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Benson Anxious To Learn In Development Camp

By
Janet
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0

BY RANDY SCHULTZ –

It is nearly 2 p.m. on Sunday afternoon at the LECOM Harborcenter. The Buffalo Sabres are about to begin their annual development camp.

Leading the group of hopeful hockey players onto the ice is the Sabres number one draft pick, 13th player selected, of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, Zach Benson.

As the digital clock on the wall flashes 2 p.m. Benson steps on the ice. For a few seconds it Benson was all by himself on the ice, skating cautiously at first and when joined by teammates, picks up speed.

To say that Benson looked anxious would be an understatement.

“It’s been unreal,” said Benson when asked how his experience has been since arriving in Buffalo for the development camp. “It’s kind of what I expected.

“The Sabres are a great organization. I’ve had a good time so far.”

The Langley, British Columbia, Canada native went through the drills that were set up for players the first two days. He commented on how he handled them.

“I wanted to get back into things quickly,” commented Benson, who has played in the WHL for three seasons with the Winnipeg Ice and is looking forward to the upcoming season with the Wenatchee Wild. “You have to pace yourself.

“If it is a technique shooting drill obviously you have to slow down a bit. It’s a little different if you are doing two-on-two battles or one-on-ones.

“You’re just trying to make yourself a better hockey player and obviously want to make your team better hockey players.”

If there is one thing that really surprised Benson it was the size of the crowd for a Sunday afternoon in early July.

“It was pretty surreal,” remarked the 5-10, 170-pound Benson. “There were a lot of people in the stands. It’s the start of July with that many people in the stands.

“It’s obviously a hockey city.”

Probably one of the biggest obstacles the players have to overcome is having so many players from different countries under one roof and trying to get to know them.

“It’s pretty exciting,” remarked the 18 year-old Benson. “You have players here from all over the world.

“They are all great hockey players. But away from the rink you find that they are great human beings.”

Benson admits that the off-ice training is just as important as the on-ice training.

“I’m learning about Buffalo and the organization,” he continued. “It’s been awesome.

“For me, I will be taking stuff home with me to work on.”

Ironically, Benson had just been in LECOM Harborcenter a few weeks ago for the NHL Combine. Did his impression change of the building?

“It’s awesome,” said Benson. “I got to see it with the combine. Now I get to see it as a hockey arena.

“Seeing it filled with people is pretty cool. As I said before it has been surreal.

“Hopefully I’ll get a chance to see more of Buffalo. I’m looking forward to it.”

(Photos by Janet Schultz Photography, NY Hockey OnLine)

Ahearn Named 30th Captain In NU Men’s Hockey History

By
Janet
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0

Niagara University, N.Y— Niagara hockey head coach Jason Lammers recently announced that Jay Ahearn will serve as captain ahead of the 2023-24 season.

Ahearn is entering his third season at Niagara and first suited up in 2022-23 after redshirting his freshman season. The Staten Island, N.Y. native will serve as the 30th captain in program history and is the first player to dawn the ‘C’ since Chris Harpur in 2021-22.

“Over Jay’s time at NU his UNCOMMON belief in how we operate has led to behaviors and habits that drive our organization.” Lammers said.

Last season Ahearn skated in 17 games while netting seven goals and adding 10 assists. He opened the season by scoring goals in four straight games while having seven points in those four games. Against Mercyhurst on Feb. 25 he set a career high as he had three assists to lead Niagara to a 5-3 win over the Lakers. In the first round of the Atlantic Hockey playoffs against Sacred Heart he had four points in three games.

“Our campus community is excited to follow Jay’s lead as he builds trust within our group and leads us to the results that make NU regionally dominant and nationally prominent!”

Niagara announced the full 2023-24 schedule in June and will open the regular season on the road against Omaha on Oct. 13. The Purple Eagles play at Dwyer Arena for the first time in 2023-24 on Oct. 21 against Mercyhurst.

(Niagara University Men’s Hockey Photo)

NY Rangers Draft Day Two: Pearl River’s Fortescue Stays Home

By
Janet
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0

(Drew Fortescue Photo)

By Warren Kozireski —

After grabbing Gabriel Perreault with their first-round selection in the 2023 NHL Draft, the New York Rangers added to the stable with four more selections on Day Two.

Defense was the focus in the third and fifth rounds while they selected forwards with their final two picks.

U.S. National Team Development Program defenseman Drew Fortescue was their third-round choice—90th overall. The 6’1”, 176 lb. Pearl River native will now need to switch allegiances from the Islanders to the Rangers after being taken.

“Actually, grew up an Islander fan, but not anymore,” Fortescue said. “I have a bout 40-50 people here to support me and…being close to home is pretty awesome and I’ll have all those people that are here be able to watch my games hopefully some day in the future.

“I’m a two-way defenseman; someone who is hard to play against, someone who does a good job breaking the puck out to his forwards and I think I have a little offense to bring.

“MSG is a special place and I hope to play their someday—I’m excited.”

Boston College bound, Fortescue had 25 assists over 62 games and added three points in seven games at the WJC-18 while being a +9 plus/minus.

The Rangers stayed with defense in the fifth round with 6’3”, 200 lb. Swedish blueliner Rasmus Larsson. The 19-year-old had a breakout campaign with Vasteras IK 20 scoring 16 goals and 34 points in 50 games. He is committed to play at Northern Michigan in 2024-25.

Size was then the goal in two forwards over the final two rounds.

6’7”, 205 lb. Oshawa (OHL) center Dylan Roobroeck was their sixth-round pick after he registered 53 points over 68 games with 60 penalty minutes.

2025-26 Western Michigan commit Ty Henricks was their final selection in the seventh round. 6’4”, 205 lb. left wing netted 19 points over 47 games split between Fargo and Muskegon in the USHL.

(Photo By Koz, NY Hockey OnLine)

Gavin McCarthy Enjoying Sabres Development Camp

By
Janet
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0

BY RANDY SCHULTZ –

Growing up and playing hockey in the Western New York area, Gavin McCarthy skated more than a couple of times on the rinks at LECOM Harborcenter in downtown Buffalo.

But when he hit the ice on Sunday, July 2 as a member of the Buffalo Sabres and participating in their development camp, McCarthy admitted it was a different feeling.

“It’s an amazing feeling just being out there, competing with these guys,” commented the Clarence Center native. “Such high level players with familiar faces out there.

“Familiar coaches too. It’s been a very surreal feeling for me.”

Facing the Western New York media group for the first time at the development camp, the 18 year-old McCarthy had a continuous smile on his face throughout the session.

So having skated in this rink many times over the years, what makes this visit any different?

“This is a new chapter for me,” stated the 6-1, 185-pound defenseman. “Being able to put on this NHL (Sabres) jersey is so exciting.

“Being in this rink again is an amazing feeling. So I think it is a new chapter for me. Being in the National Hockey League, it is what we dream of.

“It’s definitely a new chapter.”

What were McCarthy’s thoughts with the hockey drills he has had to go through during his first two days of the development camp?

“Coach Tim Kennedy ran the practice the first day,” commented McCarthy, who played three seasons with the Buffalo Jr. Sabres and two more with the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the USHL. “He was my coach for my 16U year.

“I had definitely done a couple of those drills before. To complete out there on the ice has been amazing.”

The day after the development camp ends, McCarthy will be on his way to Boston, MA where he will begin his studies at Boston University and in the fall continue his studies as well as begin his collegiate hockey career.

“My older brother has been my mentor in helping me get ready for college, both with the academics and hockey,” said McCarthy, who was selected in the 3rd round, the 86th player taken overall, by the Sabres in this year’s NHL Draft. “He’s given me advice on how to handle the school and hockey parts of college.”

McCarthy also said that it was a special feeling having his family and friends in attendance at the development camp for the first two days.

“I think it’s pretty cool wearing this jersey and we all grew up watching the Sabres,” commented McCarthy, who also spent time as a player with the USA U17 team. “Just for me to wear this jersey and having them (his family) come and watch me is definitely an amazing feeling.”

For now, McCarthy is looking at completing the Sabres development camp and then playing hockey at Boston U.

“I think we should have an amazing team there,” concluded the young defenseman. “We should have some good battles there.

“I’m looking forward to it.”

(Photos by Janet Schultz Photography, NY Hockey OnLine)

“Small Saves”

By
Janet
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0

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

It is a special 4th of July edition.

Enjoy and have a safe and wonderful 4th of July.

Terrance Taken In The Second Round By Anaheim

By
Janet
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0

By Warren Kozireski —

Carey Terrance, from Akwesasne, NY, a small town across the river from Cornwall, Ontario on the St. Lawrence, was selected in the second round of the 2023 NHL Draft by the 59th overall by the Anaheim adding to their New York stable of players with Trevor Zegras.

“I had a great meeting with them at the Combine, but to be honest I didn’t know what was going to happen today,” Terrance said in his post-draft media scrum. “I just went with the flow and couldn’t really do anything, so just waited for it (his named being called) to happen.

Ranked 38th in the final rankings among North American Skaters, the 6’1” and 174 lb. center, who turned 18 years old in May, netted 30 goals in 67 games in his second season with the Erie Otters in the Ontario Hockey League last season.

“I think I’m a versatile player. I can play on the power play; I can play on the man-down and can play wherever Anaheim needs me to play. I think I can come in within the next few years and play a role. I’m going to bring excitement to the fans and, like I am at home, be a great leader and role model in the community.”

Back home his family and friends had a Draft watch party at the A’nowara’ko:wa Arena. Terrance has been and now has solidified his status as someone younger kids can look up to when pursuing their dreams on the reservation.

“I bet they’re all going crazy right now at home. I got surprised with a parade when I got back from the U-18’s; I don’t know what can top that off.

“I like to think of myself as an idol for the kids growing up and I always tell them they don’t have to just play one sport. I always played hockey and lacrosse growing up. Hopefully I do start a trend (of kids looking at hockey as an option), but lacrosse is in our heritage, it’s in our roots, but I hope a lot of kids kind of get inspired by me.”

Now Terrance is off to the Ducks Development Camp before heading back to Erie for his third season with the Otters. He wore an “A” last season and could get a “C” this year.

And as for the advice he would give his younger self and those now looking up to him?

“Stay on your roller blades, that’s what I did when I was young. I remember my mom driving beside me on our driveway to see how fast I was going. Stay on your roller blades and stay outside—that’s the advice I would give.”

(Photo by Koz, NY Hockey OnLine)

Amerks Front Office Earns Seven Team Achievement Awards For Business Excellence

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Janet
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0

Amerks win Ticket Sales Department of the Year for 2022-23 season

(Tucson, AZ) – The Rochester Americans received seven team achievement awards honoring business excellence, including the Ticket Sales Department of the Year for the 2022-23 season, at the 2023 AHL Team Business Meetings presented by Ticket Evolution as more than 250 representatives from the league and its member clubs gathered recently at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort in Tucson, Ariz.

“This is a true testament to the devotion and hard work of our incredible front office staff and leaders of our organization,” said Amerks Vice President of Business Operations Rob Minter. “This recognition is a result of tremendous teamwork, collaboration and leadership over the season and I’m immensely proud and appreciative of everyone’s efforts in making this past season one of the most memorable in our team’s storied history.”

Team and league front-office personnel from throughout the American Hockey League convened to discuss best practices and innovative ideas in several areas, including ticket sales, corporate sales, marketing and digital media. These interactions allow for the sharing of ideas and gaining of insights from some of the sports industry’s leading strategists as the AHL’s 32 member clubs prepare for a new season.

The Amerks were among the AHL teams honored with an 85 percent renewal rate in corporate sales revenue for the 2022-23 season, a mark the team has reached seven times since the 2016-17 season. In addition to selling 600 new full season equivalents (FSE), Rochester also saw a 15 percent increase in per game FSE revenue, per game group ticket revenue and growth in overall corporate revenue.

Rochester was also one of only three teams to generate more than $27,500 in revenue through AHL team subscriptions this past season, joining Hershey and Utica as the top organizations in that regard.

The team’s biggest achievement came in ticket sales as the Amerks successfully generated more than $1 million in Season Ticket Revenue for the first time in their 67-year history, totaling nearly $1.2 million during the 2022-23 campaign.

The Amerks posted a recovered full-season ticket sales revenue rate of 126 percent, doubled their group ticket sales and increased their individual ticket sales by more than $300,000. The team also finished in the top five in the league for overall increase in revenue growth, holiday pack FSE’s, new FSE’s sold over the course of the season and FSE recovered revenue. More impressively, the team accomplished all of this with most of its staff in only their first or second year of selling tickets for a professional sports organization.

New Women’s Pro Hockey League to Launch 2024; PHF Ends After 8 Years

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Janet
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0

Press released issued by PHF Friday, June 30, 2023; 11:35 am

CHICAGO AND BOSTON, JUNE 30, 2023 — A new professional hockey league, featuring the world’s best women’s players, will launch in January 2024.

The new league was announced today by business and philanthropic leaders Mark and Kimbra Walter, sports icon Billie Jean King, and Premier Hockey Federation (PHF) Governors Johanna and John Boynton. The league will be supported financially by the Walters and led by board members including King, sports executive Ilana Kloss, and Los Angeles Dodgers President Stan Kasten.

The new league has acquired assets of the PHF and has spent months negotiating a collective bargaining agreement with the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association (PWHPA). These actions will enable the new league to move forward in unprecedented ways. The new league will undertake a thorough and equitable process to ensure that it features the best women’s hockey players in the world.

“I have always believed that professional sports should bring the highest levels of performance and organization, and this new league will have the backing and resources it needs to represent the very best of women’s hockey,” said Mark Walter, who is the controlling owner of the Dodgers and the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, co-general partner of the ownership group of the Premier League’s Chelsea Football Club and holder of a significant interest in the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers.

“This is an extraordinary opportunity to advance women’s sports,” said King. “I have no doubt that this league can capture the imagination of fans and a new generation of players. I want to thank Mark and Kimbra Walter for their vision and commitment to investing in women’s sports.”

“This is another step forward for the women who play professional hockey and the girls who dream of it every day,” Johanna Boynton said. “The PHF has been a game-changer and catalyst for growth in the women’s professional game. Today’s announcement builds on this foundation, represents a shared vision for one new league, and reaffirms our belief that collective and collaborative leadership is in the best interest of women’s professional hockey.”

“I celebrate this transformational moment for women’s professional hockey,” said Kasten, who represented the Walters in both transactions. “I thank Jayna Hefford, Kendall Coyne Schofield and the PWHPA player bargaining committee, Johanna and John Boynton and their partners at the PHF, and PHF Commissioner Reagan Carey for their essential roles in this historic accomplishment.”

“This new league will be unlike anything we have seen in women’s hockey,” said Honoured Member of the Hockey Hall of Fame and PWHPA lead, Jayna Hefford. “I am inspired by this generation of players who are redefining the sport. We will create dreams and opportunities for girls and women around the world for decades to come.”

“I am extremely proud of our PWHPA group, which has remained committed to our vision and steadfast in our efforts to change the landscape of women’s professional hockey forever,” said Coyne Schofield. “Over the past four years, we have worked tirelessly to close the gap on what young girls and boys could dream to become in this sport.”

“This effort is the most significant development in our game since women’s ice hockey became an Olympic sport 25 years ago,” said Carey. “Players, fans, past pioneers, and future generations deserve to see the best athletes come together to elevate professional women’s hockey as never before.”

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Amerks Sign Fiddler-Schultz, Savoie To AHL Deals

By
Janet
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0

Rochester Americans General Manager Jason Karmanos announced today that the team has signed forward Riley Fiddler-Schultz to a two-year contract and defenseman Nicolas Savoie to a one-year contract. Both AHL contracts will begin with the 2023-24 season.

Fiddler-Schultz, 21, comes to Rochester after completing a five-year junior career with the Calgary Hitmen (WHL) from 2018-2023. In 246 career games with the Hitmen, he registered 77 goals and 112 assists for 189 points during the regular season. Additionally, he played in 13 playoff contests, scoring one goal.

During the 2022-23 campaign with the Hitmen, he recorded career-highs in goals (31), assists (44) and points (75) in 65 games, all of which led the team, while serving as team captain. The 6-foot-0, 195-pound center helped Calgary reach the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals and skated in a pair of postseason games.

Fiddler-Schultz signs two AHL contract.jpg

The Sherwood Park, Alberta, native garnered league accolades on three occasions, earning WHL Central First All-Star Team honors in 2022-23, Second All-Team in 2021-22 and Humanitarian of the Year in 2019-20.

The undrafted forward attended the Buffalo Sabres Prospects Challenge in 2021 and was a training camp invitee with the Los Angeles Kings in 2022.

Savoie, 21, joins the Amerks blueline after completing a five-year junior career with the Quebec Remparts (QMJHL) from 2018-2023. In 266 career games with the Remparts, he totaled 28 goals and 102 assists for 130 points during the regular season. Additionally, he played in 41 playoff contests, recording 22 points (3+19).

N Savoie signs one AHL contract.jpg

In his final campaign with Quebec in 2022-23, he established career-highs in both assists (41) and points (48) in 65 games, both of which led the team. The 6-foot-0, 190-pound defenseman also scored seven goals during the regular season. The Dieppe, New Brunswick, native helped the Remparts claim their first QMJHL Championship since 1976 and fifth overall as he produced eight assists.

The undrafted forward was a 2022-23 finalist for the Kevin-Lowe Memorial Trophy, which is presented annually to the league’s best defensive defenseman.

(Rochester Americans Photos)

Trio Of Incoming Cornell Men’s Hockey Players Selected In 2023 NHL Entry Draft

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Janet
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0

First Time At Least Three Cornell-Bound Players Drafted Since 2014

NASHVILLE — Incoming freshmen forwards Jonathan Castagna and Ryan Walsh and defenseman Hoyt Stanley all heard their names called on the second day of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft inside Bridgestone Arena on Thursday.

With the trio of selections, it marks the third consecutive draft in which multiple Cornell-bound players were drafted. Rising junior defenseman Hank Kempf (N.Y. Rangers) and former Big Red forward Justin Ertel (Dallas) were taken in 2021, while incoming players George Fegaras (Dallas) and Luke Devlin (Pittsburgh) were chosen in last year’s draft.

The three draft picks mark the most Cornell selections in a single draft since 2014 when Beau Starrett (88th overall by Chicago), Anthony Angello (145th overall by Pittsburgh), Jared Fiegl (191st overall by Arizona), and Dwyer Tschantz (202nd overall by St. Louis) were all drafted.

In total, seven players with ECAC Hockey ties were drafted to NHL clubs on Thursday with Cornell leading the way with three selections. Quinnipiac had two while RPI and Yale rounded out the list with one apiece.


Castagna, a forward, was taken by Arizona in the third round with the 70th overall pick. It was the highest selection for an incoming Cornell player since Matt Stienburg was drafted by Colorado with the 63rd overall pick in 2019.

Over the last two seasons at St. Andrew’s College in his native Ontario, Castagna registered 92 points (39 goals, 53 assists) in 85 career games.

This past season, the Etobicoke, Ontario, native captained the St. Andrew’s squad where he appeared in 50 contests and tallied 72 points (29 goals, 43 assists). His performance led him to earning the team’s Most Valuable Player award, while also being named to the league’s All-Star Team. He was also tabbed an all-star at the MacPherson Tournament.

“Jonathan has great compete, is tenacious on every shift, and plays at a high pace,” the Cornell coaching staff told ECAC Hockey. “His leadership skills are going to be invaluable to the organization.”

Notes on Castagna

• Castagna becomes the fifth Cornell player to be drafted out of St. Andrew’s College, all of which have come since 2017, joining Morgan Barron (2017), Stienburg (2019), Ertel (2021), and Devlin (2022), who played at St. Andrew’s in 2021-22, but spent last year in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) with West Kelowna.

• It is the second time a Cornell player was selected with the 70th overall pick, joining Roy Kerling who was drafted by the Minnesota North Stars in the fifth round of the 1978 NHL Draft.

• Castagna is the seventh player with a Cornell connection drafted in Coyotes franchise history, but only the third by the Coyotes (David LeNeveu in 2002 and Fiegl in 2014). The first four players were picked by the Winnipeg Jets before the team relocated to Arizona following the 1995-96 season.


Stanley, a right-shot defenseman, was the 108th overall selection by Ottawa in the fourth round.

The 6-foot-3 blueliner spent the previous two seasons with Victoria in the BCHL, where he had 38 points (four goals, 34 assists) in 53 games last year. His successful season on the ice led to him being named to the BCHL Top Prospects Game while earning a spot on the league’s All-Rookie Team.

“Hoyt is a very mobile defenseman that can move pucks and get pucks down to the net, in addition to his very good hockey sense,” the coaching staff told ECAC Hockey.

Notes on Stanley

• Stanley is also the second Cornell player taken with the 108th overall selection. Dave Burke was the first when he was selected by Toronto in the fifth round of the 1989 NHL Entry Draft.

• Continuing with the trend of being the second Cornell player, Stanley joins Colin Greening as the lone Big Red players selected by Ottawa. Greening was the 204th overall pick in 2005.


Walsh was the third and final Cornell player selected on Thursday when he was picked by Boston in the sixth round (188th overall).

The 6-foot-1 centerman had an impressive 2022-23 campaign with Cedar Rapids of the United States Hockey League (USHL), where he led the RoughRiders in all scoring categories: goals (30), assists (49), points (79) and was named to the USHL’s First All-Star Team.

His 49 helpers were tied for the most in the USHL, while his 79 points — which broke the previous franchise record which stood for 16 seasons — was the second-most in the league.

“Ryan has great hockey sense which is his greatest attribute,” the Cornell coaching staff said to ECAC Hockey. “He makes those around him better. This was visible this past season in the USHL. He will be a valuable piece to the organization.”

Notes on Walsh

• Walsh becomes the fourth Cornell player to be drafted by Boston, joining the likes of Hockey Hall of Famer Ken Dryden (1964), former Big Red standout and assistant coach Casey Jones (1987), and former NHLer Byron Bitz (2003).

• The 188th overall pick also marked the second time a Big Red player was taken with that pick, joining Stephen Bâby in 1999 (Atlanta).

• Ironically, the last two instances of a Cornell player being drafted by the Bruins featured the NHL Entry Draft being held in Nashville.

(Cornell Men’s Hockey Photo)

Rangers Take Perreault With First Round Selection

By
Janet
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0

By Warren Kozireski —

NASHVILLE, TENN — Selecting 23rd overall, the New York Rangers went with offense in selecting USNTDP product and future Boston College Eagle Gabriel Perreault with their first-round draft pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft in Nashville.

“Hearing my name called is pretty surreal; it’s something you dream of as a kid, so I’m so excited to be a Ranger,” Perreault said in the post draft media scrum.

Perreault teamed with fellow first round picks Will Smith and Ryan Leonard to break several scoring records for Team USA this season. The 5’11”, 165 lb. right wing is more of a playmaker with 79 assists but scored at a better than two-points-per-game pace this season with 132 points in 63 games and adding 45 points over 23 games in the USHL portion of the schedule.

“I’m a competitive, creative offensive-minded winger, I create chances for me and my teammates, but I would say I’m more of a playmaker.

Perreault is the son of former NHLer Yanic Perreault, who spent 859 games over 14 seasons in the league with 516 points. He is now the Player Development Coach for the Chicago Blackhawks.

“I haven’t seen him too much, but I’ve heard I got a good amount—he was really skilled and a really smart player, so I carry that.”

Perreault had 18 points (five goals, 13 assists) in seven games to help lead the United States to a gold medal at the 2023 IIHF World Under-18 Championship in Switzerland in April.

His 132 points this season set a program record breaking the records held by current NHL stars Auston Matthews and Jack Hughes.

“It was a great year for myself and also for the team…and there was no better way to end it than with a gold medal. It’s really special because you look up to the names that came through that program and to have my name up there is definitely pretty special.”

In just a few short months, Perreault and the rest of the Team USA line will get together again at Boston College and try to continue their offensive magic.

(Photo by Koz, NY Hockey OnLine)

Cornell Men’s Hockey Announces Incoming Class of 2027

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Janet
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0

Five Forwards, Five Defensemen Set to Join Big Red for 2023-24 Campaign

ITHACA, N.Y. — Mike Schafer ’86, the Jay R. Bloom ’77 Head Coach of Men’s Ice Hockey, and the Cornell men’s hockey program announced this afternoon that 10 players will be joining the program for the 2023-24 season.

All players entering the program will be first-year players and immediately eligible for the upcoming season.

The breakdown of the incoming players including five forwards and five defensemen from four different countries, including the United States, Canada, England, and Slovakia. Of the four players from the United States, three states are represented (New York, Virginia, and Missouri), while two provinces (British Columbia and Ontario) compose the four Canadian players.

Biographical information on each player can be found below.

Incoming Player Biographies

Jonathan Castagna
Forward • 6-2 • 185 lbs. • Left • Etobicoke, Ontario • St. Andrew’s College
Castagna spent the previous two seasons at St. Andrew’s College in Aurora, Ontario, where he registering 92 points (39 goals, 53 assists) over 85 career games. He captained the 2022-23 squad before ultimately leading the team in points with 72 (29 goals, 43 assists) in 50 games and was voted St. Andrew’s College’s Most Valuable Player. In addition to his team MVP honors, he was named to the league’s All-Star team and was a MacPherson Tournament All-Star. In addition to his time at St. Andrew’s College, Castagna played one game with the Toronto Jr. Canadiens of OJHL in 2022-23. Castagna is currently ranked No. 91 in the NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings prior the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, which begins tonight in Nashville.

Tyler Catalano
Forward • 6-4 • 216 lbs. • Right • St. Louis, Mo. • Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)
Coming off winning the 2023 Clark Cup with the USHL’s Youngstown Phantoms, Catalano scored a career-high eight goals and 13 points with the Phantoms over 59 regular season games this past year. In the Clark Cup playoffs, Catalano had two assists in nine games. During his three years with the Phantoms, he amassed 24 points (nine goals, 15 assists) in 113 career games. He will be the fifth Cornell player on record to hail from the state of Missouri, joining former Big Red players Jason Zubkus, Clint Kisker, Dan DiLeo, and Ryan Coon.

Luke Devlin
Forward • 6-3 • 187 lbs. • Left • Toronto, Ontario • West Kelowna Warriors (BCHL) • NHL Draft: Pittsburgh (6th round, 2022)
Devlin, a sixth-round pick by Pittsburgh in last year’s NHL Entry Draft, is coming off a 37-point season with West Kelowna in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) where he scored 11 goals and 26 assists. Prior to his time in the BCHL, Devlin spent the 2021-22 campaign at St. Andrew’s College where he served as team captain and was voted the team’s MVP and Offensive Player of the Year after posting 19 goals and 28 assists (47 points) in 44 games. He also appeared in eight games with the Des Moines Buccaneers (six games) and the U.S. National Team Development Program (two games) in the USHL. Devlin also represented Team USA at the 2021 Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Piešťany, Slovakia and Břeclav, Czech Republic.

George Fegaras
Defenseman • 6-2 • 205 lbs. • Right • Richmond Hill, Ontario • Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL) • NHL Draft: Dallas (3rd round, 2022)
Fegaras, a third-round pick by Dallas in last year’s NHL Entry Draft, will arrive to East Hill after spending the 2022-23 season with the Muskegon Lumberjacks in the USHL. While serving as an alternate captain with the Lumberjacks, Fegaras notched 27 points (four goals, 21 assists) in 61 games. Prior to his lone season in Muskegon, Fegaras played in his native Ontario with the North York Rangers of the OJHL in 2021-22 where he had a 48-point season (13 goals, 35 assists) over 52 games. Due to his successful season, he received the B.J. Monro Memorial Trophy for being the league’s top prospect, as well as being named Rookie of the Year and an OJHL First All-Star Team selection. Fegaras is the third Cornell prospect to receive the B.J. Monro Memorial Trophy in the 10 times it has been awarded, joining Matt Cairns and Matt Buckles.

Jacob Kraft
Forward • 5-8 • 170 lbs. • Left • Churchville, N.Y. • Cedar Rapids RoughRiders (USHL)
Kraft spent the 2022-23 season with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders of the USHL where he registered 32 points (17 goals, 15 assists) over 56 games. Prior to joining Cedar Rapids, Kraft had a 44-point season (25 goals, 19 assists) in 28 games in 2021-22 at the Kent School in Connecticut, where he served as an alternate captain. He additionally played three years of lacrosse at Kent School.

Marián Moško
Defenseman • 5-11 • 185 lbs. • Left • Visolaje, Slovakia • Fargo Force (USHL)
Moško split time this past season in the USHL with the Lincoln Stars and the Fargo Force. During his time with Fargo, he had five points (one goal, four assists) in 42 regular-season games. He represented his native Slovakia at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Under-18 Division I, Group A tournament where he won a gold medal before aiding team to silver medal at Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Moško is just the second Slovakian player on record in Cornell history, joining Frank Kovac (1996-00).

Ben Robertson
Defenseman • 5-11 • 181 lbs. • Left • Potomac Falls, Va. • Waterloo Black Hawks (USHL)
Robertson served as an alternate captain for Waterloo, where he posted 45 points (three goals, 42 assists) in 61 games. His 42 assists were the most by a USHL defenseman last season. During his time with the Black Hawks, Robertson had 60 points (5 goals, 55 assists) over 98 contests. In the most recent NHL Central Scouting update, Robertson is ranked the No. 193 North American skater for this week’s NHL Entry Draft. 

Hoyt Stanley
Defenseman • 6-3 • 200 lbs. • Right • West Vancouver, British Columbia • Victoria Grizzlies (BCHL)
Stanley spent the previous two seasons with Victoria in the BCHL, where he had 38 points (4+34) in 53 games in 2022-23, leading to being named to BCHL Top Prospects Game in 2023 and to the All-Rookie Team. Entering the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, Stanley is ranked as the No. 85 North American skater in the NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings. Stanley’s father, Graham, played professionally from 1989-91, spending time in the AHL, ECHL, and IHL.

Liam Steele
Defenseman • 6-4 • 225 lbs. • Right • Cobham, England • Salmon Arm Silverbacks (BCHL)
Steele split the 2022-23 season with Chilliwack and Salmon Arm in the BCHL, where he combined for 16 points (3+13) over 43 games. The blueliner had 14 points (two goals, 12 assists) in 33 games with Salmon Arm before logging a goal and three assists in 14 playoff games. He represented Great Britain at the last two IIHF World Junior Championships Division II Group A tournaments, amassing seven points (3+4) in 10 games. Steele also played for Team Great Britain at the 2022 IIHF Under-18 World Junior Championship Division II, Group A tournament, posting four points (3+1) in four games. While playing internationally, Steele claimed a pair of bronze medals and a silver medal. Along with ice hockey, Steele played rugby for four years and field hockey for two years at Stanstead College in Stanstead, Québec. Steele is the first English player on record in Cornell program history.

Ryan Walsh
Forward • 6-1 • 180 lbs. • Right • Rochester, N.Y. • Cedar Rapids RoughRiders (USHL)
Walsh was a USHL First All-Star Team selection after posting 79 points (30+49) in 61 games with Cedar Rapids RoughRiders. Following the regular season, Walsh had two goals and five assists in five playoff games. Prior to playing junior hockey, Walsh spent his senior year at the Salisbury School in Connecticut, where he had 39 points (16 goals, 23 assists) in 28 games. Walsh also played lacrosse during his time at Salisbury School.

Cornell Connections

• Luke Devlin and Jonathan Castagna played together at St. Andrew’s College during the 2021-22 season.

• Returning as teammates for the second consecutive season is Jacob Kraft and Ryan Walsh, who played together last year on the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders.

• Winter Wallace and incoming freshman forward Tyler Catalano played two seasons together on the Youngstown Phantoms (2020-22).

• Remington Keopple and Luke Devlin played together during the 2021-22 season with the Des Moines Buccaneers. Devlin also played with Hank Kempf on the Muskegon Lumberjacks in 2020-21.

(Cornell University Men’s Hockey Photo)

Hamburg’s Musty Selected In First Round By San Jose

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Janet
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By Warren Kozireski —

NASHVILLE, TENN — Ranked anywhere from tenth to 23rd by various hockey websites and scouts, Quentin Musty from Hamburg was taken in the first round of the 2023 NHL Draft in Nashville 26th overall by the San Jose Sharks.

“No words really to describe it; just unbelievable,” Musty said in the post draft media scrum. “Just sitting there and obviously nerves are going; just trying to get through it and a big relief when I heard my name called and getting to spend that moment with my family was great.”

Musty has the build that teams are looking for at 6’2” and 190 lbs. And he is coming off his best offensive season with 26 goals and 78 points in 53 games with Sudbury in the Ontario Hockey League this past season—more than doubling both categories from the season prior.

“For me (I need to) become more explosive and work on my skating. I think I’ve got a good skill set with my playmaking and shot. I think just becoming more of a complete player and that’s what I’ve been working on.

The Jr. Sabres and North Jersey Avalanche product was too young to watch San Jose General Manager Mike Grier when he played for the Sabres but has heard about the player from his dad.

“I know he was a tough guy back then—my dad is a big fan growing up in Buffalo—but from what I’ve seen and heard, he’s a great guy and obviously changed my life today, so I appreciate that.”

Musty had a large cheering section of 60-70 family members and friends on hand in Nashville and they were noticed.

“My mom’s got a lot of brothers and a sister, and they live all over the country, so (when I was) down in Carolina or New York City for a tournament or something, they’re there to support and it’s been that way since I was six or seven. And my dad’s side all live in the area I grew up in.

“Having that support and such a close-knit family and for them to all be here today meant so much to me. They brought me to this point and I’m happy to have them as part of my journey today.”

(Photo by Koz, NY Hockey OnLine)

Buffalo Selects Benson With First Round Selection

By
Janet
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0

By Warren Kozireski —

NASHVILLE, TENN. — No trade ups; no trade downs. The Buffalo Sabres simply made their first-round selection with the 13th overall pick and took last year’s first rounder, Matt Savoie’s linemate in Zach Benson of the Winnipeg Ice in the Western Hockey League.

“It’s obviously super exciting; you dream of this moment, but it’s also nerve-wracking,” Benson said. “I would say for most of the day I was pretty nervous, but it was mixed with the excitement.

“It’s pretty surreal wearing an NHL jersey it’s pretty amazing and I’m super-thrilled right now.”

Benson, a 5’10, 170 lb. forward, scored 98 points in 60 games this past season including 36 goals. He added 17 points in 15 playoff games as the Ice advanced all the way to the league championship series.

“Work ethic is one of my strong suits and I take a lot of pride in it and I’m looking forward to this next year and my goal is to just keep improving.

“Me and Sav (Savoie) played the whole year together on the same line, killed (penalties) and played on the power play together and now to be sharing the same NHL jersey is pretty amazing and I’m looking forward to it.

But Benson’s Buffalo ties don’t stop at Matt Savoie. He also was a teammate of Peyton Krebs in his first year in the WHL as a 15-year-old. And his head coach is former Sabres defenseman James Patrick.

“It’s been huge, obviously, learning from a guy like James Patrick. Every day you learn stuff from a guy who played 20 years in the NHL. I learned a lot from Peyton in my first year in the Western League. He’s probably the best leader that I ever played for.

After Development and Prospect Camps, Benson will head back to the WHL, but now in Washington with the league move of the Winnipeg franchise. But he will be keeping an eye on his two former and future teammates and hoping to join them soon.

“Their roster is looking pretty dangerous, so to be a part of that plan and where they’re heading, I’m super pumped.”

(Photo by Koz, NY Hockey OnLine)

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