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Former Amerks/Sabres Brown Named Coach of the Year

By
Randy Schultz
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By Warren Kozireski —

Boston College head men’s hockey coach and 1990’s era Rochester/Buffalo defenseman Greg Brown was selected as the winner of the 2024 Spencer Penrose Award as Division I Men’s Ice Hockey CCM/AHCA Coach of the Year.

Brown is the only coach to be named conference coach of the year and lead his team to the Frozen Four this year. His 33 wins are more than double the win total from last season, his first year, and more than the previous two seasons combined.

“If you get an award like that, that means you have a lot of really good players on your team,” Brown said before the semi-final of the Frozen Four in St. Paul. “Again, these guys have worked hard.

“I think the one thing I appreciate is when we strung several wins together, they were never satisfied and didn’t take nights off. They just kept pushing to keep winning. And as a result, we’ve got ourselves to a good spot, and, whatever, they gave me something for that. I still had zero goals, zero assists, zero blocked shots. These guys have done all the work.”

 In his two seasons as the Eagles’ head coach, he has led Boston College to a 47-21-7 record, including setting a program record with 34 wins to date in 2023-24. This year, he guided Boston College to its 18th Hockey East regular season crown in program history, posting a 20-3-1 record in league play and becoming the first team in Hockey East to win 20 games since the Eagles did so in 2010-11.

The Eagles have four of the nation’s top six scorers in Will Smith (69 points), Cutter Gauthier (64), Ryan Leonard (59) and New York Rangers draft pick Gabe Perreault (57).

The Southborough, Massachusetts-born Brown was selected 26th overall in the second round of the 1986 NHL Draft by Buffalo. He split the 1990-91 and 1991-92 seasons between Rochester and Buffalo before spending 1992-93 in the AHL before two more seasons in the NHL and IHL with Pittsburgh and Winnipeg. He finished his playing career with nine seasons in Europe.

Brown spent 14 seasons behind the bench for the Eagles from 2004-18 as an assistant on former head coach Jerry York’s staff, helping to bring three national championships to the Heights in 2008, 2010, and 2012. After eight seasons as an assistant coach, he was elevated to associate head coach following the 2012 NCAA title, BC’s third championship in a five-year span.

During his 14 years as an assistant at Boston College, Brown helped lead BC to six Hockey East Tournament Championships, seven Hockey East Regular Season Championships, 11 NCAA Tournament appearances, and seven NCAA Frozen Four berths. Brown was also selected as an assistant coach for Team USA at three different IIHF World Junior Championships.

A former Boston College All-American defenseman, Brown was named The Schiller Family Head Hockey Coach on May 6, 2022, becoming just the fifth head coach of BC men’s hockey since 1932.

(Photo provided by Boston College Athletic Department/Men’s Ice Hockey Team)

Pomona’s Posma A Quiet Leader For BC Eagles

By
Randy Schultz
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By Warren Kozireski —

It is an all-to-familiar story among hockey families. Grandfather loves hockey, has two sons who play and then the grandsons follow.

Mike Posma is a 22-year-old junior forward is now on one of college hockey’s biggest stages with the Boston College Eagles.

But the road started a few generations back.

“My uncle (Mike) was a really good hockey player (Western Michigan University, one year in the AHL and eight more in Switzerland) and I wish I was able to see a little bit of him play maybe some tape or something. And obviously my dad (Bob) played in Plattsburgh (and SUNY Canton) upstate, so from a young age my parents had me skating on the Rideau Canal when I was really young.

“My grandpa (Mike; a baseball player at Niagara University) had a huge influence on my career and my uncle and dad playing…and I’ve loved it ever since. My grandpa loved hockey and then ended up involved in a coaching role with my dad and uncle at a young age and his nickname is always just ‘Coach.’ I don’t think he ever played but just loved the game and loved the atmosphere of being in a hockey rink.”

Posma’s youth hockey started with the Westchester Express, then the New Jersey Avalanche and the Kent School for heading west to the USHL, where his time at Cedar Rapids was interrupted by the pandemic and then a storm that wiped out the rink resulting in a dispersal draft that had him go to Tri-City and then be traded to Omaha.

Boston College was destined to be the next stop.

“My Express teams…would travel up to Boston every weekend and play in the Federation Hockey League, which was all Boston schools. Every weekend we would drive three-to-four hours, play all the Boston teams; they would spank us every weekend and then just drive back home.

“When we were up there, my dad and a bunch of my friends would go to BC or BU games and, once I was getting recruited, I remember walking around the campus. I feel like it was a no-brainer for me.”

This season, Posma contributed his usual collegiate numbers with two goals and six assists as a bottom-six forward.

“I would say I’m an older experienced player on the team. I feel like we’re pretty young this year and this is my third year, so just providing that older leadership role and, on ice, playing those harder minutes PK, taking some big  faceoffs and being reliable. I don’t know when my names going to be called, but be ready for when it does whatever the team needs me to do.

“Coach (Associate Head Mike) Ayers has a lot of confidence in me, taps me on the shoulder and say, ‘Pos I need a draw’ and I go out there and feel confident that the coach has that confidence in me to goi out there and win it.”

(Photos provided by Boston College Athletic Department/Men’s Ice Hockey Program)

Marcellus’ Powell Led Boston College To Frozen Four

By
Randy Schultz
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By Warren Kozireski —

Boston College senior defenseman and captain Eamon Powell was tied as the fifth highest scoring blueliner in Division I this season with five goals and 33 assists—his best season statistically in college. His assist total slotted him 11th in the nation among all skaters.

His top-ranked Eagles made it to the Frozen Four against Michigan.

“Obviously, they have a lot of talented players up front,” Powell said in the pre-game press conference. “I think it goes to show you for all the teams that are here, a lot of really good players up front. A lot of offense.

“And…as of recent, their defense has been great. Obviously, I’ve played with Marshall Warren and know a couple of the other defensemen as well.”

Powell was a fourth-round draft pick of Tampa Bay in 2020 and since Jan. 26th has shown why registering at least one point in all but one game since.

Developmentally Powell spent 2016-17 with the Syracuse Nationals before moving to the Rochester Coalition the following season and then the U.S. National Team Development Program for two seasons.

He is the youngest of three hockey-playing brothers. Emmet played collegiately at Wesleyan University and now plays in Finland while Seamus spent one year at BC and will join Merrimack this fall.

The day prior to the Frozen Four semi-final, Powell won the breakaway competition scoring at both ends of the ice before spending the final minutes feeding cross-ice passes from his left defense spot to teammates practicing one-timers.

Loose, but serious—just what you want from a team captain before college hockey’s biggest showcase.

“The biggest thing, obviously you can get caught up, it’s a big stage, big pressure, but I think the big thing for our group is just to enjoy it.”

(Photos provided by Boston College Athletic Dept. and Men’s Ice Hockey Program)

Nichols School Grad Receives 2024 Hockey Humanitarian Award

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Randy Schultz
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By Warren Kozireski —

Buffalo’s Dylan Lugris was named the 2024 Hockey Humanitarian Award recipient at ceremonies held at the Frozen Four in St. Paul, Minnesota.

A product of the Amherst Knights, Buffalo Jr. Sabres and Nichols School, Lugris just finished his junior season at forward for Penn State and was recognized for his efforts in growing the State College Coyotes sled hockey team.

According to a release on the HHA website: Over the past few years, a local sled hockey team in State College, Pennsylvania, has developed a fan following among Penn State’s men’s hockey program. Nittany Lions coach Guy Gadowsky approached the State College Coyotes, who practice out of PSU’s Pegula Ice Arena, to ask if he could hit a sled with them. He then encouraged his own players to do the same.

Among them was Lugris, who has now organized two editions of the Penn State Sled Hockey Classic, pitting his team against the Coyotes.

“I had started going to those practices with a couple of the guys on our team, and over time, I started to develop some good relationships with the Coyotes and was asking them questions and wanted to see if they played any games or how their season looked and how they ran their program,” Lugris said.

“When they told me they don’t get to play games because it’s expensive to travel and get people place to place, I thought, ‘We’ll play you here. We’ve got enough guys that we’ll play here and try to raise some money for next year so that you can travel and build the program.’”

Lugris got the green light from Gadowsky to spearhead the project, and in February of last year, the first Penn State Sled Hockey Classic was held. The game was held in front of a crowded Roar Zone, Penn State’s hockey student section, with Nittany Lions players putting on the whole show between playing, coaching the teams, officiating the game, ushering for fans, and even running the scoreboard and public address system. A second edition of the event was held last month, and in terms of what happened on the ice, there was more to keep track of.

“The first year we did it, they only had nine or 10 people in their program, and it was easy to do us versus them, but this year, since we raised money and grew the sport a little bit, they actually grew their program to 22 players,” Lugris said. “We had line changes this year, and one of their players played for us because it was always a dream of his to play for Penn State, so Gads played for the Coyotes in a little trade.

“All our guys got involved, and when I brought it up to them the first time, they were all for it. The way we had to schedule it, we could only do it on a bye week and had to do it in a morning, so to get the response that we did of, ‘How can we help, what can we do,’ at 9 a.m. on a Saturday when we’re supposed to be off says a lot about who they are and our culture.”

The annual event has helped the Coyotes in other ways, too. They are now proud members of the Northeast Sled Hockey League and play in multiple games per month thanks in part to the nearly $50,000 that Penn State’s players have raised for the club over the past year.

“I’m a lot better than when I started, but I don’t think that says very much” Lugris said after the ceremony about his sled-hockey skills. “The way to tell if you’re decent or not is, there are two blades on all the sleds and, as you get better, (the space between them) increasing gets narrower and narrower. Mine has maybe gone in half an inch, maybe.

“When I moved to Buffalo, our whole class every year (at Nichols) did a philanthropy event whether that was planting trees or doing a soup kitchen, so that kind of where it started for me.

“One of more special parts of that whole day (the sled hockey fundraising game) was when we announced their names for the starting lineup and they got to skate out to the blueline and look at the Roar Zone and feels what it feels like for us, something we take for granted sometimes…and to give them that experience was really special.”

Lugris credits Penn State staff members for helping behind the scenes, but all game day preparation and in-arena work was done by PSU players. And both times, the event exceeded Gadowsky’s expectations, because of the scale of the project.

(Photos by Lugris and Koz/NY Hockey OnLine)

Team USA Women Take On Team Canada Women at Jeff Sauer International Deaf Hockey Series

By
Janet
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0

By Janet Schultz, NYHOL

A very unusual Team USA Women versus Team Canada Women. First it’s the Jeff Sauer International Deaf Hockey Series at Northtowns this past week. The final score is 20-6 for Team USA. But the story is in the goaltending.

Canada’s only Goalie Jamie Routledge was injured in a game prior to Saturdays. She persisted and played through her injury. Watching her you could see she was in pain but lasted through two periods and into the third. Then score was piling up and Team Canada could have run the clock but chose not too. Finally with under 10 minutes left the Team USA Goalie took over for her. Caring and compassion went above the country rivalry that appears in hockey at every level.

With that said.

Team USA came out and scored four goals right away in the first period. Canada answered back with two and then the USA put one more in to seal the first period 5-2. Scoring for Team USA Liz Helling (2), Madison Gagliano, Jessica Goldberg (2). For Canada Abi Fyte scored both.

Once again Team USA came out in the second and scored a goal just 16 seconds in off the stock of Emilie Lingren, assisted by McKinley Karpa and Michele Gintoli. Another goal at 1:59 by Kailey Niccum, assisted by Kendra Robinson and the US is off to a great second. Canada’s Dallas Boyd-Zagrozdzon scored, assisted by Kyte and Amanda Richer. The USA scores 8 more and Canada drops in one more and second period ends 14-4 USA.

Canada starts the scoring in the third period when Brittany Mallach drops one in but the USA answers back with 5 more and Canada’s Richer adds one more and the period and game ends at 20-6. (Unofficial scoring and names, we had no printed roster or wrap-up sheet. We also apologize for any errors in spelling of names)

For WNY Readers Buffalo’s own Katelyn Koester #12 plays for Team USA and had a great presence on the ice.

Photos by Janet Schultz, NYHOL© Photos can be obtained by contacting [email protected]

WNY’s Katelyn Koester congratulates Team USA Goalie who stepped in to help Team Canada!
USA Goalie Helps Out Canada

Jeff Sauer International Deaf Hockey Series Featuring Team USA vs Team Canada Men

By
Janet
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0

Photos by Janet Schultz© NYHOL

The Amherst Northtowns Center was the scene this week for the Jeff Sauer Internatinoal Deaf Hockey Series. Four international teams took to the ice for the Stan Mikita Hockey School for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired and then played each other in the Inaugural Jeff Sauer International Deaf Hockey Series. Teams USA, Canada, Finland and Czech Republic took to the ice. Canada and the USA each had a mens and womens team in the series.

Saturday’s games, first up was Team USA men vs Team Canada men. Team Canada wook the game 6-2. Canada opened the scoring on a goal by Tyson Gillas, assisted by Owen Hunter and Jathen Flodril. Massimo Lucimni scored the second in the first, assisted by Patrick Kyte, a shorthanded goal that ended the first period 2-0 Canada.

In the second period Team USA opened the scoring on a goal by Troy Benson just 55 seconds into the period. Peter Gintoli had the second goal but Canada came back with three in a row, two on the powerplay. Canada’s goals came from Andrew Hughes (2), Tyson Gillas. Second ends 5-2 Canada.

Canada’s Jathen Flodril adds one more in the third, assisted by Patricke Kyta and Ryan Ghamtcheako and the game ends 6-2 in favor of Team Canada.

(NYHOL apologizes for any spelling errors, there was no printed roster).

Photo Gallery by Janet Schultz. All Photos property of NY Hockey OnLine and Janet Schultz. Copies can be purchased by emailing [email protected]

McCarthy Brothers Reach Frozen Four In Season Together

By
Randy Schultz
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0

By Warren Kozireski —

Born four-and-one-half years apart, Clarence Center brothers Case and Gavin McCarthy never imagined they would play on the same hockey team. But the stars aligned, along with an extra year of eligibility due to the pandemic, and 2023-24 was the season with Boston University.

Case McCarthy returned as a fifth-year graduate student and team captain while Gavin McCarthy arrived from the USHL for his freshman campaign.

“Obviously, I’m super grateful the age gap between me and Gavin is a little bit bigger and it’s an opportunity that I never thought I’d have,” Case said before the semi-finals of the Frozen Four in St. Paul. “But to be able to have him be part of this team, be part of this group and experience this opportunity with him is something I’m going to hold for me the rest of my life. I know my family is as well.”

The Terriers entered the national semi-final with a 28-9-2 record and ranked second in the nation behind archrival Boston College but lost to Denver in overtime 2-1 to end their season and Case’s collegiate career.

“Really disappointing. I really feel for our seniors,” Boston University head coach Jay Pandolfo said. “They’ve done a tremendous job the last two years of, I feel like, re-establishing the culture at BU and what it means to play and be a Terrier. I want to thank those guys.

“Case coming back for his fifth year. We were certainly happy he did. For him to get another chance to actually play in the Frozen Four was great to see.”

Case McCarthy missed the Terriers run to the Frozen Four last season as a player when he broke his collarbone in the Hockey East playoffs but was happy to help his team earn a return engagement.

“It’s special,” Case McCarthy said. “You want to be on the ice with your teammates. Unfortunately, last year I didn’t have that opportunity, but it was cool seeing it from a different perspective.

“The opportunity to come back and play in one is something I’m super grateful for. Super proud of our team the way we competed the last couple of weeks, and just excited to get going.

Case registered nine points this season, was second on the team in blocked shots (76) and third in plus/minus (+19) while Gavin scored his first collegiate goal and added four assists in over 37 games and was a +12 plus/minus.

He also gave up the jersey number #2 he wore and took #7 so his younger brother could wear it.

Though he fell just short of his goal of bringing a title back to Agganis Arena, he reflects positively on the team’s accomplishments bringing back the Terrier culture.

“I mean, for me, obviously bringing this team back to the Frozen Four,” Case McCarthy said. “But, like, away from the rink, the group we had in that locker room was a special group, special group of people. Young guys to us old guys sitting up here.

“It’s special when you have a group like that. It makes coming to the rink every day a lot of fun. Building those relationships with guys is something that you’re going to hold onto for the rest of my life.”

(Photos provided by the Boston University Athletic Department/Men’s Ice Hockey Team)

Rangers Prospects Perreault & Fortescue Play In National Championship

By
Randy Schultz
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By Warren Kozireski —

They were selected 67 picks apart in the first and third round respectively by the New York Rangers in the June 2023 NHL Entry Draft and now they are teammates and tried to bring Boston College their first national championship since 2012.

Perreault, taken 23rd overall in the first round, was named to the All-American Second Team East, a Hockey East Second Team All-Star and Hockey East All-Rookie Team as the almost 19-year-old forward joined the 60-point club as a freshman. With 41 assists on the season, Leonard sits third in program history for assists by a freshman. He currently sits second in Division 1 in points per game with 1.71.

Fortescue (Pearl River), a third round selection 90th overall, is also almost 19 years old. The 6’2”, 176 lb. left shot registered four goals and four assists in 39 games this season and was a +14 for the top-ranked Eagles. He also was a key cog in helping Team USA to a gold medal at the World Juniors in December/January with four points in seven games against his peers.

“It’s been pretty crazy, it’s been pretty lucky and an unreal opportunity coming up,” Fortescue said the day prior to the national championship. “All the success our team has had…is all the guys who have been doing this together for a while. It’s been pretty special and looking to close this off and continue a hot streak.”

“U-18 Worlds, the draft, World Juniors it’s been a crazy ride, but also fun,” Perreault said.

Developmentally on the ice, both feel they are far ahead of where they were a year ago.

“In college, the opportunity to play against bigger, stronger, older guys and adjusting to that and I think as the year has gone along getting more used to it and being reliable defensively and closing plays,” Fortescue said. “Take away time and space and play hard against them is what I try to do.”

“Definitely I think I’ve gotten a lot faster and stronger as well, so I try to add details into my game, backchecking and d-zone and those little things that are something that I’ve tried to add, but I’ll keep working on those things.”

One thing in favor of both is the transition to college was made easier by the number of games the U.S. National Development Team plays in a season compared to other junior programs.

“It wasn’t as hard; playing 22 college games or something like that last year kind of makes the transition easier.” Perreault said. “The first couple of games are still a bit of an adjustment, but after that it was pretty easy.”

And, after the title game, both are looking forward to Development Camp with the Rangers again this summer.

“The staff, going to the city and obviously they’re a pretty special organization and all the facilities they have there, so it’s a good spot and excited that’s where I ended up.”

(Photos provided by Boston College Athletic Department/Men’s Ice Hockey Program)

Cornell’s Guilday Among Team USA Defensive Corp

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Randy Schultz
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UTICA, NEW YORK - APRIL 2: USA’s Rory Guilday #6 - 2024 IIHF Ice Hockey Women’s World Championship at Nexus 1 Arena on April 2, 2024 in Utica, New York, USA. (Photo by Matt Zambonin/IIHF)

By Warren Kozireski —

Rory Guilday helped Cornell women’s hockey to the NCAA tournament where they fell in the regional finals and the junior defenseman now turns her attention to Team USA at the IIHF Women’s World Championships being held in Utica.

In her second trip with Team USA, she won a gold medal with the team last year and hopes for a repeat performance as one of the six regular blueliners paired most games with New York native Haley Winn.

“Personally, I feel more confident going in there and know what to expect,” Guilday said after a round-robin game. “You always get something new in every single one of these tournaments, but I definitely feel more confident.”

“We like to keep it (shifts) quick…it’s a big part of what we do and who we are,” “We trust everyone and just try to make sure I can get off and pass it on to the next one.”

Guilday had a solid freshman season with the Big Red, but then battled through an ankle injury as a sophomore. She was still able to make last year’s World Championship.

“I feel like I came back stronger, and it make me that much more excited to play.”

As for how the native Minnesotan ended up in central New York?

“I was looking for a change of scenery, I think. I love Minnesota, but I think I wanted to branch out and try something new. Cornel I was immediately drawn to with the scenery and obviously the school and the hockey program itself. And the type of people around there were just incredible and it’s something that I wanted to be a part of.”

First things first as Team USA headed into the medal round as the top seed after defeating Team Canada in the round-robin 1-0 in overtime.

Then?

“Senior year at Cornell and I’m looking forward to every minute of it. Then the PWHL is doing incredible, so I hope to be a part of that when I graduate.”

(Photo provided by USA Hockey/Women’s IIHF Team)

Serdachny Post-Colgate University

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Randy Schultz
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By Warren Kozireski —

The latest chapter of Danielle Serdachny’s hockey career finished as she helped Colgate reach the women’s hockey Frozen Four for just the second time in program history.

Next, she hopes, is being selected in June’s PWHL draft to continue her career professionally. But she is taking a brief detour to Utica, NY as part of Team Canada at the IIHF Women’s World Championships.

“Obviously we have a great group of girls here, a great coaching staff so it’s an honor to be here and be a part of this group,” Serdachny said. “Pretty fortunate to put the jersey on and play here especially being so close to where I spent the last five years at Colgate. Pretty exciting time.”

Serdachny’s father, Steven, was the Edmonton Oilers skating/skills coach for nine seasons and her brother, Noah, is a sophomore playing at Colorado College.

In the early games of the World Championships, she was slotted on the fourth line on a deep Team Canada, but in a round-robin game against Team USA, was called upon to take a defensive zone draw in a 0-0 tie in overtime and ended up blocking a shot later in the sequence.

“Big play there; I was doing my best to try to keep the puck out of our net so anytime you get put on (the ice) in overtime it’s a big responsibility.”

Among a long laundry list of accolades during her collegiate career with the Raiders, Serdachny this season was named on the CCM Hockey and American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA) second-team All-American squad—her third after earning First Team spots the last two seasons. In 2020-21, Serdachny became the first Colgate All-American in the Division I era.

She ends her career holding the top two slots for most points scored in a season by a Raider skater. Last season, she set the program record with 71 and nearly broke her record with 61 this year.

Her 239 career points are 54 tallies ahead of second place in the career scoring category, and she also owns the highest assists per game average in school history with .88 apples per outing.

She was also named as a top-10 finalist for the Patty Kazmaier Award, becoming the first student-athlete in Colgate history to be recognized as a finalist twice.

“Kind of hard to pick one moment after spending five years in a place, but obviously making the Frozen Four this year is pretty incredible, but spending every day with some of my best friends and people that I will remember for the rest of my life.

“Pretty fortunate to meet some pretty amazing people there, so that has been probably my favorite thing that’s come from these past five years.”

(Photos provided by Colgate University Athletics/Women’s Hockey)

Koester Recipient of the 23-24 Zoe Harris National Player of the Year Award

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Randy Schultz
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Troy Mi.– The Women’s Division 2 of the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) is proud to announce Katelyn Koester, Niagara University, as the recipient of the 2023-2024 Zoe Harris National Player of the Year Award.

This award is named in honor of Zoe Harris, the first Women’s Division Vice President, a member of the ACHA Hall of Fame, and a trailblazer for women’s hockey in the ACHA and beyond. The selection criteria includes outstanding individual and team skills, sportsmanship, on ice performance, personal character, competitiveness and a love of hockey. Consideration is also given to academic achievement.

Based on multiple nominations, including directly from Niagara’s leadership as well as fellow opponents of Niagara, Koester was ultimately selected as this year’s Zoe Harris Award Winner through a voting process decided by Women’s D2 coaches. 

Throughout the 2023-24 season, Koester was a key contributor to Niagara’s success. In her 19 appearances, she amassed an impressive 48 points, including 21 goals and 27 assists. She was the leading points scorer in Niagara’s conference, College Hockey East (CHE), and #6 for total points across all of Women’s D2. Koester’s ability to perform under pressure and make a difference for her team when it matters most was highlighted by four game-winning goals.

Beyond her competitive on-ice achievements, Koester displays resilience and determination by overcoming unique challenges she faces as a deaf hockey player. Overall, Koester has represented her team, and the ACHA, with poise and passion for the sport.

The ACHA congratulates Koester on this well-deserved award based on her outstanding performance as a player in Women’s D2 during the 2023-24 season. Her achievements exemplify the spirit of collegiate hockey and serve as an inspiration to players across the country.

(Photo provided by ACHA)

Allison Coomey Named The Inaugural Head Coach of University of Delaware’s Women’s Ice Hockey Program

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Randy Schultz
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NEWARK, Del. – With over two decades of women’s ice hockey coaching experience, the University of Delaware has selected Allison Coomey (pronounced KOO-me) to be the inaugural head coach of the women’s ice hockey program, Director of Athletics, Community, and Campus Recreation Chrissi Rawak announced Tuesday. Coomey will assume the role on April 1, 2024 with the program playing its inaugural season in 2025-26.

“I’m excited to welcome Allison to our Blue Hen community,” Rawak said. “With her wealth of knowledge, ice hockey expertise, and experiences at the collegiate and USA national team level, she is the perfect person to build and lead this program. She’s an incredible coach who believes in the importance of a well-rounded student-athlete experience and recognizes the opportunity that we have here at Delaware to create something exceptional!”

Coomey comes to Newark after spending the past seven seasons at Penn State. She served as an assistant coach for three seasons before being promoted to associate head coach in 2020-21.

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Chrissi Rawak, Karen Freed, and the entire executive team for entrusting me with the opportunity to lead this program as its inaugural head coach,” Coomey said. “It’s an honor to help bring the excitement of Division I Ice Hockey to the 302. The University of Delaware is an extraordinary institution and is globally recognized for its excellence. The support for student-athletes and state-of-the-art athletic facilities have given us a solid foundation to build upon.

I am deeply appreciative of the coaches who have influenced my journey over the past two decades. Kristin Steele, Kevin Houle, Margot Page, Brian Durocher, and Jeff Kampersal have each exemplified qualities that I aspire to embody as the head coach of this program. I am so excited to be a Blue Hen!”

Over the course of her career, Coomey has coached four student-athletes to the Olympics, eight to national teams, four All-Americans, 15 major conference award winners, and 47 All-Conference selections over her time at Penn State and Boston U.

No stranger to the Hens’ inaugural conference, College Hockey America (CHA), Coomey and the Nittany Lions captured the past two league tournament titles, earning a bid to the NCAA Tournament. The team also claimed the CHA regular season title in three of the past four seasons.

Primarily responsible for coaching defense, Coomey’s leadership turned the Nittany Lions into one of the best defensive units in the country by allowing just 1.88 goals per game over the past five seasons dating back to 2019-20.

Selected for various international coaching roles with USA Hockey, Coomey was on staff with the silver-medal winning USA National Team at the 2022 Beijing Olympic Games as a team scout and extension of the coaching staff. Coomey also served as the head coach for the U23 US Women’s National Team in 2021 and 2022.

Coomey also spent time as an assistant coach for the USA senior national team during the 2021 IIHF World Championship. She was also a member of USA Hockey’s scouting staff at the 2019 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship.

At the 2019 America Hockey Coaches Association Convention, Coomey received the AHCA Women’s Hockey Assistant Coach of the Year award for her outstanding career resume.

Prior to Penn State, Coomey spent nine seasons at Boston University where she helped the Terriers qualify for the NCAA Tournament six times, including a pair of NCAA Championship appearances in 2011 and 2013. While at BU, Coomey coached four Olympians who combined to win six gold medals for the Canadian National Team at the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympic Games.

A four-year letterwinner at Niagara, Coomey returned to her alma mater as an assistant coach from 2004-08, helping the Purple Eagles reach the CHA title game twice.

Before Niagara, Coomey served as an assistant coach at Plattsburgh in 2003-04 where she helped guide the Cardinals to the 2004 Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference (ECAC) West Division III regular-season title and the NCAA Division III semifinals.

The Baldwinsville, New York, native earned two degrees from Niagara, a bachelor’s degree in education in 2002 and a master’s degree in school counseling in 2008. She was a two-time ECAC All-Academic Team member and earned a spot on the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference All-Academic Team.

Following graduation, Coomey secured her first job in the industry as an assistant women’s hockey coach at Connecticut College.

Coomey was a two-sport letterwinner at Niagara, playing ice hockey and lacrosse from 1998-2002. On the ice, she served as an alternate captain during her senior season and helped the team to its most successful campaign in program history. The Purple Eagles reached the 2002 NCAA Women’s Frozen Four and finished tied for third in the final national poll. On the lacrosse field, she earned the team’s rookie of the year award.

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT ALLISON COOMEY…
“Delaware hired an absolute gem of a human being. Allison is a brilliant coach and a compassionate mentor. The women of Delaware will learn to do things the right way on and off the ice. They will be valued, cared for, and heard. Personally, I will miss seeing Allison every day. She is a loyal friend, someone who has shaped my life positively. Unknowingly, she has made me a better person. I’m proud of Allison, she deserves this opportunity.” 

Jeff Kampersal
Penn State Head Women’s Ice Hockey Coach

“Allison Coomey is a person of impeccable character who has already distinguished herself as a leader, mentor, and coach at all levels of college and international hockey.  She will bring a diverse resume and a plethora of experience to the challenge of starting a new varsity program. You will not find a more passionate, caring and focused individual then Allison. Her success is easily identified by the record of accomplishment that she left behind at institutions like Plattsburgh State, Niagara, Boston University and Penn State. I am highly confident that the University of Delaware will welcome a pillar in the community, a fantastic coach, and a person who does things right.”

Brian Durocher
Special Assistant to the Director of Athletics, Boston University
Retired Head Women’s Ice Hockey Coach
10th All-time in Division I Women’s Ice Hockey Wins

“I am incredibly excited to see the expansion of NCAA women’s hockey continue and the University of Delaware’s addition of a D1 program. The University has hit a home run with the hiring of head coach Allison Coomey. Allison’s time as a player, her many roles with Team USA, and her most recent role as associate head coach at Penn State University, has provided her the tools to be an amazing head coach at the University of Delaware. I am thrilled for Allison and wish her all the best in this new role.”

Katie Million
Director, Women’s National Team Programs, USA Hockey

“I have had the pleasure to coach with and be coached by Coomey. The first time I was coached by Coomey was during my playing career with the USA National Team. I realized her passion for the game right away. This coupled with her intelligence allowed me to grow as a player. During our time working together with the USA U18 Team, her professionalism stood out to me. The University of Delaware is very lucky to have Coach Coomey and I am so excited to see her impact the game as a head coach! The program is in good hands!”

Brianna Decker
2018 Olympic Gold Medalist, 2022 Olympic Silver Medalist
USA U18 Assistant Coach 2024 – IIHF Gold Medal

(Photo provided by University of Delaware Athletic Department)

Laurel Hollow’s Warren Helps Michigan To Frozen Four

By
Randy Schultz
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0

By Warren Kozireski —

Marshall Warren played for Boston College for four seasons and wore the “C” last season. But now, wearing an “A” for his Michigan Wolverines, he will battle his former teammates in the national semi-final.

“Our group chat (with his former teammates) has been pretty quiet ever since we beat Michigan State,” Warren said in the preliminary press conference. “Right now, I’m emotionless about it. It’s a business trip for us. We have to beat them. They’re in my way, our way.

“And obviously after the game I’ll be a little emotional. But right now, I’m just focused on playing Boston College and beating them.”

The former U.S. National Team Development Program product and 2019 sixth round draft pick by Minnesota helped stabilize the Wolverine blueline through a rough first half.

“Just a leader, a veteran, mature kid,” Michigan head coach Brandon Naurato said about Warren. “Brings nothing but positive energy in the room. Pushes other people to be the best versions of themselves. I think Marsh had a good first half with Edwards out. He probably took on too much, like a lot of those guys in regards to ice time and trying to take care of the D corp.

“But he’s been outstanding in the second half. And even just simplifying his game, being hard, but just being a leader in the room, on and off the ice, and making plays in big moments. He’s been great.”

Warren tallied four goals with 14 assists in 40 games this season, consistent with his previous campaigns.

The 6’0”, 181 lb. blueliner spent time in youth hockey with the New Jersey Colonials and Avalanche before heading to Plymouth, Michigan. He was first black player to ever wear the “C” for the Eagles. He and his family have been involved at the grassroots level bringing ice hockey to the kids in Harlem.

But he is laser focused right now on one thing.

“Yeah, I think just be hard in every zone. Make them turn over the puck. Be good on a line rush against, just be physical. I think we have a great D core back there. As long as we take care of our net, we’ll put some pucks in their net.

“I think we have a lot to prove. Michigan hasn’t won a national title since 1998. That’s what we want to do for the alumni. That’s what we want to do for Block M. And it starts tomorrow.

“As a team we were .500 during the break. Went on a little run there. But we’re not satisfied yet. It starts tomorrow and we’re ready to go. BC is in our way. So, we’re going to do everything in our power to get the win.”

(Photo by Koz, NY Hockey OnLine)

SUNYAC Adds Hobart, Skidmore In Men’s Ice Hockey, Williams Smith In Women’s Ice Hockey, As Conference Expands

By
Randy Schultz
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SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The State University of New York Athletic Conference will add Hobart and William Smith Colleges in the sports of men’s and women’s ice hockey, and Skidmore College in men’s ice hockey, beginning with the 2025-26 season.The announcement was made by Commissioner Tom DiCamillo following a recommendation by the SUNYAC Board of Directors (Athletic Directors) and approval by the SUNYAC Presidents Council.

This marks the second round of expansion for the SUNYAC since October and increases the conference associate membership to eight institutions participating in 12 conference sports beginning in 2025-26. The SUNYAC has 10 full members.

“We are excited that Hobart and William Smith Colleges, and Skidmore College, have accepted our invitation to become associate members of the SUNYAC,” Alberto Cardelle, the president of SUNY Oneonta and chair of the SUNYAC Presidents Council, stated. “These institutions will strengthen the sports of men’s and women’s ice hockey in the SUNYAC as our conference continues striving to enhance the competition level of the league as well as the student-athlete experience.”

The Hobart men’s ice hockey program is the two-time reigning NCAA Division III National Champion (2023 & 2024), while Skidmore finished the 2023-24 campaign with a 19-7-2 (.714 wining percentage) overall mark before falling to Hobart in the New England Hockey Conference Championship.

William Smith finished the year with a 17-9-1 (.648) record before losing to NCAA Division III Women’s National Runner-Up Elmira in the NEHC Semifinals.

“Hobart and William Smith, and Skidmore, bring outstanding ice hockey programs with rich histories of success in Division III to the SUNYAC,” Commissioner Tom DiCamillo said. “The addition of these programs increases the strength of schedule within the conference and elevates what already is one of the premier Division III conferences in the nation.”

Both institutions are within the New York geographic footprint of the SUNYAC. Hobart and William Smith Colleges are in Geneva, while Skidmore is in Saratoga Springs.The addition of Hobart and Skidmore brings the SUNYAC to 10 men’s teams that will feature a double round-robin, 18-game schedule.

It marks the most men’s ice hockey programs in the history of the SUNYAC.

William Smith becomes the eighth member of the SUNYAC, which absorbed the Northeast Women’s Hockey League this year. The conference will employ a 14-game, double round-robin schedule that eliminates the need to continue using a triple round-robin format.

“We’re extremely excited and honored to find a home for our hockey programs with such familiar and respected institutions within the SUNYAC,” Brian Miller, Hobart and William Smith director of athletics, said. “We already play many of those programs in our non-conference schedule and feel the strength of the league is right on par with the NEHC.”

Mark Taylor, the Hobart head coach, echoed Miller’s enthusiasm.

“I’m excited about joining the SUNYAC hockey league,” Taylor said. “It has a long history of excellent programs who we’ve played against throughout the history of our program; so, this will be an easy transition for us. To join a league with teams that are among the best in the country and maintain our high-strength of schedule makes it a win-win. Plus, there’s always some excitement and nuances of joining a new league so that’ll be fun for the players.”

William Smith Head Coach Matt Cunningham agreed.

“Moving to the SUNYAC will present an exciting new challenge for our student-athletes. It’s an honor to join this New York-based league with strong teams and a rich history. We will look forward to competing with these schools while elevating the experience for our student-athletes.”

Gail Cummings-Danson, the assistant vice president for Student Affairs and athletics director, sees a growing opportunity and a flourishing relationship for Skidmore and the SUNYAC.

“We are excited to begin competition with SUNYAC hockey for the 2025-26 season,” she stated. “Skidmore has enjoyed a competitive relationship with many of the SUNYAC hockey schools, and we look forward to strengthening those opportunities and developing a similar relationship with those that we have not yet competed against.”

Cummings-Danson noted that geographic location within the area occupied by current SUNYAC membership makes for a natural partnership and preserves Skidmore’s commitment to competing at the highest level of Division III men’s ice hockey.

“Though bittersweet to see the NEHC run its course, we couldn’t be more excited to join the SUNYAC hockey conference,” Rob Hutchison, Skidmore’s head coach, said. “The league is packed with fantastic players and coaches and has always been a premier Division III hockey league. We are eager and grateful for the opportunity to build new relationships and build new rivalries with this group.”

In October, the SUNYAC admitted SUNY Canton and SUNY Morrisville as full member institutions beginning in 2024-25, while Alfred State was accepted as an associate member in the sports of men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor track & field also beginning next year.The SUNYAC added men’s wrestling to its roster of NCAA Division III sponsored sports as well in October, holding its first championship a month later.

Associate members Ithaca, RIT, St. John Fisher and Utica joined full members Brockport, Cortland, Oneonta and Oswego to form an eight-team league under the SUNYAC umbrella. Brockport will become an associate member in wrestling in 2024-25.

Now in its 65th season of athletic competition, the SUNYAC is one of the strongest and most vibrant conferences in all of NCAA Division III that features 22 league championships and nearly 5,000 student athletes.
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