March 2017 nyhol magazine

NY HOCKEY NY HOCKEY MARCH 2017 Volume 6, Issue 6

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e u s s I p i h s n o i p m a h C s ’ l r Gi e l t i T e t a t S s e k a T s e l e t a e n a k S

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In This Issue: Advice for Tryouts........................... 19 Coaching With Gridley................... 17 Central New York............................. 29 ECC Championship Run................ 11 East Hockey....................................... 38 Gahagen Winding Down.............. 40 Growing Womens Hockey...............5 Lady Bulldogs................................... 39 Making A Difference....................... 45 North Hockey.................................... 44 NWHL................................................... 23 NYS Girls Championships................7 NU Club Championship................ 27 Putnam Awards................................ 64 RiverWorks......................................... 13 Section VI Boys................................. 55 The Next Generation...................... 52 Vaclav Karabacek............................. 28 West Hockey...................................... 51 WNYGVIH............................................ 58

Dear Reader:

Spring Training Camps are underway in Arizona and Florida. The weather has been getting warmer.

That must mean it’s time for….Hockey’s Post Season!

Playoffs have been underway for girl’s high school hockey across the state. Boys hockey has also been involved in playoffs, although New York State champions won’t be determined for them until mid-March.

You will notice that the March issue of NY Hockey OnLine Magazine will have a bit of a feminine touch to it. We have great coverage of the girl’s high school hockey championships which saw Janet and I travel up to Canton. A special shout goes out to the people of Canton who hosted the Girls High School Championship for their warm hospitality.

Congratulations go out to the girls from Skaneateles who took the NYS Girls Varsity Championship. They completed a perfect season, going 19-0-0. Even more amazing is the fact that this team never trailed in a game throughout their season.

There are a couple of special features in this issue, one that deals with RiverWorks in Buffalo and the other dealing with Joey Brown, an amazing young man who very well known throughout the North Country of NYS.

One of our columnists, Chuck Gridley, wrote a very nice article on the late Jeff Sauer. And Mark Metzger has a great feature for players and parents during hockey’s tryout season.

Janet and Koz are here with their usual coverage of men’s and women’s college hockey.

For all our loyal readers, looking ahead to our April issue, we will be a bit more on the male side. That issue will feature boys high school results, as well as men’s and women’s college results. Graduating seniors in both boy’s and men’s hockey will also be featured.

Our thoughts and prayers also go out to the family and hockey family of Andrea McFall. Andrea passed away unexpectedly on February 23.

Condolences also to Janice Cavaretta on the passing of her brother-in-law.

Thanks to our advertisers this month including: Howell Motors, Precision Hockey, West Seneca Wings, Southtowns Stars, Wheatfield Blades, Tonawanda Lightning, Bud Bakewell Ice Hawks, Webster Cyclones, Lockport Lock Monsters, Amherst Hockey, Janosz School of Goaltending and Niagara Sport Tournaments.

As always, safe journey’s wherever your hockey travels take you.

Best Wishes, Randy Schultz Managing Editor NY Hockey OnLine Magazine

NY Hockey On-Line (E-Magazine) 3663 Irish Road Wilson, New York 14172 716-751-6524 nyhockeyonline@ nyhockeyonline.com Publisher &Managing Editor Randy Schultz Randy@nyhockeyonline.com Designer/Photographer Janet Schultz Janet@nyhockeyonline.com

Columnists Warren Kozireski, Wkozires@brockport.edu Janet Schultz Randy Schultz Rob Sedia Chuck Gridley NY Hockey OnLine is an equal opportunity employer.

Contents 2015-16 NY Hockey Online All rights reserved NY Hockey OnLine is published monthly at no charge and can be accessed via the publication’s website www.nyhockeyonline.com

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A game The pool of female players has grown dramatically since each was introduced to the national team program as 17-yearolds.

In 2007, there were 57,549 female players of all ages registered with USA Hockey. Of those, 43,859 were 18 and under.

During the 2015-16 season, there were 73,076 registered female players; 54,741 were 18 and under. That’s overall growth of 27 percent and a 25 percent increase in youth numbers.

By Shawn P. Roarke @sroarke_nhl / NHL.com Director of Editorial–

he opportunities for female hockey players in the

United States today are almost unimaginable to some of the players who helped bring about the groundswell of

change.

“It is such an exciting time in the sport,” said Hilary Knight, a mainstay with the U.S. Women’s National Team and a member of the Boston Pride of the National Women’s Hockey League. “I almost wish I was born 10 years later, you know, so I don’t have to do a lot of the leg work.”

Monique Lamoureux, who has been with the national team for almost a decade, recalls her formative years in the sport and smiles at the differences from today.

She and her twin sister, Jocelyne, another national team player, grew up in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and played on boys teams until high school. There was no option to play on an all-girls team until sixth grade and even then, the opportunities for top-caliber competition in female-only hockey were limited.

That’s no longer the case.

“When we first came on to the national team, you could pretty much say everybody but one or two players grew up playing boys’ hockey,” Monique Lamoureux said. “For the most part, that was because we didn’t have the option of playing on a girls team or that there were hardly any girls that played or that the competition wasn’t any good; now, going on almost our 10th year with the national team group, you see this youngest generation come up and they have played girls hockey almost the entire way up.”

Monique and Jocelyne Lamoureux, 27 and Knight, also 27, are trying to make it to a third straight Winter Olympics in PyeongChang in 2018. They were together Thursday at NHL Network for some promotional spots celebrating the one-year countdown to the Opening Ceremony, which was on Wednesday.

Monique Lamoureux #7 of United States celebrates with team-mates after scoring her team’s sixth goal in the second period during the Women’s Ice Hockey Preliminary Round Group

Monique and Jocelyne Lamoureux have seen that growth up close. Each is involved with trying to grow the girls’ hockey component of the Grand F o r k s Y o u t h Hockey Association.

T h i s season, the GFYHA had 18 female players sign up for the U-8 program, the highest number t o date.

“We are so excited to see the fruits of the labor start to pay off,” Monique Lamoureux said.

Grass-roots programs at the national level have also helped.

The NHL runs Hockey Is For Everyone, a monthlong platform throughout February that uses hockey and its global influence to drive social change and foster more inclusive communities. It also runs its Learn to Play initiative, an introductory program to the sport that provides free equipment and instruction to youth players. USA Hockey has its Try Hockey For Free initiative as well.

Added Opportunities Spur Growth of Women’s Hockey

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lot more co-ed teams, and it is not just a male, boys’ sport,” said Knight. “That’s a lot different from when the women from our age group were growing up because we were one or two girls on a team among boys.”

If the United States does well again at the 2017 IIHF Women’s World Championship, to be held in Plymouth, Michigan, from March 31 through April 7, and, perhaps, claims a gold medal at the PyeongChang tournament, the growth of their game will accelerate.

“Winning a gold medal at the next Olympics would certainly slingshot those numbers for sure,” Monique Lamoureux said.

The United States has won a silver medal in each of the past two Winter Olympics, losing to rival Canada at Vancouver in 2010 and Sochi in 2014.

“No matter what we do now, it is going to impact the younger generation in a positive way and we just have to make sure we lay the proper foundation for them to grow like the generation before us did for us,” Knight said. “It’s only fair for us to fill those shoes, go beyond and the next generation can capitalize off all the hard work.”(Reprinted with permission of NHL.com)

“Now there are a lot of girls youth teams available, a

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Skaneateles Takes NYS Girls Varsity Championship

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A

bby Kuhns scored the hat trick in leading the Skaneateles Lakers to a 5-1 victory over Orchard Park/ Frontier/Lake Shore to win the 2017 NYSSPHSAA Girls Ice Hockey Regional Championship. The game was played at the SUNY CantonRoos House Arena.

It also topped off a perfect season for the Lakers, who finished the season 19-0-0. In addition Kuhns assisted in the Lakers fourth goal.

Kuhns scored her first goal for the Lakers at 11:20 of the first period, with Ioanna Christou assisting.

It was all Kuhns in the second period, scoring goals at the 6:02 (shorthanded) and 7:54 marks. Christou assisted on her third goal. Not a bad afternoon for Kuhns who scored shorthanded, even strength and power play.

The Lakers continued their domination in the third period with Sophie Kush scoring at 2:27 to make it 4-0. Megan Teachout made it 5-0 just a little over two minutes later.

Jessica Peters broke the shutout string, scoring at the 12:12 mark of the final period to make the final score, 5-1.

Emily Kromer and Gabby DeMeo add-

ed assists for the Falcons lone goal.

The teams were even with shots on goal with 24 each. Johna Halko stopped 23 of 24 shots for the victorious Lakers.

Interesting note, all three contests played for the NYSPHSAA Girls Ice Hockey Championship ended with a 5-1 score.

It is the first outright NYS Girls Ice Hockey Championship for Skaneateles.

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T

Game 1: Skaneateles vs Potsdam 5-1 Final

he Skaneateles Lakers defeated the Potsdam Sandstoners, 5-1 in the 2017 NYPHSAA Regional Final Four opening game at the SUNY Canton-Roos House Arena. The Lakers win put them in the Championship game the following day.

Megan Teachout and Abby Kuhns each scored two goals for the victorious Lakers.

Sophie Kush opened the scoring for Skaneateles in the first period. Assists went to Alison Weiss and Teachout got the assists.

Teachout scored the first of her two goals at 1:44 of the second period to give the Lakers a 2-0 lead. But Potsdam cut the lead in half, 2-1 three minutes later on a goal by Gabrielle Jones.

But less than four minutes later Kuhns gave the Lakers their two goal lead again, 3-1.

The Lakers broke the game open midway through the third period when Teachout scored her second goal of the game on a power play at 8:33. Kuhns closed out the scoring four minutes later with an empty net goal for Skaneateles.

The Lakers outshot the Sandstoners, 22-13 for the game. Johna Halko stopped 12 of the 13 shots she faced for the victorious Lakers.

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Game 2: Orchard Park/Frontier/ LakeShore vs Potsdam: 5-1 Final

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he Orchard Park/Frontier/ Lake Shore Falcons scored two goals in the first period and never looked back as they defeated the Beekmantown Eagles, 5-1 at the SUNY CantonRoos House Arena in the second game of the NYS Championship round.

Five different players scored for the Falcons in their victory.

Brooke Becker scored the opening goal for OPFL in the first period at the 8:15 mark to go up 1-0. Jessica Peters got the assist on the goal. Frangelica Bautz put the Falcons up 2-0 six minutes later with the assist going to Becker.

Beekmantown got back in the game early in the second period when Bailey Carter tallied to make it 2-1.

Kelsey Baker and Kirsten Villemaire assisted on the goal.

But the Falcons came back with two more unanswered goals. Midway through the second Meghan Roche scored to make it 3-1. Bautz assisted on the goal.

Emily Kromer then scored with 28 seconds remaining in the period to give the Falcons a commanding 4-1 lead.

Riley Johnson put the game away for the Falcons just 43 seconds into the third period with a goal to make the final, 5-1. Kromer and Mary Kromer assisted.

Beekmantown then pulled starting goalie Taylor Laurin and replaced her with Brianne Knight.

The Falcons outshot the Eagles, 31-16 for the game. Victoria Cottrell stopped 15 of the 16 shots she faced in net for the Falcons.

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F

or the second time in two the scoring for Dakota in the seasons the Erie Community third period.

College Men’s Hockey Team lost to Dakota College at BotSECOND ROUND tineau for the NJCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Championship. The ECC and Dakota men’s hockKats lost to Dakota, 7-4 at the ey teams each got one step SUNY at Broome Ice Center in closer to their goal Saturday Binghamton as part of the NCafternoon. Each won their reJAA’s Final Men’s Ice Hockey spective hockey game and Championship. will now face each other Sun ECC was led by a two goal day afternoon to see who will performance by Brendan McFall win the FINAL NJCAA men’s and singles by Anthony Cybulhockey championship ever. ski and Taiki Satoh. The Kats

ECC defeated

BY RANDY SCHULTZ finished second in the tournaMVCC, 7-4 while Dakota easPhotos by Janet Schultz from ment followed by Hudson Valley ily downed HVCC, 10-1. The previous ECC matchups with MVCC and HVCC Community College and Motwo winners will now face hawk Valley Community Coleach other Sunday afternoon lege. to determine a champion.

The games that led to the

The Kats were led by ECC lead the entire game, taking championship contest finished as fol- an early 1-0 lead on Nati’s first goal Brendan McFall and Christian Nati, lows: in the first period. They increased their each scoring two goal for the victors. lead to 4-0 in the second period on McFall opened the scoring for ECC in goals by Brian Losel, Nati and Suchan. the first period with a power play goal.

Kyle Constanty scored the first of his Before the period ended Taiki Satoh two goals for HVCC to round out the and Nati had also tallied to give the Kats a 3-0 lead. scoring in the second.

Anthony Cybulski made it 5-1 Nati netted his second goal in the early in the third period for ECC. Troy second period to give ECC a 4-0 lead.

Bennett and Constanty rounded out MVCC then answered back with three the scoring for HVCC to make it 5-3, straight goals scored by Kyle Cronin, before Suchan finished the scoring for CJ Buckingham and Petr Jamasek.

ECC late in the third.

ECC FINISHES SECOND IN FINAL NCJAA MEN’S ICE HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIP

OPENING ROUND ECC and Dakota were the winners in the first round of the NJCAA Ice Hockey Championships.

ECC defeated Hudson Valley CC, 6-3. Christian Nati and Alex Suchan each scored two goals for the victorious Kats.

Dakota lead all the way in their game against MVCC, winning 5-1. Zach Garrett and Nial Mills each scored two goals for the victories Dakota team.

Garrett gave Dakota an early 1-0 lead in the first period. Garrett increased that lead to 2-0 in the second.

Mills made it 3-0 before Jared Marshall scored the loan goal for MVCC. Noah Grant and Mills rounded out

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Even Perkins scored the loan goal for HVCC. But that would be as close as MVCC would get.

Michael Krause finished off the second period scoring for ECC, giving them a 5-3 lead going into the final period.

McFall scored early in the third to give the Kats a 6-3 lead. MVCC’s Jordan Trudeau closed the gap to 6-4. Alex Suchan finished off the scoring with a power play goal for ECC to make the final, 7-4.

Dakota led all the way in their game. Nial Mills led the way for the victorious Dakota team with a four-point game.

Cody Longie and Kyler Moore each tallied two goals for Dakota.

The other goal scorers for Dakota were Andrew Carriere, Jesse Mendel, Josh Colleaux, Andrian Maass, Charles Joly and Noah Grant.

FINAL DAY HVCC won their final game against MVCC, 8-4. HVCC never trailed in the game.

HVCC jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first period on goals by Sean Spohr, Hunter Craig, who also had two assists in the game, Tyler DeMarco and Chris Breault.

They increased their lead to 5-0 in the second period on a goal by Adam Hosmer. MVCC finally got on the board in the second on a a goal by Jordan Trudeau.

In the third MVCC came within two on goals by Kyle Cronin and CJ Buckingham. But HVCC put the game away on two goals by Troy Bennett and Kyle Constanty. Hunter Pate ended the scoring for MVCC.

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RiverWorks -More Than Just Ice Rinks!

By Randy Schultz

BUFFALO, NY – Heading north on the I-190 one can’t help but notice as they near the Buffalo skyline what appears to be a sixpack of Labatt’s Blue Beer on the left-hand side of the road. As one gets closer to the city, the six-pack becomes more distinct.

Exiting at the Elm St. exit, one follows the exit, merging on to Swan St. From there you turn right onto Michigan Ave. With the six-pack closer than ever one continues approximately one mile, crossing a bridge along the way.

Once across the bridge you come to the end of the street.

Turning right you will enter the parking lot of General Mills. Turning left onto Ganson St. finally gets you to your Labatt’s destination.

There you discover Buffalo’s newest and best kept secret: Buffalo RiverWorks. It is the city’s newest premier waterfront, boating, sports, music and entertainment destination located along the banks of the Buffalo River.

Outside of the Labatt Six Pack, the first thing you see are two outdoor ice rinks. Walking up a set of stairs to the right of the rinks and entering a set of doors, you discover a huge interior setting with tables and chairs and three bars and

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more open space than one would know what to do with.

So who is the person responsible for Buffalo’s newest hot spot for entertainment?

“The visionary behind all of this is Earl Ketry,” said Sean Green, the director of athletics at RiverWorks. “He is a downtown visionary.

“He’s a very modest individual. He likes to stay behind the scenes.”

“He already owns several other businesses in Buffalo. But his greatest vision is Buffalo RiverWorks.”

Those other businesses include the Pearl Street Grill and Brewery, Lofts On Pearl, Pan-American Grill and Brewery and Hotel @ The Lafayette.

“We would like to consider RiverWorks as an adult playground,” stated Green. “There are many, many things going on to entertain the family.

“And Riverworks is just not looking for Western New Yorkers to use the facility. We’re looking at attracting people from the surrounding states and from around the country.

“We attract children down here that play hockey. But we attract older adults that simply want to come down and remember what Buffalo was like years ago.”

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It has already been established that RiverWorks attracted an estimated one million people during the 2016 year.

“What we’re trying to do here is have an entertainment establishment that is open 52 weeks a year, 365 days a year,” continued Green. “We’re looking for people to come in for four-day weekends.”

Besides the obvious with hockey and curling on the outdoor rinks, there is roller derby, in-line hockey, wrestling, pickle ball, boxing, lacrosse, soccer, jujitsu, and mixed martial arts.

There is paddle boards, kayaks and waterbike rentals.

“We have different types of concerts that come in,” added Green. “We also finding out that we have repeat customers. People not only come once, but they enjoy it so much that they come back again and again.”

You have to remember that where this establishment now stands used to be an industrial building which had become partly demolished over the years.

“The building of RiverWorks came in different phases,” remarked Green. “The first phase was the Labatt’s Pond Hockey Tournament which has become our signature event.

“The ice rinks came along with that and those are outdoor rinks that are covered and actually have a second level built in. That lead to youth and adult hockey coming in along with curling, which has really hit Buffalo by storm and is very popular.

“Phase two was inside the building with the restaurant, bar, roller derby track and the stage for concerts.

Phase three will be completed this summer with our outdoor adventure park.

“There is going to be an adventure attraction that will include a rock climbing wall, a ropes course and a zipline that will link link some of the huge cement structures at RiverWorks together “Looking to the future, we are looking at purchasing a 60 year-old double-decker bus that will transport people

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among the properties and possibly other places. We are building an observation deck on top of the concrete bunker that stands next to the RiverWorks facility, . “There is even some thought being given to building another hotel with that one being built close to RiverWorks.”

There is also a lot of history being displayed throughout the facility.

“All the restaurants have a historical theme to them,” said Green. “Plus, there are going to be huge maps and photos displayed throughout the building that tells Buffalo’s story.”

And if that’s not enough, people can book weddings, meetings, festivals, trade shows, conventions, corporate events, sports tournaments and dinners, among other events, at Riverworks.

“You can have a dinner for two or book a banquet for over a thousand people,” stated Green. “We have 60,000 square feet to work with so space is not a prob-

lem.”

Plus, there is the RiverWorks’ brewery. That is where the Labatt silos come in. Construction is already underway to complete a beer garden that will include a tour.

“We have something for everybody,” concluded Green. “And we hope people will make RiverWorks a major destination point for years to come.”

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Coaching with Gridley

Sauer when he coached with Wisconsin, leading them to two national championships. (Wisconsin Photo)

Remembering Coach Sauer

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hree weeks ago, the hockey community lost one of its giants, and the world lost a great man. On Feb. 2nd, Jeff Sauer passed away after a short illness at the age of 73.

Coach Sauer was one of the most successful coaches in the history of NCAA Men’s ice hockey. He played college hockey at Colorado College, and after graduating, returned to his alma mater as an assistant under the legendary coach, Bob Johnson. The next year, he followed Johnson to Wisconsin. After four seasons as an assistant coach at Wisconsin, Sauer returned to Colorado College as the head coach.

He remained there for 11 years. In 1982, Jeff returned to Wisconsin as head coach, and in 1983 his Badgers won the Division I National Championship. In his 20 years at the helm of Wisconsin, Coach Sauer had 12 NCAA Tournament berths, 5 WCHA playoff titles, and 2 National Championships. In his 31 year career as a NCAA head coach Jeff compiled 655 wins. He remains one of the most successful coaches in NCAA history.

Jeff also coached numerous US National teams, includ-

ing our Men’s team in the 1995 IIHF World Championships in Stockholm, Sweden.

Later in his career, Coach Sauer became involved with the US Deaflympic Ice Hockey teams. He guided the US team to the gold in 2007 in Salt Lake City, and to the bronze in 2015 in Khanty-Mansiyak, Russia.

In 2011, Coach Sauer was named head coach of the US National Sled Hockey team. Under his 6 years as head coach, the team made it to the championship game of every major tournament it competed in and won 7 events including 2 World championships, as well as the gold medal in the 2014 Paralympics in Sochi, Russia.

Jeff has received numerous awards over the course of his storied career, including the Lester Patrick Trophy, the USA Hockey Distinguished Achievement Award, and the AHCA “John Snooks” Kelly Award. In addition, he was inducted into a number of halls of fame.

Jeff had tremendous success in his many coaching endeavors, but it was his generosity and kindness that impressed you when you met him. He had the ability to be present in every personal encounter you had with him. I had the great fortune of spending a week on the ice with Jeff at a National Sled Hockey Development Camp a few years ago. He was generous with his knowledge and experience, and gave all of his assistant coaches the chance to learn and grow. I will always be grateful for that opportunity, and for the friendship that followed.

(Continued Bottom of Next Page)

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Oates Named to Top 100 NHL Players LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Former Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) standout and alumnus Adam Oates ’85 is one of the top 100 players to ever play in the National Hockey League, according to a panel comprised of distinguished members of the hockey community – including executives, media members and NHL alumni. Oates was among those revealed at NHL100 on Jan. 27 in Los Angeles as the league celebrates its 100th year as part of its All-Star Weekend.

A five-time NHL All-Star Game participant and an NHL Second Team All-Star in 1991, Oates enjoyed a 19-year career, scoring 341 goals with 1,079 assists for 1,420 points in 1,337 contests. He exceeded 100 points in a season four times, including a career-high 142 points with the Boston Bruins in 1993. When he retired, he was ranked fifth all time in NHL history in assists (currently 7th) and 13th in points (currently 17th). He was enshrined into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2012.

Oates went on to serve as the head coach of the Washington Capitals, joining Kevin Constantine ’80 as the only two former Rensselaer players to lead NHL teams.

In three years as a student-athlete in Troy (1982-85), Oates had 66 goals and 150 assists for 216 points in 98 games, helping the Engineers to an overall record of 85-19-1 and the 1985 NCAA Championship. RPI, which was 35-2-1 in 1985, also won the ECAC Championship in 1984 and 1985. He led the team in assists all three years (33, 57, 60) and was first in points as a sophomore (83) and junior (91).

Oates set numerous school records, including assists (60 in 1985-85) and points (91 in 1984-85) in a season and assists in a career. Ranked among NCAA’s all-time leaders in assists per game in a career (1.53), he is second in school history in single season assists (57 in 1983-84) and single season points (83 in 1983-84). Oates is third in career points and third in assists per game in a career.

The accolades earned by the Weston, Ont., native included National All-America First Team in 1983-84 and 1984-85, Hobey Baker Award finalist in 1984-85, All-League First Team in 1984-85, All-League Second Team in 1983-84, Most Outstanding Player of the league tournament in 1983-84 and NCAA All-Tournament First Team in 1984-85.

Named to the ECAC Hockey All-Decade Team of the 1980s and one of the league’s Top 50 Players All-Time, Oates led ECAC Hockey in overall scoring in 1983-84 (83 points in 38 games) and 1984-85 (91 in 38) and in scoring in league games (49 in 20 games) in 1983-84.

Oates was inducted into Rensselaer’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2004 and was the first person inducted into the RPI Hockey Ring of Honor (2005).

(Sauer Continued)

Jeff lived almost his entire life immersed in the game we all love. His Dad would accuse him of never having to (Sauer work a day in his life. We all know that coaching at that level is not easy, and rarely glamorous. It’s a tough business, and probably feels a lot like work much of the time. But Coach Sauer truly loved coaching, and loved the game. He brought tremendous passion and love to everything he did in hockey. I got the feeling that in the end, Jeff thought his dad was right…that he truly didn’t have to work a day in his life. He was a talented, passionate coach and a humble and generous man. He will be greatly missed.

Chuck Gridley New York District Coach-in-Chief

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By Mark Metzger Precision Hockey Owner www.precisionhockey.net Carolina Hurricanes and Charlotte Checkers Skills Coach Edited by Nick Niedzielski Director of Communications Charlotte Checkers

ALL OF THESE QUESTIONS WERE ASKED TO MARK AT A PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AND COACHING CONFERENCE. WE JUST PUT THEM IN THIS ARTICLE.

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ADVICE TO

PLAYERS, PARENTS, AND COACHES DURING TRYOUT SEASON

hen you read this article, I want you to know how I think and go about doing things.

Since 2010, Precision Hockey has developed and mentored nearly 6,000 hockey players from around the world with our skills clinics, spring teams, spring development programs, team training, player advisor programs and more.

When I began the program, I saw that many athletes were going through the same things I went through during my playing career; things like adversity, heartache, and bullying. I quickly found that it was easy for me to relate to the players and their challenges. Fortunately, I was provided the opportunity to give them advice and guidance.

In July 2016, I was hired by the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes as their skills and player development coach, working closely with their AHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers.

Working with players at those levels is incredible, and it has truly been an honor to work with their entire coaching staff, including Carolina general manager Ron Francis and Charlotte head coach Ulf Samuelsson. I will forever be grateful to them for the opportunity. I can tell you right away, I never imagined that I would have the opportunity to work with so many great NHL players and personnel but I am very confident in my abilities as a leader and coach.

I love the game, and seeing players that you worked with get better individually and have success as a team is very rewarding.

Question – What are your thoughts and advice to players and parents during tryout time?

I know you are full of anxiety, jitters, worry, and excitement. As you prepare for tryouts, I gathered some tips and advice that I have collected over my career that can help with the process.

FOCUS ON DEVELOPMENT

Skating is the biggest fundamental element of the game in my opinion. In order to become a great skater it takes years of practice, purposeful training, and repetition to become a fluent and efficient skater. Hockey games can be won or lost in a fraction of a second. When you watch the wonders of the game and focus your attention to the players’ individual skill sets, you see that their skating is graceful and they can play the game at very high speeds. We conducted data that showed some of the fastest NHL players skate anywhere between 19-30 miles per hour at top speeds. Think about that. Those players have to have edge control, power, balance, coordination, and agility, all while maintaining that high level of speed.

Every player has to have the ability to stop and start on a dime, circle, open up, transition, pivot, cut, and weave in and out. It does not matter if you are a forward or defenseman, all players need similar skill sets to succeed. Players must have the ability to maneuver effortlessly on the ice, all while handling, shooting, and passing the puck and making small plays under pressure. Players also need to improve their balance and be strong on the puck, as agility and intensity are key ingredients to becoming a successful and efficient player.

If you are not a good skater and cannot keep up, your likelihood of moving up to the higher levels of hockey drops drastically. Think about the current stars in the NHL – guys like Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Alex Ovechkin, Taylor Hall, Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and Kris Letang. It is pure fun watching them play

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the game. At the end of the day, hockey is an entertainment business. I feel that we as coaches, parents, and players should have that same mentality. Mastering your balance, coordination, edgework, endurance, explosiveness, game situational awareness, and quickhands. This will lead to a very fun time with the game of hockey.

SLOW AND STEADY WINS THE RACE Everyone has heard of the story of The Tortoise and the Hare. The two animals have a race and the tortoise, who stays consistent and preserves beats the speedy hare who runs fast, gets comfortable, and takes a nap. The moral of the story fits into the sport of hockey as well. Oftentimes parents and players are too concerned about getting to the top so fast and everyone is in a rush.

The bottom line is that if you are not getting noticed at your age, there is a reason for it. Maybe you are a late bloomer physically. Maybe you need to continue to work diligently on your skills in the game. I cannot tell you how many AHL and NHL players I have worked with that were never drafted but persevered and stayed hungry. That goes for the Major Junior draft as well. One player I worked with played AA hockey as a teenager and didn’t play NCAA until the age of 21 when he fully developed. After four years of college, he ended up signing an NHL free agent deal when he was 24. He ended up better than the players who were drafted or were the early bloomers of their birth years from his area. It just goes to show, slow and steady wins the race. Just relax and develop into the best player that you can possibly become.

PLAY FOR A GOOD COACH AND SOMEONE WHO GENUILY CARES My suggestion is to play for a coach that is genuine, humble, dedicated, cares about the team, lives and breathes the team mission, and establishes a good culture. You see so many coaches who are only worried about themselves and give some self-serving talk to parents. Don’t go to a coach who thinks they know it all. As a player or parent you can see right through that. If you are questioning the coach’s attitude before the year even starts, how do you think it will be come November? Play for a team where winning is a product of the process. Contrary to popular belief, hockey teams do not come “ready-made”. Like the old adage says,

it takes a village. It requires superior effort and planning. It starts with a clear mission statement and then builds off of that. The bigger the challenge, the greater the reward. I am believer in coaches who set the tone early and establish a high level of expectations. We as coaches need to make sure we are working towards the development of our greatest assets – the players. I have learned that surrounding yourself with intelligent, genuine, and talented people is vital to success. Coaches should surround themselves with a staff that puts them in a position to shine and lets them do their job. It is about building a team of people with unique talents and perspectives.

HOW BAD DOES THE PLAYER WANT IT? In all honesty, it does not matter where the player plays as much as whom do they train with and how bad does he/ she wants it moving forward. The prevailing thought for many is that you need to play for the best team in order to get noticed. But that’s not necessarily the case. Regardless of the skill level of the team, the best way to catch scouts attention is to continue to develop his skills and get better.

So my questions for you are: 1. Does your player put in the time and effort? In other words, does he/she have the passion for it? Does he/she put off the training session for something else?

2. Is he more inclined to be on Facebook, Instagram, surfing the Internet, or watching television? Or does he spend quality time working towards his goal? Does he want it more than you as his parent that wants it for him/her?

It really all comes down to how bad does the player wants it. How much playing time will he get on the team with all the best players in your area? It is critical to get quality ice time in all situations, especially when you are at the age where it matters the most. You want to be sure that your player is making gains weekly, monthly, and yearly.

It is no different than taking a foreign language in school. The first day in class you learn how to say hello, then a month passes you can put a few sentences together, and at the end of the school year for your final exam you are having a conversation with your teacher. It takes hard work, preparation, and dedication to deliver excellence. That really goes for anything you do in life. The player has to be the

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one to put in the work. The scouts will come to the player… the player does not have to go to the scouts.

HAVE FUN AND ENJOY THE GAME

effort and attitude by doing the best you can in the moment.” Maybe, one day I would love to be President of Hockey Operations for an NHL team. I truly believe in my abilities and understand leadership. I study and value it. I feel I know what it takes to build a world-class caliber team, from picking a general manager to evaluating the scouting and training staff. I have always had interest in those behind the scenes aspects of teams. Everyone would look at the finished product on the ice, while I liked to dive into the details and operations of how things worked. I really feel that surrounding yourself with intelligent, genuine, and talented people is very important. I feel that you should hire the best people, put them in a position to shine, and let them do their job. It is about building a team of people with unique talents and perspectives. Overall, the most important thing is communication. You have to communicate with a large staff quickly, efficiently, and you need to be informed about what other departments within the organization are doing.

Be efficient and to the point.

Good luck at tryouts and enjoy the game! Just be you and do it well. It is the best game on earth.

I feel that the vision of youth hockey is focused too much on selling the NHL dream and not enough on playing for the love of the game. The goal is to have fun, form relationships, and enjoy the recreation. When your player started off, they had no idea what the word contract, agent, and fame was. They played because they liked the game, it was fun, and they enjoyed scoring that game-winning goal!

This gets lost when players get older and politics, misdirection, and attitude creeps in. There is an obsession with winning and individual stats with players and parents alike.

I hear so many stories of arguments over playing time between parents and coaches. One of my youth coaches used to say, “Playing in the NHL would be a big bonus, but it should not be your goal. If it is, the odds are against you and you will be upset.” As a young kid, I really was not sure what he meant by that statement at the time. Today, I totally understand what he meant by it and I see the facts that back it up.

Every player dreams of interviews, lights, cameras, presentations, and being called on the stage to pull that jersey over their head of their favorite team at the Draft. Being a data-driven guy, I was curious to dig in and see what the odds are of not only getting drafted, but making a career in the NHL. You have to be in the top 1%. You not only have to be the best of the best in your birth year, but you have to be better than players that are in some cases twenty years older than you! I feel like we as coaches, parents and players should just have more love for the game and enjoy it.

You only have so many practices, games, and tournaments in your playing career so enjoy every minute of it. Form relationships and memories to last a lifetime. You should give it your absolute best and leave everything you have on the rink at the end of the day.

Question – What are your thoughts and advice to players and parents during tryout time?

Question - What does the future hold what would be your dream job in the game of hockey?

I have to say I don’t think too much about “what’s next?” I have the mentality to stay focused in the moment as I am always trying to improve and get better. My parents gave me this advice my entire life, “You can’t control the past, you can’t control the future, but you can control your

Brendan Shanahan was once asked if hockey was difficult. His response was this: “I don’t know, you tell me. We need to have the strength and power of a football player, the stamina of a marathon runner and the concentration of a brain surgeon. But we need to put all this together while moving at high speeds on a cold and slippery surface while 5 other guys use clubs to

--------------------------Mike Pegula Full Strength Fitness California Heat Hockey 2016-17 Head Coach Bantam A Assistant Coach Squirt B Edited by Josh Brewster Host of Duck Calls for the Anaheim Ducks Editor-in-Chief of his website HockeytalkRadio.com Buffalo, NY Native

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try and kill us. Oh yeah did I mention that this whole time we’re standing on blades 1/8 of an inch thick? Is hockey hard? I don’t know you tell me? Next question.”

Therefore, the first thing I would tell a parent on their child’s upcoming season is, please remember how hard it is to play this sport. NHL Players who have skated for as long as they can remember are out there making mistakes on a regular basis. Your youth hockey player is going to do the same, no matter the level. I have coached kids from B to AAA to Semi-Pro and that is a constant.

Perfection is not the goal. Support your child through his or her mistakes and encourage them to learn from them, and be brave enough to persist. If your coach is not doing drills in which they fail and have to go outside their current abilities to get better, then he isn’t pushing them enough. I like giving drills to players in which they make mistakes. In a few weeks when they are able to do the drills better they will have improved their skill set and added another tool to their hockey tool box.

One thing I was told at a very young age that I feel is very important is this: Work on the things that you don’t like doing because those are the things which you need to improve upon. It doesn’t matter how many times they fall, it only matters how many times they get back up.

Anyone can push your child to work harder. A good coach teaches them to work smarter, to handle their emotions, to be persistent, to accept failure along with success.

“Children who get pushed into year-round programming can end up with hockey fatigue. I see very young children shipped off for long stretches by parents who seem to think the hockey environment will ‘make them a player.’ Some parents feel their kids have to stay on the ice year-round or they will lose ground. But do we need to keep kids on the ice twelve months a year in order to keep grooming them? I think there is something very wrong with that.”

--Bobby Orr (“Orr: My Story” Published by Putnam, 2014) One of the worst things to happen to the game, in my opinion, has been year-round hockey and, in particular, summer hockey. All it does for kids, as far as I can tell, is keep them out sports they should be doing in the warmer weather.

I could hardly wait to get my lacrosse stick out and start throwing the ball against the walls and working on our moves as we played the lacrosse equivalent to road hockey. All the good hockey players seemed to play lacrosse in those days and everyone of them learned something from the game to carry over to the other – things athletes can only learn by mixing up the games they play when they are young.”

— Wayne Gretzky, National Post (Canada) March 2000

Off-Season Training A lot of organizations will want their youth players to remain on the ice the entire year through. I have always felt that this can lead to overkill. I’m all for them having on-ice training during the off-season but also feel that it is important for them to play other sports during this time.

The interests of coaches and facilities are subordinate to what your child needs. I played multiple sports growing up and I firmly believe that a variety of different sports can strengthen muscles and brain function in order to make your player a more well rounded athlete and improve their on ice performance as well.

I also stress the need for off-ice dryland training to improve skating motion and muscles that will help with their edge work, passing and shooting as well.

Please take heed of these suggestions from a pair of experts (not enough parents do):

A Well-Rounded Athlete As the owner of Full Strength Fitness, which is attached to the rink at which I coach, I have drills for any age group from mites to Midgets and Junior players. A coach who implements these things is one who will have a more well-rounded and more physically fit player: • Diet is important for getting the best results out of your player. Food is the fuel you take in that the body chemically makes into energy. If a player’s diet is poor, he or she will not have the energy needed in order to achieve his peak performance. Junk foods will not give your player the proper energy.

(Continued on Page 26)

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NWHL

NWHL Makes Major Announcement Re: Future LONG-TERM VISION FOR SEASONS 3 & 4 2016-17: Playoffs will be completed by March 19, before World Championships; Anya Battaglino named director of the NWHLPA; 2017-18: History continues with Founding Four teams and neutral site games; 2018-19:

Earliest season first expansion franchises could be added

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he National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL) announced a series of major decisions pertaining to the future of the league.

Most crucially for the immediate future, the League and player representatives have agreed to complete the Isobel Cup Playoffs on March 19, prior to national team players leaving to participate in the 2017 IIHF Women’s World Championship.

“One of the primary missions of the NWHL is to help women realize Olympic dreams and national team aspirations, so concluding our season prior to the World Championships is the right thing to do,” said Commissioner Dani Rylan. “We always want to be supportive of our national team players, so we’re glad to have worked something out with the player reps. In the end, we all want what’s best for women’s hockey, and you’ll see that in the sprint to this year’s Isobel Cup and in the coming seasons of the NWHL. It’s a very exciting time for the game and for our League.”

The decision was made after discussions with NWHL players, who initially requested this consideration. The original schedule had a three-week break around the time of the World Championships before the regular season ended and playoffs began in late April. This has been changed so the NWHL season can be completed in mid-March.

Complete refunds or exchanges will be issued to fans holding tickets to any games affected by the change.

NWHL Returns in 2017-18: Additionally, the league announced that the 2017-18 season will feature the return of the Founding Four franchises: Boston Pride, Buffalo Beauts, Connecticut Whale and New York Riveters. The teams will play the majority of the schedule in their home markets, with the possibility of a few neutral-site games during the regular season in order to promote the league and gauge reaction to prospective expansion franchises.

The League is also planning exhibition games against national teams.

The NWHL is the only women’s professional hockey league in North America to compensate players, and share the proceeds from the sale of jerseys and shirseys. The League will continue paying players in Season 3.

“We’re very happy to be at full strength for Year 3 of the NWHL,” said Rylan. “The talent pool in women’s hockey is so deep and we are highly motivated to showcase these outstanding athletes. Although we will miss the Olympians and can’t wait to cheer them on, we have a great season in store for 2017-18 with the Pride, Beauts, Whale and Riveters. As part of it, we are looking at presenting a few games outside of Boston, Buffalo, Connecticut and the New York City area. These will help inform future decisions about ex-

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pansion.”

Battaglino Named Director of the NWHLPA: It was also announced that the NWHL Players’ Association (NWHLPA) has named Connecticut Whale defender Anya Battaglino as its director. A 2014 graduate of Boston University, Battaglino has been a member of the players’ association since the NWHL’s inaugural season.

“It is extremely important for the players to get a seat at the table to advocate for the betterment of the league,” said Battaglino. “We are so excited as a unit to continue to forge a strong relationship with Commissioner Rylan and the league office and I am honored to have the support of the NWHLPA as I step into this role. It is humbling to be able to continue to pioneer for women’s sports in a leadership position and even more of an honor to represent such amazing athletes. Being the voice of the athletes is an extremely important task. I’m grateful to have the support of all of the representatives to continue our conversations into the off season to grow the league and strive for success for all of women’s hockey.”

“I look forward to collaborating with Anya and all of the player reps on our vision for next season and beyond.

The input of the players is vital to everything we do,” said Rylan, League to Review Expansion Options: Rylan added that the League is reviewing candidates for expansion in the NWHL, but not until the 2018-19 season at the earliest.

“We have received interest from several markets and prospective ownership groups, and we will review these options over the next year,” said Rylan. “We’re grateful for their enthusiasm for the NWHL and professional women’s hockey. Women’s hockey is one of the fastest growing sports in North America. Last year alone, USA Hockey saw close to 5% growth in girls’ registration. It’s only a matter of time before we’ll have to expand to accommodate both the talent pool and the fan base.”

NWHL ALL-Star Weekend A Success

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he partnership between the National Women’s Hockey League and the Pittsburgh Penguins on All-Star Weekend resulted in three successful events, strong business and mutual hope for future NWHL activity for the city and its loyal hockey fans.

“It was a pleasure working with the NWHL on an incredible All-Star Weekend in the Pittsburgh community,” said Penguins President & CEO David Morehouse. “The fans of women’s hockey in Pittsburgh made it clear they loved the events and want more, and women’s hockey is growing rapidly, not just in our Pens Elite programs but all over the United States. We look forward to bringing more women’s hockey events to Pittsburgh.”

Summarizing some highlights of the Weekend: • The All-Star Game on Sunday was sold out, with more than 1,000 tickets sold.

• The Skills Showdown on Saturday – a stand-alone event for the first time in the league’s two-year history – sold 783 tickets.

• The NWHL players conducted a Skills Clinic, presented by Dunkin’ Donuts, on Saturday morning for Pittsburgh-area girls’ U12 youth hockey participants.

• Press coverage in the Pittsburgh area – the major newspapers, television and radio stations, and websites – was outstanding.

• Amanda Kessel, the MVP of the All-Star Game, was featured Star of the Night by John Buccigross on ESPN’s “SportsCenter” on Sunday.

• All NWHL All-Star merchandise was sold out.

“We want to thank our players, David Morehouse and the entire Penguins organization, the staff at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex, the fans and the Pittsburgh community for everything they did to make our second All-Star event a success,” said NWHL Commissioner Dani Rylan.

“It was more than just one game – it was a complete weekend with three major events. It was a big step forward for the NWHL and women’s hockey in the U.S. We are grateful to everyone who was a part of it, and look forward to being back in the great hockey city of Pittsburgh.”

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erything she has given to the game. Anne is an outstanding hockey player and a kind and caring person, and we wish her the best on her journey.”

T Skeats Suspended

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he Player Safety Committee of the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL) has suspended Buffalo Beauts forward Devon Skeats for one game for an illegal hit during the game on Feb. 4 against the New York Riveters.

A video summary of the suspension can be viewed here.

The Player Safety Committee, charged with reviewing plays, holding hearings, and determining supplemental discipline, includes former player Kelly Cooke, 2014 US Olympian Josephine Pucci, US Olympian and Patty Kazmaier Award winner AJ Mleczko, NHL and AHL official Terry Koharski, and Vice President of Hockey Operations at the East Coast Hockey League, Joe Ernst.

Beauts Schelper Retires

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he following statement was released from NWHL Commissioner Dani Rylan on the retirement of Buffalo Beauts defender Anne Schleper: “The NWHL and all of women’s hockey will miss Anne Schleper. We are grateful for ev-

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Isobel Cup

he National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL) announced that the one-game Isobel Cup playoffs semifinal between the No. 2 seed New York Riveters and the league’s No. 3 seed (TBD) will be on Friday, March 17 at 7:30 pm. The game will be played at Barnabas Health Hockey House in Newark, NJ, the home of the Riveters.

General public tickets for this game are available beginning at nwhl.zone/tickets.

The 2017 Isobel Cup Final will be played at the Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell on Sunday, March 19 at 6:00 pm.

The 2017 Isobel Cup Final will be played at the Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell on Sunday, March 19 at 6:00 pm.

“For this year’s Final, we wanted a first-class hockey venue with a larger capacity, and we’re really pleased to have formed a partnership with the Tsongas Center,” said NWHL Commissioner Dani Rylan. “One game – winner takes the Isobel Cup. It’s going to be an intense, exciting game to complete the second season of the NWHL.” Tickets for the 2017 NWHL Isobel Cup Final are available now at nwhl.zone/tickets.

The 6,500-seat Tsongas Center is home to the NCAA Division I UMass-Lowell River Hawks hockey team.

“We are extremely happy to host the Isobel Cup Final at the Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell,” said Keith Vaske, General Manager for Spectra at the Tsongas Center. “We think it is a perfect opportunity to host this great event for the NWHL – a league with a very bright future. We hope to be a part of the growth of not only the NWHL, but all of women’s hockey.”

Your Source For NYS Hockey News!

NY HOCKEY E-Magazine

tion by skating hard to ensure that a little mistake becomes a big one. This can be the decision that makes or breaks a player’s experience.

3. Remember the most important shift- many times when a player has a bad shift they will get down on themselves and let it affect the next shift, which will affect the next and so on. The most important shift is the next shift.

Have a short memory and continue to work hard.

4. Be a good teammate- Hockey is not an individual sport, it is a group of individuals coming together for a common goal, or a team. Make plays that benefit the team and not yourself in order to be successful.

5. Maximum effort- 110% at all times. No shifts off.

A team that all works at maximum effort will be a team that is successful.

(Advice to Parents Continued from Page 22)

• Rest is also very important for your player to get in order to make sure that they do not get burned out during this process. No player can go year round non-stop and expect to maintain their peak performance. Every player is different but around a week to three at the end of the season is what they need in order to prepare for the off-season and then their tryout. As any hard-working parent can attest, sleep is often shortchanged. Between school, sports and other activities, children are also at risk of losing sleep.

• Lastly, stretching is also something every player must do before they do any on- or off-ice session. Stretching not only helps keep the muscles more limber, hence preventing injury, but also helps lengthen muscles which will help the muscle develop fully and improve its range of motion. This is very important especially when it comes to things such as skating stride, passing and shooting.

Coaches Coaching has come a long way through the many years that I have played this game. Please bear in mind the following when searching for the best coach or program for your child: 1. M a k e sure that a coach is not just worried about wins and losses. Everyone likes to win, myself included but winning can only come when the coach implements the proper culture.

2. The coach treats everyone fairly. When I am looking to pick players on team it is not about the stats they have.

It’s two basic things. First, maximum effort even when no one is “watching” because good coaches see things your player may not think we do. Second, is the player coachable? Those are the first two things I look at. Those players have the biggest potential to improve and succeed.

3. Make sure the coach takes the time to know his players. Does he do team building activities off ice? Does he know what is going on in the players lives? Players are not on the ice or in the gym 24/7 and they have other things going on that may affect their play.

Coaching Tips These are a few things that I tell my players before every game that will help them perform at their peak level. 5 basic rules for every game which will help them during their tryout: 1. First to the puck - Hockey is a fast moving game, and many times the puck is not in possession of a player.

The team that gets to the puck first and wins those battles will have a major advantage of not only puck possession but the flow of the game. The less time the other team has the puck or the ability to make decisions the more likely your team will succeed.

2. Don’t amplify mistakes- examples include your player missing the net on a shot, which then goes around the boards, or perhaps he loses a battle in the corner. His next decision is crucial. Does he simply put his head down and give up or does he make sure he puts himself in posi-

(Continued on Page 77)

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Kazmaier Finalists Named

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he USA Hockey Foundation announced the top10 finalists for the 2017 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award. The honor is bestowed annually upon the top player in NCAA Division I women’s ice hockey, and this year will be unveiled at a brunch ceremony at Foundry Arts Centre in St. Charles, Missouri, on Saturday, March 18, as part of the NCAA Women’s Frozen Four weekend hosted

by Lindenwood University.

The top-10 finalists include: senior goaltender AnnRenee Desbiens (La Malbaie, Que./University of Wisconsin), junior defenseman Megan Keller (Farmington Hills, Mich./Boston College), senior defenseman Kelsey Koelzer (Horsham, Pa./Princeton University), junior forward Kennedy Marchment (Courtice, Ont./St. Lawrence University), senior forward Cayley Mercer (Exeter, Ont./ Clarkson University), junior forward Annie Pankowski (Laguna Hills, Calif./ University of Wisconsin), junior forward Kelly Pannek (Plymouth, Minn./ University of Minnesota), sophomore forward Sarah Potomak (Aldergrove, B.C./ University of Minnesota), senior forward Lara Stalder (Luzern, Switzerland/University of Minnesota Duluth) and senior forward Brooke Webster (Aurora, Ont./St. Lawrence University).

USA Gold Medalist Adam Page drops the puck at the Buffalo Beauts final home season game as they celebrate Fan Appreciation Night. Taking the faceoff is Beauts Captain Emily Pfalzer and Connecticut Whale Kelli Stack. (Photo by Janet Schultz)

Congratulations to Niagara University Men’s Club Hockey Team for winning the 2017 NECHL Championship. (Photo by Janet Schultz)

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I

t has been quite a frustrating start to the first professional season of Buffalo Sabres second round draft pick Vaclav Karabacek.

He missed 17 games at the start of the season with an ankle injury, then was assigned to Buffalo’s East Coast League affiliate in Elmira for eight game before he finally joined the Rochester roster Dec. 14.

He promptly earned a point in his first game with the Amerks, but then went six games, including one more as a healthy scratch, before getting back into the line-up for four more.

Sickness and more healthy scratches carried through early February, but an assist against Bridgeport Feb. 17 and the game-winning goal Feb. 19 versus Binghamton may be the launching pad he needs for the final two months of the season. He added another tally as Rochester defeated Utica several nights later in Buffalo.

“I had a lot of opportunities from my linemates so it feels good after my third time (chance) to finally score,” Karabacek said about his goal.

“It’s my toughest year that I’ve ever been through, but it feels nice. I’m not frustrated at all; it keeps me pushing to be better and better.”

Selected 49th overall in 2014 after his first year playing junior hockey with Gatineau in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League where he netted 21 goals and 16 assists, the Czech Republic native was traded midway through the following season to Baie-Comeau and was traded again midway through the 2015-16 season to Moncton.

But he has performed. After scoring ten goals over just 24 regular season games with Moncton, he netted six more in 17 playoff games.

At 6’0” and 195 lb. Karabacek won’t turn 21 until May 2nd.

“He’s a guy who has the ability to be a bit of a pest to the opposition and I think we’re starting to see that slowly,” Rochester head coach Dam Lambert said. “He’s starting to feel comfortable being out there against men—he’s a 20year old who played junior last season and he’s made a lot nice little plays.

“Defensively he needs to keep working at it, but he is a

FUTURE SABRES:

VACLAV KARABACEK guy who works hard and it’s important for him to be rewarded and play a key role.”

“The only thing you have to do here is not be frustrated,” the rookie said about being scratched and the transition to pro.

“You have to be mad inside and say that I’m going to show them and I’m going to be better every practice. Always try, and if it doesn’t come you never give up.”

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CENTRAL NEW YORK

Central Men’s College Ice Hockey Report

by Warren Kozireski Wkozires@brockport.edu

COLGATE Colgate finished tenth in the ECAC standings and travel to the No. 7 seed Princeton Tigers for a bestof-three first round series at Hobey Baker Rink.

Senior goaltender Charlie Finn surpassed Mark Dekanich ’08 with his 119th career game played Feb. 2 for the most games played by a goaltender in program history. He earlier set the all-time program record for saves in a career with 3,072 in a 2-1 win over the Dartmouth Big Green at Class of 1965 Arena Jan. 27. Finn passed Dekanich, who made 3,071 in his career from 2004-08.

Brett Corkey led the conference in blocked shots with 84.

Senior defenseman Anthony Sanniti scored his first career goal Feb. 24 in his 82nd career game against Union.

CORNELL The Big Red ended the regular season third in ECAC and earned a first round bye. They will host a quarterfinal series March 10-12.

This year marks the first time since 2004-05 that the Big Red has swept three ECAC Hockey road weekends in a single season.

Yanni Kaldis was named ECAC Hockey Rookie of the Week Feb. 5 after the defenseman led all conference freshmen with three points including his first collegiate goal.

Mitch Vanderlaan scored goals in five straight games—the first for the team since Michael Kennedy did it from Dec. 28, 2007 to Jan. 11, 2008.

Cornell completed the road portion of its schedule with a sterling 9-2-2 record, with the .769 winning percentage ranking fourth-best in the country entering the weekend. This mark’s the Big Red’s best road winning percentage since the 2002-03 season (.821), when Cornell reached the Frozen Four.

CORTLAND The Red Dragons missed the postseason for the ninth consecutive year,

98 games.

but were just one point away and took to the final weekend to determine.

Junior Darren McCormick (Buffalo) was named Third Team All-SUNYAC after he led the Red Dragons in points (31) and was among the top-20 in the nation with seven power play tallies.

Senior forward Casie Garrison (Cortland) finished with 18 career goals and 35 points over

ELMIRA The rebuilding Soaring Eagles finished 8-161 overall and 3-11-0 in conference and failed to make the postseason in the expanded ECAC West.

The future seems bright with freshmen Connor Powell, Matthew Cuce and Nick Ford atop the team scoring list all with 20 or more points.

Goaltender Sal Magliocco (Roslyn) finishes his collegiate career with 25 wins while senior defenseman Eddie Nolan wraps up with nine goals and 23 points in 98 career games.

HAMILTON The Continentals won the NESCAC regular season championship for the second time (2011) and entered the playoffs as the top seed.

They defeated Bowdoin in the quarterfinals and will host the four-team semi-final and finals.

Ranked eighth in the nation, they led Division III in scoring defense with 1.58 goals allowed per game and were second in penalty kill at 89.9 percent through the regular season.

11 players have 10 or more points and 11 different players have scored at least one game-winning goal. Neil Conway leads the way with 23 points on seven goals and 16 assists. Brandon Willett has a team-high 12 goals, Jason Brochu ten while Jon Carkeek is tied for second in the conference with 17 assists and is second among defenseman scoring with 20 points.

Hamilton scored 36 of its 76 goals in the third period during the regular season.

HOBART Undefeated in 12 non-conference games, the Statesmen suffered four conference losses—two in February—and finished third in the regular season. They beat Manhattanville in the ECAC West semi-finals, a team that defeated them twice in the regular season, to advance to

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the conference final against Utica.

The Statesmen sit atop the ECAC West in scoring defense (2.38 ga/gm) and on the penalty kill (86.8%). Hobart also ranks second in the league in scoring offense (4.00 g/gm).

Senior Nick Bingaman leads the team with 27 points and 17 goals.

Sophomore Tanner Shaw has handed out a team-high 16 assists and junior goaltender Frank Oplinger is sporting a .920 save percentage, a 2.49 goals against average and a 9-4-2 record.

MORRISVILLE Five points over their last three games kept the Mustangs from the cellar of the SUNYAC standings and sent the seniors away on a bit of a high note.

Senior forwards Jordan Carvalho and Joe Santino were named Second Team All-SUNYAC after they led the squad with 37 and 33 points respectively. Carvalho finished with 99 career points while Santino had 88.

Senior defensemen Joe Ftoma, Max Sund and Dario Trupino also completed their collegiate careers. Sund scored his first collegiate goal in his 45th and final game Feb. 11 against Cortland.

OSWEGO The Lakers secured their first SUNYAC regular season title since the 2012-13 campaign and home ice for as long as they stay alive in the playoffs. They entered the postseason ranked second in the nation behind Norwich. A semi-final win over Buffalo State put them in the final against rival Plattsburgh.

“We were certainly disappointed and humbled by the way we performed last year, so the recommitment and refocus by all of the guys makes this possible,” head coach Ed Gosek said. “Without the recommitment of the returners and the young guys to push the returners out of their comfort zone, you don’t have this happen.”

Stephen Johnson was named SUNYAC Defensive Player of the Year and First Team All-SUNYAC after he racked up 30 points with 23 assists--a conference high for defensemen. Shawn Hulshoff and Kenny Neil joined him on the First Team, goaltender Matt Zawadski was named to the Second Team and defenseman Chris Raguseo Third Team.

Senior Kenny Neil recorded his second career hat trick and first four-goal game in the regular season finale against Buffalo State Feb. 18.

UTICA Utica secured its third ECAC West regular season title in the last five years, the top seed and home ice advantage in the ECAC Men’s West Conference Tournament. It marks the Pioneers fourth title in the 16 year history of the program.

They defeated Neumann to advance to the ECAC West championship game against Hobart.

10 wins through 11 conference games is a new program-record for the Pioneers and they won 15 or more games in a season for the first time since 2013-14. Their 18 wins are the second best mark for the program.

Despite that they are not getting much respect nationally only in the “Receiving Votes” category in the national poll, so will try to prove people wrong in the postseason.

Freshman goalie Patrik Virtanen earned his first collegiate shut out Feb. 10 against Stevenson.

The Pioneers led Division III men’s hockey in home attendance for the 11th consecutive year this season ... In 14 home dates 46,557 tickets were spoken for at the Utica Memorial Auditorium ... Utica’s average home attendance of 3,326 beat out second place Oswego State (2,399).

OTHER AREA NOTES:

• Robert Morris senior goaltender Dalton Izyk (Oswego) was named Atlantic Hockey Goaltender of the Week Jan. 31 after he was the lone goaltender in NCAA hockey not to surrender a goal he pitched 94:11 in shutout minutes across two games at Holy Cross.

Editor’s Note: We will be featuring the Seniors of Men’s hockey in the next issue; please send us your photos and Senior Night Story.

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31

Skaneateles Seniors!

Final Game: A Championship

The Skaneateles Girls Varsity Ice Hockey Team went undefeated in the regular season and playoffs and then took the NYS Championship.

Nine seniors found themselves in not only their last game of their high school career, but the Championship game in the NYS High School Girls Varsity playoffs against another undefeated team, Orchard Park/Frontier/ LakeShore. (Story on Page 8 We would like to congratulate Seniors Marie McLean, Alison Weiss (#8), Lauren Jones (#9), Katie Halko (#17), Sophie Kush (#18), Emily Cox (#20), Grace Schnorr (#21) and Johna Halko (#30).

32

NYHOL Congratulations and Extends Best Wishes for a Successful Future to the Class of 2017 From Ithaca Girls High School Hockey Captain Grace Wolczanki (right); Assistant Captain Devin Baylor (goalie #30) and Assistant Captain MacRae McCarthy (bottom left). These players are all attending college and will continue their hockey careers, but not at the DI or DIII level.

33

Cortland

The Red Dragons end the regular season with a 3-21-1 record and a 4-2 loss to Utica.

The team loses seven players to graduation this year including from New York Captain Richelle Skarbowski of Orchard Park/University of New England; Sydney Carlucci, Baldwinsville/Rochester Edge; Ashley Terry, Redford/Chazy Lady Flyers.

Also graduating are Taylor Arenz, Josie Fletcher, MacKenze Wright and Kelly Farinelta.

Central New York Women’s College Hockey Report

By Janet Schultz Janet@nyhockeyonline.com

Syracuse

After a sweep of RIT the Orange are 1312-5 and receive a buy in the first round of the CHA playoffs.

Laurence Porlier was named Syracuse Scholar Athlete of the Week for February 13. The Senior in Supply Chain Management in the Martin J. Whitman School of Business Management has played in every game for the Orange, had two game-winning goals against Penn State in January, as well as 2 assists.

Abbey Miller took CHA Goaltender of the Month honors for January after she held opponents to 9 goals in 8 games with a 1.35gaa with a little over 400 minutes in net.

CHA Player of the Month honors went to Stephani Grossi who led Syracuse and the league with 11 points in January, doubling her points in the season.

Honored on Senior Night were Porlier, Morgan Blank, Larissa Martyniuk, Heather Schwarz and Jessica Sibley.

Utica

The Pioneers received national recognition after receiving votes from the USCHO.com and d3Hockey.com. They received 4 votes from the USCHO and 7 from d3, tying with Buffalo for third in receiving votes.

They are on a 7-game win streak as they closed out the regular season and now move to post-season play hosting $5 Oswego in the quarterfinals.

Gabrielle Schnepp was named ECACW Player of the Week February 20 after going to 4th place in school history for 114 career points and posting 2 goals and 2 assists in a trio of wins.

Heading off to start new careers following graduation are Emily Coope, Jane Pagano, Victoria Pleton, Schnepp and New York native Keira Goin from Dobbs Ferry/Hotchkiss School. Goin will have a degree in public relations.

34

Colgate

The Red Raiders clinched a playoff berth as the #6 seed and will play #3 seed Cornell in the best of three quarterfinals of the ECAC DI play.

Shae Labbe was named ECAC Player of the Week for February 15 after she had 5 points (3/2) in a 7-3 win over Brown. She also had her second hat trick of the season and third of her career.

Cat Quirio, Hannah Rastrick and Meghn Brennan were honored on Senior Night, along with their parents, pictured above.

Oswego

With a 16-7-2 overall regular season record, the Lakers will head to #4 Utica in the quarterfinals.

Three seniors hail from New York State including Ashley Lymen, Lockport and the Buffalo Bisons and Nichols School. She will receive her degree in public justice with minors in forensic science and athletic coaching; Brennan Butler of Lake

Placid and Northwood School. Her degree is in wellness management and health services. Kendall Applebaum of Buffalo. Kendall played for Nichols and the Buffalo Bisons and also played Lacrosse. Her degree is in wellness management. Alyssa Brockman of Fairport/Potsdam is also receiving a degree in wellness management.

Other seniors include Erika Tuschke, Alexa Aramburu, Alli Ullrich.

Cornell

The Big Red host Colgate in the ECAC Quarterfinals at press time. Cornell is seeded #7. This is the 10th consecutive season Cornell has played in the ECAC Tournament and the fourth time in five years they have served as hosts.

Micah Hart was named ECAC Player of the Week after she had 2 goals and 2 assists to help bring wins over Union and RPI. She had a power play goal and assisted on a game winner.

Graduating this season are Hannah Buntori, Brianne Veerman, Sydney Smith, Kaitlin Doering and Paula Voorhees.

35

Elmira Elmira will host the semi-finals in ECAC West play as the 4/5 seed. They have a 17-4-4 overall record and ended the season with a weekend sweep of Potsdam.

Graduating this season are New York native Jessica Prancer of Chaumont and the Perth Predators, Kyle Nelson, Anna Tude, Johanna Eideristen, Sydney Fischer.

NY HOCKEY MAGAZINE accepts all stories, game results, tournament news and photographs from hockey organizations throughout New York State.

Email all material to Janet@nyhockeyonline.com OR Randy@nyhockeyonline.com www.nyhockeyonline.com Follow us on Facebook and Twitter nyhockeyonline

36

Hamilton

Hamilton is 14-7-3 overall after regular season play. They are seeded third, the best in college history.

Sam Walther made 31 saves in a 0-0 tie at Connecticut College on Feb-

ruary 18.

The quarterfinals of the NESCAC will be held at Hamilton with the Continentals playing Bowdoin.

Katie Parkman received NESCAC honors as Player of the Week on February 13 are scoring 3 of 4 goals against Amherst and the first season sweep of Amherst since the 2002-03 season.

Graduating are Sara Taffe, Katie Parkman, Maddi Carras, Elana Van Arnam and Oswego’s Megan Ahern.

William Smith

The Herons close out their season 7-12-6 and two players receiving league honors.

Maggie Salmon was named Goaltender of the Week after she was “spectacular” in goal stopping 113 of 115 shots over the weekend. It was a career best sixth win of the season and her 55 saves was the most by a Heron goaltender with wins in regulation.

Kati Klimaszewski was named Rookie of the Week after she got the game-winner and had 5 shots on goal.

William Smith concluded its third season as a varsity program and set records with 75 assists; 18 power-play

goals and 6 ties this season. In goal the program had a best at a .936 save percentage and 2.26 gaa.

Morrisville

With a 18-6-1 record the Mustangs are seeded #2 in Colonial Hockey Conference play with Endicott College taking the first place. Endicott’s single loss came at the hands of Morrisville.

Morrisville receives a bye in the Quarters and then plays the winner of the #3 (Canton) vs #6 (Becker) game in the semi-finals.

Renee Stevenson was named Rookie of the Week by the CHC after scoring twice in a 2-0 win over Johnson and Wales.

The Mustangs lose one player to graduation-- Kanekaroroks McComber.

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37

East Hockey

F

ree hockey in 2017? That’s right! For the second year in a row, The Lady Bulldogs organization has put together a try hockey for free clinic at the Brewster Ice Arena. For a short period of time the team is allowing female athletes between 5 and 12 years of age to gear up and play hockey in an all-girls environment. The fundamentals are taught to the players by The Lady Bulldogs coaching staff in partnership with skating coach Cathie Bonner, who has been teaching players all necessary developmental skills for many years.

The Lady Bulldogs are giving this opportunity in hope to attract new players to the hockey. They wish to demonstrate the core values obtained by participating in a team sport as well. Confidence, Commitment, Hard Work, Team Unity etc. Since the sessions go through the end of February, we encourage any players interested to contact The Lady Bulldogs coaches regarding our spring developmental clinic. All information is available at BrewsterHockey.com under The Lady Bulldogs tab.

Since the beginning this try hockey for free clinic in 2016 they have seen over 50 new young female athletes interested in playing. This has also influenced the overall participation of The Lady Bulldogs organization. The increase of players has made it possible to build an all-girls 8U program in the 2016/2017 season! The organization has hopes of having the try hockey for free program next season as well so stay tuned for that. Congratulations to the Lady Bulldogs in their success and creating such a great opportunity for new young players!

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39

igible for the award, a student-athlete must be classified as an NCAA Division I senior and have notable achievements in four areas of excellence: community, classroom, character and competition.

The Williamsville North product was also announced as one of the Hobey Baker nominees and was hoping to make it to the second level of voting in mid-March.

“It was one of those far-off goals coming into college, so being a nominee is obviously a great honor and I can kind of use it as a confidence booster to help pump myself up for the team going forward.”

H

is name dots the Army West Point record book—most career saves, top three in career goals against average, tops in career save percentage and second in career shutouts.

But Buffalo native Parker Gahagen isn’t anxious to sign a professional hockey contract like others with his stats might—that decision was made when he decided to sign and stay with the Black Knights.

In a matter of games/days, he will move on from hockey.

“Not really,” Gahagen said about whether he was nostalgic about his final weeks. “Every game is just trying to get a win—that’s more fun.

“Just focusing on what I can do to get the team more wins.

It’s pretty cool being in the record book, but the bottom line is trying to finish the season off right and leaving our legacy with the organization.”

Army West Point was locked into third place in Atlantic Hockey and the first round playoff bye that comes with it and will watch the first round unfold from home before hosting a quarterfinal series.

In February Gahagen was named a finalist for the Senior CLASS Award as one of top 10 NCAA men’s ice hockey student-athletes who excel both on and off the ice. To be el-

GAHAGEN WINDING DOWN

By Warren Kozireski

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40

East Women’s College Report

by Janet Schultz Janet@nyhockeyonline.com

der Amelia Murray, Union lost their final regular season game against Quinnipiac and end the season 5-28-1 overall.

This was their first year under Coach Josh Sciba and they recorded their best record since 2013-14.

Kate Spooner was named ECAC Rookie of the Week for February 14 after making 38 saves in 39 shots in a 2-1 win over Dartmouth.

Union honored Allie Devins, Kathryn Davis, Emily Erickson and Eastyn Yuen on Senior Night.

RPI

Manhattanville

Closing out their regular season 15-8-2 the Valiants will host the NEHC as the #2 seed in postseason play for the 17th consecutive season.

They faceoff against the University of Southern Maine in round one at Playland at press time.

Manhattanville has won the conference tournament 8 times and made 8 NCAA appearances plus 3 in the nationals. They are looking for their first conference championship since 2010-11.

Junior Sara Sinning (Southold/National Sports Academy) had her first career hat trick against Salve Regina and Sophomore Nicole Mensi had 3 assists.

The Valiants graduated Olivia Drew(#1), Lindsay Diot (#8), Kayley Romano(#20) and Taryn Harren (#28)at Senior Night.

The Engineers ended the regular season 1022-2 overall and an 8th seed due to Harvard losing to Brown. They will play #1 seed Clarkson in the first round of ECAC play, a best of three series.

Congratulations to Seniors Hannah Behounek, Laura Horwood, Lindsey Hylwa and Katie Rooney.

Union

Despite 49 saves for Freshman Goalten-

41

ARMY

the first round of the playoffs at Clarkson.

Freshman Jake Marello Locked (Slingerlands) netted his into third first collegiate goal Feb. 17 place and a against Princeton. Junior first round defenseman Jared Wilson bye for the

by Warren Koziereski was second in the nation in first time since 2009-10 when goals by a blueliner with ten. it was only a ten-team league, As a team, the Engineers led the Black Knights await the the nation in blocked shots third-lowest seed after first round games are completed. heading into the final weekend of the regular season.

Their 15 conference wins and 16 overall are the best since the 2007-08 campaigns when they won 17 and 19 re- Goaltender Kyle St. Denis (Katonah) joined the team in late January from the Syracuse Stars. spectively.

Sophomore Conor Andrle led the squad in goals and 1996 alum Brian Richardson is among the Renssepoints while part of the team’s success was depth scoring laer’s Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2017. The forward averaged 1.37 points per game in 141 career contests, with ten players with ten or more points.

Senior goaltender Parker Gahagen (Buffalo) stood scored 80 goals with 113 assists for 193 points and still top-five in the nation in goals against and save percent- ranks fourth in school history in career assists and eighth in points. He scored 20 goals or more three times and had age.

Brendan Soucie was named Atlantic Hockey Rookie 50 or more points in two seasons. The induction banquet of the Week Feb. 14 after he had three points and two will be April 29.

Former Engineer standout and alumnus Adam Oates blocks against Niagara.

‘85 was named one of the top 100 players to ever play in the National Hockey League, according to a panel comprised of distinguished members of the hockey community - including executives, media members and NHL The Valiants were 4-1 in February to lock alumni. (See related story on page XX) up second place in ECAC West and a first round bye. Their season ended in the conference semi-finals with a loss to Hobart.

The Dutchmen earned a share of its Sophomore Matt Lippa and senior Adam Platt both had fourth regular season title in the last sevcareer years exceeding 20 points for the first time in their en seasons and secured an ECAC Hockey careers.

First Round bye for the sixth time in the Sophomore Oscar Arfelt scored the first two goals of his collegiate career, including the game-winner Feb. 4 last eight seasons.

“That was one of our goals—one of our seven,” head against Stevenson.

Teagan Waugh, Platt, Nolan Marshall, Tanner Hicks coach Rick Bennett said about the regular season co-title.

“Now we have to find that work-rest ratio and find four and Phi Dinner all completed their collegiate careers. lines and six “d” that are ready once we find out our opponent.”

Mike Vecchione picked up his 158th career point with a shorthanded goal against Cornell Feb. 3, passing Daniel The Engineers finished the regular season Carr ‘14 to become the all-time leading scorer in Union’s 11th in ECAC and were set to hit the road for DI era. He scored five points during the weekend to earn

East Men’s College Report

MANHATTANVILLE

UNION

R.P.I.

42

ECAC Player of the Week honors for the third time this season and added another record to his resume with an assist Feb. 11 to set the program’s single-season record for points (51).

Senior Alex Sakellaropoulos was named the ECAC Hockey Goaltender of the Week for the fourth time this season for the week ending Feb. 19 as he turned away 52 of 55 shots over the weekend and backstopped Union to its fifth ECAC Hockey sweep of the season.

Freshman defenseman Charlie Manley (Orchard Park) scored his first collegiate goal Jan. 19 versus Union.

Gosselin Named USA Hockey Sled Coach

G

uy Gosselin (Grafton, Wis.) has been named head coach of the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team that will compete in the 2017 International Paralympic Committee Sled Hockey World Championship, April 11-20, in Gangneung, South Korea. Gosselin replaces former head coach Jeff Sauer (Madison, Wis.), who passed away on Feb. 2, 2017.

“We’re extremely fortunate to have Guy come on board to lead Team USA for the remainder of the season,” said Dan Brennan, director of inline and sled hockey national teams for USA Hockey and general manager of the 2016-17 U.S. National Sled Hockey Team. “His familiarity with our players, staff and style of play will help our preparations for the world championship this April. Our players are excited to have him back on the bench as we aim for another gold medal.”

This will be Gosselin’s second stint with the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team after working alongside Sauer as an assistant coach from 2011-15. During his time with Team USA, Gosselin helped the U.S. claim gold medals at the 2014 Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia, and the 2012 IPC Sled Hockey World Championship in Hamar, Norway, as well as a silver medal at the 2013 IPC Sled Hockey World Championship in Goyang City, South Korea.

The two-time U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team member (1988, 1992) and three-time U.S.

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Men’s National Team member (1986, 1990, 1991), Gosselin is currently a regional manager of USA Hockey’s American Development Model.

Prior to joining USA Hockey, Gosselin served 14 years as general manager of the Ozaukee Ice Center in Mequon, Wisconsin. He helped found the NCAA Division III Concordia University Wisconsin men’s and women’s ice hockey teams and implemented on- and off-ice youth programs.

Gosselin played professionally for parts of six seasons, including a five-game stint with the NHL’s Winnipeg Jets following the 1988 Olympic Winter Games. In North America, Gosselin skated two seasons (1988-90) with the Moncton Hawks of the American Hockey League and finished his career with the International Hockey League’s Kansas City Blades in 1993-94. He also skated in Sweden for two seasons (1990-91, 1992-93) with Skellftea AIK. The University of Minnesota Duluth graduate played parts of five seasons (1982-87) with the Bulldogs’ men’s ice hockey team and helped lead UMD to back-to-back (1984, 1985) Western Collegiate Hockey Association championships and Frozen Four appearances.

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43

North Hockey

By Randy Schultz

BROWN MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD

of 2011 he made the team.

“Half way through that season he became our starting goalie and has been the starting goalie every since. One of the nicest memories I have of Joey in goal was when he got his first victory in the net and it was a 1-0 shutout and also my 300th career coaching win.”

Dievendorf also talked about Joey the person as well as the player.

“Joey is a great kid and he’s always training to be the best,” commented Dievendorf. “He does well in school and is a real team leader, proven by the fact that he has been captain of the hockey team for the past two seasons.

“He holds many of the goaltending records in school.

He’s also played soccer and golf. “ A n d

W

hen Joey Brown took over as the starting goaltender for the Franklin Academy Boys Varsity Hockey team in Malone, NY only his team knew who he was. It is an entirely different story now for Brown, in his sixth season as the Huskies starting netminder.

He is not only known throughout the North Region of New York State High School Hockey, but it is a good bet that he is known by many throughout the Empire State. What makes Brown’s story even more amazing is he accomplished it while being a Type 1 diabetic.

Chuck Dievendorf was Joey’s first high school hockey coach. He remembers those early days in Joey’s hockey career.

“He started off as our manager in seventh grade,” said Dievendorf. “As I was getting ready to retire Gary wanted Joey to play for me.

“So Joey began preparing and training to pass the physical fitness test the state required, which he did. In the Fall

through all of this he’s done it all while being a Type 1 Diabetic.”

The question was asked of Joey, “why goaltending?”

“I like the challenge of it,” answered Joey, the son of Gary and Joanna Brown. “I like playing the tough teams.

(Continued on Page 47)

45

Northern New York Men’s College Hockey Report › Warren Kozireski

Wkozires@brockport.edu

CANTON The Roo’s lost their final six games of the season—all to SUNYAC playoff qualifiers—to finish 7-16-2 overall with the independent program looking forward to bid for a spot in the new United Collegiate Hockey Conference (UCHC).

“It was more or less getting them (the players) to know what I want in certain situations,” first year head coach Alex Boak (Canton) said about his team. “We’re a pretty young team and college hockey is a rough game…if you don’t get pucks in and pucks out.

“Looking forward to next year we’re trying to find some different options and we’re still looking, but I’m looking to take a step forward every year. This program is heading in the right direction with time and whatever happens with a conference happens.”

Freshman Vili-Jesper Koivula finished as the team leader in goal and points with 14 and 28 with classmate Tyler Bullard (Ballston Spa) right behind with 22 points.

Seniors Kyle Dora (Saranac Lake) and Nick Vasilopoulos completed their collegiate careers with 73 and 71 games played respectively.

CLARKSON The Golden Knights secured sixth place and will host a first round ECAC playoff best-of-three series with RPI. They earned points in all but two of the seven games in February.

The Knights are averaging 3.06 goals per game (tied for 22nd in Division I), the best GPG average at Clarkson since the 2006-07 season (3.48 GPG).

Clarkson’s Sam Vigneault recorded his first career hat trick Feb. 17 against Colgate and his 32 points are the most for a Clarkson layer in three season.

Knights’ freshmen led ECAC Hockey rookies in scoring and were ninth overall in the NCAA, averaging 2.53 points per game. The Knights’ seven rookie skaters, and Kielly (one assist) accounted for 32% of Clarkson’s offense with 81 points on 31 goals and 50 assists.

PLATTSBURGH A ten-game unbeaten streak through January and February saved what was becoming a lost season for the Cardinals, but the late rally secured second place in SUNYAC and a first round playoff bye. They defeated Geneseo in the semi-finals and head to rival Oswego for yet another championship game match-up.

“We’re a young team and we have to win a lot of games with guts,” head coach Bob Emery said. “We have only four upperclassmen and I’m an offensive guy, but defense and goaltending wins championships.”

The Cardinals were starting four freshman and one sophomore on defense late in the campaign.

Defenseman Ayrton Valente became the first blueliner since at least the 1999-2000 season to lead the team in scoring with 20 points. He was named to the All-SUNYAC First Team.

Cole Stoddard and defenseman Philip Middleton were named to the Third Team.

POTSDAM The Bears lost their final eight games of the season to finish with just one conference victory and a 6-17-2 overall record—their fewest since the 2006-07 campaign (5-19-1).

The season finale brought a close to the Bears careers of seniors Tommy Telesca (Selden), Vinny Caligiuri (Shoreham) who finished second on the team with 17

46

points, Nick Casacci, Alex Goodhue, Logan Brown and Jake Butler.

ST. LAWRENCE The Saints were battling an untimely streak of one win over the final six games, but held onto fourth lace and a first round ECAC playoff bye.

Newcomer Alex Gilmour made quite an impact after joining the Saints in January as he was named ECAC Rookie of the Month. He scored six goals—two game winners—with two assists and was +5. He and Kyle Hayton were earlier named ECAC Rookie and Goaltender of the Week Jan. 31.

(Brown Continued from Page 45)

“When I first started in seventh grade, I was a little nervous. But I kept working hard. I didn’t hang my head when I got scored on. I learned from my mistakes.”

Joey had nearly three seasons of high school hockey under his belt before his diabetic situation set in. But like he’s done everything else in life, Joey took everything in stride.

“I don’t let the diabetes bother me too much,” remarked Joey, who has two brothers, Josh and Justin. “I test my blood sugar before games and then between periods of a game.

“I have an insulin pump that I wear. But when I’m playing a sport I disconnect it. I give my coaches sugar tablets incase something might go wrong.”

The one big thing Joey has to do is to always listen to his body, in addition to listening to his parents, teachers and coaches.

It was at a hockey tournament when Browns’ parents discovered that Joey has Type 1 diabetes.

“He didn’t look well, he had lost a lot of weight,” Gary said. “We went to a doctor and they diagnosed him with it.

They sent us to Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington (Vt). We went there for four days and helped get it under control.”

Gary knows that Joey’s situation is not an easy one to deal with.

Ben Finkelstein was named ECAC Rookie of the Week in late January after he scored two goals including the game-winner and one assist during a Colgate –Cornell road swing.

Defenseman Gavin Bayreuther was on verge of leading the team in scoring for the second consecutive season after becoming the first blueliner in program history to accomplish the feat last season. He was top-three in points per game by defensemen with two games remaining in the regular season.

Goaltender Kyle Hayton was fifth in the nation in save percentage (.933), 13th in goals against (2.14).

“Every day is a trial,” stated Gary. “As parents, we check on him a lot.

“We check on everything he eats. But we feel confident that he himself knows how to handle the situation.”

Gary has already seen his son, at a young age, become a role model for others.

“Other children who are in the same situation that Joey is in, has seen how well Joey has handled it and how well he is doing in school and in athletics,” continued Joey’s father.

“I’ve already had other parents come to me and tell me that their children see Joey as a role model because they have a diabetic situation.”

Again, Joey takes it all in stride.

“I used to look up to other people as I was getting older,” said Joey. “Now I have to work harder to be a better role model.”

Now that Joey is a senior, what are his future plans?

“I would like to go on to college,” responded Joey. “I would like to become a doctor and work with those with diabetes.

“I would like to continue my hockey career too. But I know I’m a little short in height (5-10). But I don’t let that bother me either.

“I’ve worked through diabetes. I can work through my size as well. I won’t let anything stop me.

“All I really want to do is make a difference in the world. I think I can.”

Like he already has.

47

Congratulations to the Potsdam Sandstoners on a great showing at the NYS Girls Varsity Ice Hockey Championships and congratulations to Seniors Peyton Warden and Hannah Gray.

NYHOL Congratulations and Extends Best Wishes for a Successful Future to the Class of 2017 From St. Lawrence High School Girls Hockey Maddee Derouchie and Brooke Reville

Massena High School Girls Hockey

Carmnyn Peets, MiKenna Merry, Krysten Stone and KC Herne, attending Norwich University and playing for their hockey team Maddy Mailhot, attending SUNY Potsdam and plans to tyrout for the Bears.

Alexandria Bay/Thousand Islands Girls Hockey

Emilie Walti, Alexandria Central School, college unknown at this time Kyleigh Prance, IHC, College and hockey Mallory Cooley, Thousand Islands HS, College Kaitlin Irvine, Alexandria Central, College but undecided about hockey

Northwood School

Saara Keranen, Katelinn Cummings (going to Cortland), Sydney Collins, Kira Collins (Stevenson), Madison Gneo, Kelsey Bannister, Hanna Markel (Minnesota DeLuth), Ashley Davis and Lauren Klein (Boston University)

48

Kady Hart (Potsdam/North Country Ice Storm); Amanda Peterson (West Chazy/ Chazy Flyers); and Madison Smith.

Northern New York Women’s College Hockey Report

Plattsburgh

Ending the season with the top spot in national rankings, Plattsburgh has a 23-1-1 overall record and received 13 first place votes from the USCHO.com and 15 first place votes from d3Hockey.com.

They drew a first round bye and have home ice advantage throughout the ECAC West post season (semis Feb. 26).

Senior Camille Leonard set a NCAA DIII wins record with 70, breaking a tie with Plattsburgh Alum Sydney Aveson who had 69-8-5 and Leonard has

by Janet Schultz Janet@ nyhockeyonline.com

NYHOL Thanks Canton for their hospitality at the NYS Girls Varsity Ice Hockey Championships. We enjoyed your facility and the area very much.

Potsdam

70-4-0.

Graduating this season are Julia Duquette (North Tonawanda/Buffalo Bisons and Monsignor Martin); Melissa Ames (Rochester/Pittsburgh Penquins Elite 18U); Erin Brand (Long Beach/Syracuse University), Jordan Lysson, Katelyn Tuck, Camille Leonard.

The Bears will face the Bengals in the ECAC West quarterfinal matchup at press time. Potsdam Clarkson went 12-12-1 on the

regular season overThe Golden all. This is the first Knights will playoff series since play a best of 2014 for the Bears, three series fourth in the last six against RPI at seasons.

Cheel Arena Potsdam Women’s Hockey Senior Night Jordan Ott after postscored her 61st caing a 25-4-5 reer goal and the Bears Freshman Goalie Alex Pfeiffer overall regular season record. stopped 32 shots in a 3-1 loss to Utica.

Cayley Mercer received ECAC Player of the Week hon Graduating this season are Ott of Hilton/Rochester ors after leading Clarkson to a weekend sweep of Colgate.

Edge; Kaylen Van Wagner (Red Hook/Hotchkiss Prep), Shea Tiley was named Goaltender of the Week after she

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stopped 48 of 49 goals in a weekend sweep of Quinnipiac and Princeton.

Clarkson honored Seniors Corie Jacobson, Jessica Gillham, Genevieve Bannon, Cayley Mercer and McKenzie Johnson.

St. Lawrence

The Saints face Yale in the quarterfinals of the ECAC at press time on home ice. They are seeded #2 and Yale is #7.

Hannah Miller was named ECAC Player of the Month for January after leading the league in scoring with 6 goals/11 assists and a plus 13 rating.

Graduating this season are Kristen Padalis, Alex Moore and Brooke Webster.

Canton

The Roos are the third seed in the Colonial Hockey Conference after putting up a 7-4-1 overall record. They have home ice advantage for the Quarterfinals and face Becker College.

They played Becker last season and lost 1-0 after a 43 save shutout by Madison Rigby.

Graduating from Canton this season are Rhea Code (Wheatfield/Ontario Hockey Academy), Sydney Kinder (New York/Manhattanville College) and Lora Ardoin.

Congratulations Beekmantown on a Great Showing at the NYS Girls Varsity Ice Hockey Championships!

Also, Congratulations and Best Wishes to Seniors Taylor Laurin, Abigail Bone, Ashley Maggy! and Conner Lapierre

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West Hockey

By Randy Schultz

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“For the most part I really didn’t like the sport at all at first,” remarked Brendan, a native of Hamburg. “But I stuck with it.

“And by the time I was nine or ten I really loved the sport. I’m glad I stuck with it.

“It’s been my life ever since.”

Prior to his arrival at ECC played a portion of last season with the Lockport Express, a Junior A hockey team in nearby Lockport. It was a great experience.

“Lockport was fun with a really great group of guys,” commented Brendan. “It was a good experience for me.”

How did it happen that Brendan ended up at ECC and playing hockey with the Kats.

“Three of my friends were going here and playing hockey,” said Brendan, a general studies major who is planning on going on to a four-year college to major in education after next season. “It looked like a good fit for me.

“This season all four of us are sharing an apartment together.

“Plus, I knew that ECC had a good hockey program. They won a National Championship a couple of years ago.

“To me it seemed like a good fit.”

Brendan proved to be a good fit in the Kats hockey lineup when he was named a Region III Athlete of Week in late November.

What is in the future for the young McFall?

“There is a history of coaching in my family,” responded Brandon, who would consider becoming a teacher like both of his parents. “I’m sure that somewhere down the line I will end up in coaching.

“Right now I’m going to try and keep playing the game as long as possible. I know I might have to give up playing in the next two or three years.

“I’m OK with that. I’ll move on to coaching.

“I’ll be with the game of hockey the rest of my life.”

Which seems to be good news for the next generation of hockey players coming along.

McFALL: THE ‘NEXT GENERATION’ EXCELS WITH ECC KATS

hen Brendan McFall was born two decades ago, there was little doubt in anyone’s mind that he was destined to play and be involved in hockey. It was in his DNA. His grandfather, John McFall, Sr. had coached and been an instructor in hockey for many years in the Western New York area, including Holiday Twin Rinks in Cheektowaga. His father, John McFall, Jr. played hockey while growing up and for several years has been the head coach of the Hamburg High School boys Varsity hockey team.

Brendan’s uncle, Dan McFall, not only played the game but played it at the highest level with the Winnipeg Jets of the National Hockey League.

“The McFall’s are not foreign to the game of hockey,” remarked Brendan, a 20 year-old freshman at Erie Community College who plays for the college’s men’s hockey team. “It is in our blood.

“It started with my grandpa in the 1970s getting a job at Holiday. From then on we’ve been a hockey family.

“My dad and his two brothers played. My dad’s kids, including me and my brother, have played. And my uncle’s two daughters played.”

Brendan’s hockey career began at the age of four skating with the Hamburg Hawks, but with an interesting twist.

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“I have a lot of favorite memories, but I guess winning two State Championships tops anything else,” Vyverberg said.

“Pretty sure I will miss the interaction with the kids!

They always put a smile on my face, and keep me young… and the great guys I got to play hockey with!”

Farrance & Tortora Ready for 2017 NHL Entry Draft

V McQuaid Coach Al Vyverbert Calling It A Career

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is career began with a Monroe County championship as a player for Pittsford High School under Don Cherry, took four laps with the RIT Tigers including as captain, then 30 years (with a gap) as head coach of the McQuaid Knights including two state championships and six Section V titles.

Such is the circle of hockey life of retiring coach Al Vyverberg.

A 2012 R.I.T. Athletic Hall of Fame inductee after garnering 139 points over four years to rank 14th on the all-time scoring list when he left in the 1970’s, he also recorded five career hat tricks and guided the Tigers to their first-ever ECAC playoffs.

He earlier was inducted into the Frontier Field Walk of Fame in 2010 as an amateur coach.

With his announced retirement following this season, his Knights seemingly wouldn’t let it end with a 2-1 fourovertime shootout victory over top-seed and state-ranked Penfield in the Class A Section V playoffs to send them into the semi-finals.

ictor natives David Farrance and Jacob Tortora are both among North American skaters in the mid-season rankings for the 2017 National Hockey league Entry Draft to be held in Chicago June 23-24.

Both are playing this season for the U.S. National Development Program in Plymouth, Michigan.

A defenseman, Farrance was ranked 52nd as he has racked up 24 points in 44 games as of Feb. 22 on five goals (all on the power play and among the team leaders) and 19 assists. The 5’11”, 187 lb. left shot is committed to Boston University this coming fall.

Tortora is a 5’8”, 165 lb. left wing and was also among the team leaders in goals with 14 and 17 assists in 40 games while ranking second on the squad with a +15 plus/minus.

The right shot is committed to Boston College this fall and was ranked 121st among North American skaters in the midterm rankings.

Both were recently also part of the gold medal winning U-18 Team USA squad that took the Five Nations tournament in Sweden. Tortora registered two assists over the four-game tournament while Farrance had one.

Your Source For NYS Hockey News!

NY HOCKEY E-Magazine

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Buffalo Bisons Girls 12U

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he Buffalo Bison Girls 12U team are the Lower Lakes Female Hockey League’s South Central Pee Wee Division champions for the 2016-2017 season.

They attained a record of 16-2-4 for the year. They are currently ranked #14 in the Nation for Tier 1 USA Girls 12U teams. They will be playing for a NY State championship in March as well as participating in the Lower Lakes Female Hockey League playoffs beginning this weekend.

Three members of the team were also recently named to the Selects Hockey East Coast – Ontario Selects team and 8 members of the team will be participating in the Rush the Show hockey showcase this summer in Toronto.

Buffalo Stars News Tournaments 2017-18

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he Buffalo Stars Youth Hockey Organization has announced their youth hockey tournament line up for the Fall/Winter 2017 season. The Stars will operate 4 very fine youth hockey tournaments out of Holiday Twin Rinks as follows: Labor Day Weekend (Sept 1-3); Columbus Weekend (Oct 6-9); Thanksgiving Weekend (Nov 2426) and Christmas Week (Dec 26-30).

Full details and on line registration for the tournaments are available at: www.buffalostars.com Contact Peter Preteroti at 716-491-0375 for details.

2017-18 Registration

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egistration for the Buffalo Stars 2017-18 season House League Hockey Program is now open on line at www.buffalostars.com The program is open to boys and girls ages 4-18. You can register on line now and do not have to put down a deposit. The program begins in September but registration closes March 30th.

For information call 491-0375.

Bob Allen Scholarship Due April 1

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he Bob Allen Scholarship Application is available on the NYSAHA web site at www.nysaha.com. Eligibility is as follows: Eligibility: 1. Senior in a New York High School, or a New York State resident attending a Prep school 2. New York State Amateur Hockey Association member (past or present) 3. Plan to attend a four-year, two-year, or vocational school full-time (12 credit hours or more).

Please get this application to those students who are eligible. There are four (4) $2,000.00 scholarships awarded.

Deadline is 04/01/2016.

Coaching Position

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he Buffalo Stars Youth Hockey Organization has an opening for a Minor Peewee (birth year 2005) youth hockey coach for the 2017-18 season. Interested candidates can submit a letter of interest and hockey resume to sportsniag@aol.com Visit the Buffalo Stars on line at: www. buffalostars.com

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Undefeated Chiefs Head to Super Sunday (Submitted by Shelley Moore)

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he undefeated varsity Iroquois Alden Chiefs battled through the 2016-2017 season to capture the opportunity to play in this years Super Sunday finishing league play with an impressive 19-0-1 record. After falling short last year in the final championships games in both Super Sunday and States, the Iroquois Chiefs made it their main objective to return to the Super Sunday Championship game.

Throughout the year, the Chiefs have shown drive and focus with the main objective being winning a slot in the Super Sunday Championship game. Returning players that experienced last years heart break in both Super Sunday and States, Cameron Giancarlo, Dylan Giancarlo, Owen Creighton, Garrett Miller, Cole Miller, Alex Held, Jamie Bonn, Joe Russo, Matt Majeski, Colton DeGrace, Colton Czajka, Spencer Hrynczak, Sam Rider, and Adam Czech led the charge for a return showing in the championship game. New comers Dalton Trites, Ryan Nehls, Danial Porzio, Luke Pukalo, Eric Najewski, Eric Mattoon, Nathen Nuwer, Nate Mathis, and Josh Harris stepped up to the challenge laid upon them for the push back to Super Sunday.

After a first round bye, the Iroquois/Alden Chiefs swept the Jamestown Raiders in a thrilling best of three playoff series 2-0. The first playoff game was played on the road at the Jamestown Savings Bank ice arena in Jamestown, New York on February 17, 2017. The Chiefs started the scoring in the second period when Danial Porzio (Iroquois) split the Red Raider defense for a breakaway which was stopped by the Jamestown goalie with Chiefs forward Nathan Mathis (Iroquois) tucking in the rebound for the goal. The second Chefs goal came in the 3rd period when sophomore Cole Miller (Iroquois) received a pass from Garrett Miller (Iroquois) on the point and fired a slap shot that was knocked down in front of the Red Raider net. Chiefs forward Spencer Hrynczak (Alden) collected the puck and roofed it passed the Jamestown goalie. The third Iroquois/Alden goal was a short handed breakaway. Junior Josh Harris (Iroquois) received a pass from Senior Alex Held (Iroquois) from the half wall in the defensive end. Harris split the defense and won the foot race down the ice. With a magical head fake that

Section VI Boys Varsity

froze the Jamest o w n goalie, Harris was able to drive to the right side of the net and tuck the puck between the goalie’s outstretched leg and the post for the goal. Jamestown came back with an impressive offensive attack. But the Chiefs defense, led by senior Garrett Miller and back stopped by senior goalie Colton DeGrace (Iroquois), was able to limit the Jamestown Red Raiders to one goal which came at the end of the third period with a slap shot at the buzzer thru a screen of players. Final score on the road at Jamestown was Iroquois/Alden Chiefs 3, Jamestown Red Raiders 1.

The second playoff game was at Leisure Rink on February 19, 2017. The stands were loaded with fans from both teams. The first period was a tightly played game with the Chiefs scoring first. At 6:26 into the period, sophomore Dylan Giancarlo (Iroquois) broke out of the Iroquois zone with a 2 on 1 with junior Josh Harris (Iroquois). D. Giancarlo slid a perfect pass across the front of the Jamestown crease to Harris who slammed the puck into the net.

Jamestown came storming back. With 2:44 left in the first period, the Red Raiders fired a shot from the slot with traffic in front. Chiefs goal tender Matt Majewski (Iroquois) managed to slap the puck out of the air with his stick and glove it as it was heading into the net. In a controversial call, the referee called it a goal due to the puck breaking the plain of the goal. The second period was packed with high drama and high emotion with a total of 9 penalties called between the two teams. Iroquois/Alden penalty kill was perfect with seniors Garrett Miller, Cameron Giancarlo, Nathan Nuwer, and sophomore Cole Miller killing off all four Iroquois/Alden penalties.

The Chiefs scored their first NY HOCKEY of three goals during the period at 15:43 on the power play.

Spencer Hrynczak (Alden) fired a slap shot from the blue line which was tipped by Nathan Mathis (Iroquois) past the Jamestown goalie. Iroquois came right back and scored their third goal of the game with junior Sam Rider (Iroquois) scoring from the slot with a pass from Luke Pukalo (Iroquois). Also assisting on the play was senior Joe Russo (Timon). Jamestown scored to close within one at 11:13 Your Source For NYS Hockey News!

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with a quick shot right from an offensive zone face off. Iroquois came storming back with another power play goal.

Nathan Mathis scored his second of the game off a pass from Danial Porzio (Iroquois). Also assisting on the play was Spencer Hrynczak. The third period saw Iroquois/Alden score the only goal. Spencer Hrynczak scored on another power play with a pass from Nathan Nuwer (Alden) in the slot. Hrynczak fired a sniper type shot which beat the Jamestown goal tender over his left shoulder. The defensive core for the Chiefs was extremely strong in the third period. Defense included Cameron Giancarlo (Iroquois), Garrett and Cole Miller (Iroquois), Owen Creighton (Iroquois), Adam Czech (Alden), and Nathan Nuwer backed by goalie Matt Majewski who all held the Red Raiders scoreless in the third period to clinch a spot in the Super Sunday Championship Game.

Iroquois JV News

01/27/2017 Iroquois 6 Cheektowaga 1 On this day the best team on the ice was clearly Iroquois. From the opening puck drop to the final horn Iroquois was in total control of the game against the Cheektowaga Warriors. The top line of Matthew Matte, Paul Fitzgerald and Mitchell Carlson were unstoppable combining for all six goals and 12 points. Paul Fitzgerald netted a hat trick while Matthew Matte scored two with Mitchell Carlson adding four assists. On defense Patrick Moran and Jack Zienski had solid efforts winning battles all night long. Tyler ODonnell was also a strong contributor throughout the

game in both ends of the ice. In goal Zack Vitez was stellar making many combination saves bailing out his team.

01/12/2017 Iroquois 6 West Seneca East 3 After losing to the WSE Trojans in their previous matchup the junior Chiefs had a little more jump in their step in the rematch. It was certainly a hard fought effort that ended with Iroquois coming out ahead. The line of Matthew Matte, Paul Fitzgerald and Mitchell Carlson had another big night. Not to be out done was the scrappy line of Zack Murphy, Ryan Kingston and Austin Baker. That line was able to hold their own defensively the entire game.

Bryce Yorke on forward was also strong on the puck all game. Defensively, Tyler Kaplewicz and Shane Gusterferro were fearless in the corners and in front of the Iroquois net. In goal was Alex Musielak who thwarted the Trojans strong attack all night long.

02/03/2017 Iroquois 7 TNT 1 Throughout the season Iroquois has had their share of ups and downs. Consistency has been a struggle which is normal for a young team. On this night however all systems were firing. The 7-1 beating of the Tonawanda Jacks was the game where everything clicked. Scoring his first of the year was defensemen Tyler Kaplewicz with assists from Bryce Yorke (1g/1a) and Tyler ODonnell (2a). The second goal was a beauty by Paul Fitzgerald off a feed from Lackawanna’s Matthew Matte (1g/1a). Scoring the third and fifth goals were Mitchell Carlson with some help from Shane Gusterferro. Finally, with only seconds remaining

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Josh Glenn hustled and was rewarded with his first of the year. While not on the score sheet the grinder line of Ryan Kingston, Zack Murphy and Austin Baker played solid defense and outworked the opposition all night. Ian Schrader was also lock down in the Iroquois zone on this night. While the score might indicate an easy night Zack Vitez nonetheless played great and kept the game out of reach.

02/10/2017 Iroquois 3 Lewport 1 In the final game of the season the junior Chiefs played their best hockey against one the of leagues best teams. Hosting the Lewport Lancers the Iroquois Chiefs played a complete game filled with hustle, effort and determination. With the playoffs approaching this is something the coaching staff was hoping for. In the previous two meetings Lewport had outscored 12-2 but on this night there was a different story to be told. Iroquois dominated the game from start to finish…controlling the puck for most of the game. Leading the way was Mitchell Carlson with a one goal and two assists. Scoring the leadoff goal was Lackawanna’s Matthew Matte.

Finally, the third goal was a blistering slapshot to the top right corner of the net from Tyler ODonnell. Defensively, Patrick Moran and Jack Zienski had particular strong night. In goal was the always stellar Alex Musielak.

The Iroquois JV Chiefs finished the year with an 8-9-1 record with 52 goals for and 55 against and finishing in fifth place out of nine teams.

Iroquois JV Playoffs 02/17/2017 Iroquois 2 Depew 1 02/19/2017 Iroquois 1 Depew 0 Playing in the playoffs is special.

The opportunities do not happen every day and need to be taken advantage of when they come around. The junior varsity Iroquois Chiefs played in a best of three series against the Depew Wildcats JV team and promptly swept them two game to zero. The match up

was extremely fair and balanced and truly either team could have advanced.

Fortunately the Iroquois team came out on the winning end. The first game was a fantastic duel with exciting up and down action. In the end Nick Dichristafaro had the high school game to remember scoring both goals leading the JV to victory. Playing amazing in net was Zack Vitez who made a handful of key stops to frustrate the Depew team. Defensively, Shane Gusterferro, Jack Zienski and Patrick Moran were terrific clearing the front of the net and making great outlet passes from the defensive zone.

In the second game Sunday night

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Iroquois knew the Depew team was looking for revenge. The game was tight checking with a limited chances on both sides. Leading the way for the Chiefs was defensemen Tyler Kaplewicz who wristed home a beautiful shot from the blueline. Providing the traffic in the front of the net was the line of Zack Murphy, Ryan Kingston and Austin Baker. After that goal the game belonged to Alex Musielak who made a few fantastic stops to shut down the Wildcats of Depew. It was a pressure packed game that couldn’t have been any more evenly matched.

The Chiefs did all they could to win and preserved because of the attitude, effort and skill. Winning this playoff series was a definition of a team win.

The JV mixed division championship game will against Eden/ Lakeshore.

(NYHOL Thanks Jim Banko and Shelley Miller for Iroquois stories throughout the season. All teams are invited to submit stories and photos.)

SUPER SUNDAY AND SUPER MONDAY STORY AND PHOTOS WILL BE FEATURED IN THE APRIL EDITION OF NY HOCKEY ONLINE MAGAZINE WWW. NYHOCKEYONLINE. COM Your Source For NYS Hockey News!

NY HOCKEY E-Magazine

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WNYGVIH LEAGUE

he WNYGVIH goal i the third League didn’t disapperiod and sendpoint again this seaing CASH to the son. No one could predict semis with a 10-4 a Champion in December win over LID. when the season opened In the second and not many could have game of the night predicted the outcome in #5 West Seneca/ February.

Hamburg/Eden The Section VI Quar(WSHE) took terfinals opened with Lanon #4 seed Kencaster/Iroquois/Depew more/Grand Is(LID) seeded #6 against land WSHE got #3 Clarence/Amherst/ on the boards in Sweethome. Remember the first period Monsignor Martin is unand closed out 1-0 seeded in Section VI playover KGI. In the offs because they are a prisecond KGI tied 2016-17 Section VI Champions: Frontier/Orchard Park/LakeShore vate school. it up and then History was made that Olivia Smith took evening when Julia Mings home the win came into the game with for KGI by scor95 goals and the team, along with Coach Adimey ing late in the third period. Kenmore/Grand Island

Kenmore/Grand Island Second Place 2016-17 Section VI

focused not only on a win but hoping Mings would score 100. She did not disappoint.

Mings scored the first goal of the game at 1:56 of the first and continued her streak by scoring her 100th

moved to the semi-finals.

Number one seed Williamsville lost to Kenmore/ Grand Island 4-1 in the semis and Frontier/Orchard Park/LakeShore beat CASH 4-1.

(Continued on Page 65)

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Amherst Youth Hockey is proud to announce the Travel coaches for the 2017-18 season.

Squirt Minor AAA Squirt Minor AA Squirt Major AAA Squirt Major AA Pee Wee Minor AAA Pee Wee Minor AA Pee Wee Major AAA Pee Wee Major AA Bantam Minor AAA Bantam Minor AA Bantam Major AAA Bantam Major AA

Bart Sumbrum Peter Lajeunesse Peter Kneis Anthony Pantano Rich Crozier Ian Kyle Bill Schwartz Rich Fineberg Lyle Rocker Tim DiGiulio Brian Turner John Hammersmith

15 AAA 15 AA 16U AAA 16U AA 18U AAA 18U AA Girls 10U NTB Girls 12U TB Girls 14U TB Girls 16U TB Girls 19U TB

Charlie Mendola Sean Corrigan Craig Curtin Marc Rosenthal Greg Brown Richard Vandette Timothy Zimmerman Tim DiGiulio Darren Palaszewski TBD John Gaffney

Tryout dates and times will be posted on our website so please check it out. We require a release if you are coming from another organization and the tryout fee is $20.00.

Any questions about tryouts please contact our registrar at 631-0850. www.amherstyouthhockey.org

Congratulations Frontier/Orchard Park/LakeShore on your success at the NYS Girls Varsity Ice Hockey Championships and as the WNYGVIH Section VI and WNYGVIH Federation Champs!

Also Congratulations and Best Wishes to Seniors Riley Johnson (#12) , Meghan Roche (#11) and Frangelica Bautz (#15)

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Western New York Women’s College Hockey Report

by Janet Schultz Janet@nyhockeyonline.com JDSchultz3663@gmail.com

their final regular season home game, the Bengals honored Seniors Hannah Tarr (#15), Viivi Vaatovaara (#18) and Fayetteville native Heather Neuburger (#17). Neuburger graduated from Millbrook School and played for the Troy/Albany Ice Cats. She graduates with a degree in Childhood Education.

RIT

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he Tigers have had a tough year coming out with a 6-24-2 record.

Graduating this season are Cassie Clayton, Lindsay Stenason, Brooke Stoddart, MacKenzie Stone, Taylor Thurston and Caitlin Wallace. (Photo Credit Mike Bradley.)

Buffalo State College

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he Bengals are seeded third (16-7-2 overall) as they head into the ECAC West playoffs as we publish this magazine. They have also garnered home ice advantage and face Potsdam.

Their regular season was led by Erin Gehen with 18 goals/28 assists, and taking second in school history with 76 career points.

Rachel Lenard is second with 11 goals/11 assists on the season and Bri Carroll comes in third with 10 goals/8 assists.

The Bengals have also depended upon Goalie Justine Silva who scores a 1.77 gaa and .930 save % in 24 games.

After playing to a 3-3 tie with Plattsburgh in

University of Buffalo The Lady Ice Bulls finished the regular season undefeated in their league with a record of 13-0-1.

Currently ranked #1 in the East for the ACHA Women’s Division 2. They are headed to the CHE playoffs and have secured a spot in the National Tournament in Columbus on March 15-19.

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(Continued on Page 70)

Western New York Men’s College Hockey Report

by Warren Kozireski

Wkozires@brockport.edu

BROCKPORT The Golden Eagles needed a final weekend rally to squeeze by Cortland into the sixth and final SUNYAC playoff spot. They swept Potsdam and Plattsburgh over the final two regular season games—the first time they swept the season series against the Cardinals in program history.

Their season ended with a loss at Geneseo in the quarterfinals.

Their eight goals scored in back-to-back games Feb. 17-18 marked the first time for the team since Jan. 7-8 against Western New England.

Freshman Connor Hutchins earned his first career hat trick Feb. 17 versus Potsdam.

Sophomore Tim Kielich (East Aurora) was named Third Team All-SUNYAC after his 23 assist-26 point campaign.

Seniors Jake Taylor and Rob Hall completed the collegiate careers. Taylor finished with 69 points in 101 career games while the defenseman Hall had 24 points over 88 games with one-third of his assists coming this season.

BUFFALO STATE A late-season stumble dropped the Bengals to fourth in SUNYAC, but they defeated travel-partner Fredonia 2-1 in the first round to earn a trip to the semi-finals.

Their season ended there with a loss to top-seed Oswego.

Mike DeLaVergne (Pawling) was named SUNYAC Goaltender of the Year and First Team after the senior recorded a 16-6-1 regular-season record with an overall .931 save percentage and a 1.92 GAA. Defenseman Brody Power was named to the Second Team.

“You have to be in the playoffs to at least have a chance, so we’re there,” head coach Steve Murphy said.

Freshman Anthony Passero became the first rookie to lead the team in scoring since Nick Petriello did it in 2007-08.

Jake Rosen (East Amherst), Anthony Beaumont, Nick Berst (Depew), Taylor Pryce, Darren Young and Mike DeLaVergne (Pawling) all finished their collegiate careers.

CANISIUS The Golden Griffins won their first Atlantic Conference regular season title with an 18-4-6 record and secured the top seed and home ice for the quarterfinals.

Senior Charles Williams was named Atlantic Hockey Goaltender of the Month for January after he went 7-1-1 to help Canisius move from fifth to first in the AHC standings. He posted a 1.44 GAA in over 543 minutes in net and a 0.958 save percentage on 306 shots faced. He vaulted himself to the top of the na-

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in three seasons before falling to Buffalo State in the quarterfinals 2-1.

“Three years ago when we didn’t win a game in conference, the guys who are now our seniors decided they wanted to wrestle the program back from a culture that had been hijacked from us,” head coach Jeff Meredith said.

“They had belief of what they were doing and how they wanted to go about doing it, so to get into the playoffs is real proof of what they have been able to accomplish.”

Junior forward Sam Wilbur and sophomore goaltender Eric Bogart were named to the All-SUNYAC Third team. Wilbur netted a teamleading 34 points while Bogart registered nine of their 13 wins with a 2.63 GAA and a .928 save percentage.

Goaltender Nick Harper (Baldwinsville) got his first career win and shutout Jan. 20 versus Post.

Seniors Frankie Hart, Hunter Long, Mackenzie McAvoy, Marcus Ortiz and Chris Paulin (Lockport) completed their collegiate careers.

tional leaderboard in save percentage, 0.945 on the season, and sixth in GAA at 1.88.

“Charles is playing outstanding, but it takes everybody,” head coach Dave Smith said. “We can’t just say that Charles will stop the other team, but I really like our commitment to work on our game.”

The Griffs set a Division I program mark with ten or more games without a loss for the first time.

Dylan McLaughlin (Lancaster) was named Atlantic Hockey Player of the Week Jan. 31 after he racked up seven points on four goals and three assists to help Canisius extend its unbeaten streak to seven GENESEO games with three wins against Niagara and AIC. The Knights finished third in the SUNYAC conference regular season and defeated Brockport in the FREDONIA first round before falling to Plattsburgh in the semi-finals ending The Blue Devils finished fifth in the regular season and earned trip their season. to the postseason for the first time “We not afraid to play anybody,” head coach Chris Schultz

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said heading into the playoffs. “We respect everybody, but we don’t fear anybody.”

Their 1-0 loss to Plattsburgh Feb. 17 was the first time the team has been shutout since Jan. 30, 2015 and the first time on home ice since Jan. 13, 2012.

Stephen Collins (Pittsford) is the recipient of the SUNYAC Herb Hammond Player of the Year award. The senior forward currently leads the 10th-ranked Knights with 48 points in 26 games with 19 goals and a team-high 29 assists, which also ranks him second in the nation and first in the SUNYAC. Teammates Conlan Keenan (Penfield) and Derek Stahl were name Second Team All-Conference at forward and defense respectively.

Seniors Derek Stahl, RJ Burns (Pearl River), Connor Anthoine, Collins, Trevor Hills (Honeoye Falls) , Jack Cegalrski, Matt Lee, Matt Leo, Brad Hawayek (East Aurora) and Cam Hampson all completed their collegiate careers.

NAZARETH The Golden Flyers rode a hot February to a fourth place finish in the ECAC West before they dropped a 4-1 decision to Neumann in the league quarterfinals.

Five seniors depart in Dominik Gabaj, Justin LaCorte, Brandon Lane, Marcus Moles (Lake Placid) and C.J. Murray. The defenseman

Moles finished with 12 points in 85 corded his first collegiate assist games.

Feb. 15 versus Canisius.

Niagara’s 11 freshman players have scored 70 of the team’s 173 NIAGARA points this season, accounting for 40.5 percent of the team’s total ofNiagara’s lineup has been ham- fense with two games remaining. pered by injuries throughout the The Purple Eagles Feb. 10 2016-17 season, as the team has game at Army marked the 750th lost 182 man-games to injury head- behind the Niagara bench for head ing into the final two contests. They coach David Burkholder. 584 of were locked into 11th place and those games have come as the would play the sixth place team in team’s head coach. their first round playoff series.

Tyler Tomberlin scored the first R.I.T. two goals of his collegiate career Feb. 11 against Army. Buffalo Jr. The Tigers had only three wins Sabres product Andrew Pizzo re- since mid-January and didn’t earn

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he 4th Annual Tyler Putname Youth Hockey Awards will be presented April 1 at the Whitter House in Rochester, NY. Last year’s award ceremony hosted over 200 of Rochester’s who’s who in youth hockey and celebrated over 25 award winners from 25 different hockey programs in the greater Rochester area beyond.

This year’s event will honor upward of 25 minor hockey players and host a record breaking 300+ people! In addition to the Tyler Putnam Awards, NEHDA also provides the Josh Opladen Goaltender Award and the prestigious Coach of the Year Award. It is truly a great experience for all involved but most importantly, the Tyler Putnam Awards has raised thousands of dollars for local charities!

Tyler Putnam’s dream was to play for his High School Hockey team, The Irondequoit Eagles, Junior Hockey, Division I Hockey and ultimately Professional Hockey. Tyler was able to realize two of those dreams, having played for The Irondequoit Eagles as an eighth and ninth grader and then with the Maksymum Junior team in Rochester. At the conclusion of his first Junior season, Tyler was well on his way of realizing his next dream as he was offered roster

a first round playoff bye, but did finish sixth and gain home-ice for the first round of the Atlantic Conference playoffs against last place Niagara.

With both Norrish twins, Brady and Chase, out for the season with injuries, RIT has struggled to find wins, going 2-7 in games both of them have missed. With both Norrish brothers in the lineup in league play this season, RIT is 10-7-0.

Freshman Adam Brubacher leads all Atlantic Hockey rookies with 19 points in league play this season and is second among all defensemen in points.

spots on five Junior A teams from Rochester, Minnesota to San Diego, California.

In July of 2011, Tyler’s hockey dreams ended tragically when he died of an illness called “meningococcemia”, which is an infection that affects the bloodstream.

Tyler Putnam was known for his high energy, incredible work ethic, and desire to achieve his goals.

Tyler has been memorialized with a banner hanging above the ice at a local hockey arena as well as by a memorial helmet sticker that dawns the symbol of a hard hat – a symbol of Tyler’s hard work and dedication to the game that he loved.

NewEdge Hockey Development Academy awards a Tyler Putnam Award to one player from several of the Rochester area organizations and programs who exemplifies hard work, commitment, and dedication to the game of hockey.

NY Hockey OnLine is the a proud recipient of a Sponsor Award.

2017 Putnam Awards Set

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(Continued from Page 58)

It would not be Kenmore/Grand Island defending their four-year run as Section VI champs to #2 seeded Orchard Park/Frontier/Lakeshore.

A scoreless first period and tied second period and three goals in the third gave FOPLS a 3-2 win over Kenmore/Grand Island. Jessica Peters and Mary Kromer had two goals in the first part of the third period giving them a 3-1 advantage but Kenmore/ Grand Island’s Hannah Gallivan made it interesting by scoring at 12:50 and having the crowd wonder if it was headed to OT. Not to happen and FOPLS headed off to the NYS Championships. (Related stories on Pages 7, 8, 10)

FRONTIER/LAKE SHORE/ORCHARD PARK WIN FIRST FED CHAMPIONSHIP

O

rchard Park/Frontier/LakeShore barely had time to get their hockey bags off the bus and they were back in action for the Federation playoffs.

Brooke Becker scored two goals to lead the Frontier/Lake Shore/Orchard Park girls high school hockey team to their first WNYGVIHF Championship over Williamsville on Sunday, Feb. 26 at HarborCenter in Buffalo. F/LS/OP defeated Williamsville, 4-2, outshooting their opponents 26-16 as well.

In addition to Becker’s two goals Meghan Roche and Sirena Fitzery also scored goals for the new Federation Champions. Leah Czerwinski scored both goals in a losing effort for Williamsville.

The Fed Champs road to success was earned the following way:

Johnson, Bautz, Roche with WNYGVIH Fed Trophy

AMHERST – Mary Kromer and Frangelica Bautz each scored two goals to lead Orchard Park/Frontier/ Lakeshore to a convincing 7-1 victory over Lancaster/Iroquois/Depew at The Northtown Center at Amherst. The game was the first of the opening round playoff series for the Western New York Girls Varsity Ice Hockey League played on February 14.

AMHERST – It was the tale of two games or teams in the second game of the evening at the Northtown Center. The first team, West Seneca/Hamburg/Eden won the first part of the game, 3-0.

The second team, Monsignor Martin, came alive in the third period of the same game, tied it 3-3 and then won it in OT, 4-3. This was the second game of a three-game evening to eventually determine the 2017 WNYGVIHF champion.

Ironically, if there was a player of the game it was the eighth grader in the nets for WS/H/E: Lauryn Brown. Brown faced 59 shots, stopping 55 of them, in a losing effort.

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Kromer popped in the insurance goal with Sirena Fitzery and Brooke Becker assisting.

Monsignor Martin were Federation Champions for the past two seasons and four out of the last five seasons.

F/LS/OP are also the current Section VI Champions and were seeking their first Fed Championship.

AMHERST – Emma Faso had a four goal, five point game to lead Amherst/Sweet Home/Clarence to a 6-5 victory over Kenmore/ Grand Island at the Northtown Center at Amherst. It was third of three first-round games played as for of the 2017 WNYGVIHF Girls Federation Playoffs.

Hannah Gallivan and Olivia Smith each had two goals for KGI in a losing effort.

AMHERST – Holly Schmelzer scored 1:34 into the first overtime to give Williamsville a 4-3 victory over Amherst/Sweet Home/Clarence in a semi-final game of the WNYGVIHF Girls Hockey Federation playoffs played on February 16. The game was played at the Northtown Center at Amherst.

Jenna Cavalieri scored two goals for Williamsville while Julia Mings tallied two for the Katz in a losing effort.

AMHERST – Following two scoreless periods of hockey, Orchard

Park/Frontier/Lakeshore scored two goals late in the third period to defeat Monsignor Martin, 2-0 to win their semi-final game of the 2017 WNYGVIHF Girls Federation playoffs on February 16 at the Northtown Center at Amherst.

The first two periods were a battle of the goalies, with Brianna Gawronski for Msgr Martin at one end and Maggie Spyche at the other for OP/F/LS stopping shot after shot taken at them.

Finally, at the 9:17 mark of the third period, Frangelica Bautz broke the scoreless deadlock to give OP/F/LS a 1-0 lead. Victoria Mariano and Meghan Roche assisted on the goal.

Just about four minutes later (13:13) Mary

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The 2017 Rusin Award for outstanding support of the WNYGVIH went to WNY Athletics. Presenting the award is Bill Pavone (center) to Frank Wolf (L), Dave Ricci (R).

Frances was absent. The award is given annually in memory of Dr. Rusin who helped establish the WNYGVIH program.

NYHOL Congratulates and Extends Best Wishes for a Successful Future to the Class of 2017

Williamsville (top) Leah Czerwinski Maggie Fuzak Nin Hartke Kayla Bailey

Frontier/Orchard Park/LakeShore

(Photos on page 60) Meghan Roche is attending Edinboro and will be playing soccer.

Frangelica Bautz has been accepted to several colleges but has not made a decision.

Riley Johnson will be attending college in Florida, hasn’t made a choice on which one.

Clarence/Amherst/SweetHome (bottom)

Stephanie Toole, planning on studying in biology or pre-pharmacy tract.

Courtney Cavarello, attending Buffalo StateCollege in Chemistry and playing hockey.

Julia Mings, will study accounting.

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Monsignor Martin (top)

Brianna Gawronski, undecided on what college but plans to study biology and play hockey Markella Phillips, choosing between Loyola Chicago and Tampa U for studies in education Kaitlin Drew-Mead, Plattsburgh to major in nursing and play hockey Julia Ahr, Oswego but undecided in major Danielle Bos, Chatham University in Pittsburgh to major in biology and play hockey Makenna Walp, attending Mercyhurst and playing field hockey; major undecided.

Kenmore/Grand Island (left)

Andrea Colon, Hannah Gallivan and Olivia Smith, who will be attending Buffalo State College and playing soccer.

Lancaster/Iroquois/Depew (right) Rachel Deaken Ashley Dotterweich Brianna Keppner

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West Seneca/Hamburg/Eden Jackie Help Kaira Patterson Bella Cervoni Olivia Lutheringer Brianna Zietz

2017-2018 HOCKEY TRYOUTS

LOCKPORT LOCK MONSTERS These are Tier III Travel Teams that play out of Cornerstone Arena in Lockport (1 Grigg Lewis Way) 10U (Squirts) Wed. March 22, 7:45 pm; Thur. March 23, 6:30 pm; Mon. March 27, 6:30 pm 12U (PeeWee) Wed. March 22, 8:20 pm; Thur. March 23, 7:30 pm; Mon. March 27, 7:30 pm 14U (Bantam) Thur. April 13, 8 pm and Monday, April 17, 7:20 p.m.

No Tryout Fee!!

Please arrive at least 30 minutes before scheduled time.

Players who did not play for Lockport Youth Hockey Association last year...

MUST bring a release and a copy of their birth certificate to tryouts.

For more information: lockportlockmonsters.com As well as Facebook and Twitter

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Sedia Named to EHL Rochester’s Rob Sedia has been named as an official scout for the Eastern Hockey League, it was announced by Mark Kumpel, director of hockey operations for the Eastern Hockey League.

“Rob runs a top notch program in Rochester, NY and as a successful coach and true professional in the hockey training and development industry, we know Rob will be a great resource for the EHL as the EHL will be for Rob’s program.”

Mark Kumpel Sedia is a Professional Hockey Trainer and the owner of NewEdge Hockey Development Academy. Rob is a long time successful hockey coach in minor hockey and comes with coaching and training recommendations from several NHL teams. He is also a frequent contributor to NY Hockey OnLine Magazine.

“The Eastern Hockey League is an excellent resource for skilled area players (and beyond) who are looking for a sound path to NCAA hockey. I am excited to be part of it,” said Sedia.

Sam Heintz (l), who played hockey for the Buffalo Stars and in the GLGHL, had surgery to remove a baseball size tumor from behind here eye. Fortunately Sam did not lose her eyesight and the tumor was benign but Sam will need to undergo additional reconstructive surgeries and treatments because of the tumor.

Rose Quattro (r), a member of the Buffalo Stars and Williamsville Girls Varsity Ice Hockey Team has been instrumental in coordinating fundraisers to help with Sam’s medical expenses.

There is also a Go-Fund me account set up. https://www.gofundme.com/sam-heintz-medicalbills/donate/?upsell=cpgn_share

(Women’s College Continued from Page 61)

Sophomore Maddie Norton is ranked number 2 in the country for goals with 56. Mamie Talty, and Lexi Peters follow her in 3rd and 4th places with 47 goals and 46 goals respectively.

“This is the strongest team we have had in years and we are looking forward to an opportunity to demonstrate our offensive skill and creativity at Nationals, said Head Coach Michelle Donlon.

Looking ahead to next year, three seniors are graduating; Captain, Courtney Miller, President Gabby Caruso and Courtney Thornton.

“We have spoken with and hosted visits for a number of prospective players for next year but do not have any firm commitments just yet. We are hoping to continue to add talent and depth to the roster as we consider a possible move up to the Division 1 level sometime in the future,” said Donlon.

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Senior Gabby Caruso

Congratulations to Hayley Branovan of Rochester who is graduating from Plymouth State University. She is shown here with her parents Scott and Julie Branovan.

In her 4-year career as a Defenseman at Plymouth State she posted 45 points with 16 goals and 29 in 94 games played.

WEBSTER CYCLONES YOUTH HOCKEY

2017-18 TRAVEL TRYOUTS BEGIN MARCH 21, 2017 Squirt and Pee Wee begin 3/21/17 Bantam, Midget and Girls begin 4/12/17

Details online: www.WYHA.com Webster Ice Arena Competitive, Fun Family atmosphere.

Best rink in the region.

WWW.WYHA.COM

Bud Bakewell Ice Hawks 2017-18 Season Tryouts Bantam Minor

Midget U16

Wed April 12 6 - 7 pm Thu April 13 6 - 7 pm Tue April 18 6 -7 pm Coach: Anthony Leone 560-1985

Wed April 12 8 - 9 pm Thu April 13 8 - 9 pm Mon April 17 8 - 9 pm Coach: Bill Cline 541-8347

Bantam Major

Midget U18TB

Wed April 12 7 - 8 pm Mon April 17 7 - 8 pm Tue April 18 7 - 8 pm Coach: Kevin Klostermann 989-9140

Midget U15

Wed April 12 9 - 10 pm Thu April 13 7 - 8 pm Tue April 18 8 - 9 pm Coaches: Mike Brown 982-7796; Anthony Leone, 560-1985

Bantam and Midget Tryouts will be held at Riverside Arena 2607 Niagara St., Buffalo

Wed. April 12 10 - 11 pm Girls 12U TB Team Thu April 13 9 - 10 pm Tues. Mar. 21 7:15-8:15 pm Mon April 17 9 - 10 pm Wed. March 22 7:15-8:15 pm Coach: Carl Miller Hyde Park Arena 491-7147 Niagara Falls Coaches: Brandon Franke Midget NTB 880-0296 Mon April 17 10 - 11 pm Sean O’Connor Tue April 18 9 - 10 pm 553-9334 Coach: TBA Mark Wojcinski 808-651-1599

Players should arrive 30 minutes before start time!

Cost is $10.00 per tryout!

In Memory of Andrea McFall

NY Hockey OnLine expresses their sympathy to the McFall Family of Hamburg (NY). Andrea R. (nee Carriero) McFall passed away unexpectedly on February 23. She was beloved wife and best friend of John T. McFall, Jr.; loving and proud mother of Liam, Brendan and Maeve McFall; daughter of the late Nicholas and Alice (nee McCarthy) Carriero; dearest sister of Annelouise (Gary) Brawn and Andrew (Kelly) Carriero; daughterin-law of John and Joan McFall, Sr.; sister-in-law of Daniel (Allison Lowry) McFall and Thomas (Vikki) McFall; cherished aunt of Daniel (Becky), David (Jen), Dylan and Addison Brawn, Jessica and Drew Carriero, Shannon and Brianna McFall and the late Dennis Brawn Andrea was a special education teacher in the Lancaster Central School District and active in numerous clubs and organizations.

The McFall family has been involved with ice hockey in the Western New York are for several generations.

A feature on her son, Brendan, is on page 52.

WHEATFIELD BLADES 2017-2018 TRAVEL TEAM TRYOUT SCHEDULE

DIVISION

BIRTH YEAR

DATE

TIME

COACH

LOCATION

Squirt Minor AAA

2008

March 21, 2017 March 22, 2017

5:30 PM 5:30 PM

Bob Carroll

Hockey Outlet

Squirt Major AAA

2007

March 21, 2017 March 22, 2017

5:40 PM 5:40 PM

Christopher Spence

Hockey Outlet

PeeWee Minor AAA

2006

March 21, 2017 March 22, 2017

6:40 PM 6:40 PM

Dennis Gawron

Hockey Outlet

PeeWee Minor AA

2006

March 21, 2017 March 22, 2017

7:40 PM 7:40 PM

Nathan Gavacs

Hockey Outlet

2005

March 21, 2017 March 22, 2017

7:30 PM 7:30 PM

“Available”

Hockey Outlet

PeeWee Major AA

2005

March 21, 2017 March 22, 2017

8:40 PM 8:40 PM

Jim Manguso

Hockey Outlet

Bantam Minor AAA

2004

April 12, 2017 April 13, 2017

5:40 PM 5:40 PM

Tony Brovata

Hockey Outlet

Bantam Minor II AA

2004

April 12, 2017 April 13, 2017

7:30 PM 7:30 PM

Jim Michalowski

Hockey Outlet

2003

April 12, 2017 April 13, 2017

6:40 PM 6:40 PM

Joe Stumpo

Hockey Outlet

2003

April 12, 2017 April 13, 2017

7:40 PM 7:40 PM

Fred Mallone

Hockey Outlet

Split Season “Tournament Bound”

2002

April 12, 2017 April 13, 2017

6:30 PM 6:30 PM

John Nichols

Hockey Outlet

Midget 15U II AA

2002

April 12, 2017 April 13, 2017

9:40 PM 9:40 PM

Rob Kalota

Hockey Outlet

Split Season “Tournament Bound”

2001

April 12, 2017 April 13, 2017

TBD TBD

“Available”

Hockey Outlet

Midget 16U II AA

2001

April 12, 2017 April 13, 2017

8:40 PM 8:40 PM

John Anderson

Hockey Outlet

Split Season “Tournament Bound”

1999 / 2000

April 12, 2017 April 13, 2017

TBD TBD

“Available”

Hockey Outlet

Midget 18U II AA

1999 / 2000

April 12, 2017 April 13, 2017

10:30 PM 10:30 PM

Dave Cannon

Hockey Outlet

Midget 18U II AA

1999 / 2000

April 12, 2017 April 13, 2017

10:40 PM 10:40 PM

Alan Okun

Hockey Outlet

2005 / 2006

March 21, 2017 March 22, 2017

6:30 PM 6:30 PM

Patrick Bonner

Hockey Outlet

2003 / 2004

April 12, 2017 April 13, 2017

5:30 PM 5:30 PM

Aaron Castoreno

Hockey Outlet

2001 / 2002

April 12, 2017 April 13, 2017

8:30 PM 8:30 PM

John Knowles

Hockey Outlet

1998 – 2000

April 12, 2017 April 13, 2017

9:30 PM 9:30 PM

Ned Schule

Hockey Outlet

PeeWee Major AAA “Tournament Bound”

Bantam Major AAA

“Tournament Bound”

Bantam Major II AA Midget 15U AAA

Midget 16U AAA

Midget 18U AAA

Girls 12U Tier 2

“Tournament Bound”

Girls 14U Tier 2

“Tournament Bound”

Girls 16U Tier 2 Girls 19U Tier 2

“Tournament Bound”

The Wheatfield Blades are a “AAA” hockey association. For information please visit our website at www.wheatfieldblades.com.

57 FREE TRYOUTS ARE House & Travel players (other than current WB players) MUST have a release from their current Hockey Association.

Visit www.wheatfieldblades.com for any time changes . A $300 team deposit is required at signing.

2017-2018 TRYOUTS All Tryouts held at the West Seneca Town Rink Tuesday, March 21 5:00 p.m.

6:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

8:00 p.m.

9:00 p.m.

10:00 p.m.

Mite Minor AAA Mite Major AAA Squirt Major AAA Squirt Minor AAA PeeWee Major AAA PeeWee Minor AAA

Wednesday, March 22 4:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

6:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

8:00 p.m.

9:00 p.m.

10:00 p.m.

Mite Minor AAA & Mite Major AAA Squirt Minor AAA & Squirt Major AAA Squirt Major AA Squirt Minor AA PeeWee Minor AAA & PeeWee Major AAA PeeWee Minor AA PeeWee Major AA

Thursday, March 23 6:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

8:00 p.m.

9:00 p.m.

Squirt Minor AA Squirt Major AA PeeWee Minor AA PeeWee Major AA

Wednesday, April 12 5:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

8:30 p.m.

Bantam Minor AAA Bantam Major AAA (no minors) Midget (15U) AAA (2002 birth yr only) Midget (18U) AAA

Thursday, April 13 4:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

6:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

8:00 p.m.

9:00 p.m.

10:00 p.m.

Bantam Major AAA & Bantam Minor AAA Bantam Major AA Bantam Minor AA Bantam Mixed AA Midget (15U) AAA (2002 birth yr only) Midget (15U) AA Midget (18U) AAA

Friday, April 14 5:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

8:30 p.m.

Bantam Major AA Bantam Minor AA Bantam Mixed AA Midget (15U) AA

Contact Information Mite Minor Mite Major Squirt Minor AAA Squirt Minor AA Squirt Major AAA Squirt Major AA PeeWee Minor AAA PeeWee Minor AA PeeWee Major AAA PeeWee Major AA Bantam Minor AAA Bantam Major AAA Bantam Minor AA Bantam Major AA Bantam Mixed AA Midget 15U AAA Midget 15U AA Midget 18U AAA

Tom Alberalla, 553-6271 Pat Gallagher, 341-0867 Aaron Ackley, 465-6400 TomAlberalla, 553-6271 Dave Cerroni, 604-6263 Rocco DellaNeve, 432-9728 Jim Jahnke, 316-5462 Dick Marini, 826-6549 Aaron Ackley, 465-6400 Peter Boersma, 574-1567 Dave Hearn, 601-8386 Mike Roche, 254-0285 Chris Jones, 444-6305 Brian Walsh, 445-5422 Anthony Marini, 200-2801 Keith Kashuba, 604-8405 TimWeixlmann, 997-9666 Bill Gehen, 861-0841

www.westsenecayouthhockey.com

Sabres Foundation Donates to Local Charities

T

he Buffalo Sabres today announced the team has made a long-term commitment in the form of a $500,000 donation to five local hockey charities. The Buffalo Sabres Foundation will honor those organizations with a pregame ceremony during the Feb. 28 game against the Nashville Predators.

As a part of Hockey is for Everyone month, the team will make a $100,000 donation to SABAH, Hasek’s Heroes, Buffalo Sabres Warriors, Buffalo Sabres Thunder Special Hockey Team and Buffalo Sabres Sled Hockey Team.

“These organizations open the door to the great game of hockey to many individuals in our community who otherwise may never have the opportunity to participate,” said Rich Jureller, President of the Buffalo Sabres Foundation.

Adam Page with Dominik Hasek “The Buffalo Sabres Foundation is very proud to support all of their efforts and (file photo) to help create access to our game for anyone who has the desire to play.”

The donation will be spread out over a five-year period, with each organization receiving $20,000 per year. Each organization was chosen due to their continued efforts to bring the game of hockey to disabled individuals, disadvantaged youth and veterans.

(Advice Continued From Page 26) Coaches have to know these things to make players more complete as a whole.

4. Is the coach’s goal to make every player on his team better at the end of the year then were are at the beginning of the year? It may tie into a few of the things mentioned above but it is important. As a coach my goal is that every player has improved. Once again this is a team sport and coaches need to not just focus on a few players but all players.

Lastly, if you feel your coach is doing all these things, then support what he does. I tell my parents let me coach and I will let you parent. What I am about to say all parents may not agree with but it is not only vital to the teams progressing but your players as well: Don’t contradict what a player is told by his coach.

Good coaches have a developmental plan for their team for the season. A plan for which is an important part. If you are contradicting what the coaches plan, the team is going to suffer because of it. Discuss important questions and concerns with your coach when your child is not present.

A good coach will have a good answer for you and why he is doing what he is doing.

Question - Do you have any other final thoughts for players?

I have loved this sport for as long as I can remember. I love not only playing still to this day but teaching others how to play this sport.

Hockey should always be fun for the participant. It requires a lot of hard work and focus but at the end of the day it’s fun to me and all the players

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who play it around the world. If it becomes drudgery, your child has been done a disservice. It doesn’t matter if you are a professional or just learning the sport as an adult or a child. Don’t take the fun and camaraderie out it for your player. Whenever I go out on the ice I feel at home. So does the player who is trying out.

Don’t make the process difficult by making it negative. If they don’t make a team don’t look down upon them. Failure is a part of life. It’s how you handle failure that matters. Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you.” That is important for both player and parent. Good luck this year to all those trying out and may your love for hockey continue to grow.