Mike Modano scores the goal that broke Phil Housley's record for most goals by an American-born player on November 7, 2007. The Dallas Stars announced on Thursday that they would be signing Modano to a one-day contract so he could retire as a Dallas Star (photo credit: pointnshoot on Flickr)

The Dallas Stars announced today that veteran center Mike Modano will sign a one-day contract to return to the Dallas Stars, and will make official his announced retirement later that day.

Modano will sign the contract at a press conference on Friday.  Afterwards, he will send in his retirement paperwork to the National Hockey League.

The amount listed on the contract will be $999,999 in honor of his No. 9.

“This is a special day for all of us,” said Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk. “Mike Modano will always be the face of this franchise. He means so much to our organization and all of our fans. We wanted to give him the opportunity to retire as a Dallas Star. Mike has given his heart and soul to this game for over 30 years. On behalf of the entire organization and the National Hockey League, we would like to thank him for his dedication.”

Modano, 41 (born June 7, 1970 in Livonia, Mich.), is the all-time leading scorer among American-born players in NHL history in goals (561) and points (1,374). Playing 22 seasons in the National Hockey League, he was the first overall pick in the 1988 NHL Entry Draft by the Minnesota North Stars.

The Americans announced the signing of defenseman Tyler Ludwig on Wednesday.  Ludwig is the son of former Dallas Stars defenseman Craig Ludwig, who won a Stanley Cup with the team in 1999.  He is also the twin brother of Trevor Ludwig, who played last season with the AHL’s Texas Stars.

“We are very excited to have Tyler join our organization,” said Americans GM and Head Coach Dwight Mullins. “Tyler brings many great qualities to our team. He is a very talented player. He grew up in the Dallas hockey system and he’s a guy I’ve known for a long time.”

Ludwig will also be the first Americans player that has grown up in the Allen area.  Ludwig grew up in Colleyville, Texas, and played his Junior Hockey career seven miles from Allen, in Frisco with the Texas Tornado of the NAHL from 2002-2006. In 154 games with the Tornado, Ludwig scored seven goals and accumulated 55 points.

Ludwig played in seven games for the Texas Stars in 2009-2010; registering four PIM’s and no points. He skated with the Idaho Steelheads of the ECHL last season, playing in 70 games.

“I’m excited to be a part of the Americans team,” said Ludwig. “They have earned respect around the league and are recognized by the AHL, which allows players to grow. I’m looking forward to playing competitive hockey in the area where I grew up. I’ve known Coach Mullins for over half of my life and we have a good balanced working relationship. Allen has had a winning record their first two seasons in the league, and I’m looking forward to being a part of that success.”

Tyler Ludwig will attend Washington Capitals training camp in October.

The announcement was made live today, during an Allen Americans radio show
on KLAK, with Coach Mullins, and Americans Broadcaster Tommy Daniels.

In two previous seasons with Allen, Graham scored 65 goals, and tallied 152 points,
earning him two selections to the CHL All Star Roster. In 2009-2010, along with Justin
Bowers. And last season, with Colton Yellow Horn, and Rookie David Strathman.

“Bruce is a key returning piece to our program.” said Head Coach Dwight Mullins.
“A two time All Star, and a dominate player in our league. He has all the qualities
we want in our players. And will also have a great opportunity to advance his
career, based on the things he accomplished here.”

Graham, a native of Muncton, New Brunswick, was a second round pick of the
New York Rangers, 51st overall, in the 2004 entry draft.

Graham has had four stints in the American Hockey League, over his six year
Professional career, three with the Hartford Wolf Pack, a New York Rangers Affiliate.
And last year in Allen, a late season call up to Lake Erie of the AHL.

“I’m excited to be back in Allen.” said Graham. “This is a great to place live, and
raise a family. We have passionate fans here. It’s a friendly community,
and it’s growing more and more every day, and that’s exciting. We may have a bit of a
different look this season, but overall, we’ll have a solid team again. I expect us
to be a contender.”

Graham played his junior career, with the Muncton Wild Cats, of the QMJHL,
from 2001-2005, scoring 127 points, in 184 games.

As it seems to every summer, the news comes in little bunches.  Unfortunately, summer plans don’t always line up with postings.  So, in this case, the news is getting to you a little later than planned.  All apologies for the delays, but hopefully it’s still news to you.  If not, bear with us – as hockey season gets closer, the postings will be a bit more timely!

This past week, the Allen Americans announced the signing of defenseman Steve Kaunisto for the 2011-2012 season.

Originally acquired in a three-for-one trade with the Wichita Thunder in exchange for goalie Chris Whitley, Kaunisto will join some familiar faces in Allen.

“I’m really excited to come to Allen” said Kaunisto. “From the people I’ve talked to around the league, and what I’ve seen myself, this is the best place to play in the CHL. Both Ryan Hand, who played in Allen last year, and David Strathman who I played with in Junior Hockey, told me I’m going to love this place. I’m really excited, and can’t wait to put on an Americans jersey.”

Kaunisto should be a nice fit for the Americans, who like to take chances at times with an aggressive defense.

“I’m the type of defenseman that likes to use my speed and jump up and join the rush. I can play both defense and forward, so I think my versatility will be an asset to the team”

Kaunisto played in 62 games for Wichita last season scoring five goals and 15 assist. prior to that, he spent a partial season with Reading of the ECHL.

“Steve is an up-tempo player, and see’s the ice very well. said Head Coach and GM Dwight Mullins.”He will be big key in our system.”

Kaunisto spent four seasons, at Lake Superior University, of the CCHA, from 2006-2010, playing in 154 games, scoring 14 goals, and 45 assists.

The Native of Sault Ste. Marie MI, will turn 25, October 10th.

***

(Boise, ID) – Head coach and director of hockey operations Hardy Sauter announced Thursday that the Idaho Steelheads have agreed to terms with three players, bringing the team’s training-camp roster to ten.

Defenseman Cam Ritchie, forward/defenseman Ryan Rorabeck, and goaltender Jimmy Spratt have each agreed to terms and will attend training camp in Boise in October.

Spratt has played for three ECHL teams since turning professional in 2009. The Bowling Green State (OH) product has had two stints with the Toledo Walleye and also appeared in six games for the Victoria Salmon Kings last season. His best stretch came during the 2009-2010 season with the Las Vegas Wranglers. Spratt appeared in 14 games with Las Vegas, going 8-3-2 with a .913 save percentage and 2.92 goals-against average. The Chesterfield, MI, resident was a 7th-round draft pick of the NHL’s Calgary Flames in 2004.

Ritchie also skated for the Salmon Kings last season after wrapping up his college eligibility at Princeton. He had two goals and two assists in nine games with Victoria, his first professional experience. The 24-year-old blue-liner had five goals and 26 assists in his four seasons at Princeton, including a career-best 12 points last season as a senior. He was a college teammate of former Steelhead Brandan Kushniruk and, like Kushniruk, majored in engineering at the prestigious Ivy League school.

Rorabeck, 26, comes to the Steelheads from St. Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where he was a member of the 2010 CIS national championship team. The versatile Rorabeck can play either forward or defense, scoring 48 points in a season during his junior hockey career for Toronto of the Ontario Hockey League before transitioning to defense at St. Mary’s. Rorabeck was selected in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft by the Carolina Hurricanes.

The addition of this trio gives Sauter ten players on his training-camp roster. Spratt, Ritchie, and Rorabeck join forwards Cody Purves, Eric Rex, Tyson Hobbins, and Chad Nehring as well as defensemen Matt Case, Chris Hepp, and Matt Cowie.

Steelhead Season-Ticket Holders get six games FREE when they sign up for full-season packages. Plans for all 36 home games start at just $275 per seat. Partial-season plans are also available. Contact the Steelheads front office at 208.383.0080 or log on to www.idahosteelheads.com for more information.

Sawada played just one game last season with the Stars, but missed nine games during the call-up due to a shoulder injury suffered in a physical game against the Boston Bruins on February 3, 2011.

The 6-2, 207-pound, Richmond, B.C.-native also appeared in 57 games last season for the Texas Stars of the American Hockey League (AHL).  Sawada posted career-highs in goals (11), assists (18) and points (29), with 91 penalty minutes. During the 2011 Calder Cup Playoffs, Sawada appeared in six games, leading the team in assists with five and ranking second in points with six.

The team’s press release about the signing also pointed out that Sawada scored eight goals and 19 points with 92 penalty minutes with Texas during the 2009-10 campaign, helping the club reach the Calder Cup Finals. He skated in every playoff game for the club and collected eight points (3g, 5a) with 20 penalty minutes.

Prior to his professional career, Sawada played four seasons at Cornell University, scoring 76 points (31g, 45a) with 131 penalty minutes in 137 career games.

Fans may remember him from his time with Rio Grande Valley the last two season.  Although the team struggled, Clouthier was one of the memorable name tags on the ice, racking up over 300 penalty minutes in a Killer Bees uniform.

And, he’s big.  Very big.  Almost-as-tall-as-Bruce-Graham big…and Clouthier out-weighs Big Graham.  The native of Ottawa Ontario, stands 6’5, 240 pounds, and was a former second round pick of the New Jersey Devils, back in the 1999 entry draft, 50th overall.

“Brett will bring an instant presence to our club” said Head Coach and GM Dwight Mullins. “He is a great teammate, and will be looked upon to provide a leadership role with our group. The style of game Brett plays will make him an instant fan favorite”.

“I’m thrilled to be coming to Allen”, said Clouthier. “As a matter of fact, this was my first choice on where I wanted to play. No disrespect to anyone in McAllen, I enjoyed my time there, but at this point in my career, I want to win a Championship, and I feel Allen gives me the best chance to win that Championship. I’ve heard nothing but great things about Allen, and the Americans organization. I’m excited, and can’t wait to get things going”.

According to Allen’s press release, Clouthier has had five stints in the American Hockey League, playing with the Albany River Rats, Binghamton Senators, and Providence Bruins. The Most games played in the AHL, came in the 05-06 season, when he played in 79 games for Binghamton. Clouthier began his Junior Career in 1998 playing with Kingston of the OHL.

From the team’s press release:

***

McMillin joined the Americans halfway through last season, after playing 14 games with the Kalamazoo Wings of the ECHL. McMillan had his best offensive season to date, in 2011 for the Americans, scoring seven goals, and nine assist, in 32 games.

“I’m excited to be back,” said McMillin. “I really enjoyed my time in Allen. This is a very competitive team, and I’m hoping for a more expanded role this season. I think the expectations here are pretty high. It’s always disappointing when you fall a little short. I think that should drive guys to take that next step”.

McMillin a native of Roseau Minnesota, turned 23, on Feb 26th. He’s a 6’2, 200 pound Forward.

“Brian is a player that is very responsible, and can contribute in many different situations,” said Head Coach and GM Dwight Mullins.

McMillin played four years at Colorado College, scoring 15 goals, in 135 games, for the Tigers. Training Camp for the Americans opens in October.

On Wednesday, the Idaho Steelheads made forward Cody Purves the first player re-signed for the 2011-12 season (Photo Credit: Allen Picard/Idaho Steelheads)

The Idaho Steelheads announced the signing of forward Cody Purves on Wednesday.  Last season was Purves’ first with the Steelheads, and he was named the team’s Most Improved Player.

“I’m excited to be coming back,” the Hudson Bay, SK, native said. “I enjoy the city of Boise and I want to help bring another winner to the fans.”

Purves (pronounced PUR-vess) scored 23 points for the Steelies last season (8G, 15A) in 68 games played.

“You don’t necessarily grade Cody solely on his points,” head coach and director of hockey operations Hardy Sauter said. “Championships are built on the backs of players who do the little things, going to the corners, forechecking hard, skating hard every shift, and Cody brings those elements to our team.”

Purves is the first player to officially agree to terms with the team for the upcoming season. Seven players have received qualifying contract offers from the Steelheads – Dustin Friesen, Cody Lampl, Chris Hepp, Matt Case, Steve Oleksy, Kael Mouillierat, and Geoff Irwin.

Allen Americans defenseman Mike Berube re-signed with the club for the 2011-12 season on Thursday. (Photo by John O'Neill)

The Allen Americans continued to add pieces to next year’s squad on Thursday.

The club announced they have signed defenseman Mike Berube for the 2011-2012 season.  Last season – Berube’s first in Allen – the Edmonton, Alberta, native ate up a lot of minutes in the top defensive pairings.

“I am definitely excited about coming back to Allen” said Berube. “this is one of the best organizations in the CHL” We fell a little bit short of our goal last year, so it’s definitely going to be exciting, to see if we can follow up with another great regular season, and take it one step further in the playoffs”.

Last season with Allen, Berube played in 65 of the team’s 66 games, notching 16 assists.

But, Berube’s worth isn’t as a point machine – it’s on the blue line, checking and playing responsible defense.  Those are two areas the Americans’ d-man excelled last season, and Coach Dwight Mullins would no doubt love to see more of that this upcoming season.

“Berube is a nice fit for what we’re trying to accomplish here”, said Mullins. “he comes to play every day, and you know what you’re getting from Mike night in and night out”. “he’s a solid skater and makes good decisions with the puck”.

The 6’1″, 215-pound defender played the 2009-10 season with the Charlotte Checkers of the ECHL and saw some limited time in the AHL with the Hartford Wolf Pack as well.  His best offensive season came in 2008 for the Vancouver Giants of the WHL, where he had 24 points in 56 games.