May june 2017

NY HOCKEY NY HOCKEY MAY-JUNE 2017 Volume 6, Issue 8

E-MAGAZINE

Awards Issue 2017 Putnam Award Winners

Dear Reader:

In This Issue...

UCHC SID...............................................4 NYS in NHL Draft.................................5 2020 Frozen Four................................6 SUNYAC Yeardley................................8 Buffalo Development........................9 Kelleher Named............................... 10 OJHL Awardees................................ 12 OJHL Chairmans Award................ 13 NWHL................................................... 14 Central New York ............................ 17 Fingerlakes News............................. 18 Eastern New York............................. 28 Brewsters Wegwerth...................... 29 Northern New York......................... 33 Strader................................................. 41 Western New York........................... 43 Alex Iafallo.......................................... 44 Dennis Gilbert................................... 45 Sean Malone..................................... 46 NFMM & St. Marys........................... 47 Bowman Cup Photos..................... 48 WNYGVIH............................................ 49 Weber Named................................... 50 NJPE...................................................... 50 Around WNY...................................... 51 Putnam Awards................................ 56 UB Championship........................... 61 Gould Photo Page........................... 62 Lawman of the Year........................ 63

The May/June issue of NY Hockey OnLine Magazine is a wrap-up issue of sorts. After publishing a jam-packed April issue, we knew that there was a great deal of “leftover” stories and results that didn’t get in for April or that were ongoing as we went to press.

In this issue we have features on the UB men’s club hockey winning their second straight championship, the Lawman of the Year who has a hockey background and this year’s Tyler Putnam Award winners.

Our usual columnists are here as well including Janet, Koz, and Bob. Also included in this month’s issue are season-ending stories including results from the Nationals and Frozen Four news.

I would also like to thank our sponsors including Ford’s Howell Motors, Janosz Goaltending, Niagara Sports Tournaments and New Edge Hockey for their continued support. Please click on their ads to check their product out.

If you know of any sponsors who would like to advertise with our magazine and web page, have them contact me at: Randy@nyhockeyonline.com.

We are planning on one more issue for the summer months and that will be for July/August.

As always, thanks for your continued support and keep sending in your story ideas as well as hockey results from games or tournaments your team may be involved with.

Best Wishes, Randy Schultz Publisher/Managing Editor NY Hockey OnLine

Just a Note: Throughout the magazine you will find photos from the past season; Janet did that to fill some extra space, rather than running ads. So enjoy and make sure to check each page; you never know who will be there.

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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Biggs Named First UCHC SID

“W

e were very impressed with Ray’s contributions to Division III hockey and his passion for the game,” says UCHC Commissioner Chuck Mitrano. “His energy and marketing focus will be a tremendous asset for the membership in our inaugural season and beyond.”

“As someone who has been avidly watching hockey among this group of institutions for eight seasons, it is an honor and privilege to serve as the first sports information director of the UCHC,” says Biggs. “Division III hockey is continually evolving and expanding, and many of our members have played an integral role in that growth. It’s a thrill to continue furthering those trends. I look forward to writing the next chapter of the story for our teams and student athletes as part of the UCHC.” Biggs has a wealth of experience in Division III hockey. He is currently the Managing Editor of D3hockey.com, a national media platform for college hockey. Biggs also boasts experience as a radio and television play-by-play announcer, multimedia journalist and social media director. Most recently, he provided color commentary for the Division III Men’s Ice Hockey National Championships via the NCAA’s online streaming video platform.

“Ray has an impressive skill set that is ideal for the promotion of our student-athlete’s accomplishments and efforts,” says UCHC and Elmira College VicePresident Pat Thompson. “We are confident his energy and passion will help us be the premiere Division III hockey conference in the country.”

As UCHC Sports Information Director, Biggs will be in charge of the conference’s public relations effort including website design and maintenance, social media platforms, and cultivating unique content in addi-

tion to the conference awards programs and statistical maintenance.

“Ray Biggs comes to our new league with a strong reputation in both the athletic communication world and the NCAA Division III Ice Hockey community,” says Brett Adams, Director of Athletics at Stevenson University. “His passion for hockey combined with his professional talents in new media will help the UCHC present itself quickly to the nation.”

Biggs earned in B.S. in Public Relations from Utica College in 2013.

The UCHC begins its inaugural season in 2017-18 for women’s and men’s Division III hockey. UCHC members include: Chatham University (PA), Elmira College (NY), King’s College (PA), Lebanon Valley College (PA), Manhattanville College (NY), Nazareth College (NY), Neumann University (PA), Stevenson University (MD), Utica College (NY), Wilkes University (PA), and William Smith College (NY).

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Five NYS Players Ranked High at 2017 Draft

He was also a member of Team USA who won silver at the 2016 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup. Buffalo product Stephen Dhillon is the 21st ranked North American goaltender. Playing the three past seasons with the Niagara IceDogs in the OHL, the former Buffalo Regal earned the starting job this past season and a 3.46 GAA and .914 save percentage in 59 games for the rebuilding team.

Oyster Bay native Tyce Thompson, the brother of former St. Louis Blues first round draft pick and Team USA gold medalist Tage Thompson, is ranked 160th among North American forwards. The 6’5”, 205 lb. center has been playing high school hockey in Connecticut where he netted 25 points over 20 games this past season and is committed to Providence College this fall.

And Jacob Tortora is ranked 165th among North American skaters. The Victor product is a teammate of Farrance with the U.S. National Development team and netted nine goals with eight assists in 17 USHL games. Listed ta 5’7”, 162 lb. the left wing is committed to Boston College this fall.

By Warren Kozireski

F

ive players born in late 1998 or 1999 are among those listed by Central Scouting as possible NHL draft picks for the June draft in Chicago.

The highest among those is Victor native David Farrance of the U.S. National Development Program in Plymouth, Michigan who is ranked 46th among North American skaters A defenseman, Farrance racked up 17 points in 25 USHL games this past season—his first with Team USA. The 5’11”, 187 lb. left shot is committed to Boston University this coming fall.

Center Dylan Seitz of Eden, the Nichols School and a former Buffalo Jr. Sabres is ranked 123rd. The 6’2” 180 lb. left shot netted eight goals and ten assists over 60 games in his first OHL season with Kitchener.

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he NCAA announced that Buffalo State and the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) have been awarded the bid to host the 2020 NCAA Division III Men’s Ice Hockey Frozen Four at HarborCenter in Buffalo on March 27-28.

“Buffalo State is thrilled to be a part of this venture to be able to showcase the best of Division III men’s hockey in a world class facility in downtown Buffalo,” said Buffalo State director of athletics Jerry Boyes. “This is also a great opportunity to show off our thriving region to the Division III hockey community.”

Pegula Sports and Entertainment played a pivotal role in helping to bring this championship to Buffalo.

“Officials from the NCAA observed the HarborCenter facilities during a site survey in January and immediately stated their desire to bring this event to Buffalo,” said Michael Gilbert, Buffalo Sabres vice president of administration and HarborCenter’s general manager. “That’s what the Pegulas had in mind when constructing this complex, and yesterday’s announcement is further proof of their magnificent effect on our community. Together with Buffalo State and the SUNYAC, our staff is eager to put on another first-class event that will draw more visitors to our great city.”

The city of Buffalo looks forward to displaying recent improvements to the area and sharing its culture with fans.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to have the coun-

try’s best Division III hockey teams converge on Buffalo in 2020,” Visit Buffalo Niagara and Buffalo Niagara Sports Commission President and CEO Patrick Kaler said.

“When the teams and visitors arrive, they will find a dramatically revitalized city and region featuring new and improved athletic facilities, a transformed waterfront and an influx of new hotels, restaurants and other amenities. This championship will provide a big boost to our hotels and restaurants during a traditionally quieter time of year and further cement our reputation as a premier city for college and amateur athletics.”

The SUNYAC is pleased to have the opportunity to be a part of the national championship experience for the student-athletes.

“As one of the premier men’s ice hockey conferences in Division III, the SUNYAC is excited to partner with Buffalo State in bringing the NCAA Division III Men’s Ice Hockey Frozen Four to Western New York,” said SUNYAC Commissioner Tom Di Camillo.

“Ice hockey is part of the fabric and culture of New York State and each year the SUNYAC fields some of the best Division III programs in the country. This will give the SUNYAC an opportunity to showcase its programs and the conference as a whole.”

The NCAA received more than 3,000 bid submissions from NCAA member schools, conferences,

SUNYAC & Buffalo State To Host Men’s 2020 NCAA Division III Frozen Four

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sports commissions and cities vying to host predetermined rounds for 84 of the NCAA’s 90 championships. A total of 613 sites were awarded for this cycle.

Criteria for selecting the host sites included creating what will be an exceptional experience for the studentathletes, along with adherence to NCAA bid specifications.

Specifications can include, but are not limited to, providing optimal facilities; ease of travel to the location and ample lodging; and adherence to NCAA principles, which include providing an atmosphere that is safe and respects the dignity of all attendees. ”We couldn’t be more thrilled to have the country’s best Division III hockey teams converge on Buffalo in 2020,” Visit Buffalo Niagara and Buffalo Niagara Sports Commission President and CEO Patrick Kaler said.

“When the teams and visitors arrive, they will find a dramatically revitalized city and region featuring new and improved athletic facilities, a transformed

waterfront and an influx of new hotels, restaurants and other amenities. This championship will provide a big boost to our hotels and restaurants during a traditionally quieter time of year and further cement our reputation as a premier city for college and amateur athletics.”

The SUNYAC is pleased to have the opportunity to be a part of the national championship experience for the student-athletes.

“As one of the premier men’s ice hockey conferences in Division III, the SUNYAC is excited to partner with Buffalo State in bringing the NCAA Division III Men’s Ice Hockey Frozen Four to Western New York,” said SUNYAC Commissioner Tom Di Camillo. “Ice hockey is part of the fabric and culture of New York State and each year the SUNYAC fields some of the best Division III programs in the country. This will give the SUNYAC an opportunity to showcase its programs and the conference as a whole.”

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he State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) has partnered with the One Love Foundation to raise awareness about the warning signs of abuse and activate communities across the conference to work to change the statistics around relationship violence. In the next few weeks, SAAC representatives from each of the 10 SUNYAC athletic departments will be orchestrating a Yards for Yeardley event on each of their campuses with hopes of reaching SAAC’s personal goal of 10 Million Yards for Yeardley.

On May 3rd, 2010, Yeardley Love of the University of Virginia women’s lacrosse team was brutally beaten to death by her deranged former boyfriend and member of the men’s lacrosse team. Since that fatal day, Yeardley’s mother, Sharon Love developed the One Love Foundation in response to her tragic loss to raise awareness about the consequences of relationship violence. Through the use of workshops on college campuses, including an app individuals can download, the foundation has created innovative ways to make people aware of this important issue.

One of the ways college campuses are aiding in the efforts to raise awareness about relationship violence is by initiating and participating in the Yards for Yeardley campaign. The campaign challenges student-athletes and campus communities from around the country to attempt to run one million yards in Yeardley’s memory. According to JoinOneLove.org, the campaign has seen 132,729,955 total yards ran across college campuses.

That number will soon see at least another 10 million yards added to its current count, as the SUNYAC is set to be the first conference to have all its members participate in Yards for Yeardley. Specifically, each SUNYAC member will attempt their own one million yards and collectively raise awareness of relationship violence.

To put the conference’s 10 million yards into perspective, a walk from New York to California is roughly 2,756 miles and 10 million yards converts to about 5,682 miles; that’s a distance that would get you to the sandy Pacific shores and back to Times Square with a few extra yards to catch a Broadway show.

Optimistic about exceeding the 10 million yards and

what it would mean to reach that goal, SUNYAC SAAC President Ed Suriano explains, “When we reach the 10 million yards, and surpass it, which I’m certain we will do, it would mean an incredible deal to me personally...it would make me extremely proud of the student-athletes who I’ve worked with over the past year.”

Initial conversations were first conducted at the conference level, but from there the SUNYAC SAAC Executive Board took over. At last April’s SUNYAC SAAC Spring Retreat, student-athletes were introduced to the foundation’s Escalation Workshop, where they were able to learn about relationship violence and how they could help raise awareness.

From there, SUNYAC SAAC has been working diligently over the past year, attending conference calls and meeting together in person to work towards their goal.

SUNYAC SAAC Vice President of Legislation, Oswego’s Sean Maloney describes his anticipation by saying “Now that we’re here in the month of April, we’re really excited to get to this event and be able to put this on and make it successful. I know we’re going to reach our goal of 10 million yards together.”

“I think that this goal of ending domestic violence on college campuses is something that hits very close to home, especially here in the SUNYAC,” says SUNYAC SAAC Alternate, Fredonia’s Ben Chatley.

Chatley refers to the recent fatal tragedies that happened within the SUNYAC community at both Brockport and Geneseo. On September 29th, 2012, on the campus of Brockport, Alexander Kogut was brutally beaten to death by her former boyfriend inside her dorm room. Kogut was a freshman on the Brockport swimming & diving team and was in her first month of attending Brockport. On the morning of January 17, 2016, tragedy unfolded again in Geneseo, N.Y. which resulted in Geneseo senior men’s ice hockey player Matt Hutchinson and senior women’s basketball player Kelsey Annese losing their lives during an apparent double murder/suicide involving a distraught ex-boyfriend.

On Thursday, April 20, Oneonta kicked off the SUNYAC’s 10 Million Yards for Yeardley initiative at Red Dragon Field on the campus of Oneonta.

SUNYAC Sponsors Yards for Yeardley

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Pegula and Labatt Partner in Buffalo Development

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egula Sports and Entertainment today joined Labatt USA to announce development plans for 79 Perry, which was purchased by PSE earlier this year. The more than 70,000 square foot building, constructed in 1919 as a manufacturing plant, will be redeveloped into a mixed-use facility that includes retail, commercial and residential space. Labatt USA will serve as 79 Perry’s anchor tenant, partnering with PSE to create an innovative beer and brewing destination, dubbed the “John Labatt Project.” It will feature a ground floor restaurant and pilot brewery where beer drinkers can taste, experience and influ-

ence new beer development for Labatt.

“Upon completing the purchase of this historic property, our team thoroughly examined the needs of the Cobblestone district and its surrounding area,” said Russ Brandon, PSE’s managing partner and president. “We determined that there is a great need for another regional attraction that also features a perma-

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nent residential component. Thanks to our partners at Labatt USA, we are going to open a destination that appeals to community members from Western New York and beyond, creating a far-reaching impact.”

79 Perry’s main attraction, the “John Labatt Project,” will celebrate the rich heritage of Labatt Beer and the city of Buffalo while creating the next era for Labatt that connects to the vitality of the district. Visitors will be able to experience the brewing process in action and help Labatt explore new beer styles, while enjoying authentic ethnic foods from Buffalo’s storied past. The environment will highlight the industrial and innovative spirit of Buffalo, while giving a nod to the rebirth of the Cobblestone district.

Labatt USA will also relocate its Buffalo-based US corporate headquarters within the 79 Perry’s commercial space, furthering its strong connection to Buffalo that became magnified when the company moved to Buffalo from Norwalk, Connecticut in 2007. Labatt USA’s workforce has grown by 40% in the last three years and now includes 56 employees.

“Our partnership with PSE is a pivotal moment for Labatt in the US. We are taking our decades long commitment to the Buffalo Niagara region, and creating a destination where we can have a new conversation with our most loyal beer drinkers that will influence innovation for Labatt throughout the country,” said Glen Tibbits, general manager of Labatt USA. “This is a natural evolution for both partners, and an amazing opportunity for beer, sports and downtown Buffalo. Now, bring on the Cup!” PSE will be pursuing additional design elements that highlight 79 Perry’s historical elements and will be making every effort to utilize Western New York’s local workforce through the design and construction process.

Additional plans and the project timetable will be announced in the future.

Kelleher Named to USA Hockey

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at Kelleher (Belmont, Mass.), who has guided USA Hockey’s efforts in development since 2008 and prior to that was recruited to launch what is today known as the United States Ice Rink Association, has been named executive director of USA Hockey it was announced today.

“We’re excited to have Pat lead our organization as we continue to move forward,” said Jim Smith, president of USA Hockey. “He brings a vast knowledge of USA Hockey and the overall hockey landscape and is well connected at all levels of the game.

Pat’s done an excellent job in leading our growth initiatives and also been at the forefront of our efforts to raise additional resources through The USA Hockey Foundation.”

“I am humbled and honored to have this opportunity,” said Kelleher. “So many people have helped build this organization into the worldwide leader that it is today, and I look forward to working with our board, staff, grassroots volunteers and the many other constituent groups involved as we continue to elevate our sport.”

Kelleher helped start a new department at USA Hockey in 2008 focused on increasing participation across the country, particularly at the entry level. As assistant executive director for membership development, he established and led implementation of several new initiatives, including national Try Hockey for Free Days; Welcome Back Week; and the 2 and 2 Challenge. Those programs have not only resulted in increased retention, but also advanced the number of players at the 8U level by some 20% over the course of the last eight seasons, including a record number of 8U players (115,694) in 2016-17.

In 2011, Kelleher was given additional responsibilities overseeing The USA Hockey Foundation and has championed efforts that have resulted in donations to the Foundation’s Circle of Champions increasing five-fold over the last five years. He also established a Trustee program to more actively engage

high net-worth donors in supporting USA Hockey’s mission, in addition to creating the “It Starts With A Stick” campaign to connect USA Hockey’s membership to the Foundation’s philanthropic mission through raising funds to provide 12,000 hockey sticks to new participants each year.

“As you might expect, we had a very strong field of candidates,” said Dave Klasnick, vice president of USA Hockey and the chair of the executive director search committee. “In the end, Pat rose to the top.

He has important relationships with so many in the hockey world, from our volunteers at the grassroots level, to the NHL, NHLPA, American Hockey League, U.S. Olympic Committee and the IIHF among others.

We’re excited to have him as our next executive director.”

“We very much look forward to working with Pat and think he’s an excellent choice,” said Gary Bettman, commissioner of the NHL. “We’ve known and engaged with him for many years and he brings the acumen and passion that will suit him well as the

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next executive director of USA Hockey.”

Prior to coming to USA Hockey, Kelleher helped launch Serving the American Rinks (STAR) in April 2000 and served as its chief operating office through June 2008. A joint initiative of USA Hockey and U.S. Figure Skating and housed at USA Hockey’s national headquarters in Colorado Springs, STAR (now called U.S. Ice Rink Association) is a non-profit membership organization focused on advancing the ice rink industry through world-class education and training programs.

Kelleher, 46, has been involved in hockey during his entire professional career. He served as the director of hockey for the Wilmette (Ill.) Hockey Association from 1998-2000. Previous to that was the director of hockey for the Twin Rinks Ice Pavillion in Buffalo Grove, Ill., for one season (1997-98), preceded by a one-year stint as the national hockey program coordinator for the Ice Skating Institute in Buffalo Grove.

He also spent time as the hockey director at the Ice Centre of San Jose from 1994-96 and following graduation from Brown University was an assistant hockey coach at the University of Massachusetts-Boston for one season (1993-94).

“Pat’s passion for hockey and his background

and knowledge of USA Hockey and the sport overall was readily evident,” said Shelley Looney, a twotime Olympian and member of the executive director search committee. “He’ll do a great job leading USA Hockey.”

Kelleher, a USA Hockey Level 5 certified coach, has been a youth hockey coach for most of the last 25 seasons, including since 2009 with the Colorado Springs Amateur Hockey Association. He served on the IIHF Facilities Committee from 2002-2010 and was also a member of the board of directors of the OneGoal Association from 2006-12.

A 1992 graduate from Brown University where he was a four-year member of the Bears men’s ice hockey program, Kelleher earned a bachelor of arts degree in business economics and has also received both the Olympic Sport Leadership Certification and NonProfit Finance Certification from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

Kelleher and his wife Allyson reside in Colorado Springs, Colo., and have two daughters, Abbey and Darby, and one son, Matty.

He will officially begin his duties on June 10 and replaces Dave Ogrean, who is retiring from the position.

USA WOMENS FESTIVAL

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OJHL Award Winners

Award Winner Runner-Up Top Scorer Jack Jacome (GEO) Brayden Stortz (WEL) Top Goaltender Stefano Durante (COB) Josh Astorino (GEO) Executive Greg Walters (GEO) Brent Tully (COB) Humanitarian Kyle Clarke (NYR) Josh Maguire (COB) Trainer Sarah Ditmars (TRE) Amanda Gilroy (WHI) Volunteer Lorna Burrows (STO) Joe Goldenberg (NYR) Coach Greg Walters (GEO) Mark Jooris (BUR) Most Improved Ryan Casselman (COB) Ryan Heeps (WHI) Scholastic Lee Lapid (PAT) Erik Urbank (BUF) Gentlemanly Nik Coric (WHI) Philip Lagunov (BUR) Defenceman Brennan Roy (COB) Mark Paolini (STM) Prospect Nick Campoli (NYR) Matthew Kellenberger (OAK) Goaltender of Year Josh Astorino (GEO) Connor Ryckman (WEL) Rookie Mel Melconian (AUR) Matthew Kellenberger (OAK) MVP Jack Jacome (GEO) Brayden Stortz (WEL) Fan Favourite Chris Janzen (TRE) Mitchell Mendonca (WEL) Pictured Chris Janzen, Fan Favorite and Jack Jacome, MVP. Photos

by OJHL.

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OJHL Names Westgate as Recipient of Chairman’s Award

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he Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) today announced that OJHL Director of Operations Izak Westgate has been named the recipient of the OJHL Chairman’s Award for service and dedication to the OJHL, as well as the game of hockey as a whole.

The OJHL Chairman’s Award is presented at the OJHL Chairman of the Board’s (Scott McCrory) discretion to an individual who demonstrates the core values of the OJHL Integrity, Professionalism, Sportsmanship and Personal Growth - and who has gone above-and-beyond the normal course of his or her responsibilities for the betterment of the league and the game of hockey as a whole. This year’s recipient is a true representative of everything that the OJHL strives to represent.

A native of Inwood, Ontario, the 42-year old Westgate has been the driving force behind the OJHL’s digital and social media presence for a number of years. He also worked closely in assisting 2016 OJHL Chairman’s Award Recipient, Tim Bates, in the launch of OJHL Images. Westgate is also responsible for all press releases, OJHL official ceremonies, management of all OJHL Awards selection process and many other initiatives to promote the players within the league. He was instrumental in the vision and development of the annual OJHL Guide and Record book that is released each season.

Westgate serves as the OJHL on a part time basis with his full time employment as the Assistant Curator of the Hockey Hall of Fame.

The father of four young boys and husband to Sheila announced that he will be stepping down from his position with the OJHL in the coming months to focus more time on his boys hockey, which he will be coaching this coming season.

“What Izak has been able to do for the league over the last number of years in a part time role has been simply amazing,” said OJHL Chairman of the Board Scott McCrory. “He has spent countless hours on assisting the OJHL build our brand as the league of choice and it will be extremely difficult to replace him.”

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NWHL

The Buffalo Beauts took the Isobel Cup out to meet their fans at a local Dunkin Donuts. (Janet Schultz Photo)

NWHL Free Agent Camp Announced

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he National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL) will conduct a Free Agent Camp for prospective players on May 13 and 14 at New England Sports Center in Marlborough, MA. The NWHL Free Agent Camp will coincide with the Beantown Draft Classic Showcase for top National Hockey League prospects in the New England area.

The NWHL games will be played on Saturday, May 13 at 6:00 pm and on Sunday, May 14 at 9:30 am and 2:00 pm.

The games will serve as opportunities for invited players to be seen and evaluated by the NWHL’s four franchises – the Boston Pride, Buffalo Beauts, Connecticut Whale and New York Riveters – for potential roster spots in the 2017-18 season, which begins in Oc-

tober.

Players interested in being part of the NWHL and the NWHL Free Agent Camp should register here. To be eligible, players must have graduated college or an equivalent.

“We could not be more excited to have the NWHL take part in the First-Ever Beantown Pre-Draft weekend,” said Peter Masters, Beantown Classic Tournament Director.

Fitzgerald Returns

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oaltender Katie Fitzgerald will return to the New York Riveters in 2017-18, having signed a contract on the first day of restricted free agency in the National Women’s Hockey League.

“From the moment our season ended in March, I wanted to be back with the Riveters and back in the NWHL,” said Fitzgerald. “It was an easy deci-

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sion for me to come back, and I’m proud to stay a Riveter.”

Fitzgerald was selected by NWHL media as Goaltender of the Year last season. In 15 games with New York, she was 7-6-1 with a 3.01 goals-against average and .901 save percentage. In the final game of the regular season, Fitzgerald and the Riveters ended the undefeated season of the Boston Pride. The 5-foot-10 Fitzgerald played four years while attending college at St. Cloud State University before joining the NWHL last season.

The 2017-18 NWHL regular season is set to begin in October. Season 3 features the return of the Boston Pride, Buffalo Beauts, Connecticut Whale and New York Riveters. In addition to a full slate of home games in their markets, each team will be featured in games at a handful of neutral sites.

The NWHL will continue to compensate all players and share in revenue with them from their jersey and shirsey sales. Before the start of the 2017-18 season, the league will officially announce the details of all player contracts. (Photo by Janet Schultz, NYHOL)

Babstock Re-signs

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elly Babstock, one of the top players in the young history of the National Women’s Hockey League, is returning to the Connecticut Whale for her third season. The forward from Mississauga, Ont. and Quinnipiac University signed a contract this morning for the 2017-18 season.

“I feel really great about it,” said Babstock. “It’s awesome to be part of the Whale and to have the opportunity of playing hockey while growing the game with the NWHL. I’m very excited about season three.”

Babstock, 24, had 19 goals and 22 assists for 41 points in 35 games over the league’s first two season.

She was tied (with Kelli Stack) for the team lead in points in 2015-16 by going 9-13-22 in 17 games. Last season, she was third in scoring on the Whale with 109-19 in 17 games.

She is the all-time leader at Quinnipiac in goals (95), assists (108) and points. As a freshman, Babstock

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tober and I couldn’t be happier to re-sign.”

In 18 regular season games, Rafter finished as one of the Riveters’ top three goal scorers with six goals and one assist, and recorded a goal in New York’s semifinal playoff game against the Buffalo Beauts. She was 2-13 in 17 games with Buffalo in the league’s first season in 2015-16.

A five-year player at the University of British Columbia, Rafter was the Canada West Player of the Year in 2013-14 after leading her team in goals (20), assists (18), points (38), power play goals (8) and game-winning goals (6). Rafter was also the Thunderbirds’ leading scorer in 2013 and 2015. During the 2012– 13 campaign she was selected to play for the Canadian women’s ice hockey team that participated at the 2013 Winter Universiade. Rafter had four assists in the tournament as Canada won the gold medal.

was named ECAC Player of the Year. In her senior year, she was a finalist for the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award as the best college player in the country and received an All-American award. She also played lacrosse at Quinnipiac.

Rafter Back for Third Season

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atiana Rafter is returning to the National Women’s Hockey League for her third season. The 5-10 center has signed a one-year deal with the New York Riveters.

“I really feel at home with the Riveters and in the NWHL,” said Rafter. “Coming into next season, I feel like there is unfinished business. I fell in love with all of my teammates, so there was never any question in my mind – I was determined to see them again in Oc-

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CENTRAL NEW YORK

1st Row R-L: S. Falbo, F. O’Brien, D. Sciarabba, S. Lynch, B. Carlisle, A. Mekos, L. O’Connor 2nd Row R-L: D. Jump, B. Jump, N. Oplinger, D. Martyniuk, C. Hollister, J. Sciarabba, B. Coffin, L. Enns, A. O’Connor

T.C. WRANGLERS BRING HOME THE CUP! (Submitted by Shannon Coffin)

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he T.C. Wranglers 10U Travel Spring/Summer youth hockey team with skaters from Cortland, Tompkins and Chemung County won the Three Rivers Cup tournament series in Pittsburgh, Pa. May 5-7, 2017.

The Wranglers brought home the Championship Cup with solid team play from top to bottom on their roster; 12 of the 13 skaters recorded at least 1 point and N. Oplinger was rocksolid in goal. The Wranglers started their spring season off with a 5-1 win against Recruit U out of Bethlehem, Pa. and followed that up Saturday morning with a solid 7-1 win against

RMU out of Pittsburgh, Pa. and then Saturday evening with a 9-1 win against FAYHA Ice Miners from Connellsville, PA that pushed them into the Championship game Sunday afternoon. The Championship game versus RMU was a hard fought battle that finally saw the Wranglers pull away with about 4 minutes left in the 3rd period. It was an even contest throughout the 1st and 2nd period with only 1 goal separating the teams. The Wranglers finally caught fire and put in back to back goals mid-way through the 3rd period to secure the 6-3 win. The Wranglers hope to field a Spring/Summer team in a few different tournaments in the Northeast and Canada in 2017.

The T.C. Wranglers will next head to Canada to participate in the Toronto May Madness Tournament May 5-7, 2017.

Finger Lakes Regional Hockey Association

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he Board of Directors and coaching staff of the Central Outlaws are proud to announce the elite graduating accomplishments of this season’s chosen athletes. The Central Outlaws organization has established a youth hockey training module designed to enhance player development allowing athletes the opportunity ot playing premier Tier 1 level hockey. We the Board of Directors and coaching staff would like to extend our deepest gratitude for our player’s hard work and dedication throughout the past season and wish them a successful hockey experience and career in the future.

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2016-2017 Season: Adam Jubran--Selected NYSAHA Spring Selection (15’s) Lucas Rossington--Selected Syracuse Stars Tier 1 (16u USPHL) Nick Kiddler--Selected Syracuse Stars Tier 1 (16u USPHL) Nick Vissili--Selected Syracuse Stars Tier 1 (16u USPHL) 2015-2016 Season: Trevor Bollinger--Selected Syracuse Stars Tier 1 (16u USPHL) Matteaus Derraugh--Selected Rochester Monarchs Tier 1 (16u USPHL) Eamon Bollinger--Selected Syracuse Stars Tier 1 (18u USPHL) Ben Rogers--Selected Syracuse Stars Tier 1 (18u USPHL) Jae Yoon Kim--Selected Syracuse Stars Tier 1 (18u USPHL) Griffen Varricchio--Selected Syracuse Stars Tier 1 (18u USPHL) Finger Lakes Regional Hockey Association Central Outlaws will be hosting tryouts April 29 and 30 for player’s Bantam, 16U, 18U divisions. For more information www. fingerlakeshockey.com.

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Central Men’s College Ice Hockey Report

by Warren Kozireski Wkozires@brockport.edu

COLGATE 2016 alum Tyson Spink was named the ECHL Rookie of the Year and recipient of the John A. Daley Memorial Trophy. Spink was previously named to the ECHL All-Rookie team along with his twin brother and fellow alumnus Tylor Spink ’16. Tylor finished second in rookie of the year voting to Tyson.

Tyson, playing for Toledo, led all ECHL rookies this season with 33 goals and nine game-winning goals while his 75 points were third among league rookies.

Senior defenseman Patrick McCarron signed to play the rest of this season and the 2017-18 season with the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins. An alternate captain with the Big Red, McCarron finished second in team scoring with 25 points on six goals and 19 assists.

Senior forward Jake Weidner has signed a contract to play the 2017-18 season with the Iserlohn Roosters of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (German Ice Hockey League). Weidner finished third on the team in scoring with eight goals and 16 assists for 24 points and was named the ECAC Hockey Best Defensive Forward.

Senior forward Jeff Kubiak signed a contract to play the rest of this season and the 2017-18 season with the American Hockey League’s Bridgeport Sound Tigers after he led his class in career scoring with 61 points on 15 goals and 46 assists this past season. He posted 17 points this season, despite missing the first 10 games.

Senior defenseman Holden Anderson signed a contract for the 2017-18 season with the Herlev Eagles of the Metal Ligaen, the premier hockey league in Denmark.

CORTLAND

CORNELL Senior goaltender Mitch Gillam signed an amateur tryout contract to play the remainder of the 2016-17 season with the ECHL’s Orlando Solar Bears. A threeyear starter for the Big Red, Gillam posted a 47-28-17 record, 2.15 goals against average and .918 save percentage over 97 games. He ended his career on East Hill with 11 shutouts—the fourth-most for a Cornell goalie in the program’s history.

Senior forward Matt Buckles signed an amateur tryout contract to play the remainder of the 2016-17 season with the AHL’s Springfield Thunderbirds.

Buckles led the senior class in career goals with 29, including 12 on the power play and five in the postseason. His nine goals, nine assists, 18 points and plus-1 rating this season were all career bests.

Former defenseman Jeff Lovier (Fairport) was named head coach of the boy’s hockey team at McQuaid High School in Rochester. Lovier played 91 career games with the Red Dragons scoring one goal with

eight assists.

Junior Darren McCormick (Buffalo/Buffalo Jr. Sabres) signed a professional contract with the Huntsville Havoc of the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL).

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ELMIRA Head coach Aaron Saul announced that Blake O’Neill ‘19, Chris Moses (Hamburg) ‘19, Brent Lafayette ‘19 and Anthony Parrucci ‘20 will serve as captains for the upcoming 2017-18 season.

Hockey League.

HAMILTON Hamilton junior goaltender Evan Buitenhuis was selected as the 2017 winner of the Sid Watson Award as the best NCAA Division III men’s hockey player and a First Team Division III All-American.

Buitenhuis went 17-5-4 this year with a 1.78 GAA and a .941 save percentage and finished the first in both GAA and save percentage in the NESCAC conference.

HOBART Senior defenseman Carl Belizario was named an American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA) Third Team All-American. He is Hobart hockey’s 15th AHCA All-American and the first Statesman to garner All-America honors twice in his career since Keith Longo ‘09 was tabbed an AHCA All-American in 2008 and 2009. Belizario was also named the 2017 ECAC West Defensive Player of the Year.

OSWEGO Stephen Johnson and Kenny Neil were named 2017 CCM Division II-III men’s hockey All-American selections. Johnson was the recipient of a First-Team honor, while Neil was named to the third team.

Johnson anchored a Lakers defense that ranked fifth nationwide and notched a career-high 30 points.

Neil had netted a career-best in points (45), goals

(19), assists (26) and shot-percentage (.264). Neil was one of just nine All-American forwards in the East Region and one of 15 overall. Neil signed with the Pensacola Ice Flyers of the Southern Professional

In other News:

Former Hobart College hockey forward Tommaso Traversa ’15 recently won the Alps Hockey League Championship as a member of Rittner Buam, a professional hockey team in Ritten, Italy.

It was the team’s first ever Alps Hockey League title. The team won the series 4-1 over Asiago, capturing the title with a 3-1 victory on April 10. Rittner Buam finished the regular season in first place with a 24-3-2 record this season. The team went 10-2 in the playoffs.

During the regular season, Traversa played in 28 games, logging five goals and eight assists for 13 points. He played in all 12 playoff games, posting eight points on five goals and three assists. In the championship series, Traversa notched a goal and three assists.

Traversa has been playing hockey professionally since graduating from Hobart in 2015. Traversa spent the 2015-16 season playing for the ECHL’s Alaska Aces. He played in 67 games for the Aces, registering 17 goals and eight assists for 25 points.

Traversa played in 101 career games at Hobart, recording 32 goals and 40 assists for 72 points. He was named the 2014-15 ECAC West Defensive Player of the Year and earned a spot on the All-ECAC West first team. Traversa was a three-time member of the ECAC West All-Academic Team and was named to the league’s allrookie team as a first-year.

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CORTLAND Thirteen members of the SUNY Cortland women’s ice hockey squad have been chosen to the 2016-17 Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) West All-Academic Team.

Cortland’s honorees are: Taylor Arenz, Sr., Downers Grove, IL (Team Illinois) Charlie Calamari, So., Barrington, IL (Chicago Fury) Sydney Carlucci, Sr., Baldwinsville (Rochester Edge) Nadine de Nijs, Jr., Buffalo (Ontario Hockey Academy) Kelly Farinella, Jr., Marlton, NJ (New Jersey Rockets) Josie Fletcher, Sr., Wasilla, AK (Alaska All-Stars) Victoria Gibson, So., Essex Junction, VT (Vermont Shamrocks) Kianna Gutenmann, Jr., Clifton Park (Adirondack Northstars) Stephanie Heresniak, So., Woolwich Township, NJ (Philadelphia Jr. Flyers) Katy Kennedy, So., East Greenbush (Troy-Albany Ice Cats) Eva Kristof, So., Pleasanton, CA (San Jose Sharks) Richelle Skarbowski, Sr., Orchard Park (University of New England) Ashley Terry, Sr., Redford (Chazy Lady Flyers) This is the third straight season that Arenz, Carlucci, Farinella and Terry have been honored, while de Nijs, Fletcher, Gutenmann, Heresniak and Skarbowski are repeat selections from 2015-16.

In order to be eligible for the All-Academic Team, student-athletes must carry a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher and have completed at least one full year at their current institution.

ELMIRA Pat Thompson, Elmira College Vice President of Athletics, has announced the permanent appointment of Tim Crowley as the head coach of the nationally-ranked women’s ice hockey program. He will also maintain his role as the head coach of the Elmira women’s golf team as well.

“I am very pleased about the permanent appointment of Tim Crowley as our head women’s ice hockey coach,” said

Central New York Women’s College Hockey Report

By Janet Schultz Janet@nyhockeyonline.com

Thompson. “Coach Crowley joined this team after it started and was able to resume the momentum of the season both on the ice and in recruiting. Having had the opportunity to work with him for almost five years, I felt he was a great fit and well qualified to carry on our women’s ice hockey tradition.”

Crowley served as the bench boss for the Purple and Gold during the 2016-17 campaign and guided the Soaring Eagles to the ECAC West Tournament title game, as well as the program’s fifth consecutive NCAA Division III Tournament appearance. Elmira finished the season as the country’s No. 6-ranked team according to both the U.S. College Hockey Online (USCHO) and D3hockey.com national polls, as the Purple and Gold logged an 18-6-4 overall record with a 14-2-2 mark in league contests. Elmira ended the year with the country’s seventh-ranked scoring offense (3.64 gpg) and scoring defense (1.43 gpg), as well as the eighth-highest winning percentage (.714).

“I’m very excited to become the head coach of a program with such tradition and thankful to Pat Thompson for giving me this opportunity,” said Crowley. “Moving forward we want to continue the tradition that was set by Dean Jackson ‘03 and Greg Fargo ‘06 before me, which is being an elite program with a winning culture.”

Under Crowley’s tutelage, five Soaring Eagles received year-end accolades from the ECAC West Conference, including two Second-Team recipients and a trio of Honorable Mention selections. The Elmira women also excelled off the ice this season, as 15 student-athletes

22

were placed on the ECAC West All-Academic Team.

Although 2016-17 was Crowley’s first year as the interim head coach for the women’s program, he is no stranger to the Elmira College hockey family after spending the past four seasons as an assistant for the EC men’s team under Aaron Saul ‘98. Elmira captured its 10th ECAC West Conference Tournament title – the most of any ECAC West affiliated institution, past or present – during Crowley’s second stint with the Purple and Gold in 2014.

“My time with Aaron and the men allowed me to develop throughout the past four years and I am thankful for that,” Crowley added. “When the opportunity came earlier this year, Aaron was very supportive as were the guys which I am thankful for.”

Crowley was instrumental in Elmira’s run to the conference championship in 2013-14, especially his work with the Soaring Eagle power play. Elmira ended the year with the fourth-highest power-play success rate in Division III men’s ice hockey that season (28.0%) and boasted the country’s fourth-leading power-play goal scorer in Josh Burnell ‘14 (10).

During his time with the Elmira men, 14 student-athletes received ECAC West All-Conference honors, including the 2014-15 ECAC West Player of the Year, Jarryd ten Vaanholt ‘16, who would later go on to receive American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA) All-America Second-Team accolades.

Crowley’s coaching resume also includes a three-year stint as an assistant coach with SUNY Potsdam from 200912. He guided the Bears to a pair of SUNYAC postseason berths in 2010 and 2012, before leaving North Country to assume a similar position with the Soaring Eagles.

Crowley is a 2009 graduate of The College at Brockport, where he was a four-year member of the Golden Eagles’ men’s ice hockey team. He made 98 career appearances with 24 goals and 30 assists for 54 points, and helped the Golden Eagles earn their first-ever playoff win in program history during the 2009 SUNYAC Tournament.

The Elmira College women’s ice hockey team continued its success both on and off the ice this season, as the Soaring Eagles placed 15 student-athletes on the 2016-17 ECAC West All-Academic Team, as announced by the league office this afternoon. Elmira’s 15 academic honorees is the highest single-season total in the last seven years and marked the

seventh consecutive season EC has placed 10-or-more on the All-Academic Team.

A total of 126 student-athletes earned recognition, with the Soaring Eagles finishing with the second-highest total of honorees behind Utica College’s 19. In order to be eligible for the league’s All-Academic Team, student-athletes must carry a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher, and have completed at least one full year at their current institution.

Swedish nationals Johanna Eidensten ‘17 and Anna Tude ‘17 are making their third consecutive appearance on the ECAC West All-Academic Team, while Jessica Prance ‘17, Ari Smith ‘18, Kyra McDonald ‘18, Louisa Lippiatt Durnell ‘18, Sarah Hughson ‘18, Kelcey Crawford ‘18 and Meghan Fonfara ‘18 earned academic accolades for a second time in their EC careers. Additionally, Rachel Grampp ‘18, Kristin Chivers ‘19, Maddie Evangelous ‘19, Katie Granato ‘19, Meg Lahey ‘19 and Shannon Strawinski ‘19 were recognized for their achievements in the classroom for their first time in their collegiate careers with the Purple and Gold.

Elmira concluded the 2016-17 season with an 18-64 overall record, a 14-2-2 mark in league play, and qualified for its fifth consecutive NCAA Division III Women’s Ice Hockey Championships. The Soaring Eagles fell in the opening round of the tournament to the eventual runnerup, Adrian College, in overtime 5-4.

Elmira College ECAC West All-Academic Team Honorees Kristin Chivers ‘19; Kelcey Crawford ‘18 Johanna Eidensten ‘17 Maddy Evangelous ‘19 Meghan Fonfara ‘18 Rachel Grampp ‘18 Katie Granato ‘19 Sarah Hughson ‘18 Meg Lahey ‘19 Louisa Lippiatt Durnell ‘18 Kyra McDonald ‘18 Jessica Prance ‘17 Ari Smith ‘18 Shannon Strawinski ‘19 Anna Tude ‘17

23

SYRACUSE

For the second consecutive year, Allie Munroe has been invited to attend the Canadian National Women’s Program strength and conditioning camp. The camp will be held May 3-7 in Hamilton, Ont.

UTICA

up the season with a 17-9-1 overall record and the Pioneers were eliminated in the semifinal of the ECAC West tournament by eventual national champion, Plattsburgh State. This marks the fourth time in five years that the Pioneers have had at least 16 wins in a season.

COLGATE

The Utica College women’s hockey team placed a league- The Colgate women’s ice hockey team celebrated the 2016best 19 players on the 2016-17 ECAC West Conference All- 17 season at the program’s annual awards banquet.

The team took a look back on another great season by Academic Team.

A total of 126 student-athletes from the 10 league mem- honoring the three members of the senior, handing out ber-schools earned All-Academic recognition. In order to team awards and announced next season’s captains. be eligible for the league’s All-Academic Team, student- The 2016-17 season was one for the record books as the athletes must carry a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 team recorded 22 wins for the second straight season to tie or higher, and have completed at least one full year at their the program record.

They also qualified for the ECAC Hockey Tournament current institution.

Utica’s representatives were: Jennifer Arts (Lakeside, in back to back seasons for the first time since 2008-09 and Ontario/London Devilettes), Colby Begis (Little Elm, TX/ 2009-10.

Dallas Stars), Emily Coope (Phoenix, AZ/Colorado Tigers), Senior Class Colgate recognized three seniors for their Kelly Critzer (West Salem, OH/Ohio Flames), Elizabeth hard work and dedication to a program that has excelled Dohner (Highlands Ranch, CO/Colorado Selects), Keira greatly from the time they were freshman to now. Hannah Goin (Dobbs Ferry, NY/Hotchkiss School), Danielle Haas- Rastrick (Toronto, Ontario), Cat Quirion (Lac-Megantic, beek (Grand Forks, ND/Balmoral Hall), Kirsten Johnson (Brockville, Ontario/RSL Midget Thunder AA), Veronique Lortie (Chambly, Quebec/Berkshire School), Amanda Lupo (Auburn, NY/Skaneateles), Taylor Osowski (Highlands Ranch, CO/Colorado Selects), Jane Pagano (Erie, PA/Tabor Academy), Kaitlin Parent (Myersville, MD/Middletown), Lauren Patterson (Burlington, Ontario/Oakville), Victoria Pelton (Sterling Heights, MI/Belle Tire), Meghan Power (Windsor, Ontario/Southwest Wildcats), Gabrielle Schnepp (Northville, MI/Belle Tire), Carlie Smith (Grimsby, Ontario/St. Catharine’s Chaos), and Kathleen Widenmeyer (Langhorne, PA/Milton AcadColate Awardees Cat Quirion, Ellie DeCarrio, emy).

Jesse Eldridge and Livia Altmann (Colgate Photo) Utica wrapped

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Quebec) and Meghan Brennan (Ottawa, Ontario) will all graduate this spring.

Rastrick played in 133 games for the Raiders, recording three goals and 11 assists throughout her four seasons.

Quirion finished her career second in program history with 140 games played, scoring 12 goals and 29 assists for 41 career points. Quirion had a career-best six goals and 16 assists for 22 points during her senior season. Brennan notched one goal and four assists with 101 games played.

The Brad Houston Offensive MVP Award was given to sophomore Jessie Eldridge (Barrie, Ontario). She led the team in assists and points with 24 and 37, respectively, and was third on the team in scoring with 13 goals. Eldridge is now fifth in the program record books in the category of points in a single season, with four players ahead of her at 39 points. She also notched four shorthanded goals on the season, two of which came in a single game which is the most shorthanded goals in one game by any player in the program’s history.

Quirion was named the Defensive MVP as she was a leader on Colgate’s back line and also contributed six goals and sixteen assists for 22 points. This was the senior’s first 20-plus point season. In addition, Quirion blocked 33 shots.

Quirion also received the Don Plamateer Award which is given on behalf of Colgate’s support group, the “Center Ice Club.” It is given every year to the player whose leadership and performance on and off the ice during her career has had the greatest impact on the Colgate Women’s Ice Hockey program.

Livia Altmann (Arosa, Switzerland) was honored with this season’s Rookie of the Year award. She was a key member of a defense that recorded six shutouts and allowed only 2.03 goals against per game. Along with her defensive skills, she also added two goals and three assists for five points, all of which came in conference play. Altmann was also awarded with the Sportsmanship Award which is given to one individual who exemplifies the attributes of character, integrity, and sportsmanship throughout the season.

Junior Ellie DeCaprio (Wellesley, Massachusetts) was given the Most Improved Player award. She appeared in all 36 games for the Raiders.

2017-18 Captains Announced--The team also announced the captains for next season. Annika Zalewski (NewHartford, New York) has been named the captain, while Breanne Wilson-Bennett (Markham, Ontario), Shae

Labbe (Calgary, Alberta), and Altmann will be assistant captains. Zalewski has been a captain for the Raiders for the past two seasons.

The Raiders had an exceptional season and will look to continue to build upon that success during 2017-18.

OSWEGO The ECAC Women’s West has announced its 2016-17 All-Academic Team, recognizing nine Oswego State women’s ice hockey student-athletes. Alexa Aramburu, Alyssa Brockmann, Mikaela Ditonto, Olivia Ellis, Sarah Grupp, Ashley Lyman, Andrea Noss, Laura Thacker and Erika Truschke were all honored by the conference for their achievements in the classroom.

A total of 126 student-athletes earned the recognition that requires student-athletes to carry a cumulative gradepoint average of 3.0 or higher, and have completed at least one full year at their current institution.

Oswego closed the season with a 16-8-2 mark overall and its 10-6-2 record in league action was good for a postseason berth. It was the sixth-straight season the Lakers had reached the playoffs.

Alexa Aramburu, Alyssa Brockmann, Mikaela Ditonto, Olivia Ellis, Sarah Grupp, Ashley Lyman,Andrea Noss,Laura Thacker, Erika Truschkeg)

CORNELL Women’s hockey sophomore Marlène Boissonnault and freshmen Jaime Bourbonnais and Kristin O’Neill were all selected to attend Hockey Canada’s National Women’s Program strength and conditioning camp, which will take place May 3-7 in Hamilton, Ontario.

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HAMILTON Maddie Carras ‘18 was honored for academic and athletic success.

in the athletic communications office. She also supports her fellow student-athletes working in the equipment room.

Federow also excels in the classroom and has garnered ECAC West All-Academic honors twice.

WILLIAM SMITH

MORRISVILLE

Ten members of the William Smith College hockey team earned a spot on the 2016-17 ECAC West All-Academic Team. In its third year as a varsity program, this is the second year that the Heron players are eligible for all-academic honors.

Sophomore Rachael Barry, undeclared Junior Rebecca Begley, biology major Junior Emily Burton, psychology and philosophy Junior Krista Federow, media and society major Junior Sarah Garrett, sociology major Sophomore Stephanie Hampton, undeclared Junior Catherine Linehan, disability sciences major Sophomore Laura Rollins, undeclared Junior Emily Spencer, biology major Junior Lizzy Weingast, economics and mathematics All seven juniors are making their second appearance on the All-Academic team. William Smith’s 10 representatives on this year’s team are one better than the Herons had last year.

William Smith finished the year with a 7-12-6 overall record, including a 3-1-2 mark in the month of February.

The Herons went 4-9-5 in conference play, more conference wins than their first two seasons combined, finishing in seventh place in the ECAC West. William Smith closed out the year with a 3-1 upset win and a 1-1 tie with then No. 10/8 Oswego.

The Hazel Nettleship Hardy ‘65 Award for a student in her middle years who has contributed to the growth of Heron athletics and is an excellent representative of William Smith Athletics was presented to junior ice hockey player Krista Federow. A two-time captain, Federow led the Herons with 15 points on five goals and 10 assists. She has played in 75 career games and has logged 56 points on 28 goals and 28 assists.

Off the ice, Federow promotes all the Herons working as a student assistant

The Colonial Hockey Conference (CHC) announced the Women’s Ice Hockey All-Academic Team recipients Tuesday, with nine total Mustangs earning academic recognition for the 2016-17 season.

Women’s hockey, who just completed their second season of competition, qualified for the first time, joining a league total 72 student-athletes who were recognized for excellence in the classroom.

Of those receiving the All-Academic accolade for Morrisville State are: Sophomore Maria deWilde (Caistorville, ONT) Junior Alicia Eamon (Williamstown, ONT) Sophomore Kimberly Hughes (Lloydminster, AB) Sophomore Megan Kirk (Breezy Point, N.Y.) Sophomore Ciara Lark (Mildmay, ONT) Sophomore Kali Rutka (Anchorage, AK) Sophomore Kaitlyn Schlake (Nampa, ID) Sophomore Renee Schmaltz (Beaumont, AB) Sophomore Stephanie Strymecki (Kelowna, BC) Morrisville State wrapped up the season with an overall record of 20-6-1, claiming the college’s first hockey conference title as they downed nationally ranked Endicott College to capture the 2016-17 crown.

T

he United States College Hockey Online (USCHO) announced their All-USCHO Teams Friday, naming Morrisville State freshman, Vanessa Klimpke (Winnipeg, MB) to the All-Rookie Team at forward.

The second Mustang in as many seasons to earn the recognition, Klimpke joins teammate Kali Rutka (Anchorage, AK) who earned a spot at defense last season.

Klimpke led Morrisville State (20-6-1) to its first Colonial Hockey Conference (CHC) title behind her team best 36 points, as she recorded 23 goals and assisted another 13 across 26 games on the year.

The freshman was a two-time CHC Rookie of the Week

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selection, earned CHC First Team All-Conference accolades, and was also named the conference’s Rookie of the Year.

The forward wrapped up the season with CHC Tournament Most Valuable Player accolades, following a four point tournament performance that included a goal and an assist in the title game.

Klimpke finished the season ranking 14th nationally in points per game (1.38), is fifth in goals per game (0.92), and ranks second among all Division II/III freshmen in points per game (1.38). She topped the conference in points on the year (36) and leads the conference in on-ice rating at +31.

A graduate of Westwood Collegiate, Klimpke is majoring in health related studies at Morrisville State. She is the daughter of Shelley and Brue Klimpke of Winnipeg.

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East Hockey

By Warren Kozireski

L

ike most college freshman Joe Wegwerth had trouble adjusting to the Division I game. Since joining the U.S. National Development program and then Green Bay and Cedar Rapids of the USHL for one season he hasn’t been much a goal-scorer, but instead uses his 6’3”, 230 lb. frame to play responsible defense and shutting down the opposition playing left wing on usually the third line.

Drafted by Florida in the fourth round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, he this season helped Notre Dame reach the Frozen Four scoring a collegiate career-best seven goals and 11 points.

He registered his first collegiate twogoal game Oct. 22 against Penn State.

“It’s been really special for all of us,” Wegwerth said one day before their national semi-final loss to top-ranked Denver. “Since day one this has been the goal and we’ve had a lot of ups and downs.

“Three months ago we hit a really rough patch of the schedule where we knew we were playing three or four of the top-15 teams in the country and we got a ton of momentum and that’s when our game really started to turn around. Ever since that point, we’ve been a different team; a confident group.”

The Fighting Irish lost in the Hockey East semi-final to UMass-Lowell but received an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament as the fourth-seed in the Northeast Regional in Manchester, NH. “That game we had against Lowell at Boston Garden where we kind of got the doors blown off of us (a 5-1 loss)—that was the moment where we realized that this is a big stage and let’s put this behind us.

“Going into Manchester we took care of business there (defeating top-seed Minnesota in the first round and Lowell in the regional final).

Wegwerth played one-plus season with Brewster in the Empire Junior League after his bantam time with the Westchester Express and Brewster High before heading to Ann Arbor, Michigan where the U.S. Development team used to be (now in Plymouth, MI).

He was a physical force on 2013-14 with the U-18 national team racking up 123 minutes in penalties over 60 games before scoring nine goals during his one season in the USHL.

“Everyone has a job to do and everybody has contributed here. If you look at the scoresheet the past few months there is a different hero every night and we’re not relying on one guy.

Though on the big stage of the Frozen Four and now almost a time zone away in South Bend, Indiana, Wegwerth hasn’t forgotten where he came from.

“I try to still follow it (development hockey in the Westchester region). Obviously I played high school for Brewster and I still follow high school hockey down there pretty regularly. I still keep in touch with a lot of my coaches from junior.

“A lot has changed—it’s gotten so much better. Top D-1 teams are recruiting from that league now, so it’s cool to see and I’m proud to say that I played in that league. A lot of my good friends that I went on to play with, so some really good players have come out of there.

“It’s crazy. Growing up playing against and with those guys like Alex Tuch and Jack Eichel and Long Island guys like the (Jeremy) Bracco’s, the (Ryan) Hitchock’s, the (Anthony) Fortunato’s all those guys. It’s cool to see where we’ve all taken our careers.”

BREWSTER’S WEGWERTH FINDING SUCCESS AT NOTRE DAME

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East Women’s College Report

by Janet Schultz Janet@nyhockeyonline.com

MANHATTANVILLE Twelve members of the Manhattanville College women’s hockey team were named to the 201617 New England Hockey Conference All-Academic team as announced by the conference office Tuesday afternoon.

In total, 147 student-athletes in the conference earned the recognition.

The following student-athletes from Manhattanville earned the recognition. The full list of recipients can be found in the link at the top of this story.

Senior Lindsay Diot (

Bethel, Conn./Boston Shamrocks) Senior Olivia Drew

(York, Maine/Portland Jr. Pirates) Senior Taryn Harris

(Morrison, Colo./Colorado Selects) Senior Kayley Romano

(Viera, Fla./Boston Shamrocks) Junior Cassie Kent

(Lake Placid, NY/Northwood) Junior Jennifer Machin

(Brunswick, Maine/North Yarmouth Academy) Junior Monika Molnar

(Budapest, Hungary/Vasas HC) Junior Maeve O’Brien

(Chicago, Ill./Loyola Academy) Junior Kristi Peters (

Newport Beach, Calif./Anaheim Lady Ducks) Junior Sarah Sinning

(Southold, N.Y./National Sports Academy) Sophomore Ellis Smith

(Buffalo, N.Y./Niagara Purple Eagles) Sophomore Morgan Wilm (West Chester, Pa./Millbrook Mustangs)

RPI Members of the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) women’s hockey team volunteered at a “Girls in STEM” Event at Hudson Valley Community College’s TECSMART on Saturday.

The three and a half workshop, featured fun math and science related activities for students, grades 4 to 8.

Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) empowers girls to make a difference in the world.

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R.P.I.

Hockey League. DeSimone recorded career-highs in games played (38), goals See story on (9), points (19) and plus/ page 32 about minus (+13), ranking tied new Engineers for first amongst Union dehead coach Dave Smith, fenders in goals, and 2nd who was named April 6.

by Warren Koziereski in points and plus/minus.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed defenseman Jeff Taylor (Clifton Park) to a two-year, entry-level contract beginning Head coach Rick Bennett named sophomore forward with the 2017-18 season and run through the 2018-19 campaign. Taylor reported to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Cole Maier the captain for the 2017-18 season.

Two-time captain Mike Vecchione was named on an amateur tryout contract this year. He enjoyed the team’s Most Valuable Player and the recipient of a career year this past season setting career highs in the Coaches’ Award for the second consecutive sea- goals (9) and points (33), while adding 24 assists and son. Sophomore forward Cole Maier was tabbed as posting a plus-15, in 38 games. Taylor finished his colthe Most Improved Player, first-year forward Luke legiate career as the second-highest scoring blueliner Brown accepted the Rookie of the Year Award and in Union history, totaling 92 points (18G-74A) and a Ryan Walker took home the Unsung Hero Award at plus-33 in 149 career games.

Senior forward Michael Pontarelli signed an amateur the team’s annual awards banquet.

Vecchione and junior forward Spencer Foo were tryout agreement (ATO) with the Norfolk Admirals of named CCM/American Hockey Coaches Association the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL). He had seven (AHCA) First Team East All-Americans. They become points on two goals and five assists in 23 appearances the 10th and 11th Union players to earn Division I All- for the Dutchmen this season. He had a career-best America honors and the 14th and 15th All-Americans 23 points (10G-13A) in his rookie campaign, helping in program history. They are also the Dutchmen’s 11th Union to the 2014 National Championship. and 12th All-American honorees since 2011.

Vecchione earlier signed an entry-level contract with the Philadelphia Flyers after he led the ECAC with 29 goals and 34 assists for 63 points, both of • Staten Island native Zach Aston-Reese, a senior which are new career highs. He was named ECAC forward at Northeastern, we named one of three finalPlayer of the Year and was one of three finalists for ists for the 2017 Hobey Baker Award and a 2016-2017 the 2017 Hobey Baker Award as top collegiate player.

AHCA/CCM Hockey Men’s Division I First Team Foo elected to forego his senior season, will complete All-American. Aston-Reese was named Hockey East the spring term at Union and will likely not sign with Player of the Year after he finished in a three-way tie a National Hockey League (NHL) organization until for most points in the nation and leading all of Divithe summer. sion I with 31 goals. He signed a two-year, entry-level Junior defenseman Nick DeSimone (East Amdeal with Pittsburgh starting this fall and reported to herst) gave up his final collegiate seatheir AHL affiliate in Wilkes-Barre. son and signed a two-year contract with San Jose and an ATO for the re• Jericho native and Harvard freshman defensemainder of the 2016-17 season with the man Adam Fox entered the Frozen Four with the San Jose Barracuda da) of the American most points (39) by a defenseman. He was named a

East Men’s College Report

UNION

OTHER AREA NOTES:

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2016-2017 AHCA/ CCM Hockey Men’s Division I All-American—the only freshman sohonored.

• Long Beach native Charlie McAvoy was named a 2016-2017 AHCA/ CCM Hockey Men’s Division I First Team AllAmerican on defense. The sophomore and 14th Adam Fox overall draft pick gave up his final two collegiate seasons when he signed a three year contract and was playing for the Boston Bruins in the NHL playoffs.

RPI NAMES SMITH 13th RPI HEAD COACH

R

ensselaer hopes 13 is a lucky number as they named former Canisius head coach Dave Smith to take over behind the Engineers bench replacing Seth Appert, who was at the helm since 2006 and let go in early March.

“This program has history and tradition, which was important to me,” Smith said at the press conference announcing his hiring. “I am also excited to be part of the Big Red Freakout.

“This (the Houston Field House) is a classic building and I want to get the place rocking for hockey crowds.”

Smith has led the Canisius College men’s ice hockey team for the last 12 seasons and was named the Atlantic Hockey Coach of the Year after the Golden Griffins won the program’s first regular-season title. He led the Golden Griffins to three straight trips to Atlantic Hockey Championship weekend and the team’s first

crown and trip to the NCAA tournament in 2013.

“Our national search for a new men’s ice hockey coach produced a strong pool of candidates, and it is clear that Dave Smith is the right person to lead the Rensselaer hockey program as we anticipate even higher levels of success in the future,” said President Shirley Ann Jackson at the press conference. “I am confident that he will continue the proud tradition of Rensselaer men’s hockey and add to our prominence as a leading program.

“He has a thorough understanding of the importance of the education that our young people are here to acquire, and the importance of developing the mind, body, and spirit. We look forward to seeing his success with our team.”

A former associate head coach at Mercyhurst and assistant coach with Bowling Green and Miami/Ohio, Smith summarized his comments at the press conference by calling himself a farmer.

“My job is to make conditions right for growth.”

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North Hockey

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

Wkozires@brockport.edu

Plattsburgh will serve as host for the 2022 NCAA Division III Men’s Ice Hockey Championship at the Olympic Center Herb Brooks Arena in Lake Placid, March 25-26.

ST. LAWRENCE

The team named Joe Sullivan the next Saints captain and Ryan Lough, Nolan Gluchowski and Michael PLATTSBURGH Laidley as assistants. Each of the four players selectSenior goalie Brady Rouleau signed a one-year con- ed to wear a letter next season will be first-time captract to play professionally with Åmåls SK in Sweden. tains.

Rouleau played three seasons at Plattsburgh State Junior goaltender Kyle Hayton and senior deafter spending his freshman campaign at NCAA Divi- fenseman Gavin Bayreuther were named 2016-2017 sion I Quinnipiac University. During his career with AHCA/CCM Hockey Men’s Division I Second Team the Cardinals, he accumulated a 32-13-3 record, a East All-Americans.

2.51 goals-against average, a .903 save percentage and seven shutouts in 50 appearances. Rouleau sits 11th in program history in career wins and is among the top 15 in career saves (1,095).

Junior defenseman Ayrton Valente was selected as an American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA)/ CCM Division III Men’s Ice Hockey Third Team AllAmerican. He is the 11th blue liner in program history to be named an All-American and is the third of such in six years.

Valente was tied for 12th in the nation among defensemen in points (21). He ended the Cardinals’ season as the team leader in assists (15) while tying for second in points. Valente, who was also a State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) All-Conference First Team pick, finished tied for second in the league in defense points.

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Northern New York Women’s College Hockey Report

by Janet Schultz Janet@ nyhockeyonline.com

POTSDAM This year 12 SUNY Potsdam women’s hockey players have earned a spot on the Eastern College Athletic Conference West All-Academic Team. Every player who was eligible for the All-Academic Team achieved the honor.

Senior forward Jordan Ott (Hilton, N.Y./Rochester Edge) finishes her career as the Bears NCAA era all-time leading scorer in program history. This season, Ott reached the 100-point plateau,finishing her career with 107 points on 61 goals and 46 assists in 101 games played. Ott was named USCHO.com and ECAC West Rookie of the Year in 2013-14. She also earned second team All-ECAC West honors in three seasons, including this one. Last year, she was named All-USCHO and D3hockey.com third team. In addition to points, she leaves Potsdam as the program’s record holder in points-per-game (1.06), goals (61), game-winning goals (12) and power-play goals (18). She is third in all-time assists with 46.

Senior defenseman Kaylen Van Wagner (Red Hook, N.Y./Hotchkiss Prep) served as a Bears captain this season.

Van Wagner played in all 26 games for the Bears and put up six assists on the season. She finishes her time in the program with two goals and 15 assists for 17 points, while suiting up in all of the Bears’ 102 games in her four seasons.

Senior forward Amanda Peterson (West Chazy, N.Y./Chazy Flyers) also served as a Bears captain this season. She put up a career-high seven goals and six assists for 13 points this past season. She closed her career with 18 goals and 20 assists for 38 points over 101 games in a Bears uniform.

Senior defenseman Kady Hart (Potsdam, N.Y/North Country Ice Storm) served as an assistant captain in 2016-17.

Hart finishes her career with two goals and two assists for four points and never missed any of the 76 games in her three-year career.

Senior defenseman Madison Smith (Edmonton, Alberta/The College of St. Scholastica) finished her senior year with one goal and two assists for three points. Smith played in 51 games for the Bears after transferring from The College of St. Scholastica in 2015.

Junior forward Anna-Rose Bertin (Marathon, Ontario/ CIH Academy) also served as an assistant captain this season. Bertin put up a career high 12 goals and added four assists for 16 points in her third year.

Junior forward Jaci Morr (Monroe, Mich./Team Detroit) scored a career-high six goals and recorded a personal best six assists for 12 points in 26 games this season.

Junior forward Brenna Wilson (Kanata, Ontario/Ottawa Senators) played all 26 games this year and recorded three goals and nine assists for a career-high 12 points.

Junior forward Taylor Marcellus (Waddington, N.Y./ Ontario Hockey Academy) played in all 26 games for the Bears this season.

Sophomore forward Jenna Patterson (Boissevain, Manitoba/Westman Wildcats) played in all 26 games and put up four goals and five assists for nine points.

Sophomore defenseman Rylie Murray (Berkley, Mich./ Honeybaked) scored two goals and assisted on five for seven points this year.

Sophomore forward Tatum Walber (Orchard Park, N.Y./Buffalo Regals) assisted on three goals in 25 games for the Bears.

This season, the Bears posted a 12-13-1 overall record and an 8-9-1 mark in ECAC West play. The team matched the program single-season record for overall wins and set

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one for conference victories. Potsdam earned its fourth postseason berth in the last six years.

PLATTSBURGH Plattsburgh State women’s ice hockey senior Camille Leonard (Oakville, Ontario/Oakville Jr. Hornets) appeared in Sports Illustrated’s “Faces in the Crowd” feature section for the April 14 issue. Leonard joins women’s ice hockey goalie Sydney Aveson ‘14 and men’s ice hockey forward Matt Wescott ‘79 as Cardinals to appear in the “Faces” section.

“Faces in the Crowd” spotlights six amateur athletes and has been a fixture of the weekly magazine since first appearing in 1956. Leonard was among those chosen after capping her collegiate playing career as one of the most decorated goalies in NCAA Division III history. A four-time national champion, Leonard holds the Division III women’s ice hockey career records in wins (75) and save percentage (.949), while sitting second in shutouts (30). As a senior, she led the nation in wins (25), winning percentage (.962) and goals-against average (1.11), was tied for fourth in shutouts (7) and was 10th in save percentage (.945). Leonard allowed one goal or fewer in 19 of 26 appearances this past season.

She blanked four nationally-ranked opponents and registered 11 20-save performances.

Leonard boasts 16 career conference and national yearly awards, including two All-America selections and three NCAA Championship All-Tournament selections. Leonard was the 2016 ECAC Women’s West co-Goalie of the Year while earning all-conference honors on two other occasions. She also thrice qualified for the ECAC Women’s West Academic All-Conference squad.

Sports Illustrated, which was established in 1954, has more than three million subscribers and is read by more than 23 million people each week. Visit SI.com for more information. ­ e Plattsburgh State women’s ice hockey team enjoyed its Th NCAA Division III national championship celebration with a Rugar Street parade and formal ceremony afterward at the Ronald B. Stafford Ice Arena Sunday afternoon. More than 500 student-athletes, school administrators and community members joined in on the event.

The festivities started in the Kehoe/Myers buildings parking lot at Plattsburgh State and traveled up Rugar Street past the residence halls before taking a left turn onto Adirondack Lane and eventually ending in front of the Field House entrance. Fans dotted Rugar Street and many more greeted the team upon the Cardinals’ arrival at the arena. While at the arena, players signed commemorative championship posters for fans.

In a ceremony held on ice in Stafford Ice Arena, director of athletics, Mike Howard, emceed as nearly 10 dignitaries of local politicians and state politicians made speeches.

Plattsburgh State senior co-captain Erin Brand (Long Beach, N.Y./Syracuse) and head coach Kevin Houle wrapped up the ceremony with speeches reflecting on the season and thanking those who made contributions to the program.

Following the ceremony, the Cardinals held an on-ice skating session with community members. Fans were able to skate and take photos with their favorite Cardinals. The event concluded with a drawing of prizes that included various team memorabilia, the proceeds of which went toward the women’s ice hockey program.

Plattsburgh State was celebrating its fourth straight – sixth overall – national championship. The Cardinals, who ended their season at 28-1-1 overall and on a 23-game unbeaten streak, beat No. 2 Adrian College, 4-3, in overtime to capture the national title. Brand scored the game-winning goal and was the named the Championship’s Most Outstanding Player, while senior Camille Leonard (Oakville, Ontario/Oakville Jr. Hornets) and junior Melissa Sheeran (Schaghticoke, N.Y./Millbrook School) were tabbed for the all-tournament team.

CLARKSON Nearly a month after the Clarkson University Women’s Hockey team earned the second NCAA Championship title in the program’s 14-year history, the Golden Knights continue to earn notice for their outstanding play this past March.

Sophomore Loren Gabel was named the Hockey Commissioners’ Association (HCA) National Division 1 Player of the Month for March.

Freshman Ella Shelton was tabbed as the HCA National Rookie of the Month for March.

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Three Golden Knights also earned accolades from ECAC Hockey. Senior Cayley Mercer, junior Shea Tiley and Shelton, were named the league’s Player, Goaltender and Rookie of the Month, respectively for March.

Emerging as the next great Clarkson forward, Loren Gabel helped to led the Green and Gold to a 5-0-0 record last month, while helping the Knights earn their third ECAC Hockey regular season title with a 19-1-2 league mark, and win both the program’s first ECAC Hockey Tournament Championship and second national championship.

The Kitchener, ONT native finished the month leading the nation in points (9) goals (6), hat tricks (1) and plus/minus (+9). Her offensive prowess helped the Golden Knights finish the season with the longest winning streak in the country with 11 straight victories and the longest unbeaten stretch at 16 games (15-0-1).

Gabel’s 22 goals this season set a new Clarkson standard for scores by a sophomore, breaking the old mark of 19 set

by Jamie Lee Rattray ‘14 in 2011-12. Gabel became the first Clarkson player ever to record a hat trick in postseason play when she netted all three Clarkson goals in the 3-1 victory over Cornell in the NCAA quarterfinal game (3/11).

The 5’4” forward was one of three Knights who have reached 40-point mark this season, finishing the 2016-17 season with 22 goals and 20 assists. Gabel has 69 career points (40-29) in 81 games. Gabel helped Clarkson set the record for most wins in a season for the 14-year-old program with a 32-4-5 overall record, firmly establishing Clarkson as one of the premier programs in Division I. A 5’8” defenseman, Shelton led all Division I rookies in scoring during the month with five points on one goal and four assists in five games.

She began the month in grand fashion recording the game-winning goal in the second period versus Princeton in the league’s first tournament semifinal game vaulting the Clarkson into the title contest. Shelton continued to shine and make a presence on special teams adding two power-play helpers during the fivegame stretch. She ended up leading the nation among all defensemen in powerplay assists with 13 and tying for the lead in power-play points with 15 during the

2016-17 campaign.

The third-team All-League and All-Rookie performer was named to the ECAC Hockey All-Tournament team as she led the NCAA in scoring among freshman defensemen with 25 points on six goals and 19 assists, while registering 89 shots, tops among her counterparts. She posted a +29 plus/minus rating and was recently named the league’s Rookie of the Month for the second time (December & March).

The nation’s leading goal scorer, Mercer served as a cocaptain for Clarkson’s 2017 NCAA Championship team and tallied three goals and four assists in March. The Exeter, ONT native scored the final two goals in the Knights’ 3-0 victory over Wisconsin in the National Championship game to earn MOP honors of the Frozen Four.

Tiley was perfect in the Clarkson crease with a 5-0-0 postseason record in March behind a .971 save percentage and a 0.80 goals against average. The Owen Sound, ONT native saved her best for last with 41 saves vs. Wisconsin in the National Championship to post her sixth shutout of the season.

CLARKSON AWARDS Photo (l-r): Clarkson’s Class of 2017 - Jessica Gillham, Cayley Mercer, Genevieve Bannon, Corie Jacobson and McKenzie Johnson With a plethora of accomplishments to celebrate, highlighted by its second National Championship in four years,

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the Clarkson University Women’s Hockey program recognized the achievements of the 2016-17 Golden Knights at its annual Awards Banquet held on Tuesday, April 18.

Clarkson also paid tribute to the Class of 2017. With a pair of NCAA National Championship trophies to bookend their outstanding collegiate careers, Clarkson’s Class of 2017 - Genevieve Bannon, Jessica Gillham, Corie Jacobson, McKenzie Johnson and Cayley Mercer – is the most successful class in the 14-year history of Golden Knights Women’s Hockey. The seniors help to lead Clarkson to a .788 winning percentage during their four-years with the Green and Gold, compiling a 117-25-18 overall record, including a 65-10-13 ECAC Hockey mark. The Class of 2017 skated to four winning seasons, including three 30-win campaigns, won three ECAC Hockey regular-season titles, claimed one conference tournament championship crown, played in four NCAA Tournaments, made three Frozen Four showings and twice hoisted the NCAA Tournament trophy as NATIONAL CHAMPIONS. A three-time winner of the illustrious award, the Exeter, Ontario native captained Clarkson to the second National Championship in school history. Mercer, a top 3 Finalist for the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award, was a First-Team All-American and named Most Outstanding Player of the Frozen Four. Mercer was named USCHO.com Player of the Year and All-USCHO First-Team. She was the nation’s leading goal scorer (28) and finished with a team-high 62 points.

A First-Team ECAC Hockey All-Star, Mercer was winner

Carley Mercer

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Bannon with the 2017 Coaches Award

of ECAC Hockey’s Best Forward Award and voted ECAC Hockey Player of the Year. Mercer completed her outstanding collegiate career as the Knights’ second all-time leading scorer with 178 career points, including a program-best 80 goals, and posted a phenomenal +131 plus/minus rating.

Bannon was the recipient of Clarkson’s Coaches Award.

The Coaches Award is selected by the coaching staff and presented to a hockey player who displays unselfish play, hustle, sacrifice, dedication and commitment to the team. A senior assistant captain, centered the Knights’ top line and set new career highs in points, goals, and assists this winter.

The Candiac, Quebec native was second on the team with 53 points, recording 15 goals and 38 assists. She recorded 16 games this season with multiple points, including goal and three assists in 4-3 win over Minnesota in NCAA Semifinals and two assists in 3-0 win over Wisconsin in NCAA Championship game to earn Frozen Four All-Tournament honors. Bannon was a Second-Team ECAC Hockey AllStar along with gaining second team recognition on the All-USCHO All-Star teams. Bannon is tied for third on the Green and Gold’s all-time scoring charts with 150 career points (49-101).

Shea Tiley was the recipient of the Ron Frazer Award.

Named in tribute to Clarkson Women’s Hockey’s first coach, the honor is presented to a player who has proven to elevate her game in key situations and who has made significant contributions to the team’s success. The junior

goaltender started 37 of the team’s 41 games and posted a 28-4-5 record overall with a 16-1-2 mark in ECAC Hockey play. Tiley posted six shutouts this season, culminating in a 41 save performance in the 3-0 win over Wisconsin in the NCAA Championship game. Named the Most Outstanding Player of the ECAC Championship as well as being named to the All-Tournament Team, the Owen Sound, Ontario native became the first goaltender to ever record consecutive shutouts in the ECAC Hockey semifinals and final. Tiley was named All-USCHO Second-Team, to ECAC Hockey Third-Team All-League as well as a finalist for ECAC Hockey Goaltender of the Year. She posted a .931 save percentage and a 1.58 goals against average this season.

Ella Shelton was selected Clarkson’s Rookie of the Year.

One of the top freshman defenseman in the country, Shelton tallied 25 points on six goals and 19 assist along with posting a +29 plus/minus rating in her first collegiate season. The Ingersoll, Ontario native was selected to an ECAC Hockey Third-Team All-Star as well being named to ECAC Hockey All-Rookie Team. Shelton scored the game-winning goal in 4-0 win over Princeton in ECAC Hockey Semifinals and had an assist in both 4-3 win over Minnesota in NCAA Semifinals along with setting up the game-winning goal the NCAA Championship win over Wisconsin. She

also was named to the ECAC Hockey Championship AllTournament Team and was named conference Rookie of the Month for December and March.

Savannah Harmon was the recipient of the Booster Club’s Unsung Hero Award. The award is presented to the player(s) who always puts the team first and serves as an excellent role model to her teammates and the community. The junior served as a team leader as a co-captain and skated on the Knights’ blueline as one of the league’s best defenders. Harmon was named a Second Team All-American and All-USCHO Second-Team All-Star as well being a Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award Nominee. Harmon, who was selected to the NCAA Frozen Four All-Tournament Team, scored the game-winning goal in the victory over Wisconsin in the title game. The Downers Grove, Illinois native recorded a career-high 36 points on 11 goals and 25 assists and was second in the country in points among defensemen. Harmon was also named ECAC Hockey’s Best Defenseman Award Winner and was a Finalist for ECAC Hockey Player of the Year along with earning ECAC Hockey First-Team All-League honors.

(Continued on Page 42)

Harmon, Shelton, Tiley

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Congratulations Potsdam Women’s Hockey on a Great Year!

Photos Courtesy Potsdam Athletics

All West ECAC including Jordan Ott, Second Team; Delphine Leonard, All Rookie and Alexa Pfeiffer, All Rookie Goalie.

They are pictured with Assistant Coach Jessica Harvey.

Assistant Captain Anna-RoseBertin, Unsung Hero Award 2017-18 Captains: Anna-Rose Bertin, Brenna Wilson, Jaci Morr and Rylie Murray

Co-MVPs Jordan Ott and Amanda Peterson with Harvey

Rookie of the Year Delphine Leonard Coaches Award: AnnaRose Bertin, Kaylen Van Wagner, Amanda Peterson and Katy Hart

Seniors Madison Smith, Kady Hart, Kaylen Van Wagner, Amanda Peterson and Jordan Ott

Left: Leadership Award: Kaylen Van Wagner Right: Team Academic Awardee Brenna Wilson

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family and about a dozen friends and colleagues he called Sunday.

“It was just something that was not on my radar,” Strader said. “They usually don’t announce it until later, but I think the committee wanted to give me some extra time to make plans for whatever treatments or whatever I might have going on. I said, ‘Hey, it gives me another date on the calendar that I can tell the doctors I’ve got to be ready for Nov. 13.’”

That’s when Strader will be recognized at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto as a Media Honoree along with longtime writer Cam Cole, who will receive the Elmer Ferguson Award for excellence in hockey journalism. Their plaques will be displayed in the Esso Great Hall at the Hall of Fame with those of other recipients.

Strader, who is nicknamed “The Voice” for his smooth baritone, became the Dallas Stars’ television play-by-play announcer to begin the 2015-16 season.

The native of Glens Falls, New York, began his 38year career with Adirondack of the American Hockey League in 1979. From there, he went to the Detroit Red Wings, Florida Panthers, Arizona Coyotes and the Stars.

Strader, who also has worked for ESPN, ABC and NBC, said receiving the Foster Hewitt honor means everything to him.

“I was a basketball guy growing up,” he said.

“Marv Albert was my first real broadcasting hero and I had never attended a live hockey game when I was first hired in Adirondack at age 23. Dan Kelly was probably the first national voice that I listened to a lot and one of the all-time greats still and Bob Cole [from “Hockey Night in Canada”] and Bruce Martin in Detroit. A lot of the team broadcasters from that era were the guys that I tried to listen to just to try to pick up some of the best practices.”

Strader said he also has relied heavily on his color commentators such as Mickey Redmond, Denis Potvin, Darren Pang, Brian Engblom and Daryl Reaugh.

He said it is very humbling to be included among past Foster Hewitt recipients such as Kelly, Cole, Danny Gallivan and Mike Emrick, broadcasters he regards as the finest in hockey.

“Those guys are like here,” he said, holding up his

By Tom Gulitti @tomgulittinhl / NHL.com Staff Writer

I

Dave Strader “Overwhelmed”

By Hall of Fame Broadcasting Honor

nitially, it didn’t seem odd to Dave Strader that he got a phone call from Chuck Kaiton earlier this month, because the longtime Carolina Hurricanes play-by-play announcer has checked in on him regularly since Strader was diagnosed with bile duct cancer in May. But after the usual “How are you feeling?” start to the conversation, Kaiton said, “Well, I think I’ve got something that might make your day a little better.”

“As soon as he said that, I was like, ‘Chuck, what are you calling about here?’” Strader said Friday during a break in his preparations to call the play-by-play in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference First Round series between the Washington Capitals and Toronto Maple Leafs at Verizon Center for NBCSN (7 p.m. ET; NBCSN, CBC, TVA Sports 2, CSN-DC).

Kaiton is also the president of the NHL Broadcasters’ Association, and the main reason for his call was to inform Strader, 61, that his peers had voted him this year’s winner of the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award for outstanding contributions as a hockey broadcaster.

“I was overwhelmed,” Strader said. “I told him, ‘You know what? One thing I haven’t done much during this whole process is cry.’ I said, ‘You just broke that streak.’”

Kaiton called Strader on April 10, and the official announcement wasn’t made until Monday, so Strader kept it a secret for a week from everyone outside his

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hand. “And it’s nice for the rest of us to get recognized, but I consider them the best.”

Because of his health, the five Stars home games Strader called in February, including one for NBC, were the extent of his work this season until NBC Sports executive producer Sam Flood gave him the opportunity to call the games at Verizon Center during the Capitals-Maple Leafs series.

That worked well for Strader because it’s an easy flight from Albany, New York, to Washington.

“Just to be out on the road and connect with all of the guys I haven’t seen or I didn’t see those five games I did in Dallas, it’s been great therapy,” Strader said.

The good news is Strader said he feels “as good as I have since I began the full process.” He said that’s partly because of the timing. He completed his last round of chemotherapy about a month ago.

Strader has an appointment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston next week to meet with one of the doctors in charge of the first phase of clinical trials

there.

“That’s the next step for really anybody in my position or sometimes even earlier in the process,” he said. “These are the trials that offer targeted therapy and immunotherapy that can do some amazing things.”

In the meantime, he’s enjoying being back in the broadcast booth. He would also call Game 7 of the Capitals-Maple Leafs series Tuesday if it is necessary.

“That’s as much as I expect because [NBCSN] will be down to their regular roster of guys [after that],” he said. “But this has been wonderful.”

(Continued from Page 42)

CANTON

Fifteen members of the SUNY Canton women’s hockey team have been named to the Colonial Hockey Conference (CHC) All-Academic Team, as announced on Tuesday.

Tess Adams, Lora Ardoin, Amanda Ballestero, Illie Berisha, Whitney Bernier, Alex Bloom, Emily Dolphin, Sydney Kinder, Mariah McCue, Kaylah Menchaca, Noelle Niemiec, Grace Page, Jessica Pele, Tia Tassava and Margret Troiano were all honored.

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West Hockey

EDEN NATIVE WRAPS UP AMATEUR CAREER

By Warren Kozireski

S

ome dreams take a little longer than others to come true.

After his Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs lost both the National Collegiate Hockey Conference final and the NCAA Northeast Regional last season, Alex Iafallo and his teammates went on a mission.

“We lost twice in the regional finals the last two years, so over the summer I worked really hard and I felt like I wanted this moment right here (playing in the national title game).”

Iafallo had solid seasons offensively over his first three with the Bulldogs scoring 22, 25 and 23 points from his freshman to junior years, but this season he exploded offensively with 20 goals and 30 assists to lead the team in both categories.

He ended his collegiate career on a 15-game scoring streak—the longest for the Bulldogs since Hobey Baker winner Jack Connolly’s 22-game tear in 2011-12.

He assisted on the overtime winners in both the semifinal and final of the NCAA West Regional in wins over Ohio State and Boston University before netting the gamewinner with just 27 seconds remaining in regulation in the national semi-final to launch them into the final against top-ranked Denver.

He also scored one of the Duluth goals in the 3-2 championship loss to Denver and was named to the Frozen Four All-Tournament Team.

It’s the latest game winner in regulation of a national semifinal since Justin Holl of Minnesota scored the decisive tally with 0:00.6 left against North Dakota in 2014 in Philadelphia.

“He’s had a great year, obviously, I think when you look at numbers,” Minnesota-Duluth head coach Scott Sandelin said. “But he’s been a real good player for us. He’s had some really good parts of his first three years he’s been a really good player, but maybe a little inconsistent by his standards, by our standards. And I think last year, when he didn’t have the kind of year he wanted personally, and also that we didn’t win that regional game.

“But he went back and was determined to have a

good summer, a better summer. Worked hard to continue to get stronger.

“I think he worked on shooting the puck. He’s obviously got tremendous quickness. He’s really got great edges. And he does have pretty good hands. But he’s just been really good for us at a high level all year. And it was probably fitting, our best player up there scored.”

Iafallo was only the second player from New York State ever to suit up for Minnesota-Duluth—Brian Glynn from Tonawanda in 1982-84 is the other with freshman defenseman Will Campion of Seaford now the third.

He became the 57th player in Bulldog history to join the 100-career point club on Feb.17 and was named an American Hockey Coaches Association First Team All-American.

But how did he end up moving from the shores of Lake Erie to the shores of Lake Superior?

“I was drafted by Fargo in the USHL so I played there for two years and it’s only four hours away so I was really familiar with the coaches and (former Buffalo Sabres) Derek Plante was coaching at the time, so I got familiar with the coaching staff,” Iafallo said at the Frozen Four.

“Buffalo is similar to Duluth. Duluth is a lot smaller.

But, yeah, I feel like I’ve got Minnesota blood in me. I love New York, but Minnesota-Duluth has been absolutely phenomenal. And I couldn’t have made a better choice. I love everybody here.”

Iafallo played in Amherst on the 16-U squad along with St. Francis High School his freshman year and Eden his sophomore year before joining the Buffalo Regals-now Jr. Sabres program for one year prior to his USHL stint in Fargo.

“I owe it to those programs who helped make me into the player that I am and my parents as well. A lot of love back in Buffalo—definitely a hockey town.”

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“They check in, not actively every day, but the occasional phone call after the game or quick meet-up to see how things are. But it’s not really hockey related; it’s more how I’m doing, how’s the family, how’s school going and stuff like that. It’s nice that they are supporting me and that they care.

Gilbert was by far the top plus/minus player on the team this past season at +27 while playing in all 40 games. The

By Warren Kozireski

I

n just his second year with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Dennis Gilbert already secured a spot on the top defensive pair on a team that upset two higher ranked teams to win the Northeast Regional and a spot in this year’s Frozen Four.

Add that Division I’s culminating event was held at Chicago’s United Center, where he hopes to eventually lay NHL hockey as a third round draft pick of the Blackhawks, and you have quite the experience for a 19-year old.

“It’s pretty special to lay in what could be my future building,” Gilbert said the day prior to the semi-final. “The big thing for me and for my team is to make the game small; to take it off this big stage and bring it back down to the ground floor.

“It’s very special for me to be a part of that (the Blackhawks) one day hopefully, but right now I’m just trying to do whatever I can to help the team I’m playing for right now—Notre Dame—be the best that we can be and in doing that it’s going to help my personal game and advance me to that level someday.”

Gilbert played Amherst Youth hockey before two seasons with St. Joseph’s in Buffalo. After one year competing in the Ontario Junior League with the Buffalo Jr. Sabres, he moved to the Chicago Steel of the USHL where he got a taste for the Chicago hockey scene.

In his freshman campaign with Notre Dame, the 6’2 200 lb. he scored twice and added eight assists over 37 games, but this season he blossomed with 22 assists and was named Hockey East’s Best Defensive Defenseman and a Third Team All-Star.

Even in college the Blackhawks stay in touch with their prospect.

WILLIAMSVILLE’S GILBERT MAKING LEAPS

DennisGilbert_ (Mike Miller, Photographer)

left shot blueliner hopes his large frame and physical style of game translates into the next phase of his career as a pro.

The Fighting Irish were a pedestrian 7-6-2 through the first eight weeks of the season, but included was a win on the road against fellow Frozen Four participant Minnesota-Duluth. A five game winning streak began Dec. 3 sparked by a home win over nationally ranked Boston University after trailing 2-0.

“After the first half I think we knew we underachieved a little bit, but we showed flashes of really

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By Warren Kozireski

N

ational Hockey League fifth round draft picks don’t often make it to the NHL, but don’t count out West Seneca native and soon-to-be Harvard alum Sean Malone.

Buffalo selected him with the 159th pick overall one round after they took Notre Dame goaltender

honors the best-American-born college hockey player in New England, Malone finished his four-year Crimson career with 99 points over 115 games.

He also knows how to show up on the big stage as he racked up six points over a two-game ECAC quarterfinal sweep.

Malone also brings penalty killing and faceoff skills to the table as Harvard’s go-to forward heading into the final four with a .587 winning percentage while taking over 500 draws. More proof of his ability to perform under pressure is winning ten of 17 face-offs in the national semi-final loss to Minnesota-Duluth.

His journey started with the Nichols School before he jumped to the U.S. National Development Program for one campaign prior to starting at Harvard.

Now that his college playing career is over, he hopefully moves on to play professionally. Injuries have kept him from fully participating in the Sabres summer development camps, so even he has questions about how he will measure up.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” Malone said. “I’ll talk with our family adviser and we’ll make a decision. I think I’m ready and I’ve definitely put in the work to be ready, so it’s exciting and I can’t

MALONE WRAPS Cal Petersen.

He might fall under the radar UP COLLEGIATE for some, but a look under the hood might tell a different story.

He and his eight senior classmates CAREER AT led Harvard to the Frozen Four for the first time since 1994 and just the 13th FROZEN time in program history. There they lost in heartbreaking fashion on a redirection FOUR with just 27 seconds remaining in regulation in a tie game.

“I went through a lot to get here and battled a lot of adversity (including two hip surgeries), so it feels good to make it this f a r, ” Malone said just moments after the crushing defeat.

“Absolutely. I think I have some pride for making it this far, but we set out one major goal at the start of the year to win a national championship and to come this close is kind of heartbreaking.

“I thought we played pretty well for the most part and in a single-game elimination like that it’s just a matter of bounces. We hit two crossbars at the end there which could have easily gone in and we had a goal disallowed which many people disagree with, but that’s hockey.”

The 6’0” 190 lb. center finished third on the team in points (42) and goals (18) while tying for the team-lead with 12 multi-point games.

One of 23 finalists for the Walter Brown Award, which

wait for it.”

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good things—we beat a very good Duluth team in Duluth. And we kind of looked back on that and said we’re a pretty good hockey team, let’s just go out and play our way, play hard, play simple and not beat ourselves.

After doing that we started playing really well at home, started playing fast and rolling four lines, everyone was involved and we just started churning from there.”

HOSPITALS RAISE $6500 AT CHARITY HOCKEY GAME NIAGARA FALLS, NY – The competition on the ice was intense, but in the end they all skated off as champions.

Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center and Mount St. Mary’s Hospital faced off for their fourth annual charity hockey game in late April at the Hyde Park Ice Pavilion.

A packed house of employees and supporters from both hospitals saw Memorial outscore their traditional rivals, 10-3, although the real winners were the beneficiaries of the more than $6500 raised

through donations at the gate and an auction that featured more than 150 items.

Proceeds from the event were shared evenly by the hospitals and will benefit the Mount St. Mary’s Hospital mission committee and offset medical expenses for a local woman who is battling cancer.

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Bowman Cup Action

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WNYGVIH LEAGUE

Just a few photos from this past season. Picked at random. Watch for more in upcoming issues of NY Hockey OnLine Magazine!

On the Move ...

Congratulations to Meghan Roche, Frangelica Bautz and Makenna Walp on their acceptance into Mercyhurst and wishing them well as members of the Mercyhurst Women’s Ice Hockey Team. They will be coached by WNY’er Mike Sisti.

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Weber Named

A

HL Coach Chuck Weber has joined NewEdge Hockey Development Academy as a Professional Trainer & Professional Consultant.

Coach Weber is the AHL’s Rochester American’s Assistant Coach and comes with extensive, successful, professional experience. Coach Weber has coached and trained professional players in the IHL, ECHL, KHL, NHL, and the World Championships.

Coaching Accomplishments 2015-2016 World Championship (D1B) Silver Medal 2014-2015 EIHL Playoff Champion 2009-2010 ECHL Kelly Cup Champion 2007-2008 ECHL Kelly Cup Champion 2007-2008 ECHL Coach of the Year (John Brophy Award) 2001-2001 IHL Turner Cup Champion NHL Coaching/Training Affiliation History Buffalo Sabres Nashville Predators Montreal Canadiens Philadelphia Flyers Atlanta Thrashers

Congratulations to Evan McKinney and the Niagara Junior Purple Eagles Lord of the Rinks Team on their Championship.

(Photo by Ashley Goodman)

New Jersey Devils

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Brooke Krantz (Penticton, BC/Penticton), Madeline Kromer (Angola/Lake Shore), Rachel Lenard (Orchard Park/Nardin), Heather Neuburger (Fayetteville/Millbrook), Megan Reukauf (Depew/Lancaster), Emma Ruggiero (Amherst/Sacred Heart), Hannah Tarr (Los Angeles, CA/Taft), and Viivi Vaattovaara (Veikkola, Finalnd/Hameenlinnan Lyseon Lukio)

by Janet Schultz Janet@nyhockeyonline.com were all named to the All-Academic team after their JDSchultz3663@gmail.com strong performances both on the ice and in the classroom.

Buffalo State’s thirteen honorees were tied for BUFFALO STATE the fourth-most selections by a team in the conference.

The Bengals finished the season 17-8-2 overall, The ECAC West Women’s Hockey League announced just one win shy of the school’s single-season record its 2016-17 All-Academic team this past Friday, and that was set just the year before. Buffalo State was 11named thirteen Buffalo State players with the honor.

6-1 in league play and earned its highest-ever regular season finish, placing third and advanced to the ECAC Bri Carroll (Peoria, AZ/AZ Virtual Academy), West Semifinals.

Erin Gehen (West Seneca/W. Seneca West),

Buffalo State also earned its first postseason Christine Harris (Mountain Top, PA/Wyoming Semi- victory in program history this season with its 4-0 denary), feat of Potsdam in the conference quarterfinals.

Caitie Horvatits (Elma/Iroquois), Georgia Kleiner (Pelham/Canterbury School (CT)),

Western New York Women’s College Hockey Report

Around WNY... ...Our condolences to the family of Tom Diehl.

Diehl was a volunteer coach with Kenmore East High School Boys Ice Hockey and a long-time coach with the Tonawanda Lightning. He passed away April 10 from a year-long battle with a rare form of Leukemia.

was Dominick Tallarico. The Mustangs were the only team from NYS to make it to the Championship round.

...Congratulations to the Clarence Mustangs on their year who were the runners-up in the Tier II 18U Division at the USA Nationals. They lost 5-2 to Copper Country. Luke Pierce dropped in the first goal of the game at 5:37. The second goal was scored by Luke Pierce. In goal for the Mustangs

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Western New York Men’s College Hockey Report

by Warren Kozireski

Wkozires@brockport.edu

BROCKPORT Junior Hockey Magazine reports that Philadelphia Jr. Flyers defenseman Tyler Williams has committed to the Golden Eagles.

BUFFALO STATE Senior goaltender Mike DeLaVergne (Pawling) was named a Third Team American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA) All-American becoming just the third Buffalo State hockey player to garner All-America honors, joining forward Todd Nowicki (second team in 2001-02) and goalie Kevin Carr (third team in 2013-14).

DeLaVergne was also named the SUNYAC Goalie of the Year after backstopping Buffalo State to a program single-season record of 18 wins to go with a school-record 1.98 goals against average (10th-best in Division III) and .927 save percentage (18th in D-III). He also set career school records with a .926 save percentage and a 2.23 goals against average while posting a record of 37-18-8.

The SUNYAC and Buffalo State will jointly host the 2020 NCAA Division III Men’s Ice Hockey Championship at the HarborCenter in Buffalo, March 27-28.

CANISIUS Senior goaltender Charles Williams has been named a CCM/American Hockey Coaches Association First Team All-American for the east region as well as Atlantic Hockey Conference Player of the Year.

He becomes the first Canisius player to earn All-American accolades after he led the Griffs to their first AHC regular season championship while leading the nation in save percentage (.946). He registered five shutouts, which was tied for the national lead in the regular season and tied an Atlantic Hockey single-season record.

Canisius Director of Athletics Bill Maher Statement on Hockey Head Coach Position

Canisius Director of Athletics Bill Maher confirmed that Dave Smith, head coach of the Canisius hockey program, has resigned after 12 years at the helm of the Golden Griffins to accept the same position at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI).

“We are grateful for the tremendous contributions that Dave Smith made to the growth of our hockey program,” Maher said. “His dedication to building our hockey program and ensuring the student-athletes had a broad impact on our campus community were as important to Canisius as the championship success they achieved on the ice. Dave led our program to new heights, and the Smith family will always be an important part of Canisius. We wish him well in this next step of his career.

“Canisius is committed to building a program that can compete for championships in Atlantic Hockey. The search for the next head coach to continue our championship tradition will begin immediately. Assistant coach Trevor Large will serve as interim head coach until a permanent successor is named.”

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FREDONIA Senior Marcus Ortiz finished the season with the Rapid City Rush in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL).

Fredonia’s first men’s hockey coach Rich Saletta passed away unexpectedly March 18. He served as co-head coach of Fredonia’s club men’s hockey program and stayed on to become the first varsity head coach during the inaugural 1987-88 season. Saletta remained with the program as an assistant coach when Jeff Meredith, the current head coach, took over in 1988-89.

GENESEO Stephen Collins (Pittsford) was named a 2017 CCM Division II-III First Team All-American for the second consecutive year.

NAZARETH Senior forward Dominik Gabaj was named a 2017 CCM Division II-III Second Team All-American—the first in Golden Flyer program history. He signed a professional contract with Les Ramparts de Tours in France. He was the ECAC West Player of the Year after leading the league in scoring with 18 goals and 28 points.

NIAGARA JASON LAMMERS NAMED NIAGARA HOCKEY HEAD COACH Niagara University has named Jason Lammers the third head coach of the Niagara hockey program, announced on Monday. Lammers is currently the head coach and general man-

ager of the Dubuque Fighting Saints of the United States Hockey League (USHL).

Lammers will remain in his position with the Fighting Saints through the conclusion of the team’s USHL postseason. Dubuque has advanced to the USHL Eastern Conference Finals after defeating Muskegon in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

“We are excited to bring Jason Lammers to Niagara University to coach our hockey team,” said the Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., president of Niagara University. “He has proven to be a very successful coach throughout his career.

In addition to his success defined by wins and losses, he is a person who demonstrates character, leadership and faith, which make him a great fit for our hockey team, as well as the entire Niagara University community.”

“Jason Lammers is a transformational hire for this University,” Niagara University Director of Athletics Simon Gray said. “Jason has had tremendous success at the collegiate level, as evidenced by multiple bids to the NCAA Tournament and his ability to develop NHL-caliber players.

His experience of winning at the highest level of NCAA Division I hockey is complemented perfectly by his passion for developing student-athletes into servant leaders.

“The men’s ice hockey program is a primary asset of Niagara University,” Gray added. “As evidenced during its championship history, the Purple Eagles’ success elevates the brand of the institution and fills all of its constituents with pride. We look forward to Jason leading us in the next chapter of Niagara hockey. We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Jason, his wife Michelle, and their children Rhett and

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Bryn to our community.”

Lammers brings 15 years of NCAA coaching experience to Niagara University, most recently as an associate coach at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell and as an assistant coach at Colorado College and Ohio State University. He has played an integral role in coaching teams with a combined record of 164-98-23 (.616 winning percentage) at the collegiate level with six NCAA Tournament berths, four trips to the Elite Eight, and a Frozen Four appearance in 2013. Lammers has recruited and coached 23 players that went on to play for NHL franchises.

“As a family, we are excited to join the Niagara University community,” Lammers said. “I would like to thank Father Maher, Simon Gray and Steve Butler for this tremendous opportunity to serve the student-athletes, staff, alumni and friends of Niagara University Hockey as the program transitions into next year and the future. I pledge that we will foster excellence in all aspects of the program, and I cannot wait to get started.”

In two seasons at the helm of the Dubuque Fighting Saints, Lammers has led the team to a regular-season record of 75-36-9 (.663 winning percentage), including a 36-177 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.

Lammers developed an elite offense as Dubuque led the USHL in scoring in the 2015-16 season and finished second in scoring in the league this season. Lammers was also selected as the head coach of Team East for the 2016 USHL/ NHL Top Prospects Game, and he was named to the bench again this season as an assistant coach for the 2017 USHL/ NHL Top Prospects Game.

Both of Lammers’ predecessors at Dubuque, Jim Montgomery (2010-13) and Matt Shaw (2013-15), have gone on to win NCAA Division I National Championships, Montgomery as the head coach at the University of Denver and Shaw as an assistant coach at the University of North Dakota.

Lammers served as associate head coach and recruiting coordinator at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell from 2011 to 2015. As a member of head coach Norm Ba-

zin’s staff, Lammers helped UMass-Lowell complete the second best single-season turnaround in NCAA history, as the River Hawks went 24-13-1 in the 2011-12 season after finishing 5-25-4 in 2010-11. UMass-Lowell advanced to the 2012 NCAA Regional Finals for the first time since 1996, returning to the Regional Finals in 2013 and 2014. In the 2012-13 season, the River Hawks achieved the best regularseason record in program history at 28-11-2, winning their first-ever Hockey East regular-season title and tournament championship en route to advancing to the Frozen Four.

Prior to UMass-Lowell, Lammers was an assistant coach with Colorado College from 2009-11. The Tigers’ 23-19-3 record in the 2010-11 campaign is the team’s second best record of the past decade, including an appearance in the 2011 NCAA West Regional Finals. Lammers oversaw the Tigers’ offensive unit, which improved its scoring output by 40 goals from 2008-09 to 2010-11.

Lammers served as an assistant coach for the Ohio State Buckeyes from 2006-09 and assisted in coaching a team that improved from a 15-19-5 record with 97 goals scored during the 2005-06 season to a 23-15-4 record with 143 goals scored in the 2008-09 season, a season that ended with a berth in the NCAA Tournament.

During the 2005-06 season, Lammers was the head coach for NCAA Division III Geneseo. Guiding the program at his alma mater, Lammers led the Knights to a record of 19-9-2, a SUNYAC tournament championship, and an appeara n c e in the NCAA Division III Tournament.

T w o Knights w e r e named All-SUN-

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YAC league players and four were named to the SUNYAC

All-Tournament team.

A defenseman in his time as a player, Lammers was a three-year team captain for the Geneseo Knights from 1994-98, serving as a co-captain in 1996 and 1997 before being named team captain in 1998. In his senior season, Lammers guided the Knights to a top-15 ranking in the NCAA and collected SUNYAC All-Conference Second Team accolades. He went on to play 99 games in the West Coast Hockey League (WCHL) from 1998-2000 with the Idaho Steelheads and Phoenix Mustangs. Traded from Idaho to Phoenix in the middle of the 1999-00 campaign, Lammers helped the Mustangs move up in the standings from last place to third place before eventually capturing the Taylor Cup as league champions.

A native of Pittsburgh, Pa., Lammers graduated from the State University of New York at Geneseo in 1998 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history. Lammers went on to continue his education while coaching at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell, where he received a Master of Education degree in higher education in 2015.

The Niagara hockey program enters its 22nd season

in 2017-18. A member of the Atlantic Hockey Conference (AHC), the Purple Eagles have advanced to the NCAA Tournament four times, including the first at-large berth by an AHC team in the 2012-13 season. Niagara has also won three conference titles and three regular season titles.

Senior forward Stephen Pietrobon agreed to an Amateur Tryout (ATO) with the Elmira Jackals of the ECHL. He played in 130 games in his four seasons totaling 19 goals and 25 assists for 44 points.

R.I.T. The Tigers announced their award winners at its annual end of the year banquet with junior Matt Abt winning the Tim Cordick Award as RIT’s top defenseman during the 2016-17 season. Abt enjoyed a strong ear for the Tigers, playing in all

37 games, recording 18 points on four goals and 14 assists to go along with 101 penalty minutes, third most in Division I. Erik Brown was awarded the Greg Moss Hard Hat Award for grit and determination. A sophomore, Brown enjoyed a breakout season, leading the team in scoring with 16 goals and 27 points.

The Dan Barrows Hockey Fan’s Choice Award was given to senior goaltender Mike Rotolo (Greece) after he played in 36 games recording 14 wins, while making 840 saves to go along with a pair of shutouts. He ends his RIT career as the all-time leader at the Division I level in games played (94), minutes played (5,503) and saves (2,355) and is second with 40 wins.

Senior forward Todd Skirving won RIT’s Green B. Williams Award for Academic Excellence. Freshman defenseman Adam Brubacher was named the Craig Lauzon Award winner as RIT’s Rookie of the Year. The 2016-17 Atlantic Hockey Conference Rookie of the Year appeared in all 37 games, recording 23 points on six goals and 17 assists, while playing at a plus-6. His 23 points are the third most among all RIT first-year defensemen since the Tigers moved to Division I in 2005.

Junior captain Brady Norrish earned the Art Thomas Leadership Award for outstanding leadership. Despite playing in only 21 games due to injury, Norrish earned Atlantic Hockey Second Team All-Conference honors in 2016-17.

One of RIT’s three captains, Norrish recorded a goal and 15 assists, while playing at a plus-7.

This year’s winner of the Louis Spiotti Coaches Award was senior Caleb Cameron, who appeared in 35 games this season, recording 20 goals on six goals and 14 assists and was second on the team with a plus-9 rating.

OTHER AREA NOTES: • Eden native Alex Iafallo of Minnesota-Duluth was named a 2016-2017 AHCA/CCM Hockey Men’s Division I First Team West All-American. He signed a two-year entry level contract with Los Angeles.

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2017 Putnam Awardees Named

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TYLER PUTNAM AWARDS

BY RANDY SCHULTZ

T

he Fourth Annual Tyler Putnam Awards were held in April at the Whitter House in Rochester. This year’s event honored 29 players from 29 high schools and hockey programs from around the Rochester and Syracuse area and hosted a record breaking 300+ people. It was a great experience for all involved and raised thousands of dollars for local charities.

The players honored included: Tyler Dellina,17, Aquinas High School; Travis Scroger, 18, Brighton High School; Alec Rockow, 18, Brockport High School; Matthew Carbary, 17, Canandaigua High School; Spencer Taft, 17, Canandaigua Youth Hockey.

Adelle Young, 14, Edge Girls Hockey; Michael Layer, 17, Fairport High School; Calvin Boily, 18, Greece Athena High School; Joe Attilli, 16, Greece Olympia High School.

Sam Sedia, 16, Hilton High School; Patrick Hynes, 17, Irondequoit High School; Scotty Nasca, 17, McQuaid High School; Matthew McCullough, 14, Monroe County Youth Hockey; Carson Fotheringham, 16, NewEdge Development Academy.

Ryan Fox, 17, Penfield High School; Robert Doyle, 17, Pittsford High School; Josh Hall, 13, Rochester Grizzlies Youth Hockey; J. J. Lemieux, 13, Rochester Youth Hockey.

Jonny Lomonaco, 12, Rochester Red Wings Youth Hockey; Owen King, 11, Rochester Monarchs Youth Hockey; Jacob Wood, 17, Spencerport High School; Blake Humphrey, 15, Syracuse Nationals Hockey.

Trevor Wiesner, 15, Tri-County Youth Hockey; Rebecca Audi, 17, Webster Youth Hockey; Maxx Wildey, 18, Webster Schroeder High School; Ryan Babineau, 17, Webster Thomas High School; Georgie Stathopouls, 16, Victor High School; Jonathan Entelisano,

18, Rochester Junior Monarchs.

The Josh Opladen Goaltender Award, given in memory of Loshua Opladen, was awarded to Ryan Babineau, 17, Webster Thomas Titans Hockey.

Tyler Putnam’s dream was to play for his High School Hockey team, The Irondequoit Eagles, Junior Hockey, Division I Hockey and ultimately Professional Hockey. Tyler was able to realize two of those dreams, having played for The Irondequoit Eagles as an eighth and ninth grader and then with the Maksymum Junior team here in Rochester, NY. At the conclusion of his first Junior season, Tyler was well on his way of realizing his next dream as he was offered roster spots on five Junior A teams from Rochester, Minnesota to San Diego, California.

In July of 2011, Tyler’s hockey dreams ended tragically when he died of an illness called “meningococcemia”, which is an infection that affects the bloodstream. Tyler Putnam was known for his high energy, incredible work ethic, and desire to achieve his goals.

Tyler has been memorialized with a banner hanging above the ice at a local hockey arena as well as by a memorial helmet sticker that dawns the symbol of a hard hat – a symbol of Tyler’s hard work and dedication to the game that he loved.

The NewEdge Hockey Training Company awards a Tyler Putnam Award to each player from the above listed organizations and programs who exemplifies hard work, commitment, and dedication to the game of hockey.

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62

UB WINS SECOND CHAMPIONSHIP IN-A-ROW

BY RANDY SCHULTZ

W

ho knew?

That was the question that was asked last year after the University of Buffalo men’s club hockey team that plays in the National Collegiate Hockey Association won their first Founders Cup Championship.

Who would have guessed?

Ironically, it is the same two questions that are being asked again this year, but for a different reason.

Who would have thought that this same UB men’s club hockey team would win the Founders Cup for the second year in-a-row?

Bulls coach, Edd Kirchberger, knew that players he had and the talent they possessed. But when you are coaching a club hockey team, there are a lot of variables you have to work with that Division I or III coaches don’t.

“We don’t have the budget that D1 and DIII schools have to work with,” said Kirchberger. “So we try to do as much as we can with less.

“We are funded by the student body or in some cases, self-funded. And we are all volunteers on the

coaching staff.

“For me, it was my family. I couldn’t have done it without their support.

“They were there for me all season, especially in the playoffs. I thank them for that.”

Kirchberger felt there were three things that went into the success of this year’s team.

“We go by three things: character, respect and discipline,” commented Kirchberger. “The more you stay out of the penalty box you will play hockey.

“The one big thing about this year’s team is that they never quit. No matter what the score was.

(Continued on Page 64)

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Lukey Gould Tournament Photo Page

there to encourage him and soon Walter was up again and skating around the rink.

While he didn’t go on to an NHL career, Walter played several years of organized hockey including several seasons with the Jr. Purple Eagles and Starpoint Spartans High School Team.

But Walter had goals for himself that included becoming a lawyer. Following three years of college, Walter took an exam that got him into the Law Enforcement Academy and eventually a position as a Sheriff’s Deputy.

On November 11, 2016 an off-duty Deputy Walter happened to be driving by the scene of an accident and immediately pulled over to see if he could be of assistance. Deputy Walter, along with two neighbors, rushed to the vehicle to assist the conscious driver in an attempt to free him from the vehicle.

Player Recognized for Saving A Life NICHOLAS WALTER IS 2017 LAWMAN OF THE YEAR

BY RANDY SCHULTZ

N

icholas Walter has an interesting background, one that includes hockey. He still plays the game as part of the Niagara County Sheriff’s Hockey Team. But hockey is just a small part of the strong foundation that led Walter, a Niagara County Sherriff’s Deputy, to win Lawman of the Year for 2017.

It was over two decades ago when Walter’s foundation began to be built through the efforts of hockey.

When Walter was almost four years old, he hit the ice for the first time. He was enrolled in a learn to skate program at Niagara University’s Dwyer Arena.

Like most kids his age Walter used a mini-walker to help him skate around the rink. It wasn’t long before he dropped the walker and was skating on his own.

By the time the sessions were over with, young Walter was skating on his own. Although he would occasionally fall on the ice, his coach was always

Walter with his future brother-in-law, Evan McKinney!

(Photo by Ashley)

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Walter continued from previous page

Due to the impact of the crash, the vehicle’s engine had been pushed back into the vehicle, pinning the legs of the victim. Deputy Walter, along with one of the neighbors, was able to free the driver’s legs and pull him from the vehicle.

Immediately after the victim was removed, flames spread through the vehicle’s cabin where the victim UB Continued from Page 61

‘It didn’t matter if they were leading or trailing.

They never quit.”

Early on in the season the Bulls did need a bit of a wake-up call.

“I think the players thought, a champions, they could run the table, so to speak,” said Kirchberger.

“But we got beat by ECC (Erie Community College), 8-0.

“That was our wake-up call. We played much better after that game.”

Was it tougher to win with a home ice advantage?

was seated. If not for Deputy Walter, and the neighbors who assisted, the victim would have lost his life.

For his efforts, Deputy Walter earned the Lawman of the Year Award from the Judges and Police Executives Conference of Niagara County.

Congratulations to Sheriff Walter who has certainly come a long way since his beginning skating days.

He is a hero in the truest sense of the word.

“Yes it was,” answered the UB head coach. “With the parents and friends in the stands watching and cheering the team on, I think they felt a bit more pressure than winning last year’s championship on the road.”

Where do the UB Bulls go from here?

“Up,” answered Kirchberger. “I think that is the only way we can go.

“Maybe a three-peat. Who knows?

“I just want the guys to go out and have fun.

They’ve done that for the past two years with great results.

“We’ll see what happens next season and hope for the best.”

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