Michi-gamer: Pride of the Mitten (Jan. 21)

Welcome to another season of MiHockey’s Michi-gamer, now powered by Bauer Hockey.

We take great pride in our homegrown talent. Whether they grew up in the Mitten or we welcomed them here for college or juniors, they are our own. They represent the best place in the world for hockey.

Every night, we’ll keep an eye on those players, and every morning, we will pick one Michi-gamer of the night – one Michigan player who stood out above the rest.


JANUARY 25 – MAX PACIORETTY

Wolverines alum Max Pacioretty is back in action in Montreal, and he’s wasting no time finding the scoresheet. The former University of Michigan star picked up two assists in the Canadiens’ 4-1 win over Washington last night in NHL action. In three games with the Habs, Pacioretty already has four assists, putting him at No. 7 in that category for the entire NHL. It’s no surprise that he’s off to a fast start; last year Pacioretty played his first full season with the NHL club and posted 65 points in 79 games.

More MiHockey articles on Pacioretty:

Michi-gamer: The pride of the Mitten (2011-12 archive)


JANUARY 24 – MIKE KNUBLE

Mike Knuble has had many accomplishments during his hockey career. He won a Stanley Cup with the Red Wings. He was an All-American during his time at the University of Michigan. And he has over 500 points in the NHL over 1040 games. Now, he can cross off the goal of playing for his hometown team from his hockey bucket list. The 40-year-old suited up for the Grand Rapids Griffins last night, and picked up an assist in his Grand Rapids debut. The East Kentwood High alum set up Tomas Tatar for the Griffins’ fourth goal of the game, which was on track to be the game-winning goal during the third period. While Oklahoma City tied the game up, the Griffins still prevailed in the shootout; Knuble went first for the Griffins in the penalty-shot showdown. He wasn’t able to beat Olivier Roy, but Marysville native Chad Billins and Gustav Nyquist scored, giving Grand Rapids a win on the night their second hometown kid played for their club.

More MiHockey articles on Knuble:

Checking in with Michigan alum Mike Knuble

Shaved Ice – Jan. 23

Wolverines kick season off with Blue/White game, fan skate


JANUARY 23 – JIM SLATER

It’s always nice to see Michigan natives get on the scoresheet early in the season. Lapeer native Jim Slater did just that Tuesday evening for his Winnipeg Jets, tallying his first goal of the year in a 4-2 win over the Washington Capitals. Slater’s goal turned out to be the insurance marker. That gives him two points in the first three games. Not a bad start at all. In 452 career NHL games, Slater has amassed 61 goals and 62 assists for 123 points. Also a former captain for Michigan State, Slater tallied 172 points in 157 career games during his college years before joining the professional ranks.

More MiHockey articles on Slater:

MSU hosts their annual pro camp this week

Michi-gamer: The pride of the Mitten (2011-12 archive)


JANUARY 22 – LOUIE CAPORUSSO

While the NHL is back in action, that doesn’t mean we will be ignoring the other professional leagues when looking for a Michi-gamer selection. Case in point? Louie Caporusso. The former Michigan Wolverines star had two goals last night in ECHL play, leading his Elmira Jackals to a 5-2 win over the Reading Royals. The Woodbridge, Ont., native finished plus-three on the night, as well. The two-goal outing now gives Caporusso 34 points in 34 games; he has 13 goals and 21 assists on the season.

More MiHockey articles on Caporusso:

Michi-gamer: Pride of the Mitten (Week of Jan. 14)


JANUARY 21 – RYAN MILLER

The NHL is back in action, which means many of our favorite Michigan connections have headed back to the ice. One such name we’re used to hearing is that of Ryan Miller. The East Lansing native backstopped his Buffalo Sabres to a 5-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers Sunday afternoon, helping the Sabres win their season opener for the third-straight year. The 32-year-old Miller made 27 saves in the effort. Last season with the Sabres, Miller posted a 31-21-7-6 record with a 2.55 GAA and .916 save percentage. Prior to joining the Sabres, Miller enjoyed a tremendous collegiate career in his hometown with the Michigan State Spartans, where he won the Hobey Baker Award as a sophomore.

More MiHockey articles on Miller:

Ryan Miller: Michi-gamer of the Year

Michi-gamer: The pride of the Mitten (2011-12 archive)


To see last week’s Michi-gamer nominations, click here.