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May 7, 2025

By Randy Schultz, NYHOL

Photos by Janet Schultz, NYHOL

LOCKPORT, NY — The Howell Motors Ford Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2025 was recently inducted with a formal ceremony held at the Cornerstone Arena.

_{Mike Landers with Master of Ceremonies Randy Schultz}

Hall of Fame Chairman, Mike Landers, opened the evenings activities with a welcome.

“Three categories are being honored this year including coaches, contributors and players,” said Landers. “And this year a new category, Team of Distinction, is being introduced.”

Special guest speaker at the dinner was Rip Simonick, long time equipment manager for the Buffalo Sabres.

The following were honored in their respective category:

COACHES:

NORTON KINSLEY —

Norton Kinsley has the distinction of being the head coach of teams that made New York State tournaments every year he coached until 1991.

BOB SHAW –

Shaw began coaching at the Kenan Arena. With successful assistant coaches including Walt Kowka, Jim Gifford and Rick Chapman, Shaw began his successful coaching career in Lockport.

Shaw got to coach some of Lockport’s finest players including Charlie Heinrich, Tom Dockery, John Walsh, Brian Smith, Jim Bedford, Don Tuttle, Mark Kahle, among others.

CONTRIBUTORS:

IGNATIUS “IGGY” TARAJOS –

“Iggy” has dedicated his life to the ice, no matter if he was playing, creating the perfect ice rink surface or overseeing operations in some of this country’s most iconic arenas.

From his early years at the Kenan Center in 1969 to his current role with the National Hockey League’s Seattle Kraken, Iggy’s passion for ice and unique career path have helped shape the world of rink operations and professional hockey.

HEINRICH CHEVROLET –

David Heinrich came to Lockport in 1966 after purchasing Al Morgan Chevrolet. In 1969 he built the current location of Heinrich Chevrolet on Transit Road in Lockport.

A community minded person, Heinrich sponsored various sports teams over the years. This included youth and men’s hockey teams.

DAN O’BRIEN –

Dan was a hockey dad. His son played high school hockey for Starpoint High School. His daughter, Natalie, played modified hockey with the Starpoint boys team for one year because there wasn’t another option for her to play for her school.

Talking with Natalie, it was felt there had to be a way to make a girl’s high school hockey team happen at Starpoint. Leading the way, Dan and the group he organized, made it happen.

That team today is known as the Niagara County Girls Varsity High School Ice Hockey Team.

WILLIAM KENAN, JR. –

_{Nancy J. Cable Ph.D. accepting for Kenan}

William R. Kenan, Jr. was said to be a man of vision. It is believed that what became the Kenan Center Ice Rink was one of those visions.

In the early 1960s ice hockey in Lockport was played in the parks and was called “Park Hockey.” When hockey game results were published in the local newspaper on Park Hockey, each story would end with the suggestion, “there is a dire need for an indoor hockey rink in Lockport.”

Mr. Kenan’s philanthropic measures made sure that happened.

Nancy Cable, executive director of the William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust accepted the Hall of Fame honor for the late Mr. Kenan.

JIM LORENTZ –

_{Rip Simonick accepting for Jim Lorenz}

Lorentz is best remembered in Western New York for his days as a player with the Buffalo Sabres. In the Lockport area he is remembered for his days spent at the Kenan Center Ice Arena as an instructor with the Sabres summer hockey school.

That was followed by a career as a color commentator for Sabres broadcasts. Simonick accepted the award on behalf of Lorentz, who was unable to attend the ceremony.

TEAM OF DISTINCTION –

1981-82 LOCKPORT HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY TEAM:

From an opening 10-3 win over Ken-West to a final 5-1 win over Tottenville to win the New York State High School Club Hockey Championship, the 1981-82 Lockport Club Hockey Lions had an exciting season.

Compiling an overall record of 34-3-7, the young squad finished first in the league and then went on to become State Champions after a first place finish at Leisure Rinks in Orchard Park, NY.

Captain of the team, Dave Watson, accepted on behalf of the team. During his acceptance speech he called up several other members of the team.

PLAYERS:

JOHN WALSH, JR. –

_{John Walsh Sr. accepts for his son.}

John Walsh, Jr’s love of hockey began around the age of five with Mite hockey. He eventually moved up with Squirt and Bantam hockey.

Walsh played high school hockey from 1983-84 as well as floor hockey at the Kenan Center. As a player he was known for his checking and slap shots.

Unfortunately, John passed away in 2019. Accepted on his behalf was his dad, John Sr. (Jack).

DOMINIC DOCKERY –

_{TJ accepts for both he and his brother}

Dominic has had a lengthy hockey career, with it’s share of ups and downs. It began with his amateur days in Lockport and has continued to his pro career, now playing in his fourth season with the Wichita Thunder of the ECHL.

T.J. DOCKERY –

Following his amateur and pro hockey career, TJ became a hockey on-ice official the year after he retired as a player. He is currently a lineman in the American Hockey League (AHL) as well as the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL). His main focus right now is to become an official in the NHL.

RYAN NEIDRAUER –

_{Ryan Neidrauer with his helper}

Ryan was born and raised in Lockport. He built a life centered around his deep love for hockey, his family and his community and not necessarily in that order.

MARK PALMER –

Mark’s love for hockey began at the age of five. While watching a Sabres game on TV Mark asked his dad what the game was all about. The response was, “Whoever puts the puck in the net the most wins.”

Mark then said, “I want to be the one to stop the other team from putting the puck in my net.” Thus, a goalie was born.

And what a goaltending career Mark has had.

TRACY MCNITT –

As a young boy of five, Tracy lost his hand in a lawn mower accident. His parents were not going to let this setback deter their son in any way.

It was at this point that skating, along with attending Buffalo Sabres games as season ticket holders, that his parents put him into squirt hockey at the Kenan Center. This decision started a lifelong love of hockey and shaped the person Tracy would become the rest of his life.

TERRY STRIFFLER –

_{Accepting for Terry, Jim Musco}

When Terry began skating at the Kenan Center is when his love for the game really took off. He started playing Bantams, Midgets and Juniors, along with playing with the Lockport High School hockey team.

And he was always in goal. That was the most natural place for him to be and he enjoyed many seasons doing his best to stop the opposing team from scoring.

DR. ERIC RICHARDS –

Dr. Eric Richards began skating in response to his father falling in love with hockey as an adult. The Buffalo Sabres helped, as did Lanny McDonald and the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Richards came up through the ranks of youth hockey, to Jr. hockey, college hockey to adult hockey leagues. Even an eye injury suffered in adult hockey, along with some other injuries, didn’t stop him.

His love for the game continues to this day.

Hockey Hall of Famers

NYers Hagens, Parsons, Moore and Murtagh Among Those Ranked For 2025 NHL Draft

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May 7, 2025

By Warren Kozireski —

Hauppauge’s James Hagens, Ithaca’s Will Moore and Jack Parsons and East Greenbush’s Jack Murtagh lead a group of ten New York State natives included in NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.

Hagens, Moore and Murtagh are listed among the top 30 North American skaters while Parsons is slotted tenth among North American goaltenders.

Hagens, ranked third, just completed his freshman campaign with Boston College. The 5’10”, 178 lb. forward finished third behind current NHLers Gabe Perreault and Tyan Leonard on the team in points the team with 37 and second in assists with 19 as a point-per-game true freshman.

Moore, ranked 29^th, stands 6’2” and 175 lb. and played his second season with the U.S. National Team Development Program. In a combined 80 games against college programs and in the USHL, he had 33 goals with 68 points duplicating his point total from the previous season. He is committed to Boston College.

East Greenbush’s and Moore’s teammate Jack Murtagh is slotted one spot back at 30th. The 6’0”, 200 lb. left wing is committed to Boston University in 2025. He spent two seasons with the Bishop Kearney Selects prep program in Rochester prior to heading to Plymouth, Michigan. This season he had 27 goals and 64 points in 71 games.

Parsons, passed over at last year’s NHL draft, used this past year to further develop in the USHL with the Chicago Steel. Splitting time in net, the 6’3”, 194 lb. finished with a 3.49 goals against average and .903 save percentage in 35 games.

Tonawanda’s Matthew Lansing, committed to Quinnipiac University, fell from 97^th in the midterm rankings to 175^th. The 6’0”, 188 lb. center spent four seasons with the Buffalo Jr. Sabres program with his final year split between there and Waterloo in the USHL. This season started with Waterloo, but he was acquired by Fargo at the trade deadline. Lansing had a combined 27 points over 54 games.

Northwood Prep and Camillus’ William Schneid, committed to the University of Connecticut in 2026, is slotted one spot back at 176^th. The 6’0”, 174 lb. left wing and former West Genesee HS player had 100 points in 62 prep games this past season including 52 goals.

Jack Pechar from Niskayuna came in at 192. Playing this season with Lincoln in the USHL, the 6’1”, 198 lb. forward and Northeastern commit netted 27 goals and 61 points in 56 games this season as a just turned 20-year-old.

Roslyn’s Ethan Wyttenbach jumped from 222^nd in the midterms to 185. The 5’10”, 181 lb. forward is playing his first season in the USHL with Sioux Falls where he finished with 24 goals with 27 assists over 44 games. The Long Island Gulls product is committed to Quinnipiac University in 2026.

New York City-born Dylan Lee-Stack is ranked 30th among North American goaltenders. The 6’2”, 176 lb. product of the Ramapo Saints and Westchester Express finished his second season with the Brunswick Prep School and the Yale Jr. Bulldogs 18-U team where he has played in 14 games with a 5-4-5 record.

And Rochester’s Ethan Phillips is listed 31st among North American goaltenders. Playing for both the Bishop Kearney Selects (21 games) and Rochester Jr. Americans (6 games), the 6’2”, 205 lb. goaltender had a 2.39 GAA and .910 save percentage in 21 games with two shutouts with the Selects. He is committed to Providence College in 2026.

The NHL Draft is June 27-28 at L.A. Live’s Peacock Theater.

(Photos provided by USA Hockey, USA Hockey Development)

Putnam Awards Presented

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May 3, 2025

IMG_6741AwardeeswithPutnamsRazor — 2024-25 Putnam Awardees

BY RANDY SCHULTZ, NYHOL

The 2024/25 Tyler Putnam Awards Banquet was recently held at the Webster Golf Club in Webster, NY. Twenty-six Rochester area youth and high school hockey players received Putnam Awards, while two other area players received the Unsung Hero and Goaltender Awards, respectively.

The 26 players that received a Putnam Award include: Nicholas Beechey (Irondequoit High School); Anthony Gianvecchio (ROCO, the Rochester Coalition); Carter Griffin (Greece Storm); Matthew Dieter (Webster Schroeder High School); Ryan Hanley (Churchville Chili High School); Blake Hollister (Rochester Youth Hockey).

Jacob Hutchins (Batavia/Notre Dame High School); Aiden Kennedy (Hilton High School); Matt Kozara (McQuaid Jesuit High School); Luke LaForce (Rochester Aces); Nathan MacBride (Victor High School); Carson Meehan (Brighton/HFL/ER High School).

Anna Miller (Rochester Edge); Parker Monette (Gates Chili High School); Camden Monks (Webster Youth Hockey); Carmine Pangallo (Webster Thomas High School); Sam Prokupets (BK Selects Boys); Jack Reichard (Penfield High School).

Jack Schoenweitz (Monroe County Youth Hockey); Alexander Schram (Brockport High School); Finnean Storie (Tri-County Youth Hockey); Samantha Taylor (Greater Rochester Girls High School Hockey); Gregor Vogel (University of Rochester); Ryan Whitney (Aquinas Institute).

Griffin Rizzi (Pittsford High School) and Landen Christ (Spencerport High School).

Jack Davilia, Colin Montesano UnSung Hero Award

The Colin Montesano Unsung Hero Award was presented to Jack Davila (Aquinas Institute). The Joshua Opladen Goaltender Award winner was Barrett Paolini (Hilton High School).

Tyler Putnam was known for his high energy, incredible work ethic and his desire to achieve his goals. He has been memorialized with a banner that hangs above the ice in the Lakeshore Hockey Arena as well as a memorial helmet sticker that dawns the symbol of a gold hardhat – a symbol of Putnam’s hard work and dedication to the game he loved.

On July 7, 2011 Putnam’s hockey dreams ended tragically when he died of an illness called Meningococcemia (Meningitis B). Following his passing The Tyler Putnam Foundation was formed.

Since 2012 the Foundation has donated more than $80,000 to families in need of assistance for registration fees for hockey. Additionally, the Foundation has awarded an annual Scholar Athlete Scholarship of $1000 (for the last 11 years, totaling $11,000) to a graduating Senior at Irondequoit High School (where Tyler attended) who played hockey and is moving on to college.

Lindsay Putnam, Tyler’s father and President of the Tyler Putnam Foundation, thanked all the Foundation’s sponsors for their continued support.

Among those thanked were Patrick Duff, who has served as Master of Ceremonies for several years and The Larrabee Foundation as a Premier Sponsor of the Tyler Putnam Awards.

“None of this would be possible without the generous donations made by all the sponsors,” concluded Lindsay. “The purpose of the Tyler Putnam Awards is memorializing a talented and hard working hockey player while recognizing this area’s finest young hockey players for their dedication to the sport.”

WCMF radio personality, Pat Duffy, was the Master of Ceremonies for the event.

Former Buffalo Sabres player and now a color commentator for Sabres broadcasts, Rob Ray, was the guest speaker.

Ray, along with Tyler’s father, Lindsay Putnam, and Tyler’s sister, Shannon, presented the awards to the recipients.

Tribute to WNYGVIH Seniors

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May 2, 2025

Story and Photos by Janet Schultz, NYHOL

The WNYGVIH Federation honored their Seniors at special ceremonies at the end of the season.

From Clarence/Amherst/SweetHome it was Georgia Mango from Amherst High School. Mango played four years on CASH, serving as Assistant Captain this past season. She plans on playing Lacrosse at Oswego State University while she majors in biology and minors in criminal justice. Mango posted 3 goals and 2 assists this season.

Franklinville/Frontier/LakeShore/Orchard Park (FFLOP) graduated Maya Griffin and Lilah Cudney.

Griffin, Orchard Park High School, played for FFLOP for 5 years and served as team captain during her junior and senior year. She ended in first place in over-all scoring this season and was selected as Offensive Player of the Year this season. She was named to the First Team All -Fed Team in 2023-24, Second Team All Fed in 2022-23 and Honorable Mention in 2021-22. This season she celebrated her 100th career point and placed 8th on the WNYGVIH All-Time Scoring List with 127 points. She was a three-sport athlete at Orchard Park, playing Lacrosse and Soccer in addition to Ice Hockey. Griffin will study nursing at Youngstown State and play Lacrosse. Her parents are Mother, Pam Salerno, stepfather Craig Robertson; father Todd Griffin and step mom, Amy.

Cudney will graduate from Franklinville High School. A member of FFLOP for 3 years she earned an Honorable Mention on the All-Fed team this season and was Second Team All Star last season. Cudney served as Team Captain this season. Cudney had 4 goals and 8 assists this season. She will continue her hockey career at SUNY Canton while studying Sports Management.

Graduating from Hamburg/Eden/West Seneca (HEWS) were Samantha Miller, Kaelynn Wittschack and Kayla Pelc.

Miller is graduating from West Seneca High School and was a three-year starter on the HEWS team. She also plays lacrosse and soccer at West Seneca and plans to attend Buffalo State College majoring in Biology. Miller played defense.

Wittschack transferred from FFLOP to HEWS this season and will graduate from Hamburg High School. She was a member of National Honor Society, played soccer and flag football for Hamburg. She plans on attending SUNY Cortland and study childhood education.

Pelc is a four year member of HEWS and attends Eden High School. Known as the “HEWS Curse” for her ability to NOT score when she’s presented with seemingly the easiest chances to do so, Pelc played forward. She plans to attend SUNY Cortland for marketing. She is also an accomplished lacrosse player.

Kenmore/Grand Island/Lockport (KenGiPort) graduated its largest senior class to date, which will impact the program. As a class this group has 73 wins, 43 losses and five ties with a 65-12-4 record in just the last four years as high schoolers. Graduating this June are Jillian Hager, Lockport High School; Natalie Kopf, Grand Island; Isabelle; Madeline Marzec, Kenmore West; Savannah Samplinski, Grand Island; Isabella Jayme, Grand Island; Isabella “Izzy” Burt, Grand Island and Isabelle Bourgeault, Kenmore West.

Hager played her second season with KenGiPort and plans to attend Oswego State to study cinema and screen studies. Hager played in goal for 105 minutes making 13 saves on 13 shots for a 1.00 save percentage. Her parents are Michael and Michelle Hager.

Kopf played four seasons with the team and plans to attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to study Business Analytics and Business Management and playing softball. Kopf was a defender for KenGiPort and scored 1 goal and had 4 assists this season. Her parents are Rob and Jenn Kopf.

Burt is in her fifth season with KenGiPort as a Forward. She plans to study biochemistry in college. Burt had 5 goals and 13 assists in 16 games this season. Her parents are Ian and Alanna Burt.

Samplinski played 6 seasons with KenGiPort as a defender. She had 4 goals and 13 assists this season in 18 games. She was named to the First Team, All Fed Team for 2024-25. She plans to study biology in a college yet to be determined. Her parents are Steve and Amy Samplinski.

Marzec is also in her sixth season with KenGiPort as a defender with a goal and an assist this season. She plans to study biochemistry at a college to be announced. Marzec’s parents are Chris and Kate.

Jayme is another 6-season player. As a Forward she placed 8th on the 2024-25 Scoring List with 18 goals and 14 assists in 18 games and she was named to the 2024-25 First Team All-Fed Team. Jayme is Second on the WNYGVIH Federation All-time Points Record with 87 goals and 70 assists in 113 games. She is the daughter of Kent and Jill.

Bourgeault is a sixth season player with KenGiPort and was named to the First Team All Federation Team this season. She placed tenth on the season’s Scoring List with 16 goals and 13 assists in 18 games and she is 5th on the All Time WNYGVIH Federation Scoring List with 78 goals and 68 assists in 116 games. Izzy will be attending SUNY Canton to study finance and play DIII ice hockey with the Roos. Her parents are Coach Marc and Amy Bourgeault.

Monsignor Martin graduated one senior this season. Norah Carrol, pictured above, is s a 4-year Varsity athlete in Soccer and Hockey at Mount St. Mary’s Academy. She served as captain of both teams. Carrol is an officer for the National Honor Society and a member of Student Council and the Serve Club. She plans to further her education in political science.

Seniors from Niagara County Lady Warriors include Ella King, Niagara Wheatfield; Olivia Terranova, Starpoint; Natalee Lawrence, Starpoint, Madeline Remus, Lewiston-Porter; Abby Zimmerman, Niagara-Wheatfield and Jaylin Beaver, Niagara-Wheatfield.

Terranova scored 2 goals and 6 assists in 18 games on defense. Lawrence scored 10 goals and 11 assists in 17 games as a Forward. Remus played defense with a goal and3 assists.

Zimmerman placed third on the Season Scoring List with 23 goals and 13 assists in 16 games. She is 13th on the WNYGVIH All-Time Scoring List with 65 goals, 45 assists in 71 games. She was also named to the First Team WNYGVIHF All-Fed Team this season.

Beaver played in goal for 475.43 minutes, making 152 saves on 204 shots giving her a .475 save percentage.

Graduating from St. Mary’s of Lancaster were Avery Hall, Riley Kumrow, Danielle Cottrell, Alanah Pagano, Samantha Hatt and Emma Babock.

Hall is an original member of the St. Mary’s team and played in goal. She is a member of the National Honor Society with a 3.3 GPA. Hall record St. Mary’s first win, first shutout and first win in the Private School Championship in 2024. She played 217.23 minutes between the pipes this season making 111 saves on 121 shots. She will study Sports Medicine and Exercise at John and Wales University where she will also play ice hockey.

Kumrow is also an original member of the STM team, carries a 3.8 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society. The Defender served as an Assistant Captain last season and Captain this season, had 3 goals and 6 assists in 18 games. Kumrow earned an Honorable Mention on this season’s WNYGVIHF All-Fed Team. She plans to attend Kings College where she will play ice hockey and study marketing.

Cottrell played Forward, scoring two goals and two assists in 16 games. She will attend Ithaca College to study architecture. Cottrell is an original member of the STM team.

Another original member, Hatt carries a 3.6 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society. She played on defense in 17 games, scoring 4 goals and 2 assists this season. Hatt will be attending Niagara University in the nursing program.

Babcock in the 2024 recipient of the Character and Kindness Award. She has a 3.7 GPA and will study sports management at Niagara University. Babock played Forward with a goal and 6 assists in 16 games.

Pagano is another original member of the team and played in 17 games with 5 goals and 3 assists on Forward. Pagano has the distinction of scoring the First-ever goal for SMH and the winning goal in the Private School Championship in 2024. She plans to study nursing at the University of Southern Carolina. A member of the National Honor Society, she carries a 3.6 GPA.

Williamsville graduated two seniors this season. Honored were Sophia DePrima and Gabriella Bellacose.

DePrima played Forward and will graduate from Williamsville North High School. She had two goals and two assists in 15 games.

Bellacose will graduate from Williamsville South High School and played Forward for the team. She saw action in 15 games.

Also honored during graduation ceremonies from ice hockey was KenGiPort’s Assistant Coach Marc Bourgeault. Bourgeault joined the coaching staff the same year this year’s graduating class was in 7th grade. He gave his time and expertise for 6 seasons as a volunteer coach, sharing memories with his daughters Carolyn and Izzy. He will now retire from this program and move on to other interests.

Lancaster/Iroquois/Depew/Alden had no seniors this season.

Gallery

(All Photos property of NYHOL. For copies email Janet@nyhockeyonline.com)

(Editors Note: Due to several changes in scheduling, Janet was unable to attend all the ceremonies and NYHOL apologizes.)

Rochester Amerks Advance

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May 2, 2025

By Warren Kozireski —

Devon Levi became just the third Rochester goaltender to register back-to-back playoff shutouts as he led the Amerks to 4-0 victory at Syracuse Thursday night to finish off a three-games-to none sweep in their North Division semi-final series.

Levi made 30 saves to join Bobby Perreault (1957) and Mika Noronen (2000-two times) with consecutive postseason shutouts.

“For us to be able to pull off the sweep is pretty incredible; it’s just cool that we got the outcome that we wanted with that complete buy-in,” Levi said.

Mason Jobst broke open the scoreless tie during a four-on-four as he hopped off the bench on a line change, gathering up a loose puck at center ice and scored on the breakaway at 15:51 of the first.

The Amerks broke the game open in the third period as defenseman Kale Clague scored his third goal of the series under the crossbar at 1:45 with assists from Konsta Helenius and Tyson Kozak.

Six minutes later Jobst redirected a pass from Zach Metsa for an insurance tally and, after Syracuse was held off the scoreboard for over four minutes with their goaltender pulled for the extra attacker, Brendan Warren secured the victory with an empty-net goal at 18:42.

“If you would have told me at the start of the series that we would out-number them in net-front goals; guys were incredible, the sacrifice, the effort, awesome,” Rochester head coach Michael Leone said.

The Amerks tied the AHL record for fewest goals allowed in a three-game playoff series (2) with Cleveland (1939) and Pittsburgh (1951).

Rochester now awaits the winner of the Cleveland vs Laval division semi-final series which stands 1-0 Rocket after their win Wednesday. Games two and three and Friday and Saturday. The North Division final is also a best-of-five series.

Amerks Take Commanding 2-0 Series Lead

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April 28, 2025

By Warren Kozireski —

Protecting a 1-0 lead on a Konsta Helenius first period goal, Rochjester withstood physical and offensive zone pressure from Syracuse before Juri Kulich changed the complexion of the game with a power play just 14 seconds before the end of the second period to lead the Amerks to a 4-0 win Sunday afternoon.

It marks the first playoff shutout for the team in almost two years (April 30, 2023, also against Syracuse) and gives them a two-games-to-none advantage in their best-of-five first round playoff series. Game three is in Syracuse Thursday night.

“It was a 4-0 game, but the score doesn’t really show you what happened out there,” goaltender Devon Levi, who made 35 saves in net, said. “We got fortunate, but I think we put in the work to get those bounces. Playing a tough team we’re also a tough team and we didn’t back down from them tonight and it was really cool to see.”

Defenseman Kyle Clague, who had three points in the game, put the game out of reach almost six minutes into the third with his second goal in two games. And Isak Rosen added a late empty netter.

Rochester played almost 35 minutes of the game without defenseman Vsevold Komarov, who was injured in a fight and later saw blueliner Jack Rathbone also leave briefly with an injury and Zach Metsa received a ten-minute misconduct and the end of the second period.

The winner of this series will play the winner of Cleveland vs Laval, which starts either Wednesday or Thursday night depending on the outcome of the Montreal Washington NHL playoff series.

Future Rangers: Ty Hendriks

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April 19, 2025

By Warren Kozireski

About 16 months ago on this website there was a profile on New York Rangers 2023 sixth round draft pick Ty Hendriks. Then he was playing with his second team in the USHL, Muskegon, and had committed to play college hockey at Western Michigan University.

Fast forward 16 months and Hendriks was a 19-year-old freshman with the Broncos playing on the fourth line and, oh yeah, scored the game-winning goal in the Frozen Four national championship game.

“It’s still setting in,” Hendriks said in the locker room following the on-ice celebration. “Feels good to be able to help the team out any way possible.

“I didn’t really see much I kind of had my back turned toward the play. As soon as turned around it was “Knubs” (linemate Cam Knuble) coming through with a two-on-one so I decided to stop up and he took it to the nest and I got the rebound.”

The 6’5”, 210 lb. left wing from Mission Viejo, California left home at 13 years old to pursue his dream with Shattuck St. Mary’s for three seasons.

“When I was about 11, I went to the Shattuck camp for younger kids and it’s kind of a bite-size experience of the school and I did that twice and fell in love with the program and I knew that it was one of my goals to attend the school,” Henricks recalled.

“When I got the opportunity to play up on the U14 at13, there is no way I would turn that down. My parents weren’t too pleased with the idea, but after some thought they said if this is what’s best for him in his hockey career, then let’s let him do it.”

Then it was back home with the Jr. Ducks for the 21-22 campaign where he exploded for a combined 87 goals and 68 assists in 80 games for the 16-U program.

During two seasons in the USHL split between Fargo and Muskegon, Hendriks registered 51 points in a combined 107 games. Now he adds a national title to his resume and a pretty nice ring. And next year a chance to compete against his brother, Tanner, who will be a freshman with NCHC conference opponent St. Cloud State.

This season Hendriks finished with eight goals and five assists in 41 games at Western Michigan. His fourth line did not see the ice in the third period or either overtime period in their semi-final victory over sixth-seeded and defending champion Denver, so to score the game-winner one game later was a little bit of a surprise.

“It’s been a lot of learning and definitely made me a better person and player and just being with this group of guys has been awesome; nothing more I could ask for.”

Eight New Yorkers Named To AHCA All-American Teams

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April 19, 2025

By Warren Kozireski —

Eight players born in New York and, in a season that featured 20 men’s and women’s college teams from the state ranked in the top 20 in their respective divisions, 23 others attending those New York colleges were honored with Division I or Division III American College Hockey Association All-American honors.

On the women’s side, Webster native and Clarkson University senior defense Haley Winn was named First Team in Division I while Oswego senior forward Mack Hull (Watertown) was First Team East in Division III.

Winn, named ECAC Player of the Year, Defender of the Year and a Patty Kazmaier Top Ten nomination, led the team in assists (32) and points (46). She was also selected to represent the U.S. in the upcoming World Championships. Hull, the SUNYAC Player of the Year, led the conference in points (23) as well as goals (11).

For the men, SUNY Cortland graduate student Nate Berke (Williamsville) was a First Team East selection at forward while Aurora College senior goaltender Jacob Mucitelli (Woodgate) was First Team West in Division III.

Berke, the first in Red Dragons program history name a First Team All-American, was the Herb Hammond Co-Player of the Year and a First Team All-SUNYAC honoree. He recorded 39 points on 16 goals and 23 assists. His 1.50 points per game ranked him sixth in the country and first in the SUNYAC and his 0.62 goals per game were second in the SUNYAC and tied for 12th in the nation. Mucitelli finished with an 18-5 overall record with 2.47 goals against average and a .913 save percentage and was named Northern Collegiate Hockey Association All-Conference.

Three men were named to the Division I Second Team East in Boston College graduate student Eamon Powell (Marcellus), Holy Cross senior forward Liam McLinsky (Pearl River) and University of Connecticut sophomore forward Joey Muldowney (Lake View).

Powell broke the program record for games played in his final game of his collegiate career taking the ice for the 170th time with Boston College. He won the Hockey East Best Defensive Defenseman Award along with being named a Hockey East First Team All-Star after playing in 32 games with 20 points on four goals and 16 assists. He was drafted by Tampa Bay in 2020 but signed an Amateur Tryout Contract (ATO) with Charlotte in the AHL. McLinsky was Atlantic Hockey Player of the Year, Forward of the Year, First Team selection, Scoring Champion and Hobey Baker Top 10 finalist. His 54 points this season are the most among eastern players, third-most among all players this season and tied for most in a single season in Holy Cross’ Division I era. Muldowney led the team with 29 goals, second amongst Hockey East scorers and second amongst all Division I scorers, and finished the season with 47 points, leading the Huskies and setting a new program record for most points in a single season.

Arcadia University senior forward Karahkwenhawe White, (Akwesasne) was named Third Team East for the women. The first All-American in program history, she was named First Team All-MAC, ranked second in the conference in points (34), third in goals (19) and seventh in assists (15). Nationally, White ranked 11th in points and goals and was top 50 in assists.

Cornell sophomore goaltender Annelies Bergmann and Colgate graduate forward Kristýna Kaltounková were Second Team selections in Division I for the women. In Division III Elmira senior forward Erika Goleniak was a First Team East selection while Oswego senior goaltender Lexi Levy, Plattsburgh senior defense Mattie Norton and Utica University senior forward Jordan Kawalski each earned Second Team East nods.

William Smith senior goaltender Erin Murray, Utica University graduate goaltender Angela Hawthorne and Nazareth University graduate defense Julia Holmes and freshman forward Amy Laskowski were Third Team East selections.

Back on the men’s side, Army West Point sophomore defenseman Mac Gadowsky and Clarkson senior forward Ayrton Martino were Division I First Team East selections, Clarkson junior defenseman Trey Taylor was Second Team East.

In Division III all but one spot on the First Team East was taken by New Yorkers. Aside from Berke, national champion Hobart College graduate defenseman and junior forward Tanner Daniels along with Hamilton College senior defenseman James Philpott and sophomore forward Luke Tchor were honored.

Second Team East picks included Hobart junior goaltender Damon Beaver and senior forward Luke Aquaro with SUNY Geneseo senior forward Peter Morgan. Third Team East honorees were Hamilton College senior goaltender Charlie Archer, Geneseo sophomore defenseman Sean Melso, Plattsburgh graduate defenseman Kevin Weaver and Oswego freshman forward Ryan Burke.

Future Sabres: Gavin McCarthy

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April 17, 2025

By Warren Kozireski —

To say Buffalo Sabres 2023 third round draft pick and Clarence Center native Gavin McCarthy has taken huge strides forward in his game this season would be an understatement.

Moving from the third pair on Boston University’s defense as a freshman to now playing major minutes on the top pair for the Terriers and their return trip to the Frozen Four is one indicator. Jumping from five points in 40 games last year to 16 points in 37 games this season is another and he has shown durability missing just one game over the last two seasons.

But probably the biggest stride is the maturity to his game. Playing with Washington Capitals second round draft pick Cole Hutson, who was named the National Rookie of the Year after a 46-point season, means McCarthy often needs to be the one that stays back and is more defensively aware.

“Last year I was just happy to be here,” McCarthy said about reaching the Frozen Four. “I think this year a little bit more of a business trip so looking forward to the opportunity this year.

“Like the whole team, a little up and down this season. Kind of a tough start but really found my game in the second half. The chemistry with Cole took a little bit.

“I try to be a two-way D but obviously Cole is super-talented offensively and he’s going to do his thing, so I just try to play my game and I think we compliment each other very well.”

The 6’2”, 188 lb. right shot spent three years with the hometown Buffalo Jr. Sabres before jumping to Muskegon in the USHL for two seasons doubling his point total in year two.

Then the NHL draft where he was taken by his hometown team just months before heading to BU to play last season with his brother Case, who is now in the New York Rangers organization as a free agent.

With the usual brotherly competition of course as it took Gavin more than a few games to score his first Terrier goal until getting the game-winner in the Hockey East title game last March.

“I talked to after the Cornell game (Regional final) actually and he was kind of chirping me because two years and two Frozen Fours for me and he was five years and got two.

“My brother was chirping me all (last) year, I hit a couple posts and wasn’t able to get it but finally got it in a pretty cool moment.”

(Photos by Boston University Athletics & Men’s Hockey; Koz, NY Hockey OnLine)

Future Sabres: Matteo Costantini

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April 15, 2025

By Warren Kozireski —

It has been five years since the Buffalo Sabres made St. Catharines, Ontario native and former Buffalo Jr. Sabres Matteo Costantini their fifth-round selection in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. But that does not mean that he has fallen off their radar.

The 6’1”, 195 lb. center is wrapping up his collegiate hockey career by helping lead the Western Michigan Broncos to the first Frozen Four in program history and a championship game title with Boston University as the top seed.

“It’s exciting; you work for this all year…and it’ going to be good,” Costantini said the day before the semi-final. “You always dream about playing in an NHL rink so now we’re here so now I’m going to make the most of it and enjoy the experience.

“Every year that I’ve been here I think I’ve been doing better. (The coaches) got a great plan in place for me to follow and I think it shows with the team’s success.

Costantini wears an “A,” plays in the bumper position on the team’s top power play unit and sees time on the penalty kill and registered 23 points in 39 games this season. He set up the game-winning goal in double overtime in their semi-final win.

“That was a great game; I wish it would have finished a little bit earlier, but that’s an awesome way to win and now we’re looking forward to Saturday,” he said after the semi-final win.

After his two seasons with the Jr. Sabres, Costantini headed to Sioux City in the USHL. Then it was off to North Dakota for two seasons, the first where he was named to the NCHC All-Rookie Team.

“I think this spot just fit me very well; I remember talking with (head coach Pat Ferschweiler) Fersch when I entered the portal and I was, like man, this is a guy that I really want to play for and I’ve really enjoyed my time here and it’s been a lot of fun.”

Costantini was in Sabres Development Camp last July, another indicator that is still on the radar.

“I thought it went good. It’s always nice getting down there and seeing all the staff and organization, meeting all the other prospects so I thought it was a great experience.”

But he and the Broncos have other business to attend to first in St. Louis. Then he hopes to move forward.

“That’s always the goal, the next step, but the focus is tomorrow night. I know (Rochester) is a great spot. Talking with other prospects this summer and they love it there and I know they love the coaching staff and the whole organization is phenomenal. It sounds really cool and great spot to be in and it would be cool to be there.”

(Photos by Western Michigan Athletics/Men’s Hockey)

St. Lawrence/Syracuse Grad Thompson 2025 Hockey Humanitarian Recipient

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April 13, 2025

thompson:humaniarian 2025 — 11 Apr 25: Friday night award ceremonies at the Frozen Four at the Stifel Theatre in St. Louis, MO. (Photo by Jim Rosvold)

By Warren Kozireski —

The Hockey Humanitarian Award Foundation on Friday announced that Sarah Thompson, a graduate student at St. Lawrence University and 2024 Syracuse graduate, is the recipient of this year’s Hockey Humanitarian Award.

The award is presented annually to college hockey’s finest citizen who makes significant contributions not only to his or her team but also to the community-at-large through leadership in volunteerism.

A three-time award finalist, Thompson is the 12th female and the third in the past four years with ties to a New York State college.

While an undergrad at Syracuse University, Thompson started a foundation called ‘Sticks Together’ to provide children in disadvantaged areas opportunities to learn and grow through the sport of hockey. Her belief that hockey has no boundaries fueled her desire to give back and share her love for the sport and bridge cultural gaps around the world.

“I’m incredibly honored to be selected among such an inspiring group of finalists,” Thompson said in a press release. “As student-athletes, we have a powerful platform to create meaningful change, and I feel so fortunate to have done that through Sticks Together. What started as a simple desire to give back has grown into something much bigger, allowing me to share the game of hockey with communities around the world. Seeing a child’s face light up as they score their first goal is a feeling I’ll never forget. None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of our donors, sponsors, mentors, my team, and my family—thank you for helping make Sticks Together what it is today.”

This season at St. Lawrence, Thompson played registered two goals with two assists and won 99 face offs. During her time at Syracuse, she earned 2022 and 2023 American Hockey Coaches Association All-America Scholar recognition, was a 2021, 2022 and 2023 College Hockey America All-Academic Team selection and was on the Syracuse Athletic Director’s Honor Roll every semester. She played 121 games for the Orange, scoring 29 goals with 20 assists.

The Hockey Humanitarian Award Foundation presented Thompson and her Sticks Together Foundation with a check for $3,000.

(Photos provided by St. Lawrence University)

WNYGVIH Names 2025 All-Fed, Coach of Year, Rusin Award

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April 12, 2025

By Janet Schultz

The Western New York Girls Varsity Ice Hockey Federation coaches have named the 2024-25 WNYGVIHF All-Fed Teams.

Named to First Team were Forwards Abby Zimmerman, Bella Jayme and Izzy Bourgeault. On defense Jocelyn Smaczniak and Savanna Samplinski and in goal, Ella Celej.

They also selected Maya Griffin as Offensive Player of the Year and Jenny Wild, Defensive Player of the Year.

Clarence/Amherst/SweetHome’s Nicola Adimey was named Coach of the Year.

Zimmerman is a senior on the Niagara County Lady Warriors. She sits in third place on the year’s scoring list with 16 games played and logging 23 goals and 13 assists for 36 points.

Jayme played for Kenmore/Grand Island/Lockport and logged 18 goals and 14 assists in 18 games played.

Another KenGIL player, Bourgeault also put KenGIL on the scoreboard with 16 goals and 13 assists in 18 games.

Keeping other teams from scoring and assisting on scoring were Smaczniak, a junior who plays for Frontier/Franklinville/Lakeshore/Orchard Park and Samplinski, a senior from KenGIL. Smaczniak played in 17 games and had 5 goals and 25 assists. Samplinski had 4 goals and 17 assists on the season in 18 games.

The goaltending in the league was amazing once again this season. The Coaches selected Celej from CASH for the first team honors after she posted 689.98 minutes between the pipes, making 409 saves on 443 shots. She had two shutouts and a .923 save percentage. Celej is a goalie who keeps her eye on the puck and makes quick moves to stop the opponent.

Named to Second Team All Fed were Forwards Emily Lysiak a sophomore from Lancaster/Iroquois/Depew/Alden; Sophia Phillips, a junior from Hamburg/Eden/West Seneca and Gabby Sojda, a eighth grader from FFLOP. On Defense: Gabe Lowell, a junior from St. Mary’s of Lancaster and Morgan Cooper, sophomore from HEWS. In goal Ella Buczynski, sophomore from HEWS.

Buczynski is third on this year’s Goaltending list with 867.20 minutes played, making 417 saves on 451 shots and a .925 save percentage. She logged 5 shutouts. She plays with passion and quick moves to make saves.

Lysiak played in 19 games for LIDA and scored 21 goals with 15 assists for 36 points. Phillips, had 19 goals and 13 assists in 18 games and Sojda sits at #2 this season with 26 goals and 26 assists for 52 points in 22 games.

Lowell played in 18 games and posted 2 goals and 6 assists for 8 points and Cooper played in19 games with 3 goals and 9 assists.

On Third Team All Fed it was Sam Latini of NICo; Brynn Cafferty, LIDA; Avery Szczesek, St. Marys playing Forward. On defense Addison Cherry, Monsignor Martin and Layla Osinski, LIDA. In goal Monsignor Martin’s Kate Kelley.

Kelley, a force to be dealt with by each team. She played 775 minutes between the pipes, faced 825 shots and stopped 735 of them. The 825 shots is almost twice what other goaltenders this season faced. She is a junior from Sacred Heart Academy and the team’s only goalie.

On Forward Latini is a sophomore from Starpoint and placed fourth on the scoring leaderboard this season. She scored 21 goals and 15 assists in 17 games. Cafferty is a Junior at Lancaster and scored 12 goals and 16 assists in 19 games for LIDA. Sczcesek, a junior played in 17 games, scored 17 goals and 3 assists over the season.

Our players of the year, Griffin, a senior offensive player from FFLOP and Jenny Wild, a junior defender from CASH made much impact on the league for their respective teams. Griffin played in 21 games and logged 26 goals and 27 assists for 53 points. Wild played 16 games, scoring 8 goals and 6 assists for 14 points. Her contribution could be seen on the ice keeping the puck going to her scorers and keeping the other team at bay.

Honorable mentions went to Allison Besancon of Williamsville; Maya Adimey, CASH; Lilah Cudney, FFLOP; Brooklyn Forcucci, FFLOP; Riley Kumrow, St. Mary’s; Kelsey Barrett, HEWS; Rachel Fix, FFLOP, Ella Johnston, KenGil and Betsy Accurso, St. Mary’s.

CASH’s Nicola Adimey was named WNYGVIH 2025 Coach of the Year. Adimey began as an assistant coach with the Amherst/Sweethome team in the 2012-13 season and became Head Coach in the 2013-14 season. With a very young team this year she ended the season with a 7-6-3-1 record. Adimey was also recognized by Bee Publications as the Co-Coach of the Year with HEWS Eric Cooper.

WNYGVIH Founder and Head Coach for Williamsville, Rick Hopkins, received the Dr. James Rusin Award. The honor is given each year to someone for their dedication and promotion of the Western New York Girls Hockey Federation. Hopkins has worked tirelessly for the past 20 years to bring girls varsity ice hockey to the area and to grow it. He manages the teams, the coaching and official staffs and whatever else needs to be done. In addition he serves as the WNY Girls representative to Section VI and to NYSPHSAA.

This year’s Section VI Championship went to Frontier/Franklinville/Lakeshore/Orchard Park and the Private Championship went to St. Mary’s of Lancaster.

FFLOP went on to play Webster in the WNY Regionals. They won 4-1 and headed off to the New York State Championship in Utica. There they faced Skaneateles in the first round, losing 3-1. Maya Griffin was named one of the NYSPHSAA Sportsmen of the Year.

The WNYGVIH Federation will enter their 16th season with the 2025-26 season.

All photos property of NY Hockey OnLine. Use of photographs in any form is not permitted without written permission from Janet@nyhockeyonline.com

Buffalo Seniors Take Scotty Bowman Cup

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April 12, 2025