LEWIS SIGNS WITH KINGS
Becomes second Wolverine recruit this summer to jump ship before arriving

Once again the Los Angeles Kings have proven to be the "Kiss of Death" for Michigan hockey fans.  First Mike Cammalleri, then Jeff Tambellini, and now Trevor Lewis.

The internet was abuzz this morning after Dave Shand reported on WTKA that the incoming freshman forward decided to forgo college and sign with the Los Angeles Kings, who selected him in the first round of the NHL Draft last month.  That news was confirmed this evening by the LA Kings website, which said Lewis signed a three-year entry level contract.  He had been at the Kings development camp all week.

Lewis is the second Michigan recruit this summer to jump ship before arriving on campus.  Last month 2008 verbal commitment AJ Jenks, considered one of the top prospects in his age group, changed his mind and signed with the Plymouth Whalers of the Ontario Hockey League.

PORTER WINS FASTEST SKATER RACE

Kevin Porter, Chris Summers, and Chad Kolarik all attended the Phoenix Coyotes summer rookie camp this week.  At the conclusion of the camp, every skater participated in the Fastest Skater competition, where two skaters would compete against each other to complete one lap around the rink.  After everyone had a chance, it was Porter who recorded the fastest time.

ALUMNI UPDATE

The Alumni Hockey games at Yost I believe are set to take place Friday, August 4th.  I don't have any game times yet.  Rumor is there will be a 10 year reunion of the 1996 national championship team, possibly them versus everyone else in the Under-35 game.

Around the NHL, Mike Komisarek has signed a new one-year contract with Montreal.  Terms were not disclosed.

Aaron Ward has signed a two-year, $5.5 million contract with the New York Rangers.  General Manager Glen Sather called Ward a "proven winner" who will add experience and leadership to the blueline.  Ward joins fellow Wolverine alums Jed Ortmeyer, Al Montoya, and Dwight Helminen in the Rangers system.

Just down the road, Andy Hilbert has found a new home with the New York Islanders.  After getting his wish of being traded from Boston last year, Hilbert landed in Chicago before being waived and picked up by Pittsburgh, where he was lined up next to Sidney Crosby and went on a tear.  Hilbert scored like 19 points in his last 18 games.  Personally I was hoping to see him stay with the Penguins and continue his success alongside Sid, but it was said to be a mutual agreement for Hilbert to shop around.  He joins former Wolverine Jeff Tambellini with the Islanders.

And in NHL political news, Marty Turco was one of five North American players elected to the NHLPA interim Executive Committee.  They will be joined by two European representatives.

“The election of these players to the interim executive committee is encouraging for all NHLPA members,” said Ted Saskin, NHLPA Executive Director. “All five were nominated by their peers because of their strong character and ability, and after the two European members are added, it will continue to be a productive summer for our membership.”

Also, NHLPA President Trevor Linden decided not to run for re-election after serving eight seasons as president.  One of the names he dropped as a potential replacement was former Wolverine standout Brendan Morrison.

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That's all for now...

F'n Kings!

Jason
Michigan Hockey Net
http://MichiganHockey.net/