Bearded Ice – May 30

MiHockey staffer Stefan Kubus here with you on a Wednesday morning.

Quick Hits

Needless to say, Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final kicks off tonight between the Los Angeles Kings and New Jersey Devils. This is the first time two American-born captains are squaring off in Cup Final history.

Longtime NHL defenseman and Sterling Heights native Derian Hatcher is the first and only American captain thus far to have led his team to a Stanley Cup. Hatcher, who led the Dallas Stars to glory in 1999, will now have some company at the end of this year’s series in either Zach Parise or Dustin Brown.

Michigan natives Austin Watson and Jared Knight are our Michi-gamers for today for their spirited run to the Memorial Cup championship.

Highlight Reel

Take a look at this must-see highlight reel of the 2011-12 USA U18 team. Look for some of these guys to be taken early in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft, beginning on June 22.

Outside the Mitten

The IIHF has announced they are moving to a new format for the U18 and U20 World Championships, removing the semi-final bye and implementing an eight-team quarter-finals.

The NHL ’13 cover vote is in its final week of voting. Either Claude Giroux (PHI) and Pekka Rinne (NSH) will be the face of the next installment in the EA Sports franchise. Rinne would be the first goaltender to man the cover since Detroit native John Vanbiesbrouck did on NHL 97, also the first year individual athletes were showcased as cover boys.

Check it out

From the Stanley Cup Final Media Day yesterday, New Jersey Devils head coach and former six-year Plymouth Whalers head coach Pete DeBoer gives his final thoughts heading into the Stanley Cup Final.

Next up

Game 1 tonight, folks. This is what it all comes down to. Enjoy the game, and see you right back here tomorrow!