Hobey Baker winner announced Friday

Compiled by MiCHO Staff

The 2010 Hobey Baker Award will be handed out Friday night in Detroit as part of the Frozen Four festivities.

The Hobey Hat Trick is as follows:

Bobby Butler – University of New Hampshire, Senior, Forward, Marlboro, Mass.

Bobby Butler is one incredible person. He is a finalist for not one, but three prestigious individual hockey awards: the Hobey Baker Award, the Hockey Humanitarian Award and the Walter Brown Award. Already named the Walter Brown recipient as the best American-born college player in New England, Butler has evolved into a prolific goal scorer leading the nation bagging 29 goals in 39 games this past season. He chipped in with 24 assists to total 53 points, tied for second best in the country. The Wildcat captain tied for the conference scoring lead in Hockey East tallying 41 total points and led the circuit in goals, helping UNH to the regular season title. His efforts earned him Player of the Year honors in Hockey East and a berth as a First Team all-star. Butler is a Health Management Major and recently signed as a free agent with the Ottawa Senators. His outreach into the community is extensive. Butler volunteers for every assignment involving the hockey program, has attended a local middle school every week for the past three years working with special needs students, has mentored two children (one who lost his father to cancer and another child battling leukemia) and volunteers with his teammates in the Reading Across America program at area schools.

Blake Geoffrion – University of Wisconsin, Senior, Forward, Brentwood, Tenn.

Certainly the family bloodlines don’t hurt, but Blake Geoffrion has established himself as one of the nation’s premiere players. The tri-captain of the Frozen Four bound Badgers is a complete player. Utilized in all situations, Geoffrion skates a regular shift, receives ample special teams time on both power play and penalty killing, takes key faceoffs (where he is a remarkable 60% on faceoffs) and has an amazing shooting percentage of 23%. Geoffrion was named MVP of the West Regional and has 27 goals and 21 assists in 38 games ranking second in the nation in goal scoring while tied for first in the country with 14 power play goals. Finishing second in the WCHA scoring race and topping the conference in goals and power play goals, he was selected as a First Team all-star. And the family bloodlines? His dad Danny, granddad Bernie “Boom Boom” and his great grandpa Howie Morenz all played for the Montreal Canadiens. Boom Boom and Howie are both enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame and have nine Stanley Cups between them. Blake Geoffrion is a Consumer Science Major and spends time off the ice visiting UW Children’s Hospital, has been a mentor to a cancer patient and is a Peer Leader lending assistance to UW students. He is a second round draft pick of Nashville.

Gustav Nyquist – University of Maine, Sophomore, Forward, Malmo, Sweden

A guiding light for the Maine Black Bears and a dynamic force in Hockey East, Gustav Nyquist still leads the nation in scoring by a comfortable eight-point margin; despite the fact Maine missed the NCAA post season tournament. Completing the season with 61 points in 39 games on 19 goals and 42 assists, Nyquist topped the country in both points and assists. In conference games, Maine ended the season tied for third place while Nyquist tied fellow Hobey Hat Trick finalist Bobby Butler for first in Hockey East scoring and topped the circuit in assists in league play. A fourth round draft pick of Detroit, Nyquist was runner-up for Hockey East Player of the Year and was selected as a First Team all-star. The Finance Major is on the Dean’s List at Maine. He volunteers off-ice time coaching at youth hockey clinics.

Blashill named new head coach at WMU

WMU Press Release

Western Michigan University has announced the hiring of Indiana Ice head coach and general manager Jeff Blashill as the new men’s ice hockey head coach.

Blashill becomes the fifth head coach in the program’s 37-year history.

“We are happy to announce Jeff Blashill as the fifth head coach of the Western Michigan University men’s ice hockey program. When we set out to find our next head coach, we wanted a candidate with experience as a head coach, one that has had success at multiple levels and someone that has the drive and blueprint to take this program to championship levels with national prominence,” commented Western Michigan director of athletics Kathy Beauregard. “Coach Blashill embodies each and every one of these qualities.”

Blashill comes to Western Michigan from the United States Hockey League. Under his tutelage, the Ice won the Clark Cup in his first season as head coach and are currently set to begin the defense of their title in the USHL playoffs. In his championship season, Blashill led the Ice to a 39-19-2 record, tying a program mark for wins. In two seasons with Blashill at the helm, the Ice are 72-43-5. Several of Blashill’s players at Indiana have signed letters of intent to play college hockey or are currently playing at the college level.

“I am extremely excited for the opportunity to lead the Western Michigan Bronco hockey team and build upon the foundation laid by so many Bronco alums,” said Blashill. “I’d like to thank President Dunn, Kathy Beauregard, the athletic staff and those who were a part of this process, for the trust they’ve placed in me and for allowing me the opportunity and challenge of pursuing, with passion and integrity, championship level ice hockey at Western Michigan. I also owe a great deal of thanks to Indiana Ice owners Paul and Cindy Skjodt for the opportunity to lead the Ice the past two seasons.”

Before his stop in Indianapolis, Blashill helped construct the Miami RedHawks hockey program into a national power, assisting head coach Enrico Blassi for six seasons. During his time as an assistant, the RedHawks went to the NCAA Tournament four times, including the Elite Eight during the 2006-07 and 2007-08 seasons. Blashill recruits excelled at Miami with three of them being named Hobey Baker Finalists, four making the CCHA All-Rookie Team, 11 named first or second team All-CCHA, two of them competing in the World Junior Championships and six of them being honored as All-Americans. Under Blashill, the RedHawks penalty kill unit ranked in the top 10 in the nation from 2004 to 2008, including tops in the nation during 2008. Blashill also had a role in recruiting and developing many players on the Miami 2008-09 NCAA finalist team and the 2005-06 CCHA championship team.

Blashill also spent four years as an assistant coach at Ferris State, his alma mater. At FSU, he played a major role in recruiting and developing the 2002-03 CCHA Championship team.

A native of Sault Ste. Marie, Blashill was a goalie for Ferris State from 1994-98. As a student-athlete, he was selected as FSU’s Rookie of the Year for the 1994-95 season. He was named to the CCHA All-Academic Team during the 1996-97 season. Blashill earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from Ferris State in 1998 and was honored three-straight years with the FSU President’s Award for having the team’s highest GPA.

Blashill and his wife, Erica, have two kids, Teddy and Josie.

Michigan connections in Frozen Four

BOSTON COLLEGE

Jimmy Hayes, F, U.S. NTDP

Philip Samuelsson, D, son of former Red Wings defenseman Ulf Samuelsson

MIAMI

Brent Brekke, asst. coach, Western Michigan '94

Vincent LoVerde, D, 2005 Plymouth Whalers draft pick

Devin Mantha, F, Ann Arbor

Andy Miele, F, Grosse Pointe Woods

Jarod Palmer, F, U.S. NTDP

Gary Steffes, F, Grand Blanc

Justin Vaive, F, U.S. NTDP

Will Weber, D, Gaylord, 2007 Traverse City North Stars draft pick

RIT

Cameron Burt, F, Detroit

WISCONSIN

Brett Bennett, G, U.S. NTDP, 2006 Plymouth Whalers draft pick

Blake Geoffrion, F, U.S. NTDP

John Ramage, D, U.S. NTDP

Brendan Smith, D, Red Wings' first round pick in 2007

Derek Stepan, F, U.S. NTDP

Spartans get defenseman from EJHL

EJHL Press Release

The Green Mountain Glades of the Eastern Junior Hockey League have announced that defenseman Chris Sandmeyer has committed to Michigan State University for next year.

Sandmeyer, a 19-year-old Portage native, came to the Glades this year after a stellar high school career at Portage Central High School. He was contemplating another year with the Glades when the opportunity with MSU came to the forefront.

"We are so happy for Chris and his family," Glades coach Chris Line said. "Chris was a valuable part of our team last year and will do a great job at the next level. It couldn't have happened to a better person or teammate."

Sandmeyer posted five goals and 20 points in 40 games this season.

Michigan Tech assistant leaves for NAHL

Courtesy NAHL

The Austin Bruins, an NAHL expansion team set to begin play next season, have announced that Chris Tok has been named the team’s head coach and general manger.

A native of Coleraine, Minn., Tok spent the last four seasons as an assistant coach at Michigan Tech University.

“I’m truly happy to have someone like Chris leading our team into our inaugural season,” said Bruins owner Craig Patrick. “He’s a strong coach with unrivaled work ethic and integrity.”

“I’m excited for the opportunity provided by Craig Patrick to bring back junior hockey to the community of Austin,” said Tok. “The NAHL is a growing league that will be sure to entertain the fans of Austin every night.”

Prior to Michigan Tech, Tok served as the assistant coach and assistant general manger of the USHL’s Waterloo Black Hawks from 2002-05 before being promoted to associate head coach and associate general manager. He helped guide the Black Hawks to their first-ever Clark Cup championship in 2003-04.

“Having someone like Chris is key to our mission of development, on and off the ice, for our athletes,” added Patrick. “His experiences and contacts will help give our players the best possible chance of reaching their goals.”

Tok played four years at the University of Wisconsin from 1991-95, serving as a captain his senior season. He went on to play six years of minor professional hockey before embarking on his coaching career.

Chris and his wife, Melissa, have a son, Easton.

Schofield wins big at LSSU awards night

LSSU Press Release

Lake Superior State junior forward Rick Schofield, who led the Laker hockey team in goals and points, was named Most Valuable Player and Most Valuable Forward during the 28th annual Soo BlueLiners Banquet Saturday at the Cisler Center.

Schofield totaled 15 goals and 13 assists in 2009-10, surpassing point totals from previous seasons. The 6-foot-2, 196-pound forward has 34-35—69 through three collegiate campaigns.

This season, Schofield finished third in the CCHA Perani Cup Points standings, tied for 13th in the league in goal scoring and was a CCHA co-leader in game-winning goals. He also represented the Lakers as a CCHA Scholar-Athlete Award nominee for the second straight year.

LSSU’s other special award winners were senior Simon Gysbers (Outstanding Defenseman), junior Will Acton (Most Improved Player and Unsung Hero), Domenic Monardo (Freshman of the Year), junior Matt Cowie (Gay Blade), senior Pat Aubry (Scholastic Award) and John Scrymgeour (Soo BlueLiners Award).

Gysbers, who signed with the Toronto Marlies a week after his collegiate career ended, is a three-time winner of LSSU’s Outstanding Defenseman Award. He totaled 19 goals and 48 assists during 155 collegiate games and was the Lakers' top-scoring defenseman this season with 6-9--15. He was second on the team in power-play points.

Acton was one of three double-figure goal scorers and finished second in points for the Lakers in 2009-10. He contributed 10 goals and 14 assists for 24 points, improving upon previous season totals of 6-7—13 and 7-9—16.

Monardo, with six goals and six assists, was second in scoring among Laker freshmen and tied for 18th among CCHA rookies in 2009-10.

Teammates selected Cowie as the Gay Blade Award winner, which goes to the player who brings a positive attitude and a great sense of humor to the Laker lockerroom. Cowie unseated three-time winner Josh Sim, who graduated in 2009.

Aubry, who more than doubled his point totals from previous seasons by totaling two goals and nine assists, was recognized for his efforts in the classroom. The senior accounting major has a grade point average of 3.727. He totaled 12-13—25 during his four-year career.

Scrymgeour came back from a season-ending injury during his freshman year and overcame a challenging junior year to end his senior year with five goals and nine assists for 14 points. During his senior year, he netted one short-handed goal and one game-winning goal.

Michigan hands out annual awards

Michigan Press Release

The University of Michigan presented its annual team awards to six players at the annual Dekers Blue Line Club Banquet last Saturday at the Ann Arbor Sheraton.

Junior left wing Carl Hagelin was the most-celebrated Wolverine of the afternoon, earning three honors: Hal Downes Award (MVP), Hazel M. "Doc" Losh Award (Scoring Leader) and the Carl Isaacson Award (Best in Classroom).

Hagelin led the Wolverines in points (50) and assists (31), was second on the roster in goals (19) and plus/minus rating (+20), and had a point in 35 of U-M's 45 games. Hagelin received the Isaacson Award for the second straight year. He has also been U-M's representative on the CCHA Scholar-Athlete Team in each of the last two seasons.

Senior defenseman Steve Kampfer received the Vic Heyliger Award as the team's outstanding defenseman. Kampfer led U-M's defensemen in points (26), assists (23) and plus/minus (+18). He set career highs in goals (3), assists and points this season while playing in all 45 games for the Maize and Blue.

Freshman right wing Chris Brown collected the Dekers Club Award as the team's most colorful rookie. Brown was picked for the CCHA All-Rookie Team in early March and ranked fourth on the team in points (28) and tied for fourth in goals (13). He was U-M's top goal-scoring threat on the power play with seven man-advantage markers. He also had four game-winning goals.

Senior left wing Brian Lebler earned the Joseph E. Barss Award, which is given to the best team player as determined by the coaching staff. Lebler recorded 24 points in 2009-10, bettering his previous high for points by 50 percent. His 14 goals and 10 assists were also single-season career highs.

Junior goaltender Shawn Hunwick picked up the Alton D. Simms Award for the team's Most Improved Player. Hunwick earned the decision in the final 10 games of the season, starting nine times, posting an 8-2-0 record. For the season, he had an 8-3-0 mark, 1.82 goals-against average and .918 save percentage.

Luke Glendening received the Howard Colby Award for sportsmanship as determined by his teammates. A sophomore, Glendening was voted by the team to be an alternate captain early on in the season. He more than doubled his career high for points (21) by posting seven goals and 14 assists. He was +13 and had 39 penalty minutes.

The Ray Helber Deker of the Year Award went to Anita Liberman-Lampear for her efforts to support the Michigan ice hockey program.

Five players will be graduating from Michigan's 2009-10 team: forwards Anthony Ciraulo and Lebler and defensemen Eric Elmblad, Kampfer and captain Chris Summers.

Shelby Township's Higby picks NMU

Topeka RoadRunners Press Release

Erik Higby is coming home to play college hockey as the Shelby Township native has decided on Northern Michigan for next season.

NMU assistant coach Rob Facca was at Landon Arena in Topeka, Kan., for Friday night's playoff game, and the agreement was reached that will have Higby, currently with the NAHL's Topeka RoadRunners, suiting up for the Wildcats next fall.

"It feels great", Higby said Saturday morning. "I'll be able to see family and friends. It's exactly what I hoped for."

He will pursue a degree in sports management as his long-term goal is stay involved in hockey well after his playing days are done. Getting his college plans cemented also helped take a great weight off his shoulders.

"I'm relieved, really," Higby said. "It's taken a lot of stress off me."

Higby raised the bar in Topeka, setting a franchise record for total points in a season (80) which led the NAHL, and assists in a single season (53). Not one to get wrapped up in personal accolades, Higby remains focused on the goal of winning a championship.

"Getting college figured out was heavy on my mind," said Higby. "Now I can just concentrate on the rest of the season."

RoadRunners coach-GM Scott Langer is pleased with Erik's commitment.

"He's earned it, no question," said Langer. "I'm just surprised it didn't happen sooner. It's gratifying to see a player reach his goals with persistence and hard work. As an organization, we're all very proud of what Erik's done. He has proven himself to be a true RoadRunner."

Higby will be joining two former RoadRunners at NMU. Jared Brown (Lone Star Cavalry 2003-04, Santa Fe RoadRunners 2004-05) will be a senior next season and Reed Seckel (Topeka 2007-08) will join Higby as a freshman. Also on the Wildcat roster is Chad Pietila, who played midgets with Higby, and also played for the NAHL's Marquette Rangers.

NMU, MSU headline MiCHO Awards

MiCHO Press Release

The staff of MichiganCollegeHockey.com has announced its annual award winners for the 2009-2010 season.

Winners were chosen from the seven men’s Division I teams – Ferris State University, Lake Superior State University, University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Michigan Tech University, Northern Michigan University and Western Michigan University.

Northern Michigan forward and Hobey Baker Award finalist Mark Olver was named the MiCHO Player of the Year after a 49-point output for the Wildcats and was also named to the All-MiCHO First Team. This week, Olver signed with the Colorado Avalanche and was assigned to Colorado’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Lake Erie Monsters.

Michigan State defenseman Torey Krug was named MiCHO Rookie of the Year, while teammate Drew Palmisano earned MiCHO Goaltender of the Year honors.

Northern Michigan claimed two more winners in head coach Walt Kyle (MiCHO Coach of the Year) and Erik Gustafsson (MiCHO Defenseman of the Year). Like Olver, Gustafsson elected to forego his senior season by signing an NHL contract with Philadelphia earlier this week.

Kyle and Gustafsson are repeat winners from last year.

The following is the complete awards listing:

MiCHO Player of the Year – Mark Olver, Northern Michigan
MiCHO Defenseman of the Year – Erik Gustafsson, Northern Michigan
MiCHO Goaltender of the Year – Drew Palmisano, Michigan State
MiCHO Rookie of the Year – Torey Krug, Michigan State
MiCHO Coach of the Year – Walt Kyle, Northern Michigan

All-MiCHO First Team
F – Mark Olver, Northern Michigan
F – Carl Hagelin, Michigan
F – Corey Tropp, Michigan State
D – Erik Gustafsson, Northern Michigan
D – Jeff Petry, Michigan State
G – Drew Palmisano, Michigan State

All-MiCHO Second Team
F – Blair Riley, Ferris State
F – Louie Caporusso, Michigan
F – Ray Kaunisto, Northern Michigan
D – Zach Redmond, Ferris State
D – Steve Kampfer, Michigan
G – Brian Stewart, Northern Michigan

Also receiving votes: D Matt Case, Ferris State; F Greger Hanson, Northern Michigan; G Bryan Hogan, Michigan; G Pat Nagle, Ferris State; F Brett Olson, Michigan Tech; F Rick Schofield, Lake Superior State

MiCHO All-Rookie Team
F – Chris Brown, Michigan
F – Derek Grant, Michigan State
F – Ben Power, Lake Superior State
D – Torey Krug, Michigan State
D – Steven Seigo, Michigan Tech
G – Kevin Genoe, Michigan Tech

Also receiving votes: D Kyle Follmer, Northern Michigan; F Kevin Lynch, Michigan; D Lee Moffie, Michigan; D Zach Trotman, Lake Superior State

MichiganCollegeHockey.com was started in 2000 and has been a primary source for college hockey fans in the state of Michigan for all the latest news and scores relating to all college teams in the state, including coverage of the state’s lone Division I women’s team at Wayne State University, ACHA teams and Division III teams.