Linkorama is back for another week. This week 4 recruits, 7 alumni and a column in the Star Tribune.
Recruits
Alex Petan was the first star last Friday night with 2 goals and an assist as Coquitlam (BCHL) defeated Langley 6–3. He added two more goals and an assist while Coquitlam split a Saturday/Sunday series with Surrey. Four goals and two assists while the team with 2–1 is not bad for this budding star. It’s a tough climb to the top but Coquitlam is making headway in the BCHL.
Jujhar Khaira scored a power play goal late in the game Friday night to bring the Prince George Spruce Kings (BCHL) within 1 goal but they failed to get the equalizer as they fell 3–2 to Westside. The NHL Central Scouting Bureau lists Jujhar Khaira as a “B” skater to watch for the upcoming NHL draft.
Jake Kauppila and Joel L’Esperance faced off in a HPHL Showcase game at Leafs Ice Centre (home of Team Illinois) as Team Illinois defeated Detroit Compuware 5–2; each future Husky got an assist. Kauppila is off to a terrific start to December with 1 goal and 2 assists in 3 games during a HPHL Showcase on the campus of Notre Dame.
Alumni
Andy Sutton survived the pre-game warm-ups and was back on the ice for the Edmonton Oilers (NHL) last week. UPDATE: Andy Sutton has been suspended indefinitely for this hit on Alexei Ponikarovsky of the Carolina Hurricanes:
[youtube width=”600″ height=”365″ video_id=”kMlVioV5XyU”]
Chris Conner got his first start for the Detroit Red Wings (NHL) last weekend and is hoping to stick around. In order for that to happen, he needs to utilize his speed.
Chris Durno tallied the game winning goal in the final minutes of the Charlotte Checkers (AHL) game Sunday and created Charlotte’s only goal Monday in a rematch with the Lake Erie Monsters.
Clay Wilson helped the Abbotsford Heat (AHL) end their three game losing streak Friday with a shootout win over the Chicago Wolves.
Rob Nolan is now the backup goaltender for the Minnesota Wild’s AHL affliate Houston Aeros.
Deron Cousens and the Florida Everblades (ECHL) have been busy this holiday season doing various charitable fundraisers.
Riley Nelson helped lead the Colorado Eagles (ECHL) to a come-from-behind victory over the Idaho Steelheads.
Other Items
Here is a direct link to the December 5 edition of the Mel Pearson Show on Mix 93 (broadcast live every Monday at 8:45 AM on 93.5FM WKMJ and rebroadcast every Monday at 5:30 PM on 920AM WMPL).
Stephen Anderson (@steander), Michigan Tech hockey beat writer for The Daily Mining Gazette, has a column on Michigan Tech’s difficult stretch including facing the #2 team in the country back-to-back weeks. His series preview is now available.
Roman Augustoviz (@RomanStrib), Gophers hockey beat writer for the Star Tribune, had a nice column on the history between Mel Pearson and Gophers head coach Don Lucia. They’ve been competing against each other since their high school days at Edina and Grand Rapids.
Polls and Rankings*
Polls: USCHO.com Poll (↓ NR) , USA Today Poll (↓ NR)
Computers: KRACH Rankings (↓ 32), Pairwise Rankings (↓ 30), USHSHO.com (↓ 33/↓ 33)
NCAA Power Rankings: Inside College Hockey (↓ Bubble-licious), College Hockey Weekly (↓ NR), Bleacher Report (↓ NR)
WCHA/Michigan Power Rankings: Hockey State of Mind (↔ 9), Goon’s World (↑ 8), Pride On Ice (↓ 7), College Hockey News (↔ 10), Michigan College Hockey (↓ 7)
*Michigan Tech’s ranking and their change in ranking from the previous week is in parentheses
†Not updated yet; we’ll update the link when it becomes available
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.
