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

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.”

Wolverines announce '13-14 commitments

Michigan Press Release 

Michigan has announced the signing of seven players to National Letters of Intent for the 2013-14 season.

Forwards Evan Allen (Sterling Heights), Bryson Cianfrone (Stoney Creek, Ontario), J.T. Compher (Northbrook, Ill.), Alex Kile (Troy) and Tyler Motte (St. Clair), along with defensemen Nolan De Jong (Victoria, British Columbia) and Michael Downing (Canton) have committed to the Wolverines beginning next season.

"We're looking forward to the unique assets that each of these players will bring to our program" said Michigan head coach Red Berenson. "All seven of these student-athletes are high-skill and high-character players and will give us a well-rounded freshman class next season."

More info HERE.

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

Wayne State ACHA squad learning on the fly

Compiled by MiCHO Staff

After Wayne State University’s men’s Division I team folded in 2008 and its women’s team in 2011, many wondered when hockey would once again be part of the school’s extra-curricular activities.

With the addition of club hockey at the ACHA Division III level, men’s hockey returned to the ice this season under coach Frank DiCristofaro, a one-time member of the WSU men’s D-I team during its early years.

DiCristofaro spent the summer recruiting players and marketing the team and, thus far, has been pleased with the results on and off the ice. Going into this weekend, the Warriors are 5-4-0-2.

“The season has been going well,” said DiCristofaro, who has coaching experience at the high school level with St. Clair Shores Unified. “We have had some pleasant surprises and have also learned some lessons about what it takes to win at this level.”

FULL STORY: Checking in on Wayne State’s new ACHA team - MiHockey

Carrick spurns Wolverines for OHL's Whalers

Courtesy Michigan Junior Hockey 

The Plymouth Whalers announced the commitment of 18-year-old defenseman Connor Carrick, who signed a standard Ontario Hockey League contract Friday with the Whalers.

“We’re really excited to have Connor come to Plymouth,” Plymouth coach-GM Mike Vellucci said. “He’s got a great opportunity to continue his education while playing in the best developmental league in the World. With Beau Schmitz leaving, Connor fills a need as an offensive defenseman who will help our power play.”

Carrick’s rights were acquired by the Whalers on Wednesday from the Guelph Storm in exchange for a sixth round draft choice in the 2013 OHL Priority Selection. Carrick was originally taken by Guelph in the 11th round (212th overall) of the 2010 OHL draft and had committed to the University of Michigan for this fall.

“From a hockey perspective, I believe that the Plymouth Whalers offer the best opportunity for me to reach my dreams in this game,” Carrick said in a telephone interview. “You have a great team (in Plymouth) and I’m hoping to add to it. I felt it was a great fit and I’m very excited to make this decision.

“It seemed it (the decision to come to Plymouth) was a no-brainer – both my hockey and my schooling will be in great hands. The underlying message is I’m very excited. I definitely lost some sleep over a couple of nights, but I’m confident in moving forward this is what’s best for me.”

Carrick – 5-feet-11 and 187 pounds and from Orland Park, Ill. – was selected by the Washington Capitals in the fifth round (137th overall) of the recent 2012 National Hockey League Entry Draft.

He has played over the last two seasons with National Team Development Program in Ann Arbor. Last season, Carrick scored eight goals with 13 assists for 21 points in 57 games for the NTDP U-18’s. In 2010-11, Carrick scored four goals with 16 assists for 20 points in 55 games for the NTDP U-17’s.

 In August, Carrick will be joining Plymouth teammates Ryan Hartman, J.T. Miller and Stefan Noesen as they participate in the USA Hockey National Junior Evaluation Camp. The camp is an audition for a spot on the U.S. National Junior Team that will play in the 2013 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship, Dec. 26, 2012-Jan. 5, 2013, in Ufa, Russia. 

Photo courtesy Getty Images/Washington Capitals

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

Spartans announce six more commitments

Michigan State Press Release 

Michigan State has announced that six more players have committed to play hockey at the university.

Two players have signed national letters of intent – forwards Mackenzie MacEachern (Troy) and Mike Ferrantino (Plymouth).

Defenseman Nickolas Gatt (Farmington Hills) will transfer from Alabama-Huntsville and has signed his Big Ten tender of financial aid. David Bondra (Annapolis, Md.), Brock Krygier (Novi) and Connor Wood (Bloomfield Hills) have all enrolled at MSU for the fall semester and will round out a class that as of June 14, sits at 11 newcomers for the 2012-13 season.

MacEachern, who recently completed his senior season at Brother Rice High School, has deferred admission to MSU and will enroll in the fall of 2013. He will play the upcoming season for the Chicago Steel of the United States Hockey League.

Bondra, Gatt, Ferrantino, Krygier and Wood will join six previous signees – forwards Matt DeBlouw (Chesterfield) and Ryan Keller (Farmington Hills), goaltender Jake Hildebrand (Butler, Penn.) and defensemen John Draeger (Fairibault, Minn.), Rhett Holland (Calgary, Alberta) and Travis Walsh (Lansing) on the Spartan roster for next season.

“We lost a large class last season, which included a lot of experienced players,” said MSU head coach Tom Anastos. “We are excited about this group as it has a nice blend of talent, leadership and toughness. As they gain experience, we look for these players to make big contributions to our program.”

More HERE.

Michigan adds BCHLer Dancs for '14-15 season

Compiled by MiCHO Staff 

According to College Hockey PROSPECTive, Michigan has received a commitment from British Columbia forward Dexter Dancs.

Dancs, a 17-year-old power forward-type, spent most of this past season with the Osoyoos Coyotes of the KIJHL and will advance to the BCHL’s Penticton Vees full-time in the 2012-13 season.

Dancs follows in the footsteps of former Vees Brendan Morrison, Brian Lebler and Craig Murray, who all played for Michigan after a stint in Penticton.

“Dexter Dancs is a big, young, raw power forward with an excellent skating stride and an equally as good set of hands and shot,” Penticton assistant coach Michael Hengen told CHP. “Dexter will as easily take the puck hard to the net, set up a play or drop his gloves to stand up for a teammate. Dexter will be another one of many Michigan Wolverines that they will develop to have a chance of playing pro hockey.”

Dancs joins fellow forward Dylan Larkin, who is slated to play for the U.S. NTDP's Under-17 team next season, as Michigan’s first two commits for 2014.

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.

Copp added to Wolverines' incoming class

Michigan Press Release 

The University of Michigan announced Monday that forward Andrew Copp (Ann Arbor/Skyline High School) has signed a National Letter of Intent to join the Wolverines, beginning with the 2012-13 season.

Copp, who spent the last two seasons with the United States National Team Development Program in Ann Arbor, joins six other incoming freshmen who signed their commitments in November.

 "Andrew is a very athletic kid, having played both football and hockey at a high level." said U-M assistant coach Brian Wiseman. "He is a big, strong player with a high skill level and we feel that his best play is yet to come now that he has decided to focus exclusively on hockey."

Copp recorded six points (goal, five assists) in 23 games with the U.S. Under-18 team last season and 11 points (five goals, six assists) in nine games with the Under-17 squad. He also posted one assist in six games while helping the U.S. to a fourth straight gold medal at IIHF Under-18 World Championship in April.

While with the U.S. program, Copp was teammates with incoming freshmen Jacob Trouba (Rochester), Jared Rutledge (Chicago, Ill.) and Connor Carrick (Orland Park, Ill.).

Michigan's incoming freshman class also includes signees Danile Milne (St. Michel's Buzzers, OJHL), Justin Selman (Sioux Falls Stampede, USHL) and Cristoval Nieves (Kent School/Indiana Ice, USHL).

Photo courtesy Tom Sorensen/USA Hockey

Broncos add a pair of forwards

Western Michigan University Press Release

The nationally-ranked Western Michigan hockey program and head coach Andy Murray have announced the signing of Josh Pitt (Spencerville, Ont./Ottawa Jr. Senators, CCHL) and Colton Hargrove (Rockwall, Tex./Fargo Force, USHL) to national letters of intent.

Pitt and Hargrove join Chris Dienes (Traverse City/Cedar Rapids Rough Riders, USHL), Sheldon Dries (Macomb Township/Green Bay Gamblers, USHL), Aaron Hadley (Castlegar, B.C./Vernon Vipers, BCHL), Nolan LaPorte (Moneka, Ill./Green Bay Gamblers, USHL), Mike McKee (Newmarket, Ont./Lincoln Stars, USHL), Kenney Morrison (Loydminster, Alb./Omaha Lancers, USHL) and Kyle Novak (O’Fallon, Mo./Green Bay Gamblers, who signed with WMU during the November signing period.

Pitt, 6-foot-3 forward, played four seasons of junior hockey in the Central Canada Hockey League from 2008-12. For the majority of his career he played for the Kemptville 73's but was traded to the Ottawa Jr. Senators during his final year. He is coming off the best season on his career in which he potted 36 goals with 23 assists for 59 points in 59 games. He went on to net a goal and tally two assists in the playoffs. In his junior career he amassed 59 goals and 119 points.

“Josh is a big kid and he can really shoot the puck,” said assistant coach and recruiting coordinator Rob Facca. “He can skate and he’s a smart hockey player. He’s another guy that will come in and fill the void from the seniors. He will help create competition for ice time, which I like.”

Hargrove, another big forward at 6-foot-2 and 212 pounds, played two seasons of junior hockey for the Fargo Force of the United States Hockey League. The Texas native is coming off his best season of junior hockey in which he tallied 38 points in the regular season on 16 goals and 22 assists. In two season in the USHL he tallied 65 total points.

"Colton brings size and toughness,” said Facca. “He has a really good shot and moves well for a big guy. He can really shoot it. He’s a tough, hard-nosed player and we expect him to play like that."
 
Hargrove and Pitt along with others will be tasked with WMU's departing senior class of Ian Slater, Greg Squires, J.J. Crew, Derek Roehl and Kyle O'Kane along with junior Matt Tennyson, who signed with the San Jose Sharks. Those six helped lead the Broncos to its first CCHA Tournament Title since 1986 and the second in program history.

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."

Lakers get commitment from Drapluk

By Michael David/LSSU Beat Writer

The Lake Superior State Lakers' first verbal commitment for the 2012-13 hockey season comes from defenseman Eric Drapluk. For the last two seasons, Drapluk has suited up for the Coulee Region Chill of the North American Hockey League.

The Lakers staff first witnessed Drapluk play at the NAHL Prospects Tournament in Ann Arbor last season, and have been interested in him ever since. Other programs like Air Force and Massachusetts-Lowel also showed interest, but Lake State's persistence paid off.

"I liked the school; I got a good vibe there," Drapluk stated to the Lacrosse Tribune. "I went up there for a visit in (in September) and decided it's the right place for me."

Being a native of Pembroke Pines, Fla., he's used to travelling to play hockey due to lack of ice rinks and youth programs. Drapluk seems to be satisfied with Lake Superior's location, though.

"I liked the change," Drapluk stated. "I'm from a bigger city and moving around opens your eyes to what's out there. I think it's awesome to experience other things. It's a small school, but that way you can really bond with your team."

The 6-foot-1, 190-pound defenseman is in his third year of junior hockey. Starting out with Philadelphia (EJHL), he was taken by Coulee Region in the 2010 draft, and scored three goals, 24 assists, and was a plus-5 in 55 games last season. So far in the 2011-12 campaign, Drapluk has eight assists and is a plus-5 in 16 games.

Chill head coach Garrett Strot drafted Drapluk, and seems to think he has the tools to compete at the Division I level.

"He's got good speed, and good stick and sees the ice well," stated Strot. "I think they (LSSU) also like his grittiness. I think he'll do well because of his vision and speed because the game gets faster and faster at that level."

Photo/NAHL

Michigan gets commitment from Trouba

USHL Press Release

The U.S. NTDP has announced that defenseman Jacob Trouba has committed to play collegiate hockey at the University of Michigan next season.

The 6-foot-2, 194-pound native of Rochester collected seven points (3g, 4a) while playing 31 USHL games for Team USA’s Under-17 squad in 2010-11. Trouba participated in this summer’s NHL Research, Orientation and Development Camp alongside several other top NHL draft-eligible prospects. He has been tabbed as one of the top USHL prospects for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.

"I really liked the way he played in all three games I viewed; he's a very good size D man," Al Jensen of NHL Central Scouting told NHL.com following the USHL Fall Classic. "He skates exceptionally well and likes to rush up ice with the puck and with good speed. He'll also join the rush himself, is very confident and has great agility. He's strong physically, can handle the puck and is always alert. He also did a good job with one-on-one rushes against ... he has great upside."

Trouba won’t have to go far to continue his hockey career as the Ann Arbor-based National Team Development Program is in close proximity to the University of Michigan campus.

LISTEN to Trouba’s recent interview on The Pipeline Show as he discusses his development and decision to play college hockey at Michigan.

Photo by Tom Sorensen

Troy's Opie picks Lake Superior State

Courtesy NAHL

Traverse City North Stars forward Tim Opie is a study in determination.

For three seasons, Opie paid his dues and developed in the North American Hockey League. Now that determination has paid off for Opie as he has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey at Lake Superior State University.

“Obviously, it’s a very happy day for me and my family,” said Opie from his home in Troy. “It’s a great feeling to know I am going somewhere familiar and play with some guys that have been teammates and opponents before. It makes the transition to playing college hockey much easier.”

Opie is the 13th player from the Traverse City North Stars roster to have committed to an NCAA school. To date, the NAHL has over 100 NCAA college commitments from the 2010-11 season alone, almost all of them committing to college while they played in the NAHL.

Former North Stars head coach and general manager Anthony Palumbo says that Opie deserves a chance to prove himself at the NCAA Division I level.

“Tim was a big part of the success we have had here in Traverse City in the last three years,” remarked Palumbo. “He played in all game type situations and he will be a big part of the Lake Superior State program in the future.”

After originally breaking into the league with Wichita Falls in 2008-09, Opie was traded to the North Stars halfway through the season. However, Opie was no stranger to hockey in the state of Michigan. Prior to the NAHL, Opie played with the Little Caesars’ Midget Major program in 2007-08.

His father, Tim Opie, Sr., is a former head coach in the NAHL, having coached the likes of Doug Weight, Tim Thomas and current North Stars head coach Chad Fournier with the Lakeland Jets in the early 1990’s.

“I really think my dad was my biggest influence growing up,” said the younger Opie. “I got to see what the NAHL was like at an early age and always aspired to get to that level one day.”

The remainder of his junior career was spent with Traverse City of the NAHL becoming a better, more well-rounded hockey player.

“I just had to stick with the program and work hard," said Opie. "It wasn’t easy, but I invested myself into the team and the coaching and it ultimately paid off.”

Opie was instrumental in the recent North Stars resurgence. In 2009-10, Opie had 31 points in 53 games in his second year in the league, but he saved his best hockey for the post season, where he led Traverse City all the way to the Robertson Cup National Championship Tournament in Wenatchee, Wash., where the team finished third. Opie was second on the team in playoff scoring that season with 10 points in 10 games.

Opie picked up this past season right where he left off the previous year, scoring plenty of points. Come late November, Opie showed he was ready for a bigger stage as he went on a tear for the ages. From November 20-January 29, Opie would score at least a point in 17 of the 18 games he played in, scoring 31 points in that stretch.

Opie finished the season as Traverse City’s leading scorer with 60 points in just 58 games played and was named NAHL North Division Player of the Week on November 1. He also appeared in February’s NAHL Top Prospects Tournament in Ann Arbor, where he represented Team North, leading the team in scoring during the three games against all-star teams from the three other divisions in the NAHL.

“It makes the three years in the NAHL all worth it and I am convinced it was the right path,” said Opie. “I will be a better, more well-rounded player in college because of it and I am glad with the decisions that I made.”

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