08/04/2006

Stars camp set for today

Oleksy earns scholarship from Lake Superior St.

TRAVERSE CITY — When the puck drops today, opening the Traverse City North Stars' invite-only weekend camp at Centre ICE arena, head coach Scott Gardiner will be as excited about who won't be competing for a roster spot as those who are.

That's because a pair of North Stars players from the inaugural 2005-06 season are suiting up for NCAA schools this year -— defenseman Steven Oleksy and Jarrett Rush.

Oleksy announced on Wednesday that he has accepted a scholarship from Lake Superior State University, while Rush signed with Manhattanville College earlier this summer.

"It's exciting because that's our mission: to put kids into college, and it's happening," Gardiner said. "And a couple of kids who had offers from schools decided to come back, so we're glad that our kids are getting a shot at a college education and college hockey, even if it means they have to leave us. We couldn't be happier for them."

Oleksy becomes the second North Stars player to land an NCAA Division I — and the first who has actually seen regular season duty in a TC uniform. Stars tender Kory Kaunisto verbally committed to Northern Michigan earlier this summer in advance of his rookie season in the North American Hockey League.

"I'm real excited about it," said Oleksy, who has three years of collegiate eligibility remaining. "I told their coaches that Lake State is where I dreamed of playing, and to get the chance is just amazing. I have three good buddies who play up there, and I can't wait to get to work."

Oleksy led all Traverse City blue-liners with 11 goals and 19 assists in 57 games last season.

Gardiner will be busy evaluating personnel for the North Stars' upcoming second season over the course of the three-day event, and says it'll be the best group of prospects he's ever assembled. Local products Eric O'Hearn (TC Central) and Nate Greenman (TC West) drew invitations, while returning players Mike Sand, Jonathan Juliano, Patrick Nagorsen, Brett Englebright, Sal Ragusa, Richie Zobak, Arthur Bidwill, and goalie Ryan Donovan are also slated to compete. Five of the team's draft picks, and six tenders — including reigning Michigan Mr. Hockey Zach Hitch — will also battle for roster spots.