GLOUCESTER, Mass. – Taya Balfour (Moorestown, N.J. / Philadelphia Jr. Flyers), Ella Fesette (Plattsburgh, N.Y. / Rochester Institute of Technology), Sydnee Francis (Canton, N.Y. / Nepean Jr. Wildcats), Tessa Morris (Grand Island, N.Y. / Rome Girl’s Hockey), Mattie Norton (Glen Carbon, Ill. / St. Louis Lady Blues), Maddy Stetson (Wasilla, Alaska / (Little Caesars), Ciara Wall (Somerville, Mass. / University of New Hampshire), and Seoyoung Yoo (Yongin, Republic of Korea / Ontario Hockey Academy) of the Plattsburgh State women’s ice hockey team have been named 2024-25 Krampade/American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA) All-American Scholars, as announced by the AHCA.
In order to qualify for Krampade/AHCA All-American Scholar recognition, student-athletes must achieve a 3.75 GPA each semester and appear in 40% of the season’s total games.
Norton graduated with a degree in accounting and business administration, joining 15 other student-athletes who were both All-Americans and All-American Scholars. Wall graduated with a degree in communications. Balfour is a business administration and international business major, Fesette is pursuing a degree in nutrition, and Francis is working towards a nursing degree. First-years Morris, Stetson, and Yoo all earned the honor, with Morris and Yoo pursuing degrees in communication sciences and disorders and accounting, respectively, while Stetson is undeclared.
The Cardinals finished the year at 20-7-1 (14-3-1 SUNYAC) and won the SUNYAC Championship before falling in the first round of the NCAA Tournament to Elmira.
NEW YORK (July 15, 2025) – The New York Sirens are hosting a U10, U12 and U14 summer clinic at the Essex County Codey Arena in West Orange, New Jersey from Monday, July 28 through Thursday, July 31. This four-day clinic offers 48 young athletes a unique opportunity to train directly with New York Sirens players and hockey operations staff in an elite, hands-on environment.
Sirens forwards Savannah Norcross, Elle Hartje and defender Jincy Roese, along with Head Coach Greg Fargo and Assistant Coach Josh Sciba will be leading on-ice sessions helping participants develop their hockey skills. New York Sirens support staff will be leading off-ice group sessions guiding participants through interactive workshops focused on athletic performance, nutrition, and the mental aspects of the game.
Media interested in attending any day of the Sirens’ Summer Clinic are asked to RSVP by email to newyorkmedia@thepwhl.com at least 24 hours in advance.
WHAT: New York Sirens U10, U12, and U14 Summer Clinic
WHO:
July 28: Sirens forwards Elle Hartje and Savannah Norcross
July 29 – 31: Sirens forward Savannah Norcross and defender Jincy Roese
WHERE: Essex County Codey Arena, 560 Northfield Ave, West Orange, NJ 07052
WHEN: Monday, July 28 – Thursday, July 31 | 9:00 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. EST
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. – The Plattsburgh State men’s ice hockey team looks to make its fourth straight SUNYAC Championship game on a quest for its 25th State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) championship in program history. The team will play a 25-game regular-season schedule in 2025-26, as announced Monday by the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation.
Led by sixth-year head coach Steve Moffat, the Cardinals went 16-11-1 (8-6-0 SUNYAC) in 2024-25, reaching the SUNYAC Championship game after scoring a dramatic game-tying goal with four seconds left in regulation before netting an overtime game winner against top-seeded Cortland in the semifinals.
Plattsburgh State tunes up for the regular season with two exhibition games, first welcoming Vermont State University (VTSU) Castleton on Saturday, Oct. 18, followed by a trip to Potsdam on Saturday, Oct. 25. The team begins its regular season with back-to-back home games against VTSU-Castleton and Plymouth State on Friday, Oct. 21, and Saturday, Nov. 1 respectively.
SUNYAC play begins for the Cards on the road, as they head to Oswego State on Nov. 14 to open conference action against their long-time rivals in a SUNYAC championship rematch on Friday night. The following day, Plattsburgh State travels to new conference member Hobart, which has won three consecutive national championships, for a 4 p.m. game on Saturday, Nov. 15. The Cardinals next welcome Morrisville to the Ronald B. Stafford Ice Arena for their conference home opener on Friday, Nov. 21, at 7 p.m. Plattsburgh State then takes on Cortland the following day on Saturday, Nov. 22, for another league matchup.
The Cardinals wind down the 2025 portion of their schedule on the road, beginning at host Norwich for the LayerEight Shootout. They take on Middlebury in the opening game on Friday, Nov. 28, and then will face either Norwich or Stevenson the next day.
Plattsburgh State has a light schedule in December, only playing two games, both on the road, as they will face off against Fredonia on Friday, Dec. 5, and then Buffalo State on Saturday, Dec. 6.
The Cardinals return to action in the New Year when they host the Comfort Inn Complex Winter Classic, where Amherst and Suffolk open the tournament at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 2, followed by Plattsburgh taking on Wesleyan at 7 p.m. The consolation and championship games occur at 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., respectively, the following day on Saturday, Jan. 3. The Cards then head to Norwich for their final non-conference game of the year on Tuesday, Jan. 6, before jumping back into SUNYAC action on the road against Skidmore, which joins the SUNYAC in 2025-26, on Saturday, Jan. 10.
Plattsburgh State opens up a four-game homestand, hosting Canton on Friday, Jan. 16, and then Potsdam on Jan. 17, both at 7 p.m. The next weekend, Plattsburgh State welcomes Hobart and Oswego State on Friday, Jan. 23, and Saturday, Jan. 24, respectively. The Cardinals close out January with a trip to Cortland on Friday, Jan. 30, followed by a contest at Morrisville on Saturday, Jan. 31.
The Cardinals begin February with back-to-back home games, as they host Buffalo State on Friday, Feb. 6, at 7 p.m. and Fredonia on Saturday, Feb. 7, at 4 p.m. Skidmore concludes the Cardinals’ home schedule on Friday, Feb. 13, while Plattsburgh State finishes the regular season on the road against Potsdam on Friday, Feb. 20, and Canton on Saturday, Feb. 21.
The top six teams in the final regular-season conference standings will qualify for the SUNYAC Tournament, with the first round set for Feb. 25, the semifinals set for Feb. 28, and the championship set for March 7. The top two seeds earn byes to the semifinals, while the bottom four seeds begin the tournament in the first round on Feb. 26.
Season ticket renewals will begin on Monday, Aug. 18, while new season ticket holder sales will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 4.
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. – Coming off a State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) championship and its 13th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance last season, the Plattsburgh State women’s ice hockey team has announced its 2025-26 schedule as the Cardinals prepare to defend their conference title and make another run at national contention.
Plattsburgh State finished the 2024-25 season with a 20-7-1 overall record (14-3-1 SUNYAC), highlighted by a 2-0 victory over Oswego State to secure the program’s first-ever SUNYAC championship and 13th conference title overall (seven in the ECAC West and five in the NEWHL). Head coach Kevin Houle, entering his 23rd season at the helm, remains the winningest active coach by winning percentage across all divisions of NCAA women’s ice hockey, holding a remarkable .865 career mark (517-69-28). Houle has led Plattsburgh State to a Division III-record seven national championships and will look to add an eighth to his résumé this season.
The Cardinals will tune up for the regular season with a pair of exhibition games, starting on the road at VTSU Castleton on Oct. 18, followed by a home matchup against the Ottawa Lady 67’s on Oct. 25 at the Ronald B. Stafford Ice Arena. Plattsburgh State officially opens its season on Oct. 31, hosting Norwich on home ice. The Cardinals then travel to Endicott on Nov. 8 before returning home to open SUNYAC play, hosting new conference member William Smith on Nov. 14 and Buffalo State on Nov. 15. The team then hits the road for back-to-back conference matchups, visiting Morrisville on Nov. 21 and Cortland on Nov. 22.
The Cardinals will once again compete in the Panther/Cardinal Classic in 2025, a two-day tournament beginning on Nov. 29 that features host Middlebury, two-time defending national champion UW-River Falls and Endicott, after making a run to the championship game in last year’s event. The team then concludes the 2025 portion of their schedule hosting Williams on Dec. 6.
Plattsburgh State rings in the New Year at the Norwich East-West Hockey Classic, beginning with an NCAA Tournament rematch against Elmira on Jan. 4. The two-day tournament will feature consolation and championship games the following day. The squad wraps up its road trip on Jan. 13 with a matchup against Trinity (Conn.) before returning home for a five-game homestand. Plattsburgh State opens the stretch with back-to-back games against Suffolk on Jan. 16 and 17, followed by three SUNYAC contests: hosting Canton on Jan. 23, a championship rematch against Oswego on Jan. 24, and closing out their home slate for the month against Potsdam on Jan. 30. The Cardinals then travel to Potsdam for a second matchup the following day, Jan. 31.
The Cardinals open February at home with a non-conference matchup against Middlebury on Feb. 3 before beginning their final road stretch of the regular season. The trip starts with SUNYAC games at Buffalo State on Feb. 6 and William Smith on Feb. 7. Plattsburgh State then visits Oswego on Feb. 13 and Canton on Feb. 14 to close out the road swing. The Cardinals return to the Ronald B. Stafford Ice Arena for their final regular-season conference games, hosting Cortland on Feb. 20 and Morrisville on Feb. 21.
The top four teams in the final regular-season conference standings will qualify for the SUNYAC Tournament, with the semifinals set for Feb. 28 and the championship set for March 7.
Season ticket sales will begin on Monday, Aug. 18.
The New York Sirens announced today that star forward Sarah Fillier has signed a two-year Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) Standard Player Agreement to stay with the team through the 2026-27 season. The first overall pick in the 2024 PWHL Draft tied for the league lead in points and was voted PWHL Rookie of the Year for the 2024-25 season.
“A milestone day and a true privilege for the New York Sirens organization and our fans to know that we’ll be building the future here in New York with Sarah,” said Sirens General Manager Pascal Daoust. “She brings exceptional talent, leadership and a relentless will to win – qualities that will elevate every teammate and ignite excitement in every fan. A unique person in a unique market, united by shared goals and driven by a standard of excellence.”
The 25-year-old from Georgetown, ON, took the league by storm with 29 points, including 13 goals and 16 assists in 30 games and was voted a PWHL First Team All-Star and All-Rookie Team member. Her 13 goals ranked fourth among all skaters and included a league-high five power play tallies, while her 16 assists tied for most all-time in a season. Fillier produced two six-game point streaks and is the only player in PWHL history to score in five consecutive games and to record multiple four-game assist streaks.
“I’m so excited to re-sign in New York for two more years,” said Fillier. “It’s a special city to play in, and I feel lucky to be part of this team. I’m really looking forward to what’s ahead and continuing to build something great in the Big Apple with the Sirens.”
Before turning pro, Fillier played five NCAA seasons at Princeton University, compiling 194 points in 120 games which ranks fourth in Tigers history. Representing Canada on the international stage, Fillier won Olympic gold in 2022 and has competed in five IIHF Women’s World Championships where she’s won gold three times, two silver medals, and was named Tournament MVP in 2023.
The 5’5” Fillier returns to a Sirens lineup that has eight other forwards under contract for the 2025-26 season, including Emmy Fecteau, Taylor Girard, Elle Hartje, Paetyn Levis, Savannah Norcross, Kristin O’Neill, Noora Tulus and Kayla Vespa.
Fans looking to stay up to date on ticket release dates, team announcements, and exclusive offers are encouraged to subscribe to The Beat, the official Sirens newsletter. For ticket related inquiries, please contact newyorkinfo@thepwhl.com.
LOCKPORT, NY — The Howell Motors Ford Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2025 was recently inducted with a formal ceremony held at the Cornerstone Arena.
Mike Landers with Master of Ceremonies Randy Schultz
Hall of Fame Chairman, Mike Landers, opened the evenings activities with a welcome.
“Three categories are being honored this year including coaches, contributors and players,” said Landers. “And this year a new category, Team of Distinction, is being introduced.”
Special guest speaker at the dinner was Rip Simonick, long time equipment manager for the Buffalo Sabres.
The following were honored in their respective category:
COACHES:
NORTON KINSLEY —
Norton Kinsley has the distinction of being the head coach of teams that made New York State tournaments every year he coached until 1991.
BOB SHAW –
Shaw began coaching at the Kenan Arena. With successful assistant coaches including Walt Kowka, Jim Gifford and Rick Chapman, Shaw began his successful coaching career in Lockport.
Shaw got to coach some of Lockport’s finest players including Charlie Heinrich, Tom Dockery, John Walsh, Brian Smith, Jim Bedford, Don Tuttle, Mark Kahle, among others.
CONTRIBUTORS:
IGNATIUS “IGGY” TARAJOS –
“Iggy” has dedicated his life to the ice, no matter if he was playing, creating the perfect ice rink surface or overseeing operations in some of this country’s most iconic arenas.
From his early years at the Kenan Center in 1969 to his current role with the National Hockey League’s Seattle Kraken, Iggy’s passion for ice and unique career path have helped shape the world of rink operations and professional hockey.
HEINRICH CHEVROLET –
David Heinrich came to Lockport in 1966 after purchasing Al Morgan Chevrolet. In 1969 he built the current location of Heinrich Chevrolet on Transit Road in Lockport.
A community minded person, Heinrich sponsored various sports teams over the years. This included youth and men’s hockey teams.
DAN O’BRIEN –
Dan was a hockey dad. His son played high school hockey for Starpoint High School. His daughter, Natalie, played modified hockey with the Starpoint boys team for one year because there wasn’t another option for her to play for her school.
Talking with Natalie, it was felt there had to be a way to make a girl’s high school hockey team happen at Starpoint. Leading the way, Dan and the group he organized, made it happen.
That team today is known as the Niagara County Girls Varsity High School Ice Hockey Team.
WILLIAM KENAN, JR. –
Nancy J. Cable Ph.D. accepting for Kenan
William R. Kenan, Jr. was said to be a man of vision. It is believed that what became the Kenan Center Ice Rink was one of those visions.
In the early 1960s ice hockey in Lockport was played in the parks and was called “Park Hockey.” When hockey game results were published in the local newspaper on Park Hockey, each story would end with the suggestion, “there is a dire need for an indoor hockey rink in Lockport.”
Mr. Kenan’s philanthropic measures made sure that happened.
Nancy Cable, executive director of the William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust accepted the Hall of Fame honor for the late Mr. Kenan.
JIM LORENTZ –
Rip Simonick accepting for Jim Lorenz
Lorentz is best remembered in Western New York for his days as a player with the Buffalo Sabres. In the Lockport area he is remembered for his days spent at the Kenan Center Ice Arena as an instructor with the Sabres summer hockey school.
That was followed by a career as a color commentator for Sabres broadcasts. Simonick accepted the award on behalf of Lorentz, who was unable to attend the ceremony.
TEAM OF DISTINCTION –
1981-82 LOCKPORT HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY TEAM:
1982-83 Lockport High School TeamDave Watson One of the 3 CaptainsA player from the Team
From an opening 10-3 win over Ken-West to a final 5-1 win over Tottenville to win the New York State High School Club Hockey Championship, the 1981-82 Lockport Club Hockey Lions had an exciting season.
Compiling an overall record of 34-3-7, the young squad finished first in the league and then went on to become State Champions after a first place finish at Leisure Rinks in Orchard Park, NY.
Captain of the team, Dave Watson, accepted on behalf of the team. During his acceptance speech he called up several other members of the team.
PLAYERS:
JOHN WALSH, JR. –
John Walsh Sr. accepts for his son.
John Walsh, Jr’s love of hockey began around the age of five with Mite hockey. He eventually moved up with Squirt and Bantam hockey.
Walsh played high school hockey from 1983-84 as well as floor hockey at the Kenan Center. As a player he was known for his checking and slap shots.
Unfortunately, John passed away in 2019. Accepted on his behalf was his dad, John Sr. (Jack).
DOMINIC DOCKERY –
TJ accepts for both he and his brother
Dominic has had a lengthy hockey career, with it’s share of ups and downs. It began with his amateur days in Lockport and has continued to his pro career, now playing in his fourth season with the Wichita Thunder of the ECHL.
T.J. DOCKERY –
Following his amateur and pro hockey career, TJ became a hockey on-ice official the year after he retired as a player. He is currently a lineman in the American Hockey League (AHL) as well as the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL). His main focus right now is to become an official in the NHL.
RYAN NEIDRAUER –
Ryan Neidrauer with his helper
Ryan was born and raised in Lockport. He built a life centered around his deep love for hockey, his family and his community and not necessarily in that order.
MARK PALMER –
Mark’s love for hockey began at the age of five. While watching a Sabres game on TV Mark asked his dad what the game was all about. The response was, “Whoever puts the puck in the net the most wins.”
Mark then said, “I want to be the one to stop the other team from putting the puck in my net.” Thus, a goalie was born.
And what a goaltending career Mark has had.
TRACY MCNITT –
As a young boy of five, Tracy lost his hand in a lawn mower accident. His parents were not going to let this setback deter their son in any way.
It was at this point that skating, along with attending Buffalo Sabres games as season ticket holders, that his parents put him into squirt hockey at the Kenan Center. This decision started a lifelong love of hockey and shaped the person Tracy would become the rest of his life.
TERRY STRIFFLER –
Accepting for Terry, Jim Musco
When Terry began skating at the Kenan Center is when his love for the game really took off. He started playing Bantams, Midgets and Juniors, along with playing with the Lockport High School hockey team.
And he was always in goal. That was the most natural place for him to be and he enjoyed many seasons doing his best to stop the opposing team from scoring.
DR. ERIC RICHARDS –
Dr. Eric Richards began skating in response to his father falling in love with hockey as an adult. The Buffalo Sabres helped, as did Lanny McDonald and the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Richards came up through the ranks of youth hockey, to Jr. hockey, college hockey to adult hockey leagues. Even an eye injury suffered in adult hockey, along with some other injuries, didn’t stop him.
Hauppauge’s James Hagens, Ithaca’s Will Moore and Jack Parsons and East Greenbush’s Jack Murtagh lead a group of ten New York State natives included in NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.
Hagens, Moore and Murtagh are listed among the top 30 North American skaters while Parsons is slotted tenth among North American goaltenders.
Hagens, ranked third, just completed his freshman campaign with Boston College. The 5’10”, 178 lb. forward finished third behind current NHLers Gabe Perreault and Tyan Leonard on the team in points the team with 37 and second in assists with 19 as a point-per-game true freshman.
Moore, ranked 29th, stands 6’2” and 175 lb. and played his second season with the U.S. National Team Development Program. In a combined 80 games against college programs and in the USHL, he had 33 goals with 68 points duplicating his point total from the previous season. He is committed to Boston College.
East Greenbush’s and Moore’s teammate Jack Murtagh is slotted one spot back at 30th. The 6’0”, 200 lb. left wing is committed to Boston University in 2025. He spent two seasons with the Bishop Kearney Selects prep program in Rochester prior to heading to Plymouth, Michigan. This season he had 27 goals and 64 points in 71 games.
Parsons, passed over at last year’s NHL draft, used this past year to further develop in the USHL with the Chicago Steel. Splitting time in net, the 6’3”, 194 lb. finished with a 3.49 goals against average and .903 save percentage in 35 games.
Tonawanda’s Matthew Lansing, committed to Quinnipiac University, fell from 97th in the midterm rankings to 175th. The 6’0”, 188 lb. center spent four seasons with the Buffalo Jr. Sabres program with his final year split between there and Waterloo in the USHL. This season started with Waterloo, but he was acquired by Fargo at the trade deadline. Lansing had a combined 27 points over 54 games.
Northwood Prep and Camillus’ William Schneid, committed to the University of Connecticut in 2026, is slotted one spot back at 176th. The 6’0”, 174 lb. left wing and former West Genesee HS player had 100 points in 62 prep games this past season including 52 goals.
Jack Pechar from Niskayuna came in at 192. Playing this season with Lincoln in the USHL, the 6’1”, 198 lb. forward and Northeastern commit netted 27 goals and 61 points in 56 games this season as a just turned 20-year-old.
Roslyn’s Ethan Wyttenbach jumped from 222nd in the midterms to 185. The 5’10”, 181 lb. forward is playing his first season in the USHL with Sioux Falls where he finished with 24 goals with 27 assists over 44 games. The Long Island Gulls product is committed to Quinnipiac University in 2026.
New York City-born Dylan Lee-Stack is ranked 30th among North American goaltenders. The 6’2”, 176 lb. product of the Ramapo Saints and Westchester Express finished his second season with the Brunswick Prep School and the Yale Jr. Bulldogs 18-U team where he has played in 14 games with a 5-4-5 record.
And Rochester’s Ethan Phillips is listed 31st among North American goaltenders. Playing for both the Bishop Kearney Selects (21 games) and Rochester Jr. Americans (6 games), the 6’2”, 205 lb. goaltender had a 2.39 GAA and .910 save percentage in 21 games with two shutouts with the Selects. He is committed to Providence College in 2026.
The NHL Draft is June 27-28 at L.A. Live’s Peacock Theater.
(Photos provided by USA Hockey, USA Hockey Development)
The 2024/25 Tyler Putnam Awards Banquet was recently held at the Webster Golf Club in Webster, NY. Twenty-six Rochester area youth and high school hockey players received Putnam Awards, while two other area players received the Unsung Hero and Goaltender Awards, respectively.
The 26 players that received a Putnam Award include: Nicholas Beechey (Irondequoit High School); Anthony Gianvecchio (ROCO, the Rochester Coalition); Carter Griffin (Greece Storm); Matthew Dieter (Webster Schroeder High School); Ryan Hanley (Churchville Chili High School); Blake Hollister (Rochester Youth Hockey).
Jacob Hutchins (Batavia/Notre Dame High School); Aiden Kennedy (Hilton High School); Matt Kozara (McQuaid Jesuit High School); Luke LaForce (Rochester Aces); Nathan MacBride (Victor High School); Carson Meehan (Brighton/HFL/ER High School).
Anna Miller (Rochester Edge); Parker Monette (Gates Chili High School); Camden Monks (Webster Youth Hockey); Carmine Pangallo (Webster Thomas High School); Sam Prokupets (BK Selects Boys); Jack Reichard (Penfield High School).
Jack Schoenweitz (Monroe County Youth Hockey); Alexander Schram (Brockport High School); Finnean Storie (Tri-County Youth Hockey); Samantha Taylor (Greater Rochester Girls High School Hockey); Gregor Vogel (University of Rochester); Ryan Whitney (Aquinas Institute).
Griffin Rizzi (Pittsford High School) and Landen Christ (Spencerport High School).
Jack Davilia, Colin Montesano UnSung Hero AwardBarrett Paolini, Joshua Opladen Goaltender Award
The Colin Montesano Unsung Hero Award was presented to Jack Davila (Aquinas Institute). The Joshua Opladen Goaltender Award winner was Barrett Paolini (Hilton High School).
Tyler Putnam was known for his high energy, incredible work ethic and his desire to achieve his goals. He has been memorialized with a banner that hangs above the ice in the Lakeshore Hockey Arena as well as a memorial helmet sticker that dawns the symbol of a gold hardhat – a symbol of Putnam’s hard work and dedication to the game he loved.
On July 7, 2011 Putnam’s hockey dreams ended tragically when he died of an illness called Meningococcemia (Meningitis B). Following his passing The Tyler Putnam Foundation was formed.
Since 2012 the Foundation has donated more than $80,000 to families in need of assistance for registration fees for hockey. Additionally, the Foundation has awarded an annual Scholar Athlete Scholarship of $1000 (for the last 11 years, totaling $11,000) to a graduating Senior at Irondequoit High School (where Tyler attended) who played hockey and is moving on to college.
Lindsay Putnam, Tyler’s father and President of the Tyler Putnam Foundation, thanked all the Foundation’s sponsors for their continued support.
Lindsay with LarrabeeLarrabee and ShannonLindsay, Shannon honor Duff
Among those thanked were Patrick Duff, who has served as Master of Ceremonies for several years and The Larrabee Foundation as a Premier Sponsor of the Tyler Putnam Awards.
“None of this would be possible without the generous donations made by all the sponsors,” concluded Lindsay. “The purpose of the Tyler Putnam Awards is memorializing a talented and hard working hockey player while recognizing this area’s finest young hockey players for their dedication to the sport.”
WCMF radio personality, Pat Duffy, was the Master of Ceremonies for the event.
Rob RayRazor SpeakingGuest Speaker, Rob Ray #32 from the Buffalo Sabres Alumni Assn.
Former Buffalo Sabres player and now a color commentator for Sabres broadcasts, Rob Ray, was the guest speaker.
Ray, along with Tyler’s father, Lindsay Putnam, and Tyler’s sister, Shannon, presented the awards to the recipients.
Photo Gallery by Janet Schultz, NYHOL. (All rights reserved; for copies or permission to use email Janet@nyhockeyonline)
Shannon with Matthew DieterRay and DeiterMatthew DieterShannon with GianvecchioRay with GianvecchioAnthony GianvecchioShannon Presents GriffinRay with GriffinCarter GriffinRay with HanleyRyan HanleyLindsay with HolisterRay with HollisterBlake HollisterPutnams with HutchinsRay with HutchinsJacob HutchinsShanon with KennedyRay and KennedyAiden KennedyPresenting KozaraRay with KozaraMatt KozaraShannon, Lindsay LaForceRay with LaForceLuke LaForceRay with MacBrideNathan MacBrideRay and MeehanCarson MeehanShannon Presents MillerRay with MillerAnna MillerLindsay with MonksRay and MonksCamden MonksPutnams with MonetteRay with MonetteParker MonettePutnams with PangalloRay with PangalloCarmine PangalloPutnams, ProkupetsRay with ProkupetsSam ProkupetsGriffin RizziRay and RizziGriffin FizziPutnams, ReichardRay with ReichardJack ReichardPutnams, SchoenweitzRay, SchoenweitzJack SchoenweitzRay with SchramAlexander SchramRay with StorieFinnean StorieShannon presents TaylorRay with TaylorSamantha TaylorVogelRay with VogelGregor VogelPutnams with WhitneyRay with WhitneyRyan WhitneyShannon presents PaoliniLindsay with PaoliniBarrett Paolini, Joshua Opladen Goatender AwardBarrett PaoliniMontesanosMontesanosJack DaviliaJack Davila with RayJack Davilia, Colin Montesano UnSung Hero AwardLindsay and RazorLijndsay and Razor2024-25 Putnam Awardees2024-25 Putnam AwardeesDuff Awarded for his Service to the Putnam Awards over the yearsZack FerraraZack FerraraShannon Putnam VankerkhoveShannon VankerkhoveLindsay with LarrabeeLindsay with LarrabeeLarrabee and ShannonLindsay and DuffPatrick Duff, MCLindsay,Shannon, RayLindsay PutnamLindsay Putnam
The WNYGVIH Federation honored their Seniors at special ceremonies at the end of the season.
Georgia Mango and Family, CASH
From Clarence/Amherst/SweetHome it was Georgia Mango from Amherst High School. Mango played four years on CASH, serving as Assistant Captain this past season. She plans on playing Lacrosse at Oswego State University while she majors in biology and minors in criminal justice. Mango posted 3 goals and 2 assists this season.
Maya Griffin and FamillyLilah Cudney Family
Franklinville/Frontier/LakeShore/Orchard Park (FFLOP) graduated Maya Griffin and Lilah Cudney.
Griffin, Orchard Park High School, played for FFLOP for 5 years and served as team captain during her junior and senior year. She ended in first place in over-all scoring this season and was selected as Offensive Player of the Year this season. She was named to the First Team All -Fed Team in 2023-24, Second Team All Fed in 2022-23 and Honorable Mention in 2021-22. This season she celebrated her 100th career point and placed 8th on the WNYGVIH All-Time Scoring List with 127 points. She was a three-sport athlete at Orchard Park, playing Lacrosse and Soccer in addition to Ice Hockey. Griffin will study nursing at Youngstown State and play Lacrosse. Her parents are Mother, Pam Salerno, stepfather Craig Robertson; father Todd Griffin and step mom, Amy.
Cudney will graduate from Franklinville High School. A member of FFLOP for 3 years she earned an Honorable Mention on the All-Fed team this season and was Second Team All Star last season. Cudney served as Team Captain this season. Cudney had 4 goals and 8 assists this season. She will continue her hockey career at SUNY Canton while studying Sports Management.
S. Miller & Kaelynn WittischackKayla Pelc
Graduating from Hamburg/Eden/West Seneca (HEWS) were Samantha Miller, Kaelynn Wittschack and Kayla Pelc.
Miller is graduating from West Seneca High School and was a three-year starter on the HEWS team. She also plays lacrosse and soccer at West Seneca and plans to attend Buffalo State College majoring in Biology. Miller played defense.
Wittschack transferred from FFLOP to HEWS this season and will graduate from Hamburg High School. She was a member of National Honor Society, played soccer and flag football for Hamburg. She plans on attending SUNY Cortland and study childhood education.
Pelc is a four year member of HEWS and attends Eden High School. Known as the “HEWS Curse” for her ability to NOT score when she’s presented with seemingly the easiest chances to do so, Pelc played forward. She plans to attend SUNY Cortland for marketing. She is also an accomplished lacrosse player.
Kenmore/Grand Island/Lockport (KenGiPort) graduated its largest senior class to date, which will impact the program. As a class this group has 73 wins, 43 losses and five ties with a 65-12-4 record in just the last four years as high schoolers. Graduating this June are Jillian Hager, Lockport High School; Natalie Kopf, Grand Island; Isabelle; Madeline Marzec, Kenmore West; Savannah Samplinski, Grand Island; Isabella Jayme, Grand Island; Isabella “Izzy” Burt, Grand Island and Isabelle Bourgeault, Kenmore West.
Hager played her second season with KenGiPort and plans to attend Oswego State to study cinema and screen studies. Hager played in goal for 105 minutes making 13 saves on 13 shots for a 1.00 save percentage. Her parents are Michael and Michelle Hager.
Kopf played four seasons with the team and plans to attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to study Business Analytics and Business Management and playing softball. Kopf was a defender for KenGiPort and scored 1 goal and had 4 assists this season. Her parents are Rob and Jenn Kopf.
Burt is in her fifth season with KenGiPort as a Forward. She plans to study biochemistry in college. Burt had 5 goals and 13 assists in 16 games this season. Her parents are Ian and Alanna Burt.
Samplinski played 6 seasons with KenGiPort as a defender. She had 4 goals and 13 assists this season in 18 games. She was named to the First Team, All Fed Team for 2024-25. She plans to study biology in a college yet to be determined. Her parents are Steve and Amy Samplinski.
Marzec is also in her sixth season with KenGiPort as a defender with a goal and an assist this season. She plans to study biochemistry at a college to be announced. Marzec’s parents are Chris and Kate.
Jayme is another 6-season player. As a Forward she placed 8th on the 2024-25 Scoring List with 18 goals and 14 assists in 18 games and she was named to the 2024-25 First Team All-Fed Team. Jayme is Second on the WNYGVIH Federation All-time Points Record with 87 goals and 70 assists in 113 games. She is the daughter of Kent and Jill.
Bourgeault is a sixth season player with KenGiPort and was named to the First Team All Federation Team this season. She placed tenth on the season’s Scoring List with 16 goals and 13 assists in 18 games and she is 5th on the All Time WNYGVIH Federation Scoring List with 78 goals and 68 assists in 116 games. Izzy will be attending SUNY Canton to study finance and play DIII ice hockey with the Roos. Her parents are Coach Marc and Amy Bourgeault.
Monsignor Martin graduated one senior this season. Norah Carrol, pictured above, is s a 4-year Varsity athlete in Soccer and Hockey at Mount St. Mary’s Academy. She served as captain of both teams. Carrol is an officer for the National Honor Society and a member of Student Council and the Serve Club. She plans to further her education in political science.
Natalee Lawrence FamilyAbby Zimmerman FamilyOlivia Terranova FamilyMadeline Remus FamilyElla King FamilyJayline Beaver and her Mom
Seniors from Niagara County Lady Warriors include Ella King, Niagara Wheatfield; Olivia Terranova, Starpoint; Natalee Lawrence, Starpoint, Madeline Remus, Lewiston-Porter; Abby Zimmerman, Niagara-Wheatfield and Jaylin Beaver, Niagara-Wheatfield.
Terranova scored 2 goals and 6 assists in 18 games on defense. Lawrence scored 10 goals and 11 assists in 17 games as a Forward. Remus played defense with a goal and3 assists.
Zimmerman placed third on the Season Scoring List with 23 goals and 13 assists in 16 games. She is 13th on the WNYGVIH All-Time Scoring List with 65 goals, 45 assists in 71 games. She was also named to the First Team WNYGVIHF All-Fed Team this season.
Beaver played in goal for 475.43 minutes, making 152 saves on 204 shots giving her a .475 save percentage.
Riley KumrowDanielle CottrellAlanah PaganoSamantha HattEmma BabcockAvery Hall
Graduating from St. Mary’s of Lancaster were Avery Hall, Riley Kumrow, Danielle Cottrell, Alanah Pagano, Samantha Hatt and Emma Babock.
Hall is an original member of the St. Mary’s team and played in goal. She is a member of the National Honor Society with a 3.3 GPA. Hall record St. Mary’s first win, first shutout and first win in the Private School Championship in 2024. She played 217.23 minutes between the pipes this season making 111 saves on 121 shots. She will study Sports Medicine and Exercise at John and Wales University where she will also play ice hockey.
Kumrow is also an original member of the STM team, carries a 3.8 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society. The Defender served as an Assistant Captain last season and Captain this season, had 3 goals and 6 assists in 18 games. Kumrow earned an Honorable Mention on this season’s WNYGVIHF All-Fed Team. She plans to attend Kings College where she will play ice hockey and study marketing.
Cottrell played Forward, scoring two goals and two assists in 16 games. She will attend Ithaca College to study architecture. Cottrell is an original member of the STM team.
Another original member, Hatt carries a 3.6 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society. She played on defense in 17 games, scoring 4 goals and 2 assists this season. Hatt will be attending Niagara University in the nursing program.
Babcock in the 2024 recipient of the Character and Kindness Award. She has a 3.7 GPA and will study sports management at Niagara University. Babock played Forward with a goal and 6 assists in 16 games.
Pagano is another original member of the team and played in 17 games with 5 goals and 3 assists on Forward. Pagano has the distinction of scoring the First-ever goal for SMH and the winning goal in the Private School Championship in 2024. She plans to study nursing at the University of Southern Carolina. A member of the National Honor Society, she carries a 3.6 GPA.
DePrima and Bellacose
Williamsville graduated two seniors this season. Honored were Sophia DePrima and Gabriella Bellacose.
DePrima played Forward and will graduate from Williamsville North High School. She had two goals and two assists in 15 games.
Bellacose will graduate from Williamsville South High School and played Forward for the team. She saw action in 15 games.
Assistant Coach Marc Bourgeault
Also honored during graduation ceremonies from ice hockey was KenGiPort’s Assistant Coach Marc Bourgeault. Bourgeault joined the coaching staff the same year this year’s graduating class was in 7th grade. He gave his time and expertise for 6 seasons as a volunteer coach, sharing memories with his daughters Carolyn and Izzy. He will now retire from this program and move on to other interests.
Lancaster/Iroquois/Depew/Alden had no seniors this season.
Gallery
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(All Photos property of NYHOL. For copies email Janet@nyhockeyonline.com)
(Editors Note: Due to several changes in scheduling, Janet was unable to attend all the ceremonies and NYHOL apologizes.)
Devon Levi became just the third Rochester goaltender to register back-to-back playoff shutouts as he led the Amerks to 4-0 victory at Syracuse Thursday night to finish off a three-games-to none sweep in their North Division semi-final series.
Levi made 30 saves to join Bobby Perreault (1957) and Mika Noronen (2000-two times) with consecutive postseason shutouts.
“For us to be able to pull off the sweep is pretty incredible; it’s just cool that we got the outcome that we wanted with that complete buy-in,” Levi said.
Mason Jobst broke open the scoreless tie during a four-on-four as he hopped off the bench on a line change, gathering up a loose puck at center ice and scored on the breakaway at 15:51 of the first.
The Amerks broke the game open in the third period as defenseman Kale Clague scored his third goal of the series under the crossbar at 1:45 with assists from Konsta Helenius and Tyson Kozak.
Six minutes later Jobst redirected a pass from Zach Metsa for an insurance tally and, after Syracuse was held off the scoreboard for over four minutes with their goaltender pulled for the extra attacker, Brendan Warren secured the victory with an empty-net goal at 18:42.
“If you would have told me at the start of the series that we would out-number them in net-front goals; guys were incredible, the sacrifice, the effort, awesome,” Rochester head coach Michael Leone said.
The Amerks tied the AHL record for fewest goals allowed in a three-game playoff series (2) with Cleveland (1939) and Pittsburgh (1951).
Rochester now awaits the winner of the Cleveland vs Laval division semi-final series which stands 1-0 Rocket after their win Wednesday. Games two and three and Friday and Saturday. The North Division final is also a best-of-five series.
Protecting a 1-0 lead on a Konsta Helenius first period goal, Rochjester withstood physical and offensive zone pressure from Syracuse before Juri Kulich changed the complexion of the game with a power play just 14 seconds before the end of the second period to lead the Amerks to a 4-0 win Sunday afternoon.
It marks the first playoff shutout for the team in almost two years (April 30, 2023, also against Syracuse) and gives them a two-games-to-none advantage in their best-of-five first round playoff series. Game three is in Syracuse Thursday night.
“It was a 4-0 game, but the score doesn’t really show you what happened out there,” goaltender Devon Levi, who made 35 saves in net, said. “We got fortunate, but I think we put in the work to get those bounces. Playing a tough team we’re also a tough team and we didn’t back down from them tonight and it was really cool to see.”
Defenseman Kyle Clague, who had three points in the game, put the game out of reach almost six minutes into the third with his second goal in two games. And Isak Rosen added a late empty netter.
Rochester played almost 35 minutes of the game without defenseman Vsevold Komarov, who was injured in a fight and later saw blueliner Jack Rathbone also leave briefly with an injury and Zach Metsa received a ten-minute misconduct and the end of the second period.
The winner of this series will play the winner of Cleveland vs Laval, which starts either Wednesday or Thursday night depending on the outcome of the Montreal Washington NHL playoff series.
About 16 months ago on this website there was a profile on New York Rangers 2023 sixth round draft pick Ty Hendriks. Then he was playing with his second team in the USHL, Muskegon, and had committed to play college hockey at Western Michigan University.
Fast forward 16 months and Hendriks was a 19-year-old freshman with the Broncos playing on the fourth line and, oh yeah, scored the game-winning goal in the Frozen Four national championship game.
“It’s still setting in,” Hendriks said in the locker room following the on-ice celebration. “Feels good to be able to help the team out any way possible.
“I didn’t really see much I kind of had my back turned toward the play. As soon as turned around it was “Knubs” (linemate Cam Knuble) coming through with a two-on-one so I decided to stop up and he took it to the nest and I got the rebound.”
The 6’5”, 210 lb. left wing from Mission Viejo, California left home at 13 years old to pursue his dream with Shattuck St. Mary’s for three seasons.
“When I was about 11, I went to the Shattuck camp for younger kids and it’s kind of a bite-size experience of the school and I did that twice and fell in love with the program and I knew that it was one of my goals to attend the school,” Henricks recalled.
“When I got the opportunity to play up on the U14 at13, there is no way I would turn that down. My parents weren’t too pleased with the idea, but after some thought they said if this is what’s best for him in his hockey career, then let’s let him do it.”
Then it was back home with the Jr. Ducks for the 21-22 campaign where he exploded for a combined 87 goals and 68 assists in 80 games for the 16-U program.
During two seasons in the USHL split between Fargo and Muskegon, Hendriks registered 51 points in a combined 107 games. Now he adds a national title to his resume and a pretty nice ring. And next year a chance to compete against his brother, Tanner, who will be a freshman with NCHC conference opponent St. Cloud State.
This season Hendriks finished with eight goals and five assists in 41 games at Western Michigan. His fourth line did not see the ice in the third period or either overtime period in their semi-final victory over sixth-seeded and defending champion Denver, so to score the game-winner one game later was a little bit of a surprise.
“It’s been a lot of learning and definitely made me a better person and player and just being with this group of guys has been awesome; nothing more I could ask for.”
Eight players born in New York and, in a season that featured 20 men’s and women’s college teams from the state ranked in the top 20 in their respective divisions, 23 others attending those New York colleges were honored with Division I or Division III American College Hockey Association All-American honors.
On the women’s side, Webster native and Clarkson University senior defense Haley Winn was named First Team in Division I while Oswego senior forward Mack Hull (Watertown) was First Team East in Division III.
Winn, named ECAC Player of the Year, Defender of the Year and a Patty Kazmaier Top Ten nomination, led the team in assists (32) and points (46). She was also selected to represent the U.S. in the upcoming World Championships. Hull, the SUNYAC Player of the Year, led the conference in points (23) as well as goals (11).
For the men, SUNY Cortland graduate student Nate Berke (Williamsville) was a First Team East selection at forward while Aurora College senior goaltender Jacob Mucitelli (Woodgate) was First Team West in Division III.
Berke, the first in Red Dragons program history name a First Team All-American, was the Herb Hammond Co-Player of the Year and a First Team All-SUNYAC honoree. He recorded 39 points on 16 goals and 23 assists. His 1.50 points per game ranked him sixth in the country and first in the SUNYAC and his 0.62 goals per game were second in the SUNYAC and tied for 12th in the nation. Mucitelli finished with an 18-5 overall record with 2.47 goals against average and a .913 save percentage and was named Northern Collegiate Hockey Association All-Conference.
Three men were named to the Division I Second Team East in Boston College graduate student Eamon Powell (Marcellus), Holy Cross senior forward Liam McLinsky (Pearl River) and University of Connecticut sophomore forward Joey Muldowney (Lake View).
Powell broke the program record for games played in his final game of his collegiate career taking the ice for the 170th time with Boston College. He won the Hockey East Best Defensive Defenseman Award along with being named a Hockey East First Team All-Star after playing in 32 games with 20 points on four goals and 16 assists. He was drafted by Tampa Bay in 2020 but signed an Amateur Tryout Contract (ATO) with Charlotte in the AHL. McLinsky was Atlantic Hockey Player of the Year, Forward of the Year, First Team selection, Scoring Champion and Hobey Baker Top 10 finalist. His 54 points this season are the most among eastern players, third-most among all players this season and tied for most in a single season in Holy Cross’ Division I era. Muldowney led the team with 29 goals, second amongst Hockey East scorers and second amongst all Division I scorers, and finished the season with 47 points, leading the Huskies and setting a new program record for most points in a single season.
Arcadia University senior forward Karahkwenhawe White, (Akwesasne) was named Third Team East for the women. The first All-American in program history, she was named First Team All-MAC, ranked second in the conference in points (34), third in goals (19) and seventh in assists (15). Nationally, White ranked 11th in points and goals and was top 50 in assists.
Cornell sophomore goaltender Annelies Bergmann and Colgate graduate forward Kristýna Kaltounková were Second Team selections in Division I for the women. In Division III Elmira senior forward Erika Goleniak was a First Team East selection while Oswego senior goaltender Lexi Levy, Plattsburgh senior defense Mattie Norton and Utica University senior forward Jordan Kawalski each earned Second Team East nods.
William Smith senior goaltender Erin Murray, Utica University graduate goaltender Angela Hawthorne and Nazareth University graduate defense Julia Holmes and freshman forward Amy Laskowski were Third Team East selections.
Back on the men’s side, Army West Point sophomore defenseman Mac Gadowsky and Clarkson senior forward Ayrton Martino were Division I First Team East selections, Clarkson junior defenseman Trey Taylor was Second Team East.
In Division III all but one spot on the First Team East was taken by New Yorkers. Aside from Berke, national champion Hobart College graduate defenseman and junior forward Tanner Daniels along with Hamilton College senior defenseman James Philpott and sophomore forward Luke Tchor were honored.
Second Team East picks included Hobart junior goaltender Damon Beaver and senior forward Luke Aquaro with SUNY Geneseo senior forward Peter Morgan. Third Team East honorees were Hamilton College senior goaltender Charlie Archer, Geneseo sophomore defenseman Sean Melso, Plattsburgh graduate defenseman Kevin Weaver and Oswego freshman forward Ryan Burke.
To say Buffalo Sabres 2023 third round draft pick and Clarence Center native Gavin McCarthy has taken huge strides forward in his game this season would be an understatement.
Moving from the third pair on Boston University’s defense as a freshman to now playing major minutes on the top pair for the Terriers and their return trip to the Frozen Four is one indicator. Jumping from five points in 40 games last year to 16 points in 37 games this season is another and he has shown durability missing just one game over the last two seasons.
But probably the biggest stride is the maturity to his game. Playing with Washington Capitals second round draft pick Cole Hutson, who was named the National Rookie of the Year after a 46-point season, means McCarthy often needs to be the one that stays back and is more defensively aware.
“Last year I was just happy to be here,” McCarthy said about reaching the Frozen Four. “I think this year a little bit more of a business trip so looking forward to the opportunity this year.
“Like the whole team, a little up and down this season. Kind of a tough start but really found my game in the second half. The chemistry with Cole took a little bit.
“I try to be a two-way D but obviously Cole is super-talented offensively and he’s going to do his thing, so I just try to play my game and I think we compliment each other very well.”
The 6’2”, 188 lb. right shot spent three years with the hometown Buffalo Jr. Sabres before jumping to Muskegon in the USHL for two seasons doubling his point total in year two.
BU MENS HOCKEY
Then the NHL draft where he was taken by his hometown team just months before heading to BU to play last season with his brother Case, who is now in the New York Rangers organization as a free agent.
With the usual brotherly competition of course as it took Gavin more than a few games to score his first Terrier goal until getting the game-winner in the Hockey East title game last March.
“I talked to after the Cornell game (Regional final) actually and he was kind of chirping me because two years and two Frozen Fours for me and he was five years and got two.
“My brother was chirping me all (last) year, I hit a couple posts and wasn’t able to get it but finally got it in a pretty cool moment.”
(Photos by Boston University Athletics & Men’s Hockey; Koz, NY Hockey OnLine)
