Home Blog

Hockey Friendships Last

By
Janet
-
0

by Janet Schultz

Hockey is not only about competitive sport, it’s about making great friendships that last a lifetime. That is according to three Williamsville High School players who began their careers at 5 and 6 years old and will now see their career and education take them in different directions.

Jenna Lukomoski, Holly Schemlzer and Amanda Gaffney played their last game for the Williamsville Girls High School hockey team in February. While their entire career was played with the Amherst Youth Hckey Organiation Jenna and Amanda played for Amherst 19U and Holly moved on to play Tier 1 with the Niagara Junior Purple Eagles this season.

Well let’s start at the beginning.

Jenna watched her brothers play and decided to give it a try.

“They were passing out flyers looking for players and I brought one home and told Dad I wanted to play.”

So she signed up for the Amherst house league and at seven years of age started to play goalie.

“I went on to play travel and it blossomed from there,” said Jenna. “We went to the rink every day and kept right on playing.”

Without a girls league she continued to play with the boys until high school.

“I regret not continuing with the boys because it is a faster game and more physical, but this season I faced a lot of pucks for the Williamsville team.” (Anyone seeing Jenna this season will remember all those shots she took with some amazing saves).

At five Holly hit the ice and played four years for Amherst and then she, too, switched to play boys hockey, also at Amherst. This is where Holly and Jenna came together.

While they were on separate teams in the house league, their parents knew each other and Holly played on a team with Jenna’s sister, so the family affair began. Enter the third of this party, it seems the Lukomski’s knew the Gaffney’s and there was Amanda. The trio ended up on a team together and went on to play selects and travel culminating with the Williamsville Girls Hockey Team.

Amanda began playing hockey at six years old.

“Growing up I was always involved with hockey. My brother played and my Dad grew up playing hockey so I decided to try it and I absolutely loved it,” said Amanda.

Holly and Amanda originally met when their brothers were playing.

“We’d get together and run around the rinks,” said Amanda.

“Our friendship grew out of hockey but we also have many other common interests and go to the same school.”

As Jenna also explains they were all leaders on their teams and on many of the teams they are the original three girls.

Some of their best memories are winning the States in 2015 and working their way to the National finals.

“I don’t think we would have been as close if it wasn’t for our parents,” said Holly. “They talk everyday and have as many memories as we do, especially Dads with road trips.”

…Now after a lot of successful hockey they graduated and move on to different cities.

Holly is be off to play for SUNY Plattsburgh, Amanda is off to play at SUNY Cortland and Jenna will be attending Erie Community College and giving up hockey for the time being.

An ironic part to those college selections is that Holly will face Amanda when Plattsburgh faces Cortland  when Plattsburgh holds their season home opener on November 2 and 3.

“That’s a big change because I’ve grown up with the same people my whole life,” said Holly. “I’m heading off to a team where I don’t know anyone, a new coach, a new environment, changes in practice and in my everyday living.”

“Our friendship stays, it’s not going anywhere,” commented all three girls.

“Families play an important role in hockey,” said Amanda. “Without my parents support and dedication, hockey wouldn’t be possible. I also learned from my brother and sister and that was amazing.”

They do have advice for those girls coming up.

“Cherish the moments, enjoy it and have fun; but don’t make it the priority,” said Jenna.

“Enjoy every minute because it flies by,” said Holly. “At times I wish I was a freshman in school again.”

While none of them are focusing on their future in hockey, Amanda likes that the National Women’s Hockey League is an option after college.

But the friendship, that’s an option they are taking with them for a lifetime.

Eight Herons Named All-American Scholars

By
Randy Schultz
-
0

Eight members of the William Smith College ice hockey team were named Krampade All-American Scholars by the American Hockey Coaches Association.

Now in its second year, the AHCA Scholar All-American program recognizes varsity ice hockey players who had a minimum 3.6 grade point average in each semester during the 2017-18 season. A total of 1,310 student-athletes received this honor across all divisions. The following Herons garnered this recognition:

Sarah Garrett, sociology major
Jules Kennedy, undeclared
Catherine Linehan, disability studies major
Gina Scibetta, media and society major
Emily Spencer, biology major
Lizzy Weingast, economics and mathematics major
Alison Weiss, biology major
Olivia Williams, undeclared

Garrett earned AHCA Scholar All-American honors last year as well.

William Smith finished the 2017-18 season with a 16-6-4 overall record and an 11-2-3 mark in the UCHC. The Herons finished second in the league, earning a bye to the UCHC semifinals, William Smith’s first postseason appearance in the four-year history of the program.

Eight Statesmen Named To All-American Scholars

By
Randy Schultz
-
0

Eight members of the Hobart College ice hockey team were named Krampade All-American Scholars by the American Hockey Coaches Association.

Now in its second year, the AHCA Scholar All-American program recognizes varsity ice hockey players who had a minimum 3.6 grade point average in each semester during the 2017-18 season. A total of 1,310 student-athletes received this honor across all divisions. The following Statesmen garnered this recognition:

Brandon Bistodeau, economics and history major
Ben Greiner, American studies major
Jordan Haskell, economics major
Travis Schneider, undeclared
Andrew Silard, economics and environmental studies major
Mitchell Spring, undeclared
Zach Sternbach, economics major
Jonas Toupal, geoscience major

Bistodeau, Greiner, Silard, Sternbach and Toupal earned All-American Scholar honors last year as well.

The Statesmen finished the 2017-18 season with an 18-6-5 overall record and a 12-3-3 mark in the NEHC. Hobart won the NEHC tournament title in its inaugural season in the league. The Statesmen earned their fourth straight NCAA tournament appearance.

US Scores Four-Straight Goals But Falls To Germany In OT

By
Randy Schultz
-
0

PIESTANY, Slovakia – Despite outshooting Germany 37-18, the United States Under-17 Men’s Select Team fell in overtime here today in its third game at the Under-17 Five Nations Tournament.

After falling behind 3-1, the U.S. stormed back with four consecutive goals from Dane Montgomery (Grand Forks, N.D.), Blake Biondi (Hermantown, Minn.), Daniyal Dzhaniyev (Brooklyn, N.Y.) and Jack Williams (Biddeford, Maine) to take a 5-3 lead. After a goal from Germany’s Justin Volk cut the U.S. lead to one, Biondi converted on a chance 3:42 later for his second goal of the game, restoring the lead to two.

Germany answered with two late goals to send the game to overtime and finished the game with a breakaway goal from Lukas Reichel in overtime.

“It stings right now,” said U.S. head coach Mark Dennehy (Andover, Mass.). “The good news for us is we have another game tomorrow and a chance to compete. As I told the guys, we leave here and we get ready for Slovakia tomorrow.”

NOTES: Team USA scored one shorthanded goal and one power-play goal… Gavin Fitzpatrick (Norwood, Mass.) made 11 saves… The U.S. returns to action Sunday against Slovakia at 8:30 a.m. ET.

US Women Split U18 and U22 Series Contests

By
Randy Schultz
-
0

CALGARY – The U.S. Under-22 Women’s Select Team earned a come-from-behind victory over Canada, but the U.S. Under-18 Women’s Select Team fell in its second of three games this weekend as part of the 2018 Series vs. Canada in Calgary.

U22s: USA 3, CANADA 1

Jincy Dunne (O’Fallon, Mo.) scored the game-winning goal with 7:21 to play as the U.S. Under-22 Women’s Select Team overcame a third-period deficit to earn a 3-1 win over Canada here tonight in the second game of the 2018 Under-22 Series.

Both teams got off to a strong start in the opening frame, but neither could break through. The U.S.’s best opportunity came with 3:19 remaining in the period as Melissa Samosevich (Sandy Hook, Conn.) picked up the puck in the neutral zone and carried it forward before dropping it off for linemate Rebecca Gilmore (Wayland, Mass.) at the top of the right face-off circle. Gilmore put a shot on goal with Abby Roque (Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.) streaking toward the net for the rebound, but the attempt was staved off by Kristen Campbell.

U.S. goaltender Kaitlin Burt (Lynn, Mass.) thwarted back-to-back Canadian attempts 4:33 into the middle frame when Josiane Pozzebon split two defenders for a clear shot on net, then gathered her own rebound for another shot.

With 4:29 remaining in the second stanza, Canada struck first. Ryleigh Houston scored from the right face-off circle on an odd-man rush to put the Canadians ahead, 1-0.

Maureen Murphy (Buffalo, N.Y.) evened the score for the U.S. 2:52 into the final period when she deflected a shot sent into traffic by Dunne.

The U.S. took the lead with 7:21 left to play when Dunne banged home a one-timer from the top of the right face-off circle on a feed from Natalie Buchbinder (Fairport, N.Y.).

Sydney Brodt (North Oaks, Minn.) scored an empty-net goal with 23 seconds left to secure the victory for Team USA.

Burt finished with 25 saves to earn the win for the U.S.

U18s: CANADA 4, USA 3

Three different players netted goals, but the U.S. Under-18 Women’s Select Team fell to Canada, 4-3, here tonight in game two of the 2018 Under-18 Series.

Canada opened the scoring early when Grace Shirley connected with Julia Gosling in front to tally just 15 seconds into the game.

USA evened the score at one apiece 1:59 into play when Lacey Eden (Annapolis, Md.) won a puck battle behind the net and tucked it inside the near post. Kiara Zanon (Rochester, N.Y.) and Sydney Bard (New Hartford, N.Y.) picked up assists on the play.

Casey O’Brien (Milton, Mass.) put the U.S. in front when she scored a power-play goal with 7:57 remaining in the opening frame. The play started when Maggie Nicholson (Minnetonka, Minn.) fired a shot from the seam that was redirected off the skate of Abbey Murphy (Evergreen Park, Ill.) and bounced off the post. O’Brien picked up the loose puck in the crease and finished for the go-ahead goal.

Canada’s Nicole Gosling beat Natalie Ferenc (Orchard Lake, Mich.) through the five-hole 9:52 into the second period to tie the game, 2-2, and then Danielle Serdachny carried the puck in and dropped it back for Anne Cherkowski for the go-ahead score with 2:53 remaining.

With just three seconds remaining in the middle frame, O’Brien won the face-off back for Murphy who skated in and scored from between the hash, sending the U.S. into the third period tied with Canada, 3-3.

Julie Gosling netted a power-play goal for Canada with 6:59 to play that would hold as the game-winner.

Ference finished with 28 saves in net for Team USA.

NOTES: Click here for complete game statistics from today’s U18 game and here for complete statistics from today’s U22 game… The U.S. and Canada face off in their final games of the 2018 Series Sunday (Aug. 19) at 10 a.m. MT/12 p.m. ET (U22) and 1 p.m. MT/3 p.m. ET (U18). All games will be streamed live via HockeyTV.com. Click here for the full U18 Series schedule and here for the full U22 Series schedule… USA Hockey’s international council, chaired by Gavin Regan (Potsdam, N.Y.), has oversight responsibilities for all U.S. national teams.

US Defeats Switzerland At Five Nations Tournament

By
Randy Schultz
-
0

PIESTANY, Slovakia – The United States Under-17 Men’s Select Team earned its first victory at the 2018 Five Nations Tournament here today with a 6-2 win over Switzerland at Easton Arena.

Five U.S. skaters recorded multi-point games, including Ben Schoen (Maumee, Ohio), who led all skaters with three points (all assists) and was named the U.S. Player of the Game.

“I liked how we responded after falling behind by a goal,” said U.S. head coach Mark Dennehy (Andover, Mass.). “We have to play that way consistently. I think it’s a learning experience for some young guys, but I was really happy with how we responded.”

Carson Bantle (Onalaska, Wis.) scored twice for the U.S., including the game’s opening goal just 1:32 into the first period. After a Nathan Schweitzer (Champlin, Minn.) pass through the neutral zone found Schoen at the Swiss blue line, Bantle drove the net hard and converted a cross-crease pass to give Team USA the lead.

After two Swiss goals to close the first period, the U.S. went into the intermission trailing by one.

Cross Hanas (Highland Village, Texas) tied the contest with 4:29 remaining in the second stanza. After a hard U.S. forecheck caused a Swiss turnover, Hanas collected a loose puck, skated into the slot and fired a wrist shot over the glove of Swiss goaltender Andri Henauer.

Building on momentum from the Hanas goal, the U.S. struck again just 1:39 later as Bantle tipped home a point shot from Schweitzer to put Team USA up by one.

The U.S. took control of the game with three third-period goals from Blake Biondi (Hermantown, Minn.), Jake Ratzlaff (Rosemount, Minn.) and David Ma (Yonkers, N.Y).

In all, nine skaters recorded points for the U.S., while Colin Purcell (Shaker Heights, Ohio) made 11 saves to earn his first win of the tournament.

The U.S. returns to action tomorrow against Germany at 2 p.m. local time (8 a.m. ET). The game will be streamed live by Hockey Slovakia.

NOTES: The U.S. outshot Switzerland, 31-13, finished 1-for-2 on the power play and 3-for-4 on the penalty kill.

The Adimey’s: More Than A Mother-Daughter Relationship

By
Randy Schultz
-
0

BY RANDY SCHULTZ—

This is a story about a single mom and her three daughters. What makes this story unique is that this is more than a mother/daughter relationship.

For two of the daughters it is a player/coach relationship. A third daughter will eventually join her sister and mother in another year, but more on that later.

Nicola Adimey is the head coach of the CASH (Clarence/Amherst/Sweet Home) girls high school ice hockey team. Two of the players she coached this past season were her daughters, Casey (who was a senior and a captain on the team) and Lilli (a freshman) Adimey. Both are students at Amherst High School.

Last season saw CASH make it all the way to the Western New York Girls Varsity Ice Hockey Federation championship game before losing to Frontier/Lancaster/Orchard Park (FLOP). Not bad for a team that finished third in the seven-team league with a 9-4-1 record.

The 2017-18 campaign also saw Nicola as the only female head coach in the WNYGVIHF. But there is more to her story.

Nicola never began playing organized hockey until she was 14. In Germany.

“Things are organized differently in Germany,” said Nicola, who was born and raised in Germany. “There is no school hockey or college hockey. It is only club hockey.”

Nicola arrived in the United States in 2000. It didn’t take long for her to get involved in the amateur hockey scene.

“When Casey was six I began coaching in Amherst Youth Hockey League,” continued Nicola, a native of Schifferstadt, Germany.  “I continued coaching in Amherst when Lilli began playing.

“Casey eventually moved over to the Bisons organization and joined her older sister who had started playing there three years earlier. I ended up coaching with the Bisons for a year.”

Why did Nicola get involved with coaching?

“I love the game of hockey and I wanted to be involved with the game,” replied Nicola. “And when you have kids you hope they will eventually love the same sport you love.

“I began coaching back in Germany when I was 18. I was working with the five to seven year olds and teaching them how to skate. I really enjoy working with that age group because they are a lot of fun.

“I try to get the kids excited and to love the game of hockey. I hope my excitement for the game rubs off on the kids I’m coaching.”

So how difficult is it coaching your daughters?

“I try to be careful,” responded Nicola. “I never want anyone to think that my daughters have an advantage over the other players on the team.

“Occasionally when they are on the bench, they may yell over to me calling, ‘mom, mom,’ to get my attention. My assistant coaches will sometimes jokingly tell them to leave their mother alone.

“With the experiences I had with Casey and Lilli with Amherst and the Bisons, they were quite used to me being on the bench as their coach.”

Single mom. Hockey coach. Working full-time. Three daughters. How does she do it?

“You have to be organized,” was Nicola’s simple response.

Casey admits that it was an interesting situation having her mom as her coach in high school.

“It really wasn’t a problem,” said Casey, who will be attending and playing hockey at the University of Massachusetts-Boston this Fall. “I don’t think any of my teammates really cared. They looked at my mom as their coach.

“I will miss her this Fall when I go off to college.”

Lilli enjoyed the experience of not only having her mom as her coach but playing on the same team as her older sister.

“I really liked having my mom as my coach,” replied Lilli, who will be going into 10th grade this year. “She has always been my coach.

“And I liked being able to play with my sister as well.”

Nicola admits that she wasn’t sure what it was going to be like to have two daughters playing together on the same team.

“I was excited,” said Nicola. “They were too far apart in age to be on the same travel team.

“I wasn’t sure what to expect. But I found that Casey elevated Lilli’s game. It was an interesting dynamic.”

Nicola will only have one daughter on the CASH team this season with Casey going off to college. But there is a third daughter, Maya, waiting in the wings to take her place. But that won’t be for at least another year.

Does Nicola consider herself a pioneer of sorts in the coaching field?

 

“Not really,” answered Nicola. “Although I know when I walk into certain rinks the head coach from the other team (usually a male) will walk right past me and shake hands with my assistants (who are male).

“But that really doesn’t bother me. I find it kind of funny.

“But I have found that as a woman you definitely have to prove yourself.  I’ve watched women’s and girl’s hockey grow over the years.

“That has always been my goal, to help girls and women’s hockey grow. And they seem to keep getting better and better each year.

“I’m just glad to be a part of it.”

(Photo by Janet Schultz)

US Women’s Hockey Sweep U18 and U22 Openers

By
Randy Schultz
-
0

CALGARY – Both the U.S. Under-18 and Under-22 Women’s Select Teams earned victories to open their respective three-game slates here tonight against Canada. First, Casey O’Brien (Milton, Mass.) netted the overtime game-winner as the U18s came from behind to earn a 2-1 win. In the nightcap, Taylor Heise (Lake City, Minn.) scored twice to lead the U.S. to a 4-1 victory.

U18s: USA 2, CANADA 1 (OT)

O’Brien scored the game-winner 1:17 into overtime as the U.S. Under-18 Women’s Select Team topped Canada, 2-1, in the opening game of the 2018 Under-18 Series.

The U.S. had great opportunities on three power plays in the first period, with perhaps the best coming after the Canadians were flagged for a tripping infraction 12:22 into the action. As the U.S. cycled the puck around the offensive zone, Ashley Messier (Wilcox, Sask.) spotted an opening and fired a shot on net from the top of the right face-off circle that was stopped by the Raygan Kirk. Haley Winn (Rochester, N.Y.) and O’Brien also recorded shots on goal during the power play, but the U.S. could not convert.

Canada opened the scoring during the second frame when a net-front scramble resulted in a deflected puck flying up and over U.S. goalie Skylar Vetter (Lakeville, Minn.) to give the Canadians a one-goal lead with 5:58 remaining in the period.

Makenna Webster (St. Louis, Mo.) netted the equalizer with 2:33 to play when she finished a feed from Abbey Murphy (Evergreen Park, Ill.) on the rush.

The game would remain tied at the conclusion of regulation, and the teams entered a five-minute three-on-three overtime period.

O’Brien buried the game-winner 1:17 into the extra frame when her shot from the left circle beat Kirk for a power-play tally.

The U.S. outshot Canada 31-29 and Vetter finished with 28 saves to earn the victory in net for Team USA.

U22s: USA 4, CANADA 1

Heise scored twice and eight other American skaters earned points as the U.S. Under-22 Women’s Select Team defeated Canada, 4-1, in the opening game of the 2018 Under-22 Series.

Team USA broke the ice early when Mikaela Gardner (Plainfield, Ill.) banged home a rebound off a Natalie Snodgrass (Eagan, Minn.) shot to give the U.S. a 1-0 lead 1:53 into the opening frame.

Canada evened the score at one apiece when Daryl Watts connected with Sophie Shirley at the top of the crease, beating Maddie Rooney (Andover, Minn.) glove side with 6:15 remaining in the first period.

The U.S. regained the lead 5:37 into the second period when Heise put another rebound past Tricia Deguire. The play materialized as Sophia Shaver (Wayzata, Minn.) gained the zone and fed a pass to Britta Curl (Bismarck, N.D.), who ripped a shot on net from the top of the right face-off circle, resulting in an opportunity for Heise.

Heise scored her second goal of the night when she corralled a loose puck in front to beat Deguire top-left corner with 7:24 remaining, giving the U.S. a 3-1 advantage. Sydney Brodt (North Oaks, Minn.) picked up an assist on the play.

Grace Zumwinkle (Excelsior, Minn.) added an empty-net goal with 2:39 to play to account for the 4-1 final.

The U.S. outshot Canada 25-19 and Rooney finished with 18 saves to earn the win.

The U.S. Under-22 Women’s Select Team returns to action against Canada tomorrow (Aug. 17) at 7 p.m. MT/9 p.m. ET.

NOTES: Click here for complete game statistics from today’s U18 game and here for complete statistics from today’s U22 game… The U.S. and Canada face off again tomorrow (Aug. 17) at 4 p.m. MT/6 p.m. ET (U18) and 7 p.m. MT/9 p.m. ET (U22). All games will be streamed live via HockeyTV.com. Click here for the full U18 Series schedule and here for the full U22 Series schedule… USA Hockey’s international council, chaired by Gavin Regan (Potsdam, N.Y.), has oversight responsibilities for all U.S. national teams.

Pfalzer Looks Forward to Exciting Season

By
Janet
-
0

By Janet Schultz, Women’s Hockey Columnist

Buffalo native Emily Pfalzer has agreed to terms with the Buffalo Beauts, after spending last season with Team USA and bringing home the gold from the 2018 Olympics.

“I had no doubt that I was coming back, but I just needed time to settle down and take a break,” said Pflazer in a teleconference this afternoon. (Aug. 16)

“It will be exciting to keep up the momentum of women’s hockey,” said Pfalzer, referring to the Olympic gold, the expansion of a team in Minnesota and the Beauts coming into the season as a favorite.

“We need to build on that momentum and grow the women’s game how ever we can,” she said.

The Pegula’s purchase of the Beauts has brought a positive feeling to the arena, the players and the fans seem more excited, according to Pfalzer.

Pfalzer also remarked that signing more Buffalo-born players is definitely a great thing for Buffalo. She has followed many of their collegiate careers and feels they will bring added strength to the Beauts.

The Beauts have signed

Julianna Infallo, Eden/Nichols School;  and Annika Zalewski, New Hartford (NY), Nichols School and Colgate College. Also on the Beauts lineup with WNY ties are Hayley Scumurra (Williamsville/Nichols/Northeastern; Maddie Elia (Lewiston/Nichols/Boston U); Jacqui Greco, Buffalo/Syracuse University; Julia DiTondo (Kenmore/Mercyhurst College) and Emily Janiga (East Aurora/Mercyhurst).

Another plus factor for the Beauts is that Coach Ric Seiling has been head coach since the start of the program and Greg Muni came in the second year. The consistency is what has helped make them a championship contender and the winner of the Isobel Cup in 2017.

The NWHL is a great way for little girls to have female hockey heroes, said Pfalzer, when asked about the expansion and stability of the league.

In Emily Pfalzer’s favorite word: this season will be EXCITING.

Beauts Sign Olympic Gold Medalist Pfalzer

By
Randy Schultz
-
0

BUFFALO, N.Y.– The Buffalo Beauts announced the team has agreed to terms with defenseman Emily Pfalzer.

“Emily arrives with championship experience both with the Beauts and with the United States national team,” General Manager Nik Fattey said. “Her presence will help solidify our already strong defense and having a local player of her caliber return our club will be invaluable to the team both on and off the ice.”

The Buffalo native returns for her third season with the Beauts after previously spending the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons with the club. In 32 games during those campaigns, Pfalzer recorded 19 points (3+16) and 12 penalty minutes. She is tied for second among Beauts players all-time in assists and ranks sixth in points, while leading the franchise in career power-play assists.

Pfalzer has represented the United States at multiple international competitions, most recently winning the gold medal at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea. The Boston College alumna was also a member of the U.S. World Championship teams that captured three consecutive gold medals from 2015 to 2017.

Former Union College Forward Signs One-Year AHL Contract With Amerks

By
Randy Schultz
-
0

(Rochester, NY) — Rochester Americans General Manager Randy Sexton announced today that the team has signed forward Wayne Simpson to a one-year American Hockey League contract.

Simpson, 28, joins the Amerks after spending last season with the AHL’s Hershey Bears, where he finished third on the team in scoring with 42 points (14+28) while appearing in all 76 games. A native of Boxborough, Mass., Simpson has appeared in 224 career AHL games with Hershey, Providence and Portland, totaling 128 points on 39 goals and 89 assists while also adding 15 points (5+10) in 20 Calder Cup Playoff contests.

Simpson also played two seasons with South Carolina Stingrays, collecting 96 points (38+58) in 131 ECHL games and finishing second on the team in scoring in both years. During the 2014-15 campaign, Simpson set an ECHL postseason scoring record when he amassed 38 points (13+25) in 27 games, leading the Stingrays to an Eastern Conference championship and an appearance in the 2015 Kelly Cup Finals.

Prior to turning pro, the 5-foot-11, 195-pound forward played four years at Union College, recording 115 points (56+59) 159 career games for the Dutchmen.

Andrew Stegehuis Named Amerks Equipment Manager

By
Randy Schultz
-
0

(Rochester, NY) — Rochester Americans General Manager Randy Sexton announced today the hiring of Andrew Stegehuis as head equipment manager. Stegehuis replaces Ben Laing, who was elevated to a position with the Buffalo Sabres.

Stegehuis joins the Amerks following six seasons as the assistant equipment manager of the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins, helping the team earn both of its Calder Cup championships. Stegehuis previously served as a locker room attendant for the Griffins from 2004-11 and joined Grand Rapids full-time after spending the 2011-12 season as the equipment manager for the Chicago Steel of the USHL.

A native of Grandville, Mich., Stegehuis has also assisted the Detroit Red Wings during their prospect camps and training camps.

US Falls To Czech Republic In Opening Game of Five Nations Tourney; Brooklyn, NY Native Scores For US

By
Randy Schultz
-
0

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, August 15, 2018

U.S. Falls To Czech Republic in Opening Game of Five Nations Tournament
Dzhaniyev and Hanas score for Team USA

PIESTANY, Slovakia – Despite outshooting the Czech Republic by nearly a 2-to-1 margin, the United States Under-17 Men’s Select Team suffered a 3-2 setback Wednesday in its opening game at the Under-17 Five Nations Tournament.

Trailing 2-0 early in the second period, Team USA answered with a goal from Daniyal Dzhaniyev (Brooklyn, N.Y.) to cut the Czech Republic lead in half at 8:23 of the stanza. A Czech turnover at the U.S. blue line started the play, then Dzhaniyev and Mackie Samoskevich (Sandy Hook, Conn.) streaked into the Czechia zone and executed a give-and-go to beat goaltender Jan Bednar.

An elbowing penalty 1:40 after the goal sent Team USA to the power play, and Cross Hanas (Highland Village, Texas) stuffed home a rebound off a shot from Nathan Schweitzer (Champlin, Minn.) to even the score at 2-2. U.S. captain Blake Biondi (Hermantown, Minn.) picked up the secondary assist on Hanas’ goal.

Unfortunately for the U.S., a strange bounce off the end boards snuck its way behind goaltender Gavin Fitzpatrick (Norwood, Mass.) to give Czechia a 3-2 lead later in the third period. Team USA pressed hard for the equalizer and generated numerous scoring chances, but despite piling up a 43-22 advantage in shots on goal, time expired before the U.S. could find a way to tie the game.

The team will return to action Friday when it takes on Switzerland at 2 p.m. local time (8 a.m. ET).

(USA Hockey Photo)

14 Players Including Foligno and Kane, Added To Stars & Stripes Showdown Roster

By
Randy Schultz
-
0

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Fourteen players have been added to the roster for the Stars & Stripes Showdown, a benefit hockey game featuring top American-born hockey stars that will take place Sunday, August 26, at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Mich. Opening faceoff is set for 2 p.m. ET.

The group includes Patrick Kane (Chicago Blackhawks), Craig Anderson (Ottawa Senators), Johnny Gaudreau (Calgary Flames), Seth Jones (Columbus Blue Jackets), Jacob Trouba (Winnipeg Jets), Cam Atkinson (Columbus Blue Jackets), Alex DeBrincat (Chicago Blackhawks), Nick Foligno (Columbus Blue Jackets), Cam Fowler (Anaheim Ducks), Matt Hunwick (Buffalo Sabres), Anders Lee (New York Islanders), Patrick Sieloff (Ottawa Senators) and Brady Skjei (New York Rangers).

The game is being played in honor of the late Jim Johannson, with proceeds benefiting both the Jim Johannson Legacy Fund of The USA Hockey Foundation, and the Ellie Johannson College Fund.

In addition to the game, festivities will include a live game-worn jersey auction; an online auction featuring game-worn jerseys and autographed NHL memorabilia; in-arena raffles; and a post-game meet & greet with players and coaches.

NOTES: The Jim Johannson Legacy Fund was established to benefit grassroots community hockey programs across the country, something Johannson was passionate about throughout his life. The Ellie Johannson College Fund will assist in providing a college education for its namesake, the two-year-old daughter of Jim and his wife Abby.

(Pictured is Nick Foligno)

123...789Page 1 of 789

EVEN MORE NEWS

POPULAR CATEGORY

©