Tech Still Sucks

Recent Blog Posts - New Location

noreply@blogger.com (Josh P) — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 17:23:00 +0000

Tech Still Sucks is suspending it's efforts temporarily as NorthWind Sports Writer Kyle Whitney will be posting game recaps and other blog posts that could regularly be seen here at Blogs.TheNorthWindOnline.com.

Wolverines down Wildcats to open CCHA play

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle Whitney) — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 04:56:00 +0000

The Michigan Wolverines came on strong late, scoring three unanswered goals to top the Northern Michigan Wildcats 3-1 on Friday night.

After jumping out to a 1-0 lead on a Nick Sirota goal with less than four minutes remaining in the first period, the 'Cats hit the wall and were unable to produce another point.

The special teams aspect of the game posed problems for NMU once more.

After going 0-5 on the power-play, NMU is now 1-16 on the season. Michigan was 2-9 with the advantage on Friday.

Northern also committed ten penalties to Michigan's six.

The Wolverines got a pair of goals from senior captain Kevin Porter and another from freshman Carl Hagelin.

And while it is obvious that this Michigan squad has talent, they don't measure up to last year's group. Yet.

Sure, their penalty kill was solid and their power-play produced when given enough opportunities (one 5-on-3), but they aren't as high-powered, offensively. When watching these two teams battle it out last year, it always seemed like the NMU fans were just holding their breath, waiting for the dam to bust (see Michigan's 8-3 playoff victory).

I didn't get that feeling on Friday. Porter is a very solid player, as is Kolarik, and the Wolverines have a lot of talented freshman, but this is a team that the Wildcats can easily compete with, as was demonstrated by the first period of play on Friday.

If they can stay out of the box and spark the same kind of offensive movement that they had in the first 20 minutes of game one, the 'Cats should walk away from this series with a split.

Three stars of the game as selected by the media:

1) Kevin Porter - UM
2) Chad Kolarik - UM
3) Nick Sirota - NMU

Final shots: NMU 14, MICH 30
Power-play: NMU 0-5, MICH 2-9
Final score: NMU 1, MICH 3
_________________________________________________________

Also, a NorthWind game recap and Sirota interview.

Second Period Update: NMU has left the building

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle Whitney) — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 00:57:00 +0000

After two periods, the Wildcats and Wolverines are tied at a goal apiece.

The Wolverine goal came from senior captain Kevin Porter during a 5-on-3 advantage. Stewart made the initial save, but Porter fired the rebound past the sprawling tender.

Michigan controlled the pace of play all period long, out-shooting the Wildcats, 9-2. Both of NMU's shots came from beyond the top of the circle.

Also working against the 'Cats in the period were six penalties. They spent nearly half of the period killing penalties and, until the 5-on-3 kicked in, did a fine job.

Shots after two: NMU 9, MICH 16
Power-play: NMU 0-2, MICH 1-7
Score: NMU 1, MICH 1

First Period Update: My Sirota

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle Whitney) — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 00:05:00 +0000

After one period in a nearly-full Berry Events Center, NMU leads 1-0 after collecting a goal from Forward Nick Sirota.

Sirota was busy all period and led the 'Cats with four shots on goal. He scored the lone goal with 3:57 remaining in the frame. The marker came from directly in front of the cage when Matt Butcher picked up the loose puck and directed it to Sirota, who backhanded it into the net.

Shots after one: NMU 7, MICH 7
Power-play: NMU 0-2, MICH 0-2
Score: NMU 1, MICH 0

The Real Deal

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle Whitney) — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 23:01:00 +0000

I know I said I would post after last weekend's matchups. But I didn't.

Long story short, the Wildcats downed Tech on Friday and fell to UMD the next night. But tonight is when it really starts.

The Wildcats play host to the Michigan Wolverines (1-1) in their first conference series of the year. Despite losing a ton of fire power after last season, the Wolverines are perennial contenders and Chad Kolarik and Kevin Porter will test the Wildcat defense.

The Wolverines are much like the 'Cats in that they are fielding 12 freshman on their roster.

Wolverine goaltender Billy Sauer has allowed seven goals in his first two games while earning a .841 SV%. He looks like the Sauer of early last season and could be a weak point in the Wolverine D.

The puck drops in the first game tonight at 7:35.

Wildcats down Tech in first game of 2007-08

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle Whitney) — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 07:00:00 +0000

In the first game of the 2007-08 season, the Northern Michigan Wildcats defeated the U.P.-rival Michigan Tech Husikes, 3-2.

The game, which was the first of two NMU games in the Superior Cup, took place in Houghton on Friday night. Wildcat goals rolled in from Nick Sirota, T.J. Miller and freshman Jared Brown.

Assists on the night went to Andrew Fernandez, Andrew Sarauer, Matt Butcher and Sirota.

More on the weekend after the weekend.

NMU Season Preview

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle Whitney) — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 05:09:00 +0000

An NMU season preview (via me and the NorthWind) can be found here.

And a feature on Wildcat captain T.J. Miller.

And a feature on Wildcat captain Billy Smith.

Wildcat captains named for 2007-2008 season

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle Whitney) — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 02:38:00 +0000

Despite knowing about this earlier, I was asked not to write anything about it until NMU Sports Information issued a press release about it (and NMU Sports Information isn't the quickest agency).

The Northern Michigan captains for the 07-08 season will be sophomore defenseman TJ Miller and sophomore forward Billy Smith.

Between them, the two have a single year of in-game experience for the Wildcats (32 games by Miller last season).

Smith, a transfer from UAA, was forced to sit out last season (via NCAA rules) and has yet to play a minute for the 'Cats.

Although the move may seem surprising, Kyle said that the decision was an easy one, however. Smith has practiced with the team for the past year and the coach said that Smith was the hardest-working player every single day.

That's impressive for a guy that had no shot of playing last year.

Kyle has said again and again that the youth of the team with be their biggest asset and their biggest hindrance, adding both energy and inexperience.

After last season, NMU lost their veterans and their leaders and have returned only three seniors for this season (Siddall, Sarauer and Cosgrove).

Its unclear whether these young captains will be able to lead a young team to the promised land, but it is clear that Kyle has, at this point, put his faith in the squad's youth.

Locker Talk

noreply@blogger.com (Josh P) — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 20:50:00 +0000

During critical match-ups throughout the season and during post season runs, many teams will print out articles from their rival teams newspapers and post them throughout the locker room. Generally the articles range from homer newspaper stories about how one team is better than the other, to "smack talk" quoted from some of the players, to even USCHO message board posts.

But here's a new one:
The NMU Wildcats will have a newspaper article looking them in the face for the whole season. Why? Thanks to a South Bend Tribune article that pre-ranks the CCHA teams for the 2007-2008 season.

Here is the story, reprinted for the NMU fans to read:

RedHawks may soar in CCHA action

The Central Collegiate Hockey Association preseason coaches and media polls will be released at the CCHA Media Day on Sept. 25. Tribune hockey writer Steve Wozniak offers a look at his ballot in the media poll, with a brief preview of each team.

1. Miami: All eight defensemen return from last year's team, while Hobey Baker finalist Nathan Davis returns with his linemate Ryan Jones to pace the offense. The RedHawks will get solid goaltending for the third straight year from the tandem of Jeff Zatkoff and Charlie Effinger.

2. Notre Dame: The offense will be even stronger, and could be one of the most prolific in the nation. The defense will still be solid. The only thing keeping them out of the top spot now is the big question mark in the crease. If Jordan Pearce or Brad Phillips can succeed, the Irish will hang another banner above their hockey rink.

3. Michigan State: Yes, they're defending national champs and they return their entire core. But the Spartans will be the Spartans, which means a lot of inconsistent play. They'll lose games they shouldn't, win games they shouldn't, and when the postseason begins, there's no telling what they'll do. Just like every season in East Lansing under Rick Comley.

4. Michigan: T.J. Hensick, Jack Johnson, Matt Hunwick and Andrew Cogliano are all gone. It's a rebuilding year in Ann Arbor for coach Red Berenson, which means about 20-25 wins and a spot on the NCAA tournament bubble.

5. Ohio State: The Buckeyes are the best of the second tier in the CCHA. In fact, the Buckeyes could be the entire second tier. Joseph Palmer showed hints of stardom in goal last year, and NHL first-round pick C.J. Severyn could develop into Ohio State's biggest star since R.J. Umberger.

6. Nebraska-Omaha: The Mavericks will live or die by the play of sophomore goalie Jeremie Dupont. They'll likely do an equal bit of both.

7. Western Michigan: The Broncos surprised last year, thanks to the play of freshman forward Mark Letestu and frosh goalie Riley Gill. Letestu bolted for the NHL, but Gill returns to anchor what should be a much improved defensive team.

8. Ferris State: The Bulldogs won't score much, but goalies Mitch O'Keefe and Derek MacIntyre won't let their opponents score much either.

9. Lake Superior: Head coach Jim Roque last year said that goalie Jeff Jakaitas was the sole reason for the Lakers' success. Jakaitas is gone, and Lake Superior will have to now depend on an impressive but inexperienced class of incoming freshmen.

10. Northern Michigan: It's a wonder how coach Walt Kyle holds onto his job, after showing almost no success in five seasons with a roster laden with NHL talent. Expect the Wildcats to have an early season exit, and for Kyle to be shopping his résumé around in the spring.

11. Alaska: The Nanooks lost 40 percent of their scoring in forwards Kyle Greentree and Curtis Fraser to graduation. Coach Tavis MacMillan resigned, only to end up coaching high school hockey in Minnesota. What could Alaska possibly have going in its favor? It's not Bowling Green.

12. Bowling Green: First Jonathan Matsumoto, the Falcons' playmaker last year, jumped ship to the NHL. Then highly touted recruit Josh Unice reneged on his commitment, with the goalie instead opting for Canadian juniors. All of which leaves coach Scott Paluch with nothing but 19-goal scorer Derek Whitmore to hang his hat, and his team's chances, on.

Comments Wildcat fans? I'll dive deeper into this article later this week with some stats and commentary.

Trip in the Wayback Machine

noreply@blogger.com (Josh P) — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 21:43:00 +0000

Thanks to YouTube and some NMU fans itching for some Wildcat Hockey during these dog days of August, the following footage has been unearthed from the Wayback Machine.

1991 Champions highlight video

ABC Sports Athletes of the Week

And something to get the fans excited for yet another season:
Go 'Cats Go!

Official: New Assistant Coach

noreply@blogger.com (Josh P) — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 14:50:00 +0000

Readers of Tech Still Sucks were alerted earlier this week that the hockey department had narrowed their selection to Rob Facca, a current volunteer assistant for the University of Nebraska Omaha hockey team. (See post below)

Readers of the Mining Journal saw that the news was made official by NMU yesterday, and Rob will be joining the staff of the 'Cats this August.

The one "wish list" item that was not fulfilled by this hiring was goaltending experience. This will not detract from the hiring in any way, as it has been a wish list item for many years. Rob was the best candidate available for the position, and his experience with the USHL will be a benefit for recruitment.

Rob is no stranger to NMU hockey; Former winger Ed Ward and Rob are good friends.

Assistant Coach Search Update

noreply@blogger.com (Josh P) — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 18:58:00 +0000

The list of candidates for the Assistant Coach position left by John Olver this spring has been narrowed. From the very short list there is one name that has become the leading candidate for this position: Rob Facca.

Who?

While seemingly unknown among the fans of college hockey, Rob has been involved with many college hockey staffs with his work for USHL, North American Jr hockey, and volunteer work for the University of Nebraska-Omaha. His strength with the Wildcats will be in his recruiting ability, a trait that the two former assistant coaches have had.

In other news, Phil Axtell has indeed transfered to NMU from Michigan Tech and will be sitting out this season per NCAA rules. No word if "Living in Houghton for a year" is considered a hardship by the NCAA. (See NCAA Rules 14.2.4 (a.k.a. "The Andrew Contois Rule"))

Santorelli Flight Watch is Over

noreply@blogger.com (Josh P) — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 20:32:00 +0000

In news that comes as no surprise to anyone, Mike Santorelli has accepted an offer from the Nashville Predators and will forgo his senior season at NMU.

Mike joined his brother Mark in Nashville this past weekend to participate in the Predators prospect camp. Scrimmages between the two teams pitted Mike and Mark against each other, and from the limited coverage, Mark's scrimmage team was the better team.

A list of all attendees (no other NMU alums were invited) to the predators camp is available in PDF or Flash formats from the Predators' website.

And the summer continues...

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle Whitney) — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 23:28:00 +0000

With a full-time job, dial-up internet and little to no access to local or national college hockey media, I have not had much to say and have not been posting very regularly.

I did happen, however, to have an interesting phone conversation with NMU hockey coach Walt Kyle last week. Two points that Kyle quickly made were A) that NMU has never announced that ex-OSU goaltender Ian Keserich was going to be a Wildcat and B) that the 'Cats should, in fact, play next season with fewer players than the past year.

This disputes the claims that there was an impending 'logjam' of players at Northern (including what was initially thought to be four netminders) and that there would be fewer roster spots than heads.

Walt also warned against putting too much faith in blogs and message boards.

The coach also talked about the departure of Jacques Lamoureux, who will be attending the Air Force Academy next season. Kyle made it clear that he is personally happy for Jacques and that he wishes him the best, calling the departure a career move more than a hockey move.

While Kyle may be slightly miffed at losing one his younger players, Jaqcues was not an explosive talent. He stepped in during injuries and his role was not likely to change over the next two or three years.

To wrap up, Walt talked about the search for a new assistant coach, after previous NMU assistant John Olver went west. Recruiting ability and strong hockey ties are almost as important as coaching ability in the search, which is expected to wrap up soon. Kyle set the timetable for the new hiring as mid-June.

On a side note, I will be in Marquette putting together the summer issue of the NorthWind. Check it out for the full Walt Kyle interview.

Four NMU goaltenders? I don't think so.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 21 May 2007 17:18:00 +0000

With Kyle and I both stuck with dial-up lately, updates are a little tough to do but I'll try and battle with this ancient technology.

The NMU offseason continues to produce some story lines to keep everyone busy. The Cats recently received a verbal commitment from Cloquet High School goaltender Reid Ellingson for 2007. According to Western College Hockey, Ellingson was the top senior high school goalie in Minnesota last year.

This announcement has started a bit of controversy with the Cats, since they presumably have four goaltenders for next season, but in fact the Cats will only have three.

Ian Keserich will not be coming to Northern at all next season, leaving Ellingson to sit behind Derek Janzen and Brian Stewart. It was first announced by NAHL.com that Keserich had committed to Northern, but it was Keserich who made that announcement, not NMU.

Buckeye fans can breath a sigh of relief that they did not let a keeper transfer within the conference and Wildcat fans can not expect multiple goaltenders on the ice at once.

In other news ... Mike Santorelli is still an NMU Wildcat. The chess match between him and the Nashville Predators could come down to the final move. Until now, all the Cats can do is sit and wait ...

... Northern is also not in a rush to hire a new assistant coach to replace the departed John Olver. The Wildcats are taking their time in making this hire ...

.... And now for a look around the CCHA ... The Wolverines are having a similar confusion surrounding their goaltending situation, which needs some work. It baffles me that Michigan can recruit the top fire power in the nation but habitually strikes out on netminders. They are like the New York Yankees of college hockey. The Evil Empire has seemed to work out the confusion however ...

... The Nanooks search for a head coach continues. The team formerly known as Alaska-Fairbanks will be bringing four finalists to Fairbanks for a two day interview. The cool part is on the second day, the candidates will meet the public. Northern did something similar when it hired its new volleyball coach, but the practice backfired when both candidates withdrew from consideration.

... And finally, a personal note. My four year run as the NMU hockey beat writer has come to an end. I graduated from Northern a few weeks ago and am looking to move on to something new. Look for me periodically in the Mining Journal this summer as I plan to remain in Marquette until the end of June, with some trips down to Wisconsin every now and then. I also plan to make one final appearance in The North Wind for the summer issue.

I plan to continue contributing to this blog as much as possible because I love NMU hockey. It has been a memorable four years. Thanks to everyone who supported me along the way.

USHL Draft Notes

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 16 May 2007 04:53:00 +0000

The United States Hockey League (USHL) held its annual entry draft Tuesday with two notable draftees for Marquette hockey fans.

The Rangers Jake Hauswirth was taken in the fifth round, No. 53 overall by the Omaha Lancers. In comparison, six other North American Hockey League players were taken ahead of Hauswirth including two from Mahoning Valley. The Phantoms Alden Hirschfeld was taken second overall by Columbus.

Another NAHL player, Kory Kaunisto from Sault Ste. Marie, was taken in the sixth round, No. 69 overall, by the Waterloo Blackhawks. Kaunisto, the younger borther of Ray Kaunisto, spent last season with Traverse City and is a 2008 commitment of NMU. Waterloo is where NMU's Matt Maunu played his junior hockey.

Western College hockey put in a shift Tuesday blogging the draft. You can read more about the players taken there.

Cats lose Lamoureux borthers

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 13 May 2007 17:13:00 +0000

As already posted by Western College Hockey and first reported by Brad Elliot Schlossman of the Grand Forks Herald, Jacques Lamoureux has now been accepted into the Air Force Academy and is set to transfer. Lamoureux was denied admission 13 months ago and instead chose Northern.

The Air Force was always a dream for Lamoureux, who posted a goal and an assist for NMU in 16 games as a freshman.

The fallout of Jacques decision is that his younger brother, Mario, will not come to Northern. Mario will return to Tri-City of the USHL and re-opened his search for a college. Mario had 15 goals and 19 assists for Tri-City this year in 60 games. Mario was originally also recruited by North Dakota, who offered him a scholarship. Jacques and Mario's older brother Phillippe is going into his senior season as the goaltender of the Fighting Sioux.

2007-2008 Wildcat schedule

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle Whitney) — Thu, 10 May 2007 15:17:00 +0000

The 07-08 NMU schedule was released yesterday and can be found on the left sidebar.

The Wildcats are going to be in good company next year, as they are in a cluster with Lake Superior State, Michigan and Michigan State. They will have to play each team four times.

All three teams finished last season with winning records. Michigan knocked the Wildcats out of the CCHA Tournament last year and the Spartans, of course, are the national champions.

Between November 16 and December 29, the Wildcats play eight of ten games on the road. This could be very detrimental to the 'Cats if it wasn't so spaced out. They have a week off in early December and then another week off later in the month.

The last two games in that month will take place out west when NMU participates in the Denver Cup with Dartmouth, Denver and Sacred Heart.

Overall, the 'Cats have a difficult schedule next year, and the toughest part may come near the end, when they play Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Nebraska-Omaha and LSSU. Also adding dfficulty to the lineup will be three contests against UP-rival Michigan Tech, last year's surprise Final Five team in the WCHA.

NMU narrows search for new assistant coach

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 03 May 2007 13:59:00 +0000

The Mining Journal's Pete Pietrangelo has a story in today's paper concerning candidates to replace John Olver as the next assistant hockey coach. The article was brief bios on each coach can be read below.

Search for NMU hockey assistant may take time

As the headline suggests, the 'Cats are taking their time. The summer is not prime recruiting time therefore the hire does not need to be made ASAP.

Here are the candidates for the job:

- Scott Beattie, head coach, Kimberley Dynamiters (KIJHL)
- Joe Shawhan, assistant coach, Lake Superior State
- Jim Hiller, head coach, Chilliwack Bruins (WHL)
- Bruno Campese, head coach, Penticton Vees (BCHL)
- Steve Hamilton, head coach, Spruce Grove Saints (AJHL)

My two favorites out of the bunch are Shawhan and Campese strictly because of their goaltending background. The Wildcats have not had a goaltending coach for quite some time and it did not bite them until recently because they were blessed by the natural ability of Craig Kowalski and Tuomas Tarkki. Bill Zaniboni was average for the Wildcats the past two years and I say that because some nights he was great, other nights he got blown up.

Zaniboni, and even Kowalski and Tarkki, could have greatly benefited from a goalie coach, or at least an assistant with a netminder's background. With young keepers like Derek Janzen and Brian Stewart not coming up in the program, an assistant with a goaltending background is key.

Hiller would also be a dream hire but good luck pulling him away from Chilliwack and the WHL. Of course, I also joined Dave Danis in saying that about Olver and look what happened there. Olver and Dave Shyiak were strong recruiters and the next person will have to be of the same caliber. Hiller would be that kind of person.

Mark Olver signs, others follow

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle Whitney) — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 15:11:00 +0000

Mark Olver, the son of recently departed NMU assistant coach John Olver, has signed a National Letter of Intent to play hockey at Northern Michigan University.

Mark played last season with the Omaha Lancers (USHL) and picked up 30 goals and 35 assists in 61 games to lead the team in both categories. Mark will be looked to, much like his older brother Darin was, to spur some offensive production for NMU, something that they lacked last season.

Also signing NLIs were Andrew Fernandez and Eric Spady.

Fernandez is a defenseman from the Selkirk Steelers of the MJHL. Last season he scored 14 goals and tacked on 34 assists, both good numbers for a defenseman. With the departure of Bobby Selden and Matt Maunu, Fernandez will likely see some time at the blue line for the 'Cats.

Spady is the youngest recruit, with an '89 birthday, and is a defenseman from the Salmon Arm Silverbacks (BCHL). In 56 games last season he scored 10 goals and picked up 34 assists. He will hopefully contribute as well, but with his young age, don't be surprised if he doesn't play much, or possibly not at all, during his first year.

The newly signed NLIs improve the NMU outlook for next season, and it must feel good to get Mark Olver's signature, despite his dad's recent departure to pro hockey.

According to one source, the only outstanding scholarship offer is to Andrew Cherniwchan, a forward from Drayton Valley (AJHL). He is commonly listed as an '08 recruit, but it seems that NMU has offered him the choice to play NCAA hockey this year.

NMU releases statement concerning Olver

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 16:06:00 +0000

As reported first by Tech Still Sucks, NMU assistant hockey coach John Olver has left the Wildcats to take a position with the Iowa Stars of the AHL. NMU Sports Information released a statement this morning confirming the move.

John Olver Leaves Hockey Coaching Staff

The release does not say the position that Olver has taken with the Stars but it is rumored to be the general manager position and even more. Since the Stars are in the middle of a playoff run, do not expect anything to come from the organization until that is complete.

John Olver returning to pro hockey

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 05:45:00 +0000

Northern Michigan University assistant hockey coach John Olver is rumored to be leaving the Wildcats to take a front office job with the Iowa Stars of the American Hockey League.

Olver was the head coach of the Idaho Steelheads in the ECHL prior to coming to Northern in 2005. The Steelheads and Stars are both affiliates of the NHL's Dallas Stars. Olver won a Kelly Cup Championship with the Steelheads in 2004.

Word is that Olver will take over as general manager of the Iowa Stars and may hold other titles as well. During his five years in Idaho from 2000-2005, Olver also served as vice president of hockey operations.

Neither NMU or the Iowa Stars have released anything official on the move yet but NMU does have a posting for an "Assistant Ice Hockey Coach/Physical Education Instructor." Olver, like many other Wildcat coaches, does teach some health promotion classes on the side such as hockey and racquetball.

Unless assistant John Kyle has retired in order to further protect his 1.000 winning percentage as a head hockey coach, this opening is a result of Olver's pending departure.

Recently, team doctor John Lehtinen took on an expanded role with NMU and resigned his post with the Marquette Electricians Midget AAA team. Lehtinen spent a lot of time with the Cats in 2006-07, but he is not rumored to be taking the place of Olver, who handled much of the recruiting along with Walt Kyle.

Mark Olver, the son of John, is scheduled to join the Wildcats in the fall of 2007. Mark Olver has yet to sign a National Letter of Intent with NMU and remains only a verbal commitment. It is no known whether or not this will effect him coming to NMU, except he will not get free tuition from his father being a university employee. This could cost the Wildcats a scholarship athlete.

Olver had originally left Idaho in order to reunite his family in Marquette. His other son, Darin, played for NMU and his father the past two seasons. Darin signed an amateur try out deal with the Hartford Wolfpack following the Cats elimination in the CCHA playoffs but was recently released.

Mark Olver was originally scheduled to join NMU in 2006-07 to play with his older brother and for his father, but was held back to develop further in the USHL.

John Olver originally replaced long time NMU assistant coach Dave Shyiak, who left to become the head coach of Alaska-Anchorage in 2005.

This information about Olver's departure comes from a reliable source in the Marquette hockey community but it has yet to be confirmed by either Iowa or NMU. When more becomes available, it will be posted here as we attempt to get this fully confirmed.

NMU Recruiting Update

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle Whitney) — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 14:59:00 +0000

I know the posting here has been sparse lately and I apologize. However, I have still been following NMU hockey, which is now shuffling through the paperwork that is involved with the recruiting process.

Thus far, the only two recruits that have been officially signed are Erik Gustafsson and Greger Hansen, a pair of Swedish players from the SuperElit level.

Both were previously mentioned by Josh when they verbally committed.

Articles that detail the signings and the European recruiting process can be found here:

Hockey looks to Europe for talent

Recruiting Update: Wildcat hockey signs second recruit

NMU Hockey Awards

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 03:09:00 +0000

MARQUETTE, Mich. – The annual Northern Michigan University hockey banquet was held tonight and the big winners were Mike Santorelli with three awards and Matt Maunu with two.

Santorelli was awarded with the Gary Emmons Most Valuable Player Award, the Bill Joyce Best Forward Award and the Steve Bozek Plus-Minus Award. The junior from Burnaby, B.C. led the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) in goals with 30. He led the Wildcats in goals and points (47) for the 2006-07 season and was second on the team in assists (17). Santorelli had a team-leading plus-minus of +6.

Maunu was named the winner of the Brad Werenka Coaches Academic Award and the Tom Laidlaw Best Defenseman Award. The senior from Esko, Minn. was named as a CCHA Scholar-Athlete for the 2006-07 campaign. On the ice he tallied five goals, 11 assists for 16 points.

Pat Bateman picked up the Dennis Sibilsky Memorial Senior Award. Bateman, from Calgary, Alberta, the captain of the team had 15 points for the season on seven goals and eight assists.

The Dallas Drake Defensive Player of the Year Award went to Marquette native and senior Rob Lehtinen. He ended the campaign with two goals, 14 assists for 16 points.

TJ Miller was chosen as the winner of the Don Waddell Best Freshman Award. The defenseman from Placetia, Calif. led all newcomers with 14 points on two goals and 12 assists.

Freshman Alan Dorich from Orland Park, Ill. was selected as the recipient of the Ed Ward Most Improved Player Award. Dorich ended the season with five assists.

Nick Sirota went home with the Steve Weeks Unsung Hero Award. The Beaver Dam, Wis. product and sophomore tallied 20 points for the 2006-07 season on 10 goals and 10 assists.

Senior defenseman, Zach Tarkir, from Fresno, Calif. walked away with the Jim Mussatto Memorial Fitness Award. Tarkir had seven goals, 13 assists for 20 points on the season. The award is presented to the player that holds the highest combined ranking in the following categories – three-mile run, bench press, push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, squats and lowest body fat.

The Clara Pantalone Memorial Community Service Award was split among two of the goalkeepers. Bill Zaniboni, a senior from Plymouth, Mass., and Josh Hatinger, a senior from Negaunee, Mich., shared the award. Both student-athletes have volunteered extensively in the community. As a team the ‘Cats have volunteered for YMCA Healthy Kid’s Day Game, YMCA Reading to Youth Program, Food Festival setup and ice cream tent attendants, and the Special Olympics. Zaniboni led all goalies with a 12-21-2 slate, 2.65 goals-against average and a .906 save-percentage. Hatinger saw his first action of his NMU career with a 39-second stint against Miami in the final home game of the season.

- NMU Sports Information

Hej! NMU Lands Two Recruits

noreply@blogger.com (Josh P) — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 03:07:00 +0000

Word has started to circle that there are two verbal commitments who will be additions to the roster for the 2007-08 season. The first one is forward Greger Hansen of the Djurgården J20 team. In seventy four games played (two seasons at the SuperElit level) he has 23 goals and 32 assists.

The second player is defenseman Erik Gustaffson of the Timrå J20 team. In seventy nine games played (two seasons at the SuperElit level) he had 10 goals and 17 assists. Erik also recorded 119 pim's in his two seasons at the SuperElit level.

Both are rumored to be diamonds in the rough and are good pick ups for the program. There should be an official announcement from the university within a week. More details will be posted after they sign.