Finlandia tabs new boss

Finlandia has announced that former North Dakota captain Dane Litke is the new head coach of the Lions’ men’s team.

Finlandia lands ultra-talented Hartland foursome

Andrew Brownlee, Jake Henrikson, Thomas Kerr and Cam Miglia are teammates this season with the Hartland Hounds and will be teammates once again next year as the quartet has committed to play NCAA Division III college hockey at Finlandia University.

Located in Hancock, Finlandia plays in the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association and is coached by John McCabe, a former assistant coach at Division I Alabama-Huntsville.

All four players said this season with the Hounds in the inaugural season of the Midwest Junior Hockey League has done wonders for their development to the point where they feel they will be able to make an impact as freshmen next season for the Lions.

“(Hartland coach) Randy Montrose has played a huge role in my career ever since I become a player on his teams three years ago because he expects nothing short of 100 percent, whether it be a practice or a game,” said Brownlee, a 19-year-old Fowlerville native. “Playing for the Hounds just comes to show that no matter where you play hockey, if you’re good enough, other teams such as FU will find you.”

Brownlee leads the MWJHL in all goaltending categories, including wins (29), goals-against average (1.87), save percentage (.932), shutouts (five) and minutes played (1734:58). He is also a three-time Goaltender of the Week and a two-time Goaltender of the Month.

Henrikson, Hartland’s captain, has been at or near the top of league scoring much of the season. Like Brownlee, he gave credit to Montrose for pushing him this season to reach his goal of college hockey.

“Randy told me about Finlandia and then they came and watched us play and talked to me after,” the 20-year-old Commerce native said. “Randy has always helped me out with my hockey and finding the right place for me to go. I know playing at Finlandia will be really fast hockey and a lot of hitting and my goal is to get good grades and still play hockey. I think it will be great going in and already knowing a couple guys playing there.

“That being said, yeah, we’ve committed, but we all know that now is when the hard work begins to be able to get to campus in the fall and contribute. We also still have our season here to finish up and get ready for nationals in April. The commitment is great for all of us, but we’re not content with sitting back and talking about that. We want to bring a national championship to Hartland. That’s our immediate goal.”

For Miglia, a 19-year-old Brighton forward, he had always looked at Finlandia and took it upon himself to take initiative at the start of the 2012-13 season.

“I emailed Finlandia University at the beginning of the season because I was interested in playing there,” said Miglia. “They came out to watch me play and were interested. Randy has pushed me a lot to be my best everyday and helped me get better at the parts of my game that needed it most. It's always been a dream since I was little watching college games at Yost Ice Arena (in Ann Arbor) and it finally came true. I would like to thank my mom and dad for paying for hockey this long and putting up with me all these years. I also want to thank all the Hounds coaches this year – Randy, Scott (Gardiner) and Marty (Passino) are all great coaches.”

“The Hounds and Randy have played the biggest role in getting here,” said Kerr, an 18-year-old Howell native. “After my high school career, I didn't have much faith that I would be playing NCAA hockey. When the opportunity presented itself to play for Randy again, I had to jump on it and it definitely has paid off. I think his coaching style this year and the last five years of my life have developed me into the player I am today.”

The foursome went on a visit to Finlandia several weeks back to survey the campus and hockey facilities and to also meet with McCabe. Each player came away impressed.

“I learned it's a very small school, which I like,” Miglia said. “You will know pretty much everyone there. John McCabe seems like a great coach and I know he's moved guys on to the pro level. I like that he takes his hockey very serious.”

“When we went on our visit, I learned the guys do everything together, making you that much closer as a team and those are the kinds of things I like to see because you can count on anyone to do the little things at any point throughout the year and season,” said Brownlee. “When I met and talked with Coach McCabe, I noticed that he's a young coach that is looking to form a solid program up at FU and is looking forward to forming a winning program.

“Ever since I was a little kid, it was a dream of mine to play pro or college hockey and when it comes to things like getting this opportunity, I want to thank my family, especially my parents for helping me all the way through my career and putting up with all the junk I've put them through to get me to where I am now. I would also like to thank Randy for all the help he's given to me and guidance he's given not only me, but to all his players throughout his coaching career.”

“It’s been a dream of mine to make it to college hockey ever since I stepped on the ice competitively in Squirts,” said Kerr. “It seems like a very long time since then and playing collegiate hockey has never stopped running through my mind. Just like every hockey player, it is a huge dream to play hockey in college. My parents have been the most supportive people throughout my hockey career. From going to every game, driving me to trips, all the time spent at the rink, I wouldn't be the player I am today without them. I would also like to thank Randy, Scotty and Marty. I’ve been skating with them for the last six years of my life and every season with them has been successful in developing me into a better player.

“Randy is a coach that takes pride giving 100 percent to make you the most successful hockey player you can be and if you give 100 percent of your efforts, you will receive 100 percent of his.”

At the end of the day, the praise is a nice pat on the back, but Montrose said it’s all about the players.

“As a coach, I have always believed that it is about teaching and advancing players,” said Montrose. “That is our primary responsibility as a coach. I am beyond proud of these gentlemen that have taken pride in advancing themselves.”

NAHL vet Burke commits to Finlandia

Traverse City North Stars Press Release

Sean Burke has been an avid outdoorsman since he was old enough to hold a rod and reel.

Now, the former Traverse City North Stars forward and Grand Traverse Hockey Association product will be able to hunt the plentiful bounty and fish the well-stocked waters of the northernmost reaches of the Upper Peninsula – and get to play college hockey in Copper County.

Burke, who spent the last three seasons with the North Stars after a decorated high school career at Traverse City West, is headed to Finlandia University in Hancock, where he’ll study business and skate for the Lions.

“It feels good to have my direction set,” said Burke, who finished his junior career with 33 points over 137 contests. “It felt like there was a weight off my chest when it finally became official. I mean, there was no way I was going to go to college and not play hockey. I’m pretty excited about it.”

Burke was an All-State selection at TC West in 2007 and tendered by the North Stars. He appeared in 40 games as a rookie, with a pair of goals and five assists. His offensive output jumped to eight goals and as many assists in 2008-09 and he had logged a career-high nine goals last season before breaking his kneecap against Motor City on Jan. 23. He returned for the season finale and saw action in the team’s Robertson Cup playoff run, but hadn’t returned to full strength until the summer.

“That was hard because I had seen some interest from some schools, but when I was out injured – I had lost a lot of opportunity time; I was sitting on nothing,” Burke explained. “I hadn’t talked to Finlandia, but I got a text one day from (current TC West) coach Rintala asking me what I thought about it. It kind of came out of nowhere, but I’m glad it did.”

North Stars head coach-GM Anthony Palumbo says the Lions are getting the total package in Burke, and he should know – he’s coached Burke for the last eight seasons.

“I coached him as a bantam, in high school, and for the past three years in juniors,” Palumbo offered. “I know they’re getting a great kid and a great teammate with a tremendous work ethic. He’s earned everything he’s gotten at every level and I have no doubt he’ll do the same up there.”

Burke, who plans to study business at the 500-student private college on the rugged Keweenaw Peninsula, will not be alone as he embarks on his college hockey career. A pair of fellow TC West alums are also set to play at Finlandia this year: forward Shane Totten and defenseman Vinnie Pietrangelo.

Former North Stars goalie Ryan Donovan and ex-Marquette Rangers forward Collin Saint-Onge are also on the Lions roster.

Burke will also get to see some familiar faces on opposing benches this year by virtue of playing in the NCAA Division III Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association – Former North Stars Matt Hughes, Jameson Raymond and Jonathan Sheridan at Lawrence University, and Ben Plocar and Mike Schenfeld at Milwaukee School of Engineering.

“It’s exciting to move on to the next step of your career, to know you’re going to get a great education in a comfortable setting,” Burke said. “I think (playing) juniors – at that level, that pace – helps you mature as a player. You’re around good players who help you raise your own game and help you acclimate to the game when you’re a younger player.”

Like most hockey players, Burke had plenty of backing in matriculating from mite through bantam in the Grand Traverse Hockey Association youth program, his prep career at TC West and three-year run with the North Stars.

“I’ve had a lot of great coaches over the years who have helped me get this far,” Burke concluded. “And getting to play basically all my hockey in Traverse City, I’ve made a lot of lifelong friends and I’m grateful for that. But through it all, I’ve been lucky to have tremendous support from my family.

"I can’t thank them enough.”

Photo by John L. Russell/Great Lakes Images

Traverse City defenseman off to Lions

Metro Jets Press Release

When the Metro Jets drafted Vinnie Pietrangelo early on in the 2009 Central States Hockey League draft, the team was banking on the rangy defenseman playing just one season with the Jets and then moving on to a higher level.

That has officially happened as the 19-year-old native of Traverse City has committed to play Division III hockey at Finlandia University, a small school located in the town of Hancock in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, starting this fall. The Lions play in the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association and the school is just one of two D-III schools in Michigan, with Adrian College being the other.

Pietrangelo played in 47 games last year for the Jets, scoring a power-play goal and adding seven assists for eight points. He said his year in Waterford was a defining year in helping him achieve his dream of playing college hockey.

“When I played at Traverse City West High School, my coaches knew that I wanted to play at the college level, so they contacted the coach at Finlandia and then told me that I needed to play a year of juniors if I wanted to play there,” said Pietrangelo. “The Metro Jets gave me that opportunity.

“The main thing that helped last year was it helped me become a little responsible with my offensive decisions, such as when to (join the rush) and when not to. I could pretty much get away with anything I wanted to at the high school level, but I found out quickly enough that wasn't the case at the junior level.”

“Vinnie struggled a bit early on as he found out how quickly the game transitions in our league,” Metro GM Butch Wolfe said. “However, he was able to make that adjustment. This should help him at Finlandia as the D-III game is quicker yet. We wish him all good luck and success over his next four years.”

Pietrangelo will join former Jets forward Troy Storm (2006-2007) on the Lions’ roster, while another ex-Metro forward, Brandon Van Acker (2004-2005), just completed his senior season with Finlandia. Two other Metro alums, Pete Kolasa and Brooks Olson, also saw time playing for Finlandia after playing in Waterford. Kolasa played in the 1990s and Olson was a member of the Jets’ 2002 Silver Cup-winning national Junior B championship squad.

Pietrangelo initially made the decision to play for the Lions before new head coach John McCabe took over in May. When McCabe took over the program, he did some research on Pietrangelo and realized he had a solid incoming recruit.

“Vinnie was one of the guys (whose commitment) I honored because of his character and his upside,” McCabe said. “I have done some background checks on him from his prior coaches and I know I am bringing in a great kid from a quality family. He will be a solid defenseman for us next year.”

When looking back at the fact that he has progressed rapidly through the high school ranks, CSHL and now to the college level, Pietrangelo showed a humble side when he discussed whom he credits most when a decision like this is made to advance his hockey career.

“I really give credit to my high school coaches, Jeremy Rintala and Bob Spence, and of course, Anthony Palumbo of the (North American Hockey League’s) Traverse City North Stars, who coached me in minor hockey and in high school, as well as my family because they have been very supportive of everything throughout the year,” Pietrangelo said. “In the CSHL, there are long bus rides to places like Dubuque and Pittsburgh, and my family traveled to most venues where we played.”

As for the future, Pietrangelo thinks he will be able to succeed at Finlandia, a school where he intends to pursue a degree in the medical field.

“I think my game will fit into the college game because I can adapt to most situations and read the plays that my opponents are making,” noted Pietrangelo. “I also feel my ability to jump up into the play and create something from the back end will fit well in college.

“Short term and long term, my goals are to play well and help the team be successful.”

Photo by Andy Grossman/Detailed Images

McCabe new bench boss with Finlandia

Finlandia Press Release

Finlandia University has announced that John McCabe has accepted the position of head men's ice hockey coach beginning in the 2010-11 academic year.

McCabe takes over the Finlandia Lions men's hockey program after completing his sixth season as an assistant men's hockey coach at the University of Alabama-Huntsville, which is a NCAA Division I school. McCabe helped lead the UAH Chargers to two College Hockey America tournament titles (losing a third in the championship game to Bemidji State in 2006) and two NCAA regional semifinal appearances, most recently the 2010 Midwest Regional in Fort Wayne, Ind.

At Huntsville, McCabe worked under Danton Cole, former Michigan State All-American and Stanley Cup winner the New Jersey Devils.

"John brings with him all of the hockey knowledge that he's acquired under Coach Cole and his former coaches to help create at Finlandia the optimal environment to breed success in the college ranks," said FU athletic director Chris Salani.

Salani explained the number one priority in Finlandia's search for a men's hockey coach was to identify the candidate with proven experience and success and a solid understanding of how a college program should be run.

"The hockey environment in the college setting is much different than in the junior ranks," Salani notes. "To achieve success and elevate Finlandia hockey to D-III national prominence, which is our goal, it was critical that we find the person who is the right fit for our community and for our program. I believe we've found that person in John McCabe."

Salani is hoping to generate at Finlandia a similar atmosphere of excellence as recently demonstrated by the men's hockey program at Adrian College, also a member of NCAA Division III and the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association.

"I believe in many ways Adrian's success can be credited to the hiring of a coach who understood and had the experience of the DI college game behind him," Salani explained. "In a lot of ways, I expect Coach McCabe to immediately set the Finlandia's men's hockey program in the right direction and compete for not only MCHA titles, but national titles."

In the previous four years, McCabe's primary responsibility for the UAH hockey program was that of head men's hockey recruiter.

"John's networks throughout North America and in Scandinavia, combined with his regular work in identifying high profile recruits, will also be a huge asset in establishing a quality and successful product on the ice for Finlandia," Salani said.

In his own hockey career, McCabe played for UAH from 1995-1998 during a period in which the Chargers program won two NCAA D-II national championships - the second in his senior year as captain of the team. Following, McCabe played seven seasons of minor professional hockey, most notably four seasons in the East Coast Hockey League with the Mobile Mysticks, the Greensboro Generals and the Toledo Storm.

Established in 1999, the Finlandia men's hockey program is a member of NCAA Division III and the MCHA. The team was coached on an interim basis by Salani in the 2009-10 season and by former head coaches Joe Burcar (2002-2009) and Scott Mikesch (1999-2001). The Lions won the Harris Cup in 2007.

McCabe relocates to Hancock with his wife, Carla, seven-month-old daughter Annslee, and step-daughter, eight-year-old Lillie.

Burcar lands on feet in Orange County

Compiled by MiCHO Staff

Former Finlandia University head coach Joe Burcar will join Orange County Hockey Club as its Midget 18U AAA head coach and 16U AAA assistant coach next season, the club announced.

Burcar is the brother of Jim Burcar, who coached the club's 16AA team to a national title earlier this month.

Joe Burcar had a 70-69-9 record in eight seasons at Finlandia, a Division III school in Hancock that competes in the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association.

He has also coached numerous Team Michigan squads at the Select festival, winning gold with Team Michigan on more than one occasion.

2009-2010 Incoming Recruits List

Division I – Men’s

FERRIS STATE
Eric Alexander, F, Chicago (USHL)
Kyle Bonis, F, Traverse City (NAHL)
Matt Kirzinger, F, Humboldt (SJHL)
Travis Ouelette, F, Penticton (BCHL)

LAKE SUPERIOR STATE
Eric Kraft, F, Fairbanks (NAHL)
Kellan Lain, F, Oakville (OJHL)
Domenic Monardo, F, Aurora (OJHL)
Ben Power, F, Kingston (OJHL)
Zach Trotman, D, Wichita Falls (NAHL)

MICHIGAN
Chris Brown, F, U.S. NTDP Under-18 Team
Kevin Lynch, F, U.S. NTDP Under-18 Team
Lee Moffie, D, Waterloo (USHL)
Jeff Rohrkemper, F, Sioux Falls (USHL)
Lindsay Sparks, F, Oakville (OJHL)
A.J. Treais, F, U.S. NTDP Under-18 Team

MICHIGAN STATE
Dean Chelios, F, Chicago (USHL)
Chris Forfar, F, Lincoln (USHL)
Zach Golembiewski, F, Indiana (USHL)
Derek Grant, F, Langley (BCHL)
Matt Grassi, D, Salmon Arm (BCHL)
Anthony Hayes, F, Green Bay (USHL)
Zack Josepher, D, Penticton (BCHL)
Torey Krug, D, Indiana (USHL)
Mike Merrifield, F, Green Bay (USHL) - will be sophomore
Kevin Walrod, F, Cowichan Valley (BCHL)

MICHIGAN TECH
Tommy Brown, D, Melfort (SJHL)
Kevin Genoe, G, Prince George (BCHL)
Milos Gordic, F, Langley (BCHL)
Carl Nielsen, D, Mahoning Valley (NAHL)
Aaron Pietila, F, Marquette (NAHL)
Anthony Schooley, F, Green Bay (USHL)
Steven Seigo, D, Bonnyville (AJHL)
Evan Witt, F, Alberni Valley (BCHL)

NORTHERN MICHIGAN
Reid Ellingson, G, Green Bay (USHL) – will be sophomore
Wade Epp, D, Drumheller (AJHL)
Austin Handley, D, Des Moines (USHL)
Kory Kaunisto, F, Lincoln (USHL)
Brian Nugent, F, Victoria (BCHL)
Chad Pietila, F, Marquette (NAHL)
Cory Pritz, D, Westside (BCHL)

WESTERN MICHIGAN
Brett Beebe, F, Chicago (USHL)
Trevor Elias, F, Langley (BCHL)
Ross Henry, D, Lincoln (USHL)
Ben Miller, F, Waterloo (USHL)
Matt Tennyson, D, Cedar Rapids (USHL)
Dane Walters, F, Sioux Falls (USHL)
Luke Witkowski, D, Fargo (USHL)


Division I – Women’s

WAYNE STATE
Gina Buquet, F, Ohio Flames
Lauren Coxon, F, Waterloo KW Rangers
Julie Hebert, F, Aurora Jr. Panthers
Julie Ingratta, F, North American Hockey Academy
Lauren Lovold, D, Mississauga Jr. Chiefs
Jaclyn Stapleton, F, Pursuit of Excellence Hockey Academy
Jenaya Townsend, D, Sherwood Park Kings


Division III – Men’s

ADRIAN
Shawn Courtney, D, Weyburn (SJHL)
Kyle Crawford, D, Wellington (OJHL)
Andrew Dovey, F, Stoney Creek (GHL)
Zach Graham, F, Thorold (GHL)
Jeff Young, F, Drumheller (AJHL)

FINLANDIA
None reported


Division III – Women’s

ADRIAN
None reported

FINLANDIA
None reported


Michigan natives – non-Michigan schools – Men
Eric Artman, D, Air Force (East Lansing)
Grant Blakey, F, Mercyhurst (Canton)
Brett Brazier, F, Middlebury (Okemos)
Ian Cosgrove, F, SUNY-Fredonia (Rochester)
Jerry Freismuth, F, Bowling Green (Grosse Pointe Woods)
Jimmy Gallagher, F, Connecticut (Marquette)
Max Grover, D, Bowling Green (Kentwood)
J.C. Gulch, D, Utica (Temperance)
Trevor John, D, Tufts (Grosse Pointe)
Cody Keefer, F, St. Norbert (Big Rapids)
Nick Kenney, F, Wisconsin-Stevens Point (Wixom)
Ryan Leets, G, Army (Kentwood)
Devin Mantha, F, Miami (Ann Arbor)
Jeff McNeil, F, Ohio State (Mulliken)
Mike Miller, D, Bowling Green (Northville)
Ian Ruel, D, Bowling Green (Ann Arbor)
Kenny Ryan, F, Boston College (Franklin Village)
Brad Scurfield, F, Lawrence (Midland)
Steve Shafer, F, Canisius (Rochester)
Robert Shea, D, Bowling Green (Harrison Township)
Brad Smith, F, Ohio State (Trenton)
Brandon Stephenson, G, Wisconsin-Eau Claire (Saline)
Kyle Verbeek, F, Sacred Heart (Bloomfield)

Michigan natives – non-Michigan schools – Women
Chelsea Boroski, D, New England (Sterling Heights)
Angie Chronis, D, Lake Forest (Ann Arbor)
Sarah Connelly, F, Niagara (Commerce)
Nanci Crossman, D, Southern Maine (Livonia)
Jill Debus, F, Elmira (Howell)
Brittany Dougherty, F, Maine (Chesterfield)
Megan Doyen, F, Amherst (Ortonville)
Kaiti Graham, D, Wisconsin-Superior (Middleville)
Becca Hazlett, G, Hamilton (Grosse Pointe)
Tina Hollowell, F, Ohio State (Clinton Township)
Kristine Horn, F, New Hampshire (Utica)
Charlotte Hotaling, D, Manhattanville (Southfield)
Brittany Ott, G, Maine (St. Clair Shores)
Erica Pomponio, D, SUNY-Plattsburgh (New Boston)
Geena Prough, D, Wisconsin (Farmington)
Shannon Ramelot, G, Rensselaer (Bloomfield Hills)
Katie Zimmermann, F, Hamilton (Plymouth)
_________________________________________

SOURCES
Official school websites (see links on left-hand side of this website)
Beyond The Dashers
Chris Heisenberg’s DI Recruits Database
DIII East Recruits Page
DIII West Recruits Page

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is by no means a comprehensive list and is solely based on the sources noted above.

MASTER LIST: 2008-2009 Recruits

The following is a comprehensive compilation of the state's 2008-2009 recruits taken from numerous sources that have been confirmed by Michigan College Hockey.

(Last updated: Oct. 13 - Bernardi, Bonneville/WSU transfers)

Ferris State (CCHA)
Chad Billins, D, Waterloo Black Hawks (USHL)
Derek Graham, F, Mahoning Valley Phantoms (NAHL)
Tommy Hill, D, Topeka RoadRunners (NAHL)
Jordie Johnston, F, La Ronge Ice Wolves (SJHL)
Taylor Nelson, G, Humboldt Broncos (SJHL)
Aaron Schmit, D, Chicago Steel (USHL)
Michael Trebish, D, Yorkton Terriers (SJHL)

Lake Superior State (CCHA)
Dan Barczuk, F, Ohio Jr. Blue Jackets (USHL)
Fred Cassiani, F, St. Michael’s Buzzers (OPJHL)
Brad Cooper, F, Providence (Hockey East – transfer)
Kyle Haines, D, Weyburn Red Wings (SJHL)
Kyle Pobur, D, South Shore Kings (EJHL)
Stephen Simms, D, Weyburn Red Wings (SJHL)

Michigan (CCHA)
Brandon Burlon, D, St. Michael’s Buzzers (OPJHL)
Robbie Czarnik, F, U.S. National Under-18 Team
Luke Glendening, F, The Hotchkiss School (Founders League)
Greg Pateryn, D, Ohio Jr. Blue Jackets (USHL)
David Wohlberg, F, U.S. National Under-18 Team

Michigan State (CCHA)
Tim Buttery, D, Chicago Steel (USHL)
Andrew Conboy, F, Omaha Lancers (USHL)
Matt Crandell, D, Sioux City Musketeers (USHL)
Adam Henderson, F, Spruce Grove (AJHL)
Daultan Leveille, F, St. Catharines (GHJHL)
Mike Merrifield, F, St. Louis Bandits (NAHL)
Trevor Nill, F, Penticton Vees (BCHL)
Drew Palmisano, G, Omaha Lancers (USHL)
Brett Perlini, F, Soo (NOJHL)/Ohio (USHL)
Brock Shelgren, D, Fairbanks Ice Dogs (NAHL)
Ben Warda, F, St. Louis Bandits (NAHL)

Michigan Tech (WCHA)
Corson Cramer, G, Ohio Jr. Blue Jackets (USHL)
Ricky Doriott, D, North Iowa (NAHL)/Sioux City (USHL)
Mikael Lickteig, F, Alexandria Blizzard (NAHL)
Alex MacLeod, F, Camrose Kodiaks (AJHL)
Brett Olson, F, Waterloo Black Hawks (USHL)
Bryce Reddick, F, Cowichan Valley Capitals (BCHL)
Josh Robinson, G, Sioux City Musketeers (USHL)
Peter Rohn, F, Green Mountain Glades (EJHL)
Seth Soley, F, Omaha Lancers (USHL)

Northern Michigan (CCHA)
Phil Axtell, F, Michigan Tech (WCHA - transfer)
Andrew Cherniwchan, F, Drayton Valley Thunder (AJHL)
Justin Florek, F, U.S. National Under-18 Team
Kyle Follmer, D, Lincoln Stars (USHL)
Tyler Gron, F, Fort McMurray Oil Barons (AJHL)
Devan Hartigan, G, Prince George Spruce Kings (BCHL)
Ben Lindemulder, D, St. Albert Steel (AJHL)

Western Michigan (CCHA)
Kevin Connauton, D, Spruce Grove Saints (AJHL)
J.J. Crew, F, Lincoln Stars (USHL)
Lucas Isley, F, Bonnyville Pontiacs (AJHL)
Jared Katz, F, Wayne State (CHA - transfer)
Peter Kavaya, D, Fairbanks Ice Dogs (NAHL)
Kyle O’Kane, F, St. Louis Bandits (NAHL)
Derek Roehl, F, Ohio Jr. Blue Jackets (USHL)
Ian Slater, F, Cedar Rapids RoughRiders (USHL)
Greg Squires, F, Indiana Ice (USHL)

Adrian Men (MCHA)
Kyle Frieday, F, Robert Morris (CHA – transfer)
Riley Hughes, D, Estevan Bruins (SJHL)
Alex Norman, D, Hawkesbury Hawks (CJHL)
Eric Roman, D, Wayne State (CHA – transfer)

Adrian Women (NCHA)
Shana Davis, F, Gilmour Academy
Emily Engel, G, Ohio Phantom Flames
Olivia Rork, F, Victory Honda Under-19
Erin Winters, D, Team Alaska Under-19
Brooke Zaleski, F, Victory Honda Under-19

Finlandia Men (MCHA)
Jason Barden, G, San Antonio Diablos (WSHL)
Cody Gallegos, D, Beaver Valley Nitehawks (KIJHL)
Matt Wylie, D, Hudson Crusaders (MJHL)

Finlandia Women (NCHA)
Katie Harris, D, Belle Tire Capitals Under-19 (MWEHL)

Wayne State Women (CHA)
Alyssa Baldin, F, Mississauga Jr. Chiefs
Delayne Brian, G, Notre Dame Hounds
Marlee Fisher, D, NCCP Jr. Raiders
Micheline Frappier, F, Sudbury Lady Wolves
Bailey Lane, F/D, Victory Honda Under-19
Veronique Laramee-Paquette, F, Cegep de St. Jerome
Ciara Lee, D, Michael Power St. Joseph
Lindsey Park, G, University of Toronto
Jill Szandzik, D, Little Caesars Under-19
Brittany Zeches, G, Victory Honda Under-19

Wayne State Men (Transfers)
Ryan Adams, D, Bemidji State (CHA)
Ryan Bernardi, D, Wilfrid Laurier (OUA)
Jordan Bonneville, D, Wilfrid Laurier (OUA)
Brett Bothwell, G, Union (ECAC)
Jeff Caister, D, St. Lawrence (ECAC)
Jordan Inglis, F, University of British Columbia (Canada West)
Jared Katz, F, Western Michigan (CCHA)
Matt Krug, D, Robert Morris (CHA)
Chris Kushneriuk, F, Robert Morris (CHA)
Brock Meadows, D, Robert Morris (CHA)
Derek Punches, F, Cornell (ECAC)
Kyle Richardson, F, Wentworth (ECAC Northeast)
Eric Roman, D, Adrian (MCHA)
Tyler Ruel, F, University of British Columbia (Canada West)

Michigan-based players going out of state
Cameron Burt, D, RIT (Green Bay Gamblers, USHL/Detroit)
Joe Cannata, G, Merrimack (NTDP)
Mike Clemente, G, Brown (NTDP)
Sean Duddy, D, Ohio State (Wichita Falls Wildcats, NAHL/Ann Arbor)
Patrick Gaul, F, Notre Dame (NTDP)
Ryan Grimshaw, D, Harvard (NTDP)
Ryan Hegarty, D, Maine (NTDP)
Michael Hull, F, Army (St. Louis Bandits, NAHL/Grosse Pointe Woods)
Bret Larson, D, Army (Baystate Breakers, EJHL/Marquette)
Sam Lofquist, D, Minnesota (NTDP)
Sean Lorenz, D, Notre Dame (NTDP)
Joe Marciano, D, Colorado College (NTDP)
Kevin McCarey, F, New Hampshire (NTDP)
Colin Moore, F, Harvard (NTDP)
Dan Naurato, F, Connecticut (South Shore Kings, EJHL/Northville)
Chris Noonan, G, Niagara (Syracuse Stars, EJHL/Portage)
Bobby Reiners, D, Connecticut (Des Moines Buccaneers, USHL/Grosse Ile)
Ryan Ruikka, D, Boston University (Jersey Hitmen, EJHL/Chelsea)
Vinny Saponari, F, Boston University (NTDP)
Jordan Schroeder, F, Minnesota (NTDP)
Grant Scott, F/D, Minnesota (NTDP)
David Warsofsky, D, Boston University (NTDP)
Will Weber, D, Miami (Chicago Steel, USHL/Gaylord)
Steve West, D, Ohio State (NTDP)

Trio of Lions sign professional deals

Compiled by MiCHO Staff

Three Finlandia players from last season's team are moving up to the professional level as forwards Travis Hanson, Josh Paquette and Ryan Sullivan have earned professional contracts for the upcoming season.

Hanson (Bark River) was re-signed by the Cincinnati Cyclones, an ECHL team affiliated with the NHL’s Nashville Predators and Montreal Canadiens. He was originally signed after the MCHA tournament last season and helped lead the Cyclones to a league championship when they defeated Las Vegas. He was a team captain at FU for two years, recording 58 points (25g, 33a) in 103 career games.

“Travis has worked very hard to create this opportunity,” Finlandia head coach Joe Burcar said. “The Cyclones were looking for a big, strong player to win battles on the wall, they called him in last spring and he made an immediate impact in helping win the ECHL championship.”

Paquette, a Marquette native, has been signed by the New Mexico Scorpions, a team in the Central Hockey League. He rewrote the MCHA record book, setting new career marks with 47 goals, 83 assists and 130 points last season. Overall in his career, he tallied 152 points (51g, 101a) in 105 games. He was named to the all-conference team on two occasions and to the all-newcomer team as a freshman, leading the Lions to a Harris Cup championship as a junior and to a second straight title game appearance a year ago.

“Josh is a very gifted player with his ability to score in any given situation,” Burcar said. “He has been able to score at every level he has played and will make the transition as a professional player very smoothly.”

Sullivan, also from Marquette, will join Paquette on the roster of the Scorpions. The Lions' team MVP a year ago, he was also an all-conference performer on the ice, recording 88 points (50g, 38a) in 82 career games.

“Ryan is ready for the next level; he is very complete in his game,” said Burcar. “We have used Ryan in every situation and he has excelled. The bigger the game, the better Ryan is.”

All three Finlandia players were also regulars on the MCHA All-Academic Team.

“We will miss all three of these players; they have brought so much to Finlandia hockey," added Burcar. "We wish them great success.”

Reinke tabbed to lead FU women

Compiled by MiCHO Staff

Finlandia has announced that Heather Reinke has accepted the position of assistant athletic director/senior women’s administrator and head women’s hockey coach beginning in the 2008-09 athletics season.

“Heather is coming from two exceptional NCAA Division I schools, having been assistant women’s ice hockey coach under two exceptional Division I coaches,” said Finlandia athletics director Chris Salani, the former women's coach. “I fully anticipate that she will develop Finlandia’s women’s ice hockey program into not only a prominent NCHA contender, but into a prominent NCAA Division III hockey team.”

Reinke comes to Finlandia from Brown University. At Brown, she was assistant women’s hockey coach under Digit Murphy, the all-time winningest Division I women’s hockey coach in NCAA history and the third collegiate women’s hockey coach to surpass the 300-win mark.

From 2000 to 2006, Reinke was assistant, then associate coach, for the women’s hockey team at Niagara University. Reinke worked under head coach Margot Page at Niagara, stepping in as interim head coach while Page helped coach the Canadian national women’s hockey team to a gold medal at the 2006 Olympic Games in Turino, Italy.

As assistant athletic director and senior women’s administrator, Reinke will assist in the administration of Finlandia’s athletic program, in particular overseeing NCAA rules compliance, supervising the student-athlete advisory committee and acting as a mentor and advocate of equity and diversity within the athletic department.

Reinke earned a bachelor of arts in psychology at the University of New Hampshire, where she played defense on the women’s hockey team, earning All-Eastern College Athletic Conference honors in each of her four years there. She is pursuing a masters degree in sports psychology through Minnesota State University.

Lions announce '07-08 award winners

Compiled by MiCHO Staff

Both Finlandia teams recently announced their award winners for this past season.

FINLANDIA MEN

Most Valuable Player - Ryan Sullivan
Most Improved Player - Chris Hendrickson
Lion Award - Travis Hanson
Academic - Matt Krueger

FINLANDIA WOMEN

Most Valuable Player - Danielle Syrowik and Katelyn McLean
Most Improved Player - Brenda Peterson
Lion Award - Ashley Leitch
Academic - Corinne Czekaj

Adrian takes MCHA championship

Compiled by MiCHO Staff

Freshman Eric Miller sent his team and the fans that traveled from Adrian College very happy on Sunday afternoon as his overtime goal at 2:29 gave the Bulldogs a 1-0 win over Finlandia for the MCHA championship.

Miller received a beautiful pass from captain Adam Krug just outside the faceoff circle and put the wrist shot over the right shoulder of Donovan. Eric Bailen also was credited for an assist on the game-winner.

Both goaltenders were stellar inside the Kern Center on the campus of the Milwaukee School of Engineering as Brad Fogal made 18 saves and earned the win between the pipes.

Ryan Donovan earned the tournament MVP trophy making 38 saves for the Lions and keeping them in the contest from the opening faceoff.

Adrian outshot Finlandia, 39-18. Miller’s 40th goal of the season gave Adrian a 26-3-0 overall record in their inaugural season.

The Bulldogs had advanced to the finals with a 5-3 win over MSOE on Saturday. FU beat Marian, 4-2, Saturday to face Adrian.

Finlandia finishes the season 18-9-2.

Adrian may receive a bid to the national Division III tournament. Stay tuned to Michigan College Hockey for further details.

Photo courtesy Adrian College athletics