NAHL star Szajner chooses Ferris State

 

Zack Szajner of the NAHL's Michigan Warriors has committed to Ferris State. (Photo courtesy/NAHL)

Sawruk moving to Soo

Former Northern Michigan player Alex Sawruk named assistant coach with NAHL's Soo Eagles.

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

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

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.”

Wolverines add trio to class of 2015

Michigan Press Release

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wenatchee captain commits to Wildcats

Courtesy NAHL

Former Wenatchee Wild captain D.J. Vandercook is going back to Michigan for the next stage of his hockey career.

A native of Farmington Hills, Vandercook committed to continue his education and hockey career at Northern Michigan University this fall.

“It’s an exciting time for myself, my family and those close to me,” Vandercook said. “Every hockey player wants to play in the NHL someday, and getting to play Division I hockey gets you one step closer and Northern Michigan has given me that opportunity. Finally seeing it pay off and getting closer to the ultimate goal is really exciting for me.”

Vandercook was one of the Wild’s original members. He scored 30 goals and 20 assists (50 points) during the organization’s inaugural NAHL season in 2008-09. He went on to record 20 points (10 goals, 10 assists) in the 2009 playoffs where the upstart Wild eventually fell to the St. Louis Bandits in the Robertson Cup championship game.

Vandercook went on to be selected in the second round of the 2009 USHL Entry Draft by the Des Moines Buccaneers. He notched 16 points (seven goals, nine assists) in 56 games with the Buccaneers in 2009-10.

The Wild reacquired Vandercook on Sept. 30, 2010. Vandercook was even better in his second stint with the Wild, scoring 22 goals with 34 assists (56 points) during the 2010-11 season while eventually becoming the team’s captain.

He also earned two NAHL West Player of the Week honors and was a member of Team West, which won the second NAHL Top Prospects Tournament of the season in Ann Arbor in February.

“He carries himself in a very professional manner,” said Wild assistant coach Chris Clark. “So when he talks, people listen. When he came back, everybody wanted to hear what he had to say.”

Vandercook scored three goals and three assists in seven Robertson Cup playoff games in 2011. He’s the Wild’s all-time regular-season career leader in assists (54) and second in club history behind Michael Di Puma in goals (52) and points (106).

“I think where D.J. improved the most (during his junior career) is in his maturity,” said Clark. “When he first got here, he was an 18-year-old kid right out of high school. By the time he left, he was one of our best leaders.

“His skills improved, too. His knowledge of the game improved. He’s a stronger player and a stronger person for everything he’s gone through.”

Photo by Tom Williams/NAHL

Hoomaian going from Warrior to Spartan

Courtesy NAHL

The Michigan Warriors have announced that forward Justin Hoomaian has committed to Michigan State University for the 2011-12 season.

Hoomaian, a 20-year-old from Novi, totaled 17 goals and 32 points in 55 regular season games this past season. In the playoffs, he struck for two goals and seven assists in 16 games as the Warriors advanced to the Robertson Cup championship game.

“I’m excited for the opportunity I’ve been given,” said Hoomaian. “I’m so thankful to the Warriors organization and the coaching staff for helping me get this chance to play hockey at Michigan State.”

Hoomaian competed in the second North American Hockey League Top Prospects Tournament of the season, which was held in Ann Arbor in February.

“The Warriors organization is extremely proud and happy for Justin,” said Michigan head coach Moe Mantha. “He was dedicated to the team and contributed to the team’s success on and off the ice during his time in Flint, and he’s very deserving of this opportunity to continue his education and hockey career.

“As an organization, the Michigan Warriors are pleased that we can develop and help our players continue to advance their hockey careers to the next level.”

Hoomaian is the third Warriors player to commit to a Division I program, joining defenseman Michael Szuma (Michigan) and goaltender Robert Tadazak (Army).

FSU announces four more newbies

Ferris State Press Release

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Romeo's Ciotti commits to Lake Superior

Courtesy NAHL

The St. Louis Bandits have announced that forward Chris Ciotti has committed to Lake Superior State University for next season.

Ciotti, the Bandits’ captain, ranks second on the team in scoring with 64 points on 27 goals and 37 assists through 50 games.

"Chris has worked hard to earn an opportunity to play college hockey in the CCHA and for a competitive program like Lake State,” Bandits assistant coach Trevor Stewart said of the 20-year-old from Romeo. “Lake Superior will be getting a good hockey player who’ll only get better.”

North Stars' captain picks Ferris State

Courtesy Traverse City North Stars

There are birthday presents, and then there’s the prize that Travis White unwrapped on Wednesday.

On the same day he turned 21 years of age, White committed to play his college hockey at Ferris State University next year – a gift that is destined to keep on giving for the rest of his life.

The Traverse City North Stars’ veteran defenseman has been decorated with numerous NAHL all-star appearances, a pair of All-NAHL North Division honors, and has been a catalyst for a Stars franchise that has posted a 100-53-13 regular season mark since he was acquired from St. Louis before the 2008-09 season.

“It feels good, no doubt – a big relief,” said White, a Sterling Heights product who has played in the NAHL for four seasons in preparation for his Big Rapids foray. “I talked to them at the NAHL Top Prospects event in Ann Arbor, then again over this past weekend. They offered, and I accepted.”

White has been a rock on the Traverse City blue line since arriving, but has taken his offensive numbers to new heights in 2010-11. Through 47 games, he has six goals and 29 assists, including 18 power play assists – third among all NAHL defenders.

“Travis understands his role as well as anyone,” said Stars head coach-GM Anthony Palumbo, who pulled the trigger on the trade that brought White to Traverse City in the summer of 2008. “And as his role has evolved, he’s stepped up to fill it. He has a great feel for where he needs to be on the ice, and he’s an elite penalty-killer – as good a penalty-killer as anyone I’ve ever coached. I am absolutely thrilled for Travis to get this opportunity. He’s definitely earned it.”

White has 12 goals and 65 assists in 196 regular-season contests since the start of the 2007-08 season, and is +43 over that span. He’s also appeared in 26 career playoff games, with a goal, five assists, and a +15 in those outings – and has sported the captain’s ‘C’ the past two seasons.

Palumbo says the track record speaks for itself.

“Travis has won a bantam national championship, a midget national championship, and a junior national championship,” he pointed out. “It’s not a coincidence. He has a will to win, and the ability to impose that will. It’s also no coincidence that the North Stars franchise has experienced a great deal of success since he’s been here. He’s a winner, a great team guy, and that is contagious.”

While many players spend years in bantam and midget programs en route to juniors, White has developed in the North American Hockey League, winning the 2007-08 Robertson Cup title with the St. Louis Bandits. He says the experience has been as instructive off the ice, as it has been formative on it.

“Four years of doing this has shown me all the little things that guys have done right and wrong,” he explained. “That helps you mold yourself into the kind of player you want to become. I’ve also has a chance to mature physically at this level, which has hopefully prepared me for the next.”

White will also be among friends and former teammates at Ferris. Three North Stars alums – Kyle Bonis, Garrett Thompson, and Andy Huff – are already sporting FSU sweaters, with former TC goalie C.J. Motte also committed to the Bulldogs. A pair of White’s current defensive partners – Connor Schmidt and Zack Dorer – have also committed to play in Big Rapids, starting in 2012-13.

“Obviously, there’s a comfort level already knowing so many of the guys,” White added. “I talked to Andy and Garrett and Kyle, and we’re all excited to get to play together again at the next level.”

Like any player who achieves a lifelong dream of playing Division I collegiate hockey, White’s ‘thank-you’ list is as long as his roster of accomplishments.

“My parents have been there from day one,” he said. “It’s not something I could have done without their support. I’ve also had a great housing family in the Hilts all three years I’ve been here – they’re great billets and great people. Also some coaches have really helped me along the way, like my midget coach Brian Burke, Coach Palumbo and the entire North Stars organization – a lot of people who have helped me develop on and off the ice. I’m grateful for all of it.”

Westland's Milam commits to Ferris

Courtesy NAHL

The Topeka RoadRunners have announced that forward Nate Milam has committed to Ferris State University for next season.

He’s the second player who competed in last month’s NAHL Top Prospects Tournament to commit to a Division I program after the event.

Milam, a 20-year-old from Westland, has 20 goals and 47 points through 51 games this season.

“Playing in Topeka has been absolutely phenomenal, but, I have to admit, heading back to (Michigan) and playing near friends and family is priceless,” said Milam. “I’m looking forward to wearing the Bulldog, but always representing the RoadRunners.”

For Topeka head coach Scott Langer, seeing Milam commit to Ferris State is particularly gratifying.

“Nate has always been one of those first-on, last-off type of players,” said Langer. “He’s consistently working on his game.

“There's a reason he had 14 goals in his rookie season (of 2009-10) and has followed that up with 47 points and counting. This young man does not stop working."

“Nate’s a threat every shift and has been one of the most determined RoadRunners night in and night out,” Langer added. “Ferris State has made a very good decision on a very solid young man.”

Like his teammates before him with college deals secured, Milam is putting his full attention towards the immediate task at hand: a Robertson Cup championship.

“We’re focusing on staying sharp, sound in mind and in body,” he said. “We believe in one another, and that makes a huge difference.”

Milam also notes his appreciation for his parents, brother, Jody, and sister, Karie, and also his billets in Topeka, Mike and Karen Cline.

“I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by quality people,” he said. “I’m very grateful.“The (RoadRunners) owners (Don and Barb Stone), along with the coaches, have created an amazing culture here. They've proven they truly care about not just winning as a franchise, but the personal success of every player. There's no better place to play juniors."

Bulldogs reel in NAHL recruit for '12-13

Traverse City North Stars Press Release

As a student at Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central High School, Connor Schmidt became acutely aware of Ferris State University hockey.

The head coach and a school administrator had played there, and would regale Falcons players with tales of their college hockey experiences.

“Yeah, we heard all about Ferris from Coach (Jim) Baker and Mr. (Todd) Steinmentz, who was the dean of discipline at St. Mary,” Schmidt recalled. “But it got me following the program, thinking more about Ferris, and how it would be a great place to get to play and go to school.”

The feeling is apparently mutual, as Schmidt committed last week to pen his own collegiate lore at Ferris State. The Traverse City North Stars’ rookie defenseman joins fellow blueliner Zack Dorer as future Bulldogs, with a trio of Stars alums – Kyle Bonis, Andy Huff and Garrett Thompson – already in Big Rapids.

“Connor is as big a competitor as you’re going to find,” said Traverse City head coach-GM Anthony Palumbo. “He has one speed, and that’s ‘go’. He’s an excellent skater, and has a lot of all-around skills. He’s a young player who has assumed a pretty healthy load already on the power play, the penalty kill. He can do a lot of things and Ferris just got themselves another very good defenseman.”

Schmidt (5-foot-10, 175 lbs.) has enjoyed a breakout rookie campaign in the North American Hockey League, scoring five goals and assisting on 11 others through 40 outings, and registering a team-best +17 plus-minus rating. He spurred a two-game sweep of Michigan back in November with a pair of goals and three assists. He had 16 goals and 23 helpers in 78 games with the storied Little Caesar’s midget majors in 2009-10.

“I guess I’ve been an offensive defenseman,” Schmidt assessed. “I’m not that big, but I try to provide a spark, whether it’s on a breakout, a hit, a fight, or whatever.”

Schmidt, who was drafted by Green Bay of the United States Hockey League, is still a junior at Traverse City Central High School and won’t enroll at FSU until the fall of 2012. In the mean time, he has a Robertson Cup playoff berth to chase.

“The college scholarship was really the only individual goal I had for the year,” he said. “Really, we have a solid season going and our focus is still to get to the postseason and make a deep run.”

Schmidt is the sixth current North Stars player to commit to a Division I program, along with Dorer, Kelin Ainsworth (Lake Superior State), Tyler Marble (LSSU), Chris Dienes (Western Michigan) and Alec Shields (Mercyhurst). Alumni Doug Clifford (Niagara), Nilan Nagy (Holy Cross) and C.J. Motte (Ferris) have also committed this year. Traverse City is among the most confluent NCAA pipelines in the NAHL, with nearly 60 players committing to college programs in the team’s 5 ½-year history.

“That’s was our main priority when we got involved was to move kids on to college programs,” Palumbo said. “We’ve been fortunate enough to find some kids who have had college potential, and that’s helped us win a few games around here, too.”

Like most athletes who achieve elevated strata, Schmidt has enjoyed hearty backing on many fronts.

“I’ve had very supportive parents who have been there for me even in rough patches,” he explained. “They’ve helped keep me going. I’ve also had some great coaches along the way – Billy Ciraulo and Glen Murray with Little Caesar’s, Jim Baker at St. Mary, and Coach Palumbo, Coach Chad (Fournier), Coach (Mike) Matteucci in Traverse City. The entire North Stars organization has been great – the Wieners, my housing family the Surgalskis – it’s been a good program and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to play junior hockey at that next level.”

Bulldogs get another from NAHL

Courtesy Traverse City North Stars

Growing up in the greater Lansing municipality of Holt, Zack Dorer made the 140-mile round trip to Plymouth three or four times a week to play pee wee youth travel hockey.

While his parents packed the miles on their vehicles, a young Dorer resolved to make the sport of hockey his sole athletic focus.

Following an ultra-successful stint with the midget major Lansing Capitals in 2009-10, and a fantastic rookie season with the Traverse City North Stars this year, Dorer has taken the next step in his hockey career – committing to play his college hockey at Ferris State University.

“It’s very exciting, obviously,” said Dorer, who is slated to officially achieve his NCAA hockey aspiration when he graduates high school in May 2012. “I played baseball, golf and football growing up, but hockey has been my favorite sport since I was young. I made it my goal to play Div. I college hockey, and it’s pretty satisfying to have committed to one of my top schools of choice.”

Dorer, who racked up 15 goals and assists on 25 others in 55 games with Lansing last season, has appeared in 30 games with Traverse City this year. The 6-foot-1, 175-pounder has three goals and four assists, including a pair of shorthanded helpers – and boasts a +7 plus-minus rating with TC.

“Zack is a great kid with a tremendous amount of upside,” said North Stars head coach-GM Anthony Palumbo. “Given the presence of he and a couple of our other young defenseman, we were able to round out our defensive unit with a nice mix of youth and (junior) experience and Zack has been a big part of that. He’s responsible in our own end, and has the tools to provide some offensive punch from back there, too. We see the same things that Ferris sees – a very productive player with an immense amount of upside as well.”

Dorer cites a laundry list of coaches who have helped him achieve prominence in midgets, juniors and beyond, including Capitals coach Dean Dixon, youth coach Derek Szajner (now with Compuware midget major club), Capitals founder John Bowkus, skating coach John Martin, and the North Stars’ staff.

“Coach Dixon has been there throughout the entire process giving me advice and helping me through, and coach Palumbo has been there as well,” Dorer explained. “I’ve been fortunate to have a lot of coaches supporting me along the way.”

Additionally, Dorer says his families – both biological and billet – also deserve credit for his successes.

“My parents drove countless miles, driving me back and forth, and are always behind me 100 percent in whatever I decide to pursue,” he explained. “And now being up here away from home, I have been lucky to end up with a housing family (Eddie and Molly Albert) that has put me in a great environment, in terms of living conditions and support. There are a lot of people who have played a part in getting me to this stage of my career.”

Dorer still has some time to go in juniors before moving on to the collegiate ranks, but says he’d be happy to spend that time with the North Stars.

“I’d love to be able to come back here (next season) and graduate from high school here,” he said. “We’ll see after the USHL Draft and what happens over the summer, but this has been a great place for me to live and play, and I’m thankful for all of it. But there is still a lot of season to go, and we still have a lot of wins ahead of us, and a lot of goals to attain this year.”

Dorer is the fifth current North Stars player to commit to a D-I program, along with Kelin Ainsworth (Lake Superior State), Tyler Marble (LSSU), Chris Dienes (Western Michigan) and Alec Shields (Mercyhurst). Alumni Doug Clifford (Niagara), Nilan Nagy (Holy Cross), and C.J. Motte (Ferris) have also committed this year.

North Stars' Dienes picks Broncos

To call Chris Dienes’ season a whirlwind affair is putting it mildly.

He started the year with his Traverse City West High School team, preparing to help the Titans defend their Big North Conference crown.

Four months later, he has committed to play Division I college hockey at Western Michigan University.

In between, a call-up to the Traverse City North Stars cemented Dines’ station as an up-and-coming defenseman earmarked for duty in the elite CCHA conference.

“It’s been a little overwhelming at times, to be honest,” said Dienes, a 6-2, 180-pounder with just 16 games of junior experience under his belt. “Obviously, it’s a dream come true to get the opportunity to play college hockey.”

Western’s staff began to take notice of Dienes during the Michigan Developmental Hockey League season in September – a league that showcases the top high school talent in the state.

When the North Stars called on Dienes to join the NAHL ranks in early November, WMU staffers again got the chance to see him play his first junior series in Springfield and Dienes agreed to take a visit.

“I don’t know if I was ready for it, but it was great,” he explained. “They played Ohio State in front of a sellout crowd, which was awesome, and the campus was great too. I got a chance to talk to (former North Stars) Patrick Nagorsen and Travis Paeth and they told me all about the school and the program and how much they loved it, and that was good to hear.”

Dienes, who plans to study computer engineering at WMU, didn’t get a chance to help West seek another title, as Traverse City head coach-GM Anthony Palumbo didn’t hesitate to bring him aboard when veteran blue-liner Trevor Campbell was dealt to Topeka. Dienes has seen action in 16 games for the Stars, and scored his first junior goal on Dec. 4 at Motor City. He also assisted on a key score in a 5-4 win against Michigan on Nov. 27.

“Chris has tremendous upside,” said Palumbo. “He’s already very good – he’s a big kid with that long reach, he skates well, and plays his position. Those are attractive qualities for colleges when they’re looking for kids who can play at that level. We’ve seen Chris play all the way through from his Grand Traverse Hockey Association days, and seen him develop into a high-end hockey player with a great work ethic.”

Dienes, who began playing hockey at the age of four, followed in his brother P.J.’s footsteps as a Titan, and cites his family’s heavy involvement in their sport of choice as one of the reasons for his successes.

“My mom and dad were always driving us to practices and games and tournaments, and they deserve many thanks,” he added. “And my brother really helped guide me through, along with support from family and friends. I’ve also had some great coaches along the way, like coach (Bob) Spence and coach (Jeremy) Rintala at West, and Chad (Fournier), coach (Mike) Mattuecci and coach Palumbo here. They’ve had a real impact on my later development.”

As Dienes’ stint at Western isn’t slated to begin until the 2012-13 season, he isn’t sure where he’ll ply his trade for the next two seasons.

Wolverines get NAHL commitment

Compiled by MiCHO Staff

The NAHL's Michigan Warriors might be struggling on the ice but they achieved one of their main goals Wednesday when they learned they'd be sending their first player to college.

And it's not just any college. It's one of the best in the country both in the classroom and on the ice.

Defenseman Mike Szuma gave a verbal commitment to the University of Michigan after using his second official visit to tour the Ann Arbor campus. Michigan is ranked No. 4 in the nation and has won a record nine NCAA championships.

More from MLive.com HERE.

NAHL vet Burke commits to Finlandia

Traverse City North Stars Press Release

Sean Burke has been an avid outdoorsman since he was old enough to hold a rod and reel.

Now, the former Traverse City North Stars forward and Grand Traverse Hockey Association product will be able to hunt the plentiful bounty and fish the well-stocked waters of the northernmost reaches of the Upper Peninsula – and get to play college hockey in Copper County.

Burke, who spent the last three seasons with the North Stars after a decorated high school career at Traverse City West, is headed to Finlandia University in Hancock, where he’ll study business and skate for the Lions.

“It feels good to have my direction set,” said Burke, who finished his junior career with 33 points over 137 contests. “It felt like there was a weight off my chest when it finally became official. I mean, there was no way I was going to go to college and not play hockey. I’m pretty excited about it.”

Burke was an All-State selection at TC West in 2007 and tendered by the North Stars. He appeared in 40 games as a rookie, with a pair of goals and five assists. His offensive output jumped to eight goals and as many assists in 2008-09 and he had logged a career-high nine goals last season before breaking his kneecap against Motor City on Jan. 23. He returned for the season finale and saw action in the team’s Robertson Cup playoff run, but hadn’t returned to full strength until the summer.

“That was hard because I had seen some interest from some schools, but when I was out injured – I had lost a lot of opportunity time; I was sitting on nothing,” Burke explained. “I hadn’t talked to Finlandia, but I got a text one day from (current TC West) coach Rintala asking me what I thought about it. It kind of came out of nowhere, but I’m glad it did.”

North Stars head coach-GM Anthony Palumbo says the Lions are getting the total package in Burke, and he should know – he’s coached Burke for the last eight seasons.

“I coached him as a bantam, in high school, and for the past three years in juniors,” Palumbo offered. “I know they’re getting a great kid and a great teammate with a tremendous work ethic. He’s earned everything he’s gotten at every level and I have no doubt he’ll do the same up there.”

Burke, who plans to study business at the 500-student private college on the rugged Keweenaw Peninsula, will not be alone as he embarks on his college hockey career. A pair of fellow TC West alums are also set to play at Finlandia this year: forward Shane Totten and defenseman Vinnie Pietrangelo.

Former North Stars goalie Ryan Donovan and ex-Marquette Rangers forward Collin Saint-Onge are also on the Lions roster.

Burke will also get to see some familiar faces on opposing benches this year by virtue of playing in the NCAA Division III Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association – Former North Stars Matt Hughes, Jameson Raymond and Jonathan Sheridan at Lawrence University, and Ben Plocar and Mike Schenfeld at Milwaukee School of Engineering.

“It’s exciting to move on to the next step of your career, to know you’re going to get a great education in a comfortable setting,” Burke said. “I think (playing) juniors – at that level, that pace – helps you mature as a player. You’re around good players who help you raise your own game and help you acclimate to the game when you’re a younger player.”

Like most hockey players, Burke had plenty of backing in matriculating from mite through bantam in the Grand Traverse Hockey Association youth program, his prep career at TC West and three-year run with the North Stars.

“I’ve had a lot of great coaches over the years who have helped me get this far,” Burke concluded. “And getting to play basically all my hockey in Traverse City, I’ve made a lot of lifelong friends and I’m grateful for that. But through it all, I’ve been lucky to have tremendous support from my family.

"I can’t thank them enough.”

Photo by John L. Russell/Great Lakes Images

NHL Draft tonight in Los Angeles

Local talent picks Ferris State for '11-12

NAHL Press Release

Bismarck Bobcats forward Dominic Panetta became the 10th member of the 2009-10 Robertson Cup championship squad to secure a place to play hockey at the Division I level, committing to Ferris State University for the 2011-12 season.

“It’s definitely a huge relief to know that I’ll be playing at the D-I level,” said Panetta, who led the North American Hockey League in playoff scoring with 17 points on six goals and 11 assists. “Now that I have my deal in place, I can really focus on becoming the best player possible over the next year.”

Panetta was the second-highest scoring rookie in the NAHL during the regular season with 24 goals and 28 assists, just two points behind top-scoring rookie Bryce Johnson, a St. Cloud State University recruit, of the Topeka Roadrunners (54 points).

For the Michigan native, the decision was natural to not only play his collegiate hockey close to home, but also with a program with which he had a long-standing relationship.

“When everything was said and done, it was a pretty easy call to pick Ferris,” noted Panetta, who resides in Grand Rapids. “I was talking to a lot of great programs, but I grew up in Big Rapids and I’ve known (Bulldogs head) Coach (Bob) Daniels since I was three years old. It’s a really comfortable fit for me.”

“Bobcat Hockey is extremely happy for Dominic and his family that he has earned such a great opportunity at the Division I level,” said Bobcats head coach Layne Sedevie. “We couldn’t be more proud of Dom and we know he’ll be a big-time player for the Bulldogs in the CCHA.”

Panetta plans to study Green Technology at Ferris State.

NMU, MTU recruits earn NAHL hardware

The North American Hockey League announced Monday night the Robertson Cup Championship Tournament banquet that Topeka RoadRunners forward Erik Higby has been named its Most Valuable Player for the 2009-10 season, as selected by the league’s coaches and general managers.

Higby was also selected as the NAHL’s nominee for the 2010 USA Hockey Junior Player of the Year Award, named Forward of the Year and to the All-NAHL Team.

Higby, a 20-year-old from Shelby Township, won the NAHL’s regular-season scoring title with 80 points on 27 goals. His plus-36 rating also led the NAHL.

“Erik is a special type of player,” said RoadRunners head coach Scott Langer. “His vision and abilities on the ice are tremendous, but what really sets him apart is the way he goes about his business. He's focused, determined, intelligent, and he quietly leads by example.”

Higby, who participated in January’s NAHL Top Prospects Tournament, has committed to Northern Michigan for next season. His on-ice performance earned him NAHL South Division Player of the Week honors three times this season.

“Erik’s production on the scoresheet is what the casual fan first sees, but it’s his demeanor with his teammates and with the public that sets him apart,” Langer added.

Higby’s point total and 53 assists (second in the NAHL) also set team records for the RoadRunners, who won the league’s South Division regular-season title.

“For a player who led the league in scoring and rewrote pages of the organization’s record book, he's quite humble,” said Langer. “He does all these things and is a solid citizen off the ice. What more can a coach or an organization ask for?”

Also recognized at the banquet was forward Tanner Kero of the Marquette Rangers, as the Michigan Tech recruit was named the NAHL's Rookie of the Year.

In his first Junior A season, Kero, a 17-year-old from Hancock, led the NAHL with 32 goals while totaling 51 points in 57 games for the North Division regular-season champions.