February 17 nyhol mag by NY Hockey OnLine

NY HOCKEY NY HOCKEY FEBRUARY 2017 Volume 6, Issue 5

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In This Issue: Bellows................................................ 12 Between The Periods Photos....... 57 Binghamton Senators.................... 25 Central New York............................. 19 Central NY Outlaws......................... 24 Chemistry Is the Key....................... 14 College Hockey, Men............................ 20, 33, 36, 48 College Hockey, Women...................... 26, 32, 28, 47 East New York.................................... 29 Fox........................................................ 17 Hockey Day in Lockport................ 53 Janosz Trains Ullman.........................5 Kirisits.................................................. 46 NWHL................................................... 15 NY Forwards & Jrs............................ 11 NYS Girls Varsity..................................9 North.................................................... 35 Nylander............................................. 40 O’Gara.................................................. 31 Pesce.................................................... 31 Petersen.............................................. 13 Precision Hockey News................. 18 Rangers: Graves................................ 10 RIT Club Anniversary...................... 52 Sabres Announcement.................. 42 Sabres: Florentino..............................8 Scheide................................................ 28 Section VI Boys................................. 41 USHL Showcase News..................`12 Westchester Express....................... 30 WNYGVIH............................................ 44 West...................................................... 39

Dear Reader: Here we are in the middle of winter. It’s hard to believe that we’re already in our second month of the 2017 hockey year. The February issue of NY Hockey OnLine Magazine is bringing you a wide variety of stories. As you will see Koz has been quite busy this month. He has written several individual features on players from around the NY State area including Anthony Florentino, Ryan Graves, Jeremy Bracco, Jordan Greenway, Kiefer Bellows, Cal Paterson and Kevin Kirisits. I had the chance to catch up with Bob Janosz and Adam Fox, as well as having a chat with Bryan Meeker of the RIT Men’s Club Hockey Team. Janet is keeping track of the girls and women’s hockey across New York State. It’s hard to believe that girls high school hockey will be winding up another season this month. We would also like to welcome some new sponsors and advertisers including Mark Metzger and his Precision Hockey Program, the Lockport Lock Monsters, Amherst Youth Hockey, Bud Bakewell Ice Hawks, Finger Lakes Regional Hockey Association Central Outlaws and West Seneca Wings. As always, please keep sending us your stories as well as any photos. It is appreciated. Stay warm and travel safely. Best Wishes, Randy Schultz Publisher/Managing Editor NY Hockey OnLine Magazine

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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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T r aining for All A ge s & Skill Levels WWW.BOBJANOSZ.COM

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for us,” recalled Janosz. “He’s never done that before. “In fact you don’t see that done too often in any pro hockey league. Back-to-back maybe. But not three in-a-row in three nights.” A sixth-round pick of the Buffalo Sabres in 2012, Ullmark, prior to his All-Star selection, boasted a 13-12-1 record with a 3.00 GAA and a .907 save percentage in 26 games. During that same time period the 23 yearold native of Lugnvik, Sweden lead all AHL goalies in saves (731), shots against (806) and minutes played (1502) while ranking fifth in the league with 13 wins. This is Ullmark’s second season in Rochester, having split time last season between the Amerks and the Sabres. The former Swedish Goalie of the Year has also seen some more time in Buffalo again this season. “Last year when he started he was coming off from double hip surgery,” stated Janosz. “When he first joined us he was on limited practice time. “He would practice with us every other day. When he did begin to play, he couldn’t play back-to-back games. “Since that time he has learned to battle through adversity and tiredness. I think he’s always had the physical tools. “Now he’s developing the mental tools to go along with that. He wants to be the complete package.” Which is good news for the Sabres and their fans.

By Randy Schultz Photos by Micheline Veluvolu, Rochester Americans

hen it was announced that Linus Ullmark, a goaltender with the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League, had been selected to play in this year’s AHL All-Star Classic in Lehigh Valley, Pa. a smile came across Bob Janosz’s face. After all, Janosz is the goaltending coach for the Amerks. Ullmark is just another goaltending “student” that Janosz has worked with over the years. That list includes former pro netminders like Mike Brodeur, Craig Anderson, Jacob Markstrom, David Leggio and Andrey Makarov. “I was hoping he (Ullmark) was going to make it,” stated Janosz. “I was really feeling that he deserved to make it. “But sometimes they just look at the goalies with the best save percentages and wins. But luckily the coaches vote too. “I think it’s great that opposing coaches are noticing how well he is playing. Plus, he’s leading the league in games played and minutes. The Amerks count on him a lot.” Ullmark, who earned his first AHL All-Star selection, has been a mainstay between the pipes for Rochester this season. During this campaign he has seen starts in six straight contests and during one stretch started in 22 of 26. “At one point he played three games in three nights

Janosz’s Work With Ullmark Pays Off

as part of its All-Star Weekend. A 28 year-old Chicago Blackhawks right winger, Kane was born in Buffalo, NY. He was the first overall pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft by the Blackhawks. Kane has won three Stanley Cup Championships as a member of the Blackhawks including 2010, 2013 and 2015. He won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the playoffs in 2013. The WNY native won the Hart Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s MVP and the Art Ross Trophy as scoring champion in the 2015-16 season. Kane, who led the league with 106 points (46 points and 60 assists), is the first American-born player to win the Art Ross Trophy as the league’s scoring leader and the first American-born player to win the Hart Trophy. Kane has also represented the United States at the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics. A five-time NHL All-Star Game participant and an NHL Second Team All-Star in 1991, Oates enjoyed a 19-year career, scoring 341 goals with 1,079 assists for 1,420 points in 1,337 contests. He exceeded 100 points in a season four times, including a career-high 142 points with the Boston

Two With NY Ties Named to NHL 100 (Pictured above: Patrick Kane shared the Stanley Cup with the West Seneca Youth Hockey Association, where he got his start. Below Adam Oates as a member of the RPI team.)

uffalo native Patrick Kane and former Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) standout Adam Oates ‘85 were among the top 100 players to ever play in the National Hockey League, according to a panel comprised of distinguished members of the hockey community, including executives, media members and NHL alumni. The announcement was made in Los Angeles as the league celebrates its 100th year

Bruins in 1993. When he retired, he was ranked fifth all time in NHL history in assists (currently 7th) and 13th in points (currently 17th). He was enshrined into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2012. Oates went on to serve as the head coach of the Washington Capitals, joining Kevin Constantine ‘80 as the only two former Rensselaer players to lead NHL teams. In three years as a student-athlete in Troy (1982-85), Oates had 66 goals and 150 assists for 216 points in 98 games, helping the Engineers to an overall record of 85-19-1 and the 1985 NCAA Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks Championship. RPI, which was 35-2-1 in 1985, also won the ECAC Championship in 1984 and 1985. He led the team in assists all three years (33, 57, 60) and was first in points as a sophomore (83) and junior (91). Oates set numerous school records, including assists (60 in 1985-85) and points (91 in 1984-85) in a season and assists in a career. Ranked among NCAA’s all-time leaders in assists per game in a career (1.53), he is second in school history in single season assists (57 in 1983-84) and single season points (83 in 1983-84). Oates is third in career points and third in assists per game in a career. The accolades earned by the Weston, Ont., native included National All-America First Team in 1983-84 and 1984-85, Hobey Baker Award finalist in 1984-85, All-League First Team in 1984-85, All-League Second Team in 1983-84, Most Out-

standing Player of the league tournament in 1983-84 and NCAA All-Tournament First Team in 1984-85. Named to the ECAC Hockey All-Decade Team of the 1980s and one of the league’s Top 50 Players All-Time, Oates led ECAC Hockey in overall scoring in 1983-84 (83 points in 38 games) and 1984-85 (91 in 38) and in scoring in league games (49 in 20 games) in 1983-84. Oates was inducted into Rensselaer’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2004 and was the first person inducted into the RPI Hockey Ring of Honor (2005).

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rovidence College senior defenseman Anthony Florentino is quickly approaching the end of his four-year collegiate career, one where he was part of the Friars 2014-15 national championship team and was named to the NCAA Frozen Four AllTournament Team after he scored the team’s first goal in their eventual 4-3 win over Boston University. “You kind of think about it (the end)…it’s in the back of my head, but right now I’m focusing on showing up every day and playing my best for the team,” soon-to-be 22 year old (Jan. 30) Florentino said in December. “I know I’ll miss it. Being a senior and my last trip around, it’s nice to see some new places.” Now it’s up to the Buffalo Sabres front office to decide if they want to sign their 2013 fifth round draft choice and 6’2” 216 lb. right shot blue-liner to a professional contract. “Hoping to play and hoping Buffalo, but if not I’ll keep working to wherever that takes me. When it gets to that point to make a decision, hopefully I can step in and be that right-handed defenseman. As of Jan. 25 and 19 games this season, Florentino has already tied his career-best season total of five goals and added seven assists as one of four Friar defensemen scoring ten or more points. He is often paired with fellow senior and defensive minded defenseman Kyle McKenzie freeing him up to the more offensive minded and carry the puck. “Since the draft I’ve come a long way physically and gotten faster and stronger and lost a lot of weight. Off the ice it’s been a big jump mentally adjusting to different scenarios and being mentally tough and

strong when things aren’t going the way you expected or wanted. “It’s taken me a lot longer on the physical side, but I’ve come pretty far with that.” Providence concludes their regular season on Feb. 25 on senior night and the Massachusetts native Florentino will only have as long as the Friars stay alive in the Hockey East playoffs and maybe beyond. After that, either right away or next fall, a new chapter in his hockey career will begin…somewhere.

FUTURE SABRE: ANTHONY FLORENTINO

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Ithaca at Salmon River game was cancelled. Upstate Girls Standings are: Section X Potsdam is in first place followed closely by Massena, Canton, Salmon River and St. Lawrence Central. Setion VII Beekmantown comes in first; followed by Plattsburgh, Saranac Lake, Albany Academies and Lake Placid.

New York State Girls High School Hockey Who Will Meet In The NYS Championship ?

Section III Skaneateles is first with Canton, Alexandria Bay/Thousand Islands, Ithaca and Oswego following. Skaneateles is undefeated this season after beating Oswego 8-1 and Canton 2-0. They now head to sectional playoffs. The team never trailed in a single game this season, they have been a dominate force. The New York State Girls Varsity Championships will be held in Canton, February 10 and 11th. Arena to be announced.

(As of January 23)

he weather took its toll on some games in Northern New York State with the January 18 games of Saranac Lake at St Lawrence; Lake Placid at Canton and Potsdam at Plattsburgh all postponed. However Massena beat Salmon River 5-2 and Skaneateles beat Alexandria Bay 6-0 that same day. Back in action on January 19 it was a non-league match up with Salmon River outplaying Saranac Lake 4-0. An action-packed January 20 saw Canton and Potsdam tieing at 1-1 in overtime; Beekmantown taking Lake Placid 6-1; Alexandria Bay over Ithaca 1-0 and Massena over Plattsbugh 1-0. In non-league action is was Oswego 4, St.Lawrence Central 2. Our final scores for the week of January 16 include Plattsburgh over St. Lawrence 4-0; Oswego upsetting Potsdam 2-1 and Beekmantown taking Saranac Lake 5-0. The

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By Warren Kozireski Photos by Chris Rutsch

n just his second professional season, Rangers 2013 fourth round draft pick Ryan Graves has taken yet another step in his accession to the National Hockey League. The 6’5” 225 lb. blueliner already has more assists this season than in all o f his rookie campaign and he was on track t o easily beat his nine goal output a s well. As of Jan. 11 h e was tied for second in team scoring on the Hartford Wolf Pack and one of only a handful to play in every game this season. “I get all the ice time I could ask for here, I try to keep developing and they put me in all situations trying to round out my game,” Graves said. “I’ve been working on the offensive side over the last few years, but the defensive has always been my priority. Listed recently as the seventh best Rangers prospect, he entered his draft year out of the Quebec major Junior League labeled as a defensive defenseman, but quickly turned that around. “I think I still would label myself as a defensive defenseman; my priority would be to try to shut down top lines and, especially at the next level, I think there’s guys who are puck movers and power play guys and I think my role is more of a defensive player. But I think nowadays there’s not really that guy who is a defensive defenseman and just stays at home and doesn’t really move much. “You have to be able to skate, make a first pass and contribute on offense. I try to use my shot and that’s probably the extent of my offense.” He was the second leading defenseman in scoring 15

goals and 24 assists with Quebec as they made it to the Memorial Cup in 2014-15 (he was named to the tournament All-Star team). His first year in the American Hockey League saw nine goals and 12 assists over 74 games and he was Hartford’s representative to the All-Star game where he won the Hardest Shot competition at 103.4 MPH. “It was my only event so I didn’t have a lot to concentrate on so it was easy.” This year he is playing in the top-four with power play and penalty kill duties and Graves is making quick progress. “The “Q” is always labeled as an offensive league, but I think it’s more than that. “A lot of good “D” come out of there—a lot of good puck-movers and there are a lot “D” that I played with that I think can play at the pro level and there will be more and more coming out as that league develops.” “I’ve worked hard at it, but you can’t expect things. There is always something you try to work on to get better— your shot, your hands, getting faster. As those things come I’ve gotten more opportunities.

FUTURE RANGERS: RYAN GRAVES

New York Forwards Help Team USA To Gold! By Warren Kozireski

hey grew up 378 miles away from each other in Freeport and Potsdam, New York but Jeremy Bracco and Jordan Greenway are forever joined as gold medalists for Team USA the 2017 IIHF World Junior Tournament. Both second round draft selections in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft—Bracco 61st overall to Toronto and Greenway 50th overall to Minnesota—both also scored three goals during the seven game competition. “The two (previous world tournaments I’ve played in, my team was fortunate enough to win it and it’s about coming together,” Bracco said at the Team USA training camp prior to the tournament. “We had two years together for those tournaments, but here it’s 20 days or however long it is to the finals so it’s about coming together quick and getting the chemistry up.” Bracco earlier this season scored points in his first 25 games this season with Kitchener of the OHL; the best

streak for that team since Steve Downie in 2006-07. Overall he netted 17 goals with 34 assists in just 27 games before being traded to Windsor in January. As of

Jan. 19 Bracco was tied for seventh in the OHL with 56 points and tied for third in assists with 39. “I’m fortunate enough to play with good players who are helping me have a good year and we have a good team. Anytime you get put with elite talent it’s hard to not get points. “Not everyone is going to be a first line center on this team, so it’s about fitting in and finding a role that you can play and try to play it to your best.” Greenway is pursuing the college route with Boston University where

the sophomore had six goals and 14 assists in his first 19 games with the Terriers. He was tied for eighth in the World Junior Tournament with eight points in seven games using his size to hang around the net. “Experience definitely has something to do with it, but I’m trying to have more of a scoring m e n t a l i t y, ” Greenway said. “Even in practice this summer coach told me to focus on being a little more selfish and having more of a shooting mentality, so it’s been working out for me so far. “I’ll still pass a ton because that’s always been my instinct, but if I just think shoot more it will be a little more balanced. “Being a bigger guy I have to dominate down low and be around the net all the time. “We have a great team here and we definitely can do it. It’s an unbelievable experience.”

Islander’s Bellows Tapped for World Juniors By Warren Kozireski

he New York Islanders first round draft pick—Kiefer Bellows—earned a spot on the Team USA roster for the Under-20 World Junior tournament held in Toronto/Montreal right after Christmas. Earned because Bellows was one of the final cuts for last year’s tournament despite being highly rated for the NHL Entry Draft. All he did in response was lead the U.S. National Under-18 Team last season in goals (50), power-play goals (12) and game-winning goals (9) for the 2015-16 season to become just the fourth different player to score 50 goals in a season with the program. “Most definitely; any time you get to represent your country is pretty special and playing hockey doing it is even better,” Bellows said after a Team USA training camp practice. “I’ve done it at the U-17 and U-18 levels, but to do it at the U-20 level is even more special just because you see so many great players going through and end up in the NHL and so many elite players going up against each other for that one chance at a gold medal. The son of 17-year NHL veteran and Stanley Cup champion Brian Bellows, he is halfway through his freshman season at Boston University where he scored four times over the first 15 games. His first collegiate goal came on the power play Oct. 15 at Denver. “I think I’m adjusting pretty well. The points don’t show it, but through my play I’m showing it and working hard and I think the points will come in the second half. “You just need to work your way up and prove to the coaches that you are a hard worker. They notice obviously the goals and assists but also the guys who are pushing themselves every single day. The 6’1”, 200 lb. left wing attended the Islanders summer prospect cam mere weeks after being selected in June. “I knew where I was going and would be happy no matter what team, but I was lucky enough to go to such a great organization and I’m happy to be a part of their organization. When I sat down with my dad we said that if we had to choose one team it would probably be the Islanders. “They have such a great group of young guys coming up— guys like my (BU) teammate Doyle Somerby, who will hopefully

be there next year, and guys like (2015 first rounder) Mathew Barzol. It’s pretty special to see where those guys have gone.”

Buffalo Sabres and USHL to Host Showcase

Top 2001, 2002 & 2003 birth years invited to inaugural event

he Buffalo Sabres and United States Hockey League announced in a joint release the inaugural USHL Buffalo Showcase for March 23-25, 2017 at the HarborCenter in downtown Buffalo, New York. The showcase will feature the top 40 players in the 2001, 2002 and 2003 age groups from western New York and southern Ontario as determined by USHL scouts. “The USHL is excited to partner with the Buffalo Sabres for the inaugural Buffalo Showcase,” said Doug Christiansen, USHL Director of Player Development. “This event provides elite young hockey players the opportunity to not only be scouted by USHL teams and Division 1 colleges, it also provides players and their families the unique opportunity to learn more about the USHL in their own backyard. The USHL looks forward to a number of the 2001 participants being drafted and eventually matriculating to the USHL on the way toward their hockey goals.” “One of the main pillars of our organization is the growth and development of local youth hockey players,” Sabres VP of Administration/General Manager of HarborCenter Mike Gilbert said. “We take great pride in seeing local athletes advance their careers and this is a perfect opportunity for us to allow players to showcase their talent to USHL and college teams.” The showcase will be operated and coached by NHL alumni, and will give players the opportunity to play a minimum of four games and participate in both on-ice and off-ice testing as well as educational seminars to learn more about the USHL. The players will be scouted by Division 1 college hockey coaches as well as USHL staff. USHL Central Scouting will select players and send invitations to the best candidates in early 2017.

uffalo’s previous front office led by General Manager Darcy Regier may have done the current Sabres administration a huge favor when drafting Waterloo, Iowa native Cal Petersen in the fifth round of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. Listed a 6’1” and 174 lb. then and about to enter his final junior hockey season with the Waterloo Blackhawks of the USHL, the left-handed goaltender has grown to 6’3 and 190 lb.—exactly the body profile preferred by current Sabres GM Tim Murray. And Petersen is quickly developing the pedigree over his three seasons at Notre Dame. A Dec. 10 game against Boston College marked his 67th consecutive start in the gold and blue. He entered the holiday break tied for 14th among all Division I keepers with a 2.26 goals against average, tenth in minutes played and was sporting a .913 save percentage through the first 17 games this season. And there is that NCAA record of 87 saves set March 6, 2015 in a five-overtime Hockey East opening round playoff game against UMass. “I live playing every game that I can play,” Petersen said after their final game of the first half against Boston College. “It keeps me focused and keeps me in tune and I understand when I have to play hard and then rest during the week.” And he was chosen this season as the first goaltender in Fighting Irish history to wear the “C”. “It’s incredible,” Petersen said with a huge smile. “It is an incredible honor and I am super-blessed and humbled to be able to wear the “C”. Uncharted territory I guess, but kind of learning day-by-day. I learned from a lot of captains before me how to do things.” “It was a great camp; really positive and played with a couple of guys who were out there tonight (BC’s Casey Fitzgerald and Chris Brown who are also Buffalo selections). I felt prepared for it. Petersen already has the Notre Dame goaltending re-

FUTURE BUFFALO SABRE: CAL PETERSEN By Warren Kozireski

c o r d for percentage of minu t e s played in one season set last season

(98.6%) and entered this season first in career save percentage. And he will likely enter the program’s career top-ten in January for minutes played and saves. Petersen entered the 2013 draft as the fourth ranked North American goaltender. No goaltenders were selected in the first round and 20 were taken overall. 12 were selected ahead of him—eight from North America. Motivation? “The thing that I kept in mind is that it’s not exactly where you go (which round), but it’s who you go to and I think there’s a great situation in Buffalo and they are an incredible organization. I’m obviously happy to be a part of it and it is a little bit of motivation (to prove teams wrong), but I can worry about just playing my game instead of having some unnecessary expectations. “The biggest thing is that I’m just fortunate to have gone to Buffalo.”

Chemistry Key To Team USA Success! By Randy Schultz

The U.S. has won a medal in five of the last eight IIHF World Junior Championships, the best stretch in the history of the country. The U.S. won all seven games it played in the 2017 IIHF World Junior Championship, representing the most wins in a single World Juniors ever for the U.S. McAvoy and Greenway were named to the All-Tournament Team.

ob Motzko, head coach of the 2017 U.S. National Junior Team, will be the first to tell you that he knew there was something special about this team. He knew it all the way back in the summer of 2016. “It is all about chemistry of the team,” said Motzko at the team’s training camp at HarborCenter in Buffalo, NY. “There’s a little vibe in the room. “There’s a little twinkle in their eyes. They all seem to get along. “They seem to be on a mission. There Jordan Greenway is something going on in that room that we really like.” Motzko knew what he was talking about. The U.S. National Jr. Team won the gold medal at the 2017 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship held in Toronto and Montreal, Canada. “When we got together in Michigan for our camp this summer, there was something special with these guys,” commented Motzko following the U.S. shootout victory over Canada in the gold medal game. “This team had great camaraderie, tremendous heart Joseph Cecconi and always battled. “This is a special group who will forever walk together.” Five of the players on the team were born in New York State. They included Adam Fox (Jerico, NY), Charlie McAvoy (Long Island, NY), Joe Cecconi (Youngstown, NY), Jordan Greenway (Canton, NY) and Jeremy Bracco (Freeport, NY). The victory gave Team US its fourth gold medal at the IIHF World Junior Championship, and 10th medal all time in the event. The U.S. is now 4-1 all-time in gold-medal games at the World Juniors.

Jeremy Bracco (top) Charlie McAvoy (bottom)

NWHL

Some of the All-Star Lineup Kelley Steadman, Harrison Browne, Brianne McLaoghlin and Dana Trivigano!

NWHL All Star Line-Up Set

fter a draft conducted by captains Amanda Kessel and Kelley Steadman, the complete rosters for the NWHLâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2017 All-Star Weekend in Pittsburgh on Feb. 11-12 were announced. Team Kessel will be coached by Riveters head coach Chad Wiseman, while Team Steadman will be led by Riveters assistant coach Sis Paulsen. Team Kessel Goaltenders (2): Brittany Ott, Nicole Stock Defenders (4): Kacey Bellamy, Megan Bozek, Courtney Burke, Gigi Marvin Forwards (8): Harrison Browne, Meghan Duggan, Zoe Hickel, Amanda Kessel, Hilary Knight, Rebecca Russo, Kelli Stack, Dana Trivigno Team Steadman Goaltenders (2): Katie Fitzgerald, Brianne McLaugh-

lin Defenders (4): Blake Bolden, Kaleigh Fratkin, Emily Pfalzer, Ashley Johnston Forwards (8): Kelly Babstock, Corinne Buie, Alex Carpenter, Shiann Darkangelo, Brianna Decker, Madison Packer, Haley Skarupa, Kelley Steadman Babstock and Johnston were selected by a panel of NWHL reporters. Babstock leads the NWHL in scoring with 6 goals and 6 assists for 12 points. Johnston is the captain of the Riveters and is regarded as one of the top allaround defenders in the league. Babstock and Johnston are both Canadians who played college hockey in the U.S. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Babstock at Quinnipiac and Johnston at Union. Fifteen members of the media each submitted two nominees during the two-way voting process, with Babstock and Johnston receiving the most votes.

Eleven additional players received at least one vote from the media, with Emily Janiga, Shiann Darkangelo and Nicole Stock generating especially strong consideration from the press. Marvin, Browne, Packer and Russo were the Fans’ Four picks. More than 20,000 votes were placed by fans during the two-week balloting process that concluded today at 10:00 am EST, with several players receiving strong consideration. Among those players were Brianna Decker, Alex Carpenter and Alyssa Gagliardi of the Pride; Corinne Buie, Shiann Darkangelo and Amanda Levielle of the Beauts; Kelly Babstock and Haley Skarupa of the Connecticut Whale; and Ashley Johnston, Bray Ketchum and Tatiana Rafter of the Riveters. The 2017 NWHL Skills Showdown will take place on Saturday, Feb. 11 at 4:00p.m., and the NWHL AllStar Game will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 12. Both events will be at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex, the state-of-the-art practice facility of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Tickets for the 2017 NWHL All-Star Game and the NWHL All-Star Skills Showdown are on sale now at nwhl.zone/tickets.

RPI Alum Wash Signs With Riveters

he New York Riveters of the National Women’s Hockey League have signed forward Lauren Wash, a four-year player with RPI, to a contract for the remainder of the season. “Lauren is going to bring a high-energy, quicktempo style to our team,” said Riveters GM and Head Coach Chad Wiseman. “We’re confident that it will not take long for her to adapt to the speed of our league. She is a dynamic player and a great fit with the Riveters. We were pleased to be able to sign her for the stretch run.” Wash, 22 and from Belle Meade, NJ, played four years of collegiate hockey from 2012 – 2016 at RPI,

Wash in her first game as a Riveter!

amassing 24 goals and 23 assists for 47 points over 130 games. She developed as a player in the New Jersey Rockets program. “It’s such an amazing opportunity to join the NWHL and play with many of the best players in the world,” said Wash. “I feel so lucky to be part of the Riveters. Playing pro hockey in New Jersey is a dream come true, having been born and raised in the state. I’m so happy to be reunited with Miye D’Oench, who I grew up playing hockey with on the New Jersey Rockets. It’s a relief to be playing with her again, and not against her! The chance to play with Miye again is something I never thought possible – until the NWHL was born. I’m also excited to be back with Alexa Gruschow, my old teammate at RPI for all four years in college.” Your Source For NYS Hockey News!

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in the third round, 66th overall, of the NHL Entry Draft by the Calgary Flames. He began this season as a freshman defenseman for the Harvard Crimson and seems to be fitting in quite well there. “ I t ’ s been quite a transition going from the NDTP to college,” continued Fox. “When I was with the NDTP team we got to play a few exhibition games against college teams. “It gave me a good idea of what to expect when I got to Harvard. The coaching staff at Harvard has been great and worked a lot with me. “It’s a faster game and you’re playing with guys who are older than me, maybe 22 or 23. But I’m adjusting to it and handling it.” With all his statistical data behind him, it is clear the style of game that Fox plays back at the blue line. “I definitely consider myself an offensive defenseman,” said Fox, who was the 2016 U18 World Hockey Championships Best Defenseman. “I like to make plays with the puck. “I’m also working on the defensive aspect of my game. I know that I need to do that. “But I love making plays with the puck and creating great offensive plays.” Fox gives a great deal of credit for his early hockey development to his days with the Long Island Gulls.

“There are three of us on this U.S. team that came through the Gulls including myself and Jeremy Bracco and Charlie McAvoy. That has been great. “It shows how far we have come and how good Long Island hockey really is.” With all the progress Fox has made in his hockey career, is he anxious to now try the NHL? “We’re going to take that year by year,” answered Fox. “I know I’ve got to develop a bit more physically. “I’m staying in contact with them. But for now we’re going to take it one year at a time.”

NY’s Fox Impacts Team USA

By Randy Schultz

t a little under 5-11 and weighing 185 pounds, Adam Fox will never be mistaken for a “bone-crushing” defenseman. But just give him the puck on the ice and he can perform magic with it. Fox was a member of the US Junior Team that won the gold medal at the 2017 IIHF World Junior Championship in Montreal, Que. Canada. For Fox, it was just another step up the hockey ladder that should eventually land him in the National Hockey League. A native of Jericho, NY, developed his ice hockey skills on Long Island, including a stint with the Long Island Gulls. In 2014 Fox joined the US National Team Development Program where his hockey career seemed to blossom. He led all USNDTP U18 defenseman in goals, assists and points last season with 9-50-59 in 64 games. Fox also finished third all-time in points by a defenseman in USNDTP history. To top it all off Fox was selected

et me ask you, what makes players like Tyler Johnson so special, so elusive and difficult to contain? It begs the question - Is it possible to develop the next Tyler Johnson? Now that I have your attention… What sets Johnson apart from the rest of the NHL players? He is not the fastest, he is not the strongest, and he is not big by hockey standards. This being said, we all know he has elite level puck skills. When I watch Tampa Bay, I focus on Johnson just like I do with other elite players in the NHL. I focus and wonder – is there something coaches can do to help create the next wonder of the game? Is there something coaches can do to help develop the next impact 2-way Defenseman? Things I know for certain – comments in minor levels of hockey include, “get pucks to the net”, “get pucks deep”, “move the puck”, “don’t turn the puck over in the grey zones” etc. Practices at this level include spending valuable time working on systems, 5-0 breakouts or regroups, D zone coverage or using drills that do not simulate real game action, and using drills that slow the pace down or have a greater than 3 to 1 work to rest ratio. These things alone will not get it done. I believe that coaches and organizations need to take a hockey school approach if they truly want to make a difference in the skill level of players. I saw an article that said “Tyler Johnson spends hours each week working on his hands.” He focuses on his shot, and most importantly handling the puck with his head up, moving his feet and separating his hands from his body. Agility is critical but looking as if you are about to pass the puck while carrying the puck will almost always result in buying a skilled player time and space. The opposite is also true – head down, flat footed and handling the puck like a grenade will no doubt result in the opposition pressuring to take away time and space. Practice makes perfect, but players have to first understand what it is they need to perfect. That’s where coaches and skill development coaches come in. Video of player review can be a very helpful tool as well. Obviously, the player has to want it and be willing to put in the time and effort. As a coach do you encourage your players to be creative? Do you encourage your players to show poise and patience? Most importantly, do you give your players time in every practice to work on the “Tyler Johnson type skill sets?” Do you allow and encourage your team to try new

Metzger Focuses on The Player Meet Mark Metzger from Precision Hockey things and to be creative in games during the regular season, exhibition and tournament games? It is true that the playoffs or state games might require a different mindset. The focus has to be on the players and not so much on the outcome of any one game, tournament, or season. We have to give each and every player the opportunity to reach his or her true potential. I have watched organization records continue to improve and get better as more and more coaches buy in to the equal/fair ice formula. You give up fewer goals, your team scores more goals, and teams win more tournaments and Championships. I believe that teams and organizations need to learn to focus more on overall skill development. I still see situations where coaches shorten the bench and favor certain players to kill penalties, play on the power play, or to play that last minute of a game. Players will often surprise us. A confident player is a contributing player, a contributing player is a happy player whose parents will be supportive of both the team and the coaches. I’m not suggesting we can or will create the next Tyler Johnson; however, I am confident that coaches can make each and every one of their players more skilled in the game of hockey. For your team focus on using a hockey school mentality and focus a little less on systems and winning games. Work on the process (all the little things combined) – the winning will take care of itself. Mark Metzger www.precisonhockey.net Precision Hockey Owner and Carolina Hurricanes skating and skills coach

CENTRAL NEW YORK

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

BROOME CCC The Hornets were still looking for their first win of the season with one game remaining in January and three in February. Sophomore Richie Bittles (New Windsor) led the squad with nine goals and 13 points with classmate Ryan Pretino (Penfield-pictured #8) right behind at 12 points. Kyle Waronker was tops in helpers with eight.

COLGATE A big come-from-behind win against Clarkson Jan. 21 put the Raiders in position to fight for a first round playoff home series plus they entered the last weekend in January with games-in-hand on teams they were chasing. “We continue to be a work in progress here,” head coach Don Vaughan said after the win. “We’ve got a lot of things we still have to work on, but you have to get a win to build a little confidence and momentum. Just the positive vibe and the guys can feel better about coming to the rink Monday now. We’ve been trying to get our positives from the gamewithin-the-game, but the big one is the “W”. Senior goaltender Charlie Finn became the third goaltender in program history to record 3,000 saves Jan. 20 joining Jeff Cooper ’85 (3,023) and Mark Dekanich ’08 (3,071) in the 3,000 save club. Finn passed Cooper Jan. 22 for the second most saves in a career by a Colgate goaltender with 3,046 and, with 26 saves to go, will likely set the mark the final weekend in January against Dartmouth/Harvard. Forward Bobby McMann was named the ECAC Hockey Colgate Hockey in Harlem Rookie of the Week Jan 3 after he tallied a

pair of assists to kick off the second half of the season at the Ledyard Classic hosted by Dartmouth. Senior forward Andrew Black (Buffalo) played in his 100th career game Jan. 20. Freshman John Snodgrass scored his first career goal Jan. 14 at Princeton.

Colgate in Harlem Despite a weekend off from competition, the Colgate men’s ice hockey team still hit the ice Saturday afternoon as the Raiders volunteered with Ice Hockey in Harlem in Central Park. “Thanks to Mike Harder and Dana Borges for arranging this wonderful day with the kids in Ice Hockey in Harlem program,” head coach Don Vaughan said. “It was a perfect backdrop for hockey: an outdoor rink with snow falling and cold temperatures, Division 1 College student athletes and young hockey players from Harlem speaking the same language: Hockey! “Our guys had just as much fun as the kids from Harlem. The pictures tell the story. Smiles all around. As Bob Johnson might have said, ‘It was a great day for hockey.’ “Thank you Hockey in Harlem for letting Colgate Hockey share this great game with you all today.” Ice Hockey in Harlem is an organization developed in 1987 and strives to improve the social and academic well being of the children from the Harlem community. It allows the children to engage in the game of hockey, learn the fundamentals, participate in an active lifestyle and broaden life experiences. The Raiders’ players and coaches hit the ice for about two hours on Saturday afternoon to teach hockey fundamentals and have fun on the outdoor rinks of Central Park.

CORNELL The nationally ranked Big Red were in a dogfight with Quinnipiac, and Harvard for a first round playoff bye and, with their normal later season start, had games-in-hand on both. They entered the last week in January having earned at least a point in all but one of their last 12 con-

tests. Freshman forward Jeff Malott was named the ECAC Rookie of the Week after he recorded a natural hat trick in the Jan. 19 game at Princeton. The goals marked his first as a collegian and the first hat trick for a Cornell freshman since Matt Moulson — currently with the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres — scored three goals against Dartmouth on Feb. 7, 2003. Senior defenseman Patrick McCarron led in scoring and now ranks fourth nationally in points per game for blueliners (1.08). He had an eight-game points streak snapped—the first Cornell defenseman with points in eight straight since Mark McRae from Jan. 25 to Feb. 21, 2003. Sophomore defenseman Brendan Smith scored his first collegiate goal—the game winner in a 3-2 victory over St. Lawrence Jan. 21. Senior Jake Weidner was also the nation’s top shotblocker among forwards (1.94 per game). Sophomore defenseman Alec McCrea currently ranks tied for seventh in the nation among all shot-blockers (2.38 per game).

CORTLAND The Red Dragons began their January conference schedule with two losses putting them in a fight for one of the final six playoff positions in the SUNYAC conference. Scoring goals was not the problem—preventing them continued to be with 31 allowed over the first six January games. Darren McCormick (Buffalo) led the squad with 16 goals and 23 points—he ranked third in the nation in goals per game as of Jan. 22. Mike Crowley (Buffalo) had 14 assists and 18 points with freshmen Dougie Elgstam, Sean Perichak and Stefano Alonzo next on the team scoring list.

ELMIRA With just one conference victory this season, the rebuilding Soaring Eagles run out the rest of the campaign with eight ECAC West

opponents hoping lessons have been learned from the first have for the young squad. Youth was being served with freshmen Matthew Cuce, Connor Powell and Nick Ford atop the team scoring list with 19, 18 and 14 points respectively and classmate Eric Bolden one point away from joining them with ten or more. Senior goaltender Sal Magliocco (Roslyn) recorded his 25th career win Jan. 14 versus Salve Regina.

HAMILTON Ranked among the top ten, the Continentals stumbled with back-toback January losses—their first of the season. They have already defeated all but one of their six scheduled conference opponents left in February. Balanced scoring has been one key to their success with seven players scoring ten or more points led by juniors Neil Conway and Brandon Willett and senior Jon Carkeek and another—junior Tyler Bruneteau with nine points, but third on the squad with six goals. Junior goaltender Evan Buitenhuis stood top-five in the nation in goals against (1.52) and save percentage (.951) in back of senior defensemen Conor Lamberti (Kings Park), Brad Smelstor and Carkeek.

HOBART The Statesmen were only in fourth place in their own conference, but ranked in the top-ten nationally due to a strong con-conference record. They were perfect over the first four January contests allowing only six goals over the span. Seniors Nick Bingaman (Bedford), Bobby Sokol and Bo Webster lead the pack offensively with sophomore defenseman Tanner Shaw the top assist man with nine through 16 games. Freshman goaltender Alexander Connal was 7-0-2 over his first eight starts with a sparkling 1.83 GAA and .935 save percentage.

MOHAWK VALLEY CC After ending the 2016 portion of the schedule on a fourgame winning streak, the Hawks had 42 days off between games (Dec. 11-Jan. 21), so there is no telling how the team will respond. They were getting balanced scoring with five players in double-figures led by CJ Buckingham’s 11 points. Kyle Cronin had ten points with a team-best eight assists, Dustin Frankey had ten points with a team-high of eight goals with Grant Romeo and Jordan Trudeau also tied with ten points each.

MORRISVILLE With just one conference win through their first ten, the Mustangs were on the outside of the playoff picture (top six spots), but a comeback from a 7-2 deficit to earn a tie against Plattsburgh Jan. 21 may have been the wake-u call the team needed. It marked their first point since Dec. 9—a span of seven games. Senior Jordan Carvalho was tied for sixth nationally in assists per game with 21 and led the team with 25 points. Senior Joe Santino led with ten goals this season to reach 30 in his career. Sophomore CJ Stubbs and freshman Nick DeVito (Averill Park) also had ten or more points.

OSWEGO With five conference games remaining—all at home— and a six point lead in the SUNYAC conference, it was just a matter of time before the Lakers officially clinched the regular season title. “It’s such a fine line; it’s the little things that help you be successful,” head coach Ed Gosek said. “It’s hard to keep the edge when things are going well. They don’t mean to, but you get a little complacent and they get away from the little things from

when you were successful.” The team had five players with 20 or more points and 11 in double-digits led by Shawn Hulshoff’s 27 points—tied for 13th in the nation in scoring and seventh in assists. Senior Kenny Neil became the fourth Laker this season with Hulshoff, Matt Galati and Alex Botten to eclipse the 100-career point mark. Sophomore defenseman Kristoffer Brun netted his first collegiate goal at Nazareth Jan. 13. The Lakers added Niagara transfer Devin Campbell to their defense at the break. The sophomore defenseman registered one assist in 29 career games with the Purple Eagles.

UTICA First place in their own conference hasn’t equated to much national respect due to their under .500 nonconference record. “It’s a weird year with parity everywhere and teams are getting looking past teams,” head coach Gary Heenan said. “It seems like anybody can beat anybody this year. Union transfer Roman Ammirato stood among the top25 scorers nationally and continued to lead the team while Kevin Valtenti (Queensbury) had shattered his career best in goals for a season and was within one assist of tying last year’s mark. Freshman goaltender Patrik Virtanen had earned the top spot, but the Pioneers entered their final seven conference games of the regular season having used three different goaltenders in three games. The Pioneers added freshman forward Devin Warfield at the break from the soon-to-be defunct Daniel Webster College program. He scored one goal with five assists over the first 12 games this season with the Eagles.

“Joining the NEHC is an exciting opportunity for Hobart hockey and we are grateful for the invitation,” said Hobart Director of Athletics Mike Hanna. “The footprint of the conference meshes well with our alumni base and New England is one of the Colleges’ most important recruiting regions. Joining the NEHC is a strong step forward for Hobart Athletics and our hockey program.” The NEHC was created and began competition in the 2015-16 season. The men’s conference includes Castleton University, New England College, Norwich University, UMass-Boston, the University of Southern Maine, Babson College and Skidmore College. “On behalf of the NEHC, I am excited to welcome Hobart to the league next season. Their institution aligns philosophically with our current membership and their commitment to and strength of their men’s hockey program will make the league stronger,” said NEHC Commissioner Katie Boldvich. “I’d like to thank Hobart Athletic Director Mike Hanna and the league Athletic Directors for their leadership and vision in adding the Statesmen to the NEHC.” “I believe this is the right move for Hobart College hockey,” said Hobart Hockey Head Coach Mark Taylor. “Through the years, we’ve also built some great rivalries with the teams in the ECAC West and I expect some of them to continue. Over the past couple of years, we’ve started rivalries with NEHC members Babson and Skidmore. And I’m excited to begin new ones with the other NEHC members.” Hobart currently competes in the ECAC West. Both Hobart and William Smith ice hockey teams will leave the ECAC West at the end of this season. The Herons will join the newly created United Collegiate Hockey Conference for the 2017-18 season. The Statesmen are 11-2-3 overall this season and are currently riding an eight-game unbeaten streak. Hobart is 4-2-0 in the ECAC West. The Statesmen are ranked No. 7 in the USCHO.com poll and No. 6 in the D3hockey.com poll this week.

Late Breaking News/Hobart

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Hobart College announced that it will join the New England Hockey Conference starting in the 2017-18 season.

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great team effort on both the offensive and defensive side of the ice propels the Central Outlaws Squirts to another Championship. The Central Outlaws had 28 goals for and only 3 goals against with our Goalie posting a 96% save ratio with 2 shutouts for the Tournament. The Coaching staff of Jay Sciarabba, Brad Jump, Jim Nielsen and AJ O’Connor are proud of these kids and continues to say this team is showing time and time again what the true meaning of team is. We had seven kids with five points or more and eleven kids overall get in the points column. A solid offensive effort by our Forwards produced 28 goals over the course of five games; that amounts to over five goals per games for the Tournament. The Central Outlaws forwards are: A. Mekos, S. Falbo, D. Sciarabba, C. Hollister, L. O’Connor, B. Coffin, F. O’Brien, B. Carlisle, S. Lynch and A. Nielsen. Our Defensive anchored by B. Jump, L. Enns, G. Corso and D. Martyniuk turned in an equally rock-solid effort with only allowing 3 goals the entire tournament.

The MLK Tournament started off with what was to be a tough opponent for the Outlaws; they had just played the Utica Jr. Comets AA to a tie the weekend before. The Central Outlaws started their tournament run stronger than anyone could have imagined with an 8-0 win over the Comets. The Outlaws would then go onto beat the Geneva Generals 4-1, Perinton Blades 6-0, and the Auburn Ice Hawks 8-1. The finals saw the matchup of the first game between the Central Outlaws and the Utica Jr. Comets AA who placed 1st and 2nd respectfully in their bracket. The game started out quick but sloppy for both teams. The Outlaws outshot the Comets in the first period and were able to get one past the goalie at the 7:59 mark in the first. It was a back and forth game throughout the second and third period; the Outlaws were able to put another one past the Comets goalie with only 3:57 left in the game to seal the victory. The defensive came up strong in the Championship game as the Outlaws were outshot 22-15, but our goalie N. Oplinger was as solid as one can be and with his determination between the pipes he shut them down by only allowing one goal.

A Tale of Two Seasons | The Wilkes Barre Miners to Binghamton Jr Senators

ollowing the 2015-16 season, the Wilkes Barre Miners rebranded and renamed, becoming the Binghamton Jr Senators for 2016-17. The team also made the move from the NA3EHL to the NA3HL The off-season moves have proven positive for the Senators, who last season at this time had a 3-220 (.120) record and ranked 156th of 165 Tier 3 Junior Hockey teams in win percent. Currently the Senators hold a 28-1-1 record (.950) and rank 5th among 162 Tier 3 Junior Hockey teams in win percent. The Senators are on a 6 game win streak after suffering their first regulation loss on November 19, 2016 to the Jersey Shore Wildcats. Prior to that the team went 22 games without a loss. The Senators hold a 65.1% Power Play, the best in all Tier 3, logging 54 goals in 83 attempts. Last season the Miners held a 9.46 power play, the third worst in Tier 3. The teams success is due in part to rostering 5 of the top 10 points leaders among over 3000 Tier 3 Junior Hockey players. With 77 points, Forward Conor Landrigan ranks 5th among all Tier 3 skaters. Landrigan played 23 games last season with the Miners where he averaged nearly 2 points per game. The Pennsylvania native earned a point in 26 of 28 games this season including 20 multi point efforts, 3 hat tricks and a 9 point game on December 3, 2016. The 9 points made him one of 5 Tier 3 Junior Hockey players to earn 9 or more points in a single game as well as one of 6 players to earn 6 or more assists in a game. (view more player achievements) With 76 points, Forward Dominik Bogdziul ranks 6th among all Tier 3 skaters. On an 8 game point streak, Bogdzuil earned points in 24 of 26 games played including 19 multi point efforts, 5 hat tricks and remains

one of 9 players to score 5 or more goals in a single game. (and he did it twice) Bogdzuil played his 2015-16 campaign with the Rochester Ice Hawks and currently is representing his home country of Lithuania at the World Junior Championships. With 67 points, Tyler Uravage ranks 8th among all Tier 3 skaters. In his first season with the Senators, the 6â&#x20AC;&#x2122;1 185lb Forward is currently averaging over 2 points per game through 30 games with the Senators, registering a point in 27 contests. With 4 game winners, Uravage has contributed to over 34% of the Senators season goals. With 65 points, Jeremy Wilber currently ranks 9th among all Tier 3 skaters. A native of New York, Wilber returned to the Tier 3 level following two seasons of U18 play. The 5â&#x20AC;&#x2122;11 210lb skater has a plus minus of +37, 4 game winners and has contributed to over 33% of all Senators goals. With 63 points, Ryan Reifler currently ranks 10th among all Tier 3 skaters and recently signed a tender with the Aberdeen Wings, becoming the first Binghamton player to sign an NAHL tender. Solid Goaltending from both Sal Lauretta (17-0) and Steven Schmitt (11-1-1) has kept the team in the win column in all but two games this season. Lauretta has more wins than all but 2 Goaltenders this season and has the most wins of any undefeated Goalie. Schmitt ranks 5th among over 200 Tier 3 Goaltenders with over 500 minutes with a .947 save percent and 14th with a 1.67gaa. Lauretta ranks 17th (.938) and 28th (1.88).

Cortland

Massachusetts. Miranda Kolb leads the scoring for the Red Dragons with 5 goals/5 assists for 10 points. The Watertown native is a freshman forward and payed for the Syracuse Nationals. In Goal is Freshman Rachael Farmer from Grand Island and the Niagara Junior Purple Eagles. Farmer has played in 6 games/over 336 minutes and has a .891 save percentage and 3.39 GAA.

Elmira

Central New York Women’s College Hockey Report

The Red Dragons came back from the holiday break to face Morrisville on January 6. With four losses as they headed to January they split with Buffalo State to garner a win. They have six ECAC West games in February before the quarterfinals in Centerville,

Honors went to two Soaring Eagles in January with Louisa Lippiatt Durnell taking ECAC West Player of the Week for January 3 after she helped down Middlebury with her assist and first goal in game one and then scored the tying goal in game two which ended in a 2-2 tie. Durnell leds the team in scoring with 19 points in 16 games. Kyle Nelson was named ECACW Goaltender ofthe Week for outstanding play in those same games. She made 22 saves, her second high this season and is the fifth Soaring Eagle to reach 900 with 913 career saves. Nelson leads the galies with a .933 save % and 1.31 GAA. The Eagles are 12-2-2 overall (Jan. 23) and have six ECAC West games left this season. Meghan Fonfara earned Elmira Athlete of the Week honors for January 9 after her best performance of the year with a season-high 3 points against Adrian College. Maddy Jerolman was name Elmira’s Athlete of the Wek January 17 after she had 3 goals and an assist, sweeping Cortland. Jerolman is from Elma and played for the Buffalo Bisons.

By Janet Schultz Janet@nyhockeyonline.com

Syracuse

The Orange had several players receiving CHA accolades when Abbey Miller was named Goaltender of the Week; Allie Munroe, Player of the Week and Savannah Rennie, Co-Rookie of the Week for January 23. All three had outstanding performances against Lindenwood. Miller had two shutouts, five this season; Munroe had 4 points on the weekend stand and Rennie had her first game-winning goal. Heather Schwarz was named Syracuse Athlete of the Week (Jan. 23) after being the leading scorer for the Orange with 10 goals in the season. On the leader board is Stephanie Grossi with 20 points on 9 goals/11 assists and in goal it’s Miller. At 9-10-5 the Orange have six games against CHA rivals before playoffs.

Utica

The Pioneer’s Keira Goin (Dobbs Ferry) moved to first on the Utica Goaltending list of career bests with 12 shutouts. Utica is 9-7-0 with seven ECAC games left in the season. Gabrielle Schnepp leads in points with 14 (2g/12a) in 16 games.

Colgate

Liz Auby had her first career shutout with 30 saves in a 0-0 tie with St.Cloud. At 16-7-3 the Red Raiders also have six games in the ECAC left before playoffs. Jessie Eldridge is leading the scoring with 30 points on 9 goals and 21 assists. New Hartford’s Annika Zalewski is second with 20 points (8 g/12 a).

Oswego

The Lakers Mariah Madrigal was named ECAC West Goaltender of the Week for January 22 after a sweep of Neumann. She recorded her fifth shutout of the season in a 7-0 victory over Neumann and then made 19 saves in a 3-2 win the next day. Elmira, 14-3-0 face Buffalo and William Smith, both doubleheaders, before the end of the season. In first place in points is Oliva Ellis with 9 goals and 19 assists.

Cornell

The Big Red are 13-6-2 as they look toward the playoffs with six games on tap for February. Hanna Bunton leads the scoring with 7 goals and 12 assists and Plaul Vooheis is 6-5-1 between the pipes with one shutout.

lege. Katie Parkham leads the scoring with 6 goals/7 assists and Sam Walther has a 7-5-1 record in 14 games with a .948 save percentage and 1.22 GAA.

William Smith

The Heron’s Devon Strachan was named ECAC Rookie of the Week January 4 after having a career-high 39 saves in a 1-1 tie with Connecticut College. It was her first start in The Cooler. Krista Federow leads the scoring with 3 goals/7 assists in 19 games and Maggie Salmon started in 11 games between the pipes recording a 3-7-1 record. The Herons are 4-11-2 as they begin February to face Cortland, Potsdam and Oswego, all ECAC rivals.

Morrisville

Vanessa Klimpke was named CHC Rookie of the Week for January 10 after she led the Mustangs to a 2-0 victory in non-conference play against Cortland. She also tied in the Nation’s first place in goals-per-game ast 1.31. Klimpke is the leading scorer for the Mustangs with 25 points (18 goals/7 assists) With a 14-2-1 record, the Mustangs are looking positively at the playoffs with only six games left.

Hamilton

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Hamilton opened 2017 at the St. Michaels DoubleTree Ice Hockey Classic with a 4-3 loss in overtime and a 4-1 win in the second game. They are 8-5-2 has they now face Bowdoin and Amherst at home, twice each, and then go on the road for their final doubleheader at Connecticut Col-

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SCHEIDE COMMITS TO WEBER STATE OF ACHA

yan Scheide has committed to play college hockey for Weber State College for the 2017-18 hockey season. Scheide, who has been a goaltender with the Syracuse Stampede for the past three seasons, committed to the college during the holiday break. Weber State is an ACHA D-2 College located in Utah. “We expect Ryan to join the team next year and have an immediate impact,” said Weber State head coach, Clay Hobbs. “We expect that he will be a good student athlete and give us an opportunity to win more games.” Stampede Head Coach, Mike Beavis, is very excited for Scheide.

“Scheide is a great kid that has been with us for a few seasons,” said Beavis. “He has worked hard and it has finally paid off for him. “It’s always great to see one of your guys get to move on and continue their career as well as attend college. That is what we are about and even though it is sometimes a tough road, it just seems to get done with time and patience.”

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East Hockey

he 15U AAA Westchester Express have been on a roll this season. They started off winning the Massachusetts Tier I Labor Day Face Off Championship, and have since been dominating. They sit in first in the diamond division in the EJEPL and 2nd in the LIHL. Their record this season is 40-15-4, they also play up a level against 16U teams in non-league games to test competitive waters. At the 2016 Bauer invite tournament, they beat the formerly 10th ranked 15U Chicago Mission and handed them their only loss as they went 3-1 that weekend. The Westchester Express has a team of dedicated players that will continue to reach more milestones in their young hockey careers. Express was short on defenseman this season. Four players: Brandon LaSpina, Ethan Behar, Connor Sullivan and Nicky Scollard have volunteered to move from forward to defense to help out their team on the back end. Jack Greco & Stefan Oddoux have been producing offensively consistently. Goalies Parker Ravosa & Ryan Troy have both been a brick wall in net with a combined GAA of under 2.25/game. On top of the team’s successes this year they clinched a berth for New York States. Coach Steve Santini says “This group has been very cohesive and progressed tremendously since August. Our goal all season was to make the New York State Championships and to see what happens after that. We have some work to do but these guys work hard and want to improve more and more. The challenge for the last 2 months is very exciting.”

Team’s Dedication Pays Off for Express

Nesconset’s O’Gara Learning in First Tarrytown’s Pesce Pro Season Plays in 100th NHL Game

that?’ Those guys have that bond that is never going away.”

By Warren Kozireski

ob O’Gara completed his four-year collegiate career at Yale last March in an overtime loss to UMassLowell in the NCAA East Regional semi-finals and seven days later began his pro career with Providence of the American Hockey League. He scored his first professional goal April 13, 2016 against Springfield. This season the former fifth round pick (151st overall) in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft by Boston made the Bruins roster out of camp and played in three games before being sent back to Providence. There the 6’4” defenseman has appeared in 25 games with one goal and three assists as of Dec. 27. “It’s a long process (adjusting to pro) and I’m getting used to it more and more each game,” O’Gara said. “It’s going in the right direction and the staff here and the veterans especially have been such a huge help. “Every game I feel more and more comfortable playing my game. It’s going well.” O’Gara played for the Midget U-16 Long Island Royals in the Atlantic Youth Hockey League for two seasons (2008-09 and 2009-10) before transferring to Milton Academy in Massachusetts for his junior and senior campaigns. In college O’Gara showed his dependability playing 30 or more games all four years and was in his freshman season when the Bulldogs received an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament and won the national championship at the Frozen Four in Pittsburgh. They defeated higher seeds Minnesota and North Dakota in the regional and beat UMassLowell in the national semi-finals before defeating the tournament’s top-seed Quinnipiac in the final. “That’s a bond that you don’t lose,” O’Gara said. “I have it (the picture of the team with the trophy) as my desktop background. “Every day I open it up and say ‘wow, how did we do

By Warren Kozireski

arolina Hurricanes defenseman Brett Pesce played in his 100th NHL contest Dec. 17 against the Buffalo Sabres in his second season in the league. “I’m pretty thankful,” Pesce said in the locker room after his 101st game in Buffalo. “I take it game-by-game though and each and every day try to bring it. “Every game I feel more comfortable and it helps that we have a really good coaching staff helping out and some older guys that you can pick their brain and they can give you some pointers, so it’s good.” Called up in late Oct. 2015, the third round draft pick (66th overall) in 2013 tied for fourth among all NHL rookie defensemen in goals (4) and tied for sixth in scoring (16 points). He also ranked ninth among all NHL defensemen in takeaways (43) and ninth among rookie defensemen in blocks (83). This season he had one goal and seven assists over the first 31 games and was a +5 plus/minus—tops among Hurricane blueliners. Out of junior hockey with the New Jersey Hitmen, Pesce played at the University of New Hampshire for three campaigns before needing only seven AHL games to be NHL ready. Now he is a regular part with first round draft picks Noah Hanifan, Ryan Murphy and second rounder Justin Faulk of what some people consider one of the best young defenses in the NHL. “It’s awesome; I think we have a really good team here. I’m excited for what the future holds.”

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

Manhattanville

Nicole Mensi, Mamaroneck/SUNY Plattsburgh, was named NEHC Player of the Week and D3Hockey.com Team of Distinction after a 6 point week (4 goals/2 assists) on 13 shots and leads the Valiants with 11 goals on the year. She is 10th nationally among DIII players in goals per game at 0.85. Karly Kapur scored twice to give her 3 goals on the week and her first multi-point game in a 3-1 win over Salve Regina. The Valiants are 9-5-1 as they head to six games to close out the season. They will be facing St. Michaels, St. Anselm, Nichols College, Holy Cross, Salve Regina and the University of Massachusetts/Boston before the NEHC Championships. The NEHC championship series will be played February 25, March 4 and March 5 at a place to be determined.

RPI

Jaimie Grigsby was named ECAC Player of the Week January 10 for her assistance in leading the Engineers to a 2-0 weekend. She assisted in 5 of the 6 goals against Brown and Yale. The Engineers are 9-15-2 on the season. RPI Alumnus Lauren Walsch signed with the New York Riveters of the NWHL.

NY HOCKEY MAGAZINE accepts all stories, game results, tournament news and photographs from hockey organizations throughout New York State.

Union

At 4-21-1 Union ends the season against Cornell, Colgate, Harvard, Dartmouth, Princeton and Quinnipiac. Haley Shugart leds the scoring with 6 goals/4 assists in six games and Kate Spooner has a 4-21-1 record in 20 games played between the nets. Your Source For NYS Hockey News!

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ARMY The Black Knights were running neckand-neck with the military brethren A i r

East Men’s College Report by Warren Koziereski

Force for the top spot in Atlantic Hockey as of late January. It won’t be easy with six of their last ten games on the road, but they are in

HUDSON VALLEY CC Two of their six wins came in January with a huge victory over defending national champ Erie. The Vikings were getting veteran leadership on the offensive side with sophomore forwards Kyle Constanty (pictured above) (Plattsburgh), Chris Breault and Jordan Smith along with defensive classmates Adam Hosmer and Hunter Craig.

MANHATTANVILLE position to secure a first round playoff bye. Freshmen Zach Evancho (Buffalo) and Brendan Soucie were leading the offense with ten goals each. Parker Gahagen (Buffalo) was named Atlantic Hockey Goaltender of the Month for December after he backstopped Army to a 4-1-1 record. He posted a league-best 1.32 goals against average, allowing eight goals in over 363 minutes between the pipes. Gahagen also posted a 0.959 save percentage, stopping 189 of 197 shots, lowered his goals against average on the season to 1.66, the third-best mark in the country, and raised his save percentage to 0.943, which also ranks third nationally. He made a career-high 48 saves New Year’s Eve in the consolation game of the Ledyard Bank Tournament at Dartmouth against Colgate.

Five of their first nine wins came in ECAC West conference play putting the Valiants in a tie for second just two points out of first with seven games remaining. After earning just two wins from Thanksgiving to their first game in January, they seem to have turned a corner earning points in three of the next four. Sophomore Matt Lippa continues his career-best season with a team best ten goals and tied with Adam Platt with 17 points. Through 18 games, the team had 11 players with ten or more points. Sophomore Tyler Feaver registered seven of the team’s first nine wins.

R.P.I. Averaging one win per month had the Engineers in last place in the ECAC and need-

ing to string together a winning streak just to earn a first round playoff home series. With four of their final nine games against nationally ranked teams, that will be quite an undertaking. Junior defenseman Jared Wilson led the nation in goals by a defenseman with eight. Senior Riley Bourbonnais (Greece) was putting a cap on his collegiate career with a team-high ten goals giving him 30 in his career. He was also tied for 14th nationally with six power play markers. The Engineers will join Clarkson University, Maine University and Northeastern University in the next iteration of the annual Northern Irish Connections Friendship Four Tournament to be held in Belfast, Northern Ireland November 24-25. Sophomore goaltender Cam Hackett was suspended for failing to uphold team standards leaving the Engineers with just one goalie—Chase Perry, who proceeded to make 41 saves against nationally second ranked Harvard for his first collegiate shutout. Liam McBain was called up from the college club team to serve as insurance with no other goaltender on the roster.

UNION

The nationally ranked Dutchmen experienced a two game New Year blip, but quickly righted the ship with three January wins allowing only four goals as they continued to click. Mike Vecchionne and Spencer Foo entered the final weekend in January tied for the top spot in the nation in scoring with 41 points in the first 24 games and will be in the conversation nationally for First Team All-American honors as well as the Hobey Baker Award. Vecchione entered the final weekend in January just six points from surpassing Daniel Carr ‘15 as Union’s alltime leading scorer in its Division I era. Senior goaltender Alex Sakellaropoulos was named the ECAC Hockey Goalie of the Month after he led Division I with six wins in December, backstopping the 10th-ranked Dutchmen to a 6-10 month. He held a 2.15 goals-against average and a .936 save percentage in his seven appearances and went 4-0-0 against ECAC Hockey opponents.

Foo and Sakellaropoulos were named the ECAC Hockey Player of the Week and Goaltender of the Week respectively Jan. 17 after helping the Dutchmen to their fifth ECAC Hockey sweep of the season. Foo had five points (3G-2A) registering a point on five of Union’s six goals over the weekend. Sakellaropoulos, who receives the award for the third time this season, stopped 65 of 67 shots over the weekend. Foo’s program record 19-game scoring streak ended Jan. 20 against Freshman forward Ryan Burton scored his first collegiate goal Dec. 17 at Vermont. Freshman defenseman Vas Kolias netted his first Dec. 3 at Princeton. Union has been one of the best teams in the faceoff circle this season, winning 55.2% of its draws, which places it third in the nation behind only Notre Dame (56.6%) and Penn State (55.8%). The Dutchmen will join Yale, Boston University and UConn in the annual Friendship Four Tournament November 23-24, 2018.

Late Breaking News/RPI

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) head men’s hockey coach Seth Appert has announced the addition of goaltender Kyle St. Denis to the program’s Class of 2020. “We are excited to have Kyle join our hockey program,” said Appert. “His work ethic, competitiveness and character make him a good fit for our program’s values.” A native of Katonah, N.Y., St. Denis played most recently for the Syracuse Stars of the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL). In 14 games this season, he was 3-3-0 with a 3.17 goals against average and an .913 save percentage. As a member of the Springfield Pics, he went 2-4-0 with a 3.41 goals against average and a .920 save percentage. He attended Hotchkiss School in Connecticut from 2013-2016. Your Source For NYS Hockey News!

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North Hockey

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

Wkozires@brockport.edu

CANTON The team started January with three consecutive home wins allowing only two goals total against regional rivals Plattsburgh, Potsdam and Morrisville. Sophomore goaltender Josh Erickson registered his first two career shutouts in the stretch if you include a New Year’s Eve 1-0, 27-save masterpiece at Middlebury. Freshman Vili-Jesper Koivula led the team in goals and scoring with Tyler Bullard (Ballston Spa), Josh Sova (Oswego) and Joey Vocino all tied for second on the squad with seven goals each.

CLARKSON After a rough December, the Golden Knights earned five points over four games in early January and were finding the net with regularity scoring 17 goals to keep around the middle of the pack in the tight ECAC conference. “Every two points in this league is hard to come by,” head coach Casey Jones said in mid-January. “We’ve given up more goals than we have in the past, but our offense has been pretty good for the most part this year. We’re chasing some teams and we have to beat those teams head-to-head and we can’t be giving points away.” Clarkson’s Class of 2020 is the top producing freshman class in ECAC Hockey and is tied for fifth overall in the NCAA, averaging 2.78 points per game. The Knights’

seven rookie skaters, and netminder Jake Kielly (one assist) have accounted for 33% of Clarkson’s offense with 64 points on 23 goals and 41 assists. Senior and Pittsburgh draft pick Troy Joseph’s continues his career season with half of his 20 career goals coming over the first 22 games this season. Sam Vigneault from Clarkson was selected Player of the Week Jan. 10 after he scored two goals (one gamewinner) with two assists against RPI. Clarkson’s seven goals on Jan. 14 at Brown were its most in a single game since skating to a 7-2 victory over Princeton by the same score on November 17, 2012. The Golden Knights will join RPI, Maine University and Northeastern University in the next iteration of the annual Northern Irish Connections Friendship Four Tournament to be held in Belfast, Northern Ireland November 24-25.

PLATTSBURGH The Cardinals were a very uncharacteristic 6-8 this season before running off a three-game winning streak on home ice in January as they launch what has become a battle for the playoffs. For the first time in xx years a defenseman stood atop the team scoring chart (as of Jan. 20) in Ayrton Valente with just 12 points in 15 games. Bother goaltenders were sporting pedestrian .874 save percentages through the first 17 games.

POTSDAM The New Year turned the page on what was a lost season for the Bears as they rattled off four wins over their first five January contests. Bryce Ferrell (Buffalo) was named the State University of New York Athletic Conference’s Rookie of the Week Jan. 16 for the second time this season. Ferrell recorded his first career hat trick in the Bears’ 6-5 overtime win against SUNY Canton. The freshman forward had a short-

the Week Jan. 9. Both had four point weekends in the Bears’ two victories.

ST. LAWRENCE

Ferrell Celebrates (Potsdam Photo)

handed goal, a power-play marker and netted the game-winner 1:19 into the extra session. Leading scorer Dylan Vander Esch and Tyler Young (Massena) were named SUNYAC Player and Rookie of

The Saints had two ties and one loss to blemish their January record through the first six games with three road wins as they continued their battle with Union for top spot in ECAC. South Huntington native Mike Marnell was pacing the offense with 11 goals while defenseman occupied three of the top six spots on the team scoring list in Gavin Bayreuther (who missed much of the month), Nolan Gluchowski and freshman Ben Finkelstein. “Guys are having to step up (due to injuries) and it may not be pretty

right now, but the guys are buying in,” first year head coach Mark Morris said after an early January game at Canisius. “We have a tough road to hoe from here on until we get some bodies back. They seem to be adapting well to the new wrinkles that I’m throwing in there…and we’re to hoping to continue to build on what we’ve done.” The Saints added 6’5” center Alex Gilmour to the roster after the holiday and he netted his first collegiate goal at Canisius Jan. 7. He started the season with Pembroke in the CCHL. The team had already surpassed last season’s total of 15 power play goals with 19 as of Jan. 20.

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Clarkson With six games left, the Golden Knights are 18-4-4 as they look at the playoffs and the NCAA Frozen Four. Cayley Mercer has 15 goals/21 assists for an impressive 36 points and in goal Tiley Shea has a 9-1-1 record with 12 games played/12 starts. Cornell broke the Golden Knights 18-game winning streak but the Knights didn’t let that top them as they came back and beat Colgate the following day.

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

St. Lawrence

Potsdam The ECAC’s Rookie of the Week for January 23 is Potsdam’s Alex Pfeiffer, a goaltender with 21 saves in a 3-2 victory over Chatham and 31 saves in a 3-2 second victory over Chatham. She is 6-4-1 in 11 starts and has a 2.43 GAA and .918 save%. AT 10-6-1 the Bears seem in a good position for a playoff spot. They sit fourth in the ECAC West and close out February 18 and 19 against Elmira. Hilton’s Jordan Ott leads the team with 11 goals/6 assists for 17 points as of January 23.

Plattsburgh

The nationally ranked Cardinals are 16-1-0 and play Potsdam Middlebury and Buffalo in February. Camille Leonard and Hannah Kiraly took D3Hockey. com National Team of the Week honors January 11. Melissa Sheeran was named ECAC West Player of the Week January 15 with 5 goals/3 assists and a +8 in weekend wins over Chatham. Megan Crandell was named ECACW Player of the Week the following week after 5 goals/3 assists as they beat Utica twice. She has a career-high 4 points in the 6-2 win and the empty-netter in a 3-1 win.

Emily Middagh and Michelle Alonardo scored their first career goals as Saints in a 7-2 win over Brown. Alonardo is a walk-on, playing in her 58th career game. She had a goal and 2 assists in an exhibition game earlier but those don’t count in the records. Kennedy Marchmen is leading the scoring with 15 goals/26 assists. With six games left, St. Lawrence is 19-3-2 and looking at a playoff spot and championship. They play Princeton February 11 in Appleton Arena for their last home game. Puck drops at 3 p.m. The other two match-ups are at Cornell and Colgate.

Canton

The Roos are 7-8-1 and face Becker, Johnson & Wales, and Stevenson as they close out 2016-17. Players to note are Tess Adams with 12 goals/2 assists; Margaret Troiano, 3 goals/10 assists and in Goal, Brooke Susa with a 7-6-1 record. The Colonial Hockey Conference will hold their championship series February 25, March 3 and 4 at a place to be determined.

West Hockey

BUFFALO SABRES NYLANDER STARS AT WORLD JUNIORS By Warren Kozireski

First round draft pick Alexander Nylander was loaned by the Buffalo Sabres to Team Sweden for the 2017 IIHL World Junior tournament held in Toronto-Montreal over the holidays and the 18-year old (19 on March 2) used the international stage to show his peers he is something to be reckoned with moving forward. Team Sweden won the bronze medal after falling to Team Canada in the semi-finals, but defeating Team Russia for the medal. Nylander tied for the top-scorer from all competitors with 12 points over the seven games. He netted five goals (two game-winners) with seven assists, took 16 shots and was a +7. “I thought I had a really good tournament playing with some really good player and developed some chemistry in our games laying together and that was a lot of fun, but unfortunately it ended the way we didn’t want it to,” Nylander said in Rochester after his return to his AHL team. “I think it was good for me. It’s a good tournament and I thought it was good for my development and play good there and now just keep on going with this team. “Before the tournament I was playing and getting better here, so it felt good and now we just keep going.”

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Iroquois / Alden Varsity Chiefs See Winning December

he month of December for the Chiefs began with an away game versus Olean on December 4th. The Chiefs played a solid game pushing out Olean for a final of 11-2. On December 10, the Chiefs again played away in Depew. With two goals from Spencer Hrynczak, a goal from Joe Russo and a hat trick from Alex Held, the Chiefs topped Depew 6-4. Playing back to back games, the Chiefs faced West Seneca East on Sunday December 11th. Goalkeeper Colton DeGrace, with a stellar performance, shut out the Trojans 7-0. Goals from Ryan Nehls, Garrett Miller, Dylan Giancarlo, a natural hat trick by Spencer Hrynczak and a final goal by Eric Mattoon, secured the teams 7th win of the season. December 17th found the Chiefs facing Dunkirk Fredonia. Two goals from Cole Miller, and goals from Dylan Giancarlo, Alex Held and Daniel Porzio in conjunction with solid goaltending by Matt Majeski saw the Chiefs topping the Steelers 5-2. Oleanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second chance agains Iroquois/ Alden brought another shutout for the Chiefs. Colton DeGrace stood tall in net for his second shut out of the season. With goals from Spencer Hrynczak and two from Daniel Porzio, Iroquois clutched their 9th consecutive win of the season. Over the holidays, the Chiefs took a break from league play participating instead in the Orchard Park Christmas

Section VI Boys Varsity

tournament. Iroquois / Alden finished the tournament 2-2 with wins against Orchard Park B and Lancaster and two losses to St. Joes.

(JD Schultz NYHOL Photos from HarborCenter games January 16

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Sabres Youth Hockey Announces Addition of Girls 19U Team

he Buffalo Jr. Sabres Youth Hockey Organization today announced the head coaches for the 2017-2018 season. As released earlier, the organization has added a 19U Girls team to the slate of 10 teams already under the organization umbrella. “We are very happy with the progression of our coaches and teams this season,” said Kevyn Adams, President of the Buffalo JR Sabres Organization. “We look forward to a strong finish to our season, with all teams working to get better each day.” With that said, the organization is announcing the head coaches for 2017-2018. 9U Squirt Minor Patrick Fisher 10U Squirt Major Kevyn Adams 11U Pee Wee Minor - Tristan Musser 12U Pee Wee Major - Mike Ansell 13U Bantam Minor Craig Rivet & Tom Gately 14U Bantam Major Bill Loupee 15U Midget Jacob Brozyna 16U Midget Andrew Peters 18U Midget Joe Marszalek 19U Girls Scott Welch

NYHOL will have a full story on the Girls 19U team in a later issue.

Buffalo Beauts Puck Drop January 14 and West Seneca West Goalie January 16 game at HarborCenter against West Seneca East. (Janet Schultz Photography NYHOL Magazine)

2017-2018 HOCKEY TRYOUTS

LOCKPORT LOCK MONSTERS These are Tier III Travel Teams that play out of Cornerstone Arena in Lockport (1 Grigg Lewis Way) 10U (Squirts) Wed. March 22, 7:45 pm; Thur. March 23, 6:30 pm; Mon. March 27, 6:30 pm 12U (PeeWee) Wed. March 22, 8:20 pm; Thur. March 23, 7:30 pm; Mon. March 27, 7:30 pm 14U (Bantam) Thur. April 13, 8 pm and Monday, April 17, 7:20 p.m.

No Tryout Fee!! Please arrive at least 30 minutes before scheduled time. Players who did not play for Lockport Youth Hockey Association last year... MUST bring a release and a copy of their birth certificate to tryouts. For more information: lockportlockmonsters.com As well as Facebook and Twitter

Scenes from NCCC vs St. Bonaventure at Cornerstone Photos by Janet Schultz NYHOL

WNYGVIH LEAGUE By Janet Schultz (Report as of January 23 Stats)

he WNYGVIH League is winding down its 7th season with Williamsville holding on to its first place position after 15 games played with a 13-0-2 record. Closely following is Frontier/ Orchard Park/LakeShore with a 14-2 record after playing 16 games; the points separate them with WilMings--7 goals in a single game! liamsville at 42 and FOPLS at 39. Monsignor Martin is also fighting for the top position after playing 14 games and a 8-4-2 record (28 points). One full week of hockey remains with the final games being played on January 30 and 31 before Section VI quarterfinals taking place February 2 at Northtowns. The Section VI championships will be played February 8 at Northtowns, 8 p.m. puck drop, with the winner heading out that weekend for the NYS Girls Varsity Championship in Canton. Highlighting the past week’s play was Clarence/ Amhert/SweeHome’s Julie Mings scoring 7 goals in a single game and giving her first place in the points chart with 41 on 24 goals and 17 assists. Teammate Emma Faso is second with 36 points on 18 goals and 18 assists. Frontier/Orchard Park/LakeShore’s Megan Roche has 27 points on 12 goals/15 assists. Between the nets the order doesn’t tell the whole story. Sitting at the top are Williamsville’s Mia Wendel with a 1.00 gaa and .947 save percentage and in second is teammate Taylor Howard with a 1.00 gaa and .933 save%. However looking over the stats there’s CASH’s Gina Denisco who has seen 672 plus minutes of action and has a 6 win/9 loss record; OP/F/LS’s Maggie Spyche with 315 minutes of action and 3 shut-outs.

With two

Williamsville Battles CASH to maintain first place!

shut-outs each are Monsignor Martin Goalie Brianna Gawronski, OPFLS Victoria Cottrell, Kenmore/GI Ellie Simmons and Monsignor Martin’s Makenna Walp. In other news Katilin Drew-Mead (Monsignor Martin) and Maggie Spyche (Frontier/Orchard Park/ LakeShore) garnered WKBW Super Athlete of the Week honors this week with the #1 and #7 positions, respectively. We also want to congratulate Williamsville Seniors Leah Czerwinski, Nina Hartke, Maggie Fuzak, Catrina Covelli and Shannon Quinlan. They were honored at the January 17 game. Congratulations to Kenmore/Grand Island Seniors Olivia Smith, Hannah Gallivan and Andrea Colan. A note that I’m glad to be back in the arenas after being off sick and then on vacation. Only managing a single game a night but hopefully will be back a little more in the next couple weeks and definitely for the playoffs. I’ve even managed to get in a couple Boys Fed games.

ATTENTION: GIRLS IN THE SOUTHTOWNS AREA OF BUFFALO! The Southtowns Stars Have Announced the formation of Girls 12U, 14U and 16U Teams for 2017-18 Teams play out of Leisure Rinks It will be determined whether teams will be Tournament or Non-Tournament Bound once they are selected! Anyone Interested Should Contact: Joe Cione president@southtownsstars.com

TONAWANDA’S KIRISITS HEADS DOWN THE STRETCH

By Warren Kozireski Photos By Utica Hockey

any college players reach this point in time and for most it’s too soon. Their final semester of games in their fourth and final year. “You look back and it’s already Christmas break and it’s the best time of the year without any classes and just hanging out with the guys and eating good meals,” Kevin Kirisits said at the Oswego tournament. “It’s definitely a little nostalgic, but it makes me want to give my all for the last go around here.” The Wheatfield Blades and Nichols School product original committed to Clarkson before a coaching change pushed him to Utica where he is wearing the “C” for a second year. “It’s a great honor being a captain and it was definitely a challenge last year getting some of the guys to buy in to what I was saying because they were here longer than me, but for the most part it’s been great. I’ve grown as a person because of it. The 6’4”, 225 lb. blueliner is the consummate defensivedefenseman; major minutes on the penalty kill and on the ice in the final minute protecting a one-goal lead. “I take pride in the little things. It’s my job to block shots and not score goals. Get a stick on the puck, get it to the forwards and get off the ice. Sometimes it sucks not being on the scoresheet aside from an assist every once in a while, but I have a role on this team and I try to fill the role as best

as possible.” “He’s a warhorse, his reach, he keeps the locker room straight, excels in the classroom and weight room, tore his knee last year and still played; yeah he’s a guy you love and trust and we’re lucky to have him,” Utica head coach Gary Heenan said. As of the third week in January, Kirisits had two goals this season giving him eight in his career while garnering 20 career assists. He was schedule to play in his 100th career game in late January. But his second goal of this, his senior season, may be his most memorable—the so-called Teddy Bear goal for Utica’s annual sold-out toss Dec. 17 against Morrisville that was the cue for fans to throw over 4,000 stuffed animals onto the Utica Memorial ice for charity. “That’s probably the best goal I’ll score in my entire career and it was awesome. I had a feeling going into the game that I might get one, so I just got the puck, shot it and it went in. “I never really thought about scoring, but thought it would be nice to be out there; it was an awesome feeling.”

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

RIT

B uffalo State

At 11-5-1 the Bengals are looking ahead to the playoffs with an optimistic eye. They are home to Neumann on February 3 and 4 and face nationallyranked Plattsburgh on February 17 and 18. Their only road game is February 11 and 12 against Oswego, another tough ECAC foe. Natasha Steinie took ECAC West Rookie of the Week honors January 9 after a two-game sweep of Salem. She had a goal in each game. On January 16 she repeated that honor when she had two goals in a 5-2 win over William Smith and then a goal in a 2-1 win over the Herons. Buffalo’s Erin Gehen (pictured) is leading the scoring list with 17 points on 10 goals/7 assists and in goal Justine Silva is boasting a 10-5-1 record, playing and starting in 16 games.

While a rough season (4-20-2 overall) is facing the Tigers, Caitlin Wallace took Player of the Week honors from the CHA after she had 2 goals and 2 assists in a weekend split with Mercyhurst. Tori Haywood was named Rookie of the Week with a goal and 2 assists and a plus 4 in that split with Mercyhurst. She had her first multi-point collegiate outing. The Tigers close out their season in February against Robert Morris, Syracuse and Mercyhurst, all CHA rivals. The CHA Championship series will be held in Buffalo’s HarborCenter March 2-4.

University of Buffalo

The UB Lady Ice Bulls are undefeated in ACHA play and currently are in second place in W-2 College Hockey East. They are 11-0-1 while the University of Delaware is 12-5-1 in 18 games played. Three UB players are nationally ranked with Maddy Norton being #2 in the nation with 32 goals/22 assists in 12 games; #3 nationally is Mamie Talty with 14 goals/29 assists in 9 games played and #5 nationally is Alexis Peters with 19 goals/21 assists in 12 games played. Between the pipes is Theresa Meosky (who many will remember from her goaltending in the WNYGVIH League). She is 11-0-1 in 12 games played with a 1.74 GAA and .918 save%. The Bull’s only goalie she is backed by Norton when needed.

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

Wkozires@brockport.edu

BROCKPORT The Golden Eagles embark on their February conference schedule with a playoff position in sight along with a first round home postseason game. Jake Taylor netted a hat trick Jan. 21 to take over the team lead with 11 goals while Tim Kielich (East Aurora) led with 17 assists and 18 points. Freshman Connor Hutchins was making a bid for the ALL-SUNYAC Rookie team with seven goals and nine assists over 17 games. Four of their final five games will be on home ice.

BUFFALO STATE Ranked tenth nationally as of Jan. 23 with a 13-3-1 overall record, the Bengals were fighting Geneseo for a first round playoff bye, but play their final three regular season games on the road. Freshman Anthony Passero was tied for the team lead in goals and 23 a team-best 23 points through 17 games. Classmate Zach Remers was tied for fourth on the squad with 14 points. Senior Taylor Pryce was 15 points from 100 in his career while senior goaltender Mike DeLaVergne (Pawling) stood second in the nation with a 1.20 goals against average and save percentage (.953).

CANISIUS A five game unbeaten streak heading into the last weekend of January launched the Golden Griffins into a tie with Air Force for first place in the Atlantic Hockey Conference. They were doing it largely on the back of senior goaltender Charles Williams, who as of Jan. 25 led the nation in save percentage (.945) and was seventh in goals against (1.91). He was named Atlantic Hockey Goalie of the Week Jan. 17 as he stopped 84-of-87 shots faced, including a career-high 46, to help the Griffs to a three-point weekend at Air Force. “We’re playing one night at a time,” head coach Dave Smith said. “We’re putting losses and wins behind and just moving on. It’s having a short memory.” Junior forward Ryan Schmelzer (pictured) has saved his offensive contributions for key times with all but one of his 16 points this season coming in conference games. He was two games played from becoming just the second Griff on the current roster to reach 100 career games played. Sophomore defenseman Cameron Heath was named Atlantic Hockey Defenseman of the Week Jan.3 after he recorded the first multi-goal game of his career with two scores in Canisius’ 3-0 victory at Holy Cross.

ERIE CC At 14-3-1 through Jan. 25, the Kats have five games in February—three conference—before attempting to defend their national title in the final junior college postseason at Broome CC Feb. 25-27. Brenden McFall (Hamburg), Anthony Cybulski

count which inflated their offensive numbers quite a bit, but the road in will be a challenge with all but one of their four February SUNYAC games on the road, Junior Samuel Wilbur and sophomore Jimmy Morgan had 27 and 21 points respectively with eight goals each to lead the offense with freshman Jacob Haynes registering 17 points in only 12 games played.

GENESEO Brendan McFall (Cheektowaga) and Bill Shaffer (Portville) all surpassed the 20 or more point mark with Joshua Dake (Hamburg), Christian Nati (Lockport) and Alex Suchan (Hamburg) on the verge of joining them for the potent offense. Freshman goaltender Jeffrey Gardner (Auburn) was seeing the bulk of minutes in net and earned eight of the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first 13 wins.

FREDONIA Three points separated third from seventh place in the SUNYAC standings as of Jan. 25 and the Blue Devils were in the middle of that pack fighting for one of the six playoff spots. The team blew out their inferior opponents over their final four nonconference games by a combined 40-3

The fourth ranked Knights were 12-3-3 overall, but in a dogfight with Buffalo State for the coveted first round playoff bye behind first lace Oswego. The two teams meet in Geneseo Feb.11. Stephen Collins (Pittsford) stood third in the country in scoring with 12 goals and 33 points over 18 games and recently pass the 50 career goal mark. Freshmen Conlon Keenan (Penfield), David Szmyd and Andrew Romano all had surpassed 20 points through late-January. Freshman defenseman Cam Russell has also had a solid first campaign playing in every game with a pair of goals with 16 assists. Seniors Jack Ceglarski, Derek Stahl and Collins all pass the 100-career games played mark in January. The team added defenseman

Mitch Ferguson to the roster at the break. The Calgary native played 20 games last season for the University of Vermont before starting this season with their club team.

NAZARETH Only 6-10-2 overall, the Golden Flyers entered the final weekend in January 5-2 in the ECAC West and tied for second only two points out of first. All but one of their last seven regular season games will be on home ice. Sophomore forward Brad Pizzey had already matched or surpassed his offensive numbers from his first season and stood second on the squad in scoring behind Dominik Gabaj. Senior Justin LaCorte needed three more games to reach 100 in his collegiate career.

NIAGARA With only one win over the last 12 games entering the last weekend in January, the Purple Eagles were almost assured of being on the road for the first round of the playoffs. The good news is that three of their five leading scorers are freshmen. Kris Spriggs led the team with 12 points (6+6) Derek Brown is tied for second with 11 points (4+7) and defenseman

Jr. Sabres Pizzo Joins Niagara Purple Eagles The Niagara Purple Eagles hockey team and head coach David Burkholder announced the signing of defenseman Andrew Pizzo to the active roster ahead of Niagara’s home matchup with the Bentley Falcons. Pizzo began the 2016-17 season in Western New York, playing with the Buffalo Jr. Sabres in the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL).

Derek Brown

Noah Delmas has ten assists, tying for fourth on the Purple Eagles. Defenseman Andrew Pizzo and forward Christian Cakebread were added to the roster for the second half. The 6’2”, 185 lb. Pizzo arrives from the Buffalo Jr. Sabres in the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) where he recorded a career-high 11 goals, 14 assists, and 25 point. Cakebread arrives from Vernon in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) where in 35 games he accumulated 20 points on nine goals and 11 assists. Sophomore defenseman Devin Campbell left the team to transfer to Division III Oswego at the break. He played 11 games this season and 29 in his Purple Eagles career.

R.I.T. The Tigers were fighting an injury bug and dropped four of their first six January games to fall to the middle of the Atlantic Hockey standings. Sophomore Erik Brown continues his breakout season with a career-best 13 goals and points with 21. Senior goaltender Mike Rotolo (Greece) became the first goal-

RIT’s Erik Brown

tender in the team’s Division I era to surpass 2,000 career saves Jan. 13 against AIC. “It just so happened to hit us all at once,” head coach Wayne Wilson, who coached his 600th game Jan. 21 at Canisius, said about the injuries. “The league in general is very, very close so you want to get your two points (weekend splits) when you’re going through your tough stages and, when you get healthy, you hope to make up for some of that. OTHER AREA NOTES: • Junior Paul Berrafato (Williamsville) of Holy Cross was named Atlantic Hockey Goaltender of the Week Jan. 10 after he went 2-0-0 versus Niagara with a 1.00 goals against average, a .953 save percentage and 41 saves.

“Andrew is a local product, most recently from the Buffalo Jr. Sabres organization,” Burkholder said. “We want to thank the Jr. Sabres for getting him ready for this big step. Andrew is a big body with exceptional feet. He will transition to Division I hockey without any problem, and we are happy to welcome him to our program here at Niagara.” A 6-foot-2, 185-pound defenseman, Pizzo played 39 games in the OJHL with Buffalo to open the 201617 season. Pizzo recorded a careerhigh 11 goals, 14 assists, and 25 points with Buffalo, including five goals and seven assists on the power play. In 115 OJHL games from 2014 to 2017, Pizzo has totaled 54 points (16+38). A native of Thorold, Ontario, Pizzo began his OJHL career with the Trenton Golden Hawks in the 201415 campaign, tallying 11 assists in 37 games. Pizzo’s addition gives the Purple Eagles 20 underclassmen on their active roster, including nine sophomores and 11 freshmen.

Amherst Youth Hockey Girls Travel Program for the 2017-2018 Season Our Association will have teams at 10U, 12U, 14U, 16U, & 19U both tournament bound and non-tournament bound. Tryout Dates: All specific tryout dates will be posted on our website and Facebook. The week of March 22nd for 10 & 12U, and April 12th for 14-19U. Please consult our website often as dates and times may change. When attending a try-out be sure to have your daughterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s birth certificate, Player Release (if coming from another organization) and try out fee of $20. If your daughter is selected a deposit of $300 will be collected at the time an offer for a roster spot is made.

Schedule / Program Expectation: Level of Play - Tier II Up to 8 Non-resident spots may be available Minimum 35 game schedule overall Minimum 3 tournaments Participation in Great Lakes Girls Hockey League Practice at least twice a week throughout the season

Commitment expectation: All teams are looking for Girls that have a strong work ethic, exceptional character and the willingness to learn. Most of all, we are looking for Girls that want to have fun playing hockey!

By Randy Schultz

ockey history at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) dates back several decades. The men’s hockey program has had a great deal of success both at the DIII and DI levels. The women’s hockey program has also had a great deal of success, first at the DIII level and today at DI. But over the past decade another hockey program has very quietly evolved at RIT. The 2016-17 hockey campaign marks the 10th anniversary season for the RIT ACHA D1 Men’s Club Hockey Team. “Our first season was actually 200708,” recalled RIT Club Hockey head coach, Bryan Meeker. “But the idea of it actually came a couple of years before that. “Late in 2005 and early 2006 a few guys got together and discussed the idea of having club hockey program. Two guys in particular, Chris Mark and Justin Pratt, are the two that really got the program organized and going. “Our first two coaches were Mark Williams and Jack Slade. And now, 10 years later, we are still going and playing some good hockey.” Ironically Mark, who played on that first team, has returned to the team as an assistant coach. He joins Andrew Schopfel and Ian Harris, who are the other two assistant coaches on the team. Meeker, who is a distant relative of Toronto Maple Leafs great and broadcasting legend, Howie Meeker, has been with the team since that first season. He remembered the growing pains the team endured.

“We started out as a Division II Independent Team,” said Meeker. “The competition was good. “But it was just getting too expensive for us those first three years in DII because of all of the travel costs. We had 42 games that third season, most of them on the road and many being threegame weekends. “ T h a t was just a little too much so we decided to move to the ACHA DI level.” Expenses today are taken care of through funding from RIT as well as each player paying $1400 to cover travel and ice expenses. The Tigers have had three different ice rinks in the Rochester area as their home. They began in what is now known as Bill Grey’s Ice Complex. “Following that they moved to the Scottsville Ice Arena. This season the team finally moved to the RIT campus and the Gene Polisseni Center. And the relationship between the men’s and women’s D1 hockey programs and the club team has been a good one. “They’ve embraced us with open arms,” commented Meeker. “It has been a good working relationship. “Last season we actually sent up one of our goalies to the D1 men’s team to help them out down the stretch. And at the end of their season they picked up our other number one goalie to help them out in the playoffs.

Happy Anniversary: RIT Club Hockey Celebrates 10 Years

Continued on Page 54

HOCKEY DAY IN LOCKPORT 2016 PHOTOS BY NORMAN PEARSON

RIT Club Anniversary Continued from Page 52 “Both of them are now wearing Atlantic Hockey Championship rings because of their contributions to helping the D1 team win the Atlantic Hockey Divisional Championship last season. “So we now feel that we are now here if they need us for anything, especially players.” Included in the team’s off-ice experiences are a couple of fund-raisers, two youth clinics and a golf tournament at the end of the year. “We have not won any type of championship yet,” concluded Meeker. “But we have given a great deal back, especially to the Rochester-area community. “Our guys never forget where they have come from. They work very hard with the community. “We know that success on the ice will eventually come. It just takes time.”

HOCKEY TRYOUTS The Bud Bakewell Ice Hawks Squirts will be holding Tryouts for the 2017-18 Season!

WEDNESDAY MARCH 22 6 - 7 PM THURSDAY MARCH 23 6 - 7 PM FRIDAY MARCH 24 6 - 7 PM Players should arrive 30 minutes before start time! Cost is $10.00 per tryout! All Tryouts are being held at the Bud Bakewell Riverside Ice Rink, 2607 Niagara Street, Buffalo 14207

CONTACT COACH: ANTHONY LEONE @ 716-560-1985 42

Between Periods

Photos from Exhibition Hockey Between the Periods at the Buffalo Beauts Game

Amherst Youth Hockey Travel Program for the 2017-2018 Season Our Association will have teams at Squirt, Pee Wee, Bantam, 15U and Midget, both tournament bound and non-tournament bound. Tryout Dates: All specific tryout dates will be posted on our website and Facebook. The week of March 22nd for Squirt and PeeWee, and April 12th for Bantam, 15U, and Midget. Please consult our website often as dates and times may change. When attending a try-out be sure to have your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s birth certificate, Player Release (if coming from another organization) and try out fee of $20. If your child is selected a deposit of $300 will be collected at the time an offer for a roster spot is made.

Schedule / Program Expectation: Level of Play â&#x20AC;&#x201C; AA and AAA Non-resident spots may be available Minimum 3 tournaments Practice at least twice a week throughout the season

Commitment expectation: All teams are looking for players that have a strong work ethic, exceptional character and the willingness to learn. Most of all, we are looking for those that want to have fun playing hockey!

WWW.AMHERSTYOUTHHOCKEY.ORG

Tuesday, March 21 4:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.

Mite Minor (7U) AAA Mite Major (8U) AAA Squirt Major (10U) AAA Squirt Minor (9U) AAA PeeWee Major (12U) AAA PeeWee Minor (11U) 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 (7U) AAA & Mite Major (8U) AAA Squirt Minor (9(U) AAA & Squirt Major (10U) AAA Squirt Minor (9U) AA Squirt Major (10U) AA PeeWee Minor (11U) & PeeWee Major (12U) PeeWee Minor (11U) AA PeeWee Major (12U) AA

2017-2018 MITE - PEEWEE - SQUIRT TRYOUTS Thursday, March 23 5:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m.

Squirt Minor (7U) AA Squirt Major (8U) AA PeeWee Minor (11U) AA PeeWee Major (12U) AA

For Additional Information Contact Rocco DellaNeve (716) 432-9728

All Tryouts held at the West Seneca Town Rink