The two top rated midget minor teams in the United States for the OHL Cup Showcase, Detroit Belle Tire at #6 and Detroit Compuware at #7 will meet in the OHL Midget Showcase Game at Saginaw's Dow Arena at 2:00 PM this Saturday (Feb 2nd). Click HERE for Map To Arena
“These teams are composed of many future junior players and it’s a chance for them to showcase their skills and learn more about the Ontario Hockey League,” states Spirit General Manager Don Edwards.
In three games this season Compuware has defeated Belle Tire 3-0 and 3-0 while Belle Tire won the last game 2-1. The season series has featured very intense, hard hitting, and highly skilled play.
Compuware dominated the first meeting at the Joe Maire Tournament in Toronto, but since then the last two games have been virtual dead heats that could have gone either way ... more of the same is expected in Round 4 on Saturday.
NOTE: Early projections indicate that anywhere between 15 to 20 players combined could be selected from these two teams in the OHL Entry Draft coming up in May ... add to this the fact that three players from Compuware have already been selected in the WHL Bantam Draft last spring, one player from Compuware and two players from Belle Tire are likely to be selected in this years WHL draft, and several Belle Tire 91's are receiving interest as free agent players by OHL teams, and its very clear that a high level of talent will be on display for the Major Junior scouts when Belle Tire and Compuware meet on Saturday ... and the rest of the season for that matter.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Latest OHL Cup Rankings
The latest OHL Cup Rankings have been released.
For those who have followed these rankings throughout the season and wonder how they are composed - one of the factors includes the number of OHL prospects that the league's Central Scouting Bureau considers to be on that team.
Minor Midget Rankings for the OHL Cup Showcase Tournament - Week 11
(last week's ranking in brackets)
1. Toronto Jr Canadiens - GTHL (1)
2. Toronto Marlies - GTHL (2)
3. Elgin-Middlesex - MHAO (3)
4. York-Simcoe Express - OMHA (4)
5. Toronto Red Wings - GTHL (5)
6. Detroit Belle Tire U16 - MWEHL-USA (6)
7. Detroit Compuware U16 - MWEHL- USA (8)
8. Halton Hurricanes - OMHA (7)
9. Detroit Honeybaked U16 - MWEHL- USA (9)
10. Markham Majors - GTHL (NR)
For those who have followed these rankings throughout the season and wonder how they are composed - one of the factors includes the number of OHL prospects that the league's Central Scouting Bureau considers to be on that team.
Minor Midget Rankings for the OHL Cup Showcase Tournament - Week 11
(last week's ranking in brackets)
1. Toronto Jr Canadiens - GTHL (1)
2. Toronto Marlies - GTHL (2)
3. Elgin-Middlesex - MHAO (3)
4. York-Simcoe Express - OMHA (4)
5. Toronto Red Wings - GTHL (5)
6. Detroit Belle Tire U16 - MWEHL-USA (6)
7. Detroit Compuware U16 - MWEHL- USA (8)
8. Halton Hurricanes - OMHA (7)
9. Detroit Honeybaked U16 - MWEHL- USA (9)
10. Markham Majors - GTHL (NR)
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Important Scheduling Notes
(1) Wednesday Evening's league game vs. Little Caesars was unfortuantely canceled due to a power outage that caused the Taylor arena to lose its ice and it could not be restored in time for the game. This game will be rescheduled into an already crowded February.
(2) The start time on this Saturday (Feb 2nd) afternoon's game against Compuware in Saginaw has been moved up to 2:00 PM.
(3) The location and start time of our Sunday, February 10th game against Honeybaked has been moved to the Dearborn Ice Skating Center (DISC) at 2:00 PM due to a scheduling conflict with the MWEHL Midget Major Showcase at Taylor.
(2) The start time on this Saturday (Feb 2nd) afternoon's game against Compuware in Saginaw has been moved up to 2:00 PM.
(3) The location and start time of our Sunday, February 10th game against Honeybaked has been moved to the Dearborn Ice Skating Center (DISC) at 2:00 PM due to a scheduling conflict with the MWEHL Midget Major Showcase at Taylor.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
NHL Center Ice Free Preview Opportunity
The NHL Center Ice package which is the cable/satellite pay-per-view option that enables subscribers to watch every NHL game is now available for free from January 29th to February 4th.
This great promotion is an excellent opportunity for our players to watch a multitude of NHL games each evening and study the skills and fundamentals of their favorite hockey players from around the league.
So from now until February 4th, parents should not only allow, but encourage, their players to stay up late (even on school nights) and watch these games .....
..... for as one coach from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan once wisely stated to his young charges, "Don't allow your classes to interfere with your education."
This great promotion is an excellent opportunity for our players to watch a multitude of NHL games each evening and study the skills and fundamentals of their favorite hockey players from around the league.
So from now until February 4th, parents should not only allow, but encourage, their players to stay up late (even on school nights) and watch these games .....
..... for as one coach from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan once wisely stated to his young charges, "Don't allow your classes to interfere with your education."
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Man From Ghana Becomes 25,000th Weblog Visitor
Official visitor reports submitted to us from Clustrmaps (see the lower right side of the page and click on the map for more information) indicates that Rea Banku from the west African nation of Ghana became this weblog's 25,000th visitor on January 17th.
To commemorate this occasion, and reward his patronage, we shipped Rea a care package consisting of well worn practice socks from Belle Tire Cobra Kai dojo members Dean Pawlaczyk and Alex Wiese, along with a rare photograph of our solar system's newly discovered 12th planet known as DJ. (Note: A built to scale replica of a certain paper towel holder was rumored to be slipped into the package as well but I am neither able to confirm nor deny this.)
Rea sent us a telegram today, translation of which from his native tongue of Twi to English took all evening for me to complete, but I got it done.
Basically, he thanked us for the care package, expressed his disappointment in our team's 4-3 loss to Honeybaked on Saturday, and congratulated us on our team's 7-4 win over Culver Academy on Sunday.
Interestingly, he promised to handcraft and send us 25 GOLD authentic Kente cloths for our players and coaches to take with us if we advance to the Nationals; or 25 PURPLE ones if we do not.
I thanked Rea on behalf of our team and indicated that his Kente cloths would serve as great motivation for our team to win States.
For those unfamiliar, detailed information about Kente cloths and the symbolic significance of their colors can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kente
To commemorate this occasion, and reward his patronage, we shipped Rea a care package consisting of well worn practice socks from Belle Tire Cobra Kai dojo members Dean Pawlaczyk and Alex Wiese, along with a rare photograph of our solar system's newly discovered 12th planet known as DJ. (Note: A built to scale replica of a certain paper towel holder was rumored to be slipped into the package as well but I am neither able to confirm nor deny this.)
Rea sent us a telegram today, translation of which from his native tongue of Twi to English took all evening for me to complete, but I got it done.
Basically, he thanked us for the care package, expressed his disappointment in our team's 4-3 loss to Honeybaked on Saturday, and congratulated us on our team's 7-4 win over Culver Academy on Sunday.
Interestingly, he promised to handcraft and send us 25 GOLD authentic Kente cloths for our players and coaches to take with us if we advance to the Nationals; or 25 PURPLE ones if we do not.
I thanked Rea on behalf of our team and indicated that his Kente cloths would serve as great motivation for our team to win States.
For those unfamiliar, detailed information about Kente cloths and the symbolic significance of their colors can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kente
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Rusty Hafner Becomes Folklore
Stepping out of the shadow of his famous uncle - Cleveland Indians Slugger Travis Hafner - Rusty Hafner has developed an enormous cult following as "THE toughest guy on the block in U-16 AAA Hockey".
To prove this point we did some serious investigation and uncovered just how feared Rusty Hafner must be by our opponents as evidenced by the following:
When the Boogeyman goes to sleep every night, he checks his closet for Rusty Hafner.
Rusty Hafner doesn't read books. He stares them down until he gets the information he wants.
There is no theory of evolution. Just a list of creatures Rusty Hafner has allowed to live.
Outer space exists because it's afraid to be on the same planet with Rusty Hafner.
Rusty Hafner does not sleep. He waits.
Rusty Hafner is the reason why Waldo is hiding.
When Rusty Hafner does a pushup, he isn’t lifting himself up, he’s pushing the Earth down.
Rusty Hafner's hand is the only hand that can beat a Royal Flush.
Rusty Hafner can lead a horse to water AND make it drink.
Rusty Hafner does not get frostbite. Rusty Hafner bites frost.
To prove this point we did some serious investigation and uncovered just how feared Rusty Hafner must be by our opponents as evidenced by the following:
When the Boogeyman goes to sleep every night, he checks his closet for Rusty Hafner.
Rusty Hafner doesn't read books. He stares them down until he gets the information he wants.
There is no theory of evolution. Just a list of creatures Rusty Hafner has allowed to live.
Outer space exists because it's afraid to be on the same planet with Rusty Hafner.
Rusty Hafner does not sleep. He waits.
Rusty Hafner is the reason why Waldo is hiding.
When Rusty Hafner does a pushup, he isn’t lifting himself up, he’s pushing the Earth down.
Rusty Hafner's hand is the only hand that can beat a Royal Flush.
Rusty Hafner can lead a horse to water AND make it drink.
Rusty Hafner does not get frostbite. Rusty Hafner bites frost.
Big Weekend Ahead
This is perhaps the biggest weekend of the season to date for our hockey team for the following reasons:
* OHL Central Scouting Director Robert Kitamura will be in attendance and if we perform well he is likely to extend an invitation after the weekend to Belle Tire to attend the OHL Cup Showcase.
* Several players on our team are on the verge of making it onto the OHL Central Scouting List and could accomplish this with a good showing this weekend.
* The Culver Academy U-16's visit to Detroit is the first good opportunity for OHL scouts to see them play - which should draw out a large crowd of Ontario League talent evaluators to our game.
* An important measuring stick game looms against Honeybaked, a team that we have not beaten this year (or last) and an opponent that we have yet to give a good effort against this season.
* While first place in the MWEHL is virtually unattainable we do have a good chance to finish in the second overall position with a strong finish to our season. But the Honeybaked game this weekend is a MUST WIN game if we have any chance at all to accomplish this.
* OHL Central Scouting Director Robert Kitamura will be in attendance and if we perform well he is likely to extend an invitation after the weekend to Belle Tire to attend the OHL Cup Showcase.
* Several players on our team are on the verge of making it onto the OHL Central Scouting List and could accomplish this with a good showing this weekend.
* The Culver Academy U-16's visit to Detroit is the first good opportunity for OHL scouts to see them play - which should draw out a large crowd of Ontario League talent evaluators to our game.
* An important measuring stick game looms against Honeybaked, a team that we have not beaten this year (or last) and an opponent that we have yet to give a good effort against this season.
* While first place in the MWEHL is virtually unattainable we do have a good chance to finish in the second overall position with a strong finish to our season. But the Honeybaked game this weekend is a MUST WIN game if we have any chance at all to accomplish this.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Belle Tire Tops USA Teams In Newest OHL Cup Rankings
Minor Midget Rankings for the OHL Cup Showcase Tournament - Week 10
(last week's ranking in brackets)
1. Toronto Jr Canadiens - GTHL (1)
2. Toronto Marlies - GTHL (2)
3. Elgin-Middlesex - MHAO (3)
4. York-Simcoe Express - OMHA (7)
5. Toronto Red Wings - GTHL (4)
6. Detroit Belle Tire U16 - MWEHL-USA (6)
7. Halton Hurricanes - OMHA (8)
8. Detroit Compuware U16 - MWEHL- USA (5)
9. Detroit Honeybaked U16 - MWEHL- USA (9)
10. Toronto Young Nats - GTHL (10)
(last week's ranking in brackets)
1. Toronto Jr Canadiens - GTHL (1)
2. Toronto Marlies - GTHL (2)
3. Elgin-Middlesex - MHAO (3)
4. York-Simcoe Express - OMHA (7)
5. Toronto Red Wings - GTHL (4)
6. Detroit Belle Tire U16 - MWEHL-USA (6)
7. Halton Hurricanes - OMHA (8)
8. Detroit Compuware U16 - MWEHL- USA (5)
9. Detroit Honeybaked U16 - MWEHL- USA (9)
10. Toronto Young Nats - GTHL (10)
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Team's Overall Season Record Updated and Adjusted
We have updated and adjusted our official team season record to correspond with only those games that will figure on our official game count for the 2007-08 fall season.
Therefore, exhibition games played back in August against Sun County (one win and one loss) and Honeybaked (one tie) have been eliminated.
In addition, overtime losses to Elgin-Middlesex, Niagara Falls, and the Windsor Spitfires (via shootout) have been placed in a new category called Overtime Losses (OT Losses).
For the season our official team record now stands at 31 wins, 9 losses, 6 ties, and 3 overtime losses in 49 games played.
Therefore, exhibition games played back in August against Sun County (one win and one loss) and Honeybaked (one tie) have been eliminated.
In addition, overtime losses to Elgin-Middlesex, Niagara Falls, and the Windsor Spitfires (via shootout) have been placed in a new category called Overtime Losses (OT Losses).
For the season our official team record now stands at 31 wins, 9 losses, 6 ties, and 3 overtime losses in 49 games played.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
OHL Cup Rankings Updated
Minor Midget Rankings for the OHL Cup Showcase Tournament - Week 9
(last week's ranking in brackets)
Note: To date we have defeated the following teams ranked #1, #4, #5, #7, #8, and #10. We have not played #2. We are 0-4-2 against teams #3 and #9. We are 1-6-2 against teams #3, #5 and #9; and we are 5-0 against everybody else.
1. Toronto Jr Canadiens - GTHL (1)
2. Toronto Marlies - GTHL (2)
3. Elgin-Middlesex - MHAO (4)
4. Toronto Red Wings - GTHL (3)
5. Compuware U16 - MWEHL- USA (5)
6. Detroit Belle Tire U16 - MWEHL-USA (6)
7. York-Simcoe Express - OMHA (7)
8. Halton Hurricanes - OMHA (9)
9. Detroit Honeybaked U16 - MWEHL- USA (8)
10. Toronto Young Nats - GTHL (10)
(last week's ranking in brackets)
Note: To date we have defeated the following teams ranked #1, #4, #5, #7, #8, and #10. We have not played #2. We are 0-4-2 against teams #3 and #9. We are 1-6-2 against teams #3, #5 and #9; and we are 5-0 against everybody else.
1. Toronto Jr Canadiens - GTHL (1)
2. Toronto Marlies - GTHL (2)
3. Elgin-Middlesex - MHAO (4)
4. Toronto Red Wings - GTHL (3)
5. Compuware U16 - MWEHL- USA (5)
6. Detroit Belle Tire U16 - MWEHL-USA (6)
7. York-Simcoe Express - OMHA (7)
8. Halton Hurricanes - OMHA (9)
9. Detroit Honeybaked U16 - MWEHL- USA (8)
10. Toronto Young Nats - GTHL (10)
Monday, January 14, 2008
Loss Sunday Shows Players Still Don't Get It
GM Vents:
Harsh as it may sound....Sunday's loss to Victory Honda is a crystal clear indication that our players just don't get what it takes to play at a high level and win consistently.
We are clearly not a prolific goal scoring team which means we have a relatively small margin for error. We can however be successful without scoring alot of goals if we compensate by playing with great INTENSITY on a consistent basis.
Furthermore, there are no players (stress NO players) on this team who are talented enough to play at a high level of hockey without being able to consistently play day-in-and-day-out with great intensity.
Lack of intensity manifests itself in a lack of energy, a lack of focus, and a lack of discipline.
When I see defensemen running around out of position trying to freelance on the offensive end of the ice instead of focusing on supporting their defense partner and preventing goals against us ..... When I see players taking the same lazy or stupid type of penalties in the same areas of the ice over and over and over again .... When I see forwards not playing strong on the wall in the defensive zone, not taking the puck to the front of the net etc, etc. ...
Than I see a team and a group of players clearly lacking an understanding of the type of intensity in terms of energy, focus, and discipline needed for us to win on a consistent basis and for themselves to advance to play at a higher level.
The Michigan State Playoffs begin in only 50 days ... the time is now for the message to sink in.
Harsh as it may sound....Sunday's loss to Victory Honda is a crystal clear indication that our players just don't get what it takes to play at a high level and win consistently.
We are clearly not a prolific goal scoring team which means we have a relatively small margin for error. We can however be successful without scoring alot of goals if we compensate by playing with great INTENSITY on a consistent basis.
Furthermore, there are no players (stress NO players) on this team who are talented enough to play at a high level of hockey without being able to consistently play day-in-and-day-out with great intensity.
Lack of intensity manifests itself in a lack of energy, a lack of focus, and a lack of discipline.
When I see defensemen running around out of position trying to freelance on the offensive end of the ice instead of focusing on supporting their defense partner and preventing goals against us ..... When I see players taking the same lazy or stupid type of penalties in the same areas of the ice over and over and over again .... When I see forwards not playing strong on the wall in the defensive zone, not taking the puck to the front of the net etc, etc. ...
Than I see a team and a group of players clearly lacking an understanding of the type of intensity in terms of energy, focus, and discipline needed for us to win on a consistent basis and for themselves to advance to play at a higher level.
The Michigan State Playoffs begin in only 50 days ... the time is now for the message to sink in.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Vokoun Named NHL Eastern Conference All-Star
Florida Panthers Goaltender Tomas Vokoun (client of my sports management firm - Eclipse) joins the New Jersey Devil's Martin Brodeur and the New York Islanders Rick Dipietro on the Eastern Conference All-Star team for the 2008 NHL All-Star Game on January 27th in Atlanta.
This is Vokoun's second All-Star Selection. More information about Vokoun can be found on our Eclipse Sports Management website at esmhockey.com
This is Vokoun's second All-Star Selection. More information about Vokoun can be found on our Eclipse Sports Management website at esmhockey.com
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Team Snaps Three Game MWEHL Losing Streak With Compuware Win
Sunday afternoon we snapped our three game losing streak in MWEHL play with a 2-1 victory over Compuware in a very intense and highly entertaining game for all those in attendance.
Forward Nick Booth tallied the game winner on a brilliant feed from his linemate (and housemate) AJ White, and Kyle Laslo stopped 43 of 44 shots including three breakaways.
Streaking: After a very slow start to his season, AJ White is coming on strong and was arguably our team's best all around forward in Toronto at the Marlboros Tournament. White had another strong game Sunday against Compuware and was particularly good on the penalty kill while sacrificing his body to block several shots.
So Sweet: DJ Hastings' nifty shorthanded breakaway goal to tie the score at 1-1 was our team's first goal against Compuware this season (following two 3-0 shutouts) and Hastings first against his former team of five years.
Jack-Of-All-Trades: Forward Brent Formosa continues to display his versatility, selflessness, and leadership by dropping back to play as a defenseman whenever called upon....and doing one heck of a job at that.
Welcome Back: Defenseman Chris Barile, sidelined since the quarterfinal game of the Silver Sticks with a lower leg injury, returned to action on Sunday.
National Flavor: While Compuware might be infamous for its large number of out-of-state import players; it was Belle Tire imports - Booth from Texas (game winner) and Laslo from California (winning goalie) - who won the battle of geography this day.
Unbeatable Coach: With Coach Jabar sunning his muscles in Jamaica on a family vacation, Coach Kevin Hess took the head coaching reins for his second time this season and ran his unbeaten record to 2-0 - and in the process sparked playful jokes from several parents for Jabar to extend his vacation until at least the end of the season.
Forward Nick Booth tallied the game winner on a brilliant feed from his linemate (and housemate) AJ White, and Kyle Laslo stopped 43 of 44 shots including three breakaways.
Streaking: After a very slow start to his season, AJ White is coming on strong and was arguably our team's best all around forward in Toronto at the Marlboros Tournament. White had another strong game Sunday against Compuware and was particularly good on the penalty kill while sacrificing his body to block several shots.
So Sweet: DJ Hastings' nifty shorthanded breakaway goal to tie the score at 1-1 was our team's first goal against Compuware this season (following two 3-0 shutouts) and Hastings first against his former team of five years.
Jack-Of-All-Trades: Forward Brent Formosa continues to display his versatility, selflessness, and leadership by dropping back to play as a defenseman whenever called upon....and doing one heck of a job at that.
Welcome Back: Defenseman Chris Barile, sidelined since the quarterfinal game of the Silver Sticks with a lower leg injury, returned to action on Sunday.
National Flavor: While Compuware might be infamous for its large number of out-of-state import players; it was Belle Tire imports - Booth from Texas (game winner) and Laslo from California (winning goalie) - who won the battle of geography this day.
Unbeatable Coach: With Coach Jabar sunning his muscles in Jamaica on a family vacation, Coach Kevin Hess took the head coaching reins for his second time this season and ran his unbeaten record to 2-0 - and in the process sparked playful jokes from several parents for Jabar to extend his vacation until at least the end of the season.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Belle Tire and Compuware - Feb 2nd Game Event
Though the focus of our team is on this Sunday's game with Compuware, its the February 2nd game between the two teams that is the subject of this post.
The February 2nd game has been moved from Compuware Arena at 9:30 AM to Saginaw's Dow Event Center at 3:30 PM as part of an OHL Game / Seminar for the two teams.
The event details are as follows:
Date:
Saturday, Feb. 2, 2008
Time Schedule
3:30 pm – 5:30 pm - Compuware vs. Belle Tire @ Dow Event Center, Saginaw, MI
6:00 pm – Information Seminar with Saginaw Spirit & Ottawa 67’s in Labatt Blueline Room
6:50 pm – OHL Warm – up
7:00 pm – Dressing room tour for all players
7:30 pm – Ottawa 67’s @ Saginaw Spirit
All parents and family members who wish to attend the game must notify us before January 11th so tickets can be set aside for their purchase. Tickets for all players are free.
If possible please notify Kris Cesarz at the Compuware Game this Sunday of how many tickets your family would need so we can begin to get an accurate count to provide Joe Birch with the OHL.
The February 2nd game has been moved from Compuware Arena at 9:30 AM to Saginaw's Dow Event Center at 3:30 PM as part of an OHL Game / Seminar for the two teams.
The event details are as follows:
Date:
Saturday, Feb. 2, 2008
Time Schedule
3:30 pm – 5:30 pm - Compuware vs. Belle Tire @ Dow Event Center, Saginaw, MI
6:00 pm – Information Seminar with Saginaw Spirit & Ottawa 67’s in Labatt Blueline Room
6:50 pm – OHL Warm – up
7:00 pm – Dressing room tour for all players
7:30 pm – Ottawa 67’s @ Saginaw Spirit
All parents and family members who wish to attend the game must notify us before January 11th so tickets can be set aside for their purchase. Tickets for all players are free.
If possible please notify Kris Cesarz at the Compuware Game this Sunday of how many tickets your family would need so we can begin to get an accurate count to provide Joe Birch with the OHL.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
OHL Cup Rankings Week 7 Announced
Minor Midget Rankings for the OHL Cup Showcase Tournament - Week 7 (last week's ranking in brackets)
1. Toronto Jr Canadiens - GTHL (3)
2. Toronto Marlies - GTHL (2)
3. Toronto Red Wings - GTHL (7)
4. Elgin-Middlesex - MHAO (1)
5. Compuware U16 - MWEHL-USA (4)
6. Detroit Belle Tire U16 - MWEHL-USA (5)
7. York-Simcoe Express - OMHA (6)
8. Detroit Honeybaked U16 - MWEHL- USA (8)
9. Halton Hurricanes - OMHA (10)
10. Toronto Young Nats - GTHL (NR)
Honourable Mention
Mississauga Reps- GTHL
Niagara Falls Thunder- OMHA
Peterborough Petes - OMHA
1. Toronto Jr Canadiens - GTHL (3)
2. Toronto Marlies - GTHL (2)
3. Toronto Red Wings - GTHL (7)
4. Elgin-Middlesex - MHAO (1)
5. Compuware U16 - MWEHL-USA (4)
6. Detroit Belle Tire U16 - MWEHL-USA (5)
7. York-Simcoe Express - OMHA (6)
8. Detroit Honeybaked U16 - MWEHL- USA (8)
9. Halton Hurricanes - OMHA (10)
10. Toronto Young Nats - GTHL (NR)
Honourable Mention
Mississauga Reps- GTHL
Niagara Falls Thunder- OMHA
Peterborough Petes - OMHA
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