Lickteig commits to Michigan Tech

Compiled by MiCHO Staff

The Alexandria Blizzard of the North American Hockey League has announced that second-year forward Mikael Lickteig has committed to Michigan Tech University for the upcoming fall.

Last season, the 21-year-old from Little Falls, Minn., helped guide the Blizzard to a Robertson Cup championship tournament appearance after posting a team-leading 34 goals for 74 points in 58 regular-season games. He was also a plus-28.

“It's a relief, a real weight off my shoulders,” Lickteig said. “It is an extreme honor to play for a program like Michigan Tech and to play in the WCHA. I have watched that league my whole life.”

With 74 points, Lickteig ranked second only to Luke Nesper for the team lead. Lickteig also had the league's longest-consecutive game point-scoring streak, recording at least one in 20 straight games.

“At the beginning of the summer, they told me they were interested, but I just had to wait,” Lickteig said of Tech's approach. “It took me three years of junior hockey to get here. I gained 45 pounds and I just got better in every facet of the game.”

Lickteig credits the Blizzard's coaching staff for much of his development.

“I trusted Coach (Brad) Willner and Coach (John) Rosso and it paid off for me big-time,” he said.

Lickteig will join a rebuilding Tech program that went 14-20-5 last season after fashioning a 18-17-5 record the year before.

Michigan Tech plays the University of Minnesota at Mariucci Arena this season on Nov. 15-16.

“I hope I'm not too nervous when I step out on the ice,” Lickteig said. “My goal is to be in the lineup for every game. I'll just take my lunch bucket to practice every day and work hard.”

Lickteig plans to major in Exercise Science.

Photo by Alexandria Echo-Press

Broncos get two more commitments

Compiled by MiCHO Staff

The St. Louis Bandits of the North American Hockey League have announced that second-year forwards Kyle O'Kane and Ben Miller have committed to Western Michigan University.

O'Kane will begin his college career this coming fall, while Miller will head to the Broncos for the 2009-10 season.

This past year, O'Kane, from St. Louis, posted 40 goals among 69 points in 52 regular-season games. He was also a plus-23. In the postseason, the 21-year-old struck for five goals and eight points to help lead the Bandits to their second straight Robertson Cup championship. He was named the Robertson Cup championship tournament MVP.

Miller, who began his NAHL career with the Texas Tornado, tallied 26 goals and 52 points in 43 regular-season games for the Bandits in 2007-08. The 19-year-old from Oakland Township netted five goals and 11 points in 11 playoff games.

USA places fourth at InLine Worlds

Compiled by MiCHO Staff

The U.S. InLine National Team lost 8-7 to Germany in the bronze medal game at the 2008 International Ice Hockey Federation InLine World Championships in Bratislava, Slovakia.

"We laid everything on the line," said Darren Turcotte, head coach of Team USA. "As far as overall team play, this team has been excellent."

The U.S. outshot Germany by a 58-38 margin.

Team USA finished first in Group B with a 3-0 record during pool play and received a bye into the quarterfinal round.

LSSU Laker defenseman Steven Oleksy (above right) scored a goal and two assists as Team USA began the playoff round with a 17-1 rout of Austria. Former Laker Chris Peterson (above left) registered a pair of assists, but Team USA fell to eventual champion Sweden, 12-8, in the semifinals.

Oleksy finished the tournament with two goals and nine assists. Peterson scored a goal and picked up three helpers.

Sweden defeated host Slovakia, 7-3, to capture the gold medal.

Canada defeated Great Britain, 7-4, in the gold medal game in Division I and will be promoted to Top Division 2009 IIHF InLine World Championship.

Photos courtesy of USA Hockey InLine