Ocotber 2016

NY HOCKEY NY HOCKEY OCTOBER 2016 Volume 6, Issue 1

E-MAGAZINE

NEW COACH AT NU CUPCAKES CELEBRATE BUFFALO NEW ARENAS

OUR 6TH SEASON COVERING NYS HOCKEY

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In This Issue:

Antarctic Hockey.......................12 Auburn Ice Hawks.....................31 Buffalo Sabres............................... 8 Buffalo Stars.........................44, 48 Bush Memorial............................. 4 Camillus Girls..............................26 Central Section...........................21 Coaching W/Gridley.................13 Dunn Memorial............................ 9 East Section.................................32 Finger Lakes Hockey.................25 Hyde Park Dedication..............16 Key Bank Arena............................ 7 Lockport Hockey.......................43 McMullen’s Dream.....................51 Moreau to NU............................... 5 Nichols School............................47 North Section..............................35 NWHL.............................................19 NYS District Boys.......................... 7 NY Islanders.................................10 NY Rangers..................................11 One Buffalo News......................14 Photo Page..................................55 Sedia Column..............................42 WBHA.............................................46 West Section...............................41 Wheatfield Blades.....................48 Who To Watch (Women).........37

Dear Reader:

October is a beautiful time of the year. Autumn is upon us as the weather begins to cool down and the leaves on the tree begin to change color.

October is a very busy time of the year, sports-wise.

Not only is hockey kicking into high gear, football is in full swing and baseball is heading into its post-season.

This issue has a wide variety of hockey in it. Janet and Koz give us the DIII Men’s and Women’s Hockey preview while I take a look at the NWHL’s Buffalo Beauts upcoming campaign.

The Purple Eagles of Niagara have named a former NHL’er as their new assistant coach and just down the road there was a ribbon cutting ceremony going on at the renovated Niagara Falls Ice Arena.

We’re also taking a look at hockey in Antarctica, as well as One Buffalo launching a new cupcake.

As always, we thank our sponsors who continue to support our magazine. We ask you to support them as well.

If you are having problems getting access to our web page, please contact me and let me know. We can help you work your way around the warning screen. We are working with Google on the problem. Bottom line: There is no problem with our site or our magazine.

As soon as you receive this issue, please feel free to pass it along to others. If you have any ideas for stories, please email me as well.

To everyone, have a great hockey season and safe journeys to all who are on the road.

Best Wishes, Randy Schultz Publisher and Managing Editor NY Hockey OnLine Magazine

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

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

Publisher &Managing Editor Randy Schultz Randy@nyhockeyonline.com

NY Hockey OnLine is an equal opportunity employer.

Contents 2015-16 NY Hockey Online All rights reserved

Designer/Photographer Janet Schultz Janet@nyhockeyonline.com

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

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ne of the most recognized and respected leaders in hockey worldwide, Walter L. Bush, Jr., passed away September 22 at the age of 86.

USA Hockey’s co-chairman of the board, former president and namesake of USA Hockey’s national headquarters – The Walter

“Walter’s a big reason why our sport is as strong as it is today,” said Jim Smith, president of USA Hockey.

“He’s been a mentor to so many, including myself.

USA Hockey and the sport overall are so much better because of Walter Bush.”

“Walter’s passing is a tremendously sad moment not only for our organi-

League teams – the Minneapolis Culbertsons and the Minneapolis Millers – before turning his focus to the administrative side of the sport.

From 195558, Bush served as president for

USA Hockey Mourns Passing of Walter L. Bush, Jr. L. Bush, Jr., Center – in Colorado Springs, Colo., Bush played an integral role in the growth of hockey in the United States since beginning his service for the Amateur Hockey Association of the United States in 1956.

“Walter Bush has been the single most influential person in the development and evolution of the structure of amateur hockey in the United States,” said Ron DeGregorio, co-chairman of the board of USA Hockey. “He was a leader in the Olympic movement and his passion for sport was evident each and every day. We’ll miss him dearly, in particular his wisdom and wit.”

zation, but for the entire hockey community,” said Dave Ogrean, executive director of USA Hockey. “He helped create opportunities for so many because of his unending passion and commitment to advancing our sport. He’ll be missed more than words can describe and our heartfelt condolences go out to his family.”

Born in Minneapolis on September 25, 1929, Bush learned to play ice hockey at a military school before attending Dartmouth College in Hanover, N.H., from 1947-51. He went on to graduate from the University of Minnesota’s law school and skate for a pair of United States Hockey

the newly created Central Hockey League before signing on as a member of the AHAUS’s (now USA Hockey) board of directors in 1959. That year, he served as a team manager for the U.S. Men’s National Team, and helped convince the Soviet Union to make an appearance in the United States for the first time. He went on to serve as a director for the United States Olympic Committee during the 1960 Olympic Winter Games in Squaw Valley, Calif., and later served as general manager of the U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team in 1964.

The Minnesota Amateur Hockey Association’s president from 1961-63,

Bush helped run the CHL’s Minneapolis Bruins as owner and president from 1963-65 before turning his sights to the National Hockey League. He successfully bid for an expansion franchise in his home town, and served as president of the Minnesota North Stars for over 10 years (1966-76) and chairman of the board from 1976-78.

“Walter Bush was a formidable presence at all levels of the hockey world,” said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.

(Continued on Page 34)

NHL Veteran Moreau Joins NU

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he Niagara Purple Eagles hockey team announced the hiring of Ethan Moreau as assistant coach. A 15-year veteran of the National Hockey League, Moreau joins the staff of head coach David Burkholder for the 2016-17 season.

“Ethan’s decorated professional career on the ice will help him transition quickly to coaching,” Burkholder said.

“We want our players at Niagara to develop a professional attitude and mindset, and there is no one better for them to learn those skills from than a former NHL player.

“Ethan’s experience is a huge gain for us in the hockey department. Beyond that, he is a tremendous person with a track record of helping out in the community.

“I know Ethan as someone who is dedicated to living all aspects of his life with class and character. He is a family man first and brings so much to our campus.

“I welcome his wife, Ornella, and children, Trey and Mia, to the Niagara University family.”

Moreau’s NHL career spanned 15 seasons, in which he collected 147 goals and 140 assists in 928 games with the Chicago Blackhawks (1995-99), Edmonton Oilers (19992010), Columbus Blue Jackets (2010-11) and Los Angeles Kings (2011-12). Among current NCAA Division I hockey coaches, only three played more games at the NHL level than Moreau: Boston University assistant coach Scott Young, Michigan State assistant coach Kelly Miller, and Michigan head coach Red Berenson.

Moreau made his NHL debut with Chicago, playing there for four years and serving as an assistant captain. After his time in Chicago, Moreau went on to become one of the longest-tenured members of the Edmonton Oilers franchise over the following decade.

Moreau’s 653 games in Edmonton rank 13th in the franchise’s history, and he recorded 112 goals and 100 assists in that time. He scored a career-best 20 goals during the 200304 season with the Oilers and was named the team’s Most Valuable Player that season.

In the 2005-06 postseason, Moreau played in 21 games

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as Edmonton advanced to the Stanley Cup Final, eventually falling in seven games to the Carolina Hurricanes. Moreau served as the Oilers’ team captain for three seasons from 2007 to 2010.

He was also awarded the 2009 King Clancy Memorial Trophy, given each year to an NHL player for exemplary leadership qualities on and off the ice in addition to humanitarian contributions. Moreau played with the Columbus Blue Jackets during the 2010-11 season and served as an assistant captain for the team.

Prior to his time in the NHL, Moreau played major junior hockey in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), spending the vast majority of that time with the Niagara Falls Thunder. In 248 OHL games, Moreau tallied 322 points on 134 goals and 188 assists.

In 1994, Moreau was awarded the Bobby Smith Award, given annually to the OHL player who best embodies excellence on the ice and in the classroom.

The connection between Moreau and Burkholder spans over 20 years.

Burkholder began his coaching career with Niagara

Falls during the 1993-94 season under head coach Chris Johnstone. Following that season, Moreau was taken in the first round (14th overall) by the Chicago Blackhawks.

After retiring from the NHL in 2012, Moreau joined the scouting staff of the NHL’s Montreal Canadiens as a pro scout for three seasons. Moreau joins the Purple Eagles after serving as a development coach at the HARBORCENTER Academy of Hockey in Buffalo, N.Y. for the past year.

“My family and I are extremely excited to be a part of the long-standing history at Niagara University,” Moreau said. “Joining the athletic department and hockey staff will be a new challenge and I intend to help get Niagara hockey back to the NCAA tournament.

“I am honored to serve as Coach Burkholder’s assistant and I look forward to learning from his extensive knowledge. I would like to thank the university and athletic director Simon Gray for this opportunity.”

A native of Huntsville, Ontario, Moreau currently resides in Niagara Falls, Ontario with his wife Ornella, son Trey, and daughter Mia. (Photo: Coach Burkholder (r) presents Moreau with his NU Jersey)

NYS Players Selected for NY District Camp

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ighty elite players from across New York District were invited to the 2002 Player Development Camp held in Oswego in June. Twelve camps were conducted throughout the US. Participants were exposed to an intense daily schedule of on- and off-ice instruction by high-level coaches from prep, college and professional levels of hockey.

Invited to the New York Camp were: Team Red: Drew Doran, Lucas Bell, Jackson Carroll, Nick Krug, Christian Jimenez, Jacob Kopek, Hunter McDonald, Val Aleynik, Michael Bievenue, Matthew Coronato, Aiden Darby, Randy Dodig, Ryan Durand, Schuyler Flansburg, Marc Hagan, Richard Lesser, Nathan Mann, Kyle Neudorf, Dalton Wright and Cameron Smith.

Team White: Chase Clark, Nate Boak, Charlie Leary, David Ma, Andrew Manley, Jackson McCarthy, Danny Griffin, Matthew Barnes, David Bunn, Justin Chenaille, Zachary Friol, Nathaniel Hanley, Michael Herrera, Robert Hyde, Raymond Miller, Tyler O’Grady, Austin Robinson, Luke Tuch, Will Varney and Anthony Russo.

Team Blue: Riley Hansen, Hayden Bauer, S;pencer Evans, Matt Harvey, Eamon Powerll, Matt Speelman, Michael Suda,Ethan Bishara, Anthony Calafiore, Brandon Gierczak, Dupree Haris-McDonnell, Ryan Kirwan, Jack McCandless, Connor Fitzpatrick, Zachary Miller, mark Monaco, Wiliam Rice, Griffin Tominez, Shane Zarcone and Luke Pavicich.

Team Yellow: Nicholas Golis, Jamie Barkume, Zachery Bookman, Brandon chabrier, Jacob Przystal, Carter Rose,Sam Saccone, Nichlas Albrecht, Kolby Amici, Troy Clemnet, Rhett Darrah, Lucas Hoskin, Nicholas Rexine, Cameron Ricotta, Jack Rogers, Hunter Rossi, Andrew Sarafin,Michael Stevens, Matthew Yeager and Kyle Saul.

We congratulate these young men on their accomplishments.

It’s Not First Niagara Any Longer!

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he Buffalo Sabres’ home arena is now known as KeyBank Center. The name was changed from First Niagara Center after federal regulators approved KeyBank’s merger with First Niagara Financial Group.

There have been multiple name changes with the arena since it opened in 1996. It was originally called Marine Midland Arena.

The name was then changed to HSBC Arena in 2000.

It became First Niagara Center in 2011.

All of these changes thanks to bank mergers.

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Buffalo Sabres

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ooking at Cody Franson as he skated during the first day of onice work at training camp for the Sabres, you can see a few obvious differences from a year ago. He’s leaner and stronger, for example, which is the product of a summer spent working to become faster and more explosive.

There’s also the number on his back, which has changed from 46 to 6. He took 46 last season having few other options after signing late in the summer. There were no tears shed when he had the opportunity to leave that number behind and switch to the one he wore while coming up in junior hockey.

“It went along with probably the worst year of my career,” Franson said following practice on Friday. “When 6 became available, it was an easy choice.”

That’s a harsh self-evaluation for Franson, but it’s easy to see where he’s coming from. His first season in Buffalo started out fine, but eventually he was split between struggling to adapt to a new role and then trying to come back from an injury he knew little about.

Franson averaged over 18 minutes of ice time in each of the previous three seasons prior to joining the Sabres. He enjoyed those same minutes in the first few months of last season, skating over 20 minutes regularly into November. Once Zach Bogosianreturned from injury, however, decisions had to be made.

“There was a battle for that powerplay position and time and there was also a battle for ice time,” Sabres coach Dan Bylsma said. “I think he started the season with a full comple-

ment, about 18 minutes and some power play time, and as guys came back, he moved into a different position on our team and I think that’s kind of what happened.”

Playing a lesser role proved to be a difficult adjustment.

“We changed personnel on the power play and some roles changed around,” Franson said. “When Bogo came back, I had to adapt to a different role and I struggled with it last year, trying to play in that lower-minute range.”

His season took a turn for the w o r s e during a February game in Columbus, when he was hit hard into t h e boards from behind by Scott H a r t n e l l.

H e didn’t know it at the time, but his season was over. The only problem was that he didn’t know exactly what was wrong with him.

Originally, he said, he was diagnosed with a concussion. But he was suspicious of that diagnosis because light wasn’t bothering him; he could look into the sun and feel fine. What hurt him was quickly turning his head or changing direction, which would leave him feeling lightheaded.

As it turned out, Franson wasn’t concussed at all. His ailment was vestibular, or a balance disorder, which was the product of his left eye tracking slower than his right.

“The scariest part about it was, it’s not like a knee that you’ve sprained, an MCL or a shoulder,” he said. “You can’t just battle through some pain and feel your rehab process working.

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With this, it was a lot of tracking drills and stuff with eye goggles on, trying to work with deception and things like that.”

While most rehab includes physical drills to get the body back in order, Franson spent his rehab tracking a tennis ball as it moved around him and completing other similar tracking drills. Eventually, visual therapy was able to provide him with statistical data that showed evidence of his improvement and helped ease his uncertainty.

Now, he’s back and ready for a fresh start. Like his teammates, he’s excited about the addition of Dmitry Kulikov to the defense and the left-right balance it will provide. He’s also embracing the competition for minutes, which is evident in how he spent his summer.

“I’m taking camp very seriously, trying to reestablish myself in this lineup and make it tough for the coaches to not play me,” he said.

It’s only one day, but his coach has already taken notice of the work he put in.

“I don’t know if you can see it but he came back with a little bit different body composition,” Bylsma said. “He’s a little leaner, I think he’s moving better, and that’s a result of the summer he had and it’s got to translate into his play on the ice.”

(Reprinted with permission of the Buffalo Sabres)

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NYS HOCKEY FANS MOURN THE LOSS OF RICHIE DUNN

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he Rochester Americans are deeply saddened today to announce the passing of Amerks Hall of Fame defenseman Richie Dunn. He was 59.

Dunn played parts of five seasons for the Amerks from 1985-86 to 1989-90 and put together one of the all-time great runs by a Rochester blueliner. In 276 career games, Dunn recorded 161 points on 41 goals and 120 assists, along with 226 penalty minutes. His 161 points rank him eighth all-time among Amerks defensemen. He also ranks seventh in both goals and assists among Rochester defensemen and served as a team captain during the 198889 season.

“I’m just devastated by the news. We lost a great Amerk and a great player. He was one of the nicest guys I ever got to play with,” recalled fellow Hall of Famer Jody Gage, who had the privilege of playing all five seasons alongside Dunn in Rochester.

“He was a great player, but he was an even better person that I was proud to call my friend, remembered Gage.

“He always put the team first and that’s what made him such a good teammate. We were all better to have known him. My deepest sympathies go out to his wife, Kathy, his children and everyone that new Richie.”

After splitting the 1985-86 campaign between the

Amerks and Buffalo Sabres, Dunn posted arguably his best season in 1986-87. In 64 games, he registered 32 points on six goals and 26 assists to lead all Amerks blueliners in scoring and was named to the AHL First All-Star Team. In the postseason, he collected seven points (1+6) in 18 games to help the Amerks win the Calder Cup championship.

Dunn upped his offensive contributions the following season, scoring an AHL career-high 12 goals and adding 35 assists to rank fifth on the team in scoring and tops among defensemen, earning a place on the AHL Second All-Star Team. He went on to add 58 more points (16+42) over 110 games over his final two seasons with the Amerks before retiring in 1990.

“Izzy was a steady and very reliable defenseman on the team as well as being a team leader,” said Paul Brydges, Dunn’s teammate for three seasons, including the 1987 Calder Championship squad.

But it was off the ice that Dunn was known most for. Teammates remembered him for being the guy with the infectious smile that could turn even the worst of times into one of the best.

“Off the ice he was humble, gracious and always had a smile and time for everyone,” added Brydes. Family came first for Izzy. I considered him not just a teammate, but a friend. I will miss him dearly.

(Continued on Page 15)

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yan Strome was back at center on the first day of Islanders training camp and it’s possible he could be there to start the season as well.

Strome skated between Anders Lee and Josh Bailey in the second group of Friday’s skate at Northwell Health Ice Center and while that move back to center isn’t official, the 23-year-old would welcome it.

“If that’s the way it shakes out, then that’d be great,” Strome said. “Obviously it’d be a bit of an adjustment just trying to get back to it. Nothing I’m not used to, I’ve been a centerman a lot of my life.”

The Islanders fifth-overall pick in 2011 was originally drafted as a center, but a crowded field down the middle had him mostly playing left wing.

It was fine when he scored 50 points in 2014-15, but after seeing those totals drop to 28 points last season, moving him back to his natural position may help get him back on the right track.

“I think it’ll help him to be in the middle. He wants the puck, he distributes the puck, he sees the ice and the difference is he has that deceptive speed,” assistant coach and assistant GM Doug Weight said. “I think it’s the right spot for him. Whether it stays, well we have five or six guys that can play the middle.”

Weight said Strome’s defensive awareness also makes him a good candidate for playing center and his lanky frame maybe wasn’t the best fit along the wall. General Manager Garth Snow said over the summer that he thinks Strome is most effective at center and that the previous center-heavy makeup of the team forced him to the wing.

But for Strome, rebounding from last year is about more

than just switching positions. He knew he had to make changes, so he altered his offseason training, his offseason training partners and his diet.

“I bought a house, lived on my own and grew up a little bit,” Strome said. “Taking some initiative and taking things upon myself to make myself better and be responsible. I like where I’m at.”

“We wanted him to eat good food and push a lot of weight and just work his butt off and push the process to push beyond what he’s pushed before,” Weight said.

Strome took it seriously, but he still couldn’t resist having some fun with it and letting his personality shine through.

“I have a lot of pictures of Ryan walking out of Whole Foods holding his chicken breast or his fillet and pointing to the sign,” Weight said.

S t r o m e was part of an excited and optimistic Islanders group on Thursday, a group that said they were ready to build off of last year’s season and improve.

Whether he’s at center or wing, Strome just wants to fully put last season behind him, so this season can’t come soon enough.

“What I learned last year is that it’s a long season with a lot of ups and downs, so you have to stay even keeled as long as you can,” Strome said. “I did a lot of good things this summer; hopefully they translate to training camp and into the season. I’m very optimistic about the season, the group we have and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Islanders

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(Reprinted with permission of the New York Islanders)

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he biggest splash on the trade market the Rangers made this offseason was acquiring forward Mika Zibanejad from the Ottawa Senators, a player head coach Alain Vigneault said he and the management team felt is still on the rise as a player in the National Hockey League.

The biggest splash on the trade market the Rangers made this offseason was acquiring forward Mika Zibanejad from the Ottawa Senators, a player head coach Alain Vigneault said he and the management team felt is still on the rise as a player in the National Hockey League.

“He’s a younger player that our scouting staff and our management all felt he was on the upswing,” Vigneault said of Zibanejad on Thursday. “The speed is there. The skill is there. The youth is there. We believe he’s not fully developed yet and with the right environment teammate wise, coaching wise, we can get more from [him].”

Count Zibanejad as one who feels the same as Vigneault and company.

“I think so. I know so,” Zibanejad said Saturday during training camp. “I feel like I’ve grown.

As a young player, you always want to evolve from season to season. I feel like I Haven’t hit the peak yet. I know I have much more to give but I think that’s some of those things you have to work on every day, little things every day to get better.”

The 23-year-old forward said improving is a process and doesn’t expect it to happen overnight, but that doesn’t stop him from wanting to get there fast.

“Obviously I want to get there as fast as I can and that’s what I’m working for.”

Rangers General Manager Jeff Gorton said it was a little bit of everything that led to the Rangers pulling the trigger on the deal that sent Derick Brassard to Ottawa for Zibanejad, including age.

“Zibanejad is a player we’ve liked for a while,” Gorton said on Saturday. “We like his package of skating, skill, his ability to score, the fact that he’s a right-handed shot on the power play. He’s a pretty well-rounded player defensively. And then you throw on top of that his age. He’s a younger player that scored 20 goals twice in the League.

That was all part of it.”

While it’s known what Zibanejad is today, where does the player see himself down the road?

“I want to be a leading player on one of the top two lines, the top-six where I can contribute on offense,” Zibanejad said. “I think the defensive numbers have been going up every season and for good reason. I think there’s a lot more to give.”

Zibanejad averaged 1:25 of shorthanded ice time per game last season, and said his strong play in his own zone will lead to opportunities offensively.

“It’s one of those things that if I take care of my own end well, I’m going to get good chances,” Zibanejad explained. “Playing with good players, the opportunities are going to be there.

“I think that’s the player I want to be,” Zibanejad added. “I want to be reliable when we’re up by one with one minute left or two minutes left, or if we’re down by one and trying to get a goal. I want to be up there for every different situation.”

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(Reprinted with permission of the New York Rangers)

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By Randy Schultz Randy@nyhockeyonline.com

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yan Bahl is looking for hockey players from New York State to join him playing hockey in Antarctica. That’s right, Antarctica.

Bahl is actually looking for any interested players from around the United States who might be interested in joining him in his venture.

Bahl has played hockey on six Continents and is looking to complete his seventh Continent and the final leg in his epic quest to play hockey on all of the Continents of the world.

“I have actually played hockey all over the world,” said Bahl, who resides in San Diego, CA. “I’ve played in Sweden, the Czech Republic, New Zealand, Australia, Spain, Istanbul, Hong Cong, Africa and Chile.

“Now I want to set a Guinness World Record by organizing a group of players to play in Antarctica.”

Besides setting a record, Bahl has other reasons why he is doing this.

“I want to promote the sport of hockey,” commented Bahl. “I would like to bring this sport to as many people around the world as possible.

“I also want to show people that hockey can be played anywhere, no matter what the conditions may be like. It shouldn’t matter how warm or how cold the temperatures may be.

“Hockey can be played any place.”

There is one other important point that Bahl wanted to point out.

“Global Warming and climate change are huge big issues in the world right now,” continued Bahl. “We are trying to promote the conversing of our fragile environments so that

Hockey’s Final Frontier: Antarctica generations in the future will have the same opport un it ie s we have to play hockey o u t doors.

There are no requirements in skill level or experience to participate in this journey to Antarctica. The only thing Bahl and his group are asking is that players have an amazing passion for hockey and do this for the love of the game.

“Antarctic Hockey is looking for players to join us in this historic event,” added Bahl. “We will most likely be playing a three-on-three or four-on-four shinny match.

“We are just looking for players who are willing to go for the experience and have a good time. Remember, hockey has never been played on Antarctica so we are looking to break records and do something different.”

Bahl also pointed out that in or-

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der to take as many as possible for this event, funding and resources will be needed. All funds raised will go to the building and transporting of the rink, transportation of people and accommodations and resources like food and water.

“We are setting up sponsorships,” concluded Bahl. “We are looking at different way to raise funds.

“Our team is more than determined to make this event happen.

This is history in the making.

“We want to prove that if you set your mind to something, anything is truly possible.”

For further information you can contact Bahl at: www.antartichockey. com.

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Coaching With Gridley

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ver the past 24 years, I have had the privilege of coaching many young hockey players at all levels of the game. For the

things we should be working on are: • The development of a solid, balanced hockey stance.

• The ability to easily get up from the ice after falling.

• Using both feet when striding.

• The ability to turn in both directions.

• The ability to use all edges on their skates.

• The ability to stop on both sides.

• The ability to run on the ice (yes…run).

Let’s Give Our Youngest Players a Good Start

past 15 years, I have run the “Learn to Skate” and “Learn to Play Hockey” programs for our local association. When I talk to coaches and parents about the expectations for this “beginners” level, the range of opinions varies widely. They usually fall into two categories. On one hand, I’ve heard coaches and parents say that a child’s first year will make or break their hockey career. They worry that if a child doesn’t develop a perfect stride in their first year, they are doomed to play house hockey for their entire career. On the other hand, I have heard coaches say that coaching our youngest players is nothing more than babysitting. Just get them through the year and hopefully, to the next level.

I think the truth lies somewhere between those two extremes.

First off, I certainly do not think we are finalizing anything in a child’s stride at the age of 5 or 6. Skating is a complicated skill. It takes years to perfect. A child at this age is not physically or cognitively ready to engage in the training necessary to fine tune their skating technique. This does not mean that we should not address the subject. In fact, that first year should be all about skating. We can dramatically improve a child’s chances of developing a great stride by discouraging bad habits, and promoting good ones. Some of the

Discouraging bad habits is as important as promoting good ones. We need to be diligent about coaching the kids out of habits that will hurt them down the road, such as always turning in the same direction, dragging a foot when skating, etc.

Coaching at this level certainly needs to be much more than just babysitting. Our job is to make every practice fun and beneficial for these young players. We need to incorporate games and fun activities into all of our practices so that the kids are progressing, and having fun in the process. Station Training is a great way to address all areas of skill development in a fun and efficient way. Then I always spend 10 minutes at the end of every practice playing “pond hockey”. Just make 2 teams and drop the puck.

Make sure they are safe, and stay out of the way. One of our big tasks at this age is to instill a passion for the game of hockey. The easiest way to do that is to let them play that same game that we fell in love with many years ago!.

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Chuck Gridley New York District Coach-in-Chief

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im Pegula, together with Tara and Jonathan Bondi of Baked Cupcakery, announced the creation of the One Buffalo Cupcake at a

One Buffalo Ice Cream + One Buffalo Cupcake = DELICIOUS

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Supervisor McMurray presents Kim Pegula with the Key to Grand Island.

Grand Island Town Supervisor Nathan McMurray, Kim Pegula, Baked Cupcakery’s Tara and Jonathan Bondi pose with the goodies before digging in.

luncheon event at Beaver Island’s River Grill, near Baked Cupcakery’s Grand Island store.

Designed by Kim Pegula, the One Buffalo Cupcake is a gourmet, modern-style caramel cupcake with salted buttercream frosting, topped with sponge candy pieces and chocolate covered pretzels.

“We want to give passionate Western New Yorkers new ways to show their Buffalo pride through various food and beverage items,” said Kim Pegula, co-owner of the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres, and Pegula Sports and Entertainment’s President and CEO. “I love desserts, and wanted to join a respected local bakery in designing a cupcake that can be uniquely identified as a Western New York favorite.

“In Baked Cupcakery, we have partnered with a passionate, local start-up business that serves our community with gourmet food items. Jonathan’s culinary expertise helped us create a blend of flavors that provides a delicious, unique taste to be enjoyed by all.”

Baked Cupcakery’s One Buffalo Cupcake joins Southern Tier’s One Buffalo Our Beer, and Perry’s One Buffalo Premium Ice Cream as specialty One Buffalo food and

beverage items that are served across Western New York. The cupcake will be available at Baked Cupcakery on Grand Island, in KeyBank Center on the Premcom Suite Level and KeyBank Club, and at Tops Friendly Markets across Western New York.

“It has been an honor to work with Kim Pegula to create the One Buffalo Cupcake,” said Jonathan Bondi, owner and founder of Baked Cupcakery. “Kim’s passion for One Buffalo and love of desserts have combined with our fresh, all-natural ingredients to create a gourmet cupcake that Western New Yorkers will love. It’s our goal to be of service to the community we love, and we are extremely proud to be the creators of this One Buffalo product!”

Baked Cupcakery is a family owned and operated bakery in Grand Island that specializes in gourmet cupcakes. Baked’s goal is to provide customers with the best quality products, using only natural ingredients that are made from scratch and baked fresh daily.

Pegula Sports and Entertainment (PSE) is a management company that streamlines key business areas across all Pegula family-owned sports and entertainment properties including the Bills, Sabres, Buffalo Bandits, Rochester Americans, HarborCenter and Black River Entertainment.

PSE’s mission is exemplified by its One Buffalo initiative, which unites Western New York and serves as a representation of teamwork through a deeper connection between Buffalo sports teams, fans and the community.

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Key to Island Designed by GIHS The key to Grand Island presented to Kim Pegula was created and made by students in the Technology Department at Grand Island High School.

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(Dunn from Page 9) “You can’t forget his smile,” said fellow defenseman Jim Hofford, a fellow Amerks Hall of Famer who was also a member of the 1987 Calder Cup championship team. “He was always giggling. He was just always smiling. And he was a great teammate.”

Dunn was among the most recent to be inducted into the Amerks Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2016.

In addition to his Hall of Fame career with Rochester, Dunn spent significant time in the NHL, recording 176 points (36+140) in 483 career games with the Buffalo Sabres, Calgary Flames and Hartford Whalers. He also won the Eddie Shore Award as the AHL’s outstanding defenseman in 1984-85 as a member of the Binghamton Whalers.

“He was just a great teammate and person,” said former Amerks defenseman Steve Dykstra. “Heaven just added a great defenseman to God’s team.”

N

iagara Falls Mayor Paul A. Dyster stood inside the entrance to the Hyde Park Ice Arena smiling. And he had every right in the world to be smiling.

It is hard to believe that nearly a decade ago the Hyde Park Ice Arena was literally at death’s doorstep. It was an ice arena with no future except maybe for a wrecking ball.

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

by Randy Schultz

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

On Thursday, Sept. 15 the official ribbon cutting ceremony was held to officially re-dedicate the ice arena. It has become once again an arena that is very pleasing to the eye.

“I think everyone now knows that hockey is big busiyde 1970 H as, e ness across the United States and Canada,” commented h t g rin om y featu with Al Th dly, b May Dyster.

“It has become very important to us here in b o l oo ny the

Ribbon Cutting Begins New Era in Niagara Falls Hockey History

16

kW in mo hangs pening Cere Carr, Fran o t o h h p p O l s i a n Th r, R ilio Sawye ce Pav Park I Leod, Stan oy Cotton. c R John M White and d r Howa

Niagara Falls.

“We have a large number of hotel rooms here in the area that are vacant for two months of the winter. With the revitalization of this arena, this is now attracting a number of visitors that will not only fill the hotels, but eat in our restaurants and shop in our stores.

“In order to draw these hockey people here we had to make an investment in our facility. We made that investment.

“To have built a new facility it would have cost us $20 million. We decided instead to do a multiphase renovation of the existing facility we already had.

“And I’m very pleased with what we see here today.”

A great deal of credit has to go to the Carella’s who worked with city officials on each phase of the renovation.

It was a process that took approximately six years to complete.

Gene is the CEO of the corporation, while Michael is the day-to-day operator. Together Niag-

ara Sports Tournament is the primary operator of the Hyde Park Ice Pavilion.

Each hockey season Niagara Sports brings in several hockey tournaments, which consequently brings in people, which brings in dollars.

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

An additional attraction to the arena is “JR’s Stone Room,” a restaurant/bar that is housed within the building. Wings and pizza are the big items served up. It is historic in nature and compliments the rest of the arena very well.

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

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

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

“I have to give a lot of credit to the Niagara Falls City officials.

They did it right.”

17

Photos by Janet Schultz Janet@nyhockeyonline.com

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NWHL

Beauts Have Unfinished Business

“W

e have some unfinished business.”

That is the slogan that Buffalo Beauts general manager and head coach, Ric Seiling, is using with his players for the upcoming 2016-17 National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL) season.

The Beauts and the NWHL head into their second season of play. Last season the Beauts finished third out of the four team league.

In the semi-finals for the inaugural Isobel Cup Championship, the Beauts faced off against the Connecticut Whale. The Whale, who had a perfect record against the Beauts during the regular season, lost to Buffalo.

The Beauts faced the Boston Pride in the Cup Finals, losing the first two games of the series and finishing second in the playoffs.

Which takes us now to this season and the “unfinished business.”

“Kell y

Steadman is going to be one player we are going to depend on heavily,” admitted Seiling.

“She averaged over two points per game.

“Shiann Darkangelo has come to us from Connecticut where she played in 10 games and scored 10 goals. We’ve also added Corinne Buie from Boston, who played in the league last year and showed that she belonged here.

“We have Emily Pfalzer and Megan Bozek back at the blue line who have shown that they can score goals. We also have, what I call the “Terror Line” of Devon Skeats, Hailey Browne and Kourtney Kunichika, all of whom just keep going and going and never stop.

“They’re like the “Energizer Bunny” out there. They never stop going.

“I think we do have a bit more scoring potential than we had last year. I think that will make a difference for us.”

Seiling talked about the team’s defense, which he believes will be one of the best in the NWHL. “We have Bozak, Pfalzer, Paige Harrington, who is not a flashy player but is so steady back there, along with Jordyn Burns and added Schleper. I really think defense will be the strongest part of our team.”

But the strong part of a team many times comes from its goaltending. Seiling believes that the goalie will be the the capper to the team’s solid blue line corps.

“ W e saw the kind of solid goaltending that Brianne McLaughlin gave us last year in the playoffs,” said Seiling.

19

Morgan Beikrich

Emily Janiga

Jacquie Greco (Native New Yorkers)

“Add to that Amanda Leveille who is coming off a national championship with Minnesota last year.”

Seiling truly believes that this team has something to prove this season.

“We won only five games last year,” concluded Seiling. “But we had another five that we lost in overtime.

“We win those games we’re a .500 club.

“I think we have a great conditioned team. One that will hang with you for three periods.

“I think we will surprise some people this year.

We will see what happens when we get to the playoffs.”

Riveters Begin Rockin’

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44a).

To fill the remaining practice player slot, the New York Riveters will be holding an open tryout at practice. Interested players may contact fa@nwhlhq.com.

Restricted free agency began on April 1 and lasted until April 30. Free agency began May 1 and ended July 31. The 2016 NWHL Draft was on June 18.

Riveters Sign Draftees

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he Riveters signed Miye D’Oench, who agreed to a one-year, $17,000 contract. The forward collected 122 points (64g, 58a) in 135 NCAA games, proving that she has a ton of offensive flair.

The Harvard grad will help add depth to what was a shallow forward pool last season.

The Riveters were aware that their defense was in need of change after conceding the most goals in the league last year. Adding two-way defenseman is just what the doctor ordered for the 2016-17 season.

And so they signed 4th overall draft pick Courtney Burke out of Wisconsin to a one-year, $17,000 contract. The Riveters did not stop at Burke, and also signed Milica McMillen from Minnesota to a one-year, $17,000 contract. Burke and McMillen pack a dangerous punch on the blue-line for opposing teams.

Last, but not least, the Riveters signed another defenseman from the 2015 draft class. That defenseman is USA Olympian Michelle Picard. Picard plays a more defensive style of play as opposed to Burke and McMillen. In 129 games played for Harvard, Picard scored 53 points (8g, 45a), showing that she is capable of providing some offense as well.

20

he New York Riveters have signed their practice players for the 2016-17 season, General Manager Chad Wiseman announced. Gabie Figueroa (D), Taylor Holze (F), Rebecca Morse (D), Julia Herr (F), and Sarah Bryant (G) have agreed to practice player contracts.

Figueroa and Holze return to the Riveters as veterans of the inaugural season team. Figueroa played in 18 regular season games, scoring one goal, and played in both Isobel Cup Playoff games. Holze captured one assist in 7 regular season games with the Riveters.

Bryant and Morse both join the Riveters from Providence College. Bryant graduated in 2016, and earned a .877 SV% and 3.29 GAA in 4000 minutes played. Morse, who played for the Friars from 2010-14, collected 61 points (16g, 45a) in 135 games.

Julia “Cheeky” Herr played in 90 games at Trinity College from 2012-16, where she collected 82 points (38g,

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CENTRAL NEW YORK

Photo Collage by Shannon Coffin

Central Men’s College Ice Hockey Report

by Warren Kozireski Wkozires@brockport.edu

2016 OSWEGO SEASON PREVIEW

2016 MORRISVILLE SEASON PREVIEW

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the young net-minders.

Among the list of newcomers are defenseman Rick Eberhardt (Lockport) and forward Nick DeVito (Averill Park). Forwards Dominic Moore and Ryan Bochert via Hampton Roads (USPHL) are the top recruits entering camp.

The team opens with first year program Stevenson before a conference starting home-and-home with Potsdam the following weekend. Final Four participant UMass-Boston, Utica, Neumann and Johnson & Wales dot the non-league portion of the schedule.

he Mustangs finished last in SUNY for the fourth time over the past five years and are going young in trying to reverse that trend.

“We have a very young and hungry group; out of our 28 on the roster we will have a total of 20 freshman/sophomores,” head coach Kevin Krogol said. “With such a young group we are looking for our for experienced seniors, Joseph Santino, Jordan Carvalho, Dario Trupina, and Joe Ftoma, to lead the way.

“With our veteran leadership, large group of sophomores who now have a year under their belt, and a freshman class that we are extremely excited about, we can’t wait to get the 16-17 season going.

“We have added some key freshman who we feel will be major contributors to the program upfront and on the back end, both on D (defense) and in the net with the addition of two freshman goaltenders that will battle for time with sophomore CJ Sharp. We are looking for our sophomore class to really step up the season with the experience they gained last year.”

Carvalho, sophomore CJ Stubbs and Santino are the only returnees to score ten or more points last season among the forwards. Ian Wood and Layne Martin will get an early chance to play a key role in the offense.

On the blueline, sophomores David Landeau and Mike Giacometti, junior MJ Maerkl (Binghamton) and seniors Joe Ftoma and Trupina give the team some depth and experience in front of

T

his is the season the Lakers have been pointing toward for three seasons. 12 seniors, their top eight scorers, five defensemen and their starting goaltender are back—some for one last run after last season ended in overtime to rival Plattsburgh in the conference semi-finals.

“An exciting mix of 17 returners and 12 new players will make things interesting,” head coach Ed Gosek said.

“How quickly they can come together as a cohesive team will determine how successful they will be. We hope that all returners have recommitted and refocused on their ROLE within the team.”

Shawn Hulshof, Kenny Neil, Matt Galati and Alex Botten all eclipsed the 20 point mark last season and, along with junior Mitch Herlihey and David Ferreira, will likely make up the to two lines.

On the blueline, offense comes from seniors Andrew Barton, Sean Federow and Stephen Johnson and, with seniors Chris Raguseo, JJ Hart and sophomore Kristoffer Brun, it gives the Lakers the league’s most experienced defense entering the season.

With a 15-win season senior goaltender Matt Zawadski would become just the fourth in Lakers history to earn 50 career wins.

Defenseman Charlie Pelnik from the NJ Hitmen and forward Eric Lipa (Walpole) plus three new goaltenders join the ranks this season.

“We like the recruits based on what we observed in junior hockey, but time will determine if any will turn into key players.”

The Lakers open with a home-andhome with Elmira, will compete in the Norwich tourney with Williams and Nazareth and host the annual Pathfinder tourney with WisconsinEau Claire, Utica, Curry among nonconference games.

22

2016 CORTLAND SEASON PREVIEW

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conference slate is mostly a tour of the ECAC West conference.

he Red Dragons are trying to break an eight-year playoff draught and think this may be their year.

“We have a solid core of returning veterans including the top seven-ofeight scorers and our starting goaltender, Drew Weigman,” head coach Joe Caldarelli said. “The team welcomes 13 new players this season and we are excited for the program to take a significant step forward.”

“The team’s top scoring duo is junior linemates Dan Broderick (White Plains) and Darren McCormick (Buffalo) and while they’ve averaged almost 1.25 points/per game, they are capable of even more scoring. Additionally, Broderick will serve as the team captain this season.

“Drew Weigman has been the program’s number one goaltender since he stepped foot on campus and we expect he will show even more consistency and be a top SUNYAC goaltender. On defense, junior Dray Zack (Rensselaer) had a breakout year last season and he is capable of leading the young defensive core in every situation.

In addition to Broderick and McCormick up front senior Casie Garrison (Cortland) and juniors Andrew McCann and Tommy Nolan (Mahopac) all scored in double-figures last season.

With Zack on the blueline is junior Cory Lauer and sophomore Andrew Gleason (Vestal) as the only returnees who saw minutes last season.

“The 13 new players for the 2016-2017 season come via the NAHL, CCHL, USPHL, EHL, and the OJHL. The seven forwards, four defensemen and two goaltenders are a good mix of speed and skill for the Red Dragons.”

Among those is Eastern Hockey League (EHL) champion New Hampshire Monarchs goaltender Chris Bastone, New Jersey Rockets (EHL) forwards Douglas Elgstam and Michael Lindberg, The team opens with two games in Canton before their home opener Nov. 4 versus Geneseo. The non-

2016 ELMIRA SEASON PREVIEW

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he Soaring Eagles finished in last place in the conference for the first time since before we started putting a “2” at the start of the year instead of “19”, so everyone is looking to turn things around fairly quickly.

And it starts with the recruiting class.

“We have a number of new players for the upcoming season who are eager to start their college careers,” head coach Aaron Saul said.

Some sources have as many as 18 new players arriving with one goaltender, four defenseman and 13 forwards. Included are Fairport native Kevin Dimagno via the Burlington Cougars and Patrick Schmelzinger from Jamestown at forward and defenseman Donato Cipriano from Glen Cove.

Forward Spencer McLean brings great junior numbers with him with 33 goals and 51 assists in 61 games as does Connor Powell, who scored 38 times in 51 games with the New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs.

Sophomore defenseman Blake O’Neill is the top returning scorer from last season and only had 13 points, so there will be plenty of opportunity.

At forward junior Tyler Theodoulou, Kenny Tencza and Mitch Atkins saw the most playing time one year ago.

On the blueline, senior Ed Nolan, O’Neill, sophomore Jonathan Grassie and junior Michael Martin provide some stability and experience in front of senior goaltender Sal Magliocco (Roslyn), who started only 11 games last season partly due to injury.

“We have a very big class and it would be hard pick out just one (player who will impact), but they will be a big part of our success.”

The staff is not dodging challenges with perennial power Oswego to open the season with a home-andhome weekend before ECAC West lay begins. The team will also host Trinity, Cortland, Salve Regina, Nichols and Curry in January.

23

2016 GENESEO SEASON PREVIEW

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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 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. It 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.”

2016 HOBART SEASON PREVIEW

E

xpectations are growing after two consecutive ECAC West titles and NCAA appearances. They swept through two rounds of the conference postseason without allowing a single goal.

And though their top-three scorers are gone, junior goaltender Frank Oplinger and the entire starting defense is back.

Seniors Carl Belizario, Mitch Beyer (Clifton Park), Jon Neal and Connor Simon return on the blueline along with sophomores Tanner Shaw, Jack Macnee and Jonas Toupal giving them one of the most experienced corp. in Division III. “Excited, jacked, focused not sure the right word at the moment but certainly anytime you come of a very successful season the bar is set high to try to better it,” head coach Mark Taylor said. To me it’s as simple as you just crushed a drive on the last hole and you step on to the tee box looking to do the same but you want to hit it farther this time.

“Certainly we graduated some very good players, but we did two years ago too. Guys have to step up and they will. As importantly the team has to set itself and I expect it will. Hopefully I won’t screw it up to much. I like my guys, I think we will be as good as we are capable of being and they have done a good job of finding some mojo as a group and we will be grateful of any luck that falls our way.”

Up front seniors Bobby Sokol and Nick Bingaman (Bedford) with juniors Tyler Wolf, Andrew Silard and Vince Russo with sophomore Cam Sheehan will get first shot to move up a line and to the first and second power play units to pick up the points lost to graduation.

“It’s always the fun of it to see what guys emerge or/and blossom.”

24

(Continued on bottom on next page)

Finger Lakes Outlaws Inaugural Season Successful!

(By Shannon Coffin, FLRHA)

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he Finger Lakes Regional Hockey Association Central Outlaws had a great inaugural season and continues to grow into its second full season. With the success of the 2015-2016 Season the Outlaws have added a Mite Red and 16U Elite team. The Squirts have a number of returning second year players and the Pee Wee’s boost a roster of mixed 04’s and 05’s which looks to be a strong season for them. A number of returning players also round out the Bantam and 16U Elite teams for 2016-2017. Our free Learn to Skate program is also going strong, this program is overseen/coached by Jeremy Downs (2005 Cornell Hockey alum). We had an early season meetings with Cornell Head Coach Mike Schafer and his coaching staff about joining forces and being able to utilized Schafer’s hockey knowledge as wells as creating a bond with their players/team. We are very excited about this movement and continue communications with the Cornell Hockey program.

We are gearing up for our home Tournaments “The Outlaw Border Classic” in October (Squirt & Pee Wee’s) and November (Bantams). It will be some great early season match ups with teams from Rochester Youth Hockey, Perinton, Skaneateles, Thousand Islands, Utica and Binghamton.

25

(Hobart Continued)

Recruits include Bowling Green transfer Benjamin Greiner and Loudonville native Zachary Sternbach at forward with Julien Choiniere-Denicourt and Colin Merrill on defense.

Our home ice at the Community Recreation Center “The Rink” also enters its 20th Anniversary and continues to provide excellence to the community. Originally built in 1995 to offer additional ice in the Ithaca/Lansing area; The Rink supports many local organizations which include our own Central Outlaws, AAU Bandits, CRC Youth Bandits house league, Cornell University club team, the Ithaca College hockey team, Tompkins County Girls’ Hockey, the local figure skating club as well as Adult hockey leagues.

The Statesmen open at home against Babson (Oct. 2829) before jumping right into conference action with a road trip to new ECAC West members Lebanon Valley and Stevenson.

Camillus Girls Travel to Norway (Submitted by Christie Casciano, Camillus Girls Hockey)

Background

Six Camillus Girls Team hockey players were extended an invitation by USA Hockey’s New York East Coast Education Coordinator, Mike Bonelli to help grow girls hockey in Norway. Our girls spent a week at the Skedsmo ice arena hockey camp( near Oslo) with Norwegian girl hockey players under the direction of National Women’s Hockey League star Celeste Brown.

As you’ll see in the article below, the girls really bonded sleeping at the rink each night, with no TV and no mirrors ( how did the teen girls survive???)

The trip was a rich deposit in their memory banks and they’ve not only gained new hockey skills from a pro, but friendships sure to last a lifetime.

The six girls from Camillus incuded Sophia Burns, Heather Tanzella, Jessica Smith, Francesca Marsallo, Gabrielle Zollo and Sophie Powless.

Here’s an article that appeared in the Norwegian hockey magazine and has been translated into English, The original can be found at http://sportsnorge.no/hockey/2016/08/20/sommercamp-medceleste-brown/

26

Translation

Skedsmo IK invited to “summer hockey 2016” with the Celeste Brown as an instructor-and it was a super week.

In week 32 arranged Skedsmo IK camp for 95 participants with Ted Suihkonen, the week after it was clear for a proper “girl-camp” with several North American participants from Camillus Girls Hockey Team.

In addition to guests from the United States asked athletes from Tromsø, Crows, Ullensaker, Jordal, Vålerenga and arranger Club Skedsmo, a total of 22 girls against seven from last year.

-Week has been like a dream, the tension and uncertainty that was in relation to meet expectations from u.s. guests were quickly blown away, “said

Skedsmo IKs” primus motor “Per Henrik Nygaard, who was also instructor during the week.

-I’m on very happy it community that occurred both on and off the ice, all the girls helped create a coping climate and progress was apparent to all during the week.

-We are looking forward already to next summer with the hope of even better participation as a result of the enormous and positive review that has come now. Happy children also provides the satisfied parents, exit Nygård to HockeyNorge.no.

Per Henrik Nygård together with Jenny. Photo: Thomas Granerød | HockeyNorge.no | SportsNorge. media NO ANYONE It was as mentioned initially, no anyone Skedsmo IK for the second year in a row had obtained as an instructor.

Celeste Brown (24) from Great Falls in Montana, United States, played last season for the New York Riveters in the National Women’s Hockey League

(NWHL)-and to the coming season to play for the Connecticut Whale in the same League.

PERFECT CHEMISTRY During Wednesday’s session, we got to see a very energetic, detail oriented and dedicated Celeste Brown in action, who with great empathy pushed all players to perform the various exercises properly, all seasoned with constructive feedback to each one and often with a big smile on his face, the chemistry voted perfect between Celeste and the girls.

And Celeste noted clear improvements in the course of the days in Skedsmo indoor ice rink; -First and foremost, so there has been a great bunch to work with-and very fun with Norwegian and American girls together.

-They all have taken the big stepand I have to say me impressed with how easy the Norwegian girls have learned the “unfamiliar” exercises.

-I see that some of the girls who were with last year have had great progression-and that they have practised what they learned during last year’s camp during the season, which is very gratifying. By the way is the Norwegian girls athletic and easy to work with, brag about Celeste.

-If you are going to give these girls some advice on the road to play in your League NWHL or another toppliga, what will you say to them?

-Ok, then I will tell them a few things, always work hard and stay in good shape, the driving with more sports. When it comes to hockey so you need to be just as interested when exercising bare ground as when you are on the ice. Don’t forget to have fun too,

smiles and adds to Celeste instantly; -I’m reasonably sure that we will soon see a Norwegian play in the NWHL. In the end we wondered on what the big difference is on the level in the Swedish League versus the NWHL, seen with his eyes Celestes?

-In the Swedish League, there are only a few good teams, while in the NWHL keeps all the teams a top level and teams have the best players in the world. Therefore, all the matches in the NWHL of high quality.

27 VERY FUNNY Sophia Burns (15) was one of six girls from Camillus Girls Hockey Team - who will be in grade 10 at Christian Brothers Academy in Syracuse in the State of New York.

-It has been a really fun experience to be at the camp here in Norway-and I have learned a great deal of new stuff.

It to have as an instructor has been the Celeste very rewarding.

-I think the Norwegian girls on this camp has been very good-and they are the level that we are used to at home.

Also, they are very nice and easy to get to know.

-You have been living here in Skedsmo indoor ice rink, how has it been?

-It’s been nice, but no mirror, so

I have not seen how I look this week, laughing Sophia.

-But we have highly recommended here. We have found a part with the Norwegian girls, we have among other things grilled together-and asked them a lot about how life is here in Norway.

-How is a normal day for you at home in Syracuse?

-Get up early for school, then dinner, then training and do your homework in the locker room, ending a smiling Sophia to HockeyNorge.no.

Georg T. Smefjell to The Puck Hog August 16 at 2:38pm .

Skedsmokorset, Norway .

As responsible for girls and women’s ice hockey in Akershus Ice Hockey Federation, I want to take this opportunity to thank all the hockey moms, the hockey grandmother and players for visiting us at Skedsmo.

Such visits from very positive girls from across the Pond is very important as we work to motivate, develop and retain girls in this fantastic sport of ours. We wish you all the best for the rest of the week here n Norway, on your return to the US and the coming season(s). We hope that this exchange will continue and serve as motivation for all. Attached is a photo with the senior girls at the camp wearing the Akershus Ice Hockey Federation’s T-shirt.,

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NY HOCKEY E-Magazine

Cortland Hires Filighera as Women’s Ice Hockey Head Coach

ment staff for giving me this opportunity,” Filighera commented.

“I look forward to the challenge of building this program and believe my experiences over the past 20 years in the women’s game ick Filighera has been will help me lead the named the women’s ice

By Janet Schultz SUNYAC Cortland hockey head coach at SUNY Janet@nyhockeyonline.com program into the fuCortland according to Cortture.” land director of athletics Mike

Throughout his Urtz. Filighera joins the Red career, Filighera has attended multiple clinics and Dragons with an extensive coaching background havmentored at several regional and national ice hockey ing most recently served as the girls’ ice hockey head camps. He also served as the head coach of the Gilmcoach at Gilmour Academy in Gates Mills, Ohio, for our Gladiators, a girls’ U14 Tier 2 team, from the past 12 years.

2014-16, guiding the team to a Mid AM Dis “I am extremely pleased and excited to trict title and quarterfinal appearance at the welcome Rick as our new women’s ice hockey USA Tier 2 Nationals in Lansing, Mich., in head coach,” Urtz said. “With his experience 2015. and knowledge of the game, I anticipate a

A native of Buffalo, N.Y., Filighera regreat future for the program. No doubt, he is ceived a bachelor’s degree in physical educaan excellent addition to the Red Dragon staff.” tion from Brockport in 1991 and earned his Prior to the Gilmour Academy, Filighera was master’s degree in educational leadership at Maine in hired as the inaugural women’s ice hockey head 2004. He and his wife, Palma, have two children, Kyra coach at Division I University of Maine in 1997 where and Griffon. he led the squad through the 2003-04 season. He was nominated for the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference (ECAC) Coach of the Year during his first season Elmira

behind the bench and finished as the runner-up for ead Coach Dean Jackson has reHockey East Coach of the Year in his final campaign. signed to take a position as top Previously, Filighera held his first collegiate head assistant coach at Penn State. He joins coaching position with the Rochester Institute of TechElmira’s Lisa Marshall (‘14), who also nology women’s ice hockey team from 1995-97. He serves on the coaching staff. helped guide the program to a pair of ECAC playoff semifinal appearances, including a runner-up finish in 1996. He began his career as an assistant coach at 2016 Syracuse Season Preview Brockport High School in Brockport, N.Y., and evenhe Syracuse women’s ice hockey team has added tually assumed the head coaching position from 1993eight newcomers to the 2016-17 roster. Amanda 95.

“I feel very fortunate and honored in becoming Bäckebo, Ady Cohen, Logan Hicks, Alexandra Olnothe new head women’s coach at SUNY Cortland. I wich, Savannah Rennie, Kelli Rowswell, Brooke Avwould like to thank Mr. Urtz and the athletic depart- ery and Lindsay Eastwood will each suit up for the

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Central New York Women’s College Hockey Report

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Orange in its ninth season.

“Our staff and returning players are very excited about our 2016-17 incoming class,” head coach Paul Flanagan said. “Six freshmen, a sophomore transfer and a redshirt freshman have joined our program. This group will not only provide quality depth at all three positions, but also should help create a very challenging and competitive competition for playing time.”

Bäckebo (Djurås, Sweden) played on the Swedish U18 National Team from 2013-15 as a defenseman. Bäckebo participated in several camps including, the International Ice Hockey Federation Women’s High Performance camp held in Sheffield, Great Britain in 2013 and in Vierumaki, Finland in 2014, and the Swedish U-20 Russincamp in 2014 and 2015.

Bäckebo also played in the Riksserien National League from 2011 on through high school.

Cohen (Boynton Beach, Fla.) adds depth at the goalie position for the Orange after playing four years at Gilmour Academy. She finished her high school career with 49 shutouts and 70 wins and was named the Most Valuable Female athlete at Gilmour her senior year.

Aside from her prep career, Cohen also took part in USA Hockey National and Mid-American District Development Camps.

Hicks (Scotsdale, Ariz.) comes to Syracuse after two years with the St. Louis Lady Blues U-19 Tier One team as a defenseman. While

with the Lady Blues, Hicks scored 13 goals and 29 assists in 56 games.

She participated in USA Hockey Development Camps in 2012 and 2013. Hicks was also a standout lacrosse player, winning a state championship her senior year.

Olnowich (Madison, N.J.) prepped at The Lawrenceville School where she played for three seasons as a defender. In her senior year, Olnowich scored seven goals and had 10 assists as a team captain. She was named First Team All-State by NJ.com in the 201516 season. Olnowich participated in the USA Hockey Development Camp in 2015.

Renn i e (East St. Paul, M a n i toba) played with the Shafte s bury Titans P r e p team for four seasons in high school and earned Rookie of the Year honors her first year. In 2015, she and the Manitoba U-18 team won silver at the national tournament.

Rowswell (Winnipeg, Manitoba) brings more depth to the forward position. While playing for Balmoral Hall, she scored 18 goals and had 18 assists her senior season. In 2015, Rowswell played with the Manitoba U-18 team and she was invited to the Canadian U-18 Strength and Conditioning Camp.

Avery (Concord, N.H.) is a sophomore transfer from New Hampshire and she will bring experience to the Orange’s offense.

As a forward, Avery played in 41

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games, registering one goal and one assist during her time with UNH. Eastwood (Nepean, Ontario) will make her Orange debut after sitting out last season. She was a member of the Canada U-18 team in 2014 and played defenseman for the Ontario U-18 squad in 2013.

Eastwood led Nepean to a league championship during the 2013-14 season and was named a team captain during her junior and senior seasons. In her career, she tallied 14 goals and 53 assists, ranking her as a top-five points leader among defenseman in Provincial Women’s Hockey League history.

The eight newcomers will join 15 returners for the 2016-17 season.

The Orange won a program record 14 conference games and advanced to the CHA title game against Mercyhurst as the No. 2 seed last season.

The Orange was voted as the favorites to win the 2016-17 College Hockey America (CHA) regular season championship. They received five of the six first-place votes, earning 25 total points in the poll, edging out Mercyhurst, the defending champions, by five points for the top spot. Robert Morris comes in at third with 16 points and Penn State, RIT and Lindenwood rounded out the poll.

Last season, Syracuse finished with a 19-14-3 record overall and a program-high 14 win in conference. The Orange advanced to the CHA Conference Championship for the fifth time in program history, before losing to Mercyhurst in overtime by a final score of 4-3.

Stephanie Grossi returns for her junior season after leading the team in points (36) last season and being named CHA first team all-conference. Also returning is Alysha Burris who was also a first team selection and Allie Munroe, a second team selection.

The first official game of the season is on Friday, Sept. 30 when the Orange host Bemidji State at 7 p.m.

2016 Colgate Season Preview

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olgate returns all 10 of its players that recorded double-digit points a season ago, led by sophomore Bailey Larson(Sycamore, Illinois) whose 32 points were tied for the seventh most in a single-season in program history. The Raiders also return sophomore goaltender Julia Vandyk (Cambridge, Ontario) who made 16 starts and compiled an 11-2-3 record with a 2.15 GAA and .917 save percentage.

Vandyk and Shae Labbe (Calgary, Alberta) both attended Hockey Canada’s National Women’s Development Team selection camp in August where Labbe was eventually selected for the team.

The Raiders will host the New Hampshire Wildcats on Saturday, Oct. 1 at 3 p.m. in the inaugural game at the Raiders’ new home arena.

The Colgate women’s ice hockey team was ranked eighth in the Preseason USCHO.com Division

I Women’s Poll. It is the first time the Raiders have been ranked in the USCHO.com Preseason Top 10 in program history.

Colgate is one of four ECAC Hockey programs to be ranked in the preseason top 10 along side No. 4 Quinnipiac, No. 5 Clarkson and No. 7 Princeton. Cornell and Harvard also received votes in the preseason poll.

The Eastern College Athletic Conference announced their 201617 preseason poll and Colgate was selected to finish in the top-third of the league.

The fourth place selection is the first time Colgate has been chosen to finish in the top-third of the conference since the 2007 season.

T h e R a i d e r s jumped up five spots from last year’s preseason poll, where they were picked to finish ninth.

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Cornell

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n the ECAC hockey preseason coaches’ poll, Cornell women’s hockey was predicted to finish sixth in the league and sophomore defenseman Micah Hart was named to the preseason All-ECAC team.

Hart led all Cornell defensemen last season with 18 points on one goal and 17 assists, and earned a spot on the ECAC Hockey All-Rook-

ie Team as well as an All-Ivy honorable mention.

Cornell also received five votes in the U.S. College Hockey (USCHO) preseason poll. Fellow ECAC schools Quinnipiac (No. 4), Clarkson (No. 5), Princeton (No. 7) and Colgate (No. 8) were ranked in the top-10 while Harvard also received five votes.

The Big Red finished the 201516 season with a 13-4-4 record and finished seventh in the final ECAC standings. The team was eliminated from the conference tournament by Clarkson in the quarterfinal round.

Cornell begins its season on Friday, Oct. 14, with an exhibition game against Carleton University followed by the annual Red/White game on Oct. 15. The season begins in earnest the following weekend when the Big Red will welcome Mercyhurst to Lynah Rink for a pair of home games on Oct. 21 and 22.

Sophomore Micah Hart joined six Cornell alumna at the Hockey Canada National Women’s Team Fall Festival at the Markin MacPhail Centre at Canada Olympic Park.

Hart was one of 44 players selected for the camp and one of seven players that will skate for an NCAA team during the 2016-17 season. She is one of 10 players on the roster who won a gold medal with the National Development team at the 2016 Nations Cup and is one of nine players that were members of the National Development team that competed against the United States in a three-game

series in August.

Hart’s 18 points on one goal and 17 assists last year led all Cornell defensemen and earned her a spot on the ECAC Hockey All-Rookie Team and an All-Ivy honorable mention. Cornell is the only ECAC Hockey school that will be represented by a current player at the festival.

Joining Hart on the roster were fellow defensemen Laura Fortino ‘13 and Lauriane Rougeau ‘13.

Forwards Jessica Campbell ‘14, Brianne Jenner ‘15, Rebecca Johnston ‘12 and Jillian Saulnier ‘15 were also named to the festival roster.

Fortino, Jenner, Johnston and Rougeau were members of the gold medal-winning squad at the 2014 Winter Olympics, while Campbell, Fortino, Rougeau, and Saulnier won silver medals at the 2015 4 Nations Cup in Switzerland. Most recently, Fortino, Jenner, Johnston, Rougeau and Saulnier were members of the silver medal-winning squad at the 2016 IIHF Women’s World Championship.

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Binghamton Senators Moving

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he Ottawa Senators have announced their American Hockey League development team will be moving to Belleville, Ont. to begin the 2017-18 season. We have had a tremendous relationship with the Ottawa Senators organization for the better part of 15 years, including a Calder Cup Championship in 2011.

Their decision to relocate has no impact on the future of the AHL’s presence in the Southern Tier.

“Our organization is taking a proactive approach to ensure this as we move forward, and at the appropriate time we will be happy to share more details with the entire community,” said Tom Mitchell, Executive Vice President of Operations on behalf of the Binghamton Senators organization.

They will continue to focus on the 2016-17 season of Binghamton Senators hockey beginning with Opening Night on Saturday, October 15.

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Auburn Hockey Announces 2016-17 Tournament Schedule The Auburn Ice Hawks will hold several tournaments this season. Detailed information can be found on their website at www.auburnicehawks.com or by emailing migsy32@aol.com.

Ghouls and Goals Fun On Ice Might Mite Winter Festival MLK Tournament and Blue

October 28-30 for PeeWee, Snowbelt Blue and Travel December 16-18 for Bantam Midget January 20-22, 2017 for Cross Ice A, B, C Divisions January 14-16, 2017 for Squirt Division House Red

East Hockey

East Women’s College Report 2016-17 Captains

by Janet Schultz Janet@nyhockeyonline.com

RPI

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CAC Hockey has announced its 2016-17 preseason poll and all-conference team and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) student-athlete Lovisa Selander has been selected.

A sophomore goaltender from Sollentuna, Sweden, Selander went 9-16-7 as the starter in 31 of RPI’s 34 games last season. She posted a 2.11 goals against average and a .939 save percentage, turning away a school-record 1,058 shots in 1960:13 minutes. Playing 92.7% of the team’s minutes in net, she also recorded four shutouts.

A finalist for both ECAC Hockey Goaltender of the Year and Rookie of the Year, Selander started all 22 conference games for the Engineers, going 8-9-5 with a 2.01 goals against average and a .942 save percentage. She made 701 saves, with all four of her shutouts coming during league play.

Selander finished the year with a bang, recording 123 saves in two games, as the eighth-seeded Engineers fell to fourth-ranked and top-seeded Quinnipiac University, in a best-of-three quarterfinal series in the ECAC Hockey playoffs on February 26 and 27.

She made 57 saves in a 2-1 ovetime loss on Friday, before turning away a career-high 66 shots in a 3-2 double-overtime defeat on Saturday. The total ranks 14th in NCAA history and is the most by an ECAC Hockey goalie since Brittany Martin of Harvard had 67 against Wisconsin on March 10, 2007.

The school’s single-season record holder in saves, Selander recorded 238 more than the previous record holder, Sonja van der Bliek ‘11 (820 in 2008-09). She also ranks third in minutes played, fourth in games and losses, fifth in save percentage and sixth in shut-

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outs. Her four Goalie of the Week awards match van der Bliek for the most in a single season.

The Engineers went 10-17-7 this season, including an 8-9-5 mark in ECAC Hockey play, which was good for eighth place. RPI qualified for the league tournament, where they fell to top-seeded Quinnipiac, two games to none, despite going to overtime in each contest.

Selander, who was named Rensselaer Freshman Athlete of the Year, joins defensemen Kelsey Koelzer (Princeton) and Micah Hart (Cornell) as well as forwards T.T. Cianfarano (Quinnipiac), Cayley Mercer (Clarkson) and Karlie Lund (Princeton) on the all-league squad. Rensselaer received 48 points in the preseason poll, which is good for eighth place.

Quinnipiac is first in the poll with six first place votes, followed by Clarkson (4) and Princeton (2).

The captains of the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) women’s ice hockey team have been announced by head coach John Burke and seniors Laura Horwoodand Lindsey Hylwa will both be wearing a ‘C’ for the 2016-17 season.

“We are excited that Laura and Lindsey will be leading our team this season,” said Burke. “They, along with their classmates, have been great role

models for our younger players. Most importantly, both are great ambassadors in our community and representatives of our program.”

A forward from Belleville, Ont., Horwood played in 24 games last season and was fifth on the team with 14 points on six goals and eight assists, with a +4 rating. Appearing in 14 ECAC Hockey contests, she recorded four goals and four assists for eight points.

Horwood played in 33 games as a sophomore, notching seven goals and seven assists for 14 points.

In 21 conference games, the former Durham West Lightning standout was second with six goals and two assists for eight points.

Playing in 90 games at RPI, Horwood is the active points leader with 38 on 19 goals and 19 assists.

Also a forward, Hylwa is from Cary, N.C. and played 33 games last season. She registered one goal on 21 shots while compiling five penalties for 10 minutes. Appearing in all 22 ECAC Hockey games, he goal came in league play.

The President of Rensselaer’s Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), Hylwa has played in 91 career games for the Engineers, scoring

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two goals and adding an assist for three points.

RPI opens the 2016-17 season this weekend, when it travels to Maine for a two-game series, beginning on Saturday at 4 pm.

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(Continued from Page 4)

“Walter made important and lasting contributions to the sport. His impact was felt, nationally and internationally, in the professional and the amateur ranks, in women’s hockey as well as men’s. Most important, Walter was a wonderful man – loved and respected and a delight to be with.”

In 1972, Bush became the first-ever U.S. born official named to the Hockey Hall of Fame Board of Directors, and was honored with the Lester Patrick Award in 1973 for his outstanding service to hockey in the United States. In 1980, he was elected to the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame and, 20 years later, was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.

In 1986, Bush was named president of AHAUS, a role he would take on for 17 years until his retirement in 2003.

During that span, he also served served on the U.S. Olympic Committee Board of Directors from 1989-93 and again from 1996-2003, was named the U.S. Olympic Foundation secretary in 1997 and was an owner of the American Hockey League’s Kentucky Thoroughblades from 1996-2001. Bush received the Olympic Order from the International Olympic Committee in 2002, the highest honor of the Olympic movement.

Additionally, he served on the International Ice Hockey Federation Council from 1986-2008, and played a key role in instituting the first-ever IIHF World Women’s Championship in 1990. Bush went on to serve as the IIHF vice president from 1994-2008, and was elected to the IIHF Hall of Fame in 2009.

“International hockey wouldn’t be what it is today without his impact,” said Rene Fasel, president of the IIHF. “I doubt women’s hockey would be an Olympic sport today had Walter not pushed so hard for it in the mid-90s.”

In 2003, Bush was named chairman of the board of USA Hockey, a role he held until his passing.

North Hockey

Northern New York Men’s College Hockey Report

by Warren Kozireski

Wkozires@brockport.edu

2016 PLATTSBURGH SEASON PREVIEW

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he Cardinals were the dominant team in SUNYAC— especially in the second half when they finished the regular season on a 7-0-2 run—before it came to a halt in the conference title game and, surprisingly, no at-large bid to the NCAA tournament.

The team lost eight seniors including 47 of their 111 goals and five of their top ten scorers. “(We have a) very young team…try to get better every game…could be a tough beginning,” head coach Bob Emery said. That doesn’t change the normal Plattsburgh modus of using the entire bench.

“Balance team not looking for anyone to rise to top…. goal is to play four lines and six defensemen the same amount each game.”

Sophomore Pat Egan (Gates-Chili) emerged to become the first freshman to lead the Cardinals in scoring in eight seasons (Dillon Clarke in 2007-08). Classmates Nick Belger and Cole Stoddard also will try to build on impressive first years.

Juniors Brandon O’Quinn and Matt Quilty with senior Kyle Hall and sophomore Cam Owens provide the next group of forwards who need to increase their offensive contributions.

Just two defensemen departed leaving a solid corp. in juniors Chris Taff and Ayrton Valente, senior Patrick Her-

mans and sophomore Ryan Chiasson in the top four.

Senior Brady Rouleau will get first shot at the top spot in net after starting ten games and sporting a 2.18 goals against average.

The squad welcomes 12 new players including Queensbury native Charles Barber on defense and Joe Drabin (Gates-Chili) at forward.

The program will again host the Primelink Tournament Thanksgiving weekend with Middlebury, Norwich and Concordia as well as the Winter Classic in late December with Neumann, Castleton and Wesleyan. Their final five games of the regular season will all be on the road.

2016 POTSDAM SEASON PREVIEW

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he Bears managed just one conference win in the second half of last season to negate their fantastic start.

They lost four of their top five scorers and a defensive defenseman, but have a solid core returning.

“We are excited about the opportunity to compete in one of the premier leagues in college hockey,” head coach Chris Bernard said. “We have a solid group of players, dedicated to success on and off the ice, who care deeply about each other and our program.”

“We have several key returners that we will rely on for production and leadership. Our entire senior class, which includes all three of our captains (senior defenseman Nick Casacci “C”, senior forward Alex Goodhue “A”, senior forward Vinny Caligiuri “A”, Shoreham) will play a large role in our success.”

“We believe that it is important to start the season strong to build and sustain momentum throughout a schedule full of challenges.”

Junior forward Dylan Vander Esch returns as the leading scorer, but question marks abound as to where other offense will come from as no other returnee scored more than four goals last season.

Senior Tommy Telesca (Selden) will see increased min-

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utes as will junior Joey Gilhooly (Brooklyn) and sophomore Mike Sweeney.

The defense looks solid with Casacci, senior Jake Butler, juniors Kyle Thacker and Sean Kacerosky and sophomore Dom Horvath leading the way in front of junior starting goaltender Brendan McMenimen, who won nine of his 20 starts last year.

Five New Yorkers are among the recruits and all are forwards in Anthony Merante (Niagara Falls), Bryce Ferrell (East Amherst), Tyler Young (Massena) and Nathan Zweig (Binghamton). Big body Nick Keck also arrives via Philadelphia in the Eastern Hockey League.

The team has what looks like a fairly easy non-conference schedule with St. Michael’s, Castleton and Stevenson dotting the slate along with the two against Canton.

Who To Watch...

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

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ver the years NYHOL (Janet) tried to follow our New York State girls as they move from youth to high school to college and now the NWHL. So if you have a chance head off to a game and show them some support.

This season, thus far:

Northeastern: Hayley Scamurra from Buffalo. Also drafted 10th over-all by the Buffalo Beauts in 2016.

U of Connecticut: Aside from Coach Chris MacKenzie playing for Niagara University for four years (even if he is from Canada) is Catherine Crawley, a freshman from Washingtonville who played for the MId Fairfield Stars and Westminster Prep.

Providence Friars: Madison Sanson from Lockport and the Buffalo Bisons/Nichols School.

U of Vermont: Casey Leveilee, Delanson and the Northfield Mt. Hermon and Sarah Kelly, Vestal and the North American Hockey Academy.

Mercyhurst: Michael Sisti, head coach, comes form Buffalo and played for Canisius. Now in his 17th year at Mercyhurst.

U of Maine at Orono: Cailey Hutchison from Hicksville and Northwood School.

Penn State: Abigail Welch, East Amherst and played for Nichols School.

Boston College: Toni Ann Miano of the Bronx and North American Hockey Academy.

Harvard: Kat Hughes, New York, played for Shattuck St. Mary’s.

Quinnipiac: Taylar Cianfarano of Oswego and NSA. She also played for the USA U18 Team.

Colgate: Olivia Zafuto, Niagara Falls/Niagara Jr. Purple Eagles; Annika Zalewski, New Hartford/BuffaloBisons/Nichols School

Cornell: Pippy Gerace, Jamestown/Etobicoke Jr. Dolphins.

William Smith: Grace Durham, St. James/Northwood; Maura Mulligan, Troy/Albany Academy; Egan Sachs-Hecht, Plainview/ Lawrenceville;

Syracuse: Maddi Welch, East Amherst/Nichols School/Niagara Jr. Purple Eagles

RPI: Blake Orosz, Chase Mills/Nepean Wildcats; Ana Orzechowski, Tonawanda/Pittsburgh Pens Elite

Union: Rachel dePerio, East Amherst/Nichols School; Bridgit Sullivan, Vermontville/Northwood School

St. Lawrence: Kalie Grant, Potsdam/Nepean Jr. Wildcats

Not all rosters have been posted to websites, so we will bring you more next month.

Northern New York Women’s College Hockey Report

by Janet Schultz Janet@ nyhockeyonline.com

CLARKSON PREVIEW

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ners from last year’s squad that skated to a 30­5­5 overall record, including a 14­3­ 5 ECAC Hockey mark, and advanced to the Frozen Four for the second time in the past three years. Although the Green and Gold graduated four all­-star veterans this past May, the coaching staff has brought in five standout freshmen to help bolster the lineup.

“Combining a talented incoming freshman class with the experience and confidence our returnees have gained over the last few years should once again make us a very competitive team,” said Desrosiers.

Clarkson picked for second­place showing in ECAC Hockey Coaches Preseason Poll Knights 5th in Preseason USCHO.com Division I Women’s Poll

Led by captains, senior Cayley Mercer and junior Savannah Harmon, and assistants captains, senior Genevieve Bannon and junior Lauren Lefler, the Knights will face a 34­game slate, featuring the 22­-game ECAC Hockey schedule. The Green and Gold, who have posted five straight campaigns of 20 ­or m ­ ore wins, will get an early jump to the season with an exhibition contest against Canadian college foe Concordia University on Friday, September 23 at Cheel Arena before officially beginning the 2016­17 campaign. Clarkson begins the Division I schedule hosting Penn State in back­to­back non­conference games on Friday, September 30 and Saturday, October 1 in the first of 17 regular­season games in Potsdam.

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ith outstanding success in recent years, the Clarkson University Women’s Hockey program is firmly established as one of the premier teams in the country. Entering its 14th season at the Division I level, the Golden Knights will again be striving to challenge for NCAA and ECAC Hockey supremacy in 2016-­17. Over the past four years, Clarkson has won two ECAC Hockey regular season titles (2014, 2015), competed four times in the NCAA Tournament, made two Frozen Four appearances (2014, 2016) and won it all in 2014 claiming the NCAA National Championship.

“Going into this season we want to make sure that we take what we learned from our success last year and build upon it,” stated ninth­year head Coach Matt Desrosiers.

“Even though it’s a new season with new goals and challenges, you can always take a look back at some of the things that made a positive impact on your previous success to help construct what your process may look like moving forward. Each year we continue to focus on what has made our players, team, and program successful while also looking for new ways to push each other to ensure we are getting better each day. I think if we are able to continue to create an environment where this is possible, the outlook for this season looks bright.”

Guided by Desrosiers and assistants Britni Smith and Tony Maci, Clarkson returns a solid core of 17 letterwin-

FORWARD Clarkson’s top two scorers from last season, Mercer and Bannon provide the Green and Gold a dynamic presence up front. Sophomores Loren Gabel, Rhyen McGill and Kelly Mariani are coming off impressive rookie campaigns and should make a big impact.  One of the top players in the country last year, Mercer was a Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award nominee and was voted Clarkson’s MVP. She tallied 25 goals and 25 assists for 50 points in 2015­16 and has averaged nearly a point per game while at Clarkson with 52 goals and 64 assists in 116 career games. Also a first­team ECAC Hockey All­Star, Mercer is a top center on faceoffs, winning 66.5% of her draws last season along with posting a +35 plus/minus rating.

An underrated forward who has the ability to break a game open, Bannon has quietly put up some impressive numbers

through her first three seasons and is closing in on the century mark with 97 career points (34­63). She tallied 11 goals and 27 assists in 2015­16.

Clarkson’s Rookie of the Year last winter, Gabel was the Knights’ second l­ eading goal scorer with 18 tallies and added nine assists for 27 points. McGill followed right behind with 25 points on 14 goals and 11 assists. Mariani recorded 18 points (9­9) and tied for the team lead in game­winners with five.

Lefler and classmate Amanda Titus have steadily progressed through their first two seasons and will be counted upon to be key contributors this winter after recording 15 (5­10) and 12 (4­8) points, respectively last season. Sophomore Cassidy Vinkle (3­7) rounds out Clarkson’s double­digit point producers from last season.

Senior Jessica Gillham along with juniors Brielle Bellerive and Katelyn Fournier are solid core players who will provide a veteran presence up front.

Freshmen Katherine Beaumier and Michaela Pejzlova enjoyed strong junior careers and possess the potential to make an immediate impact this season for a Clarkson squad that graduated forwards Olivia Howe and Shannon MacAulay, two of the most prolific scorers in the program’s history.

Clarkson has been very fortunate throughout the history of its program to have had standout performers in the goal crease. Junior Shea Tiley has continued that strong tradition between the pipes through her first two years and should be at her best in her junior campaign. Named ECAC Hockey Goaltender of the Year in her first collegiate season, Tiley has started 74 games for the Knights over the past two years, posting a 51­16­8 career record, including 18 shutouts.

She started 37 of 40 games last winter, posting a .930 save percentage and a 1.37 goals against average en route to a 27­5­5 record with nine shutouts. Tiley also enjoyed a strong showing at this past August’s Canada’s National Women’s Development Team camp.

Although overshadowed by the play of Tiley, senior McKenzie Johnson is capable of leading the Knights in the crease. She was very strong in her six appearances, including three starts, last year going 3­0­0 with one shutout behind a .924 save percentage and a 1.11 GAA.

Freshman Jenna Brenneman, the Minnesota Senior Goalie of the Year last season, rounds out a solid trio of netminders for the Knights.

DEFENSE Two of the premier defenders in college hockey, Erin Ambrose and Renata Fast, completed their Clarkson careers last year and are now slated to play professionally in the Canadian Women’s Hockey League, leaving two significant holes on the Knights’ blueline.

Harmon and sophomore Josiane Pozzebon are the Green and Gold’s top two returning scorers on the backend.

A skilled offensive­defenseman, Harmon tallied 22 points including 18 assists last season along with posting a +30 rating. Pozzebon, who had a strong showing at Canada’s National Women’s Development Team camp this August, emerged as a legitimate Division 1 blueliner in her rookie campaign, recording 14 points (3­11) and a +35.

The lone senior on the blueline, Corie Jacobson is a steady shutdown defender who can be counted upon in key situations. Sophomore Emma Keenan was a steady contributor skating in all 40 games as a rookie and will be looked upon to take on an increased role.

Freshmen Ella Shelton and Taylor Turnquist will be called upon right away to contribute and help make up for the loss of Ambrose and Fast.

ith the start of the 2016-17 season quickly approaching, the Plattsburgh State women’s ice hockey team is bringing in six new athletes to complete the 24 woman roster.

New this year, Brittani Mingoia | Defense | Shattuck-St. Mary’s | Long Island, N.Y. Jen Manning | Forward | Massachusetts Spitfires | Marlborough, Mass.

Hannah Kiraly | Defense | Northern Cyclones | Newport Beach, Calif.

Meghan Kraus | Forward | Northern Cyclones | Fort Lewis, Wash.

Megan Crandell | Defense | Anaheim Lady Ducks | Fullerton, Calif.

Sarah Wolf | Forward | Boston Shamrocks | Fairport, N.Y. The 2016-17 season begins on October 29th in an exhibition match with the Hockey Training Institute. The first regular season home game for the Cardinals comes on November 16th against Norwich University.

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GOAL

PLATTSBURGH

ST. LAWRENCE 2016 SEASON PREVIEW

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he St. Lawrence University women’s hockey team has selected senior defenseman Kirsten Padalis as team captain, while fellow seniors Brooke Webster and Alex Moorewill be assistant captains for the 2016-17 season.

Padalis has played in all 109 of the Saints’ games in the last three years, scoring 12 goals and adding 22 assists from the blue line. Webster, who has also played in every game over the past three years, finished tied for second in ECAC Hockey in assists last year and is just eight points away from reaching 100 for her career. Moore has played in 103 games as a defenseman over the last three seasons, scoring 11 goals and adding 21 assists for 32 career points.

She led the team with 44 penalty minutes in 2016-17.

This season will be a bit of a contrast from last season for the Saints.

The team has just three seniors on the roster this year, while nine players were playing their final season for the Saints last year. Those roster spots have been filled by eight first-year players who figure to get plenty of ice time this season.

“Our senior leadership will play a huge role at the beginning of the season because of the number of newcomers we have this season,” said head coach Chris Wells ‘92. “Even though we graduated nine seniors last year, we still have plenty of experience to lead the way.”

The Saints, who defeated Princeton in a thrilling three-game series to advance to the ECAC Hockey semifinals in 2016, had a strong second half

last year, losing just six games after Dec. 5; one of those losses was a tight 2-1 decision to top-seeded Quinnipiac in the ECAC Hockey semifinals.

“The last couple of seasons we’ve struggled a bit out of the gate but have put it together later in the season,” said Wells, who enters his ninth year behind the bench for the Saints. “This year we’re going to try to flip the switch right at the start.”

The Saints open the season with a scrimmage against McGill University at noon on Saturday, September 24.

They will face Northeastern in a pair of non-league games the following weekend in Boston, then host Clarkson in a non-league contest in their home opener at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 7 at Applet o n Arena before facing the Golden Knights at Cheel Arena the following day.

“The first four games will give us a good indication of what we’ll be good at and where we’ll have to make some improvements,” said Wells. “Starting off the season playing back-to-back games against two teams that made it to the NCAA Tournament will be a great early season test for us.”

Four of the Saints’ top-five scorers return, with Webster leading the team with 12 goals and 25 assists for 37 points. Junior Kennedy Marchment was second in scoring for the Saints (11 goals, 18 assists, 29 points), while Hannah Miller (11-14-25) was fourth and Justine Reyes (12-8-20) was fifth.

Sophomore goaltender Grace Harrison started 19 games last year, posting a .916 save percentage and a 2.14

40

goals against average. Fellow sophomore Sonjia Shellystarted 10 games games and posted a .901 save percentage and a 2.86 GAA, while Brooke Wolejko started nine games and had a .880 save percentage and a 2.45 GAA. After the home-and-home series with Clarkson, the Saints will face the University of Vermont in a home-andhome series on Oct. 21-22, Concordia University on Oct. 25, and will once again face Penn State on back-to-back days on the Monday and Tuesday before Thanksgiving, this time on the road, with just one day off after league games at Yale and Brown. The team plays Clarkson in a home-and-home on Dec. 1 and Dec. 3, then takes a month off for finals and the holidays.

“We really look at the season as two separate seasons,” said Wells. “We’ll still practice and be working on things, but we’ve found that an extended break helps the team focus as we get into the meat of the league schedule.”

St. Lawrence hosts Carleton in a non-league game to start 2017, then will face Mercyhurst in a pair of games at Kettler Capitals Iceplex, the practice facility for the Washington Capitals, on Jan. 7-8, before closing the season with six consecutive ECAC Hockey weekends.

Tickets to all St. Lawrence women’s hockey home games are free of charge, thanks to a sponsorship by North Country Savings Bank.

Your Source For NYS Hockey News!

NY HOCKEY E-Magazine

West Hockey

SEDIA HOCKEY PROGRAM: PART II

T

he NewEdge Hockey Training Company motto is “Train Better, Play Better”. Their #1 objective is to provide very high quality hockey training to each and every student they take on.

The NewEdge Hockey staff is incredibly knowledgeable yet put a great deal of time into trainer education and development. “We cannot ask our students for their very best if we are not prepared to give them ours” says NewEdge Hockey owner Rob Seda.

Players who train with NewEdge Hockey say it is like nothing they have experienced before – the drills are exceptionally unique and the way the information is presented is game changing. NewEdge Hockey has over 300 5-Star reviews in the last 24 months from players, parents, and organizations.

NewEdge Hockey trains beginners up to paid professionals. Their age/skill matching policy guarantees their students are never under or over challenged which NewEdge says has been a key element in their student’s rapid development.

NewEdge owner and professional hockey trainer Rob Sedia dedicates over 25 hours per month to player development research which includes drill acquisition/development, the technical aspects of advanced skating/edge work, and position specific skill development. NewEdge currently has a database of 2200 skill/tactical/conceptual drills for every age and skill level.

Rob’s 3 season record of 132 - 26 - 19 at the AA/AAA level along with 11 championships and the very noticeable development of his players has now led to many by requests by coaches for Rob to run coaching clinics.

When we asked Sedia if he plans to offer coaching clinics, this was his response; “I think it would be great to work with coaches in this capacity. Although mandatory, I believe the USA Hockey Coaching Certification Programs and Age Appropriate Modules are fantastic and provide an amazing foundation for both new and experienced coaches.

“That being said, if I do offer coaching clinics, the in-

formation and material would much more actionable and from a trainer’s perspective. Unfortunately many coaches (new and experienced) allow players to practice wrong which allows different levels of bad hockey habits to development.

“Regardless of the quality of the drill, when players are repeatedly making technical, tactical, and strategic mistakes, they are NOT developing. Our drills include the technical, tactical, and strategic development talk points for the coach to relay to the players before, during, and after the drills.

“The players NEED this information so they can train better. One thing I know for sure is this; coaching players and training players are two completely different animals.

“I have been studying player development and training for many years now and I was humbled by what I thought I knew because I played and coached the game”.

Rob gives a great deal of credit for the company’s continued success and growth to his team members, friends, mentors and sponsors.

Bill Grays Regional Iceplex / NewEdge Hockey Partner

Terry Fisher / Co-Founder & Senior Instructor

Dan Kuntz / NewEdge Hockey Goalie Coach & Senior Instructor. Dan is also a member of the NewEdge Prospects AAA Showcase Team’s coaching staff.

Jason Weston / NewEdge Hockey Senior Instructor Todd Gruttadauria / NewEdge Hockey Senior Instructor Billy Sauer / Parisi Speed School / NewEdge Hockey Partner / http://www.parisischool.com/parisifairport/ Glenn Collins / Rochester Grizzlies owner, friend, and affiliate / http://rochestergrizzlies.com/ Chris Collins / Evolve Hockey owner, friend, and, affiliate / http://www.esgsports.com/ Greg Collins / Evolve Hockey owner, friend, and affiliate http://www.esgsports.com/ Chadd Cassidy / Northwood Prep Head Coach, friend and mentor Jon Christiano / Director of Professional Scouting Buffalo Sabres - friend, mentor Michael Callahan Sr. / NHL Scout - friend, mentor

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Slowey, Michelle Bernardi and Randy Schultz.

(Photos from 2015 Howell Motors Hockey Day in Lockport show Judge Watson pesent-

NOVEMBER 26

BY Randy Schultz Randy@nyhockeyonline.com

P

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lans are currently underway for the Second Annual “Howell Motors Hockey Day In Lockport.” The event is schedule to be held on Saturday, November 26 as an all-day, all-evening festivity.

The hockey day will be held at the Lockport Cornerstone CFCU Arena. Last year’s event, which attracted an estimated 5000 people, was named the Lockport Union Sun & Journal’s 2015 Local Sports Story of the Year.

Among the activities schedule for the day include a pancake breakfast, free public skating, youth, alumni and Lockport High School varsity and junior varsity hockey games, sled hockey as well as a public hockey forum.

There will also be basket raffles, face-painting for kids as well as the announcement of the Howell Motors Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2017.

Last year the event featured the late “Voice of the Buffalo Sabres,” Ted Darling being honored. A banner honoring Darling was unveiled that day and today hangs in the Cornerstone Arena.

Darling’s family, along with today’s “Voice of the Sabres,” Rick Jeanneret, were present for the unveiling.

The Hockey Day in Lockport committee is co-chaired

by Mike Landers and Bill Watson. The committee consists of John D’Onofrio, John Long, John “Tate” Pitrello, Jim

ing Jerseys to Mr. Kenan and Mike Landers. At right Rick Jeanneret addresses the audience with Sheila Darling as they wait for hte unveiling of the banner shown below.)

Buffalo Stars Spotlight Player of the Week Sept.11-17 Matthew Cavanaugh U16 Team

M

nior Purple Eagles. This was the team’s first game ever as members of the Buffalo Stars.

Leading the scoring parade was Dylan Treadway with 2 goals and 2 assists. Luke Matczynski added 2 goals while Daniel Sherry scored once while adding 2 assists.

Matt Wolkiewicz opened the scoring for Buffalo. Thomas Little, Tyler Hintz and Alex Viterna had 2 assists each while Connor Ellison and Ethan Zawistowski added single assists. Goaltender Jadyn Clark was solid in net as were the defense in front of him.

Next up for the Stars is this Saturday and the Annual Salute to the Troops Day. The Squirts play host to the Buffalo Bisons at 3:45 at Holiday.

Stars Open Season with Tribute to Troops

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atthew (Matt) is 15 years old and a 5’8”, 140 lb. defenseman. He lives in Orchard Park and is a 10th grader.

His favorite subject is Math and he is planning for a career in medicine.

His favorite college team is Notre Dame and his favorite NHL player is Alexander Ovechkin. He also likes pool, basketball, running and boxing. He also plays LaCrosse and skis.

Matt’s favorite food is Chipolte’s Burrito. He also likes Hip-Hop and Rap; the movie The Do Over and the TV show Prison Break.

Matt’s Mom is his role model because she “works very hard and makes the best our of any situation”

This season he plans to be in the top three defenseman and be on the power-play and have a 12-goal season.

The Buffalo Stars Squirt MajorAA’s The Buffalo Stars Squirt Major Team received their jerseys and swag on Saturday after practice. Needless to say we had some excited players after practice and coming in to this all set up for them.

This certainly set the mood for the following day when the team displayed great effort in a 6-2 win in over the Niagara Ju-

T

he Buffalo Stars opened their 2016-17 season September 17 with a Tribute to the Troops and proceeds from their basket auction and raffles going to the Wounded Warriors Project.

Six games were played included the Minor Bantam AA taking on Cazenovia; Stars losing 3-1. In the Midget U15 AA vs Clarence game it was Clarence 10 over the Stars 2.

The Bantam Major AA team beat Cheektowaga 3-1 while the Squirt Major AA team lost to the Buffalo Bisons 4-2.

Cheektowaga beat the Minor Pee Wee AA team 9-3 and Syracuse beat the MIdget U16 AA team 2-0.

Buffalo Stars Opening Weekend Photos

by Janet Schultz, NY Hockey OnLine Magazine

WBHL Season ReCap

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West News... ...NYSAHA ACE Coordinator and long-time Rochester area coach and Administrator Mark Hogan’s Mother-in-Law passed away September 22. Her notice is below. Please keep Mark and his family in your prayers. ... Constance Walsh, wife of long-time Buffalo Bison’s Coach Jack Walsh and sisterin-law of Buffalo Bisons President Barney Walsh passed away September 12 after a four-year battle with cancer. Her notice follows. ...The West Section will host a Level 4 CEP Clinic on Saturday, December 10-Sunday, December 11, 2016 in Geneseo New York.

It is now posted on www.usahockey.com.

When on the site and in the Coaching Clinic Search area put Level 4 and under State use NY. Do not use the NY Affiliate area as it will not come up.

Please note that those that need this level should sign up ASAP and please pass the word.

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he WBHL Women’s Buffalo Hockey League finished it’s third season of summer college hockey with The Mammoths winning the championship.

The Mammoths played the Pandas in the Championship game.

The Mammoths roster Julia Duquette, Maddie Grisko, Melissa Ames, Megan Delay, Olivia Ellis, Kendall Applebaum, Ashley Limon, Ashley Songin, Kelly Seward, Julianna Iafallo, Madison Sansone, Maddie Elia, Brianna Colucci and Jetta Rackleff This was also the first year of a high school division and that was won by the Cheapskates, beating the Mustangs in a great game.

The Cheapskates roster, Abby Blair, Brooke Becker, Alexa Carlon, Mary Kroner, Emily Dellanove, Courtney Stanz, Moira Michalski, Leanne Wright, Charlie Rondeau, Izzy Friedman, Tori Mariano, Rachel Kenyon, Madeline Moell, Gabby Demeo, and Rachel Urbank.

Nichols Boys Hockey

12/28-30

1/13-15 2/3-5

3/17-19 4/6-9

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2016-17 Roster Preview:

2016-17 Prep Schedule Highlights he 2016-17 schedule has been released. As always, the schedule is filled with high level competition and great opportunities for exposure. The season will be heavy in tournaments and showcases. In the fall, the Prep team will head to the Jr Bruins Shootout and the Compuware/Honeybaked Invite. They will also participate locally in the Harborcenter Cup at the end of October. In the winter, they continue to travel to the Berkshire School Prep Showcase, the Lawrenceville Tournament, and host the Nichols-Belmont Hill Tournament. An addition to the schedule is a showcase series with Shattuck-St. Mary’s (Faribault, MN), Culver Academy (Culver, IN), Northwood School (Lake Placid, NY), and St. Andrew’s College (Aurora, ON). This year, the showcases will take place at Shattuck-St. Mary’s and Northwood School. They will continue our participation in the CISAA Sr. Division 1 with playoffs starting at the end of February, and they will compete for an opportunity at the USA Hockey Nationals at the 18U level.

Eight new faces to the Prep Team will bring depth, talent, and energy to the 2016-17 squad. Although they are new to the team, they are not all new to the school.

Up front, we add 4 new forwards to an already impressive lineup. Senior forward Bryan Bylsma (Buffalo) joins the group after a strong campaign with the Buffalo Jr Sabres 16U. Bryan is in his second year at Nichols. Adding to the forward group is junior Andrew Fromen (Amherst) who has been at Nichols since 5th grade and played the last two seasons on our Prep B squad. Freshman Dylan Lugris (Buffalo), entering his fifth year at Nichols, will join the forward group. Dylan spent last season with the Buffalo Jr Sabres 14U. Sophomore Jeffrey Kopek (Camillus, NY) will be new to the school. Jeffrey played for West Genesee HS as a freshman and helped lead them to a state final appearance.

Both Lugris and Kopek represented NY at the USA Hockey Player Development Camp for the 2001 age group. On defense, senior Aaron Partridge (Clarence) will be new to the program and to the school. He played for Clarence HS and the Wheatfield Blades 16U last season. He will be joined on the back end by freshman Patrick Brady (Amherst) who played for the Buffalo Jr Sabres 14U. Robbie Maulucci (Buffalo) will add to the depth on the blue line in his second year at Nichols School. In net, we add sophomore Robbie Nuchereno (Clarence) from the Buffalo Jr Sabres 14U. Robbie has been at Nichols since 5th grade.

Nuchereno also represented NY at the USA Hockey Player Development Camp for the 2001 age group.

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SHOWCASES AND TOURNAMENTS 9/23-25 10/7-9

10/28-30 11/5-7 11/18-20 11/28

12/2-4

12/16-18

Jr Bruins Shootout (Marlborough, MA) Compuware/Honeybaked Invitational (Detroit, MI) Harborcenter Cup (Buffalo, NY) WNY Regional Qualifier (Amherst, NY) CISAA League Weekend (Toronto, ON) Berkshire School Prep Showcase (Sheffield, MA) Shattuck St. Mary’s Showcase (Faribault, MN) Lawrenceville Tournament (Lawrenceville, NY)

Nichols-Belmont Hill Tournament (Buffalo, NY) Northwood Showcase (Lake Placid, NY) CISAA League Weekend (Oakville, ON/Buffalo, NY/ St. Catherine’s, ON) NY State Tournament USA Hockey Nationals

F

Wheatfield Blades Free Novice Program

or the second year in a row the Wheatfield Blades Hockey Association is offering a free Novice program on Saturdays and Sundays. Yes, you heard it correctly, “FREE”. Each ice time is an hour long (for 22 weeks) to work on the fundamentals of skating. The players are required to wear full hockey equipment. All participants have to register with USA Hockey when they sign up. Free Novice is made possible through a great working relationship with Hockey Outlet owner Tim Igo. This year the Wheatfield Blades have raised the bar considerably. The Blades have brought in Mark Metzger and his Precision Hockey group to properly teach skating skills at this young age.

Mark Metzger is the owner of Precision Hockey and is currently the Tactical Skating and Skills Development Coach for the Carolina Hurricanes. Mark is the Director of Hockey at WB and works with the older teams running skills practice.

The extension down to the youngest skaters within the organization only makes sense. Dave Cannon, Wheatfield Blades ACE Coordinator, says “Bringing on a group like Precision Hockey to teach the proper skills, proper skating techniques at this young age is tremendous. The players and the parents will definitely see the benefit down the road.”

Each week players will be working on skating, balance, coordination, and edgework. Metzger says “individual skill development has to be introduced to young hockey players before they can play games as a team.” This starts with skating, proper stride, etc. Properly working on these techniques will build muscle memory even at this young age.

Cannon believes that this will put Wheatfield Blades Novice Program head and shoulders above other programs in the area. The Wheatfield Blades Organization is investing in our youngest players to bring the “love of the game” to a new high.

48

Buffalo Stars Spotlight U16 Player of the Week September 18-24 Joe DiBenedetto

S

ixteen year old Joe DiBenedetto is a 5”9” forward from Gasport. He is in 10th grade and his future plans including the Military.

Among his favorite things are Global History, weight lifing, sushi, all music and “The Godfather.”

His favorite team is the Army’s Black Knights and his favorite NHL player is Milan Lucic.

Joey D, as he his known among his teammates considers Arnold Schwartzenegger his role model because “he is incredibly smart and has the amazing work ethic required to achieve everything he accomplished.”

Joey’s personal hero is his Dad “because he has shown me the importance of character traits like working hard because it will pay off, and being respectful so people will respect you.”

His goal for this season is to win his 3rd State Championship and his 1st National Championship.

o n last

Western New York Women’s College Hockey Report

by Janet Schultz Janet@nyhockeyonline.com JDSchultz3663@gmail.com

RIT

‘We’ve arrived and we’re still arriving,” said Lou Spiotti Jr., executive director of Intercollegiate Athletics, in his opening remarks to the media at RIT Media Day. He attributed RIT’s athletic success to the leadership of the institution, the outstanding academic prorgram and the faculty, coaches and fans.

“We have true student-athletes,” he continued. They are serious about their sport but even more serious about theri studies.”

The Women’s Ice Hockey Team has an oustanding classroom record, but as Head Coach Scott McDonald says, “now we have to get in done on the ice.”

“We are excited to get going and see the product on the ice,” McDonald told the media members. “You can practice all you want for a couple of hours but it’s when you get to go against someone else you can see what you are made of.”

The women are coming off a tough season they are refocusing and getting back into championship form.

RIT men’s and women’s hockey players enjoy the press conference.

“Two days after last season ended we were refocusing for this season,” said McDonald. “We put last year behind us.

H i s players agree a n d echo his words.

“ L a s t year was a learning curve with 10 incoming freshmen,” said Captain Taylor Thurston.

“We were building our team and now we will build on last year going into this season.

“Last Year was a tough one with a young team, but we don’t like to focus

49

year,” said Captain Cassie Clayton. “It’s a new dynamic this year and we put in a lot of hard work over the summer and into the preseason and now are ready to get going.”

“We are getting it done in the classroom but not on the ice,” said McDonald. “Our focus this year has ben getting the locker room back on track, not that it has been off, but there was something lacking in our preparation and we are addressing it so it doesn’t happen this year.”

Both women agree with Coach McDonald that the RIT team is a

group of hard workers and that is the key to success.

Thurston is in her final year of college and as a layer is serving as Captain for the third season; Clayton, also a senior, is serving as captain for the second season. Adding to the leadership role is Senior MacKenzie Stone as the third Captain.

This season there are six incoming freshmen, five coming of championship and several in leadership roles.

Incoming Goalie Terra Lanteigne won her provincial championship and Madison Farrand of Potomac, Maryland, is coming off a league championship.

“These players may not be the flashiest players on the ice but they get the work done,” said McDonald.

“That has been our bread and butter,” McDonald continued. “Finding that player that is a great role player, great teammate and has a history of winning.”

In addition Shane Madolora has been added to the women’s coaching staff. Madolora is a 2012 graduate of RIT and played on the men’s hockey team. He will be assisting them with goaltending.

Highlighting the season will be a Throw-BackThursday game against Penn State on October 27.

That game will be played in Ritter Arena, home to RIT hockey for many years.

RIT women open their regular season at home on October 7 and 8 against Providence College.

The following weekend they face Union on October 14 and 15 and then finish out October with Yale on October 21 and 22 and Penn State on October 27 and 28. They are on the road against Yale and all other games at home, with the exception of October 27, will be played in the Gene Polisseni Center.

The CHA championship rounds will be played March 2-4 at HarborCenter in Buffalo.

50

(Photo of Stoddart in net at last year’s home opener)

Over the years Bruce B. Bates Women’s Ice Hockey Coach Scott McDonald has recruited a talented group of women that led him to league championships, taking the team from DIII to DI and in the second and third years as DI took first place. RIT continues to be ranked in the top 10 of women’s hockey in DI. How does he doe it?

“When you recruit a kid, you recruit the family,” said McDonald. “We take time to get to know the player on and off the ice and the family.”

He also looks for players who are good people off the ice and fully committed to being a student-athlete.

“We tell them if they want to focus on social activities don’t come (to RIT) and we tell the families that,” he said.

“We have players that test it, parents that don’t believe it.” he continued.

If you look at the record he holds, now in his 11th year of coaching, you will see that it works.

Dream Becomes Reality for RIT Player

get to RIT that went east through Massachusetts and then west through the Canadian province of British Columbia.

McMullen’s left home to go to Northfield Mt. Her-

played for in MA and BC. It is not surprising that he is a captain for this year’s edition of the RIT Tigers.

McMullen recalled that first game he played in an RIT uniform during the

mon School, a prep school in MA. From there it was on to Trail, BC, home of the Trail Smoke Eaters of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL).

“I had talked to Coach Wilson when I was in high school,” recalled McMullen.

“He had told me that they recruited out west and that his own son had played out there and his junior career there.

Interestingly, McMullen ended up being named captain for the teams he

2013-14 season.

“It was against St. Lawrence,” remembered McMullen. “I remember being at the (Frank) Ritter Ice Arena and the crowd that was there.

“I remember looking down at my jersey, knowing that I had made it. It was a great moment for me because this is what I had grown up with.

‘Knowing their history, especially going to the Frozen Four back in 2010.

That is always your goal in

By Randy Schultz

G

arrett McMullen always dreamed of playing for the RIT men’s varsity hockey team.

From the time he was a little boy old enough to skate, he was determined to one day wear the Tigers orange and black sweater.

That Churchville, NY native did make his dream come true. Now a senior and a captain on the team, McMullen is beginning his fourth season in a Tigers uniform.

But the route getting to RIT wasn’t as simple as one might think. Although he grew up in the Rochester region, playing his youth hockey for Monroe County at Lake Shore Arena, Rochester Alliance, Rochester Monarchs and some high school hockey in Churchville.

The route the 24-year old then took a detour to

college hockey to win a national championship.

“That’s what we’re always shooting for here.”

RIT men’s head coach, Wayne Wilson, has seen the development of McMullen as a person and a player over the past four seasons.

“Garrett has brought a lot of energy to our program,” said Wilson. “We had a tough time over the first two years here figuring out the type of player he was.

“But we found out during that time and throughout his career here that he could kill penalties for us, he was able to jump on the first line when we had injuries and filled in different spots on the roster.

“He never complains.

He’s been a pleasure to work with.

“He’s been there when we needed him. We appreciate his efforts.

“I’m thankful that he has been here.”

The feelings are mutual for McMullen.

“There are a lot of kids who grow up in the Rochester area dreaming of playing for RIT,” concluded McMullen. “I made my dream a reality.

“That dream isn’t over with yet. We’ve won two Atlantic Hockey Conference Championships.

“We’ll see what this year brings.”

an Verbeke and Dylan Shapiro (Penfield). All see time in power play situations and hope to improve on their offensive numbers.

Newcomers include forwards Hunter Laslo and Luke Bennett (F) with blueliner Chris Pollini all arrive from the Eastern Hockey League (EHL) champion New Hampshire Monarchs and should compete for spots right away. Forward Doc Gentzler also comes

by Warren Kozireski from the EHL via the Hartford Wolfpack and Connor Wkozires@brockport.edu Hutchins was captain of his Brookings team in the North American Junior League. Hobart transfer and Gates-Chili product Bryan Carville will also compete 2016 BROCKPORT SEASON PREVIEW for a top-six spot on defense.

“The first half of the season will be a big test as disappointing playoff after going unbeaten in five we play only 3 of our first 13 games at home,” Dickof their final six regular season games left a bad inson said. “Obviously we’re hoping to get through taste for the Golden Eagles, who lost All-American that stretch in good shape as finishing with nine of Chase Nieuwendyk and three of their top defensemen our last 12 games at home should produce positive reto graduation. sults. We’re looking forward to participating in “We’re looking to bounce back after a the Castleton State Tournament again this seadisappointing loss in the SUNYAC quarterson and our first ever match up with Williams finals,” head coach Brian Dicksinson said.

College, which will be a special homecoming “We’re excited to compete night in and night for Ryan Kangas whose father is the Williams out to put ourselves in position to host a playcoach.” off game(s). The players have worked hard during the off season and with the proper work ethic 2016 BUFFALO STATE and focus we hope to get off to a great start.

SEASON PREVIEW “We feel that we’re very solid in goal with sophomores Cole Burack and Jake Moore (Arcade) competn interim head coach and the best season the proing for the starting role. On defense Trevor Simonick gram has ever had resulted in Steven Murphy (Amherst) should see more minutes as he develops being appointed the official head coach this summer. into an offensive defenseman role. Nick Palumbo and Now to build on what he put in place last year.

Connar Bass both saw quality minutes as freshmen “We’re excited to get going next month and look and will be called upon to fill the roles vacated by the forward to seeing the group that have this season,” graduation of Chad Cummings, Chris Luker and Jona- Murphy said. “We believe the incoming players add to than Demme. the dynamic of our returners. It should another fun and “Up front, Tim Kielich (East Aurora) is coming off challenging season in the SUNYAC.” a fantastic freshman year that resulted in a SUNYAC Up front, “Mac Wood is a player that scored nine Rookie of the Year award and should anchor the of- goals as a freshman last season and will be expected to fense with Jake Taylor, Ryan Kangas, Zac Sikich, Aid- top that mark this year. Almost 1/3 of our goals came

Western New York Men’s College Hockey Report

A

52

A

from our seniors last year, so we will look for continued production from Taylor Pryce and Anthony Beaumont in the goal department.”

Seniors Jake Rosen (East Amherst) and Nick Berst (Depew), junior Zach Nieminen and sophomore Jonathan Hall all registered ten or more points last season and add depth to the forward lines.

Three senior defensemen departed leaving juniors Brody Power and Marcus Michalski and senior Nick Schiro (Sanborn) and some question marks in front of senior Mike DeLaVergne (Pawling) in net needing 11 more wins to break into the top-two in team history (31 held by Sean Sheehan).

Of the incoming class Murphy said “we are excited about all of them and they all will be expected to contribute in one way or another. Hugo Petit scored 40 goals in juniors last season, Roberts Smits, Ben Butcher, Zach Remers, Stephen Kelly, Jon Colley, and Anthony Passero all put up great numbers in very good leagues last year. Darren Young a transfer (from Morrisville) provides experience and has also contributed in the point department during his college career.

“There will be a lot of opportunity for our younger guys to earn their spots and contribute, it will be exciting to see who excels right out of the gates.”

“Last year we started 0-2-2 and everyone was frustrated early. We changed a lot from Coach (Nick) Carriere and it took the guys a while to grasp what we wanted to do. Though we weren’t happy with our start, we had some excuses knowing that change isn’t always easy. Now that our returners have had a year under our coaching staff, there’s no reason we can’t get off to a hot start early.

“We have no room for error as our first four games are all quality conference opponents. It will be a fun

test that hopefully carries us through the year.”

2016 FREDONIA SEASON PREVIEW

T

he Blue Devils went young last season with 12 underclassmen seeing action in 15 or more games and finished six points out of a postseason spot. They hope to close that gap with another year of experience.

“Excited to get going,” head coach Jeff Meredith said. “We had 12 games (1/2 of our schedule) that we lost one goal games, lost four games in OT (at Oswego, at Geneseo, Home vs. Brockport and Neumann) or tied 3 times, or lost by one goal. We did all that by playing 12 freshmen every night.

“We feel good about the upward direction that we are trending and our players want to make a big jump this year.”

“We have very good veteran leadership and I think that will be the key. We had some young players make a pretty big splash in college last year in Bobby Polachek and Jimmy Morgan, who both got on the scoresheet often. We return Marcus Ortiz who had a breakout year and will be counted on for more and then Hunter Long, our captain, who should have a career year.”

Senior Zach White with juniors Oskar Gerhardson and Jamie Young plus a quartet of sophomores will be asked to solidify the defensive zone in front of a new number one goaltender after three-year starter Jeff Flagler graduated.

The newcomers: Thomas Dunn F 6-0 205 Fr. Smithtown, NY/New York Bobcats (EHL) Sean Leonard D 5-11 185 Fr. Rockaway Park, NY/New York Bobcats (EHL) Austin Bianchi F 5-9 175 Fr. Williamsville, NY/ Walpole Express (EHL)

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Max Blitz D 5-11 190 Fr. Chino Hills, CA/Hartford Wolfpack (EHL) Tommy DeFelice F 5-9 190 Fr. Tolland, CT/Hartford Wolfpack (EHL) Brandon Spognardi D 5-11 185 Fr. Warrington, PA/Philadelphia Revolution (EHL) Gavin Nickerson F 6-0 175 Fr. Corvallis, OR/Chicago Cougars (USPHL) Ryan Dunn F 6-2 195 Fr. Rockland, MA/New England Wolves (EHL) Anton Rosen G 6-3 185 Fr. Orsa, Sweden/Northwood Prep Jacob Haynes F 6-2 195 Fr. Newmarket, ONT/ Fresno Monsters (WSHL) Chris Paulin G 5-11 175 Sr. Lockport, NY/Niagara University The team opens on home ice against Utica Oct. 28 before a home-and-home conference weekend with rival Buffalo State Nov. 4-5. The team will play at Stevenson for two games after the mid-season break before hosting Western New England, Johnson & Wales and Post University.

2016 NAZARETH SEASON PREVIEW

“Oliver Janzen should be an all-league candidate this season after being on the all-rookie team as a freshman,” Roll said. C.J. Murray and Dom Gabaj are two seniors who we need to step up and be an offensive force this season. We look to senior Brandon Lane to fill the role (in goal) left behind from Ed Zdolshek who was a four-year starter.

“We have a large group of ten freshman along with one transfer who we will need to make an immediate impact. Zander Pryor, Sean Hallice and Connor Boyd (Fairport via Oswego) should be able to step in and contribute but we expect all our freshman compete for playing time.”

Defense will be an early question with only three players back in J.R. Wojciechowski, Ryan Walter and Marcus Moles (Lake Placid) who dressed for more than three games on the blueline last season.

“In terms of non-league we look to our first game versus defending SUNYAC and Frozen Four participant Geneseo as a key match-up along with Oswego and the Norwich tournament which is a very tough field. Once again our non- league schedule is very difficult and one of the toughest in D 3.”

The team will play five of their first six ECAC West contests on home ice in November.

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T

he season-ending banquet took longer than usual with the original 16 seniors from the launch of the program all finishing their collegiate careers. And only three conference wins over the second half of the season left a bad taste.

Now it’s time for the Golden Flyers to show their depth.

“We lost our first graduating class of 16 players, so we will need our underclassmen to step in a fill the leadership void from those graduating seniors,” head coach George Roll said. “We have a good nucleus of players returning and we feel good about our incoming class. There will be some growing pains along the way but we are confident in the group of guys we have to be competitive.”

The good news is that only four of the team’s top15 point-getters last season were seniors, so there appears to be balanced scoring back in the fold.

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