Huskins Signed, Random Notes

Former Clarkson Golden Knight Kent Huskins was signed to a one-year contract by the Anaheim Mighty Ducks today. Kent played in all 80 games for their AHL affiliate, the Portland Pirates. He had an 8-23-31, plus chipped in three goals and six assists in the playoffs. He lead all defenseman in scoring on the team.

Clarkson's Katie Morrison was named to the 2006 US National Women's Festival which will take place in August at Lake Placid. USA Hockey invites 40 players to the festival, which will serve as a try-out for a three game series against Team Canada the week following. Morrison was limited to 28 games last season due to injury, with a 3-10-13 line. She came back to score the game winner against Harvard in OT during Game 2 of last season's ECACHL playoffs.

The ECHL released its list of players who received qualifying offers on their contracts for the 2006-2007 season. This list includes: Jay Latullipe, Ken Scuderi, Jean Desrochers, Mac Faulkner, Dustin Traylen, and Chris Blight. This does not mean that the players necessarily have to stay with those teams, but they've got a contract for next year if they want it.

From the MikeR Department: Steve Dubinsky has filled out yet another W-2 form in the hockey industry, joining Cardinal Sports Management as their USA Hockey Director. Illinois Ice Hockey Magazine did this nice piece on him. A quick look at their website shows a relationship with several junior teams including the Oakville Blades, which has been a significant source of talent for Clarkson, including Captain Nick Dodge.

Mike also discovered the Home of the Bonesaw the latest rage in the student section these days.

Interview with Be A Bruin's Adam Campana

Former Clarkson Golden Knight Adam Campana joins us to talk about NESN's reality series Be A Bruin. Adam was 1 of 36 selected for the final roster of the television show which airs this Fall, with the winners getting a spot in the Boston Bruins' training camp.

CHF: Why don't you tell us what exactly Be A Bruin is and how you got involved?

Adam Campana: Be A Bruin is a reality TV series that selected the top 36 skaters in the New England area, out of those that tried out, in order to go to a week long training camp style tryout. They will pick the top forward, top defensemen and top goalie at the end of the week and they will move on to the Bruins camp in the Fall. A co-worker of mine told me about it because I hadn't seen it yet. I figured I would give it a shot and just have some fun with it and see what happens.

CHF: So you made the final 36 correct? How many people tried out?

Campana: Yes, I made the final 36. There were roughly 300 people to try out over a 2 month period

CHF: And how did they determine the final 36?

Campana: There were a number of drills that were all timed. Some were skating around the rink, stick handling through cones and shooting at targets. It was very similar to a skills competition. From this, they used a formula to pick the top

CHF: No fighting drills?

Campana: No, no fighting in the tryouts...I think the B's need more skill than they do fighters.

CHF: Speaking of skill, what was the level that you were seeing out there? We noticed quite a few college guys out there, most of them with Division-III experience.

Campana: The level I saw in my tryouts was not all that high. The level in the top 36 was much better. It was still not anything higher than what I've experienced before. There were some good players there though. Billy Tibbets, I felt, was my direct competition that I was going against, although I was impressed with some players that were still in juniors.

CHF: When did you find out you made the top 36?

Campana: I found out around mid- June.

CHF: Have you played with or against any of the guys out there before this?

Campana: I did play with one other player, but that was only a few months earlier. We played on the same team in the Chowder Cup Tournament.

CHF: Was Chowder served at the Chowder Cup Tournament?

Campana: Ha, no. Maybe if they moved it to a winter tournament.

CHF: You had a pretty major injury when playing for Orlando, were you expecting to play professional level hockey ever again?

Campana: Yes, it was a pretty scary injury. I wasn't sure if I would ever play again after that. I had a lot of time off after the injury and plenty of time to decide what I wanted to do next

CHF: How intense was the coverage from NESN? Did they spend the same amount of time equally or did they focus on certain players? The 46 year old guy comes to mind.

Campana: It was pretty intense, especially not having done anything like that before. There were sets of camera crews assigned to a few guys. So it seemed like each guy was getting an even amount of camera time

CHF: Do we have any classic reality television meltdowns to look forward to?

Campana: Haha, no meltdowns from me. I can't speak for anyone else what happened behind closed doors.

CHF: Do you keep in touch with any of your former Golden Knight teammates these days?

Campana: I do yes and I might see a few of them Thursday. I still talk with Zach Schwan, Kevin O'Flaherty, Chris Bahen, Tristan Lush, Mark Zwicky, John Sullivan pretty regularly. A few others I am still in touch with though

CHF: So what was it like skating around the ice with guys like Brad Park, Gerry Cheevers and Terry O'Reilly watching?

Campana: It was nice to meet those guys. Skating wise, it was never really something I thought about. I just enjoyed talking with them listening to their suggestions. They were really down to earth guys.

CHF: How close do you follow Clarkson these days? Any players from today's team that you wouldn't mind playing with?

Campana: I do not follow it as close as I would like sometimes. I've always kept a close eye on how they were doing as a team in the league, but never enough to know some of the current players.

CHF: Do you have a favorite moment as a Golden Knight?

Campana: My favorite time as a Golden Knight was probably playing at Harvard my freshman year in front of all my family and friends

CHF: So outside of a Bruins game, where's the best place to catch some hockey in the Boston area?

Campana: Other than catching some of the local college games, maybe the Manchester Monarchs of the AHL

CHF: And where do we go to catch a beer before the game?

Campana: Game On is a good place...ask for "Cornbread."

CHF: So should the Sox trade away a bat for some pitching, or do you think they're good to go?

Campana: I think they are looking good where they are at now. I think they have the most runs, so hopefully the pitching will be solid the rest of the way

CHF: Whaddya think of all of the BruinÂ’s moves. Aside from you, what do you think they need?

Campana: Haha. I think they have made some pretty good moves getting some size on the blue line. Well, getting rid of the Gill and replacing him with Chara was definately a good move.

CHF: You better watch it. You could run into Gill some day.. And then he wouldn't fight you.

Campana: Haha, I would hope Gill would fight me, he's almost got a foot on me

CHF: Do you forsee a revolution in the NHL with every team opening up a roster spot for a reality television show winner?

Campana: I don't foresee all the other teams doing such a show but I guess we'll see how the winners fair at Bruins Camp.

CHF: We would normally ask Dunkin' Donuts or TIm Horton's, but that's a ridiculous question here. So lets go with Black or "Lotsa' Cream, Lotsa Sugar?"

Campana: Definately Dunkin, and lotsa cream, lotsa sugar.

CHF: Are you concerned about getting some obsessed groupies who follow you everywhere after the show airs?

Campana: Haha, I don't see it happening. It's not playing on a major network so I think it will be actual hockey fans watching the show.

CHF: So when can we start ordering our Campana B's Jerseys?

Campana: I've got a home and away that they gave me. I wouldn't hold your breath to see them hanging in the stores though.

CHF: Well thanks for taking some time with us. Anything you want to say to your adoring fans in Potsdam?

Campana: Enjoy the warm weather while you can up there. Maybe I'll be seeing some of them sooner than later, I'm due for a road trip.

Interview with Bob Ahlfeld

We had the chance to chat with the voice of Clarkson Hockey, Bob Ahlfeld. Bob gives us his thoughts on Clarkson, travel destinations and the state of college hockey in general. Plus a prediction on the biggest football game of the year in Columbia, Missouri.

CHF: How and when did you get your big break into Clarkson hockey?

Bob Ahlfeld: My predecessor at 99 Hits, Chris Kenyon, accepted a job in the East Coast Hockey League in Louisiana in mid September of 1996. I was out of work at the time, and they needed a sports director not only for Clarkson games but for all the other sports they cover. I had some experience doing college basketball in Missouri, where I went to college, the University of Missouri, and had done some St. Lawrence games as well. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. That happens all too often in this business. Coach Morris and I were friends as well, so that helped. Hard to believe, but it'll be my 11th. Wow, the time does fly.

CHF: What memory really sticks out for you over the past 10 years?

Bob Ahlfeld: There are plenty, and not all of them on the ice. Probably the way the 1999 ECAC Championship team did the "Hava Nagila" around the Whitelaw Trophy in Lake Placid is something I remember still. That team wasn't the best I covered, but obviously had what it took to win the regular season and tournament.

CHF: What was the best team, in your opinion?

Bob Ahlfeld: Overall, the first year I did the radio, captained by Todd White, JF Houle and Matt Pagnutti. I really believe, especially now that I"ve been around the block a few times, that that team would have won the whole thing were it not for a rough first period against Colorado College. Many people point to that teams failure to win in Lake Placid (2-1 loss to Cornell in the Finals), but I really thought that loss would shake them up a bit and make them play better, especially with the bye that was in place. I can still see Todd White's head down near the faceoff circle with under 5 minutes to go after he beat the CC goaltender and the puck hit each post and laid on the goal line for the potential game tying goal. But, "them's the breaks" as they say.

CHF: You've traveled all over the ECAC and the country, what is your favorite arena in the ECAC, and outside the ECAC?

Bob Ahlfeld: I joke that I have a March time share there given our recent history, but there really isn't much to hate about Lynah Rink. The atmosphere is something I wish we could replicate at Cheel, but, the buildings are so much different structurally that it would be impossible. I just get a real charge out of how in to it the crowd is, much like Kansas University's Allen Field House in basketball. Don't get me wrong, Cheel is beautiful in so many ways, and not just broadcasting view and facilities, but everywhere. Lynah just, in my opinion, has it all. I'm curious to see how the upgrades will change it. Outside the league, it's hard because we go for one trip and then we move on. Having been to UNH a few times, though, sticks out as you ask this question. Wisconsin is also gorgeous, but you can see how different that league is from ours in those arenas.

CHF: Do you think that arena size plays a big factor in helping out the western schools land the big recruits?

Bob Ahlfeld: I don't think it hurts, but when you talk about some of those schools, they have other amenities in their arena and on their campuses that schools like Clarkson don't have. Those huge schools (BCS schools like Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Ohio State) can bring a recruit to a football game and kind of awe them with the size factor. But the WCHA in general does a great job of marketing ALL of their schools. Denver, CC, St. Cloud etc, aren't in the BCS, but in hockey they are dominant. No question in my mind that the WCHA is the best league up and down the lineup. Can schools in the East compete?? Sure. Cornell is as good as anybody recently and was one bounce away from beating last years National Champion. Right now though, the West probably offers the best competition night in and night out.

CHF: I don't want to get too philosophical, but there has been a growing gap between the "haves" and "have nots" in college hockey. Do you think we will see a George Mason type scenario play out in the next 5 years?

Bob Ahlfeld: I think it can happen more often in hockey than in basketball. Remember, Bemidji St. very much could have won in overtime against Denver two years ago, and Holy Cross knocked off Minnesota. The current structure of college hockey assures, in my opinion, that schools aren't left behind. But, if the Big Ten schools ever decided to make one conference, I think the desparity would become greater, because then Michigan Tech, Duluth, Denver, Miami, BGSU would be left holding the bag.

CHF: Looking at Clarkson, there are mixed expectations floating around the hockey internet world. Do you see this as a watershed year for the team?

Bob Ahlfeld: I think they're ready to have a great year. One of the things that maybe has hurt Clarkson was the tremendous run in 03-04, because, let's face it, that wasn't the best team in the league, or even the second best overall. Getting to Albany, at least, would make it a great year in my opinion. I think they've learned some lessons, player wise, about the dangers of trying to win on the road.

CHF: Switching gears a little bit, you've covered the women's team since the beginning. What are your thoughts on the squad? Can they make some noise nationally?

Bob Ahlfeld: Yes, but it will be a bit tougher this season because all of the Olympians are back, not only in the ECACHL but all over the country. The women's team defense is really second to none, and with some touch around the net, yes, they can make some noise. For them, I think home ice would be a great first step. Because of conflicts, I only get to see about six or seven games, and we'll cover at least three, but I'm excited for Coach Seeley and his team.

CHF: Bartell said this in a previous interview "I swear his proclamation of a Clarkson goal has sent more people skidding off the road in the North Country than black ice and deer combined." Would you care to rebut?

Bob Ahlfeld: I haven't been sued yet, nor have I heard from an insurance company, so given those facts, it's only hearsay at this point. You asked about memories, and I really have to say that having Josh is really helpful, along with Gary Mikel when Josh isn't able to make it. No rebuttal, just glad to hear people enjoy our work.

CHF: What road trip are you looking forward to the most this year? Wisconsin in the dead of winter?

Bob Ahlfeld: Yes, very much so. Clarkson will play them in the opening round, and that will be a really good test of where they are at the season's midpoint. Plus, Madison is fun any time of the year.

CHF: Would you recommend this trip to the fan base? And following that up, did you find yourself caught up in Bonesaw mania?

Bob Ahlfeld: Most definitely, but get your tickets early for that. As far as bonesaw goes, it took me most of the year to figure out what was going on, showing my advancing age, I guess. Even though I didn't understand at first, I thought it was great because it got the students and the team really fired up.

CHF: That seems to be the consensus on the Bonesaw phenomenon.

Bob Ahlfeld: Hopefully it will continue and the students will be even better this year.

CHF: What is your favorite hockey cliche?

Bob Ahlfeld: We're getting the bounces. Because, let's face it, when you get them, you win.

CHF: Tim Hortons or Dunkin Donuts?

Bob Ahlfeld: Depends on what side of the border I happen to be on. Remember, I sell advertising as well. And I like free coffee.

CHF: Probably the best answer we've had for that question. November 4th, in Lincoln, can Missouri take 2 in a row over the Huskers?

Bob Ahlfeld: Wow, did you ever do your homework. I haven't looked at the football schedule, Yankee baseball is not just a passion, it's an obsession, but, yes, they can make it two in a row. Chase Daniel will throw for 300 and schuck the Huskers.

CHF: Any closing statements or questions for us?

Bob Ahlfeld: No questions, but thanks for the chance. BTW, our stations' Web Site, www.coololdies.us, will have daily Cool Clarkson Updates during the hockey season with George Roll and myself. We'll start them the week before the season begins. Looking forward to seeing you guys on the road. And any time you need me, I'll be here.

CHF: Thanks, we probably will be in touch with you during the season. Thanks for your time.

Bob Ahlfeld: Let's Go Tech!!!

New Staff, Bob Ahlfeld and More!

We're pleased to welcome the infamous MikeR '91 to the Clarkson Hockey Fans staff. Mike has been a long time contributor to the Golden Knights Hockey Roundtable and will be helping us dig up the good stuff on your favorite Clarkson players past, present and future. Rumor has it that Mike is so good, that he knows what kind of bratwurst Chris Rogles, Dave Reid and Kerry Ellis-Toddington were last seen eating after the 2.GBun matchup between Grizzly Adams Wolfsburg and Bremerhaven.

On Tuesday, we'll be chatting with the Voice of Clarkson Hockey, Bob Ahlfeld about the upcoming season, hockey in general, what's it like to be a big time North Country celebrity, and of course doughnut preference. Speaking of big time celebrities, we'll be getting in touch with Josh Bartell again in the coming weeks as well. If you have any suggestions for questions to ask Bob, please drop us an e-mail!

The Real World; It's Called Bruins

In an attempt to climb out of the doldrums of the eastern conference, the Boston Bruins have made some big additions in Marc Savard and Zdeno Chara. However the most interesting addition might be the signing of one of thirty-six entrants on the new NESN reality show, Be A Bruin. Normally this wouldn't be news on the Clarkson radar but upon closer inspection one of the thirty-six is Clarkson '03 grad Adam Campana. The Waltham native is looking for another shot after a near career ending injury playing for the Orlando Seals of the SPHL. The full roster of competitors can be found here. The eight episode season will air in November on NESN. Set your TiVo's now!

Desrosiers Named Assistant

The Clarkson University Women's Hockey team announced today the addition of former St. Lawrence defenseman Matt Desrosiers to the coaching staff. Matt, who played for the Saints from 1997-2001, will replace Laura Hayes. Desrosiers was a standout on the blue line for the Saints in his four years in Canton and was named an All-American in his senior year. This will be the first coaching job for Matt after five years in of playing professional hockey in a number of leagues.

Double Cha-Ching!

Erik Cole just matched former Clarkson teammate Willie Mitchell today, as he signed a three year, 12 million dollar deal to return to the Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes. This was a no-brainer for Carolina, who had a huge fan-favorite in Cole. Erik had 30 goals and 29 assists in 60 games. Cole also lead Carolina with eight game winning goals, and was a member of the USA Olympic Team.

Cha-Ching!

While I've been keeping a close eye on my Bruins this off-season, watching them hunt down the tallest players they could possibly find, I missed out on former Clarkson stand-out Willie Mitchell heading home after being signed by Vancouver.

Willie was rewarded for another solid defensive season, with a 4 year, 14 million dollar contract from the Canucks. While the stats only show two goals and eight assists on the year, he had an outstanding +19 rating, skating for both Minnesota and Dallas last year, and it's exactly with Vancouver needs, along with his blazing red-line slap shot.

Plucked from the Blogosphere

The LSSU blog had a recent interview with head coach and former Clarkson assistant coach Jim Roque. Roque and the Lakers are coming to Cheel in October for a two game set.