ST. PAUL, Minn. — For the second year in a row, Michigan Tech has a Hobey Baker Top 10 Finalist as goaltender Blake Pietila was selected by voting from all 61 Division I college hockey head coaches plus online fan balloting. Brian Halonen was a finalist for the Huskies last season.

Pietila, the CCHA Goaltender of the Year and unanimous All-CCHA First Team selection, is also a top three finalist for the Mike Richter Award.

The native of Howell, Michigan, broke Michigan Tech records for shutouts in a season (10) and career (20) while becoming the all-time wins leader with 58–a record he shares with Bruce Horsch. Pietila leads the nation in shutouts while ranking second nationally with 23 wins, third in save percentage (.929), and fifth in goals-against average (1.99).

Pietila has appeared in 36 games for the Huskies going 23-10-3 overall. He is a top three finalist for the Mike Richter Award and was a Preseason All-CCHA selection. Pietila was named the CCHA Goaltender of the Month for October, January, and February, the CCHA Goaltender of the Week seven times, and the Most Valuable Player of the Desert Hockey Classic.

Pietila played in 24 CCHA games this season, going 14-7-3 with a 2.02 goals-against average and a .929 save percentage. He led the league in wins, save percentage, and shutouts (6), while finishing second in goals-against average and minutes played (1425:48). Ranking third in total saves (625), he allowed two or fewer goals in 16 conference games.

The 30-member selection committee and an additional round of fan balloting through the Hobey website hobeybaker.com March 17-26 will determine this year’s Hobey Baker winner. Criteria for the award are: displaying outstanding skills in all phases of the game, strength of character on and off the ice, sportsmanship and scholastic achievements.

The Hobey Hat Trick (three finalists) will be announced on March 30, 2023, and the Hobey Baker Award winner will be announced on Friday, April 7, 2023. The announcement will be televised live on the NHL Network and streamed on the Hobey Baker website at 6 p.m.

Following, in alphabetical order, is a look at each finalist.

Logan Cooley – Minnesota

Freshman, Forward, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

With an excellent skating ability that matches his compete level, Cooley has been one of the most exciting players to watch in college hockey this season. The freshman forward was drafted by the Arizona Coyotes third overall at the 2022 NHL Draft. He currently is fourth in the nation in scoring with 50 points and sits fifth in assists. He has been named to the Big Ten conference’s All Freshman Team and First Team All Conference.

• Led all B1G players by earning five Star of the Week honors

• Is seventh in Minnesota history for scoring by a freshman – most points by a first-year since Phil Kessel had 51 points in 2005-06

• Leads all NCAA players with a +32 rating and has a positive plus-minus in 21 outings

Adam Fantilli – Michigan

Freshman, Forward, Nobleton, Ontario

Adam Fantilli is another freshman making a big impact this season. He currently leads the nation in scoring with 60 points, sits second in the nation in goals, third in assists, and is averaging 1.9 points per game. He plays on the power play, penalty kill, takes big faceoffs, and is on the ice in all end of game situations. The Big Ten named Fantilli Freshman of the Year, First Team All-Conference, and to the All-Freshman Team.

• Currently has 27 goals and 33 assists for 60 points (NCAA point leader) through 32 games played this season

• A top prospect eligible for the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, and is expected to be a top-three pick

• Won a gold medal at the 2023 World Junior Championships – had five points in seven games

Sean Farrell – Harvard

Junior, Forward, Hopkinton, Massachusetts

Known for his speed and for his 200-foot game, Farrell has been a force to be reckoned with this season. He’s produced 51 points in 31 games and sits third in the nation in scoring. The Hopkinton native was named the ECAC Player of the Month twice this season.

• Second in the nation with an average of 1.62 points per game

• A 2020 fourth-round draft pick, 124th overall by the Montreal Canadiens

• Led Team USA in scoring (six points) at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics

Collin Graf – Quinnipiac

Sophomore, Forward, Lincoln, Massachusetts

After transferring from Union College, Graf has been a vital piece of the Bobcats team this season. He currently sits second in the nation in scoring with 54 points and in assists with 34. He has played 16 multiple-point games, and has been awarded the ECAC Player of the Month three times this season.

• Fourth in the NCAA in points per game (1.44) and seventh in the NCAA in assists per game (.88)

• Tallied the most points by a sophomore in program history

• Studying Business Analytics

Lane Hutson – Boston

Freshman, Defenseman, North Barrington, Illinois

A dynamic puck-moving defenseman, Hutson leads all blue-liners with 44 points in 34 games. He made history this season by becoming the first defenseman to lead Hockey East in scoring. He was named to the Hockey East First Team All-Conference and All-Rookie Team. To add to his accolades, he also was named Rookie of the Year and the Hockey East Scoring Champion.

• Leads NCAA defenseman with four game-winning goals

• A 2022 second-round draft pick and 62nd overall by the Montreal Canadiens

• Bronze medalist at World Junior Championship, providing primary assist on the bronze medal-winning goal

Matthew Knies – Minnesota

Sophomore, Forward, Phoenix, Arizona

Knies has the size, strength, power, and speed that he uses consistently to make him a key player on the ice. He currently ranks sixth in the nation with 21 goals, including seven game-winning goals which is the most in the nation. He was named the Big Ten Player of the Year and First Team All-Conference.

• Leads NCAA with seven game-winning goals – all scored against teams ranking top 15 in the nation

• 2021 second-round pick, selected 57th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs

• Is a Rink Roots participant where players run an on-ice clinic for kids in a local community – put on a summer hockey camp for kids of all ages in the Phoenix area

Devon Levi – Northeastern

Junior, Goaltender, Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Quebec

Devon Levi is a competitive, athletic, and disciplined goaltender. He has the best save percentage in the nation at .933 and is a Hobey finalist for the second straight season. He was awarded multiple accolades in Hockey East, including Goalie of the Year, Player of the Year, and First Team All-Conference. Levi won the 2022 Mike Richter Award and is a finalist again this year.

• Currently has a 17-12-5 record with a 2.24 GAA and .933 save percentage

• Florida draft (seventh round, 2020), rights traded to Buffalo – made the 2022 Canadian Olympic roster

• Gives back to his community in Quebec by mentoring and training young athletes, and has donated old gear to his community rink and elementary school

Yaniv Perets – Quinnipiac

Sophomore, Goaltender, Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Quebec

For the second consecutive season Perets leads the nation in goals against average; compiling a 1.52 GAA this season. He has nine shutouts, the second most in the nation, and a save percentage of .927 that is ranked fifth in the nation. He has the highest win percentage in the nation with only three losses in all 36 games he’s played. This is the second straight year the Quebec native has been named a Top 10 finalist, and is another Richter Award Finalist.

• Current record is: 30-3-3 with a 1.52 GAA and .927 save percentage

• Has the third best single season GAA and third most wins in program history

• Studying Talent Management

Blake Pietila – Michigan Tech

Senior, Goaltender, Howell, Michigan

Pietila has played in 36 of 38 games for the Huskies this season, with ten of those games ending in a shutout. The Howell native has a .929 save percentage which is the third-best in the nation, and he has the second most wins in college hockey this season at 23. Pietila was named CCHA Goalie of the Year and CCHA First Team All-Conference. He is also a Richter Award finalist.

• Currently has a 1.99 GAA and a .929 save percentage through 36 games

• Holds Michigan Tech record for all-time wins and has the most shutouts in school history

• Mechanical Engineering major

Jason Polin – Western Michigan

Senior, Forward, Holt, Michigan

Polin is playing his best season of hockey in his senior year. He leads the nation in goals with 29 in 38 games. The Holt native has recorded five hat tricks this season, and his 29 goals have set an NCHC conference record. He has been named First Team All-Conference.

• Currently has 29 goals, 17 assists for 46 points in 38 games

• Served as team captain for 2022-23 season

• Sport Management major – Named an NCHC Distinguished Scholar and named to the NCHC Academic All-Conference Team all four years

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Equestrian Canada is pleased to announce the team that will represent the maple leaf at the first jumping Nations Cup competition of the year! The following Canadian athletes will ride for Canada in the $150,000 Nations Cup CSIO4* presented by IDA Development taking place March 1-5, 2023, in Wellington, FL.

Mario Deslauriers, Venise-en-Québec, QC Horses/Owners: Emerson, Wishing Well Farm LLC Bardolina 2, Wishing Well Farm LLC and Mario Deslauriers

Tiffany Foster, Langley, BC Horses/Owners: Hamilton, The Hamilton Group Battlecry, Artisan Farms LLC and Kent Farrington LLC

Amy Millar, Perth, ON Horses/Owners: Truman, Millar Brooke Farm LTD. & Overlund Christiano, Future Adventures

Beth Underhill, Mulmur, ON Horse/Owner: Nikka VD Bisschop, Rein Family LLC

Photo Credit: Starting Gate Communications / Courtesy of Tiffany Foster

Erynn Ballard, Tottenham, ON Horses/Owners: Coconet, Wight Show Stables Hero, Esperanza Imports LLC and Ilan Ferder

Sam Walker, Nobleton, ON Horses/Owners: Equine America Ivanhoe GPH, Amy Mason Evita, MarBill Hill Farm

The prestigious competition, held in the sunshine state during Week 8 of the 2023 Winter Equestrian Festival features teams from around the world vying for top honours. Some of the most talented riders and horses in show jumping will be there to represent their countries during the annual event.

A staple on Canada’s Nations Cup teams during his riding career, newly appointed Technical Advisor (TA) and Chef d’Equipe for the Canadian Equestrian Team, Ian Millar, will lead the team in Wellington. Millar knows the stakes well, having captured the Longines FEI Nations Cup in Ocala, Florida for Canada in 2018 during one of his last international competitions prior to his retirement.

The ten-time Olympian is looking forward to his first event as Chef and TA for Team Canada. “I am honoured to be the Chef d’Equipe of the Canadian Team,” Millar said as he and the team prepare for next week’s competition. “I am also very proud to lead this group into competition here in Wellington. Six riders from Canada are invited to compete in this week’s Wellington International™ Competition but only four can take part in the Nations Cup. It was a difficult choice to name the team of four as all six would be extremely capable of carrying the flag.”

Millar is confident the team of veteran athletes, three of whom rode at Wellington’s Nations Cup in 2022, and all of whom represented Canada on teams last year, is prepared and will bring their A-game next weekend. “They are a very strong group with great horses and a formidable team attitude. I am predicting a win for Canada in our first Nations Cup of the year.”

Last year, the Canadian team took second place behind Ireland and were fifth in the same event in 2021. This year’s competition promises to be an exciting kick off to the team’s 2023 season on the road to the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile that begin on October 20.

Want to cheer on the team? Click here to livestream the Canadian Show Jumping Team as they compete in the International Arena at Wellington International™.

The United States Postal Service has temporarily suspended delivery and retail operations in parts of Florida as Hurricane Ian bears down on the state.

USPS announced Tuesday night that it was stopping services in Southwest and Central Florida until further notice. The hurricane was expected to make landfall in Florida sometime Wednesday along the state's Gulf coast.

The move means more than 200 post office locations will be closed.

Hurricane Ian:Locals await Hurricane Ian at Fort Myers Beach tiki bar

AND:Hurricane Ian: Fort Myers is on 'the bad side' of Hurricane Ian, NWS meteorologist says

Cities with offices closed are in: Alturas, Alva, Apollo Beach, Anna Maria, Arcadia, Aripeka, Auburndale, Avon Park, Babson Park, Balm, Bartow, Bay Pines, Bloomingdale, Brandon, Boca Grande, Bokeelia, Bonita Springs, Bowling Green, Braden River, Bradenton, Bradenton Beach, Bradley, Brandon, Brooksville, Bushnell, Cape Coral, Captiva, Carrollwood, Center Hill, Chokoloskee, Clearwater, Coleman, Commerce, Cortez, Crystal Beach, Crystal Springs, Dade City, Davenport, Dover, Dundee, Dunedin, Durant, Eagle Lake, East Naples, Eaton Park, Ehrlich, Elfers, Ellenton, Embassy Crossing, Englewood, Estero, Euclid, Everglades City, Falkenburg, Felda, Florence Villa, Forest Hills, Fort Meade, Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, Fort Ogden, Frostproof, Gibsonton, Glengarry, Golden Gate, Goodland, Gulf Gate, Gulfwinds, Haines City, High Point, Highland City, Hilldale, Homeland, Hudson, Immokalee, Indian Rocks Beach, Intercession City, Istachatta, Kathleen, LaBelle, Lacoochee, Lake Alfred, Lake Hamilton, Lake Panasoffkee, Lake Placid, Lake Wales, Lakeland, Lakewood Ranch, Land o' Lakes, Largo, Laurel, Lehigh Acres, Lithia, Longboat Key, Lorida, Loughman, Lutz, MacDFill Air Force Base, Madeira Beach, Mango, Marco Island, Mulberry, Murdock, Myakka City, Naples, New Port Richey, New Tampa, Nichols, Nobleton, Nocatee, Nokomis, North Fort Myers, Ochopee, Odessa, Oldsmar, Ona, Oneco, Osprey, Ozona, Palm Harbor, Palmdale, Palmetto, Parrish, Pineland, Pinellas Park, Placida, Plant City, Polk City, Port Charlotte, Port Richey, Punta Gorda, Riverview, Ruskin, Safety Harbor, Saint James City, Saint Leo, St. Petersburg, St. Pete Beach, San Antonio, Sanibel, Sarasota, Sebring, Seffner, Sulphur Springs, Sumterville, Sun City, Sun City Center, Sydney, Tallavast, Tampa, Tarpon Springs, Terra Ceia, Thonotosassa, Tice, Trilby, Valrico, Venice, Venus, Wauchula, Waverly, Webster, West Tampa, Wimauma, Winter Haven, Ybor City, Zephyrhills and Zolfo Springs.

"The Postal Service appreciates its customers and their understanding as we temporarily adjust operations due to inclement weather," USPS said in an emailed news release Tuesday night.

"We will continue to monitor tropical weather conditions and well restore service when it is safe to do so."

When it comes to Florida, one can imagine the numerous attractions endowed with pristine parks, off-the-beaten hiking trails, and, of course, the unspoiled Everglades, which give amazing opportunities to indulge in outdoor activities. From hiking to kayaking, and airboat touring, there are endless things to do in this state. But those planning to hike its unblemished terrain might find the enchanting Withlacoochee State Forest an ideal place to spend rejuvenating moments in nature.

Withlacoochee State Forest, which spans 157,479 acres of wild terrain in Florida's western central region, is adorned with winding rivers and several pristine tracts that are home to a diverse flora and fauna. These tracts include Two Mile Prairie, the Citrus Tract (with caves), the Croom Tract, and many more. They all provide numerous opportunities for nature enthusiasts to discover wildlife, including many bird and animal species in their natural habitats. This nature reserve is definitely a place, where it would be difficult to tear oneself away from its serenity.

Hiking Trails In Withlacooche State Forest

The Withlacoochee State Trail has one of the longest, paved rail trails in Florida, measuring 46 miles of trail corridor that passes through ranches, small towns, and pristine areas from Citrus Springs to Dade City. Adventure seekers will find about 31 trails for plenty of eco-friendly activities, including hiking.

The attraction is family-friendly as the terrain is flat, which offers an easy ride for all skill levels. For easy convenience, hikers can expect to find facilities such as benches and restrooms along many trails from Floral City to Inverness and Citrus Springs. There is also the chance to spot historical remains.

Thanks to its vast area, the state forest includes upland adorned with lush forest, sand hills, and wetlands. While hiking, one can easily spot many fruit trees, moss, and ferns.

Related: 10 Best Places To Watch Meteor Showers In Florida

Some of the recommended hiking trails of the Withlacoochee State Forest are Withlacoochee River Trail, Croom Trail North Loop, Johnson Pond Trail, Silver Lake Recreation area, and the Dames Cave.

Looking for an eco-sanctuary in Florida? Check out Florida’s popular Blue Hole spring.

If one is looking for a peaceful and shaded hiking trail, then consider the Withlacoochee River Trail, which is easy terrain to hike near Trilby. The trail leads to an open prairie and a shaded canopy forest.

This hiking trail is ideal for those seeking solitude as well as activities such as bird watching and hiking.

Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash.

Hikers looking for a little more challenging terrain can opt for the Croom Trail North Loop, which is tucked close to Nobleton. This hiking trail is classified as a moderately challenging route and is mostly used for activities such as backpacking, birding, and hiking.

In addition, this area is known to offer some of the most stunning landscape views, so it is advisable to take a camera along.

Another family-friendly trail to hike is the 3.6-mile loop trail situated near Webster. This trail is considered easy and can be completed in an hour. Hikers can expect to find signposts along the way (except for the road), which make it easier to hike.

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Those choosing this trail will have the opportunity to see tupelo trees, cypress trees, turkey oaks, and animal species such as alligators, turtles, bears, and armadillos at Silver Lake.

What To See At Withlacoochee State Forest?

With the great efforts put into conserving the Withlacoochee State Forest, there is a great chance that many hikers will have the unique opportunity to encounter many wild animals in the sanctuary.

Though it is important to observe these wild animals and plants without disturbing them,

Extensive Cave System At Withlacoochee State Forest

The Dames Cave hike in the Withlacoochee State Forest is without a doubt one of the most popular. Besides the Dames Cave, there are other caves that one can explore. However, it is important to be well-prepared before heading for cave exploration.

The caves are located 69 miles north of Tampa. They are tucked in the Citrus Tract area. The trailhead of the Dames Cave starts at the makeshift parking area. From there, hike the sandy terrain until one can spot a vast area surrounded by a heavy-gauge wire.

Learn more about the Dames Cave hiking trail before venturing out.

TORONTO, July 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Greybrook Realty Partners Inc. announced today the successful closing of an equity investment by its managed issuer of $30,110,000 to acquire and oversee the development of a prime parcel of land located in Nobleton, Ontario. Together with its developer partner, Treasure Hill, the firm will develop the land into a residential community consisting of over 210 single-detached homes.

Nobleton is conveniently located 30 kilometers north of the City of Toronto in the affluent Township of King, where the median household income is over $190,000. Located south of the Oak Ridges Moraine and nestled among several conservation areas, Nobleton is a peaceful village surrounded by beautiful rolling hills and forests. Home to over 130 local businesses and more than 4,500 residents, this growing market is expected to see its population increase by approximately 45% from 2015 to 2021, as homeowners seek the charm and comfort of Nobleton’s established heritage community.

The development site, located at 13500 Highway 27, is adjacent to an existing residential community and minutes away from Highway 400. The development will offer future residents easy access to GO Transit bus services and the nearby King City GO Station, which provides daily transportation to downtown Toronto. “We are thrilled to have secured one of the last remaining developable parcels of land within the municipal boundary of Nobleton,” states Peter Politis, CEO, Greybrook Realty Partners Inc. “This development with Treasure Hill will provide the community with a collection of beautiful homes ranging from 3,000 square feet homes on 40 foot lots to 4,200 square feet homes on 60 foot lots in a stunning natural environment.”

The portfolio of low-rise development holdings managed by Greybrook Realty Partners Inc. includes several development properties that are projected to result in the completion of over 8,000 ground-related homes in the Greater Golden Horseshoe region.

About Greybrook Realty Partners Inc.

Greybrook Realty Partners is a Toronto-based asset management firm that invests equity in large scale development-based opportunities. Greybrook Realty Partners offers investors the unique ability to partner with leading North American real estate developers and share in value creation activities. Greybrook Realty Partners and its affiliates have invested in over 50 real estate projects in Greater Toronto Area, Greater Golden Horseshoe region, and South Florida markets. In aggregate, its real estate investment portfolio is expected to result in the development of over 17 million square feet of residential and commercial density with an estimated completion value of $8 billion.

This news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to known and unknown uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contemplated or implied by such forward-looking statements. Greybrook is under no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

            For further information:Greybrook Realty Partners Inc.Sarah Mansour, SVP Corporate Strategy & MarketingE: sarah.mansour@greybrook.comT: 416.322.9700 x551