Saturday, February 27, 2016

HIGHLIGHTS FROM PLAYOFF LOSS

Not that most Brockport fans want to relive the goals of the playoff loss to Oswego, but if you do, here's the highlight reel from WTOP TV 10...


Friday, February 26, 2016

POLLINI COMMITS TO BROCKPORT



With All-SUNYAC picks Chad Cummings and Chris Luker graduating, Brockport has to stock up on defensemen. The team is doing just that with the recruiting of Chris Pollini. The 6'1", 192 blueliner from Wolfeboro, New Hampshire spent the last 2 seasons with the NH Junior Monarchs of the EHL.

For the 2015-2016 campaign he has 1 goal and 15 assists in 39 games played. One thing that you like to see out of a defenseman is smart, mistake-free play. You can see that in Chris's penalty minutes -- he has only 16 of them on the season, excellent numbers for a hard-hitting defenseman.

Thursday, February 25, 2016

BROCKPORT BY THE NUMBERS

With Brockport's season having come to an end, we can look at the statistical accomplishments of the team. These national rankings reflect the standings as of February 25th. There will be some changes by the end of the playoffs because you'll have a few teams picking up some extra games over the next few weeks, but, overall they won't change too much. For the individuals, we will look at those who cracked the Top 50.

Chase Nieuwendyk was the biggest standout performer. His 1.42 points per game ranked 10th in the nation. His 0.54 goals per game broke into the Top 50, coming in at 48th. His 0.88 assists per game were 11th best.

Tim Kielich broke into the Top 30 in the country in scoring, with 1.19 points per game (good for 29th). His assists (0.73/game) had him at 31st. His 5 power play goals were the fifth highest total in the country. Among rookies, he was fourth in the nation in points.

Ryan Kangas and Jesse Facchinni each had 3 game winning goals which were the 3rd highest total in the country.

Among defensemen, Chris Luker was 27th in the country with 0.68 points per game. Chad Cummings was 30th with 0.65 per game.

Brockport's offense was potent, coming in at 3.50 goals per game, good for 22nd best in DIII (of 76 teams). Defensively, the team allowed 3.69 goals per game, which was 61st.

Brockport was the least penalized team in all of DIII, with only 7.3 penalty minutes per game.

The power play was 16th best at 22.3%.

The penalty kill was 40th best at 81.8%.



BROCKPORT'S SEASON ENDS IN FIRST ROUND

The College at Brockport ice hockey team gave up three goals in the second period and the deficit proved too much as they suffered a 8-0 loss to Oswego State Wednesday night in the State University of New York Athletic Conference quarterfinal.

Brockport (11-11-4 overall, 6-7-4 SUNYAC) and Oswego (14-10-2 overall, 9-7-1 SUNYAC) skated to 0-0 tie after the first period.  Rookie Cole Burack stopped 13 shots in the frame including a handful of diving saves.

The Golden Eagles went two-for-two on the power kill while Burack stopped all nine shots faced during the four minute span.  The Lakers went on to score three goals in the second period and five in the third to take the win.

Jeremy DeFazio
led the team with four shots, Zac Sikich had three and Jake Taylor, Jesse Facchini and Chase Nieuwendyk each had two.  Burack stopped 40 shots on the night.  Brockport won 37 face offs including 12 from Nieuwendyk and 10 from Dylan Shapiro.

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

CUMMINGS: DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR


The SUNYAC amended their news release from yesterday regarding the postseason awards. The original online report was missing the Defensive Player of the Year award. Who won it? None other than Chad Cummings! The Brockport senior totaled 11 blocks on defense and added five goals and 11 assists to help his team to 11-10-4 overall.

ANNUAL SUNYAC HONORS

Yesterday the State of New York Athletic Conference announced their annual awards for men's ice hockey.

One of the big awards -- the Rookie of the Year honors -- went to Tim Kielich. The rookie forward scored eight goals and had 11 assists in 16 conference games. He added another three goals and eight assists outside the league. Kielich was named the SUNYAC Rookie of the Week twice this season as he helped Brockport finish fifth in the conference after regular-season play at 6-6-4.

The awards didn't end there. There are the All-SUNYAC teams, too.

A trio of Golden Eagles made the cut for their excellent performances this season. Chase Nieuwendyk made the First Team while Chad Cummings made the Second Team and Chris Luker made the Third Team.

See the full All-SUNYAC rosters here:

http://sunyac.com/news/2016/2/23/MHOCKEY_0223165238.aspx

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS OF POTSDAM GAME


Tuesday, February 23, 2016

KIELICH GETS NATIONAL RECOGNITION

Congrats to Tim Kielich on making D3Hockey.com's national Team of the Week!

http://d3hockey.com/awards/team-of-the-week/men/2015-16/Feb-23

BENNETT COMMITS TO BROCKPORT


Another player from the New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs has committed to play for Brockport. The 20 year old Luke Bennett is a 5'9" 166-pound speedster who hails from Rochester, New Hampshire. He has been very productive -- in 2014-2015 he played in 39 games and had 5 goals and 25 assists. This season, he found found the goal-scoring touch to match his playmaking abilities. In 36 games his goal total more than tripled to 16 lamplighters and his assists went up to 27. 

SUNYAC BRACKET

Who else is hoping for a Saturday playoff game in Buffalo?




Monday, February 22, 2016

NIEUWENDYK IS ATHLETE OF THE WEEK



Chase Nieuwendyk was named Brockport's Male Athlete of the Week. The superstar tabbed two assists as the Golden Eagles went 1-0-1 on the week and secured a fifth seed in the SUNYAC tournament.  With the two points, the senior eclipsed 100 career points and now ranks ninth in career points in the Brockport ice hockey record books.  The Georgetown, Ontario native led the SUNYAC in conference scoring this season with 23 points off of 9 goals and 14 assists.

BURACK IS SUNYAC GOALIE OF THE WEEK



For the second time this season, Cole Burack was named the SUNYAC Goalie of the Week. He led the Golden Eagles to a 1-0-1 week after tying Plattsburgh and beating Potsdam to secure a fifth seed in the SUNYAC tournament. The rookie posted a 1.92 goals against average including three shutout periods over the two games. Brockport found themselves on the penalty kill six times on the weekend but Burack was unbeatable and stopped all 12 shots over the nearly 12 minutes of play. On the weekend, the Rockwall, Texas native stopped 77 shots. In the closing seconds of overtime Saturday, Burack made a diving glove save to deny Plattsburgh the win.

KIELICH IS SUNYAC ROOKIE OF THE WEEK


For the second time this season, Tim Kielich was named the SUNYAC Rookie of the Week. Kielich tabbed four assists on the week as the Golden Eagles went 1-0-1 and secured a fifth seed in the SUNYAC tournament. The East Aurora native earned a helper on a game tying power play goal in the second period Friday as Brockport tied Plattsburgh. On Saturday, Kielich picked up an assist on each of Brockport’s three goals in a 3-1 win over Potsdam. Kielich tied for the SUNYAC rookie scoring title with 19 points off of 8 goals and 11 assists in 16 conference games. On the season, Kielich tabbed 31 points and is the first rookie to reach at least 30 points since Bobby Garrison in 1996-1997.

PLAYOFF TICKETS

Ticket information for Wednesday's playoff game at Oswego...

Tickets for the men's ice hockey game will go on-sale at 10 a.m. on Tuesday. The Oswego box office will be open from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Tuesday and will be open again at 10 a.m. on Wednesday through the start of the contest at 7 p.m. Hockey tickets are $8.00 while children under the age of five and SUNYAC students with a valid school ID are free. Tickets can be purchased by calling the box office at (315) 312-3073 or by visiting ticket.oswego.edu.

LASLO COMMITS TO BROCKPORT


Brockport has secured an excellent commitment in Hunter Laslo. The 5'10", 179-pound twenty year-old hails from Irvine, California. Do not let the warm climes of his hometown cool you off to Laslo's ice hockey skills --- they are red hot. The young man has spent the past 3 seasons with the New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs where he has tallied more than a point a game the past 2 years.

In 2013-2014 he had a 11-16-27 line in 39 games played. In 2014-2015 he had a 19-23-42 line in 42 games (while securing 5 more goals in just 7 playoff games). This season has seen him play in 41 regular season games in which he has 20 goals and 23 assists.


39 11 162757
39 11 162757

Sunday, February 21, 2016

THE 30 POINT CLUB

Tim Kielich reached and surpassed the 30-point barrier last night, becoming the 1st freshman to do that since Bobby Garrison in 1996-1997. Ryan Kangas got his 28th point last night and with a strong playoff performance, he could reach 30. If he does that, this will be the first Brockport squad to have 3 players with 30 or more points.

REGULAR SEASON ENDS WITH A WIN

Brockport won last night and so did Oswego so Brockport will NOT be hosting a playoff game this week. Brockport ended the regular season with 16 points, as did Postdam, but the tie-breaker goes to Brockport (by beating Potsdam last night after tying them in December) which puts Brockport into fifth place in the SUNYAC. Brockport will be going to fourth-place Oswego on Wednesday to start the playoff run.

Once again, the team is playoff bound after great performances by Kangas, Keilich and Burack who all contributed to last night's critical 3-1 win.....
Ryan Kangas scored two goals and Tim Kielich tabbed three points as The College at Brockport ice hockey team scored a goal in each period en route to defeating SUNY Potsdam 3-1 Saturday night in Potsdam in their regular season finale.

The Golden Eagles advance to the State University of New York Athletic Conference tournament for the third straight season as the fifth seed and will head to fourth seeded Oswego on Wednesday February 24 with face off set for 7 p.m.

Brockport (11-10-4 overall, 6-6-4 SUNYAC) jumped out to an early lead less than 90 seconds in thanks to Dylan Shapiro.  The sophomore netted his seventh of the season with help from rookie Tim Kielich.  Potsdam (11-10-4, 7-7-2) scored midway through the period to take a 1-1 tie to the first intermission.

Ryan Kangas
scored the game winning goal at the 9:21 mark of the second period.  Kielich fed a pass to Kangas along who skated up the right boards and beat the goaltender high glove side to give Brockport the 2-1 lead.

Less than eight minutes into the third period Kangas scored his second of the game to seal the win for Brockport.  Jonathan Demme and Kielich each picked up an assist on the play.

Cole Burack
had another incredible performance in net, shutting out the Bears in the final two periods of play.  The rookie made 32 saves on the night and picked up his sixth win of the season.

Saturday, February 20, 2016

CHASE HITS 100


Congrats to the one and only Chase Nieuwendyk on reaching -- and surpassing -- the 100-point mark for his Brockport career. The kid is a special talent, one of the best in all of college hockey, and he's been a joy to watch the past four seasons.

BURACK'S BRILLIANT SAVE

If you weren't watching the video feed of last night's game, you missed some awesome saves from Cole Burack. Here's the best one, a spectacular highlight reel save:

https://twitter.com/malls29/status/700937977262952448

WPTZ COVERAGE OF PLATTSBURGH GAME

Here's WPTZ TV's recap of the Plattsburgh affair:

http://www.wptz.com/sports/local-sports/cards-have-to-settle-for-tie/38097112?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=wptz

PLATTSBURGH AND BROCKPORT BATTLE TO A TIE

Plattsburgh probably thinks that Brockport's senior class can't graduate soon enough. Over the past four years the DIII powerhouse has seen losses, ties, and numerous close calls against Brockport. Last night was no different when the Golden Eagles tied the Cardinals in Plattbsurgh.

Here's the recap...

Chase Nieuwendyk exceeded 100 career points, picking up an assist on each of Aidan Verbeke's two goals as The College at Brockport ice hockey team skated to a 3-3 tie with Plattsburgh State Friday night in the final weekend of State University of New York Athletic Conference play.

In a tight first period, Cole Burack blanked the Cardinals, stopping 12 shots in net.  Brockport (10-10-4 overall, 5-6-4 SUNYAC) was unable to get anything started on the offensive side of things and went into the first intermission with the game scoreless.

Plattsburgh (19-3-2 overall, 12-1-2 SUNYAC) scored less than two minutes into the second period but two quick goals from Verbeke allowed Brockport to jump out to a 2-1 lead.  Along the right side of the net, Nieuwendyk sent a sharp pass to Verbeke in the crease who one timed a shot past the goalie glove side.  Tim Kielich earned a helper on the power play goal.

Less than three minutes later, Verbeke lit the lamp again with help from Nieuwendyk and Trevor Simonick.  After nearly ten minutes of scoreless play, the Cardinals scored to knot the game at two entering the second intermission.

A Plattsburgh goal at the 8:00 mark of the third gave the Cardinals a 3-2 lead.  Zac Sikich netted the equalizer just over three minutes later.  Chris Luker and Verbeke each picked up an assist on the play.
The Cardinals controlled the extra frame but Burack was unbeatable, stopping all nine shots faced.

With 90 seconds remaining, the rookie made an incredible pad save to preserve the tie.  In the closing seconds of overtime, Plattsburgh had a two-on-one opportunity but Burack snatched the puck with less than a second remaining to deny Plattsburgh the win.

The Golden Eagles will wrap up the regular season Saturday night at 7 p.m. as they head to Potsdam to take on the Bears.  Brockport already earned a play off berth but have the chance to jump into fourth place.  A Brockport win and an Oswego loss would earn Brockport home ice advantage in the SUNYAC Quarterfinal on Wednesday February 24.

Monday, February 15, 2016

THE 2015-2016 SENIORS

James Ryan, Jeremy DeFazio, Chris Luker, Johnathan Demme, Chase Nieuwendyk,
Jesse Facchini, Chad Cummings, Jared Lockhurst

Sunday, February 14, 2016

BROCKPORT FALLS TO BUFF STATE, CLINCHES PLAYOFF BERTH

The College at Brockport ice hockey team dropped a 7-3 decision to Buffalo State Saturday night in a State University of New York Athletic Conference game.  Seniors Chad Cummings, Chris Luker, Jonathan Demme, Jeremy DeFazio, Jesse Facchini, James Ryan, Jared Lockhurst and Chase Nieuwendyk were honored post game in their final regular season home game of their career.

Brockport (10-10-3 overall, 5-6-3 SUNYAC) jumped out to an early 2-0 lead midway through the first period.  James Ryan forced a turnover in the neutral zone and sent a cross ice pass to Jesse Facchini who scored top shelf for his sixth goal of the season.

Five minutes later Ryan sent a pass along the boards to Facchini who found Jake Taylor open near the right face off circle.  Taylor tucked the puck in the right side of the net to give Brockport a 2-0 lead.

Buffalo State (13-6-4 overall, 9-4-1 SUNYAC) would respond with two goals to knot the score at two headed into the first intermission.  The Bengal went on to score four goals in the second to take a commanding 6-2 lead.

The Golden Eagles took advantage of a power play in the 13th minute of the third period.  Chad Cummings sent a pass to Tim Kielich who found Aidan Verbeke open in front of the net.

The Bengals scored a power play goal in the final minute to make the score 7-3.  Buffalo State outshot Brockport 46-27 on the night.

Cole Burack
suffered his third loss of the season in net, stopping 17 shots in the last two periods.  Jared Lockhurst stopped 22 shots in the first period.

Despite the loss, Brockport clinched a SUNYAC post season berth for the second straight season due to Geneseo beating Fredonia.  The Golden Eagles head to the north country next weekend to take on Plattsburgh State Friday night and SUNY Potsdam Saturday night with both face offs set for 7 p.m.

Saturday, February 13, 2016

BROCKPORT BEATS FREDONIA

To maintain their hold on the sixth and last playoff spot, Brockport HAD to win last night against Fredonia who had been nipping at their heels. Brockport did in dramatic fashion in OT, thanks to the dynamic Ryan Kangas and his two goals and two assists and Chase Nieuwendyk and his 3 assists. Ryan has reached 25 points on the season and Chase is just one point away from the century mark for his career.

The recap from Brockport Athletics...

Ryan Kangas netted two power play goals including the game winning goal 1:54 into overtime as the College at Brockport ice hockey team downed Fredonia 4-3 and earned an important two points in the race for the last State University of New York Athletic Conference postseason berth.

Brockport (10-9-3 overall, 5-5-3 SUNYAC) earned a power play a mere 35 seconds into overtime and were quick to take advantage of it.  Chad Cummings sent a pass to Nieuwendyk who found Kangas in front of the net.  Kangas lit the lamp to seal the win for Brockport and earn a crucial SUNYAC win.

The Golden Eagles entered the third period trailing 2-1 but Zac Sikich netted the equalizer at 5:38 with Cummings and Nick Palumbo each picking up an assist.  Fredonia (7-12-3, 3-8-2) scored four minutes later to take a 3-2 lead midway through the third period.

At the 13:52 mark rookie Tim Kielich netted the equalizer for his 12th goal of the season.  Chase Nieuwendyk and Ryan Kangas each earned a helper on the play.  The Blue Devils went on the power play for the final two minutes of regulation but Cole Burack stood tall in net and didn't let anything past him.

Back and forth play kept the score knotted at three and sent the game into an extra frame.

Kangas scored his first of the game at the 6:10 mark of the first period to jump out to an early 1-0 lead.  Cummings and Nieuwendyk were each credited with an assist.  Nieuwendyk now sits at 99 career points.
Burack stopped 32 shots en route to his fifth win of the season.  Brockport outshot Fredonia 39-35 and went two-for-six on the power play.  Kangas led all skaters with seven shots.

The Golden Eagles return home Saturday night to host Buffalo State at 7 p.m.  Fans are encouraged to stick around post game as the team honors its senior class of Chad Cummings, Chris Luker, Jonathan Demme, Jeremy DeFazio, Jesse Facchini, James Ryan, Jared Lockhurst and Chase Nieuwendyk.

Friday, February 12, 2016

A LOOK BACK AT THE PROMISE OF OUR SENIORS AS FRESHMEN

With senior night on Saturday, I thought it would be neat to look back at the start of the freshman year for those men who will be graduating. This 2012-2013 season preview was chock full of promise for the "youth movement". They certainly lived up to their potential...this year's seniors have provided many memories over the years:

http://brockporthockey.blogspot.com/2012/10/2012-2013-season-preview-youth-movement.html

STYLUS RECAP OF GENESEO GAME

This week's Stylus looked back at the Geneseo game and emphasized the battle that Brockport is in to get into the playoffs. This weekend's games are critical. Read it here:

http://www.thestylus.net/news/view.php/1016590/Mens-ice-hockey-clinging-to-No-6-spot

Monday, February 8, 2016

SENIOR NIGHT

This coming Saturday will be Senior Night at Tuttle North Ice Arena.

Senior Night is always a bittersweet event.

It's a sad moment to see them bring closure to storied Brockport careers which entertained their fans, like me, for four years.

For most of them, the next couple of weeks will be the very last time that they play any high-level organized hockey after years of Peewee, Bantam, Midget, High School, Juniors and College. It's always sad for them to lace up the skates one last time. It's just as sad for their parents who supported them all these years and traveled across the country for the love of their son.

But, at the same time, amid all that sadness, it's a great moment for them as they will be going on to do great things personally and professionally upon graduating from College in 3 months. It's a new  life, and a new adventure.

This year's graduating class is the largest that I can remember. EIGHT men will be honored on Senior Night.

They are...

#4 Chad Cummings
#7 Chris Luker
#17 Johnathan Demme
#20 Jeremy DeFazio
#24 Jesse Facchini
#26 James Ryan
#30 Jared Lockhurst
#81 Chase Nieuwendyk

Those are some mighty big skates to fill!


Sunday, February 7, 2016

CHASE'S CHASE FOR 100

If Chase Nieuwendyk has a big weekend (when doesn't he have a big weekend??) when Brockport faces Fredonia and Buffalo State, he will enter some rare territory within the next week. Chase has 96 career points. Four more puts him at the century mark, becoming only the twelfth Golden Eagle to reach that milestone. He will become only the second Golden Eagle (along with the incomparable James Cody) on that list to have started his career after 1996. Think about that: two decades...two men...two all-time greats.

Saturday, February 6, 2016

BROCKPORT TIES 11th-RANKED GENESEO

The College at Brockport ice hockey team erased a two goal deficit in the third period but were unable to complete the comeback, skating to a 4-4 tie with SUNY Geneseo Friday night in a State University of New York Athletic Conference matchup.

Brockport (9-9-3 overall, 4-5-3 SUNYAC) entered the third period trailing by one but Geneseo (13-3-5, 7-1-4) scored at the 7:38 mark to put Brockport in a two goal deficit.  Less than three minutes later rookie Tim Kielich netted his 11th goal of the season after skating toward the right side of the goal and drawing the goalie out of the net.  The East Aurora native darted around the net and was able to tuck the puck in the left corner to cut Brockport's deficit to one.  Chris Luker and Chase Nieuwendyk each earned an assist on the play.

Less than two minutes later Jake Taylor beat the goaltender glove side for his third goal of the season off a pass from James Ryan at the blue line.

With two minutes left in regulation Aidan Verbeke had a breakaway but was turned away by the goaltender and the two teams went to overtime.  Brockport controlled the puck in the extra frame but came up emptied handed.

Brockport opened the game with a goal less than two minutes in.  From the point, Nieuwendyk sent a pass to defensemen Chad Cummings at the right face off circle who fired a shot past the goalie glove side for his fifth goal of the season.  Geneseo scored five minutes later to take a 1-1 tie to the first intermission.

The Golden Eagles had strong scoring chances in the final minute of the first period.  Verbeke and Dylan Shapiro found themselves on a two-on-one opportunity but a defender skated in at the last second to intercept a cross crease pass.  Moments later there was a scramble in front of the net and Chris Luker rifled off a one timer but was met by the net minder's glove.

Twenty seconds into the second period Brockport earned a power play and were quick to take advantage of it.  The Golden Eagles pressure paid off as Zac Sikich scored.  Shapiro picked up an assist on the play.
Cole Burack turned away 25 shots on the night including four in six minutes of a man advantage for Geneseo.  The rookie made numerous diving saves in the final period to preserve the game for Brockport.

Brockport has two crucial SUNYAC games this upcoming week.  The Golden Eagles will head to Fredonia on Friday night then return home for the home finale to host Buffalo State on Saturday with both face offs set for 7 p.m.  On Saturday Brockport will honor its eight seniors post game.

Monday, February 1, 2016

BROCKPORT FALLS TO CANTON IN OT

The line of James Ryan, Jesse Facchini and Jake Taylor scored two goals Saturday night but it wasn't enough as the College at Brockport ice hockey team fell in the final minute of overtime to SUNY Canton by a score of 3-2.

Canton (4-14-3) controlled the first period, outshooting Brockport (9-9-2) 9-7 and scoring the lone goal of the period to take a 1-0 lead to the first intermission.

The Golden Eagles scored a pair of goals in the second to jump out to a 2-1 lead.  Facchini buried his fifth of the year at the 10:19 mark off of passes from Ryan and Taylor.  An offensive battle kept both teams scoreless until just over two minutes remaining in the second.  Ryan drove through the crease and drew the Canton goaltender to the right post and was able to tuck it in behind his skate.  Taylor and Facchini each earned an assist on the play.

The Kangaroos scored midway through the third period to knot the game at two.  Despite two power plays, the Brockport offense was unable to score in the final period of regulation.

Brockport did not get a shot off in the extra frame.  A turnover in the neutral zone gave Canton a breakaway with one minute remaining to steal the game from Brockport.

The Golden Eagles outshot the Kangaroos 38-32.  Trevor Simonick and Chase Nieuwendyk led Brockport with five shots each.  Nieuwendyk and Tim Kielich were held pointless, snapping a 12 and 11 game point streak respectively.

Jared Lockhurst
suffered his sixth loss of the season in net.  The senior stopped 29 shots and held Canton scoreless on four power play opportunities.

Brockport will host SUNYAC rival Geneseo next Friday with face off set for 7 p.m.  Geneseo currently ranks second in the conference with 18 points while Brockport is in sixth, the final postseason slot, with 10 points.