ALBANY, N.Y. — ECAC Hockey has announced the 2021 All-Rookie team, and six student-athletes from the four competing institutions have been honored.

All-Rookie Goaltender: Ethan Haider, Clarkson University

Haider (Maple Grove, Minn.) stepped onto campus and into a starting role with the Golden Knights in his rookie campaign. He boasted a 2.01 GAA and .920 save percentage over the course of the year, and was even better in conference play, posting marks of 1.58 and .938%. He earned MAC Goaltending Goalie of the Week honors on two separate occasions, and was named the Goalie of the Month in January.

All-Rookie Defenseman: Pierson Brandon, Colgate University

Brandon (Irvington, N.Y.) was simply outstanding in his rookie season, skating in all 21 games while anchoring the Colgate defensive unit. He led the team in both blocked shots (30), and plus-minus (+9) despite logging a ton of ice time in every facet of the game. He also helped on the offensive end, recording nine points, including six during league play.

All-Rookie Defenseman: Luc Salem, St. Lawrence University

Salem (Santa Monica, Calif.) was one of the top defensemen not only among first-year skaters, but in the entire league in 2021. During ECAC Hockey games, he tied for third among all defensemen with six points, and tied for first with three goals. His biggest goal of the year came on January 15 at Clarkson, a game-winner that elevated the Saints to a 2-1 win over their crosstown rival.

All-Rookie Forward: Ty Smilanic, Quinnipiac University

Smilanic (Denver, Colo.) was one of the best goal scorers among not only rookie skaters, but all NCAA Hockey skaters this season. He scored 14 goals and added six assists, making him the top rookie scorer in the league this season. He was a 3x Adirondack Health Rookie of the Week, and earned Rookie of the Month honors in February.

All-Rookie Forward: Alex Young, Colgate University

Young (Calgary, Alb.) instantly became one of Colgate’s top forwards this season, leading the team with 13 points on six goals and seven assists. He earned Rookie of the Week honors on January 25, was the Rookie of the Month in January, and was named to the inaugural ECAC Hockey “Three Stars” list on November 23. In his four multi-point games, the Raiders were 3-1-0.

All-Rookie Forward: Greg Lapointe, St. Lawrence University

Lapointe (Granby, Que.) stepped into his collegiate career with a bang, recording a point in each of his first three games to start the season. He finished the season with eight points in his 12 league contests, which was good for third among first-year skaters. In games that Lapointe scored, the Saints were 3-2-1, which included a 4-3 win over Colgate on January 23 when he recorded three assists.

ALBANY, N.Y. — ECAC Hockey has announced the 2021 First Team All-League, and seven student-athletes from the four competing institutions have been honored.

First-Team Goaltender: Keith Petruzzelli, Quinnipiac University

Petruzzelli (Wilbraham, Mass.) put together the best season of an already outstanding collegiate career this year, ranking in the Top-10 nationally in GAA (6th – 1.78), save percentage (9th – .929), winning percentage (8th – .704), and shutouts (T3rd – 4). He was a four time MAC Goaltending Goalie of the Week, and earned Goaltender of the Month honors in February.

First-Team Defenseman: Zach Metsa, Quinnipiac University

Metsa (Delafield, Wisc.) had a breakout junior campaign, leading a Quinnipiac defense that allowed just 1.90 goals per-game this season. The Bobcats had the No. 3 ranked scoring defense in the country, and No. 5 ranked penalty kill, where Metsa played a large role. In just 27 games, he recorded 25 points.

First-Team Defenseman: Connor McCarthy, Clarkson University

McCarthy (LaSalle, Que.) was the defensive leader on a Clarkson team that spent a majority of the season ranked in the Top-15 of both national polls. He finished the season with eight points on three goals and five assists, while also blocking 21 shots. In games where McCarthy recorded a point, the Golden Knights were 5-0-1.

First-Team Forward: Odeen Tufto, Quinnipiac University

Tufto (Chaska, Minn.) was un-arguably one of the top players in the nation this season, ranking second in the country with 44 points (1.63 points per-game). He led the country in assists with 38, which was more than 10 more than the second place skater. His consistency in scoring was unmatched, as he registered points in 22 of 27 games this year. He was also one of the best in the league in the circle, going 349-204 in draws.

First-Team Forward: Zach Tsekos, Clarkson University

Tsekos (Montreal, Que.) was one of the top two-way forwards in ECAC Hockey this season, recording 17 points while blocking 18 shots. He was also excellent in the face-off circle, winning 205 draws while losing just 156. He was consistent throughout the season, recording points in 12 of Clarkson’s 20 games, including four multi-point performances.

First-Team Forward: Cameron Buhl, St. Lawrence University

Buhl (South St. Paul, Minn.) was fourth in the league in scoring during ECAC Hockey play this season, registering 12 points on three goals and nine assists. His scoring was extremely balanced, as the sophomore recorded points in 10 of the 15 games he played. His game-winning goal against Colgate on January 7 turned out to be a difference maker in the Saints season, as it elevated them to the No. 3 seed in the ECAC Hockey championship. 

First-Team Forward: Josh McKechney, Colgate University

McKechney (Calgary, Alb.) put together one of his best seasons to date while wearing the “C” for Colgate this season. In 21 games, he registered 11 points on six goals and five assists, which included points in four of the teams last six games. The season finale at Quinnipiac turned out to be his best outing of the season, as the senior registered a goal and assist in the 4-3 win.

Included are two candidates who are natives of New York State.

St. Paul, Minn. — The Hobey Baker Memorial Award Committee is pleased to announce the top ten candidates for the 2021 award honoring college hockey’s top player. Alphabetically, they are: Matt Boldy, Boston College; Cole Caufield, University of Wisconsin; David Farrance, Boston University; Dylan Holloway, University of Wisconsin; Spencer Knight, Boston College; Jack LaFontaine, University of Minnesota; Dryden McKay, Minnesota State University; Keith Petruzzelli, Quinnipiac University; Shane Pinto, University of North Dakota; and Odeen Tufto, Quinnipiac University. 

The ten finalists were selected by voting from all 61 Division I college hockey head coaches plus online fan balloting. Next, the 30-member Selection Committee and an additional round of fan balloting through the Hobey website hobeybaker.com March 18-28 will determine this year’s Hobey Baker winner. Criteria for the award include: displaying outstanding skills in all phases of the game, strength of character on and off the ice, sportsmanship and scholastic achievements. 

The Hobey Hat Trick (three finalists) will be announced on April 1, 2021 and the Hobey Baker Award winner will be announced on Friday, April 9, 2021. The announcement will be televised live on the NHL Network and streamed on the Hobey Baker website at 6:00 p.m. ET. 

Following, in alphabetical order, is a look at each finalist. 

Matt Boldy – Boston College – Sophomore, Forward, Millis, Massachusetts 

A highly skilled power forward, Boldy has helped the Eagles to a #1 national ranking heading into their Hockey East semi-final game. He was second in the conference in scoring this past season and led the nation with three short-handed goals. Boldy is finishing the season on a fabulous scoring pace, picking up five goals and seven assists in the last seven games.

·      Currently has 10 goals, 16 assists for 26 points in 20 games 

·   Named First Team Hockey East – Minnesota draft (1^st round-12^th overall)

·   Communications major – Racked up 157 points in two seasons with National Team

Cole Caufield – University of Wisconsin – Sophomore, Forward, Stevens Point, Wisconsin

A phenomenal offensive threat, Caufield leads the nation in goals and total points. He is the first player in Big Ten conference history to win back-to-back scoring titles. The league rewarded him this season as Player of the Year, Scoring Champion and First Team all-conference. Caufield is Badger-red hot with 14 multiple point games in his last 17 outings.

·      Currently has 28 goals, 21 assists for 49 points in 30 games – Montreal draft (1^st round -15^th overall)

·      Leads nation in power play goals (10), power play points (22), and shots on goal (152)

·      Won gold medal with USA at World Junior Championship – brother Brock also plays on Badgers

David Farrance – Boston University – Senior, Defense, Victor, New York

A repeat top ten candidate from last year, Farrance has continued his strong offensive flair on defense, earning him a second straight First Team Hockey East honor. Appearing in 10 of the Terriers 15 games played, he still managed 16 total points to tie for the team lead. His average of 1.6 points per game led all defensemen in the nation and is third overall.

·      Currently has 5 goals, 11 assists for 16 points in 10 games – has 2 power play goals

·      Nashville draft (3^rd round) – has 88 points (26-62) in 112 career games

·      Psychology major – in January, had 14 points (4-10) in just six games

Dylan Holloway – University of Wisconsin – Sophomore, Forward, Bragg Creek, Alberta

Known as a fast powerful centerman, Holloway has had a terrific season. Sitting with 34 points in just 22 games, he’s tied for fourth in the nation in scoring and tied for fourth in assists. Named First Team all-conference in the Big Ten, he was honored as national player of the month for February when he collected 17 points in eight games.

·      Currently has 11 goals, 23 assists for 34 points in 22 games – had 8-game point streak

·      Is 3^rd in the nation with 16 power play points (4-12) – Personal Finance major

·      Edmonton draft (1^st round, 14^th overall) – won silver medal at World Juniors

Spencer Knight – Boston College – Sophomore, Goalie, Darien, Connecticut

Coaches like calm, measured goaltenders and Knight fits the bill perfectly. In 11 of his 19 starts, he has held opponents to two goals or less, earning him a fantastic 16-2-1 record. Several Hockey East awards have followed including: Player of the Year, Goalie of the Year and First Team all-conference. Knight is tied for second in the nation in save percentage.

·      Current record is: 16-2-1 – goals against average of 1.99 – save percentage .937

·      Florida draft (1^st round, 13^th overall) – only 10^th American goalie drafted in 1^st round

·      Marketing major – win percentage of .868 is second in the nation – has 3 shutouts

Jack LaFontaine – University of Minnesota – Senior, Goalie, Mississauga, Ontario

Referred to as the epitome of consistency, LaFontaine led the Big Ten conference in all key goaltending categories and was named Goalie of the Year and First Team all-conference. He’s allowed two or less in 21 of his 27 starts this season and posted five shutouts, second best in the nation. After securing the Big Ten playoff title, he’s third in the nation in goals against average, fourth in save percentage and first in wins.

·      Current record is: 21-6-0 – goals against average 1.74 – save percentage .936

·      Played first two seasons at Michigan – redshirt for 2018-19 season

·      Assistant captain – English major – Carolina draft (3^rd round)

Dryden McKay – Minnesota State University – Junior, Goalie, Downers Grove, Illinois

Call him Mr. Zero. McKay has posted a national best 9 shutouts in 22 starts this season, and has earned 23 shutouts in his three-year career, second all-time in the NCAA. The WCHA rewarded him as Player of the Year, Goalie of the Year and First Team all-conference. A repeat Hobey finalist, he is a two-time Goalie of the Year in the WCHA and a three-time goalie champion statistically. 

·      Current record is: 19-2-0 – goals against average 1.25 – save percentage .937

·      In 90 career starts, has 1.46 career goals against average and .935 save percentage

·      Finance major – First Team All-American last season – two-time Richter Award finalist

Keith Petruzzelli – Quinnipiac University – Senior, Goalie, Wilbraham, Massachusetts

At 6’5, Petruzzelli fills the net but his sound positioning makes him one of the nation’s best goalies. He’s fourth in the nation in goals against average and tied for first in games played, having started all 27 of the Bobcats games. The ECAC named him Goalie of the Year, First Team all-conference and a finalist for Player of the Year. 

·      Current record is: 17-6-4 – goals against average 1.78 – save percentage .929

·      Has started every game the past two years, 61 straight starts – has 4 shutouts

·      Civil Engineering major – Detroit draft (3^rd round) – Richter Award finalist 

Shane Pinto – University of North Dakota – Sophomore, Forward, Franklin Square, NY

A responsible, competitive scorer, Pinto led the NCHC conference in regular season scoring, securing numerous league awards: Player of the Year, Forward of the Year, Defensive Forward of the Year and First Team all-conference. Winning almost 62% of his faceoffs, he’s proved to be one of the best in the nation on the draw. North Dakota won regular season and playoff titles.

·      Currently has 15 goals, 15 assists for 30 points in 26 games – had 7 power play goals

·      Ottawa draft (2^nd round) – Kinesiology major – was NCHC Rookie of Year last year

·      Led Team USA in scoring last year at 2020 World Junior Championship

Odeen Tufto – Quinnipiac University – Senior, Forward, Chaska, Minnesota

Possessing an amazing skill set, Tufto has been a wizard on faceoffs winning a national best 63% of his draws. Not only that, the playmaker extraordinaire has had four straight 30-point seasons and presently leads the nation in assists and is second in the nation in scoring. The ECAC named him Player of the Year and First Team all-conference. 

·      Currently has 6 goals, 38 assists for 44 points in 27 games – has 2-13 in last 6 games

·      Has had 14 multiple point games – Finance major

·      Is tied for first in nation with 22 power play points and his 20 power play assists is first

Hobey Notes

·     Nominees by conference: Big Ten 3, Hockey East 3, ECAC 2, NCHC 1, WCHA 1

·     By class: Senior 4, Junior 1, Sophomore 5

·     By position: Forward 5, Defense 1, Goalie 4 

·     By nationality: U.S. – 8 (two candidates: Massachusetts and New York, one each: Minnesota, Illinois, Connecticut, Wisconsin)   Canada – 2 (Alberta, Ontario)

·     Repeat finalists from 2020 include David Farrance and Dryden McKay

·     Boston University, Minnesota State and North Dakota have finalists for the second straight season 

·     Eight of the ten finalists are NHL draft picks with four in the first round

·     Hobey Baker Award Banquet will be held in August in Lake Elmo, Minn. 

·     Visit hobeybaker.com or on Facebook at: facebook.com/TheHobey  

·     The Hobey Baker website also has the top ten video and in-depth bios

The Hobey Baker Top Ten video is available in a High Definition format at www.hobeybaker.com/media   Total running time is 6:25.

The 2021 Hobey Baker Award winner will be honored along with this year’s Hobey Baker Legend of College Hockey, Mike Sertich, at the annual banquet and golf outing to be held in August in Lake Elmo, Minnesota. For more information on both visit the Hobey website at: www.hobeybaker.com. 

Upcoming Hobey Baker Media releases are as follows:

·      Hat Trick of three Finalists – Thu., April 1 at 11 a.m. CT

·    Winner – Fri., April 9 at 6:00 p.m. ET – Live TV on NHL Network; streamed at www.hobeybaker.com

PITTSBURGH, PA. – Jack Billings and Walker Sommer scored, and Chad Veltri made 44 saves as Niagara defeated Robert Morris, 2-1, to advance to the Atlantic Hockey Semifinals for the second time in three years.

First Period
• Jack Billings picked up right where he left off Saturday as he scored the opening goal for the second consecutive night.
• Niagara successfully killed two Robert Morris power plays to hold onto its 1-0 advantage.
• Chad Veltri made a couple of highlight-reel saves en route to making 18 stops in the frame.
• Robert Morris had a plus-13 advantage in shots (18-5) after one period of play, as well as the edge in faceoffs (13-8).
• Niagara blocked a total of 10 shots in the first.

Second Period
• Walker Sommer gave Niagara a 2-0 lead early in the second period. Croix Evingson rifled a pass from the RMU attacking zone that Sommer deflected into the back of the net.
• Niagara killed its third penalty of the night during the middle frame.
• Veltri stayed hot between the pipes, making 16 stops on 16 shots. The defense was also a factor in holding the lead, blocking five Colonial shots.

Third Period
• Niagara got its first power-play chances in the third as Robert Morris was called for too many men and goalie interference during the final 20-minutes. The Purple Eagles went 0-2 with the man advantage.
• Robert Morris cut the NU lead in half with a goal in the game’s final seconds.
• The Purple and White finished the game with 32 shots on goal, 20 faceoff wins, and 22 blocked shots.

Game Notes
• Niagara scored first in all three games of the series. 
• The Purple Eagles recorded 20 or more blocks in each game of the quarterfinal series.
• Veltri finished the game with 44 saves. The sophomore made 40-plus saves in both of Niagara’s wins during the series.
• Billings finished the series with three goals and three points.
• The Purple and White are 3-0 in elimination games this season.
• Niagara will play in the Atlantic Hockey Final Four for the second time in three years. In 2019, the Purple Eagles defeated RIT before falling to AIC in the championship game.

Up Next
• Niagara will take on the top-ranked AIC Yellow Jackets in the AHA semifinals Friday, March 19. The semifinal contest is scheduled for a 2:05 p.m. start at MassMutual Center in Springfield, Mass.
• For more information on the AHA championship, visit atlantichockeyonline.com

(Niagara University Men’s Hockey Photo)