The injury comes in the middle of one of JVR’s most consistent stretches of play this season for the Leafs. In his last 26 games played, JVR had scored 10 goals, chipped in 13 assists and tallied 23 total points. The forward had four goals, five assists, nine points and one power play goals in his last 10 games. He had a seven game point streak that went from December 21-January 6, where he had nine total points. In 40 games played, he had 14 goals, 15 assists, 29 points and five power play goals in 17:45 of ice time per game.
JVR leads the teams with 29 points and is third in assists with 15. He also is second on the Leafs with 14 goals, one behind Leo Komarov for the team lead. His five power play goals lead the team and the 129 shots on goals are second on the team. JVR has contributed nine power play points and 20 points at even strength. He has only been held pointless in three straight games twice this season.
The Leafs recalled forward, Josh Leivo from its AHL Affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, to take JVR’s spot in the lineup. Leivo has played 16 games for the Leafs and has two goals, one assists, three points and four penalty minutes. In 35 games played for the Marlies, Leivo has 11 goals, 19 assists, and 30 points. He is also a plus 10, has 10 penalty minutes and 95 shots on goal. Leivo was recently named an AHL All-Star.
Leivo has put the put in the net at the lower levels, but the big question is can he do it in the NHL at a consistent pace? In his AHL career, he has 45 goals in 150 games played to go with 61 assists for 106 points. He is a plus 28 with 372 shots on goal and 83 penalty minutes. Leivo was second on the Marlies in goals (11), assists (19), points (30) and power play goals (5).
Chicago‘s Russian rookie Artemi Panarin may be overshadowed a bit sharing a line with the NHL points leader on a team of superstars, but opponents likely notice the playmaker.
He’s tallied 39 points (15 goals, 24 assists) in 44 games so far this season–leading the league’s rookies–and has given the Blackhawks two game-winning goals in their past five games. In fact, he’s had at least a point in five games of their recent seven-game win streak, with eight total during that time.
The “Breadman,” as he’s known for his name’s similarity to Panera, has been serving fresh talent in dishes to his teammates or with hot shots past netminders’ baskets.
His line, the Hawks’ “second line” of Panarin, Patrick Kane, and Artem Anisimov, is an offensive authority. Kane has been in the NHL’s three stars of the month twice this season and broken franchise, American, and current player record point streak.
Though the English to Russian and vice-versa is a challenge for Kane and Panarin–that line is fluent in the language of hockey.
“He’s one of the best in the league and definitely a great partner and fun to play with,” Panarin told The Buffalo News of Kane. “I can sense the same understanding of the game playing together. I enjoyed him right away. I knew Patrick Kane before I came to play here. Back in Russia, I was watching his game and definitely understood how to play with him.”
Panarin has made his way into the record books himself, by the way. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, with two goals each in back-to-back games Jan. 5th and 6th against the Pittsburgh Penguins–game-winners, no less–he became the first Hawks rookie to score multiple goals in consecutive games since Darryl Sutter in February, 1981 (about 10 years before Panarin was born).
They beat the Buffalo Sabres 3-1 Jan. 8, took the Penguins 3-1 Jan. 6 at home, and managed an overtime win thanks to Panarin in Pittsburgh Jan. 5. Chicago had a deciding 3-0 win over the Ottawa Senators Jan. 3, a close 4-3 overtime victory over the Avs Dec. 31, and a 7-5 win in Arizona Dec. 29.
NEW YORK (Jan. 11, 2016) – Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin, Detroit Red Wings goaltender Petr Mrazek and Colorado Avalanche defenseman Tyson Barrie have been named the NHL’s “Three Stars” for the week ending Jan. 10.
FIRST STAR – ALEX OVECHKIN, LW, WASHINGTON CAPITALS
Ovechkin tied for first in the NHL with five goals in four games to power the League-leading Capitals (32-7-3, 67 points) to four straight wins. After being held off the scoresheet in a 3-2 victory over the Boston Bruins Jan. 5, Ovechkin recorded the game-winning goal in a 4-1 triumph over the New York Islanders Jan. 7. Playing in his 800th NHL game, Ovechkin then scored twice – including the winning goal at 1:25 of overtime – in a 4-3 comeback victory over the New York Rangers Jan. 9. He capped the week by again scoring twice, including his 500th and 501st NHL goals, in a 7-1 win over the Ottawa Senators Jan. 10. In doing so, Ovechkin (801 GP) became the fifth-fastest player in NHL history to reach the 500-goal milestone, behind Wayne Gretzky (575 GP), Mario Lemieux (605 GP), Mike Bossy (647 GP) and Brett Hull (693 GP). The 30-year-old Moscow native and all-time NHL leader in goals by a Russian-born player paces the League with 26 goals in 41 games this season (26-13—39) and also ranks third overall with a +21 rating.
SECOND STAR – PETR MRAZEK, G, DETROIT RED WINGS
Mrazek went 3-0-0 with a 0.67 goals-against average, .978 save percentage and one shutout to backstop the Red Wings (22-13-7, 51 points) to three straight wins for the week as well as their fourth consecutive victory overall, all on the road. He opened the week by making 22 saves for his seventh career shutout (and second of the season) in a 1-0 triumph over the New Jersey Devils Jan. 4. Mrazek followed that performance by turning aside 35 of 36 shots in a 2-1 win over the San Jose Sharks Jan. 7. He closed the week with 30 stops in a 2-1 victory over the Anaheim Ducks Jan. 10. The 23-year-old Ostrava, Czech Republic, native owns a 15-8-3 record in 28 appearances this season. He ranks sixth in the NHL in save percentage (.930) and places 10th in goals-against average (2.16).
THIRD STAR – TYSON BARRIE, D, COLORADO AVALANCHE
Barrie led all defensemen and shared second in the League with 3-3—6 in four games to lift the Avalanche (21-19-3, 45 points) to six of a possible eight points. He began the week with a career high four points (2-2—4), including the game-winning goal, in a 4-1 triumph over the Los Angeles Kings Jan. 4. In doing so, Barrie became the first Avalanche defenseman to record four points in one game since Nov. 11, 2003 at SJS (Derek Morris: 1-3—4). He then collected one assist in a 4-3 overtime win against the St. Louis Blues Jan. 6 and registered the game-winning goal in a 5-3 victory over the Nashville Predators Jan. 8 before being held off the scoresheet in a 6-3 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks Jan. 10. The 24-year-old Victoria, B.C., native ranks sixth among defensemen with 7-22—29 in 39 games this season.
First, I would like to wish a “Happy New Year” to you all and a thank you for continuing on my “hockey journey” with me! I joined The Pink Puck as a contributor a year ago when I discovered that it would be a perfect fit for me – combining my interests of writing/social media, fashion and of course hockey! For those of you who followed along with both my fashion articles and those related to hockey history and special events, I apologize for the hiatus through the first half of our beloved sport’s season. Let me catch you up on what I have been working on…and mix in some fashion as well!
After I graduated from Syracuse University with a Masters of Science in ‘Sport Venue & Event Management’ in August ’15, I was offered a full-time position with the Syracuse Crunch Hockey Club (AHL affiliate of the Tampa Bay Lightning.) I had completed my entire 9-credits of practicum work with this organization in both “Sponsorship Services” and in “Sales.” I was very humbled and graciously accepted the position of “Account Executive” working for a team that I spent a good deal of my life following being from the Central New York area.
Needless to say, it is always a big learning curve starting a new full-time job and those of us who work in the sport industry know that this isn’t a 9-5 position. Obviously I wouldn’t change it for the world, however it has been an adjustment that I am now feeling more comfortable with and because of this, I needed a short hiatus from writing, but I am excited to be back!
Now to summarize some of the events I have been involved with through the first half of the season…with a little fashion mixed in as well of course! Our 22nd home opener took place on Saturday, October 17th vs. (new North) division rivals the Binghamton Senators. Anyone who has worked on a home opener game (for any sport) knows that this sets the tone for the season and of course you not only want a win from your on-ice team, but your off-ice team does as well…and prepares for this night just as hard.
The on-ice team achieved this by downing the Senators in a 2-1 win at the home opener presented by Upstate University Hospital at the War Memorial Arena. For this night, area nurses were honored with a special ticket discount and in the pre-game ceremony, escorting the 2015-16 Syracuse Crunch players in their introduction on the ice.
Former NFL player Devon Still and I at the 22nd Syracuse Crunch Hockey Club home opener. 10/17/15
Any home opener for the season wouldn’t be complete without a celebrity appearance. The Syracuse Crunch invited ESPY Award winner and former NFL player Devon Still to participate in the opening ceremony puck drop and meet-and-greet autograph session. Still is a defensive tackle, who played for the Cincinnati Bengals from 2012 to 2014. Still and his daughter, Leah, received the Jimmy V. Perseverance Award for their strength and determination in the face of cancer during the 2015 ESPY Awards this July.
Still participating in the Syracuse Crunch home opener was a special tie-in as the team wore No. 75 Devon Still Cincinnati Bengals jerseys during warmups at the Toyota Frozen Dome Classic on Nov. 21, 2014 in tribute to Leah. In response, Still sent a video message to the team that was played prior to the Toyota Frozen Dome Classic game. The Still jerseys were auctioned off following the game and all proceeds benefited Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central New York.
Prior to the game, the Syracuse Crunch Hockey Club held a “Party on the Plaza” presented by ESPN Radio and TK99. Fans were invited to join the Syracuse Crunch for fun and games at the Everson Museum Plaza and had the opportunity to get autographs and take photos with scratched players, along with trying their skills out at street hockey. There was also a live radio broadcast that took place and food trucks were on hand for attendees to purchase food and drinks.
Al Roker signed “Oswego Community Night at the Crunch” event poster. 10/17/15
The most important roll I played in the Syracuse Crunch Hockey Club home opener as an “Account Executive” was hosting the first community night of the season, “Oswego Community Night.” For this night, I prospected and sold packages to a variety of businesses in the Oswego, New York area, which is near to my heart as it is my hometown.
A portion of the proceeds from these packages and individual tickets sold through this community night, were donated directly back to the Oswego YMCA, specifically to “the development of family programming,” which they deemed to me as an area that they can also use financial support.
Not only were we able to host approximately 400 fans from the Oswego community, but we also received support from some celebrities who got their start at Oswego State University. NBC Meteorologist Al Roker signed one of the “Oswego Community Night” event posters to be raffled off and ESPN Sportscasters Steve Levy and Linda Cohn, sent along video messages offering their support to the Community they spent college years in.
For the Syracuse Crunch Hockey Club home opener, I felt that it was only fitting to represent my club by wearing none other then the color blue. I also felt that with it being the home opener and it being hard to predict where I may be needed, flat shoes were probably also the best idea. I decided to pair my vintage, navy blue Lauren by Ralph Lauren mid-length skirt with a blue plaid button down shirt by merona a brand from Target. This is a good mix of high-and-low pieces.
For footwear, I went with indigo blue Easton Tassel flats from Talbots. In my work bag, I had a vintage, navy blue clutch for essentials. Jewelry I kept fairly simple, another purchase from Target was my statement necklace and I rounded out the look with a pair of simple diamond stud earrings from a local jeweler, a vintage opal ring that I felt played off the statement necklace well and my men’s watch from Citizen.
[Before I get into the details of the game it is necessary that we address a serious and frightening occurrence at the game. With 6:19 remaining in the second period, Griffins forward Alden Hirschfeld suffered a seizure on the Griffins bench. It happened so quickly that fans did not actually know what was going on. One moment the play was in action and a split second later paramedics and medical staff were rushing with a stretcher toward the Griffins bench. You can follow the story on the Griffins webpage by following this link. We all wish Alden the very best for a speedy recovery and look forward to his return to the ice.]
The Grand Rapids Griffins continued their climb up the AHL charts last night with a 4 – 2 win over the Milwaukee Admirals. After what was a very inauspicious start to the season, the Griffins have come together under new bench boss Todd Nelson and climbed to the #4 slot in the AHL Western Conference and #7 overall. This game marked the Griffins 12th consecutive home win and their 18th win in the past 21 games played. All of this while having some critical team talent, such as Nick Jensen, Xavier Ouellet, Triston Grant, Andreas Athanasiou, Daniel Cleary, and Mitch Callahan, scratched due to injury.
(photo: Mark Newman/Grand Rapids Griffins)
The action started rapidly at 2:33 when Griffin Captain Jeff Hoggan (named this week as the Captain of the 2016 AHL All-Star game), managed to steal the puck from Milwaukee and pass it to Tomas Nosek who sent an explosive shot past Admiral goalie Marek Mazanec.
Ten minutes later, Tyler Bertuzzi passed a beauty to wide-open Martin Frk who rocketed his 11th season goal past Mazanec in the waning seconds of a power play created when Admiral left-wing Jamie Devane went down for interference.
Not known as a team who goes down without a fight, Milwaukee rallied a shot. With just :33 to go in the period, Pontus Aberg (assists: Gortz, Fiala) got one passed Griffin goaltender Jared Coreau and the period closed, Griffins 2 Milwaukee 1.
When the teams returned to the ice for the second period, Grand Rapids remained on the offensive and continued to control the game. When a battle for the puck ensued behind the Admiral net, Griffins Hirschfeld and Nastasiuk managed to maintain the ultimate control. Nastasiak then managed a clean pass to Nathan Paetsch who saw the light in the window and slipped the puck in past Mazanec at 3:49.
Barely a scant two minutes later at 5:56 Nathan Paetsch (assists: Aubry, Frk) widened the gap for the Griffins further when he snuck a shot into the goal between Mazanec’s pads. The Griffins went up 4 – 1.
All remained quiet until 13:41 when Alden Hirschfeld suffered a medical emergency on the bench. The delay of game lasted several minutes as he was attended to on the Griffins bench. Upon the end of the emergency, it was announced that both teams would remain in the locker rooms while the ice was resurfaced. When play finally resumed it was to complete the last 6:19 of the second period, followed by a one-minute intermission and dry scrape of the ice, and the completion of the third period.
(photo: Mark Newman/Grand Rapids Griffins)
Despite the trauma of the emergency that incapacitated their teammate, the Griffins remained attentive throughout the remainder of the game. Finally, at the 16:12 mark, the Admirals saw another opportunity to redeem themselves when Cody Bass took a pass from Garrett Noonan and squeaked a slider past the far post. The Griffins remained strong however, and the game ended at 9:46pm before a crowd of over 7,500 people with the Griffins taking the win 4 – 2.
Admirals netminder Mazanec took 28 shots on goal, saving 24 and allowing 4, while Griffin goalie Coreau fielded 33 shots with 31 saves and two goals.
The 35-year-old Lecavalier has been a healthy scratch for most of the season for the Flyers. He has only gotten into the lineup because of injuries or when someone else wasn’t playing well. In the seven games played, he has zero goals, one assist, one point and has only averaged 9:27 of ice time per game. Lecavalier has looked slow and his game has been declining since the end of the 2010-11. Last year, he was relegated to fourth line duties and was even playing the wing to get on the ice. He was also a healthy scratch at times last season for his poor play.
In 133 games played for the Flyers, he scored 28 goals, had 30 assists and 58 points. He was a minus 24 with nine power play goals and three game-winning goals. He averaged 13:48 of ice time per game while with the Flyers and had 82 penalty minutes. He won a Stanley Cup in 2004 while with the Tampa Bay Lightning and is a four-time All-Star. Lecavalier will add depth to the Kings roster and most likely be the fourth line center.
In 29 games played this season, Luke Schenn has two goals, three assists, five points, and was a minus seven while averaging 17:35 of ice time per game. Schenn has been a healthy scratch a few times for the Flyers this season because of his poor play and matchup purposes. He is not afraid to finish his checks, in fact he has 171 hits this season. He is a physical, stay-at-home defenseman, who can sometimes get hurt by the turnover. Schenn played on the penalty kill for the Flyers, where he averaged 2:16 of ice time per game.
Schenn is a decent depth defenseman, who isn’t afraid to block shots. He doesn’t have the skills to be productive in the offensive zone, but does own a decent shot from the point. Schenn can get hurt or cost his team a goal or scoring chance by being out of position in his own zone. In 231 games played with the Flyers, he has 12 goals, 30 assists, 42 points and has 712 hits in 18:16 ice time per game.
The Flyers will retain half of each player’s salary in the deal. The team will retain $2.25 million of Lecavalier’s contract and $1.8 million on Schenn’s contract. Schenn will be a free agent at the end of the season, which will clear the full $3.6 million off of the Flyers salary cap. Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoierva), of TVA Sports, reported that Lecavalier would retire at the end of this season and forego the remaining two years of his contract. The remaining two years are at $3 million per season. If he retires, then neither the Flyers nor the Kings would be responsible for his contract.
Jordan Weal is coming to the Flyers from the Kings along with a third round 2016 draft pick. Weal is a 5’10” center who has played in 10 games this season for the Kings while averaging 8:07 of ice time per game. In 221 AHL games played, he has 58 goals, 115 assists, 173 points and averaged .78 points per game. His breakout season came during the 2013-14 campaign when he had 70 points in 76 games played for the Manchester Monarchs. He had 69 points in 73 games played last season for the Monarchs.
In 27 career AHL playoff games, he has 10 goals, 17 assists, 27 points and is averaging a point per game played. He won the Jack A. Butterfield Award as the AHL Calder Cup Playoff MVP in the 2015 AHL Playoffs. He can produce points at the lower levels, but he is small for the NHL. He has good vision, playmaking ability and is works hard, according to eliteprospects.com.
Weal should add some much-needed scoring depth to the Flyers. The center will have to stay up with the Flyers — if he was sent down to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, the Flyers’ AHL Affiliate, he would have had to clear waivers before being sent back down.
Hextall has managed to clear almost $4 million in cap space for the rest of the season with this trade and give Lecavalier a chance at winning another Stanley Cup.
With today’s release of the 2016 All-Star jerseys, the NHL has also announced which players will don them for this year’s revamped events in Nashville at the end of the month.
First, the look.
“The 2016 Honda NHL All-Star jersey pays tribute to the city of Nashville’s cultural scene, which includes the Nashville Predators,” said Brian Jennings, NHL Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President. “With creative support from Reebok’s design team, the jerseys reflect the deep bond the Predators have with the music community, the city’s growing passion for hockey, and the All-Star Game’s showcase of the best players in the league.”
Both the light and dark jerseys feature the official NHL crest and the host team Nashville’s signature gold.
According to the NHL press release, “for the on-ice version of the All-Star jersey, the crest has been constructed with reflective material which glimmers in certain light as a salute to Nashville’s vibrant night-life scene.”
The black and white colors are meant to mimic keys on a piano, celebrating Nashville’s “Music City” moniker,” while the font and text are a modern nod to traditional country music poster lettering. Sleeve patches will feature the players’ home teams as well as this year’s official All-Star logo.
The three stars at the neck pay homage to the Tennessee state flag and the NHL stars participating in the game.
The leaders
Speaking of which, fans were given the opportunity to vote four players into the All-Star festivities–one from each division–to captain their respective teams.
Jagr, 43, is an NHL legend who has been in the league since 1990. He has 29 points in 37 games this season. And, while he joked that he’d rather be in the Bahamas during All-Star break, his accolades over the course of his career certainly justify the status.
Fans-I appreciate your votes for All-Star game, but 3 on 3 would kill me,and i don’t want to die yet:)Thank you for understanding. Too old:)
This will be his 13th All-Star appearance. He’s a two-time Stanley Cup champion with five Art Ross trophies, one Hart Memorial trophy, and three Lester B. Pearson awards. His franchise and league records are too lengthy to list.
Pacific Division
Scott, 33, has been in the league since 2008. This year he has one assist and 25 penalty minutes in 11 games–he’s been a healthy scratch the others.
And, while I’m an advocate for voting in a personality as was done last year for Zemgus Girgensons, I can’t really back a Greg Wyshynski of Puck Daddy, “But in the grand list of ‘reasons to care about the 2016 NHL All-Star Game,’ watching John Scott of the Arizona Coyotes lug his ass up and down the rink in a 3-on-3 tournament with the best offensive players in the world ranks near the top. Right next to ‘watching John Scott in the breakaway skills competition challenge,'” turned Reddit bullying campaign.
Ovechkin has 34 points (21 goals, 13 assists) in 38 games this season. He’s a plus-15. Ovechkin has been with the Washington Capitals (and the NHL) since 2005. He’s also been an entertaining force of the All-Star history.
2015
Ultimately, he did get a car for a family in need.
2009
Central Division
Kane is leading the league in points–with 59 (23 goals, 36 assists) in 41 games. He had at least one point in 26 straight games this season, breaking a Blackhawks franchise record and U.S.-born player record. He’s a three-time Stanley Cup winner with the Blackhawks, where he’s played since 2008.
Despite on-ice performance, his fan-vote election did not come without controversy, either, however, as a segment of hockey fans are torn or disturbed by the former sexual assault suspect’s continued time in the limelight. But, again, while it is important to take allegations seriously, Kane was never charged.
He is a five-time NHL All-Star, perhaps most known for performance in the skills competition.
Teams
Coaches for the four teams were selected based on team standings as of Jan. 9. The coach of the team leading each division at that time would head that division’s bench for the tourney. Standings are as such at the moment, the NHL could definitively announce coaches in addition to the league-selected rosters.
The aforementioned teams will take part in a three-on-three format, three-game tournament at 4 p.m. CT Sunday, Jan. 31 at Bridgestone Arena. The winners of the first two games will face off for a $1 million prize.
The All-Star Skills Competition will take place at 6:00 p.m. CT Saturday, Jan. 30. Both will be televised on NBCSN in the U.S. and Sportsnet and TVA Sports in Canada.
From 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. CT Thursday, Jan. 28 and Friday, Jan. 29 and from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. CT Saturday and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 31, an NHL fan pass allows access to:
NHL Mascots
A photo with the Stanley Cup
An NHL Trophy Showcase, including the Hart, Vezina, Norris, and others
Meet-and-greet past and present hockey legends
NHL player Q&A at the NHL Fan Fair Theater
Visit the “Hockey in the State of Tennessee” Hall of Fame exhibit
Test shooting accuracy in the Bridgestone Shootout
Live music performances nightly
Create-your-own Upper Deck trading card
Test your hockey skills in the Honda All-Star skills zone
Price (Single Day)
$20 Adult
$15 Children (Ages 3 to 12)
$15 Seniors (Ages 65 and over)
$15 College/Military (must show ID at entrance)
Children 2 and under: Free Four Day Mobile Pass
$60 (Good for One Entry Each Day of Operation)
The National Hockey League announced today that San Jose Sharks forward Joe Pavelski and defenseman Brent Burns have been named All-Stars for the 2016 Honda NHL All-Star Game, which will be held in Nashville, TN, on Jan. 31. The game will take place at 2 pm. PST and be broadcast in the United States on NBC Sports Network.
Burns, 30, currently ranks first in goals (16), 13th in assists (18) and third in points (34) amongst defenseman. More so, his 17 power-play points ranks first among NHL blueliners. Amongst all skaters, Burns 163 shots on goal ranks third. Burns leads the Sharks in time on ice, skating an average of 26:18 per game.
Burns has recorded 382 points (130 goals, 252 assists) and 504 penalty minutes in 752 career NHL games with Minnesota and San Jose. This is his third career All-Star Game appearance (2011 & 2014), and his second as a member of the Sharks.
In addition to his on-ice accomplishments, Burns was named the winner of the NHL’s Foundation Player Award for outstanding charitable and community work. “Burnzie” works tirelessly to make an impact in the Bay Area and North American communities, supporting organizations such as the Sharks Foundation and Defending The Blueline. For his work in the community, Burns was named as a 2014 King Clancy Memorial Trophy nominee, which is awarded annually “to the player in the League that best exemplifies leadership qualities both on-and off-the-ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community.”
< div>The 6-foot-5, 230-pound native of Barrie, Ontario, was originally drafted by Minnesota in the first round (20th overall) of the 2003 NHL Draft.
The 31-year-old Pavelski ranks sixth in the league in goals (20), is tied for ninth in points (38) and is tied for fourth in power-play points (16). Moreover, he ranks first in game-winning goals with seven on the season. Pavelski leads all Sharks players in goals, points and power-play goals.
Pavelski has scored 248 goals and 275 assists in 680 games, all for San Jose. “Pavs” ranks second in goals, third in assists and third in points (523) in Sharks franchise history. This is his first career All-Star Game appearance.
Pavelski was named team captain for the 2015-16 season after winning both the “Sharks Player of the Year Award” and “Sharks Foundation Fan Favorite Award” the two seasons prior. For four consecutive seasons (2012-15), Pavelski has appeared in all 82 regular season games.
Internationally, Pavelski has represented team USA in the Olympics (2010-silver medal, 2014) and World Championships (2009).
The 5-foot-11, 190-pound native of Plover, Wisconsin, was originally drafted by the Sharks in the seventh round (205th overall) of the 2003 NHL Draft.
2015 marks the 51st year that colleges and universities in Michigan and the Midwest have participated in the Great Lakes Invitational. Like every year before, four teams brought their game to Joe Louis Arena in Detroit to battle for the top spot in this battle among “friends.”
The GLI, which runs for two days, opened on December 29th, with Michigan battling Northern, and State battling Tech. The winners of each match advanced to battle for the 1st and 2nd place titles, while the losers of the first match would battle for 3rd and 4th.
After the first day of the invitational, Michigan and Michigan Tech won the honors of battling for the title, while Michigan State and Northern battled for the runner-up positions. That match up was December 30th at 3:30pm.
Both teams hit the ice with the win in mind. The first period opened quickly and aggressively. Michigan State wasted no time in lighting the lamp when Joe Cox (assists: Walsh, Ferrantino) snaked one past NMU goaltender Mathias Israelsson only 01:06 into the match. The rest of the period continued aggressively but clean, with only one penalty being assessed against MSU’s Mackenzie MacEachern at 13:16 for hooking. Though aggressive, Northern simply wasn’t able to make hay on the power play. The only other excitement of the period was a delay of game at 18:18 when a sheet of glass shattered after a Northern player was checked and hit it. The period ended quietly with MSU leading 1 – 0.
After an aggressive but otherwise lackluster first period, the game started to become a little more volatile. The hard play continued and the sense of frustration by Northern at being down started to show itself in increasing penalties. At 02:49, NMU’s Cohen Adair went to the box for interference, followed nine minutes later by Jordan Klimek for slashing. Cohen Adair wasn’t done however, and a hooking call sent him to jail one more time at 16:34. MSU wasn’t immune to their own faults, and top-notch net-minding by Israelsson started to take its toll on the Spartans. At 12:07 Zach Osburn caught time for tripping. In each and every case, the short-handed team was able to kill the penalty and the game remained at periods end with MSU up 1-0.
By the beginning of the third period, the battle was at hand and was going to be won by the team that simply fought the hardest and wanted it the most. As with all great battles, the pressures of wanting to dominate began to show. MSU needed to keep their lead and NMU wanted to not only take it away, but drop another on top of it to take the game. The pressure of keeping the lead over a team that was on a rampage to take it away began to take its toll on the Spartans, and the penalties began. Only 26 seconds into the period Mackenzie MacEachern was given a 2:00 minor for roughing. A minute later, an altercation between MSU’s Joe Cox and NMU’s Darren Nowik sent both of those players out for roughing. At 4:11 Spartan Zach Osburn caught 2:00 for slashing and at 14:20 Brennan Sanford landed 2:00 for boarding. The Sanford penalty was where the tides began to turn, with the Wildcats Dominik Shine making a clean shot over the shoulder of MSU goalie Jake Hildebrand to tie the game on the power play. Though both teams continued to slug it out on the ice, neither could land the deciding shot and the game went to a five-minute overtime period.
What happened in overtime can be simply summarized by saying that Northern Michigan wanted it more. MSU never had control of the game in the overtime period. NMU was fast and simply out skated and out shot the Spartans with the end result being the game winning goal scored by Zach Diamantoni (assist: Trenz) at 3:38.
Both Hildebrand and Israelsson were exceptional between the pipes. Both made saves that were nothing short of miraculous, and regardless of how the game might have ended, the loss wouldn’t have fallen on either of these young men’s shoulders. At the end of the day, MSU beat themselves. MSU has, and demonstrated, the skill, as did NMU. The teams were very well matched for this game. Being so well matched, both teams needed to be at their best to take the game, and the Wildcats simply fought harder and played better.
For the 2015 Great Lake Invitational, Michigan State University took home 4th place, with the Wildcats of NMU earning 3rd.
Israelsson
By the beginning of the third period, the battle was at hand and was going to be won by the team that simply fought the hardest and wanted it the most. As with all great battles, the pressures of wanting to dominate began to show. MSU needed to keep their lead and NMU wanted to not only take it away, but drop another on top of it to take the game. The pressure of keeping the lead over a team that was on a rampage to take it away began to take its toll on the Spartans, and the penalties began. Only 26 seconds into the period Mackenzie MacEachern was given a 2:00 minor for roughing. A minute later, an altercation between MSU’s Joe Cox and NMU’s 
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