November 2012

NOVEMBER 2012 VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 3

West Seneca Rededicates Arena

College DIII Previews

The 2012-13 Season Has Started!

RIT Women Begin First D1 Season

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Editorial / 3

P.O.Box 302 East Aurora, NY 14052 716-830-0182 info@wnyhockeyreport.com Managing Partner Ian C. Woods icwoods@wnyhockeyreport.com Vice President, Business Development Ned McDonnell Commish@wnyhockeyreport.com Publisher & Managing Editor Randy Schultz Randy@wnyhockeyreport.com Designer & Photographer Janet Schultz Janet@wnyhockeyreport.com Columnists Warren Kozireski Warren@wnyhockeyreport.com Janet Schultz Mike Mroziak Kyle Gunn-Taylor Kyle@wnyhockeyreport.com Thomas Morris Jr. Tom@wnyhockeyreport.com WESTERN NEW YORK HOCKEY REPORT No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopy and facsimile, without permission in writing from the publisher.

WESTERN NEW YORK HOCKEY REPORT is an equal opportunity employer.

Contents 2012 Western New York Hockey Report.

All rights reserved.

WESTERN NEW YORK HOCKEY REPORT is published monthly, for $15 one year or $25 two years, by Western New York Hockey Report, P.O. Box 302, East Aurora, N.Y. 14052 Pending Periodical Postage Paid at Orchard Park and Additional Offices.

Postmaster: send address changes to Western New York Hockey Report P.O. Box 302, East Aurora, N.Y. 14052

In This Issue...

Around the Associations........................ 13 Bauer Tournament Report....................... 8 Buffalo Stars Opening............................ 15 Fire On Ice Tournament Report.............. 11 High School Hockey.................................. 9 How to be a Good Goalie........................ 24 Junior Sabres Report.............................. 10 Teaching Hockey.................................... 11 Legends of the Game.............................. 23 Men’s College ......................................... 16 PUCCS....................................................... 5 Red Bull Buffalo.................................... 7, 8 RIT Breaks Ground.................................. 17 Roller Hockey.......................................... 20 Skating is Key............................................ 4 West Seneca Rink.................................... 14 Women’s Hockey..................................... 18

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About the Cover: West Seneca renovates entire arena with upgraded lighting and new piping; RIT Women’s Ice Hockey Team plays in Division I CHA for the first time this season and hockey season has begun for our youth teams and Division III collegiate teams. No NHL--go to the rink and see who’s playing! (Photos by Janet Schultz)

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Skating / 4

Skating is Key to Success on Ice

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By Janet Schultz

ou’re probably wondering why WNY Hockey Report would advertise a company like Skate Great. You probably think it’s for figure skaters. After all, hockey players know how to skate.

Well, they have to learn somewhere, and Skate Great is offering them an excellent opportunity to learn the basics of skating and move them into hockey skating.

Is figure skating and ice hockey skating different?

The answer is that they are both similar but there are differences.

You might be surprised to learn that if you, and we mean the threeyear-old to the senior citizen, are going to a Learn To Skate Program you should take the skates you plan to use. In other words, if you plan to play hockey you should be learning how to skate on hockey skates.

“Hockey skates are more supportive,” said Jessica Lauria, director of Skate Great. “The stance and stride are very similar in both figure and hockey; but there are some differences.”

“Cross-overs are also a little different in hockey than figure skating,” she continued.

Skate Great, which has been around since 1997 in its current format, provides lessons from Learn to Skate on up. They also have power skating and hockey basics programs and do provide private lessons.

“We are privately owned so we have the opportunity to do whatever we want,” said Lauria.

“We are all very passionate about skating,” said Lauria of her over 35 coaches. “Many of our coaches began in our program, became junior coaches and by the time they were in high school had their own groups to instruct.”

“They’ve grown up in our program,” said Lauria, who grew up in hockey herself because her brothers played.

“I was usually looking for pucks under the bleachers,” she laughs.

“My advice, especially to adults, is to take skating lessons before joining a hockey league,” said Lauria. “Don’t jump into a league without knowing what you are doing.

“Hockey coaches tend to work on drills, we will work on the skating.”

“We have a huge hockey clientele,” said Lauria, for those who might be a little hesitant about skating with figure skaters.

Skate Great also tries to keep lessons as cost effective as possible.

Three of the four rinks they skate out of have skates available for those taking lessons. The hockey programs are the same price and at the same place as the figure skating lessons, but the students are in a different group.

“Skating is in my blood,” said Lauria. “We want to teach everyone how to skate.”

Skate Great operates out of Holiday Twin, Cheektowaga; Leisure Rinks, Orchard Park, Hamburg Rink and East Aurora Rink. u

PUCCS / 5

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wareness of the short-term and long-term effects of concussions on young athletes has grown exponentially in recent years.

A Western New York-based campaign raising awareness of concussions in youth sports has also grown since its debut last year.

So, too, is the hockey tournament that raises funds for youth concussion research.

The Program for Understanding Childhood Concussion and Stroke, or PUCCS, will hold its second annual hockey tournament at Holiday Twin Rinks in Cheektowaga during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, November 23 through 25.

“Last year this was a small one-day adult tournament. This year it’s going to be a three-day tournament with many youth teams as well as the adult teams,” said Dr. Elad Levy, Professor of Neurosurgery and Radiology at State University of New York at Buffalo and Founder and Chair of PUCCS. Last year’s inaugural event raised more than $100,000 to support youth concussion research.

Dr. Levy is hopeful this year’s bigger event will bring even more success – and support – for the continuing mission to properly identify and treat head traumas.

Accidents and injuries will happen. There simply is no elimination of them entirely. Knowing how to treat them when it happens is what doctors – and families – want to better understand.

“It’s really a timely and sensitive issue,” added Dr. Levy. “We’re seeing more and more high profile athletes suffering acute effects of concussions, as well as class action suits in the NFL and longterm effects of concussions.

“But now it’s becoming well positioned in the

media. People are becoming aware and we see that trickling down, as always, from pros down to the youth and school sports level.”

Experts close to the field say they’ve learned more about concussions in the past ten years than they have in the decades before. Just what have they

PUCCS:

The Concussion Campaign Grows

By Michael Mroziak

learned the most in recent times?

“I think understanding a little bit more about the injury and how it occurs,” said Dr. Julian Bailes, co-director of NorthShore Neurological Institute in Evanston, Illinois. “And, the fact that there’s this period of what we call metabolic vulnerability, that the brain cells are vulnerable for a period of time. An injury on top of another one before the first one is healed is really where the long-term effects are.

“That’s why we really stress not returning a symptomatic player to play until he or she has cleared

all the symptoms.”

Coming back too soon remains a serious problem in sports, both in youth and adult levels.

In the past, hockey players might “get their bell rung” but would return to action much sooner than when they should. Some athletes, especially professionals, have downright hidden or lied about their status. Football player Troy Polamalu, for example, readily admitted in past interviews to lying about his condition to the medical staff for his Pittsburgh Steelers.

As he told the Dan Patrick Radio Show earlier this year: “When you get your bell rung they consider that a concussion -- I wouldn’t ... If that is considered a concussion, I’d say any football player at least records 50 to 100 concussions a year.”

Clearly there remains a sort of macho ethic among some athletes: Tough it out. Play through it. Some athletes who have done this did so at a time when they feared missing games due to a concussion might ultimately cost them their job.

Experts, however, suggest that when it comes to head injuries, it’s time these athletes learn there’s a difference between tough and foolish and that missing a few games might save both your career and perhaps even your life. It means learning to accept a doctor’s opinion that one simply isn’t ready to play yet.

“I deal with patients with stroke and brain cancer all the time, so it’s not hard for me to tell them that because it’s the right thing for them to do,” said Dr. Bailes.

Continued on Page 26

7

Red Bull Crashed Ice Nets Buffalo Qualifiers for Championships

By Randy Schultz Randy@wnyhockeyreport.com

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ay McKee is a natural skater. It is second nature to him.

But on a Tuesday evening back in mid-October at the Aurora Ice Classic Tribute Rink in East Aurora, McKee put his skating skills to the limit. For the first time in his life the former National Hockey League defenseman participated in the northeast qualifier for the Red Bull Crashed Ice World Championship to be held in Niagara Falls, Ont. on December 1.

McKee and other participants skated on two identical obstacle courses, facing the course two at a time.

Following the race in Niagara Falls, Ont. the top 64 Canadian men and 16 women will earn their spot for the final race in Quebec City on March 16. Other qualifier races were also held in St. Paul, MN, Russia and Switzerland.

Red Bull Crashed Ice is a combination of hockey, boarder cross and downhill skiing. It sets a thrilling stage for intrepid male and female amateur and pro hockey players from around the globe.

No flat surfaces here. Instead, the racers hurtle down an ice track, showcasing their strength, speed and technique while battling massive jumps, gaping drops, hairpin runs and each other to the ice, epic finish.

Why would McKee do this?

“It is a very unique sport,” responded McKee, who played most of his NHL career with the Buffalo Sabres. “There is nothing like it.

“It is like a downhill motocross. There are hills and turns.

‘There is a lot of speed. And it all happens with guys on skates and skating on ice.

“It is extreme. It’s great for adrenaline junkies.

“I like things that are scary. Remember, I was a defenseman who stood in front of 100 mile-perhour slap shots.

“I like a challenge. I like to do things that make your heart race.

“The day I saw this on U-tube, I knew I wanted to do it. I wanted to qualify.

“This would end up being a dream come true for me.”

Are there similarities between hockey and Crashed Ice? “When you play hockey and you have the puck, there are five other guys on the ice from the other team that want to run you over. So there are obstacles in hockey, having to handle the puck and have good hand-eye coordination.

“It’s much different with Crashed Ice. You are coming down a slope of ice at a high rate of speed. You’re turning and jumping, all at high speeds.

“In hockey you’re on flat ice. It is a controlled area.

“With Crashed Ice, you could have the wind with or against you. It is a whole different feeling.

“There could be some serious falls. Remember, it is extreme.”

Another former Sabre and good friend of McKee, Andrew Peters, attended the event that October evening but did not participate.

He had his thoughts about the event.

“I think it’s great,” commented Peters. “The fact that you can incorporate hockey-like skills with an event that’s got an element of danger in it.

“This isn’t hockey that Jay is going to be involved with. You don’t want to see anyone get hurt.

“But you know it is going to be interesting.

There is going to be thrills and spills.

“In the end it is skating and agility. You are going to have to use muscles in your body that you don’t normally use.

“But you have to be athletic. And Jay is just that.

“In the end, this won’t be a cakewalk. It is a challenge.

“Jay is the guy who will face that challenge and be successful at it.” u

8 Five Qualify for 2013 Red Bull Crashed Ice World Championship in Niagara Falls, Canada

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ed Bull Crashed Ice skated into Western New York holding the only northeast qualifier for the first Canadian stop in the World Championship in Niagara Falls. Two local Buffalo competitors, one from Niagara Falls, one Midwesterner, and one Canadian Buffalo Sabres alum player will represent the US on December 1.

Adam Green had the fastest time of the qualifier, completing the pre-set course in 22.66 seconds. His Red Bull Crashed Ice World Championship experience has already taken him to Munich, Germany in 2009 and St. Paul, MN last year ranking him 69 overall.

“My ambition is to be in the top 16 in Niagara,” said a confident Green, a student hailing from Cleveland, Ohio. “I, no doubt, will be the fastest US competitor.”

Local celebrity and the most experienced on the ice, Buffalo Sabres alum Jay McKee, finished confidently in fourth place with a time of 25.63.

“I’m just proud to be a small part of this awesome sport,” said McKee, who currently resides in Elma, NY. “It’s perfect for adrenaline junkies like myself.”

Also heading to Niagara in second, third and fifth place are John Corda, Edward Spiesz and Daniel Buchanan, all hailing from the Buffalo area.

In addition, the only female skater willing to go against the men of Red Bull Crashed Ice will be planning a homecoming, seeing that she is currently a local firefighter in Niagara Falls, NY. Tamara Stewart, 24, will compete among some of the fastest, toughest and bravest Ice Cross Down Hill Skaters that Canada and surrounding countries have to offer.

“I’m going to train hard because I don’t want my experience to end in Niagara,” says Stewart, who has been playing hockey since she was five-years-old.

“I’ve always competed with the boys. It’s just made me better.” u

Buffalo Bisons Play at Bauer World Invitational

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he Buffalo Bisons Girls U10, U12 and U14 teams headed for Michigan November 2 through 4 to take part in the Bauer World Invitational.

While they didn’t come home with a trophy, they did play hard and competed well against highly rated teams from the United States and Canada.

The U10 team played three relegation games and went 0-2-1 and lost in the consolation round to the Whitby Wolves 3-0.

On the U12 division the Bisons, who played up one division, went 0-3, losing in the consolation match to the Oakville Hornets 4-0.

The 14U team went 2-1 in relegation play and then after winning their division and qualifying for quarters, lost to Oakville 5-2. They were up 2-1 with 9 minutes to play. There were 3 power play goals in that game. Oakville went on to win the tournament, beating London 2-0 in the finals. u

(Information from Bauer website and John Clearly.)

WNY High School Hockey/Boys / 9 East.

“Our biggest win of the season was the playoff game against Lew-Port and that earned us the right to play a heck of a team in Kenmore East,” exclaimed McFall, “They had 5 or 6 guys that were all league players. They had good solid hockey players; the only thing that hurt us was our age and size. This year we are bigger and excited.”

by Tom Morris “We were a very young Tom@wnyhockeyreport.com team last season as 2 freshman and 12 sophomores saw significant playing time,” rowing up at Holiday Twin Rinks in McFall continued, “These the 1960’s and 1970’s with his two players have gained valuable brothers, Hamburg Hawks coach experience and will be looked John McFall built a passion for hockey upon as leaders in their junior that would take him through the Buffalo seasons.”

Regals, the Jr. Sabres, and the University The core of the players at Buffalo. includes one of John McFall’s “I have been hanging around the two sons Junior Forward rinks since I was 7 years old,” said McFall, Brendan. His other son is Se“My father ran Holiday Twin Rinks as the nior Defenseman Liam, who program director, the leagues, and the was a captain last season as a hockey schools.” junior.

John, along with his two brothers Danny “Brendan is one of the tight group of guys, and Tommy, who are also currently high school the core players who are all good friends, which coaches in other cities, stated his favorite days as helps” said McFall. “It seems like every weekend a kid were snow days, because the three of them half of the group is always here at our house. They would go with their dad to work. are usually outside playing hockey and putting “We grew up in the Buffalo Regals organizapucks through the door,” John paused for a motion,” thought McFall, “(It) absolutely helped to be ment and then continued, “Makes a coach think of around the rink when we were kids. We won the all those missed nets.” state’s as minor bantams and minor midgets, but were unable to win at the major level and go onto John has had the opportunity to the nationals.” coach both of his John recalled one of his favorite times in his sons from house playing career when he went to the National league to the house Championships with the Jr. B team, the Jr. Sabres, selects and further where he played from 1979 to 1981. onto travel teams.

While at the National Championships in New “I think they are Jersey, McFall remembers playing against Brian both better than I Mullen (11 year NHL Pro). “We heard before we was,” John said with got to New Jersey that he was good and boy he pride in his voice, was good,” recalled John, “But we played as a “Liam is a defenseteam and we had the opportunities. To look back man who is a smart, and say I played against that guy was great.”

“Jim Lorentz was the coach of the team at that steady, and solid player who plays as time,” remembered McFall, “It used to be the top though he has ownkids from this area that made up the Jr. Sabres.

Now it is different, they have players from all over. ership of the team and he does.”

A lot of my buddies are working with them.”

“Brendan was the After the Jr. Sabres John went on to Division 2 goal scorer last seahockey at the University at Buffalo. The Winnipeg Jets drafted John’s brother Danny in 1981, playing son,” McFall recalled at Michigan State from 1981 to 1985. Danny was a a game against Kenmore West from last two-time All-American that recorded nine games season, “(That) was played as a Winnipeg Jet in two and a half years the one team he rein the organization. John’s other brother Tommy ally was able to get played his college hockey at Oswego, where he a few goals on, he ended up in their Hall of Fame. scored four goals. It Fast forward to the 2011-2012 season. With a was like everything very experienced coach at their helm the Hamburg Hawks entered the Section VI playoffs as the he touched went in and we won 8-1.”

11th seed and faced 6th seeded Lew-Port. The McFall acknowlyoung group of players stepped up to the plate edged that hockey and ousted Lew-Port. Hamburg’s post-season is the main sport for ended with a loss in their next game to eventual quite a few of the New York State Champion and 1st seed Kenmore

Profile of A High School Hockey Coach--John McFall

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kids in his current program. Hamburg continues to fund the hockey program along with the parents in their fundraising activities. McFall stated the parents were starting a booster club this year to ensure the kids in 6th, 7th and 8th grade will also have the opportunity to play varsity hockey for Hamburg.

In closing McFall wanted to pass on some advice to his sons and the rest of his team.

“It is just a game, but I was always encouraged and I have seen a couple kids move on and coach,” McFall thought, “These kids aren’t going to the NHL and in some cases not even college (hockey).

What they will get out of playing, if they can coach and help out in the future, they will get a lot out of it. I mean you get out of it what you put in to it. I think you have really gotten somewhere in hockey when you turn around and give to the younger players so they can have what you had.”

u Editors Note: All boys high school hockey material should be sent to Tom Morris, tom@wnyhockeyreport.com. Call Tom with all your story ideas!

Junior Sabres / 10 ing an overtime shootout defeat, rebounded with wins in his starts against Mississauga on October 20th (a 5-3 Buffalo win) and Toronto on October 27th (a 4-1 final).

by Michael Mroziak Peca pointed to press@wnyhockeyreport.com the line of Egan, Mikowski and hile some local hockey fans have Nathan Pelligra as one of the standouts at sulked over the continued labor this stage of the season. He also commended stoppage in the National Hockey Gjurich for remaining consistent even when League, others have found some alternatives linemates Schmelzer and Josh Kielich suffered and even some pleasant surprises. Among brief injuries. them, a Buffalo Junior Sabres junior hockey While in good shape, first place was far from a club that found itself in first place in the Onsafe bet for Buffalo at the start of November. tario Junior Hockey League’s West Division at Their nearest rival, the Georgetown Raiders, the end of October. held up to five games in hand and trailed by Was this where Michael Peca expected as little as four points. The Raiders also dethem to be at this stage of the season? Quite feated the Jr. Sabres in Amherst in their first frankly, yes. meeting of the season, on October 28.

“I think as a staff we expected ourselves Speaking of injured players, forward Alex to be atop not just our division but the Dagnal, who was the team’s leading scorer conference and the league,” said the team’s until suffering a leg injury in early October, head coach and general manager. “We have was expected back in action by the second tremendous talent, tremendous amount of week of November. Also expected to return leadership on our team, so I’m not surprised.” shortly before Thanksgiving was defenseman Leading the team in scoring through the Darrin Trebes, who suffered a leg injury on end of October was Tyler Gjurich, who has October 13th. lived up to the expectations he brought as In the meantime, some of the team’s callone of the out-of-town players. The Hatfield, ups from the Buffalo Jr. Sabres midget level Pennsylvania native recorded 12 goals and 16 teams, under the operation of the Buffalo Reassists through October 31st, including two gals, not only showed promise but produced game winning goals and two power play talpoints during the team’s road games October lies.

26th at St. Michael’s (a 3-2 Buffalo win) and Max Mikowski enjoyed a late October October 27th at Toronto Jr. Canadiens (a 4-1 surge, scoring six goals and two assists in a win). five-game span from October 20th through “Josh Gabriel is a ’96 (birth year) who was the 27th. Ryan Schmelzer remained one of outstanding when he played,” said Peca. “Ryan the team’s steady workhorses while Pat Egan Kuhn, a ’95, who came up and played in St. was showing himself to be a handy scorer, tipMike’s in Toronto and was outstanding; even ping in shots and being in place for rebounds Nathan Sucese who came up and played at the side of the net. in our last home game was great against And then there is defense and goaltendGeorgetown (October 28th).” ing. A pairing of team captain Derek Patter Kuhn registered an assist of the game winson and Sean Federow has clicked well, while ning goal against St. Michael’s. Jason Heerdt R.J. Sciarrone has shown more confidence at was another rookie call-up. He scored a goal the blue line. Dylan Howatt’s point producin the team’s 4-1 win at the Toronto Jr. Canation was up as well. diens on October 27th.

Parker Gahagen has gained the respect of Buffalo also has a limited home schedule observers outside the Jr. Sabres organization. in November, hosting the Oakville Blades on The North York Rangers webcaster, during November 6th, followed by Georgetown on Buffalo’s October 21st road game at North November 8th then the North York Rangers York, even referred to the former Williamson November 14th. The team will not host ville North High School standout as “one of another home game until after Thanksgiving, the best in the league.” With three shutouts when the Mississauga Chargers come to the through the end of October, he was certainly Northtown Center at Amherst on November stating a strong case. Backup Bobby Bloom26. field, who lost his first two decisions includ-

Buffalo Jr. Sabres-Best of the West in the OHL

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A SURPRISE GUEST COACH Among those who have regularly watched the Jr. Sabres home games is Buffalo Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff, who was also invited to lead a practice on October 25.

“I think it’s always good to get back out there,” said Ruff to some local media in what was believed to be his first interview since the NHL lockout began. “You have to find ways to stay busy” Ruff’s son Brian is a rookie forward with the Jr. Sabres. He registered his first OJHL goal on October 30 in a 6-0 win over Mississauga at the Northtown Center at Amherst.

“I think any time you get to see your kids play – I got to see him play a little bit last year and I’ve seen him play a bit more this year – this is a good brand of hockey. It’s a big step for him. It’s been tough but at the same time I’m always telling him if you’re willing to pay the price and work hard and get better, you’ll get your opportunity.”

Ruff’s assistants have also been frequent visitors and also have personal connections to the team. James Patrick is hosting one of the team’s out-of-town players this season, while Kevyn Adams is an alumnus of the junior franchise from its Niagara Scenic era.

BUSINESS NOTES The Jr. Sabres have not only been succeeding on the ice but off it as well, securing more business support. In October the team gained a new major sponsor, popular downtown Buffalo restaurant Chef’s.

“We’re honored to be a part of the Jr. Sabres,” said Chef’s Lou Billiter. “We at Chef’s feel very strongly in community involvement and the Jr. Sabres are a springboard for many young athletes to get the foundation and skills they need to succeed in hockey as well as life.”

Chef’s became the team’s sixth major sponsor. Returning as major sponsors for the team this season are Dent Neurologic Institute, Tim Horton’s, Coca Cola Buffalo, Santora’s Pizza Pub & Grill and J.W. Danforth.

Chef’s has already enjoyed a relationship with the NHL’s Sabres. Billitier, who noted his job as a stick boy on the opponents’ bench at Memorial Auditorium in the 1970s, is close to the Sabres Alumni and was happy to oblige when asked to support the junior team.

“There are many future stars in the Western New York area and with the right leadership they will one day achieve great things,” he said. “Chef’s and the Buffalo Sabres have gone hand-in-hand from the beginning of the franchise and it is only right that the Jr. Sabres would be the same great fit.” u

Feature / 11

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s a boy Bob Janosz dreamed of playing professional hockey. Instead, Janosz has made career out of teaching hockey.

“I realized very early that being a pro hockey player wasn’t going to be in my plans,” said Janosz.

“That’s when I decided to head down the path of teaching hockey instead of playing it.”

Today, Janosz is in his sixth season as goaltending coach for the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League. The 35 year-old former netminder oversees the on-ice training, development and overall progress of the goaltending prospects within the Buffalo Sabres organization.

Under Janosz’ coaching last season, Amerks goaltender David Leggio was voted the team’s MVP by his teammates after leading the AHL in saves and posting a record of 28-24-2 to help Rochester to a playoff berth. During his time with the Amerks Janosz has also worked as a video coach and strength and conditioning coach.

He also runs the Janosz School of Goaltending, conducting camps throughout New York State.

Several of the goalies that have attended his camps have gone on to professional and collegiate careers.

He also works with USA Hockey and the summer development camps.

Not bad for a guy from Eden.

“I played youth hockey for West Seneca,” recalled Janosz. “I then moved up to the Niagara Scenics (now the Buffalo Jr. Sabres).

Teaching Hockey-As Rewarding as Playing Hockey!

By Randy Schultz “From there it was on to Canisius College.

I think the big thing I remember about Canisius is our rivalry with Niagara University.

“But I think the one thing I’ll always remember is that we lost to Holy Cross in the final game of my senior, and final, year with Canisius. It was in the MAAC Championship game.

“We lost by one goal. And that really sticks with me. Not exactly the way I wanted to end my college career.”

From there he played two seasons of professional hockey. The first with the Muskegon Fury of the United Hockey League (1999-2000) and then with the Arkansas RiverBlades of the East Coast Hockey League (2000-2001).

“I played that second year with a pulled groin,” commented Janosz. “I really shouldn’t have done that.

“But I let immaturity get the best of me. It was after that I went back to graduate school to get my masters degree.

“That following year I still had plans of playing pro hockey. But I was offered a teaching job and had just finished my first year with my hockey school.

“It was a tough decision for me to make at the time. But when I look back on it now it was the best decision I could have made for myself.”

So how did he get into his goalie school?

“I had helped out former Sabres goaltending coach, Mitch Korn (now with the Nashville Predators).

I really enjoyed it and I’ve always enjoyed teaching.

“In my first year on my own, I just basically put up a few posters, rented some ice and had my brother help me.

“And it grew from there.”

What is the Janosz philosophy in goaltending?

“I take a lot of pride with the students who have come through the school,” answered Janosz.

“They come in all ages from around seven to over 60.

“I will help place a kid out when it comes time to placing them some place. It doesn’t matter if it is with a junior team or a college team.

“I simply try and build a goalies fundamentals up, especially with their footwork. And then I build from there.

“I just want the student to have fun and get confidence in what they do as a goalie.

“If it works out for them that they move up in the world I’ve done my job. As long as they are happy with the camp, I’ve also done my job.

“In the end it’s all about teaching. And I love to teach.” u

Fire On Ice Tournament

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ochester Youth Hockey hosted the Fire On Ice Tournament November 2-4.

For WNY the most exciting Division to watch was mostly likely the U19A which featured only teams from that area. The Rochester Edge 19A, Buffalo Stars, Edge C and West Seneca battled to a Edge C team win.

The Buffalo Stars lost to the Edge 19A team 2-1 and the Edge C team beat West Seneca 4-2 to put the finals into the hands of the two Rochester teams, with Edge C beating 19A 3-1.

In U12 it was the Ottawa Ice and Nepean winning.

At U14A the winner was Clarington. Hamburg had a win, a loss and a tie and Webster had no wins.

The Ottawa Senators left with the championship in the U14AA Division.

The Rochester Edge had three wins and a loss and the Buffalo Regals had two wins and two losses.

The Quakers took the U16A division with the Rochester Edge coming away with one win three losses; Webster, one win, three losses and the Buffalo Stars with two wins, one loss and a tie.

The Buffalo Regals made it to the consolation round of the 17AA division where they lost to Brewster 4-2. The Regals had a one tie, two loss record heading off to meet Brewster.

At the 19AA it was Northwood Prep and the Dallas Stars taking the championships. The Rochester Edge ended with one win, three losses. u (Information taken from website score sheets.)

/ 13

Around the Associations

By Michael Mroziak

I

t might seem hard to believe that we’re already talking playoff hockey.

Just where did the late summer and early autumn go?

Time does fly and so, too, has the season for split-year midget teams competing in the Western New York Amateur Hockey League, which will host Playdowns from November 10-12 at the Northtown Center at Amherst.

In the WNYAHL’s Midget U18 Red division, the Bud Bakewell Bruins, Tonawanda Lightning and Cheektowaga Warriors were battling for first place, separated by just three points in the standings. The Bruins held the top spot with 19 points, with the Lightning right behind at 17 points and the Warriors at 16 points.

Jamestown and Webster were tied for first with 16 points in the 18U Blue Division, while Southtowns held first place in the Green Division (15 points), leading the Buffalo Stars by one point and the Amherst Knights by three.

In the 16U ranks, Clarence and the Niagara Junior Purple Eagles were just one point apart in the Red Division. The Mustangs held first place with 23 points and held a game in hand on Niagara.

Rochester Youth Hockey and Perinton held first place with some breathing room in the 16U Blue A & B divisions, respectively, while Rochester was locked in first with Amherst in the Green Division. The Knights, though, held two games in hand through mid-October.

There was a three-way race for first in the 15U Red B Division, with the Hamburg Hawks holding the top spot with 16 points but leading the Grizzlies and Southtowns Stars by just one point. In the Red A Division, meanwhile, the Bud Bakewell Bruins were coasting to a first place finish with 21 points, leading second place Amherst by eight standings points.

In the meantime, other age divisions were well into their seasons, and even planning ahead for some tournaments after the New Year. We spotlight just a couple of those tournaments and offer some other news and notes from “Around the Associations”…

Tonawanda Lightning The Tonawanda Lightning organization is seeking teams to enter its 21st annual tournament, which will be held from March 10 through March 17, 2013. The tournament seeks to host at least four teams per division, with a guaranteed three games per team.

The divisions include Squirt, Bantam, Pee Wee and Midget divisions, Girls’ U12 and U16 divisions and also a High School Junior Varsity division.

The games will be held at Brighton and Lincoln rinks. Out-of-town teams will be scheduled no earlier than March 15 to minimize lost work or school days for those families. The championship games will be held on March 17.

For more information, contact Tim Griffith at griff296@aol.com. You can also look up more information (including the cost to participate) and download an application at www.eteamz.com/LightningHockey.

Wheatfield Blades Wheatfield will play host next March to the inaugural Greater Niagara Amateur Hockey League Mite March Madness hockey tournament, sponsored by Advantage Physical Therapy.

The Blades will co-host the tournament with the Amateur Athletic Union of the United States, which oversees the GNAHL. The tournament will be held March 1 -3 at the Hockey Outlet in the Town of Wheatfield, with participants guaranteed a minimum of three games, with the possibility of playing as many as five.

The deadline to apply is January 15, 2013, but tournament planners were offering a discount to teams registered and paid by November 30, 2012. For more information, including the fee to play, local mite level team managers are encouraged to contact John Duffy, Wheatfield’s House League Manager, at duf1807@yahoo.com.

Cazenovia Park Chiefs Caz Park’s tournament bound Midget 16U squad added a trophy to their case in October, winning the Niagara Sports Columbus Day Tournament at Hyde Park Rink in Niagara Falls, New York…

Meanwhile, the association also celebrated an individual player’s honor earlier this fall. Kasey Thur, who skates on the Chiefs’ Girls 19U squad, was named a Super Seven Athlete by WKBW-TV in late September. She ranked first in the television station’s weekly list for a week in which she scored six goals in field hockey for Clarence High School.

“I just want to keep contributing to goals and keep helping our team win,” said Thur in remarks broadcast by WKBW on September 21. “I just want to keep everybody intense, and make sure everybody stays at the level they need to.”

While field hockey is not ice hockey, it’s worth noting in this column because of Ms. Thur’s overall work ethic, the kind every ice hockey coach hopes for. Caz Park can only be excited by the leadership she can bring to the ice this season.

Monroe County Earlier this summer, Josh Opladen – who was playing goaltender for the Rochester Stars of the Eastern Junior Hockey League and was also employed

by Maksymum Hockey – passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. Monroe County Youth Hockey is remembering the young man while raising funds for a local charity.

“In Loving Memory of Josh Opladen” helmet stickers are available to youth teams for a donation of $30.00. After covering the cost of sticker production, proceeds will be donated to the Tyler Putnam Foundation in Josh Opladen’s name.

The Tyler Putnam Foundation is named in memory of a Rochester area hockey player who died of spinal meningitis at the age of 16. The Foundation assists families who endure a tragedy or other major life-changing event with assistance to cover youth hockey fees. To find out more about the Foundation, visit http://tylerputnamfoundation.org.

Hockey teams interested in ordering Josh Opladen memorial helmet stickers (which come in sets of 20) should contact Rob Sedia at rsediamcyh@ gmail.com.

“Hey! What about my association?”

As much as we look around for story ideas for this column, your participation is equally important to its success. Got a tournament result or future event or function you want to promote? Please let us know! Forward your announcements to press@wnyhockeyreport.com. u

The Niagara Junior Purple Eagles Girls 12U team tries to stop the Ravens at the Ignite the Ice Tournament in Cleveland. This is the goal scored with four seconds left that won it for the Ravens.

(Photo by NJPE)

FEATURE / 14

West Seneca Rededication

by Randy Schultz

“T

his is a great day for West Seneca as well as West Seneca Hockey. This renovation was needed.

“We now have it. And now we’re ready to move on to our next step.’

That is what West Seneca Wings President, Dick Lynch, had to say following the formal ribbon cutting ceremony that took place on October 14. It marked the reopening of the West Seneca Ice Rink.

Following a year-long renovation project which included new pipes, lighting, paint job, installation of energy efficient refrigeration, new dasher boards, doors and windows. New mats are scheduled to be put in place next summer.

In addition four locker rooms were named in memory of four young hockey players who lost their lives much too early including Joseph Ciancio, Luke Gould, Jimmy Quinlivan and David Roustum.

Cutting the ribbon for the ceremony included Lynch, West Seneca Town Supervisor Sheila M. Meegan, Town Councilman John Rusinski and Councilman Gene Hart.

In addition the Town passed out certificates of congratulations to the West Seneca 12U Girls Ice Hockey Team that brought a 2012 NYSAHA Tier II 12U championship home and sent them to Frisco, Texas for the Nationals, where they lost in the finals.

Above: Newly lighted ice arena with all new piping for quality ice.

Bottom: New glass block replaces old windows.

(Photos by Janet Schultz)

For Lynch it was a day of emotions running in many different directions.

“We recognized four individuals who all played for many, many years in the West Seneca Hockey organization,” commented Lynch. “Unfortunately, they left us way too soon in life.

“When we lost them it was extremely tough on their families. But it was also very difficult on their extended family, their hockey family.

“We miss these boys. But at the same time we are happy to have this time to recognize their achievements and make people aware that we haven’t forgotten about them.

“They will be with us everyday as we walk through those locker rooms that now bear their names.

“On the other side of me feels very happy with this completion of step one that we needed in this facility.

“We have been asking for many, many years for these improvements. It was well needed.

“This building had a 25-year life expectancy when it was built, and that was 35 years ago. There were some major improvements that needed to be done and they were done.

“We got them completed on time and the place looks beautiful. It now provides a substantial base from which to work with.

“We have an overpopulated program right now. This positions us for the future.

“We certainly need more than one facility.

There is movement in that direction now.

“But now it doesn’t have to come on short

Above: John Rusinski with lockerroom plaque honoring Luke Gould and Jimmy Quinlivan. Bottom: U12’s with their State and National Awards.

notice. It can be planned.

“That’s what we’re looking for.”

Lynch also feels that the West Seneca government now understands what is needed. And for good reason.

“The Town Supervisor is a hockey mom,” said Lynch. “The highway superintendent is currently a hockey coach.

“At least one of our councilmen is a former manager and parent of a hockey player. They come from hockey blood.

“And hockey blood is thick. They understand our needs.

“What we see here now, the community surrounded it. The residents supported it.

“In the end it was accomplished.”

What is in the future?

“What I’m looking at is that hockey is a very demanding sport,” stated Lynch. “It’s just not seasonal anymore.

“Things run for a long period of time. And with the advent of a girls program, and we have a full sleight of girl’s teams, we just sent our first team to the Nationals.

“There has been so much growth here and we have done it with just one rink. Going forward, we’re looking for another sheet of ice.

“We would like it to accommodate us as well as possibly one of our other sister associations. But something hopefully has to be done.

“If we can get another rink, that will be great.

“That’s what we’ll work on now.” u

Above: Mayor Meegan assisted by Rusinski, Dick Lynch and Hart cut ribbon. Bottom: Gene Hart holds plaque honoring Joseph Ciancio and David Roustrum and Dick Lynch greets guests at ceremony.

Photo Page / 15

Stars Celebrate Opening of 2012-13 Season!

by Janet Schultz

T

he Buffalo Stars Juniors celebrated their home opener with their Annual Salute to the American Troops on October 13 and 14.

The Stars Empire Junior Team hosted the Jersey Wildcats on the ice.

Off ice they collected gift cards that were donated to the New York Air National Guard 107th Airlift Wings’ Family Readiness Group and conducted a Chinese Auction that benefited the Wounded Warriors Project.

It was also an evening to pay tribute to three players who made their mark in the Stars organization.

The jerseys of Joey Rohm, Steve Kinney and Mike Flately were retired.

Flately serves as an assistant coach with the Empire Junior team and will take the helm of the midget franchise in the National Junior Prospects Hockey League that was purchased by the Stars and will begin next season.

The Stars Empire Junior Team also presented the “C” to Mike Harris

Clockwise from Left: The Buffalo Stars opened their season by honoring former players Steve Kinney, Mke Flately and Joey Rohm by retiring their jerseys! The Lewiston-Porter ROTC served as honor guard; the puck dropped by a retired Army troop; the Buffalo Stars Youth took part by forming a “live” tunnel. Bottom Row: Stars Youth team faces off in earlier game; Michael Harris named captain of this year’s Empire Team; Justice Rogers is one of the assistant captains and Kyler Johnson working hard. (Photos

by Janet Schultz)

and the “A” to Patrick Schmelzinger and Justice Rogers. Players came on to the ice through a “live” tunnel of youth players formed by the Buffalo Stars Youth Organization.

Their game days were filled with action as the Stars Bantam Majors played Tonawanda, the Squirt Minors played Southtowns and on Sunday, the Stars Junior Empires faced the New Jersey Wildcats for a second time.

In the first game on Friday evening, the Stars scored two powerplay goals. The first coming in the first period by Blake Germony, assisted by Kyler Johnson and Erik Andersson. The second came at 48 seconds into the third period by Jacob Lezynski, assisted by Patrick Schnelzinger. The score 7-2 in Jersey’s favor. On Saturday, New Jersey posted a 4-0 shutout over the Stars.

In other games Tonawanda defeated the Bantam Majors 3-0 and the Southtowns Stars defeated the Stars Squirt Minors 3-0.

The Buffalo Stars organization consists of over 300 players from Minor Squirt through Junior, two girls teams and two women’s teams along with a beginner/cross ice program.

Their motto: Success is a Marathon...One shift at a time! u

MEN’S COLLEGIATE / 16 BUFFALO STATE One year removed from advancing to the SUNYAC semi-finals for the first time in program history before falling in triple-overtime and returning their top three scorers along with a no-upperclassman in goal with Kevin Carr, expectations are high for the 2012-13 edition of the Bengals.

Trevor McKinney and third-team all-conference selection Drew Klin (Lancaster) return following their 20+ point campaigns last season. Also back up front are Matt Bessing (Elma), Nick Melligan (Sanborn) and Shane Avery, who all netted 11 or more points last season.

Carr was named second-team all-conference after his 11-win, 2.95 GAA season and will see the bulk of the minutes in goal.

The team also did not lose a single defenseman to graduation. Anthony Orange, Zach Hale, Tyler Nelson (Jamestown), John Corrigan, Jason Clever and Daniel Andersson all played in at least 18 games last season, so familiarity should breed success.

The Bengals have added three more defensemen in 6’5” Todd Graham, Sean Hrivnak and Ben Kramer; centers Ryan Salkeld and Brett Hope plus goaltender Peter Dudek. Forward Cory Gurski also arrives via the Buffalo Junior Sabres and Hilton High School.

“We lost our captain, Jim Durham, to graduation along with Justin Knee which will be big holes to fill in on our roster,” said head coach Nick Carriere. “With the addition of our recruiting class we are excited for more competition in our line-up. We expect more consistency as a whole from our group so that we can continue to take steps in a positive direction as a program.”

GENESEO

The Knights led the conference in one thing last season---man games lost to injury. Maybe not literally, but the bug bit hard. Even so Geneseo took seven of ten points over the final five games of the regular season to sneak into fourth place before a playoff quarterfinal loss to Fredonia on home ice.

Zachary Vit, Rich Manley (Buffalo), Justin Scharfe (Webster), Corbin Rosmarin and Kaz Iwamoto are back at forward and will try to fill the scoring hole left by the departure of 60 points to graduation. Vit was SUNYAC Rookie of the Year two years ago while Rosmarin tripled his two year output with nine goals last season.

The defensive corps also lost three seniors including first team All-SUNYAC and third team All-American Danny Scagnelli, so seniors Colin de Jersey, Blake O’Connor and Brandon Angotti will see increased icetime and roles.

Senior Adam Rubeniuk will inherit the top spot in goal after he won six games with a .908 save percentage last year.

UMass-Lowell transfer Tyler Brickler arrives as do freshmen

WNY MEN’S COLLEGE HOCKEY-DIII & Junior College Previews

by Warren Kozireski Warren@wnyhockeyreport.com defensemen Nate Brown, Alex Lubczuk, Matthew Hutchinson and Dennis Playfair (Grand Island) via the Buffalo Junior Sabres among 11 newcomers.

“We have great leadership this year behind the scenes which can go a long way to help the coaching staff,” said head coach Chris Schultz.

“The quicker our first year players can pick up the speed and style of the SUNYAC game, the better off we are going to be. And we need to stay healthier than last year for sure.”

FREDONIA

With First Team All-SUNYAC and 137 career points man Bryan Ross departed, the Blue Devils will search for offensive replacements from several sources.

Senior Mat Hehr and group of young forwards in sophomores Stephen Castriota along with Jared Wynia and Brian Doust with junior Alex Perkins will get the chance to fill vacant roles.

Per usual, Fredonia is built around their defense in front of Mark Friesen in goal led by Brad Nunn, Mike Monfredo, Tyler Matecki, Ian Cosgrove and Ryan Edens.

“Mark Friesen will be our backbone and carry the load this year,” said head coach Jeff Merideth, who begins the season ranked 48th all-time in college hockey coaching wins with 346.

“On defense, we are deep and have both grit and skill. The first three defensemen on our roster are listed as 6’3”, 6’6” and 6’5”, so we have size as well. Up front I think we have a lot of talent from all of our classes, but the most important thing and the ting that excites me the most is our team toughness and grit.”

The Blue Devils have a tough four-game road swing through Potsdam, Plattsburgh, Oswego and Cortland in November and Buffalo State the last day of the month, which will go a long way in setting up the second half of the season.

BROCKPORT It’s been two seasons since the Golden Eagles last made the playoffs and they’ll try to end that streak despite the loss of their top four scorers including SUNYAC Player of the Year James Cody.

The offense will need to come from the group of Steve Sachman, Brendon Rothfuss (Webster), Troy Polino and Chris Cangro as they vie for top line and number one power play time.

The defense is young, but the core is back in Mike Hayward, Colby Spooner (Aquinas), Matt DeLuca, Sean Wallace, Bobby Chayka and Marcus Farmer. They will defend in front of sophomore Aaron Green, who was in net last season when Brockport upset top-ten ranked Elmira, junior Joe Reagan or freshman Jared Lockhurst via the Wellington Dukes.

Chase Nieuwendyk, the nephew of NHL Hall of Famer and former Cornell Big Red standout Joe Nieuwendyk, arrives at forward with Jesse Facchini, Shane Cavalieri and Luke Colavecchia.

Chris Luker (Buffalo Jr. Sabres), Chad Cummings and Jonathan Demme will compete for minutes on the blueline.

“After finishing tied for the sixth spot in the SUNYAC and not making the playoffs, we’re looking forward to getting back to the tournament,” said head coach Brian Dickinson, who enters the season seven wins shy of 125 at Brockport.

“We’ll be young with 13 freshmen expected to contribute, but we have a number of veterans that will be expected to help the new guys adjust to our game and hopefully get us off to a quick start.”

The Golden Eagles play six of their first nine games on home ice, but just two at home after January 19th, so a quick start is almost essential for them to realize the postseason goal.

NAZARETH The Golden Flyers embark on their first season as a hockey program with some local flavor behind the bench in assistant coach Jared DeMichiel, who tended goal for RIT when they advanced to the Frozen Four in 2010, and former Rochester Americans defenseman and Irondequoit native Rory Fitzpatrick working with former Oswego and Clarkson head coach George Roll.

Former Fredonia forward Ben Waldman (Pittsford) will captain the unit for his final season with other locals Tyler Crawford (St. Joe’s) and Nicholas Papas ((Rochester) on defense and Tom Mediak (Nichols), Jon-Paul Durso (Penfield) and Alex Silva (Tonawanda) up front.

“It’s been an enjoyable process for me,” said head coach George Roll in a team press release. “I‘m pretty happy with where we’re at and I’m excited to be back on the bench.”

“For us, it will be a matter of believing in the process,” Roll said. “I want our guys to work hard and be disciplined

MEN’S COLLEGIATE / 17 and control the things that we’re capable of controlling.”

The Golden Flyers began their season with an overtime victory on home ice against Geneseo on defenseman Reed Smith’s goal. Forward Mark Zavorin set a school mark in the team’s third game five goals and six points.

The team will compete in the ECAC West with Elmira, Hobart, Utica, Manhattanville and Neumann.

MONROE CC

Coming off the first national championship in the program’s relatively short history, the Tribunes retool but with NJCAA Player of the Year Dan Turgeon and playoff Most Valuable Player Tom Dehr (Varysburg) both returning to build around.

Turgeon will be expected to again lead the offense with Dehr seeing the bulk of minutes in goal.

Also back after sitting out most of last season with an injury is defenseman Tim Young (Aquinas), who the coaching staff expects can be a first team AllAmerican candidate.

Tyler Underhill (St. Francis), Mark Woinicki and Tomas Busek are the top recruits won the forward line and will be looked to for offensive numbers right away. Other freshmen at forward include local product John Papas • Financial Statement Preparation • Business Planning (Irondequoit).

• Financial Model Development • Forecasting Other newcomers on the blueline and more include Taylor WeiAnthony Mrozik Jr. – 949.4854 lert (Rochester) and John Wise (GatesGrace Huff – 523.1414 Chili) with Tyler “We should be deeper at every position and looking Fess (Spencerport) forward to defending our national championship. looking for spare minutes in goal.

Our schedule is the toughest we have ever had and “We are pleased with this year’s freshmen are hoping that it prepares us to win.” u class,” said head coach Craig Chamberlain.

Because the business season is 24/7/365...

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LeChase Construction Services, based in Rochester, has been selected to build the facility and manage its construction.

The Gene Polisseni Center site is directly south of the Student Alumni Union

Rochester, NY-- A new athletic venue and multipurpose facility will soon rise on the Rochester Institute of Technology landscape. University leaders and dignitaries broke ground on October 18 on the 4,150-seat Gene Polisseni Center on the south side of campus. Construction will continue for two years with an opening planned for the 20142015 season for the Division I men’s and women’s hockey teams.

“The popularity of our hockey teams has grown so much that we can’t handle ticket demand from our fans,” says RIT President Bill Destler.

“The Gene Polisseni Center will allow us to accommodate our fans and attract prominent teams from across the nation to play the Tigers on campus. The arena will also be a wonderful venue for the Rochester community to converge on the RIT campus.”

The Gene Polisseni Center will nearly double the current capacity of 2,100 spectators at Ritter Arena and provide modern amenities that will significantly enhance the game experience for Tigers fans.

BBB Architects, a world-renowned architectural firm based in Toronto, created the arena’s design.

The firm specializes in sports and entertainment venues, serving as architects for the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, General Motors Place in Vancouver, and the current redesign of Madison Square

engagement, and enhanced connections with our alumni and the greater Rochester community.”

More than $9 million of the targeted $15 million fundraising goal has been raised as a result of Tiger Power play – The Campaign for RIT Hockey. The multi-purpose facility will cost about $35 million.

RIT is developing a business plan for the venue’s operation intended to cover the remaining expenses.

A $4.5 million partnership between the Polisseni Foundation and RIT trustee B. Thomas Golisano, founder and chairman of Paychex Inc., resulted in the naming of the facility as the Gene Polisseni Center.

RIT alumni Stephen Schultz ’89 (computer science), cofounder and chief technical officer at Pictometry, and his wife, Vicki Schultz ’94, ’99 (business administration, MBA), presented the campaign’s opening gift of $1 million in 2010.

Trans-Lux Corp. and RIT alumnus J.M. Allain ’03 (multidisciplinary studies) also issued an additional $1 million commitment to the campaign.

Allain, Trans-Lux president and CEO, will donate a center-hung electronic scoreboard for the arena.

The company is a leading supplier of programmable electronic information displays.

The future arena will be LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified by the U.S. Green Building Council. u

RIT Breaks Ground on New Ice Rink! and adjacent to the existing athletic turf field.

The location creates an “athletics spine” running north to south between the residence halls and the university’s academic corridor. Additional sporting and student recreation facilities within close proximity to the new arena include Clark Gymnasium, Gordon Field House and Activities Center, RIT Stadium, the turf field, tennis courts and the Frank Ritter Arena, which will continue to remain open as an ice skating venue.

“Hockey has been a unifying force at RIT, so the location will be at the heart of campus,” says Mary-Beth Cooper, senior vice president of student affairs.

“Enhancing the fan experience is among the key priorities in the design of the new arena.”

“This is a huge step for both of our hockey programs,” adds Lou Spiotti, executive director of intercollegiate athletics. “It paves the way for more team progress, stronger campus spirit and student

For up-to-date Hockey information:

www.wnyhockeyreport.com

WOMEN’S HOCKEY / 18

T

he RIT women opened their DI Inaugural Season with wins over Sacred Heart and Yale. Their first CHA game came with two losses to Mercyhurst.

A big win came when the women played Yale in Blue Cross Arena as part of Homecoming Weekend. It was the first time the women have played in that arena to a loud and excited crowd on a Saturday afternoon.

The RIT women’s hockey team (4-3-1) used a balanced attack to defeat Yale by a score of 3-0 .

In their second CHA game the Tigers beat Penn State, in its’ first season, 4-1. In game two Tenecia Hiller scored a power-play goal in the third period to secure a 2-2 tie, with neither team scoring in the five-minute overtime. The Tigers are on a three-game winning streak.

Kim Schlattman was named CHA Player of the Week for October 7. Another first for RIT Women’s Hockey in the DI CHA. Schlattman had four goals and an assist in a pair of wins over Sacred Heart. In game one she had the opening goal and in game two she had a power play goal and RIT’s first short-handed goal as a D1 contender. Schlattman leads RIT with 4 goals and an assist.

RIT faces Syracuse, Brown and Colgate in November

Buffalo State College

C

oach Rob Burke and his team have one goal this season--to make the ECAC West Playoffs.

However, it will be a tight run in the division. While he sees Plattsburgh as coming in first and being the toughest competitor, the rest of the spaces are up for grabs.

Although Elmira lost quality to graduation they have some transfers who can score and Utica hasn’t lost many so they look to come into third, possibly.

Burke sees the fourth through sixth places fighting for positioning.

Excited about his new recruits, Buffalo’s own Nikki Kirchberger is bringing a progressive spirit with her. She is exciting to watch and excited to be playing at Buffalo State. She has confidence in her hockey abilities and a progressive spirit. Nikki played for the West Seneca High Girls Varsity team and for the Buffalo Regals.

Kara Goodwin comes from Lindenwood University and is a native of Avon Lake,Ohio.

Goodwin also comes with confidence and is bringing nothing but positives with her. She also played for the Ohio Flames and her year at Lindenwood has helped her improve her game. She had two goals in their exhibition game against Niagara Falls.

Sarah Quigley comes in as the new goalie who will be competing for ice time. She has

Women’s Hockey Report

by Janet Schultz Janet@wnyhockeyreport.com Photos by Janet Schultz

great spirit, energy and has potential to be one of the best goalies Buff State has had.

She played for National Sports Academy and Burke sees her as challenging Goalie Jordan Lee. Kandra Peters comes from the Washington Wild of Brier, Washington. Peters is listed as a defenseman but she has been used as a forward. She shows good hockey sense, was in the right place at the right time all the time positionally. She has a hard nose work ethic.

She was there for a rebound the first game and pounded it in.

Canastota native Alison Mesh comes from the Central New York Bobcats. She’s a late recruit, a tall forward with good hands and she’ll have to continue to work on her strength and conditioning, but has the potential for a quick upward learning curve. She’s gaining confidence everyday, according to Burke.

Emily Wyse is an Amherst native who spent last season with Neumann University.

She also plays soccer. She was injured at Neumann. He’s taking a chance on her, she was on Neumann’s team and they are in Buffalo’s league and he felt she would fit into the roster.

Captaining the team is Lauren Mallo, a senior who is returning to that leadership role.

Rio Flynn will assist her, as would Mel White, now on an 8-month recovery from injury.

The Bengals made the playoffs in 2009-10 but have been in eighth place for the past two seasons.

“We have a point to prove and Captains have done a great job in the pre-season to get the girls on the right track,” said Coach Burke.

Academics is also a key at Buffalo State. For the past several years the Grade Point Average has been 3.0, which is a good mark for student/athletes.

“We are a good academic team and that was one of my goals when I came here,” said Coach Burke.

“We’ve been in the top 3 of 19 teams on campus.”

Burke also noted that his returning players are coming back in better shape this year than in the past.

At this level he cannot mandate summer workouts but they can do voluntary workouts and Coaches hope they are part of that culture.

This is Coach Burke’s seventh year behind the bench at Buffalo State.

This is also the first year in his tenure that all the returners who could come back are coming back. Most times some transfer to another college, don’t come back due to grades

or other reasons.

So this year he sees the returning chemistry as being consistent and back in place at the start of the season.

“The team seems nice and tight and that translates onto the ice,” explains Burke.

“When you’re having a good time, it’s amazing you feel good about yourself, your teammates and the whole thing and that helps on the ice performance,” said Burke.

The Bengals, with positive chemistry, higher athleticism, the highest fitness level ever before, and the highest hockey IQ he has seen makes their goal to make the playoffs is most assuredly on the horizon.

The Bengals opened the season with a 3-2 victory over the Niagara Rapids Midget AA team in exhibition play. They then split a series with first-year women’s ice hockey contender Stevenson College.

The Bengals go to Neumann and Chatham before returning home to Chatham on November 17.

University of Buffalo

T

he Lady Ice Bulls opened their season against the Niagara University Purple Eagles. NU has three players from the DI program no longer in existence. After a hard fight the Lady Ice Bulls lost 6-4. They followed up with a 4-4 tie with Vermont followed by a 5-4 win over Vermont. The women easily took Slippery Rock in back-to-back wins of 12-3 and 10-3. Their next two games were losses over what has become a big rivalry with California University (Pa).

Leading the scoring at UB is Cheektowaga’s Chrissy Wolcott with 9 goals, 1 assist through October 31. She comes from the West Seneca Wings program.

Katelyn Bothwell has 8 points and Kasey Seidlinger, 7 pts.

UB has added two games, one against the Niagara County Coyotes Senior B Women’s team at 8 p.m. November 30 at Hyde Park and a game against the Wheatfield Blades, to be announced.

Next up is Northeastern on November 10 and 11. They return home November 17 and 18 against the Canton Kangaroos. This is the Roos inaugural season.

Cornell

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ornell has chosen Senior Defenseman Lauriane Rougeau as Captain and assisting her will be Senior Laura Fortino and Junior Alyssa Gagliardi.

The Big Red welcome Kelly Murray from the Albert U18; Cassandra Poudrier, Team Canada U18; Jess Brown, Pittsburgh Jr. Penquins; Morgan Richardson, Ottawa Senators PWHL; Taylor Woods, Canada U18; Ste-

WOMEN’S HOCKEY / 19 fannie Moak, Metro Boston Pizza Midget AAA and from Churchville and The Rochester Edge--Anna Zorn.

Season Preview from Coach Doug Derraugh-The winningest senior class in Cornell history has departed, but the Big Red women’s hockey team doesn’t plan on going anywhere. After reaching the Frozen Four for the third consecutive year in 20112012, a strong Cornell team will return to Lynah Rink this year with its sights set on a trip to Minneapolis in March.

The team brings back 13 players from a unit that won 30 games last season, claimed an ECAC Hockey regular season title, an Ivy League championship and a third straight berth in the NCAA Tournament. Cornell also brings in a strong recruiting class of eight.

“We really stress the importance of focusing on the day-to-day process,” Cornell coach Doug Derraugh said. “If you don’t focus in on the day-to-day process, if you don’t prepare well then you’re never going to get there.”

With challenging out-of-conference games early in the year and throughout the schedule combined with the ECAC Hockey gauntlet, Cornell has a tough task ahead that it is excited to meet.

Collegiate Women’s Club Hockey

Niagara University

N

u is lead by Coach Jason Elliott and Co-Presidents LeAnna Kozlowski.

The NU Women have started off the season perfectly with a 6-0 record. They beat the University of Buffalo, Geneseo, Syracuse, out-scoring them 34-13.

NU is an independent team working on entering the ACHA next season. They play 15 to 20 games a season and each player is required to complete at least 3 hours of community service each semester.

This year with the loss of the NU Women’s D1 program three players have moved to the Club program. Paige Sasser, who saw no action in 2010-11 as a member of the D1 team was named to the All Academic Team that season; Natasha Fryer, serving NU as assistant captain this season, played in 30 games and had 3 goals in 2010-11 and had a goal and an assist last season and Carleah Angeles, who is captaining this year’s team, had one point in 2010-11. They are adding more strength to the NU program.

Leading the scoring are Lauren Fontaine with 18 goals and 4 assists and Natash Fryer with 13 goals and 3 assists. In net for the NU women is Danene Stevens who has recorded a 2.50 GAA in six games played.

NU takes on the Buffalo Hornets on November 17 at 9:30 p.m., at Dwyer.

SUNY Cortland Chelsea Gelman, president of the Cortland Women’s Club Ice Hockey Team, will be keeping us informed of their progress.

Cortland is in their second season of Club Hockey after Gelman founded the team last season. They have 34 The West Seneca Girls 14U team took part in the St. Catherines Chaos players with experience Tournament. In game one West Seneca beat Niagara Falls 5-0. In game two they tied B.A.D. 1-1 and beat North York 2-1 in the third. In the final levels from beginner to game they beat B.A.D. 2-0 with Brigid Keane scoring the first, Claire experienced. They play McCarthy the second and Jordan Weisenburg having an assist in each of club teams from Syrathe goals. (Photo courtesy West Seneca Wings.) cuse, Colgate, Cornell and Oswego, with 25 games scheduled for this laneve. “Everyone pitched in and made the job season. easy.

They beat Syracuse 5-2 in their first game of “We set our goals high at the beginning of the season. Upcoming are trips to Connecticut the year but we were still surprised at the end and Massachusetts to play UConn and Smith of the season. and on to Pennsylvania for a match-up with “It was lots of fun and there was a lot of West Chester in February. camaraderie,” said Coach Dellaneve.

(See related photos on Page 14) In addition to hockey they will have several community service projects that benefit local and national organizations. They have raised $600 for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and have scheduled an Autism Awareness Game for November 11. Another The WNY Girl’s Varsity Ice Hockey FedBreast Cancer Awareness game will be held eration will begin its third season when West December 1 and they will participate in the Re- Seneca takes on Kenmore on Tuesday, Nov. 27 lay for Life on that same day. at 8 p.m. at the Lincoln Arena.

Nine schools fielded seven teams two years ago and the competition has been actionpacked for both years.

Cornell also hosts a women’s ice hockey Other November games include Lancaster club team that is playing independently. Servvs Orchard Park/Frontier at 4 p.m. November ing as President is Alyssa Murrett; Vice Presi29 at the Nike Arena, Kenmore vs Monsignor dent, Emily Devins; Treasurer, Emily Eisenhut Martin at 4:30 p.m. November 29 at the North and Secretary, Ginette Cornett.

Buffalo Rink and Amherst/Sweet Home vs Williamsville, Thursday, 7 p.m. Thursday, November 29 at Amherst Northtowns.

Season Three for Varsity

Cornell

West Seneca Girls Recognized

T

he West Seneca Girls 12U team, along with Coach Rocco Dellaneve were recognized at the Rededication of the West Seneca rink.

The girls brought home the New York State Championship and went on to Frisco, Texas for the Nationals.

In a hard fought tournament, they took second place and had a wonderful time.

“It was fun and there was so much you didn’t expect,” said Janelle Piatt. “It was like a dream.

“The arena we played in was huge and we had already met one of the team before and knew they were good.

“We knew we’d have to step it up.”

“It was fun and we’ll try for it again,” said Emily Dellaneve.

“They were challenging games but a lot of fun,” said Erin Stoklosa. “San Jose (the site of the 2013 Nationals) is on our mind.”

“Kudos go to everyone,” said Coach Del-

Stars Girls 19U Start Strong

(By Dawn Robinson, Buffalo Stars)

I

t’s that time of year again and the Buffalo Stars Girls 19U team started the season strong with a second place finish at the 9th Annual Ignite the Ice Tournament in Cleveland, OH held by the Ohio Flames.

This coaching staff enjoys the Cleveland trip not only because it’s the first tournament of the new season, but they take this tournament to see how the summer off has affected the team. We then start working on those skills immediately.

We felt that we tough draw for the weekend, but the players were up for the challenge.

First up for the Stars Friday afternoon a team from Burlington, Ontario Canada the Barracuda’s.

Continued on Page 26

Roller Hockey / 20

Celebrate the Holiday Season with Some Inline Hockey!

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he WNY Roller Hockey League will be ringing in the 2012 holiday season with a bang! Registration is now open for our Winter 2012 Season at the Kenan Center in Lockport, which kicks off November 25th. All ages will be represented, ranging from youth instructions programs and beginner league, to adult divisions encompassing all skill levels, and a 35+ skate. All 1st and 2nd place teams will be awards prizes, as well as individual awards for Top Scorer, Top Goalie and Championship MVP, with a Player of the Month award granted to an individual displaying stellar improvement and exceptional play in all divisions! Registration for this session is limited, so if interested, don’t let the opportunity pass you by. To register or obtain additional information, please contact Eric Haak at Eric@wnyrh. com or call (716) 903-2658. We can’t think of a better way to welcome the holiday season than with the exciting, intense action of the WNY Roller Hockey League, register today! u

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Legends of the Game / 23

I

t is 8 a.m. on a Monday morning in late July at the Northtown Center at Amherst. Todd Marchant relaxes with a cup of coffee at a table near the Olympic Rink where in less than an hour he will begin on-ice training with a group of young hockey players.

It is the start of the 14th annual Todd Marchant Hockey School. The former National Hockey League star can’t believe it has been 14 years.

“I’ll never forget that first day we started,” recalled Marchant, who played in parts or all of 17 seasons in the NHL with the New York Rangers, Edmonton Oilers, Columbus Blue Jackets and Anaheim Ducks. “You felt like you were organized and little things would pop up.

“Now, after 14 years, things are running smoothly and everybody knows what to do.

My mom and dad have been there from the start.

“My dad tells me this year that there are a total of 12 Marchants working, including my kids as well as some of my nieces and nephews. It is truly a family affair.

“This is how I grew up. In a hockey rink.

“I could be spending a week of my time with my wife and kids. But this is where we feel the most comfortable.”

Marchant remembered his days as a kid growing up and playing hockey.

“One of the first things I always tell the kids is that they have got to have fun,” stated Marchant, a native of Buffalo who played high school hockey at Williamsville East High School. “I played in the NHL for 17 years and everyday I went to the rink I had fun.

“I also get a lot of questions from the parents. They want to know things like when did my parents know that I was going to be successful as a hockey player.

“The answer to that was the day I played in my first NHL game.”

Marchant clarified that answer even more.

“I had no clue if I was going to ever make it to the NHL,” continued the former lefthanded-shooting center. “I always had fun playing the game and fun going to the rink from the time I was a kid until I retired from the Ducks.

“There was never a lot of pressure put on me.

Things kind of fell into place for me.

“You can’t plan for these things. They have to happen.

“I hate to say it, but I think a lot of times parents get too involved. Sometimes you just have to set back and say, ‘I’m doing this because my kid loves it.’

“Let the kids be kids.”

Todd with his Dad and Mom in Amherst/2008 (Photo by Janet Schultz)

Legends of the Game -Todd Marchant

By Randy Schultz

Marchant began skating at an early age.

“I was about three when I went out on the ice the first time,” said Marchant, the 164th draft pick by the Rangers in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft.

“Then I began with the Regals before my parents moved to Amherst and I joined the Amherst Youth Hockey.”

Following a season with the Niagara Scenics (now the Buffalo Jr. Sabres), Marchant attended Clarkson University, where he played college hockey for two campaigns.

What does he tell people that ask which way should their son go – college hockey or junior hockey?

“Every situation is different,” stated Marchant.

“I was a small kid so there wasn’t a choice for me.

“Back in those days, most junior hockey players getting drafted were at least six feet tall. That has changed today and now the smaller players are getting chosen by the juniors, as well as the college ranks.

“Remember, maybe a kid may be a great player when he is nine or 10. But that doesn’t mean he will still be a great player when he is 12 or 13.

“Some kids mature faster than others. Those that may have been behind, may catch up and pass others.

“College may not be for everybody. There is no

right or wrong answer.

“The NHL is the toughest league in the world to play in. There is no guarantee, zero, that your child will play junior, college or even pro hockey.”

Today, at 39, Marchant is the Director of Player Development for the Anaheim Ducks.

“I work with all of our draft picks, all of our players on the Ducks, as well as player s in our minor league system,” who resides in the Anaheim, CA area with his wife, Caroline and four children including Lillian, Ashley, Timothy and Bradley. “I travel around during the season and watch our kids play.

“I give them feedback and they give me feedback. I really enjoy my role with the team.

“I tell the kids that there’s nothing that I haven’t seen during my playing career. There is no situation that I haven’t been in.

“I want them to ask me questions.”

Does Marchant have any thoughts about coaching?

“Three of my four kids play hockey,” responded Marchant. “I’ll be coaching this year on all three of their teams.

“I have a pretty flexible schedule with the Ducks. So I can work it around my kid’s hockey schedule.

“I wouldn’t rule out coaching at the pro level in the future. But right now I’m happy with my schedule and how it works out.”

For Marchant, winning the Stanley Cup in 2007 was the highlight of his hockey career.

“I think I appreciated it more because I had been in the League for 14 years at the time,” concluded Marchant. “I hadn’t won anything until then.

“I had learned how tough it was to win in the NHL. Cups don’t come easy.

“I was equally as proud to win it being from Western New York. And I had fun doing it.

“And fun is what it is all about.” u

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Mental Toughness Academy / 24

How To Be A Good Goalie

Submitted by the Mental Toughness Academy

A

s a player, your coach has probably told you how important preparation is for how to be a good hockey goalie. But even hearing that, sometimes you just feel like it’s just too hard… and that maybe you can do just fine without pushing yourself so much in your practice and training.

Hockey goalies sometimes fall into that trap. They think that because they aren’t moving around as much as the other players that they can slack off on the physical conditioning.

Not true! In fact, it’s even more important for goalies to build stamina and work hard in practice because they are out on the ice a lot longer and have to keep that focus longer.

For all athletes, when you are in great physical condition, your brain works faster and more efficiently giving you quicker reflexes and better focusing ability. That’s how you will play your best in competition.

Glen Hanlon, 13 year NHL goalie said: “What some goalies don’t realize is that being physically fit builds confidence. Feeling stronger and faster helps you feel better and prepared to play better. Feeling tired can make you feel slower and more vulnerable.”

There’s no substitute for hard work and

preparation and that includes mental preparation.

Mitch Korn, famous goalie coach said: “A goalie’s decision must be instantaneous.

The only way that is possible is with lots of practice, quality practice – making the right read and the right save again and again, both on the ice and with visualization (or mental practice).”

Watch here is an great example of a top NHL player, Mike Camalleri showing you how he does visualization before a game.

A hockey goalie should replay past successful saves and come up with new angles that the puck will come from, always anticipating the best way to make the save. What’s really great about this is you can do it anywhere…so get to work on it now!

Visit http://www.sportsmentaltoughness. com to download FREE: “The 10 Commandments For A Great Sports Parent” ebook and “Master The Pressure” a GAME-CHANGING guided visualization for teen athletes. u

BlueCross BlueShield Obtains Naming Rights for Winter Classic Rink

T

he Aurora Ice Association announced that BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York has acquired the naming rights to the ice rink facility in East Aurora that serves Western New York’s Southtown communities.

BlueCross BlueShield will name the facility the Healthy Zone Rink, and complement the other BlueCross BlueShield Healthy Zones in the region. Healthy Zones are landmarks that promote physical and mental health and provide an outlet for individuals to improve their overall well-being.

This most recent designation, which adds to the growing number of Healthy Zones in Western New York, is another example of how BlueCross BlueShield is working to engage children and adults to participate in healthy activities and positively advance the health of our community.

The naming rights sponsorship will include branding on and throughout the facility, as well as offer special discounts to BlueCross BlueShield members.

According to AIA spokesperson, John Cimperman, “We are thrilled to have a partner that shares our vision and supports our mission. With the support of BlueCross BlueShield, we will be able to continue to bring ice sports and recreational activities to the community.”

“BlueCross BlueShield is pleased to partner with the Aurora Ice Association to increase the number of Healthy Zones in the region,” BlueCross BlueShield vice president, chief communications officer, Gretchen Fierle, said.

“Our company’s mission is to enhance the lives of others, and through the designation of this ice rink, we hope individuals and families will be able to enjoy activities during the winter months and improve their bodies, minds and spirits.”

The facility, now in its fifth year of operation, pays tribute to the NHL’s first ever Winter Classic. To begin its operation, the rink purchased the original ice making equipment from the historic game that was played to a record crowd of 71,217 at Ralph Wilson Stadium on January 1, 2008. Since opening, the rink has served nearly 30,000 guests annually with a full array of programming including youth hockey, adult hockey, learn-to-skate, and public skating sessions. In the past two years, the rink has added a pavilion style roof, locker rooms, and a concrete foundation and will now allow the facility to provide recreational activities and events 12-month a year.

Nickel City & Continued Stories / 26 Medaille Takes Nickel City Tournament Medaille College Men’s Hockey had a stellar start to their season with a win at the Inaugural Nickel City Cup Tournament, hosted by their cross-town rival D’Youville College.

The faced off against D’Youville in the opening game and after a hard fought game on both sides, Medaille came out on top 4-1. Goals were scored by Medaille Captain Josh Smith, Tyler McLaughlin and Rookie Forward Matt Pazderski.

In the second game the Mavericks faced St. John Fisher College and took them 14-1. Putting the puck in the net were Assistant Captain Matt Cieslak (4), Smith (2), Eric Grzechowiak (2), Matt Territo, Austin Ford, McLaughlin, Simon Fedak, Jon Sherman and Pazderski.

Hobart was the opponent in Medaille’s third game. Both teams came in with a 2-0 record but Medaille secured the win, 8-0, and the Championship. Goals were scored by Smith (3), Grzechowiak (3), Mark Sorrentino and Cieslak.

Congratulations comes from Coach Edd Kirchberger to the entire team for all their hard work.

Other colleges taking part in the weekend tournament were Penn State and Bloomsburg.

PUCCS Continued from Page 5

“It is a difficult decision, a difficult thing for any athlete to have to lay off, especially when they don’t have a broken bone or swollen body part, but I think more than ever they realize the long-term implications of continuing to play or returning to play too early.”

Another part of the problem is the lack of a standard protocol, including local youth hockey, for addressing head injuries.

“Locally there really is no consistency and that’s a problem,” said Dr. Levy. “Some players come back when they feel like it. Some players come back when their pediatrician tells them they can come back… and that may be fine for some pediatricians who understand and are educated about concussions.

“Some players come back when they get full neurologic assessments. Some teams are doing baseline testing. Other teams aren’t. There’s really no consistency right now in Western New York and part of the agenda is to try to bring the organizations together and agree on a broad framework of safe return-to-play guidelines.”

Just as concussion research has progressed but has a long road ahead, so too does the related awareness campaign. PUCCS’ Dr. Levy was asked where the campaign goes from here.

This year, he said, PUCCS wants to shift some of the focus from research to education. Current projects include production of an educational video for parents as well as published guidelines for a proper return to play.

“We’re trying now to penetrate the schools.

We’re trying to branch out to other states – we’re talking to the people at Penn State now – and maybe trying to branch out into other sports.”

For more information about PUCCS, including the upcoming tournament, visit their website at www.puccs.org.

Chris Koestler makes a save for Medaille in the Nickel City Tournament.

(Photo by Janet Schultz)

Continued from Page 19

In a game that the goaltenders from Buffalo stole the show. The Stars came Women’s Hockey out with a 1- 0 victory. Saturday morning the girls took on the Columbus Blue Jackets. The girls executed the game plan perfectly, scoring 5 goals in the last 8 minutes of the game, rolling to a 5 – 0 win.

Later that afternoon they faced the Chicago Falcons and won 3-2. By allowing only 2 goals in the round robin the Stars secured first place in the crossover Sunday morning.

Sunday morning Buffalo faced another team from Ontario, the Stoneycreek Sabres. Only allowing 12 shots in the game, the Stars skated to a 3-0 win and moved into the Championship game.

Buffalo faced Durham West Lightning in the finals. In a closely matched game, Buffalo’s special teams gave up 2 power play goals late in the game and an empty netter in a 4-1 defeat.

The 2012 -2013 Buffalo Stars are - in net Margaret Janiga and Lauren Orynawka, on “D” Brandi Bauer, Alyssa Cardina, Brianna Cardina, Alexa Ditonto – forwards are Meghan Fonfara, Marissa Janiga, Claudia Koenig, Amanda Krauss, Megan Niesyty, Bernadette O’Connell, Kathryn Ryan, Lizz Stoner, Courtney Thornton and Jamie Wheeler.

Other News and Notes...

...The Wheatfield Blades Women are back with Amanda Todd, Melissa Jeckovich, Katie Stack, Lauren Blas, Lauren McDermott, Robin M Closs, Erica Sabrina Owczarczak, Tamara Stewart, Linda GroffMroz, Brittany Fields, and Christine Williams. They took on a tough Niagara University Club team, losing 6-4 in a “long game.” ...The Niagara Junior Purple Eagles, short of players, never trailed in the Ignite the Ice Tournament in October. With four seconds left in a match-up against the Ravens, the NJPE lost when the Ravens fired in a goal. ...Playing with a lot of pride the Buffalo Regals had multiple scorers at the Ignite the Ice Tournament but were a little mismatched. Scoring over the weekend were Leeanne Wright, Sarah Jackson, Valerianne Jacobson, Victoria Botticello. ...Melanie Greene has been named Assistant Coach at Hamilton College. ...Cortland State DIII opens their season on November 17 at home against Utica at 3 p.m. ...Elmira’s Soaring Eagles opened on November 3 against Cortland. ...Rochester’s Susan Allen is back in goal for Colgate. ...Buffalo’s Jacquie Greco is in her final year at Syracuse and is serving as one of the Tri-Captains. ...Tonawanda’s Diane Dillon is in her seventh year as head coach for the Oswego State College Women’s Ice Hockey Team. ...Jenn Godin, Clarence Center, is playing for RPI. ...Janet will be covering all the girls/women’s ice hockey once again this season. To contact her with story ideas; game results, etc. email Janet@wnyhockeyreport.com or JDSchultz3663@gmail.com or give her a call at 716-751-6524.