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MERCYHURST COACHES TOP CHOICE FOR 2014-15 SEASON

By
Janet
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WINTHROP Mass. — The Atlantic Hockey Association coaches have voted who they believe will take the
regular season crown for the 2014-15 season. Last year’s regular season champions, Mercyhurst is the top
pick in this years preseason poll. The Lakers collected six (6) first place votes en route to 95 total points.
Last year’s Tournament Champions, Robert Morris was chosen to finish second with 89 points with three
(3) first place votes. Air Force rounds out the top three with 80 points and one (1) first place vote.
Bentley and Niagara are tied for fourth with 69 points. The Purple Eagles collected a single first place vote.
Canisius follows with 52 points, with RIT right behind the Griffs in seventh place with 47 points. Holy
Cross was chosen to finish eighth with 44 points from the coaches. The bottom three in the poll are Sacred
Heart (28); Army (20) and American International (12).
The 2014-15 season opens up on Saturday, October 4 with a pair of exhibition contest. Robert Morris will
host Ryerson at 84 Lumber Arena at 7:05 pm, while RIT will open their new arena, Polisseni Center, against
Brock also at 7:05 pm. There are three more exhibition contests on Sunday, October 5, as Ryerson will take
on Mercyhurst, Brock will face Niagara and Toronto will face-off with Canisius. On Monday, October 6,
Air Force will host McGill.
The following weekend will open regular season action with all eleven institutions in action, with a pair of
conference games. Sacred Heart will travel to West Point and take on Army in one conference match-up,
while Air Force will host Mercyhurst in the other.
The 2015 Atlantic Hockey Tournament will have the top five teams receiving a bye into the Quarterfinal
round with seeds 6-8 hosting seeds 9-11 in a best two-out-of-three weekend series starting Friday, March 6.
The First Round winners will then be re-seeded and travel to the top three seeds, as the fifth seed will
travel to the fourth seed, for a best-two-out-of-three Quarterfinal series, which will begin on Friday, March
13. The four winners will then travel to the Blue Cross Arena in Rochester, N.Y. with the highest
remaining seed facing the lowest remaining seed in the first semifinal, with the other two remaining seeds
facing off in the second semifinal on Friday, March 20. The two semifinal winners will then face-off in the
Championship game on Saturday, March 21 with the NCAA automatic berth on the line.
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RIT Men Picked 7th in PreSeason Poll

By
Janet
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0

Men’s hockey picked to finish seventh in the 2014-15 Atlantic Hockey Association preseason poll

(Photo: RIT men enjoy skating at opening ceremonies of the Gene Polisseni Center last week)

 

ROCHESTER, NY – The RIT men’s hockey team was picked to finish seventh in the 2014-15 Atlantic Hockey Association preseason poll, as voted on by the conference’s coaches, and announced at the conference’s annual media day held via teleconference on Wednesday, Sept. 24. This is Atlantic Hockey’s 12th season of competition.

Last season’s regular season champion and tournament semifinalist, Mercyhurst, is the top pick in the preseason poll, with six first place votes and 95 total points. League champion Robert Morris garnered three first place votes and 89 total points, while Air Force is third with one first place vote and 80 points.

Bentley and Niagara were picked to tie for fourth by the coaches, both with 69 points. Niagara also garnered a first place vote. Canisius is sixth with 52 points, while the Tigers check in with 47 points.

RIT returns 19 players from last season’s squad; including 2012-13 leading scorer and three-year team captain Matt Garbowsky (St. George, Ontario/Powell River Kings). In all, 11 forwards, five defensemen and all three goaltenders are back from last season’s team that finished ninth in the AHA standings. In goal, sophomore Mike Rotolo (Rochester, NY/Cedar Rapids Roughriders) emerged as the starter and finished 9-9-3 with a 2.77 goals against average and .912 save percentage.

“We are eager to show we’re a better team this year than we were last season,” said RIT head coachWayne Wilson, now entering his 16th season. “We want to play our best hockey in March, earn home ice advantage for the AHA playoffs, win our conference championship, and get back to the NCAA Tournament.”

The bottom four of the standings sees Holy Cross in eighth with 44 points, Sacred Heart ninth with 28 points and Army tenth with 20 points. Rounding out the 2014-15 preseason poll is American International in 11th with 12 points.

With 11 teams in the conference, RIT will play an unbalanced schedule. The Tigers play Robert Morris, Holy Cross, Sacred Heart, and Niagara, four times apiece this season. RIT will play two games each against Air Force, Canisius, American International, Army, Bentley, and Mercyhurst.

The 2015 Atlantic Hockey Tournament will feature the same format for the third straight season. This year the top five teams receive a bye into the Quarterfinal round with seeds 6-8 hosting seeds 9-11 in a best two-out-of-three weekend series starting Friday, March 6. The First Round winners will then be re-seeded and travel to the top-three seeds, as the fifth seed will travel to the fourth seed for a best-two-out-of-three Quarterfinal series, which will begin on Friday, March 13. The four winners will then travel to the Blue Cross Arena in downtown Rochester with the highest remaining seed facing the lowest remaining seed in the first semifinal, with the other two remaining seeds facing off in the second semifinal on Friday, March 20. The two semifinal winners will then face-off in the Championship game on Saturday, March 21 with the NCAA automatic berth on the line.

RIT opens its inaugural season at the 4,300-seat Gene Polisseni Center with an exhibition contest against the Brock University of Canada on Saturday, Oct. 4 at 7:05 p.m. The Tigers open the regular season at home against St. Lawrence on Friday, Oct. 10 and Clarkson on Saturday, Oct. 11. On Saturday, Oct. 18, RIT hosts perennial power Boston College at Blue Cross Arena as part of Brick City Homecoming and Family Weekend. The Tigers have drawn a sellout crowd of 10,556 fans at Blue Cross Arena in each of the last four years and are nearing that number in ticket sales well in advance.

This is the second lowest that RIT has been projected to finish since being selected to finish eighth in its inaugural AHA season of 2006-07. RIT was chosen first in 2007-08, 2010-11, and 2011-12, and third in both 2008-09, and 2009-10. Last year, RIT was picked to finish fifth and placed ninth. RIT won the regular season title the first three seasons they were not picked to finish first.

RIT has won four AHA regular season titles and made three straight trips to the AHA Championship game from 2010-12. In 2010, RIT won its first AHA postseason title, parlaying that success into an historic run to the NCAA Tournament, where they advanced to the Frozen Four.

The Atlantic Hockey Association arose on June 30, 2003, to found a new Division-I men’s ice hockey conference. The league is comprised of eleven members: Air Force Academy, American International College, Army, Bentley University, Canisius College, College of the Holy Cross, Mercyhurst University, Niagara University, Robert Morris University, Rochester Institute of Technology, and Sacred Heart University.

2014-15 Atlantic Hockey Association Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Mercyhurst (6) – 95
2. Robert Morris (3) – 89
3. Air Force (1) – 80
4. Bentley – 69
4. Niagara (1) – 69
6. Canisius – 52
7. RIT – 47
8. Holy Cross – 44
9. Sacred Heart – 28
10. Army – 20
11. American International – 12
(First Place votes)

Rochester Jr. Amerks Take to the Ice Friday

By
Janet
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0

The Rochester Junior Americans host their first ever USPHL Premier Division home game on Friday September 26th against the Connecticut Junior Rangers! The USPHL Premier Division is the top junior hockey league on the East Coast and features future NCAA and NHL level talent.

 

The Americans and Rangers will play a three game series, with the puck dropping at 7 PM on Friday and Saturday nights, and the opening faceoff at 1 PM on Sunday.

 

All games will be played at Bill Gray’s Iceplex. Tickets are available at the door and are $6 for adults and $3 for seniors and children. Any Rochester Youth Hockey player will be admitted for free if they wear their RYH jersey to the game!

CHA Places RIT Third and Syracuse Fourth in Pre-Season Poll

By
Janet
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 The defending College Hockey America Champion RIT women’s hockey team, who begins its third season of Division I competition, is selected to finish third in the 2014-15 CHA preseason coaches poll, announced by the league on Friday, Sept. 19.

RIT swept Penn State in the first round of the CHA playoffs last season, upended Robert Morris, 4-1 in the semifinals, and defeated host Mercyhurst, 2-1 in double overtime to claim the 2014 CHA crown. The Tigers return 16 skaters, including 10 forwards and goaltender Ali Binnington (Oakville, Ontario/Mississauga Chiefs), the CHA Tournament MVP and Regular Season Goaltender of the Year from last season’s championship squad. RIT enjoyed an excellent season, winning its final seven games of the year to finish 20-15-3 overall, while finishing third in league play with an 11-7-2 mark. RIT will be eligible for the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 2014-15.

Last year’s regular season champion, Mercyhurst is tied for the top pick in this year’s preseason poll for the 13th straight season. The Lakers collected one first place vote for 21 total points. Mercyhurst was the 2013-14 regular season winner and advanced to the NCAA Frozen Four for the second straight season. Robert Morris also garnered 21 points, with a league-high three first place votes. RIT was chosen to finish third with 20 points and a pair of first place votes. Syracuse is picked to finish fourth with 13 points, while Penn State comes in fifth with eight points, and Lindenwood is picked to finish sixth with seven points.

“There is a ton of parity league wide from top to bottom and the preseason poll proves that,” said RIT head coach Scott McDonald. “With the league now receiving an automatic bid (to the NCAA Tournament) we know this is going to be an exciting year and we look forward to the challenge of defending our CHA title.”

The 2015 College Hockey America playoffs begin with a best-of-three series for the third through sixth place finishers from Feb. 27 – March 1. The top two teams get a first round bye. The CHA Tournament Semifinals and Championship will be held on March 6-7 at the home of the regular season champion.

RIT opens its inaugural season at the Gene Polisseni Center with an exhibition contest against Pursuit of Excellence, a junior team out of British Columbia on Sept. 29, then begin the regular season with four straight home games, two against Union on Oct. 3-4, University of New Hampshire on Oct. 10 and Northeastern onOct. 11. RIT will play four regular season games (two home, two away) against each CHA foe during the 2014-15 season. RIT plays its final 13 regular season games against league opponents.

2013-14 College Hockey America Preseason Coaches Poll
1) Robert Morris (3) – 21 points
Mercyhurst (1) – 21 points
3) RIT – (2) 20 points
4) Syracuse – 13 points
5) Penn State – 8 points
6) Lindenwood – 7 points

Polisseni Center Opens With A Roar

By
Janet
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(This release is from RIT; the October issue of NY Hockey OnLine magazine will carry an account of the day from writer Warren Kozireski and photos by Janet Schultz)

 

Wanda Polisseni didn’t want to see RIT’s new state-of-the-art arena until it was complete, so she walked in Thursday not quite sure what to expect.

“I am blown away,” said Polisseni, the wife of the late Gene Polisseni, the arena’s namesake. “This is a dream come true for my husband because of his love of hockey and RIT.”

RIT alumni, students, faculty, staff and the community also got their first look at the Tigers’ new $38 million den Thursday during a dedication ceremony. And the reviews of both the facility and the teams who now call the arena home were gushing.

“I could talk today about RIT’s march to national hockey prominence and decades of great competition,” said RIT President Bill Destler before the first puck was dropped. “But there’s a different story I want you to hear about how these teams have built RIT pride and spirit around the world.”

Popularity of both the men’s and women’s hockey teams has skyrocketed in recent years, resulting from the men’s team’s historic run to the 2010 NCAA Frozen Four and the women’s team winning the 2012 NCAA Division III Championship.

As interest rose, RIT quickly outgrew Frank Ritter Memorial Ice Arena, the Tigers’ home for the last 46 years. A lack of amenities at Ritter and limited seating made hockey night a test of patience and endurance. Spectators would cram into the building sometimes standing three-deep behind the railing. Those with seats often had to arrive two hours before game time to claim them.

The Polisseni Center, which sits on the south side of the Student Alumni Union, boasts 4,000 seats and, with standing room, has a total capacity of 4,300 complete with a student/pep band/Corner Crew section. Other seating options include reserved chair-back seating and a special club section with buffet meals and cash bar. Six corporate suites are available—four on the club level, one on the media level and a unique bunker suite at ice level.

The naming of the facility resulted from a $4.5 million partnership between the Polisseni Foundation and RIT trustee B. Thomas Golisano, founder and chairman of Paychex Inc. and lifelong Polisseni friend.

Gene Polisseni served as vice president of marketing at Paychex until he died in 2001. Most of his professional life was devoted to helping build the payroll services company, but hockey always remained his personal outlet. He organized youth and adult amateur leagues throughout the area and he regularly attended professional hockey games.

Golisano on Thursday called Gene Polisseni the soul of Paychex. “He instilled the moral integrity and character into our company.” He added that the arena is a great tribute to his friend.

Thursday’s dedication was part pep rally, part carnival. Fans and youth hockey players had the opportunity to skate with players, win Tiger swag playing carnival games and tour the arena.

Kristen Tompkins ’97 (social work) was impressed. “It’s beautiful,” she said, “state of the art.”

Senior forward Marissa Maugeri (Ajax, Ontario/Durham West Lightning) was beaming with excitement.

“It’s crazy to finally be here after seeing it being built for so long. Now we are even more excited to start playing our games here,” she said. “We are thankful to play here and grateful for everyone involved who made this a reality.”

Topping that list are Steve Schultz ’89 (computer science) and Vicki Schultz ’92, ’94, ’99 (photography, business administration, MBA), who kicked off the fundraising for the arena in 2010 with a gift of $1 million.

Schultz, who as a student pulled together multiple cheering sections to lead the Corner Crew, visited the arena every two weeks to watch it being built. He said he likes that the new arena has the closeness of Ritter with the amenities Ritter was lacking.

The Polisseni Center is among the few new arenas without a center-ice scoreboard. Instead, two 23-foot-by-13-foot high-definition video boards—a gift from J.M. Allain ’03 (multidisciplinary studies), who is president and CEO of Trans-Lux Corp., a leading supplier of programmable electronic information displays—are located on each end of the ice, complete with full captioning.

The video boards will see game action on Sept. 29 when the women’s hockey team plays its first exhibition game, followed by the first regular-season game Oct. 3. The men’s exhibition game is Oct. 4 with its season opening Oct. 10.

“I can’t wait to see what a sellout crowd will look and sound like here compared to Ritter,” said sophomore forward Garrett McMullen (Churchville, NY/Trail Smoke Eaters), “With the Corner Crew and student section, it’s going to be a great place to play. It’s great to see everyone come together to support a top-notch facility.”

Jessey Leads Griffs This Season

By
Janet
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0

Senior defender Doug Jessey (Langdon, Alberta) will serve as captain for the 2014-15 Canisius College hockey team with senior netminder Keegan Asmundson (Inver Grove Heights, Minn.)being named the assistant captain, announced by head coach Dave Smith on Wednesday.

 

“Leadership in an important aspect to every team and with a senior class of 10, we expect great things from each of them,” Smith said. “Doug and Keegan will wear a letter but leadership is expected to come from many within this class.

 

“Doug is a player who leads by example and has a great amount of respect from his teammates both on and off the ice. He has grown immensely in his four years here and is very deserving of being captain. Doug and Keegan work well together and have a great command of the locker room. They have represented the program in a first-class manner during their career and I look forward to working with them as we attempt to get back to the Atlantic Hockey Championship and NCAA Tournament.”

 

Jessey has appeared in 116 collegiate games with 35 points, 10 goals and 25 assists, setting career highs last season with 22 points, eight goals and 14 assists. The Langdon, Alberta native was named to the 2014 Atlantic Hockey All-Tournament Team after helping lead the Griffs to their second-straight title game appearance, totaling seven points in seven postseason games.

 

Asmundson is the first Canisius goalie to earn a letter since Andrew Loewen was named an assistant captain during the 2008-09 season. In 19 collegiate games, Asmundson has posted a 2.28 goals against average and .931 save percentage, while collecting Atlantic Hockey Goaltender of the Week accolades twice.

 

The duo is set to lead a team that returns 18 letterwinners and has advanced to two-straight Atlantic Hockey title games. The Griffs won the program’s first conference championship in 2013, earning a trip to the NCAA Tournament. Canisius opens the 2014-15 regular season on Oct. 10with a home game against Western Michigan at First Niagara Center.

 

Marsall to Assist at RIT

By
Janet
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0

Lisa Marshall named RIT women’s hockey assistant coach

ROCHESTER, NY – RIT women’s hockey head coach Scott McDonald announced on Wednesday that former NCAA goaltending standout Lisa Marshall will join the RIT women’s hockey staff as an assistant coach for the 2014-15 season.

Originally from Powahatan, Va., Marshall began her collegiate career at Wayne State University before transferring to Elmira College for her sophomore season. At Elmira, Marshall flourished between the pipes, recording a 32-8-1 record with a 1.22 goals against average and .947 save percentage and 23 shutouts in three seasons, helping lead the Soaring Eagles to the 2013 Division III Championship.

“We are excited to bring Lisa to RIT,” said McDonald, who is now in his ninth season with the Tigers. “She was a very good collegiate goaltender, who will work closely with our goaltenders, and also assist in all aspects of the program.”

In her senior season, Marshall earned All-USCHO.com third team national honors and was an All-ECAC West second team selection. She finished the season 16-5-1 with a 1.26 goals against average and .951 save percentage in 22 games to go along with six shutouts.

“This is an opportunity I am really excited for, working with great coaches in Scott (McDonald) and (assistant coach) Matt (Woodard),” said Marshall. “It is great to be able to stay in the game in a new role.”

For three seasons, Marshall played at the United States Under-18 Developmental camps (2007, 2008, and 2010), in Lake Placid and Rochester.

Marshall received her bachelor’s degree in English literature with an associate’s degree in business administration from Elmira in 2014. She was a two-year member of Elmira’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and also served as a student worker in the athletics and sports medicine offices.

“Lisa was able to play her collegiate career under three coaches and be part of a national championship team, which made her a strong candidate,” said McDonald. “She brings youth and a contagious energy to our staff and players and will be a strong assistant coach.”

Sabres Wine Festival Slated

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Janet
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0

The Buffalo Sabres Alumni Association is hosting the 11th Annual Sabres Alumni Fall Wine Festival on Thursday, Nov. 20 at First Niagara Center from 6 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. The event, co-sponsored by First Niagara, Labatt, BlueCross BlueShield of WNY, Fallsview Casino, and JW Danforth, will feature wineries and restaurants from Buffalo, Niagara on the Lake and beyond.

Sample some of the finest wines and food that the Western New York and Southern Ontario regions have to offer while socializing with Sabres legends and their wives, as well as members from the 2014-2015 team. The festival will include music, auctions and raffles with unique items from the Buffalo Sabres and Sabres Alumni.
Tickets are $75 each and are available on Sabres.com, the First Niagara Center Box Office, or by calling Nick Fearby at 716-855-4452.
All attendees are asked to dress in business attire for the evening. There will be complimentary parking in the ramp adjacent to the First Niagara Center. Please use the 100 level bridge entrance to enter the event.
All proceeds from the event will benefit breast cancer care in Western New York.
For anyone interested in a sponsorship package, please contact Teresa Belbas at 716-855-4588.

Sabres Set Kick-Off Luncheon

By
Janet
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0

The Buffalo Sabres today announced the team’s Season Kick-off Luncheon will take place in October. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Buffalo Sabres Foundation.

The luncheon is scheduled for noon on Wednesday, Oct. 8 in the First Niagara Center Lexus Club. Speakers will include Sabres GM Tim Murray and Head Coach Ted Nolan. This event will also feature the opportunity for fans to dine at a table with current Sabres players, coaches and alumni as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Individuals and corporate groups of up to 10 people interested in attending the luncheon can choose between two different packages:
·         Corporate Luncheon Table – $350 – includes a table of 10 people at the luncheon.
·         Single Luncheon Seat – $40 – includes one luncheon seat.
Corporate and individual packages are on sale now at Sabres.com. For questions, contact Nick Fearby at 716-855-4452. Tickets will be mailed out during the week before the luncheon.
                              
Attendees will be asked to adhere to business casual dress code. Free parking will be available in the ramp adjacent to First Niagara Center.
The Buffalo Sabres Foundation is a New York State not for profit corporation that is committed to stimulating, supporting and encouraging organizations that serve Western New York which are committed to youth hockey initiatives; the health, wellness and education of underprivileged /disadvantaged youth and military personnel; and physically and mentally challenged athletes, by providing financial generosity and other platforms for their endeavors. Through such support these organizations will realize their highest potential, thereby allowing their members to gain the confidence and integrity necessary to succeed in life.

Buffalo Stars Salute the Troops

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Janet
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0

The Buffalo Stars will officially open the 2014-2015 Youth Hockey Season on Saturday, September 20th with their Annual Salute to the American Troops Day and Youth Opening Day.

Five Buffalo Stars teams will compete as follows:
02:00pm: Opening Ceremonies
02:30pm: U15 vs Rochester Grizzlies
04:15pm: Squirt vs Hamburg
05:30pm: Minor Peewee vs Tonawanda
07:00pm: U16 vs Syracuse
08:45pm: U18 vs Caz

As a show of support for the brave men and women of our Armed Forces, the Buffalo Stars will also conduct a Chinese Auction on this day with all proceeds going to support theWounded Warrior Project. To learn more about the Wounded Warrior Project visit:www.woundedwarriorproject.org/

All games will be broadcast on our UStream Internet TV Channel: www.ustream.tv/channel/buffalo-stars-junior-hockey%20

A Sports Photographer will also be on duty.

Following each game the Buffalo Stars invite their opponent to share food and enjoy a replay of the game.

Visit the Buffalo Stars on line at: www.buffalostars.com

Potsdam Men Name Assistant Coach

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Janet
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0
SUNY Potsdam men’s hockey coach Chris Bernard has announced that Michael Callan will serve as the team’s assistant coach for the 2014-15 season. Callan replaces Sean O’Malley, who has assumed the top assistant coaching position at Lake Forest.

“We are very pleased to have someone as bright and driven asMichael Callan join our coaching staff,” said Bernard. “His work ethic and analytical approach will directly assist our program in maximizing its potential.”

Callan enters his first season with Potsdam after being a graduate assistant for the men’s ACHA Division I ice hockey team at Ohio University for the past two seasons. He was the primary recruiter on staff and was the forward and goaltender coach. Callan recruited over fifteen players for the Bobcats, including the ACHA Finalist for Rookie of the Year. Under Callan, the team saw a 20 percent increase in save percentage from 2012-14 and a positive increase of 33 team goals scored.

From 2007 to 2010, Callan was the Director of Hockey Operations at Clarkson University. He also served as the assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the New Hampshire Junior Monarchs of the Eastern Junior Hockey League and the U.S. Director of Central Scouting and recruitment for the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

Callan has been active in player selection efforts for the USA Hockey Mid-Am District to the U.S.A. Festival in Rochester.

Callan, a Sylvania, Ohio native, earned his bachelor’s degree in innovation and entrepreneurship from Clarkson University in 2010 with a minor in psychology. He then received his master’s degree in recreation and sports science with a concentration in coaching education from Ohio University’s Patton College of Education and a secondary master’s degree in sports administration from OU’s College of Business.

Buffalo Stars Seeking Players

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Janet
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0

Buffalo Stars have a couple House League Openings

 

(Cheektowaga, NY) –   The Buffalo Stars Hockey Organization has a few openings in their House League Hockey Program. The openings are for their MOHL (Multiple Organization House League) teams.  A goaltender and a forward or defenseman are needed for both a Peewee (age 11-12) and Bantam (age 13-14) team.

 

Contact Stars VP/House Dave Lynch at: 253-3157

 

The Stars also have openings in their Mite (ages 6-7) Cross Ice Hockey Program. Contact Pete Preteroti at 491-0375 for details.  Open Registrations will take place at Holiday Twin Rinks on September 10 and 17 from 6:00-7:00pm.

 

For more information about the Buffalo Stars, visit us on line at: www.buffalostars.com

NU Holding Hockey Dinner; Open to Public

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Janet
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0

Hockey Dinner Scheduled For Sept. 30

 

NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – Niagara University will host an evening to support the Purple Eagles hockey program on Sept. 30 at the Niagara Falls Country Club in Lewiston, N.Y. Anyone interested in supporting Niagara hockey is encouraged to attend this great event.

 

Niagara University Director of Athletics Simon Gray, along with hockey head coach Dave Burkholder, will welcome guest speakers Doug MacLean, veteran NHL head coach, GM and analyst, and Niagara hockey alum Dr. Jon Marshall (’00).

MacLean, a hockey analyst for Sportsnet’s HOCKEY CENTRAL since 2008, coached the NHL’s Florida Panthers for three seasons including leading them to the 1996 Stanley Cup Finals while being named Hockey News Coach of the Year. In 1998, MacLean was named President and General Manger of the new expansion franchise, the Columbus Blue Jackets. During his nine-year tenure with the Blue Jackets organization, he was named the Businessman of the Year and was inducted into the Prince Edward Island Sports Hall of Fame.

 

Dr. Marshall, a local radiologist, was part of Niagara’s inaugural men’s hockey class and wore the purple and white from 1996-2000.  As a senior, he helped Niagara to a 30-8-4 overall record, a 15-0-2 conference record and a 2000 College Hockey America Tournament title en route to defeating New Hampshire in the 2000 NCAA Tournament First Round. His unwavering work ethic and commitment to the program led the coaching staff to name him captain for three straight years.  His grit and passion for the game led to the creation of the Dr. Jon Marshall Award given each year to the most dedicated player.

 

Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will start at 5:30 p.m. with dinner beginning at6:30 p.m. followed by the program.  The cost is $100 per person and $800 per table of eight which includes public recognition. Please R.S.V.P. by Sept. 24 to Jennifer Ebbole at 716-286-8600 to secure your spot.

 

Niagara, which advanced to the 2014 AHA Tournament Semifinals, returns 23 student-athletes including AHA All-Rookie team selection defenseman Vincent Muto and three-time AHA Rookie of the Week award winner goalie Jackson Teichroeb.

 

After hosting an exhibition game against Brock on Sunday, Oct. 5, the 2014-15 regular season begins at Dwyer Arena against Clarkson University onFriday, Oct. 10 and St. Lawrence on Saturday, Oct. 11. Puck drop is at 7 p.m.both nights. For game ticket information, please contact the Niagara Ticket Office at 716-286-TIXX (8499), [email protected] or visitwww.PurpleEagles.com/Tickets.

New Hartford Native Signs with French Hockey Team

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Janet
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0

Former Hobart College hockey forward Tommy Fiorentino ’14 (New Hartford, N.Y.) recently signed with Les Phenix de Reims of the 1st Division, the second professional hockey league in France.

 

“I came to Reims in late August on a three-day tryout and was fortunate enough to earn a contract out of that,” said Fiorentino. “I knew I wanted to play in France from the beginning so to finally secure a spot is something I’m very proud of.”

 

The team won its first game of the season, defeating Cholet 8-7. Fiorentino logged a goal and an assist in the victory. Fiorentino also was able to play against his former coach, Carl Michaelson ’04, in a preseason game. Michaelson is now coaching the Dunkerque Coraires.

 

“Playing against Coach Michaelson was a lot of fun,” said Fiorentino. “It was a preseason game but it was different seeing him on the opponent’s bench. I definitely had plenty of motivation to play well. After the game we were able to catch up so it was great. I look forward to our games in the regular season.”

 

In his time at Hobart, Fiorentino played in in 102 career games. A three-time member of the ECAC West All-Academic team and a captain as a senior, he registered 27 goals and 25 assist for 52 career points.

 

“Playing at Hobart certainly helped me tremendously in getting to France. My coaches, Coach Taylor and Coach Flanagan, and for my first two years, Coach Michaelson, really pushed me to be my best every day,” said Fiorentino. “It’s that mindset that allowed me to play well for them, and to now take this step to Europe. Of course my teammates did the same thing and that’s a testament to the types of people Coach Taylor and Flanagan bring to the program.”

 

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