November 2011
She Plays in the NHL--Virtually!
Volume 1
Issue 2
Hockey New York State E-Magazine
P.O.Box North Tonawanda, NY 14120 (716) 909-2961 publisher@hockeynys.com wnyhockey@verizon.net Publisher Steve Manson Managing Editor Randy Schultz Designer & Photographer Janet Schultz Columnists Warren Kozierski Janet Schultz Randy Schultz Hockey New York State 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. Hockey New York State is an equal opportunity employer. Contents 2011 Hockey New York State All rights reserved Hockey New York State is published monthly at no charge and can be accessed via the publication’s website Hockeynys.com
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Dear Readers of Hockey New York State: Being a native of New York State I thought because I had travelled to so many parts of it I really knew the people. That certainly changed for me over the span of two weekends during the month of September. On the weekends of September 17 and 18 and again on September 24 and 25 my wife, Janet, and I travelled to all four sectional meetings involving the New York State Amateur Hockey Association. On September 17 we travelled to Batavia for the Western Sectional meeting. Immediately following that we were off to Skaneateles for Central’s meeting. The following weekend saw us off to White Plains and a meeting with the East on September 24. By Saturday evening we were in Lake Placid where we attended our final meeting the next day with the North section. I found the meeting places quite interesting. With the West it was at a horse racing track. Central it was at a beautiful fire hall. The East had theirs at a very nice restaurant. The North concluded our trip with a meeting at the site of the most famous hockey event in United States history, the Olympic Arena, home of the 1980 Winter Olympic Gold Medal-winning men’s hockey victory. While we got to see new areas of New York State that we had never seen before, we also got to meet the different people that make up our wonderful state. And believe me, no two sections are alike in this state, with each area having its own personality. But the bottom line with each section is that you are all working together for the same cause: helping with the development of amateur and youth hockey across New York State. Many thanks to each section for allowing Hockey New York State to be on your agenda. We’re looking forward to working with all of you for the 2011-12 hockey season. Best Wishes, Randy Schultz Managing Editor Hockey New York State
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Buffalo Stars Ruff Turns in Six Goal Performance
arryl Sittler? Not quite. But 17 year old Brian Ruff of the Buffalo Stars Empire Junior Hockey Team matched the (1976) 6 goal output of Darryl Sittler this past weekend as he led his Buffalo Stars team to a 7-4 victory over the Potomac Patriots. With his team down 3-0 early in the second period, young Ruff got mad. Very mad. He proceeded to turn in one of the most impressive offensive attacks in Empire League history. Ruff notched his first goal at 5:29 on the power play. His second came a minute later, also on the power play. Potomac came back at 9:41 to go back up by 2 but Ruff was not done. He scored again at 14:17 and 15:27 and the game was tied. His teammate Patrick Schmelzinger put the Stars ahead 5-4 and the second period ended with Buffalo in the lead. Four goals in a game is usually exceptional, but not this time. Ruff would continue his scoring rampage and put his team up by 2 just 1:20 into the third period. The rest of the period was hard fought but with a minute left in the game, Ruff recorded his 6th goal of the game into the empty net and a jubilant Buffalo Stars team skated off with a well earned 7-4 victory.
Ruff also recorded a goal and an assist the previous day in the Buffalo Stars 3-2 overtime shootout victory over Potomac. And oh by the way, Ruff also scored in the shootout giving him 8 goals in the 2 game set. For more information about the Buffalo Stars visit us on line at: www. buffalostars.com
Hockey New York State E-Magazine
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exi Peters is an average 14-yearold but when she plays hockey she selects the likes of Gordie Howe, Patrick Roy and Alexi Ovechkin to help her out. Her team is outfitted in the colors of her hometown team--the Niagara Junior Purple Eagles. She skates backwards and forwards, checks, fights, scores, wins and loses. Now she is doing all of this from her sofa in the family room. And she is doing it all virtually. Lexi has made it possible for other female hockey players and fans to do the same. Her quest to create an avatar of herself in the acclaimed EA Sports NHL video game has given women the opportunity to play in the NHL. “NHL ’12” that is. The ninth grade student at Starpoint Central School, Pendleton, has played ice hockey since 6th grade. She watched her brother play hockey and many of her cousins were involved in the sport so she decided to become part of it. She began in a house league with the Wheatfield Blades at Hockey Outlet and currently plays with the Niagara Junior Purple Eagles Girls team at Dwyer Arena, as a right or left winger depending on the day. When not on the ice, her and her brother, Zach, like to play the NHL video game. The game gives players the opportunity to design their own team, put NHLer’s on their team and include
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themselves on the team. The player tries to design their avatar to look like themselves by changing hair color, eye color and uniform color. But for Lexi this was impossible. “I tried everything, but I couldn’t give it a female face or long hair,” Lexi explains. “I could change the color of the hair, eyes and uniform but I had to put it all on a male face.” This upset her. She played
She’s in the NHL-Virtually!
hockey, she’s a hockey fan and so were other girls. Why weren’t they part of the game selections? Lexi questioned her father, Tim, about why female avatars weren’t part of the game system. He told her to write the company a letter, which she did. She explained to EA Sports that she felt it was unfair to women around the world, many of them who play and enjoy the game. Within a few weeks she had a re-
sponse that they were unable to add the females without consent of the NHL. Now the story could end right here. But, of course it doesn’t. Former NHL player, and also a former Buffalo Sabre, David Littman is a producer with the gaming company. He has a concern for growing the sport, especially among females and loved the idea. He moved forward and then took one giant step forward that put a Western New York girl on center stage. EA Sports contacted Lexi and told her that she would be the “default” female that players could customize. “We had to send photos of me taken from every angle,” explains Lexi. The whole process started in December and the game was just released. With the game released and news of this 14 year old’s involvement, the media have found the Town of Wheatfield in Niagara County. “This has been crazy,” Lexi explains. “Everybody’s been
Hockey New York State E-Magazine
November 2011
here (referring to the over 44 media outlets who have sought her out). “ I could hardly get a shower without my Dad telling me someone wanted to talk to me. “I don’t know how they handle it,” said Lexi when questioned how she feels being a celebrity. Lexi has had to fit the celebrity status in with schoolwork plus playing soccer on the Starpoint Junior Varsity Team and the Northtowns Twisters, plus her hockey practices have just begun. She also plays softball with the Cayuga Gamblers, modified softball for Starpoint and enjoys golf. Is celebrity and gaming in her future, no. But hockey might be. “I’d like to do something with sports,” said Lexi. “That’s my life right now.” Lexi is the daughter of Tim and Debbie Peters. In addition to her brother, Zach, she has a sister Marissa.#
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Mid-State Youth Hockey Association
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idState is an association where children can learn to play hockey in their Initiation Program, which includes 28 on-ice sessions on weekends November through March. The program was developed to make the child’s first contact with hockey a safe and positive experience. It is a structured, learn to play hockey program designed to introduce players to the game’s basic skills. It enables participants to become contributing members of a team, develop self-confidence and experience a sense of personal achievement. The Initiation Program begins November 5 at Cicero Twin Rinks. To learn more about this program, email house@midstatehockey.com.#
Empire West Dissolves By Randy Schultz (Janetrandy@aol.com)
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he Empire West Amateur Hockey League, a huge promoter of Triple A hockey in the Western New York area for nearly three decades, have ceased operations. According to Mike Answeeney, President of Empire West, the final decision did not come easily. “Empire West had been in business since 1984,” said Answeeney. “We started the league with five original members including Amherst, West Seneca, Wheatfield, Rochester and the Buffalo Regals. “Basically we formed it to promote Triple A hockey in the area. It was very Mike Answeeney successful over the years. “Over the years we had something like 16 or 17 different hockey organizations involved with Empire West. We even had teams from Ohio and Pennsylvania. “But eventually we transitioned from promoting Triple A hockey to being just a scheduling body. There is no reason to have two scheduling bodies in the Western New York area. “We have the Western New York League that does a very good job as a scheduling body. So why have two of us doing the same job. “But in the end it became a situation of the local teams deciding to move over to the Western New York League and dissolve Empire West. “It was a great run with a lot of great hockey. They have left a lasting memory in the minds of many hockey people in the area. “They will never be forgotten.”#
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Hockey New York State E-Magazine
November 2011
Finger Lakes Area Girls
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he FLAGH has been organized to promote girls hockey in the Central New York region and surrounding areas. Founded in 2010 its purpose is to increase hockey awareness. They are committed to building a league where girls of all levels will be able to participate in ice hockey. Current teams include the 10U Camillus Cougars,CNY Bobcats and Oswego. 12U: Binghamtom Blizzard, Camiullus Cougars, CNY Bobcats, Onondaga Thunder 14U: Camiullus Cougars, Ithaca Shooting Stars, Rome and Skaneateles 16U/19U: Binghamton Blizzard, Camillus Cougars, CNY Bobcats, Ithaca Shooting Stars.
charged at the rinks to spectators and family members. After six years of hosting tournaments under the Silver Stick name, Tompkins Girls Hockey Association began running independent tournaments in 2005.
Founded in 1972 the Tompkins Girls’ Hockey Association (TGHA) is one of the oldest girls’ hockey organizations in the country, and is the oldest in New York State. They ice teams for girls ages 5 to 19 at all levels and abilities. The organization’s mission is simple: Provide
The Syracuse Nationals 12U Team took the NYS Tier I Championship and were National Quarterfinalists last year.
CENTRAL
The Ithaca
Shooting Stars Invitational Tournament is set for December 2 through 4. The Tournament, hosted by the TGHA, will be played at The RINK, north of Ithaca, with teams in the 12U, 14U, 16U and 19U age brackets. This is competitive hockey at the NYS Tier 2 level. All teams are guaranteed three games minimum. 19U, 16U, and 14U teams will play three 15-minute stop periods; 12U will play three 12-minute periods. Send $100 now to reserve your spot! There will be NO gate fee
History of Skaneateles Girls Hockey
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n the year 2000, increasing national and local interest in girls-only hockey, prompted the SYHA to form the first all girls hockey team (U12 level) in Skaneateles. Most team members had played on SYHA boy’s teams to that point, or were new to ice hockey. This team was made up of about eight players, ranging in age from
Page 8 instruction in the game of hockey, develop individual skills, encourage concepts of team play and sportsmanship and have fun! TGHA has been nationally recognized as the only girls’ hockey program in North America and Europe to receive the prestigious $10,000 NHL A.S.S.I.S.T.S. Grant.#
The Skaneateles Youth Hockey Association is hosting their Annual Pasta Dinner on Wednesday, Nov. 9 form 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the high school cafeteria. The Skaneateles Youth Hockey Association is accepting female players for Girls-Only teams for this season. Openings exist for all girls’ teams which include 12U, 14U and 19U. They are in serious need of players at the 12U level. Whether you are a returning/experienced player, or a beginner, they have a place for you. Contact Pat McHale, skancoach@ gmail.com or 315-436-2286. #
News & Notes
8-12 years old. Other girls became interested and by season’s end, five more girls had joined the team and girls hockey at Skaneateles had gained a foot hold. In just a few years, the girls were claiming sectional titles and winning tournaments. Built upon the success of this group of girls, the Skaneateles Central School (SCS) fielded its first ever girls ice hockey varsity team in 2003.
After a one year hiatus, the team reformed in 2005 and has been in existence ever since. The SYHA and SCS maintain close ties with most SCS players having developed their skills in the SYHA program. As the original group of girls transitioned to form the first Girls Varsity ice hockey team at Skaneateles Central Schools, and with few incoming female players, there would be no girls team(s) at the SYHA for a few years. However, in 2010, a handful of girls playing on
other SYHA teams, joined by many new players, led to the resurgence of girl’s hockey at Skaneateles. That season, a U12 team competed in the Great Lakes Girls’ Hockey League, winning their league championship. Most of the same group of girls continue to participate in the SYHA, and with growing numbers of younger girls in the program, it is our hope to sustain the girl’s program at the SYHA for many years to come!#
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Central NYS Men’s College Hockey Report Hamilton
By Warren Kozireski
Colgate The Raiders defeated host and nationally ranked Nebraska-Omaha to win the Mutual of Omaha tournament title. It marks the Raiders first tournament win since the 2006 UConn Classic and their first win over a WCHA school since 1998 against Minnesota-Duluth. Cornell In addition to sophomore goaltender Andy Iles (Ithaca), two other New Yorkers join the squad this season as freshman—forwards Kevin Carr from Ithaca and Cole Bardreau from Fairport. Iles was the backup to Jack Campbell on the U.S. National Team for the World Junior Championships in Buffalo and became the first Cornellian to win a bronze medal as a part of Team USA. The team has announced that former Union College and professional goalie Kris Mayotte has joined the team as a volunteer assistant coach. Cortland Without a non-conference tune-up, the Red Dragons jump right into SUNYAC play with an opening game test against nationally second-ranked Oswego.
The Continentals are coming off a New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) title—their first since winning the ECAC Division III East championship in 1997-98. A new head coach after Norm Bazin left for UMass-Lowell means a new beginning with team captain Bryan Kelly and a five-member senior class that includes Anthony Scarpino, Sam Choate, Brandon Broad (West Seneca) and BJ Lalonde. Hobart It’s hard to believe that it has already been ten years since head coach Mark Taylor arrived, but now he is just six wins from 150 in his career as 2011-12 begins. The Statesmen open at Cortland 10/29 with the home opener against Neumann 11/11 at The Cooler. Morrisville The two New York based freshmen recruits for the upcoming season are forward Eric Geertz (Penn Yan) and forward Nathan Hughes (Utica). The Mustangs open at home Halloween weekend against Potsdam and Plattsburgh. Oswego The Lakers enter the season ranked second in the nation and with head coach Ed Gozek just 12 wins away from 175 in just his ninth season.
Elmira The Soaring Eagles begin the campaign ranked sixth nationally and looking to defend their ECAC West Regular Season title and their first ECAC West Playoff crown since 2006 led by senior captain Kevin Willer, who earned First Team All-ECAC West honors last season and ECAC West Defensive Player of the Year along with First Team All-ECAC West selection in assistant captain Martin Lee.
Utica Gary Heenan’s unit begins the season ranked 13th in the nation. Seaford, NY native and defenseman Andrew Balzafiore joins four other freshman on the Pioneer squad.#
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Hockey Mom and Author Christie Casciano with Daughter Sophia. (Casciano Photo)
Hockey Moms are Authors too! By Janet Schultz
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hat do you do when your children are playing hockey? After noticing Hockey Moms and Dads paying bills, writing letters, knitting or doing needlework, reading books and newspapers, one Mom decided to start jotting down notes on things about hockey that she was noticing. Things like teamwork, player interaction and technical quirks like puck hogging. Then Hockey Mom and Syracuse News Anchor Christie Casciano took those notes and wrote a manuscript that her children encouraged her to send to a publisher. After several rejections, a Syracuse area publisher took the manuscript and published it. Thus, “The Puck Hog” was born. Now, would a children’s book on hockey be popular? Well her first test was when the publisher told her she would be doing a book signing. The nerves start be-
cause you don’t know if anyone will show up, if anyone will buy the book and did if you did the right thing by taking on this venture. Casciano found that hockey is a very popular topic, especially when the book is based on real life experience and focuses on children who play in your area. “The Puck Hog,” is a delightful children’s book that tells the story of Eddie, the team puck hog and how members of the team handled the situation. Her book reflects situations that were happening to her own children on the ice and the interactions the team had with that particular player over a series of weeks. “I’ve had things bottled up in me over the years,” said Casciano. “Hockey should be a good experience for every player and if someone is hogging the puck or doing other things that detract from that, it’s frustrating to watch.” (continued on next page)
Hockey New York State E-Magazine (Continued from page 10)
November 2011
One game in particular inspired her to write the book. Eddie’s father was yelling from the stands that Eddie had better score if he wanted a ride home. Now Casciano realized that the puck hogging wasn’t all Eddie’s fault. “I want to inspire kids to work as a team and have an opportunity to build character,” said Casciano. “Yes, they’ve come up to me and asked me if so and so in the book is them,” she said. “I tell them I wrote about all of them.” The Syracuse Crunch have teamed up with Casciano and taken the book into classrooms in the Syracuse area. They read it to the class and discuss character attributes that not only apply to sports but also everyday life. “The Crunch wanted to get involved in literacy and also share their passion for hockey,” said Casciano. “This was a great way to do it. “Some of these kids in these schools have never even seen a hockey game,” she explains. “But they can relate the situations in the book to things that happen to them in the classroom and at home.” Casciano gives the example of a student who took the word “assist” and equated it to helping others around you or just picking up papers that have been dropped on the floor. “It’s been fun,” said Casciano. She is working on a second book that will take readers to Lake Placid. “Again it’s based on real kids and real experiences,” she said. “They will see themselves and how to be a team player. There are broader experiences and moments to remember as the team goes to a championship.” This book will have Eddie’s father pushing him too far and the results are less than pleasing. “I chose Lake Placid because our family had such a good experience there. There’s also the hockey and Olympic history of the town and the arena,” she ex
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plained. “My son told me how he actually got chills when he stepped on the ice where the “Miracle” had taken place,” she relates. “And it’s a place where you can let your kids go for ice cream alone without worrying about them.” Her family and their teammates may have been the inspiration for the book, but she also involved her sisters. Rose Mary Casciano Moziak is the illustrator and Hockey New York State acknowledges Casciano’s sister, Theresa, who directed us to this
story. Casciano has also put up a Blog that gives hockey moms a chance to share advice and stories about their experiences in youth hockey. She has also put up some entertaining and training videos at www.thepuckhog. blogspot.com. “The Puck Hog” is published by North Country Books, Inc. and is available at Amazon.com.; her blog and Barnes and Nobles bookstores. She also has a Facebook page.#
Win An Autographed Copy of “The Puck Hog” Email your name, email address, Team Affiliation and the Section you live in to
janetrandy@aol.com
There will be one winner from each section.
Deadline: December 1, 2011
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Manhattanville
East Section News and Notes
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ady Islanders Girls Ice Hockey play home games at Dix Hills Ice Rink in Dix Hills, New York. They are members of the MAWHA, GAL League, Long Island Hockey League and USA Hockey. All girls from the NYC, Long Island and surrounding areas are welcome to play for the Lady Islanders. They support NYS tournament-bound travel and developmental girls ice hockey programs and have 10U, 12U and 19U teams.
East Section Men’s College Hockey By Warren Kozireski
Army Freshman Zak Zaremba scored his first collegiate goal in the season opener at Union. The Army hockey team will be making their second appearance as one of four teams competing at the 2012 Ice Breaker College Hockey Tournament at Sprint Center in Kansas City. The traditional start of the college hockey season, the 2012 tourney will also feature Maine, Nebraska-Omaha and Notre Dame. Hudson Valley Community College The Vikings open the regular season on the road November 11 at Monroe Community College and with a pair of games at Erie CC (11/19-20) before their home opener against Mohawk Valley December 3.
Twelve-year head coach Keith Levinthal announced October 12 that he is stepping down from his coaching position immediately but will remain in his position as Director of Athletics. Eric Lang, the head coach of the women’s hockey team, will take over the reins. The season begins with a trip to Ann Arbor, Michigan to play the U.S. National Development team before returning home to open conference competition the first weekend of November against Hobart and Elmira. Mohawk Valley Community College Ninth year head coach Rob Seymour’s Hawks return leading scorer Ryan Alesandro (Proctor High School). They open regular season action at home against Broome CC. Engineers’ junior defenseman Nick Bailen was selected to the All-ECAC Hockey Preseason Team. He was a National All-America East Second Team selection after scoring eight goals with 28 assists for 36 points in 38 games last season to lead all ECAC Hockey in defensemen scoring. The Engineers new volunteer assistant coach Jaroslav Modry played for the New Jersey Devils, Ottawa Senators, Los Angeles Kings, Atlanta Thrashers, Dallas Stars and Philadelphia Flyers. In 725 games he scored 49 goals with 201 assists for 250 points and played 28 playoff games. Current Engineer Pat Koudy’s cousin, Randy ’84, also played hockey at Rensselaer. New head coach Rick Bennett and his Dutchmen are off to a 1-0-2 record in defense of their ECAC regular season crown. And he is doing it with just four seniors and ten freshmen. Freshman Max Novak is off to a quick start with two goals and an assist in three games while classmate Sam Coatta is 1-1 over the same period. Sophomore forward Matt Hatch (Massena), freshman forward Trevor Mingoia (Fairport) and freshman goaltender Colin Stevens (Niskayuna) are the native New Yorkers on the squad. Their first conference tilt comes against American International at Messa Rink.#
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Level 4 Training for East Coaches
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ttention to all East Section hockey coaches and volunteers interested in completing their Level 4 CEP. The Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center in Bethpage will be hosting the Level 4 CEP session from December 9-11 for anyone who has already completed levels 1, 2 and 3. A full three day participation is mandatory to receive Level 4 Certification. There will be no exceptions. All attendees must pre-register on the USA hockey web site. There will be no on-ice session. Equipment is not needed. Please bring two pens or pencils. If anyone needs a hotel, there is the Homewood Suites by Hilton. Room rates are $129. Please use the following code: USA Hockey Level 4. The hotel phone number is 516-293-4663 or email, www.homewoodsuiteslongisland.com. A discounted room block will be held until November 25. The registration fee includes one ticket to the New York Islanders-Pittsburgh Penguins hockey game at the Nassau Coliseum on Saturday night. Total cost for the three days is $295.00. Any level 4 questions should be directed to: Tpalamara@aol.com.#
Grow the Game Grant Fund Looks for Applications
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t was announced at the NYSAHA meeting that NYSAHA was awarded a one time funding from USA Hockey, resulting from the financial success of the IIHF World Junior Championships held in Buffalo. In an effort to help promote the growth and development of the sport with New York State, the NYSAHA
has established a Grow the Game Grant Fund. Local Associations are eligible for grants up to $1000 to help with the costs associated with implementing and supporting the programs and philosophies of USA Hockey and its American Development Model. Funds will be awarded to associations based on the number of applications received, and completion of this application. Applications for the East are due back to Ralph Scannapieco by December 16, 2011.#
Welcome New York Special Rangers Islanders Iceworks
The New York Special Rangers and the Islanders Iceworks were admitted to the NYSAHA/USA Hockey Associations. The Board ratified the move at its last meeting. Congratulations and best wishes for a long and successful program.
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Hockey New York State E-Magazine
November 2011
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Zukas College Career Ends on High Note!
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mherst College’s women’s ice hockey Randi Zukas was named to the 2011 All American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA) All-America Ice Hockey East Second Team. Zukas, Glen Head, Long Island, became the first All-American First Team selection in the program’s history. She concluded her collegiate career with 90 points on 17 goals and 73 assists in 110 games. During her time at Amherst the Lord Jeffs posted an 86-17-10 record and captured two NESCAC Conference titles ( 2008, 2010) and back-to-back NCAA Division III National Championships (2009, 2010) A 2007 North Shore High School graduate, Zukas attended the North American Hockey Academy in Stowe, Vertmont while attending North Shore. She was awarded the Seventh Player Award in 2005 and the Coaches Award in 2007 from North Shore. Among her achievements are being named to Reebok Hockey All-America Ice Hockey East Second Team, All-NESCAC First Team and the New England Hockey Writer’s Divison II/III Women’s New England All Star team in 2011. In 2010 she also received recognition on Reebok’s All-America First Team, NESCAC First Team and took the New England Writer’s award. She served as co-captain of the Long Island Empire State Games scholastic girl’s gold medal team in 2006 and in 2005 was the USA Hockey Girl’s Select 15/16 District Representative to Lake Placid. Zukas will be serving as assistant coach for the Wellesley High School (Mass) Girl’s Varsity Ice Hockey Team. She currently is employed as a full-time research assistant at the David H. Koch Institue for Integrative Cancer Research at MIT. She plans to attend medical school.#
Mid-Hudson Civic Center to Acquire Ice Time Sports Complex
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id-Hudson Civic Center, the non-profit organization that currently owns and operates the McCann Ice Arena and Mair Hall in Poughkeepsie, has come to terms for the purchase of Ice Time Sports Complex in Newburgh. David Wise, Board Chairman for the Civic Center, announced that contracts have been signed and that the Civic Center has entered into a short-term agreement to lease the facility until the acquisition can be formally completed. This will allow the Civic Center to take instant control of the sports complex and ready the facility for immediate use. The almost 71,000-square-foot complex, which ceased operations in June, left thousands of people who used the ice rink facility for sports leagues and recreation, without a place to skate. With the reopening of the complex, the approximately 400 adult hockey players, 400 youth hockey players, 500 children who participated in the Learn-to-Skate Program and thousands of public skat-
ers, will all now have a facility to return to. The complex is comprised of two skating rinks, retail space and a fullyequipped restaurant on the second floor that overlooks both rinks. Paul Lloyd, President of Mid-Hudson Civic Center stated, “The acquisition of Ice Time Sports Complex is not only an opportunity for us to expand our non-profit footprint into Orange County, but it also expands our mission of providing recreational and sport skating services into a new community. We will also replicate our Skating Academy programs; including Kids on Ice, which provides skating opportunities for disadvantaged and disabled children, into Orange County.” Mr. Lloyd, who had previous involvement with the sports complex at its inception, will take control of day-to-day operations and will utilize existing leadership from Mid-Hudson Civic Center, including its Chief Financial Officer, Ice Arena General Manager and Program Director to operate and manage the facil-
ity. Oversight will be provided by the Civic Center’s current board of directors. The Mid-Hudson Civic Center is a non-profit organization that has served the skating needs of Dutchess County for over 30 years. The acquisition of Ice Time Sports Complex by the Civic Center is very important to the region’s skating community and furthers the Civic Center’s organizational mission. A new website icetimesports.org is currently under construction and information regarding hockey, figure skating and open skating will be posted as soon as it is available. The goal is to be operational by early November.#
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North Section News and Notes Northstars Hockey
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he Adirondack Northstars 12U team will be playing 30-35 games this season including tournaments in Ithaca, Plattsburgh and Brattleboro (VT). They will also host their Winter Classic. The 16U team will play 40 to 45 games with tournaments scheduled in Ithaca and Warwick (PA). They will compete in the Northern Zone 16U Tier II Sectionals and hope to qualify for the New York State 16U Tier II Champship that will be played in Amherst. They have also joined the newly formed GAL League North Gold Division.
Clifton Park
The New York State Pre-Sectional and Sectional Tournaments have been awarded and Clifton Park Youth Hockey received three this season. The Girls 19U and Bantam 14U teams, who both participated in the State Tournaments last year, will be hosting Sectionals at home in February. The Clifton Park Dynamo 18U team, who has won the State Tournament two out of the last three years and attended the National Tournament the past three seasons will be playing their Sectional games at home this year as well. This tournament will be held in November. (Taken from Brian Gidley’s President’s Message).
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North Section College Men’s Hockey
By Warren Kozireski
Canton ATC Senior forward Darren Camp (Canton) joined the 100-point club October 22 after registering an assist in the Roo’s 13-0 win over the University of Scranton. Teammate Rob Liggio (Canton) notched his 100th point one day prior. The Roo’s are off to a 4-0 start with three shutouts. Clarkson
Senior goaltender Paul Karpowich was named ECAC Goaltender of the Week for the period ending October 18 after helping the Knights sweep Sacred Heart. He made 49 saves on 51 shots in the two victories including his third career shutout. Freshman defenseman Kevin Tansey also scored his first collegiate goal—shorthanded—in the home opener. Plattsburg Head coach Bob Emery enters the 2011-12 season just four victories away from 450 in his career. The 23-year head coach ranks sixth in Division III all-time and is just the sixth to reach the 400-win milestone. Among the 12 freshman recruits is New Yorker Michael Cassidy (West Seneca). The Cardinals begin the season ranked fifth in the national polls. (Continued on next page)
Hockey New York State E-Magazine
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(Continued from page 15)
The Bears named senior Sy Nutkevitch captain and juniors Brett Waters and Matt Viola assistant captains for the upcoming campaign.
St.Lawrence Junior Kyle Flanagan (Canton) is one of at least four native New Yorkers serving as captain of Division I programs this season joining Scott Moser (Tonawanda) with Canisius, Cory Schneider (Brighton) at Ohio State and Harvard’s Ryan Grimsley (Greece). Freshman forward Justin Bruckel (Geneseo), junior defenseman Mac Stafford (Bloomingdale) and senior goaltender Joe Spadaccini (Canton) are the in-staters on the Saints roster. Freshman Patrick Doherty was named ECAC Rookie of the Week for the period ending October 18.
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He scored his first two collegiate goals in a 6-5 overtime loss to RIT. Associate head coach Mike Hurlbut (Massena) and assistant coach Greg Carvel are running the team due to an indefinite medical leave by head coach Joe Marsh.#
Send us your stories! publisher@hockeynys.com or janetrandy@aol.com
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UNION’S HATCH MAKING AN IMPACT
By Warren Kozireski
M
assena native Matt Hatch earned a regular shift throughout most of his freshman season and he is not giving his new head coach any reason to change that through the early stages of this season. The 5’11”, 180 lb. winger netted six goals and 14 assists playing in 33 of his team’s 40 games last season. Through five games this season he has a goal and three assists. “I had a slow start (last season) and it took some adjusting and getting used to, but now I think I have everything going and things are rolling,” said Hatch. “Guys are faster and bigger so strength is more of a factor than it was in juniors.” The 21-year old has been a regular of the Dutchmen penalty kill unit—even as a freshman last season. “I think the coach likes my speed out there.” Hatch played four years of high school hockey at Massena before going to Philips Exeter Prep School for a year where he had 18 goals and 52 assists in 35 games. Then it was off to the Alberni Valley Bulldogs of the British Columbia Junior Hockey League for one season where he led his team to the Coastal Conference regular season title with a 45-12-1-2 record. He netted 21 goals in 70 games and added 34 assists. “Matt has a great deal of speed,” former head coach Nate Leaman said in the press release announcing the 2010-11 recruiting class. “He played at the Philips Exeter and went and played in the BCHL and had a very good year. He’s going to give us a lot of energy and depth. His speed is an element that we wanted to add more of to our roster.”
“I committed here (to Union) after prep school and coach had connections in British Columbia and I thought it was a better fit than playing juniors here on the east coast,” said Hatch. “I think it’s a lot more physical out west and that’s what I needed to get used to coming from high school and prep school which isn’t as physical. The defensemen tend to be a little bit bigger out there and I think that’s what I needed to develop. This season has been an adjustment for the entire team with the departure of Leaman to take the head coaching position at Providence and the promotion of Associate head coach Rick Bennett to the top job at Union. As of this writing Hatch was sitting on 999 Facebook friends and loves Kings of Leon and Our Lady Peace among his music preferences. And he has some high goals to meet within his own family since older brother Shawn became the first person to inline-skate from New York to California with his 3,107-mile, 66 day journey during the summer of 2010 in an effort to raise money for wounded veterans. But the $10,000 question is why a Massena native wouldn’t stay closer to home to play to either St. Lawrence or Clarkson? “I get that a lot. It really came down to the three schools and I think it really came down to the coaching staff here that really made me feel at home and that was the biggest factor. “The coaches really like me here and I like them.”#
Hockey New York State E-Magazine
November 2011
West Section Cyclone’s Host Tournament
T
he Webster Cyclone’s will host their 12th Boulter Classic House Tournament March 2 through 4, 2012 for Squirt B through Midget B and Girls 16U and on March 9 through 11 for Mite A through Midget A. This is the first year for the Girl’s 16U Tier III competition. This is a USA Sanctioned tournament, 3 game minimum with 5 point per game scoring. The Championship game includes fog, music and special effects. All players receive a welcome gift. First place teams receive a Rink Banner and individual medals; second place receive medals and an MVP will be awarded for all championships games. The Webster Ice Arena was voted Number One in the Rochester area. Contact Rick Madsen at boulter@wyha.com for details.#
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News & Notes Buffalo Regals
W
ith the Empire West Amateur Hockey League being dissolved, The Buffalo Regals will now be heading in a new direction. And the Regals have some very high expectations. “We’ve had a huge influx of interest in the Regals Triple A program.,” said Mike Answeeney, president of the Regals. “The Buffalo Sabres are now sponsoring our Midget program. “We have an offer from the Southern Ontario Hockey League. To even be considered for that, an Americanbased hockey association to be playing in that league, is unbelievable. “Not only that, but we have an invitation from the Midwest Elite League. But we’re not quite ready for that this year. Again, just to be offered that opportunity speaks volumes. We’re going to do that next year.
“At the same time we were receiving the offer from the Midwest League, we got an offer to play in the Super Series. That’s a combination of three weekends of the best teams in North America playing against each other. “All of those teams are coming here for three weekends. In return we will be travelling to New Jersey, Philadelphia, Minnesota and Atlanta. It is a lot of travel but that is what we have chosen to do. “To have those three offers made to us in just one year is out of this world. And it is all at the Triple A level. “Our program has evolved to a point where our Triple A programs are second to none. Is it for everybody. No, not really. “But those that do will be a part of something great.”#
WEST Coaches
Additional Level 1, 2, 3 coaches training for West Section will be held December 11 at Genesee Community College, Batavia. Register at the USA Hockey website.
Hockey New York State E-Magazine
I
November 2011
Home Grown!
t has always been about hockey for Thomas McCollum. It began at 22 months when he was on roller blades. He was on ice skates at three. When he was eight, McCollum tried his hand as a netminder after a teammate quit as a Wheatfield Blades goalie. The rest is history. In June 2008 McCollum was the Detroit Red Wings first round draft pick, the 30th player taken overall, at the National Hockey League Entry Draft held in Thomas McCollum at Grand Rapids. Ottawa, Ont. Canada. (Photo by Janet Schultz) “It was a surreal experience that day,” recalled McCollum, who signed a contract with the Red Wings organization a year later. “I’ve joined the best hockey organization in the NHL. “It’s been a great experience so far.” McCollum began his amateur hockey career as a forward before moving back to defense. From there is was back to netminding. He grew up in the rural area of Sanborn, a small town located in Western New York between the cities of Lockport and Niagara Falls, rooting for the Buffalo Sabres, a team he still follows today. When he was playing street hockey in his driveway at his Sanborn home he could imitate Brad May and Mike Foligno with the best of them. Even now one can’t help but notice the dented white double garage doors from McCollum’s mimicking the Sabres scoring duo. He would later defend the same doors when he became a goaltender. Today, McCollum is the starting goaltender for the Toledo Walleye of the East Coast Hockey League. There were many who believe that the 6-2, 210-pound goalie will eventually make it to the Motor City with the Red Wings. There are others who believe that McCollum may be a bust. The Red Wings are not among that group. “We have not given up on Thomas,” commented Jim Devellano, Sr. Vice President of the Red Wings. “You have to remember that it sometimes takes longer for a goalie to develop than it does for forwards or defensemen. “There is a reason we chose Thomas as a number one draft pick. I don’t think we’ve seen what Thomas can really do yet.” Not bad for a guy who was overlooked by the local hockey establishment’s selection group that picks the Western Team for New York’s Empire State Games. Prior to playing for the Blades, McCollum played goal for Starpoint High School.
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In fact, McCollum wasn’t even drafted by the Guelph Storm of the Ontario Hockey League, one of the two junior teams he played for. He was discovered by accident. He and his Blades teammates were playing in a hockey tournament in Rochester NY. A scout was in the stands for the Storm watching another player and ended up discovering McCollum, who stood on his head in the tourney making save after save for his team. “Being a goalie and seeing a lot of shots game after game, isn’t always a bad thing,” recalled McCollum, who turned pro for the 2009-10 season. “I saw a lot of different situations with that time so I was really prepared for anything. “And I guess i really must have shown something to that scout that was in the stands.” Even at that time McCollum never gave playing in the NHL a serious thought. “I don’t think the reality of that really kicked in until after my first season in Guelph and I saw how high I was being ranked at that point in my career,” stated McCollum. “But then again, I always dreamed of playing in the NHL from the time I first picked up a mini-stick.” If there is one thing that is impressive about McCollum it’s the fact that he is very aware of his position as a role model to the public in general, but especially younger kids. “I see a lot of little kids when I’m out doing public functions,” said McCollum. “These kids come up to us and they’re awe-struck. “And that’s when it hits you that you do have that power to influence what these kids think. It’s a lot of pressure because you don’t want to do something bad that could be taken the wrong way by kids. “At the same time it’s nice to know that people respect you that much to actually care about what you do.” McCollum realizes that things haven’t gone exactly the way he wanted them to go in his first couple of pro seasons. “I’ve had some tough learning experiences,” explained McCollum. “But I just have to learn to deal with them.” McCollum made his NHL debut on March 30, being just a brief one for less than a period. Injuries to Detroit netminders Chris Osgood and Jimmy Howard saw McCollum get the call to the big club. But for now McCollum is focused on his ECHL season. “We want to make the playoffs here in Toledo,” concluded McCollum. “Winning a championship here would be the perfect way to keep my climb to Detroit going. “So I’m just going to try to play the best I can every night. I’m going to do just what I’ve done all my life playing hockey. “I’m going to play hard and just have some fun.”#
“It’s Always Been About Hockey”... Thomas McCollum, Goalie Detroit Red Wings Organization
Hockey New York State E-Magazine
November 2011
NYS HOCKEY COLLEGE REPORT-WEST By Warren Kozireski
The Golden Eagles were picked to finish seventh in the SUNYAC preseason coaches poll. The Bengals announced the addition of Kenmore native Jeremiah Crowe as assistant coach replacing Pat Oliveto, who joined the Niagara staff. Crowe played four seasons with Clarkson University as a defenseman while the Knights won a pair of ECAC titles and a pair of NCAA playoff appearances. He played junior hockey with the Buffalo Jr. Sabres among four junior programs. Canisius Senior goaltender Dan Morrison began the season needing just 465 saves to tie Bryan Worosz for first all-time at Canisius. Morrison racked up 993 saves last season. Among the 12 freshmen, East Amherst’s Matthew Grazen is the only native New Yorker. He had played in each of the first three games still looking for his first collegiate point. Erie Community College The Kats begin defense of their first national championship with just nine returning players when they host Broome CC November 5. Bryan Ross earned two assists and became the 16th player at Fredonia to reach 100 career points in a 4-1 season-opening win over Assumption. In the same game, freshmen Bryan Doust and Stephen Castriota (Bellport) netted their first collegiate goals. Freshmen Mike Monfredo (Shirley) and Tyler Matecki (Buffalo) are the other two newcomers hailing
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from New York State. Geneseo The 12th ranked Knights return 12 of the top 13 scorers to the team and five of the top five defensemen. The team welcomes seven freshmen with goaltender Bryan Haude (Hilton) and Justin Scharfe (Webster) from in-state. Monroe Community College Zach Lewis (West Genesee) scored twice, while Erich Haney (West Genesee) added a goal and an assist and Dan Going (Saratoga Springs) also netted a goal in the season opener. Niagara University Goaltender Cody Campbell registered his first collegiate shutout stopping 30 shots in a 0-0 season opening tie at RIT. It marked the second time Niagara has ever had a 0-0 game—the first at Robert Morris in 2009. Former head coach Blaise McDonald is now an assistant coach with the University of MassachusettsAmherst Minutemen after ten years as head coach with UMass-Lowell.
The Tigers played their first ever (47 years, 1,302 games) 0-0 tie in the season and home opener against Niagara. RIT is now 0-6-1 in season openers since beginning play as a Division I program. With the 1-0 shutout in last season AHA title game, it also marks the first time the Tigers have ever been blanked in back-to-back contests. In the program for the Homecoming game, senior defenseman Chris Haltigan lists Pathophysiology as his favorite course—it could only happen in college hockey.#
www.hockeynys.com
Hockey New York State E-Magazine
SUNY Oswego opened with a loss (14) October 21 against Durham Lightning. Caledonia’s MacKenzie Lee scored the lone Laker goal. They face Adrian College of Michigan as their home opener for the season. On the roster from New York State this season are MacKenzie Lee of Caledonia, senior forward who played for Plattsburgh; Chelsea Hunt, Brockport, sophomore Defenseman from the Buffalo Bisons; Kelly Collins, Fairport and Taft Prep, a Senior Forward and Bridget Smith, Hamburg, Mississauga Chiefs, freshman goalie.
November 2011
Page 21
percentage. She was 8-13-2 on the season with a 2.88 goals against average and was named MLX Skates Goaltender of the Week by the ECAC on October 19. She is ranked seventh with most saves in a season and is currently ranked fourth in career saves with 1626 and is fifth in career wins with 24. Freshman Goalie Susan Allen of Spencerport High School was a member of the Rochester Edge Under 19 team, serving as captain her junior and senior seasons. She was also a member of the Western team that won the gold medal at the 2010 Empire State Games.
Women’s College Ice Hockey in NYS
Potsdam is off to a winning start after taking all three of their Exhibition games. They beat the Ontario Hockey Academy 10 and then beat Penn State 4-2 and 3-1. They open their regular season at home against Plattsburg. Players who call New York State home are Junior Goalie Jen Conophy (Glenmont/Albany Ice Cats); Freshman Forward and Defense Keri Dempsey (Wappingers Falls/John Jay). Utica opened their season with an exhibition game against the Etobicoke Dolpins, dropping the game 0-2. They face New England College and Castleton State at home
by Janet Schultz
as their season openers. Coming from NYS are Freshman Goalie, Marissa McNamara, Camillus, of the Lysander Lightning; Samantha Pucci, freshman defense, Victor, Connecticut Polar Bears; Nicole Joslyn, junior defense, Whitesboro, Rochester Edge; Caitlyn Moccaldi, sophomore defense, Clinton, Clinton High School boys team; Nicole Kieffer, freshman defense, Rome, Lysander lightning; Lindsay Norton, junior defense, Eden, Buffalo Bisons; Jennifer Hamel, sophomore goalie, Ithaca, Northwood School; Marissa Hotaling, Whiteboro, senior goalie, Syracuse stars. Colgate After a win and loss in opening exhibition games, Colgate is 3-2 overall in regular season play. The losses came at the hands of New Hampshire and Northeastern. They rallied back to beat Lindenwood twice and Syracuse. They now face Cornell, Brown and Yale. Senior Goalie Kimberly Sass of East Amherst and Buffalo Bisons is beginning her senior year. Last season she played in 24 of the team’s 33 games, starting in 23. She had a total of 607 saves for a .899 save
St Lawrence University St. Lawrence has opened with a 3-1-2 record after beating Clarkson, Connecticut and Niagara; losing to Boston and tying Providence and New Hampshire in overtime. Akwesasne native Alley Bero and Ithaca’s Ashley Scott represent New York State. Alley played for Team Ontario Red and Ashley for the Syracuse Stars.
The Engineers have opened their season 2-4-2 overall with wins over the University of Connecticut and the University of Vermont. Their losses came at the hands of Robert Morris and Niagara University and ties with Connecticut and Vermont. (continued on next page)
Hockey New York State E-Magazine
November 2011
(Continued from page 21) Clarkson is 4-1-3 on the season with wins over Providence, Syracuse and the University of New Hampshire. Their single loss came from St. Lawrence and they found themselves three overtime ties with the University of Vermont, University of Connecticut and Boston University. Niagara
The Purple Eagles are coming into November with a 4-5 overall record. They lost doubleheaders to New Hampshire and Boston University before picking up an overtime and regular win from RPI. That was followed by a loss to St. Lawrence and wins against Yale and Princeton. The Purple Eagles face Vermont, Colgate, Maine and St. Cloud in November. Abby Rylanski was named CHA Goalie of the week for October 24. University of Buffalo The Lady Ice Bulls, who play in the ACHA Division I, hosted the Buffalo Blizzard Invitational Ice Hockey Tournament on October 21-14. Prior to the tournament, UB was 2-3 with their wins coming from California University (PA) with a 3-2 victory followed by shutout, 3-0. Losses came from the Niagara University JV team and Penn State. In November they face-off against the Wheatfield Blades, Elmira of the NCAAJV DIII, Northeastern of the ACHA DI and the University of Rochester Club team. Cornell At press time the Big Red were facing Colgate and then a home opener against Yale. Olivia Cook of Akwesasne is the lone New York State resident on the roster. She played for the Nepean Wildcats. Cortland With a late October start Cortland will face New England, Castleton, Oswego and Buffalo State College in November. Cortland has 18 players returning and fifth-year Coach Earl Utter welcomes seven
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newcomers to the program. Senior Katie Double (Farmington/Victor HS) and sophomore Sarah Ribarich return between the pipes. Seven blueliners return and nine forwards return including Buffalo’s Maggie Giamo. Cortland welcomes Goaltender Katie Avery from UMass Amherst, Molly Walters from the Palm Beach (Fla.) Hurricanes, Abbie Adams, Potsdam High/Cornwall Typhoons, Kaitlin Friel, Oswego High Girls Ice Hockey, Frankie Giammona, Boston Shamrocks, Chelsie Hausberger, Orchard Park (NY) High and the Buffalo Bisons and Jessica Troilo, New Rochelle/Canterbury School. According the Coach Utter the Red Dragons will need to be at their best every time on the ice to challenge for a playoff spot in the competitive ECAC West. They have a schedule loaded with games against nationally ranked teams. Buffalo State The Buffalo State Bengals lost an exhibition game to the Toronto Aeros Midget AA team. and split their home opener against the University Massachusetts (Boston). Their November schedule includes Potsdam, Neumann and Chatham. Elmira Elmira beat the Toronto Aeros Midget team in Exhibition and open on the road against Norwich University and Manhattanville College at the East-WestClassic. Their season opener is at Cortland and their home opener is against Utica College on November 19. Ashley Ryan of North Chili and Haley Welch of East Amherst are on the roster. Ashley played for the Rochester Edge and Haley for Nichols School in Buffalo. RIT’s Tigers opened against Manhattanville after a 7-2 win over Durham West in exhibition play. They will then take on Norwich, Utica, Potsdam, Neumann, Western Ontario, Brock, Wilfrid Lauer and York in November. On the roster from NYS are Hannah Epstein, Amherst/Nichols School; Kristina Moss, Webster/Buffalo Bisons and Ali Hills, Honeoye Falls/Berkshire School.
Hockey New York State E-Magazine
Syracuse
November 2011
The Orange are 3-6 coming into November with wins over St. Cloud (2-1), University of New Hampshire (2-1) and Union College (5-3). Their losses were at the hands of the University of Minnesota, Northeastern, Colgate, a double from Clarkson, and a 3-4 overtime loss with Union. Playing for Syracuse are Brittaney Krebs of Marathon, Jacquie Greco of Buffalo and Kallie Goodnough of Mannsville. Brittaney and Kallie played for the National Sports Academy and Jacquie for Nichols School.
B
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Alle McComb was named CHA Rookie of the Week for October 24 for her performance in a split of games against Union College. She had 3 goals and an assist on the weekend. After helping Union earn a win over Syracuse, freshman Christine Valente earned the title of ECAC Hockey Rookie of the Week. This is Valente’s first time receiving ECAC honors, and the second time in three weeks a Dutchwoman has been chosen. The Connecticut native scored her third goal of the season in the 4-3 overtime win over Syracuse.#
ack in 2007 former proCiavaglia, who still reside fessional hockey player, in Williamsville. “I knew I Peter Ciavaglia, formed was taking a gamble at the a partnership with the Macombtime by not signing a pro Oakland Regional Center contract right away.” (MORC) in the Detroit, MI area. The talented center Although it may have not seemed important at the time, led the Crimson for three seasons in scoring, as well as hundreds of hockey players have been touched by the leading them to the 1989 NCAA Championship. In his partnership ever since. senior year he was selected ECAC Player of the Year and This is a story, in-part, of Ciavaglia the pioneering was named to the AHCA All-American Second Team. hockey player. But it is more of a look at the player and The Albany native graduated from Harvard in the how he gave back to not only the game, but spring of 1991 with a Bachelor of Science Deto society. gree in Finance. And while he may have been Ciavaglia, although born and lived the ready to turn pro with the Flames, the NHL first five years of his life in Albany, NY, club had other ideas. grew up in the Williamsville, NY area. “I might have been the guy they wanted in He played eight seasons of professional 1987,” recalled the then 5-10, 180-pound Ciahockey (1991-93 and 1994-2000), includvaglia. “But by the time I got around to signing parts of two in the National Hockey ing with them in 1991 they had signed another League with the Buffalo Sabres. small and talented center. Ciavaglia seemed destined to play in the “His name was Theo Fleury.” NHL during his high school hockey-play Unable to sign a contact with the Flames, ing days at Nichols High School in BuffaCiavaglia became a free agent and eventually lo. The highlight of that career came in his signed with the Sabres. Although he spent junior year when he scored 84 goals and most of his time with the Sabres minor league 197 points in just 60 games for Nichols. team, the Rochester Americans, he managed Ciavaglia assists one of his players. (Contributed Photo) By the time he graduated from Nichols, to skate in five NHL regular season contests NHL scouts had seen enough of the talin Buffalo. ented forward to see him drafted by the Calgary Flames “It was still a thrill to be called up to the big club,” in the seventh round, 145th player taken overall, of the remembered Ciavaglia, who totaled 72 goals and 200 1987 NHL Entry Draft. points in 141 American Hockey League games with the But instead of turning pro, Ciavaglia instead chose to Amerks. “But after two seasons I was ready for my next attend Harvard University, where he not only excelled venture, the Olympics.” academically, but athletically on the ice as well. During the 1993-94 hockey season, Ciavaglia skated “Academics had always been stressed in my famwith the United States National Team and played in the ily,” commented Ciavaglia, the son of Tony and Francis 1994 Winter Olympics. (Continued on page 26)
NYS Legend of the Game--Peter Ciavaglia!
Hockey New York State E-Magazine
November 2011
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Community Service Develops Leadership By Randy Schultz Photos by Tom Barnett
S
ummertime is usually a time for Western New York youth hockey teams to relax. But for the Buffalo Shamrocks hockey organization it is a time to give back. “Ten years ago my wife and I discussed ideas of how we could come up with an idea of keeping the kids in the Shamrocks organization together over the summer,” recalled Tom Barnett, founder of the Buffalo Shamrocks. “We came up with several different ideas including visits to local hospitals. “Then we came up with the idea for the zoo.” There were other ideas that Barnett wanted to implement with this program. “We wanted something where the kids could give something back to the community,” continued Barnett. “And we wanted to have them do it as kids, instead of waiting until they were older as adults. “Plus, you have to remember that we are a non-resident program. We have kids in our program from Buffalo, Snyder, Williamsville, Lancaster, Depew, East Aurora, Hamburg, Strikersville, Grand Island, Kenmore and Tonawanda. “While we have a very high retention rate in our program, most of the kids don’t live that close to each other. They would see each other during the hockey season, but what about the spring and summer? “So I went to Donna Fernandes from the Buffalo Zoo and promoted the idea of our kids planting a garden, taking care of it, harvesting it for the Zoo. I wanted a long term investment and a long term deal. “After talking to Donna and members of their Board, I went home. A couple weeks went by and I ran into Donna. “That’s when she told me the good news that the Zoo’s Board liked the idea and wanted us to go ahead with it. We chose the area where we wanted to start our garden. “That was 10 years ago. It has grown a little bit more every year and today is a pretty good size garden. “And we do everything with it. We plant it in the spring. “We water it, which was fun in the beginning when we had to carry buckets of water to water the garden. Today Donna makes sure that we have a tap near the garden so we don’t have to carry buckets anymore. “We worked over the garden, pulled the weeds, each week or so doing a little more. Then we would harvest our crops which included tomatoes, peppers, pumpkins, squash, cucumbers, among other things, and feed it to the animals in the zoo. “And we researched every vegetable we grow to make sure it won’t hurt the animals in the zoo. Even the flowers we grow can be eaten by the animals.” So what have the kids found out about themselves? “It’s amazing to see how they work so well together,” answered Barnett. “You have snipers working along side the grinders on our teams. “The defenseman working with a goalie. They find out things about each other that they didn’t know before the project or see during the regular season. “In the end it’s a real team building effort. Leadership also evolves, sometimes from players you wouldn’t expect it from. “In the end the kids see a complete cycle of life. Planting the plants and then harvesting the crop. It’s truly a ‘growing’ experience. “It’s a win-win situation for everyone.#
Hockey New York State E-Magazine
November 2011
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USA Hockey News Women’s National Team Named for Four Nations Cup
Josephine Pucci, Pearl River, was named to the 2011 U.S. Women’s National Ice Hockey Team that will compete at the Four Nations Cup November 9 through 13. Currently attending the training camp looking for one of the final spots on the roster are Courtney Burke, Albany and Dana Trivigno, Setauket. The Tournament will be held Nyöping, Sweden. Team USA opens against Sweden at 9:30 a.m. (EST) on Wednesday (Nov. 9). They then face-off against Canada on Thursday, Nov. 10; Finland, Saturday, Nov. 12 with third-place and Championship games being played on Sunday. To folow the game action go to the USA Hockey website. Check Hockeynys.com for updates to this story on the team selection and game results.
2011 US Men’s Select Team Announced
2011 US Junior Select Team Named
USA Hockey announced the 21-man roster for its 2011 US Men’s Select Team that will compete at the Deutschland Cup from November 11-13 in Munich, Germany. All 21 players on the roster currently are participating in elite European Leagues in the Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Russia, Sweden and Switzerland. Highlighting the US squad are two players from New York State including forward Chris Collins, Fairport, NY and forward Robbie Schremp, Fulton, NY. Collins currently plays for Thomas Sabo Ice Tigers, while Schremp is skating for Modo. The US Men’s Select Team faces off against Slovakia in its first game on Friday, Nov. 11 at 10:15 a.m. EST.
USA Hockey has announced the 22-player roster for the 2011 US Junior Select Team that will compete at the World Junior A Challenge from November 7-13 in Langley, BC, Canada. Team USA is the three-time defending champion at the tournament, having won it in 2008, 2009 and 2010. Twenty of the players on the US roster currently play in the United States Hockey League, the nation’s only Tier I junior hockey league. Highlighting the US squad are two players from New York State. They include defenseman Chris Bradley of Williamsville, NY and forward Riley Bourbonnais, Rochester, NY. Bradley currently plays for the Youngstown Phantoms and Bourbonnais for the Cedar Rapids Rough Riders. The US Junior Select Team will be tournament play against Sweden on Monday, Nov. 7 at 10:30 p.m. EST.
Other National Notes... ...Steve Santini of Mohapac has played six games in the USHL and recorded four points, 1 goal and 3 assists, which ranks him ninth among defensemen. ...Matthew Lane, Rochester, is a forward on the US U18 National Team. ...Kevin Labanc, Staten Island, is a forward on the US U17 team, playing with Santini. ...The US U18 team is 6-4-1 and the US U17 team is 3-4-2.
Hockey New York State E-Magazine
November 2011
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(continued from page 23)
“It is always a thrill to play for your country in the Olympics,” commented Ciavaglia, who also played for Leksands IF of the Swedish Hockey League in 1993-94 after leaving the Sabres organization. “Unfortunately, things didn’t turn out very well for the U.S. team. “We won only one game and finished eighth overall. But it was still an honor to be there.” Ciavaglia returned to the U.S. and pro hockey for the 1994-95 campaign, signing with the Detroit Vipers of the International Hockey League. By the time he would retire from the Vipers he would own their career records for goals, assists and points for both the regular season and playoffs. The Vipers honored Ciavaglia by retiring his number 12 the following year after his retirement. Instead of returning to his roots in Western New York, Ciavaglia chose to remain in the Detroit area. Following several years of establishing himself in the financial management industry, the former hockey player decided to get into coaching. Enter the MORC Stars. “It began as a charity called ‘Skate to be Great’ in 2007 to help disabled children learn to play ice hockey,” stated Ciavaglia, who resides in the Detroit area. “This wasn’t going to be sled hockey. “Instead, it was helping people with disabilities play hockey. I had worked with kids a lot when I was playing the game. “We started out with just a few kids. Today we have over 90 playing hockey. “We exist for the enrichment of athletes with develop-
Coach Ciavaglia (r) behind the bench. (Contributed Photo)
mental disabilities. In addition to teaching the physical skills of hockey, the program strives to develop individual characteristics such as dependability, self-reliance, confidence, concentration, willingness to share, and personal accountability. “It is for males and females of all ages. It is very rewarding to see these young people developing skills both on and off the ice. “It is something that I’m very proud of. I’m looking for it to continue to grow, not only here in Michigan, but around the country as well. “I know there are several teams in the New York State area. It’s great for me to be able to go back home and see such a rewarding program being developed there. “And it is always nice to go back home again.”#
How is YOUR Team Doing? Let us know and will run it in our next Issue.
Deadline for December is November 19. Email your story to janetrandy@aol.com or publisher@hockeynys.com We’ll take your photos too! Just send them as a jpg in a resolution of 200 dpi.
s d i K
e g Pa
Tic Tac Toe!
What’s an Ice Resurfacer?
A
n Ice Resurfacer is commonly known as a Zamboni. However, that name comes from the inventer, Frank Zamboni who invented the motorized machine in 1949. There are other models on the market includng the Olympia. An ice resurfacer scrapes off a thin layer of ice and lays down an even amount of water. The combination ensures that skate marks will be filled by new ice so the sheet is smooth and ready for players to play on.
HOCKEY MAZE: Take the puck to the net without getting “checked” by one of the helmets!