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.

CCHA alums seek pro titles, awards

Compiled by MiCHO Staff

Playoff Success -- Three Michigan college hockey alums will be competing in the Calder Cup Finals for the American Hockey League title and two others have helped their teams secure titles in minor pro leagues during the playoff season.

Former Ferris State Bulldogs Greg Rallo and Cody Chupp and MSU Spartans Ethan Graham and Andrew Hutchinson helped the Texas Stars advanced out of the Western Conference by defeating the Hamilton Bulldogs in a seven-game series.

The Fort Wayne Komets won their third straight Turner Cup in the International Hockey League with the help of Fort Wayne native and Spartan alum Brandon Warner.

Bulldog alum Gio Flamminio is also a member of the President’s Cup-winning Rapid City Rush of the Central Hockey League.

Next Up? Stanley Cup-- Michigan State’s Duncan Keith and Michigan’s John Madden will be attempting to help the Chicago Blackhawks capture their first Stanley Cup title since 1961.

Keith, an alternate captain and finalist for the Norris Trophy, has been a force on the Blackhawk blue line, notching a goal and nine assists, as well as a plus-3 rating. Keith is also third among all skaters in time-on-ice per game at 27:52.

Madden is seeking his third Stanley Cup ring, having won with the New Jersey Devils in 2000 and 2003. The former Wolverine and penalty-kill specialist has played in all 16 games of the playoffs for the Blackhawks.

Award Time-- Michigan State alums Ryan Miller and Duncan Keith and former Michigan Wolverine Jed Ortmeyer have been named finalists for NHL awards.

Miller, who set the NCAA shutout record of 26 in his three seasons at Michigan State, is a finalist for the Vezina Trophy, awarded for outstanding goaltender.

Miller finished second in the league in goals-against average (2.22) and save percentage (.929), and fourth in wins (41). Miller also led the Buffalo Sabres to a Northeast Division title.

Keith finished second among all NHL defensemen in points (69) and assists (55) and had a plus-21. rating.

Ortmeyer, of the Pacific Division champion San Jose Sharks, is a finalist for the Masterton Trophy which is awarded to the player "who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey." A former captain of the Wolverines, during his professional career Ortmeyer has suffered a pulmonary embolism, a torn ACL and blood clots in his leg. This season, Ortmeyer played in 76 games, registering eight goals and 11 assists.

The 2010 NHL Awards will take place June 23 in Las Vegas.

Former players dot NHL playoff rosters

Courtesy CCHA

Seven former Michigan college players, including two who have already captured hockey's most prestigious prize, are on the rosters of the four Stanley Cup semifinalists.

Four alumni are skating for the Carolina Hurricanes, who have won a pair of seven-game series to advance to the Eastern Conference final against Pittsburgh. Carolina captain Rod Brind'Amour, the CCHA Rookie of the Year in 1989 with Michigan State, scored his first goal of the 2009 playoffs in last night's 3-2 overtime win at Boston. Brind'Amour also captained the Hurricanes when they defeated Edmonton for Lord Stanley's mug in 2006.

Defenseman Joe Corvo (Western Michigan, 1995-98) has appeared in all 14 postseason games for Carolina and produced a 1-5-6 scoring line. Rookie Dwight Helminen (Michigan, 2001-04) made his Stanley Cup playoff debut on April 23 against New Jersey for his only action to date. Forward Patrick Dwyer (Western Michigan, 2001-05), another former CCHA Rookie of the Year award winner, is on the Hurricanes roster, but has not yet dressed for a game.

The Pittsburgh Penguins will open the conference final at home against Carolina this coming Monday with Chris Kunitz (Ferris State, 1999-2003), the conference's Player of the Year in 2003, who won the Stanley Cup with Anaheim in 2007, and has earned seven assists in 13 playoff appearances for the Penguins.

The Detroit Red Wings play host to Chicago this Sunday to start the Western Conference final. Rookie forward Justin Abdelkader (Michigan State, 2005-08) played in the last three games versus Anaheim. He was recalled when the Grand Rapids Griffins' AHL season ended, made his NHL playoff debut on May 10 and earned an assist in the Wings' 4-1 victory over Anaheim.

The Blackhawks have a former MSU defenseman on their roster. Duncan Keith (2001-03), an assistant captain with Chicago, has averaged 25:15 of ice time per game with five assists in a dozen contests.

Cup visit to benefit "Shoot For A Cure"

Compiled by MiCHO Staff

The Stanley Cup will be making a trip to Spartan Stadium for Michigan State's football game on Saturday, Sept. 20. Fans will have an opportunity for photos with the world's most famous trophy, and at the same time make a difference in the fight against children's cancer.

The Cup will be on display in a tent in the northwest corner outside of Spartan Stadium from 1-3 p.m. in advance of the 3:30 p.m. kickoff against Notre Dame. For a $5 donation, fans can take a picture with the trophy. Each dollar collected will go to Cure Kids Cancer at Sparrow Hospital, the beneficiary of Michigan State's "Shoot for a Cure" initiative - a program spearheaded by Justin Abdelkader, former MSU hockey player and current member of the Detroit Red Wings organization.

"Shoot for a Cure" was started by Abdelkader during the 2007-08 season, Abdelkader's junior campaign. He and classmate Dan Sturges were inspired by the children at Sparrow Hospital where they frequently visited as part of the Spartan Buddies program. As a result, the pair began this community service initiative which benefits Sparrow's Cure Kids Cancer. Last year, more than $5,000 was raised with a Chuck-a-Puck promotion at home hockey games and through a silent auction.

Abdelkader opted to forego his senior season of eligibility and sign with the Red Wings on April 8, 2008 and was on the Red Wings' active roster as the team made its run to the Stanley Cup championship. Abdelkader is unable to be in East Lansing for the Cup's visit, as he will be in Traverse City for the Red Wings' preseason camp.

"I would like to thank the Red Wings organization for allowing us to use the Cup to help us raise money and awareness in the fight against children's cancer," noted Abdelkader, who was the recipient of the CCHA's Ilitch Humanitarian Award last season. "I am very happy that this is a program that will continue on past my time here at Michigan State. I'm also excited that other teams have stepped in to help with this important cause. The football program - in particular, captains Javon Ringer and Otis Wiley - has been really supportive and stepped up in a big way."

The Cup will make an appearance on the field during the first quarter of the football game against the Irish. The Shoot for a Cure initiative will also continue through the 2008-09 season at home hockey games. Game-by-game prizes will include autographed items donated by former Spartans now playing pro hockey.

Fans are reminded to bring their own cameras for photos and are asked to adhere to the limit of one photo per donation. All money collected will go directly to Cure Kids Cancer.

Photo: Abdelkader (on the left, with fellow Detroit rookie Jonathan Ericsson) in the Red Wings' victory parade this past June. Photo by Matt Mackinder/MiCHO

Kunitz to bring Cup to Big Rapids

Former CCHA Player of the Year Chris Kunitz, a member of the 2007 Stanley Cup champion Anaheim Ducks, will bring the Stanley Cup to his alma mater Ferris State University on Monday, July 23.

Kunitz' visit to Big Rapids, and later in the day to his hometown of Regina, Saskatchewan, is part of what has become a tradition for each member of the championship team to have a day with the Cup.

Two events with Kunitz and the Stanley Cup are open to the public.

The first takes place in Ferris' Ewigleben Ice Arena at 9:30 a.m. when Mayor Ed Burch will present Kunitz with a key to the city. Ferris President David Eisler, hockey coach Bob Daniels and several of Kunitz' former Bulldog teammates will also be on hand to make remarks. Doors will open at 9 a.m. and the first 500 fans through the doors will receive free T-shirts.

After the presentation from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. in the Wink Arena Lobby, Kunitz will sign autographs and pose for pictures for those willing to donate $5 to the American Cancer Society.

Kunitz made his Stanley Cup debut in game three in Ottawa, returning to the lineup following a seven-game absence after breaking his hand in the conference finals against the Detroit Red Wings. His playing time in game three was limited to just over one period due to an abdominal injury. Despite his injuries, the left winger started for the Ducks in the series finale. When Ottawa closed within 2-1 in the second period, Kunitz pressured defenseman Chris Phillips behind the Senators' net, causing Phillips to attempt a pass through the crease. The puck deflected off the skate of the Senators goaltender and into the net, creating a great momentum shift for the Ducks.

Photo courtesy CCHA

Miller excites fans with Cup appearance

Former Michigan State captain Drew Miller, a member of the 2007 Stanley Cup champion Anaheim Ducks, spent his day with the Cup in his hometown of East Lansing on Thursday. Fans had a chance to get a picture with Miller and the Stanley Cup on the concourse of Munn Ice Arena.

To view pictures of the Cup's appearance at Munn, click the link below.

DREW MILLER'S DAY WITH THE STANLEY CUP GALLERY

Photo of Miller and MSU head coach Rick Comley courtesy CCHA

Miller to bring Cup to East Lansing

Former Michigan State hockey player Drew Miller, a member of the 2007 Stanley Cup champion Anaheim Ducks, will bring the Stanley Cup to his hometown of East Lansing on Thursday.

Media availability for Miller is at 2:45 on the Munn Arena concourse below the press box. Immediately following, there will be a public viewing of the Cup – with photo opportunities for fans – from 3-4:30 p.m. at Munn Arena.

The Miller family has requested that all interviews be conducted during the media availability at Munn Arena. The family function later that day is a private event.

Miller, who played for the Spartans from 2003-06, was drafted by the Ducks in the sixth round (186th overall) of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. He captained the team as a junior before forgoing his final year of collegiate eligibility to sign with the Ducks on May 3, 2006.

In his time at MSU, Miller accumulated 39 goals and 47 assists for 86 points. He was the squad's leading scorer with 18 goals and 25 assists for 43 points in 44 games in his final collegiate season, and was named Michigan State 's Most Valuable Player. He was honored as the CCHA's Best Defensive Forward, and was named to the CCHA All-Tournament Team. This season, Michigan State also captured the 2006 CCHA Tournament title with a 2-1 victory over regular-season champion Miami , and advanced to the East Regional final in the NCAA Tournament.

In his addition to his excellence on the ice, Miller also left his mark on the community. Miller created the Spartan Buddy Program, where MSU athletes go to Sparrow Hospital on a regular basis to visit pediatric patients. He also participated in pen pal programs with local classrooms, Teams for Toys, DARE, and the Special Olympics. The commitment to community involvement earned Miller the CCHA's 2006 Illitch Humanitarian Award this past season and nominations for the Hockey Humanitarian Award in 2005 and 2006.

Miller spent the entire 2006-07 regular season with Anaheim ’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Portland Pirates. In 79 games, he scored 16 goals and added 20 assists for 36 points, and amassing 51 penalty minutes.

Miller was called up to the Ducks as the NHL playoffs began, and made his NHL debut in the Ducks’ first-round series against Vancouver. Miller played his first significant minutes in the Stanley Cup finals against Ottawa , earning a spot on the wing of Anaheim ’s top line – playing with Teemu Selanne and Andy MacDonald.

Ex-Bulldog, Spartans hoist Stanley Cup

Three former Michigan collegians hoisted the Stanley Cup last night as the Anaheim Ducks beat the Ottawa Senators, 6-2, to win the championship series in five games.

Forward Chris Kunitz, a four-year skater with Ferris State from 1999-2003, will have his name engraved on the Cup. Kunitz (pictured above) put up 25 goals in 81 regular-season games.

One of Anaheim's "black aces," rookie forward Drew Miller, also held the Cup aloft Wednesday night in southern California. He left Michigan State last spring with one year of eligibility remaining to sign with the Ducks.

Newell Brown, a Ducks assistant coach and former Michigan State player (1980-1984) and assistant (1987-1990), helped guide Anaheim to a 16-5 postseason mark with series wins over Minnesota, Vancouver, Detroit and Ottawa. Brown was also head coach at Michigan Tech from 1990-1992.

Congratulations to all from MichiganCollegeHockey.com!