The Big 8 - Junior Hockey News

Published: Tuesday, 17 Jul 2012

By: Randy Russon

Eight of the North American Hockey League's 24 teams are residents of the North Division. Eight teams make the North the biggest of the NAHL's four divisions. Ergo, I refer to the NAHL North as the Big 8. And since the NAHL North is the beat to which I will mostly march to for Juniorhockey.com, Sault This Week, Hockey Weekly and ESPN 1400, let's take an alphabetical, midsummer stroll through the teams of the Big 8.

JAMESTOWN IRONMEN

This is all I can tell you about Ironmen owner Kenji Yamada and coach Dan Daikawa: For whatever reason, neither has returned a single of the several e-mail messages I have sent to them regarding coverage of their team. Until they do, both will be persona non grata with me, since that is apparently what I am to them.

JANESVILLE JETS

The Jets have a new coach in Joe Dibble. Off-season tenders include forward Michael Covach from the Philadelphia Jr. Flyers. Covach was originally headed to Springfield as a Jr. Blues tender but opted for Janesville when Dibble signed on there.

JOHNSTOWN TOMAHAWKS

How can you not like a "down home" Maritimer from just north of Halifax, Nova Scotia? Canadian-born Jason Spence is the head coach of the first-year Johnstown franchise and besides being Canucks he and I have something else in common: We are both fans of free-agent goalie Chris Truehl.

KALAMAZOO JR. K-WINGS

K-Zoo hockey boss Marc Fakler is waiting on the status of a few of his veteran players including 26-goal scorer Robbie Payne, who may end up with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders of the United States Hockey League.

MICHIGAN WARRIORS

Warrior tenders include three players from Detroit Belle Tire U-18: goalie Jordan Uhelski, defenceman Joshua Shellman and forward Kyle Shreve.

PORT HURON FIGHTING FALCONS

New Fighting Falcons coach-general manager Steve Shannon is on the look for a goalie and owner Maribeth Hayes is looking at real estate in Port Huron for an imminent move to Michigan from California.

SOO EAGLES

Remember this name: Dallas McLaughlin. He's a 5-foot-8 forward who netted 36 goals for the Eagles when they were a part of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League last season. He's been tendered by the Eagles as they move from the NOJHL to the NAHL and besides being a goal-scorer, he's as tough as a $2 steak.

SPRINGFIELD JR. BLUES

New owner, new coach. New recruits include tendered forward James McGing from Culver Academy. McGing hails from the Chicago area, which is where new Jr. Blues coach Tony Zasowski happens to be from.

Author: Randy Russon

Russon brings a a lifetime of media experience to the JuniorHockey.com staff.

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Discuss:

posted Jul. 17th, 2012 - 2:26pm

Jack Dodd says:

Is there still a team in Jamestown? LOL.

posted Jul. 17th, 2012 - 3:16pm

Billy Bonney says:

Whats up with these 2 dinks from Jamestown?Do these 2 not realise that having good relationship's with the Media is in Chapter 1 of every Marketing 101 course!

posted Jul. 17th, 2012 - 3:52pm

Tony Prito says:

So.....I take it that this goalie Chris Truehl is not on the Protected List of any team in the NA then. With so much mention of him it will be werth following where he ends up playing & how he pans out.

posted Jul. 17th, 2012 - 3:59pm

Randy Russon says:

Tony,

Truehl is a free agent as we speak. He has invitations to NAHL main camps of both the Johnstown Tomahawks and Soo Eagles. I also received an e-mail about Truehl from another team in the NAHL North but I don't know if that has gone any further.

Regards,

Randy

posted Jul. 18th, 2012 - 6:23am

Tony Prito says:

Interesting that Truehl has those 2 invites wonder if Milosek is coming back to PH or if Shannon is shopping for a goalie. As for PH they drafted a kid out of Culver Academy name of Derek Shatzer not sure if he is in the Falcons plans for this year.

posted Jul. 18th, 2012 - 12:08pm

Randy Russon says:

JOHNSTOWN TOMAHAWKS TO HOLD SELECT-A-SEAT AND OPEN HOUSE

Johnstown Tomahawks of the North American Hockey League will host a Select-a-Seat and Open House at the War Memorial Arena on Thursday, Aug. 2 from 4–8 p.m.

Open to the public, this free event allows all prospective season ticket buyers to preview and purchase the best available seats for the Tomahawks 2012-2013 inaugural season in the NAHL.

The event will also feature the unveiling of the team’s mascot and introductions to Tomahawks Head Coach Jason Spence and Assistant Coach Mike Letizia.

Those attending will also have the opportunity to meet other members of the Tomahawks staff, who will be available to answer any questions about the team.

Director of Ticket Operations Chris Anderson believes the event will be a great opportunity for fans to learn more about the organization and to find seat locations that best fit their preferences for watching the highly competitive, fast-paced style of hockey the Tomahawks will bring to Johnstown.

“We’re very excited for this event,” he said. “The team looks forward to meeting all of the fans who will be sharing this amazing season with us.”

The fans will also be able to enjoy refreshments, try their hand at shooting pucks on net, and purchase Tomahawks merchandise.

Those buying season tickets will have several exclusive benefits, including reduced pricing, a 20% discount off merchandise, private events, and early entrance on game days, among several other perks.

The Tomahawks open the season on Saturday, Sept. 8 with two games in Port Huron, Mich. before returning to the War Memorial for the home opener on Saturday, Sept. 29 vs. the division-rival Michigan Warriors.

To purchase season or group tickets in advance of the event, or for additional information, call 814-536-4625, email info@johnstowntomahawks.com, or visit www.JohnstownTomahawks.com.

posted Jul. 19th, 2012 - 4:32pm

Randy Russon says:

FYI,

NAHL Showcase schedule just posted on www.nahl.com

posted Jul. 19th, 2012 - 8:58pm

Lori Orchow says:

I may shoot myself in the foot here, but so far I have to say Jamestown has really impressed me by their pre-season workout and contact form the coach. Not sure why he doesn't respond here, but so far I can't complain about his coaching, when many other NAHL coaches have flat our mislead us.

posted Jul. 20th, 2012 - 7:27am

Tony Prito says:

Lori: care to share with us what NAHL coaches have misled you?

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* Article disclaimer: This site may contain advice, opinions and statements from various authors and information providers. Views expressed in this article reflect the personal opinion of the author, Randy Russon, and not necessarily the views of JuniorHockey.com. JuniorHockey.com does not represent or endorse the accuracy or reliability of any advice, opinion, statement or other info provided in the article, or from any other member of this site.