Shaved Ice – December 4

Another day, another day for hockey.

UPDATED AT 3:12 p.m. – The Detroit Free Press is reporting that Mike Ilitch’s Olympia Development Company presented to state lawmakers today their plans for a $650 milllion-dollar development in downtown Detroit, which would feature a “new, state of the art, multi-purpose events center.” You can read the full article right here. Needless to say, any massive new construction projects baring the Ilitch name would be expected to include the Red Wings, who are in need of a new building. Boy, what great news that would be right now – we sure haven’t had much to cheer about at that level of hockey.

Team USA announced their preliminary roster for the 2013 World Junior championships today, with nine Michigan connections making the cut. The U.S. leadership group will have to take the roster from 27 to 23 before the tournament, and they are expected to announce the final subtractions on Dec. 23.

A pair of Michigan connections were recognized by the American Hockey League yesterday for outstanding play. Detroit native Jeff Zatkoff was named the league’s goaltender of the month, while former Spartan Tim Kennedy was their player of the week.

Washington, Mich., native Austin Czarnik (one of the expected leaders of the World Junior team) was named the CCHA’s player of the week yesterday, as well.

Western Michigan holds the top spot of all Michigan-based NCAA D1 teams in the latest polls – see them right here.

Check out the latest edition of Spartan Hockey All Access. We’re big fans of the improvements to the show this season.

Six NHL owners and a group of players including Sidney Crosby and Jonathan Toews will meet today to discuss the CBA problems, according to TSN. I like that some of the big names – big and younger names – are getting involved in this. Maybe some fresh blood will help chip away at a mountain of problems preventing the fans from watching their favorite sport.

Craig Custance says that the players shouldn’t rush to a decertification if things don’t go well over the next few days. The move is considered to be ‘Armageddon’ for the lockout. Read more about it right here.

Puck Daddy says that the league is in danger of losing COO John Collins if the lockout continues. Collins has been instrumental in things like the Winter Classic, the NBC deal, the HBO 24/7 shows, and the NHL Network. Things that, you know, we enjoy and stuff.

Props to the guy or girl who made this…

We will be back with more hockey action for you tomorrow. Enjoy the rest of your Tuesday, everyone.