April 2017 nyhol by NY Hockey OnLine

NY HOCKEY NY HOCKEY E-MAGAZINE e u s s I p i h s n o i p m a h C APRIL 2017 Volume 6, Issue 7

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Dear Reader:

In This Issue Bisons To Nationals......................... 65 Bowman Cup.................................... 58 Cancer Hits Close To Home.......... 27 Canisius’ Rumble.............................. 52 Central Hockey................................. 22 CHA (Women)................................... 16 Clarkson Women.............................. 12 Cornell’s Angello.............................. 23 East Hockey....................................... 32 ECC Returns....................................... 56 Future Islander................................. 20 Future Sabre...................................... 21 McCollum Returns........................... 45 Next Level........................................... 69 North Hockey.................................... 37 NWHL................................................... 18 NYS Boys HIgh School Champ.......4 WNY Super “Weekend”.....................7 NYSAHA Results............................... 11 Plattsburgh Women....................... 14 Regals to Nationals......................... 47 Scott Tournament............................ 66 Section VI Boys Varsity................... 49 UB Men................................................ 62 West Hockey...................................... 44 WNYGVIH............................................ 51

April is upon us. The weather is warming up a bit, the days are getting longer and it’s the opening of the baseball season. What April also means is that the March championship hockey season is behind us, especially for boy’s high school hockey. In this issue we are focusing on boys’ hockey and what a month it was for them. We have stories on the boys’ high school championships that were once again held at HarborCenter in Buffalo. The stories are there and Janet has added a number of great photos to go along with the written copy. Janet has added several pages of photos to this issue and as they always say, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” Make sure to check upcoming issues for additional photos from the 2016-17 season. We don’t have room to run them all in one issue! Any photos taken by Janet, except NHL games, are available for sale by contacting Janet@ nyhockeyonline.com Janet is also wrapping up another women’s hockey season which saw several New York State-based teams win championships of one kind of another. Koz is here with his men’s college reports as well as a feature or two. We are already looking ahead to the 2017-18 season with one college team, the Erie Community College Kats. As always keep sending us your stories, story ideas and photos. Thanks to our advertisers who have supported us throughout the hockey season. As always, take care and travel safe to wherever your hockey journey may take you. Best Wishes, Randy Schultz Publisher/Managing Editor NY Hockey OnLine

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 NY Hockey OnLine is an equal opportunity employer. Contents 2015-16 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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First Day Report By Frank Wolf WNY Athletics Photos by Janet Schultz NYHOL Magazine

NEW YORK STATE BOYS HIGH SCHOOL CHAMPIONSHIPS

he New York State hockey finals returned to Buffalo for the second straight year. Eight teams and a legion of fans made the trip to WNY in hopes of leaving with the State championship. On Friday after each team had settled into HarborCenter a banquet was held in honor of all players and coaches involved in the weekends match-up’s. On Saturday Pelham’s Stefan Miklakos, Tournament MVP morning the Division II semi-finals began with Section 1 Pelham taking on Brockport of Section V. The Pelicans won it all last year and were looking to repeat. It didn’t take long either as Pelham steamrolled the Blue Devils 6-0. The Pelicans scored twice in the opening period and in the second, lit the lamp three more times. Tucker Johnson earned the shutout, stopping all 19 Brockport shots. Ben Hurd led Pelham with 2 goals and had an assist on the game’s opening goal. Stephan Miklakos added three assists. Game two featured the other Div II semi-final game Saturday with Beekmantown (VII) vs St. Lawrence (X).

This ended exactly like the first. Luke Collins scored a hat-trick and an assist for the Larries as they trounced the Eagles 6-0. Andrew Lontry opened up the scoring with back-toback power play goals just 44 seconds apart. St. Lawrence took a 2-0 lead into the

1st intermission and never looked back. The Larries first 4 goals all came via the power play. Goaltender Rico Dimatteo made 20 saves for the shutout. “We don’t have long to enjoy this we know but we’re all happy with the win” Collins said after the game. “Now it’s all about Pelham, we have to buckle down. We took way too many penalties and that’s been addressed.” The stage has been set for the Div II championship as the Pelham Pelicans (I) take on the St. Lawrence Larries (X). Williamsville North didn’t have to travel far this weekend. After travelling down to Camillus, NY for Regionals. The Spartans had the luxury of sleeping in their own beds before taking on top seeded Mamaroneck (I) on Saturday afternoon. They received an outstanding performance by senior goaltender Jacob Zurat in route to a 1-0 win over the Tigers. Zurat stopped all 13 shots thrown his way and none looked easy. The Spartans put 24 on Tommy Spero, the Mamaroneck goaltender who was equally as good at his end. Only a deflected shot late in the first period found the mesh that proved to be the difference. Trevor Cavalier’s first ever varsity goal came at the perfect time. Linemate Joe Oliver threw a puck from the lower right-hand corner of the rink towards the goal and Cavalier had his stick in just the right spot. Both teams penalty killing unit’s played extremely well as all 12 man advantages provided zero results.

30. Pittsford overwhelmed the younger Massena team that will have all but 4 players returning next season. (Reprinted with permission of Frank Wolf and WNY Athletics)

Championship Games By Randy Schultz Randy@nyhockeyonline.com

This year’s boys high school ice hockey championships saw two veteran coaches lead their respective teams to New York State titles. In the opening contest, played at HarborCenter, for the Division II (small schools) championship, Pelham Memorial of Section I crushed St. Lawrence of Section X, 7-1. For Pelham coach, Ed Witz, who has been with the schools program for 31 years, it marked the schools first ever DiviPelham Takes Home the Win in the sion II State Title. 2017 NYSPHSAA Division II Ice Hockey Championship Stefan Miklakos led the way for the victors scoring a three-goal hat trick. Teammate Ben Mamaroneck head coach Mike Chiapparelli in his 29th season was late arriving into WNY this weekend. He lost Hurd added a goal and three assists for Pelham who finished the season winning 25 straight games. his Father-in-law earlier in the week. Coaching with a heavy heart for sure “Our guys left it all out there today” he said after the loss. “I couldn’t be prouder of them. They are taking this one hard.” In the final tilt of the day, Massena (X) took on Pittsford (V) with the winner earning a date with Will North hanging in the balance. In a tightly contested game The Panthers pulled out a 2-1 victory ending the Red Raiders dream season. Connor Haims broke the scoreless tie at 9:27 of the 1st period, giving Pittsford the 1 goal advantage. But the lead was short lived. Less than a minute later Cam Plourde’s shot beat Panthers goalie Will Hernes tying the game at one. Andy Bronstein scored for the Panthers at 10:03 of the second period and that proved to be the difference. Williamsville North Takes Home the Win in the Hernes made 18 saves for Pittsford while 2017 NYSPHSAA Division I Ice Hockey Championship Red Raiders goaltender Nathan Moffitt made

2-1 after two, despite outshooting their opponent 14-2 for the period. Then the Pelicans exploded for five goals in the final period to put the game away. Ian Bressett scored the lone goal for St. Lawrence. In the second game of the afternoon, Williamsville North squeezed past Pittsford, 3-2, to win their first NYSPHSAA Division I (Large Schools) championship since 2011. For North coach, Bob Rosen, it marked his fifth championship title. Brett Sardina, Andrew Bruno and Adam Batz scored

for the winners. Goaltender Jake Zurat stopped 13 of 15 shots he faced, including some dazzling stops late in the game. Interestingly, it was the fourth straight one-goal victory for the Spartans. They won their sectional title and quarterfinal state game in overtime. “I’m very proud of this team,” said Rosen after the game. “To me, they were a group of overachievers. “They did all the little things you need to do to win. In the end they proved to be a championship team.”

Andrw Bruno 2017 MVP

The Road to the NYSPHSAA Ice Hockey Championships Super Sunday and Super Monday in WNY Also scoring for the winners were Nat Heintz, Gib Smith and Drew Montanarella. The game was tied, 1-1, after one period. Pelham lead

Sunday’s Championship Games By Jim Christopeher@SabresPR/Sabres.com

WNY Club League Mixed School Iroquois/Alden 6 - Dunkirk/Fredonia 1 The first game of Super Sunday saw the top two teams from the Mixed School Division competing against each other for the fourth time this season. Iroquois/Alden (17-0-1-0) had taken all three prior meetings with Dunkirk/Fredonia (11-5-2-0) by a combined score of 14-6. The Chiefs had their only non-victory coming from a 2-2 tie against City Honors/O’Hara. This matchup also featured two of the top three scorers in the league with Spencer Hrynczak (23+20) going against Michael Meredith (28+14). The Chiefs jumped out in front early and never looked back. Iroquois/Alden pounced on the Steelers early by pouring on four goals in the first period. Two of the first period goals came from senior forward Alex Held, who was named the game’s MVP after finishing with two goals and two assists. Senior forwards Joe Russo

and Dan Porzio added the other two first period tallies. Dunkirk/ Fredonia got on the board 15 seconds into the second period behind Chris Buchanan’s 16th goal of the season. However, it was too late for the Steelers as the Chiefs added a goal later in the second and in the third to make up the final score of 6-1. The victory marked the first club Super Sunday title for the Chiefs since 2012 and their sixth overall. Buchanan was named Dunkirk/Fredonia’s MVP for the game.

WNY Club League Small School St. Mary’s 3 - Starpoint 1 The second matchup of the day was also the fourth meeting between two teams. St. Mary’s (15-6-1-0) had gotten the best of Starpoint (10-8-0-3) in two out of their three previous meetings and were riding a four-game winning streak overall. Starpoint entered the contest on a threegame winning streak of their own. After a back-and-forth first period that saw both teams held scoreless, sophomore forward Brendan Krawczyk broke the scoring open with his 14th goal of the season. Starpoint’s Brenden Dewey answered back three minutes later with a power-play goal to tie the game. Lucas Prince put the Lancers up for good when he was able to beat Josh Riggi late in the second period.

would be the game-winning goal with 5:37 left in the third. Even with the extra attacker and several chances, St. Joe’s was unable to tie the game and Canisius went on to win their first title since 2013. Donovan, who also had an assist on the first goal for Canisius, was named the game’s MVP.

MONDAY’S CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES Catholic School Championship Despite having several scoring chances, the Spartans were unable to tie it up and an empty-net marker from Alex Bialkowski finished off Starpoint. St. Mary’s sophomore goaltender Kyle Karoleski was awarded MVP for his stellar play, allowing only one goal. Starpoint’s Nick Surdej was named his team’s MVP.

St. Joe’s 4 - Canisius 0 For the second time in as many days, the Crusaders (7-6-3) and Marauders (13-1-2) met, this time in the Catholic School Championship. Monday’s game went a bit differently than the day before, as St. Joe’s was able to capitalize on power-play opportunities, putting them up early.

WNY Club Large School Canisius 2 - St. Joe’s Maroon 1 Canisius and St. Joe’s had each of their three prior matchups decided by one goal and Sunday’s game would be no different. Benjamin Bailey of St. Joe’s was able to put his squad up early in the first period by beating Mike Gagliano, but Canisius answered back in the second period courtesy of Kevin O’Leary. After the next 19 minutes was filled with scoring opportunities for both teams, Patrick Donovan put home what

With 5.3 seconds left in the third period and the Legends trailing by one, a loose puck in the crease was put home by Lancaster senior forward Shawn Kross (his second of the game) as he banked it off of Jake Zurat’s outstretched pad while he was falling to the ice to send the game to overtime. While it looked like the Legends had gained all the momentum, the Spartans used the leadership and maturity of a team comprised of only juniors and seniors to regain their composure. Just 26 seconds into the overtime period, Spartans senior forward Adam Batz came speeding down the right wing and snapped a shot that hit the far post. The puck bounced backwards and into Legends goaltender Justin Stoltz that trickled just over the goal line to give the Spartans the title. Batz was named the game’s MVP for his game-winning goal.

After scoring their first power-play goal, senior forward Jack Lalley again got the puck at the top of the faceoff circle and score on a shot that beat Canisius goaltender Ryan O’Donnell glove-side, to give the Marauders a 2-0 lead. Lalley would go on to be named the game MVP. Senior forward Luke Pierce added another goal before the end of the second when senior defenseman Seth Glanowski threw a puck on net that Pierce tipped into the back of the cage. Glanowski put the final nail in the coffin when a shot from the point found the back of the net to give St. Joe’s their final goal. Canisius eventually buried one with 5:47 left in the period as defenseman Kevin Bennett got his stick on the puck during a scramble in the crease. The referees disallowed the goal, signifying how the day went for the Crusaders. The victory for St. Joe’s was their third straight divisional title and 16th overall.

Small School Championship West Seneca East 3 - Kenmore West 1 The last game of the High School Hockey Championships pitted the Trojans of West Seneca East (9-5-1) against the Blue Devils of Kenmore West (12-3-1). After the Blue Devils opened up the scoring, the Trojans roared back with three unanswered goals to capture their first sectional title. The Blue Devils jumped out in front early on as senior forward Ben Serrano scored off of a rebound shot off of the far pad of Trojans’ goaltender Jagger Maving early in the first period. The Trojans tied it up with under a minute left in the

Large School Championship Williamsville North 3 - Lancaster 2 (OT) In what proved to be the most exciting game of the weekend, Williamsville North (12-4) took an extended route to the Large School Championship as they overcame a late goal by Lancaster (7-8-1) to take the sectional crown.

period as Cameron Bauer raced down the left side of the ice, fought off a defender was able to beat Bogacki with a shot that was just above his shoulder. With the game tied 1-1, Tyler Arndt scored off of a rebound when Blue Devils goaltender Matt Bogacki lost control of a shot off his chest. Arndt added an empty netter with under a minute to go to seal the game. He was named the gameâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s MVP.

(Reprinted with permission of the Buffalo Sabres)

NYS TOURNAMENT RESULTS

Here are the results of the NYS Tournament. TIER I

Youth 12 U Buffalo Jr Sabres 4; West Seneca 2 Youth 14U Westchester Express 6; Buffalo Jr Sabres 1 Youth 15U Buffalo Jr Sabres 2; Long Island Gulls 0 Youth 16U Westchester Express 7; Buffalo Jr Sabres 1 Youth 18U PAL Jr Islanders 2; Buffalo Regals 1 TIER II Youth 12U Massena/St. Lawrence 5; Valley 3 Youth 14U Westchester Vipers 6; Clarence Mustangs 0 Youth 16U Cheektowaga 4; Skaneateles 1

Youth 18U Clarence Mustangs 5; Schenectady 3 TIER III Youth 12U North Franklin 4; Cortland 2 Youth 14U Onondaga Thunder 5; White Plains 1

Webster and the Buffalo Stars Earlier This season. (Photo by Janet Schultz NYHOL)

Youth 16U Palisades Predators 7; Bronxville 4 Youth 18U White Plains 6; Onondaga Thunder 5 (dbl OT) GIRLS TIER I

Niagara Jr Purple Eagles 4; Buffalo Bisons 0 GIRLS TIER II 12U Norfolk/Norwood 4; Lady Islanders 0

12U Buffalo Regals 3; Syracuse Nationals 0

14U Monroe Country 4; Hamburg 1 16U Potsdam 2/Amherst YH 1

14U Buffalo Regals 3; Syracuse Nationals 1

19U Brewster Lady Bulldogs 5; Cazenovia 2

16U Rochester YH 6; Clifton Park 1 19U

way only losing one game since mid-October, shows this team knew what it took to pull together. We just got better each and every week.” Cayley Mercer (Exeter, ONT) may have not won the 2017 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award, but the senior, left wing did one better on Sunday afternoon. A Top 3 Finalist for the impressive honor, Clarkson’s Co-Captain played a pivotal role in Clarkson’s win over topranked Wisconsin and was named Most Outstanding Player of the 2017 Frozen Four. Mercer, joins her sister, Carly ‘14, as a captain of a Clarkson National Championship team. Wisconsin goaltender Ann-Renee Desbiens, who won the prestigious individual award as the top player in women’s college hockey, earned the headlines this season with her out-of-theworld stats, but it was Clarkson junior goaltender Shea Tiley (Owen Sound, ONT) who stole the show on Sunday. Tiley shut out the number one offensive team in the country behind 41 saves to backstopped the Green and Gold to their 11th straight victory and programbest 32nd win of the season. Remarked Desrosier on Tiley’s performance, “Shea has been phenomenal all year. Throughout her entire three years here at Clarkson. Shea is a big game goalie. She kept us in it tonight when we needed her to. Just a great performance. In a setting and an atmosphere like this, in a National Championship game… just phenomenal.” The Badgers, who entered the title game, averaging 4.03 goals per game, outshot Clarkson 41-20, in-

CLARKSON WOMEN WIN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

he Clarkson University Women’s Hockey team will hang another NCAA Championship Banner in the Cheel Arena rafters after knocking off Wisconsin 3-0 in Sunday’s 2017 Frozen Four title game. The Golden Knights stunned the #1-seeded Badgers before an announced crowd of 3,016 fans at the Family Arena in to celebrate their second National Championship in four years. Clarkson finished its second championship season in the 14-year history of the program with a 32-4-5 overall record, including a 19-1-2 first-place ECAC Hockey mark. The Knights’ victory brought upon the Badgers their first loss in 23 games. Clarkson is still the only team from outside the Western Collegiate Hockey Association to have ever won the NCAA Women’s Ice Hockey National Title. The Knights advanced to the pinnacle game after defeating two-time defending champion Minnesota 4-3 in Friday semifinal action. “I couldn’t be more excited,” stated Clarkson Head Coach Matt Desrosiers. “This group is a resilient bunch. To think we started this season on rocky footing with a losing record and going the rest of the

cluding a 35-17 advantage over the final 40 minutes. Tiley, who was named MOP of the ECAC Hockey Championship Tournament earlier in the month, was at her best in the biggest game of her career, finishing just one save shy of tying her career mark for saves in a game. Wisconsin, behind two power-play opportunities, put intense offensive pressure on Clarkson in the third period, but Tiley turned aside all 18 Badger shots. After a scoreless opening 20 minutes, Clarkson got on the scoreboard just seconds into the middle frame with junior defenseman, co-captain Savannah Harmon’s (Downers Grove, IL) 11th goal of the season. Harmon, an All-American, took a behind-the-net pass from senior Genevieve Bannon (Candiac, QUE) and flipped in a shot from the side that beat Desbiens over the shoulder just 27 seconds into the period. The power-play tally was the first goal given up by Wisconsin’s all-star netminder in 178 minutes. Freshman defenseman Ella Shelton (Ingersol, ONT) started the scoring play with a pass to Bannon from the point. The score stood just 1-0 until late in the contest, then the nation’s leading goal scorer went to work. Mercer tallied the final to goals to preserve the national championship victory. Mercer connected for the Knights’ second goal at 16:56, finishing off assists from linemates, sophomore Loren Gabel (Kitchener, ONT) and Bannon. She then sealed the win with an unassisted, empty-net score with 44 seconds remaining for her 28th goal of the

season and 80th of her stellar collegiate career. Joining Mercer on the 2017 Frozen Four All-Tournament Team from Clarkson were Bannon and Harmon. Tiley may have been overlooked for tournament honors, but she played a major role in the triumphant Green and Gold celebration at the end. Back in mid-October, Clarkson and Wisconsin faced off at Cheel Arena in a pair of non-league games that the Badgers won 3-2 in overtime and 4-2 to extend a Golden Knights’ win-less stretch to four games (0-2-2). Since then a lot of impressive things happened for the Green and Gold. Clarkson went 30-1-4 after those games on October 14-15, posted a school-record 32 victories, earned its third ECAC Hockey regular season title with a 19-1-2 league mark, claimed the program’s first ECAC Hockey Tournament Championship, hosted and won an NCAA quarterfinal game (3-1 over Cornell), knocked off two-time defending national champion Minnesota, 4-3, on Friday in Frozen Four semifinal action and capped it all off with its second a NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP in four years on Midwest afternoon on Sunday.

Brand’s Overtime Winner Seals Women’s Hockey’s FourthStraight National Championship

lattsburgh State women’s ice hockey senior Erin Brand (Long Beach, N.Y./ Syracuse) scored 10:34 into overtime as the the top-ranked Cardinals captured t h e i r fourth straight - sixth overall - NCAA D i v i sion III women’s ice hockey national championship with a 4-3 win over No. 2 Adrian College. The Cardinals end the season at 28-1-1 and on a 22-game unbeaten streak, while the Bulldogs see their season end at 28-3. This was just the second title game to go into overtime, with the other coming in the 2009 final tilt. Plattsburgh State also beats Adrian for the second time in overtime. Back in January, the Cardinals topped the Bulldogs by a 4-3 margin in the extra session. Brand, senior Julia Duquette (North Tonawanda, N.Y./Buffalo Bisons U-19), junior Melissa Sheeran (Schaghticoke, N.Y./Millbrook School) and sopho-

PLATTSBURG WOMEN BRING HOME THE HARDWARE

more Courtney Moriarty (Estero, Fla./Northfield Mount Hermon) each scored. Junior Megan Crandell (Fullerton, Calif./Saint Norbert) provided three assists, while classmates Kayla Meneghin (Clifton, N.J./The Gunnery) and Lizzy Viola (Williamsville, N.Y./Buffalo Bisons U-19) and sophomore Mackenzie Millen (Anchorage, Alaska/ North American Hockey Academy) each had one helper. Senior Camille Leonard (Oakville, Ontario/ Oakville Jr. Hornets) collected 29 saves for the win. Brand was selected as the NCAA Championship AllTournament’s Most Outstanding Player, with Leonard and Sheeran joining on the team. Adrian sophomore Brooke Lupi had one goal and one assist, while senior Sarah Shureb and freshman Maggie Mitter scored. Senior Kaylyn Schroka dished two assists and classmate Brooke Gibson totaled 39 saves. The excitement started in the final minute of regulation. With the Cardinals skating short handed and with Leonard on her way to the bench for the extra attacker, Duquette picked up the puck in the neutral zone and skated past a Bulldog defender before wristing a shot into the right side with 21.7 seconds remaining to tie. That set the stage for sudden-victory overtime. Plattsburgh State had 11 shots compared to Adrian’s

Tyll’s mid-slot shot. The Cardinals were able to kill of a 5-on-3 penalty starting at 13:27 as Leonard stopped four shots. Plattsburgh State broke onto the board with two minutes left as Crandell’s stretch pass connected with Meneghin, who fed over to Sheeran and Sheeran deked once before backhanding an ice-level power-play shot inside the right post. Adrian equalized just 53 seconds later while on the power play as Lupi’s point shot was redirected just under the crossbar. Moriarty broke the stalemate at 5:23 of the third stanza by taking Millen’s pass and backhanding a shot through Gibson’s legs. Mitter knotted up the score at 10:31 by burying the puck in a scramble in front of the net. Sherub put the Bulldogs on top, 3-2, at 15:08 when her right circle shot tickled the top right corner.

five. Crandell was on the top of the right circle and fed cross ice to Brand, who deked past a defender before firing a shot through Gibson’s legs for the winner. Plattsburgh State led shots, 10-4, during a scoreless opening period. Cardinal sophomore Ashley Songin (Springville, N.Y./Nichols School) needed just seven seconds to test Gibson by snapping a right circle shot. On the team’s first power-play chance, Brand rang a shot off the left post. Another Bulldog penalty just two minutes later gave the Cardinals another player-advantage chance and freshman Hannah Kiraly (Newport Beach, Calif./Northern Cyclones) backhanded a shot that Gibson covered. Adrian’s best chance of the stanza came with 5:31 remaining as junior Rose Krasofsky shot wristed a right circle shot that Leonard swatted away and the rebound kicked to a Bulldog skater, who had an open left side of the net but the ensuing shot went wide. The second period flipped with Adrian leading shots, 15-9. Plattsburgh State was also penalized seven times, while Adrian took two penalties. Just 2:44 into the period, Adrian sophomore Shelly Czarnowczan clanged a shot off the right post. Leonard came up with a big blocker stop at 8:10 off of senior Courtney

PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN BY NYHOL’S JANET SCHULTZ ARE AVAILABLE

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EMAIL: JANET@NYHOCKEYONLINE. COM

Syracuse Meets RIT In CHA Semi-Final Matchup!

uffalo’s HarborCenter was the site of the Women’s Ice Hockey DI College Hockey America Championships. Quarterfinals found Lindenwood defeating Mercyhurst 3-2 and RIT defeating Penn State 2-1. Robert Morris and Syracuse had byes. In the semi-finals Robert Morris defeated Lindenwood 2-1 and Syracuse shut out RIT 4-0. In the Championship it was Robert Morris over Syracuse, a 2-0 shutout. Robert Morris then moved on to play #1 ranked Wisconsin in the NCAA Championships. They lost 7-0 and Wisconsin took the title. Here are a few photos by NYHOL Photographer Janet Schultz from the Syracuse/RIT matchup.

NWHL

Buffalo Takes the Isobel Cup

n a historical move, the Buffalo Beauts took the Isobel Cup back to Buffalo after defeating the Boston Pride. In Round One of the playoffs the Beauts defeated the New York Riveters 4-2 and Boston beat Connecticut 8-2 setting the stage as it was in 2016 with Buffalo facing Boston, looking to take their second championship. Buffalo had not defeated Boston all season! The Beauts got on the scoreboard first with 2 goals in the first period. They then dropped in another in the second period. All four came from different players including Harrison Browne, shorthanded; Shiann Darkangelo power play goal; Emily Janiga and Kourtney Kunichika. In the third period, Boston made the charge by scoring two goals. Buffalo’s Brianne McLaughlin played in her final professional game, facing 62 shots on goal, saving 60. The Beauts traveled home immediately after the game arriving to fans in Buffalo at 6:20 a.m. Monday morning.

Browne Says Goodbye!

arrison Browne of the Buffalo Beauts recently informed the league office that this will be his final season in the National Women’s Hockey League. Browne, who is pursuing a career in sports business, will serve on the NWHL’s Board of Advisors for season three, lending his insight and experience on matters of inclusion. “Harrison is leaving quite a legacy from his two years in our league,” said NWHL Commissioner Dani Rylan. “He is a pioneer for transgender rights and has been a great hockey player at every level of the game. He is going to be missed, but it’s gratifying to know that Brownie is remaining a part of the NWHL family.” Browne has released the following statement: “After much thought and consideration, I have made an incredibly difficult decision that this will be

my final year of playing professional women’s hockey. I have had a meaningful and impactful career playing the sport I cherish for the past 15 years, but it is time for me to move on and begin my career off the ice. “First off, I want to recognize the NWHL and Dani Rylan for providing me with the opportunity to live out my dream of being a professional athlete. I’m looking forward to continuing my association with the league as an advisor. I am eternally grateful for the friendships that I have been so fortunate to form, memories created within the Buffalo community, and level of talent that I have been exposed to throughout the duration of my playing career. “I am extremely proud and honored to be ending my career as a member of the Buffalo Beauts family. I feel indebted to my coaches (Ric Seiling, Craig Muni and Shelley Looney) and the skill set and level of expertise that they reinforced within me as player, my teammates who have unconditionally accepted me and become some of my lifelong friends, and the world-class staff behind the scenes who made every game and practice run with ease and efficiency. “I also want to thank my parents and the sacrifices that they made throughout my childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood. Without their investment and support, I would not have had privilege of making hockey a main priority during my upbringing. Another pivotal person who has been there for me since day one is my girlfriend Carly. Thank you for always being in the stands and supporting me so perfectly. “And last, but certainly not least, I want to acknowledge the unbelievable fans who have cheered me on, provided me with unwavering love and dedication, and allowed me to skate as my authentic self. You have made this journey memorable beyond measure. “Cheers, Buffalo! You will be sorely missed.”

Koelzer Signs With Riveters

First overall draft (2016) selection Kelsey Koelzer is joining the National Women’s Hockey League immediately after signing a contract with the New York Riveters for the remainder of the 2016-17 season. “Being part of the NWHL was a priority for me because I want to take my development from four years at Princeton and utilize it playing with and against some of the best women’s hockey players in the world,” said Koelzer. “I am sad that my collegiate career has come to an end, but I was lucky to play alongside amazing players and coaches. I’m hoping to use that experience to contribute to the remainder of the Riveters’ season in any way I can.” Koelzer was one of the ten finalists this year for the prestigious Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award, presented by the USA Hockey Foundation to the best player in Division I women’s college hockey. In 128 games over four seasons with Princeton, the 5-foot-9 defender had 39 goals and 61 assists for 100 points. Before college, Koelzer developed in the New Jersey Rockets program. “After drafting her last year and closely following her outstanding senior season, we’re ecstatic to have Kelsey begin her Riveters career today,” said Riveters GM and coach Chad Wiseman. “She is a dynamic defender who will make us a better team.”

By Warren Kozireski

FUTURE ISLANDER:

layers sometimes change their focus depending on what their team needs are at the moment. 2015 New York Islanders draft pick Mitch Vande Sompel began this season with Oshawa of the Ontario Hockey League where he was very offensive scoring 17 goals with 20 assists over 37 games and taking 115 shots. A trade to back to his hometown in London meant different needs. Over 30 regular season games he scored just three times, but still racked up 13 assists and took just 50 shots. “It’s been awesome,” Vande Sompel said in February. “It’s something I’ve always dreamed of and wanted to do, so it means a lot to be able to come home and make a push for the playoffs. “I had a different role on that team (Oshawa) and I come here and it’s very talented team. You have to find a role for yourself and try to fit in somewhere. “We have guys who can do that score) here. It’s still nice getting points, but at the same time it’s something you don’t worry about. I just take care of the things I can take care of and points will come when they come. We have so many skilled players and defensemen here.” Islanders Director of Player Development Eric Cairns on Hockey Prospects Radio on the NHL radio network called Vande Sompel “a real good offensive defenseman coming into our system. He has a lot of tools and we’re excited about him. The right shot won a Memorial Cup with Oshawa and is hoping to replicate that with London this year. “If we can get him with two championships under his belt, that says something,” Cairns said. “That doesn’t happen with all prospects who need to learn how to win.” The Islanders are deep in blueline prospects—Vande Sompel is one of four listed among the top-ten in their team report in the latest Hockey News Future Watch

VANDE SOMPEL

along with Ryan Pulock, Devon Toews and Parker Witherspoon. The biggest question mark is his size at 5’10” and 190 lb. But the pro game is chang-

ing and defensemen who can contribute offensively are needed n o w m o r e t h a n ever. “ Y o u have to believe in yourself and guys are playing in the NHL right now that are maybe undersized. I’m not going to be that guy who takes big guys and pin them in the corner. It’s going to be more mobility, moving pucks and getting in the rush.”

By Warren Kozireski

The 6’2” 191 lb. center is listed sixth among the Sabres prospects in the latest version of The Hockey News Future Watch. The right shot can skate and had an early season 18-game point streak during the 2016 portion of this past regular season. “Usually I’m a pass-first guy, but one of the biggest things I worked on last summer was my shot. Playing with great players night in and night out; they’re looking for me and I’m looking for them.” The Richmond Hills, Ontario native is more obviously superstitious than other players, especially on the ice. He is the last player off after warmups, stands on the right faceoff dot while others pick up the pucks in net. “It’s kind of just a thing I have; I like to watch the rookies pick up the pucks. It reminds me of when I was a rookie. I really didn’t think about it, but I guess I’m doing it every game, so I guess I’m a little superstitious.” One other drill he does during warmups is stand near center ice and stick-handle around multiple pucks coming at him at once while the team sets up for the next warmup. Pu also brings a winning pedigree with him as he was a part of the Knights 2016 Memorial Cup run where he had eight goals and 13 points over 18 postseason games. And London is primed for another deep run this postseason. Pu attended his first prospect camp in July just weeks after being selected by Buffalo at the draft in Buffalo. “I definitely learned a lot and I think it helped with confidence for sure. The older guys at camp taught me a lot so I’m just trying to use what they taught me here and I think it’s been working.”

FUTURE SABRES:

016 Buffalo Sabres third round draft pick Cliff Pu was just waiting for his opportunity in his third Ontario Hockey league season and second with the London Knights. And when he finally got it this year, he more than seized his chance. 35 goals and 51 assists almost tripled his numbers from one season ago and led the team in both categories. He was seeing top power play time—with 11 of his goals coming with the man advantage—as well as on the penalty killing unit. “Dale (London head coach Dale Hunter) has put a lot of trust in me and given me a lot more opportunity and I think I believe in myself and always had this confidence that I could do well in this league and it’s been a fun year,” Pu said after a February game.

CLIFF PU

CENTRAL NEW YORK

Manlius Native Angello Continues to Impact Cornell By Warren Kozireski

ake no mistake that the Pittsburgh Penguins drafted Manlius native Anthony Angello in the fifth round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft because of his size. The 6’5”, 205 lb. winger physically dominates his opponents on the wall and creates space down low for himself with his reach. A former Syracuse Star in the Empire Junior Hockey League and All-State First Team selection in 2013 after averaging four points per game with Fayetteville-Manlius High School, Angello last season became Cornell’s first freshman to lead the teams in goals since Colin Greening during the 2006-07 campaign. He also became the program’s first player to tally point in his first four games since Ryan Moynihan did so Nov. 8-16, 1996. Angello scored 11 goals with 13 assists over 34 games as a freshman with the Big Red and has followed that up with ten goals (third on the team) and six assists in 29 regular season games this year. Included was a three-goal, one assist weekend against Yale and Brown in February. “I’m trying not to worry about the points and do all the little things right from a process perspective,” Angello said during the final weekend of the regular season. “It’s awesome going into games knowing it’s not just one guy who is going to produce—it’s different guys every single night. “Having depth is one of the things I think that has led us to having success. “I wouldn’t say any major transitions (from last year to this). I think I’ve been trying to have more confidence, have more poise, move my feet to try to create more time and space for myself and lay the puck more and not really hesitate. After his draft year, he returned to the USHL’s

Omaha Lancers the following season and racked up 19 goals and 16 assists for 35 points in 56 games. He also had two goals and three assists while helping Team USA win the gold medal at the 2014 Junior A World Challenge. Last summer was his third Development Camp with the Penguins and he is feeling more and more comfortable with where he fits in at the pro level. “It went really, really well. I felt a lot more confident, calm and composed and it was definitely a confidence boost being able to do well and know that you can play at that level. “(I am) just definitely taking it one day at a time realizing that there is a lot of work still ahead of myself and that I can’t take a day off.”

Central Men’s College Ice Hockey Report by Warren Kozireski Wkozires@brockport.edu

COLGATE

The Raiders 3-2 overtime victory in game one of their opening round playoff series with Princeton marked the 1,000th in the history of the program. They lost the next two games of the best-ofthree series to end their season. In the final game, Jake Kulevich’s goal was his sixth of the season, setting a new career-high, to go along with his 22nd point to lead the Raiders. Kulevich is the first Colgate defenseman to lead the Raiders in scoring since at least the 1999-2000 season. He was named Third Team All-League on defense and signed a professional contract with the Manitoba Moose of the AHL. The future shows some promise as the Raiders were one of just two ECAC Hockey teams with three freshman recording at least 15 points this season. Kulevich, Tim Harrison, Brett Corkey, Derek Freeman, Anthony Sanniti, Emelio Audi, Andrew Black (Buffalo) and Charlie Finn wrapped up their Raider careers.

CORNELL

The Big Red earned a berth in the ECAC Hockey’s championship weekend with a three-game quarterfinal series win over Clarkson. It marked their seventh trip to the league’s showcase event in

the last 10 years—the highest total among all of the circuit’s 12 teams. There they defeated Union before losing to Harvard in the championship, but earned an at-large selection to the NCAA Tournament. They were the third seed in the Northeast Regional and faced UMass-Lowell in the first game. Senior forward Jake Weidner was named the ECAC Hockey Best Defensive Forward Award and freshman defenseman Yanni Kaldis was placed on the league’s All-Rookie Team. Weidner was the national leader in blocked shots per game for forwards 2.12 blocks per game heading into the ECAC semi-finals and led the team with a 57.7 faceoff winning percentage. Kaldis was a top-four fixture on the blue line paired with senior Patrick McCarron for the majority of the season. His lone goal of the season came in dramatic fashion, coming on a power play with 24.6 seconds remaining to propel the Big Red to a 4-3 road victory on Feb. 4 at Rensselaer. He also had 13 assists this season for a total of 14 points, all coming in league play — the most for a Cornell freshman defenseman in ECAC Hockey play since Bruce Frauley in the 198788 season. Kaldis was also a two-time ECAC Hockey Rookie of the Week. The 1970 Cornell Men’s Hockey team will be included in the 2017 ECAC Hall of Fame inductee class. The Big Red’s second NCAA championship team is still renowned today as the only unbeaten, untied national champion in NCAA history after a remarkable 29-0-0 season. Led by legendary coach Ned Harkness, Cornell captured its fourth consecutive ECAC title with a 3-2 victory over Clarkson at Boston Garden. The Big Red then defeated Wisconsin in the national semifinals to set up a rematch with Clarkson in the championship.

ELMIRA Forward Matthew Cuce and defenseman Harry Kramer were named to the ECAC West AllRookie squad.

HAMILTON The Continentals lost to Trinity in overtime of the NESCAC championship, but earned their first NCAA playoff appearance with an at-large bid. They defeated Oswego in the first round before falling to Norwich to end the most successful season in program history. Junior goaltender Evan Buitenhuis has been chosen by the conference coaches as the 2017 NESCAC Player of the Year as well as First Team All-NESCAC. Buitenhuis leads all conference goaltenders with a 1.52 GAA and a .948 save percentage. He owns a 15-3-4 record and anchors a Continental defense that has allowed just 1.60 goals per game. Buitenhuis is the third Continental to earn Player of the Year honors, joining Gus Katsuras (2005, 2006) and Joe Houk (2011). He is also the second netminder to ever receive the award, and is the first since 2012 (Amherst’s Jonathan LaRose). Rob Haberbusch is the NESCAC Coach of the Year for the first time in his six years at the helm of the Continentals. Haberbusch guided Hamilton to the No. 1 overall seed in the NESCAC championship after posting a 17-3-4 overall record and an 11-3-4 conference mark. The Continentals opened the year with a 13-game unbeaten streak (11-0-2) and are allowing a league-low 1.58 goals per game. Haberbusch is the second Hamilton coach to earn Coach of the Year honors, joining Norm Bazin (2010, 2011). In addition junior forward Brandon Willett was named First Team All-NESCAC and senior defenseman Jon Carkeek was named to the Second Team. Conor Lamberti (Kings Park) and Charlie Fennell (Elmira) were among nine seniors completing their collegiate careers.

secutive and fifth overall ECAC West title and earned an at-large bid to the NCAA tourney. Their season ended with a first round loss to Endicott. “We knew this was going to be a battle—it wasn’t going to be a game, it wasn’t going to be a fight, it was going to be a battle,” head coach Mark Taylor said after the Utica title contest. Senior defenseman Carl Belizario was named ECAC West Defensive Player of the Year and First Team All-ECAC West while senior forward Nick Bingaman was named Second Team. Belizario served as a lynchpin on defense for the Statesmen in 2016-17. The senior helped his side post the league’s stingiest defense during the regular season, as the Statesmen allowed just 60 goals in 25 regular-season outings. The blueliner chipped in offensively as well, compiling 13 points (four goals, nine assists) with three goals and seven assists coming in league action. Named to the 2017 ECAC West Conference Men’s Hockey All-Tournament Team were junior forward and Most Valuable Player Ben Greiner, sophomore forward Cam Shaheen, senior defenseman Jon Neal and junior goaltender Frank Oplinger. Nick Bingaman (Bedford) and Mitch Beyer (Clifton Park) were among ten seniors who finished their collegiate careers.

OSWEGO The Lakers lost to Plattsburgh in the SUNYAC championship game, but received an at-large bid to the NCAA playoffs. Their season ended with a loss to Hamilton College in the first round. It was their 17th appearance in the national postseason. 11 seniors finished their college eligibility.

HOBART

UTICA

Ben Greiner scored the overtime winner at Utica to give the Statesmen their third con-

The Pioneers lost to Hobart in the ECAC West championship game in overtime to end their

season. Named to the 2017 ECAC West Conference Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hockey All-Tournament Team were junior forward Roman Ammirato and sophomore defenseman Zach Borsoi. Ammirato led the team with 35 points on 12 goals and 23 assists, the most points scored by a Pioneer in a single season since All-American Louie Educate registered 36 points (18 goals, 18 assists) in 2013. The Pioneers landed a league-best five players on ECAC Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s West All-Conference teams and two others were named to the all-rookie team. Junior forward Ammirato and freshman goalie Patrik Virtanen were selected to the first team, while junior defender Vince Stefan was named to the second team. Anthony McVeigh and Kevin Kirisits (Buffalo) were named honorable mention, while Jarrod Fitzpatrick Virtanen earned all-rookie team status. Kirisits is one of only four seniors the team will lose for next season.

The Cortland Pee Wee Team won the Youth Tier III 12U Sectional Championship. (Cortland Photo)

CANCER HITS CLOSE TO HOME Written by Tom Coffin Finger Lakes Regional Central Outlaws

ancer hits millions of family’s every year and this season it hit the Outlaw family. The Finger Lakes Regional Central Outlaw Squirt season has come to an end but it didn’t come easy. They practiced hard and played their games, but our hearts were with the families of those fighting this terrible disease. This past season cancer has hit home to the Central Outlaws’ family, and it only took one player to step up and do what he could to help fight this disease. Dane Sciarabba decided to help the fight by donating $10.00 for every goal he scored and $5.00 for every assist from January 2017 to the end of the season. He was not alone, his grandfather said he would match his total and two teammates joined in as well, Brady Coffin and Blake Carlisle. So from January to the end of the season the team played with a mission. The team played with a heavy heart, they overcame diversity, picked each other up when they were down and most of all they played as a team. The boys didn’t have a set amount to reach but they wanted to get as many goals and assists as they could to not only help their team but those that were battling cancer. In the end they totaled $690.00 dollars which will be donated to cancer research (Golisano Children’s Hospital) and presented to Shane Prince of the New York Islanders at his annual “Beach Hockey Classic” benefit this summer.

Elmira The Soaring Eagles were seeded second in the ECAC West and faced Plattsburgh in the last-ever ECAC West Championships, and received an automatic bid to the 2017 NCAA Division III Women’s Ice Hockey Championships in Adrian, Michigan. Elmira fell short by a final score of 2-1 in the Championship game. With that game complete they headed off to Michigan as the fifth-ranked team and a fifth consecutive chance for a national title. They faced the host Adrian College and with Adrian scoring with one minute remaining in overtime, Adrian beat Elmira 5-4 and ended Elmira’s chance at a title. Elmira concludes their season 18-6-4. Their all-time NCAA tournament record stands at 18-9-0. Goalie Crawford made 47 saves and recorded a career high. It is also the highest by an EC netmninder since Lisa Marshall ’14 set a program record with 56 stops against Plattsburgh in 2014. Kristin Chivers took EC Athlete of the Week after registering multiple points in the first round of the NCAA Division III Championships. Former Elmira College women’s ice hockey star Laura Hurd ‘05 will be honored by the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) as the first-ever Soaring Eagle to be inducted in the ECAC Hall of Fame, Hurd, and the entire induction Class of 2017, will be enshrined on Friday, April 28, at the third annual ECAC Hall of Fame Gala and Induction Ceremony at the Matrix Conference & Banquet Center in Danbury, Connecticut. Arguably the greatest to ever play NCAA Division III women’s ice hockey, Hurd helped turn a first-year program into a national powerhouse while donning the Purple and Gold during Elmira’s first varsity seasons from 2001-05. During her time, she established a multitude of program and national records, most of which still stand 12 years after her graduation. Hurd was a four-time All-American, four-time ECAC West All-Conference First Team honoree, two-time ECAC West Player of the Year, and at the conclusion of her senior campaign in 2004-05, she was recognized as the American

Central New York Women’s College Hockey Report By Janet Schultz Janet@nyhockeyonline.com

Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA) National Player of the Year. Following an automobile accident that claimed her life on June 23, 2006, at the age of 24, that award – the highest honor annually given to a Division III women’s ice hockey player – would be renamed the Laura Hurd Award in her memory. To this day, the Kingston, Ontario, native remains atop the national leaderboards for career points (237), points per game (2.15), assists (117), assists per game (1.06), and she’s tied for first in goals scored (110). She’s the only player in Elmira’s history to accumulate over 200 points and 100 goals in a career, and is one of just two Soaring Eagles to dish out over 100 assists.

SYRACUSE

The Orange began postseason play in the semi-final round of the CHA Tournament at HarborCenter in Buffalo facing Rochester Institute of Technology. Syracuse clinched a first round bye in the conference tournament after earning a second place finish with 30 conference points, two behind regular season champions Robert Morris. Following a 4-0 win over RIT the Orange faced Robert Morris in the final game. They fell short in a 2-0 loss giving Robert Morris the 2017 CHA Championship. The Orange ended the season 16-13-5 overall and 14-4-2 in conference play. Allie Munroe and Megan Quinn were named to the CHA All-Tournament Team for their performances, each scoring a goal in Friday’s

4-0 win over RIT. Munroe had four blocks between the two games and Quinn had two. Overall, Syracuse outshot Robert Morris 32 to 23. Five players were recognized by the CHA including: Sophomore Allie Munroe receiving the Best Defenseman award and named First Team All-Conference. Munroe leads all Orange defensemen with 20 points (six goals, 14 assists) this season and she is tied for the third highest point total in the CHA. The Yarmouth, N.S. native led a Syracuse defense that held opponents to a conference-best 1.78 goals per game. She also had 34 blocked shots on the season, the third most on the team. Junior Abbey Miller was awarded the Goaltending Trophy and earned Second Team All-Conference honors. Miller finished the regular season with a league-best 1.61 goals against average overall and a 1.21 mark in conference play, the second best average in CHA history. The Anoka, Minn. native shut out eight opponents this season, a new Syracuse single-season record. Her seven conference shutouts were also a new CHA record. She recorded a shutout against every CHA team at some point during the season, except Robert Morris. Miller earned CHA Goalie of the Month honors in January and February. Junior Stephanie Grossi was named First Team AllConference. Grossi led the Orange with 28 points on 14 goals and 14 assists this season. The Winnipeg, Manitoba native ranks sixth in the CHA this season in scoring and tied for fifth in goals. It was the second consecutive season that Grossi has earned first team honors. Redshirt-freshman Lindsay Eastwood and freshman Savannah Rennie were named to the All-Rookie team. Eastwood has 10 points this season on two goals and eight assists, ranking eighth amongst freshmen in the CHA. Rennie has 18 points this season on nine goals and nine assists. With four game-winning goals, she is tied for the conference lead. The East St. Paul, Manitoba native has the third most points among CHA freshmen.

UTICA

and Keira Goin (Dobbs Ferry, NY/Hotchkiss School), as well as sophomore Kayla Dion (Colchester, VT/Boston Shamrocks ) and freshman Olivia Hirschy (Fort Wayne, IN/Culver Academies) were honored. Pagano was named second team All-Conference after she totaled a career-high 21 points on the season. She had six goals and nine assists in 18 conference games and she is currently tied for 11th nationally in scoring amongst defensemen with .78 points per game. She also led the team with a +12 plus/minus rating. Schnepp is making her third appearance on an AllConference team, this time earning Honorable Mention status. The forward led the team in points (29) and assists (21). She also had a team-best 17 points in conference play. Schnepp wraps up her career ranked third on the College’s career assists list with 72, and she also ranks fourth all-time with 116 points in 109 career games. Goin lands on the Honorable Mention squad for the second straight year after she finished with a 1.75 goals against average and .932 save percentage. She graduates as the program’s record holder in wins (40) and shutouts (13), and she also owns the single-season shutout record with seven. Dion, who is making her second straight appearance on the Honorable Mention squad, posted career-highs in goals (four), assists (11), and points (15). She was instrumental on the power play as three of her four goals came with the man advantage. Hirschy was named to the All-Rookie team after totaling seven points (three goals, four assists) in 14 games. She had two multi-point games this season and UC was 5-0 in games where Hirschy scored. Utica wrapped up the season with a 17-9-1 overall record and was eliminated in the semifinal of the ECAC West tournament by nationally ranked No. 1 Plattsburgh State. This marks the fourth time in five years that the Pioneers have had at least 16 wins in a season.

Five members of the Utica College women’s hockey team were named to the ECAC West All-Conference teams, released Tuesday. Seniors Jane Pagano (Erie, PA/Tabor Academy), Gabrielle Schnepp (Northville, MI/Belle Tire),

(Women’s College continued on next page)

COLGATE Sophomore women’s ice hockey forward Jessie Eldridge (Barrie, Ontario) was named to the ECAC Hockey Third Team, as announced by the league office at the league’s annual awards banquet as part of the ECAC Hockey Women’s Championship Weekend hosted by Clarkson University. Eldridge is Colgate’s first All-League player since Katie Stewart was named to the ECAC Hockey First Team during the 2009-10 season and one of five players to now have been honored with All-League selections. Sam Hunt, Tara French and Kiira Dosdall all earned two all-league honors while Kimberly Sass and Stewart each had one. She recorded a total of 13 goals during the season and led the team in assists and points, with 24 and 37 respectively. Eldridge now has her name etched in the program record book in several categories, including the program record for shorthanded goals in a season with four and shorthanded goals in a single game with two. Eldridge netted her two short-handed goal game in a 4-1 victory over Union College on Feb. 4 and earned honors as American Sports Network Athlete of the Week. Eldridge also now sits in fifth place for most points in a season with 37, just two points behind a four-way tie for first place at 39. Eldridge is also second in assists in a season with 24, one assist behind Becky Irvine’s program record 25 from the 2004-05 season. Eldridge ended the season ranked seventh in ECAC Hockey in points, sixth in assists, and tied for 13th in goals. She also ranked in the top 20 nationally in nine categories, including assists, points and short-handed goals. The Raiders finished the season with an overall record of 22-11-3 and an ECAC Hockey record of 13-8-1, setting a new program record for league wins in a single season. Colgate also tied its program record of most wins in a season for the second season in a row, and made the ECAC Hockey Playoffs for the first time in consecutive seasons since 2008-09 and 2009-10.

OSWEGO

Jacquelin White of the Oswego State women’s ice

hockey team has been named Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) West Rookie of Year for the 2016-17 season. White is the first player in program history to be named Rookie of the Year. She joins teammates Olivia Ellis (2014-15) and Alli Ullrich (201314) as well as Hilary Hitchman (2006-07) as the only players to be named to the All-Rookie Team. Leading the team in both goals (15) and plus-minus rating (+13), she helped the team achieve a 16-8-2 record. The forward was crucial in helping the Lakers unseat No. 1 Plattsburgh for the first time in program history. Oswego’s 3-2 win on Nov. 20 ended a streak of 27-straight victories by the Cardinals over the Lakers. White also scored both goals against Elmira in a 2-2 draw on Feb. 4. It is only the second time the Lakers have tied the Soaring Eagles in 23 career meetings and it snapped a 12-game losing streak against Elmira.

CORNELL Cornell, ending in seventh place in the ECAC, began their quest for their fifth championship facing off against #4 St. Lawrence in the semifinals. They beat St. Lawrence 3-1 and moved on to the Cham-

pionship round. Cornell got three goals from three freshman and a 31save performance from senior goaltender Paula Voorheis. Kristin O’Neill, Amy Curlew and Paige Lewis all scored for the Big Red. The Big Red then faced off against Clarkson, the eventual National champion, and lost 1-0 to the Golden Knights. Clarkson scored a power-play goal 7:59 incto the first period and that stood up for the remaining 52:01 of the game. However, their season did not end there. Cornell received one of the four at-large bids for the NCAA Frozen Four. That selection led them to another face-off against Clarkson. In the Quarterfinals the Golden Knights came out on top once again. They took Cornell 3-1 giving the Big Red a final season record of 20-8-5.

HAMILTON Hamilton College’s Sam Walther ‘18 (Gambrills, Md./The Gunnery [Conn.]) has been selected for the 2016-17 Women’s Hockey Division III All-America Team by the American Hockey Coaches Association. Walther was placed on the East Region first team at goalie. She joins Stephanie Miguel ‘11 as the only Hamilton women’s hockey all-Americans in the program’s 21year history. Miguel made the 2008-09 East Region’s second team at forward. Walther is one of just four goalies and 24 players on the all-America team. Walther was voted to the NESCAC all-conference first team in February. She is tied for the Division III lead and broke her own team record with eight shutouts this season. Walther is fourth in the nation with a .952 save percentage and is seventh with a 1.27 goals against average. She eclipsed her own program records in those categories as well. Walther allowed more than two goals in a game just three times all season long. For her career with the Continentals, Walther has 16 shutouts in 66 starts with a 1.51 goals against average and .944 save percentage. Women’s hockey player Maddie Carras ’17 from Minnesota was named to the NESCAC Winter All-Sportsmanship Team.

cord in goal, stopping 656 shots. She recorded a programrecord 1.92 goals against average, and was the first goalie to finish a season with a sub-2.00 GAA in program history. Salmon also produced a record .951 save percentage, which was second best in the ECAC West and eighth in the nation. Against conference opponents, she compiled a .952 save percentage, best in the conference, and a 1.91 goals against average. Salmon matched a career-high with 58 saves as William Smith and then No. 10/8 Oswego skated to a 1-1 tie in the season finale. She also made 55 saves in Herons’ 3-1 win over the Lakers, the most by a William Smith goalie in a win in regulation. Salmon’s 113 saves on 115 shots against Oswego earned her a place on the D3hockey.com National Team of the Week. She also made 52 saves in the Herons’ home opener, a 2-1 loss to top-ranked Plattsburgh. She made 40 saves on four different occasions this year. Salmon finished the season with two shutouts, stopping all 37 shots she faced in a 1-0 win at Salve Regina and making 29 saves in a 2-0 win at Potsdam. She recorded her second career assist in the 3-1 win over Oswego. Salmon has played in 47 career games through her first three seasons at William Smith. She has registered a 2.95 career goals against average and a .927 save percentage. Salmon has compiled a 12-27-6 career record. William Smith finished the season with a 7-12-6 overall record and a 4-9-5 record in ECAC West play.

WILLIAM SMITH

William Smith College junior goalie Maggie Salmon was named the ECAC Women’s West Defensive Player of the Year by a vote of the conference coaches. Salmon was also voted to the all-conference first team. Salmon is the first Heron player to receive one of the ECAC West’s major awards and just the second player to receive all-conference honors. Rebecca Begley was named to the All-Rookie team following William Smith’s inaugural season. Salmon, a two-time ECAC West Goalie of the Week, finished her junior season with a career-best 6-8-4 overall re-

East Hockey Pelham Takes NYSPHSAA Championship

West Chester Vipers

The Westchester Vipers Bantam Major (pictured left) team won (undefeated) the New York State tournament in Buffalo this weekend and now advance to Coral Springs, Florida for Nationals! Andrew Esposito had 6 goals and Troy Clement had 6 assists putting them in the scoring leader box.

New York Raptors The New York Raptors were visited by Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino. He presented the team with a Proclamation as part of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, established in 1987 by President Ronald Reagan. A portion of the Proclamation reads: Where as Epitomizing the values and principals of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, the New York Raptors offers a unique special hockey program for children and adults with developmental and other disabilities who are unable or ineligible to participate in other organized hockey programs due to their disability, and serves as the only hockey team for individuals with disabilities in the area.

Pedatella Gets Second Chance at Nationals

Brianna Pedatella, 17, a New York City model gets second chance to win the National Championship in hockey, after winning back-to-back State Championships in Amherst. Stepping Off the Runway at New York City Fashion Week 2017,Brianna of Hopewell Junction is getting ready to compete at the National Championship Troy, Michigan with the Lady Bulldogs. This accomplished runway and print model has set her goal to win a National Championship since she was eight years old . She made NYCFW history in 2016 for being the first runway model to walk with Hijab. NYHOL did a feature on Brianna last season.

East Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s College Report by Janet Schultz Janet@nyhockeyonline.com

Manhattanville

RPI

Nicole Mensi (Mamaroneck/SUNY Plattsburgh) had her first career hat trick which propelled the second-seeded Valiants team into the New England Hockey Conference Championship game after beating UMass Boston 4-2. She scored the first two goals and sealed the victory with an empty-netter. Despite making it to the Championship for the first time in three season, the Valiants were unable to get past top-seed and fourth-ranked Norwich University in the NEHC. They lost 5-0. Mensi and Freshman Zoey Pellowitz were named to the All Tournament team.

RPI ended its 2016-17 season in the ECAC Hockey Quarterfinals with a 5-2 loss to the eventual National Champions Clarkson University. The Engineers end their season at 10-24-2.

UNION

Photos from a game against RIT earlier this season.

ARMY

East Men’s College Report by Warren Koziereski

The Black Knights defeated Mercyhurst in game three of their Atlantic Hockey quarterfinal series, but fell to eventual champion Air Force in the semi-finals despite outshooting them 2923 in the contest. It marked their second consecutive season making the conference final four. “You always want to leave a place better than when you got there and our seniors have certainly done that,” head coach Brian Riley said after the loss. Forward Dominic Franco and defenseman Alex Wilkinson were named to Atlantic Hockey’s Rookie squad. Franco ranked second on the team with 17 points in Atlantic Hockey games on seven goals and 10 assists, with his seven goals putting him in a tie for fifth amongst rookies in goals. Wilkinson recorded 13 points on three goals and 10 assists in 22 league games, ranking him third among rookie defensemen in points per game. Senior goaltender Parker Gahagen (Buffalo) earned his second-straight Second Team All-Conference honor after leading Army to a third-place finish in the conference. He ranked second in goals against average and save percentage behind Charles Williams and tied the Canisius net-minder with five shutouts. “Looking back it has obviously been an honor,” Gahagen reflected about is four year career at Army. “From where we started to where we are now is a great representation of the class. I think our goal coming in here was to make our team and the organization better and I think we accomplished that.”

MANHATTANVILLE

A strong second half and second place regular season finish—their best since winning ten games in 2009-10–ended with loss to Hobart on home ice in the semi-finals. Senior defenseman Tanner Hicks was named First Team All-ECAC West while senior forward Adam Platt, sophomore Matt Lippa and sophomore goaltender Tyler Feaver were all named Second Team and Arlen Marshall garnered Coach of the Year honors after leading the Valiants to a 14-10-1 overall mark and a 10-4-1 ledger against conference opponents. In his fifth year at the helm, Manhattanville rattled off wins in six of its final eight league games. The ten wins are the most in one season since Marshall took the reins.

R.P.I. The Engineers were swept in their first round ECAC playoff series at Clarkson to finish 8-28-1 overall. Head coach Seth Appert was relieved of his responsibilities with the Engineers, Rensselaer Athletic Director Dr. Lee McElroy announced. “We conduct annual evaluations of our athletic programs and the performance of all our coaches at the end of the season and we have determined that a change in leadership is necessary,” McElroy said in a press release. Rensselaer has engaged Parker Executive Search to lead a national search for the next head coach. Leading scorer Riley Bourbonnais (Greece) completed his collegiate career with 71 points in 121 games.

UNION The Dutchmen defeated Princeton in the ECAC quarterfinals before losing to Cornell in the semi’s, but were awarded an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament. They were the second seed in the Midwest Regional in Cincinnati and were to face NCAA postseason first-timer Penn State in the regional semi-final. Senior forward Mike Vecchione was named the ECAC Hockey Player of the Year and head coach Rick Bennett was tabbed as the Tim Taylor Coach of the Year. Vecchione, who joins Shayne Gostisbehere as the only two Dutchmen to win the award, also received AllECAC Hockey First Team honors. Junior forward Spencer Foo was also named to the first team, while senior defenseman Jeff Taylor (Clifton Park) and senior goaltender Alex Sakellaropoulos were selected to the second team. Earlier Vecchione became the first Dutchman to score

two overtime winners in a season since 200910 (Jason Walters ‘10). He and Foo were announced among the final ten in voting for the Hobey Baker Award. Sakellaropoulos won his 40th game of his career in the ECAC quarterfinals placing him third in program history. OTHER AREA NOTES: • Freshman Adam Fox (Jericho) was named ECAC Rookie of the Year as the Calgary Flames prospect led the team with 27 assists. His 1.14 points per game mark ranks first among all defensemen in the country and fifth among all rookies.

Photos from ECC vs HVCC game earlier this season. Photos by Janet Schultz

North Hockey

Northern New York Men’s College Hockey Report › Warren Kozireski

Wkozires@brockport.edu

CLARKSON The Golden Knights missed out on a first round playoff bye by five points and swept RPI in the first round before losing to host Cornell in three games. They lost two heart-breaking one goal games after winning game one. James de Haas was selected the league’s Best Defensive Defenseman and Second Team All-ECAC after the senior captain registered 47 blocks on the season, while totaling seven goals and 21 assists on 64 shots. His point total was the most by a Golden Knight blue-liner since 2002-03 and ranked fourth among his league counterparts. Sam Vigneault was named Third Team All-League before giving up his senior season and signing a two-year professional contract with Columbus and a tryout deal for this year with their Cleveland affiliate. Clarkson placed three players on the six-member ECAC Hockey All-Rookie team with goaltender Jake Kielly and forwards Sheldon Rempal and Nico Sturm. Troy Joseph’s signed a contract with the WilkesBarre/Scranton Penguins and will join the Penguins during their current season on an amateur tryout contract. The seventh round pick (209th overall) by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft comes to WilkesBarre/Scranton after a career season at Clarkson University. During his senior year, the 22-year-old shattered his previous bests in goals (20), points (33) and plus-minus (+10). Josephs’ 20 goals led the Golden Knights, and his 33 points placed second on the team.

PLATTSBURGH The Cardinals won their 23rd SUNYAC championship and the NCAA playoff auto-bid with a win at Oswego before their storybook second half came to an end with a loss to Trinity in the first round. Head coach Bob Emery was named SUNYAC Coach of the Year for the sixth time and third in the past six years. “It’s just finding a way to win—we were 6-8 at one time,” Emery said after the Oswego win. “It’s probably my biggest (in season) turnaround, but this is also been the youngest team we’ve ever had. “We were picked third and they had all the veterans and First Team All-League players—it’s a lot easier to coach when you’re the underdogs.”

ST. LAWRENCE The Saints finished fourth in the regular season to earn a first round playoff bye, but lost a tough series to Quinnipiac in the quarterfinals on home ice. They won the first game, but lost games two and three by identical 3-2 scores. Kyle Hayton was voted the Ken Dryden Award winner as ECAC Goaltender of the Year after he finished the regular-season first among league goaltenders with a .939 save percentage. Playing in all 22 league contests, he recorded a 1.75 goals-against average, which ranked second in conference play. He also led ECAC Hockey goaltenders in shutouts with four and broke a 60-yearold program record for career shutouts in November with his tenth. Defenseman Gavin Bayreuther joined Hayton on the ECAC First team and signed a two-year contract with Texas in the AHL. His amateur tryout contract begins this season with the two-year deal beginning in the fall.

Potsdam Men Fund Raise for Cancer Awareness Potsdam--On Thursday, March 23, SUNY Potsdam men’s hockey player Sean Kacerosky presented the Community Manager for the American Cancer Society Laura Gregory with a check for $1550. This money was raised during the Cancer Awareness Night on Dec. 10. Potsdam wore the special Cancer Awareness jerseys during the game against SUNY Geneseo. The Bears auctioned off some of the jerseys and donated the proceeds as well as proceeds from the 50/50 raffle to the American Cancer Society after the game.

Kacerosky along with Head Coach Chris Bernard and Chuck Campagna were instrumental in orchestrating the event. Mr. Campagna donated the money for the jerseys the Bears donned during the game. Prior to the game in December, Kacerosky, a cancer survivor himself, was excited to see the program come together to support the cause. “I think it’s a very good thing for people to be aware of,” Kacerosky said. “It’s awesome that we’re doing something like this and helping to raise some money for cancer research.” Bernard echoed the sentiment of Kacerosky and was thrilled that they could put on an important event like this one. “All of us have felt the terrible impact of this disease,” said Bernard. “We need to remind each other that we are in the fight together to support one another, to acknowledge those battling and to honor those gone. We have a living inspiration every day in Sean Kacerosky. The person that he is, being through such adversity, is special. To have the chance to see him on the ice that night, for him to play so well and score a goal was something I will never forget as a coach. We are so very thankful to the American Cancer Society and all of our fans for being there. We are grateful to all those who made contributions.”

Photos from Buffalo State vs Plattsburgh earlier this season! Photos by Janet Schultz

team all-conference in 2014 and 2015 and was honorable mention last season. She also collected third team All-USCHO and D3Hockey.com East All-Region accolades in 2016.

Northern New York Women’s College Hockey Report by Janet Schultz Janet@ nyhockeyonline.com

POTSDAM Third seeded Buffalo State (17-7-2) scored three second period goals and added an empty-netter in the third to defeat the sixth seeded SUNY Potsdam women’s hockey team (12-13-1) in the ECAC West Quarterfinals ending the Bears season. Three SUNY Potsdam women’s hockey players have earned All-ECAC West honors after concluding their 2016-17 season last Thursday. Senior Jordan Ott (Hilton, N.Y./Rochester Edge) was named to the second team, while freshmen Alexa Pfeiffer (Sylvania, Ohio/Little Caesar’s) and Delphine Léonard (Montreal, Quebec/Dawson College Prep) have earned all-rookie honors. Ott closed out her storied career with 14 goals and nine assists for 23 points this season. The total gave her an NCAA-era program record of 107 points over four years. The forward also owns the Bears’ records for goals (61), power-power play goals (18), game-winning goals (12), points-per-game (1.06), points in a season (36) and is fourth in assists (46). Ott was the 2014 USCHO.com National Division III and ECAC West Rookie of the Year. She was second

PLATTSBURGH

2017 DIII National Champions! See story on page 14. Five members of the Plattsburgh State women’s ice hockey team were named as CCM Division III Women’s Ice Hockey All-Americans as announced at the NCAA Division III Women’s Ice Hockey Championship Awards Banquet. Senior defender Erin Brand (Long Beach, N.Y./Syracuse) and junior forwards Kayla Meneghin (Clifton, N.J./The Gunnery) and Melissa Sheeran (Schaghticoke, N.Y./Millbrook School) were tabbed for the Eastern First Team, while junior defender Megan Crandell (Fullerton, Calif./Saint Norbert) and senior goalie Camille Leonard (Oakville, Ontario/Oakville Jr. Hornets) were chosen for the Eastern Second Team. Twenty-four players, who were chosen by the American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA), comprised the Eastern and Western teams. Each Cardinal is now a multiple All-America selection, with Meneghin now being honored for the third time in as many seasons. Meneghin, who is on the First Team for the

second year in a row, joins current assistant coach Danielle Blanchard ‘09 as the only players in program history to be named an All-American at least three times. Blanchard was a Second Team as a rookie before securing First Team recognitions her last three years. Brand has earned her second straight All-American First Team honor. Last month, Brand was named to the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Women’s West All-Conference First Team. She is tied for eighth nationally among defenders in points (23) and is tied for 10th in defense assists (15). Brand has six multi-point games this season, including three-point performances at William Smith College on Nov. 6 and at SUNY Cortland on Jan. 27. She potted two goals in the ECAC Women’s West Championship semifinal against Utica College on Feb. 26. Defensively, Brand has helped anchor a Cardinal blue line that leads the nation in fewest goals allowed (1.11), while ranking fourth on the penalty kill (.920). Plattsburgh State has yielded two or fewer goals in 25 games this season, including 10 shutouts. Brand, who was also named to last year’s NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team, has 63 points on 14 goals and 49 assists in 83 career games. Meneghin, who was selected last month to the ECAC Women’s West All-Conference First Team, is tied for sixth in Division III in both points (44) and assists (26) and is tied for 15th in goals (18). She has at least one point in 23 of 28 games this season, including 13 multi-point outings. She opened the year on a seven-game point streak that included six goals and six assists. Meneghin provided five points on three goals and two assists against Chatham on Jan. 14 and then contributed seven total points in a two-game series at Cortland on Jan. 27-28. She has six points on two goals and four assists in three postseason games so far. Meneghin is third in program history in career short-handed goals (9), third in career assists (82), fourth in career points (146), eighth in career goals (64) and tied for eighth in career power-play goals (15). Sheeran grabs her second straight First Team pick. The ECAC Women’s West Player of the Year, ECAC Women’s West Championship Most Valuable Player and Panther/ Cardinal Classic Most Valuable Player was also a Laura Hurd Memorial Award finalist as the year’s top Division III women’s ice hockey player. Sheeran currently leads the nation in goals (31) and game-winning goals (10), while tying for sixth in points (44). She has seven multi-goal outings

this season and two four-goal performances. Sheeran sits atop the Plattsburgh State record book in career gamewinning goals (23), is tied for third in career goals (76) and is eighth in career points (134). Crandell, who is in her first season with Plattsburgh State, is now a two-time AllAmerican, having landed on the Second Team while skating for Division III Saint Norbert College as a sophomore in 2014-15. She was tabbed for the ECAC Women’s West AllConference First Team last month. Having played all of the Cardinals’ 28 games this season, Crandell is fourth nationally in defense assists (21), while tying for sixth in defense points (24). Crandell has six multi-point games this season, including a career-best four points on one goal and three assists against Utica on Jan. 21. She chipped in a goal and two helpers against then-No. 4 Elmira College on Feb. 11 before dishing two assists against Utica in the ECAC Women’s West Championship semifinal. In two seasons at Saint Norbert, Crandell was a 2015 Northern Collegiate Hockey Association (NCHA) all-conference pick in addition to AllAmerican recognition. She has 55 career points on nine goals and 46 assists in 80 games. Leonard is an All-American for the second time in her career and is the fifth goalie in school history to reach AllAmerica status. The 2017 ECAC Women’s West All-Conference Second Team selection currently leads the nation in winning percentage (.958), is second in goals-against average (1.09) and is 10th in save percentage (.946). Leonard has allowed one goal or fewer in 18 of 24 appearances this season, including six shutouts. She blanked three nationally-ranked opponents and registered nine 20-save performances. Leonard owns the Division III career wins record (73) and is second in career shutouts (29). She is the program leader in career winning percentage (.948), GAA (0.97) and save percentage (.949), while standing third in career saves (1,357). In addition to her two All-American selections, Leonard is a two-time NCAA Championship All-Tournament pick, a three-time ECAC Women’s West Championship All-Tournament pick, a two-time Academic All-Conference honoree and the 2016 ECAC Women’s West co-Goalie of the Year recognition.

CLARKSON

2017 National Champions, see related story on page 12.

Co-Captains for the Clarkson University Women’s Hockey team, Cayley Mercer and Savannah Harmon, who have led the Golden Knights back to the Frozen Four, were honored by the American Hockey Coaches Association with 2017 CCM Division I Women’s Hockey All-American accolades. Mercer, a senior forward from Exeter, Ontario, was named a First-Team All-America, while Harmon, a junior defender from Downers Grove Illinois, earned SecondTeam honors.

ST LAWRENCE UNIVERSITY The Saints fell to Cornell in the ECAC Hockey Semifinals after having a 32-15 shots on goal advantage. However Big Red Goalie Paula Voorheis made 31 saves and the Cornell defense bocked 16 shots to defeat the Saints 3-1. The Saints then headed to the NCAA National Collegiate Women’s Ice Hockey Tournament facing fourth-seeded Boston College. The bid was the ninth in St. Lawrence program history and the first since 2012. However, Boston took the lead when they scored four goals in the second period, including two shorthanded, to defeat the Saints 6-0. The loss ends a historic season for St. Lawrence who opened the season with a program record 17-game unbeaten streak. The closed out 2016-17 with a 26-

6-4 record. St. Lawrence University senior forward Brooke Webster has been named a 2016-17 Women’s CCM Hockey Division I Second Team All-America honoree by the American Hockey Coaches Association. Webster helped lead the Saints to their first NCAA tournament appearance since 2012 this past season and ranks third nationally with 57 points, good for a tie for fourth on the Saints’ all-time single-season scoring list. Her 34 assists this season rank sixth on the Saints’ all-time list, and her career total of 149 points ranks seventh in program history. Webster, along with linemate Kennedy Marchment, was a Top-10 Finalist for the Patty Kazmaier Award and a FirstTeam All-ECAC Hockey selection. She started the season with a 15-game point streak, which, combined with three consecutive games with at least a point to end the 2015-16 season, extended her streak to 18 straight games. Webster was the Saints’ most consistent offensive threat, registering at least one point in all but four games this season. St. Lawrence University forwards Kennedy Marchment and Brooke Webster were both named First-Team AllECAC Hockey selections at the conference championship banquet on Friday night at Clarkson University, leading a group of five Saints on the all-conference team. Hannah Miller, Kirsten Padalis and Grace Harrison were all second-team selections for the Saints. Marchment and Webster were both Top-10 Finalists for the Patty Kazmaier Award and were also finalists for the league’s Forward of the Year award. Webster leads ECAC Hockey with 56 points and is second in the league with 22 goals and 34 assists. Marchment leads the league with 35 assists and is tied for second with 55 points. Miller ranks fourth in ECAC Hockey with 47 points and third in the league with 32 assists. Padalis, who was a finalist for the league’s Defenseman of the Year award, ranks third in the league in scoring by defensemen with five goals and 17 assists and ranks eighth in ECAC Hockey with 61 blocked shots. Harrison, who was a finalist for the league’s Goaltender of the Year honors, has shattered the school record for shutouts in a single season with a league-best nine. The previous record was set in the 2011-12 season by Carmen MacDonald ‘15, who had six in her rookie campaign. Harrison is tied for the league lead with 23 wins in net and ranks third with a 1.47 goals against average and a .930 save percentage.

CANTON The SUNY Canton women’s hockey team out-shot Morrisville State 43-29 as Margret Troiano scored a pair of goals but the Mustangs earned a 4-2 win in the semifinal of the Colonial Hockey Playoffs on Saturday at Raymond Bourque Ice Arena, ending the Roos season.

Twelve Potsdam Women Named to ECAC All-Academic Team Potsdam--This year 12 SUNY Potsdam women’s hockey players, including 6 from New York, have earned a spot on the Eastern College Athletic Conference West AllAcademic Team. Every player who was eligible for the All-Academic Team achieved the honor. In order to be eligible for the all-academic team, student-athletes must carry a cumulative grade-point-average of 3.0 or higher and have completed at least one full year at their current institution. Senior forward Jordan Ott (Hilton, N.Y./Rochester Edge) finishes her career as the Bears NCAA era all-time leading scorer in program history. This season, Ott reached the 100-point plateau,finishing her career with 107 points on 61 goals and 46 assists in 101 games played. Ott was named USCHO.com and ECAC West Rookie of the Year in 2013-14. She also earned second team All-ECAC West honors in three seasons, including this one. Last year, she was named All-USCHO and D3hockey.com third team. In addition to points, she leaves Potsdam as the program’s record holder in points-per-game (1.06), goals (61), game-winning goals (12) and power-play goals (18). She is third in all-time assists with 46. Senior defenseman Kaylen Van Wagner (Red Hook, N.Y./Hotchkiss Prep) served as a Bears captain this season. Van Wagner played in all 26 games for the Bears and put up six assists on the season. She finishes her time in the program with two goals and 15 assists for 17 points, while suiting up in all of the Bears’ 102 games in her four seasons. Senior forward Amanda Peterson (West Chazy, N.Y./

Chazy Flyers) also served as a Bears captain this season. She put up a career-high seven goals and six assists for 13 points this past season. She closed her career with 18 goals and 20 assists for 38 points over 101 games in a Bears uniform. Senior defenseman Kady Hart (Potsdam, N.Y/North Country Ice Storm) served as an assistant captain in 201617. Hart finishes her career with two goals and two assists for four points and never missed any of the 76 games in her three-year career. Junior forward Taylor Marcellus (Waddington, N.Y./ Ontario Hockey Academy) played in all 26 games for the Bears this season. Sophomore forward Tatum Walber (Orchard Park, N.Y./Buffalo Regals) assisted on three goals in 25 games for the Bears. Senior defenseman Madison Smith (Edmonton, Alberta/The College of St. Scholastica) finished her senior year with one goal and two assists for three points. Smith played in 51 games for the Bears after transferring from The College of St. Scholastica in 2015. Junior forward Anna-Rose Bertin (Marathon, Ontario/ CIH Academy) also served as an assistant captain this season. Bertin put up a career high 12 goals and added four assists for 16 points in her third year. Junior forward Jaci Morr (Monroe, Mich./Team Detroit) scored a career-high six goals and recorded a personal best six assists for 12 points in 26 games this season. Junior forward Brenna Wilson (Kanata, Ontario/Ottawa Senators) played all 26 games this year and recorded three goals and nine assists for a career-high 12 points. Sophomore forward Jenna Patterson (Boissevain, Manitoba/Westman Wildcats) played in all 26 games and put up four goals and five assists for nine points. Sophomore defenseman Rylie Murray (Berkley, Mich./ Honeybaked) scored two goals and assisted on five for seven points this year. This season, the Bears posted a 12-13-1 overall record and an 8-9-1 mark in ECAC West play. The team matched the program single-season record for overall wins and set one for conference victories. Potsdam earned its fourth postseason berth in the last six years.

West Hockey

Williamsville North Takes 2017 NYSPHSAA Ice Hockey Division I Championship

Tom McCollum Ready For Chance To Return To The Crease

Written by Nicholas Niedzielski

oining a new team for the final stretch of the season is a tough task as it is. Add in some lost luggage and a 50-shot barrage to that and you have Tom McCollum’s first 48 hours as a Checker. Acquired at the AHL trade deadline, the netminder quickly departed to meet his new team in Winnipeg, where they would take on the Manitoba Moose Thursday night. After a series of airline changes and sprints through airport terminals, McCollum arrived in Winnipeg. Unfortunately, his goalie equipment did not. That delayed his Checkers debut a day, as he took

the ice in Friday’s rematch as the starter. There was no easing in to his new team for McCollum, however, as he was peppered with a staggering 50 shots by the Moose. But the netminder stood tall, turning aside 49 of them to earn the win. “It’s definitely not the easiest way to do it,” said McCollum of his first outing with his new team. “But like I told the guys they did a great job of keeping the shots to the perimeter and giving me clean lanes to see the puck. Yes it was a lot of shots but it wasn’t super taxing because the guys played so well in front of me.” Making the jump to Charlotte represents a fresh start for McCollum, and a chance to showcase his skills that he wasn’t allotted earlier this season. Selected in the first round of the 2008 draft, McCollum spent the first seven season of his pro career in the Detroit system, spending most of that time making an impact on the Grand Rapids Griffins’ record book. That changed when the netminder inked a two-year deal with the Calgary Flames just prior to the 2016-17 season. With the Flames’ goaltending situation solidified up top and a pipeline full of young talent, McCollum found himself the odd man out. He appeared in just one game for the AHL’s Stockton Heat, entering the contest in relief, and five games with the ECHL’s Adirondack Thunder. While he still remains property of the Flames, the deadline deal offered McCollum the chance to get back into the crease. “It’s definitely been a little strange,” he said of his season so far. “I’m used to playing a lot more and for whatever reason things didn’t work out that way in Stockton, but fortunately there was a need here for me and hopefully I can fit in and help contribute.” Keeping yourself prepared and in game condition while rarely seeing the ice is a tough task, but one that McCollum faced head on. “I spent a lot of time working with Colin Zulianelo, who is the goalie coach in Stockton,” said McCollum. “We were on the ice early before practice and we stayed out late after, even at morning skates. I’d sit with him in the games where I wasn’t dressed and pick his brain about what both goalies were doing for each team just to keep my head into it. A lot of it is just visualizing when you’re away from the rink to keep

your mind sharp.” The real kicker in McCollum’s situation this season is that the 27-year-old has long established himself as a strong presence at the AHL level. He stands as the Griffins’ all-time leader in games played, minutes played and saves and ranks second in wins, and is just a year removed from posting 15 wins and a career-best .923 save percentage. Perhaps most importantly for the Checkers, McCollum was a key piece on a Grand Rapids team that was perennially contending for a Calder Cup. With Charlotte in the midst of an uphill climb to the playoffs that is coming down to the wire, having a player like McCollum in the locker room is a definite plus. “There’s a lot of guys here now who have been on good teams before,” said McCollum. “A lot of it is we know what it takes and the work you need to put in. It’s not so much guys like that telling younger guys what to do, it’s just showing up and putting the work in and leading the way in hopes that they follow.” While he hasn’t spent a ton of time around the group, McCollum is already impressed with the squad he is becoming a part of. “From what I’ve seen there’s a great team here,” he said. “These guys have a lot of skill. It’s a very close team too, which helps with that playoff push.” Michael Leighton, out for nearly a month now due to

injury, continues to work his way back to game action, but isn’t quite there. The veteran took the ice Monday in goalie gear for the first time since getting hurt, but was only out for a few minutes ahead of practice before heading back to the locker room. With Leighton still on the mend and rookie Alex Nedeljkovic in Florida, the Checkers will send out McCollum and Daniel Altshuller as their tandem between the pipes for the time being. Head coach Ulf Samuelsson has been on the record this season as preferring to have one of his young netminders seize the starting role as opposed to going through a rotation. Whether that philosophy remains the same with the new faces is to be seen, but however it plays out, McCollum is prepared. “As far as that goes, it’s just my job to show up and play,” said McCollum. “Ulf’s going to decide who plays and when. I’m comfortable in all situations. I’ve played a lot of games in a row, I went through a stretch this year where I didn’t play at all. So I’m used to every role. At the end of the day your job is just to be a great teammate and be ready to play when the coach gives you a chance.” (Republished With permission of the Charlotte Checkers File Photos by Janet Schultz)

Congratulations to Notre Dame Seniors Cameron Clark and Ryan Webster!

(Submitted by Coach Tom Ruggerio Written by Janet Schultz, NY Hockey Online)

Regals Head to Nationals

he Regal’s Abby Ruggiero opened the scoring just 9 seconds into the Championship game with a backhand that beat the Syracuse Nationals goalie, Rylie Dwyer. The Nationals evened the score just 3:40 later on a Nicole Tulowiecki power play goal that beat the Regals Mia Wendell, and after that, both goalies made save after big save until 8:54 remained in the 3rd when the Regals Emma Roland, who led the tournament in goals with 8, picked up a loose puck in the neutral zone, entered the Syracuse zone and fired a slap shot that beat Dwyer top corner on the short side. After a frantic final few minutes, Abby Ruggiero scored her second of the game with 1:07 remaining into an open net that helped clinch the NY State Championship for the Regals. Our core girls (Jersey Phillips, Abby Ruggiero, Jenna Cavalieri, Sara & Hannah Barrett, Gracee Donovan, Elizabeth Jackson), which make up roughly ½ of the team, started together when they were 9 years old and played house against boys teams that year. The next two years, we picked up players and started playing against girls in Tier II and up in the Canadian league and for the last three years, we have played Tier I, culminating with this year’s NY State Championship and # 11 ranking nationally. Parents have heard this from me since the beginning. The plan for this group is the same plan I had in place with my older daughters teams (that group won 2 State Championships in their career)…we played to win at the early ages, but our only focus was to work with and develop as many girls as possible, with the goal of being good enough, deep enough and playing at the age appropriate level for us to compete for State Championships, starting in our 14U major year…and fortunately for us, this plan came to fruition for us. What stands out for me with this group is that

they are very tight knit group. They wanted this title, they trusted the coaches and each other and showed up all year and worked their tails off and most importantly, they believed in each other – we played one of the toughest schedules of anyone in the Country and with that schedule, we had our ups and downs during the year and not once when things weren’t going well did they ever get on each other, they would just keep fighting. So the chemistry with this group has been better than any team that I have coached and it certainly made a difference when it was 1-1 going into the 3rd in the Championship game…they were very clam in the locker room between the break and they just believed they were going to win and they stayed together and just kept making plays. I am just very impressed with them. In an interview with several of the players NYHOL learned that this team is seeing this as one of the best experiences in their hockey career. “Honestly, this is the best experience I have every had,” said Abby Ruggiero, who plays all positions except goalie. “We worked on this for two seasons and felt that this was the year (they would make nationals).” “This is a talented team,” Ruggiero said. “We know that other teams see us as the underdog but that

just makes us bond and work harder. “Our emotion also helps us win.” E m m a Roland has been playing hockey since she was five years old spurred on by her Father’s love of the game and “my mom is from Canada.” “We have the speed and defensive skills and we understand our job and work well as a unit,” said Roland of the Regals. Goalie Mia Wendell was amazing in goal at the States but her secret, keeping her head in the game. “I do get down but I know I need to keep up for my teammates,” said Wendell. “When we won the States I just started crying,” she continues. “It’s the best experience I have ever had at hockey.” In preparing for nationals Forward Jenna Cavalieri explains that the Regals are working hard, getting in good practices, working off-ice with weight training and eating nutritious food. “It will be tough but we can work our way through as long as we work as a team,” says Cavalieri. “it will also be a great experience to meet new people.” “This has been crazy. We have been working on this and it looks like this is our year,” said Jersey Phillips, who plays Center/Forward. “I don’t know what to expect in Detroit but you know in your head that this is the nationals,” said Phillips. These girls have a love for the game. They got into it for a lot of reasons, but the basic one is family; their siblings played and they decided to try it; their Father was a huge fan and wanted them to just give it a try and the main one is that they just fell in love with the sport itself. Coach Tom Ruggiero has been around the WNY hockey scene for many years and is proud to mention that Phillips has been verbally committed to play at Mercyhurst and Ruggiero at Cornell when those days come. As the Buffalo Regals Coach he has had a 14U Tier II NY State Champion and USA National runner-up in 2012; a 16U Tier I NY State Champion and USA National Quarter Finalist ins 2016 and now the 14U NYS Championship and a chance at a USA title.U

IROQUOIS ALDEN VARSITY CHIEFS MAKE RUN FOR THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS (Submitted by Iroquois Varsity Ice Hockey) The Iroquois Alden Varsity Chiefs traveled to Long Island, New York t to compete in the Varsity Club Team Championships. For the first game, the Chiefs faced Levittown. The Chiefs started the game with a quick goal by Luke Pukalo assisted by Ryan Nehls. The second goal of the first period was scored by Nate Mathis assisted by Dan Porzio ad Spencer Hrynczak. In the second period, the Chiefs Alex Held buried one assisted by Nathan Nuwer. The fourth goal was scored by Nathan Mathis assisted by Spencer Hrynczak. With an assist by Nate Mathis, Dan Porzio hit the back of the net less than a minute into the third period. The final goal was scored by Spencer Hrynczak assisted by Alex Held. Throughout the game the Chiefs goalie Colton DeGrace was strong in net holding Levittown off to only one goal for the game. In game two, Iroquois / Alden faced Friendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Academy. In another stellar performance by the Chiefs defense, headed by goalkeeper Matt Majeski, the team put it to he Quakers with a 6-0 win. Starting off slow, the Chiefs scored only 1 goal in the first period by Luke Pukalo assisted by Ryan Nehls. In the second period, the Chiefs put it to the Quakers with a goal by Ryan Nehls assisted by Cam Giancarlo. With 2 minutes left in the second period, Dylan Giancarlo and Nate Mathis assisted to Nate Porzio who buried it for a solid goal. Less than a minute later, the Chiefs Alex Held assisted by Josh Harris and Dylan Giancarlo rounded out the second to make it 4-0. The third period showed a power play goal unassisted by Spencer Hrynczak. Finishing the Chiefs scoring with his second for the night was Spencer Hrynczak

Section VI Boys Varsity

assisted by Jamie Bonn. G a m e t h r e e proved to be a challenge for the Chiefs. Playing against Syosset Braves seeded first in the Nassau County HIgh School League, the Chiefs dropped their first game of the tournament by a score of 4-3 in double overtime. Chiefs started the scoring quickly in the first shift with a goal from Nate Mathis assisted by Dan Porzio. The second goal of the game was scored by Spencer Hrynczak assisted by Colton Czajka. Syosset answered with three unanswered goals taking the lead. Late in the third period, Nate Mathis scored with an assist by Dan Porzio tying the game. The first five minute sudden death overtime was scoreless, but the Chiefs controlled the play without giving up a shot on goal. Syosset scored the final goal in three on three sudden death overtime. Two wins and one loss were enough to advance the Chiefs to the semifinal game against Syosset. This rematch showed Syosset scoring first at the 3:02 mark. The Chiefs rallied back with Dan Porzio. Scoring at the 1:59 mark with an assist from Cam Giancarlo. Scoring for Iroquois in the second period was Dan Porzio, scoring his second of the game, assisted by Dylan Giancarlo. Iroquois scored their third goal short handed. Alex Held stole the puck scoring unassisted. Continuing the scoring in the third period, Alex Held scored his second of the game assisted by Josh Harris. Chiefs advanced to the final with a 4-2 win. In the final, played against Dunkirk Fredonia, the Chiefs battled hard. After a going down 2-0 in the first period, the Chiefs controlled most of the play in the second and third periods. Scoring for the Chiefs late in the third period was Spencer Hrynczak assisted by Daniel Porzio. Although a valiant effort, the Chiefs fell to the Steelers 2-1. Overall, the Iroquois Alden Chiefs experienced an excellent 2016-2017 season and are already looking forward to next years season. The team recognizes their winning season was made possible thanks to the generosity of Peter Wilson. Special thanks to Coach Reinig, Coach Giambra, Coach Stenzel, Team Managers Sheryl Held and Cheryl Harris, as well as all the parents and fans. Go Chiefs!

2017 All Federation Team (Boys) Pictured below: Tom Held, Jack Lalley, Zachary Mecca, Nathan Berke, Brett Sardina and Anthony Trigilio. Apologize for not having rest of names at press time.

2017 Boys Federation All Bee Team Adam Pray, Kenmore West; Mike Stefan, Williamsville East; Brett Sardina and Anthony Trigilio, Williamsville North; Jack Lalley, St Joes and Coach Richard Roszak, Kenmore West. (Photo by Janet Schultz)

WNYGVIH LEAGUE

istorical moments keep happening for this League. This year the WNYGVIH was invited to participate in the Section VI Federation Super Monday press conference. Williamsville and Orchard Park/LakeShore/Frontier coaches Rick Hopkins and Bob Klimowiz introduced the teams and gave an overview of the League and the season. The girls then had their photos taken along with the boys and Patrick Kaleta. All Fed Team & All Bee Teams Named Named to the 2017 All Fed Team for the WNYGVIH Leauge were (pictured above) Leah Czerwinski, Broke Becker, Ellie Cleary, Coach Bob Klimowicz, Julia Mings, Olivia Smith and Brianne Gawronski. Named to the All Bee Team, selected by Bee Publications: (Front) Brianne Gawronski, Brooke Becker, Casey Adimey. (Back) Coach Rick Hopkins, Leah Czerwinski, Olivia Smith and Julia Mings. Also selected Kaitlin Drew-Mead (unavailable for photo).

ormer Canisius College defenseman Chris Rumble didn’t join the Binghamton Senators of the American Hockey League until ten games into the 2016-17 season, but has slowly made his way up to become the top-scoring blueliner. Over his first 46 games this season, the Chesapeake, Virginia native had six goals and 18 assists with 101 shots on goal. He is also one of just three players who have paled ten or more games for the team to sit even or better in plus/minus for the struggling team. “It definitely feels good,” Rumble said after registering his first two goal game against Rochester. “Everyone is going and the puck seems to be going our way for the first time this year so hopefully something we can build on.” Rumble left Canisius one year early sitting tied for ninth among defensemen in scoring despite playing only three season to sign a pro contract with Evansville of the East Coast Hockey League after his junior season ended. He scored 29 points last season in 64 games with the Icemen and began this year with the Wichita Thunder in the same league before Binghamton called in early November. “I am a bit of an anomaly and it took a little longer to get here, but I think it’s good for other guys to see that you keep working hard and keep going.”

Canisius’ Rumble Making AHL Mark By Warren Kozireski

Western New York Women’s College Hockey Report by Janet Schultz Janet@nyhockeyonline.com JDSchultz3663@gmail.com

BUFFALO STATE The Bengals season ended in the ECAC West Semi-finals as they lost to #4 Elmira, 6-0. The Soaring Eagles broke through to open scoring with just a minute remaining in the first peErin Gehen with Plattsburgh’s Ashley Songin, riod and then another WNY’er. posted another in the opening of the second period. The score remained 2-0 until the Soaring Eagles dropped in four goals in the final 20 minutes of the game. The ECAC West announced its women’s hockey All-Conference teams today and recognized Buffalo State’s Erin Gehen (W. Seneca, NY/W. Seneca West) as a second team selection, and honored Natasha Steinle (Morrison, CO/CIHA) on it All-Rookie team. Gehen, a junior business major, led the Bengals with 29 points on 18 goals and 11 assists. Her 18 goals

were a career-best and ranked her third in the conference. She tallied three game-winning goals and 16 of her 18 goals came at even strength. Gehen now ranks second in school history in both goals and points with 42 and 77 respectively. She is just three goals and two points shy of Emma Wadsworth’s school records of 45 and 79. Steinle, a freshman criminal justice major, overcame a slow start to finish second in the conference in rookie goal scoring with 14. She added five assists to finish with 19 points in 26 games played. Steinle registered just one assist in her first eight games as a Bengals, and then tallied 14 goals and 18 points in her final 18 games, including scoring a hat trick when the Bengals defeated Potsdam for the program’s first-ever playoff victory. Buffalo State finished the season 17-8-2 overall, just one win shy of the school’s single-season record that was set last season. The Bengals were 11-6-1 in league play and earned their highest-ever regular season finish placing third. (West College Women continued on next page)

RIT

The Tigers faced fourth-seeded Penn State in the CHA Postseason tournament at HarborCenter in Buffalo. Senior Captain Taylor Thurston and assistant captain Cassie Clayton scored third period goals to help the Tigers defeat Penn State 2-1 and move on to the semifinals against Syracuse. After a rough season, the Tigers fell to Syracuse 4-0 and ended their season with a 7-27-2 overall record. “I’m proud of our girls for competing and playing hard this weekend,” said McDonald. “I’m really proud of how they went out this season. Regardless of what the score was, they kept playing right to the end.” What a crew this senior class was. They won two championships in four years here, which is still pretty amazing. We never let anything be an excuse, so they always came out, played hard, and helped set the standards for our program,” said McDonald.

UNIVERSITY OF BUFFALO

The UB Lady Ice Bulls won the College Hockey East Championship by beating West Chester 3-1 and shutting out the University of Delaware 3-0. Maddie Norton, Lexi Peters and Theresa Moesky led the club to the CHE Championship with a 3-0 win over Delaware. Three UB players were among the top scorers in the American Collegiate Hockey Association nationally including #2 Maddie Norton with 34 goals and 22 assists in 13 games; #3 Mamie Talty, 17 goals, 30 assists in 11 games and at #4 Alexis Peters with 20 goals and 26 assists in 14 games. Sitting at #5 among the goaltenders is Theresa Meosky. Meosky played 785 minutes with 12 wins and no losses, including three shutouts. She has a 1.68 GAA and a .919 save percentage.

All this before the Ice Bulls moved to the National Championship Tournament. They had a bye in the first game and then lost their first two, ending their season. First a 7-4 loss to Minot State and the second a 7-5 loss to Miami University (Pa). The 2017 ACHA Champion is Lakehead University who beat North Dakota State 3-1. This was historically the best season UB has had. Noteworthy is the fact they are often shortbenched and headed off to the Championships with 11 skaters and a single goalie. Yet, throughout the season they have been dominant in their Division. Another interesting fact is that many of these girls playing on this team were part of the historic move to form a Western New York Girls Varsity Ice Hockey League in the Buffalo area. Team members include: Courtney Thornton, Victoria Smith, Lynn Copeland, Eria Dombrowksi, Megan Pofi, Alexis Peters, Caitlin Mitchell, Madeline Norton, Courtney Miller, Stephanie Pickard, Mamie Talty, Gabby Caruso and Sarah Sauda. They are coached by Michelle Donlon, assisted by Shoshana Levine.

Western New York Men’s College Hockey Report by Warren Kozireski

Wkozires@brockport.edu

CANISIUS The to-seeded Griffs swept Niagara in the conference quarterfinals before losing to Robert Morris in the semi-finals to end their season. “The top-seed is a marathon and this (the playoffs) is a one-game scenario,” head coach Dave Smith said. “The league is legit and to win the championship you have to be great this weekend and we weren’t great tonight. “Until the Pairwise reflects the competitiveness nationally from our league, we’re not going to get and at-large bid, but that’s the next step. We had three teams in the top34, we need to get four teams in the top-24 and it’s coming.” Forward Nick Hutchinson (Hicksville) was named to Atlantic Hockey’s All-Rookie squad after he tied for the league lead in rookie scoring, tallying 20 points on nine goals and 11 assists. He ranked third on the team in scoring. Senior goaltender Charles Williams was named among the final ten in voting for the Hobey Baker award as well as First Team All-Conference in Atlantic Hockey after he led the league in goals against average (1.69) and save percentage (0.947), and tied for the lead in shutouts (5). He and the Golden Griffins ended the season on a program record 15-game unbeaten streak, the longest in the nation this season.

“This year is something that I couldn’t imagine over the summer,” Williams said. “I was really excited to be able to be a part of the team when I committed though not knowing what I was getting in to, but as soon as I stepped on campus day one I could just feel a difference. Over the course of the year (we had) a lot of ups and downs, but to be a part of what we did here in my last year of college hockey is something that I will never forget.” Forward Ryan Schmelzer and defenseman Cameron Heath were named Second Team All-Conference while Dylan McLaughlin (Lancaster) was named Third Team. NAZARETH Senior Dominik Gabaj took ECAC West Player of the Year and First Team honors after a leading the league in scoring in conference play. The Slovakian forward collected 13 goals and eight assists for 21 points against league foes, and also recorded three game-winning goals in ECAC West action, most in the league. Overall, Gabaj finished the regular season with 27 points (18 goals, nine assists), setting new career-highs in goals and points in the process. Junior forward Oliver Janzen and sophomore defenseman J.R. Wojciechowski were named Honorable Mention.

NIAGARA The Purple Eagles won their first round series at RIT to advance to the quarterfinals. It marks the second time in three years that they have now upset the 6-seed in the Atlantic Hockey First Round after entering as the 11-seed. Their season ended in the quarterfinals at Canisius. The school announced that Dave Burkholder will not return as the head coach. He has been the head coach since 2001; prior to that that, he served as an assistant coach for the Purple Eagles for five seasons. He was honored with the Atlantic Hockey Coach of the Year and was a two-time College Hockey America Coach of the Year. He coached the Purple Eagles to 247 total wins, two CHA Tournament

championships, two CHA and one AHA regular season titles and three trips to the NCAA Tournament. Defenseman Vinny Muto (Niagara Falls) and forward TJ Sarcona (West Islip) are beginning their professional careers as teammates after signing with the Rapid City Rush of the ECHL for the remainder of the 2016-17 season. Muto set career-highs in games played (39), goals (six) and blocked shots (73) as a senior this season. Sarcona was the leading scorer of Niagara’s senior class totaling 62 points (25+37) in 136 games played.

R.I.T. The Tigers dropped their first round playoff series to Niagara ending their season. Defenseman Adam Brubacher named the 2016-17 Atlantic Hockey Conference Rookie

of the Year and All-Rookie Team after he appeared in all 37 games, recording 23 points on six goals and 17 assists, while playing at a plus-6. Junior defenseman Brady Norrish earned Atlantic Hockey Second Team All-Conference honors—the third straight season Norrish has earned All-Conference plaudits. Norrish joins RIT Athletics Hall of Famer Dan Ringwald as the only player in the Division I era to be a three-time AllAtlantic Hockey selection. Mike Rotolo (Greece) and Garrett McMullen (Churchville) were among seven seniors who completed their collegiate careers. Rotolo finished with 40 wins and six shutouts in his 94 game career while McMullen registered 20 points over 119 career games.

ECC Will Be Back for 2017-18 Special Report by Randy Schultz

he final National Junior College Athletic Association men’s ice hockey championship was held in February in Binghamton at Broome Community College. That’s right, F-I-N-A-L. Carrying just seven teams over the past couple of seasons, the NJCAA decided to pack it in and move on. While the demise of NJCAA men’s hockey has spelled doom for several community college hockey programs across New York State, hockey will be continuing as usual at Erie Community College. “We’ve been a part of NJCAA hockey for many years,” said Steve Mullen, the Assistant Athletic Director at ECC. “Even though there will no longer be any NJCAA men’s hockey, our program will not change.

“We are still going to run it as a varsity athletic program and will be participating in the ACHA, which has more than 500 members. “ACHA Division II is where we will compete at. It is the highest level they will allow us to compete at.” So what region will the Kats be playing in? “We will be in the southeast division, which may sound a bit strange because of where we are located in the Northeast part of the United States.” But to look at it closer ECC will be in with teams from Western Pennsylvania and Ohio which regionally and economically looks good for the Kats. “At this point we don’t have a conference to play in,” continued Mullen. “I looked back at the past five years and

we’ve played at least 10 ACHA games each year and have done very well. “We’ll continued to look locally and schedule games with Canisius, UB, Niagara, RIT, Cortland, Cornell, Fredonia and Syracuse. Plus, we will now look to schedule in new opponents including Youngstown, Toledo and Cleveland State. “We will continue to play a 25-game schedule, which would include 16 ACHA games.” Mullen is very optimistic about the ECC hockey program in its new format. “I don’t think you’re going to see much of a difference in the program itself,” stated Mullen. “Gary Rost is staying on as coach. “The ACHA is very well organized. Their championships this year were hosted in Columbus, Ohio by the Columbus Blue Jackets. “That included all three men’s divisions and both women’s divisions.” A bonus for the Kats is that they paid their membership dues this year for the ACHA, which will allow them to participate in the post-season next year. “We were just looking ahead, not knowing what was going to happen to the NJCAA, and preparing. “The ACHA has been growing over the past few years and we are now going to help in grow even more. “It is something we’re looking forward to with great anticipation. It should be fun. “The future of ECC hockey looks very bright.”

Wheatfield Blades 14U celebrating their GLGHL Championship! (Submitted Photo)

GLGHL RESULTS 16U Potsdam Bears beat Amherst 2-1 to take the Championship. 19U Brewster Beat Cazenovia 5-2 for the win. 14U Monroe County Beat Hamburg 4-1. Monroe County Took the West Section Victory!

Cazenovia 2016-2017 Peewee Minor Champions! — with Colleen Sowinski, Carrie Magee Susabach, James Warmington, Mary Feldmann, Lisa Muszynski Catlin,Glenn Susabach, Michael Cieslik, Gary Catlin and Cazenovia Park Hockey at Cheektowaga Ice Rink (Cazenovia Photo)

Tim Horton Memorial Cup

he Rochester Junior All-Stars claimed the Tim Horton Memorial Cup by a score of 3-1 in the first game of the evening. Rochester used an early lead and a strong defensive effort in the second period to defeat the Buffalo Junior All-Stars.

Scotty Bowman drops ceremonial puck for Jack Lalley and Brendan Manning in 2017 Bowman Cup Game.

BoWman Cup 2017

By Alex Beilman@ Alex_Beilman/Sabres.com

he 13th Annual Scotty Bowman Showcase, which consisted of three all-star hockey games between high school-aged players from the Buffalo and Rochester areas, took place Wednesday night at KeyBank Center.

“It’s good for the kids to get the win. They didn’t play here last year,” Rochester head coach Greg Stahl said. “Winning is great for them.” Mitch Rydzinski (Victor) opened the scoring for Rochester. A shot from the high slot was stopped initially, but the puck bounced off several bodies in front of the net and the puck ended up rolling onto the Rochester’s David Regan accepts the Tim Horton goal line. Rydzinski Memorial Cup after beating Buffalo in the first game of jammed it home for the Bowman Cup 2017. the tally. (Photo by Janet Schultz, NYHOL Shortly after Rydzinski’s goal, David Regan (Irondequoit) received a pass at the right point, and sailed a clean wrist shot into the top left corner of the net. The goal put Rochester up 2-0 just seven minutes into the first period. The Rochester defense did its job in the first half, limiting Buffalo’s opportunities and puck possession

ville East) and strong goaltenthroughout the opening stanza. ding performances from Tom The second half started Held (Orcahrd Park), Griffin promisingly for Buffalo. The Coppola (Hamburg) and Jake team was able to capitalize Zurat (Williamsville North). on an early man advantage to “It was a lot of fun. Obmake it 2-1. Brett Sardina (Williamsville North) finished off a viously, playing for your homesmooth passing play from the town and playing with a lot of right side of the crease. Buffathese great players, it was just a lo had hope just two minutes lot of fun to be out there,” Stefinto the final period. fan said. “I know it was the last However, after the goal, Rochester regained their fine game for a lot of us, so it was defensive form, and shut Bufgood to come out as winners.” falo out the rest of the way. Steffan notched his first Despite facing three more penpoint with a primary assist on alties, including a 5-on-3, the Chris Blachowski’s (Lancaster) penalty kill held firm the remainder of the game. opening goal. Forcing a turn A shorthanded empty netover at the blue line, Steffan ter capped off the Rochester raced down the ice with Blavictory as Buffalo failed to chowski to create the odd-man capitalize on the 42-second 5-on-3, and a 1:10 6-on-4 after Scotty Bowman presents Championship Trophy to Jack rush. As the defender closed pulling the goalie with 2:50 to in, he slid it over Blachowski, Lalley in Tournament named for Bowman! go. (Photos by Janet Schultz, NYHOL) who made no mistake in fin “The penalties definitely ishing. took us out of rhythm. Most of “[Blachowski] was gothese kids are used to playing a lot more. The kids showed a lot of heart,” Stahl said. ing hard to the net. It was a 2-on-1 and the defense “When they got that goal, I think we stepped up our came at me. So, I just slid it over to him and he tapped play. They’re a good group of kids and they seem to it in,” Steffan said. know what to do. They all handled it real well.”

Scotty Bowman Cup

Buffalo went up 2-0 just minutes through a Jason Delmont (Hamburg) marker. Delmont finished off a

he Buffalo Senior All-Stars flipped the script in the second game of the night, defeating the Rochester Senior All-Stars by a score of 5-1. Buffalo was led by a two-point night by Mike Steffan (Williams-

g o a l mouth scramble that saw the f irst several shots stopped by Michael Layer (Fairport) before Delmont got a hold of the loose puck and fired it home. The second set of goalies highlighted the action during their time on the ice. Coppola and his counterpart, Lindsay Browning (Penfield), went toe-to-toe to end the first half, each making saves when they were called upon. The first period ended with Buffalo up 2-0. Rochester was able to finally solve Coppola, when Cameron Clark buried a shot from the point to make the score 2-1. The next set of goalies took the ice after this, with Coppola and Browning surrendering only one goal between them. Buffalo immediately answered, as Shawn Kross (Lancaster) had a wrist shot trickle past Ryab Babineau. Steffan rang up his second point, sliding the puck by Babineau on another 2-on-1. Zachary Biasillo (Orchard Park) put a stamp on the evening, finishing from the high slot to make it 5-1. “It was awesome. Obviously, you want to win every game,” Steffan said. “There wasn’t any pressure. We were out here

having fun. Playing with new guys, meeting new people - it was a great experience.”

Rick Martin Memorial Cup

n the final game of the evening, Team Hasek bested Team Perrault 5-0 in a battle of the Prep All-Stars. Team Hasek took advantage of some stellar goaltending by Dylan Wiemer (Buffalo Jr. Sabres 18U) out of the gate and claimed the Rick Martin Memorial Cup to close out an exciting night of hockey. Wiemer seemed to have an answer for every point blank, cross-crease, high quality opportunity that Team Perreault threw at him. “It was a great experience. We came out a little slow, but as we scored the first goal, we picked it up a little bit,” Wiemer said. “We played hard and battled through it and I did my job. It was a good team effort.” Angelo Cammilleri was the first to reward his keeper’s play, as he cut in front of the Team Perreault net, and snuck a backhand by Jr. Sabres 16U teammate Ben Kraws. Erik Urbank (Buffalo Jr. Sabres 20U) followed that up quickly. Urbank received a pass in the left faceoff circle, drove to the net, and used his quick hands to finish off a couple of dekes and put the puck in the back of the net. The lead quickly grew to 3-0 as Matt Doyle (Buffalo Jr. Sabres 16U) made quick work of a power play and buried his opportunity from just inside the right hashmark. “It felt good. I thought our guys started slow, but came together again,” Team Hasek head coach Cody McCormick said. “We had confidence through the group when we knew [Wiemer] was making the saves for us. It let us regroup and get into the game.” The second period slowed down a bit, as Team Hasek clamped down to preserve their three-goal lead. They would add two goals with their fourth goal coming off a wrist shot that took an odd bounce off of Neil Drake’s (Buffalo Regals) shoulder, went up in

the air, and was threatening to land behind him. Drake was able to reach back, but the officials ruled that the puck had already crossed the line. Urbank scored his second of the night with just 19 seconds remaining in the game, and emphatically sealed the victory for Team Hasek. “When you’re out on the ice, you want to win. I think that showed with some of the hits and some of the chippiness in the game,” McCormick said. “It just came down to hockey. They know what’s going to work out there. It was fun to be able to coach them. These guys are at this level for a reason.” (Reprinted with permission of the Buffalo Sabres and NHL. com)

(Right: Williamsville North Senior Adam Batz scored the winning goal in the NYS High School Championship and then his Dad drove him to Northtowns Arena where he scored a goal for the Clarence Mustangs in the NY S Championship. The Mustangs won and now go to Nationals. In this photo he is playing for Buffalo in the Bowman Cup, which also was a win!

Hockey Goalie Continues to Give

olin is a hockey goalie who began a drive to provide coats to those less fortunate. In recognition of his continued community service Colin received one of ten chosen to receive the Charlotte Bacon Newton Kindness Award. Bacon was one of the children who lost their lives in the Newton Connecticut shooting. The $1.000 he was awarded was given to Open Door Mission in Rochester. Colin came up with the idea in 2010 when he and his mom were on their way to volunteer for bell ring-

ing for the Salavation Army. He noticed a mother pushing a stroller and saw a toddler not wearing a coat. He felt sad for the child and started watching people at the mall where they were volunteering, noticing the children without coats. He came up with the idea of collect gently used coats by putting boxes ar various locations. This is the fifth year and he continues his quest. He takes all his donations to the Open Door Mission for them to distribute. The RIT Men’s Hockey Team has been one of the organizations that has been supportive of Colin and helping him by giving him a place to collect his donations at their arena. Colin has the distinction of being named “One of The Kindest Kids in America.”

UNIVERSITY OF BUFFALO

B defeated Union College 5-4 to move on to the finals against Hobart in the Upstate New York Club Hockey League. Coach Edd Kirchberger was presented the UNYCHL Coach of the Year Award. UB took first place in the West Division with a 9-3 record; beat Union 5-4 to advance to the championship, where they lost to Hobart. Hobart is the 2017 Champion. Other teams in this league include Oneonta, Hamilton, Skidmore, Geneseo, LeMoyne, Union, University of Rochester, Brockport and St. Lawrence. UB hosted the National College Hockey Association National Tournament March 24-26. They met up with the Penn State University Lions and the CLU Knights in the preliminary round, beat both teams and went on to win the National Championship--more on that next month!

UB Seniors Recognized

The UB Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ice Hockey Team presented their seniors at a recent game. This year they bid farewell to: Tyler Bellitto, Brandon Boyle, John Danovskis, Gabriel Kirsch, Kyle Lewis, Josh Osczarzak and Dave Nowak.

Page 78: (clockwise) Coach Edd Kircherger, Goaltender Dave Howak and Brandon Boyle. This page clockwise from top left: Tyler Bellitto, Gabriel Kirsh, John Danovskis, Josh Owczarzak, and Kyle Lewis. Photos by Janet Schultz, NYHOL

Cazenovia Park Hockey Association 2017-18 Bantam, Midget, Girls Tryouts Bantam Minor

18U NTB

Fri. Apr 14; 8 pm Sat Apr 15, Noon Mon Apr 17, 7 pm Coach: Buzz Boris

Fri 4/14, 10 pm Sat 4/15, 3 pm Coach: Scott Brennan

Bantam Major

14U TB AND NTB Girls

Wed Apr 12, 5 pm Thu Apr 13, 5 pm Coach: Peter Echeverria

Wed 4/12, 6 pm Thu 4/13, 6 pm Coach: Greg Mruk

15U

16U NTB Girls

Thu 4/13, 10 pm Sat 4/15, 1 pm Mon 4/17, 8 pm Coach Ken Swain

Fri 4/14, 7 pm Sat 4/15, 2 pm Coach: Lori Conroy

16U TB Girls

16U NTB

Wed 4/12, 7 pm Thu 4/13, 7 pm Mon 4/17, 9 pm Coach Tom Morris

Wed 4/12, 9 pm Thu 4/13, 9 pm Coach Alan (AJ) Ortiz

16U TB

Wed 4/12, 8 pm Thu 4/13, 8 pm Tue 4/18, 9 pm Coach Aaron Wallace

18U TB

19U TB Girls

Wed 4/19, 9 pm Thu 4/20, 9 pm Coach: Jeff Baker

All Tryouts will be held at:

Wed 4/12, 10 pm Fri 4/14, 9 pm Sat 4/15, 11 am Coach: Zach DeMaio

Timothy Burvid (Caz) Ice Rink 25 Casenovia Street Buffalo, NY 14220

All Cazenovia Park Hockey Association Tryouts are $10 per day. Players from other organizations must have a signed 2016-17 Release and a copy of their birth certifi cate. All players should attend all tryouts in their Division. A $250 deposit is required at time of singing (cash or check only). Please check out www.cazhockey.com for updates and registration for our Red/White/Blue Mite Program, House and MOHL programs. As a member of WNYAHL, all teams play in their Mite Jam, Tier II Travel and MOHL Leagues.

www.cazhockey.com *A second team (14UNTB or 12UTB) will be formed as needed.

Bisons 12U Heading to Nationals

he Buffalo Bisons 12U Tier 1 Girls team won their first ever New York State AHA Championship this past weekend at the Northtown Center in Amherst, NY. The team went undefeated in the tournament beating the Buffalo Regals on Saturday 6-1 and then clinching the Championship on Sunday with a convincing win against the Syracuse Nationals 9-1. The team also plays in the Lower Lakes Canadian Hockey League and they have advanced to the 3rd round in that leagueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s playoff with a deciding game this weekend against the Oakville Hornets. Currently ranked 12th in the Country for 12U Tier 1 girls with a overall record of 32-10-6, the team finished first in their LLFHL Division with a record of 16-2-4.

h e Salmon River Storm de-

the Warriors 2; the Storm doubled up on the Blizzard, 6-3; the Crunch shutout the Shamrocks, 3-0; Warriors 1 topped the Eagles, 5-2. The third round of games saw: the Blizzard defeating the Stars, 2-1; the Storm topped the Warriors, 9-5; the Crunch blanked the Eagles, 5-0; the Shamrocks shutout the Warriors 1, 3-0. On the third and final day, the Blizzard edged the Crunch, 3-2 while the Storm topped the Shamrocks, 6-1. That set up the championship contest between Salmon River and Bradford. Following a scoreless first period, the Storm took a 3-0 lead in the second period on goals by Bryce Goodnough, Dawson Cory and Zachary Blevins. In the third period Salmon increased their lead to 4-0 on a goal by Riley Phillips. But Bradford came back with three straight goals by Jack Wells. But time ran out on Bradford, eventually losing, 4-3. Since the tournamentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inception over $220,000 has been raised and donated to local charities. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s money raised will be donated to The Buffalo Niagara Division of The American Heart Association. That organization will continue to tourna-

Jeffrey B Scott Tournament--Making A Difference feated the Bradford Blizzard, 4-3, to win the 16th Annual Jeffrey B. Scott Memorial Peewee Hockey Tournament held March 17-19. The tourney was held at the Cheektowaga Recreation Center in Cheektowaga. The tournament is held in memory of Jeffrey B. Scott, who died suddenly at the age of 11 on March 27, 1982. His death was due to a lethal rhythm disturbance related to a congenital heart valve defect. This year Buffalo Sabres Anthem Singer Doug Allen opened the Championship game doing both the the Canadian and USA national anthems. Eight teams from the Western New York area participated in the tournament. Besides the Storm and Blizzard, the other six teams included the Buffalo Shamrocks, Wheatfield Crunch, Cheektowaga Warriors 1, Valley Eagles, Cheektowaga Warriors 2 and Southtown Stars. The eight teams were split into two divisions. The results from the opening night the Crunch and Warriors 1 tied, 2-2; the Blizzard downed the Warriors 2, 5-4; the Storm defeated the Stars, 22-1; the Shamrocks blanked the Eagles, 2-0. The second day saw the Stars win, 3-2, over

mentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tradition of providing AEDs to youth facilities across Western New York as well as funding lifesaving research for childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heart diseases. The goal continues to be to make a difference in the life of at least one child.

(Pictured above Salmon River receiving Championship Trophy and Bradford receiving Runner-Up Trophy. Right: Salmon River celebrates; Bottom Right: Let the Games Begin; Below: St. Joseph University school receives a AED.)

2017-2018 TRYOUTS All Tryouts held at the West Seneca Town Rink Tuesday, March 21 5:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. 10:00 p.m.

Mite Minor AAA Mite Major AAA Squirt Major AAA Squirt Minor AAA PeeWee Major AAA PeeWee Minor AAA

Wednesday, March 22 4:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. 10:00 p.m.

Mite Minor AAA & Mite Major AAA Squirt Minor AAA & Squirt Major AAA Squirt Major AA Squirt Minor AA PeeWee Minor AAA & PeeWee Major AAA PeeWee Minor AA PeeWee Major AA

Thursday, March 23 6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.

Squirt Minor AA Squirt Major AA PeeWee Minor AA PeeWee Major AA

Wednesday, April 12 5:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 8:30 p.m.

Bantam Minor AAA Bantam Major AAA (no minors) Midget (15U) AAA (2002 birth yr only) Midget (18U) AAA

Thursday, April 13 4:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. 10:00 p.m.

Bantam Major AAA & Bantam Minor AAA Bantam Major AA Bantam Minor AA Bantam Mixed AA Midget (15U) AAA (2002 birth yr only) Midget (15U) AA Midget (18U) AAA

Friday, April 14 5:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 8:30 p.m.

Bantam Major AA Bantam Minor AA Bantam Mixed AA Midget (15U) AA

Contact Information Mite Minor Mite Major squirt Minor aaa squirt Minor aa squirt Major aaa squirt Major aa peeWee Minor aaa peeWee Minor aa peeWee Major aaa peeWee Major aa Bantam Minor aaa Bantam Major aaa Bantam Minor aa Bantam Major aa Bantam Mixed aa Midget 15u aaa Midget 15u aa Midget 18u aaa

tom alberalla, 553-6271 pat Gallagher, 341-0867 aaron ackley, 465-6400 tomalberalla, 553-6271 Dave Cerroni, 604-6263 Rocco DellaNeve, 432-9728 Jim Jahnke, 316-5462 Dick Marini, 826-6549 aaron ackley, 465-6400 peter Boersma, 574-1567 Dave hearn, 601-8386 Mike Roche, 254-0285 Chris Jones, 444-6305 Brian Walsh, 445-5422 anthony Marini, 200-2801 Keith Kashuba, 604-8405 timWeixlmann, 997-9666 Bill Gehen, 861-0841

www.westsenecayouthhockey.com

Next Level Training Camp Offers Girl’s Great Opportunity

or the past several years Coach Scott Welch has offered a summer camp for female hockey players. “The camp has sold out in previous years and I expect it will again this year,” said Welch. There is a uniqueness about this camp. “The camp is led by current women’s college hockey coaches, with a different coach providing the on-ice instruction each day,” said Welch. This provides each girl and opportunity to meet, interact with coaches they may want to play for some day. This year Welch has the coaches from ECAC DI Cornell University; Providence College from Hockey East; the University of Connecticut, also Hockey East; Penn State University of College Hockey America and Connecticut College of the NESCAC. In addition there are camp counselors who will work with the players both on and off ice. All of them are either current or former college hockey players. “Each day the coach focuses on a different skill set and theme,” continued Welch. “This is an excellent opportunity for players to

gain exposure and insight from the college coaches,” said Welch. “It is also an excellent training camp that will prepare them for the upcoming season.” The program includes skating, stick handling, shooting (finishing) and passing. In addition players will also be coached on the fundamentals of offensive and defensive strategies, as well as team play. Each day the players meet with the coach for a question and answer session on the game, recruitment, playing at a higher level; anything the players want to know about hockey. There is also a dedicated one-hour goalie session each day with two goalie coaches on the ice during that session. The camp runs August 14 through 18 at Nichols School. Each player receives a written evaluation report at the end of the camp. For registration information go to www.NLHDgroup.com If you have any further questions, contact Coach Welch at (716) 870-4442.