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Elmira Women’s Hockey Wins 4th Consecutive UCHC Title

By
Randy Schultz
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PINE VALLEY, N.Y. — The 2021 United Collegiate Hockey Conference (UCHC) Pat Thompson Trophy will remain in Elmira. With a 5-1 victory over fifth-seeded Nazareth College (8-2-0), the top-seeded Elmira College women’s ice hockey team (13-1-0) secured its fourth consecutive UCHC title.

It marked the second time in Elmira’s illustrious history that the Soaring Eagles have won conference titles four consecutive times. The last stretch of league titles occurred from 2001-05, the first four years of the program’s existence. Additionally, the league title was the 11th in EC’s 20-year history.

It was a physical title game, one that saw both teams battle for each and every puck. Yet the rough and tough nature of the contest only produce six power-play chances split evenly between the two sides. Elmira scored once on three power-play opportunities, while Nazareth came up empty on three chances.

The Soaring Eagles opened the title game by scoring three straight goals.  

Elmira broke through for the game’s first goal with just 20.7 seconds left on the first-period clock. A shot from Emma Crocker ’21 from the right post was deflected by a Nazareth defenseman and the puck trickled just outside the crease. Nazareth’s goaltender, Adrianna Brehm, lost sight of the puck of the deflection, leaving Morgan Mordini ’22 wide open to clean up the rebound for the goal. Eliza Beaudin ’22 was credited with a secondary assist on the goal, as her pass to Crocker initiated the scoring play.

Then in the second period, Brooke McArdle ’22 doubled Elmira’s lead with an absolute snipe. Passes from Madi Morton ’24 and Tristen Tolan ’21 set McArdle up with a shot from the right dot. The third-year forward went bar-down for the tally at 6:29.

Elmira’s lead was pushed to 3-0 at 19:30 when Morton scored on the power play. Jess Adams ’21 intercepted a Nazareth clearance in EC’s attacking zone and slid a pass along the blue line to Morton, who fired a slap shot past Brehm for the power-play goal.

EC’s three-goal lead was short lived though, as Makenna Wiljanen answered just 10 seconds later to trim the Soaring Eagle lead to just two, 3-1, entering the third period.

In the third period, Elmira locked in defensively and kept the Golden Flyers scoreless through 20 minutes. EC’s efforts included two penalty kills, as well as Nazareth skating with an extra attacker for 1:28.

Although EC’s defense was dialed in, the offense was just as impressive. The Soaring Eagles scored twice late in the final frame, starting with an even-strength goal from Crocker at 13:31. A shot from Mordini was initially saved by Brehm, but Crocker followed it up and buried the rebound from just outside the crease.

EC’s second goal was scored by Beaudin, shorthanded, on an empty net at 18:08. Beaudin’s goal was scored from Elmira’s defensive zone, which all but clinched a 5-1 win and the UCHC Pat Thompson Trophy.

Elizabeth Hanson ’21 backstopped Elmira’s efforts with a 24-save performance in the final game of her collegiate career. She made 11 saves in the third period to secure the victory and collect her 12th win of the season.

News and Notes

  • Elmira captured the 11th conference championship in its storied history tonight.
  • Since the UCHC was formed, the Soaring Eagles have won all four conference titles, which are named after former Vice President of Athletics and EC Hall of Famer, Pat Thompson ’75.
  • With the four-peat, the members of the Class of 2021 have won a conference championship every year of their collegiate career.
  • EC’s four-peat marks the second time in program history that the Soaring Eagles have hoisted four consecutive conference trophies.
  • The men’s and women’s ice hockey teams both won their respective 2021 championships, the first time both teams have won a conference title in the same season since 2002-03.
  • The Purple and Gold outscored their opponents 18-1 in the three rounds of the 2021 UCHC Championships.
  • Morton (1g-2a), Mordini (1g-1a), Crocker (1g-1a), and Eliza Beaudin ’22 (1g-1a) each finished with multiple points in Tuesday’s title game.
  • Hanson ends her career ranked first in all-time in save percentage (.952), second in goals-against average (0.80), seventh in wins (34), and eighth in saves (596).
  • Crocker moved into 10th place all-time with 111 career points.
  • The Soaring Eagles improved to 5-1-0 all-time against the Golden Flyers.

82 Americans To Compete In 2021 NCAA Division I Men’s Ice Hockey Frozen Four This Week

By
Randy Schultz
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Semifinals set for April 8; Championship game on April 10 in Pittsburgh, Pa. 
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The 2021 NCAA Men’s Frozen Four will have a strong American presence again as 82 of the 108 players competing have American development roots prior to their collegiate careers.The NCAA Men’s Frozen Four begins on Thursday (April 8) at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pa., with Minnesota State University taking on St. Cloud State University at 5 p.m. ET, followed by two-time defending NCAA champion University of Minnesota Duluth facing University of Massachusetts at 9 p.m. Both games will be aired live on ESPN 2.

JUNIOR LEAGUE TIES Among those competing in this year’s Frozen Four, 77 have roots in USA Hockey junior hockey leagues. Of those, 68 spent time in the United States Hockey League, the only Tier I junior league in the United States, and 38 skated in the Tier II North American Hockey League. The 68 players with USHL ties are led by 10 Clark Cup champions and four USHL award winners. Of the Clark Cup champions, two players have captured the title twice — Walker Duehr (Minnesota State University) with Tri-City in 2016 and Chicago in 2017, and Matthew Kessel (University of Massachusetts) with Fargo in 2018 and Sioux Falls in 2019.

Among the USHL award winners, the most recent recipient was Tri-City’s Zac Jones (University of Massachusetts), who was named the 2019 USHL Rookie of the Year. The 38 players with NAHL ties features three players with a NAHL Robertson Cup under their belt, including Todd Burgess (Minnesota State University/Fairbanks), Jaxon Castor (St. Cloud State University/Shreveport) and Reggie Lutz (University of Minnesota Duluth/Fairbanks).

Additionally, two players have received NAHL postseason awards. Burgess was named to the 2016 All-NAHL Team as well as the 2016 MVP and Forward of the Year, while George Mika (University of Massachusetts/Amarillo) was named to the 2017 All-NAHL team and named the 2017 Forward of the Year.

USA HOCKEY EXPERIENCE Two players who played at the USA Hockey National Development Program are competing in the 2021 Men’s Frozen Four, including Blake Biondi (University of Minnesota Duluth) and Connor Kelley (University of Minnesota Duluth).Among the 82 American-born players competing in this year’s Frozen Four are 37 who have skated in at least one USA Hockey Player Development Camp and five players who have played in the BioSteel All-American Game. USA Hockey’s Player Development Camps are held annually in June and July to provide week-long training sessions.

The BioSteel All-American Game is an annual event that provides the best U.S. players eligible for the NHL Draft the opportunity to showcase their skills on a national stage.A total of 18 players have represented the United States in international competition, including Noah Cates (University of Minnesota Duluth) and Zac Jones (University of Massachusetts) who have competed on the U.S. National Junior Team at previous IIHF World Junior Championships. Cates, who competed at the 2019 World Junior Championship, helped Team USA capture a silver medal, while Jones played for the U.S. at the 2020 World Junior Championship.In addition, a combined 15 players have skated for a U.S. select team in international competition including the World Junior A Challenge (U.S. Junior Select Team), Hlinka Gretzky Cup (U.S. Under-18 Select Team) and Under-17 Five Nations Tournament (U.S. Under-17 Select Team).

Collectively, those 15 players have helped the U.S. win five championships as well as eight runner-up finishes.

STATE BREAKDOWN Collectively, 19 states will be represented by players in the Frozen Four, including Alaska (2), Arizona (2), California (1), Colorado (3), Florida (3), Illinois (3), Iowa (1), Maine (1), Massachusetts (3), Michigan (6), Minnesota (43), Missouri (1), New Jersey (3), New York (4), North Dakota (1), Ohio (1), South Dakota (1), Virginia (2) and Wisconsin (1).  For the complete player breakdown, click here. 

FROZEN FOUR STAFF NOTES All four coaching staffs in the Frozen Four include head coaches who have served on a U.S. national team staff. Scott Sandelin (University of Minnesota Duluth) was the head coach for the 2005 and 2020 U.S. National Junior Team and also served as assistant coach alongside head coach Mike Hastings (Minnesota State University) in guiding the 2019 U.S. National Junior Team to a silver medal at the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship.  Greg Carvel (University of Massachusetts) served as an assistant coach for the 2015 U.S. Men’s National Team that competed in the Czech Republic at the IIHF Men’s World Championship, helping guide the U.S. team to a bronze finish. Serving as head coach of Team USA at the 2012 World Junior A Challenge, Brett Larson (St. Cloud State University) guided the squad to the tournament title in Nova Scotia. Larson also served as assistant coach of the U.S. National Junior Team at the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship, alongside Sandelin. 

Future Sabres: Mattias Samuelsson

By
Randy Schultz
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Mattias Samuelsson #24 Rochester Americans v Utica Comets Photo By Micheline V.

By Warren Kozireski —

In the 2018 National Hockey League Entry Draft, the Buffalo Sabres made defense a focus using five of their six selections on blueliners. The first was Rasmus Dahlin, who has been in a Sabres uniform since that fall.

The second, taken 32nd overall, is Mattias Samuelsson, via the U.S. National Team Development Program. After two seasons playing under former NHL head coach Andy Murray with his brother Lucas at Western Michigan University, the just-turned 21-year-old is now 14 games into his first professional season with Rochester.

“I think it’s been a good year so far by the way I’ve played,” Samuelsson said in early April. “You never know what to expect your first year; you just want to contribute to the team in any way you can and help them win games, and I think we’ve done that.

“I don’t think anything has been really surprising. I think when you move up levels you expect it to be faster, more plays made, stronger so it’s been pretty much what you would expect.

“You’re excited and nervous and all those things for your first NHL training camp and it keeps getting pushed back farther and farther, so it’s definitely been a weird first year of pro.”

Samuelsson moved away from home at 15 years old to attend Northwood Prep in New York for two seasons—the second year coached by former Amerks assistant and head coach Chadd Cassidy—before making the USNDTP in 2016-17.

A finalist for National Collegiate Hockey Conference Defensive Defenseman of the Year in his sophomore and final season with the Broncos, he scored seven goals with 26 points over 65 games combined.

And he has also shown an early knack of racking up points in the AHL standing tied for tenth in the league in assists and 13th in points among first-year defenseman with seven.

“Having a coach like him (Murray) coach me for two years (at Western Michigan) he is really all about details and stuff like that, so I think it has really helped me adjust to the pro game being exposed to what he was teaching at Western.”

Paired most nights with fellow draft pick Casey Fitzgerald, Samuelsson has played the left side as a left shot and putting the reach and leverage from his 6’4”, 223 lb. frame to good use. On offensive zone draws, the two flip sides of the ice.

Like Fitzgerald, whose father Tom is the General Manager of the New Jersey Devil and a former NHLer, Samuelsson also has hockey bloodlines. His father, Kjell had a long career on defense and has worked his way up in the Philadelphia Flyers organization as now Director of Player Development.

“It’s been really good so far playing with Fitzy; I feel we really gel together. We’re a little bit opposite and I feel it just works. We communicate a lot on the bench every shift talking about things and I think that really helps with our on-ice play.

“He’s obviously still learning and it’s my first year so I’m still learning a lot, so it helps that we’re doing it together and I think we’ve been playing pretty well lately.”

He also represented the country twice at the U-20 World Junior Championships winning a gold medal in Vancouver.

“Me and my family all felt that it was time for me to move and be challenged more and now that I’m playing pro, I feel like it was the right decision.”

And, speaking from a seasoned hockey-family perspective, he isn’t getting too far ahead of himself in terms of his transition to the professional ranks.

“I don’t say that I want this many points because, if you do that, it gets in your head and it’s all you think about. I’m a big believer that if you play the right way and work hard every shift and help the team win, that stuff will come naturally.”

Elmira Men’s Hockey Blanks Stevenson To Win UCHC Championship

By
Randy Schultz
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REISTERSTOWN, Md. — The United Collegiate Hockey Conference (UCHC) Pat Thompson Trophy is coming home to Elmira. With a 3-0 shutout victory over second-seeded Stevenson University (12-3-0), the fourth-seeded Elmira College men’s ice hockey team (10-4-1) secured the 2021 UCHC title and the program’s 11th conference championship.

The theme of today’s title contest was defense, just as it has been throughout the postseason for the Soaring Eagles. Chris Janzen ’21 turned away 29 shots to preserve the shutout and secure the UCHC Tournament’s Most Valuable Player. He ended the three-game title run with a sultry 0.27 goals-against average, 122 saves, two shutouts, and just one goal allowed.  

Amplifying EC’s efforts on the defensive end of the puck was a willingness to block shots. The Soaring Eagles dove all over the ice, putting their bodies in harm’s way, to block shot after shot. In total, Elmira finished with 14.

Bailey Krawczyk ’24 produced two of Elmira’s goals this evening, completing another terrific outing for the freshman standout. After scoring the game-winner in triple overtime against Utica College, Krawczyk scored on the power play and shorthanded on an empty net. His power-play tally was the title-clincher.

Shawn Kennedy ’24 netted an even-strength goal, one scored in the second period that padded EC’s lead at 2-0. Janis Vizbelis ’24, Daniel Dimon ’24, Chance Gorman ’24, Jared Smith ’24 Marty Kapoian ’22, and Graham Denomme ’23 were credited with assists on EC’s goals.

In the first period, Krawczyk picked up right where he left off early in the championship game as the Elmira, New York, native scored on the power play at 3:51 to give the Soaring Eagles a 1-0 lead.

On a rush, passes from Dimon and Vizbelis found Krawczyk in the slot. The rookie forward wasted little time before snapping a wrist shot past Stevenson’s Ryan Kenny for the game-opening tally.

EC nearly doubled its lead on a 3-on-1 rush at the 8:30 mark, but the shot from Larry Niland ’23 in the slot was kicked away at the last second by Kenny.

Stevenson’s best scoring chance in the first period came from Eric Olson at 15:40. Olson beat an EC defenseman on the right side of the ice before racing towards Janzen. However, the EC netminder was up for the challenge as he stuffed Olson’s shot on the right post.

In the second period, Elmira killed two Stevenson power plays thanks to a solid defensive effort by the PK unit and Janzen. On the PK, Janzen made four saves while his teammates – Jordan Gonzalez ’24, Kapoian and Niland – sacrificed their bodies and made a block.

Although the Mustangs came out of the second intermission with great urgency, it was Elmira that had the better scoring chances and eventually broke through for the goal.

Just as an EC power play ended, Kennedy cushioned Elmira’s lead, 2-0, at 15:01. A pass from Gorman to Smith on the left post created space in the slot, which allowed him to center a pass. Kennedy, who was crashing the net on the play, settled the puck with his boot before whipping it through the five-hole for the goal.

With a two-goal lead in the third period, Elmira tightened up defensively and frustrated Stevenson with an aggressive forecheck. Each time a puck was touched, an Elmira defenseman was close by.

However, at 3:40, the Mustangs had a golden opportunity to cut into the Elmira lead. An errant pass in EC’s attacking zone leaked into the neutral area, setting Chad Watt up for a 1-on-1 with Janzen. Watt carried it just outside the crease but his wrist shot sprayed wide as Stevenson remained in search of its first goal.

At the five-minute mark, Anthony Russo ’23 nearly gave Elmira a three-goal lead as his shot rattled off of the pipe.

Then, at 16:22, EC was whistled for a penalty and the Mustangs’ power-play unit took to the ice. Instead of skating 5-on-4, Stevenson pulled Kenny from net to skate 6-on-4 in hopes of closing the gap.

The extra attacker did little to aid Stevenson’s comeback bid, as Krawczyk slid in an empty-netter, shorthanded, at 17:03 to extend the Purple and Gold’s lead to 3-0.

Krawczyk’s tally, along with a bevy of blocks and saves in the final 2:57, carried the Soaring Eagles to the finish line to secure Elmira’s 11th conference title in program history.

UCHC All-Tournament Team
Most Valuable Player:
Chris Janzen, Elmira

Forwards:
Bailey Krawczyk, Elmira
Chance Gorman, Elmira
Austin Master, Stevenson

Defense:
Jordan Gonzalez, Elmira
Blake Colman, Stevenson

Goaltender:
Ryan Kenny, Stevenson

News and Notes

  • Elmira won the 2021 UCHC conference title.
  • EC secured the UCHC Pat Thompson Trophy for the first time.
  • The Soaring Eagles won their 11th conference title in program history.
  • It marked the first time in program history EC has won a conference title in shutout fashion.
  • Elmira won its first conference title since 2013-14.
  • Head Coach Aaron Saul ’98 won his third conference championship (2021, 2014, 2010).
  • Elmira played in its first conference title game since 2018.
  • EC won its first UCHC league title.
  • Elmira is the lowest seed (4th) to win the UCHC title.
  • Stevenson played in its first conference title game.
  • Elmira outshot Stevenson, 31-29.
  • Elmira was 1-for-4 on the power play.
  • Stevenson was 0-for-4 on the power play. 
  • Janzen was named the UCHC Tournament’s MVP.
  • Janzen allowed just one goal the entire UCHC playoffs.
  • Krawczyk scored game-winner, power-play, and shorthanded goals.
  • Krawczyk scored his second game-winning goal in as many days.

Congratulations WNYGVIH Class of 2021

By
Janet
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0

BY Janet Schultz; Photos by Janet Schultz©2021

It may not have been the year they expected, but the Western New York Girls Varsity Ice Hockey League got their entire, shortened, season in. The Seniors had their special night and now we bid them farewell and good luck in their future endeavors.

The 11th Season began February 11 with Clarence/Amherst/SweetHome (CASH) taking on Monsignor Martin (MM) at North Buffalo, with MM taking the first win of the season.

2021 FEDERATION PRESENTATION

Each team played 7 regular season games in five weeks. Monsignor Martin came out on top in the Federation and took the 2021 League Championship. Due to scheduling and COVID, no Federation playoff and championship games were played.

With Williamsville and MM both winning 6, losing 1 and at 18 points, MM not eligible for Sectional playoffs, Williamsville was seeded #1. They had a bye and CASH, Niagara County, Lancaster/Iroquois/Depew (LID), Frontier/LakeShore/Orchard Park (FLOP) Hamburg/Eden/West Seneca (HEWS) and Kenmore/Grand Island (KGI) headed into the quarterfinals. The outcome had HEWS facing Williamsville and LID facing CASH in the semifinals. LID and Williamsville come out victors and face each other in the Championship game.

20-21

Williamsville kept the title as they defeated LID 5-2 at Cornerstone Arena in Lockport, chosen as the neutral site. 

Due to the Pandemic, NYS canceled the NYS High School Girls Tournament, so no NYS Champion was named.

During the last weeks of the season, the Seniors were honored on their home ice. NYHOL congratulations the Class of 2021 and wishes them well as they move on to higher education, possible more hockey and a great future.

CASH will be losing Hannah and Sara Barrett, Emma Guzdek, Lilli Adimey and Lucy Grimaldi to graduation.

  • Sarah
  • Hannah
  • Lucy
  • Lilli
  • Emma

Sarah will be attending SUNY Potsdam, along with her sister Hannah. They both plan to play ice hockey. 

Emma will be at Wilkes University; Lilli at Buffalo State College and Lucy at SUNY Brockport. All plan to continue their hockey careers.

Lillie was named to the 2020-21 WNYGVIH All-Fed Team Second Team.

Hannah received an Honorable Mention for the 2020-21 WNYGVIH All-Fed Team.

FLOP says farewell to Gabby Messing, Brinn Sworzydiak, Keegan Shanahan

  • Brinn
  • Keegan
  • Gabby

Gabby joined FLOP as a sophomore and has been “tearing up the ice ever since”. She also plays lacrosse and softball. She plans to attend the University of Buffalo for nursing and will play on the UB women’s club ice hockey team.

Brinn joined FLOP three years ago and has been an integral part of the team. She is also a lacrosse goalie. She will be studying exercise science with a focus on physical therapy at D’Youville College.

Keegan has been an offensive force on FLOP for four years. She plans to study biomedical science on her way to a profession in dentistry. She has not determined her college of choice. Keegan was named to the 2020-21 WNYGVIH All-Fed Team First Team as Goaltender. She played 356.43 minutes, second highest in the league and  had one shut-out,.

HEWS wishes Seniors Natalie Davidson, Shea Szabala, Carleigh Sutfin, Olivia Wade and Lauryn Brown well.

  • Olivia (right)
  • Carleigh
  • Shea
  • Natalie
  • Lauryn

Lauryn received an Honorable Mention in the 2020-21 WNYGVIH All-Fed Team.

Kenmore/Grand Island Seniors include Allison Hill, Olivia Velarde, McKenna Horne

  • Olivia
  • McKenna (center)
  • Allison

Allison is a fourth year player for KGI and will be attending Paul Smiths College for baking and pastry arts. She will also be on their hockey team. 

Olivia is also a four year player for KGI and plans to attend Case Western for biomedical engineering. 

McKenna played four years with KGI and is heading to Fredonia State College for premed biology.

LID says farewell to Amanda Cole, Maya Lasker, Hailey Keppner, Morganne Dee, Brooklyn Warren and Dylan Gorski

  • Morganne
  • Maya
  • Hailey
  • Dylan
  • Brooklyn
  • Amanda

Amanda joined LID as a freshman. She also plays softball and has excelled in swimming, serving as team captain. She will be attending Daemen College.

Maya played two years for LID and also competes in Cross Country for Lancaster. She will be attending the University of Buffalo.

Hailey played five seasons for LID and also played six years of Lacrosse and two years of Field Hockey. She plans to major in physical education.

Morganne hit her 100th career point this season and played five years for LID. She was named assistant captain in her junior year and this season served as co-captain. She also excelled at Field Hockey and Lacrosse. Morganne was named Buffalo News Preptalk Athlete of the Year for the Fall season in field hockey and has committed to Arcadia University in business management and plans to play three sports, including ice hockey. Morganne was named to the 2020-21 WNYGVIHF All-Fed First Team. She logged 8 goals and 14 assists for 22 points, second overall in the League.

Brook joined the LID program in seventh grade, coming from Lancaster High School. She was named as an Honorable Mention during her junior season for ice hockey on defense. She is currently enrolled in the Academy of Finance Program at Lancaster and is looking to pursue her education in business at Brockport or Mercyhurst. Brook was named to the 2020-21 WNYGVIH All-Fed Team Third Team.

Dylan played five seasons for LID as a goaltender from Iroquois High School. This season she served as co-captain. She also competed in volleyball and lacrosse. During her Junior year she was named Athlete of the Week and received an Honorable Mention as a First Team All Star by Section VI. She will pursue a degree in elementary education. Dylan received a Honorable Mention on the 2020-21 WNYGVIH All-Fed Team. Dylan played the most minutes in goal for the league at 389.28, had 2 shut-outs with 4 wins and 5 losses.

Monsignor Martin’s Senior Class includes Haylee Luderman, Kayla Kasprzek, and Alexa Groh.

  • Kayla
  • Hayley
  • Alexa

Kayla played for Monsignor Martin for four years and also plays hockey for Sacred Heart Academy. She is an honor student and member of the National Honor Society. Kayla plans to attend Connecticut College to study in the field of health sciences. She will also be playing for the Camels ice hockey team.

Haylee is a student at St. Mary’s of Lancaster and also played all four years with Monsignro Martin. She will be attending Niagara University to become a nurse practitioner and will play on NU’s women’s club ice hockey team.

Alexa served this season at the Senior Captain and has been a member of the team for four years. She is a student at Buffalo Seminary, where she also plays lacrosse. Alexa serves on student government and will attend Western New England University where she will play hockey for the Golden Bears while studying marketing. 

Niagara County’s Class of 2021: Natalie O’Brien, Amanda Jackson, Kayelyn Churakus and MacKenzie Green.

  • Natalie
  • MacKenzie
  • Kayelyn
  • Amanda

Natalie was named to the 2020-21 WNYGVIH Federation All-Fed First Team. She had 10 goals and 7 assists for 17 points, #4 this season overall.

Amanda was named to the 2020-21 WNYGVIH All-Fed Team Third Team.

Williamsville, with the largest graduating class including Elizabeth Timby, Ellie Schau, Holly Nagel, Ella Smithers, Ally Major, Elizabeth Jackson Sydney Olschewske

  • Sydney
  • Holly
  • Ellie
  • Ella
  • Elizabeth Timby
  • Elizabeth Jackson
  • Ally

Sydney will be attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to study global conflict studies with a minor in homeland security and aragic studies while in the Army’s ROTC program, hoping to be an helicopter pilot.

Ellie Schau will be attending Norwich University to play NCAA D3 hockey and major in communications with a minor in marketing. Ellie was named to the 2020-21 WNYGVIH All-Fed Team Second Team. Ellie had 7 goals and 7 assists for 14 points, #7 overall this season.

Elizabeth Timby will attend SUNY Morrisville to play hockey and major in criminal justice. Ellie was named to the 2020-21 WNYGVIH All-Fed Team Second Team as Goaltender with 344.67 minutes in the net; 6 wins, 1 loss and 3 shutouts with a 1.18 GAA.

Holly will be attending Paul Smith’s College to major in entrepreneurship and play hockey.

Ally is undecided about her career and college choice.

Elizabeth will attend Mercyhurst University to play field hockey and major in nursing.

Ella will be attending Wofford College to play D1 lacrosse. She will be on  a pre-law track with a major in English and minor in philosophy.

NYSAHA State Tourney Coming To Lockport

By
Randy Schultz
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NYSAHA State Tournaments

Cornerstone Ice Arena is proud to be the host arena for the NYSAHA state tournaments on April 9th-11th, 16th-18th and 23rd-25th. The best youth teams across NYS will be playing. The schedule can be found here. You will be able to watch the games via LiveBarn. Use code fe0c-bb2a to save 10%.

Nazareth Women’s Hockey Tops Chatham To Advance To UCHC Final

By
Randy Schultz
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0

PITTSBURGH — Junior Nikolle Van Stralen scored a pair of goals and goaltender Adrianna Brehm had 33 saves for the visiting Golden Flyers Saturday as Nazareth defeated Chatham, 4-1, in the semifinals of the United Collegeiate Hockey Conference playoffs for women’s hockey.

Nazareth improved to 8-1 overall with its eighth straight win. Chatham finishes at 7-6. The Golden Flyers will visit Elmira Tuesday for the UCHC title game at 7 p.m. The top-seeded Soaing Eagles improved to 11-1 overall Saturday with a 3-0 win over Manhattanville.

On Saturday, the Golden Flyers defeated Chatham for the third time this season as Van Stralen scored midway through the opening period and again early in the second period. Madison Nichols also scored for the Godlen Flyers in the second period as Nazareth built a commanding 3-0 lead.

Chatham got on the board late in the third period with an extra skater on the ice, but Nazareth tacked on an empty-net goal with just under two minutes left as Makenna Wiljanen converted an unassisted tally.

Van Stralen’s first goal came off assists from Keeley Rose and Anibella Barona, who secured her first point of the season. In the second period, Maria DeCresce was credited with an assist for her first point of the season.

Nichols’ fifth goal of the season in the second period came off an assist from Gabriella DeMeo and tied her with Wiljanen and Abbey Luth for the team lead.

Brehm was steady in goal with 15 of her 33 saves coming in the thrid period.

Elmira Women’s Hockey Blanks Manhattanville To Advance To UCHC Final

By
Randy Schultz
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PINE VALLEY, N.Y. — Top-seeded Elmira College women’s ice hockey (12-1-0) defeated sixth-seeded Manhattanville College (4-5-0) in shutout fashion, 3-0, in the United Collegiate Hockey Conference (UCHC) semifinals on Saturday evening. With the win, the three-time defending UCHC champion Soaring Eagles will host fifth-seeded Nazareth College for the UCHC Thompson Trophy on Tuesday, April 6, at 7:00 p.m.

The Soaring Eagles dominated play from start to finish and never trailed at any point of the contest. Elmira held a decisive 45-15 advantage in shots on goal. EC was also 1-for-4 on the power play, while the Valiants went 0-for-2.

Precision passing led to the first goal of the game as Tristen Tolan ’21 scored at the 4:52 mark of the first period. A pass from Jess Adams ’21 in the neutral zone found Brooke McArdle ’22 on the left side of the ice. McArdle gained the zone before snapping a cross-ice pass to Tolan on the right post, where she one-timed it past Manhattanville’s Franny Gerardi for the goal.

Then, at 9:09, Kelly Matthews ’23 doubled Elmira’s lead. In a scrum, a shot from the point by Sydney Harris ’21 was redirected by Claire Meeder ’23 and placed on goal. Gerardi was unable to cover the puck up, as the rebound leaked out to the left post, where Matthews punched it in to give Elmira a 2-0 advantage.

In the second period, Elmira more than doubled up the Valiants in shots at 17-8. That advantage led to another Soaring Eagle goal, this time from Emma Crocker ’21.

On the power play, Crocker cleaned up a rebound on the left post to push the Purple and Gold’s lead to 3-0 at 12:58. Morgan Mordini ’22 and Madi Morton ’24 were credited with assists on the power-play tally.

Elmira had two power-play chances, and outshot the Valiants, 15-5, in the third period but neither team was able to find the back of the net as the Soaring Eagles closed out Manhattanville in shutout fashion, 3-0.

Elizabeth Hanson ’21 picked up the win by making 15 saves in 59:54 of action. It was her 11th win of the season and the fifth shutout of her senior year.

News and Notes

  • Elmira secured a spot in the UCHC title game.
  • EC will play for its fourth consecutive UCHC championship.
  • The Soaring Eagles have won their last six games in shutout fashion.
  • Tolan’s game-opening goal went down as tonight’s game-winner.
  • Tolan and Matthews are tied for the team lead in goals with 14 each.
  • Crocker’s goal was scored on the power play.
  • Crocker moved into a two-way tie for 10th place in EC history for career points (109).
  • Crocker is now tied for 10th in program history for power-play goals. (13)
  • Hanson is moved into sole possession of seventh place in EC history for career wins (33).
  • Hanson is eighth in EC history in career saves (572).

Up Next
The Elmira women clash with the fifth-seeded Golden Flyers of Nazareth on Tuesday, April 6, in the UCHC championship game. The puck is set to drop at 7:00 p.m. at the Murray Athletic Center.

Elmira’s Krawczyk Scores Game Winner In 3rd OT To Send UC To Title Game

By
Randy Schultz
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0

UTICA, N.Y. — In the fourth-longest game in NCAA Division III men’s ice hockey history, the fourth-seeded Elmira College Soaring Eagles (9-4-1) outlasted top-seeded Utica College (8-2-0) in triple overtime, 2-1, to secure a spot in the United Collegiate Hockey Conference title game.

Elmira, New York, native Bailey Krawczyk ’24 delivered the game-winning goal for the Soaring Eagles at 5:46 of the third overtime period. The hometown hero made a diving swipe at the puck from just outside the crease, which snuck past Utica’s Sean Dickson for the goal. Passes from Janis Vizbelis’24 and Graham Denomme ’23 set up the game-winning tally.

As good as the finish was tonight, the effort from senior goaltender Chris Janzen ’21 may have been better. The native of Pelham, Ontario, finished with a career-high 62 saves in 105:46 of action. He made double-digit saves in each period, with the exception of the third overtime session, and held Utica’s power play scoreless on three chances.

In the first period, Chance Gorman ’24 put the Purple and Gold on top at 14:51. An outlet pass from Ryan Reifler ’24 connected with Jared Smith ’24, one that set up a 2-on-1 rush for Smith and Gorman. Smith centered a pass to Gorman on the post, where he one-timed it past a sprawled out Dickson.

Brett Everson evened the contest, 1-1, at 6:17 of the second period. Brandon Osmundson slid a pass from behind the net to Everson in the slot, where he spun, shot, and scored.

The Pioneers pressed in the second period and had a bevy quality looks, but Elmira’s defense came up clutch in several key situations. Right around the 10 minute mark, Utica had a 2-on-1 rush that was broken up by a diving effort from Mitch Haight ’24. Then, just two minutes later, Chris Janzen ’21 made a pair of reactionary saves from close range to deny the Pioneers and keep the game tied at 1-1.

In the third period, Elmira had a pair of quality looks early on. At 5:09, EC had a 3-on-1 with Amedo Mastrangeli ’24 leading the charge. Mastrangeli faked a pass before taking a shot from the slot, but Dickson came up with the save.

Then, around the six minute mark, Shawn Kennedy ’24 had a one-on-one with Dickson. The rookie forward deked and opted to lift the puck with the backside of his blade, but Dickson did just enough at the last second to force the shot to miss wide.

Utica wasn’t without chances of its own. A redirected shot from the slot around 12:20 was pushed away by Janzen and he followed it up with another save on the rebound. Janzen finished with 12 saves in the period, and Elmira needed all of them, as the Soaring Eagles forced overtime.

In the first overtime session, Elmira might have had the best chance to win the game just two minutes in when a turnover occurred behind the Utica goal. The turnover led to a shot from Janis Vizbelis ’24 at the right post, but Dickson smothered the shot to keep EC off of the scoreboard.

Elmira had another close call around 12:30 when EC’s captain, Adam Eby ’21, fired a shot from the blue line and through traffic. His attempt weaved through bodies but was nabbed out of the air by the glove of Dickson.

Utica doubled Elmira’s shot total in the second overtime period, 12-6, and had a two-minute power play but was unable to convert on those chances. On the power play, Utica’s best opportunity came from a one-timer in the slot. However, Janzen snagged the puck through traffic to deny the Pioneers.

EC’s best chance of the second overtime came at the 17:26 mark, when Nicholas Domitrovic ’24 raced past the last defender to set up a one-on-one with Dickson. However, the defenseman recovered on the play and forced Domitrovic to miss the attempt as he knocked the net off of its pegs.

Then, in the third overtime session, Krawczyk delivered in the biggest moment of his young career as he punched in the game-winning goal on a diving effort at the 5:46 mark to send the Soaring Eagles to the UCHC title game.

News and Notes

  • Elmira advanced to the UCHC title game with tonight’s win.
  • Elmira collected its first overtime win in a playoff game since 2/21/07.
  • Elmira makes its first appearance in a UCHC championship game since the league’s inception in 2017-18.
  • The Soaring Eagles will face the Mustangs of Stevenson for the UCHC Pat Thompson Trophy.
  • EC snapped Utica’s streak of five consecutive conference title game appearances.
  • With 105:46 played, it was the fourth-longest game in NCAA Division III men’s ice hockey history.
  • Janzen made a career-high 62 saves to earn the win.
  • Krawczyk scored tonight’s game-winning goal in the third overtime period.

Up Next
The Soaring Eagles conclude the season on Monday, April 5, when they travel to Reisterstown, Maryland, to face second-seeded Stevenson University in the UCHC title game. The battle for the Pat Thompson Trophy is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.

Hobey Baker 2021 Hat Trick Announced

By
Randy Schultz
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0


The Hobey Baker Memorial Award Committee is pleased to announce the three Hobey Baker Hat Trick finalists for the 2021 award, honoring college hockey’s top player. Alphabetically, they are: Cole Caufield, a sophomore forward from the University of Wisconsin; Dryden McKay, a junior goaltender from Minnesota State University; and Shane Pinto, a sophomore forward from the University of North Dakota.


The three finalists were selected from the initial list of Top Ten candidates by the 30-member Selection Committee and an additional round of online fan balloting to determine this year’s Hobey Baker Award winner. Criteria for the award includes: displaying outstanding skills in all phases of the game; strength of character on and off the ice; sportsmanship and scholastic achievements.


This year’s Hobey Baker Award winner will be announced Friday, April 9, 2021 live on NHL Network beginning at 6:00 pm ET. The 41st annual Hobey Baker Award show will also include the announcements of the Hockey Humanitarian Award, the East and West All-American Teams and the Mike Richter Award for the nation’s top college hockey goalie. Alphabetically, here is more on this year’s three Hobey Hat Trick finalists. 


Cole Caufield – University of Wisconsin – Sophomore, Forward, Stevens Point, WisconsinKnown as a prolific scorer, Caufield soared to the top of the national scoring charts, leading the nation in total points while averaging almost a goal per game. He became the first player in the eight-year history of the Big Ten conference to win back-to-back scoring titles. Additionally, the league rewarded him as Player of the Year and First Team all-conference. Pouring in 30 goals in 31 games, Caufield finished the season with a flurry, recording 15 multiple point games in his final 18 contests. His shoot-first mentally saw him unload 165 shots on goal, averaging 5.3 shots per game – both numbers leading the nation. He also won a gold medal for Team USA at the recent World Junior Championship.·      Finished his season with 30 goals, 22 assists for 52 points in 31 games – averaged 1.68 points per game to lead the nation·      Led the nation with 24 power play points and 11 power play goals·      Montreal draft (1st round – 15th overall) – signed a pro contract following this season.


Dryden McKay – Minnesota State University – Junior, Goaltender, Downers Grove, ILFor two straight years, McKay is a Hobey Baker and Mike Richter Award top ten finalist, making the final three for each this past season. For the second straight campaign, he has posted a national best 10 shutouts, and his three-year body of work totals 24 shutouts – second all-time in NCAA history (Hobey 2001 winner Ryan Miller holds the record with 26). McKay backstopped the Mavericks to a second straight WCHA regular season title and helped guide them to their first ever appearance at the NCAA Frozen Four. The WCHA rewarded him as Player of the Year, Goalie of the Year and First Team all-conference.·      His current record is: 21-3-0 (.875 win percentage best in nation) – goals against average 1.39 (2nd best in nation) – save percentage .931 (tied-6th in nation)·      In 25 games started, allowed two or less goals in 19 games – pro hockey free agent·      Finance major with 3.83 GPA – First Team All-American last season.


Shane Pinto – University of North Dakota – Sophomore, Forward, Franklin Square, New YorkHe is a coaches’ dream – a responsible, competitive 200-foot player, Pinto helped guide the Fighting Hawks to NCHC regular season and playoff titles. While winning the conference regular season scoring title, Pinto was honored with numerous league awards: Player of the Year, Forward of the Year, Defensive Forward of the Year and First Team all-conference. Dangerous in the faceoff circle, he won 61.9% of faceoffs, fifth best in the nation. His expertise on the power play saw him ranked top five nationally in both power play points and goals (7-7 for 14 points). Pinto finished the season tied for ninth in the nation in scoring and tied for seventh in goals.·      Finished his season with 15 goals, 17 assists for 32 points – had 12 multiple point games·      Kinesiology major with 3.59 GPA – Ottawa draft (2nd round)·      Last season: NCHC Rookie of Year; led Team USA in scoring at World Junior Championship.


For more information on the Hobey Baker Memorial Award or to access the Hobey logo, visit hobeybaker.com/media. The website has additional bio info, statistics and video of the finalists. Check us out on Facebook at: facebook.com/TheHobey


The Hobey Baker Award winner will be announced on Friday, April 9 during a live broadcast on NHL Network and streamed at hobeybaker.com beginning at 6pm EDT. Additional national awards will also be announced during the show.


College Hockey National Awards AnnouncementsNHL Network and streamed at hobeybaker.com  Friday, April 9 at 6:00pm EDT (5:00pm CDT)            Hobey Baker Memorial Award – honoring college hockey’s top player            Mike Richter Award – honoring college hockey’s top goaltender            Hockey Humanitarian Award – honoring college hockey’s top citizen athlete            All American Teams – First and Second teams from College Hockey Coaches Assoc. 

Elmira College to Allow Fans at Home Athletics Events Starting April 2

By
Randy Schultz
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0

ELMIRA, N.Y. — In accordance with the announcement made by New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on Tuesday, March 30, Elmira College will allow spectators at its home athletics events effective Friday, April 2.

Elmira will follow the policy set forth by the Empire 8 Conference, which allows Empire 8 institutions to welcome spectators to their campus, under the guidelines below, subject to state, local, and institutional regulations at the institution’s discretion.

The following spectators may attend Elmira College athletics contests:

  • Students of the host institution
  • Parent(s)/Guardian(s)/Relatives of host institution participating student-athletes
  • Faculty/Staff/Administrators of host institution

Each Elmira College student-athlete will be permitted to have a maximum of two spectators attend home athletics contests. Fan attendance will not exceed 100 for indoor venues such as the Murray Athletic Center, while Speidel Gymnasium will not exceed 50.

Outdoor venues such as Dunn Field, Eldridge Park Stadium and Campus Field will allow the same number of attendees per student-athlete as indoor venues.

Those traveling to one of EC’s home venues must be on a predetermined list provided by the team. Those individuals must provide appropriate identification at the venue and will be subject to a COVID-19 screening prior to entry. Only those on the predetermined list will be allowed into the venue and a temperature screening will be required. Those unwilling to do so will not be permitted into the contest.

Spectators at college sporting events must adhere to strict health protocols including social distancing, face coverings, and health screenings.

Click here to read Elmira College’s full spring 2021 spectator policy. 

Late Rally Leads Nazareth to Win Over Utica Women’s Hockey

By
Randy Schultz
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0

UTICA, NY- Nazareth College scored four goals in the third period to come away with a 5-3 win over the Utica College women’s hockey team in the quarterfinals of the United Collegiate Hockey Conference Tournament Thursday evening.

The Pioneers, who were making their 19th postseason appearance in the program’s 20-year history wrap up the season with a 6-7 overall record.

Nazareth jumped out to a 1-0 lead at 13:30 of the first period when Elie Fallieras put in a rebound for her third of the year.  Madison Nichols and Hailey Redders tallied assists on the opening goal.  

The Pioneers came out flying in the second period and were quickly rewarded as Cailey Susitti netted her first of the season on the powerplay to even the score.  Carly Stefanini (Framingham, MA/Brooks School) and Carolyn Whitney (Raleigh, NC/Milbrook School) picked up the assists on the equalizer. 

Utica scored the go-ahead at 12:14 of the second as Erica Sloan (Potsdam, NY/St. Lawrence Steel) netted her sixth of the year.  The play started in the defensive end when Holly Silva (Boston, MA/Worcester Academy)made a sliding play to block a centering feed.  Ava Suda (Cheektowaga, NY/Buffalo Bisons) picked it up and fired a stretch pass to Sloan who went in on a two-on-one.  Sloan fired a perfectly placed shot just inside the right post to put the Pioneers on top.

The third period was all Nazareth as the Golden Flyers rattled off four straight, including an empty netter.  Senior Rebecca Brown (Steamboat Springs, CO/Norwich University) got one back with 1:27 remaining, but it was too little, too late.  Suda and Georgiana Santullo (Woburn, MA/Boston Shamrocks/Woburn High School)each had assists on Brown’s second fo the year.

Junior Savannah Gutierrez (Huntington Beach, CA/Anaheim Lady Ducks) finished with 29 saves, while Adrianna Brehm made 21 saves for Naz. 

Elmira Women’s Hockey Blanks Neumann To Advance To Semifinals

By
Randy Schultz
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0

PINE VALLEY, N.Y. — The top-seeded Elmira College women’s ice hockey team blanked eighth-seeded Neumann University, 10-0, in the quarterfinal round of the United Collegiate Hockey Conference (UCHC) Championships. Elmira (11-1-0) will host Manhattanville College in the semifinal round on Saturday, April 3, at 4:00 p.m., while Neumann’s (3-6-1) season came to an end on Thursday night.

A total of 13 skaters produced points for the Soaring Eagles, including eight multi-point scorers.

Leading the charge for EC was Morgan Mordini ’22 (2g-2a) and Eliza Beaudin ’22 (1g-3a), who finished tied for the team lead in points with four apiece. Mordini scored the game-opening goal, one that went into the books as the game-winner. Beaudin’s goal was scored shorthanded and unassisted.

Emma Crocker ’21 (1g-2a) and Claire Meeder ’23 (0g-3a) were close behind with three points each. Crocker scored her lone goal in the first period, while one of Meeder’s assists was registered on a power-play goal.

Two-point scorers included Kelly Matthews ’23 (2g-0a), Mary McCafferty ’22 (1g-1a), Bella Hanson ’21 (0g-2a) and Lexi Hoffmann ’24 (0g-2a).

Matthews scored EC’s second and eighth goals of the contest, while McCafferty’s lone tally was scored on the power play. One of Hanson’s assists was registered on McCafferty’s power-play goal and Hoffman’s first assist was logged on tonight’s game-winner.

Tristen Tolan ’21 (1g-0a), Emma Edgington ’23 (1g-0a), Jess Adams ’21 (0g-1a), Holley Riva ’23 (0g-1a) and Madi Morton ’24 (0g-1a) all produced one point each. Tolan scored EC’s 10th and final goal of the contest, while Edgington’s goal was the first of her collegiate career.

Elizabeth Hanson ’21 got the start in net and made 12 saves in a shutout effort. With the win, she improved to 10-1-0 on the year.

News and Notes

  • Elmira advanced to the UCHC Semifinals with tonight’s win.
  • Elmira outshot Neumann 55-12.
  • EC went 1-for-4 on the power play.
  • Neumann was 0-for-3 on the power play.
  • Mordini tied her career-high point total with four.
  • Beaudin tied her career high for points with four.
  • Edgington scored the first goal of her collegiate career.
  • Hanson is tied for seventh in EC history for career wins (32).
  • Hanson moved into sole possession of sixth place in EC history for shutouts (15).

Up Next
Elmira will host sixth-seeded Manhattanville in the semifinal round of the UCHC Championships this Saturday, April 3. The puck is set to drop at 4:00 p.m. at the Murray Athletic Center in Pine Valley, New York.

Elmira’s Adams Wins UCHC Player Of The Week Honors For Second Time

By
Randy Schultz
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0

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — After guiding the Elmira College women’s ice hockey team to a pair of lopsided wins and a fourth consecutive United Collegiate Hockey Conference (UCHC) regular-season title, senior Jess Adams ’21 was selected as the UCHC Player of the Week for the second time this season.

A native of Holliston, Massachusetts, Adams was lethal in two conference wins against Chatham University over the weekend. She amassed nine points on three goals and six assists.

In a 12-0 win over the Cougars in the first of two games, Adams racked up a program record-tying six assists. The six assists from Adams placed her in a four-way tie for the EC record, joining the likes of Laura Hurd ’05, Charissa Gawant ’05, and Ashley Ryan ’15.

Then, in a 6-0 road win the following afternoon, Adams produced a hat trick to cap the regular season. Of her three goals, one was the game-winner, and the other was scored shorthanded.

The nine-point weekend was just the latest in a monster season for the senior forward. In just 11 games, Adams owns a team-leading 26 points on nine goals and a team-high 17 assists. She ranks third in the country in points, trailing the nation’s points leader by a mere eight points with 10 fewer games played. However, Adams paces Division III skaters with a 2.36 points-per-game average.

Adams and the Soaring Eagles begin their quest for a fourth straight UCHC Pat Thompson Trophy this Thursday, April 1, when they host Neumann University in the quarterfinal round. The puck is set to drop at 7:00 p.m. at the Murray Athletic Center in Pine Valley, New York. Fans can follow the quarterfinal action with live video, stats, and a live audio feed.

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