NY HOCKEY APRIL 2014
VOLUME 3 ISSUE 7
ONLINE
NYS Championship Issue
Your Source For NYS Hockey News!
NY HOCKEY E-Magazine
In this Issue Bronxville Beat............................27 Buffalo Regals.......................34-35 Buffalo Stars..........................42-44 Cazenovia.....................................37 Central Section...........................17 NYS Championships.............4-10 East Section.................................24 Girls Scouts and Hockey.........33 Gridley Column..........................12 Haseks Heroes............................13 Jeff Scott Tourney......................40 McCollum Recognized.............52 North Section..............................28 NY Goalies....................................16 Paralympic Gold.........................11 Putnam Awards....................38-39 Remembering Lukey................36 Syracuse Blazers Blotter..........20 West Section...............................32 Zarbos............................................15
Dear Readers, It’s Championship time in ice hockey. With the New York State Championships finished and the USA Youth/Girls/Women’s Nationals being held as we put this issue to press, it’s an exciting time for all of us. We have some great stories of tournaments held in memory of hockey players who gave back to their team and community. It’s a way their families want them to be remembered and the proceeds are going to some very good causes. New York State is proud to congratulate Clarkson, Plattsburgh and RIT’s women’s ice hockey teams as they brought home the Championship trophy. We want you to make sure that you check every page of this issue. We were at so many tournaments and the States that we have lots of photos to share. So even though there are several “Photo Pages,” additional photos can be found in all parts of the magazine--filling some empty spaces. Make sure you share this with all of your team and, we encourage you to place our website link: www.nyhockeyonline.com on your Association’s website and also the link to this issue, which will be found in the letter send to your association. For May we’d love to hear about your experience at the Nationals, win or lose, and we welcome any photos you wish to send. All Our Best, Randy Schultz Publisher
NY Hockey On-Line (E-Magazine) 3663 Irish Road Wilson, New York 14172 716-751-6524 nyhockeyonline@ nyhockeyonline.com Publisher &Managing Editor Randy Schultz Randy@nyhockeyonline.com Designer/Photographer Janet Schultz Janet@nyhockeyonline.com
Columnists Warren Kozireski, Wkozires@brockport.edu Janet Schultz Randy Schultz Rob Sedia Chuck Gridley Tom Barnett NY Hockey OnLine is an equal opportunity employer. Contents 2012 NY Hockey Online All rights reserved NY Hockey OnLine is published monthly at no charge and can be accessed via the publication’s website www.nyhockeyonline.com
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NYS Championships / Page 4
The Buffalo Regals vs Syracuse Nationals at 12U Tier I Level. The Aviators take the NYS 12U Tier II Championship
The Onondaga Thunder in action
At 12U, Tier III: Tri-Town beat Palisades 4-3 in two overtimes to take the NYS Championship. Above: The Palisades Predators 12U Tier III with their Trophy. Second but well deserved! 14U Tier III: Onondaga Thunder beat Tri-Town 5-1 for Championship
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Scenes from 12U NYS Championships in Amherst!
NYS CHAMPIONSHIP / Page 5
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NY STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS / Page 6
At 16U Norfolk/Norwood beat Bronxville 4-3 in overtime for Championship. 18U: Bear Mountain beat Louisville 3-2 in double overtime for Championship.
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NYS CHAMPIONSHIP/ Page 7
NYS Championships at Amherst 16U and 18U
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NYS GIRLS CHAMPIONSHIP / Page 8
2014 New York State Championships
H
ere are the results from the NY State Championships and teams that move on to the USA Nationals being held April 2-6. There are no Nationals for 12U.
Some interesting notes from the State Championships... ...At Tier I, 12U, Midstate/Syracuse beat the Buffalo Regals in doubleovertime. Score: 5-4. ...At 16U Tier I, The Long Island Gulls went through 4 overtimes against the Buffalo Regals to win in the semifinals to put them into the finals against Westchester. ...Clifton Park’s Dynamo, 18U Tier I, beat the Buffalo Regals 1-0 in double overtime. ...The Women’s Senior B race had only three teams, Syracuse, Hamburg and the Buffalo Regals. Playing in a threegame match, the Regals lost both their games, Syracuse won two and Hamburg won a single game giving Syracuse the Championship.
Girls Tier I, 12U: Syracuse Nationals 14U: Buffalo Regals 16U: Buffalo Regals 19U: Buffalo Bisons Girls Tier II 12U: Potsdam 14U: CNY 16U: Potsdam 19U: Chazy Youth Tier I 12U: Midstate/Syracuse 14U: Regals 16U: Long Island Gulls 18U: Clifton Park Dynamo
...In the Girl’s Tier I 16U Division the Buffalo Regals, Buffalo Bisons and Syracuse Nationals had officials going three levels of decision making to determine a winner. Each team won a game. The Regals ended with 3 points and Syracuse with 2 points to put the Regals into the Nationals. ...The Buffalo Bisons 19U, Tier I team goes to the Nationals after NSA didn’t put a team in the States. ...At Girls Tier II, 14U, the West Seneca vs Plattsburgh game went into 12 overtimes with West Seneca winning and putting them into the finals. Bri Keppner scored with 1:32 left in the last overtime. West Seneca lost to CNY in the Championship game. ...Chazy beat the Buffalo Stars at the 19U Tier II level; however the Stars will head off to the Nationals as a host team. Amherst has no 19U team.
Youth Tier II 12U: Aviators 14U: Massena/St. Lawrence 16U: Massena/St. Lawrence 18U: Clarence
Youth Tier III 12U: Tri-Town 14U: Onondaga Thunder 16U: Norfolk/Norwood 18U: Bear Mountain Women Senior B: Syracuse
Women Senior C: Rochester
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NYS GIRLS CHAMPIONSHIP/ Page 9 NYS Girls Championships at Rochester
Photos from Saturday’s NYS Championship games at Bill Gray’s IcePlex in Rochester. By Janet Schultz Janet@nyhockeyonline.com
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NYS Girls Championships / Page 10
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Paralympic Team Brings Home The Gold SOCHI, Russia(USA Hockey Press Release) –
J
osh Sweeney (Phoenix, Ariz.) scored the gamewinning goal in the second period, allowing the U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey Team to skate past Russia, 1-0, in the gold-medal game at the 2014 Paralympic Winter Games. With the victory, Team USA becomes the first team to win back-to-back gold medals in the Paralympics. The gold medal is the third for the U.S. since 2002. “I’ve coached guys in the National Hockey League and guys that have won national championships, but the chemistry on this team with a 15-year-old and a 35-year old player is better than any team I’ve ever coached,” said Jeff Sauer, head coach of the U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey Team. “There’s a bond there and I love them like sons.” The Americans struck for the contest’s only marker at 9:28 of the middle frame when Sweeney converted after forcing a turnover in the offensive zone. Following a collision by two Russian players, Sweeney picked up the loose puck just inside the blue line and streaked in on Russian goaltender Vladimir Kamantcev. Sweeney deked to his left before sliding the puck back to his right and placing a shot over Ka-
Olympics / Page 11 mantcev’s glove and under the crossbar. Team USA played a strong defensive game throughout, limiting Russia to just six shots on goal while killing both Russian power-play opportunities. Goaltender Steve Cash (Overland, Mo.) came up with a pair of quality saves on dangerous Russian chances in the final stanza to hold Russia off the board.
Adam Page shared his Gold Medal at the Willie O’Ree Skills Weekend in Buffalo.
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Coaching With Gridley! by Chuck Gridley
W
ith Nationals only a week away, we are almost through the “silly season” of hockey, where winning becomes the most important thing in the world to some hockey parents and coaches. I’ve had a chance to see quite a few games over the last few weeks. I’m always interested in how the behavior of a coach on the bench influences the behavior of his / her players. I recently came across an article written by Sean Moore, titled “Coaches Matter More Than Parents in Promoting On-Ice Aggression”. The article is short and direct, and for all of us who are coaches, I think it’s worth a read……. enjoy! A novel study by a team of Canadian researchers has found that compared to parents, coaches have more influence on levels of adolescents’ on-ice aggression, as measured in penalty minutes. What’s more, the study also found that the more coaches and parents endorsed aggression, the less likely players were to view them as leaders worthy of following. The study’s data also revealed that teams with high rates of aggression won fewer games. The study, published in the journal Leadership Quarterly, looked at 183 players (average age 13) on 16 recreational hockey teams in Ontario. The researchers, from the University of Manitoba, the University of Regina and Queen’s University, measured teenagers’ perceptions of their coaches’ leadership and their own parents’ leadership. They measured players’ penalty minutes throughout
Coaching With Gridley / Page 12 the season while measuring team performance (percentage of games won). “Although parents are not particularly influential in our study, I do not think the behaviour of some, like banging on the glass, is vindicated,” says Nick Turner, one of the study’s authors and the Associate Dean of the U of M’s Asper School of Business. “What should really be taken away from this study is that we should really think carefully about the selection of team coaches and the messages that they send their teams.” At the core of it, the study wanted to find out what motivates people to “do good” or “play well”. A coach’s leadership style, the study found, impacts the overall team-level aggression. Those who demonstrated a transformational leadership style had teams that enacted less aggression. Players then take their cue of what is expected of them from this dynamic; adhering to the personality of the team, if you will. Sean Moore , Public Affairs Dept. at the University of Manitoba Chuck Gridley New York District Coach in Chief
Tri-Town at the NY State Girl’s Championships in Rochester (Photo by Janet Schultz)
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West Hockey / Page 13
A Weekend of Hockey And Hockey Heroes! (Part I) by Randy Schultz Randy@ nyhockeyonline.com
W
illie O’Ree stands at rinkside inside the Bud Bakewell Ice Rink in Buffalo. In front of him skates a group of youngsters going through a series of hockey drills. The National Hockey League’s first black player stands quietly with a smile on his face. “When I look out there and see the talent and these kids, it really makes me feel good,” said the 78 year-old O’Ree, who made his NHL debut during the 1958-59 hockey season. “I told these kids to go out and have fun and work hard. “I just want them to make things happen both on the ice and in their lives.” O’Ree, a “Hockey Is For Everyone” ambassador for the NHL, was at the ice arena as part of a special weekend in late March. Hasek’s Heroes was hosting the sixth annual Willie O’Ree Skills Showcase Weekend. The event brought together 32 boys and girls, ages 13 to 16, from 16 different youth hockey organizations throughout the United States and Canada. They arrived in Buffalo on a Friday and departed Sunday afternoon. There was very little down time for the kids. There was on- and off-ice training sessions; a skills competition; an opportunity to play a hockey game at the First Niagara Center, home of the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres; watched the Sabres play the Tampa Bay Lightning as guests of the
Sabres; heard presentations made by Sabres players Cody Hodgson and Mike Weber, as well as Sabres head coach, Ted Nolan; presentation made by Western New York native Adam Page of the gold medal winning United States Olympic sled hockey team. Whew! “We wanted to make sure that these kids would get a complete package when they came to this weekend,” said Sean Green, executive director of Hasek’s Heroes. “These kids are specially chosen and have earned the right to come to this event. “We try and present them with the life skills needed for life beyond high school. We want to prepare them as they go on to college and into life in general.” There were five hockey organizations representing the New York State area including Hasek’s Heroes, the Genesee Valley Youth Hockey Club, Ice Hockey In Harlem, New Rochelle Lightning and Westchester. “It is a pretty busy weekend for the kids,” concluded Green. “They get
Willie O’Ree addresses players to do and see a lot of things. “They will have memories and experiences that will last them a lifetime.”
(Ed. Note – The May issue will feature Part II of this story which will include comments and experiences of the weekend from the Mike Weber and Cody Hodgson address players. coaches and representatives from the NY State hockey organizations
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ZARBO’S COUNTING DOWN By Warren Kozireski
G
rand Island natives Matt and Joe Zarbo were born 15 months apart and played hockey together first with the Boston Jr. Bruins, then Tri-City in the USHL and the last three seasons with Clarkson University. But with Matt completing his eligibility, those days were numbered as the Golden Knights moved on to the quarterfinals of the ECAC playoffs after defeating Princeton in the first round. Though they had played together on and off this season and earlier, Matt was centering the third line while Joe was the right wing on the second line as the team headed down the stretch run of the regular season. Younger Joe had bragging rights with more career points, but Matt took home one of the ECAC’s highest honors last year when he was named
NY Spotlight / Page 15 the ECAC Hockey Scholar Athlete of the Year as a Civil Engineering major. And that was with Ivy League players from schools such as Cornell, Princeton, Yale and Harvard also in the mix. “Joe is a pure goal scorer and we want to get him in those shooting situations as one of our natural shooters where Matt, when he missed some games this season it really affected our lineup because he is so responsible that we know we can play against the other team’s best players,” said Clarkson head coach Casey Jones.
role.” Matt, who will turn 24 years old this May, was on the gold medal Team USA in the Three Nations Cup in 2006, but decided that the USHL was the route and played for Tri-City and Sioux Falls. Joe crossed the Canadian border to play junior hockey in the OJHL with Wellington for the end of his junior career. And then both ended up in Potsdam. “It wasn’t pre-determined, but we did visit Clarkson together and we both really like it and they offered us scholarships together and we both committed together, but he had the option to go wherever he wanted,” said Joe. Joe was the leading point-getter in the family with 44 points, including
“As an older guy with his ability to win faceoffs, that one hurt. He’s really matured into that role. Matt got stronger so he wins a lot of the battles and he puts himself into situations with body position and good hockey sense. “Joe has settled into (the second line) and they’ve got some chemistry going. When they’re both going well they have different roles and that puts Joe on a scoring line and Matt in a defensive
a hat trick a year ago against Harvard, in 97 games and a season of eligibil-
www.nyhockeyonline.com ity remaining. Matt had 34 points in 118 college games. But Matt has the physical advantage at 6’1” (one inch taller) and nine pounds heavily—that is if you believe the media guide. “We both have our different aspects to our game that we do well, and that’s all I’ll say about that,” said Matt. Matt played for just a few games with Joe Zarbo Grand Island club hockey before departing for the Jr. Bruins and Joe played at St. Francis for one season for John Bowers and Nick Fattey. Before that they both developed in the Buffalo Regals system. And older brother Mark, who played for RPI, is now involved with the Buffalo Stars as a coach. But any ideas of going pro or coaching are distant at this point. Clarkson is hoping the regain the magic they had through the first half of this season when they were 13-31 and nationally ranked at Christmas as the clock on their final season together at the college level ticks down. “It’s (his final season) an emotional experience. I’ve had a great time here and I just want to finish the season strong,” said Matt.
Matt Zarbo
NY Spotlight / Page 16
NEW YORK GOALIES LEAD ROBERT MORRIS TO FIRST NCAA TOURNAMENT By Warren Kozireski
P
enfield’s Terry Shafer started all but two games in goal for the Robert Morris Colonials as they turned around their 2013 portion of the regular season and 2-12-2 record to finish in fifth place in the Atlantic Hockey Association standings. He helped them post a 16-5-3 second half, but was injured March 9th in what became the deciding game in their best-of-three first round playoff series with Army. In steps freshman and Oswego product Dalton Izyk, who had played just five games in the regular season. All he did was go 5-0-0 with one shutout through a quarterfinal sweep at UConn, defeat Niagara in double-overtime in the AHA semi-finals and defeat Canisius 7-4 in the championship game to help send the Colonials to their first NCAA playoff appearance in this, the tenth anniversary season of the program’s existence. “I thought Dalton did what he had to do—he won,” said Colonials heads coach Derek Schooley. “He hadn’t won a game and now he’s won five in a row to get us into the NCAA tournament. That’s a pretty impressive debut.” “No matter what we have a high compete level in our practices and that got me ready whether I played on the weekend or backed up Terry,” said the freshman. “I won’t say I wasn’t a little tight about it and lost some sleep, but I’ve always been taught by my goalie coaches and my family; one move at a time and win, lose or tie be ready to give everything you have.” Izyk was named to the AHA All-Tournament Team in goal after making 27 saves in the championship game one night after his 51 save double-overtime win over Niagara. Robert Morris was seeded 16th and was headed to St. Paul Minnesota for the Western Regional to face top-ranked and number one seed Minnesota in the first NCAA playoff game in the program’s history.
CENTRAL NEW YORK HOCKEY
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Central Hockey / Page 18
Central New York Men’s College Hockey Report by Warren Kozireski Wkozires@brockport.edu
COLGATE The Raiders fell to Union in the championship game of the ECAC playoffs, but their semi-final win over Quinnipiac in double-overtime secured an NCAA playoff bid. Head coach Don Vaughan was named ECAC Coach of the Year after guiding the Raiders to a 19-12-5 overall record, a second-place finish in the regular season earning 29 points and a first-round tournament bye for the second time in three seasons. Junior Spiro Goulakos and rookie goaltender Charlie Finn were both honored by ECAC Hockey with All-Conference Third Team accolades. Goulakos finished the regular season with a career high eight goals and tied a career best with 19 points in 36 games. Finn was also named to the all-rookie squad after he posted a 15-6-4 overall record, an 11-3-3 mark in conference play and became the first goalie since Mark Dekanich ’08 to win 15 games in one season. Darcy Murphy tallied the fourth hat trick of the season the quarterfinal win over St. Lawrence to become the fifth Raider in hockey history to register a postseason hat trick
and the first since Sean Nolan had one against Yale in 2000.
CORNELL
The Big Red suffered a 5-2 setback to Union in the ECAC Semi-finals and were eliminated from NCAA playoff consideration. Senior goaltender Andy Iles and defenseman Joakim Ryan were named ECAC All-Conference Second Team and forward Brian Ferlin was a Third Team choice. Iles made 19 saves in a loss to Dartmouth February 28th, but surpassed Ben Scrivens ‘10 for the Big Red’s all-time career saves leader with 2,883 stops over his four seasons. In addition to Iles, the team also loses seniors Dustin Mowrey, Kirill Gotovets, Rodger Craig, Armand de Swardt and Craig Esposito.
CORTLAND The Red Dragons missed the postseason for the sixth consecutive season. Junior forward Nick Zappia (Manlius) was chosen to the SUNYAC all-conference third team. Zappia paced the Red Dragons with 28 points on team highs of 11 goals and 17 assists in 23 games this past season. The team loses six seniors in-
cluding defenseman Stephen Nardi (Plainedge), who had 27 points in 91 career games, goaltender Mark Balkwill and forwards Mack Swartz, A.J. Moyer, Mike Henrici and Adam Bevilacqua.
ELMIRA The team captured their second Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) championship in four seasons with a 5-2 win over 13th ranked Utica College. The title marks the tenth in program history—the most in the history of the league. They did not receive a bid to the NCAA tournament despite the title—the ECAC West does not have an auto-bid Junior goaltender Ryan deMelo was named the 2014 ECAC Men’s West Tournament Most Outstanding Player after registering 34 saves in the championship and a combined total of 72 in the tournament. Forwards Brian Depp and Jesper Strale and defenseman Eric David were also named to the All-Tournament Team. Head coach Aaron Saul was named the Coach of the Year for the third time in his five seasons. This season, he guided Elmira to an overall record of 14-10-1 and a conference record of 10-4-1 for second-place in the ECAC Men’s West. Saul has compiled a career record of 75-45-10 with Elmira and the Soaring Eagles have won two ECAC West Championships and made two NCAA tournament appearances during his tenure. (Continued on next page)
www.nyhockeyonline.com Jesper Strale finishes his collegiate career with 38 goals and 86 points. Forward Dylan Herold and defenseman Joe Gagne are the other departing seniors.
HAMILTON The Continentals had just four conference wins and missed the NESCAC postseason. Leading scorer Michael DiMare finishes his collegiate career with 93 points. Other seniors are Dom Jancaterino, Evan Haney, Bennett Schneider and goaltender Joe Quattrocchi.
HOBART A third place finish gave the Statesmen a home playoff game against Nazareth, which they won, but their season ended in the semi’s a g a i n s t eventual champ Elmira. Sophomore forward Bo Webster was named ECAC West Player of the Week for the final week of the regular season after he posted a teamhigh six points in two overtime road wins. Lino Chimienti was Goaltender of the Week for the same period making 80 saves with a 2.90 GAA and a .930 save percentage. The team says goodbye to senior forwards Tommy Fiorentino (New Hartford) and his 52 career points in 102 games, Keith Clarke, Brett Riley
Central Hockey / Page 19 and Tom Rush.
MORRISVILLE The Mustangs won their fewest conference games (2) in six seasons and did not qualify for the postseason. Seniors Ryan Marcuz, Daniel Morello, Mike Dolman and goaltender Chris Azzanno completed their collegiate careers.
OSWEGO The Lakers advanced to their fifth consecutive final four before falling to Wisconsin Stevens-Point in the semifinals 2-1. They earlier defeated Geneseo in the SUNYAC final and beat Bowdoin at home and Babson on the road to advance. Alex Botten was named the SUNYAC Championship’s Most Valuable Player as he distributed five assists and scored the go-ahead goal late to put the Lakers up 6-5. Also named to the All-Tournament team were Chris Carr (two goals, one assist), Bobby Gertsakis (one assist as a defenseman) and Matt Zawadzki (40 saves). Senior David Titanic finished with 50 career points in 100 games. Senior forward Kyle Badham is the only other departing senior.
UTICA After winning the ECAC West regular season title, the Pioneers fell to Elmira in the conference championship game to end their season.
Forward Jordan Hobaica (Clinton) and defenseman Mike Slowikowski were both named to the All-Tournament Team. The Pioneers won their third ECAC Men’sWest regular season title after posting a 15-6-4 overall record and finishing 10-4-1 in conference play. Senior forward Trever Hertz was named the ECAC Men’s West Player of the Year, marking the second consecutive season a Pioneer has garnered the distinction, in voting by the conference head coaches. Hertz led Utica in points and assists, registering 26 points on eight goals and 18 assists. He is tied for third in the conference in assists and is among the top-ten in total scoring. Aside from Hertz, the Pioneers lose top four scorers Ridge Garbutt, Jon Gaffney and Adam Graff, top goaltender Nick Therrien, defensemen Steve Zappia (Buffalo) and Slowikowski plus forwards Rob Morton (New Hartford), Hobaica, Steve Charest, George Lotito (Staten Island). Lou Mavasi and Chris Santiago.
AREA NOTES:
• Robert Morris freshman goaltender Dalton Izyk (Oswego) was named Atlantic Hockey Goaltender of the Week after he backstopped the Colonials to the program’s first appearance in the AHA Semifinals and a sweep of fourth-seeded Connecticut in the quarterfinal series.
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Central Hockey / Page 20
Syracuse Blazers Blotter Syracuse Blazers 16U Midget Hockey Team wins Gold…in the PINK!!
T
he Syracuse Blazers 16U Midget Hockey team took home the gold...wearing PINK! Dressed in pink (jerseys, socks, laces and tape) to support the battle against breast cancer (a team players mom is fighting), the Blazers won the 2014 Falls Classic in Niagara Falls, NY last weekend, displaying outstanding game play, sportsmanship and the true spirit of representing SYHA (Syracuse Youth Hockey Association) for a great cause.
Syracuse Blazers Youth Hockey Association--Cicero
I
n October, the Syracuse Blazers 18U & 16U teams hosted a Columbus Weekend Tournament at Cicero Twin Rinks. There were 16 teams at the 16U division and 14 teams at the 18U division. At the 16U division, we had teams from Long Island, Buffalo, Rochester, Canada, St Lawrence and Virginia. At the 18U division, we had teams from Buffalo, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Canada and Florida as well as several local teams. It was the biggest tournament the Blazers have hosted for the Columbus Weekend events. As a part of this event, the Blazers chose a local charity to
Above: AJ, Merola, Daren Dunnewold, Luke Keyes, Dalton Horton, Maggie Zick the Child Life Specialist with Golisano, Brandon Gloska, Jason Dunnewold, Shawn O’Neill
fundraise for. For 2013, we chose the Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. We sell t-shirts with the Golisano logo incorporated into our hockey tournament theme. The Syracuse Blazers were able to raise $1,000 as a donation to the Golisano Children’s Hospital. On December 12th, members of the 18U team made a check presentation as well as purchasing $600 worth of toys from their team funds to be donated to the many children that would be spending the holidays in the hospital. It was a great experience for the 18U team members that participated.
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Central New York Hockey News and Notes New Hartford Wins Comet Cup! Congratulations to the all-tournament teams and Honorable Mention players including: All Tournament Team Canton - Rhett Palmer NH- Jack Darby Clinton - Aiden Walter Binghamton - Justin Ryan Clinton - Mia Lopata New Hartford - William Hilton Honorable Mention New Hartford -Evan Dziegiel Canton- Kennedy Wilson Clinton - Corbin Melie Utica- Cameron Manley Valley- Evan Carter Oswego - Ryan Bartlett Ithaca- Al Prudence Binghamton -Will Cohen
Central Hockey / Page 21
Semi #1 Binghamton 4 vs Canton 2 Semi #2 New Hartford 3 vs Clinton 2 Championship New Hartford 2 vs Binghamton 1
Snowbelt 2014 JAM Champions Squirt 1: Onondaga Red Squirt 2: Binghamton Squirt 3: Camillus 1 Squirt 4: Lysander Squirt 5: Fulton Squirt 6: Skaneateles 1 Squirt 7: Thousand Islands Blue PeeWee 1: Binghamton Blue PeeWee 2: Valley Red PeeWee 3: Lysander 2 PeeWee 4: Fulton PeeWee 5: Lysander 1 PeeWee 6: Thousand Islands Bantam 1: Salmon River Bantam 2: Elmira Bantam 3: Auburn Bantam 4: Onondaga Bantam 5: Whitestown Midget 1: Elmira Midget 2: Binghamton
www.nyhockeyonline.com Nicole Renault, Melissa Piacentini, Jessica Sibley and Larissa Martyniub were named to the CHA All College Hockey Team for 2014. Piacenti leads the team in points with 29; has the 5th most points in a season of any SU skater. Renault leads by Janet Schultz the All CHA in deJanet@nyhockeyonline.com fense with 28 points this season. Sibley has the second most points in the conference The Utica among rookies with 12 goals. Pioneers lost 6-1 to Martynuik has the fifth-most points #1 Plattsburgh in the as a CHA defender with 16. semi-finals of the ECAC Syracuse’s only senior is Brittany West Conference tour- Krebs. Krebs comes from Marathon and nament. They end their the National Sports Academy. She graduseason 17-9-1 overall ates from the School of Education and and a second trip to is the daughter of Larry and Christina the semi-finals of the ECAC. MacKenzie Krebs. Roy (Clinton/Lysander) socred the only goal in the loss. The Pioneers wish Seniors Caitlyn Moccaldi (Clinton Boys/Clinton) and Jennifer Hamel (Northwood School/Ithaca) well as they graduate. Moccaldi is receiving a degree in chemistry and is the daughter of Kathy and Joe Moccaldi. Hamel graduates with a degree in health studies/phyiscal therpay assistant and is the daughter of Kimberly Phoenix and Brian Hamel.
Central Women’s College Ice Hockey Report
Utica
Syracuse
The Orange lost 2-1 to Mercyhurst with Allie LaCombe scoring the only Orange goal in the CHA Tournament.
Lacombe
Central Hockey / Page 22
Colgate
The Raiders end their season with a 3-0 loss to Quinnipiac and a 10-22-2 overall record. They lose six seniors to graduation including Captains Megan Wickens, Taylor Volpe and Rachel Walsh. Also Stephanie Giannopoulos and Caroline Potolicchio.
Elmira
The Soaring Eagles fell in overtime in the NCAA Quarterfinals 2-1 to eventual champion, Norwich. They ended the season 21-6-1. The Eagles graduate six this season including Brianne Salstone, Kate Gashen, Jocelynne Hudgins, Ella Stewart, Tanis Lamoureaux and Lisa Marshall. Marshall was named EC Athlete of the Week for 3/16 for her performance in the game against Norwich. The Eagles had a 1-0 lead but Norwich scored forcing the overtime.
Oswego
The Lakers lost 3-0 to Elmira in the ECAC West semi-finals. They end their season 17-9-1 overall. Graduating this season are Chelsea Hunt (Buffalo Bisons/Brockport), Mady Paul, Jocelyn St. Clair, Emma Smetanuik, Melissa Seamont, Olivai Boersen, Megan Hagg, Leslie Jarvis and Catherine Cole. Hunt ends her career with 5 goals/8 assists and 13 points in 74 games played. She was named Most Improved Player in 2010-11 and 2011-12 and the Unsung Hero in 2011-12 and 2012-13. She was also named to the ECAC West All Academic Team for the past three seasons.
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Cortland
The Red Raiders closed out the season with a 2-1 win over Chatham and an overall record of 4-19-2. The win over Chatham eliminated Chatham from the ECAC West playoffs. Kaitlyn Ryan (Binghamton/Adrian College) and Makenzie Wright scored for the Red Raiders. Among the two seniors graduating is Bronx native Gina Tomei, who played for the Sound Shore Warriors and Caralie Fennessey (Fairport/Sodertalgie Sportklubb).
Hamilton
Hamilton wrapped up their season with a 2-1 NESCAC loss to Colby College and a 8-14-2 overall record. The NESCAC honored player Julia Williams. In addition to Williams graduating are Tori Bogen, Stephanie Lang, Hanna Jarven, Gigi Fraser, Niikkie Haskins and North Tonawanda native Jillian Tokarczyk Tokarczyk played in 75 games and had 4 goals and 16 assists. She also collected three varsity letters.
Central Hockey / Page 23
Cornell
Emily Fulton scored twice, but the women’s hockey team’s season came to a close Saturday with a 3-2 loss to Mercyhurst in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Championships at Lynah Rink. Fulton bookended the scoring in the game, which featured three power-play goals from the Lakers to end the Big Red’s season for a second year in a row. Senior Lauren Slebodnick finished up with 34 saves for Cornell (24-5-4). Three Big Red players were recognized March 12 when the ECAC named Cassandra Poudrier Player of the Week, Caroline DeBruin, Rookie of the Week and Lauren Slebodnick, Goaltender of the Week. Cornell won the ECAC D1 Championship sending them to the Frozen Four when Poudrier scored one goal in a 1-0 win over Clarkson for the Big Red’s second consecutive title. They ended their regular season 24-5-4 and hosted the first round of the NCAA Championship series. The ECAC Championship is the fourth for the Big Red in five years. Graduating this year are Alyssa Gagliardi, Jessica Campbell, Hayleigh Cudmore and Lauren Slebodnick.
East Hockey
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East Hockey / Page 25
Eastern New York Men’s College Hockey Report by Warren Kozireski
Wkozires@brockport.edu
MANHATTANVILLE
ARMY
The Black Knights finished last in Atlantic Hockey and had just six wins overall, but extended fifth place Robert Morris to a third game before their season ended in the first round of the playoffs. Their game two win was the first in the postseason since the 2007-08 campaign. C.J. Reuschlein was named an Atlantic Hockey All-Rookie team and ended the season with a teamhigh 22 points; the first Army freshman to reach the 20-point plateau since Owen Meyer ‘10 did so in 2006-07. Parker Gahagen (Buffalo) earned his first collegiate victory February 21st against UConn as he stopped 42 shots. Sophomore Kyle Vogel scored his first career goal in the same win over UConn. The team loses only senior Brian Shultz and his 127 career games played and will welcome 11 recruits next fall.
Manhattanville finished the regular season 12-11-2 and 5-82 in ECAC Men’s West play and won their first round playoff game against Neumann before falling to eventual champion Utica 1-0 in the semi-finals on a third period tally. Junior defensemen Anton Racklin was selected Co-Defensive Players of the Year by the head coaches in ECAC West. Racklin anchored a defensive unit for the Manhattanville Valiants that surrendered 77 goals in 25 regular season games and led the conference in scoring by a defenseman, notching seven goals and a league-leading 19 assists. He is also among the top-five in the conference with 13 powerplay points, recording six goals and seven assists. The Valiants lose four of their top six scorers in Luc Van Natter (90 career points), Mark Rivera, Craig Simchuk and Louis Balzano (Staten Island). Defenseman Adam Young and goaltender Alex Scola are the other departing seniors.
R.P.I. The Engineers season came a surprising end with a first round series loss to Dartmouth—a team they defeated twice during the regular season by a combined 11-3 margin. Brock Higgs, Matt Tinordi and Johnny Rogic plus defenseman Bo Dolan, Guy LeBoeuf all completed their eligibility plus junior, leading scorer and ECAC All-Conference First Team selection Ryan Haggerty and sophomore Mike Zalewski (New Hartford) both have given up their remaining eligibility to sign professional contracts with the New York Rangers and Vancouver respectively.
UNION
The third-ranked Dutchmen defeated Colgate in the ECAC championship game to win their third consecutive Whitelaw Cup and entered the NCAA tournament as one of four top seeds for the regional round on a 13 game unbeaten streak. Earlier they recorded back-to-back shutouts against Yale and Brown marking the first time since February, 1998 they accomplished the feat. In addition, Union set a program record for conference wins (18) and points (37) in a season. Defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere was named the ECAC CoPlayer of the Year, and Co-Best Defensive Defenseman Award and a top-ten finalist for the Hobey Baker Award. (Continued on Page 26)
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Union
Ashley Johnston was named one of four student athletes from across the United States to participate in the NCAA Final Four Innovation Summit. The one-day summit is being held April 7 in Dallas. This is an exclusive, invite-only event to celebrate those who are pushing the boundaries of innovation, from students and student-athletes who represent the next generation of leading innovators, to high-profile business leaders who began their path towards innovation while in school. Johnston was invited after the organizing committee learned to her senior mechanical engineering project that is aimed at creating low-cost adjustable prosthetics for children. Her inspiration for the project came from Kristen Shinebarger, an 11-year-old Union fan who lost her leg due to the effects of Ewings Sarcoma. Johnston grew close with Kristen’s family and recently pushed her prosthetic through a design phase and is building a model this semester. She is also pushing her idea on an international scale as she has applied to four conferences in both Canada and the U.S. to discuss her project. Johnston was nominated for the Hockey Humanitarian Award this year. Union handed out their post-season awards and named Christine Va(Continued from Page 25)
Goaltender Colin Stevens (Niskayuna), who posted a 17-3-1 conference mark with five shutouts, and the defensive duo of Mat Bodie and Gostisbehere were named ECAC (Union Continued from Previous Page) All-Conference First Team as was forward Daniel Carr. Forward Mike Vecchione was an All-Rookie selection after his 30 point season. Stevens was also named the 2013-14
East Hockey / Page 26
East Women’s College Report by Janet Schultz Janet@nyhockeyonline.com
lente captain for next season. The Dutchwomen lost their final season game in overtime 2-1 to Clarkson, the eventual National champions. Christine Valente had a powerplay goal early in the third period to tie the game and move it into overtime. This season will see five players graduate including Ashley Johnston, Maddy Norton, Mac Purvis, Elsa Bruesti and Stefanie Thomson.
RPI
Jordan Smelker was a finalist for the ECAC Best Defensive Forward position. She had 19 points this season with 5 goals/14 assists. Graduating this season are Madison Marzario Missy Mankey, Toni Sanders, Smelker and Nona Letuliggsenoa. Heidi Huhtamaki was named to the ECAC All-Rookie Team for her 29 point season. The freshman is from Espoo,Finland. The women’s ice hockey team, along ith RPI’s women’s basketKen Dryden Award Winner, recognizing the league’s top goaltender after ranking among the top 10 in four categories— first in winning percentage (.821), second in shutouts (6), fifth in goalsagainst average (1.95) and seventh in save percentage (.931). He sported a league-low 1.91 goals-against average in conference play and compiled the third-best save percentage (.929). His six shutouts set a new school record. Freshman goaltender Alex Sakellaropoulos made 26 saves against Brown
ball program, welcomed some special team members this year through Team IMPACT, a non-profit group chartered to improve the quality of life for children facing life-threatening illnesses. Fourteen year old Colbie Roberts, Averilll Park, joined the hockey program this season. She suffers from Mitrochondrial Disease, an illness that effects the bod on a cellular level and can, in turn, affect the function of any organ in the body. “Getting to know Colbie has been an eye opening experience for our players” said RPI assistant coach Melanie Greene. “They see her and the joy that she has when she comes to the rink each dy, despite her disease, and it makes that bd test grade or bd day in practice seem miniscule. “It reminds our players that we are a part of something bigger and has created a strong sense of community.’
Manhattanville
The Valiants ended their season with a 8-14-4 record. Caitlyn Beauvais will graduate this season.
March 1st to record his first collegiate shutout. Junior forward Daniel Ciampini was named ECAC Hockey Player of the Week for the period ending February 23rd after his two goals and two assists in Union’s weekend sweep of Clarkson and St. Lawrence including extending his goal-scoring streak to six games by providing the game-winner short-handed.
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t a e B e l l i v x Bron Bronx a of the f a r e Z ) Greg ted by ey Association it m b u (S Hock
T
ville
he Bronxville Blackhawks -- U16 Midgets -played some fantastic top tier hockey March 14 -- 15 -- 16 in Amherst, New York at the New York State Tournament. While the team came up short in the Championship game, losing in overtime 4-3 to Norfolk / Norwood, The Blackhawks were led by some absolutely stellar goaltending from Nick Boungirono, five high caliber defensemen and three lines of forwards who played a high tempo style of two-way hockey over five games in three days. Bronxville came out strongon Friday: • 6-0 shutout win over Jamestown • 3-2 “gut check” victory over Alexandria Bay • 6-4 loss Saturday, 3/15, to Norfolk / Norwood... a rematch in the finals was becoming apparent These young men demonstrated enormous character and heart in there ability to rally back from a difficult loss Saturdaymorning to Norfolk / Norwood, beating the Palisades Predators in the Semi-Finals, Sunday, March 16. • 5-1 win over Palisades Predators, the number 2 seed from the Eastern Section and Hudson Valley Hockey League rival Sunday afternoon, the “Hawks” had a rematch against Norfolk / Norwood for the Tier III championship. The team fell behind 3-2 in the second period, but demonstrated more heart and character by taking control of the third period, evening the score with three minutes to go, and taking the game to overtime. While they played spectacular in overtime, the game got away from them with 1:10 to go in the first overtime session, and they ended up losing 4-3. This team was put together to go to States and compete. This team did achieved every goal they set for themselves, coming up short on the most impor-
tant objective -- the NY State Championship. This is a fantastic group of young men, lead by Mike Rizzi, entered their locker room the Tuesday after Labor Day with a single objective -- position themselves to win a championship. They did what they set out to do, and over the course of the hockey season, established themselves the “team to beat”, but most importantly the learned the important life lessons that Ice Hockey teaches better than any other sport... Team, Commitment, Focus and Determination. Hockey is simply the “Ultimate Team Sport”!
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North Hockey
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North Hockey / Page 29
Northern New York Men’s College Hockey Report by Warren Kozireski
Wkozires@brockport.edu
CLARKSON The Golden Knights finished the regular season tied for fifth place in ECAC and survived a first game loss to Princeton in the first round of the playoffs before goaltender Steve Perry had a 23 save shutout in game two and Will Frederick the third period game-winner in game three to advance. Their season ended with a 1-0 overtime loss to fourth place Cornell in game three of the quarterfinals. Defenseman James de Haas was Clarkson’s lone representative as an ECAC postseason award winner as a member of the All-Rookie squad after his six goal-seven assist campaign. Leading scorers Allan McPherson (103 career points) and Ben Sexton (85) finished their senior seasons with a combined 60 points this season with Frederick and Jarrett Burton—fourth and fifth on the team in scoring—also departing with Matt Garlasco and New Yorkers Matt Zarbo (Grand Island) and Alex Boak (Norwood). Sexton signed a three-year entry level professional contract with Boston and was assigned to Providence of the AHL.
PLATTSBURGH Two third periods goals by Oswego in the SUNYAC semifinals led to a 2-1 loss and ended the Cardinals campaign after they were not awarded an NCAA atlarge bid despite a 19-5-2 overall record.
The future is bright as the top eight scorers should return. Seniors include goaltenders Mathieu Cadieux (50 career wins) and Sam Foley, defenseman Barry Roytman (Staten Island-102 career games) plus forwards Nick Jensen and Ryan Farnan (Clifton Park).
POTSDAM
A late five-game unbeaten streak went for naught as the Bears missed the SUNYAC playoffs for the first time in three seasons. Seniors Mike Arnold and Adam Place combined to lead the team with 23 and 20 points respectively. Arnold was one shy of the half-century mark
with 49 career goals. The only other two seniors on the roster were defensemen Nick Avgerinos and Kevin Carpenter with a combined 171 career games. Arnold was named Third Team AllSUNYAC. He was a Second Team selection last season.
ST. LAWRENCE
A December and January to forget was followed by a late-season run that slotted the Saints eighth and a first round playoff series on home ice where they swept Brown before falling to Colgate in the quarterfinals. Senior and leading scorer Greg Carey (57 points and 185 career) was named one of ten finalists for the Hobey Baker award, ECAC Co-Player of the Year and ECAC All-Conference First Team after finishing second in the nation in scoring and first in assists. He signed a free agent contract with Phoenix days after the season, and his brother Matt, who was second on the team with 37 points as a freshman and an ECAC All-Conference All-Rookie Team pick, signed with Chicago. Gavin Bayreuther was named the ECAC Co-Rookie of the Year and AllConference Second Team after tying for first nationally in defenseman scoring with 36 points and ranking second among all of Division I blueliners nationally in points per game (0.99). Forwards Jeremy Wick and Kyle Essery, defenseman Justin Baker, Pat Raley and Riley Austin plus goaltender Matt Weninger all completed their
eligibility.
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North Hockey / Page 30
North Women’s College Report by Janet Schultz Janet@nyhockeyonline.com
Potsdam
The Bears fell to Utica 4-1 at the ECAC West Quarterfinal match-up. Abby Tardelli (Potsdam/North Country Ice Storm) was strong in the net with 28 saves and Senior Captain Brittany Luckey scored the Bears only goal. Lucky, along with Jessica Silveira, Amanda Lucky and Jenn Crawford will graduate this season.
Plattsburgh
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. – Ali Vakos, Chelsea VanGlahn and Bridget Balisy combined for 11 points as the Plattsburgh State women’s hockey team defeated the Norwich Cadets, 9-2, to earn the Cardinals’ third national crown in front of a crowd of 1,619 at the Stafford Ice Arena Saturday night. With the win, the Cardinals finish the season with a 28-1-1 record and claim their first title since 2008. The Cardinals made their fourth appearance in the NCAA Division III Championship game and first since 2008. It marked the second time the two teams have met in the NCAA Tournament with the Cadets earning a 3-2 victory over the Cardinals in the 2010 NCAA Division III Quarterfinals. Plattsburgh State owns a 5-4-1 all-
time record against Norwich. Sydney Aveson was named ECACW Player of the Year and Head Coach Kevin Houle was named Coach of the Year with seven other players named to the All Conference Team. This year’s senior class includes Jenny kistner, Allison Era, Chelsea Van Galahn, Jordan Caldwell, Sydney Aveson and Ali Vakos.
Clarkson
HAMDEN, Conn.--Sophomore Shannon MacAulay’s (Mt. Herbert, PEI) breakaway goal with under five minutes to play proved to be the game winner as the 2nd-ranked Clarkson University Women’s Hockey team defeated thetop-ranked Minnesota University Golden Gophers 5-4 in
photo by Ting-Li Wang
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the 2014 Women’s Frozen Four National Championship game at High Point Solutions Arena on the campus of Quinnipiac University. The win is the first NCAA National Championship for any sport in Clarkson history. The Golden Knights wrap up their most successful season in program history by earning their 31st win, going 31-5-5 and outlasting the Gophers in an incredible national title game. Minnesota falls just short of a third straight national championship, going 38-2-1 on the year. Clarkson becomes the first team to win the championship not from the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, dating back to 2001.
St. Lawrence
The Saints ended 13-19-3 overall on the season. Their final game was a 2-1 loss to Quinnipiac. Senior Mel Desrochers had 27 career goals. Graduating are Dayle Wilkinson, Rylee Smith, Mel Desrochers and Bailey Habscheral.
Canton
2014 NCAA Frozen Four All-Tournament Team Named The these players were recognized by the NCAA by being named to the All-Tournament Team: Forward: Jamie Lee Rattray - Clarkson Forward: Rachel Bona - Minnesota Forward: Maryanne Menefee - Minnesota Defense: Renata Fast - Clarkson Defense: Baylee Gillanders - Minnesota Goalie: Erica Howe - Clarkson Most Valuable Player: Jamie Lee Rattray - Clarkson NOTES: In addition to winning the NCAA Division I National Championship, several Clarkson players and the team itself led the nation in numerous categories. Total points - Jamie Lee Rattray (66) Power-Play goals - Jaime Lee Rattray (10) Most points by a defenseman - Erin Ambrose (50) Most goals by a defenseman - Erin Ambrose (14) Most asists by a defenseman - Erin Ambrose (36) Lowest goals against average - Erica Howe (1.10) Most shutouts - Erica Howe (14) Fewest goals per game - Clarkson (1.12 g/gm) Best penalty kill - Clarkson (92.5%
Canton ended the year with a 5-2 loss to Potsdam and a 8-14-3 overall record.
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Chazy Girls 19U Take NYS Championship--On to USA Nationals Team members include: Zoe Shannon (G), Elizabeth King, Abbey Nolan, Kayleigh Daniels, Maura Milligan, Clara Giroux, Kiley Regan, Emily Raville, Jessica Huber, Lauren O’Connor, McKayla Duffy, Jillian Martin, Kallie Villemaire, Holly Zeldenrust (G).
West Hockey
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Girl Scouts and Hockey Come Together Madeline Stoklosa has skated to championships with Monsignor Martin’s Girls Varsity Ice Hockey League. Now she is working on the top award in Girl Scouts and using hockey to do it. Stoklosa is hosting a Try Hockey for Free: Girls Hockey Clinic on Saturday, Aprl 12 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at Holiday Twin Rinks in Cheektowaga. The Girl Scout Gold Award is given to those Scouts who have shown their leadership ability and provided a service project that benefits the community. Requirements include identifying an issue, researching it, developing a plan to address the issue and implementing and evaluating it. “I want to grow girl’s hockey,” said Stoklosa of her project. “I want this day to have a lasting effect on hockey and on the girl’s who come to try out. I’m hoping they will play hockey!” Stokolosa has had the ice time donated and will have access to one of the hockey equipment trailers that are owned by the New York State Amateur Hockey Association. “We can take 40 skaters, with or without experience,” she continued. “We will break them into groups by their ability. “Anyone with equipment should bring their own,” she says. “In addition we will have an off-ice session and explain the sport of hockey, its levels and the differences between boys and girls hockey,” she explained. Stoklosa is setting up different levels and then stations where the participants will take part in skating, shooting passing and stick handling. The Beginners Clinic will be run by former D1 (Niagara University) player and current head coach for the Monsignor Martin Team, Linda Mroz and the Buffalo Stars Girl’s Director and Buffalo Stars 16U and 19U Coach Dawn Robinson. Following the ice session there will be a reception with light refreshments and an off-ice presentation about girl’s hockey in Western New York. They will discuss where to go from here, various organizations and differences
West Hockey / Page 33 between house and travel and what’s for girl’s beyond those levels. Stoklosa began her ice hockey career with the Buffalo Regals House team when she was 11 years old. “My Dad thinks I started late,” said Stoklosa. She then moved to West Seneca’s Travel for two years and then to the Buffalo Stars where she played with the 16U team and currently plays for the 19U team. The Mt. Mercy Academy Junior will have a chance at a National Championship when the Buffalo Stars 19U team makes an appearance at the USA Nationals in Amherst the first weekend in April. She also plays Varsity Soccer for her high school and is involved with student government, volunteers for the Relay for Life and is a member of the Buffalo Ski Club. “I find hockey thrilling,” said Stoklosa. “I meet new people and my family plays hockey.” One of her most thrilling moments was scoring a goal in the semi-finals against Orchard Park/Frontier Varsity Girls and going 20-0 on the season. “It was unbelieveable,” said Stoklosa. “I’ve had great coaches.” The event is sponsored by Holiday Twin Rinks and Girl Scouts of WNY. For information contact Stoklosa at mstoklosa15@mtmercy.org or call (716) 253-4457.
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MISSION COMPLETED-BUFFALO REGALS ARE UNDEFEATED!! The Buffalo Regals Squirt-Minor Team capped off its enormously successful 2013-2014 season this weekend by winning the WNYAHL Squirt-Minor AA Championship. In this record breaking season, the Buffalo Regals went undefeated in league play by posting a 16-0 regular season record and 2-0 in the playoffs, to finish the year with an astonishing 18-0 record! The Buffalo Regals are currently one of the top AA teams in the country as they are currently ranked 5th overall with a 34-10-3 record with 215GF and 104GA. Leading the way for the Buffalo Regals forwards this season was team MVP, Carson Schlager with (54-48-102), Team Captain Nathan Stachowiak(40-47-87), Assistant Captain Miles Brown(37-26-63), Colton Clendening(24-17-41), Kameron Lopez(18-12-30), Matthew Bajer(12-13-25), Grady O’Hara(8-17-25),
West Hockey / Page 34
Mason Besant(9-9-18), and Aaron Johnson(3-9-12). Leading the way for the Buffalo Regals Defensemen this season was Assistant Captain Trevor Ward with (4-22-26), Brendan Cox(4-13-17), Jordan Osmanski(2-12-14), Trevor Hasley(2-6-8) and Ethan Iozzia(2-6-8). Backstopping the Buffalo Regals was first year goalie, Christian Kohr with a league leading 2.22 GGA and Michael Georger with a 3.96 GAA. The Regals season highlights were: •2013-2014 WNYAHL Squrit-Minor AA Champions •2013 Wayne Gretzky Tournament Champions •2013 Rock N Roll Runner-Ups •2014 Syracuse Blazers Presidents Day Squirt Showdown Skills Competition Champions. Congratulations to all the Regal players, coaches and parents for all their hard work and dedication that made this into such a successful year!
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BUFFALO REGALS GIRLS HEADING TO TIER I NATIONALS IN BOSTON
he 16U and 14U Buffalo Regals made history in Rochester NY the weekend of March 14-16 by claiming Tier I State Championships, becoming only the second organization from the area to accomplish this feat. “It is great for girls hockey in the area”, stated Tom Ruggiero, coach of the 16U girls. “All the hockey hotbeds have multiple teams nationally ranked, from Minnesota, to Chicago, to Boston and to have another team from WNY win at this level and also compete at the National level shows how much talent there actually is in the area, so that is exciting.” The 16U girls, in which the core of the team played in the 14U Tier II National Championship game two years ago in Frisco, Texas, had to battle through a three team field to win States and the deciding game in the tournament happened to be a solid 3-1 opening win against their cross town rival, Buffalo Bison’s. The victory over the Bison’s was the 6th out of 7 meetings between the two teams this season. The 14U girls had to fight through a 5 team field and beat the Syracuse Nationals 2-1 in the finals to claim their title. In another first, both teams have been the highest ranked team nationally all season long from the area, according to www.myhockeyrankings.com. The Tier I Nationals are being held April 2nd through 6th in Marlborough, MA and the highlight for the 16U girls is that they have drawn the #1 ranked team in the U.S. in Shattuck-St. Mary’s and the 14U girls will be playing against both the #4 ranked Detroit Little Caesars and #7 ranked East Coast Wizards.
www.nyhockeyonline.com By Randy Schultz
West Hockey / Page 36
‘L
ukey’s Legacy will no longer be saving goals on the ice but saving lives from above.” That was the theme that was introduced at the first Myocarditis Awareness Day that was held last November in honor of the late Luke Anthony Gould. But last month Lukey’s Legacy grew even more. The first-ever Luke Gould Memorial Tournament was held over a three-day weekend in late March. A portion of the proceeds went to the “Luke’s Legacy” Foundation and the Myocarditis Foundation. “Lukey,” as Gould was known as by family and friends, died suddenly, and unexpectedly, in the early morning hours of November 16, 2011. He passed of an unknown disease called Myocarditis. Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. It occurs when one of a variety of infections reaches that individuals heart. “We wanted a way to keep the memory of Luke alive,” said Kevin Voit, Luke’s grandfather. “This tournament was the perfect way to do it.” The tournament was held in conjunction with the West Seneca Youth Hockey Association at the West Seneca Rink. Sixteen teams from the Western New York area participated including the Auburn Ice Hawks, Perinton Squirts, Jamestown Lakers, Batavia Ramparts, Niagara Red Hawks, Wheatfield Sinatra, Wheatfield Penguins, Kenton Sharks, Hamburg Bruins, Depew Saints and five West Seneca teams. The tournament was for Squirt House tams (ages nine to ten). The Niagara Hawks (who play out of the Niagara University rink) defeated the West Seneca
Gould Tournament Winners-Niagara Jr. Purple Eagles RedHawks. (Photo by NJPE)
Penguins (Lukey’s former squirt team). MVP awards were given out after each game and major trophies given to the outstanding goalies, which is the position Lukey played. Donald Lauer, coach of the Niagara Jr. Purple Eagles Squirt House Team Redhawks, said the tournament was more than about winning. “It’s called life lessons,” commented Lauer. “I try to team my team that each month. “The life lesson my team and parents learned over the weekend we played in this tournament could be life changing for some. I had asked Luke’s mom, Amy, that if we went to the conference finals would she come into our locker room and tell the kids about her son. “She did. It was a very emotional speech, which didn’t go without tears. It really moved my players, coaches and parents.” Prior to the championship game Lauer purchased two dozen yellow roses. Jim Bowen, tournament director, positioned Luke’s family where the Redhawks would enter the ice.
Remembering Lukey!
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Around Cazenovia camping trip to Valley Resort in Holland (NY) and fundraising in October. Coaching the 12UTB will be Chris Malicki, assisted by Don and Nancy Stufin and Dave Horvatits. Stacey Kalinowski will serve as team manager. For additional information go to www.cazhockey.com or call (716) 825-9305.
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Cazenovia Hockey Cazenovia Hockey has announced their Season Plans for 2014-15 for the 12UTB team. Their “Q� games will be played under the Western Section of the GHGHL. Weekly practices are held on Wednesday evenings at the Cazenovia Rink. Games and practices are held on weekends. There will be a monthly Girls ADM Skills Clinic and a two-hour session at teh Academy of Hockey/HarborCenter. The Team has also scheduled their tournaments for the year which inlcude the Rochester Fire and Ice, Canadian Niagara Peninsula, Misissauga Tournament, MLK Weekend in Glens Falls, Presidents Weekend in Albany, a tournament at HarborCenter in Buffalo and then the States in March. Also planned is a three-day Preseason Training Camp; season-long dryland training in July, a holiday party, a
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Cazenovia takes on hometown rival West Seneca at the NYS Championships in Rochester. (Photo by Janet Schultz)
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West Hockey / Page 38
By Randy Schultz; Photos by Janet Schultz
T
yler Putnam was known for his high energy, incredible work ethic, and desire to achieve his goals. Unfortunately in July of 2011, Putnam’s hockey dreams ended when he died of an illness called “meningococcemia,” an infection that affects the bloodstream. Thanks to the efforts of Rob Sedia and the rest of the Tyler Putnam Awards Committee, Putnam’s memory lives on. On March 21 the First Annual Tyler Putnam Awards Ceremony was held in Rochester at The Whittier House. Seventeen young boys and girls were recognized at the dinner for their hard work and dedication as hockey players. Each of the players was presented with a plaque that had a golden hard hat attached to it. The hard hat has become a symbol of Putnam’s hard work and dedication to hockey. Putnam’s dream was to play for his high school hockey team, the Irondequoit Eagles, Junior Hockey, Division I Hockey and ultimately play the sport professionally. He was able to realize two of those dreams, having played for the Eagles as an eight and ninth grader and then with the Maksymum Junior team in Rochester. The youngster was well on his way to realizing his third dream, being offered roster spots on five Junior A team from Rochester, MN to San Diego, CA. In addition to the awards that were presented to the hockey players, the Tyler Putnam Foundation donated 100 percent of the surplus funds to local and national charities.
NY Hockey OnLine
West Hockey / Page 39 The 17 award winners were as follows: Trevor Dennis, Aquinas High School Mitchell Henshaw, Brockport High School Ben Myles, Canandaguia High School Abilgail Weltman, Rochester Edge Hockey Austin Briganti, Greece Athena High Trevor Brown Greece Olympia/Arcadia High Austin Bull, Hilton High Theodore Cup, Irondequoit High Thomas Grammatico, Maksymum Hockey Spencer Nuccitelli, Monroe County Youth Hockey Nick Charron, Perinton Youth Hockey/ Rochester Monarchs Max McNally, Rochester Grizzlies Hockey Austin Pieniaszek, Rochester Youth Hockey, Rochetester Alliance Jackson Charron, Spencerport High School Cameron Dony, Tri-County Youth Hockey Billy VanApeldorn, Webster Schroeder High School Alex Puluci, Webster Thomas High School
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effrey B. Scott wore many hats as an 11 year-old back in make a difference in at least one child’s life.” When Jeffrey passed away, the medical report said that 1982. He was a son, brother, student and friend. He was that he had died from a “sudden cardiac death due to a lealso a devoted hockey player. But all of that came to an end on March 27, 1982 when thal rhythm disturbance related to a congenital heart valve Scott suddenly died. Ironically he passed away moments defect.’ In simple terms Jeffrey died because of congenital after scoring the winning goal in a local street hockey game. heart failure. Christopher Scott, Jeffrey’s younger brother, remem- One of the additions to this year’s tournament was bers that day as though it were yesterday. But Christopher to have the Madison McCarthy Cardiac Care Coalition one day for also recalled a day that shocked him and helped him make For Children at the arena for ing children a life-changing decision that has had an on-going effect for s c r e e n ages 5 to 20. over a decade. The screen “I remember walking into ing was free the Cheektowaof charge. ga Rec Center,” “While said Christothe prevailpher. “A jersey ing percepdedicated to the tion is that memory of my heart brother had been z Schult framed and was By Randy z lt Janet Schu always on the troPhotos by phy case. “On this particular day I came disease is primarin and it was gone. ily an adult disease, I was bothered that it was gone. “What I didn’t know at the time was that the jersey there are thousands had been taken out to be reframed. But I still wanted to do of seemingly healthy youth who suddenly and something in Jeff’s memory. t a l “But I wanted to do something. I didn’t know a thing unexpectedly suffer faor severely debilitating consequences d u e about hockey and still don’t. “But I went to Dave Miller, my brother’s best friend to undetected heart conditions,” said Suzy McCar- t h y , and who was with him the day he died, and we organized Cardiac Screening Coordinator. Each year before the tournament final, there is a prea tournament. The Jeffrey B. Scott Memorial Hockey Tour- nament was born as we approached the 20th anniversary of Jeff’s death.” Award recipients with Christopher Scott were The 13th annual Jeffrey B. Scott Memorial Nathan MacVitie, Cindy White, Scott, Jim Rogowski. Hockey Tournament was held from March 7-9 at the Cheektowaga Rec Center. The Buffalo Bisons E team won their second JBS Memorial Hockey Tournament in-a-row, defeating the Cheektowaga Warriors, 4-2. But as Christopher, this tournament is more than winning and losing. “To me, it just didn’t seem right at the time that all the world had left of my brother was that old jersey and a faded picture,” continued Christopher. “I didn’t want my brother to be gone or his memory forgotten. “So the tournament was created. It was to be for 11 and 12 year olds. “It would be held in the Cheektowaga Rec Center. But most importantly I wanted to help
es d i v o r P nt e m a n r ns. s s Tou A y e ck o H o t ” “Life
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sentation in conjunction with the Madison McCarthy Cardiac Care Coalition for Children of AED machines to those in need of the potential life-saving device. “The AEDs are donated to hockey rinks and other youth facilities around Western New York,” said Christopher. “And wherever an AED is, there will be a plaque with Jeff’s name on it so people know where it is from. “Up until this year, we have raised over $165,000 and denoted 47 AEDs. This year four organizations have been chosen including the Clarence Youth Football and Cheer Association, Losson Park, Brighton Ice Rink and Lincoln Ice Rink. “There will be two more organizations chosen in the near future to make the total this year at six.” One of the co-organizers for the event this year is Eric Godzich, an employee for the Town of Cheektowaga, who, in part, runs the Cheektowaga Warriors hockey program. “I got involved 13 years ago helping out at the tournament as a kid,” recalled Godzich. “I take care of all the hockey operations for the tournament including organizing the eight house teams and putting together their time schedules. “Most of the teams are local, although we have drawn a couple of teams from the Rochester area over the years.” Interestingly, there is a connection between Godzich and Jeffrey. “I really didn’t discover this until I really got involved with the tournament as an organizer,” stated Godzich. “Jeffrey died on March 27, 1982. “Ironically on March 28, 1982 I was born. It became a case of one life ending and another beginning. “And somehow we connected in later years.” Over the past 13 years the Hockey Tournament has taken on a life of its own. In addition to the eight travel teams that participate in the tournament, there is an open skate where young and old alike can skate just prior to the champion-
West Hockey / Page 41 ship game. In addition there are hockey-related items raffled off to raise money. Miller, who has been involved with the tournament since its inception, summed up the event. “Jeffrey was my best friend,” remembered Miller. “He was a very athletic boy. “We played all the sports together, including hockey, baseball, golf and soccer. He was a great friend. “Yes, I was there the day he died. Jeff had had the best hockey day of his life. “It was the happiest I had ever seen Jeff. He had been out to Sabreland (now known as Hockey Outlet) earlier that day. “He had gotten the opportunity to meet some of the Buffalo Sabres. He was on top of the world. “Those were his heroes. It was big moment for him. “Then we had this street hockey game. Jeff played in that because he was all about hockey. “But that day he had uncharacteristically sat down to rest a couple of times. But with the game tied at 9-9 he came back in and ended up scoring the winning goal. “He laid down right after that and a couple of us laid down with him. We got up. “But Jeffrey never got back up. He was gone minutes after scoring that winning goal.” “I’m so proud to be a part of this. It is the best way to keep Jeffrey’s memory alive. “Christopher has done a great job with this. The other volunteers who take part have done an outstanding job. “It’s an opportunity for family and friends of Jeffrey to get together for some fun and remembering. In the end it is for the kids. “It’s to help out kids. It’s for kids playing hockey in Jeffrey’s memory. “We don’t want people to forget Jeffrey Scott.” (Continued on Page 53)
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Stars’ Players Honored
SPOTLIGHT PLAYER/MARCH 8
SPOTLIGHT PLAYER/MARCH 1 Name: Collin Bisbee Age: 12 Height: 5’0” Weight: 130 Position: Goalie Hometown: Erie, PA... Grade in School: 7th Favorite Subject: Math Career Interest: Hockey or Fish Commission Favorite NHL Player: Ryan Miller Favorite NHL Team: Buffalo Sabres Favorite Hobbies: Hockey! Favorite Food: Fish Favorite Music: Anything but rap Favorite Movie: Grown Ups Favorite TV Show: Duck Dynasty Role Model and why: Favorite Super Hero: Personal Hero and why: Other sports you play: None What are your goals :for this season: Improve play
Name: Steven Case Age: 12 Height: 5’2” Weight: 105lbs Position: Defense Hometown: Clarence Center Grade in School: 7 Favorite Subject: English Career Interest: Undecided Favorite NHL Player: Sydney Crosby Favorite NHL Team: Pittsburgh Penguins Favorite Hobbies: Hockey & Baseball Favorite Food: Bacon Favorite Music: Pop Favorite Movie: GrownUps 2 Favorite TV Show: Role Model and why: Derrick Jetter because his saying is “never give up” Favorite Super Hero: Ironman Personal Hero and why: Parents Other sports you play: Baseball What are your goals for this season: To improve and score some goals.
SPOTLIGHT PLAYER/MARCH 16 Name: Mason Smith Age: 11 Height: 4’11” Weight: 90 Position: Right Wing Hometown: Cheektowaga, NY Grade in School: 7 Favorite Subject: Social Studies Career Interest: Pro Athlete Favorite NHL Player: Evgeni Maklin Favorite NHL Team: Chicago Blackhawks Favorite Hobbies: Hockey Favorite Food: Tacos Favorite Music: Rap Favorite Movie: 42 Favorite TV Show: MLB Network Role Model and why: Patrick Kane Favorite Super Hero: Thor Personal Hero and why: Jackie Robinson Other sports you play: Baseball What are your goals for this season: Score at least one hat trick
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Buffalo Stars players headed to All Star Showcase
Several players and a coach have been selected to represent the Buffalo Stars Full Season Midgets at the NJPHL All Star Showcase in April in Burlington, Ontario. Buffalo Stars U16 players Christopher Botzenhart, Mike Sokol, Spencer Jones, Josh Evoy, Frank Bodami and Jamie Cummings will participate. Buffalo Stars U18 players Zach Ziolkowski, Danny Golba and Trevor Izdorczak have also been selected. The All Star Showcase involves 6 teams made up of players from the 28 teams in the league. They will play in a round robin format April 11-13 in Burlington, Ontario. Stars U16 Head Coach Jerry Wheeler has also been selected to coach one of the 6 All Star Teams. Players are selected by coaches in the league using a ballot system. The selected players are then assigned to a team based on a value ranking system. “We are pleased that so many of our players have been chosen to participate” said Stars General Manager Pete Preteroti. “This will be a fine opportunity for them to get an extra look this season”. A full schedule, when available will be published on the Buffalo Stars website at: www.buffalostars.com
Bantam MOHL #1 Wins Rock ‘n Roll Tournament The Buffalo Stars Bantam MOHL #1 team travelled to Cleveland, OH to compete in the Rock ‘n Roll Hockey tournament and came home with gold in a stunning shutout! The boys played four games over the three day weekend to make their way to the championship game to crush the Petoskey Northmen from North Michigan. “I am so proud of each and everyone of those boys; they truly deserve it!” exclaimed Head Coach Larry Dombrowski immediately after the 3-0 shutout. The boys came to the Championship game ready to play. The first period saw the Stars dominating play in the opposing end but was unable to capitalize for the first 8 minutes until the team’s captain Dan Porzio notched the team’s first goal assisted by Joe Aguglia and Zach Barlow. Having found a chink in the Northmen’s armor, the captain immediately lead his line down the ice from the ensuing face-off
to score his second goal eight seconds later, assisted by the Star’s consummate playmaker Joe Aguglia. Pierce Gardon and Brad Rickettson tallied the insurance goal midway through the third period to seal their opponent’s fate. The team’s defensive squad stood strong against the onslaught mounted by the desperate Northmen throughout the game yet could find no answer to Alex Brown incredible goaltending that earned him the game MVP plaque. The team hopes to strike gold again in the upcoming Pepsi Tournament at the end of the month.
Stars Peewee MOHL Take First
The Buffalo Stars Peewee MOHL team competed in the David Bigelow Tournament in Brockport this past weekend and came home with the Championship trophy after a hard-fought, come from behind victory over the Perinton Blades. This was the Buffalo Stars third trip to the championship game out of four tournaments we have entered this year. The Stars opened the scoring and took a 1-0 lead before falling behind 2-1 after 2 periods. With a never give up attitude, strong goaltending, and solid defense, Buffalo tied the game with 1:30 remaining and then with 31 seconds remaining, Jake Sweeney scored the game-winning goal. Both the tying and game-winning goals were scored while playing short-handed, which the Buffalo Stars had to endure for long periods of time in the 3rd period. Conner Fetzer was awarded with the Game MVP! Strong play by both offense and defense in the last 30 seconds preserved the win.
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West Hockey / Page 44
Buffalo Stars Girls U19 headed to Nationals The Buffalo Stars 19u Girls returned this weekend from Rochester showing that timing is everything. The girls took this weekend to show what they were made of and what determination and fortitude can get you. Focus was the theme this past weekend as the Stars girls opened up the round robin play in the New York State Championships with a 1-0 win over the Island Waves from Long Island. With that win, the girls were in the driver’s seat for the weekend. Their second game, they faced last year’s National Champion Chazy and held them for 38 Min to a 1-1 game, but a 7 min breakdown landed the girls with a 6-1 loss. The girls took the night and refocused their efforts and got back on track Saturday, and beat a familiar Ithaca team 7-1. It was a total team effort as the girls produced offense at a rate that was indefensible by Ithaca. That win put them into the crossover, waiting to see who their opponent would be, pending the results of a game going on as they headed to the locker room. Shortly after, it was announced, that the Stars would be playing Skaneateles on Sunday in the Semi Finals. One win on Sunday and the girls would qualify for the National tournament. The team again showed what they were made of and another full team effort was what it took to get by Skaneateles, who the Stars had not beaten yet this year in two previous attempts. Again, for the second time in the tournament the Stars put together a 1-0 victory, securing their spot in the National tournament, but yet with something to prove. Orchard Park/Frontier This team wanted to show that they could hang with anyone, Girls Varsity Ice Hockey Team and hang they did. Their second shot at the defending National Champions Chazy could not have been any closer. Exchanging Teams Up with Dicks Sporting Goods goals back and forth throughout the contest and jumping out to a 1-0 lead in the first, the end of regulation saw the two teams tied OP/Frontier applied and was accepted by Dicks 4-4. The Stars and Chazy went back and forth with each team having chances to close it out in the first OT, but neither was able Sporting Goods Sports Matter Program that helps to cash in on their opportunities. As the second OT went on, it apfund programs that were cut or not included in peared that this game would not be ending anytime soon. However their school budgets. Dicks will match donations a late penalty call put the Stars shorthanded and they were unable through their “crowd funding” platform. Help the to hold Chazy off with a late goal against, finishing out the game girls out April 17 through May 23 by donating. with a 5-4 loss in dramatic fashion. This is a team whose has cho As soon as the link is “active” we will sen the end of the year and postseason to peak, taking everything share it via the NY Hockey Online website and they have learned throughout the year and turning it into total team Facebook page. hockey.
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BROCKPORT
West Hockey / Page 45 All-SUNYAC, Turgeon was a Second Team forward and defenseman Ben Kramer was one of only three sophomores selected. He was named to the Third Team. Senior Mike Zanella finished with 35 career goals and 73 points, Shane Avery had 45 points in 89 career games, Taylor McGraw finished the season with seven points and 18 career and Kyle Whipple (Tonawanda) fell one game short of 100 career played. Billy Strakosch, Mac Balson, Jason Cleaver, Clay Lewis and Carr complete a large senior class.
The Golden Eagles ended the regular season with off four consecutive victories, their best since the 2009-10 season, to launch themselves into fifth place and a SUNYAC playoff berth for the first time in five seasons. But their season ended with a loss at Buffalo State in the quarterfinals. Senior forward Chris Cangro and sophomore defenseman Chris Luker (Jr. Sabres) were named First The Griffs swept Sacred by Warren Kozireski Team All-SUNYAC, the first Heart in the first round of Wkozires@brockport.edu time the team has ever had the Atlantic Conference two on the first team. playoffs behind the pro Cangro tied for the gram’s first postseason hat team lead in scoring with trick by Cody Freeman and 24 points and led the squad advanced to the quarterfinals on the road with 17 assists. Luker led all conference blueliners in at second seed Bentley. A Mitch Mcgoals and tied for second in scoring during the 16-game Crank hat trick in the deciding game three regular conference season. against the Falcons sent Canisius to the In addition to Cangro, the Golden Eagles say goodAHA final four for the second consecutive bye to five other seniors including Webster native Bren- season. dan Rothfuss, Matt Deluca, Steve Sachman, Bobby Con- There they defeated top-seed Mercyhurst in doublener and Sean Wallace (McQuaid/Gates-Chili). Rothfuss overtime before falling to Roberts Morris in the champifinished with 18 career goals and 44 points while Wal- onship game ending their bid at repeating. lace, a defenseman, had three goals and three assists “Too many things were going against us and we over his career at Brockport. couldn’t answer all of them,” said head coach Dave
Western New York Men’s College Hockey Report
BUFFALO STATE Despite earning just one tie in February, the Bengals finished fourth in the SUNYAC regular season standings to earn a home playoff game, which they won 7-2 over Brockport with Nick Berst (Depew) and Dan Turgeon (MCC) each scoring two goals. Their season ended three days later with a 2-0 loss to top-seed Geneseo. Kevin Carr was named First Team
CANISIUS
Smith after the final. “We left nothing on the table; we put it all out there, but we just couldn’t get it done.” Forward Ralph Cuddemi was named to the AllTournament Team as were defenseman Chris Rumble and Doug Jessey. Senior goaltender Tony Capobianco became the school’s all-time leader in saves and shutouts in game one of the Sacred Heart series breaking the saves record held by Dan Morrison and the shutout mark held by Bryan Worosz and Andrew Loewen. He was named AHA Goaltender of the Week for his efforts. Senior defenseman Ben Danford was named thirdteam All-Conference in Atlantic Hockey after leading
www.nyhockeyonline.com all Griffs defenders with 24 points this season. He is also tied for the team lead with his 20 assists and ranks 19th nationally among defensemen in Division I with 0.67 points per game. He wraps up his career as the highest scoring defenseman in team history. In addition to Capobianco and Danford, the team loses leading scorer Kyle Gibbons and his 130 career points including 57 goals, captain Taylor Law, Patrick Sullivan (Derby), Ryan Bohrer and Duncan McKellar. The team closed the 15-year Buffalo State Arena chapter of their history with a 110-87-37 record. They will move downtown to Harbor Center next fall.
ERIE CC The third seed for the national championship tournament at Hudson Valley, the Kats saw their season end at the hands of eventual national champ Williston State 7-0 in the semi-finals.
FREDONIA
Without a win after February 1st, the Blue Devils still were able to secure the sixth and final playoff spot with a pair of last-month conference ties, but dropped their quarterfinal playoff game 3-2 to eventual champion Oswego on a third period tally. The Blue Devils were shut out in SUNYAC postseason honors. The team loses five seniors including Matt Owczarczak (Buffalo), who finished with a career-best season with three goals and 11 assists for 14 of his 20 career points. Alex Perkins, Andrew Christ, Ryan Edens and Tyler Palmerton are the other seniors.
GENESEO After a disappointing SUNYAC championship game loss to Oswego, the Knights still received an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament (their fourth in program
West Section / Page 46 history) and made it count. A program first NCAA playoff 3-2 win over Nichols in the first round preceded a comeback from a 2-0 deficit to defeat Norwich 3-2 behind a hat trick from Tyler Brickler to send them to the national final four in Lewiston, Maine. There they fell to eventual national champion St. Norbert 6-2. “We’ll take it,” said head coach Chris Schultz of the Norwich victory. “For the first 20 minutes we played with fear…but the guys came through when it counted. Everyone talks about the strengths of different conferences and there is a case to be made for three or four, but our conference (SUNYAC) is as strong as anybody. Having two teams (Oswego the other) in the final four is a great accomplishment for our league.” “It got us going,” Brickler said about his first goal. “We just wanted to stick with our systems and play our game and that’s pretty much what we did after that.” Zachary Vit was named First Team All-SUNYAC and Player of the Year. Stephen Collins (Pittsford) was a Second Team choice and Justin Scharfe (Webster), defenseman Jack Caradonna and goaltender Nick Horrigan were named to the Third Team. Head Coach Chris Schultz was named the SUNYAC Coach of the Year for the second-consecutive season and for the third time in the last four years and National Division III Coach of the Year. Seniors who have completed their eligibility are Vit, Jonathan Sucese (Fairport), Carson Schell and Gary Childerhose.
MONROE CC The Tribunes advanced all the way to the national championship game as the top-seed and saw their title hopes dashed for the second consecutive year by Williston State 2-0. The one difference this year is there is no tomorrow as the school previously announced they will no longer offer hockey after the 2013-14 campaign.
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NAZARETH A second half run that featured the team record seven of their season total of eight wins fell short with a 2-1 playoff loss to Hobart. Freshman forward Ben Blasko was voted ECAC West Conference Co-Rookie of the Year marking the first major award Nazareth College has been awarded since joining the conference last year. He led the conference in freshman scoring netting 11 goals and dishing out 15 assists for 26 points this season. Ed Zdolshek was named co-Goaltender of the Week for the period ending February 23rd as he helped the Golden Flyers close out their regular-season schedule with a win and a tie at home against Neumann. Williamsville and Buffalo Jr. Sabres native Chris Murray was named Rookie of the Week for the same period after he contributed a goal and an assist in the Neumann win. The Golden Flyers lose just four seniors in Mark Zavorin, Jordan Ciccarello, Zach Lewis (MCC) and Reed Smith. Lewis finished with 14 points over 46 career games in two seasons while Zavorin departs as the current school record holder for career goals, assists and points.
NIAGARA After sweeping American International, a series that included the longest game in program history—a double-overtime win—the Purple Eagles advanced to the quarterfinals against Air Force on the road. Niagara overcame a 1-0 series deficit to the Falcons and advanced to the final four for the third consecutive year as Matt Williams netted the overtime winner in the deciding game three. Their season ended with a 5-4 overtime loss to Robert Morris in the semi-finals despite two goals from Hugo Turcotte and three assists by Matt Williams. “Sometimes they’re never pretty in overtime,” said head coach Dave Burkholder after the double-overtime loss. “It was just a fluky bounce that went off of one of our players helmets in front of the net and ended up on the tape of a player wearing a white jersey.”
High School Hockey / Page 47 Senior defenseman Keith Ryan (Eden) was named to the Atlantic Hockey Association All-Conference Third Team. Vince Muto (Niagara Falls) was named to the Atlantic Hockey Association All-Rookie team after netting 16 points on four goals and 12 assists, good for sixth on the team in scoring and tops among team defensemen. Freshman goaltender Jackson Teichroeb was named AHA Rookie of the Week honors after the first week of the playoffs; his fifth conference weekly award of the season and third Rookie of the Week honor of the season. 67 saves during their AIC sweep and had a .971 save percentage and a 0.83 goals-against average for the two games. Ryan Rashid became the first Purple Eagle to net four consecutive 20-point seasons since Chris Moran achieved it from the 2006-10. Aside from defensemen Ryan and Williams, forwards Patrick Divjak and Ryan Rashid also finished their eligibility.
R.I.T. A Division I program-worst ninth place finish put the Tigers on the road for the first round of the playoffs for the first time and it cost them with a game-three overtime loss to Holy Cross to end their season. It marks the second straight year the Tigers have missed the conference final four. Senior and leading scorer Michael Colavecchia departs with 109 career points, Greg Noyes leaves with his 90 career points from the blueline, Ben Lynch finishes one point shy of 90 and defenseman Nolan Descoteaux had his best season in his senior campaign with more than half of his 35 career points coming this year. Other seniors are Adam Mitchell and Eliot Raibl. (Continued on Page 53)
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Western New York Women’s College Hockey Report by Janet Schultz Janet@nyhockeyonline.com JDSchultz3663@gmail.com
Buffalo State
Under first-year Coach Candice Moxley the Bengals made it to the ECAC DIII playoffs, even though their record doesn’t reflect it. It was their first ECAC West appearance in six years as they traveled as the Number 6 seed and faced Oswego. There their season ended with a Quarterfinal loss to the Lakers, seeded #3. Junior Kara Goodwin gave the Bengals an early lead, netting her team-leading 16th goal of the season on an assist by Buffalo’s Nikki Kirchberger. They held the Lakers scoreless and carried the lead into the third period, despite being outshot 23-7 through two periods. Oswego tied the game and added two more in a span of 19 seconds putting the game out of reach for the Bengals. Accolades went to Goodwin as they was named to the All-ECAC West Honorable Mention after leading the team to their playoff appearance. This season was the final for Seniors Melissa Ash (Binghamton/Chenango Valley); Christina Zandri (Baldwinsville/CW Baker) and Jordan Lee of Colorado Springs. Ash ends her career with 80 games played and 6 goals/ 15 assists and Zandri ends with 52 games played and 9 points on 5 goals/4 assists.
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RIT
RIT’s Lady Tigers keep making history. This year they close out Ritter Arena and in their second year as a DI school they take the College Hockey America Championship. However, due to NCAA regulations they were ineligible to play in the Frozen Four (they are fulfilling a two-year probationary period moving into the DI Division). The Tigers beat NO. 8 Mercyhurst 2-1 on Mercyhurst’s ice. “The girls played extremely hard and left it all on the ice to earn this championship,” said Scott MacDonald, head coach. “We came to compete and I couldn’t be happier with this group.” Netminder Ali Binnington earned the CHA Tournament Most Valuable Player after stopping a career-high 62 of Mercyhurst’s 63 shots on goal. She made 13 saves in the opening period, 20 in the second, 13 in the third, 14 in the first overtime and two in the second to pick up her 16th win of the season. Along with Binnington Lindsay Grigg and Cassie Clayton took CHA honors March 9. Grigg was named CHA Player of the Week, Clayton , Rookie of the Week and Binnington, Goaltender of the Week. Grigg scored the game-winning goal with 6:13 left in the second overtime for the Tigers 2-1 win over Mercyhurst. Clayton scored in the win over No. 10 Robert Morris in the CHA Semi-finals and was on the ice for Grigg’s gamewinning goal in the championship game. Forward Kourtney Kunichika, Defenseman Lindsay Grigg and Goaltender Ali Binnington were named to the CHA All-Tournament Team. RIT’s Women’s Ice Hockey Team were honored on Wednesday, April 2 in the Fireside Lounge at RIT. Gathered were fellow student, faculty, athletes, family and friends showing their support for this outstanding group of young women. RIT says good-bye this season to Erin Zach and Melissa Bromley.
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West Hockey / Page 49
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University of Buffalo
The UB Lady Ice Bulls finished their first season under Head Coach Melissa Jeckovich with Mamie Talty leading the points with 29 on 14 goals/15 assists. She is followed by Shauna Clair with 9 goals/15 assists and Courtney Miller with 10 goals/13 assists. UB is a student-run organization playing out of North Town Center in Amherst, directly across the street from the University. Their team is made up of girls that come from all parts of the United States who are focusing on their education and still want to play competitive hockey. “We play Division 1 with the ACHA (American Collegiate Hockey Association),” said Coach Jechovich. “It’s the highest level of competition without NCAA status.” The ACHA is a non-scholarship hockey league featuring Division I and Division II levels. It was started in 1991 as for players who want to play a more competitive style hockey than club hockey, which many universities offer. The Lady Ice Bulls practice twice a week on the ice and incorporate 2-3 off-ice workouts per week. Games are generally scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays from October until late February/early March. The players are elected to serve as their E-Board who manage the team’s expenses, community service and fundraising. UB’s women’s ice hockey team continues to grow and is seeking players who want to play at this level. For more information on the team contact Coach Jechovich at mjeckovich@gmail.com. UB’s Seniors include: Fallon Waxman--graduating from UB’s Engineering Department, Waxman has served as President of the Hockey Club for one year. However, she has one more year left to play and will return next season. Alison Edwards--a defenseman from Ogdensburg, Edwards will receive her degree in biomedical sciences. She has been with the Lady Ice Bulls for her 4-year collegiate career and served as captain for one year and assistant captain for two. She is also treasurer and president of the E-Board. Bailey Danahey--a forward from Buffalo, Danahey is graduating with a degree in arts. She played two years. Chelsea Peterson--the Jamestown (NY) goalie is graduating with a degree in chemistry and played two years, serving as secretary of the E-board.
West Hockey / Page 50 Katie Wrona--playing both forward and defense, Wrona is graduating in bio-chemistry and played four years with the Lady Ice Bulls. She served as vice president of the E-board and ran all community service and fundraising initiatives for the past two years. Chrissy Wolcott--a defenseman from Buffalo, Wolcott is receiving her degree in criminal justice. She played two years with UB and served as captain this season. She is returning to assist with coaching duties next season.
Niagara University
After one year, Head Coach Rachel Hauser’s Purple Eagles ended the season is 1 win and 11 losses. While it was a tough year statistically it was an opportunity to learn and grow as a group. “It is the tough times in which you learn the most about a team as a whole,” said Hauser. “The players left it all out on the ice with every shift, every period, and in all the games they played.” Addison Marino, Batavia, is the only senior. She has been active with the Club for each of her four years at NU. This year she served as Captain and in her final game as a Purple Eagle against Brockport she scored a goal form the point. She will be receiving her degree from the College of Education with a degree in TESOL, along with a concentration in English.
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RIT Binnington Earns All-USCHO Honors
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unior goaltender Ali Binnington (Oakville, Ontario/Mississauga Chiefs) of the RIT women’s hockey team was named to the 2013-14 All-United States College Hockey Online (USCHO) Third Team on Wednesday, April 2. Binnington is the first RIT player to earn this prestigious honor since the team moved to Division I in 2012. Binnington enjoyed a tremendous year for the Tigers in 2013-14, leading the Tigers, in just their second season as a Division I program, to the College Hockey America Championship. On March 8, Binnington ended her season by stopping a career-high 62 shots in the championship game, a 2-1 double overtime victory over 2014 Frozen Four participant Mercyhurst University. The day before, Binnington made 25 saves in a 4-1 win over nationally-ranked Robert Morris in the conference semifinal. For her efforts, Binnington was named the CHA Tournament Most Valuable Player and was named to the All-Tournament Team. Overall, Binnington finished the season 16-9-2 with a 1.72 goals against average, .944 save percentage, and six shut outs. Her .944 save percentage ranked third nationally, she was tied for fifth in shut outs, and ninth nationally in goals against average. Binnington set RIT records for most games played (28), minutes played (1,640), and saves (788). She ended the season by winning seven straight contests, allowing just six goals on her last 240 shots faced (.975 save percentage and 0.77 goals against average) over that span. Binnington made at least 30 saves in a game 13 times this season and had four games with at least 40 stops. “It is an incredibly deserving honor and I couldn’t be happier for Ali,” said RIT head coach Scott McDonald. “Ali is finally receiving the recognition she deserves for the season she had. Being a young Division I program, it’s great to have goalie of her caliber that gives our team a chance to win every game. I think Ali is as talented as any goalie in the country.” Binnington won the CHA Regular Season Goaltender of the Year award, finishing league play with an 8-4-1 record with a tremendous 1.35 goals against
average and .955 save percentage. She allowed two goals or less in 12 of the 14 contests and recorded three shutouts. For her career, Binnington is 37-19-6 with a 1.69 goals against average and .937 save percentage to go along with 14 shut outs. She is second all-time at the university with 1,575 saves, third in games played (65), save percentage, minutes played (3,764), fourth in wins (37), and fifth in goals against average.
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McCollum Recognized by AHL!
McCollum brought the Calder Cup to his hometown. (Photo by Janet Schutz)
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Grand Rapids Griffins are proud to announce that Tom McCollum has been named the team’s winner of the IOA/American Specialty AHL Man of the Year award for his outstanding contributions to the Grand Rapids community during the 2013-14 season. A native of Sanborn, N.Y., McCollum has been a pillar of service in the community throughout his five seasons with the Griffins, embodying the core values of both the organization and the city of Grand Rapids. McCollum has appeared in every major charitable event this season, including walking dogs at the Pups and Pucks Fall Walk-a-Thon for Mackenzie’s Animal Sanctuary, interacting with fans at the Tip-a-Griffin fundraiser and Great Skate Winterfest for the Griffins Youth Foundation and serving beverages at Corks, Pucks and Brews for Easter Seals Michigan, among other volunteer opportunities. The 24-year-old goaltender has always been willing to use his station in life for the betterment of the younger generation, bringing a smile to the faces of
children at hockey practices, elementary schools and children’s hospitals. In an effort to connect with fans, McCollum also actively sought out opportunities to sign post-game autographs, interact on the Griffins’ social media outlets and participate in fan meet and greets. “Tom McCollum is as good an ambassador of the Grand Rapids Griffins and the sport of hockey as anyone we’ve had in our 18 years of existence,” said Bob Kaser, Griffins vice president of community relations and broadcasting. “He, like most hockey players, completely embraces community involvement and recognizes the difference he can make in people’s lives, and I’m here to tell you that he is a hero to many in West Michigan.” McCollum is now one of 30 finalists for the AHL’s 2013-14 Yanick Dupre Memorial Award, honoring the overall IOA/American Specialty AHL Man of the Year. The league award is named after the former Hershey Bears forward and AHL All-Star who died in 1997 following a 16-month battle with leukemia. The winner of the Yanick Dupre Memorial Award will be announced by the American Hockey League later this month.
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West Hockey / Page 53
(Lukey Continued from Page 41)
“Each player gave Amy a rose, a hug and had something to say to her,” continued Lauer. “The comments included ‘I’m sorry for your loss’ to ‘I wish I could have met him.’ “It was very emotional with lots of tears shed again. But it was inspiring for our team because we won, 3-1. “We had lost to the same team earlier in the month, 5-0. We overcame a lot. “But even more important was the life lesson we came away with. Luke’s mom was afraid that people
would forget Luke. “I know that there are 15 players on Team Redhawks that will never forget Luke. I hope the other 15 teams had the same experience. “It was a memorable weekend, one which we will never forget.”
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(Continued from Page 47)
Western College Notes: • Junior Derek Mohney (Amherst) of Curry College was tabbed as Goaltender of the Year in the ECAC Northeast by the head coaches in the conference. Mohney led one of the league’s best defenses by posting a 2.12 goals against average, good for second in the conference, and a .932 save percentage, also second among ECAC Northeast Hockey goaltenders. In 964:20 minutes of action, he surrendered just 34 goals and made 468 saves. His efforts helped the Colonels allow just 2.56 goals per game as they earned the No. 6 seed in the ECAC Northeast Hockey Tournament. • Mercyhurst head coach Rick Gotkin (SUNY Brockport) was named Coach of the Year in Atlantic Hockey after leading the Lakers to a first place finish in his 26th year.
Amherst Youth Hockey Announces AYH House Programs are completely open to non-residents. The Tier I, Tier II and Girls Travel Programs are also open to non-residents, but on a limited basis. Complete details on this can be found on the AYH website under the Association tab. www.amherstyouthhockey.org. Try-outs for the upcoming 2014-2015 Travel season will March and April. The specifics on date, times, and levels can be found on the AYH website!
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