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.

Jersey auction

Ice Hockey will host its annual Willie  Bee Foundation Jersey Night on Friday against Albertus Magnus at 7 PM. Brockport will don special edition uniforms as a tribute to the Willie Bee Foundation.

The Willie Bee Foundation is a non-for-profit charity founded in 2017 to benefit families who have a child facing a life-threatening illness. The foundation was founded in memory of Will, who lost his life after a battle with AT/RT.

Head to GoBrockport.com to support the Willie Bee Foundation, or use the link below. You can place a bid by emailing head coach Brian Dickinson at bdickins@brockport.edu. Bidding will start at $50! 

https://gobrockport.com/sports/2018/11/27/wiiliebee-night-jersey-auction.aspx

Brockport sweeps Fredonia

 The SUNY Brockport men's ice hockey team put the finishing touches on a regular season sweep of Fredonia on Saturday afternoon, skating to a 5-2 victory at the Wegmans Ice Arena. On a day dedicated to honoring the program's seniors, the Golden Eagles (9-10, 5-4-1 UCHC) relied on a relentless power play and timely scoring to secure their third consecutive win over the Blue Devils this season.

How It Happened

The contest got off to a frantic start when Fredonia's Luke Morris found the back of the net just eight seconds after the opening draw. Undeterred by the early deficit, the Golden Eagles responded at the 4:17 mark of the first period as Aidan Taylor beat the Blue Devil netminder to knot the score at 1-1. While Morris would briefly reclaim the lead for Fredonia midway through the frame, Brockport's special teams began to take over.

With less than a minute remaining in the opening period, Matthew Lee buried a power-play tally off feeds from Taylor and Kyle Kussmann to send the teams into the first intermission deadlocked at two.

The middle frame proved to be a defensive battle, but Brockport struck the decisive blow in the final second. With just 0.1 seconds remaining on the clock, Brody Seitz lit the lamp on the man advantage to give the Golden Eagles their first lead of the night. The "buzzer-beater" PPG, assisted by Manny Sanchez and Nick Reif, swung the momentum permanently in favor of the Green and Gold.

Brockport broke the game open in the final 20 minutes. Jacob Gates extended the cushion to 4-2 at the 7:06 mark of the third, finishing a play orchestrated by Kussmann and Lee. The Golden Eagles' power-play unit, which has been lethal of late, put the finishing touches on the victory at 16:02 when Kyle Kussmann found the twine to make it 5-2.

Statistical Leaders

Kyle Kussmann turned in a masterclass performance, figuring into three of the team's five goals. Kussmann finished the night with one goal and two assists, including the primary apple on the third-period insurance marker.

Matthew Lee continued his playmaking excellence, matching a game-high with three points. Lee notched a critical first-period goal and added a pair of assists, serving as the primary playmaker for a power-play unit that finished 3-for-5 on the night.

Aidan Taylor was a force in the offensive zone, recording one goal and one assist. His unassisted tally in the first period provided the immediate spark the Golden Eagles needed after Fredonia's quick start.

Jacob Gates provided stability on the blue line and joined the rush effectively, finishing with a goal and an assist. His third-period strike served as the dagger that effectively ended Fredonia's comeback hopes.

Brody Seitz proved to be the clutch performer of the afternoon, netting the game-winning goal at the end of the second period. Seitz finished with four shots on goal and was a constant nuisance for the Blue Devil defense.

In goal, Dax Easter stood tall for the Golden Eagles, turning aside 26 of 28 shots to earn his seventh win of the season. After a rocky first period, Easter posted 17 straight saves across the final two periods to keep the Blue Devils off the board.

Hockey is in the DNA of the Winn family

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.

Watch the news story about Haley's Olympic dreams here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGP4HISSW7w

Pics from Alumni Weekend

 

Easter gets weekly award

 

The Empire 8 announced Dax Easter as the Goaltender of the Week following a dominating weekend in net in Brockport’s 5-1 win over Manhattanville on Saturday. Easter had a strong performance making 32 saves, allowing only one goal, and finished with an impressive 96.9 save percentage. Easter shutout Manhattanville after their single goal in the first period, and made 25 straight saves in the remainder of the matchup. 

Brockport wins big at Fredonia in Tuesday affair

 The Brockport Ice Hockey team (8-10, 5-4-1 UCHC) rolled past Fredonia (3-13-1, 3-7-1 SUNYAC) on the road, 6-1, on Tuesday, January 27th. The Golden Eagles extended their winning streak in the head-to-head series to five games. 

David Filak (W, 6-5) was strong between the pipes for Brockport, collecting 27 saves and posting an excellent 0.964 save percentage. Filak blanked the Blue Devils across the second and third periods, posting 23 straight saves to close out the contest. 

Proficient work on the power-play would power the Brockport offense, going a perfect three-for-three on the man advantage.

From the opening puck drop, the Golden Eagles would bring the fight to the Blue Devils, outshooting the home team 17-5 in the first period. Brockport would strike first, with Schuyler Flansburg connecting with a goal on the power-play. Fredonia quickly found the equalizer, seeing Sam Chrenka tying the contest at one goal each just 1:17.

The Golden Eagles would get the last laugh in the first period, with Schuyler Flansburg burying another goal just 25 seconds removed from Fredonia's tying goal. Flansburg's second goal would give the Green and Gold a 2-1 edge entering the second period. 

Carrying over the offensive pressure from the first 20 minutes, Brockport would run away with the contest in the second period. Between 8:57 and 15:46 in the second period, the Golden Eagles would explode for three goals, two coming on the power-play. Brody Seitz would light the lamp on the power-play to give Brockport a 3-1 lead, seeing Kyle Kussmann chip in with the first of two assists on the day.

Much like Flansburg in the opening period, Seitz would net his second goal of the contest less than four minutes later, putting Brockport ahead 4-1. Jacob Gates and Kaleb Miller would add apple's on the second Seitz goal. With less than five minutes remaining, Aidan Taylor would notch yet another power-play tally for the Green and Gold. Kyle Kussmann would notch his second assist, with Matthew Lee snatching the first of his two assists. 

Holding a four-goal lead in the final 20 minutes, Brockport would continue to cause damage. Andrew Haugh would net his first career goal to round out the scoring, with the Green and Gold cruising to a 6-1 road win. 

Brockport enjoyed a sizable edge in the faceoff department, winning 35 of 58 faceoff draws. That advantage would carry over into the shots department, outshooting the home team 44-28. 

Brockport gets weekend split against Manhattanville

 The Brockport Ice Hockey team (7-10, 5-4-1 UCHC) rode five unanswered goals to a victory over Manhattanville (3-13-1, 2-6 UCHC) on the road, 5-1, on Saturday, January 25th. The Golden Eagles split the season series with the Valiants, bouncing back from a 5-2 lost on Friday.

Dax Easter (W, 2-4) was a gamechager between the pipes for Brockport, making 32 saves on the afternoon, stopping 97% of the shots he faced on the afternoon. Easter's lone goal allowed came on the power play, saving all 26 shots faced at even strength.    

The Golden Eagles thrived in the face-off department, winning 33 of 62 draws. Sacha Trudel (8-11) and Joshua Prystal (11-19) provided strong efforts in the face-off circle.

The first period would see Brockport create numerous scoring chances, with the Green and Gold out shooting Manhattanville 17-8 across the first 20 minutes. Despite the advantage in the shots department, a late power play would see the home team strike first. At the 16:40 mark of the period, Lucas Baksay would put Manhattanville ahead 1-0, a lead that the Valiants would take into intermission. 

Brockport would come out of the first intermission energized, finding the equalizer less than two minutes into the period. Nick Reif continued his goal scoring run, with his eighth goal of the season tying the game at 1-1 with 18:08 left in the second period. Micheal Kull would provide the assist on Brockport's opening goal. Much like the home team in the first period, Brockport would cause damage late in the period.

Great puck movement from Matthew Lee and Brody Seitz would set up Manny Sanchez on the power play, putting Brockport up 2-1 at the 18:19 mark of the second period. The Golden Eagles would strike again just 24 seconds later, with Josh Grund finding Spencer Flansburg to give Brockport a two goal edge entering the third period. Easter was crucial to Brockport's success in the period, making a game-high 14 saves in the second. 

The Golden Eagles would keep up the pressure in the final 20 minutes, holding Manhattanville without a even strength goal. Over halfway through the third period, Victor Malzahn would light the lamp from the defensemen spot, with Aidan Taylor adding the assist to put Brockport up 4-1. Despite pulling the goalie at the 15:01 mark, Manhattanville would be unable to record a shot on goal, seeing Schuyler Flansburg cash in the empty net goal for Brockport.

10 different Golden Eagles would finish with a point, seeing defensemen Kyle Kussmann and Victor Malzahn lead the pack with a +3 rating. Manny Sanchez and Victor Malzahn led the team with five shots each, both lighting the lamp for the Golden Eagles.

Brockport falls to Manhattanville on Friday

The Brockport Ice Hockey team (6-10, 4-4-1 UCHC) was defeated at Manhattanville (3-12-1, 2-5 UCHC), 5-2, on Friday, January 23rd. 

Both defenses would control the opening 17 minutes of the first period, before a Brockport penalty would put Manhattanville on the man-up late in the period. The Valiant's would strike first, with Tristan D'Elia lighting the lamp on the power play to give Manhattanville a 1-0 edge after 20 minutes.

Less than halfway through the second period, the Golden Eagles would provide the equalizer. Strong puck movement from Kaleb Miller and Brody Seitz would set up Schuyler Flansburg's fifth goal of the season, tying the contest at 1-1 at the 9:41 mark. The Valiant's would end the Brockport comeback effort, connecting for the next three goals of the contest. Manhattanville would jump in front 4-1 with 2:49 left in the second period, scoring three goals in 8:15. The Golden Eagles would cut into the lead entering intermission, seeing Nick Reif net his team leading seventh goal with 1:15 left. Joshua Przystal and Michael Kull would provide assists on Brockport's second goal, cutting the lead to 4-2.

Despite third period scoring chances from Kyle Kussmann, Kaleb Miller, Jacob Gates, Sacha Trudel, and Nicholas Maria, both goaltenders would stand tall in the final period. The home team would net the lone goal of the third period, with Manhattanville cashing in on a empty net to score the 5-2 win at home. 

David Filak (L, 5-5) picked up his fourth straight start for Brockport, making 29 saves on the evening in a strong effort.

Brody Seitz had a strong all-around outing, providing an assist and going two-for-two in the faceoff circle. 

Nicholas Maria led the Golden Eagles defensively with two blocked shots.

Game postponed

Due to weather, the game against Fredonia that was scheduled for Tuesday, January 20th has been moved to January 27th.

Fisher beats Brockport

 The Brockport Ice Hockey team came up short at home against St. John Fisher on Alumni Night, 2-0, on Saturday, January 17th. The Golden Eagles fell to 6-9 overall and 4-3-1 in UCHC contests. 

Despite picking up the loss, David Filak (L, 5-4) kept Brockport within striking distance all evening. Filak would finish with 25 saves to just one goal allowed, saving over 96% of the shots he faced. 

The Cardinals established a offensive advantage early, outshooting Brockport 14-4 in the opening 20 minutes. After nearly 18 scoreless minutes of action, St. John Fisher would hit paydirt late in the period. Elijah Devereaux would light the lamp at the 17:44 mark of the period for what would stand as the game winning goal, putting the Cardinals up 1-0 entering the second period.

The second period would prove to be a back-and-fourth affair, with the Golden Eagles holding a slight 10-9 shots edge in the period. Despite scoring chances from Nick Reif, Nicholas Maria, Livio Azevedo, and Brody Seitz, the Golden Eagles would be held scoreless in the second period. 

Trailing 1-0 late in the third period, a St. John Fisher penalty and pulled goalie set up a final 6v4 push for the Green and Gold. Despite a Manny Sanchez scoring chance in the final minutes, the Cardinals would secure the empty net goal off a untimely Brockport turnover to pick up three conference points.

Livio Azevedo and Matthew Lee led Brockport in the shooting department, firing four shots each.

Dominic Chirico was strong of the defensive backline, blocking a game-high three shots in a strong effort.

Manny Sanchez shined in the faceoff circle, securing seven faceoff wins on 12 attempts.

Brockport beats Fisher

The Brockport Ice Hockey team secured its fourth straight UCHC victory, defeating St. John Fisher in Fairport, 4-2, on Friday, January, 16th. The Golden Eagles improved to 6-8 overall and 4-2-1 in UCHC play after the win. 

The Cardinals jumped in front early, taking a 1-0 lead less than five minutes into the opening period. Ian Emery would light the lamp for St. John Fisher 5:47 into the contest. The Golden Eagles were quick to respond, with Matthew Lee continuing his excellent stretch of play. Aidan Taylor would provide the assist for Lee's fourth goal of the season at the 14:35 mark of the first. 

Entering the second period tied 1-1, the Golden Eagles would impose their will across the next 20 minutes. Brockport would blank St. John Fisher in the second period, adding two goals to enter the third period up 3-1. Less than four minutes removed from intermission, Sacha Trudel would provide the apple for Brody Seitz's third goal of the season, putting Brockport in front 2-1. The Green and Gold would build on recent power play success, seeing Schuyler Flansburg capitalize on the man-up to give the Golden Eagles a two goal lead entering the final 20 minutes. Matthew Lee would add a assist on the man-up goal for his second point of the contest.    

Much like the second period, Brockport would apply pressure to open the third period. Brody Seitz would strike again for the Green and Gold, scoring his second goal of the evening just 1:46 into the third for his first multi-goal game as a Golden Eagle. Fellow freshman Kyle Kussmann would provide the assist, his fifth apple of the season to put Brockport ahead 4-1. Despite a St. John Fisher goal less than three minutes later to cut the lead to 4-2, 14 clutch third period saves from David Filak would secure three key UCHC points for Brockport.

David Filak (W, 5-3) provided another stellar outing, allowing just two goals with 28 saves, stopping over 93% of the shots he faced. 

Kyle Kussmann, Sacha Trudel, and Spencer Flansburg led the shot blocking efforts with two blocked shots each.

The weekend ahead: Fisher and Alumni Night

 The Brockport Ice Hockey team is set for a pair of UCHC matchups, heading to Rochester to battle St. John Fisher on Friday, January 16th at 7 PM. The Golden Eagles will celebrate Alumni Night on Saturday, January 17th, hosting the Cardinals at 4 PM. 

Alumni Night: The Golden Eagles welcome back Ice Hockey Alumni on Saturday, including 15 new inductees to the Brockport Ice Hockey Wall of Honor. The 2025 Wall of Honor inductees include Mike McCadam (1971-75), Tim Wade (1974-78), Bruce Klink (1975-79), Tim Carey (1976-80), Jim Maccollum (1978-82), Scott Welch (1984-88), Terrence "Mugsy" Mulligan (1987-91), Tim Panek (1990-94). Joe Messina (1998-2002), Nick Smyth (2000-03), Tony Marinello (2004-08), Justin Noble (2007-11), Sean Wallace (2010-14), Jeremy DeFazio (2012-16), and Connor Hutchins (2016-20). The 2025 inductees will be honored during a ceremonial puck drop before the start of Saturday's contest. 

Last Outing: The Golden Eagles erased a 2-0 third-period deficit to defeat Elmira on the road, 5-2, on Saturday, January 10th. The Golden Eagles improved to 5-8 overall and 3-2-1 in UCHC play following the win.

Matthew Lee paced the Brockport offensive attack, scoring two goals to fuel the Brockport comeback, finishing with a +2 rating.  

Eight different Golden Eagles finished with a point or better in a true team win. Brockport fared well in the faceoff circle (38-69), with Sacha Trudel leading the way (10-4). 

Ethan Seibert, Livio Azevedo, and Jackson Faughnan led the shot blocking efforts for Brockport, all blocking two shots each. 

Athlete of the Week: Sweeping both the Empire 8 and UCHC Goaltender of the Week awards, David Filak provided an excellent outing in Brockport's comeback win over Elmira. Despite allowing two goals across his first 12 shots faced, Filak would recover to ignite a Brockport comeback. The junior from Northville, MI would stop 18 straight shots, posting a scoreless final 36:16 of the contest to earn his fourth win of the season. Filak finished the evening with 29 saves, stopping 93.5% of the shots he faced, and posting 25+ saves for the sixth straight game.

Filak is in the midst of his best season with the Green and Gold, already surpassing his total wins from 2024-25 (3), and posting a single-game career high in saves (48) against Utica back on November 15th. He leads Brockport goaltenders in saves (233), ranking second in the UCHC conference in saves per game (33.29).

Home Away From Home: Across the squad's last three road contests, the Golden Eagles have rattled off three straight wins, outscoring their opponents 13-6 over that stretch. Brockport picked up six conference points with two wins at Elmira, also defeating Lebanon Valley in Vermont back on November 29th. The Green and Gold will look to stay hot in conference play, winning three straight UCHHC contests entering the weekend.  

Scouting St. John Fisher: The Cardinals will enter Friday's contest with an 8-6 record and a 2-4 mark in UCHC play as first-year members. Brockport will look to bounce back from a 4-2 non-conference loss against the Cardinals back in November.