An Erie Otter

Well we finally received the call today and we are on our way to Erie to sign the contract. They will hold a press conference following the signing and Devin gets to be the back up in their home game tomorrow night. Its finally coming together and taking shape. Devin has been playing very well in the Junior league, has helped the team win eight of their eleven games, losing only twice so far. He is getting riddled with shots, has the most in the league next to Battle Creek. His coach is worried that they will be taking him to Erie early, wants him to play for the Jets this year. Which is what he will likely do; however, he can be called up to Erie anytime once he is under contract. Unless something goes wrong with the signing, Devin will officially be an Otter by this time tomorrow. Will keep you posted.

Metro Jets

Well the Jr.season has begun and Devin has adjusted to the size and speed quite well. As promised he has played four of the five games so far and won every game. He looks great in net and holding his own against the bigger, older kids. He loves the team, loves his coaches and the team seems to be gelling well together. We are still in negotiations with the Erie Otters and are hoping it gets resolved soon, as Devin needs new equipment and they will provide him what he needs. Hopefully the team will continue to improve as a MI team has never made the playoffs.

Otters Training Camp

Well the training camp is over and Devin made a great showing. He hung in there with the rest of the older goalies, played well, played strong and reaped the benefits. He will be signed to a five yr. contract which will include alot of benefits including a four yr. college scholarship to the University of his choice. Though he will not play with the Otters until next yr., he will be on the Junior team Metro Jets, play every game and will have his own OHL goalie coach. He will be groomed and developed to become the starting goalie for the Erie Otters in the future. It was a win, win situation for him considering he is only 15 years old and can now live one more year at home before he heads out on his own to reach his dream. We are all very excited and he cannot wait for the season to start so he can begin his development and make the Erie lineup next year.

Five Nations Tournament....

Well the tournament is over and USA went undefeated. They beat the Cheq Republic 3-1 in exhibition, both goalies played and Devin got a shutout. They then beat the Cheq's again 5-1 and beat the Germans 4-2, though Devin did not play in those games. When USA played Slovakia they again put the other goalie in; however, he allowed 4 goals in 17 shots and was pulled in the third period tied 4-4. Devin went in in the third period and got a shutout, giving USA the win 6-4. This clinched the gold medal and Devin again played against Switzerland the next night, allowing one goal and the US went undefeated winning 5-1. It was an awesome tournament, Devin played great and showed great character in having to sit the bench through the first two and a half games. He was commended for this and the fact that he came in cold in the third period of game three not having played for several days and getting a shutout. He ended up saving the day and contributing to the gold medal. It was such a great experience for him and we are extremely proud!

Five Nations Tournament

Well only two weeks until the international tournament and Devin received his stuff from USA hockey today. He leaves next week for Ann Arbor and will be down there from the fourth through the thirteenth. They will get lots of practise time in before the games start. Devin has been working with his trainer almost daily and going to drop in hockey in Midland for ice time. He will be well-prepared for the games. After the tournament Devin heads to Erie, PA for the Otters training camp. "LET THE GAMES BEGIN!"

OTTERS SUMMER CAMP

Well the summer camp weekend is over and once again Devin showed his stuff. There were six goalies and he shined, on Saturday he was the only goalie who didnt allow a single goal. He looked really good and not out of place, keeping up with the #1 goalie for next year. Two days after the camp the owner called Clarence and told him they were very impressed with Devin, made the right pick in the draft and were considering him for the backup goalie for next year. Said they wanted to bring him on board to develope him and have had feedback already from NHL teams. It is likely he will go to Erie if he does well in the training camp, as we also found out that the 5 nations tournament consists of those kids who did not make the ntdp. How this is possible I have no idea, he is ranked #1 in the country right now. Either politics has reared its ugly head or he was not meant to play there and he is not upset in the least, he wants to play for Erie. Having watched the camp, he is as good as the #1 goalie.

ROCHESTER NY

Well the week at Rochester ended with Devin on top of the goalie leader board with 4 goals against in 6 games. He had a .945 save % and a 1.33 goals against average, awesome considering these kids were the best in the country. He was on a very good team this year and they ended up winning the championship, beating an undefeated team 9-3. He played outstanding and was the talk of the camp. His coach for the week was the assistant coach for the Colorado Avelanche and Devin was told by him that he would either be playing against him or for him one day, that he had a great hockey future. To top the week off, Devin made the 5 nations tournament in August. He will go to Ann Arbor for two weeks of practice and then a tournament. He will represent the USA against switzerland, germany, the cheq republic and slovakia. From this tournament the final roster for the NTDP will be picked. Devin was also told by the assistant goalie coach for the NTDP that he was an amazing goalie and that he was better than the past several goalies in the NTDP for his age, (and two of those went on to get drafted into the NHL).