Tuesday, October 23, 2018

2018-2019 season preview: a young but spirited team




The Brockport Golden Eagles went into the 2008-2009 season with a lot of question marks, having lost 12 players to graduation. That squad beat all expectations with great goaltending, solid two-way play, and immediate contributions from freshmen leading to the program’s first ever playoff home game and playoff victory.

Fast forward 10 years.

This year’s squad, despite similar personnel losses, have all the parts in place to be winners.

8 Golden Eagles graduated last year, including some serious playmakers like Tim Kielich, Zac Sikich, and Dylan Shapiro. Those are some big skates to fill, but the talent is here, from holdovers to new recruits.

Let’s look at some of those men who are primed for a big season…

Goaltending

It all begins with the goalies as solid netminding allows a team to do what it wants on either side of the blueline. Brockport is fortunate to have two solid men between the pipes.

Matt Schneider will backstop a young but talented team

Junior Matt Schneider will likely see most of the starts. Last season saw him produce an .892 save percentage to go with a 3.07 goals against average. That wasn’t far from his freshman campaign when he posted a .903/3.02 line and garnered a sort of folk hero status when he shutout Plattsburgh on the road, the Golden Eagles first victory in Plattsburgh ever.

Senior Jake Moore played as well as Schneider last year. Their numbers were eerily similar. Moore’s line was .891 and 3.01.

Forwards

The Golden Eagles lost 4 of their top 5 scoring forwards to graduation which leaves junior Connor Hutchins as the only veteran who had more than 10 points last season. He had 9 goals and 13 assists last year and looks to be “the man” as all eyes and all defenses will be on him. He’s game for it – thrown to the wolves as a freshman he had 12 goals and 15 assists, so he is certainly a top-level goal scorer in the conference. Don’t be surprised if he cracks the 15 goal and 30-point barriers this season and next.


Connor Hutchins looks to be one of the premier forwards in SUNYAC

Among the veterans who will aid Hutchins are Hunter Laslo and Danny Rock who each had 4 goals last season. Watch for both to double their output this year.

The freshmen will have to contribute right out of the gate, just like that beloved squad did a decade ago. There is the talent to make that happen. At the top of that list is Mitchell Parsons, a lightning-fast forward who amassed a staggering 64 points in 43 games in the EHL last season. Not only is he a playmaker, but he excels on special teams.

It will take a couple of games for the retooled offense to find their identity (they have to overcome the loss of 39 goals), so the opening weekend of non-conference play is in our favor. 

Defensemen

Brockport’s strength is its defensive unit. The Golden Eagles have a full stable to choose from, from big to fast, physical to finesse.

Connar Bass is the steady, guiding hand as the senior blueliner covers the ice well and is defenseman’s defenseman. He’s been known for that in SUNYAC circles his entire career, having garnered a spot on USCHO’s All-Rookie Team as a freshman. Because of his style of play, he won’t put up huge numbers but despite that don’t overlook that fact that he could receive an All-SUNYAC nod this season.

Connor Bass will show that he's one of the top d-men in the conference
One acquisition I like is the pick-up of transfer Aiden Salerno. The hard-charging junior defenseman had a solid freshman year with Cortland where he had 4 goals and 12 assists. None other than NHL Hall of Famer Pat Lafontaine (who coached Salerno for 4 seasons) said he was one of the hardest working kids he ever saw.

Watch for an impact from rookie Simon Besnar, in more ways than one. He’s physically intimidating, having amassed 349 penalty minutes in 244 CCHL game, but he also has soft hands, as made evident by 21 assists in 36 games with the Navan Grads last year.  

Prediction

It might take some time for the forwards to click and do what it takes to replace the players we lost, but blueliners and goalies as good as ours will give the coaches and players the ability and confidence they need to find the proper chemistry up front.

This team will surprise once that happens.

Expect a hot streak during conference play in January and February which will make for great positioning in the playoffs. Like that team 10 years ago that faced similar circumstances, this one will host a playoff game.  

2018-2019 roster


2018-2019 team photo


Monday, October 22, 2018

Brockport picked to finish sixth in SUNYAC

The State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) men's hockey coaches have voted Geneseo No. 1 in the preseason poll with 63 points. The coaches also voted Oswego No. 2 with 56 points and Plattsburgh No. 3 with 48 points.

The Geneseo Knights will come into 2018-2019 season as defending SUNYAC champions. Last season they defeated Fredonia 7-1 in the title game to win the school's fifth SUNYAC men's ice hockey championship. Four time SUNYAC Coach of the Year, Chris Schultz will be entering his 13th season as the head coach of the Knights. Schultz has led the team to two SUNYAC championship titles, the first one in the 2015-2016 season and the second one coming last season. Geneseo will have last season's Tournament MVP David Szmyd returning for his junior year and looking for back-to-back SUNYAC championships.

Ed Gosek is returning to Oswego for his 16th year as head coach and will be looking to take the program back to the championship. Gosek has led Oswego to three SUNYAC championships and one NCAA Division III title in 2007. Last season the Lakers finished as the No. 1 seed going into the SUNYAC tournament, but they were upset by Fredonia 3-1 in the semifinal game. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Devin Campbell, will be returning for his senior year with Oswego.

The Cardinals come into the new season looking to do better than their first round exit in the SUNYAC tournament last season. Plattsburgh's longest tenured and winningest coach, Bob Emery, is entering his 30th season. Emery has led Plattsburgh to 16 SUNYAC championship titles, including the 2016-17 season, and 10 NCAA Division III Final Fours. Forward Rich McCartney, last season's SUNYAC Rookie of the Year, will be returning for his sophomore season.

2018-2019 SUNYAC Men's Hockey Bracket
  1. Geneseo, 63
  2. Oswego, 56
  3. Plattsburgh, 48
  4. Fredonia, 43
  5. Buffalo State, 40
  6. Brockport, 25
  7. Potsdam, 23
  8. Cortland, 18
  9. Morrisville, 8

Wednesday, October 17, 2018

AJ Przystawski commits to Brockport



The EHL Avalanche have announced that veteran defenseman AJ Przystawski has committed to SUNY Brockport for the 2019-20 season. The 6’4 blue liner is excited to continue his academic and athletic career with the Golden Eagles. In 46 games with the Avalance last season he had 3 goals, 11 assists, and 53 PIM. 

Friday, September 28, 2018

Former assistant coach now with Army



Army West Point hockey head coach Brian Riley has announced the addition of Kris Horn to his staff as the Director of Hockey Operations.

"We are all excited that Kris has joined our staff here at West Point," Riley said. "I've gotten to know him the last few years and have always been impressed with his work ethic as well as hockey knowledge. I know that he will be a great fit for the Academy and to our program."

Horn arrived on the banks of the Hudson after serving as the Assistant Hockey Coach at the College of Brockport for two seasons. Prior to joining the Golden Eagles staff, Horn had a one-year stint at Union, helping the Dutchmen reach the ECAC postseason tournament. Horn spent the 2014-15 season as an assistant coach at Hamilton College. Prior to joining the Continentals, Horn was an assistant coach for American Collegiate Hockey Association teams at Oakland, UMass and Michigan State.

A Westland, Mich. native, Horn attended Culver Military Academy before moving on to Michigan State, where he received a B.A. in Marketing in 2006. Horn earned a Master's Degree from Brockport in 2018 with a concentration in Athletic Administration. He now resides in Cornwall, N.Y.

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Luker joins coaching staff



If you look through the GoBrockport.com website and check out the coaches roster for this season you will recognize a familiar name as Coach Dickinson's assistant for this season -- it's Chris Luker who played for the Golden Eagles from 2012-2013 through 2015-2016.

Chris is one of the most decorated players to ever wear a Golden Eagles uniform. In 100 games played for Brockport the blueliner amassed 19 goals and 47 assists for 66 points which helped make him 3 times an All-SUNYAC selection, the only Golden Eagle to have been chosen that many times.

It's great to have him back at Tuttle North Ice Arena.

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Kielich signs with the Marksmen

The Fayetteville (North Carolina) Marksmen today announced the signing of Brockport alumnus Tim Kielich...





With just under a month remaining until Marksmen Training Camp, we’re starting to see exactly what kind of roster will be participating in the camp, with a lot of veteran experience or talented newcomers.


Tim Kielich, a left-handed forward hailing from East Aurora, New York fits into the latter category, after a three-year stint at SUNY-Brockport (NCAA DIII). Kielich, 6’0 and 185 pounds, found the puck plenty during his days as a Golden Eagle, averaging nearly a point-per game with 76 points (21G+55A) in 77 games played.

Prior to his college days, Kielich like many new-Marksmen, spent his junior hockey career in the OHJL’s Buffalo Jr. Sabres organization. During his four-years in Western New York, Kielich had no problem finding points, as he racked up 133 (56G+77A) in 235 games played. During those four years, he scored under thirty points in just one season.

As well with the OHJL connection, Kielich shares the commonality of having a couple ECHL games under his belt before coming to the Marksmen Camp, as kept inside The Empire State in heading to the Adirondack Thunder for two games after his college season.
Kielich spoke highly of the new opportunity in Fayetteville.
“For me, heading to a new team such as the Marksmen, after talking with Coach Kallechy I feel I will be given a great opportunity to prove myself at the pro level,” said Kielich “This is what I’ve been looking forward to.”
Head Coach Jesse Kallechy expressed great interest in seeing what Kielich can bring to the roster.
“Tim is a player who showed a great scoring ability during both his college and junior days. Having a close amount of goals to assists shows that he has the vision and ability to make the shot or pass depending on the situation,” said Kallechy “I’m excited to see his abilities in our camp.”
With 38 days remaining until the SPHL season begins, the anticipation is starting to reach a fever pitch, especially as the Marksmen Camp roster starts to finalize, and the team’s exhibition against Macon has been set for October 12.

The Fayetteville Marksmen are excited to welcome Tim Kielich to his new home for the 2018-19 season, and look forward to him being the bedrock of what promises to be an exciting season of hockey in the Cape Fear. The 2018-19 Marksmen Home Opener is October 19th against the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs, and Season Tickets are on sale NOW!

Wednesday, September 5, 2018

Prepping the ice arena for 2018-2019




Tuesday, August 28, 2018

Hockey players help with move in

As is tradition with the hockey team, last week they helped freshmen move into their dorms. Great job, guys! You are excellent ambassadors for Brockport!




Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Athletes reporting to campus

The hockey team has been reporting to campus -- or their pads off campus -- over the past few days. Among them are new faces like Corey Tam and Simon Besner. Welcome to Brockport!





Thursday, August 16, 2018

Throwback Thursday: Dave McNab



Dave spent two-and-a-half seasons (2006-2007 through 2008-2009) with Brockport after having started his career at Plattsburgh. He took advantage of his playing time and become captain as a senior. He was the ultimate team captain. Sure, Brockport has had many fine ones, but he took it to another level: If opponents tangled with our goalies he would obliterate (or choke) them, he was in constant professional discussion with the refs, and he inspired the team to become physical like no other. That season saw one of the most physical of all our teams (and likely one of the last due to newer NCAA rules) and the Golden Eagles honestly and truly intimidated opponents. It was old time hockey at its finest. But, don’t let that tough exterior fool you – Dave is a nice guy and a skilled player. In that captaincy he had 26 points and 11 goals courtesy of a wicked slapshot that was expertly played out in power play situations.

Tuesday, August 14, 2018

Brockport hockey alumni lose a brother

Brockport hockey alumnus Bob Gallagher passed away in February and his family is holding a memorial mass in Saranac Lake this Saturday. Here's Bob's obituary in advance of his service...


Robert “Bob” John Gallagher, 58, from Meridian, Idaho, passed away in peace at home with his family surrounding him on Feb. 18, 2018, from esophageal cancer.

Bob grew up in Saranac Lake and was the son of Thomasina and the late Bill Gallagher.

Since he was a little boy, Bob loved sports and was a terrific athlete. He made lifelong friends with his neighborhood sports mates and later played on varsity sports teams: baseball, football and, best of all, his much-loved hockey for Saranac Lake High School. Bob went on to win a hockey scholarship to the University of New York at Brockport, where he was a fierce defenseman. During and since graduating from college with a B.A. in business, Bob worked for his older brother Chip Gallagher in the construction business.

For the past 20 years Bob was a project manager and superintendent for Visser Building, a Boise, Idaho-based company co-owned by his brother Chip and Brian Visser. Bob’s clients loved him and loved the homes he built for them. They are architectural gems.

It was in Boise where Bobby met the love of his life, Anita. Bob and Anita married in 1999. Together they made their home in Meridan, Idaho.

Bob had one beloved daughter, Tabitha, from a previous marriage.

Bob was a “shirt off his back kind of guy.” Everyone who knew Bob knew of his generosity, his tireless work ethic, his rock-solid integrity, his ready smile and his wonderful sense of humor. He was totally down to earth. One of his clients described Bob as “a classic. He broke the mold. He was irreverent in the greatest sense of the term.” Others described Bob as one of the kindest men they knew. His sisters called him their big teddy bear.

Most of all, Bob was a family man. He loved spending time with his family, enjoying the outdoors and assuming the role of grill master for picnics and parties. Bob was a faithful teacher, coach and cheerleader for his daughter and nieces. He passed on his love for skating, golfing, fishing, boating, skiing, camping, you name it.

Bob was a faithful Boise State fan and attended many of their games with family and friends. If you go to a game and listen very carefully, you may still hear Bob’s booming voice cheering on his home team. We cannot see Bobby, but we know he will always be with us.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife Anita Gallagher, mother Thomasina Gallagher, sister Gail (Jerry Cole) Gallagher, brother William “Chip” (Carol) Gallagher, sister Felista (Skip Murray) Gallagher, brother Kevin Gallagher, sister Ann Gallagher, and sister Beth Gallagher, daughter Tabitha Gallagher, step-daughter Tami Vandeman, grandchildren Ashley Tooke-Robinson and Sol Vandeman, and many nieces and nephews, including MacKenzie Gallagher Wood, Katharine Gallagher Downey, Jacquelyn and Melina Gallagher. Bob was preceded in death by his father William Francis Gallagher IV.

A memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, Aug. 18 at 11 a.m. at St. Bernard’s Church in Saranac Lake with the Rev. Patrick Ratigan officiating, followed by a burial at Harrietstown Cemetery. Afterward there will be a reception Saranac Village at Will Rogers in Saranac Lake.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Bernard’s Church capital campaign or the Ecumenical Council of Saranac Lake to support the Samaritan House or the Tri-Lakes Humane Society.
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