In news that comes as no surprise to anyone, Mike Santorelli has accepted an offer from the Nashville Predators and will forgo his senior season at NMU.
Mike joined his brother Mark in Nashville this past weekend to participate in the Predators prospect camp. Scrimmages between the two teams pitted Mike and Mark against each other, and from the limited coverage, Mark's scrimmage team was the better team.
A list of all attendees (no other NMU alums were invited) to the predators camp is available in PDF or Flash formats from the Predators' website.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Sunday, June 3, 2007
And the summer continues...
With a full-time job, dial-up internet and little to no access to local or national college hockey media, I have not had much to say and have not been posting very regularly.
I did happen, however, to have an interesting phone conversation with NMU hockey coach Walt Kyle last week. Two points that Kyle quickly made were A) that NMU has never announced that ex-OSU goaltender Ian Keserich was going to be a Wildcat and B) that the 'Cats should, in fact, play next season with fewer players than the past year.
This disputes the claims that there was an impending 'logjam' of players at Northern (including what was initially thought to be four netminders) and that there would be fewer roster spots than heads.
Walt also warned against putting too much faith in blogs and message boards.
The coach also talked about the departure of Jacques Lamoureux, who will be attending the Air Force Academy next season. Kyle made it clear that he is personally happy for Jacques and that he wishes him the best, calling the departure a career move more than a hockey move.
While Kyle may be slightly miffed at losing one his younger players, Jaqcues was not an explosive talent. He stepped in during injuries and his role was not likely to change over the next two or three years.
To wrap up, Walt talked about the search for a new assistant coach, after previous NMU assistant John Olver went west. Recruiting ability and strong hockey ties are almost as important as coaching ability in the search, which is expected to wrap up soon. Kyle set the timetable for the new hiring as mid-June.
On a side note, I will be in Marquette putting together the summer issue of the NorthWind. Check it out for the full Walt Kyle interview.
I did happen, however, to have an interesting phone conversation with NMU hockey coach Walt Kyle last week. Two points that Kyle quickly made were A) that NMU has never announced that ex-OSU goaltender Ian Keserich was going to be a Wildcat and B) that the 'Cats should, in fact, play next season with fewer players than the past year.
This disputes the claims that there was an impending 'logjam' of players at Northern (including what was initially thought to be four netminders) and that there would be fewer roster spots than heads.
Walt also warned against putting too much faith in blogs and message boards.
The coach also talked about the departure of Jacques Lamoureux, who will be attending the Air Force Academy next season. Kyle made it clear that he is personally happy for Jacques and that he wishes him the best, calling the departure a career move more than a hockey move.
While Kyle may be slightly miffed at losing one his younger players, Jaqcues was not an explosive talent. He stepped in during injuries and his role was not likely to change over the next two or three years.
To wrap up, Walt talked about the search for a new assistant coach, after previous NMU assistant John Olver went west. Recruiting ability and strong hockey ties are almost as important as coaching ability in the search, which is expected to wrap up soon. Kyle set the timetable for the new hiring as mid-June.
On a side note, I will be in Marquette putting together the summer issue of the NorthWind. Check it out for the full Walt Kyle interview.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Four NMU goaltenders? I don't think so.
With Kyle and I both stuck with dial-up lately, updates are a little tough to do but I'll try and battle with this ancient technology.
The NMU offseason continues to produce some story lines to keep everyone busy. The Cats recently received a verbal commitment from Cloquet High School goaltender Reid Ellingson for 2007. According to Western College Hockey, Ellingson was the top senior high school goalie in Minnesota last year.
This announcement has started a bit of controversy with the Cats, since they presumably have four goaltenders for next season, but in fact the Cats will only have three.
Ian Keserich will not be coming to Northern at all next season, leaving Ellingson to sit behind Derek Janzen and Brian Stewart. It was first announced by NAHL.com that Keserich had committed to Northern, but it was Keserich who made that announcement, not NMU.
Buckeye fans can breath a sigh of relief that they did not let a keeper transfer within the conference and Wildcat fans can not expect multiple goaltenders on the ice at once.
In other news ... Mike Santorelli is still an NMU Wildcat. The chess match between him and the Nashville Predators could come down to the final move. Until now, all the Cats can do is sit and wait ...
... Northern is also not in a rush to hire a new assistant coach to replace the departed John Olver. The Wildcats are taking their time in making this hire ...
.... And now for a look around the CCHA ... The Wolverines are having a similar confusion surrounding their goaltending situation, which needs some work. It baffles me that Michigan can recruit the top fire power in the nation but habitually strikes out on netminders. They are like the New York Yankees of college hockey. The Evil Empire has seemed to work out the confusion however ...
... The Nanooks search for a head coach continues. The team formerly known as Alaska-Fairbanks will be bringing four finalists to Fairbanks for a two day interview. The cool part is on the second day, the candidates will meet the public. Northern did something similar when it hired its new volleyball coach, but the practice backfired when both candidates withdrew from consideration.
... And finally, a personal note. My four year run as the NMU hockey beat writer has come to an end. I graduated from Northern a few weeks ago and am looking to move on to something new. Look for me periodically in the Mining Journal this summer as I plan to remain in Marquette until the end of June, with some trips down to Wisconsin every now and then. I also plan to make one final appearance in The North Wind for the summer issue.
I plan to continue contributing to this blog as much as possible because I love NMU hockey. It has been a memorable four years. Thanks to everyone who supported me along the way.
The NMU offseason continues to produce some story lines to keep everyone busy. The Cats recently received a verbal commitment from Cloquet High School goaltender Reid Ellingson for 2007. According to Western College Hockey, Ellingson was the top senior high school goalie in Minnesota last year.
This announcement has started a bit of controversy with the Cats, since they presumably have four goaltenders for next season, but in fact the Cats will only have three.
Ian Keserich will not be coming to Northern at all next season, leaving Ellingson to sit behind Derek Janzen and Brian Stewart. It was first announced by NAHL.com that Keserich had committed to Northern, but it was Keserich who made that announcement, not NMU.
Buckeye fans can breath a sigh of relief that they did not let a keeper transfer within the conference and Wildcat fans can not expect multiple goaltenders on the ice at once.
In other news ... Mike Santorelli is still an NMU Wildcat. The chess match between him and the Nashville Predators could come down to the final move. Until now, all the Cats can do is sit and wait ...
... Northern is also not in a rush to hire a new assistant coach to replace the departed John Olver. The Wildcats are taking their time in making this hire ...
.... And now for a look around the CCHA ... The Wolverines are having a similar confusion surrounding their goaltending situation, which needs some work. It baffles me that Michigan can recruit the top fire power in the nation but habitually strikes out on netminders. They are like the New York Yankees of college hockey. The Evil Empire has seemed to work out the confusion however ...
... The Nanooks search for a head coach continues. The team formerly known as Alaska-Fairbanks will be bringing four finalists to Fairbanks for a two day interview. The cool part is on the second day, the candidates will meet the public. Northern did something similar when it hired its new volleyball coach, but the practice backfired when both candidates withdrew from consideration.
... And finally, a personal note. My four year run as the NMU hockey beat writer has come to an end. I graduated from Northern a few weeks ago and am looking to move on to something new. Look for me periodically in the Mining Journal this summer as I plan to remain in Marquette until the end of June, with some trips down to Wisconsin every now and then. I also plan to make one final appearance in The North Wind for the summer issue.
I plan to continue contributing to this blog as much as possible because I love NMU hockey. It has been a memorable four years. Thanks to everyone who supported me along the way.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
USHL Draft Notes
The United States Hockey League (USHL) held its annual entry draft Tuesday with two notable draftees for Marquette hockey fans.
The Rangers Jake Hauswirth was taken in the fifth round, No. 53 overall by the Omaha Lancers. In comparison, six other North American Hockey League players were taken ahead of Hauswirth including two from Mahoning Valley. The Phantoms Alden Hirschfeld was taken second overall by Columbus.
Another NAHL player, Kory Kaunisto from Sault Ste. Marie, was taken in the sixth round, No. 69 overall, by the Waterloo Blackhawks. Kaunisto, the younger borther of Ray Kaunisto, spent last season with Traverse City and is a 2008 commitment of NMU. Waterloo is where NMU's Matt Maunu played his junior hockey.
Western College hockey put in a shift Tuesday blogging the draft. You can read more about the players taken there.
The Rangers Jake Hauswirth was taken in the fifth round, No. 53 overall by the Omaha Lancers. In comparison, six other North American Hockey League players were taken ahead of Hauswirth including two from Mahoning Valley. The Phantoms Alden Hirschfeld was taken second overall by Columbus.
Another NAHL player, Kory Kaunisto from Sault Ste. Marie, was taken in the sixth round, No. 69 overall, by the Waterloo Blackhawks. Kaunisto, the younger borther of Ray Kaunisto, spent last season with Traverse City and is a 2008 commitment of NMU. Waterloo is where NMU's Matt Maunu played his junior hockey.
Western College hockey put in a shift Tuesday blogging the draft. You can read more about the players taken there.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Cats lose Lamoureux borthers
As already posted by Western College Hockey and first reported by Brad Elliot Schlossman of the Grand Forks Herald, Jacques Lamoureux has now been accepted into the Air Force Academy and is set to transfer. Lamoureux was denied admission 13 months ago and instead chose Northern.
The Air Force was always a dream for Lamoureux, who posted a goal and an assist for NMU in 16 games as a freshman.
The fallout of Jacques decision is that his younger brother, Mario, will not come to Northern. Mario will return to Tri-City of the USHL and re-opened his search for a college. Mario had 15 goals and 19 assists for Tri-City this year in 60 games. Mario was originally also recruited by North Dakota, who offered him a scholarship. Jacques and Mario's older brother Phillippe is going into his senior season as the goaltender of the Fighting Sioux.
The Air Force was always a dream for Lamoureux, who posted a goal and an assist for NMU in 16 games as a freshman.
The fallout of Jacques decision is that his younger brother, Mario, will not come to Northern. Mario will return to Tri-City of the USHL and re-opened his search for a college. Mario had 15 goals and 19 assists for Tri-City this year in 60 games. Mario was originally also recruited by North Dakota, who offered him a scholarship. Jacques and Mario's older brother Phillippe is going into his senior season as the goaltender of the Fighting Sioux.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
2007-2008 Wildcat schedule
The 07-08 NMU schedule was released yesterday and can be found on the left sidebar.
The Wildcats are going to be in good company next year, as they are in a cluster with Lake Superior State, Michigan and Michigan State. They will have to play each team four times.
All three teams finished last season with winning records. Michigan knocked the Wildcats out of the CCHA Tournament last year and the Spartans, of course, are the national champions.
Between November 16 and December 29, the Wildcats play eight of ten games on the road. This could be very detrimental to the 'Cats if it wasn't so spaced out. They have a week off in early December and then another week off later in the month.
The last two games in that month will take place out west when NMU participates in the Denver Cup with Dartmouth, Denver and Sacred Heart.
Overall, the 'Cats have a difficult schedule next year, and the toughest part may come near the end, when they play Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Nebraska-Omaha and LSSU. Also adding dfficulty to the lineup will be three contests against UP-rival Michigan Tech, last year's surprise Final Five team in the WCHA.
The Wildcats are going to be in good company next year, as they are in a cluster with Lake Superior State, Michigan and Michigan State. They will have to play each team four times.
All three teams finished last season with winning records. Michigan knocked the Wildcats out of the CCHA Tournament last year and the Spartans, of course, are the national champions.
Between November 16 and December 29, the Wildcats play eight of ten games on the road. This could be very detrimental to the 'Cats if it wasn't so spaced out. They have a week off in early December and then another week off later in the month.
The last two games in that month will take place out west when NMU participates in the Denver Cup with Dartmouth, Denver and Sacred Heart.
Overall, the 'Cats have a difficult schedule next year, and the toughest part may come near the end, when they play Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Nebraska-Omaha and LSSU. Also adding dfficulty to the lineup will be three contests against UP-rival Michigan Tech, last year's surprise Final Five team in the WCHA.
Thursday, May 3, 2007
NMU narrows search for new assistant coach
The Mining Journal's Pete Pietrangelo has a story in today's paper concerning candidates to replace John Olver as the next assistant hockey coach. The article was brief bios on each coach can be read below.
Search for NMU hockey assistant may take time
As the headline suggests, the 'Cats are taking their time. The summer is not prime recruiting time therefore the hire does not need to be made ASAP.
Here are the candidates for the job:
- Scott Beattie, head coach, Kimberley Dynamiters (KIJHL)
- Joe Shawhan, assistant coach, Lake Superior State
- Jim Hiller, head coach, Chilliwack Bruins (WHL)
- Bruno Campese, head coach, Penticton Vees (BCHL)
- Steve Hamilton, head coach, Spruce Grove Saints (AJHL)
My two favorites out of the bunch are Shawhan and Campese strictly because of their goaltending background. The Wildcats have not had a goaltending coach for quite some time and it did not bite them until recently because they were blessed by the natural ability of Craig Kowalski and Tuomas Tarkki. Bill Zaniboni was average for the Wildcats the past two years and I say that because some nights he was great, other nights he got blown up.
Zaniboni, and even Kowalski and Tarkki, could have greatly benefited from a goalie coach, or at least an assistant with a netminder's background. With young keepers like Derek Janzen and Brian Stewart not coming up in the program, an assistant with a goaltending background is key.
Hiller would also be a dream hire but good luck pulling him away from Chilliwack and the WHL. Of course, I also joined Dave Danis in saying that about Olver and look what happened there. Olver and Dave Shyiak were strong recruiters and the next person will have to be of the same caliber. Hiller would be that kind of person.
Search for NMU hockey assistant may take time
As the headline suggests, the 'Cats are taking their time. The summer is not prime recruiting time therefore the hire does not need to be made ASAP.
Here are the candidates for the job:
- Scott Beattie, head coach, Kimberley Dynamiters (KIJHL)
- Joe Shawhan, assistant coach, Lake Superior State
- Jim Hiller, head coach, Chilliwack Bruins (WHL)
- Bruno Campese, head coach, Penticton Vees (BCHL)
- Steve Hamilton, head coach, Spruce Grove Saints (AJHL)
My two favorites out of the bunch are Shawhan and Campese strictly because of their goaltending background. The Wildcats have not had a goaltending coach for quite some time and it did not bite them until recently because they were blessed by the natural ability of Craig Kowalski and Tuomas Tarkki. Bill Zaniboni was average for the Wildcats the past two years and I say that because some nights he was great, other nights he got blown up.
Zaniboni, and even Kowalski and Tarkki, could have greatly benefited from a goalie coach, or at least an assistant with a netminder's background. With young keepers like Derek Janzen and Brian Stewart not coming up in the program, an assistant with a goaltending background is key.
Hiller would also be a dream hire but good luck pulling him away from Chilliwack and the WHL. Of course, I also joined Dave Danis in saying that about Olver and look what happened there. Olver and Dave Shyiak were strong recruiters and the next person will have to be of the same caliber. Hiller would be that kind of person.
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