Michi-gamer: Pride of the Mitten (Week of June 24)

Welcome to another season of MiHockey’s Michi-gamer, now powered by Bauer Hockey.

We take great pride in our homegrown talent. Whether they grew up in the Mitten or we welcomed them here for college or juniors, they are our own. They represent the best place in the world for hockey.

Every night, we’ll keep an eye on those players, and every morning, we will pick one Michi-gamer of the night – one Michigan player who stood out above the rest.

JUNE 25 – PATRICK KANE, DUNCAN KEITH AND BRANDON SAAD

This is our final Michi-gamer selection of the 2012-13 season, and there is no better way to end it than by honoring the latest Michigan connections who captured Lord Stanley’s Cup last night. Former Michigan State defenseman Duncan Keith and former Honeybaked and NTDP alum Patrick Kane both captured their second Stanley Cup championships, while former Saginaw Spirit captain Brandon Saad won his first. Keith logged in a lot of ice time for the Blackhawks throughout the playoffs, including a team high 48:40 in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. The former Spartan – who joins Craig Simpson as the only MSU alums to win multiple Stanley Cups – had two goals and 11 assists in the postseason, along with a +10 rating. After being drafted in 2011, Brandon Saad is hoisting Lord Stanley’s Cup in his first full pro season.  Saad, also a NTDP alum, contributed one goal and five helpers in 23 playoff games.  And, topping off today’s Michi-gamer selection is former Honeybaked player, NTDP alum and this year’s Conn Smythe Trophy winner, Patrick Kane.  Despite having a slow start to the playoffs, Kane finished with 19 points, including seven goals in his last eight games played. Kane had three goals and one assist in the Blackhawks’ pivotal Game 4 and Game 5 victories, playing a huge part in Chicago reversing their fortunes, and taking control of the Cup Final. 

To see last week’s Michi-gamer nominations, click here.

This week’s Michi-gamer list assembled by MiHockey’s David Defever.