Monthly Archives: October 2008
>Ryan Jones Makes the Predators Roster
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Well…he did it. The Nashville Predators have announced their opening night roster…and yes, it does include Ryan Jones. But…the question remains, where will the former RedHawk captain fit in on the Predators line chart? Brandon Felder, from HockeyBuzz, offers his take:
For me the type of game Ryan Jones plays fits better on a line with Legwand and Erat. Jones will go to the net and allow Legwand and Erat to continue their chemistry. Legwand is a playmaker and best used as a set up man. Erat is a finisher if he would just shoot the puck more. Jones will be in front of the goalie allowing Erat to be more comfortable shooting instead of passing.
From The Tennessean:
Jones possesses an attractive presence around the net. Ward, who edged out Pihlstrom for the final spot, is a strong penalty killer with good instincts.
“I told myself that I wasn’t coming here just to have my name be in the organization, I was going to compete for a spot from Day 1,” said Jones, who was acquired from Minnesota for Marek Zidlicky. “Whether or not that was realistic I don’t know, but some things happened this summer in this organization that left some spots open for the younger guys and the cards just played out right.”
Coach Barry Trotz stressed that the roster could change by next week.
Nick Tarnasky, who has a broken thumb, has been practicing and could be ready to join the lineup as early as Monday, when the Predators visit Chicago, Trotz said.
Jones and Hornqvist do not need to clear waivers, meaning they could be sent to Milwaukee at any time.
Let’s hope he stays with the club, however…a BIG CONGRATULATIONS to Ryan Jones…we all know what type of guy Jonesy is on and off the ice…he’s sure to make Miami proud.
>Spinell Named USHL Defensive Player of the Week
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Steve Spinell, a defenseman slated to join the RedHawks blueline next season who currently plays for the Fargo Force, has been named the CCM USHL Defensive Player of the Week.
CCM USHL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Steve Spinell – Fargo Force
Vernon Hills, Illinois
Spinell helped the expansion Fargo Force get off on the right foot in the first weekend. On Friday night, Spinell set up the eventual game-winning goal and then sealed the win with an empty net goal as Fargo beat Omaha 4-2. The next night, Spinell went scoreless in a 3-2 loss to Sioux Falls. He was +2 on the weekend.
>Jackets Build Chemistry in Oxford
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Here is a nice article from Pete Conrad at the Journal-News on the Blue Jackets team building trip to Oxford today. It has some great quotes from Jackets Head Coach Ken Hitchcock on building chemistry, his thoughts on the University, and more. Really a good read for those of you (ME) that were unable to attend today’s workout.
And…as an added bonus…here are some photos of the action at Goggin, also from the Journal-News.
And this video from the Blue Jackets website:
http://bluejackets.nhl.tv/team/embed.jsp?catid=702&id=22136
I had to post this one of Senior Defenseman Ray Eichenlaub:
The Blue Jackets continue their workouts tomorrow at Cady Arena at 10am.
>It’s Ohio State Week
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It’s the official start to the 2008-2009 campaign this Friday night as our RedHawks will make the trek up I-71 into Ohio’s capitol to take on an Ohio State team that is looking to make some much needed adjustments after a dismal performance last season. Like Miami, OSU opened with an exhibition win over the York on Saturday at the OSU Ice Rink, defeating the Lions 9-3 and outscoring them 6-1 in the second period.
While Miami won’t have to contend with the dilapidated former home of the OSU men’s hockey program this Friday night in Columbus, they will have to keep a watchful eye on highly-touted freshman Zac Dalpe. 
If you don’t know the story of Dalpe, allow me to bring you up to speed.
Dalpe was drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round (# 45 overall) in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. Some “prognosticators” have contested that Dalpe could have gone in the late first round, as the skill set and true hockey ability are visibly apparent in the Paris, Ontario native. As his stock began to rise, some began to waiver on whether or not he would honor his commitment to coach John Markell and the Buckeyes due to the fact that Peter Karmanos Jr. (the owner of the Carolina Hurricanes) also owns the Plymouth Whalers, the OHL team that retained Dalpe’s rights. If he would have gone the OHL route, he would most assuredly be playing professional hockey sooner, rather than later, but he chose to make good on his word and attend Ohio State.
While Dalpe will be one focus of the RedHawks defense other Buckeye forwards to monitor are senior co-captain Zach Pelletier, who missed last season with an injury, and sophomore Kyle Reed. Pelletier notched a hat trick in Saturday’s exhibition win and Reed added a goal. Coach Markell says that, having Pelletier back, is a great thing.
“I’m glad to have him back this year. He had a decimating injury last year and he chose to come back (for a fifth year) even though he didn’t have to because he already has his degree. He is a captain and he leads by example.”
Understandably, Pelletier was, himself, excited to be back on the ice.
“It was awesome. It’s almost the best feeling in the world. I’ve just been itching to go out there and play hockey.”
Faceoff in Columbus is at 7:05pm on Friday night and 7:05 Saturday night in Oxford. Saturday night’s game will be televised live on ONN.
(Player quotes provided by The Ohio State University Athletic Department)
FROM THE GAME NOTES…
“CHECKING” THE BUCKEYES
The Buckeyes are a young team packed with talent as they feature 22 underclassmen (13 sophomores and nine freshmen). Zach Pelletier is the captain of this youthful Scarlet and Gary squad after sitting out last season with injury. The co-captain is Peter Boyd, Ohio State’s top-returning scorer. Boyd is also a clutch player as he finished with four game-winning goals a season ago and five game-winning points. Miami has won six-consecutive games against Ohio State and has not lost to the Buckeyes since Dec. 30, 2006. The RedHawks have only lost once in the last 11 meetings between the two schools. During this run, Miami has taken the all-time lead in the series for the first time and now leads 56-55-10. In the 2007-08 season, Miami outscored Ohio State 20-8 in games between the conference foes.
SENIORS LOOKING TO STAY PERFECT
The RedHawk senior class of Brian Kaufman, Bill Loupee, Kevin Roeder, Michael Findorff, Alexandre Lacombe,Justin Mercier and Ray Eichenlaub has never lost a home game to Ohio State. The senior class also holds an overall record of 10-2-3 against the Buckeyes.
BUCKEYE BUSTERS
In 10 career games against the Scarlet and Gray, Jarod Palmer has scored five goals and passed out three assists. Carter Camper has four assists in three career games against Ohio State. In only two career games against the Buckeyes, Andy Miele has one goal and three assists.
RECAPPING THE EXHIBITION
The roar in Steve Cady Arena as Alexandre Lacombe scored the game-winning goal against Ryerson made the game feel almost like regular season. Miami defeated Ryerson on Oct. 4, 4-3, in a thrilling back-and-forth game that ended with a goal by Lacombe with five seconds remaining on the clock. “We had some guys who made plays, some guys who played hard and some guys who just aren’t in sync yet,” Miami head coach Enrico Blasi said. “We have a lot of work to do and now we know what we need to do. Come Monday, we will get it started.”
>RedHawks Meet With Media
>Coach Blasi, Captain Brian Kaufman, and Jarod Palmer all sat down with members of the media today for a little O &A about the program.
Thanks to the Miami Athletic Department for uploading these videos.
>Adams Released & Ryan Jones News
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Just a couple tidbits for now, as NHL teams are slicing and dicing to make their opening night roster decisions. The Chicago Blackhawks have released Miami alum Kevyn Adams, a free agent invitee to this years training camp. Adams played for the Blackhawks last season and was an unrestricted free agent this past summer and received the invite to Chicago’s camp. Last season, his time was cut short due to a torn knee ligament suffered in November of 2007. Kevyn was reportedly in good shape once again and ready to add a veteran presence to a young Chicago team.
Hopefully, someone will still have some use for the former Redskin captain and he’ll be able to continue his playing career. On the other hand, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him “hang ’em up” either. Best of luck Kevyn.
Onto the big story…Ryan Jones…
The Tennessean is reporting that the Predators have assigned forwards Josh Gratton and possibly Antti Philstrom to Milwaukee of the AHL meaning that remaining forwards Patric Hornqvist, Joel Ward and Ryan Jones have in all likelihood, have made the opening night roster. Here’s a snippet of the article:
Among players still with the team are prospect forwards Patric Hornqvist and Ryan Jones, as well as Ward, who was an offseason signee.
Trotz said it looks like all three players will be on the opening-night roster, with Ward being the biggest surprise of training camp.
And this comes from Brandon Felder at HockeyBuzz:
Ryan Jones is the type of player this team needs. He will go to the net, take the body, essentially be that Scott Hartnell type of player the Preds lacked since Hartnell’s departure to Philly. Some people have stated they weren’t impressed with Jones in pre-season but I for one liked what I saw and felt that he deserves some NHL ice time.
As I said, things are still unofficial at this point. I’ll keep up on the situation and if anything develops this evening, I’ll post it here.
>Guerin Released to Charlotte
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The Hartford Wolf Pack have released forward Marty Guerin on the basis of returning him back to the Charlotte Checkers of the ECHL.
Making a difficult subject easier to understand: Guerin went to camp with the Wolfpack, but didn’t make the team, so he’ll play for Charlotte this season. Same situation with Musitelli and the WB/Scranton Penguins.
>Martinez Sent to Manchester
>The Los Angeles Kings have announced that defenseman and former RedHawk blueliner Alec Martinez has been assigned to the Manchester Monarchs of the AHL.
You can view the release at this link.
>USCHO Preseason Poll Released
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USCHO has released it’s first Division 1 poll of the season. USA Today had our RedHawks ranked 8th in their preseason poll. Did USCHO follow suit and rank the Red & White 8th as well?
Click here to find out.
(Okay, that wasn’t much of a teaser, but it sounded good in my head.)
>Mercier Makes CHN’s Second Team
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Justin Mercier has been named to the 2008-2009 College Hockey News Preseason Second Team. Here’s what CHN has to say about the senior forward:
F – Justin Mercier, Sr., Miami A speedy, talented player with a tremendous wrist shot. He scored the winning OT goal against Air Force in the first round of the NCAAs last season. He had 25 goals, second on the team behind Ryan Jones, but now we see how he does without some of those other departed stars around him. Led Miami forwards with a plus-22 a year ago.
I couldn’t agree more. Speedy and talented are two words that define the Erie, Pennsylvania native. I thought he showed great hustle on Saturday night vs. Ryerson and definitely expect him to have an impressive season.
You can view the rest of the list and some players to watch by clicking here.
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