Hall signs with Thunderbolts

Brockport Athletics offers this excellent write-up about Rob Hall...

Rob Hall, who served as an assistant captain on The College at Brockport ice hockey team during the 2016-17 season, is continuing his playing career at the professional level. He'll be playing with the Evansville Thunderbolts of the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) during the 2017-18 campaign.

Directly following the conclusion of Brockport's season, Hall knew that he wasn't ready to hang up his skates, so he made a push to land himself a roster spot on a professional team.

"As soon as our season ended I reached out to an advisor from back home and asked him if he knew of any teams looking for a defenseman," recalled Hall. "He got me in touch with the coach, and I was able to get right down there and actually played the last 11 games of their season."

One of his teammates for those 11 games was fellow Brockport graduate Chase Nieuwendyk, who played the entire season in the SPHL after graduating in 2016. Nieuwendyk adjusted quickly to the league, recording 15 points (seven goals, eight assists) across 40 games in his rookie season.

Hall also acclimated quickly to the league, dishing out three assists in his short stint with Evansville in 2016. He did, however, acknowledge that there was a definite change in level of play.

"The guys are a little bit bigger, faster, stronger, but really the speed of the game wasn't too different to what I was used to at Brockport," said Hall. "The biggest adjustment was the smarts; all the guys have really high hockey IQ and just know where to go without the puck."

One of the things that helped him prepare for that transition was his off-season training. Hall, who grew up in Schaumburg, Ill., has been training with professional hockey players for a number of years now.

"One of my best friends from back home plays in the ECHL [East Coast Hockey League], and has played in the AHL [American Hockey League] in the past," remarked Hall. "Whenever I go home I train with him and some other guys from that level, so it was definitely helpful having played with guys that speed and size before."

That extensive training certainly paid off for Hall, as his performance in the final few games of the Thunderbolts season earned him an invite back for 2017-18. Although a huge achievement in itself, Hall has even loftier goals for himself going forward.

"The next level up from the SPHL is the ECHL, but my ultimate goal is to keep climbing and just see how far I can go," said Hall.

He'll start chasing that goal on October 21, when the Thunderbolts open regular season play with a home matchup against the Peoria Rivermen.

No golf outing this year

There will not be a golf tournament to benefit Brockport hockey this year. They hope to bring it back in 2018.

Attendance was at the middle of the pack

USCHO.com has released the final 2016-2017 attendance rankings for DIII hockey.

Brockport had 12 home games attended by 4,020 people with an average attendance of 335. With a total capacity of 1,800, that puts us at 18.6% capacity.

The 335 attendees per game ranks 35th in the nation.

Come on, Brockport, we can do better -- and we have.

In the 2009-2010 season Brockport was 11th in the nation in attendance -- an average of 1,032 fans made it out to the 11 home games!

Let's make it a point to fill the stands in the 2017-2018 season.

Romeo commits to Brockport

Joseph Romeo, a defenseman for the New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs, has committed to SUNY Brockport for the Fall of 2017.

The 21-year-old, who goes by the name of Ryan, tallied 24 points in 53 total games this past season for the Monarchs.

The EHL veteran spent the past couple seasons in New Hampshire, and now sets off to join three of his teammates from the 2015-16 team. When Romeo arrives at Brockport this Fall he will be joined by Luke Bennett, Chris Pollini, and Hunter Laslo, a trio of former Monarchs that just completed their freshmen season with the Golden Eagles.

This past season SUNY Brockport had 7 EHL alumni on their roster. The number will rise again this Fall with the arrival of Romeo, Shane Visnick (Hartford Jr. Wolfpack), and Tyler Williams (Philadelphia Jr. Flyers).

Kings to play their first game against Brockport

One of the highlights of the 2017-2018 campaign will be the season opener on Friday, October 27th at the Revolution Ice Center in Pittston, Pennsylvania. King College's hockey program will make its debut that night. There's a Brockport connection: King's first-ever coach is none other than Stephen Mallaro. Mallaro was the assistant coach at Brockport during the 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 seasons.

The 2017-2018 schedule

It’s one of this summertime moments that makes fans hunger for hockey: The 2017-2018 schedule has been released.

The full schedule can be seen in column/toolbar at the right of this webpage.

There are 12 home games which sees the usual slate of SUNYAC foes coming to town, as well as Neumann, Williams, and Nazareth. Interestingly, 4 games are matinees – that is, not a 7:00 start – with 2 occurring on Tuesdays.

Mark your calendars for these home affairs:

Saturday, October 28, 7:00: Neumann comes to town which makes for good preparation for SUNYAC play. The Knights were 16-8-3 last year.

Friday, November 3, 7:00: SUNYAC play begins with a visit by Fredonia.

Friday, November 10, 7:00: The North Country teams pay a visit to the Rochester area with Plattsburgh starting off the weekend. Remember what the Golden Eagles did to them at Plattsburgh last season?

Saturday, November 11, 4:00: A Saturday matinee sees the Postdam Bears at Tuttle North.

Friday, December 1, 7:00: Cortland is in town and it’s a must-see with Darren McCormick in his final year. He scored 21 goals last year: How can he top that huge season?   

Friday, December 8, 7:00: Our biggest rival – Geneseo -- will be on campus. The games are always hard fought and many of their fans make the 40-minute drive to egg on ours. An awesome hockey experience.  

Tuesday, January 9, 3:00: This battle with Williams might be the least-attended game of the year. Brockport will be on winter break. And, the game is at 3:00 on a work day. Let’s see what die-hards skip out of work early. The Ephs match-up well with Brockport, so it will be an exciting game.

Tuesday, January 16, 5:00: Another Tuesday game with an early start sees Nazareth making the easy commute to Brockport.

Saturday, January 20, 7:00: Buffalo State played in the SUNYAC championship game a few months ago. They will be striving to do the same again in ’17-’18, adding to the Brockport-Buffalo State rivalry which has grown over the past few years.

Friday, February 2, 7:00 and Saturday, February 3, 4:00: The Morrisville Mustangs gallop into town for two games, including a 4:00 match-up on Saturday.

Saturday, February 10, 7:00: If they want to go out with a bang, our 8 seniors will have a tough foe to battle on Senior Night – Oswego.

Academic Honor Roll

The SUNYAC released its inaugural Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll, recognizing student-athletes with a 3.30 cumulative grade point average for the 2016-2017 academic year. Here are the high-performing students from the hockey team:

Connar Bass
Bryan Carville
Doc Gentzler
David Horan
Brian Hurlimann
Connor Hutchins
Jamie Lukas
Matt Meredith
Dylan Shapiro
Trevor Simonick
Aidan Verbeke

Our heart goes out to Oswego coach Gosek

Hockey is a tight-knit brotherhood, especially in SUNYAC. It's with a heavy heart that we report that Mary Gosek, the wife of Oswego head coach Edward Gosek passed away this morning. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ed, Sarah, and Jeremy.

Here is Mary's obituary:

http://www.daincullinan.com/obitlink?obit_id=1971408

GoFundMe page created for Brockport alumnus

Andy McLean was the captain of the 1987-1988 Golden Eagles and an accomplished player. As a sophomore in the 1985-1986 season he led the team in goals (10) and points (19).

Andy's health has fallen on some bad luck, as he's battling an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has not responded well to treatment.

His friends opened a GoFundMe page to support Andy during this expensive crisis. Donors have given nearly $25,000 to the $30,000 goal.

If you'd like to give Andy some support, the page is at: https://www.gofundme.com/support-andy-mclean

Coach Kangas to be a regular in the stands

Ryan Kangas is a dynamic young forward for the Golden Eagles (in the 2015-2016 season he lit the lamp 12 times for Brockport). His dad, Bill, is the coach at William's College. Bill is taking a sabbatical from coaching for the 2017-2018 season. One of the highlights of that leave is being able to see Ryan play out his senior year at Brockport.

Here's the Williams' press release:

http://ephsports.williams.edu/sports/mice/2016-17/releases/20170514tnqgwg

Celebrating the Galiani brothers

It's National Police Week, so let's give some love to the Galiani brothers, Tom & Dan, who played for Brockport. Tom starred here from 2008/2009 through 2010/2011 while his brother graced Tuttle's ice from 2009/2010 through 2011/2102. Thank you for your service, gents!

O'Malley becomes golf coach at Lake Forest

Longtime Brockport hockey fans will remember Sean O'Malley, who played for the team for 4 seasons beginning with the '06-'07 campaign. Sean was an instrumental part of the home playoff teams of '08-'09 and '09-'10, seasons in which he had 22 points and 11 goals respectively. Sean was just named the women's golf coach at Lake Forest College.

Here's the press release:

http://www.midwestconference.org/news/2017/5/11/WGOLF_0511175213.aspx

Horan excels on ice and in the classroom

The College at Brockport Department of Athletics announced their annual awards last week, and four Golden Eagle athletes were honored.

Brockport Hockey's David Horan was named Scholar Athlete of the Year.

Horan was an important piece of an ice hockey team that reached the conference playoffs after a dominant last weekend of play. The junior had a career game against nationally ranked Plattsburgh in the regular-season finale, notching two goals and an assist en route to an 8-4 victory. He's also excelled academically, maintaining a 3.93 GPA as a Finance major through his first five semesters at Brockport.

Sean Lincoln commits to Brockport

Sean Lincoln tweeted the following: "I'm very excited to announce I will be playing NCAA hockey next fall at SUNY-Brockport. Thank you all for the love and support! #TalonsUp".

The 20 year-old goalie from Rancho Santa Margarita, California spent this past season with the Valley Junior Warriors of the EHL where he put up great numbers: a .939 save percentage and 2.07 goals-against-average in 18 games.

The 6' 175-pound Lincoln had previous stints with the Potomac Pirates (.897 and 3.44 in 15 games) and the Anaheim Junior Ducks 18 Under (.948 and 1.29 in 14 games).

Allison makes Lockport Hall of Fame

In 2015, a state-of-the-art ice arena opened in the city of Lockport. Last year saw a Lockport Hockey of Fall brought to the arena, recognizing the long history of hockey in the Lock City. The second Hall induction was this past weekend and a Brockport alumnus was inducted.

Steve Allison played with the Buffalo Blades Junior Team, where he played two seasons and was known for his backwards skating ability. He went on to start as a defenseman at Brockport and played hockey with the Golden Eagles until he graduated in 1978. Allison later went on to coach youth ice hockey in Niagara Falls.

Alumnus Howard now coaching Austin Bruins

Steve Howard played for Brockport in the 2000-2001 season. In 15 games as a defenseman he put up good numbers with 3 goals, 8 assists, 11 points and just 2 penalty minutes.

He has been appointed the coach and general manager of the NAHL's Austin Bruins. Here's the press release...

The Austin Bruins, proud members of the North American Hockey League announced on Monday that they have hired Steve Howard as their new head coach and general manager. Howard becomes the third head coach in Bruins history following Kyle Grabowski’s departure two weeks ago.
Howard has spent the last three seasons as the assistant for the USHL’s Waterloo Black Hawks, coaching under longtime bench boss P.K. O’Handley.

“We are tremendously excited for Steve,” said O’Handley.  “On behalf of the Black Hawks organization, I would like to congratulate Steve.  His enthusiasm for the game shines through whether he is working with young kids, NHL Draft prospects, or talking with Black Hawks fans.”

Howard stressed his appreciation for the Black Hawks and excitement for joining the Bruins.

“I would like to thank the entire organization.  Black Hawks ownership, staff, fans, and players are proud of Waterloo’s status as an elite junior hockey destination in North America, and they take the ‘once a Hawk, always a Hawk’ sentiment seriously.  It is something I am proud to have been part of,” he said. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to work for the Bruins – an organization that has had a lot of success in recent years. I’m excited to work with such a great staff in Keenan Kelly, Brad Clayton and Howie Borden. I want to thank owners Mike Cooper and Craig Patrick for the opportunity.”

Howard, 38 years old, hails from Burton, MI and has been well-traveled as both a player and coach. He began his playing career in the NAHL, spending time with the Gaylord Grizzlies and Danville Wings in 1997-98. After stints in the OPJHL and SEHL, Howard played one season collegiately at DIII SUNY Brockport (Rochester, NY). He then spent the next seven seasons playing minor league hockey including stints in the ECHL, SPHL, and even internationally, playing the final two seasons of his pro career in Holland. Howard isn’t a stranger to Minnesota, as he spent the four years following his retirement in the Minnesota Advancement Program (MAP), “providing direction, training, & advancement for elite hockey players in Minnesota.”

“We’re very excited to have Steve come on board as our Head Coach/GM,” said Bruins owner Craig Patrick. “His playing experience along with his head coaching and recent USHL tenure in Waterloo are a huge plus for us. Steve has great connections at all levels and has a reputation for putting a tough, high caliber team on the ice.”

Prior to coaching in Waterloo, Howard was the head-man for the Flint Junior Generals of the NA3HL and saw great success, coaching them to a two-year regular season record of 69-21-4. He led the Generals to an Eastern Division Championship and an appearance in the USA Hockey Tier III National Junior Tournament and was named NA3HL Coach of the Year in 2013-14.

“I think Austin is the perfect Junior hockey town,” Howard said. “I love [Riverside] Arena and the overall atmosphere.”

Howard says fans should expect a physical brand of hockey on the ice in 2017-18, as the Bruins seek a return to the Robertson Cup Playoffs.

“We want to be a team that our opponents don’t enjoy playing against,” he said. “Guys are going to stand up for one another out there.”

Howard will join the Bruins at the conclusion of Waterloo’s playoff run. The Black Hawks are currently taking on Sioux City in the Western Conference Final.

Brockport alumnus Cavanugh named to NCAA committee

Brian Cavanaugh played for Brockport from 1973 to 1976. During that time, he produced at extraordinary levels...he had a 54-point season, a 7-point game, and a 124-point career.

Brian is currently the AD at D'Youville College. They announced yesterday that Brian was chosen to be on the NCAA's Committee on Sportsmanship and Ethical Conduct. Good for him -- he's the prefect man for that role.

Here is D'Youville's press release: http://athletics.dyc.edu/general/2016-17/releases/20170420i2nzre

Burack transferring to Liberty

Brockport has lost a goalie as Cole Burack has announced his commitment to transfer to Liberty University. We wish Cole well and thank him for the memories on the ice during his two seasons at Brockport.

Here is Liberty's announcement:

http://www.liberty.edu/campusrec/clubsports/index.cfm?PID=25954&NewsID=1960&TeamID=

2016-2017 team awards

Last weekend, the athletic and academic successes of the Brockport hockey team were celebrated at the team’s annual award ceremony. This year's honorees were...

Brian Cavanaugh MVP Award: Jake Taylor

EJ McGuire 7^th Player Award: Rob Hall

Chris Palin Rookie of the Year Award: Connor Hutchins

Bob Pedersen Coaches Award: Dylan Shapiro

Jimmy Mac Most Improved Player Award: Matt Schneider

Tim Panek Award: Aidan Verbeke

Outstanding Scholar Athlete Award: David Horan

Missing from the banquet and photo is Robbie Hall who signed with the Evansville Thunderbolts of the Southern Pro Hockey League and was playing in his last game of the season that night.

Tim Crowley takes over Elmira coaching role

Brockport alumnus Tim Crowley has been named the head coach of the women's hockey program at Elmira.

Tim played for Brockport from 2005-2006 through the 2008-2009 season. In his Brockport career he scored 24 goals and he was absolutely awesome during a playoff chase in the 2007-2008 season -- during January and February of that year he scored 7 goals and assisted 6 more.

Tim will do well in his new role. Here's Elmira's press release...



Pat Thompson, Elmira College Vice President of Athletics, has announced the permanent appointment of Tim Crowley as the head coach of the nationally-ranked women's ice hockey program. He will also maintain his role as the head coach of the Elmira women's golf team as well.

"I am very pleased about the permanent appointment of Tim Crowley as our head women's ice hockey coach," said Thompson. "Coach Crowley joined this team after it started and was able to resume the momentum of the season both on the ice and in recruiting. Having had the opportunity to work with him for almost five years, I felt he was a great fit and well qualified to carry on our women's ice hockey tradition."

Crowley served as the bench boss for the Purple and Gold during the 2016-17 campaign and guided the Soaring Eagles to the ECAC West Tournament title game, as well as the program's fifth consecutive NCAA Division III Tournament appearance. Elmira finished the season as the country's No. 6-ranked team according to both the U.S. College Hockey Online (USCHO) and D3hockey.com national polls, as the Purple and Gold logged an 18-6-4 overall record with a 14-2-2 mark in league contests. Elmira ended the year with the country's seventh-ranked scoring offense (3.64 gpg) and scoring defense (1.43 gpg), as well as the eighth-highest winning percentage (.714).

"I'm very excited to become the head coach of a program with such tradition and thankful to Pat Thompson for giving me this opportunity," said Crowley. "Moving forward we want to continue the tradition that was set by Dean Jackson '03 and Greg Fargo '06 before me, which is being an elite program with a winning culture."

Under Crowley's tutelage, five Soaring Eagles received year-end accolades from the ECAC West Conference, including two Second-Team recipients and a trio of Honorable Mention selections. The Elmira women also excelled off the ice this season, as 15 student-athletes were placed on the ECAC West All-Academic Team.

Although 2016-17 was Crowley's first year as the interim head coach for the women's program, he is no stranger to the Elmira College hockey family after spending the past four seasons as an assistant for the EC men's team under Aaron Saul '98. Elmira captured its 10th ECAC West Conference Tournament title – the most of any ECAC West affiliated institution, past or present – during Crowley's second stint with the Purple and Gold in 2014.

"My time with Aaron and the men allowed me to develop throughout the past four years and I am thankful for that," Crowley added. "When the opportunity came earlier this year, Aaron was very supportive as were the guys which I am thankful for."

Crowley was instrumental in Elmira's run to the conference championship in 2013-14, especially his work with the Soaring Eagle power play. Elmira ended the year with the fourth-highest power-play success rate in Division III men's ice hockey that season (28.0%) and boasted the country's fourth-leading power-play goal scorer in Josh Burnell '14 (10).

During his time with the Elmira men, 14 student-athletes received ECAC West All-Conference honors, including the 2014-15 ECAC West Player of the Year, Jarryd ten Vaanholt '16, who would later go on to receive American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA) All-America Second-Team accolades.

Crowley's coaching resume also includes a three-year stint as an assistant coach with SUNY Potsdam from 2009-12. He guided the Bears to a pair of SUNYAC postseason berths in 2010 and 2012, before leaving North Country to assume a similar position with the Soaring Eagles.

Crowley is a 2009 graduate of The College at Brockport, where he was a four-year member of the Golden Eagles' men's ice hockey team. He made 98 career appearances with 24 goals and 30 assists for 54 points, and helped the Golden Eagles earn their first-ever playoff win in program history during the 2009 SUNYAC Tournament.