Coming off a successful Catamount Radio Invitational that saw the Golden Eagles’ record improve to 7-1-1, Brockport has a critical SUNYAC weekend coming up (then again, aren’t they all).It's also a charitable weekend.
Friday’s away game is the biggest test of the season. Brockport will be taking on 8th-ranked Oswego and a Brockport win virtually guarantees Brockport landing in the Top 15 of the weekly polls.
The Lakers had a late start to their season, so they are 4-1-0. They have a very stout defense, allowing just 2 goals per game. Their offense is pretty potent at 4 goals per game. If Oswego has a weakness, it’s their penalty kill which is 66th in the country, something Brockport’s 13th-ranked power play unit should take advantage of…that is, if Oswego can get in the box (they average only 10.2 penalty minutes per game).
Players to watch out for are junior Josh Zizek, who led the Lakers 13 goals last year and already has 3 of them, and netminder David Richer, who had a .934 save percentage last season. The latter is a little off this season (.873), so he’s looking for a rebound performance.
Friday’s away game is the biggest test of the season. Brockport will be taking on 8th-ranked Oswego and a Brockport win virtually guarantees Brockport landing in the Top 15 of the weekly polls.
The Lakers had a late start to their season, so they are 4-1-0. They have a very stout defense, allowing just 2 goals per game. Their offense is pretty potent at 4 goals per game. If Oswego has a weakness, it’s their penalty kill which is 66th in the country, something Brockport’s 13th-ranked power play unit should take advantage of…that is, if Oswego can get in the box (they average only 10.2 penalty minutes per game).
Players to watch out for are junior Josh Zizek, who led the Lakers 13 goals last year and already has 3 of them, and netminder David Richer, who had a .934 save percentage last season. The latter is a little off this season (.873), so he’s looking for a rebound performance.
Friday is also Oswego’s 3rd annual teddy bear toss. Fans are encouraged to bring teddy bears and/or stuffed animals to toss on the ice after the Lakers score their first goal, which netted 736 stuffed animals for local families last year. All of the teddy bears/stuffed animals thrown on ice will be collected and distributed by Toys for Tots to children in Oswego County for the holidays. Stuffed animals will also be available for a donation at the Toys for Tots table that evening.
If Brockport’s Jake Moore secures another shutout he’s going to break a lot of hearts in Oswego. Break some hearts, Jake, they can throw the bears after the game!
Charitable hockey continues Saturday when Brockport is home for a 4:00 PM affair against Cortland which is the 1st annual Tribute to Law Enforcement game. The College will be auctioning off exclusive jerseys recognizing the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, Brockport PD, and SUNY police. Bid here: http://ow.ly/kmN630mLTua
Cortland is always a tough play, despite their 2-4-0 record (1-4-0 in conference play), which will make for a chippy, hard-fought game the fans will enjoy. Sean Perichak and Alex Storojohann each have 4 goals.
A Brockport player to keep an eye on in this game is defenseman Ryan Romeo. He could surpass 10 points already this season. That’s awful early for any d-man to break that barrier (most don’t in a season). He’s amassing numbers that, maintained over a season, could get him First Team All-SUNYAC honors and even pique the interest of All-American voters, especially if Brockport’s goals-allowed number remains ridiculously low all season.
Saturday’s game will be a good one -- for a good cause. Be there!
