NY HOCKEY September 2014
VOLUME 3 ISSUE 10
ONLINE
Hockey Can Be Year ‘Round! Here Ohio State Coach Nate Handrahan Works with Girls at the Nichols Summer Camp in Buffalo!
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In This Issue: NHL Combine............................... 4 Prospects Roster.......................... 5 Coaching with Gridley............... 6 NY Arenas....................................... 7 NYS Tournament ......................... 9 Growing Girls Hockey..............10 NY Honors Their Own..............11 Central Hockey...........................12 East Hockey.................................19 North Hockey..............................24 West Hockey................................27 Buffalo Stars Hockey.................28 NJPE Awards................................30 Nichols Camp..............................35 USA Hockey.................................36
Watch for our throwback 2014 photos! Photos are available for sale! Contact Janet@nyhockeyonline.com
Dear Readers, This is our final issue for 2013-14! This issue contains some important dates for NY hockey including the State tournament dates and places. We welcome our newest advertiser--Charming Collectibles. They have some great hockey jewelry and, for your multi-sports people, many other sports. Check out their website! It’s coming up on the holiday season and holiday shopping! Along with that you’ll find some Throw Back 2013-14 season photos; so watch for your players! We are anxious to see all of you at the rink in the coming weeks; and at the sectional meetings later on this month and looking forward to another hockey season. We are also looking forward to your stories, photos, tournament news, etc and encourage you to send all that material to Janet@nyhockeyonline or Randy@nyhockeyonline by the 23rd of each month for the next month’s magazine. This season we plan to get to more youth games, and especially tournaments, since we can meet so many more of you there. We plan on continuing to share all the news of hockey in New York State through this publication for a long time; and we can do it as long as you continue to help us with news, sharing it with your players and hockey fans, and possibly sending some advertising our way.
Fall 2014 Section Meeting Dates:
Sincerely, Randy Schultz, Publisher NY Hockey OnLine Magazine www.nyhockeyonline.com Randy@nyhockeyonline.com
West September 13 Central September 14 East September 20 North September 21
NY Hockey On-Line (E-Magazine) 3663 Irish Road Wilson, New York 14172 716-751-6524 nyhockeyonline@ nyhockeyonline.com Publisher &Managing Editor Randy Schultz Randy@nyhockeyonline.com Designer/Photographer Janet Schultz Janet@nyhockeyonline.com
Columnists Warren Kozireski, Wkozires@brockport.edu Janet Schultz Randy Schultz Rob Sedia Chuck Gridley Tom Barnett NY Hockey OnLine is an equal opportunity employer. Contents 2012 NY Hockey Online All rights reserved NY Hockey OnLine is published monthly at no charge and can be accessed via the publication’s website www.nyhockeyonline.com
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Colin Campbell announces Buffalo as the site for hte 2015 and 2016 Combine. (Photo by Janet Schultz)
NHL Announces Buffalo To Host Combine
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he National Hockey League and the Buffalo Sabres announced the NHL Combine will move to Buffalo in 2015 and 2016, with the event being held at First Niagara Center and the soon-to-be-completed HARBORCENTER complex across from the arena. The event, which has taken place in Toronto in previous years, showcases the top draft-eligible prospects from North America and Europe heading into the NHL Draft. “The NHL Combine is an essential event for all of our Member Clubs in advance of the Draft, which continues to grow in importance,” said Colin Campbell, senior executive vice president of NHL Hockey Operations. “The League has pushed to improve the
NHL and New York/ Page 4 Combine each year and the state-of-the-art facilities in Buffalo will allow us to further enhance the quality of the event for our teams, prospects and media.” The event, held in late May or early June, is a chance for representatives – typically scouts, coaches and general managers – from the NHL’s 30 member clubs to observe the prospects undergo physical and mental tests. Teams conduct individual interviews with prospects before they undergo various fitness and skill tests to hopefully improve their value in the Draft. “We’ve had our eye on hosting the Combine for quite some time and we are thrilled that it will be coming to Buffalo,” said Ted Black, president of the Sabres. “Terry and Kim Pegula have made it a goal of this organization to create an environment here in Buffalo that is ideal for hosting highly visible events like the Combine and we are certainly ready to meet that challenge. All of our resources will be in place to ensure a successful event for the league and we’re proud to have the next wave of NHL players pass through Buffalo.” First Niagara Center and HARBORCENTER offer a unique setting for the event. The combined facility – the two buildings are connected by a pedestrian bridge – is the only three-rink complex among NHL teams and offers an “all-in-one” package, with additional off-ice training space, restaurant and hotel housed in HARBORCENTER. “HARBORCENTER was built with events like the Combine in mind,” said John Koelmel, HARBORCENTER’s president. “Our intent was to provide a world-class facility for hockey that attracts the sport’s best events. The NHL Combine continues to grow every year and we’re confident that HARBORCENTER and all of its amenities will only add to the experience for the league and all of the participating prospects.” HARBORCENTER, which opens this fall, is a $172 million hockey and entertainment complex that is connected to First Niagara Center in the Canalside District of downtown Buffalo. (Continued on next page)
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NHL and New York / Page 5
USA Hockey Announces Prospects Roster NYer’s Among Those Selected
U Mayor Bryon Brown, Kaleida Health CEO Jody Lomeo, Colin Campbell, Sabres President Ted Black and Harborcenter CEO John Koelmel at Combine Press Conference. (Photo by Janet Schultz)
Among its many amenities, the facility boasts two NHL-size rinks, 11 locker rooms, the Academy of Hockey, IMPACT Sports Performance training facility, (716) Food and Sport restaurant, a destination Tim Hortons location, a full-service Marriott hotel and a 750-space parking structure and additional retail space. Partnering with the NHL and the Sabres is Kaleida Health, the largest healthcare provider in Western New York, to provide all medical services and testing for the Combine. In addition to providing on-site equipment and services, Kaleida’s local medical campuses will be available for additional, off-site testing locations. “We are proud to partner with the National Hockey League and the Sabres in bringing the combine to Buffalo,” said Jody L. Lomeo, president and CEO of Kaleida Health. “Hosting this major event at HARBORCENTER is another step in the renaissance of our great community. Great things are happening across Western New York and we are happy to be a part of it. Our physicians and staff stand ready to work with the prospects and will deliver great care to them while they are in town.”
SA Hockey announced the 42 players who will compete in the third annual CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game set for Thursday, September 25 at First Niagara Center, home to the National Hockey League’s Buffalo Sabres. Tickets for the game are just $10 and $7, and are now on sale. Among those selected was Youngstown (NY) native Joseph Cecconi; Steven Ruggiero, Kings Park; Jeremy Bracco, Freeport and Jordan Greenway, Potsdam. Cecconi comes from the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the USHL and the University of Michigan. Ruggiero played for the USA U18 team and Penn State; Bracco, also a member of the USA U18 team and Boston College and Greenway was a member of the U18 team for Team USA and Boston University. The game assembles the top U.S. players who are eligible for the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Twentythree players appeared on the 2014-15 NHL Central Scouting Futures List, which highlights players that have potential to be selected in the first three rounds of the draft. “This game has developed into an exciting opportunity for the best players in the United States to showcase their skills on a national stage,” said Jim Johannson, USA Hockey’s assistant executive director of hockey operations. “Input from the NHL scouting community is that this year’s game will feature the highest level of talent to date for this event. We greatly appreciate the support of the Buffalo Sabres organization, which has proven to be an outstanding partner in this event.”
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(Continued on Page 8)
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Coaching With Gridley
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Coaching With Gridley / Page 6 Referees and coaches both rely heavily on communication to perform their jobs. Games go best when referees and coaches use those communication skills when dealing with each other. Good communication between coaches and referees can set a positive tone for the game, and diffuse problems before they “snowball”. As coaches, we try to garner the respect of our players and our peers. We need to understand the importance of showing that same respect for our partners in the game, the referees. When we fail to respect a referee, we set a bad example for our players, and we hurt ourselves in the process. Does any coach think that disrespecting a referee will help their chances of getting a call later in the game? In general, I think we coaches can have a positive impact on the game of hockey by realizing that we are all human and occasionally make mistakes; by letting our players be the focus of the game; by using good communication skills when dealing with referees; and by showing respect to all participants involved in the competition including the referees. Coaches and referees both play important roles. In fact, if either coaches or referees disappeared, hockey as we know it would cease to exist. As coaches, we need to realize how much we have in common with our counterparts, and do what we can to value and respect their role in the game of hockey.
he Relationship Between Coaches and Referee’s As we start preparing for another season, I thought it was a good time to reflect on the relationship between coaches and referees. It’s assumed that coaches and referees are mortal enemies, with nothing in common. I would propose that we have a lot more in common than most people would imagine. First, neither coach nor ref drives to the rink thinking to themselves “Let’s go out there and make some mistakes tonight”. I think we could agree that everyone involved in a hockey game (coaches, refs and players) want to perform to the best of their ability. Everyone enters the competition with a job to do, and the intention to do that job well. But we are all human, and we all make mistakes. Players do, Refs do, and coaches do as well. The difference is this; when a coach makes a mistake, they don’t have the referees yelling at them for it. Think about what the game would be like if the referees, players, and fans started yelling at the coaches every time they made a questionable decision from the bench. Unlike the players, who tend to stand out when they are performing well, coaches and referees are usually less visible when they are doing their job well. If a coach or referee is highly visible during a particular game, they are probably having a bad night. Fortunately, most good coaches and referees do not attempt to make the . game about them.
Chuck Gridley New York District Coach in Chief 14 E. Elizabeth St. Skaneateles, NY 13152 (315) 569-2778
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Around the State
/ Page 7
NY Arena News A special section for reports on arenas being upgraded, built or plans for such. Let us know if your organization fits this description and send us your photos.
facilities in Niagara and Erie County. They will play an exhibition game against the Roc City Royals at 3 p.m. on September 6 at Hyde Park Ice Pavilion in Niagara Falls. Their regular season is scheduled to begin Friday, September 19 at 7:30 p.m. in the new Cornerstone Arena.
Cornerstone Arena Scheduled to Open
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ornerstone Arena in Lockport is well underway with plans to open in September. This arena will sport two NHL-sized ice rinks, spectator seating for 630, a performance training center and community room. It is located at 34 Chestnut Street at Market Street, one block north of Main Street in Lockport. Cornerstone Federal Credit Union secured the naming rights earlier this summer. They have a 12-year deal with the owners, Lockport Ice Arena nd Sports Center, Inc. David Nemi, chairman of the Cornerstone board of directors, said the deal continues the bank’s longtime suppoert and investment in the community, according to an interview done with Business First. In addition to hockey, which will be home to the Lockport High School team, the facility will be used for training, figure skating, open skating and also provide opportunities for persons with physical or developmental disabilities. Cornerstone is also home to the Lockport Express Junior A team. The Express play in the Northern States Junior Hockey League. They are currently practicing at various
Hockey Is Back In Lockport!
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fter almost 30 years without an ice rink, Lockport will finally be back on the area hockey map. Cornerstone Ice Arena, the new twin pad ice rink in Lockport, will be home to a Beginner/House Program this year as well as Adult Leagues and Adult Clinics.
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www.nyhockeyonline.com (Prospects Continued from Page 5
Among the 24 forwards are Kyle Connor (Shelby Township, Mich.) and Jack Eichel (North Chelmsford, Mass.), who helped the U.S. Men’s National Under-18 Team capture the gold medal at the 2014 International Ice Hockey Federation Men’s Under-18 World Championship. Earlier this month, Connor and Eichel attended the 2014 U.S. National Junior Evaluation Camp. Eichel was a member of the 2014 U.S. National Junior Team. Last season in the United States Hockey League, Connor was an All-USHL First Team selection and Eichel was selected to the All-USHL Second Team. In August, Karch Bachman (Wolcotville, Ind.), Brock Boeser (Burnsville, Minn.), Erik Foley (Mansfield, Mass.), Brent Gates (Alameda, Calif.), Tanner Laczynski (Shorewood, Ill.), Thomas Novak (River Falls, Wis.), Ryan Smith (Roanoke, Va.), Troy Terry (Highlands Ranch, Colo.) and Dennis Yan (Ann Arbor, Mich.) helped the U.S. Under-18 Select Team take third place at the 2014 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup.
Around the State / Page 8 The defense corps boasts Noah Hanifin (Norwood, Mass.), who joined Connor and Eichel on the gold-medal winning U.S. squad at the 2014 IIHF Men’s Under-18 World Championship. Brandon Carlo (Colorado Springs, Colo.) took part in the 2014 U.S. National Junior Evaluation Camp in early August. Doug Blaisdell (Dearborn Heights, Mich.), Joseph Cecconi (Youngstown, NY), Tory Dello (Crystal Lake, Ill.) and Grant Gabriele (Brighton, Mich.) contributed to the third-place performance by the U.S. Under-18 Select Team at the 2014 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup. Thirty-one players have ties to the United States Hockey League, the top junior league in the U.S., including 20 players from USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program in Ann Arbor, Mich. Two players are slated to play the 2014-15 season in the North American Hockey League, which is the only Tier-II level of junior hockey in the U.S.
NY Hockey OnLine Magazine-Your Source for NY Hockey News! (Lockport Ice Continued)
The Beginner/House Program will begin on Saturday, October 4th and run for 22 weeks for ages 4 and up. The cost of the program is ONLY $300, this includes player jersey and 2 ice times per week on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Team and individual applications are now being accepted for the Adult Leagues forming at the new rink. There will be an over 40 league and Open Leagues of various competition levels. The rink is not ruling out running an over 50 league if there is enough interest. The leagues will run Sunday through Thursday nights. An Adult Clinic is also in the plans. Men and women looking to learn to skate, play hockey or further develop their hockey skills are encouraged to sign up. The clinic will run on Monday nights from 7:30 – 8:30pm. There will be two – 10 week sessions - $120 per session.
For a registration form or more information please contact: Tom Dockery tdockery@cornerstoneicearena.com
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Around the State / Page 9
2015 New York State Tournament Venues and Hosts February 27 - March 2, 2015 High School
HS Division
Saugerties
March 6 - 8, 2015 Youth Youth Youth Youth Youth Youth Girls Girls Girls Girls Girls Girls
Tier I Tier I Tier I Tier II Tier II Tier II Tier I Tier I Tier I Tier II Tier II Tier II
Bantam 14U Midget 16U Midget 18U Bantam 14U Midget 16U Midget 18U 14U 16U 19U 14U 16U 19U
Rochester Youth Amherst Youth Amherst Youth Rochester Youth Amherst Youth Amherst Youth Rochester Youth Amherst Youth Rochester Youth Rochester Youth Amherst Youth Rochester Youth
March 13 -15, 2015 Youth Youth Youth Youth Youth Youth Girls Girls
Tier I Tier II Tier III Tier III Tier III Tier III Tier I Tier II
Peewee 12U Peewee 12U Peewee 12U Bantam 14U Midget 16U Midget 18U 12U 12U
Rochester Youth Rochester Youth Amherst Youth Amherst Youth Amherst Youth Amherst Youth Rochester Youth Rochester Youth
March 6 - 8, 2015 Sr. Women Sr. Women
Sr. B Sr. C
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TBA TBA
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eflecting the rising popularity of ice hockey among young women, a new all-girls hockey program, the Finger Lakes Freeze, will start play this September at the Greater Canandaigua Civic Center. The new hockey club is an extension of Canandaigua Knights Youth Hockey organization, which offers a range of co-ed hockey teams for children of all ages. Open to girls from Ontario, Yates, Livingston, Monroe and other neighboring counties, the Finger Lakes Freeze is now accepting registrations at ckhockey.org for its inaugural season. The Freeze plans to field two teams in 2014-15, a U14 team for girls age 11-14, and a U19 team for girls age 15-19. The program is open to girls who currently play hockey, as well as those who are interested in learning to play hockey. Girls age 4-10 can register to play on one of the Canandaigua Knights co-ed teams, and can join the Freeze teams when they are older. “Across the United States, participation by girls in the sport of ice hockey has increased dramatically. Because of this trend, we’re very excited to offer this new option for girls in the Finger Lakes,” says Craig Towne, a member of the Canandaigua Knights board of directors, who is leading the effort to create the new all-girls program. “We think that giving the girls program its own unique identity and expanding the reach of the program across the Finger Lakes region will translate into a vibrant hockey club that provides more girls with the chance to play hockey. And since Canandaigua is centrally located in the very middle of the Finger Lakes Region, we’re expecting that girls from throughout the area will join the Freeze.” Within a few years, the Freeze hopes to offer additional teams at vari-
USA Hockey / Page 10
Growing Girls Hockey In New York! By Craig Towne Special to NYHOL
Canandaigua Knights Youth Hockey Conference, Inc. is a nonprofit membership corporation established to provide an opportunity for the youth of the Greater Canandaigua area to participate in the great sport of ice hockey. The Canandaigua Knights are committed to providing the opportunity for boys and girls to develop sportsmanship, teamwork and personal integrity, all while enjoying the fun and challenge of a fast action game.
The Finger Lakes Freeze is committed to providing girls of all ages in the Finger Lakes Region with increased opportunities to play hockey in a fun and competitive environment. The Freeze’s intent is to offer girls who are already playing hockey – as well as those who are new to the sport – with a consistent and growing girls hockey-focused program in which they can fully develop their hockey skills and potential. The program is also dedicated to building camaraderie and friendship among girls who play hockey, and is focused on helping players grow into young women of character, class and achievement through the many on and off-ice lessons that the sport of hockey teaches.
Reflecting Increasing Popularity of Girls Hockey, New All-Girls Program – the Finger Lakes Freeze – Launching in Fall 2014 ous age levels, as well as fielding elite tournament-bound teams. “The sport of hockey is not only incredibly fun for girls of all ages, but it teaches some great lifelessons,” adds Towne. “Ice hockey is becoming a really popular sport with girls, who love the speed, energy, camaraderie and friendship that are all a key part of the hockey experience.” People interested in more information about the Finger Lakes Freeze can visit the team’s Facebook page, visit ckhockey.org, or send an email to Freeze. info@ckhockey.org. About Canandaigua Knights Youth Hockey and the Finger Lakes Freeze
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USA Hockey / Page 11
NYS Hockey Honors Their Own!
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oe Mullen and Lour Vairo, two of New York State’s most recognizable hockey figures, were inducted into the New York State Hockey Hall of Fame. Their induction was the highlight of the 2014 New York State Amateur Hockey Association’s annual meeting, held this year on Long Island. Vairo Both inductees are natives of New York State. Vairo is best remembered as being the head coach of the 1984 men’s U.S. Olympic Hockey Team. He is also one of the key elements in the development of the USA Hockey Development system. Mullen, who was raised in Hell’s Kitchen, played 16 seasons in the National Hockey League. He played on three Stanley Cup championship teams and is also a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame and the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame.
The NYSAHA also recognized several other individuals for their contributions to hockey including Linda O’Neill, who won the Sandy Irwin Volunteer of the Year award. Kirk Avery was awarded the Tom Korpolinski Award for his lifetime commitment to hockey in New York; Joe Trimarchi was recognized with the Peter Rush Award for his dedication and commitment to the growth of youth hockey. The Brewster Lady Bulldogs were praised for the commitment to the growth and improvement of girl’s hockey.
Throwback 2014--NY States in Buffalo Onondaga vs Tritown!
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CENTRAL NEW YORK
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Central Hockey / Page 13
Central New York Men’s College Hockey Report by Warren Kozireski Wkozires@brockport.edu
the ECAC Hockey Defensive Forward of the Year Award since the honor’s inception in 1993. He was also the 41st player in program history to eclipse came after his senior season in 100 points in his 1977-78. career.
UTICA
COLGATE Former Colgate All-American Mike Harder ‘97 was promoted from volunteer assistant to assistant coach in late July. Harder netted a school best 214 points as a Raider before embarking on a 13-year professional career.
OSWEGO
1978 alum Greg Preston will be one of seven members inducted into the College’s Athletic Hall of Fame on Saturday, Nov. 8. Preston was a four-year player and, nearly 40 years after his career began at Oswego, Preston still ranks 11th in points (172) in the program’s history. The forwards’ 94 career goals currently CORNELL sits in a tie for fifth place on the All-Time list. Preston is just one 2003 grad Stephen Baby will be of nine players in the program’s one of 11 new members induct- 50 year history to be named a ed into the Cornell University First Team All-American, his Athletic Hall of Fame at the 37th coming from the American annual ceremonies to be held Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA). He was just the secFriday, Nov. 7. A second-team All-Amer- ond to achieve the honor, which ican as a senior forward, Bâby is one of just two two-time winners of
The Pioneers traveled to Germany and Slovenia in August to play four games as a part of its international exchange trip. The team traveled to Munich, Germany before busing to Bled, Slovenia where they will be staying throughout the trip. The Pioneers played teams from Austria, Slovenia, and Norway. Every three years the NCAA permits college teams to take part in an international exchange trip intended to expose the student-athletes to different cultures.
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Central Women’s College Ice Hockey Report by Janet Schultz Janet@nyhockeyonline.com
COLGATE Head Coach Greg Fargo was hired as an assistant coach for the Canadian National Development Team camp held August 8-17 in Calagary and culminating with a three-game series against the US. “This is an exciting coaching opportunity to be a part of the National Development team camp,” Fargo said. “It is an honor to be involved with Hockey Canada and I look forward to working alongside the great staff that has been selected.” The coaching staff was selected by Melody Davidson, Hockey Canada’s general manager of national women’s team programs, in consultation with Scott Smith, Hockey Canada’s chief operating officer, and Hockey Canada’s regional scouts. “Our success at the Olympic Winter Games had its foundation with the under-18 and development programs, where 19 of the 21 members of our gold medal-winning team got their start,” Davidson said. “We are very pleased with the quality of both coaching staffs, and know that they will provide these teams with great leadership.” Fargo has been at the helm of Colgate women’s hockey for the past two seasons. In his debut season, Fargo led Colgate to its first post-season appearance in two years. The Raiders fell to Cornell, the No. 2-ranked team in the country in a best-of-three series, but, didn’t go down without a fight. Colgate took Game 1 into overtime and then followed that up
Central Hockey / Page 14 by leading the Big Red by two in the final period of Game 2 before eventually falling to the 2012-13 ECAC Hockey Champions. Fargo wasn’t the only Raider sought out by Canada’s national team as incoming rookie Lauren Wildfang was selected to join 42 players during the development camp. Wildfang played with the Toronto Jr. Aeros and was team co-captain. She also captained both Team Canada and Team Ontario Red to gold medals at the Under-18 World and National Championships this past season. For her impressive tournaments, Wildfang earned Player of the Game and Best Player of the Team nods for Team Canada, and Player of the Game accolades for Team Ontario Red. “Lauren’s past experience representing Canada at the U18 level has prepared her well for camp,” Fargo said. “For her, it’s a step towards reaching some of her goals as a hockey player.”
CORNELL
Fresh off its fifth consecutive 20-win season and NCAA tournament appearance, Cornell Women’s Ice Hockey is poised to take on another exciting slate this upcoming season. Head coach Doug Derraugh has announced the team’s 2014-15 schedule, which features matchups against five NCAA tournament qualifiers from a season ago, a long awaited NCAA tournament rematch, and the typically punishing ECAC Hockey lineup. The Big Red will need to be on top of its game from the opening puck drop this season, as it opens the season with the resumption of its competitive series with Boston College in a matchup of NCAA tournament qualifiers from last season. The Big Red will travel to Chestnut Hill, Mass. for a two-game set after splitting a pair of games against the Eagles at Lynah Rink a season ago. The opening faceoff to the 2014-15 season will be 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, with the conclusion of the series taking place the following afternoon at the same time. Cornell’s other premiere non-conference road series will be a long-awaited rematch against Minnesota-Duluth. While the teams have only met once in
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www.nyhockeyonline.com program history, it was during the 2010 NCAA Women’s Frozen Four. The Bulldogs dashed the Big Red’s national championship aspirations in heartbreaking fashion, scoring a sudden-death goal in tripleovertime to win the championship game 3-2. Cornell will look to extract revenge at AMSOIL Arena, with 4 p.m. games Friday, Nov. 21 and Saturday, Nov. 22. The Big Red will break for Thanksgiving following the series with Minnesota-Duluth; however, it will have much more than turkey on its mind, as rival Mercyhurst visits Lynah Rink for a 7 p.m. faceoff on Monday, Dec. 1. The Big Red went 1-0-1 in its trip to Erie, Pa. last season, but the Lakers later eliminated the Big Red in the NCAA tournament quarterfinals. Cornell’s other non-conference home tilts come against Syracuse on Tuesday, Dec. 2 and 2014 NCAA tournament qualifier Boston University on Tuesday, Jan. 13. The Big Red is 5-1 all-time against the Orange, including a 5-2 victory last season. Boston University returns to the schedule after a one-year hiatus. The Big Red is 4-2-1 all-time against the Terriers, splitting a two-game series at Agganis Arena in 2012. ECAC Hockey opponents make up the remainder of the schedule, as the Big Red plays home-and-home series with each conference member. Cornell begins the arduous task of navigating the league slate following its season-opening road trip to Boston College. It will look to get off to a quick start with a five-game home stand at the friendly confines of Lynah Rink, where Cornell is 30-
Central Hockey / Page 15 6-1 over the last two seasons. The home opener kicks off a Lynah Rink doubleheader at 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31 against Princeton. The Big Red starts the ECAC Hockey road slate with its annual trip north to take on Clarkson and St. Lawrence. The ECAC Hockey road opener will be against last season’s regular season champ and the eventual national champion Golden Knights, with faceoff scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5. Cornell will then face off with St. Lawrence the following day at 4 p.m. Cornell celebrates the calendar turning to 2015 with another fourgame home stand, which includes an exhibition against Canadian power McGill (Friday, Jan. 2) and return trips from St. Lawrence (Friday, Jan. 9) and Clarkson (Saturday, Jan. 10). The home stretch of the 2014-15 schedule is a bit of a misnomer, as the Big Red plays nine of its final 13 contests away from Lynah Rink. This stretch includes a four-game road trip to Yale, Brown, Dartmouth and Harvard. The Big Red also faces a difficult three-game trip to Colgate (Tuesday, Feb. 3), Quinnipiac (Friday, Feb. 6) and Princeton (Saturday, Feb. 7). Cornell concludes the home portion of the regular season with tussles against Harvard and Dartmouth. The Big Red will face off against the Crimson at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13 before wrapping up the home slate with Senior Day against the Big Green the following day at 4 p.m. The regular season concludes on the road with a weekend set against RPI (Friday, Feb. 20) and
Union (Saturday, Feb. 21).
UTICA Tanis Lamoureux was named an athletic assistant for the Utica College women’s hockey team. She will assist Head Coach Dave Clausen with all facets of the program including practice and game preparation, recruiting and office management. Lamoureux graduated from Elmira College with her Bachelor’s degree in Biology in the Spring of 2014. She played on the Soaring Eagles hockey team from 20102014 and was named team captain in her final two seasons. In her senior campaign on the ice she was named an American Hockey Coaches Association Second Team All-American and an ECAC West First Team All-Conference selection. She was also selected as an ECAC West All-Tournament Team member for the 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 seasons.
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www.nyhockeyonline.com She helped Elmira secure the NCAA Division III Women’s Hockey National Championship in 2013 and she ranks among the top ten in several categories, including points and game-winning goals, in the Soaring Eagles’ career record book. Lamoureux had by far the best season of her Elmira College career as a senior, totaling career bests with 13 goals, 25 assists, and 38 points. She finished in the top 10 in the country in points per game (1.36), assists per game (0.89), and gamewinning goals (4). After four years with the Purple and Gold, Lamoureux skated away as the program’s eighth all-time leading scorer with 106 career points on 44 goals and 62 assists. Lamoureux has worked as a camp counselor and coach at countless hockey camps, including the Vigilante Hockey Camp in Plymouth, Massachusetts; the Power Shot Hockey Academy in Livonia, Michigan; and she also spent four years as a volunteer within the Elmira Youth Hockey ranks. Her accomplishments and determination on the ice were equally matched by her efforts off the ice. She was named an ECAC West AllAcademic selection from 2011-2014 for her consistency in the classroom. She also conducted her own individual research project in San Salvador, Bahamas and was a research intern in Mossel Bay, South Africa. As an undergraduate at Elmira she worked for two years in the athletic department where she was responsible for administrative assistance. Originally from Canton, Michi-
Central Hockey / Page 16 gan, she was a 2010 graduate of Salem High School. She was also a member of the Victory Honda Girls 19U team prior to attending Elmira. Myers & Lamoureux Drafted Former Utica College women’s hockey player Megan Myers (Las Vegas, NV/LA Selects) was selected as the No. 2 pick in the 12th round of the Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL) draft. Myers was the 47th overall pick by the Boston Blades. The CWHL was created in May of 2007 and features a five team league, including the Boston Blades, the Brampton Thunder, the Calgary Inferno, the Montreal Stars and the Toronto Furies. Myers, who is the first player in program-history to be drafted into the CWHL, was a 2013 CCM AllAmerican and a three-time ECAC West First Team All-Conference selection. She led the Pioneers in scoring in each of her four seasons and graduated ranked second alltime in career scoring at UC with 143 points in 104 games. She tied Pioneer Hall of Famer Deana Wiegand ‘07 for first on the College’s all-time goal scoring list with 74 goals. Over the course of the last four years she posted 15 gamewinning goals and helped guide UC to 56 victories. Originally from Las Vegas, Nevada, Megan graduated from UC with a degree in Therapeutic Recreation. Myers will join several Team USA players on the Boston Blades, including Jenny Potter, Monique Lamoureux and Brianna Decker. Also drafted by the Blades were Cornell graduate Alyssa Gagliardi,
Boston University’s Kaleigh Fratkin, Yale’s Bray Ketchum, Brown’s Nicole Stock and Princeton’s Denna Laing, to name a few. Utica College assistant coach Tanis Lamoureux, a recent graduate of Elmira College and an AllAmerican hockey player, was the 12th overall pick in the draft by the Toronto Furies. Other notable NCAA Division III draft picks included All-American goalie Sydney Aveson (Plattsburgh), Laurel Hill (St. Norbert), Rebecca Mosher (St. Mary’s) and Denise Cardello (Castleton). Kelley Takes Coaching Position Becker College Director of Athletics Frank Millerick announced the appointment of Eliza Kelley as the first head women’s ice hockey coach at Becker College on July 22, 2014. “I am humbled and extremely excited to have the opportunity to begin the women’s ice hockey program at Becker College,” Kelley said. “Becker has built a reputation of attracting quality student-athletes to its programs and I look forward to growing both that repute and the great game of ice hockey in such a supportive environment.”
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(Continued on Page 18)
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CENTRAL NEW YORK NEWS... ...The Elmira Jackals will hold their annual SkateA-Thon on September 21 at the rink. Mini Mites, Mites and Squirts will skate from 9 to 10 a.m. and PeeWees, Bantams and Midgets from 10 to 11 a.m. Pledge sheets will be distributed shortly. ...Valley Hockey will be playing in a newly renovated Meacham Arena. Plans are underway to open in October. ...The Whitetown Wolf Pack will ice teams at all three levels of Mites, two Pee Wee, two Squirt and one Bantam team, as well as Learn to Skate. ...Ithaca Youth Hockey will hold a pre-season camp for goalies on September 6 and 7 at the Community Recreation Center. It is directed by Andy Iles. ...Lysander will hold their Golf Tournament on September 26 at Radisson Greens. ...Onondaga’s Thunder Rally will be held in Tennity Arena on the Syracuse University Campus on September 13. The 10U, 8U and 6U youth will skate from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. jump-starting their 2014-15 season.
Rome Announces Tournament Schedule Rome Youth Hockey has information on their upcoming tournaments posted on their website http://www.eteamz.com/romehockey/ Here is the general information: Regional Silver Stick Qualifying Tournament, December 5-7. Contact chiptravis13@gmail.com John Corr PeeWee House Tournament, November 28-30. Contact amidon1327@yahoo.com Rick Lefevre Memorial Squirt House Tier II B Tournament, Contact minrome7@hotmai.com Roy Austin Memorial Mite Festival, February
Central Hockey / Page 17 6-8. Contact vanwienm@icloud.com
Clinton Announces Coaching Staff The Clinton Youth Hockey Board of Directors are thrilled to announce the following Head Coaches for the 2014-15 season. Our coaches possess a wealth of hockey knowledge and experience, each are fully certified USA Hockey instructors, and they are fully committed to player development in a positive, fun, and challenging environment: LTS/LTP Coaches: Coordinator Rob Seymour Rob Seymour: CYH Board Member, former CCS standout defenseman, won NYS Championship as a player, played college hockey at MVCC, former MVCC Head Coach (9 years), 3+ years as CYH coach Dan Melie: Clinton native, 15+ years as CYH coach Mite Coaches: Coordinator Greg Williams Brian Grady: CYH Board Member, Clinton native, Utica College Assistant Coach (current), former Morrisville State College Head Coach (5 years), Hamilton College Assistant Coach (1 year), University of Maine Assistant Coach (2 years), played college hockey at Hamilton College, 3+ years as CYH coach Greg Williams: CYH Board Member, Clinton native, former CCS standout defenseman, 4+ years as CYH coach Squirt Coaches: Travel - Jon Davignon: CYH Board Member, played college hockey at the Coast Guard Academy, former Connecticut College Assistant Coach (2 years), former Cazenovia High School Head Coach (7 years), won NYS Championship as a coach, 5+ years as CYH Coach House - Rob Seymour: CYH Board Member, former CCS standout defenseman, won NYS Championship as a player, played college hockey at MVCC, former MVCC Head Coach (9 years), 3+ years as CYH coach Pee Wee Coaches: Travel - Jeremy Lopata: Clinton native, former CCS standout forward, played college hockey at Clarkson University, member of the Kirkland Sports
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Central Hockey / Page 18
Hall of Fame,12+ years as CYH coach House - Sean McKevitt: Clinton native, former CCS standout forward, played college hockey at Utica College, 5+ years as CYH coach Bantam Coaches: John Calidonna: Clinton native, 25+ years as CYH Coach Midget Coaches: TBA In addition to our Head Coaches, we have an outstanding group of highly qualified Assistant Coaches with equally impressive coaching and hockey resumes. Further, CYH will provide opportunities with special guest coaches throughout the season includ-
ing, but not limited to: Rob Haberbusch - Hamilton College Men’s Hockey Coach, Gary Heenan- Utica College Men’s Hockey Coach, Dave Clausen - Utica College Women’s Hockey Coach, Emily McNamara - Hamilton College Women’s Hockey Coach, John Hughes - CCS Varsity Coach, former CYH and CCS standout, 20+ years as CYH coach, Nick Palmieri Jr. - Clinton Native, Right Winger, NY Rangers (NHL) & CT Whale (AHL), and Fran Alteri former CYH, CCS, and Geneso State University standout, former CCS Varsity Coach, and member of the Kirkland Sports Hall of Fame, 15+ years as CYH coach
(continued from Page 16)
Clausen with directing and coordinating program operations, recruiting and planning practices. She was an ECAC Women’s West All-Academic Team selection and she graduated with a cumulative grade point average of 3.47. Her previous coaching experience also includes several years as a camp counselor at the CAN/AM Hockey Camp in Lake Placid, N.Y. She was responsible for supervising campers through on and office activities and she also helped the campers develop hockey skills on a personal and team level. Originally from Rutland, Vt., Kelley played prep school hockey at Loomis Chaffee School in Connecticut.
Kelley was hired as a graduate assistant for the Utica College women’s hockey team in the Spring of 2011. She assisted Head Coach Dave Clausen with all facets of the program including practice and game preparation, recruiting and office management. Over the course of three seasons on the bench she helped guide the Pioneers to a 43-30-6 overall record as well as two consecutive ECAC Women’s West Conference Tournament semifinal appearances. As a player and a coach she helped guide the Pioneers to six conference tournament appearances in the last seven seasons. She also played an intricate role in the development of recent Utica College graduate Megan Myers (Las Vegas, NV/LA Selects), who was a CCM All-American selection in 2013. “Eliza Kelley brings experience as both a player and coach at the women’s Division III level,” Becker College Director of Athletics Frank Millerick said. “She has earned the reputation as a relentless recruiter and her winning attitude will help Becker’s women’s ice hockey program come out strong in its first season.” Kelley graduated from Utica College in the Spring of 2011 with a bachelor of science degree in management and a concentration in human resource management. During her time at UC she played three full seasons on the women’s hockey team before taking a position as a volunteer assistant coach in her senior campaign. As a volunteer assistant she helped Coach
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East Hockey Aviators with their Championship Trophy in Buffalo!
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East Hockey / Page 20
Eastern New York Men’s College Hockey Report by Warren Kozireski
Wkozires@brockport.edu
Desimone averaged a point per game for the Buffalo Junior Sabres last season, registering 13 goals and 38 assists for 51 points in 52 games. He ranked second among OJHL defensemen in scoring and was named a First Team OJHL All-Star. UNION Hynes split time last season beMANHATTANVILLE tween the Omaha Lancers and The program will add eight Fargo Force of the United States Following two years in Stam- freshmen for the 2014-15 sea- Hockey League (USHL). Comford, the Valiants hockey teams son. The newest Dutchmen in- bined he scored 20 goals with 15 will return to Playland Ice Ca- clude New Yorkers Nick Desim- assists for 35 points in 59 games. sino for the 2014-15 season. one (East Amherst/Buffalo Jr. Hynes played alongside Union Playland Ice Casino served as Sabres) on defense and Guilder- center Eli Lichtenwald with the the home of the Valiants for a land native Tyler Hynes at for- Lancers in 2012-13, making the decade from 2002 until 2012, ward. Others are: forward Ro- jump to the USHL after playing when parts of the venerable fa- man Ammirato, defenseman JC for Albany Academy. cility were badly damaged by Brassard, forward Spencer Foo, Hurricane Sandy just weeks be- defenseman Connor Light, forfore the start of the 2012-13 cam- ward Ryan Scarfo and forward Kevin Shier. paign. The team has hired former Fredonia State assistant coach Bill Silengo (Fredonia) for the same role. Silengo returns to his alma mater where he appeared in 67 games over four-years and was captain during the 20112012 campaign.
Throwback 2014 NYS Tournament Buffalo Palisades vs Tritown
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Freeport Arrows Join Eastern Jr Elite
The Freeport Arrows PeeWee, Bantam Major and Midget 16U teams will be joining the Midget 18U team as members of the AAA Division of the Eastern Junior Elite Prospects League for this season. They successfully participated with the EJEPL last season with their 18U Midget team, playing 25 games at the Tier I AAA Level. The advantage is that players are exposed to junior style showcases, games and off-ice conditioning. They also get direct exposure to the Eastern Hockey League teams and coaches. The 18U, 16U, Bantams and PeeWees EJEPL teams will continue to compete in the Long Island Amateur Hockey League’s Tier II AA conference and will compete in a full season for States and Nationals. For more information contact Chris Hogan at CHogan@optonline.net or visit www.ejepl.com.
USHL Atlantic Challenge
September 5 -7 Twin Rinks of Eisenhower Park East Meadow NY New York teams taking part include: 14U: Long Island Royals 16U: Buffalo Reals, Long Island Gulls, NY Applecore, Tier III Junior: NY Bobcats, NY Applecore, Long Island Royals.
East Hockey / Page 21 raro Brothers Hockey development camps and clinics which are owned and operated by USHL alumni Chris Ferraro and Peter Ferraro. The brothers are also part-owners of the Muskegon Lumberjacks. The USHL Atlantic Challenge is the largest exhibition of USHL talent outside the League’s Midwestbased footprint, providing fans, players, and scouts in the East Coast region a first-hand look at the nation’s only Tier I junior league. Last season’s event attracted numerous scouts from NHL teams and NCAA Division I hockey programs. “We are delighted to have an opportunity once again to showcase the USHL brand of junior hockey in the East,” said Bob Fallen, USHL President and Commissioner. “This event provides players, coaches, and families in the region that are unfamiliar with Tier 1 junior hockey a glimpse of the speed and skill required to play at this level. Last year’s inaugural event was a huge success, and we look forward to another quality experience this September having this event at the brand new Twin Rinks Ice Center.”
Mariners Open House
The Mariners invite all local hockey players to skate with us from 8:30-9:45am on Saturday and Sunday September 6 and 7. Beginners up to travel players interested in joining our program are welcome to make a reservation and skate for free on these days. We will be looking for players for our mite beginner and mite travel team as well as our squirt learn to skate and squirt travel team. Interested families are asked to contact Director Art DellaSalla at marinermites@gmail.com
The second annual event is being hosted by the Long Island Gulls and New York Bobcats youth and junior hockey organizations. Games will be played at the brand new Twin Rinks Ice Center of Eisenhower Park, a 165,000 square foot hockey and entertainment facility that opened this past March with two NHL-sized ice surfaces in addition to dedicated off-ice fitness and training areas. The center is also home to Fer-
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East Hockey / Page 22
Westchester Announces Coaches
East Women’s College Report
The Westchester Vipers / Wild are pleased to announce the coaching staff for the upcoming 2014-15 season HEAD COACH’s for the 2014-15 season Mite xice 2006 Mite xice 2007/8 Squirt 2005 team Squirt 2004 team Squirt A Squirt B Peewee 03 A Peewee 02 TB Peewee A Peewee B Bantam 00 TB Bantam 01 Bantam A Midget 98 TB Midget 99 AA
Doug Schur Billy Branch Jim Pellegrino Sr Jim Pellegrino Jr Anthony Pellegrino Jerritt Thiess Jerry Petras Judson Selig Kevin Hagen Walter Tchernigov Joe Berkley Dave Dragone Frank Scalia Walter Tchernigov Kevin Hagen Josh Isenberg Brian DelSavio Erik Kallio Erik Kallio Gus Katsuras
Midget A Midget Major
Joe DiDomenico Brett Bilodeau
Wild U10/12 Devel Wild U14 Wild U16/19
Johanna Slempa Monique Rafferty Mark DeSimone
by Janet Schultz Janet@nyhockeyonline.com
No formal news from the East this month. The women at Manhattanville will begin their season playing Plattsburgh State and Elmira in Northfield, Vermont, the weekend of November 1 and 2. They will then open up at home against Nichols College on November 7 at 3 p.m. The Valiants return to home ice at Playland following two years away from their home after Hurricane Sandy destroyed the facility. RPI’s Lady Engineers will play the Ottawa Jr. Senators in the Houston Field House at home on September 26 before heading to the MidWest to take on the University of North Dakota and Bemidji State. They return home against the University of Vermont on October 11 at 3 p.m. Union will also play the Ottawa Jr. Senators on home ice on September 27 before they head for a doubleheader against RIT on October 3 and 4.
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East Hockey / Page 23
Dragons Battle Tie in Chowder Cup Final
R
yan Poirier (Halifax Nova Scotia) Ian Wetherbee, McCauley Stewart (Boston) Greg Zovas (Chesire CT) join Dragons and contribute to tie Premier Blue at Chowder Cup. The Dragons completed the Chowder Cup with a exciting end to end game against Premier Blue on Saturday. The team was led by strong goaltending and steady play by forwards Ryan Poirier, Ian Wetherbee, McCauley Stewart, Greg Zovas, Neil Jacobsen and defensemen Brian Bermingham and Kyle Connally. Poirier who made the long car ride from Nova Scotia center the Dragons top line. He immediately contributed and also show his toughness taking a stick to the mouth, losing his front tooth in the 2nd game and recieving 8 stitches. Despite the injury he played Saturday and assisted on the game tying goal. No wonder he recieved more than a few junior A offers after the game. Ian Wetherbee from Boston scored a goal in 2 out of 3 games and was a great addition to the team. He also sparked junior A interest but instead will focus on gaining a engineering degree at Clarkson this coming September.
McCauley Stewart, son of former NHL player and referee Paul Stewart once again joined the Dragons and contributed a hard work ethic. In the tie game he even had a breakaway with seconds left but could not net the winner. Time ran out as the puck just missed the back of the twine.
Captain U Playland Showcase
T
he Dragons will once again sponsor the Playland College Showcase. Mark your calenders for December 15, 2014. 4 teams of potential college hockey players will lace them up and play in front of ACHA college coaches. This tournament is for 95-96-97 birthyear players looking to find the right match of ACHA hockey in college.
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AT ALL LEVELS!!
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North Hockey
2014 NYS Girls Varsity Ice Hockey Championships--Potsdam vs Kenmore
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North Hockey / Page 25 for Clarkson Women’s Hockey is second to none, and that made coming to work so enjoyable. I have learned so much from both of them, but the one thing I will take away from my time with them is our friendship. We also want to thank the Clarkson community. So many have helped us along the way and words can’t even start to express how grateful we are for all the support. Lastly, I want to thank all the players I have coached and recruited. I appreciate your willingness to learn and your commitment to Clarkson Women’s Hockey. You have made this job fun and I will always cherish the wonderful memories you have supplied my family and myself.” The Knights skated to 134 victories, posted four campaigns of over 20 wins, qualified for the ECAC Hockey playoffs every year, including four home-ice berths, made three conference championship tournament showings and advanced three times to NCAA Tournament during Kelly’s time with the program, beginning with the 2008-09 campaign. In 2013-14, the Green and Gold won the ECAC Hockey Regular Season title with a 16-2-4 league mark and capped off a 31-5-5 overall record with a 5-4 victory over twotime defending national champion Minnesota in the NCAA Championship game on
North Women’s College Report by Janet Schultz Janet@nyhockeyonline.com
CLARKSON Matt Kelly, who as an assistant coach played a prominent role in guiding the Clarkson University Women’s Hockey team for the past six seasons, is stepping away from the program to become the head scout for the U.S. Women’s National Team. The announcement was released Friday by USA Hockey. During his tenure with the Green and Gold, Kelly helped establish Clarkson as one of the premier programs in the country. Last season the Golden Knights reached the pinnacle of accomplishments in Division I women’s hockey when they earned the University’s first-ever NCAA Championship. “My family and I would like to thank President Tony Collins, his wife Karen, Athletic Director Steve Yianoukos, and Associate Athletic Director Scott Smalling,” said Kelly. “Their passion, enthusiasm, dedication, and support has helped me grow as a coach and more importantly as a person. Secondly, we want to thank Matt and Shannon Desrosiers. They have been a pleasure to work with over the past six years and I am grateful to have had that opportunity. Their passion
March 23 to complete Clarkson’s best season ever. “It’s going to be tough to see Matt leave Clarkson as he has been instrumental in helping our program capture our first National Championship,” stated Clarkson Head Coach Matt Desrosiers. “Although saddened by the news of his departure, I am excited for Matt and his family as they embark on this new journey. They have become great friends and will be missed around the rink and within the community. Everyone at Clarkson wishes Matt all the best on his new career path. We all know he will do a fantastic job and be greatly missed.” With USA Hockey, Kelly will primarily be responsible for helping identify and develop players in USA Hockey’s active player pool for the women’s program. He will also help implement a long-term strategy to ensure continued advancement of the U.S. Women’s National Team program.
Three Selected for Canada National Team Three standouts from Clarkson University’s National Championship Women’s Hockey team have
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www.nyhockeyonline.com been selected to the final roster for Hockey Canada’s National Under-22 team. Golden Knight juniors Erin Ambrose (Keswick, ONT), Renata Fast (Burlington, ONT) and Shannon MacAulay (Mt. Herbert, PEI) are among the 22 players on Canada’s National Women’s Development Team, which will compete in a three-game series against the United States’ Women’s Under-22 National Team from August 21-24 at WinSport’s Markin MacPhail Centre at Canada Olympic Park in Calgary. A prolific offensive defenseman, Ambrose was a First-team All-American for Clarkson in 2013-14 and a Top 10 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award finalist. She led Division I in scoring from the blueline with 50 points last year and was second among all players in the nation for assists per game with 35. Ambrose Helped Canada’s U22 National Team win Gold Medal at the 2013 Meco Cup in Fussen, Germany. Ambrose was named Team captain for Canada’s U22 squad. Fast emerged as a standout on the blueline last winter and was named to the NCAA Frozen Four AllTournament team. She scored a goal and posted an assist in the 5-1 semifinal win over Mercyhurst (3/21). As a major force up front in postseason play, MacAulay helped to lead the Knights to the University’s first ever NCAA Title. She recorded two goals and two assists in three NCAA Tournament games. MacAulay tallied the game-winning goal, unassisted on a breakaway, in the 5-4 championship game victory over Minnesota (3/23).
North Hockey / Page 26
Northern New York Men’s College Hockey Report by Warren Kozireski
Wkozires@brockport.edu
CLARKSON Defensemen and ‘2014 alum Alex Boak (Norwood) signed a one-year American Hockey League contract with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in the AHL. Boak netted seven goals, 24 assists and 357 penalty minutes over 148 games with the Golden Knights. He went on to make his pro debut last spring with the Penguins’ ECHL affiliate, the Wheeling Nailers, where he skated in eight games and recorded 24 penalty minutes. Classmate Allen McPherson signed with the Rochester Americans after his 103 point college career.
Throwback to the 2014 Frozen Frontier with the Clarkson women taking on the RIT women!
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West Hockey
Memories of the Frozen Frontier!
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Stars U15 Start Strong The Buffalo Stars Midget U15 team participated in the Niagara University Invitational Tournament and claimed victory in a wild weekend of hockey. In game one on Friday, the Stars opened with a decisive victory over the Niagara Coyotes 6-0. Anthony Gallo recorded a hat trick and single tallies were earned by Josh Hussar, Nathan Gentile and Elliott Whittaker. Connor King was solid in net turning back 17 Coyotes shots to earn the shutout. The Stars played twice on Saturday and barely squeaked by with a pair of 1-1 ties. The first game of the morning saw the Stars come out flat against a very determined Clarence Mustangs team. The Stars had already beaten and tied the Mustangs in this early pre season and they were on a mission to end that pattern. However, the stellar goaltending of Alex Paul kept the Stars in the game as Buffalo came from behind off the stick of Will Mann to record the tie. In the evening contest the stars faced off against the Wheatfield Blades and once again, the Stars came out flat. Only stellar goaltending, this time from Con-
West Hockey / Page 28 nor King, kept the Stars in the game. Once again, Buffalo rallied from behind to tie as Ethan Alexin tallied late in the third period to advance Buffalo to the Championship round. The division was tight and a Wheatfield victory would have kept Buffalo out of the Championship game. The Blades pulled their goaltender in a desperate attempt to gain victory but King stood tall and snatched victory for the Stars. On Sunday, the Stars would face the Coyotes for the gold. The Coyotes had made a determined preliminary round rebound claiming victory over Clarence and a hard fought tie with Wheatfield to propel into the final game. However, the Coyotes rally was not to be as the Stars came out and dominated the game from the opening faceoff. The Stars scored in the first two shifts off the stick of Anthony Gallo and Ethan Alexin. Buffalo never looked back as Will Mann and Devin Conrad added a pair and Josh Hussar tallied once and the Stars skated to a convincing 7-0 victory. Alex Paul turned back 15 Coyotes shots to earn the shutout. The Stars U18 team also participated in the weekend tournament and came out with a 1-3 record. The Stars fell to Bud Bakewell 6-4; Caz 4-0 and Clarence 3-2 before rebounding with a solid 5-2 victory over the Purple Eagles on Sunday. You can follow the Buffalo Stars on line at: www. buffalostars.com
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West Hockey / Page 29
Stars Announce Holiday Tournament The Buffalo Stars Christmas Tournament will be held Sunday through Wednesday: December 28-31 (Squirt and Peewee end 30th). Tournament Features: All Teams are Guaranteed 3 Games; No spectator fee, all games free; Championship Game Ceremony; Qualified Medical Personnel on Duty; Tournament HQ and Hospitality Room; Period Length (12 Squirt & Peewee; 13 Bantam; 14 Midget); Sport Photographer and Tee Shirt Vendor Divisions: Squirt; Peewee; Bantam; Midget 16; Midget 18 (All MOHL House) Hotels: Visit our website at: www.buffalostars.com for list of available hotels and rates. Comp Room for Head Coach with pick up of 15 rooms. Tournament Fees: Squirt $825; Peewee $875; Bantam $925; Midget $950 Space is limited. A $250.00 deposit holds your spot until October 15. Final entry fee is due by December 1. Pay in full by September 30 and receive a $25 discount. Checks made payable to: Amateur Sports Productions, 3465 Broadway, Cheektowaga, NY 14227 Contact Persons: Peter Preteroti 716-685-1122 or 716-491-0375 or sportsniag@aol.com Jerry Wheeler 716-352-3246 or icecoachjw@aol.com Email: SportsNiag@aol.com
Stars Open With Salute To Troops The Buffalo Stars will officially open the 2014-2015 Youth Hockey Season on Saturday, September 20th with their Annual Salute to the American Troops Day and Youth Opening Day. Five Buffalo Stars teams will compete as follows: 2:00pm: Opening Ceremonies 2:30pm: U15 vs Rochester Grizzlies
4:15pm: Squirt vs TBA 5:30pm: Minor Peewee vs TBA 7:00pm: U16 vs Syracuse 8:45pm: U18 vs Caz As a show of support for the brave men and women of our Armed Forces, the Buffalo Stars will also conduct a Chinese Auction on this day with all proceeds going to support the Wounded Warrior Project. To learn more about the Wounded Warrior Project visit:www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ All games will be broadcast on our UStream Internet TV Channel:http://www.ustream.tv/channel/buffalostars-junior-hockeywww.ustream.tv/channel/buffalostars-junior-hockey%20 Visit the Buffalo Stars on line at: http://www.buffalostars.com/www.buffalostars.com
New Edge Partners With Wooden School
The NewEdge Hockey Training Company is proud to announce its official partnership as the hockey training and development provider for The Wooden School, Inc. The Wooden School Inc. is a not for profit school in Fairport, NY for student athletes who are looking to be at the head of their sports, academic, and life peer groups. The Wooden School consists of; An accredited, NCAA compliant education online curriculum using Laurel Springs and an on-site, certified education specialist. A hockey education and development academy with professional coaching and training by the NewEdge Hockey Training Company. The hockey development curriculum is designed to prepare players to compete successfully at the prep-school, Junior, College, and professional levels. Athletic Strength and Conditioning Programming coached by Parisi Speed School. Leadership Academy teaching student athletes how to become leaders in sport, education and in life. NewEdge Hockey will provide daily on-ice training and instruction for The Wooden School Inc. NewEdge Hockey will develop, implement and monitor a progression plan for Wooden School students’ individual and tactical hockey skills. For more information on The Wooden School, Inc. visit www.thewoodenschool.net or call 585-576-2537.
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West Hockey / Page 30
BY RANDY SCHULTZ
E
ight graduated high school seniors were recently named as recipients of the Niagara Junior Purple Eagles Gary Hill Memorial Scholarship for 2014. The eight included John Conti, Joseph Corio, Thomas Corrao, Joseph Dobmeier, Lucus Hurtt, Joseph Langer, Michael Laurendi and Jake Schoelles.
NJPE Award Hill Scholarships
The NJPE Gary Hill Memorial Scholarship is awarded to graduating high school students, both male and female, who exhibit evidence of dedication to the Niagara Junior Purple Eagles Hockey League (formerly Grand Niagara Hockey League), extracurricular activities, and humanitarianism in the community and academic achievement. All played at one time or another for the Junior Purple Eagles. It is awarded in memory of the late coach, Gary Hill, who served as a positive role model and exemplified all of these attributes. As a coach and friend to young hockey players, Hill was well respected to this day lives on in the hearts and minds of those who knew him. Conti is a graduate of Canisius High School and is the son of John and Julia Conti. He will be attending
Canisius College, majoring in Business Finance. “Even though hockey is a sport, the friendships that myself and my parents made through my involvement have molded me into the man I am,” said Conti. “These experiences go beyond the sport. It’s a
life lesson.” Corio is a graduate of Niagara Wheatfield High School and is the son of Joseph and Gina Corio. He will be attending the University of Buffalo, majoring in Environmental Engineering. “I was not the best hockey player, but my team always treated me equal in playing time and gave me a chance with the puck,” commented Corio. “By this gesture, I learned a lot about respect.” Corrao, a graduate of Grand Island High School, is the son of Thomas and Monique Carrao. He is attending SUNY Fredonia, majoring in Liberal Arts. “Hard work, discipline, teamwork, and coming together as one unit are life lessons that have become part of who I am today,” said Carrao. “I look forward to using these lessons in my future endeavors.” Dobmeier graduated from Niagara Falls High School. The son of Kevin and Denise Dobmeier, Joseph is attending SUNY Brockport and majoring in Physical Therapy and Athletic Training. “The hockey rink is a place where I have grown and made memories and friends,” remarked Dobmeier. “It’s more that just a rink. It’s a place where I’m comfortable. It’s home.” Hurtt is a graduate of Canisius High School. The son of Ronald and Mary Jo Hurtt is attending Boston College and is majoring in Political Science. “Hockey has influenced my character development with dignity,” stated Hurtt. “Sportsmanship, teamwork and a common goal will help me in my future.”
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Scholarship winners with NJPE Board Members and the Hill Family.
Langer is a graduate of Lewiston-Porter High School. He is the son of Nicole and is attending Niagara University, majoring in Life Sciences/pre-Pharmacy. “Hockey and team playing has helped me manage my time, problem solve, make quick decisions and listen to instructions,” said Langer. “It has encouraged me to benefit from challenges and use moral values.” Laurendi is the son of Tom and Deborah Laurendi and is a graduate of Lewiston-Porter High School. He is attending Niagara University, majoring in Sports Management. Laurendi was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease and its outcome has had a profound effect on him. “My teammates wanted me on the ice with them, never treating me different but with respect during my illness,” recalled Laurendi. “It was the same with the coaches. “This to me is the true meaning of sportsmanship.” Schoelles is the son or Loreen. He is a graduate of Niagara Wheatfield High School and is attending the University of Buffalo, majoring in Mechanical Engi-
neering. “My current work ethics can be traced back to my hockey experiences with the gifted coaches at Dwyer Arena,” said Schoelles. “I’m incredibly fortunate.” This is the 10th anniversary of the Gary Hill Memorial Scholarship. To date 51 scholarships have been awarded. “Gary was a wonderful role model for young hockey players,” stated Judy Villani, chairperson of the scholarship committee for the Niagara Jr. Purple Eagles. “He taught many young hockey players how to play good, solid hockey. “He certainly helped mold many of these young players at the time into the wonderful, outstanding citizens that they are today in our community and around the country.” “Gary Hill’s legacy lives on,” concluded John Nichols, president of the Niagara Jr. Purple Eagle hockey organization. “Through the generosity of his family and these scholarships, Gary still keeps on giving to the kids in our organization. “It’s the way Gary would have wanted it.”
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Western New York Women’s College Hockey Report by Janet Schultz Janet@nyhockeyonline.com JDSchultz3663@gmail.com
RIT WOMEN FULL-FLEDGED NCAA DI PROGRAM The NCAA announced on Monday, August 11 that the RIT women’s hockey team will be a full-fledged member of Division I beginning with the 2014-15 season. RIT, a member of College Hockey America, will be eligible for full postseason play, effective this season. “We are very pleased that our program has reached this milestone,” said Lou Spiotti, “RIT executive director of athletics. The NCAA has now acknowledged something that we know to be fact. RIT women’s hockey has arrived. This announcement serves as a portal for future growth and opportunities. I salute our coaching staff and our student-athletes, past and present as we look forward to many successes in the coming years.” The Tigers announced their intentions to move up to Division I from Division III on March 20, 2012, just three days after winning the Division III National Championship, and played their first game as a Division I program five months later. RIT went 16-16-5 that season, advancing to the CHA Semifinal. Last season, RIT finished 20-15-3 and won the College Hockey America Championship in just its second season as a Division I program, ending the season with a seven-game winning streak. The Tigers were just one of two teams (2014 NCAA National Champion Clarkson) to win its final game of the year.
West Hockey / Page 32 Per NCAA rules, RIT was not eligible for the NCAA Tournament due to a two-year probationary period requirement in order to move from Division III to Division I. The women’s hockey program is the second at RIT to play at the Division I level. The men’s hockey team moved to Division I in 2005, and just like the women, played two years at the probationary period before earning full membership in 2007. “This is very exciting news for our program,” said RIT head coach Scott McDonald, now entering his ninth season behind the bench. “It is another step in the right direction for our program as we continue to build on our Division I success. We are excited to start the new season and be eligible for the NCAA Tournament.”
RITTER ARENA HONORED Frank Ritter Arena, longtime home of the RIT men’s and women’s hockey teams was inducted into the 2014 Frontier Field Walk of Fame before the Rochester Red Wings’ game against the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders on Sunday, Aug. 24. In 46 years at 2,100-seat Ritter Arena, the men recorded a 434-165-1 mark at the historic building. From 1980-2005, the Tigers had an impeccable 274-63-8 record at Ritter Arena. The school record for wins in a season at Ritter Arena was 16 in 1983-84. RIT also recorded 15 wins at Ritter Arena in 1985-86, 1988-89, and 2009-10. The only undefeated season at Ritter Arena was 1998-99, when RIT was 14-0-0. RIT won at least 10 home games in a season 24 times, including six straight 10-win seasons from 2006-2012. RIT had an eight-year run of at least 10 straight wins at home from 1995-2003. From 2006-2014, the RIT women recorded an impeccable 93-20-6 mark at Ritter Arena, winning at least 10 games six times. The Tigers will move into the 4,300-seat Gene Polisseni Center on campus in September. Ritter Arena was the site of countless ECAC West Championship games, AHA Quarterfinal games, and the 1989 and 2001 NCAA Division III National Championship games. RIT’s women hosted back-to-back NCAA Division III Championships in 2011 and 2012, winning the title on
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www.nyhockeyonline.com March 17, 2012 vs. Norwich. Ritter Arena opened in 1968 as part of the original Brick City design that included nine academic facilities and one athletic building, which also housed the Ritter-Clark Gymnasium. Over the last five decades, the addition of a press box, coaching offices, new locker rooms, training areas, new lighting and sound systems, and several general improvements helped RIT into the 21st century. It is widely known in college hockey circles as one the loudest and intimate Division I hockey venues. In addition to the countless memorable hockey games, Ritter Arena is the site of several commencement ceremonies year in and year out, along with the Genesee Figure Skating Club, Rochester Youth Hockey, Empire State Games, and the Section V Ice Hockey Championships. In 1991, the Horton Distinguished Speaker Series brought former president Jimmy Carter to Ritter Arena, and renowned musical act U2 played a memorable concert in 1983, while other big acts like Elvis Costello, Gin Blossoms, and Cheap Trick, along with former Tonight Show host Jay Leno performed. The arena will continue to be used by the Genesee Figure Skating Club, Section V and Rochester Youth Hockey, and various RIT events (open skates, classes, intramurals, commencement ceremonies, among others). NIAGARA UNIVERSITY WOMEN’S CLUB Niagara University’s women’s ice hockey team will hold informational meetings on September 9 at 7 p.m. and September 10 at 8 p.m. in Dwyer Arena. Any NU female student who wants to play ice hockey should attend.
West Hockey / Page 33 Games for this season scheduled include a season opener at Syracuse on October 5 at 1 p.m. and the home opener is scheduled for October 10 at 9:30 p.m. against Brockport.
Western New York Men’s College Hockey Report by Warren Kozireski
Wkozires@brockport.edu
FREDONIA Michael Lysyj has been named assistant coach of replacing Bill Silengo, who left for the same position at Manhattanville, his alma mater. Lysyj scored 39 goals and had 38 assists in four seasons with the Cortland Red Dragons. Following college, he played professionally with the Orlando Solar Bears of the East Coast Hockey League and with the Peoria Rivermen and Mississippi Surge of the Southern Professional Hockey League.
NIAGARA Former Purple Eagles forward Ryan Rashid (‘14) has signed a contract to play with the Elmira Jackals of the East Coast Hockey League for the 2014-15 season. The Jackals are an affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League (NHL) and the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League (AHL). Rashid made his ECHL debut with Elmira at the end of last season, netting four points off two goals and two assists in six games.
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West Hockey / Page 34
Maksymum Partners with Excelsior Sports Prep
aksymum Hockey is proud to welcome Excelsior Sports Prep into the Maksymum Family! Now entering its second year in Rochester, Excelsior Sports Prep continues to inspire enterprising young people to develop the skills necessary to excel in academics, athletics, and all aspects of their future lives. Maksymum is in its 20th year of operation and will bring an exciting on-ice presence to the hockey practicum while also supporting Excelsior with their full-time administrative staff. Students at Excelsior will also benefit from sports performance training from Athletic Republic being fully integrated into the school curriculum. Students will have individual programs, daily performance training sessions, supervised nutrition and recovery programs, and supervision from full time Athletic Republic staff mem-
bers. Students will utilize the skating treadmill, running treadmill, and Nike sensory training as part of their programming. Finally, and most importantly, the academic program will be vastly improved. The school day will be condensed. The school year will be condensed. There will be a greater emphasis on daily academic progress and an individually structured daily schedule. Students must achieve daily to participate in other activities. Further, we will be adding an enhanced cultural enrichment program that will include field trips and will focus on music, art, history, and other cultural experiences. The school year is almost here! Please call our office immediately at 585-426-8488 to discuss enrollment.
West Section Notes
...West Section President David Braunstein has sent the following material to Associations. The USA Non Sanctioned Policy, the NYSAHA ADM Form, the Q Game Format, the West Section Meeting Agenda and the NYSAHA Grow the Grant Form. If you haven’t received these contact David at nitrosdawn@aol.com
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Around Nichols Ice Arena This Summer!
Another week-long clinic for the girls at Nichols Ice Arena in Buffalo. Directed by Coach Scott Welch, the clinic is an intense five-day camp with on and off-ice skills lead by the top women’s ice hockey coaches in College DI and DIII schools. This particular day it was Ohio State Coach Nate Handrahan, known to WNY’ers from his days at Niagara University. Coach Handrahan is looking for women with a balance of good academics, hockey knowledge and skills. His advice: Make sure you have a plan on how to develop and how to get noticed. Keep developing and improving to get to the next level!
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NY State Girls Make Team USA; Beat Canada!
Congratulations Miye, Maddie, Dana and Emily!
N
ew York had four players on the 2014 U.S. Women’s Under-22 Select Team Roster. Miye D’Oench, New York; Maddie Elia, Lewiston; Dana Trivigno, Setauket and Emily Pfalzer, Getzville were chosen to play in the three-games series against Canada on August 21-14 in Calgary. In the opening game, the team beat Canada 2-1 with Trivigno having a goal. In the final two minutes of regulation in the final game, the U.S. scored twice to take the game into overtime. Team Captain Alex Carpenter (North Reading, Mass) scored the game-tying goal and was two-for-two in the shootout, taking the game away from the Canadians 3-2 and sweeping the series. D’Oench comes from Harvard University; Elia from Boston University; Trivigno and Pfalzer are both from Boston College. The U.S. and Canada met for the eleventh time in the U22 series with the U.S. holding a 11-2-3-13-2 record against Canada. Team USA has outscored Canada overall by a total of 91-71. Pfalzer led the way in the first game of the series with a pair of assists while Shiann Darkangelo and Trivigno each had one goal. Alex Carpenter and Annie Pankowski both notched assists and Alex Rigsby was stellar in het with 28 saves.
Three players made their debut with Team USA incluidng Elia, goalie Nicole Hensley and defenseman Alyssa Gagliardi. While there were no New York residents on the U18 Select Team, Troy’s Brent Hill served as an assistant coach. Hill is the assistant women’s ice hockey coach at Merrimack College. The U18 team also played Canada losing the first and second games of the series but beating the Canadians 4-1 in the third. The U.S. and Canada U18 team has met 8 times with the US holding a 8-2-3-9 record going into this game.
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