It's Thursday

It's Thursday. Here's what's happening....

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Today is March 15th, the 75th day of 2012. There are 291 days left in the year.

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Five GMs return to entertaining stretch drives.

Galchenyuk: Good to be back, but best is yet to come.

Visit the official league website, http://www.nhl.com/.

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Today's Birthdays: Supreme Court judge Ruth Bader Ginsburg is 79: Singer Dee Snider (Twisted Sister) is 57; Singer/TV personality Bret Michaels (Poison) is 49; Actress Eva Longoria (Desperate Housewives) is 37.

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Tampa, FL -- The Tampa Bay Lightning look to build upon Tuesday's win over Boston, when they host the Toronto Maple Leafs, another of the Eastern teams fighting to make the playoffs.

Read the preview right here.

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Today is Absolutely Incredible Kid Day. It is also Brutus Day, Buzzards Day, Companies That Care Day, Ides of March, True Confessions Day and World Consumers Rights Day.

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National Team Development Program Weekly Update

U18's Win Three Straight at Home, Hit Road for Three USHL Contests;
U17's Drop Two at Home, Travel to Muskegon on Saturday

UNDER-17 TEAM TRAVELS TO MUSKEGON SATURDAY: The U.S. National Under-17 Team travels to Muskegon, Mich. for a tilt against the Lumberjacks on Saturday (March 17). Puck drop is 7:15 p.m. EST at L.C. Walker Arena. The U17's are 3-1-0 (W-L-OTL) this season against its United States Hockey League Eastern Conference rival.

UNDER-18 TEAM HITS THE ROAD FOR THREE: The U.S. National Under-18 Team hits the road for three USHL contests. Team USA first visits the Dubuque (Iowa) Fighting Saints at the Mystique Ice Center on Thursday (March 15) at 8:05 p.m. EST. The following night (March 16), the U.S. faces the Chicago Steel at The Edge Ice Arena in Bensenville, Ill. Puck drop is at 8:30 p.m. EST. The U18's conclude its road trip on March 17 when it takes on the Indiana Ice. Face off is scheduled for 8:05 p.m. EST at the Pepsi Coliseum.

U17's DROP TWO GAMES AT HOME: Collin Olson (Apple Valley, Minn.) made 26 saves, but the U.S. National Under-17 Team was shutout by the Lincoln Stars, 4-0, at the Ann Arbor (Mich.) Ice Cube on March 9. The following afternoon (March 11), the U17's dropped a 3-1 decision to the Chicago Steel in Ann Arbor. Michael McCarron (Macomb, Mich.) notched the lone goal for the U.S. in the loss. Hunter Miska (North Branch, Minn.) made 18 saves for Team USA in net.

U18's WIN THREE STRAIGHT AT HOME: Forward Quentin Shore (Denver, Colo.) tallied the game-winning goal in a 4-3 overtime win on March 7 against the Muskegon Lumberjacks at the Ann Arbor Ice Cube. Defenseman Jacob Trouba (Rochester, Mich.) collected two assists and Jared Rutledge (Chicago, Ill.) stopped 23 shots in the victory for Team USA. On Saturday (March 10), Shore notched the winning goal in overtime for the second game in a row as the Under-18's bested Youngstown, 4-3. Ryan Hartman (West Dundee, Ill.) and Seth Jones (Plano, Texas) contributed with a goal and an assist each. The following afternoon (March 11), Hartman and Nicolas Kerdiles (Irvine, Calif.) scored once and collected two assists to lead the U18's to a 5-1 win over the Chicago Steel. Team USA finished the week 3-0-0 (W-L-OTL).

UNDER-17 TEAM NEWS/NOTES: Forward J.T. Compher (Northbrook, Ill.) leads the U.S. National Under-17 Team in points with 42 (15-27). Compher now skates with the Under-18 Team ... Forward Tyler Motte (St. Clair, Mich.) is second on the squad, scoring 22 goals and adding 16 assists ... Anthony Louis (Winfield, Ill.) leads the Under-17 Team in goals with 23. Louis also has 10 power-play tallies, most on the squad ... Tyler Kelleher (Longmeadow, Mass.) is third in scoring with 18 goals ... Defenseman Will Butcher (Sun Prairie, Wis.) leads all blueliners on the Under-17 Team with 30 points (8-22). His seven power-play markers are second most on the team ... Hunter Miska leads the U17's with a 2.95 goals-against-average and .876 save percentage ... Fifty-three of the top American players born in 1996 have been invited to USA Hockey's NTDP Evaluation Camp, which is held to help select the 2012-13 U.S. National Under-17 Team, will take place March 19-23 at the Ann Arbor Ice Cube. For a full camp roster, click here.

UNDER-18 TEAM NEWS/NOTES: Nicolas Kerdiles is on a four game point streak (3-4) within the United States Hockey League dating back to Jan. 21 ... Ryan Hartman has 10 points (4-6) in his last seven USHL games dating back to Jan. 19. The forward also notched the game-winning goal on Jan. 19 against Dubuque ... Jacob Trouba is on a five game point streak (0-6) dating back to Jan. 21 and has recorded a plus-3 combined in those contests. The defenseman now has 13 points (3-10) in his last nine games in the USHL ... Quentin Shore is on a three game point streak (2-1) dating back to March 7. The forward's two tallies last week were both game winners and he now ranks tied for fourth in the USHL with five in 19 games ... Seth Jones is on a three game point streak (2-2) dating back to March 7. The defenseman now has five points (3-2) in his last five games ... Forward Frankie Vatrano (East Longmeadow, Mass.) has eight points (3-5) in his last eight games dating back to Jan. 14. He is a plus-7 combined in those contests ... Jared Rutledge is unbeaten in six straight starts within the USHL dating back to Dec. 11, 2011.

JONES NAMED USHL CO-DEFENSEMAN OF WEEK: Seth Jones recorded four points (2-2) and recorded a plus-3 rating in three victories for the U.S. National Under-18 Team. Jones tallied one goal on March 7 against Muskegon and followed up that effort with a goal and an assist on March 10 against Youngstown. The blueliner closed out the weekend with an assist against Chicago on March 11.

NTDP ALUMNI UPDATE: Colorado forward Kevin Porter (Detroit, Mich./2002-04) scored one goal for the Avalanche in a 3-2 overtime win over the Anaheim Ducks on Monday (March 12). Teammate Matt Hunwick (Roseville, Mich./2001-03) assisted on the game-winning tally ... Chicago's Patrick Kane (Buffalo, N.Y./2004-06) scored the game-winning goal on March 9 against the New York Rangers. The Blackhawks forward now has five points (3-2) in his previous five games dating back to March 4 ... Colorado's Peter Mueller (Bloomington, Minn./2003-05) notched one goal and also tallied a shootout goal to help the Avalanche defeat the Edmonton Oilers, 3-2, on March 10. The forward now has five points (1-4) in his last five games dating back to March 4 ... Buffalo forward Nathan Gerbe (Oxford, Mich./2003-05) scored once as the Sabres bested the Ottawa Senators, 3-2, on March 10. Teammate Jordan Leopold (Golden Valley, Minn./1997-98) collected an assist in the victory ... Defensemen Justin Faulk (South St. Paul, Minn./2008-10) and Jamie McBain (Faribault, Minn./2004-06) each had an assist in a 4-2 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning on March 10 ... Defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk (New Rochelle, N.Y./2005-07) has 10 points (2-8) in his last nine games dating back to Feb. 27.

For the complete weekly update, click here.

ABOUT THE NTDP: In 1996, USA Hockey launched a revolutionary new initiative called the National Team Development Program, based in Ann Arbor, Mich. Celebrating its 15th season of play in 2011-12, the goal of this full-time development program is to prepare student-athletes under the age of 18 for participation on U.S. National Teams and success in their future hockey careers. Its efforts focus not only on high-caliber participation on the ice, but creating well-rounded individuals off the ice.

THE USHL AND FASTHOCKEY: Catch all of Team USA's USHL action on FASTHockey.com, the premier online destination for ice hockey fanatics from around the world. Visitors can choose from an incredible array of games from national governing bodies, conferences, leagues, teams, tournaments, and other events.

Matt Trevor Named Manager of Communications


COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Matt Trevor (Ypsilanti, Mich.) has been named manager of communications, it was announced today by USA Hockey.

Trevor has worked full-time within the University of Michigan's athletic communications department since 2006. He was the primary media contact for the highly successful men's ice hockey team for four seasons (2006-10) in the midst of the Wolverines-record 21-straight NCAA Tournament appearances.

Trevor, who earned the Central Collegiate Hockey Association Sports Information Director of the Year award in 2008, earned his bachelor's degree at the University of Michigan while working as a student assistant in the media relations department. He went on to earn his master's degree in integrated marketing communications at Eastern Michigan University.

Among Trevor's major responsibilities at USA Hockey will be serving as the main media contact for the U.S. National Junior Team and the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team.

"We're extremely pleased to welcome Matt," said Dave Fischer, USA Hockey's senior director of communications. "His past experiences, coupled with his passion for hockey, will be a big asset in our continued effort to promote and publicize all levels of hockey in the U.S."

Trevor will begin his duties at USA Hockey on March 26.

Kavanagh Tabbed as First Executive Director of Massachusetts Hockey

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Kevin Kavanagh (Duxbury, Mass.), who has been a manager of membership development at USA Hockey since 2008, has been named the first executive director of Massachusetts Hockey, an affiliate of USA Hockey. He will be responsible for overseeing youth hockey in Massachusetts and will manage the day-to-day activities, operations and administration of Massachusetts Hockey.

"Kevin has worked tirelessly to grow the game of hockey," said Pat Kelleher, assistant executive director of development for USA Hockey. "He will be a tremendous asset to Massachusetts Hockey and we wish him the very best in his new endeavor."

Prior to his time at USA Hockey, Kavanagh worked in management roles for teams in the American Hockey League and the East Coast Hockey League. He graduated from Trinity (Conn.) College.

Wm. Thayer Tutt Award Nomination Forms Now Available

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Nomination forms for the Wm. Thayer Tutt Award, presented annually to a volunteer who, during many years of service, has displayed a selfless dedication to the enhancement of ice hockey at the grassroots level in America, are now available and can be downloaded here.

The award is named in honor of the late Wm. Thayer Tutt, USA Hockey's long-time president and visionary.

The winner of the Wm. Thayer Tutt Award is determined each year by a panel of hockey journalists and broadcasters from nominations provided by USA Hockey's volunteer family. Any member of USA Hockey may submit a nomination for this award. Nominations are due by April 6, 2012.

Labatt Blue/USA Hockey Pond Hockey National Championship
Registration Date Set

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Registration will open for the 2013 Labatt Blue/USA Hockey Pond Hockey National Championships on Monday, July 16, it was announced today by USA Hockey. The eighth annual tournament, which is exclusively for adult players, will take place from Feb. 8-10 in Dollar Lake, Wis.

"We encourage interested teams to register right away, as this event sells out very quickly," said Ashley Bevan, senior director of adult ice hockey for USA Hockey.

The 2012 Labatt Blue/USA Hockey Pond Hockey National Championships featured a record 2,000-plus players hailing from 31 states.

Sheila May Named Administrative Assistant
for the USA Hockey Foundation

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Sheila May has been named administrative assistant for the USA Hockey Foundation, it was announced today by USA Hockey.

May, who has served as an assistant in the executive office of USA Hockey for more than 20 years, will work with the USA Hockey Foundation staff to help manage the day-to-day operations and work toward expanding relationships with donors.

The USA Hockey Foundation is a charitable and educational nonprofit corporation that provides long-range financial support for USA Hockey and promotes the growth of hockey in the United States. For more information, click here.

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Roman Emperor Julius Caesar was assassinated by high ranking Roman Senators on this date in 44 B.C. The day is known as the "Ides of March."

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Trestman confident in 2012 Als coaching staff.

Riders brass embracing off-season.

Visit the leagues' official website, http://www.cfl.ca/.

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President Obama and the First Lady welcomed British Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife at the White House Wednesday. The visitors were gifted a "one-of-a-kind Braten 1000 Series grill hand-made by Engelbrecht Grills and Cookers of Paxton, Illinois." A White House statement said the wood-and-charcoal-burning grill "commemorates the friendship between the two couples, established when the Obamas visited Britain in May 2011 and they grilled for American and British troops at 10 Downing Street."

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Let's see what's over here.

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The Godfather premiered 40 years ago today.

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Today in Elvis History

1958 - Elvis Presley performed two shows in Memphis, TN. They were his last stage performances until he was released from the U.S. Army.

1965 - Elvis Presley began filming "Harum Scarum."

1975 - Elvis Presley's album "Promised Land" hit #47 in the U.S.

2004 - In Australia, an interview with Lisa Marie Presley was broadcast in which she said that she had seen things she "couldn't do anything about" during her marriage to Michael Jackson. She clarified her remarks two days later and included that she had never seen Jackson engage in inappropriate behavior with kids.

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Maine was admitted as the 23rd state of the Union on this date in 1820.

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Today in Beatles History:

1963 - The Beatles single "Please Please Me" was #1 for the fourth week in the U.K.

1964 - Taped footage from the Beatles performance at the Washington Coliseum was broadcast in U.S. movie theaters.

2002 - Yoko Ono unveiled a statue of John Lennon at the newly named Liverpool John Lennon Airport.

2004 - George Harrison became the third ex-beatle to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. After Harrison was inducted, Tom Petty, ELO's Jeff Lynne and Harrison's son performed the Traveling Wilburys' "Handle With Care" and the Beatles' "While My Guitar Gently Weeps."

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A police force in the United Kingdom apologized after announcing on its Twitter feed that a missing 12-year-old girl was found safe... before telling her mom. The girls' mom tweeted back to police, "Has my daughter been found?" The police replied, "yes an officer will be in touch or call 101 and they will update and return her thank you."

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Today in Sports History:

1869 - The Cincinnati Red Stockings played their first game. They were the first professional baseball team.

1912 - Pitcher Cy Young retired from baseball.

1962 - Wilt Chamberlain finished the NBA season with 4,029 points in 80 games.

1962 - Canadian figure skater Donald Jackson became the first man to land a triple lutz jump.

1969 - Bob Beamon set an indoor record for the long jump with 27 feet, 2 3/4 inches. On October 17th at the Olympic Games in Mexico he jumped 29 feet, 2 1/2 inches.

1991 - Sergei Bubka of the Soviet Union became the first pole vaulter to clear 20'.

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Did you know women took 45 million vacations last year, either alone or with their girlfriends? And half of women who are married have taken a break without the hubby. This means big time business for some new female-only travel agencies like Adventure Women, Gutsy Women Travel, Wild Women Expeditions, and Women Traveling Together just to name a few.

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Coming up:

Tonight --

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning vs Toronto Maple Leafs 7:30pm EDT

Friday --

Nothin' Doin'

Saturday --

Nascar Nationwide Series -- Ford Eco Boost 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway 1:00pm EDT

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning vs St. Louis Blues 7:00pm EDT

Sunday --

Nascar Sprint Cup Series -- Kobalt Tools 400 at Bristol Motor Speedway 12:30pm EDT

Monday --

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning vs Buffalo Sabres 7:30pm EDT

Tuesday --

Nothin' Doin'

Wednesday --

Nothin' Doin'

Thursday --

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning vs Edmonton Oilers 7:30pm EDT

Friday --

Nothin' Doin'

Saturday --

Nascar Nationwide Series -- Club Royal Purple 300 at Auto Club Speedway 5:00pm EDT

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning vs New York Islanders 7:00pm EDT

Sunday --

IZOD Indy Car Series -- Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg at Streets of St. Petersburg - 12:30pm EDT

Nascar Sprint Cup Series -- Auto Club 400 at Auto Club Speedway -- 2:30pm EDT

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That's it for today. Thanks for stopping by, I hope that you'll do so tomorrow too. Thanks again!