Juy august september 2017 by NY Hockey OnLine

NY HOCKEY NY HOCKEY JULY/AUGUST/ SEPTEMBER 2017 Volume 6, Issue 9

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In This Issue... Boys and Girls of Summer.24 Central News..........................15 East News................................23 Heroes........................................ 6 Kaluzny Heads to ND............ 7 Lockport Hall of Fame.........45 Next Level Camp...................37 North News.............................29 NWHL.......................................... 8 Rome Youth News................22 Regals.......................................35 Stars...........................................36 USA Hockey.............................. 5 West News...............................34

Dear Reader: It is hard to believe that the summer of 2017 is almost behind us. Which means that the 2017-18 hockey season is almost ready to begin. This issue covers a lot of the hockey news that has been going on over the past couple of months. As I have found out over the past few summers hockey does not take a vacation. While there are a lot of hockey camps and schools going on, other events have been taking place both on and off the ice. There are also tournaments taking place, drafts being held, players being signed as well as off-ice personal landing new jobs in the game. As always, if you have ideas for a story you would like to see in our magazine please feel free to contact us. Janet, Koz and I are always looking for hockey and hockey-related features. And if you know of anyone who would like to advertise in the magazine or on our web page, again please have them contact me. Finally, the upcoming hockey season will see NY Hockey OnLine Magazine go to an every-other-month format. That means we will have issues for Oct./Nov., Dec./Jan., Feb./March, and April/May. A fifth issue will come out at the end of the hockey season in late spring. With that said, we encourage ALL organizations to submit their press releases and news articles on a regular basis. Time-sensitive material will be placed on our website as will updates as they come from colleges/universities and all other hockey teams. So don’t stop sending your material. We are updating the website at least twice daily! NY Hockey OnLine hopes that you’ve had a wonderful and relaxing summer. Here’s to a great 2017-18 hockey season. Best Wishes, Randy Schultz Publisher/Managing Editor

NY Hockey On-Line (E-Magazine) 3663 Irish Road Wilson, New York 14172 716-751-6524 nyhockeyonline@ nyhockeyonline.com Publisher &Managing Editor Randy Schultz Randy@nyhockeyonline.com Designer/Photographer Janet Schultz Janet@nyhockeyonline.com

Columnists Warren Kozireski, Wkozires@brockport.edu Janet Schultz Randy Schultz Rob Sedia Chuck Gridley NY Hockey OnLine is an equal opportunity employer. Contents 2015-16 NY Hockey Online All rights reserved NY Hockey OnLine is published monthly at no charge and can be accessed via the publication’s website www.nyhockeyonline.com

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USA U18 Women Defeat Canada

hirty-one young women headed to Lake Placid in early August vying for a place on the U18 National Team. Only one hailed from New York and that was New Hartford’s Sydney “Syd” Bard. Bard is a forward who played for the Selects Academy where she was the Co-MVP in 2017 and also served as co-captain that year. She has committed to Colgate University. Twenty-two were chose, Bard was not among them. They took to the ice on August 17 beginning a three-game series against Team Canada. Serving as coach was Joel Johnson of White Bear Lake, Minn. Assisting was Courtney Kennedy of Somerville, Mass. In goal for Team USA are Calla Frank and Lindsay Reed. On Defense Gracie Ostertag, Lily Farden, Madeline Washington, Maggie Nicholson, Lizi Norton, Madison Bizai, Ally Simpson and Hadley Hartmetz. Fowards include Maggie Flaherty, Dominique Petrio, Britta Curt, Samantha Burke, Makenna Webster, Kelly Browne, Taylor Heise, Casey O’Brien, Abbey Murphy, Anne Bloomer and Sydney Shearen.

Game 2 Calla Frank (Hugo, Minn.) stopped 25 shots, but the U.S. Under-18 Women’s Select Team fell to Canada, 3-0, in the second game of the Under-18 Series at the Lake Placid Olympic Center in Lake Placid, New York. “Tonight was one of those games where we just got beat in all areas of the ice,” said U.S. head coach Joel Johnson. “It’s very typical of a U.S.-Canada series so far, both teams learning a little bit about each other and both learning a little bit about themselves, and that’s the whole point of this series.” Game 3 Three different players netted goals and Lindsay Reed (New Vernon, N.J.) stopped 32 shots as the U.S. Under-18 Women’s Select Team topped Canada, 3-1, here today in the final game of the 2017 Under-18 Series at the Lake Placid Olympic Center.

Game 1 -- USA 4; Canada 1 Four different players scored goals and Lindsay Reed (New Vernon, N.J.) made 28 saves as the U.S. Under-18 Women’s Select Team topped Canada, 4-1, here tonight in the opening game of the 2017 U18 Series at the Lake Placid Olympic Center in Lake Placid, New York. “I thought we weathered the storm early, Canada came out with a lot of pressure but I thought our defensive zone play was really good especially for our first game,” said U.S. head coach Joel Johnson. “Our speed and our depth really made a huge difference. I was really proud of the team because they were evenkeeled the whole game and it was really fun to see.”

“Certainly it feels good to win, but I was more impressed with how we played and showed some resiliency after game two,” said U.S. head coach Joel Johnson. “It got close in the third and I was really proud of the effort, especially defensively, that our players showed. It was fun to watch and certainly an exciting series.”

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LOCKPORT, NY – Senator Rob Ortt (North Tonawa- right place at the right time,” commented Senator nda) recently presented New York State Liberty Med- Ortt. “Without hesitation, Deputy Walter, Mr. Martorals to three exemplary individuals who rescued a man ana and Mr. Allen jumped into action, and put their from his fiery car in the Town own lives at risk to save of Pendleton last November. someone else’s. The three individuals in “Their bravery embodcluded Niagara County Sheries the definition of a true iff’s Deputy Nicholas Walter hero. I’m proud to honor and Niagara County residents them today, and I comLouie Martorana and Jeff Almend them for their vallen. The medals they were iant and courageous acgiven is the highest honor an tions.” individual can receive from Senator Ortt also honthe New York State Senate. ored Deputy Walter, Mar Similar to the national torana and Allen with Congressional Gold Medal, Senate Resolutions. the Liberty Medal is bestowed Deputy Walter’s heroic upon individuals who have meractions have not gone united special commendation for noticed by others. He was exceptional, heroic, or humaniawarded the Sheriff’s Office tarian acts and achievements on Deputy of the Year Award behalf of their fellow New Yorkand was named as the Lawers. man of the Year for 2016 by On November 13, 2016, offthe Judges and Police Exduty Sheriff’s Deputy Walter, ecutive Conference of Nialong with Martoranna and Alagara County. len worked together to save An Deputy Walter was thony May from his burning verecognized in an earlier ishicle. May crashed into a tree on *Pictured from left: Anthony May, honorees Jeff Al- sue of NY Hockey OnLine Beach Ridge Road and became len, Nicholas Walter, Louie Martorana and Senator Magazine for those awards pinned in the driver’s seat. because of his hockey backRob Ortt. (Janet Schultz Photo) Bystanders Martorana and ground. He played hockey Allen rushed to the scene to in high school (Starpoint) douse the flames with a fire extinguisher and try to and today occasionally plays for the sheriff’s team in pull the driver out. Shortly after, Walter, who is also charity events. an officer with a local fire company, happened to be It should also be noted that there are two other driving by the accident and immediately stopped to hockey connections in this story. Martorana is a hockhelp. ey dad who happened to be returning to his home He called for fire assistance and rushed to the from a hockey practice on that day of the accident. burning vehicle. Walter was then able to pull May Senator Ortt, who was featured in an earlier issue of free from the car just seconds before it became fully NY Hockey OnLine Magazine, played hockey and is engulfed with flames. now a hockey dad. “This incredibly heroic story could have turned Hockey players and coaches continue to prove out much differently had it not been for these three that they are pretty special people. extraordinary individuals who happened to be in the

New York’s Highest Award Goes to Local Heroes with Hockey Connection

By Randy Schultz

lex Kaluzny is very rarely ever caught without a baseball-style cap on. There is one in particular that he has been wearing quite a bit lately. The logo on the cap simply states: “NHL Coaches Association.” Int e re st i ng cap, to say the least, for a 24 year-old who eats, sleeps and breathes hockey. For Kaluzny the cap sends a message to him as well as those who see it. “It’s a reminder of where I want to be someday,” stated Kaluzny, a native of Lockport, NY. “It is also something that I’ve been through and experienced as far as coaching goes.” Yes, Kaluzny’s goal is to coach hockey, with the ultimate goal being to coach in the National Hockey League someday. And his journey down the coaching path has just begun. Kaluzny was recently named Graduate Assistant Men’s Hockey Coach at the University of Jamestown in Jamestown, North Dakota. He will be working with the Jimmie’s new men’s head hockey coach, Cole Bell. “I was originally hired by Dean Stork in the early part of summer,” recalled Kaluzny, the son of Walter and Sabrina Kaluzny. “Dean stepped down during the summer and Cole was hired in his place. “Dean was very happy to have me come aboard as a grad assistant. I’m looking forward to working with him.” Kaluzny worked the past two seasons as a volunteer with the Canisius College men’s hockey team. “It was actually a fluke,” stated Kaluzny, a 2011 graduate of Lockport High School. “I had contacted (then) head coach Dave Smith to visit the Canisius hockey facilities. “One thing led to another and the next thing I knew I was a volunteer helping out Coach Smith. It was a great experience for me and I have the highest regards for their Division I hockey program.” Along the way Kaluzny got a part-time job working in the pro shop at HarborCenter in Buffalo. Kaluzny’s volunteerism actually began during

Lockport Native Heads to ND

his days attending SUNY Fredonia. “I was going to school for journalism,” said the 2015 SUNY Fredonia graduate. “But I wanted to be closer to the game than in a press box. “So I volunteered to help out the coaching staff for four years. It was a great experience.” Like most boys growing up, Kaluzny dreamed of one day playing in the NHL. He spent his entire youth hockey days with the Wheatfield Blades House League. He also played three seasons of high school hockey with his hometown Lions. Kaluzny, who was named after former Buffalo Sabres great, Alex Mogilny, knew from the moment he

To Pursue Heading Coaching Career was born that his life was going to somehow center around hockey. “The night I was born the Sabres were playing,” commented Kaluzny, who has a younger brother, Nick. “My parents waited until the Sabres scored to name me. “Mogilny scored and I was named Alex.” With all of that behind him, the Lockport native is now setting his sites on North Dakota heading down a path that Kaluzny hopes will lead him to his first head coaching job. “I just want to do right by the game,” concluded Kaluzny, who will be majoring in Arts and Leadership while at the University of Jamestown for the next two years. “I appreciate the history of the game. “I going to try and make the best with what I have in front of me. I want to take this as high as I can take it. “I’m focused. I’m determined to make it. “Head coaching is in my blood.”

NWHL for the weekend of March 17, and the Isobel Cup Final is expected to be played on the weekend of March 24. The Game of the Week will stream live on Twitter at NWHL.twitter.com or via @NWHL. That schedule will be released shortly.

Top Prospects

2016-17 Buffalo Season Opener

et’s call it Summer Around the NWHL and it has been an active one. First NYHOL welcomes Chris Botta to the fold as the Public Relations person for the League. We have been receiving all the news in a timely manner and look forward to working with him this season. Next up is the schedule for the third season of the National Women’s Hockey League. The first game will be held Saturday, October 28 at the Barnabas Health Hockey House when the New York Riveters face the Boston Pride at 2 p.m. At 7:30 p.m. that evening the Isobel Cup Champion Buffalo Beauts will take on the Connecticut Whale at the Terry Conners Ice Rink in Stamford, Connecticut. This is a new venue for the Whale. The league is still icing the four inaugural teams, Boston Pirde, Buffalo Beauts, Connecticut Whale and New York Riveters, with hopes for expansion in the near future. Each team will play 16 games this season. There are some special Friday night games and back-to-back games and one special game in Rochester when the Buffalo Beauts take on the New York Riveters during the Fire On Ice Tournament. That game is scheduled for November 4 at Bill Gray’s Ice Complex. All Star Weekend is February 10-11. The playoff semifinals are tentatively scheduled

s the NWHL draft drew close the league published it’s top 30 prospects list which include several players with a New York connection. At #29 was Annika Zalewski from New Hartford. Zalewski plays for Colgate University. #8 Taylay Cianfarano from Oswego and currently playing for Quinnipiac College. NYHOL has written stories on both of these girls in previous seasons. At #11 from St. Lawrence University is Hannah Miller; #13, Lauren Wildfang from Colgate, #10 Shea Tiley, Clarkson University, #7 Kenndy Marchment, St. Lawrence University.

NWHL On China

he following statement was released by NWHL Commissioner Dani Rylan and Deputy Commissioner Hayley Moore: “As we prepare for another great season of women’s hockey, we wanted to extend our best wishes to all of the former NWHL players who will be playing in China as part of the Canadian Women’s Hockey League. “We will miss them in the NWHL, but the larger mission for all of us is to make our game more popular and accessible across the world. We believe that what’s good for women’s hockey is good for all of us – even if that means saying goodbye to some of our favorite players and people. “The players leaving for China are making a major commitment to their craft and to growing the game. For that, they have our deepest appreciation. We will

be rooting for them. “We want to thank Kelli Stack, along with all the other players with agreements in China that have not been officially introduced yet, for everything they did for us in our first two seasons. They will always be part of the NWHL.”

Brownie Back from Retirement

arrison Browne’s retirement, which was announced in March, did not take. He has come to realize that he loves the game of hockey and the NWHL too much, and that he’s not ready to relinquish his platform as a role model for transgender youth. Browne, who last season became the first transgender player in American professional team sports Brownie with – and then won the Isobel Buffalo last season Cup in March with the Buffalo Beauts – is back for season three. The 24-year-old Browne signed a contract to play for the New York Riveters in 2017-18. “I took a lot of time these last four months to reflect on my career, my rights, and future steps that I am eager to take in my life,” said Browne. “After thinking long and hard about exactly what those signify and how they can connect, I decided that I wasn’t ready to retire from the NWHL. “What can I say? I’m a hockey player! This game has been a big part of my life, I’m still young and I’ve got plenty of quality hockey left in me. I continued to train a lot this summer, and spent some time onice with [Riveters coach] Chad Wiseman, who lives a town over from me in Ontario. I realized I had more to offer. “But there were other factors, of course. The impact I was able to make as an active pro athlete in the LGBTQ community meant a lot to me. At this time – when rights seem to be getting taken away instead

of gained – the platform is something I’m not ready to give up. I want to remain as visible as I can for any LGBTQ youth who may view me as a positive role model. I’m going to continue to share my story.” Browne has his own YouTube channel where he posts videos that dive deeply into his experience as a transgender man. He is also very active on Twitter and Instagram. For the upcoming season, he plans on hosting members of LGBTQ organizations at all Riveters home games at Barnabas Hockey House in Newark. A 5-4 forward, Browne played 35 regular season games for the Beauts in the first two seasons of the NWHL and had 7 goals and 11 assists for 18 points. “Thank you to Buffalo, my teammates and coaches and the staff, and to all the Beauts fans who treated me so well these past two seasons,” said Browne. “I will never forget your kindness and support.” Browne was one of four players selected by fans to play in the 2017 NWHL All-Star Game. Along with Connecticut’s Anya Battaglino and new Riveters teammate Rebecca Russo, he was one of the Fans’ 3 Stars of the Season for 2017-18. “Harrison is a veteran NWHL player with an Isobel Cup championship on his resume and a tenacious style and relentless work ethic that makes him a great fit for the Riveters organization,” said Riveters head coach Chad Wiseman. “I had the privilege to work with Harrison this summer back home in Canada. He has a great attitude and, in my view, underrated skill level. I believe this could be a breakout year for him on offense.” A native of Oakville, Ontario, Browne played one year of collegiate hockey at Mercyhurst before transferring to the University of Maine, where he played 96 games over three seasons. In 2011, he won a silver medal as a member of Team Canada at the IIHF U-18 World Championships. “As much as I’m really going to miss Buffalo and everyone on the team, I’m proud to be reppin’ the Rivs,” said Browne, who is moving to New Jersey in September. “It will be a new chapter for me in the New York metro area and hopefully it includes another Isobel Cup.”

Signings

with 9 goals and 14 assists for 23 points in 35 games. The 5-8 forward from Ancaster, Ontario developed in the Burlington Barracudas program. Kathy Donohue a 5-5 forward from Rochester who developed at North American Hockey Academy, played 132 games over four years from 2012-20122016 In addition the defending Isobel Cup champion Buffalo Beauts have added four more new players to their roster: forward Jessica Sibley (Syracuse), defenders Kelly Seward (Penn State) and Colleen Murphy (Northeastern), and goaltender Julia DiTondo (Mercyhurst). Sibley, a 5-5 forward from Luseland, Saskatchewan, had 35 goals and 57 assists for 92 points in 140 games in her time at Syracuse between 2013-2017. She was one of the team’s captains in her senior year. Seward is a local product for the Beauts, having been raised in nearby Williamsville. The 5-9 defender played four seasons at Penn State, graduating in 2017, and had 5 goals and 29 assists for 34 points in 142 games. In her senior year, she was 1-13-14 in 35 games. She developed her game at the Nichols School and in the Buffalo Bisons program. Murphy, a 5-4 defender from Cary, N.C., played four seasons at Northeastern, notching 12 goals and 38 assists for 50 points in 138 games. Before Northeastern, she played at the North American Hockey Academy. The New York Riveters have re-signed Michelle Picard, Lauren Wash, Cheeky Herr, Sarah Bryant, Miye D’Oench, Alexa Gruschow, Kiira Dosdall and Bray Ketchum. In addition Jenny Ryan, the standout defender from the University of Wisconsin selected by the Riveters ninth overall in the 2016 NWHL Draft, has signed with the team for the 2017-18 season. Last season, Ryan was named Second Team All-American by the American Hockey Coaches Association. Kelsey Koelzer, the NWHL 2016 first overall draftee has signed on to play after playing a partial season last year. The Boston Pride have signed NWHL All-Star, United States National Team forward and former Boston College star Dana Trivigno. Trivigno, who played

he Buffalo Beauts have signed the following players over the past several weeks: Maddie Elia, a 2016 draft pick has inked a deal. Jacquie Greco, Kourtney Kunichika, Lisa Chesson and Corinne Buie have re-signed contracts for another year with the Beauts. The Buffalo Beauts also announced the signing of a complete forward line from Adrian College that was a force in Division III hockey over the last four seasons. Kristin Lewicki, Kaylyn Schroka and Sarah Shureb have all signed contracts to play for Buffalo in the 2017-18 NWHL season. As seniors this past season, the line of Lewicki, Schroka and Shureb combined for 187 points on 86 goals and 101 assists. Lewicki was 90-89-179 in 113 games over her fouryear career from 2013-2017 at Adrian, for a pointsper-game average of 1.58. She is a nominee this year for the prestigious NCAA Woman of the Year award, which honors graduating female student-athletes who have distinguished themselves throughout their collegiate careers in academic achievement, athletics ability, service and leadership. As a senior, Lewicki led the Bulldogs to the 2017 D3 national title game and led the nation with 66 points on 32 goals and 34 assists. The West Virginia native was named NCHA Player of the Year and firstteam All-America by the American Hockey Coaches Association. She graduated Adrian with a degree in criminal justice with a minor in business administration. Over the same four years at Adrian, Schroka was 69-80-149 in 111 games and Shureb was 46-56-102 in 108 games. Schroka and Shureb are both from Michigan and played in the Little Caesars youth hockey program. Lewicki started out playing on boys’ teams in Wheeling before joining the Pittsburgh Seals program (formerly known as Team Pittsburgh) at age 11. After four dominant years at Adrian, the trio has a chance to stick together in the pros. Taylor Accursi has signed with the Beauts. As a senior, Accursi had her finest season at Mercyhurst, finishing tied for second in goals and points in 2016-17,

last season in Connecticut, has signed a one-year contract with Boston. Stalwart defender Paige Harrington, who played 35 games over the last two seasons in Buffalo and won the Isobel Cup in March with the Beauts, is coming home after signing a contract with the Boston Pride. The Pride have also re-signed Kaliya Johnson, Jilian Dempsey, Mary Parker, Alyssa Gagliardi and Marissa Gedman. Jodan Brickner, Sam Faber and Anya Battaglio have resigned with the Connecticut Whale.

Moore Named NWHL Deputy Commissioner

he National Women’s Hockey League announced the appointment of Hayley Moore as Deputy Commissioner/Director of Player Development. In this role, Moore will be the league’s liaison to the four teams for hiring staff, scouting, player development, free agency, trades and the draft. Among her other responsibilities will be game and event scheduling, the development of grassroots women’s hockey programs, and building on the league’s relationships with national governing bodies and collegiate women’s hockey programs. For the first two years of the NWHL, Moore, 30, served as general manager of the Boston Pride – winners of the Isobel Cup in 2016 and a finalist in 2017. The team had a combined regular season record of 304-1 in Moore’s tenure as GM. “I’m very pleased that Hayley has accepted this important role as deputy commissioner,” said NWHL Commissioner Dani Rylan. “Anyone who has worked with Hayley knows that she’s a star in the sports business – smart, dedicated, passionate, determined. As we continue to build the NWHL, Hayley will be an extremely influential executive.” Besides her work in the NWHL, Moore is the di-

rector of women’s and girls’ hockey for the Bostonbased East Coast Wizards. The program has won four national championships in Moore’s three years as director. A four-year player at Brown, Moore was an assistant coach at Harvard from 2012 – 2014. She has been a Skills Coach at USA Hockey National Development Camps in 2014 and 2015 and will be again next month. “Being part of the NWHL over the last two years has been one of the most powerful experiences of my life,” said Moore, who will remain based out of Boston. “To have the opportunity to work with these incredibly dedicated, professional women and grow the game that I love is a huge honor. The future of our sport is so bright, and I look forward to taking on this new role with the league.”

Poeck to Lead Pride

homas Poeck, who went from his native Austria to four years at the University of Massachusetts Amherst to a 14-year professional career – including 122 games in the NHL – has been named the head coach of the NWHL’s Boston Pride. “It’s great to be back in the Boston area with my family, to have the privilege of coaching these talented woman, and to be part of an outstanding franchise like the Pride,” said Poeck. “I’ve had the chance to work with many excellent coaches over 14 years in the pros and believe I have a lot to offer these players. Together, we’re going to work hard to bring the Isobel Cup back to Boston.” Poeck was known as Thomas Pock when he played parts of four seasons with the Rangers and one with the Islanders between 2004 and 2009. (“We never got the two dots over the O in my name right on my jersey at the beginning and it wasn’t a big deal, so I just lived with it,” Poeck laughed). He spent the last four seasons playing in his native Austria.

Poeck, his wife (whom he met at UMass Amherst) and three children are now residing in Wilmington, Mass. “My daughter is four, loves to skate and loves hockey,” said Poeck. “The NWHL gives young girls a reason to dream of being a pro someday. My goal after returning from Austria was to stay in hockey. This worked out perfectly. I’m going to give my best to the Pride and the league.” Poeck succeeds Bobby Jay, who led the Pride to the Isobel Cup in 2016, the Final in 2017 and a combined regular season record of 30-4-1. Jay released the following statement: “It was a tremendous honor and privilege to coach in the NWHL and to lead the Boston Pride! I have a tremendous amount of respect for the ladies I coached and they always gave me and the franchise everything that was asked and more. Unfortunately, my full-time job has required more of me. And on a personal level, raising two young girls, it became more difficult to commit to the time and energy the Pride need and deserve. “I will definitely miss coaching the Pride, but I believe in the National Women’s Hockey League and its players. I will be an excited fan as the NWHL continues to grow! Lastly, I want to thank the fans in Boston for all the support they gave our team and the league.” NWHL Commissioner Dani Rylan said the following about Jay’s departure: “Over two years, Bobby Jay made an everlasting impact on the Boston Pride and the NWHL. His passion for the game is contagious and he is one of the best people you could ever hope to work with. We wish Bobby and his family the best.”

Equale Named Whale HC

yan Equale has been named head coach of the NWHL’s Connecticut Whale. He succeeds Heather Lindstad, who did outstanding work leading the team since January, 2016, but has had to leave the Whale to focus on her business interests. Equale, a Connecticut native, has been active in coaching and teaching the sport of hockey for the past 22 years after his retirement as a player.

“It is a true privilege to be named head coach of the Connecticut Whale,” said Equale. “As the father of three young children, accepting this opportunity was an easy decision. My children have been attending NWHL games since the inaugural season and love watching the talented women of this league – including a few that my children have been fortunate enough to have had as coaches over the years.” A 1996 University of Connecticut graduate, Equale left UCONN as a First Team All-America, the 1995-96 NCAA Division 1 scoring champion, and the school’s third all-time leading scorer. That season, Equale had 21 goals and 41 assists for 62 points in 25 games. He went on to a four-year professional career in the ECHL and CHL, where his teammates voted him one of the team captains numerous times. Equale, a Level 4 certified USA Hockey coach, has coached both boys’ and girls’ hockey for some of the premier organizations in Connecticut, including the CT Yankees and Mid-Fairfield Stars. As a coach for Mid-Fairfield, he was part of the 2010-2011 Tier 1 U14 National Championship team. He has also coached Stars teams that have won one silver and three bronze medals over the past four seasons. The Stars teams coached by Equale have all won the Tier 1 State Championship and Tier 1 Regional Championship in each of the seven seasons he has coached for Mid-Fairfield. “For the past ten years I have been focused on developing young women at the level from U12-U19 teams in order to help them achieve their academic and athletic goals,” said Equale. “That experience, coupled with my own experience as a professional player, is something that I’m confident will help build a positive culture of high performance, accountability and results.” Your Source For NYS Hockey News!

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Steadman Retires

uffalo Beauts forward Kelley Steadman, one of the greatest players in the first two seasons of the NWHL, has retired as a professional player. She has been named an assistant coach of the women’s hockey team at Mercyhurst, her alma mater. In 18 games over two seasons in Buffalo, Steadman scored 18 goals and added 12 assists for 30 points. In her final game in the NWHL, the two-time all-star won the Isobel Cup as the Beauts defeated Boston, 3-2. “The Lakers have brought back an amazing hockey player, coach and individual,” said Buffalo general manager and co-coach Ric Seiling. “The Beauts will miss her as a teammate, the fans will miss her rushes and goals, and I will miss her ever-confident smile and ‘We got this, Coach.’ Kelley was an integral part of not only the Beauts’ Isobel Cup title in March, but of our instant popularity in Buffalo. In our first year, we were not the strongest in scoring, and she would take that burden and become the most prolific goal scorer in the NWHL. In the Cup Final, we saw her style of playing change to what championships are made of: shot-blocking, grit and composure as well as talking on the bench, giving direction to her teammates. The Buffalo Beauts were honored to have Kelley Steadman on our teams in our first two seasons. Good luck, Steady.” Steadman’s career was filled with championships. She was also a two-time gold medalist at the IIHF Women’s World Championships (2011, 2013), and a member of the Clarkson Cup champion Boston Blades of the CWHL in 2012-13, and the European Cup

champion Moscow Tornado of the EWHL in 2013-14. At Mercyhurst, Steadman was the CHA Player of the Year and the league’s top scorer in 2011-12. Steadman, who turns 27 on July 17, spent the last three seasons with the women’s team at Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh — one year as a volunteer assistant and two years as the director of hockey operations. When the NWHL brought its All-Star Game to Pittsburgh earlier this year, Steadman was one of the team’s captains.

Russian Women’s National Team Coming to USA

n a collaboration between the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL) and Russian Ice Hockey Federation, the Russian National Team (RNT) will come to the United States this October for two weeks of training and competition. The “NWHL/Team Russia Summit Series” will feature the RNT playing two preseason games each against the Boston Pride, Connecticut Whale and New York Riveters. Team Russia will also participate in training sessions during the trip. “Our players and staff are very excited to come to the USA again to play hard and wonderful hockey against the high-level players of the NWHL,” said Olga Votolovskaya, general manager of the Russian Women’s National Team. “I want to say special thanks to NWHL Commissioner Dani Rylan for supporting our initiative, and to the Russian Ice Hockey Federation for financing such a long and far away trip. For a team to improve, you have to go up against some of the best – and that’s what the NWHL represents.” The two-week visit from Oct. 11-23 will serve as training for Team Russia as it prepares for the 2018 Winter Olympics, and as preparation for the three NWHL clubs before the league’s regular season begins in late October. The RNT faced NWHL clubs in five preseason games in 2016. “We welcome the Russian National Team and thank them for an ongoing partnership that is beneficial for everyone involved,” said Rylan. “These games may be between friendly rivals, but they are intense

– perfect preparation for our teams before the start of the NWHL season.” Dates, times and venues for the games will be announced shortly.

2017 NWHL Draft Results

he NWHL entry Draft was held August 17 with the top pick going to the Boston Pride, taking Katie Burt of Boston College. The Buffalo Beauts drafted second and selected Kennedy Marchment of St. Lawrence University. The 5’8” forward is from Courtice, Ontario. Up third were the New York Riveters, taking New Yorker Taylar Cianfarano of Oswego (Pictured right in 2016 interview). She is a 5’6” forward playing at Quinnipiac College. The final pick went to Boston, taking Kenzie Kent of Norwell, Massachusetts and Boston College The Buffalo Beauts also selected Savannah Harmon (Downers Grove, Ill/Clarkson University); Brittany Howard (St. Thomas, Ont/Robert Morris University); Annika Zalewski (New Hartford,NY/Colgate) (Pictured right in 2016 game) and Amy Schlagel, Blaine, Mn/New Hampshire). The Riveters drafting in third place took as their number one pick New York’s Taylar Cianfarano. Cianfarano is a 5’6” forward from Oswego and is playing her college hockey at Quinnipiac. Also going to the Riveters are McKenna Brand (Nevis, Mn./Northeastern); Toni Ann Miano (Bronx,NY/ Boston College) and Rebecca Leslie (Ottawa, Ont/Boston University)

Going to the Boston Pride were Burt, Kent, Lexie Laing, Lauren Kelly and Julia Fedeski. Boston drafted fourth. The Connecticut Whale selected Sam Donovan, Eden Murray, Denisa Krizova and Nina Rodgers. Overall 13 United States born players were selected; three from New York State; 6 Canadians and 1 from the Czech Republic. All players will be playing their final college hockey this season. Lexie Laing was drafted by Boston and will be added to the roster along side her sisters, Denna and Brianna. Denna is still recuperating from severe spinal injuries sustained in a fall in the 2015 Outdoor Women’s Ice Hockey Classic held at Gillette Field, Foxborough, Mass.

Last Minute Notes: ...Emily Fluke, who as a senior with Middlebury College was honored in 2015 as a CCM FirstTeam All-American by the American Hockey Coaches Association, has signed with the Connecticut Whale. It is a return to the state for Fluke, who attended the Loomis Chaffee School in Windsor, and was captain of the ice hockey, field hockey and lacrosse teams during her senior year. ... Sarah Edney, a member of the Canadian National Team program who in 2015 helped lead Harvard to the NCAA championship game, will play for the Buffalo Beauts in the upcoming NWHL season. Edney and the Beauts have reached an agreement in principle for 201718.

CENTRAL NEW YORK

y B d e t f Dra L H NW

he T.C. Wranglers 2006 Spring/Summer team based out of Lansing, NY was privileged to get an invite to participate in this prestigious CCM summer event. This tournament pitted the best of the best (Elite/AAA) from the Northeast over the course of three days August 4-6th. With seventeen teams entered in the 2006 division and this being the highest level tournament to date for the Wranglers not many had high hopes for them to finish anywhere near the top of the pack. This team proved everyone wrong and not only competed but they advanced to the playoff round and in the end finished in a respectable seventh out of seventeen team. The Wranglers started off on a high note with a 4-3 overtime shootout win over Team New England which put confidence in each and every member of this team. The Wranglers then moved on to compete

against the NH Nor’easters which we knew were a very quick team, but again our Wranglers were up to the challenge. It was a remarkable game played on both sides with great goalie play; in the end the Wranglers came away with a 1-2 loss but were ready to move onto Saturday’s all important game. Saturday’s game vs. Squire 17’s had all the marbles on the table, win and the team moves onto the playoff round, lose and it’s to the consolation game. The T.C. Wranglers came out and hit their mark skating away with an impressive 6-1 win and moving themselves into the playoffs. The playoffs started fast and furious versus a talented New England Crows team that had won 2 games on Friday to advance them into the playoff round.

TC WRANGLERS AT CCM ELITE TOURNEY

CONTINUED ON PAGE 21

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

COLGATE PREVIEW

ins were hard to come by in 2016-17 with just nine overall and six in ECAC conference play and the Raiders first season in their brandnew rink ended in the first round of the playoffs. Being outscored by almost one goal per game and managing four goals in one game only six times all year. They were the lowest scoring team in ECAC conference games with 40 goals in 22 games, but the good news is they were among top echelon in goals allowed against ECAC opponents. The Raiders graduated eight players who accounted for over 42 percent of Colgate’s goals scored and 40 percent of points from the 2016-17 season. Three seniors depart from the defense and a new goaltender will mean some getting-to-know-you time especially early in the campaign. Sophomore and Dallas draft pick Colton Point will get first shot at winning the net and will have juniors Willie Brooks and Ken Citron with

sophomores Jacob Panetta and Paul Meyer on defense. Sophomores Bobby McMann, Jared Cockrell and John Snodgrass are the leading scorers returning with junior Adam Dauda and senior Mike Panowyk also expected to see action on the top two lines. The team welcomes three defensemen and five forwards in Nick Austin, Trevor Cosgrove and Nick Quillan on the blueline and Tyler Jeanson, Henry Marshall, Paul McAvoy, Josh McKechney and Evan Tschumi up front. The schedule begins on the final day of September at home against Niagara with Merrimack, New Hampshire, Canisius and Arizona State before league play begins with at Princeton to open November. Western Michigan, Army and UConn wrap up the non-conference schedule.

CORNELL PREVIEW

he Big Red advanced to the ECAC championship game for the first time since 2010, lost to Harvard but received an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament where their season ended in the Northeast Regional semi-final to UMass-Lowell. The team earned points in an impressive 14 games after the calendar turned to 2017. “For our team we really want to build on last year,” head coach Mike Schafer said. “We need guys inside the program to step up—we talk all the time that the most improvement is going to happen within our team. We need one or two guys to have breakout years and one or two guys to really improve in their confidence and their play and we need a great transition from our freshmen coming in because there are so many of them.” The departure of senior goaltender Mitch Gillam, who played all but 89 minutes last season, means a big question as training camp opens with senior Hayden Stewart and freshmen Matthew Galajda via Victoria of the BCHL and Austin McGrath from Lloydminster

of the AJHL trying to establish themselves. “I don’t know which one it’s going to be, but I’m confident that one of them—and it could be two of them—will step forward and carry on the tradition of greatness that we’ve had in our goaltending position.” On the blueline, the tram hopes senior Ryan Bliss returns after missing all of last season. Juniors Brendan Smith, Matt Nuttle (Marilla) and Alec McCrea with sophomore Yanni Kaldis form the nucleus of a solid group with freshmen Cody Haiskanen, Matt Cairns and Alex Green fighting for minutes. Junior and leading scorer Mitch Vanderlaan with classmate Anthony Angello (Manlius) plus seniors Trevor Yates and Alex Rauter are the core of returners up front, but others need to improve their offensive numbers to replace the 73 points lost in graduating seniors. Top two line spots are there for junior Beau Starrett, sophomore Jeff Malott or others to claim. Forward recruits include Morgan Barron, Kyle Betts, Cam Donaldson, Brenden Locke and Tristan Mullin. The Big Red will play all but two of their first nine games at home with Alabama-Huntsville opening weekend Oct. 27-28. Other non-conference opponents include Niagara and Canisius at home with Boston University at Madison Square Garden and Miami for two on the road.

2017-18 NY HOCKEY ONLINE MAGAZINE Publishing............................Deadline October/November.... September 21 December/January..... November 21 February/March............... January 21 April/May........................... March 21

Early Summer 2018................June 21

Late Summer 2018.............August 21 Submit material to: Janet@nyhockeyonline.com Randy@nyhockeyonline.com Tryout Ads Due January 14 and March 14. These dates are subject to change!

If you have story ideas please contact: All Women’s Hockey Janet Schultz Janet@nyhockeyonline.com or call 716-628-1966 Men’s Collegiate, Section V and Rochester Area Warren Kozireski Wkozires@brockport.edu

Your Source For NYS Hockey News!

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All Other Hockey Randy Schultz Randy@nyhockeyonline.com or call 716-870-4258

Cortland

Central New York Women’s College Hockey Report

ead Coach Rick Filighera will begin his second season with the Cardinals. The team posted a 3-21-1 overall record. The Cardinals, formerly with the ECAC West will play in the newly established Northeast Women’s Hockey League, as will other teams in the ECACW.

Elmira

ead Coach Tim Crowley begins this second season at Elmira. He was promoted to that position last season after serving as Interim Head Coach. HGe led the Soaring Eagles to an 18-6-4 overall record, second place finish in the ECACW tournament and fifth consecutive appearance in the NCAA DIII Tournament. The Soaring Eagles will open November 4 at Oswego.

Syracuse

ead Coach Paul Flanagan in nine seasons has taken the Orange to a premiere contender in the CHA. Syracuse took their third straight CHA title game and made their 6th championship game appearance. They will open at Bemidji State on September 29 and 30 and then come home to the University of Wisconsin at October 6 and 7. East Amherst’s Maddie Welch will return for her senior year in the nets.

Utica

oach Dave Clausen begins his 16th season at the helm of the Pioneers. He is their first and only coach! The Pioneers open at home on Oc-

By Janet Schultz Janet@nyhockeyonline.com

tober 28 against New England College and October 29 they travel to Plattsburgh. Amanda Lupo of Auburn will be playing her final season in goal. Ready to back her up is Sophomore Kayla Rios from Dexter.

Colgate

reg Fargo begins his fifth season behind the bench and heads into 201718 with a season-ending 22-9-7 overall record. Back on the ice from New York are Olivia Zafuto, a junior defenseman from Niagara Falls and the Niagara Junior Purple Eagles and Annika Zalewski, a senior Forward from New Hartford. She played for the Buffalo Bisons and Nichols School in Buffalo. Zalewski was also just ranked #29 in the NWHL Prospects Ranking for this season. The Colgate women’s ice hockey team was honored on Friday, August 11 as 18 student-athletes were named to the ECAC Hockey All-Academic Team, as announced by the league office. Sophomore Megan DuBois (Hudson, Wisconsin) was tabbed to the ECAC Hockey Commissioner’s List for the second straight season, which showcases one player from each institution that earned the highest GPA on the team. Colgate’s 18 honorees are the most in program history after a successful season on and off the ice.

Chelsea Jacques Sophomore Geology Shae Labbe Sophomore Geology Bailey Larson Sophomore Educational Studies Shannon Ormel Sophomore Economics Shelby Perry Junior Educational Studies Kaila Pinkney Junior Psychology Cat Quirion Senior Neuroscience Hannah Rastrick Senior Educational Studies Julia Vandyk Sophomore Biology Breanne Wilson-Bennett Junior Educational Studies/History Olivia Zafuto Sophomore Psychology Annika Zalewski Junior Psychology *Indicates Commissioner’s List

The Raiders’ also ranked in the top half of ECAC Hockey as they tied for the fifth most players named to the all-academic team. A total of 197 players were honored by ECAC Hockey, the most in league history. Player’s are eligible for the all-academic team if they earn a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale or have a GPA over 3.00 over the past three semesters. Graduated senior Cat Quirion (Lac-Megantic, Quebec) was the only Raider to be named to the all-academic for all four seasons during her career at Colgate, one of just 29 players in the league to achieve the feat. Fellow graduate Meghan Brennan (Ottawa, Ontario) was named to the allacademic team for the third time in her four seasons. Brennan was one of 70 players to earn all-academic recognition for the third time in her career. In addition to Quirion and Brennan, 10 Raiders were honored with all-academic recognition for the second time in their careers and six Raiders earned the academic honor for the first times in their careers. Livia Altmann Sophomore Economics Liz Auby Freshman Undeclared Meghan Brennan Senior International Relations Ellie DeCaprio Junior Economics Megan DuBois* Sophomore English/ Political Science Jessie Eldridge Sophomore Educational Studies

Oswego

iane Dillon went behind the Oswego bench in 2006 and last season had the best start in the history of the program with an 11-1 record. The Lakers open October 21 against the Toronto Midget Aeros at home in an exhibition game and then against New England College on October 29. Several New Yorkers return including Seniors Alyssa Brockmann (Fairport), Ashley Lyman (Lockport), Brennan Butler (Lake Placid) and Kendall Appelbaum (Buffalo). Also Natalie Gilio (Ogdensburg) and Mikaela DiTonto (Orchard Park). Gilio is a freshman coming from Northwood School and DiTonto is a sophomore goalie who played for the Buffalo Stars and Orchard Park/Frontier in the WNYGVIH League.

Cornell

ead Coach Doug Derraugh comes into his 12th season. He has taken the Cornell Big Red to one of the top women’s hockey programs in the nation with back-to-back Frozen Four appearances in 2010, 2011 and 2012. The team will open with a special exhibition game against the Shenzhen Vanke

Red Star at Lynagh Rink on October 13 and then head to face St. Lawrence on October 27. Pippy Gerace a forward from Jamestown will be returning for her Junior year She played for the Etibuicije Junior Dolphins. New to the Big Red lineup is Lindsay Browning a goaltender from Penfield who comes from the Buffalo Bisons program.

Hamilton

ead Coach Emily McNamara is in her sixth season. They are coming off a 14-8-3 overall record.

William Smith

amie Totten was appointed head coach in 2013 as the first women’s ice hockey coach at William Smith. They open October 27 and 28 against Salve Regina at The Cooler in Geneva.

(Wrangers Continued from Page 16)

The Wranglers outshot the Crows and played them tough right to the buzzer sound but were unable to get anything past their goaltender; the final score had the Wranglers on the losing end 0-2. In the end our skaters held their heads high knowing they exceeded all expectations. Every one of our skaters gave it their all and the bond they have on/ off the ice cannot be replaced with any number of trophies or medals. We also want to thank our coaches (Jay Sciarabba, Jim Nielsen & Brian Long) that not only got these kids up and ready to compete at their best, but also instilled joy on/off the ice for the kids, summer is all about having fun right? Backed by Aiden McKenna (Rochester, NY) & Tanner McKiven (Canastota, NY) the Wranglers had the 4th best goals against average in their age bracket allowing only six goals the entire tournament. The defense was anchored by Talon Whaley (Tampa, Fl), Ste-

Back on the ice from New York are Grace Durham, a junior forward from St. James and Northwood School; Maura Mulligan, sophomore defender from Troy and the Albany Academy and Egan Sachs-Hecht, sophomore defender form Plainview and the Lawrenceville School. Joining the team will be Fian Scibetta, a forward from Brewerton and Central Square.

Morrisville

elissa Lomato returns as head coach with the team opening October 27 and 28 at home against Buffalo State Cololege. Lomato was appointed in 2014 as the firstever women’s ice hockey coach at Morrisville.

phen Falbo (Lansing, NY), Dominic Martyniuk (Columbus, OH), Adam Nielsen (Erin, NY), Tanner Long (Syracuse, NY) and Cody Bismarck (Clayton, NY). Our forwards were Brady Coffin (Homer, NY), Dane Sciarabba (Freeville, NY), Owen Bismarck (Clayton, NY), Liam O’Connor (Homer, NY), Blake Carlisle (Ithaca, NY), Gabe O’Connor (Homer, NY), Connor Russell (Canastota, NY), Jake Hill (Whitesboro, NY) and Jake Garcia (New Hartford). I would also like to give a shout out to our Defensive Coach Brad Jump and our defensemen Dominic Jump who were unable to join us due to injury (they will be there for the next one though). The T.C. Wranglers finish off their summer season in Bridgeport, Connecticut at the Doritos Fall Tune up Tournament. (Submitted by Shannon Coffin)

Lippolis Promoted to Devils’ Broadcaster

he Binghamton Devils announced that the club has promoted Rob Lippolis to the team’s play-by-play broadcaster. The announcement was made today by Devils’ Executive Vice President of Business Operations Tom Mitchell. Lippolis, 28, is a 2011 graduate of the State University of New York at Oswego and was the Binghamton Senators’ Director of Media & Community Relations in 2016-17. Previously, the Windsor, New York native served as the play-by-play broadcaster for the United States Hockey League’s Omaha Lancers and the Corpus Christi IceRays of the North American Hockey League. “We are excited to to enter into this new era of professional hockey in Binghamton and are full of confidence in the talent both on the ice as well as in our broadcast booth” said Mitchell. “Rob brings a lot of energy to the game and will be a great on–air representative of our organization.” Lippolis called games for the NCAA Division III Oswego State Lakers and has filled in on the radio for the American Hockey League’s San Antonio Rampage and Binghamton Senators. “I’m humbled and thrilled to become the voice of the Devils,” said Lippolis. “To be able to call games in a building I grew up skating in is a dream come true. I’m looking forward to an exciting season.” Fans will be able to listen to every game this season on US Country 96.9 FM, 680 AM, online, and the iHeartRadio App.

Rome Youth Hockey Association Board Members Announced Congratulations to the 2017-18 Board Members for RYHA. President Gary Millington Vice President Nate Van Wie Secretary Tara Waterman Treasurer Kristin Haag CPA Members-at-Large: Rob Kopek, Kurt Parry, Joe Mellace, Dean Millington, Steve Townsend, Jennifer Tyczinski. Directors Julie Blaich, Janice Keown, John Leonard, Geoff Marchione, Alissa Sparace and Julie Summa. RYH held their annual fundraiser on August 11 and 12. It was a Bocce Tournament and BBQ. Put these dates on your calendar and go to their website for registration information: Grizzly Gals Fall Brawl (Girls 14U) October 27-29; Rome Regional Silver Tournament Squirt, Pee Wee, and Bantam - Tier I or Tier III State Tourney Bound Teams--December 1-3. House Tournament Weekend, January 19-21 Rick LeFevre Memorial Squirt Division John Corr Pee Wee Division Bobby Page Memorial Bantam Division Roy Austin Mite Festival will be February 2-4, 2018. This year RHY will be icing a Midget (16U) team; Bantam (14U) Independent or Travel with Mark Gualtieri (darethgual@msn.com and a House team; Girls (14U) with Rob Kopek (rkope10@verizon.net); Pee Wee (12U) Travel and Independent; Squirt (10U) Red, White and Blue; Mite (8U) Red White and Blue. Go to their website for details. Your Source For NYS Hockey News!

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East Hockey

THE HOCKEY BOYS AND GIRLS OF SUMMER By Peter Schwartz

n Long Island, there is certainly no shortage of activities for boys and girls of all ages during the summer. In the Town of Hempstead, hundreds of kids take part in a summer recreation program that includes the opportunity to play street hockey at various public parks. My 11 year old son Bradley has participated for seven years and this was my 7 year old Jared’s second year playing in what has become one of the highlights of our summer. For five weeks, they take to a makeshift rink

mascot Sparky.

on a basketball or tennis court to play twice a week for an hour. Then, during the 2nd week of August, all of the parks gather at one location for a massive two day tournament, one day for ages 5-8 and the other day for ages 9-13. If you’re judging by the heart, passion, and smiles on their faces, there’s really no difference between the two groups. They love hockey and this is a chance for them to have some fun and then wear a jersey for the tournament to represent their park. There’s even an added layer of excitement because the Islanders support the tournament by showing up with prizes, activities, and their

Continued on Page 28

East Women’s College Report by Janet Schultz Janet@nyhockeyonline.com

Manhattanville

avid Turco serves as head coach and begins his seventh season in that role.

Union

oach Jos Sciba begins his second season behind the bench after posting a 5-28-1 overall record last season They open September 23 against Barrie in an exhibition game at home and then against Providence at home on September 29. On the roster from New York are Brandy Streeter from Buffalo and the Buffalo Bisons and Rachel dePerio (East Amherst/Nichols School) (Pictured below). Coach Sciba has added 11 players to the roster. We will announce them next month. Ten members of the Union College women’s ice hockey team have received 2016-17 ECAC Hockey AllAcademic Team recognition, the league announced. Among the 10 All-Academic selections, three student-athletes were repeat honorees, led by senior Eastyn Yuen, who became a four-time recipient. Sophomore Arianna Kosakowski was named to the Commissioner’s List as the team’s top scholar. Eligibility is based on having a cumulative grade point average above a 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) or by posting a 3.00 GPA or higher over the past three semesters.

Listed below are Union’s honorees, along with their class years and majors: Kathryn Davis *^ Sr. Economics Alli Devins Sr. Mathematics Emily Erickson Sr. Organizing Theme Arianna Kosakowski * So. Biology Katelynn Russ Fr. Bioengineering Haley Shugart Fr. Psychology Kate Spooner Fr. Sociology Brandy Streeter Jr. Biology Bridgit Sullivan Fr. Political Science Eastyn Yuen *^+ Jr. Biology

RPI

ead Coach John Burke has 184 wins in his 14 years behind the RPI bench. He has added five players to the 2017-18 roster including Jenn Gregg, a goaltender from Voorheesville and the Troy Albany Ice Cats. She will study biology and feels fortunate to have grown up in Troy and now playing at RPI. Also, Maddie Brunett, defenseman from London, Ontario and the Bluewater Hawks; Morgan Ondrick, a foreward from Shorewood, Illinois and the Northern Chicago Young Americans; Aimee Raithby, foward from Burlington, Ontario and played for the Burlington Barracudas and Lauren Severson, a forward from Rockford, Illinois and the Madison Capitals. RPI posted a 10-24-2 overall season record last year and made the ECAC as the eighth seed. Four of their top five scorers will be returning with 10 forwards, 7 defensemen and two goalies return.

ARMY PREVIEW

East Men’s College Report

first round bye and a quarterfinal series win over Mercyhurst led the Black Knights to the semi-finals where their season ended for the second year in a row. Only five seniors departed, but the biggest was goaltender Parker Gahagen, who started 104 games over his career. Senior Cole Bruns will get first crack at the starting job after he sported a sparking 1.30 GAA and .949 save percentage in his four appearances last season. “(I) expect senior Cole Bruns to have a big step in playing time,” head coach Brian Riley said. “He has played behind one of the best goalies in college hockey, Parker Gahagen the last two seasons. He will have an opportunity to step in and lead this team. We have many returners and are expecting all of our upperclassmen to elevate their games and show the new players what they need to do to be both successful on and off the ice here at West Point.” Seniors Conor Andrle and Tyler Pham with sophomores Zach Evancho (Buffalo) (Pictured right), AHA All-Rookie Team selection Dominic Franco and Brenden Soucie all eclipsed the 20-point mark last season and will anchor the top two lines. Fellow All-Rookie Team pick Alex Wilkinson along with junior Dalton MacAfee with seniors Blake Box and Mike Preston form the core of the defense. The team welcomes eight freshmen in three forwards, three defensemen and two goaltenders. Defensemen Cody Fleckenstein (Fredonia), John Zimmerman and Matt Berkovitz, forwards Tucker DeYoung, Mason Krueger, Kevin Dineen and John Laurito with goaltenders Jared Dempsey and Trevin Kozlowski make up the class of 2021. “(I am) really excited about the season. We return a lot of players as well as adding nine new players to our Roster. We have the most depth that we have had since I started coaching here. As always, we will work with our team to hopefully put them in a position where they will be playing their best hockey coming down the stretch. In order to be successful in the playoffs you will need to be able to do this because of the talent level in Atlantic Hockey.”

by Warren Koziereski

The Black Knights begin with conference play opening weekend at AIC Oct. 6-7. Colgate, Merrimack, New Hampshire and Minnesota make up the non-conference slate with all played in December.

R.P.I. PREVIEW

n eight-win season—the worst for the program since 1969-70 when they also won eight, but played only 24 instead of –resulted in a coaching change with former Canisius head coach Dave Smith being introduced in April. “I am honored to be joining RPI and a hockey program with an incredibly rich history and strong traditions,” Smith said at his introduction. “Every single person I have met is passionate about their Rensselaer experience and the RPI hockey team.” Top scorers junior Evan Tironese, seniors Viktor Liljegren and Drew Melanson with sophomore Jacob Hayhurst all were in double-figures offensively last season. The blueline is anchored by seniors Jared Wilson and Mike Prapavessis plus sophomores Will Reilly and Charlie Manley (Orchard Park). Junior goaltender and Detroit draft pick Chase Perry started 27 games last season and is expected to get the early nod at least in net. Recruits include forwards Jaren Burke, Billy Jerry, Emil Ohrvall, Gavin Payne, Jon Richards, Owen Stout and Troy York; defenseman Matthew Harris and goaltender Linden Marshall, The team travels to Ohio State (2), Niagara and RIT before hosting RPI in a home-and-home series to open conference play Oct. 27-28. They will host Notre Dame, lay Clarkson and Maine/Providence at the Belfast Cup in Ireland in November and host New Hampshire and Maine (2) in December.

UNION PREVIEW

iding one of the nation’s best offenses to a co-Cleary Cup regular season title with Harvard, the Dutchmen’s season came to an abrupt halt in the first round of the NCAA tournament to Penn State. Now the rebuild begins as more than half of last season’s goals finished their eligibility or left early. The pantry is far from completely bare with junior forwards Sebastien Vidmar, Brett Supinski, Cole Maier and Ryan Walker plus sophomore Luc Brown and senior Ryan Scarfo all surpassing the 13-point mark last season. “Our staff and team are looking to the leadership of first year captain Cole Maier, third year assistant captain Ryan Scarfo, and contributions from Ryan Walker, Brett Supinski, and Sebastian Vidmar,” head coach Rick Bennett said. “As to playing time...it will be based upon practice habits, knowledge of systems and coachability. Our best recruits will be our returners and how they have developed over the spring/summer. If each individual has put the work in, then productivity will improve. The same for our coaching staff!” Senior J.C Brassard and junior Greg Campbell with sophomores Vas Kolias and Ben Newhouse are the primary returners, but will be asked to seed up their learning curve especially on special teams. The squad welcomes five forwards, three defensemen, and one goalie to the roster in Jack Adams, Parker Foo, Sean Harrison, Josh Kosack and Liam Morgan up front. The defensemen are Taylor Brierley, Joseph Campolieto and Brandon Estes with goaltender Darion Hanson. It won’t be an easy start with Boston University, Michigan Tech and Minnesota-Duluth all on the road to start the campaign before they host UMass and Vermont Oct. 13 & 15. ECAC play opens with a homeand-home against rival RPI Oct. 27-28. The team will also travel to North Dakota and Nebraska-Omaha for Thanksgiving and the holidays respectively.

(Continued from Page 24)

My kids, as always, had plenty of fun this year with Bradley making some great saves and Jared scoring two goals in one of his games. The organized hockey fun is now over for the summer but that doesn’t stop by boys or any other kids on Long Island from playing. Go down any street in our or any other neighborhood and you’ll see kids playing hockey in the streets. The Town of Hempstead hockey tournament is just one reason why kids in our community love the sport. Now, If we could just get our NHL team back on Long Island, we’d all be even happier! Peter Schwartz is a sports anchor for CBS Sports Radio and WCBS 880 Radio in New York City as well as a columnist for elitesportsny.com and usafootball.com. He is also the public address announcer for the New York Cosmos of the North American Soccer League and a play by play announcer for high school sports on News 12 Varsity. Peter resides on Long Island with his wife Sheryl and their sons Bradley and Jared. During the hockey season, they can frequently be found at the Barclays Center to cheer on the New York Islanders!! 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

CLARKSON PREVIEW

he Golden Knights streaky season ended in the ECAC quarterfinals at Cornell with two tight losses and now they will need to rebuild their top line offense after losing three seniors and leading scorer Sam Vigneault a year early. Their strength appears to be in their own end with four starters back on the blueline in seniors Kelly Summers and Terrence Amorosa, junior Aaron Thow and sophomore Greg Moro in front of sophomore and ECAC All-Rookie team goaltender Jake Kielly. They will need more offensive production from seniors Nic Pierog and Brett Gervais along with sophomores and conference All-Rookie team selections Sheldon Rempal and Nico Sturm. Devin Brosseau and Haralds Engle will also try to build on strong first years. The recruiting class features five forwards, one defensemen and one goaltender. Forwards Nick Campoli (North York Rangers) and Josh Dickinson (Georgetown Raiders) and goaltender Nicholas Latinovich (Georgetown) come from the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL). Forwards Kevin Charyszyn (Waterloo Blackhawks) and J.C. MacLean (Sioux City Musketeers) skated in the United States Hockey League (USHL). Defenseman Connor McCarthy (Chilliwack

Chiefs) competed in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL), while forward Grant Cooper (Cornwall Colts) played in the Central Canadian Hockey League (CCHL). The coaching staff isn’t dodging tough opponent as they open with Penn State, Michigan, Western Michigan, Providence, UMass-Lowell and Minnesota before their ECAC schedule begins at home versus RPI and Union Nov. 3-4. “I think it is very important to play a challenging schedule, and this season really fits the bill,” head coach Casey Jones said. “We have a great line up of opponents. “Our very tough, opening non-league schedule should fully prepare us for ECAC Hockey action and gives us the opportunity to see where we stand right off the bat. “As a team, we return with a good core group of players that includes a seven-member senior class and a sophomore class that led the ECAC in freshman scoring and also placed three members on the ECAC all-rookie team. Our staff feels that we have added another talented recruiting class which should help fill the holes left by our graduating seniors and complement our pieces that we have in place to challenge for an ECAC championship.”

ST. LAWRENCE PREVIEW

he Saints hung on to fourth place in ECAC with just one regular season win in February before their season came to a crashing halt on home ice in the quarterfinals against Quinnipiac. Four senior defensemen are gone including twotime leading scorer and power play quarterback Gavin Bayreuther, so senior goaltender Kyle Hayton will have virtually a whole new group in front of him.

There were rumors that Hayton might transfer for his final collegiate season, but the school offered this statement: “As of press time he is still enrolled at St. Lawrence and we are not able to comment further.” Senior defensemen Nolan Gluchowski and Matt Purmal with sophomore Ben Finkelstein will see plenty of minutes with the other blueline spots wide open. Senior forwards Mike Marnell, Joe Sullivan and Ryan Lough with juniors Jacob Pritchard and Michael Ederer and sophomores Carson Gicewicz, Alex Gilmour and Michael Laidley back from injury are the core of what should be a solid offense as they return seven of their top-eight scorers from a year ago. “Joe Sullivan and Michael Laidley are two guys we’re going to rely on a lot this season to lead this team,” head coach Mark Morris said. “Sullivan is the type of player that gives his all every shift. He plays a 200-foot game and is the blue-collar type of player we want our younger guys to look up to. He leads by example and our staff is excited to see where he can take us. The addition of Michael Laidley, who missed most of last season with an injury, should give us muchneeded experience as a top line center. His physical strength and compete level should help us at both ends of the rink. Four forwards, four defensemen and a goaltender comprise the recruiting class with defenseman Philip Alftberg, the first European player on the Saints roster since Slovenian winger Ziga Petac in 2004, Bo Hanson, Jake Stevens and Dylan Woolf plus forwards Callum Cusinato, Cade Gleekel, Jake Nielsen and Keenan Suthers and goaltender Cam Gray. Michigan and Penn State open the season at Appleton Arena Oct. 6-7 before the team heads to North Dakota. Providence and UMass-Lowell at home and Wisconsin on the road precedes the ECAC opening weekend as the Saints host Union and RPI Nov. 3-4. The team will lay in Vermont’s Catamount Cup tournament the final weekend in December and host Canisius for two as the other non-conference opponents. Our non-conference schedule is going to be a huge test for us early in the season with games against Penn State, Michigan and North Dakota, UMass Lowell, Providence and Wisconsin all in October and the

conference schedule is just as competitive. We got bit by the injury bug a lot last season, but one positive we took away from that was it allowed some of our younger guys to step in and play a bigger role and get some great experience. This season we’re hoping we’ll be able to stay healthy and put our best lineup on the ice every night to face these early challenges head on.”

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

Potsdam

ead Coach Jay Green and the Potsdam Bears will open at St. Michaels on October 27 and then return home to the same team the following day. Green is in his 11th season at the helm.

Plattsburgh

evin Houle is in his 15th season as Plattsburgh’s Women’s Ice Hockey Coach. He is the longest tentured and winning coach in the program. Plattsburgh opens Ocotber 21 at Castleton and October 29 at home against Utica College. Plattsburgh will be playing in the newly formed Northeast Womens Hockey League made up of the former DIII SUNY schools.

Clarkson By winning the 2017 NCAA National Championship this past March, the Golden Knights Women’s Hockey team

lifted Clarkson University Women’s Athletics to among the Top 50 programs in the country in the final standings of the Capital One Cup. After a very competitive athletics year, the Capital One Cup final women’s standings were announced and Clarkson ranked No.33 with 20 points. Ultimately, Stanford University claimed the 2017 Capital One Cup. Clarkson won its second National Championship in the past four years, completing a recording-breaking campaign with a 324-5 overall record. The Green and Gold defeated Minnesota (4-3) and Wisconsin (3-0) in the Frozen Four. The Golden Knights also claimed the ECAC Hockey Regular Season and Tournament titles in the 2016-17 season. Clarkson finished in the top spot of both the USA Today/Hockey Magazine and USCHO.com polls. Currently in its seventh year, the Capital One Cup recognizes NCAA Division I athletics programs for their cumulative on-field performance across multiple men’s and women’s sports. The Capital One Cup is an NCAA athletics award that honors the top men’s and women’s college athletics program in the country and rewards the winning schools a combined $400,000 in scholarship funds to their athletics department. Coach Matt DesRosiers is entering his 10th season behind the Golden Knights bench. He was selected as an assistant coach for the Canadian National Women’s Development Team. Former Golden Knight Cayley Mercer was nominated for the 2017 NCAA Woman of the Year Award. The winner will be announced later this season. Desrosiers along with assistant coaches Britni Smith and Tony Maci have added four forwards - Michaela Boyle (Reading, MA), Elizabeth Giguere (Quebec City, QUE), Kristy Pidgeon (Ingleside, ONT) and Tia Stoddard (La Mesa, CA), two defensemen - Meaghan Hector (Georgetown, ONT) and Avery Mitchell (Pickering, ONT) and one goaltender Kia Castonguay (Ipswich, MA) to the talented Green and Gold roster. The seven members of the Golden Knights incoming class will add to the depth of a Clarkson

squad that graduated five standout contributors – forwards Genevieve Bannon, Jessica Gillham and Cayley Mercer, defenseman Corie Jacobson and goaltender McKenzie Johnson - who played key roles in both of the Green and Gold’s national titles. The Golden Knights will open September 22 against the University of Guelph and will be at Northeastern on September 29 and 30.

St. Lawrence

annah Miller ‘18 was named the captain of the 201718 St. Lawrence University women’s hockey team, and Nadine Edney ‘19 was selected as the team’s assistant captain in a team vote earlier this spring. “Every team has its own personality and it usually starts with the leaders,” said head coach Chris Wells ‘92. “Both Hannah and Dini believe in what we do here at St. Lawrence. They are a perfect complement to each other with their leadership styles and attitudes. Hannah quietly goes about her business and Dini brings the energy. The players did an excellent job selecting our captains for 2017-18. We are all looking forward to another exciting season in Canton.” Miller had a breakout season in 2016-17, scoring 15 goals and adding 33 assists for 48 points. She was a SecondTeam All-ECAC Hockey selection at forward and was the ECAC Hockey Player of the Month for January. She ranked sixth nationally in assists per game (0.92) and tied for 11th nationally with 1.33 points per game. She has 30 goals and 54 assists in 92 career games for the Saints. Edney scored 10 goals and added four assists for the Saints in her sophomore season. She recorded her first career hat trick in a 4-0 win over Yale and added two goals in a 4-3 loss to Colgate. She enters the 2017-18 season with 13 goals and eight assists in 71 career games. The Saints lost just three players from the 2016-17 team due to graduation: captain Kirsten Padalis ‘17 and assistant captains Brooke Webster ‘17 and Alex Moore ‘17. St. Lawrence finished second in the ECAC Hockey standings in 2016-17 and earned a spot in the NCAA Tournament, falling to Boston College in the quarterfinal round of the national championship. The team finished the year 26-6-4, the most wins for the program since the 2007-08 season,

and finished the year ranked sixth nationally. Coach Chris Wells enters his ninth season as head coach. Fourteen members of the 2016-17 St. Lawrence University women’s hockey team were selected as members of the ECAC Hockey All-Academic team, the league announced on Friday afternoon. Players are eligible for the All-Academic team if they earn a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or have a GPA over 3.0 over the past three semesters. Kalie Grant ‘20 (Potsdam) was selected as the Commissioner’s Honoree as the program’s top scholar from the 2016-17 season, while Kirsten Padalis ‘17 and Brooke Webster ‘17 finished their careers as four-year members of the All-Academic team. Other St. Lawrence honorees include: Michelle Alonardo ‘18, Jacquie Diffley ‘20, Nadine Edney ‘19, Dakota Golde ‘20, Lydia Grauer ‘19, Amanda McClure ‘18, Maggie McLaughlin ‘20, Hannah Miller ‘18, Kayla Nielsen ‘19, Sonjia Shelly ‘19 and Brooke Wolejko ‘18.

Canton

n his third season behind the bench Coach Dave LaBaff has named Mandy Montgomery as an assistant coach. Montgomery was a volunteer assistant coach at Colgate and played four years at St. Norbert and then Sacred Heart. The Roos take to the ice October 28 at Plymouth State.

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West Hockey

Around the West Section: ...The 2017 West Section Fall Meeting will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2017,12 Noon at the Northtown Center @ Amherst in one of the Skyboxes. NYSAHA Voter Delegate Rosters are due by the beginnin ...A Level 4 USA Hockey Coaching Clinic will be held on Saturday, December 30 and Sunday, December 31, 2017 at the Erie Community College North Campus in Williamsville, New York. ...West Section CEP Clinics for Levels 1-3 are now posted on the USA Hockey web site at www.usahockey.com/coachingclinics This is a new system and therefore there will be a new registration procedure and your old credential login will not work. You must have your 2017-2018 USA Hockey Registration Confirmation number. Click on “Create an Account” prior to registering for a clinic on the new system. ...Now it is time to transition into the 2017-2018 season. Association administrators (president or vice president) may log in to their Club Excellence portal and indicate their renewed commitment to Club Excellence for the 2017-2018 season. By doing so, all registered members will have continued access to their portal. Associations new to the portal may register at www.usahockey.com/clubexcellence. ...USA Hockey is excited to announce the launch of new features and functionality for the 2017-2018 season, such as custom tasks and improved task management. By adding these features they hope to make the portal more dynamic to suit the varying needs of associations across the country. Andy Gibson is the contact in Colorado and his E-mail address is Andy.Gibson@usahockey.org. See page XX of this magazine.

Buffalo Regals Junior Team News

he Buffalo Regals Juniors wrapped up their final mini camp in July. The game featured many unsigned players in order to give the team a chance to further round out their roster. A solid core of players have already been signed. The team will opened their main Training Camp on Monday, August 14th at Holiday and ran for 3 weeks. During that time the team finaiized their roster. The Regals will open the 2017-18 GOHJL season on September 16th in Fort Erie. The team will open at home on Tuesday, September 19th at Buffalo State as they play host to Welland at 7pm. A full season schedule will be released shortly, as will be a list of all home game promotions. The final team roster will be released after Training Camp however we will “introduce” players via a weekly “Spotlight Player” feature starting next week. For more information about the team contact General Manager John Evoy at: buffaloregalsgojhl@gmail.com Make sure to visit the Buffalo Regals Juniors on line at www.buffaloregals.org as well as facebook and twitter.

Metzger Joins Regals Junior Team

he Buffalo Regals Junior team of the GOJHL are pleased to welcome Mark Metzger as the team director of player development and skills coach. Metzger is Owner/Head Instructor of Precision Hockey, a hockey training and player development company located here in Western NY. Mark is a skills coach well known throughout North America and is currently the skating and skills coach with the Charlotte Checkers of the American Hockey League. Mark has also worked with the Minnesota Wild as the skating coach for their young prospects as well as a skills coach for the Carolina Hurricanes. Mark is a former Junior player. At 15 he was the youngest player in the Empire Junior B league. The following year

he moved on to the Junior Sabres as their youngest player at the time. Mark also played for Hockey Prospects in Toronto. He was invited to participate in the QMHL Rouyn Noranda Huskies main camp but suffered a career ending injury while at camp. Although sidelined from playing, Mark took the opportunity to grow as a player and instructor. He has worked with Russian trainers and mentors that helped to guide him in developing his own unique style. Through all his experiences, Mark has evolved his training methods to be creative and outside the box all the while maintaining the fundamental elements of the game. Mark has also published two books: The Will is Greater than the Skill and Winner or Loser. “We are extremely pleased to have Mark join our staff ” said Regals Assistant General Manager John Evoy. “He will bring a tremendous energy to our team as we progress to a winning culture” Learn more about Mark and Precision Hockey at www. precisionhockey.net For more information about the Buffalo Regals Junior program contact Assistant GM John Evoy at buffaloregalsgojhl@gmail.com

Buffalo Regals Juniors Play at Buffalo State

he Buffalo Regals of the GOJHL are excited to announce their return to the Buffalo State Ice Arena. The team had previously played in the arena during the 2014-15 season. The move to the Buffalo State College Campus will give the team a dedicated locker room and a state of the art training facility. Each player will receive a pass access to the training facility so that they can work off ice training into their already busy schedule. Players can expect to find a state of the art training facility and top notch accommodations in the new locker room. This move is a major step in the rebuilding process. Buffalo Regals Assistant General Manager John Evoy stated “it is important for us as an organization to show our players that were are committed to providing them every opportunity to succeed. Being in this facility provides the amenities needed to be successful on the ice. Not only does this move provide the team with a new work out facility and

locker room, it also gives the players a chance to compete in a rink that is home to an NCAA team, our players will know that at any given point in time that Coach Murphy can pop his head out of his office to watch any practice or game that he wants giving our guys a unique opportunity not afforded to everyone.

Buffalo Stars News and Notes

uffalo Stars Youth Hockey, in conjunction with Dick’s Sporting Goods proudly present our Annual Salute to the American Troops Day. All proceeds of the day go to support the Wounded Warrior Project. This event will take place on Saturday, September 16 from Noon to 9pm at the Holiday Twin Rinks in Cheektowaga. Buffalo Stars Travel Teams will host opponents on that day. All games will be recorded with play by play and shown back to the teams following the game when they can enjoy some post game food. The Buffalo Stars will conduct a Chinese Auction on this date with all of the proceeds going to the Wounded Warrior Project. There will also be prize give away and raffles throughout the day. Saturday, September 16th will also be Buffalo Stars Day at Dick’s Sporting Goods where all Stars members and families will receive a 20% discount on purchases that day. The highlight of this day will be our tribute to the brave men and women of the American Armed Forces. For more information visit www.buffalostars.com

ach summer Nichols School in Buffalo becomes the center point for a women’s ice hockey camp. Coach Scott Welch founded Next Level Hockey Development as a way to give girls a chance to work on their skills and meet up with college coaches who could guide them, not only in hockey skills but also advising them on their quest for college. This year over 75 girls took part in the five day program. The day includes an on-ice sessions, off-ice hand skills/explosiveness and a team activity and core strength training. One of the focal points is lunch which each day features the guest coach/trainer letting the girls ask questions and talk about the future of their hockey and academic career. On this particular day, Kristen Steel from Connecticut College was on hand to discuss what she sees as necessary for a player to be successful on and off he ice at the collegiate level. Steele has been at DIII Connecticut serving as Head Coach for the past 16 years. Prior to that she served as an assistant and interim coach at DI Niagara University. Steele looks for many things when recruiting. “The easy part is to see if they have skill, the harder part and what I look at is do they work hard, do they compete and do they have a little bit of grit,” she explained. “Are they willing to try different things,” she emphasized. If a player is set and keep just what they are doing their shelf life is a little different. Coaching at DIII they look at players all the time

as they cross path many times. If they see them as a 13 or 14 year old I’ll see them but not really start talking to them until they are a sophomore in high school. At the DIII level z ult by Janet Sch most players have DI aspirations and until they are ready to talk we wait and let them see where they want to be and we don’t try to sell them on our program as much. Players looking to further their hockey career after high school should just send an email with pertinent information, name, grade in school, academic situation and their schedule. At tournaments they check which coaches are at which tournaments so we can see them and get a a good idea. Just letting us know where they are going to be before hand as opposed to after the tournament. There are about 100 college programs in the country at the varsity level and a big crew of them are IVY or NESCAC and the academic levels players have to hit at those schools are high and if you are the type of player

es v i G p m a C Next Level lege l o C e h T s r Playe nce e i r e p x E g n Coachi

that has a bad first year

(freshmen), you can fix that to a point; but the schools are always going to look to see how seriously a player takes their academics from the first year. Your high school career is important. “I need you to take the hardest class level you can and be successful,” is Steele’s take on academics. “If you are successful , and that is something different for everyone. “The better you do the more options you have, there’s not a lot of options,” she continued “If you limit yourself because you don’t want to stress the academics, you will get down to a small group of schools really quick.” Community service is also looked at. They want to see that players do other things; but she stresses, if a player’s list is 700 things long it tells her that the player probably didn’t do them 100 per cent! “You have to do the things you do at a high level,” says Steele. Financial aid depends on the school. But at the DIII level there are NO athletic scholarships. There are academic and leadership scholarships and in that realm. “What you think you want from financial aid, may not be what you are entitled to,” she says. Financial aid administered based on need and economic income of the family. Look at things a head of time. There are calculators that families and players can fill out and see what they are eligible for. Steele has been around the women’s hockey scene for many years and she now sees more depth and so many more players.

She left NU as they were headed for the Final Four and to Connecticut where she had 12 players and a program she described as “more like a learn to skate.” With so much depth now, Steele says that DI players from years ago would probably be playing DIII today. There’s also more looking internationally and not just Canada. Steele’s program definitely looks at American players noting that if there is a high level national team player available, a team wants her because it just makes the team better. “Personally I think the American players get a lot of looks and especially at the DIII level, “says Steele “ We have more access to those players and financial aid is available to them.” Steele’s over all advice is to “make yourself better!” “Every day that these guys come to the rinks they come with a purpose. One of the emphasis is to have fun; but it is also to get better.” “There is a separation there of players that come everyday and want to be better versus the ones that come every day and sit on their laurels a little bit. “You have to push to get better all the time!” “It’s more fun to work with a player on the

rise,â&#x20AC;? she concluded. In addition to Steele, Coach Welch brought in Edith Racine, from Cornell University; Melanie Ruzzi from Providence and Louie Goulet from Mercyhurst. Coaching the goalies were Sal Lewczyk from Janosz Schoool of Goaltending and Madison Welch, goalie at Syracue University. Check our Nsext Level Hockeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website for information on upcoming sessions. www.nlhdgroup.com

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

Buffalo State

fter bringing the Bengals to the forefront in women’s ice hockey in New York State, Coach Candace Moxley has stepped down to pursue other opportunities. NYHOL wishes her well. The Bengals have named Jennifer Wilson as the fourth head coach in the history of the program. She is inheriting a team that won a program-best 35 games in the past two seasons, going 35-16-2 and making four-consecutive postseason appearances, including earning its first-every post season victory last season. Wilson comes from two seasons as head coach of ACHA Division I Robert Morris University in Chicago after taking the Eagles to the CCWHA conference semi-finals, for hte firt time in four years. In addition to her position at RMU she was the associate head coach of one of the top teams in Illinois High

School Hockey at Loyola Academy where they captured the 2016 Illinois State Championship title and in 2017 placed second. Prior to Chicago she served as an assistant coach at NCAA DIII St. Michaels’s in Vermont, coached several payers to ECAC-East Select Honors and was an intern coach for the U15 National Development Camp in St. Cloud. She is USA Hockey certified level 4 coach and spent several years as a lead evaluator for selected birth years within the Central District Development Camps. She was selected as a top coach in Illinois and selected to head the Team Illinois Select team at the yearly America’s showcase in 2016 and 2017. Wilson played at DIII Manhattanville College here in New York were she was part of the 2006 ECAC East Championship team that went 23-4-1 before finishing her career at RMU. She as alternate captain at RMU and played in 68 games scoring a total of 22 goals and 27 assists. Wilson has a bachelor’s in marketing and television writing from Columbia College in Chicago and graduated Cum Ladue with a master’s in sports administration from Robert Morris University. The Bengals will open their season in the newly formed Northeast Women’s Hockey League (NEWHL) with fellow SUNY institutions Plattsburgh, Potsdam, Oswego and Cortland with a pari of non-conference games at Morrisville State on October 27 and 28.

RIT

ruce B Bates Women’s Ice Hockey Coach Scott McDonald is starting his 12th season with the Tigers. They open September 24 against Ryerson University. The Tigers welcome newcomers Britteny Gout (Caledon, Ontario, Brampton Canadettes), Stella Haberman (Golden Valley, MN/Minnesota Whitecaps), Kaleyn Johnson (Toronto, Ontario/Mississauga Chiefs), Jordan Marchese (Mississauga/Ontario/Brampton Canadettes) and Baylee Trani (Huntington Beach, Ca/New England Hockey Club) up front. Continued on Page 44

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

Wkozires@brockport.edu

R.I.T. PREVIEW

ith several key injuries including to half their defense, the Tigers struggled through most of the second half managing only three regular season wins before being upset by final-seed Niagara on home ice in the first round of the conference playoffs. Seven seniors finished their collegiate careers, but aside from in goal, all of the key components return. Now they have to stay healthy. “We return all three captains (Myles Powell, Brady & Chase Norrish) this year and added a “C” to Matt Abt,” head coach Wayne Wilson said. “These four guys will provide tremendous leadership to our team. We expect our junior class—Gabe Valenzuela, Erik Brown and Abbott Girduckis—to continue to getting better after coming off good seasons last year. “Because of our injuries last year our freshmen class gained valuable experience led by Atlantic Hockey Association Rookie of the Year Adam Brubacher. My dark horse from that class is Jordan Peacock who really improved second half of the year.” Juniors and leading scorer Brown along with classmate Liam Kerins will be called on to contribute more offensively as Kerins scored half of his 12 goals on the power play. Junior goaltender Christian Short is the only returner in goal who played any minutes last season

and that was just shy of 90 minutes of action. Freshman Logan Drackett from Calgary in the AJHL and Ian Andriano via Ottawa in the CCHL will battle in net as well. Other freshmen include defensemen Daniel Willett (Bayville) and Regan Seiferling along with forwards Reed Delainey, Alden Dupuis, Nicholas Bruce, Jacob Hamacher and Bryson Traptow. “We are really looking forward to the upcoming season with the hopes and expectations of getting back to the NCAAs. In order to do that we will need to stay healthy, gel as a team and continue to work hard to get better. We are ready to do that and are excited about the challenges ahead of us.” Northeastern is the opponent for the annual Brick City Homecoming game at Blue Cross Arena in Rochester Oct. 16 followed by Union and RPI the following weekend before conference games begin. Trips to UConn and Providence also dot the non-conference slate.

CANISIUS PREVIEW

great potential during their first two seasons and now find themselves in larger roles as both enter their third season with the program. “Sophomore forwards Matt Hoover and Nick Hutchison (Hicksville) both enjoyed successful freshman

he Golden Griffins won their first Atlantic Hockey Association regular season title and rode a 17-game unbeaten streak into the conference semi-finals before having their season ended by Robert Morris. They lost only two seniors and one junior from the program-best squad, but one of those was All-American goaltender Charles Williams. Who steps into the starting spot in the crease will be the biggest question for new head coach Trevor Large. “It’s never easy to replace an All-American, especially at goaltender,” Large said. “But, there is a lot of potential in the goalies on our roster and we expect them to come into the preseason and challenge each other for ice time.” Junior Simon Hofley played in only two games last season, but 27 as a freshman. Sophomore Daniel Urbani received four starts and earned two ties with a 2.71 goals against average. “With every forward from last season’s roster returning, we reap the benefit of having a lot of our key players in a position where they understand their role and can continue their development. “Senior Ryan Schmelzer (Buffalo) is someone who we have high expectations for this season. He was part of our leadership group in 2016-17 and in his role as captain, we expect him to be the primary leader of our team this season, both on and off the ice. “Juniors Felix Chamberland and Dylan McLaughlin (Lancaster) are two forwards who have shown

seasons and with that experience under their belts, we expect them to continue to develop and become key contributors to our lineup. “The depth of our defensive core is certainly one of our strengths as I feel we have one of the best defensive groups in the league. We have a lot of upperclassmen who have had success and are quite experienced on the back end. Junior Cameron Heath had a solid sophomore season and will be counted on to lead our defensive players.” Jimmy Mazza (Kings Park), Ian Edmondson, Matt Stief and Jack Stander are the other blueliners with the most games played last season. “Our freshman class has the benefit of coming into a situation where they will have opportunity of learning from our veteran core. That being said, our newcomers will be asked to contribute and make us a better team where they can.” Forward and Buffalo native David Baskerville, forwards Matt Long and Grant Meyer, defensemen Logan Gestro and Blake Wareham and goaltender Tucker Weppner via Williamsville and the Buffalo Jr. Sabres will all join the Golden Griffins as freshmen for the 2017-18 season.

“As the reigning AHC regular season champions, we want to build off that success and be able to complete for a conference tournament title. We want to repeat as regular season champions, but we also want to make it back to Rochester, win the Atlantic Hockey Championship, get to the NCAA Tournament and win games there.” The Griffs jump right into conference play trying to avenge their semi-final loss when they host Robert Morris in the season-opening series Oct. 13-14. Colgate, Cornell, St. Lawrence and Clarkson make up the non-conference schedule of all New York State teams.

NIAGARA PREVIEW

ith only 19 overall wins over the past three seasons combined and a season-worst five last season and, despite a first round playoff series win, the Purple Eagle made a coaching change and will have just the third head coach in the program’s history in former Geneseo player and head coach Jason Lammers. Previously Lammers sent two seasons at the helm of the Dubuque Fighting Saints and led the team to a regular-season record of 75-36-9 (.663 winning percentage), including a 36-17-7 record and a second-place finish in the Eastern Conference this past season. The Fighting Saints won the USHL’s Eastern Conference and advanced to the USHL Finals in the 2015-16 campaign, posting the second-most wins in the 37-year franchise history with a record of 39-19-2. 17 players from the 2015-16 Fighting Saints roster went on to play NCAA Division I hockey for the 2016-17 season. He also has stints at UMass-Lowell, Colorado College and Ohio State on is resume after Geneseo. Offense will be an early focus as no player scored more than nine goal last season. Seniors Stanislav Dzakhov and Sam Rennaker, junior Johnny Curran

and sophomores Kris Spriggs and Derek Brown were the only returners scoring ten or more points last season. Seniors Larry Smith and Keegan Harper anchor the defense with junior Niko Kovachis and sophomores Noah Delmas and Caleb Bowman along with two transfers. Junior goaltenders Guillaume Thérien and Joe O’Brien will get first shot to claim the net, but both registered goals against averages of 4.20 or higher. Freshmen defensemen Sam Fuss and Chris Harpur, forwards Zach Mills and Nic Mucci plus goaltender Brian Wilson are the freshmen recruits with defenseman James Roll (West Seneca) joining Niagara for his final year of collegiate eligibility after three seasons at Lake Superior State, and sophomore defenseman Jared Brandt comes to Monteagle Ridge after playing the 2016-17 season for the Miami (OH) RedHawks. In non-conference games, the Purple Eagles will do a partial New York State ECAC tour with Colgate, Union, RPI and Cornell on the slate along with Lammers returning to Ohio State In December.

UNIVERSITY OF BUFFALO

he 2017 National Champion UB Bulls will be moving up to the ACHA D2. The NCHA folded on August 1 and the entire U league (24 teams) moved up. UB will be focusing on a League Championship due to the ACHA bylaws that require any first year teams to sit out of the Championships for that year. Coach Edd Kirchberger has lost eight seniors but has a core of the team returning, along with a group of freshmen ready to take to the ice. “All and all we should be competitive this year,” said Kirchberger. “We will be looking for the underclassmen to step up this year.

“My assistant coaches will also be back and we look forward to facing schools from Erie, Pa; Gannon, Mercyhurst and Alfred.” said Kirchberger.

ongratulations go out to Head Coach Edd Kirchberger and the rest of the University of Buffalo Bulls men’s hockey team on receiving their championship rings for the national championship season they had in 2016-17. Featured are three photos of Kirchberger’s ring. (Photos courtesy Edd Kirchberger) (Continued from Page 40)

Congratulations to Sports Information Director Joe Venniro and his wife on the birth of twin daughters. The girls joined their older brother in August.

Coming in on defense are Katie Carlson (Dalbo, MN/Minnesota Revolution) and Ellie Larson (Hutchinson, MN/Hutchinson). New between the nets is Jessi O’Leary (Woodstock, New Brunswich/

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USA Hockey Promotes Buffalo Native Madison Brown

SA Hockey announced the promotion of staff member, Madison Brown to manager of

events. Brown, a native of Buffalo, New York, joined the USA Hockey staff in Oct. 2015 as coordinator of events and merchandise procurement. She has played a major role in the planning and execution of multiple world championships and other major events hosted by USA Hockey and has also contributed to streamlining efforts with the organization’s merchandise program. Prior to her duties at USA Hockey, Brown served as a program coordina-

tor for HARBORCENTER in Buffalo, New York, will support USA Hockey event operations and handle product orders and protocol for various de-

partments within the organization. With HARBORCENTER, Brown played a lead role in the planning and execution of the 2015 International Ice Hockey Federation Under-18 Women’s World Championship and 2015 IPC Sled Hockey World Championship. Prior to joining HARBORCENTER, she spent time as a digital media intern with the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres and the National Lacrosse League’s Buffalo Bandits. Brown is a 2013 graduate of the State University of New York at Fredonia, where she was a member of the women’s soccer team.

Lockport Inducts 2017 Hall of Fame Members by Randy Schultz

he Howell Motors Ford Lockport Hockey Hall of Fame inducted their class of inductees for 2017. Thirteen former Lockport hockey players, coaches and contributors were inducted at a formal ceremony in May at the Cornerstone CFCU Arena. The 13 include: Coaches Norm Phillips, Lou Rosetti and Lockport’s first-ever club hockey coach, Paul Pignataro. Contributors were John Jakubec, Dick Rybolt, Bud Timkey and Ben May. The players are Paul “Bongo” Bailey, Steve Allison, Christian DeFazzio, Tom Dockery, Chris Hildreth and Joel Darling. Phillips contributions to the game of hockey came in many forms. First as a fan and later as a player. There was never a doubt in anyone’s mind that Phillips loved the game of hockey. He played the game for many years in and around the Lockport area.

His greatest contribution to the game came as a coach. There are many former players in and around Lockport who remember having Phillips as a coach of their team. Rosetti was a dedicated volunteer in the Lockport Youth Hockey program as a coach and mentor. He favored the coaching styles of the legendary Scotty Bowman and Fred Shero and modeled ideologies. Pignataro held numerous responsibilities in the Lockport City School District. High School English teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal and Assistant Superintendent for Personnel were the assignments handled by Pignataro over his 34 years of dedicated service to Lockport. But one of the less known titles Pignataro held came in 1972 when he became the first head coch of the Lockport Lions High School Club Hockey Team, serving in that capacity for two seasons. Jakubec’s greatest passion was hockey. He started the outdoor hockey league in Lockport in the early 1960s. John was on the ice at Dolan Park for the opening and the dropping of the first puck. When the boys got their new jersey’s, boys who hadn’t signed up flocked

to join the new league. John’s enthusiasm for hockey was endless and he would do anything to promote the game in Lockport. He believed that any child who wanted to play hockey should get the opportunity to do so. His enthusiasm was so great that for two years ina-row (1963 and 1964) two different mayors, Robert Richards and Rollin Grant, gave John a proclamation claiming National Hockey Weeks in Lockport. Rybolt made many contributions to the game of hockey in the Lockport area. But it wasn’t until the Kenan Center was built in the early 1970s that Rybolt made his finest contribution of all. Shortly after the Kenan Arena was opened Rybolt was appointed as the arena’s director for the Kenan Center. He held that positon for more than three years. It is said that when you begin a new organization, a solid foundation is needed to build upon. Rybolt was that solid foundation for the hockey arena. Timkey’s love of hockey was evident. When the Kenan Ice Arena opened Bud couldn’t wait to sponsor any team that would wear the jersey with Timkey Cadillac/Pontiac on it. As his sons began to show interest in playing hockey, it was just a natural transition from sponsoring to coaching. Although he couldn’t skate very well and had no real coaching experience, Bud gave all he could to be a good coach and role model. He also relied on friends to make sure the kids were being well taught. May was always a booster for his community. And his community was Lockport. His one wish before he retired or passed on was to see the completion of the Cornerstone Ice Rink. May was very instrumental in this project. The Cornerstone Ice Rink is a lasting tribute to a man who gave back to Lockport in so many ways. Like most kids in Lockport, Bailey started playing organized hockey at the Kenan Center, playing at the Bantam and Midget levels and then playing for the Lockport High School Club Hockey team. His senior year Paul was co-captain of the team finishing the season with a 28-1-1 record. The team won the league championship and then placed third at the New York State High School Hockey Invitational Championship on Long Island. Paul finished his senior year being one of six players selected to the Western New York High School Club Hockey League All-Star team. That final season

Paul scored 18 goals and added 44 assists for 62 points. Following high school Paul played hockey for three seasons at Rochester Institute of Technology, leading RIT in scoring his s o p h o m o re year. Following college Paul was the assistant coach for Lockport High School Club Hockey for several years. Allison played two seasons with the Buffalo Blades/Junior Sabres during his high school days along with Rich Connette, Don Wynes and Dan Bremer from Lockport. In 1975 Steve continued his playing career as a starting defenseman for the SUNY Brockport Golden Eagles and played until he graduated in 1978. Later he coached youth hockey in Niagara Falls. As a freshman in high school, DeFazzio played for the Lockport High School Lions New York State Champion Club Hockey team. As a sophomore he continued playing for the Lockport Lions High School team, as well as the Lockport Marlies Junior Hockey team. In his junior year Christian played for the OHL League Champion Buffalo Jr. Sabres. Between his junior and senior years he played for the 1985 Western Team which won the gold medal at the Empire State Games. In his senior year Christian was named captain of the Jr. Sabres, who again won the OHL League Championship. Christian went on to play varsity hockey at Princeton University. After learning the finer points of the game through Squirts and PeeWees (thank you Doug Puff) Dockery’s game started to take off in Bantams. Playing on a line with Jeff Moran and Ron Morello, the three line mates had an uncanny chemistry that would continue

throughout high school. High school hockey would see the Lions win backto-back NY State championships in Dockery’s junior and senior year and production from one line that has never been matched. In 48 games their senior year Dockery, Moran and Morello had 132 points, 135 points and 101 points, respectively or a combined total of 366 points. Dockery was honored with a trip out to the Olympic Training Camp Complex in Colorado Springs, CO as part of a national Pre-Olympic Camp. He then went on to play for the Lockport Marlies Jr. B hockey club. After finishing his junior hockey career, Dockery headed to Niagara University Division I Club Hockey team. Dockery is currently the Hockey Director at Cornerstone Ice Arena and is responsible for running the Lockport Lock Monster youth hockey program and the Lockport Adult Hockey Leagues. Hildreth and the Lions excelled during his junior year when they made the New York State Club Hockey Championship round. During the final game of the State Championship, Chris scored two of the team’s four goals to lead his team to victory as New York State Champions in 1988. In his senior year Chris took an active leadership role as the captain of the Lockport Lions hockey team. Again the Lions made it to the Championship round and finished as NYS Runner’s Up. Chris extended his hockey career playing two years at Erie Community College, where his team was

ranked number one in the Nation for junior colleges. That was followed by two more years at SUNY Brockport, playing Division III hockey. As a senior at Lockport High School, Darling was an Associate Captain for the Lions, as they finished the season in third place in the Western New York Club Hockey League. Darling led the team that year with 46 points in 30 games and had a team high four game-winning goals. Joel was also named to the WNY Club Hockey League All-Star Team. Following high school, Darling went on to Ryerson University in Toronto and landed a job with CBC Sports after graduating in 1986. He has been with CBC Sports ever since and was Executive Producer of Hockey Night in Canada from 2000-2008 and 20112013. He is currently the Executive Producer of NHL Special Events for Rogers Sportsnet overseeing their productions that include the NHL All-Star Game, the NHL Winter Classic, the NHL Draft and Hockey Day in Canada.

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