Howard readies for Cup

Ogdensburg native Jimmy Howard can't wait to bring the Stanley Cup to his hometown on Sept. 4.

Only then will the aura of being on an NHL championship team start to wear off.

Howard was on the bench when the Detroit Red Wings finally dispatched the Pittsburgh Penguins in June to win their 11th NHL title in franchise history. Naturally, the third-string goalie celebrated with his teammates at Pittsburgh's Mellon Arena. He took pictures on the ice with his father, Jim, his sister, Kate, and the precious Stanley Cup. The joyous occasion spilled into the locker room where a series of hugs, smiles and laughter was shared.

"It was really surreal," Howard said. "You grow up watching the finals, and you're playing for that Cup, playing street hockey with your buddies. There's so many mixed emotions. You're really taken back by it."

The one thing Howard regrets was being more of an observer during the Red Wings' title run. He appeared in just four regular- season games for Detroit last season. He spent the majority of the year starting for the Grand Rapids Griffins — the franchise's American Hockey League affiliate.

"That was the toughest part, just sitting there and watching things, not being able to get your hands and feet dirty to help contribute during the games," Howard said.

But the Red Wings showed their affinity for Howard by signing him to a three-year contract last month. While they did ink Ty Conklin to a one-year deal in the offseason, Howard said general manager Ken Holland still believes the 24-year-old has a promising future with the franchise.

The added competition has only fueled Howard this offseason. He's been training rigorously at the University of Maine since last month. With Dominik Hasek retiring for a second time, Howard is ready to obtain the backup role behind incumbent Chris Osgood.

"With them offering a long-term contract, it shows greater faith in me," Howard said. "They believe that I can be a goaltender in the NHL. I'm really excited to get up to Traverse City (Mich.) in September and get on the ice for training camp."

TWO-REF SYSTEM IMPLEMENTED

It didn't take long for the NCAA to approve a two-referee system for the upcoming Division I seasons.

The NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel recommended the addition of an extra referee for hockey games in June. In early July, the committee instituted the system for Division I men's and women's hockey programs. Now, every game will consist of a four-person crew. Citing financial ramifications, the panel decided against the new system for Division II and Division III programs.

ECAC Hockey Commissioner Steve Hagwell foresaw the passing of the two-referee system since the beginning of the offseason.

"The way the game is being played today and with changes in the rules, similar to the NHL, the two-referee system will be beneficial," Hagwell said. "The players are faster and stronger, and it's harder for one official to keep up."

Clarkson head coach George Roll said players will have to be more disciplined on the ice, especially in front of the goal. He expects officials to call more interference penalties in order to tighten the players' stickwork in front of the net.

"Having a guy behind the play has worked in the NHL," Roll said. "It'll clean the game up a bit, especially stuff that happens behind the play."

Hagwell said the biggest obstacle will be finding enough officials, as well as making the appropriate accommodations for them. College teams will also spend a little more to compensate for the extra official.

Approximately 120 officials worked men's and women's hockey games last season, but Hagwell said the number fluctuates each year. The league will host a clinic for officials on Aug. 24 at Iorio Arena in Walpole, Mass.

"Everybody is going to be looking for bodies," Hagwell said. "How it all plays out with availability remains to be seen."

JONES RETURNS HOME

Former Clarkson assistant coach Casey Jones returned to his alma mater earlier this month. A former Cornell captain, he was announced as the Big Red's associate head coach on Aug. 2.

Jones spent the past 13 years in the same post at Ohio State. Prior to his tenure with the Buckeyes, he was a Clarkson assistant for two years. He helped guide the Golden Knights to a 43-19-9 record, an ECAC Hockey title and an appearance in the NCAA tournament in 1995.

This will be Jones's second stint on Cornell's bench. He worked as an assistant coach from 1991-1993. He replaced former Big Red assistant Brent Brekke, who took a similar position at Miami (Ohio) in June.

AROUND THE RINKS ...

Washington Capitals captainChris Clarktold the Washington Post that he should be ready for training camp next month. The former Golden Knights forward missed nearly the entire 2007 campaign with a groin tendon injury. The report said Clark has been skating withCraig Conroyand other local college players this offseason. ... Incoming Clarkson recruitNick Tremblaybroke his jaw two months ago, but he made a strong impression at the Boston Bruins' annual development camp. The forward was taken in the seventh round of the NHL draft in June. He tallied 110 points (51 goals, 59 assists) last season for the Smiths Falls Bears of the Central Junior Hockey League.