Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone. We’re a day late on Linkorama this week mainly because news broke of a new commitment from goaltender Jamie Phillips.
Recruits
Alex Petan and the Coquitlam Express (BCHL) went 2–0 this week including a big win against Nanaimo. As captain, Petan talked a little about letting the Clippers back in the game and retaking control. Coquitlam finished up the first half with a big 8–2 win over Alberni Valley despite Walker Hyland’s best efforts (scored both goals for the Bulldogs). Petan finished the game with four assists, giving him 50 points before the holiday break, good for seventh in the league.
Jujhar Khaira had two goals and three assists as the Prince George Spruce Kings (BCHL) finished the first half by winning two of their final three games. Khaira scored the game-tying goal late in the second period to force overtime where the Spruce Kings eventually defeated Chilliwack 3–2. Later, Khaira received the third star in another 3–2 win, this time over Langley. The Spruce Kings’ “Big Three” – Paul De Jersey, Jujhar Khaira and Michael Colantone – have been responsible for over 55% of the team’s 101 goals this season.
Jake Kauppila had a successful weekend in Faribault, Minnesota. He scored two goals and one assist in three game for Team Illinois (HPHL) during the Shattuck-St. Mary’s Boys Hockey Jamboree.
Newly announced future Husky Jamie Phillips had an up and down week. He started it off with a first star effort for the Powell River Kings (BCHL), stopping all 27 shots the Langley Rivermen took. Phillips followed that performance by allowing seven goals against Penticon in a loss. Finally he rebounded stopping 30 of 33 shots in a 4–3 win over the Salmon Arm Silverbacks.
Alumni
John Scott remained in the lineup for Chicago (NHL) and versus Anaheim he nearly completed a Gordie Howe Hat Trick. He got an assist and pounded Sheldon Brookbank (youtube video below) but failed to score a goal. His effort was good enough to get him the second star of the game. Scott was so surprised by the selection that he was quoted saying he didn’t believe them at first.
[youtube width=”600″ height=”365″ video_id=”rAn5XDATxJU”]
It’s been a busy week for John Scott. Tuesday night in a game versus Pittsburgh he dropped the gloves with Deryk Engelland (video below) after Engelland crushed Marcus Kruger with a forearm blow to the head. The result was rather controversial as Engelland was not called for the initial penalty and somehow Scott received an extra 2 for instigating. The ensuing power play gave the Penguins the early lead.
[youtube width=”600″ height=”365″ video_id=”_795jrQti6I”]
Clay Wilson scored a key goal for the Abbotsford Heat (AHL) to extend the game which lead to a shootout win over Hamilton.
Eric Kattelus led all scorers with 1 goal and 2 assists as Kalamazoo (ECHL) crushed Cincinnati 7–3 last Friday. John Kivisto also made his season debut for the Wings that night against the Cyclones, and Alan L’Esperance, who was cut from the Huskies before the season, made his professional debut for the Wings Wednesday night in the rematch.
Riley Nelson had 4 goals and 3 assists helping the Colorado Eagles (ECHL) sweep 3 games against the Utah Grizzlies last week. Nelson started the series with a goal just 17 seconds into the first game and led the Eagles with 2 goals in the second game of the series.
Other Items
There was a December 19 edition of the Mel Pearson Show on Mix 93 but Michigan Tech has yet to post a link on Huskies Live (broadcast live every Monday at 8:45 AM on 93.5FM WKMJ and rebroadcast every Monday at 5:30PM on 920AM WMPL).
Stephen Anderson (@steander), Michigan Tech hockey beat writer for The Daily Mining Gazette, has column this week talking about the successful first half and the lofty goals Michigan Tech set for themselves this season.
Jess Myers (@JessRMyers) from INCH has his WCHA Midseason Report and call Michigan Tech the surprised team of the first half but also mentions that Michigan Tech has the toughest schedule left including the 2011 edition of the Great Lakes Invitational in Detroit and road trips to Minnesota–Duluth, North Dakota, and Colorado College.
Elliott Olshanky from NCAA.com wrote an article on Coach Pearson’s rebuilding the program and trying to change the culture.
Polls and Rankings*
Polls: USCHO.com Poll (↓ NR) , USA Today Poll (↔ NR)
Computers: KRACH Rankings (↓ 31), Pairwise Rankings (↓ 30), USHSHO.com (↓ 34/↓ 32)
Power Rankings: Due to the limited number of games, none of the Power Rankings were updated.
*Michigan Tech’s ranking and their change in ranking from the previous week is in parentheses
Tim is a 2004 graduate of Michigan Tech. He is a co-founder of both Mitch’s Misfits and Tech Hockey Guide. With recent additions to the staff, Tim is again able to focus on his passion, recruiting. He currently works as an environmental engineer and resides in the Minneapolis/St. Paul Area.
