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.
Friday, November 16, 2007
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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