NY Hockey OnLine E-Magazine, September-December 2018

NY Hockey OnLine E-Magazine Vol. 8; Issue 1 Winter 2018

GROWING HOCKEY NEW WOMEN’S TEAMS IN THE WNYGVIH LEAGUE, SECTION 1, ACHA AND UCHC Plus Lockport & Niagara Falls Boys Varsity Combine!

Letter From the Editor

In This Issue: Around the NWHL......................26 Bisons Girls Commit....................35 Dave Rost.......................................58 Emily Janiga..................................48 Future NY Ranger........................50 Future Buffalo Sabre.....................51 Haskin............................................55 Jenna House..................................46 Letters from Hockey Dr.........................8-25 (Short Features on Hockey) Mom Coaching Daughters..........45 News From the State....................60 Niagara County Girls Debut.......29 NY Hockey Online National.......4 NYS Girls High School................32 NYS Boys High School................33 NYS College Women...................36 Officials WANTED.......................5 Putnam Awards, 2018..................57 Raptors Report..............................54 Remers...........................................56 Sirena Fitzery................................47

Dear Reader,

We made the decision to discontinue our monthly publication of the magazine due to a slump in readership.

However, we did notice our Facebook and Website gaining readership; and with being named eighth in a list of Hockey EZines in the nation, we decided that we would publish at least twice a year. First issue to cover the beginning and first half of the hockey season and the second to come out just after the draft. This way we can share all the hockey news and we will run some of our features so anyone not seeing them on our website will have a chance through the magazine.

We encourage everyone from youth hockey through collegiate to send us their news, photos, tournament and special event information; just as you did previously. We will still be coming to the arenas and looking for those special hockey stories to share.

We thank everyone for their continued support; especially our devoted advertiser, Howell Motors.

Let us know how we can help your hockey organization grow!

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

Sincerely, Randy Schultz Publisher/Writer NY Hockey Online EMagazine

Columnists Warren Kozireski, Wkozires@brockport.edu Janet Schultz Randy Schultz Michael Meyers NY Hockey OnLine is an equal opportunity employer.

Contents 2018-19 NY Hockey Online All rights reserved NY Hockey OnLine is published twice a year at no charge and can be accessed via the publication’s website www.nyhockeyonline.com

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Wanted: Officials

by Janet Schultz

T

here’s a shortage in hockey! It’s not in the locker room, nor is it in management; but it’s both on and off the ice. Everyone aspires to playing the game and after playing days are over many head to behind the bench or “upstairs.”

There’s another avenue to staying in the game.

Officiating!

“There’s a shortage of on and off ice officials,” said Official Dina Allen. “I think its because of the many challenges of it including working it into an already full playing schedule and having to deal with coaches and parents acting inappropriately and berating officials.

“All of us can foster and grow officiating by being patient and understanding of those willing to learn officiating and do the job.

“It is a necessary part of the game,” continued Allen.

A good time to begin the process is when you are young. The problem is that there isn’t time when you are playing to take the time to learn to officiate and then schedule in games to officiate.

However, learning to officiate will also enhance a players game.

Allen began her officiating career after college

because it was a good time for her. She had played the game but with beginning her study in law knew she won’t have time to play. She also wanted to make a little extra money. Her husband was an official and so she began her journey into the world of officiating.

“Had I started younger I would have benefitted from it as a player because I would have understood what the refs were seeing and how they interpret the game. That would have given me an advantage,” she said.

Allen, a native of North Tonawanda, played local travel and for the Nichols High School team before heading off to play hockey at Princeton. She played on boys teams through tenth grade and then joined the Syracuse Stars and played senior AAA for the Oakville Ice. At Princeton she led the team in penalty minutes, so she knows a thing or two about hockey rules.

“My first officiating job was a cross ice mite game as a linesman; it was fun,” she remembers.

She officiated at the ECAC D1 level, took USA Hockey regional camps to get certified; took an elite camp for international certification and traveled the world. Then last year she officiated at the highest level at the 2018 Olympics for the women’s hockey competitions.

“Start where you are comfortable, get experience

5

and as you feel more comfortable move up to the levels that are more competitive,” Allen advises.

“The Assigners work with you to find games that you are comfortable with,” she added.

Allen adds that you learn how to manage people and situations.

She has also learned about different life styles, cultures and has found camaraderie with the officials as they travel together, which has developed into lasting friendships.

“The biggest take away for younger kids playing is that you learn the game from a completely different perspective,” she said. “It helps you as a player to better understand the game.”

“I think it would be fun to see coaches go through the process and see what they would do from a refs perspective,” she said. “It would be a definite advantage because of the different perspective.”

“It’s a thick rule book!”

How do you start?

Begin by going to the USA Hockey website (www.usahockey. com) click on Officials; then on Become Official and select Register Now. It will take you through the registration process.

While the sessions for this Fall are already completed, check back at the site for upcoming dates.

NYHOL will try and post the dates for each Section of NY as they become available.

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The following story on Dina Allen ran in NYHOL after she was selected to work the 2012 IIHF Women’s Worlds in Vermont. In 2018 she worked the Olympics in China.

It will give you some insight into refereeing.

Dina Allen is a fulltime lawyer which mean she has to settle disputes on a regular basis. So what does she do in her spare time?

Why, she serves as a referee for ice hockey, naturally.

While local games are on her schedule regularly, Allen will be one of the referees at the 2012 International Ice Hockey Federation Women’s World’s in Burlington, Vermont in April.

The North Tonawanda resident began her hockey career at age 4.

She played on boy’s teams through tenth grade and then joined up with the Syracuse Stars. She played senior AAA hockey for the Oakville Ice of the NWHL, won a USA Hockey national championship with the 19U Syracuse Stars and was invited to the USA Junior National Camp in 2001, 2002 and 2003. She has also played for Brampton and Mississaugua of the NWHL.

The Princeton University graduate also played for her alma mater. She played in 123 games in her Princeton uniform, garnering

70 points. However, in her last three years at Princeton Allen was the leader in penalty minutes, logging 224 minutes in 92 games.

So how do you become one of those referees that put you in the box so many times?

“My husband referred in graduate school and got me interested,” explained Allen.

“It was a way to make some extra money and stay in the game,” she continued. “I knew there weren’t many women officials but I thought I’d try it.”

The process begins with registering with USA Hockey as an official and taking a class. There’s an open rulebook test at the end and from there you start working USA hockey games.

“The opportunities grow from there,” she continued.

“My first USA game was a Mite Cross Ice and I was the linesman,” she remembers. “It was fun.”

Allen continues studying as she attends regional development camps in the summer.

“USA Hockey works hard to develop their officials,” she said. “There are regional, national and elite camps.

The Elite Camps get you certified to do international tournaments, such as the IIHF.

“Once you have that you are on the list of officials to get assigned,” she continued.

While you’re in the stands yelling at the officials, the fans aren’t the only ones watching the officials very closely.

“There are supervisors at many of the games that watch us,” she said. “We don’t always know they’re there unless we recognize them. But at the national and international level, they are always there. In fact they meet with us to go over things before the games, questioning us on rules.”

“The more experience you gain the better,” she advises anyone thinking about this as a career move.

“You need to be flexible because you can be called for a game at any time and the development camps are in the summer.

“Generally I know about a game a month in advance, but sometimes you get called the week before, especially during playoffs because no one knows who’s playing who when,” said Allen.

“Working the international tournaments is a great

way to meet people from all over the world,” she goes on.

“My first international game was in Germany and I was the only American official.

“I enjoy it because I get to learn about their life style, culture and there is a camaraderie among the officials when we are on the road.”

“Refereeing is a fun challenge. You learn how to manage people and situations,” said Allen. “No one is ever happy about a penalty.”

“There are a lot more rules than you know as a player.”

“We need the number of referees to increase and we are trying to grow it. So if someone wants to stay in the game, but is unable to play, this may be the way.”

What about the yelling from the stands and the bench?

“My law career has helped me handle that,” she said smiling.

(Editor’s note: Dina has a husband and two children. Her husband is also a referee and played ice hockey in Lockport.

He was recently inducted into the Howell Motors Hockey Hall of Fame located in the Cornerstone Arena in Lockport.

Advertise With Us...

Contact Randy Schultz, Randy@nyhockeyonline.com

For Information

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Letters From Hockey Drive Dear Reader:

Letters from Hockey Drive is a series of special features on hockey players and organizations that Randy has written for your enjoyment over the past few months.

The column will continue on a regular basis on the NY Hockey OnLine website and we will share them in the magazine.

So we begin...

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Dear Reader,

Thurman Thomas Loves His Hockey

T

hurman Thomas was one of the most exciting players to ever wear a Buffalo Bills football uniform. It is no wonder that the team is retiring his uniform number 34 in the Bills upcoming Monday Night Football contest against the New England Patriots.

The Hall of Fame running back has become quite a fixture in Western New York over the years.

Following his retirement from pro football Thomas decided to put down roots in Western New York and settle down.

Not surprising Thomas has been seen many times in attendance at Buffalo Sabres hockey games.

Interestingly enough, Thomas’ hockey roots go back to his days growing up outside of Houston, TX. That’s right. Houston, TX.

It was at a Sabres game that I got to talk to Thomas and his love of hockey.

“It was back in Houston when they had the Aeros of the old World Hockey Association,” called Thomas, a five-time Pro Bowl selection as well as rushing for over 1000 yards for eight consecutive seasons (1989-96). “That is when I actually heard about hockey for the first time.

“People don’t think of Houston as being a hockey town because it is hot and all. But the hockey fans were great there with the Aeros. And that’s where

I first heard the name of Gordie Howe. He was the first player I really followed as a fan of the game. And that name has really stuck with me for the rest of my life.”

I recalled another instance when Thomas dropped by the Sabres press box. He was introduced to Mark Howe, the son of Gordie and a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame like his father, who was scouting the game that night.

Mark had the opportunity to play with his father, as well as his brother, Marty, when the trio played together with the Aeros. I remember Mark and Thomas talking for almost 20 minutes about Houston and hockey.

“I couldn’t believe it when I was introduced to him,” recalled Thomas about that evening in the Sabres press box. “We talked a lot about Houston, the Aeros and hockey today.”

What makes hockey so interesting to Thomas?

“I just enjoy the game,” answered Thomas, who was the NFL’s MVP in 1991. “In a way hockey is a lot like football. It’s a very physical game.

“You have to be skilled out there on the field of play to know what you are doing.”

9

Y

ogi Berra was one of the most well-known athletes in American history. Four decades after he had retired as a baseball player, Berra was still being featured in major TV ads. The Hall of Fame catcher was even quoted by several Presidents of the United States.

Several years ago I had the opportunity to talk to Berra by phone. The interview was set up by one of his son’s, Dale. I was told no more than 20 minutes would be my limit with the legendary Berra.

The day of the scheduled interview I called Dale. Seconds later I had Yogi on the line. A little over 45 minutes later I finished the interview, totally amazed at the knowledge Berra had about hockey.

I found out that Berra was a huge fan of hockey, especially the NHL. And Yogi wasn’t just your casual fan. He knows his hockey and the players involved.

His love of the game goes back over eight decades when Berra was growing up in his native St. Louis, MO.

“I never played ice hockey growing up in St. Louis,” recalled Berra, who played on 14 pennant winners and 10 World Series championships with the New York Yankees. “I played street hockey and roller hockey.

“We didn’t have any place to play ice hockey. And if we had, we really didn’t have the money for skates or some of the other hockey equipment needed.

“We had sticks. We used old rolled up magazines as shin guards. And we used wooden pucks.

That’s right, wooden pucks. We couldn’t afford a real puck. So we made one.”

Berra followed pro hockey while growing up in St. Louis with the Flyers of the old American Hockey Association.

“I remember the day of a game, I used to take a nap in the afternoon so I could go with my brother to the hockey game that night down at the old St. Louis Arena,” remembered Berra, who played 18 seasons with the Yankees. “One of my favorite players with the Flyers was Eddie Olson.

“I remember he used to take batting practice

with the St. Louis Cardinals in the summer.”

Once Berra made it to the majors with the Yankees he instantly became a fan of the New York Rangers.

“I really enjoyed the Rangers,” recalled Berra. “I really liked the old Garden. You were a lot closer to the game on the ice at the old Garden. I used to take all of my kids to Rangers games every chance I got.”

Not only was Berra a fan of the game, he and his wife, Carmen, were hockey parents. That’s right.

Yes, they got up at 4:30 in the morning to get their boys to a practice or game.

“Our son, Dale, really like the game and excelled at it. Emile Francis (coach and GM) of the Rangers thought Dale was good enough that he would have given him a tryout.”

Dale didn’t go for a hockey tryout, but he did excel in baseball, eventually played in the Major Leagues.

Berra kept track of the Rangers, as well as the New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils. But he always had a warm spot in his heart for the Rangers.

“I was really glad to see them finally win the Cup back in 1994,” stated Berra. “Ranger fans really waited a long time for that Cup.”

One rule Berra saw added to the NHL in his lifetime as the shootout.

“I guess the shootout is good,” concluded Berra. “I hear that a lot of the fans like it.”

One might say, using an original Yogism, “the game’s not over now, until it’s over.”

Yogi Loved Hockey

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s r e d n a Kelsey L tation n e s e r P Game r o t a n i Coord

T

he product the Buffalo Sabres put on the ice this past National Hockey League season was certainly not that entertaining for their fans. The Sabres hockey team was anything but good.

But the product the Sabres had off the ice was an entirely different story. That Sabres team put on an entertaining show every home game, both in the stands and even on the ice.

One of the members of that off-ice Sabres team is Kelsey Landers. Her official job title is Game Presentation Coordinator.

“It is a very tough department to explain to people what you do,” explained Landers, a native of Gasport, NY. “The best way I can describe it is if you come to a Sabres game, any part of the experience that isn’t the game itself I have a hand behind it.

“So when you first enter the building it is my interns handing out the programs or promotional giveaways. I work with the DJ who plays the music in the building.

“Any type of pre-game ceremony I have a hand in.”

It should be clarified here that the “team” that Landers is a part of is made up of two people. Ironically, the other person’s first name just happens to be Kelsey. That would be Kelsey Schneider, Director of Game Presentation.

“We call it ‘Kelsey Squared,’ Game Presentation,” said a smiling Landers, a graduate of RoyaltonHartland High School. She continued.

“Any graphic you see, one of us had to load every video that is played during the game. We have a script for every game.

“If there is a sponsor for the game, we have to make sure that is mixed in there. So anything that happens when the game is not being played goes through the two of us.

“Plus, we coordinate with a lot of people in the arena. Fans don’t realize that it takes a lot of other people to make off-ice events happen. It is

really one big team.”

So how did Landers get involved with a job like this with the Sabres?

“I was a communications major in college,” remarked Landers, a graduate of Medaille College.

“Fortunately Medaille’s program made you do three internships.

“My first one was with the Buffalo Bisons and it was doing what I do today. My third and final one was with the Sabres.

“I finished in the spring of 2012 and never left the Sabres. They hired me and I’m still here today.”

Landers admits that she still gets a special feeling and excited when she gives the order of “go house black” and the lights go out and the video begins.

Sabres games are not the only event Landers handles. She is responsible for all Buffalo Bandits games, the 30 World Jr. Ice Hockey Championship games as well as other events going on at KeyBank Center.

“I got engaged Christmas morning and told my fiancé’ I would see him in 10 days,” joked Landers, who is engaged to Guy Giordano. “I was off to the World Jr’s that afternoon.”

Landers says the job has its rewards.

“I think the best ‘high’ in the world is a well executed pre-game ceremony,” concluded Landers, who resides now in Buffalo. “You work so hard at it and you have this vision of what it should look like.

“So when it unfolds before your eyes just the way you envisioned it, well, it just doesn’t get any better than that.”

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Chris King of the New York Islanders

“I have been an Islanders fan since their inception when I was 11,” stated King, who is married to Beth and have two children, Maggie and Connor.

“Prior to that I was a Bruins fan with Bobby Orr and that gang.

“This is a thrill of a lifetime being able to hris King shakes his head in disbelief. Sitting in broadcast their games today, 40 years later.” the lower bowl of Buffalo’s First Niagara CenKing began his broadcasting career at SUNY ter, King stares out at the ice surface in front of Geneseo as a student in their Communications Dehim.

There, the New York Islanders go through their partment.

“My first professional hockey game I ever covGame Day skate. ered was for the Geneseo College radio station,” re “I still can’t believe that I’m living my dream,” membered King. “It was a Rochester Americans game commented King, a native of Long Island. “Not every in 1979. person can say that about their job.”

“My first Islanders game I ever covered was in

King’s job is being the play-by-play announcer Buffalo at the old War Memorial Auditorium in 1980. for the Islanders. He is also part of a very unique set “I then got my masters degree in Computer up for the flagship station situation.

Science from SUNY Binghamton. I then went back

It began eight seasons ago when the Islanders were looking for a new radio station to broadcast their home and began working as a software engineer at Grumman. games over. Ironically, Hofstra University sits right

“After four years I continued working full-time across the street from the Coliseum where the Islandat Grumman and got a part-time job back in radio. I ers were playing at the time. did a little one-minute radio report every day on the

One of the big programs at the University is Islanders on WRCN. their Communications program. So the two organi “Ironically, WRCN got the Islanders broadcast zations began to talk and soon after discovered they rights five years later. Because of my five years of covermight be able to have a great partnership. ing the Islanders the station thought it would be a great

The Islanders discovered that they would have an FM signal station across the street that would reach idea for me to host the pre- and post-game, as well as the intermission. all of Nassau County, some of Suffolk, some of New “That’s how I got started.”

York City and even some into Connecticut. Remember, Three years later King came to a big fork in the you have three million people on Long Island and eight road.(Continued on Page 14) million people in New York City.

C

That would make it 11 million people as a potential audience. It would also allow students at the University to work on the broadcast.

It would look good on the students resume to say that they actually worked on an NHL broadcast. It was also a big plus for the University’s Communication Department.

“It has turned out to be a win-win situation for the Islanders and Hofstra University,” said King.

It was also a dream come true for King.

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I

n the movie “Cutting Edge” the character Doug Dorsey (played by actor D. B. Sweeney), who portray a former Olympic hockey player, is seen looking at a photo taken of himself smelling the ice.

He remarks that when he would enter an ice arena he always liked to smell the ice because it had a certain odor.

While that may seem a bit strange to some people, to anyone who has spent a good portion of their lives in ice rinks it makes perfect sense.

One of those people it makes perfect sense to is Senator Robert G. Ortt, a New York State Senator for the 62nd District.

Ortt should know. He began skating at the age of two and hasn’t stopped even though a great deal of his time is spent serving the public he represents in the NYS Senate.

“I began skating on a pond with my dad at two,” recalled Ortt, a native of North Tonawanda. “I started playing organized hockey at five and played right on through my high school days.

“But even today when I walk into a hockey rink, there is that smell of the ice. It brings back a lot of hockey memories for me.

“To me, there is something relaxing about just smelling the ice. I don’t even have to be on skates to get that relaxing feeling.”

Ortt was a goalie who played for the Wheatfield Blades organization at, what was then known as “Sabreland, but what today is known as Hockey Outlet.

For nearly a decade and one-half Ortt played competitive hockey. He played high school hockey for St. Joeseph’s Collegiate Institute in Buffalo.

“My senior year (1996-97) we finished ranked number three in New York State,” remembered Ortt, who served as Mayor of North Tonawanda prior to becoming a State Senator. “That was the year we won the Western New York Federation Championship, beating St. Francis to win it.”

One of the most influential people in Ortt’s hockey

career was his dad, Robert Ortt Sr.

“My dad was either my coach or an assistant coach for many, many years,” said Ortt, who resides with his wife, Meghan, in North Tonawanda. “And I now realize that it wasn’t easy being a dad, being the coach and having your son on the same team.”

One other individual that Ortt felt was very influential in his hockey career was his high school coach, John Mickler. The Senator recalled a defining moment in his hockey career in high school.

“I remember that championship game we were in, I believe we were down, 3-1,” commented Ortt. “I had just given up the third goal and it was what I thought a soft goal.

“I thought for sure that the coaches were going to pull me. I was at the far end of the ice and would have to make a longer skate past the oppositions bench to our bench.

“But Coach Mickler didn’t pull me. I heard later that he told the assistant coach on the team, “Bobby’s going to fight this one out.”

“I was always thankful that he believed in me enough to keep me in such a big game. We did come back to win.

“And I appreciate that belief in me to this day.”

Why did Ortt become a goalie?

“Probably for the same reason I got into politics,” he replied jokingly. “I began the game as a defenseman who liked to stop the puck.

“But I always looked at goalies as being the difference makers. I guess I just wanted to be the player who made the difference in a game.

“I know it can be a lonely position as well. So you can see how it relates to my political life today.”

Orrt also served in the NY Army National Guard. He is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

The Hockey Side of Senator Robert Ortt

(Continued on Next Page)

Orttf Continued...

He is the recipient of the Bronze Star, the Army Commendation Medal, the Afghan Medal and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge of recognition of his service.

“I think being on team in hockey and learning the ‘team concept’ helped me when I entered the military and being on a ‘team’ in the army,” stated Ortt, the son of Suzette and Robert Ortt. “I also believe that the competitive spirit I picked up in hockey has helped me in my political career.

“I think a lot of what I learned as a hockey player has helped me in life. As a hockey player I had to be focused and disciplined.

“You have to be the same in life and the job I know have.”

Ortt tells a light-hearted story that happened to him while he was in Afghanistan.

“I was on a Canadian base,” said Ortt. “This was part of a NATO-led mission.

“At their camp the Canadian’s had constructed a street hockey rink. They had a league and there was a Canadian team and a US team.

“At another base about 40 miles from us there was another rink, as well as a Tim Horton’s that had been constructed there and operated and staffed by a group of Canadians. Just before I got there I found out that Don Cherry (of Hockey Night In Canada Fame) and Mats Sundin had just visited the base with the King Continued...

“I was offered the opportunity to work full-time in radio doing color commentating for the Islanders,” continued King. “I could continue working for Grumman, which gave me job security.

“Or I could go with my dream job. I took the chance and went with my dream job and I’ve never looked back.

“I don’t think I could have lived with myself if I hadn’t done it.

14

Stanley Cup.

“I travelled 7000 miles to a place most people don’t want to be in. But I was around Canadians and hockey.

“While we were still in danger and had to do battle, there was still some down time where you could take your mind off the situation, even if only for a few minutes.

“The military and hockey all in one deployment to Afghanistan. Pretty amazing.”

But Senator Ortt still has a “Dream Job” he would like someday.

“I would like to become Commissioner of the NHL,” remarked Ortt, who has a sister, Kori, who also played hockey. “I’ve always been interested in the business side of the League.

“I think from the business and marketing side of the game there is room for improvement. I enjoy things about the NHL like the draft, should they expand or not and even the salary cap.

“I care about the health of the League. I love the game so much that I want to see it be the best game it can be.

“You need somebody in that position that has the passion for the sport itself. And that passion has to go to the lowest levels of the game that includes youth hockey.

“In my dream scenario what a great job that would be. I would love it.”

(Photo provided by Ortt)

So I gave up a job I liked for one that I love.

“I really enjoy mentoring the students and watching them grow.

I’m very proud of the broadcasts.

“It’s a broadcast that is run by the students.”

What kind of advice does King give to students considering going into sports broadcasting?

“Get as much experience as possible,” answered King, who is

also the voice of the minor league baseball Long Island Ducks. “It helps you learn the good, the bad and the ugly of the business.

“You can even do internet broadcasts on your own.”

What goal does King have now?

“I’ve been a part of two league championships for the Ducks,” concluded King. “Now I need to get my championship call with the Islanders.”

(Photo Provided by Chris King)

Buffalo RiverWorks:

Hockey + Entertainment Center

H

eading north on the I-190 one can’t help but notice as they near the Buffalo skyline what appears to be a six-pack of Labatt’s Blue Beer on the left-hand side of the road. As one gets closer to the city, the six-pack becomes more distinct.

Exiting at the Elm St. exit, one follows the exit, merging on to Swan St. From there you turn right onto Michigan Ave.

With the six-pack closer than ever one continues approximately one mile, crossing a bridge along the way. Once across the bridge you come to the end of the street.

Turning right you will enter the parking lot of General Mills. Turning left onto Ganson St. finally gets you to your Labatt’s destination.

There you discover Buffalo’s newest and best kept secret: Buffalo RiverWorks. It is the city’s newest premier waterfront, boating, sports, music and entertainment destination located along the banks of the Buffalo River.

Outside of the Labatt Six Pack, the first thing you see are two outdoor ice rinks. Walking up a set of stairs to the right of the rinks and entering a set of doors, you discover a huge interior setting with tables and chairs and three bars and more open space than one would know what to do with.

So who is the person responsible for Buffalo’s

newest hot spot for entertainment?

“The visionary behind all of this is Earl Ketry,” said Sean Green, the director of athletics at RiverWorks. “He is a downtown visionary.

“He’s a very modest individual. He likes to stay behind the scenes.”

“He already owns several other businesses in Buffalo. But his greatest vision is Buffalo RiverWorks.”

Those other businesses include the Pearl Street Grill and Brewery, Lofts On Pearl, Pan-American Grill and Brewery and Hotel @ The Lafayette.

“We would like to consider RiverWorks as an adult playground,” stated Green. “There are many, many things going on to entertain the family.

“And Riverworks is just not looking for Western New Yorkers to use the facility. We’re looking at attracting people from the surrounding states and from around the country.

“We attract children down here that play hockey. But we attract older adults that simply want to come down and remember what Buffalo was like years ago.”

It has already been established that RiverWorks attracted an estimated one million people during the 2016 year.

“What we’re trying to do here is have an entertainment establishment that is open 52 weeks a year,

15

365 days a year,” continued Green. “We’re looking for people to come in for four-day weekends.”

Besides the obvious with hockey and curling on the outdoor rinks, there is roller derby, in-line hockey, wrestling, pickle ball, boxing, lacrosse, soccer, jujitsu, and mixed martial arts.

There is paddle boards, kayaks and waterbike rentals.

“We have different types of concerts that come in,” added Green. “We also finding out that we have repeat customers.

People not only come once, but they enjoy it so much that they come back again and again.”

You have to remember that where this establishment now stands used to be an industrial building which had become partly demolished over the years.

“The building of RiverWorks came in different phases,” remarked Green. “The first phase was the Labatt’s Pond Hockey Tournament which has become our signature event.

“The ice rinks came along with that and those are outdoor rinks that are covered and actually have a second level built in.

That lead to youth and adult hockey coming in along with curling, which has really hit Buffalo by storm and is very popular.

“Phase two was inside the building with the restaurant, bar, roller derby track and the stage for concerts. Phase three will be completed this summer with our outdoor adventure park.

“There is going to be an adventure attraction that will include a rock climbing wall, a ropes course and a zipline that will link link some of the huge cement structures at RiverWorks together “Looking to the future, we are looking at purchasing a 60 year-old double-decker bus that will transport people among the properties and possibly other places. We are building an observation deck on top of the concrete bunker that stands next to the RiverWorks facility,

“There is even some thought being given to building another hotel with that one being built close to RiverWorks.”

There is also a lot of history being displayed throughout the facility.

“All the restaurants have a historical theme to them,” said Green. “Plus, there are going to be huge maps and photos displayed throughout the building that tells Buffalo’s story.”

And if that’s not enough, people can book weddings, meetings, festivals, trade shows, conventions, corporate events, sports tournaments and dinners, among WNYGVIH game at Riverworks other events, at Riverworks.

“You can have a dinner for two or book a banquet for over a thousand people,” stated Green. “We have 60,000 square feet to work with so space is not a problem.”

Plus, there is the RiverWorks’ brewery. That is where the Labatt silos come in. Construction is already underway to complete a beer garden that will include a tour.

“We have something for everybody,” concluded Green. “And we hope people will make RiverWorks a major destination point for years to come.”

16

The Carella’s of Hyde Park Ice Arena

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 day-to-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.

“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 teams and organizations wanting to rent ice time.

“The inside is almost done,” continued Gene.

“Right now we’re lobbying 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 was behind us right from the beginning.

“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. (Continued Pg 17)

17

Steve Cangialosi

“I

always knew that I would be happy being a sports broadcaster from the time I was 16. It was just a question of how it would manifest

itself.”

That is how Steve Cangialosi, primary television play-by-play announcer for the New Jersey Devils described how he got into the field that he has become quite successful in.

Cangialosi’s first job in sports broadcasting was with “Sports Phone,” a dial-in sports score service, while he was still in New York University in 1984.

“One of the gifts that God gave me at an early age was the ability to rattle off 60 scores in about 30 seconds,” joked Cangialosi. “With that said, I guess I was on my way with my career.”

That began a series of sports broadcasting jobs that took him from WNEW-AM to WINS in radio. At the same time he joined NY1 as one of the channel’s original on-air personalities.

If that wasn’t enough, the Queens native, who was raised in South Ozone Park, became a sportscaster and talk-show host for ESPN Radio.

“It was about 11 years ago where I made the conscious effort to really begin to focus on crafting a career as a play-by-play announcer,” recalled Cangialosi.

So with a successful sports broadcasting career in hand, why would you want to dive into play-byplay?

“There is something special about the blank script at the start of the night,” answered Cangialosi.

“Not knowing how a game is going to unfold.

“In a studio show you meet hours before. There is a rundown.

“You have a pretty good handle on what is going to happen, with the exception of breaking news.

“But doing play-by-play, every game is different. This season, for instance I had one game where the Devils scored eight seconds into the game and then seemed to chase the puck the rest of the night.

18

“A couple of nights later two guys dropped their gloves and got 18,000 fans all excited. It could be one of a hundred other variables that could happen during a game.

“It was that kind of magic that drew me into the world of play-by-play.”

Cangialosi joined the MSG Network as a studio host. In 2006 he got the break he was looking for in play-by-play, filling in for the primary play-by-play announcer Mike “Doc” Emrick.

“Because ‘Doc’ was in such high demand from other assignments he had, I got to fill in for him doing Devils broadcasts anywhere from 16 to 24 times a year,” added Cangialosi, who also does the play-by-play for the New York Red Bulls soccer team. “By the time I got the job fulltime in 2011 I was ready and in place.

“I knew I crew out in the truck and I was very comfortable working with color analyst (and former NHL goalie) Chico Resch. Ironically the New York Islanders were my favorite team growing up and my favorite player on the team was Chico Resch.

How ironic is that?

“It was a natural fit when the Devils asked me to do the job fulltime.”

What is Cangialosi’s technique?

“I just let the game come to me,” responded the John Adams High School graduate. “I like the challenge of keeping up with the fast pace of the game.

“I really love that challenge.”

What advice would Cangialosi give to a young, budding play-by-play announcer who wants to get to the level where he is with the NHL?

“Look at yourself in the mirror and be honest with yourself,” replied Cangialosi. “Ask yourself, ‘how much do you love this’ and ‘how much of a price are you willing to pay.’

“If the door gets slammed in your face 20 to 30 times with rejections, do you still have the fortitude to keep going?

“This isn’t the easiest job to get into. But once you’re there, to me there is nothing else like it.”

Jay North?

No, Not “Dennis the Menace”

F

or baby boomers growing up in the early 1960s, the name Jay North was associated with the actor who played the lead role in the television series, “Dennis the Menace.”

But for hockey trivia experts, Jay North was the first American high school hockey player drafted when the Buffalo Sabres made him the 62nd player selected in the 1980 National Hockey League Draft.

“Jay was an outstanding high school hockey player,” recalled Hockey Hall of Famer, Scotty Bowman, who was the coach and general manager of the Sabres at the time. “He could really control a game on the ice.

“He had the skills and the talent. He could have made it in the NHL.”

As it turned out, North never played in the NHL. In fact, he never attended a Sabres training camp.

His pro career was limited to a handful of games for a team in Los Angeles of the now defunct

Pacific States Hockey League. So what could have derailed what seemed to be such a promising hockey career?

How could he turn his back on a promising NHL career? Better yet, whatever happened to Jay North the hockey player?

“Jay North had the potential to be a great hockey player in the NHL,” commented Tom Kurvers, a former Hobey Baker Award winner and NHL player, who played against North in the 1980s on the Minnesota prep circuit. “He had it all.

“In fact, I envied him as a player because of the amazing way he played the game. But I just don’t know what happened to him.”

North was born and raised in Bloomington, MN, playing his high school hockey at Bloomington Jefferson High School, one of the top prep programs in the country.

One person who knew North better than most was his high school hockey coach, Tom Saterdalen.

“Jay was an extremely intelligent person, as well as hockey player,” said Saterdalen, now retired from the coaching ranks. “I think he had perfect or near perfect scores with his SAT and ACT scores.

“He had a dry sense of humor. He was a very humble person as well.

“As a player, he always seemed to be happy at the level he was playing at. He was an extremely talented player, but simply moved along at his own pace.

“He was your typical playground hockey player.

Jay North was one of the most talented hockey players to ever come out of the Bloomington, MN area.”

North’s life and travels look like a giant road map. After graduating from Harvard with a degree in Physical Sciences, North went to Austria.

From Austria it was back to the United States where he has lived and worked in New York City, Los Angeles, Sedona, Ariz., Coconut Creek, Fla., Connecticut and Houston. TX.

Today, North lives in San Antonio, TX and works for a nonprofit interactive math teaching company.

Continued on next page...

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Jay North Continued...

“I really didn’t think I was this famous,” joked North laughingly when told that this writer had been tracking him down for over two years and that many of his friends from years ago were equally interested in what had happened to him. “Actually I’ve played hockey wherever I’ve been.

“I just never turned pro.”

The reason why is because the rigors of the game just caught up to him.

“When I was in high school, I played pretty injury-free hockey,” said North, a Minnesota High School All-State First Team player in 1980. “I guess everything seemed to come easy for me.”

As the competition continued to improve, the injuries began to take their toll.

“When I was at Harvard, for the first time in my life, I got hurt playing hockey,” continued North.

“The injuries seemed to occur almost every year.

“Not that I consciously decided to walk away from the NHL. It’s just that my four years of college hockey were not productive due to the series of injuries I had.

Hyde Park Continued from Page 17

“Those injuries hurt my playing confidence, so I doubted my NHL readiness at that time.”

In 1984 North walked away from any possibility of an NHL career and went to Austria to teach and travel around Europe. He did sign a pro contract to play in Salzburg, but when the team’s financial backing fell through, followed by the Chernobyl nuclear accident, North decided it was time to return home.

As he recounts his travels, North is quick to point out that he never quit playing hockey.

“Any place I’ve ever lived, I always played some form of pick-up hockey,” concluded North, who still follows the game of hockey on TV. “But I have no regrets.

“I was born to be a teacher, which is what I’ve done all my life since leaving college. As for hockey, I really enjoyed the game, and still do.

“But it never was a matter of life and death with me. It was a game that I enjoyed.”

“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.”

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P

Paul Stewart

aul Stewart is a very engaging person. He’s always been an engaging person.

To say that he is comfortable in a hockey arena would be an understatement. He has made his professional working career in hockey. First as a player.

Stewart played eight seasons of professional hockey, much of it in the minors, although he spent parts of three seasons in the National Hockey League and World Hockey Association. In three of those minor league campaigns he accumulated totals of 273, 232 and 241, respectively in penalty minutes. So you can see he liked to engage members of the opposition on the ice.

Following his retirement as a player, Stewart turned around and became a referee. He finally made his niche in the NHL, seeing action as a ref in 1010 regular season games. Again, he engaged players on the ice, but this time in a much different way.

Along with all of that, Stewart has also recovered from a bout with colon cancer.

Today, at 64, the Dorchester, Mass. native is the Men’s and Women’s League Director of Officiating for ECAC Hockey.

And he has strong connections with New York State hockey. As a player Stewart played for the Broome Dusters, Binghamton Dusters, Binghamton Whalers and Mohawk Valley Stars (Utica). He was a referee who saw NHL action in New York City, Long Island and Buffalo.

In his position today Stewart spends even more time in New York State checking out his officials at men’s and women’s college hockey games at Clarkson, Colgate, Cornell, Rensselaer, St. Lawrence and Union.

As he has done his entire life, Stewart takes the job he has now very seriously.

“My responsibilities are to find and train the best athletes who have a knack for hockey and a feel for the game,” said Stewart, who wore the number 22 during his entire career as an NHL referee. “It been a bit of a challenge this year with the new NCAA rules.

“It’s a year for the reuniting of our minds and hearts with what has been written and how to apply

apply these new concepts of using the rule book to the full extent.”

Stewart is quite aware that there is a shortage of good on-ice officials across the United States. He knows the reasons for that as well.

“There are a lot of reasons, but many point to the disrespect the parents, teams and coaches have to the officials on the ice,” stated Stewart. “USA Hockey has to make it more friendly for the youngsters to come in at ages 12, 13 and 14.

“We also need to get the legislators of hockey in each state to understand that having a young official is different than having a youngster carrying a golf bag out on the golf course.

“It’s not slave labor. It’s a short period of time and usually mentored. And in my book there is zero tolerance for disrespect of young officials.

“I know because I have boys who have been officiating since they were 10. I worked with them and they have managed to make a pretty good living out of it.”

As for his relationship with New York State, there is no doubt that Stewart has a special place in his heart for the Empire State.

“The fountain of hockey life started for me in 1975 with Jim Matthews and the Binghamton Dusters,” remembered Stewart. “I have fond memories of those days.

“I was quite honored to be elected to their Hockey Hall of Fame.

“I’ve seen quite a bit of this State, from one end to the other. It’s been a great and wonderful journey for me.

“I know there will be more to come.”

21

Richie Hebner and Hockey

O

ver half a century ago Richie Hebner was chosen in the first round, 15th player taken overall, by the Pittsburgh Pirates as part of the 1966 Major League Baseball Draft.

While history shows us that Hebner went on to play nearly two decades of pro baseball, including 18 seasons in the Major Leagues, the decision he had to make five decades ago wasn’t as easy as one would think. You see, while most people associate Hebner with baseball, those that knew him growing up in the Norwood, MA area knew that he was as equally great in hockey.

“At the time I know there were some very disappointed people who thought I should play pro hockey,” recalled Hebner, who played in the Major Leagues for the Pirates, Detroit Tigers, New York Mets, Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies. “They knew me as a hockey player.

“The Boston Bruins were interested in me and people thought I would sign with them and have a career in pro hockey.”

Just how good was Hebner? Some New England hockey experts have ranked him as the second best player ever to come out of the Boston area.

The only player ahead of him was Robbie Ftorek. But Hebner was ranked ahead of players like Rod Langway, Bob Carpenter, Tom Barrasso, Tony Amonte and, yes, Jeremy Roenick.

Hebner began skating on a pond behind his boyhood home. When he was about seven Hebner began playing organized hockey and baseball.

“In the winter time it was skating and skating with hockey and in the summer it was all baseball,” remembered Hebner, a former hitting coach with the AAA Buffalo Bisons of the International League. “I played high school hockey.

“We would draw between a thousand and two-thousand people to a game. At a baseball game we might only draw a handful of people.

“So people knew me as a hockey player. And, honestly, I tell people that I think I was a better hockey player than I was a baseball player.”

Was there any hesitation about signing a contract with the Pirates?

22

“No, not really,” responded Hebner. “Milt Schmidt (the Bruins GM at the time and a Hall of Fame player with the team as well) talked to me and and told me to go ahead and sign with the Pirates.

“He told me that if I didn’t like baseball after a couple of years I could some back and sign with the Bruins.”

Fortunately or unfortunately, depending on how you looked at it, Hebner signed with the Pirates and never looked back. And with the Pirates he helped win a World Series championship in 1971 and has a World Series ring to show for it.

Any regrets?

“Not really, although I did look back those first couple of years I was in pro baseball and wondered what would have happened if I had signed with the Bruins,” remarked the former left winger.

And the former third baseman had a right to wonder. The Bruins, who had been the doormats of the National Hockey League from the late 1950s through the mid-1960s were beginning to turn the corner.

Players like Phil Esposito, Wayne Cashman, Johnny Bucyk and Gerry Cheevers were helping to turn the Bruins fortunes around. Of course it didn’t hurt that Boston signed a youngster by the name of Bobby Orr either.

“Winning the Cup in 1970 and again in 1972 was great,” said Hebner. “It made me wonder what it might have been like to win a Stanley Cup.

“But then I take a look at my World Series ring and know that I made the right decision for myself.”

Although he grew up in a hockey-crazed area in Massachusetts, Hebner knows that hockey is very strong in New York State, especially in the Buffalo area where he has spent three baseball seasons coaching with the Bisons.

“The people here love their hockey,” concluded the 70 year-old Hebner. “I see it with the Sabres and their youth hockey programs.

“I’m still a Bruins fan and follow the game very closely. Hockey will always be in my blood.”

Who Was Tim Horton?

T

im Horton.

Mention that name to anyone under the age of 40 today and they will tell you about a donut and coffee establishment, better known as “Tim Horton’s Café and Bake Shop.”

But to that more mature group of people (better known as over 40) they will give you a much different answer. Anyone attending a Buffalo Sabres game at the First Niagara Center can look up into the rafters of the building and see a banner hanging there with the number “2” and the name Horton on it.

Yes, the Horton hanging from the rafters and the Horton with donuts and coffee are actually one in the same.

February 21, 2018 marks the 44th anniversary of Horton’s tragic death. Horton died in the early morning hours of February 21, 1974 in a single-car accident on the QEW near St. Catharines, Ont.

The accident came just hours after the Sabres had played the Maple Leafs in Toronto. Horton, who was playing for Buffalo at the time, had been allowed to drive his own vehicle, a Pantera sports car, to and from the game.

Horton was only 44 at the time of his death and left his wife and four daughters, ages 13 to 21, as survivors. Horton’s death came as a shock to not only the Sabres but to the entire hockey world.

So just who was Tim Horton?

Born in Cochrane, Ont., Horton played 24 seasons in the National Hockey League with the Sabres, Maple Leafs, New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins. A defensive defenseman (although he scored 115 goals and 403 assists), Horton was part of four Stanley Cup championship teams with the Leafs in the 1960s.

A first- or second- team All-Star during his NHL career, Horton was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1977. The defenseman is remembered by many of his former Sabres teammates.

“Tim helped solidify that young Sabres defensive corps when he joined the team in the Fall of 1972,” remembered Mike Robitaille, now

retired and living in the Buffalo area. “I was a part of the defensive group.

“We had a couple of rookies on that 72-73 team with Jim Schoenfeld and Larry Carriere Tim was a great mentor to them.

“He taught all of us a great deal when he was on the ice. He was like having a coach on the ice when we were out there with him.”

Carriere recalled his time spent with Horton.

“He was like a father to us,” stated Carriere.

“After all he was twice our age.”

Don Luce not only played with Horton, but played against him as well.

“He really wasn’t a big man (Horton was listed at 5-10, 180-pounds), but he was one of the most powerful players I ever played against,” said Luce. “He was all muscle and was solid.

“He played a very simple game. He actually had a good shot from back at the blue line.

“Tim was a tough player to play against because he could knock you off the puck so easily. When you went into the corners with him it was a real battle.”

Luce recalled the day he found out Horton had died.

“Ironically, that last game Tim played was in Toronto,” recalled Luce. “He was the third star that night and was our best defenseman that night.

“Joe Crozier (coach of the Sabres at the time) called us in the middle of the night and informed us that Timmy had been killed in a car accident. It was a tough day for all of us.

“We had to play a home game that night against the Atlanta Flames. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the building that night.

“But those of us who played with or against Tim will never forget him. He had a lot of heart and soul.

“Tim Horton was a rock and a true Hall of Famer.”

23

Nick Nickson

“T

he long wait is over. After 45 years the Kings can wear their crown.

“The Los Angeles Kings have won the Stanley Cup.”

That was the call that Rochester, NY native Nick Nickson had always dreamed of making in his sports broadcasting career. He finally got to make that call on the evening of June 11, 2012 when the Kings finally won the Cup

“It really was a dream come true,” recalled Nickson.

A dream that began for Nickson 37 years earlier in Rochester as the play-by-play voice of the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League for the 1975-76 season. In 1977 he moved on to the New Haven Nighthawks where he would spend four seasons.

In 1981 Nickson moved from the east coast to the west and joined the Kings. Thirty-six seasons later the Rochester native is still the radio voice of the Kings.

“I grew up in a broadcasting family,” recalled Nickson. “My dad was in radio for 60 years, 20 of them as a broadcaster and the 40 in management.

“But even though I grew up with broadcasting around me, when I went to Ithaca College, I really didn’t know for sure what I wanted to do as a freshman. As it turned out I became a Communications major.

“The great thing about Ithaca College was that you could go on the air immediately as a freshman at the college’s radio station, which is what I did. I wanted to be a disc jockey.

“But I also began handling sports. A spot opened up with the Amerks and I sent a tape to them.

“I actually took the only tape I had of a hockey game I had done at Ithaca. I thought it was awful.

“I worked all night and cut out all the bad parts, spliced it together and sent it to the Amerks.

They asked me to go on a road trip with them and do a couple of those games.

24

“I guess they liked what they heard. They hired me and here I am still doing hockey on radio.”

Following his move to L.A. Nickson was teamed up with veteran broadcaster, Bob Miller. They broadcast games on the radio as well as simulcast those games on television.

Then came the summer of 1988 and the trade of Wayne Gretzky from the Edmonton Oilers to the Kings.

“That trade put L.A. on the hockey map,” stated Nickson, who grew up in Brighton, near Rochester, and attended Penfield High School. “We quit doing the simulcast and had separate TV and radio broadcasts.”

Nickson is now in his 37th season as a broadcaster with the Kings.

As a tribute to his broadcasting excellence, Nickson was inducted into the Southern California Broadcasters Hall of Fame, the Frontier Field Walk of Fame (media) in Rochester and had the broadcast center in STAPLES Center renamed the Nick Nickson Broadcast Center in his honor. His highest honor came in 2015 when Nickson received the Hockey Hall of Fame’s Foster Hewitt Memorial Award. He was the third Kings broadcaster to be inducted into the Hall behind Jiggs McDonald and Miller.

Add to that not one, but two, Stanley Cup calls with the Kings.

“The best part of me is that I was there to describe it to our faithful listeners,” concluded Nickson.

“I was glad to be a part of it.”

The Story of Bailey and Jenna Two LID Players Honored for their Dedication to Hockey

before also speaks of their dedication to hockey.

“Their heart and determination is why I dressed them for this game. They wanted to be out here and be a part of this team.”

Bailey and Jenna both seemed to be accepted by the team.

“It’s a great sisterhood that we have on the team,” continued Santoro. “The respect they have for each other, from seventh graders to seniors, and the fact that they come from three different schools speaks for itself. It is a unique situation.

“Jenna has provided leadership while Bailey has been like a manager for us all season. They’ve both learned as much as they could about hockey for the short time they have been with the team.”

For Bailey, who attends Lancaster Sr. High School, being with the team has been like a dream come true for her. She actually joined LID for the first time last season and it was her first experience playing in organized hockey.

“I love watching and playing hockey,” said Bailey, the daughter of Kelly and Brian Depczynski. The more I watched it, the more I wanted to play it.

“I’ve found that once you get involved with it, the more you want to play it.”

For Jenna, who also attends Lancaster Sr. High

J

ust prior to the start of one of their recent hockey games at Holiday Rinks in Cheektowaga, the Lancaster/Iroquois/Depew (LID) Girls Ice Hockey Team honored the two seniors in their team. It was senior night, and like all the other teams in the Western New York Girls Varsity Ice Hockey Federation, LID was honoring their seniors.

What made it interesting about the two LID seniors being honored, Bailey Depczynski (above)and Jenna Grazen (right), was that the game they were playing in that night was their first of the season.

That’s right, their first.

Both had been practice players on the team and had practiced with LID all year long. But there is even more to the story as Head Coach Dave Santoro and the two players explained.

“To have never played a varsity sport before and to come out and work hard at every practice we had and to support the team every game by being on the bench or keeping stats, I give them a ton of credit,” commented Santoro. “The fact that they had never played the game

School, this was her first season of hockey. EVER!

“I had been involved with track for about six years and I wanted to try something different,” remarked Jenna, the daughter of Debbie and Mark Grazen. “I wanted to accomplish something else in my life.

“I had a few friends who played on the team. So I decided to try out and I stayed on the team.”

While their playing careers may have been short, their “Senior Night” was one they will remember for the rest of their lives.

25

Around the NWHL

I

n its Third season, the National Women’s Hockey League has expanded to include the Minnesota Whitecaps.

The fifth team to become part of the NWHL includes Olympians Hannah Brandt and Lee Steck-

Beauts are 4-3 in seven games, losing a doubleheader to Minnesota and one to the Boston Pride.

Leading the scoreboard for the Beauts is WNY native Hayley Scummura with 13 points in seven games.

Keeping the opponents off the boards has been Goaltender Shannon Szabados, with a 1.60 gaa and .932 save percentage in 300 minutes of play.

NWHL 2018 Draft

ilein who joined former Whitecap Amanda Leveille as the first signees.

The Whitecaps opened their season with six consecutive wins, before losing two to Boston. They currently sit in second place.

The Buffalo Beauts have been making news as they released Co-Coaches Ric Seiling and Craig Muni on game day and brought in Cody McCormick. The

26

U.S. National Team players Annie Pankowski and Melissa Samoskevich and 2018 Olympics gold-medal winners Megan Keller, Kelly Pannek and Kali Flanagan were the first five selections in the 2018 National Women’s Hockey League Draft.

The NWHL unveiled the selections in the first two rounds of this year’s draft, with Kendall Cornine, Makenna Newkirk, Loren Gabel, Sophia Shaver, and Bailey Larson rounding out the top ten picks.

“I’m extremely excited to have been selected by the Metropolitan Riveters to further my playing career in the NWHL. I’m very

thankful for my past and current coaches and teammates for helping me get to this point. I’m grateful for the opportunity and look forward to the future,” said Cornine, who played her collegiate hockey at Rochester Institute of Technology.

“The NWHL Draft is about recognizing the future talent of professional women’s hockey,” said Hayley Moore, the league’s deputy commissioner and director of player development. “It’s been an exciting Fall tracking a number of current seniors and watching their talent shine. We can’t thank the college coaches enough for their communication and for advocating for their players. The players selected today are immensely talented, and we look forward to watching them take the next step in their careers.”

“I’ve heard nothing but how great an organization the Beauts are and for me it’s really special because it’s my hometown! Getting to go back home to continue my career playing where it all started is really exciting for me especially knowing how much support I’ll have from my family. It’ll be awesome to compete against some of the best players in the world. Having the op-

portunity to play at such a high level is really exciting.

Seeing how far the NWHL has come since it started, it’s cool to be a part of it and continue to grow the game,” said Olivia Zafuto, who is a native of Niagara Falls and drafted by the Buffalo Beauts.

Only players completing their final season of college eligibility were eligible to be drafted by the NWHL teams. Order of selection was determined by the current standings of this season.

The 2018 NWHL Draft

Kendall Cornine, RIT’s #10, goes to the Riveters

Round 1 1. Annie Pankowski (Riveters), forward, Wisconsin, 14-9-23 in 18 games 2. Melissa Samoskevich (Connecticut), forward, Quinnipiac, 6-3-9 in 17 games 3. Megan Keller (Buffalo), defender, Boston College, 9-13-22 in 19 games 4. Kelly Pannek (Minnesota) forward, Minnesota, 11-8-19 in 18 games 5. Kali Flanagan (Boston), defender, Boston College, 1-6-7 in 19 games

16. Paige Voight (Riveters), forward, Merrimack, 9-3-12 in 19 games 17. Dominique Kremer (Connecticut), defender, Merrimack, 4-8-12 in 19 games 18. Olivia Zafuto (Buffalo), defender, Colgate, 2-10-12 in 17 games 19. Grace Bizal (Minnesota) defender, Boston College, 2-1012 in 20 games 20. Lovisa Selander (Boston), goaltender, RPI, 1.94 GAA, .944 SV%

(stats are for the 2018-19 college season)

Round 2 6. Kendall Cornine (Riveters), forward, RIT, 8-5-13 in 19 games 7. Makenna Newkirk (Connecticut), forward, Boston College, 7-14-21 in 20 games 8. Loren Gabel (Buffalo), forward, Clarkson, 14-18-32 in 16 games 9. Sophia Shaver (Minnesota) forward, Wisconsin, 4-5-9 in 20 games 10. Bailey Larson (Boston), forward, Colgate, 5-8-13 in 18 games Round 3 11. Courtney Wittig (Riveters), forward, UW Eau Claire, 116-17 in 12 games 12. Katelyn Rae (Connecticut), forward, Merrimack, 13-5-18 in 19 games 13. Jessie Eldridge (Buffalo), forward, Colgate, 13-10-23 in 18 games 14. Lauren Boyle (Minnesota) defender, Ohio State, 1-3-4 in 18 games 15. Emily Clark (Boston), forward, Wisconsin, 1-6-7 in 19 games

Round 5 21. Cailey Hutchison (Riveters), forward, Maine, 3-4-7 in 19 games 22. Maggie LaGue (Connecticut), defender, Robert Morris, 4-11-15 in 22 games 23. Nicole Schammel (Buffalo), defender, Minnesota, 6-19-25 in 20 games

24. Karlie Lund (Minnesota), forward, Princeton, 7-8-15 in 14 games 25. Jenna Rheault (Boston), forward, New Hampshire, 0-0-0 in 19 games

Round 4

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As of December 21 the Buffalo Beauts sit in third place in the NWHL. They also have a new Head Coach -- Cody McCormick as they start 2019 and the final weeks of the 2018-19 season.

(Photos by Janet Schultz)

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Welcome to theWNYGVIH League and Sectioon VI Niagara County comprised of players from Starpoint and Niagara-Wheatfield Central Schools.

Home Ice: Hockey Outlet

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NIAGARA COUNTY GIRLS HOCKEY DEBUT

BY RANDY SCHULTZ –

A

hockey seed was planted nine months ago. It was planted on Monday, Feb. 12.

That’s when a group of 12 parents and students representing a proposed Starpoint High School girls ice hockey team, made their presentation to the Starpoint Board of Education meeting held at the Starpoint Middle School.

Headed by a parent, Dan O’Brien, a presentation was made during the open session of the meeting proposing to begin a girl’s varsity high school hockey team for the 2018-19 season.

“The girls that are interested in playing would become part of a team that would play in the Western New York Girls Varsity Ice Hockey Federation, which currently has seven teams,” said O’Brien. “Starpoint would become the eighth team.”

Following several months of phone calls and meetings, Starpoint, along with Niagara-Wheatfield High School, merged to form what is now known as

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the Niagara County Girls Varsity Ice Hockey Team.

It is the first Niagara County-based team to play in the WNYGVIHF. The other seven teams that make up the Section VI Girls Fed are located in Erie County.

On Monday, Nov. 26 at the Hockey Outlet Ice Arena in North Tonawanda at 5:41 p.m. the puck was dropped in Niagara County’s opening faceoff against Monsignor Martin. With many of those same dozen people who were at the meeting back in February, along with many others in the crowd cheering them on, the Niagara County-based team made history.

Although they lost, 9-3, it was a night of firsts for the NC girls. The first goal scored for NC was by Madison Mallone, a 7th grader from Starpoint. Natalie O’Brien added two more goals in a losing cause.

Following the game, one would have never thought NC had lost. It was a night that saw dreams come true for coaches, players, parents, family and fans.

It was a great night for girl’s high school hockey in Western New York.

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Coach Rick Hopkins, along with former Williamsville School Superintendent Rusin, are the founders of the WNYGVIH League, now in its ninth season.

Third place is tied up with LID and Monsignor Martin, each with a 4-1-1 record. Hamburg/Eden/ West Seneca is 2-4-2; Clarence/Amherst/Sweethome, 2-4-0; Kenmore/Grand Island, 1-5-1 and Niagara County is 0-9-0.

Leading the scoring is Williamsville’s Emma

Ithaca took on Williamsville in a Preseason Varsity Game in Buffalo Here’s Ally Major and Kayla Swartwood battling for the puck.

H

(Janet Schultz Photo)

NYS Girls High School Hockey

istory continues to be written in the world of girls representing their high schools on a girls varsity ice hockey team.

Hudson Valley has formed a league...

While a new league comes in in Section I, Section VI has welcomed a new team made up of girls from Starpoint Central and Niagara-Wheatfield Central High Schools. The Niagara County Girls Varsity Ice Hockey Team are made up of girls from seventh to twelfth grade and include the inexperienced player to the experienced player. Their first game, at home at Hockey Outlet, was a loss but exciting. Seventh grader Melissa Mallone put the first NC puck in the net; even as they suffered a loss at the hands of Monsignor Martin. (The next two photo pages highlight that game).

Another historical event took place when Ithaca came to town to play Williamsville at Riverworks in Buffalo for a non-league game.

As always in the WNYGVIH league, there is no clear cut team that will move to the top at the end of the season. Frontier/LakeShore/Orchard Park is currently leading and also working hard to ensure their return trip to defend their 2017-18 NYS Championship title. They also took the WNYGVIH League and Section VI titles last season.

Williamsville is closely behind FLOP and working toward their first championship. Williamsville

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Roland with 10 games played she has 17 goals and 14 assists for 31 points. Brooke Becker (FLOP) is at 15 points on 10 goals and 5 assists in 7 games. Emma Faso sits at third after 6 games played with 9 goals and 5 assists. She also broke into the scoring records with 64 games played and scoring 73 goals and 56 assists for 129 points, averaging 2.02 goals per game.

Williamsville’s Vanessa Willick has 5 goals and 8 assists for 13 points and Niagara County’s Natalie O’Brien put the new team into the scoring record with 7 goals and 5 assists after 9 games played.

While Goaltenders MacKenzie Walkowich and Kristen Heard have a 1.00 save percentage; they have played just over 10 minutes and 30 minutes respectively.

In the nets for FLOP is Maggie Spyche with a .970 save percentage and 0.60 gaa after 150 minutes of play.

With 404 minutes of play, Niagara County’s Annie Riek has made 231 saves for a .745 save percentage and 8.80 gaa. Kenmore/Grand Islands Carolyn Bourgeault has faced 319 minutes in the net and has a 3.24 gaa and .893 save percentage. The WNYGVIH goalies see a lot of shots, and have made some amazing saves that stats

cannot show.

The WNYGVIH League will host the New York State Girls Varsity Championships at HarborCenter on February 9 and 10.

In the Northern part of New York the season has just gotten underway. At this point in Section III Skaneateles is leading, followed by Ithaca.

In Section VII Saranac/Lake Placid has a 2.5 point lead over Plattsburgh.

Section X is all tied with Salmon River, Potsdam and Massena each having 3 points.

Anyone with contact information for the girls high school hockey teams in NYS, please send to Janet@ nyhockeyonline.com

New York State Boys High School Hockey Attention: All Boys High School Teams, both club and varsity, please send us your news releases and game stories for our website and the magazine. We publish on our website daily and the magazine is now a Fall/winter and Spring/Summer roundup. Photos are also welcome.

Send to Janet@nyhockeyonline.com

BY RANDY SCHULTZ –

M

erger. It is a word that has become quite common among local high schools in recent years.

But who would have ever imagined that two of the larger high schools in the Niagara County

teams.

“Last season we had graduated 10 seniors and knew we would be down to 10-12 players for this season,” recalled Co-Head Coach Lou Jacklin of Niagara Falls. “It had been a very challenging season for us, going 1-19 on the year.

“After going through that once, we didn’t want to go through

Lockport/Niagara Falls Merge Varsity Squads area would ever think of merging one of their sports teams? Especially when the two schools involved in the merger included Lockport and Niagara Falls.

Combining Lions (LHS) and Wolverines (NFHS)? Unthinkable!

But that is exactly what happened over the summer of 2018 with the two school’s boy’s hockey

that again.

We had played Lockport at the end of the season and I noticed that they were going to be graduating a number of player and could see what they would eventually be going through.”

“We also lost a number of seniors and didn’t know what we would be facing this year,” commented Erik Musto, Co-Head Coach from Lockport. “The two

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schools ap-

proached each other about a merger of the two boy’s hockey teams.

“I don’t know what happened between the two school’s administrations or from the Athletic Directors point of view. But once the merger was announced, Lou and I communicated a lot during the summer.

“We took care of a lot of things in July and August so that when the school year began and tryouts began we could hit the ground running.

And I don’t think Lou or I ever doubted that the merger would work because most of the players from each team knew each other from travel hockey.”

There was never a doubt from either side that the merger wouldn’t work.

“From the Niagara Falls standpoint, we knew we didn’t have enough guys to go again for another season on our own,” stated Jacklin. “We were willing to take the risk and take a shot not matter how it would work out.”

But both coaches admit the merger has had a few bumps in the road.

“Blending two teams has been challenging,” continued Jacklin. “You have different personalities with each team.

“But when it’s been all said and done we are one team. And that’s how we’re playing.”

Compromise was a key word in this merger.

“Each side had to give and take,” said Musto.

“As a team we are known as Lockport/Niagara Falls and our logo on the front of our new uniform is a claw

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that represents both school’s mascots.

“The one big thing we didn’t have a problem with was team colors which ironically was blue and yellow for both teams. Maybe this was something that was meant to be.”

“Home” games for the team will be split up between Cornerstone Arena in Lockport, Niagara University, Northtown Center (Amherst), Hyde Park Ice Arena, HarborCenter and RIverworks in Buffalo.

Even the teams two co-captains feel the merger was a great idea.

“It really didn’t matter to me with the merger,” said Andrew Haseley, a senior from Lockport. “With

the merger you have more people that want to play.

And because of it we have a better team.”

“Once we merged I felt the team would be more competitive,” stated Drew Merino, a senior from Niagara Falls. “We struggled the last three years with Niagara Falls.

“It will be interesting to see what happens this year.”

The merger is for three years. Could it last longer.

“We will have to wait and see how this plays out,” concluded Musto. “Right now we’re focused on this season.

“We will take it one year at a time.”

Iroquois JV Opens with Win Iroquois JV - 4 Kenmore East/Sweethome - 3

The first game of the year is always filled with anticipation,excitement and some nerves. The junior chiefs overcame all the pregame jitters and off season uncertainty in their victory over KES team. In a total team effort the 12 Iroquois players were a pleasure to watch. Playing a disciplined and smart game Iroquois relied on every player to reach the ever difficult first win.

The Iroquois was dominating the play throughout the game but ended up facing a hot goalie. Going into the third period the game was 1-1 but the Chiefs were confi-

dent and calm under the pressure.

In the final minutes sophomore veteran Aaron Wojkowiak slid a pass from Billy Froman over to goalie turned player Zac Vitez for the game winner. This was Zac Vitez first career goal as throughout his playing time he has been a goalie.

The goal couldnt have come at a bigger time. Newcomer and eighth grader Braden Axelson scored two goals while assisting on another in an impressive deput. Freshman Camden Czajka contributed a goal and assist while Billy Froman contributed two assists in a solid offensive debut. Defensively, Iroquois rolled with only four defensemen all of which played terrific. Ethan Iozzia, Christan Kehoe, Colin Sulkowski and Sophomore Dustin Mazurek were stout all night long

clearing the puck and keeping Kenmore on the outside. In goal was rookie freshman Derek Hirsch. who backstopped the Chiefs all night was a strong game and presence. It was a complete game for Iroquois and the boys should really be proud of themselves. Despite the low numbers all the players ignored their fatigue and rose to the occasion.

Buffalo Bisons Announce College Committments

N

YHOL received news that several girls playing in the Buffalo Bisons organization have made their college commitments, at least

verbally.

The Girls Program at the Bisons organization has 10 active players who have committed to D1 univdersities, an incredible accomplishment for the girls and the program director, Shelley Looney (a former Olympian).

Lara Beecher and Ellie Simmons have both verbally committed to Vermont. Beecher also plays in the WNYGVIH league for Monsignor Martin and Simmons played for the Kenmore/Grand Island Gir’s Varsity team before moving to mind nets for Nichols School this season. Both are Freshmen.

Ella Huntley, an eighth grader, has chosen Cornell University.

Madison Achtyl, Yale

Brooke Becker, Providence. Brooke playes for NYS Varsity Champions and WNYGVIH Frontier/ Orchard Park/LakeShore.

Tori Mariano, Northeastern Cathryn Martinez, St. Anselm Paige Gross, Brown Abby Blair, St.Anselm. Abby also plays in the WNYGVIH League with Kenmore/Grand Island.

Emily Finach, Lindenwood.

NYHOL Congratulates these girls!

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CENTRAL Cortland sophomore Grace Schnorr (Camillus/Little Caesars U19AAA) has been selected as the Northeast Women’s Hockey League

Grace Schnorr Cortland Photo

New York State Womens Collegiate News

(NEWHL) Rookie of the Week for the week ending Dec. 9.

Schnorr, who is in her first season of collegiate competition, recorded her first career hat trick in Cortland’s 7-0 win over visiting King’s College last Saturday. Her first two goals came in the first period to give the Red Dragons a 2-0 lead. She then assisted on Cortland’s third goal and completed her hat trick with a goal that extended the lead to 4-0. Schnorr leads Cortland this season with five goals and is tied for first with six points. Cortland is currently 3-5-3, including a win and a tie in its last two outings. She was also chosen as one of the Cortland Athletes of the Week for the week ending Dec. 9.

Coming into December the Elmira College women’s ice hockey remained as the country’s third-ranked team according to both the U. S. College Hockey Online (USCHO) and D3hockey.com national polls.

For the third time in 2018-19, Elmira College’s Katie Granato ‘19 was awarded the United Collegiate Hockey Conference (UCHC) Women’s Ice Hockey Player of the Week Award, as announced by the league office on Tuesday afternoon. Granato is coming off

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of a weekend during which she logged multi-point performances against New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) opponents Amherst and Williams. The fourth-year forward had a hand in every goal scored by the Soaring Eagles over the twogame road trip, resulting in a team-high four points on two goals and two assists. On Friday, December 7, Granato assisted on both EC goals in a nail-biting 2-1 win over Amherst. Although the Mammoths struck first in the opening period, the Purple and Gold were able to erase the one-goal deficit by leveling the score in the second period and netting the game-winner with 1:12 remaining in regulation. The following night in Williamstown, Massachusetts, Granato was responsible for both of Elmira’s goals against the Ephs. Her second tally came on the power play and knotted the game at 2-all with 11:06 to play in the third period. The Naperville, Illinois, native continued her ascent up Elmira’s all-time leaderboards following her fifth and sixth multi-point games of the year.

Granato moved into a tie for ninth in program history for career points (106) and fifth in power-play goals (19). She also etched her name among exclusive company by Katie Granato, Elmira Photo becoming just the fifth EC skater to reach the 60-goal plateau, joining the likes of Laura Hurd ‘05, Kayla Coady ‘09, Ashton Hogan ‘15 and

Ashley Ryan ‘15. She was also named one of Elmira’s Atheltes of the Week and on December 12 was named to the D3hockey.com Natioal Team of the Week.

For the last week of competition in 2018, Shannon Strawinski ‘19 and Eliza Beaudin ‘22 of the nationally-ranked women’s ice hockey team have been named Elmira College Athletes of the Week. Strawinski and Beaudin were key in Elmira’s two-game series sweep of Nazareth at the Murray Athletic Center over the weekend, as the Soaring Eagles handed the previously undefeated Golden Flyers their first two losses in the program’s first season. Both forwards scored at least one goal in each contest, a 4-0 shutout victory on Friday night and a 6-3 triumph on Saturday afternoon.

A Toms River, New Jersey, native, Strawinski extended her consecutive point streak to four games while accumulating a team-leading five points (3g-2a) over the weekend. She finished with two points (1g-1a) in the series opener and recorded season highs for points (3), goals (2), and power-play goals (2) in Saturday’s finale.

All of her points in the second leg of the United Collegiate Hockey Conference (UCHC) series were logged on the power-play, as she scored twice and assisted on EC’s third opportunity. Her second power-play tally in the third period on Saturday also went down as the game-winner, as it put the Soaring Eagles ahead 4-3 with 14:27 to play.

A first-year forward from Lewiston, Maine, Beaudin snapped a seven-game scoreless streak with an impressive weekend. With four points (2g-2a), she finished tied for second on the team, while piecing together the first multi-game point streak of her young career. On Friday, Beaudin notched the first goal for the Soaring Eagles for the second game-winner of her debut season. During Saturday’s matchup, Beaudin posted season highs for points (3) and assists (2), and like Strawinski, all three points were earned on the power play. She assisted Strawinski on both of her goals and received a beautiful cross-ice pass from her on a one-timer for EC’s fifth goal of the afternoon.

Syracuse freshman defenseman Shelby Calof was named College Hockey America Rookie of the Week after scoring her first career goal and earning her first career point against No. 10

Colgate, the conference announced Monday, Dec. 10.

Calof powered a slap shot past Raiders goaltender Julia Vandyk to score the game’s opening goal on Thursday, Dec. 6. Her first collegiate tally, assisted by junior forward Logan Hicks, came five minutes into the first period and gave Syracuse an early 1-0 lead over Colgate. The first-year newcomer, who has one point (1 goal, 0 assists) in 19 games played this season, is the third Orange skater to earn the conference’s Rookie of the Week honor this year.

The Utica College women’s hockey team had its ninegame winning streak snapped Tuesday as it fell to host Morrisville State 4-2 in non-conference action. Senior Elizabeth Dohner (Highlands Ranch, CO/Colorado Selects) scored both goals for Utica. With the loss, the Pioneers fall to 9-1 on the season, snapping the longest winning streak in program history.

Colgate Women’s Hockey senior forward Shae Labbe was named the ECAC Hockey Player of the Week, for December 3. The tri-captain had an eventful weekend, as she had back-to-back multi point games, including a two goal effort Friday against #3 Clarkson as part of a 4-1 win. On Saturday, she scored her 50th career goal in the first period and added an assist on Kendall Williamson’s first career goal in a 5-1 victory over #9 St. Lawrence. She also had the game-winning goal in both victories, which puts her in a tie for the program lead with classmate Jessie Eldridge at 14. Labbe is now tied with Eldridge for second in team scoring with 17 points through 16 games. Malia Schneider had five points on the weekend to take the team scoring lead with 18 points. She was also the league’s Player of the Week on Oct. 8 after she had a three goal weekend against nationally ranked Ohio State.

Colgate Women’s Hockey senior forward Jessie Eldridge was named the ECAC Hockey Player of the Week and also named the national second star of the week, as announced by the NCAA for the week of December 3. The Raiders’ leading scorer had a weekend to remember against Syracuse. On Thursday, she scored the final two goals of the game to lift Colgate to a 5-2 road victory at Tennity Ice Pavilion. On Saturday, she had a career-high four

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March 24, 2014. Cornell received 97 votes, which was 13 more than fifth-ranked Clarkson and 14 fewer than third-ranked Northeastern.

The Inaugural Season for Oswego in the ACHA, here they take on University of Buffalo. (Janet Schultz Photo)

William Smith College first-year Amanda Aalto was named the United Collegiate Hockey Conference Rookie of the Week by the league office today. Aalto made the most of her first collegiate starts, posting a pair of shutout victories over Chatham in Pittsburgh, Pa., this past weekend. She stopped all 27 shots she faced for a 1.000 save percentage. In her collegiate debut, Aalto made 16 saves as William Smith emerged with a 6-0 victory over the Cougars. The next afternoon Aalto made 11 saves in a 3-0 victory for the Herons. She is the first goalie in program history to record back-to-back shutouts to start her career.

points when she assisted on both of Malia Schneider’s power play goals, before she scored a shorthanded goal of her own that turned out to be the gameIn ACHA play, Oswego winner. Eldridge ended the day fielded a team this year. with an assist on Bailey Larson’s They are 1-9-0 as they empty net goal to seal a 4-2 enter 2019. Tahirah victory. The Barrie, Ontario naAbdo has played in all 10 tive now has 132 career points, games and has 5 points which is just nine behind Sam on 5 assists. Skylar Senn Hunt ‘09 for the all-time proBuffalo State’s Emma Ruggiero and Maddie Block each (Janet Schultz Photo) gram record in NCAA Divihave 2 goals on the seasion I. She also has 23 points son and each has 1 assist. in 18 games this season on the Goalies Katerina Wehe strength of 13 goals and 10 assists. She is also the team (1-4-0) and Kelly Rothchild (0-5-0) are splitting netleader in plus/minus (+14), shorthanded goals (2), minding duties. game winning goals (4) and shots on goal (94).

Colgate Women’s Hockey seniors Bailey Larson, Jessie Eldridge and Olivia Zafuto were all selected in the 2018 National Women’s Hockey League Draft.

After a weekend which saw two wins against ranked opponents for the Cornell women’s hockey team, the Big Red jumped up three spots in the most recent USCHO Division I Women’s Poll, the organization announced on Monday. This marks the highest ranking for the program in the poll since the team was ranked fourth in the nation in the final 2013-14 poll, released

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WEST

Buffalo State’s Emma Ruggiero (Amherst/Sacred Heart) was named the Northeast Women’s Hockey League (NEWHL) Player of the Week following a five-point outburst in two games against Cortland. The senior health and wellness major recorded her first

Huntr Barnett and Terra Lanteigne, RIT (Janet Schultz Photo)

collegiate hat trick and added an assist in a 5-2 win over the Red Dragons on Friday, and scored the Bengals’ lone goal in a 1-1 tie on Saturday. Ruggiero leads the NEWHL with nine goals in nine games played this season and is third in the league with 11 points. Her nine goals has already surpassed her previous careerbest of seven set last season.

Buffalo State’s first half recap. Interim head coach Jim Fowler has his Bengals sitting in third place in the NEWHL with a 2-3-1 league record and a 4-5-2 overall mark. The Bengals split with Potsdam and earned a win and a tie against Cortland and closed out the first semester with an impressive 3-2 victory over Division II Franklin Pierce. Senior forward Emma Ruggiero (Amherst/Sacred Heart) leads the NEWHL with nine goals and has a team-best 13 points, both of which are already career highs. Junior Lila Toczek (N. Tonawanda/Starpoint) is second on the team with five goals and 10 points. Sophomore goalie Bri Gawronski (Dunkirk/Mt. Mercy) has been sensational between the pipes, posting a .931 save percentage and a 2.07 GAA. Buffalo State will open the New Year at the St. Michaels Burlington Classic in Vermont on Jan. 4 and 5 before returning to league play at Plattsburgh the following weekend.

RIT Freshman forward Hunter Barnett (Caledon,

Ontario/Mississauga Jr. Chiefs) was named College Hockey America Rookie of the Week on Tuesday, for the week ending Dec. 2, 2018. It is Barnett’s first weekly honor of her collegiate career. Barnett scored a goal in each game, lifting the Tigers to a weekend sweep over Lindenwood. She made it 4-1 in the third period Friday night in an eventual 5-2 win and opened the scoring with a power-play marker Saturday, as RIT won by a score of 3-2. She is second on the Tigers with five goals this season.

Junior goaltender Terra Lanteigne (Hatchet Lake, Nova Scotia/Charles P. Allen) of the RIT women’s hockey team, was named College Hockey America Goaltender of the Month for November, 2018. It is her second consecutive monthly honor. Lanteigne was a two-time CHA Goaltender of the Week in November.

She played in all eight games, recording a 2.14 goals against average and a .948 save percentage, while stopping 312 shots. On Nov. 9, she stopped 41 of 42 shots in a 5-1 win over Dartmouth and made a season-high 48 saves the following day. On Nov. 20, Lanteigne also made 48 saves at Penn State and ended the month with consecutive wins over Lindenwood. This season, Lanteigne leads all of Division I with 557 saves and is seventh nationally with a .939 save percentage. She also has a 2.10 goals against average, while playing in all 17 games. Lanteigne has played 1,029 of 1,042 minutes in goal this season

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Senior forward Kendall Cornine (Kinnelon, NJ/Morristown Beard) of the RIT women’s hockey team was selected sixth overall in the 2018 National Women’s Hockey League Draft by the Metropolitan Riveters on Wednesday. She is the first Tiger to be selected in the NWHL draft. Cornine, who was the first pick of the second round, is enjoying a strong senior season for the Tigers, with team-leading totals of eight goals and 13 points through 19 games. She has four multiple-point games on the season and leads RIT with 86 shots on goal. Cornine was named College Hockey America’s Player of the Week on Oct. 8.

UB’s Goalie stops Mercyhurst (Janet Schultz Photo)

Adrianna Brehm and Emily Kromer, both freshmen on the Nazareth women’s hockey team, have been honored this week by the United Collegiate Hockey Conference. Brehm, of Detroit Lakes, Minn., was named UCHC Goalie of the Week, while Kromer, of Angola, N.Y., was named UCHC Rookie of the Week for November 20. Brehm was been instrumental in the Golden Flyers’ early season success. Last weekend, she started both conference games at Stevenson and recorded 40 saves in the two road wins. In a 4-1 victory last Friday, Brehm made 11 of her 22 saves in the third period. She added 18 saves in Saturday’s 7-3 victory over the Mustangs. Overall, Brehm has won all five of her starts and has a .939 save percentage with a 1.00 goals-against average. Kromer contributed two goals and two assists

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in the two victories. She scored twice and added an assist in Friday’s win and added an assist in Saturday’s victory. She is tied for the team scoring lead with 16 points on six goals and a team-best 10 assists. Kromer played for Frontier/Lakeshore/Orchard Park of the WNY GVIH League.

After outscoring opponents 73-7 over the first 10 games of the season as the Nazareth College women’s hockey team put together a perfect 10-0 start to the season, it took a nationally-ranked team in Elmira College, ranked No. 5 in the nation, to end the win streak. Elmira scored twice in the second period and two more times in the third period to record a 4-0 win Friday night in Elmira. Nazareth (10-1 overall, 6-1 UCHC) played a close first period as goalie Adrianna Brehm made 11 saves to preserve a scoreless tie after the first 20 minutes. In the second period, Elmira (72-1, 5-0) opened the scoring early in the period with a fast start and extended the lead to 2-0 just after the midway point of the stanza. Elmira extended the lead again early in the third period. The Golden Flyers had a pair of power play opportunities later in the period but failed to take advantage. During the second power play, Nazareth opted to pull the goalie for the extra attacker and kept the net empty after Elmira returned to full strength. The Soaring Eagles took advantage with an empty net goal to cap the scoring. Elmira held a 3315 shots advantage and Brehm finished with a careerhigh 29 saves.

The University of Buffalo ACHA team continues its winning record going 12-1-0 the first half. Maddie Norton leads the ACHA D2 league with 49 points on 36 goals and 13 assists. UB is off until February 2 when they travel to Pegula Arena to take on Penn State. Their only loss came at the hands of Mercyhurst on December 9. In that game the ladies faced some familiar faces including Meghan Roche, Abigail Damato, Sarah Solnick, Bridget Bork, Alexis Skibitsky and Stephanie Wippert.

EAST Following another solid week Manhattanville College women’s hockey senior forward Nicole Ellie Clerarly and Miranda Kolb Mensi (Mamaroneck, N.Y./Northwood School) (Potsdam Photos) earned Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) player of the week awards for Decembr 3. Mensi won offensive player of the week for the second time in the last three weeks. Mensi took home her weekly award following a 2-0 week in which the Valiants clinched the 2018-19 MAC Championship. In a weekend series at Lebanon Valley College, the senior started the week off with a two goals, two assists, and was a plus-4 in a 5-1 victory Friday, Nov. 30. The win guaranteed Manhattanville at least a share of the conference title.

She followed that up with one goal, one assist, and a plus-3 rating in a 4-0 victory Saturday, Dec. 1, with the Valiants clinching the MAC Championship as a result.

Mensi finished the week with three goals, three assists, and a plus-7 rating. Mensi was also named United Collegiate Hockey Conference (UCHC) player of the week.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) Associate Vice President & Director of Athletics Dr. Lee McElroy has announced the hiring of Christina Ross as the Operations Coordinator. A native of Mechanicville , N.Y., she will work with the women’s hockey team.

“We are excited to welcome Christina to the RPI women’s hockey family,” said head coach Bryan Vines. “Her passion for our program, professional approach and knowledge of our institution make her a perfect fit for our staff and student-athletes. Most importantly, she is a great person who fits our core values.

The operations of our hockey team are in great hands.”

Among Ross’ responsibilities are video coordination, including breaking down game tapes, preparation and pre-scouting for upcoming opponents, team travel coordination and various administrative duties.

Currently an assistant coordinator with Sau-

gerties Youth Hockey Association girls program, Ross was a volunteer for the last five years and has been the team manager for the girls travel program for the last two, which includes an invite to the Empire State Winter Games. She has worked with fundraising, recruitment and tournament organization.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) studentathlete Lovisa Selander has been selected by the Boston Pride in the 2018 National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL) Draft. The fourth player drafted in program history, she was selected 20th overall in the fourth round.

NORTH Potsdam Recap of December: Junior goalie Alexa Pfeiffer (Sylvania, Ohio/Little Caesar’s) backstopped the women’s hockey team to overtime with a careerhigh matching 51 saves before Hamilton College finally wore the Bears down with in a 2-1 win. Sophomore forward Emily Burke (San Jose, Calif./San Jose Jr. Sharks) scored for Potsdam. Potsdam began to break the pressure after a second power play in the final period. At 9:00 in the third, Burke scored off a feed from junior defenseman Delphine Léonard (Anjou, Quebec/ Dawson College Prep), beating Continental goalie and Norfolk, N.Y. native Sidney Molnar to tie the game.

After the goal, Potsdam battled more evenly with Hamilton and blocked more shots. With just under two minutes to go in regulation, Burke nearly put the Bears ahead on a breakaway, but Molnar robbed her at the right post. Hamilton made a final push in the closing seconds, but Pfeiffer made her 51st save with five seconds left to force overtime. After blocking a couple Potsdam shots to open overtime, Hamilton broke out of its zone. Missy Segall then fired a wrist shot over Pfeiffer’s left shoulder for the win just 37 seconds into the extra session. The Continentals outshot the Bears 53-12 and was 0-for-1 on the power play. Potsdam was

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0-for-2.

The women’s hockey team avenged a Tuesday loss at Hamilton College with a 2-1 win on Saturday afternoon in Maxcy Ice Arena. Junior captain Shelbi Thacker (Chesterfield, Mich./Honeybaked) and freshman forward Ellie Cleary (Buffalo, N.Y./Buffalo Bisons) each scored for the Bears and sophomore goalie Samantha White (Oceanside, Calif./Anaheim Lady Ducks) made 32 saves. The contest started off at a much slower pace than Tuesday’s game in Clinton. Shots on goal were hard to come by as each team played tight defense and blocked shots early. Potsdam claimed the first goal of the game at 6:41. Burke flung a centering pass through a crowd in the slot and it found its way to Thacker at the right point. She fired a high floating shot over a bunch of bodies and Continentals junior goalie Sammy Johnson (Scituate, Mass./Groton School) and into the net. The teams continued trade penalties and until the Bears regained the lead at 10:08 in the second period. Junior defenseman Delphine Léonard (Anjou, Quebec/Dawson College Prep) found Cleary at the left side of the net. She fired on Johnson and the puck popped up and over the goaltender to make it 2-1. Junior forward Miranda Kolb (Watertown, N.Y./SUNY Cortland) also assisted on the play. Hamilton outshot Potsdam 33-19, but was 0-for-7 on the man advantage, while the Bears were 1-for-4.

The Plattsburgh State women’s ice hockey team held steady at No. 2 in both the USCHO.com Division III Women’s Top-10 Poll and the D3hockey.com Women’s Top-10 Poll, as announced Monday by both organizations. The Cardinals received 138 points and three first-place votes in the USCHO.com poll and 135 points and four first-place votes in the D3hockey.com poll.

Freshman forward Moe Tsukimoto (Sapporo, Japan/Northwood School) of the Plattsburgh State women’s ice hockey team has been selected as the Northeast Women’s Hockey League (NEWHL) Rookie of the Week for the period ending Dec. 2, 2018, as announced Tuesday by the conference office. This is Tsukimoto’s first-ever NEWHL Rookie of the Week honor.

Tsukimoto tallied four points on two goals and two assists in a NEWHL weekend

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sweep of Oswego State on Friday and Saturday. She scored one goal and added two assists while posting a +2 rating in a 4-0 win over the Lakers on Friday before netting a power-play goal in a 6-1 victory over Oswego on Saturday. For the season, Tsukimoto has six points on four goals and two assists. She is tied for sixth in the NEWHL in goals and tied for 12th in the conference in points.

For the fifth time this season and for the fourth consecutive week, senior Kassi Abbott (Medford, Mass./Boston Shamrocks Elite) of the Plattsburgh State women’s ice hockey team has been named the Northeast Women’s Hockey League (NEWHL) Goalie of the Week, earning the distinction for the period ending Dec. 9, 2018. This is Abbott’s ninth career NEWHL Goalie of the Week honor. Abbott authored a .967 save percentage and a 0.60 goals against average in a 2-0-0 week for the Cardinals. She halted 10 shots on goal in 39:58 of action during a 7-1 win over Morrisville State College on Wednesday. Two days later, she blanked Trinity (Conn.) College, 5-0, by repelling all 19 shots on ripped her way. For the season, Abbott is tied for the NCAA Division III lead in shutouts (7) and ranks third in both save percentage (.980) and goals against average (0.38).

Senior forward Mackenzie Millen (Anchorage, Alaska/North American Hockey Academy) of the Plattsburgh State women’s ice hockey team has been named the Northeast Women’s Hockey League (NEWHL) Player of the Week for the period ending Dec. 9, 2018, as announced Tuesday by the conference office. This marks Millen’s second NEWHL Player of the Week honor this season, as she also earned the distinction on Nov. 13. Millen scored four goals and added two assists for six points in a 2-0-0 week for the Cardinals. She scored twice in a 7-1 win over Morrisville State College on Wednesday before netting two goals, including one on the power play, and distributing two assists in a 5-0 victory over Trinity (Conn.) College.

Freshman defenseman Sierra Benjamin (Palm Coast, Fla./Northwood School) of the Plattsburgh State women’s ice hockey team has been named to the D3hockey.com National Women’s Team of the Week for the period ending Dec. 9, 2018, as announced Wednesday by D3hockey.com.

This marks Benjamin’s first-ever D3hockey.com Team of the Week honor. It is the fourth time this season that a Cardinal blueliner has been named to the list, as freshman Hanna Rose (Chaumont, N.Y./ Northwood School) has been selected twice, while sophomore Erin McArdle (Macomb, Mich./Belle Tire) has been chosen once. Benjamin tallied three points on one goal and two assists in a 2-0-0 week for the Cardinals. She posted two assists in a 7-1 victory over Morrisville State College on Wednesday before scoring her first collegiate goal in a 5-0 triumph over Trinity (Conn.) College on Friday. Benjamin ranks among the NCAA Division III leaders in points per game among defensemen (tied for 19th, 0.73) and points per game among freshmen (tied for 26th), and she has eight points total on one goal and seven assists.

The Plattsburgh State

Department of Intercollegiate of Athletics and Recreation has unveiled a redesigned version of its online home—www.gocardinalsports.com—courtesy of SIDEARM Sports, the Cardinals’ website provider since 2009.

The ECAC leading scorer in November, Clarkson University’s Elizabeth Giguere has been named ECAC Hockey Player of the Month.

The sophomore right wing tallied 15 points on three goals and a league-high 12 assists through seven games. Giguere scored a conference-best two shorthanded goals and posted the ECAC Hockey’s best plus/minus (+13) during November. The Quebec City, Que. native tallied at least one point in six of seven games. She opened ECAC Hockey campaign with a four-point outing on two goals and two assists in 5-1 win over Union on November 2. Giguere also joined Clark-

son’s Century Club on November 24 with three assists in the Green and Gold’s 4-2 victory over Minnesota-Duluth to reach 100 career points in just 55 games, faster than any other Golden Knight in the program’s 16-year history.

For the third time this season, Clarkson University’s Kassidy Sauve has been recognized as ECAC Hockey’s Goaltender of the Week. Sauve was the only league goaltender to record two wins last week, making 47 saves in the weekend sweep of archrival St. Lawrence. A graduate transfer, the Whitby, Ont. native posted her third shutout of the season with 21 saves in Friday’s 4-0 win at St. Lawrence. She followed with 26 stops in Saturday’s 3-1 victory over the Saints at Cheel Arena. Sauve owns a .929 save percentage and a 1.80 goals against average en route to a 12-3 record through 15 starts for the Green and Gold. Sauve also earned conference goaltender of the week honors on October 1 and November 26.

Loren Gabel, a standout forward for Clarkson University’s twotime defending National Champion Women’s Hockey team, was selected by the Buffalo Beauts in the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL) draft. Gabel, a senior left wing was the eighth overall player selected in the draft with Buffalo’s second-round pick. A native of

43

Kitchener, Ontario Gabel is leading Division I in scoring, averaging a nation-high 2.00 points per game.

Through 16 games, she has tallied 32 points on 14 goals and 18 assists.

The Golden Knights’ all-time leading goal scorer, Gabel is third on the Green and Gold’ career points list with 176 on 90 goals and 86 assists through 138 games.

NCAA women’s hockey will be coming to Northern Ireland, when Northeastern and Clarkson play each other twice in Belfast on Jan. 5 and 6 in the inaugural Friendship Series. The two teams are among the most exciting in the NCAA at the moment.

St. Lawrence University senior forward Rachael Smith scored the first goal of the game, but fifth-ranked Clarkson scored the next three goals to defeat the Saints’ women’s hockey team 3-1 in an ECAC Hockey contest at Cheel Arena in Potsdam before the holiday break.

St. Lawrence, now 9-10-1 overall, 4-4-0 in ECAC Hockey, have five weeks off before their next game, when they will go on the road to face Union and Rensselaer. Clarkson improved to 14-4-0, 5-3-0.

Joe Marsh, who retired in 2012 after a 26-year tenure as the men’s hockey coach at St. Lawrence University, has returned to Appleton Arena as a women’s hockey volunteer assistant coach for the 2018-19 season. Marsh spent last year as the interim women’s hockey coach at Dartmouth, and his return to St. Lawrence marks a reunion with head coach Chris Wells ‘92,

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who Marsh coached during Wells’ playing career and mentored during his time as an assistant for the men’s program from 1999-2008.

“He’s been well received by the players — they love his accent,” said Wells. “He’s already made a significant connection with the kids in such a short time. Our team plays very similarly to the way his teams always played, so it’s not a huge coaching change for Joe, he can just step right in and coach the way he’s always coached.”

Canton women hockey players Lily Cullen, a freshman, and Noelle Niemiec, a senior, have been named this week’s Roos of the Week after an unbeaten week.

Cullen had a monster week posting three goals and two assists to finish with a +5 on-ice rating in an unbeaten 2-0-1 week for the Roos. The freshman scored her first collegiate goal in the third period to lead Canton to 1-1 overtime tie v. Potsdam. Cullen followed that up by finishing with a goal and assist each in a pair of 7-1 and 6-2 wins at Wilkes University on Friday and Saturday. The rookie, who came into the week without a career point now ranks fourth on the team with five points and is just one off the team lead. Niemiec posted two goals and two assists during a pair of 7-1 and 6-2 road wins at Wilkes this weekend. The senior defenseman also helped to shut down Potsdam’s offense and allow just one goal in a 1-1 overtime tie on Tuesday. Niemiec tallied a goal and assist in each win v. the Colo-

nels and finished the week with a remarkable team-best +7 on-ice rating. Niemiec was also named to the D3hockey.com National Team of the Week.

Junior Brooke Susac and freshman Lily Cullen have been named the Colonial Hockey Conference (CHC) Goaltender and Rookie of the Week, respectively, as the conference announced its weekly awards on December 3. Susac combined to make 49 saves in a 2-0-1 unbeaten week for the Roos.

She stopped 22 of the 23 shots she faced to lead Canton to a 1-1 tie v.

SUNY Potsdam. The junior followed that up by stopping 27 of 30 shots faced in a 7-1 and 6-2 weekend sweep at Wilkes. Cullen had a monster week posting three goals and two assists to finish with a +5 on-ice rating in an unbeaten 2-0-1 week for the Roos. The freshman scored her first collegiate goal in the third period to lead Canton to 1-1 overtime tie v. Potsdam. Cullen followed that up by finishing with a goal and assist each in a pair of 7-1 and 6-2 wins at Wilkes University on Friday and Saturday. The rookie, who came into the week without a career point now ranks fourth on the team with five points and is just one off the team lead.

The Roos earned a 2-2 tie v. NCAA Division I Sacred Heart University behind a season-high 37 saves from junior Brooke Susac and goals from Grace Page and Breanna Bedborough. Susac stopped 19 shots in the 3-1 loss, while Ashley Gillies found the back of the net for the fourth time.

T

his is a story about a single mom and her three daughters. What makes this story unique is that this is more than a mother/daughter relation-

ship.

For two of the daughters it is a player/coach relationship. A third daughter will eventually join her sister and mother in another year, but more on that later.

Nicola Adimey is the head coach of the CASH

“When Casey was six I began coaching in Amherst Youth Hockey League,” continued Nicola, a native of Schifferstadt, Germany. “I continued coaching in Amherst when Lilli began playing.

“Casey eventually moved over to the Bisons organization and joined her older sister who had started playing there three years earlier. I ended up coaching with the Bisons for a year.”

Why did Nicola get involved with coaching?

COACH/MOM/DAUGHTERS: A HOCKEY RELATIONSHIP

BY RANDY SCHULTZ—

(Clarence/Amherst/Sweet Home) girls high school ice hockey team. Two of the players she coached this past season were her daughters, Casey (who was a senior and a captain on the team) and Lilli (a freshman) Adimey. Both are students at Amherst High School.

Last season saw CASH make it all the way to the Western New York Girls Varsity Ice Hockey Federation championship game before losing to Frontier/ Lancaster/Orchard Park (FLOP). Not bad for a team that finished third in the seven-team league with a 9-41 record.

The 2017-18 campaign also saw Nicola as the only female head coach in the WNYGVIHF. But there is more to her story.

Nicola never began playing organized hockey until she was 14. In Germany.

“Things are organized differently in Germany,” said Nicola, who was born and raised in Germany.

“There is no school hockey or college hockey. It is only club hockey.”

Nicola arrived in the United States in 2000. It didn’t take long for her to get involved in the amateur hockey scene.

“I love the game of hockey and I wanted to be involved with the game,” replied Nicola. “And when you have kids you hope they will eventually love the same sport you love.

“I began coaching back in Germany when I was 18. I was working with the five to seven year olds and teaching them how to skate. I really enjoy working with that age group because they are a lot of fun.

“I try to get the kids excited and to love the game of hockey. I hope my excitement for the game rubs off on the kids I’m coaching.”

So how difficult is it coaching your daughters?

“I try to be careful,” responded Nicola. “I never want anyone to think that my daughters have an advantage over the other players on the team.

“Occasionally when they are on the bench, they may yell over to me calling, ‘mom, mom,’ to get my attention. My assistant coaches will sometimes jokingly tell them to leave their mother alone.

“With the experiences I had with Casey and Lilli with Amherst and the Bisons, they were quite used to me being on the bench as their coach.”

Single mom. Hockey coach.

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Coach Nicola Adimey with her daughters.

(Photo courtesy Adimeys)

Working full-time. Three daughters. How does she do it?

“You have to be organized,” was Nicola’s simple response.

Casey admits that it was an interesting situation having her mom as her coach in high school.

“It really wasn’t a problem,” said Casey, who will be attending and playing hockey at the University of Massachusetts-Boston this Fall. “I don’t think any of my teammates really cared. They looked at my mom as their coach.

“I will miss her this Fall when I go off to college.”

Lilli enjoyed the experience of not only having her mom as her coach but playing on the same team as her older sister.

“I really liked having my mom as my coach,” replied Lilli, who will be going into 10th grade this year. “She has always been my coach.

“And I liked being able to play with my sister as well.”

Nicola admits that she wasn’t sure what it was going to be like to have two daughters playing together on the same team.

“I was excited,” said Nicola. “They were too far

46

apart in age to be on the same travel team.

“I wasn’t sure what to expect. But I found that Casey elevated Lilli’s game. It was an interesting dynamic.”

Nicola will only have one daughter on the CASH team this season with Casey going off to college. But there is a third daughter, Maya, waiting in the wings to take her place. But that won’t be for at least another year.

Does Nicola consider herself a pioneer of sorts in the coaching field?

“Not really,” answered Nicola. “Although I know when I walk into certain rinks the head coach from the other team (usually a male) will walk right past me and shake hands with my assistants (who are male).

“But that really doesn’t bother me. I find it kind of funny.

“But I have found that as a woman you definitely have to prove yourself. I’ve watched women’s and girl’s hockey grow over the years.

“That has always been my goal, to help girls and women’s hockey grow. And they seem to keep getting better and better each year.

“I’m just glad to be a part of it.”

JENNA HOUSE

BY RANDY SCHULTZ

D

uring her time playing as a forward for the Kenmore/Grand Island Girls Varsity Hockey Team, Jenna House was your average scoring player. She didn’t put up the big goal scoring numbers.

Nor super assist numbers for that matter.

Instead she played the game that a lot of players shy away from: defensive forward. For her efforts she was recognized for her style of play. House will be taking that defensive style package to play for the University of Southern Maine women’s hockey team this season.

“I really felt at home after talking with the coaches at the Southern Maine,”

Jenna House with her mom and dad at Kenmore/Grand Island’s Senior Night, 2018.

said House. “They made me feel wanted on the team.

“The coaches told me that they love the way I played the game. They have a plan set up for me.”

Could it be as a defensive forward?

“I hope to be the same style of player I was here for Kenmore/Grand Island,” remarked House, who is considering either sports science or nursing. “I just hope to grow as a hockey player and as an individual on the team.

If there is one person who has a pretty good idea what that plan might be is Kenmore/Grand Island head coach, Jeff Orlowski.

“Jenna did a great job for us,” said Orlowski.

“She played in Sectional Final games and two State Final games.

“She didn’t put the points up there like other forwards do. But she was the best defensive forward I had. I put her out there against every other team’s top lines and she was able to shut them down. I have to give a lot of credit to our assistant coach, Matt Miller, for working with Jenna on her defensive skills.

“And we played against some very good teams with some very good players and lines. I will miss her out there.”

Orlowski also pointed out some other good qualities that makes House such a good player.

“The best thing about Jenna is her attitude,” commented Orlowski. “She carried the team for the last two years. She was the mentality of the team. She would do whatever you wanted her to do on the ice and never complained about it.

“She did her job. She worked hard. And she

kept everyone else motivated. She was happy all the time. She enjoyed playing hockey.

“She has that extra something in her that a lot players don’t have. And that ‘something’ will take her to that next step.”

House has some great memories of the time spent playing for Kenmore/Grand Island.

“All four years that I played were amazing,” remarked House. “This past year didn’t go exactly the way we wanted it to go.

“But my freshman and sophomore years going to the sectionals and states and we ended up winning Sectional titles was amazing.

“I knew what my role was on the team and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.

“Now I’m looking forward to my role for Southern Maine. It will be exciting.”

Sirena Fitzery at NYS Championships last season.

SIRENA FITZERY, PUTNAM AWARDEE

BY RANDY SCHULTZ

O

ne of the more prestigious hockey awards presented to high school-aged hockey players in the Western New York area is the Tyler Putnam Award. The award was

47

and dedication to the game that he loved.

Sirena is just another great example of what the award stands for.

“It’s something that I will never forget,” concluded Sirena.

EMILY JANIGA ON CHINA originally presented to players from the Rochester, NY area.

But for the first time this year a player was chosen from the Buffalo, NY area. That player was Sirena Fitzery, who played for the New York State Girls High School Champion FLOP (Frontier/Lakeshore/Orchard Park) hockey team.

The award came as a total surprise to Fitzery.

“It was pretty amazing,” commented Fitzery, who is attending Utica College where she will be playing hockey. “To hear all about the hard work and what Tyler accomplished, it has a special place in my heart.

I didn’t think I would be nominated for this award and to see that I have contributed to my team what Tyler did for his teams, that is special.”

What did Sirena think about being the first player from Buffalo to win the award?

“I think it was crazy,” responded Fitzery, who will be majoring in Child Psychology at Utica. “I had no idea what this award was all about. Now I do. So to be the first one from Buffalo is quite an honor.

“It’s a great way to finish off this season as well as my high school career. To win the championships we did and now this award, it’s just amazing.”

Putnam’s dream was to play for his high school team, the Irondequoit Eagles, then junior hockey, Division I hockey and ultimately professional hockey. He was able to realize the first two parts of that dream.

In July 2011 Tyler’s hockey dreams ended tragically when died of an illness called “Meningococcemia,” an infection that affects the bloodstream. The Tyler Putnam Award, which is symbolized by a hard hat, a symbol of Tyler’s hard work

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BY RANDY SCHULTZ

E

mily Janiga thought she had accomplished everything she could do in ice hockey. The East Aurora, NY native had a successful hockey career in high school while attending Nichols School in Buffalo.

From there it was on to Erie, PA and Mercyhurst College where success seem to follow her with four outstanding seasons with the Lakers. She topped that by being drafted by the Buffalo Beauts of the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL) and helping them win the Isobel Cup in 2017.

What more could there be for Janiga to prove?

The answer came in the summer of 2017 when the 24 year-old forward accepted the opportunity to serve as a sport ambassador to Team China, a women’s development program for hockey aimed at the 2022 Winter Olympics to be held in Beijing, China.

While it may have looked like a relatively easy decision to make, Janiga had to think about it for a short period of time. And for a good reason.

“Growing up in the little community I did, I really hadn’t been to far from there my whole life,” said Janiga, the daughter of Leonard and Mabel Janiga. “Sure, I had gone to Mercyhurst which was just a couple of hours from my house.

“And I had been to Mexico once for my sister-in-laws bachelorette party. But it wasn’t for an extended period of time. I had been back and forth to Canada for hockey games. But this trip to China was going to be for several months.

“I really felt I had to leave that comfort zone and always being near to home. So I accepted the opportunity.”

Janiga will be the first one to also tell you that a second thought about her decision went through her mind following her 14 hour flight to China.

“It was culture shock,” responded Janiga, the 2015 College Hockey America (CHA) Player of the Year. “That’s the only way I can describe it.

“I remember getting off that plane in Hong Cong and seeing nothing but people. Everywhere! It was just overwhelming.”

In addition to her role as a sport ambassador, Janiga also signed a contract to play pro hockey with the Vanke Rays, one of China’s two pro hockey expansion

teams that began play in the Canadian Women’s Hockey League for the 2017-18 campaign.

“It was a great opportunity for me,” said the 2014 and 2015 AllCHA First Team member. “I could continue playing the sport I love while teaching it to players just being introduced to the game for the first time.”

But Janiga admitted that it wasn’t as easy as one would think when she first arrived in China.

“There was a big difference in food and language,” commented Janiga. “That was quite an adjustment to make. Going out to get groceries was an experience. And the city I lived in, Shenzhen, has something like 12 million people living in it. For someone who grew up where I did in a town that has less than 7000 people that was a big adjustment to get used to.”

But there was always one thing that kept Janiga calm.

“Hockey,” stated Janiga, with a smile.

“Hockey is hockey, no matter where you play it,” she continued. “And being able to develop the sport and helping it grow in another country like China, is a great opportunity.

“Working with Chinese players that had good skills, was a good experience. It was a great feeling to watch these players grow as players every day. It was a lot of hard work, but I really didn’t mind that.”

Hard work is something Janiga is quite used to. Having grown up on a 1000-acre farm, with

the main crop being sweet corn, the hockey forward knew what early hours were like both on the farm and playing hockey.

Janiga recently signed a contract with the Beauts to play for them again for the 2018-19 season.

She admits that she is a bit of a different person coming back to her roots.

“I really think I grew as a person with the time I spent in China,” concluded Janiga. “It was a great experience to help grow the game in another country. It was also a chance to raise the awareness of women’s hockey.

“In the end it was an awesome experience for me. I know I will have a different feeling for the Chinese when it comes time for the 2022 Winter Olympics, especially with hockey. While I’ll still be pulling for Team USA, it will be interesting to see how China does. And I know I will have had a small part in their success. That’s a great feeling.

“I think I’ve also become a better person. I have a different outlook on life. I stepped outside my comfort zone.

“It was an awesome experience.”

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FUTURE RANGERS: MORGAN BARRON

By Warren Kozireski

The Hockey News latest Prospects Unlimited edition lists New York Rangers 2017 draft pick Morgan Barron with a red dot, indicating a “sleeper”. He did not have a dot next to his name in the 2017 edition. That’s what happens when you are the first freshman in Cornell hockey history to have at least one point in each of his first seven collegiate games.

Add that he netted 18 points overall in 33 games as a true freshman and that he stands 6’3”, 214 lb. and that he has scored a team-leading five goals over the first eight games this season and the Rangers may have found a late round gem.

“He can shoot the puck really well, he’s playing well and playing a ton of minutes,” Cornell head coach Mike Schafer said in mid-November. “He’s killing penalties, power play, played center, left wing; he’s all over the place and did a good job.”

Barron played for Halifax and Newbridge for two seasons each in his native Nova Scotia before heading west to suit up for St. Andrews College Prep in Aurora, Ontario north of Toronto.

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He was among the top point producers there before heading to Ithaca, NY last fall as an 18-year old—he turns 20 Dec. 2.

In addition to goals, he was leading all Big Red players in shots on goal averaging almost five per game.

“I think probably inherently I’ve been around the net a little bit more and had the puck on my stick more than last year so I’ve been just trying to take my chances as I see them and trying to bury them,” Barron said after a Nov. 16 game.

Barron got off to a hot start last season, but then struggled to get his name on the scoresheet as the season wore on. But it’s all part of the normal learning curve. “(I had a) pretty similar summer to be honest with you,” Barron said about this past summer. “I was just trying to skate as much as possible and in my backyard shooting pucks a little bit more, so maybe that’s why they’re going in, I’m not too sure.

“Last year I fell off a bit…but I think that’s a natural part of the progression for a freshman. Some of those games (last season) I thought I played good hockey and I just wasn’t burying my chances around the net, so that’s something I’m going to keep in the back of my mind this year.

Younger brother Justin chose to go the Canadian junior hockey route and the Halifax Mooseheads defenseman is already being projected as a potential first round NHL draft pick when he is eligible in June 2020.

Cornell plays against Harvard at Madison Square Garden in New York City Dec. 1, the same site that Barron showed off in front of the Rangers brass with a pair of primary assists in just his tenth collegiate contest last November against Boston University.

“I think all the guys are really excited for that game; it’s such a fun game and especially with Harvard, but I’m just focusing on our next game right now.”

reer. He started by being named AHL Player of the Month for October. Not Rookie of the Month, Player after leading the league with 15 points over the first ten games.

Note: he is not eligible for rookie status in the AHL due to his 101 games played for what is considered a professional league with Frolunda in Sweden. 99 games is the maximum.

He cooled off a bit in November scoring goals in the first and last games of the month and managing only two assists in between along with being out of the line-up due to injury for three games.

“Away from the puck he’s doing a lot better job,” Rochester head coach Chris Taylor said about his first year left wing. “I like how he is forechecking.

He’s not being a perimeter player…I like all asBy Warren Kozireski pects of his game. he last Buffalo Sabres sev enth round draft pick to play “It’s hard 100 or more NHL games was to score in defenseman Nathan Paetsch, who this league. was drafted in 2003. You need to go You have to back another three drafts to find the keep shootlast forward—Paul Gaustad—taken ing and in the seventh round in 2000. be in the 2014 Buffalo Sabres seventh round right place NHL draft selection Victor Olofsat the right son hopes to break that streak and time and is off to a solid first ten weeks to his it’s good North American professional cathat it’s not

FUTURE SABRES:

coming easy for him.”

And it’s not just offense. The coaching staff had the confidence to have Olofsson on the ice in the final minute of a recent game protecting a one-goal lead.

“It’s developmental and who can handle the pressure at that time,” Taylor said.

“I think it’s important that everybody knows how to play in those last minute situations.”

The Ornsholdsvih, Sweden 23-year old native has started December much like he began the season with two goals and one assist over the first three games. And all this comes after he led the Swedish League in scoring last season with 27 tallies in just 50 games.

Continued on Page 53

VICTOR OLOFSSON

T

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the 28 year-old began his recovery from surgery back in June, skating just a couple of times per week. When he got to July Bogosian picked up the pace skating more times per week.

“By August I was pushing my skating to four or five times per week,” explained Bogosian, who bsegan his NHL career with the Atlanta Thrashers.

“It was consistent like that right up to the beginning of training camp.”

Did the veteran defenseman ever have any doubts about his return?

“You always wonder what it’s going to feel like when you come back,” stated Bogosian, the third pick overall by the Thrashers in the 2008 NHL Draft. “I think in the past I was a bit overaggressive in coming back from a few injuries. I kind of hurt myself more.

“This time I eased my way into it. Tried to be smart with it.”

Besides surgery, Bogosian will also be wearing

BY RANDY SCHULTZ—

O

ne of the first questions asked of Zach Bogosian, veteran defenseman with the Buffalo Sabres, was how healthy was he. His response was quick and to the point.

“I’m good to go,” responded Bogosian

The reason for the question is pretty obvious. While the blue liner has been with the Sabres for three full seasons, Bogosian has never played in more than 64 regular-season contests, including just 18 games last season.

The 2017-18 season saw Bogosian have seasonending hip surgery that led to a long off-season of recovery. With a healthy Bogosian ready for this NHL season it is hoped that he will be teamed up with Rasmus Dahlin, the Sabres as well as the overall number one pick in this year’s NHL Entry Draft.

“I know that it has been a long time since I was able to say ‘I’m ready to go’ but I feel good.

I had a good summer of training and I’m good to go.”

Now in his 12th season of play in the NHL

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ZACH BOGOSIAN: “I’m good to go!” a new number this season. 4.

“It was my favorite number growing up,” said Bogosian. “When I got here from Winnipeg four was already taken. So was 44. So I went with 47.

“Now I’m getting four. Nothing special. Just a favorite number.” (Continued on next page)

Bogosian Continued...

With his surgery behind him and a new uniform number, Bogosian looks ahead to a new season for himself as well as the Sabres. Bogosian believes that the team has no place to go but up after finishing dead last, 31st overall, in the NHL last season.

“We’re not dwelling on what’s happened in the past,” said the Massena, NY native. “And you can’t look too far into the future.

“You’ve got to worry about what is in front of you at that moment. I think everyone had a chance to clear their heads over the summer and come back with a positive mindset.

“We have several new players on the team this year. Everybody seems to be working together. We’re trying to take things one day at a time and one game at a time.

“We win games as a team, not as individuals. This is a team effort.”

Olofsson Continued...

“Last year I just started taking more shots than I’ve been doing before and taking pucks to the net, driving the net a little bit harder and I’m trying to that this year too,” Olofsson said.

“I haven’t scored as many goals as I want to, but I think it’s coming. I feel like my overall game is pretty good so it’s nothing I worry about too much.”

And as for being trusted to protect that one goal lead fewer than 20 games into his North American hockey career, Olofsson isn’t fazed.

“I don’t know if it’s a surprise, but it’s definitely good to feel like you have that kind of support from the coaches and that they believe in you.” Continued pg 50

In about half of the first 23 games of this season, Olofsson has been on a line with countrymate and 2016 draft pick Rasmus Asplund and the two seem to have developed some chemistry.

“We have and we talk a lot (so) we should develop even more,” Asplund said. “We watch video and try to get better every day and I think it’s working out pretty good for us right now.”

180 players were selected in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft ahead of the 5’11”, 181 lb. left wing. It marked the same year Buffalo selected Sam Reinhart in the first round second overall. No other Sabres draftee that year has had even a sip of coffee in the top league, but the way Olofsson has begun the North American portion of his professional career, he may be the next.

53

RAPTORS REPORT

BY MICHAEL MEYERS

(Our Raptors Reports have been running on www.nyhockeyonline.com throughout the season. Here are the reports has they were presented earlier.)

Season Begins

The New York Raptors hockey team is getting ready for the 2018-19 hockey season.

After holding an organizational meeting at Coach Steve’s house, the Raptors have now held two practices.

There are several new players on the team for this season.

The team is looking forward to a very good hockey season.

Tournament News

The New York Raptors played in the 10th Annual Frankenfest Tournament on October 6 and 7 in New Jersey. The tournament was held at the Richard Codey Arena in West Orange, New Jersey. The host team were the New Jersey Dare Devils.

The Raptors played two games during the twoday tournament. In the first game on Saturday the Raptors lost to the Montgomery Cheetah, 8-4.

The Raptors came back in their second game of the tournament and beat the Washington Ice Dogs, 8-4.

The Raptors record is now 1-1.

First Home Game

The New York Raptors hockey team played their first home game of the 2018-19 season back on October 21. The Raptors played

54

the Woodbridge Warriors.

The Raptors lost to the Warriors 9-6. The Raptors record record is now one win and two losses.

November/December Update

Here is an update of what the New York Raptors have been doing since Thanksgiving.

The Raptor had a home tournament called the Turkey Tournament in Hommocks Park Ice Rink in Mamaroneck, New York. The Raptors first game was against the Long Island Blues. The Raptors beat the Blues, 9-7.

In game two of the Tourney the Ct. Storm played the New Jersey Dare Devils, with the Storm winning 6-4.

In game three the Dare Devils defeated the Blues, 5-4.

In game four the Raptors were beaten by the Storm, 7-6. The Raptors record is 3-3.

On Dec. 1 the Raptors played their first road game of the season against New Jersey. The Raptors defeated the Dare Devils to improve their record to 4 wins and 3 losses.

On Dec. 16 the Raptors played their second home game of the season. They played the Central Park North Stars. The Raptors beat the North Stars, 7-4.

Raptors Upcoming games:

Long Island Blues Winter Classic, Jan. 26/27

VS Mercer, February 9

VS CT Storm, March 10

TROY NATIVE HASKIN FAST OUT OF THE GATE

By Warren Kozireski

U

tica College sophomore Josh Haskin spent most of his freshman season on the third or fourth line and netted three goals with eight points in 24 games. Starting 2018-19 he was a healthy scratch in the Pioneers opener against Adrian and was held point-less in the second.

Since then he has done nothing but produce tied for the team lead in scoring through the first seven games despite not seeing any time on the power play. His eight points in six games played equals his point total from all of last season.

“I was just filling a role last year to put pucks in deep and go and fore-check, but this year I kind of put myself in a bigger role to hopefully get a few more points than I did last year,” Haskin said in early November.

“I’m playing with a great line too with (Eric) Holland and (Regen) Cavanagh, two freshmen but they play like they are juniors or seniors.

“I think the scratch in the first game

kind of put me into gear. I came in (to this season) not cocky, but a little confident and then the scratch put me into perspective, so it was kind of a wake-up call and I just put it together.

“To me it’s just a mindset and I went in and asked coach (head coach Gary Heenan) what I could do to be in every night and he said he wanted to see the killer instinct and that I have the skill set but I am kind of passive.

That’s really what changed it.”

Then he registered a collegiate career-best four assist game in his next contest.

“We had that talk after the Adrian game and that was the Manhattanville game, just playing with that killer instinct and see red whenever I’m out there and hopefully that helped my game.”

The 5’9”, 185 lb. 22-year old played the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons in junior hockey with the P.A.L. Jr. Islanders in the USPHL Premier league.

Since Columbia High School didn’t have a hockey team, he played for CP Dynamo. And he grew up going regu-

larly to Houston Field House to see the R.P.I. Engineers play, but also Union College in Schenectady when they were making their Frozen Four run for a few years.

“Every Friday night I would be the little kid there at six o’clock waiting for the doors to open and that was really cool,” Haskin commented about his formative years.”

So why Utica? It starts with the Pioneers averaging the most number of fans of any Division III team in the nation.

Continued on Page 59

55

Clarence, NY Native Remers Pacing Buffalo State Men’s Hockey

By Warren Kozireski —

Buffalo state forward Zach Remers improved his offensive numbers from his freshman to sophomore seasons, and at the start of his junior campaign was sitting atop the Bengals scoring chart as they entered their second weekend of conference play.

The 6’1”, 185 lb. wing scored six points over his first five games this season with four goals while seeing time on the penalty kill and power play.

He registered a two-goal, three-point night in a 4-4 tie against SUNYAC rival Geneseo as the team rebounded from a 5-1 loss to Brockport in the confer-

ence opener one night earlier.

“When he skates, he is really good and he can play with anybody in the country,” Buffalo State head coach Steve Murphy said. “(With only one senior on the roster) we’re leaning on a lot of our older guys and the guys know our expectations and our team standards. We challenged our leaders and they stepped up.”

After playing for Canisius High, Remers left home at 16-years old and played four seasons with the Wilkes Barre/Scranton Knights junior program where he also increased his numbers as he rose to each level.

“It’s always a nice confidence booster when you can get some offense going early in the season,” Remers said after the Geneseo game. “The SUNY(AC) is so competitive that any team can beat anybody any night.”

With just one senior teammate, Remers is one of six juniors on the young roster and that comes with responsibility he didn’t have over his first two seasons in a Bengals uniform.

“You have to help out the underclassmen and kind of show them the winning culture here. Even if you don’t have a letter on your jersey it’s important to be a voice in the locker room and help them out and guide them.”

Against Geneseo, Remers and a few other Buffalo State forwards were beating the defensemen wide to create scoring chances, a style that suits him just fine.

Continued on Page 59...

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TYLER PUTNAM AWARDS 2018

BY RANDY SCHULTZ—

The Fifth Annual Tyler Putnam Awards were recently held at the Whitter House in Rochester. This year’s event honored 26 players from 26 high schools and hockey programs from around the Rochester, Buffalo and Syracuse area and hosted another record breaking 300+ people. It was a great experience for all involved and raised thousands of dollars for local charities.

The recipients were: Corey Lewis, Aquinas Institute; Max McHale, Irondequoit High School; Rene Gangarosa, Brighton High School; A.J. Hussar, Monroe County Youth Hockey; Alex Spoto, McQuaid Jesuit High School; Mitchell Culver, Rochester Junior Monarchs; Kyle Huber, Canandaigua Youth Hockey; Andrew Della Donna, Syracuse Nationals 04 AAA.

Ryan Briggs, Victor High School; Josh Brown, NewEdge Hockey Development Academy; Marco Viola, Penfield High School; Jason Vent, Webster Thomas High School; Sirena Fitzery, Frontier/Lakeshore/Orchard Park High School Girls Hockey Team; Angel Bennett, Rochester Edge; Brandon Drexler, Webster Youth Hockey; Keegan Ahern, Rochester Grizzlies 06 Coalition.

Jonathan Newcombe, Fairport High School; Chris Schwarm, Greece Olympia High School; Morgan Bronstein, Pittsford High School; Darrick Smith, Rush Henrietta High School; Peter Taccone, Brockport High School; Sam Sedia, Hilton High School; Justin Gibb, Webster Schroeder High School; Brennan Lee, Rochester Youth Hockey.

Noah Schwartz, Canandaigua High School; Victor Benjovsky, Tri-County Youth Hockey.

Winner of the Joshua Opladen Goaltender Award was Mason Burdick, Monroe County Youth Hockey.

Tyler Putnam’s dream was to play for his High School Hockey team, The Irondequoit Eagles, Junior Hockey, Division I Hockey and ultimately Professional Hockey. Tyler was able to realize two of those dreams, having played for The Irondequoit Eagles as an eighth and ninth grader and then with the Maksymum Junior team here in Rochester, NY.

At the conclusion of his first Junior season, Tyler was well on his way of realizing his next dream as he was offered roster spots on five Junior A teams from Rochester, Minnesota to San Diego, California.

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

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

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

57

BY RANDY SCHULTZ—

W

hat began as a dream for Dave Rost as an eighth grader living in South Buffalo in 1969 became a reality for him four years later. In 1973 Rost entered the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Not only did Rost fulfill his dream of becoming a soldier, but he would also set NCAA scoring records in men’s hockey that still stand today.

In 114 games Rost scored 226 assists, first on the

hockey in Ft. Erie. Hockey was a passion for me.

“I played other sports as well. I was a pretty well rounded kid as far as sports went.

“But my parents also stressed education. When I was in eighth grade I had the opportunity to visit the United States Military Academy.

“A friend of the family was attending there at the time. From that moment on I set my sights on going to the Academy.

“We went there on a football weekend and got to see Army play Boston College. I walked around the

LEGENDS OF NY HOCKEY – DAVE ROST NCAA All-time list, ahead of Wayne Gagne, who had 199 and did it by playing in 48 more games. He also scored 104 goals and has the most points of anyone ever to play college hockey with 330.

Not bad for a guy who began his hockey career on an outdoor rink for the Cazenovia hockey organization in South Buffalo.

“From there it was on to the Buffalo Regals organization,” said Rost, who played for Army from 197377. “As a midget I played in Ft. Erie, Ontario.

“Following that I played two years of Junior

58

place, felt comfortable there and felt it was the right place for me.

“Getting to play hockey for Army was just a plus.

A bonus.”

And play hockey he did. Rost became one of the finest hockey players to ever play for the Black Knights.

Rost’s coach at the time was the legendary Jack Riley.

Continued on next page...

Haskin Continued...

Remers Continued...

“When I was younger I always just wanted to play in front of a bunch of fans, so that was huge in my decision but also I’m a Cyber-Security major. I talked with all the professors and it’s a brand-new building and that place is amazing. I love my major and it’s an hour and a half from home.”

“He’s a kid (that was) in and out of the line-up as a freshman, saw the opportunity to make a difference on this team and he’s stepping up,” Heenan summarized about the start to Haskin’s season.

“His minutes are going through the roof; he’s earned his way doing the little things like cutbacks making room for himself, battles, he’s our leading faceoff guy so we need him out there on key draws, penalty kill.

“We weren’t leaning towards him at the start of the year and he’s earned his way. He has handled the situation right. How many guys do you see scratched the first game that pack it in?”

“He (coach) pushes speed a lot in practice, so it becomes second nature in games. That’s what we try to do in games; we have a lot of speed on our team so if we can get the puck in deep and beat their “D” and generate some offense, it usually works pretty well for us.”

He enters a key stretch of six conference games with a two-game goal-scoring streak.

Rost Continued...

“Anybody who knows hockey knows that Coach Riley coached the first ‘Miracle On Ice’ team back in 1960,” stated Rost. “He coached the 1960 US Men’s Olympic Hockey Team to a gold medal.

“He was a tremendous coach as well as a tremendous person.”

Rost’s more memorable season came in his senior year (1976-77).

That season saw Rost break Dave Merhar’s single season scoring record by one point with 108 points.

That year also saw Army finish with a 22-6-1 record. They outscored their opponents by a two-toone margin.

One of Rost’s most memorable games that year came against Bryant when he scored nine times in an 11-2 victory for Army. Rost tallied at least one point in every game that year for the Black Knights.

By the time Rost had

finished his career at Army he was their all-time leading scorer, had set the school’s single-season mark for assists (66) and the record for most career assists (226). All three records still stand today.

But Rost takes in all in stride.

“I never watched numbers,” said Rost. “The chips fall where they fall based upon the collective group.

“I was fortunate of being in the right place at the right time.”

Rost also had the opportunity to play all four years for Army on the legendary Smith Rink.

“Opponents who came to play us, who weren’t used to playing on that size rink, had problems with us,” commented Rost. “At one time they had the old chain-linked fences at both ends of the rink.

“You could also see the compressor setting behind the penalty box. That wind would be blowing

and the fans would be huddled up.

“But those fans could really rock the rink when they got going.”

Following his 12-year military obligation, Captain Rost settled into civilian life. Did the thought of any type of pro hockey career ever enter his mind?

“No,” answered Rost. “I knew I had my military obligation.

“That was fine with me.”

Today, at 63, Rost lives and works in the Grand Rapids, MI area with his wife, Debbie. They have two children, Ashley and Courtney.

Rost is still involved in hockey as an official.

“It keeps me active,” concluded Rost. “Hockey is still fun.

“I’ve been very blessed. And if I can give back something to a kid and help them along to their next step, then I’ve done my job.

“But then again, that’s a hockey player. Hockey players always give back.”

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Noteworthy News... ....Adirondack Youth Hockey held a blood drive in memory of Ken Hand and Dave Strader on January 9. ...The Eric Hutchinson Tournament was held in Alexandria Bay January 9-11. ...Louisville Hockey will host the Thomas Carroll Tournament in January. ... The Pratt Northam Foundation is pleased to announce a recent grant award to the Lewis County Hockey and Skating Program in the amount of $10,000! ... Craig Siddon will be running a goalie clinic on Sunday January 27th at 6-6:50pm and Sunday February 10th at 6-6:50pm at the Massena Arena for Massena Youth Hockey. ... Plattsburgh Youth Hockey Mites Shootout, Dates: Friday, February 15th - Saturday, February 16th, Location: Ameri-Can North Sports Complex (Sharron Ave., Plattsburgh, NY) Times: TBA There are three divisions for scheduling purposes, two major and one m ... Congrats to Saratoga’s very own Squirt C Team who brought home first place in the Skaneateles Dicken’s Holiday Classic ...And to Saratoga’s PW B who brought home Silver from Lake Placid ... Thousand Islands Youth Hockey

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is pleased to announce the addition of a Girls 14u non-tournament bound team. Girls eligible for 12 and 14 and under teams will be welcomed to participate. This team is designed to introduce local girls to the experience of playing on an all girls team. This team will be in addition to the Lady Islander Varsity schedule and other teams our girls participate on. The schedule will consist of 3-4 tournaments, as well as 1-2 games on one Sunday a month November through March.

There will also be at least 1 ice time per week designated for “Girls Only”. During this time any girl that is registered with U.S.A. hockey from our area will be welcome to participate in an organized girl’s practice with guest coaches, players and special themes. ... The 26th Annual Troy Albany Rink will be held on February 1518, 2019. Please click here to find out more information, register your team, and book a hotel. https:// www.troyalbanyyouthhockey.com/ page/show/2476516-rink-rat-tournament ... The Auburn Simmonds, Brady and Loi Pee Wees traveled to Buffalo January 4-6 and picked up a tournament win in the Buffalo River Outdoor Classic behind three shutouts from goalie Paige Smith.

The Icehawks took down the Frederick Freeze, 3-0, in the championship game with Smith denying all 19 shots she faced for the third and final shutout. Penelope Ferguson, Evan Moore and Owen Birchard were the scorers, while Keegan Brady, Mac Maher and

Ryan Maher earned assists.

Auburn opened the tourney Friday with a 6-0 victory over the Southtown Stars. Birchard and Moore both netted two goals, with Ryan Maher and Andrew Jones both tallying one. Saturday’s first game was a 5-2 win over the Batavia Ramparts. Mac Maher and Moore both scored a pair while Birchard added one. Saturday’s second game was a 4-4 tie with the Buffalo Saints.

Luciano Carnicelli, Brady, Moore and Birchard all lit the lamp.

Auburn’s first game Sunday was an initial meeting with the Freeze, with the Icehawks emerging 7-0. Mac Maher and Birchard both finished with two goals, and Addison Cooper, Carnicelli and Brady all had one. Smith turned aside all 11 shots.

Over the five games, Smith made 69 saves. ... The Binghamton Blizzard Girls Hockey Association will be hosting their 2nd Annual Girls Hockey Tournament March 22nd thru 24th.

This year we will have both an 8U & 10U Girls Divisions. The fees for this years tournaments will be $450 for 8U and $800 for 10U. We are looking to close registration for the tournament by Friday February 9th.

Please direct any tournament related questions to bbghascheduler@ gmail.com. ...Skaneateles will host the Twisted Sticks PeeWee tournament January 25-29. ...Rome will hold their annual Roy Austin Mite Festival February 1-3 and the Rick LeFevre Memorial Squirt Tournament January 18-20. ...Onondaga asks that you check

their website for the 2019 JAM information. ...Syracuse Youth Hockey will host the President Day Showdown Travel Tournament February 16-18. ...Oswego is hosting the Mary Gosek Girl Power Tournament January 18-19. ... Members of the Lady Islanders 14U AAA team gathered on Tuesday, December 4th to assemble gift bags for the Ashley Wade Foundation’s annual holiday party for chronically ill children. Head Coach Ashley Wade’s foundation was developed to help children all year long by creating care packages for them whether they are in the hospital or at home. These holiday packages filled with newly donated movies, blankets and treats will undoubtedly bring smiles to many faces this holiday season. ... The Long Island Royals Tryout dates for the 2019-2020 season are listed during the weeks below.

Exact Times and dates will be released at a later time.

Keep checking the website for tune up clinics and tryouts dates.

Youth 8U, 10U and 12U Tier 1 AAA - March 26th - March 31st Tier 3 A/Milner - April 1st - April 7th Youth 14U, 15U, 16U, 18U Tier 1 AAA - April 10th - April 14th Tier 3 A/Milner - April 15th - April 20th ... The PAL Islanders secured four out of six points at the Winter Showcase in Marlborough, Massachusetts. After a 5-4 overtime loss vs. the Northern Cyclones, a 4-1 win vs. the New Hampshire Monarchs, and yet another overtime loss

vs. the New Jersey Rockets (6-5 final), the Isles have felt that they have gained a new found sense of confidence coming into the second half of the USPHL season. ... Congratulations to the Long Beach Lightning Mite Black team on being the 2018-2019 Patriot Ice Center Thanksgiving Tournament Champions!! ... The Long Beach Lightning Squirt III team on coming in 2nd place this year in the 2018-2019 Patriot Ice Center Thanksgiving Tournament! ... Long Beach Lightning Mite Blue team on came in 2nd place this year in the 2018-2019 Patriot Ice Center Thanksgiving Tournament! ... Congratulations to the Rye Pee Wee A (pictured right) team for their win in their Silver Sticks Regionals last weekend. The Rangers, coached by Ted Heintz, went 4-0 for the tournament, including an exciting 4-3 overtime win in the finals over the Wonderland Wizards.

With the win, Rye advances to the International Finals Jan. 10-13 in Pelham, Ontario. ...The Friends of Canandaigua

Hockey Fundraiser will be held Saturday, Feb. 2 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m,.

The 7th annual Martha Svirchev Gathering is at Kings Catering at 6:30pm.

Last year was our biggest turn out to date with almost 300 people.

This annual fundraiser was formed several years ago as a result of possible school budget cuts and the elimination of our hockey program.

The fundraiser provides financial support for ice time, locker room maintenance, senior scholarship and other expenses deemed appropriate. Martha was CA Hockey’s biggest fan until she passed in 2006. Tickets are $40 a person.

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Food, Wine & Brew. All tasting are included with your ticket. Mega raffles for $100. LIVE MUSIC! A winner drawn for every 40 raffles sold. $2000 winner. Amazing gift basket raffles donated by our CA Hockey families. PLEASE COME OUT TO SUPPORT OUR PROGRAM. Come hungry & thirsty!

Tickets sold by families, email melissanatale@rochester.rr.com or message us on our Facebook page. ... The Hamburg Hawks Girls are pictured with their Championship Banner at the Ithaca Shooting Stars tournament. The girls went 4-0 outscoring their opponents 17-6. ... The TB Rochester Grizzlies 18U team wins the Niagara Jr Purple Eagles Columbus Day Tournament with a 4-1 victory over Wheatfield Blades (blue) in the final, capping a 5 wins, no loss weekend. The Grizzlies started off the weekend Saturday night with a tough 4-2 victory over Wheatfield behind two goals by Jeevan Deol. Next up was a 7-1 win over the Cazenovia Chiefs (green). The Grizzlies were led on the scoreboard by Tim Brown and Ryan McEvily with 2 goals each. The nightcap on Sunday was against Central Outlaws.

TJ Catanese scored 4 goals in the Grizzlies 7-1 win. The Semi-Finals were a 3-0 forfeit over Cazenovia due to lack of players by Cazenovia, setting up the championship game with Wheatfield Monday afternoon.

The defense contributed on the scoreboard in the 4-1 champion-

62

Regals Bantams after win in Detroit (Regals photo) ship game. Ricky Currier (goal) and Quinn Tata (goal and assist) along with some breakaway saves

by Cameron Kuzniar. Cameron Kuzniar and Cameron Storrar split duties in net, each getting 2 wins on the weekend. ...The Niagara Junior Purple Eagles will hold their Patriots Day Tournament February 16-18. ...The Spring Big Thaw Tournament hosted by Perinton Youth Hockey will be March 1-3 and 8-10. Happy 29th Anniversary Perinton. ...Thge Luke Gould Tournament hosted by West Seneca will ber March 18-24. ...The Tonawanda Lightning will host the Second Annual Tom Diehl Memorial Tournament March 3-10.

NYHOL researched websites for this information. If you want your organization’s news published in our Spring edition, or on our website and Facebook, please send to Janet@nyhockeyonline.com.

NYHOL has been named #8 most popular hockey publication in the Nation.

2018/2019 REGIONAL SILVER STICKS IN COLUMBIA, MD: 2 CHAMPIONSHIPS, 5 FINALISTS AND 4 SEMI FINALISTS!!

As the Arrows Youth Hockey teams settle back home from a great weekend of hockey at the Silver Sticks Regional Tournament in Columbia, Maryland they will be heading to playoffs in the LIAHL and EjEPL leagues.

As an Organization, the Arrows entered Maryland with 10 teams competing to go to Canada and 4 teams demonstrating what a strong future they have. Out of the 14 Teams entered, there were 4 semi finalists, 5 finalists, and 2 championships. Eleven teams out of 14 made it to the playoffs and beyond!

They will represent the Arrows Youth Hockey Organization with the following teams advancing to Canada: Regional Champions:

10u AA: Regional Champions: Going to Sarnia, Canada 11u A Black: Regional Champions: Going to Sarnia, Canada

Regional Finalists:

9u A Black: Regional Finalist: Going to Forrest Lake, Canada

13u A: Regional Finalists: Going To Michigan, US

Other Team accomplishments: Regional Finalists:

8u Gold: Regional Finalist 8u Black: Regional Finalist 12u AA: Regional Finalist Regional Semi-Finalists: 8u Silver: Semi Finalist 8u Green: Semi Finalist 10u A Green: Semi Finalist 12u A Green: Semi Finalist (NYHOL took the liberty of using this information from the Arrows website. To receive coverage such as this submit your stories/photos to Janet@ nyhockeyonline.com)

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