moment for fans were right on top of you. fun place to go play games as a visitor, obvi- myself to be a part of it and contribute.” APRIL 5, 2017 HOCKEY WEEKLY PAGE 5 National tourney wraps up 6th year of AAU ‘real hockey’ By John Castine At left, the Hockey Weekly Publisher U.S. Naval It’s hard to believe that Amateur Athletic Sea Cadet Union’s “real hockey” has just wrapped up its Corps sixth season. presents the “Of course, as the old saying goes, ‘Time colors during flies when you’re having fun,’ and there was the national plenty of fun at Fraser Hockeyland at our anthem, sung North American Championships,” said Keith by their Kloock, AAU tournament director at the leader at far March 24-26 event. left, Jerry A dozen AAU league teams converged Van de Vyver. upon Fraser to compete at 7U and 8U divi- sions. Participating were 169 young players representing five AAU leagues in Michigan, New York, Illinois, Indiana and Ontario. Three earlier national championships had been held in Minnesota (2014, 2015 and 2016). Yet, with the AAU expansion into Ontario and further expansion on the east coast, the new North American Championships came home to greater Detroit, where AAU Real Hockey all began in 2011 with the Michigan Amateur Youth Hockey League start-up by Kloock and league commissioner Lee Shifflett. When the players arrived, they discovered this was not going to be like any other ordi- nary tournament. Stepping onto the ice for the two opening games was one of Michigan’s own, Mark Wells, of the “Miracle on Ice” team that won gold at the 1980 Olympics. The New York Gladiators score a goal against the Plymouth Kings in a game of 8U round- Kloock said he wondered about bringing in robin play. someone who made history before most of all At left, 1980 U.S. these players and even their parents were Olympian Mark born. But his doubt was erased as he watched Wells is flanked Wells being swarmed by visitors all day for by AAU’s North autographs and photographs. American “Most of these kids have seen the (2004) Championship movie, ‘Miracle,’ more than a dozen times tournament their parents were telling me,” said Wells. director Keith “Just by watching the movie, a lot of these kids knew more about me than my own team- Kloock (right) and mates did” in 1979-80. AAU disciplinary chief Gerry The opening National Anthem renditions Hockey Weekly photos by John Castine carried a lot of pomp and circumstance, too. Lullove before the Former NHL player John Blum passes out a The opening ceremonies featured a color playing of the silver medal to one of the 8U Westland guard from the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps’ national anthem. Wolves. Youth Division and the singing of the Star Spangled Banner by their leader, Jerry Van de distances for a great event. It just seems the ice. At the midway point of the third peri- Vyver. wrong to send them home after only a few od, Westland’s Henry Miller tied it up on an Later in the tournament, after Wells had to games.” assist from Warner Bruckman. Yet about two leave for Lake Placid for a week’s fantasy Here is a round up of how the tournament’s minutes later Anderson scored again, the Olympian camp celebrating the Miracle on Ice gold three divisions played out to their conclusion. game-winner for Pekin, on an assist from medal team, another of Michigan’s own, 8U Tier-1: From the start of the tourna- Jaxon Riggs. Detroit native John Blum, pitched in to make ment, it seemed that the Addison (IL) The Metro Wings from Troy captured Mark Wells the kids feel special by giving pep talks in the Grizzlies and the NY Gladiators were des- Michigan’s second bronze medal with a 5-3 dressing room, signing autographs and hand- tined to meet in the gold medal game as they victory over the Halton Ravens from Ontario. ing out the medals after the championship both traveled through their divisions unde- The Wings’ Nicholas Oberdier scored a hat- praises AAU’s games. feated. Both teams averaged eight goals a trick during the game to lead his team to the The former NHLer, who played for four game and rarely gave up any goals them- win. teams, including Detroit, is also a member of selves. 7U (2009s): The East Side Wolves from ‘real hockey’ Ultimately, Addison won gold medals and By John Castine the Red Wings Alumni team that plays in Mt. Clemens and the NY Gladiators met in Hockey Weekly Publisher championship rings for every player, going 5- charity games across the state. the opening game for 7U and then found Olympian and 1980 Miracle Team mem- After each championship game, Blum was 0-0 with 39 goals for and only six against. themselves squaring off again in the final. Addison’s Nicholas Crededio scored nine ber Mark Wells said he knew attending the consistent with one message for these impres- Throughout the tournament, the Gladiators Amateur Athletic Union’s North American sionable players and their coaches and par- goals during the tournament, including two in were led by the scoring duo of Ryan their 3-2 championship win over the Championships in Fraser March 24 might be ents: “Hey, the real winners in hockey are all Kacszynski (16 goals and 7 assists, including looked ascant by some hockey people. of those players who play the game and have Gladiators. He also assisted on the eventual three hat tricks during the tournament and game winner by Jack Holland. After all, USA Hockey, not AAU, was the fun. If you walk away from every game hav- four goals in the championship game) and organizing body of his “Miracle on Ice” ing had fun, you are a winner.” The NY Gladiators earned silver with a 4- Damon Datlo (15 goals and 7 assists). The 1-0 record, scoring 49 goals and giving up Olympic team, and still is. Kloock said, besides making the kids feel Gladiators left little doubt who the top 7U But Wells said he can’t worry about poli- special off the ice with the likes of former pro- only 10. In the final, the Gladiators’ Kevin team in North America was, but the Wolves Lysohir scored in the second and Dominic tics when there are kids involved in learning fessionals, he wanted them to feel special on were proud of taking home silver. and playing hockey and having fun. the ice. D’Eletto scored with only 54 seconds left in It became clear that Michigan would be the third. Yet the prolific scoring Gladiators Besides, as he pointed out, “the AAU was All 8U teams played a five-game format, taking all three of the tournament’s bronze involved with the America’s Olympic hock- while the 7Us played four. AAU placed teams came up a goal short. medals as the Grosse Ile Devils and Port Michigan’s own Plymouth Kings won the ey before USA Hockey. AAU was there in into divisions playing a three-game round- Huron Kings were to square off in the final the beginning.” robin with all teams advancing to their own bronze medal by defeating the Indiana Jr. game of the weekend. Blackbirds (from Dyer, IN) by a score of 6-0. Players such as Wells don’t like getting semifinal and final pool, rather than sending Only two minutes into the game, Port caught up in the argument of the USA teams home after just three games like many En route to the bronze, the Kings’ Mark Huron’s Charlie Betts scored on an assist by Schaefer had logged 10 goals and three Hockey mandate that Mites play half-ice and tournaments do, said Kloock. Ty Kennedy. Two minutes later the Devils’ cross-ice games under the American “This new AAU format tends to group assists. Drake Proctor tied it up. Then late in the sec- 8U Tier-2: The second-tier gold medal Development Model. teams against similar competition for their ond period, Grosse Ile got the go-ahead goal The approach was the impetus for AAU final games,” Kloock explained. “It allows game pitted the Pekin (IL) Flyers against from Owen Wright with the assist coming Michigan’s Westland Wolves. This game launching its youth movement these young players to finish the tournament from Jake Mausolf. several years ago. on a high note by being matched with their found two very well matched teams. The first That ended the scoring for the weekend that period saw no scoring until halfway through Instead, AAU promotes a “real hockey” most competitive games. sent home many players and parents as winners See WELLS, Page 6 “In addition, families have traveled great the game, when Flyer Dylan Anderson broke because, as John Blum said, they all had fun. PAGE 6 HOCKEY WEEKLY APRIL 5, 2017

IndianaWELLS, from Page 68U players get to visit Red WingsWings lockeralways remember room to have fun. defense- One young player asked Blum if he had approach that allows Mites to play full-ice man Mike scored as many goals as Wayne Gretzky. games with black pucks and according to all Greene “Nobody scored as many goals as Gretzky,” of the rules, like off-sides, icing and having poses with he responded. “But I did knock him down.” nine faceoff dots, which USA Hockey does members Red Wings make AAU Indiana not. of the team their guests Wells, who was born in St. Clair Shores, Dyer, IN, 8U was a standout center at Bowling Green State Jr. The Dyer Indiana’s 8U Jr. Blackbirds got University before joining the 1980 Team USA Blackbirds, an additional thrill on their trip to play in the ice hockey team. Of course, this Olympic who were AAU North American Championships in team was made famous for beating a much treated to Fraser. On Friday, March 24, their team heralded Russian team in the semifinal and a locker attended the Red Wings game against the then taking the gold. A 2004 Disney movie, room visit Tampa Bay Lightning. “Miracle,” relaunched the team’s legendary after a While the Wings lost in overtime, the status. game. Blackbirds were still thrilled when they were After watching some of the AAU games, asked to visit the Detroit locker room, sit on Wells said: “We all grew up playing full-ice. the Wings’ bench and meet some of the play- It’s great that kids can play full-ice now. It ers. was good enough for the gold. The invitation was secured by their coach, “I don’t think confining Mites to two or Liam Garvey, a former professional hockey three sections of the ice does much for them,” player who played for Red Wings assistant he continued. “We learned the game the way coach John Torchetti in the minors. it’s been learned for decades. We on Team Jason Mindeman, Blackbirds team manag- USA turned out to be pretty good in 1980. was an absolute hit with the players. At times Former NHL player John Blum er, said Wings defenseman Mike Greene was “Yes, we were amateurs when we won and Mark was swarmed by dozens of players.” talks with AAU Hockey players one player who posed for photos and signed no American team has won since, not even the Wells offered his regrets that he could only autographs for their players in an experience professionals who play and then go back to attend the first day, due to a previously sched- After Wells left the AAU North American the kids won’t forget. making big money. They don’t have the moti- uled Miracle Team event at Lake Placid, NY, Championships, former NHL defenseman “We had an amazing time at the champi- vation we had.” a fantasy camp with 56 participants who paid John Blum stepped in. onships,” said Mindeman. “Keith Kloock Wells volunteered to be on hand during the $6,300 to experience “the 1980 feelings” of Blum played with the , really went all out – from the format of five AAU North American Championships to drop the Miracle. Boston Bruins, Washington Capitols and games to the swag bag with pucks, T-shirts, ceremonial pucks for opening games and to Yet he still managed to volunteer a full day Detroit Red Wings. He is a member of the towels and color programs. Fraser meet with the players, encouraging them to of meeting with 7U and 8U players, parents University of Michigan Hall of Fame and now Hockeyland was a great venue with an amaz- work hard, listen to their coaches and always and coaches and give many locker-room pep- a member of the Detroit Red Wings Alumni ing Monster arena. Loved the color guard and remember to have fun. talks. team that plays in charity games. national anthem. Nice touch. “Inviting Mark to help out and talk with “I would love to be invited back next year Blum visited locker rooms and talked with “Best of all, some great hockey. Some real- our youngsters was probably our best move,” and spend the whole three days with the play- players about the importance of studying hard ly great teams out there. Congrats to the tournament director Keith Kloock said. ers,” Wells said. “I have fun watching these in school. Yet very much like Wells, he champion Addison Grizzlies. We look for- “Mark is a great ambassador of the game and kids have fun.” stressed to the young players that they should ward to another shot next year.”

Get in TheThe MichiganMichigan AmateurAmateur YouthYouth HockeyHockey Get in LeagueLeague isis expanding!expanding! We’reWe’re addingadding aa onon thethe 10U10U divisiondivision nextnext seasonseason –– with with nono LeAgUeLeAgUe fees!fees! otherother features:features: AAUAAU •• A,A, AAAA andand AAAAAA DivisionsDivisions willwill bebe available available action!action! •• nono gamegame countscounts •• TagTag upup offoff sidessides •• HighHigh schoolschool rulesrules forfor more more information, information, emailemail [email protected]@gmail.com 2017 BOYS TIER 1 MAHA STATE CHAMPS APRIL 5, 2017 / PAGE 7 Hockey Weekly Action Photos

10U CHAMPIONS: HoneyBaked defeated Little Caesars, 4-3. 11U CHAMPIONS: HoneyBaked defeated Belle Tire, 5-0.

12U CHAMPIONS: HoneyBaked defeated Compuware, 4-1. 13U CHAMPIONS: Belle Tire defeated Victory Honda, 4-3.

14U CHAMPIONS: Oakland Jr. Grizzlies defeated Little Caesars, 2 games to 1. 15U CHAMPIONS: HoneyBaked defeated Compuware, 2 games to 1.

16U CHAMPIONS: Compuware defeated Little Caesars, 2 games to 0. 18U CHAMPIONS: Little Caesars defeated Victory Honda, 2 games to 0. 2017 GIRLS TIER 1 MAHA STATE CHAMPS APRIL 5, 2017 / PAGE 8 Mission accomplished: LC 12Us score five goals for title By Alexis Bohlinger goalie, Ava McIllMurray. Hockey Weekly Staff Writer “It’s hard to play the same team all season There was just one thing on the minds of and get yourself motivated so we decided to the Little Caesars 12U girls on Sunday, treat this game differently,” she said, “ In the March 5: morning, the girls did a 20-minute skate to Score goals. loosen up their legs, followed by team lunch And they did, putting five of them on the and video review. We wanted them to feel just board as they shut out Compuware to earn the like the pros and it was a fun day for the Tier 1 12U State Championship at Taylor team.” Sportsplex. Rheaume was very excited for her young Little Caesars’ Clara Yuhn was the game hockey players stating that it is a very long MVP earning a hattrick and two assists for season and it’s always great to end on a posi- her team. Other Caesars goals were scored by tive note. The feeling was also a little bitter- Ava Stevenson and Kaia Makachino. sweet. Little Caesars assists were earned by Yuhn “We had such a great group of girls and (2), Stevenson, Casey Borgiel and Carey great parents. When you are sad to see it end, McNahon. that’s saying something,” she said According to Head Coach Manon Rheaume looks forward to coaching the Rheaume, Little Caesars came out a little 12U girls again next season. slow in the first period, but they picked it up “I love coaching these girls. They are at a and finished strong. They put a total of 30 great age for learning and you can teach them shots on Compuware goalie, Katie Nowak. so much as far as skill,” she continued. “Just a Hockey Weekly Action Photo Little Caesars only allowed six shots on their fun age both on and off the ice.” The 2017 MAHA State Champion Little Caesars 12U Tier 1 team. LC 14U takes state crown in battle with KVHA Ravens By Alexis Bohlinger Little Caesars took the lead at 12:08 in the second period ening the score to 3-2. This goal came from Raven’s Chloe Hockey Weekly Staff Writer with a goal from Elena Dimagno, assisted by Alex George and Donnelly, assisted by Merdinian. The Little Caesars 14U Tier 1 girls had an exciting win over Erika Goleniak. They put another on the board at 10:45 from However, Caesars answered shortly after with a power play the Kensington Valley Ravens at Taylor Sportsplex on Jenna Nikles, assisted by Shannon Kennedy. They secured a goal at 3:00 from Riley Brengman, assisted by Sophie Sunday, March 5th to take the 2017 14U Tier 1 State 3-0 lead at 4:33 in the second with a goal from Morgan Chapman. This solidified the final score 4-2 making Little Championship title. Neitzke. Caesars the State Champions. The final score was 4-2 in Little Caesars’ favor. With just .05 seconds remaining in the second period, Coach Goleniak commented that he felt confident in his Head Coach Paul Goleniak commented that his team was Kensington Valley put their first point on the board from team prior to the game. “The past month we have made really unable to beat Kensington Valley throughout the season. Natalie Kean, assisted by Macey Merdinian and Chloe big strides. We’ve been in the finals in a couple of tourna- “Every time we played them, we tied. So the fact that we got Donnelly. ments and just fell short,” he said, “These tough losses pre- those three goals to take the big lead early in the game was Entering the third period 3-1 in Caesars favor, Kensington pared them for this big game.”See GIRLS 14U, Page 9 huge!” Valley capitalized on a power play opportunity at 4:12 tight- 2017 GIRLS TIER 1 MAHA STATE CHAMPS APRIL 5, 2017 / PAGE 9 A tale of two teams, one coach, two crowns Mike Vigilante steers Belle Tire to 19U and 16U state Tier 1 titles By Alexis Bohlinger Hockey Weekly Staff Writer Sunday, March 5th was a great day for the Belle Tire Hockey Association. Three of their girls Tier 1 teams; 16U, 19U, and Women’s Senior B grasped a State Championship at Taylor Sportsplex. 19U Belle Tire In the morning, the 19U Belle Tire girls faced off against Little Caesars. After being down 2-0 in the first period, Belle Tire returned from the two goal deficit to win the game 4-2. The third and game winning goal was on a Belle Tire power play at 13:53 in the third period from Hannah Bates, assisted by Morgan Hatcher. Little Caesars took the initial lead with six minutes left in the first period from Emily Curlett, unassisted. They scored a second goal with 1:30 left in the first period from Grace Markey, assisted by Kayla Goleniak. Entering the second, Belle Tire found a new surge of ener- gy. Shelby Bradford scored for her team just two minutes into the second period. She earned her second goal of the game with one minute remaining in the second tying the score at 2- 2. Soon after, Belle Tire took the 3-2 lead with the power play goal from Bates. Hockey Weekly Action Photos Little Caesars fought to tie the game, but were unable to Belle Tire’s 19U championship team above and 16U team below. Mike Vigilante is in upper photo, fourth in from right; stay out of the box for most of the third, putting them below, he is second from right. continually at a one man disadvantage. Belle Tire was the more disciplined team, only giving Little Caesars one power play opportunity in the third period. Head Coach Mike Vigilante beamed with pride at how well the girls came together throughout the season. “This team was a little rough around the edges when we first started,” he said. “We had a lot of skill on paper but we had girls from all differ- ent teams coming together. The battle with them was getting them all on the same page and keeping them on that path.” He continued, “I learned more this year as a coach then I have in all of my years of coaching because this team did not click from day one. We all worked together to move toward a common goal. It’s a lesson we all learned that if you put your minds in the right place together you can accomplish a lot of things.” 16U Belle Tire Just a few hours later, Vigilante’s 16U Belle Tire girls took the ice for a Championship game against Little Caesars. Caesars outshot Belle Tire 34 to 16 but Belle Tire goal- tender Frankie Sanchez wasn’t going to let that intimidate her. The final score was 5-2 in Belle Tire’s favor, making them the 2017 16U Tier 1 State Champions. Belle Tire took the ice bound and determined to win big, the game. “In years past you have your nerves and you are and achieved the ultimate goal of a State Championship, putting up a quick power play goal just four minutes into the anxious for the puck drop, but these girls have been a team Vigilante replied, “Every team is different and every player is first period from Sarah Beck, assisted by Anna Segedi. Little since day one.” different, however, a successful team is one that can learn to Caesars tied the score at 6:08 with a goal from Lauren Rygiel, Vigilante reminisced back to tryouts when he only had 9 work together no matter what organization or part of the coun- assisted by Courtney Hall. The next three were from Belle girls show up. However, with some late roster additions and try you came from.” Tire: Elana Zingas (assisted by Mikayla Lantto), Lannto an excellent staff, things came together for this team. “We had The 16U’s were a team since day 1, the 19U’s learned to be (assited by Segedi), and Angela Bucci (assisted by Annalise no problems on or off the ice. The girls managed the locker a team. These girls are going to take this experience into their Andrews). room really well,” he said, “All these girls wanted since day college careers and that is going to be an asset to them,” he By this point, Belle Tire had the flow of the game and a one was to learn and become a better hockey team, and from said. strong fore-check in their favor. Little Caesars was only able that perspective my job is very easy as a coach.” In closing, Vigilante commented on the diligence and hard to set up briefly to tighten the score 4-2 with a goal from We came back in some huge games this year because we work of the Belle Tire Hockey Association. “What John Kay Courtney Hall (assisted by Anna Fairman and Avrie Robbins). have such a great team dynamic. Today, we did the little and Rob Smith have done here is amazing. We’re excited Belle Tire sealed the deal with a fifth and final empty net things that allowed us to win. We would not have won if it about the future of all of the Belle Tire teams. It just goes to goal from Zingas. wasn’t for every single player in that locker room.” show if you put the right coaches in place, have fun and work Vigilante explained that he felt very confident going into When asked how he took two very different types of teams hard, you will have success.” LC wins 14U

stateGIRLS 14U, fromtitle Page 8

When asked about the game changing, power play goal at the end, he said, “We’ve been working a lot with power play this year. We have some great puck movers and big shots from the point. We knew this could be an area where we could take advantage of scoring opportunities.” “This particular Caesars team had an inter- esting dynamic because a lot of our players came from boy’s teams. They were not used to the girl’s atmosphere or being in a girl’s lock- er room, but once they adjusted we became a very strong team,” Goleniak said. “I’m extremely excited for these girls to have the Hockey Weekly Action Photo opportunity to play in Nationals in Detroit this The 2017 MAHA State Champion Little Caesars 14U Tier 1 team. April.” PAGE 10 HOCKEY WEEKLY APRIL 5, 2017 NEW INFO!

2017All tryouts TRYOUTS, at Taylor unless otherwise CONTACTS noted PEE WEE MINOR 06 TRYOUTS BANTAM AA BELLE TIRE AAA Wed April 12 8:30-10:00 pm Isaac Murphy MIDGET MAJOR AAA Head Coach Paul Worsley Thu April 13 9:00-10:30 pm 734-777-0133 Bob Mantha 734-756-5341 Sat April 15 1:30-3:00 pm [email protected] 248-830-8909 [email protected] [email protected] Justin Young Asst. Coaches Kirk Gurney U14 TIER 1 SQUIRT AA 248-962-8902 [email protected] and George Meade Head Coach Jamie Lovell Rick Stahl (Non-Parent Coach) 432-638-9220 [email protected] 248-961-5574 [email protected] Randy Sedlak SQUIRT MAJOR 07 419-283-7895 [email protected] Head Coach Craig Furstenau Manager Rick Shore SQUIRT A Pre Register at [email protected] 248-495-0895 586-484-9340 [email protected] Kevin Paden TRYOUTS [email protected] John Vigilante Skills/Power 734-352-9319 [email protected] Assistant Coach Ethan Range Skating Coach Thu April 13 6:00-7:30 pm 2011-12 MINI-MITES Fri April 14 7:00-9:00 pm 248-880-2602 TRYOUTS Spring registration is open Sat April 15 11:00 am-1:00 pm Wed April 12 6:00-7:30 pm Contact Coach Jim Siwik Goalies 1:00-2:30 pm BELLE TIRE GIRLS Thu April 13 6:00-7:30 pm 313-977-0923 4:00-6:00 pm Girls Director of Hockey Sat April 15 3:00-4:30 pm [email protected] Scott Yoxheimer 517-262-2903 U16 [email protected] U14 TIER 2 2010-11 TRAVEL MITE A Head Coach Joe Smaza Jeffrey Steffin Coach Jim Siwik 313-977-0923 U19 AAA 248-867-7267 [email protected] 734-934-9894 [email protected] [email protected] Head Coach Mike Vigilante Art Mnatsakanov Jason Waddell 313-215-7107 [email protected] 313-574-8800 2009 TRAVEL MITE AA mvigilante@- [email protected] Coach Bob McNamara OPEN TRYOUTS vigilantehockeycamps.com TRYOUTS [email protected] All tryouts at Royal Oak Arena Fri April 14 7:00-8:30 pm 313-550-5817 Thu April 13 7:15 pm Asst. Coach John Vigilante 313-799-5503 Tue April 18 7:00-8:00 pm Sat April 15 5:30 pm Fri April 21 7:00-8:30 pm 2008 TRAVEL SQUIRT A [email protected] Coaches Jim Siwik, John Vigilante MIDGET MINOR U15 Asst. Coach Dan Beaupre U12 TIER 1 313-977-0923 Justin Young 989-245-6698 [email protected] Isaac Murphy [email protected] 248-962-8902 [email protected] Asst. Coach Dave Erwin 734-777-0133 [email protected] Bob Mantha 586-909-8439 248-830-8909 [email protected] U12 TIER 2 BELLE TIRE DEARBORN [email protected] Bruce Baja TRAVEL HOCKEY Randy Sedlak www.dearbornhockey.com Asst./GM Matt Berger 313-492-0957 419-283-7895 [email protected] 584-850-6590 [email protected], 10U SQUIRT A 2008 TRYOUTS [email protected] Manager Kathy Benko Head Coach Jeff Lazarz Wed April 12 7:30-9:00 pm TRYOUTS 313-570-8140 [email protected] 734-775-9801 Thu April 13 7:30-9:00 pm Wed April 12 7:00-8:30 pm [email protected] Sat April 15 2:30-4:00 pm U10 Thu April 13 7:30-9:00 pm Tue April 18 7:30-9:00 pm Bill Markovich 10U SQUIRT AA 2007 Sat April 15 12:00-1:30 pm 734-341-9546 [email protected] Head Coach Chad Keisel BANTAM MAJOR 14U TIER 1 U16/U19 TIER 2 734-612-5515 Proud to announce new Head NEW U8 TEAM FORMING NEW [email protected] Coaches: Casey Dockus, TEAM! For info contact Tom Bates TEAM! Coach CHRIS COURY Adam LaFrance Cell 313-655-1010 734-365-2729 [email protected] 12U PEE WEE A 2006 [email protected], This upcoming year will include: Head Coach Derek Jerome Goalie coaching U8 & GIRLS LEARN TO PLAY 734-776-2385 BANTAM MINOR 04 Off ice training facilities Tom Bates 734-365-2729 [email protected] Head Coach Eddie MacDonald Video review room facilities [email protected] 231-218-7535 12U PEE WEE AA 2005 TRYOUTS [email protected] Head Coach Todd Gonzalez Fri April 1 7:00-8:30 pm @ SCS BELLE TIRE TRAVEL TAYLOR Joe Smaza, Defensive Asst. Coach U18 TIER 2 SELECTS 313-995-8217 Fri April 21 8:30-10:00 pm @ SCS Head Coach Jon Clippert (non-parent) [email protected] 517-376-8510 Sat April 22 4:30-6:00 pm @ SCS 734-787-6218 [email protected] Sun April 23 6:00-7:30 pm @ SCS [email protected] 14U BANTAM A 2004 Jabar Askerov, Skills & Offensive Cost of each skate will be $15 Asst. Coach Jeff Lazarz Head Coach Jeff Cameron Asst. Coach Any questions, please email: 734-775-9801 734-891-0482 313-354-4027 [email protected] Asst. Coach Alan A. Alexander [email protected] [email protected], U16 AAA 313-587-2747 [email protected] Larry Botsford, Goalie Coach 14U BANTAM AA 2003 Head Coach Dave Erwin TRYOUTS Head Coach Anthony Leitz Mike Stechschulte 586-909-8439 Wed April 12 9:00 pm 734-837-5544 313-670-7022 [email protected] Tue April 18 9:00 pm [email protected] [email protected] Thu April 20 9:00 pm Asst. Coach John Vigilante Tue April 25 9:00 pm 16U MIDGET A For tryout info visit: 313-799-5503 Head Coach Bryan O’Neil http://www.hometeamsonline.com [email protected] MIDGET A [email protected] /teams/default.asp?u=BT-PEEWEEMA- Wayne Lawson Asst. Coach Mike Vigilante 734-752-2764 JOR04&s=hockey&p=home 18U MIDGET AA 313-574-8800 [email protected] Head Coach Mike Rumps PEE WEE MAJOR 05 mvigilante@- TRYOUTS 734-377-7814 Head Coach Joe Smaza vigilantehockeycamps.com Thu April 13 9:00 pm [email protected] 248-867-7267 [email protected] GM/Coach Matt Berger Tue April 18 8:00 pm Art Mnatsakanov 584-850-6590 313-215-7107 [email protected] [email protected] APRIL 5, 2017 HOCKEY WEEKLY PAGE 11

34400 Utica Rd. Fraser MI 48026 586-294-2400 • 586-294-1290 (fax) • www.fraserhl.com

20172017 SPRINGSPRING HOCKEYHOCKEY LEAGUELEAGUE April 14-May 25 10-game schedule All Divisions included - B, BB, A, AA, AAA Mites-Midgets Call 1-586-294-2400 for more information or go to www.fraserhl.com

IInnttrroodduucciinngg hhoocckkeeyy iinnssttrruuccttoorr ChadChad LaroseLarose StanleyStanley Cup-winningCup-winning NHLNHL veteranveteran whowho recentlyrecently retiredretired fromfrom aa 10-year10-year careercareer withwith thethe CarolinaCarolina Hurricanes.Hurricanes. ChadChad willwill teachteach ourour F.A.S.T.F.A.S.T. LITTLELITTLE JETSJETS programprogram designeddesigned forfor beginningbeginning hockeyhockey players.players. F.A.S.T. LITTLE JETS (FUNdamentals And Skills Training) NEW TIMES! H 6:10 p.m. every Wednesday, 9:10 a.m. every Saturday H Skaters must be 3 years old and have basic hockey equipment (we will provide equipment if necessary) H Cost: Only $10 a session! FAST LITTLE JETS HOCKEY PARTICIPANTS WILL MOVE UP AND TRANSITION TO JETS "NEXT STRIDE" PROGRAM NEXT STRIDE – REAL GAMES No skates during holiday breaks H Great schedule and excellent ice times all at one location H Commitment to the development of skills, knowledge of the game and FUN! Players will play and be challenged at their competitive levels H Full equipment required H Sessions run by Fraser Hockeyland instructional staff All sessions take place in the Hockey Weekly Arena

For more information and registration, call 586-294-2400 or visit www.fraserhl.com 2017 ALL-STATE HIGH SCHOOL AWARDS APRIL 5, 2017 / PAGE 12

Hockey Weekly photos by Rena Laverty The Farmington Hills Manor banquet room was packed to the gills with fans of High School hockey celebrating another successful year. Celebrating the season Players, families, friends honor those who excelled in 2016-17 HS year By Alexis Bohlinger Hockey Weekly Staff Writer Over 500 members of Michigan’s High School Hockey community joined Hockey And Weekly on Sunday, March 19, at Farmington Hills Manor in Farmington to celebrate yet there’s another successful high school hockey sea- son. The 15th annual banquet, sponsored by Red Wings Captain Henrik Zetterberg, honors more ... high school hockey players that have shown academic and athletic excellence during the Read all 2016-17 hockey season. The banquet also the stories honors coaches and assistant coaches of the year, teams that have contributed to the hock- and see ey community and helped those in need, and all the those that have overcome obstacles. photos by The two biggest awards of the ceremony checking out were announced at the end as they always are – High School Hockey’s top girls and boys the offical High School players – when guest speaker Dave Moss All-State program by visiting revealed the winners. www.hockeyweekly.com. Mr. Hockey 2017 was Jake Crespi from Choose the DIGITAL EDITION item Brighton. Miss Hockey was awarded to on the red menu bar. Ladywood Senior, Katie Hayward, and Dave Moss, a Catholic Central alum and NHL veteran, shared advice Walled Lake Junior, Julia Barrett. This was on how to get ahead. the second ever tie in the Miss Hockey cate- gory. Receiving perseverance Hayward, in addition to being Miss awards were Wyandotte’s Hockey, was also one of the recipients of the Jacob Timmerman, far Henrik Zetterberg Scholarship. Connor left, and Lakeland’s Jared Fischer of Grandville won the second Behmlander, far right, as Zetterberg Scholarship. These students were well as Mercy’s Sophie awarded $2,500 to help them in their first Van Acker, who was rep- year of college. resented by her coach, Other scholarship winners were Becca Dave Roegner, center. With Williams of Walled Lake Northern and them are Mike Quint, sec- Camden Skiba of Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, ond from left, who both received the Jimmy Devellano Timmerman’s coach, and Scholarship of $2,500. Tom Bucknell, second This year’s Ryan Fischer Legacy from right, father of Scholarship recipient was Paul Forhan from Behmlander’s teammate, Walled Lake Northern. Forhan achieved a 4.1 Austin. GPA as a three sport All-Conference athlete. Three Perseverance Awards were presented to players who went above and beyond to Brother Rice for the Boys. played High School Hockey for Detroit “I put my head down and put the work in to play High School Hockey. The first to Jared Walled Lake and PCS held a fundraiser Catholic Central. He went on to play at the get better. The next season I watched five Behmlander of Lakeland High School. game for Hockey has Heart and U of D and University of Michigan and had a successful guys get called up ahead of me, but on Behmlander was diagnosed with lymphocytic Rice had an Ice Bucket Challenge after a game career in the NHL for nine seasons with December 19 I got my chance. I scored in my leukemia two and a half years ago. The sec- to raise money for Lou Gehrig’s Disease Calgary and Phoenix. first three NHL games and never looked ond recipient, Jacob Timmerman from research in honor of Paul Apap, a former Rice Moss addressed a question that he’s heard back.” Wyandotte Roosevelt, battled Hodgkin’s lym- player who had two sons play for Jesuit. Apap, many times throughout his career, “How did Moss’s next piece of advice was, “Make phoma. With the support of their families and 51, was diagnosed with ALS and given a spe- you make it?” He explained that he had to sure your ambition outweighs your talent.” hockey community, both were able to fight cial service award for his example of strength think back on some pivotal moments in his Lastly, he shared some words of wisdom through their illnesses and are now cancer and perseverance to all players, coaches and career to answer. from his mother. “No Free Lunches,” he said. free. High School hockey fans. His first piece of advice was to be punctual. “She left me this note every morning growing The third Perseverance Award was given to U of D senior captain Lorenzo D’Agostini His second was to be coachable. Next, he told up. I finally asked what it meant and she said, Mercy Captain, Sophie VanAcker, who was earned another $100 for ALS when Hockey the story of his first NHL game. “I played 5 ‘Nothing is free in this world, and you have to unable to compete in over half of her senior Weekly publisher John Castine challenged minutes and was called into the coach’s office work for everything you get.’ ” season, including the Division 1 State any of the players to take a bucket of ice after the game and sent back to the minors The crowd listened attentively as Moss Championship due to experiencing her fourth water in front of the stage. It took some coax- that night,” he continued, “I was crushed.” concluded his speech. concussion. ing, but D'Agostini finally stepped up to the After arriving in Omaha, Moss had a meet- “You are all months, some years away from Schools that were honored for community challenge. ing with his coach and expressed his frustra- trying to go on and make it in this world. service by Hockey Weekly, were Walled Lake Guest speaker Moss, brought some words tions. His coach replied, “Life isn’t about Some will go on to play hockey, some will go and Plymouth-Canton-Salem of the Girls of wisdom to both the athletes and family what happens to you, it’s how you respond on to careers of your choice. No matter what league and University of Detroit Jesuit and members in the room. Moss, a Livonia native, that matters.” path you take, remember these lessons.” 2017 ALL-STATE HIGH SCHOOL AWARDS APRIL 5, 2017 / PAGE 13 Walled Lake coach Erik Carlson, far right, takes the stage with players from his team and from Plymouth- Canton-Salem to accept the Hockey Weekly Community Service Award for playing a fund raising game for Hockey has Heart.

Hockey Weekly photos by Rena Laverty

This year's scholarship winners were from left to right, Connor Fischer and Katelyn Hayward (Zetterberg), Becca Williams and Camden Skiba (Devellano) and Paul Forhan (Ryan Fischer Legacy) with Roni and Steve Fischer.

Jack Clement of Brother Rice (left) and U of D Jesuit players (L to R) Brendan Guilhooley, Lorenzo D’Agostini, Patrick Di Rita and Ben Charboneau, flank Paul Apap who the two schools raised funds for ALS in honor of. Hockey Weekly publisher John Castine (at left) douses D’Agostini of U of D with a bucket of ice water again for ALS. Rice and Jesuit received the Hockey Weekly Community Service Award. COACHES OF THE YEAR

DIVISION 1 DIVISION 2 DIVISION 3 MMGHSHL Clint Robert Bobby McKillop Travis Perry Ron Predmesky Northville GP South Flint Powers Ladywood 2017 ALL-STATE HIGH SCHOOL AWARDS APRIL 5, 2017 / PAGE 14 High School Hockey crowns five new champions Brighton avenges ’16 loss, topples CC for Div. 1 crown With the pain of losing in the 2016 MHSAA Division 1 hockey final still fresh, Brighton’s top returning players made a vow: They would be back. And not just back to become Detroit Catholic Central’s foil once again. Back to complete the mission. It was mission accomplished for the Bulldogs when they beat the three-time defending-champion Shamrocks, 5-2, in the Division 1 championship game on March 11 at USA Hockey Arena. “It’s incredible,” said Brighton senior forward and 2017 Mr. Hockey Jake Crespi. “I said it last year that we’d be back here, me and Logan (Neaton) both said it. Here we are at the other side holding the trophy above our head and taking it home to Brighton.” These powerhouses have split the last six Division 1 champi- onships and have met in the championship game four times in the last five years. It’s the fourth state championship for Brighton (24-6-1), which lost in the 2014 and 2016 finals to Catholic Central after beating the Shamrocks for the 2013 title. The Bulldogs also won in 2006 and 2012.

Hockey Weekly photos by Rena Laverty

Rice caps 25-4-1 season with Div. 2 championship title The confidence of the voters who ranked Brother Rice No. 1 in all three divisions was DeLaSalle finally wins hockey crown in best season ever validated by the Warriors’ 7-0 rout of Forest Hills Northern/Eastern in the MHSAA Division Thomas Hernandez played hockey for 13 years before deciding to skate for Warren 2 championship game March 11 at USA Hockey Arena. DeLaSalle as a senior. “This has been my favorite year by far, ever. I’ve been playing Brother Rice went 25-4-1 against one of the toughest schedules in the state, winning hockey for 14 years, and it’s been my best year yet.” its fourth state championship. The Warriors stormed through the final round, beating their The best season of hockey for Hernandez was also the best for DeLaSalle. His hat trick last three opponents by a combined score of 16-2. led the Pilots to a 6-3 victory over Calumet in the MHSAA Division 3 championship game Third-year seniors Jack Clement, Alec DeLuca, Michael McInerney and Mitch Shults are on March 11 at USA Hockey Arena. DeLaSalle, a school that has won football and base- the holdovers from Brother Rice’s 2015 Division 2 championship team. They join 2015 ball titles during the seniors’ high school careers, hadn’t even played in a state final graduate Nick Rosa as the only Warriors to play for two MHSAA championship teams. before, losing in the 2010 and 2014 semifinals. The Warriors might have been celebrating a three-peat, but they blew a two-goal lead Calumet (23-7-1) eliminated defending-champion and fourth-ranked Hancock, eighth- and lost 5-4 in overtime to Hartland in last year’s quarterfinals. That loss was the impetus ranked Houghton and top-ranked Flint Powers Catholic during the postseason, but could for this year’s championship run. not overcome a slow start against fifth-ranked DeLaSalle (20-9-1).

Mercy stuns Ladywood in OT to take Girls Div. 1 crown The Mercy Marlins won their second straight Division 1 State Championship in a late- game comeback that stunned Ladywood and ended the Blazers’ Cinderella season in Liggett’s Francis explodes with five goals in 5:20 for title overtime, 3-2, March 11 at the Novi Ice Arena. Kara Francis’ mother Suzanne, watching her daughter’s University Liggett team facing It was Hannah Roegner’s goal 2:51 into overtime that shattered Ladywood’s glass slip- a 6-1 deficit after the second period, sent Kara a message of encouragement. per, an elusive first state championship for their hockey program. “I just texted her that this game is not over yet,” she said. It was actually the last 2:30 of regulation time that was the first and more critical 150 And it wasn’t. When the third period started, Kara, who gave the Knights a lead with a seconds of the Blazers’ season. goal in the first period, looked like she was shot out of a cannon as she scored five more Trailing 2-0 going into the intermission, the Marlins were in a position that they had to goals in a span of 5:20 to tie the game in probably one of the most amazing one-woman seemingly get a goal early in the third period to throw Ladywood goalie Sam Erickson off shows put on in MMGHSHL history. of her game. Erickson, brilliant all year and in the first two periods, thwarted Mercy scor- “Never in my life have I been a part of or even heard of a comeback like that one,” said ing chances left and right. But, in the end, the Marlins prevailed. Liggett coach Anna Kuehnlein. APRIL 5, 2017 HOCKEY WEEKLY PAGE 15 In its 26th year, Ruicci Cup keeps the spotlight on women By Lou Issel Game 2 for Division 5 produced a 2-1 OT Hockey Weekly Special Writer victory for the Livonia Griffins over Top In 1987, a wannabe hockey player named Shelf. Period one went scoreless. In the sec- Michele Monson ran an ad in Hockey Weekly ond, each team scored a goal with Top Shelf inviting women who would like to learn how striking first with 3:25 on the clock; Desiree to play the world’s fastest and most exciting Messina from Tricia Winowiecki. Seconds team sport to sign up. “No experience later the Griffins evened the score; Traci required, just a strong sense of humor,” the ad Stewart from Jenn Scott and Jackie Dent. The said. game then went to a five-minute overtime Twenty-six women responded, and which the Griffins ended at 3:25 with a goal Monson recruited husband Gil Ruicci and by Scott from Theresa Vannatter and Diane their dear friend, Detroit Red Wings legend Shureb. Ted Lindsay, to be their teacher-coaches. So, Griffins co-coaches Ken Stewart and Ken at 7:00 a.m. Sunday mornings at Livonia’s Shureb were ecstatic, noting that their team Eddie Edgar ice rink, Ted and Gil began had worked extra hard all season and now teaching their new team to skate across the crowned their efforts with an overtime cham- Division 4 champion Ice Gators. rink and try to stop before bouncing off the pionship win. Some little girls near them boards. were waving a hand-lettered sign reading: Today that first team, the Polar Bears for GO AUNTIE JENN! Jenn Scott had scored which Monson still skates, has grown into the the OT goal. Michigan Women’s Senior Hockey League: 41 Top Shelf captain Heather Prain was quite teams in six skill divisions ranging from novice happy with the tournament and the game. to ex-college and Travel players. This season “We always have fun in the finals and here it they registered 714 players and 43 coaches. went to overtime,” she said. “The cama- The focus is still on fun as grandmothers raderie in this league is wonderful and to have skate with daughters while grandchildren Ted Lindsay here is amazing.” cheer them on. The game for the Division 2 title turned As the league grew, an end-of-season tour- into a goaltending duel between the nament was established in 1992 and named Hammerheads’ Jamie Spicer and the Freeze’s the Ruicci Cup in honor of sponsor Gil Lisa Oltman. The game went goose eggs right Ruicci, Michele Monson and Ted Lindsay. through overtime and was finally won by the Ted typically attends the championship games Freeze with one goal. Freeze coach Greg Latour was very happy with his team and the tournament. “Our goalie gave up only two goals in the previous two games,” he said. “We peaked at just the right time Division 5 champion Livonia Griffins. this season and played our best in this game. “Ted Lindsay is a perfect example of a great hockey player giving back to the fans.” Hammerheads coach Laura Slayton said, “I am very proud of this team. We struggled last season, and here everyone stepped up and helped our goalie to a shutout right through overtime.” Ted Lindsay takes a break with a very young Red Wings fan. The last game, for Division 3, also posted to drop the ceremonial puck for each game zeroes for two periods played by the Epcot and hand out awards to each runner-up and Ducks and the TOT Flying Unicorns. championship player. Finally, at 7:44 in the third, Unicorn Olivia On Sunday, March 26, at the Eddie Edgar Demarco scored the winner with an assist from Arena in Livonia, Lindsay posed for hundreds Rachel Snow. of cell phone pictures and autographed count- TOT Flying Unicorns coach Joe Holder less items always with a great grin and never praised the tournament organizers. “They do asking for a dime, one of the great ambas- such a great job,” he said. “This was a great sadors for the great game of ice hockey. win. Everyone contributed and made this This was a special day as Ted recently lost happen.” his soulmate, wife Joanne, and the players Epcot Ducks coach Vince Scaglio was Division 2 champion the Freeze. expressed their sympathies and warm grati- equally proud of his team’s effort. “This tude for his appearance. He is 91-years old. whole weekend was zero goals against us Four championship games were held for until Demarco slipped that one in. Our whole Divisions 2, 3, 4 and 5. team really worked hard. In the first game, the Ice Gators took on the “To have Ted Lindsay here was perfect. He Bombshells in Division 4 with the Ice Gators is an icon and the greatest ambassador for winning, 4-0. Kerry Brennan scored early in hockey.” the first period with a helper from Rachel Ruicci Cup 26 was another great success. Miller. In the second period it was Kayla League President Sarah Parker noted how Martines from Teghan Thelen. Two more close the teams and scores had been. goals in the third period sealed the shutout; “We had so many overtimes and shootouts Thelen from Brennan and Brittany Hopkins in the quarter and semifinals. That made for from Kelly McRee. great hockey and demonstrates the parity “Great teamwork and our goalie Jenna developed in our league,” she said. “We are Martines was awesome,” Ice Gators coach working hard to make the USA Hockey Arena Kelli Carrier said. “This was our second year SRO if Team USA plays and faces Canada, as a team. Half of us have only played two all 714 players, 43 coaches and our families years, and here we have a championship and friends. because we focused on teamwork.” “Our entire league is most grateful for the Said Bombshell coach Jennifer wonderful support of Michele Monson, Gil Czajkowski: “Our competition was really Ruicci and Ted Lindsay.” good, but considering our short bench of nine Said Lindsay: “I am going to watch some players, we did well. of the Women’s World Tournament games “It was so great to see Ted Lindsay here and especially the gold medal game if the again. His support for women’s hockey is USA plays Canada April 7. Women are the Division 3 champion TOT Flying Unicorns. awesome.” greatest hockey fans!” PAGE 16 HOCKEY WEEKLY APRIL 5, 2017 Italian trio gets revenge on hometown Thunderbirds t one time or another over the past OHL has helped the Thunderbirds win multiple few years, Nick Trecroce, Jake NOJHL and Dudley-Hewitt Cup champi- Palmerio and Carmen Scarfone all JUNIORS STANDINGS onships over the past few years. But the had aspirations of playing for their hometown championships certainly have not increased ANorthern Ontario Jr. Hockey League team. BEAT Through March 26, 2017 the fan base or the following for the local But, despite attending various tryout camps EAST DIV. W L OTL SOL PTS GF GA NOJHL team. for the Soo Thunderbirds, none of the three By Randy xyPeterborough 42 21 2 3 89 239 221 In fact, when Pat Egan and Al Jones were was ever signed by the local NOJHL team – xOshawa 40 23 3 2 85 228 215 operating the Thunderbirds, the teams over passed over for others, including out-of- Russon xKingston 33 26 5 4 75 179 200 the years were almost 100 percent made up of towners. Those were decisions made by the xHamilton 33 27 4 4 74 238 225 local players – and they were annual con- Thunderbirds’ brain trust, which over the past xOttawa 26 34 7 1 60 221 271 tenders. And while the Thunderbirds never few years has included since-departed general CENTRAL DIV. W L OTL SOL PTS GF GA won an NOJHL title under the operation of managers Kevin Cain and Jamie Henderson xyMississauga 34 21 6 7 81 240 219 Egan and Jones, they were first and foremost and current coach-GM Jordan Smith. xSudbury 27 34 7 0 61 207 265 about giving local players a place to play. I am not here to dispute the decisions that xNiagara 23 35 6 4 56 207 274 Not only that, dare I say that there were were made that resulted in Trecroce, Palmerio North Bay 24 38 4 2 54 192 261 more Thunderbird fans then than there are and Scarfone going unsigned by the Barrie 17 44 6 1 41 192 291 now. Thunderbirds, whatever the reason. MIDWEST DIV. W L OTL SOL PTS GF GA Great North/OHL But in a sweet taste of hockey irony, the xyzErie 50 15 2 1 103 319 182 trio of Italian boys from the Canadian Soo – xOwen Sound 49 15 2 2 102 297 177 Led by Northern Ontario Hockey Trecroce, Palmerio and Scarfone – played xLondon 46 15 3 4 99 289 194 Association player-of-the-year Camaryn above-average roles as the Michigan-based Nick Trecroce, xKitchener 36 27 3 2 77 244 251 Baber, about a dozen 2001 birth-year players Soo Eagles stunningly swept the two-time Guelph 21 40 5 2 49 202 297 from the Great North Midget League could be upper left; Jake W L OTL SOL PTS GF GA defending champion Thunderbirds from this WEST DIV. selected at this month’s Ontario Hockey Palmerio, above, xySS Marie 48 16 3 1 100 287 208 year’s NOJHL playoffs. League draft. and Carmen xWindsor 41 19 5 3 90 232 185 A Hockey Weekly cross-section of OHL Trecroce, a 1996 birth-year defenseman, Scarfone, at left xFlint 32 28 3 5 72 229 242 and Palmerio, a 1997 birth-year forward, both scouts and general managers places Baber, a helped the Soo xSarnia 31 30 6 1 69 257 277 hard-nosed, high-scoring right winger with had a hand in clutch goals as the Eagles com- Eagles defeat the Saginaw 27 32 7 2 63 204 248 pleted the improbable sweep of the the Soo Greyhounds, as a second-or-third- Soo Thunderbirds, x = Clinched Playoff Position y = Clinched Division round pick at the April 8 under-16 draft. Thunderbirds with 3-2 and 4-2 home-ice z = Regular Season Champion the team that never Baber placed third on the Greyhound decisions. signed them. In Game 3, Palmerio and Trecroce both midgets in scoring during the 2016-2017 reg- assisted on the winning goal. ular-season series against the Eagles, but they ular season with 32 goals, 30 assists, 62 In Game 4, Palmerio scored the winning also finished a whopping 31 points ahead of points in 32 games – while racking up 99 goal and Trecroce set up the insurance marker stood tall on the Eagles’ blueline and, like their cross-border rivals. That’s correct: The minutes in penalties. Young Baber then added to send the Thunderbirds packing without so Palmerio and Trecroce, played his heart out. Thunderbirds finished atop the West Division 5 goals, 2 assists, 7 points in 6 playoff con- much as a single playoff victory – the first It was, to be sure, a big-time upset that the with a 43-11-2 record, 31 points up on the tests. time that has happened in the history of a Eagles fashioned in sweeping the fourth-place Eagles and their 27-26-3 record. A likeable kid who is known for his strong franchise that made its NOJHL debut way Thunderbirds in quick albeit close manner, Actually, the Eagles had another Canadian work ethic and great attitude in addition to his back in 1999. winning by 4-3 (double overtime), 4-3, 3-2 Soo product with them for the first part of the hockey skills, Baber’s gritty style only adds And while he didn’t pick a point, Scarfone, and 4-2 scores. season, 1999 birth-year defenseman Nolan to his all-around game and makes him the an NOJHL rookie with a 1998 birth date, Not only did the Thunderbirds win the reg- Makkonen. But after a fast-track develop- consensus first pick from the Great North ment with the Eagles, Makkonen signed with loop for the upcoming OHL draft. the Guelph Storm of the Ontario Hockey Payton Vescio, a slick, smart, cool-under- League in January of this year. pressure defenseman with the North Bay Did you play in At any rate, Trecroce, Palmerio and Trappers, is projected to be the second player Scarfone are not the only residents from the from the Great North to be chosen at the April the Michigan Canadian side of the St. Mary’s River who are 8 OHL lottery. A quiet leader and character playing major roles with the Michigan-based kid, Vescio is viewed as a third-to-fifth round Eagles. Veteran bench boss Jim Capy and pick. National longtime goalie instructor Bill Vanderleest Three more players from North Bay and are both members of the Eagles’ coaching one from the Sudbury Wolves are seen as Hockey League staff. fifth-to-eighth-round picks. They are Capy, who has a lengthy association as an Trappers forwards Matt Hardwick and Ryan and are looking NOJHL head coach, was with the Mills and goalie Joel Rainville and Wolves Thunderbirds for several years in the early forward Joe Mazur. for financial aid days of the franchise before moving on to per- Others from the Great North loop who are form bench duties for Blind River Beavers being mentioned as possible late picks in the for college or to (on two separate occasions) and the erstwhile 15-round draft are Trappers forward Cole Soo Indians. A retired Canada Post worker, Craft and defensemen Jake Peterson-Galema pay back student loans? Then the relentless, passionate Capy has revived and Kobe Seguin, Greyhounds defenseman his coaching career with the Eagles alongside Tristan Cicchello and Wolves defenseman it’s time to apply for the Neil J. associate coach and general manager Bruno Alex Fowke. Bragagnolo, who is also a part owner of the NOJHL tryout camp Carnes Memorial Scholarship. team. As for the affable Vanderleest, he is a tire- Attention, Canadian- and American-born less volunteer who has been with the Eagles players. A $1,000 scholarship is available through the for a number of years, including their time in Espanola Express of the Northern Ontario scholarship fund for the 2016-17 academic year. the North . Jr. Hockey League has confirmed that its Back to Trecroce, Palmerio and Scarfone. spring tryout camp will be held on Saturday To get an application, call Dan Jewell at 810-210- It’s the Thunderbirds’ business why they did April 22 at the Gerry McCrory Countryside not sign the three from right in their own Arena in Sudbury. 1565 or mail a request to Gale M. Cronk, MNHL backyard when they had the opportunity. And Players born in 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 and President/Treasurer, at 830 Westwood Drive, really, it does not matter now. What is done is 2001 will have the opportunity to play in done. front of Express management and coaches in Fenton, MI 48430. What matters at the moment is that all hopes of making the 2017-2018 roster. three, as members of the Eagles, were a part Espanola general manager Chad Clarke has You can also call Hockey Weekly at 248-477-1600 of one of the biggest playoff upsets in recent confirmed that there are several roster spots or email your request for an application form to NOJHL times when the Michigan-based crew available for all positions. upended the mighty Thunderbirds in four The camp will consist of on-ice practices, [email protected]. straight games. The three also had strong reg- off-ice testing, goalie sessions and two in- ular seasons for the Eagles. Palmerio had 21 squad games. Cost of camp is $100, taxes The deadline to send in your application goals, 25 assists, 46 points in 49 games, while included. Trecroce was 0-26-26 in 49 outings and The camp will be the only open tryout along with a resume and high school Scarfone was 0-11-11 in 55 games while camp this off season for the Express, which transcript is June 1, 2017. minding the store in his own end. does plan on holding another tryout camp If there is a criticism for one to have in the until main camp in August – which will be by way the Thunderbirds have operated the team invite only. Any questions, write to Cronk at address above over the past several years, it’s that local play- To register and/or more more information, ers have often been bypassed for out-of-town visit www.espanolaexpress.com or e-mail talent. And I get it that the out of-town talent Randy Blake via [email protected]. APRIL 5, 2017 HOCKEY WEEKLY PAGE 17 THE HOCKEY WEEKLY CelebratingHW more than 40 years! TOURNAMENTTo list your tournament, CALENDARcall 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 registered team or registered player participating in a non-sanctioned tournament shall be declared ineligible for District or State and National playoffs during the season of such violation. 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. q INDICATES NEW LISTING

APRIL 248.399.1694 or check out this event online at Squirt through Midget/High School. Divisions: A, AA, AAA. http://www.bigbeartournaments.com/sh-blue-collar-hockey- Thursday/Friday 1st game preference available. Tier 2 21-23 games start no earlier than 5:30 pm on Thursday and Spring Scramble presented by Premier Hockey at Troy tournament-info/334 4 pm on Friday. 4 game guarantee. For more information Sports Center, Troy, MI. Mites-Midgets, A, AA, AAA, Boys 28-30 visit: www.grinderhockeytournament.com, call: Jamie and Girls. 3 game guarantee. Mites play three 10-minute The ThunderBird at the Kensington Valley Ice House, Ziskie at 810-908-4965 or email [email protected]. periods on half ice, $395; Squirts play three 12-minute Farmington Civic Arena, and Arctic Edge, suburban periods, $595; Pee Wees, Bantams and Midgets play two Detroit, MI. USA Hockey sanction # pending Squirt - 3-13 5-7 20-minute periods, $795. For more information contact minute periods $970, Peewee - 3-13 minute periods $995, The Ring of Fire at the Arctic Coliseum, Chelsea, MI. and Kathy at 248-860-2157 or visit www.premierhockeytourna- Bantam - 3-14 minute periods $1095, Midget, H.S. & Arctic Edge in Canton, MI. USA Hockey sanction # ments.com. H.S.J.V. - 3-14 minute periods $1130. 4 games minimum. MIT171705 Squirt - 3-13 minute periods $970, Peewee - 21-23 For more information call us at 248.399.1694 or check out 3-13 minute periods $995, Bantam - 3-14 minute periods Premier Hockey 7th Annual Spring Scramble this event online at $1095, Midget, H.S. & H.S.J.V. - 3-14 minute periods Tournament at the Troy Sports Center, Troy, MI. Boys and http://www.bigbeartournaments.com/sh-hockey-tourna- $1130. 4 games minimum. For more information call us at Girls A, AA and AAA. 3 game guarantee. For more info call ment-info/303 248.399.1694 or check out this event online at Kathy at 248-860-2157, email [email protected] or visit 28-30 http://www.bigbeartournaments.com/sh-hockey-tourna- www.premierhockeytournaments.com. 31st Annual AAA Showdown in Motown Spring ment-info/296 Tournament in Metro Detroit, MI. One of the largest AAA 21-23 tournaments in North America. Divisions: U18, U16, U15, 5-7 Code Talkers at the Oilers Ice Center. USA Hockey sanc- Music City Tournament Series: Nashville Spring tion # pending. Squirt - 3-13 minute periods $1240, 03-08, Girls U10, U12, U16, U19 AAA. 4 game guarantee with Round Robin, Semifinals and Grand Championships. Classic, Nashville, TN. Squirt A, Pee Wee A, Pee Wee AA Peewee - 3-13 minute periods $1265, Bantam - 3-13 and Bantam A. MYHockey Tournaments: Toll Free US and minute periods $1300, 4 games minimum. For more infor- Registration begins in December. All games are 1.5 hours, 16-minute periods. Individual trophies and team trophy in Canada 855-898-4040. Website: www.myhockeytourna- mation call us at 248.399.1694 or check out this event ments.com, email: [email protected]. online at each division. For more information contact John Kay at http://www.bigbeartournaments.com/sh-hockey-tourna- 313-441-4783, 313-655-1010, email [email protected] or visit www.showdowninmo- 5-7 ment-info/317 Spring Showcase (MAHA) Tournament at Glacier Pointe town.org. 21-23 Ice Complex, Port Huron, MI. Squirt House/A/AA, 3 12- CHICAGO CUP Tournament Series: Chicago Spring 28-30 minute periods, $500 US funds; Pee Wee through Bantam Classic, Chicago, IL. Squirt through Midget; B, A, and AA, Silver Skates at Arctic Edge, Detroit, MI. House/A/AA, 3 15-minute periods, $550 US funds. 4 game High School Varsity and JV. MYHockey Tournaments: Toll AAU Hockey sanction # pending. Mites - 3-12 minute peri- guarantee. For more info call 810-364-9797, email glacier- Free US and Canada 855-898-4040. Website: ods $940, 4 games minimum. For more information call us [email protected] or visit www.glacierpointe.com. www.myhockeytournaments.com, email: jbabin@myhock- at 248.399.1694 or check out this event online at eytournaments.com. http://www.bigbeartournaments.com/sh-blue-collar-hockey- 19-21 28-30 tournament-info/302 CHICAGO CUP Tournament Series: MYHockey Spring Peepers at Canlan Ice Sports, Chicago, IL AAU MAY Tournaments Spring Classic, Chicago, IL. Squirt through Hockey sanction # pending. Mites - 3-12 minute periods, Midget; B, A, and AA, High School Varsity and JV. $1095, 4 games minimum. For more information call us at 4-7 6th Annual Grinder Hockey Tournament in Troy, MI. Continued on Page 18

SHOOTOUT HOCKEY Discounts and Rebates

For more information, go to www.bigbeartournaments.com or call 248-399-1694. Early BIrd dIScouNT: Teams playing in select tournaments will receive a $200 discount on their next Big Bear Tournament during the 2016-17 season. See list on www.bigbeartournaments.com (under discounts). BIg BEar BuNdlES: The best tournament combo options in the business. If you are playing in four or more events and picking up a minimum of 14 hotel rooms per night, please contact our office for additional discount details. BuNdlE # 1 - TWo road TrIpS: For your 1st road trip, you pay the full game fee. For the second road trip, you will receive a rebate up to $550.00 (see website). BuNdlE # 2 - TWo road TrIpS aNd oNE Early BIrd: play in an Early Bird on the road , paying the full fee, and earn not only a rebate up to $550.00 on your second road trip but also a $200.00 discount toward your third tournament at home. BuNdlE # 3 - ThrEE road TrIpS or MorE: having qualified for your second road trip, you receive a rebate of up to $450.00 for your 3rd road trip. Early payMENT dIScouNT - If your full payment is received 90 days prior to each event (entry and referee fee), you will receive an additional $50.00 discount off of the game fee. MulTI-TourNaMENT dIScouNT - Individual teams in multiple events will receive rebates based on the number of tournaments in which they play. MulTI-TEaM dIScouNT - clubs bringing multiple teams to any single tournament or any event on the same weekend in different cities will receive rebates based on the number of teams that play. PAGE 18 HOCKEY WEEKLY APRIL 5, 2017 4150 DOVE RD PT. HURON MI 48060 Mr. Hockey Jake Crespi led 810-364-9797 email: BrightonMR. HOCKEY, from Page to 3 state D1 crown [email protected] Junior Hockey in the USHL.” He is looking forward to branching out and taking on some ICE COMPLEX thing that you love doing, you have to remem- new responsibilities. ber why you started. I had a really great expe- “Playing Juniors will be a great experi- rience and found my love for the game ence,” he said. “It’s a chance to learn and again.” grow without your parents walking you Upon joining the Brighton High School through it.” team, he set a goal to win Mr. Hockey. He also has a big family cheering him on. “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t expect it He has three siblings and parents who have because it was one of my goals,” he said. “But supported him throughout his hockey career. it was a huge relief going up there and being “My dad was a college athlete. He knew 2017 named, especially because there were some the process to get me here. I think I got that really good players in the league.” competitive edge from him,” Crespi said. “He TOURNAMENTS Crespi said the reason he loves hockey is was a quiet guy in college but you could because it’s the most difficult sport he’s ever always find him in the weight room. played. “Mom is the lovable one making sure I www.glacierpointe.com “I’ve usually been pretty quick to learn always have fun.” things and I am pretty athletic,” he said, “The Crespi appreciated the message of the hon- reason I liked hockey is because it was way ors luncheon’s guest speaker, Dave Moss, a more challenging than the other sports I Catholic Central alumnus who played nine played. I couldn’t just go out there and be a years in the NHL. stud. I had to push myself and work hard to be “I really liked hearing the teaching lessons All Tournaments are good.” from Dave,” he said. “They were very relatable. Crespi excitedly shared his plans for the His lessons were valuable for everyone in the 4-game guarantees future, which include his hopes “ to play some room to help them move onto the next step.”

Continued from Page 17 us at 248.399.1694 or check out this event online at MYHockey Tournaments: Toll Free US and http://www.bigbeartournaments.com/sh-hock- Canada 855-898-4040. Website: ey-tournament-info/318 Spring www.myhockeytournaments.com, email: [email protected]. 19-20 Beach Break at the Chilled Ponds, Virginia 19-21 Beach, VA. USA Hockey sanction # pending. The Dragon’s Lair at the Darien Sportsplex Squirt - 3-13 minute periods $1240, Peewee - and Canlan Ice Sports, Chicago, IL USA 3-13 minute periods $1265, Bantam - 3-14 Showcase Hockey sanction # pending. Squirt & Girls minute periods $1390, Midget, H.S. & H.S.J.V. U10 - 3-13 minute periods $1125, Peewee & - 3-14 minute periods $1425. 4 games mini- Girls U12 - 3-13 minute periods $1150, mum. For more information call us at Bantam & Girls U14 - 3-14 minute periods 248.399.1694 or check out this event online at $1275, Midget, H.S., H.S.J.V. & Girls U16 http://www.bigbeartournaments.com/sh-hock- (MAHA) and U19 - 3-14 minute periods $1325. 4 ey-tournament-info/313 games minimum. For more information call us at 248.399.1694 or check out this event 19-21 online at Cherry Blossom Showdown at the Gardens http://www.bigbeartournaments.com/sh-hock- Ice House, Washington, DC. USA Hockey ey-tournament-info/295 sanction # pending. Squirt - 3-13 minute peri- MAY 5-7 ods $1270, Peewee - 3-13 minute periods 19-21 $1295, Bantam - 3-14 minute periods $1420, The Last Dance at the Farmington Civic Midget, H.S. & H.S.J.V. - 3-14 minute periods Arena and Arctic Edge, suburban Detroit, MI. $1455. 4 games minimum. For more informa- SQUIRT HOUSE A/AA USA Hockey sanction # pending Squirt - 3- tion call us at 248.399.1694 or check out this 13 minute periods $970, Peewee - 3-13 event online at minute periods $995, Bantam - 3-14 minute http://www.bigbeartournaments.com/sh-hock- 3 - 12 minute periods periods $1095, Midget, H.S. & H.S.J.V. - 3- ey-tournament-info/263 14 minute periods $1130. 4 games mini- mum. For more information call us at 26-29 Cost: $500 248.399.1694 or check out this event online Brothers in Arms at the Hatfield Ice Arena, at http://www.bigbeartournaments.com/sh- Philadelphia, PA. USA Hockey sanction hockey-tournament-info/304 approved. Squirt - 3-13 minute periods $1240, 19-21 Peewee - 3-13 minute periods $1265, Bantam PEE WEE THRU BANTAM Moon Dance at the Oilers Ice Center. USA - 3-14 minute periods $1390, Midget, H.S. & Hockey sanction # pending. Squirt - 3-13 H.S.J.V. - 3-14 minute periods $1425. 4 minute periods $1240, games minimum. For more information call us HOUSE/A/AA Peewee - 3-13 minute periods $1265, at 248.399.1694 or check out this event online Bantam - 3-13 minute periods $1300, 4 at http://www.bigbeartournaments.com/sh- 3 - 15 minute periods games minimum. For more information call hockey-tournament-info/323 Cost: $550

To register for a tournament, go to When Hockey Weekly started in 1974: www.glacierpointe.com and click on l Gordie Howe was still playing hockey. TOURNAMENTS on the left. l The Red Wings called Olympia home. l Mike Modano was a toddler. FOR INFORMATION CALL ANGE OR STEVE In other words, at (810) 364-9797 we know hockey. APRIL 5, 2017 HOCKEY WEEKLY PAGE 19

SHOWDOWN31st ANNUAL AAA SPRING IN MOTOWN TOURNAMENTTEAMS SIGNING NOW! A Tradition in Excellence

■ U-18APRIL (98, 99, 00, 01), U-16 (01, 02), U-1528-30, (02), 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08 –2017 Elite and AAA Girls U-10, U-12, U-14, U-16, U-19 AAA ■ All 1.5-hour games, 16-minute periods ■ 4-game Round Robin, Semifinals and Grand Championships For application, ■ After 30 years, has become one of the largest AAA contact tournaments in North America JOHN KAY ■ Individual trophies and team trophy in each division ■ Games to be held at Taylor Sportsplex and other area rinks Home: 313-441-4783 ■ REGISTRATION BEGINS IN DECEMBER Cell: 313-655-1010 ■ SPACE LIMITED IN MANY AGES Email: ALL CATEGORIES GUARANTEED 4 GAMES [email protected] (Most teams will play 5 or 6 games) Fax: 313-982-1870 website: www.showdowninmotown.org

WeWe focusfocus onon thethe players.players.

We’re in the business of making memories PAGE 20 HOCKEY WEEKLY APRIL 5, 2017

Look2016-172016-17 for April 19 issue forLCMGHLLCMGHL rest of Girls Champions Champions Champions/ Hockey Weekly Action Photos

The 10U Tier 2 Girls champions Kensington Valley Ravens. The 10U Tier 3 champions Grosse Pointe Bulldogs.

The 12U Tier 2 Granato Division champion HoneyBaked team. The 12U Tier 2 Knight Division champion HoneyBaked team.

The 12U Tier 3 champion Troy Sting. The 14U Tier 1 champion Kensington Valley team.

The 14U Tier 2 Granato Division champion Kensington Valley Ravens. The 14U Tier 2 Knight Division champion Kensington Valley Ravens.