Nyhol december 2016 by NY Hockey OnLine

NY HOCKEY NY HOCKEY DECEMBER 2016 Volume 6, Issue 3

E-MAGAZINE

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM NYHOL

Dear Reader:

In This Issue: Binghamton Jr. Senators.........18 Buffalo Stars................................38 Burgdoerfer.................................29 Coaching w/Gridley.................... 9 Central NY....................................13 East NY..........................................25 Foligno’s Donation...................... 6 Gretzky & Springfield................. 5 Iroquois JV....................................40 JBScott Tourney..........................48 Lockport Hockey..................... 7-8 NWHL.............................................11 New Rochelle..............................28 Nichols School............................36 Nieves............................................17 North NY.......................................30 OHL Combine............................... 4 Points4Paul..................................19 Section VI Boys Varsity.............3 7 Schneider.....................................41 WNYGVIH......................................42 West NY.........................................35 West Notes...................................44

It seems as though we just finished Thanksgiving and now Christmas is right around the corner. Hockey continues to ride in full swing from one holiday to the next. Janet brings you her usual outstanding coverage of girls and women’s hockey in NYS. Koz gives us his monthly college updates. This month he has added a few short player features that you will find interesting. As always, check out Chuck Gridley’s “Coaching With Gridley” monthly column. In addition, you can read about the newest members of the Howell Motors Hockey Hall of Fame, the Foligno family and their huge donation to a very worthy cause, Jr. Sabres mid-season report, Jr. Senators hockey team that is thriving in NYS and the Howell Motors Hockey Day In Lockport. We are sorry for the lateness of the December issue of our magazine. Between the Thanksgiving Holiday and Janet knocked out with the flu, this issue got behind. We thank our loyal readers for their understanding. As always, if you have any story ideas, please feel free to contact me or if you have the time to submit a story or two, please feel free to do so. We thank those who did submit stories for this month’s issue. If you also know of any business that would like to advertise with us, again please feel free to contact me. Finally, to all of our readers the staff of NY Hockey OnLine would like to wish all of you a very “Merry Christmas,” “Happy Holidays” and a very “Happy New Year.” Best Wishes and Safe Travels, Randy Schultz NY Hockey OnLine

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

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

Publisher &Managing Editor Randy Schultz Randy@nyhockeyonline.com

Designer/Photographer Janet Schultz Janet@nyhockeyonline.com

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

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OJHL TO LAUNCH COMBINE Oshawa and Oakville to Host Inaugural OJHL Combines

CJHL registered players only). Limited space is available so be sure to sign-up today at www.ojhlcombines.ca

he OJHL announced today that for the first time ever the league will be organizing two OJHL Combines this coming spring. The combines will be hosted on April 6-9, 2017 in Oshawa, Ontario at the Campus Ice Centre and on April 20-23, 2017 in Oakville, Ontario at the Sixteen Mile Sports Complex. “The OJHL Combines will provide a platform for players interested in playing in the OJHL with the opportunity to showcase their talents to all 22 teams within the OJHL,” stated OJHL Commissioner Marty Savoy. “The combines are a very important step in the OJHL Development Pyramid as it serves as an identification process for all OJHL prospects. Players from the combines will have the opportunity to be invited by our clubs to their Ontario Junior Development League (OJDL) teams or also to our teams’ development camps.” Players will have the opportunity to showcase their skills while playing a high calibre of hockey in front of OJHL coaches and scouts. Players will experience off-ice and on-ice testing, as well as hockey seminars on what it is like to play in the OJHL, along with further exploring hockey and career options among other things. Each player will be guaranteed four games with real-time scoring. Games will be three, 15 minute, non-stop time periods with a four minute warm-up. Players will also receive an event jersey, as well as a participation gift. The top team and players at the combine will be recognized by the OJHL and scouts in attendance at the end of the event. The combine will be broken down into two separate age categories consisting of 14-15 and 16-17 year olds (non-

About the OJHL – “League of Choice” The Ontario Junior Hockey League is the largest Junior ‘A’ league operating under the auspices of the Canadian Junior Hockey League with 22 member clubs. A proud member of the Canadian Junior Hockey League and Ontario Hockey Association, the OJHL was originally named the Ontario Provincial Junior ‘A’ Hockey League and it was formed out of the Central Junior ‘B’ Hockey League in 1993-94. With a long and storied history of developing players for the next level, including the CIS, NCAA, CHL, Minor Pro ranks and the NHL, the OJHL had more than 135 commitments in 2015-16, including 52 NCAA Division I scholarships. For more information on the Ontario Junior Hockey League, please visit www. ojhl.ca.

Check out www.nyhockeyonline.com for coverage of Buffalo in the OHL

By David Satriano @davidsatriano / NHL.com Staff Writer

Add Springfield To The Places Where Wayne Gretzky Has Starred

he leading scorer in NHL history, who played in Edmonton, Los Angeles, St. Louis and New York, will appear on the Dec. 11 episode of “The Simpsons.” As Homer Simpson’s boss Mr. Burns would say, “Excellent.” “We reached out to him,” said Al Jean, who has been an executive producer of the show since 1998. “We were looking for heroes of the winter like Santa Claus and Jack Frost, and there couldn’t be a bigger hockey hero than Wayne Gretzky.” Gretzky, the NHL leader in goals (894) assists (1,963) and points (2,857), played for 21 seasons with the Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues and New York Rangers from 1979-99. “People argue about a lot of things, but they never argue about who’s the greatest hockey player. It’s always him,” Jean said of Gretzky, who recorded his part this summer. “I don’t think there is anybody better at anything that Gretzky is as a hockey player. He had a lot of great stories and it was a real pleasure to meet him.” Jean grew up in Michigan and is a Detroit Red Wings fan. “We just did a list (of athletes on the show),” he said. “[Gretzky is] one of my favorites. I would say the only one that rivals him in terms of success in their sport is the Williams sisters (Serena and Venus) in tennis, and Magic Johnson in the NBA.” Dozens of athletes have lent their voice to the show, but Gretzky will be the first hockey player to do so. Gordie Howe’s likeness was used in the Season 3 episode “Bart the Lover,” which aired Feb. 13, 1992. Bart used a picture of Howe in a letter and says “Strap on your skates, Gordie, you’re going in!” when he cuts the picture of out of the book “NHL Stars of 1969.” Howe’s career stats flashed across the screen at the end of the episode. “We had to get permission, and his wife, Colleen, thought it was a great idea to use him in the show,” Jean said of Howe. “Growing up a big Red Wings fan, there’s nobody bigger than Gordie. “My dad has had season tickets at Joe Louis Arena for pretty much the whole run of Joe Louis Arena. He got the tickets back when they weren’t a good team, and we saw the whole rise and Stanley Cups. When the Red Wings won the Stanley Cup for the first time in my life in 1997, that was one of one of the highlights of my life, to go with my dad to that game.” In the Season 6 episode “Lisa on Ice,” which aired Nov. 13, 1994, Bart and Lisa end up playing each other in a game; Bart is a forward on one team and Lisa is the goalie on the other. Bart gets awarded a penalty shot with four seconds left but instead of shooting on Lisa, the two take off their equipment and hug at center ice. “We have a lot of Canadians on the staff and a lot of hockey fans,” Jean said. “A lot of us grew up in the northern U.S. or Canada.” “The Simpsons,” the longest-running American sitcom and the longest-running American animated program (more than 600 episodes) is in its 28th season and airs Sundays at 8 p.m. ET on FOX.

Folignos’ $1 Million Gift Means Hope For More Families by Alison Lukan @AlisonL / BlueJackets.com

Former WNY native and his wife make huge donation to two hospitals

ilana Foligno spent Tuesday afternoon doing things that normal three-year-olds do. She played with stickers, sat on her mommy’s lap, made funny faces with her daddy, and smiled for pictures. It’s the desire for more children to have such equally normal days that motivated Milana’s parents, Nick and Janelle, to make a donation of $1 million split between Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Boston Children’s Hospital. After all, those places were integral in saving Milana’s life. When Milana was a day old, the doctors at Nationwide Children’s performed a test that can only be conducted in a few states, including Ohio. The test diagnosed Milana’s congenital heart defect, and 21 days into the little girl’s life, she had open-heart, life-saving surgery in Boston. “What (these doctors) have done has changed the game in fetal and pediatric cardiology,” Janelle said. “It was important for us to bring awareness to congenital heart defects and fetal cardiologies so families could create an understanding and have a chance to fight for their child.” The funds donated by the Folignos will be directed to the Center for Cardiovascular Research at Nationwide Children’s and a newly named “Foligno Family Cardiovascular Research Lab.” In Boston, the funds will support research work focused on fetal cardiology and advances in valve re-

placement like the procedure Milana had. While the Folignos announced their donation this week, they’ve known for a while they wanted to help others facing the same challenges they had faced with their daughter’s health. As Milana stabilized, and she was joined by her now oneyear-old brother, Landon, the Folignos decided the time was right to help others have the same happy ending they were enjoying. With the help of both hospitals, and Kathryn Dobbs of the Blue Jackets Foundation, they developed the plan for a gift that would not just make an impact now, but well into future generations. “We asked ourselves ‘how can we make this substantial amount really mean something?” Nick said. “I think research is so important because it’s the way of the future and how you’re going to get better and how everyone gets better. We looked at the research both doctors in Boston were doing and the research here, and we felt that’s where you’re going to see the most progress and a lot of things really come from it.” Funding research to address the disease was important – but so was shining a spotlight on something that, according to Jim Degan, President of Nationwide Children’s Hospital Foundation is the most common birth defect and affects one percent of the population. That was another reason the Folignos chose to make their announcement public. “The care Milana continues to receive is nothing short of amazing,” Janelle said. “It warms my heart the doctors care so much. We want to help more families in a similar situation and bring light to both hospitals.” The Folignos are buoyed by advancements they can already point to in the treatment for congenital heart defects. The surgery Milana had in Boston is now also being performed at Nationwide Children’s. And Nick’s eyes light up as he talks about his desire to help more families from right here in Columbus. “I realized how much the community rallied around me when we were going through such a difficult thing,” Nick said. “I have a very special place in my heart for Columbus. This place is home for me, and I want people to know I care dearly about this place and probably the best place to start is with our children and giving back here. I couldn’t be more proud of being able to do that today.” (Reprinted with permission of Columbus Blue Jackets)

By Randy Schultz

everal thousand people passed through the doors of Lockport’s Cornerstone CFCU Arena in downtown Lockport on Saturday, November 26. They were there to take in everything from a pancake breakfast, to a hockey roundtable to several hockey games. All that and more were part of the second annual Howell Motors Ford Hockey Day In Lockport. The event featured a number of familyoriented activities throughout the day and into the evening. The day was highlighted by two open skates. Several hockey games were played on Cornerstone’s two NHL-sized rinks. Several of the team’s involved in the games included the Lockport Varsity and Junior Varsity teams, the Lockport Lock Monsters Youth Hockey Organization teams, two Lockport alumni teams and a sled hockey

contest featuring the Buffalo Sabres Intermediate gold playing the Kitchener, Ontario Sidewinde r s in an

Second Annual Hockey Day In Lockport O n tario S l e d g e Hockey Association Intermediate B level game. Tables were also set up throughout the upper level of the arena and featured basket raffles, several members of the Lockport Express hockey team signing autographs and posing for photos, Lockport Youth Hockey and

NWHL and TV Network Cheddar Partner

he National Women’s Hockey League today announced a broadcast partnership with Cheddar, the popular live and on demand network available on Sling TV, Amazon, Twitter, and Facebook Live. Beginning Nov. 20, Cheddar will air NWHL weekend games on Sling TV for the remainder of the 2016-2017 regular season. “This is a big step in the evolution of the National Women’s Hockey League and great news for our fans,” said NWHL Commissioner Dani Rylan. “This deal with our partners at Cheddar places our games on a popular network with broad reach and scale and meets the goals of our digital growth strategy for the League.” The premiere NWHL broadcast on Cheddar featured

face painting opportunities. There was also an hour-long “NHL Roundtable” discussion featuring former Buffalo Sabres Jim Lorentz and Derek Smith. “Once again, it was a great day for hockey in Lockport,” commented Mike Landers, co-chair of the event. “Our community is wonderful. “It’s our past, our present and our future coming together here today. It’s great to walk around and see everyone here having a great time. “And it’s always fun to see all the smiling faces.” Bill Watson, the other co-chair of the event, agreed with Landers comments. “It’s the second time we’ve held this event,” added Watson. “The spirit of hockey is strong here in Lockport. “We’re proud to show off our beautiful arena. This is Lockport at it’s finest.”

the Buffalo Beauts hosting the defending Isobel Cup champion Boston Pride on Sunday, Nov. 20. In addition to coverage on Cheddar, NWHL games will continue to be streamed live on nwhl.zone/video. “We are thrilled to broadcast the NWHL games,” said Cheddar CEO Jon Steinberg. “There is a long history of business news channels broadcasting sports on the weekend, and we are excited to take this to a new level with one of the most exciting and fast paced professional sports. Women’s hockey is the future, Cheddar is the future, and Sling is the future. It all makes perfect sense.” Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Sling TV at www.sling. com/cheddar.

made the a n nouncement. The official Hall of Fame ceremony will be held at the Corners tone C F C U Arena. T h e

By Randy Schultz

he Howell Motors Ford Lockport Hockey Hall of Fame has named their class of inductees for 2017. Thirteen former Lockport hockey players, coaches and contributors will be inducted at a formal ceremony in May. The 13 include: Coaches Norm Phillips, Lou Rosetti and Lockport’s first-ever club hockey coach, Paul Pignataro. Contributors were John Jakubec, Dick Rybolt, Bud Timkey and Ben May. The players are Paul “Bongo” Bailey, Steve Allison, Christian DeFazzio, Tom Dockery, Chris Hildreth and Joel Darling. The names of the 13 inductees were announced at the second annual Howell Motors Ford Hockey Day in Lockport held on November 26 at the Cornerstone CFCU Arena in downtown Lockport. Mike Landers, chairman of the Hall of Fame committee,

Jim Musto, tom Snedeker and Jeff Thompson. Three coaches including Vic Cook, Bob Stratton and Bill Watson. Three contributors which included Dr. Albert G. Connette, Donald Kaufman and Peter Wendel. Three founders including Ralph Lewis DVM, Dr. James Westhafer and John Gerald York. Both classes were chosen by the Howell Motors Ford Lockport Hockey Hall of Fame committee. Both were selected after several months of a nomination process followed by discussion. (Photos from 2016 ceremony with Senator Ortt, Michael Landers Jim Lorentz and Tim Wendel; plaque with honorees listed)

Howell Motors Ford Lockport Hockey Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2017 Class of 2017 will join the inaugural Hall of Fame Class of 2016, who were inducted last February. That inaugural class included six players: Richard G. Connette, Terry Dixon, Rick Eberhart,

Coaching With Gridley

SA Hockey’s Coaching Education Program has many resources for coaches. When a coach attends a clinic, they

athlete development. You can use these plans every practice, or grab one in a pinch. Either way, you can’t go wrong. http://www.usahockey.com/practiceplans • Small Area Games - This collection of small-area games is designed to help coaches teach aspects of the sport in a fun and challenging atmosphere. These activities will allow the coach to incorporate many hockey concepts (puck support, special teams, breakout, etc.) into practice in the form of a game that does not have a pre-determined outcome. http://assets.ngin.com/attachments/document/0065/0924/Teaching_Concepts_Through_ Small-Area_Games_FINAL.pdf

Coaching Resources: Everything You Need at Your Fingertips

receive materials that correspond to the level they are attending. I’m often asked if there are other resources available. The answer is a resounding “YES”! USA Hockey makes a variety of resources conveniently available for all coaches. I have made a list of some of them below, along with the links where they can be found.

• Mobile Coach App - This award-winning app is a fantastic tool. You can take practice plans, videos, skill manuals, the hockey rulebook, and much more with you to the rink on your phone or tablet. In addition, Mobile Coach has a “white board” capability that is incredible. Draw up drills and practice plans and share them with your coaches and players. Downloading the app is easy and free. The link below gives you information to help get you started. http://www.usahockey.com/page/show/893678-usahockey-mobile-coach• Practice Plans - This resource provides complete ADM compliant practice plans for every level of youth hockey. These practice plans have been put together by experienced coaches with a priority on long term

• Goaltender Training - This page is dedicated to all things “goalie”. Teaching the basics, goalie practice plans, mental prep, movement drills, articles, dry land training, FAQ’s, and much more. This is an invaluable resource for all coaches, especially goalie coaches. http://www.usahockeygoaltending.com/ • Checking the Right Way Manual – The purpose of this manual is to teach and apply checking in the best tactically, technically and ethically responsible way. http://assets.ngin.com/attachments/document/0042/2205/Checking_Manual_FINAL_15.pdf (Continued on next page)

• Learn to Skate – The focus of this manual is to help teach beginners the fundamentals of skating. http://www.usahockey.com/page/show/893676-learn-to-skate • Skill Progressions for Youth Hockey - This manual covers a variety of age-specific progressions and teaching points for all age categories from Mites to Midgets. Coaches are always asking: “What should my players be able to do by the end of the season”. This manual gives you in-depth information about the expectations for each level of youth hockey. http://www.usahockey.com/page/show/1510002-skill-progressions-for-youth-hockey • Dryland Training - The ADM dryland cards provide coaches with age-appropriate exercises and guidelines to help every player become a physically literate athlete. http://www.usahockey.com/page/show/893673-age-specific-training • Coaching Manuals- USA Hockey makes all coaching manuals available for download; Level 1, 2, and 3 as well as the Disabled Coaching Manual. http://www.usahockey.com/page/show/893674-cep-manuals • And Much More! – Go to USA Hockey’s “Coaching” page to explore the other materials and resources available. http://www.usahockey.com/coaches I hope this inspires you to take a closer look at all of the resources that the USA Hockey’s Coaching Education Program has made available…right at your fingertips. Chuck Gridley New York District Coach-in-Chief

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

NWHL

Pay Cuts for Players; NWHL Hurting

n its second season, the NWHL is having financial difficulty and Commissioner Dani Rylan has slashed the player’s salaries. During a teleconference, she would not elaborate on the amount of the cuts, just saying that if the situation changes in the second half of the season, the salaries could be reinstated. Management, however, did not receive the pay cuts. Ryan cited the lower attendance at games and no media deal as the reason for the financial situation. It was also reported that the former Marketing Officer has filed a $650,000 lawsuit against the league and that the League failed to pay Bauer Hockey on time for an equipment order. Following the teleconference and prior to the next game the following statement was issued from NWHL Commissioner Dani Rylan. “There will be no further public comment from the league at this time. Thank you to everyone for your time and consideration this week.” “The players have many concerns and disappointments, and I understand that completely. I deeply appreciate that, despite the emotions of the last two days, they have continued with their preparation for tomorrow’s games in Buffalo and Newark. My colleagues and I have always and will always do everything in our power to build a professional league that the amazing athletes of the NWHL deserve. Despite our setbacks, we have made many positive strides — thanks in large part to our players. Our hope is that we can continue a positive, constructive dialogue with the players over the next two weeks.” Dani Rylan “This is a huge setback but the future looks great,”said Ryan. It was also reported that the NWHL Players As-

sociation had no input into this decision.

Lainge Recognized

enna Lainge, the Boston Pride player injured at the NWHL Women’s Inaugural Outdoor Game last season, was awarded the Dana Reeve Hope Award. The award given by the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation recognized her for her advocacy for victims of spinal cord injuries. The Foundation supports a cure for spinal cord injury through research and assists victims and their families.

NWHL Player Retiring

ew York Riveters forward Morgan Fritz-Ward announced that she will end her professional hockey career after the team’s two games this weekend. The final games of the 23-year-old Fritz-Ward’s career will be on Saturday, when the Riveters host Buffalo, and on Sunday, when the Riveters host Boston. Both games are at Barnabas Health Hockey House in Newark. “To all my friends in Riveters Nation, I have made the decision that it is time to end my hockey career and start on my new, personal career,” said FritzWard. “I want to thank the league for everything they have ever done for me and allowing me to live out my life-long dream, my teammates for being some of the greatest people I have ever met and also supporting me, and the fans who have made and continue to make this league possible and so enjoyable! “This was no easy decision, as hockey has been my life since I was ten years old, but I have decided to get back

on track with school, which I will be attending in January. I am truly blessed for having had the opportunity to do what I love for over a year. Thank you all again for the support and dedication you have given to me and the league.” Fritz-Ward was a captain during her senior year at Quinnipiac University and is one of only two professional hockey players (goalie Scott Clemmensen is the other) who was raised in Iowa. In 23 games over a season-plus with the Riveters, Fritz-Ward has four goals and two assists. She was an assistant captain of the team in both seasons, and was voted in by the fans to play in the league’s All-Star Game last season.. “I have deep admiration for Morgan, will always appreciate what she did in the early days of our league, and have great respect for her decision to continue her education,” said NWHL Commissioner Dani Rylan. “Our league will always be about personal and professional development. If a player ever decides, as Morgan did, to leave to pursue other career and educational opportunities, we will always applaud and support their decision. That said, we are sad to see Morgan leave. We will miss you, Fritzy, and wish you success in all of your endeavors.” Stats As of December 1: Boston Pride NY Riveters Buffalo Beauts Connecticut Whale

6-0 2-4 3-4 2-3

Points Leaders Haley Skarupa (Ct) 5 goals 4 assists Alex Carpenter (Bos) 4 goals 5 assists Kelly Steadman (Buf) 4 goals 3 assists Kelly Babstock (Ct) 4 goals 3 assists Goalies Brittany Ott (Bos) .98 GAA Lauren Slebodnick (Bos)1.00 GAA Nicole Stock (Ct) 2.50 GAA Katie Fitzgerald (NY) 2.52 GAA

Steadman Received One Game Suspension The Player Safety Committee of the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL) held a meeting Wednesday night and has suspended Buffalo Beauts forward Kelley Steadman one game for an illegal hit on New York Riveters defenseman Keira Dosdall on Sunday at Harborcenter in Buffalo. Steadman will serve this suspension and missed the November 20, game against the Boston Pride at Harborcenter. Steadman’s illegal body check resulted in an injury to Dosdall. Steadman, playing without a stick, attempted to make a play to stop Dosdall in front of the Buffalo bench. Foregoing a play on the puck, Steadman checked Dosdall with her shoulder and finished the contact by extending her arms through the Riveters defenseman. Prior to the hit, Dosdall made a pass off the boards and was left vulnerable and unprepared for body contact. The play resulted in Dosdall being hit into the edge of the boards. This play is considered boarding, and by NWHL rules any time a player is injured as a result of boarding, the player who commits the infraction is to be assessed a major penalty and game misconduct or match penalty. A video summary of the suspension can be viewed at https://goo.gl/5ZP3OY. This is the first time that Steadman has been suspended in her NWHL career. The Player Safety Committee, charged with reviewing plays, holding hearings, and determining supplemental discipline, includes former player Kelly Cooke, 2014 US Olympian Josephine Pucci, US Olympian and Patty Kazmaier Award winner AJ Mleczko, NHL and AHL official Terry Koharski, and Vice President of Hockey Operations at the East Coast Hockey League, Joe Ernst.

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CENTRAL NEW YORK

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

BROOME CCC The winless Hornets were getting outscored 27-6 in conference games heading into the Thanksgiving break. Freshman Samuel Cammilleri (Churchville-Chili) was leading the squad in goals and points with sophomore Richie Bittles (New Windsor) right behind along with Sean Marean (Binghamton) and Ryan Pretino (Penfield). Freshman Austen Strauss and Christopher McVannan (Endwell) have split time as the starter in net.

COLGATE

With a pair of wins and three ties on home ice, the new Class of ’65 Arena was helping the Raiders stay in the middle of the pack of the ECAC through the first two months of the season. The team had earned at least one point in all but one weekend heading into the Thanksgiving holiday. Sophomore Adam Dauda was on the verge of surpassing his offensive numbers from his entire freshman campaign and stood atop the team scoring chart through 13 games despite missing two. Goaltender Charlie Finn made a career-high 47 saves on his way to his 50th career win in Colgate’s comefrom-behind, 4-3, victory over

the Princeton Tigers on Nov. 18. He becomes just the fifth goaltender in program history to reach the 50 win milestone and is just five wins away from tying the program record for wins of 55 held by Steve Silverthorn ’05 and Dan Brenzavich ’98. Bobby McCann scored once and added two assists in a weekend series with Maine to earn ECAC Rookie of the Week honors Nov. 1. Freshman Tyler Penner found the back of the net for the first time in his career Oct. 29 against Maine. Ross Craig recorded his first career goal Nov. 4 versus Harvard. Jacob Panetta scored his first Nov. 19 versus Quinnipiac. Freshman Jared Cockrell was named the ECAC Hockey Rookie of the Week Oct. 25 after netting his first career goal and recording the first two points of his career with a goal and an assist in the Raiders 4-3 loss at Merrimack.

CORNELL

With three wins and a tie over their first six conference contests, Cornell was just below the top tier in ECAC at Thanksgiving. Sophomore forward Mitch Vanderlaan, leading the team in scoring and goals, was named the league’s Player of the Week Nov. 15 after he recorded three goals in the Big Red’s win at Yale. He became the first player from Cornell to record a hat trick in a span of 185 games, dating back to Tyler Roeszler’s three goals against Colgate on Jan. 22, 2011. He is also now the Big Red’s first player to record five goals in the first five games of a season since Blake Gallagher did so during the 2009-2010 season. Freshman Yanni Kaldis pulled off some rare feats in the Nov. 5 game at Harvard. He assisted on all three of the Big Red’s power-play goals — first on Trevor Yates’ redirection of Patrick McCarron’s shot, then on one-timers by Angello and Weidner. Kaldis became the first Big Red player to record three power-play assists in a single game since Byron Bitz on Jan. 7, 2006 (in a 3-1 win vs. RIT). Kaldis was also the last Cornell player to record three assists of any sort in a game since John McCarron on Nov. 29, 2014 against Penn

State. Kaldis was named ECAC Rookie of the Week for his efforts. Connor Murphy scored his first collegiate in just his third game Nov. 11 at Brown. The Big Red lost its home opener in ECAC Hockey play to Quinnipiac—the first time since 2007 they didn’t open with a win. This season marks the 50th anniversary of Cornell’s first national championship team in 1967. There will be a special ceremony to honor that team Jan. 27-28 during home games against Dartmouth and Harvard.

CORTLAND With six freshman providing depth scoring behind Darren McCormick (Buffalo) and Mike Crowley (Buffalo), the Red Dragons were 2-4 in conference heading into December. McCormick led with four goals and co-lead in scoring with Crowley. Stefano Alonzi, Dougie Elgstam, Aidan Salerno (East Atlantic Beach), Nico Gonzalez (Buffalo), Sean Perichak and Wilson Vershay (Buffalo) all had three or more points. Junior Drew Weigman started all but one game through the early stages of the season.

ELMIRA The rebuilding Soaring Eagles earned two wins in their first nine contests with just one in conference, and they won’t lay another ECAC West opponent until late Jan. A trio of freshmen sat atop the team scoring chart in Matthew Cuce, Connor Powell and Eric Bolden. Sophomore Kenny Tencza was tied for the team lead in assists. Freshman goaltender Parker Butler, splitting time with senior Sal Magliocco (Roslyn), earned his first collegiate win Nov. 22 versus Potsdam.

HAMILTON The Continentals were off to 2-0-1 start to the late-starting season with their final five games of 2016 on the road. Senior defenseman Jon Carkeek and junior Neil Conway were off to quick starts with four points each through three games. Freshman Nick Ursitti netted his first collegiate goal Nov. 22 against Canton.

HOBART The nationally ranked Statesmen had only two blemishes through almost two months—at Manhattanville and on home ice against ranked Utica in what is proving again to be a strong ECAC West conference. Senior Bobby Sokol was finding the net with regularity—a team-leading six times in eight games— while freshman Zach Sternbach (Loudonville) and Nick Bingaman (Bedford) each had five goals. Senior defensemen Carl Belizario and Jon Neal plus senior forward Bo Webster and sophomore forward Brandon Bistodeau were helping provide a balanced attack.

MOHAWK VALLEY CC

The Hawks started the season 2-5 while being outscore 41-28, but lost their first three conference games. Individual statistics are not provided by the school.

MORRISVILLE

An overtime win and a tie put the Mustangs within one point of a fourth place log-jam as of the end of November in the SUNYAC conference.

Seniors Jordan Carvalho and Joe Santino had nine and eight points respectfully with Carvalho among the top-25 nationally in assists per game. Freshmen Henry Hearon, Stevie Ray Adams and Dane Moore each netted the first collegiate goals with the last two Nov. 5 at Potsdam and Hearon Nov.11 versus Brockport. Junior Storm Adams (Akwesasne) got his first Nov. 4 against Potsdam. Freshman Jared Young had played in seven of the first eight contests and had appeared to have secured the top spot in goal in earning all of the first three points.

OSWEGO

The third ranked nationally Lakers ran off a 7-0 start—one of two undefeated, untied teams, had allowed more than one goal in a game just twice and the senior-laden team was outscoring opponents 37-10 through November. Six seniors led the way on the scoring chart with freshman Jody Sullivan breaking up the group with four goals—good for second on the team. Sophomore goaltender and Arizona State transfer David Jacobsen had earned at least equal playing time with senior Matt Zawadzki through the early stages. Alex Botten and Shawn Hulshof both registered their 100th career point during the first two weeks of the season.

UTICA

earned a 5-1 victory over visiting Manhattanville. Kevin Valenti (Queensbury) was named the ECAC West Conference Player of the Week Nov. 1 as he led Utica with five points over the course of two victories. Sophomore defender Zach Borsoi Player of the Week Nov. 21 after he scored a goal in each game—the first two goals of his career. Freshman goalie Patrik Virtanen earned his first collegiate start and win against Fredonia with 21 stops Oct. 28. The Pioneers were 8-0 to start the season—the best start in program history and breaking the school record for consecutive victories. The last time Utica started a season 4-0 was back in 2012-13 when the Pioneers finished the year with a program-best 21-6-1 overall record and advanced to the NCAA Division III Championship Semifinals. On March 24-25, Utica College and the City of Utica will host the NCAA Division III Men’s Hockey Championships at the Aud for the first time in program history. After the departure of former assistant coach Michael Findorff, who accepted an assistant coaching position at Division I Niagara University, the Pioneers have hired Patrick Kirtland as the top assistant. Kirtland comes to Utica after a successful four-year playing career at Division I University of Connecticut where registered 48 points over 137 games and served as a captain for two seasons.

The nationally ranked Pioneers had their season opening eight game winning streak stopped by UMass-Boston Thanksgiving weekend, but that doesn’t change their dominance in outscoring opponents 43-19 over the first nine games. Junior transfer Roman Ammirato (Union College) was among the top-ten nationally in points per game through November. UMass transfer junior goalie Henry Dill was named the ECAC Men’s West Conference goalie of the Week Nov. 7. Dill stopped 30 shots as the Pioneers

NIEVES TRANSITIONS TO PRO LIFE

By Warren Kozireski

he New York Rangers called the name of Syracuse area native and University of Michigan bound Cristoval “Boo” Nieves late in the second round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Five years later he is now a full-fledged pro in his first full season with Hartford of the American Hockey League after spending eight games with the team last season after his four-year college career came to a close. “It’s been good,” Nieves said about his first few games. “The pro style game is a little faster and a little stronger than college and it’s been a little slower transition than I wanted, but it’s going alright. Through the first ten games with the Wolf Pack, Nieves had one goal (his first career game-winner in the season opener) with four assists including his first two-point game Oct. 29 versus Utica. “I just think everybody comes to play and nobody ever takes a night off and every single night you’re going to be playing against Grade A players that have either played in the NHL or been in this league for a while, so it’s tough every single night.” After two prep seasons at the Kent School along with 13 games in the USHL with Indiana, Nieves joined the Wol-

verines and registered 29 points in his freshman season. His best campaign was as a senior with ten goals and tying a career-best 21 assists for 31 points in 35 games as Michigan won the Big Ten championship. One major challenge for first year players is adjusting to the length of the season compared especially to the college game. “We do play a lot more games and we’re going to be a lot more fatigued,” Nieves said. “The pro to it is that we do play a lot, so if you do have a bad game say Wednesday, Friday or Saturday we’re right back at it. Or if you play well you can keep the momentum going. That can either make or break your season.”

rom his home in rural northeastern Pennsylvania, Ray Welsh is a similar distance from the WilkesBarre/Scranton, Pennsylvania and Binghamton, New York markets. When Welsh did not like the way things were working in Wilkes-Barre, he moved his team without having to move himself or remove himself from the operation. Welsh used the move to return to being more active. It’s led to some impressive results. The Binghamton Junior Senators team owner returned to the general manager role he had occupied prior to last season and has guided the former Wilkes-Barre Miners through a successful transition in the North American 3 Hockey League. Several players who struggled while with the Miners have been a big part of getting the team off to a 19-0-0-1 start to lead the Northeast Division. Welsh said those veterans were helpful even before the team took the ice for the first time in Binghamton. “By the end of the year, we had the core group of players we have now,” said Welsh, who explained that poor preseason recruiting left the team with a thin roster and relying on local prep and high school players to fill in on the way to a 10-34-0 finish in the NA3HL Eastern League last season. “We have seven returning players that came back this year.” Their presence helped make the team attractive to other players. “When I was out recruiting this summer, trying to get players to come, when you throw out a name like Ryan Flanagan or Conor Landrigan that are coming back, those are two top, high-end forwards,” Welsh said. “Another player was Steve Aponik, a defenseman from Philadelphia. He came back. “It was easy to get good players to come, because players want to play where they know good players are going.” The last step for Welsh was just in seeing which players

remained available after several tried out for North American Hockey League teams. The Senators have gotten out of the gates quickly in their first year across the state line. Improved overall training situations at the Ice House Sports Complex in Chenango Bridge, near Binghamton, have put the team on the ice more with two-a-day, midweek practices wrapped around off-ice training sessions. As the Miners last season, the team shared the Coal Street facility in Wilkes-Barre with youth hockey, figure skating and as the home base of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins American Hockey League team. Welsh said the team was generally limited to three, hour-and-15-minute sessions on the ice each week. “We spend more time on the ice now than we would get in a whole week last year,” Welsh said. New coach Chris Laganiere has been able to use that time to mold a winning team, one that averages 6.5 goals per game to rank second in scoring among the 48 NA3HL teams spread across eight divisions. Landrigan, from New Tripoli, Pennsylvania, is the leading goal scorer with 21. Dominik Bogdziul leads in points with 53. Tyler Uravage, from Wyoming, Pennsylvania, returned to play closer to home after spending last season as the captain of the Portland Junior Pirates team in the United States Premier Hockey League U-18 Division. Uravage is tied for second on the team in assists with 33 and is tied for second in points with Landrigan at 48. Flanagan is fourth in goals with 16. The Senators have five players with 15 or more goals and nine with 10 or more assists.

Binghamton Jr. Senators Report

Courtesy of Tom Robinson

POINTS4PAUL PROGRAM TAKES OFF IN BINGHAMTON By: Nicole Del Villano

hether it’s the holiday season or just another time of the year, Nick Paul is no stranger when it comes to giving back to the people and communities around him. “My mom has always been someone who gives back,” said Paul. “[My family] gets a family [in need] for Christmas to give presents to and usually for dinner on Thanksgiving and Christmas we cook a turkey [for people who need it]. We were grateful and always keen on giving back.” With his mother as an example, the 21-year-old has been using his status as a professional hockey player to help bring awareness to issues dear to him. After losing a friend in Grade 9 to suicide, Paul knew that when the opportunity arose he would bring awareness to mental health. “Obviously you cannot make up for someone’s life, but I knew when I got somewhere that people would listen to me, I would do something,” said Paul. “[In the Ontario Hockey League] I was going to schools along with other appearances and people were listening.” Paul got his chance after talking with his Billet Mom (family he lived with while playing junior hockey) about his ideas who then connected him with Tammy Morison, President and CEO of the North Bay Regional Health Centre Foundation in Ontario, Canada. After a few meetings, the Mississauga, Ontario, native and The Foundation came up with the idea of Points4Paul. Points4Paul was set on the idea that with every point the left-winger scored during a season, family, friends and fans were invited to make a donation to help provide care to youth recovering from mental health illness as well as bringing awareness to the cause. Points4Paul carried throughout

his OHL years and even helped earn him the honor of the Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy after being named Humanitarian of the Year. “[2014-15] was just a great year,” said Paul. “The feeling you get [from community work] you just can’t explain. I just love doing it and to get rewarded for it is even cooler.” Paul decided to put his program on a brief hiatus when he began playing in the Ottawa Senators organization as to not take away from Luke Richardson’s efforts with Do It For Daron. Paul felt the message of the importance of mental health was still being reached through DIFD and wanted to support Richardson in his endeavors. “I still donated to the cause in North Bay,” said Paul. “[Richardson] had such a great cause with mental health awareness and I did not want to step on any toes.” While Points4Paul may have taken a season off, Paul is ready to bring the program and awareness back this season especially after coming off a multi-point weekend including a one goal and one assist game. “Just going out there trying to inspire younger kids [is rewarding] because many experience bullying, stuff at home, and have trouble with mental health,” said Paul. “Just [for me] to get out there and [let the kids] see someone they can possibly look up to or listen to and tell them it is ok can make a huge difference.”

(Reprinted with permission of the Binghamton Senators) (Photo by B-Sens)

Cortland Under newly appointed coach Rick Filighera the Red Dragons are starting off a little rough with a six game losing streak. Their losses aren’t all bad news the girls have scored and leading the scoring are Senior Sydney Carlucci with a goal and 4 assists; Freshman Miranda Kolb with two goals and an assist and Freshman Carley Wiegold with a goal and 2 assists. Keeping the Dragons in the game between the pipes is Freshman Rachel Farmer who has played in four games and made 114 saves on 126 shots. Sophomore Goaltender Victoria Gibson has played two games and made 57 saves on 64 shots. Cortland playes four games in December before breaking for the Holidays. Up first is Canton in Canton on December 6; at home to Post University on December 9 and home to Hamilton on December 10.

Elmira Season Preview

One of Elmira College’s most decorated and celebrated programs returns to the ice for another year of collegiate competition, as the women’s ice hockey team has inspirations of returning to the national spotlight in pursuit of the program’s fourth NCAA national title. Elmira should be fairly optimistic of this lofty goal with the return of 20 skaters from last year’s team, one that captured an NCAA Third-Place trophy. Experience is Elmira’s greatest strength this season, which is a far cry from the 2015-16 edition of the Purple and Gold, a team that featured just eight upperclassmen. This year Elmira has a solid foundation of leadership from its senior and junior class, which is paired nicely with a very talented sophomore class and a trio of first-year players. There is an abundance of talent up and down the Elmira roster, but one area that might raise some questions from those around the country is the change in leadership within the coaching staff. In early September, four-year head

Central New York Women’s College Hockey Report By Janet Schultz Janet@nyhockeyonline.com

coach and 2015 AHCA National Coach of the Year recipient Dean Jackson ‘03 resigned from his post as the bench boss for the Soaring Eagles. Jackson led Elmira to four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, including a 2013 NCAA National Title. However, Elmira filled the void just a few weeks later with the appointment of Kelsea Martalock as the fifth head coach in program history. Martalock served as an assistant during the 2015-16 campaign under Jackson, helping the Soaring Eagles produce their 11th 20-win season in their 15-year history. Martalock is eager for the start of the 2016-17 campaign, which begins this Friday, November 4th, against Neumann University. “I think it helps having a year of coaching with Coach Jackson and kind of having him as a mentor going into this first year. None of this has really hit me yet, and I don’t think it will until I walk out onto that bench for the first game. I’m excited and very confident because this team is so well-prepared going into this first week of games.” Top Returners JOHANNA EIDENSTEN ‘17 (F) The Swedish national has been a staple of the program over the years and will once again serve in a leadership role in the upcoming campaign as one of Elmira’s three captains. Eidensten enters her senior season as the team’s most experienced skater with 87 career games under her belt. She has played in three NCAA Tournaments and is

coming off a season in which she produced a career-high 10 goals, seven of those coming in the team’s final seven games of the 2015-16 season. A leader by example, look for Eidensten to continue to set the tone for the Soaring Eagles on-and-off the ice. “She is the one that gets everyone on board and makes sure they are doing what they need to do,” said Martalock. “On the ice, she is always someone we can count on to get it done – she’s solid.” LOUISA LIPPIATT DURNELL ‘18 (F) Elmira’s strong international presence is bolstered by the return of last year’s top point scorer, East Sussex, England, native Durnell. There was no sophomore slump for Durnell last season, as she produced 28 points on seven goals and a team-leading 21 helpers. Nearly half of her points came in Elmira’s last eight contests, as she ended the season strong with 12 points on one goal and 11 assists. Look for Durnell to once again be a key creator up top for the Soaring Eagles. MADDIE EVANGELOUS ‘19 (F) Don’t be fooled by this skater’s small stature - she touts a big game and has produced in the most crucial situations as a freshman. Standing at 5-foot-1, Evangelous might not look all that intimidating, but what she lacks in height, she more than makes up for with her speed and scoring touch. A 2016 ECAC West All-Rookie Team honoree, Evangelous is back for her second stint with Elmira, following a 23-point rookie season that saw her log 13 goals and 10 assists. As good as she was during the regular season,

Evangelous was even better during the playoffs, finishing with four points on three goals and one assist in the NCAA Tournament. MADDY JEROLMAN ‘19 (F) Jerolman shined as a focal point in Elmira’s offense as a freshman, and now in her second year, the gritty twoway forward will once again be called upon to create and put goals on the scoreboard. She enjoyed an immensely successful rookie campaign with 24 points on 11 goals, including four game-winning tallies, and 13 assists. Most of her damage was done within conference play, as the Hamden, Connecticut, native amassed 17 points against ECAC West foes. “Jerolman and Evangelous were definitely two key players for us last season, especially later in the year,” said Martalock. “Those two along with Louisa, that line, really produced for us and will need to again this year.” KRISTIN CHIVERS ‘19 (D) Last season, all the talk around Elmira hockey was the team’s infusion of talented forwards, with little mention of EC’s rookie blueliners. However, it did not take long for Chivers to make a name for herself in 2015-16, as the Antioch, Illinois, native produced four points in a 7-2 drubbing of nationally-ranked Norwich in Elmira’s second game of the year. The four-point performance was the start of what turned out to be a 25-point season for the rookie defender, which ascended Chivers into the national spotlight with year-end AHCA First-Team AllAmerican honors. With the departure of two senior defensemen, look for Chivers to spearhead EC’s relatively young d-crops.

KYLE NELSON ‘17 (G) Elmira’s crew of goaltenders is as good as it has ever been, especially with the return of this fourth-year netminder. Nelson split time between the pipes last season but saw the lion’s share of minutes down the stretch, starting in Elmira’s final five contests, which included a quartet of playoff games. She went 10-2-1 a season ago, with four of her victories coming against nationally-ranked opponents, and sported a solid 1.75 goals-against average. Nelson will be vying for the starting gig, and could possibly be EC’s every-day starter come November 4th. KELCEY CRAWFORD ‘18 (G) Crawford will also be competing for the starting goaltender spot and has a solid resume to make the argument to be EC’s go-to option between the pipes. She started in 16-of-17 games last season, going 13-3-0 with a 1.60 goals-against average. Crawford picked up a pair of wins over nationally-ranked opponents in 2015-16 and has logged substantial minutes since her rookie debut in 2014-15, which only strengthens Elmira’s depth at this pivotal position. “Last year was definitely a battle between Kyle and Kelcey for the starting spot and this year there is still that competition between the two of them, which is great because whether they know it or not, they are helping each other improve,” Martalock added. “They are continuously pushing each other, trying to get better each and every day. I think both of them are huge contenders and fill a very important role on our team.”

Key Newcomers TIIA HERTTO ‘20 (F) Hertto joins Elmira after a successful junior hockey career with the Chicago Fury. Standing at 5-feet-7-inches, Hertto bolsters Elmira’s already deep and skilled group of forwards. “She’s big, fast and skilled, which is what we like about her,” said Martalock. “We will be expecting her to knock in some points for us and make some plays.”

Dewitt, Michigan, native will look to pick up valuable ice time in her freshman campaign. “She’s going to get into games so she gains some experience and has the opportunity to compete” said Martalock. “But, she’s going to be the future for us back there moving forward, so I’m excited to see her get some experience under her belt, so that moving forward she’ll be our go-to option in net.”

KIANA MELVIN ‘20 (D) With the loss of a pair of ECAC West All-Conference defenders (Farole and Piku), Elmira needed to fill a void in its d-corps and did just that with the successful recruitment of Melvin. EC’s defense held opposing teams to 49 goals last season, while getting into the offensive mix with 75 points, 60 coming on assists. The addition of Melvin on Elmira’s back line adds another lethal scoring threat, who should pair nicely with several of EC’s other quick and feisty blueliners. “Kiana’s going to play a big role for us this year,” stated Martalock. “She’s super strong, very smooth and a smart defensive player. We are excited to have her at the college level and see what kind of damage she can do for us.”

General Outlook Elmira was in unfamiliar territory last season when it graduated a highlydecorated class of seniors that accounted for 63-percent of its scoring, but despite the lack of returning talent EC made a repeat appearance in the NCAA Division III Tournament. This season, the Soaring Eagles welcome back their core group of impact players, which made up 80-percent of the team’s point scoring. The Soaring Eagles have not enjoyed this much returning firepower since the 2011-12 season. “It’s so important having that core group of returners,” stated Martalock. “They are coming back with experience on the national stage and know what is expected of them and this program.” Expectations are high for this year’s Soaring Eagles, as another deep postseason run seems to be in the works yet again, while ambitions of a national title still loom around the locker room at the Murray Athletic Center. If history has taught us anything, it is that it always has the potential to repeat itself, something that should have Elmira fans fairly eager for the start of the season. Coach Mar-

JAMIE HUMPHREY ‘20 (G) Although Elmira’s goaltending situation seems to be in good hands with Nelson and Crawford, do not discount this rookie netminder. Standing at 5-feet-7-inches, Humphrey is Elmira’s tallest goaltender since AllUSCHO Third Team recipient Lisa Marshall ‘14. Her tall stature should serve her well down the road, as the

talock became the fifth head coach in Elmira’s history, and looking through the record books, first seasons under new leadership has yielded phenomenal results. In 2001-02, a first-year head by the name of Jamie Wood went on to capture a national title in his first goaround with the Soaring Eagles and would add another to his collection the following season. In 2003-04, Paul Nemetz-Carlson took over head coaching duties at Elmira and guided the Soaring Eagles to their third consecutive ECAC West Conference title. Greg Fargo ‘06 took over the reins of the program in 2008-09, helping EC win another conference title and record a runner-up finish in the NCAA Division III Tournament. Most recently, Dean Jackson ‘03 became the bench boss for Elmira in 2012-13 and guided the Soaring Eagles to their third national title in program history, doing so without a single All-American candidate. So, what will Coach Martalock’s version of Elmira College women’s ice hockey look like? If it is anything close to what we saw last year, the EC women are in for a very special season. Elmira is currently 6-0 overall with only three games in December. First against Norwich University on December 3 and then home to Trinity College on December 10. Their final game is at Middlebury before they break for the holidays. Leading the scoring are Louisa Lippiatt Durnell with two goals and 8 assists and Katie Granato with six goals and 3 assists. Between the pipes it’s Kyle Nelson with 53 saves on 56 shots and Kelcey Crawford with 31

saves on 31 shots.

Syracuse

The Orange are 3-63 as they head into December. They take on CHA rival RIT on December 2 and 3 followed by Clarkson on December 9 and 10. Leading the scoring are Stephanie Grossi with 5 goals and 4 assists and Alysha Burris with 3 goals and 9 assists. In goal Abbey Miller has a 1.79 average and .925 save percentage.

Utica

Senior Keira Goin (Dobbs Ferry, NY/Hotchkiss School) of the Utica College women’s hockey team was named the ECAC West Goalie of the Week, Monday, after her performance last weekend. Goin totaled 48 saves in two shutouts over conference foe William Smith to help earn Utica’s first sweep of the season. On Friday, she had 22 saves in a 1-0 win over the Herons. She followed that up with 26 saves in a 4-0 victory on Sunday. She currently ranks third in the nation in save percentage (.968) and fifth in goals against average (.76). Goin is also now tied for first on the College’s all-time list with 11 career shutouts. The Pioneers are 3-2 overall, with one game against Potsdam postponed due to weather. They opened their regular season with two losses against Buffalo State but came back with three consecutive wins over Williams Smith (2) and Potsdam (1). In December they face Morrisville on December 3 and Lebanon Valley

College, December 11, before breaking for the holidays. Jane Pagano is leading the scoring with two goals and 3 assists, as is Meghan Power, also two goals and 3 assists. In goal Keira Goin has a .966 save percentage in five games played.

Colgate

Colgate women’s hockey goalie Julia Vandyk was named ECAC Goaltender of the Month, as the league announced on Tuesday. The sophomore has started seven games for the Raiders and has garnered a 6-0-1 record, while playing 423:04 minutes thus far in the 2016-17 campaign. Vandyk notched 150 saves in her seven games, recording a .949 save percentage, good for first in the conference throughout the month of October. The Cambridge, Ont. native has also registered two shutout performances on the year, with one coming against Merrimack and the other against Union. Head Coach Greg Fargo has been very pleased with Vandyk’s performance between the posts. “Julia has been confident and consistent to this point in the season,” Fargo said. “She’s made strides in her game since last year and she gives our team a chance to win every night. That is all you can ask of your goaltender on any give game day.” Vandyk has only allowed eight goals in her seven games, registering a goals-

against-average of 1.13. The Raiders are 12-2-1 overall as they move into December to face Dartmouth on December 2 and Harvard on December 3. Jessie Eldridge has 7 goals and 15 assists in the 15 games she has played. Annika Zalewski has 6 goals and 10 assists in 15 games.

Oswego

The nationally-ranked Oswego State w o m e n ’s ice hockey team defeated the No. 1/1 Plattsburgh Cardinals 3-2 on Sunday afternoon at the Ronald B. Stafford Arena. Oswego improves to 7-1 on the season, while snapping Plattsburgh’s 13-game winning streak and dropping the Cardinals to 6-1 on the year.They trailed for the majority of the game but at 11:06 in the final period Eryn Stewart notched the second score of her career on a put-back shot and tied the game. Just 21 seconds later, Olivia Ellis charged the goal and, with help from Alexa Armaburu and Andrea Noss, slapped the puck over the goalie’s shoulder top shelf to give the Lakers the lead. The Lakers are 7-1 overall and play Canton on December 2 and 3 and Hamilton on December 9 before breaking for the holidays. Olivia Ellis has 4 goals and 7 assists in 8 games and Jacquelin White has 7 goals and 3 assist in 8 games.

Cornell

After recording three goals and two assists this past weekend and helping the women’s hockey team to wins over Brown and Yale, senior Hanna Bunton has been named the ECAC Hockey Player of the Week, the league announced on Tuesday. The forward notched her second career hat trick on Friday night against the Bears, scoring all three goals in the third period of the 4-0 win. The game-winner came just 2:05 into the final frame when sophomore Pippy Gerace pounced on a loose puck near the goal and slotted it to Bunton at the right post. The Belleville, Ontario native scored her other two goals on the power-play, the most goals scored on the man-advantage in women’s Division I hockey this past weekend. Bunton also had two assists in Cornell’s 4-2 win over the Bulldogs on Saturday. She was instrumental in setting up freshman Grace Graham’s game-winner, skating down the right wing and into the offensive zone where she drew two Yale defensemen – and a hit – before she alertly threaded a pass to a trailing Graham for an easy finish. The Big Red are 6-2-1 overall and close out the Fall semester with Harvard University and Dartmouth. Kristin O’Neill has 7 goals and 3 assists on the season with Hanna Bunton scoring 3 goals and 6 assists this season.

Hamilton

Hamilton is 1-1 overall after opening their season with a 5-1 win over Williams and then a 1-0 loss to Williams on November 19 and 20. They have a busy December with Colby on December 2 and 3; Oswego on December 9 and Cortland on December 10. With only two games played goals were scored by Katie Parkman, Megan Ahern, Olivia Hawes, Emily Williams and Kelli Mackey. Parkman has had 3 assists and leads the team in scoring with 4 points; Ahern had two assists and other assists coming from Maddie Carras and Teagan Blackwell. Sam Waither has been in goal for both games, making 49 saves on 51 shots.

William Smith College William Smith is 3-4-1 as they close out 2016 and enter the New Year. They open December against UMass Boston on December 3 and then head to Beverly, Mass. To play Endicott before the holidays. Leading the scoring for the Herons are Jordan Roetzer and Krista Federow, each with 6 points. Jordan has a goal and 5 assists and Krista has logged 6 assists in eight games. Strong between the pipes has been Maggie Salmon with a .955 save percentage in seven games.

Morrisville

The Mustangs won their season opener 3-0 against Salem State and then added four consecutive shut out wins. Their winning streak had Yanessa Klimpe named Colonial Hockey Associaiton Rookie of the Week for November 7 and Senior forward Kanekaroroks McComber (Kahnawake, Quebec) named to the conference’s honor roll. After that they picked up five more wins giving them a 9-0 record as they enter December. Up next is Utica on December 2 and 3 and they close out this semester against SUNY Potsdam on December 6 Klimpe has 14 points with 8 goals and 6 assists; Maddison Devlin has 7 goals/6 assists and Stephanie Strymecki has 6 goals/4 assists. Renee Schmaltz has started in all 9 games and has a .974 save percentage.

East Hockey

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

Manhattanville

With 5 consecutive wins, the Valiants are 6-1 as they start December. Their only loss was to Norwich on November 15. Before the end of 2016 they will face Stevenson at home (Dec. 3) and then go on the road to Amherst and Williams. Leading the scoring at Manhattanville are Sarah Sinning (Southold, NY) with 3 goals and 4 assists; Mamaroneck’s Nicole Mensi with 6 goals and Melissa Styles with 4 goals and 2 assists.

Union

Union’s two wins came at the hands of RIT and Penn State. They enter December with a 2-12 record and face Quinnipiac, Princeton, University of Maine and Minnesota State (Mankato) before the holiday break. Haley Shugart has 5 goals and 2 assists to lead Union in scoring. East Amherst’s Rachel dePeiro has a goal and 3 assists on the season.

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5-12-1 overall, the Engineers play Princeton and Quinnipiac before returning home January 6 to Brown.

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ARMY

East Men’s College Report

Sophomore goaltender Nate Muller was splitting time in the crease, but seeing the best results with two of the wins and the tie while sporting a 2.73 GAA.

The Black Knights were tied atop the Atby Warren Koziereski lantic Hockey standings at the Thanksgiving break for the first time in recent memory. “I really, really like this team,” head coach Brian Riley said. “Our guys know what they have to do to compete and it’s nice to know that whoever we send over the boards we have confidence in that they can do so.” Parker Gahagen (Buffalo) was named Atlantic Hockey Early season defensive struggles were righted as the Goaltender of the Month in Oct. as he helped Army West Valiants rode a four game winning streak into ThanksgivPoint get off to its best start since the 2006-07 season, ing weekend outscoring their opponents 20-9 during the going 3-2-1 overall and 3-1-0 in Atlantic Hockey play in run. October. He backstopped the top penalty-killing unit in Sophomore defenseman Marco Ferraro played Atlantic Hockey, allowing just three power-play goals in only ten games last season, but led the team in scoring 43 attempts, a 93.0 percent kill rate and posted back-to- through the first eight this year. Classmate Matt Lippa back shutouts to open league play, helping him carry a and senior Adam Platt plus Teagan Waugh were the priscoreless streak of over 142 minutes during the month. mary goal scorers through the early stages. Freshman Zach Evancho (Buffalo) was leading all Sophomore Tyler Feaver picked up where he left off last rookie goal scorers in Atlantic Hockey through the first year in earning four wins in seven starts. ten games of the regular season. Dominic Franco and Dalton MacAfee both netted their first collegiate goals against Canisius Nov. 11-12. Franco earned AHA Rookie of the Week honors for his The bad news is the Engineers managed just one win five-point weekend. Forward Brendan Soucie scored two goals Oct. 28- in November and have been outscored almost two-to29 including the game winner the second night and was one this season. The good news is they battled several nationally ranked teams in on-goal losses. named Atlantic Hockey Rookie of the Week. Sophomore Evan Tironese played only six games as a freshman, but was leading the team in scoring through 13 games this season. He was ECAC Rookie of the Month for Oct. The Vikings entered December just 3-7-1 overall, but Senior captain Riley Bourbonnais (Greece) and junior all three wins and the tie came against conference oppo- defenseman Jared Wilson were tied for the team scoring nents. lead. With junior Drew Melanson, the three accounted for Sophomore Chris Breault was leading the balanced 16 of the squad’s first 27 total goals. Dating back to last attack in points and assists with Peter Borgosz (Depew) season, Bourbonnais has garnered at least one point in 22 and Evan Perkins tied for the team-lead in goals through of 25 weekends. 11 games. Detroit draft pick and sophomore goaltender Chase Perry was seeing the bulk of minutes in the crease, but

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R.P.I.

HUDSON VALLEY CC

was facing over 34 shots per game. Sophomore Brady Wiffen scored his first collegiate goal Nov. 11 against Clarkson while freshmen Patrick Polino (Nov. 12 St. Lawrence) and Jacob Hayhurst (Nov. 19 Ohio St.) also netted their first. The team is in the middle of an eight-game road trip, which won’t make things any easier. They don’t lay on home ice again until Jan. 3 and that will be against nationally topten ranked UMass-Lowell.

UNION The Dutchmen appear to have returned to their form from several years ago at 8-3-2 overall and 4-1-1 in ECAC action, but December will dictate with all but one game on the road. Senior forward Mike Vecchione continued his torrid start leading the nation in scoring. He was named the ECAC Hockey Player of the Week Nov. 8 for the second time in three weeks. Also named ECAC Player of the Month, the NCAA Division I First Star of the Week and Hockey Commissioners’ Association (HCA) National Division I Player of the Month for October. He scored a career-high four

goals and tied a career best with five points in Union’s 5-2 win against Niagara. His four-goal performance was the first for a Dutchmen since Kelly Zajac ‘12 netted four against Sacred Heart on Oct. 9, 2010. Alex Sakellaropoulos earned ECAC Goaltender of the Week honors for the first time in his career the last week in Oct. backstopping the Dutchmen to a weekend sweep of crosstown rival Rensselaer, stopping 55 of 58 shots.

Congratulations to the New Rochelle Pee Wee team on winning the Philly Fall Classic Tournament. A shout out to all 7 of the team’s that took part and the four teams that went to the finals. Nice job players!

Fordham

The Fordham Rams won their 12th consecutive game breaking the team’s record for Most Wins in A Season. The old record was set November 22, 2013 to February 16, 2014 by the 2014 Champions. Fordham is the only undefeated team with a 10-0 record.

by Warren Kozireski

EAST SETAUKET’S BURGDOERFER ONE STEP CLOSER

ochester Americans defenseman, East Setauket native and former RI Engineer Erik Burgdoerfer is now in his seventh full professional season and has not given up on his dream of becoming an NHL blueliner one day. With five assists through this season’s first 14 games, he is second among the team’s defensemen in points, but his contributions go deeper than merely offense. One of only two regulars on the blueline with a positive plus/minus and among the top five on the team in penalty minutes, he is using his 6’2” 210 lb. frame to protect the front of the net. “So far, so good,” Burgdoerfer said after a mid-Nov. game. “On the whole it’s been good with some good people here and a good organization. They gave me a good opportunity with some preseason games, so I’m just looking to take advantage of that. “It (the preseason) was definitely good for my confidence to see that I could play up there and it’s even better that they showed confidence in me. Burgdoerfer played four seasons at RPI after one season with New York in the Eastern Junior League. He totaled seven goals and 12 assists over 129 college contests before the undrafted the soon to be 28 year old (Dec. 11) signed with Bakersfield in the ECHL. He earned a spot in the AHL with Hershey two years ago and was 6-14-20 last season with the Bears before signing a one year, two-way contract with Buffalo in July. This year he is wearing an “A” as one of two assistant captains for Rochester, but not the first time he has taken on a leadership role. “I was a captain for two years in the ECHL and last

year I wore an “A” when we had some call-ups. This year is the first time it’s been fulltime in the AHL, but nothing new to me. “It’s tough when you come out of college undrafted and are kind of unknown, but I kind of clawed my way up for a couple of years. I just stuck with the belief that I saw myself as an NHL player one day and that’s still my goal. “I’ve found throughout my career that everyone advances their personal career when the team wins, so for me I set team goals. Coming to an organization and a team that hasn’t made the playoffs in a couple of years, my goal is to help the team reach the playoffs and if we can turn this team into a winner, I believe everyone involved will be rewarded.

North Hockey

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

Wkozires@brockport.edu

CANTON The Roo’s were off to their best start in several years with a season opening win over Cortland and a high-scoring tie with nationally ranked Geneseo. 12 of the team’s first 19 goals this season were from freshmen led by Vili-Jesper Koivula’s six and Tyler Bullard’s (Ballston Spa) four. Patrick Farnan (Clifton Park) also chipped in his first two collegiate tallies. The squad will head to the Middlebury Tournament with Manhattanville and Saint Anselm right after Christmas.

CLARKSON The Golden Knights were an ECAC top tier team and rode a five-game unbeaten streak into the tournament at Notre Dame Thanksgiving weekend. Balanced offense was one key to their early success with fully 20 different players—all but three—who had played in at least one game had scored a goal. Nico Sturm and Jake Kielly were named ECAC Rookie and Goaltender of the Week respectively Nov. 15. Strum netted his first two collegiate goals with one assist while Kielly earned both road wins at RPI and Union with a 1.58 GAA. Kielly also was Goaltender of the Week Oct. 24 after

he earned a road win and tie with six goals allowed on 71 shots versus Providence and UMass-Lowell. Devin Brosseau is Clarkson’s third-leading scorer and is tied for the lead among ECAC Hockey freshmen in overall scoring with eight points on one goal and seven assists. He posts a team-high +7 plus/minus rating. Brosseau was named ECAC Hockey Rookie of the Month for October after garnering Rookie of the Week the last weekend in Oct. He also was ECAC Rookie of the Week Nov. 22. Rookie defenseman Greg Moro recorded his first collegiate goal, scoring into an empty net in the final seconds Nov. 5 to seal Clarkson’s victory over Princeton. Freshman forward Haralds Egle scored his first Oct. 28 against Minnesota. Senior Jordan Boucher completed his first career hat trick Oct. 29 versus Wisconsin.

PLATTSBURGH The Cardinals started the season 3-2, but both losses were in conference play putting them in the unusual position of middle of the pack through the first month of the campaign. Lack of offense was an issue with only a combined 14 goals through the first five games led by sophomore Cole Stoddard’s four. Freshmen Joe Drabin (Gates-Chili), Noah Batis, Antoine Desnoyers and Schuyler Seyfert all scores their first collegiate goals in the month.

POTSDAM Aside from one game against Morrisville, the Bears were struggling to score goals in conference games with one or none in all but one of their other five contests. “There is a lot of hockey left and we talk about process,” head coach Chris Bernard said. “We just have to be

process oriented. You’re not going to win the SUNYAC in the first weekend of the year and you’re not going to lose it.” Senior forward Vinny Caligiuri (Shoreham) spent some time on the blueline due to injuries and to help create more offense. “Just trying to give us a little injection of offense,” Bernard commented. “We’ve had a limited number of five-on-five goals so I thought he might give us a bit of a jolt back there—it was certainly worth the experiment.” Brendan McMenimen and Bryce Ferrell (Buffalo) were honored by the State University of New York Athletic Conference as Goalie of the Week award and Rookie of the Week after the first week of the regular season. McMenimen made 39 saves for a .975 save percentage in the Bears’ 4-1 season-opening victory over Saint Michael’s on Friday. Ferrell had three points in his first two collegiate games recording a goal and an assist in the win over Saint Michael’s. He then scored Potsdam’s lone goal in a 1-1 tie with Castleton. Freshman Bryce Ferrell (Buffalo) was leading the team in scoring with eight points in his first eight games. Nate Zweig (Binghamton) scored his first collegiate goal in the St. Michael’s win Oct. 28 and Tyler Young (Massena) netted his first Nov. 19 versus Cortland. Senior defenseman Nick Casacci is the Bears’ captain and senior forwards Alex Goodhue and Caligiuri are assistant captains.

ST. LAWRENCE Sitting in first place in ECAC made the long lace ride to play in the Friendship Four tournament in Belfast, Ireland seem shorter for the Saints as they took a sevengame unbeaten streak overseas. Junior forward Mike Marnell (South Huntington) was named the ECAC Hockey player of the week following his four-goal outburst against Brown Nov. 19. Marnell is the first Saints player to record four goals in a game since Burke Murphy scored five in a game in 1996. Junior goaltender Kyle Hayton two shutouts over Princeton and Quinnipiac were the ninth and 10th of his career making him the school’s new record holder surpassing 1956 alum Bill Sloan from the 1950’s.He was obviously named ECAC Goaltender of the Week. Defenseman Gavin Bayreuther leads the Saints in scoring (5g, 11a -14pts), is two points shy of the 100-point plateau and became the program leader in career goals by a defenseman with his 32nd Nov. 12 against RPI.

You Are Invited To Submit All Your Hockey Organization’s News/Photos/Event Announcements Just respond by emailing: Janet@nyhockeyonline.com Deadline for January issue is December 22

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

Plattsburgh The top-ranked Plattsburgh State women’s ice hockey team swept all three categories of weekly awards from the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Women’s West. Junior Melissa Sheeran (Schaghticoke, N.Y./Millbrook School) was named Player of the Week, senior Camille Leonard (Oakville, Ontario/Oakville Jr. Hornets) was named Goalie of the Week and freshman Hannah Kiraly (Newport Beach, Calif./Northern Cyclones) was named Rookie of the Week for the week ending on Nov. 27. Leonard earns her second weekly award in as many weeks, while Kiraly and Sheeran are both recognized for the first time this season. Sheeran recorded six points on five goals and one assist as top-ranked Plattsburgh State posted a 3-0 week, capped by winning the Panther/Cardinal Classic at Middlebury College. Sheeran, who also eclipsed the 100-career point mark over the weekend, logged a pair of multi-point games in the process. She deposited two goals, including a powerplay tally, in Tuesday’s 7-3 non-conference win at Castleton University before netting a pair of goals in Saturday’s Panther/Cardinal Classic 5-0 win against No. 3 Adrian (Mich.) College. During Saturday’s game, she became just the 12th player in program history to eclipse the 100-career point mark.

Sheeran wrapped up the week by burying the game-winning marker in Plattsburgh State’s 2-1 victory over No. 5 Middlebury in the Panther/Cardinal Classic championship tilt. With four points on the weekend, Sheeran was named the Classic’s most outstanding player. Sheeran currently leads the ECAC Women’s West in total goals (9), power-play goals (4) and game-winning goals (4) and is seventh in points (13). Through 63 career games, Sheeran is 12th in program history with 103 points. Leonard logged three wins, one shutout, a 0.75 goals-against average and a .962 save percentage as Plattsburgh State beat two top-5 nationally-ranked teams last week. Leonard played two periods of relief and stopped seven of eight shots at Castleton on Tuesday. She then recorded a 20-save shutout as the Cardinals blanked No. 3 Adrian, 5-0, on day one of the Panther/ Cardinal Classic at Middlebury College. Leonard capped the week with 24 saves in Sunday’s Panther/Cardinal Classic 2-1 win over host No. 5 Middlebury on Sunday. Leonard was also one of seven players chosen for the Classic’s alltournament team. Among ECAC Women’s West netminders, Leonard is third in goals-against average (1.23) and is fifth in save percentage (.937). She currently holds the program records in both career GAA (0.97) and save percentage (.948) and is second in school annals in career shutouts (24), while sitting third in the record book in career appearances (63), third in wins (59), third in minutes played (3,653:31) and third in saves (1,085). Kiraly had all five of her week’s points go as assists for Plattsburgh State last week. Kiraly dished three helpers, including having the primary assist on the game-winning goal, in Tuesday’s 7-3 non-conference victory at Castleton University. She then assisted twice more as Plattsburgh State beat No. 3 Adrian (Mich.) College, 5-0, on day one of the Panther/Cardinal Classic at Middlebury College. Adrian had entered the day averaging 5.8 goals per game, and Kiraly was part of a defensive corps that kept the Bulldogs scoreless. Kiraly was also part of a blue line that kept No. 5 Middlebury to just one goal, a power-play tally, in Sunday’s Panther/Cardinal Classic championship tilt. Kiraly is second among all ECAC Women’s West blue liners and second overall among rook-

ies in points (8) and is tied for sixth in assists (7). At 9-1 overall and 5-1 in the league, Plattsburgh State returns home to close out its first-semester slate with an ECAC Women’s West contest against SUNY Potsdam on Saturday at 4 p.m. (Plattsburgh Press Release). Plattsburgh is ranked #1 and suffered one loss, that to Oswego. They are 9-1 overall as they move into December. Kayla Meneghan leads the scoring with 7 goals/8 assists; followed by Jordan Lepson, 5 goals/9 assists and Melissa Sheeran, 9 goals/4 assists.

is second in GAA with .92.\ Earlier in November she was named ECAC goaltender of the Week (Nov. 1) and Kennedy Marchment was named Player of the Week. Marchment had a hat trick in a 4-0 win over Dartmouth. Marchment was also named November Player of the Month, leading the nation with 2.17 points per game. St. Lawrence is 15-0-1 overall facing Clarkson the first weekend in December, ending 2016. They return to the ice against Carleton University on January 4.

Potsdam

Jordan Ott and Delphine Leonard were recognized by the ECAC West on November 7. Ott was named Player of the Week for the third time in her career and Leonard received Rookie of the Week honors. Ott has a 6 point weekend and her first career hat trick and tied Annmarie Lewis in the points column with 93. The Bears are 5-3 with four games before the holidays. They play Plattsburgh, Morrisville and two games against New England College before breaking.

Clarkson

The Golden Knights are on a 10-game winning streak. Ranked #5 the Golden Knights traveled to the Vermont Windjammer Classic and won the title. The team is 13-3-2 overall and face St. Lawrence on December 2/3 and Syracuse University December 10 before breaking for the holidays. Cayley Mercer leads the scorers with 7 goals/14 assists; followed by Rhyen McGill, 6 goals/13 assists and Genevieve Bannon, 7 goals/10 assists. In goal Shea Tiley has a .925 save percentage and a 11-3-2 record.

Canton

The Roos Brooke Susac took the CHC Rookie of the Week on November 21. She stopped 39 of 40 shots in a weekend sweep of Salem State. Morristown’s Margaret Troiano was named to the CHC Honor Roll with 2 goals and 2 assists in the 5-1 win over Salem. Canton is 5-2 with the two losses coming at the hands of Morrisville. They just completed a three game winning streak and play Oswego and Cortland early in December. They return to play January 7 and 8 at the Castleton Tournament. Troiano leads the scoring with 3 goals/6 assists followed by Staten Island’s Noelle Niemiec with 5 goals/3 assists and Jessica Pete, 4 goals/3 assists.

St. Lawrence

Grace Harrison is the news at St. Lawrence. The Auckland, New Zealand native was named ECAC Hockey Goaltender of the Week (Nov. 29) for the fourth time and was also named the American Sports Networks Player of the Week. She had a perfect weekend stop[ping all 54 shots with two shutout wins over Penn State. She leads the nation in save percentage with .956 and

West Hockey

Junior Sabres Mid-Season Report

he Buffalo Jr. Sabres are now more than halfway through the 2016-2017 season, and are currently riding at .500 (13-14-0-1) with 27 points. As of November 27, that put them third in the OJHL’s West Division, 12 points behind Burlington and 18 points behind Georgetown. Buffalo is 6-5-0-1 at home this season, and 7-9-0-0 on the road. Through the first 28 games of the season, forward Christian DiFelice leads with team with 30 points, including a team-leading 21 assists. Half of his points this year have come on special teams. His nine power-play assists are good for eighth in the OJHL, while his pair of shorthanded assists are tied for fifth league-wide. His 21 assists (overall) also put him tied for 17th league-wide in that category. Dartmouth commit (2018) Erik Urbank is second on the team, with 23 points in 27 games this season. His 14 assists, five of which have come on the man advantage, are second only to DiFelice. He’s also noticed a team-high three game-winning goals. A whopping four Jr. Sabres players have each registered 19 points on the season: forwards Adam Tretowicz, Cameron Radziwon and Michael Faliero, and defenseman Andrew Pizzo. Tretowicz leads the Jr. Sabres with 13 goals on the season, while Radziwon is just behind him with 11 on the year. Pizzo leads Buffalo defensemen with seven goals and 12 assists on the season. Billy McGwin and Ryan Cox lead the team in penalty minutes this season, with 67 and 63 each, respectively. That’s 12th- and 13th- most in the OJHL this season so far. Through 28 games, only four Jr. Sabres players have appeared in every game this season: Tretowicz, Pizzo, Jack Tucker and Ryan Sidorski. Goaltender Alex Camarre is 6-4-0-2 this season, with a 2.70 GAA and .915 save percentage. He’s 11th the in the league in GAA and 12th in save percentage, having allowed 28 goals-against in 622:53. Canisius College commit Tucker Weppner is 7-11-0-0

this season, with a 3.51 GAA and .895 saye percentage in 1058:52. As a team, the Jr. Sabres have scored on 20.69 percent of their power plays this season and are 76.98 percent effective on the penalty kill. Buffalo has scored 95 goals this season and allowed 93. The team’s 545 penalty minutes are third most in the league, behind only Kingston (611), Newmarket (578) and Pickering (557). As of November 27, the Jr. Sabres have four college commits. In addition to the aforementioned Urbank and Weppner, Matt Jakubowski is committed to Penn State for 2017, while Ryan Sidorski has committed to Union College for 2017. Jakubowski has registered 11 points (2-9) in 26 games, including five power-play assists. Sidorski, a defenseman, has four assists and 50 penalty minutes in 28 games.

Olympian Shelley Looney to Coach Girls Hockey Team

ichols School is excited to announce that Shelley Looney will be the new Girls Prep Hockey Coach. Ms. Looney is a very knowledgable, passionate and well respected coach with a vast array of coaching experience. Last year she served as the head coach of the Buffalo Beauts, has spent time as an assistant coach for the University of Vermont, worked with the National Team Development Program and was recently named the head Women’s Coach of the National University team. In addition, for the last 10 years she has been heavily involved in coaching youth hockey and is currently the director of Hockey for the Buffalo Bisons. As a player, Coach Looney was a member of the US National Women’s Hockey team medaling 10 times, including Olympic Gold in 1998 and Silver in 2002. She tallied 136 points in 151 games for Team USA. Shelley played collegiately at Northeastern University and was named ECAC Player of the year in the 1993-94 season.

Section VI Boys Varsity Iroquois Alden Chiefs Season Starts Off Strong

he Chiefs kicked off this season on November 13, 2016 against the Depew Wildcats at Leisure Rinks. With 8 returning seniors, the Chiefs are hungry for another successful season. With a slow start in the first period, the Chiefs were out scored 1-0 by Depew. Again in the second, the Wildcats lengthened their lead to 2-0 only to be answered by Chiefs Joe Russo with an assist by Dylan Giancarlo just 27 seconds later. The Chiefs turned up the heat later that period when Josh Harris danced through 3 defenders passing off to wide open Sam Rider who put it home. The Chiefs proceeded to produce 4 unanswered goals in the third period ( Nathan Nuwer assisted by Nathan Mathis and Joe Russo, Alex Held assisted by Dalton Trites, Spencer Hrynczak and Spencer Hrynczak assisted by Tim Pellittieri) until the Wildcats were able to surge their efforts for 1 last goal late in the period. With a final score of Chiefs 6-Wildcats 3, the Chiefs finished opening night in high spirits. The second game of the season saw a rematch of the state finals with Iroquois/Alden facing Dunkirk/ Fredonia on November 20, 2016 at Leisure Rinks. The Chiefs exhibited a convincing win scoring 3 unanswered goals in the first two periods. Alex Held opened the scoring up with a shot from top of the left circle on an assist from Cole Miller. Later in the first period Jamie Bonn found the net with an assist from Nathan Nuwer. Nathan Mathis saw the only goal of the second period assisted by Joe Russo and Dylan Giancarlo following a scrum in front of the net. With Dunkirk Fredonia finally on the board early in the third, the Chiefs rebounded with a goal from Joe Russo from the left side of the net assisted by Nathan Mathis. Dunkirk Fredonia answered with their second and final goal of the

night. With only 1 minute and 3 seconds remaining in the third period, Goalie Matt Majeski gave the puck off to Garrett Miller who dumped the puck out of the Chief’s zone to a racing Spencer Hrynczak for the final goal of the game and a final score of Chiefs 5 Dunkirk Fredonia 2. In the third game of the season, the Chiefs took the lead right from the start against the Buffalo on Wednesday, November 24, 2016 at Riverside Ice Rink. Scoring twice in the first period, Iroquois Alden’s Nathan Mathis buried it in the net for the first goal of the night with assists from Eric Najewski and Sam Rider. The second goal came just a short time later scored by Spencer Hrynczak with the assist going to Sam Rider and Alex Held. The second period saw Buffalo finally getting on the board with their only goal of the night for a 2-1 start. The Chiefs Luke Pukalo scored his first varsity goal with the aid of Garrett Miller with the assist. During a scrum in front of Buffalo’s net, Dylan Giancarlo slid the puck past the goalie with an assist from Spencer Hrynczak. Dominating play in the third period, Iroquois/Alden kept Buffalo on their toes. Nathan Mathis took a shot with the rebound picked up by Spencer Hrynczak who zinged it past Buffalo’s goaltender for a final score of Iroquois 5-Buffalo 1. December game schedule for the Chiefs include 12/4 game in Olean at 11:30 AM, 12/10 game in Depew at 8PM, 12/11 vs. West Seneca East at Leisure (HOME) 8:45 PM, and 12/18 vs. Olean at Leisure(Home) 8:45 PM. Student admission for Iroquois & Alden students is free with ID at all home games.

Buffalo Stars Spotlight Players

Alex plays Week of No- for the Squirt vember 13: AA team and is president of his Dillon Dake fifth grade class In the and an honor Peewee Red student. season opener Alex is 10 years old and plays defense. He resides against Fredo- in South Buffalo and his favorite subject is science. nia, Dillon He wants to make the NHL, but if he doesn’t he will scored be a scientist. three goals and assisted on two others. Dillon has His favorite player is John Taveres and his favorite transitioned well from playing primarily as right team is Boston University. wing to becoming a play making center this season. In his spare tie he spends time with his brother He is a fast skater, sees the ice well, and his ability and family and collects with hot wheels. to pressure defenses on the forecheck is improving He likes BLTs and Spanish rice and his favorite weekly. music is Rap and Hip Hop. His favorite movie is “The Dillon is 12 years old and is a 7th grader. He Lion, Witch and The Wardrobe.” comes from Alden. His favorite subject is science. He likes Henry Danger and his favorite superhero He likes sports, pizza, Rap music and CSI. Nick- is Batman. named Dil, his hero is his Dad because “he works His role model is his Mom and Dad because his hard and is a good coach.” Mom has taught him to cook and his Dad shows him His favorite player is TJ Oshie and his favorite col- how to be a better person and they never let him lege team is BU Terriers. He likes Oshie because he is give up on his dreams. a great player. “My personal hero is Rasmus Ristolainen because Dil also plays soccer. he is a good hockey player/leader and never gives This season is just wants to become a better stick up.” handler. Alex also plays baseball and soccer and his goal for this season is to become a better player and have The Player of the Week for November 14 is Alex Vit- more assists. erna.

Player of the week November 20, 2016 Daniel Sherry of the Squirt Major team.

Daniel James Sherry is 10 years old and is a fifth grader from Clarence Center. His favorite subject is math and he plans on playing in the NHL. The Defenseman/Left Winger’s favorite player is Buffalo’s Jack Eichel. He is also a fan of the Canisius College Golden Griffins Hockey Team. His role model is Connor McDavid because he was a straight A student and is a great hockey player. His Personal Hero are his parents because of all they do for him. In addition to hockey, he enjoys mini sticks, snowboarding and roller blading. Among his favorites are mangos, Hip Hop and Rock music, dance music and the move Star Wars. He also enjoys SpongeBob Square Pants. He also plays baseball. DJ, as he is known to his teammates, says Dr. Strange is his superhero. His goals for this season are to get at least 15 assists and get the puck out of their zone when on defense.

November 29 Player is Dylan Treadway from the Squirt Major team. Dylan is ten years old and plays Center. He is originally from Oxford, Mississippi and the fifth grader’s favorite subject is Math. Dylan likes math and wants to be an NHL player for investor when he grows up. His favorite NHL player is Sam Reinhart and his favorite College team is Canisius. His hobbies include baseball, solving math equations, card tricks and playing the saxophone. His favorite food is Pizza and his favorite musical group is Metal. He enjoys Star Wars-Clone Wars and goes by the name “Dee”. He considers Jack Eichel his role model because Jack is a great skater and inspires Dee to work harder on his skating. His personal heros are his family because they always support him whether he wins or losses and the encourage him to always work his hardest and be leader on and off ice. Dee also plays Baseball.

Buffalo Stars Midget Tryout Buffalo Stars Midgets and High Performance Hockey Development (HPHD) will conduct a tryout for the Spring/Summer Midget teams on Friday, December 30 at Holiday Twin Rinks. The teams will compete in a couple of spring tournaments as well as the Chowder Cup Tournament in Bos-

ton in July. Tryouts are open for players in the 2002 through 1998 age group. Time of the tryout is 10:30am12:30pm and the cost is $25. Goalies must pre register by contacting Coach Mark Mendel. For details contact Coach Mendel at 523-6936 or HPHDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Steve Thompson at 799-7023. For general information contact Pete Preteroti at 491-0375 or visit: www.buffalostars.com or hphd.ca

TOURNEY OPENING/PLAYER OPENING The Buffalo Stars have a couple of openings in their Annual Christmas Tournament December 27-29 at Holiday Twin Rinks in Cheektowaga. The Stars have a single opening each for a Bantam AA or Mixed team; A Minor Peewee AA or A Mixed team and a Squirt AA or Mixed A team. This is a 4 game guarantee tournament and all games will be played during the day.

Contact Pete at 716-491-0375 for details or visit: www.buffalostars.com In other news, the Buffalo Stars have a single opening in both their Mite House (8 and under) program and their Squirt House (10 and under) program. One spot remains for each. Contact Mike at 331-9331 for details.

Iroquois JV Report by Coach Jim Banko

Game Report from 11/11/2016 Iroquois 7 Lockport 2 The Iroquois Chiefs junior varsity hockey team started the 2016 - 2017 campaign in fine fashion Friday night against the Lockport Lions with a 7-2 win. It is a win like this that can set the tone for the whole season, especially since expectations are high for this squad as the Chiefs roster which is filled with many talented players. The contest began slowly with each team finding its legs in the first game of the year, but that pace did not last long. After falling behind 1-0, the Chiefs never looked back. Scoring first was new comer and Lackawanna resident Matthew Matte with a assists from Mitchell Carlsen and Ian Schrader. This line continued to dominate scoring goals throughout the game. Carlsen finished the night with two goals and one assist while Schrader contributed two assists. Also playing well was the line of Luke Pukalo, Paul Fitzgerald (1 goal) and Tyler Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Donnell. Each had numerous scoring chances and played as though they have been on the same line for years. Continuing the offensive outburst was the line of Byrce Yorke (one goal), Nick DiChistafaro (one goal) and Ben Plonka. Finally, the line of Austin Baker, Zack Murphy and Ryan Kingston played strong defense frustrating the Lions top line. Defensively, Shane Gusterferro and Dalton Trites were stout all night moving the puck and laying some heavy hits. All the offensive firepower was not really needed as goaltender Alex Musielak was stellar controlling his rebounds and playing angles. While this contest was the first of the long season, the hopes are high for this years junior varsity Chiefs.

WILLIAMSVILLE’S SCHNEIDER GARNERS FIRST NHL POINT By Warren Kozireski Photo Courtesy Rochester Americans

92 American Hockey League games after starting his professional hockey career and in his third career National Hockey League game, Williamsville native Cole Schneider was credited with his first NHL point. Recalled to Buffalo for their Nov. 10 game against Ottawa, Schneider gained the primary assist on a goal by Nicholas Baptiste at 2:49 of the first period after Derek Grant won an offensive zone faceoff. “He was the hottest stick down in Rochester and he also played for the Senators organization, so I thought it was a chance to give one back to them,” Buffalo head coach Dan Blysma said. As of Nov. 16 Schneider was tied for the league lead in points with 17 on seven goals and ten assists. “I’ve been pretty hot down in the American League, so I had some confidence,” Schneider said in the postgame locker room. “We (Baptiste) had some pretty good chemistry down there and put up a few points. “Growing up this is how I pictured it, so it’s nice that it finally happened here. I got more preseason games this year, so that helped and Lambo (Rochester head coach Dan Lambert) told me this morning and told me to play my game and thought I was ready.” As for it coming against his former organization? “There was a little more juice in the tank today, but it’s good to get the win.” Schneider played his high school hockey at St. Joseph’s in Buffalo before heading to the NAHL for two seasons with Mahoning Valley and Topeka. Two years at the University of Connecticut followed before he signed with Ottawa/Binghamton after his sophomore season ended. He played parts of five seasons in Binghamton before a late season trade last season brought him to the Buffalo organization. He was called up to the Sabres last season for two games.

WNY GIRLS VARSITY ICE HOCKEY YEAR SEVEN UNDERWAY day (Nov. 22) night with 4 p.m. puck drops at Holiday Twin Rinks and Northtowns and a 7:40 start at Lincoln. Monsignor Martin faces Lancaster/Depew/ Iroquois at Holiday; Williamsville takes on the Amherst/SweetHome/Clarence Katz at Northtowns and By Janet Schultz Janet@nyhockeyonline.com

It was a cold, brisk night in the open air arena at Riverworks for the first game of the WNY Girl’s Varsity Ice Hockey League pitting Williamsville against West Seneca/Hamburg/ Eden. Williamsville’s Jenna Woods will go into the history books as scoring the first goal at 13:23 of the first period in that opening game of the season. Williamsville held the lead with Leah Czerwinski scoring at 14:57 of the first. Kelly Dormer opened the scoring in the second period and Williamsville was up 3-0 when Jackie Held scored for WS/Ham/Eden with assists coming from Emma ONeill and Nicole Harris. The third ended 3-1. Williamsville’s Jenna Pietrowski sealed the win with a goal at 14:59 of the third period. She was assisted by Laura Kaplan and Czerwinski. Up next are three games on Tues-

Kenmore/Grand Island’s Ellie Simmons who played her first varsity game in goal against Orchard Park/Frontier/ Lake Shore. In her first appearance she registered a 7-0 shutout and added an assist. A added note is that last season in her first start in goal, Clara Klopp registered a shutout. In other news that will go down in the record books is that Monsignor Martin was defeated by Orchard Park/Frontier/Lake Shore on December 1. Monsignor Martin are the reigning league champions and boast a no loss record. Continued on Page 44

Kenmore/Grand Island faces Orchard Park/Frontier/Lake Shore at Lincoln Arena. The league is welcoming Eden, along with Depew and Lakeshore this season. Six schools opened the season in 2010 and now with additional schools joining several of these teams, there are now 14 schools with six teams. Week 2 Highlighting this week’s news is

Western New York Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s College Hockey Report by Janet Schultz Janet@nyhockeyonline.com JDSchultz3663@gmail.com

They open the New Year at Mercyhurst on January 13 and at home on January 17 vs Lindenwood. Cornine leads the scoring with 4 goals/5 assists. Caitlin Wallace has 3 goals/2 assists. Terra Lanteigne has been the go-to goalie with a 2.84 GAA and .911 save percentage.

University of Buffalo

With ten games recorded the Lady Ice Bulls are 9 wins, 0 losses and 1 tie. Four of their players are leading the scoring in the nation with Madeline Norton in first place with 26 goals/18 assists. In second through fourth are Alexis Peters, 16/20; Buffalo State The Bengals are 5-4-1 and off until January 6 with Mamie Talty, 12/20 and Courtney Miller 12/13. Rounding out the top ten at number 8 is Lynn they travel to play Salem College. Their next home game is Williams on January 10 Copeland with 6 goals and 13 assists. Their next game is at Liberty College on Decemfollowed by William Smith on January 14 and 15. Erin Gehen leads the scoring with 5 goals and 3 ber 3 and 4 and then they are off until January 28 assists, followed by Brooke Krantz, 1 goal/4 assists and 29 when they play the University of Maryland in Buffalo. and Rachel Lenard, 2 goals/2 assists. On November 7 Justine Silva was named ECACW Goaltender of the Week with two straight victories over #9 Utica College. She allowed 1 goal in the 2 wins making 45 stops on the weekend, one in overtime. Silva is 3-0-1 with a 1.33 GAA and .925 save percentage.

RIT

Taylor Baker and Claudia Black had their first collegiate goals in a 4-3 loss to Robert Morris. Toni Haywood had her first collegiate goal against Rensselaer. RIT won their first CHA contest 2-1 over Lindenwood on November 19. Following that game Kendall Cornine had a three-point effort that led RIT to beat Rensselaer 3-1. 3-15 overall, RIT is having difficulty this season. They are 1-8 at home; 2-7 away and face Syracuse University on December 2 and 3; Bemidji on December 9 and 10 before taking a holiday break.

(WNYGVIH Continued from Page 42)

Adding to that is the 14 goals Amherst/SweetHome/ Clarence put up to beat West Seneca/Hamburg/Depew on December 1. However, WSHE scored 8 goals making it an exciting game. As of December 7 Williamsville is leading with a perfect 4-0-0 record. Orchard Park/Frontier/LakeShore and Amherst/SweetHome/Clarence follow with 3-1-0 records. Monsignor Martin sits in third after playing just 3 games with a 2-1-0 record followed by Kenmore, West Seneca/Hamburg/Eden and sitting in last place is Lancaster/Depew/Iroquois. After 4 games played Amherst/SweetHome/Clarence Julia Mings has 15 points with 11 goals and 4 assists and her teammate, Emma Faso has 5 goals and 8 assists for 13 points. After 45 minutes of play between the nets Orchard Park/Frontier/Lake Shore’s Maggie Spyche hasn’t let a goal past her giving her a 1.00 save percentage. After 45 minutes of play, Williamsville’s Mia Wendell has let 1 puck

get threw. With 75 minutes of play Monsignor Martin’s Brianna Gawronski has a .929 save percentage and 1.20 GAA. It looks like this season will be no different from the other six, we won’t call a champion until the playoffs! There is no admission charge for these games and the complete schedule can be found at www.wnygirlshockey. com

West News and Notes ...Congratulations to the Niagara Jr. Purple Eagles Squirt Tier 5 team on the Festival ...Danielle Bos, Niagara Catholic High School, has signed a letter of intent to play ice hockey at Chatham University. ...Scott Then will be announcing tryout dates for the 2017 Empire State Games. The Games will be held February 3-5 and this year, DO NOT Conflict with the New York State Girls Varsity Ice Hockey Championships. The team is made up of any player over the age of 18 and they come from ACHA club teams, College DI and DIII teams and also girl’s who have played in the Olympics. Watch NYHOL Facebook and Scott’s Facebook page for tryout details. ...Results from West Section Tier I 15U/16U, 18U Sectionals: 15 #1- Jr Sabres #2-Perinton 16 U- #1-Jr Sabres #2-Buffalo Regals #3-Amherst #4-Perinton #5-West Seneca #6-St Francis #7-Wheatfield 18 U #1- Jr Sabres #2-Buffalo Saints #3-Buffalo Regals #4-West Seneca ... Effective immediately Ed Guzdek will be the West Section Girls/Womens Coordinator. His E-mail address is ed.guzdek@nysaha.com. ...

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

Wkozires@brockport.edu

McFall Named Athlete of Week Brendan McFall, Hamburg, has been named Region III NJCAA Male

Athlete of the Week for the week ending November 27. Brendan led Erie Community College in scoring in both weekend contests against Canisius College. On the road Saturday with the Kats trailed 2-1, McFall scored the game-tying goal and assisted on the game-winner after also assisting on his team’s opening goal. McFall registered another 3-point game the next day with a pair of goals and an assist in a 7-6 loss. Brendan’s second goal gave the Kats a late 6-5 lead in the final period before the Griffs rallied and became the only team to beat Erie this season in regulation. The pair of goals in the latter contest gave McFall 11 on the season; his mark currently leads the nation, as does his plus-minus with a plus-11. Brendan is the grandson of John McFall, Sr., son of John McFall, Jr. and nephew of former NHL’er Dan Mc-

Fall.

BROCKPORT

The Golden Eagles were getting balanced scoring with 11 players averaging one point every two games or better through the first three weekends while securing their first two conference wins. “We have all these road games in the first half to prepare us and I think having four points already (heading into December) compared to years past is big for us,” head coach Brian Dickinson said. Freshman Connor Hutchins, Hunter Laslo, Doc Gentzler and Luke Bennett all had netted their first collegiate goals through the early stages of the season while last season’ SUNYAC Rookie of the Year, Tim Kielich (East Aurora), was among the top ten nationally with eight assists over six games.

BUFFALO STATE

The team broke out after a one-point opening weekend winning four straight while outscoring their opponents 185. Freshmen Anthony Passero, Zach Remers (Clarence), Michael Anthony Guerrera and Roberts Smits were all off to fast starts offensively each with four or more points in six games. Senior forward Taylor Pryce moved into tenth place alltime in career points at the school with 76 through the first six games passing Mike Zanella, Ryan Salkeld and D’Arcy Thomas. The Bengals featured four freshmen on their second power play unit at times in the early stages of the season. “It’s an area that I think we struggled with last year and bottom line is that they’re going to get their shot and, as long as they can do some good things, we’re going to roll with the

hot hands,” head coach Steve Murphy said.

CANISIUS

Though struggling in non-conference games, the Golden Griffins were hot in Atlantic Hockey action and sat in second place heading to the Thanksgiving break with freshman Nick Hutchinson (Hicksville) and Matt Hoover accounting for ten of their first 17 team goals. Senior goaltender Charles Williams earned his first shutout in Canisius Blue and Gold after he recorded 41 saves—21 in the third period—Nov. 4 against RIT. He was conference Goaltender of the Week the third week in Oct. after going 1-0-1 over the weekend series, owning a .922 save percentage on 59 saves. Freshman forward Casey Jerry scored his first career goal Nov. 5 as the Griffs defeated RIT. Sophomore Alex Jaeckle scored his first game-winner one night earlier in a 1-0 win. Felix Chamberlain netted a hat trick with three power play goals Oct. 21 versus Robert Morris—the first Golden Griffin hat trick since Ralph Cuddemi Dec. 6, 2014 versus AIC. It is also the first power play hat trick since Carl Hudson in a 5-5 tie with Sacred Heart in 2010 - a span of 199 games. Chamberlain earned conference Player o the Week honors for his efforts.

ERIE CC

At 7-1-1 to start the campaign, the Kats were well on their way to another number one ranking in pursuit of the final NJCCA national championship. Anthony Cybulski (Cheektowaga) and Brendan McFall (Hamburg) shared the team scoring lead with freshman classmate Bill Shaffer (Portville) close behind. Christian

Nati (Lockport), Taiki Saton and Alex Suchan (Hamburg) also had nine points through six games. Freshman goaltender Jeffrey Gardner (Auburn) had the better stats early, but Brett Fordham and Kyle Fallon (Orchard Park) were also splitting time.

FREDONIA

The Blue Devils were off to their best start in recent seasons with three wins and a tie over their first six conference contests. Junior Samuel Wilbur, sophomore Bobby Polachek and senior Marcus Ortiz were atop the team scoring chart. Freshmen Tommy DeFelice, Gavin Nickerson and Jacob Hynes all netted their first collegiate goals while sophomore goaltender Eric Bogard was solid in playing all but five minutes of the first seven games.

GENESEO

One season removed from their run to the national semi-finals, the Knights were seemingly scoring at will, especially with the man advantage, in averaging over six goals per game and earning a point in all but a match with nationally ranked Oswego. “The seniors from last year showed our juniors how to lead and were really good at making sure guys were accountable, guys were doing the right things,” head coach Chris Schultz said. “So this group—juniors now being seniors—were really good at being led, so now it’s a transition into leadership and they’ve done a good job so far.” Senior Stephen Collins (Pittsford) was leading the nation with 14 points in six games while senior captain Jack Ceglarski and freshman defenseman Cam Russell stood among the best in the country in assists. Freshman Conlon

Keenan (Penfield) was also a pleasant surprise averaging one goal per game through the early stages. Forward David Szmyd was named the SUNYAC Rookie of the Week Nov. 14 after he notched consecutive twopoint nights against Canton. Two native New Yorkers are among four inducted as the Class of 2016 Geneseo Sports Hall of Fame. Erik Stevens (Suffern) ‘87 graduated 10th with 108 career points and eighth with 73 career assists. His career points mark still remains second all-time for Geneseo defensemen, while his assist total is third. Marc Miller (West Seneca) ‘92 amassed 195 points on 85 goals and 110 assists in four seasons. His career goal total remains third all-time at the College, while his point total is fourth.

NAZARETH A 4-2 beginning to their ECAC West schedule had the Eagles in the middle of the pack behind nationally ranked Hobart and Utica. They will play non-conference opponents until Jan. 20. Senior Domink Gabaj is averaging just under one point per game and was leading the squad through the first eight games. Sophomore Austin Romzek was pacing the team in assists along with Oliver Janzen. Freshmen Brad Miller and Phil Kreuser both netted their first collegiate goals while senior Brandon Lane was securing the top spot in goal with a 4-3-1 mark while playing every game. The team heads to Norwich, VY the last weekend of the year for the Northfield Bank Tournament with Oswego and Williams.

NIAGARA It took 11 games, but the Purple Eagles finally secured their first win of the season Nov. 15 against Mercyhurst with sophomore goaltender Guillaume Therien getting his first win in the 18th decision. They followed with a 4-0 shutout four days later at Sacred Heart. Junior center Derian Plouffe was named the Player of the Week by Atlantic Hockey Nov. 22 after he netted three goals and four points as the team secured their first two

wins of the season. Kris Spriggs was named Atlantic Hockey Rookie of the Month in Oct. as he led Niagara in scoring through the team’s first seven games. He has scored two goals and added four assists for six points to lead all Atlantic Hockey freshmen in scoring with his six points and ranked second in points per game. Spriggs was named Travel Team USA Rookie of the Week on October 11th after recording one goal, two assists, and 10 shots on goal in two games versus Holy Cross to open the season. Defenseman Tyler Hayes was named Atlantic Hockey Defensive Player of the Week and forward Derek Brown Rookie of the Week Oct. 22. In addition to registering scoring two assists—his first two collegiate points. Brown led the team with three points in three games played. Hayes scored his first collegiate goal Nov. 15 versus Mercyhurst. Nicolas Carrier’s first collegiate goal came Nov. 19 against Sacred Heart. “We didn’t have the start to the season we wanted to, but tonight was an example of what we can do when we’re all laying 60 minutes,” senior TJ Sarcona said after the first win. “We could not lose tonight, especially the way the season has gone,” head coach Dave Burkholder said. Entering the Nov. 18-19 weekend, the Purple Eagles’ freshmen and sophomores account for 42 of Niagara’s 66 points, over 63 percent of the team’s total offense.

R.I.T.

Four straight losses and then three straight wins carried the streaky Tigers into December. Goaltender Mike Rotolo (Greece) broke the RIT Division I team record for most saves in a career with 1,795 surpassing the previous mark of 1,787, held by Jordan Ruby, who played at the university from 2011-15. Rotolo also surpassed 70 career appearances passing Louis Menard (200509) for the Division I team record. Erik Brown was named the Atlantic Hockey Player of the Week Oct. 28-29 after recording five points on three goals and two assists, and a plus-3 rating in a weekend sweep at Bentley. Brady Norrish was named the Atlantic Hockey Defensive Player of the Week the same week after

Jeffrey B Scott Tourney Announcement

ow that the 2016-17 Hockey Season is well under way – it is time to start considering end of the year tournaments. It is my hope that when choosing an end of the year tournament for your team this season; you will consider the 16th Annual Jeffrey B. Scott Memorial Peewee House Tournament hosted by the Cheektowaga Warriors. Jeffrey B. Scott died on March 27, 1982, at the age of 11. Jeffrey died from a ‘sudden cardiac death due to a lethal rhythm disturbance related to a congenital heart valve defect’ while playing street hockey with his friends. In the year 2001, the 1st Annual Jeffrey B. Scott Memorial Tournament was hosted by the Cheektowaga Warriors Youth Hockey Organization at the Cheektowaga Recreation Center and over the past 15 seasons; it has become the area’s top tournament for Peewee House Teams; promoting sportsmanship, teamwork and most of all, having fun! The goal of this tournament is to make the difference in the life of at least one child. All money raised from the tournament this year will be donated to the The American Heart Association, with the goal of placing Automated External Defibrillators (AED) in needed facilities throughout the WNY area. To date over $180,000 has been raised through the JBS Memorial Tournament which has led to the tournament donating more than 65 AED’s to participating team’s home ice rinks and other facilities in need throughout the WNY Region! It has been the goal of the Jeffrey B. Scott Tournament to donate AED’s to every hockey arena in Western New York in Jeffrey’s name; by entering your team in this year’s tournament, your team can earn an AED for your home rink free of charge! We know that there are many choices for your end of PLEASE JOIN US IN COMPETING IN THE 16TH ANNUAL the season tournament, but we ask that you and your team please consider the Jeffrey B. Scott Memorial TournaJEFFREY B. SCOTT ment this year. For more information about the cause, MEMORIAL HOCKEY TOURNAMENT please visit http://www.jbsmemorial.com/. FOR PEEWEE HOUSE TEAMS Yours in Hockey, Eric M. Godzich MARCH 16-19, 2017 Jeffrey B. Scott Memorial Tournament Coordinator Cheektowaga Warriors Hockey AT THE CHEEKTOWAGA RECREATION CENTER 1

CHEEKTOWAGA TOWN PARK

HARLEM ROAD, CHEEKTOWAGA, NY

ENTRY FEE PER TEAM: $800.002

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: ERIC GODZICH @ THE CHEEKTOWAGA HOCKEY OFFICE AT 897-7218 OR EGODZ51@YAHOO.COM OR VISIT WWW.JBSMEMORIAL.COM

TO RESERVE YOUR TEAMS SPOT IN THIS YEARS A $100.00 NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT IS DUE BY: FEBRUARY 1, 2017

TOURNAMENT,

1 IF NECESSARY TEAMS WILL PLAY ON THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 2017. TEAMS PAYING IN FULL BY JANUARY 1, 2017 WILL SAVE $100.00 ON THEIR REGISTRATION FEE.

he dished out four assists, blocked three shots, was plus-3. Freshman Ryan Kruger netted his first two collegiate goals Nov. 11-12 at Air Force. Defenseman Darren Brady and forward Shawn Cameron each scored his first Nov. 18 versus Army. RIT is second nationally in shots on goal per game, with 37.8 per contest. RIT has out-shot its opponents and tallied at least 30 shots in eight of nine contests this season. A home-and-home series with Canisius Nov. 4-5 marked just the third time since RIT moved to Atlantic Hockey in 2006 that they were held to just a single goal during a two-game weekend.

AREA NOTES: • Holy Cross goaltender Paul Berrafato (Williamsville) posted his first shutout of the season and the fourth of his career in the 3-0 win versus Brown on Oct. 28 and was named Atlantic Hockey Goaltender of the Week. He made 23 saves against the Bears. His four career shutouts rank third all-time in the school’s Division I history. • Penn State freshman Nate Sucese (Fairport) netted his first collegiate goal Oct. 7 against St. Lawrence.

much tougher road for them this year to match that success. They are going to have to learn how to play the game when they are being keyed upon. Takes a mentally tough individual to be able to match that success when they will face adversity every game they play in.” Junior Pat Condon with seniors Derek Stahl and Cam Hampson will anchor the defense along with Division I transfer Braxton Bilous via Merrimack. There are some questions that need answers about depth here. The list of recruits includes forwards Conlon Keenan (Webster) and David Szmyd from NJ Hitmen in USPHL, Andrew Romano from Johnstown in NAHL, Devin Brink from Philadelphia in USPHL and Tyson Empey from Flin Flon in the SJHL. On defense the team welcomes Cameron Russell from Kemptville in the CCHL and Teddy McCabe (Webster) from Cumberland in the CCHL. “We only play three home games the entire first semester so that will be a test,” Schultz said. “It will be important for us to prepare our players for that schedule so that they are managing their time academically yet ready to compete after some long bus rides.”

Geneseo Preview

(We apologize for not printing this in our November issue)

he Knights ran on emotion all the way to the Division III final four after losing a teammate to murder and several others to injury along the way. They hope for a sequel on the ice. The top line of Trevor Hills (third in the nation in points per game) (Honeoye Falls) and Stephen Collins (fifth) (Pittsford) with sophomore Anthony Marra (25th) should return intact to drive the offense. “We hope to get more scoring from the supporting cast though,” head coach Chris Schultz said. “We are hoping to get more production from Jack Ceglarski, Connor Anthoine and Arthur Gordon as their roles will be vital. “In the net, I expect senior Matt Leon to push sophomore Devin McDonald for the starting role. “Nice to have all three All-Americans back in Hills, Collins, and (Pat) Condon (Merrick). However, it will be a