Former Bulldog Chupp to coach in Green Bay

Former Ferris State star Cody Chupp named an assistant coach in the USHL.

Spartans nab USHL recruit

MSU gets a commitment from a potential USHL star in Mason Appleton.

Force captain chooses Western Michigan

Fargo Force defenseman Neal Goff has committed to play college hockey at Western Michigan University beginning next season.

Spartans announce three more commitments for '13-14

Michigan State Press Release

Michigan State has announced that three more players will be joining the Spartan hockey program for the fall of 2013.

Forwards Thomas Ebbing (Troy/Chicago Steel), Villiam Haag (Gothenberg, Sweden) and defenseman Chris Knudson (North Barrington, Ill./Wichita Falls Wildcats) will join previously-signed forwards Joe Cox (Chelsea), JT Stenglein (Greece, N.Y.) and Mackenzie MacEachern (Troy) as the newcomers for the 2013-14 season.

"We are very excited about this class," said MSU coach Tom Anastos. "They possess a nice blend of scoring ability, size, speed, toughness and tenacity that will help us continue our evolution into a championship-caliber team."

Five of the six played at least part of the 2012-13 season in the United States Hockey League, while Knudson is a veteran of the North American Hockey League.

A total of 14 returning veterans played in either the USHL or NAHL before joining the Spartan program.

Michigan State graduates four seniors from the 2012-13 team - three forwards (Anthony Hayes, Chris Forfar and Kevin Walrod) and defenseman Matt Grassi.

Knudson photo courtesy NAHL

Spartans announce two more commits for 2013-14

Michigan State Press Release 

Michigan State announced today that forward Joe Cox (Chelsea/Muskegon Lumberjacks), and J.T. Stenglein (Greece, N.Y./Youngstown Phantoms) will join the Spartan hockey program in the fall of 2013.

Cox and Stenglein (pictured) join Mackenzie MacEachern (Troy/Chicago Steel) as the committed players for the fall of 2013.

“We are very excited about this class,” said MSU head coach Tom Anastos. “They possess a nice blend of scoring ability, size, speed, toughness and tenacity that will help us continue our evolution into a championship-caliber team."

MacEachern signed his National Letter of Intent last spring and was drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the NHL Entry Draft in June.

All three are currently playing in the United States Hockey League, a developmental league in which 14 of MSU’s current 27 players competed prior to enrolling at MSU.

Photo courtesy Rob Bindler

Di Giuseppe headlines Michigan draft class

Michigan Press Releases

For the first time since 2007, the University of Michigan had a player selected in the first round of the NHL Entry Draft, as incoming freshman Jacob Trouba (Rochester) was taken ninth overall by the Winnipeg Jets on Friday at Consol Energy Center, home of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Trouba was ranked ninth among North American skaters by the NHL's Central Scouting Service after completing his second season with the United States National Team Development Program in 2011-12.

The 6-foot-2, 193-pound defenseman appeared in 50 games last season with the USNTDP Under-18 team, earning 31 points (9g, 22a). He represented the United States at the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship, recording three assists in six games. Trouba has also won two gold medals with the U.S. at the World Under-18 Championships (2011, 2012) and captured a silver medal at the 2011 Under-17 World Hockey Challenge.

Trouba is the 17th Michigan player or commit to be selected in the first round, and the first since Montreal took forward Max Pacioretty in 2007.

He is the seventh-highest pick in U-M history and the second-highest pick by the Winnipeg Jets (Aaron Ward, fifth overall, 1991).

Trouba will join sophomore defenseman Brennan Serville (Pickering, Ont.) as Winnipeg draft picks in Ann Arbor next season.

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

After incoming freshman Jacob Trouba was selected ninth overall by Winnipeg on Friday, three more members of the University of Michigan hockey team fulfilled their NHL draft-day dreams on Saturday at Consol Energy Center, home of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

U-M winger Phil Di Giuseppe (Maple, Ont.) was the first Wolverine off the board, going 38th overall to the Carolina Hurricanes. Incoming forward Boo Nieves (Rochester, N.Y.) was also a second-round pick, as the New York Rangers chose him 59th overall. Incoming defenseman Connor Carrick (Orland Park, Ill.) was selected in the fifth round, 137th overall, by the Washington Capitals.

Di Giuseppe, who was ranked 22nd among North American skaters in the final CSS rankings, recently completed his freshman season with the Maize and Blue, posting 26 points (11g, 15a) in 40 games. He ranked second among team rookies in all three scoring categories and received CCHA All-Rookie Team honorable mention. The 6-foot-1, 200-pound forward was named the CCHA Rookie of the Month for October and the league's Rookie of the Week for the week ending Oct. 31, 2011.

Nieves (pictured) spent the last two seasons at the Kent School in Kent, Conn., where he was coached by former Michigan captain Matt Herr. The 6-foot-3, 184-pound forward tallied 39 points (11g, 28a) in 22 games at Kent last season before joining the Indiana Ice of the United States Hockey League at the conclusion of his high school season.

Carrick was ranked 124th among North American skaters in the CSS rankings after competing with the United States National Team Development Program for the past two seasons. Carrick appeared in 41 games with the Under-18 team in 2011-12, earning 16 points (5g, 11a).

Photo courtesy MiHockeyNow.com

Incoming Michigan State quartet drafted in Pittsburgh

Michigan State Press Release 

Four incoming Michigan State players were drafted on the second day of the National Hockey League Entry Draft on Saturday and the four selections in this year’s draft were the most selections for the Spartans in a season since 2006.

“We are very pleased for the guys who were drafted today,” said MSU coach Tom Anastos, who himself was drafted in the sixth round by the Montreal Canadiens in the 1981 draft.

“All four of them have excellent futures ahead of them and we are excited about them beginning the next phase of their development at Michigan State.”

The future Spartan players started to hear their names early in the third round.

Birmingham Brother Rice graduate Mackenzie Maceachern (Troy) and defenseman John Draeger (Edina, Minn) went in back-to-back picks, Maceachern at No. 67 overall to the St. Louis Blues. Draeger heard his name called by his home-state Minnesota Wild at No. 68. Maceachern is the ninth-ever MSU draft pick by the Blues and the first since Trevor Nill in 2006. Draeger is just the second-ever Minnesota Wild draft pick for the Spartans and both were defensemen (AJ Thelen was a first-round pick of the Wild in 2004).

Rhett Holland (Calgary, Alberta) went to Phoenix with their fourth-round selection. Four former Spartan players were drafted by the old Winnipeg Jets prior to the team relocating to Phoenix in 1996.

MSU’s fourth selection of the day was Matt DeBlouw (Chesterfield), Calgary’s seventh-round pick at No. 186 overall. He is the fifth Spartan selected and first since 1991 when Kelly Harper was picked by Calgary in the seventh round as well.

MSU had four players selected in the NHL draft for the first time since 2006 when Mike Ratchuk (Philadelphia), Jeff Petry (Edmonton), Ryan Turek (St. Louis) and Nick Sucharski (Columbus) heard their names called on draft day.

Michigan State had 15 former players appear in at least one NHL game during the 2011-12 season.

Draeger, Holland and DeBlouw are set to join the Spartans for the 2012-13 season, while Maceachern will play this coming season in the USHL for the Chicago Steel, which selected him fourth overall in the USHL draft earlier this spring. Maceachern was Michigan’s "Mr. Hockey" after leading Brother Rice to a state title. Draeger helped lead Shattuck St. Mary’s to back-to-back national Tier I championships in 2011 and 2012.

Maceachern photo by MiHockeyNow.com

Incoming Husky gets USHL hardware

Michigan Tech Press Release 

Michigan Tech hockey recruit C.J. Eick (pronounced IKE) hoisted the Clark Cup as an assistant captain for the Green Bay Gamblers last Wednesday (May 23).

The Gamblers defeated the Waterloo Black Hawks 5-2 in the fifth and decisive game of the Clark Cup finals to become champions of the 2011-12 United States Hockey League season.

Eick totaled eight goals and 12 assists in 58 games during the regular season for the Gamblers and posted a plus-minus rating of +16. In 12 playoff games, the 5-7 forward notched one goal and three assists.

The team set several records during the season including the league marks for points (98) and road wins (25) and the franchise record for victories (47). A native of nearby Appleton, Wis., Eick was thrilled to be able to win a title with his hometown team.

“I grew up watching Gamblers games, and it was a special to be one of the assistant captains for Green Bay this year. It was an unbelievable season. “I’m looking forward to taking what I learned in juniors and building on that in college. I’ve been to several Tech games, and I love the atmosphere and feel. The coaching staff has been great so far.”

Eick was not the only member of the Gamblers with Michigan Tech ties. Pat Mikesch, former player (1992-96) and assistant coach (2005-11), served as assistant coach for the Gamblers in 2011-12.

USHL goalie commits to Northern Michigan

USHL Press Release

The Chicago Steel has announced that goaltender Mathias Dahlstrom has committed to play collegiate hockey at Northern Michigan University beginning next season.

“I really liked Northern Michigan when I went there on a visit,” Dahlstrom said. “The coaches were very nice and helpful throughout the recruiting process. Overall, it was a good fit for me. “My family always knew that I wanted to play college hockey and they are happy that I get the chance to follow my dream.”

Dahlstrom is playing in his first USHL season and currently leads all league goaltenders in minutes played (984:17) and saves (504). He opened his USHL career making 32 saves and turning aside two of three in the shootout during the 3-2 shootout win vs. Team USA on Oct. 1.

The 20-year-old from Smedjebacken, Sweden, has been in net for all seven of the victories by the Steel this season and has posted a 2.99 goals-against average and .911 save percentage.

“We are excited that Mathias has committed to Northern Michigan,” Chicago Steel head coach Scott McConnell said. “He will get the opportunity to step in and push for playing time when he arrives on campus. His character and work ethic, combined with his abilities, will allow him to contribute to their hockey program immediately. Mathias has been the backbone of our team and every team he has played for and I expect the same in the future.”

Dubuque Fighting Saints forward Gerard Hanson is also committed to play hockey at Northern Michigan following his USHL career.

Photo/MJB Images

Spartans announce three more recruits for '12-13

MSU Press Release

Michigan State has announced that three players signed national letters of intent in the fall signing period and will join the Spartans in the fall of 2012.

Forward Ryan Keller (Farmington Hills/Sioux Falls Stampede, USHL), defenseman John Draeger (Faribault, Minn./Shattuck-St. Mary's) and goaltender Jake Hildebrand (Butler, Penn./Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, USHL) will join three previous signees – forward Matt DeBlouw (Chesterfield/Muskegon Lumberjacks, USHL) and defensemen Rhett Holland (Calgary, Alberta/Okotoks Oilers, AJHL) and Travis Walsh (Lansing/Muskegon Lumberjacks) on the Spartan roster for next season.

“When we assembled our staff, one of our main priorities right away was recruiting,” said Michigan State head coach Tom Anastos, who was hired in March. “We are very serious about making Michigan State a program that competes for the top recruits, brings in quality men and high-level players, and also developing those players to play at the next level.

"We’re very happy with the players who have committed to our program as this class brings a nice blend of size, skill and toughness to our team. We are losing a very large senior class at the end of this year, so there will be plenty of opportunity for these players to compete right away."

Spartans get USHL goalie for 2012-2013

Courtesy USHL

The Sioux City Musketeers have announced that goaltender Jake Hildebrand has committed to play college hockey at Michigan State University beginning in the 2012-13 season.

"I was ecstatic," said Hildebrand on having the commitment finalized. "It's one of the many goals you have as a hockey player so I was thrilled. The campus was great, the rink was amazing…it just seemed like a perfect fit for me."

Hildebrand has appeared in 25 USHL games, compiling a 9-10-1 record, a 2.66 goals against-average, and .903 save percentage. He made a career high 42 saves in the 3-2 win vs. Tri-City on Oct. 29, 2010 and made 40 saves in the season finale on April 9 as the Musketeers earned a 4-3 win against Fargo and secured a spot in the playoffs for the first time since 2008. The 18-year-old native of Butler, Penn., first appeared in the USHL during the 2009-10 season, joining the Musketeers late in the season and playing in four games.

"Jake has been a terrific goaltender for the Musketeers and he's going to a great program in Michigan State," said new Musketeers coach-GM Brett Larson. "He's one of the most athletic goaltenders in the league and I look forward to watching him continue to develop this year."

Six other players who spent the 2010-11 season in the USHL are also committed to Michigan State: Michael Gunn (Chicago Steel), Matt Berry (Muskegon Lumberjacks), Matt DeBlouw (Muskegon Lumberjacks), Travis Walsh (Muskegon Lumberjacks), Brent Darnell (Sioux Falls Stampede) and Reid Boucher (Team USA).

Photo courtesy Jim Utterback

MTU nabs in-state high schooler for fall

Muskegon Lumberjacks Press Release

The hundreds of skaters who recently took part in Muskegon Lumberjacks tryout camp were not just duking it out for a spot on the Jacks’ 2011-12 roster, they also were playing for their hockey future beyond the United States Hockey League.

Just ask Jimmy Davis.

The Caledonia native caught the eye of Michigan Tech University head coach Mel Pearson at the L.C. Walker Arena and immediately was offered a scholarship to play for the Huskies this fall.

“To be able to get a scholarship through Jacks camp means a lot,” Davis said. “The main goal of junior hockey is to continue playing hockey, get a scholarship and get set up for whatever you want to do – whether it be going pro in hockey or whatever career you choose out of college.”

Davis was a standout defenseman at East Kentwood High School, from which he graduated this spring. A gritty, 6-foot, 190-pound blueliner, Davis helped his team to the final four of the Michigan state hockey tournament this past season. His father, Jim, spoke with Pearson following the Jacks’ all-star game on June 18, but withheld the conversation from his protégé, lest it prove a distraction in the following morning’s all-star game.

“I appreciate that he didn’t tell me,” said Davis, laughing. “My dad’s always looked out for me and pushed me. I have him to thank for my toughness and my work ethic.”

Davis has been using the workouts developed by Jacks assistant coach Dave Noel-Bernier, a certified strength and conditioning coach, to prepare for the jump from high school hockey. He’ll depart for Houghton on Aug. 22.

“This speaks to the kind of opportunity we’re providing to hockey players from Michigan – and anywhere – here in Muskegon,” Lumberjacks owner and CEO Josh Mervis said. “We can get players to college faster and on to their pro careers as fast here as any league in the world, including the CHL. We also get them prepared for life after hockey, which no other path can provide. That’s why the USHL is the perfect path.”

Two Michigan recruits selected on Day 2

UM Press Release

A pair of incoming freshmen for the University of Michigan were selected at the 2011 NHL Entry Draft on Saturday.

Goaltender John Gibson (Pittsburgh, Pa.) was chosen by the Anaheim Ducks in the second round (39th overall), while defenseman Brennan Serville (Pickering, Ont.) was picked by the Winnipeg Jets in the third round (78th overall).

Gibson (6-3, 206 pounds) was the top-ranked North American goalie by the NHL Central Scouting Service. He spent the past two seasons with the Ann Arbor-based U.S. National Team Development Program. In 2010-11, Gibson had a 24-11-3 record with a 2.55 goals-against average and a .921 save percentage for the U.S. NTDP Under-18 Team, backstopping Team USA to a gold medal at the 2011 IIHF World Under-18 Championships in April. His 6-0-0 record, 2.34 GAA and .926 save percentage at the tournament earned him the Directorate Award for Best Goaltender. In June, Gibson was named USA Hockey's 2011 Dave Peterson Goalie of the Year. In 2009-10, he had a 10-12-1 record, 3.76 GAA and .895 save percentage with the U.S. NTDP Under-17 Team.

"John has great net coverage and size, and is very strong," said Al Jensen from NHL Central Scouting. "He's sound technically, moves very well laterally and is controlled. He's calm, not busy."

Serville (6-3, 184 pounds) was rated the 104th-best skater in North America heading into the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. The blueliner played for the Stouffville Spirit of the Ontario Junior Hockey League for the last two seasons. In 2010-11, he had three goals, 27 assists and 29 penalty minutes in 36 regular-season games to earn North-West Conference First Team All-Prospect accolades. He also played in the CJHL Prospects Game for Team East. Serville helped Team Canada East win a silver medal at the 2010 World Junior A Challenge. In 2009-10, he had a 3-12-15 line for the Spirit. Over two playoffs, he had 3-12-15 totals in 23 games.

In 2011-12, the Wolverines are slated to have 12 players on their roster who have been drafted by NHL teams.

Wolverines add trio to class of 2015

Michigan Press Release

Defenseman Mike Chiasson (Henderson, Nev.), defenseman Michael Szuma (Novi) and forward Andrew Sinelli (Dexter) will join the University of Michigan for the 2011-12 season, head coach Red Berenson announced on Thursday.

The trio increases U-M's freshman class to nine members: five forwards, three defensemen and one goaltender.

Chiasson (5-11, 195 pounds) comes to Michigan after spending three seasons with the United States Hockey League's Omaha Lancers. In 2010-11, he captained the Lancers and earned the team's E.H. "Motto" McLean Leadership Award. On the ice, he accumulated four goals, 11 assists, 41 penalty minutes and a +10 plus/minus rating over 50 regular-season games. In 122 career games, he had a 7-20-27 line with 90 penalty minutes and a +23 rating. He appeared in 11 career playoff games. Mike is the son of Steve Chiasson, who played 13 seasons in the NHL.

"Chiasson is a defenseman that we were able to add late and we're pretty fortunate that he was available to us," said UM assistant coach Billy Powers. "He brings great experience from the premier development league for college hockey. He played on Omaha's top two defense corps. Omaha was second in the league in goals against and he was a big part of that because he's an honest, smart, stay-at-home defenseman that takes a lot of pride in his plus/minus. He's more worried about contributing to the team than individual stats."

Szuma (6-0, 195 pounds) arrives in Ann Arbor from the North American Hockey League's Michigan Warriors. In 2010-11, Szuma collected seven goals, 15 assists, 36 penalty minutes and a +13 rating in 56 regular-season games. He helped the Warriors win the North Division title and reach the Robertson Cup final. Previously, he played the 2009-10 season with the Eastern Junior Hockey League's Green Mountain Glades, for whom he appeared in 43 games and tallied a 4-5-9 line with 30 penalty minutes.

"Szuma is a kid that we tracked a year ago and he ended up playing in Flint in the North American Hockey League for a new franchise," said Powers. "He was lucky because he got to play under head coach Moe Mantha, who was a career NHL defenseman, so he's had great tutelage and it shows in his game. He's another intelligent, high hockey IQ defenseman who's reliable. There is some offensive up-side; he played on the power play. He's a local Michigan kid who's really excited about putting on the Maize and Blue."

Sinelli (5-9, 168 pounds) spent the last two seasons in the United States Hockey League. Playing primarily for the Youngstown Phantoms in 2010-11, he posted five goals, three assists and 36 penalty minutes in 38 games. He also had a goal over seven games with the Dubuque Fighting Saints. In 50 games in 2009-10 with the Sioux City Musketeers, he had 6-11-17 totals and 60 PIM.

"Sinelli is a kid who was a premier player in his age group coming up through the Honeybaked organization," Powers said. "He's now played a few years of junior hockey. His offensive numbers fell off a little bit in junior hockey, but he does have a history of producing and the ability to put up points. What I like about him is his game has evolved without the puck and he took on a penalty killer role with Youngstown and did a great job. He's a real good energy guy and he's going to come here and vie for a spot in our forward group."

Chiasson, Szuma and Sinelli join goaltender John Gibson (Pittsburgh, Pa.), defenseman Brennan Serville (Pickering, Ontario) and forwards Phil Di Giuseppe (Maple, Ontario), Zach Hyman (Toronto, Ontario), Alex Guptill (Newmarket, Ontario) and Travis Lynch (White Lake) in the 2011 recruiting class.

Wolverines add Nevada native for fall

Courtesy USHL

The Omaha Lancers announced that defenseman Mike Chiasson has committed to play collegiate hockey next season at the University of Michigan.

Chiasson, the son of the late NHL defenseman Steve Chiasson, collected 15 points (4g, 11a) and a plus-10 rating in 50 games during the regular season while serving as the captain of the Lancers. It was the third USHL season for the 20-year-old from Henderson, Nev., who had his best season offensively. He scored three of his goals in a span of four games this season, all victories for Omaha.

Over 122 career games for the Lancers, he posted 27 points (7g, 20a) and a plus-23 rating. The defenseman also competed in 11 postseason games for Omaha.

Six other players who took the ice in the USHL during the 2010-11 season are also committed to the University of Michigan: Justin Selman (Des Moines Buccaneers), Travis Lynch (Green Bay Gamblers), Max Shuart (Muskegon Lumberjacks), Connor Carrick (Team USA), John Gibson (Team USA) and Andrew Sinelli (Youngstown Phantoms).

The Wolverines advanced the national championship game this season with 11 USHL alumni: Mac Bennett (Cedar Rapids RoughRiders), Kevin Clare (Team USA), Derek Deblois (Cedar Rapids RoughRiders), Bryan Hogan (Lincoln Stars), Adam Janecyk (Sioux City Musketeers), Chad Langlais (Lincoln Stars), Jon Merrill (Team USA), Luke Moffatt (Team USA), Lee Moffie (Waterloo Black Hawks), Greg Pateryn (Ohio Junior Blue Jackets) and Jeff Rohrkemper (Sioux Falls Stampede).

Photo by Robert Meyer

Florida native picks Lake Superior State

Courtesy USHL

Lincoln Stars goaltender Kevin Murdock has committed to play collegiate hockey at Lake Superior State University beginning next season.

Murdock compiled a 29-15-4 record this season for the Stars. The 29 victories were the second most in the USHL. He appeared in 52 games, played over 2,926 minutes, and made 1,388 saves – ranking third in all three categories among league goaltenders.

Murdock posted six straight wins from November 5-19, which included two shutouts. He earned five total shutouts during the 2010-11 regular season. The 20-year-old from Bradenton, Fla., put together a 9-2-0 record over his last 12 games of the season, helping the Stars earn a playoff berth.

It was the third USHL season for Murdock after spending two previous seasons with the Stars (2007-09) and then last year with Minnesota State. He was selected to compete in the 2009 USHL All-Star Game and earned postseason honors with a spot on the 2008-09 All-USHL Second Team.

Photo courtesy Jeff White

FSU announces four more newbies

Ferris State Press Release

The future for the Ferris State University hockey program could be a promising one as the Bulldogs have secured the services of another four newcomers to its 2011 recruiting class.

Defensemen Jason Binkley (Powell, Ohio) and Travis White (Sterling Heights), along with forwards Nate Milam (Westland) and T.J. Schlueter (St. Louis, Mo.) have all committed to attend FSU and play for the Bulldogs starting with the 2011-12 season.

"Overall, this class has a high skills set which through our off-ice conditioning program under the direction of Dave Cencer will enable these skills to produce offense throughout their careers," said FSU head coach Bob Daniels, who's Ferris State's all-time winningest coach and recently completed his 19th season behind the Bulldog bench.

* Jason Binkley (5-9, 191; 6/13/92) skated this 2010-11 season with the Tri-City Storm (Kearney, Neb.) of the United States Hockey League (USHL). Binkley compiled 14 points on four goals with 10 assists in 56 contests this season which ranked second most among the team's defensemen. A right-handed shot, Binkley was drafted by the Storm in the 2009 USHL Entry Draft (144th overall pick). Two of his Tri-City teammates, Simon Denis and Dominic Panetta committed to Ferris State in November 2010. Prior to his one-season stint at Tri-City under head coach/general manager Drew Schoneck, Binkley skated for the Eastern Junior Hockey League's (EJHL) Jersey Hitmen in 2009-10 and accumulated 10 goals with 27 assists for 37 points and 54 penalty minutes in 42 outings.

"Jason has good offensive instincts both even strength and on the power play," said FSU associate head coach and recruiting coordinator Drew Famulak. "He's adept at picking his spots to join the rush offensively."

* Nate Milam (6-0, 170; 7/8/90) has spent the last two seasons (2009-10 and 2010-11) with the Topeka (Kan.) RoadRunners of the North American Hockey League (NAHL). In 58 regular-season games this campaign, Milam generated a team fourth-most 52 points on a squad third-best 23 goals and 29 assists while tallying a team-leading and franchise-record six short-handed lamplighters, five game-winning goals, and three power-play markers. His 52 points this 2010-11 season tied for 33rd place among the NAHL's overall scoring leaders overall and ranked in a 32nd-place tie for the league's top offensive forwards. This season, Milam has tallied seven points with four goals and three helpers in five league playoff contests for Topeka, which claimed the NAHL South Division Regular-Season title with a 43-12-3 record (89 league points) and is presently competing in the divisional finals of the NAHL Robertson Cup Playoffs. Milam, a right-handed shot, earned SBK/NAHL South Division Player of the Week plaudits earlier this campaign (March 7) while skating for head coach Scott Langer's club. He participated in the 2011 Top Prospects Tournament in Ann Arbor, Mich. and scored a goal in each of the tourney's three games. A season ago, Milam posted 18 goals and 10 assists for a team 11th-place tying 28 points in 54 regular-season encounters. The NAHL South Division Player of the Week (Oct. 12) also scored four power-play lamplighters and game-winning markers apiece. Milam skated for Belle Tire of the Midget Majors in 2008-09 and racked up 33 points as a result of 24 goals with nine assists in 45 games.

"Nate is a very mobile forward who has the ability to create offense both in five-on-five situations and also on the penalty kill," Famulak said of Milam, who's no relation to former Bulldog standout Troy Milam (1999-03). "He possesses a quick release and accurate wrist shot."

* T.J. Schlueter (6-0, 194; 10/23/91) competed for the United States Hockey League's (USHL) Dubuque (Iowa) Fighting Saints this 2010-11 season. The forward recorded a team sixth-best tying 28 points with 17 goals and 11 assists in 54 contests this campaign to go along with five power-play goals, three game-winners, and a plus four efficiency rating. Among the USHL's top points producers this season, Schlueter tied for 82nd place overall and was listed in a 70th-place tie for top-scoring forwards. Dubuque, which turned in a first-place 37-14-9 (83 league points) in the USHL's West Division under head coach-general manager Jim Montgomery this season, earned a first-round bye in the USHL Playoffs. A right-handed shot, Schlueter came to Dubuque after spending the 2009-10 campaign playing for the Tri-City Storm.

"A big, strong physical player, T.J. has a very good presence in front of the net," said Famulak. "He has the ability to create offense by using his body below the tops of the circles."

* Travis White (5-9, 180; 3/9/90) recently completed his third season with the Traverse City North Stars of the North American Hockey League (NAHL). White skated for the North Stars under head coach Anthony Palumbo in the 2008-09, 2009-10, and 2010-11 seasons after playing for the NAHL's St. Louis Bandits in the 2007-08 campaign. White enjoyed his most productive season in a North Stars' jersey this season with a career season-high and squad fifth-most 40 points on eight goals and a team second-best 32 assists in 56 games. White, who ranks seventh among this season's NAHL top scoring defensemen and tied for 88th overall this season to date, also netted two game-winning and power-play tallies apiece while finishing with a plus six efficiency rating as the North Stars posted a second-place 40-17-1 North Division regular-season performance. White compiled a team 14th-place tying 16 points on a goal and 15 assists with a plus 23 efficiency rating in 45 2009-10 season outings and concluded his first season at Traverse City in 2008-09 by racking up 17 points with four goals and 13 helpers in 57 encounters. He garnered nine points on a goal with eight assists in 47 games for the 2007-08 campaign while skating with the St. Louis Bandits. White will be reunited with former North Star teammates Andy Huff, Garrett Thompson and Kyle Bonis at Ferris State.

"Travis is an outstanding shot blocker and is a productive performer on the penalty kill," said Famulak. "He has good playmaking skills, particularly at making a good first pass on the breakout."

The four will join forwards Dominic Panetta (Baldwin) and Justin Buzzeo (Windsor, Ontario), defenseman Simon Denis (Burnaby, British Columbia) and goaltender C.J. Motte (St. Clair), who all inked with the Bulldogs during the November early signing period.

"This group possesses the passion to succeed not only on the ice but in the classroom due to their committment and work ethic," said Daniels.

Sinelli switches commitment to U of M

Compiled by MiCHO Staff

After committing to Michigan State more than two years ago, USHL forward Andrew Sinelli has backed out on that choice and has now verbally committed to Michigan.

According to a press release issued by the Youngstown Phantoms, the Dexter native will join the Wolverines this fall.

“The first thing you see when you walk into Yost Arena is all of their banners,” said Sinelli. “It is a winning program with a great tradition and I am very excited to be playing in Ann Arbor. I love to win and I hate losing more than anything. I want to win and that was one of the main reasons I chose Michigan.”

Sinelli was acquired by the Phantoms via a trade with the Dubuque Fighting Saints on November 1. In 38 games played with the Phantoms, Sinelli tallied five goals and three assists for eight points.

“I am a high energy forward,” said Sinelli. “I like to play physical and I am not afraid to block some shots. I will have to compete for my playing time and my work in Youngstown on the penalty kill will allow me to succeed on the college level.”

Sinelli started his USHL career in 2009-2010 with the Sioux City Musketeers before moving to the Fighting Saints at the start of this past season. Sinelli finished with 95 games played, 12 goals, 14 assists, 26 points and 123 penalty minutes in two USHL seasons.

Photo courtesy Youngstown Phantoms

USHL captain picks Ferris State

Courtesy USHL

The Dubuque Fighting Saints have announced that forward T.J. Schlueter has committed to play collegiate hockey at Ferris State University.

It is the second USHL season for the St. Louis native and a breakout year offensively as Schlueter is fourth on the Saints with 15 goals and has collected 26 points (15g, 11a) in 50 games while serving as the captain for the expansion club. The 19-year-old played 33 games in the USHL last season for the Tri-City Storm and scored one goal. He also added a goal in the playoffs for the Storm.

"This year has meant everything to my career," Schlueter told the Dubuque Telegraph Herald. "I can't say enough about (Dubuque coaches) Monty and Coombsy. They've put me in a position where I could get exposure and show what I can do. They have made my hockey career, and for that I thank them."

Five other current USHL players are also committed to Ferris State University: Dominic Panetta (Indiana Ice), Ken Babinski (Omaha Lancers), Jason Binkley (Tri-City Storm), Simon Denis (Tri-City Storm) and C.J. Motte (Waterloo Black Hawks).

The Bulldogs are a member the CCHA and had 10 USHL alumni on the roster this season: Eric Alexander (Lincoln Stars/Chicago Steel), Chad Billins (Waterloo Black Hawks), Kyle Bonis (Indiana Ice), Scott Czarnowczan (Green Bay Gamblers), Justin DeMartino (Waterloo Black Hawks), Mike Embach (Indiana Ice/Chicago Steel), Zach Redmond (Sioux Falls Stampede), Aaron Schmit (Chicago Steel), Scott Wietecha (Cedar Rapids RoughRiders), and Brett Wysopal (Tri-City Storm). In addition, Bulldogs assistant coach Mark Kaufman is a former head coach in the USHL (Sioux Falls Stampede 2003-05, Rochester Mustangs 1988-92).

"He's helped us win in so many different ways this year, but it's mostly been because he's worked so hard and put his teammates first," Saints head coach/GM Jim Montgomery said to the Telegraph Herald. "I'm going to be sad to see him go, but this is one of those times where you really feel good about being a coach. You get an opportunity to help an outstanding young man reach one of his dreams in hockey."

Photo by Jim Naprstek

Ferris State gets nod from USHL D-man

Courtesy USHL

The Tri-City Storm have announced that defenseman Jason Binkley has committed to play collegiate hockey at Ferris State University.

"Ferris is a perfect size school – not too big or too small – and has reputable coaches and a solid hockey program," said Binkley. "They play in a great hockey conference in college hockey and will really help me become a better overall defenseman."

Binkley is second among Storm defensemen in scoring with 12 points (2g, 10a) in 42 games this season. It is the first USHL season for the 18-year-old native of Powell, Ohio, who has collected four assists over his last five games. He was selected by the Storm in the 2009 USHL Entry Draft.

"Coming to the USHL has better prepared me mentally and physically on and off the ice for the collegiate level," said Binkley who plans to major in business at Ferris State. "Playing for the Storm has made me a better skating defenseman and expanded certain skills that have enabled me to earn a scholarship."

Binkley will be joined at Ferris State by fellow Storm defenseman Simon Denis, who has also committed to the school. Three other current USHL players are also committed to Ferris State: Dominic Panetta (Indiana Ice), Ken Babinski (Omaha Lancers) and C.J. Motte (Waterloo Black Hawks).

The Bulldogs are a member the CCHA and have 10 USHL alumni on the roster this season: Eric Alexander (Lincoln Stars/Chicago Steel), Chad Billins (Waterloo Black Hawks), Kyle Bonis (Indiana Ice), Scott Czarnowczan (Green Bay Gamblers), Justin DeMartino (Waterloo Black Hawks), Mike Embach (Indiana Ice/Chicago Steel), Zach Redmond (Sioux Falls Stampede), Aaron Schmit (Chicago Steel), Scott Wietecha (Cedar Rapids RoughRiders) and Brett Wysopal (Tri-City Storm).

In addition, Bulldogs assistant coach Mark Kaufman is a former head coach in the USHL (Sioux Falls Stampede 2003-05, Rochester Mustangs 1988-92).

"We are happy for Jason, who has played well for us this season," said Storm head coach-GM Drew Schoneck. "We look forward to the rest of the year with him and wish him all the best with the Bulldogs next season."

Photo courtesy Tri-City Storm