News For Boys High School Ice Hockey
NYSPHSAA Holds 97th Annual Central Committee Meeting
Latham, NY– The New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) held its annual summer meeting of the Central Committee on July 29 via video teleconference. The primary focus of the meeting is to vote on proposals and introduce discussion items pertaining to interscholastic athletics.
The Central Committee approved the expansion of the NYSPHSAA Coaches and Officials Appreciation Days to three times per year to include all three sport seasons (page 59 of the agenda). The Albany Capital Center was approved to host the Boys Volleyball Championships from 2021-23 and the Cool Insuring Arena to host the Girls Volleyball Championships from 2021-23.
The Committee approved utilizing 13 weight classes in the sport or wrestling as a two-year pilot beginning in the 2020-21 school year. The sport of field hockey had a proposal approved to allow the game clock to run when a five-goal differential is reached. A waiver for the nights rest rule and maximum number of contests for JV football players was approved (page 78-80 of the agenda). New baseball pitch count restrictions were approved for the 2021 season (page 113-14 of the agenda).
The sport of boys ice hockey received approval to adopt 17-minute periods with adjusted penalty times beginning in the 2020-21 season. Boys ice hockey was also granted approval to use a two-referee, one lineman officiating system in all regional and state final four games. In the sport of indoor track and field, only one relay team per school will be allowed at the State Championships.
Section X was awarded the Stay in the Game trophy for having the highest percentage of schools (75%) to not have any disqualifications by a player or coach at any level the 2019-20 school year.
The complete Central Committee agenda can be found here:
http://nysphsaa.org/Portals/0/PDF/Committees/Central/July%202020%20- %20Central%20Committee%20Meeting%20Packet%20Final.pdf
The meeting concluded with the passing of the gavel from outgoing NYSPHSAA President Paul Harrica (Section X) to incoming President Julie Bergman (Section IV). Harrica now transitions to the role of Past President for two years and Tim Mullins (Section XI) officially joins the NYSPHSAA officers as the second vice president. We would like to thank Past President Jim Osborne (Section IX) for his eight years of
service as a NYSPHSAA officer. The 2021 Central Committee meeting will take place July 27-28, 2021 at the World Resort Catskills in Monticello.
NWHL Announces 2020-21 Season Timeline
BROOKLYN – In the NWHL’s continuing efforts to manage the COVID-19 pandemic while prioritizing the wellbeing of all players, staff, fans and the community, the league announced a timeline for the upcoming season.
The regular season will begin in January 2021, with each team playing a full season of 20 games, and the Isobel Cup Playoffs are expected to be completed by the end of March. The league will aim to hold its popular annual All-Star Game, but not until after the Isobel Cup Playoffs are completed.
Although regular season games will start in January, the NWHL and the league’s six teams will continue their focus on enhanced opportunities for player development starting in September 2020. Optional on-ice practices and off-ice training will be available for all teams and players beginning the week of September 21 and formal practices will begin the week of October 19. Throughout, NWHL teams will strictly adhere to the protocols established by infectious disease experts, the NWHL medical team and community officials in each market.
In April, the NWHL formed a COVID-19 Safety Committee to set forth a plan for a safe and strategic return-to-play plan. The committee is led by infectious disease and Sports Health experts, including doctors Andrew Feldman, MD, and Guillem Gonzalez-Lomas, MD, from NYU Langone Health, one of the top academic medical centers in the U.S. and an official NWHL partner. The committee also includes league executives and representatives of the NWHL Players’ Association. The committee’s principal priority has been formulating a plan that protects the well-being of all participants and fans.
“The Safety Committee has and will continue to prioritize NWHL player, staff, fan, and media safety above all else while adapting to the ever-changing COVID-19 situation,” said Dr. Gonzalez-Lomas, assistant professor in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Health expert at NYU Langone Health. “We are eager to meet the challenge ahead and do our utmost to safely return the athletes to the sport they love.”
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a difficult and fluid situation, the league’s plans regarding in-season medical protocols, along with announcements regarding ticket availability and arena capacity for fans, will be made prior to the start of the season. In every step, decisions will be guided by the science and at the direction of doctors.
NWHL Players’ Association Statements
Anya Packer, NWHL Players’ Association executive director: “The NWHLPA is well-represented on the league’s COVID-19 committee. The PA has been included in all discussions in regards to player safety and league scheduling, and co-authored the overall return-to-play protocol. We feel our voices have been heard thus far and we will continue to ensure that the safety and well-being of the players is at the forefront of all discussions and formal protocols.”
Allie Thunstrom, Minnesota Whitecaps player, committee member: “We are undoubtedly eager to get back on the ice and can’t wait for the season to start. However, we also recognize the challenges everyone faces by the global health crisis, and we want to ensure that not only are we protected but our fans, media, coaches, support staff, and arena personnel are protected as well. The league has done an awesome job at including us in these discussions. While a slight delay to the start of the season is tough, I feel strongly that everyone’s safety and health will continue to be at the forefront of all decisions. We will continue to practice and train in accordance with state, provincial, and league guidelines. When the time comes, we will be ready to battle for the Isobel Cup in Season 6 and to play for the best fans in the world.”
Elmira’s MacLean Signs With Swedish Team
GRÄSTORP, Sweden — The Elmira College men’s ice hockey Class of 2020 has sent another student-athlete to the professional ranks, as the Swedish team Grästorps IK announced on Wednesday, July 22, that it signed former Soaring Eagle Spencer MacLean ’20.
MacLean is the seventh member of the Class of 2020 to go pro, joining classmates Christian Lloyd ’20, Connor Powell ’20, Spencer Carter ’20, Andrew Pucci ’20, Nick Ford ’20, and Anthony Parrucci ’20. He is the second EC alumnus to venture overseas to continue his career at the next level, after Lloyd signed with the Marseille Hockey Club in France last month.
A 6-foot-5, 210-pound forward, MacLean will utilize his size and physical style of play by transitioning to a role as a two-way defenseman with Grästorps IK. Providing offense from the blue line should come as no problem for the Kleinburg, Ontario, native, who compiled 50 points on 24 goals and 26 assists in 85 games with the Soaring Eagles. He also scored nine power-play markers throughout his collegiate career, and reached double-digit points for the third time in four years with 14 (5g-9a) during his senior season.
Grästorps IK is a member of Sweden’s Division II HockeyTvåan. In 2019-20, the team posted a 13-3-6 record, the second-best mark in HockeyTvåan Södra A. The club boasted the third-highest scoring offense while tying for the third-fewest goals allowed. Located in southwestern Sweden in the town of Grästorp, the team plays at Åse och Viste Arena.
Kayla Meneghin Now A Member of The Beauts
BUFFALO – As a member of the Connecticut Whale last season, Kayla Meneghin scored three goals and added an assist in her four games against the Buffalo Beauts. Saying “It’ll be nice to have that firepower on our side now,” Buffalo GM Nate Oliver has signed Meneghin to a contract to play the upcoming NWHL season with the Beauts.
“I’m proud to sign with the Buffalo Beauts because hockey is my passion,” said Meneghin. “I’m excited to have the opportunity to play with the Beauts this season, and to continue experiencing the passion that I have for this game. Buffalo is a great city with passionate and loyal fans, and I can’t wait to join my new teammates for Season Six. LET’S-GO-BUF-FA-LO!”
In 2019-20, her second season in the NWHL, the 5-4 forward from New Jersey was 4-4-8 in 14 games with the Whale.
Prior to her time in Connecticut, Meneghin was a three-time All-American at SUNY Plattsburgh. She finished her career fourth all-time in NCAA Division III history in points (188) and fifth in assists (102). She played 117 games for the Cardinals and was named First Team AHCA All-American in her sophomore and junior years, and Second Team All-American as a freshman and senior.
“Kayla will significantly bolster our offense,” said Oliver. “As we saw last season, she is a high-caliber player. Our staff is confident that Kayla’s game will continue to development and that she will have a true breakout NWHL season in her first year with us.”
(NWHL.com Photo)
UCHC Postpones 2020-21 Competition Until January 1
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – As NCAA Division III athletic conferences and institutions around the country continue to postpone intercollegiate competition for this Fall, the United College Hockey Conference (UCHC) has also announced changes to its competition schedule for the 2020-21 season.
The UCHC Presidents Council has decided that, due to the current evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic, conference competition will be postponed until January 1, 2021, provided it is safe to resume play at that time.
“Institutions will have the ability to enrich the student-athlete experience by conducting athletic related activities based on campus protocols and guidance from local health authorities at their discretion.” This also means that member institutions will still have the ability, based on their own campus regulations and limitations, to compete in non-conference contests until then. Additionally, should the pandemic exhibit positive progressions, the UCHC will revisit the resumption of conference play prior to January 1.
See below for the full statement from the UCHC:
The United Collegiate Hockey Conference has announced changes to its competition timeline for the 2020-2021 academic year.
The United Collegiate Hockey Conference’s Presidents Council has been closely monitoring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ability to safely compete this fall. The health of the conference’s student-athletes, coaches, officials and staff are of the utmost importance. At this time, given the current magnitude and evolution of the pandemic, the President’s Council voted unanimously to postpone conference competition until January 1, 2021 provided it is safe to resume at that time.
Institutions will have the ability to enrich the student-athlete experience by conducting athletic related activities based on campus protocols and guidance from local health authorities at their discretion. Members may participate in non-conference competition should they deem it safe to do so. Should there be significant positive developments which may permit safe competition prior to January 1st, the UCHC council will reconvene to discuss resumption of conference play. The UCHC is in the process of modifying schedules to accommodate this decision and provide a meaningful conference experience for our student-athletes in the Winter of 2021.
UCHC Presidents Council
John Loyack, Alvernia University
David Finegold, Chatham University
Chuck Lindsay, Elmira College
Jack Ryan, King’s College
James MacLaren, Lebanon Valley College
Michael Geisler, Manhattanville College
Beth Paul, Nazareth College
Chris Domes, Neumann University
Elliot Hirshman, Stevenson University & UCHC President
Laura Casamento, Utica College
Greg Cant, Wilkes University
Joyce Jacobsen, William Smith College
Comets Answer The Call In Vancouver
With the NHL’s return to play initiative officially getting underway, the Vancouver Canucks have plucked nine familiar faces to be available options when they open their best-of-five series against the Minnesota Wild in August.
Justin Bailey
With jaw-dropping size and speed, it took no time for Justin Bailey to quickly become a fan favorite in Utica this year. And when the fifth-year forward found his stride, he was a force to be reckoned with. The Buffalo native erupted this year for career highs in goals (28) and points (47), while tying a franchise record with 11 power play goals during the shortened season.
Bailey’s most notable stretch was a span of three hat tricks in four games from January 10-17, in which the entire AHL took notice of his dominance. His 12-goal form in the month of January earned him a call-up to Vancouver, where he appeared in two games.
Guillaume Brisebois
As steady as they come on the backend, Guillaume Brisebois continued to showcase a calm demeanor, excellent positioning, and a well thought out approach to his game during the ’19-’20 season. The third-year pro skated in 49 games with the Comets, earning a career-high four goals and notching 15 total points while skating to a team-best +21 rating
His reliable performance all season long allowed the 22 year old to earn the team’s Defenseman of the Year award and multiple call-ups to the NHL, but he didn’t appear in any games.
Jalen Chatfield
Similar to Brisebois, it isn’t Jalen Chatfield’s offensive presence that sets him apart from the pack. The smooth-skating, always-in-position defenseman had another season to be proud of in Utica, skating in 48 games and earning a +12 rating, good enough for second best on the team. All year long he continued to cement himself as one of the team’s top penalty killers and most trusted lockdown defensemen.
Chatfield was up and down from Vancouver all season long as a repeated call-up, but the native of Ypsilanti, Mich., didn’t see any game action at the NHL level.
Mikey DiPietro
Becoming the go-to guy for the Comets in January, DiPietro seized the opportunity as the team’s number-one netminder and stood out as one of the league’s top young goalies. All season long he was on top of his game, showcasing an incredible work ethic and composure in all situations. When the season ended, the 21-year-old stopper registered a record of 21-11-2, with a GAA of 2.79 and a save percentage of .908%.
The Windsor, Ont., native led all AHL rookie goalies with 21 wins on the season, and earned the team awards for Player with the Most Heart and as the Class Guy selected by the staff.
Tyler Graovac
Signing with Vancouver as a free agent following a 50-point season in Stockton the year before, Tyler Graovac was brought in to be a puck-moving centerman who exceled in both powerplay and penalty kill scenarios. After skating in a handful of games with the Comets, Graovac was summoned to Vancouver to fill a void in the middle of the ice in November. He skated in eight games and scored twice with Vancouver, but the seventh-year pro suffered a lower-body injury while with the Canucks and didn’t return to game action until the end of February.
In total, the sure-handed Graovac appeared in 11 games with Utica and tallied two goals and an assist.
Olli Juolevi
After injuries limited to Olli Juolevi to just 18 games last year, the Finnish defenseman was able to stay mostly healthy during the 2019-20 campaign and skate in 45 contests with the Comets. Selected with the fifth pick of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, Juolevi showed off on many occasions why he remains such a highly-touted prospect in the Canucks system this year. Picking up two goals and 23 assists on the year, Juolevi was the quarterback of the team’s second powerplay unit and logged tons of ice time in his official rookie season in North America.
Perhaps where Juolevi excelled the most was on the penalty kill, where he was often times the team’s best shot blocker, and his ability to sniff out passing lanes was second to none.
Kole Lind
After a widely-publicized rookie season brought on struggles for the young forward, Kole Lind stepped up in a big way during the 2019-20 campaign. Earning a spot in the team’s top-six forwards, Lind exploded for 14 goals and 30 assists during his second season in Utica. The native of Shaunavon, SK, impressed all season long with his calm demeanor on the team’s power play, and his incisive passing set up many goals and opportunities for the Comets.
Self-identifying as a scrappy player who’s not afraid to dust it up and make enemies on the opposing team, Lind finished second on the team with 64 penalty minutes and found a great balance between the scrap and skill that he values as an effective forward.
Brogan Rafferty
Dazzling with his effortless displays of skill all season long, Brogan Rafferty shot up the board as one of the Canucks’ top prospects after a rookie season that was impossible to ignore around the leagues. Rafferty electrified the Comets with seven goals and set a team record for most points by a defenseman with 45 on the year. The most impressive of all stretches for the product of Quinnipiac University was the month of December, where he tallied 3 goals and 13 assists for 16 points and AHL Rookie of the Month honors.
In total, Rafferty had 11 multi-point nights, including a four-point outing on January 15 against Hartford. He was voted to represent Utica at the AHL All-Star Classic in Ontario, Calif. and was named to the league’s All-Rookie Team and Second All-Star Team.
Ashton Sautner
Perhaps the most rugged member of the Comets defense continued to be Ashton Sautner who, in his fifth year with the organization, continued to use his size and strength to his advantage. The native of Flaxcomb, SK, was one of the team’s assistant captains this year and was the leader on the blue line while skating to the tune of one goal, 11 assists, and 12 total points over 51 games.
Sautner is often identified by his endless motor and absolute willingness to sacrifice his body in order to block shots or clear dangerous areas of the defensive zone. The 26 year old was called up on a few occasions this year and skated in one game with the Canucks.
Only time will tell if any of these Comets will see game action in Vancouver’s series against the Wild, but one can rest assured that if the opportunity comes, there is no doubt that the team’s young guns will be ready to answer the bell.
Dynamic Duo Returns To The Wolves
The dynamic duo is BACK for the 2020-2021 FPHL Season!
The Watertown Wolves are happy to announce that both Dallas and Michael Desjarlais have re-signed with the Wolves.
Tony Attanucci New Director of Performance Training
NewEdge Hockey Development Academy is excited to announce the promotion of Professional Strength Coach Tony Attanucci to the position of Director of Performance Training. Tony’s extensive education and experience in hockey / sport specific strength training makes him the ideal candidate to oversee operations for the NewEdge Strength Centers in Buffalo and Rochester, NY.
In conjunction with the Professional Strength Training Coaches Brandon Kozlowski and James Whelan, Tony will be responsible for all performance training applications, program development, customer support, athlete monitoring, and operations within our strength training centers.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to take this next step with NewEdge Hockey Development Academy. Our performance training team is excited to work together and provide an unmatched athletic development platform for our customers.”
Contact Tony Directly to set up individual, small group, team, or organization training. Stronger hockey players are BETTER hockey players. strengthcoachtony@gmail.com
UBS Secures Naming Rights To Future Home Of The New York Islanders
State of the art UBS Arena at Belmont Park, developed in partnership with Oak View Group, the New York Islanders, and Sterling Project Development, is projected to open for the 2021-22 National Hockey League season
The $1.5 billion project and surrounding redevelopment expected to generate approximately $25 billion in economic activity, including major infrastructure improvements, 10,000 construction jobs, and 3,000 permanent jobs of which 30% are to be set aside for local residents
Project to earmark 30% of construction contracting dollars for state-certified minority and female-owned businesses and additional 6% to service-disabled, veteran-owned businesses
This long-term agreement reinforces UBS’s commitment to the New York metro area as firm’s Americas headquarters.
New York – – UBS announced an exclusive 20-year arena naming rights agreement for the metropolitan area’s most anticipated, cutting-edge live entertainment and sports venue and the future home of the New York Islanders. UBS Arena, located at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, is projected to open for the 2021-22 National Hockey League season and will host more than 150 major events annually. The significant redevelopment project is expected to create 10,000 construction jobs and 3,000 permanent jobs, generating approximately $25 billion in economic activity over the term of the lease.
“We are excited to announce this long-term partnership with the New York Islanders and are proud to play a role in creating one of the country’s premier sports and entertainment venues,” said Tom Naratil, Co-President UBS Global Wealth Management and President UBS Americas. “The New York City area is home to our Americas headquarters, thousands of our employees, and more UBS clients than any other US market. We have deep roots in the tri-state area and a fundamental commitment to growing our presence in the US. This is an opportunity to demonstrate and accelerate that commitment, while having a positive and lasting impact on the surrounding community.”
“UBS Arena is poised to become a global landmark entertainment and sports destination, leading us to partner with one of the world’s premier brands, UBS,” said Tim Leiweke, CEO of Oak View Group and leader of the arena project. “Together we’re eager to deliver on our shared promise of helping reinvigorate the New York economy, creating jobs, supporting a sustainable future, and safely providing an unrivaled, distinctive premium experience for all. We’re excited to bring our passion and unmatched guest service commitment to life, and we look forward to welcoming fans to what will surely become a popular global destination for world-class events for many years to come.”
“UBS Arena will stand as a beacon of strength, resilience, achievement and community, and we look forward to celebrating this milestone with our loyal fans,” said Jon Ledecky, Co-Owner of the New York Islanders. “We’re thrilled to be partners with UBS on this transformational project that will be so important to the New York economy for decades.”
Introducing UBS Arena!
The $1.5 billion private investment into the arena and the overall surrounding campus will provide a significant boost to the regional economy at a time when economic activity has slowed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The project will also inject much needed stimulus into the New York economy and the local community, with the goal of filling 30% of UBS Arena’s permanent jobs with workers who live in the surrounding area. Thirty percent of contracting dollars for construction will also be earmarked for state-certified minority and female-owned businesses, and 6% will be earmarked for service-disabled veteran-owned businesses. An additional $100 million investment in transit and infrastructure enhancements, including the first, newly constructed Long Island Rail Road station in almost 50 years, will benefit local residents and visitors for decades to come.
UBS Arena will also commit a significant philanthropic investment to drive economic redevelopment and strengthen the local community. The primary focus of these efforts will be on improving college and career readiness for local youth by providing programming related to post-secondary education and entrepreneurship, both of which are longtime cornerstones of UBS’s community impact efforts across the Americas region.
Expanding on UBS’s global commitment to sustainability, UBS Arena is being built to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED v4) standards for Building Design and Construction. In an effort to build a greener future, UBS Arena is working with world-class sustainability experts to minimize the environmental impact of the venue and become a zero waste facility, utilizing renewable energy sources and reducing water and electricity consumption.
In addition to securing naming rights to the arena, specific elements of the agreement with UBS include permanent exterior signage, entitlement to the Arena’s largest premium private hospitality space, and prominent UBS logo placement on the roof, center ice, and throughout the venue. UBS clients and employees will also enjoy extensive VIP hospitality opportunities.
Jr. Enforcers Sign Goalie Joseph Weise
The Elmira Junior Enforcers, proud member of the USPHL Premier Division, have announced the signing of Goaltender Joseph Weise.Weise, a 2001 born player from Flat Rock Michigan, led Woodhaven High School to an undefeated record and division championship prior to starting his junior hockey career.
Last season he split his playing time between the Central Canada Hockey League’s Pembroke Lumber Kings and the CCHL2’s Whitewater Kings. With experience in net in a very competitive Canadian Junior A league the 6’4″ 190 pound goaltender is excited to come to Elmira and play for the Junior Enforcers this season.
Ice Wolves Select WNY’er Owen Parker
The New Mexico Ice Wolves selected five players in the North American Hockey League’s 2020 Entry Draft today.
Coming into the draft Ice Wolves head coach Phil Fox was looking for pieces that will fit well in the Ice Wolves organization. “We went into this year’s draft not having a ton of picks so I wanted to find some good players that will complement the core group of players we have returning,” Fox said.
The Ice Wolves first selection was the fourth overall pick in the draft. The team targeted size and experience and selected Colton Huard. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound defenseman spent the 2019-20 season in the USHL starting with the Fargo Force (1g, 5a) and finishing the season with the regular season champions, the Chicago Steel (1g, 7a). Huard also has experience in the NAHL playing with the Aberdeen Wings throughout their regular season and playoff run during the 2018-19 season.
The second round the Ice Wolves selected forward Tyler Savage. The North Dakota native spent last season in the SJHL with the Estevan Bruins. Savage racked up an impressive 42 points (14g, 28a) in 51 games with the Bruins during the 2019-20 season. The Ice Wolves hope that the forward can develop and transition that production to the NAHL level.
With the third-round pick, the Ice Wolves drafted Buffalo native Owen Parker. Parker spent the 2019-20 season with Nichols School Vikings. Through 29 games with the Vikings, the goaltender had a 2.80 GAA and a .902 SV%. At 6-foot-6 and 235 pounds, Parker has the potential to bring size that Ice Wolves fans haven’t seen between the pipes at the Outpost.
The fourth round the team selected 2001 born forward Brady Rappuhn. The past 4 years playing at Saginaw Heritage High (USHS-MI). During the 2019-20 season, Rappuhn absolutely dominated and ended up first on his team and third in the league in points with 77pts (37g, 40a) in only 24 games.
The Ice Wolves finished the draft strong by selecting forward Ryan Muckenstrum. Muckenstrum has played with the Mid Cities Jr Stars (NA3HL) and led the team in point during the 2019-20 season. Through 44 games Ryan racked up 65 points (35g, 30a).
Phil Fox is confident with the Ice Wolves selections today and is looking forward to building the roster out for the team’s sophomore season saying, “Each of our picks has a value to their game that will give us even more depth up front and on the backend. I can’t wait to get the season started.”
The NM Ice Wolves draft picks and tendered players now look forward to the main camp on August 13-15, 2020 after which the roster will be firmly shaped up.
Register For The Lock Monster 2020/21 Season
Players can now register for the 2020-2021 Lock Monster Season. Click here to register. For more information please contact Tom Dockery.
- Novice Program ADM
Ice time once a weekTwo 10 Week Sessions- $130 per Session or $105 if you use a Lock Monster jersey from a previous seasonSession 1 – 9/12-11/29 Session 2 – 12/12-2/20
- 6u
Season runs September-February$415Save $25 if you use a jersey from a previous season
- 8u
Season runs September-February$485Save $25 if you use a jersey from a previous seasonUSA Hockey Insurance number needed to register
- MOHL Teams
Season Runs September-FebruarySquirt (10u) – $695PeeWee (12u) – $760Bantam (14u) – $895Midget (16u) – $850Midget (18u) – $850Save $60 if you use a jersey from a previous seasonUSA Hockey Insurance number needed to registerIf a jersey is needed, MOHL players will purchase their jersey/socks from their coach for $60Click here for USA Hockey RegistrationClick here for USA Hockey age classifications
