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UPCOMING GAMES
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DATE:
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02-10-12 |
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TIME:
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7:00 PM |
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VS:
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Dells Ducks |
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(Away) |
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DATE:
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02-11-12 |
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TIME:
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7:00 PM |
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VS:
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Dells Ducks |
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(Away) |
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DATE:
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02-12-12 |
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TIME:
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5:45 PM |
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VS:
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Hudson Crusaders |
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(Home) |
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| Thoughts and Prayers |
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Former NL Asst Coach Boyd Paavola was recently diagnosed with colon cancer. We hope you'll visit his site and wish him well as he finishes this stage of treatment.
Link: Caring Bridge
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| College Eligibility |
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Link: NCAA Eligibility
Link: Navigating Junior Hockey
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| 2011-2012 Northern Lights |
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| Northern Lights Nationals Team 2003 |
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| Alumni Flashbacks |
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This month we are saluting the 2002-2003 National Tournament Northern Lights team led by Captains Tony Beaulieu, TJ Lokken and Ryan Adams. The team's Most Valuable Teammate MVT Award is named after Adams who exemplified the ideals of the Northern Lights who went on to four years at Bethel University. During this first year after moving to Bloomington Minnesota, we had plenty of firsts. Our first goal was scored against Shattuck St Mary's in the first two minutes of the game and then we completely ran away with the scoring. Coaches Josh Hauge and Eric Fink had their first year of coaching junior hockey with a record of 32-10. TJ Lokken was MNJHL Most Valuable Player. We began painting the bricks blue in the locker room for each win and wrapped the whole room with signatures from this team. Our #1 Goalie Mike Stone would go on to become an All-American for UW Stout. Rick Lopez became the poster child for dryland training and had the game winning playoff goal to qualify for nationals. Andy Johnson had the Northern Lights "Best Moves" award named after him. James Doyle had 7 points in the National Tournament and was the highest scorer in the whole tournament. (With great sadness we bid adieu to James this fall after battling cancer). Andy Kent became our top goalie for the following two seasons before leading Augsburg College for four years. There were plenty of special memories like unveiling our new logo & jerseys, the first stuffed animal toss when we scored the first goal of the game, like our road trips to Dubuque and seeing Mr. Summers waving a broom in the air walking through thousands of their fans to indicate our sweep of the tournament. Hats off to the members of this very special team who were the first Northern Lights to qualify for the national tournament. We look forward to seeing you at the alumni game on January 1st!
#2 Ryan Adams (1982 F, Litchfield, MN)
#18 Tony Beaulieu (1982 F/D, Minneapolis, MN)
#31 Tom Coyne (1982 G, Madison, WI)
#14 James Doyle (1984 F, Madison, WI)
#12 Rich Hauge (1983 F, Apple Valley, MN)
#14 Chris Herdegen (1984 F, Maple Grove, MN)
#23 Shawn Hogan (1984 F, Apple Valley, MN)
#25 Adam Holmgren (1983, South Saint Paul, MN)
#10 Chad Jahnke (1984 D, Hopkins, MN)
#27 Andy Johnson (1984 F, Silver Bay, MN)
#33 Andy Kent (1983 G, Lakeville, MN)
#17 Kelly Kranz (1983 D, Bloomington, MN)
#6 Andy Lent (1984 F, New Hope, MN)
#15 TJ Lokken (1983 D, Bloomington MN)
#24 Rick Lopez (1983 D, West St Paul, MN)
#3 Ryan Petrarca (1982 D, Apple Valley, MN)
#11 Dave Schultz (1983 F, Farmington, MN)
#10 Mike Stone (1983 G, West St Paul, MN)
#7 Dan Subra (1982 F, Inver Grove Heights, MN)
#20 Matt Summers (1986 F, Burnsville MN)
#5 Josh Tornio (1984 F, Northfield, MN)
#21 Rudolf Vysoky (1984 F, Slovakia)
HEAD COACH: Josh Hauge
ASST COACH: Eric Fink
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| Eric Shand named MNJHL October Defensive Player of the Month |
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 Position: Forward
Height: 6'1
Weight: 205
Birthdate: 1992
Hometown: San Dimas, CA
Last Team: Orange County
GP GOALS ASSISTS POINTS PIM
16 9 10 19 29
Link: League Article
Link: Full Stats
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| All Academic Team |
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We're especially proud of the 17 Northern Lights players this season who have demonstrated exceptional academic potential and discipline!
ALL ACADEMIC TEAM* (3.0 - 3.69 Grade Point Average)
Tyler Arnold #8 (1992 Defense, Fond du Lac WI)
Connor Bowman #27 (1992 Forward, Kansas City, MO)
Nick Edwards #10 (1993 Forward, Brighton IL)
Bryan Gunderson #4 (1991 Forward, Fairbanks AK)
Jeremy Harer #30 (1993 Goaltender, Cottage Grove MN)
Ben Hull #2 (1994 Defense, Centennial CO)
Luke Kucera #12 (1993 Defense, Plymouth IN)
Nick Kunes #5(1992 Forward, Melrose WI)
Alex O'Leary #15 (1992 Defense, Kansas City MO)
Dominique Shuttleworth #7 (1992 Defense, Fairbanks AK)
Keenan Wallace #33 (1992 Goaltender, Fairbanks AK)
WITH DISTINCTION** (3.7 - 4.0 Grade Point Average)
Taylor Laiti #28 (1994 Defense, Fairbanks AK)
Cole Larson #22 (1992 Defense, Urbandale IA)
John McDonald #26 (1993 Forward, Brooklyn Park MN)
Paul Parisot #23 (1992 Forward, Arlington TX)
Kirby Quebodeaux #26 (1992 Forward, Cottage Grove MN)
Kris Yelderman #17 (1991 Defense, Kansas City MO)
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| PARENTS NEWS |
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The team has been together for just over a month and our staff has really enjoyed the opportunity to invest this time with the players...lots of new drills, life experiences and team activities including a lot of paperwork and baseline testing so that we can measure improvement. Ask them about their VO2max run, the Sundae relay and packaging food for Feed My Starving Children...
*Home Opener Weekend: Sunday September 11 5:45 PM
Noteable Singers will be presenting the National Anthem on this special 10th anniversary of 9/11.
*FMSC Monday September 12 6-7:30 PM
*Bloomington Heritage Days (volunteer day) Sept 17
*Parents Weekend: DATE CHANGE 9/23-9/25. We will have a team/family dinner at 5 PM Saturday 9/26. This allows you to see two home games and I think the guys want you to come earlier...Many had made plans to come in October already so we look forward to seeing the rest of you in a few more weeks.
*November 4 & November 6 will be played in Owatonna, MN. This city will be starting up a MNJHL team next season so our league has agreed to host a few games there.
*Thanksgiving Break: November 21-24. Morning skate resumes 11/25. It sounds like most families are coming our way rather than players going home because we have a Friday game in Rochester and a home game on Sunday.
*MNJHL League Showcase December 14-15 Cottage Grove MN Arena
NL games at 12:00 both days
*Christmas Break: December 19-26. Morning practice resumes 12/27
*Final home game regular season Sunday February 26. This game will be played in Owatonna MN
*Playoffs begin the first weekend in March and run through the whole month. Nationals will be held late March/first week in April confirmed after the USA Hockey Annual Meeting
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| ALUMNI UPDATE: Brandon Anderson "B.A." |
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 Brandon Anderson (B.A.) is a veteran player who just participated in his white coat ceremony at the University of Wyoming. He formally begins pharmacy school this week and we couldn't be prouder of this fine example of a Northern Light. During his time with our team he was always focused on this goal of becoming a pharmacist and we're so excited to celebrate this big milestone with him!
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| LIGHTS CONNECTIONS TO THE NEW NAHL CHAMPIONS |
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Congrats to the Lights first Head Coach JOSH HAUGE and Lights veteran player-now Assistant Coach ERIK LARGEN on the Fairbanks Ice Dogs recent win of the North American Hockey League Robertson Cup. The team was the NAHL West Division regular season champion and tournament champion before claiming the Tier II national championship for the first time in team history. As a third-year Head Coach, Hauge recorded his 100th coaching victory over the Kenai River Brown Bears during the course of the season building on a second place finish at the championship 2009-2010. Erik Largen complete his second year with the Ice Dogs as assistant coach after graduating from University of Fairbanks with a degree in finance, advancing through Owatonna (NAHL) to play for this NCAA Division I program.
At the Robertson Cup banquet, the Ice Dogs received four special NAHL awards including Organization of the Year. The team’s success has served as a springboard for its players to receive NCAA Division 1 scholarships over the past few years. We are excited to celebrate the success of those in our team family so hats off to Largen and Hauge (who also has an August wedding!) For more on Hauge, click on Announcements.
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| 2 Lights in NAHL draft |
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Six MNJHL alums chosen in NAHL Entry Draft
05/27/2011, 1:06pm (CDT)
By Nick Clark/MNJHL Director of Media Relations
Minot pegs four for Tier II level
The North American Hockey League held its Entry Draft May 26, and six Minnesota Junior Hockey League alums were chosen by the Tier II Junior A member clubs.
Three of them had ties to the Edina Lakers. Luke Vogelgesang (Cottage Grove, Minn.) and Alex Chuhel (Cottage Grove, Minn.), who were linemates this past winter for Edina, were each selected by the Minot Minotauros.
Vogelgesang went with as the second pick in the sixth round, while Chuhel was selected with the second pick of the 10th round.
Seth Ronsberg (Lake Elmo, Minn.), who spent two years playing for the Lakers and another season playing for both the Minnesota Wildcats and Minnesota Owls, was taken by the Alexandria Blizzard with the 11th pick of the sixth round.
A pair of Twin Cities Northern Lights defensemen were also picked.
Alex O’Leary (Kansas City, Mo.) was taken by Minot with the second pick of the seventh round, and Nicolas Sova (Cottage Grove, Minn.) was also selected by Minot. Sova went with the second pick of the 11th round.
Former Hudson Crusader forward Brock Raffaele was chosen as the first pick in the 10th round by the Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings. Raffaele played for Hudson in the 2009-10 season.
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| Swartout Ends With 45 Wins |
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Link: article
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| Alumni Jesse Felten |
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Here is an article on former Light Jesse Felten about his life and pro hockey.
Link: Love of the Game
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| Alumni Swartout records 40th win for Gustavus |
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TOP STORIES OF THE WEEK:
Swartout records 40th career victory in goal for Gusties Josh Swartout, the All-America goaltender for the Gustavus men’s hockey team, became just the sixth goaltender in Golden Gustie hockey history to record 40 career victories when he was in the nets for the Gusties 4-1 win over Augsburg on Saturday night. Swartout currently ranks sixth all-time at Gustavus in wins with a career mark of 40-20-5 and a .653 winning percentage.
In conference play, Swartout has compiled a career mark of 28-9-4 for a .731 winning percentage. Swartout needs five more victories to move past Bret Newcomb (44) and Jerry Bren (44)into fourth place on the All-Time Gustavus Goalie win list.
Link: MIAC news
Link: Swartout Photo
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| Northern Lights Coaching Staff 2010-2011 |
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 Keeping our reputation for selecting and developing strong coaching candidates and preparing them for careers in coaching, Northern Lights Hockey is pleased to announce the coaching staff for the upcoming 2011-2012 season and celebrate the opportunities of our former staff.
Jason Dobes (pronounced "Doe-bees") is stepping into the Lights Head Coach position and Brandon Knelsen is the new Assistant General Manager and Assistant Coach.
Coach Dobes has been a friend and advocate of the Minnesota Junior Hockey League and has kept a close relationship with the team since he played forward for the Northern Lights in the early years of the organization. After his playing days, he returned to his hometown of Waterloo Iowa where he began work with the Waterloo Blackhawks (Tier I USHL)organization.
While playing with the Lights, Dobes actually began his coaching career as he helped coach the Midwest Sabers AAA hockey team located in Chanhassen, Minnesota. That's when he decided to start preparing for a career in coaching. When the opportunity to become part of the coaching staff in his hometown with the Blackhawks, he saw this as a perfect place to learn and develop. Now after three years with Waterloo, Dobes was eager to put all his mentoring to use and take the reigns as Head Coach of the Lights.
"Over the years we have been blessed to have a pipeline of quality staff come to invest their time with our team," said Founder and General Manager Ross Smith.
"We're especially excited to bring Dobes back to Minnesota -- with his Tier I staff experience he will be a tremendous asset and he is just such a fine young man. It really
is a family reunion to have him as our new bench boss."
With mixed emotions the Lights bid adieu to former Head Coach AJ Degenhardt who publicly accept a coaching role with Team Illinois U18/U16. Degengardt has been busy
recruiting for the team since his return from the USA Hockey Tier III National Championships in April while looking to help make a smooth transition for the team and
for himself.
"The time I spent with the Lights has been invaluable in terms of learning about myself as a coach and as a person. The MNJHL is a great opportunity for young hockey players to learn and develop their game and to continue their hockey careers. I look forward to assisting the new staff and to maintaining connections as part of the Northern Lights extended family," said Degenhardt.
Our team also celebrates that former Assistant Coach Steve Dus has accepted the Head Coach position at Northwestern Health Science University.
"It's always hard to let staff go but we are excited to see another Northern Lights coach career take off and this is a fantastic opportunity for them," said Smith. "Bringing in new Lights staff who really want to advance up the ladder in coaching has become our staff model so this transition every two years is not really a surprise -- except that our new head coach already knows the lay of the land within
junior hockey and within our team. The transition feels seamless."
Dobes is committed to keep the Northern Lights traditions as he puts his own personality and fingerprints onto the organization's mission and methods. And his new right hand man is a perfect complement.
Brandon Knelsen's pathway to a coaching career starts with a strong Canadian hockey background which included playing three years of Junior A hockey in the Alberta Junior
Hockey League with the Red Deer Optimist Rebels and the Drumheller Dragons where was Alternate Captain. After receiving an athletic scholarship to attend the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Coach Knelson played four seasons at the Division 1 level with the Alaska Nanooks. His list of honors includes being the University of Alaska Fairbanks School of Management Business Student of the Year 2009 and a Scholar-Athlete of the Year Nominee, 2009-2010. He graduated with a BS in Business Administration this spring and is quickly jumping into recruiting and management roles.
"We are very pleased that Brandon is joining our coaching and management staff, "said Founder and Manager Stephanie Smith. "His business training, his hockey experience and his coaching philosophy are a great fit for our organization. He has already proven to be a team player and it's an exciting time as we prepare for the upcoming season."
Our staff will be contacting our veteran players to introduce themselves in coming days as they continue to prepare for the upcoming season.
Link: Jason Dobes
Link: Brandon Knelsen
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| Director of Alumni Relations |
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 Ryan Hampson ('03-'04) is busy contacting Northern Lights and Steers alumni to help players, staff & volunteers network and reconnect with others with ties to our organization. Our Board of Directors applauds Hampson's desire to help vets link up to help form an intentional social network for referrals in hockey, academics and employment. We have annually hosted an alumni game on New Years Day and many vets already keep in touch, but Hampson's gracious offer to serve as Director of Alumni Relations will help make this network stronger. More information will be posted soon about how to join this formal network within the Northern Lights family. And yes, our alumni game is set for the first of January 2011. Hampson serves as a Financial Advisor with Minneapolis Financial Group after graduating from Saint Olaf.
Congrats to Head Coach Josh Hauge, former Northern Lights Head Coach, on the success of the Fairbanks Ice Dogs which advanced through league post-season to the NAHL Robertson Cup Championship this weekend! Welcome back to Minnesota this week for tryouts this weekend... And it's always wonderful to have former Lights coach, Eric Fink back in our area. Fink who will be starting his second year as Assistant Coach with the Tri City Storm USHL is home preparing for a July wedding. Congrats!!
Nick Henkemeyer is graduating from Marian University (Fond du Lac WI) after playing Defense for the hockey team. Equally impressive, Nick was the starting goalie for the past three years and received Honorable Mention recognition by Northern Athletic Conference (NAC). Nick sported a 1.52 goals-against-average, recording 94 saves and posted five shutouts in 18 starts this season.
Many others have stopped by or called in recent weeks. Thanks for all the support of our team from our alumni as we participated in the USA Hockey National Tournament in April.
Let us know what you're doing and we'll share your news...
Link: Nick Henkemeyer
Link: Ryan Hampson
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| 2009-2010 TEAM AWARDS |
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Most Valuable Player: Josh Lehr
Ryan Adams Most Valuable Teammate Award: Votes too close so none will be awarded in 2010.
Best Moves: Denis Gladkov
All-Northern Lights-Team:
Josh Lehr (G)
Cody Hans (D) Connor Kiesow (D)
Garrett Windle (F) Josh Shingler (F) Jon Barrick (F)
Most Disciplined: Justin Hale
Most Unselfish Player: Ben Herkal
Hardest Worker: Jon Barrick
Most Improved: Andrew "Chip" Callahan and Cody Mickelson
Over the Hill Award: 50+ points regular season
Garrett Windle (59 in 44 games)
Josh Shingler (64 in 50 games)
Playmaker Award: 30+ assists regular season
Josh Shingler 42 in 50 games
Jon Barrick 31 in 50 games
Highest Points per Game Average
Coming in at #6 in NL history: Garrett Windle 1.34 ppg
#8 Josh Shingler 1.28 ppg
Most points in playoffs
New record: Mike Falvey (9 pts in six games)
Second Team All-MNJHL
Garrett Windle (F) Cody Hans (D)
Honorable Mention: Jon Barrick (F)
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| Squamish Torch Relay Feb 4 |
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As the torch makes its way into town Feb. 4, on its 98th day across the country, Squamish is planning a party for 5,000 with dancing, singing, music, Logger Sports displays, fireworks, Olympic athletes and the lighting of a cauldron. And the Northern Lights are part of the celebration!
“I want to encourage the community to come out because it’s going to be a fabulous event,” said District of Squamish director of recreation, parks and tourism Bob Kusch.
“It’s a major event… that’s going to have a lot of action and a lot of life to it and hopefully will culminate in some excitement.”
On Thursday Feb. 4 sometime during the evening, the torch will be carried through Valleycliffe.
The Torch Relay celebrations start on Thursday Feb. 4 at 3:30 p.m. with the puck dropping at a friendly hockey game between the Squamish Wolfpack and the Northern Lights Junior Hockey Team out of Bloomington, Minnesota.
Squamish Rotary has decided to host the American team, which promotes literacy alongside sportsmanship.
Margo Dent, a volunteer, media liaison for the local Torch Relay organizing committee, said the game is in keeping with Olympic ideals.
“[It] shares a lot of the Olympic values in terms of team spirit and camaraderie and bringing nations together and their additional message of literacy – absolutely we welcome them.”
Then, starting at 8 a.m. on Friday Feb. 5, the torch will be at the Logger Sports park, before heading downtown.
The torch will pass by every elementary and high school Squamish by 10 a.m. before heading north on Highway 99 to arrive at the Whistler Olympic Park by noon.
At around 5:30 p.m. musicians Cam Salay and Dana Marie take to the Brennan Park parking lot. The Welh Tima Kexwusem First Nations dance group kick off the official celebrations at 6 p.m. with a welcoming ceremony.
Then G. Jogi Daduwalia and the Squamish Bhangra Crew will perform traditional East Indian dance numbers. Follow up musical acts will include Bitterly Devine, DJ Mat the Alien and a local children’s choir directed by Anne Thomson.
The West Coast Lumberjack Show will be at the celebration, as will half pipe snowboarder Dominique Vallee and skeleton athlete Michelle Bartleman.
Approximately halfway through the evening’s celebrations, the cauldron will be lit by a mystery local chosen for his or her special contributions to the community.
The relay festivities will wrap up around 8 p.m. with a fireworks display by Kris Keys.
The organizing committee is planning for approximately 33 per cent of local to out to the Brennan Park events, a modest figure by some standards, said Kusch.
“In some communities across Canada, they’ve had as many as 80 per cent of the residents show up. We are doing all of our work based on about 5,000. It could be greater, it could be smaller. If it’s a torrential downpour, God only knows.”
Link: Squamish Chief Newspaper
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| Welcome Rotarians - International Coverage of our February Trip |
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As our team and Rotaract Club of the Athlete Village goes to the Winter Olympics as Sports Goodwill Peace Ambassadors, we have several media opportunities for your to follow our activities. Here is an overview...
Our hockey games will continue to be broadcast on the internet ESP1000 and we hope to have some interviews and clips from the Olympic torch community celebrations posted on the same site. The MNJHL league website will have a daily post on their page with scores and updates about our location and activities. Some fun highlights will be participating in a huge snowball fight (against polio), the chuck-a-duck events. The NBC Today Show is broadcasting live from Grouse Mountain where we plan to be at the mountain peak overlooking the city so keep watching their show!
We welcome Rotary International guestswho are following our players from their area. We have several players from Districts 5950 and 5960 in Minnesota and Wisconsin and then these from across the country:
Jake Schutte #19 from Waterloo Iowa (District #5970),
Cptn Garrett Windle #26 from Downington Pennsylvania (District 7450),
Matt Stolzberg #23 and Brandon Carlson #25 from Fairbanks AK (District #5010)
Denis Gladkov (#16 Forward) is a seventeen year old from Moscow Russia. He will be writing in his mother language for our friends in District #2220 which is west of the Ural Mountains that has 44 clubs and 850 members. The first Russian club was founded in 1990 in the city of Moscow where there are now nine clubs. We also welcome Rotarians from District #5010 which includes 37 Russian clubs as well as clubs in Alaska USA). Denis will be cheering for Konstantin Korneyev from Team Russia who is currently playing for CSKA Moscow (KHL).Denis Gladkov (#16 переднее) годовалый 17 от Москва Россия. Он будет писать в его языке мати для наших друзей в заречье #2220 которое к западу от гор Ural которое имеет 44 клуба и 850 членов. Основало первое русское клуб в 1990 в городе Москва где теперь 9 клубов. Мы также приветствуем Rotarians от заречья #5010 которое включает 37 русских клубов также, как клубы в Аляска США). Denis будет веселить для Konstantin Korneyev от команды Россия которая в настоящее время играет для CSKA Москва (KHL).
Ilkka Mansikkamaki (#29 Forward) is a Finnish citizen who had been living in Uppsala Sweden prior to coming to the United States. He will be writing to Rotarian friends in District #1420 in Finland and to #2350 in Sweden. Ilkka is excited that the Minnesota Wild NHL team has four Finnish players going to the Olympics including Niklas Backstrom, Mikko Koivu, Daku Koivu and Antti Miettinen. The WILD also have two Czech players who qualified for their respective country: Marek Zidlicky and Martin Havlat) so there are lots of Minnesota connections.
Wes Stanton (#5 Defense) is a dual citizen of the United States and Canada. He will be covering the North America connection for our team while we are on our trip and our friends in Colorado District #5450 will be especially interested in this Colorado kid.
Steve Dus (Assistant Coach and Club President) a native of Wisconsin has agreed to translate on behalf of his country east of the Mississippi River. :-)
Caleb Smith is five years old and is very excited about going to his second Winter Olympics with the Northern Lights team and his family. He is scheduled to speak to several schools and is eager to reconnect with the Canadian Snowball Fighting team! One of his fondest memories from 2006 was meeting these superfans from Canada during the USA/RUSSIA game. Stephanie Smith is going to be helping Caleb with his Francophone connections and allowing our French friends to read his posts.
Our plan is to have all of the websites linked together for easy navigating as we head to Vancouver in a month! More details to follow.
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| January 31 Canada Friendship Night |
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Our team will be serving as Goodwill Peace Ambassadors to Canada in February. This is our final game before leaving on our 17 day trip to British Columbia when we will play exhibition against junior hockey teams to enable Canadian children to see a live international hockey game while we promote the causes of Rotary, especially polio eradication. Everyone with Canada heritage or citizenship living in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area are invited to our send off party and celebrate friendship between our countries. We will play both national anthems and have a special ceremonial puck drop to start the game. Be sure to wear red! Between periods the fans will vote for the "Canada Super Fan" title who will win a prize pack that includes authentic Olympic items. We'll play "chuck-a-duck" to win other prizes too... Join us for this fun family night to get us all in the Olympic spirit. Kids are invited to pick up autograph sheets and meet the team after the game. Be sure to check out our merchandise room with officially licensed items for sale from USA Hockey, Hockey Canada and Vancouver 2010.
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| Host Home Program - Billet |
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For more information, contact our office: 952-888-4311
Although there are some players who make the jump from high school to college hockey, the junior hockey systems is the normal development step for aspiring athletes before attaining regular playing time on a college hockey roster. The Minnesota Junior A Hockey League has nine teams throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin and we are located in the hockey hotbed of Minneapolis-Saint Paul Minnesota.
The players, who are mostly 18-20 years old, move from across the country to Minnesota from August to April. Many players are working or attending courses at Normandale Community College while chasing their dream of playing college hockey and earning a four year degree. The team also typically signs a handful of out-of-state high school aged players that will move to Minnesota and enroll in a local high school while playing junior hockey. The players in the MNJHL were typically captains of their high school/AAA team and were final cuts from higher level junior teams.
We are actively recruiting host families for the 2009-2010 season. The goal is to place every player who does not already live in this area with a host family. Participation in this Host Home Program is a privilege rather than a right and is contingent on the following: 1) the player remaining on the Team in good standing 2) the player meeting the billet financial obligations and the expectations of the Host Home Program and 3) the availability of host families.
The players understand and appreciate the graciousness of our community to allow them to stay in private homes rather than renting and furnishing unsupervised apartments like some junior hockey programs. The team does not permit their player to use drugs and alcohol and has a code of conduct that reflects the players and team's goals of preparing for college and life.
The Host Home Program Coordinator is available to provide information to prospective host families and players families about the process of billeting an athlete.
They conduct an in-house visit, collect background information forms, conduct orientation sessions. They then attempt to find the best fit when placing players with potential host families and conduct a face to face “pre-housing counseling” session to facilitate discussion about expectations. After finding a match, they collect all the needed paperwork and are available to promptly address expressed housing concerns from hosts, players and/or their families, staff during the season. The player's family pays the housing program with post dated checks to be deposited on the 20th of each month for the upcoming month; the housing coordinator pays the families on the 25th of the month when the check clears and maintain a detailed accounting record of financial transactions to help ensure NCAA eligibility. Although the money comes through the team account, the players family is the one responsible for compensating host families $300-$400 per month for providing room and board for the player.
The host family is responsible to provide a safe, comfortable living environment for the player who becomes a family guest rather than a "renter." The host family provides a twin bed, closet/storage space and dresser, access in home to do laundry, cook meals, and study. The Northern Lights will provide beds for families who have the space but don't already have the furniture. Some host parents regularly eat the dinner meal with their player while other families are come-and-go as their schedules dictate. Teams are looking for caring adults who will demonstrate concern for the player’s academic and personal growth process much like foreign exchange students. The host family relationship can be one of the most truly rewarding parts of junior hockey and many families develop lifelong bonds. With free season tickets and a personal connection to the team, host families are the team's VIPs. Families with children especially enjoy having a big brother in their home a few months of the year.
Northern Lights General Manager Ross Smith said, "The metro area is loaded with hockey families who have sent their sons off to play junior hockey in other cities; so many of us have personally benefited from the hospitality of another family and know how important those relationships were at that stage in our development. We are hoping that these families will open their homes and help us provide a great environment for these aspiring student athletes."
For more information, contact our office: 952-888-4311
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| Northern Lights Hockey |
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 To learn more about the northern lights (aurora borealis) click on the links below
Link: Science of Northern Lights
Link: National Geographic photos
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| JUST FOR GOALIES |
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We boast the best goalie advancement record from Tier III hockey with THIRTEEN veterans moved up to college hockey from only seven Northern Lights seasons...
(1) Erik Largen (SR, Played two years University Alaska Fairbanks Division I)Now coaching with NAHL Fairbanks Icedogs
(2) Phil Cook (FR, Mankato State University after Fairbanks Icedogs NAHL)
(3) Matt Wanvig (JR Hamline University Division III)
(4) Nate Hardy (Soph St. Cloud State University) Currently backup goalie
(5) Kevin Johnson (SR, Gustavus Adolphus DIII - played two years
(6) Andy Kent (Grad, Augsburg Division III, All-Conference '07 with a 10-8-4 record, .898 save percentage and 2.70 goals-against-average. His GAA was second-best among MIAC goalies in overall play and 24th-best nationally among Division III players this season, while his save percentage was fourth-best among MIAC goalies overall. In league games only, Kent's 2.60 GAA was fourth-best, and his .901 save percentage was also fourth-best.
(7) Mike Stone (Grad, University WI Stout Division III) Graphic Communications Management major, 2007 NCAA Division III West Region Second Team All-American. Stone, a junior at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, was an NCHA Player of the Year finalist in 2007 after posting a 15-5-1 record to compliment a 2.10 goals-against average and a .926 save percentage. He played three seasons with the Lights prior to joining Stout. “Mike was a tremendous competitor when he played for us and we're thrilled to see him be recognized on a national stage in college," said Lights GM Ross Smith. "It is exciting to see our veterans finishing college and contributing so significantly in their varsity programs."
(8) Ryan Miech (Grad) University WI Steven's Point Division III).
(9) Tom Coyne (Grad) played for Washington Jefferson DII before transferring to UW Stout for academics
(10) Josh Swartout (Soph) earned a starting spot for Gustavus Adolphus College (DIII)in '08
(11) Peter O'Hara (Soph UW Superior) played briefly the NL organization in 2006-7 after being released by a NAHL team, He then moved up to Junior A in Canada with the OCN Blizzard and then onto the roster with Superior in 2007-8.
12) Matt Toter played 2007-8 season with the Lights and is now at Liberty University (ACHA Division I)
13) Cary Wood (Soph St Thomas) Legal Studies in Business major with 4.00 gpa... 2007 graduate of Tartan High, where he was honor student, in hockey was HM all-state, 2X all-conference, four-year starter and 2X captain. MIAC Leaders Goals Against Average
2007-2008
#1 Josh Swartout Gustavus Adolphus FR 523:38 MIN, GA 20 GAA 2.29, SHOTS 192, SV% .906
#5 Matt Wanvig Hamline SO 504:51 MIN, GA 22 , GAA 2.61,
SHOTS 191, SV%.897 7-1-1 Winning Percentage .833
#10 Andrew Kent Augsburg JR 648:54 MIN, GA 47, GAA 4.35, 332 SHOTS, SV% .876
Regarding 2009-2010
We are very committed to creating development opportunities in practice and in games for our goalies. We still cannot effectively evaluate everyone who completes an online profile so we have to make tough decisions even prior to making invites. Please be patient as we move forward with our selection process. We will contact players who have completed an online profile in late April. As stated in other places on this site, veteran goalies must try out for subsequent years without guarantees of a roster spot. This year we had several players fill in spots while we fought injuries and unexpected situations whereas we traditionally have kept three goalies for the year.
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| Former Northern Lights coach moves into USHL |
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August 3, 2009
Like many of the players he has coached, former Twin Cities Northern Lights head man Eric Fink wanted to advance his career. So after spending four years with the Lights and another two with Owatonna of the North American Hockey League, Fink has made the next step on the coaching ladder, accepting an assistant coaching position with United States Hockey League’s Tri-City Storm.
“I feel pretty lucky,” Fink said. “This is a great opportunity for me.”
Fink will join a Storm coaching staff in midst of a complete overhaul. But his second year in Owatonna was played with an expansion tag hitched to it, and he was building teams annually in the MnJHL.
“There is no doubt in mind that you have to work harder in the MnJHL that you do at any other level,” Fink said. “So I’m used to working hard, and that should make the transition here easier I think.”
“Coaching for the Northern Lights helped me develop philosophies and an understanding of what you can and can’t do. Not only is it a great league for kids, but it’s a great league for coaches and officials as well. The biggest thing that really helped me was being able to try things and experiment. Our owners (Ross and Stephanie Smith) put forth a good set of ground rules and set morals and ethics. They really showed me the way.”
Storm Hires Eric Fink To Complete Coaching Staff
KEARNEY, NE - The Tri-City Storm coaching staff is now in place after the hiring of additional assistant coach, Eric Fink. Fink brings a wealth of experience from hockey country in Minnesota. He will fulfill a strong connection to the Midwest hockey recruiting scene.
Fink joins the Storm staff after most recently coaching Owatonna Express of the NAHL where he served as an assistant coach. Prior to that Fink was an assistant coach with Augsburg College NCAA Division III school in 2007-2008. In the 2006-07 season, Fink helped the Southern Minnesota Express earn a third place finish in the NAHL as an assistant coach.
Fink’s longest coaching stint came as the Head Coach of Twin Cities Northern Lights of the Minnesota Junior Hockey League (MNJHL) Junior B team in Bloomington, MN. He held that position for three seasons from 2002-2006. Fink took the team to a National Tournament appearance in his final season and finished third. He was named coach of the year in MNJHL in the 2004-2005 season. That year the organization was also credited with a National Award given by Positive Coaching Alliance and Stanford University.
The addition of Fink gives the Storm a full coaching staff with Drew Schoneck as head coach and Ryan Bencurik joining Fink as an assistant. The 10th anniversary of Storm hockey begins October 3rd in Omaha against the Lancers and the home opener is October 9th and 10th. For tickets or additional information, visit www.stormhockey.com
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| Minnesota Great 8 Connections |
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The Northern Lights have traditionally attracted players from the Minnesota "Great Eight" Tournament, including:
Cole Abernathy, D Section 6 Chaska
Kevin Anderson, F Section 6 Armstrong
Jeff Beck, F Section 2 Stillwater
Reece Dabroski, F Section 1 Lakeville South (ALT)
Pat Dynan, D Section 6 Orono
Chris Impagliazzo, G Section 5 Bloomington Kennedy
Brandt Keller, F Section 5 Apple Valley
Erik LaRock, D Section 1 Kasson-Mantorville
Joe Larson, D Section 5 Eastview
Matt Larson, F Played with Northern Lights and Providence
Trevor Leonard, D Section 3 Park
Dusty Littlefield, D Section 6 Delano
Pete Moehnke, D Section 1 Rochester John Marshall
Brian Nelson, G Section 2 Mound Westonka
Erik Ordahl, D Section 1 Rochester Century
Brock Pedersen. F Section 4 Mounds View
Nate Percy, F Section 3 Rosemount
Jake Pernula, F Section 4 Osseo
Paul Ross, D Section 6 Buffalo
Joel Scattarelli D Section 5 Rogers
Aaron Stark, F Section 6 Chaska
Josh Swartout, G Section 5 St Louis Park
Matt Wanvig, G Section 4 Osseo
Our team provides an excellent opportunity for top talent to continue to play against solid competition, to train hard and improve, to attend community college while protecting NCAA eligibility and to figure out and work towards goals for the future. We extend a special invitation the 2009 Great 8 participants to come find out how the Northern Lights can help move you along in your hockey and academic career.
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| Lights players Called Up 2008-9 |
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Congrats to these young men who played with the Northern Lights organization this season and have had opportunities at the Tier II level:
Goalie Phil Cook 1988 from Wheaton, IL is the starting goalie for the Fairbanks Icedogs (NAHL). In 40 games and 2221:20 minutes, he posts 23W 10L 5OTL 1SO 100 GA, 2.70 GAA, 1168SAVES .921 SAVE AVERAGE. Recently named to NAHL top prospect game. Cook was named the NAHL Goalie of the Month for November, when he manned the crease for seven of the Ice Dogs’ eight consecutive wins.Commonly called “Cooker” by Fairbanks head coach Josh Hauge and jokingly nicknamed “the Fry” by Ice Dogs announcers, Cook’s 1.85 goals against average and .947 saves percentage in November improved his season totals to 2.39 (eighth in the league) and .927 (fourth), respectively. The highlight of Cook’s month was a 3-0 Nov. 28 shutout of the fast-skating Kenai River Brown Bears, who lost four times to him in November.
“It gets easier and easier every game because you can read what each shooter’s going to do and what their tendencies are,” Cook said.
A third-year junior hockey player who previously played for the Springfield Blues, Cook joined the team just before the NAHL Showcase in September. Throughout the young season, his teammates and Hauge have noted the veteran presence Cook, 20, brings to the lockerroom. Of course, having an offense that keeps the puck out of the defensive zone is a big help to the 6-foot-3, 195-pound netminder.
Goalie Josh Lehr from Appleton WI has played 12 games for the Alexandria Blizzard (NAHL) 599:42 minutes have translated into 3 wins, 5 L, 1 OTL. He has 300 SS 3.5 GAA with 35 GA and a .896 save average. Lehr was recruited out of the WI Senior Tournament and Chicago Showcase before becoming the starting goalie for the Lights fall 2008. His top performance in our league caught the eye of the Blizzard and our staff celebrated his opportunity.
Joel Scatterelli played in the Great 8 tournament and has played 9 games with the Alexandria Blizzard with a +9.
Tyler Sorensen (D) from Madison WI was on Team Wisconsin when he was scouted by the Lights. He started the season with our team and moved up to the Springfield Junior Blues NAHL in November.
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| Head Coach AJ Degenhardt |
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 “I am pleased to announce the coaching ensemble for the upcoming season” said General Manager/President Ross Smith. “They each bring different skills and passions so we are looking forward to a summer together exploring how to re-craft our program to highlight each person’s strengths.”
Adam (AJ) Degenhardt (Middleton WI) will be returning as the Northern Lights Head Coach for the 2008-9 and 2009-2010 seasons. Degenhardt was a full-scholarship, four year letter winner with the University Wisconsin - Madison program that won the 2006 NCAA national championship. As a Badger student-athlete under Mike Eaves and Mark Osieki, Degenhardt became known for his hard work ethic, community service leadership and advocacy for drug-free activities.
Before joining the Badger ranks, Degenhardt played two years with the Green Bay Gamblers (USHL) for a total of six years under the tutelage of Oseiki who praises Degenhardt’s eagerness to learn and then teach the game while helping players find the appropriate balance of time and energy to succeed at higher levels. Since college graduation, Degenhardt has been coaching at Verona High School, the Madison Stars AAA program and the Inside the Red Hockey School in preparation for a full time coaching career.
Lights former head coach Eric Fink has recently accepted the assistant coach position with the Southern Minnesota Express (Tier II NAHL) but he has graciously agreed to serve as the Light's coaching mentor as Degenhardt prepares for the fall. Fink was named “Coach of the Year” in the MNJHL, and helped lead the team to two national tournament appearances before becoming assistant coach position with the Express, then with Ausburg College last season. “Since he and Josh Hauge helped formed the team in 2002, they have both been a tremendous resource” Smith continued, “so we are excited to have Fink formally mentoring our staff.” Also noteworthy, Hauge is the head coach for the Fairbanks Icedogs (Tier II NAHL) after serving as the assistant coach for several years.
Link: Degenhardt: Wisconsin Badgers
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| Assistant Coach/Assistant GM Steve Dus |
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 The Northern Lights is pleased that Steve Dus will be returning as the Lights Assistant Coach/Assistant GM. Dus played for Onalaska high school and Team Wisconsin (2002-2003). Although drafted in the USHL, Dus joining the varsity ranks of the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire (NCHA D3) right after high school where he was a four year varsity hockey athlete under coach Luke Strand, (now with the Houston Aeros, AHL). Strand has committed to support Dus who “will always have resources at his disposal due to our relationship as he dives into the coaching world.”
Dus graduated with dual degrees in organizational communications and sociology and has been employed in these fields while he has begun accumulating experience as an assistant coach with the University of Eau Claire women’s hockey team. His responsibilities have included academic accountability, community service, media relations and recruiting. Dus has also served on staff with the Eau Claire summer high school hockey league.
Joshua Ebb will be assisting with some game day management responsibilities during his internship with the Northern Lights this season. He has aspirations in hockey sports management and is currently attending St. Scholastica, Minnesota.
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| Five Pro Veterans of Northern Lights/Steers Organization |
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Mike Stone (G) is the most recent veteran of our organization to make the jump to the pro hockey ranks. To date, these four are the only players from the MNJHL to advance to the ECHL, AHL, or CHL. During the 2002-3 and 2003-2004 seasons, Stone was MJHL All League goalie before going to UW Stout (NCAA D3)where he started for four years and became a D3 All-American. Now with degree in hand, he signed with ECHL Wildcatters last weekend.
Matt Summers (F) 1986 Currently with Mississippi River Kings CHL
Summers played full season with the Northern Lights 2002-3 while he was still a high school student. After graduation he moved to the OCN Blizzard of the Manitoba Hockey League. Summers played three full seasons, and part of a fourth with the Blizzard, compiling 105 goals, 180 assists, for 285 career points in 195 MJHL games. Summers played the second half of the 2004-05 season in the USHL with the Green Bay Gamblers, playing in 32 games, while scoring two goals, four assists, for six points. As 2007 MJHL all-star , Summers played in 63 games, leading the Blizzard in scoring with 50 goals (third in league), 69 assists, for 119 points (fifth in league).
The RiverKings acquired Summers from the Laredo Bucks where in 2008 the 6-1, 180-pound forward scored 12 goals and 35 points in 57 games for Laredo. He was plus-five for the regular season and was given 41 minutes in penalties. Matt scored three power play goals and five of his 12 goals were game-winners. He also scored one goal in eleven playoff games for the Bucks.
RiverKings' Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Kevin Kaminski said: "This is a guy who had a great rookie year. Matt has an excellent work ethic, speed and can be a set up man as well as a threat to score. Summers will provide a scoring boost for us that we've been needing."
Keith Detlefsen D (1983) 5'11 205 joined the Kalamazoo Wings (IHL) in 12/07 after season in the SPHL with the Fayetteville FireAntz. He is in his second pro year, which began last year with the Amarillo Gorillas of the Central Hockey League. A four-year standout at Gustavus Adolphus College (NCAA), Detlefsen averaged over a point a night in his collegiate career. http://www.wingsstadium.com/7_detlefsen.htm
Sean Curry (D) 1982 6'5 227 Currently with Providence Bruins AHL. Played in 300th professional game December 30, 2007 on the road vs. the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Split time in his rookie season between Lowell and the East Coast Hockey League’s Florida Everblades where he registered seven points in 32 games prior to promotion to AHL. The 6'5 227 pound 1982 defenseman from Burnsville MN was drafted in 2001 in 7th round (211st overall) by the Carolina Hurricanes.
Jon Awe (D) 1980 6'4 220 Played most recently with the Houston Aeros AHL before accepting a position in South Korean Asian Hockey League with the team Anyang Halla.
Graduate of Northwestern University 2005 tallying 32 points (6-26=32) in 111 games for the Huskies before advancing to Gwinett Gladiators ECHL. At the 2006 ECHL All-Star Game he launched 102.2 mph shot in the Hardest Shot competition, obliterating the old mark by 2.9 mph. Named ECHL Top Defenseman 2007 by league coaches.
Link: Matt Summers - CHL
Link: Sean Curry - AHL
Link: Jon Awe
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| Veteran goalie Mike Stone joins ECHL |
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Mike Stone recently sent in this note:
"I just wanted to say thank you for everything you guys gave me the opportunity to earn. Four years at Stout has not only been some of the best hockey times of my life but I know have a solid education to support me in the future. When you're a 20 year old kid you tend to forget about things like school but by the time I left the Lights I had grown enough to realize the importance of an education. Without learning the values pushed by the Lights I'm not sure I ever would have attended college. Thanks to you guys and the people around you I couldn't be happier about the steps I've followed so far in life. As for right now I'm currently down in Beaumont Texas playing with the Texas Wildcatters in the ECHL. Ever since I can remember I wanted to play professional hockey and there are a lot of reasons that I'm fortunate enough to be here, but I owe you both a big THANK YOU! You guys always took such good care of me and always made me feel that all my dreams in life were achievable. I hope you are both doing well and hopefully talk to you soon.
Thanks, Mike Stone
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| Champions Creed |
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I am a champion.
I will live each day with a passion that’s contagious
I will strive to be the hero that I’ve always looked for in someone else. I don’t need to receive others’ recognition to motivate me. I play because I love the game, because it reminds me I’m alive
I will do everything in my power to be prepared
I will train so I’ll be better at practice
I will practice with game-day intensity, each stride, each shift
I will push and try and get back up
I refuse to cut corners, whine, or put others down
I will not let up, slack, or make someone do my work for me
I will train hard on days I don’t feel like showing up, even if I’m alone
I will be disciplined, work hard at all times, and make smart choices
I will take care of the body God has given me
I will be in control of my mind, my words, my actions
I am the same person, whether or not I think someone is watching
I will take care of the things that I have the power to change. I will consistently fine-tune the areas in which I have had success. I will focus on the areas I need it most & will push until I excel. I will risk messing up until I master each skill. I am not afraid of trying something new or of facing tough challenges.
I will be teachable and respect those who guide me
I will carry my brothers when they need my help
I will put the team above myself
I will bring out the best in those around me
I will use my attitude and influence to make a positive difference.
I will be the best that I can be and enjoy the journey of success.
I will bring honor to my family name as I live and play with honor.
I will be a man of character even if others choose to compromise.
I will respect my opponents as I beat them on the ice
Success is more about who I am than what I did
And a winning score only has meaning if I put forth my best effort
I define excellence based on what should be done not on what those around me may be doing.
I will be thankful for my life and the ability to play the greatest sport on earth. I will choose to delay immediate gratification in the glorious hopes of winning it all. I am a champion!!!!
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| Northern Lights and MNJHL Granted "Junior A" Title |
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July 16, 2007
Summarized from Daniel Esdale, Junior Council, USA Hockey notice to Junior Council members:
The following USAH Tier III Jr. B Leagues have submitted documentations of the required organizational and operational requirements of T-III Jr. A as required during the junior council session of June 2007.
Tier III Jr. A status is herby granted to Minnesota Junior Hockey League (MNJHL), Central States Hockey League (CSHL), Northern Pacific Junior Hockey League (NorPac), and the Western States League (WSHL) with the following provisions;
a. Following the two year probationary period the leagues must meet the forthcoming performance criteria.
b. Leagues are not permitted expansion at any time in any form during the probationary period.
c. Re-certification process will occur for each season.
...
Ross Smith, Northern Lights General Manager comments:
"Since our reorganization in 2002, we have intentionally created policies and programs that provide more services to our players than what our Junior B status required. This has come with additional expense which is translated into somewhat higher player fees, but we are more concerned about doing things the right way to get the best results rather than just getting by with the minimum requirements. We are pleased that this level has been created and that this restructuring within USA Hockey will challenge all participating organizations to continue to strive towards administrative/organizational excellence and stronger competitiveness on the ice. Our league has met the criteria to move forward and to assume this new USAH designation and the Northern Lights organization commits to doing its part to ensure that we retain this title into the future."
Link: USA Hockey
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| Former Light inks pro deal |
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 June 11, 2007
Former Twin Cities Northern Light Matt Summers has signed a professional contract with the Laredo Bucks of the Central Hockey League (CHL).
Summers, 20, played full season with the Lights in 2002-03 while still attending high school. His teammates voted Summers the "most improved" player for that inaugural Lights season. He had 8 goals, 6 assists in his 20 games as a Light, plus three assists in Minnesota Junior Hockey League playoffs and 4 assists in the USA Hockey "Silver Cup" Junior National Tournament. Following graduation, Summers went north of the border to play Junior A in Canada.
With the OCN Blizzard, Summers led the team in scoring during the 2006-07 season with 50 goals and 69 assists for 119 points in 63 games with the team. His 50 goals were good enough for third in the MJHL, while his 119 points were fifth in league scoring.
Over his junior career, Summers played three full seasons and part of a fourth with OCN, beginning with the 2003-04 season. He left the team partway through the 2004-05 season to go to Green Bay of the United States Hockey League, but returned to the Blizzard for the 2005-06 campaign. The product of Savage, Minn. played in 195 career games in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League, scoring 105 goals and adding 180 assists for 285 career points.
Summers played in 18 playoff games in the 2004 and 2006 MJHL post-seasons, helping the Blizzard win the Sher-Wood Division title in 2006. He had nine goals and 22 career playoff points.
Summers is the third player with the Steers/Northern Lights organization that has advanced to the pro ranks. He joins Sean Curry 6'5 227 D (Providence Bruins, AHL) and Jon Awe 6'4 220 D (Chicago Wolves, AHL). Curry is in his fifth professional season after being selected by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 7th round, 211th overall, in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft. Curry has 42 points (13g, 35a) in 338 games, playing his 300th career pro game on December 30, 2006 at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Awe played four years and graduated from Northeastern University (NCAA Division I)in 2005. He played 60 games this season with the Gwinnett Gladiators ECHL but is finishing with the Chicago Wolves (AHL).
Link: OCN Blizzard - Player Profile
Link: NL Archive Player Profile
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| HONORS FOR OUR TEAM ALUMNI |
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We celebrate the accomplishments of Bethel University senior Ryan Adams, who was recently named to the MIAC All-Sportsmanship Team and just graduated from college with a Bachelor's Degree with double majors in Physical Education and Health. Adams was featured in the College Sporting News "Profiles of Excellence". Adams has continued to serve our organization while in college, assisting with tryouts and scouting. "The highest team award we present each year is named after Ryan, who embodied our team ideals then and continues to bring honor to his family name where ever he goes," said GM Ross Smith. We are all so proud of our first Northern Lights college graduate from our 2002-03 inaugural season!
Sophomore Andy Kent (Augsburg) was named to the MIAC All-Conference Team.
Nick Henkemeyer (Marian College, Fond du Lac WI) was named to the All-MCHA Freshman Team. Henkemeyer, a defenseman, recorded 13 points (2G/11A) for the Sabres this past season.
Matt Summers (OCN Blizzard Junior A) was named to the MJHL All-Star First Team capping his junior playing eligibility by scoring a hat-trick in his last game of the season to reach 50 goals. He finished his last month of junior hockey with 17 goals and 28 points in 12 games. On the season, the Savage, Minn. product was tied for fourth in league scoring with 119 points. Summers was also named the Sher-Wood Hockey Player of the Month for February.
Jesse Felten (Oswego Admirals-Junior A) was named the CENTURY 21 Galloway Realty Player of the Month and just committed to Oswego State (SUNYAC) Division III for the 2007-08 season.
We are so proud of all of you!
Link: Ryan Adams
Link: Nick Henkemeyer
Link: Matt Summers
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| Veteran Largen Joining NCAA Division I at University of Alaska-Fairbanks |
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 Third player to skate in MJHL in 2005-06 makes Division I plans
August 3, 2006
Erik Largen will return home and stop pucks for the Nanooks this coming fall. Goaltender Erik Largen, who began last season with the Twin Cities Northern Lights, has committed to the University of Alaska-Fairbanks for this coming fall.
Largen, a Fairbanks native, posted a 3-0 record, including two shutouts, with the Lights before joining the North Iowa Outlaws of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) in early October. He finished the season with the NAHL’s Southern Minnesota Express.
“Our ultimate goal is to see our veterans on college hockey rosters, whether they go directly from here or spend time in Junior A first,” said Northern Lights GM Ross Smith. “We couldn't be happier that this college opportunity has surfaced for Erik."
During the NAHL playoffs, Largen fashioned a perfect 6-0 record to compliment a league-best 1.39 goals-against average and .963 save percentage.
“I'm excited to be able to go to school and be on the roster in my hometown; I grew in Fairbanks up watching the UAF team play," said Largen of his opportunity to play in the CCHA.
“The Northern Lights gave me an opportunity when I wasn't getting the look,” he continued. “During my time with the organization, I matured as a player through the tough competition in the MJHL and the team helped prepare me as a person to be ready for the next level.”
Largen is the sixth Northern Lights goaltender in the organization's four-year history to earn a spot on a college roster, joining Mike Stone (University of Wisconsin-Stout); Andy Kent (Augsburg College); Kevin Johnson (Gustavus Adolphus College); Matt Wanvig (Hamline University); and Ryan Miech (University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point).
Largen is the third player to skate in the MJHL last season to commit to a Division I program. In the spring, Wisconsin’s Josh Turnbull announced his intentions to play at the University of Wisconsin in 2008-09, while Ice Hawks’ goaltender Joey Spracklen committed to Army for this coming fall.
Link: University of Alaska-Fairbanks athletics
Link: Eric Largen player profile
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| Henkemeyer named MJHL Player of the Month |
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From mnjhl.com:
Holland, Henkemeyer named December's best
January 6, 2006
The Minnesota Junior Hockey League announced today that Minnesota Ice Hawks forward Darin “Skippy” Holland and Twin Cities Northern Lights defenseman Nick Henkemeyer have been named the MJHL/USA Junior Hockey Magazine Offensive and Defensive Players of the Month, respectively, for December.
Henkemeyer, 20, recorded a goal and eight assists (nine points) in nine December contests as the first-place Northern Lights went 7-1. The Prior Lake, Minn., native leads all MJHL defensemen in scoring with three goals for 26 points after 32 games.
“Nick has been the staple of our D core,” said Lights coach Eric Fink. “He has great vision and playmaking abilities and he's rarely found out of position defensively. What he lacks in size he makes up for with his ability to jump up in the play offensively and create opportunities.”
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| 2004-05 Season |
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| Class of 2004-05 moving on to college |
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We are so pleased that last year's veterans have committed to attend the following colleges for the fall 2005:
Cole Abernathy - Gustavus Adolphus College (MIAC) - NCAA Division III
Eric Adams - Bethel College (MIAC) - NCAA Division III
Ryan Hampson - St. Olaf College (MIAC) - NCAA Division III
Andy Kent - Augsburg College (MIAC) - NCAA Division III
Erik LaRock - St. Mary's University (MIAC) - NCAA Division III
Jared Martz - Gustavus Adolphus College (MIAC) - NCAA Division III
Joel McGuire - Gustavus Adolphus College (MIAC) - NCAA Division III
Ryan Miech - University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (NCHA) - NCAA Division III
Ted Urschel - Hamline University (MIAC) - NCAA Division III
Jason Wong - Hamline University (MIAC) - NCAA Division III
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| Veteran Keith Detlefsen named AHCA All-American |
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 The American Hockey Coaches Association announced the Men's Division III Ice Hockey CCM All-American Teams on March 18, 2005. Gustavus junior defenseman Keith Detlefsen (Lakeville, Minn.) was named to the Second Team All-America in the West Region. Detlefsen became the 14th player in school history to be named All-American since Gustavus changed to from NAIA to NCAA Division III in 1980. The CCM All-American Ice Hockey Teams are sponsored by CCM, an international leader in hockey equipment, and chosen by members of the American Hockey Coaches Association.
Detlefsen was the top scoring defenseman in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and led his team in scoring with 38 points. For the season, Detlefsen recorded 13 goals and 25 assists for 38 points. The junior led NCAA Division in points per game by a defenseman with an average of 1.52. The Lakeville native averaged 1.52 goals per game and 1.00 assists per game, which ranked him 15th and ninth in Division III, respectively.
The Gustavus men's hockey team ended the 2004-05 season with an overall record of 10-15-1 and 7-8-1 in the MIAC. The Gusties made their fourth consecutive appearance in the MIAC post-season tournament. Coach Brett Petersen's squad entered the tournament as the number five seed and traveled to Northfield to play the number four seed St. Olaf. The season ended for Gustavus with a 3-2 loss to St. Olaf in the first round of the conference tournament.
Link: Gustavus College
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| College Hockey Success Stories |
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 Looking across the MIAC and NCHA college hockey scene, you will notice veterans from across the MNJHL making a solid contribution to their teams. Northern Lights/Steers veterans continue to move on to college hockey and have done well this season.
Keith Detlefsen, a junior at Gustavus, was first in points in the MIAC as a defenseman! He scored 1.93 points per game (10-19-29) and was sixth in goals per game (.67 with 10 goals). He was also fifth in power play goals. The MIAC player of the week January 17, 2005 for tallying six points in the conference sweep of Concordia in Moorhead, Minn. Detlefsen recorded two goals and three assists in the 7-0 victory over the Cobbers. The following night he contributed one goal in the 4-1 victory.
Ryan Adams, former NL Captain is a Sophomore at Bethel was third in goal scoring wih 12 goals for the season (.75 per game), #16 in scoring in the MIAC with 1.06 points per game (12-5-17), and #17 in power play goals
Josh Storm, junior at Bethel (3-10-13) had .81 points per game and Ryan Manke, Senior Captain at Hamline had .44 points per game (3-4-7).
In the NCHA, three year veteran goalie Mike Stone is a Freshman and starting goalie at UW-Stout. He carries a .909 save percentage and 6-6-3 overall season record, with 3.09 Goals Against Average. In the conference he had a .912 save percentage and was second in the NCHA for number of saves during the season (482).
Pete Eloranta is a senior at UW-Eau Claire, wearing #4. He was second on the team in points (8-17=25).
We're proud of each of you and are looking forward to seeing your names in the news each week next season along with some of our current players.
Link: Ryan Adams Bethel University
Link: Ryan Manke Hamline
Link: Mike Stone UW-Stout
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| HELPING LITTLE HEROES - CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL |
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On September 14, 2004 WCCO News profiled Markus Bachman, son of NL Board of Directors member Mike Bachman. On May 26, 1999 Markus began treatment through Gillette Minneapolis Children's Hospital because he was born with a multitude of health issues. This little man who lives across the street from the Smiths is a true miracle and proof of God's goodness. It's simply amazing that he can go fishing and play with the other kids in the neighborhood... Check out his website at the link below.
At each of our home games the team helps raise money for this hospital through our stuffed animal toss. When fans make a donation, they can pick a stuffed animal to use at the game and throw on the ice when the team scores the first goal of the night.
Thanks for supporting our community's "little heroes" by purchasing the special Star Tribune edition on Sept 21st at several locations throughout the Twin Cities metro area. Some Northern Lights players helped with the paper sale -- 75 cents of each dollar paper going to the hospital and its research.
* Children's Hospitals and Clinics has been the leading children's healthcare organization in the upper Midwest for over 100 years, with more than 1,500 physicians and nearly 3,000 employees.
* Children's is a comprehensive healthcare organization featuring specially trained staff and facilities designed specifically to help children with varying illnesses -- from tonsillitis to leukemia.
* Children's philosophy of care focuses on the physical and emotional well being of children and their families. Special care and programs allow children with an illness to still be able to laugh, smile and enjoy being a kid.
* Each year, Children's Hospitals and Clinics serves more than 12,000 children with various illnesses, and never turns away a child in need.
Link: Markus' website
Link: Gillette Children's Hospital
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| 2003-04 veterans moving on... |
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 Congrats to Louie Bruno III, who will be joining the ranks of Junior A in Canada this fall on the Thornhill Thunderbirds.
Vet Andy Johnson (2003-04) will be playing for UM-Crookston after a year on the MN Blizzard Jr. A (NAHL).
In MIAC hockey, Brent Hanus is attending Bethel University, joining vets Ryan Adams and Josh Storm (Steers). Tony Beaulieu continues at Augsburg and Ryan Manke serves as captain at Hamline. Keith Detlefsen played Junior A and is continuing at Gustavus.
Goalie Mike Stone and veteran D Rick Lopez (pictured) are off to University of UW-Stout. Goalie vet Tom Coyne will be transferring to Stout after a year at Washington & Jefferson College.
Other vets playing Canadian Junior A include Matt Summers (OCN Blizzard) and Kelly Kranz with Thunder Bay KC Bulldogs of the SIJHL.
Sean Curry continues his professional career with the Carolina Hurricanes organization.
Link: Sean Curry
Link: Louie Bruno
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