FLOP Says Goodbye to Four Seniors

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January 19, 2020

By Janet Schultz, NYHOL

Frontier/Lake Shore/Orchard Park will lose four players to graduation this season. Mary Kromer, Jessica Carey, Grace Hennigan and Brooke Becker will move on to their next stage in life.

Forward Mary will graduate from Lake Shore and has been a member of FLOP for four seasons. She was a first and second team All-Star selection throughout her career and is in the WNYGVIH League’s Top 10 All-Time scoring leaders. She will attend Mercyhurst College and continue playing hockey while pursuing a career i public health.

Defenseman Jessica has played four years for FLOP. After graduation from Orchard Park, Jessica will continue her education at SUNY Brockport in Nursing. She is the daughter of Mike and Naomi.

Grace has also played on defense for four years at FLOP. She will attend Daeman College and study to be a physician’s assistant. The Frontier Defenseman is the daughter of Tim and Julie.

One of the top 4 scorers in the WNYGVIH League, Brooke played for FLOP for five years and was named All Fed Player of the Year the past two seasons. She will attend Providence, continuing her hockey career and studying biology. She is the daughter of Pat and Jeni. Brooke will graduate from Orchard Park.

“All four of these players have been an integral part of a State Championship, two Sectional Championships and 3 straight Federation Championships,” said Coach Bob Klimowicz. “The players will present their parents with a rose in appreciatioh for the many years of love and support througout their hockey careers.

“The coaches would like to thank the seniors for their effort and dedication and wish all of them the best of luck in the future endeavors.”

Manlius’ Schneider Closing In On Record Book For Brockport

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Randy Schultz

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January 18, 2020

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By Warren Kozireski —

College at Brockport senior goaltender Matt Schneider spent two-plus season with the Syracuse Jr. Stars, one with The Gunnery Prep and two more years of junior hockey, the final one with the Florida Ells in the USPHL Elite before his first collegiate season in 2016-17.

Now closing in on 50 career starts and 12 games remaining in his final regular season, Schneider stands among the top netminders in program history in goals against average with a 2.88. Jake Moore’s 2.77 in tops for a career.

And his current season goals against average of 2.83 would slot him fourth all-time at Brockport.

“I didn’t know that; it’s pretty cool,” Schneider said in early January. “You want to leave an impression. It’s been an awesome four years and I would like to leave a legacy on it somehow.”

As the veteran with a junior and freshman the other goaltenders on the roster, one responsibility is to help groom his replacement. He was one of the first on the ice to congratulate Aidan Curry register his first collegiate win Jan. 4.

“I know how nervous I was the first game and how good it felt to win, so I was really happy for him.”

“It feels good to be a senior and be able to lead the team and do whatever I can to help. And the guys have been playing well in front of me, so that’s a big help too.”

Schneider had options before choosing to play in Brockport.

“It came down to a couple of schools at the end of my junior career and I just wanted to find a good fit and having the rink on campus was huge. I felt like the opportunity I had here to have an impact and play as a freshman to my senior year.”

For now, Schneider has the Golden Eagles sitting in fourth place, which would earn Brockport a home first round playoff game as they enter the second half of the SUNYAC conference schedule in a few weeks. He has started 11 of the team’s first 13 games and had six of their seven wins.

And an awareness that he is in the home stretch of his final collegiate season.

“Every time you hit the ice you kind of hits you a little bit that it might be your last time or your last chance and you’re trying to soak it all in—practice or games, everything.

“Even this barn; it’s been home for four years and I’ll definitely miss it. I remember beating Plattsburgh on the road 1-0 for the first time as a freshman and that will be something I take with me forever.

“And there have been a lot of games here in the home barn that the fans and the atmosphere that I know when I’m sitting in a chair when I’m older that I’ll think back to those games.

“I have the puck from my first win and my first SUNYAC win and first shutout; stuff like that. The tape is a little worn on them now since they were from my freshman year since I got those, but I’ll have those for the rest of my life for sure—they’ll go wherever I go.”

Kenmore/Grand Island Senior Night Victorious

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Janet

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January 18, 2020

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By Janet Schultz, NYHOL

It seems Senior Night is the night to boast a win as Kenmore/Grand Island beat CASH 4-3 on Tuesday (Jan 14) night.

However, the highlight was wishing Jessica Mitchell, Emma Marzec, Kaylynn Savoy and Abigail Blair well as they graduate this season.

Jessica is looking at majoring in engineering as she looks at RIT or UB as an option to continue her education. Her “best, best” memory of KENGI hockey was the first time she played in a game and how everyone supported her. Jessica is the daughter of Annette and John Mitchell.

Emma will not only be saying goodbye to her teammates but her sister and teammate Madeline, as well. Both are Defensemen from Kenmore West. Emma will be working on a double major in Spanish and International Relations as she looks to go to either Mercyhurst University or LeMoyne College. She has received full scholarships from both and is weighing her opportunities. She fondly remembers her freshman year when given the opportunity to play with the team and helped them through sectionals. She also enjoys the Oreo balls. Her parents are Chris and Katie Marzec.

A four-year player for KENGI, Kaylynn is heading off to Chatham University to play D3 hockey and major in exercise science. Her favorite memory is the spaghette dinner at Coach Orlowski’s house. Her parents are Mark and Bevery.

Saint Anselm Clollege and their D1 ice hockey team will be getting a fast skater and a goal scorer in Abby this fall. She will be majoring in environmental science with her focus on becoming a conservation officer. Abby’s favorite memories include making it to the State finals when she was an eighth grader and watching Coach Orlowski demonstrate drills during practice.

Abby thanked her parents, Patty and Noel, for all they have done for her in the past 13 years of her ice hockey career and for pushing her to reach her dreams and goals.

Kaylynn and Abby celebrated with a goal each on Senior Night. The other two goals came from Madison Flory and Tessa Morris. Scoring for CASH Allison Green (unassisted), Emma Guzdek, Lilli Adimey.

All photos by Janet Schultz, NYHOL and are available for purchase by contacting Janet@nyhockeyonline.com . If teams want photos for end-of-the-year banquets, now is the time to request them; I can provide o flash drive.

Former Head Coach With WNYGVIHF Team Hired By NESHDA

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Randy Schultz

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January 18, 2020

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Welcome Jim McCarthy

The growth of NewEdge Hockey Development Academy over the last 5 years has been incredible. A huge reason for such substantial growth has been our exceptionally high standard when hiring senior instructors. NewEdge Hockey Development Academy is proud to announce the addition of Jim McCarthy to our Senior Lead / Professional Training Staff.

Jim “Mac” McCarthy is a Buffalo native who not only played at a very high (NCAA) level but has been a dedicated coach and skills trainer for 25+ years. Jim is exceptionally knowledgeable, hard working, and shares the NewEdge Pro Staff philosophy of always improving and getting better as a trainer.

McCarthy is a former head coach in the Western New York Girls Varsity Ice Hockey Federation (WNYGVIHF).

NEHDA PROFESSIONAL STAFF

Jim will be playing a key role in player development at our Elite College Prep Program this coming spring.

Playing the game, coaching the game, and training the game are 3 completely different animals. Professional, Senior Lead Instructors with NewEdge Hockey Development Academy are dedicated teaching professionals.

Two NY-Born Players On US Women’s Hockey Roster

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Randy Schultz

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January 18, 2020

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2018FourNations_USA_FIN-9105890_medium — Highlights from USA vs Finland in game 1 at the Four Nations Cup women's hockey tournament at the Sasktel Centre in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on November 6, 2018.

U.S. Roster Announced for Final Three Contests of 2019-20 Rivalry Series

Five-game series continues Feb. 3 in Victoria, B.C.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – USA Hockey announced today the roster for the U.S. Women’s National Team that will face Canada in the remaining three contests of the 2019-20 Rivalry Series.The U.S. won the opening two games of the Rivalry Series, including a 4-1 victory in Hartford, Conn., on Dec. 14 at XL Center and a 2-1 triumph in Moncton, N.B., on Dec. 17 at the Avenir Centre.
The Rivalry Series resumes on Mon., Feb. 3, in Victoria, British Columbia, with contests also set for Vancouver, B.C., on Wed., Feb. 5 and Anaheim, Calif., on Sat., Feb. 8. All three games will face off at 7 p.m. PT.The roster features 16 members of the U.S. Women’s National Team who helped the U.S. capture the gold medal at the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in PyeongChang, South Korea, including Kacey Bellamy(Westfield, Mass.), Hannah Brandt (Vadnais Heights, Minn.), Dani Cameranesi (Plymouth, Minn.), AlexCavallini (Delafield, Wis.), Kendall Coyne Schofield (Palos Heights, Ill.), Brianna Decker (Dousman, Wis.), Kali Flanagan (Hudson, N.H.), Nicole Hensley (Lakewood, Colo.), Megan Keller (Farmington Hills, Mich.), Amanda Kessel (Madison, Wis.), Hilary Knight (Sun Valley, Idaho), Jocelyne Lamoureux–Davidson(Grand Forks, N.D.) and Monique Lamoureux–Morando (Grand Forks, N.D.), Emily Matheson (Buffalo, N.Y.), Kelly Pannek (Plymouth, Minn.) and Lee Stecklein (Roseville, Minn.).

The players represent 11 states. Minnesota leads the way with four athletes, while Illinois, Massachusetts and Wisconsin each have three representatives. California (2), Colorado (1) Idaho (1), Michigan (1), New Hampshire (1), New York (2) and North Dakota (2) are also represented.

Bob Corkum (Salisbury, Mass.) is in his second season as head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team. He is joined by assistant coaches Joel Johnson (White Bear Lake, Minn.) and Brian Pothier (New Bedford, Mass.) and goaltending coach Brianne McLaughlin–Bittle (Sheffield Village, Ohio).A complete roster and staff list can found here.The U.S. will conduct a training camp in Irvine, Calif., from Jan. 29-31 in advance of the Rivalry Series games. Additional details, including media accreditation information, will be released on Monday (Jan. 20).Tickets for all games are currently on sale and can be purchased here.

NOTES: The U.S. roster for the February portion of the Rivalry Series is comprised of all post-graduate players … The Rivalry Series was introduced by USA Hockey and Hockey Canada last season and comprised three games between the women’s national teams of the two countries. The U.S. captured the opening game in London, Ont., by a 1-0 count on Feb. 12, before Canada earned a 4-3 win in Toronto on Feb. 14 and a 2-0 victory on Feb. 17 in Detroit … The U.S. and Canada have battled in the gold-medal game of every IIHF Women’s World Championship and Olympic Winter Games staged, with just two exceptions (2019 World Championship, 2006 Olympics).

Monsignor Martin Over Niagara County

By

Janet

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January 17, 2020

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Monsignor Martin/Niagara County Game Recap

The scoreboard read 9-0 at the end of regulation Thursday night at North Buffalo, securing a third place spot for Monsignor Martin in the WNYGVIH League playoff scene.

The game was physical and fast-paced.

Opening scoring for Monsignor Martin was Senior Jacquie Klawon with an assist from Lara Beecher at 7:07 of the first period. The period ended 1-0.

Three penalities for Niagara County and one for Monsignor Martin gave the MM team plenty of opportnity to score, but only one was a Power Play Goal at 4:28 by Mia Boyd, unassisted. Other scorers that period were Moira Michalski and Lara Beecher. Assists went to Haylee Luderman(2) and Riley Malicki.

Monsignor Martin put 5 goals past Niagara County Goalie Annie Riek in the third period, one was a short-handed goal by Michalski, assisted by Groh and Boyd. Other goals were scored by Carnryn Brownschidle (3)and Beecher,

MM Goalie Grace Harrington had the shutout with making 17 saves. Niagara County’s Riek stopped 40 of 49.

All Photos by Janet Schultz, NYHOL and copyrighted by NYHOL. At times the jersey numbers are not in photo so I have hard time Identifying players. I apologize for any error. All photos are available for purchase by contacting Janet@nyhockeyonline.com We an offer all size prints.

Monsignor Martin Celebrates Seniors

By

Janet

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January 17, 2020

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By Janet Schultz, NYHOL

The final Senior Night of the Western New York Girls High School Varsity League was celebrated at North Buffalo Ice Arena this evening with Monsignor Martin.

Coach Chris Malicki spoke on how he has seen this five young women grow in leadership, courage and dedication to the sport and the team.

The Class of 2020 includes Caleigh Pfalzer, Moria Michalski, Grace Harrington, Jacquie Klawon and Riley Malicki, coaches daughter.

Pflazer joined the Monsignor Martin team as a sophomore and is planning to attend Wilkes University to play hockey and major in criminology. She is the daughter of Frank and Penny Pfalzer.

Michalski is also a third year member of the squad. The daughter of Bob and Bridget Michalski plans to attend SUNY Potsdam and play for their Division III Bears.

Goaltender Grace Harrington has played four years for Monsignor Martin and is planning to attend Western New England University, Boston University or Northeastern University. Her plan is to continue plaing hockey at either the DIII level or club. She will be a pre-Med major.

Assistant Captain Jacquie Klawon is in her fourth season with Monsignor Martin and will play DIII field hockey for SUNY Brockport. She will focus her education on psychology.

Captain Riley Malicki has been with Monsignor Martin for four years and will continue playin hockey at Chatham University. She will be majoring in criminology. She is the daughter of Coach Chris and Cheryl Malicki.

The Monsignor Martin team is made up of players who attend a number of the Catholic high schools in the area.

Pfalzer and Malicki will graduate from St. Mary’s of Lancaster, Michalski, Nardin Academy; Harrington, Mt. Mercy Academy and Klawon from Sacred Heart Academy.

The seniors ended the regular season with a 9-0 victory over the Niagara County Lady Warriors and will now head into the League Quarterfinals as the third seed.

Binghamton Devils To Host “Slap Shot” Weekend

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Randy Schultz

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January 16, 2020

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BINGHAMTON – The Binghamton Devils announced the team will be honoring the movie “Slap Shot” by becoming the Broome County Blades, a team depicted in the movie, on January 31 against Providence and February 1 against Rochester.
During Slap Shot weekend, the Devils will wear Broome County Blades specialty jerseys and fans will have the opportunity to meet Dave “Killer” Carlson (played by Jerry Houser) at the game. Following the match against Rochester, the jerseys will be auctioned off with proceeds benefitting Sock Out Cancer.
“Sock Out Cancer is very pleased to partner again this year with the Binghamton Devils to help assist cancer patients in our area,” said Bruce Boyea, Chairman, President & CEO of Security Mutual Life Insurance Co. “All proceeds raised from the sale of the jerseys for the weekend will be split between the Foundations at Lourdes and UHS.”
The Devils will offer exclusive packages for the weekend, including a special VIP meet-and-greet with Dave “Killer” Carlson and a special Q & A session. In addition, the package will include a limited edition Slap Shot Weekend puck and a chance to win an official Broome County Blades jersey.
Full Weekend Package, for only $40 you receive:
• Ticket to both games
• VIP Meet and Greet with Jerry Houser who played Dave “Killer” Carlson in the movie
• A limited edition Slap Shot Weekend puck (while supplies last)
• Entered to win a game issued Broome County Blades jersey!
One Game Package, for only $25 you receive:
• Ticket to your choice of Friday or Saturday’s game
• VIP Meet and Greet with Jerry Houser who played Dave “Killer” Carlson in the movie
Full Season Member Package, for only $15 you receive:
• VIP Meet and Greet with Jerry Houser who played Dave “Killer” Carlson in the movie
• A limited edition Slap Shot Weekend puck (while supplies last)
• Entered to win a game issued Blades jersey
Sock Out Cancer is a program through Security Mutual Life that assists local residents with expenses during their cancer treatment.

Batherson Earns Another CHA Award

By

Randy Schultz

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January 16, 2020

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Mae Batherson Earns Second CHA Rookie of the Week Nod

Defender accumulated four points against Mercyhurst to earn second CHA freshman honor

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Freshman blueliner Mae Batherson earned College Hockey America (CHA) Rookie of the Week honors for her four-point weekend performance against conference rival Mercyhurst. Batherson registered three assists in the Orange’s 8-3 victory on Friday before lighting the lamp once in Saturday’s 4-3 overtime defeat. This is Batherson’s second CHA weekly honor. She was previously named Rookie of the Week following her three-point (2G, 1A) weekend against RIT Nov. 1-2.

Batherson assisted on three goals in game one, two of those goals coming on the powerplay. Her efforts helped Syracuse go up 3-0, 5-1 and 8-2. The contest marked the second time Batherson has registered at least three points in one game this season.

Batherson scored Syracuse’s second goal on Saturday midway through the second period to put the Orange up 2-1. Her goal came on a D-to-D pass from senior captain Lindsay Eastwood that allowed Batherson to go bar down from atop the left circle.

This is the fifth weekly honor Syracuse has earned this season. Junior goaltender Allison Small picked up a Goaltender of the Week nod on Nov. 25 after making 47 saves over two games against Penn State to help ‘Cuse go 1-0-1 in the series. Junior forward Victoria Klimek earned Player of the Week honors after a two-point day against St. Lawrence on Nov. 16. Junior defender Jessica DiGirolamo was named Player of the Week on Oct. 7 after scoring one goal and logging two assists against No. 7 Boston College.

Up Next
The Orange are on the road this weekend at Robert Morris for a two game conference series. Puck drop on Friday is at 7 p.m., and Saturday kicks off at 3 p.m. Fans can follow along via Stretch TV here.

Save the Date
Fans once again have the chance to skate outside with the Orange as Syracuse is hosting an open skate at the Clinton Square Ice Rink. ‘Cuse takes to the ice Monday, Jan. 20 from 4-6 p.m. In addition to skating, fans will have opportunities to collect autographs and giveaway items. Skating costs $3 for adults and $2 for kids.

Up Next at Tennity
The Orange are hosting Youth Weekend Jan. 24-25 when CHA foe Penn State comes to town. The weekend features a pizza giveaway, along with the start of a tournament for EA Sports’ NHL 20, the winner of which will receive a copy of the video game.

Hobart Hockey Moves Up To 5th

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Randy Schultz

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January 16, 2020

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The Hobart College hockey team moved up one spot to No. 5 in the USCHO.com poll following a 1-0-1 weekend in New England Hockey Conference play. The Statesmen, who are 10-3-2 overall this season, will begin a four-game road trip this weekend, Jan. 17-18.

This is the third time that Hobart has been ranked fifth in the USCHO poll. The Statesmen were No. 5 in the preseason poll and on Nov. 11.

On Friday, Hobart and Babson skated to a 0-0 tie at The Cooler. It was the first scoreless tie in program history and the first time the Statesmen were shutout at home since March 19, 2016. Sophomore goalie Joe Halstrom stopped all 30 shots for his second shutout of the season. He was named to the NEHC weekly honor roll by the conference office today. On Saturday, Hobart scored two goals in each period as it defeated the Beacons 6-2. Six different players scored for the Statesmen and three players shared game-high honors with two points each. Sophomore Liam Lascelle started in goal and made 27 saves as he earned his first victory of the season.

The Statesmen are 4-3-1 in conference play and currently sit in fourth place in the NEHC with nine points. Hobart will be in Boston on Friday, Jan. 17, at 7 p.m. when it takes on Suffolk. The Statesmen will then head to Providence, R.I., to take on Johnson & Wales on Saturday, Jan. 18 at 4 p.m. Hobart has relied on its depth this season to score 61 goals. Twenty different players have recorded at least a goal and 24 players have at least one point so far this season. This is the fourth straight year that the Statesmen have had 20 different goal scorers. Hobart is ranked among the nation’s best in scoring margin (7th, +2.00), scoring defense (10th, 2.07), scoring offense (12th, 4.07), winning percentage (12th, .733) and penalty kill percentage (16th, 87.1%).

Individually, junior Alec Robitaille and senior Lawson MacDougall lead the team with 13 points each. Robitaille has a team best seven goals and six assists and MacDougall has five goals and eight assists this season. Junior Mike Faulkner leads the Statesmen with nine assists. Halstrom has played a majority of the minutes in goal. He is 9-3-2 with a 2.05 goals against average and a .919 save percentage.

The Rams are 5-9-1 overall this season with a 1-6-1 mark in the NEHC. Suffolk is coming off an 8-4 win over Castleton on Saturday. Brian Brooks and Devin Lowe share the team lead with nine points each. Four different Rams share the team lead with four goals each. Cal Wilcox has played a majority of the minutes in goal. He is 3-5-1 with a 4.50 GAA and a .883 save percentage.

Friday’s game will be the fourth meeting between Hobart and Suffolk. The Statesmen lead the all-time series 2-1-0, but the Rams won the only meeting in Boston, a 5-2 decision last season. Hobart rallied for a 7-4 victory at The Cooler earlier this season.

The Wildcats enter the week with a 3-11-0 overall record and are winless in the conference play. Johnson & Wales will be at Anna Maria on Tuesday and host Skidmore on Friday. Matt Bernot enters the week with a team-best 12 points on six goals and six assists. Connor Bechtel has a team-best eight assists. Mike Rockwell has played a majority of the minutes in goal. He is 3-8-0 with a 4.42 GAA and a .896 save percentage.

Saturday’s game will be the forth meeting between the Statesmen and Wildcats. Hobart has won each of the first three meetings, outscoring Johnson & Wales 22-3. The Statesmen won the first meeting this season 9-0 in Geneva.

Flyers Loan Farabee To Phantoms

By

Randy Schultz

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January 15, 2020

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Flyers Loan Joel Farabee to Phantoms and Recall Alex LyonFelix Sandstrom Assigned to Lehigh Valley
Lehigh Valley, Pa. – The Philadelphia Flyers have announced that they have loaned forward Joel Farabee to their American Hockey League affiliate, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms and recalled goaltender Alex Lyon. In addition, goaltender Felix Sandstrom has been reassigned to Lehigh Valley from the Reading Royals.

Farabee, 19, is playing in his first full season of professional hockey and has played in four games for Lehigh Valley this season and has tallied three goals and one assist. He made his pro debut on October 11, 2019 and scored a highlight reel goal against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Farabee has notched a point in every game he’s played for the Phantoms. He was recalled by the Flyers on October 20 and made his NHL debut October 21 against the Vegas Golden Knights. Farabee has played 37 games for Philadelphia this season and has registered three goals and nine assists for 12 points and 37 penalty minutes.
A native of Cicero, New York, Farabee was drafted in the first round (#18 overall) of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft by the Philadelphia Flyers. Prior to turning pro, he played a year of college hockey for the University of Boston. In 37 games for the Terriers during their 2018-19 season, He totaled 36 points including 17 goals and 19 assists. Farabee also spent time on the U.S National Development Team where he was a part of a gold medal winning team at the 2017 World U18 Championships in Slovakia. He was also a part of two silver medal winning teams at the 2018 World U18 Championships in Russia and the 2019 World Junior Championships in Canada.

Army’s Wilson Wins Atlantic Hockey Weekly Award

By

Randy Schultz

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January 15, 2020

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WEST POINT, N.Y. – After a four-point weekend, Michael Wilson of the Army West Point hockey team was named the Atlantic Hockey Association Player of the Week, announced by the league on Tuesday.

The Black Knights went 1-0-1 against service academy rival Air Force last weekend including a nine-round shutout victory for a bonus point. Wilson led the team with two goals and two assists for four points.

The senior had a strong weekend with a +2 rating and a blocked shot. Both goals by Wilson were on special teams including a power play score on Friday and a shorthanded goal on Saturday.

Wilson and the Black Knights are back in action Saturday against the Royal Military College of Canada with a 7:35 p.m. contest.

NYS-Born Players Shine in Weekend College Hockey News

By

Randy Schultz

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January 15, 2020

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POTSDAM, N.Y.- Junior forward Natalie Wasielewski (Carnegie, Pa./Pittsburgh Penguin Elite) scored two goals and freshman forward Emily DellaNeve (Buffalo, N.Y./Buffalo Bisons) scored her first career goal as the SUNY Potsdam women’s hockey team (5-7) defeated the University of New England (8-2-1) 4-3 on Friday afternoon. Sophomore defenseman Ellie Cleary (Buffalo, N.Y./Buffalo Bisons) also scored and senior goalie Kayla McCabe(Watertown, N.Y./Syracuse Nationals) made 27 saves.

Amerks Weekly Report

By

Randy Schultz

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January 15, 2020

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**This Week’s Storylines**

PREVIEWING THE UPCOMING THREE-AND-THREE

Rochester embarks on its final three-in-three of the season beginning on Friday, Jan. 17 as they welcome the Cleveland Monsters back for a North Division showdown at The Blue Cross Arena at 7:05 p.m. The Amerks will then close out the weekend with back-to-back matchups in Pennsylvania against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms at 7:05 p.m. on Saturday at the PPL Center before renewing their longstanding rivalry on Sunday with the Hershey Bears at the Giant Center.
Rochester shows a record of 28-7-3-3 since the start of the 2011-12 seasons against Cleveland and a 30-29-7 record all-time record versus Lehigh Valley.
Sunday’s contest with Hershey will be the 460^th all-time meeting between the AHL’s two oldest teams. The Amerks hold a 192-213-54 record all-time versus the Bears and have earned seven out of a possible 10 points in the five games dating back to the 2017-18 season.

UPL RETURNS FROM CINCINNATI

The Amerks recalled goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen from the Cincinnati Cyclones Sunday morning.
Luukkonen, 20, returns to Rochester for the second recall of the season after posting a 12-5-3 record in 20 games with the Cyclones.
The 20-year-old rookie netminder ranks third among all ECHL goaltenders with a 2.12 goals-against average and is 12^th in the league with a .917 save percentage while also being tied for second with three shutouts.
The Espoo, Finland native was named to the upcoming 2020 Warrior/ECHL All-Star Classic, scheduled for later this month, to represent the Cyclones. Luukkonen was also honored by the league as the Warrior Hockey/ECHL Goaltender of the Month for November.

DYNAMIC DUO IN THE CREASE

Anchored by the elite goaltending tandem of veteran Andrew Hammond and third-year pro Jonas Johansson, the Amerks own one of the top defenses in AHL, having allowed only 96 goals through the first 37 games of the season, the fourth-fewest in the AHL coming into the week. The duo has also combined for six shutouts and continue to rank among the AHL’s goaltending leaders with 10 and 11 wins on the season, respectively.
Hammond (10-8-2) ranks second among all netminders after notching his fourth shutout of the season back on Dec. 14 in a 5-0 win over Laval, a new career-high. In his last 16 games, Hammond boasts a 7-7-1 record with four shutouts, a 2.23 goals-against average and a .916 save percentage. With four shutouts through just 22 games this season, he’s on pace to match the franchise record for most shutouts in a season (8) set by Ryan Miller during the 2004-05 campaign.
Entering the week with a 9-1-1 record in his last 11 appearances, Johansson shows an AHL career-best 11-3-3 record with two shutouts this season. He has the sixth-best goal-against average in the league (2.23) and ranks sixth among all netminders with a .924 save percentage in 18 games. Dating back to Nov. 13, the third-year netminder boasts an impressive 9-1-1 record with two shutouts, a 2.15 goals-against average and a .930 save percentage while allowing just two goals or less in six consecutive starts over that span.

TEAM LEADERS

Jean-Sebastien Dea leads the team in both goals (12) and points (26) in 35 games this season. Dea, who is also second among all Amerks forwards with 70 shots, has eight points (2+6) in his last 11 games.
Rookie forward Brett Murray comes into the week with three goals, seven assists and a pair of multi-point efforts over his last 20 games. He’s currently tied for 20^th in scoring among all AHL rookies with 17 points (5+12) in 32 games.

THE BEST OFFENSE IS A GOOD DEFENSE

Rochester owns three of the AHL’s top point-producing defensemen in Zach Redmond, Casey Nelson and Lawrence Pilut, all of whom have been mainstays on Rochester’s blueline this season.
- The 2019-20 is just a different chapter in the same story for the 31-year-old Redmond, who hasn’t gone more than four games without a point all season. The two-time AHL All-Star and reigning Eddie Shore Award winner is tied for seventh in scoring among all defensemen with 24 points and ranks ninth with a team-high 19 assists. He’s tied for 15^th for goals by a defenseman with five through 34 games this season.
- Leading up to his recall on Jan. 7, Pilut had 16 points (4+12) over his last 21 games dating back to Nov. 15, including goals in three of his last seven outings. Having already established a new AHL career-high in goals, the former SHL Defenseman of the Year is also on pace to set a new career-high in points. His 16 assists are three shy of Redmond.
- Despite missing the last two games, Nelson is tied for eighth among all active blueliners and ranks 14^th overall with a team-best plus-15 on-ice rating through 33 games.
Rookie defenseman Jacob Bryson is tied for fifth in the AHL for all first-year players with a plus-10 on-ice rating while being the only Amerk to appear in all 37 games so far this season.

NY Hockey Online

FLOP Says Goodbye to Four Seniors

Manlius’ Schneider Closing In On Record Book For Brockport

Kenmore/Grand Island Senior Night Victorious

Former Head Coach With WNYGVIHF Team Hired By NESHDA

Welcome Jim McCarthy

Two NY-Born Players On US Women’s Hockey Roster

Monsignor Martin Over Niagara County

Monsignor Martin Celebrates Seniors

Binghamton Devils To Host “Slap Shot” Weekend

Batherson Earns Another CHA Award

Hobart Hockey Moves Up To 5th

Flyers Loan Farabee To Phantoms

Army’s Wilson Wins Atlantic Hockey Weekly Award

NYS-Born Players Shine in Weekend College Hockey News

Amerks Weekly Report

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