PRO SIGNINGS - 2012-13 OFFSEASON

The following is a list we will continue to update over the spring and summer months as players from Michigan colleges sign professional contracts.

FERRIS STATE
Eric Alexander, Sr., F, South Carolina (ECHL)
Kyle Bonis, Sr., F, Norfolk (AHL)
Matthew Kirzinger, Sr., F, St. John's (AHL)

LAKE SUPERIOR STATE
Kellan Lain, Jr., F, Vancouver (NHL) *
Domenic Monardo, Sr., F, Gwinnett (ECHL)
Nick McParland, Sr., F, Orlando (ECHL)
Buddy Robinson, So., F, Ottawa (NHL) *

MICHIGAN
Jon Merrill, Jr., D, New Jersey (NHL) *
Lindsay Sparks, Sr., F, Fort Wayne (ECHL)
Jacob Trouba, Fr., D, Winnipeg (NHL) *

MICHIGAN STATE
Chris Forfar, Sr., F, Evansville (ECHL)
Matt Grassi, Sr., D, Hamilton (AHL)
Anthony Hayes, Sr., F, Florida (ECHL)
Kevin Walrod, Sr., F, Bakersfield (ECHL)

MICHIGAN TECH
Carl Nielsen, Sr., D, Syracuse (AHL)
Steven Seigo, Sr., D, Abbotsford (AHL)

NORTHERN MICHIGAN
Jared Coreau, Jr., G, Detroit (NHL) *
Scott Macaulay, Sr., D, Bakersfield (ECHL)

OAKLAND
Dustin Hopfner, Sr., D, Evansville (ECHL)

WESTERN MICHIGAN
Dan DeKeyser, Jr., D, Detroit (NHL) *
Mike Leone, Sr., F, Kalamazoo (ECHL)
Dane Walters, Sr., F, Worcester (AHL)
Luke Witkowski, Sr., D, Tampa Bay (NHL)

* Signed contract with NCAA eligibility remaining

CCHA honors former players with All-Decade Team

CCHA Press Release

Continuing to ‘Celebrate The Legacy’ in its’ 42nd and final season, the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) has released the All-Decade Team for 2000-13 to honor the league’s top performers from the past 13 years.

 

The illustrious group of 12 players, selected by a committee of coaches, administrators and media, joins the league’s All-Decade teams from the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s that were selected in 2001.

All 12 players selected to the CCHA 2000-13 All-Decade Team were All-Americans (six multiple All-Americans) and graduated to professional careers. Eleven played in the National Hockey League (NHL), Michigan State goaltender Ryan Miller (pictured) blossomed into an NHL All-Star and U.S. Olympian, while Ferris State forward Chris Kunitz has captured the Stanley Cup with both Anaheim and Pittsburgh.

 

The CCHA 2000-13 All-Decade Team was chosen from a pool of Hobey Baker Award winners and All-Americans that played at least three years of college hockey. The selections were made by a committee of coaches, administrators and media that have been involved with the league for the better part of the last three decades.

 

Below is the team in alphabetical order by position with their overall career totals. Miller won the 2002 Hobey Baker Award and was a two-time CCHA Player of the Year and two-time Goaltender of the Year. Other Hobey Baker Award winners on the All-Decade Team include Michigan forward Kevin Porter (2008) and Miami forward Andy Miele (2011).

 

CCHA 2000-13 All-Decade First Team

Name, Lettered	Pos.	School	GP	G	A	Pts.
T.J. Hensick	F	Michigan	164	75	147	222
Chris Kunitz	F	Ferris State	152	99	76	175
Kevin Porter	F	Michigan	168	85	98	183
Andy Greene	D	Miami	159	27	87	114
John-Michael Liles	D	Michigan State	162	44	94	138

Name, Lettered	Pos.	School	W-L-T	GAA	SV%
Ryan Miller	G	Michigan State	73-18-12	1.54	.941

CCHA 2000-13 All-Decade Second Team

Name, Lettered	Pos.	School	GP	G	A	Pts.
Ryan Jones	F	Miami	161	90	57	147
Andy Miele	F	Miami	141	60	100	160
Scott Parse	F	Nebraska Omaha	159	79	118	197
Brad Fast	D	Michigan State	164	30	84	114
Greg Zanon	D	Nebraska Omaha	154	30	77	107

Name, Lettered	Pos.	School	W-L-T	GAA	SV%
Cody Reichard	G	Miami	53-24-9	2.10	.912

PRO SIGNINGS: 2012 OFFSEASON

The following is a list we will continue to update over the spring and summer months as players from Michigan colleges sign professional contracts.

FERRIS STATE
Chad Billins, Sr., D, Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL)
Jordie Johnston, Sr., F, Bridgeport Sound Tigers (AHL)

LAKE SUPERIOR STATE
Fred Cassiani, Sr., F, Idaho Steelheads (ECHL)
Kyle Haines, Sr., D, Lake Erie Monsters (AHL)
Kyle Jean, So., F, New York Rangers (NHL)
Zach Trotman, Jr., D, Boston Bruins (NHL)

MICHIGAN
Chris Brown, Jr., F, Phoenix Coyotes (NHL)
Luke Glendening, Sr., F, Providence Bruins/Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL)
Shawn Hunwick, Sr., G, Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL)
Greg Pateryn, Sr., D, Montreal Canadiens (NHL)
David Wohlberg, Sr., F, Albany Devils (AHL)

MICHIGAN STATE
Torey Krug, Jr., D, Boston Bruins (NHL)
Brock Shelgren, Sr., D, Alaska Aces (ECHL)

MICHIGAN TECH
Jordan Baker, Sr., F, Colorado Eagles (ECHL)

NORTHERN MICHIGAN
Andrew Cherniwchan, Sr., F, Colorado Eagles (ECHL)
Justin Florek, Sr., F, Boston Bruins (NHL)
Tyler Gron, Sr., F, Bridgeport Sound Tigers (AHL)

WESTERN MICHIGAN
Derek Roehl, Sr., F, Fort Wayne Komets (CHL)
Greg Squires, Sr., F, Stockton Thunder (ECHL)
Matt Tennyson, Jr., D, San Jose Sharks (NHL)

Five Bulldogs taking part in NHL camps

Ferris State Press Release 

Five members of Ferris State's 2011-12 NCAA Division I national runner-up team are currently taking part or have competed in official NHL prospect camps this month.

Goaltender Taylor Nelson, who completed his collegiate eligibility this past season, is working out with the NHL's San Jose Sharks, while fellow graduated classmate Aaron Schmit, a forward, is taking part in the Chicago Blackhawks camp.

Along with the two graduated players, two current student-athletes are also midst NHL development camps.

Forward Kyle Bonis, who will be a senior this coming year, is also at the Blackhawks' camp, while forward Garrett Thompson, who will be a junior in eligibility in 2012-13, is with the Calgary Flames.

Another Bulldog forward, junior-to-be Cory Kane, was one of 41 invitees to the Toronto Maple Leafs camp held July 2-5.

The prospect camps give NHL clubs the opportunity to evaluate some of the game's top prospects from the junior, collegiate and professional levels. Players take part in daily intrasquad contests along with sessions on player development and on-ice workouts among other things.

LSSU's Jean forgoes two seasons, signs with Rangers

Compiled by MiCHO Staff 

Lake Superior State forward Kyle Jean has opted to forgo his final two years of eligibility and signed a professional contract Wednesday with the New York Rangers.

Undrafted by an NHL team, Jean attended the Rangers’ development camp from June 25-29 and scored a goal in all four scrimmages.

Jean recorded 12 goals and 12 assists in 39 games with the Lakers in 2011-12 and during two collegiate seasons, he compiled 13 goals and 38 points.

Photo/LSSU Athletics

Spartans' captain Krug leaves school for Bruins' deal

Michigan State Press Release

Michigan State defenseman Torey Krug announced today that he has signed a professional contract with the National Hockey League's defending Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins.

Krug, a 20-year-old Livonia native, will forgo his final season of collegiate eligibility.

Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

"I couldn't be happier for Torey," said MSU coach Tom Anastos. "He's had an incredible season, an outstanding career at Michigan State and is ready to take the next step in his hockey career. While I know that we will certainly miss his talent and leadership next season, he will be back to complete his degree, and has left a lasting impression on his teammates that will most certainly continue to have a long term impact on our program."

"Torey has had an outstanding collegiate career at Michigan State," said Boston GM Peter Chiarelli. "He is a very intelligent player who is a terrific skater and shooter, but what stands out the most with Torey is his character. He is a two-time captain and a tremendous competitor. We are thrilled to have signed him and look forward to a seeing him contribute to the Bruins."

"This obviously came quickly after our season ended, but it was a really difficult decision to make," said Krug. "I love everything about Michigan State, my teammates, and our hockey program, and it was an outstanding place for me to grow and develop both as a hockey player and a person. It is very hard for me to leave, but I am incredibly thankful for the support shown to me by coach Anastos as I went through this process. I'm very proud to have worn a Michigan State jersey and serve as a captain. It's bittersweet, because we have worked hard to get MSU hockey back where we want it to be, challenging for conference and national championships.

"There are so many people to thank. To all of my teammates, our coaches and staff, the athletic department, and the university - thank you for making my three years as a part of this program such a special time in my life. I will always be a proud Spartan, and will do my best to represent Michigan State University in a way that you will all be proud.

"I would also like to thank the Boston Bruins organization for this tremendous opportunity. Every hockey player has the dream to play in the National Hockey League, and I am excited about my chance to prove myself at the next level."

Krug recently completed a standout season in which he distinguished himself among the top players in college hockey. He is one of 10 finalists for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award, given annually to honor the top men's collegiate hockey player in the country.

At the recent CCHA awards show, Krug took home five awards - tying fellow Spartan (and current Edmonton Oiler) Shawn Horcoff for the most all-time in a single season. Krug was voted the league's Player of the Year, and for the second season in a row took home Best Offensive Defenseman honors. He was a unanimous selection to the All-CCHA First Team, and was MSU's Perani Cup winner (most "Three Stars of the Game" distinctions throughout the CCHA season).

In addition, with his game-winning goal in the final game of the regular season at Notre Dame, Krug shared the CCHA scoring title with Irish forward TJ Tynan. Krug became just the second defenseman in CCHA history - and the fifth overall in the college game - to win his league's scoring title.

Krug finished his junior season with a 12-22-34 scoring line, his best offensive season at MSU and his second consecutive season as the top goal-scoring defenseman in the conference. He ranks seventh overall in the conference in scoring, is eighth in assists, and 19th overall in goals. He tied for third in power-play goals (7) and owns the fourth-most game-winning tallies (3) in the CCHA as well. Krug plays in excess of 29 minutes per game, and plays in all situations.

In the last two seasons, Krug compiled 23 goals, (second-most among collegiate defensemen), and 62 points (third-best among Division I blueliners).

In his three-year career, Krug appeared in 114 career games, scoring 26 goals and adding 57 assists for 83 points, the most of any player in his three seasons on the roster. He is a career +7 and had 175 PIMs.

Photo (2011 GLI) by Matt Mackinder/MiCHO

MSU's Krug to hold presser Sunday at noon

Michigan State just sent out the following press release:

*** MEDIA ALERT ***

Michigan State junior hockey player Torey Krug and head coach Tom Anastos will hold a press conference on Sunday, March 25 at 12 noon in the Munn Club at Munn Ice Arena (adjacent to the pressbox).

According to CBS Sports' Tim Wharnsby's Twitter, Krug has signed with the Boston Bruins.

More tomorrow at noon.

LIST: 2010-2011 Offseason Pro Signings

Over the course of the 2011 offseason, MiCHO will update this list of Michigan-based players who have signed professional contracts.

(Last updated: September 28)

FERRIS STATE
Mike Embach, Sr, F (Texas – AHL)
Pat Nagle, Sr, G (Tampa Bay – NHL)
Zach Redmond, Sr, D (Atlanta – NHL)
Scott Wietecha, Sr, D (Elmira – ECHL)

LAKE SUPERIOR STATE
Will Acton, Sr, F (Toronto – AHL/Reading – ECHL)
Matt Cowie, Sr, D (Victoria – ECHL)
Tyson Hobbins, Sr, F (Idaho – ECHL)
Chad Nehring, Sr, F (Idaho – ECHL)
Rick Schofield, Sr, F (Anaheim – NHL)

MICHIGAN
Brandon Burlon, Jr, D (New Jersey - NHL) *
Louie Caporusso, Sr, F (Ottawa - NHL)
Carl Hagelin, Sr, F (NY Rangers - NHL)

MICHIGAN STATE
Dustin Gazley, Sr, F (Greenville – ECHL)
Derek Grant, So, F (Ottawa – NHL) *

NORTHERN MICHIGAN
Greger Hanson, Sr, F (Florida - ECHL)

WESTERN MICHIGAN
Max Campbell, Sr, F (Connecticut - AHL)
Jerry Kuhn, Sr, G (Idaho – ECHL)

ADRIAN
Brad Fogal, Sr, G (Quad City - CHL)
Shawn Skelly, Sr, F (Texas – CHL)
Quinn Waller, Sr, D (Quad City - CHL)

* underclassman

Kampfer bringing Cup to Yost Thursday

Michigan Press Release

Former Michigan defenseman and current member of the 2011 Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins Steve Kampfer (2006-10) will be sharing his day with the Stanley Cup with the U-M community tomorrow.

Kampfer, a Jackson native, will put the Stanley Cup on display from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the U-M locker room at Yost Ice Arena.

"I'm excited to bring the Cup back to the place that has made me the player I am today," said Kampfer. "Coming back to the place I wanted to play at since I was the age of four is a dream come true. I couldn't be more excited to share it with the great fans of Michigan as well. Without them, we wouldn't have the best rink to play college hockey in. I want fans to be able to see the Stanley Cup and enjoy the day with my family and friends."

Kampfer will be signing complimentary autographs. Pictures with Kampfer and the Stanley Cup will cost $10, with all proceeds being split between C.S. Mott Children's Hospital and the Michigan hockey program.

"The coaches and players I played with at Michigan deserve credit for helping me achieve the goals I have reached so far, which is why it's important to me to give back to the program," said Kampfer. "I've chosen to give back to Mott hospital because when I was younger my sister faced some challenges and she spent time going in and out of Mott, so it is a place that has touched home. The doctors and research conducted at Mott have given people a chance to have a better life and achieve some amazing accomplishments. I am giving back to them so more kids will have the chance to live a fulfilling life."

Kampfer became the 17th Wolverine alumnus to win the Stanley Cup, when the Bruins beat the Vancouver Canucks in game seven of the Stanley Cup Final on June 16, 2011. A rookie for the Bruins in 2010-11, Kampfer played 38 regular-season games, scoring five goals and five assists, earning a +9 plus/minus rating, and accruing 12 penalty minutes. Kampfer did not make an appearance in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Kampfer was drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in the fourth round of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. His rights were traded to Boston in March 2010.

Over his four seasons at Michigan, Kampfer accumulated seven goals and 53 assists over 147 games. He helped the Wolverines win the 2007-08 CCHA regular-season championship and the 2008 and 2010 CCHA Tournament titles.

Blashill leaving WMU for Red Wings?

Compiled by MiCHO Staff

According to an article in the Kalamazoo Gazette, Western Michigan head coach Jeff Blashill may be one and done with the Broncos.

Blashill, who led the Broncos this past year to their first NCAA tournament in 15 seasons and the CCHA tournament championship game for the first time in a quarter-century, confirmed Wednesday that he's interviewed for one of the Detroit Red Wings' vacant assistant coaching positions after just one year in Kalamazoo.

"I am interviewing, but they have not made a decision and I have not made a decision yet," Blashill told the Gazette. "I do expect to know at some point by the end of the week. ... I think they are narrowing in to make a decision. And, at that point, I will make a decision."

WMU's Jeff Blashill a finalist for Detroit Red Wings' assistant coaching vacancy

WMU's Campbell signs AHL contract

Western Michigan Press Release

Former Western Michigan skater Max Campbell signed a contract with the American Hockey League's Connecticut Whale, the top minor league affiliate of the New York Rangers.

Campbell, who recently wrapped up his senior season and graduated in April, played in 154 career games for WMU from 2007-2011. He totaled 46 goals and 61 assists for 107 career points and became the 50th player in program history to surpass 100 career points.

The Strathroy, Ont., native was drafted by the Rangers in the fifth round (138th overall) in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

Campbell is coming off a career-best season that him reach career highs in points with 35, goals with 18, assists with 17 and games played with 42.

The 6-foot, 190-pound center netted the most important goal of his collegiate career on March 13 in overtime to propel the Broncos over Ferris State in the CCHA quarterfinals. The goal sent the Broncos to the CCHA semifinals for the first time since 1994.

Campbell received the Rob Hodge Most Valuable Player Award as voted on by his teammates and also received the Vick Vanderberg Top Scorer award at the team's post-season banquet.

Photo courtesy GS Photo

Burlon to leave Michigan for New Jersey

Compiled by MiCHO Staff

According to a report in The Wolverine, Michigan defenseman Brandon Burlon will sign with the New Jersey Devils and not return to Ann Arbor for his senior season this fall.

"It's just been something that has been brewing in my head for awhile - it's time for a change," Burlon said. "Michigan has given me a great opportunity for three years, academically and athletically, and the best way I can explain it is I just feel I'm ready for a change."

Burlon was drafted by the Devils in the second round of the 2008 NHL draft.

Photo (2008 GLI) by Matt Mackinder/MiCHO

Grant leaves Michigan State for Ottawa

Michigan State Press Release

Michigan State sophomore forward Derek Grant has opted to forego his final two seasons of collegiate eligibility and sign a three-year entry-level contract with the Ottawa Senators organization. Terms of the deal were not released.

“This was not an easy decision, but it is the one I felt that was right for me,” said Grant. “I love everything about Michigan State, and I will always be a Spartan. I owe a great deal of thanks to our coaching staff for giving me the opportunity to wear the Green & White. I also need to thank my teammates, who made my experience in East Lansing unforgettable. “

Grant, a fourth-round pick (119th overall) in the 2009 NHL entry draft by the Senators, left campus on Thursday to travel to Norfolk, Va., where he is expected to meet up with the Senators American Hockey League affiliate, Binghamton. The B-Sens play Norfolk on Friday, and at Charlotte on Saturday. Should Grant be in the lineup against Charlotte, he would face off against former Spartan Ethan Graham (2003-07).

Grant was the Spartans’ leading scorer in 2010-11, netting eight goals and a team-best 25 assists for 33 points. He ranked sixth in the CCHA in assists and tied for ninth in overall points. Grant completes his career with 20 goals and 43 assists in 76 career games. He had the most career points of any underclassman on the 2010-11 roster.

Grant was an honorable mention selection to the All-Rookie team in 2010, and received votes in this year’s all-CCHA voting.

Since the completion of the 2006 season, 10 Michigan State players have signed a professional hockey contract before completing their four years of collegiate eligibility. Grant joins former defenseman Mike Ratchuk (2006-08) as the two sophomores to leave after completing two seasons.

Wildcats getting noticed by NHL squads

NMU Press Release

A total of nine hockey players with ties to the Northern Michigan University program have been attending NHL prospects camps this summer.

Current NMU players who have attended prospects camps include Kyle Follmer, who was at the Chicago Blackhawks prospects camp. Justin Florek skated at the Boston Bruins prospects camp. Attending the Washington Capitals prospects camp was Andrew Cherniwchan. Greger Hanson was one of three Wildcats at the Philadelphia Flyers prospects camp.

Two former NMU players also in Philadelphia were Erik Gustafsson and Brian Stewart. Ray Kaunisto was at the LA Kings prospects camp.

Two incoming players also attended prospect camps. Forward Reid Seckel was at the Detroit Red Wings prospects camp, while defenseman CJ Ludwig was in the Dallas Stars prospects camp.

The NMU players with eligibility remaining may attend the prospects camps without running into trouble with the NCAA. According to NCAA rules, an individual who has eligibility remaining may participate in a combine with a professional athletics team at any time, provided the individual does not miss any class time. The individual may receive actual and necessary expenses in conjunction with one 48-hour combine per professional team. The 48-hour period shall begin at the time the individual arrives at the combine location. At the completion of the 48-hour period, the individual must depart the location of the tryout immediately in order to receive return transportation expenses.

“This is the largest number of players we have ever had attend these camps through the course of a given summer,” said Wildcats head coach Walt Kyle. “To a large degree it was because of the success we had last year. We are very proud of these guys. We hope down the line these camps not only present opportunities for development, but opportunities to play professional hockey for these players.”

PRO SIGNINGS: 2009-2010 EDITION

The following players have signed professional contracts since the end of the regular season and as their teams were eliminated from the post-season.

Players noted with (*) gave up remaining NCAA eligibility to sign.

This list will be updated regularly. LAST UPDATED JULY 19 (Haines).

FERRIS STATE
Matt Case, D, Norfolk (AHL)
Cody Chupp, F, Texas (AHL)
Casey Haines, F, Reading (ECHL)
Blair Riley, F, Springfield (AHL)

LAKE SUPERIOR STATE
Simon Gysbers, D, Toronto (AHL)
Steven Kaunisto, D, Reading (ECHL)

MICHIGAN
Steve Kampfer, D, Boston (NHL)
Brian Lebler, F, Syracuse (AHL)
Chris Summers, D, Phoenix (NHL)

MICHIGAN STATE
Bobby Jarosz, G, Wheeling (ECHL)
Jeff Petry, D, Edmonton (NHL) *
Andrew Rowe, F, Philadelphia (NHL) *
Corey Tropp, F, Buffalo (NHL) *

MICHIGAN TECH
Drew Dobson, D, Gwinnett (ECHL)
Malcolm Gwilliam, F, Reading (ECHL)

NORTHERN MICHIGAN
Erik Gustafsson, D, Philadelphia (NHL) *
Ray Kaunisto, F, Los Angeles (NHL)
Mark Olver, F, Colorado (NHL) *
Brian Stewart, G, Adirondack (AHL)/Philadelphia (NHL)

WESTERN MICHIGAN
Jordan Collins, D, Bakersfield (ECHL)
Riley Gill, G, Kalamazoo (ECHL)
Tyler Ludwig, D, Texas Stars (AHL)
Cam Watson, F, Bakersfield (ECHL)

MICHIGAN NATIVES ON NON-MICHIGAN TEAMS
Brett Blatchford (Temperance), D, Notre Dame, Chicago (AHL)/Idaho (ECHL)
Ian Cole (Ann Arbor), D, Notre Dame, St. Louis (NHL) *
Kyle Lawson (New Hudson), D, Notre Dame, Carolina (NHL)
Kyle Page (Wixom), D, Bowling Green, Toledo (ECHL)

In addition, former Wayne State defenseman Jeff Caister (2006-2008), who played the last two years with St. Lawrence, signed with South Carolina of the ECHL.

Tropp leaves Spartans for Buffalo deal

MSU Press Release

Michigan State junior forward Corey Tropp has opted to forego his final season of collegiate eligibility, signing a three-year entry-level contact with the Buffalo Sabres.

Tropp was the Spartans’ top scorer a season ago and is the third underclassman to sign a professional contract this off-season. Terms of his contract were not announced.

“Obviously, we are going to miss a player of Corey’s caliber in the lineup,” noted MSU head coach Rick Comley. “This, though, is the reality of college hockey – good players are leaving school after their sophomore and junior seasons. We wish him the best as he pursues his dream to play professional hockey.”

Tropp is coming off a season where he earned team MVP honors and was named a Second Team All-CCHA performer, notching 42 points (20 goals, 22 assists) in 37 games last season. He spent the season ranked among national leaders in goals, as well as power-play markers (9) and game-winning tallies (5). The winger appeared in 100 career games in Green and White and had a 29-41-70 scoring line.

An alternate captain this season, Tropp was a fifth-round draft pick of the Sabres in the 2007 NHL entry draft.

Tropp joins classmates Jeff Petry (Edmonton Oilers) and Andrew Rowe (Philadelphia Flyers) as early departures from the Spartans. All were among the team’s top four scorers.

Former MSU star Brind'Amour retires

Carolina Hurricanes Press Release

Carolina Hurricanes center Rod Brind’Amour today announced that he will retire from hockey and transition to a position in the Hurricanes front office.

“For 10 years, Rod Brind'Amour has represented the best of Hurricanes hockey,” said Hurricanes president and general manager Jim Rutherford. “He helped the franchise reach two Stanley Cup Finals and led the team to its first championship. His work ethic set the bar for what is expected in our locker room, as did his professionalism and leadership. I look forward to working with Rod as he begins his next chapter in hockey.”

Originally drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the first round (ninth overall) in the 1988 NHL Entry Draft, Brind’Amour, 39, completes his career ranked 16th in NHL history in games played (1,484), 44th in assists (732), 46th in points (1,184) and 54th in goals (452), in 21 seasons with St. Louis, Philadelphia and Carolina.

The Ottawa, Ont., native debuted with the Blues during the 1989 Stanley Cup playoffs after completing one season at Michigan State, and scored a goal on his first NHL shot against the Minnesota North Stars. He was named to the NHL’s All-Rookie Team in 1990, after scoring 61 points (26g, 35a) in 79 games for St. Louis, and played in the NHL All-Star Game while a member of the Flyers in 1992.

Brind’Amour represented Canada in the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan, and won back-to-back Frank J. Selke trophies as the NHL’s top defensive forward in 2005-06 and 2006-07, as a member of the Hurricanes.

Brind’Amour played in 159 career Stanley Cup playoff games, totaling 51 goals and 60 assists (111 points). He participated in the Stanley Cup Final three times, reaching the Final in 1997 with Philadelphia and 2002 and 2006 with Carolina, captaining the Hurricanes to the 2006 Stanley Cup championship.

Acquired by the Hurricanes from the Philadelphia Flyers on Jan. 23, 2000, Brind’Amour is the career points leader for the Hurricanes since the team’s relocation to North Carolina, notching 473 points in 694 games played. He also ranks first in assists (299), first in shorthanded goals (10), third in goals (174) and third in power-play goals (60) in the team’s North Carolina history. Brind’Amour ranks second in overall franchise history (including Hartford) in assists (299), third in points (473) and fourth in games played (694).

Named the Hurricanes’ captain prior to the 2005-06 season, Brind’Amour netted 31 goals and earned 39 assists (70 points) that season to lead the team to a franchise-record 52 regular-season wins. His league-leading 12 playoff goals during the teams’ Stanley Cup run were also a franchise record.

Brind’Amour scored nine goals and had 10 assists (19 points) during his final season with the Hurricanes in 2009-10, and ranked first among Hurricanes and third in the NHL in face-off percentage (58.8%).

Four current collegians drafted in L.A.

Compiled by MiCHO Staff

A quartet of current in-state collegians were drafted today in Los Angeles at the NHL Entry Draft, while several more incoming skaters also heard their names called.

Northern Michigan forward Justin Florek (fifth round, 135th overall, Boston Bruins), Michigan defenseman Lee Moffie (seventh round, 188th overall, San Jose Sharks), Michigan State forward Brett Perlini (seventh round, 192nd overall, Anaheim Ducks) and Lake Superior State defenseman Zach Trotman (seventh round, 210th overall and last pick of the draft, Boston) became NHL property today.

Incoming Michigan recruits include U.S. NTDP defenseman Jon Merrill (second round, 38th overall, New Jersey Devils), Canadian left wing Alex Guptill (third round, 77th overall, Dallas Stars), a 2011 recruit that will play this upcoming season with the USHL's Waterloo Black Hawks, and NTDP center Luke Moffatt (seventh round, 197th overall, Colorado Avalanche).

Perlini photo from the 2009 GLI by Matt Mackinder/MiCHO

NHL Draft tonight in Los Angeles

Ex-Spartans take home NHL awards

Compiled by MiCHO Staff

Two former Michigan State stars earned NHL hardware last night in Las Vegas as Ryan Miller (1999-2002) was named the Vezina Trophy winner as the league's top goaltender and Duncan Keith (2001-2003) won the Norris Trophy for the best defenseman.

Miller, the 2001 Hobey Baker winner and an East Lansing native, also won the NHL Foundation Player Award.

Official NHL press releases below:

************************************************

Ryan Miller of the Buffalo Sabres has captured his first Vezina Trophy, awarded to the "goalkeeper adjudged to be the best at his position," as selected by NHL general managers.

Prior to 1981-82, the Vezina was awarded to the goaltender(s) whose team allowed the fewest goals during the regular season, the current criterion for the William Jennings Trophy.

Miller was named on 28 of 30 ballots, including 23 first-place selections, and collected 126 points. Phoenix Coyotes goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov finished a strong second, receiving votes on 27 of 30 ballots and totaling 79 points.

Miller led the Sabres to the Northeast Division title for the second time in the past four seasons. He set a franchise record and ranked fourth among NHL goaltenders with 41 wins, placed second in the league in goals-against average (2.22) and save percentage (.929) and tied a career high with five shutouts.

Miller continued to excel following his MVP performance for Team USA at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, going 9-2-1 in his first 12 decisions after collecting the silver medal in Vancouver.

************************************************

Duncan Keith of the Chicago Blackhawks has won the James Norris Memorial Trophy, awarded to the defenseman demonstrating "the greatest all-around ability in the position," as selected by the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association.

Keith received 76 of 133 first-place votes and 1,096 points to edge Mike Green of the Washington Capitals, who garnered 34 first-place votes and 831 points to earn a second-place finish in Norris Trophy voting for the second consecutive season.

Playing all 82 games for the third time in his five-year NHL career, Keith logged a total of 2,180:34 in ice time, the most among all NHL players. Having steadily increased his production each year, he took his offense to another level this season, registering career highs in goals (14), assists (55) and points (69). Keith ranked second to Green among NHL defensemen in assists and points. He posted a plus-21 rating and is plus-84 over the past three seasons.

Keith is the fourth Blackhawks defenseman to capture the Norris Trophy since it was first presented in 1954, joining Pierre Pilote (1963 through 1965), Doug Wilson (1982) and Chris Chelios (1993 and 1996). He is the fifth defenseman in the expansion era to win the Norris and the Stanley Cup in the same season, following Bobby Orr (Boston, 1970 and 1972), Larry Robinson (Montreal, 1977), Paul Coffey (Edmonton, 1985) and Nicklas Lidstrom (Detroit, 2002 and 2008).

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The National Hockey League Foundation today announced that Buffalo Sabres goaltender Ryan Miller is the recipient of the 12th Annual NHL Foundation Player Award. The award recognizes an NHL player who applies the core values of hockey – commitment, perseverance and teamwork – to enrich the lives of people in his community. The NHL Foundation will present $25,000 to Miller’s Steadfast Foundation.

“We are very proud to award Ryan with the 2010 NHL Foundation Player Award,” said Kenneth Martin, Jr., NHL Vice President Community Affairs. “His commitment to numerous children’s charities and his personal dedication to the Steadfast Foundation in helping to find a cure for cancer exemplifies the commitment all our NHL players have in giving to their communities.”

Miller established the Steadfast Foundation to benefit those afflicted and affected by the consequences of cancer, especially childhood forms of the disease. The organization, which has raised more than $500,000 since it was created in 2006, was inspired by Miller’s cousin, Matt Schoals, who battled leukemia and eventually succumbed to the disease in 2007. The primary benefactor of the Steadfast Foundation is Carly’s Club, a support group for children and families who are fighting cancer. Miller-organized support programs for Carly’s Club include the Saves for Cancer program in 2008, which raised $30,000 based on Miller’s on-ice play, an agreement with Perry’s Ice Cream that has provided $20,000 to date based on sales of a new Miller-inspired flavor, Breakaway Berrier and a partnership with Buffalo Place to present the Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, at which members of the community can purchase Saves for Cancer holiday ornaments.

Miller also hosts an annual Catwalk for Charity, during which he and his teammates model clothing from Miller’s The Refinery store in East Lansing. Since its inception, the event has raised more than $400,000. In addition, he donates suite tickets for all Sabres home games and HSBC Arena special events to Carly’s Club and is an active supporter of the Buffalo Sabres Foundation, the Buffalo Sabres Adopt-a-Family program and the Women and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo.

As one of the Sabres’ most popular players, Miller is often called upon to assist with the Buffalo Sabres Foundation in its numerous community events and activities. He regularly spends time after games with fans that are sick, disabled or in need. Miller also participates in experiences that generate significant funds for the Buffalo Sabres Foundation despite the constant demands on his time.

NHL clubs submitted nominations for the NHL Foundation Player Award and the finalists were selected by a judging panel. Other finalists for this year’s honor were Los Angeles Kings forward Dustin Brown and Washington Capitals defenseman Mike Green.

Past recipients of the NHL Foundation Player Award include Rick Nash (2009), Vincent Lecavalier and Trevor Linden (2008), Joe Sakic (2007), Marty Turco (Michigan alum, 2006), Jarome Iginla (2004), Darren McCarty (2003), Ron Francis (2002), Olaf Kolzig (2001), Adam Graves (2000), Rob Ray (1999) and Kelly Chase (1998).