Press Release
Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Andrew Agozzino of the Niagara IceDogs is the 2011-12 recipient of the Mickey Renaud Captain’s Trophy.
A three-year captain with the IceDogs, Agozzino was chosen for the award by a media selection committee as the OHL team captain that best exemplifies leadership on and off the ice, with a passion and dedication to the game of hockey and his community that Mickey demonstrated. Nomination forms were submitted by OHL General Managers on behalf of their individual team captains. The selection committee consisted of a panel of four, representing media from each OHL division.
“It is a special honor to have been awarded of the Mickey Renaud Captain's Trophy,” said Agozzino, who competed against Mickey as a rookie with the IceDogs in 2007. “Mickey was very well respected and a great captain and to receive this in his memory is something I'm very proud of.”
On the IceDogs nomination form, Agozzino is described as a passionate and determined individual who truly cares for his teammates, his opponents, and the game. He leads by example putting team goals, objectives, and the well-being of those around him before his own personal goals. Agozzino is also very active in the community playing a large role in appearances and team initiatives in each of his five seasons, while personally raising $2,480 for Movember this year. His fundraising efforts led all OHL players in the first year of this CHL-wide initiative in support of men’s health and prostate cancer awareness.
"For five years Andrew has been the heart and soul of the IceDogs, just as Mickey was the heart and soul of the Spitfires,” said IceDogs’ owner Bill Burke. “With Mickey's mother Jane having been from Niagara Falls and his father Mark having played for the Thunder, there is obviously a connection between the Renaud's and the Niagara Region, making the award even more special for our team."
Agozzino is a 21-year-old native of Kleinburg, ON, who played all five of his OHL seasons with the IceDogs after being the franchise’s first ever draft pick selected 15th overall in the 2007 Priority Selection. This season he tied for fifth in league scoring with a career-high 88 points in 67 games scoring 40 goals and 48 assists leading the IceDogs to their first Central Division title and best overall record in team history with a record of 47-18-0-3 for 97 points. Also named the Overage Player of the Year, he led the IceDogs in both goals and points for the third time in five years finishing his career with a franchise record 159 goals and 147 assists for 306 points in a franchise record 318 regular season games played.
Agozzino becomes the fourth recipient of the award following Ryan Ellis of the Windsor Spitfires, John Kurtz of the Sudbury Wolves, and Chris Terry of the Plymouth Whalers who won the inaugural award for the 2008-09 season.
The Mickey Renaud Captain’s Trophy will be formally presented to Agozzino in addition to the Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy at the OHL Awards Ceremony on Tuesday June 5 at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.
(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Taylor Dupuis Commits to Sudbury Wolves
Press Release
The Sudbury Wolves are pleased to announce the signing of 18-year-old goaltender TAYLOR DUPUIS. DUPUIS was drafted by the Wolves in the 2010 OHL draft in the 10th round, 186th overall.
DUPUIS, 6’, 180 lbs, played for the Stratford Cullitons of the GOJHL this past season and helped lead the Cullitons to a second place finish in their division. The Cullitons won their first two rounds of the play-offs before losing-out in the Division Finals to the Brampton Golden Eagles in six games. DUPUIS recorded an outstanding 20 - 2 win-loss record during the regular season and finished in 7th place in the league in goals against (2.66) and save % (.910).
During the play-offs, Dupuis played in five games and had a record of 3 wins and 1 loss and recorded an impressive goals against average of 2.54 and a save % of .938. His save percentage was the 2nd best in the league!
“Taylor is a young goaltender that has continued to show improvement over the past two years” notes Wolves’ GM Blaine Smith. “He has earned an OHL contract based on his play this past season in Stratford and his performance at our training camps in Sudbury” notes Wolves’ GM Blaine Smith. “With Taylor’s commitment to Sudbury, we now have significant depth at the goaltending position.”
“I am thrilled to be in Sudbury and be a part of the Wolves’ organization” notes Dupuis, who is fluently bilingual. “I look forward to the challenge of earning a spot on the Wolves’ roster to begin the 2012-13 season. I am very excited and very confident at the same time. I can hardly wait for next season to begin.”
Dupuis will be working with Wolves’ Goaltending Coach Scott Murray this summer at the RHP HOCKEY TRAINING FACILITY in Sudbury in preparation for the upcoming season.
(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)
The Sudbury Wolves are pleased to announce the signing of 18-year-old goaltender TAYLOR DUPUIS. DUPUIS was drafted by the Wolves in the 2010 OHL draft in the 10th round, 186th overall.
DUPUIS, 6’, 180 lbs, played for the Stratford Cullitons of the GOJHL this past season and helped lead the Cullitons to a second place finish in their division. The Cullitons won their first two rounds of the play-offs before losing-out in the Division Finals to the Brampton Golden Eagles in six games. DUPUIS recorded an outstanding 20 - 2 win-loss record during the regular season and finished in 7th place in the league in goals against (2.66) and save % (.910).
During the play-offs, Dupuis played in five games and had a record of 3 wins and 1 loss and recorded an impressive goals against average of 2.54 and a save % of .938. His save percentage was the 2nd best in the league!
“Taylor is a young goaltender that has continued to show improvement over the past two years” notes Wolves’ GM Blaine Smith. “He has earned an OHL contract based on his play this past season in Stratford and his performance at our training camps in Sudbury” notes Wolves’ GM Blaine Smith. “With Taylor’s commitment to Sudbury, we now have significant depth at the goaltending position.”
“I am thrilled to be in Sudbury and be a part of the Wolves’ organization” notes Dupuis, who is fluently bilingual. “I look forward to the challenge of earning a spot on the Wolves’ roster to begin the 2012-13 season. I am very excited and very confident at the same time. I can hardly wait for next season to begin.”
Dupuis will be working with Wolves’ Goaltending Coach Scott Murray this summer at the RHP HOCKEY TRAINING FACILITY in Sudbury in preparation for the upcoming season.
(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)
Atlanta Fire Forms Alliance With Topeka RoadRunners
Press Release
The Atlanta Fire Hockey Club has entered into a formal alliance with the Topeka RoadRunners of the North American Hockey League (NAHL). Director of the Atlanta Fire, Chris Powers, characterized the alliance as “a major step forward for our program and particularly for the Tier I AAA level. This relationship opens a whole new set of opportunities for Fire players to compete at the highest level and to pursue the sport of hockey to the Division I collegiate level and perhaps professionally.”
The NAHL is the only Tier II Junior A hockey league in the country. The USHL is the only Tier I Junior A league. All other “Junior” leagues or programs are Tier III with multiple levels. These leagues are certified by USA Hockey. The NAHL together with the USHL are the only two “non-pay to play” leagues in the country. This means that players on those teams pay no fees to play, have all their equipment, with the exception of skates, supplied to them free of charge and have no travel expenses associated with playing for the team. NAHL teams are funded by the gate receipts from their games. These are obviously attractive features and the NAHL teams are therefore able to attract the top talent and coaches.
The Fire program has always held a core belief that the nexus between sport and education is a strong one and one to be encouraged and supported at every opportunity. Consequently, the Fire has a long history of promoting its players to New England Prep Schools as a means of enhancing their opportunity to pursue the sport at the collegiate level while gaining the benefit of a world class high school education. The success of this approach is clearly borne out by the fact that with eighteen alumni having played Division I hockey and seventeen Division III the Atlanta Fire is by far the most successful program in the region in terms of elevating players to the next level.
The Atlanta Fire’s interest in and penchant for moving players to the next level is a perfect match for the opportunities and record of success presented by the NAHL and the Topeka RoadRunners. Just this past season (2011-2012) the NAHL had over one hundred players accepted into Division I college hockey programs. The Topeka RoadRunners themselves placed seven into Division I programs.
The alliance between the Atlanta Fire and the Topeka RoadRunners will provide additional opportunities for Fire players in a number of ways. One of these opportunities has already been taken advantage of and come to fruition for the benefit of the Fire program.
The NAHL sponsors and manages an elite Tier I AAA league for the 16U and 18U Midget levels. The league is known as the NAPHL (North American Prospects Hockey League). This one of the premier AAA leagues in the country and admission is limited and highly sought after. The Atlanta Fire applied for admission and was supported by the ownership of the Topeka NAHL team in the application review process. Last month the Fire was notified that it had been accepted into the NAPHL.
Players in the NAPHL are exposed to scouts from the junior, collegiate and professional ranks at every event they play in. Twice a year all the NAPHL teams play at an event that coincides with the NAHL’s top prospects showcase. As a result of this level and frequency of exposure NAPHL players are offered Division I college positions as well as tenders (offers of a position on a team) from USHL and NAHL teams. All NAHL teams are required to have at least one scout present at every NAPHL event and must tender at least two players each year from the NAPHL.
The alliance with the Topeka RoadRunners further enhances the opportunity presented by the NAHL. Not only are the RoadRunners one of the premier teams in the NAHL (Division Champions three of the past four years), but their owner and two of their scouts reside in the Atlanta area. This gives them a unique opportunity to monitor talent at the Atlanta Fire as well as to direct talent to the Fire program. As part of the alliance between the two organizations the RoadRunners will be able to offer some Fire players the opportunity of spending time with the RoadRunner team during the season so that they can experience the level of play and commitment required at the Junior A level. Again, this is a fabulous opportunity for Fire players working to continue their hockey careers. While the new relationship between the Atlanta Fire and the NAHL and Topeka RoadRunners does not guarantee any Fire player placement in a top Junior program it does open multiple doors of opportunity for those with the talent and drive to reach their goals as young hockey players.
(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)
The Atlanta Fire Hockey Club has entered into a formal alliance with the Topeka RoadRunners of the North American Hockey League (NAHL). Director of the Atlanta Fire, Chris Powers, characterized the alliance as “a major step forward for our program and particularly for the Tier I AAA level. This relationship opens a whole new set of opportunities for Fire players to compete at the highest level and to pursue the sport of hockey to the Division I collegiate level and perhaps professionally.”
The NAHL is the only Tier II Junior A hockey league in the country. The USHL is the only Tier I Junior A league. All other “Junior” leagues or programs are Tier III with multiple levels. These leagues are certified by USA Hockey. The NAHL together with the USHL are the only two “non-pay to play” leagues in the country. This means that players on those teams pay no fees to play, have all their equipment, with the exception of skates, supplied to them free of charge and have no travel expenses associated with playing for the team. NAHL teams are funded by the gate receipts from their games. These are obviously attractive features and the NAHL teams are therefore able to attract the top talent and coaches.
The Fire program has always held a core belief that the nexus between sport and education is a strong one and one to be encouraged and supported at every opportunity. Consequently, the Fire has a long history of promoting its players to New England Prep Schools as a means of enhancing their opportunity to pursue the sport at the collegiate level while gaining the benefit of a world class high school education. The success of this approach is clearly borne out by the fact that with eighteen alumni having played Division I hockey and seventeen Division III the Atlanta Fire is by far the most successful program in the region in terms of elevating players to the next level.
The Atlanta Fire’s interest in and penchant for moving players to the next level is a perfect match for the opportunities and record of success presented by the NAHL and the Topeka RoadRunners. Just this past season (2011-2012) the NAHL had over one hundred players accepted into Division I college hockey programs. The Topeka RoadRunners themselves placed seven into Division I programs.
The alliance between the Atlanta Fire and the Topeka RoadRunners will provide additional opportunities for Fire players in a number of ways. One of these opportunities has already been taken advantage of and come to fruition for the benefit of the Fire program.
The NAHL sponsors and manages an elite Tier I AAA league for the 16U and 18U Midget levels. The league is known as the NAPHL (North American Prospects Hockey League). This one of the premier AAA leagues in the country and admission is limited and highly sought after. The Atlanta Fire applied for admission and was supported by the ownership of the Topeka NAHL team in the application review process. Last month the Fire was notified that it had been accepted into the NAPHL.
Players in the NAPHL are exposed to scouts from the junior, collegiate and professional ranks at every event they play in. Twice a year all the NAPHL teams play at an event that coincides with the NAHL’s top prospects showcase. As a result of this level and frequency of exposure NAPHL players are offered Division I college positions as well as tenders (offers of a position on a team) from USHL and NAHL teams. All NAHL teams are required to have at least one scout present at every NAPHL event and must tender at least two players each year from the NAPHL.
The alliance with the Topeka RoadRunners further enhances the opportunity presented by the NAHL. Not only are the RoadRunners one of the premier teams in the NAHL (Division Champions three of the past four years), but their owner and two of their scouts reside in the Atlanta area. This gives them a unique opportunity to monitor talent at the Atlanta Fire as well as to direct talent to the Fire program. As part of the alliance between the two organizations the RoadRunners will be able to offer some Fire players the opportunity of spending time with the RoadRunner team during the season so that they can experience the level of play and commitment required at the Junior A level. Again, this is a fabulous opportunity for Fire players working to continue their hockey careers. While the new relationship between the Atlanta Fire and the NAHL and Topeka RoadRunners does not guarantee any Fire player placement in a top Junior program it does open multiple doors of opportunity for those with the talent and drive to reach their goals as young hockey players.
(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)
Chiefs Announce Two Major Signings
Press Release
The Chilliwack Chiefs today announced two major signings for the Club aimed at ensuring continued stability for the team and support for youth sport in Chilliwack.
The first signing will see General Manager and Head Coach Harvey Smyl holding the reins of the Club for at least another two years.
“We could not be more pleased to be able to confirm that Harvey has extended his commitment to our Club through the 2013-14 season,” said Chiefs President Glen Ringdal. “The contract is actually for three years, but the first year is already in the books. We were so busy getting the organization set up last year we didn’t get around to such matters until late in the season.”
“That’s the kind of guy Harvey is”, continued Ringdal, “His own situation was secondary to his commitment to the Chiefs and the hockey fans of Chilliwack. Then he did a masterful job of bringing a new team together in such a way that they exceeded all expectations – earning 71 points from 33 wins in the very tough interior conference and taking the eventual RBC Champion Penticton Vees to six games in the first round of playoffs. And Chilliwack hockey fans showed their support by making the Chiefs the highest attended Junior A Hockey Club in Canada.”
The second announcement will again see the Chiefs join with Hub International Barton Insurance Brokers to make a significant contribution toward youth sport in Chilliwack. In the initial year of the HUB/Barton Cash for Kids Fund, the insurance agency pledged $10 for every Chiefs goal scored throughout the year. With 194 goals in the regular season and another 10 in the playoffs, the Fund reached $2,040 which has been split evenly between Chilliwack Minor Hockey and Chilliwack Soccer. Hub/Barton executive Tim Brandsma presented matching cheques of $1,020 to David Soltys, President of Chilliwack Minor Hockey, and Andrea Laycock, Chairperson of Chilliwack FC Soccer. At the same time, Mr. Brandsma confirmed that Hub/Barton has committed to another two years of the Cash for Kids Fund.
For further information contact:
Glen Ringdal, Harvey Smyl or Barry Douglas
Chilliwack Chiefs Hockey Club
604 392-4433
(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)
The Chilliwack Chiefs today announced two major signings for the Club aimed at ensuring continued stability for the team and support for youth sport in Chilliwack.
The first signing will see General Manager and Head Coach Harvey Smyl holding the reins of the Club for at least another two years.
“We could not be more pleased to be able to confirm that Harvey has extended his commitment to our Club through the 2013-14 season,” said Chiefs President Glen Ringdal. “The contract is actually for three years, but the first year is already in the books. We were so busy getting the organization set up last year we didn’t get around to such matters until late in the season.”
“That’s the kind of guy Harvey is”, continued Ringdal, “His own situation was secondary to his commitment to the Chiefs and the hockey fans of Chilliwack. Then he did a masterful job of bringing a new team together in such a way that they exceeded all expectations – earning 71 points from 33 wins in the very tough interior conference and taking the eventual RBC Champion Penticton Vees to six games in the first round of playoffs. And Chilliwack hockey fans showed their support by making the Chiefs the highest attended Junior A Hockey Club in Canada.”
The second announcement will again see the Chiefs join with Hub International Barton Insurance Brokers to make a significant contribution toward youth sport in Chilliwack. In the initial year of the HUB/Barton Cash for Kids Fund, the insurance agency pledged $10 for every Chiefs goal scored throughout the year. With 194 goals in the regular season and another 10 in the playoffs, the Fund reached $2,040 which has been split evenly between Chilliwack Minor Hockey and Chilliwack Soccer. Hub/Barton executive Tim Brandsma presented matching cheques of $1,020 to David Soltys, President of Chilliwack Minor Hockey, and Andrea Laycock, Chairperson of Chilliwack FC Soccer. At the same time, Mr. Brandsma confirmed that Hub/Barton has committed to another two years of the Cash for Kids Fund.
For further information contact:
Glen Ringdal, Harvey Smyl or Barry Douglas
Chilliwack Chiefs Hockey Club
604 392-4433
(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)
SPITFIRES RE-SIGN FIVE HOCKEY STAFF MEMBERS
Press Release
The Windsor Spitfires are pleased to announce the club has re-signed five members of the hockey operations staff.
Dave Matsos (Assistant Coach), Paul Billing (Goalie Coach) and Joey Garland (Strength & Conditioning Coach) have all inked multi-year extensions with the club.
Jerrod Smith (Video Coach) has signed a one-year extension.
J.R. Grant (former assistant Equipment Manager) has been promoted and has signed a multi-year contract as the team’s new Equipment Manager.
“From the hockey operations side, we’ve worked very hard over the last few weeks to maintain a solid core and consistent environment to build our success this season,” said President & Head Coach Bob Boughner. “I’m very excited and look forward to what we’ve built for the upcoming hockey season both on and off the ice.”
These contract extensions solidify the Spitfires' hockey operations staff, which includes Bob Jones (Associate Coach) and D.J. Smith (Assistant Coach), who are already secured under multi-year contracts.
(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)
The Windsor Spitfires are pleased to announce the club has re-signed five members of the hockey operations staff.
Dave Matsos (Assistant Coach), Paul Billing (Goalie Coach) and Joey Garland (Strength & Conditioning Coach) have all inked multi-year extensions with the club.
Jerrod Smith (Video Coach) has signed a one-year extension.
J.R. Grant (former assistant Equipment Manager) has been promoted and has signed a multi-year contract as the team’s new Equipment Manager.
“From the hockey operations side, we’ve worked very hard over the last few weeks to maintain a solid core and consistent environment to build our success this season,” said President & Head Coach Bob Boughner. “I’m very excited and look forward to what we’ve built for the upcoming hockey season both on and off the ice.”
These contract extensions solidify the Spitfires' hockey operations staff, which includes Bob Jones (Associate Coach) and D.J. Smith (Assistant Coach), who are already secured under multi-year contracts.
(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Penguins Sign Defenseman Reid McNeill to a Three-Year Entry-Level Contract
Press Release
The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed defenseman Reid McNeill to a three-year entry-level contract, it was announced today by executive vice president and general manager Ray Shero.
The deal begins with the 2012-13 season and runs through the 2014-15 campaign.
McNeill, 20, was drafted by Pittsburgh in the sixth round (170th overall) of the 2010 NHL Draft. He spent the past season playing for the Barrie Colts of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). McNeill appeared in 51 regular-season contests for the Colts, tallying 12 points (3G-9A) and a plus-9 rating. He added a plus-1 rating in 13 playoff games.
Prior to joining Barrie in an offseason trade, the 6-foot-3, 200-pound McNeill played his first two junior seasons with his hometown team, the London Knights. The defense-minded blueliner skated in 115 regular-season games with the Knights, scoring four goals, seven assists and 11 points. McNeill notched one assist and posted an even rating in 18 playoff games.
McNeill, who spent the 2010-11 season in London partnered with fellow Penguins defensive prospect Scott Harrington, has attended Pittsburgh’s annual prospect development camp in July, and rookie tournament in September, each of the past two years. McNeill posted two assists in three games during the 2010 rookie tournament, which was held in his hometown.
(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)
The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed defenseman Reid McNeill to a three-year entry-level contract, it was announced today by executive vice president and general manager Ray Shero.
The deal begins with the 2012-13 season and runs through the 2014-15 campaign.
McNeill, 20, was drafted by Pittsburgh in the sixth round (170th overall) of the 2010 NHL Draft. He spent the past season playing for the Barrie Colts of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). McNeill appeared in 51 regular-season contests for the Colts, tallying 12 points (3G-9A) and a plus-9 rating. He added a plus-1 rating in 13 playoff games.
Prior to joining Barrie in an offseason trade, the 6-foot-3, 200-pound McNeill played his first two junior seasons with his hometown team, the London Knights. The defense-minded blueliner skated in 115 regular-season games with the Knights, scoring four goals, seven assists and 11 points. McNeill notched one assist and posted an even rating in 18 playoff games.
McNeill, who spent the 2010-11 season in London partnered with fellow Penguins defensive prospect Scott Harrington, has attended Pittsburgh’s annual prospect development camp in July, and rookie tournament in September, each of the past two years. McNeill posted two assists in three games during the 2010 rookie tournament, which was held in his hometown.
(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)
LANCERS ADD LEIGH MENDELSON TO COACHING STAFF
Press Release
OMAHA, Neb. – The Omaha Lancers of the United States Hockey League (USHL) are pleased to announce they have added Leigh Mendelson to serve as the team’s Associate Head Coach for the upcoming 2012-2013 season. Mendelson returns to Omaha for the third time in his coaching career after serving as the team’s Assistant Coach during Clark Cup championship runs in both 2001 and 2008.
“We’re extremely happy to have Leigh back as a member of the Omaha Lancers,” Head Coach/GM Mike Aikens said. “His experience as a coach at this level is invaluable and he will provide a tenacious work ethic both on the ice to improve our current players and off the ice to help find the next crop of Lancers.”
Most recently, the Caldwell, New Jersey native served as the Assistant Coach of the Utah Grizzlies of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) where he helped guide the team to a 33-33-6 regular season mark and the club’s sixth postseason berth in the last seven years. All tolled, Mendelson has helped guide teams to the postseason in 13 of his 16 seasons behind the bench.
Next year will mark the eighth season of USHL coaching experience for Mendelson who began his coaching career with the Waterloo Blacks Hawks in 1995. After a one-year stint in Waterloo, Mendelson then spent three seasons as an Assistant for the Sioux City Musketeers from 1997-2000. His other USHL coaching stops include: Omaha (2000-2001), Green Bay Gamblers (2005-2006) and Omaha (2007-2008).
The Lancers continue their preparations for the 2012-2013 season with the USHL Entry Draft next Tuesday, May 22. Omaha will then host its Tryout Camp at Moylan-Tranquility IcePlex beginning Friday, June 8 and concluding Sunday, June 10. For more information, visit www.lancers.com.
(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)
OMAHA, Neb. – The Omaha Lancers of the United States Hockey League (USHL) are pleased to announce they have added Leigh Mendelson to serve as the team’s Associate Head Coach for the upcoming 2012-2013 season. Mendelson returns to Omaha for the third time in his coaching career after serving as the team’s Assistant Coach during Clark Cup championship runs in both 2001 and 2008.
“We’re extremely happy to have Leigh back as a member of the Omaha Lancers,” Head Coach/GM Mike Aikens said. “His experience as a coach at this level is invaluable and he will provide a tenacious work ethic both on the ice to improve our current players and off the ice to help find the next crop of Lancers.”
Most recently, the Caldwell, New Jersey native served as the Assistant Coach of the Utah Grizzlies of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) where he helped guide the team to a 33-33-6 regular season mark and the club’s sixth postseason berth in the last seven years. All tolled, Mendelson has helped guide teams to the postseason in 13 of his 16 seasons behind the bench.
Next year will mark the eighth season of USHL coaching experience for Mendelson who began his coaching career with the Waterloo Blacks Hawks in 1995. After a one-year stint in Waterloo, Mendelson then spent three seasons as an Assistant for the Sioux City Musketeers from 1997-2000. His other USHL coaching stops include: Omaha (2000-2001), Green Bay Gamblers (2005-2006) and Omaha (2007-2008).
The Lancers continue their preparations for the 2012-2013 season with the USHL Entry Draft next Tuesday, May 22. Omaha will then host its Tryout Camp at Moylan-Tranquility IcePlex beginning Friday, June 8 and concluding Sunday, June 10. For more information, visit www.lancers.com.
(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)
Bobcats Tab All-Time Scorer Roth as New Assistant
Press Release sent to the World of Junior Hockey
BISMARCK, ND – Already holding team records for goals, assists and points, former Bismarck Bobcats forward Garrett Roth will have a new title with Bobcat Hockey, some ten years after his final season in black and gold: assistant coach.
Bobcats head coach and general manager Layne Sedevie, Roth’s collegiate teammate at Bemidji State, announced Tuesday that Roth will take over as the Bobcats’ assistant coach starting in 2012-13.
“Garrett is a good fit on a lot of levels,” explained Sedevie, who will undertake his third year as Bobcat bench boss in 2012-13, “not only are there years of familiarity between me and him, but he has experience in this league and is great at managing forwards and the power play. When I played [as a goaltender] all I did was stop pucks; Garrett knows the position of forward a lot better and will be a big help in developing the guys up front.”
During the 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons, Roth served as assistant coach for the Aberdeen Wings.
Roth played for the Bobcats in the 2001-02 and 2002-03 seasons, compiling 70 goals, 86 assists and 156 points in two seasons—all records that still stand in Bismarck—and raised the team’s first Borne Cup as champions of the AWHL in 2003.
“Leaving Bismarck as a player in 2003 was pretty difficult, actually,” recalled Roth, “even though I was getting ready to play D-I at Bemidji, I’d built up quite a bit of affection for the Bismarck-Mandan area. Having the chance to come back to Bobcat Hockey is really exciting both personally and professionally for me.”
Roth also holds single-season franchise records for points (88) and goals (37) set during the 2002-03 season.
“I couldn’t have been more excited when Layne told me that Garrett contacted him after the season,” said Bobcats team owner Thom Brigl. “I have kept in contact with Garrett since his time as a Bobcat player and not only do I respect his hockey knowledge, I think the world of him as a person, too.
“I’m also very excited to have two young, up-and-coming coaches behind our bench to build strong for the future.”
The combination of Sedevie, who is 29, and Roth, who is 30, comprises one of the youngest coaching tandems in the NAHL.
A native of Cary, Ill.—a Chicagoland suburb—Roth has strong connections to Great Lakes regional scouting. Chicago is an important pipeline for Bobcat recruiting, having not only produced Roth but also recent standouts that include Matt Gates (2010-11) and John Avino (2008-10).
“Garrett’s connections to Chicago and the Great Lakes region fills in a big blank on our recruiting map,” added Brigl. “It had been an area we hadn’t been able to recruit and scout as well as places like the upper Midwest and the Rocky Mountains.”
Roth, Sedevie and the Bobcats’ scouting staff will wrap up their pre-draft tryouts this weekend with a three-day tryout camp in Denver, Colo., in preparation for the 2012 NAHL Entry Draft on May 31.
(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)
BISMARCK, ND – Already holding team records for goals, assists and points, former Bismarck Bobcats forward Garrett Roth will have a new title with Bobcat Hockey, some ten years after his final season in black and gold: assistant coach.
Bobcats head coach and general manager Layne Sedevie, Roth’s collegiate teammate at Bemidji State, announced Tuesday that Roth will take over as the Bobcats’ assistant coach starting in 2012-13.
“Garrett is a good fit on a lot of levels,” explained Sedevie, who will undertake his third year as Bobcat bench boss in 2012-13, “not only are there years of familiarity between me and him, but he has experience in this league and is great at managing forwards and the power play. When I played [as a goaltender] all I did was stop pucks; Garrett knows the position of forward a lot better and will be a big help in developing the guys up front.”
During the 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons, Roth served as assistant coach for the Aberdeen Wings.
Roth played for the Bobcats in the 2001-02 and 2002-03 seasons, compiling 70 goals, 86 assists and 156 points in two seasons—all records that still stand in Bismarck—and raised the team’s first Borne Cup as champions of the AWHL in 2003.
“Leaving Bismarck as a player in 2003 was pretty difficult, actually,” recalled Roth, “even though I was getting ready to play D-I at Bemidji, I’d built up quite a bit of affection for the Bismarck-Mandan area. Having the chance to come back to Bobcat Hockey is really exciting both personally and professionally for me.”
Roth also holds single-season franchise records for points (88) and goals (37) set during the 2002-03 season.
“I couldn’t have been more excited when Layne told me that Garrett contacted him after the season,” said Bobcats team owner Thom Brigl. “I have kept in contact with Garrett since his time as a Bobcat player and not only do I respect his hockey knowledge, I think the world of him as a person, too.
“I’m also very excited to have two young, up-and-coming coaches behind our bench to build strong for the future.”
The combination of Sedevie, who is 29, and Roth, who is 30, comprises one of the youngest coaching tandems in the NAHL.
A native of Cary, Ill.—a Chicagoland suburb—Roth has strong connections to Great Lakes regional scouting. Chicago is an important pipeline for Bobcat recruiting, having not only produced Roth but also recent standouts that include Matt Gates (2010-11) and John Avino (2008-10).
“Garrett’s connections to Chicago and the Great Lakes region fills in a big blank on our recruiting map,” added Brigl. “It had been an area we hadn’t been able to recruit and scout as well as places like the upper Midwest and the Rocky Mountains.”
Roth, Sedevie and the Bobcats’ scouting staff will wrap up their pre-draft tryouts this weekend with a three-day tryout camp in Denver, Colo., in preparation for the 2012 NAHL Entry Draft on May 31.
(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)
Joe Dibble named new head coach of the Janesville Jets
Press Release
The Janesville Jets, proud members of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), have announced the hiring of Joe Dibble as the new head hockey coach.
Most recently, Dibble was the head coach of the Springfield (IL) Jr. Blues, the Jets intra-divisional rival in the North American Hockey League’s Midwest Division. Dibble replaces Dane Litke who resigned on May 2, 2012.
“The Jets were looking to find a coach that had a successful track record in junior hockey as well as a proven ability to move players to the next level. Coach Dibble meets those requirements,” said Jets President Bill McCoshen. “There was tremendous interest in our head coaching vacancy. (Jets co-owner and NHL star) Joe Pavelski and I interviewed several highly qualified candidates for the position, but we felt Coach Dibble was the best fit for us and look forward to having him join our organization,” McCoshen continued.
Over his three seasons with the Springfield Jr. Blues, Dibble worked his way up from Assistant Coach to Associate Head Coach to Head Coach as well as simultaneously serving as Director of Player Personnel. He helped move 11 players into NCAA Division I college hockey programs. Previous to Springfield, Dibble worked as assistant coach for three years with the Minnesota (Isanti) Owls of the Minnesota Junior Hockey League (MNJHL).
“I am very excited about joining the Janesville Jets hockey club,” stated Dibble. “The Jets have established themselves as a quality organization that is committed to winning and moving players to the next level. I look forward to working with the Jets coaching staff and scouting staff as we prepare for the upcoming NAHL Draft and the Jets main tryout camp July 11-15th,” Dibble continued.
Besides serving as the Jets Head Coach and focusing on player recruitment, Dibble will also be very active throughout Rock County appearing at various community events and also serving as a key
spokesperson with local media and Jets sponsors.
Jason Dobes remains the Jets Assistant Coach and Larry Clemens is still the Goaltender Coach
(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)
The Janesville Jets, proud members of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), have announced the hiring of Joe Dibble as the new head hockey coach.
Most recently, Dibble was the head coach of the Springfield (IL) Jr. Blues, the Jets intra-divisional rival in the North American Hockey League’s Midwest Division. Dibble replaces Dane Litke who resigned on May 2, 2012.
“The Jets were looking to find a coach that had a successful track record in junior hockey as well as a proven ability to move players to the next level. Coach Dibble meets those requirements,” said Jets President Bill McCoshen. “There was tremendous interest in our head coaching vacancy. (Jets co-owner and NHL star) Joe Pavelski and I interviewed several highly qualified candidates for the position, but we felt Coach Dibble was the best fit for us and look forward to having him join our organization,” McCoshen continued.
Over his three seasons with the Springfield Jr. Blues, Dibble worked his way up from Assistant Coach to Associate Head Coach to Head Coach as well as simultaneously serving as Director of Player Personnel. He helped move 11 players into NCAA Division I college hockey programs. Previous to Springfield, Dibble worked as assistant coach for three years with the Minnesota (Isanti) Owls of the Minnesota Junior Hockey League (MNJHL).
“I am very excited about joining the Janesville Jets hockey club,” stated Dibble. “The Jets have established themselves as a quality organization that is committed to winning and moving players to the next level. I look forward to working with the Jets coaching staff and scouting staff as we prepare for the upcoming NAHL Draft and the Jets main tryout camp July 11-15th,” Dibble continued.
Besides serving as the Jets Head Coach and focusing on player recruitment, Dibble will also be very active throughout Rock County appearing at various community events and also serving as a key
spokesperson with local media and Jets sponsors.
Jason Dobes remains the Jets Assistant Coach and Larry Clemens is still the Goaltender Coach
(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)
Spirit Sign Third Member of 2012 Draft Class
Press Release
The Saginaw Spirit today announce the signing of left wing Dylan Sadowy to an OHL contract, making the forward the third of the Spirit’s 2012 OHL Priority Selection picks to reach an agreement with the team. The Spirit had previously signed their first two selections in the draft, first round pick Jeremiah Addison, and second rounder Brandon Prophet. Sadowy comes to the Spirit after being the team’s last of two second round picks, going 37th overall.
Sadowy spent last season with the Vaughan Kings Minor Midget program, where he recorded 33 goals, and 45 assists for 78 points in 53 games. He also added four points in five games in the 2012 OHL Cup, and was the second member of the Kings to be drafted into the OHL this year following Michael Dal Colle, who went in the first round to the Oshawa Generals.
(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)
The Saginaw Spirit today announce the signing of left wing Dylan Sadowy to an OHL contract, making the forward the third of the Spirit’s 2012 OHL Priority Selection picks to reach an agreement with the team. The Spirit had previously signed their first two selections in the draft, first round pick Jeremiah Addison, and second rounder Brandon Prophet. Sadowy comes to the Spirit after being the team’s last of two second round picks, going 37th overall.
Sadowy spent last season with the Vaughan Kings Minor Midget program, where he recorded 33 goals, and 45 assists for 78 points in 53 games. He also added four points in five games in the 2012 OHL Cup, and was the second member of the Kings to be drafted into the OHL this year following Michael Dal Colle, who went in the first round to the Oshawa Generals.
(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)
Michigan's AJ White commits to UMASS-Lowell
Press Release
The North American Hockey League’s (NAHL) Michigan Warriors announced forward A.J. White has committed to play for NCAA Division I UMASS-Lowell for the 2012-13 season. UMASS-Lowell competes in the Hockey East conference.
White, a 20-year-old from Dearborn, Mich., totaled 39 goals and 46 assists for 85 points in 115 regular season games over the past two seasons with the Warriors. He tallied seven goals and 10 assists for 17 points in 20 career NAHL playoff games, helping the Warriors advance to the Robertson Cup championship game in 2011.
White also competed in the 2012 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament in Troy, Mich. earlier this year for team North. He is a graduate of Edsel Ford High School in Dearborn.
“Seeing players like A.J. develop and showcase their skills as they work toward that next level is what Michigan Warriors hockey is all about,” said Warriors head coach Moe Mantha. “He’s a talented player and a hard worker who gave it his all on the ice and in the classroom. The Warriors organization is proud of him and thrilled to see him rewarded for his effort.”
White is the fifth Warriors player to commit to a Division I college hockey program, joining forward Justin Hoomaian (Michigan State University), defenseman Michael Szuma (University of Michigan), goaltender Robert Tadazak (Army) and defenseman Ryan Trenz (Northern Michigan University).
"Getting to play for Moe Mantha was an incredible experience," White said. "From playing in the NHL and coaching in the pros and in juniors, he knew so much about the game, including what it took to get to the next level. I really enjoyed my time in Flint with the Michigan Warriors. They helped me accomplish my goal of playing D-1 hockey."
The UMASS-Lowell River Hawks advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament in 2012 after finishing second to NCAA Champion Boston College in the Hockey East conference.
(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)
The North American Hockey League’s (NAHL) Michigan Warriors announced forward A.J. White has committed to play for NCAA Division I UMASS-Lowell for the 2012-13 season. UMASS-Lowell competes in the Hockey East conference.
White, a 20-year-old from Dearborn, Mich., totaled 39 goals and 46 assists for 85 points in 115 regular season games over the past two seasons with the Warriors. He tallied seven goals and 10 assists for 17 points in 20 career NAHL playoff games, helping the Warriors advance to the Robertson Cup championship game in 2011.
White also competed in the 2012 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament in Troy, Mich. earlier this year for team North. He is a graduate of Edsel Ford High School in Dearborn.
“Seeing players like A.J. develop and showcase their skills as they work toward that next level is what Michigan Warriors hockey is all about,” said Warriors head coach Moe Mantha. “He’s a talented player and a hard worker who gave it his all on the ice and in the classroom. The Warriors organization is proud of him and thrilled to see him rewarded for his effort.”
White is the fifth Warriors player to commit to a Division I college hockey program, joining forward Justin Hoomaian (Michigan State University), defenseman Michael Szuma (University of Michigan), goaltender Robert Tadazak (Army) and defenseman Ryan Trenz (Northern Michigan University).
"Getting to play for Moe Mantha was an incredible experience," White said. "From playing in the NHL and coaching in the pros and in juniors, he knew so much about the game, including what it took to get to the next level. I really enjoyed my time in Flint with the Michigan Warriors. They helped me accomplish my goal of playing D-1 hockey."
The UMASS-Lowell River Hawks advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament in 2012 after finishing second to NCAA Champion Boston College in the Hockey East conference.
(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)
Tommy Burke's Big Step
Press Release
BOWLING GREEN, OH – Coming off a record-setting season in net for the Bismarck Bobcats in 2011-12, Bobcat goaltender Tommy Burke has committed to play Division I hockey in 2012-13 at Bowling Green State University.
“It’s exciting to make my commitment and have my plans set,” explained Burke, who set a single-season Bobcats franchise record in 2011-12 for wins with 31.
“I’m happy to be able to make that next step but I can’t be too satisfied with it—I know that there’s a lot of work ahead of me to be able to make the jump to the college game.”
Burke spent two years in black and gold under head coach and general manager Layne Sedevie, who marveled at the progress that the Chaska, Minn., native made along his journey to collegiate hockey.
“It’s a pretty great story,” noted Sedevie, a former D-I goalie himself at Bemidji State from 2004-2007, “Tommy came to us last year and didn’t get a lot of playing time. This year he earned his number one spot with hard offseason work and 31 wins and a Central Division championship later, he’s got plans to play Division I hockey.”
Sedevie knows that Burke’s personality and work ethic will help him thrive at the next level.
“Tommy is such a student of the game. He spent a year learning under a great mentor in [Bocbat alum] Ryan Faragher (St. Cloud State, WCHA). He puts in the time to research guys to be able to read situations, and he puts in the time in the film room and in the gym to push himself to be the best goalie possible.
“More than anything else, though, is that when we needed a big save, Tommy Burke was there to make it. That’s an intangible that you’ve got to have if you’re going to play D-I.”
Burke’s college decision comes on the heels of a whirlwind week that started last Monday in Frisco, Texas, with stops in Bismarck and Chaska and ended up in Bowling Green—some 2,400 miles later—for his official on-campus visit before finally committing Monday.
It was an emotional roller coaster for the second-year veteran.
“When we lost out of the Robertson Cup, it was a tough thing to swallow and a lot of the guys took it pretty hard,” recalled Burke. “We thought we deserved better, but on the other side I couldn’t dwell on it for too long because I knew I had a huge visit coming up that Friday. When I did get to campus I got to meet a lot of the current players and see the facilities and see what the program was all about, which was all really impressive.”
The Falcons, charter members of the historic Central Collegiate Hockey Association, will play one final season in the CCHA before joining the WCHA in 2013 as a part of college hockey’s massive conference realignment that is planned to follow 2012-13 season. BGSU won the NCAA title for hockey in 1984, has taken down a combined 12 regular season and playoff CCHA titles and appeared in nine NCAA tournaments. The Falcons are currently coached by Chris Bergeron.
Bergeron and his staff were a key component in attracting Burke to northwest Ohio.
“I got to meet with all three coaches [Bergeron and assistants Barry Schutte and Ty Eigner] and I knew it would be a great fit as soon as I started talking with them,” continued Burke. “Their staff has a great personal focus on their players and everything they said in our meeting really hit a good note with me.”
Burke is the second 2011-12 Bobcat to secure his collegiate plans, along with assistant captain Castan Sommer, who is committed to Holy Cross (Atlantic Hockey).
Bobcat Hockey would like to thank all of its fans, staff and sponsors for a fantastic 2011-12 season—we couldn’t be Bobcats without you!
(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)
BOWLING GREEN, OH – Coming off a record-setting season in net for the Bismarck Bobcats in 2011-12, Bobcat goaltender Tommy Burke has committed to play Division I hockey in 2012-13 at Bowling Green State University.
“It’s exciting to make my commitment and have my plans set,” explained Burke, who set a single-season Bobcats franchise record in 2011-12 for wins with 31.
“I’m happy to be able to make that next step but I can’t be too satisfied with it—I know that there’s a lot of work ahead of me to be able to make the jump to the college game.”
Burke spent two years in black and gold under head coach and general manager Layne Sedevie, who marveled at the progress that the Chaska, Minn., native made along his journey to collegiate hockey.
“It’s a pretty great story,” noted Sedevie, a former D-I goalie himself at Bemidji State from 2004-2007, “Tommy came to us last year and didn’t get a lot of playing time. This year he earned his number one spot with hard offseason work and 31 wins and a Central Division championship later, he’s got plans to play Division I hockey.”
Sedevie knows that Burke’s personality and work ethic will help him thrive at the next level.
“Tommy is such a student of the game. He spent a year learning under a great mentor in [Bocbat alum] Ryan Faragher (St. Cloud State, WCHA). He puts in the time to research guys to be able to read situations, and he puts in the time in the film room and in the gym to push himself to be the best goalie possible.
“More than anything else, though, is that when we needed a big save, Tommy Burke was there to make it. That’s an intangible that you’ve got to have if you’re going to play D-I.”
Burke’s college decision comes on the heels of a whirlwind week that started last Monday in Frisco, Texas, with stops in Bismarck and Chaska and ended up in Bowling Green—some 2,400 miles later—for his official on-campus visit before finally committing Monday.
It was an emotional roller coaster for the second-year veteran.
“When we lost out of the Robertson Cup, it was a tough thing to swallow and a lot of the guys took it pretty hard,” recalled Burke. “We thought we deserved better, but on the other side I couldn’t dwell on it for too long because I knew I had a huge visit coming up that Friday. When I did get to campus I got to meet a lot of the current players and see the facilities and see what the program was all about, which was all really impressive.”
The Falcons, charter members of the historic Central Collegiate Hockey Association, will play one final season in the CCHA before joining the WCHA in 2013 as a part of college hockey’s massive conference realignment that is planned to follow 2012-13 season. BGSU won the NCAA title for hockey in 1984, has taken down a combined 12 regular season and playoff CCHA titles and appeared in nine NCAA tournaments. The Falcons are currently coached by Chris Bergeron.
Bergeron and his staff were a key component in attracting Burke to northwest Ohio.
“I got to meet with all three coaches [Bergeron and assistants Barry Schutte and Ty Eigner] and I knew it would be a great fit as soon as I started talking with them,” continued Burke. “Their staff has a great personal focus on their players and everything they said in our meeting really hit a good note with me.”
Burke is the second 2011-12 Bobcat to secure his collegiate plans, along with assistant captain Castan Sommer, who is committed to Holy Cross (Atlantic Hockey).
Bobcat Hockey would like to thank all of its fans, staff and sponsors for a fantastic 2011-12 season—we couldn’t be Bobcats without you!
(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)
PORTER COMMITS TO AIC
Press Release
Stouffville Spirit forward Chris Porter (photo credit - Brian Watts/OJHL Images) has confirmed his commitment to join the American International College Yellow Jackets beginning with the 2012-13 Atlantic Hockey season.
The 6'3", 204 lbs. native of Stouffville recently completed his third full OJHL season as a member of his hometown Spirit, almost doubling his statistical output in 2011-12 to finish third in overall scoring with 80 points and second in the goal scoring race with 39. His efforts earned a trip to Smiths Falls, Ontario as a member of the OJHL North Division All-Star Team competing at the inaugural Central Canada Cup All-Star Challenge, as well as being named an OJHL 2nd Team All-Star and runner-up as the league's Most Improved Player.
Below is an article from the York Region Media Group (www.yorkregion.com), written by Michaely Hayakawa:
From A-level Stouffville minor hockey and high school ranks to Jr. A to the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division One circuit.
That’s not the typical journey a player makes in attaining a coveted collegiate scholarship south of the border.
But Stouffville Spirit forward Chris Porter took that route.
For his efforts, he was rewarded Monday when the admissions office and hockey coaching staff from American International College called his Stouffville home to inform him he had the proper requirements to enrol at the Springfield, Mass. campus starting this fall on a hockey scholarship.
“It was like ‘wow’,” said the 20-year-old. “Three years ago before I played for the Spirit I didn’t even imagine playing hockey once I got out of high school.
“But once I started playing with the Spirit my goal was to try and get a scholarship. I’ve been planning for this all year. To get this opportunity is like going over the threshold.”
Teammates Drake Caggiula (North Dakota) and Clarkson-bound Christian Finch, Christian Powers and Paul Geiger from the Spirit’s 2012 Ontario Junior Hockey League championship team also have NCAA Division 1 scholarships.
Porter was the third highest pointgetter in the OJHL last season, with 39 goals and 41 assists in 49 tilts.
The six-foot, three-inch, 204-pound forward was quick to credit Paul Titanic, Porter’s coach at St. Brother Andre Catholic High School in Markham, who converted him to a forward from defence. Titanic also coached future NHLers Steven Stamkos, Michael Del Zotto and Cody Hodgoson in minor hockey.
As well, Porter praised Randy Smith, of BodySmith in Gormley, who moulded him from a six-foot, 160-pound string bean.
Talks with other schools went nowhere.
AIC began to keep tabs on him during the Junior All-Star Challenge in Smith’s Falls during the Christmas break.
He visited the school (enrollment 1,760), after the Spirit season ended at the Dudley-Hewitt championships three weeks ago.
“It was almost similar to high school,” he said.
Close to 80 per cent of his costs will be covered under the scholarship.
“(Chris) is a great example of determination and he deserves all the credit – a guy who simply worked his tail off in the gym to get stronger, improve his skating and endurance to become a better player and it has paid off for him,” said former Spirit coach Craig Donovan. “He has the size and skill to be a very good college player and if he continues to work to develop his game further, he will have a chance to play beyond the college level.”
(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)
Stouffville Spirit forward Chris Porter (photo credit - Brian Watts/OJHL Images) has confirmed his commitment to join the American International College Yellow Jackets beginning with the 2012-13 Atlantic Hockey season.
The 6'3", 204 lbs. native of Stouffville recently completed his third full OJHL season as a member of his hometown Spirit, almost doubling his statistical output in 2011-12 to finish third in overall scoring with 80 points and second in the goal scoring race with 39. His efforts earned a trip to Smiths Falls, Ontario as a member of the OJHL North Division All-Star Team competing at the inaugural Central Canada Cup All-Star Challenge, as well as being named an OJHL 2nd Team All-Star and runner-up as the league's Most Improved Player.
Below is an article from the York Region Media Group (www.yorkregion.com), written by Michaely Hayakawa:
From A-level Stouffville minor hockey and high school ranks to Jr. A to the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division One circuit.
That’s not the typical journey a player makes in attaining a coveted collegiate scholarship south of the border.
But Stouffville Spirit forward Chris Porter took that route.
For his efforts, he was rewarded Monday when the admissions office and hockey coaching staff from American International College called his Stouffville home to inform him he had the proper requirements to enrol at the Springfield, Mass. campus starting this fall on a hockey scholarship.
“It was like ‘wow’,” said the 20-year-old. “Three years ago before I played for the Spirit I didn’t even imagine playing hockey once I got out of high school.
“But once I started playing with the Spirit my goal was to try and get a scholarship. I’ve been planning for this all year. To get this opportunity is like going over the threshold.”
Teammates Drake Caggiula (North Dakota) and Clarkson-bound Christian Finch, Christian Powers and Paul Geiger from the Spirit’s 2012 Ontario Junior Hockey League championship team also have NCAA Division 1 scholarships.
Porter was the third highest pointgetter in the OJHL last season, with 39 goals and 41 assists in 49 tilts.
The six-foot, three-inch, 204-pound forward was quick to credit Paul Titanic, Porter’s coach at St. Brother Andre Catholic High School in Markham, who converted him to a forward from defence. Titanic also coached future NHLers Steven Stamkos, Michael Del Zotto and Cody Hodgoson in minor hockey.
As well, Porter praised Randy Smith, of BodySmith in Gormley, who moulded him from a six-foot, 160-pound string bean.
Talks with other schools went nowhere.
AIC began to keep tabs on him during the Junior All-Star Challenge in Smith’s Falls during the Christmas break.
He visited the school (enrollment 1,760), after the Spirit season ended at the Dudley-Hewitt championships three weeks ago.
“It was almost similar to high school,” he said.
Close to 80 per cent of his costs will be covered under the scholarship.
“(Chris) is a great example of determination and he deserves all the credit – a guy who simply worked his tail off in the gym to get stronger, improve his skating and endurance to become a better player and it has paid off for him,” said former Spirit coach Craig Donovan. “He has the size and skill to be a very good college player and if he continues to work to develop his game further, he will have a chance to play beyond the college level.”
(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)
Sea Dogs’ Stanislav Galiev Named CHL Player of the Week
Press Release
Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that forward Stanislav Galiev of the QMJHL Champion Saint John Sea Dogs is the final CHL Player of the Week for the 2011-12 season after producing seven points in two games scoring four goals and three assists with a plus-minus rating of plus-8 for the week ending May 13.
Galiev helped lift the Sea Dogs to their second straight President Cup title in a four-game series win over the Rimouski Oceanic. In the series-clinching game last Thursday night he recorded his second five-point game of the playoffs scoring a hat-trick and adding two assists as first star of the 8-0 victory. He also picked up a goal and an assist last Wednesday in the 6-4 Game 3 win. The Sea Dogs will compete in their second straight MasterCard Memorial Cup and will look to defend their 2011 title beginning Saturday May 19 when they open competition against the London Knights.
Galiev, a 20-year-old from Moscow, Russia, is playing in his third QMJHL season with the Sea Dogs. A Washington Capitals prospect selected in the third round of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, Galiev finished tied for first in playoff scoring with teammate Charlie Coyle collecting 16 goals and 18 assists for 34 points in 17 games.
Also considered for the award this week was Playoff MVP Austin Watson of the OHL Champion London Knights who recorded two goals and one assist for three points in three games helping the Knights win their second Robertson Cup title over the Niagara IceDogs in five games. Captain Mark Pysyk of the WHL Champion Edmonton Oil Kings scored one goal and two assists in the final four games of the seven-game series against the Portland Winterhawks helping the Oil Kings win their first Ed Chynoweth Cup in modern franchise history.
(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)
Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that forward Stanislav Galiev of the QMJHL Champion Saint John Sea Dogs is the final CHL Player of the Week for the 2011-12 season after producing seven points in two games scoring four goals and three assists with a plus-minus rating of plus-8 for the week ending May 13.
Galiev helped lift the Sea Dogs to their second straight President Cup title in a four-game series win over the Rimouski Oceanic. In the series-clinching game last Thursday night he recorded his second five-point game of the playoffs scoring a hat-trick and adding two assists as first star of the 8-0 victory. He also picked up a goal and an assist last Wednesday in the 6-4 Game 3 win. The Sea Dogs will compete in their second straight MasterCard Memorial Cup and will look to defend their 2011 title beginning Saturday May 19 when they open competition against the London Knights.
Galiev, a 20-year-old from Moscow, Russia, is playing in his third QMJHL season with the Sea Dogs. A Washington Capitals prospect selected in the third round of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, Galiev finished tied for first in playoff scoring with teammate Charlie Coyle collecting 16 goals and 18 assists for 34 points in 17 games.
Also considered for the award this week was Playoff MVP Austin Watson of the OHL Champion London Knights who recorded two goals and one assist for three points in three games helping the Knights win their second Robertson Cup title over the Niagara IceDogs in five games. Captain Mark Pysyk of the WHL Champion Edmonton Oil Kings scored one goal and two assists in the final four games of the seven-game series against the Portland Winterhawks helping the Oil Kings win their first Ed Chynoweth Cup in modern franchise history.
(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)
Knights’ Michael Houser Named Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week
Press Release
Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Michael Houser of the OHL Champion London Knights is the final Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week recipient for the 2011-12 season after recording three wins with a goals-against-average of 1.33 and save percentage of .956 for the playoff week ending May 13.
Houser stopped 87 shots in his final three playoff victories to backstop the Knights to their second Robertson Cup title in a five-game series win over the Niagara IceDogs. He made 25 saves last Monday as part of a 3-2 win in Game 3 of the series, followed by 36 saves on Wednesday as first star of a 4-1 victory in Game 4, and 26 saves in the series-clinching Game 5 contest on Friday where was named second star of the 2-1 victory. The Knights will now compete in the MasterCard Memorial Cup where they will begin competition on Saturday May 19 against the Saint John Sea Dogs.
Houser, a 19-year-old from Wexford, PA, is playing in his third OHL season with the Knights. Named the OHL’s Goaltender of the Year as well as the league’s Most Outstanding Player of the Year, Houser posted a 16-2-1-0 record in the playoffs with a goals-against-average of 2.25 and save percentage of .928 with one shutout victory.
Also considered for the award this week was last week’s winner Mathieu Corbeil of the QMJHL Champion Saint John Sea Dogs who posted two wins with a goals-against-average of 2.00 and save percentage of .922 with one shutout victory to help the Sea Dogs win their second straight President Cup in a four-game series win over the Rimouski Oceanic. Laurent Brossoit of the WHL Champion Edmonton Oil Kings posted a 3-1-0-0 record with a goals-against-average of 2.42 and save percentage of .928 backstopping his club to their first Ed Chynoweth Cup in modern franchise history in a seven-game series win over the Portland Winterhawks.
(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)
Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Michael Houser of the OHL Champion London Knights is the final Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week recipient for the 2011-12 season after recording three wins with a goals-against-average of 1.33 and save percentage of .956 for the playoff week ending May 13.
Houser stopped 87 shots in his final three playoff victories to backstop the Knights to their second Robertson Cup title in a five-game series win over the Niagara IceDogs. He made 25 saves last Monday as part of a 3-2 win in Game 3 of the series, followed by 36 saves on Wednesday as first star of a 4-1 victory in Game 4, and 26 saves in the series-clinching Game 5 contest on Friday where was named second star of the 2-1 victory. The Knights will now compete in the MasterCard Memorial Cup where they will begin competition on Saturday May 19 against the Saint John Sea Dogs.
Houser, a 19-year-old from Wexford, PA, is playing in his third OHL season with the Knights. Named the OHL’s Goaltender of the Year as well as the league’s Most Outstanding Player of the Year, Houser posted a 16-2-1-0 record in the playoffs with a goals-against-average of 2.25 and save percentage of .928 with one shutout victory.
Also considered for the award this week was last week’s winner Mathieu Corbeil of the QMJHL Champion Saint John Sea Dogs who posted two wins with a goals-against-average of 2.00 and save percentage of .922 with one shutout victory to help the Sea Dogs win their second straight President Cup in a four-game series win over the Rimouski Oceanic. Laurent Brossoit of the WHL Champion Edmonton Oil Kings posted a 3-1-0-0 record with a goals-against-average of 2.42 and save percentage of .928 backstopping his club to their first Ed Chynoweth Cup in modern franchise history in a seven-game series win over the Portland Winterhawks.
(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)
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