Shaved Ice – Feb. 5

Welcome back, Mr. Hudler.

The Wings take on the Flames tonight, which means a return to The Joe for Jiri Hudler. Will be strange to see Happy Huds in a different jersey. Locker room’s a bit more dry without him walking around in his bowties and such…that guy is a character.

Tomas Tatar will play tonight, and Petr Mrazek will be dressed as Jimmy Howard’s back-up.

Detroit will also be without Brendan Smith for three-to-four weeks – official diagnosis on that upper-body injury is a sprained right shoulder.

We were in Chelsea last night to see the start of the Michigan Public High School Hockey Showcase at the Arctic Coliseum. More than 60 teams are skating in the tournament.

The Prep Hockey Showcase in Trenton starts tomorrow – we’ll be there, too.

Speaking of high school hockey, check out the latest edition of the boys’ rankings from the Michigan High School Hockey Coaches’ Association right here.

Today’s Michi-gamer nod went to former Wolverines star and NTDP alum Chad Kolarik, by the way.

The beauty of the Internet (and YouTube) is that things like talent shows at universities that star future NHLers can now be viewed by the entire world. Ladies and gentlemen, this year’s Mock Rock performance from the Michigan Wolverines hockey team.

The Rangers have called up former Whalers star JT Miller to the big-boy club. Excited to see what the NTDP alum can do on the world’s top stage…he’s already excelled everywhere else. he told NHL.com that he’s pretty anxious – who wouldn’t be?

Livonia native Aaron Palushaj, a Wolverines alum, was claimed off waivers by the Colorado Avalanche today. Palushaj had one goal and four assists in 41 career games with the Canadiens.

Michigan State alum Shawn Horcoff could be out “long-term” per Oilers head coach Ralph Krueger after blocking a shot on Monday against Vancouver.

One more look at the Michigan vs. Michigan State game at The Joe this past Saturday? Don’t mind if we do…

Off to JLA in a few, excited for some Red Wings hockey.