I will still probably go to a bunch of hockey game this year, but I won’t be covering them for The Yost Post. I might for the Intermission Report or The Neutral Zone, but one site just focusing on Michigan hockey will be gone.

It’s been a fun year and a half, and I will never forget it. Believe me, when John-Michael Liles or Adam Burish call you on your cell phone to talk about hockey, you know you’re never going to forget that!

I’ve met a lot of awesome people–in person–because of this site. I’d like to thank you for your nice words and meeting up with me at games! I’ll still be around!

Thanks for reading my thougths and remarks. It means a lot.

Remember, this isn’t goodbye, it’s just Farewell.

I’ll be updating my twitter handle as soon as I can think of a fun new name…there’s so many “Melissa’s” out there I’ve got to be unique!

Red has been coaching at the University of Michigan since 1984, the year I was born! I recently met him for the first time at a retirement party for a mutual friend. He was everything I thought he would be. Someone to look up to, a great story teller, smart and funny—he told me to watch out for hockey players then followed it up with some are real good guys! Correct on both, Red!

He’s had a wonderful career to keep building upon having played his college hockey at Michigan for three seasons (60-62) was an All-American twice and team captain.

He played in the NHL for 17 years with various teams (Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, St. Louis Blues, and the Detroit Red Wings) before coaching the Blues and winning the Jack Adams Award for NHL Coach of the Year in 1981.

Under Red, the Wolverines have been to the Frozen Four 11 times, won 2 NCAA Championships, 11 regular season CCHA titles, 9 CCHA Tournament titles and have gone to the NCAA Tournament the last 21 years straight—the longest streak in college hockey.

From the Detroit Free Press:

“I’m pleased that the administration and the program are looking ahead,” Berenson said in a released statement. “I’m excited about the opportunity to remain at Michigan, especially with the current Yost renovations, the move to the Big Ten and for our incoming recruits. We have a great staff here, and I’m looking forward to the next few years at Michigan.”

“Red is an icon in the sport and the one of the most recognizable names in college hockey,” athletic director Dave Brandon said in the statement. “We are glad that he agreed to continue leading our hockey program for the foreseeable future. Red’s dedication to Michigan and our program is a major reason for our success. I’m excited that he will continue molding the lives of the young men who skate for Michigan.”

There’s a pretty impressive list of guys playing in the NHL or in professional hockey who learned from him. The list will keep growing, thankfully!

Kevin Porter moved from the Colorado Avalanche to the Buffalo Sabres (1 year contract)

Al Montoya moved from the New York Islanders to the Winnipeg Jets (1 year contract)

Andrew Ebbett signed a two way deal with the Vancouver Canucks.

Recent grads Luke Glendening and Shawn Hunwick will both be playing hockey this fall. Luke signed a one year contract with his hometown team—the Grand Rapids Griffins.

Shawn is going to Europe to begin is “Eurotrip” (great movie if you haven’t seen it!) with EC Red Bull Salzburg of the Austrian Hockey League. According to his twitter account, he’s leaving this weekend.

I think that’s it in terms of updates. Go back to your summer lives now ….

From the Detroit Free Press:

“It doesn’t make me all warm and fuzzy to retract on my word,” Carrick said today by telephone. “I am a guy who puts a lot of value in what I say. Situations change, and a lot has changed in two years.”

Before this decision, Michigan had 8 defeseman to choose from for this season. Four of them were a lock which means four guys would be fighting for 2 spots.

Plymouth has told him he will be a top 4 defenseman this year, guaranteeing him a lot of ice time. There was no guarantee of that at Michigan this season or next season for that matter–Lee Moffie will be the only senior dman on the team this year.

Making this decision, regardless of how difficult it was, felt like the right decision for him. Congratulations to Connor and all the best! I’m looking forward to him showing up all the statistics that say he doesn’t have a shot. With someone like Connor, anything is possible, especially through hard work and determination. This kid has lots of it!

Free Agency Notes

From what I could tell, only one Wolverine changed homes on Sunday.

David Moss signed with the Phoenix Coyotes Sunday to a two year deal. Moss has played the last six years with the Calgary Flames.

The Winnipeg Jets, who last year selected Michigan defenseman Brennan Serville, added another Michigan defenseman, Jacob Trouba with the 9^th overall pick on Friday night. Trouba graduated from Pioneer High School this month and has spent the last two years training with the NDTP at the cube. He was drafted in the 2010 OHL draft by the Kitchener Rangers. He says he’s coming to Michigan…who are we to not believe him?

**It’s important to note, the only defenseman Michigan lost last year was Greg Pateryn to graduation. That means there are currently six defenseman on the team: Mike Chaisson, Kevin Clare, Brennan Serville, Lee Moffie, Jon Merrill, and Mike Szuma. This doesn’t count another incoming freshman Connor Carrick, who is also a graduate of the NDTP in Ann Arbor and Trouba. 8 defenseman, 6 spots…something may or may not give!**

Michigan sophomore, Phil DiGuiseppe was selected 38^th overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round.

In round 2, the New York Rangers selected Cristoval “Boo” Nieves with the 59^th overall pick. He’s a forward out of New York who played 13 games in the USHL last year with the Indiana Ice after his school season (Kent School) ended.

He wants to go the college route according to this interview.

In the 5^th round, 137^th overall, the Washington Capitals selected Connor Carrick. Check out the interview below!

Carrick’s OHL rights were also traded to the Plymouth Whalers this week.

A huge congratulations to all the guys. It was a busy weekend for them and exciting to see and hear so many people talking about how talented and hard working they are. Michigan is lucky to have them, if they show up, and if not, good luck to them in whatever path they choose.

What team is going to draft me?  Where will I end up? Will I even play for the team that does draft me?

There are so many questions and so many variables that go into this weekend. One things for sure, these kids have earned every right to enjoy this weekend and all the draft has to offer them!

Who does Michigan have representing them in this year’s draft?

Phil Di Giuseppe just finished his freshman year in the maize and blue uniform. Going into the world junior tournament last December, he was third in overall points on the team with 14 (6 goals and 8 assists). He was selected to try out for Team Canada, but didn’t make the cut. He finished the season with 11 goals and 15 assists and was awarded CCHA All-Rookie Team Honorable Mention. He’s ranked 22^nd in the NHL Scouting Report.

The USA NTDP will give the Wolverines a few guys this fall.

Connor Carrick (defense), ranked 124^th in the NHL Scouting Report, has a good shot from the blue line. He’s not the biggest guy on the ice, but he’s a hard worker, the grinder type who won’t back down from anything. He’s also doesn’t back away from physical play, liking more to be involved in it than waiting in the wings. Many a time, I sat in the stands at the cube and Carrick was involved in some sort of scuffle. He’s smart on and off the ice and you can usually find him in the weight room.

Jacob Trouba (defense), ranked 9^th in the NHL Scouting Report, is being projected as a first round draft pick. Trouba has played for team USA in the last two World Junior Championships, winning two gold medals.

From Allan Muir:

Regarded as one of the best athletes in the draft, he’s a defenseman in the mold of Dion Phaneuf — nasty in his own end with the ability to make things happen in the offensive zone as well. He’s quick on his feet and makes the most of his size to intimidate opposing forwards. If there’s a chance to make the big hit, he’s happy to oblige. He’s aggressive with the puck and has a big bomb from the point. There are some questions about his ability to read the game defensively, but if a team thinks they can address this, Trouba could mature into a top-two defender.

Trouba has been in Pittsburgh since Wednesday participating in activities for the top prospects like taking batting practice at PNC Park and media day. Follow is twitter for updates.

I’ll be biting my nails over the next 24 hours while the draft is on…

A huge good luck to our Wolverines and just because, a huge good luck to Collin Olson (Ohio State)—favorite goalie ever!!, Brady Skjei (Minnesota), and Frank Vatrano (Boston College).

Used with permission from Bridgetds' Flickr

The end of the school year has come and gone, and I’m regaining my sanity one round of golf at a time! Thanks for hanging in there with me while updating my site has totally gone to the waste side. Now that hockey’s over, I really don’t want to think about hockey, because then I will just miss it.

Well, sort of. Mostly I’ve just used up all my creative energy for lesson plans, and the think tank is officially down at 0.

This is probably why I had no idea a Michigan hockey alum was actually up for an award at this year’s NHL Awards in Las Vegas. Ooops!

And a very important award it is—Sorry, Max!

Everyone remembers Max getting his face/neck/body smashed into the partition by Zdeno Chara in April 2011. If you don’t, here’s a video to remind you!

This and his subsequent rehabilitation have him nominated for the Masterson Award.

From Bleacher Report:

Bill Masterton played for the Minnesota North Stars during the NHL’s original expansion in 1967-68. When he was checked hard by two members of the Oakland Seals, he fell backwards and his head hit the ice. Masterton went into a coma and he never came out of it. Masterton remains the only NHL player to die from injuries suffered in a game.

Masterton was a hard working and dedicated player and the trophy that bears his name goes to the player who shows dedication to hockey, perseverance and sportsmanship.

Pacioretty along with Daniel Alfredsson of the Ottawa Senators and Joffrey Lupul of the Toronto Maple Leafs are the nominees in this category.

And the award goes to…

Well, I hope it’s Pacioretty. I mean, did you see the hit? He was such a good sport about the entire ensuing rehab and Montreal wanting to prosecute Chara and all that. He worked hard through it all to come back at score 33 goals this year and 32 assists in 79 games. Five of those goals were game winners.

Pacioretty only played for the maize and blue for one season (07-08), but once you’re a wolverine, you’re always a wolverine.

Good luck tonight! The Awards are on the NHL Network at 7pm eastern. Live from Las Vegas…you know Vegas has some nice golf courses…maybe next year?

The past two years, a Michigan Wolverine has won the Stanley Cup. Steve Kampfer in 2011 with the Boston Bruins and John Madden for the Chicago Blackhawks in 2010.

There were no Wolverines playing between 2006-2009 when the Pens beat the Red Wings, the Red Wings beat the Pens and the Ducks beat the Senators.

In 2006, Aaron Ward (90-93) won the Stanley Cup with the Carolina Hurrcanes.

There was no hockey season in 2005—let’s not make a habit of this, NHL, okay?

In 2004, Tampa beat Calgary and again there was not a single wolverine playing. In 2003, Madden won the cup while playing for the New Jersey Devils over the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim (before their name change).

In 2002, the Red Wings beat the Hurricanes. Aaron Ward was on the Hurricanes team.

Madden was on the losing end in 2001 when he played for the the New Jersey Devils and they were beat by the Colorado Avalanche.

And that is the history of wolverines in the Stanley Cup Finals over the past 11 years…4 Cups and 2 losses with 5 years of no one playing.

Happy Memorial Day! Thank you to the brave men, women, and families who have sacrified so much for our country. Freedom isn’t free!

First of all, this was my first time in the fieldhouse and my goodness it is beautiful!

Second of all, the event itself was incredibly special because of all the fundraising and money that is donated for Motts Children’s hospital.

There were hundreds of stories to share with you—from Jay Feely asking me if I would play golf in his group the next day at the outing to complimenting Adam Schefter from ESPN on his catch—he smiled a big smile and said, “Thank you so much. I really appreciate it.”

But in the grand scheme of things none of that was important—what was important that these people work together to make sure that the kids at Motts have the best care and comforts they can have. What I learned/forgot/relearned on Saturday is it’s not just the kid who is sick and suffers, but the family of the child who is ill.

The perfect example was Faith. Faith had a video play over the two big screens talking about her illness. She’s unable to use the restroom and as a result has spent tons of time in the hospital, had numerous surgeries (including one she postponed so she could be at this event), and is unable to attend a “normal” school.

Faith and her family were seated with Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford and his girlfriend Kelly Hall. That’s right, two Georgia Bulldogs came to support Motts Children’s hospital—he was surrounded by Wolverine football players from the past!

Here’s what Faith’s Mom said about the evening in her blog:

At the beginning of the evening a very beautiful young woman sat down at our table, she introduced herself as Kelly. Faith was immediately in love. After the athletes in attendance were introduced Matt Stafford came and sat next to her at the table. Immediately, Will’s entire disposition changed. Suddenly, there was life in my sons eyes, and a smile, a really excited happy smile that I had not seen for months.

Right away Matt could tell that my son was a fan, he stuck his hand out and introduced himself. The next hour or so Will asked all kinds of questions, who do you like to throw the ball to the most, did you ever play other sports, at one point they were talking about candy. Matt’s girlfriend had Faith just as engaged, they talked about nails, and dresses, she was delightful. Beautiful inside and out.

Throughout the dinner there were two live auctions with Dhani Jones as the auctioneer. One of the auction items included tickets to a Monday Night Football game in Chicago featuring the Detroit Lions. Previous auction items were “beefed up” when Dhani would ask the people who provided the items to increase their donations. He asked this of Stafford and Stafford quickly threw in four additional tickets to the game.

Will was excited to see who won the package and watched intently to see who was going to see his Lions play in Chicago, suddenly, the Lions own quarterback began bidding on the package, Dhani teased about being able to watch and play at the same time, saying I know you were good last year, but man that is talent. I assumed he was driving the price of the package up, all the money goes to Mott, I thought it was incredibly cool of him. As the bidding continued he wasn’t backing off…he was in it, he wanted to win that package, and had I known why, I’m certain, I would have been in tears. Somewhere in the $15k range Matt Stafford was the owner of the MNF package, the crowd laughed, but moments later, that same crowd would be giving the Mott newcomer a standing ovation. As he won the package he turned to Will and said, there you go buddy, you go to Chicago, and take your family. The look on my sons face, I will never forget. His chin began to quiver, he was about to cry. He quickly jumped up and gave Matt a hug, and thanked him over and over again.

Faith, her brother, and their family had no idea this was going on and after Stafford was awarded the item, Dhani announced that he had purchased the item for Faith’s family.  He asked if Faith would like to come up and thank Matt in front of everyone, which she did. This adorable little girl in her princess dress thanked him on stage in front of 1,000 people.

Matt received a standing ovation from the crowd and there were not many eyes that weren’t misted over…

This family has been through so much and without even thinking, Matt made a really kind gesture to bring the family closer together and to give them something to look forward to this fall.

Later in the evening, Brian Griese invited all of the former Michigan quarterbacks up to the stage to pass footballs out to the crowd. These footballs had been signed by Griese, Hutchinson and Woodson as well as Michigan Head Coach Brady Hoke. Each football would cost $1,000 and I believe they said each donation was being matched so Motts had a chance to make either $200,000 or $400,000 from the footballs.

Brian invited Matt up on stage to help pass out the footballs saying that showing up at the Gala on Saturday night and purchasing the auction gift, he was now an honorary member of the Michigan football team.

Real classy move…

So Saturday evening was a whirlwind of emotions. It’s wonderful to see so much good in so many people and to know they are Wolverines.

Keep changing the world. Go Blue!