Shaved Ice – August 23

MiHockey editor Michael Caples here to provide you with another installment of Shaved Ice.

Quick hits

It might not seem like this matters much around here, but it does – apparently the Canadian Hockey League players are building their own union. It’s no secret that junior hockey is big business in Canada, and that the players earn just enough money to ruin their amateur status for NCAA schools, yet not make that much in respect to how much the league makes. This impacts the Mitten on two fronts. First, the Whalers and the Spirit are certainly keeping a close eye on the situation. Second, this could have a big impact on the recruiting battle between college and juniors, and who knows in which way. If the players start earning more money to play in juniors, it would be increasingly more difficult for schools to convince kids to wait and play for them a few years later.

Michigan AD Dave Brandon commented on the potential NHL lockout and what it could mean to the Winter Classic; read it right here.

Highlight reel

If Red Berenson ever has trouble getting his forwards to listen to him, he can play this video on the new jumbotron at Yost, and certainly get their attention (thanks to the CCHA Facebook page for steering us to this clip today).

Outside the Mitten

The NHL and the NHLPA chatted for two hours yesterday, and there are plans to continue the conversation today. Hopefully they’re talking about the CBA, but one really can’t be too sure anymore. “Did you hear that Avril Lavigne is engaged to that guy from Nickelback?”

The NHL is taking a look at embellishment issues at their rules summit. No more diving? Doubt it.

Goaltender Antero Niittymaki is going back to Finland.

Check it out

Everybody’s favorite…GM of the Lightning…talked to the media about the rules summit.

Next up

See you all tomorrow.