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Kacey Bellamy Retires From U.S. Women’s National Team

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Randy Schultz
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ESPOO, FINLAD - APRIL 3: Team USA Portraits - 2019 IIHF Ice Hockey Women’s World Championship at Metro Areena on April 3, 2019 in Espoo, Finland. (Photo by Andre Ringuette/HHOF-IIHF Images)

Blueliner hangs up skates after decorated career

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – After 15 years as a pillar of the U.S. Women’s National Team and a key leader of Team USA’s unprecedented international success, Kacey Bellamy (Westfield, Mass.), announced her retirement today. 

“It is extremely hard to find words to describe my career,” said Bellamy. “Being able to represent my country for the past 15 years has been such a privilege. Before every game, I would look at the USA crest before putting the jersey on. It was a moment to remind myself that I represent my country, family, UNH, Berkshire, and hometown. I am beyond honored to have met so many incredible people along the way; teammates, coaches, support staff, fans, and opponents. The respect and competitive nature that hockey brings out in people make for an unbelievable culture to be a part of. I am forever grateful for the lessons learned, memories made, and relationships built.

“I want to thank my family for all the sacrifices they made for me to reach my dream. My parents are my rocks, and I wouldn’t be the person I am today without them. My siblings have become my biggest fans who don’t just support me, but they support women’s hockey as a whole.

Message From Kacey

“Lastly, I want to thank my teammates. I was able to compete at the highest level with my best friends. We worked towards the same goal, pushing each other every day and smiling while doing it. I wish those current players all the best, and I will be cheering you on over the next nine months and beyond! Keep taking pictures because 20 years from now, you’ll cherish them.”

A three-time Olympian, Bellamy’s career was highlighted by helping the U.S. to gold at the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in PyeongChang, South Korea, and also capturing gold on eight separate occasions in the International Ice Hockey Federation Women’s World Championship. She also garnered two silver medals in Olympic play, a silver medal in the world championship and seven Four Nations Cup titles.

“We’ve had the good fortune to watch Kacey excel on the international stage for the last 15 years and help lead our team to nothing but success,” said Pat Kelleher, executive director of USA Hockey. “While we’ll miss seeing her on the ice, we look forward to her continued involvement in hockey, and wish her nothing but the best in the future.”

“Kacey’s leadership, focus and competitive energy will be greatly missed,” added Katie Million, director of women’s national team programs for USA Hockey. “She redefined the expectations of what it means to give your all for Team USA. Thank you, Kacey, for consistently putting your heart and soul into this program. We’ll continue to cheer you on as you embark on your next chapter.”

Teammate Tribute

NATIONAL TEAM BEGINNINGS

Bellamy’s career with the U.S. Women’s National Team began after finishing her freshman campaign at the University of New Hampshire during the 2005-06 season. She was selected as a member of Team USA for the 2006 Four Nations Cup. Bellamy played in all four games, tallied one assist and helped the U.S. to a second-place finish. The blueliner went on to play in 13 other Four Nations Cups, helping the U.S. to titles on seven occasions.

The following two seasons (2007-08, 2008-09), Bellamy played in two Under-22 Series where she paced all U.S. defenders in points. She made her debut in world championship play at the 2008 IIHF Women’s World Championship and helped the red, white and blue to a gold medal, at the time, just the second gold medal for the U.S. in the event. Bellamy went on to skate in eight more world championships, earning gold seven times (2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019) and silver on one occasion (2012). She also earned a spot on the last two U.S. Women’s National Teams (2020, 2021).

Bellamy made her Olympic debut at the Winter Games in Vancouver, British Columbia, in 2010 where the U.S. captured silver. She was also a member of the 2014 team in Sochi, Russia, where the U.S. also gained silver, before serving as an alternate captain of the 2018 gold-medal team in PyeongChang.

In total, Bellamy played in 130 games for the U.S. Women’s National Team from 2006-2021 with 49 points, including 11 goals and 38 assists. In the U.S. record books, she ranks first all-time among blueliners in games played, fourth in assists and tied for fourth in points.

Bellamy served as alternate captain for eight teams, including once in the Olympics (2018) and seven times on the world championship stage (2012, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021).

She is one of just two players ever part of the U.S. Women’s National Team to have won eight world championships and is among only 13 players to have competed on three or more U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Teams.

Kacey Bellamy during the gold-medal game against Canada at the 2010 Winter Olympics.

PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY

In addition to her time with USA Hockey, Bellamy has also played 10 seasons of professional hockey, including five with the Boston Blades (2010-15), where she helped the squad capture the Clarkson Cup in 2013; two with the Boston Pride (2015-16), where within the National Women’s Hockey League’s inaugural season, she helped the team win the Isobel Cup; one with Calgary Inferno (2018-19); and since 2019 within the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association.

PLAYING COLLEGIATELY

Bellamy enjoyed a four-year career at the University of New Hampshire (2005-09) where she earned many individual accolades and set records as a Wildcat defender. She finished her career with 107 points, including 27 goals and 80 assists in 143 games.  

2021 USA Hockey Special Hockey Classic Set for December 3-5

By
Randy Schultz
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The third-annual event will be staged in Columbus, Ohio
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – USA Hockey announced today that the third annual USA Hockey Special Hockey Classic will take place December 3-5, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. The Columbus Blue Jackets Special Hockey program will serve as the local host for the event.

The special hockey discipline is intended to give people with a wide range of cognitive and developmental disabilities the chance to play the sport of ice hockey in an environment that is adapted to their level of ability. Special hockey athletes play upright and in most cases offsides, icing, penalties etc., are not part of game play.

Special hockey emphasizes fun through teamwork, social interaction, and improving the quality of life through on- and off-ice activities.  More information, including a full schedule of events, will be released at a later time.

 NOTES: Special hockey programs have been established over 30 cities in the United States … The inaugural USA Hockey Special Hockey Classic was staged in 2018 and included 10 teams participating at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex just outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania .

Amerks End Season on Winning Note

By
Randy Schultz
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By Warren Kozireski —

It was 74 days since the last time the Rochester Americans heard the foghorn blow after a home win and it came just in time—the final game of the season. Buffalo native Dylan Blujus and Brendan Warren scored and Michael Houser made 28 saves in a 2-1 victory over Utica.

Blujus began the scoring in the first period as Rochester took advantage of the Utica goaltender playing without a stick for an extended period of time. His slapshot from the right point after a pass from Michael Mersch staked the Amerks to a 1-0 lead at 17:06.

It marked his first goal of the season.In the second period, Warren banged home a rebound to extend the lead to 2-0 at 2:10 with Blujus and Brent Warren assisting.That stood up until Utica pulled their goaltender with sustained pressure and was awarded a penalty shot when an Amerk covered the puck in the crease and Sam Anas ruined the shutout bid with a goal with 37 seconds remaining in regulation.

“I think I waited 20 games to get on the scoresheet, but it’s been a short year but a long year with everything that’s going on but it’s good to celebrate in the locker room after a win,” Blujus said. “It kind of stinks not having the extra motivation not playing for the Calder Cup, but you’re competing for jobs so there is a lot of motivation. Every day is a tryout.”

Rochester dressed 36 different players over their 29 games including 11 rookies. 13 in total were called up to Buffalo.

“I really love this group and I love what they have stood for,” Rochester head coach Seth Appert said. “These guys loved playing for each other, loved playing for each other and loved playing in Rochester. We have so many of our guys that have improved so much that they got to go up to Buffalo.”

Rochester finished with an 11-15-2-1 record and a .431 winning percentage—their first season below .500 since the 2016-17 campaign.

Happy Birthday Bill Pavone

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Randy Schultz
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Happy Birthday to “The Godfather” of WNY Girls Varsity High School Federation Hockey. Have a great day and hope to see you at the rinks very soon. Best Wishes Always.

If you see Bill today or in the near future, wish him a Happy Birthday. Or send him birthday wishes.

2021 NHL Entry Draft Update Report

By
Randy Schultz
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By Warren Kozireski —

Two weeks from Wednesday (June 2), the National Hockey League will conduct the draft lottery to determine the order of selection for the July 23-24 draft, which will be held virtually again this year.

The Buffalo Sabres finished the regular season with the fewest points (37) in the league and have an 18.5% chance of securing the first overall selection for the second time in four years. They took defenseman Rasmus Dahlin in 2018.

With changes made to the lottery process this year, Buffalo can choose no lower than third overall. The New York Rangers are slotted no lower than 16th overall pending the lottery process, while the New York Islanders traded their first-round pick to New Jersey to acquire Travis Zajac and Kyle Palmieri.

Baring a trade, who might Buffalo select whether it be first, second or third overall? Defenseman will be taken early and often, but there are varying thoughts about the rankings after the first spot.

A snapshot at the players available:

  1. Owen Power (Defense-University of Michigan)

A man-child at 6’5” and 214 lbs. who won’t turn 19 years old until late November. Some compare him to Victor Hedman with maybe not the same offensive upside. He scored three goals with 13 assists over 26 games with the Wolverines this past season. Projected as a top-pair 30 minutes per game two-way blueliner who will anchor a team defense for years.

  • Simon Edvinsson (Defense-Frolunda Jr., Sweden)

Another large body at 6’4”, 198 lb. The left shot skates well and uses his large wingspan to force forwards wide. Had one assist over ten games this season, but it’s always difficult to measure young players against much older competition not to mention limited ice time. Also projected third, fourth and ninth by various outlets)

  • Brandt Clarke (Defense-Barrie, OHL)

Excellent skater and play-maker from the point. The Ottawa native played this season on loan in Slovakia after the OHL season was cancelled and put up 15 points in 26 games. Not small at 6’2”, 190 lbs. Also projected sixth and fourth.

  • Luke Hughes (Defense-USNTDP)

Yep, another one. The younger, but larger brother of former first round draft picks Quinn (Vancouver) and Jack (New Jersey) stands 6’2” and 176 lbs. Committed to the University of Michigan this fall, the left shot racked up a combined ten goals and 49 points over 56 games this past season. Also projected fifth, eighth and 11th.

  • Matthew Beniers (Center-University of Michigan)

Massachusetts native averaged one point per game in his freshman year with the Wolverines. 6’1”, 174lbs, he played the two seasons prior with the USNTDP. Aggressive forechecker and two-way game coming off a solid campaign that has elevated him on many lists. Also slotted fourth, second and second.

  • Dylan Guenther (Right Wing-Edmonton, WHL)

Elite goal scorer who can skate. Had 24 points in 12 games and matched that pace at the U-18 World Juniors. Stands 6’1”, 181 lbs. Also ranked second, third, fifth and sixth.

  • William Eklund (Left Wing, Djurgarden, Sweden)

Offensive minded with 11 goals and 12 assists and 63 shots in the SHL. 5’10” and 173 lbs. Also slotted fifth, seventh and third.

  • Kent Johnson (Center-University of Michigan)

Led all draft-eligible players with 27 points in 26 games. Needs to build up his body a bit—6’1” and 167 lbs. Also ranked fourth and sixth.

Hilley, Weissbach named Big Ten Medal of Honor recipients

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Randy Schultz
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Wisconsin seniors selected for prestigious award for athletics and scholastic excellence

MADISON, Wis. — Two of the University of Wisconsin’s exemplary student-athletes have received the Big Ten Conference’s highest distinction.

Volleyball setter Sydney Hilley and men’s hockey forward Linus Weissbach were named as Wisconsin’s recipients of the Big Ten Medal of Honor. The awards were presented as part of the 2021 Buckinghams, UW Athletics’ annual awards show and student-athlete showcase. This year’s Buckinghams were presented online live via YouTube and social media.

The conference’s most prestigious award, the Big Ten Medal of Honor was first awarded in 1915 to one student-athlete from the graduating class of each university who had “attained the greatest proficiency in athletics and scholastic work.”

The conference’s exclusive award was the first of its kind in intercollegiate athletics to recognize academic and athletic excellence. Only one male and one female student-athlete now receive this award per Big Ten institution.

Hilley is a four-time All-American, including two first-team honors. The 6-foot setter aided the Badgers to two Big Ten Conference championships and four NCAA Sweet 16-or better tournament appearances, including a runner-up finish in 2019 and a final four appearance in 2020-21. A two-time Big Ten Setter of the year, Hilley ranks fourth on the UW all-time record list with 4,680 assists and fifth in assists per set with 11.76. She also ranks third in consecutive matches started (108), fourth in consecutive sets played (378) and fifth in career double-doubles (38).

The Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, native was also a four-time All-Big Ten selection, including three first-team honors. A 2019 College Sports Information Directors of American (CoSIDA) first-team Academic All-American, Hilley is also a three-time Academic All-Big Ten pick. Hilley served as a three-time team captain and was also an 11-time Big Ten Setter of the Week and two-time Big Ten Player of the Week. Hilley graduated in December of 2020 with degrees in genetics and genomics. She is currently a graduate student in applied biotechnology.

Weissbach, a 2021 Second-Team All-American, helped the Badgers to the 2021 Big Ten regular-season championship and UW’s first NCAA tournament appearance in seven seasons. Hockey Commissioners’ Association National Player of the Month in November, he ended up third in the nation in scoring with 41 points in 31 games, including second-best in the nation with 29 assists. Second in the Big Ten in scoring, he added second-team All-Big Ten to his resume that began with 2018 Big Ten All-Rookie Team honors.

The three-time Academic All-Big Ten skater finished his Badger career 51st in school history with 114 points and as the second to eclipse 100 career points since 2014. The Gothenberg, Sweden, native also became the sixth UW men’s hockey player and the first since 1998 to win the award. Posting at least 22 points in each of his four seasons, Weissbach graduated this May with a degree in communication arts and Scandinavian studies. Following the hockey season, he signed an NHL contract with the Buffalo Sabres, but postponed his career until the fall so he could complete his degree in person.

RIT Men’s Hockey Name 2021-22 Captains

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Randy Schultz
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ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Rochester Institute of Technology head men’s ice hockey coach Wayne Wilson announced five captains for the 2021-22 campaign. Dan Willett (Bayville, N.Y.) and Will Calverley (Scarborough, Ontario) will serve as co-captains while Nick Bruce (Fall River, Nova Scotia/Johnstown Tomahawks), Andrew Petrucci (Toronto, Ontario) and Kobe Walker (Lloydminster, Alberta) were named alternate captains.  
 
“This is a great group of leaders and we look forward to them guiding our team in what we anticipate will be a full schedule with our fans out in full force once again,” said Wilson. “This is a character group which will provide great direction in our pursuit of another Atlantic Hockey Championship and NCAA Tournament bid.”
 
Willett will trade the “A” he wore last season for a “C” this coming year. Tabbed a First-Team Atlantic Hockey-West All-Conference selection this past season, blue-liner led RIT and tied for 12th in Atlantic Hockey with 30 blocked shots and also tied for first for RIT with 14 assists and was fourth with 18 points He will lead all Tiger returners next season with 61 career assists while ranking second with 70 career points over 128 games played the last four seasons.
 
Calverley will also swap letters after serving as an alternate captain last winter. Named only the fourth All-American in Division I program history after landing AHCA Second-Team honors last winter, he was also tabbed the Atlantic Hockey-West Co-Player of the Year as well as the Best Defensive Forward. The first-team all-conference pick finished the season ranked fourth in the nation and first in Atlantic Hockey with 1.39 points per game while tying for first in the league with 25 points and second with 12 goals. Calverley will return with 64 career points on 32 goals and 32 assists in 87 career appearances the last three seasons.
 
Bruce was the Tigers’ fifth-leading scorer during the 2020-21 season, tying for third with 12 assists with four goals for 16 points. Appearing in 18 games during his fourth season in an RIT sweater, the forward will return with 79 career games played along with 40 career points on 10 goals and 30 assists.
 
Petrucci completed his third season with the program last winter, totaling three points on three goals during 19 games played. He will return with 69 career games played and 13 career points on seven goals and six assists.
 
Walker’s third season with the squad included 14 points on six goals and eight assists during 17 appearances last winter. In 82 career games played, the forward has accumulated 38 points on 17 goals and 21 assists.
 
RIT finished an abbreviated 2020-21 season with a 9-9-2 record while earning the third seed in the West pod for the Atlantic Hockey Tournament with a 7-5-1 conference mark. The Tigers fell at second-seeded Canisius in the best-of-three quarterfinals.
 (RIT Men’s Hockey Photo)

Tampa Bay Lightning and Syracuse Crunch Head Coach Agree To New Contract

By
Randy Schultz
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Syracuse Crunch hosted the Rochester Americans in American Hockey League (AHL) action at the Upstate Medical University Arena in Syracuse, New York on Saturday, February 15, 2020. Rochester won 4-3 in a Shootout.

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The Tampa Bay Lightning and Syracuse Crunch Head Coach Ben Groulx have agreed to a new contract, Crunch General Manager Stacy Roest announced.
 
Groulx, 53, has served as Crunch Head Coach since the 2016-17 season. He has guided Syracuse to two 100-plus point seasons in 2017-18 and 2018-19 and posted the best record in franchise history during those consecutive seasons. The Crunch also recorded a franchise-high 47 wins during the 2018-19 campaign, finishing second overall in the American Hockey League standings. In five seasons, Groulx has led the Crunch to a 179-100-21-21 record in 321 games and has had a winning season in each of his campaigns. His 179 wins currently ranks Groulx second in Crunch history, behind Gary Agnew with 220 in 480 games. His .623 points percentage is also second in franchise history, following Jon Cooper at .662 in 65 games.
 
“We are excited to agree to a new contract and have Ben Groulx return as head coach of the Syracuse Crunch,” Roest said. “Over the past five seasons, Ben has proven to be a key part of our organization. His leadership and structure have played an important role in developing our prospects, consistently producing a competitive Syracuse Crunch team and contributing to the success of the Tampa Bay Lightning. We look forward to continued growth with Ben behind the bench.”
 
Under Groulx, Syracuse has made the postseason in all three seasons with AHL playoffs. He led the Crunch to the franchise’s second Calder Cup Finals in 2017 and helped the organization claim the 2017 Eastern Conference Championship along with the 2017 and 2019 North Division titles.
 
Since 2016-17, 28 players have earned a call up from the Crunch and played for the Lightning. Of those call ups, 18 have been NHL debuts. Due to his success, Groulx was selected to represent the Crunch in two AHL All-Star Classics in 2017 and 2019.
 
Prior to joining the Crunch, Groulx worked 13 total seasons as a head coach in the QMJHL with the Hull/Gatineau Olympiques, posting a career record of 460-293-18-59. He led his teams to league championships in 2003, 2004 and 2008, earning QMJHL Coach of the Year honors for the 2003-04 season while coaching the Olympiques.
 
The Hull, Quebec native also served on the coaching staffs for Team Canada at the 2004 U18 World Championships as well as the 2014 and 2015 IIHF World Junior Championships. Groulx was an assistant coach for the Gold Medal winning Team Canada at the U18 World Championships in 2004. He was also an assistant coach for Team Canada at the World Junior Championships in 2014 as Canada was defeated in the Bronze Medal game by Russia. The following year, Groulx was the head coach for Team Canada, winning the Gold Medal and earning a perfect 7-0 record during the tournament.

(Crunch Photo)
 

Elmira College Women’s Ice Hockey Earns Several End-of-Year Awards from UCHC

By
Randy Schultz
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ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The four-time United Collegiate Hockey Conference (UCHC) champions from the Elmira College women’s ice hockey team dominated the end-of-year awards ballots, as announced by the conference office.

Eight different Soaring Eagles received All-UCHC honors, as Elmira claimed four of the five major awards and five of the six spots on the 2021 All-UCHC First Team.

Coaches from around the league elected Jess Adams ’21 the Player of the Year, Jenny Heath ’22 the Defensive Player of the Year, and Elizabeth Hanson ’21 the Goaltender of the Year. It marks the second time in four seasons as members of the UCHC that EC has swept the Player, Defensive Player, and Goalie of the Year Awards. Head coach Tim Crowley also shared the 2021 Coach of the Year award with Utica College’s Dave Clausen.

The Soaring Eagles set a new program record with five All-UCHC First Team selections. Joining Adams, Heath, and Hanson are Tristen Tolan ’21 and Bella Hanson ’21. Emma Crocker ’21 and Eliza Beaudin ’22 were both Honorable Mentions, and Madi Morton ’24 was named to the All-Rookie Team.

Adams, who capped off the 2019-20 campaign as the UCHC Tournament MVP, earned her first-ever All-UCHC nod after leading Elmira with a career-high 29 points (9g-20a) as a senior. The Holliston, Massachusetts, native led the conference and ranked second in the nation in points, while her 2.07 points and 1.43 assists per game paced all Division III skaters this season. Adams had a point in 12 of 14 games played, including eight multi-point performances, and she tied a program record with six assists in a 12-0 throttling of Chatham on March 26.

The 2021 UCHC Defensive Player of the Year, Heath, was second among the conference’s blueliners in points (12) and ranked ninth in the country among defenders with a 0.86 points-per-game average. As part of a season-opening six-game point streak, the Pinckney, Michigan, native netted goals in the first two games of the year, highlighted by the game-winner in EC’s 4-1 victory over Nazareth in the 2021 opener. A keystone on the second-best defense in Division III, Heath helped the Soaring Eagles limit the opposition to a meager 0.79 goals per contest.

A 2019-20 All-UCHC Second Teamer, Elizabeth Hanson was promoted to the First Team as a senior and rightfully claimed the prize as the best goalie in the conference. Hanson’s 0.76 goals-against average ranked fourth among qualified netminders in the country, and she was tied for first in the nation in wins (12) and shutouts (5). Hanson will graduate atop the program’s all-time leaderboard with a .952 career save percentage.

In only 14 games during the abbreviated 2021 season, Tolan established career highs in points (25), goals (14), and game-winning goals (3). The Anchorage, Alaska, native was tied for third nationally in goals (14) and goals per game (1.00), and ranked fifth in points and points per game (1.79). Highlighting her six multi-point outings was a career-high five-point effort (4g-1a) in a blowout victory over Chatham on March 26.

A fellow Alaskan, Bella Hanson collected her first-ever All-UCHC accolade in 2021. The senior was the conference’s third-best scoring defender with eight points, all on assists, and registered 11 blocks. Hanson pieced together a five-game point streak that ended with a season-high two assists in the UCHC Championship quarterfinals against Neumann on April 1, the second multi-point game of her career.

The 2019-20 UCHC Player of the Year and AHCA First-Team All-American, Crocker amassed 19 points (11g-8a) across 13 games in 2021. Her five power-play tallies were first in the conference and tied for first in the country. She was one of only four skaters in the UCHC to finish with double-digit goals and ended the year 10th all-time in EC history with 111 career points.

Beaudin concluded the season with 20 points (9g-11a), trailing only Adams and Tolan with the third-most points in the UCHC. A three-time All-UCHC recipient, the Lewiston, Maine, product logged seven multi-point games, two of which came in the UCHC Championship Tournament. In the quarterfinal round, Beaudin posted a season-high four points (1g-3a).

Morton turned in a tremendous debut campaign in 2021. Originally from Colorado Springs, Colorado, she led all blueliners in the UCHC with 14 points (2g-12a). On the national scale, Morton was fourth among defenders and tied for seventh among freshmen with an average of 1.00 points per game. She also earned a spot on the UCHC Championship All-Tournament Team with five points (1g-4a) in the playoffs.

Crowley is Elmira’s first Coach of the Year winner since in 2015. In his fifth season at the helm, He became the program’s all-time winningest coach with 98 career wins. The Soaring Eagles have won every UCHC regular-season and tournament championship in the past four years under Crowley’s tutelage.

USA Hockey Announces Roster for 2021 U.S. Men’s National Team; 2 NYS-Born Players On Roster

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Randy Schultz
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Will Compete in 2021 IIHF Men’s World Championship Starting May 22
 
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – USA Hockey announced the 26 players that will comprise the U.S. Men’s National Team set to compete in the 2021 International Ice Hockey Federation Men’s World Championship May 21-June 6 in Riga, Latvia.

“We’re excited with the roster we have and look forward to the world championship,” said Chris Drury, general manager of the 2021 U.S. Men’s National Team and also the president and general manager of the NHL’s New York Rangers. “It’s a unique year and we appreciate the dedication and commitment of everyone.

“We really like our team and our goal, like every other team our country puts on the ice, is to bring home a gold medal.”

Team USA will depart the U.S. for Riga on May 16 and begins play in the world championship on May 22 against Finland at 9:15 a.m. ET. All U.S. games in the tournament will air live on NHL Network.

The U.S. has medaled in three of the last seven IIHF Men’s World Championships (bronze in 2013, 2015, 2018), its best medal stretch since a period from 1939-53. 

ROSTER OVERVIEWThree goaltenders, nine defensemen and 14 forwards
 Averages: Height: 6-1, Weight: 187, Age: 26
 Youngest Player: Matty Beniers (18)
Oldest Player: Brian Boyle (36)
 8 first or second-round NHL Draft picks
 18 total medals won in world championship play, including 7 golds
 8 players (6 full-time) have been part of USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program, including Adam Clendening, Matty Beniers, Sasha Chmelevski, Ryan Donato, Matt Hellickson, Kevin Labanc, Jake Oettinger and Tage Thompson
 Justin Abdelkader (1 bronze) and Jake Oettinger (2 gold, 2 bronze) have each represented the U.S. on the international stage four times to lead all players on the roster, followed by three appearances each by Tage Thompson (2 gold, 1 bronze) and Adam Clendening (2 gold).
 

The roster features one Olympian in Ryan Donato who played for Team USA in the 2018 Olympic Winter Games
 Christian Wolanin is the lone returner from the 2019 U.S. Men’s National Team, the last senior U.S. Men’s National Team assembled. In addition to Wolanin, four other players have competed in the IIHF Men’s World Championship for Team USA previously including Tage Thompson (2018), Cal Peterson (2017), Chris Wideman (2016) and Justin Abdelkader (2014, 2012). Abdelkader served as captain of the 2014 squad.
 Ten players are making their debut in an IIHF world championship, including Colin Blackwell, Brian Boyle, Conor Garland, Connor Mackey, Trevor Moore, Eric Robinson, Kevin Rooney, Matt Roy, Ryan Shea and Matt Tennyson
 

The 26 players come from 10 different states with Massachusetts (7), Michigan (4) and California (3) leading the way


A total of 22 players have competed in college hockey in the U.S., with 18 different schools represented. Harvard University leads the way with three representatives, while Boston University and University of Notre Dame each have two  Team USA Schedule


2021 IIHF Men’s World Championship Date Opponent Round Location Time (Local/ET)

May 22 Finland Preliminary Riga, Latvia 4:15 p.m./9:15 a.m.
May 23 Canada Preliminary Riga, Latvia 8:15 p.m./1:15 p.m.
May 25 Kazakhstan Preliminary Riga, Latvia 4:15 p.m./9:15 a.m.
May 27 Latvia Preliminary Riga, Latvia 4:15 p.m./9:15 a.m.
May 29 Norway Preliminary Riga, Latvia 4:15 p.m./9:15 a.m.
May 31 Germany Preliminary Riga, Latvia 4:15 p.m./9:15 a.m.
June 1 Italy Preliminary Riga, Latvia 4:15 p.m./9:15 a.m.
June 3 TBD Quarterfinals TBDTBD
June 5 TBD Semifinals Riga, Latvia 2:15 p.m./7:15 a.m. OR 6:15 p.m./11:15 a.m.
June 6 TBD Bronze-Medal Game Riga, Latvia 3:15 p.m./8:15 a.m.
June 6 TBD Gold-Medal Game Riga, Latvia 8:15 p.m./1:15 p.m.

NOTES: The staff and players of the 2021 U.S. Men’s National Team are selected by Chris Drury (New York Rangers), general manager of the 2021 U.S. Men’s National Team, along with members of the U.S. Men’s National Team Advisory Group including Kevyn Adams (Buffalo Sabres), Stan Bowman (Chicago Blackhawks), Bill Guerin (Minnesota Wild), Tom Fitzgerald (New Jersey Devils), Lou Lamoriello (New York Islanders), David Poile (Nashville Predators), Don Waddell (Carolina Hurricanes) and Bill Zito (Florida Panthers). John Vanbiesbrouck, assistant executive director of hockey operations for USA Hockey, leads the U.S. Men’s National Team Advisory Group … For complete coverage of the U.S. Men’s National Team, visit teamusa.usahockey.com/2021mensworlds … The official IIHF home of the 2021 IIHF Men’s World Championship is 2021.IIHFWorlds.com … USA Hockey’s international council, chaired by Gavin Regan (Potsdam, N.Y.), has oversight responsibilities for all U.S. national teams.

Beauts Kick Off NWHL Free Agency Period By Signing MJP

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Randy Schultz
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The Buffalo Beauts kicked off the NWHL’s restricted free agency period by re-signing one of their most key players. Defender and alternate captain Marie-Jo Pelletier returns to the team for her third season as a Beaut. NWHL teams have the exclusive right to re-sign any of their 2020-21 rostered players up until May 15 at 5:00 p.m.

“I am so excited to be returning to the Beauts for my third NWHL season,” said Pelletier. “I am looking forward to being back on the ice in front of the best fans in the league! We will be ready for Season 7, and I can’t be more excited to be rocking the baby blue again. I can’t wait to hit the ice with the great group that we’re putting together!”

A native of Dalhousie, New Brunswick, Pelletier has served as a Beauts alternate captain since her rookie season in 2019-20. She has played in 30 career regular season games for the team, and has gone 6-18-24 in scoring. Pelletier needs just two more points to surpass Emily Matheson as the Beauts all-time scoring leader for defenders.

“MJ is one of the best defenders in Beauts’ history and it was very important for us to make sure she was back for Season 7” said Beauts General Manager Nate Oliver. “We wanted to get her locked up early. Her leadership skills, the amount of points she generates, her prowess on the power play, her ability to adapt to any situation, and so on and so forth. The amount of positives that MJ brings to our team are seemingly endless.”  

Across her two previous seasons for Buffalo, Pelletier earned a variety of accolades. The 2019-20 season saw her named one of the NWHL Fans’ Three Stars of the Season and a finalist for that season’s Newcomer of the Year Award. Pelletier was selected to the 2020 NWHL All-Star Game. She currently holds the NWHL record for most power play points (12) and most power play assists (9) in a single season, as well as Buffalo’s team records for most points in a season by a defender (21)
and most assists in a season (15, tied with Iveta Klimášová).

At the collegiate level, the 4-11 defender was so highly regarded at the University of New Hampshire that she was voted a team captain by the end of her freshman season and remained a captain until the end of her NCAA career. In 143 games at UNH, Pelletier had 13 goals and 39 assists for 52 points.

Pelletier is determined to keep the Beauts focused on winning the Isobel Cup in 2021-22:

“We have a lot of work to do before we get to raise the Cup,” she said. “We have a longer offseason, so that month before our first puck drop will be crucial. It will be important to come together and build from last season. We need to build chemistry early on and find the back of the net.”

Jack Capuano Named Head Coach of 2021 U.S. Men’s National Team

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Randy Schultz
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Full Coaching, Support Staff Named 
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Jack Capuano (Cranston, R.I.), associate coach of the NHL’s Ottawa Senators, has been named head coach of the 2021 U.S. Men’s National Team that will compete in the upcoming International Ice Hockey Federation Men’s World Championship May 21-June 6 in Riga, Latvia. Capuano will be joined by assistant coaches Nate Leaman (Providence, R.I./Providence College) and Adam Nightingale (Cheboygan, Mich./NTDP).

In addition Kevin Reiter (Pittsburgh, Penn./NTDP) will serve as goaltending coach and Mike King (Center Conway, N.H./Ottawa Senators) as video coach.

“We’re extremely fortunate to have an outstanding coaching staff, led by Jack Capuano,” said Chris Drury, general manager of the U.S. Men’s National Team. “Their involvement with USA Hockey in various ways over the course of time and combined international experience will be of great benefit as we head into the tournament.”

ABOUT CAPUANO 
Capuano, who is currently serving as associate coach with the Ottawa Senators, will be representing the U.S. as a coach for the fourth time. He served as an assistant coach for Team USA at the 2017 IIHF Men’s World Championship and at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, and was the head coach of the 2005 U.S. Under-18 Select Team at the Five Nations Cup in Slovakia. In addition to his time in Ottawa, Capuano’s 25-year professional hockey career has included time in the ECHL, AHL and NHL, including as head coach of the New York Islanders from 2010-17. He has also had stops with the Florida Panthers, Bridgeport Sound Tigers, Pee Dee Pride, Knoxville Cherokee and Tallahassee Tiger Sharks, where he began his post-playing days hockey career as an assistant coach. 

ABOUT LEAMAN 
Leaman, currently the head men’s ice hockey coach at Providence College, is serving as an assistant coach on a U.S. Men’s National Team for the first time. He is no stranger to the world stage, however, and most recently led the U.S. National Junior Team as head coach to the gold medal at the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship. He has also served as an assistant coach for the U.S. National Junior Team in both 2007 (bronze) and 2009. He made his USA Hockey coaching debut as an assistant coach at the 2005 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship where the U.S. won gold in the Czech Republic. Leaman has served as an NCAA Division I head men’s ice hockey coach since 2003-04, including eight seasons at Union College and the last 10 at Providence.v 

ABOUT NIGHTINGALE 
Nightingale, who recently finished his first season as a head coach at USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program, is making his first appearance as an assistant coach for the U.S. Men’s National Team. He has supported four U.S. teams on the international stage as video coach previously, including three U.S. Men’s National Teams (2017, 2018-bronze, 2019) and one U.S. National Junior Team (2015). Prior to joining the NTDP, Nightingale was part of the coaching staff for both the Detroit Red Wings and Buffalo Sabres and he has also previously served as head hockey coach at Shattuck-St. Mary’s in Minnesota. 

ABOUT REITER 
Reiter, who is the director of player personnel for USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program, is part of the staff of a U.S. Men’s National Team for the second time after serving as goaltending coach for the U.S. Men’s National Team in 2019. An assistant coach for the bronze medal-winning U.S. National Junior Team at the 2016 IIHF World Junior Championship, Reiter has been part of the coaching staff of three gold medal-winning U.S. Under-18 Men’s National Teams at the IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship (2014, 2015, 2017) and also for the silver medal-winning U.S. team at the 2020 Youth Olympic Winter Games. He was USA Hockey’s national goaltending coach before assuming his current role as director of player personnel. 

ABOUT KING 
King is joining the staff of a U.S. Men’s National Team for the first time. He has spent the last two seasons as the video coach for the Ottawa Senators and previous to that served as video coach for the Hershey Bears of the AHL. 

SUPPORT STAFF NAMED USA Hockey also announced the support staff for the 2021 U.S. Men’s National Team, including team leader Scott Aldrich (Colorado Springs, Colo./USA Hockey); hockey operations Brij Singh (Los Altos, Calif./USA Hockey), athletic trainers Stan Wong (Boca Raton, Fla./USA Hockey) and Piet VanZant (Livonia, Mich./Detroit Red Wings); compliance coordinator/athletic trainer Jason Hodges (New Baltimore, Mich./USA Hockey); equipment managers Jamie Healy (New Albany, Ohio/Columbus Blue Jackets) and Dana Bryson (Medford, Mass./L.A. Kings); team physician Dr. Doug Weiss (Dublin, N.H./USA Hockey); massage therapist Peewee Willmann (Hannover, Germany/USA Hockey), content coordinator Kyle Huson (Colorado Springs, Colo./USA Hockey), and media relations Jon Gomez (Whippany, N.J./L.A. Kings). 

NOTES: NHL Network is the exclusive U.S. TV home of the IIHF Men’s World Championship and all U.S. games will be available live … The staff and players of the 2021 U.S. Men’s National Team are selected by Chris Drury (New York Rangers), general manager of the 2021 U.S. Men’s National Team, along with members of the U.S. Men’s National Team Advisory Group including Kevyn Adams (Buffalo Sabres), Stan Bowman (Chicago Blackhawks), Bill Guerin (Minnesota Wild), Tom Fitzgerald (New Jersey Devils), Lou Lamoriello (New York Islanders), David Poile (Nashville Predators), Don Waddell (Carolina Hurricanes) and Bill Zito (Florida Panthers). John Vanbiesbrouck, assistant executive director of hockey operations for USA Hockey, leads the U.S. Men’s National Team Advisory Group … For complete coverage of the U.S. Men’s National Team, visit teamusa.usahockey.com/2021mensworlds … The official IIHF home of the 2021 IIHF Men’s World Championship is 2021.IIHFWorlds.com … The U.S. has medaled in three of the last seven (bronze in 2013, 2015, 2018) IIHF Men’s World Championships … USA Hockey’s international council, chaired by Gavin Regan (Potsdam, N.Y.), has oversight responsibilities for all U.S. national teams.
(nhl.com Photo)

Manhattanville Women’s Hockey Earns One All-Conference Honor

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Randy Schultz
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ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The Manhattanville College women’s hockey team saw one player receive United Collegiate Hockey Conference (UCHC) all-conference honors. The Valiants had one player earn second all-UCHC honors and one player receive an honorable mention. The awards were announced by the conference, Monday, May 10.

Sophomore forward Morgan Miller (St. Augustine, Fla./Gilmour Academy) earned second team All-UCHC honors and junior defender Tia Martignetti (Wilmington, Mass./Boston Junior Eagles (EHF)) was named an honorable mention for their performances this season.

Miller finished the season with seven goals and two assists for nine total points. She led the team in both goals and points and her 16 blocked shots were the most on the team as well. Her seven goals ranked tied for tenth in the conference. This is the first all-conference nod of Miller’s career.

Both Miller and Martignetti will return next season as the Valiants look to make another postseason run.

Janzen, Saul Highlight Elmira Men’s Ice Hockey End-of-Year UCHC Awards

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Randy Schultz
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ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Goaltender of the Year Chris Janzen ’21 and Coach of the Year Aaron Saul ’98 highlight Elmira College’s end-of-year award winners from the United Collegiate Hockey Conference (UCHC), as announced by the conference office on Monday afternoon.

A total of six Soaring Eagles were elected to the 2021 All-UCHC Teams. Coaches from around the league voted Janzen and Amedeo Mastrangeli ’24 to the All-UCHC First Team. Representing EC on the Second Team are Shawn Kennedy ’24 and Daniel Dimon ’24.

The 2021 UCHC All-Rookie Team was flooded with first-year Soaring Eagles. Not only did the All-Rookie Team include the aforementioned Mastrangeli, Kennedy, and Dimon, but classmates Chance Gorman ’24 and Ryan Reifler ’24 were also recognized for their tremendous debut seasons.

The 2021 UCHC Championship MVP, Janzen’s performance between the posts guided Elmira to the 11th conference title in the program’s illustrious history and the first since 2014. The senior from Pelham, Ontario, ranked second among in the UCHC in saves (373) and save percentage (.932), and was third among qualified netminders in goals-against average (2.03). Backstopped by Janzen, the EC defense boasted the second-best penalty kill unit in the conference (84.8%). In one of the most exciting games in recent memory, and the fourth-longest contest in NCAA Division III history, Janzen made an incredible 62 saves in a triple-overtime upset over top-seeded Utica in the UCHC semifinals on April 2.

Spurred by a seven-game mid-season point streak, Mastrangeli established himself not only as one of the brightest freshmen in the UCHC, but also as a top-line defender with a nose for the puck. The Richmond Hill, Ontario, import finished his rookie season tied for second in defenseman scoring and tied for sixth in freshman scoring with 12 points (2g-10a). Additionally, he was one of only seven skaters in the conference to hand out double-digit assists in 2021.

As EC’s leading point-getter in 2021, Kennedy concluded the year with 17 points on eight goals and nine assists. He tied Stevenson’s Mac Lowry for first in the UCHC in points among freshmen. Nationally, he was fourth in points per game among first-year skaters with 1.13. The center from Bainsville, Ontario, posted four multi-point games and had a season-high three points on three different occasions.

A hometown hero, Dimon showed off an innate ability to facilitate on the offensive end while shutting down opposing offenses at the blue line. The Elmira native dished out a team-best 12 assists in 2021, fourth-most in the UCHC, while tying Mastrangeli for second place with the most points among conference defenders. Dimon recorded three games with multiple helpers, including a season-high three in a 5-1 win over Chatham on March 26.

Gorman, a member of the 2021 UCHC Championship All-Tournament Team, made his presence known in the third game of the regular season when he scored both goals – one on the power play and one shorthanded – in a 2-2 draw with Neumann. He also ended the year on a four-game point streak that spanned all three playoff rounds. In total, Gorman produced 12 points (5g-7a), tied for sixth-most on the freshman scoring leaderboard.

Elmira’s fourth All-Rookie Team selection was Reifler, a 6-foot-3 forward from nearby Binghamton, New York. With eight goals and eight assists, he was second on the team and tied for seventh in the conference with 16 points. During an eight-game point streak, he pieced together five consecutive multi-point outings. That included three points (2g-1a) in the regular-season finale against Manhattanville and in the UCHC quarterfinals against Chatham.

A three-time winner of the ECAC West Coach of the Year Award, Saul received his first nod from the UCHC after leading the Purple and Gold to their first-ever Pat Thompson ’75 Trophy. He mentored a new-look roster that lost three 100-point scorers from 2020 and featured 13 first-year skaters to upsets over the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds on the road during the UCHC tournament. In 12 season behind the bench, Saul has amassed 164 victories, second-most in program history.

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