Brockport beats Buffalo State

Flannery's first NCAA goal got him the fire helmet

The College at Brockport ice hockey team defeated Buffalo State Friday night, by a score of 4-2. With the win, the Golden Eagles move to 11-5-1 overall and 3-4-1 in conference, while the Bengals fall to 7-8-1 and 4-4-1 in the SUNYAC.

The Golden Eagles came out flying in their first SUNYAC matchup of the new year. Freshman forward Robert Flannery got the Green and Gold started in the first, scoring his first NCAA goal eight minutes into the period on rocket of a slap shot, beating the net minder over his blocker side shoulder. Brockport found the back of the net again ten minutes later as Connor Hutchins extended the lead to two after a beautiful pass from line-mate Jeremy Solat. The Golden Eagles finished the period with a powerplay goal on a five on three opportunity. Freshman Jordan Renaud tucked in his fourth of the season with assists to Hunter Laslo and Connor Hutchins.

The Bengals battled back in the second period, scoring their first goal of the game shorthanded to bring the score within two. Buffalo State's second goal of the game came on another special teams' opportunity, this time the Bengals picked up a PP goal to bring the game within one heading into the third period.

Brockport wasted little time in the third, scoring their fourth and final goal of the game a minute and a half into the period. The fourth goal was scored by Mitchell Parsons with assists to Bryan Carville and Jordan Renaud. Brockport netminder Jake Moore picked up his seventh win of the season with 30 saves on the night.
 

Saturday's game is cancelled

Due to impending weather conditions, all Brockport Athletics contests have been cancelled for events scheduled for Jan. 19. The sports affected by the cancellations include Ice Hockey at Fredonia. Some events will be rescheduled and will be posted on GoBrockport.com when they are officially rescheduled. All events scheduled on Jan. 18 will take place as planned.

Buffalo State and Fredonia are on the schedule this weekend

SUNYAC play returns this weekend when Brockport takes on the far Western New York teams.

On Friday, they host Buffalo State at Tuttle North Ice Arena at 7:00 PM. The Bengals are 7-7-1 and a solid 4-3-1 in conference play. These teams already faced off this season, Brockport winning a 5-1 affair in Buffalo.

It would be nice if Brockport’s new lines could have a repeat performance. They will be facing sophomore Connor Minch in goal who has a .894 save percentage and a 2.99 GAA. He faces a fair number of shots per game – just over 28 – so the forwards will have their chances.

Buffalo State’s offense is 30^th in the country with 3.33 goals per game. They are led by senior Mac Wood (8 goals) and sophomore Vadim Vasjonkin (7 goals) who hails from Estonia.

One fellow to not overlook is Braeden Doust. He doesn’t get a lot of minutes, but he makes the most of them. Last year he didn’t score a goal, but this year has 4 – and he’s done that in only 8 games (and one of those goals was against Brockport).

Brockport will then travel to Fredonia Saturday – that is, if the winter storm doesn’t have other ideas.

The Blue Devils are ranked 15^th in the country – so this is a big game for the Golden Eagles. Fredonia already beat Brockport once this season, 3-1, at Brockport. Fredonia is 11-2-2 and a stellar 5-1-0 in SUNYAC games. They are 6-1-0 at home.

It’s going to be a nail-biting defensive affair. If you like physical chess matches with low scores (as I do), this is the one for you.

They allow 2.20 goals per game, so Brockport’s goal-starved offense (2.81 goals per game) will have to do their darnedest in the puck possession game. Fredonia’s offense isn’t much more potent (3.07 goals per game, just a quarter-of-a-goal more than Brockport), so they, too, will have their work cut out for them…Brockport allows just 1.75 goals per game.

These teams are so closely matched it’s scary, they’re like twins. It shows you how close Brockport is to being a top ranked team.  

If you can’t make the trip because of the snow, you can watch the Fredonia game on their website. Their TV-style coverage has long been the best in the SUNYAC.

Brockport puts up another shutout in a rare Tuesday affair

The College at Brockport ice hockey team defeated SUNY Canton Tuesday night, by a score of 3-0. With the win, the Golden Eagles move to 10-5-1 overall, while the Roos move to 7-8-2.

The two teams skated to a scoreless first period with Canton outshooting the Green and Gold 10-9. Brockport went to the powerplay twice in the first period but the Roo's penalty kill unit was able to keep the Golden Eagles off the board. Canton received one PP of their own in the first period after a boarding call was made on Corey Tam but the Brockport penalty killers held the opposition to only one shot on their opportunity.

The Golden Eagles broke the scoreless tie six minutes into the second period as Doc Gentzler tipped in his fifth goal of the season. The Gentzler goal came on the PP with assists to Ryan Romeo and Mitchell Parsons. The Golden Eagles PK unit was busy in the second as they turned away the opposition on four separate PP chances, including one five on three opportunity. The Green and Gold outshot the Roo's 11-8 in the second.

It took the Golden Eagles half the third period before they netted their second goal of the night. It all started when Connor Hutchins stripped the oppositions forward of the puck and found Kyle Collette in the slot, Collette snuck the puck between the goalie's pads for his fourth of the year. Ryan Romeo put the final nail in the coffin with thirty seconds remaining in the period, finding the empty net for his second of the season. Sophomore netminder Sean Lincoln had a huge game for the Green and Gold, turning away all 28 shots he faced and picking up his first NCAA shutout.

Solat is SUNYAC Rookie of the Week

The State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) announced its weekly honors Monday afternoon, and The College at Brockport red-shirt sophomore Jeremy Solat has been selected as rookie of the week.

Jeremy Solat had a solid weekend for the Golden Eagles, scoring two goals in the teams 7-3 victory over Lebanon Valley College Saturday evening. The red-shirt sophomore scored the go-ahead goal in the second period and added on a power play goal in the third for his fourth of the season.

Offense comes to life against LVC

The College at Brockport ice hockey team defeated Lebanon Valley College Saturday afternoon, by a score of 7-3. With the win, the Golden Eagles move to 9-5-1 overall, while the Dutchmen move to 6-6-2.

The first period saw exciting back and forth action from the two squads, but it was the Golden Eagles who snagged the first goal of the game. Captain Connor Hutchins netted his third of the season on a bank pass off the end wall from Corey Tam and Aidan Salerno, the goal came at 8:49 of the first. The Dutchmen battled back late in the period, tying the game with two and a half minutes remaining in the first twenty. Brockport led the first period in shot totals 14-12.

The Golden Eagles wasted little time in the second period as Jeremy Solat scored a backdoor tap in after a beautiful tic-tac-toe passing play from Hutchins and Ethan Solat. Following the goal Brockport continued to pour on the pressure, outshooting the Dutchmen 14-3 in the second. All that pressure would eventually pay off as the Green and Gold netted their third of the night on the powerplay. The PP goal came from Hutchins, his second of the game on a one-timer from Jordan Renaud and Corey Tam.

 Danny Rock got the Golden Eagles started in the third, scoring his fourth of the season a minute and a half into the period, giving Brockport the 4-1 lead. The Green and Gold didn't stop there, twelve minutes later Jeremy Solat buried his second of the game from Tam and Hutchins. The Dutchmen brought the game within three moments later, scoring a PP goal with 6:20 remaining in the period. Brockport answered right away as Rock put away his second goal of the game with the assist credited to Bryan Carville. The Dutchmen didn't give up the fight, however, scoring their third of the game two minutes after the Rock goal. The Golden Eagles would not let that be the last goal of the game as freshman Trevor Pray scored his first collegiate goal with nine seconds remaining in the period, tipping the puck off the post and solidifying the win, 7-3.

Brockport stunned at home by Stevenson

The College at Brockport ice hockey team fell to Stevenson University Friday night, by a score of 2-0. With the loss, the Golden Eagles move to 8-5-1 overall, while the Mustangs move to 6-9-0.

The Golden Eagles found themselves behind early in this matchup as Stevenson netted their first goal of the game seven and a half minutes into play. The Golden Eagles picked up a powerplay opportunity in the first period but came away empty handed. The Green and Gold's penalty kill unit came up big in the first, holding the Mustangs to one shot on their only man-up opportunity in the first twenty.

The Golden Eagles turned up the physicality in the second period, hitting everything that moved in the first five minutes. Both teams worked their way into penalty trouble in the second but the Mustangs were able to take advantage of their PP chance, scoring their second goal of the night with 8:15 remaining in the period. The Golden Eagles outshot the Mustangs 17-11 after two.

The third period saw more of the same from the two teams, both playing most of the period either short-handed or man-up. The two teams combined for seven penalties in the third, with Brockport taking to the PP four times. The Stevenson PK unit played tough, holding Brockport to a scoreless third. The Green and Gold finished the period with an onslaught of offensive chances but the Mustangs goalie proved to be too much.

Second semester of play begins this weekend

School might be out of session for the winter break but that doesn't mean hockey is! The team has two games this weekend, both on campus.

Heading into the second semester there are questions a-plenty:

* Can the defense continue their amazing success of the fall semester?
* Who will provide the goals that Brockport so desperately needs?
* Can Jake Moore set the single season -- and career -- records for save percentage, shutouts, and goals-against-average?
* Will Corey Tam and Ryan Romeo make the All-SUNYAC Team?
* Will Brockport host a playoff game?
* Can this team make it all the way to the SUNYAC Championship game?

Friday's game starts at 7:00 and has Brockport hosting Stevenson. The Mustangs are 5-9-0. Sophomore Carl Leyden is their scoring threat, finding the back of the net 6 times this season. Defenseman Aaron Murray leads the team with 9 points. Freshman Riley McVeigh doesn't look the part of a rookie between the pipes with a .904 save percentage and 2.57 GAA.

Saturday's matinee has a 4:00 start and will be a really exciting game with Brockport playing host to Lebanon Valley, a long-time opponent of the Golden Eagles.

This year's Flying Dutchmen are stellar, with a 6-4-2 record that saw them put up 6 or more goals 4 times already. Brett Johnson is scary -- he already has 14 goals. Brian Hovanec is no chump, either, with 8 lamplighters. Travis Acker has 7 goals, too. Great offense from a number of guys.

Goalie has been by committee, but they may have found some magic in freshman Nick Sorgio -- with 42% of the ice time under his belt he has a .940 save percentage.

Brockport has long had LVC's number, but the tables could be turned this year. This is a great test to get rid of the Christmas break rust.

Besner transfers

Every once in a while we lose a player between semesters. We did a few weeks ago when freshman defenseman Simon Besner transferred to Plymouth State, a DIII program in New Hampshire. We wish the young man the best at his new college.

Hockey players are super stars in the classroom

The hockey team had a very successful fall semester in the classroom. 12 players attained Dean's List with one securing a perfect 4.0. Another 8 players were above 3.0 and the team grade point average for the fall semester was 3.25.Great job, guys!

Alumni game

The annual alumni game will take place on the 26th of January at 12:00 PM at Tuttle North ice Arena, a perfect segue into Brockport Hockey's 4:00 affair versus Plattsburgh. If you played for the team and are interested in playing with and against guys who also did years and even decades ago, please let Ryan Shannon know. His email address is: rsha0403@gmail.com

Player to watch: Corey Tam

Photo courtesy Sam Cherubin and Brockport Athletics

A player to watch in the second half of the season is defenseman Corey Tam. The freshman has 3 goals and 6 assists and is on pace for an 18-point season. Those are exceptional numbers for any NCAA DIII hockey player, let alone a blueliner. Among SUNYAC defensemen he is second in goals, behind Geneseo's Duggie Lagrone's 5 lamplighters.

His best number, though, is his team-leading plus/minus of +14. The next closest Brockport player comes in at +7. That means he's he pretty special at helping to prevent opponent's goals while also helping to score on those opponents. A double-digit plus at the break is something Brockport Hockey hasn't seen in many, many years.

He's incredibly polished for a freshman and he's a hard worker who looks to improve on all of those fantastic numbers.

Curry commits to Brockport

The Boston Jr. Rangers are pleased to announce that Aiden Curry has committed to SUNY Brockport for the fall of 2019. Curry is in his first season in the EHL and with the Rangers, and he owns a record of 8-2-0 through his first 10 starts with a 2.13 GAA and .930 save percentage.

"We are very happy for Aiden on his commitment to Brockport,” said EHL head coach and general manager Rich DeCaprio, “Aiden has been great for us, and earning a spot on the league's All-Star Team proves that. He works really hard both on and off the ice, and he will have a great NCAA career."

As DeCaprio mentioned, Curry's performance so far this season earned the native of Michigan a spot on the EHL All-Star Team. When you combine that experience with all exposure that Curry has received to date, the '98 netminder is very grateful for his time with the Rangers.

"I've enjoyed my time here with the Rangers, ever since joining the team in September," said Curry. "Coach DeCaprio pushes us to get better every day, and without him and the rest of the coaching staff, I would not be where I am today. I am excited to be joining SUNY Brockport in the fall of 2019. I really enjoyed my visit there, as it truly felt like the best fit for me. I would like to thank Coach DeCaprio for helping me reach my goal of playing college hockey. I would like to thank my teammates, as without them, none of this would have been possible. I would also like to thank my family for all of their support over the years. I am very excited about my future at SUNY Brockport."

SUNYAC midseason standings

Youth clinics at Tuttle North

The Golden Eagles have been hosting youth clinics this season with Tri-County Youth Hockey program. Assistant Coach Chris Luker and Brockport hockey players have been working with the kids, and giving back to the community.

Anna Maria highlights

If you missed Saturday's game or want to relive the critical moments, Talon Television posted this highlight video...

Glad to support the team

There's a familiar name and logo on the boards now at Tuttle North Ice Arena! We're glad to support the team!

The fire helmet for 12/8

Ethan Solat got the fire helmet for his big 2-goal game on Saturday!

The 2018-2019 midseason report

We’re at the halfway point of the 2018-2019 season, one that has proven to be quite entertaining and one that has exceeded expectations.

Heading into the season with 9 freshman it looked to many folks as a sort of rebuilding year. Getting to the playoffs, let alone 10 wins, looked questionable at best, a sort of pipe dream.

I was a little more optimistic, having witnessed a similar makeover in 2008-2009 when my all-time favorite Golden Eagle squad become a playoff contender in a year when everyone had the program written off. Here we are, a decade later, and we’re seeing that same sort of surprise.

The Golden Eagles head into the winter break at 8-4-1, a spectacular record.

They’ve gotten there thanks to a great defense, something I counted as their strength in the season preview. Little did I know they would exceeded even my lofty expectations!

Brockport’s all-time best defensive unit allowed 3.04 goals per game in the 2014-2015 season. My beloved 2008-2009 team comes in at second with 3.30 goals allowed per contest. This year’s team has annihilated those numbers.

Brockport has the 6^th best scoring defense in the entire country, allowing only 1.77 goals per game. Amazing, truly amazing!

The team works hard at minimizing quality opportunities for opponents, the blue liners have committed themselves to conservative turnover-free play, the forwards have sacrificed themselves with a physical and excellent backcheck, and the team has been blessed with great goaltending by Jake Moore.

For old-time hockey purists, that’s exciting to watch.

But, it’s a tale of two teams.

Offensively, the team isn’t producing.  

That was to be expected – the team lost 39 goals to graduation. That’s a tough loss to make up.

In the season preview, I mentioned it would take some time for the lines to gel and the freshmen to learn the nuances of the NCAA. We aren’t there yet.

The Golden Eagles rank 52^nd out of 83 teams in DIII, scoring just 2.69 goals per game. You cannot win in DIII scoring less than 3 goals per game, no matter how many goals you prevent.

The talent is there to find a half goal to a goal per game in the second half. It’s just that the little things need to be capitalized on.

That was none more evident than in the Cortland game. Brockport should have won because, one, defensively they were stifling good opportunities, two, it was a home game, and, three, it was a special home game (law enforcement night). But, the team just couldn’t score. It wasn’t for a lack of initial effort, though (the team was peppering the Cortland all game). It was the lack of secondary effort. Seven times the Cortland goalie left on the ice really, really bad rebounds which could have been buried by Brockport but every time it seemed like Brockport’s advancing players would stop after the initial shot, thinking  the play was done. Had they finished the play and kept moving forward with intent of getting to the net they could have scored a goal or two to win a much-needed SUNYAC affair.

That sort of play comes with time and experience. The Juniors are a little more wide open than what you see in DIII, where there is a substantial amount of activity between the face-off circles and the crease. Guys need to finish and get the dirty, gritty, lunchbucket goals, like those often scored by Doc Gentzler and Danny Rock.  

The talent is there, the team just needs to finish every single assault on the net. 

Speaking of talent, let’s look at some individual performances from the first half.

Most Valuable Player: Without a doubt, the MVP award goes to goalie Jake Moore. The senior has been playing at a high level -- he’s made saves that require pure athleticism and he’s done the things that require pure mechanics and attention to detail. One thing that I really like is his positioning – he looks 6’8” in the net because of that. He’s eighth in the nation with a .938 save percentage and he’s also eighth with a 1.59 goals against average. He’s already tied Todd Sheridan’s single season shutout record (3) and he still has 12 games to go. His season is one for the ages. Savor the excellence of his play.

Most Valuable Freshman: If the marketing people in Brockport Athletics need a face of hockey to promote the team for the next few years, look no further than Mitchell Parsons. With his boyish charm and lightning fast style of play, he’s an asset to the team. He’s the guy who can put fans in the stands. He’s incredibly fast and can fill voids and cover space with a real sense of urgency -- whereas most high-speed guys work in fits and starts, he’s a dynamo and he doesn’t stop. He’s got hustle. Twice already he was awarded SUNYAC Rookie of the Week honors and it’s only a matter of time before it happens again. He’s a guy who can score more than a dozen goals a season in DIII and looks like he has a few hat tricks up his sleeves.

Most Valuable Sophomore: Ryan Romeo heads into the break with an impressive 1-9-10 line. He’s on pace for a 20-point season. Darn good numbers for a forward. But, realize, Ryan is a blueliner. Those are great numbers for a defenseman! He hasn’t forsaken good defense for good offense, either, as he’s been playing mistake-free hockey. The young man can cover a lot of territory and he has excellent conditioning. He’s All-SUNYAC material, for sure.

Most Valuable Junior: The advance billing on co-captain Connor Hutchins was that this would be his season. Not only would he have to lead the team on and off the ice, he’d have to lead them in the box scores. He’s done just that. The team has obviously exceeded expectations, something possible only through effort and chemistry and he’s made sure the team has plenty of both. On top of that, his 2-9-11 line has him leading the team in scoring. His goals may be down, but that’s an outcome of bad luck – he’s had great chances but he’s been stymied by some truly brilliant saves. Here’s my crazy mid-season prediction: He will explode for 8 goals in the second half.   

Most Valuable Senior: Jake Moore. ‘Nuff said.      

I’ve been really excited about this season, before it, and through every game of it. This is a special year. A young team with great talent, chemistry, and leadership is doing great things and they are primed to be even better. Brockport Hockey is in great hands this season and well into the future.

I encourage the campus community to get to as many games as they can in the next semester. Miss a game and you’ll miss something truly exceptional. The defensive results and overall team talent – and hunger – could pay off with a decent hot streak in the second semester once the new guys get more acclimated to the game. They’ve been winning, now’s the time to win more convincingly and at a greater pace.   

These Golden Eagles remind me so much of that hardworking underdog 10 years ago…a team that hosted – and won – a playoff game at Tuttle North.

I’d love to see that again this year.

I think we will.