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Beauts Add High-Flying Finn Jenna Suokko

By
Randy Schultz
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BUFFALO – The Buffalo Beauts announced a major signing for the team’s offense. Finnish scoring ace Jenna Suokko has signed a contract to join the team. The 26-year-old winger scored 22 goals in only 28 games for Ilves in Finland’s Naisten Liiga during the 2020-21 season. After 11 seasons played between her native Finland and nearby Sweden, Suokko will begin her professional career in North America. 

“I decided to sign with Beauts after getting familiar with their strong will to work hard for women’s professional hockey,” said Suokko. “After seeing how much the organization is working for their players, I knew I’d love to become a Beaut.” 

Suokko has scored 116 goals, 107 assists and 223 points in 249 Naisten Liiga games – an average of 0.90 points per game. Seven of her 10 seasons in the league saw her play for Ilves, including each of the past four seasons. Her 22 goals in 28 games tied her for the second-most goals scored in the Naisten Liiga in 2020-21. Her 36 points (22 G, 14 A) placed her seventh overall in the league. Since 2017-18, Suokko has tallied 60 goals in 111 games – a pace of better than a goal every two games. 

“We really wanted to add another top-6 forward heading into Season 7 and we have done so with Jenna,” said Beauts GM Nate Oliver. “She came strongly recommended to us by a former member of the Finnish Women’s National Team, and we really liked her as soon as we met her. You have to love what Jenna can do on the ice. She is a bonafide sniper and she further accentuates that skill by having a great deal of speed. Jenna is very dangerous and you always have to be aware of her at all times.”

In addition to playing hockey in her homeland, Suokko played the 2016-17 season with Leksands IF in the SDHL. Internationally, she has represented Finland at three different Women’s U18 World Championships. Suokko went 3-4-7 for scoring through 16 tournament games. She helped lead the Finns to the bronze medal in 2011. 

The crafty forward is looking to do some damage on the scoresheet when she arrives in Buffalo.

“I’m a speedy all-around winger with good offensive ability,” said Suokko. “I hope my strong work ethic both on and off the ice will best help the team.”

U.S. Rounds Out Preliminary Round With 10-0 Win Over Germany

By
Randy Schultz
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Cam Lund Scores Four Goals; Nine Americans Had Multi-Point Games
 
PIESTANY, Slovakia – Cam Lund (Bridgewater, Mass.) recorded four goals and one assist, while Austin McNicholas (Clarence Center, N.Y.) earned the shutout as the U.S. defeated Germany, 10-0, in their final preliminary round game in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

“Although we had two goals in the first, I feel that we got off to a bit of a slow start,” said J.D. Forrest, head coach of the U.S. Under-18 Men’s Select Team. “McNicholas made some key saves for us in the first and then we really stepped it up in the second period.

“I wish we could’ve had a few of these goals in our previous games, but the team is very forward thinking. It was an educational day and lessons were learned which will help for the long term.”

The U.S. took control of the game right from the start as Lund fed the puck from behind the net to Jimmy Clark (Edina, Minn.), who then set up a rebound opportunity back to Lund as he snuck around the net putting Team USA on the board. Zam Plante (Hermantown, Minn.) continued the scoring after forcing a neutral zone turnover where Ryan Abraham (Livonia, Mich.) picked up the loose puck and fed it back to Plante.

The forward skated to the top of the faceoff circle and went far-side past German goaltender Felix Noack to put the team up two.The U.S. didn’t slow down from there as Plante and Abraham were able to make use of the full sheet of ice, pushing the puck to Jake Livanavage (Gilbert, Ariz.) who got his first goal of the tournament.

Nearly five minutes went by on the scoreboard while Team USA was playing up a man after a German penalty. The U.S. were able to spread the puck out once again, starting the play out from the blue line. Abraham dished to Gavin Hayes (Westland, Mich.) who ripped a shot on net, which bounced off the German netminder, setting up a rebound opportunity for Lund who found twine.

Just 12 seconds later, Brennan Ali (Glencoe, Ill.) dropped a pass back to Mikey DeAngelo (Itasca, Ill.) at the blue line who fed it across the ice to Lund, as he picked the corner to complete a hat trick and give the U.S. a 5-0 lead heading into the final frame.The U.S. scoring attack came out of the locker room with intensity, holding the puck in the offensive zone as their penalty kill expired. 

Ryan Healey (Hull, Mass.) dished the puck from the blue line over to Vinny Borgesi (Philadelphia, Pa.) who found Lund waiting in front of the net to bury his fourth goal of the game.Hayes added to the scoring, shorthanded, off the tape of Borgesi and Plante, seconds before Livanavage scored his second of the game.

Clark and Borgesi capped the scoring for the U.S. McNicholas started in net for the U.S., stopping all 18 shots faced.

The U.S. will face either Czech Republic or Finland in the fifth-place game Friday (Aug. 6) at 9:30 a.m. ET to finish play at the 2021 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

U.S. Falls To Sweden at Hlinka Gretzky Cup

By
Randy Schultz
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0
U.S. will wrap up preliminary round tomorrow against Germany at 1:00 p.m. ET
 
PIESTANY, Slovakia – Mikey DeAngelo (Itasca, Ill.) dished out two assists in a U.S. three-goal fleury in the opening frame, but it wasn’t enough as Sweden battled back for a 5-3 victory in preliminary play.

“We had a much better start to the game today and we were happy about that,” said J.D. Forrest, head coach of the U.S. Under-18 Men’s Select Team. “It was just a few little mistakes that set us back but the team made great improvements and put in great effort.”

The U.S. came out with intensity, controlling the opening draw and firing a shot within seconds of the period. Three minutes into the period Gavin Hayes (Westland, Mich.) forced a turnover with his strong forecheck, setting up a Brennan Ali (Glencoe, Ill.) shot.

Swedish goaltender Hugo Havelid stopped the initial shot, but Hayes cleaned up the rebound for an early lead. Nearly five minutes later while the U.S. was playing shorthanded, Jake Livanavage (Gilbert, Ariz.) sent a deep breakout pass off the boards to Mikey DeAngelo (Itasca, Ill.) who skated to the net, firing a shot off the Swedish netminder.

Trailing behind was Jonah Aegerter (Janesville, Wis.) who picked up the loose puck rebound to bury Team USA’s second goal of the game. Sweden would answer with a goal of their own on a breakaway opportunity to cut the lead in half, but with nearly 30 seconds left to play in the period, Cole Knuble (East Grand Rapids, Mich.) went glove-side and was able to answer right back to give the U.S. a two-goal lead heading into the first intermission.

Although the U.S. put the pressure on early once again, putting a shot on net right after puck drop, Sweden was able to answer with a goal 2:40 into the middle frame. The U.S. looked to build upon its lead with multiple scoring chances on the power play, but it would be Sweden who scored next, adding their second goal of the period to tie the game up at three.

Both teams went back and forth during the first half of the final frame before Sweden would break the tie with 8:00 left to play. Sweden tallied one more with less than 3:30 remaining, forcing the U.S. to leave their net empty for the extra skater.

Team USA was able to put a couple quality scoring chances on net, but was unable to find the back of the net as they fell, 5-3.Lucas Szyska (Westmont, Ill.) started in the net for the U.S., stopping 19 of 24 shots.

The U.S. rounds out the preliminary round in the 2021 Hlinka Gretzky Cup against Germany Wednesday (Aug. 7) at Easton Arena in Piestany, Slovakia. Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. local time (1:00 p.m. ET). Action will be streamed live on YouTube.

(USA Hockey Photo)

Michael Peca Named Amerks Assistant Coach

By
Randy Schultz
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Former Buffalo Sabres captain spent last season as player development coach with the Washington Capitals

(Rochester, NY) – Rochester Americans General Manager Jason Karmanos announced the appointment of Michael Peca as assistant coach. Peca replaces Adam Mair, who was recently named director of player development for the Buffalo Sabres.

“Michael brings a wealth of experience as both a player and coach and will be a tremendous addition to our coaching staff in Rochester,” said Karmanos. “He will play an integral role in the development of our prospects, and we look forward to him making an immediate impact for our organization.”

“I am excited to add Mike to our coaching staff,” said Amerks head coach Seth Appert. “He will add to the competitive culture we are trying to build in Rochester and will certainly be a great role model and teacher for our young prospects as they learn what it takes to earn the right to be a Buffalo Sabre.”

“I couldn’t be more excited about this opportunity in Rochester, being a part of Seth’s staff and having the privilege of working with the great young talent that will be coming through the pipeline,” said Peca. “The responsibility of preparing the Sabres young talent for the NHL is an important one and I very much look forward to taking it on with Seth and Mike.”

Peca, 47, spent the 2020-21 season as a player development coach with the Washington Capitals, working primarily with the players on the taxi squad.

Prior to joining Washington, Peca served as general manager and director of hockey operations for the Buffalo Jr. Sabres of the Ontario Junior Hockey League for five years following two seasons as the team’s head coach from 2012-2014. He posted a 69-28-11 combined record in 108 games, leading Buffalo to back-to-back West Division titles and consecutive playoff appearances while also earning OJHL Coach of the Year honors for the 2012-13 season.

As a player, Peca’s professional playing career spanned 14 seasons and 864 games in the National Hockey League with the Vancouver Canucks, Buffalo Sabres, New York Islanders, Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs and Columbus Blue Jackets. A four-time 20-goal scorer, he recorded 465 points (176+289) and added 34 points (15+19) in 97 playoff contests while twice guiding his team to the Stanley Cup Final, including in 1999 as captain of the Sabres.

The Toronto, Ontario, native is also a two-time winner of the Frank J. Selke Trophy, given annually “to the forward who best excels in the defensive aspects of the game.” He was first awarded the honor following the 1996-97 season, becoming the first Sabres forward since Craig Ramsay in 1984-85 to win the award. He was the recipient again just five years later in 2001-02 as a member of the Islanders.

Peca spent the majority of his 14-year career with the Sabres, during which he scored 96 goals and notched 121 assists for 217 points over 363 games from 1995-2000. His tenure in Buffalo was highlighted by three 20-goal seasons, including a career-best 27-goal campaign in 1998-99, and four straight playoff appearances between 1997-2000.

He made a return visit to the Stanley Cup Final in 2006 with Edmonton before retiring following the 2008-09 season.

Peca also played parts of two seasons (1992-93, 1994-95) in the American Hockey League with the Hamilton Canucks and Syracuse Crunch, totaling 43 points (16+27) in 44 games.

Internationally, Peca is a two-time gold medal-winner with Team Canada. After leading the Canadians to gold at the 1994 IIHF World Junior Championship, he won his second gold medal at the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City. He also represented Canada at the 2001 IIHF World Championship, serving as team captain.

(NHL.com photo)

U.S. Drops Opening Hlinka Gretzky Cup Match, Returns to Action Tomorrow

By
Randy Schultz
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0
Team USA and Sweden Set to Faceoff Tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. ET
 
PIESTANY, Slovakia – A pair of goals from Zam Plante (Hermantown, Minn.) and Jonah Aegerter (Janesville, Wis.) in the second wasn’t enough as the U.S. Under-18 Men’s Select Team fell, 5-2, to Slovakia in its tournament-opening game Monday evening at Easton Arena.

“We didn’t come out with the intensity needed to win today’s game,” said J.D. Forrest, head coach of the U.S. Under-18 Men’s Select Team. “We were in control at times but weren’t consistent with it.

“We’ll learn what happened tonight and be ready for our game tomorrow. You have to have a short memory at these events since we’ll be right back it in the morning.”

Slovakia got off to a quick start on home ice, going up 3-0 just 3:12 minutes into play. The U.S. locked down defensively from there, looking to keep the game within reach.

Starting netminder Lucas Szyszka (Westmont, Ill.) kept the score within three after making a point blank save more than halfway through the frame. The U.S. began to push offensively, including a Slovakian breakdown in their defensive zone that gave Ryan Healey (Hull, Mass.) a clean shot on net, but couldn’t get it passed Slovakian goaltender Rastislav Elias.

Slovakia got off to a rapid start once again, scoring its fourth goal just over a minute into the second period. But the U.S. would put on the pressure a quarter of the way through the middle frame with multiple scoring opportunities.

A few moments later, defenseman Vinny Borgesi (Philadelphia, Pa.) took a shot just outside the offensive faceoff circle that squeezed through Elias as Plante was waiting at the doorstep to tap in the puck on the goal line. A breakaway opportunity from Slovakia was denied by Szyszka to keep it a three-goal game halfway through the second.

A forced turnover by Slovakia in their defensive zone set up Quinn Finley (Suamico, Wis.) to dish a quick feed to Aegerter who elevated the puck backhand at the top of the crease, making the game 4-2 heading into the final period.Slovakia continued their offensive pressure, scoring a goal in the first five minutes to put the lead back to three.

The U.S. continued to battle to try and push for an opening win in the preliminary round, but couldn’t get anything more in the back of the net, dropping their opening game 5-2.Szyszka made 23 saves for the United States.

The U.S. continues play in the 2021 Hlinka Gretzky Cup against Sweden Tuesday (Aug. 6) at Easton Arena in Piestany, Slovakia. Puck drop is set for 3:30 p.m. local time (9:30 a.m. ET). Action will be streamed live on YouTube.

(USA Hockey Photo)

Beauts Add NWHL Veteran Grace Klienbach

By
Randy Schultz
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0

BUFFALO – The Buffalo Beauts bolstered their roster by adding a veteran free agent forward. Grace Klienbach comes over to Buffalo after three solid seasons with the Connecticut Whale. The 27-year-old right-handed shooter played her rookie NWHL season in 2017-18. Klienbach returned to Connecticut for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons as well. With 41 NWHL regular season games under her belt, she is ready to try on a Beauts jersey for the first time. 

“I wanted to sign with Buffalo because I believe in the team environment that they provide,” said Klienbach. “The entire staff of the Beauts are there because they truly care about the players and want to improve them as players and as people. I believe playing in Buffalo will help me get my game to the next level. I couldn’t be more excited to get started!” 

A physical, driven player, Klienbach has gone 2-8-10 for scoring in her 41 regular season contests. She has scored one playoff goal as well in three postseason games for Connecticut. Her tenacious style of play saw her named to the NWHL All-Star Game in Boston in 2020. As a testament to her character as a professional on and off the ice, Klienbach was Connecticut’s recipient of the 2021 NWHL Foundation Award. The award is given annually to the individual who most actively applies the core values of hockey to her community. 

“It’ll be wonderful to have Grace playing for us instead of against us for a change,” said Beauts GM Nate Oliver. “She is the kind of player that you wish you had six or seven of on your roster. A ‘Charlie Hustle’ of sorts. Just never stops driving, never stops battling, never stops competing on every play, but is always a sounding board and phenomenal teammate for her club. We were lucky to acquire Grace.”

Klienbach played her collegiate hockey for Neumann University, serving as an assistant captain during her senior 2016-17 season. She scored 21 goals, 30 assists and 51 points in 100 NCAA games. Klienbach also chalked up 238 penalty minutes during that time too. Her career highs for goals (14), assists (15) and points (29) all came during her senior campaign across 25 games played. 

Klienbach is one of the final pieces to the Beauts’ puzzle for a winning hockey team – a team that is vying for a championship. 

“Our team will always be able to count on my work ethic,” Klienbach said. “I show up every day and give it my all. I want to help add to the Beauts’ success this year by using my speed, physicality, and playing a smart game. I’m excited to give everything I have to the Beauts organization and to my teammates to help our chase for the Isobel Cup!”

Daniel Paille Promoted to Assistant Coach with Canisius Hockey

By
Randy Schultz
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0

Canisius hockey head coach Trevor Large announced the promotion of staff member Daniel Paille to assistant coach.

A 2002 first-round draft pick of the Buffalo Sabres and a member of the 2011 Boston Bruins Stanley Cup Championship squad, Paille spent the previous two seasons as a volunteer assistant coach with the Golden Griffins.
 
“We are all excited to have Dan join our staff on a full-time basis,” Large said. “His hockey knowledge and background are at the highest level. It his time with our program, Dan has continually shown the commitment, passion and drive needed to become an elite coach. Having an individual with a resume such as Dan’s continues to be an enormous benefit to help assist our players becoming the best they can be every day, both on and off the ice.”

In his first two seasons on the Canisius staff, Paille has aided in the development of the team’s forward group while also assisting with the team’s penalty kill unit. He has played a key role in the development of a forward group that saw multiple career highs set during the pandemic-shorted 2020-21 season as well as a penalty kill that ranked second in league in that category last season (.883).

“I’d like to thank Trevor and Canisius College for this new opportunity in a full-time position,” Paille said. “Working with this group for the past two seasons has been tremendously rewarding and I look forward to reuniting with this program this season as we work towards achieving our goals.”
 
A native of Welland, Ontario, Paille was selected 20th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2002 National Hockey League Entry Draft. He spent 11 seasons in the NHL, amassing 85 goals and 87 assists in 582 regular-season contests split between the Sabres, Boston Bruins and New York Rangers. He chipped in 19 points (9g, 10a) in 75 postseason games, helping the Bruins capture the Stanley Cup in 2011 and make a finals appearance in 2013.
 
After his time in the NHL, Paille joined Brynäs IF of the Swedish Hockey League for two seasons before retiring at the end of the 2017-18 campaign. 
 
Paille played junior hockey for the Ontario Hockey League’s Guelph Storm, helping the squad capture the league championship in 2004. He was a member of Team Canada for the 2003 IIHF World Junior Ice Hockey Championships and served as Canada’s captain in 2004, winning silver medals at both events.

Paille is working towards his bachelor’s degree in commerce with a major in accounting from Athabasca University in Alberta. He and his wife, Dana, are the proud parents of a son, Emmanuel.

(Canisius College Hockey Photo)

U.S. Defeats Czech Republic in Pre-Tournament Game Ahead of Hlinka Gretzky Cup

By
Randy Schultz
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0
Nine Americans record a point; Plante tallies game-winner
 
BRECLAV, Czech Republic – Zam Plante (Hermantown, Minn.) and Gavin Hayes (Westland, Mich.) each had a goal and an assist to lead the U.S. Under-18 Men’s Select Team to a 5-3 victory over the Czech Republic in a pre-tournament matchup Saturday night at FOSFA Arena ahead of the 2021 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

“I thought the team played really well, our guys played hard and we liked the effort they gave,” said J.D. Forrest, head coach of the U.S. Under-18 Men’s Select Team. “It was a good example of how this tournament can go.

“There were a lot of momentum swings and special teams and we made a few mistakes but they are all easy fixes.”Nearly 20 minutes passed by in the first period without either team finding the back of the net, but Gavin Hayes (Westland, Mich.), during 4-on-4 hockey, was able to get one through Czech Republic goaltender Jan Spunar to break the stalemate with three seconds to go.” 

Ryan Abraham (Livonia, Mich.) and Pasha Bocharov (Escondido, Calif.) both drew assists on the play.The U.S. extended its lead less than a minute into the second period as Cam Lund (Bridgewater, Mass.) found the back of the net from the side of the left circle with Team USA on the power play. Hayes and Plante had assists on the play.

The Czech Republic got to within a goal with just 2:12 to go in the middle frame setting the stage for an eventful third period.The U.S. generated a pair of scoring opportunities early in the third but could not capitalize. The Czechs tied the game at 18:13 and then sent three quick shots towards U.S. netminder Austin McNicholas (Wasilla, Alaska) who was able to fan them away.

The U.S. re-gained the lead for good at 8:29 when Cole Knuble (East Grand Rapids, Mich.) raced up the right side of the ice and fed a pass across to Jimmy Clark (Edina, Minn.) who deflected it home from the front of the crease.Plante put the U.S. ahead 5-3 just 1:24 later when he ricocheted a pass off a Czech player with the U.S. on the power play.

The Czech Republic climbed back to within a goal with 7:34 left in regulation with a shorthanded tally, but Mikey DeAngelo (Itasca, Ill.) banked one off the boards and into an empty net to seal a 5-3 U.S. win.Lucas Szyszka (Westmont, Ill.) and McNicholas split time in goal for Team USA.

The U.S. opens play in the 2021 Hlinka Gretzky Cup against Slovakia Monday (Aug. 5) at Easton Arena in Piestany, Slovakia. Puck drop is set for 6:30 p.m. local time (1 p.m. ET).

Registration Opens Aug. 11 for 2022 USA Hockey/Labatt Blue Pond Hockey National Championships

By
Randy Schultz
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0
Tournament set to celebrate 16 years
 
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Registration for the 2022 USA Hockey/Labatt Blue Pond Hockey National Championships will open on August 11 at 11 a.m. ET it was announced today by USA Hockey. The tournament will be hosted on Dollar Lake in Eagle River, Wis., from Feb. 11-13, 2022. 

“We are so excited to welcome pond hockey players back to the ice this year,” said Inga Grote-Ebbs, Labatt brand director. “We look forward to raising an ice-cold Labatt Blue with all the players and watching the teams compete on beautiful Dollar Lake in Eagle River.” 

USA Hockey expects many divisions to sell out within minutes. If your selected division is sold out by the time your completed registration, USA Hockey encourages teams to select the appropriate waitlist and complete the registration. 

Registration fee is $700 per team and accepted forms of payment include Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express, as well as Paypal or a checking account. Rosters are not required on the day of registration, but every player must be currently registered with USA Hockey prior to the start date of the tournament. 

2021 USA Hockey Women’s National Festival Set For Aug. 5-13

By
Randy Schultz
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0
Event To Serve as Pre-Camp for U.S. Women’s National Team Ahead of World Championship 

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – USA Hockey announced today the 84 players who have been invited to the 2021 USA Hockey Women’s National Festival, which will take place Aug. 5-13 at the Super Rink in Blaine, Minnesota.The Festival is an annual event that brings together the top female players in the U.S., from the U18 level to the national team.

“While this Festival will be a little bit different, it’s great to get our top players together to interact, train and scrimmage,” said Katie Million, director of the women’s national team program for USA Hockey. The Festival will serve as a pre-camp for the U.S. Women’s National Team, which will depart Blaine on August 10 for Calgary, Alberta, and the 2021 IIHF Women’s World Championship, which will commence on Aug. 20.

Typically, the U.S. and Canada faceoff in a three-game series with teams at the U18 and U22 levels following the Festival, but because of COVID restrictions, that will not be the case this year.

“We’re still not quite back to normal yet,” said Million, “and we’ve made some adjustments, including not having as many U23 players part of this camp as we typically do. And while we won’t have the U18 and U22 Series against Canada, we’re excited for our players to compete against each other in a game setting.”

The U.S. Women’s National Team Festival is closed to the public through Aug. 10, however, once the national team departs for the IIHF Women’s World Championship, the scrimmages set for Aug. 11-13 will be open to the public, including a U18 intrasquad scrimmage set for 2 p.m. CT on Aug. 11, along with scrimmages between the U23 and U18 teams on Aug. 12 at 12 p.m. and Aug. 13 at 10 a.m.

All scrimmages will be held on Rink 5 at the Super Rink.Million noted that the Festival plays a significant role in evaluation of players who are candidates for the U.S. Under-18 Women’s National Team that will participate in the 2022 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship, Jan. 8-15, in Sweden.

NOTES: The athletes invited to the Festival come from 20 different states. Minnesota leads the way with 27 representatives followed by Illinois with nine, Michigan and New York with seven, Massachusetts and Wisconsin with five, California, Missouri and Pennsylvania with three, and Connecticut, New Hampshire, Ohio and Texas with two. Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Maryland, Montana, North Dakota and Washington all have one representative … All Team USA games in the upcoming IIHF Women’s World Championship can be seen live on NHL Network.
(USA Hockey Photo)

Native Buffalonian Signs With Beauts

By
Randy Schultz
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0

BUFFALO – The Buffalo Beauts announced that they have added yet another one of their 2021 NWHL Draft selections. Defender Allison Attea has signed a contract to play for her hometown team. The Beauts selected her in the fourth round where she was chosen 19th overall. Attea made a name for herself playing hockey in the Western New York area before playing collegiately at Holy Cross. She is the fifth player from the Beauts’ 2021 draft class to have signed with the team. 

“I am very excited to be playing hockey for the Buffalo Beauts in my hometown this season,” said Attea. “Buffalo has been home to me for my entire life, and it is a dream come true that I can continue playing hockey here. I am honored and grateful for this opportunity to continue playing hockey in our city.”

Attea played 111 NCAA games for Holy Cross, with 86 of them being at the Division I level. Across her four seasons with the Crusaders she amassed eight goals, 12 assists and 20 points. Primarily a stay-at-home defender, the 5-foot-7 Attea led all Holy Cross skaters in blocked shots during the 2019-20 (51) and 2020-21 (43) seasons. 

“We were fortunate to get Allison from Holy Cross,” said Beauts assistant coach Mark Zarbo. “She isn’t a flashy player but she brings the intangibles that are necessary for any team to do well. She has a great stick, a knack for breaking up plays, blocking shots and creating turnovers. Allison will be an integral part of our team.”

Attea was highly accomplished before even beginning her collegiate career. She was named a WNY Scholar Athlete in 2016. Attea played her first two seasons of high school hockey at Sacred Heart Academy before completing her final two at The Nichols School. While playing for the Monsignor Martin team (as part of Sacred Heart) in the WNY Girls’ Varsity Ice Hockey Federation, she helped lead her team to the championship in 2015. 

Attea joins an already solid Beauts’ defense corps comprised of Marie-Jo Pelletier, Lisa Chesson, Dominique Kremer, Emma Keenan, Sam Fieseler, and fellow rookie Emilie Harley. Attea’s style should fit in nicely and compliment those of her counterparts to complete a formidable blue line. 

“I play a steady defensive game but I’m not afraid to join the offensive rush,” Attea said. “Fans can expect to see a lot of energy and physicality from me, especially in front of our net.”

Sullivan, Johnson, Hoff To Guide US Teams at 2022 Olympics/Paralympics

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Randy Schultz
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Trio Brings Success, Experience, Leadership To Fold
 
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – USA Hockey announced the head coaches for its 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Teams, including Mike Sullivan (Marshfield, Mass.) for the Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team; Joel Johnson (St. Paul, Minn.) for the Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team; and David Hoff (Bottineau, N.D.) for the Paralympic Sled Hockey Team.

“We’re thrilled with the head coaches that will guide our teams at the upcoming Olympics and Paralympics,” said Pat Kelleher, executive director of USA Hockey. “We’ve said all along that our objective is to bring home three gold medals, and with the experience and leadership possessed by Mike, Joel and David, we know our teams are in good hands.” 

The 2022 Olympic Winter Games will be staged Feb. 4-20 in Beijing, China, with the 2022 Paralympic Winter Games to run from March 4-13 in Beijing. 

ABOUT SULLIVAN

Mike Sullivan, who has been involved with USA Hockey in multiple capacities for parts of the last five decades, will serve as head coach of a U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team for the first time. Sullivan, the head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he has led the NHL franchise to a pair of Stanley Cup titles during his tenure, most recently served as an assistant coach for Team USA in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey in Toronto.

The Marshfield, Massachusetts, native has served on the staff for multiple other national teams, including as an assistant coach for the 2006 U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team at the Olympic Winter Games in Turin, Italy. In addition, he was the head coach of the 2007 U.S. Men’s National Team at the International Ice Hockey Federation Men’s World Championship in Moscow and Mytischi, Russia, and an assistant coach for the 2008 U.S. Men’s National Team at the IIHF Men’s World Championship in Quebec City, Quebec.

Sullivan was also an advance scout for the 2015 U.S. National Junior Team.Sullivan took over as head coach of the Penguins in December of the 2015-16 season and led the club to the Stanley Cup title. He guided Pittsburgh to a 33-16-5 regular-season record and became the sixth head coach in NHL history to win the Cup after being hired mid-season.

He also coached the Penguins to the Stanley Cup title the following season to become the first American-born coach in NHL history to win multiple Cups. Sullivan spent two seasons as head coach of the Boston Bruins (2003-04/2005-06) and led the team to the Northeast Division crown his first season guiding the club.

He has also had stints as an NHL assistant coach for the Tampa Bay Lightning (2007-09), New York Rangers (2009-13) and Vancouver Canucks (2013-14).Sullivan, who has been a speaker at multiple USA Hockey coaching clinics, began his professional coaching career in 2002 with the Boston Bruin’s AHL affiliate Providence Bruins.  

As a player, Sullivan represented the U.S. on two occasions—once as a member of the 1988 U.S. National Junior Team and also as a member of the 1997 U.S. Men’s National Team. He played collegiate hockey at Boston University (1986-90), and, professionally, spent parts of 12 seasons with the NHL’s Boston Bruins, Calgary Flames, Phoenix Coyotes and San Jose Sharks. 

ABOUT JOHNSON

Joel Johnson, with more than 20 years of collegiate coaching experience and the current head women’s ice hockey coach at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn., will be guiding his first-ever Olympic team but is no stranger to the international stage.His first involvement with USA Hockey dates back to working summer camps in 2000 and he has been closely involved with the U.S. Women’s National Team program since 2015, highlighted by leading the U.S. Under-18 Women’s National Team to four straight gold medals (2015-18) in the IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship.

Johnson has also served as head coach of the U.S. Under-22 Women’s Select Team on two occasions for the U22 Series against Canada, leading Team USA to a three-game sweep in 2018 and a 2-1 series victory in 2019. Johnson, who will serve as head coach of the 2021 U.S. Women’s National Team at the upcoming IIHF Women’s World Championship in Calgary from Aug. 21-30, made his U.S. Women’s National Team debut as an assistant coach in 2018-19 and helped guide the U.S. to its fourth straight Women’s Four Nations Cup title that season, as well as the gold medal at the 2019 IIHF Women’s World Championship in Espoo, Finland.

Johnson’s collegiate coaching journey includes two stints (1999-2004 and 2010-2021) over 16 years as either assistant or associate coach for the University of Minnesota women’s ice hockey program in addition to six seasons (2004-2010) coaching men’s ice hockey, soccer and golf at Bethel University. During his first stint with the Gophers, Johnson helped the Gophers to national championships in 2000 and 2004 in addition to WCHA titles in 2002 and 2004.

He left Minnesota to coach at his alma mater, Bethel University, for six seasons (2004-10), including three years as the head men’s ice hockey coach. Along with his hockey responsibilities, he was also the men’s and women’s golf coach, and prior to that, was the soccer coach where he earned MIAC Coach of the Year honors.

Johnson returned to Minnesota and over the next 11 seasons (2010-2021) helped the Gophers to five straight NCAA national championship game appearances from 2012 to 2016, winning back-to-back national titles in 2012 and 2013 and again in 2015 and 2016, along with recording a perfect 41-0-0 season in 2012-13.

 ABOUT HOFF

David Hoff, who has served as head coach of the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team for the last three seasons and led Team USA to back-to-back gold medals at the IPC Para Ice Hockey World Championship, will be making his first appearance as head coach of a U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey Team. Hoff made his debut with the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team as an assistant coach in the 2016-17 season and took over as head coach in 2018-19.

In his debut season as bench boss, Hoff coached Team USA to a 10-1-0-1 (W-OTW-OTL-L) record, including an undefeated 4-1-0-0 (W-OTW-OTL-L) mark at the 2019 Para Ice Hockey World Championship in Ostrava, Czech Republic. He added a second world championship gold medal to his resume after guiding Team USA to a top-of-the-podium finish at the 2021 IPC Para Ice Hockey World Championship in Ostrava, its record fifth gold medal in world championship history.

Hoff has previously been part of the coaching staff of a U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey Team, serving as an assistant to Guy Gosselin at the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games where the U.S. captured an unprecedented third-straight Paralympic gold medal in PyeongChang, South Korea. Hoff’s engagement with USA Hockey stems beyond his responsibilities with the U.S. National Sled Team program.

For over a decade, he has also been dedicated to USA Hockey’s Coaching Education Program, serving as the Northern Plains District Coach-In-Chief.A lifelong educator, Hoff served as athletic director, mathematics teacher and head coach for the boys’ ice hockey team at Bottineau (N.D.) High School before retiring in 2019.

THEY SAID IT

Stan Bowman, General Manager, 2022 Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team

“Mike is a proven winner and has been involved with USA Hockey on the international stage on many occasions. He knows what it takes to get a team ready in a short tournament and we could not be happier to have him as our head coach as we look to bring home gold.”

Katie Million, General Manager, 2022 Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team“We’re excited to have Joel coach our Olympic team. He knows the player pool extremely well and brings the experience, passion and standard of excellence needed to win on the international stage.”

Dan Brennan, General Manager, 2022 Paralympic Sled Hockey Team“David is an outstanding coach and human being. We are fortunate to have him guiding our team in the Paralympics. He cares about the players and has done a terrific job leading our team since taking over as head coach in 2018.”

Comets Announce Two More Signings

By
Randy Schultz
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Utica, NY – Utica Comets General Manager Dan MacKinnon announced that the team signed two more forwards, Samuel Laberge and Ryan Schmelzer, for the 2021-2022 season. 

Laberge, 24, hails from Chateauguay, Quebec and signed a two-way contract with the Comets. Laberge, 6-foot-2, 205-pounds, played 50 games last season for the Allen Americans in the ECHL where he scored 15 goals and 22 assists for 37 points placing him tied for 4th in team scoring. Laberge won the Humanitarian of the Year award in back-to-back seasons while with Rimouski Oceanic of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League in 2016 and 2017. Laberge played parts of two seasons in the AHL with the Texas Stars from 2017-2019 totaling 97 games played registering eight goals and 14 assists for 22 points.

Ryan Schmelzer, 27, played the last three seasons with the Binghamton Devils. Schmelzer, 6-foot-2, 187-pounds is from Buffalo, New York and played four seasons of hockey at Canisius College where he captained the team in his senior season. In 143 NCAA games, he scored 40 goals and 66 assists for 104 points. During his time with the Binghamton Devils, Schmelzer played in 133 games scoring 23 goals and 32 assists for 55 points.

Eight Dutchmen Named AHCA All-American Scholars

By
Randy Schultz
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0

GLOUCESTER, Mass. – A program-record eight members of the Union College men’s hockey team were recognized as KrampadeAll-American Scholars for the 2020-21 season, the American Hockey Coaches Association announced last Monday.

Junior Fletcher Fineman and sophomore Merek Pipes earned the recognition for the second straight season, while six players – recent graduates Drew Blackmun ’21, Taylor Brierley ’21 and Darion Hanson ’21; junior Ryan Sidorski; and sophomores Owen Farrisand Gabriel Seger – all earned the honor for the first time in their careers.

The eight honorees more than double the number of Dutchmen to earn the honor all-time, bringing the total number of All-American Scholars to 15 during the five years of the program.

Due to the effects of COVID-19, the AHCA adopted revised criteria for the honor this season. To qualify, a student-athlete must have attained a 3.60 GPA or higher for each semester of the 2020-21 school year, regardless of whether the school’s team was able to compete this season.

A total of 532 Division I men’s student-athletes earned the national honor this season.

(Union College Men’s Hockey Photo)

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