Pro Hockey coming to Vermont

Jay Peak, VT March, 2011 – The Federal Hockey League is pleased to announce the acceptance of the Green Mountain Rock Crushers into the league as an expansion franchise for the 2011-12 season. The Rock Crushers will play at the Ice Haus Arena at Jay Peak Resort.

The Green Mountain Rock Crushers bring professional sports back to Vermont and will be the state’s first ever professional hockey team.  The Rock Crushers will be active in local minor hockey programs, school reading programs, and fund-raising for charitable organizations.

“Geographically, the Vermont market is an exciting and untapped market for professional hockey, and professional sports in general,” said FHL Commissioner Don Kirnan. “With the work and research the ownership group have put into this, we feel Vermont can be a great success on and off the ice.”

“This organization is committed to serving what we consider the ‘four pillars’ of any successful hockey franchise: our fans, our corporate partners, our players and our community,” added General Manager and Director of Hockey Operations Andy Makal. “We look forward to being a community-based organization that makes a positive impact the benefits everyone in the community.”

The team begins play in October 2011 for the sophomore season of the Federal Hockey League, a single A professional league operating in the Northeast. Green Mountain joins the Akwesasne Warriors, Cape Cod Barons, Danbury Whalers, New York (Brooklyn) Aviators, and Thousand Islands Privateers. Other expansion teams are also planned.

The Green Mountain Rock Crushers will be holding a press conference to officially announce the team on March 9, 2011 at 2 pm at the Ice Haus Arena at Jay Peak Resort. The press conference will be followed by a meet and greet at Griff’s Pub in Newport, VT.

I know you are committed to being a better goalie.  I know you want to help your team win (even steal a few games for your team).  But there is one problem - you are not a pro goalie, you do not get paid to play hockey - you have to fit your training in around your busy, sometimes overwhelming life!

Here is the solution!  The Rapid Response Goalie Training system which lets you become stronger, faster and more agile on the ice with no workout taking longer than 45 minutes (most of them are actually 20-40 minutes long) and you can workout as little as twice per week or as much as four times per week.

Did I mention you can do all of these workouts at home with just the basics - a few dumbbells, a stability ball and one of those rubber resistance bands - you can pick that stuff up at your local department store!

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Madison minor league hockey team in jeopardy

A recent article posted on wkowtv from Madison WI by Jamie Hersch

MADISON (WKOW) -- Chances are you've never heard of the Madison Ice Muskies. The minor league hockey team came to town in October, but many players are hitting the road instead of the ice.

John and Gene Rudolph of Chicago decided Madison needed a team like the Ice Muskies and recruited hockey players from around the country.

Players tell 27 News they were promised $400 every month, plus full room and board, but they say the Rudolphs haven't lived up to the bargain.

Rich Jondo moved from Baltimore to follow his dream of playing hockey for a living. But after two months of playing without pay, that dream is on thin ice.

"That's what we do -- we play hockey -- that's all we want to do. And we were given a chance here, but now it's being taken away from us," said Jondo.

Most of the players got a paycheck in October. But by January, neither the players nor the coach had seen a dime since.

Dustin Henning even sold his car to pay for groceries.

"It's just a car. I'll replace it. This means a lot more to me, this is my family here, so whatever it takes," said Henning.

On Tuesday, the Ice Muskies received notice they were being evicted notice from the Regent Apartments in downtown Madison.

The apartment complex said it hadn't received a single rent payment for the Ice Muskies, and it couldn't get in touch with the team owners.

The team doesn't even have money to pay for ice time to practice. From time to time, the Eagle's Nest Ice Arena in Verona will let them practice here for free, but otherwise, that money has to come from their own pockets.

"We had games in Evansville, Ind., about 9 hours away, and Muskegan, Mich., and with no contact with our owners we had no money, so Coach shelled it out of his own pocket to get us to both places to play our games," said team captain Andy Cripps.

Coach Rod Davidson knows the team isn't generating much money, but he says that's no excuse for the owners to abandon the players.

"Even if their business plan is failed, they have an obligation that they committed to, and they should live up to that obligation," said Davidson.

"We're playing single-A hockey. We know we're not going to make millions, and we're here to play hockey. But at the same time, guys are selling their cars to get home or to eat, some guys' phones are shut off and they can't call home... so it's a rough time," said Jondo.

The team owner did not return calls from 27 News.

The Regent is in the process of suing the team's owner for failing to pay rent for the players.

Five of the players on the team qualified to play in the league's All-Star Game on Saturday, but they say there's no way they can make it to the game in Indiana if they have to pay for it themselves.

The West Michigan Blizzard

Muskegon- There is a new team in the All-American Hockey League, and it's playing in Muskegon, Michigan. The West Michigan Blizzard is joining the AAHL for the remainder of the 2009-10 season. The Blizzard has taken on the Hitmen roster, with the subtraction of a few players. The other spots on the roster will be filled with players obtained by the Hitmen in the AAHL dispersal draft of Blaze players.
The West Michigan Blizzard is run by the West Michigan Blizzard LLC, owned by Sandy Honeywell of New Jersey. She approached Hitmen head coach about coming into the league immediately to help keep a fifth team in this season. "I came to one of the Hitmen games and saw the passion and desire that the team had headed by their coach. I spoke with Matt for awhile and realized they weren't living in paradise, and I didn't want to see him and players go home," she said. Mrs. Honeywell added, "I decided after a few conversations with Matt and other league officials that I would come into the league immediately. Seeing and hearing what Matt and the other players were dealing with made my decision that much easier. They have such a desire to win, but at the time they did not have the tools to do so."
The Blizzard transition was headed by head coach and director of operations for the Hitmen, Matt Wiedenhoeft. Wiedenhoeft was in Battle Creek last season with the ownership change, and was able to make it easy for the new ownership. "I handled an ownership change once this season and last season as well. After speaking to Sandy, I was sold that she would be the best owner to coach for in this league, and excited to finish the rest of the season with her," said Wiedenhoeft. Matt continued, "I feel a huge monkey has been lifted off mine and my players' backs. The players will receive paychecks, the necessary equipment, the housing needed, and feel as if they are wanted." "We overcame obstacle after obstacle after obstacle to get to where we did. We all want to thank the fans in Detroit, and we will miss playing in front of them. The move to Muskegon will be an easy transition for most, but the ones who can't make it, they will be missed," concluded Wiedenhoeft.
The move to Muskegon is a great one for the All-American Hockey League. The city of Muskegon is the city to one of the most storied franchises in minor league hockey, and is celebrating its 50th year with minor league hockey. Muskegon is home to the Lumberjacks of the IHL, and they play out of the LC Walker Arena. The Walker Arena will be the new home to the West Michigan Blizzard as well. "The move to Muskegon was talked about between my good friend and Muskegon native, Nigel Hawryliw and I last week. After discussing all the factors with Nigel and his father, the Walker Arena manager, Sandy and I felt it was the best fit for the league, the players, and myself," stated Wiedenhoeft. He continued, "I know Muskegon, and the city has been wanting an additional sports franchise; however, basketball and football aren't it, when Muskegon is the second Hockey Town in Michigan."
Sandy was invited to last Sunday's Lumberjacks game versus Port Huron and was amazed by the building and crowd. "I walked in and knew instantly that this was the place to be," said Sandy. She finished, "I am proud to be able to work with a great facility group, the 'jacks ownership, and Wiedenhoeft to make this a successful venture. From everything I've heard, Muskegon is a great place for hockey and the fans are amazing. I'm excited for the new team to hit the ice at their new home."
The West Michigan Blizzard will finish their season in Muskegon at the Walker Arena and plan to continue to play there. The Blizzard have signed Muskegon natives Nigel Hawryliw, Adam Dekker, and Justin Grevious. The team is in discussions with a few other local players. The Blizzard are gearing up for a playoff run, sitting only four points out of the final playoff spot. The team's website will be up for viewing soon. Ticket prices will be $7 for adults and $5 for kids (12 & under). Check back for the new AAHL schedule for game times and dates, and information on how to purchase tickets.

Back pain solutions

One of Americas biggest reasons for a visit to the Doc is back pain. Also known as dorsalgia, back pain can come from a number of different structures in the spine. Muscles, nerves, bones, and joints all play a major role in the comfort of your back. Your tendons and ligaments are also capable of causing pain. If one of these important areas are mistreated or overworked a person may begin to suffer with a sudden onset or begin to be plagued with a chronic pain for years. Like anything in life if we don't take care of what we have we will lose it or it will begin to fail us. I believe, as should you, that the body is one of the best gifts God has given us, and we are expected to keep it healthy. Our back is a huge part to the comfort of our bodies, if it is unable to perform the way it should it is going to throw everything else out of whack.

If you are someone who is suffering from back pain I suggest you consult a physician to get to the source and/or cause of the pain you suffer from. there are potentially many different reasons why you have back pain, in most cases you will know what caused it. Whether its a work related injury or work stress, sports, or an ergonomics issue.

If you already know and are someone who is suffering from chronic ailments such as: Muscles Spasms, Scoliosis, Stenosis, Sciatica and Degenerative Disc

You may try exercises which can reduce the pain substantially. Studies show that back exercises are effective in the relief of back pain but not so for acute pain.
There is also a technique known as "The Alexander Technique" that may have long term benefits. Other therapy options are acupuncture or manipulation to progressively reduce Chronic pain. In any event, as I said before it is important to seek a physician and when beginning any type of treatment, it should be done under the supervision of a licensed health professional.

For a short term relief of more acute types of back pain, especially "low-back pain" you should try medications such as muscle relaxants (Soma, Skelaxin), anti inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen, Aleve, and Motrin) also try Celebrex or an acetaminophen. Another option is seeking a message therapist, finding an experienced therapist would be the best option. If money is tight, do a search for university and colleges in your area that have message therapy courses. In most places you can get good deals allowing the students to massage as a part of their course. Again these are only short term relief solutions. Hope this helps some and remember to sit up straight.

For some stretching techniques try
www.spinalstretch.com

also try
www.cure-back-pain.org
www.back.com

Revs Coaches Show features West Michigan

The All American Hockey League brass joined the Battle Creek Revolution "Coaches Show" to discuss the newest hockey club joining the young league. The league would like to welcome the West Michigan Blizzard to the league as they will be playing out of the LC Walker Arena the home of the Muskegon Lumber Jacks. You may listen to the audio of the "Coaches Show" on the link below from Streamnet Sports the official home of the Revolution Hockey. You can listen to the weekly show every Tuesday night at 7pm as well all of the home and away games of the hockey club.

On the RIght Path

Seems like the AAHL is on the right path, making a few changes may be needed to save this league and continue with a competitive on-ice product. This was an article posted on theaahl.com

In the wake of the resignation of Commissioner Bob Langdon and another league associate, the All American Hockey League announced a new corporate structure. Evansville IceMen General Manager, Chip Rossetti, has been voted into the position of acting League President. Joe Kolodziej, from Battle Creek has been named Vice President, Matt Wiedenhoeft was named Treasurer and Sue Anderson, from the Chi-Town Shooters, is the League Secretary.

“This new structure”, Rossetti said, “will allow everyone to share responsibilities. Everyone will be involved in every facet and will take more responsibility. We all work together real well and we think this is the best way for us to move forward.”

The new structure has immediately allowed for necessary changes to be made. The AAHL has implemented a new standard for screening potential ownership groups, as well as increase the requirements for ownership.

“We have a lot of issues that we need to take care of”, Rossetti continued. “There are a lot of things that need to be done that we thought were already done. Unfortunately, there were things going on that we didn’t know about that we are just now finding out about. We will have to take them one at a time, and get everything dealt with.”

The first line of business for the new corporate representatives was to name a new Director of Officials for the AAHL. Bob Pagani, of Chicago Illinois, will immediately assume the position. Pagani has been working this season as an official in the AAHL.

The AAHL announced late last week that the Chicago Blaze franchise has folded. “We did everything we could to try to save them”, Kolodzeij said. “Once we had all of the information about what was going on there, we realized that they were in pretty deep. Although we believe in the Chicago area market, and there was interest from three separate groups to take over, we could not reasonably assure those groups that the assumption of significant debt would be justifiable in the short term." The league had a dispersal draft last Wednesday for Blaze players.

The AAHL is announcing that the franchise rights to the Detroit HitMen have been taken from their current ownership. As part of the leagues future expansion plans, the players from the HitMen and non-drafted players from the Blaze have been allocated to a new team that was slated to play in the 2010-2011 season, but will begin play immediately. A separate press release will detail the new ownership group, as well as the team’s new name and home.

The AAHL is also working to remedy the situation with the league’s statistical program.

“We still have the same goals that we started with,” said Rossetti. “We are giving players a place to play and pursue their dreams. We want to give them a place to hone their skills and give them the opportunity to move up. Despite the problems we have had, we will keep moving forward with our mission.”