BY MICHAEL MEYERS —
The New York Raptors hockey team played its first home game of the season back in early February. Their opponent was the Central Park Stars.
The Raptors defeated the Stars 10-7 at the Westchester Skating Academy. The Raptors are now undefeated with a record of 2-0-0.
KIM PEGULA:
“Concerns regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) are driving uncertainty and stress in many workplaces, and our employees are no exception. The health and wellness of our employees and our community as a whole are our number one priority. We have given considerable thought to the many different factors playing into the current situation, and Terry and I have made the following decisions:
Beginning on Monday, March 16, employees across all of our companies have been given the option to work from home, with some very limited exceptions. We will continue to monitor the situation and assess this policy on a weekly basis based on the unique operations of each entity.
All business travel, domestic and international is currently prohibited for our employees.
We will continue to educate staff on the warning signs and to follow the suggestions of the CDC to provide a safe workplace.
Our gameday employees at the arenas in Buffalo and Rochester will be paid for any lost wages due to regular season game cancellations. They are part of our PSE family and even though we expect that the games will be played, we want to assure them they will be paid in the event that is not the case. We are grateful for the gestures from our players, staff and the Buffalo Sabres Foundation who have all offered to step up in a time of need.
This is an extremely difficult period of time for everyone. We urge our entire community to follow the CDC guidelines and the direction of our government agencies. These uncertain times have placed a lot of stress on our employees and we want to assure them we are doing whatever we feel is necessary to provide a safe and healthy workplace. We also want to thank our fans for their patience, understanding and support.”
By: Mark Vasey, Assistant Director of Athletic Communications
Story LinksSYRACUSE, N.Y. – Six Plattsburgh State women’s ice hockey student-athletes have earned 2020 All-Northeast Women’s Hockey League (NEWHL) honors, as announced by the conference office on Thursday.
Senior defenseman Hannah Kiraly (Glendale, Ariz./Northern Cyclones), junior forward and alternate captain Annie Katonka (Pittsburgh, Pa./Pittsburgh Penguins Elite), junior defenseman and captain Erin McArdle (Macomb, Mich./Belle Tire), sophomore goaltender Ashley Davis (Winterville, N.C./Northwood School) and sophomore forward Sara Krauseneck (Saginaw, Mich./Northern Cyclones) were named to the All-NEWHL First Team. Sophomore forward Taylor Whitney (Livonia, Mich./Little Caesars) was named to the All-NEWHL Second Team.
Kiraly, who is the first three-time ALL-NEWHL First Team selection in NEWHL history after also earning the honor in 2018 and 2019, has tallied 21 assists for 21 points in 26 games played in 2019-20. In addition, she has tallied at least one assist in 17 games this season, including four multi-assist games. Kiraly ranks third in the NEWHL in assists overall (first among defenseman), ninth in plus-minus (+20) and tied for 15th in points. In her career, Kiraly has recorded eight goals and 72 assists for 80 points over 117 games played.
Katonka, who is on the All-NEWHL First Team for the second consecutive season, has tallied 20 goals, 20 assists, 40 points, nine power-play goals and five game-winning goals over 25 games played this season. Katonka leads the NEWHL in goals, points and power-play goals. In addition, Katonka is tied with Krauseneck for the second-most game-winning goals in the NEWHL, while tying with McArdle for the third-highest plus-minus (+27). This is the second time Katonka has eclipsed 40 points in a season after tallying 54 in 2018-19. Earlier this season, Katonka tallied her 100th career point in the Cardinals’ 9-1 win over SUNY Canton on Jan. 17. In her career, Katonka has tallied 63 goals and 54 assists for 117 points over 86 games played. Katonka was a two-time NEWHL Player of the Week in 2019-20.
McArdle, who is on the NEWHL First Team after being named to the NEWHL Second Team in 2019, has garnered five goals, 20 assists, 25 points, three power-play goals, 27 blocked shots and a +27 rating over 26 games played in 2019-20. She has tallied at least one point in 18 games, including seven multi-point games. McArdle leads all NEWHL blueliners in points, while ranking second behind Kiraly in assists. In addition, McArdle is tied with Katonka for the third-highest plus-minus in the NEWHL. In her career, McArdle has amassed 13 goals and 56 assists for 69 points over 87 games played.
Davis, who was named the NEWHL Goaltender of the Year earlier this week, has recorded an unblemished overall record (18-0-0) and owns a 12-0-0 mark during NEWHL conference play. She currently leads the league in goals against average (0.91), save percentage (.949) and winning percentage (1.000), while her 298 saves rank eighth. Davis’ NEWHL numbers include a 0.86 goals against average and a .940 save percentage, and she has recorded 158 saves while allowing just 10 goals. At the national level, Davis ranks second in total wins, first in winning percentage, fifth in goals against average and 11th in save percentage in NCAA Division III women’s ice hockey. She is tied for sixth in the nation in shutouts with six. During the regular season, Davis was named the NEWHL Goalie of the Week four times. It is the first time that Davis has earned All-NEWHL recognition.
Whitney is on the All-NEWHL Second Team for the first time after tallying 13 goals, 12 assists, 25 points, three power-play goals, one game-winning goal, and a +28 rating in 26 games played in 2019-20. She tallied nine goals and 12 assists for 21 points in NEWHL play. Whitney has recorded at least one point in 18 games this season, including seven multi-point games. Whitney, who earned her first NEWHL Player of the Week award earlier this season, ranks tied for first in the NEWHL in plus-minus (+28), tied for sixth in goals, tied for 10th in points and tied for 18th in assists.
2020 All-NEWHL Teams
First Team
F – Annie Katonka (Plattsburgh State)
F – Grace Schnorr (Cortland)
F – Madison Devlin (Morrisville)
F – Sara Krauseneck (Plattsburgh State)
D – Hannah Kiraly (Plattsburgh State)
D – Erin McArdle (Plattsburgh State)
G – Ashley Davis (Plattsburgh State)
Second Team
F – Mackenzie Lombardi (Morrisville)
F – Taylor Whitney (Plattsburgh State)
F – Megan Teachout (Oswego)
D – Kate Randazzo (Oswego)
D – Delphine Leonard (Potsdam)
G – Rachael Farmer (Oswego)
G – Chelsea Allain (Cortland)
Update on NYSPHSAA Winter
Championships & Spring Sports
Latham, NY – The New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) will continue to rely upon information from the New York State Department of Health, local health departments as well as the Governor’s office for information and guidance on COVID-19 and its impact upon interscholastic athletics.
At this time, NYSPHSAA would like to provide clarification and interpretation on its position pertaining to indefinitely postponing its remaining Winter Championships (Ice Hockey, Bowling, Boys and Girls Basketball). The following information is being provided to answer the many questions and address concerns related to interscholastic athletics in New York State at this time.
How does NYSPHSAA define “Indefinitely Postponed”?
Dr. Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA Executive Director, will continue to evaluate the situation and do his best to determine the future of winter championships as soon as possible with input from the membership and Executive Committee. Dr. Zayas is cautiously optimistic the winter state championships will be conducted for our student-athletes. Winter sport teams may continue to practice at the approval of their school district. If and when winter state championships are able to resume, teams will be provided ample time to practice and prepare.
Can winter sport athletes start spring sport practices?
If winter sport athletes want to start spring sport practices this is a local school district and/or Section decision. Keep in mind there are no NYSPHSAA rules preventing a student from participating in two seasons at the same time; some Sections and leagues do have rules addressing this.
Can spring sport teams conduct practice?
School districts have full discretion to determine how their spring sports teams will conduct practices. NYSPHSAA strongly encourages school administrators to work closely with their local department of health when making decisions pertaining to sports teams practicing.
Can spring sport teams have scrimmages and games?
There are no statewide limitations or restrictions on spring sport scrimmages and games at this time; individual Sections and/or school districts may impose restrictions on scrimmages and games as they see fit.
Dr. Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA Executive Director, said “One thing that I have learned in the past 72 hours, is not to attempt to predict what will occur with this rapidly developing situation. As information becomes available, decisions will be made in the best interests of the student-athletes we serve.”
By: Mark Vasey, Assistant Director of Athletic Communications
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Junior forward and alternate captain Annie Katonka (Pittsburgh, Pa./Pittsburgh Penguins Elite) of No. 1 Plattsburgh State women’s ice hockey has been named the 2020 Northeast Women’s Hockey League (NEWHL) Player of the Year, as announced by the conference office.
Katonka, who was also named to the All-NEWHL First Team for the second consecutive season, has tallied 20 goals, 20 assists, 40 points, nine power-play goals and five game-winning goals over 25 games played this season. Katonka leads the NEWHL in goals, points and power-play goals. In addition, Katonka is tied with sophomore forward Sara Krauseneck (Saginaw, Mich./Northern Cyclones) for the second-most game-winning goals in the NEWHL (5), while tying with, junior defenseman and team captain Erin McArdle (Macomb, Mich./Belle Tire) for the third-highest plus-minus (+27).
Nationally, Katonka ranks second in NCAA Division III women’s ice hockey in points per game (1.60), third in power-play goals, tied for fourth in game-winning goals, fifth in goals per game (0.80) and tied for 15th in assists per game (0.80).
It is the second time Katonka has eclipsed 40 points in a season after tallying 54 points in 2018-19. Earlier this season, Katonka tallied her 100th career point in the Cardinals’ 9-1 win over SUNY Canton on Jan. 17. In her career, Katonka has tallied 63 goals and 54 assists for 117 points over 86 games played.
Katonka was a two-time NEWHL Player of the Week in 2019-20.
This marks the third consecutive year that a Plattsburgh State student-athlete has grabbed the league’s highest honor. During the inaugural season of the NEWHL in 2018, Melissa Sheeran was selected as the Player of the Year, while last year it went to Courtney Moriarty. Katonka is the first non-senior to garner the award.
Men’s Ice Hockey Players Powell, Carter and Pucci Sign Pro Deals
ELMIRA, N.Y. — The wave of Elmira College men’s ice hockey players continuing their careers in the professional ranks continues with the announcement of Connor Powell ’20, Spencer Carter ’20 and Andrew Pucci ’20 signing pro deals.
Powell, a former AHCA/CCM All-American and the 2019 UCHC Player of the Year, inked a contract with the Pensacola Ice Flyers of the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL). Powell reunites with classmate Anthony Parrucci ’20, who signed with the Ice Flyers nearly two weeks ago.
Powell joined the Ice Flyers on Friday, March 6, and saw action in all three of their games over the past weekend. The Merrimack, New Hampshire, native’s professional career is off to a hot start, as he currently boasts five points on three goals and a pair of assists. In his second professional game against the Fayetteville Marksmen, Powell produced three points on two goals and an assist in Pensacola’s 7-2 win. Powell’s final goal of the night was a special one, as Parrucci was credited with the primary assist.
During his playing career with the Soaring Eagles, Powell was a force to be reckoned with on the ice. In 106 games, he amassed 141 points on 64 goals and 77 assists. His 141 points rank 19th in EC’s illustrious history. As a senior, Powell amassed 34 points (12g-22a) and collected All-UCHC First Team honors.
Carter and Pucci traveled just a few blocks south of the EC campus for their professional games, as the two seniors agreed to terms with the Elmira Enforcers of the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL).
Carter, a hard-nosed, gritty defenseman, began his professional journey on February 28. In his pro debut, the product of Swisher, Iowa, produced two critical points to guide the Enforcers to a 6-4 victory over the Dansville Dashers at the First Arena in downtown Elmira. Carter assisted on the game-winning goal and scored an insurance goal to put the game out of reach. In total, Carter has played in three goals for the Enforcers.
In 78 career games with the Soaring Eagles, Carter finished with 18 points on two goals and 16 helpers. His best season statistically was his senior year, when he produced eight points on one goal and seven assists. Known for his rugged style of play, as evidenced by 116 career penalty minutes, Carter should bolster the Elmira Enforcer’s physical style of hockey.
Pucci joined Carter and the Enforcers on March 5 to open a two-game series against the Mentor Ice Breakers. Pucci adds speed and skill to the Enforcer lineup, which helped them earn back-to-back wins over the Ice Breakers to extend the team’s winning streak to nine games.
A native of Mississauga, Ontario, Pucci played a key role for the Purple and Gold over his four-year career. He saw plenty of ice time as a freshman and that trend continued throughout his career, as he exited EC with 27 points (6g-21a) in 87 games. He capped his senior season with a nine point effort on three goals and six assists.
BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Buffalo Sabres announced the team has canceled the Scotty Bowman Showcase, which was scheduled to take place at KeyBank Center on Wednesday, March 18.
| 2020 International Ice Hockey Federation Under-18 Men’s World Championship Canceled |
| IIHF tournament was set to be played in Plymouth and Ann Arbor, Michigan |
| COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The 2020 International Ice Hockey Federation Under-18 Men’s World Championship, set to be played in Plymouth and Ann Arbor, Michigan, April 16-26, has been canceled. The IIHF formally made the announcement.“We recognize the unchartered territory we’re all facing, and while we’re disappointed for the athletes who would have been competing for a gold medal, we understand and fully support the decision,” said Pat Kelleher, executive director of USA Hockey.The 10-team tournament, which annually features the top men’s players under the age of 18 from around the world, was set to include teams from the United States, Belarus, Canada, Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Russia, Sweden, and Switzerland.USA Hockey announced that all those who have purchased tickets will receive a full refund and staff from USA Hockey Arena will be reaching out to facilitate those refunds this month. |
COVID-19 Elmira College Athletics Update
ELMIRA, N.Y. — Due to concerns with the ever-evolving nature of coronavirus (COVID-19), and with the recent cancellation of NCAA winter and spring championships, Elmira College Athletics has decided to cancel all athletic competitions for the remainder of the 2019-20 season effective immediately.
This weekend’s NCAA Quarterfinal game between Elmira College and Adrian College has been canceled, per the statement from NCAA President Mark Emmert and the Board of Governors.
“Today, NCAA President Mark Emmert and the Board of Governors canceled the Division I men’s and women’s 2020 basketball tournaments, as well as all remaining winter and spring NCAA championships. This decision is based on the evolving COVID-19 public health threat, our ability to ensure the events do not contribute to spread of the pandemic, and the impracticality of hosting such events at any time during this academic year given ongoing decisions by other entities.”
Elmira’s primary conference, the Empire 8 Conference, also released a statement regarding the cancellation of E8 regular season and conference tournament competition.
“The Empire 8 has been closely monitoring the spread of the COVID-19 virus and the impact on our member institutions and communities,” said Empire 8 Conference Commissioner Chuck Mitrano. “This is indeed a unique time in our country and across the sporting landscape. As a result, the Empire 8 Presidents Council has unanimously voted to take unprecedented measures and cancel all Empire 8 regular season and conference tournament athletic competition.
“Individual Empire 8 institutions have the autonomy to make decisions about their athletics programs ability to continue athletic related activities as defined by the NCAA as well as non-conference competition. The Empire 8 intends to advocate the NCAA to allow spring student-athletes to retain this lost season of eligibility.”
Although there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at Elmira at this time, we are taking precautionary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, staff, parents, fans, and local community.
Games, practices cancelled until further notice
Mississauga, ON –….The Ontario Junior Hockey League has been closely monitoring all developments pertaining to the COVID-19 situation vis-a-vis our league. At all times, the health and safety of our players, staff, fans and volunteers has been at the forefront of our focus.
The league implemented a Response Management Team on March 10, 2020 on behalf of our 22 member clubs, players and staff. A stringent reporting process for our clubs was instigated and required teams to notify the league if any individual associated with a club was known to have contracted or otherwise been exposed to COVID-19. This included various travel-related and other inquiries.
To date, the league has not been informed of any confirmed cases from any players, staff or others within the league. Additionally, the 8 clubs remaining in the OJHL Playoffs were instructed to contact each of their facility operators to receive an outline as to the preventative measures being implemented for the safety of the public in the various facilities.
The OJHL was informed this morning of Hockey Canada’s deliberations and there were many communications within the CJHL. Our Board of Directors decided to await the issuance of final direction from Hockey Canada before making a decision on its playoffs.
Tonight, the league was informed of the decision by Hockey Canada to suspend all play within the organization across Canada. The OJHL supports the decision of Hockey Canada and has suspended play in the 2020 OJHL Playoffs, including all team practices, workouts and events until further notice.
The league will continue to be in close contact with our governing bodies, medical professionals and our member clubs and will continue to monitor the situation moving forward and as things progress.
About the OJHL –“League of Choice”
The Ontario Junior Hockey League is the largest Junior ‘A’ league operating under the auspices of the
Canadian Junior Hockey League with 22 member clubs. A proud member of the CJHL and Ontario
Hockey Association, the OJHL was originally named the Ontario Provincial Junior ‘A’ Hockey League and it was formed out of the Central Junior ‘B’ Hockey League in 1993-94. With a long and storied history of developing players for the next level, including U Sports, the NCAA, CHL, minor pro ranks and the NHL, the OJHL had more than 125 commitments in 2018-19 – including more than 65 NCAA Division I scholarships.
| USA Hockey Cancels 2020 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award Brunch & Ceremony |
| Plans to Announce Winner Will be Unveiled Next Week |
| COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – USA Hockey announced today it has canceled the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award Ceremony and Brunch that was scheduled to take place on March 21 at the Royal Sonesta Boston in conjunction with the NCAA Women’s Frozen Four.The honor is annually presented to the top player in the NCAA Division I women’s ice hockey. Those who have purchased tickets for the event will be contacted with refund options.While the formal event will not be staged, USA Hockey will announce the winner, with the final timing and format unveiled next week.Junior forward Elizabeth Giguere (Quebec City, Que./Clarkson University), sophomore forward Alina Mueller (Winterthur, Switzerland/Northeastern University) and senior forward Abby Roque (Sault Ste. Maire, Mich./University of Wisconsin) have been named the top-three finalists for the 2020 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award. |
By: Mark Vasey, Assistant Director of Athletic Communications
Story LinksSYRACUSE, N.Y. – Head coach Kevin Houle and assistant coach Julia Duquette of No. 1 Plattsburgh State women’s ice hockey have been named the Northeast Women’s Hockey League (NEWHL) Coaching Staff of the Year, as announced by the conference office on Wednesday.
Houle and Duquette have guided Plattsburgh State to a 26-1-0 overall record, an 18-0-0 NEWHL regular-season record, the Cardinals’ third consecutive NEWHL Tournament title and the program’s 16th NCAA Tournament appearance in 2019-20.
In his 17th season as head coach at Plattsburgh State, Houle has a 423-51-25 (.873) overall record since taking over the program in 2003-04. The 2019-20 NEWHL Tournament title is the eighth consecutive conference title under Houle, including the five Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) West championships the Cardinals won in the final years of that conference. Earlier this season, he earned his 400th coaching victory in the Cardinals’ 3-1 win over then-No. 8 Norwich University on Wednesday, Nov. 6, at the Ronald B. Stafford Ice Arena.
Houle and Duquette have coached six All-NEWHL selections (five All-NEWHL First Team selections), including the NEWHL Player of the Year and NEWHL Goaltender of the Year, this season. They have also coached two NEWHL All-Rookie Team honorees.
Earlier this season, Plattsburgh State set the record for the longest home winning streak in NCAA women’s ice hockey history as the Cardinals defeated Oswego State, 3-0, on Nov. 9, for their 29th consecutive home win. The Cardinals’ home winning streak is at 40 games entering the NCAA Tournament. Plattsburgh State also set the NCAA Division III women’s ice hockey record for the longest overall winning streak with its 26th consecutive win over then-No. 7 UW-River Falls as part of the Panther/Cardinal Classic on Nov. 30, in Middlebury, Vt.
It is the eighth time that Houle has earned a conference coach of the year or coaching staff of the year honor. He was previously named the ECAC Women’s West Coach of the Year seven times. This is Duquette’s first coaching staff of the year honor.
Aurora Ice Hockey just completed their 2nd session of the Learn To Play program came to a close this week.
“We’re so fortunate to have been able to work w/ such a terrific group of kids. Thanks to the NHL, the Buffalo Sabres organization, Pat Kaleta, Sabretooth, coaches, and rink staff for another fantastic season!”
| USA Hockey Arena Announces Event Updates, Will Close Doors for 48 Hours |
| All upcoming events at arena suspended until further notice |
| PLYMOUTH, Mich. – Due to recent updates regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19), USA Hockey Arena will be closed tonight beginning at 5:00 p.m. ET and remain closed until regularly scheduled activities on Sunday, March 15. The Michigan High School Athletic Association ice hockey semifinals and finals that were scheduled to take place at USA Hockey Arena this weekend have been suspended.During the lockdown, the entire building will be deep cleaned and additional sanitation stations will be installed, among other increased safety precautions.In addition, the 2020 IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship, scheduled to be played in Plymouth and Ann Arbor in April, will no longer take place. The United States’ travel policy ban will not allow visiting European teams to enter the country in a necessary timeframe for the event.The USHL announced today its decision to suspend game play until further notice. The decision was unanimously made by the USHL Board of Directors with the best interest of athletes, staff, officials and fans in mind. USA Hockey Arena is home to USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program, a club member of the USHL. Policies regarding previously purchased tickets to any of these events will be confirmed next week. Fans with questions on any events may contact the USA Hockey Arena office at 734-453-6400. USA Hockey Arena will continue to provide updates on the situation as they become available.USA Hockey Arena is a multi-purpose arena located in Plymouth, Michigan, opened in 1996. Originally known as Compuware Sports Arena, it was renamed to USA Hockey Arena in 2015 when the USA Hockey Foundation purchased the complex. The building encompasses approximately 170,000 square feet with one main seating level, private suites and press boxes. The design of the arena provides 3,504 seats for hockey games and 4,500 seats for concerts and other events. |
