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Beauts Sign Amy Budde From SDHL’s SDE

By
Randy Schultz
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BUFFALO – The Buffalo Beauts have added another player to their roster who returns to North America from Sweden’s SDHL. Minnesota native Amy Budde joins the Beauts after playing two solid seasons for SDE. A reliable scorer, Budde is the Beauts’ third free agent signing of the offseason.

“I chose to sign with the Beauts because of the wonderful culture, and the dedicated and driven character that the Beauts have,” said Budde. “Sensing that from the entire organization is what drew me to the team. I want to win and I believe that Buffalo is the team to do that with.”

Budde played 72 regular season games for SDE from 2019-20 through 2020-21. In that time she compiled nine goals, 14 assists and 23 points. Budde ranked fourth on the team in scoring (5-10-15) across 36 games this past season and was SDE’s topmost left-winger.

“Amy is going to be able to provide some consistent secondary scoring for the Beauts this season,” said Beauts General Manager Nate Oliver. “One thing we struggled with in Lake Placid was our offensive depth. By adding an experienced forward like Amy who has scored majorly at the collegiate level, as well as being a consistent scorer for one of the middle-lower tiered SDHL teams, we have added to our depth and have found a dependable weapon. We also love Amy’s character and what she will bring to our Beauts locker room.”

RIT Men’s Hockey Welcomes New Players

By
Randy Schultz
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ROCHESTER, N.Y. – RIT men’s hockey coach Wayne Wilson announced the seven new members of the program who will be joining the team this coming season.

“Associate Head Coaches Brian Hills and Dave Insalaco have done another great job of bringing in high quality student athletes who will excel both on the ice and in the classroom,” said Wilson. “We are bringing in a goalie, two defenseman and four forwards who we anticipate will challenge for quality minutes and make an immediate impact while helping us achieve our goals of winning an Atlantic Hockey Championship and representing our league in the NCAA Tournament.”

Check back in the coming days as the rest of the class is announced.

Tanner Andrew – Forward – Virden, Manitoba – Chilliwack Chiefs (BCHL)
Coach Hills Says: Tanner is a skilled right-handed forward who has very good speed and acceleration. He is agile, plays a clever game and his versatility has allowed him to play all three positions up front. Tanner was one of the top playmakers in the MJHL a year ago with the Virden Oil Capitals. His skill and vision allowed him to quarterback of one of the top power play units in the league as he sees the ice well and plays an unselfish game. He finished the 2019-20 season with 25 goals and 30 assists for 55 points in 47 games, finishing eighth in the league in points per game to be voted a second team all-star. This past year after a shortened MJHL season, Tanner moved to British Columbia to play for the Chilliwack Chiefs, totaling eight goals and five assists in 20 games and was awarded the Unsung Hero Award. We envision Tanner to be an entertaining, offensive player for the Tigers who can also kill penalties with his speed and athleticism.

Gianfranco Cassaro – Defenseman – Nobleton, Ontario – Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)/UMass-Amherst
Coach Insalaco Says: Gianfranco is an offensive-minded defenseman who can facilitate offensively and is good on the power play. Transferring from UMass after two seasons, including 10 appearances during last winter’s national championship run, he previously made 89 appearances during two seasons with the Youngstown Phantoms (USHL), registering 44 points on 11 goals and 33 assists. He tallied 35 points (9 goals, 26 assists) in 51 games during 2018-19 season, finishing 11th in points and sixth in goals among the league’s defenseman. He also spent two seasons with the Toronto Jr. Canadians (OJHL) where he was a teammate of current RIT senior forward of Jake Joffe (Toronto, Ontario), earning OJHL First Team All-Prospect honors in 2017 after totaling 51 points (19 goals, 32 assists) in 57 games.

Grady Hobbs – Forward – Deloraine, Manitoba – Dauphin Kings (MJHL) 
Coach Hills Says: Grady was one of the most exciting players in the MJHL during the 2019-20 season due to the energy he plays with and the compete level he brings to the ice on a consistent basis. He has very good acceleration, likes to get in on the forecheck, is not afraid to get involved physically, shoots the puck extremely well and likes to score goals. He was voted MVP of the MJHL and a first-team all-star a year ago with the Dauphin Kings after leading the league with 43 goals and finishing second with 81 points while playing in all 60 regular season games. This past season, Grady only had the chance to play in six games but continued his point producing ways as he had seven goals and four assists. A right-shooting forward, Grady showed his versatility playing both right wing and left wing during his junior hockey career. Tiger fans will like the excitement that Grady can bring to the game with his energy and ability to produce offensively.

Evan Miller – Forward – Nigara-on-the-Lake, Ontario – Wellington Dukes (OJHL)
Coach Hills says: Evan comes to RIT from the Wellington Dukes, who have sent us a number of very good players over the years, including current Tigers Elijah Gonsalves (Scarborough, Ontario) and Andrew Rinaldi (Pierrefonds, Quebec), along with Jordan Ruby and Abbott Girduckis from the past. We hope Evan will be just as impactful and successful. Evan is a very skilled left-shot forward with good speed and hockey sense. He has excellent vision and very good hands which make him an effective offensive player. The Dukes were limited to scrimmages last season due to the pandemic, but Evan had a very good rookie season in the OJHL a year ago, totaling eight goals and 13 assists in 22 games. He also combined for 50 points in 44 games with 23 goals and 27 assists as an 18 year old playing the previous season in the GOJHL. We anticipate Evan will be able to contribute to the Tigers’ offense for the next four years.

Thomas Scarfone – Goalie – Montreal, Quebec – Surrey Eagles (BCHL)
Coach Insalaco Says: Thomas is an extremely hard-working goaltender who is athletic and technically sound. He made 43 appearances for the BCHL Surrey Eagles over the last two seasons, compiling a 2.50 goals against average and a .922 save percentage. He finished the 2020 playoffs with a 4-2 record, including a 38-save performance in Game 7 of the Eagles’ 3-2 upset of the top-seeded Chilliwack Chiefs. He also finished the pandemic-shortened 2020-21 season with a 7-1-1 record while compiling a 1.85 GAA and a .930 save percentage. Scarfone also played prep hockey at Stanstead College.

Doug Scott – Defenseman – North Vancouver British Columbia – Humbolt Broncos (SJHL)
Coach Insalaco Says: Doug is a strong-skating, puck-moving defenseman who can facilitate offensively at both the offensive blue line and off the rush. He spent the previous two seasons with the Humbolt Broncos (SJHL), serving as captain during the 2020-21 season after totaling 30 points on 10 goals and 20 assists during 26 appearances during the 2019-20 season. He also made 54 appearances for the Cowichan Valley Capitals (BCHL) during the 2018-19 season where he was a teammate of current RIT defenseman Dimitri Mikrogiannakis (Aurora, Ontario), after playing 57 games with the Coquitlam Express (BCHL) the year before. 

Comets’ Kaszczij Honored By AHL

By
Randy Schultz
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UTICA, N.Y. – The American Hockey League announced it’s annual Yanick Dupre Memorial Award winner, with a unique twist this season.

Typically given each season to the “Man of the Year,” recognizing a player for outstanding contributions to his team’s local community, this year the league awarded the honor to the head athletic trainers from each of the 31 AHL organizations.

The AHL said in its release that it is recognizing team athletic trainers and their staff for their efforts during the pandemic-riddled 2020-21 season:

“In addition to their day-to-day responsibilities of looking after the general health of their players – including the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries – these athletic trainers and therapists took on the additional duties of testing, monitoring and administering the AHL’s COVID-19 health and safety protocols, allowing the league to operate in a safe and effective manner during the pandemic.”

For the Utica Comets, head athletic trainer Roman Kaszczij is the recipient of the award.

Kaszczij just completed his second season as the athletic therapist on the Comets’ staff after spending a couple of years as an intern with the Hamilton Bulldogs of the OHL.

Prior to that, he graduated from MacMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario with an undergraduate degree in kinesiology.

The league also recognized other members of each team’s medical staff, and equipment managers for their contributions throughout the year.

Ryan Monaco also serves as an athletic trainer for the Comets, with Damion Parmelee the team’s head equipment manager, and Greg Lowden the assistant equipment manager.

(twitter.com photo)

Syracuse Crunch Athletic Trainer Honored By AHL

By
Randy Schultz
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SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The American Hockey League announced that, in recognition of their efforts during the pandemic, head athletic trainers from all 31 member clubs have been selected as the winners of the Yanick Dupré Memorial Award for 2020-21.

Honored from the Syracuse Crunch is Head Athletic Trainer, Brad Chavis.
 
Presented annually since 1998, this award traditionally acknowledges a player as the IOA/American Specialty AHL Man of the Year for his outstanding contributions to his local community; in 2020-21, the league is pleased to recognize the athletic training staffs from all 31 organizations.
 
In addition to their day-to-day responsibilities of looking after the general health of their players – including the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries – these athletic trainers and therapists took on the additional duties of testing, monitoring and administering the AHL’s COVID-19 health and safety protocols, allowing the league to operate in a safe and effective manner during the pandemic.
 
The AHL also acknowledges the assistant athletic trainers, equipment managers and staffs, and team doctors and medical staffs whose tireless efforts contributed to a successful year.

Amerks’ Michael Dhesse Honored By AHL

By
Randy Schultz
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AHL athletic trainers and therapists named winners of Yanick Dupre Memorial Award

(Rochester, NY) – The American Hockey League announced that, in recognition of their efforts during the pandemic, head athletic trainers from all 31 member clubs have been selected as the winners of the Yanick Dupre Memorial Award for the 2020-21 season.

Presented annually since 1998, this award traditionally acknowledges a player as the IOA/American Specialty AHL Man of the Year for his outstanding contributions to his local community. However, in 2020-21, the league is pleased to recognize the athletic training staffs from all 31 organizations.

Rochester Americans head athletic trainer Michael Dhesse recently completed his second season with the Amerks in 2020-21. In addition to his normal day-to-day responsibilities of overseeing the general health and wellness of the Amerks players – including the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries – he took on the additional duties of testing, monitoring and administering the AHL’s COVID-19 health and safety protocols as the team’s primary COVID-19 officer, allowing the organization and league to operate in a safe and effective manner during the pandemic.

Dhesse joined the Amerks after spending five years as the assistant athletic trainer at the University of Alaska Anchorage (NCAA), where he was the primary athletic trainer for hockey with the Seawolves. He was also the medical coordinator for the Anchorage Mayor’s Marathon & Half Marathon, the largest marathon in the state of Alaska.

While in Alaska, he was active in the Alaska Athletic Trainers’ Association, serving as their public relations chairman and sitting on the Governmental Affairs Committee.

A native of Peru, Illinois, Dhesse earned his Bachelor of Science degree in athletic training at Northern Illinois University (NCAA). While with the Huskies, he was an athletic training student covering football for two and a half years, which included a Mid-American Conference Championship game and the Orange Bowl and Poinsettia Bowl.

In addition to his athletic training duties, Dhesse conducted research for the creation and implementation of emergency action plans in the secondary school setting on a national level and was awarded first place at the Great Lakes Athletic Trainers’ Association meeting in 2014.

In his final semester of school, Dhesse interned with the University of Washington’s football team, and prior to leaving NIU, was awarded the American Kinesiology Award.

He is an active member of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and Professional Hockey Athletic Trainers’ Society.

The AHL also acknowledges the assistant athletic trainers, equipment managers and staffs, and team doctors and medical staffs whose tireless efforts contributed to a successful year.

This year’s winners of the Yanick Dupre Memorial Award are:

Chad Drown, Bakersfield Condors

Craig Belfer, Belleville Senators

Jon Williams, Binghamton Devils

Josh Sabitsky, Bridgeport Sound Tigers

Alex Ambrose, Charlotte Checkers

Kevin Kacer, Chicago Wolves

Tom Bourdon, Cleveland Monsters

Brent Woodside, Colorado Eagles

Josh Chapman, Grand Rapids Griffins

Brian Fairbrother, Hartford Wolf Pack

Todd Richardson, Henderson Silver Knights

Brian Riedel, Hershey Bears

Masayasu Takaiwa and Cole Harding, Iowa Wild

Glen Kinney, Laval Rocket

Brian Grogesky, Lehigh Valley Phantoms

Zach Salmonson, Manitoba Moose

Doug Agnew, Milwaukee Admirals

Jeff Andrews, Ontario Reign

Dustin Stuck, Providence Bruins

Michael Dhesse, Rochester Americans

D.J. Jones, Rockford IceHogs

Ryan Ledwon, San Diego Gulls

Will Leonard, San Jose Barracuda

Koryd Lavimoniere, Springfield Thunderbirds

Bryan Erspamer, Stockton Heat

Brad Chavis, Syracuse Crunch

Mike DeGaetano, Texas Stars

Jordan Aube, Toronto Marlies

Bill Nervig, Tucson Roadrunners

Roman Kaszczij, Utica Comets

Seamus McKelvey, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins

The AHL’s annual Man of the Year award is named after the late Yanick Dupre, who passed away in 1997 at the age of 24 following a 16-month battle with leukemia. A second-round draft pick of the Philadelphia Flyers in 1991, Dupre played four seasons in the AHL with the Hershey Bears and was an AHL All-Star in 1995.

Playing Rules, Diversity, Growth, Olympics/Paralympics Highlight Four-Day USA Hockey Annual Congress

By
Randy Schultz
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Trimboli Elected Organization’s Sixth President
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – USA Hockey’s four-day virtual Annual Congress concluded Saturday (June 12) with the election of Mike Trimboli (Massena, N.Y.) as the organization’s new president; the formalization of the playing rules for the next four seasons (2021-25); and a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion, growth and the upcoming Olympics/Paralympics.

“It was a very productive Annual Congress,” said Pat Kelleher, executive director of USA Hockey. “While the pandemic has presented many challenges for us, it’s been inspiring to see the collaboration across all levels of our organization  

“As we invite everyone back to the sport and advance efforts to become more diverse, we will take advantage of the visibility presented in this upcoming Olympic and Paralympic year to grow hockey.

“We welcome Mike Trimboli as our new president and all of our newly elected and re-elected volunteers. On behalf of everyone involved in hockey in our country, I’d also like to thank both Ron DeGregorio and Jim Smith, titans of our organization who have been been at the forefront of building the strong foundation that we enjoy today.

“Both have served in just about every capacity imaginable within USA Hockey, and while they’ve elected to step aside, we know they’ll still continue to contribute to the sport.”

“I am both honored and humbled to have been elected president,” said Trimboli, who becomes just the sixth president of USA Hockey. “This is a great organization and I look forward to working with our Board, all of the grassroots volunteers in the field, and our dedicated USA Hockey staff as a collective, unified force with the mission to continue moving our sport forward.”

PLAYING RULES CHANGE YEAR
The USA Hockey Board of Directors approved the rulebook for 2021-25. The organization modifies/updates the playing rules on a four-year cycle.

Highlights of modifications include:The principles of the declaration of safety, fair play, and respect that were originally passed by the Board in 2019 will be fully implemented into the new rulebook, including zero tolerance of hateful and discriminatory language and as well as hits from behind, hits to the head and late hits.All levels of youth hockey outside of high school will include both immediate offside and the removal of the exception to ice the puck when shorthanded.

Major and match penalties will be determined on the principle of reckless endangerment, not based on injury.All major penalties will now also include a game misconduct penalty.Modified the length of penalties based on length of period.A full summary of the changes will be available later this month at usahockey.com.

NEW VOLUNTEER POSITIONS
USA Hockey added two new volunteer positions to its coaching and officiating education structure during the Annual Congress, including a coach-in-chief for female development and a referee-in-chief for female development. The two new volunteer positions, appointed by the executive director of USA Hockey, will serve in a lead role in developing and implementing strategies to advance efforts related to recruitment, retention and overall support of females currently involved or interested in becoming involved in coaching and officiating.

NATIONAL ELECTIONS

At Saturday’s (June 12) Board of Directors meeting, the Board:
Elected Mike Trimboli (Massena, N.Y.) as president.
Elected T.C. Lewis (Richmond, Texas) as vice president and chair of the marketing council.
Re-elected Keith Barrett (Northfield, Vt.) as vice president and chair of the youth council.
Re-elected Don Mulder (Fond du Lac, Wis.) as vice president and chair of the adult council.
Elected Glen Hefferan (Ridgewood, N.J.) as director representative to the executive committee.

Affirmed the following as athlete directors: Julie Chu (Fairfield, Conn.), Taylor Lipsett (Plano, Texas), Molly Engstrom (Siren, Wis.), Kendall Coyne Schofield (Palos Heights, Ill.), Lyndsey Fry (Chandler, Ariz.), and Declan Farmer (Tampa, Fla.); and Meghan Duggan (Danvers, Mass.) as athlete director representative to the executive committee.

Steve Laing (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.) was elected chair of the high school section, replacing Bob Mathson (Naperville. Ill.) who served for 21 years. Amy LaPoe (Hamilton, Tex.) was elected chair of the disabled section, replacing J.J. O’Connor (Mt. Prospect, Ill.) who served in the capacity for 20 years.

Affirmed Ken Reinhard (Fort Worth, Texas) as chair of the officials section.Elected J.J. O’Connor (Mt. Prospect, Ill.) and Bob Mathson (Naperville, Ill.) as director emeritus.Elected Jim Smith (Mt. Prospect, Ill.) and Ron DeGregorio (Salem, N.H.) as president emeritus.

NOTES: Tributes to Jamie Huntley-Park, who with her husband was tragically killed in a car accident on June 4, took place throughout the Congress. Huntley-Park was one of the top officials in the world … USA Hockey honored several deserving individuals with awards during the course of the Annual Congress, as well as highlighted its Service Award recipients. A full listing can be found here.

2021 NHL Draft Final Rankings For NYS Natives

By
Randy Schultz
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BY WARREN KOZIRESKI —

There aren’t as many native New Yorkers as usual among those projected for the upcoming 2021 National Hockey League Entry Draft to be held virtually July 23-24, but the ones who are listed made huge advances compared to the earlier listing released in March.

Huntington native Matt Coronato tops the list. Originally listed as a B by Central Scouting, he now is listed ninth among North American skaters making him a likely mid-to-late first round selection. The Harvard University commit finished his second season with the Chicago Steel in the United States Hockey League (USHL) where he finished with 48 goals and 85 points in 51 regular season games. The 5’10”, 183 lb. left wing has added 13 points over eight playoff games as well.

Fellow Long Island native (Smithtown) and Chicago Steel teammate Ryan Ufko was listed as a C prospect for the draft, but has jumped to 43rd among North American skaters, which projects to a second or third round pick. The 5’10”, 181 lb. right-shot two-way defenseman had 39 points in 53 games with ten goals. He is committed to the University of Massachusetts next fall.

Rockville Centre product Jeremy Wilmer is also listed at 194th, which projects as a seventh round selection. A small, play-making center with the U.S. National Team Development Program, he stands 5’7” and 141 lb. and will surely add some weight next fall at Boston College. He has combined this season for 53 points in 61 games including 14 goals.

Williamsville native Chase Clark jumped onto the final rankings at 23rd among North American goaltenders. Standing 6’6” and 202 lbs. the lefthander put up a sparkling 1.92 goals against average and .935 save percentage in 22 games with the New Jersey Hitmen this past season.

And Rochester (Aquinas HS) goaltender Grant Riley was slotted in as a C prospect in March, but was not listed among 32 North American goaltenders in the final rankings. Standing 6’4” and 203 lb. already, he split this past season with Tri-City and Omaha in the USHL after a December trade, but did not receive a lot of playingtime. He is committed to Boston College, but not until 2022-23 so he’ll have another year to develop in juniors. Since the trade, he has appeared in five games with a 4.10 goals against average. Some team may take a late flyer on him with his frame.

USHL Forward Of The Year: Matt Coronato

By
Randy Schultz
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Chicago Steel forward Matt Coronato was named 2021 USHL Forward of the Year.

Coronato, a Harvard University commit, led the league with 48 goals and added 37 helpers in 51 games played during the 2020-2021 season. The forward led all USHL skaters in postseason points with 13 (9G, 4A) in eight Clark Cup Playoffs games, helping lead the Steel to the club’s second Clark Cup title in franchise history.

Coronato scored an average of 0.94 goals per game, the most of any USHL league leader in goals in the Tier 1 era.

“As a staff and organization, we are so proud of Matt and the season he had,” said Steel head coach Brock Sheahan. “Scoring goals in the USHL is very difficult and Matt made it look easy this year. We have been so fortunate to have him as a part of this organization as both a player and a person. Matt has grown so much as a player and I couldn’t be more proud of him. Matt is just starting his hockey career and I can’t wait to see him continue to grow as a player.”

Coronato is the second Steel player to earn the Forward of the Year award, joining Andrew Miller who earned the honor for the 2008-2009 season.

The 5-foot-10, 180-pound skater won the goal-scoring title by a 16-goal margin over Steel teammate Erik Middendorf and Muskegon Lumberjacks forward Danil Gushchin who each potted 32 markers.  The 16 goal difference was the largest margin of any league leader in goals in USHL history.

During his stellar season, Coronato set the USHL record for all-time point streaks with a 28-game streak spread over the course of two seasons. The final nine games of the 2019-2020 season and the first 19 games of the 2020-2021 campaign all saw Coronato reach the scoresheet, accounting for 54 points (24G, 30A) from Feb. 14, 2019 through Jan. 16, 2021.

Coronato is the most prolific goal scorer in Steel franchise history, setting the record for goals in a single season in a Steel uniform (48) during the 2020-2021 campaign and most markers in a career (66).

The forward from Huntington, N.Y., was ranked ninth among North American skaters on NHL Central Scouting’s most recent watch list for the 2021 NHL Draft, released on May 27. Steel alum Brendan Brisson currently ranks as the highest former Steel forward selected in the draft, chosen in the first round (#29 overall) by the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2020 NHL Draft.

(Chicago Steel Hockey Team Photo)

Mike Trimboli of Massena, NY Elected President of USA Hockey

By
Randy Schultz
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Will Serve Three-Year Term
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Mike Trimboli (Massena, N.Y.), who has been involved in grassroots hockey as a player, coach, official and administrator for parts of the last six decades, was elected president of USA Hockey at today’s Board of Directors Meeting as part of the organization’s virtual Annual Congress.

EARLY ON
The Massena, New York, native began his formal engagement with what was at the time the Amateur Hockey Association of the United States (today USA Hockey) on the local outdoor rinks as a player in 1970, then in 1979 became an on-ice official and added youth hockey coach to his resume starting in 1984. Trimboli’s first involvement as a volunteer administrator was in 1996 when he was appointed as a regional vice president for the New York State Amateur Hockey Association and subsequently was elected as a vice president for the affiliate. In 2004 he also took on the role of the District’s player development coordinator.

AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL
He was elected to the USA Hockey Board of Directors as a director from the New York District in 2005 and since that time has served as a director representative to the Executive Committee and also been part of the Marketing Council, Junior Council, Player Development Committee and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force. He was elected as a vice president of USA Hockey and chair of the organization’s Marketing Council in 2017 and has concurrently served on the USA Hockey Foundation Board of Directors.

Trimboli, a Level 5 USA Hockey certified coach, has served as an instructor for USA Hockey’s Coaching Education Program since 1995.  He has also been actively involved with USA Hockey’s player development program and camps, either at the district or national level, since 1990.

Furthermore, he has also served as a USA Hockey Youth National Championship site director on multiple occasions dating back to 2010.In addition to his work with USA Hockey, Trimboli, who retired in 2018 from his role in law enforcement with the New York State Police after over 31 years, has also coached public high school hockey for more than 25 seasons over two stints, including from 1990-2005 and from 2009 until today, winning a Division 1 New York State championship in 2014.

Trimboli succeeds Jim Smith, who served the past six years as president and has played a significant role in the advancement of the sport over the past 30-plus years as one of the most active volunteers in the organization.

Nassau County Executive Laura Curran and Tampa Bay Mayor Jane Castor Make Friendly Wager Over NHL Conference Finals

By
Randy Schultz
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NASSAU COUNTY, NY – Nassau County Executive Laura Curran and Tampa Bay Mayor Jane Castor today announced a friendly wager over the outcome of the NHL Eastern Conference Finals series between the New York Islanders and the Tampa Bay Lightning. If the Islanders win, the Mayor of Tampa Bay, nicknamed “Cigar City” and known for its craft breweries, will send County Executive Curran a case of beer and box of cigars from Tampa Bay. If the Lightning win, County Executive Curran will send Mayor Castor Long Island’s famous pizza, bagels and beer.

Nassau County Executive Laura Curran’s package would include pizza from Borrelli’s Restaurant in East Meadow, bagels from Blue Line Deli and Bagels in Huntington and a six pack of beer from the Oyster Bay Brewing Company. Borelli’s is a beloved Islanders fan haunt located near the Coliseum. Blue Line Deli and Bagels is owned and operated by a local Nassau resident and offers Islanders blue and orange bagels, while Oyster Bay Brewing Company produces the ever popular “Barn Rocker Ale.”

“The Islanders are coming for the Cup. Everyone knows that Long Island has the best pizza and bagels and finest selections of craft beers, but I’m confident that our package will be staying on the Island,” said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran.

“County Executive Curran we welcome you and all Islander fans to come to our beautiful city of Tampa on the bay… ahem Champa Bay rather,” said Mayor Castor. “Lord Stanley has grown quite comfortable here- he has a nice tan, world class cigars, great local food, craft beer and a helluva championship boat parade last year. We aren’t gonna give up that title anytime soon.”

Both Mayor Castor and County Executive Curran agreed that by the end of the series, Tampa Bay and Long Island will strengthen the bond between the two regions.

(barclayscenter.com image)

USA Hockey Announces New Positions To Focus On Development of Female Coaches and Officials

By
Randy Schultz
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – USA Hockey announced two new volunteer positions to its coaching and officiating education structure, including a coach-in-chief for female development and a referee-in-chief for female development.

“As our game continues to move forward, we’re excited about having someone at the national level focused on the development and evolution of female coaches and officials,” said Jim Smith, president of USA Hockey. “It’s been great to see the progress we’ve made and this is another step forward as we look to the future.”

Smith noted the two new volunteer positions will be filled through the coaching education and officiating education sections of USA Hockey and will serve in a lead role in developing and implementing strategies to advance efforts related to recruitment, retention and overall support of females currently involved or interested in becoming involved in coaching and officiating.

“We would like to see more females continue to be involved in our game in all capacities, and in particular through coaching and officiating,” said Pat Kelleher, executive director of USA Hockey. “Creating female representation in these new positions is a real positive and will be a difference maker.”

(Cornell Women’s Hockey Photo)

Northeastern Netminder Aerin Frankel Named Bob Allen Women’s Player of the Year

By
Randy Schultz
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0

By Heather Rule —

Frankel was also this year’s Patty Kazmaier winner as the top player in women’s college hockey

Playing in the midst of a pandemic, Northeastern University goaltender Aerin Frankel and her teammates finished the year making history at the program’s first Frozen Four. For Frankel, she was simply grateful to play. 

“I think just being able to play was incredible,” Frankel said. “And I think we took advantage of that and just being grateful every time we had the chance to get on the ice, whether it was practice together, play games and compete was just an honor. 

“I appreciated it more this year than I ever have before, given that other teams weren’t competing.” 

Frankel was named the 2021 Bob Allen Women’s Player of the Year, an award that annually recognizes the accomplishments of an outstanding women’s hockey player from the United States. It’s named in honor of the late Allen, an ardent supporter of women’s hockey in his career. Frankel said she is honored to receive the award. 

“I think it’s such an incredible award named after such an incredible person,” Frankel said. “As I learned more about Bob Allen, he’s just truly had such an impact on the women’s game, and there’s just been so many elite players that have come before me.” 

The last goaltender to win the award was Olympic gold medalist Maddie Rooney in 2018. It’s “super special” when a goaltender can win an award that could be won by any player on the ice, Frankel said. 

In addition to this award, Frankel won the 2021 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award, which goes to the top women’s college hockey player. She was also the Hockey East Player of the Year, WHCA National Goalie of the Year and Hockey East Goaltender of the Year. 

“A lot of times, goaltenders don’t get singled out for these bigger awards,” said Katie Million, director of women’s national team programs for USA Hockey. “She’s really in great company there with the other recipients and goaltenders receiving those awards.”

The 5-foot-5, 22-year-old goaltender from Chappaqua, New York, finished her fourth season in between the pipes for the Northeastern Huskies, leading her team to its first-ever Frozen Four appearance and national title game. Northeastern took a 22-game unbeaten streak into the national championship game as the No. 1 seed but fell 2-1 in overtime to Wisconsin and finished the season 22-2-1. Frankel made 81 saves in three NCAA Tournament games, with 35 in the championship game. 

Not only was this season history-making for the Huskies, but it was record-shattering for alternate captain Frankel. She recorded five consecutive shutouts and nine for the season, leading the nation. Her 27 career shutouts broke a school record. She led the NCAA in goals against average (0.81), save percentage (.965) and goalie winning percentage (.891). She finished the season 20-2-1 with only 19 goals allowed and 526 total saves. 

“I think given that strange and unusual year, Aerin’s performance definitely was noticeable,” Million said. “Right down to the NCAA Tournament and her performance in all the games there. She was phenomenal.” 

Frankel has as 78-18-8 overall record with Northeastern in four seasons, never having a GAA higher than 1.92 in a single season. She found more consistency within her game over the course of her college career, ironing out the ebbs and flows throughout what can be a long college season. 

“You have to not get too high or too low, really, at all throughout the entire season,” Frankel said. “As a freshman, there’s maybe a mindset that I didn’t really fully capture, and I think I grew as a player over my time at Northeastern.” 

Frankel describes herself as passionate and competitive with an athletic style in the net that some might call unorthodox, she said. She likes to do whatever it takes to stop the puck, competing for every save. 

Acceptance Remarks

“I hate being scored on,” Frankel said. “It’s one of the worst things. So I think that drives me to be better, to get scored on as little as possible.” 

For Million, she was just as impressed with Frankel off the ice. She said Frankel’s mindset, drive, will and want to be better every time she steps on the ice stood out to her. 

“I love hockey, so I think I’ll want to be around the game for a long time,” Frankel said.

Story from Red Line Editorial, Inc.

Beauts Add Two-Time NCAA Hockey Champion

By
Randy Schultz
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0

BUFFALO – The Buffalo Beauts announced another major addition to their roster by signing defender Emma Keenan. The 5-foot-7 blueliner is a 2-time national champion with Clarkson University, and has played the past two seasons in the SDHL with Göteborg HC. She returns to North America to play her first season in the NWHL. 

“I chose to sign with the Beauts because I feel the program has a great culture with tons of support and a strong fanbase,” said Keenan. “I’m excited to live in Buffalo and for the opportunity to play in the NWHL. I think the Beauts have a lot of potential for this upcoming season, and I’m excited to be part of a program that has big aspirations.”

Keenan played 66 games across her two seasons with Göteborg. She tallied 11 goals and 11 assists for 22 points during that time. In 2019-20 Keenan was part of a three-way tie for most points for Göteborg when she went 9-8-17 in scoring across 36 games. 

“Emma is about as steady as they come for blueliners in our game, and she can play forward too if called upon to do so,” said Beauts General Manager Nate Oliver. “She played at a very high level collegiately and won two NCAA Championships with the Clarkson Golden Knights. Factor in her two solid seasons in the SDHL, and Emma has been playing with and against some of the finest players in the world for a while now. To be able to add her to our Beauts roster is a huge win for us for sure.”

Keenan played 156 NCAA games during her 4-year career at Clarkson. During that time, she was 4-35-39 for scoring and finished her collegiate career with a tremendous plus-76 for plus/minus rating. Keenan helped anchor the Golden Knights to NCAA Championship victories in 2016-17 and 2017-18. Her plus-40 as a senior in 2018-19 was the best on the Clarkson blue line and was the third best in the entire nation among defenders. 

Beauts fans will enjoy Keenan’s robust style of play and her versatility.

“Fans can expect my game to be simple and reliable defensively, but with the ability to jump up in the rush. I’m a physical player who loves to battle in the corners and block shots. I pick my chances to join the offense and I am able to adjust my game in all situations.”

“Tireless Volunteer” Joe Eppolito Earns Walter Yaciuk Award

By
Randy Schultz
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0

By Greg Bates —  

Eppolito has played a leading role in growing hockey throughout New York for nearly three decades

If there is a large youth hockey event going on around the state of New York, chances are Joe Eppolito played an integral role in getting it set up. 

For the last 27 years, Eppolito has worn many hats at the state level as well as nationally with USA Hockey. His capacities have included being a longtime high school coach, New York State Amateur Hockey Association (NYSAHA) board member, USA Hockey district director, national tournament committee member and many more. 

A former teacher, Eppolito is big into helping hockey players and coaches hone their skills. That led to his role with USA Hockey’s Coaching Education Program (CEP).

For all of his tireless volunteer work on and off the ice, specifically within the CEP, Eppolito was named the 2021 Walter Yaciuk Award winner.

“I was honored and humbled and more than anything else surprised and a little shocked,” said Eppolito, who isn’t one to talk about himself and his achievements.

USA Hockey National Coach-in-Chief Mike MacMillan has known Eppolito since Eppolito first started working USA Hockey events in 1997. MacMillan is happy Eppolito is being recognized for his hard work.

“I think it’s awesome,” MacMillan said. “He exemplifies what the Walter Yaciuk [Award] is about, which is service to the coaching program. For coaches across not only New York but across the country, he’s always been such a positive influence on the program and so supportive of what we’re all trying to do to make coaching better.” 

Added USA Hockey Director, Coaching Education Program, Mark Tabrum: “He’s been delivering the message to coaches in the state of New York for that entire time and even this past year when we were delivering our coaching clinics virtually, he was involved with that. He’s been a person who’s jumped in, helped deliver the message, make coaches better, which in turn develops better youth hockey players. He’s been an integral part of the whole process.”

Teaching within the CEP has always been important to Eppolito. He’s proud to play a part in the evolution of the highly successful program.

“It continues to evolve in a positive way on a yearly basis,” Eppolito said. “So, I’ve been fortunate enough to be involved in all kinds of changes in coaching education, all with the goal to make hockey coaches and players in the United States better. I’ve lived through the Initiation Program, to the blue puck, to small area games, to the ADM and now to the coach developer aspects of the CEP. Those elements are just proof that USA Hockey is doing everything they can to make sure they provide the best educational program for their coaches across the board.” 

Eppolito, who lives in Clayton, New York, got his first taste of hockey outside of playing when he was refereeing and volunteering. He had a daughter play hockey, so he was heavily involved in the Thousand Islands Youth Hockey program in western New York. For 34 years, Eppolito was a teacher at Thousand Islands High School. He became the school’s boys’ hockey coach in 1986 and held that position until 2016. 

In 1994, Eppolito was asked by a local hockey organization to investigate a new USA Hockey program called the Initiation Program.

“I went to this training and didn’t think I was going to learn much, then I had my eyes widely opened to the benefits of being involved in USA Hockey,” Eppolito said. “I ended up taking on the role of the New York State Amateur Hockey Association Initiation Program coordinator in 1994 and from then on I’ve been involved in coaching education.” 

To this day, Eppolito is still on the NYSAHA board and has been a USA Hockey district director since 2003. He has served on USA Hockey’s Executive Committee and was a USA Hockey liaison for the coaches section for just under 10 years.

Eppolito has always been a big advocate of girls and women’s hockey, trying to grow the game. He has been a NYSAHA girls and women’s section coordinator since 2000 and is also in charge on the girls side on the NYSAHA Player Development Committee. 

“I’ve had the opportunity through the girls and women’s section to be involved in being a lead director at national championships, so I’ve done 17 or 18 girls national championships through the years,” Eppolito said. “I’ve also been able to help work at the national player development camps on the girls side, just as a camp director and more administrative in nature.” 

Being involved in so many hockey-related activities, how does Eppolito juggle it all?

“I love it,” Eppolito said. “I’m into it and I’m happy to be a part of it.” 

“He’s that tireless volunteer,” Tabrum said. “He’s always involved in volunteering.” 

Volunteering in whatever capacity has always been key for Eppolito.

Acceptance Remarks

“I guess it’s a part of my family makeup, my family heritage,” Eppolito said. “My grandfather for years was a longtime legendary coach, teacher and administrator, so he passed his love of those professions to me. My dad was a community leader, activist, lifelong volunteer in every cause imaginable for the betterment of our community and I think those family traits have been passed down. Volunteering will always be an important part of my makeup and my family’s makeup.” 

Due to the pandemic, the CEP clinics shifted last year to virtual classrooms and Eppolito played an integral role in making those successful in New York. 

“The energy and the passion that he brings to the clinics and to any room that he’s in while embracing being a good role model and a good coach have always been what stands out to me,” MacMillan said. 

At 62 years old, Eppolito feels like he still has quite a bit of time to volunteer for state and national hockey activities. He also has another reason to stick around the rink.

“I think my coaching career will be extended, because I have a 17-month-old grandson and I’m absolutely sure he’ll be involved in hockey,” Eppolito said. “I’ll probably be back attending his practices and helping move cones.”

Story from Red Line Editorial, Inc.

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