When your sister wins Olympic gold

The news department of the College shared this report:

POV: Your sister wins Olympic Gold  

Overtime at the 2026 Winter Olympics is not for the faint of heart.

A few rows up from the rink accounting alum and former men’s ice hockey player Casey Winn ’22 gripped his brothers Ryan and Tommy, as the U.S. women’s ice hockey team faced Canada for the gold medal.

When the puck hit the back of the net, Casey didn’t just see a championship for Team USA. He saw his little sister, Haley Winn, watching her entire life’s work culminate in a single moment.

“It was the best moment of my life for sure,” Casey said. “That moment when they won gold — we saw everything she’s done her whole life paying off in one second.”

With just a month’s notice before Haley’s debut at the 2026 Winter Olympics the three brothers sprang into packing mode. One detail mattered more than most: matching outfits.

It’s more than an outfit.

“It’s not about us,” said Ryan Winn. “It’s about the women on the ice.”

“We were just being ourselves,” Casey said. “We couldn’t just wear the same outfit every game. It’s the Olympics — we had to go all in.”

From classic matching USA hockey jerseys to Bald Eagle masks to American flag rompers with matching bucket hats, the brothers went all out to show their support for their sister Haley and the U.S. team.

Their bold outfits, over-the-top antics, and overwhelming support for their sister made them stand out among the crowd. Clips and photos of the brother’s went viral on social media and their popularity led to features on NBC, The New York Times, The Today Show, Associated Press, and more.

 Casey Winn ’22 handshakes Snoop Dogg in Milan, on the set of The Today Show.

“We were on our way up to the studio when someone from Today told us, ‘Oh, by the way, Snoop Dogg is up there too,’” said Casey. “I immediately thought, ‘Do not mess up on The Today Show in front of Snoop Dogg.’ He’s a huge Olympics fan, and when we met him, he couldn’t have been nicer.”

While their outfits and videos grabbed media attention, their goal was simple – to bring as much attention to the U.S. women’s ice hockey team as possible.

After their over-the-top USA outfits went viral, the Winn family heads to The Today Show in Milan to show their support for their sister on the U.S. women’s ice hockey team.

“We were grateful that people were supporting us,” Casey said. “As long as we brought attention to the U.S. women’s ice hockey team, that was our main goal, and they deserved it.”

The siblings’ passion for hockey began at a young age. While Casey’s father never played, he fell in love with the sport while attending Clarkson University and later built a backyard ice for his four children to practice in every winter. As a teenager at Bishop Kearney High School, Haley was selected for the USA program joining the U18 (Under-18) Team, beginning her training on the path toward Olympic gold.

“At every level, she kept getting better and she dominated,” Casey said. “It started to cross our minds that one day our sister could be in the Olympics.”

Returning home to Rochester, New York, after Haley secured a gold medal for the U.S. team, Casey remembered a special moment he shared with his sister years ago.

“She had a yearbook picture from when she was six years old that said, ‘Dream Job: Hockey Olympian,’” Casey said. “Seeing her live out that dream is something I’ll never forget.”

Fun times from the past

 

The hockey world is buzzing about the Sabres-Lightning game that saw 15 goals and 102 penalty minutes. ESPN even called it "one of the most entertaining games you'll ever see".

Such a game once happened at Brockport...16 goals and 96 penalty minutes.

On the night of Tuesday, October 17, 2000, the College at Brockport played one of its most exciting games in team history, an exhibition game against Humber College out of Toronto, Ontario.

The sparse crowd of 250 fans saw a game of epic proportions. It was high-scoring affair eventually won by Brockport 9-7 thanks to a 6-goal flurry in the second.

Amidst all that goal scoring was physical hockey like you’ve never seen. There were 29 penalties in the match-up, including three 10-minute misconducts and a game disqualification. In total the teams accounted for 96 minutes of penalties.

Then there was what happened after the game: During the post-game handshake a Brockport player had his helmet off and was innocently shaking hands when all of a sudden a Humber player blasted the unprotected and unsuspecting soul right in the nose, instantly bloodying his face.

In a game full of highlight, Brockport’s Nick Smyth had the greatest game ever by a Brockport hockey player. In his first game for the Golden Eagles he scored a school-record 5 goals. An impressive total no doubt. What makes it even more extraordinary is that he scored a natural shorthanded hat trick! How's that for a debut!

Gotkin retires

 

Empire 8 awards

 

The Empire 8 Conference announced its 2025-26 Men’s Hockey Award Winners and All-Conference teams on Thursday, March 5. The awards are voted on by the league's head coaches.

SUNY Brockport forward Nick Reif garnered Rookie of the Year honors. A native of Depew, NY, Reif led the Golden Eagles in scoring this season with 21 points on nine goals and 12 assists in 24 games played. He ended the year with a six-game point-scoring streak with eight points over that stretch. Reif recorded a hat-trick in his second collegiate game, Nov. 1 against Neumann University.

One member of each team was named that institution's representative on the 2025-26 Men’s Hockey Tomorrow’s Leaders Team. This team honors a student-athlete who has emerged as a leader not only on the field of play, but in the classroom and in the community. In addition, they “compete with honor and integrity” and have distinguished themselves and consistently exhibit the critical traits as outstanding sportsmen. Representing Brockport is senior blueliner Josh Higgins.

2025-26 Empire 8 Men’s Hockey All-Conference Selections

Rookie of the Year: Nick Reif

Empire 8 First Team: Nick Reif

Empire 8 Second Team: Kyle Kussman, David Filak

Empire 8 Tomorrow’s Leader: Josh Higgins

Reif is UCHC Rookie of the Year

 

Nick Reif earned UCHC Rookie of the Year honors following a standout debut season as one of Brockport’s key scoring threats.

The Depew, NY natives’ 21 points serve as the most of any Brockport skater since the 2022-23 season, posting the most single-season points by a rookie skater since Jacob King (29) in the 2021-22 season.

Reif raised his level of play as the season went on, finishing the season on a six-game point streak and racking up 11 points (3G, 8A) across his final 11 outings. Earning the program’s first UCHC Rookie of the Year, Reif is the first Golden Eagle since Tim Kielich in 2015-16 to earn conference Rookie of the Year honor.

Brockport loses playoff to Chatham in 3OT

 

In 2020, Brockport played in what would become the 9th longest game in DIII history.

In 2024, that game was pushed to the 10th longest following a lengthy match between Hobart and Curry.

Now, that 2020 game is out of the Top Ten because last night's 3OT loss to Chatham became the sixth-longest DIII game ever.

It was a heartbreaker, but the guys played their hearts out in the amazing game.

Sad that the season is over but so excited for what the future holds. There was a lot of greatness on display this season.

Thank you, guys, for the fun year and for making the Brockport world proud with your accomplishments on and off the ice.


The recap:

In one of the longest contests in Division 3 postseason history, the Brockport Ice Hockey team came up short at RV-Chatham in the UCHC Tournament First Round, 4-3, on Wednesday. February 25th. Despite a valiant 61-save effort from David Filak, the Cougars would secure the golden goal in triple overtime.    

In the first period, the Brockport power play would secure the opening goal of the contest. Textbook puck movement from Manndy Sanchez and Brody Seitz would set up Jacob Gates at the 5:09 mark. Chatham would steal the final goal of the period at the 9:12 mark, seeing Nick Cyprian score for the Cougars.

The Golden Eagles would come out hot in the second period, scoring 1:11 into the period. Manny Sanchez would notch his second assist of the game, with Matthew Lee lighting the lamp to put Brockport ahead 2-1. Nick Reif also added an assist on the Lee goal. Over midway through the period, Nicholas Maria would double the Golden Eagles lead, burying a feed from Brody Seitz to put Brockport up two entering the third period.  

The Cougars delivered an improbable comeback in the third period, scoring just 11 seconds in to cut Brockport's lead to 3-2. Despite 21 third-period saves from David Filak, Chatham would score with the goalie pulled with 1:19 left to send the contest to overtime.

Despite controlling the first overtime, Cameron Kuntar would save 17 Golden Eagle shots to send the game to a second overtime. In an evenly matched second overtime, eight Filak saves would keep Chatham off the scoreboard. Kaleb Miller and Kyle Kussmann would each create scoring chances late, but would be unable to find the golden goal.  

Despite fending off multiple Cougar chances early in the 3OT, Chatham would find the game-winning goal. Breyden Zupsansky would send Chatham to the UCHC Semifinals. 

David Filak provided another outstanding outing for Brockport, setting a new career-high with 61 saves in a strong effort. 

Kyle Kussmann and Andrew Haugh led the Golden Eagles with four blocked shots each. Manny Sanchez and Brody Seitz each recorded two assists for Brockport.

Brockport heads into playoffs

The No. 6-seeded Brockport Ice Hockey team will head to Pittsburgh, PA, to take on No. 3-seeded Chatham University in the UCHC First Round on Wednesday, February 25th at 5:30 PM. The Golden Eagles have reached the UCHC Playoffs in consecutive seasons since joining the conference before the 2024-25 season. 

Last Weekend: Brockport secured a weekend split against #10-ranked SUNY Geneseo, defeating the Knights on the road on Friday, 3-2, before falling at home on Saturday, 5-2. David Filak and Matthew Lee earned Empire 8 and UCHC Weekly Honors following standout performances over the weekend. 

David Filak turned aside a career-high 55 saves, stopping over 96 percent of the shots he faced. The Northville, MI native remained poised under pressure, coming up with 21 saves in the final 20 minutes to secure Brockport's second win of the season over a nationally ranked opponent. 

Matthew Lee earned UCHC Rookie of the Week honors following an excellent outing on Friday against #10 Geneseo, scoring Brockport's first two goals in the Friday win and adding an assist on Saturday.  

Heating Up: Producing a team's second-best 19 points, Manny Sanchez has caught fire at the right time for the Green and Gold. The Potsdam, NY native racked up four points (G, 3A) in Brockport's weekend split against #10 Geneseo, winning 20 of 34 face-offs over the weekend. The junior has hit a new level in the new year, posting 11 points from five goals and six assists across his last nine games. 

Freshmen Firepower: The Golden Eagles' freshmen class has been instrumental in the team's offensive success, accounting for nearly 50% of Brockport's goal production (34G). Nick Reif has led the charge with a team-high nine goals and 20 points, with Matthew Lee (7G, 11A), Kyle Kussmann (4G, 13A), and Brody Seitz (8G, 8A) all posting 16 points or more on the season.

Scouting Chatham: The Cougars earned the #3 seed for the UCHC Tournament, posting a 10-5-1 record in UCHC play. Chatham is currently receiving votes in the USCHO Division III Men's Poll, holding a top #15 ranking in the poll throughout the season. Brockport fared well against Chatham in the regular season, defeating the then #15-ranked Cougars at 2-1 in the latest head-to-head meeting.

Filak and Lee receive weekly honors

On Monday, February 23, the Empire 8 and UCHC conferences announced their selections for Ice Hockey Player, Goaltender, and Rookie of the Week. Brockport netminder David Filak earned Empire 8 Goaltender of the Week and UCHC Co-Goaltender of the Week honors, while Matthew Lee was named UCHC Rookie of the Week. The recognition marks Filak's second weekly honor from both the Empire 8 and UCHC this season.

Earning the start at No. 10 SUNY Geneseo on Friday, Filak delivered a historic performance to power the Golden Eagles to a statement upset victory. Facing 57 shots, the junior turned aside a career-high 55 saves, stopping over 96 percent of the shots he faced. The Northville, MI native remained poised under pressure, coming up with 21 saves in the final 20 minutes to secure Brockport's second win of the season over a nationally ranked opponent.

Matching his teammate's brilliance between the pipes, Matthew Lee played a pivotal role in the historic win over No. 10 Geneseo. The freshman forward lit the lamp twice, scoring Brockport's first two goals to propel the Green and Gold to a 3-2 top-10 triumph. For the week, Lee totaled three points in two games, finishing with two goals and an assist. The Fort Erie, Ontario native has been red-hot of late, compiling 11 points (3G, 8A) over his last eight contests.

Brockport falls to Geneseo

The Brockport Ice Hockey team (10-15, 6-10 UCHC) came up short at home against #10 SUNY Geneseo (17-7-1, 12-4 UCHC), 5-2, on Saturday, February 21st. The Golden Eagles earned a weekend split against the #10-ranked Knights, defeating Geneseo on the road, 3-2, on Friday.

The Knights would waste no time scoring the opening goal, lighting the lamp on the power play just 2:15 into the opening period. Despite the early setback, Brockport would respond on the power play. 

Manny Sanchez would net his seventh goal of the season, with Nick Reif and Jacob Gates adding assists. Sanchez is playing his best hockey of the season, posting seven points (4G, 3A) across his last five outings, including four points (G, 3A) in the weekend series against Geneseo. The Golden Eagles controlled the opening 20 minutes, outshooting Geneseo 13-10.

Geneseo would open the second period similarly, lighting the lamp less than three minutes into the period to take a 2-1 lead at 2:52. Once again, the Brockport special teams unit would find the equalizer. Nick Reif would find the back of the net on the man advantage, scoring his team-leading ninth goal at the 4:26 mark of the period. Brody Seitz and Matthew Lee would add apples to the Reif power play tally. 

The Knights would get the last laugh in the second period, with Alex Dameski's goal giving #10-ranked Geneseo a 3-2 edge going into intermission. Despite a massive 19-7 shots advantage for the visitors, 17 Dax Easter saves would keep the Green and Gold within striking distance. 

Despite scoring chances from Matthew Lee, Michael Kull, Spencer Flansburg, and Nicholas Maria, Geneseo would net the final two goals to secure the 5-2 win. 

Dax Easter was excellent between the pipes in the loss, making 41 saves with several highlight reel stops.

Manny Sanchez was excellent in the face-off circle for Brockport, winning 12-of-18 draws to go with his power-play goal. 

Sacha Trudel led all Golden Eagle skaters with three blocked shots, with Nick Reif leading the team with five shots on the evening.

Brockport stuns #10 Geneseo

The Brockport Ice Hockey Team pulled off a historic upset on Friday night, defeating #10 Geneseo 3-2 on the road. The victory was a breakthrough for the program, snapping a 10-season losing streak to the Knights and ending Geneseo's six-game UCHC win streak.

The win also serves as a critical course correction for the Golden Eagles, who snapped a four-game losing skid of their own while improving to 10-14 on the season, with a 6-9 stamp in conference play.

How It Happened

The Golden Eagles set the tone late in the first period. At the 3:43 mark, Matthew Lee broke the scoreless tie with an even-strength goal, assisted by Manny Sanchez, to give Brockport a 1-0 lead heading into the first intermission.

The lead was doubled early in the second period when Lee struck again for his second of the night at 5:39, this time off a feed from Jacob Gates. Geneseo refused to go away quietly, as the Knights found the back of the net at 17:09 of the middle frame to cut the deficit to 2-1.

Brockport's special teams provided the eventual game-winner in the third period. Jacob Gates buried a power-play goal at the 2:20 mark, assisted by Nick Reif, to extend the cushion to 3-1. Though Geneseo's Greg Diamond scored at 9:17 to bring the Knights within one, the Golden Eagles' defense weathered a late barrage to secure the road win.

Statistical Leaders

The offensive catalyst for the Green and Gold, Matthew Lee, netted two goals on five shots, providing the early momentum Brockport needed to stun the home crowd.

Jacob Gates turned in a multi-point performance with a goal and an assist. His power-play strike in the third period proved to be the decisive tally.

Standing tall in the crease, David Filak was spectacular despite the 57-24 shot discrepancy. Filak recorded a staggering 55 saves on 57 shots, finishing with a .965 save percentage to keep the #10-ranked Knights at bay. Filak's performance serves as one of the best in program history, setting a new career-high in saves

Manny Sanchez & Nick Reif both added crucial assists, with Sanchez setting up the opening goal and Reif providing the primary helper on the game-winning power-play tally.

Brockport gets playoff spot despite big loss

 The Brockport Ice Hockey team (9-14, 5-9 UCHC) was defeated at Nazareth University (14-6-3, 7-5-1), 10-1, on Saturday, February 14th. Despite the setback, the Golden Eagles have clinched a UCHC Championship Tournament Birth. 

The Golden Flyers took over from the opening puck drop, scoring the first of five first-period goals just 2:14 into the contest. Harrsion Dumas and Will Halecki of Nazareth netted two goals each on the evening.

The home team would jump out to a 6-0 lead in the second period, before Brockport would light the lamp on the power play. Brody Seitz would score Brockport's lone tally of the game, with Nick Reid and Nicholas Maria adding assists.

Despite breaking the scoreless drought, the Golden Flyers would net the final four goals of the matchup, picking up three conference points. 

Spencer Flansburg, Andrew Haugh, Nicholas Maria, and Jackson Faughnan all blocked two shots each.

Livio Azevedo led all Brockport skaters with seven shots.

Brockport loses to Naz in OT

The SUNY Brockport men's Ice Hockey team suffered a narrow 4-3 defeat at the hands of Nazareth University on Friday night in the Face Off Against Cancer game. Despite a multi-goal performance from Manny Sanchez and a late third-period rally to force overtime, the Golden Eagles (9-13-0, 5-8-0) saw the extra point slip away in the final seconds of the sudden-death frame.

How It Happened

The Golden Eagles wasted little time establishing a lead at the Wegmans Ice Arena. At the 5:51 mark of the first period, Manny Sanchez found the back of the net off a feed from Matthew Lee to give Brockport the early 1-0 advantage. Exactly one minute later, the momentum surged as Brody Seitz lit the lamp, assisted by Jackson Faughnan, to quickly double the lead. Nazareth began their climb back late in the frame when Owen Heidelberger beat Brockport netminder David Filak to cut the deficit in half before the first intermission.

The second period proved to be a defensive grind, with Brockport's penalty kill being put to the test early after a slashing minor, but Filak and the defensive unit stood tall. Despite several Grade-A chances, including a shot by Joshua Przystal that rang off the pipe, Nazareth eventually found the equalizer at 12:53 when Hudson Nadasdi tied the game at 2-2.

The final frame was a high-stakes affair. Nazareth took their first lead of the night with just over six minutes remaining in regulation. Refusing to go quietly, the Golden Eagles initiated a late-game push. At 16:28 of the third, Manny Sanchez struck again for his second goal of the night, burying a pass from Nick Reif and Michael Kull to knot the score at 3-3. 

In the sudden-death overtime period, both sides had opportunities to end it, with Sanchez nearly ending the game himself on a shot that hit the pipe. However, with only 3.6 seconds remaining on the clock, Nazareth's Blake Frost broke free and scored unassisted to secure the 4-3 victory for the visitors.

Manny Sanchez led the offensive charge for the Golden Eagles, notching two goals on the night. Sanchez was also active in the faceoff circle, winning nine draws.

Brody Seitz provided the other tally for Brockport, finishing the night with a +2 rating and two shots on goal.

Matthew Lee, Nick Reif, Michael Kull, and Jackson Faughnan each chipped in with one assist. Lee was particularly active in the offensive zone, leading the team with three shots on goal.

On the blue line, Nicholas Maria and Dominic Chirico provided stability, with Chirico leading the team with three blocked shots.

In goal, David Filak turned in a gritty performance, making 31 saves on 35 shots faced over nearly 65 minutes of action.

Casey Winn's national pride gets attention

Haley Winn, who hails from the Rochester area, is representing the USA in women's ice hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Hockey is in the family's DNA. Her brother Casey played four seasons with the Golden Eagles, 2017-2018 to 2021-2022. In his collegiate career, the six-foot-two blue-liner suited up in 100 games, tallying four goals, 14 assists, and 62 penalty minutes.

He and his brothers caught a lot of attention at the Olympics due to their patriotic attire.

Check out this story:

https://www.today.com/parents/family/winn-brothers-haley-winn-olympics-hockey-rcna258399

Brockport loses to A.M.

The Brockport Ice Hockey team (9-12, 5-6-1 UCHC) suffered a 3-2 loss against Albertus Magnus (13-8, 7-7 UCHC) on Saturday, February 7th. Despite finding a late goal to cut the two-goal lead to one, Brockport would be unable to find the equalizer.

Kaleb Miller would open the scoring, putting Brockport ahead 1-0 7:48 into the first period. Dominic Chirico would notch his first assist of the season, with Brody Seitz adding his seventh assist of the year on the Miller goal.

Much like Friday's contest, the Falcons stayed one step ahead, with Sam Lozikski burying the final goal of the first period to send the game into the first intermission tied at 1-1. Despite holding a 21-9 shots edge in the period, 20 saves from Dax Easter in the period would keep Brockport within striking distance. 

After 16 minutes of defensive hockey, Albertus Magnus would take a 2-1 lead late in the period. With less than four minutes left in the second period, Kyle Dann would beat Filak at the 16:39 mark to put the Falcons ahead. 

Coming out of the second intermission, Albertus Magnus wasted no time taking a two-goal lead. Linas Dedinas would break loose for an insurance goal just 2:27 into the period, jumping ahead 3-1. 

Excellent puck movement would bring Brockport within one, with excellent passes from Nick Reif and Matthew Lee setting up an empty net for Manny Sanchez. Despite spending five minutes on the power play and numerous scoring chances in the third, Albertus Magnus would stand tall to escape with a 3-2 UCHC victory. 

Matthew Lee led the Golden Eagles with six shots, adding an assist, serving as his ninth of the season. 

Josh Higgins sacrificed his body throughout the contest, leading all skaters with four blocked shots.

Jacob Gates, Kaleb Miller (G), and Schuyler Flansburg were all assists on the ice for Brockport, all finishing with a +1 rating.

Dax Easter provided a strong outing in the loss, saving 33 of the 36 shots he faced.

Brockport falls to Albertus Magnus, 5-1

The Brockport Ice Hockey team (9-11, 6-6-1 UCHC) was defeated on Willie Bee Foundation Jersey Night against Albertus Magnus (12-8, 6-7 UCHC), 5-1, on Friday, February 6th.

The Golden Eagles started strong out of the gate, scoring the opening goal of the contest just 39 seconds in. Strong passing from Jacob Gates and Brody Seitz would set up Kaleb Miller's goal on the opening shot of the game. Falcon goaltender Caleb Chabot would embark on an excellent turnaround, making 25 straight saves to blank Brockport across the final 59:21 of the contest. 

Albertus Magnus would halt Brockport's momentum in a hurry, scoring the final three goals of the first period. At the 8:36 mark of the period, Sam Lozinski would find the equalizer, tying the contest at 1-1. The Falcons would capitalize on a string of Brockport penalties, netting two power-play goals in the final 5:45 of the period to take a 3-1 lead into the second intermission. 

The second period would see the Brockport offense generate scoring chances, outshooting Albertus Magnus 10-6. Despite scoring chances from Matthew Lee, Kyle Kussmann, Victor Malzahn, and Josh Grund in the period, the Falcons would net the lone goal of the period. With 1:30 left until intermission, Bailey Kirwin would take advantage of a Brockport turnover to light the lamp, taking a three-goal lead into the final 20 minutes.

Despite generating two power-play chances in the third period, the Albertus Magnus defense would stand tall, keeping Brockport off the scoreboard to cruise to a 4-1 road victory.

David Filak picked up the start for Brockport, making 21 saves on 25 shots on goal on the evening. 

Matthew Lee led all Golden Eagles in the shots department, firing five shots, all coming in the third period. 

Jackson Faughnan was excellent on defense for the Green and Gold, finishing as the lone Golden Eagle with a +1 rating. 

Victor Malzahn put his body on the line throughout the evening, leading all skaters with three blocked shots. 

Special teams dictated the contest, with Albertus Magnus finishing 2/4 on the power-play compared to Brockport's 0/7 on the man advantage.

Lee is honored

Matthew Lee was announced as this week’s Empire 8 and UCHC Ice Hockey Co-Athlete of the Week after a pair of 3 point outings for the freshman.

Last Tuesday, the Golden Eagles brought home an impressive 6-1 victory at Fredonia, where Lee finished with three assists. Lee then contributed strongly to the team’s 5-2 Senior Day win over Fredonia on Saturday, with two goals and one assist.