Puck Pride

The former captain of the Superior Spartans and Michigan Tech Huskies has landed a contract in the American Hockey League.

He had a goal and never gave up.  Three years in junior hockey in Waterloo, Iowa didn't stop him.  Some losing seasons at Michigan Tech didn't stop him either.  All he did, was become the captain of the Huskies. 

But even on the phone, you can see the big smile and pride he had from Abbotsford, Canada.  He was one of 48 players invited to camp and in the end will be wearing #48 when the season starts.  He said, "We had a red and white scrimmage and that was our AHL preseason game because we have no other AHL teams near us and we had AHL ref's as well."

Abbotsford is located south of Vancouver and is just north of the Canada / U.S. Border.

Former UMD Bulldog Brady Lamb also plays for the Heat and they are now teammates.   

Olson was on a tryout deal before signing with Abbotsford on Monday night.  He graduated this past spring from Michigan Tech University where he played four years with the Huskies and was their captain the past two.  He tallied 93 points for them during that time.

Olson has been at NHL Development camps with Chicago, Boston and the Minnesota Wild.

Olson said he was thrilled about the opportunity and happy to get the chance.  He had an offer to play in the ECHL by will not be taking that after all.

The 25 year-old played 127 games for Tech and was their leading scorer the past two years.

His brother still plays at Superior High School and his sister is standout at UWS and plays hockey and softball.

Olson gets his first AHL shot this Friday and Saturday when they open the season by hosting the Peoria Riverman, the AHL team for St. Louis Blues.

Many WCHA teams also open their seasons this weekend.  UMD will host the Ohio State Buckeyes at Amsoil Arena, tickets still remain for the series.

Fans might notice some new rules in college hockey this year.  WCHA Supervisor of Officials Greg Shepherd announced Monday during a conference call with reporters that hand passes will no longer be allowed in the defensive zone.  The team that does, will not be allowed to make line changes.

Also pucks can go off skates and in and will count as a goal. But players are still not allowed a kicking motion, but the puck is now allowed to be redirected off the skates.  Even if the skaters are in the stopping motion, that will still count as a goal, unless they kicked it in.

For player safety they will also not allow contact to the head.  The will still result in a five minute major and game DQ.  Checking from behind will also be watched carefully.

Also if the net is lifted up or moved by a defensive team and the puck goes in, it will now be counted as a goal if the attacking player was in the act of shooting.

Hockey is here....College style, let's go NHL get with it!!