The Pittsburgh Camp will begin on Friday, May 31, 2013 at 12 noon (Check-In) and the first ice slot will be at 3:00pm. The players will receive their team jersey and schedule at check-in. The camp will conclude by no later than by 1:00pm. Sunday June 2, 2013. If you have questions or concerns, please call the Soo Eagles Office at 906-259-0522.

Hotels that have partnered with the Soo Eagles for discounted rates are listed here.

By Randy Russon, Mika Media

Seasoned skater Ryan Urso has made a commitment to play for the Soo Eagles come the 2013-2014 season.
 
Urso, a 5-foot-10, 180 pound, 1993 birth year forward, will join the Eagles from the Jamestown Ironmen, for whom he scored eight goals and added 17 assists in 59 games during the 2012-2013 regular season.
 
Urso, along with the remainder of the Ironmen players who still have junior eligibility, recently became North American Hockey League free agents after the Jamestown franchise filed for dormancy amid ownership issues.
 
A product of the Detroit suburb of Livonia, Urso returns to his home state of Michigan by accepting the offer of coach-general manager Bruno Bragagnolo to join the Eagles.
 
Bragagnolo is of the notion that the energetic, hardworking Urso will add a lot to the Soo squad in 2013-2014.
 
"Our staff, myself included, have always liked Ryan as a player," said Bragagnolo. "He's a character kid who we feel will bring strong veteran leadership to our team along with a very solid skill set and strong work ethic. We think he can be an impact player for us next season."
 
Urso joins an Eagles team that finished atop the NAHL's North Division standings during the 2012-2013 regular season but was, ironically, swept by second-place Jamestown in the third round of the playoffs.
 
Urso should be a welcome addition to the forward lines of the Eagles, who have lost their top six scorers from the 2012-2013 season to graduation: Jared VanWormer, Eric Rivard, Alexander Taulien, Sean Murphy, Brandon Adams and Chris Waterstreet.
 
From his end, Urso said he had offers to join NAHL teams other than the Eagles.
 
"Talking to Coach Bruno and hearing what he had to stay is what intrigued me the most," Urso said via telephone interview.
 
Urso added that he looks at heading Sault Ste. Marie and playing for the Eagles as "a new opportunity. It will be different being teammates with guys who we had so many battles with this past season but I think it will be a lot of fun too."
 
As for whether he sees himself being more of an offensive threat with the Eagles, who have lost the six veteran forwards to graduation, Urso replied in the affirmative.
 
"Yes, I do," he said. "Those are all great players that you mentioned. Hopefully I can contribute more offensively without giving up anything from my defensive game. My personal goal is to try to become a better all-around player."
 

By: Randy Russon - Junior Hockey News

More than 140 players showed up in Sault Ste. Marie on the weekend as the Michigan-based Soo Eagles of the North American Hockey League hosted a spring tryout camp.
 
Included in the group were several players who were key members of the Eagles during the 2012-2013 season. The presence of NAHL-tested players at the camp increased the intensity level and allowed the Eagles coaching staff to better gauge the abilities and potential of the many rookies looking to make an impression.
 
Of the 140 players who attended, more than a dozen were from the Canadian side of the St. Mary's River and International Bridge at Sault Ste. Marie.
 
Eagles coach-general manager Bruno Bragagnolo has said he would like to take advantage of the Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada market with all teams in the NAHL now allowed the use of four import players.
 
Among the observers at the Eagles camp were two Division 1, National Collegiate Athletic Association assistant coaches as well as a pair of Ontario Hockey League scouts.
 
Of the Canadian players present, several stood out to those in attendance led by a trio of defencemen and one forward who all skated in the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League during the 2012-2013 season: defencemen Michael Caruso, Tyler Sehovic and Jeremy Solomon of the Soo Thunderbirds and winger Tyler Brown of the Blind River Beavers.
 
Caruso, Sehovic and Brown are all 1995 birth year skaters who were Ontario Hockey League draft picks in 2012. Solomon has a 1994 birth date.
 
By many accounts, Caruso, in particular, was a standout at the weekend camp.
 
Six members of the 2012-2013 Great North Midget Hockey League champion and Telus Cup, Canadian national tournament participant Soo North Stars also skated at the Eagles camp on the weekend.
 
And according to various reports, two under-the-radar North Stars were pleasant surprises and have earned invites to the Eagles main camp in the fall: 1996 birth year defenceman Cade Nolan and 1995 birth year forward Devin Shell.
 
Both Nolan and Shell played in the shadows of their higher-profile North Star teammates during the 2012-2013 season and they impressed not only Bragagnolo on the weekend but Eagles head scout Tom Farnquist.
 
Farnquist, it should be noted, is one of the most-thorough, knowledgeable scouts who I have met in years of covering the various junior hockey leagues.
 
Name an up-and-coming player -- just about any player -- and Farnquist can quickly recite particulars about the given player.
 
Basically, if Farnquist tells me a kid "can play", I believe what he has to say.
 
No ifs, ands or buts about it, Farnquist does his homework on players, no matter where they are from. There is nothing shallow or shady about this guy.  

By Randy Russon
 
A pair of high-flying, recent graduates of the Soo Eagles have added to their North American Hockey League award file.
 
After being two of only six players from the entire 24-team NAHL to earn all-league, all-star honours for their outstanding performance during the 2012-2013 regular season, centre Jared VanWormer and Tyler Marble have received further accolades.
 
VanWormer has been named the NAHL's top forward and most valuable player while Marble has been tapped as the league's top goalie.
 
The awards were voted upon by the NAHL's 24 head coaches.
 
VanWormer, who has a 1992 birth date, led the Eagles and the NAHL in scoring with 76 points, including 25 goals, in 60 games while captaining the Eagles to first place in the North Division.
 
"Jared is the epitome of a team leader and character player," said Eagles coach-general manager Bruno Bragagnolo. "He was a go-to-guy on and off the ice for us."
 
VanWormer, for his part, said he was "honoured and humbled" to be named the NAHL's top player.
 
"It's not something I expected," said the Traverse City, MI. product. "It's something I will always remember."
 
VanWormer also reflected on the 2012-2013 season in the Soo and playing for the Eagles.
 
"I loved playing for Coach Bruno," said VanWormer. "He taught me a lot and I appreciate his efforts in making me a better player. It was a good season in the Soo. I enjoyed my time there.
 
"To me, the Soo Eagles are a great organization, one of the best in the NAHL," VanWormer continued. "They have so many great volunteers who help out and I want to thank them. I also want to thank my teammates. None of my personal accomplishments would have been possible without their help."
 
Marble, who also has a 1992 birth date, fashioned a record of 30-9-5 and had 5 shutouts to go with a 2.39 goals against average and .938 save percentage.
 
"He exceeded our expectations," Bragagnolo said of Marble, who is from the Detroit-area town of Howell. "He won a number of games for us on our own."
 
Marble, like VanWormer, had words of praise for Bragagnolo and the Soo organization.
 
"I want to thank Bruno and owner Ron Lavin for putting together a good team and making this a memorable season for me," said Marble, who added: "I also want to thank my teammates who battled hard in front of me all season and I want to thank the people of the Soo for being good fans."
 
Both VanWormer and Marble have Division 1, National Collegiate Athletic Association commitments for the 2013-2014 season.
 
VanWormer is headed to Ferris State University while Marble is ticketed for Colorado College.
 
Meanwhile, yet-another Eagle has secured an NCAA commitment for next season.
 
Michael Lant, a 1992 birth year defenceman, is off to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, which is considered one of the top Division 3 programs in the nation.
 
Other Eagles who have NCAA commitments are defenceman Nathan Harris (Lake Superior State, Division 1), forward Denver Pierce, Northern Michigan, Division 1) and forward Brandon Adams (Oswego State, Division 3.)

Soo Eagles forward Jared VanWormer named NAHL’s Most Valuable Player and Forward of the Year

FRISCO, TEXAS – The North American Hockey League (NAHL) has announced the remainder of its awards for the 2012-13 season.  The selections are based on performance during the 2012-13 regular season, as voted upon by the league’s 24 head coaches.

The 2012-13 season awards include: Most Valuable Player, Forward of the Year, Defenseman of the Year, Brian’s Goaltender of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year, General Manager of the Year and Organization of the Year, along with the Academic Achievement Award, Community Service Award and Mark Messier Leadership Award.  Here is a look at the winners:

2012-13 Most Valuable Player and Forward of the Year:  Jared VanWormer, Soo Eagles

Like many players that play in the league, Soo Eagles forward Jared VanWormer, 20, is a perfect example of how the NAHL is supposed to work.  The native of Traverse City, Michigan, just completed his third season in the league and ended up as its leading scorer during the 2012-13 season with 76 points (25 goals, 51 assists) in 60 games played.  His 51 assists also led the league and his +35 rating ranked 7th.  This past February, VanWormer played in the 2013 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament as a part of the Great Lakes team.  In 176 career NAHL regular season games, VanWormer tallied 58 goals and 85 assists for 143 career points.  In 14 career playoff games, he totaled six points (2 goals, 4 assists). VanWormer has secured an NCAA Division I commitment to Ferris State University.

2012-13 Defenseman of the Year:  Josh Hartley, Wenatchee Wild

Wenatchee Wild defenseman Josh Hartley, 21, completes his third and final season in an NAHL uniform as one of the most decorated defensemen in league history.  This season, the native of Coquitlam, British Columbia, led all NAHL defensemen in points with 43 in 58 games played.  His 34 assists were tops among all NAHL defensemen and his +21 rating ranked in the Top 10.  In 170 career NAHL regular season games, Hartley recorded 95 points from the blueline (25 goals, 70 assists).  Prior to playing in Wenatchee this season, Hartley played two years for the Dawson Creek Rage.  He played in the 2012 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament as a part of Team West.  Hartley has secured an NCAA Division I commitment to Dartmouth College.

2012-13 Brian’s Goaltender of the Year: Tyler Marble, Soo Eagles

This year’s Brian’s Goaltender of the Year is Soo Eagles goaltender Tyler Marble.  A veteran of three NAHL seasons, the native of Howell, Michigan, led the Eagles to the North Division regular season title in 2012-13.  In the process, Marble, 21, recorded the highest save percentage in the NAHL at 93.8%.  He also led the league in saves with 1,463 and was tied for 3rd in wins with 30.  In Marble’s three-year NAHL career, which began with the Traverse City North Stars and ended with the Soo Eagles, he recorded a career record of 67 wins, 26 losses and 7 overtime/shootout losses with nine shutouts.  He posted a career goals against average of 2.76 and a career save percentage of 91.5%.  Marble played in the NAHL Top Prospects event in late 2010 in Boston, MA.  Marble has secured an NCAA Division I commitment to Colorado College.

2012-13 Rookie of the Year: Brandon Hawkins, Texas Tornado

Relatively unknown to start the 2012-13 season, Texas Tornado forward Brandon Hawkins, 19, burst onto the scene as a 18-year-old rookie in September.  By the end of October, he registered 21 points (including 15 goals) in his first 15 games in the NAHL.  His 16 points in the month of October led the NAHL and Hawkins was named as the NAHL’s Forward of the Month.  He continued on a hot pace as he helped the Tornado to winning streaks of nine straight games in September-October and 10 straight games in December-January, both of which were NAHL-highs this past season.  The native of Macomb, Michigan finished with 58 points in 60 games played during the 2012-13 season.  His 35 goals led the league and his nine power play goals ranked in the Top 10.  In February, Hawkins played in the 2013 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament as a part of the NAHL 18U Selects team where he tied for the team lead in scoring with four points in three games.  Hawkins has secured an NCAA Division I commitment to Bowling Green State University.

2012-13 Coach of the Year:  Dennis Williams, Amarillo Bulls

Under the direction of head coach Dennis Williams the Amarillo Bulls secured a third straight Robertson Cup appearance, a third straight NAHL South Division playoff title, a second consecutive NAHL regular season title and highest point total, a second consecutive NAHL South Division regular season title.  In addition, a league-leading 13 players on the current Amarillo roster have secured an NCAA commitment.  Pretty remarkable numbers for a head coach finishing just his third season in the league.  The Bulls also equaled their NAHL-record total of 99 points this past season, a mark that they also set last season.  Their 46 wins and seven regulation losses both led the NAHL.  The Bulls also finished the season as the #1 ranked offense and the #1 ranked defense in the league.  Williams also was the coach of team Texas at the 2013 NAHL Robertson Cup Tournament.

2012-13 General Manager of the Year:  Rob Proffitt, Fairbanks Ice Dogs

Under the direction of General Manager Rob Proffitt, the Ice Dogs had another successful season, both on the ice and in the community.  On the ice, the Ice Dogs won 39 games during the regular season and advanced to a Division Finals in the playoffs for a sixth straight season. They also had nine players commit to NCAA schools so far this season.  Proffitt has also developed one of the most impressive lists of corporate partners in the NAHL.  Perhaps more impressively, he helped his team sellout 24 of possible 28 home games this season, which lead the NAHL.  With a seating capacity of 2,242 at the Big Dipper Ice Arena, the Ice Dogs averaged 2,209 fans during the 2012-13 season, which put them at an amazing 98.5% capacity.  This marks Proffitt’s third consecutive year of being honored as NAHL General Manager of the Year.

2012-13 Organization of the Year:  Johnstown Tomahawks

Johnstown is a hockey town, and the fans proved it once again by welcoming the NAHL’s Johnstown Tomahawks with enthusiasm as the team revitalized a community with a rich hockey tradition.  The Tomahawks finished fifth in the NAHL in total and average attendance, which included 11 home games with 3,000 fans or more. That’s an impressive stat for a first-year team in a market that had never witnessed NAHL action. The team also made the playoffs in their first season in Johnstown and had three players make NCAA Division I commitments.  While there was a lot to celebrate on game nights the Tomahawks were equally as impressive in the community. The Johnstown Tomahawks Foundation directly donated and assisted with donations exceeding $25,000 during the inaugural 2012-13 season. By providing both donations and assisting with community events, the team contributed to over 15 local charitable, non-profit, and youth hockey organizations.  Among these organizations are the Special Olympics of Western PA, Conemaugh Health Foundation Cancer Fund, Planet Ice Arena – Ziggy’s Kids Hockey Program, Portage School SAAD, Johnstown Police K-9 Unit, the Tomahawks Booster Club, and the Forest Hills Girls Varsity Volleyball Event, “Spike Autism.”

2012-13 Academic Achievement Award: Drew Kariofiles, Topeka RoadRunners        

The balancing act required for an athlete to maintain a level of excellence both in their sport and in the classroom can be a challenging one, but it’s one that Topeka RoadRunner captain Drew Kariofiles has not only embraced, but mastered.   Kariofiles has been taking online classes with Miami University Middletown; a state-assisted regional campus of Miami University located in Middletown, Ohio.  It is the oldest regional campus of Miami University. His program is for a Bachelor of Arts degree in University Studies, and his grades have been exemplary. He recorded straight A’s in four classes: English, History, Psychology and Sociology.  His percent average in the four college courses was a 97.51%.  The numbers speak for themselves, and would be impressive under any circumstance, but when one considers the toll of being a junior hockey player, with all the travel, practices, games, workouts, and public appearances, the achievement becomes all the more impressive. Then when you factor in that Drew has been the captain of his team, his academic success was all the more remarkable.

2012-13 Community Service Award:  Ryan Cole, Amarillo Bulls

Ryan Cole’s Community Humanitarian project during the 2012-13 season was for Habitat for Humanity (H for H). H for H is an organization that has strong roots in local communities and builds houses for those who are less fortunate and would not be able to afford it. Ryan felt it was important to help lead the charge in regards to community outreach within the city of Amarillo. When he arrived at the beginning of the season he put together Bulls4Habitat, a charity that would raise money for Habitat for Humanity. His goal at the beginning of the year was to raise at least $5,000 for the organization and donate his time to help build houses in the community. As the year went on he organized and ran fundraising events at local Chili's, Youth Fun Houses, the Amarillo Discovery Center and at the rink during games to reach his goal. Ryan had a booth set up at home games offering up chances to donate to the Bulls4Humanity project as well as participate in auctions and raffles with proceeds going to B4H. These items were donated to the Amarillo Bulls specifically for the Habitat For Humanity project by local businesses. Ryan also managed to get an Autographed and personalized Rodney Atkins (Country Musician) Amarillo Bulls Jersey. The Jersey was also raffled off with all proceeds donated directly to B4H. At the end of the season over $7,000 and counting was raised by Cole and his efforts for the Amarillo Chapter of Habitat For Humanity. The most impressive and exciting part of the whole campaign is that the Amarillo Habitat For Humanity chapter has decided to dedicate their next built house to Ryan and his organization, Bulls4Habitat. Construction on the Bulls4Habitat house began on April 20th with a ground-breaking and special presentation made by Ryan and his teammates.

2012-13 Mark Messier Leadership Award:  Conor Lemirande, Janesville Jets

Lemirande, a native of Janesville, WI, has been a rock-solid cornerstone for the Jets on the ice and in their community. The 6-foot-5, 225-pound forward recorded 21 points (nine goals, 12 assists) and 127 penalty minutes in 54 games during the 2012-13 season, his second season with the Jets. He has established himself as a selfless leader who never hesitates to stand up for his teammates.  He is a great leader on and off of the ice and leads in areas other than hockey. He helped raise money for the Salvation Army, he helped collect toys for toys for tots and he also raised money for Mercy Health Cancer Awareness.  He totaled 87 hours of community service from September-April. He was a big motivator for his teammates to get more involved in the community on a regular basis. He led the team every month in community service hours and even after the season is over he is still volunteering in the community of Janesville. Some of the programs that Conor volunteered for were Big Brothers/Big Sisters, as Conor was a Big Brother for the entire season. As a Big Brother Conor was responsible to mentor, play sports with, help with homework and just be a big brother. Conor also volunteered with the Boys & Girls Club where he was a lunch buddy for elementary child in Janesville.  The Mark Messier Project Leadership Award was established in 2010-11, and recognizes the NAHL player who best exemplifies strong leadership both on and off the ice.

About the NAHL

The NAHL, the only USA Hockey-sanctioned Tier II Junior league boasting 24 teams from across North America, prides itself on the social maturity and skill development of student-athletes ages 16-20 with aspirations of advancing to collegiate and/or professional hockey.  So far during the 2012-13 season, over 120 NAHL players committed to NCAA schools.  The NAHL also had two players selected in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.  A total of 23 NAHL alumni appeared in the 2013 NCAA Frozen Four.  For more information, visit www.nahl.com.

by Randy Russon
 
Recognition remains rampant for many connected to the Soo Eagles.
 
To be sure, the performances of several of the Eagles, who finished atop the North Division of the 24-team North American Hockey League during the regular season only to be upended by the Jamestown Ironmen in the playoff finals, are being duly noted.
 
Two Eagles were among only six from the entire NAHL who earned all-league, all-star honours for their outstanding play during the 2012-2013 regular season as Tyler Marble was named best goalie and Jared WanWormer top centre.
 
Then there is defenceman Alex Robert, who was named to the NAHL's all-rookie, first all-star team for 2012-2013.
 
Not to be outdone, veteran defenceman Nathan Harris has joined Marble (Colorado College) and VanWormer (Ferris State University) in becoming the latest Eagle to get a Division 1, National Collegiate Athletic Association commitment for the 2013-2014 campaign. Harris will return to Sault Ste. Marie in the fall after committing to Lake Superior State University.
 
Marble, a 1992 birth year, fashioned a record of 30-9-3 and had 5 shutouts to go with a 2.39 goals against average and .938 save percentage.
 
"He exceeded our expectations," Eagles coach-general manager Bruno Bragagnolo said of Marble. "He won a number of games for us on his own."
 
VanWormer, who also has a 1992 birth date, led the Eagles and the NAHL in scoring with 76 points, including 25 goals, in 60 games.
 
"Jared is the epitome of a team leader and character player," said Bragagnolo. "He was a go-to-guy on and off the ice for us."
 
The rookie Robert, a 1995 birth year, took a regular turn on the Eagle blueline despite being one of the youngest players in the NAHL. He played in 59 games, had 14 points and had a +20 rating.
 
"Alex showed the poise of a veteran," praised Bragagnolo. "This is a kid who could play pro down the road."
 
Harris, a 1992 birth year, played in just 18 games and had 7 points before a concussion ended his season early. He has since been medically cleared to play.
 
"It says a lot about Nate's abilities that despite missing most of the season he's considered to be a Division 1 player," noted Bragagnolo. "We are very happy for Nate that he is healthy enough to play again and to be given a Division 1 opportunity." 
 
Other Eagles have NCAA commitments besides Marble, VanWormer and Harris.
 
1992 birth year forward Brandon Adams is off to Division 3, Oswego State University in the fall and 1995 birth year forward Denver Pierce has a future commitment to Division 1, Northern Michigan University.
 
"We expect to have commitments from more of our players in the days and weeks ahead," said Bragagnolo.