Miele named CCHA player of the year

CCHA Press Release

Senior forward Andy Miele of the Miami RedHawks was named the RBC Financial Group CCHA Player of the Year at the annual CCHA Awards banquet Thursday night. Eleven individual awards were handed out at Detroit’s historic Fox Theatre, including six determined by a vote of the league’s 11 coaches.

Miele led the nation in scoring (21-44-65) and had points in 29 of 34 games, including 19 multiple-point outings, and captured the league’s scoring crown with the most points by a CCHA player since the 1991-92 season. The Grosse Pointe Woods native was the first scoring champion in CCHA history with more assists than any other player had points. Miele’s selection marked the second straight season a RedHawk has been selected as the RBC CCHA Player of the Year as goaltender Cody Reichard was last year’s winner.

Notre Dame’s Jeff Jackson was named the CCHA Coach of the Year for the the second time in five years as the Fighting Irish bench boss. Jackson filled out a lineup that featured 10 freshmen most nights, but managed to double his team’s conference win total to 18 and score 41 more goals than a season ago on the way to a second-place CCHA finish, jumping seven spots from the 2009-10 campaign.

Notre Dame forward T.J. Tynan led all freshmen in the CCHA, and the entire nation, with 19 goals and 46 points, including 14 multiple-point games, en route to becoming the second player for the Irish to be honored as the CCHA Rookie of the Year. Tynan was the CCHA’s Rookie of the Week four times, the CCHA Rookie of the Month for November and the RBC Financial Group CCHA Player of the Month in December.

Miami senior forward Carter Camper was named the Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Camper, a psychology major, is the first RedHawk to receive the distinction. The 22-year-old finished second in scoring on the RedHawks with a 17-35-52 line and will finish his career as one of the top three all-time scoring leaders in RedHawks history.

Michigan State junior forward Trevor Nill received the Mike and Marian Ilitch Humanitarian Award as the league’s top citizen, based on his contributions off the ice, as well as on, to his team, his program, his school and his community. Nill, a native of Novi, was deeply moved by his mother’s battle with cancer, and at the age of 16 he and a friend organized ‘Bike Across Michigan,’ which raised over $2,500 for cancer research. At Michigan State, Nill has taken the lead on charities such as "Shoot for a Cure," which raises money to fight children’s cancer, and the "Spartan Buddies" program, which creates interaction between students and patients at Sparrow Hospital’s pediatric ward. The Spartans’ alternate captain is also among the eight finalists for the Bank of New York Mellon Hockey Humanitarian Award that is presented annually to college hockey’s finest citizen.

Alaska senior captain Kevin Petovello was presented with the Terry Flanagan Memorial Award in recognition of his perseverance, dedication and courage while overcoming severe adversity. Petovello suffered severe structural damage to his knee midway through the 2010-11 campaign, including torn medial and anterior collateral ligaments, yet decided to postpone reconstructive surgery until after his senior season. Despite the injury, Petovello missed only three games for the Nanooks and doubled his point totals from last season, finishing third in scoring on the team.

Michigan State sophomore captain Torey Krug was named CCHA Best Offensive Defenseman. Krug led the league in goals from a defenseman with 10 of his 11 markers coming in conference action. He was also the only blueliner to record a hat trick in conference play.

Notre Dame junior Sean Lorenz was honored as the Best Defensive Defenseman. Lorenz played in all 36 games for the Fighting Irish and led the league in plus-minus with a +21 rating.

Michigan senior captain Carl Hagelin was awarded Best Defensive Forward. The Sodertalje, Sweden, native led the regular-season champions with a +14 rating in conference play, along with leading the team in goals, assists and points.

Spartans make big donation to Sparrow

Michigan State Press Release

On Thursday, Sept. 16, former Michigan State hockey student-athletes and current Detroit Red Wings Justin Abdelkader and Drew Miller were on hand with a handful of current MSU athletes to present a check for more than $22,000 to the Sparrow Hospital Foundation on behalf of MSU Athletics.

Michigan State athletics has had a positive ongoing relationship with Sparrow and since Miller started the Spartan Buddies program back in 2005, representatives from nearly all of MSU's 25 teams have visited children in the Sparrow pediatric ward and intensive care units. During this time, the teams and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee have organized fundraisers to help generate money that aid in the fight against cancer and help fund the playroom at Sparrow Hospital, among other projects.

The student-athletes have generated this money through various outreach activities like Make-A-Change, the Children’s Miracle Network and the student-athlete proms. The largest fundraiser, however, was the hockey program’s Shoot for a Cure initiative that was started by Abdelkader in January of 2008. Since he founded Shoot for a Cure, more than $33,000 has been raised through that initiative in the fight against children's cancer. The money has gone to both Sparrow Foundation and to Brandon's Defense Foundation.

On Thursday, the presentation of the check was one part of the visit. Abdelkader and Miller joined with current hockey players AJ Sturges, Drew Palmisano, Anthony Hayes and Torey Krug to visit pediatric patients and sign autographs. They also enjoyed time with the patients in the pediatric playroom - a spot Abdelkader and Miller had spent considerable hours during their undergraduate days.

"I've been coming here for maybe eight years," recalled Miller. "It was once a week in college. A lot of the nurses and caregivers are the same and it’s always wonderful to catch up with those old friends.

"We always told the kids, 'I hope you're not here when I get back' - you want them to be getting better and getting on with lives outside of the hospital," added Miller. "But we've been very lucky to meet some amazing people here and maybe make a difference in a child's day. The goal is to play with them, maybe make them forget for a little while that they are sick. We want to put smiles on their faces."

"The thing I have noticed the most about Spartan Buddies is the relationships that the MSU athletes form with our patients," noted Joy Wiseman, development director of the Sparrow Foundation. "There's a love, there's a caring - they aren't just here putting in their time. That's the biggest part of the program - these athletes really know why they are here and why it's important."

"This is amazing to see how the programs that Drew and I started while we were at Michigan State have continued to grow," noted Abdelkader. "We owe a huge thank you to our fans who have supported the initiatives like Make-A-Change and Shoot for a Cure. Thank you to the student-athletes who have continued to be involved in Spartan Buddies and have helped carry out initiatives at hockey and football games that raise money in the fight against cancer.

"Thank you to everyone who has helped us make a difference."

Krug named Michigan State captain

Michigan State Press Release

Michigan State has announced that sophomore Torey Krug will captain the Spartans in the upcoming season, with senior Dustin Gazley and junior Trevor Nill serving as alternate captains.

Krug is only the second player in Michigan State history to wear a captain’s “C” on his sweater as a sophomore. Don McSween was a captain in the 1984-85 season, sharing the captaincy with Kelly Miller and Dan McFall. Krug becomes the only solo sophomore captain in program history.

“Torey has established himself as a leader in our locker room and it’s a testament to him that his teammates voted him to be their captain,” said MSU head coach Rick Comley, who is embarking on his ninth season behind the bench at Michigan State. “We saw those leadership qualities in him as we recruited him, and we knew that he would bring that to our program. Dustin Gazley and Trevor Nill are two hard-working players who expect the best of themselves and the others around them and they are great leaders by example. It’s their conduct, effort and initiative that has established them as leaders among their teammates, and the vote was very indicative of their stature in our locker room.”

“Growing up in Livonia, I always felt that pulling on a Green and White sweater would be an honor in itself,” admitted the newest Spartan captain. “I’m extremely excited about this opportunity and the chance I have to represent our team, our hockey program and Michigan State University. I’m also proud and humbled that my teammates would vote me to be their captain.

“It is an unbelievable group of guys in our locker room - one of the closest teams I have ever been on in my life. We’re very focused on working hard. We have high expectations of ourselves, and are very focused on achieving our goals.”

Krug was a member of the CCHA All-Rookie Team a season ago and finished his debut campaign with a 3-18-21 scoring line. Two of his three goals were game-winning tallies. He was paired on the blueline with 2010 All-American and Spartan captain Jeff Petry, with the duo averaging more than 24 minutes per game over the course of the season.

Gazley is one of two seniors on the roster and the only player on the roster with more than 100 games played under his belt. A top-six forward each of the last two seasons, Gazley put up nine goals and 21 points as a junior and has 19-28-47 in three seasons. Nill has appeared in 60 games over two seasons and put up 2-7-9 in 2009-10.

“It’s a great honor to wear a letter in a program that has such a rich history,” said Nill. “I believe we have quality guys in our locker room - guys with big hearts who want to succeed and play hard. I’m really looking forward to getting this season underway.”

“This is such a great group to work with and be a part of,” added Gazley. “Its an honor to wear a letter. We have a lot of juniors and seniors who have played a lot and played big roles for us coming back this season. The experience we have in our core group of players is going to be key. I'm very proud to be a part of this program.”

Krug, Gazley and Nill will lead a team with 18 returning letterwinners, 17 of which reside in the junior and sophomore classes. The team finished in second place in the 2009-10 season and returns junior Drew Palmisano, a second-team All-CCHA pick a season ago, between the pipes in addition to six letterwinners on defense.

The trio is also very involved in MSU hockey's community service initiatives - Nill was recently named the president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and serves on the board of the MSU chapter of Athletes in Action, Krug helped organize the Student-Athlete Food Drive last November and all three have been active with Spartan Buddies and Shoot for a Cure.

Photo by Matt Mackinder/MiCHO

"Skate With The Pros" next Wednesday

MSU Press Release

As a fundraiser for MSU hockey's Shoot for a Cure initiative to raise money for the fight against children's cancer, fans will be invited to take part in the second annual "Skate with the Pros," featuring several former Michigan State players now playing professional hockey.

The event will be held on Wednesday, August 18, at Munn Ice Arena. Admission will be $10 per person, with every dollar collected going to Sparrow Hospital’s “Cure Kids Cancer” and to Brandon’s Defense Foundation.

"Skate with the Pros" is being held during Michigan State's annual Pro Camp, which brings former Spartans still playing professional hockey back to East Lansing to begin intensive training for upcoming professional team camps. After Wednesday's Pro Camp session, fans will have the opportunity to skate with several of the professional players, followed by an autograph session on the north concourse. Posters with pictures of participating players will be provided to all attendees for autographs.

Admission bracelets will be sold for $10 per person starting at 4:15 p.m. at the East and West entrances of Munn Ice Arena (on Chestnut and Birch Roads). Bracelets will be required to be on the ice or to participate in the post-skate autograph session. Skate rental will also be available for $2 per pair. Fans can skate from 5 p.m. to 5:45 p.m., then will line up for autographs with the professional players, which will begin at 6 p.m.

For the safety of everyone involved, pens/markers for autographs will NOT be allowed on the ice, and fans are asked to refrain from requesting autographs until the session on the concourse after the skate. To ensure that all participants can get through the player autograph line, each bracelet-holder will be able to obtain one autograph per participating pro player.

Skate with the Pros is being spearheaded by Justin Abdelkader and his Detroit Red Wings teammate Drew Miller, who started the Spartan Buddies program, bringing MSU student athletes to Sparrow Hospital to visit with pediatric patients. Abdelkader began "Shoot for a Cure" in January of 2008 as an offshoot of the Spartan Buddies program,. As Abdelkader and several of his teammates developed friendships with several children battling cancer and their families, the then-junior wanted to do more - and the Shoot for a Cure initative was born. Since its inception in January 2008. Shoot for a Cure has raised more than $30,000 through chuck-a-puck at MSU home games, silent auctions, and a visit from the Stanley Cup in Sept. 2008.

PRO CAMP PARTICIPANTS (Attendees still confirming; Participation will vary day-to-day):
Goaltenders: Jeff Lerg, Bobby Jarosz
Defensemen: John-Michael Liles, Andrew Hutchinson, Mike Weaver, Ethan Graham, Jared Nightingale, Brandon Warner, Mike Ratchuk, Corey Potter, Jeff Petry, Brandon Gentile
Forwards: Shawn Horcoff, David Booth, Justin Abdelkader, Tim Kennedy, Jim Slater, Drew Miller, Tim Crowder, Chris Mueller, Jim McKenzie, Corey Tropp, Nick Sucharski, Zak McClellan, Adam Hall, Mike York, Jay Sprague, Steve Guolla

Complete Press Release

Spartans hand out hardware Wednesday

Michigan State Press Release

The Michigan State hockey program handed out its team awards at the annual banquet on Wednesday evening at the Kellogg Center.

Junior alternate captain Corey Tropp was named the team’s Most Valuable Player, as well as capturing the team’s Outstanding Offensive Player Award, while senior co-captain Nick Sucharski was the only other multiple-award recipient. Sucharski was named the team’s Bill Burgess Outstanding Senior Award winner, and also received the Blue Line President’s Award, given to the top scholar-athlete in the senior class.

Tropp has been among the CCHA and national leaders in scoring all season. After the regular season, he is tied for 12th nationally in points (42), tied for 10th in goals (20), tied for 11th in power-play goals (9) and is tied for fifth in game-winning tallies (5). He twice earned CCHA Offensive Player of the Week honors, and was both the CCHA and Hockey Commissioner’s Association Player of the Month for December. Tropp has a 20-22-42 scoring line headed into the playoffs and will appear in his 100th career game next Friday night in the CCHA quarterfinals.

A fifth-year senior, Sucharski was forced to take a medical redshirt for the 2008-09 season after succombing to a shoulder injury which required surgery. Sucharski’s return to the MSU lineup has helped bolster a young Spartan team and he has appeared in 159 career games in Green and White. Sucharski is an International Relations major enrolled in James Madison College.

First-year players Derek Grant and Torey Krug shared the team’s Outstanding Rookie Award honors. Grant has played on the Spartans’ top line all season and has an 11-18-29 scoring line to make him one of the top-scoring rookies in Rick Comley’s tenure at MSU. Krug is a top-pair defender who also runs MSU’s top power play unit. His three goals and 16 assists for 19 points makes him the league’s top-scoring rookie blueliner.

Dr. John Downs Outstanding Defensive Player honors went to co-captain Jeff Petry, who captures this team award for the third consecutive season. Paired with Krug on the Spartan blueline, he ranks fourth overall on the team in scoring and is one of the league’s top-scoring defensemen with four goals and 22 assists for 26 points.

Sophomore centerman Brett Perlini was voted the team’s Most Improved Player. Perlini, who had two goals and an assist as a freshman, dedicated his summer to improving his play at both ends of the ice. Once he cracked the MSU lineup in December, he hasn’t looked back and he has scored seven goals and added five assists in 18 games.

The Amo Bessone Award, which honors academic and athletic excellence in addition to community participation, went to sophomore Trevor Nill. Nill is a Mechanical Engineering major who boasts a 3.53 cumulative grade point average. He has also been involved in countless community outreach activities including Spartan Buddies, Shoot for a Cure, the holiday food drive, Max’s Race and Teams for Toys. Nill also serves as a vice president of the MSU chapter of Athletes in Action and is one of the two representitives from the hockey program on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

The Goofus Award, given annually to the team humorist, was awarded to senior Jay Sprague. Sprague’s sense of humor was tested this season as he overcame not one, but two surgeries. He wasn’t cleared to play until the end of January, then made his season debut on Feb. 20 against Ferris State. He scored goals in his first two games back in the lineup.

The Spartan Fitness Award, which is based on pre-season fitness testing, went to sophomore blueliner Brock Shelgren.

Also awarded Wednesday night was the Distinguished Spartan Award, which went to former head coach Amo Bessone, who had a 28-year tenure behind the Michigan State bench. Bessone, who guided the Spartans to the 1966 national championship, coached 12 All-Americans and three Olympians during his tenure. Bessone passed away in January at the age of 93. A tribute to the former coach was provided by Tom Ross, MSU’s all-time leading scorer, and Ross accepted the award on behalf of the Bessone family.

Lakers hammer Wayne State

by Tom Balog / Wayne State Beat Writer

Mercyhurst’s dominance of Wayne State continued over the weekend as the #1 team in the country skated into the City Sports Center and swept the Warriors (3-5-2, 0-2-0 CHA) in rather convincing fashion.

Friday night the Lakers flexed their muscles and rolled to a 3-1 win on Skate for the Cure night.

Lindsey Park was brilliant in goal for the Warriors, but still couldn’t stop the Lakers from going up 3-0 on goals by Jesse Scanzano, Bailey Bram, and Vicki Bendus.

Sophomore blueliner Jill Szandzik roofed her first of the year at 18:21 of the third period to beat Lakers netminder Hillary Pattenden and spoil the shutout.

Park finished the night with 33 saves in the WSU net. Pattenden only needed to make 12 stops for MC.

Things didn’t get any better for the Warriors on Saturday afternoon as the Lakers cruised to a 7-2 win.

Scanzano kept her hot streak going against WSU, notching a hat trick and one assist to lead the Lakers to their ninth win in ten games this season.

Jess Jones and Kelley Stedman also scored a pair of goals each for MC.

Trailing 3-0, former Laker Lauren Ragen (pictured) got the Warriors on the board just 35-seconds into the second period with her second marker of the season.

"I got the puck out of the corner and was looking to pass it," said Ragen. "My linemates were screaming for me to shoot it and I did and it went in. I was so excited and actually tripped after that. I couldn't stop laughing."

Wayne State other bright spot occurred at 8:01 when Katrina Protopapas hammered in a power-play tally to make it a 4-2 game. Protopapas’s goal was her sixth power-play marker of the season which leads the nation.

Park started in net again for the Warriors, but wasn’t as sharp as Friday night. Park made 8 saves on 11 shots and was relieved at the 15:02 mark of the first period.

Delayne Brian finished out the game and stopped 14 of 18 shots.

Pattenden, playing in her tenth straight game for MC, turned away 23 of 25 shots.

Wayne State will return to action next Friday night in Madison, Wisconsin as they begin a two-game set with the currently sixth-ranked Wisconsin Badgers.

Photo courtesy of WSU Athletics

Skate With The Pros a huge success

Compiled by MiCHO Staff

On Aug. 19, fans had the opportunity to skate on the Munn Arena ice with some of the program's brightest stars - and all for a good cause.

In conjunction with Michigan State University's Pro Camp, a group of 20 former Spartans now playing professional hockey participated in the first annual "Skate with the Pros," with all money raised going to the fight against children's cancer.

Video: Skate with the Pros

Skate with the Pros Photo Gallery

After Wednesday's Pro Camp session, fans paid $10 for the opportunity to skate with several of the professional players, followed by an autograph session on the north concourse. Posters with pictures of participating players were available to all attendees for the autograph session, but the players signed their share of jerseys, flags, and other Spartan memorabilia.

"We had a great crowd out here today, and I want to thank everyone who came out to support this cause," noted Shoot for a Cure founder Justin Abdelkader. "From our alums who participated to the fans who came out to enjoy the afternoon, I think everyone had a great time."
Skate with the Pros was the brainchild of recent Spartans Abdelkader, Bryan Lerg and Jeff Lerg, all of whom were involved with MSU's community service initiatives as undergrads and have continued to participate in MSU's activities as their professional careers began.

Abdelkader began "Shoot for a Cure" in January of 2008 as an offshoot of the Spartan Buddies program, started by East Lansing native and (and recent addition to the Tampa Bay Lightning) Drew Miller, Spartan Buddies brought MSU athletes to the pediatric ward at Sparrow Hospital, playing games and signing autographs for seriously and critically ill children.

As Abdelkader and several of his teammates developed friendships with several children battling cancer and their families, the then-junior wanted to do more - and the Shoot for a Cure initative was born.

"It was so great to see people get involved in Spartan Buddies when it first started, and to see the involvement grow through Shoot for a Cure is even better," noted Miller. "The guys who come back here know how important giving back to the community is to this program. The kids we meet are important first and foremost, and its great that Shoot for a Cure has allowed MSU to help financially in the fight against children's cancer."

"When I got the email from Justin about [Skate with the Pros], I thought it was a great idea," added Mike Weaver, who starred at MSU from 1996-2000 and now patrols the blue line for the St. Louis Blues. "MSU a big part of my life, I spent four great years here. Being able to give back is a great opportunity."

Shoot for a Cure has recently partnered with Brandon's Defense Foundation, which was created in honor of Brandon Gordon, a Dewitt teen who became very close with the MSU program during his two-year battle with osteosarcoma. His foundation, run by his mother, Julie, not only helps fund children's cancer research, but also donates significant resources to improve patient quality of life at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing - which is where Brandon first met members of MSU's hockey team.

"The first week he was diagnosed, Brandon met Chris Snavely, Justin Abdelkader and Tim Kennedy," recalls Julie Gordon, Brandon's mother. "The MSU hockey program kept him going and was a huge inspiration for him to continue to battle and get rid of the cancer. The hockey program and the university were very supportive of Brandon, and have been wonderful to our family. We thank them not only for the support they gave us, but now for their support of our initiatives with Brandon's Defense Foundation."

A total of $1,752 was raised at Skate with the Pros through admission, merchandise sales, and donations to both Shoot for a Cure and Brandon's Defense. Since its inception in January 2008, Shoot for a Cure has raised nearly $22,000 for the fight against children's cancer. The money has been raised through previous events which included chuck-a-puck at MSU home games, silent auctions, and a visit from the Stanley Cup last fall.

Photo of Kennedy and Katie Frayer courtesy Michigan State University

Skate With The Pros next week at MSU

Compiled by MiCHO Staff

As a fundraiser for Michigan State hockey's Shoot for a Cure initiative to raise money for the fight against children's cancer, fans will be invited to take part in "Skate with the Pros," featuring several former Michigan State players now playing professional hockey.

The event will be held at 2 p.m. on Wed., August 19 at Munn Ice Arena. Admission will be $10 per person.

"Skate with the Pros" is being held during Michigan State's annual Pro Camp, which brings former Spartans still playing professional hockey back to East Lansing to begin intensive training for upcoming professional team camps. After Wednesday's Pro Camp session, fans will have the opportunity to skate with several of the professional players, followed by an autograph session on the north concourse. Posters with pictures of participating players will be provided to all attendees for autographs.

Admission bracelets will be sold for $10 per person starting at 1 p.m. at the East and West entrances of Munn Ice Arena (on Chestnut and Birch Roads). Bracelets will be required to be on the ice or to participate in the post-skate autograph session. All money raised through this "Shoot for a Cure" event will benefit the Brandon's Defense Foundation.

Skate rental will also be available for $2 per pair.

For everyone’s safety, pens/markers for autographs will NOT be allowed on the ice, and fans are asked to refrain from requesting autographs until the session on the concourse after the skate. To ensure that all participants can get through the player autograph line, each bracelet-holder will be able to obtain one autograph per participating pro player.

Skate with the Pros is the brainchild of recent Spartans Justin Abdelkader, Bryan Lerg and Jeff Lerg, all of whom were involved with MSU's community service initiatives as undergrads and have continued to participate in MSU's activities as their professional careers began.

Abdelkader began "Shoot for a Cure" in January of 2008 as an offshoot of the Spartan Buddies program, started by East Lansing native and current Anaheim Ducks forward Drew Miller, Spartan Buddies brought MSU athletes to the pediatric ward at Sparrow Hospital, playing games and signing autographs for seriously and critically ill children. As Abdelkader and several of his teammates developed friendships with several children battling cancer and their families, the then-junior wanted to do more - and the Shoot for a Cure initative was born. Since its inception in January 2008. Shoot for a Cure has raised nearly $20,000 through chuck-a-puck at MSU home games, silent auctions, and a visit from the Stanley Cup last fall.

"Michigan State's hockey program has always been involved in the East Lansing community, and many of us consider this our second home," notes Abdelkader. "Giving back is stressed from the moment we get on campus as freshmen, and it is part of the fabric of the program. What's great to see is that it hasn't ended when our playing days here are done. When we've asked guys to help out or donate things for our silent auctions - no one has ever said no. That connection is special, and unique - and I hope that people will come out to help us raise money for this important cause."

The Brandon's Defense Foundation was started in honor of Brandon Gordon, a DeWitt teen who lost his courageous two-year battle with osteosarcoma in February 2009. A hockey player himself, Brandon was adopted into the MSU hockey family and was one of the inspirations for Shoot for a Cure.

In addition to helping raise money for cancer research, Brandon's Defense's initiatives also include those aimed at improving a patient's quality of life: necessity bags for families of recently-diagnosed children with cancer or other life-threatening illnesses, a snack pantry for families to utilize during long clinic visits, and backpacks that contain things to entertain newly-diagnosed children during long hospital stays.

Michigan State's Pro Camp annually brings 30 or more former Spartan players to these training sessions, and is now entering its second decade. Players expected to work out at this year's Pro Camp include recent stars and fan favorites Justin Abdelkader, Jeff Lerg, Bryan Lerg, Zak McClellan and Tim Kennedy, as well as NHLers Adam Hall (Tampa Bay), Shawn Horcoff (Edmonton), John-Michael Liles (Colorado), Drew Miller (Anaheim), Jim Slater (Atlanta) and Mike Weaver (St. Louis).

Both David Booth (Florida) and Ryan Miller (Buffalo) may be late-week additions to the camp after competing in the USA Hockey Olympic Camp in Chicago. In addition, several professional players who did not compete collegiately at MSU may be attending on an invitation basis.

Awards keep coming for Jeff Lerg

Compiled by MiCHO Staff

Michigan State senior Jeff Lerg has been named the Academic All-America of the Year in the At-Large Division by ESPN The Magazine, as selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America.

Lerg, a Livonia native, has earned First Team Academic All-America honors for the second straight season, and in May graduated from MSU with a degree in Finance, boasting a 3.814 cumulative grade-point average.

The men’s At-Large program for the Academic All-America® includes the sports of fencing, golf, gymnastics, ice hockey, lacrosse, rifle, skiing, tennis and water polo.

“This really is a tremendous honor,” noted Lerg. “The Academic All-America program honors the nation’s top student-athletes, and looking at some of the other athletes named to the team, I’m honored to be mentioned among these high-achieving individuals.”

“Jeff is so deserving of all of the accolades he receives,” added Spartans head coach Rick Comley. “He is truly a special individual who, through great self-discipline and an unequalled work ethic, achieves at such an amazingly high level at whatever he chooses to undertake. He graduated near the top of his class, was a standout among our student-athletes in community service, and will be recognized as one of the most decorated hockey players in Michigan State history. Jeff embodies what we want our student-athletes to be not only at Michigan State, but in collegiate athletics on the whole.”

Lerg finished the 2008-09 season ranked fourth nationally with 1,050 saves while averaging 32.5 saves per game, second in NCAA Division I. He also finished his career as the all-time saves leader (3,996) for both the Spartans and the CCHA; his total is second all-time in the NCAA annals.

The senior was named co-recipient of the ninth annual Ilitch Humanitarian Award as the CCHA’s top citizen, Lerg has put in countless hours on community service projects. Among his significant other commitments, he became passionate in developing a mentoring relationship with several young boys through the Big Brothers program and the Spartan Buddies program. While mentoring these boys, Lerg was inspired to further help the fight against children’s cancer by being greatly involved with MSU’s “Shoot for a Cure” initiative, which raised more than $20,000 in 15 months since its inception in January 2008.

In addition to the Ilitch Award, Lerg was the recipient of the Lowe’s Senior Class Award for ice hockey, was a finalist for the national Hockey Humanitarian Award and won the prestigious Gwendolyn Norrell Community Service and Leadership Award from MSU.

A 2008 ACHA All-American, he was named the Detroit Athletic Club Michigan College Athlete of the Year, and was also a finalist for the AAU’s prestigious James E. Sullivan Award. Also, he was named as the USA Hockey College Player of the Year as a sophomore when he led the Spartans to the NCAA championship. A two-time All-CCHA selection, he was named to the CCHA All-Academic Team three times in his career.

As a senior, he posted a 2.94 goals-against average with a .921 save percentage. In his career, Lerg’s .921 save percentage ranks second all-time in the MSU annals and ties for 15th all-time in the NCAA record book.

Photo by Dave Reginek/CCHA

Awards galore for CCHA's final four

Karl Henkel/At the CCHA Awards

DETROIT -- If this weekend’s CCHA Championship is anything like the CCHA Awards Thursday night at the Fox Theatre, coach Dallas Ferguson and the Alaska Nanooks will be a very happy bunch.

Ferguson took home Coach of the Year honors and goaltender Chad Johnson collected multiple pieces of hardware, including CCHA Player of the Year.

“It’s a tremendous honor and it truly pays recognition to the team at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks,” Ferguson said after receiving the award.

Johnson, who became the first UAF player to win the Player of the Year award (beating out Miami's Carter Camper and Notre Dame's Jordan Pearce), also won the Best Goaltender Award and Perani Cup individual championship.

“It’s a huge honor accepting this award,” Johnson said after being announced as the Player of the Year. “We (the team) worked hard all year and no one thought we would be here (at the CCHA Championship).

Johnson led the CCHA in goals-against average (1.70) and save percentage (.937).

Aside from the Nanooks, multiple Michigan players also earned honors. Tim Miller was named the Best Defensive Forward and David Wohlberg earned Rookie of the Year honors.

It was the second straight year a Michigan forward won the award (Max Pacioretty).

Not to be left out, both Notre Dame and Northern Michigan – the other two participants in the CCHA Championship, each collected accolades.

Kyle Lawson (Best Defensive Defenseman), Pearce (Scholar Athlete) and Erik Condra (Terry Flanagan Award) took the stage for the Irish.

Erik Gustafsson (Best Offensive Defenseman) was honored for NMU.

In the most heartwarming story of the night, UNO netminder Jared Kaufman and MSU goalie Jeff Lerg split the Illitch Humanitarian Award.

Kaufman was rewarded for his efforts in beginning the Military Appreciation Night, which took in $25,000 in its first two years of existence.

Lerg was part of the Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Spartan Buddies, Children’s Miracle Network and “Shoot for the Cure”.

Lerg shines at Spartans' awards banquet

Compiled by MiCHO Staff

Senior goaltender Jeff Lerg received four awards, including Most Valuable Player for the third straight season, at Michigan State’s annual banquet Wednesday night at the Kellogg Center.

Six other Spartans received awards, most of which were decided by a team vote, and former Michigan State captain and All-American Bryan Smolinski received the program’s Distinguished Alumnus award.

Lerg joined Chad Alban and Ron Scott as the only Spartans to be named team MVP three straight seasons. On a squad depleted by injuries and early departures, Lerg turned in a senior campaign that cemented his place among the nation’s best goaltenders.

In addition to being named MVP, Lerg was also received the Bill Burgess Outstanding Senior Award, Amo Bessone Award and Blue Line Club President’s Award. The Amo Bessone Award, which honors athletic, scholastic and community participation, went to Lerg on the strength of his community involvement which includes, but is not limited to, Shoot for a Cure, Spartan Buddies, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and the American Lung Association. Lerg is also a finalist for the Lowes Senior CLASS Award, the Hockey Humanitarian, and has been selected to participate in the NCAA Skills Challenge at the Frozen Four in April.

Lerg is one of just four players to win four or more awards in a single season.

Kelly Miller was the MVP, Outstanding Senior, President’s Award, and Amo Bessone Winner in 1985, while Shawn Horcoff was the MVP, Outstanding Offensive Player, Outstanding Senior, and President’s Award recipient in 2000.

Don McSween is the only player to capture five awards in one season, when he won the MVP, Outstanding Defensive Player, Outstanding Senior, President’s Award and Bessone Award in 1987.

The only other repeat winner of an award was sophomore defenseman Jeff Petry, who received the Dr. John Downs Outstanding Defensive Player Award. Petry, who played in every game and logged more ice time than any other Spartan skater this season, finished the regular season with two goals and 11 assists for 13 points. His 11 assists were tops amongst all players.

Senior forward Matt Schepke received the Outstanding Offensive Player award. Schepke led the Spartans in goals and points in the regular season, registering 14 goals and nine assists for 23 points. Schepke led or shared the team lead for the Spartans in power-play goals, shorthanded goals, game-winning goals, shootout goals and shots on goal.

Outstanding Rookie honors went to forward Daultan Leveille. Leveille was tops among Spartan rookies and second overall in scoring with eight goals and six assists for 14 points.

Senior Kurt Kivisto was named Most Improved Player. Kivisto, who had played forward his entire Spartan career, moved back to defense for the majority of the season’s second half. He leads the Spartans with 67 blocked shots, and he set personal bests in goals (2), assists (3), points (5), and games played (33). Kivisto also was tied for the team lead with three shootout goals.

Sophomore Andrew Rowe earned the Spartan Fitness Award, an award given based on performance in a number of preseason fitness tests. The Goofus Award, given to the team humorist, went to junior Jay Sprague.

Spartans fall to U.S. Under-18 Team

Kenny Ryan tallied the go-ahead goal at 14:25 of the third period to help the U.S. National Under-18 Team beat Michigan State, 4-2, Tuesday night in an exhibition game at Munn Ice Arena.

Mike Merrifield and Corey Tropp scored for MSU and goaltender Drew Palmisano made 29 saves in net.

"There were times we played okay and then there were times where some guys played okay," MSU head coach Rick Comley said. "The disappointing thing is how we gave up the goals and that's what bites you."

Michigan recruit A.J. Treais, Ryan Bourque and Jerry D'Amigo tallied the other NTDP goals and Brandon Maxwell finished with 37 saves.

The Spartans are off until the Great Lakes Invitational on Dec. 27 when they open up against North Dakota.

Notes...

The Spartans thank all those who have supported Michigan State hockey’s “Shoot for a Cure” initiative that has raised money for the fight against children’s cancer. This season, the team has already raised more than $6,500 - surpassing the total of $5,050 that was raised last season. Fans are reminded that there are silent auction items at every home game, as well as the second Chuck-A-Puck game scheduled for Feb. 28 against Notre Dame.

'Shoot for a Cure' back Saturday at MSU

Michigan State’s “Shoot for a Cure” initiative will feature two events at the Spartans’ hockey game on Dec. 6 against the University of Michigan. It’s a chance to get Spartan hockey memorabilia for your favorite fan for the upcoming holidays, as well as donate to a worthy cause - the fight against children’s cancer.

Saturday’s game will feature the first of two “Chuck-a-Puck” games this season. Fans can purchase pucks at the game ($2 each, three for $5) and during the second intermission, toss them on the ice for a chance to win a prize pack from the MSU hockey family and the Department of Athletics. The puck landing closest to the center-ice dot will win a package that includes an MSU hockey golf shirt, a 2007 NCAA championship T-shirt and an autographed picture of Ryan Miller of the Buffalo Sabres. Pucks will be sold beginning at 6 p.m. at the “Shoot for a Cure” table outside of the pro shop on the south concourse. In addition, fans can bid on silent auction items autographed by former Spartans now playing professional hockey - great holiday gifts for the Spartan hockey fan. In addition, the 2008-09 version of the “Shoot for a Cure” T-shirts will be on sale for $15.

In addition to the “Shoot for a Cure” activities, the Spartans will continue their post-game autograph sessions on the concourse. Saturday night, senior defenseman Brandon Gentile will sign on the northwest corner of the concourse at the conclusion of the game.

Tickets for Saturday night’s home game against Michigan – and all remaining home games – can be purchased by calling the Spartan ticket office at 1-800-GO-STATE (517-355-1610 in the Lansing area) or going online at http://www.msuspartans.com/.

ABOUT SHOOT FOR A CURE: “Shoot for a Cure” was started by former Spartans forward Justin Abdelkader and current senior Daniel Sturges and is in its second season in 2008-09. Last year, the initiative raised more than $5,000 through a Chuck-a-Puck contest and silent auction. Every dollar collected through “Shoot for a Cure” - the Stanley Cup visit, the silent auctions, T-shirt sales and Chuck-a-Puck - goes directly to Cure Kids Cancer at Sparrow Hospital.

This year, the initiative got a jump-start with a visit by the Stanley Cup to the Michigan State-Notre Dame football game on Sept. 20. About $2,500 was raised in under two hours as more than 300 people had their photo taken with the world’s most famous trophy.

The Michigan State hockey team has steadily increased its commitment to the fight against children’s cancer. For the past four years, team members have been volunteers at the Sparrow Hospital pediatric ward. Through the Spartan Buddies program, they have visited with many children and their families who have had to fight this awful disease. While the fundraising effort is the public face of the initiative, the team also spends time with the children and their families both at the hospital and away from the facility, hosting them at home games and practices, at special events and developing friendships. The “Shoot for a Cure” logo is also now displayed on the ice surface at Munn Ice Arena.

Throughout the hockey season, fans can help the Spartans fight children’s cancer through a variety of “Shoot for a Cure” activities. This year’s “Chuck-a-Puck” contests will take place twice this season - in addition to Saturday’s game against Michigan, one will also be held on Feb. 28 vs. Notre Dame. Winners will receive a prize package courtesy of the MSU hockey family, thanks to the generosity of the Spartan hockey program and former MSU skaters now in the NHL. This season, there will be silent auction items at each home game. Auction items include, but are not limited to, autographed NHL photos of former Spartans, autographed photos of some of the program’s most-loved players during their time at MSU and autographed items from Michigan State’s 2007 national championship and the 2001 Cold War game.

For donation information, visit the Shoot for a Cure table on the concourse during a home game or contact Director of Student-Athlete Development Angela Howard at (517) 355-2205.

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

Eight Spartans honored at banquet

Compiled by MiCHO Staff

Junior goaltender Jeff Lerg was named the team’s Most Valuable Player for the second straight season while classmate Justin Abdelkader and freshman Jeff Petry were the night’s two-award winners as the Michigan State hockey team held its season-ending banquet on Tuesday evening at the Kellogg Center.

Five other Spartans earned honors on the evening, with most awards presented selected by a team vote.

In addition, former hockey coach and athletics director Ron Mason was honored as the program’s Distinguished Alumnus.

Putting together one of the most decorated campaigns in school history, Lerg (pictured) was a Hobey Baker finalist, a Second-Team All-America selection, the CCHA First-Team goaltender and the CCHA Scholar-Athlete of the Year. In addition, he was a finalist for the prestigious James E. Sullivan Award as the nation’s top amateur athlete, as well as a finalist for CCHA Player of the Year honors. Lerg finished the season ninth in the country in save percentage (.926), which is tied for sixth-best all-time in the MSU annals, and a 2.22 goals-against average, which ranked 18th nationally and ninth-best in the Spartan record book. His 24 victories were the fourth-highest total in the country this season and puts him tied for eighth in the MSU records. He set his career-best in shutouts (four, eighth all-time at MSU) and saves (1,136, which ranks third in the MSU annals). Lerg’s career numbers also rank among the top five all-time at Michigan State in several categories: save percentage (.922), second; saves (2,956), second; goals-against average (2.22), third; career shutouts (10), fourth; wins (67), fifth; games played (114), fourth; and consecutive games played (63), first.

Abdelkader captured both the Spartan Fitness Award as well as the Amo Bessone Award, which honors athletic, scholastic, and community participation. The junior, who recently signed a three-year deal with the Detroit Red Wings and made his NHL debut on April 3, ranked second on the team in scoring with 19 goals and 21 assists for 40 points (all career highs), was named the CCHA’s Top Defensive Forward and was named to the NCAA West Regional All-Tournament Team. A 3.2 student as a Supply-Chain Management major in the College of Business at MSU, Abdelkader also captured the Mike and Marion Ilitch Humanitarian Award at the CCHA Awards Show and MSU’s Gwendolyn Norrell Community Service and Leadership Award at its Academic Gala on April 14. Abdelkader, who was not in attendance due to Detroit road games in Nashville, asked Bryan Lerg to accept the Fitness Award on his behalf, and “Shoot for a Cure” co-creator Daniel Sturges accepted the Bessone.

Petry was named the Dr. John Downs Outstanding Defensive Player as well as the team’s Outstanding Rookie. Petry, a 20-year old freshman, developed into one of MSU’s top blueliners by season’s end, and contributed 24 points (three goals, 21 assists). He ranked third on the team in assists and second among MSU rearguards in points. He was named to the CCHA All-Rookie Team, Inside College Hockey’s national All-Freshman team, and was one of three finalists for CCHA Rookie of the Year honors. He was also an NCAA West Regional All-Tournament Team selection.

Bryan Lerg was named the team’s Bill Burgess Outstanding Senior Award winner. Lerg, the team captain, had a career-best 39 points, on 20 goals (10 on the power play) and 19 assists. He ranked third on the team in scoring, and was a two-time CCHA Player of the Week selection. Lerg signed a professional contract with the Edmonton Oilers on March 31, and played in four games for the Oilers’ AHL affiliate Springfield Falcons this spring.

Outstanding Offensive Player honors went to junior Tim Kennedy. Kennedy led the Spartans in scoring, tying his career best with 43 points in 42 games (20g, 23 a). He led the team in all offensive categories, scored nine times on the power play, and tallied five game-winning tallies on the season. At season’s end, he was named a Second-Team All-CCHA selection.

The Blue Line President’s Award, given to the top scholar-athlete in the senior class, was given to defenseman Jeff Dunne, a crop and soil science major, who has a cumulative grade point average of 3.771. Earlier this season, Dunne was awarded a Charles E. and Frances M. Osterman Scholarship from the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, and was also honored at the MSU Academic Gala as the team’s scholar-athlete. A stay-at-home defenseman, Dunne had a 3-4--7 scoring line this season, with all three of his goals coming on the power play.

Most Improved Player honors went to sophomore defenseman Justin Johnston. Johnston, who appeared in three games last year as a freshman, earned significantly more playing time on the MSU blueline this season. He appeared in 24 of MSU’s final 27 games this season and compiled two assists.

Zak McClellan pulled off an unprecedented feat and was awarded the team’s Goofus Award for the fourth consecutive season. McClellan, a senior forward, was presented his award by volunteer assistant coach Rob Woodward, himself a three-time Goofus winner (1991-93). McClellan has been a solid, steady player for the Spartans in addition to gaining notoriety among the fan base as the host of “In the Box with Zak McClellan” on MSUSpartans.com. Most recently, he headlined the wildly popular “Zak and the Macs” lip-sync music videos that appeared on gamenights on the Munn Arena video boards. Woodward and Chris Bogas, who won the award from 1997-99, had been the program’s only three-time winners of the award.

Photo courtesy Michigan State Athletics