Bearded Ice – May 22

MiHockey staffers Ryan Zuke and Ben Fleck here with you on this Tuesday afternoon.

Quick Hits

We gave out some letter grades on how the Red Wings roster fared this season…check it out right here.

By now, hopefully you’ve heard, but if you haven’t…the Red Wings have apparently hired an architect for designing a new arena. It’s not the first time there’s been rumors of a new building for the Wings, so we’re reserving judgement until we hear official news from the team.

We’ll have a Michi-gamer selected later today – waiting until the USHL draft which starts at 5 p.m.

The Penn State University men’s hockey team released its first NCAA Division I schedule Tuesday after making the transition from the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA).  The Nittany Lions will compete as an independent for the 2012-13 season, but will move into the Big Ten Conference in 2013-14.

Highlight Reel

In case you missed it, here’s Valtteri Filppula walking through Detroit as part of Nike’s new advertising campaign. Pretty cool video, if you’re asking us.

Outside the Mitten

After the first four games of the 2012 Memorial Cup, all four teams hold a 1-1 record.  Last night, the Saint John Sea Dogs defeated the Edmonton Oil Kings 5-2, while the Shawinigan Cataractes beat the London Knights 6-2 on Sunday.

The Devils’ Zach Parise scored two third period goals Monday night, propelling the Devils to a 4-1 victory over the Rangers.   Goaltender Martin Brodeur made 23 saves and the Devils evened the series at two.

The Anaheim Ducks signed two-time Swedish Elite League goaltender of the year Viktor Fasth to a one-year contract.

Check it out

Yesterday’s Bearded Ice reported the possibility of a Jamaican hockey team. The Philippines might be joining them in the near future.

Next up

The L.A. Kings look to close out its series against the Phoenix Coyotes tonight and punch its ticket to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 1993.  Sunday’s 2-0 loss snapped the Kings eight-game win streak in which they outscored their opponents 27-10.

Enjoy the game and we’ll see you right back here tomorrow for some more Bearded Ice!