Perfect playoff prep

By Mike Moore
C & G Sports Writer

MIHL Showcase serves as perfect prelude to postseason tournament

Thirty-six of the top hockey teams in Divisions 1-3 will converge at the Kennedy Recreation Center in Trenton Feb. 11-13 for the 10th annual Michigan Interscholastic Hockey League Prep Showcase.

Coaches attending the MIHL Showcase view it as perfect preparation for the upcoming chase for the ultimate prize, a state title. The state tournament gets under way March 1.

“This is a great way to test the kids for what the playoffs are going to be all about,” said Warren De La Salle coach Dan Barry, whose team was 14-1-1 at press time and ranked No. 1 in Division 2. The Pilots will face Marquette High (No. 2 in D-1) and Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood (No. 1 in D-3) at the showcase.

“Trenton has a smaller rink, so the stands are packed. The atmosphere is incredible. It just has that playoff feel about it.”

The original showcase featured 12 teams, but since then, it has taken on a life of its own, welcoming in thousands of fans and countless scouts from the collegiate and junior levels.

All seven teams from the elite MIHL play in the event. A selection committee of MIHL coaches handpicked the other 29 teams.

“It’s a great opportunity for some of the guys who have a future in the game beyond high school,” said Birmingham Brother Rice coach Lou Schmidt. “At the same time, it’s a great chance for teams to play some of the best competition in the state before the playoffs begin.”

Rice, 9-6 overall at press time and the No. 4 in D-2, will face the University of Detroit Jesuit (No. 5 in D-1) and potential-playoff foe Novi High (No. 3 in D-2).

“This is a great way to get your kids ready for the playoffs, and we look forward to it,” St. Clair Shores Unified coach Frank DiCristofaro said of his team, 10-3-1 overall and No. 10 in D-1. “A lot of times, the only way to play (top-level teams before the playoffs) is in the showcase.”

Grosse Pointe North coach Scott Lock, who noted the timing of the showcase is seemingly perfect for players to get into that playoff mode, also said the extended weekend is the opportune chance for coaches to scout potential opponents.

“Aside from coaching your own team, there’s a ton of work to do,” laughed Lock, whose Norsemen were 6-10 and ranked No. 7 in D-2. “I know most coaches watch a bunch of games. They scout teams they may see come playoff time or look for little advantages to use in the postseason. It’s a busy weekend.”

“I’ll be watching a lot of hockey,” said Orchard Lake St. Mary’s coach Brian Klanow, whose Eaglets were 13-5-1, No. 3 in D-1, and will face Trenton High (No. 3 in D-2) and Sault Saint Marie High (No. 3 in D-3).

“A lot of teams we could face will be here. I know I’m looking forward to it.”

Other teams from our coverage area playing in the showcase are Birmingham Unified, Utica Eisenhower, Farmington Hills Unified and Farmington High.

For a complete schedule and list of teams playing in this year’s event, visit www.MIHL.org and click on the showcase link.

You can reach C & G Sports Writer Mike Moore at mmoore@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1038.