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Excitement Building For 2024 IIHF Women’s World Championship

By
Janet
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0
Dignitaries Were in Utica To Discuss Plans  
 
UTICA, N.Y. – As city of Utica and Oneida County officials gathered with USA Hockey representatives to introduce the 2024 IIHF Women’s World Championship – which will take place April 3-14, 2024, at Adirondack Bank Center – the excitement and anticipation of putting on the best-ever women’s world hockey championship was evident.With the top women’s hockey players from 10 nations across the world coming to Utica, organizers have big plans for not only a great championship on the ice, culminating with the gold-medal game on April 14, but also a grand celebration off the ice throughout the 12-day event.

Among those in attendance today were former NHL and Olympic goaltender Robert Esche, the current president of Mohawk Valley Garden and the Utica Comets, who spearheaded efforts to bring the event to the region, as well as Oneida County executive Anthony Picente.

“Hosting this event is an opportunity for us to show everything Utica has to offer,” said Esche. “We plan to make it a twelve day spectacle unlike anything the area has seen, from showcasing local businesses and event spaces, to the fan zone festivities surrounding the building, through the games inside the Adirondack Bank Center. Our goal is to make this the best Women’s World Championship to date, and to show the world how strong the hockey community is in Utica.”

“Oneida County is honored to play host to the 2024 Women’s World Hockey Championship and we cannot wait to showcase all our area has to offer to fans from around the world,” said Picente. “Being presented with this enormous opportunity speaks volumes to where this region stands, and together with our partners, we are committed to making this event unlike anything anyone has ever seen.”

USA Hockey officials on hand included Mike Trimboli, the organization’s president, who lives in Massena, New York; Tony Driscoll, assistant executive director of marketing, communications and events; and Madison Brown, director of events.In addition, Olympic gold medalist Megan Keller, a current alternate captain of the U.S. Women’s National Team, was in town to celebrate.

“We’ve seen firsthand the enthusiasm of civic leaders in the Mohawk Valley region and we know how committed they are in working together to make this the best women’s world championship ever held,” said Driscoll. “We’re all excited about the opportunity to welcome teams and fans from the across the world, and also for the fans of Utica and the surrounding region to enjoy the many unique opportunities that come with hosting a world championship.”

The final tournament schedule – which includes 29 total games – is anticipated to be released later this month. The tournament format includes two five-team groups, with the U.S., Canada, Czechia, Switzerland and Finland making up Group A and Sweden, Japan, Germany, China and Denmark comprising Group B.

Competition begins with the preliminary round, where each team plays the other four in its group. Following preliminary round play, the top five teams from Group A and top three from Group B advance to quarterfinal action. The winners play in the semifinals, followed by the bronze and gold-medal games.

Last year’s tournament took place in Brampton, Ontario, where Team USA captured its first world crown since 2019, topping Canada by a 6-3 count in the gold-medal game.The U.S. has hosted the IIHF Women’s World Championship just four times previously, most recently in Plymouth, Mich., in 2017.

The 2024 event will mark the second time the prestigious tournament will be staged in the state of New York, with Lake Placid having played host in 1994.Since the tournament’s inception in 1990, the United States has come away with 10 total gold medals. 

All session ticket package are currently on sale at EmpireStateTix.com.

Stefano Durante Appointed OJHL Director of Player Recruitment

By
Janet
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0

RBC Cup hero earned NCAA DI scholarship while winning national title with OJHL’s Cobourg Cougars

Mississauga, ON – ….  The Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) has appointed Stefano Durante as the league’s first Director of Player Recruitment, the OJHL announced. 

Durante, 27, played three seasons in goal for the OJHL’s Cobourg Cougars, leading the team to the Royal Bank Cup national championship in 2017. The Brampton native received a scholarship to NCAA Division I American International College in Springfield, Mass where he played four seasons and earned a psychology degree. Following a year of pro hockey, Durante returned to the GTA where he works in player development. 

Durante’s resume includes being named the OJHL’s Top Goalie twice and its Humanitarian of the Year, Top Goaltender at the 2017 RBC Cup and 2020-21 Atlantic Hockey Conference Goalie of the Year.

Durante’s job description with the OJHL includes: “Developing and implementing a league-wide OJHL Player Recruitment Strategy, which will include presentations to players, parents, and other stakeholders on the advantages of playing in the OJHL at various internal and external events.”

Through the OJHL Board of Directors and Strategic Leadership Team, the league is developing strategic initiatives to drive improvement of the support and value the OJHL provides to players, said league Commissioner Marty Savoy. There will be a particular focus on the awareness of the OJHL, safety and the development of the athlete. 

“The league was looking for an individual who has played in the OJHL, who experienced success within the league, who reached their goals by playing at the next level successfully,” said Savoy. “Stefano not only checked all those boxes, but he excelled at each of those levels.  As a former OJHL Humanitarian of the Year it speaks volumes to his character and is the perfect person to speak to players and families about the benefits of playing in the OJHL.  Stefano has had great success both on and off the ice walking the path that these players are about to walk through.”

Durante is pumped about his new job.

“It’s cool to be back in this league again,” Durante, a practice goalie with the Toronto Maple Leafs, told the OJHL.

His message?

“The OJHL is a special place,” he said. “It’s a big development league. We’ve got a lot of 16- and 17-year-olds playing in it right now. I’m going to tell players and parents that this is a league where you’re going to come in early and you’re going to develop all the way through till you’re 19 and 20 years old.”

“When it’s time to go off to college, whether it’s U SPORTS or NCAA Division I or III, you’re going to be ready just because you’ve gotten those reps in when you were younger. A lot of the other leagues are older, so there’s not that chance for the younger players to play.”

The OJHL has announced 35-plus NCAA Division I commitments already this year.

“And you’re going to develop as a person, too,” Durante said. “We’ve got so many great teams and cities in this league where it will happen.”

Durante is a big fan of playing at home in southern Ontario, where OJHL players get to skate in front of families and friends. Parents Rita and Jimmy Durante have fond memories of seeing Stefano and brother Luca play goal in the league, especially their head-to-head matchups.

To get the message across, Durante will be conducting seminars and Zoom meetings with youth hockey players and teams around North America. He’ll also be networking with college and university coaches in the United States and Canada to promote OJHL players.

He calls winning the RCC Cup “probably the coolest experience of my life.”

“To be able to win that in Cobourg in front of our own fans with a team that was more like family by the end of it. I like to say that Cobourg and the OJ hold a very special place in my heart: Cobourg was a place I got to be a national champion in. It was a place I got to meet lifelong friends. It led me to meet my future wife who I will marry in June while playing in the OJ.”

Earlier this year, the OJHL announced the creation of a Department of Player Safety that was developed to increase processes for the safety and management of our game. Greg Kimmerly, a 20-year NHL Official, was hired to serve as the first OJHL Director of Player Safety. 

The league has also announced that starting this season all 24 teams will have tablets on the bench for in-game use by players and coaches to review footage. The video will also be used for goal review challenges by teams.

Future Islanders: Ruslan Iskhakov

By
Janet
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0

By Warren Kozireski —

One year ago, 2018 New York Islanders second round draft pick Ruslan Iskhakov was new to Prospect Camp, training camp and embarking on his first season of professional hockey with the Bridgeport Islanders in the American Hockey League.

Now he has evolved as a veteran who is hoping to be one of the first called up to the NHL when injuries occur.

And he got that second professional season off to a roaring start with two goals, including the overtime game-winner, and an assist in the season opener for Bridgeport and adding a pair of assists in the second game to tie him for the early league lead in points.

“Had a lot of fun today finally getting the season going,” Iskhakov said after the opener.

Iskhakov is from Moscow, Russia, but decided the NCAA would be his route and played two seasons at the University of Connecticut. The playmaker scored a combined 42 points in 64 games before the pandemic meant no Huskies hockey and he headed to first Finland and then Germany for two campaigns.

“It’s actually an interesting story (coming to play college hockey). One time I was watching the World Junior Championships U-18, and the American team was really good at the time. And I looked at their roster and 90% of players were from the NCAA, so that’s how it basically started.

“Then a couple of schools contacted me when I was with the National team and that’s how I ended up (at UConn) and then I was in Europe; it was a good time (and) I really enjoyed it.”

He is just 5’8” and 170 lb. but is likely the fastest skater on the ice in any given game. Good stickhandling in traffic and he’s not afraid to go to the boards or the net.

Now 23 years old, Iskhakov scored 17 goals with 34 assists in 69 games last season with Bridgeport and was named to the AHL All-Star game as an injury replacement.

He is listed on the roster as a center but was playing left wing. Doesn’t seem to matter.

“It doesn’t matter as long as you get the right people to play with and space to show your skills. I don’t want to be a picky guy; if the team sees me as a winger, you just need to adjust pretty quickly and play your best.”

Of to a strong start to his second season after a strong Prospect Camp and preseason, Iskakov is vaulting himself into the New York Islanders conversation in the near or very near future.

“I think it went pretty good; I worked really hard this summer on my weaknesses, and it was my second camp, so I was way more comfortable, so I think it was pretty good.”

(Islanders Photo)

Wayne Wilson Leads RIT Into His Silver Anniversary Season

By
Janet
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0

BY RANDY SCHULTZ –

Wayne Wilson is now in his silver anniversary season as head coach of RIT’s men’s hockey program. One would think that after 25 seasons with the same team, things might get a bit boring.

But not for Wilson. Every year always presents a new challenge for the RIT men’s head coach.

“You are always looking forward to a lot of things with the hockey season,” said Wilson. “It’s exciting for everyone involved.

“We have a great group of guys back. We like our freshmen, but there’s always the unknown with them.

“You have high hopes for them because you recruited them. They work their way into the lineup.

“But it is the returners that really drive everything. We also have a new leadership group here. We’ll see what they bring to the table.”

Wilson knows what this year’s team has on the roster. And, as he has done in past seasons, the RIT men’s head hockey coach looks first to the veterans.

“The easy ones to pick out would be Tommy Scarfone, who was first team all-league,” answered Wilson. Aiden Hansen-Bukata and Gianfranco Cassaro are two first-team all-league defensemen who are returning.

“There is Carter Wilkie was MVP and leading scorer in the league last year. Cody Laskosky, who was defensive player of the year in our league, is also a good offensive threat.

“Those are the easy guys to identify on the team.”

As he has done in the past, Wilson also looks at last year’s freshmen players and what they may contribute this year.

“There is Simon Isabelle has made some big strides since last year’s freshman year,” commented Wilson. “There’s Xavier Lapointe, who has learned a lot from his freshman year.

“Finally there are a handful of last year’s sophomore class who are now juniors and have two seasons of experience behind them. You always hope that as players move up in class each year, they will develop a little more.

“It seems to be working.”

Is there a magic formula that Wilson uses to motivate his players every year?

“For me and this team it comes down to one word: ‘Playoffs,’” answered Wilson. “You saw what happened last year.

“We have a very good league that we are in. Last year Canisius fought hard down the stretch just to make the playoffs.

“The beat us and went on to the NCAA’s. When you see and experience something like that it fuels confidence and excitement for the next year.

“We had a regular season championship team last year. But losing to Canisius has given us the motivation we need for this season.

“Regular season championships are nice, but winning the playoffs and getting an NCAA bid would have been nicer.

“And that’s what we’re shooting for again this year.”

(Photo by Janet Schultz Photography/NY Hockey OnLine)

PWHL Announces Inaugural Training Camp Rosters

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Janet
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0

184 players to assemble in PWHL markets beginning November 15

Toronto, ON –   The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) today announced that 184 players have been named to Training Camp rosters in preparation for the league’s inaugural season. Training Camps begin November 15 in all six markets and represent the first time that teams will be together for on and off-ice activities. 

“Training Camps are the next step towards our inaugural season and provide an opportunity for all players to showcase their abilities, and in some cases, earn a roster spot on one of the PWHL’s original six teams,” said Jayna Hefford, PWHL Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations. “This is an exciting phase for all of our organizations and an important part of the team building process from both an evaluation standpoint and for establishing cohesion in their pursuit of a championship.”

The 184 camp attendees consist of the league’s 18 initial free agent signings, 88 players who were selected in the PWHL Draft, and 78 undrafted free agents invited from the draft eligibility list. Teams were permitted to bring a minimum of 28 players and up to a maximum of 35 players to camps.

All teams will have final rosters set by December 11 that must include 23 players signed to Standard Player Agreements, plus two Reserve Player Contracts.

A set of Waiver Period Rules and Guidelines has been established for the 2023-24 season to provide players with multiple opportunities to secure a contract and ensure the league and teams maintain flexibility and transparency.

First Waiver Window – November 30 to December 2:

Training Camp rosters must be reduced to a maximum of 27 players by Nov. 29, prior to the commencement of the first Waiver Window. The league will then inform teams of all eligible players for this Waiver Window, and teams may contact eligible players with the intent to offer them a contract.

Second Waiver Window – December 8 to December 10:

Prior to the commencement of the second Waiver Window, teams will provide the league with a final list of Training Camp releases for circulation to all teams. A team’s list of released players will include any undrafted player not offered a Standard Player Agreement by the club. Any Waiver eligible player may be contacted by teams and offered contracts ahead of the final roster deadline.

Waiver Eligibility:

Players who receive and decline a Standard Player Agreement offer while attending a team’s Training Camp are ineligible for the Waiver period. Drafted players who leave their team camp without getting cut or who don’t show up at their team camp are also ineligible for Waivers.

Player Reversion:

Drafted players who go unsigned or unclaimed during the Waiver period will revert to their original team’s protected list.

PWHL TRAINING CAMP ROSTERS

BOSTON

Forwards (16) 

Brandt, Hannah (Drafted 5-27) 

Brand, McKenna (Camp Invite) 

Darkangelo, Shiann (Drafted 12-70) 

Davis, Sammy (Camp Invite) 

Gabel, Loren (Drafted 4-22) 

Girard, Taylor (Drafted 9-51) 

Isbell, Samantha (Camp Invite) 

Knight, Hilary (Signed FA) 

Kosta, Nicole (Camp Invite) 

Marvin, Gigi (Camp Invite) 

Müller, Alina (Drafted 1-3) 

Pelkey, Amanda (Camp Invite) 

Rattray, Jamie Lee (Drafted 3-15) 

Schafzahl, Theresa (Drafted 7-39) 

Shirley, Sophie (Drafted 11-63) 

Wenczkowski, Taylor (Camp Invite) 

Defenders (8) 

Brown, Emily (Drafted 8-46) 

Buckles, Emma (Drafted 13-75) 

Digirolamo, Jessica (Drafted 6-34) 

Fratkin, Kaleigh (Camp Invite) 

Healey, Jess (Drafted 15-87) 

Jaques, Sophie (Drafted 2-10) 

Keller, Megan (Signed FA) 

MacInnis, Lauren (Camp Invite) 

Goaltenders (4) 

Browning, Lindsay (Camp Invite) 

Frankel, Aerin (Signed FA) 

Kronish, Cami (Camp Invite) 

Söderberg, Emma (Drafted 10-58) 

MINNESOTA

Forwards (15) 

Boreen, Abigail(Camp Invite) 

Brodt, Sydney (Drafted 15-85) 

Butorac, Claire (Camp Invite) 

Cava, Michela (Drafted 12-72) 

Coyne Schofield, Kendall (Signed FA) 

DeGeorge, Clair (Drafted 6-36) 

Fleming, Brittyn (Camp Invite) 

Heise, Taylor (Drafted 1-1) 

Křížová, Denisa (Drafted 8-48) 

Kunin, Sophia (Drafted 10-60) 

Pannek, Kelly (Signed FA) 

Schepers, Liz (Drafted 13-73) 

Skaja, Catie (Camp Invite) 

Tapani, Susanna (Drafted 5-25) 

Zumwinkle, Grace (Drafted 3-13) 

Defenders (9) 

Buchbinder, Natalie (Drafted 7-37) 

Cook, Abby (Camp Invite) 

Flaherty, Maggie (Drafted 4-24) 

Greco, Emma (Camp Invite) 

Kremer, Dominique (Camp Invite) 

Marshall, Patti (Camp Invite) 

Morin, Sidney (Drafted 9-49) 

Nightengale, Nikki (Camp Invite) 

Stecklein, Lee (Signed FA) 

Goaltenders (4) 

Bench, Lauren (Camp Invite) 

Hensley, Nicole (Drafted 2-12) 

Leveille, Amanda (Drafted 11-61) 

Rooney, Maddie (Camp Invite) 

MONTREAL

Forwards (19) 

Bettez, Ann-Sophie (Drafted 14-79) 

Bujold, Sarah (Camp Invite) 

Bunton, Hanna (Camp Invite) 

Dalton, Claire (Drafted 12-67) 

Daoust, Mélodie (Camp Invite) 

David, Gabrielle (Drafted 9-54) 

Dempsey, Jillian (Drafted 11-66) 

Dubois, Catherine (Camp Invite) 

Lefort, Sarah (Camp Invite) 

Ljungblom, Lina (Drafted 15-90) 

Lum, Leah (Camp Invite) 

Marchment, Kennedy (Drafted 6-31) 

Murphy, Maureen (Drafted 3-18) 

O’Neill, Kristin (Drafted 2-7) 

Poulin, Marie-Philip (Signed FA) 

Poznikoff, Alexandra (Camp Invite) 

Stacey, Brooke (Camp Invite) 

Stacey, Laura (Signed FA) 

Vanišová, Tereza (Drafted 7-42) 

Defenders (8) 

Ambrose, Erin (Drafted 1-6) 

Bizal, Madison (Drafted 8-43) 

Daoust, Catherine (Camp Invite) 

Keopple, Mariah (Camp Invite) 

Laganière, Brigitte (Camp Invite) 

Lásková, Dominika (Drafted 4-19) 

Poulin–Labelle, Maude (Drafted 10-55) 

Tabin, Kati (Drafted 5-30) 

Goaltenders (5) 

Desbiens, Ann-Renée (Signed FA) 

Chuli, Elaine (Drafted 13-78) 

Boissonnault, Marlène (Camp Invite) 

Deschênes, Marie-Soleil (Camp Invite) 

Škodová, Blanka (Camp Invite) 

NEW YORK

Forwards (18) 

Aurard, Chloe (Drafted 4-21) 

Babstock, Kelly (Camp Invite) 

Carpenter, Alex (Signed FA) 

Cornine, Kendall (Camp Invite) 

Downie–Landry, Jade (Drafted 9-52) 

Eldridge, Jessie (Drafted 3-16) 

Giguère, Elizabeth (Drafted 5-28) 

Gruschow, Alexa (Camp Invite) 

Labelle, Alexandra (Drafted 15-88) 

Larson, Bailey (Camp Invite) 

Levis, Paetyn (Drafted 10-57) 

Lunny, Hayley (Camp Invite) 

Norcross, Savannah (Camp Invite) 

Packer, Madison (Camp Invite) 

Roque, Abby (Signed FA) 

Saulnier, Jill (Drafted 7-40) 

Vespa, Kayla (Drafted 13-76) 

Woods, Emma (Drafted 14-81) 

Defenders (12) 

Baker, Taylor (Camp Invite) 

Bourbonnais, Jaime (Drafted 2-9) 

Curlett, Emily (Camp Invite) 

Deaudelin, Christine (Camp Invite) 

Eady, Megan (Camp Invite) 

Fällman, Johanna (Camp Invite) 

Hobson, Brooke (Drafted 8-45) 

Olivier, Carley (Camp Invite) 

Shelton, Ella (Drafted 1-4) 

Thompson, Claire (Camp Invite) 

Zafuto, Olivia (Drafted 12-69) 

Zandee–Hart, Micah (Signed FA) 

Goaltenders (4) 

Levy, Abbey (Drafted 11-64) 

Post, Lindsey (Camp Invite) 

Sauvé, Kassidy (Camp Invite) 

Schroeder, Corinne (Drafted 6-33) 

OTTAWA

Forwards (18) 

Adzija, Lexie (Drafted 11-65) 

Clark, Emily (Signed FA)

Della Rovere, Kristin (Drafted 10-56) 

Demers, Rosalie (Camp Invite) 

Garát–Gasparics, Fanni (Camp Invite) 

Gilmore, Becca (Camp Invite) 

Grant–Mentis, Mikyla (Camp Invite) 

Hughes, Gabrielle (Drafted 4-20) 

Jenner, Brianne (Signed FA) 

Lonergan, Caitrin (Drafted 14-80) 

Mrázová, Kateřina (Drafted 8-44) 

Perreault, Liliane (Camp Invite) 

Scamurra, Hayley (Drafted 5-29) 

Schneider, Malia (Camp Invite) 

Shiga, Akane (Camp Invite) 

Snodgrass, Natalie (Camp Invite) 

Veillette, Audrey-Anne (Drafted 15-89) 

Watts, Daryl (Drafted 6-32) 

Defenders (11) 

Bell, Ashton (Drafted 2-8) 

Boulier, Amanda (Drafted 13-77) 

Boyd, Zoe (Drafted 9-53) 

Davison, Taylor (Camp Invite) 

Harmon, Savannah (Drafted 1-5) 

Herman, Cassidy (Camp Invite) 

Howran, Victoria (Camp Invite) 

Roese, Jincy (Drafted 3-17) 

Tejralová, Aneta (Drafted 7-41) 

Tinker, Saroya (Camp Invite) 

Willoughby, Kyra (Camp Invite) 

Goaltenders (4) 

Abstreiter, Sandra (Drafted 12-68) 

Maschmeyer, Emerance (Signed FA) 

McQuigge, Rachel (Camp Invite) 

Ridgewell, Samantha (Camp Invite) 

TORONTO

Forwards (15) 

Bach, Victoria (Drafted 7-38) 

Cogan, Samantha (Camp Invite) 

Compher, Jesse (Drafted 5-26) 

Connors, Maggie (Drafted 11-62) 

Howard, Brittany (Drafted 8-47) 

Jones, Jess (Camp Invite) 

Leslie, Rebecca (Drafted 12-71) 

Maltais, Emma (Drafted 2-11) 

Miller, Hannah (Drafted 13-74) 

Nurse, Sarah (Signed FA) 

Spooner, Natalie (Drafted 4-23) 

Turnbull, Blayre (Signed FA) 

Vasko, Alexa (Drafted 14-83) 

Wabick, Morgan (Camp Invite)  

Willoughby, Kaitlin (Camp Invite) 

Defenders (10) 

Channell, Mellissa (Drafted 10-59) 

Fast, Renata (Signed FA) 

Flanagan, Kali (Drafted 6-35) 

Keenan, Emma (Camp Invite) 

Knowles, Olivia (Drafted 15-86) 

Kondas, Jessica (Camp Invite) 

Larocque, Jocelyne (Drafted 1-2) 

Munroe, Allie (Drafted 9-50) 

Rougeau, Lauriane (Camp Invite) 

Wabick, Taylor (Camp Invite) 

Goaltenders (4) 

Campbell, Kristen (Drafted 3-14) 

Howe, Erica (Camp Invite) 

Jackson, Carly (Camp Invite) 

Mäkelä, Amanda (Camp Invite) 

RIT’s Lindsay Maloney, Sarah Coe, Sophia Bellina and Emma Pickering and Syracuse’s Rachel Teslak Earn CHA Player of the Week Honors

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Janet
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It’s an “Orange” week for honors.

Quintet recognized for performances during games of Oct. 13-14

BOSTON, Mass. – Oct. 16, 2023 – College Hockey America is proud to honor five student-athletes as its CHA Players of the Week for their outstanding on-ice performances in games of Oct. 13-14. RIT sophomore Lindsay Maloney (Forward), junior Sarah Coe, sophomore Sophia Bellina (Goaltender) and freshman defenseman Emma Pickering (Rookie) join Syracuse graduate student Rachel Teslak (Defenseman) as this week’s honorees.

CHA FORWARD OF THE WEEK

Lindsay Maloney, Sr., F, RIT (Lakeville, Minn.)

RIT senior Lindsay Maloney recorded two assists, won 21-of-40 draws in leading RIT to a sweep of Union. The Lakeville, Minn., native won 12-of-25 draws, including six in the third period, and blocked a shot in the Tigers’ 4-1 win, Friday. On Saturday, Maloney had two assists, three blocks and won 9-of-15 draws in the Tigers’ 2-1 win over the Garnet Chargers. This is her first career CHA weekly honor.

Honorable Mention: Katelyn Roberts, So., F, Penn State: Roberts led the Nittany Lions in goals scored with two over the two games against No. 10/10 Cornell, her first two tallies of the season. Darci Johal, Gr, F, Syracuse: Registered a goal and an assist on the game-winning tally in the Orange’s 2-1 win over RPI on Saturday.

CHA DEFENSEMAN OF THE WEEK

Rachel Teslak, Gr., D, Syracuse (Cranbrook, B.C.)

Syracuse graduate student Rachel Teslak took control of top power play unit the Orange’s win over RPI on Saturday and netted SU’s first goal of the game to tie the score. The Cranbrook, B.C., native played two solid defensive games against the Engineers and played a significant role in Syracuse finishing seven-for-seven on the penalty kill in the series. This is her first career CHA weekly honor.

Honorable Mention: Lyndie Lobdell, Sr., D, Penn State: Led the team in blocks with six and registered an assist and a power play goal over the course of two games at No. 10/10 Cornell. Jessie Burks, Jr., D, RIT: Burks had an assist and was +1 in RIT’s sweep of Union.

CHA GOALTENDERS OF THE WEEK

Sarah Coe, Jr., G, RIT (Brooklin, Ont.) and Sophia Bellina, So., G, RIT (Cleveland, Ohio)

RIT junior goaltender Sarah Coe and RIT sophomore goaltender Sophia Bellina posted identical statistical performances, as each stopped 21-of-22 shots and limited Union to one goal apiece in the Tigers’ sweep of the Garnet Chargers over the weekend. This is Coe’s eighth career CHA weekly honor and second this season. Belina’s honor is her first career CHA weekly nod.

CHA ROOKIE OF THE WEEK

Emma Pickering, Fr., D, RIT (Fishers, Ind.)

RIT freshman defenseman Emma Pickering recorded two points on a goal and an assist, blocked three shots and was +2 in RIT’s sweep of Union. The Fishers, Ind., native tallied a goal and an assist, fired six shots and was +1 in the Tigers 4-1 win on Friday. Her goal 36 seconds into the second period tied the game at 1-1. Pickering blocked three shots and was +1 in RIT’s 2-1 win on Saturday. This is her first career CHA weekly honor.

Honorable Mention: Karolina Hengelmüller, Fr., D, Penn State: Recorded her first point as a Nittany Lion with an assist against No. 10/10 Cornell in Friday’s game and registered two blocks in the series. Joceyln Fiala, Fr., D, Syracuse: Played both power-play and penalty kill minutes in the RPI series as the Orange finished seven-for-seven on the PK.

“Small Saves”

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Janet
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Here is this week’s edition of “Small Saves.”

Enjoy!

RIT Blanks Notre Dame In Brick City Homecoming Game

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Janet
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0
By Warren Kozireski —

RIT scored a power play goal in the first period and added two more even strength goals to shutout Notre Dame 3-0 in a sold-out  Brick City Homecoming contest played at Rochester’s Blue Cross Arena.

Defenseman Gianfranco Cassaro scored a power play goal on a one-timer from the right faceoff circle early in the first and junior Carter Wilkie used a slight-of-hand move on the doorstep later in the first to beat the Fighting Irish goaltender for a 2-0 lead.

Senior Cody Laskosky made it 3-0 late in the second period while junior goaltender Tommy Scarfone had 36 saves to extend the Tigers Homecoming game unbeaten streak to eight.

“They’re very tough to play against and then taking all the penalties (8 total and a full two-minute five-on-three against) that we did, but I thought we played a pretty patient game and, when we got the opportunity, we capitalized,” 25 year RIT head coach Wayne Wilson said.

The defending Atlantic Hockey regular season champion Tigers host Sacred Heart next weekend.

Next year’s opponent for the Brick City game is Wilson and Associate Head Coach Brian Hills’ alma mater, Bowling Green.

RIT Beats Union 4-1 at Polisenni Center

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By Randy Schultz, NYHOL; Photos by Janet Schultz, NYHOL©

RIT VS. UNION WOMEN’S HOCKEY

Rochester, NY — The RIT Tigers defeated the Union Garnet Chargers, 4-1, Friday afternoon at the Gene Polisseni Center in a Women’s Ice Hockey game.

Addie Alvarez scored the fourth Tigers goal of the game at 15:14 of the third period.  Kylie Aquaro and Emma Pickering assisted in the goal. Each team had nine shots on goal.

Trailing 4-1, the Garnet Chargers pulled goalie Sophie Matsoukas with 3:07 remaining in the third period. But it was to no avail.

RIT took command in the second period, scoring three goals to take a 3-1 lead over Union. The Tigers scored their first goal just :36 into the period to tie the game, 1-1. Assists went to Emma Roland and Athena Vasdani.

RIT took the lead, 2-1, at 1:48 of the second period when Kylie Aquaro scored. The lone assist went to Lexi Sung.

Then it was Megan McCormick, exploding out of the penalty box and taking a long pass from Jessie Burks to score a breakaway goal and give the Tigers a 3-1 lead.  RIT outshot Union in the second period, nine to five.

Union led after the first period, 1-0 thanks to a goal by Maren Friday at the 12:39 mark. Assists on the goal went to Emily King and Riley Walsh.

Both teams were tied with eight shots apiece on goal for the first period.

RIT finished the game outshooting Union, 26-22.

GAME NOTES: There were only two RIT players dressed for the game that were NYS-born. They included: Addie Alvarez, Rochester; Emma Roland, Williamsville.

There was only one player in the lineup for Union that was NYS-born: lliana Smith, Watertown.

RIT’s overall record is now 3-2-2 while Union dropped to 3-4-0.

Photo Album RIT VS Union, October 18, 2023

Gallery Photos are available for purchase through Smug Mug later this week. All photos are copyrighted and property of Janet Schultz, NYHOL.

College Hockey America Recap: October 13

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CHA STANDINGSCHA COMPOSITE SCHEDULECHA STATISTICS
FINAL SCORES/RECAPS
FINAL SCORES/RECAPS            Union 1 at RIT 4 (NC) / Box Score / RIT RecapRIT had goal production from four different players as the Tigers defeated Union 4-1 … Goaltender Sophia Bellina had a 21 save effort … Forwards Emma Pickering, Kylie Aquaro, Megan McCormick, and Addie Alvarez each scored a goal on the night with Pickering and Aquaro also recording assists … Pickering’s goal was the first of her career as she led the Tigers with six shots on goal … RIT outshot Union, 26-22.
Robert Morris 2 at (RV/RV) Princeton Morris 6 (NC) / Box Score / Robert Morris RecapDefenseman Wasyn Rice and forward Shailynn Snow each found the back of the net for the Colonials on Friday … Goaltender Maggie Hatch picked up 34 saves … Sophomore Morgan Giannone led RMU with four shots on goal.
(13/11) Penn State 1 at (10/10) Cornell 4 (NC) / Box Score / Penn State RecapPenn State Forward Katelyn Roberts picked up her first goal of the season for the Nittany Lions on Firday … Goaltender Josie Bothun stopped 20 shots in the contest … Forward Tessa Janecke won a team-high 13 faceoffs.
RV/RV) Mercyhurst 0 at (3/3) Colgate 7 (NC) / Box Score / Mercyhurst RecapJunior Marielle Parks led the Lakers with six shots on goal against No. 3/3 Colgate … Mercyhurst had 25 shots on goal and won 22 faceoffs … Defenseman Sofia Ljung had four of the Lakers’ 11 blocked shots.
Syracuse 2 at RPI 6 (NC) / Box Score / Syracuse RecapForward’s Heidi Knoll and Mik Todd each scored a goal for the Orange on Friday … Forward Marielle McHale picked up an assist … Goaltender Allie Kelley had 28 saves.

Rangers Top Sabres, 5-1, In Season Opener

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BY RANDY SCHULTZ –

BUFFALO, NY — Chris Kreider scored two goals to lead the New York Rangers to a 5-1 victory over the Buffalo Sabres before a sellout opening night crowd at KeyBank Center.

Leading 3-1 going into the 3rd period, the Kreider scored his second goal of the game to put New York up 4-1. Jacob Trouba popped in a goal into an empty Buffalo net to give the Rangers a 5-1 lead.

The Rangers took a 3-0 lead at 12:49 of the second period. But the Sabres finally got on the scoreboard when JJ Peterka scored at 18:30 of the period to cut New York’s lead to 3-1. He scored on Buffalo’s 11th shot on goal for the game.

Owen Power and Henri Jokiharju got the assists on Buffalo’s only goal.

The Sabres trailed the Rangers after the first period, 2-0. The Rangers opened the scoring at 3:37 of the first period on a goal by Alexis Lafreniere.

New York increased their first period lead, 2-0, on a power-play goal by Chris Kreider.

GAME NOTES: Two ex-Sabres were behind the Rangers bench assisting head coach Peter Laviolette. They included Phil Housley and Michael Peca.

(Photo by Janet Schultz Photography/NY Hockey OnLine)

Hilbert’s Women’s Hockey Team Enters Second Season; Welcoming Coach Utter

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Story and Photos by Janet Schultz, NYHOL

Earl Utter was named head coach of the second-year Hilbert Women’s Ice Hockey Team in July with eight returning and eight new recruits, four being goalies.

So what can we expect from a team that is almost brand new?

“Hard work, fun and our first win,” said Utter. “And scoring more than 5 goals.”

“My theme for this program and what I wanted from the beginning was to build a mountain from a little hill and you do that by taking small steps.” said Utter.

“We just want to get better every single game by controlling the things we can,” he continued. “We can’t control who other schools recruit, we just have to worry about ourselves and play according to our game plan.”

The Rochester native came to Hilbert because it was close to his hometown. In addition he has a track record of helping programs grow and developing new programs. He has accomplished that at Morrisville College, Cortland College and he began the program at Wilkes College. 

“It’s like a niche for me to take a program from inception or from lower parts and grow it to a place for the next person coming in to have a good program and represent the school well,” he continued

In this world, Utter explains, you just want to get people who can play and from what he has seen he has that in this team. Definitely the goalies are college-level goaltenders.

“Brooke Thompson is a big player and it’s her first year in college play so she will have some adjustments to make,” said Utter.

Tia Card, Jewely Monford and Cassie Troy have played college hockey and so Utter plans to build from the back out, as most teams like to do.

Three of his players, Abby Dawson, Courtney Wesolowski and Troy are in their final year and they just want to play hockey. 

“They work as hard as they can,” said Coach Utter.

Utter plans to go with a total group effort making sure all players have an equal part knowing that some players need more help than others to adjust to this level of play.

“You can see those who can skate better, shoot better but I think this group will be building a group confidence,” said Utter.

He plans to have only one captain, but chosen on which player can talk to officials and understand what they are saying, rather than a “boss” over the team.

“They will pick their own leaders as the season goes on,” said Utter.

Utter has coached both men and women and finds that with women it’s more of confidence building. They want to get better and they need to know that if you make a mistake and a coach yells, it’s not being yelled at but being helped to correct the mistake.

“I try to ask questions that are short and precise, rather than accusatory,” said Utter.

The focus this season will be on improving, learning, growing and making sure the players have fun on the ice.

“I want people to make friends that last a lifetime.”

“Even though we’d like our opponents to adjust to our game, with running two lines and it will be hard to make people adjust to us. But we have a hard working team that does it’s job and has fun doing it,” said Utter.

Hilbert’s Athletic Department and Administration want to make their all their athletes feel special, whether the team is winning or losing.

“The school has taken some really nice steps to build things to make athletic teams feel like they are welcome and they have an important role on campus,”  said Utter.

At this point Utter isn’t commenting on any individual player. But he does know that it’s the goaltenders that will be contributing to the team. 

“Momentum is key in a game,” said Utter, referring to Coach Scotty Bowman’s philosophy. “Goalies can do everything you need. They can play the puck, they are smart and they can make saves.”

“Those are the things you need,” he concluded.

Hilbert’s current roster includes several New York State players including Kaitlin Cowie, Henrietta; Wesolowski, Buffalo and Brooke Kwiecien, Perry.

Hilbert will be playing as an DIII Independent School this season as they look at what leagues fit their goals.

The team will open with a game against DIII Buffalo State College at Buffalo State on Friday, October 20 at 7 p.m.

On Saturday, October 21 they hold their home opener at the Hamburg Nike Arena against Stevenson University at 2 pm.

King’s College will come to Nike on October 27 and 28 at 6 p.m. and 2 p.m., respectively before the Hawks hit the road to Neumann University for a doubleheader on November 10 and 11 and at William Smith Collge on November 14 at 7 p.m.

Hilbert will host Chatham University on November 21 at Riverworks in Buffalo at 4 p.m.

Only two games in December at Trine University.

After a short break, Hilbert will host Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts at Northtowns Center on January 12 and then at Nike on January 13.

It’s Anna Maria College coming in for a doubleheader. They will play at Northtowns Center on January 19 and at Nike on January 20. The Hawks will return to  play Buffalo State a second time this season on January 30 at Buffalo State.

Hilbert closes out the season against Wilkes College on February 2 and 3 at Wilkes’ Toyota SportsPlex.

NU Ices Two Women’s Teams

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by Janet Schultz, NYHOL; Photos by Janet Schultz

Over 11 years ago Niagara University eliminated it’s DI Women’s Ice Hockey program. While traces of those teams and their accomplishments seem to have disappeared from Dwyer Arena, things are changing for the better for women’s ice hockey.

Anna Quattro has a vision and a passion for hockey. She brought the idea of adding women’s ice hockey back onto the NU campus with an ACHA team last season. That D2 team, which plays in the College Hockey East League,  was successful, winning the 2023 Championship, after posting a 10-2-1 record.

This season, Head Coach Quattro decided that it was possible to have a DI team in the ACHA, along with the D2 team. She recruited 36 new girls for the two teams. There are now 46 players in the program, but that means 36 are freshmen.

The D2 team remains close to the way it was last season, with a new Head Coach in Anthony Marano and a number of players returning; planning to defend their title.

Quattro will be coaching the DI program.

“I see us being in the top 8 to 12 in the league,” said Coach Quattro. “In our opening weekend we beat Miami 4-0 and 4-3. Miami was in tenth last season. So this is a good  indicator of how we are going to do this year.

“All the girls are new so it’s a fresh mindset, they are building their own culture and they are super excited and motivated.”

That was seen in their early morning practice recently. They worked hard and yet the smiles were on their faces as they came off the ice and talked to NYHOL.

“I think we will be in the top ten,” said Rachel Loewen, a defenseperson from Arlington, Va. “We have a bunch of really good girls.

“We have a really good floor check and our goaltending is on top of everything,” said Loewen. “We have a strong back end and a strong front end.”

Goaltender Addley MacKenzie agrees with her.

“We all go out and put out everything we have on the ice and we have a lot of passion and heart and bring that to every game.”

“Coach Anna is amazing and it’s great to play for a woman coach at such a high level,” continued MacKenzie. “It’s something you don’t see very often and it definitely makes a difference.”

“Coach Anna is the kindest person ever and she teaches you the right things while also showing us how to have fun,” said Layla Rushforth, a forward from Burlington, Ontario.

“We are top ten for sure,” continued Rushforth. “We hope to make it to the nationals as a first year team and with mostly freshmen. It’s a hard battle but we are capable of doing it based on this past weekend (vs Miami).”

Rushforth sees Indiana Tech as one of their biggest rivals, along with Adrian College. Liberty is the other strong team, but they would face them only in a playoff situation.

Coach Quattro knows they have some things to work on because they are young and don’t have the same experience as many other teams they will be facing.

But she also knows they have tenacity and drive.

“NU’s philosophy is for young ladies to play competitive hockey at a level comfortable for them and gives different skill level players a place to  play,” continued Quattro.

Looking at the team, there are two NY State players including Kaitlyn Diem of Penfield and Julia Peters of Orchard Park.

Diem was a standout player who put up 53 points in 13 games with NU’s D2 team last season. She is a two-sport athlete playing on the NCAA DI NU soccer team.

“Katie is a strong offensive presence, she’s 6 feet tall and an extremely fast skater,” said Coach Quattro. “She also has the ability to find the back of the net in any situation.”

Julia, who played for Frontier/Orchard Park in the Western New York Girls Varsity Ice Hockey League, as well as Nichols School, helped the Syracuse Valley Eagles 19U Tier II team to two national championships. 

“Julia contributes to the team with her high hockey IQ,” said Coach Quattro. “She’s always smiling and presents a team-first mentality. 

“She also has the ability to score when she is on the ice and will be a large contributor to the team.”

Julia is a two-sport athlete as a member of the NU DI Lacrosse team.

Another thing to watch on this team are twin sisters from Burlington, Ontario.

Bianca and Layla Rushforth. 

The NU D1 Team will be at Dwyer Arena Friday, October 20 at 7:30 p.m. and again on Saturday October 21 at 3 p.m. at Cornerstone Arena in Lockport to Indiana Tech. A note that Allison Greene, a player from the Clarence/Amherst/Sweethome WNYGVIH team will be facing some friends at NU. Greene is in her first year at Indiana Tech. The October 20 game is Pink the Rink Night at Dwyer.

After that home series, NU takes to the road before returning to Dwyer to face Davenport University on Friday, December 1 and 2 at 6:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. respectively.

On December 8 and 9 they will face the University of Rhode Island at home.

NU greets the New Year by traveling to Indiana Tech on January 5 and 6 and then hosting Penn State University at Dwyer Arena on January 13 and 14. Back on the road to Adrian College on January 20 and 21 and then they close out their season with three games at home. A double-header against the University of Massachusetts/Amherst on January 26 and 27 and on February 3 against Sault College.

Rochester Americans 2023-24 Season Preview

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By Warren Kozireski —

One season removed from advancing to the American Hockey League North Division playoff finals, Rochester last season advanced to the Eastern Conference Final before their season was ended by eventual Calder Cup champion Hershey.

With around 15 players returning from last season’s roster and the additional of several key veterans and four Buffalo draft picks to the mix, the Amerks are again hoping to make a deep run in the playoffs come April.

But first they need to develop the same team chemistry that carried them a year ago. And that should be made easier with all of the returners.

12 forwards are back including the top eight scorers in Lukas Rousek, Brandon Biro, Brett Murray, Linus Weissbach, Michael Mersch, Mason Jobst and rookie sensations Juri Kulich and Isak Rosen.

And the core of the defense is also back in Ethan Prow, Joseph Cecconi, Jeremy Davies along with Kyle Clague and Zach Metsa, who both played portions of the season in the red, white and blue.

Add to that solid core 2022 third round pick Viktor Neuchev and 2021 fourth round selection Oliver Nadeau up front plus 2019 first rounder Ryan Johnson and 2021 sixth round selection Nikita Novikov on the blueline along with new veteran forwards Juston Richards and Justin Slaggert plus returners Filip Cedarqvist, Brendan Warren, Aleksandr Kisakov and Tyson Kozak and you have the makings of a deep squad.

“Something we believe we have this year is good depth,” head coach Seth Appert said. “I think we have a lot of guys on our team that two or three years ago would have made Buffalo, but Buffalo is very good right now and it’s a harder roster to make, so we’ve got those guys back.

“And we’re very intentional with the veterans that we surround our young players with. Winning players that do things the right way…which is what we want our young players to emulate.”

In goal, veteran Dustin Tokarski was battling an injury in training camp, so Michael Houser and former University of Denver goaltender Devin Cooley may both be active opening night.

“Not looking too far ahead, we just need t make sure that we learn and build on the experiences that we had last year…using that to help us win games in the short term is important,” Mersch said.

“And just because we did well last year doesn’t mean we’re going to do well this year. It’s a whole different year, there are new guys and a fresh sheet. We’ll try to build team camaraderie so once we start the season, we’re going to hit the ground running.”

Fri. October 13th, Rochester opens the regular season by first raising the North Division champion banner to the Blue Cross Arena rafters and then hosting the Bridgeport Islanders.

“There’s a lot of history here and been a lot of good teams that have raised banners in this arena and done some special things here, so for us to be in that category…to accomplish something and have a banner up there is pretty special,” Mersch said.

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