Michigan
Strbak, Sabres excited for next step in development at Michigan State | NHL.com
BUFFALO — Maxim Strbak has had hockey as part of his life almost since birth.
The defenseman prospect, selected by the Buffalo Sabres in the second round (No. 45) of the 2023 NHL Draft, has his father, Martin, to thank for that.
“Kind of since I was born, I was always watching hockey,” Maxim Strbak said. “I think when I was around 4 years old I first stepped on the ice with him, he was playing in the KHL [Kontinental Hockey League] in Russia. Kind of started there and been playing ever since.”
Martin Strbak was selected by the Los Angeles Kings in the ninth round (No. 224) at the 1993 NHL Draft. Also a defenseman, he played five games with the Los Angeles Kings and 44 games with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2003-04, while also playing 21 professional seasons throughout Europe, including 10 in his native Slovakia.
“He always told me that back then when he was drafted, he didn’t even actually even know what the draft was, so that was pretty interesting,” Maxim said.
After Martin’s playing career ended in 2016, he moved into coaching, a journey that took the family to Finland. That’s where Maxim played his youth hockey, eventually playing for Jokerit’s teams in Finland’s under-18 and under-20 leagues.
In 2022-23, Maxim joined Sioux Falls of the United States Hockey League. He had 18 points (five goals, 13 assists) in 46 games, and then had six assists in seven games to help Slovakia finish fourth at the 2023 IIHF Under-18 World Championship.
Last season he had nine points (two goals, seven assists) in 32 games as a freshman at Michigan State to help the school win the Big Ten tournament for the first time. He also had seven points (one goal, six assists) and averaged a team-best 23:38 of ice time in five games for Slovakia at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship. Martin was an assistant coach.
“He’s a physical player,” Sabres director of player development Adam Mair said during Buffalo’s development camp in July. “He competes hard, he defends well, but also he’s got a really understated puck game. He’s able to move the puck up the ice efficiently. Big body, right-hand shot [defenseman] that can do that, it was impressive this year.”
Strbak credited Michigan State coach Adam Nightingale and his staff for helping him acclimate quickly to collegiate hockey.
“It’s given me a lot of confidence when we practice, and I can see that turn into games more and more,” Strbak said. “And I think that’s what made an impact.”
The Sabres noticed it too.
“Just his ability to grow,” Mair said. “He came [to North America], to Michigan State, which the program turned over and got to give credit to their coaching staff. He got thrust into big minutes throughout the season and he showed that he can play a reliable role on a really good NCAA hockey team.”
Strbak feels he has matured in his game, with an even better feel for making the right play at the right time. He heads into his sophomore season at Michigan State looking to take another step in his development, including increased offensive production and becoming more of an all-around player.
He hasn’t thought about how many seasons he’d like to play in college before turning pro. The Buffalo development staff has told him to just go play and do well.
“I’ve talked to them throughout the season and the feedback was usually very good,” Strbak said. “I think they’re happy with the way I play and I’m also happy with the way I play, so we’ll see. Another big season for me and for Michigan State.”
Michigan schools, libraries and nonprofit groups are set to receive more than $280,000 in literacy funding, according to a community announcement issued by Dollar General Literacy Foundation. The money is intended to support reading and education programs across the state.
The grants are part of a nationwide single-day award total of nearly $16 million. The funding supports adult, family and summer literacy programs in the 48 states where Dollar General operates.
In Michigan, the grants are expected to affect more than 9,600 people, according to the announcement.
The grants are for nonprofit organizations, libraries and schools. According to the announcement, eligible groups must be within a 15-mile radius of a Dollar General store or distribution center.
The money may be used for new technology, books, materials or software. The grants can help groups start literacy programs or expand existing ones.
Several Michigan organizations received grants of $10,000, the highest amount. Those recipients included:
- Adrian Rea Literacy Center in Adrian
- Arab Community Center For Economic And Social Services (Access) in Dearborn
- Literacy Center Of West Michigan in Grand Rapids
- Houghton Lake Community Education in Houghton Lake
- Livingston County Literacy Coalition in Howell
- Goodwill Industries Of Southwestern Michigan in Kalamazoo
- Kalamazoo Literacy Council in Kalamazoo
- Capital Area Literacy Coalition / The Reading People in Lansing
- The Global Institute Of Lansing
- Van Buren Intermediate School District in Lawrence
- Reading Patch Literacy Foundation Inc. in Niles
- Grace Centers Of Hope in Pontiac
- Oakland Literacy Council in Pontiac
- Literacy And Beyond Inc. in Port Huron
- Gigi’S Playhouse — Detroit LLC in Southfield
- Southgate Community Schools in Southgate
Other larger grants included $9,999 for Wayne State University in Detroit, $9,500 for Iosco Regional Educational Service Agency in Tawas City and $8,500 for Plymouth-Canton Community Literacy Council in Plymouth.
The recipient list also included many grants of $3,000. Those went to:
- Allendale Public Schools
- Boys And Girls Club Of Alpena
- Cedar Springs Public Library
- Clinton Community Schools
- Coloma Public Library
- Mason County Eastern Elementary in Custer
- North Dickinson County School in Felch
- Wilson School Parent Advisory Committee in Herron
- Hillman Community Schools
- Ida Public Schools
- Lawton Public Library
- Luther Area Public Library
- Saginaw African Cultural Festival Inc.
- Sebewaing Township Library
- Tekonsha Community Schools
- Columbia Township Library in Unionville
- Wakefield Public Library
- Whitmore Lake Public Schools
Other awards listed were $2,000 for Taymouth Township Library in Burt; $2,100 for Clinton-Macomb Public Library in Clinton Township; and $2,500 for Friends Of Cadillac Wexfod Public Library in Cadillac, Teamer Dreams Foundation in Eastpointe, Michigan Adult, Community & Alternative Education Association in Lansing and Palomino Hope Equine Experience in Tawas City.
The list also showed a $1,000 grant for Townline Elementary in Grand Rapids and a $4,500 grant for D House Of Angels in Pontiac.
Also receiving grants were Houghton Lake Community Education and Reading Patch Literacy Foundation in Niles.
A full list of grant recipients is available at dgliteracy.org.
“Since the foundation’s inception in 1993, our focus has remained on making meaningful investments in students, teachers and the organizations that support literacy and learning at every stage of life,” Denine Torr, executive director of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, said in the announcement. “These funds will help educators enhance their instruction and create opportunities that help empower students to reach their full potential.”
This story was created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at https://cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct/.
FLINT, Mich. (AP) — A man in Michigan who got married and then ran over his best friend that same day, killing him, after an alcohol-fueled argument was sentenced Monday to least 30 years in prison.
“The only thing I can do for the rest of my life is express my apology and remorse. … I will forever be sorry,” James Shirah said in Genesee County court.
Shirah, 24, was driving when his vehicle struck Terry Taylor Jr. in Flint, about an hour’s drive northwest of Detroit, on Aug. 30, 2024. He and Savanah Collier were married earlier that day and the celebration had moved to a house.
Shirah’s attorney had argued that the crash was not intentional. Prosecutors, however, said Shirah had left the scene and had time to reflect before returning and striking Taylor, MLive.com reported.
“Mr. Shirah, I believe that you are not a criminal. You are, however, a killer,” Judge Khary Hanible said.
In April, Shirah pleaded no contest to second-degree murder and other offenses. He will be eligible for parole after 30 years.
“I hope that they throw the book at you,” Taylor’s cousin, Eren Taylor, said before Shirah received his sentence.
Shirah’s wife will be sentenced later in May for being an accessory.
BENTON HARBOR — Vinyl collectors and music fans are invited to dig through thousands of records and music collectibles at the Southwest Michigan Record Show.
The event is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 16 at Grand Upton Hall inside Lake Michigan College’s Mendel Center in Benton Harbor, according to a press release.
Now in its fourth season, the show features 25 vendors from five states, offering 70 tables filled with vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, record supplies and music memorabilia.
Free admission begins at 10 a.m.
General admission is free starting at 10 a.m., while early entry is available at 8:30 a.m. for $5. Door prize drawings are planned for 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., including $25 shopping certificates and record supplies from BCW Supplies. The first 75 attendees will receive free tote bags.
A food truck will be on site, and cash is preferred for purchases. Some vendors may accept cards, PayPal, Venmo and other payment methods, but there is no ATM on site.
Vendors from across the Midwest and beyond
The show is expected to feature a wide selection of music genres, including classic rock, pop, ’80s, metal, punk, jazz, blues, R&B, country and soundtracks.
“This show is still being discovered, and that’s part of what makes it exciting,” event organizer Jeremy D. Bonfiglio said in the release. “We’ve built a strong group of experienced vendors, so whether you’re just getting into vinyl or digging for something rare, there’s a real opportunity here to find something unexpected.”
Free parking is available near the entrance of Mendel Center, 2755 Napier Ave.
Future dates planned
The Southwest Michigan Record Show is also scheduled to return Sept. 19.
For more information, visit southwestmichiganrecordshow.com or follow the event on Facebook.
This story was created by reporter Cheryl Morey, with the assistance of artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing.
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