May-June 2016 nyhol

NY HOCKEY MAY-JUNE 2016 VOLUME 5 ISSUE 8

E-MAGAZINE

Lukey Tournament • Scott Tournament • Police and Fire Tournament in Buffalo • Bowman Cup Highlights • College News • Player Features

Your Source For NYS Hockey News!

NY HOCKEY E-Magazine

In This Issue...

Aviator Move...............................37 Book Review/Rangers................ 5 Bowman Cup..............................68 Cass Park Renno.........................33 Central New York.......................21 Collins............................................19 Durant...........................................18 Eastern New York.......................35 Hyde Park Arena........................66 Lukey Tourney............................54 Mundinger...................................36 NA3HL...........................................51 Northern New York...................44 NWHL............................................... 6 Police Fire Tourney....................60 Potsdam/Troy-Albany..............49 Rink to Runway...........................40 Scott Tourney..............................71 Snowbelt JAM.............................22 Syracuse Blazers.........................29 Tifenwerth....................................11 Toews.............................................12 Tuch......................................... 13/14 USA Sled Team............................15 UB Champions............................16 Western New York.....................50

Dear Reader:

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 you will read about the Bowman Cup results, the makeover that has taken place with the Hyde Park Ice Complex as well as the results from the first-ever Fire and Police Hockey Tournament that was held in Buffalo.

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, Frozen Four news, USA sled hockey results, the Jeffrey Scott Memorial Tournament as well as well as the Luke Gould Memorial Tourney.

I would also like to thank our sponsors including Perry’s Ice Cream, Ford’s Howell Motors, Janosz Goaltending 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. The deadline for that is June 23.

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

NY Hockey On-Line (E-Magazine) 3663 Irish Road Wilson, New York 14172 716-751-6524 nyhockeyonline@ nyhockeyonline.com

Columnists Warren Kozireski, Wkozires@brockport.edu Janet Schultz Randy Schultz Rob Sedia Chuck Gridley

Publisher &Managing Editor Randy Schultz Randy@nyhockeyonline.com

NY Hockey OnLine is an equal opportunity employer.

Contents 2015-16 NY Hockey Online All rights reserved

Designer/Photographer Janet Schultz Janet@nyhockeyonline.com

NY Hockey OnLine is published monthly at no charge and can be accessed via the publication’s website www.nyhockeyonline.com

www.nyhockeyonline.com

www.nyhockeyonline.com

Around New York State / Page 4

WNY Boys Varsity All Bee Team: Kenmore East Head Coach Kyle Pray joins the 2016 All-Bee Boys Hockey Team honorees Williamsville East’s Mike Steffan, Kenmore East’s Cullen Smyth and Player of the Year Trevor Pray, Orchard Park’s Thomas Held, St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute’s Jack Lalley, Williamsville North’s Derek Westbrook, Williamsville South’s Jeff Browne and co-coach of the year, Williamsville North’s Bob Rosen.

(This team is selected by Bee Publications of Buffalo.)

alt s a th secandy ls i w am onge retze e r c e c i p sp Vanilla el swirls, -coated caramand fudge pieces

Try it today!

www.nyhockeyonline.com

S

Book Review / Page 5

tan Fischler has certainly written his fair share of hockey-related books over the years.

His latest book, “New York

by Randy Schultz Rangers: Greatest Moments Randy@nyhockeyonline.com and Players” may be one of his finest written accom“New York Rangers: plishments.

When it comes to New Greatest Moments York City-based hockey hisand Players” tory, there is no one more knowledgeable than the

by Stan Fischler “Hockey Maven.” For more than half a century (sixtyplus years) Fischler has covered hockey in the New York metropolitan area.

With “New York Rangers: Greatest Moments and Players,” Fischler covers the entire history of the team from its beginnings right up to the team that went to the 2015 Stanley Cup Finals. He presents it in a very interesting way as well.

He writes about the great players of the past and present, as well as coaches and general managers of the team. Fischler also dug into his archives to pull out some of the great face-to-face interviews he’s done over the years and make it part of the oral history of the Rangers portion of the book.

I especially enjoyed the oral history of the book, reading about the Rangers from the people who were a big part of the team’s history. And if there is anyone who could get the most

NY Hockey Book Review

out of interviewees it is Fischler, who has never been shy about asking the direct questions.

The author also took the time to pull out the greatest moments, as well as personalities in the team’s history. And it wouldn’t be a Fischler book if he didn’t add a little debate which is shown in the chapter on the Three Greatest Rangers Teams.

I also enjoyed the photos in the book as well as the interesting separate tidbits of information provided in each chapter.

All told, it is a book I would recommend for all Rangers fans to read and for any hockey history fan to add to their collection.

Even though there have been many books written on the Rangers over the years, this one seems to simply pull everything together under one title.

www.nyhockeyonline.com

Around New York State / Page 6

Around the NWHL

Free Agent Camps Announced for Summer 2016

NEW YORK, NY— The National Women’s Hockey League has announced dates for three Free Agent Camps leading into the 2016-2017 season.

Players who register for Free Agency via the NWHL website are eligible for selection to Free Agent camps held in the off season. General managers will contact free agents to invite them to camps on a caseby-case basis.

Unrestricted free agents are players who have graduated from college or the equivalent, were not drafted by an NWHL club, and are not currently under contract.

Two of the camps will consist of on and off-ice training sessions in Newark, NJ and Buffalo, NY. The final camp will be a Prospects & Pros tournament featuring new and returning players. All three camps are open to the public. Dates and locations: Newark, New Jersey Barnabas Health Hockey House at Prudential Center June 10 - 12 Buffalo, New York HarborCenter June 24 - 26 Wilmington, Massachusetts Ristuccia Arena July 22 - 24 Restricted free agency began April 1 and lasts until April 30. Free agency begins May 1 and lasts until July 31. The 2016 NWHL Draft is June 18.

First Players Re-Sign Jordan Smelker is the first player to sign a contract with the Boston Pride for the 2016-17 season, General Manager Hayley Moore announced Wednesday.

Smelker and the Pride agreed to terms on a one-year, $14,000 contract.

“Jordan is a consistent offensive force on the ice,” said Moore. “Her strength and speed fit well into our style of play, and her work ethic makes her very wellrespected by her teammates. We are happy to welcome Jordan back to the pack!”

Smelker appeared in 17 regular season games for the Pride, scoring 19 points (9g, 10a), as well as all four playoff games, where she added two assists.

“I couldn’t be happier to sign on for another year with the Pride,” said Smelker. “It’s a special team to be a part of and I can’t wait for hockey season to start up again.”

The Boston Pride finished the inaugural season in first place with a 14-3-1 record. In the first round of the Isobel Cup playoffs, the Pride defeated the New York Riveters on their way to a two game sweep of the Buffalo Beauts to win the championship.

www.nyhockeyonline.com

Babstock Whale

Resigns

with

Kelly Babstock has become the first player to sign a contract for the 2016-2017 National Women’s Hockey League season, Connecticut Whale General Manager Lisa Giovanelli announced Monday.

Babstock and the Whale agreed to terms on a one-year, $21,000 contract.

“Kelly Babstock is a power forward and was a huge part of our offense this past season,” said Giovanelli. “Her hard work and tenacity on the forecheck set up a lot of scoring opportunities for us.

We are very fortunate to have her back in a Whale jersey, as she will continue to be someone we look to to bring a spark to our offense.”

Babstock appeared in all 18 regular season games for the Whale.

Her 22 points (9g, 13a) tied her for first on the team with forward Kelli Stack. Babstock also lead the team in playoff scoring with 4 goals in

Around New York State / Page 7 3 games against the Buffalo Beauts in the semifinal round.

“I am very excited to be back with the Whale next season,” said Babstock. “Last year was a lot of fun and some really good hockey, but I am ready to be a part of taking this league to the next level. I think the competition level is only going to increase.”

The Connecticut Whale finished their inaugural season in second place with a 13-5-0 record.

“I want to bring my best game every game, and bring my high energy to push us to the next level,” said Babstock. “I think our first year gave us a strong foundation and personally, getting back into the game after a year off has made me ready to really push my limits and contribute to making this year better than the year before.”

Riveters Re-Sign Johnston and Dosdall

Ashley Johnston and Kiira Dosdall are returning to the New

York Riveters for the 2016-2017 NWHL season, General Manager Chad Wiseman announced Tuesday. Johnston and Dosdall, who both logged major minutes on the blue line last year, each signed oneyear contracts worth $13,500.

“Johnston earned the respect of her teammates not only due to her competitive nature and work ethic on the ice, but how she handled herself as a professional off the ice as well,” said Wiseman. “Stretch (Johnston) rose to the occasion last season facing opposing teams’ top lines. We’re thrilled to have her back.”

Johnston recorded 7 points (1g, 6a) in 16 regular season games for the Riveters last season and appeared in both playoffs games against the Boston Pride. The Burlington, Ontario native was also honored for her leadership as the first Riveter to wear the “C”.

“Next year, I hope to bring leadership and a never-give-up work ethic,” said Johnston. “I’m ecstatic to be back with Riveters and can’t wait to start getting some W’s.”

Dosdall appeared in all 18 regular season and both playoff games for the Riveters, notching a total of 8 points (2g, 6a).

“Dosdall may have been one of the most underrated defensemen in the league last season,” said Wiseman. “She is a big strong physical presence, has a great first pass, sees the ice well and has a great attitude. We expect Kiira to continue to be part of our leadership group this coming season.”

“I am incredibly honored and

www.nyhockeyonline.com excited to be signing a new contract with the Riveters,” said Dosdall. “I can’t wait to build off the momentum of the inaugural season and, together with the returning players, further cement the core value of Riveters hockey: hard work, modesty and teamwork.”

The Riveters finished their inaugural season in last place place with a 4-12-2 record. In the Isobel Cup semifinals, they faced the top-seeded Boston Pride and dropped the three-games series in two games.

Coaching, Management Changes The NWHL announced several changes in the front office and on the bench for the upcoming season.

Buffalo Beauts

Ric Seiling has been named General Manager of the Buffalo Beauts, NWHL Commissioner Dani Rylan announced Wednesday.

“Ric Seiling brings a wealth of professional hockey experience to the National Women’s Hockey League,” said Commissioner Rylan. “We’re thrilled to have him back for the 2016-

Around New York State / Page 8 2017 season as both a coach and general manager.”

Ric Seiling and Shelley Looney served as co-coaches of the Beauts last season, and guided Buffalo to an upset over the Connecticut Whale in the semifinals of the Isobel Cup playoffs.

Seiling’s professional career spanned 10 years in the NHL with the Buffalo Sabres and the Detroit Red Wings, after which he transitioned into a coaching role in the American Hockey League.

“Last season we championed what Buffalo is about: hard work and never give up attitude,” said Seiling. “This work ethic took us to the Isobel Cup finals, and we will look to build on that success and bring the Cup home to Buffalo.”

Riveters

Chad Wiseman has been named General Manager of the New York Riveters, NWHL Commissioner Dani Rylan announced Thursday.

“Chad brings a wealth of hockey knowledge to his general manager role with the New York Riveters,” said Commissioner Rylan. “We’re excited to bring him back for a second year.”

The Riveters finished the season in last place with a 4-12-2 record and lost to the Boston Pride in the first round of the Isobel Cup Finals.

“I am very excited and honored to take on the GM role for the New York Riveters,” said Chad Wiseman.

“The continued and rapid growth of this league and women’s hockey makes for a very exciting time in this sport. I couldn’t be more thrilled to be part of it.”

Wiseman brings 14 years of professional hockey experience to his role with the New York Riveters. The Burlington, Ontario native has logged games in the NHL and AHL as well as professional leagues in Europe and Asia.

“The groundwork was set for the New York Riv-

www.nyhockeyonline.com eters in the inaugural season,” said Wiseman. “Our team model was based off hard work, discipline, accountability and most importantly, character. The core group of character players that will be returning are the leaders we want to set examples for the new, young athletes coming into our organization.”

Connecticut Whale Lisa Giovanelli has been named General Manager of the Connecticut Whale, NWHL Commissioner Dani Rylan announced recently.

“Lisa Giovanelli is an integral part of the Connecticut Whale organization, and we’re excited to have her return for the 2016-2017 season as general manager and assistant coach,” said Commissioner Rylan.

Giovanelli served as assistant coach of the Whale last season, guiding the team to a 13-5-0 regular season record.

“I’m very honored and excited to continue as assistant coach and to add the role of GM for this upcoming season,” said Giovanelli. “I’m proud to have been a part of the inaugural season of the NWHL and I truly believe that the best is yet to come for our sport, this league, and for the Connecticut Whale organization.”

A native of West Haven, CT, Giovanelli previously was the assistant coach of the Quinnipiac Bobcats, and has won five gold medals, three silver and two bronze with the U.S. Women’s Inline Hockey Team. During her collegiate career with the Northeastern Huskies, Giovanelli was named MVP of the Beanpot and was named assistant captain her senior year.

“To build our team this year I’m looking for players who have great character and will help us create good team chemistry on and off the ice,” said Giovanelli. “The talent level is going to be even higher than it was this past season, so to be successful we need to be committed to working hard every shift and playing disciplined in every zone.”

Boston Pride

Hayley Moore will return as General Manager of the Boston Pride, NWHL Commissioner Dani Ry-

Around New York State / Page 9 lan announced Thursday.

“Hayley Moore returning as GM of the Boston Pride is an auspicious first step for the Isobel Cup champions to build on the success of their first season,” said Commissioner Rylan.

The Boston Pride finished the regular season with an impressive 14-3-1 record before sweeping both the New York Riveters and Buffalo Beauts to win the inaugural Isobel Cup. “I am so thrilled to be joining the Pride again for the 2016-2017 season,” said Hayley Moore. “The future of women’s hockey is brighter than ever, and I am honored to be a part of creating that future.”

Moore played her collegiate career with Brown University, where she was a four-time All-Ivy League selection. She began her coaching career at UMassBoston before being named head coach at St. Mark’s School and then landing at Harvard University for the 2012-2014 seasons.

“After the success of the inaugural season, we look to continue our momentum and carry on the winning traditions of Boston’s professional sports teams,” said Moore. “Boston fans have rallied around us through many ups and downs this season, and we can’t thank them enough for their support.”

Harrington Re-Signs With Buffalo Paige Harrington is the first player to sign a contract with the Buffalo Beauts for the 2016-2017 season, General Manager Ric Seiling announced Monday.

Harrington and the Beauts agreed to terms on a oneyear, $10,000 contract.

“Paige is a player that we saw great growth in last year,” said Seiling. “She was assigned a shutdown role and did an excellent job for us. We look forward to her continued growth and expect her to be an intricate part of our blue line core.”

Harrington appeared in all 18 regular season and all 5 playoff games for the Beauts. The Mansfield, MA native contributed three assists during the regular season.

“I am thrilled to be back on the blue line with the Beauts and feel very honored to have the opportunity to play another season in the NWHL,” said Har-

www.nyhockeyonline.com

Around New York State / Page 10 rington. “ We had a good run last season and it was amazing to play in the NWHL finals. I hope next season we can bring home the Isobel Cup to Buffalo.”

The Buffalo Beauts finished their inaugural season in third place with a 5-9-4 record. In the first round of the Isobel Cup Playoffs, the Beauts upset the second seed Connecticut Whale in three games and went on to face the Boston Pride in the finals. The Beauts lost the series in two games.

Boston Pride Sign Dempsey

Jillian Dempsey has signed a contract with the Boston Pride for the 2016-17 season, General Manager Hayley Moore announced Tuesday. Dempsey and the Pride agreed to terms on a one-year, $13,000 contract.

“Jill is the epitome of hard work and passion,” said Moore. “Her relentless and consistent play will make her a great contributor again next season.”

Dempsey played in all 18 regular season games with the Pride, where she contributed 14 points (7g, 7a). In the playoffs, Dempsey added another 5 points (2g, 3a) in four games played.

The Boston Pride finished the inaugural season in first place with a 14-3-1 record. In the first round of the Isobel Cup playoffs, the Pride defeated the New York Riveters on their way to a two game sweep of the Buffalo Beauts to win the championship.

Riveters Trade The New York Riveters and Connecticut Whale of the National Women’s Hockey League have traded the rights to Hannah Brandt and Dana Trivigno, General Managers Chad Wiseman and Lisa Giovanelli announced.

Brandt (Minnesota) is a first round pick by the Whale, chosen second overall in the 2015 NWHL Draft. In four years with the Gophers, the forward collected 285 points (115g, 170a) in 158 games.

Trivigno (Boston College) was drafted in the fourth round, thirteenth overall, by the Riveters. At BC, the forward scored 138 points (57g, 81a) in 148 games. Trivigno recently earned a gold medal with USA Hockey at the IIHF Women’s World Championship.

In addition, the Whale will receive a $2,000 draft tax towards their salary cap from the Riveters, as negotiated by Wiseman and Giovanelli.

Brandt and Trivigno may continue any contract negotiations already in progress with their new club. This is the second trade between the Riveters and Whale this offseason, who traded second round picks Haley Skarupa and Michelle Picard earlier.

www.nyhockeyonline.com

Around New York State / Page 11

The question of whether he would still be able to play hockey was obvious, but the long rehab was just as big a question.

Two years later he is playing a regular shift and chipped in with two goals and three assists in the postseason.

“The way our team runs our system everybody is important. Everybody has to chip in for us to be successful and that’s why we are where we are. That’s why we only had three losses on the year.

Tiefenwerth played his junior and senior year in prep school for Avon Old Farms where he won the New England championship before playing for the Junior Bruins where he ranked third in the he top-two lines in

By Warren Kozireski EJHL with 77 points and third hockey are usually the with 30 goals one year after bescorers—those depended ing named the league’s Rookie of on to put points on the scoreboard. the Year.

The fourth line is often called the en And he played for the Long Island ergy line, seeing maybe three shifts per period Royals when he was younger. and called to give the rest of the team a blow and cre- “It’s cool to see that they are still a powerhouse on ate havoc.

Long Island and that players are still becoming better Then there’s the third line. and better and getting recognized. A lot of guys like Often not talked about; sometimes not even noticed. Sonny (Milano), (Brandon) Fortunato and others are Can walk down Main St. in the middle of the season doing good for the sport on Long Island and it’s cool and not be recognized. to skate with those guys in the summer.

But essential to the success of any team.

“I went to Fairfield when I was about 12, but I Bellmore native and junior right wing K.J. Tief- learned most about hockey when I was younger with enwerth has had a breakout campaign with a career the Royals. high seven goals and 13 assists in helping Quinnipiac “It’s cool when you go to a rink and kids in the University earn the number one ranking in the nation area know who you are, they message you on social and a spot in the Frozen Four in Tampa. media or you go to help out at a hockey camp locally.

“It’s always a dream to play Division I and, when They’re looking up to you because I remember when you actually get there, the main goal is to get to the I was that age when a Division I player came you Frozen Four and win a national championship and looked at him like he was the next-best thing.

I’m fortunate enough to be here and actually achiev- “To follow in those footsteps and leave a little trail ing that,” he said. behind is cool.”

But his story goes much deeper.

Originally committed to UMass, he changed his (Photo Credit: Sam Anas Photos) mind when the Minutemen switched coaches and decided to go to Quinnipiac after his freshman season.

That meant sitting out one year per NCAA transfer NY HOCKEY rules.

It was during that period when going for a routine physical that doctors discovered a heart defect which led to open heart surgery during the summer of 2013.

T

Bellmore’sTiefenwerth Helps Make Quinnipiac Go!

Your Source For NYS Hockey News!

E-Magazine

www.nyhockeyonline.com

ISLANDERS PICK TOEWS IMPRESSING

By Warren Kozireski

T

he New York Islanders selected Quinnipiac defenseman Devon (pronounced “da-von”) Toews in the fourth round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft and, based on the past two years, they may have found a diamond.

Named to the ECAC All-League Second Team this past season after he led all conference defenseman in points per game, power play assists, power play points and plus/minus (+30--the only defenseman at +20 or higher), Toews helped the Bobcats win the Cleary and Whitelaw Cups as regular season and playoff champs in the ECAC as well as the number one ranking in the country.

They advanced all the way to the Frozen Four in Tampa where they find themselves in the championship game after defeating Boston College in the semis.

“It’s a pretty cool experience coming here and being the one seed, getting the locker room (the top seed is using the home NHL locker room of the Lightning), seeing what it’s like and the facilities.

“I feel like I’ve had a good year. I feel like I’ve learned a lot over the last two-three years here at Quinnipiac and I feel like I’ve developed a lot. The

Around New York State / Page 12 coaching staff has taught me a lot and heled me grow as a player on and off the ice.

The 6’1” 180 lb. Toews isn’t just putting up points however, though he did lead all ECAC blueliners in third period points. His number is regularly called on as the top D-pair on the penalty kill and when his team is protecting a one goal lead late in games.

It was a good thing for him and the Islanders that he took the time to find Hamden, Connecticut four years ago since he didn’t know where it was.

“Absolutely no idea. I was playing junior hockey in Surrey (British Columbia) and my coach, Matt Erhart, played for Rand (Quinnipiac head coach Pecknold) for four years as a defenseman. They said they wanted to bring me out for a visit, so out comes Google looking where Quinnipiac is and how far this flight is going to be.

“I’ve loved every second of it.”

(Photo Credit: Sam Anas Photos)

Your Source For NYS Hockey News!

NY HOCKEY E-Magazine

www.nyhockeyonline.com

Around New York State / Page 13

Tuch Feels It Is The Right Time To Make Jump To Pros

By Evan Sporer – Digital Content Coordinator / View From the Lighthouse DALLAS — Minnesota Wild prospect Alex Tuch, according to General Manager Chuck Fletcher, has something you can’t teach.

Fletcher and the Wild are hoping those intangibles, plus the lessons Tuch has learned will turn him into an effective pro.

Tuch, who just finished his sophomore season at Boston College, signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Wild on Wednesday.

The 18th pick in the 2014 NHL Draft, Tuch scored 32 goals as a collegiate in two seasons, and a week after Boston College lost in the 2016 Frozen Four to Qunnipiac in the national semifinal, Tuch decided it was time to make the jump to the next level. “(It was) several phone calls with my agent, my parents, Chuck Fletcher, Brad Bobardir, and meetings with my coaches here,” Tuch said. “Just a lot of thought went into it. It’s been in the back of my mind the past month or two, but I wasn’t really thinking about it. I was mostly thinking about playing here at Boston College, and the Frozen Four. As soon as that ended I had to flip the switch and think about what I wanted to do moving forward. I felt that I was ready to make the jump into my next challenge.”

Tuch, a 6-foot-4, 225 pound rightshot is a player the Wild projects to be a power forward, the likes of which are coveted at the NHL level.

“It’s just difficult to find players with his size and skill level,” Fletcher said. “He can protect the puck well down low, he has good hands around the net, and he can score goals. Like every team, we’re obviously looking to upgrade our size and skill, and Alex brings both of those elements to the

table.”

Tuch said he matured as both a player and a person in his second season at Chestnut Hill. He got off to a slow start, on the heels of recovering from an offseason knee injury, which healed just before Tuch went back to Boston from his native New York.

“My last month or two has probably been my best I’ve had at Boston College so far,” Tuch said. “The experience I had playing for Boston College, training during the summer last summer after Development Camp, and even some of my failures such as getting cut from World Juniors and not getting invited to that have really made me mature as a person, and as a player.

“I’ve learned from my mistakes and my successes.”

Fletcher said he’s also noticed Tuch has improved in some of the small details of his game.

“His game has just evolved in college,” Fletcher said. “Jerry York and

the coaching staff at BC has worked hard with Alex with respect to his game away from the puck, and playing sound, positional hockey. Working on stops and starts, and managing the puck better in certain situations, and those areas have improved.”

Tuch joins a group of recent firstround Wild draft picks that includes Joel Eriksson Ek (2015), Matt Dumba (2012), Jonas Brodin (2010), and Mikael Granlund (2009) to have gone on and signed with the Wild.

“Our scouting staff has done a good job of drafting players,” Fletcher said. “I’ve certainly traded away some of our picks the past few years, and I haven’t given them as many bullets with which to work, but they’ve done a great job of delivering on the picks that I’ve left them, and in particular our first round picks have been really strong.”

Like every player to have come to North America on that list, Tuch is hoping to follow in their footsteps and make his NHL debut in Minnesota.

Tuch is eligible to practice with the Minnesota Wild’s Black Aces, but cannot play in a 2016 Stanley Cup Playoff game.

But he already has his sights set on making the roster come the 2016-17 season.

“I hope I’m ready to make the jump,” he said. “I’m going to work as hard as possible to play for a spot in the Fall, and we’ll see where it takes me.”

(Reprinted with permission of the Minnesota Wild) Your Source For NYS Hockey News!

NY HOCKEY E-Magazine

www.nyhockeyonline.com

Around New York State / Page 14

Alex Tuch Helps Eagles to Frozen Four

B

aldwinsville native and Boston College sophomore Alex Tuch was a huge part of the Eagles winning the NCAA Northeast Regional and to the 25th Frozen Four in program history before they fell to Quinnipiac.

He cut a 2-0 Bobcat lead with his 18th goal of the season just 23 seconds into the second period and had four shots on goal in the team’s final game. With his 16 assists, that gave him 33 points.

“Yeah, we were a little nervous in the first period, Tuch said about the semi-final. “We are a pretty young team.

Half our team has been here and half our team hasn’t. A little bit different situation. Coach (Jerry) York just came in and said we have to keep battling, get down on pucks, be a lot simpler and just start our work. I think we really did in the second and third.”

“We tried to battle back, so I thought we did a good job turning the game around a little bit.”

A first round pick by Minnesota in 2014, Tuch is a product of the U.S. National Development Program where he was the second leading scorer. Prior to that he played travel hockey in the Syracuse area before going the junior hockey route at 15 years old with the Syracuse Stars.

This year the 6’4”, 220 lb. right wing has stepped up his contributions. One reason the Wild projects him in the NHL moving forward is using his large frame to screen the goaltender—especially with the man-advantage— along with his work along the boards.

“Slow start for me production wise, but I played a little more aggressive and a little more power forward style and I think that really helped my second half of the year.”

Boston College was always on his radar since he was young.

“I remember watching them in the 2001 national championship game—I remember the gold jerseys—so that was something I always looked forward to.

“Going to the Frozen Four is something I always wanted to do as a kid, so I was very excited and honored to be a part of it.”

Your Source For NYS Hockey News!

NY HOCKEY E-Magazine

www.nyhockeyonline.com

Around New York State / Page 15

U.S. Defeats Canada To Win 2016 IPC Pan-Pacifics BUFFALO, N.Y. — Declan Farmer (Tampa, Fla.) scored twice and Steve Cash (Overland, Mo.) made 10 saves as the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team defeated Canada, 4-1, at Buffalo’s HARBORCENTER to claim the 2016 IPC Sled Hockey Pan-Pacific Championship.

With the victory, the United States has now won the last five major international events, also including the 2016 World Sled Hockey Challenge in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia; the 2015 IPC Sled Hockey World Championship in Buffalo, New York; the 2015 World Sled Hockey Challenge in Leduc, Alberta; and the 2014 Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia.

“There’s nothing better than winning a championship on home ice,” said Jeff Sauer, head coach of the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team. “This performance was a continuation from last night’s play and I’m happy to see our players close the season the way they did.”

After a scoreless first period, Farmer opened the scoring 5:57 into the second stanza when he followed up on a rebound and batted home the loose puck. The goal was his 12th of the season, setting a new U.S. record for most goals by player in a single season.

Chris Douglas (Saint Cloud, Fla.) gave the U.S. a 2-0 lead just 2:15 later with his first goal as a member of the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team. Luke McDermott (Westerlo, N.Y.) won the draw at the left faceoff dot allowing Douglas to pick up the puck and tuck it under the crossbar.

Team USA extended its lead to 3-0 with 2:46 remaining in the middle frame when Brody Roybal (Northlake, Ill.) skated over the blue line and dropped the puck back to Farmer who weaved around a Canadian defender and fired a wrist shot into the upper corner of the net on the blocker side.

Cash’s shutout bid ended with 3:29 remaining in the third period when Tyler McGregor scored from the left face-off dot.

Kevin McKee (Chicago, Ill.) scored an empty-net goal with 1:27 remaining to account for the 4-1 final.

NOTES: Chris Douglas (Saint Cloud, Fla.) was named the U.S. Player of the Game … Team USA outshot Canada, 15-11 … For complete game stats, click here … Josh Pauls (Green Brook, N.J.) was named Best Defender of the Tournament and Declan Farmer (Tampa, Fla.) was named Best Forward of the Tournament, as selected by the Directorate … To get additional information on the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team, click here.

2016 IPC Sled Hockey Pan-Pacific Championship • Date Tue., March 29 Wed., March 30 Fri., Apr. 1 Sat., Apr. 2

Opponent Result Team Pan-Pacific W, 8-0 Canada L, 1-2 Korea W, 8-0 Canada Championship Game W, 4-1

(Press Release Courtesy USA Hockey)

Your Source For NYS Hockey News!

NY HOCKEY E-Magazine

www.nyhockeyonline.com

Around New York State / Page 16

UB Brings Home The Hardware

By Randy Schultz

W

ho knew?

It started out with a hockey meeting for anyone interested in trying out for the University of Buffalo men’s club hockey team that plays in the National Collegiate Hockey Association.

The team’s season would end nearly seven months later, a little over 320 miles away in Newark, Ohio with the Bulls skating off the ice as NCHA Founders Cup champions.

Who would have guessed?

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.

“I have to give a lot of credit to my two assistant coaches, Jim Eagan and Rick Walker. They were tremendous to work with.

“We practice twice a week and play our games on weekends. Our practices were usually at six in the morning. Very few players missed practices.

“We started the season with 30 players on the team. By the time we made it to the Nationals we had 28, which included all of our starters as well as those who are designated as practice players.”

As for the regular season, the team started out winning nine straight. Following a mild slump, the Bulls turned things around in the late stages of the season.

“The players had a team meeting,” recalled Kirhberger. “They were very critical of themselves and knew that they could do better.

“And things did turn around after that.”

www.nyhockeyonline.com

Around New York State / Page 17

Six teams travelled to Ohio to play for the Founders Cup. The six included UB, Penn St. Altoona, St. Vincent College Polar Bearcats, Union Dutchman, Otterbein Cardinals and California Lutheran University Knights.

UB and Penn State had byes in the first round thanks to their undefeated preliminary records. In the second round UB faced Union College. The two teams were deadlocked at 2-2 at the end of regulation time.

“It was hockey at its finest,” stated Kirchberger. “In the first overtime we played five-on-five and couldn’t score.

“We went to our second overtime at four-on-four and still didn’t resolve anything. We then went to our third overtime with the teams being three-on-three.”

At the 1:21 mark of the third OT period, James Faren scored for UB and give them a 3-2 victory over Union College.

The next day UB faced Penn State. UB hit the scoreboard first in the opening period on goals by Dan Edmonds and Cody Teijiera.

The Bulls added a third goal in the second stanza by Andrew Murchison. Nick Makarowsky added a final goal for UB in the third period as the Bulls defeated Penn State, 4-2 and won their first ever Founders Cup Championship.

In addition, Bulls goalie, Dave Nowak, was named MVP for the championship tournament.

It capped off a successful hockey campaign for UB.

“During that NCHA Founders Cup Championship weekend our team played with a great deal of character,” remarked the UB head coach. “I had told our seniors on the team that this would be their last shot.

“The whole team came together. You could see it when the

final buzzer went off.

“There was looks of relief on their faces. You could see that all of the hard work they had put in during the season paid off in the end.

“A coach couldn’t ask for any more than those players gave. They were champions.”

Your Source For NYS Hockey News!

NY HOCKEY E-Magazine

www.nyhockeyonline.com

NYS PLAYER NAMED TO USA HOCKEY INTERNSHIP

U

SA Hockey announced that Pat Durant (Norfolk, N.Y.) has been named the 18th recipient of the Brian Fishman Internship. Durant’s experience will include 12 months in the communications division at USA Hockey’s national office in Colorado, Springs, Colorado, beginning in late June, with the second 12 months of the internship spent in the communications department at USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program in Plymouth, Michigan.

The Brian Fishman Internship is awarded annually to an outstanding college graduate pursuing a career in athletic communications. It was established in 1999 in honor of the late Brian Fishman, who served as the manager of communications and marketing for USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program. He died unexpectedly on Jan. 7, 1999, at the age of 28.

“I want to thank the Fishman family and USA Hockey for this tremendous opportunity,” Durant said. “Being selected as the next Brian Fishman intern is a tremendous honor and I am thrilled to carry on Brian’s legacy by emulating his dedication and passion to the game of hockey.”

Durant’s responsibilities will include assisting with various communication projects, event promotions and publishing initiatives, including USA Hockey Magazine.

Durant, who will receive his master’s degree in sports administration later this month from Ohio University, is a 2014 graduate of Le Moyne College where he earned a bachelor of arts degree in communications. Durant also received his master’s degree in business administration from Ohio University in April 2015.

The New York native has spent the past year as a media relations assistant in Ohio University’s athletic department and led communications for Ohio University’s ACHA Division I men’s hockey team. His duties included writing press releases, managing game day social media, and graphic design.

Around New York State/ Page 18 Durant has previously spent time with the Cincinnati Bengals as a game day marketing assistant and the Syracuse Chiefs as a media and promotions intern. He has also been a featured writer for the Professional Hockey Players Association.

NOTES: Durant will become the 18th Brian Fishman Intern.

Alyssa Girardi (Dearborn, Mich./Michigan State University) will begin her second year of the internship at USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program in Plymouth, Michigan, beginning in July ... Previous Brian Fishman Interns include (most recent listed first): Jasmine Grotto (Alpena, Mich./ Wayne State University), Zack Friedli (Rochester, Minn./University of Minnesota Duluth), Brian Smith (Woburn, Mass./ Boston College), Alex DiFilippo (East Tawas, Mich./Michigan State University), Caryn Switaj (Farmington Hills, Mich./Boston College), Matt Caracappa (Randolph, N.J./Penn State University), Carly Peters (Bloomington, Minn./Syracuse University), Chris Peters (Chicago, Ill./Iowa State University), Craig Stancher (Calumet, Mich./Michigan Tech University), Alex Clark (Glenview, Ill./Colgate University), Christy Jeffries (White Lake, Mich./Boston University), Caitlin Lazaro (Effingham, N.H./University of New Hampshire), Seth Cole (Blue Hill, Maine/St. Michael’s College), Yariv Amir (Plainsboro, N.J./Colgate University), Cassy Maxton (Vandalia, Ohio/Miami University) and Jennifer Dame (St. Louis Park, Minn./St. Cloud State University).

The staff of NYHOL expresses their sympathy to the Guzdek family on the passing of Mr. Guzdek Sr. on April 07, 2016.

His sons Ed and Eric have been involved in Amherst Youth Hockey for many years with Ed a Coach and member of the Board of Directors and Eric the General Manager of the Northtown Center @ Amherst, NYSAHA Rink Coordinator and a member of the West Section Staff.

www.nyhockeyonline.com

Around New York State / Page 19

NY Hockey OnLine Player Profile

by Randy Schultz Randy@nyhockeyonline.com

C

hris Collins will be the first to admit that his real hockey dream was to play collegiate hockey for Boston College. After all he was a Rochester, NY-based boy who had two boyhood heroes who had gone that route before him and ended up in the National Hockey League.

“Both Brian Gionta and Marty Reasoner, who were Rochester guys, played at BC and that’s where I wanted to go,” said Collins, a native of Fairport.

“I ended up going to BC and playing for them for four years.

“It was a dream come true for me.”

The list of his accomplishments while at BC is almost staggering. As a freshman Collins was named to the All-Hockey East Rookie Team.

By the time he reached his senior year the left winger had been named to the All-Hockey East First Team, ACHA East First Team All-American, AllNCAA All-Tournament Team selection and won the

“It is an amazing sport.

Life’s lessons are learned.

“That’s what hockey is all about.”

CHRIS COLLINS Walter Brown Award as the top American-born college player in New England.

To top all of that Collins was a Hobey Baker runner-up, the award given to the best college hockey player in the United States.

Although he was not selected in the NHL Entry Draft, Collins signed a two-year Entry Level contract with the Boston Bruins. Although he never made it to the NHL like his two Rochester native heroes did, it was still an experience he will never forget.

“I never thought I would play professional hockey in any way, shape or form,” stated Collins, the son of Anne and Glenn Collins. “That was just a bonus for me.”

With Collins pro career one might need a road map to follow along. He played minor league hockey for the Long Beach Ice Dogs, Providence Bruins, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, Las Vegas Wranglers, Springfield Falcons, Bakersfield Condors and Norfolk Admirals.

Whew!

But part of that nearly decade of pro hockey was spent in Europe playing for such teams as Lukko Rauma (Finland), Augsburger Panther (Germany) and Thomas Sabo Ice Tigers (Germany).

Even looking back at the earlier part of Collins ca-

www.nyhockeyonline.com

Around New York State / Page 20

reer prior to BC, his skates were not firmly planted in Western New York.

“I began playing for the Rochester (Jr. B) Americans at the junior level,” remembered Collins “But from there I went across the country to play for the Des Moines (Iowa) Buccaneers of the USHL for a year.

“That season in Des Moines got me recognized by BC and the rest is history.”

Collins admits that one of his more memorable moments in hockey didn’t involve scoring goals or getting assists. It came as a freshman at BC participating in the annual historic Bean Pot Tournament held in Boston between the four college hockey teams in the area.

“During one of the games I had tried to rush the puck up the ice,” said Collins. “As I did I tried to jump over one of the oppositions players.

“As I jumped he came up and caught me enough to flip me. I came crashing to the ice and that was it.

“The next morning I wake up and my phone is ringing off the hook. My friends are congratulating me and I’m wondering why.

“It didn’t take me long to find out that I was on the front page of the Boston Globe newspaper in a big photo with me upside down. That was my claim to fame as a freshman.”

Collins admits in the end that hockey isn’t all about the goals and assists.

“The things I remember most are the times spent in my back yard with my brother and sisters playing on the rink my parents had built for us,” recalled Collins, now 31 and residing and working back in the Rochester area. “There were the road trips with my travel teams and knee hockey in the hotels.

“Don’t take anything for granted. In the end it will be those type of memories that will stick with you forever. Remember, hockey is a journey.

“It is an amazing sport. Life’s lessons are learned.

“That’s what hockey is all about.”

Your Source For NYS Hockey News!

NY HOCKEY E-Magazine

CENTRAL NEW YORK

Syracuse Blazer Rosie Sicila at the NYS Championships in Buffalo.

www.nyhockeyonline.com

Central Hockey / Page 22

Snowbelt Hockey JAM Results Announced

T

his season, the Snowbelt Hockey League included 94 teams from 22 different associations across Central New York. Our regular season included 752 regular season games. During the regular season games, 5,926 goals were scored and there were 147 shutouts (including 3 double-shutouts). During the 21 end-of season JAM tournaments there were 170 games, which included 20 shutouts and 1,194 goals.

Snowbelt Hockey League would also like to thank Todd Shear Graphics for their generous donation of our beautiful new league logo!

Congratulations to the twenty-one winners of the 2016 Snowbelt JAM tournaments!

Squirt JAM Champions

Rome Red

Geneva White

Clinton Red

Binghamton Red Auburn Oswego Valley 1

www.nyhockeyonline.com

Central Hockey / Page 23 PeeWee JAM Champions Skaneateles Red Fulton Camillus 2 Salmon River Whitestown White 1 Midstate Blue Bantam JAM Champions Auburn Corning Fulton Binghamton White Midget JAM Champions Lysander Corning Onondaga NY Hockey OnLine thanks Snowbelt Hockey for submitting these photographs.

(NY Hockey apologizes for Binghamton Red, their photo was corrupt and would not download).

Your Source For NYS Hockey News!

NY HOCKEY E-Magazine

www.nyhockeyonline.com

Central Hockey / Page 24

PeeWee JAM Champions

Skaneateles Red Fulton

Camillus 2

Salmon River

Whitestown White 1

Midstate Blue

www.nyhockeyonline.com

Central Hockey / Page 25 PeeWee JAM Champions

Skaneateles Red Fulton

Camillus 2

Salmon River

Whitestown White 1

Midstate Blue

www.nyhockeyonline.com

Central Hockey / Page 26

Bantam JAM Champions

Auburn Corning Fulton

Binghamton White

www.nyhockeyonline.com

Central Hockey / Page 27 Midget JAM Champions Lysander Corning Onondaga

www.nyhockeyonline.com

Central Men’s College Ice Hockey Report

by Warren Kozireski Wkozires@brockport.edu

COLGATE Team awards were announced and the prestigious Terry Slater Trophy was awarded to senior captain Mike Borkowski. The trophy is presented by the Silver Puck Club and goes to the senior whose performance, leadership, and dedication on and off the ice during his career had the greatest impact on Colgate hockey.

Borkowski took part in all 37 games for the Raiders this season, less than a full calendar year after suffering a major knee injury that forced him to miss nearly three months of the 2014-15 campaign. Borkowski ranked second on the team with 13 goals and third with 22 points.

Junior Jake Kulevich was recognized with two awards as he shared the Dan Coley “Barrel” Award, given to the team’s best defensemen, with senior Kevin Lough, while also receiving the team’s Best Defensive Player Award. Kulevich dressed in all 37 games for the Raiders this season and ranked second on the team with 50 blocked shots. Lough also skated in all 37 games for the Raiders, finishing the campaign third on the team with 41 blocked shots.

Sophomore Mike Panowyk was honored with the Steve Riggs Memorial Award, given

Central Hockey / Page 28 to the player who is most known for gentlemanly play and possesses a high standard of ability. Panowyk appeared in all 37 games for the Raiders and tallied four goals and 14 assists for a career-high 18 points while being whistled for a total of just two minor penalties.

Senior Darcy Murphy took home the Rob Ries Award for his inspiration and leadership on the team. Murphy was a part of the lineup in all 37 games in 2015-16, finishing the campaign with eight goals and 13 assists for 21 points.

Junior Tim Harrison was recipient of the Whit Williams Award. Named in honor of the former Silver Puck Club president, the award is given to the most improved player throughout the season. Harrison took part in 36 games for the Raiders this season, posting career highs of eight goals, 10 assists and 18 points.

Best Offensive Player honors went to senior forward Tyson Spink as the top pointgetter for the Raiders. Spink became just the third player in program history to earn the award in three consecutive seasons after amassing a career-high 37 points while pacing Colgate in both goals (14) and assists (23) in 2015-16.

The Coaches Award was given to seniors Tyson and Tylor Spink.

Team captains for the 2016-17 season were announced by Vaughan and his staff during the event. Kulevich was selected to serve as team captain while fellow Class of ’17 members Harrison and Brett Corkey were both tabbed as assistant captains.

HOBART Senior forward Mac Olson signed with the Evansville Icemen of the ECHL. He played in 103 career games with 45 goals and 50 assists for 95 career points.

www.nyhockeyonline.com The Statesmen put a program record four players on the American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA) CCM AllAmerican teams. It was the most All-Americans awarded to a school this year.

Olson earned a spot on the East First Team, while senior goaltender Lino Chimienti and junior defenseman Carl Belizario were named to the second team. Senior forward Brad Robbins garnered a spot on the third team. With this year awards, Hobart hockey has increased its ACHA AllAmerican total to 14.

NYS Girls 16U Championships: Syracuse vs Webster

Central Hockey / Page 29

Your Source For NYS Hockey News!

NY HOCKEY E-Magazine

www.nyhockeyonline.com

Central New York Women’s College Hockey Report

By Janet Schultz Janet@nyhockeyonline.com

ELMIRA

Bled, Slovenia -- Although the Elmira College women’s ice hockey season came to a conclusion with a 4-1 victory over Middlebury College in the Third-Place Game of the NCAA Tournament, the hockey season was not quite done for one member of the squad. Second-year center Louisa Lippiatt Durnell ‘18 crossed the pond to represent Great Britain at the IIHF Division II Group A World Championships, held in Bled, Slovenia, from April 2nd-April 8th. Lippiatt Durnell was a major contributor in helping the team take home a bronze medal at the tournament.

“The tournament was an amazing all around experience,” Lippiatt Durnell said. “Of course it was an honor to be able to represent Great Britain, but I am also greatly honored to be able to play alongside my teammates, who made the tournament truly unforgettable.”

Lippiatt Durnell helped the high-flying Great Britain offense to 34 goals and a plus-31 goal differential in going 4-1 at the competition. She appeared in all five contests, collecting four points on one goal and three assists. The East Sussex, England, native recorded an assist in victories over Croatia and Slovenia, while she netted a goal and a helper in a win over North Korea. Lippiatt Durnell finished in a tied for 26th in overall scoring at the tournament, while her three assists were tied for 11th-most among all players at the competition.

“Unfortunately, the third-place finish was not the result we were hoping for, but it still cannot take away from what the team achieved for women’s ice hockey in the United Kingdom,” Lippiatt Durnell said.

“We are very proud of what Louisa was able to accomplish at this year’s world championships,” women’s ice hockey head coach Dean Jackson ‘03 said. “She represented the Elmira program and her country with class and showcased her talent with a very strong performance at the tournament.”

Chivers Named First-Team All-Region by D3hockey.com Minneapolis, MN -- The postseason accolades continued to roll in for Elmira College women’s ice hockey blue-liner Kristin Chivers ‘19, as the rookie defender was named an All-East Region First Team selection by D3hockey.com. The award finishes a clean sweep for the Antioch, IL, native, who was also named an American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA) First-Team All-American and an All-ECAC West First Team honoree earlier this year.

Chivers finished her debut season with 25 points in 29 games played, collecting seven goals, 18 assists, and a plus-24 plus-minus rating on the

Central Hockey / Page 30

year. She finished the season ranked fourth among all defenders nationally in points. Her standing against her fellow classmates was equally impressive, as she finished tied for fifth among the nation’s rookies in points and first among freshman defenders.

While her offensive skills made a quick transition to the collegiate game, she also rounded into a solid player in her own zone. Chivers was a staple on Elmira’s penalty-killing unit, while she finished the season fourth on the team with 12 blocked shots. She was also extremely responsible, committing only one two-minute minor penalty during the entirety of her first season.

Earlier this offseason, Chivers joined the likes of four-time All-American and 2005 National Player of the Year, Laura Hurd ‘05, as the only two players in EC history to receive First-Team All-American honors in their rookie campaigns. Chivers is also one of three skaters in EC’s illustrious history to earn All-American accolades in a rookie season, joining Hurd and LeAnne Denman ‘05, who was a second team honoree during her debut season with the Purple and Gold.

SYRACUSE SYRACUSE, N.Y.- Seniors Melissa Piacentini and Nicole Renault of the Syracuse women’s ice hockey team have officially signed with the Bolzano Eagles of the Elite Women’s Hockey League.

After playing with each other the last four years at Syracuse, the seniors will take the ice next year in Italy once again as teammates. During their four years at Syracuse, Renault played in a total of 145 games, while Piacentini played in 144. The duo saw the ice together for a total of 144 games, which is the most among any pair of teammates that have ever played for the Orange.

Piacentini and Renault will continue their bond on and off the ice next season professionally in Italy.

“The opportunity to go over there, play in a different culture, travel and be together at the same time was something we couldn’t really turn down,” Renault said. “It’s exciting to go over there with each other. I think we will have a lot of fun with both hockey and traveling. I expect us to mesh will with the new team.”

Renault was recently named the College Hockey America Defenseman of the Year for her efforts on the Orange backline this season. The Plymouth, Mich. native finished the season with four goals and 14 assists for 18 total points. Her 58 assists is the second most all-time at Syracuse, behind guess who? Piacentini.

Piacentini was the CHA Player of the Year after scoring nine goals to go with a career-high 21 assists for 30 points. The South Weymouth, Mass. native is Syracuse’s all-time leader in points (112), goals (53) and assists (59). She will continue her efforts on the ice at the forward position, as Renault will be behind her, dishing the puck out across the blue line into the offensive zone.

“I am really looking forward to this experience. I think heading over there we have a lot of passion for the game, which is what kind of led us there,” Piacentini said. “I am looking forward to traveling, experiencing new things and meeting new teammates. We will be able to learn new things together and I think that will be awesome.”

www.nyhockeyonline.com

Central Hockey / Page 31

ference final for just the second time in program history. UC also finished the season ranked tenth in both national polls.

Colgate Raiders Recap Memorable Ride and Acknowledge Team Award Winners, Seniors

By Kat Castner Women’s Ice Hockey

utica

UTICA, NY- Three members of the Utica College women’s hockey team were named to the All-USCHO teams.

Senior Morgan Reed (Fort Myers, FL/Cushing Academy) and junior Gabrielle Schnepp (Northville, MI/ Belle Tire) earned third team recognition, while freshman Lauren Patterson (Burlington, Ontario/Oakville) earned All-Rookie status.

Reed, who recently became the program’s fifth All-American, led the Pioneers this season with a careerhigh 44 points on 22 goals and 22 assists. She ranked fifth nationally and third in the conference with 1.57 points per game. Reed wraps up her career ranked fourth all-time at UC with 111 points. She joins All-Americans Deana Weigand ‘07, Megan Myers ‘14, and Stephanie Price ‘07, as the only players to score over 100 points in a Pioneer uniform. She is also tied for third in program history with 54 goals to her credit and played in every game during her four-year career (109).

Schnepp was named first team All-Conference after her breakout year that saw her reach career highs in points (43) and assists (29). She finished sixth nationally with 1.54 points per game and her 1.04 assists per game were tied for second nationally. She has racked up 87 points (36 goals, 51 assists) in three years as a Pioneer.

Patterson capped off her first year campaign ranked third on the team with 35 points (12 goals, 23 assists). Her 1.25 points per game were tied for the national lead in rookie scoring. Patterson became the first freshman in five years and just the fourth player in program history to score more than 30 points in her rookie season. She is also just the second player in program history to be named ECAC West Rookie of the Year, joining All-American Deana Weigand, who received the honor in 2003-04.

Utica wrapped up arguably its most successful season in program history with an overall record of 19-8-1. The Pioneers set new program records for wins and conference wins (13) in a season and reached the con-

HAMILTON – Colgate Women’s Hockey capped an unforgettable 2015-16 campaign with one last tribute to that memorable ride.

Not only did Colgate acknowledge how the team set program records for wins and winning percentage, but the Raiders also recognized award winners and seniors during their annual banquet.

Colgate recognized three special seniors who have help build the program into something special. This spring, the Raiders lose Ashlynne Rando, Nicole Gass and Katelyn Parker to graduation.

Rando etched her name into the Colgate records book and finished the season with a .923 save percentage to go along with her 11-7-4 record.

Gass played in 138 games for the Maroon and White, notching seven goals and a team-best 37 assists. Parker closed out her Colgate career with a team-high 141 games played. The Bellingham, Washington, native tallied four goals and six helpers for her 10 career points.

Award Winners

Bailey Larson earned the first honor of the day after being named the Rookie of the Year, which recognizes and distinguishes a new player who has shown outstanding commitment and performance in her first year of play. Larson led Colgate in assists (22) and points (32) during her rookie season.

Next up was Colgate’s Most Improved Player award, which was given to Chelsea Jacques. This first-year worked tirelessly in games, specials, during and after practice, and off the ice and for those efforts she was named the most improved player.

Katelyn Parker was then named the winner of this year’s Sportsmanship Award. Parker was very familiar with this honor, as she’s been named it all four of her seasons. The Sportsmanship Award is an honor

www.nyhockeyonline.com given annually to one individual who exemplifies the attributes of character, integrity, and sportsmanship throughout a season.

The next honor was very special as it was presented by Colgate’s first ever women’s ice hockey coach.

After a big round of applause for the presenter, Brad Houston stepped up to the podium to announce Megan Sullivan as this year’s Brad Houston Offensive MVP.

Houston retired from Colgate Athletics on June 30, 2005 after giving 36 years of service.

During that time, he held many titles but most notably, Houston was the head coach of the women’s ice hockey team for four years guiding the hockey program through the years of transition from club to varsity status from 1995-1999.

Sullivan recorded 16 goals, nine assists and 25 points on the year. She notched six multipoint games, four power play tallies and three game-winners. Sullivan had an unbelievable performance for Colgate in its quarterfinal contest with Harvard, where she had a hand in six of the Raiders’ eight goals that weekend. More notably she recorded five goals to help lift Colgate to only its second ever appearance in an ECAC Hockey Semifinal.

The next award was Colgate’s Defensive MVP and was given to Lauren Wildfang. She was a key contributor on the Raiders’ back line and collected 22 points on the season from five goals and 17 assists.

A couple seconds later head coach Greg Fargo presented Annika Zalewski with the Coaches Award. Fargo had this to say about the recipient before he announced the winner.

“As a staff we decided to acknowledge a player who we believe embodies the kind of character that we continue to look for in future players. She lives out team’s four core values herself and holds others to that standard as well.

Those values being team first, work ethic, championship attitude and family.

“She is also someone that is always willing to do anything for a teammate or coach in a time of need. After undergoing surgery in the off-season this player returned to lead our team on the ice and off – as a sophomore she had one of the best seasons offensively the program has had in recent memory and also took on the critical role of captain and grew as a leader.”

The final award of the day was the Don Palmateer Award and it went to senior goaltender Rando. Her honor was given on behalf of Colgate’s support group the “Center Ice Club” and is given annually 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 Hockey program. Not only did Rando have a career year in wins (11), save percentage (.923), goals against average (2.16), and shutouts (5), but she has been the backbone of the pro-

Central Hockey / Page 32 gram for the last four years.

The Raiders reached new heights during 2015-16 and with the addition of Colgate’s Class of 1965 Arena, which will host its inaugural season this fall, Fargo looks to continue building the program into a national contender. ...The Colgate Athletics March Mania Challenge put forth by friends of the department saw the challenge answered and then some by the Raider faithful.

A total of 1,592 gifts were received during the monthlong event, resulting in a 96-percent increase over last year’s March Mania total.

This year’s original goal of 1,013 gifts would have resulted in a $50,000 challenge gift to the Colgate Athletic Council. But with the target within reach of being eclipsed early in the competition, a new goal of 1,313 gifts was set and the challenge gift raised to $63,000.

The final gift total wound up exceeding the new goal by more than 21 percent.

OSWEGO Nine players from the Oswego State women’s

ice hockey team have been named by the Eastern College Athletic Conference West (ECAC West) to the 2015-16 All-Academic Team. Alexa Aramburu, Alyssa Brockmann, Olivia Ellis, Sarah Grupp, Ashley Lyman, Lizzy Marks, Andrea Noss, Laura Thacker and Tori Trovato have all earned this distinction.

To receive this accolade a player must carry a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and have completed at least one full year at the institution in which they attend. The Lakers named to this team were nine of only 122 players to earn this honor.

The women’s hockey team finished with a 1211-4 record, making it to the semifinals of the ECAC West Championship.

CORTLAND

Sixteen members of the SUNY Cortland women’s ice hockey squad have been chosen to the 2015-16 Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) West AllAcademic Team.

Cortland’s honorees are:

Taylor Arenz, Jr., Downers Grove, IL (Team Illinois)

Sydney Carlucci, Jr., Baldwinsville (Rochester Edge)

Maggie Corbett, Sr., Queensbury (Queensbury H.S.)

Nadine de Nijs, So., Orchard Park (Ontario Hockey Academy)

Kelly Farinella, Jr., Marlton, NJ (New Jersey Rockets)

Madison Fischl, Sr., Basking Ridge, NJ (New Jersey Rockets)

Josie Fletcher, Jr., Wasilla, AK (Alaska All-Stars)

Katie Gili, Sr., Brooklyn (New Jersey Rockets)

Kianna Gutenmann, So., Clifton Park (TroyAlbany Ice Cats)

Stepanie Heresniak, Jr., Woolwich Township,

NJ (Philadelphia Jr. Flyers)

Deanna Meunier, Sr., Parsippany, NJ (New Jersey Rockets)

Niamh O’Connor, Sr., Paramus, NJ (New Jersey Rockets)

Kaitlyn Ryan, Sr., Windsor (Adrian College)

Richelle Skarbowski, Jr., Orchard Park (University of New England)

Corey Temple, Sr., Troy, MI (Ohio Flames)

Ashley Terry, Jr., Redford (Chazy Lady Flyers)

This is the third straight season that Corbett, Meunier and O’Connor have been honored, while Arenz, Carlucci, Farinella, Gili, Ryan, Temple and Terry are repeat selections from 2014-15 and Fischl was previously named following the 2013-14 season.

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.

cornell

Five Cornell women’s hockey alumnae took home silver medals with the Canadian Women’s National Team at IIHF Women’s World Hockey Championships after falling to the United States, 1-0, in overtime on Monday night in Kamloops, British Columbia. Rebecca Johnston ‘12 was named to the tournament’s Media All-Star team.

Johnston finished the tournament with seven points (2-5–7). Brianne Jenner ‘15 (1-4–5), Laura Fortino ‘13 (1-2–3), Jillian Saulnier ‘15 (1-2–3) and Lauriane Rougeau ‘13 (0-1–1) all contributed points for Canada in the tournament.

Team Canada fell in its opening game of the tournament, 3-1, to the U.S., with Fortino netting the Canadians’ only goal.

The team then routed Russia, 8-1, as Johnston finished with a goal and three assists, Jenner added four helpers, Saulnier added a pair of assists and Rougeau tacked on a helper.

In the final game of the preliminary round, Canada took a 6-1 win over Finland with goals from Johnston, Jenner and Saulnier to advance to the semifinals.

Fortino added an assist in the 5-3 semifinal win over Finland, helping Canada earn a spot in the gold medal game.

Cornell women’s hockey head coach Doug Derraugh served as an assistant coach for Team Canada, which took home the silver for the second consecutive year.

WILLIAM SMITH

Nine members of the William Smith hockey team earned a spot on the 2015-16 ECAC West AllAcademic Team. In its second year as a varsity program, this is the first year that the Heron players are eligible for all-academic honors.

Sophomore Rebecca Begley, biology major

(Continued on Page 34)

www.nyhockeyonline.com

By Samantha Brodsky

M

arch 6 marked the final day of the ice skating season for Ithacans. So, things have quieted down for the Cass Park Ice Rink as it awaits the roof construction scheduled to begin this month. The next phase of renewal will entail a glass enclosure, which will hopefully find funding via the Cass Park Campaign, a Friends of the Ithaca Youth

Central Hockey / Page 33 “the city wants to see community support before they go further than the 2016 project.”

Grainger is working on creating a brochure as well as other materials that will be accessible on the FIYB website. She plans on starting to use the FIYB’s social media sites and scheduling regular meetings with users and friends of Cass Park to spread the message of community support. Grainger is also in the process of building a campaign committee.

“Fundraising is about relationships, so we need a committee of people who love Cass Park and know other people who love Cass Park,” she said. “Friends ask friends.” Grainger will be focused on major donors while finding ways for the whole community to get involved as well. “All of our messaging is going to be about the whole community,” she said, “which is going to inspire major donors as well as the $10 donors.”

Grainger said that gifts of all sizes are appreciated, and all donations are tax deductible. Every contribution counts, as Cass Park—the arena especially—sees use by people from all walks of life. “There are many groups and individuals who pay for facility use,” she said, “ranging from hockey teams to beginner skaters to roller derby players and summer campers.”

Ithaca’s Cass Park Undergoes Renno

Bureau (FIYB) project.

Board member and full-time volunteer for independent fundraising Mary Grainger has been involved with a handful of previous capital campaigns in the community, such as Planned Parenthood. Her main activity, she said, is serving as public relations committee chair of the Ithaca Public Education Initiative, and she is currently involved in the 21st Century Campaign for the Tompkins County Public Library.

Having three daughters who all skated at the rink, and as a longtime board member of Tompkins Girls Hockey Association, Grainger said she is “a big fan of Cass Park and is committed to helping it move toward a campaign.” She said the priority of the Cass Park Campaign is to “raise money for the enclosure, and we’d give people three years to pay on a pledge.” She reiterated that it is still a work in progress, but one thing she knows for sure is that

www.nyhockeyonline.com Construction for the enclosure could begin as early as next spring, 2017, and although this portion of the project has not yet been submitted, the designs are finalized. When Grainger saw the drawings, she said they took her breath away.

“It’s so much nicer just by adding glass,” Grainger said. “I wasn’t expecting to be blown away by the beauty, but I was.”

Users are all too familiar with, but accustomed to, the frigid environment of Cass Park in the winter, and for people worried about the shift to an indoor facility, Grainger emphasized that the arena is not going to change too much. The rink will be enclosed, but not heated. “We’re not going to lose the tough-it-out conditions,” said Grainger. “This is not going to be a warm, cushy environment, but it’s going to be safer, healthier, and more spectator-friendly.”

Grainger said that there are a lot of benefits of an indoor ice rink. “What I want the community to know,” she said, “is that the enclosure will provide dehumidified, conditioned air; ventilation; insulation; adaptations for climate change; a longer season for the ice surface; and improved conditions for spectators and skaters.”

With the addition of the enclosure, Grainger said that the goal is to ensure access for today’s users and

Central Hockey / Page 34 for future generations.

The project, she said, “will modernize, while keeping the historical value. Imagine this: iconic character and traditional charm, with advantages of a beautiful, functional enclosure.”

As the Cass Park Campaign begins its launch, further information will be provided on the FIYB website and social media accounts. “It’s time,” Grainger said, “for the community at large to be supportive of the capital improvements needed for this facility. It’s time to showtheir commitment to the arena and all the user groups and purposes of the arena.”

Grainger wants to reassure users that the Cass Park ice rink will continue to serve the public as it has since 1972. “People are still going to be able to see the sunrise at an early morning practice,” she said.

“Come next year, it’ll be 45 years of fun, fitness, and friendship.”

To DONATE to the Cass Park Rennovation, go to: www.friendsiyb.org

(Continued from Page 32)

Sophomore Laurel Brown, anthropology and writing and rhetoric double major

Sophomore Emily Burton, undeclared

Sophomore Hedi Droste, undeclared

Sophomore Krista Federow, media and society major

Sophomore Sarah Garrett, sociology major

Sophomore Catherine Linehan, undeclared

Sophomore Emily Spencer, biology major

Sophomore Lizzy Weingast, economics and mathematics double major

The Herons finished the season with an 8-15-2 overall record. In its second season as a varsity program, William Smith posted a five-win improvement from its inaugural season. The Herons posted a program-best four-game win streak that started with a 4-1 upset victory over Buffalo State on Jan. 24.

East Hockey

Brewster Lady Bulldogs 2016 NYS 16U Champions

www.nyhockeyonline.com

Mundinger Commits To D1 Maine Black Bears

By Joe Soccoa

T

here is always need for goalies everywhere you go.

When you are nearly seven feet tall on skates it’s even better.

Stephen Mundinger, goalie for the New York Aviators has committed to play division one hockey for the Main Black Bears. The announcement came Thursday.

His game hasn’t been the fact he is so tall but his athleticism.

Earlier in the season head coach Mike Stanaway had talked about

East Hockey Mundinger saying, “when you watch him play you can see how athletic he really is and how well he moves for a big man. Like we often say to describe him, he is 6’7 but plays like he has the athleticism of a player that is 5’9.” This shouldn’t come as surprise because Mundinger had been spectacular this year for the Aviators and is deservingly got the call to play for Maine.

It’s pretty impressive to think Mundinger wasn’t playing organized hockey up until a few years ago. The fact he has come a long way that included hard work with New York Islanders skating coach Barbara Williams and his goaltending coach Ken Boyce.

It’s a rarity for a Tier III junior player to gain the interest of NCAA Div. I schools. It’s hard enough to find quality Div. III programs in fact. But Mundinger is a rarity, with his size and athleticism. A native of Smithtown, New York, Mundinger finished his season with the Aviators with a 24-8-4 record to go along with an impressive 0.936 save percentage. He led the entire NA3EHL this season in save percent-

/ Page 36

age, while also in the rare situation of facing the most shots and making the most saves. He also ranked in the top 6 in goals against average.

“I am very happy for Stephen and the opportunity that he has been given with the University of Maine. He is a player and person of very high character and I know he is going to be a fantastic player for the Black Bears,” stated Aviators GM/Head Coach Mike Stanaway. When the announcement came Thursday team Owner Jim Loughran couldn’t be happier.

“Stephen is all you can ask for in a player both on and off the ice. His work ethic has certainly paid off and I honestly believe he will only continue to get better. We couldn’t be more prouder as an organization for his success.”

The sky is the limit for the big goaltender and on behalf of the Aviators organization we wish him nothing but the best and good luck as the Maine Black Bears await!

www.nyhockeyonline.com

East Hockey / Page 37

A New Home With A New Name

By Joe Soccoa

LONG BEACH, NY – It’s no secret the New York Aviators were moving on from the Aviator Sports and Events center. With a new move comes a new name and logo. It is now official that the New York Aviators will be changing their team name with their new move to the Long Beach Ice Arena. They will now be the Long Beach Sharks. It’s an exciting time to be part of the Sharks organization and although there is a new team and new location, the goals and expectations remain the same.

The announcement comes on the heels of an already confirmed story that the NY Aviators were moving to the Long Beach Ice Arena and so with that a new team name and logo was in order including new jerseys.

There had been hints for weeks there was a fresh new start coming for the now former Aviators team. There is a lot of excitement to look forward to as this process will continue to grow.

In an official statement from team Owner Jim Loughran he couldn’t be more excited for this move.

“It’s the dawning of a new era for our Junior program that includes a new home rink and a new identity to set the stage for the 2016-17 season. Moving forward we will be known as the Long Beach Sharks as we embrace our new home in Long Beach that offers a beautiful environment for our players and fans! We look forward to bringing the people of Long Beach a competitive program that they can root for, for many years to come”.

Stay tuned for more updates as more news continues to follow this historic and exciting announcement!!

NY Hockey OnLine Magazine Your Source For All The Hockey News in New York State!

Submissions from ALL Hockey organizations from beginner to NHL and adult leagues is welcome.

Submit to Randy@nyhockyonline.com

www.nyhockeyonline.com

East Hockey / Page 38

East Women’s College Report union Union College Head Wom-

by Janet Schultz Janet@nyhockeyonline.com

en’s Ice Hockey Coach Claudia Asano Barcomb will not be returning next year. Barcomb has served as the head coach of the Dutchwomen for nine years since the 2007-08 season. A national search for the next Union College Women’s Ice Hockey Head Coach will commence immediately.

“We thank Claudia for her efforts and work with the student-athletes both on and off the ice and wish her all the best in her future endeavors,” stated Jim McLaughlin, Union College Director of Atheltics. “Claudia brought many positive attributes to the program and the campus community, as well as the student-athletes under her guidance.”

Highlights during Barcomb’s tenure included first program wins against Northeastern, Providence, Princeton, and Dartmouth. Barcomb also initiated the annual Pink at the Rink event at Union, which has raised thousands for research and cancer patient support over the last nine years.

She teamed up with Coaches vs. Cancer to help increase funding and awareness for breast cancer research. Barcomb initiated her team’s community service program with the Boys and Girls Club, Schenectady Youth Hockey, Clifton Park Youth Hockey, Adopt a Family, and with local public elementary schools throughout Schenectady, NY. Under her leadership, Union women’s ice hockey participated in the American Cancer Society Walk, raised funds for the Adopt a Family program, aided Habitat for Humanity in building a new home, participated in CATWALK for a Cause, and hosted a dance for STRIDE. The team generated and rallied support for a Union community’s family whose young daughter had developed Ewing’s Sarcoma.

“I would like to thank the many dedicated players that I have had the privilege of coaching through these nine years at Union College. I would also like to thank my family, my staff, and the Union College community who have supported our program throughout the years,” said Barcomb.

In the classroom, Barcomb helped mentor 104 All-ECAC Hockey Academic Selections in just nine years. Her teams won back-to-back ECAC Hockey Turfer Athletics Awards in 2008 and 2009. The Turfer Athletic award, chosen by the coaches and players in each league, is awarded to an ECAC

Hockey Team that has shown good sportsmanship, tenacity, commitment and innovation.

In 2014-15, the Union College women’s ice hockey team was one of seven Division I women’s ice hockey programs to receive an NCAA Public Recognition Award for an outstanding Academic Progress Rate (APR). This marked the first time in Union’s history that a team had earned a Public Recognition Award in the 10 year period they have been awarded.

In 2010, Barcomb was the director of the USA Hockey 14 Camp and a coach for the 17 Camp. As an active member of USA Hockey, Barcomb has coached at five development camps, including the 2009 Under-16 Camp in St. Cloud, MN and the Select 17 Camp in Lake Placid, NY in 2008. She has also coached the 2003 and 2006 Girls’ Select 14 Camps in Rochester, NY, and the 2007 Girls’ Select 15 Camp in St. Cloud, MN.

manhattanville The Manhattanville College Department of Athletics

has announced nominees for nine year-end department awards, which recognize friends of the department as well as exceptional Valiant student-athletes who have succeeded both on and off the fields of play over the last year.

Winners for all nine categories will be announced at the 2016 Manhattanville Athletics Awards Banquet, which will take place on Monday, May 2. Award winners will also be announced on GoValiants.com immediately following the event.

Nominees from the women’s hockey team include: Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year The female student-athlete who has best combined academic prowess with on-field success Kyra Herbert, Sr., Women’s Hockey Female Rookie of the Year The first-year female student-athlete who made the biggest immediate contribution to her team Kat Reilly, Fr., Women’s Hockey/Lacrosse

www.nyhockeyonline.com RPI AALBORG, Denmark - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) student-athlete Josefine Hansen led the Danish National Team to a fourth place finish at the 2016 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Women’s World Championships, which ran from March 25-31. She was named the tournament’s “Top Defenseman” as the team went 2-3-0 in the five-game series.

Hansen, a freshman defenseman from Copenhagen, Denmark, played in all five games for the national side posting one shot, one penalty for two penalty minutes and a -4 rating. The Danes opened with onegoal losses to Austria (4-3) and tournament champion Germany (3-2), before earning a 3-1 win over Slovakia.

The team then beat Norway (3-2) before finishing with a loss to France (4-2).

Playing all 34 games for the Engineers this season, Hansen recorded six points on two goals and four assists. She had one power play assist and notched a -4 rating on the year. The former Shattuck St. Mary’s standout had 35 shots on goal and was second on the team and fifth in ECAC Hockey with 63 blocked shots.

In 22 conference games, Hansen registered three assists for three points. She was a -1 with 24 shots and was assessed two minor penalties for four minutes.

The Engineers went 10-17-7 this season, including an 8-9-5 mark in ECAC Hockey play. Finishing eighth and qualifying for the conference tournament for the first time since 2012-13, RPI dropped a pair of overtime games to Quinnipiac in the Quarterfinals.

The Rensselaer women’s ice hockey team held a year-end banquet to celebrate the 2015-16 season, where six awards were presented to five different student-

East Hockey / Page 39 athletes. Earning the team’s highest honor, Most Valuable Player was senior forward Alexa Gruschow.

Other award winners included junior Laura Horwood, who won the Bill Cahill Memorial Coach’s Award; junior Katie Rooney, who earned the Most Improved Player Award; senior goalie Sara Till received the Bob Conway Scholar-Athlete Award with a 3.46 GPA and freshman Lovisa Selander, who was named the team’s Rookie of the Year. Horwood took home the Willie Stanton Award, which is presented to the outstanding citizen of the team, who demonstrates leadership, sportsmanship, hard work and a genuine love of the game or a team member who excels themselves in their volunteer efforts.

Also recognized were each of the six individual seniors: Till (Jericho, VT/Rice Academy), Lauren Wash (Belle Mead, NJ/New Jersey Rockets), Gruschow (Mechanicsburg, PA/Washington Pride), Mari Mankey (Hopkins, MN/Hopkins) and Brandi Banks (Burlington, ON/Stoney Creek Jr. Sabres).

Gruschow played in all 34 games, scoring 13 goals and recording 10 assists for a team-high 23 points. Four of her tallies came on the power play, one was shorthanded two were game-winners. She was assessed 10 minor penalties for 20 minutes. In 22 ECAC Hockey games, she notched six goals and eight assists for 14 points. The teams leading scorer in all four her seasons at Rensselaer, she finished her career with 46 goals and 47 assists for 93 points in 133 games.

A forward, Horwood (Belleville, ON/Durham West Lightning) appeared in 24 games, totaling six goals and eight assists for 14 points. She had one power play goal, a plus-4 rating and took four penalties for eight minutes. In 14 league contests, she notched four goals and four assists for eight points.

Rooney (Buffalo, NY/Buffalo) posted career-highs in almost every offensive category this season, including goals (11), assists (6), points (17) and shots (66). She was second on the team in points during ECAC Hockey play with 12, including a club-best eight goals and four assists.

Till appeared in five games in 2015-16, including three as a starter.

(Continued on Page 41)

www.nyhockeyonline.com

East Hockey / Page 40

From Rink to Runway

by Janet Schultz Janet@nyhockeyonline.com

B

rianna Pedatella is a six foot defenseman. She is fast, tough and passionate about ice hockey. She was also asked by many if she was a model and, of course, they were more surprised to find out she was a hockey player.

After being asked so often she decided to check it out and found an application for the New York City Coutour Week on line.

With her Dad’s encouragement, she filled it out and was called.

She modeled four shows right away with Fashion Designers/ Producers/Artists Andres Aquino, Catalin Botezatu,Angelia Rompis and Alexandra Popescu York.

“It was fun, but also strenuous. But I just got out there and had fun,” said Brianna. “Those 7” heels were killing me that weekend.”

Brianna started her hockey career when she was 8 years old. She has been with the Lady Brewster Bulldogs for her entire hockey career.

“I feel at home when I step on the ice,” she explains.

Her Coach agrees.

“She is our primary defensive player and is the rock and backbone a very good team,” said Coach Mike Lyons.

“She is versatile and can do anything. The fact that she is multi-talented, comes and works hard and then flips the switch and becomes a beautiful runway model will have her set the world on fire some day,” said Coach Lyons.

Brianna is a junior at John Jay High School in East Fishkill, NY. She most recently signed a contact with Red Model Management, one of the top agencies in NYC. “I hope that I can do both hockey and modeling in the future,” she says. “I’d like to play collegiate hockey and do something with modeling and I also like photography and would like to work that in.”

“It’s a challenge at first (hockey) and it’s fun so go with it,” she advises other girls. “You can get checked into the boards and still look pretty.

“Get up and keep pushing, but have fun with everything you do and take it day by day.”

The U16 Lady Bulldogs took the 2016 New York State Championship going 5-0 and outscoring their opponents 23-4-5.

(Continued from Page 39) She posted a 1-1-0 record with a 2.99 goals against average and an .889 save percentage.

A goaltender, Selander (Sollentuna, Sweden/SDE Riksserien) went 9-16-7 in 33 games for the Engineers. She posted a 2.11 goals against average and a school-record .939 save percentage to along with a record 1,058 total saves. She went 8-9-5 in conference play with a 2.01 goals against average and a .942 save percentage.

Rensselaer, which is coached by John Burke, finished with a 8-9-5 ECAC Hockey record, while going 10-17-7 overall.

The Engineers fell to nationallyranked Quinnipiac, two-games-to-none in a best-of-three ECAC Hockey Quarterfinal series, despite going to overtime in each contest.

www.nyhockeyonline.com ARMY The team announced its yearend awards and Parker Gahagen (Buffalo) was honored with the Henry “Hal” Beukema Award winner as the team’s Most Valuable Player.

Gahagen led the nation in save percentage at .937 and recorded a career-high four shutouts, including three in the Atlantic Hockey Tournament. He recorded a careerhigh 14 victories between the pipes.

He was the first non-forward to win the Beukema Award in eight years. The team MVP award has been given out every year since 1955 and is voted on by team members.

Senior Joe Kozlak was selected as the Gunning Award winner for academic excellence. The award is named for Michael J. Gunning, a cadet letterman who died following a hit-and-run accident. It is presented in recognition of the cadet who displays the qualities of academic excellence, selfless dedication to his teammates, a trusted friend and a player who demonstrates true love for the game. The two-year captain finished his career with 138 games played and 69 total points and was in the lineup for all 38 games as a senior.

The Haggerty Award was shared by senior co-captain Christian Pomarico and classmate Shane Hearn. The award is named in honor of Paul Haggerty, a 1991 West Point graduate who worked his way up from junior varsity to the first line and later served as an Army assistant coach. He died suddenly during a workout early in his coaching career. Paul’s son, Luke, presented the two seniors

East Hockey / Page 41 with the award.

Pomarico skated in 37 games in his final year with the Black Knights. He posted nine points on a goal and eight assists.

Hearn got into 36 games and recorded seven points on three goals and four helpers.

by Warren Kozireski Rookie TayWkozires@brockport.edu lor Maruya earned the Heinmiller Award, named in honor of Hines Award. Senior defenseman John Heinmiller who was killed in Luke Jenkins and two-year mana train accident following his fresh- ager Max Bosselaar. The award man season. Maruya skated in 36- honors Hines, a scrappy and hardof-38 games for the Black Knights nosed player who was a fan favorand reached double-digit in points ite and one of the most respected with six goals and five assists. He players in the locker room. It rechad both of Army’s shorthanded ognizes a person who has displayed an extraordinary amount of goals.

The Maj. Tom Kennedy Award, support to the Army hockey pronamed in memory of Major Tom gram and shares values that Derek Kennedy, a former Army player, did, cared more about giving than Officer Representative and sup- receiving and displayed great pasporter of the Black Knights, was sion and love for the Army hockey awarded to Josh Roberts. The family. Derek was killed in action award is presented to a player in 2005. Jenkins was sidelined with who exemplifies the great charac- a shoulder injury early in the seateristics of Major Kennedy: a hard son and saw action in one game. worker with a team-first attitude He contributed off the ice by helpwho will do anything to help the ing breakdown film and keep time team. The winner of this presti- on ice. Bosselaar was also a huge gious award goes to the team’s un- help off the ice with his manager sung contributor who goes above duties and always came to practice and beyond to help his teammates and games in support of his teamand personifies what made “TK” mates. such a great person. Roberts was In addition to the awards given a fourth line player for the Black out, the team announced the capKnights all season and contributed tain for the 2016-17 season. Defenseven points in 30 games. He had seman Ryan Nick will wear the “C” next season with Tyler Pham four goals and three assists. returning as the assistant captain.

Two members of the hockey team (Continued on next page) were honored with the Derek

East Men’s College Ice Hockey Report

www.nyhockeyonline.com MANHATTANVILLE

Sophomore Stephen Gaul was named the school’s Hockey Male Athlete of the Year and Cory Anderson Male Hockey Rookie of the Year.

Gaul led the team in goals (14) and scoring (23) over 26 games played. Anderson tied for second in scoring with 17 points.

R.P.I.

The 5th Annual Mayor’s Cup men’s ice hockey game between Rensselaer and Union College will be played at the Times Union Center in Albany, New York on Thursday, January 19, 2017 at 7pm.

UNION

Senior Theo Di Pauli von Treuheim was named a 2016 Senior CLASS Award Second-Team All-American. Di Pauli von Treuheim joins former Dutchmen Cole Ikkala ‘14 and Stéphane Boileau ‘11 as the only three Union men’s hockey student-athletes to earn Senior CLASS Award SecondTeam All-American honors. Matt Cook ‘09 was a first team honoree and Daniel Ciampini’15 received honorable mention.

Six members of the program were honored at the team’s season-ending awards banquet.

Junior forward and co-captain Mike Vecchione was named the team’s Most Valuable Player after he earned All-ECAC Hockey Third Team honors as he led the team with 20 assists and 29 points. Vecchione was one of the top centers in the country, finishing fourth in Division I in faceoff percentage (61.1) and fifth in faceoff wins (508).

Vecchione was also named the co-recipient of the Coaches’ Award along with senior co-captain Matt Wilkins. Wilkins appeared on 35 of 36 games this season, finishing tied for second on the team with 14 assists and third with 21 points. Wilkins was also named the recipient of the Scott Richardson Unsung Hero Award and led all Dutchmen forwards with 28 blocked shots.

Sophomore defenseman Nick DeSimone was tabbed as the Most Improved Player. DeSimone led all Union blueliners with 14 assists and 18 points to go along with a career-best four goals, finishing seventh among

East Hockey / Page 42 the league’s defensemen in assists and eighth in points.

Freshman forward Brett Supinski accepted the Rookie of the Year Award. The team’s leading rookie scorer, Supinski tallied a team-high three game-winning goals, tying him for the eighth most among Division I freshmen.

He finished third on the team in points (21), tied for third in goals (9) and fifth in assists (12). Supinski also led all ECAC freshmen in power play goals (6), ranked tied for first in power play points (9), tied for fourth in points, tied for fifth in assists and tied for sixth in goals.

Senior forward David Roy received the Charles N. Morris Award, presented annually to a player who participates in extracurricular activities while demonstrating academic interest and achievement. A Neuroscience major, Roy holds a 3.13 grade-point average.

Last summer, he was awarded Union’s Mohammad A. Omar Memorial Community Internship Funding, allowing him to work with the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, helping medical professionals to provide health care to the homeless in a variety of settings. He also serves as the co-chair for community service on Union’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. Following graduation, Roy will spend nine months working in an HIV clinic in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Theo Di Pauli von Treuheim was honored with the Thomas Van Arden Dukehart Award, presented to the player with the highest grade-point average, for the fourth consecutive season. A Bioengineering major, Di Pauli von Treuheim carries a 3.97 grade-point average. He was also recognized as a Senior CLASS Award Second-Team All-American for his contributions in the classroom and the community.

OTHER AREA NOTES:

• Senior defenseman Rob O’Gara (Nesconset) was an AHCA/CCM Hockey Men’s Division I Second Team All-American pick.

Your Source For NYS Hockey News!

NY HOCKEY E-Magazine

www.nyhockeyonline.com

East Hockey / Page 43

ISLANDERS RAISE $10,000 FOR THE ALZHEIMER’S FOUNDATION

T

he Islanders with a check! No, not that kind of check. The New York Islanders raised $10,000, which was donated to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA). AFA teamed up with the New York Islanders to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease. Throughout the 2015-2016 NHL season, the Islanders wore a commemorative “AL” patch on all three of their game jerseys in memory of their former legendary coach, Al Arbour, who battled Alzheimer’s disease, and recently passed away. The patch was put on sale for $10 with all proceeds going to AFA. Fans purchased the patch at Islanders’ Pro Shops and on the Islanders’ website. Pictured here (from l. to r.): Doug Weight, Islanders’ assistant coach and assistant general manager; Chuck Fuschillo (Merrick), AFA’s president and CEO; Gerald Angowitz (Melville), AFA’s board secretary; Bert E. Brodsky (Sands Point), AFA’s board chairman; Jack Capuano, Islanders head coach; and Barry Berg (Melville), AFA’s board treasurer.

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, based in New York, is a non-profit organization that unites more than 2,400 member organizations nationwide with the goal of providing optimal care and services to individuals confronting dementia, and to their caregivers and families. Its services include a national, toll-free helpline (866-232-8484) staffed by licensed social workers, educational materials, a free quarterly magazine for caregivers and “AFA Partners in Care” dementia care training for healthcare professionals. For more information about AFA, call 866-232-8484, visit www.alzfdn.org, follow us on Twitter, or connect with us on Facebook.

Devils Sign Santini Newark, NJ – The New Jersey Devils signed defenseman Steven Santini to a three-year entry-level contract. The announcement was made by Devils’ Executive Vice President/General Manager Ray Shero.

The contract began with the 2015-16 season and he reported to New Jersey on April 8. He has been assigned no. 38.

Santini, 21, was New Jersey’s first choice (second round), 42nd overall, in the 2013 NHL Draft. He finished his junior season when Boston College (HE) was eliminated from the 2016 NCAA Frozen Four.

In 41 games, he scored one goal and 18 assists for 19 points, while totaling 50 penalty minutes and serving as the club’s alternate captain.

Santini was named Hockey East’s Best Defensive Defenseman for the 2015-16 season. He spent three

years with the Eagles, where he totaled five goals and 30 assists for 35 points in 98 career games. Additionally, Santini was named to the Hockey East All-Rookie team after his freshman season and represented the United States at the 2014 World Junior Championship. His teammates at B.C. included fellow Devils’ draft picks Miles Wood and J.D. Dudek.

He spent two seasons, 2011-12 and 2012-13, with the United States National Development Program (USHL). In 182 career games, he tallied three goals and 32 assists for 35 points. In 2012-13, he was named Best Defenseman at the Under-18 World Championship.

The 6’2”, 205lb. native of Mahopac, NY was born on March 7, 1995

North Hockey

Troy-Albany U16 Girls at the NYS Championships in Buffalo

www.nyhockeyonline.com

Northern New York Men’s College Hockey Report

by Warren Kozireski

Wkozires@brockport.edu

CLARKSON Nine awards were announced at the year-end banquet with Greg Lewis named the recipient of the Bill Harrison Clarkson Most Valuable Player in honor of the successful Clarkson coach of the late 1940s and 1950s.

Lewis emerged as the Knights’ starting goaltender in the second half of the season and played a leading role in helping the Green and Gold break out of a mid-season slump to finish in a tie for fifth place in the ECAC Hockey standings and to reach the 20-win mark overall. He posted the second-best goals against average (1.90) and third-best save percentage (.930) in league play since January 1.

Perry D’Arrisso was honored with the Mike Morrison Dedication Award for teamwork, hustle and dedication. The award was named in honor of the former Clarkson captain who died in a work accident on July 27, 1988. The junior forward earned a spot on one of Clarkson’s top lines as a strong two-way right wing. He doubled his combined point production from his first two seasons with six goals and five assists skating in 34 games while posting a +3 plus/ minus rating in 2015-16.

Jeff DiNallo was presented with the Clarkson Ironman Award. The award represents the player, who in spite of being bruised, broken, spliced or otherwise

North Hockey / Page 45 hurt, most demonstrated the will and determination to overcome injuries and contribute to the team. The assistant captain battled through numerous injuries to make a substantial contribution up front, recording 18 points, including 13 assists.

Sam Vigneault was presented with the Richmond Award. Named in honor of loyal Clarkson followers Ernie and Connie Richmond, the Richmond award is presented to a Golden Knight who has shown improvement in his playing ability and displayed team leadership. The sophomore forward was Clarkson’s leading scorer with 26 points, including a team-high 12 goals to go along with 14 assists. He was second in the ECAC for overall game-winning goals with six (tied for eighth nationally) and tallied four powerplay markers.

Pat Megannety was honored with the Fran Neragin Award. Named in honor of the loyal Clarkson hockey booster who passed away in 1984, the Neragin award is presented to a player who displays unselfish play and sportsmanship both on and off the ice. An assistant captain, Megannety, a hardnosed, veteran forward skated in 35 games with five goals and eight assists.

Aaron Thow was selected as the Knights’ Rookie of the Year. Thow was the lone freshman on the Clarkson blueline. He skated in 34 games with three goals and two assists and posted one of the best plus/minus ratings on the team at +6.

Paul Geiger was named Clarkson’s Best Defensive Player. The Knights’ second-year captain played the leading role in the Knights’ stingy defensive effort which helped the Green and Gold to the 20-win mark.

He was named an ECAC Hockey Third-Team AllStar. Geiger tallied 13 points (5-8) in 35 games. Geiger was also honored as Clarkson’s Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

(Continued on next page)

www.nyhockeyonline.com

North Hockey / Page 46

PLATTSBURGH

Senior Rich Botting (Binghamton) received first team American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA) honors. He finished the year with a team-high 18 assists and was third in points with 21. Nationally, the senior finished ninth overall among defenseman in points. In 16 State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) games, Botting posted 16 points.

The defenseman helped anchor a d-core that only allowed 2.41 goals a game.

POTSDAM

David Dragone (Bronx) will be enshrined as one of three 2016 inductees into the Potsdam Athletic Hall of Fame in ceremonies Oct. 1. He played two seasons for the men’s ice hockey team after transferring from North Country Community College. In 54 games with the Bears he posted a 29-20-4 record with a 3.38 goalsagainst-average and a .891 save percentage. Dragone earned first team All-SUNYAC honors in both 1995-96 and 1996-97. He was 15-9-2 during the 1995-96 season and backstopped the Bears to their first SUNYAC Championship and NCAA Tournament appearance.

The next season he guided Potsdam to the SUNYAC Semifinals with a 12-11-2 mark. Dragone was also enshrined in the hall of fame with his entire 1995-96 team in November 2014. He is the 13th member of the men’s hockey program to be inducted individually.

Teammates Steve Naughton ‘98 (2004) and Nathan Sunday ‘98 (2012), as well as Coach Ed Seney (2007) preceded Dragone into the hall.

Last Minute News: On Tuesday April 19, former SUNY Potsdam hockey player and All-American Chris Lee ‘04 helped lift his Kontinental Hockey League team to its second title in three seasons. Lee scored the game-winning goal in game seven of the championship series to lift Metallurg Magnitogorsk to a 3-1 victory over CSKA Moscow.

Lee was named the Gagarin Cup Finals best defenseman after playing in six of the series’ seven contests. He was +4 in the finals with two goals and two assists, including the series winner. Lee also

blocked 18 shots and averaged more ice time than any other player in the series at 29:06 per game.

In his three seasons with Metallurg, Lee has played in 167 games with 30 goals and 84 assists for 114 points. In postseason play, Lee has six goals and 20 assists for 26 additional points.

In addition to his three seasons in the KHL, which is widely considered to be second only to the NHL in the world in prestige and talent, Lee is a veteran of Germany’s Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL), and the AHL. In four seasons with the Bears from 2000-2004, Lee compiled 41 goals and 74 assists for 115 points, while playing both defense and forward. He became Potsdam’s fifth hockey All-American after his senior season in 2003-04. He is tied for 10th place on the Bears’ all-time scoring list and was inducted into Potsdam’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 2013.

ST. LAWRENCE

Junior defenseman Gavin Bayreuther was named both the 2015-16 team Most Valuable Player and the winner of the Pete McGeough Award as the Saints’ outstanding defenseman at the team’s annual recognition dinner.

Bayreuther, the first defenseman to lead the team in scoring in program history, a first-team All ECAC selection and an AHCA/CCM second team AllAmerica is the first defenseman to win the Dr. Stuart A. Winning Most Valuable Player Award since ECAC Player of the Year Drew Bagnall in 2007 and the third defenseman since 2002-03.

(Continued on Page 48)

www.nyhockeyonline.com

Northern New York Women’s College Hockey Report

by Janet Schultz Janet@ nyhockeyonline.com

North Hockey / Page 47 scoring list and 10 to top all-time scoring leader Annmarie Lewis ‘12.

Ott is also a two-time first team AllSUNYAC shortstop with the SUNY Potsdam softball team. After hitting .588 (10-17) and collecting her 100th career hit for the Bears last week, she was named this week’s SUNYAC Player of the Week.

PLATTSBURGH

POTSDAM

D3Hockey.com has named SUNY Potsdam women’s hockey player Jordan Ott (Hilton, N.Y./Rochester Edge) (pictured below) to its East All-Region third team. Ott continues to pile up the accolades following her junior year on the ice. Last month she was named to U.S. College Hockey Online’s third team. She has also earned All-ECAC West recognition in each of her three seasons at Potsdam, including honorable mention status this season.

Ott led the Bears in scoring again this year with 15 goals and 11 assists for 26 points.

The forward now has 47 goals, the most in program history. She also has the third most assists all-time with 37 and is ranked third for the Bears in scoring with 84 points. Ott needs just two points to pass Breanna Roy ‘12 for second place on the program’s

Six players of the Plattsburgh State women’s ice hockey team have been named to D3Hockey.com All-East region teams.

Erin Brand, Kayla Meneghin, and Melissa Sheeran landed on the D3hockey.com first team. Camille Leonard, Andrea Ziesmann and Bridget Balisy were placed on the second team.

The Long Beach, N.Y., native, Brand led all defensemen in the country in points with 33 (5g, 28a).

She was also named to the AHCA All-American first team.

Meneghin ended the year with 23 goals and 30 assists for 53 points while Sheeran finished out with 28 goals and 27 assists for 55 points. The sophomore duo finished first and second in the nation in points. Both were named to the AHCA All-American first team and Sheeran was named the NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.

The Oakville, Ontario native, Leonard was named USCHO.com Player of the Year and to the AHCA AllAmerican first team. She led all of Division III in save percentage (.962), goals allowed average (0.69), and shutouts (15).

Zeismann, the definition of a defensive defenseman, played in 28 games this season, finishing with two goals and 11 assists. The Oakville, Ontario native finished her four year career with 117 games played and 60 points.

Balisy’s senior year ended with 13 goals and 31 assists for 44 points. Her 31 assists were tied for first in the country. She is one of nine Cardinals to eclipse the 100-point mark as she ended with 124 points.

www.nyhockeyonline.com C LARKSON

Cheel Arena home of the Clarkson University Golden Knight Hockey teams has been rated one of the best college hockey arena fan experiences in the country. Stadium Journey listed Cheel as number 4 on its ranking of 59 Division I facilities.

Duggan Heads to International Competition

It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that Assistant Coach Meghan Duggan has now accomplished six times. And she’ll never, ever tire of it.

Men’s Hockey Continued from Page 46

North Hockey / Page 48 The 28-year-old power forward from Danvers, MA, captained the United States Women’s National Hockey Team past host Canada in overtime, 1-0, to win the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Women’s World Championship in Kamloops, British Columbia.

Duggan plays for the NWHL Buffalo Beauts.

The Clarkson University Women’s Hockey program was be well at the 2016 International Ice Hockey Federation World Championship in Kamloops, B.C. Two Golden Knight alums, Erica Howe ‘14 and Jamie Lee Rattray ‘14 played for Team Canada; current Clarkson assistant coach Meghan Duggan served as captain for Team USA; and incoming Green and Gold freshman Michaela Pejzlova skated for the Czech Republic.

Howe, Clarkson’s all-time winningest goaltender, and Rattray, the Green and Gold’s most prolific scorer and 2014 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award winner, helped to lead Clarkson to the 2014 NCAA Championship title.

Senior captain Brian Ward was also a double winner at the ceremony, earning the Brian McFarlane Award which recognizes outstanding academic accomplishment as well as on-ice success and the Brian P. Doyle Memorial Trophy which is awarded for leadership and athletic ability. Ward, who transferred from Dartmouth College, was among the Saint scoring leaders in each of his three seasons.

Senior Tommy Thompson was the winner of the Bernie McKinnon Coaches Award, senior Ross McMullan was the winner of the James Street Seventh

Duggan, who recently completed her second season behind the Clarkson bench, helped to lead Team USA to the 2015 IIHF World Championship gold medal.

Pejzlova played this past year for Stanstead College in Quebec and will be joining Clarkson this fall as a freshman forward.

CANTON Ten Hockey Players Named to Newport News, VA – Ten members of the men’s and women’s hockey teams were named to the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) All-Academic Team.

Eight players on the men’s hockey team earned a spot on the team including J.P. Langlois (Amos, QC), Kyle Matsumoto (Walnut, CA), Josh Sova (Oswego, NY), Joey Vocino (Pickering, ON), Dylan Rosen (Clarkston, MI), Ben Beasley (Burlington, ON), Trenton Yule (Oswego, NY) and Thomas Crabtree (Knoxville, TN).

Steph Kushnir (Goshen, NY) and Margret Troiano (Morristown, NY) on the women’s hockey team also earned the honor.

Player Award, senior Alex Hagen (Bronxville) was the winner of the Terry Slater Perseverance Award, junior Ben Masella was named the Paul J. Flanagan Most Improved Player award winner and freshman Jacob Pritchard was the Pelletier-Stewart Award as the team’s Rookie of the Year.

Head coach Greg Carvel has left the program to become head coach at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and a national search for a new head coach has begun. Mike Hurlbut (Massena), Associate Head Coach, will oversee the program in the interim.

www.nyhockeyonline.com

North Hockey / Page 49

falo f u B n i s p i ionsh p m a h C s l r i d n a NYS G r e t s w e r B Potsdam vs Hamburg vs y n a b l A y o Tr

West Hockey

Battling it out at the Lukey Gold Memorial Tournament

www.nyhockeyonline.com

West Hockey / Page 51

Lockport Express Name Becker Head Coach

T

he Lockport Express of the NA3HL are thrilled to announce the hiring of Brian Becker as Head Coach. Frank Vecchio will continue in the role of General Manager and will focus on recruiting and building the Express program for the future.

Becker played AAA hockey and Junior hockey in his hometown of Buffalo, NY. He played on the SUNY-Fredonia NCAA Division III Team as a true Freshman.

Since graduating, he went into coaching right away as an Assistant Coach on the Tier III Junior team as well as Video Coordinator. He holds a double major in Business Management and American Politics.

He also volunteers with the Youth Hockey program in Hamburg, NY. Becker stated, “I am thrilled and honored to take the coaching reigns of such a professional organization. Coach Vecchio and Coach Kasperek have laid the foundation in the first two years and I am excited to continue to build a winner in Lockport and help players attain their goals.”

Vecchio added, “Brian is a young man I have known for a number of years and respect not only his knowledge of the game but his recruiting ability, the ability to teach the game and most importantly, his high level of integrity and respect for the game. I know Brian will do great things and together, we will continue to grow the Express program.”

Roc City Names New Head Coach

T

he Roc City Royals Junior Hockey Program, proud members of the NA3EHL (now NA3HL), is pleased to announce that Marc Staley has accepted the Head Coaching Position. Staley will begin his duties as coach immediately.

Staley played college hockey for the R.I.T. Tigers and graduated in 1996. After a brief stint in the ECHL and overseas in Switzerland, Staley returned to an assistant coaching position at R.I.T. for one season before accepting an assistant coaching position at SUNY Geneseo from 1998-2003.

Staley has been the Head Coach at Notre Dame High School in Batavia, NY the past nine seasons, racking up two sectional championships, two coach of the year awards, and recently became the all-time winningest coach in the programs storied history. He is a Level 4 USA Hockey Coach as well as a licensed NYS High School Hockey Coach.

Staley also has tremendous connections within the NCAA hockey community, as well as throughout the Tier II, and Tier I Junior leagues in the USA and Canada. Staley is certified in First Aid, CPR, and EAD via the American Red Cross. We are thrilled to have such an accomplished, qualified, and dedicated Head Coach on board to lead our Roc City Royals into the future.

Staley lives in Batavia with his wife Erin, daughter Helaina (8), and son Luke (6).

( Photos from earlier Lockport Rochester Game)

www.nyhockeyonline.com

I

West Hockey / Page 52

Farnand Receives Putnam Award

n March Sarah Farnand received one of the prestigious Tyler Putnam Awards for her energy, work ethic and desire to achieve her goals.

Sarah is a member of the Rochester Edge 14U hockey team and a ninth grader at Fairport High School.

She began her hockey career with the Perinton Blades boys team through Mite Major and then moved to the Edge.

So why would a little girl want to play hockey?

Like most it had to do with family.

“My grandfather watched hockey and so did my brothers. My brothers started playing and I wanted to do what they did,” said Sarah.

So off she went.

While most players sight certain goals and wins as the highlight of their career, Sarah says that the friends she made has had the most impact, along with playing knee hockey in the hotel hallways!

She does admit that the game highlight was when she won the Western New York States with her boy’s team.

Not quite sure what the future holds, Sarah hopes to play college hockey and possibly with the national team. Now that the NWHL is here, she has thought of that as another possibility.

Even at this young age, Sarah has advice for the girls coming up.

“Don’t give up,” she advises. “It might get hard but keep working and you’ll get there eventually.”

This is one young lady to keep your eye on as the Rochester Edge are one of the women’s teams in New York State that have a winning history.

Sarah is the daughter of Steve ans Susan Farnand.

(Sarah is pictured above receiving the 2016 Tyler Putnam Award from Tyler’s sister Shannon and father, Lindsay, photo by Janet Schultz)

Your Source For NYS Hockey News!

NY HOCKEY E-Magazine

www.nyhockeyonline.com

West Hockey / Page 53

SABRES HOST 2016 NHL COACHES CLINIC Academy of Hockey to assist in operating event as part of 2016 NHL Draft festivities

T

he Buffalo Sabres, in collaboration with the NHL Coaches Association and the Academy of Hockey, will host the official 2016 NHL Coaches Association Coaches’ Clinic on Thursday, June 23, at the Adams Mark Hotel (120 Church Street in downtown Buffalo). The clinic kicks off the 2016 NHL Draft festivities, with round one of the draft scheduled for Friday, June 24, followed by rounds 2-7 on Saturday, June 25 at First Niagara Center.

“Hosting an event like the NHLCA Coaches’ Clinic in Buffalo provides a great opportunity for our local hockey community to learn from the best,” said Buffalo Sabres head coach Dan Bylsma. “Coaches at all levels of the game will be exposed to what works at the professional level and get ideas on how to apply this knowledge to make them more effective leaders behind the bench.”

The NHL Coaches Association Coaches’ Clinic is held annually at the NHL Draft. The event provides education to more than 400 youth, amateur, junior, college and professional coaches through a variety of presentations and smallgroup sessions conducted by NHL coaches. The clinic aims to educate coaches on the strategies and techniques used at the highest level of hockey, and provide specific information for every age group and level of play, ensuring that every attending coach receives instruction that is beneficial to his or her players’ development. Attending coaches will also have an opportunity to earn a USA Hockey level II, III or IV certification.

To register for the 2016 NHL Coaches’ Clinic, visit www.Sabres.com/nhlca. Registration for youth/amateur coaches is $150, and $200 for professional coaches. Costs are reduced thanks to sponsorship by the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC). Each registrant will receive two complimentary tickets to the 2016 NHL Draft.

Youth coaches wishing to receive USA Hockey certification (Level 2 or 3) will have the opportunity to do so by paying an additional $40.00 and filling out the appropriate paperwork on-site on the day of the clinic. Coaches can receive Level 4 certification by attending the NHLCA Clinic on Thursday and a second day of presentations to

be held at Canisius College on Friday. Current Level 3 coaches wishing to receive their Level 4 will need to sign up for both the NHLCA clinic and the USA Hockey Level 4 on USA Hockey website, which will be posted to the USA Hockey website clinic registration page in late April. The Level 4 clinic will cost $140.00 (in addition to the $150.00 cost of the NHLCA Clinic).

The Adams Mark Hotel has limited rooms reserved and available at a special “NHLCA room rate” of $129. Visit the hotel’s website www.adamsmark.com or call (716) 8455100.

The NHLCA, flexxCOACH, HARBORCENTER and the Academy of Hockey will present an additional free clinic on Wednesday, June 22 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at HARBORCENTER. The on-ice clinic will be led by Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan, and will focus on practice organization, station-based training, and small area games. Registration is free and open to all youth hockey coaches in Western New York, along with any coaches who register for Thursday’s NHLCA Coaches’ Clinic.

About the NHL Coaches Association: The NHLCA was established to: promote the game of hockey, earn respect for coaches and coaching, improve the performance of its member coaches, and works with the NHL on issues of common concern for the game and member coaches as well as engages in charitable endeavors.

About the Academy of Hockey: The Academy of Hockey is dedicated to being the premier development destination for hockey players and coaches by providing the dedicated hockey player with a structured and specific program that encourages and motivates the individual to reach his or her highest playing potential. Located at state-of-the-art HARBORCENTER, connected to First Niagara Center, the Academy uses education as the basis of each of its programs with dedicated structure that challenges players of all age and skill levels to accelerate their development and achieve measurable success.

www.nyhockeyonline.com

West Hockey / Page 54

Lukey’s Legacy Continues

by Randy Schultz Game Photos by Janet Schultz Specially Lit Building Photos by Rick Mathews

T

he Third Annual Lukey’s Legacy Memorial Hockey Tournament was held in mid-March. Eleven teams participated in the seven-day tournament that was held at the West Seneca Town Rink.

The tourney was open to Squirt House (or MOHL) teams only. No Select or “Travel Tryout” teams were allowed. Tournament proceeds went to Lukey’s Legacy Foundation.

The teams were divided into two divisions, the Stempniak Division and the Kane Division. The teams representing the Stempniak Division included the Depew Saints, Amherst White Sabres, West Seneca Sharks, Bradford Owls, West Seneca Predators and Caz Chiefs.

The teams making up the Kane Division included the Batavia Rmparts, Wheatfield Blades, West Seneca Blues, Team East Aurora and West Seneca White Sabres.

It was a little over four years ago, November 16, 2011, that Luke Gould died suddenly and unexpectedly. “Lukey,” as he was known as by family and friends, died of Myocarditis.

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. It occurs when one of a variety of infections reaches that individuals heart.

www.nyhockeyonline.com

West Hockey / Page 55

Lukey Gould 2016 Tournament

www.nyhockeyonline.com

West Hockey / Page 56

Thanks to the efforts of many people, led by Lukey’s mom, Amy Voit Skowronski, more and more people have become aware of this disease.

“My goal is not only to make people in the Western New York area aware of the disease, but those across New York State as well,” said Skowronski. “And I haven’t stopped there either.”

On November 16, 2012 the first Myocarditis Awareness Day was held. It has been held each November 16 since that time.

Last year and again this year the Electric Tower in downtown Buffalo was lit up in colors in honor of Lukey. This year the Peace Bridge connecting the United States and Canada was also lit in colors.

Following seven days of competition, Team East Aurora defeated the Depew Saints, 9-6 in the Tournament’s Championship game.

“We will continue to work to help make a difference in the lives of people affected by Myocarditis,” concluded Amy. “Through these efforts, Lukey’s memory will live on.”

As it states on Lukey’s web page, “Lukey’s Legacy is no longer saving goals on the ice, but saving lives from above.”

www.nyhockeyonline.com

West Hockey / Page 57

www.nyhockeyonline.com

West Hockey / Page 58

year, consistently lagging behind the other three teams’ defenses in terms of stats.

Lefort, a native of Quebec, spent the duration of her NCAA career at Boston University. Going into the season, she was a 2015 Second Team Hockey East All-Star. She also had played before for the Under-18 National Team for her native Canada. As a senior in 2015-16 she had 35 points throughout the season. The Beauts are most likely looking at her as a good partner for Meghan Duggan or Kelley Steadman on a top line if they choose to re-sign them.

Leveille is the lone goalkeeper that was selected by the Beauts in the 2015 Draft. Leveille East Aurora Native Emily Janiga played in between the pipes for the famed Min(Mercyhurst Photo) nesota Golden Gophers program throughout the duration of her career. She had a 29-4 record in between the pipes for Minnesota during her 2015-16 season through 34 games played in.

Janiga was the first of two Mercyhurst forwards selected in the draft by the Beauts. A local of the Buffalo area, Janiga was born in nearby East Aurora and went to Nichols for high school, The Buffalo Beauts drafted fourth in the first-ever a private prep school in North Buffalo. She was NWHL Draft last Spring. Those players have ful- named the 2015 College Hockey America Player filled their college commitments and now look of the Year and had 27 goals en route to a 45-point forward to preparing for the second season of 2015-16 campaign for Mercyhurst.

NWHL play.

Her teammate Jenna Dingeldein was the fi Drafted fourth overall was Courtney Burke nal selection in the draft, going at 20th overall. from Wisconsin. She was followed by Sarah le- She was a 2015 All-CHA Team honoree for a 2015 fort, Boston University, Amanda Leveille, Min- campaign which featured her scoring 18 goals nesota and Jenna Dingeldein, Mercyhurst. Also along with tallying 17 assists. from Mercyhurst and drafted 16th overall was Western New York native Emily Janiga.

Burke proved that she was deserving of the first draft pick in Beauts history in her season with Wisconsin. She had 3 goals and 23 assists to total 25 points throughout the season. Her amazing NY HOCKEY ability to read the play and react along with her playmaking ability earned her 2016 NCAA Second Team All-American honors. Burke will help the Beauts defense who struggled throughout the

Beauts Draftees Debut in 2016-17

Your Source For NYS Hockey News!

E-Magazine

www.nyhockeyonline.com

West Hockey / Page 52

Police and Firefighters Battle... ...On the Ice! Harborcenter hosted the Police and Fire Hockey Tournament presented by Southern Tier Brewing Company on April 22 and 23. The event featured 12 teams composed of police officers and fire fighters.

Participating organizations included Buffalo Police, Buffalo Fire, Niagara Falls Police, Niagara Falls Fire, Niagara County Sheriffs, Town of Tonawanda Police, Genesee County Sheriffs, Batavia Police, Batavia Fire, Lackawanna Police, Lackawanna Fire, NY State Department of Corrections, and Hamilton (ON) Fire.

“We have been working to grow the game of hockey on all levels, and that has been exemplified in the popularity of our Harborcenter Cup tournaments and dozens of other showcase events,” said Nik Fattey, Harborcenter vice president and director of hockey. “Now we get a chance to put on an event

for our first responders, who work to keep us safe every day.

“These courageous men and women also play an exciting brand of hockey, and we look forward to honoring them with this fun event.”

The Police and Fire Hockey Tournament was highlighted by a pair of friendly rivalry matchups on April 22: Buffalo Police vs. Buffalo Fire and Niagara Falls Police and Fire vs. Niagara County Sheriffs All Police and Fire Tournament participants were provided with a care package of merchandise from Southern Tier Brewing Company to thank these men and women for their service.

www.nyhockeyonline.com

West Hockey / Page 60

Police and Fire Departments Battle--On The Ice! “Southern Tier Brewing Company has several employees who are fire and rescue squad volunteers,” said Southern Tier founder Phin DeMink. “We are happy to be involved in presenting the Police and Fire Hockey Tournament. Cheers to every team!”

Each team in the tournament played two preliminary round games on Friday, and one on Saturday. The top two teams in each pool advanced to the semifinal playoff round on Saturday. The tournament championship game was scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Saturday.

Congratulations to the Buffalo Fire Department on winning the 2016 Fire and Police Hockey Tournament! #OneBuffalo (Game photos by Janet Schultz, NY Hockey OnLine)

www.nyhockeyonline.com

West Hockey / Page 61

www.nyhockeyonline.com

West Hockey / Page 62

www.nyhockeyonline.com

Western New York Men’s College Hockey Report

by Warren Kozireski

Wkozires@brockport.edu

BROCKPORT Senior forward Chase Nieuwendyk was named to the American Hockey Coaches Association CCM East SecondTeam. Nieuwendyk is the first player in the history of Brockport ice hockey to earn the title of All-America twice.

Nieuwendyk broke into the Brockport record books this season and is tied for eighth in career goals with 45.

The senior eclipsed 100 career points in the final weekend of the regular season and finished with 101 on 45 goals and 56 assists. Nieuwendyk is the 11th Golden Eagle to reach the 100-point milestone.

CANISIUS Junior forward Shane Conacher (#63) has signed a contract with the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League, forgoing his final season with the Golden Griffins.

Conacher recorded 106 points on 37 goals and 69 assists in his three seasons in the Blue and Gold. He joined his brother, Cory, as the only Griffs to reach 100 points during their junior campaign and his 106 points are the most by a Canisius student-athlete in his first three seasons on campus.

A first-team All-Atlantic Hockey selection as a junior, Conacher led the Griffs with 46 points, 20 goals and 26 assists during the 2015-16 campaign, ranking 11th nationally in points, 14th in goals and 22nd

West Hockey / Page 63 in assists in addition to placing eighth with six game-winning tallies. His 46 points are also the third most in the program’s history.

Conacher was named the team’s MVP and the Top Forward award after collecting firstteam All-Atlantic Hockey accolades during the 2015-16 season. Conacher posted 46 points during his junior campaign – the thirdmost in the program’s history – on 20 goals and 26 assists.

He also established a new school record with six gamewinning tallies, while ranking 14th nationally in points, 16th in goals, 20th in assists and eighth in game-winning goals.

Freshman Cameron Heath collected Top Defenseman honors, becoming the fourth Griff rookie in school history to earn the accolade, joining Joe Federico (1984-85), Daryl Pierce (2000-01) and Ben Danford (2010-11). Heath totaled 16 points as a freshman with seven goals and nine assists, while leading the team with a plus/minus rating of +13.

Freshman forward Dylan McLaughlin earned Rookie of the Year accolades. McLaughlin ranked fourth in Atlantic Hockey and 21st nationally among rookies with 26 points, scoring eight goals to go along with 18 assists.

Freshman defender Alex Jaeckle was named the team’s Most Improved Player. The rookie appeared in each of the team’s final 12 contests of the season and scored one goal in 20 games overall.

Senior Ralph Cuddemi (#93) was honored with the Top Chapman Award as the team’s unsung hero. Cuddemi became the third Griff in program history to be named to the all-conference team twice when he collected second-team All-Atlantic Hockey honors as a

www.nyhockeyonline.com

West Hockey / Page 64

Junior forward Stephen Collins, junior forward Trevor Hills and sophomore defenseman Pat Condon were named All-America by the American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA). Collins is the sixth player in Geneseo history to be named a first-team All-American, while Hills landed second-team honors and Condon earned third-team recognition. Geneseo has now had a total of 13 players named All-America in its 41-year history.

Head coach Chris Schultz (Gates-Chili) was named the co-winner of the 2016 Edward Jeremiah Award, given to the Division III National Coach of the Year. Schultz shared the award with UMass-Boston coach Pete Belisle.

Schultz, who also won the award in 2014, was voted the 2016 State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) Coach of the Year, marking the third time in the last four seasons he has been honored with the conference’s top coaching award.

with 48 points (14+34) in 46 games and was named to the NOJHL’s CCM All-Star First Team in addition to being named the Soo Thunderbirds’ Best Defenseman.

Noah Delmas played with the Aurora Tigers of the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL). A former draft choice of the Ontario Hockey League’s Ottawa 67’s, Delmas started the 2015-16 season with the Bloomington Thunder in the United States Hockey League after being drafted in the second round of the 2015 USHL Phase II Draft. Delmas earned one goal and one assist in 17 games with Bloomington before returning to the Aurora Tigers. In 25 games with Aurora (regular season and postseason), Delmas tallied six goals and 11 assists, including six points in six playoff games.

Kris Spriggs joins early signees Brown and Sokay up front. Spriggs split time in the 2015-16 season with the Nipawin Hawks of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) and the Lloydminster Bobcats of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL). In 57 total games, Spriggs scored 34 goals while tacking on 25 assists for 59 points. He then logged 11 points (4+7) in 12 playoff games with Lloydminster.

Senior defenseman Matt Chiarantano (pictured left) signed a standard player contract with the Brampton Beast of the ECHL, an affiliate of the NHL’s Montreal Canadiens and AHL’s St. John’s Ice Caps.

NIAGARA

R.I.T.

The team announced the National Letter of Intent (NLI) signings of three incoming freshman for the 2016-17 season. Defensemen Caleb Boman and Noah Delmas and forward Kris Spriggs have been added to the Niagara’s Class of 2020, joining early signees Derek Brown and Ben Sokay.

Caleb Boman arrives via the Soo Thunderbirds of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL) where in 95 games he accumulated 23 goals and 57 assists for 80 points. The 19-year-old Boman finished the 2015-16 regular season second in scoring among all NOJHL defensemen,

The Tigers season ended with a 4-0 loss to Quinnipiac in the semi-finals of the NCAA East Regional in Albany.

Senior forward Josh Mitchell broke the school’s career games played mark with his 154—his final being the NCAA East Regional. He had 88 points over the last two seasons, third most by one player in the Tigers Division I history. And he finished fifth in the Division I era in career scoring with 121 points. He also ended his collegiate career tied for the longest consecutive games played streak of 154.

Senior captain Alexander Kuqali won three awards, as the RIT men’s hockey team held its annual end of the

senior. The team captain finished second on the team with 42 points, scoring 20 goals to go along with 22 assists.

Junior Geoff Fortman received the Dr. David B. Dietz Award, which is presented to a player for his dedication in both athletics and academics. Fortman, who maintains a 3.98 grade point average, recorded six assists during the 2015-16 campaign. The junior was also honored for his work off the ice by receiving the program’s Community Outreach Award for the second-consecutive season.

GENESEO

The Knights season ended in the national semi-finals with a loss to eventual nation champion Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

www.nyhockeyonline.com

year banquet. Kuqali won the Dan Barrows Award as fan’s choice, the Art Thomas Award for outstanding leadership, and for the second straight year, the Green B. Williams Award for Academic Excellence with teammate Dan Schuler (Webster).

Kuqali, who was also named a 2016 Senior CLASS First Team All-American, appeared in 153 career games, second most in RIT’s Division I era, with 13 goals, 46 assists and 59 points.

Schuler, a senior, finished his RIT career with 46 points on 21 goals and 25 assists in 93 games. He appeared in 14 games this season with six points on two goals and four assists.

Sophomore defenseman Chase Norrish won the Tim Cordick Award as RIT’s top defenseman. The Atlantic Hockey Best Defenseman of the Year and earned All-Atlantic Hockey first team selection led all RIT defensemen in scoring with 21 points on eight goals and 13 assists, while playing in 34 games.

Twin brother Brady Norrish and senior captain Andrew Miller were awarded the Greg Moss Hard Hat Award for grit and determination. Norrish, an All-Atlantic Hockey third team selection tallied 16 points on six goals and 10 assists while playing in all 39 games. Miller appeared in 31 games for the Tigers in 2015-16, tallying a career-high 11 points on four goals and seven assists.

Mitchell was the recipient of the Louis Spiotti Coaches Award after he led the Tigers in scoring with 36 points on

West Hockey / Page 65 six goals and 30 assists in 39 games this season, while earning All-Atlantic Hockey third team honors.

Freshman forward Gabe Valenzuela won the Craig Lauzon Award as the team’s Rookie of the Year as he led all RIT first-year players in scoring with 28 points on 13 goals and 15 assists in 39 games played.

The Dr. Albert J. Simone Distinguished Service Award is given annually to a member of the RIT hockey community who makes a positive impact on the program. This year, the award went to team bus driver Chuck Logel.

Miller signed an amateur tryout contract and made his professional debut with the Binghamton Senators of the American Hockey League (AHL) on Saturday, April 9.

Head coach Wayne Wilson announced the captains for the 2016-17 season will be junior defensemen Brady & Chase Norrish and Myles Powell.

OTHER AREA NOTES: • Fairport native Trevor Mingoia signed an amateur tryout contract with Albany in the AHL. Mingoia completed his collegiate career with Providence and was named Hockey East layer of the Month in January and Player of the Week three times. He finished with 89 points over 102 games, culminating with last season’s National Championship.

• Williamsville native Andrew Poturalski (University of New Hampshire) was named a First Team AHCA/CCM Hockey Men’s Division I All-American.

Your Source For NYS Hockey News!

NY HOCKEY E-Magazine

www.nyhockeyonline.com

By Randy Schultz

I

t is hard to believe that nearly a decade ago the Hyde Park Ice Arena in Niagara Falls, NY was literally at death’s doorstep. It was an ice arena with no future except maybe for a wrecking ball.

The two ice pads had a dull and drab appearance to them. The locker rooms were outdated and smelled. The place was falling apart.

But then along came Gene and Michael Carella, the owners and operators of Niagara Sports Tournament. Thanks to the efforts of Gene, who worked with city officials, Hyde Park Ice Arena has received a total makeover.

Gene is the CEO of the corporation, while Michael is the dayto-day operator. Together Niagara Sports Tournament is the primary operator of the Hyde Park Ice Pavilion.

Hyde Park Ice Arena has become a destination point for youth hockey teams from across the Northeast including New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, the New England area, as well as Canada.

“We’ve come a long way over the past couple of years,” said Gene. “The only thing missing right now is that within the next couple of years the city is going to do some final work on the outside of the building and put a new ‘skin’ on it.

West Hockey / Page 66 “There will be a new drive-up area out front so it will be easier and safer to drop kids off with.

They may even do a little work on the roof.”

But it is the interior of the building that is now the big selling point

for new, high tech controls for the compressor room.”

What makes this makeover so amazing is the fact that Carella had to work with a city government that had the reputation of sometimes being very hard to work with.

“We couldn’t have done hardly any of this if it weren’t for the effort of Dave Kinney (Niagara Falls Public Works Director),” stated Gene. “He was the guy who helped set up a lot of the meetings with other city officials and myself.

“In the end all of the people I dealt with were all on the same page and wanted to do a nice job for the City of Niagara Falls. The first one was Mayor Paul Dyster, who

The Resurrection of An Arena f o r teams a n d organizations wanting to r e n t i c e time.

“The inside is almost done,” continued Gene. “Right now we’re lobbying

was behind us right from the beginning.

www.nyhockeyonline.com West Hockey / Page 67

“Then there was the Corporation Council who forged an interesting agreement for the ice arena. And finally there was Dave Kinney, who brought both sides together throughout the entire process.”

Gene’s son, Michael, admits that when he got involved with this a couple of years ago his vision was exactly 20/20.

“When we saw what the architects had designed it looked great on paper,” remarked Michael. “But until you saw the end results in front of you, you had your doubts.

“But in the end it all turned out great. There is a lot of new in this building and it is all for the good.”

The Carella’s admit that the reaction from visiting teams has been very positive.

“We’ve had teams that came in here, who haven’t been here in five years, and were blown away,” added Michael. “They see the two rinks with new lights and seating and then go to the locker rooms and can’t believe that they are in the same building they were five years ago.”

An additional attraction to the arena is “JR’s Stone Room,” a restaurant/bar that is housed within the building. Wings and pizza are the big items served up.

Just how close was the Hyde Park Ice Arena to being torn down?

“I think about 10 years ago the city was at a crossroad,” stated Gene. “They only had two options.

“One was to make improvements or two would have been to close the building a tear it down. Obviously I think they made the right decision in doing a complete makeover on the building.

“I have to give a lot of credit to the Niagara Falls City officials. They did it right.”

www.nyhockeyonline.com

West Hockey / Page 68

Juniors

www.nyhockeyonline.com

West Hockey / Page 69

Rochester Takes Bowman Cup and Horton Cup Team Hasek Gets Martin

By Randy Schultz Photos by Janet Schultz

T

he 12th Annual Scotty Bowman Showcase was held on Sunday, April 10 at the First Niagara Center. The Showcase consisted of three all-star hockey games between high school-aged players from the Buffalo and Rochester areas.

The first game featured high school juniors from the two cities facing off against one another for the Tim Horton Memorial Cup. Rochester topped Buffalo, 5-2.

The next game was between high school seniors from each city. The winner of the second game was awarded the Scotty Bowman Cup. This year’s Cup was awarded to Team Rochester, who doubled up Team Buffalo, 6-3.

This award and the event are named after Buffalo Sabres former head coach Scotty Bowman, the winningest coach in NHL history. Bowman was in attendance to present the Bowman Cup to the victorious senior team.

The third game featured players from Buffalo and Rochester who play prep school or junior hockey, either locally or elsewhere. The players were split up into two even teams (Buffalo and Rochester players mixed) and faced off for the Rick Martin Memorial Cup. In that contest Team Hasek defeated Team Perreault, 4-3 in overtime. Colton McKenna of the Jr. Sabres 16U team scored the game winner on a breakaway.

www.nyhockeyonline.com

West Hockey / Page 70

Seniors

www.nyhockeyonline.com

West Hockey / Page 71

Scott Tournament Makes A Difference

By Randy Schultz

T

he 15th Annual Jeffrey B. Scott Memorial Hockey Tournament was held March 10-13 at the Cheektowaga Recreation Center. Twelve Peewee House teams from around Western New York area participated in the four-

day tourney held in Cheektowaga.

The 12 teams were divided into three divisions. Division I teams included the Wheatfield Royals, Southtowns Stars – Barry, Amherst Kings and Cheektowaga Warriors 2.

Division II teams included the Wheatfield Panthers, Southtowns Stars – Franke, Buffalo Shamrocks and Batavia Ramparts. Division III was made up of the Ken-Ton Sharks, Buffalo Bisons, Cheektowaga Warriors 1 and Depew Saints.

It has been 34 years (March 27, 1982) since Jeffrey B. Scott suddenly died at the age of 11. He died while playing street hockey and, ironically, moments after scoring the game-winning goal.

The cause of death was from “a sudden cardiac death due to a lethal rhythm disturbance related to a congenital heart valve defect.”

Christopher J. Scott, Jeffrey’s brother and co-organizer of the event, explained the reason for establishing the tournament.

“I didn’t want my brother to be gone or his memory forgotten,” stated Christopher. “So the tournament was created and it was to be for 11 and 12 year olds.

“We raise money for charities. But most importantly, I wanted to help make a difference in at least one child’s life.”

A Coalition was formed and is devoted to purchasing and placing Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) at facilities throughout the Western New York area.

Since the tournament’s inception over 70 AEDs have been donated throughout the area. In addition, over $240,000 has been raised and donated to charities.

The championship game in this year’s tournament featured the Southtowns Stars – Franke defeating the Amherst Kings, 7-1.

This year’s tourney raised $20,749 that will be donated to the Madison Lee McCarthy Cardiac Care Coalition for Children (MMCCCC).

In addition, the following facilities will be receiving AED’s for 2016: Faletti Ice Arena, Mary Queen of Angels School, Montessori School of Syracuse, Spectrum Fitness Gymnasium (two units), Compass House Buffalo (two units), Lakeview Youth Athletics, Evans Youth Baseball and Lakeshore Youth Soccer.

One of the co-organizers for the event is Eric Godzich, an employee for the Town of Cheektowaga, who, in part, runs the Cheektowaga Warriors hockey program.

“While we always have a winner in the tournament, we all feel that there are no losers in the tournament.,” concluded Godzich. “The tournament continues to grow every year.

“We’re already looking forward to next year.”

BOB JANOSZ

NHL/AHL Developmental Goalie Coach - 9 years USA Hockey Scout/Coach - 9 years Helped 100 + goalies get to the Pro, Collegiate, Junior & Prep School ranks

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

(716) 308-9224

INFO@BOBJANOSZ.COM