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Collegiate Women’s 2020 Season Highlights/Central New York

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Janet
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By Janet Schultz, NYHOL Writer/Photographer

Well the season came to an end with most Championships in women’s hockey being completed just before the cancellation of events due to CoVID 19. In the women’s collegiate hockey scene, only the biggest Championship was canceled…the NCAA Frozen Four. 

With that being said, the Schultz’s, your NYHOL staff that covers women’s hockey, had it’s own challenges this season. Randy had cancer surgery in August, back surgery in November and with recuperation they did not make as many collegiate games as they usually did. In fact, for the first time in many years Janet never made it to RIT for their media day or a game and she apologizes. We are hoping things will be better in the Fall and we look forward to the 20-21 season.

While Janet and Randy may not have gotten to the arenas, they did follow the teams and thank the Sports Information people at each College for making sure press releases were sent and the web sites were up-to-date! This is one time when the world wide web kept NYHOL going.

So without further ado, here is a recap of the season, with photos from Janet’s archives!

Cortland

Emily King, WNY native completes her season at Cortland

The Red Dragons ended with a 14-10-2 overall season record under Coach Rick Filighera. Their final regular season game was against Buffalo State and ended in a 4-2 loss for Cortland.

They headed off to the NEWHL semis and lost to Plattsburgh, 3-0. Grace Schnorr was named to the NEWHL All Conference Team, as was Chelesa Allain.

Schnorr headed the Red Dragon’s scoreboard with 19 goals/ 13 assists for 32 points. She was followed by Dany Donegan, 10 goals/16 assists. Donegan was named to the NEWHL All-Rookie Team.

Goalie Allain had a .915 save percentage, 2.19 goals against and played 1315.21 minutes between the pipes.

A fond farewell to Seniors Emily Rose (Chaumont/Syracuse Nationals), Abbey Paduano (Massena/Massena High School); Allyson Edwards (Buffalo/Buffalo Regals) and Emily King, captain, (Buffalo/Buffalo Regals).

Elmira

With a 22-4-2 record Elmira was heading to the playoffs following a 5-3 win over Manhattanville. They would have faced Adrian College in the NCAA quarters.

Emma Crocker led the scoring with 21 goals and 23 assists; then it was Morgan Mordini, 11 goals/19 assists and Jess Adams, 20 goals/8 assists.

Crocker was named NCAA DII Statistical Champion for game-winning goals; named to USCHO First Team; First Team CHA/ACHA; First Team All American; UCHC Player of the year and to the UCHC All Tournament Team. She is ranked among the top point getters in the nation.

Parting seniors include Kiana Melvin and Tia Hertto.

Head Coach Tim Crowley, in his fourth season, named Sydney Hasrris, Captain for 2020-21 with assistants Elizabeth Hanson and Eliza Beauden.

Syracuse

Savannah Rennie completes her Syracuse career and heads for the NWHL

Following their last season game against Robert Morris, a 4-2 victory, the Orange headed to the CHA Tournament where they beat #6 seed Lindenwood 4-0 and lost to #2 seed Robert Morris 5-2.

Abbey Moloughney had 10 goals and 18 assists this year followed by Lindsay Eastwood, 8 goals/ 20 assists and Savannah Rennie, 8 goals/15 assists.

Rennie was drafted by the NWHL in the 2020 draft.

Goaltender Allison Small had a 7-12-1 season with 4 shutouts and Ady Cohen had a 7-7-0 record with 2 shutouts.

Graduating seniors include Anonda Harper, Ady Cohen, Allie Olnowich, Logan Hicks, Amanda Backebo, Lindsay Eastwood, Kellie Romswell and Savannah Rennie.

Coach Paul Flanagan is the Orange’s original Coach and is one of the winningest coach in the history of women’s collegiate hockey.

Utica

The Pioneers ended the season with a 2-0 loss to Elmira. Utica was seeded #4 in the UCHC tournament and faced Elmira right off. They lost to the Soaring Eagles 5-1. 

Georgiane Santullo had 9 goals/8 assists this season.  Olivia Hirschy followed with 4 goals/13 assists and Carolyn Whitney, 9 goals/6 assists. Whitney was named to the UCHC All Rookie Team for 2020.

In Goal it was Brie Reilly with an 8-9-1 record and four shutouts.

Graduating seniors include Brie Reilly, Kyra Borosi, Ricki Haab, Rebecca Brown and Olivia Hirschy.

Coach Dave Clausen is in his tenth season with the Pioneers and was the first and only coach of the UCW.

It was recently announced that Utica and Nazareth women’s ice hockey teams will hold an outdoor game at Griffis Park in Rome (NY) on February 12, 2021.

Colgate

With a 9-0 win over RPI, Colgate’s Women’s Ice Hockey Team headed to the ECAC Tournament. They faced Clarkson University and lost two games in a best of three series.

Sammy Smigliana had 14 goals/19 assists this season with Danielle Serdachny 10 goals/22 assists and Malia Schneider, 12 goals/13 assists.

In Goal it was Liz Auby with an 18-4-6 record and 6 shutouts.

Coach Greg Fargo announced the following team awards:

Danielle Serdachny, Rookie of the Year

Liz Auby, Sportsmanship Award

Noemi Neubauerova, Most Improved

Shelby Wood, Defensive MVP

Danielle Serdachny, Offensive MVP (The Brad Houston Award)

Liz Auby, the Don Palmateer Award

Named to the ECAC All Rookie Team were Sydney Bard, Serdachny and Smigliani.

Oswego

Rachel Farmer Class of 2020

With a 16-7-4 season the Lakers beat Canton 2-1 in their final regular season game.

Heading to the NEWHL Tournament they beat Morrisville 1-0 in the semi-finals and lost to Plattsburgh 6-1 in the finals.

Meghan Teachout playing for Skaneateles last season

Meghan Teachout (Auburn and in the NYS Girls Varsity Ice Hockey League with Skaneateles) was the team’s top points-getter with 13 goals/16 assists. She was named the 2020 Northeast Women’s Hockey League Rookie of the Year with a plus 7 rating, 4 power play goals, 2 game-winning goals and placed 8th in scoring in the NEWHL.

Teachout, along with teammates Kate Randazzo and Rachael Farmer (Grand Island) were named to the NEWHL Second Team.

Randazzo received the 2020 NEW Scholar/Athlete of the Year Award. She was the first-ever recipient of that award last year. 

This year’s graduating class includes Madison Ryrne, Eryn Stewart, Randazzo and Farmer.

Head Coach Diane Dillion has been with the Lakers since 2006.

Steward had 10 goals and 13 assists for second place on the leader board this season. Goalie Farmer had a .914 save percentage with a 15-7-4 record and two shutouts.

Cornell

The Big Red never fail to hit the hockey record book. With a 28-2-3 record they beat Harvard 4-0 in the ECAC Semi-finals but lost to Princeton, 3-2 in the Finals.

The NCAA Tournament where they would have faced Mercyhurst on March 14 was canceled due to the Covid virus.

Amy Curlew was drafted by the NWHL expansion team, Toronto.

Michah Zandee-Hart and Jaime Bourbonnais were named to the Canadian National Team Roster for the 2020 IIHF Women’s Worlds.

Named to the All USCHO Team were Bourbonnais, Zandee-Hart and Lindsay Browning.

Head Coach Dough Derraugh was named USCHO Coach of the Year for 2020 giving him the distinction off having all four league coaching honors including Ivy League, ECAC, CCM/ACHA and USCHO.

Bourbonnais was named to All American USCHO First Team and Browning was named to the USCHO First Team, the first Cornell Goalie to receive those honors.

Graduating seniors include Grace Graham, Michah Zandee-Hart, Jaime Bourbonnais, Paige Lewis, Kristin O’Neill and Amy Curlew.

Hamilton

Hamilton took their 16-9-1 record and headed to the NESCAC Quarterfinals in their home rink. They beat William Smith 4-3 and then in the semis lost to Middlebury 2-1.

Michaela Giuttari was named to the 2019-20 CCM/ACHA DIII Women’s All American Team.

Teammates Alayna Trice, Nancy Loh (Fayetteville), Kelli Mackey, Sidney Molnar (Norfolk NY) were named to the NESCAC All Academic Team.

Trice was awarded the NESCAC All Sportsmanship Honor.

Guittari and  Missy Segal were named to the All NESCAC Team.

It’s farewell to Seniors Trice, Giuttari, Timary Malley, Mackey and Sammy Johnson.

Scoring leaders include Guittari with 11 goals/15 assists; Segal with 9 goals/13 assists; Nancy Loh with10 goals/8 assists.

William Smith

William Smith’s 18-9-0 record led them to the UCHC Tournament where they beat Nazareth 3-1 in the semis and then lost 2-1 to Manhattanville in the finals.

Julia Gong was named United College Hockey Conference (UCHC) Rookie of the Year

Gina Scibetta was named to the UCHC First Team and Emily Martini was given an UCHC Honorable Mention.

Scibetta was also named a National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) All American.

Julis Mings with her 100th goal with Kenmore/Grand Island

Julia Mings from Kenmore/Grand Island Girl’s Varsity Ice Hockey was the recipient of the Ice Hockey Coaches Award as the fifth place player in points on 10 goals and 13 assists. She served as alternate captain. With her 79 game collegiate career she has 35 goals and 35 assists placing her third on the College’s All time Goal Scorer and fifth on the Williams All Time Assists list.

Scibetta was presented the Ice Hockey Award for a strong presence, being a fierce competitor and mostinfluencial member of the team.

Top Scorers this season were Scibetta with 16 goals/25 assists; Julianna Gong, 15 goals/19 assists and Jules Olivia Williams in goal with a .917 save percentage.

Seniors include Kate Klimaszewski, Morgan McMinn and Scibetta (Brewerton NY).

Morrisville

Above Sissy Harman in goal for Frontier/Lakeshore/Orchard Park

The Mustangs lost to Oswego 1-0 in the NEWHL semi-finals after completing a 12-13-1 season record.

Alana McDonald (Potsdam/Potsdam Central) was named to the NEWHL All Rookie Team.

Named to the NEWHL All Conference First Team was Maddison Devlin and to the Second Team, MacKenzie Lombardi.

Lombardi had 15 goals/17 assists and Devlin had 9 goals and 23 assists this season.

Lacey Friesin and Sissy Harman (Eden) were between the pipes with Friesin having a 7-5-0 record and three shutouts and Harman with a 5[-7-1 record.

Congratulations to Seniors Taylor Finnie, Kyle Cameron, Tessa Dobson, Maddison Devlin.

2020 Women’s Collegiate Hockey End-of-Season Highlights

By
Janet
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0

By Janet Schultz, NYHOL Writer/Photographer

WESTERN NEW YORK

Well the season came to an end with most Championships in women’s hockey being completed just before the cancellation of events due to CoVID 19. In the women’s collegiate hockey scene, only the biggest Championship was canceled…the NCAA Frozen Four. 

With that being said, the Schultz’s, your NYHOL staff that covers women’s hockey, had it’s own challenges this season. Randy had cancer surgery in August, back surgery in November and with recuperation they did not make as many collegiate games as they usually did. In fact, for the first time in many years Janet never made it to RIT for their media day or a game and she apologizes. We are hoping things will be better in the Fall and we look forward to the 20-21 season.

While Janet and Randy may not have gotten to the arenas, they did follow the teams and thank the Sports Information people at each College for making sure press releases were sent and the web sites were up-to-date! This is one time when the world wide web kept NYHOL going.

So without further ado, here is a recap of the season, with photos from Janet’s archives!

Buffalo State College

Under the guidance of newly appointed Head Coach David Dee, the Bengals posted a 6-19-0 season ending with a 4-2 win over Cortland in regular season play, and missing out on a playoff berth.

Lila Toczek and Natasha Steinle topped the leader board with 17 and 14 points, respectively. In goal Bri Gawronski made 679 saves on 755 shots in 21 games.

CLASS OF 2020 LILA TOCZEK

The Bengals bid farewell to Seniors Lila Toczek (Pendleton/NJPE); Cheyenne Matson (Alaska), Jessica Carter (Arizona) and Natasha Steinle (Colorado).

A familiar face is behind the bench with Coach Dee, WNY native Rachel Grampp who played in the WNYGVIH league and for Elmira College.

RIT

Second Year Coach Chad Davis took the Tigers to a 12-19-4 record and ended the regular season against Lindenwood.

The Tigers then headed to Buffalo and Harborcenter for the CHA Tournament. They met Penn State in game one of the quarterfinals, losing 4-1. The Tournament was completed with Mercyhurst defeating Robert Morris for the title. 

Heading the scoreboard for RIT this season was Abby Davies with 10 goals/12 assists; Jamie Nolan, 13 goals/6 assists and Rachel Goff, 8 goals/9 assists.

Goalie Terra Lanteigne played 1529.58 minutes with 9 wins, 13 losses, 4 ties and 1 shutout. She had a .929 save percentage.

RIT congratulated seniors Madison Farrand, Taylor Baker, Jade Mancini and Lanteigne.

In last minute news Head Coach Chad Davis and Assistant Coach Hannah McGowan have departed ways with RIT (USCHO news, April 30, 2020). 

Davis was hired in August 2018 and led the Tigers to a 24-37-9 record in the two years. He was named CHA Coach of the Year in 2019. Prior to RIT, Davis was head coach of the women’s hockey program at Adrian College in Michigan. He was named ACHA DIII Women’s Coach of the Year in 2017.

McGowan served as Davis’ assistant coach at Adrian and then joined Davis at RIT. She played for Adrian in 2011-15 and then played in the NWHL with the Buffalo Beauts.

There is no information on a successor and no comment by RIT.

Nazareth

Nazareth comes off an 18-5-3 season, losing its last regular season game to Williams Smith, 9-1. They headed into the UCHC  Championship series and face William Smith again, and again, losing 3-1.

Keeley Rose, Abbey Luth and Hailey Redders were named to the All UCHC Team for women’s hockey. Rose served as team captain and was fourth in points with 24 and second in assists with 17.

Luth transferred in during the off season and scored 15 goals and 20 assists, leading the team in points with Redders scoring 16 goals/16 assists and was second in points with 32.

University of Buffalo

Playing in the Southeast Division of the ACHA, the University of Buffalo women’s team ended with a 10-8-0 season under new Head Coach Phil Basinski.

Abby Moon headed the scoring with 11 goals/16 assists followed by Kim Corrie (13 goals/11 assists) and Mia Feola, 11 goals/11 assists.

Goalie duties were split with Finley VanHouten having a 7-4-0 record and Freshman Izzy Battaglia with 3-3-0, one shutout.

WNY NOTES:

Meghan Roche playing for FLOP

Meghan Roche, a former WNYGVIH Frontier/LakeShore/Orchard Park player was named Player of the Year and to the First Team All Athlete Team in the ACHA. She plays for Mercyhurst.

AHL Cancels Season & Playoffs

By
Randy Schultz
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AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE CANCELS REMAINDER OF 2019-20 SEASON, 2020 CALDER CUP PLAYOFFS

(Rochester, NY) – American Hockey League President and Chief Executive Officer David Andrews announced today that the league’s Board of Governors has voted to cancel the remainder of the 2019-20 AHL regular season and the 2020 Calder Cup Playoffs due to the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis:

“After a lengthy review process, the American Hockey League has determined that the resumption and completion of the 2019-20 season is not feasible in light of current conditions.

The League’s operational focus has turned toward actively preparing for the 2020-21 season. We are very grateful to the National Hockey League and its teams for their support and leadership in navigating through the challenges faced over the past two months.

The AHL continues to place paramount importance on the health and safety of our players, officials, staff and fans and all of their families, and we all look forward to returning to our arenas in 2020-21.”

The AHL’s standings – sorted by points percentage – and statistics as of March 12, 2020, are considered final and official, and will serve as the basis for determining league awards for the 2019-20 season.

(Photo From Binghamton Devils)

Beauts Sign Top Draft Pick

By
Randy Schultz
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2020 THIRD OVERALL DRAFT PICK CARLY JACKSON, RECORD-BREAKING GOALIE AT MAINE, SIGNS WITH BUFFALO

By NWHL Media

BUFFALO – Carly Jackson, who established new records as a goaltender at the University of Maine in wins, goals-against average, save percentage, and shutouts, has signed a contract to play the upcoming NWHL season with the Buffalo Beauts. Jackson was selected third overall by the Beauts in the 2020 NWHL Draft.

“It means everything to me to be playing for Buffalo in the NWHL next season and to have the opportunity to play professional hockey and inspire the young athletes of the future,” said Jackson, who was raised in Amherst, Nova Scotia. “I’m looking forward to meeting my hockey family in Buffalo and bringing a championship to this city. Go Beauts!”

When she completed her collegiate career at Maine earlier this year, Jackson left the Black Bears as the school’s all-time leader in wins (45), saves (3029), save percentage (.923), shutouts (12) and goals-against average (2.15). In 2019-20, she had her career-best save percentage (.934) and GAA (1.90). She made at least 40 saves in a game six times during her career with Maine, the most coming in a Feb. 28, 2020 victory over Boston University when she turned aside 57 shots.

Internationally, Jackson won a silver medal with Team Canada at the IIHF U-18 World Championships in Buffalo in 2015 and a gold medal with Team Nova Scotia U-18 at the Atlantic Challenge Cup.

In the first round of the draft, Jackson saw her selection announced by Hockey Hall of Famer Pat LaFontaine, who was picked third overall in the NHL Draft in 1983 and had a brilliant career with the three New York State NHL teams: the Islanders, Rangers and Sabres.

“It was an amazing honour to be introduced by Pat LaFontaine,” Jackson said via email. “The NWHL did a phenomenal job with the draft and I can’t say enough about how much of a class act this league is. It’s also incredible to see the growth of women’s hockey and all of the ambassadors of this league.”

Jackson is the fourth player signed by the Beauts for the upcoming season, following forward Taylor Accursi and defenders Lisa Chesson and Marie-Jo Pelletier.

(NWHL Photo)

Have A Lock Monster Visit

By
Randy Schultz
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0


Need to lift someone spirits or recognize all the hard work your child has put in while distance learning?  Let Lock Monster help! 

For a $50 donation to Lockport Ice Arena & Sports Center (LIASC), Lock Monster will stop by for a special outdoor visit.  He can join in a party parade or just knock at your front door. 

With the visit he’ll bring a gift bag complete with two skating passes, an ice bumper car pass, a coupon for a free cone at Jo Jo’s Ice Cream, some other pro shop goodies and a few balloons from Pop! Party Supply ($30 value). 

He’s willing to travel within 15 miles of his home at Cornerstone CFCU Arena. Call the arena at 716-438-7698 between 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM to schedule your time. 

Until we can invite you back to the arena, we’ll bring the arena fun to you! 

LIASC, is the nonprofit owner entity of Cornerstone CFCU Arena.  Proceeds from this fundraiser will be used to continue operations while we are deemed nonessential.

USA Hockey To Debut New Video Series

By
Randy Schultz
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American Hockey Legends Debuts Monday At 6 P.M. ET
U.S. Hockey Hall of Famers Granato, Richter, Tkachuk Join Host Steve Levy
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – USA Hockey, the caretaker of the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame, will debut a new video series entitled, American Hockey Legends, Monday (May 11) at 6 p.m. ET on the USA Hockey YouTube channel.

Episodes will be released periodically and are aimed at catching up with members of the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame. Each episode will include a well-known media personality as host and three members of the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame.

Steve Levy, the venerable ESPN personality who has served as the master of ceremonies for the last 10 U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Induction ceremonies, will host Monday’s premier episode and be joined by Cammi Granato, 1998 Olympic gold medalist and the leading scorer in U.S. Women’s National Team history; Mike Richter, long-time New York Ranger who helped the team end a 54-year Stanley Cup drought in 1994 and was the MVP of the 1996 World Cup of Hockey; and Keith Tkachuk, the first American-born player to ever lead the NHL in goals in a single season and one of just two U.S. men to play on four U.S. Olympic Ice Hockey Teams.

Through the light-hearted conversation, fans will learn new things about all three Hall of Famers and enjoy the banter and memories shared among the group.See a preview here.NOTE: Episodes of American Hockey Legends will also be able to be accessed at USHockeyHallofFame.com.
(USA Hockey Photo)

Wolves Re-Sign Justin Coachman

By
Randy Schultz
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By David Paige

The busy month continues for Watertown.

Exactly one week after the announcement of Ryan Marker’s return, the Watertown Wolves are proud to welcome back Justin Coachman for his 4th consecutive season!  Justin is looking forward to another solid year with the Watertown Wolves as he chases his second FPHL Championship title.

Coachman stated, “When I got the call from the new owner [Andreas Johansson] and Coach [Brent Clarke] that I was being re-signed for another season, I had already told everyone that I want to play here in Watertown.  This is home and I don’t want to wear any other jersey.”  Coachman then went on to say, “I love this team and this city, and these fans deserve another championship.  I have won one before in 2017-2018, but I was signed to the team in March of that season and now I want to play a full season and win a championship which is the ultimate goal.” 

Watertown Wolves Head Coach Brent Clarke had nothing but praises for Coachman, saying, “Coachman is a solid player and a good team leader.  He is a veteran player and I`m really looking for him to take care of the team and the locker room.”  

Coachman got promoted to Alternate Captain mid-season and the Wolves are really looking for him to continue that role and responsibility.  

Coachman has been with the Wolves for his entire FPHL career.  He has played in 105 games scoring 2 goals and 18 assists.  Many know Justin as a player who is not afraid to drop the gloves if he needs to.  He will be a tremendous asset to the team as the Watertown Wolves attempt to capture their 3rd Commissioners Cup.

Coachman stated to the Watertown Fans “Hope to have you all come out this season and support us!  I love the fans and this team. Let’s go win another championship. Let`s get it done.”

How Hockey “Saved the Soul” of Mikey Sexton

By
Randy Schultz
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By Stephen Kerr — (Story from USAHockey.com) —

In the midst of leukemia diagnosis, 7-year-old Mikey discovered a love of hockey

How do you explain to a 7-year-old child they have cancer?

It’s a question no parent wants to be confronted with. But on March 14, 2018, Mike and Patti Sexton faced such a dilemma. That was the day their son Mikey, age 7 at the time, was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia, a type of cancer that causes genetic changes to take place in red blood cells, platelets, and most types of white blood cells.

“My emotions and Patti’s were so out of control, we had to get ourselves in check before we could even attempt to explain it to him,” recalled Mike, a corrections officer near Albany, New York.

The Sextons, who live an hour north of New York’s capital city, took Mikey to the Albany Medical Center after he complained of not feeling well. A physical revealed an enlarged spleen, and doctors thought he could still be recovering from a case of mononucleosis from the year before.

It was only after conducting an ultrasound and blood test that Mikey’s white cell count was found to be in the 160,000 range, well above the normal average of 5,000.

“On the drive home, they called us and said his white count was elevated,” said Patti, a social work associate. “We’re like, ‘OK, what does that mean?’ They [said] he has leukemia.”

Doctors sent Mikey to Albany Children’s Hospital, where he spent the next week receiving IVs and various medications to help bring down his white cell count. Outpatient treatments followed for the next year before he and his parents were referred to Dr. Andrew Place, a pediatric CML specialist at the Dana Farber Institute in Boston. The Sextons immediately fell in love with the facility and staff and continue to take Mikey there for visits.

An avid hockey fan, Mike attempted to introduce his son to the sport as early as 3 years old. But things didn’t quite go according to plan.

“We had to bribe him with ice cream to go to practice every time,” Patti recalled with a chuckle.

Fast forward to 2018, while Mikey was staying at Albany Children’s Hospital. His room had an Xbox, which contained an NHL game. Mikey began playing with his dad, a Pittsburgh Penguins fan. He then began collecting cards of his favorite players.

“That’s when we started talking more about the players and the sport,” Mike explained. “It was March, so hockey was still on. We started watching some games, and Mikey just took off with it.”

Photo courtesy of Sexton family

One day, a friend of the Sextons sent an article about Brian Boyle, an NHL player who was diagnosed with the same type of leukemia as Mikey after signing with the New Jersey Devils in 2017. Boyle, now with the Florida Panthers, was able to return to action later that season following treatment and was honored with the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy for his perseverance and dedication to hockey at the 2018 NHL Awards.

“Mom, he plays hockey,” Mikey told Patti after reading the article. “That means I can play. I want to play hockey.”

The game soon became Mikey’s passion. He began playing for the Adirondack Youth Hockey Association on a 10U team when the season was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“He’s always ready to listen, and he’s got the heart,” said the team’s coach, Mike Rohne. “I got into coaching to make sure kids had fun and love the game. He’s definitely ahead in that category.”

Like his father, Mikey became a Penguins fan. His ultimate dream is to be an NHL goalie, preferably for his favorite team. Ask him what he thinks it will take to get to the highest level, and he ticks off the list without hesitation.

“Skills, practice two hours a day, hard work,” he explained.

With the help of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Mikey and several other kids took a trip to the Penguins practice facility for a meet-and-greet this past February. The kids got to have breakfast and practice with the team, complete with their own locker containing hockey gear. Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford held a press conference and “signed” Mikey and the others to a one-day contract.

The biggest thrill came during practice, when Sidney Crosby showed Mikey how to flip a puck to fans in the stands.

“It was mind-blowing, crazy,” Mikey said. “A lot of people came and cheered me on.”

Two years after his diagnosis, Mikey is thriving. Mike and Patti drive him to the Farber Institute every six months for checkups and blood work. The side effects of his treatments are manageable, and since the medication isn’t traditional chemotherapy, he hasn’t lost hair or dealt with a compromised immune system. He now faces a new challenge: dealing with the downtime caused by the pandemic. There are no get-togethers with friends at school, no trips to the park. Worst of all, there’s no hockey to play or watch.

The silver lining, Mike says, is the family is spending more time together, and has become closer. Through it all, Mikey has learned to roll with the punches and meet each obstacle with the same tenacity he applies to hockey. The shutdown has not diminished his passion for the game. If anything, it’s made him hungrier to get back on the ice.

As Patti put it, “The medicine saved his life, but hockey saved his soul.”

Story from Red Line Editorial, Inc.

2020 International Hockey Games Cancelled

By
Randy Schultz
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0

NHLPA AND NHL ANNOUNCE POSTPONEMENT OF 2020 INTERNATIONAL EVENTS

NEW YORK / TORONTO – The National Hockey League and National Hockey League Players’ Association today announced the postponement of its 2020 international games.

The NHLPA and the NHL remain committed to maintaining and growing our international presence. We hope that our fans overseas understand the need to postpone the 2020 games, but we look forward to being back with them in 2021.

(NHL.com photo)

A Message From The Cornerstone Arena Director

By
Randy Schultz
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0


Hello family and friends! 

I hope that you are well and doing what you can to balance the “Pause” while keeping your spirits lifted.  To say we miss seeing you around the arena is a sad understatement.  The quiet that has fallen over the building is eerie.  But, I can share that during this down time, our staff is working hard to get the place looking brand new again for when you return! 

While we are certain it won’t be exactly as it was before March 16th, we will do our best to provide you a safe and enjoyable experience with each visit.  We are currently working on our reopening plan.  As soon as we get the green light to commence again, you will know it.  We may shout it from the roof tops, write in the sky, or just send an email.

The latter is probable! For those that had their programming cut short, we will work with each family to get your credits applied to future classes and clinics.  Until the reopening comes, keep in contact.  We love seeing the social media posts of dry land training, puck challenges and general silliness. Wishing each of you good health. 

Best Wishes,

Shelley Unocic   

Essential Worker Child Care Program 

In this time of crisis, Cornerstone CFCU Arena and Youth Mentoring Services have partnered together on “Step Up” a project to provide temporary programming for children of essential workers.  Located at Cornerstone CFCU Arena, Step Up serves children grades Kindergarten through 6th grade.  This is a daily drop-in program, no commitment is required.  There is $5 dollar daily admission fee Monday-Thursday, and $10 for “Fun Friday”. 

Prior to daily admittance, all children are health screened and their temperature is taken.  Throughout the structured day, the children participate in recreational, academic, craft, and other instructional programs with emphasis on STEM and social emotional learning activities, along with breakfast, lunch, and snack provided.  Instructional programming is provided by YMS staff with Dale Association staff providing general supervision. Meals are provided by Lockport City Schools. 

For more information about this program, you can reach YMS at 716-434-1855 or Cornerstone Arena at 716-438-7698

PSE Commits Money To Air Rochester Community

By
Randy Schultz
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PSE COMMITS $50,000 TO AID ROCHESTER COMMUNITY

Community Crisis Fund, Veterans Outreach Center, CURE and COVID Hero Fund to receive donations

BUFFALO, NY – Pegula Sports & Entertainment, in partnership with the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres foundations, is committing $50,000 to the Rochester community as part of its direct community aid initiative in the fight against COVID-19. The commitment will benefit the Community Crisis Fund, established by the United Way of Greater Rochester and the Rochester Area Community Foundation; along with the Veterans Outreach Center, C.U.R.E. Childhood Cancer Association, and the COVID Hero Fund.

“We have a lot of respect for all of the work that these great organizations are doing to help the Rochester community through the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Rob Minter, VP of business operations for the Rochester Americans, Knighthawks and Blue Cross Arena. “These donations will aid our frontline workers with needed protective equipment, and help expand the outreach to those most affected. We continue to fight this pandemic together and urge everyone to do all they can to remain safe and healthy during this time.”

Rochester’s Community Crisis Fund has created a centralized funding pool to rapidly deploy flexible resources to nonprofits that are disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the economic consequences of the outbreak, community and organizational recovery, and future community emergencies. It’s managed through a partnership between the United Way and Rochester Area Community Foundation.

“During a time of such need, it means so much to have community leaders such as Pegula Sports & Entertainment stepping up with this critical grant.” said Jaime Saunders, President & CEO of United Way of Greater Rochester. “This investment to help with supplies and support for those who need it most, combined with the team’s volunteer efforts, demonstrates how dedicated they are to helping our community.”  

“This wonderful contribution to the Community Crisis Fund shows how every sector of our community is helping the helpers on the front lines,” says Jennifer Leonard, President and CEO of Rochester Area Community Foundation. “Raising nearly $4 million continues to be a true team effort.”

“These uncertain times are challenging to navigate. The kindness from the Amerks, Knighthawks and all of Pegula Sports & Entertainment is overwhelming,” said Holly Dutcher, Executive Director of C.U.R.E. Childhood Cancer Association. “This gift gives us at C.U.R.E. the opportunity to continue to provide practical support to families across the Greater Rochester Area managing a childhood cancer or chronic blood disorder diagnosis. With so much uncertainty surrounding our current situation, it is reassuring to have the friendship of local partners , because together, we are embracing families at every turn and ensuring they receive the support they need during these uncertain times.”

“We are so grateful for this support, which will allow us to continue to meet the extraordinary needs of our veterans during the COVID-19 crisis,” Veterans Outreach Center Executive Director and U.S. Army Veteran Laura Stradley said. “Providing personal hygiene kits as well as PPE for our veteran families and staff is going to help stem the tide of virus exposure on a day-to-day basis. This is how communities and organizations band together to share resources to benefit those who are most at risk. We are in this together, and it certainly is a testament to the level of community commitment from both the Amerks and Knighthawks as well as the entire Pegula Sports & Entertainment organization.” 

PSE launched its direct community aid initiative in March with $1.2 million in funding provided by Terry and Kim Pegula, the Buffalo Bills Foundation and Buffalo Sabres Foundation. The fund has since grown with more than $270,000 in donations from players and staff. It is also providing resources to community members affected by the crisis through the Western New York COVID-19 Community Response Fund, FeedMore WNY and donations to local hospitals.

J. J. O’Connor Makes Lasting and Continuing Impact on Disabled Hockey

By
Randy Schultz
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0

By Greg Bates —

Chair of USA Hockey’s Disabled Section has helped grow all levels and disciplines of disabled hockey

J.J. O’Connor still remembers how awkward he felt in that first meeting.

It was June 2002, and the 23-year-old had just been elected the chair of the Disabled Section for USA Hockey.

“The funny thing was that they were looking for somebody to run the section and to be a good fit, but I had no clue what I was doing,” O’Connor said. “Here I am 23 years old and I’ve been asked to lead this group — I was the youngest board member ever. The large majority of the people around me were significantly older than I was. Now I look to be in a leadership role and I’m just a kid.” 

O’Connor left the meeting and talked to his friend Jim Smith, who had recommended O’Connor become the Disabled Section chair. Smith, who is now the president of USA Hockey, had a few words of advice for the youngster, including, “Don’t worry, you’ll learn.”

O’Connor in fact learned on the fly. Now, 18 years later, his impact as a volunteer for USA Hockey has been almost immeasurable. 

J.J. poses with the O’Connor Courage Trophy, which is awarded each year to the Tier I champion at the USA Hockey Sled Classic.

“We were looking for someone who knew the game of ice hockey, could communicate and relate positively to those with disabilities and who had the leadership skills to take this portion of our game to heights it had never reached previously,” said Smith about O’Connor. “J.J. was a natural fit to take over the Disabled Section.”

O’Connor was a natural fit because he knew and loved the game despite a tragic on-ice accident that led to him being paralyzed. 

A Chicago native, O’Connor attended Loyola Academy in Wilmette, Illinois, and as a 16-year-old, he played for the Chicago Patriots. He was hoping to play for his high school team or the Skokie Flyers, but due to missing tryouts for a couple unforeseen reasons, O’Connor stuck with the Patriots.

“The funny thing about it was there was almost like this message out there in the universe that maybe this season I should sit it out,” O’Connor said. “But I was obviously in love with the game and persistent and decided to play with the Patriots anyway.”

The first game of the season, Oct. 24, 1995, the Patriots were playing their rival Flyers, the team O’Connor was hoping to skate for. The roster was filled with his friends. O’Connor was going to do anything to pull off the upset against the defending state champions.

“My first shift, one of my teammates just over the red line dumped it in and I’m the first forward in [with] the defenseman on the other team,” O’Connor said. “He was my closest friend from that team — we hung out lots outside of hockey in general. There was no ill will, so we were just both chasing after the puck and it was just the exact reason why the NHL and everybody’s changed from touch icing because two players going full speed for a puck on the boards. As we both approached the puck to touch it and play the puck, we just tripped on each other. We both just got tangled up. We both fell — he had his feet go out from under him and I fell face first.” 

O’Connor crashed into the boards, suffered a C4 spinal cord injury and was immediately a quadriplegic. He went on to graduate from Loyola Academy and attended Lake Forest College. Just one year after graduation, O’Connor found his purpose in life through USA Hockey. 

Now at 41, O’Connor is still going strong in his position. When he took over the Disabled Section, there were four disciplines: sled, special hockey, deaf/hard of hearing and standing/amputee. Every discipline was in its infancy and relatively unknown. 

“I wanted it to be known,” said O’Connor, who lives in Mount Prospect, Illinois. “I don’t know if recognition is the right word for the section, maybe awareness of the section. I wanted to put on the map so people would know about it and disabled athletes would be known for the adversities that they overcome and yet still are hockey players just like everybody else.” 

In the last four years, two more disciplines were added to the disabled section: warrior hockey and blind/visually impaired. O’Connor played a big role in the creation of those two disciplines. 

Every discipline is excelling, but sled hockey has reached insurmountable heights. The U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey Team has captured gold in four of the last five Paralympic Winter Games, including the last three in a row.

DISABLED DISCIPLINES

“We’ve dominated on the international side in sled hockey in the time that I’ve been chair, so I can’t help but be proud of that,” O’Connor said. “I believe our successes are great. I feel like we’ve come a long way in 18 years.” 

Smith cited helping turn the U.S. sled team into the top program in the world as O’Connor’s biggest accomplishment to date.

“J.J.’s vision to help create the USA Sled Lending Program so organizations can conduct learn-to-play sled hockey clinics around the country and the distribution of funding through the sled lending grants has brought more sled players into our game than any other country in the world,” Smith said. 

“While our sled players are extremely talented and our staffs have been phenomenal, the vision for all of these sled programs enacted under J.J.’s leadership and guidance is one of the main reasons we have been the most dominant national sled team in the world over the past 15 years.”

Another feather in the cap for O’Connor was the formation and success of the Disabled Hockey Festival. It’s the largest indoor event USA Hockey puts on every year. In 2019, 155 teams with over 2,600 players and coaches participated over two weekends. 

Even though during the Disabled Hockey Festival is a hectic time, O’Connor makes sure he takes a step back to take in the magnitude of the event.

DISABLED FESTIVAL

“It sinks in more often than one would think,” O’Connor said. “I still run a sled hockey team locally and a week before everything shut down for the virus at the end of the season, I had a 14-year-old boy who’s going through chemo treatments and trying to beat cancer and he came out and tried sled hockey for the first time. The smile on the kid’s face, it never gets old. He couldn’t wait to come back and he couldn’t wait to get done with chemo so he could be a full-fledged member of the team. It’s those moments that you stand back and you think, ‘Wow. We did a good job here.’” 

When O’Connor dealt with his life-altering injury at 16, he hoped to turn his tragic accident into a positive down the line. 

“I’m feeling like I did what I set out to do,” O’Connor said. “I wanted to make the world a better place, the Disabled Section a better place than when I got it, and I feel like I’ve been able to do that. I’ve been able to give back to the game I love. I’ve been able to give back to the game that’s meant so much to me.” 

Story from Red Line Editorial, Inc.

Lachapelle To Coach US U18 Women’s National Team

By
Randy Schultz
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Katie Lachapelle Named Head Coach for U.S. Under-18 Women’s National Team. Was former Asst. Coach with Niagara University.
Assistant Coaches Also Named, including Colgate U. Asst. Coach.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – USA Hockey announced that Katie Lachapelle (Lewiston, Maine), who brings more than 20 years of collegiate coaching experience and is currently the head women’s ice hockey coach at Holy Cross, has been named head coach of the U.S. Under-18 Women’s National Team that will play in the 2021 International Ice Hockey Federation Under-18 Women’s World Championship anticipated to take place this coming January.

Joining her as assistant coaches will be Melanie Ruzzi (Princeton, N.J.), assistant women’s ice hockey coach at Princeton University; Chelsea Walkland (Hamilton, N.Y.), assistant women’s ice hockey coach at Colgate University; and Brianna Decker (Dousman, Wis.), a member of the gold medal-winning 2018 U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team. In addition, Alli Altmann (Eagan, Minn.) returns to the staff as goaltending coach.

“We’re extremely fortunate to have Katie leading our team this season,” said Katie Million, director of women’s national team programs for USA Hockey. “She brings significant experience, including in international hockey, and has played an important role in our overall women’s national team program for several years.

“We’re also thrilled to have Mel, Chelsea, Brianna and Alli part of the coaching staff. Overall, we have a great group that is focused on helping bring a gold medal back to our country at the world championship early next year.”

ABOUT LACHAPELLELachapelle is serving as head coach of the U.S. Under-18 Women’s National Team for the first time, however, is no stranger to the U.S. Under-18 Women’s National program, having been an assistant coach for four straight seasons from 2013-17. During that time, she helped lead the U.S. to three gold medals (2015-17) and one silver medal (2014) in the IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship and also was part of the staff of the U.S. Under-18 Select Team that played in the U18 Series against Canada each season.

Lachapelle has also served as an assistant coach of the U.S. Women’s National Under-22 Select Team both in 2018 and 2019 and has been a coach at numerous national and player development camps over the last decade.

“I’m extremely honored and grateful to serve as head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Under-18 Team,” said Lachapelle. “I’m excited for the challenge ahead, and I look forward to working with the best young players in the country. Thank you to USA Hockey for this opportunity.”

Lachapelle finished her third season, and first as head coach, with the Holy Cross women’s ice hockey team in 2019-20. She spent the first two seasons as the team’s associate head coach. The Lewsiton, Maine, native helped increase the team’s win total in Hockey East by four in her first year as head coach and also its conference point total by nine.

Prior to joining the Crusaders coaching staff, Lachapelle was an assistant coach for nine seasons at Boston University (2008-17). During that time, she helped the Terriers to five Hockey East titles and six NCAA Tournament appearances, including two trips to the Frozen Four (2011, 2013) where the Terriers advanced to the title game both years.

She also spent four seasons as an assistant coach at Ohio State University (2004-08) and prior to that was an assistant coach at Niagara University from 2001-04, highlighted by a trip to the NCAA Frozen Four in 2002.

She began her collegiate coaching career as an assistant coach at Union College for two seasons (1999-01). Lachapelle received the Women’s Assistant Coach Award from the American Hockey Coaches Association in 2013.

ABOUT RUZZIRuzzi is serving as an assistant coach for the U.S. Under-18 Women’s National Team for the first time. She has been involved with USA Hockey since 2006, including serving as the director of USA Hockey’s multi-district girls camp for the Rocky Mountain and Pacific Districts since 2017.

She recently finished her first season as an assistant coach of the Princeton University women’s hockey team where she helped the Tigers to a program-record 26-win campaign, including the school’s first ECAC Tournament championship. The team also qualified for the NCAA quarterfinals.

Ruzzi began her coaching career at NCAA Division II Amherst College in 2005, where she was an assistant coach for two seasons. Following that, she served as an assistant coach at Harvard University before returning to her alma mater, Providence College, for six years (2012-18) as an associate coach.

ABOUT WALKLAND: Walkland makes her debut as an assistant coach for the U.S. Under-18 Women’s National Team this season. She recently finished her first campaign as an assistant coach for the Colgate University women’s hockey team and helped guide the Red Raiders to a 17-15-6 record.

Walkland spent the five seasons prior to arriving at Colgate in a similar capacity at her alma mater, Robert Morris, where she helped the Colonials to three College Hockey America regular-season titles. Walkland began her collegiate coaching career as an assistant coach with Rochester Institute of Technology in 2011-12, a season that included a 28-1-1 record and an NCAA Division III national championship.

She then served for two seasons (2012-14) as an assistant coach at the State University of New York at Oswego. Walkland has previous experience with USA Hockey having been involved with the organization’s various player development camps since 2012.

ABOUT DECKER: Decker returns for a third consecutive season as an assistant coach for the U.S. Under-18 Women’s National Team. Since she joined the program’s coaching staff, Team USA has earned the gold medal in the 2020 International Ice Hockey Federation Under-18 Women’s World Championship and a silver medal in 2019.

Decker has also served as a coach at various Central District camps since 2012 and at the USA Hockey Girls Under-18 Select Player Development Camps. Additionally, Decker has served as an assistant coach with the Madison Capitals and at various other camps since graduating from the University of Wisconsin in 2014. Decker, a two-time Olympian (2018-gold, 2014-silver), six-time International Ice Hockey Federation Women’s World Championship gold medalist (2013-19, 2011), two-time Bob Allen Women’s Player of the Year Award recipient (2017, 2015) and recipient of the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award (2012), continues to be an active player in the USA Hockey women’s program.

ABOUT ALTMANN: Altmann is serving as the goaltending coach for the U.S. Under-18 Women’s National Team for the third consecutive season. Since joining the coaching staff, Team USA has earned the gold medal in the 2020 International Ice Hockey Federation Under-18 Women’s World Championship as well as a silver medal in 2019.

Altmann has also served as the goaltending coach for two USA Hockey Women’s National Festivals (2018, 2017) and for the U.S. Under-18 Women’s Select Team (2017). Altmann played four seasons collegiately at Minnesota State University (2008-12) where she holds the record for most games played by a goaltender with 110. Currently, she serves as vice president of DEVENIR Goaltenders.

NOTES: Kristen Wright (St. Paul, Minn.) will serve as general manager of the U.S. Under-18 Women’s National Team. Wright has been part of the USA Hockey staff since 2014 and currently serves as the American Development Model manager for female hockey … The IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championship is scheduled to be played for the 14th time in 2021. The dates and location of the tournament will be announced later this year … Team USA has captured a record eight gold medals in the IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship (2008, 2009, 2011, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020) and also has five silver medals (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2019) to its credit.

“Small Saves”

By
Randy Schultz
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0

Here is this week’s edition of “Small Saves.” It is certainly appropriate for the times. Enjoy!

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