Shaved Ice – September 24

Welcome back to the work week, everybody. Hope your weekend had a little hockey in it.

Quick hits

The Plymouth Whalers kicked off their 2012-13 season over the weekend, and apparently they wanted some extra hockey. Both of their games went past regulation; the only problem was that the Whalers lost both of them. On Friday night, the club lost in overtime to Sault Ste. Marie, as Red Wings prospect and Greyhounds defenseman Ryan Sproul had a goal and two assists for the game’s first star. The next night, in their home opener, the Whalers stretched the Belleville Bulls to a shootout, only to be shut out in the breakaway contest by Malcolm Subban.

Meanwhile, the Spirit didn’t fare much better in their opening weekend. Saginaw started their season with a 4-3 OT loss to Guelph Friday night. In another road match-up the next day, the Spirit fell 5-2 to Owen Sound. Dearborn Heights native Garret Ross had an impressive weekend for the Spirit, though; the Chicago Blackhawks prospect had two goals and two assists in the two games to lead Saginaw in scoring.

The Muskegon Lumberjacks picked up a 2-1 win over Sioux Falls during the USHL Fall Classic, putting their final record at 1-2 in the tournament. Team USA finished with a 2-1 record, after wins over Sioux City and Sioux Falls.

We have posted our team previews for all of the Div. 1 NCAA schools in our great state. If missed any of them, follow this link to our ‘college’ category on the site, and scroll through to find your school(s).

And speaking of college hockey, sounds like Max Pacioretty is going to play in the Swiss A League during the lockout. Hope he doesn’t have to stay there long; the former Michigan star has earned the chance to shine at the NHL level after overcoming serious injury.

In case you’ve been living under a rock, the NHL slapped a $250,000 fine on the Wings for some comments made by Jimmy Devellano. I, however, am going to refrain from making any comments here.

Highlight reel

Tampa Bay Lightning coach Guy Boucher doesn’t have much to do right now, but it looks like he’s been making good use of his free time. This might be the best first pitch I’ve ever seen.

Outside the Mitten

So there’s a meeting today, but Bettman and Fehr won’t be in attendance. Super duper.

Martin Brodeur talks about the latest lockout he’s experiencing. He’s been through a few of them since he had that wicked mustache as a youngster.

The Swedish Elite League may open its doors for NHLers, too.

Check it out

Well this alarm would certainly get you out of bed in the morning. Probably don’t want it if you’re a goalie though.

(Thanks to Puck Daddy for finding this gem of a YouTube video)

Next up

See you tomorrow, everyone.