NY Hockey OnLine poses a threat to go end-to-end any time the puck in on his stick. Combined with his stingy defensive work, Koutsomitis possesses a very bright offensive upside that is sure to rack up the points this season and in the future. A graduate of Canisius High School, Koutsomitis was a member of Buffalo’s 2012 Bowman Cup team and a first team All-Federation honoree. Luke Swimline, Corfu, New York, 5’9”, 155lbs, Forward, #26, Sophomore “Swimline brings speed and playmaking ability” to the Bulls lineup, according to coach Valvo. Playing for the Buffalo Stars last season, Swimline notched 29 points in 39 games and added 38 points in 28 games with the Wheatfield Blades AAA program in 2010-2011. Not afraid to use his body, Swimline has a knack of making those around him better. The coaches are enthusiastic about what the Corfu, NY, native can bring to the club this year, believing an immediate impact is quite possible. Sean Dungan, Tonawanda, New York, 6’2”, 190lbs, Defenseman, #27, Sophomore “Dungan is a towering presence along the back line and will be leaned on greatly this season,” touts Glick, bench coach for defensemen. As a member of the Niagara Jr. Purple Eagles last year, Dungan not only proved himself a defensive stalwart, he provided a substantial portion of the offense with 10 goals and 40 assists. In 2010-2011, Dungan earned All-Federation honors as a member of the Kenmore West Varsity program. Dungan showcases the ability to play in all situations with great positioning in his own zone and excellent playmaking ability on offense. Robert Lang, III, Clarence Center, New York, 6’0”, 240lbs, Forward, Red Shirt Freshman Lang is physical power forward who is exceptionally gifted in front of the net and demonstrates an above-average scoring prowess. Lang finished tied for first in the
NYS Men’s Collegiate Club Hockey / Page 44 league in goals during his senior season at Clarence High School and fifth in the league in points. He was a team captain and was named to the All-Division (What is “all-division??) team. Lang was also a member of the Buffalo team in the 2012 Bowman Cup. The coaches are excited to watch Lang develop into a combination of size and skill that will be nightmarish for opposing teams to match-up against. Along with the strength of his underclassmen, head coach Valvo and the team welcome two, Senior transfers who are expected to bolster leadership, production, and team success immediately. Hailing from Ithaca, New York, Ben Lantz (#14) joins UB as a transfer after three extremely productive years with Monroe Community College (NCJAA) and Arizona State (ACHA DII). In 75 collegiate games, Lantz tallied 73 points and was a member of MCC’s national runner-up team in 2010. At 6’1” and 190 pounds, Lantz leads by force and example with a relentless work ethic and physical presence. His skill and national tournament experience will prove invaluable to a Bulls team with tournament aspirations of its own. Joining Lantz is Senior Chis Covel, a 5’11”, 160-pound forward (#20) from Lockport, New York. Covel joins UB after three years with NECHL conference foe SUNY Oswego. As a member of the Lakers, Covel led the team in scoring as a freshman and again as a junior. With 75 points in 76 games, Covel brings invaluable skill and experience into ACHA and NECHL play. He also brings versatility with his ability to play in all situations, including power play and killing penalties. The coaching staff is looking to Covel as not only an offensive producer, but as someone who can shut down opposing teams’ top lines on a nightly basis. Together, Lantz and Covel bring maturity and experience to complement the club’s youth.
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Medaille Takes Nickel City Tournament Hosted by Rival D’Youville
M
edaille College Men’s Hockey had a stellar start to their season, winning the inaugural Nickel City Cup Tournament, hosted by D’Youville College the weekend of 10/5/12. The Mavericks faced cross-town rivalsD’Youville in their first game. It was a hard fought game for both clubs, with the Mavs coming out on top 4-1. Goals were scored by Captain Josh Smith (2); Tyler McLaughlin and rookie forward Matt Pazderski. The second game, the Mavs faced St. John Fisher College (Rochester, NY) again coming out on top 14-1. Goals were scored by Asst. Captain Matt Cieslak (4), Josh Smith (2), Eric Grzechowiak (2), Matt Territo, Austin Ford, Tyler McLaughlin, Simon Fedak, Jon Sherman and Matt Pazderski. Medaille went up against Hobart College (Geneva, NY) for the third and final game, both teams with a 2-0 record. Medaille secured the win; 8-0 and the Championship. Goals were scored by Josh Smith (3), Eric Grzechowiak (3), Mark Sorrentino and Matt Cieslak. Head Coach Edd Kirchberger would like to congratulate the entire team-all their hard work did not go unnoticed-which was very evident by winning the Championship. Host D’Youville, after losing the first game to Medaille, came back and beat Bloomsburg University 7-4 and then lost 5-3 to St. John Fisher. On the following page are photographs from Game 1 of the series.