MCNAB & GERSHON GO TO TRAINING CAMP

The Port Huron Icehawks of the IHL issued this news about two of Brockport's best last night...


PORT HURON, MI - The Port Huron Icehawks of the International Hockey League will open training camp next Monday with a 33-man roster. The lineup includes 18 forwards, 11 defensemen and four goalies.

Training Camp opens at 9 a.m. on Monday, October 5 at McMorran Arena and will conclude with three exhibition games on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Monday through Friday the camp schedule will include practice sessions from 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and scrimmages from 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. On Saturday, the team will skate from 8 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. All practices and scrimmages are open to the public.

"This summer we wanted to get faster, bigger and more physical. I think we have done that," Head Coach and General Manager Stan Drulia said. "I am excited about this training camp. No one's jobs are secure; 33 players will vie for 19 spots. I think we have some first year players that are going to push some experienced players for their job with this hockey team."

"Camp will be very interesting as we get into the exhibition games," he continued. "I am going to give these young players time to impress us. The summer is over. It is time to play hockey."

Among those taking to the ice next Monday are ten previously unannounced players. They include returners Jamie Lovell (D), Jason Selleke (RW) and Kevin O'Connor (D) and newcomers Cory Stillman (C), Mike Kinnie (F), Dave McNab (F), Mike Bray (RW), Myles Palliser (F), Mike Gershon (D) and Darcy Rees (D).

Dave McNab (6-0, 190 lbs) comes to the Icehawks after four seasons of collegiate hockey; one at State University of New York-Plattsburgh (2005-06) and three at SUNY-Brockport (2006-09). He recorded the best numbers of his career last season with 21 points (11g, 10a) in 27 games. The 25-year old native of Hamilton, Ontario also played three seasons in the Ontario Junior Hockey League. He will be reunited at training camp with former Brockport teammate Mike Gershon.

Mike Gershon (5-10, 195 lbs) played four years at Brockport College in the State University of New York Athletic Conference. Last season, he was named to the All-SUNYAC 2nd team with 17 points (8g, 9a) in 27 games. A native of Sparta, New Jersey, he will celebrate his 25th birthday next week.

The Icehawks open the 2009-10 regular season on Saturday, October 17 at home versus the Fort Wayne Komets. Single game tickets are on sale now at the McMorran Arena Box Office, any Ticket Master location or by phone at 810-966-3800. For more information and the complete 2009-10 schedule, visit www.porthuronicehawks.com

BROCKPORT ALUMNI PROFILES: CHRIS BROWN

Just as the Brockport website's homepage profiles current students it also looks at recent graduates. Among them is Chris Brown who graduated from Brockport in 2008. He played in 96 games for the Golden Eagles as a defenseman and had a stellar senior year with 16 points.

Here's what the College reports on Chris...

Christopher Brown
The Team Player
BS in Biology, ’08

“The College at Brockport provided the most unforgettable four years of my life.”

Living the “best of both worlds,” Christopher Brown is able to study and travel on a scenic island. He is currently studying at St. George’s University Medical School in Grenada, West Indies. Passionate about the excitement and fast pace of the medical field, Christopher is constantly learning new techniques and treatments to better serve his patients. His valuable experience at Brockport has allowed him to excel in medical school.

“I was extremely fortunate to have taken classes with the many extraordinary professors at The College at Brockport. The professors taught me the qualities that a student needs to thrive in medical school,” said Christopher, of Toronto, Canada, who majored in biology with a minor in chemistry as a student at Brockport.

Outside of the classroom Christopher volunteered in the Emergency Department at Lakeside Memorial Hospital and presented laboratory research at various scientific conferences, including DDW in Washington, DC, and San Diego, CA; NCUR in San Francisco, CA; Ocean City, MD; and RASC in Rochester, NY.

Christopher also completed biological research with Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences Adam Rich. “Dr. Rich not only took the time to help me with my applications to medical school, but became a guide and a mentor in my everyday life. I can only hope that everyone can meet someone who will influence them as much as he inspired me.”

Christopher was faced with an important decision at the age of 15 when he was offered an opportunity to play for the Sault Ste Marie Greyhounds hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League. Had he joined the team, he would have been ineligible to play collegiate hockey and therefore delay or forego his education. Christopher instead decided to pursue an education to keep his dream of becoming a doctor alive, and became a member of the Brockport Golden Eagles varsity hockey team. He never regretted his decision. “By being a member of the hockey team, I not only made very good friends, I met 20 guys who I can confidently treat as brothers for the rest of my life.”

Christopher’s four years at Brockport has definitely changed his life. “The College at Brockport opened many doors to opportunities that I might not have had the opportunity to experience. The friendships I made and the people I met from many different backgrounds have all had a profound impact upon my life and will continue to do so.”

When asked to describe himself, Christopher says he is “competitive and driven to succeed, but still very much a team player.” Christopher’s goal of becoming a medical doctor, possibly in the surgical field, is well within his reach. As a member of a medical team, he will each day have the opportunity to be a positive force in the lives of his patients. But he also has another dream—to be a member of a team in the National Hockey League.

Whether he’s saving lives in the world of medicine or gliding across the ice to score a goal, Christopher is determined to thrive.


Visit the page at: https://www.brockport.edu/profiles/cbrown.html

BROCKPORT STUDENT PROFILES: TODD SHERIDAN

The Brockport College homepage at http://www.brockport.edu/ has a slideshow on its title bar that each time you visit the site it cycles through a photo of a student and a quote from that student. This allows visitors to the site to put a face with the college, giving Brockport a more human feel.

Among those selected for these profiles was Golden Eagles goaltender Todd Sheridan. If you click on the "more info" tab next to his mugshot on the title bar you are led to a page that discusses Todd as a student and person. Here's what it says...



Todd Sheridan

The Defender

BS in Business Administration and Economics, ’11

“The College at Brockport gave me the opportunity to obtain my life back.”

At 20 years old, Todd Sheridan was diagnosed with Stage 3 1/2 Squamous cell carcinoma cancer. The cancer started in his tongue and then spread to his neck. Doctors told him he had a small chance of survival, let alone playing hockey. Several surgeries and chemotherapy sessions later, Todd is proving others wrong by gliding across the ice once again.

Todd, of Edison, NJ, is a major in business administration. Two years ago he established his own charity called “Saves For A Cure.” Every time a College at Brockport ice hockey team goalie saves a goal, companies donate $1 to the charity. The funds go directly toward the Children’s Cancer Center at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY. The donations are used specifically to purchase amenities such as DVD players or televisions to be installed in the waiting and chemotherapy rooms. By having these amenities, it makes the overall experience of cancer easier for children. “One day in the hospital, I watched a man with a bald spot on his head playing with his daughter in the waiting room. I automatically assumed the father was the one with cancer until I saw the little girl walk into the chemotherapy room. I knew then that I wanted to make a difference.”

Todd had been presented Division I offers to play ice hockey at the collegiate level, but once he was diagnosed with cancer, most schools didn’t think he could play hockey for their college teams. “Brockport was the only school that thought I could make a comeback after my illness. With the help of Michael Militello, a certified athletic trainer, I was able to recover and get back on the ice.”

After returning to the ice, Todd’s first team win was an unforgettable moment for him. Since that win, he has had an incredible goaltending career, with 1,273 saves and a .901 save percentage. He also was a member of the SUNYAC All-Conference squad. The entire ice hockey team with head coach Brian Dickinson and assistant coaches Mark Digby and Ken Soble have been fully supportive of Todd’s charity. During the 2009 season, the team held a jersey auction that raised nearly $3,000 for Todd’s foundation. Todd and team member Tim Crowley witnessed their jerseys being sold for $250 each! Todd is thankful for his teammates—on and off the ice. “They will never know how much this team has truly meant to me.”

Todd also has another passion—writing—which was recognized by Associate Professor of English Gregory Garvey. “Dr. Garvey thinks I’m an excellent writer and he gave me the inspiration to continue with my work.”

Todd hopes one day to finish his written piece, creating a pamphlet to be distributed at children’s cancer centers to provide guidance for the day-to-day experience children with cancer face.

His future goals include attending graduate school to obtain his masters in business administration and having “Saves For A Cure” continue to grow as a foundation. Todd lives his life through his favorite quote. “Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off of your goals.” He considers his cancer as an obstacle that he didn’t just survive, but ultimately beat. For the rest of his life, Todd will continue to be both the defender of goals and a defender of children with cancer.

CROSS CHECKS & THE LAW

I saw this interesting news story on CBC.ca today. Let's hope that this legal stupidity doesn't make its way to the States....


Quebec hockey player convicted of assault for cross-check

A Quebec junior hockey player who cross-checked an opponent in the face last fall has been found guilty of assault with a weapon.

Youth court Judge Jacques A. Nadeau handed down the verdict in Montreal on Friday, saying the court did not believe the player's actions were accidental. Nadeau also said it's clear the law extends to hockey arenas and that players need to understand this.

The accused, who was 17 at the time, was facing one count of assault causing bodily harm and a second charge of assault with a weapon.

The defence argued the accused was merely following hockey's unwritten code of engagement, and that the stick attack in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League game was accidental. Nadeau ordered a stay on the bodily harm charge.

A publication ban prevents the names of the accused and the victim from being made public. Sentencing arguments will be heard later on Friday.


Source:

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/montreal/story/2009/09/18/quebec-junior-hockey-violence.html

TODAY IN BROCKPORT ATHLETICS

New for this academic year, the Brockport Athletics Department - under the guise of Ellsworth the Eagle - has launched a blog following Golden Eagle sports called "Today in Brockport Athletics".

You can check it out at: http://www.brockportathletics.blogspot.com/

WHERE ARE THEY NOW: MIKE TEFFT

Periodically we run an installment of “Where Are They Now” at BrockportHockey.com, allowing alumni and fans to catch up with some of the many men who have played hockey for the college. This month we catch up with Mike Tefft.

Mike ranks among the very best hockey players in Brockport history. He played for the Golden Eagles from 1994 to 1998 and is ranked seventh all-time in points (110 points). He scored 47 goals in his career (ninth best) and assisted on 63 more.

Besides having a great overall career, he had one of the best single seasons in team history: In 1997-1998, as the team captain, he had the third most points in team history (48) while scoring 23 goals and adding 25 assists. To put that season in perspective, the highest single-season point total this century is Mark Digby’s 31 in the 2004-2005 season.

Mike (right) and his brother
Brian (who also played for Brockport)
with their daughters

Mike Tefft currently lives in North Carolina where he is a realtor with Help-U-Sell Triangle Realty and a mortgage broker with Homestead Mortgage and Finance.

He is also the founder, president and head instructor for First Line Hockey LLC, which has been in operation since 2003. The company focuses on skills development and physical training through a variety of intense and successful day camp programs. More information about his enterprise can be found at http://www.firstlinehockey.com/

As evidenced by First Line, Mike’s devotion to the game has continued well after college. Committed to sharing the joys of hockey with others, he has been coaching for years. Here’s a snapshot of his coaching career:

EAST COAST EAGLES, Cary, NC
Head Coach (1999 – 2001) - Peewee
Head Coach (2002 – 2005) - Midget Minor / Major

NC STATE MEN’S ICE HOCKEY, Raleigh, NC
Assistant Coach (2001 – 2002)

CAROLINA HURRICANES SUMMER CAMP, Raleigh, NC
Head Instructor / Power Skating Instructor (2002 – 2007)

CAROLINA JR. HURRICANES, Raleigh, NC
Head Coach (2004 – 2007) – Select Quebec Team:
Coached 1st North Carolina Team to the Semifinals

EUROPEAN SELECT TOUR TEAM
Head Coach (2006) – Ages 16 to 21

FAYETTEVILLE FIREANTZ, Fayetteville, NC
Head Coach (2006 – 2007) - Midget Major

CAROLINA JR. HURRICANES, Raleigh, NC
Head Coach (2007 – 2008) - AAA Midget Minor

EAST COAST EAGLES, Wake Forest, N
JR. B Assistant Coach (2008 – 2009)

Mike behind the bench in Quebec

I recently interviewed Mike and here’s what he had to say about the Brockport experience and life after college…


You had an extremely successful hockey career at Brockport, including one of the team's greatest seasons ever (48 points, 3rd all-time). That said, you must have a lot of great memories about Brockport hockey. What are some of those memories?

Some of my best days at Brockport were in my Junior and Senior years when it felt like we were actually turning the program around, trying to rebuild a winning tradition. Some of my highlight games at Brockport were beating Canisius for the 1st time in 4 years as well as beating Mercyhurst for the 1st time in 4 years while recording my first Hat Trick.


Off the ice -- in the classroom and in the community -- how was the overall Brockport experience?

The Brockport experience was great. People in the community enjoyed coming out to the games and were very supportive of the team. It was a great place to play and go to school.


How have your experiences at Brockport influenced your coaching style?

My coaching style has strongly been influenced by my years at Brockport. I have always tried to take the positive experiences away from Brockport and roll that into my coaching attitude. I have also taken many of the drills and dryland training activities with me to the teams I have coached. Needless to say sometimes my 13-14 yr old Bantam team gets a little tired during dryland; however my teams are always in great shape.


What else have you been up to since Brockport?

I will be married for 3 years this coming October 20th. My wife Michelle runs a Personal Training business. And we are proud new parents of an 8 week old baby girl…Nolan Elizabeth Tefft

Mike, his wife Michelle and the newest
addition to the Tefft family: Nolan Elizabeth

CROWLEY AT POTSDAM

The Potsdam Athletics Department has officially announced Brockport stand-out Tim Crowely as the hockey program's assistant coach. The Department put onto its website this bio for Tim....

Tim Crowley begins his first season with the Bears in the Fall of 2009. Crowley will assist Coach Bernard in all aspects of the hockey program including game preparation, skills development and recruiting.

Coach Crowley is a 2009 graduate of SUNY Brockport where he was a four-year member of the Golden Eagles hockey team. An assistant captain his senior year, Crowley was a SUNYAC All-Academic while also receiving the Bob Peterson Coaches Award and Brockport's Seventh Man Award.

"I am extremely excited to have a coach with Tim's professionalism and work ethic join our staff. His passion for the game and his familiarity with our league will be a tremendous asset to the development of our program," noted Coach Bernard.

Prior to attending Brockport, Crowley played junior hockey for the Cobourg Cougars and the Syracuse Stars. He is a native of Brasher Falls, NY and played four years at St. Lawrence Central High School.