October 2011 Inaugural Issue

In this Issue: All About Concussions Buffalo Shamrocks Partner with Mark Messier

Issue #1, Volume 1 --October 2011

State Hockey News

Your Source for New York State Hockey News

Meet the Staff of HOCKEY- New York State Steve Manson created Western New York Hockey Magazine

almost 20 years ago. He has been part of the WNY hockey community his entire life and now wants to keep the state organizations in touch with each other. (publisher@hockeynys.com)

Randy Schultz: Serves as

managing editor of WNY Hockey Report (formerly WNY Hockey Magazine) and has covered hockey, both locally and nationally for the over 35 years. He has written 11 books including one on former NHL’er Dominik Hasek and the Buffalo Bills. (janetrandy@aol.com)

Janet Schultz: Has covered women’s hockey for

the past 15 years and also serves as the publication’s photographer and designer. She has worked as a sports photographer for over 20 years and in public relations for over 35 years. (Janetschultz@yahoo.com)

Warren Kozireski: Has worked for WNY Hockey

for the past 15 years. He is an instructor of radio broadcasting at the New York State College at Brockport, where is also serves as manager to Radio Station WBSU. He has covered college hockey and hockey in the Rochester area for over 25 years.

Publication Information

Hockey-New York State is a monthly publication covering on all hockey in NYS, but focusing on youth and amateur hockey.

How to submit stories: Stories must be submitted by deadlines set by the publisher. Material should be submitted attached as a Word (.doc) or within an email message.

How to submit photos/logos: Photos and graphics must be submitted in jpeg format with a resolution of at least 200 dpi. Color should be CMYK. Any photo/graphic submitted incorrectly will not be used.

Deadline information: Deadlines will be the 20th of each month for the next month’s publication.

To advertise: Advertisers should contact Publisher Steve Manson directly at wnyhockey@wnyhockey. verizon or by calling 716-909-2961

About the Cover:

This is a pictorial look at the hockey we will be covering in this new venture.

Clockwise from left to right: The essense of ice hockey begins with pond hockey in a players backyard; Monsignor Martin High Girls Varsity Ice Hockey Coach in the Inaugural Game of the WNY Girls Varisty Ice Hockey League, Buffalo’s Sled hockey team practices and Damian Adams comes off the ice after one of his Learn to Play Hockey sessions at West Point Military Academy. and finally Niagara University and USMA at West Point players faceoff in a collegiate game at West Point. (photos by Jant Schultz)

Letter FROM the Editor

To all readers of Hockey New York State:

Welcome to the premier issue of Hockey New York State. Hockey NYS is a FREE monthly publication focusing on the New York State amateur hockey scene.

We will be covering hockey from the college scene all the way down to the grassroots level. We will also feature a National Hockey League player to talk about their amateur hockey days growing up in New York State.

We will be covering all four sections of the amateur hockey scene in NYS including the West, Central, North and East. We have already made contact with each of the sections presidents and will be making a presentation at each of your kick-off meetings later in September.

What we are looking for is your help. We are looking for special accomplishments of teams and players throughout the Empire State.

If you have ideas for special features please forward those to us as well. Our editorial staff will determine how each feature will be handled.

The other type of help we will be looking for comes from advertising. Ads will be the driving force behind the success of this publication.

Our philosophy is as follows for Hockey NYS: Issue number two will not look like issue number one. Issue number five will not look like number two. Number ten will not look like five. You get the idea.

We hope you will enjoy Hockey New York State. And we are always looking for ways to improve our product. So please feel free to contact us anytime.

Have a great hockey season.

Best Wishes, Steve Manson Randy Schultz

J o e B a u d o NYSAHA President

USA Hockey District Director 57 Countrygate Lane Tonawanda, NY 14150-6200 Phone & Fax 716-694-0182 email: jbaudojr@roadrunner.com

August 29, 2011 TO: NYSAHA Members I want to start by wishing everyone back for the 2011-12 season. I hope you had a great summer and look forward to this season.

There were some major rule changes this year at USA Hockey in June. The 2 major changes have to deal with the Body Checking elimination at the 12U (Pee Wee) level. This does not mean that we will be getting rid of body contact. In fact we will be encouraging body contact starting at the 8U (Mite) level. It is up to us to get the word out and educate not only the coaches and players but also the parents. Chuck Gridley has been appointed as the new Coach in Chief for the NY District. Chuck along with his section Coach in Chief and instructors have attended clinics during the summer to get up to speed on the changes.

Also within the coaching program all coaches will not only be required to attend a coaching clinic (depending on current level attained) and also do an on line age specific module for the age classification they will be coaching. These will need to be completed by December 31 of this playing season.

If you or your association have any questions please contact Chuck Gridley and his staff. They are ready and want to assist all our members.

Our American Development Model (ADM) staff under the leadership of Joe Trimarchi is geared up for this coming season. They will be available to give clinics and demonstrations to educate our membership on the ongoing progress of the ADM in USA Hockey. Joe and his group have put together documents to assist each association in implementing the ADM. As with the coaches they are ready and happy to assist in the education process. Just give them a call.

The 3rd major change this year will be the tracking of fighting penalties. They will now be accumulative and the players can and will face suspensions after receiving a second fighting penalty with the same team the player will receive a 3 game suspension. If the player receives a 3rd fighting penalty with the same team they will be suspended until they have a hearing. In conjunction with Mike Shapey, NYS Referee in Chief, NYSHA will be keeping track of all fighting penalties. That being said I would ask all Associations and Leagues to do the same. As they are the 1st line of discipline. We will in the near future work on putting a list of the fighting penalties on the NYSAHA web site so associations keep updated on the status of their players. All reports will be submitted by the game official to their Section RIC. The officials section will be working with all officials on the changes for this season at their clinics.

New York State Amateur Hockey Association is an Affiliate Member of USA Hockey Inc.

www.usahockey.com/new_york

Pat LaFontaine

Tim Connolly

Meghan Sarles (Photos by Janet Schultz)

Pat, Meghan and Tim Have Something in Common--Concussions

By Randy Schultz

“When it comes to a hit in the head concerning hockey, there should be zero tolerance. I don’t care if it’s the NHL or youth hockey.

“Any hit to the head should be considered illegal and there should be some kind of punishment for it. Anything less is just not acceptable.

“Concussions have become too common these days. Something has to be done to eliminate concussions in hockey.”

That is how Pat LaFontaine, who played in all or parts of 15 National Hockey League seasons (1983-1998) with the New York Islanders, Buffalo Sabres and New York Rangers, explained his feelings regarding concussions.The injury has become a source of great concern not only at the professional level but in the amateur levels of hockey as well.

This NHL season alone saw one of the game’s biggest stars, Sidney Crosby, miss almost half the season recovering from concussion symptoms. Infact, it has only been in the last month that the Pittsburgh Penguins superstar was allowed back on the ice to resume skating.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward, Tim Connolly, also suffered concussions in the past. He continues to play, but understands the risks involved.

Unfortunately, LaFontaine knows all too well what he speaks of when discussing concussions. The Hall of Fame center suffered five of them during his NHL career.

“I talk to a lot of people by phone, emails or even texting each week regarding concussions,” continued LaFontaine. “They come from all walks of life.

“I think the ones that bother me the most are when I hear about kids who have suffered a concussion from playing hockey or another sport. That’s when the rules on recovery have to be really enforced.

“Anyone recovering from a concussion should make sure that they don’t have any recurring symptoms before they are active again.

The biggest problems begin when a person who has suffered a concussion returns to active work before they are symptom-free.”

Connolly still recalls what his life was like going through post-concussion syndrome.

“I had headaches constantly, almost every day, for the first few months,” recalled Connolly, a native of Syracuse.

“Finally the began to go away.

“I had trouble reading. It was hard to concentrate on anything.

“It was a terrible experience.”

That is why Buffalo Sabres general manager, Darcy Regier, feels so strongly about protecting not only his players but those throughout the NHL as well as all hockey.

“There is no doubt that when a player like Sidney gets hit, the awareness level goes up,” said Regier, who suffered concussions during his pro hockey career. “I think it’s a big deal. Period.

“We really have to make an effort to protect our players on the concussion front. All of them.

“And for me it is a big deal with the young kids because most kids play hockey for fun. They shouldn’t be put at risk with concussions.

“The need is there to protect those players from concussions.

Most of these kids aren’t going to play NHL hockey.

“They are there for the enjoyment of the game. So it is critical to get it right at those levels of the game.”

For 14 year-old Megan Sarles fate has not been very kind. The young goaltender has already experienced three concussions and her hockey career, like LaFontaine’s, is finished.

“I received my first one about two years ago,” recalled Sales, the daughter of Scott and Anna Radin. “My head hit the crossbar and then the ice and then I blacked out. I stayed in the game and finished it.

“Later, back at the hotel, my dad noticed that I wasn’t acting like I normally did. He took me to the emergency room.

“After I was examined I was told I had a pretty bad concussion.”

A few months later the second concussion occurred, again during a game. Her third concussion came during a practice.

“One of my teammates came in, tripped over a defenseman and fell into me. My head twisted as I fell to the ice and I had my third concussion.

“After the third one, I recovered, but I didn’t come back to play hockey.”

Upon the suggestion of her doctor, Sarles was told not to play hockey again. A fourth concussion could mean no sports at all.

So following a hockey career that began for Sarles when she was 10, she is finished with the game at 14.

“I was pretty disappointed when I found out I was finished with hockey,” remarked Sarles, who will continue to play softball, field hockey and possibly basketball. “Hockey was one of the things I really loved.

“It was a great feeling being a goalie. I was a neat feeling knowing that your team depended on you to stop the puck.

“Now it’s over for me.”

Many of Saries’ teammates were very surprised.

“A lot of them were very shocked,” remarked the goalie. “Others were very disappointed.”

Sarles does have advice for athletes in general.

“Do everything you can to protect you head,” concluded Sarles.

“And it’s not the end of the world if you can’t play your sport anymore.

“I would also like to contribute anything I could to help in the study of concussions. I’ve already been talking to my doctors about

what I think could be done to improve protection for players.”

How does the teen goaltender feel about being the “poster child” for concussions?

“I’m OK with it if it is helping others,” remarked Sarles.

So what is being done from a medical point of view to assist with the treatment of concussions?

“It was about a year and a-half ago that the National Football League brought to light all of the concussion problems football was having,” recalled Dr. Nicolas P. Saikali of the Dent Neurologic Institute in Amherst. “It really brought to light all of the concussion problems that were going on.

“Once the NFL brought it to light, ‘boom,’ everything just exploded. It’s unfortunately that concussions had to be brought to light through the media.

“But prior to the media getting involved, nobody really paid any attention to the problems that former players were having in the lives after football. Then it came out that between one a three million athletes suffer from some form of concussions.

“Now people, especially parents of children suffering from headaches or concussion-like symptoms, are paying closer attention to what is going on.

“News is getting out through radio and television, newspapers and magazine and on computers through the internet and on-line sources.

“So people are becoming more aware of concussions. And they are taking things more seriously regarding them.

“It’s not all about secondary gains anymore. The athletes over health and future are being looked at with much more seriousness.”

Dr. Saikali gave a quick history lesson on how things have changed when dealing with concussions.

“An athlete used to come to a doctor complaining about headaches,” said Dr. Saikali. “When asked why he was having headaches the athlete would say that they got ‘dinged.’ We don’t use that term anymore.”

So what is a concussion?

“A concussion doesn’t have to be a loss of consciousness,” continued Dr. Saikali. “It’s not a ding anymore.

“You can get a concussion by just hitting your head and then having the symptoms that go along with it. And the symptoms don’t have to happen right away.

“They can happen hours later or even days later. But most will happen right away.

“There will be pain. There is always some type of pain when you hit your head.

“The most common symptom is dizziness. Then comes headaches.

“Other symptoms will follow. It could be loss of appetite or feeling sick.

“Pay attention to what is happening to the athlete. And coaches are now being told, ‘when in doubt, sit them out.’

“I truly believe in that. And I’m not a believer in medications either.

“I work for a narcotic-free clinic. No drugs.”

So why did it take so long for hockey to recognize the seriousness of concussions?

“Hockey is not as popular as football is across the United States,” answered Dr. Saikali. “That’s why football brought it to the attention first.

“Now people are paying attention to concussions in hockey. And things are being done about it.”

So how does the Doctor see hockey preventing concussions?

“It all goes back to the techniques taught by coaches,” remarked Dr. Saikali “Teaching the right techniques on how to hit.

“Clean hits. If you are taught that you should be able to execute

that.

“Start it with the young kids. Make sure they are taught things correctly.

“Laziness is another reason. People have too much technology today.

“They don’t use their brains to think things out. They look to technology to come up with the solutions.”

Dr. Sailkali feels that children are more in danger of playing with concussions than adults.

“Kids just want to play the game and keep playing, no matter what,” he said. “Adults will stop if they are hurting and are aware of the consequences of playing with a concussion.

“Kids, they may say they saw stars after getting hit, but they will continually say that they are fine. They continue playing. “in the end it’s who is watching the kids that has to make the ultimate decision. Examine the child. Ask them questions.

“Coaches should know their players. Pay close attention.

“If a players personality changes check it out. That personality has to be changed back as quickly as possible.

“And remember, not only does a patient suffer when they have a concussion, but everyone around them including family and friends, will suffer as well.

“It takes a child longer to recover from a concussion than it does an adult. That’s why you try and prevent that second concussion from happening.

“If a child suffers more than two concussions at an early age, a third could be life changing.

“That’s why this has to be a team effort when dealing with kids in sports. The coach, assistant coaches, trainers or anybody connected with the team should be paying attention to the young athletes at all times.

“Parents have to be paying attention as well. Especially as kids get older and more things might be on the line for them.

“Pull an athlete out of the lineup if there are scouts in the stands. Sit the athlete even if the game is on the line.

“Put your priorities in order. There are guidelines to follow.

“But not everybody follows them. That’s where the risk factor comes into play.

“That’s why I think it is so important for former players like Pat LaFontaine speaking out on concussions. People will pay more attention to them than maybe anybody else.

“I think a lot of progress has been made in the treatment of concussions. We’re learning new ways in treating them, especially with the new technology we have.

“People are being educated better. The media is promoting it more.

“Remember, you have nothing in the future if you don’t take care of your health now. Don’t blow off concussion symptoms an athlete may have.

“Pay attention. It will make a big difference in everyone’s life.

“It’s a team effort.”#

New York State Legends of the Game -Peter Scammura

By Randy Schultz

P

eter Scamurra will be the first person to tell you that when he was playing the blue line in the National Hockey League, nobody ever confused him with the legendary Hall of Fame defenseman, Bobby Orr. “The comparisons begin and end with our knees,” smiled Scamurra.

What the former Western New York native is referring to is the fact that both he and Orr had their professional hockey careers ended early by nagging knee injuries.

“Like a lot of boys during my time, I grew up watching Bobby Orr on TV and trying to be like him when I played hockey,” remembered Scamurra, who played just six seasons of pro hockey (1975-81).

“But believe me, I was never Bobby Orr. “I got to play against Bobby in his last couple of seasons in the NHL. He was with the Chicago Blackhawks by then and in his final NHL seasons.

“He was only a shadow of his former self when I played against him. It was sad to see what all of those surgeries on his knees had done to him.”

Scamurra, who spent parts of four seasons with the Capitals, was taken in the second round, the 19th player taken overall, in the 1975 NHL Amateur Draft

by Washington. That same year he was selected in the fourth round, the 50th player taken overall, by the Cleveland Crusaders in the World Hockey Association Draft.

“Both leagues were battling over players at that point in time,” stated Scamurra. “The WHA was raiding the NHL for players.

“But there was never too much of a doubt who I was going to sign with. My thought had been to play in the NHL and that’s where I ended up.”

But when Scamurra signed his first contract with the Caps in 1975, he must have wondered if he chose the right sport.

Scamurra was former New York State tennis champion from ages 12 through 18 and, along with his brother, Dave, was Western New York doubles champions.

The North Tonawanda native began on the Town of Tonawanda outdoor rink when he was 10. He played for Nichols School as well as the Buffalo Shamrock teams before his family moved to Amherst.

The years that followed saw the former defenseman play for the Amherst teams in the Ontario Minor Hockey Association, the Amherst juvenile team which won the national championship and a season with the Niagara Falls Flyers in Tier II of the Ontario Hockey Association.

Scamurra then entered the University of Wisconsin on a hockey scholarship. But Scamurra’s stay with the Badgers didn’t last long.

He figured if he ever wanted to play professional hockey his chances would be better playing Junior A hockey in Canada. Scamurra signed with the Peterborough Petes of the OHA mid-way through the 1973-74 season, finished out that campaign and came back to have an outstanding year with them the following season.

The big defenseman believes he developed faster playing junior hockey than he would have playing college hockey.

“College hockey wasn’t the same as it is today,” stated Scamurra. “I think today’s young players have as good a chance making it to the pro level playing college hockey as they do if they go the Junior route.

“Things have changed quite a bit in the college game. But I’m glad I made the decision I did when I was playing.”

One of the highlights of Scamurra’s Junior career was participating in the first World Junior Championships held in Lenigrad in the Soviet Union. It was considered an unofficial tournament that helped set the stage for the first World Juniors in 1977.

“The entire Peterborough team went over and represented Canada,” stated Scamurra, who had one goal in five games played in the championships. “That’s when I saw for the first time that I could play with some of the best in the world.

“That’s when I realized that I might be able to make hockey a career and play professionally.”

Scamurra admits that he felt like a pioneer, not only being an American playing hockey at a high level, but being one of the first from Western New York as well.

“I don’t think I was ever mistreated as an American player playing the game,” remarked Scamurra. “But it wasn’t easy either coming up through the ranks and trying to make it in junior hockey.

“It was a lot of hard work and effort.”

Scamurra recalled the first big highlight of his NHL career: his first NHL regular season game.

“It was against the Pittsburgh Penguins,” remembered Scamurra of that game played on October 7, 1975. “I remember skating out on the ice and looking at the crowd and saying, ‘I can’t believe I’m here.

“I had also told myself to make sure not to screw up the first shift that I was out on the ice for. I remember getting the puck the first time after the faceoff and making a little move and then getting it out of our zone.

“I felt at that point that I could handle this. But up to that point I wasn’t really sure “But it was still pretty awesome.”

Unfortunately for Scamurra, his professional hockey career became that of a yo-yo type of career. He was shuffled up and down between the parent Capitals and their minor league clubs.

The fact the Caps had such poor teams as an expansion franchise with players constantly coming and going led to Scamurra’s uncertain status with the club.

Following several knee injures, Scamurra retired, having played a total of 132 NHL contests, scoring eight goals and 25 assists.

Today, at 56, Scamurra is in the financial planning industry and owns his own business, Maximum Equities, in Buffalo.

“Only a few have ever played in the NHL,” concluded Scamurra. “I wish I would have had a healthier career and played on some better teams in Washington.

“But I’m just glad I got the opportunity.”#

Women’s Ice Hockey in New York

by Janet Schultz

Collegiate News

While it is early in the season for rosters to be finalized in the college ranks, several girls from New York State are playing college hockey. We’d like to recognize them here, urge readers to send in the names of other girls and then Hockey-New York State will try and follow them throughout the season.

Meagan Mangene, Miller Place, is a sophomore defenseman at Boston College. She previously played for Little Caesars 19U team.

Kimberly Sass of Amherst, is a senior Goalie at Colgate. She was with the Buffalo Bisons.

Susan Allen, a freshman Goalie at Colgate, is a native of Rochester. She served as Captain of the Rochester Edge U19 team in her junior and senior year of high school.

Josephine Pucci, Pearl River, is a junior defenseman at Harvard. She is also a member of the USA National Team.

Pamela Zgoda, Cheektowaga, is a senior defenseman at Mercyhurst.

With Pam at Mercyhurst is Kelley Steadman of Plattsburg.

Kelley is a senior forward.

Shelby Monteyunas of Cicero has signed to play with the University of Minnesota at Mankato. She is a freshman defenseman who played her most recent hockey at the North American Hockey Academy.

Jen Schoullis, Erie, Pa., attends the University of Minnesota at Twin Cities where she is a senior forward. Jen has also been named to the Team USA Women’s National Team.

Siena Falino, Centerport, is attending Northeastern where she will be a junior. She is a forward.

Liz Rizzo, Glens Falls, is a junior forward at Ohio State University.

Along with Liz is Chelsea Knapp of York who is a junior goalie at Ohio.

Lauren Hoffman, Marcy, is attending Union College where she is a senior forward. She played for the Syracuse Stars.

In Division III there were only three rosters posted as of this publication.

At Amherst College playing forward is Sophomore Courtney Baranke of West Babylon. Over at Colby College is Sylvia Xistris of Larchmont. She is a freshman forward from Loomis Chaffee.

Amanda Hoy is a senior goalie at Castleton who comes from Brockport.

Not only do players from New York State make an impact but Michael Sisti of Buffalo is currently the head women’s ice hockey coach at Mercyhurst. Prior to coaching at Mercyhurst is wa the assistant coach for men’s ice hockey at Canisius College, Buffalo, where he played for four years.

Former Niagara University player Nate Handrahan was named head women’s ice hockey coach at Ohio State University for the 2011-12 season.#

Inaugural Puck Drop of WNYGVIH League, December 2010! (Photo by Janet Schultz)

Western New York Girls Have Their Own League

The Inaugural season finished with Williamsville taking the title and Frontier/Orchard Park taking the Section VI championship.

While it finished successful, the league had a long history before the first game was played in December 2010.

For over four years parents, players, coaches, administrators and friends of girls hockey worked diligently with school boards, administrators and others who were not in favor of girls having a varsity league in getting school districts to make the move.

The boy’s have had a league for several years. Girls who played for their high school on those teams found it hard to make the Varsity level for numerous reasons. The girls wanted a place to continue to play, a chance at collegiate scholarships and a chance to be seen by those scouting for colleges and for the national team. They felt their only chance was to have a varsity league.

During the four years the Girls For Varsity Ice Hockey Committee volunteered their time and resources in getting the message out. They held unification skates at the Amherst rink, they held fundraisers, staffed a booth at the Hockey Expo in Buffalo and they went in groups to speak to the Boards of Education; not necessarily their own board but those of the schools they would be competing against.

It was unique to see these players work together knowing that in the end they would be competing against each other.

When the puck dropped on the first game of a 63 game schedule between Williamsville and Monsignor Martin, there were nine schools with seven teams. Williamsville, Kenmore, Lancaster, Orchard Park with Frontier, Amherst with Sweethome, Monsignor Martin and West Seneca.

The played an incredible schedule including Orchard Park/Frontier naming Time Warner Arena as their home ice. Time Warner is located in East Aurora, is an outdoor rink and has the distinction of being the ice surface used in the first NHL Winter Classic held in Buffalo.

In the end the Section VI Championship went to Orchard Park/ Frontier after they defeated Williamsville 3-2 in the finals on March 2.

However, the league championship went to Williamsville, who defeated Orchard Park/Frontier earlier in the first Western New York Girls Varsity Ice Hockey League championship.#

2011 Section VI Champions--Orchard Park/Frontier and 2011 WNY Girls Varsity Ice Hockey League Champions-Williamsville High Schools.

First Team All Federation honors went to Shauna Clair, Williamsville; Erin Gehen, West Seneca; Jami Cohen, Williamsville; Grace Miller, Kenmore; and Ashley Malicki, Monsignor Martin.

Second Team All Federation honors went to Kristen Spulecki, Monsignor Martin; Olivia Gajewski, Monsignor Martin; Emily Terranova, Monsignor Martin; Stacy Lobaugh, Kenmore and Rachael Leonard, Orchard Park/Frontier.

In the end all of these girls and their supporters are champions. The league drew interest from around the state as other girl’s fight for the right to organize and play on a varsity team of their own.

Shortly the 2011-12 season schedule will be announced. At this point no teams have backed out and yet, no new teams have come forward. Hope is that this league will grow as the years go by.

Around the State in Girls Hockey FLANAGAN ANNOUNCES 2011-12 SYRACUSE ICE HOCKEY CAPTAINS

S

yracuse ice hockey head coach Paul Flanagan announced that seniors Taylor Metcalfe and Megan Skelly will serve as co-captains during the 201112 season. Metcalfe and Skelly are two of four student-athletes who have been with the Orange since the program’s inception in 2008. Buffalo’s Jacquie Greco, a junior, will assist the Orange as an alternate captain, as well.

Greco (Buffalo, N.Y.) has played in 58 career games on defense with SU, posting one goal and two assists. A Greco scored her first collegiate goal in a 3-1 win at Clarkson on November 12, 2010.

The Orange open the 2011-12 season in Minneapolis, Minn. with the East/West Showcase against St. Cloud State on September 30 at 4 p.m. at Ridder Arena. SU returns to Tennity Ice Pavilion of its home-opener on October 14 against Clarkson at 7 p.m.

North Section News *Andrea Kilbourne-Hill of Saranac Lake, is one of nine U.S. Women’s players and coaches to assist in the new IIHF Ambassador and Mentor Program. The program was created to aide the growth of women’s programs worldwide.

Kilbourne, a former U.S.Olympic Women’s Team player, currently serves as the women’s director for the North Section of New York State hockey. She will be working as an athlete ambassador to China. *The Saratoga Fillies, 12U girls team in its first season had never won a game until this point, grouped together to go undefeated in the Lady Flames Summer Storm Tournament in Marlborough, MA. August 12-14.

They scored a total of 25 goals in 5 games, and only had 2 goals scored on us. The defense was fabulous, offense had 4 strong lines, and the goalies were brick walls.

WNY Hockey Report and Hockey New York State Writer Publishes Book

W

arren Kozireski has covered hockey for over 20 years. He has followed the collegiate hockey scene for Western New York Hockey Magazine and currently, Western New York Hockey Report since the publication was founded. He is now one of the inaugural writers for this publication and will continue to provide the readers with the most up-to-date coverage of college hockey in New York State.

His knowledge of hockey and in following the Rochester Americans led him to writing this historial book.

“Rochester Americans: The First 50 Years” attempts to capture the essence of the long history of this great franchise. Each championship season is summarized and profiles of several of the more recognizable players and coaches are included.

The end of the book will undoubtedly serve as a historical reference to jog your memory or provide material for a trivia stumper with a year-by-year statistical summary and each season’s standings along with the all-time player roster and members of the Amerks Hall of Fame.

From former players and hockey icons like Al Arbour, Bronco Horvath and Gerry Cheevers in the early years to Mike Keenan, and one of the AHL’s all-time greats in Jody Gage along with a chapter from the lighter side on and off the ice, this trip down memory lane will bring a smile to the face of every hockey fan.

The book: Rochester Americans: The First 50 Years is now available from AuthorHouse.com.#

Continued from Page 9

U.S.Women’s National Team

by Janet Schultz

W

hile this is a New York State publication, I feel that news of the National Team is of importance to many of our girls and women’s ice hockey players. In addition a large number of New York State girls attend the National Development camps, tryout for the national teams and like to follow Team USA.

As in the case with the naming of the 2011 U.S.Women’s National Team who will be playing in the IIHF as this publication is being finalized.

The IIHF Twelve Nations Invitational Tournament was played August 24 through 31 in Finland.

Josephine Pucci, Pearl River was named to that squad. Pucci attends Harvard University, where she is a junior. Pucci plays defense. Team USA faces Russia, Japan, Switzerland, Canada, Sweden and Finland in the tournament.

The U.S. Women’s Under-18 Team has just returned from the 2011 Women’s Under-18 series in Colorado Springs. They faced Canada in a three-game series which found them winning one and losing two games.

Albany’s Courtney Burke had an assist in game one which helped the US beat Canada 3-2 and an assist in the 2-3 loss to Canada in the second game.

Prior to the naming of the U-18 team, the players attended the 2011 USA Hockey Women’s National Festival in Colorado. Along with Burke and Pucci were Kelley Steadman,of Plattsburgh; Miye D’Oench of New York City and Dana Trivigno of Setauket.

Burke played her 2010 season with Shattuck St. Mary’s U19 in Minnesota; D’Oench was with the New Jersey Rockets U19 Tier I team and Trivigno played for Shattuck St. Mary’s U19.#

Buffalo Shamrocks Partner With Mark Messier in Introducing Safer Helmet

Story By Randy Schultz Team Photo provided by Buffalo Shamrocks Hockey Inset photo by Janet Schultz.

Tom Barnett shows the cracked helmet of Shamrocks player who sustained no injury after a hard hit.

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he Buffalo Shamrocks Hockey Club and Mark Messier/ Cascade Sports have partnered together in an international educational, marketing and advertising program to promote the M11 hockey helmet, as well as address the issue of concussions.

“The Shamrocks are the first program globally to initiate a program-wide safety-first mandate exclusively using the highest rated head protection available,” commented Tom Barnett, co-founder of the Shamrocks. “There are over 500 teams from around the world that use the Messier helmet.

“But we are the only organization that has the entire organization using the M11. We felt that it was the best way to go in protecting our players.

“In addition, the Shamrocks have developed an educational program for our entire coaching staff and managers. It’s called a ‘Return-to-Play Protocol’ program. It will instruct coaches and managers to identify an injury and when the player in question will be allowed to come back.”

According to Barnett, the Protocol program almost came to him like a gift from heaven.

“A friend of mine came to me regarding a young man she knew of who was returning to the Western New York area to do a college internship program,” said Barnett. “She had talked to him and found out that he had played hockey in college and now wanted to give something back to the game.

“So this young man, who’s name is Zak Juliano, got in touch with me and we had a meeting. During the meeting I gave hi a tour of the Shamrocks office and showed him the Messier project, including the helmet, that we were now involved in.

“It was at that point that he indicted that his studies for his past two years in college dealt with mild traumatic brain injuries. That caught my attention immediately.

“He indicated to me that he had come up with a protocol to identify concussions. He had a 26-page booklet as well as a power point presentation.

“This young man has now been approved to be our Safety Advisor. He is going to present copies of his paper and power point presentation.”

The Messier Project, in conjunction with the Shamrocks, is an all-encompassing grassroots and education initiative which aims to change priorities in hockey by encouraging athletes to play smart and choose the best protective equipment.

“When it comes to reducing the rest of concussions, protective equipment for that must come first,” continued Barnett, the first-ever winner of the Bridgestone Mark Messier Youth Leadership Award.

“There is no doubt that players and their families spend big money on skates and sticks.

“So priorities must change so that head protection comes first.

When you think about what is at stake, safety for the head must be the number one priority.”

The relationship between the Shamrocks and Messier goes back to Barnett winning the Messier Leadership award.

“We’ve maintained in contact with each other since that time,” stated Barnett. “I found that Mark believed in what we believed in as an organization regarding hockey: sportsmanship, team play and personal responsibility.

“Our philosophies regarding how he thought youth hockey should be played and how we thought it should be played were very much alike. In the end Mark really felt that our organization should be the one that wore his helmet throughout the entire organization.

“He said what about at the beginning of the season when our organization meets, in addition to getting a jersey and a pair of socks, they would also get the best helmet in the market place.

“I thought it was a great idea. My only concern was the cost because hockey is an expensive sport.

“I brought the idea to our board. They thought it was a great idea.

“But at the same time, how do we add $155 to the players bill?

The more we thought about it the more it became a no-brainer.

“They needed a hockey helmet anyway, right? And how many times have you gone into a hockey rink and saw players wearing helmets that didn’t fit right in some way, shape or form?

“We did the research over and over again. We found that there was no better helmet in the market.

“in the end, we were fair to our families. We instituted the helmet as our headgear last year, but we gave all the families one year to fall into compliance.

“In the end we had the Messier Group come in a fit our kids with their helmets. We did it the right way.”

Barnett also recalled an incident last season when the value of the helmet to a players head paid off.

“The Buffalo Shamrocks were playing the Regals in a game last season. It was a very competitive and good game.

“On one particular play the puck was dumped into the Shamrocks zone. Two players, one from the Shamrocks and the other from the Regals were chasing the puck.

“The puck went behind the net. Both players were going full tilt.

“The Shamrocks player, Millard Young, caught an edge with his skate. He went into the boards, hitting the back of his head with full force.

“We thought right away this kid was hurt badly. He was motionless.

“The crowd was extremely quiet. Players went to one knee.

“The entire coaching staff ran out on the ice and circled around him. It wasn’t a pretty situation.

“All of a sudden Millard rolled on his back, got up and immediately went to the faceoff circle as though nothing had happened.

“The coaches took him to the end of our bench, sat him down and went through the procedure that you go through when somebody has had a possible concussion. Millard sat there answering all our questions and smiling.

“He remained on the bench for the rest of the game, just as a precautionary measure. After the game we were in the lockerroom.

“One of the coaches happened to take a look at Millard’s helmet. That’s when we discovered that the helmet had been split in two in the back.

“The helmet had taken the full impact of the hit and the player walked away from it.

“Millard got a new helmet. The organization kept the old one.

“It is now in our trophy case. We think the Messier helmet works.

“We think we have living proof that it works.”#

(Photos provided by Buffalo Shamrocks Hockey)

Junior A Report

By Warren Kozireski

JUNIOR SABRES

In early August and just months after the Buffalo Sabres Alumni Association bought and assumed control of the team, the Buffalo Junior Sabres announced that former Buffalo Sabres captain Michael Peca is joining the organization as its new General Manager.

Larry Playfair, President of the Buffalo Sabres Alumni Association and Buffalo Junior Sabres, explained that by hiring Peca the team utilizes his energy and experience while allowing Grant Ledyard to focus more specifically on his role as Head Coach.

“Grant Ledyard has shouldered the lion’s share of work for the Junior Sabres for the past two seasons,” said Playfair in a press release. “The Ontario Junior Hockey League has contracted down to 27 teams from 36 in those past two seasons. The competition has become better. It will be important that we allow Grant to spend more time coaching, and in order to do this we had to take some stuff off of his plate.

“Michael Peca had expressed an interest in both helping the Junior Sabres and in managing a team so this was a good fit for us. The fact that he is a former Sabre is a bonus.”

Peca said he looks forward to getting to know the Junior Sabres’ players, scouting the local hockey talent pool and building a junior hockey program that can compete with the nation’s best.

“I believe that the sky is the limit. We are in a very competitive league that produces outstanding results for college hockey,” said Peca.

“Having said that, I believe we can become an organization that can become a model franchise for and team in any league to want to emulate. “ Peca also spoke of the team’s mission to keep the region’s top prospects ages 16 to 20 in Western New York while they further their development.

“I want all our best players from Western New York and the surrounding area to look at our program as their undisputed first choice,” said Peca. “I cringe watching a lot of our best kids moving away at 15 to17 to go somewhere else. I want to change that.”

The tam kicks off the 2011-12 season with four consecutive home

games starting September 10th against Newmarket at Northtown Center in Williamsville.

ROCHESTER STARS A roller coaster offseason that saw alum Shane Prince drafted in the sec ond round of the National Hockey League draft by the Ottawa Senators in late June followed by the unexpected death of player Tyler Putnam in early July had the organization thinking anything but hockey, but they will push forward with the season beginning in four weeks at Boston on September 23rd.

In other news, Craig Pierce, who finished second on the team with 11 goals while leading the team with 18 assists in 45 games, has committed to play this fall for the University of Alabama-Huntsville—a Division I independent team.

EJHL With tryouts taking place in late August through almost Labor Day, Rochester, New York Apple Core and the Capital District Selects had not published their rosters for the 2011-12 season as of this writing.

After finishing fifth in the Southern Division last season and 2-2 in the playoffs, Apple Core opens at Green Mountain on September 23rd.

Capital District will try to rebound from their disappointing six win campaign when they start the season hosting South Shore September 17-18.

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year-old Lexi. “We’ve watched how other teams do it. ne net. One team. Two goalies.

“We did things a little differently on how we split things up when A normal situation for most youth hockey teams. Unless we began playing goal together a couple of seasons the goalies are sisters and want to play in goal all the time. ago.

We still played half a game,

What does a coach do? but the coach split things

Zoe and Lexi Shannon are the sisters. They have an up differently. older sister, Machenzie, who also plays

“And our coach hockey but is not a goalie. has his own way of split They are all the ting things this year. He daughters of Michael and as his way and that’s the Tracy Shannon of Saratoga chultz S y d n a way it is.”

By R Springs, New York.

The rivalry between the sisters is continuous

They play hockey throughout a normal day. Starting at home where they pick on each on the same boys team in other and even push, shove and poke each other.

Saratoga Springs. The girls are goaltenders for

It can continue to the arena where the poking and talking continues. their team, the Saratoga Blue Knights, a Pee Wee A team.

But there is a respect between them and they are sisters after all.

Coach Jeff Smith, who coached the girls at the Squirt level, thought

How are the girls treated by the rest of their teammates since they he might have a problem on the team with both girls vying for playing time. began playing together back in 2008-09?

Instead, he came up with a simple solution.

“We’re treated like boys,” answered Zoe.

“We split their time up equally each “They don’t even realize that we’re girls,” added game,” remarked Smith. “I went with Lexi as Lexi. the starter simply because she has a year

Tracy gave an example of how her girls more experience as a goalie than her handle themselves with their teammates. sister, Zoe. “During a pond hockey game we had, the

“And they are very different kids were fooling around on the ice,” reas goalies. Zoe is good with her marked Tracy. “They were roughhousglove and will dive headfirst ing it a bit. towards a puck when it’s

“The next thing I know, around the net.

Zoe has this one boy down on

“Lexi is very much the ice and is sitting on him. The by the book. She plays evboys learn very quickly not to mess erything textbook”. with the girls because they can handle

Last season was no themselves.” different for Pee Wee coach, Jeff

Life for the Shannons is a normal Whiteside. one, as far as a hockey family is concerned.

“I knew what I was getting Michael works for a local company in the area. with the girls as goaltenders,” commented

Tracy works out of her home for a local Whiteside, a member of the 1984-85 NCAA college in the area. All three sisters attend Albany Division I Champion, RPI Engineers. “We had Academy in nearby Albany, NY. tryouts again this year for the team and the girls

“It’s something we chose to do,” commented Tracy. were the two best goalies we had come out for the “The girls have a very busy home and school schedule. team.

“Originally the girls were home schooled. But that has now

“They still split their time evenly. They rotate starts, but no matter changed. who starts they only play half the game and then the other one comes in and

“It makes working around a hockey schedule a bit tougher at night. plays the other half.

But the girls all know that education is the priority here.”

“Interestingly, the girls play two different styles of hockey. Zoe plays

For Michael, who, like his wife, never played hockey, having his girls more aggressively, while Lexi is more laid back. play on a boys team is not a problem.

“But at the end of the day they both do a great job. We’re happy to

“By being in the nets, they are a bit more insulated there from when have them on the team.” the boys start getting a little bigger and start checking,” said Michael. “They

So how did the girls become goaltenders? both love being goalies.

“I did it because my sister was doing it,” responded Zoe, 12. “I just

“They are both even keeled enough so that they don’t let things started it two years ago. bother them too much. We also have a philosophy about being a goalie and

“Before that I was a defenseman. I went to one of her goalie trainstopping pucks. ings and it looked fun.”

“If you let in five goals, stop the sixth.”

Lexi, who is a year younger than Zoe, is in her fifth season in

Tracy does have one concern. hockey, her fourth as a goalie.

“As the kids get older the boys shots become a bit harder,” stated

“I began playing in the house league I was in,” said Lexi, which is Tracy. “But the girls are big enough and tough enough that they can handle short for Alexandra. “We got to play every position there. it.’

“I liked being goalie and stayed with it.”

Each girl does have her favorite goalie and team.

So how do the girls like splitting the goaltending duties?

“Mine is Marc-Andre Fleury and the Pittsburgh Penguins,” said

“Well, I don’t really think it’s fair at all,” said a very confident soundZoe. ing Zoe, with a slight smile on her face. “Would I like to play the entire

“I like Carey Price and the Montreal Canadiens,” added Lexi. game? Yes!

This coming season the sisters will once again be sharing the net for

“The coach has us splitting the games as evenly as possible. Everythe Albany Academy Varsity Girls team. This is quite an accomplishment for one on the team thinks it’s great. a seventh and eighth grader.

“Lexi has missed a few games this year after suffering a concussion.

The sisters actually played against each other once. It happened back So I have played in a few more games than her. during the 2008-09 hockey campaign.

“But once she returns to the lineup we split things up again. I live

On a particular Sunday in late February of 2009, Lexi and Zoe were with it. warming up with their team inside of Vernon Arena in Saratoga Springs.

“Sometimes the coach will mix it up a bit, but not often,” added 11

t e N e h t g n Shari

Their opponents, the Bethlehem Eagles, at the other end of the ice were also warming up.

The only difference is the Eagles didn’t have a goalie. Their netminder was caught in a traffic jam on the way to the arena.

Word spreads quickly that the tardy goaltender would arrive, but not in time to start the game. The solution?

“I asked the Eagles if they wanted to use one of our goalies to start the game,” answered Coach Smith. “They finally agreed and I gave them Zoe.”

Zoe remained in the Eagles net until midway through the second period, giving up one goal. Finally the Eagles regular goalie arrived and Zoe immediately headed to the other end to replace her sister.

“They tapped each others gloves as they passed each other. Nothing else was said.

Lexi gives up a goal late in the game as the two teams finish in a 1-1 tie.

It was just another afternoon for the Shannon girls. It is just another step towards the goal that both girls are striving for.

“We would both love to play on the USA National Team,” explained Zoe. “It’s the one big goal we have right now.

Added Lexi, “Maybe playing in the Olympics one day would be great. We know that we have a long way to go.

“And this is just one step along the way.”#

Bayport Native Cannone Inks Deal with Ottawa Senators

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iami University senior forward and undrafted free agent Pat Cannone signed an entry-level contract with the Ottawa Senators of the National Hockey League Thursday. He is the third RedHawk to sign an NHL contract this week, joining Andy Miele (Phoenix Coyotes), who did so Saturday, and Carter Camper (Boston Bruins) on Wednesday.

Cannone reported to Binghamton to play with Ottawa’s American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Binghamton Senators.

Cannone totaled 133 points in his career, which ranks 15th in Miami history. The 201011 captain played in 166 career games, never missing one during his time in Oxford, as he ranks second all-time in games played among RedHawks. He recorded at least 30 points all four seasons at Miami.This year, Cannone tallied a careerhigh 37 points on 14 goals and 23 assists. He was named Honorable Mention All-CCHA after logging 29 points in league play on 13 goals and 16 helpers. Last year, he earned NCAA All-Midwest Region Team honors after notching two goals in the regional final victory over Michigan.

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Buffalo Sabres & Sabres Alumni Dedicate Miracle Field

he Buffalo Sabres and the Buffalo Sabres Alumni Association celebrated the completion of the Miracle League of Western New York Field, a baseball field and complex designed for children with disabilities.

The Sabres, through its Buffalo Sabres Foundation, and the Buffalo Sabres Alumni Association each donated $75,000 for the construction of the complex. The completion of the complex, which is located in Grand Island’s Veterans Park, was celebrated with a one-inning baseball game with representatives of the Sabres playing alongside 40 participants of the Miracle League of WNY. The complex will serve as the playing field for The Miracle League of WNY, the local chapter of the nationally organized Miracle League, which provides the opportunity for disabled athletes from around the country to play organized baseball. Besides a specially designed playing surface, the complex features a concession stand and bathrooms that are wheelchair accessible.

Fundraising for the field began in July 2010 and quickly attracted the attention of the Sabres, the Sabres Alumni, the Town of Grand Island and several other corporate sponsors, all of whom donated time, money and resources to build the complex. Members of the Buffalo Sabres Alumni Foundation were on hand in April 2011 for the groundbreaking and construction was completed four months later, well ahead of the one to two years it usually takes for a project of this kind.

“We are extremely thankful for the support from the Buffalo Sabres and the Buffalo Sabres Alumni, not only for their donation but also for their involvement in our organization,” said Teresa Hooper, the president of the Miracle League of Western New York. “It means a lot to our players and volunteers to have their heroes cheer them on and show their support.”

“Our volunteers were excited to find Larry Playfair working in the mud and stone right along with us on a daily basis, as well as Rene Robert helping with construction and staining of the picnic tables,” Hooper added.

Both the Sabres and the Sabres Alumni Association are committed to providing support to non-profit organizations in the Western New York area that are dedicated to making the region a better place to live and work.

“We’re always looking to help worthwhile organizations that share the same beliefs about making our community a better place for everyone,” said Playfair, president of the Sabres Alumni Association.

“The Miracle League of WNY will be making sports available to everyone, regardless of their ability, and we think that’s very important. We’re thrilled to be a part of this project.”

The official opening of the Miracle League Field of Western New York Field Presented by the Buffalo Sabres will be on Sept. 11, when the Miracle League of WNY will host an open house at the complex from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m.. The public is encouraged to attend and tour the facilities, as well as find out how to get involved with the league.

For more information on the Miracle League of Western New York, please visit www.miracleleaguewny.org#

Thirsty Buffalo Tournament Successful

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wenty-two teams took part in the Second Annual Thirsty Buffalo’s Ice Hockey Kick off the Year Tournament held at the Northtown Center in August. The tournament featured two men’s divisions, a women’s division and newly added Northtown High School Alumni Division.

In the Men’s Hanson Division the Peace Frogs beat the OTF 4-3 and in the Reg Dunlop Division the Rink Rats took the honors over Bryant, 5-0.

The newly added and heavily participated Alumni Division had teams represented from Niagara Wheatfield, Niagara Falls, Trott, Lewport, Lockport, LaSalle and Starpoint. The semi final games had North Tonawanda moving on over Niagara Wheatfield and Lewport moving on over Lockport. The Champions of the First Alumni tournament went to North Tonawanda.

The women’s division had four teams in the bracket with MJ Girls, CT Cottonmouth, Cottonmouth Doubles and Call When Sober from Ontario. The MJ Girls took the honors over Call When Sober in a 5-0 game. Next year they would like to add a women’s over 30 division and an open division.

Plans are underway for the Third Annual Kick of the Year Tourney at the end of August 2012. If interested please email thirstybuffaloshockey@ymail.com .

USA Hockey Launches Revolutionary Online Coaching Education Modules Age-Specific Modules Include On- and Off-Ice Lessons from Top Hockey Experts

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SA Hockey is launching its series of revolutionary online, age-specific coaching education modules that will further enhance the organization’s already highly regarded Coaching Education Program. The modules address on-ice skill development and team concepts, as well as off-ice training and overall athlete wellness.

“This is an exciting step forward,” said Dave Ogrean, executive director of USA Hockey. “It will arm our coaches with the latest and most specific information pertinent to the age level they’re coaching. I’m not aware of any other youth sports organizations in our country that has anything like this.”

Each of the modules - 8 & Under, 10 & Under, 12 & Under, 14 & Under and 16/18 & Under - uses animation, video and whiteboard examples along with written text and tests to cover a wide array of age-appropriate hockey topics. Among the on-ice topics covered in each module are skill development, practice planning, goaltending and team concepts. Additionally, the modules address off-ice issues such as off-ice training, nutrition, sport psychology, sleep awareness and drug and alcohol awareness.

All modules are hosted by U.S. Olympian Ed Olczyk and include content from longtime NHL coaches Barry Smith and Mike Sullivan; American Development Model Regional Managers Roger Grillo and Bob Mancini; medical professionals Dr. Dan Freigang and Dr. Chris Winter; and women’s hockey experts such as current and former U.S. Women’s National Team head coaches Mark Johnson, Ben Smith and Katey Stone.

USA Hockey-registered coaches must pass the age-specific module pertaining to the age level of children they are coaching.

The modules are designed to take approximately five-to-six hours to complete, and include questions after each chapter that coaches must answer.

The 8 & Under module is available and the other modules

will be rolled out throughout the course of September. A full schedule is below.

For more information, visit USAHockey.com/Coaching.

USA Hockey Coaching Education Program Modules Age-Specific Release Dates

Module 8 & Under 10 & Under 12 & Under 14 & Under 16/18 & Under

Date Available Now September 13 September 20 September 27 September 27

By Warren Kozireski

New York State College Report

CENTRAL BROOME CC

Mark Balkwill earned the State University of New York Chancellor’s Scholar-Athlete Award. The award recognizes students for their academic excellence and athletic achievements. Balkwill, from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, was a first-team All-Region and an NJCAA All-American pick for the hockey team.

COLGATE

The Colgate University Athletic Department will induct former men’s hockey players Rejean Boivin ‘88 and Kurt Brown ‘64 into its Athletic Hall of Honor on October 1, 2011.

Boivin, a two-year team captain, was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award and was a first team All-American. He was Colgate’s leading scorer for two times in his career and finished with 173 points (86 goals, 87 assists), making him fifth all-time in goals.

Brown served as an alternate captain for the Raiders during the 1962-63 and 1963-64 seasons and recorded a 1.83 goals against average that was the best in all U.S. Collegiate Hockey in the 1962-1963 season.

Brown held the Colgate record for single season goals against average for 41 years and is ranked seventh in ECAC Hockey history. After Colgate, Brown attended training camp with the Providence Reds of the American Hockey League and eventually signed and played for the Dutch National Team in The Hague, Holland for the 19641965 season.

CORNELL

Former Cornell standout Topher Scott ‘08 and Ben Syer have been named assistant coaches on the men’s ice hockey staff.

Scott spent the 2010-11 season as a volunteer assistant coach at Miami (OH).

As a four-year letter winner for the Big Red, he was a finalist for the Hockey Humanitarian Award and the Lowe’s Senior Class Award. He received the Nicky Bawlf Award as the most valuable player of the 2007-08 Cornell men’s hockey team.

Syer spent much of the last decade helping build the Quinnipiac men’s ice hockey program into a perennial ECAC Hockey contender.

ELMIRA

Former defenseman Karl Linden has signed a contract with the Quad City Mallards of the Central Hockey League.

The native of Sweden played four years for the Soaring Eagles and capped off his career by being named to the 2010-11 AllECAC West Second Team after scoring six goals and totaling 20 points in 26 games as a senior.

HAMILTON

Rob Haberbusch was named the sixth head coach in Hamilton College men’s ice hockey program history in late July.

Haberbusch succeeds Norm Bazin, who was named head coach at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell.

“I am honored to accept the position of head hockey coach at Hamilton College,” said the former Associate Head Coach at Army. “Hamilton’s excellent academic reputation, coupled with its storied hockey

tradition, made this an easy decision. I am eager to meet the team and get started. My family and I are extremely excited to join the Hamilton community.”

MORRISVILLE

On June 10th the 2001-02 National Championship Men’s Ice Hockey team was inducted into the Athletics Wall of Fame Class of 2011.

The team went undefeated with a record of 21-0-3, claimed the Eastern Junior College Hockey League (EJCHL) title, the Region III ice hockey title, and captured the first National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Ice Hockey National Championship.

UTICA

The Utica College men’s hockey team traveled to Germany on August 19 and were to play four games over seas as a part of its international exchange trip.

The Pioneers will play two games in Germany, one in northern Italy and one in Austria over the course of their nine day excursion. Every three years the NCAA permits college teams to take part in an international exchange trip intended to expose the student-athletes to different cultures. The final game is August 27th.

“This is an exciting time for our program and our student-athletes,” said 11th year Head Coach Gary Heenan. “It gives the guys a chance to see where they stack up against international competition and it is a personal experience they will never forget.

It’s also a great week of team building.”

The Pioneers traveled to France three years ago.

PENN STATE JOINS COLLEGE HOCKEY AMERICA Robert DeGregorio, Commissioner for College Hockey America (CHA), announced today that Penn State has been official admitted into the CHA beginning with the 2012-13 season.

“We were very happy to receive Penn State’s application to join CHA,” said Commissioner DeGregorio. “And now that we have had an official visit the president, Athletic Director and other administrators on campus we are pleased and excited with the admission of Penn State to College Hockey America effective with the 12-13 season. We know because of their rich academic and athletic tradition they will be a great addition to our league and will help make our league better.”

The Nittany Lions will join Syracuse, Mercyhurst, Niagara and Robert Morris to make up the five-team conference. Each league member will play four games, two home and two away, against the other league institutions during the 2012-13 season. The Regular Season Champion will host the 2013 College Hockey America Tournament, with all teams participating in the Championship.

“Penn State’s name recognition and superb academic and athletic programs are a great addition to our league,” Syracuse head coach Paul Flanagan said. “We eagerly look forward to establishing a competitive rivalry between Syracuse University and Penn State.”

The Orange will open the 2011-12 season with four games on the road, beginning with the East/West Showcase in Minnesota on September 30 against St. Cloud State. SU will host Clarkson on October 14 at 7 p.m. in the team’s home-opener.

New York State College Report Continued

By Warren Kozireski

EAST R.P.I.

One of the Engineers incoming freshmen class is New York native Scott Diobold. The Cheektowaga native arrives via the Tri-City Storm of the USHL.

UNION

Rick Bennett has been named the Head Men’s Ice Hockey Coach at Union College.

He has served the program since 2005-06 and has been the Associate Head Coach since the 2007-08 season.

Jason Tapp was promoted from volunteer coach to Assistant and will be joined by Joe Dumais, who arrives following a coaching stint with Ohio State and a playing career at Quinnipiac.

WEST BROCKPORT

The team announced that

Nick Unger has been named Assistant Coach. Unger has been an assistant at Nichols College in Massachusetts and played his high school career as a goaltender for Brockport helping them to the State semi-finals in 2002.

BUFFALO STATE

Norfolk and getting the opportunity to go to the Tampa Bay Lightning camp is a dream come true,” Conacher said on the Canisius website.

“I plan on continuing to improve as I am now faced with a new coaching staff and a new set of teammates and I plan on learning a lot from them. I am really looking forward to my time with the Norfolk Admirals. Both the team and the organization are run so well and I am excited to prove that they have made a terrific decision.”

Scott Moser and Preston Shupe will serve as captains of the Golden Griffin hockey program for the 2011-12 campaign.

ERIE CC

NJCAA national coach of the year Gary Rost will try to make it to the national title game for the fourth consecutive season when his Kats embark on the 2011-12 campaign.

Erie CC lost title games in 2009 and 2010 before winning their first national championship in late February.

FREDONIA

Head coach Jeff

Merideth, heading into his 24th year behind the Blue Devils bench stands 50th all-time in college hockey coaching wins. He needs just nine to tie former Canisius head coach and fellow Brockport alumni Brian Cavanaugh with 342 victories.

A season after becoming the school’s all-time winningest hockey coach with now 61 victories in six seasons and the team mark for highest finish after placing third in the regular season last year, head coach Nick Carriere leads his Bengals into their 19th season of NCAA hockey.

CANISIUS

Cory Conacher signed an American Hockey League contract with the Norfolk Admirals.

He finished his four-year Griffins career holding 12 different team records.

“Signing with

MONROE CC

Jake Wiemer will become the first hockey player inducted into the Monroe Community College’s Athletic Hall of Fame this fall.

Wiemer (’06), who also played for Greece high school and is the son of former Rochester Amerks and NHL defenseman Jim Wiemer, earned first team All-American accolades in 2004 and second team honors in 2006. He is among the team’s all-time leader in goals, assists, and points and helped lead the Tribunes to a 38-13-1record and a pair of national semifinal appearances in his two years.

NIAGARA

Greece native and former Purple Eagles defenseman Pat Oliveto was named Assistant Coach. Oliveto played four seasons on the Niagara blueline before playing pro for two seasons with Mississippi in the East Coast League. He most recently was an assistant coach with Buffalo State.

The Tigers

GENESEO

Two 1981 hockey standouts will among those inducted into the Geneseo Sports Hall of Fame in ceremonies on September 24th.

Teammates Keith Hyde and Jeff Stitt will become the 11th and 12th hockey players inducted and the first since John Keady and Mark Breeden went in with the 2007 class.

Hyde was a three-time All-SUNYAC selection while Stitt was named to the postseason squad twice. Stitt is still fourth alltime in career goals while Hyde is 13th and 14th all-time in career points and assists respectively.

will induct Tyler Euverman (2003) as one of seven individuals and one team into the Sports Hall of Fame during ceremonies on October 16th.

The Surrey, British Columbia native was an All-American and three-time AllECAC selection. While he was in net, RIT competed in three NCAA Division III Championships.

In 2001 and 2002 he was the NCAA Division III statistical champion in winning percentage and was also MVP of two ECAC playoffs.

For his career, Euverman posted an 8313-5 record with a .918 save percentage and 2.43 goals against average. He holds school marks for lowest GAA in a season (1.74 in 2001-02), highest save percentage in a season (.935 in 2001-02), lowest GAA

New York State College Report Continued

By Warren Kozireski

in a career (2.43 from 1999-2003), highest save percentage in a career (.918) and most shutouts in a season (seven in 2000-01).

NORTH CANTON ATC

The entire athletic program rallied around two events honoring former Roos defenseman Cory Bercume, who was found dead in his apartment in April.

Eighty bowlers and 144 golfers participated in the two events with proceeds in Cory’s name being given to a scholarship fund. His brother Ryan was a freshman on the team.

CLARKSON

The Knights welcome new head coach Casey Jones, who was Associate Head Coach with Cornell for the past three years. He returns to the Knights as their 11th head coach after serving as an assistant coach in the early 1990’s. He also spent 13 years as Associate Head Coach at Ohio State.

Former Knights defenseman Phil Roy was also named as the top Assistant Coach after three years at Merrimack.

During his playing career, he recorded 77 career points, including 53 assists through 144 games from 1996-2000 and helped the Knights to three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances (1997, 1998,

1999).

PLATTSBURGH

Twenty-two year head coach Bob Emery is just two wins from joining the top-20 all-time in college hockey coaching wins. He begins the 2011-12 season with 485 victories—just two behind current Salem State head coach Bill O’Neill.

ST. LAWRENCE

Greg Carvel is returning to his alma mater as Assistant Coach of the Saints. The Canton native joins the team after most recently being an Assistant Coach with the Ottawa Senators.

This comes just months after former Rochester Amerk and Buffalo Sabres defenseman and Saints All-American Mike Hurlbut was promoted to Associate Head Coach.

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immy Howard knew he had made it to the National Hockey League the first time he donned his Detroit Red Wings sweater.

But he knew he had REALLY made it when he saw the likeness of his McFarlane figurine.

“It’s really pretty cool seeing yourself in a figurine like that,” commented Howard “I know not a lot of players are chosen for something like that.

“That’s what makes it something special.”

Howard’s climb up the hockey playing ladder was a bit of a long one. Drafted in the second round, the 64th player taken overall, in the 2003 National Hockey League Entry Draft, it took Howard six more years before establishing himself as the number one goaltender with the Red Wings.

“I really had to be patient,” stated Howard, a native of Ogdensburg, NY. “I kept watching Detroit call up other goalies, who were also playing in their system.

“But my dad kept telling me to be patient. Sooner or later my opportunity would come.

“And like he has been so many times throughout my life, my dad was right.”

Howard grew up playing hockey in the Ogdensburg area.

“I began playing the goalie position when I was about six or seven,” recalled Howard. “I continued playing hockey in the area through some of my high school years.

“When I was about 14 I played for Westport of the Eastern Ontario Junior Hockey League. I stayed there for a couple of years.

“I know that there haven’t been a lot of guys coming out of the Central New York area to play pro hockey. I hope I can be an influence to future hockey players coming out of my hometown area.

“One of the biggest moves I made was when I played for the U.S. National Under-17 and Under-18 teams during the 2001-02 season.”

The young netminder played nine games for the Under-17 team and another 26 for the Under-18 squad for a combined record of 22-11-1. In April 2002 Howard played for the United States in the 2002 IIHF World U18 Championships in Slovakia.

Playing in six tournament contests, Howard led his team to a gold medal.

Because of his efforts he the six-foot, 210-pound goalie was named USA goaltender of the year From there it was on to the University of Maine. During his three seasons in net for the Black Bears Howard set team and league records. He holds the UMaine record for shutouts, goals against average and save percentage for both single season and career.

Howard also holds NCAA records for GAA (1.19) and save percentage (.954), both set during the 2003-04 campaign. That same season saw the goaltender lead the Black Bears into the Frozen Four championship game.

Maine lost, 1-0, to the University of Denver on a controversial disallowed goal by Black Bears forward, Derek Damon.

By the 2005-06 hockey campaign Howard had turned pro and was playing in Grand Rapids of the American Hockey League. He would spend most of the next four seasons with the Griffins.

“I knew what I was getting myself into when I joined the Griffins,” recalled the 27 yearold Howard. “Detroit doesn’t rush their players when they are developing them.

“I just had to make sure that I was ready when I did get the call. I finally got the call for the 200910 season as the backup to Chris Osgood.

“It didn’t take long before I worked my way into the starting spot.

It’s something I don’t plan on giving up any time soon.”#

You play hockey in New York State, many times representing the State.

So What Do You Know About New York?

State Fruit: Apple State Beverage: Milk State Tree: Sugar Maple State Flower: Rose

The first AHA game to be televised will be Army vs Airforce! (Photo by Janet Schultz)

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AHL Games to be Televised

obert DeGregorio, Atlantic Hockey Commissioner, announced today that a pair of Atlantic Hockey Association contests will be aired this season on the CBS Sports Network.

The first contest to be aired nationally will be on Friday, January 21 at 7:30 pm ET as Air Force travels to West Point and takes on Army.

Air Force and Army are no stranger to the national scene as they have faced each other for the past five seasons on CBS Sports Network. The other contest will also feature Air Force as they host RIT on Friday, February 3 at 8:00 pm MT (10:00 pm ET).

“CBS Sports Network is a great supporter of college hockey and we are honored to once again be chosen as one of the Atlantic Hockey games they will air,” said Army head coach Brian Riley. “We are grateful to the folks at CBS for choosing one of our games. Our experiences with CBS Sports Network have been wonderful and this is a tremendous opportunity for our fans across the world to see the Black Knights.”

“This is very exciting news,” Air Force coach Frank Serratore said. “These games provide us with an opportunity to be seen by our fans all around the country as well as our alumni and service people stationed all over the world.”

“We are very excited to be on national television with CBS Sports Network for the second straight year,” said Wilson, the 2010 Spencer Penrose Award Winner as Division I Coach of the Year. “It’s a great opportunity to see playoff style hockey in February. Both teams should be battling for playoff positioning in what has developed into a tremendous rivalry.”

“We value our partnership with Atlantic Hockey and its members,” said Ross Molloy, Vice President, Remote Production, CBS Sports Network. “This season’s matchups once again showcase the quality of teams and play this conference has established.”

The Atlantic Hockey Association arose when nine institutions joined together on June 30, 2003, to form a new Division-I men’s ice hockey conference. The league currently consists of twelve members: Air Force Academy, American International College, Army, Bentley University, Canisius College, the University of Connecticut, the College of the Holy Cross, Mercyhurst College, Niagara University, Robert Morris University, Rochester Institute of Technology and Sacred Heart University.