Linkorama is back again for Week 17 with four recruit updates, seven alumni updates and special recognition for the 1961–62 National Championship squad.
Recruits
Tyler Heinonen picked up his first two assists of the season as the Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL) lost to the Green Bay Gamblers 6–4. He finished the game with a +2 rating and tied for most points in the game amongst the Jacks.
Joe Schuldt had an assist as Minnetonka (MSHSL) won its fifth straight game, defeating Academy of Holy Angels 7–1. The Skippers are currently ranked #2 by Let’s Play Hockey but have a tough week ahead with games against Edina (#5) and Duluth East (#1).
Jake Kauppila had three points including a goal in three games for Team Illinois (HPHL – Midget Major AAA) last weekend during the Chicago Young Americans HPHL showcase in Greater Chicago. Team Illinois won all three games.
Joel L’Esperance had four points including two goals in three games for Detroit Compuware (HPHL) last weekend during the same CYA showcase in Greater Chicago. Detroit Compuware went 1–2 in those three games.
Alumni
Andy Sutton and the Edmonton Oilers (NHL) had a skills competition on Saturday, January 14. Sutton had some fun and won the hardest shot and also beat Nikolai Khabibulin with a wraparound goal (pictured below).
Chris Conner had a goal and an assist in his second game back with the Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL) as they lost to the Texas Stars 6–4.
Clay Wilson was sent back to the Abbotsford Heat (AHL) by the Calgary Flames after seeing regular time in two NHL games where he averaged about 15 minute in ice time per game.
The San Antonio Rampage (AHL) are reminiscing about their first ten years in existence, and Chris Durno’s game winning goal with 0:00.4 left while shorthanded to beat the Manitoba Moose was recognized as their greatest on-ice moment.
Greg Amadio was traded from the Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL) to the Springfield Falcons for Mike Thomas.
Rob Nolan made 19 saves in a shutout for Toledo (ECHL) as the Walleye defeated the Wheeling Nailers 3–0. His efforts between the pipes were good enough for the 3rd Star of the game.
Malcolm Gwilliam scored two goals including the game-tying goal early in the third period as the Evansville IceMen (CHL) beat the Datyon Gems 4–1. Gwilliam’s two goals led all scorers and he was awarded the 1st Star for his efforts.
Other Items
Here is a direct link to the January 16 edition of the Mel Pearson Show on Mix 93 (broadcast live every Monday at 8:30 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, put out his weekly column Tuesday, discussing the possibility of home ice and more.
Jordan Baker was named Red Baron Offensive Player of the Week by the WCHA. Congratulations also to Carl Neilsen and Blake Pieitila, who were nominated for Defensive Player and Rookie of the Week, respectively.
In College Hockey Weekly’s rankings of the top 25 teams of all-time, Michigan Tech’s 1961–62 squad was recently announced as the 9th Greatest Team in NCAA History after finishing 29–3–0 and winning MTU’s first national championship.
Polls and Rankings*
Polls: USCHO.com Poll (NR) , USA Today Poll (NR)
Computers: KRACH Rankings (32), Pairwise Rankings (30t), USHSHO.com (31/32)
NCAA Power Rankings: Inside College Hockey (NR), College Hockey Weekly (NR), Bleacher Report (NR)
WCHA/Michigan Power Rankings: Hockey State of Mind (10), Goon’s World (7), Pride On Ice (8), College Hockey News (8), Michigan College Hockey (5)
*Michigan Tech’s ranking
†Not updated yet; we’ll update the links 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.
Hey, thanks for linking my WCHA Power Rankings post on the Pride on Ice Blog! I’ll be sure to keep updating my power rankings posts, so feel free to keep linking them!
Chris
prideoniceblog.blogspot.com