For years, fans have debated who’s better, Michigan or Minnesota hockey prospects.This weekend, those groups will have at least one legitimate measuring stick. The premier of the Michigan/Minnesota Showcase finds its way to Detroit City Arena Friday through Sunday.
Clarkston High School senior Dominic Chiappelli, 18, will play for one of the two Michigan teams in the ?89-?90 division. The tournament will also showcase talents of high school-aged players in two other divisions, ?91-?92 and ?93, fielding two teams for each side.
‘It’s going to be the best amateur hockey in the country,? said Matt Romaniski, organizer and director of Team Michigan’s exposure program.
Although Minnesota churns out a great number of minor league hockey players, Michigan recruits have yet to see the same attention as their colleagues.
‘Michigan kids are just as good, but haven’t gotten the press,? Romaniski said.
‘It’s a great chance for Michigan kids to step up and even beat Minnesota teams.?
The three-day tournament, which will have rosters full of triple-A players, has been in the works for a couple years. At the oldest age group, the play should be at a collegiate pace, Romaniski said.
Troy Barron, a fellow organizer and partner of Romaniski, said the recruiting potential of such an event is exceptional.
‘We’re trying to showcase the top kids in each state and scouts are loving it,? he said.
A former coach and collegiate player, Barron began promoting hockey prospects in Michigan three years ago.
‘We said, ‘hey, let’s start promoting these kids,? Barron said.
‘If you can’t play at the top level, why not try to help kids get more exposure.?
Team Minnesota coach Mark Melnychuck said the discussion regarding an inter-state competition came about after talking with Barron and Romaniski about the excess number of teams at various hockey tournaments.
Teams from both states will need to make adjustments on the fly to keep up, because players from both sides are known to put a different emphasis on their skills, Melnychuck said.
‘The series is going to be wonderful. Everyone has to get used to the way the other plays,? he said.
‘We’re looking forward to the competition level. Our goal is to develop this into a top exposure outlet for talent.?
Chiappelli, a member of Detroit Compuware, a midget majors triple-A team last season, is eager to play against opposition he has seen and heard about throughout his career.
‘I’m excited because everyone talks about how big Minnesota is in hockey and I want to show them how good Michigan is,? Chiappelli said.
‘It’s going to be very hard competition, so it’s going to be a challenge.?
Seeing his opponents? moves for the first time can help Chiappelli add to his range, he said.