Michigan Hockey September 19, 2011

michiganhockeyonline.com V.22 : I.5 | September 19, 2011 FIRST CLASS

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MOREINFO

4 Michigan Hockey MichiganHockeyOnline.com

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September 19, 2011 Volume 22 : Issue 5

Shooting the lights outMichigan Hockey was behind-the-scenes for Warrior’s recent video shoot promoting their latest stick, the Dynasty

We’re following up our preview edition with … more previews. Next issue we’ll take a look at the Ontario Hockey League, with some analysis on Michigan’s two teams — the Plymouth Whalers and the Saginaw Spirit. It is also our parents’ edition, which means plenty of tips on how to help your kid through his or her season, both on and off the ice.

Look for it on arena stands, at michiganhockeyonline.com and in your email on October 10, 2011.

To advertise in Michigan Hockey please contact Lucia Zuzga at (248) 479-1134 or [email protected] or Michael Caples at (248) 479-1136 or [email protected]

COMING IN OUR NEXT ISSUEPREVIEWS

PAGE 30

PAGE 38

20th Anniversary SeasonMH celebrates 20 years with a look back at 2010

Tournament CalendarThe latest tournament listings

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SLIDESHOW Michigan Hockey in pictures 10

STATE OF THE GAME Remembering the Lokomotiv hockey team 12

SPEAKING OF HOCKEY What’s the best part of playing junior hockey? 14

GET BETTERTips to keep your practices running smooth 16

YOU SHOULD KNOW The Red Wings’ Brendan Smith 18

COACHES’ CORNERUSA Hockey releases new coaching modules 22

HOMETOWN HERO Pittsburgh Penguins coach Dan Bylsma 20

EQUIPMENT Bauer and Reebok unveil new sticks 40

JUNIORS Whalers rookie ready for OHL debut 44

WELCOME HOMETim Thomas makes a triumphant return to Davison 17

THE LAST LINE Darren Eliot discusses the Wing’s aging captain 46

THE LOCKER ROOM Let’s have some fun 8

NHL Preview With a mix of newcomers and veterans, the Red Wings set their sites on another Cup

CCHA Preview The Wolverines hope to build off of last season’s 1st place fi nish and national championship run

5Michigan HockeyMichiganHockeyOnline.com 5Michigan HockeyMichiganHockeyOnline.com 5Michigan HockeyMichiganHockeyOnline.com

Photos at left: (from top, L to R): New York Islanders forward, Matt Martin (Michael Caples/Michigan Hockey), Detroit Red Wings goalie, Jimmy Howard (Tom Turrill/Michigan Hockey), and University of Michigan defenseman, Jon Merrill (Courtesy CCHA).

From the cover: Detroit Red Wings forward, Pavel Datsyuk (Tom Turrill/Michigan Hockey), Michigan State University defenseman, Torey Krug (Courtesy MSU Athletic Communications) and University of Michigan forward, David Wohlberg (Courtesy CCHA).

Cover reprints availableemail: [email protected]

EDITORIAL BOARD: Bob DeSpirt, Christine Knight, Derek Blair, James Jenkins, Julie Pardoski, Kirk Vickers, Linda HollandLisa Zarzycki, Mark Vansaw, Nyron Fauconier, Randy PaquetteRob Mattina, Susan Bottrell, Tim Wilson, Todd Krygier

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: MICHIGAN HOCKEY® welcomes Letters to the Editor. They must be signed and include the writer's full home address and day and evening telephone numbers.

MICHIGAN HOCKEY is published by SUBURBAN SPORTS COMMUNICATIONS, LLC 23995 Freeway Park Drive, Suite 200, Farmington Hills, MI 48335-2829. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to MICHIGAN HOCKEY®, 23995 Freeway Park Drive, Suite 200, Farmington Hills, MI 48335-2829. ©2010 by Suburban Sports Communications. All Rights Reserved. The opinions and views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of MICHIGAN HOCKEY or its advertisers. All editorial copy, photographs and advertising materials remain the property of MICHIGAN HOCKEY.

Editor Michael [email protected]

Advertising Lucia [email protected]

Design John KalmarChuck Stevens

Michigan Hockey Staff

Josh CurmiNick Hawthorne

Distribution Lucia Zuzga

Administrative Director

Amy Jones

Director of Communications

and Programming

Darren Eliot

MICHIGAN HOCKEY23995 Freeway Park Drive • Suite 200Farmington Hills, MI 48335-2829(248) 478-2500 • FAX: (248) 478-1601EMAIL: [email protected]: michiganhockeyonline.com

FROM THE EDITOR

BY MICHAEL CAPLES

It has been one long summer. Before I start writing about anything else, I wanted to voice

a public ‘thank you’ to the Novi Squirt AA ’01 Ice Cats team and coach Paul Van Antwerp. On Sept. 12, they emailed me a photo of the team that blended hockey and patriotism together as one — if you haven’t seen it on our Facebook page, then turn to Page 10 and see it for yourself. It was great to see a group of kids interrupting their practice to remember Sept. 11. Best of luck this season, guys. Keep rocking those stickers.

We also wanted to give our condolences to the friends and family of the victims of the tragic Lokomotiv plane crash, of MAHA Life Member Willie Floyd, and of NHL players Wade Belak, Rick Rypien and Derek Boogaard. They all dedicated their lives to the sport we love, and we will never forget them.

It has been one long summer, but now, hockey begins. And it feels as though hockey starting is needed, because the hockey sections of newspapers need to be fi lled with game recaps and player features, so that we can be reminded of the joy in hockey, and to end a summer fi lled with heartbreaking headlines. Appreciate the start of this season and your time on the ice — we are lucky to be able to still participate in the game we love.

Lyle Phair returns after a brief vacation to continue his ‘State of the

Game’ — we’re glad to have him back. Darren Eliot discusses Nick Lidstrom’s role with the Red Wings as the NHL season approaches. Matt Mackinder discusses Tim Thomas’ choice of attire for his Stanley Cup party at Davison High — among other things from that day. I got past security to check out a Warrior video shoot (just kidding, they knew I was coming). Plus, I’ll give you the scoop on new sticks from Bauer and Reebok.

We have made a few tweaks to the layout of Michigan Hockey — and there’s more in store. Congratulations to our new graphic designer, John Kalmar, for doing some great work on the cover and the following pages. It’s an exciting time around our offi ces, and we hope that the excitement reaches the printed pages. And I don’t know if I’m offi cially allowed to say this yet, but here it goes – we’re launching a new website very, very soon. Join us on Facebook and Twitter to see what’s in store. Hockey in this state is a 24/7 activity, and so should a website dedicated to it.

To all the teams embarking on a new season: good luck. I wish I was joining you; there’s nothing quite like getting to know that new group of guys (or girls) that you will be spending lots and lots of time with for the next year. Have fun, skate hard, and listen to your coaches (and parents).

@michaelcaples

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THE LOCKER ROOM

TALES FROM THE RINK

TWO FOR TWEETING

THE SCORESHEET

Wating his turn: A young skater anxiously waits for his next shift back on the ice. (Photo by Rhonda Burns Paprocki)

Former Wolverine Steve Kampfer made a triumphant return to Ann Arbor with Lord Stanley’s cup.

A big gain for Bauer.

The hockey world remembers the tragic plane crash that took the lives 45 people, including the KHL’s Lokomotiv hockey team.

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SLIDE SHOW

MICHIGAN HOCKEY IN PICTURES

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1. Sept. 11 — The members of the Novi Squirt AA ’01 Ice Cats stopped their practice to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of 9/11 — the tragic event that happened the year they were all born. The photo was taken by Sally Rogers, mother of one of the team’s goalies, and wife of Iraq War veteran Paul Rogers. The Ice Cats will wear the sticker, featured in the top right corner, on their helmets this year.

2. Aug. 25 — Former Michigan Wolverine and Jackson native, Steve Kampfer, won the Stanley Cup with the Boston Bruins this spring, and he brought it to Yost Ice Arena to share with local fans. Kampfer donated the proceeds to C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital and to his alma mater’s hockey program.

3. Aug. 18 — Vancouver Canucks star Ryan Kesler stopped by Perani’s Hockey World in his hometown of Livonia for a meet-and-greet with fans. The money raised from the event was donated to the Livonia Hockey Association.

4. Aug. 25 — Fans of all shapes and sizes turned out for the Kampfer Stanley Cup celebration, including an Imperial Storm Trooper, straight out of Star Wars, with some wings on his helmet.

5. Sept. 1 — The Detroit Red Wings and Amway announced that the Ada-based company will be the hockey team’s offi cial presenting sponsor. Amway will be the fi rst presenting sponsor the Red Wings have had in their 86-year history.

(Michael Caples/Michigan Hockey)

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STATE OF THE GAME

As we are getting set to drop the puck on yet another hockey season, this time of year always reminds me of a friend of mine and how he approached the game. Every

year at this time he was never completely sure (or maybe he was just a great actor) that he was going to play that season.

It started his fi rst year of junior hockey. He and I had known each other for a year or so as our brothers played on the same junior team and we had played against each other in midget hockey. He was a terrifi c player and I was looking forward to playing on the same team with him in junior hockey the next year. But the night before we were to leave for training camp he was still undecided on whether he would play or not.

Eventually he did. And every year after that he did, through junior hockey, college hockey and many years of professional hockey. Although it was always the same thing — a decision on whether or not he would that year.

Now some of you might be thinking that he sounds like he was wishy-washy, looking for attention, selfi sh or looking for a better deal by potentially holding out. That couldn’t be further from the truth. His approach was much diff erent than that. He was always very upfront and honest and respectful of his team and teammates.

But more importantly, he was very respectful of the game and played it for the right reason. Because he wanted to play it, not because he had to play it. Or because he or his parents had made an investment in it and now it owed him something. Or because he was good at it and people expected him to play. Or because his parents wanted him to play. He decided to play each year because he loved to play the game.

So of course, now you might be thinking if he loved to play the game so much then why was it a decision each year as to whether he would play or not? Valid question. But to me, it isn’t so much about that, but more about his approach to the game. That the game didn’t owe him anything. He had no expectations of the game. If he played, fi ne. If not, then that was fi ne too. But he always ended up playing, so what does that tell you?

As we head in the season and wind down a summer of sadness and confusion that saw three National Hockey League players lose their lives in some very strange circumstances, along with the horrifi c plane crash in Russia that wiped out an entire professional team, there really couldn’t be a better time

to examine our approach to the game, no matter what capacity that we are involved in it — player, coach, manager, referee, parent, administrator or fan.

I think many of us will fi nd that we take the game far too seriously. And we have no problem fi nding a reason that we do. We are competitive. We put a lot of time, energy and, in some cases, money into it. It’s competitive; if we don’t keep up then we will be out, or at least won’t have the opportunity to participate at the level that we would like to. All very valid reasons.

For the players, unlike my friend, most of us don’t feel that we have the luxury of “choosing” to play or not each year. If we don’t make a commitment and earn our spot then someone else will come along and take it. Understood. But the question we really have to ask ourselves is how much we really want that spot. How important is it to us?

We are constantly drilled with messages that we need to compete to get ahead and for everything we have because if we don’t, someone else will. I get that. But over the years I have also seen many, many players — more than you could imagine — at many diff erent levels of the game, who really didn’t want to play that badly. Or at least they didn’t really want to do what they had to do to play at that level. But they did anyway. For a number of diff erent reasons.

I played with teammates and against opponents in college and professionally who, believe or not, really did not enjoy playing the game. Some played because they had no better options. Some played because they were expected to play. Some played because it was their ticket to a college education. Some played for the money. Over the years I have seen youth hockey players who really didn’t enjoy playing the game that much either but felt as though they had to for whatever reason. So they did.

While I won’t pretend to have any knowledge of behavioral science whatsoever, I have to wonder (and am sure others are doing the same) how much the three NHL players who passed away this summer really enjoyed their role in the game. Maybe they did. But the circumstances surrounding their deaths and their roles in the game certainly should raise some questions.

I have seen some coaches (and undoubtedly have looked that way myself as a coach) who really didn’t look like or portray that they really were enjoying their role in the game. A few weeks ago I was walking through a rink where a group of teenage players were practicing. At one point the coach stopped the drill (which to me looked to be running just fi ne) and admonished the players with something along the lines of, “You suck. That really sucked. I can’t believe how bad that sucked,” along with some threats about someone called “Herbie” who when called upon would force them to suddenly become better. Nothing was said about what “sucked” about it or how the players could improve upon what “sucked”. Just that it “sucked” and it had better improve or Herbie was coming. Is that coaching? Does that sound like something a coach would or should enjoy doing? Does that sound like anything a team of players would enjoy hearing or would in any way be able to process to improve?

As parents, we all make investments of time, energy and

money into giving our children the opportunity play the game. We feel we give a lot. And in a lot of cases we expect a lot. I get that. But it is important that we also understand why we are doing it. Not for us — for what we are doing — but for our kids, and what they want to do, what they enjoy doing. We need to make sure that the choice is really in fact their choice and not ours.

As offi cials, we have an opportunity to make a positive impact on the game. Sure we can go out, skate up and down the ice, go through the motions and we get paid. But is that the right approach, or should we constantly be striving to do everything we can to contribute to a positive experience for the players? Or are we in it just to get paid?

One of the great things about the game is that when it ends, it is over. When the next one starts, it is new opportunity for both teams to start with zero on the scoreboard. A new season provides that same opportunity for everyone involved in the game and our approach to it. All we should really expect is an opportunity to enjoy the game. How we approach it from there is up to us.

Stateof the

GameBY LYLE PHAIR

Enjoy the game

Former Red Wings assistant coach, Brad McCrimmon, above, and former Red Wings defenseman, Ruslan Salei, right, were two of the 45 victims in the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl plane crash on Sept. 7.

Longtime MAHA member Willie Floyd passed away on Aug. 23. Floyd served as MAHA’s President, and was named a Life Member. He and his late wife, Diane, played a tremendous role in the growth of Sault Ste. Marie hockey, as well.

(Photos by Tom Turrill/Michigan Hockey, Dave Reginek/Detroit Red Wings, Phil Colvin/Michigan Hockey)

REMEMBERING THOSE WE RECENTLY LOST

WILLIE FLOYD

BRAD MCCRIMMON & RUSLAN SALEI


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What’s the best part about playing junior hockey?

“Going on the road with the team.”

Evan Mulvihill, 18, Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Jr. Penguins

“Meeting new guys every year.”

Steve Zierke, 20, Brooklyn Park, MN, Alexandria Blizzard

“Good players and good development.”

Christian Folin, 20, Gothenberg, Sweden, Austin Bruins

“Being on the ice everyday trying to get better.”

Brent Bain, 21, Toledo, OH, Alexandria Blizzard

“Having fun playing the game I love.”

Dan Senkbeil, 19, Fremont, CA, Alaska Avalanche

“It challenges you to play your best.”

Tom Rizzardo, 20, Dallas, TX, Texas Tornado

“Being around a group of guys with the same goals.”

Gabe Gervais, Windsor, ONT, Chicago Hitmen

“Better players and better competition.”

Mitch Sand, 19, Andover, MN, Port Huron Fighting Falcons

“The camaraderie with the guys.”

Erik Soderlund, 20, San Diego, CA, Port Huron Fighting Falcons

SPEAKING OF HOCKEY


Tips for designing an eff ective practice

GET BETTER

•Clearly set all goals and objectives of the practice. Inform the assistant coaches as well as players of what you are trying to accomplish.

• Have a general progression throughout the course of the practice.

• Teach new skills/drills early in the practice. This is when players have the highest attention span and will react positively to new drills.

• Keep all players active and include the goaltenders in all drills.

• Use eff ective teaching formations (athletes down on one knee, coaches standing and out in front of group).

• Give clear, concise instructions throughout the practice and be in command.

• Don’t talk too long at one time, be concise. Players should be put into the drills quickly.

• Utilize the whole ice surface during the practice.

• Observe, evaluate and give feedback during the practice. All coaches and on ice help should be involved in this process as well.

• Keep all drills eff ective, competitive, active, and challenging.

• Make hockey FUN!

GETBETTERHere are some helpful hints for new and veteran coaches alike to help prepare for a new team and a new season

Right off the bat: The best time to introduce new drills is at the beginning of practice when the team’s attention span is at its highest level. (Michael Caples/Michigan Hockey)



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Tim Thomas returns to Davison, cup in hand

BY MATT MACKINDER

T im Thomas said he dressed for the occasion.

A blue shirt, dark-colored shorts and shoes with red laces hardly looked like they go hand in hand with the Stanley Cup, but on Aug. 24, no one at Cardinal Stadium at Davison High School seemed to care as the Boston Bruins’ playoff MVP brought the Cup back to his hometown for a short ceremony at his old high school.

Ever the humble athlete, refreshing for a pro athlete at this day and age, Thomas attempted to defl ect attention shone on him elsewhere.

During a press conference after a ceremony where Thomas received his old Davison High jersey, a key to the city of Davison, information on having a bridge named after him in the city and numerous other keepsakes, the 37-year-old refl ected back on his youth in the Flint suburb.

“(Former Davison coach) Tom Barrow had such an impact on my life and my career,” noted Thomas. “He used to take me to men’s league on Sunday mornings at 7:00. He wanted to teach me patience and to not come so far out of my crease. I think he somewhat failed at that.”

Thomas said he took a look into the nearly-full bleachers and was fl abbergasted at not only the amount of people that came to honor him, but who he saw.

“I saw a lot of people that I hadn’t seen in years and in a certain way, had actually forgotten that they have always supported me,” said Thomas, also an ex-Detroit Vipers (IHL) and Lakeland Jets (NAHL) goaltender. “I saw people I worked with at Domino’s Pizza delivering pizzas and I also saw people that I played softball with. It was great. I was nervous before this, but I’m always nervous before anything that centers around me. Once I got up there and saw so many people I recognized, I felt more comfortable and was very happy that I could bring this day here and bring the Cup home.”

Ken Morrow, another Davison native who won four Stanley Cups with the New York

Islanders in the 1980s, never brought the Cup to Flint during his run.

“I was fi ve years old during the 1980 Olympics and my favorite player became (Team USA goalie) Jim Craig,” Thomas said. “Knowing that Ken Morrow was from Davison and what he accomplished, it certainly inspired me or at least gave me hope that someone from Davison could do the same thing. Over the years, I might have met him once in passing. I believe I once tried to sell apples to him, but once I realized who it was, I didn’t put too much of a sell on; I just wanted to get out of there because I was embarrassed. Just knowing what he’s accomplished, he’s always been someone I’ve looked up to.”

In wrapping up his presser, Thomas again passed the buck when the attention shifted to his accomplishments in June.

“(Winning the Cup and bringing it to Davison) means a lot to a lot of people,” Thomas smiled. “It’s great that we had this opportunity to have the Cup for maybe the fi rst time ever in Davison. It’s a special day and I’m just happy to be able to share it with as many people as possible.”

Thomas later brought the Cup to the University of Vermont, his alma mater, on Sept. 3. No word if the red laces made an appearance, however.

Hometown hero: Tim Thomas is presented with his Davison High School hockey jersey as part of a press conference honoring the Stanley Cup winning goalie. (Matt Mackinder/Michigan Hockey)

(Dave Reginek/Detroit Red Wings)(Photos courtesy fl ickr: 1035 WEZL (Rascal Flatts), FotoosVanRobin (pasta), aMichiganMom (pancakes))

Brendan Smith isn’t exactly a new name, after

being named a Hobey Baker fi nalist at Wisconsin and spending last season with the

Grand Rapids Griffi ns. But the 22-year-old is a few short strides away from being a fi xture on the Red

Wings’ blue line. With the loss of Brian Rafalski, the Wings’ brass will be giving the Ontario native a long look at training camp. Expect to see a red-and-white No. 2 fl ying around the Joe soon.

FAVORITE SPORTING EVENT:The Stanley Cup playoff s

YOUR NICKNAME:Smitty

FAVORITE BREAKFAST FOOD:Pancakes

FAVORITE MOVIE:Reservoir Dogs

FIRST CONCERT:Rascal Flats

MUST SEE TV: Entourage

ONE PIECE OF TECHNOLOGY YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT:

My phone

PREGRAME ROUTINE:I listen to music and play two-touch soccer

IF YOU COULD HAVE ONE WISH GRANTED, WHAT WOULD IT BE:

Make the NHL

BEST CHILDHOOD MEMORY:Hockey in my basement with my brothers

FAVORITE MEAL:Pasta and chicken wings

MOST INFLUENTIAL ON YOUR HOCKEY CAREER:

My family BR

ENDAN SMITH

Brendan Smith isn’t exactly a new name, after

being named a Hobey Baker fi nalist at Wisconsin and spending last season with the

Grand Rapids Griffi ns. But the 22-year-old is a few short strides away from being a fi xture on the Red

Wings’ blue line. With the loss of Brian Rafalski, the Wings’ brass will be giving the Ontario native a long look at training camp. Expect to see a red-and-white No. 2 fl ying around the Joe soon.B

REN

DAN SMITH

BR

ENDAN SMITH

BR

ENDAN SMITH

MACOMB, MI 48042

Ages 4-7

September 23 - March 30 1 hour class 1 day a week

Fridays 5:15pm or Sunday 5:30pm

It’s not too late to get in the game!

Great schedule andexcellent ice times all at one location!

No body checking

Each player receives a jersey, hockey socks, year-end award

Program serves as theinitiation program for the Macomb Hockey Club

Full equipmentrequired - equipment available to borrow

ADULT HOCKEY2011-2012

Ages 18 & Up

Sundays between 6:30-8:00 pm

24 Weeks: Late September - Late March No sessions Nov. 27, Dec. 25, Jan. 1

TRAINING CAMP Throughout the course of the 24 weeks we will have approximately 40 minutes of a structured skills practice, followed by 40 minutes

of an in-structional game.

TEAM PLAY After six weeks, players are divided into equal teams and receive team jerseys. Prior to the games, teams will have practices with an

emphasis on basic positioning and fundamental skills.

BR

EN

DAN SMITH

Head Coach statistics Born: Sept. 19, 1970 Hometown: Grand Haven, MichiganSeason Team League G W L T OL 2008-09 Wilkes-Bare/Scranton Penguins AHL 54 35 16 1 2

2008-09 Pittsburgh Penguins NHL 25 18 3 0 4



NHL Totals 243 149 72 1 21

Player statistics Height/Weight: 6’2”/215 lbs. Shoots: L GP G A Pts PIM NHL Totals 429 19 43 62 184

In the eyes of most Michiganders, Dan Bylsma works for the wrong team. He is the head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins, the team that has quickly become one of the Red Wings top rivals. Yet Bylsma is from Grand Haven, which means

that you should forgive him (or at least try to) for winning a Stanley Cup with the Penguins against the Wings in 2009. The NHL bench boss played four seasons at Bowling Green before starting his professional career, which spanned 12 seasons. Bylsma played for the Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Mighty Ducks before moving behind the bench. He started as an assistant coach with the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks in 2004, and in one season earned a job as an assistant coach with the New York Islanders. After one season on Long Island, Byslma became an assistant coach with the Penguins’ AHL affi liate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. After one season with that job, Bylsma was promoted to head coach with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton for the 2008-09 season, but even that didn’t last long. On Feb. 15, 2009, Bylsma took the head-coaching job in Pittsburgh, and four months later led the Penguins to their third Stanley Cup championship. In a matter of fi ve years, Bylsma went from player moving back and forth between the AHL and the NHL, to one of the top coaches in professional hockey.

(Dave Reginek/Detroit Red Wings)

DANBYLSMAHEAD COACH — PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

PCT.676

.800*

.616

.646

.658*Won Stanley Cup



23996 Freeway Park Drive Farmington Hills

Sept. 10 - October 25Tuesday: 10:30 – 11:20amSaturday: 10:00 – 11:20am

Make up class and Open Skate offered on Saturday, Oct. 29th

CLASSESSnowplow Sam 1, 2, 3

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COACHES’ CORNER

USA Hockey unveils latest coaching modules

FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITY

Pick A Game & Score Today!

SCORE WHALERS!WITHTHE

# Tickets Your Program50 $200100 $400150 $600200 $800300 $1,200400 $1,600500 $2,000

1000 $4,000

As an organization, business, or group you have an opportunity to earn $4 on every ticket you sell. The $4 has to be used to benefit a non-profit organization. The program is built to assist in developing alternative revenue for programs that need assistance.

If a person can not attend YOUR GAME you can sell a voucher for any other Whalers Home Game.

Tickets Sale Price: 12Tickets Revenue: 4Minimum of 50 Tickets Sold

The Process

the balance and left over tickets.

Every team that signs up for a Pre-Game or Intermission skate by September 25, 2011

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As coaches continue to prepare for the upcoming season, they will have some homework to work on.

On Sept. 6, USA Hockey announced the launch of their new coaching education modules. The governing body for hockey in the US said that the new models — which feature age-specifi c sections with on and off -ice lessons — are “revolutionary”.

“This is a program without equal in youth sports in the United States,” said Ron DeGregorio, president of USA Hockey.

The online modules off er coaching education lessons, designed to further enhance USA Hockey’s Coaching Education platform. Coaches will be able to learn from modules that address on-ice skill development and team concepts, along with off -ice training and other tips to becoming a well-rounded athlete.

“This is an exciting step forward,” said Dave Ogrean, executive director of USA Hockey. “It will arm our coaches with the latest and most specifi c information pertinent to the age level they’re coaching. I’m not aware of any other youth sports organizations in our country that has anything like this.”

The modules feature fi ve diff erent age groups — 8-and-Under, 10-and-Under, 12-and-Under, 14-and-Under, and 16/18-and-Under. Within each module, viewers will see animation, video, and whiteboard examples, plus written text and tests to cover a wide variety of topics necessary for that

age group. The off -ice portions of the modules discuss off -ice training, nutrition, sports psychology, sleep awareness, drug and alcohol awareness, and more.

Parents and players should know that every USA Hockey-registered coach must pass the age-specifi c module pertaining to their team. Each module is expected to take between fi ve or six hours to complete, which the coaches can work through at whatever rate they deem necessary.

MODULE CONTRIBUTORS:Versus commentator and former NHL player/coach Ed Olczyk hosts each module, which also include content from:

• Former NHL coaches Barry Smith and Mike Sullivan• American Development Model regional managers

Roger Grillo and Bob Mancini Medical professionals Dr. Dan Freigang and Dr. Chris Winter

• Women’s hockey experts such as Mark Johnson, Ben Smith, and Katey stone.

RELEASE DATES:• 8-and-Under: Sept. 6• 10-and-Under: Sept. 13• 12-and-Under: Sept. 20• 14-and-Under: Sept. 27• 16/18-and-Under: Sept. 27

Gather around: USA Hockey aims to arm coaches with the latest information to help them develop their players on and off the ice. (Michael Caples/Michigan Hockey)


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Adray 2011/2012 hockey season information can be found at adrayhockey.org

PresidentJeff Spedowski

231-796-0728 (h) 231-629-0435 (c)Email: [email protected]

TreasurerJoe Spedowski231-796-2565

Email: [email protected]

Greater East Vice PresidentBrandon Spedowski

989-486-1511 (h) 231-250-7031 (c)Email: [email protected]

Girls House Vice PresidentDina Howe

989-429-2653 (c) 989-435-7080 (w)Email: [email protected]

Metro Vice PresidentBobby Mitchell248-302-0913

Email: [email protected]

Greater West Vice PresidentKevin Wood

616-560-6503Email: [email protected]

Database Specialist Vice PresidentSteve Miller

616-250-1458Email: [email protected]



The 2010 Winter Olympics took place in Vancouver, putting both men’s and women’s hockey in the national spotlight. Canada defended their home ice, beating the United States in the championship games for both divisions. Pittsburgh captain Sidney Crosby scored the game-winning goal in the men’s division, beating Lansing native Ryan Miller in overtime.

After two previous appearances in the Stanley Cup Final, the Red Wings had an extended summer in 2010, after losing to the San Jose Sharks in the second round. The Sharks eliminated the defending Western Conference champions in fi ve games. The Chicago Blackhawks eliminated the Sharks in the following round, then defeated the Philadelphia Flyers in six games to capture their fi rst Stanley Cup since 1961.

For the fi rst time, the Frozen Four was played inside a football stadium, as Boston College, Wisconsin, Miami, and RIT battled for a national title at Ford Field. Boston College won their second national championship in three seasons by defeating Wisconsin 5-0. Both the semifi nal games and the championship game broke indoor hockey attendance records. The state’s hockey fans continued their record-breaking ways just a few months after the Frozen Four, when 113,411 people fi lled Michigan Stadium for the Big Chill at the Big House. The Michigan Wolverines defeated archrival Michigan State 5-0 in front of the largest audience Michigan Stadium had ever held.

Michigan Hockey Headlines

20 Years/20 Issues

JANUARY APRILFEBRUARY MAYMARCH JUNE

January 12thA 7.0-magnitude earthquake occurs in Haiti, devastating the nation’s captial, Port-au-Prince. With a confi rmed death toll over 230,00 it is one of the deadliest natural disasters on record.

February 12thThe 2010 Winter Olympics are held in Vancouver and Whistler, Canada. It marked the fi rst time an Olympic hockey game was played on a rink sized according to NHL rules instead of international specifi cations.

April 20thThe Deepwater Horizon oil platform explodes in the Gulf of Mexico, killing eleven workers. The resulting Horizon oil spill, also widely known as the BP oil spill, spread for several months, damaging waters and the U.S. coastline and prompting international debate and doubt about the practice and procedures of off shore drilling.

February 7th106.5 million people watch Super Bowl XLIV. Nielsen Media Research calls CBS’ broadcast the most watched telecast in history.

January 22ndConan O’Brien’s 7 1/2

month, 146 episode run as host of The Tonight Show

comes to an end (and with it his more than 20-year relationship with NBC).

May 23rdABC’s “Lost”

completes its sixth and fi nal season.

March 15thLady Gaga becomes the fi rst artist in the survey’s 17-year history to send her fi rst six singles to No.1 on Billboard Pop Songs chart when “Telephone” jumped to the top spot.

April 14thVolcanic ash from one of several eruptions beneath Eyjafj allajökull, an ice cap in Iceland, begins to disrupt air traffi c across northern and western Europe.

June 2nd Detroit Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga misses out on a perfect game when umpire Jim Joyce incorrectly calls the Cleveland Indians’ Jason Donald safe on an infi eld ground ball. Joyce admitted he blew the call after the game.

April 10thThe president of Poland, Lech Kaczyński, is among 96 killed

when their airplane crashes in Western Russia.

June 11-July 11thThe FIFA World cup is held in South Africa, and along with it comes the international introduction of the vuvuzela.

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Michigan Hockey 20th Season

When Michigan coach Red Berenson sat down for the Big Chill at the Big House post-game interview session, he had a satisfi ed — and well-deserved — smile on his face.

The Dec. 11 Michigan vs. Michigan State hockey game at the university’s storied football stadium was the realization of Berenson’s dream, a spectacle of pure entertainment, and a world-record setter to boot.

Berenson had fi rst envisioned playing in Michigan Stadium after he took the Wolverines to compete against Michigan State inside Spartan Stadium for the Cold War game on Oct. 6, 1991.

And while the Big Chill at the Big House was expected to set a new world record for attendance at a hockey game, the 113,411 fans that attended exceeded even the wildest of expectations. The game eclipsing the old Guinness World Record mark of 77,803, set on May 7 of this year in Germany, during the 2010 IIHF World Championship game against the USA and Germany. The attendance also topped the old Michigan Stadium record of 113,090, set at

Michigan’s home-opening football game against Connecticut earlier this season.

“Pretty good show, eh?” Berenson said. “This was something we looked forward to. We tried not to talk about it a lot. Once the ice was laid down and we started practicing, you could see this was going to be an unbelievable event. The weather cooperated. It couldn’t have been better. I don’t think you could put this whole event on, with these intangibles, and get a better result.”

On the ice, the Wolverines jumped out to a 2-0 fi rst period lead behind two goals from freshman defenseman Jon Merrill, who grew up 20 miles away in Brighton.

Michigan also got two goals from senior captain Carl Hagelin and a single marker from junior left wing David Wohlberg, and cruised to a 5-0 win over the Spartans.

Senior goalie Shawn Hunwick, who started the game in net after senior Bryan Hogan suff ered an injury during warm-ups, admitted to being nervous, but ended up making 34 saves for the shutout.

RECORD-BREAKING BIG CHILL EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS

MLB Champion San Francisco Giants

NFL Super Bowl Winner New Orleans Saints

NBA Champion L.A. Lakers

NHL Stanley Cup Winner Chicago Blackhawks

OHL Champion Windsor Spitfi res

Memorial Cup Champion Windsor Spitfi res

CCHA Champion Miami (OH)

NCAA Champion Boston University

Jack Adams Award- Top NHL Coach Dave Tippet — Phoenix Coyotes

No. 1 NHL Draft Pick Taylor Hall — Edmonton Oilers

Art Ross Trophy - Top NHL scorer Henrik Sedin — Vancouver Canucks

Vezina Trophy - Best NHL Goaltender Ryan Miller — Buff alo Sabres

Hart Trophy - NHL MVP Henrik Sedin — Vancouver Canucks

Cost of a U.S. Stamp $0.44 Cost of a dozen Eggs $0.90 Cost of a gallon of Milk $3.80 Cost of a gallon of Gas $2.73

Top Television Show American Idol

No. 1 SongNeed you Now — Lady Antebellum

October 19thThe NFL announces it will begin suspending players for dangerous hits, particularly when leading with their helmets.

July 8thNBA player LeBron James buys an hour of airtime on ESPN, titled “The Decision,” to announce his free agent signing with the Miami Heat.

July 25thWikileaks, an

online publisher of anonymous, covert

and classifi ed material, leaks over 90,000

internal reports about the U.S. involvement in the War in Afghanistan

from 2004 to 2010.

August 4thTaylor Swift’s single “Mine” leaks and later is released on iTunes by Big Machine Records, becoming No. 1 after only 5 hours. It set a record for fastest climbing song to No. 1.

November 28thLeslie Nielsen, Canadian-

American actor, dies at the age of 84.

December 21stThe fi rst total lunar eclipse

to occur on the day of the Northern winter solstice and

Southern summer solstice since 1638 takes place.

October 13thThirty-three miners near Copiapó, Chile, are rescued after surviving 700 meters underground for a record 69 days.

September 29thTony Cutis, American actor, dies at the age of 85.

August 10thThe World Health Organization declares the H1N1 infl uenza pandemic over, saying worldwide fl u activity has returned to typical seasonal patterns.

September 21st“Detroit 1-8-7” premiers on ABC.

November 21stThe International Tiger Summit is staged in Russia in response to the 97% decline in the wild tiger population over the last century.

JULY OCTOBERAUGUST NOVEMBERSEPTEMBER DECEMBER

BY BOB MILLER & MIKE LARSON


TOURNAMENT CALENDAR COMPLETE and UP-TO-DATE TOURNAMENT LISTING ON WEBSITEmichiganhockeyonline.com

SEPTEMBER 2011ARENAMAPS.COM EARLYBIRDKalamazoo, MISept. 30 – Oct.2, 2011Mite AA thru Midget AAContact Mike Stommen at [email protected]/series

Hockey Time Productions Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MISeptember 23-25, 2011Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV216-325-0567itshockeytime.com

Great Lakes Tournament SeriesHolland, MISeptember 23-25Squirt AA and Bantam AContact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040myhockeytournaments.com

Great Lakes Tournament SeriesHolland, MISeptember 29-October 2Squirt A, Midget Major and High School VarsityContact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040myhockeytournaments.com

OCTOBER 2011Hockey Time Productions Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MIOctober 7-9, 2011Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV216-325-0567itshockeytime.com

Hockey Time Productions K-Zoo Cup Tournament Series Kalamazoo, MIOctober 7-9, 2011Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV216-325-0567itshockeytime.com

Hockey Time Productions Girls Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MIOctober 7-9, 20118U-19U House, B, A, AA 216-325-0567itshockeytime.com

Great Lakes Tournament SeriesHolland, MIOctober 7-9Pee Wee A, Midget Minor and High School JVContact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040

myhockeytournaments.com

Great Lakes Tournament SeriesHolland, MIOctober 14-16Mite AA, Pee Wee AA and Bantam AAContact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com

West Shore Community Ice Arena TournamentScottville, MIOctober 14-16, 2011JV Preseason I231-843-9712westshoreice.com

Grand Traverse Hockey Association TournamentTraverse City, MIOctober 14-16, 2011Squirt A & [email protected]

Hockey Time Productions Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MIOctober 21-23, 2011Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV216-325-0567itshockeytime.com

Hockey Time Productions Girls Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MIOctober 21-23, 20118U-19U House, B, A, AA 216-325-0567itshockeytime.com

Great Lakes Tournament SeriesHolland, MIOctober 21-23Squirt A, Squirt AA and Midget BContact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040myhockeytournaments.com

Grand Traverse Hockey Association TournamentTraverse City, MIOctober 28-30, 2011Pee Wee A & [email protected]

NOVEMBER 2011Hockey Time Productions Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MINovember 4-6, 2011Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV216-325-0567itshockeytime.com

Hockey Time Productions Girls Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MINovember 4-6, 20118U-19U House, B, A, AA 216-325-0567itshockeytime.com

Great Lakes Tournament SeriesHolland, MINovember 4-6Pee Wee B, Pee Wee A and Bantam BContact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040myhockeytournaments.com

Grand Traverse Hockey Association TournamentTraverse City, MINovember 4-6, 2011Bantam Major AA & Bantam AA Minor/[email protected]

Big Rapids Area Junior Hockey AssociationBig Rapids, MINovember 4-6, 2011JV/Midget A231-591-2881bigrapidshockey.org or ferris.edu/icearena

Great Lakes Tournament SeriesHolland, MINovember 11-13Mite B, Squirt B and Bantam AContact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com

Great Lakes Tournaments SeriesHolland, MINovember 18-20Mite AA, Pee Wee B, Midget Major and High School VarsityContact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com

West Shore Community Ice Arena TournamentScottville, MINovember 18-20, 2011Squirt B231-843-9712westshoreice.com

Grand Traverse Hockey Association TournamentTraverse City, MINovember 18-20, 2011Bantam [email protected]

Big Rapids Area Junior Hockey AssociationBig Rapids, MI

November 18-20, 2011Squirt B231-591-2881bigrapidshockey.org or ferris.edu/icearena

Black Friday Bantam AAA TournamentKalamazoo, MINovember 25, 2011Bantam Majors & Minors269-345-1125Email: [email protected]

Hockey Time Productions Motown Cup Tournament Series Brighton/Novi, MINovember 25-27, 2011Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV216-325-0567itshockeytime.com

Hockey Time Productions K-Zoo Cup Tournament Series Kalamazoo, MINovember 25-27, 2011Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV216-325-0567itshockeytime.com

Hockey Time Productions Girls Motown Cup Tournament Series Brighton/Novi, MINovember 25-27, 20118U-19U House, B, A, AA 216-325-0567itshockeytime.com

Great Lakes Tournament Series: Great Lakes Thanksgiving Classic Holland, MINovember 25-27Mite through Midget; B, A, and AA, High School Varsity and JV Contact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040myhockeytournaments.com

14th Annual Gravy Cup TournamentBay City, MINovember 25-27, 2011Mite – Midget B/BB, JV Prep989-671-1000 x105baycounty-mi.gov/civicarena

Thanksgiving ShootoutMuskegon, MINovember 25-27, 2011Squirt – Bantam A & AA231-747-7266goldcoasttournaments.com

DECEMBER 2011Hockey Time Productions Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MIDecember 2-4, 2011Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV

216-325-0567itshockeytime.com

Hockey Time Productions Girls Motown Cup Tournament Series Detroit, MIDecember 2-4, 20118U-19U House, B, A, AA 216-325-0567itshockeytime.com

Great Lakes Tournament Series Holland, MIDecember 2-4, 2011Squirt B, Squirt A and Bantam BContact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com

West Shore Community Ice Arena TournamentScottville, MIDecember 2-4, 2011Pee Wee B231-843-9712westshoreice.com

Get Into the Cold TournamentMt. Pleasant, MIDecember 2-4, 2011Pee Wee House B989-772-9623Email: [email protected]

Grand Traverse Hockey Association TournamentTraverse City, MIDecember 2-4, 2011Pee Wee [email protected]

Big Rapids Area Junior Hockey AssociationBig Rapids, MIDecember 2-4, 2011Bantam B231-591-2881bigrapidshockey.org or ferris.edu/icearena

Great Lakes Tournament Series Holland, MIDecember 9-12Mite B, Midget B, Midget Minor and High School JVContact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com

Get Into the Cold TournamentMt. Pleasant, MIDecember 9-11, 2011Bantam House B989-772-9623Email: [email protected]

Big Rapids Area Junior Hockey AssociationBig Rapids, MI

December 9-11, 2011Pee Wee B231-591-2881bigrapidshockey.org or ferris.edu/icearena

OUT OF STATE TOURNAMENTSSEPTEMBER 2011Hockey Time Productions Rock ‘n Roll Cup Tournament Series Cleveland, OHSeptember 23-25, 2011Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV216-325-0567itshockeytime.com

Hockey Time Productions Three Rivers Cup Tournament Series Pittsburgh, PASeptember 23-25, 2011Mite-Midget House, B, A, AA High School Varsity and JV216-325-0567itshockeytime.com

Hockey Time Productions Girls Three Rivers Cup Tournament Series Pittsburgh, PASeptember 23-25, 20118U-19U House, B, A, AA 216-325-0567itshockeytime.com

Hockey Time Productions Girls Three Rivers Cup Tournament Series Pittsburgh, PASeptember 23-25, 20118U-19U House, B, A, AA 216-325-0567itshockeytime.com

Steel City Tournament Series: Pittsburgh Preseason Challenge Pittsburgh, PASeptember 23-25Mite through Midget: B, A, and AA, High School Varsity and JVContact MYHockey Tournaments Toll Free US and Canada 855-898-4040 myhockeytournaments.com

FEBRUARY 2012“Escape the Blues” A and AA Pre-Playoff TournamentChesswood Arenas. Toronto, OntarioFeb.3-5th, 2012 Minor Pee Wee to Minor Midget age divisions, 3 game minimum — 5 game maximumContact: Rick Heinz 905-854-3435 or email: [email protected] orwww.torontocityblues.com

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To reserve your room, call 1-800-MARRIOTT or visit Marriott.com.

Detroit Marriott at the

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Courtyard Detroit Downtown

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Courtyard Detroit

Farmington Hills

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WE S TW E S T


Far from the glitz and glamor of the NHL, a handful of Detroit Red Wings have begun to hit the ice for an informal skates with little more than pucks, sticks and optimism.

Wings’ captain Nick Lidstrom has done this for 20 straight years in Detroit, and coming off his seventh Norris-Trophy winning season, he has opted not to mess with success.

“It’s the same approach as last year,” said Lidstrom, making sure he eliminated the sentimental angle that this could be his last season right away.

“One season at a time. I’m not looking too far ahead. “I’m just looking forward to the season and heading up to Traverse

City in a few weeks to get ready for training camp.”The Wings offi cially open training camp Sept. 17.With the retirement of goalie Chris Osgood, defenseman Brian

Rafalski and forward Kris Draper, Lidstrom acknowledges there’s a feeling of transition heading into this season.

“A little bit with the guys retiring, guys I played with for a long time,” Lidstrom said. “It’s eventually going to happen to all of us. It’s part of hockey.

“I like the additions we got. The additions are going to add some grit and some off ense as well.”

Those additions at the backend are free-agent defensemen Ian White and Mike Commodore. Though they have diff erent skill sets, they share an abrasive style.

The 6-foot-4, 225-pound Commodore gives the Wings a physical, shot-blocking defender. In White, the Wings have a right-handed blue-liner who can help fi ll some of the off ensive void left by Rafalski’s retirement. White is a good skater with a big shot and impressed Lidstrom in last year’s playoff s when the Wings battled the San Jose Sharks.

“I think he’s a player that’s tough to play against,” Lidstrom said. “He can log a lot of minutes.

“He can be that righthander on the power play if needed. He can be in your face. He’s a good, strong skater.

“He’ll be a good addition for our team.”However, for the Wings to maintain their grip on the Central

Division and win their 10th divisional crown in 11 years, they’ll need some of their youth movement to take root.

Few players will have as many eyes on him as winger Jan Mursak, who essentially has taken Draper’s job.

“I think they were happy with what I showed last year,” said Mursak, who played in 19 NHL games last season.

“They told me what they wanted to see from me, to bring speed and energy and play good in the defensive zone. I’m prepared to do that.”

The 23-year-old Mursak is a real speedster and has far more

off ensive upside than Draper provided. He looked increasingly more like an NHLer at the end of his 19-game stint in Detroit.

“I learned a lot,” the 5-foot-11 Slovenian said.“From game to game, I think I was getting better and more

comfortable. In the beginning it was a little tough, I was a little nervous but after awhile I started to relax.

“After I scored that goal, I felt really comfortable on the ice.”This September will be Mursak’s fi fth training camp with the

Wings and he expects that to show in his play. He knows what is expected of him with coach Mike Babcock having more or less said he’ll be on the Wings’ opening night roster.

“I’m not that nervous anymore,” Mursak said.“I know how I have to play. I know how I have to show.“It think it’s easier.”Even for an old warrior like Tomas Holmstrom, these earlier days

are all about the smiles of anticipation. The bruises and sore knees have all healed up leaving the 38-year-old Swede in a playful mood.

“I have to try and get him (Lidstrom) going every once in awhile,” said Holmstrom of his frequent off -season workout partner. “He looks a little tired. I think it’s age.

“He’s looking in great shape. I think he works out harder than he did a couple years ago.”

Holmstrom admitted he wasn’t much diff erent than any hockey fan this summer once the free-agency market opened up July 1. He

followed the whirlwind of moves and the mind-boggling contract numbers being handed out and concluded the Western Conference is even more muddled than last season.

“You get the emails popping up left and right with guys signing here or there,” Holmstrom said.

“It always looks good on the paper, but you have to go out there and perform. Once again, it’s going to be an interesting year.”

It’ll be particularly interesting for him personally. The 38-year-old is in the fi nal year of his contract and coming off the healthiest season he’s experienced since 2006-07.

“I have this year, then we’ll see what happens,” said Holmstrom, who had 18 goals and 37 points in 73 games last season.

“You always feel good coming into the season, it’s what happens during the season that can really set you back.

“Hopefully, you can do your thing and help the team win.”Winning is something Holmstrom is sure the Wings will continue

to do this season. Between the injection of some youth, adding more sandpaper on the blue-line and Lidstrom’s return, Holmstrom expects the Wings to take another run at a title.

“The kids here are really good,” Holmstrom said. “Nick is playing his best hockey.

“We’re all excited. We’re not satisfi ed with what happened last year.

“We want to go all the way and win the Stanley Cup.”

NHL PREVIEW

BY DAVE WADDELLDELL

VETERAN STABILITY New-look Red Wings will rely on Lidstrom, Holmstrom to complement youth infusion

Still going strong: Despite retirement rumors this off season, Nicklas Lidstrom, 41, is still one of the best defensemen in the game. He’ll be getting some additional help on the blueline this season with the free-agent additions of Mike Commodore and Ian White.(Tom Turrill/Michigan Hockey)


NHL PREVIEW

DETROITRED WINGSREWINDLast spring, the Wings seemed destined to complete a historic comeback against San Jose. However, concussions to Dan Cleary and Todd Bertuzzi led to a disappointing performance in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifi nals, and for the second consecutive season, the Sharks eliminated the Wings. A surprise retirement by Brian Rafalski was followed by the retirements of Chris Osgood and Kris Draper, which meant an active summer for GM Ken Holland and his staff .

Mike Babcock is entering his seventh season as head coach of the Wings. In that time frame, he has won at least 44 games every season. Yet in the past two seasons, Babcock has lost to his protégé and former assistant, San Jose’s Todd McLellan. For a coach who has made it to the Stanley Cup Final three times in ten years, it’s safe to say that Babcock is not pleased with back-to-back second round exits.

GONE: Mike Modano (F), Kris Draper (F), Brian Rafalski (D), Chris Osgood (G)ARRIVING: Mike Commodore (D), Ian White (D), Ty Conklin (G)

The Wings have one of the most talented line-ups in the NHL. Captain Nicklas Lidstrom, in what could be his fi nal season, won his seventh Norris Trophy at age 41. Defensive additions Mike Commodore and Ian White will be challenged for ice time by Jakub Kindl and Brendan Smith. And an off ense that features Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg, and Johan Franzen is never one to take lightly.

The Wings have been unable to advance past

the second round in the last two years, and they didn’t really upgrade any position via free agency. The Wings will be counting on young talent like Darren Helm, Justin Abdelkader, and Jonathan Ericsson to take on bigger roles.

When he is healthy, Pavel Datsyuk is one of the most dominant players in hockey — at both ends of the ice. However, he only played in 56 games last year, and he was playing injured during the playoff s as well. The Wings need a healthy Datsyuk on the ice to keep up with the likes of Vancouver and San Jose.

Jimmy Howard is the unquestioned starter in goal for the Red Wings, but Ty Conklin could have just as much of an impact. Conklin, back for his second stint in Hockeytown, needs to be able to win games and let Howard rest during a grueling 82-game schedule. With a lengthy injury to Osgood and less-than-stellar performances by Joey MacDonald last year, Howard had to play in 63 games. The Wings would love to keep their starter fresh for the postseason, which means Conklin needs to play — and win.

2010 RECORD:OVERALL: 47-25-10

2011 PREDICTION:6th PLACE (NHL)

BENCH BOSS

LINE CHANGE

IF THE WATER BOTTLE’S HALF FULL

IF THE WATER BOTTLE’S HALF EMPTY

MVP

DIFFERENCE-MAKER

Howie’s team: With Chris Osgood’s postseason retirement, Jimmy Howard becomes the defi nitive No. 1 goaltender for the Red Wings. (Tom Turrill/Michigan Hockey)

AROUND THE LEAGUE

1. Washington Capitals2. San Jose Sharks3. Los Angeles Kings4. Boston Bruins5. Vancouver Canucks6. Detroit Red Wings7. Chicago Blackhawks8. Buff alo Sabres9. Anaheim Ducks10. New York Rangers11. Pittsburgh Penguins12. Tampa Bay Lightning13. Nashville Predators14. Minnesota Wild15. Philadelphia Flyers

16. New Jersey Devils17. Dallas Stars18. Phoenix Coyotes19. Montreal Canadiens20. St. Louis Blues21. Columbus Blue Jackets22. Carolina Hurricanes23. Edmonton Oilers24. Calgary Flames25. Toronto Maple Leafs26. Winnipeg Jets27. Florida Panthers28. Colorado Avalanche29. New York Islanders30. Ottawa Senators

Darren Eliot takes a look at how the NHL standings will play out in 2011-12

NHL PREDICTIONS

DIVISION BREAKDOWN

POSTSEASON HARDWARE

EASTERN CONFERENCEAtlantic : New York RangersNortheast: Buff alo SabresSoutheast: Washington Capitals

WESTERN CONFERENCECentral: Detroit Red WingsNorthwest: Vancouver CanucksPacifi c: Los Angeles Kings

E.C. CHAMPSWashington Capitals

W.C. CHAMPSSan Jose Sharks

STANLEY CUP CHAMPSWashington Capitals

The Bruins will not repeat because their style of play requires a lot of physical exertion — from the goal on out — and those energy reserves won’t be there to draw on after a long, laborious and fruitful spring followed by a short summer of satisfaction.

The Capitals will win the Stanley Cup because GM George McPhee has continued to tinker and refi ne around his core group, this time coming up with the right mix, especially in goal.

TWO CENTS

Hart Memorial: Alex OvechkinVezina: Ryan Miller

Norris: Brent BurnsArt Ross: Ovechkin


Previews compiled by Michael Caples


MICHIGANWOLVERINESREWINDThe Wolverines were one bounce away from a 10th NCAA title last April. A 3-2 loss to Minnesota-Duluth in the national championship game concluded a season in which the Wolverines won a CCHA regular-season title and third-place fi nish in the CCHA playoff s. Coach Red Berenson then had an active summer, bringing in nine freshmen to replace ten looming vacancies in the Wolverines locker room.

Berenson, who will start his 28th season behind the bench in October, was a fi nalist for the Spencer Penrose Award last year, given to the top hockey coach in America. Last season marked Berenson’s 11th trip to the Frozen Four. Berenson needs 17 wins to move up to fi fth place on the all-time wins list for coaches. This season he will be working with new assistant coach Brian Wiseman, who replaces Mel Pearson — now head coach of Michigan Tech.

GONE: Scooter Vaughan (F), Jacob Fallen (F), Carl Hagelin (F), Ben Winnett (F), Matt Rust (F), Louie Caporusso (F), Brandon Burlon (D), Chad Langlais (D), Tristin Llewellyn (D), Bryan Hogan (G)ARRIVING: Phil Di Giuseppe (F), Zach Hyman (F), Andrew Sinelli (F), Travis Lynch (F), Alex Guptill (F), Mike Chiasson (D), Brennan Serville (D), Mike Szuma (D)

As stated earlier, the Wolverines were one play away from a national championship last spring. With 11 NHL draft picks on their roster, and one of the top coaches in college hockey history leading the way, the Wolverines are one of the top contenders in the CCHA.

Arguably no team in college hockey has been

hurt more by decommits than the Wolverines. In back-to-back years, Michigan has had top goaltending prospects — Jack Campbell in 2010 and John Gibson in 2011 — opt for Canadian juniors. That means there are only two goaltenders on Michigan’s roster at this point — fi fth-year senior Shawn Hunwick and sophomore Adam Janecyk, who appeared in less than two minutes last season. If Hunwick falters, so could the Wolverines.

Hunwick will be expected to play a lot of minutes for Michigan, which means he’s going to be counting on strong performances from the Wolverines’ defense. Jon Merrill will need to build on his stellar rookie season in which he was a fi nalist for the CCHA’s top rookie, off ensive defenseman, and defensive defenseman. Despite being only a sophomore, the Wolverines need a strong season from the second-round pick of the New Jersey Devils.

With Carl Hagelin, Louie Caporusso, and Scooter

Vaughan now out of the Wolverines’ line-up, junior A.J. Treais can take over the off ense. The Bloomfi eld Hills native had nine goals and 12 assists last season, and he has some of the best puck-handling skills in the nation. Expect big things out of the National Team Development Program alum.

2010 RECORD:OVERALL: 29-11-4CCHA: 20-7-1 (1st)

2011 PREDICTION:3rd PLACE, CCHA

BENCH BOSS

LINE CHANGE



MVP

DIFFERENCE-MAKER

“”

THEY SAID IT

Between the pipes: The Wolverines will be relying heavily on fi fth-year senior Shawn Hunwick to be a force in the crease. (Photo courtesy CCHA)

There will be some question marks, as there always are. But I think we’ll be solid in goal, we’ll be solid on defense, and it will just be a question of who is going to pick up on the scoring side where Carl Hagelin was so important to us last year ... We’ll really need players like David Wohlberg, Chris Brown, Luke Glendening, Kevin Lynch — some of our juniors and seniors will obviously have to pick up the slack.

— Red Berenson, head coach

COLLEGE PREVIEW



YUP...HE PLAYED HERE!

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COLLEGE PREVIEW

MICHIGAN STATESPARTANSREWINDThings didn’t go the way the Spartans planned last year. A below-500 win total and a diffi cult-to-swallow 5-0 loss to Michigan in the historic Big Chill at the Big House led to coach Rick Comley stepping down. The Alaska Nanooks eliminated Michigan State in the fi rst round of the CCHA playoff s.

Former CCHA commissioner Tom Anastos was the surprise hire by MSU AD Mark Hollis to revamp the Spartans’ hockey program. Anastos, who played in East Lansing for Ron Mason (1981-85), brought in his former teammate, Kelly Miller, to serve as assistant coach. Miller, a 15-year NHL veteran, will work alongside Tom Newton, who was retained from the previous coaching staff .

GONE: Dustin Gazley (F), Derek Grant (F), Joey Shean (F), Zach Josepher (D)ARRIVING: Branden Carney (D), Tanner Sorenson (F), Justin Hoomaian (F), Brett Darnell (F), Matt Berry (F)

The Spartans should be a tough team to score on. Captain Torey Krug anchors a blue line corps that also features senior Brock Shelgren, junior Matt Grassi, and sophomore Jake Chelios. Goaltenders Drew Palmisano (senior) and Will Yanakeff (sophomore) will be battling for the starting role, and whoever lands in the ‘back-up’ role will be a more-than-capable option for Anastos.

You have to score goals to win games, and MSU might not have the fi repower to keep up in the CCHA race. Derek Grant’s early departure for the professional ranks creates an even bigger hole for the Spartans up front.

Torey Krug. The Spartans’ captain is entering his junior season, and he is the heart and soul of the team in East Lansing. Last season, Krug was named the CCHA’s top off ensive defenseman after posting 11 goals and 17 assists in 38 games. Despite a 5-foot-9, 175 lb. frame, Krug plays with grit and toughness, something that Anastos wants to bring back to the Spartans program.

The MSU faithful had high expectations for Daultan Leveille when he arrived on campus in 2008. The fi rst-round pick of the Atlanta Thrashers struggled to fi nd his scoring touch in his fi rst two seasons with the Spartans, and last year his problems stretched outside the ice arena. Leveille’s brother Clay passed away in January, and a month later, he tore his ACL in a

game against Alaska. The 20-year-old possesses a wealth of talent, and can have a big impact on games if he can return.

2010 RECORD:OVERALL: 15-19-4CCHA: 11-15-2 (10th)

2011 PREDICTION:5th PLACE, CCHA

BENCH BOSS

LINE CHANGE



MVP

DIFFERENCE-MAKER

”

THEY SAID IT

Brain trust: Michigan State head coach Tom Anastos, left, added former Spartan teammate Kelly Miller, center, to his coaching staff and also retained Tom Newton, right, who has been with the program for 26 seasons. (Michael Caples/Michigan Hockey)

The excitement is back in the program. Guys come in with a fresh slate. They know they have to build a profi le of himself with the new coach, build a personality and show him what you’re all about. The excitement is back, and everybody’s champing at the bit to get going. It’s been a long off season, to say the least.

— Torey Krug, junior defenseman


COLLEGE PREVIEW

MICHIGANSCHOOLS

When Jeff Blashill left Kalamazoo to become an assistant coach with the Red Wings, it looked as though it would be a rough summer for the Broncos. However, the news of the replacement was just as shocking as the vacancy. Former NHL coach Andy Murray will now take over the Broncos program, and he has a talented roster to work with. The Broncos return Chase Balisy, left, and Shane Berschbach, who were second and third in team scoring, respectively, as freshmen. Junior goaltender Nick Pisellini will need to fi ll the hole left by Jerry Kuhn’s graduation.

WESTERN MICHIGAN BRONCOS

LAKE SUPERIOR STATE LAKERS

MICHIGAN TECH HUSKIES

FERRIS STATE BULLDOGS

NORTHERN MICHIGAN WILDCATS

Coach Bob Daniels, left, entering his 20th season, will have eight new faces on his bench this season. The Bulldogs added four forwards, three defensemen, and one goaltender over the off season. The rookie additions include homegrown talent in forward Nate Milam (Westland), goaltender C.J. Motte (St. Clair), forward Dominic Panetta (Baldwin), and defenseman Travis White (Sterling Heights).

Trenton’s Nathan Taurence and Farmington Hills’ D.J. Vandercook join a Wildcats team looking to take that proverbial “next step”. Northern fi nished in sixth place in the CCHA last season, a spot they have landed in three of the last four years. Coach Walt Kyle, starting his 10th season in Marquette, will be counting on seniors Tyler Gron and Justin Florek, left, to once again lead the Wildcats in scoring.

With the departure of leading scorer Rick Schofi eld (the only LSSU player to crack 30 points last season), the Lakers will be searching for help up front. Sault Ste. Marie native Kyle Jean led all LSSU rookies in scoring last year, and will be counted on to build on his 14-point freshman campaign. Goaltender Kevin Kapalka should have a solid season in goal after starting 32 games as a freshman last season.

The Huskies have a new coach for the upcoming season, but he’s a familiar face for hockey fans. Mel Pearson, who spent 23 years as an assistant coach with the Wolverines, was named head coach of his alma mater on May 6. Pearson will have plenty of work to do at his new job; Michigan Tech fi nished in last place in the WCHA last season, and recorded only two conference wins.

CCHA PREDICTIONS 1. Notre Dame Fighting Irish2. Miami RedHawks3. Michigan Wolverines4. Western Michigan Broncos5. Michigan State Spartans6. Ohio State Buckeyes

7. Northern Michigan Wildcats8. Ferris State Bulldogs9. University of Alaska Fairbanks Nanooks10. Lake Superior State Lakers11. Bowling Green State Falcons

Chase Balisy, sophomore forward (Photo courtesy CCHA)

Kevin Kapalka, sophomore goalie (Photo courtesy CCHA)

Bob Daniels, head coach (Photo courtesy CCHA)

Justin Florek, senior forward (Photo courtesy CCHA)

Breaking down the rest of the NCAA D-1 hockey teams from around the Mitten

Mel Pearson, head coach (Michael Caples/Michigan Hockey)

Michael Caples goes back to college to see who will rise to the top of the CCHA standings in 2011-12

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EQUIPMENT

BY MICHAEL CAPLES

SHOOTINGLIGHTS OUT

THE

A behind-the-scenes look at Warrior’s video shoot for their latest in stick innovation — the Dynasty.

Trial run: New York Islanders forward and Windsor native, Matt Martin, tests out Warrior’s newest stick,

the Dynasty, at the Troy Sports Center.

O n Aug. 11, I was invited to get out of bed early for a behind-the-scenes tour of a video shoot conducted by Warrior, as

they prepared for the debut of their new stick, the Dynasty.

Little did I know that a shirt and tie would be the wrong choice of attire for the event; I would have been far better off with a warm-up suit and skates.

The video shoot took place on one of the sheets of ice at the Troy Sports Center, which meant that it would be cold, and, well, icy. When I walked into the prep room (also known as locker room No. 7) Warrior brand manager Christine Knight and senior product manager Keith Perera were lacing up their skates as if they were getting ready for a lengthy session of pond hockey.

You might think that the day was full of fi ring pucks around


(partially true, and yes, I rushed back to the offi ce for my skates). But it was also a hard day of work for Warrior, Team Detroit (their marketing agency), a set of cameramen, and Matt Martin — New York Islanders forward and model for the day. The crew began setting up in the slot at one of end of the rink around 7 a.m.; Warrior closed up shop at 5 p.m. For the majority of those 10 hours, the cameras were focused on Martin, who did everything from posing with the stick to fi ring one-timers.

It was just another day at the offi ce for Knight, who has been with Warrior since 2006.

“What we’ve learned as a growing company in this industry is that you really have to explain technology in a way that has our consumer excited to learn more,” Knight said. “So when you see our print ad launch for the Dynasty, what we’re calling the ‘Slingshot’ ad, it’s going to be something that people pay attention to — and hopefully they’ll visit Warrior.com to see the Dynasty video & product in action.”

The technology Warrior will be featuring this fall is called Axy-Sym, which means a diff erent type of shaft construction for their right and left-handed models. The front of the Dynasty’s shaft allows for more stretch, while the back part is more compressed, so the stick fl exes and snaps back quicker than other sticks — which makes for a faster shot.

“In the past, sticks were always made the same way all the way around, which doesn’t really make sense when you think about it,” Perera said. “When you use a stick, you only use it one way or the other. So what we’ve done is build the stick proper for left or right-handed players so you can get the maximum fl ex out of the front side, which is built to stretch more, and get all that tension on the backside, so that when you’re loading that stick up and it fl exes, it wants to return back straight.”

The goal of the video shoot — and corresponding advertisements — is to explain the features of the new stick.

“With Axy Sym, it’s really an internal story and not something that’s visible to the naked eye. Our job is to tell the Dynasty story, in a Warrior way, of how the stick is built, what it makes unique, and why it’s benefi cial to a player,” Knight said.

“It makes your shot better and we explain that through a combination of really bringing that technology to life and also introducing on-ice footage that shows it in action.”

For Martin — the star of the show — that meant countless shots on goal, trying to stickhandle right-handed, and having Perera chase him around the ice with a GoPro camera for a diff erent camera angle. Yet the Windsor native had no complaints from the day.

“It’s not really too diffi cult, except for when they make me go right-handed, that gets a little diffi cult,” Martin joked. “But for the most part it’s pretty basic — I just try to have fun with it and enjoy it because there’s going to be a day where I won’t get to do these things, and you really have embrace it and enjoy the time you have to do them.”

Perera said that while it’s just one day of work, a photo shoot of this nature sets the groundwork for how well the stick will be received by the target audience. The collected images and video will be assembled into a video about the stick that will be featured in advertisements, displays, and on the Internet — both websites and social media networks.

“It’s a full-day shoot, but you get so much out of it,” Perera said. “Just for creating the buzz, giving education on the product, and also basically helping sell through our dealers, because with the use of QR codes now, we’ll actually take a link to our YouTube or Vimeo page, and that link will be built into a QR code that will sit on a display in a store like Perani’s.”

The new Warrior Dynasty stick will be available October 2011. Visit warrior.com/hockey for more information. To see the Warrior ad, fl ip back to Page 2.

EQUIPMENT

Face time: Martin takes a break from shooting pucks to sign some autographs for young fans.Illuminated ice: The rink was converted into a video studio with the bright lights and high-tech equipment used by Warrior.


Taking aim: The Islanders forward readies to rip some slapshots for the camera.

Lounge wear: Martin, decked out in the latest Warrior gear, relaxes in a locker room before the video shoot.


EQUIPMENT

W ho wants to shoot like Pavel Datsyuk?Okay, we know that’s like saying who wants to

win the lottery. But the engineers at Reebok’s hockey division want you to know that if you’re trying to shoot like Datsyuk, they’ve got a new stick prepared just for you.

Last spring, Datsyuk was the only player in the NHL to tape up Reebok’s new Ai 9 stick and test it out in an NHL game. The Wings’ superstar used it for the second round of the playoff s, where he recorded two goals and seven assists in seven games.

“He loved the stick,” said Jordan Boman, Reebok’s technology rep for the metro-Detroit area. “He was actually given a retail stick; the biggest thing for us is that at retail, the Ai 9 is a pro-made stick, but available at the retail level, and that’s what he was using. He loved it. As a company, we’re really pushing him towards this stick. If you’re a Datsyuk type of player, this is the stick you might want to use.”

Boman said the Ai 9 has been designed to complement the 11K stick — the Ai 9 is designed for players who have time to load up, while the 11K is designed for those who like quick snap shots.

“We use our NHL guys to compare, so for instance, Pavel Datsyuk — great shot, great wrist shot, everybody in Detroit knows how good a shot he has outside the circle. He prefers the Ai stick. Then you take a player like Sidney Crosby; he does those quick snap shots when he’s close to the net. Not a big wind-up, not a big release — it’s a quick snapper. He prefers the 11K, which has the lower kickpoint to it. A lower kickpoint stick will give you that quick snap shot, where the Ai line let you really load up, lean into it, and have it snap and kick out for you.”

The diff erence in kickpoint comes from the way the sticks are assembled. Boman said the Ai 9 blade and shaft are joined like a spear, as opposed to a more ‘true-one’ type of stick construction.

“Not that the spear technology isn’t a one-piece, its just that they put the blade on in a diff erent area,” Boman said. “With the spear, the blade is put on more towards the heel, whereas the true one-piece Sickick is put on more towards the middle of the blade. It’s just the spear of the shaft going down, so it gives you a diff erent feel, all preference for what type of player you are. For people who like to feel the puck more, a true one-piece would be for you. If you have good enough hands to where you don’t need to focus so much on where the puck is at all times, you might like the Ai stick.”

Reebok also designed the stick to increase durability yet allow for plenty of fl ex while shooting.

“We also have the ‘2.1 Technology’, which means that on the top of the shaft, it’s a little bit stronger than it is on the side of the shaft. It gives you that durability feel, but with it being a little bit weaker on the side of the shaft, it still has that fl exibility to load up easier.”

Boman also said the new stick line will feature Ai 7, Ai 5, and Ai 3, so Reebok can off er a variety of price points.

For more information, visit reebokhockey.com.

Kicking it with DatsyukBY MICHAEL CAPLES

(Tom Turrill/Michigan Hockey)

”

(Datysuk) loved the stick. He was actually given a retail stick; the biggest thing for us is that at retail, the Ai 9 is a pro-made stick, but available at the retail level ... As a company, we’re really pushing him towards this stick. If you’re a Datsyuk type of player, this is the stick you might want to use.

— Jordan Boman, Reebok technology rep


EQUIPMENT

Evan Baker says that the Vapor APX stick “is the perfect evolution of the Vapor X:60 stick”.

He should know — after all, Baker is the category manager of sticks for Bauer hockey. And according to Baker, Bauer’s latest stick features what people loved about last year’s X:60, and then some.

“We kept the shaft Micro-Feel II shape the same — double concave walls for increased grip with rounder corners for better in hand maneuverability — and we have continued our use of TeXtreme carbon fi ber, which is used exclusively by Bauer in hockey sticks, but improved everything else related to the dynamic performance of the stick.”

The APX stick is expected to be the weapon of choice for the newest member of the Bauer team — Alex Ovechkin. The Capitals’ superstar will be working with a stick that caters to every diff erent type of shot.

“We tweaked the Intelli-Sense Shot Technology fl ex profi le so that it has an even quicker release on wrist and snap shots while still maintaining power on slap shots and one-timers because of the secondary kick point in the handle area,” Baker said. “The blade core now consists of a patented dual density core design that allows us to have a feel comparable to the Supreme Total One from our Power Core material while maintaining torsional stability for improved accuracy at a lighter weight because of our Aero Foam material thus improving the balance of the stick so it feels lighter. In fact, the stick is lighter — by about 15 grams.”

During the design process for the new stick, Baker and the Bauer team of engineers even tweaked the stuff that holds the stick together.

“Our team developed a proprietary resin system, or the glue that holds the stick components together, called ‘eLASTech’ that contains two specifi c elements to help improve feel and performance,” Baker said. “The fi rst helps to improve the overall feel of the stick by absorbing energy and the other reduces the growth of micro fractures caused by slashes, face-off impacts and blocked shots that can lead to breakage, and it will also help keeping the stick feeling newer, longer.”

And while the APX is the newest member of the Vapor family, Baker said it is a mix of both the Vapor and Supreme equipment lines.

“In my mind, the Vapor APX could be described as the perfect combination of what we feel is the best performing fl ex profi le for shooting with the best feeling blade profi le that is available to a consumer today,” Baker said. “It takes the dynamic fl ex and shooting performance of Vapor and combines it with the feel of a Total One stick. It uses our most advanced carbon fi bers, core materials, molding process and resin systems to make our most technologically advanced stick to date.”

Bauer’s category manager for sticks said that despite being one of hockey’s household names, there are still roadblocks

A Vapor evolution continuesBY MICHAEL CAPLES

(Photos courtesy Bauer)

“

”

... It uses our most advanced carbon

fi bers, core materials, molding process

and resin systems to make our most

technologically advanced stick to date.

(The Vapor APX) takes the dynamic fl ex and shooting performance of Vapor and combines it with the feel of a Total one stick. ...

— Evan Baker Bauer category manager, sticks


when designing sticks.“One of the major things we are dealing with right now is the

increasing cost of the materials used to make composite sticks — technology is expensive for everyone and trying to increase product performance for the same cost we did last year is getting increasingly more and more challenging,” Baker said. “Compare hockey to the cycling, golf or baseball industries, where they are using similar carbon materials in similar ways and the prices of those products continues to climb as technology evolves.

“Managing durability expectations is another one. We do our very best to develop sticks and manufacturing technologies to make better sticks but our consumer also need to understand that the materials that make a stick durable, like fi berglass, are the same materials that can have a negative impact on the weight, balance and performance of a product when they are looking at the most elite level products. One that we will defi nitely put to the test this season will be understanding the importance of having the ‘best’ stick because it’s the most expensive versus getting the best performing stick you can aff ord.”

Bauer will also be releasing the Vapor X 7.0 stick, which Baker has high hopes for, as well.

“For the fi rst time ever in our history we will be off ering two mono-comp Vapor sticks in the same family — Vapor APX with all of the advanced materials and the Vapor X 7.0 that is probably the best ‘second’ stick in any family and in our mind can compete with all of the other brands elite sticks head to head.”

And there’s more to come, according to Baker. He wouldn’t reveal what it is, however.

“I think people will be surprised with what we do in the next 6 to 12 months,” Baker said. “That said, I can almost guarantee they are going to love it.”

For more information, visit bauer.com.


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OHL

BY MATT MACKINDER

L ike most 16-year-old Americans, Danny Vanderwiel was forced at a young age to make a decision regarding his hockey future, when most kids his age are simply fi nding

a summer job or wondering what their junior year of high school will be like.

Then again, Vanderwiel is one of the most talented players in his age group and has had opportunity after opportunity presented to him due to his following of the “hard work pays off ” adage.

In May, he was drafted by the Plymouth Whalers in the eighth round of the Ontario Hockey League priority selection and signed with the Whalers later in the summer. Admittedly, choosing to forego the NCAA route was one reservation Vanderwiel had in May, but now, he said he has no regrets.

“The decision was pretty tough choosing the OHL over NCAA,” said Vanderwiel, a gritty forward from Island Lake, Ill. “Growing up, I always wanted to play college hockey, but I didn’t have one college that I really wanted to play for, so that’s when I decided to talk to Plymouth and learn my facts about the OHL. I liked everything I heard and there wasn’t one thing about it I didn’t like.”

The fact the Whalers are a U.S.-based team helped make Vanderwiel’s decision a bit easier, too.

“Being drafted by a U.S. team played a big role,” said Vanderwiel. “I would not have gone had I got drafted by a Canadian team, which is why I am so thankful that Plymouth drafted me because I defi nitely wanted to play in the ‘O,’ but I wanted to play for Plymouth.”

Vanderwiel, who is listed at 5-foot-11 and almost 200 pounds, scored 10 goals with 11 assists for 21 points and 87 penalty minutes in 33 games for the Team Illinois U-16 squad last season. The Whalers have a history with developing stellar Illinois-

born players (Columbus Blue Jackets forward Jared Boll, Gino Pisellini and Mike Letizia are the most recent) and Vanderwiel wants to add his name to the list.

“Boll started skating at the same rink I did (Crystal Ice House in Crystal Lake, Ill.), and I have worked with Gino on fi ghting skills,” explained Vanderwiel.

“My advisor also advises his brother (Nick, a goalie a t W e s t e r n M i c h i g a n University), so he told me to contact Gino for fi ghting help.

“I expect to get better on all skills this year. Knowing I won’t be playing too much, I will have to work hard in practice on the weaker portions of my game and when I do get shifts in games, I will give 100 percent and make something out of every shift.”

Vanderwiel did just that in early August when he was the leading goal scorer for Team USA as they won gold at the 2011 Under-17 Five Nations Tournament in Ann Arbor.

Vanderwiel scored a goal in the gold medal victory over Switzerland and led the United States with four goals in the tournament.

“The experience of winning gold was incredible,” Vanderwiel said. “It was such a great accomplishment and the fact that we

swept the whole tournament made it even better. It was tough, but I’m glad that we pulled it off .”

With the OHL season ready to begin, Vanderwiel has a game plan on how to improve his stock by assessing his overall game with a look to the future as well.

“As a player, my strengths would be the physical portion of my game and taking pucks hard to the net,” Vanderwiel said. “My weakness would be my skill portion. I can defi nitely work on my stick skills and defensive zone coverage.

“My short-term goal is to become a much better player in Plymouth and my long-term goal is to play in the NHL.”

Plymouth rookie Vanderwiel ready for OHL grind

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Teenage dilemma: Danny Vanderwiel had a tough choice to make: follow his dreams of playing college hockey or jump at the chance to play in the OHL? Vanderwiel said his decision was made easier when he was drafted by the U.S.-based Plymouth Whalers in the eighth round of the OHL draft. (Tom Sorensen/USA Hockey)


THE LAST LINE

BY DARREN ELIOT

A CHANGING OF THE GUARD FOR THE WINGS?

A s NHL training camps offi cially open up, there is that anticipation that goes with it. There is the knowing that Red Wings hockey is not too far off . Around these

parts, that has meant a team setting the standard for success at hockey’s highest level. Success begets expectations. So, what do we expect from the 2011-12 edition of your Detroit Red Wings, besides all the winning?

Maybe that isn’t even a fair place to start. Two years ago, Mike Babcock told me early in the season that he felt making the playoff s was going to be a challenge. I thought it was early season coach-speak, but turns out the ol’ bench boss knew the type of season his squad was in for. The Red Wings had been to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final in back-to-back campaigns and the toll of that feat was taxing, and it showed. Nick Lidstrom typifi ed the team’s long season malaise, returning to form late, fi nishing strong and moving onto the playoff s.

Last season Lidstrom and the boys started strongly, reinvigorated by the challenge of taking control of their season from the outset. Turns out Lidstrom led the way, playing at a very high level as we’ve become accustomed, eventually winning his seventh Norris Trophy for his eff orts. He was fourth in the NHL in defensemen scoring, becoming the oldest D-man ever to amass at least 60 points. More inspiring to me is that Lidstrom played in every game for the second straight season and led the team in time on ice again last year, all as he was turning 41 years old.

Three paragraphs in, you see the dilemma for the Red Wings — what starts out about the team ends up about Lidstrom’s importance. Entering his 20th season, the team’s success cannot continue to fl ow thorough him. Yet, it does, still. But, obviously, long-term, it can’t. And maybe it shouldn’t. After all, Lidstrom was a minus player for the fi rst time in his career despite the prodigious off ensive numbers and Norris hardware. Even with Brian Rafalski retiring with one year remaining on his contract, this seems like the appropriate time to move away from Lidstrom as the linchpin.

Look, it is no easy task. He is one of a handful of the best defensemen to ever grace the ice. I look forward to seeing him patrol the blue line with precision yet again. Still, I’m equally anxious to see to what degree the coaches give quality minutes to others in key situations. Can the staff transition Nick

Lidstrom from being invaluable to merely valuable? I believe it is central to this season and beyond. It’s the perfect time, too — and not just because of Father Time. New assistant coaches Bill Peters and Jeff Blashill come aboard to run the

special teams and according to Lidstrom and Henrik Zetterberg both, the team will tweak its style of play a little bit.

As the Captain put it at Hockey Fest down at the Joe, “We will still be a puck possession team, but with a little more puck pursuit built in. I think it’s a good thing we’re going to camp without knowing exactly what’s going to happen.” Zetterberg chimed in with, “Some things needed improvement. That’s the goal — to get better. The thought of some new ideas is exciting.” So, change is afoot. GM Ken Holland knows it’s needed. He has infused this roster the last couple of seasons with more youthful legs and a 27-year-old starting goaltender in Jimmy Howard.

That is an ongoing process because the core vets of Lidstrom, Niklas Kronwall, Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg, Tomas Holmstrom, Dan Cleary, Johan Franzen and Todd Bertuzzi still put the Red Wings in the elite-team conversation. To continue the dialogue long-term means introducing some new terms and new faces in expanded roles. The trick is in the transition. Seeing how it plays out has me excited for the season … and it’s just around the calendar corner.

@Darren_Eliot

Aging captain: Despite compiling 62 points and winning his seventh Norris Trophy, Nick Lidstrom fi nished at minus-2, the fi rst time in his career he ended the season in the red. (Andy Grossman/Michigan Hockey)

Michigan Hockey September 19, 2011

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