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.
Dec 21, 2009
Dec 17, 2009
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
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
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Dec 16, 2009
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.”
Dec 11, 2009
AAHL news
Looks like the AAHL is having some troubles. News from their site has the Chicago Blaze officially folding operations for the remainder of the season. Here is the article from the league site.
The members of the AAHL have spent the better part of the last two weeks working toward resolving some issues with one of its member teams.
Unfortunately, after this extensive work, we have been unable to remedy the situation with the ownership of the Chicago Blaze franchise. The original ownership of the Blaze franchise has surrendered their franchise rights back to the league, citing several financial issues.
The league and its member teams worked hard to help the Blaze, there were continuous talks with potential new ownership groups, however, in the end, these new ownership groups did not come through and the league was faced with the tough decision to have to shut down the franchise.
Moving forward, the AAHL WILL continue. There is no doubt that there have been bumps in the road in the short history of the league. The key is to not repeat the same mistakes over and over again. The AAHL is working hard to solidify itself in the professional hockey world and will continue to learn from it's past. Including the implementation of safeguards in the screening process of potential new team owners.
With the recent resignation of the AAHL Commissioner, the league has taken on a new corporate structure, naming a President and Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, as well as a new Director of Officials. The AAHL has also appointed several committees to oversee various facets of the leagues growth and success. These positions and postings will help make the many day to day responsibilities, that any league is faced with, more efficient and will allow members of the league to better showcase their natural abilities in helping to improve the league and fulfill its vision.
Despite the off ice issue that the AAHL has faced this, and last season, there is no doubt that the quality of the on ice product has, and will continue to, improve. We are committed to the vision of the AAHL and are committed to continuing on and building on what we have started. We thank the fans for their continued support and we to look forward to seeing you at the arena.
The members of the AAHL have spent the better part of the last two weeks working toward resolving some issues with one of its member teams.
Unfortunately, after this extensive work, we have been unable to remedy the situation with the ownership of the Chicago Blaze franchise. The original ownership of the Blaze franchise has surrendered their franchise rights back to the league, citing several financial issues.
The league and its member teams worked hard to help the Blaze, there were continuous talks with potential new ownership groups, however, in the end, these new ownership groups did not come through and the league was faced with the tough decision to have to shut down the franchise.
Moving forward, the AAHL WILL continue. There is no doubt that there have been bumps in the road in the short history of the league. The key is to not repeat the same mistakes over and over again. The AAHL is working hard to solidify itself in the professional hockey world and will continue to learn from it's past. Including the implementation of safeguards in the screening process of potential new team owners.
With the recent resignation of the AAHL Commissioner, the league has taken on a new corporate structure, naming a President and Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, as well as a new Director of Officials. The AAHL has also appointed several committees to oversee various facets of the leagues growth and success. These positions and postings will help make the many day to day responsibilities, that any league is faced with, more efficient and will allow members of the league to better showcase their natural abilities in helping to improve the league and fulfill its vision.
Despite the off ice issue that the AAHL has faced this, and last season, there is no doubt that the quality of the on ice product has, and will continue to, improve. We are committed to the vision of the AAHL and are committed to continuing on and building on what we have started. We thank the fans for their continued support and we to look forward to seeing you at the arena.
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