CCHA alums seek pro titles, awards

Compiled by MiCHO Staff

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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