On Monday, November 4th, Spencer Flansburg was named the Empire 8 Men's Ice Hockey Player of the Week following a strong weekend at the Buffalo State Bengals Classic.
Across two games for the Golden Eagles on the week, Flansburg tallied
three points with two goals and an assist. In Brockport's 2-2 shootout
loss against Saint Anselm, Flansburg sent the game into overtime with a
clutch goal at the 18:21 mark of the third period. He would finish with
five shots on the day in addition to winning 75% of his faceoffs.
Flansburg had another big day against Misericordia, adding another goal
and an assist in Brockport's 5-5 shootout loss on Saturday. He would
pick up his assist on Mitchell Haight's power-play goal in the second period and netted Brockport's 5th goal of the day on the power-play in the third period.
Two games into the season, Flansburg leads Brockport in goals (2, T-1)
and points (3). He posted four goals and nine assists for 13 points in
his freshman season in 2023-24.
The Brockport hockey team tied against Misericordia at the Buffalo State Bengals Classic, 4-4, on Saturday, November 2nd. The Golden Eagles came up short in the shootout, 2-0, falling to 0-0-2 to begin the season.
The Golden Eagles would light the lamp on their first shot, with Sacha Trudel finding Kaleb Miller for the opening goal of the contest.
Misericordia would respond at the 8:23 mark of the second to tie the
game at 1-1 before the Golden Eagles would strike for the next three
goals.
Mitchell Haight would score his first goal as a Golden Eagle on the power play at the 13:40 mark of the second before Victor Malzahn netted the final goal of the 2nd to put Brockport up 3-1 entering the third period.
The Brockport power play would strike again, this time with Spencer Flansburg scoring 9:11 into the third to give Brockport a 4-1 advantage.
The Cougars would control the remainder of the contest, scoring three goals in 8:18 to tie the game at 4-4 and force overtime.
Dax Easter would come up big in overtime, making three of his 20 saves on the day to force a shootout.
The Golden Eagles were unable to break through in the shootout, falling 2-0 and coming away with a point.
Brockport was excellent in the faceoff circle, winning 40 of 66 chances.
The Brockport hockey team tied in the season opener against Division 2
Saint Anselm College in Buffalo, 2-2, on Friday, November 1st. The Golden Eagles would fall in the shootout (3-2) to move to 0-0-1 to begin the season.
Both goaltenders would put on a show in the opening period, with Brockport goalie Cole Hudson making eight of a combined 18 saves between the two goaltenders.
The Hawks would net the opening tally, with Hunter Brackett scoring an
unassisted goal at the 3:34 mark of the second to put Saint Anselm up
1-0.
With just two minutes until the second intermission, Brockport would grab some much-needed momentum. It would come from Chase Maxwell finding Victor Malzahn for Brockport's opening goal, tying the score at 1-1 entering the 3rd period.
Much like the second period, Saint Anselm would score early in the
third, with Patrick DeMarinis putting the Hawks back ahead 3:59 into the
3rd period.
The Golden Eagles would not back down, finding the tying goal in the third with just 1:39 left in regulation. Freshman Sacha Trudel found Spencer Flansburg for a clutch goal to tie the score at 2-2, and send the game into overtime.
Cole Hudson would come up big in overtime, making four of his 21 saves in the overtime period to force a shootout.
Kaleb Miller and Mitchell Haight would light the lamp in the shootout, but Hawks goalie Cam Carroll would stand strong to give Saint Anselm the extra point.
The faceoff battle was virtually even, with Brockport going 36-34 in the circle.
Spencer Flansburg
led Brockport in shots, firing five shots and adding a goal in the
contest. Flansburg also led the team with a +2 rating on the day.
The Brockport hockey team will return to the ice for a pair of exhibition games at home this weekend to kickstart the new campaign. The Golden Eagles will host the EHL All-Stars on Friday, October 25th at 7pm before taking on Morrisville on Saturday, October 26th at 6pm.
2023-24 Recap: The men finished the 2023-24 season with an 8-14-4 record, posting a 5-9-2 record in SUNYAC play. The Golden Eagles secured a spot in the SUNYAC Tournament, eventually falling to the #4 seed Cortland Red Dragons on the road, 5-1, in the opening round. Connor Galloway led the offense with seven goals (T-1), 12 assists, and 19 points. Chase Maxwell was close behind with seven goals and 16 points. Jordan Rosenbaum led the defensive effort with a team-high 30 blocked shots. Dylan Wiemer served as the primary goaltender, making 546 saves on the season with a 3.29 goals allowed average.
Seven Golden Eagles were named AHCA Scholar All-Americans, including Dominic Chirico, Josh Higgins, Connor Roach, Trevor Joule, Andrew Harley, Michael Meredith, and Schuyler Flansburg.
Specialty Games: Brockport will host the Golden Flyers of Nazareth on Friday, December 6th at 7 p.m. for the annual Teddy Bear Toss before hosting Chatham for Alumni Night on Saturday, January 18th at 4 p.m. The Willie Bee Foundation Jersey Night game is the next special event on the schedule, coming against Utica on Friday, January 31st at 7 p.m. A week removed from the 31st, Brockport will host Geneseo in the Face Off Against Cancer Game on February 7th at 7 p.m. The Golden Eagles will then host Senior Night against Nazareth on Saturday, February 15th at 4 p.m.
Key Returners: The Green and Gold return 19 members of the 2023-24 squad, including several top scorers. Chase Maxwell returns as Brockport's second top scorer from 2023-24, posting seven goals and nine assists for 16 points. The Golden Eagles return six of its top nine scorers, including Josh Grund (6G, 9A), Spencer Flansburg (4G, 9A), Manny Sanchez (4G, 8A), Schuyler Flansburg (4G, 4A), and Michael Meredith (4G, 4A). Holding down the defensive line, Brockport returns top defensemen Jordan Rosenbaum, Ryan Brow, Jacob Rodrigue, and Dominic Chirico as well as goalies David Filak and Trevor Joule. The 2024-25 squad will boast a strong mix of returning production and fresh faces.
Captains: Brockport will be represented by captains Mitchell Haight and Michael Meredith, alongside assistant captains Chase Maxwell and Dominic Chirico. Haight will serve as a captain in his graduate season, coming to Brockport following four years at Elmira.
Fresh Faces: The Golden Eagles welcome 11 new members to the program, including freshmen Livio Azevedo, Connor McAleer, Sacha Trudel, Joseph Nikac, Kaleb Miller, Andrew Haugh, Dax Easter, Micheal Holland, and Aidan Taylor. Junior transfer goalie Cole Hudson joins Brockport following stints at D1 Vermont and D2 American International, with defenseman Mitchell Haight transferring in following four years at Elmira.
Up Next: Following a pair of exhibition games, the Golden Eagles will open the season in Buffalo for the Buffalo State Bengals Classic, beginning on Friday, November 1st.
The United Collegiate Hockey Conference is pleased to announce its 2024-25 Men's Preseason Coaches' Poll. The 2024-25 UCHC Preseason Poll is voted on by all six league coaches with three-time defending champion Utica University selected as the top team in the conference at the start of the year for the seventh consecutive season.
Utica garnered five of the six first place votes and 25 total points. Utica has won all seven regular season championships since the conference began play in 2017-18. The Pioneers are attempting to win their sixth UCHC title, having also won in 2017-18, 2019-20, 2021-22, 2022-23 and last season. The Pioneers rolled to an impressive 24-3-3 record in 2023-24, including a 19-0-1 mark in UCHC play. Utica, who begins the season ranked No. 4 nationally, advanced to the 2024 NCAA Division III Frozen Four.
UCHC newcomer SUNY Geneseo earned the other first place vote and is selected to finish second in the 2024-25 preseason poll. The Knights begin the season ranked seventh nationally after finishing the 2023-24 season with a 21-6-0 record, while earning the SUNYAC Regular Season Championship and advancing to the opening round of the NCAA Tournament.
Nazareth University, who advanced to the 2023 UCHC Championship game and earned a UCHC postseason berth last season, is selected to finish third overall with 14 points.
Manhattanville University and UCHC newcomer SUNY Brockport both earned 11 points in the preseason poll, tied for fourth. Manhattanville finished fifth in the UCHC standings last season, advancing to the opening round of the league tournament. Brockport won eight games advanced to the first round of the SUNYAC Tournament last season.
Chatham University garnered eight points overall and is predicted to finish sixth. Last season, the Cougars placed sixth in the UCHC standings and advanced to the first round of the UCHC Tournament.
2024-25 UCHC Men's Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Utica – 25 Points (5 First Place Votes)
2. SUNY Geneseo – 21 Points (1 First Place Vote)
3. Nazareth - 14 Points
T4. SUNY Brockport – 11 Points
T4. Manhattanville - 11 Points
6. Chatham - 8 Points
Next week, the UCHC will unveil its 2024-25 Players to Watch. Exhibition action continues this weekend before the regular season formally begins on Friday, Nov. 1. Conference play starts a week later.
Tod was a devout Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, and New York Mets fan. His many joys included his Polish heritage, cooking, faith, and helping others. He was also a favorite Zamboni driver of many in the Brockport community for many years.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday October 12th at 11am at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Brockport, NY.
Joe Nikac of the Ontario Junior Hockey League’s St. Michael’s Buzzers has confirmed his commitment to SUNY Brockport beginning with the 2024-25 season.
Nikac spent three-plus years with the Burlington Cougars of the OJHL before joining the Buzzers part way through the 2023-24 season.
He had 40 (11 goals/29 assists) points in 54 games last season.
“Congratulations to Joe on his commitment to Brockport,” Buzzers General Manager and Head Coach Rich Ricci said. ”I know he took his time this summer and had some options before his choice."
Joe brings Brockport size and skill along with a strong work ethic.
An alumnus of the hockey team has passed away. Dave Hostetter played for the Golden Eagles in the 1970s and graduated from the college in 1979. Our hearts go out to his family and friends.
Here is Dave's obituary...
David W. Hostetter
June 24, 1957 — August 20, 2024
David W Hostetter of Rochester passed away August 20, 2024 from a 2 year battle with cancer. He was born in Montreal, Quebec Canada.
Predeceased by his parents B.David and Madge Hostetter, sister Bonnie Collins, father-in-law and mother-in-law Louis and Marge Canale. Survived by his wife Susan, sons Jonathan and Eric (Kaylee), sister-in-law Luanne (Greg) Kovacs of Atlantic Beach Fl, brother-in-law John (Cindy) Canale of Batavia NY, aunt Sarah Hostetter of Boston MA, his Canadian family, furry friends Milo and Marley, many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Dave received his undergraduate degree from SUNY Brockport and his Masters degree from RIT. He was an IT Executive at Bausch and Lomb, RIT where he retired and Goodwill of the Finger Lakes where he completed his professional career.
Hockey was a huge part of Dave’s life. He played goalie for 42 years beginning at 8 years old in Canada. In addition to playing the sport, he coached Jonathan and Eric from youth hockey up through college hockey at St Bonaventure University. Loved by all he coached.
Dave was a car enthusiast with a passion for Porsches. He was a member of the Niagara Region of the Porsche Club of America for 38 years holding leadership positions of President, VP, Board Member, Driver Ed Committee Member, Driver Ed Instructor and Driver Ed Classroom lead. He was an advocate and instructor for Street Survival. He drove his Porsches on numerous tracks, but his favorite by far was Watkins Glen International which he drove too many times to count.
He had a good ride.
At Dave’s request, there will be no public service held.
In memory of Dave, donations can be made to Sunset House 3746 St Paul Blvd Rochester NY 14617.
The Binghamton Black Bears are proud to announce that forward, Scott Ramaekers, has been re-signed for the the 2024-25 season. The SUNY Brockport alum played in eight regular-season games last year.
In his second game with the Black Bears, Ramaekers scored two goals against the Elmira River Sharks. He spent six years as a member of the Buffalo Jr. Sabers organization. Prior to joining the Black Bears, the 26-year-old had played the last four seasons with the Golden Eagles in the SUNYAC. In 91 games with Brockport, Ramaekers recorded 16 goals and added 20 assists.
The American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA) has once again recognized varsity ice hockey players who compiled exceptional results in the classroom during the 2023-24 season with the announcement of the eighth annual “Krampade All-American Scholars”. Brockport men’s hockey placed seven student-athletes on the All-American Scholars list including sophomore defensemen Dominic Chirico, freshman forward Schuyler Flansburg, senior forward Andrew Harley, sophomore defensemen Joshua Higgins, freshman goalie Trevor Joule, senior forward Michael Meredith and freshman forward Connor Roach. To qualify, a student-athlete must have attained a 3.75 GPA for each semester and had to appear in 40% of the team’s games.
Date Time At Opponent Location
Oct 25 (Fri) 7 PM Home EHL All-Stars Brockport, N.Y.
Oct 26 (Sat) 6 PM Home SUNY Morrisville Brockport, N.Y.
Nov 1 (Fri) 2 PM Neutral Saint Anselm College Buffalo, N.Y.
Nov 2 (Sat) TBD Neutral TBD Buffalo, N.Y.
Nov 8 (Fri) 7 PM Away Manhattanville University Purchase, NY
Nov 9 (Sat) 3 PM Away Manhattanville University Purchase, NY
Nov 15 (Fri) 7 PM Away Utica University Utica, N.Y.
Nov 16 (Sat) 5 PM Home Utica University Brockport, N.Y.
Nov 22 (Fri) 7 PM Away SUNY Geneseo Geneseo, N.Y.
Nov 23 (Sat) 4 PM Home SUNY Geneseo Brockport, N.Y.
Dec 6 (Fri) 7 PM Home Nazareth University Brockport, N.Y.
Dec 7 (Sat) 3 PM Away Nazareth University Rochester, N.Y.
Jan 10 (Fri) 7 PM Away Fredonia Fredonia, N.Y.
Jan 11 (Sat) 7 PM Away Elmira College Elmira, N.Y.
Jan 17 (Fri) 7 PM Home Chatham University Brockport, N.Y.
Jan 18 (Sat) 4 PM Home Chatham University Brockport, N.Y.
Jan 21 (Tue) 5 PM Home Fredonia Brockport, N.Y.
Jan 24 (Fri) 7 PM Home Manhattanville University Brockport, N.Y.
Jan 25 (Sat) 3 PM Home Manhattanville University Brockport, N.Y.
Jan 31 (Fri) 7 PM Home Utica University Brockport, N.Y.
Feb 1 (Sat) 7 PM Away Utica University Utica, N.Y.
Feb 7 (Fri) 7 PM Home SUNY Geneseo Brockport, N.Y.
Feb 8 (Sat) 7 PM Away SUNY Geneseo Geneseo, N.Y.
Feb 14 (Fri) 7 PM Away Nazareth University Rochester, N.Y.
Feb 15 (Sat) 4 PM Home Nazareth University Brockport, N.Y.
Feb 21 (Fri) 7 PM Away Chatham University Pittsburgh, P.A.
Feb 22 (Sat) 3 PM Away Chatham University Pittsburgh, P.A.
Feb 26 (Wed) TBA Neutral UCHC - 1st Round TBD
Mar 1 (Sat) TBA Neutral UCHC - Semifinals TBD
Mar 8 (Sat) TBA Neutral UCHC - Finals TBD
The Tampa Bay Juniors are proud to announce that forward Livio Azevedo has committed to play next season with SUNY Brockport. Brockport is located in Western New York.
“I am very grateful that TBJ, offered me a key forward position in the first line and brought me into their hockey family.” Stated Livio. “Great people and environment to be in. The coaching team has built a superior program, offering every player opportunities to enhance themselves and excel. Coupled with a state of the art facility, there are ample opportunities to get better on and off the ice.
“We were very fortunate to land a player of Livio’s talents!” Remarked Head Coach Garrett Strot. “Livio is one of the most complete players I have coached. He is a complete 200 foot player and the ultimate team guy! Livio will be an impact for Brockport from day one and be an assest not only to the hockey team but the school.”
“I came in with a strong foundation in the cognitive, neurological and athletic side of the game. For me it is important to keep working on those areas and that was the first and only place in junior hockey where I could do so, and where my talent was recognized and appreciated.” Continued Azevedo. “Especially with Brett who specialises his knowledge on the cognitive side, and speed of the game. Garrett and Brett assisted us through the season and we all can agree that we improved every single day. They knew what to do and respected every single players area of opportunity and worked on it individually. It was by far my best year with the greatest staff and teammates in junior hockey and I take every single moment with me. I wanna thank Tasha and Kuba for their great support, and a big thank you to Kevin being in the office every day doing the administration. The biggest thank you goes to the Strots, all their effort and passion behind what they do is enormous, a lot of respect to all of you!”
“I visited Brockport the first time I came to the States. It is a good place to study and pursue my passion for hockey at the same time. They have a solid sports management program and a great hockey facility, which allow me to focus on my education and hockey equally.”
The Tampa Bay Juniors wish Livio the best of luck as he continues his hockey journey!
“It is with gratitude and appreciation that I embarked on the next steps in my journey and am grateful for the TBJ team and all you have done for me.”
Andrew
Harley is going to Oswego for his graduate studies and that's where his
fourth year of eligibility will be played. Harley was an assistant
captain last season and notched 74 points in 77 games during his time
with the Golden Eagles. He was also named to the All-SUNYAC 3rd team at
the close of the '21-'22 season.
The Oakville Blades have announced forward Aidan Taylor has committed to Brockport.
In 52 games played (counting the playoffs) this past season, he had a 12-17-29 line.
“I’m super excited to continue my academic and hockey career at Brockport. I’d like to thank my friends, family, and everyone who has got me to this point.” - Aidan Taylor
Michael Gershon ('09) was an impressive hard-hitting defenseman for the Golden Eagles. In 2008, he scored a hat trick (the first Brockport blueliner to ever do so) in a 7-2 demolition of Geneseo and was awarded Second Team All-SUNYAC honors that same season.
Here's some news about Michael and Chatham University:
On Tuesday, Chatham Vice President of Athletics and Recreation Leonard Trevino announced the return of Michael Gershon as Head Men's Hockey Coach.
"We are excited to welcome Coach Gershon back to our program and look forward to the future of Men's Hockey at Chatham," said Trevino.
Gershon, who departed Chatham before this past season, is the program's all-time wins leader (28) and led the Cougars to their first winning season (2022-23) and first postseason appearance (2021-22).
The Central Canada Hockey League and the Kemptville 73’s are pleased to announce goaltender Dax Easter has committed to SUNY Brockport for the 2024/25 season.
The 2003 born Brockville, ON native completed three seasons in the CCHL. This season, ending with the 73’s earning a record of 4-2 with a 2.62 GAA and 0.917 SVV%.
Prior to joining the 73’s this season, Easter played for the RSL Kings U14 AA/U15 AA, Cornwall Colts U18 AAA, Cornwall Colts, Brockville Braves and the Smiths Falls Bears.
Sacha Trudel of the Idaho Falls Spud Kings has committed to Brockport. The left winger from Quebec had a 2-13-15 line in 28 games for the Spud Kings this past season and wore the "C".
Said Trudel: "I am proud and honored to announce my commitment to play NCAA hockey at SUNY Brockport. Thank you to my family, teammates, coaches and everyone that helped me and supported me along the way. A special thank you to Erik Hudson, John Becanic, Susan and Ken Rhodes, and Spud Kingdom for an unforgettable end to my junior career."
GM Erik Hudson commented, “Sacha is exactly what we look for in players for the Spud Kings’ organization. His dedication, character, and hard work throughout his hockey career have afforded him the chance to play at the next level- which is NCAA hockey. We will miss Sacha, but he will always be a Spud King.”
The
Dallas Stars are onto the next round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs after
defeating the defending champion Las Vegas Golden Knights 2-1 in game 7
of the first round. Shout out to the Stars head athletic trainer and
SUNY Brockport Class of 1992 graduate Dave Zeis, who you can read more
about in this profile posted by the College:
Dave Zeis ’92, a lifelong hockey fan and player, came
to Brockport to study physical education and play on the hockey team.
But after sustaining a knee injury he attended rehab and began to gain
an interest in the field of sports medicine.
More than 30 years after his graduation, Zeis is in his 17th season as
Head Athletic Trainer for NHL team the Dallas Stars — and the passion
he developed at Brockport is what brought him to this point.
Dave Zeis posing in front of a hockey rink
“Brockport was vital in preparing me for what I do now. This is
where I learn sports. This is where I learn the techniques. But more
importantly, it gave me an avenue to get to this level,” Zeis said. “It
was just a big network that really, really panned out to help me get
into the professional side of hockey.”
Zeis credits the amount of educational experience he had working with
athletes and injuries to the size of SUNY Brockport compared to larger
institutions.
“In a lot of these Division I schools, you don’t even work with the
athletes. They have hired staff,” Zeis said. “But at a smaller
university like Brockport, you’re getting a much more hands-on
experience. In my opinion, it’s much more exciting.”
Zeis initially worked in theEast Coast Hockey League, followed by some time inminor
league hockey with the Rochester Americans. There, he served as an
assistant athletic trainer until he moved into the major league in 2007
for his first season with the Dallas Stars. That very same season he was promoted to Head Athletic Trainer — the position he holds to this day.
“You always want to work at your highest level, no matter what your
job is, right? So, for us in hockey, it’s the National Hockey League,”
Zeis said. “I’ve worked in the world championships with Team USA.
Working with the best of the best players is something I take pride in.”
Zeis recalled the 2022 incident in which Damar Hamlin, wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills, collapsed mid-game
of cardiac arrest. This major event in the world of athletic training
made an often-unseen job visible as Bill’s Athletic Trainer, Denny Kellington, gained widespread praise for his quick action.
“We actually had a similar event in Dallas
about nine years ago. We had a player go into cardiac arrest and it
actually helped design some of our protocols in the NHL,” Zeis said. “I
think I’ve had three incidents that have been life-threatening
situations. A lot of the things that we do are repetitive so we can be
prepared. And then when something happens, everything falls into place.
That’s where your skills and your tools and your education really come
in.”
The Brockport men's hockey team is participating in the Brockport Day of Giving on March 6th. Every little bit helps, no matter the size of the gift. Thank you so much for considering.
Today marks the end of an era in Brockport as Jimmy Z's closes. "Thank you!" to Jimmy for all the memories created over the past 21 years and for the incredible support of ice hockey and Brockport athletics.
Last night’s playoff loss wasn’t just the end of the season, it was the end of an era, too.
It was Brockport’s final game as a member of the SUNYAC.
It’s bittersweet, for sure.
I’ll miss it. As a fan who’s been watching the team since the 1993-1994 season, the SUNY rivalry is all I’ve ever known.
For me, that’s 30 years of SUNYAC teams that we all knew inside and out, intense rivalries that we all understood, and foes who we at once respected yet saw as maddening thorns in our side – whether it was a determined coach like Plattsburgh’s Bob Emery or a slick defenseman like the Cardinals’ Nick Rolls or a big-time goal scorer like Oswego’s Mike Lukajic or an impenetrable goalie like Mike DeLaVergne of Buffalo State.
So many great players.
So many great games.
So many great memories.
Memories are all that SUNYAC will now be to fans like me.
Memories are all that SUNYAC will be to the men who laced up and will lace up their skates for Brockport.
Think of them and things they experienced, such as: Finally ridding the Golden Eagles of the long-held Plattsburgh curse and then having a bunch of ultra-competitive games with the Cardinals, including one of the longest games in NCAA history....making the playoffs in 2008-2009, hosting that statement game against Potsdam, and then routinely making the playoffs after that…the long road trips to the North Country during which the coaches and the guys could bond.
But, for all that we will miss about SUNYAC, the future is exciting.
There’s a new conference for players and fans next season -- the United College Hockey Conference.
New rivalries will be made as Brockport and Geneseo will compete for conference glory with Chatham, Manhattanville, Nazareth, Neumann, Utica, and Wilkes.
It will be interesting to see new grudges develop, to witness new talents twice a year and in the playoffs, and to wonder what new moments will come.
I’m sad about losing a beloved tradition, but happy about gaining a different future.
Thank you, SUNYAC, for what was for this fan three decades of really awesome hockey.
