Friday, November 30, 2007
Reminder/Notice
Game time for our exhibition game versus the Mississauga Reps is 3:00 PM at Taylor - moved up from our normal 5:00 PM ice time - to allow the Reps time to finish our game and head to Yost Ice Arena to watch the U-M vs Ohio State hockey game.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Team Looks To Stay Unbeaten Versus GTHL
This Saturday afternoon's exhibition game against the visiting Mississauga Reps provides us with a chance to improve our unbeaten record this season against the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL) to five wins with no losses.
So far we have defeated the Toronto Young Nats 4-2, North York Rangers 3-0, Toronto Red Wings 3-1, and Toronto Junior Canadiens 4-2. Note: On the schedule for the Toronto Marlboros Tournament is another matchup with North York.
Red Hot: Forward Daniel Cesarz was mired in a miserable scoring slump to start the season that saw him tally only 1 goal and 4 assists in his first 23 games. But since that time Cesarz has been red hot tallying 9 goals to go with 8 assists for 17 points in his last 16 games.
To The Point: Nick Paluch leads the team in assists with 23, points with 35, and is tied for second on the team in goals scored with Garrett Ross at 12; Austin Czarnik leads the team in goals scored with 15; Garrett Ross leads the team in points per game average (PPG) at 0.925 with 25 points in 27 games. Cody Donnay leads in scoring amongst defensemen with 2 goals and 20 assists for 22 points in 39 games, with Rodney Lalonde second on the team in defensemen scoring with 2 goals and 16 assists for 18 points in 39 games.
Las-Hi: Goalie Kyle Laslo's spectacular play during the Silver Sticks Tournament caught the attention of many Ontario Hockey League (OHL) scouts. Laslo who backstopped the 1992 Los Angeles Hockey Club to the U-14 National Championship Game last season is from Irvine, California and thus geographic property of the Western Hockey League (WHL); however if Laslo goes undrafted in this year's WHL draft he becomes an unrestricted free agent and would be able to sign with any OHL team if he wished.
So far we have defeated the Toronto Young Nats 4-2, North York Rangers 3-0, Toronto Red Wings 3-1, and Toronto Junior Canadiens 4-2. Note: On the schedule for the Toronto Marlboros Tournament is another matchup with North York.
Red Hot: Forward Daniel Cesarz was mired in a miserable scoring slump to start the season that saw him tally only 1 goal and 4 assists in his first 23 games. But since that time Cesarz has been red hot tallying 9 goals to go with 8 assists for 17 points in his last 16 games.
To The Point: Nick Paluch leads the team in assists with 23, points with 35, and is tied for second on the team in goals scored with Garrett Ross at 12; Austin Czarnik leads the team in goals scored with 15; Garrett Ross leads the team in points per game average (PPG) at 0.925 with 25 points in 27 games. Cody Donnay leads in scoring amongst defensemen with 2 goals and 20 assists for 22 points in 39 games, with Rodney Lalonde second on the team in defensemen scoring with 2 goals and 16 assists for 18 points in 39 games.
Las-Hi: Goalie Kyle Laslo's spectacular play during the Silver Sticks Tournament caught the attention of many Ontario Hockey League (OHL) scouts. Laslo who backstopped the 1992 Los Angeles Hockey Club to the U-14 National Championship Game last season is from Irvine, California and thus geographic property of the Western Hockey League (WHL); however if Laslo goes undrafted in this year's WHL draft he becomes an unrestricted free agent and would be able to sign with any OHL team if he wished.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
New OHL Cup Rankings Announced; Belle Tire Top Ranked Team From USA
Minor Midget Rankings for the OHL Cup Showcase Tournament - Week 4
(last week's ranking in brackets)
1. Elgin-Middlesex - MHAO (8)
2. Toronto Marlies - GTHL (1)
3. Toronto Jr Canadiens - GTHL (2)
4. Detroit Belle Tire U16 - MWEHL-USA (6)
5. Compuware U16 - MWEHL-USA (3)
6. York-Simcoe Express - OMHA (5)
7. Toronto Red Wings - GTHL (4)
8. Toronto Young Nats - GTHL (10)
9. Peterborough Petes - OMHA (9)
10. Ottawa Senators - ODMHA (7)
Honourable Mention
Detroit Honeybaked U16 - MWEHL- USA
Halton Hurricanes - OMHA
Rochester Alliance - USA
(last week's ranking in brackets)
1. Elgin-Middlesex - MHAO (8)
2. Toronto Marlies - GTHL (1)
3. Toronto Jr Canadiens - GTHL (2)
4. Detroit Belle Tire U16 - MWEHL-USA (6)
5. Compuware U16 - MWEHL-USA (3)
6. York-Simcoe Express - OMHA (5)
7. Toronto Red Wings - GTHL (4)
8. Toronto Young Nats - GTHL (10)
9. Peterborough Petes - OMHA (9)
10. Ottawa Senators - ODMHA (7)
Honourable Mention
Detroit Honeybaked U16 - MWEHL- USA
Halton Hurricanes - OMHA
Rochester Alliance - USA
Monday, November 26, 2007
Letter From OHL Commissioner David Branch
The following letter was received by our Assistant Coach, Kevin Hess, who is the Midwest United States Coordinator for Ontario Hockey League Central Scouting.
It was sent by David Branch the Commissioner of the Ontario Hockey League and the Head Coach of the Whitby Wildcats who we defeated in the quarterfinal qualifying game 3-2 in overtime.
Kevin:
Congratulations to all your players and staff on an outstanding Silver Stick Tournament in Whitby over the past weekend.
I was at the final game yesterday against Elgin and of course the game could have gone either way and it was certainly a thrilling Championship Final Game.
The level and quality of play, passion and character shown by your team was truly magnificent.
Please express my sincere congratulations to everyone.
Looking forward to hopefully having the opportunity to connect with you and to possibly play against your team once again.
Best Regards,
David Branch
Commissioner
Ontario Hockey League
It was sent by David Branch the Commissioner of the Ontario Hockey League and the Head Coach of the Whitby Wildcats who we defeated in the quarterfinal qualifying game 3-2 in overtime.
Kevin:
Congratulations to all your players and staff on an outstanding Silver Stick Tournament in Whitby over the past weekend.
I was at the final game yesterday against Elgin and of course the game could have gone either way and it was certainly a thrilling Championship Final Game.
The level and quality of play, passion and character shown by your team was truly magnificent.
Please express my sincere congratulations to everyone.
Looking forward to hopefully having the opportunity to connect with you and to possibly play against your team once again.
Best Regards,
David Branch
Commissioner
Ontario Hockey League
92's Represent; Deliver Amazing Silver Sticks Run
THE BUILDUP:
Developing our players is our team's #1 goal.
Showcasing our players is our #2 goal.
Winning the Michigan State and USA National Championships are goals #3 and #4.
With this in mind our team roster was constructed to include our five 91 birthyear players because our coaches felt they were clearly the right players to include on our roster to give us the best opportunity to accomplish our #3 and #4 goals.
Still, with 15 1992 players we are one of only three ELITE teams in the United States (Compuware and Rochester Alliance the other two) with enough 92's to be invited to the International Silver Stick Finals in Whitby; which is the most important showcase tournament of the year for OHL draft eligible players.
So our 92's finished their Thanksgiving Day meals and headed to Whitby with 1 goalie, 4 defensemen plus converted forward Brent Formosa, and 9 forwards.
First Two Games:
The tournament opened with a sloppy 5-4 win for us against the North Central Predators, followed by a lethargic 3-1 loss to Elgin-Middlesex (more on them later).
With his father visiting from California to watch him play for the first time since July, Goalie Kyle Laslo looked nervous and way off his game, and as the only goalie we brought to the tournament there was no backup available.
To add to our obstacles the Elgin game ended after 10:30 PM and we would have to play our third and last preliminary round game against a strong Halton Hurricanes team at 7:50 AM the next morning.
Watching the uninspired performance of our players on the first day of the tournament, and knowing the schedule and quality of the team we had to play in the morning, it certainly appeared that our stay in Whitby would be a short one.
But fortunately the tide was about to turn.
Next Two Games:
Our incomparable team chemistry and toughness kicked in early Saturday Morning as our team played a near flawless game in a 2-0 victory over the Halton Hurricanes.
(Note: This game was the first of an incredible display of goaltending by Kyle Laslo who caught fire Saturday morning and was spectacular in net for the last five games of the tournament.)
Unfortunately, we did not have the scoring percentage necessary to advance straight through to the quarterfinal round and had to play a quarterfinal qualifier game against the host team, Whitby Wildcats.
(Note: Early in the first period of the Halton game Alex Frere was ejected for a hit from behind and missed the rest of the game plus the next game against Whitby which meant our team had only 13 skaters for both of those games.)
Against the host team Whitby in the quarterfinal qualifier the arena was packed with OHL scouts and local Whitby supporters and the atmosphere was electric.
Despite controlling the game, our team found themselves down 2-1 with less than 20 seconds remaining when Garrett Ross scored to even the game at 2-2 and send it to overtime where Austin Czarnik roofed a shot from the slot to win it and send us on to the quarterfinals.
Running The Gauntlet:
A tired and battered team hit the ice on Saturday night for our third game of the day and the first of three games against a trio of premiere teams from the province of Ontario.
In our first game, the quarterfinal, against the well rested and powerful Toronto Red Wings team we raced out to a 2-0 lead and extended it to 3-0 before hanging on for a 3-1 victory.
(Note: During the game defensemen Chris Barile suffered a fractured ankle after falling to the ice when speared in the leg by a Red Wing player which left us with only 3 defensemen plus converted forward Brent Formosa for the remainder of the tournament. Formosa proved to be our team's most important skater in the tournament, and as he got more comfortable on defense with each successive game, he became a major factor in our team's run to the championship game.)
Our victory over the Toronto Redwings set up a semi-final match with the famed Toronto Junior Canadiens who advanced to the Semi-finals by beating Detroit Compuware 2-1 in their quarterfinal game.
The Junior Canadiens took the lead on us only seconds into the game when they scored on their first shift. But we would not be denied and rallied back with three straight goals to take a 3-1 lead. The Junior Canadiens scored to make it 3-2 before DJ Hastings sealed the game with a late goal for a 4-2 victory that sent us to the championship game and a rematch with Elgin-Middlesex.
(Note: Our team became only the second Michigan team and third team from the United States to ever defeat the powerful Junior Canadiens.)
The toughness and chemistry that helps to make our team the most complete Midget Minor team in the United States was on display once again in the Championship game as it was obvious that with only 13 skaters, playing our 7th game of the tournament, coming off three very physical hard fought victories against great competition...we had next to nothing left in the energy tank.
The score after two periods was 0-0 heading into the third. Five minutes into the third Austin Czarnik scored off a beautiful feed from Daniel Cesarz to give us a 1-0 lead. Elgin scored two goals a few minutes later to take a 2-1 lead. But right off the faceoff following the second Elgin goal, Garrett Ross took a pass from Cody Donnay at center ice and skated in to score a beautiful goal to make it 2-2 heading into the game's final seconds.
Off a faceoff in the Elgin zone a play designed by the coaches almost won us the game as Austin Czarnik took a pass from behind the net with 4 seconds remaining and shot the puck off the near side post which ricocheted straight across the goal line to the far side post and out as regulation time expired.
To use an analogy to silver (for the Silver Sticks), Czarnik came the width of a dime away from winning us the Championship and himself the Tournament MVP.
Unfortunately, Elgin would score a few minutes into the first overtime session and deny us the Silver Sticks Championship. Despite the loss we couldn't be more proud of a group of players and coaches who displayed tremendous heart when faced with a great challenge and established our Belle Tire team as one of the best in North America.
Developing our players is our team's #1 goal.
Showcasing our players is our #2 goal.
Winning the Michigan State and USA National Championships are goals #3 and #4.
With this in mind our team roster was constructed to include our five 91 birthyear players because our coaches felt they were clearly the right players to include on our roster to give us the best opportunity to accomplish our #3 and #4 goals.
Still, with 15 1992 players we are one of only three ELITE teams in the United States (Compuware and Rochester Alliance the other two) with enough 92's to be invited to the International Silver Stick Finals in Whitby; which is the most important showcase tournament of the year for OHL draft eligible players.
So our 92's finished their Thanksgiving Day meals and headed to Whitby with 1 goalie, 4 defensemen plus converted forward Brent Formosa, and 9 forwards.
First Two Games:
The tournament opened with a sloppy 5-4 win for us against the North Central Predators, followed by a lethargic 3-1 loss to Elgin-Middlesex (more on them later).
With his father visiting from California to watch him play for the first time since July, Goalie Kyle Laslo looked nervous and way off his game, and as the only goalie we brought to the tournament there was no backup available.
To add to our obstacles the Elgin game ended after 10:30 PM and we would have to play our third and last preliminary round game against a strong Halton Hurricanes team at 7:50 AM the next morning.
Watching the uninspired performance of our players on the first day of the tournament, and knowing the schedule and quality of the team we had to play in the morning, it certainly appeared that our stay in Whitby would be a short one.
But fortunately the tide was about to turn.
Next Two Games:
Our incomparable team chemistry and toughness kicked in early Saturday Morning as our team played a near flawless game in a 2-0 victory over the Halton Hurricanes.
(Note: This game was the first of an incredible display of goaltending by Kyle Laslo who caught fire Saturday morning and was spectacular in net for the last five games of the tournament.)
Unfortunately, we did not have the scoring percentage necessary to advance straight through to the quarterfinal round and had to play a quarterfinal qualifier game against the host team, Whitby Wildcats.
(Note: Early in the first period of the Halton game Alex Frere was ejected for a hit from behind and missed the rest of the game plus the next game against Whitby which meant our team had only 13 skaters for both of those games.)
Against the host team Whitby in the quarterfinal qualifier the arena was packed with OHL scouts and local Whitby supporters and the atmosphere was electric.
Despite controlling the game, our team found themselves down 2-1 with less than 20 seconds remaining when Garrett Ross scored to even the game at 2-2 and send it to overtime where Austin Czarnik roofed a shot from the slot to win it and send us on to the quarterfinals.
Running The Gauntlet:
A tired and battered team hit the ice on Saturday night for our third game of the day and the first of three games against a trio of premiere teams from the province of Ontario.
In our first game, the quarterfinal, against the well rested and powerful Toronto Red Wings team we raced out to a 2-0 lead and extended it to 3-0 before hanging on for a 3-1 victory.
(Note: During the game defensemen Chris Barile suffered a fractured ankle after falling to the ice when speared in the leg by a Red Wing player which left us with only 3 defensemen plus converted forward Brent Formosa for the remainder of the tournament. Formosa proved to be our team's most important skater in the tournament, and as he got more comfortable on defense with each successive game, he became a major factor in our team's run to the championship game.)
Our victory over the Toronto Redwings set up a semi-final match with the famed Toronto Junior Canadiens who advanced to the Semi-finals by beating Detroit Compuware 2-1 in their quarterfinal game.
The Junior Canadiens took the lead on us only seconds into the game when they scored on their first shift. But we would not be denied and rallied back with three straight goals to take a 3-1 lead. The Junior Canadiens scored to make it 3-2 before DJ Hastings sealed the game with a late goal for a 4-2 victory that sent us to the championship game and a rematch with Elgin-Middlesex.
(Note: Our team became only the second Michigan team and third team from the United States to ever defeat the powerful Junior Canadiens.)
The toughness and chemistry that helps to make our team the most complete Midget Minor team in the United States was on display once again in the Championship game as it was obvious that with only 13 skaters, playing our 7th game of the tournament, coming off three very physical hard fought victories against great competition...we had next to nothing left in the energy tank.
The score after two periods was 0-0 heading into the third. Five minutes into the third Austin Czarnik scored off a beautiful feed from Daniel Cesarz to give us a 1-0 lead. Elgin scored two goals a few minutes later to take a 2-1 lead. But right off the faceoff following the second Elgin goal, Garrett Ross took a pass from Cody Donnay at center ice and skated in to score a beautiful goal to make it 2-2 heading into the game's final seconds.
Off a faceoff in the Elgin zone a play designed by the coaches almost won us the game as Austin Czarnik took a pass from behind the net with 4 seconds remaining and shot the puck off the near side post which ricocheted straight across the goal line to the far side post and out as regulation time expired.
To use an analogy to silver (for the Silver Sticks), Czarnik came the width of a dime away from winning us the Championship and himself the Tournament MVP.
Unfortunately, Elgin would score a few minutes into the first overtime session and deny us the Silver Sticks Championship. Despite the loss we couldn't be more proud of a group of players and coaches who displayed tremendous heart when faced with a great challenge and established our Belle Tire team as one of the best in North America.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
MWEHL Rule Change Favors Belle Tire
A new MWEHL rule change which allows resurfacing of the ice after the first and second periods ensures a clean fast sheet of ice for each period and substantially favors skilled teams like us.
Here is the new rule as announced today:
Midget Minors with 2.0 hour ice time may play 18-minute stop-time periods with one (1) ice resurface after the first period and a second ice resurface after the second period.
Here is the new rule as announced today:
Midget Minors with 2.0 hour ice time may play 18-minute stop-time periods with one (1) ice resurface after the first period and a second ice resurface after the second period.
Silver Sticks Primer
The 2007 International Silver Sticks Finals in Whitby, Ontario is the most important SHOWCASE TOURNAMENT of the season for the 1992 age group.
Players who play well this weekend will move themselves up OHL team draft lists or emerge as primetime targets for NCAA recruiters.
AND
Teams that perform well this weekend will move themselves up the OHL Central Scouting Team Rankings and into position to receive an invitation to attend the OHL Cup.
According to the current OHL Cup Rankings the six favorites to win Silver Sticks are the Toronto Marlboros, Toronto Junior Canadiens, Detroit Compuware, Toronto Redwings, York Simcoe Express and Detroit Belle Tire.
Minor Midget Rankings for the OHL Cup Showcase Tournament - Week 3
(last week’s ranking in brackets)
1. Toronto Marlies - GTHL (1)
2. Toronto Jr Canadiens - GTHL (2)
3. Compuware U16 - MWEHL-USA (3)
4. Toronto Red Wings - GTHL (4)
5. York-Simcoe Express - OMHA (5)
6. Detroit Belle Tire U16 - MWEHL-USA (6)
7. Ottawa Senators - ODMHA (8)
8. Elgin-Middlesex - MHAO (10)
9. Peterborough Petes - OMHA (7)
10. Toronto Young Nats - GTHL (NR)
Honourable Mention
Detroit Honeybaked U16 - MWEHL- USA
Halton Hurricanes - OMHA
Chicago Mission U16 - MWEHL- USA
Players who play well this weekend will move themselves up OHL team draft lists or emerge as primetime targets for NCAA recruiters.
AND
Teams that perform well this weekend will move themselves up the OHL Central Scouting Team Rankings and into position to receive an invitation to attend the OHL Cup.
According to the current OHL Cup Rankings the six favorites to win Silver Sticks are the Toronto Marlboros, Toronto Junior Canadiens, Detroit Compuware, Toronto Redwings, York Simcoe Express and Detroit Belle Tire.
Minor Midget Rankings for the OHL Cup Showcase Tournament - Week 3
(last week’s ranking in brackets)
1. Toronto Marlies - GTHL (1)
2. Toronto Jr Canadiens - GTHL (2)
3. Compuware U16 - MWEHL-USA (3)
4. Toronto Red Wings - GTHL (4)
5. York-Simcoe Express - OMHA (5)
6. Detroit Belle Tire U16 - MWEHL-USA (6)
7. Ottawa Senators - ODMHA (8)
8. Elgin-Middlesex - MHAO (10)
9. Peterborough Petes - OMHA (7)
10. Toronto Young Nats - GTHL (NR)
Honourable Mention
Detroit Honeybaked U16 - MWEHL- USA
Halton Hurricanes - OMHA
Chicago Mission U16 - MWEHL- USA
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Remarkable Surge Continues
With a 3-0-2 record in the MWEHL Showcase #2 we moved into sole possession of third place in the MWEHL standings with 18 points after 13 games.
On the season we've lost ONLY 5 of 33 games played and are currently riding an 11 game unbeaten streak (9-0-2).
With just one loss since October 7th (11-1-4 in this span) when our 92's take the ice to represent our team at the International Silver Sticks on Friday morning we will have gone almost one full month without losing a game (last loss October 27th vs. Honeybaked) with a remarkable one loss total in 48 days.
Two of our five losses on the season were avenged this past week with wins over Little Caesars and Chicago Fury.
Compuware (lost 3-0 in the Joe Maire Tournament) and Honeybaked (tied 1-1 in exhibition play and lost 3-1 in league play) are the only two teams we have lost to this season that we have yet to beat.
Noteworthy: Kudos to the newly constructed Lander-Johnston-Formosa line which has been RIDING high in all 7 games they've played together since debuting as a unit against Little Caesars one week ago.
On the season we've lost ONLY 5 of 33 games played and are currently riding an 11 game unbeaten streak (9-0-2).
With just one loss since October 7th (11-1-4 in this span) when our 92's take the ice to represent our team at the International Silver Sticks on Friday morning we will have gone almost one full month without losing a game (last loss October 27th vs. Honeybaked) with a remarkable one loss total in 48 days.
Two of our five losses on the season were avenged this past week with wins over Little Caesars and Chicago Fury.
Compuware (lost 3-0 in the Joe Maire Tournament) and Honeybaked (tied 1-1 in exhibition play and lost 3-1 in league play) are the only two teams we have lost to this season that we have yet to beat.
Noteworthy: Kudos to the newly constructed Lander-Johnston-Formosa line which has been RIDING high in all 7 games they've played together since debuting as a unit against Little Caesars one week ago.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Outlook For Aspiring NHL Goalies Playing In Michigan
Its always interesting to listen to the debates between competing factions (NCAA College Hockey and the Ontario Hockey League) over which path of development is best for players aspiring to play in the NHL.
This feature looks only at how that debate relates to goalies playing their minor hockey in Michigan.
When it comes to goaltenders playing in Michigan who have the option to play NCAA College Hockey or in the Ontario Hockey League the following statistics I crunched together prove there is absolutely no difference between the two development paths in terms of providing a better or worse opportunity for a goalie to play in the NHL.
(1) There has been 10 goalies who have played at least one game in the NHL this season who played in the Ontario Hockey League. The average age of those 10 goalies is 29 years old.
(2) There has been 10 goalies who have played at least one game in the NHL this season who played NCAA College Hockey. The average age of those 10 goalies is 29 years old.
(3) There has been ONLY 5 GOALIES TOTAL born in the United States who have played at least one game in the NHL this season - Yikes! Three of those five are over 30 years of age. The other two are 26 and 27 years old. Four of those five played NCAA College Hockey (Ryan Miller - Michigan State, Tim Thomas - Vermont, Rick Dipietro - Boston University, John Grahame - Lake Superior State) and the other (Brent Johnson from Farmington, Michigan) played in the Ontario Hockey League.
Note 1: If you think making the United States NTDP is your ticket to the NHL - think again. Rick Dipietro who played just one season of NCAA College Hockey at Boston University before turning professional is the ONLY goalie who has played at least one NHL game this season who is a product of the United States National Development Program in Ann Arbor (NTDP).
Note 2: It cannot be disputed that the Canadian Hockey League (OHL, WHL, QMJHL) has produced more NHL goalies than any other region in the world, but those numbers are skewed by the huge number of goalies produced in Quebec who came through the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, and more importantly grew up playing in the Quebec Minor Hockey System.
This feature looks only at how that debate relates to goalies playing their minor hockey in Michigan.
When it comes to goaltenders playing in Michigan who have the option to play NCAA College Hockey or in the Ontario Hockey League the following statistics I crunched together prove there is absolutely no difference between the two development paths in terms of providing a better or worse opportunity for a goalie to play in the NHL.
(1) There has been 10 goalies who have played at least one game in the NHL this season who played in the Ontario Hockey League. The average age of those 10 goalies is 29 years old.
(2) There has been 10 goalies who have played at least one game in the NHL this season who played NCAA College Hockey. The average age of those 10 goalies is 29 years old.
(3) There has been ONLY 5 GOALIES TOTAL born in the United States who have played at least one game in the NHL this season - Yikes! Three of those five are over 30 years of age. The other two are 26 and 27 years old. Four of those five played NCAA College Hockey (Ryan Miller - Michigan State, Tim Thomas - Vermont, Rick Dipietro - Boston University, John Grahame - Lake Superior State) and the other (Brent Johnson from Farmington, Michigan) played in the Ontario Hockey League.
Note 1: If you think making the United States NTDP is your ticket to the NHL - think again. Rick Dipietro who played just one season of NCAA College Hockey at Boston University before turning professional is the ONLY goalie who has played at least one NHL game this season who is a product of the United States National Development Program in Ann Arbor (NTDP).
Note 2: It cannot be disputed that the Canadian Hockey League (OHL, WHL, QMJHL) has produced more NHL goalies than any other region in the world, but those numbers are skewed by the huge number of goalies produced in Quebec who came through the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, and more importantly grew up playing in the Quebec Minor Hockey System.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
The Value Of Skilled Defensemen
The last three games our team has greatly benefited from highly skilled play by our defensemen.
Often times people might mistakenly believe a skilled defensemen is one who rushes the puck up the ice, slaloms around oncoming forecheckers, and carries the puck deep into the offensive zone to create goal scoring chances.
While there are a rare few examples of exceptional defensemen like Paul Coffey and Bobby Orr who were effective playing this style of game, the reference to a skilled defensemen (power play ability excluded) most often refers to something much different.
A "Skilled Defensemen" is one who can:
(1) Turn and out-race a pursuing forechecker to a loose puck dumped in behind them that goes deep into their defensive zone.
(2) Keep their feet moving as they pick up the loose puck and then evade a hit or takeaway attempt of a pursuing forechecker by protecting the puck with their reach or body.
(3) Pull away from the pursuing forechecker and move with the puck into an area of open ice in order to create time, space, options, and passing lanes.
(4) Make a perfectly placed pass through an open passing lane right onto the tape of a forward who is in stride in the neutral zone in order to spring him into the offensive attack.
While any one of the above are regarded as a highly skilled play, when a defenseman is able to perform all four of them on the same play ... well that's a real thing of beauty.
While watching a game this evening between the Dallas Stars and San Jose Sharks the color commentator said the following about the importance of a team having highly skilled defensemen:
"If you look at teams that score alot of goals in this league (NHL), you don't look at the defensemen scoring alot of goals themselves but rather their ability to hit the forwards with passes while the forwards have speed in the neutral zone so your team can move the puck quickly into the offensive zone...and if you want a great example of this just flip on the television when the Detroit Red Wings are playing and you will see skilled defensemen play executed at its highest level."
At the time of this post the Detroit Red Wings are the NHL Western Conference's best team.
Often times people might mistakenly believe a skilled defensemen is one who rushes the puck up the ice, slaloms around oncoming forecheckers, and carries the puck deep into the offensive zone to create goal scoring chances.
While there are a rare few examples of exceptional defensemen like Paul Coffey and Bobby Orr who were effective playing this style of game, the reference to a skilled defensemen (power play ability excluded) most often refers to something much different.
A "Skilled Defensemen" is one who can:
(1) Turn and out-race a pursuing forechecker to a loose puck dumped in behind them that goes deep into their defensive zone.
(2) Keep their feet moving as they pick up the loose puck and then evade a hit or takeaway attempt of a pursuing forechecker by protecting the puck with their reach or body.
(3) Pull away from the pursuing forechecker and move with the puck into an area of open ice in order to create time, space, options, and passing lanes.
(4) Make a perfectly placed pass through an open passing lane right onto the tape of a forward who is in stride in the neutral zone in order to spring him into the offensive attack.
While any one of the above are regarded as a highly skilled play, when a defenseman is able to perform all four of them on the same play ... well that's a real thing of beauty.
While watching a game this evening between the Dallas Stars and San Jose Sharks the color commentator said the following about the importance of a team having highly skilled defensemen:
"If you look at teams that score alot of goals in this league (NHL), you don't look at the defensemen scoring alot of goals themselves but rather their ability to hit the forwards with passes while the forwards have speed in the neutral zone so your team can move the puck quickly into the offensive zone...and if you want a great example of this just flip on the television when the Detroit Red Wings are playing and you will see skilled defensemen play executed at its highest level."
At the time of this post the Detroit Red Wings are the NHL Western Conference's best team.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Same Rope; Same Direction
Ok so maybe its a biased observation ... but ...
I have yet to see another team in the United States at the U-16 level that is as complete a TEAM in terms of its speed, skill, toughness, and chemistry all the way through its ENTIRE ROSTER as our team.
Its taken about 1/3 of the season to gel and get on the same page with each other, but starting with our dismantling of a very good Richmond Hill team at the Nike Bauer Tournament, then carrying over to two impressive league victories over Little Caesars and Victory Honda, its become clear that we're finally all pulling on the same rope - in the same direction.
If the type of disciplined, intelligent, and unselfish team play we've displayed in our last three games not only continues, but intensifies, there is no doubt we have the POTENTIAL to become a great team and win the MWEHL, Michigan State, and U.S. National Championships.
Let us consider the limited time that we have together as a team and use it wisely with diligence and foresight, and whatever these days ahead bring to us, may they bring forth the best that is in us.
20 Focused Players - All Pulling On The Same Rope - All Pulling In The Same Direction.
I have yet to see another team in the United States at the U-16 level that is as complete a TEAM in terms of its speed, skill, toughness, and chemistry all the way through its ENTIRE ROSTER as our team.
Its taken about 1/3 of the season to gel and get on the same page with each other, but starting with our dismantling of a very good Richmond Hill team at the Nike Bauer Tournament, then carrying over to two impressive league victories over Little Caesars and Victory Honda, its become clear that we're finally all pulling on the same rope - in the same direction.
If the type of disciplined, intelligent, and unselfish team play we've displayed in our last three games not only continues, but intensifies, there is no doubt we have the POTENTIAL to become a great team and win the MWEHL, Michigan State, and U.S. National Championships.
Let us consider the limited time that we have together as a team and use it wisely with diligence and foresight, and whatever these days ahead bring to us, may they bring forth the best that is in us.
20 Focused Players - All Pulling On The Same Rope - All Pulling In The Same Direction.
Week 2 OHL Cup Rankings
Minor Midget Rankings for the OHL Cup Showcase Tournament - Week 2
(last week’s ranking in brackets)
1. Toronto Marlies - GTHL (1)
2. Toronto Jr Canadiens - GTHL (2)
3. Compuware U16 - MWEHL-USA (3)
4. Toronto Red Wings - GTHL (4)
5. York-Simcoe Express - OMHA (5)
6. Detroit Belle Tire U16 - MWEHL-USA (6)
7. Peterborough Petes - OMHA (10)
8. Ottawa Senators - ODMHA (8)
9. Halton Hurricanes - OMHA (7)
10. Elgin-Middlesex - MHAO (9)
Honourable Mention
Detroit Honeybaked U16 - MWEHL- USA
Toronto Young Nats - GTHL
Ottawa Jr 67's - ODMHA
(last week’s ranking in brackets)
1. Toronto Marlies - GTHL (1)
2. Toronto Jr Canadiens - GTHL (2)
3. Compuware U16 - MWEHL-USA (3)
4. Toronto Red Wings - GTHL (4)
5. York-Simcoe Express - OMHA (5)
6. Detroit Belle Tire U16 - MWEHL-USA (6)
7. Peterborough Petes - OMHA (10)
8. Ottawa Senators - ODMHA (8)
9. Halton Hurricanes - OMHA (7)
10. Elgin-Middlesex - MHAO (9)
Honourable Mention
Detroit Honeybaked U16 - MWEHL- USA
Toronto Young Nats - GTHL
Ottawa Jr 67's - ODMHA
Monday, November 12, 2007
Game Time Change For Tuesday Night
Notice to players and parents. Tuesday Nights MWEHL game at Artic Pond vs. Victory Honda has been moved from up 30 minutes from 8:00 PM to 7:30 PM. Please arrive one hour early at 6:30 PM.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Impressive Belle Tire Begins at # 6 In Midget Minor Rankings For OHL Cup
There are several different team ranking services and publications. For instance TheScoutingNews.com is an online publication that produces its rankings based on feedback from sources. MyHockeyRankings.com and NationalHockeyRankings.com rely on formulas based on won-lost record, strength of schedule, and goal differential.
But, no published rankings for Minor Midget teams is nearly as accurate as those produced by the OHL and its panel of professional scouts who spend countless hours actually watching and evaluating North America's top teams.
NOTE: Based on feedback which our coaches have received from OHL scouts so far this season, our team may have as many players selected in the 2008 OHL Draft as any team in the United States.
PRESS RELEASE FROM http://www.ontariohockeyleague.com/news/
OHL Announces Minor Midget Top-10 Rankings for the OHL Cup Showcase Tournament
Created: Nov 6, 2007
The Ontario Hockey League today announced the first weekly minor midget rankings for the 2008 Ontario Hockey League Showcase for the OHL Cup, hosted by the GTHL.
The weekly rankings are determined by a panel of OHL Central Scouting Staff and reflect the top teams that are competing to play in the annual year-end championship tournament.
The 2008 OHL Showcase for the OHL Cup will be played at the Hershey Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, from March 19, 2008 through March 23, 2008.
The Tournament will include 20 participating teams from across Ontario and the United States. The champions and finalists from minor hockey associations in Ontario, including the GTHL, OMHA, ODMHA, the Alliance and a representative from the NOHA will participate in the tournament, along with additional teams identified by the Tournament Selection Committee.
Minor Midget Rankings for the OHL Cup Showcase Tournament - Week 1
1. Toronto Marlies - GTHL
2. Toronto Jr Canadiens - GTHL
3. Compuware U16 - MWEHL-USA
4. Toronto Red Wings - GTHL
5. York-Simcoe Express - OMHA
6. Detroit Belle Tire U16 - MWEHL-USA
7. Halton Hurricanes - OMHA
8. Ottawa Senators - ODMHA
9. Elgin-Middlesex - MHAO
10. Peterborough Petes - OMHA
Honourable Mention
Cambridge Hawks - MHAO
Toronto Young Nats - GTHL
Ottawa Jr 67's - ODMHA
Last March, the Mississauga IceDogs defeated the Toronto Marlboros 2-1 in the championship game of the OHL Cup Showcase Tournament, which was hosted at the Hershey Centre in Mississauga for the first time.
The IceDogs lineup included first round OHL picks Casey Cizikas (Mississauga St. Michael's Majors) and Andrew Agozzino (Niagara IceDogs). Ethan Werek (Kingston Frontenacs) and Michael Zador (London Knights) were first round picks from the Marlboros.
But, no published rankings for Minor Midget teams is nearly as accurate as those produced by the OHL and its panel of professional scouts who spend countless hours actually watching and evaluating North America's top teams.
NOTE: Based on feedback which our coaches have received from OHL scouts so far this season, our team may have as many players selected in the 2008 OHL Draft as any team in the United States.
PRESS RELEASE FROM http://www.ontariohockeyleague.com/news/
OHL Announces Minor Midget Top-10 Rankings for the OHL Cup Showcase Tournament
Created: Nov 6, 2007
The Ontario Hockey League today announced the first weekly minor midget rankings for the 2008 Ontario Hockey League Showcase for the OHL Cup, hosted by the GTHL.
The weekly rankings are determined by a panel of OHL Central Scouting Staff and reflect the top teams that are competing to play in the annual year-end championship tournament.
The 2008 OHL Showcase for the OHL Cup will be played at the Hershey Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, from March 19, 2008 through March 23, 2008.
The Tournament will include 20 participating teams from across Ontario and the United States. The champions and finalists from minor hockey associations in Ontario, including the GTHL, OMHA, ODMHA, the Alliance and a representative from the NOHA will participate in the tournament, along with additional teams identified by the Tournament Selection Committee.
Minor Midget Rankings for the OHL Cup Showcase Tournament - Week 1
1. Toronto Marlies - GTHL
2. Toronto Jr Canadiens - GTHL
3. Compuware U16 - MWEHL-USA
4. Toronto Red Wings - GTHL
5. York-Simcoe Express - OMHA
6. Detroit Belle Tire U16 - MWEHL-USA
7. Halton Hurricanes - OMHA
8. Ottawa Senators - ODMHA
9. Elgin-Middlesex - MHAO
10. Peterborough Petes - OMHA
Honourable Mention
Cambridge Hawks - MHAO
Toronto Young Nats - GTHL
Ottawa Jr 67's - ODMHA
Last March, the Mississauga IceDogs defeated the Toronto Marlboros 2-1 in the championship game of the OHL Cup Showcase Tournament, which was hosted at the Hershey Centre in Mississauga for the first time.
The IceDogs lineup included first round OHL picks Casey Cizikas (Mississauga St. Michael's Majors) and Andrew Agozzino (Niagara IceDogs). Ethan Werek (Kingston Frontenacs) and Michael Zador (London Knights) were first round picks from the Marlboros.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Notes On Nike Bauer Tournament: Letter Sent To Tournament Organizer Says It All
Attention Kevin Mann:
By now I am sure you are aware of the fact that our U-16 Belle Tire team went undefeated at your Nike/Bauer Tournament this past weekend yet did not have the opportunity to advance to the playoff round of 16 teams.
Having also run tournaments in the past I understand what a great undertaking is involved in producing them, not to mention a tournament of such a large scale as the Nike/Bauer. I do wish to compliment you on the first class organization of this event in almost all respects.
Unfortunately, as was clearly proven by our team being denied the opportunity to advance to the playoff round of 16 teams despite going undefeated in pool play, the format used by the Nike/Bauer Tournament for creating divisions and breaking ties, at least at the U-16 age level, was no doubt poorly conceived.
There is no possible justification for any tournament format that is structured in such a way so as to leave open even the slightest possibility that an undefeated team in pool play might not advance to the playoff round.
Our team, players and parents spent a tremendous amount of time and money to enter and attend the Nike/Bauer tournament, we won all of our games (one of only two undefeated teams along with the tournament champions to do so) and went home extremely disappointed with our experience.
I would assume that to avoid this from occurring in the future the Nike/Bauer Tournament will be making the necessary changes to division groupings, the tiebreaker format, or both. But this leaves the coaches, players, and parents on our team this year with a smaller consolation than the game we had to play Saturday evening.
I would like you consider our request that the Nike/Bauer Tournament take responsibility for the fact that our team was denied the opportunity we earned to advance to the playoff round due to a poorly conceived tournament format, and accordingly refund us the full fee we paid to enter the tournament (the proceeds of which will be divided evenly amongst the members of the team to offset travel costs).
Respectfully Submitted;
Brian J. Feldman
General Manager
Belle Tire U-16 AAA
By now I am sure you are aware of the fact that our U-16 Belle Tire team went undefeated at your Nike/Bauer Tournament this past weekend yet did not have the opportunity to advance to the playoff round of 16 teams.
Having also run tournaments in the past I understand what a great undertaking is involved in producing them, not to mention a tournament of such a large scale as the Nike/Bauer. I do wish to compliment you on the first class organization of this event in almost all respects.
Unfortunately, as was clearly proven by our team being denied the opportunity to advance to the playoff round of 16 teams despite going undefeated in pool play, the format used by the Nike/Bauer Tournament for creating divisions and breaking ties, at least at the U-16 age level, was no doubt poorly conceived.
There is no possible justification for any tournament format that is structured in such a way so as to leave open even the slightest possibility that an undefeated team in pool play might not advance to the playoff round.
Our team, players and parents spent a tremendous amount of time and money to enter and attend the Nike/Bauer tournament, we won all of our games (one of only two undefeated teams along with the tournament champions to do so) and went home extremely disappointed with our experience.
I would assume that to avoid this from occurring in the future the Nike/Bauer Tournament will be making the necessary changes to division groupings, the tiebreaker format, or both. But this leaves the coaches, players, and parents on our team this year with a smaller consolation than the game we had to play Saturday evening.
I would like you consider our request that the Nike/Bauer Tournament take responsibility for the fact that our team was denied the opportunity we earned to advance to the playoff round due to a poorly conceived tournament format, and accordingly refund us the full fee we paid to enter the tournament (the proceeds of which will be divided evenly amongst the members of the team to offset travel costs).
Respectfully Submitted;
Brian J. Feldman
General Manager
Belle Tire U-16 AAA
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