Tim Hortons®, The PWHL and Barbie® Team Up on New Hockey Dolls in Collaboration with Superstars Sarah Nurse and Marie-Philip Poulin
Barbie® Tim Hortons® PWHL™ Dolls will be available starting Aug. 11 at participating Tim Hortons restaurants in Canada and are available now at TimShop.ca and Official PWHL Shops (Canada/US).
$5 CAD from every doll sold at Tims restaurants and TimShop.ca or at the online PWHL Shops will be donated to Grindstone Award Foundation.
In celebration of the launch of Barbie® Tim Hortons® PWHL™ Dolls, the Tim Hortons restaurant located at 3157 Dundas St. W. in Toronto has been transformed, with its iconic Tims red replaced with Barbie pink and PWHL purple. The restaurant makeover will be available for guests to see until Aug. 13.
TORONTO, August 8, 2025 – She shoots, she scores, she supports!
Tim Hortons, the PWHL and Mattel, Inc. announced today the launch of new Barbie® Tim Hortons® PWHL™ Dolls, which will be available starting Aug. 11 at participating Tim Hortons restaurants across Canada and online now at TimShop.ca and PWHL Shops. As part of a shared commitment to increasing access for girls in hockey, Tim Hortons will donate $5 CAD to the Grindstone Foundation for every Barbie® Tim Hortons® PWHL™ Doll sold in participating restaurants and TimShop.ca, and the PWHL will match this with a $5 CAD donation for each doll bought through its online store.
As the most diverse doll line on the market, Barbie is continuing to empower young children to unlock their limitless potential. Studies show that girls who are involved in team sports are more likely to believe they are smart enough for their dream career, have high opinions on their abilities and competencies, increased leadership aspirations and enjoy higher levels of self-confidence.[1]
The two Barbie® Tim Hortons® PWHL™ Dolls are inspired by members of Team Barbie and PWHL superstars Sarah Nurse and Marie-Philip Poulin, who were recognized as Barbie role models in 2020 for being trailblazers on the ice and breaking down barriers for women in hockey. Each Barbie doll comes with a Tim Hortons PWHL hockey jersey, hockey stick, helmet and skates and can be purchased for $34.99 CAD.
[1] According to the NAACP + The Girls’ Index
There are more ways for fans to celebrate the launch of the Barbie® Tim Hortons® PWHL™ Dolls, including:
Tims Rewards members who purchase a Barbie® Tim Hortons® PWHL™ Doll from a Tims restaurant will also be entered for a chance to win an exclusive PWHL game day experience. For more details and contest information, visit timhortons.ca/hockey-barbie.
Starting Aug. 11, the Barbie PWHL Donut — a yeast ring donut dipped in white icing and topped with pink sprinkles — and Barbie Pineapple Dragon Fruit Quenchers will also be available at participating Tims restaurants.
The New York Sirens announce the addition of Valérie Bois as the team’s newest assistant coach ahead of the 2025-26 Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) season. Bois brings over a decade of high-level coaching experience in both men’s and women’s hockey, along with a strong passion for athlete development. She most recently helped launch the women’s hockey program at Bishop’s University, serving two seasons as an associate coach and two seasons as head coach, leading the Gaiters to their first U SPORTS National Championship in 2024-25 in just their fourth season.
“Valérie is truly what you’d call a year-round, career coach,” said Sirens General Manager Pascal Daoust. “She has successfully held both head coach and assistant coach roles – winning multiple championships – across different levels, with both men’s and women’s teams, sometimes even within the same season. She is passionate, knowledgeable, and deeply committed to helping every athlete she works with reach their full potential and will be a natural fit within the culture and values of the New York Sirens family.”
In addition to her U SPORTS experience, Bois served as an assistant coach for Les Canadiennes de Montréal of the Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL) during the 2018-19 season, advancing to the Clarkson Cup final. One of her first career highlights came as head coach for LHFDQ Nord and winning the 2013 Esso Cup – Canada’s Women’s U18 National Club Championship. She also served as an assistant coach for Collège Français de Longueuil and helped the team to a top four finish at the 2022 Centennial Cup – Canada’s National Junior A Championship. Bois has also contributed to Hockey Québec’s Program of Excellence at both the U16 and U18 levels, leading the U18 team to a National Championship two years in a row (2023 and 2024).
“I’m thrilled to be joining the New York Sirens as an assistant coach,” said Bois. “This organization truly aligns with my values, especially in its commitment to building a strong team both on and off the ice. What drew me to the Sirens is their focus on creating a team culture rooted in respect, integrity, and growth. It’s an honor to be part of a league and program that is not only developing young, dynamic talent with great veteran leadership already in place, but also building an identity grounded in purpose and long-term progress. I’m excited to support the players’ development and help lay the foundation for sustained success.”
Bois joins the Sirens coaching staff consisting of head coach Greg Fargo and fellow assistant coaches Josh Sciba and Gordon Woodhall. Assistant coaches Mike Sommer and Lauren Williams will not be returning for the 2025-26 campaign. The New York Sirens thank Mike and Lauren for their commitment to the team and wish them all the best in their next opportunity.
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.
(Editors Note: This season NY Hockey Online Magazine will be focusing on Western New York women’s ice hockey. However, any connection players in other areas of New York and beyond have with WNY will also be covered. We make this change as covering the entire state in-depth has become a challenge with only three reporters and one photographer. Press releases are still very welcome from all hockey venues.)
PWHL
The Professional Women’s Hockey League dropped their first puck on January 1, 2024. They played a half season and then held their 2025 draft this past June. The PWHL is preceded by the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL) and the Premier Hockey Federation (PHF).
The league, now owned by the Mark Walter Group and Billie Jean King Enterprises, began with six team and then expanded the league by two more this year. The original six teams, Boston Fleet, Montreal Victoire, New York Sirens, Ottawa Charge, Minnesota Frost and Toronto Sceptre, were joined by the PWHL Seattle and PWHL Vancouver.
New York played in the first game of the PWHL on January 1 against Toronto. Ella Shelton of New York had the first PWHL goal and the Sirens won the first game of the new league. Toronto finished first overall after the short season. However it was Minnesota defeating Boson and winning the first-ever Walter Cup Championship. Natalie Spooner won the League’s first-ever MVP as the league’s leading scorer. Taylor Heise led the playoffs in scoring and took the post season MVP.
Then came the 2025 PWHL Draft. Held at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Ottawa, Kristyne Kaltounkova was the first overall draftee taken by New York. She is from Czechia and played at Colgate University where she was tapped the NCAA All Time Leading Scorer with 111 points.
Rochester’s Hayley Winn went second overall to Boston, coming from Clarkson University. Winn played for the Bishop Kearney Selects.
New York made the first trade by sending Ella Shelton to Toronto for Toronto’s first choice and third overall. They took Casey O’Brien the Patty Kazmaier Awardee from the University of Wisconsin.
Other New York Sirens selections included Forward Anne Cherkowski (Clarkson University), Forward MacKenna Webster (Ohio State), Defender Dayla Ross (St. Cloud University), Forward Maddie Wheeler (Ohio State), Goaltender Callie Shanahan (Boston University), Forward Anna Bargman (Yale) and Goaltender Kaley Doyle (Quinnipiac).
There were several draftees with New York State connections including from Clarkson University Nicole Gosling; Colgate University: Katoun Kova and Hannah Murphy; Cornell University: Rory Guilday and Lily Delianedas; St. Lawrence: Abby Hustler and Anna Segedi both to Minnesota;
WNY’s Brooke Becker was drafted by Minnesota. Becker played for the WNYGVIH Frontier/LakeShore/Orchard Park team and then went to Providence College to play for the Frairs.
Fairport’s Kiara Zanon went to Toronto in the second round.
Already rostered by the PWHL from WNY are Katy Knoll of Rochester and Natalie Buchbinder of Fairport with the Minnesota Frost and Hayley Scamurra and Maureen Murphy both from Buffalo and playing for Montreal.
New Hartford’s Sydney Bard is with Vancouver and Conger’s Abigail Levy is in Boston.
Boston’s Aerin Frankel is from Chappaqua and skated at the Westchester Ice Arena before playing for Shattuck St. Mary’s. She played for the New York team before being signed by Boston.
NY has signed Sara Fillier and Allyson Simpson to two year contract extensions and signed Savanna Norcross, Lauren Bernarce, Kayla Vespa, Jiney Roese and Taylor Girard to one-year contracts.
2021 SABRES PROSPECTS
Another WNY connection is Goaltender Carly Jackson who spent played for the NWHL/PHF Buffalo Beauts and is currently with Minnesota.
The PWHL recognized several players with their 2025 awards. Named BJK MVP as well as Forward of the Year was Montreal’s Marie-Philip Poulin. Defender of the Year honors went to Toronto’s Renata Fast. Ann-Renee Desbiens was named Goaltender of the Year for her play with Montreal and Rookie of the Year went to New York’s Sarah Fillier. Montreal’s Head Coach, Kari Cheverie, was named Coach of the Year. Montreal’s Laura Stacey was named the PWHL Hockey For All honoree.
The League’s first All Star teams were announced:
First Team All Stars: Forwards Sarah Fillier (NY), Hilary Knight (BOS), Marie-Philip Poulin (MTL); Defenders Renata Fast (Tor), Sophie Jaques (Min) and Goaltender Ann-Renee Desbien (MTL).
Second All Star Team: Forwards Kendall Coyne Schofield (MIN), Tereza Vanisova (OTT) and Daryl Watts (TOR); Defenders Ella Shelton (NY) and Claire Thompson (MIN) and Goaltender Aerin Frankel (BOS).
All Rookie Team: Forwards Britta Curl-Salemme (MIN), Sarah Fillier (NY), Jenn Gardiner (MTL); Defenders Cayla Barnes (MTL) and Anna Wilgren (MTL) and Goaltender Gwyneth Philips (OTT).
Impact Awards went to Jaime Lee Rattry (BOS), Nicole Hensley (MIN), Amanda Boulier (MTL), Emmy Fecteau (NY) Rebecca Leslie (OTT) and Allie Munroe (TOR).
This coming season the PWHL will schedule 30 games for each team with two games being played in Sweden. They will take a 19 day break for he 2026 Winter Olympics. Playoffs will begin May 7 with the Finals scheduled for May 26. Minnesota will be looking to defend their championship.
College
Buffalo State University
Head Coach Rachel Grampp begins her fifth season with the Bengals coming off the most conference wins since 2019-20. Williamsville’s Vanessa Willis logged 6 goals and 18 assists to lead the Bengals in scoring. Willis played for the WNYGVIH Williamsville team.
The Bengals will be hosting their Buffalo State Golf Classic on August 4 at Pendleton Creek Golf Club.
Hilbert College
Brian Becker was named Head Coach in February, replacing interim Head Coach Emma Knoll. Becker comes from St. Francis High School Prep where he served as head coach from 2021-2024. He also served as head coach of the Lockport Express NA3HL team.
Hilbert continues to grow its program, now in its 4th year as a NCAA team. With that said there are some records to acknowledge with Goaltender Jewely Monford making over 500 saves, Tia Card with 1,200 career saves and Brooke Thompson making 74 saves in a single game against Buffalo State.
This year’s Coach’s Award went to Perry’s Brooke Kwiecien, MVP honors went to Izabelle Wagner and Card.
NY’ers on the roster include Alexandra Heyden of Henrietta and Kelsey Fuller of Rome. The freshmen recruits have not yet been announced.
St. John Fisher
It’s the Inaugural Season for St. John Fisher with a familiar name at the helm. Head Coach Scott McDonald (at RIT) comes from Niagara University, where he played defense for four years. then he coached the women’s ice hockey program at Rochester Institute of Technology and served as the Rochester Jr. Amerks Girls Hockey Director and College Hockey Advisor. McDonald joins Fisher after three years as the player development coach of the Bishop Kearney Selects Girls Hockey Program. In addition, he is owner/leader of Maverick Hockey Development, where he designs custom hockey development programs for all Rochester Area youth hockey organizations.
Assistant coach is Georgiana Santullo who played five seasons with Utica College and then played in Italy.
The team opens on the road at Neumann College on October 31. Their first-ever home game will be held against William Smith on November 8. They will play at the Rochester Ice Center in Fairport.
St. John Fisher will be part of the United College Hockey Conference (UCHC) league.
Nazareth
Twenty-two Nazareth women’s ice hockey players were named to the UCHC All Academic team including three who have been recognized five times. Those honors went to McKinely Huff, Julia Holmes and Kate Cascio.
NY natives named were: Cascio (Oceanside/Bishop Kearney Selects), Brooke Terry (Massena/Ottawa Jr. 67s), Brooke Judkiewicz (East Concord/Barrie Jr Sharks), MacKenzie Garrow (Akwesasne/Malone Adk 46ers),
Julia Holmes received Academic All District honors from the College Sports Communicators.
Nazareth College awards went to Amy Laskowski, Rookie of the Year.
The team was also recognized for the Best Social Media Post of the Year with their post on women’s hockey road trip and goal trouble.
Holmes was also cited for Best Career Accomplishments. Her and Laskowski were named to the East Third Team All American by CCM Hockey/American Hockey Coaches Association.
The team took the UCHC Championship after a 3-2 win over Utica College and then ended their season in the NCAA Quarterfinals with a 1-0 loss to Middlebury. They posted a 21-7-1 overall record under seventh season Head Coach Chris Baudo.
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)
Head Coach Celeste Brown enters her sixth season as coach of the Tigers. After a 16-17-4 overall record the Tigers open September 26 against Post University at home.
The team has selected Emma Pickering and Jordan Fahrny as team captains for the upcoming season with Lexi Sung. Addie Alvarez (Rochester/Syracuse Valley Eagles) and Linda Rulle serving as alternate captains. Alvarez was the top scorer in 2024-25 with 6 goals and 26 assists for 32 points.
WNY native Cam Brownschildle will be entering her senior year this fall.
NY Hockey sends condolences to RIT on the passing of Stu Hughes a 47-year member of the arena staff. Hughes served as Ice Operations Manager at both the Frank Ritter Arena and the Gene Polisseni Center. He passed of cancer at 64 years of age on July 15.
Note that ticket sales are on right now for RIT men’s and women’s ice hockey. Call 585-475-4121.
RIT had a number of D1 Krampade All American Scholars this past season including Kylie Aquaro, Sarah Coe, Jordan Fahrny, Kailey Favro, Bronwyn Khangsar, Emma Pickering, Linda Rulle and Misa Tsilernas. Seventeen were named to the Atlantic Hockey All Academic Team.
Jordyn Bear was named AHA Best Defensive Forward.
The Tiger’s season ended with a 4-0 loss to #1 Penn State in the AHA semi-finals.
Other
Looking at the ACHA teams from WNY for 2025-26 it looks as though Niagara University will once again have teams in the D1 and D2 divisions with Oswego, RIT and Brockport icing D2 squads.
Last season NU’s D2 teams posted a 13-8-1 record and their D1 team was ranked 8th with a 11-10-2 record.
Brockport posted a 4-7-0 record last season and RIT a 3-5-2 record.
The University of Buffalo’s team did not play last season.
On rosters from the WNYGVIH league in the ACHA are Reece Honadle from Monsignor Martin for RIT and Skylar Berube from Niagara County for NU.
…Cortland Red Dragon’s Head Coach Rick Filighera will be entering his 10th season in 2025-26. Cortland opens with an exhibition game against Nazareth on October 18 at 1 p.m. at home.
…Niagara County’s Kayla Persinger of Youngstown is playing for Cortland, as is Fairport’s Katie Diem.
…Buffalo’s Sarah Waskielewicz is on the Elmira Women’s Ice Hockey Team.
…Lauryn Brown (Eden/WNYGVIH HEWS) was named an ACHA All American Scholar, as was Rochester’s Emma Corbett.
…Kendal Kalinowski (Buffalo/Buffalo Bisons) was received SUNYAC Commissioner’s Academic honors. She plays for SUNY Morrisville.
…Congratulations to Sara and Hannah Barrett on their graduation from Potsdam, where they also played ice hockey. The Barretts played for the HEWS team in the WNYGVIH Federation. They both received SUNYAC academic honors this past season.
…Also playing for Potsdam is Olivia Visco of West Seneca who played for Nichols High School. She also was the recipient of SUNYAC academic honors.
…Plattsburgh’s Tessa Morris (Grand Island/Nichols) was named to the D1 Krampade/American AHCA Hockey Coaches Association All American Scholar honor list.
…Lara Beecher, Buffalo, has transferred from the University of Vermont to Clarkson University where she will play ice hockey this coming season. She is a senior.
…Haley Winn graduated from Clarkson and was named to the Academic All Academic At Large Team.
…Riley Andzel (West Seneca) will enter her junior year at SUNY Canton. Andzel played five years for the WNYGVIH Federation HEWS team. She served as team captain with HEWS and was named to First Team All Fed.
…Madison Mallone (Lockport) played for WNYGVIH Niagara County and will play her sophomore year at Canton. In her high school career she was named to First Team All Fed, Player of the Year for her team and took the Coaches Award.
WNYGVIH
Along with several players named in the collegiate stories above, several have made college commitments for the upcoming year. (They may not be playing hockey.)
Cady Kowalow will play for Northeastern University after a successful career with Lancaster/Iroquois/Depew and then the Bishop Kearney Selects.
Bella Jayme, a familiar name with Kenmore/Grand Island/Lockport has committed to Cortland for the upcoming season.
Danielle Cottrell will be attending Ithaca College. Cottrell played for St. Mary’s of Lancaster.
Georgia Mango will be playing Lacrosse at SUNY Oswego. Mango played for Clarence/Amherst Sweethome (CASH)
Frontier/Lakeshore/Orchard Park’s Maya Griffin will be playing lacrosse and soccer at Youngstown State.
FLOP’s Lila Cudney will be attending SUNY Canton where she will play ice hockey for the Roos.
Hamburg/Eden/West Seneca’s (HEWS) Samantha Miller will be attending Buffalo State University. Katlynn Wittschack and Kayla Pelc will be attending SUNY Cortland.
KGi’s Natalie Kopf will be attending RPI; Isabelle Bourgeault, Cortland; and Jullian Hager, Oswego. Avery Hall, goaltender for St. Mary’s of Lancaster will be playing ice hockey at Johnson and Wales; Riley Kumrow will be playing ice hockey at Kings College; Alana Pagano will be attending the University of South Carolina; Samantha Hatt, Niagara University; Emma Babcock, Niagara University.
Williamsville’s Sophia DePrima will be attending Sacred Heart College.
Williamsville’s Mia Wendel played four seasons at Yale University and will now move on to Sacred Heart to play her graduate student year. The goalie is working on her MBA.
(Please note, some of this may have changed since I received information at the end of the hockey season and rosters for most colleges have not been posted. If player is playing a sport other than hockey, I did not have that information. Looking forward to any help so email me at Janet@nyhockeyonline.com You know I welcome your assistance.)
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.
