Habs track down Hunter

Hunter Bishop, formerly of the Vernon Vipers, has signed a pro contract with the Montreal Canadiens.
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Vernon Morning Star

By Kevin Mitchell - Vernon Morning Star
Published: March 21, 2010 6:00 AM


Hunter Bishop was doing laundry, packing and making plans to vacate his apartment in Columbus, Ohio Friday.

The day after the Montreal Canadiens officially announced they had signed the Ohio State Buckeye star to a two-year contract was somewhat harried.

“I don’t even know if I realize what has really happened yet,” said Bishop, in a phone interview. “They want me in Hamilton (AHL Bulldogs) at 11 on Monday and then we catch a 4 p.m. flight to start a road trip against Manitoba (Tuesday).”

Hamilton plays twice next weekend in Abbotsford versus the Heat. Bishop is looking to upgrade his dinner menu in the American League.

“I’m not going to be a broke college student like I’ve been the last two years,” he laughed. “When it was either chicken breast or steak, it was always chicken breast because it was cheaper. Things will be different now. ”

One of the most dazzling forwards in Vernon hockey history, Bishop and his agent Steve Bartlett started negotiating Monday.

“Everything was finalized Wednesday around one and then they announced it Thursday. In Montreal, I couldn’t imagine playing for a more respected organization. Hockey is life there. It’s die-hard. I was at their development camp last summer, so I know five or six guys on their AHL team and obviously I know Scott Gomez from Alaska. I’ve skated with him in the summer and I remember reading an article where he called Montreal the mecca of hockey, and that’s so true.”

The Fairbanks native, nicknamed the Alaskan Assassin while in Vernon, wrote on Facebook: “Today is the greatest day of my life. One step closer to a 22-year dream. Thanks to everyone who helped me get here!”

Habs’ GM Pierre Gauthier announced he had signed the free agent, who recorded 15 goals and 27 points in his second season with the Buckeyes.

There was really never any doubt that some NHL team would lock up the 6-foot, 196-pound muscle-bound forward with roadrunner speed.

“That offer was there last year, but between the two of them (Bishop and his agent), he decided to go back for one more year (of school),” said Viper head coach Mark Ferner.

Bishop ranked fourth in scoring with the Buckeyes this season and was third last year with 14 goals and 31 points. He was injured for part of this season.

Bishop dazzled BCHL fans for two-and-a-half seasons. He made the mistake of signing with the NCAA North Dakota Fighting Sioux just before the 2006-07 season.

The Fighting Sioux were stacked with talent and he hardly saw the ice. He left after Christmas and then racked up a point a game with the Vipers. The year after, he amassed 57 goals and 97 points.

I used to see him in the gym after a Viper practice. He would be the only player there, and Fitness West owner Brian Doyon and I would marvel at how hard he worked out. Doyon said Bishop was in a league of his own when it came to junior A player fitness regimes. We both agreed he would sign an NHL deal one day.

“Yah, it (hard work) paid off. Like I said on the Book (Face), the NHL has always been my goal and I’m very excited to be one step closer.”

His teammates would razz him about flashing shirtless photos all over Facebook. He was chiselled and not afraid to show the world. He wanted a life in pro hockey and he wasn’t going to cheat himself at any angle.

He did special power skating drills with Bernie Pimm to pick up his wheels before going to North Dakota, and scored some beauties while motoring down the wing at Wesbild Centre.

“He’s such a resilient, dedicated, hard-working player, that once he got back in the groove of things... it doesn’t surprise me one bit that he signed a pro contract,” said Ferner. “I’m sure he’ll have a very good pro career.”

From 2005 to 2008, Bishop registered 93 goals and 177 points with the Vipers. He outpointed Zac Dalpe of the Penticton Vees by 34 points in his final BCHL year.

Dalpe, a Ohio State teammate, also left school early, and signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Carolina Hurricanes Thursday.

“Everyone here knows how hard Bish works, what kind of person he is, and how he plays the game,” added Ferner. “If there’s one player that I’ve had the pleasure to work with, this is one that is very well deserved.”

Ferner, whose laid-back style behind the bench drove Bishop bonkers, added: “I’m not sure how Bish is gonna figure out that French language, he has trouble sometimes with the English one.”

Dalpe, 20, recently completed his sophomore season at Ohio State, where he led the Buckeyes in goals (21), points (45), and power play goals (eight), and ranked second in assists (24).

Ohio State also fired their head coach John Markell, who had been their 15 years. A below .500, eighth-place season in the CCHA and dwindling attendance cost Markell a new contract.

The Buckeyes averaged just 3,096 fans a game this year. Four seasons ago, they averaged 6,556.

The Buckeyes have a history of grooming hard-hat style players for the NHL. Ryan Kesler, R.J. Umberger and former Viper Rod Pelley (now with New Jersey Devils) all wore Buckeye red. Bishop and Dalpe are both from the same mold.

Added Ferner: “Now that school is done, we’ve counted seven or eight that have been signed out of college hockey. The NHL people are kind of identifying that it doesn’t matter where you start, it’s more where you’re at right now.”

Before our conversation ended, Bishop asked if he could pass on some thank yous. He listed his billets: Steve and Tina Cousins, Richard and Stephanie Hewson and Rick and Deb Harries, while also mentioning coaches Pimm, Mark Holick, Troy Mick, Ferner, Jason Williamson and Colin O’Hara.

“The Vernon Vipers did it for me,” he beamed.


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COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Ohio State men's hockey team advanced to the CCHA tournament quarterfinals, completing a series sweep of Notre Dame with an 8-2 win Saturday in the OSU Ice Rink. Ohio State scored twice in the first four minutes of the game and led 4-0 after the first period. The team extended its lead to 6-1 after the second and scored two late goals for the 8-2 final.

Buckeye junior Hunter Bishop had a hat trick and added two assists, the first five-point night for a Buckeye since 1999.

Junior defenseman Chris Reed had a career-high four assists and +5 mark in the win. Junior goalie Dustin Carlson matched his career high with 47 saves in the victory. Sergio Somma scored twice and added an assist for three points, while Kyle Reed and Zac Dalpe each had two assists and CJ Severyn had two points on a goal and a helper.


Ohio State led 4-0 after the first period. Matt Bartkowski opened the scoring at 3:36 with a power-play goal, coming across the crease and scoring on the backhand. K. Reed and Dalpe assisted on the goal. Just 24 seconds later Somma scored with a wrist shot on the rush down the left side, assisted by his linemates Peter Boyd and Dalpe. At 12:20 senior Mathieu Picard got his third tally of the weekend. K. Reed got the puck to C. Reed who kept the puck in at the blue line and dropped a pass to Picard and his quick shot found the back of the net. Severyn scored the final goal of the period at 17:53 , beating ND starter Mike Johnson glove side, assisted by Bishop and C. Reed. Carlson stopped all 15 shots he faced in the stanza.

Notre Dame started the second period with a 5-on-3 advantage for two minutes after the Buckeyes were assessed two minors at the end of the first. The Irish took advantage, as Calle Ridderwall scored 46 seconds into the period.

Bishop scored twice in the final 5:29 of the period to extend the Buckeye lead to 6-1. His first goal came shorthanded at 14:41. With the Buckeyes killing a 5-minute major, C. Reed got the puck to Bishop and he scored stick-side from in close. He added another goal at 19:06, as John Albert found him alone in front, with Severyn on the second assist. Shots were 17-7 in favor of the Irish in the period.

In the third, there was no scoring until Notre Dame's Christiaan Minella put home the rebound of a Nick Larson shot at 11:54.

Somma got his second of the night at 14:21 with Ohio State on the power play. C. Reed got the puck down low and it went from Bishop to Somma in front of the net. He was able to gather it and score before ND goalie Tom O'Brien could get in position.

The final goal came at 17:25, as Bishop completed his hat trick.

Somma picked up the puck from Carlson in the Buckeye zone and broke in 2-on-1 with Bishop. Somma passed over to Bishop driving to the net and he redirected it home for his first career hat trick. Carlson had 16 saves in the stanza.

The Irish outshot the Buckeyes, 49-25. Carlson played all 60 minutes and had 47 saves to match his career best. Notre Dame starter Johnson played the first period and allowed four goals on nine shots. O'Brien had 12 saves, allowing four goals, in the final 40 minutes.

The Buckeye penalty kill was 5-for-6 in the game, while the power play was 2-for-3.

Postgame Notes

Bishop had the first five-point night for a Buckeye since Hugo Boisvert had five at Cornell Jan. 16, 1999. It was the first hat trick since Corey Elkins' three-goal night in game two of the CCHA playoffs first round last season in the OSU Ice Rink.

(Elkins scored twice in the second period last year, assisted by Boots on both and Bishop on the second. OSU's most productive line during its 13-game unbeaten streak last season, the line of Elkins, Boots and Hunter Bishop.)

Bishop had his first two-goal game Jan. 8, 2010 and his previous high for points was three, set Jan. 9 vs. Bowling Green

Bishop's shorthanded goal was the Buckeyes' third this season but the first since Oct. 16 vs. Denver, the fourth game of the season.

Hunter Bishop, junior forward
On facing Miami
"Well, with a team like Miami, they are always going to bring fire. It'll be good to have a week off in order for preparation and to get rest. I think once we have this break, we will be ready for any opponent."


ANOTHER ARTICLE

Two other Buckeyes, Zac Dalpe and Hunter Bishop, also stepped up big on the weekend. Dalpe continued to be one of the most productive players in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association, recording a goal and two assists on the weekend. Dalpe finished the regular season second in points and now has 20 goals and 20 assists on the season.

Bishop broke out for the Buckeyes on Saturday, recording a hat trick, and two assists for good measure. Bishop played a solid 60 minutes for OSU, marking in every period.
In the first, Bishop assisted on a goal by C.J. Severyn, which gave OSU the 4-0 lead.

Bishop went on to record two goals in the second period, one of which was short-handed. And finally in the third, Bishop completed his hat trick with help from teammate Sergio Somma.

“We went to the four-on-four and Sergio [Somma] looked back at coach and said, ‘Put us in.’ And he said ‘Bishop, I am going to get you one here,’” Bishop said. “I just went to the net, and I have to give it to Somma, he put it right where it needed to be.”

Markell has been looking for Bishop to step up big for his team, and he did at just the right time.

After Saturday night’s game, Bishop admitted he had been a little frustrated with his lack of scoring toward the end of the regular season.

“His job is to sustain that,” Markell said. “He’s capable of sustaining that kind of play.”
Overshadowed by the flurry of goals was the Buckeyes’ outstanding defense. Goaltender Dustin Carlson continued his dominance between the pipes and has allowed only three goals in as many games.


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Anchorage newspaper Woody
MARCH 6, 2010 - 6:58 PM

Ohio State winger Hunter Bishop of Fairbanks comes from a family of jewelers, and tonight he put up a diamond-level performance in the CCHA playoffs.

Bishop racked a hat trick and two assists, went +3 and cranked off six shots on goal in a 8-2 demoliton of Notre Dame that ended the Fighting Irish season.

That eruption gives Bishop 12-12--24 totals and a +4 rating in 30 games. Ohio State swept the first-round series after winning 3-1 Friday.


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By Joshua A. Davidson

davidson.252@osu.edu

: Published: Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Updated: Wednesday, February 10, 2010

When the Ohio State men’s hockey team takes on Alaska this weekend, forward Hunter Bishop will be facing off against some familiar faces.

The opportunity to play against his hometown team might provide just the spark Bishop needs.

The Fairbanks, Alaska native is highly anticipating this weekend’s series.

“It’s always fun to play against the hometown,” Bishop said. “It’s always easy for me to get amped up for home games, but playing against Alaska will make it a lot easier.”

In last season’s series with Alaska, Bishop scored for the Buckeyes in the Saturday night game en route to a 6-2 victory. Bishop also recorded an assist against the Nanooks in a postseason victory last March.

Coach John Markell is hoping for similar offensive production from his junior this weekend and the rest of the season.

“Hunter’s got to be a little more productive for us,” Markell said. “His performance has to come up, and he’s capable of doing it.”

So far this season, Bishop has recorded eight goals and eight assists for a total of 16 points, but Markell is looking for more from his forward.

“He’s one of the guys I’m looking to for leadership,” Markell said. “Hunter is a guy who can really turn it on.”

Bishop demonstrated his offensive capabilities last season when he racked up 14 goals and 17 assists.

Bishop developed many of his offensive skills playing on the rink at his house while he was growing up. The rink his father built was complete with boards, flood lights and outdoor speakers.

“We definitely had the best outdoor rink in my town,” Bishop said. “Put it this way, I’ve never seen a better one.”

It was there that Bishop would spend countless hours working on his shot and playing his sister, Teal.

“All the way up until the year I left, we’d both be out there before school,” Bishop said. “And any chance it was above negative 20 [degrees] we would always play one-on-one. She was a defenseman and I was a forward.”

Teal is still a defenseman and now is an assistant captain on the Ohio State women’s hockey team.

Her coming to Columbus is one of the factors that brought Hunter here. Bishop originally enrolled at the University of North Dakota when he was offered a scholarship to play hockey.

But midway into his first season, Bishop decided it wasn’t the right fit and returned to Alaska. It was then Bishop visited OSU and was instantly hooked.

“Teal [being here] was definitely one of the factors, but there was a lot that went into it. Ohio State was one of the first schools who showed interest in me [after leaving North Dakota],” Bishop said. “When I came on my visit, Teal was here, my mom’s family was here and Ohio State has a good hockey program. So when you put it all together it was a really easy decision.”

Now both in Columbus, the Bishop siblings have had a chance to reunite.

“It’s nice having him here,” Teal said of Hunter. “During our high school years, first he left, and then I left. We didn’t get to see each other much.”

Hunter echoed Teal’s thoughts and added, “We’ve definitely gotten closer living here. We live in apartments right next to each other, so I see her on a daily basis and it’s been really good for us.”

The duo will help to lead their respective clubs this weekend as they are both in action. The women’s team travels to Minnesota to play Minnesota-Duluth. The men’s team hosts Alaska at the Schottenstein Center Friday and Saturday at 7:05 p.m.


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Friday, July 10, 2009

Bishop Invited To Canadiens Development Camp


Former Vernon Vipers All-Star forward, Hunter Bishop is one of 40 players invited to the Montreal Canadiens development camp this week in Brossard, QC. Bishop who just finished his first season with the Ohio State Buckeyes, played in 41 games (13-16-29) The Buckeyes finished the season at 23-14-4


This is on the Montreal Canadiens website:


40 players to take part in the Canadiens Development Camp


Jul 3, 2009

MONTREAL --The Montreal Canadiens announced today that 40 prospects will participate in the team’s annual development camp from July 6-12, at the Bell Sports Complex, in Brossard. It is the most players attending since the first edition of the Canadiens development camp in 2001.


The Canadiens prospects will first take to the ice on Monday, July 6th, at 1:30 p.m. The development camp consists of on-ice sessions every day until July 12th with on-ice sessions on both surfaces of the Bell Sports Complex. Off-ice conditioning sessions are also scheduled every day. An intersquad game is scheduled for Saturday, July 11th.


24 of the 40 players at camp are Canadiens draft selections, including all eight players from the 2009 NHL Entry Draft held last June at the Bell Centre. The group includes first round picks Louis Leblanc, Max Pacioretty and David Fischer, as well as prospects P.K. Subban, Olivier Fortier and Yannick Weber. 24 of the 40 players also participated in the 2008 Development Camp.


Players participating in the development camp will be available daily to the media following practice sessions. A detailed practice schedule will be available on site.


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MANCHESTER, N.H. – In the first NCAA tournament game for the Buckeyes since 2005, Ohio State fell behind 3-0 after the first period and couldn’t recover, falling to No. 1 overall seed Boston University, 8-3, Saturday at Verizon Wireless Arena. The Terriers move on to face New Hampshire in the NCAA Northeast Regional final, while the No. 4 seed Buckeyes end the year 23-15-4 overall.

Against the Terriers, the Buckeyes scored three-consecutive goals to cut the score to 6-3 with less than nine minutes remaining in the third period. The Buckeyes pulled their goalie early for the extra attacker, but the Terriers scored twice to seal the win.

Ohio State was down 3-0 after the first. BU scored twice in 45 seconds. Nick Bonino scored at 8:49 just nine seconds after a BU power play started when his wrist shot found the top corner, on assists from Brandon Yip and Hobey Finalist Matt Gilroy. At 9:34 Jason Lawrence was able to shuffle the puck under Buckeye goalie Dustin Carlson, set up by Bonino and Colby Cohen. Zach Cohen added to the lead at 13:16, with Luke Popko and Gilroy picking up the helpers. The Buckeyes were outshot in the period, 9-6. Ohio State had three power-play chances in the stanza. BU was 1-for-2.

The teams combined for five goals in the second, with BU leading 6-2 after the stanza. Corey Trivino scored at 5:57, followed by Yip’s second of the game 1:04 later (7:01). BU made the score 6-0 on a Lawrence goal at 13:34. The Buckeyes got on the board when Hunter Bishop scored on a 2-on-1 with Corey Elkins at 18:45. Senior Zach Pelletier followed at 18:45, scoring from a pass from Kyle Reed after Patrick Schafer won the draw in the Terrier zone. Ohio State had 10 shots on goal, with BU putting eight on net.

The Buckeyes scored the first goal of the third when Matt Bartkowski’s shot from the point got through with the Buckeyes on the power play, assisted by Ian Boots and Bishop. With more than seven minutes remaining and the Buckeyes down by three the Buckeyes pulled the goalie for the extra skater while in the BU zone. Ohio State had a few chances, but BU was able to clear and Cohen converted into the empty net. With the Buckeyes on the power play Ohio State again pulled the goalie and Chris Higgins tallied shorthanded for the final goal of the game, scoring at 17:12. Shots in the third were 10-9 BU.

For the game, Boston University outshot Ohio State, 27-25. Buckeye starter Dustin Carlson played the first 27:01 and had nine saves, allowing five goals. Freshman Cal Heeter came in midway through the second and had 10 saves on 11 shots in 27:01.


Postgame Notes
The game ended the career for Buckeye seniors Nick Biondo, Elkins and Pelletier.

The 23 wins for the season were the most since 2005 and marked the seventh 20-win season under head coach John Markell.



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Men's Hockey
Hunter Returns to Alaska Looking For Wins
By Craig Merz

Some people can see Russia from their Alaskan backyards, or so it’s been said.

All Fairbanks native Hunter Bishop wants to see is Ohio State end it’s mini-slide in front of his many family members and friends when the Buckeyes face Alaska at 11:05 p.m. (Columbus time) Friday and Saturday in the Carlson Center.

“It’s going be awesome to go home and play in my hometown,” said the sophomore transfer.

“I was lucky enough to play there in juniors for the Ice Dogs. It was one of the best years of my life. I’ve watched the Nanooks all my life so it’s going to be quite the experience.

“It’s really easy to get motivated for these types of games. I’m excited to go play and see a lot of people I know and hopefully put on a good show for family and friends.”

He can hold his head high for the homecoming as a major contributor on the 14th ranked Buckeyes (16-7-3, 9-6-3-3 Central Collegiate Hockey Association). He is tied with Corey Elkins for second in goals (10) and is tied for third in points (21).

Bishop attended West Valley High School before graduating from Seaton High School in Vernon, British Columbia, while playing junior hockey in the BCHL. He played for the Fairbanks Ice Dogs in the North American Hockey League in 2003-04 and had 14 assists and 21 points in 52 games. He also won a Pee Wee state championship while growing up in Fairbanks. He started his college career at North Dakota two seasons ago but returned to juniors after four games before eventually deciding on Ohio State where his sister, Teal, is a sophomore defenseman on the OSU women’s hockey team.

“He’ll be excited. He’ll have extra jump in his step,” Elkins said.

Hot And Cold

The whole team could use a boost. A week ago, the Buckeyes were riding the second longest unbeaten streak in the country. But after a 3-2 shootout win against Western Michigan (it counts as a win in the CCHA but a tie in NCAA records) and a 4-1 loss Saturday to snap a 11-0-2 stretch, OSU is now officially winless (0-1-2) in the past three games.

“We didn’t play as a team. We played more as individuals,” sophomore forward John Albert said of the loss to the Broncos.

“That’s the first time all year. We’ve got to stick to our systems put the weekend behind us.”

This is a big series with the Nanooks (11-9-6, 9-8-5-3). While Notre Dame is far atop the standings, the battle for spots two through four and a first-round bye is tight. Miami has 28 points followed by Alaska at 26. OSU, Nebraska-Omaha and Michigan are tied for fourth at 24.
The Buckeyes have played two fewer games than Miami and has a whopping four games in hand on the Nanooks. A sweep or even a split this weekend would put the Buckeyes in great position to surpass the Nanooks with eight games left.

“We’ve got to come away with at least six wins and four losses in the last 10, however that ends up,” OSU coach John Markell said.

“We’ve got to win Friday. I’m not looking any further than that. The pressure should be on them but is it really?

“With this team we can’t look too far ahead. Maybe that was the problem last weekend. We were looking at the standings (Western Michigan was last), not the opponent. We told them they had beaten some good teams. We weren’t mentally sharp or physically sharp. We got a severe lesson.”

Take Your Best Shot

The series with the Nanooks will feature the Buckeyes’ offense vs. the stingy Alaska defense. OSU, despite scoring three times in the past two games is still sixth in the country at 3.58 goals per game. Alaska has allowed the second-fewest nationally (1.50).

That could be bad news for the Buckeyes unless they’re willing to work harder. They put nearly 40 shots on goal in the loss to Western but lacked good second chances and didn’t seem to have the fight to get to rebounds.

“To be honest with you, we didn’t have much of a second jump,” Markell said.

“Western Michigan had a lot to do with it but it was mainly us. We didn’t have that second effort we needed. Our goal scoring wasn’t where it had been in the past. If you score some goals you can make up for some mistakes. It’s effort based. For some reason that second effort wasn’t where it had been in the previous 14 games.”

“It was a bitter taste when we lost,” co-captain Peter Boyd said.

"We weren’t happy or satisfied. We want to get right back on track. We know we’re not going to have a perfect season, everybody realizes that, but we didn’t bring our A game for two games last week. We’ve got find a way to play 60 minutes. That’s the lesson the team has to take away from that.

“We’re trying make run at them this weekend. It’ll be a big weekend, for sure. It’s going to be a like a playoff mentality, which should be fun.”

Ice Chips

Freshman Zac Dalpe, who leads the team with 12 goals, will miss his second straight weekend because of a leg injury. He is expected back for the Notre Dame series Feb. 6 and 8… Elkins leads with 27 points (10-17) and is tied with Albert for most assists (17)… Dustin Carlson has started 17 of the past 18 games. For the season he is 14-4-2 with a 2.24 GAA… Speaking of Carlson, the Carlson Center has a 200 feet by 100 feet surface rather than the normal 200 by 85. The last time the Buckeyes played on an Olympic-sized rink they split at Northern Michigan in November… OSU leads the series 21-18-3 and is 6-3-1 in the past 10… The Nanooks are 2-0-1 in the past three home games in the series.



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Until he returned home in June from a trip to Mexico, Hunter Bishop planned to play this season with the Vernon Vipers of the BCHL. But after receiving a call from UND coaches, who offered the Fairbanks, Alaska, native a scholarship, Bishop changed those plans and enrolled at UND.

After a semester in Grand Forks, his father, Bill, said that he made the jump to college too soon.

Hunter talked about his decision to return to the BCHL.

Why did you decide to leave UND?
Bishop: To be honest, I played three years in juniors and last year in Vernon was the first time I had any bit of success. The two years before that, I had a hard time. I was in and out of the lineup. I wasn't sure how soon an opportunity would come here. I just didn't think I was prepared to possibly another two years to have some success. I didn't know if I would only have one successful year in my time here.

What is the next step? Is it possible you will be back?
Bishop: The idea of coming back was not brought up. I really don't know if it would even be an option. Looking at other options would be the idea right now.

So you are going back to Vernon?
Bishop: Everyone in that organization has been great to me. It's the best place I know.

It sounds like there are no hard feelings.
Bishop: Oh no. Not at all. North Dakota is an amazing program. Besides being in and out of the lineup, I loved everything about it here. The whole coaching staff was really understanding. They wished me the best of luck. I'm really thankful I got the opportunity to see what it's like here and I wish it would have worked out.

Was this a difficult decision or did you maybe have an idea this was coming?
Bishop: It definitely wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision. I'd say it was building. But leaving a school like North Dakota... it's the toughest decision I've ever had to make in my life.



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• Ohio State sophomore Hunter Bishop — a Fairbanks native — had a nice homecoming last weekend as the Buckeyes split with the Nanooks. Bishop scored a goal in Saturday’s Ohio State win, with plenty of family and friends on hand to see it in person.



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9. Ohio State Buckeyes
Last season, the Buckeyes finished 11th in the CCHA and won a grand total of 7 league games. Wow, it is amazing how far the once mighty Bucks have fallen. It’s hard to say 2008-09 will be much better. The club lost its one star player in Tommy Goebel (31 pts). But the good news is that the Buckeyes will also have some young forwards back after a year under their belt. Plus Joe Palmer is back in goal. Joe is a potential NHL goalie, but playing on Ohio State has just not made him look as good as in true reality. So he’s going to be a very key player in determining whether the Buckeyes can move up the standings and take a step forward from a disasterous CCHA season. All eyes will be on BCHL Player of the Year and incoming freshman Hunter Bishop. This guy is a grade-A stud. Even though a couple other Buckeye recruits were drafted and he was left off, Hunter is a sniper, something the Buckeyes badly need. But don’t expect the Buckeyes to win too many more games than last season–maybe just a few more.

Key Players to Watch: Peter Boyd F, John Albert F, Kyle Reed F, Shane Sims D, Hunter Bishop F (Freshman), Joe Palmer G

Key Series for Success: A/H-Miami (10/10, 11/1), H-Michigan State (11/7, 11/8), H-Michigan (2/20, 2/21)



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Men's hockey:
Friday, March 13, 2009 2:58 AM
By Jeremy McLaughlin

Thursday, April 30, 2009
The Ohio State men's hockey team arrived in Fairbanks, Alaska, late Wednesday. It went straight to the ice rink for a light practice that ended at 2 a.m. Eastern time. After a 3,600-mile flight, the Buckeyes needed to stretch their legs.

Ohio State was unable to get a good practice in during its trip there six weeks ago. Weather delays lengthened its trip to 32 hours, and fatigue was apparent in the first game against Alaska, a 4-1 loss.

This time, the Buckeyes will have a full day to get in more practice and get acclimated to the four-hour time difference. Those things, they say, will have them ready tonight for a Central Collegiate Hockey Association quarterfinal series against the Nanooks.

"As long as we get one good skate in, everybody will be fine," sophomore forward Hunter Bishop said before the Buckeyes left Columbus. "The first trip this year, when we ran into that ice storm, that trip ended up being a lot longer than it should have been, and I think that took a toll on us. It definitely took us a day to get our legs back on that trip."

Once Ohio State (22-12-4) did adjust, the Buckeyes played perhaps their best game of the season. They scored five first-period goals and won 6-2 on Jan. 31.

That win gives the Buckeyes confidence they can win the series, even though the Nanooks (15-13-6) are rested after a bye last weekend.

"The way we started that game is the way we need to start every game, and I think we're going to be really successful if we do that," Bishop said. "Back checking is going to be important. If we don't have all of our guys back, it is going to be pretty open for them to make plays. Really, it's the same things we've been doing all year."

Some different players will have to do those things this weekend. Freshman forward Ian Boots will miss two games and senior forward Zach Pelletier will miss one because of ejections for a scuffle during the Bowling Green series last weekend.

"We have guys to fill in that we've been working in and out of the lineup for this specific reason," coach John Markell said. "Obviously, Zach and Ian will be missed, but we've got guys who are obviously going to need to step up.

"All year they've been practicing for an opportunity -- guys like Cory Schneider and Taylor Stefishen -- and I expect them to interact accordingly."

If they jell quickly, Ohio State will be in position to win its first road playoff series since 2002. Two wins mean the Buckeyes advance to a CCHA semifinal in Detroit for the first time since 2004.

"We're going to have to be very patient with what happens up there," Markell said. "Our job is to stay on an even keel, get opportunities and take care of them, and defend well like you have to in the playoffs."



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King Salmon Classic closes season
Fairbanks defeats the Island Pub for the championship
By EMIL WEST FOR THE JUNEAU EMPIRE
The hockey season in Juneau came to a close Sunday as Fairbanks defeated Juneau's Island Pub 5-4 in the King Salmon Classic final at Treadwell Arena.




Sound off on the important issues at
Fairbanks' Travis Doan scored just 2:12 into the first period to put his team up 1-0.

The Island Pub tied the game when Blake Galvin scored with 9:39 left in the first period.

Hunter Bishop, later named the player of the tournament, gave Fairbanks back the lead with a goal with 5:47 remaining in the first period. Fairbanks went up 3-1 about a minute and a half later as Andy Mumford scored.

Mumford's goal seemed to indicate the beginning of a lopsided victory for Fairbanks, as the Island Pub produced little offensively.

The Island Pub pressured Fairbanks toward the end of the period, but their efforts on offense didn't get rewarded until Cormac Meagher scored with just 9.1 seconds left in the first period, giving his team as well as the Juneau fans new life.

Again, Fairbanks came out pressuring on offense as Tim Saunderborg scored 2:45 into the second, and final period, making the score 4-2 in favor of Fairbanks.

Doan notched his second goal a few minutes later to give Fairbanks a 5-2 advantage.

Down three goals, Island Pub rallied and outshot Fairbanks 20-4 in the final period.

Paul Melchiori scored midway through the second period to make the score 5-3.

The Island Pub continued to shoot at Fairbanks' net but didn't get another goal until Dan Teske scored with just 3:45 remaining in the game.

The Island Pub pulled their goalie with 1:15 left in the game, but couldn't get the tying goal as Fairbanks won a close battle.

"We couldn't score on the power plays, we had some penalties, and that's what it comes down to," said Island Pub center Jens Hinderlie.

Hinderlie and Marieke Cormier coordinated the second annual tournament. Besides the championship, the tournament's highlight was Saturday night's banquet.

"It's just awesome," Hinderlie said of the tournament. "The banquet last night was so much fun, maybe too much fun. We all love hockey, and we play against each other, and then we hang out."

Treadwell Arena will put away the ice for the rest of the spring and summer until possibly August.

Juneau's lone hockey rink, however, did go out with a bang in front of about 150 fans.

"That was the best game played in the Treadwell to date," said rink announcer Chris Mertl. "This was high-caliber hockey."



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On the Plus Side
As a team, the Buckeyes are +219 this season, including a +20 mark vs. Bowling Green last Saturday. The Buckeyes hold five of the top 11 plus/minus ratings in the league this year. Hunter Bishop is first (+30), followed by Corey Elkins in second (+27), Shane Sims (+17) and Ian Boots (+17) in seventh and Matt Bartkowski tied for 10th (+16).

The Buckeyes have outscored opponents, 107-63, at even strength this year.

Noting the BG Series
• Sophomore Peter Boyd had his second-consecutive two-goal and three-point game last Friday vs. BG. It was his team-best fifth three-point outing of the season.
• Chris Reed’s two-point game Friday, with a goal and an assist, was the second of his career and first since Dec. 7, 2007 vs. St. Lawrence. His goal was his first tally since Oct. 25 at Denver and the second of his career.
• Kyle Reed’s two assists vs. the Falcons last Friday matched his career high, set Nov. 16, 2007 vs. Robert Morris.
• Erick Belanger had a career-high two assists Friday and matched his personal best in points, first set Dec. 12 vs. Bentley.
• John Albert, Ian Boots and Zac Dalpe all ended the game Saturday with two assists, with Matt Bartkowski and Shane Sims each posting two points on a goal and a helper. It was Albert’s seventh two-assist game this season and he also had a three-helper game Jan. 10 at Bowling Green. Boots now has four two-assist games as a Buckeye while Dalpe had his second multiple-assist game after a three-assist game Feb. 8 vs. Notre Dame. Bartkowski had the second two-point game of his career, first set with two assists at Denver Oct. 25. Sims’ game was his fifth multiple-point game of the season and has seven in his career.
• Saturday, Hunter Bishop and Corey Elkins ended the game +4 each. It was a career high for Bishop and matched Elkins’ career best, first set at Bowling Green Nov. 17, 2006.
• Ohio State swept the season series with Bowling Green, 4-0-0. Two wins were in Bowling Green, with the second two in Columbus.

Buckeye Brief
The Buckeyes are 22-12-4 on the year and finished conference play in fifth place with a 13-11-4-3 record, one point out of fourth place. The squad is averaging 3.58 goals a game to rank sixth nationally, while allowing 2.74. On the power play, the Buckeyes have converted 25-of-177 chances (.141) and have stopped 164-of-201 opponent opportunities (.816).

Senior Corey Elkins is first with 18 goals and 40 points. Sophomore John Albert is first on the team with 28 assists and ranks second with 39 points. Freshman Zac Dalpe and sophomores Peter Boyd and Hunter Bishop are second with 13 goals each. Boyd (13g, 18a, 31p), freshman Ian Boots (9g, 15a, 24p) Bishop (13g, 15a, 28p), Dalpe (13g, 12a, 25p), sophomore Sergio Somma (11 g, 12a, 23p), and sophomore defenseman Shane Sims (6g, 17a, 23p) all have reached the 20-point mark. Bishop has a team-best +30 mark, followed by Elkins at +27. Somma and Sims are first with four power-play goals. Albert, Dalpe and sophomore C.J. Severyn each have a team-best three game-winning goals.

Homecoming
Buckeye sophomore Hunter Bishop returns to his hometown for the series this weekend. He played his first collegiate games in Fairbanks Jan. 30-31, scoring a goal in the series finale. Bishop is a native of Fairbanks and attended West Valley High School before graduating from Seaton High School in Vernon, British Columbia, while playing junior hockey in the BCHL. He played for the Fairbanks Ice Dogs in the North American Hockey League in 2003-04 and had 14 assists and 21 points in 52 games. He also won a Pee Wee state championship while growing up in Fairbanks. Bishop’s sister, Teal, is a sophomore defenseman on the Ohio State women’s hockey team.






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Posted by adn_aces

Posted: March 28, 2009 - 4:48 pm



A No. 1 regional seed finally lived up to that billing: Boston University of Hockey East scored three goals in the opening 13 minutes, raced to a 6-zip lead and beat No. 4 seed Ohio State of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association 8-3 at the Northeast Regional in Manchester, N.H. (To be fair to the Buckeyes, the last two goals they surrendered were empty netters).

Sophomore wing Hunter Bishop of Fairbanks scored one goal and assisted on another. Problem was his goal came when BU was ahead 6-0. Hunter went -4, with one of those minuses coming on an empty netter.

Through seven NCAA games (pending is Bemidji-Notre Dame, with No. 4 seed Bemidji of College Hockey America holding a shocking 2-0 lead over the Irish of the CCHA and goaltender Jordan Pearce of Anchorage in the second period; also still to come are Air Force-Vermont --tied 2-2 in the 3rd period -- and Miami (Ohio)-Minnesota-Duluth), here's how conferences have done.



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Men's Hockey: Issue date: 1/9/09 Section: Sports
PrintEmail Article Tools Page 1 of 1
KELLY WRIGHT/THE LANTERN
Ohio State sophomore forward Hunter Bishop skates past a defender during Friday's 6-1 win over Army in the Ohio Hockey Classic. Bishop scored the game-winning goal against Clarkson in the finals on Sunday as OSU won 2-0. The Buckeyes travel to Bowling Green for a weekend series with the Falcons tonight and tomorrow.

Neither the competition nor jet lag could slow Hunter Bishop and the Ohio State men's hockey team during the weekend's Ohio Hockey Classic.

Bishop and the Buckeyes, in their first action since Dec. 13, defeated Clarkson University, 2-0, on Saturday to secure the tournament title.

Bishop, an Alaska native, whose trip back to Columbus crossed five time zones and four airports, showed no ill effects from the flight and the three-week layoff.

Backed by goaltender Dustin Carlson's fourth shutout of the season, Bishop's first period goal proved to be decisive.

Attacking the Clarkson zone 2-on-2, Bishop deflected Shane Sims' shot past the Clarkson goaltender, leaving his feet in the process.

Bishop's aerial acrobatics illustrate what has become a recurring theme: his knack for finding the net.

His ninth of the season, Bishop's goal extended his scoring streak to seven games. Not coincidentally, the Buckeyes haven't lost in the process.

"Streaks like this are what I shoot for every season," Bishop said. "I hoped that I would fit into a goal-scoring role on this team; I pride my game on it."

The "greasy" goal in front exemplifies the "physicality" coach John Markell says Bishop brings to his team. Facing Clarkson, a team brimming with confidence following its upset of No. 2 Miami, Bishop knew such grit would be necessary.

"Our scouting report was to get a lot of pucks on net, and rebound. We knew we would have to score a greasy goal and knew that the first shot wasn't going to go in," Bishop said.

Despite battling nerves that threatened to halt his early season success, Carlson upheld Bishop's goal until Zac Dalpe provided the final margin in the 60th minute.

"I was coming into this weekend kind of nervous," Carlson said. "No matter when the break came I was going to be nervous and a little jumpy."

Conscious of the need to be his harshest critic in practice heading into the tournament, Carlson's performance reflected his preparation.

Aided by Carlson's work in net, the Buckeyes thwarted all six Clarkson power play opportunities, including a 5-on-3 early in the third period.

"Our penalty kill deserves a lot of credit. I think we killed a period's worth of penalties," Bishop said. "[They] really stepped it up and brought this game home for us."

Complementing Bishop's success is the emergence of linemates Corey Elkins and Ian Boots.

Elkins, whose 21 points lead the team, assisted on Bishop's game-winner, one day after contributing three points in Friday's 6-1 victory against Army.

"You've got the prototypical winger with Hunter Bishop," Markell said. "He's fast, he can shoot the puck. He'll go to critical areas and score goals.

"Ian Boots can make plays up and down the ice. Corey can protect the puck with his big body and move it through with his speed. It's a good mixture."

The unit's six points against Army spearheaded a balanced attack, which featured goals from six players.


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MHKY: Read Hunter Bishop's Online Chat with Fans
Courtesy: OhioStateBuckeyes.com
Release: 02/19/2009




Ohio State - Michigan Series Preview
Tickets for Michigan Series Available






COLUMBUS, Ohio – Hunter Bishop, a sophomore forward on the Ohio State men’s hockey team, held an online chat on OhioStateBuckeyes.com to answer fans’ questions Thursday. Read a full transcript of the chat below.

Bishop is second on the team with 12 goals this season and has 23 points. In addition, Bishop has a CCHA-best +22 rating. Last weekend, the native of Fairbanks, Alaska, posted an extra attacker goal vs. Michigan State, the first Buckeye extra attacker goal since Kyle Reed’s goal March 8, 2008 at Northern Michigan. His tally with 11 seconds left in regulation tied the game at 1-all and forced overtime.

OhioStateBuckeyes.com::
Welcome to Hunter's chat. Please post your questions for him here and Hunter will start answering them at 2 p.m. Thursday.


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OhioStatebuckeyes.com::
Hunter is here so we will go ahead and begin.


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Buckeye Bob: Toledo:
What has been the toughest part of playing Division I hockey? Is the game a lot faster than you expected? With your sister on the women’s team does she ask you for a lot of advice about the game?


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Hunter::
The toughest part to playing DI hockey is the speed and the systems. In Juniors, you have a bit of a longer of a leash as to what you can and can’t do. The college game is definitely much faster.


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Ken :Toledo:
Coming off the tough weekend vs. Michigan State, what was practice like this week?


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Hunter::
Practice was really intense. Coaches have stepped it up a notch and so have we. This is a really big weekend for our hockey team and we are ready.


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Casey: Ohio:
How much do they talk up the Michigan game with you? Obviously, your biggest rival is Miami, but do you get excited with Michigan as well? GO BUCKS!


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Hunter::
To be honest, I didn't realize there was rivalry between Ohio State and Miami until I got here. I've always known about the one with Michigan though.


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Richard Nash: Columbus, Ohio:
On the women's ice hockey team, in your opinion, who has pretty hair, your sister Teal or Morgan Marziali?


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Hunter::
They both have bowl cuts...Just kidding! Unfair question because one is my sister!


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Jose :Mexico City, MX:
Who is your favorite roommate to have on the road? Are you predictable?


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Hunter::
Boots is by far the coolest roommate...and no I am not predictable!


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Rae: Columbus, OH:
Hunter, have you considered modeling?


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Hunter::
I love this question...but my blue steel look is just not quite ready.


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Rachel: Plain City, OH:
Your superstitious rituals are becoming well known. Do you stick to any of them in the offseason or do you allow yourself to sit back and relax?


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Hunter::
I do not carry any of my rituals into the offseason. I need the time to relax.


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Suzie: Columbus:
What teammate do you have the most respect for?


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Hunter::
Zach Pelletier - He came back from a really tough injury and has been a leader to our team.


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Rachel: Columbus:
Who would you consider to be your biggest fan since you have been playing here at Ohio State?


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Hunter::
My athletic trainer Jeff Deits ... he's a beauty.


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Steve: Paulding:
What is the scar on your neck from? Is it from a hockey injury?


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Hunter::
Well if you must know. I think everyone knows the game jacks (where you throw a ball down and grab the toy jacks). When I was young, I had an underdeveloped esophagus tube with gaps in it. When I was three I swallowed a jack, and it had been in the side of my neck until last year in Vernon where I played juniors. The team doctor cut it out for me but a piece of the jack was stuck in muscle tissue, so he left a piece in there. That's what the bump is.


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Greg: Columbus, Ohio:
What would you say your team's biggest strength is this season?


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Hunter::
Our biggest strength is our team camaraderie. We are really tight-knit group and it's going to take us a long way.


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Laura: Cincinnati :
Who is the best dancer on the team?


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Hunter::
Kyle Reed ... style and flow


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Steve: Columbus:
Where is your favorite place to hang out on Campus?


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Hunter::
Our locker room and the RPAC because I love the food they serve.


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Mom: Puerto Vallarta:
Hi Hunter, what is the most important thing you do to get ready for a game?


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Hunter::
The most important thing for me is a solid pre-game meal, and a short nap. Love you mom!


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Todd: Columbus:
Do you have any superstitions when it comes to hockey?


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Hunter::
I only have a routine ... no superstitions.


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Todd: Columbus:
You had quite a goal streak going, any idea how to get another one going?


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Hunter::
Trust me, I’m trying!


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Marco: Columbus:
Who has been the toughest player this year to play against?


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Hunter::
The goalie from Michigan State.


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Mike: Columbus:
How do you feel about making the transfer to Ohio State from North Dakota? What is the biggest difference?


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Hunter::
The transfer has been awesome! The only thing I will complain about is not all my credits transferred over. Other than that, I love it here. The major difference is the school is so much bigger. Also the school spirit is stronger






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M. Hockey: Ohio State brothers light more than goals lamps (CBS Interactive U-WIRE)
Friday, 30 January 2009 14:21
Wall paneling from when the house was restored served as the boards. A wet mop became the Zamboni.
(CSTV U-WIRE) COLUMBUS, Ohio—Wall paneling from when the house was restored served as the boards. A wet mop became the Zamboni. Snow mounds replaced the glass in case things got physical. Night didn’t exist. Lights were put up instead.

When a local school decided to sell its ice rink, the Bishop’s upgraded their front yard ice rink. They installed new boards.

Ohio State hockey players Hunter and Teal Bishop spent hours flooding and shoveling their makeshift rink.

School days started at 7 a.m., when the stars were still out. First period: a morning skate.

Nights were no different.

“[Hunter] was the talk of Fairbanks,” said Jason Lammers, Ohio State assistant coach and a former assistant at Alaska. “I lived just down the street from him and the lights would be on every night when I got home from work.”

To improve accuracy, milk crates replaced nets. To soften their hands, a lightweight ball replaced a puck. Early on, a dog toy was tossed around for safety’s sake. As time wore on, such precautions were useless.

“He’d come down and try to do a sweet move and I’d just take the body and he couldn’t get around me,” Teal said. “Then he’d get frustrated and check me into the snowbank.”

A year-and-a-half older, Hunter used his speed to sneak around his sister. Teal’s junior high growth spurt leveled the playing field. A natural defenseman, Teal often frustrated Hunter.

“We’d get in a bit of a tussle. I’d get pretty frustrated when I couldn’t get around my little sister. But we had mostly good times,” said Hunter, a wry smile crossing his face.

There’s no shame in defeat. Teal was good. Good enough to be named captain of the boys’ team in junior high.

“For a while, I kind of had my glory,” Teal said.

A sport where opportunities are plentiful away from home, hockey split the siblings in high school.

Trekking the states corner-to-corner, Teal left Fairbanks, Alaska for Stowe, Vt.

Hunter split for Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Tornado warnings welcomed Hunter his first week in Iowa, a stark difference from Fairbanks.

A second chance for Ohio State

After stints playing junior hockey in Iowa and Canada, Hunter moved on to college.

Teal, making her college decision at the same time, couldn’t sway the vote.

Hunter enrolled at the University of North Dakota, playing just four games before leaving.

“There’s a big difference between an 18-year-old kid and a 21-year-old person,” Hunter said. “I’m a true believer that you want to have a great season before you go to college because the college game’s a big transition.”

In his return to the junior game, Hunter erupted for 57 goals in 60 games during his second year with the Vernon Vipers.

Making the college decision for a second time, Hunter heeded his sister’s advice.

Separate hockey academies and billet families sufficed during high school because they were necessary. Given a second chance, the siblings reunited.

Under one roof for the first time in five years, things haven’t changed.

The overprotective big brother, Hunter shields his sister from guys.

Closer because of their distance growing up, they argue over the car and little else.

“Finally we can be back together after being away for so long,” Teal said. “We kind of developed a good relationship, so we were really excited about this, and it’s gone great so far.”

Off the ice and on for Hunter, who is second on the men’s team in goals, and third in points.

Teal, whose responsibilities differ on the ice, is fourth on the women’s team in assists.

Though the chances to watch each other are rare, the hockey advice never is. Call it the advantage of living with someone who has known your game since you first slipped on skates.

“I can really tell him how he’s playing and give him some insight,” Teal said. “He’s having a great season though so I can’t really say too much.”

Home-ice advantage

Stars are all that light the Bishop’s neighborhood at night now. Their father sold the rink this year.

Although he misses it, Hunter’s return is set for a bigger stage.

The Carlson Center, home to the Alaska Nanooks hockey team, will house Hunter’s reunion this weekend.

A staple of Bishop family weekends growing up, Nanooks games are packed. The weekend’s contests promise to be no different, save for the sprinkling of scarlet in the stands.

Clad in OSU jerseys and sweatshirts, Bishop-backing Fairbanks natives will be out in droves this weekend.

“I’m just excited to go play and see a lot of people I know and hopefully put on a good show for my friends and family,” Hunter said.

Like most younger sisters, Teal won’t let him off that easily.

“He’s been preparing for this,” Teal said. “He tries to act casual about it but I think he’s really excited. People from home haven’t seen him play since he was a freshman in high school.

“I try not to make him nervous and say, ‘Everyone is going to the game,’ but everyone is going to be there to watch him from our town.”

More Sports News from The Lantern.



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Trips home are rare for Hunter Bishop. Home is Fairbanks, Alaska, a mere 3,800 miles from Columbus. So the sophomore forward for the Ohio State hockey team was understandably excited to make the trek to Alaska last weekend for a two-game series.

But after flight delays and an unexpected stay in Seattle lengthened the trip to more than 36 hours, even his enthusiasm was muted.

"It was one day of travel I'd like to forget it," he said.

The first game against Alaska was also forgetful, a 4-1 loss. The Buckeyes rebounded Saturday by scoring five first-period goals during a 6-2 win.

Fifteenth-ranked Ohio State will need to mimic Saturday's effort in its remaining eight regular-season games to stay near the top of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association. The schedule is brutal, with two-game series against three teams ranked in the top eight nationally.

It starts tonight and Sunday against No. 2 Notre Dame in Value City Arena. The Buckeyes go to Michigan State next weekend before playing host to No. 4 Michigan and a home-and-home series against No. 8 Miami University.

Each is crucial for Ohio State's postseason hopes. Notre Dame and Miami are ahead of the Buckeyes in the CCHA standings. Ohio State is tied with Michigan for fourth, one point ahead of Nebraska-Omaha. The top four teams receive a bye for the first round of the CCHA playoffs.

To get a bye, coach John Markell believes Ohio State must win at least five of the eight games.

"It's going to be darn tough, but we need points out of this weekend, as many as we can," he said. "Everybody is looking for Notre Dame to beat the team they are playing against, so if they get points, they can climb up."

Ohio State earlier benefited from that strategy. It won 14 of 15 games to move up the CCHA standings. But most of those games were against the league's weaker teams. Alaska was the best team it played since late November.

Notre Dame is not like most teams. It is unbeaten in 21 of its past 22 games. It is one of the best defensively, led by goalie Jordan Pearce, who has a 1.59 goals-against average.

"They've got good goaltending. They've got great defense. They stick to their system and play disciplined," Markell said. "It's a pretty toxic mix in the game of hockey and we're going to have to play the proper way to get anything done.

"We have to stay patient. If you play an undisciplined system, you are going to get in big-time trouble. They prey on it."

That is a tough proposition for a young Ohio State team. But the manner in which the Buckeyes responded Saturday gives Markell confidence the team can handle the assignment -- and the big-game atmosphere.

There will be plenty of it in the next four weeks.

"We've got a tough schedule ahead of us," sophomore forward John Albert said. "We just have to focus on what's ahead and hopefully do the best we can."



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Another "Classic" Win!
After downing Army 6-1, OSU worked over Clarkson with a 2-0 effort. Scoring opened with Bishop on a diving-poke-the-puck-through-the goalie goal and Dalpe put in the insurance marker at the very end.

Congrats to Elkins, Hunter Bishop to being named to the All Tournament team and to Carlson for being named Most Valuable Player.


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MHKY: On the Road with Hunter Bishop

Courtesy: OhioStateBuckeyes.com

Release: 11/24/2008

Hunter Bishop, a sophomore forward on the men's hockey, wrote from the road as the Buckeyes traveled to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to take on Northern Michigan in Marquette, Mich.

DAY ONE- I LOVE THE BUS
Today is Wednesday and everything is normal before 3:30. I had two classes, rushed home while slamming a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, grabbed my bags for the trip and headed to the rink. My mind races before every trip because I always feel like I’m forgetting something. I usually am! This journey to Northern Michigan is a long one, so forgetting any key items could be a catastrophe. I am missing two things on this particular day: my pillow and blanket. I left it in the Reeds’ car after our last road trip so I have contacted Kyle to be a pal and bring it for me. This trip is way too long to go without a pillow, so I’m praying he comes through.

Before I know it we are practicing. Wednesdays are always interesting as the line up and list for players traveling has not yet been released, so everyone is making sure they secure their spot. After practice we rode our short bus back to the Schott, quickly undressed, and headed to the workout room with the biggest beauty in weight lifting history - Coach Glass! Man does that guy crack me up. Coach was in a hurry to get on the road, so we shortened our lift to twenty minutes and hammered it out. After lift Kyle explains to me that he not only forgot his blanket and pillow, but he forgot mine too! Wow! That’s all I have to say. Post lift I had my usual ice bath (which was brutal) and hurried up to shower to make it on the bus by 3:30. As usual I was one of the last ones to get on, and what do you know all the seats are taken! I usually sit between Sevy (Severyn) and Shaef (Schafer) near the back, but we have a few more staff members coming on this trip and all seats are full. I immediately started searching to see if any rookies had not doubled up yet, and there was no such luck. Johnny Albert, being the genuine guy that he is, offered to share his seat, and I gladly accepted. To sum things up I will be sharing a seat for the next 11 or so hours! On the bright side, Kyle was joking and my blanket and pillow were waiting for me on the bus!

The bus ride starts out nicely as I had my computer fully charged, and a whole season of Entourage at my side. I made it through 2 whole disks before my battery died! That show is awesome. It’s like Sex and the City for guys! I didn’t panic with the last ticks of my battery as we had been playing movies on the bus the entire ride. Unfortunately however Coach Bittner had been choosing the last two, and let’s just say his movie judgment is slightly off. The current movie was awful! Finally we made it to Outback Steak house for our team dinner. Upon arrival our waitress asked us all our last names, as we had all pre-ordered from the bus. I sat next to Kyle and Chris Reed. Same last name, very different people! Although they do look quite similar! Anyway, the young girl serving us thought they were kidding when they both answered “Reed”. I had steak, a baked potato, a house salad with Italian, and finished the night off with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream. The vanilla ice cream came without chocolate syrup, which had become a norm on our last Outback visits. As guys were about to revolt, for some reason Coach Markell had brought his own Hershey’s chocolate and he was nice enough to share. I guess he really likes chocolate sauce. Post meal we headed back to the bus, where we shuffled though a couple more movies before landing on the movie 21. We pretended to live the Vegas life of poker until we arrived in who knows where Michigan where we checked in at the Quality Inn Hotel. Coach Lammers called out roommates as we stood in the lobby like zombies. “Bishop and Boots” he shouted. My initial thought to this rooming assignment is not something I can write on this blog, but let’s just say I have roomed with this specimen before! I’ll talk more about my rooming situation later on in the weekend.
We headed up to our rooms, and ate the pizza that the team ordered for us. After five or six slices, a Propel in my belly, and my iPod set on the playlist relax I was down for the count and out like a light.

DAY TWO - THE BLIZZARD CONTINUES...
Falling asleep was not a problem last night. I slept like a baby. I had set my phone alarm to 9:15 this morning, but my incredibly amazing roommate (Boots) thought we were eating at 9:15 so he got up earlier, showered, and proceeded to make a lot of noise around 9. Now I don’t want to sound like a big baby because I know that 9 sounds really late for a lot of people...I just wanted that extra 15 minutes! Anyway I refused to get out of bed until 9:15; I was really comfortable. After quickly throwing what I had taken out the night before back into my bag, I did one quick last scan of the room and headed downstairs to the breakfast. There was a spread of what seemed to be a buffet lined up in the restaurant near the lobby. There were eggs, sausage, breakfast potatoes, toast, and pancakes. Right before I started with my first plate I was informed that we could only go up once, and to go up twice you had to pay $2. I proceeded to load my plate to capacity, and then headed back to my table. I ate so much food! It was amazing.

After, we headed back to the lobby, put our bags on the bus, and got comfortable for the second half of our voyage to Northern. The snowing hasn’t stopped since we have been here, and didn’t seem to be easing as we neared NMU. We arrived sometime around two o’clock, and made a quick stop at the rink in which we will be playing to drop off our gear. Next stop was the Ramada inn, where we would be resting for the remainder of the weekend. Rooming assignments were no surprise as I am stuck with Ian once again. Good stuff. As fast as we got in our rooms, we rushed out even quicker to run to our lunch held at the hotel. They had sandwiches, pasta salad, and unbelievable chicken noodle soup. I think the hit item however were the freshly baked cookies as Coach Lammers caught Belanger with a few hiding in his pockets!

Post lunch we headed back to the rink, and had a short crisp Thursday practice. On the way there we had to go up this really big hill, and we almost didn’t make it! The bus’s tires began to spin, so coach had everyone move to the back of the bus to give the back wheels more traction. It didn’t seem to do the trick so Coach Markell jumped out and went behind the bus. I’m not sure what he did back there. Maybe he was pushing, but it helped and we successfully made it to the top, and to practice. Thursdays are always short and hard to make sure we are focused for the weekend, but short enough the coaches know we have enough left in the tank to bring everything we have the following nights. It was a great practice. The team really seems dialed in. Their ice is huge here at Northern. I believe we have a really fast skating team, so I think it will work to our advantage! After practice, we jumped back on to the bus, and rushed back to make our dinner date back at the hotel. Steak and potatoes once again! I’ll never get sick of that meal! As usual ice cream was served post meal. Unfortunately I had to decline this generous offer of frozen heaven. I don’t eat ice cream on Thursdays and it kills me every time they bring it out. This ice cream looked so good too! Why no ice cream? Let’s just say I’m sort of superstitious. After dinner we have the rest of the night to ourselves. I’m going to do some math homework while I watch the Detroit- Edmonton hockey game. Wings up 3-0! Talk to you tomorrow...


DAY THREE- 60 SECONDS
8:45 am my phone alarm goes off and wakes me up from the much needed 9 and a half hour sleep. Boots isn’t getting up until 9:15 so let’s just say battle won for Hunter 11/21/08. I like to be up before 9 on game days and get my day going. The morning seemed nice, with slowly falling flakes and the sun hitting holes throughout the sky. I decided to put about three layers on, and take a walk around the downtown area we are located in. Breakfast wasn’t until 9:30, so I had some time to kill. I walked about 10 minutes each way from our hotel, and saw some really cool shops. Unfortunately nothing opens around here until 10! One store even had their open sign on, but even they weren’t open yet! Anyway I had my Ipod in and it was a nice little stroll. I got back, and headed straight for the breakfast buffet. The spread was as good as expected with all the bells and whistles.

After finishing breakfast we had about 30 minutes in our rooms before we took another bus ride to Berry ice arena for our pre-game skate. The ice was fresh, and we finished in about 45 quick minutes. Only about 35 of those minutes were under the supervision of coaches, and the last 10 we had to ourselves to do as we wished. It’s nice that they give you time at the end because it gives guys a chance to work on or do whatever it takes to prepare yourself for the night. After busing back to the hotel, we headed straight up to the conference room for our pregame meal. To no surprise we were fed noodles with chicken and salad. Pasta and chicken is like the all time staple pregame hockey meal. I suppose it’s the perfect balance of carbs and protein. The sauce they supplied however was a mushroom gravy sauce. I’m deathly allergic to mushrooms (I really just don’t like them) so I took a rain check on the sauce! After stuffing myself I headed back to my room, and hung out until about 2 pm. We ate pregame meal at 12:30 and I knew I would be hungry again before 7:30 so I went on a hunt for a smoothie. Smoothies have been a part of my pre-game meal for about 2-3 years now. I ask for special ingredients every time which I will not reveal to you. I ended up in the lobby chatting with the nice young girl at the front desk asking for a place to get a smoothie. There is a restaurant here at the hotel, but it didn’t open until 5. There was however one of the chefs who was hanging around early, so my new friend and I asked if he could blend something up for me. He said that only fruit he had was oranges and that he didn’t have yogurt, but he could supplement it with sour cream...I respectfully declined his offer! How gross does that sound? Anyway, I headed to the nearest gas station to see what I could find and ended up with a case of water and a strawberry banana V8 drink. It wasn’t a smoothie, but it was my last resort.

After my smoothie, I laid down for my nap, showered up, and dressed myself up for the big dance. Puck drop was at 7:35 so we departed the Ramada about 5:30. Upon arrival we stopped short of the rink, and coach had us walk the rest of the way to the arena. I guess I should have worn my winter coat! It was not very warm out. Once in the rink we headed straight to the room, undressed, redressed in work out attire, and prepared for war. We knew coming into the game Northern Michigan was a better team than what their record showed, and they would come out of the gates firing on all cylinders. Before I knew it we were warming up. In our first few strides onto the ice Boots must have caught a bad edge or something because he took a huge digger at about center ice. I think we all got a good chuckle out of that one. It’s always so funny when someone falls in warm-ups! It’s happened to me before.

After warmies, we returned to the away dressing room where we awaited the coaches for the pre-game talk. Coach Lammers talked a bit of X’s and O’s and then we talked about what we were going to bring as a team against NMU. After an elementary choir sang for the building the first period was under way. We didn’t get the start we had talked about, and along with penalty trouble the momentum was in the hands of the Wildcats most of that first 20 minutes. Now I can’t really talk about the whole game because I’m going to be here all night, but overall we could have done a lot of things better, and made mistakes that can easily be fixed with better decision making. Our lack of discipline made it feel like we were chasing all night, and we need to respond tomorrow with a much better focus. If I know this team the way I think I do, you’re going to see a much more determined group sticking to the plan playing Buckeye hockey in Game #2. Game #1 NMU 3 OSU 1.

After the game I ate and drank as many bagels, Powerade bars, and chocolate milk as I could possible devour. We did a cool down as a team, and then loaded back onto the bus. At the hotel we quickly ate, and headed back to our rooms. Falling asleep is always tough after a game, as your body and mind are still in gear. Before passing out I filled my bath tub with cold water and ice, and did a quick 10 minute soak to flush my legs out...it was so cold! To finish my night I laid in bed going over every pass, shot, and stride of our game. We know what we need to do tomorrow, and it’s time respond and get it done

DAY FOUR- OSU 2 NMU 0
Today I slept in all the way to 9:15! Great start to the day, I knew it was going to be a good one. I threw on my track suit as fast as possible, made sure the do was at least breakfast presentable, and darted down to our fabulous buffet. Once again I headed straight for the oatmeal and toast. I’m not so sure this odd colored food in front of me was oatmeal, but I ate it anyway and it was good. After breakfast we zoned out in our rooms for about 30 and headed down to the bus.

We got to the rink assuming we were going for our pre-game skate. Apparently assuming makes a something out of u and me, because we were all wrong. We did about a half hour of video (it wasn’t pretty) and followed it up with a team run and stretch. We got to see a lot of footage from the night before. Video doesn’t lie so there was no hiding from the scenes we were watching. The good news is after seeing just how many simple mistakes we made, we realized how easily they would be to correct and the night before was only 3-1. If we buckle down here tonight and make better choices we should be happier with the outcome. After our little jog around the “basketball court” (the rink had transformed into a basketball court for the NMU women’s team) we went back into the locker room for a mandatory shower...they must think we stink. We quickly headed back to the hotel for our greatly appreciated pregame meal. I was so hungry! Today they spoiled us with pasta, chicken, and salad! There is no sarcasm in the way I say that... I seriously love that pregame meal. I have been eating that exact meal before games since I was about 15. Sadly there were no cookie stealers today; or at least none got caught.

After the meal, we all headed to our rooms and did lots of things. I’m sure everyone on our team does something different to get ready. The pregame rituals of hockey players are very sacred and very special. Some do a lot, and some do nothing at all, but every guy has something. Something, regardless if it is really physically or mentally energizing, will give them the edge that night to play to the best of their abilities. Before heading down to the 5:30 bus Boots and I quickly scanned the room to make sure no belongings were left behind. Once on the coach we headed for the rink. After an hour and a half of meetings, dynamic warm ups, stretching, stick handling, icing, flexall-ing, and taping sticks we were out for warmies and waiting for the 7 minute mark to head out for the start of the game.

The first few shifts went as planned as we set a new physical tone. We got pucks deep, we chipped, we talked, and we took it to them! We stuck to the game plan we drew up, and were disciplined from start to finish. That along with a very solid goaltending effort by our stud between the posts Dusty allowed us to take two points out of Northern Michigan. Thank goodness we prevailed because I don’t think a could have withstood an 11 hour bus ride home after getting swept...no way! After the game we sang a beautiful song, and quickly loaded up for the voyage home. I’d like to say I’m going to miss this place, but that just wouldn’t be true.



Notes:
-It has been snowing in Michigan, and a few team snowball fights are most likely to be in order.
-It seemed like our bus swerved at one point last night, and I was scared for my life.
-I can’t wait to play in Northern Mich!
-Quick shout out to my boys at Morrill Tower Fish, and Schneider!







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Issue date: 1/9/09 Section: Sports

KELLY WRIGHT/THE LANTERN

Ohio State sophomore forward Hunter Bishop skates past a defender during Friday's 6-1 win over Army in the Ohio Hockey Classic. Bishop scored the game-winning goal against Clarkson in the finals on Sunday as OSU won 2-0. The Buckeyes travel to Bowling Green for a weekend series with the Falcons tonight and tomorrow.

Neither the competition nor jet lag could slow Hunter Bishop and the Ohio State men's hockey team during the weekend's Ohio Hockey Classic.

Bishop and the Buckeyes, in their first action since Dec. 13, defeated Clarkson University, 2-0, on Saturday to secure the tournament title.

Bishop, an Alaska native, whose trip back to Columbus crossed five time zones and four airports, showed no ill effects from the flight and the three-week layoff.

Backed by goaltender Dustin Carlson's fourth shutout of the season, Bishop's first period goal proved to be decisive.

Attacking the Clarkson zone 2-on-2, Bishop deflected Shane Sims' shot past the Clarkson goaltender, leaving his feet in the process.

Bishop's aerial acrobatics illustrate what has become a recurring theme: his knack for finding the net.

His ninth of the season, Bishop's goal extended his scoring streak to seven games. Not coincidentally, the Buckeyes haven't lost in the process.

"Streaks like this are what I shoot for every season," Bishop said. "I hoped that I would fit into a goal-scoring role on this team; I pride my game on it."

The "greasy" goal in front exemplifies the "physicality" coach John Markell says Bishop brings to his team. Facing Clarkson, a team brimming with confidence following its upset of No. 2 Miami, Bishop knew such grit would be necessary.

"Our scouting report was to get a lot of pucks on net, and rebound. We knew we would have to score a greasy goal and knew that the first shot wasn't going to go in," Bishop said.

Despite battling nerves that threatened to halt his early season success, Carlson upheld Bishop's goal until Zac Dalpe provided the final margin in the 60th minute.

"I was coming into this weekend kind of nervous," Carlson said. "No matter when the break came I was going to be nervous and a little jumpy."

Conscious of the need to be his harshest critic in practice heading into the tournament, Carlson's performance reflected his preparation.

Aided by Carlson's work in net, the Buckeyes thwarted all six Clarkson power play opportunities, including a 5-on-3 early in the third period.

"Our penalty kill deserves a lot of credit. I think we killed a period's worth of penalties," Bishop said. "[They] really stepped it up and brought this game home for us."

Complementing Bishop's success is the emergence of linemates Corey Elkins and Ian Boots.

Elkins, whose 21 points lead the team, assisted on Bishop's game-winner, one day after contributing three points in Friday's 6-1 victory against Army.

"You've got the prototypical winger with Hunter Bishop," Markell said. "He's fast, he can shoot the puck. He'll go to critical areas and score goals.

"Ian Boots can make plays up and down the ice. Corey can protect the puck with his big body and move it through with his speed. It's a good mixture."

The unit's six points against Army spearheaded a balanced attack, which featured goals from six players.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
James Pallitto can be reached at pallitto.1@osu.edu.


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Vipers say goodbyes after 5-2 loss
By Kevin Mitchell - Vernon Morning Star - March 21, 2008


PENTICTON – Hunter Bishop will spend the next two weeks in a dentist chair. The carnage: four-and-a-half teeth. The price: $5,000.

Painful, but it hardly compares to the hurt the Alaskan Assassin was feeling after the Vernon Vipers lost 5-2 to the Vees in game seven of the B.C. Hockey League Interior Conference semifinal series Tuesday night before 2,105 fans at Memorial Arena.

"It's funny how quick Junior hockey goes," said Bishop, who racked up 93 goals in 177 games over two-and-a-half seasons with Vernon. "This is my fifth year. It goes by pretty quick. It doesn't even seem like it's real. It's over. I know there's good things to come, but it stings a lot. There are a lot of good guys in the room that I'll miss, and a great coaching staff. I've been here three years, I love it. I'd stay here if I could. Time to move on, I guess."

Bishop, who will play alongside Vees' Zac Dalpe, Cory Schneider and Devon Krogh with the Ohio State Buckeyes next year, had a stellar final game, drawing an assist on Kellen Jones' team-high seventh playoff goal, with four minutes remaining. Bishop was earlier stoned by Vees' all-star goalie Alex Evin on a high wrister in the deep slot.

"I think both teams battled hard and it could have gone either way," said Bishop, 20. "Penticton stuck to their game and came out on top. It was a pretty even match, but they got a few more bounces than us. Good luck to 'em. It's too bad it has to end here."

Bishop, who lost one tooth in game action and the rest in separate practice mishaps, including one where Kellen and him collided, was in no hurry to take his equipment off in a dressing room full of distraught players, taking turns comforting one another.

Veteran centre Travis Brisebois, who supplied 60 goals, won hundreds of face-offs and killed numerous penalties in 166 regular-season games in Vernon, perhaps delivered the best eulogy for the fourth-place Vipers.


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Bishop one excited Buckeye
April 04, 2008


Last season, the Buckeyes finished second to last in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association at 7-18-3.

Bishop is currently having a “last hurrah” in Vancouver and Whistler with teammates Travis Brisebois and Chris Crowell before driving home to Alaska, where he’ll take on a new Peter Twist training program, and teach hockey clinics.

Bishop will be joined by four other BCHL grads in Ohio State, three of who were on the Vees squad that knocked the Vipers out of the Interior Conference semifinals in seven games.

Vees’ forwards Zac Dalpe and Cory Schneider, and defenceman Devon Krogh, along with forward Taylor Stefishen of the Langley Chiefs, will all be looking to bolster the Buckeyes’ roster next fall.

“As much as I hate those guys on the ice, they’re all really good guys off the ice,” said Bishop, who got to meet Stefishen and Dalpe at the BCHL All-star game in January in Victoria. “I’m sure we’ll have lots of stories to talk about next year.”

Added Stein, also based in Vernon: “They should be a lot stronger next year,” said Stein, “but that’s a heck of a competitive conference. He’ll (Bishop) be playing against a lot of good players in a lot of good hockey programs, so it’ll be interesting to see how he does.

“I expect a lot from him. I like his work ethic and he has the determination to go further.”

n The Vees host the Nanaimo Clippers tonight in game one of the best-of-seven Fred Page Cup series.

“We’ve got two pretty similar teams," said Vees’ captain Brett

Said Clippers’ captain Matt Irwin: "The top in the Interior, the top on the Coast going head to head? It couldn't be written up any better."


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giving back
by viper staff : Added 2008-04-03 : Back

It was a good day for Vernon and District Hospice Society as a total of $4695.00 was donated to them by Coldstream Truck Parts and Nolan’s Pharmacy in conjunction with promotions they were running throughout the year at the Vernon Vipers hockey games. Coldstream Truck Parts donated $200 for every short handed goal scored thoughout the 2007-2008 season, and thanks to a lot of goals scored by Hunter Bishop, the total went to $3800.00.



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bishop nets mvp award
by vernon morning star : Added 2008-04-06 : Back

It looks like Ohio State has hired themselves a hitman with some pretty decent credentials.
Vernon Vipers grad Hunter (Alaskan Assassin) Bishop, who committed to play with the Buckeyes next season, has been named the B.C. Hockey League’s Interior Conference MVP award for handling the brunt of the Snakes’ offence all season long.
“I knew it would be close with (Penticton Vees’ netminder Alex) Evin,” said Bishop. “I’m honoured that everyone felt I was the MVP.
“A lot of a player’s success has to do with experience and confidence. I’ve had three great summers where I really improved my game, and that’s had a lot to do with it too.”
Playing on a line with 17-year-old twins Connor and Kellen Jones, Bishop amassed 57-40-97, good enough for third place in league scoring behind.
Over his three seasons with the Vipers, Bishop collected 93 goals – many of them highlight-reel variety – and 84 assists for 177 points in 140 games. Even in his rookie season, Bishop was nearly a point-a-game player, notching 25-29-54 in 56 games.
“He’s got a good skill base and he’s pretty quick,” said Dennis Holland, a Vernon-based scout with the Dallas Stars. “Depending on how he does at college will determine if he has a shot at going pro.
“The progress is there in his game and he’s playing a solid two-way game now. He’s good on both sides of the puck. I think he’ll have a shot.”
This will be Bishop’s second stint on a U.S. college hockey team. He committed to North Dakota as an 18-year-old, but was unable to crack a stacked lineup that boasted the likes of Jonathan Toews (now a rookie standout with the Chicago Blackhawks) and several other top prospects.
Wanting more ice time, Bishop left the Fighting Sioux that Christmas and signed with the Vipers as a red-shirt, taking a full course load at the local college.
The six-foot, 185-pound forward has improved his foot speed since coming to the BCHL. He has earned a reputation for terrorizing defencemen with his ability to finish and make crisp plays at speed, and now he has a top-class release that can make netminders look silly from almost anywhere inside the blueline.
Said Detroit Red Wings scout Marty Stein: “As an overage player, that’s what he’s supposed to do, but Bishop did a whole lot more than your average overage player.
“The only problem is he’s only played in the BCHL the last three years. What he has to do now in Ohio is prove he can take the next step. How will he compete at that level? That’s the question mark. It’s a lot bigger pond there.”



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Hunter Bishop Bags MVP in BCHL Interior
Posted by adn_aces

Posted: April 4, 2008 - 5:04 pm

Hunter Bishop of Fairbanks, the Ohio State-bound forward for the Vernon Vipers, bagged MVP honors in the British Columbia Hockey League's Interior Conference after leading the league in goals.

Bishop, 20, earned 57-40--97 totals in 60 games to finish third in the league in points. He also led the circuit in short-handed goals (9). Bishop played half a season at North Dakota in 2006-07 before returning to the BCHL. He's headed to Ohio State in the fall.

Meanwhile, the Coastal Conference MVP also has a Fairbanks connection. Namely, league-leading scorer Carlo Finucci of the Burnaby Express is headed to the UAF Nanooks in the fall.

Finucci, 21, earned 33-69--102 totals in 60 games

Bishop was nominated for Most Sportsmanlike in the League, Dalpe going to Ohio State next year recieved the honor.




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Hunter Bishop Bags BCHL Goal-Scoring Crown
Posted by adn_aces

Posted: March 4, 2008 - 3:31 pm

Well, the end of the regular season in the British Columbia Hockey League sneaked past me like Alexander Ovechkin stealing a march to the back door for a power-play layup -- the league's 60-game schedule ended last week -- but we are nonetheless happy to report that Hunter Bishop of Fairbanks bagged the circuit's goal-scoring title.

Bishop, the erstwhile North Dakota forward who returned to juniors and is headed to Ohio State in the fall, copped 57 goals in 60 games for the Vernon Vipers. And his 57-40--97 totals in 60 games ranked him third in the league in points.

Also, Bishop led the league in short-handed goals (9) and tied for third in power-play goals (17).

Bishop currently leads the playoffs in scoring, earning 4-4--8 totals in a three-game, first-round sweep of Trail.

UAA's recruit from the BCHL, forward Mickey Spencer of Cowichan Valley, finished with 27-12--39 totals in 53 games. He tied for 20th in the league in goals and tied for fifth in power-play goals (15), and was the league's 79th ranked points producer. He's done -- Cowichan was one of four teams in the 16-team league that did not qualify for the playoffs.




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