BROCKPORT HEADS TO CODFISH BOWL

While a young man in college, Brian Dickinson played goalie in the Codfish Bowl. Now, as a coach, he will be taking the Golden Eagles into the 51st annual installment of this tournament.

Brockport's first game will take place this coming Saturady at 1:00 PM when they play the host Beacons of UMass Boston. Brockport will then play either Johnson & Wales or Westfield State on Sunday.

The tournament is the Beacons' to lose. They come into the game 9-1-1 and ranked as the fifth best team in the nation per the latest USCHO poll.

They are an offensive machine, averaging 4.36 goals per game, three times scoring 7 or more goals this season.

They are a deep team as made evident by their top goal scorers: Lemire (7), Sanipass (6), Colucci (6), and Miller (5). It should also be noted that a whopping 13 Beacons have scored goals this season.

They also have some of the best goaltending in the HEHC, too, as Faust (2.12 and .923) and Andrews (1.50 and .930) have proven to be outstanding.

It's going to be an incredibly exciting game as this Brockport team has proven they can hang with anyone and their offensive output is something to reckon with.

Don't be surprised if the Golden Eagles pull off an upset.

THE FALL SEMESTER'S STRONG PERFORMERS

With the Christmas break upon us, it’s time to reflect on the semester that was for some of the hockey players. The team has been competitive due to the contributions of a lot of players. But, allow me to reflect on just a few of the strong performers.  

Let’s start with some of the forwards…

As in seasons past, the team’s success hinges on that of Chase Nieuwendyk. He’s following up his All-American season with one that is certainly worth such consideration again. He already has 9 goals on the season, which is good for 6^th in the nation. Among those are 2 power play goals and a short-handed goal. There have been some times when he’s truly carried the team on his back (Morrisville and Potsdam) and his hunger for excellence, and the knowledge that his college career ends next semester, should lead the team deep into the playoffs.

Among the biggest surprises in the line-up is freshman Tim Kielich, who is a special talent. He has a point in 7 of the last 8 games and comes into the second semester with 5 goals and 5 assists. Now that he’s eating up some minutes, he might surpass 24 points on the season. Even though he’s far surpassed his scoring pace from the Juniors, don’t look at him as a flash-in-the-pan: The 6’, 175-pounder is a welcome addition to the line-up who will give Brockport fans another 3 seasons of excitement. He’s crafty, he doesn’t make mistakes, and he’s an excellent two-way player. I really like his upside.

Another youngster I like is sophomore Ryan Kangas. He has showed that his exceptional freshman season was not a fluke. He hustles, is trustworthy in defensive situations, and has excellent ice vision, as well as good hands. He has 12 points on the season, a point in 8 games and 4 multi-point games. Don’t be surprised if the kid is All-SUNYAC in his junior year.   

Aidan Verbeke has been top notch, too. He’s a playmaker with a 1-8-9 line that should equate to a 20-point season when it’s all said and done. Despite those strong numbers, don’t overlook what else he does, the things that don’t show in the box score. He has 4 blocked shots on the season and is a hustler adept at stealing pucks and breaking up passes. He doesn’t quit.

Now, let’s look at the d-men…

Chris Luker has been playing like…well, Chris Luker. Once again he’s been a playmaker and his .80 points per game have him in the top twenty nationally amongst blueliners. He has but 1 goal, but he’s had some chances, and some very good ones, and those blasts will find their way to the back of the net in the second semester. The senior’s last semester should put a nice capstone on what has been one of the finest – if not the finest -- careers among Brockport defensemen.

I really like the high level that Chad Cummings has been performing at this year. Earlier in the semester, I was commenting on how strong his motor was running this season – he's flying on the ice and looks even bigger and stronger than in the past (which is saying a lot for somebody already built that way). He is covering territory well and really holding his own against the best players in the country. Luckily, the rest of the fans and the Conference have caught on to his special season, thanks his 3-goal breakout weekend heading into Thanksgiving. He might find it difficult to maintain his current point pace (it’s not his style of play), but he doesn’t need numbers to be considered one of best in SUNYAC. He’s a defenseman’s defenseman who truly warrants All-SUNYAC consideration this year.

STYLUS REPORT ON PLATTSBURGH & POTSDAM GAMES

John Panetta, the voice of Brockport Hockey on WBSU, wrote this report about last weekend's games for the Brockport Stylus...


Golden Eagles Match national No. 1


In its final two games of 2015, The College at Brockport Golden Eagles men’s ice hockey team had to face the top two teams in SUNYAC: the SUNY Plattsburgh Cardinals and SUNY Potsdam without captain senior forward Jonathan Demme and assistant captain senior defender Jeremy DeFazio.

The Golden Eagles had a tough task facing the Cardinals, who were the No. 1 ranked team in Division III hockey according to the USCHO.com and d3hockey.net polls. Without two of its captains not in the lineup, as well as several other injuries, assistant captain senior defender Chad Cummings was looked upon to lead the Golden Eagles.

“I’m just trying to fill in [Demme and DeFazio’s] footsteps right now and step up for the boys,” Cummings said.Brockport was down early, giving up a goal in the first 90 seconds of the game to Plattsburgh, but later on in the first period freshman forward Tim Kielich scored on a powerplay to tie the game at 1 – 1.

No scoring occurred in the regulation periods, with both teams coming close and getting plenty of opportunities before going into overtime.

The teams continued trading chances in overtime. Brockport had an opportunity on a powerplay and was able to get the puck inches away from crossing the line for the score. However, the overtime period remained scoreless and the Golden Eagles pulled off a surprising 1 – 1 tie at home against the No. 1 team in Division III.

“We obviously wish we would have won that game but it was good to see the boys firing on all cylinders,” Cummings said. “Even with a couple key injuries we showed up and played our hardest.”

This was Brockport’s first tie at home since Jan. 18, 2014, against Utica College. According to Head Coach Brian Dickinson, it didn’t feel like a tie.

“Although we didn’t get the win it felt like a win, as a human you just feel good when people are talking good things about you,” Dickinson said.

Brockport entered its game against Potsdam in high spirits but would hit a roadblock early in the first period when senior forward  Matt Thompson of Potsdam threw the puck directly at senior defender Chris Luker in front of the net which Luker deflected into the net.

Potsdam also scored goals from senior defender Brad Campagna and senior forward Jake Rivera before Golden Eagle senior forward Chase Nieuwendyk got through on a breakaway and scored an unassisted shorthanded goal to cut the lead to 3 – 1.

Kielich scored his fifth goal of the season to cut the deficit to one but midway through the second  period sophomore forward Dylan Vander Esch of Potsdam would make the score 4 ­– 2.

Brockport answered by scoring four unanswered goals, starting with Nieuwendyk capitalizing on a second breakaway goal in the final minute of the second period, followed by goals in less than three minutes from sophomore forward Dylan Shapiro, senior defender Chad Cummings and freshman defender Nick Palumbo, his first goal as a Golden Eagle.

Potsdam scored five seconds after Palumbo’s goal and again 35 seconds later, with sophomore defender Sean Kacerosky and senior forward Billy Pascali scoring to make the score 6 – 6.

Brockport had a powerplay toward the end of the third period but was unable to convert. Despite the Golden Eagle’s efforts, after overtime the score was still 6 — 6, Brockport’s second tie of the weekend.

Despite not winning over the weekend, Brockport had a “feel good” story during the weekend in Nick Gullo, a walk-on freshman forward described as one of the hardest workers on the team.

“He’s got the heart of a lion in there,” Dickinson said.  “He works hard every day, and got his chance last night and played well enough to get another chance in the lineup.”

Gullo even had a scoring opportunity on his first shift with the team.

“I think the whole bench was rooting for him [Gullo] there hoping he got his first shot and first goal right on that shift,” Cummings said.

Despite being a walk-on to the team, Gullo never felt like an outsider.

“These guys have welcomed me since day one since I made the team and have made the transition very easy for me,” Gullo said.

The Golden Eagles will visit University of Massachusettes Boston in the Codfish Bowl non-conference tournament, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2016. They return for a home game at the Tuttle North Ice Arena, Friday, Jan. 8, against Elmira College.



Source: http://www.thestylus.net/news/view.php/1015422/Golden-Eagles-match-national-No1

BROCKPORT TIES POTSDAM IN WILD GAME

The College at Brockport ice hockey team scored three goals in three minutes but four unanswered goals were not enough as the Golden Eagles tied SUNY Potsdam 6-6 in a State University of New York Athletic Conference game Saturday night.

Brockport (4-5-2 overall, 3-4-2 SUNYAC) entered the third period trailing Potsdam (6-3-2, 6-2-1) by a score of 4-3.  After nearly 12 minutes of scoreless play, Dylan Shapiro scored to tie the game at four.  Chris Luker passed the puck to Nick Palumbo who sent a shot towards the goal.  The Potsdam goaltender made the initial save but Shapiro one-timed the rebound past the goalie.

Less than one minute later Rob Hall stole the puck from a Potsdam attacker.  Chad Cummings cleared the puck to Chase Nieuwendyk who skated through two Potsdam defenders and dropped the puck off to Ryan Kangas right in front of the goal.  Kangas tucked the puck up top to give Brockport its first lead of the game.

Just over two minutes later Aidan Verbeke intercepted a pass in Potsdam territory, giving Brockport a three-on-one rush.  Quick passing between Verbeke and Shapiro fooled the Potsdam goaltender, giving Nick Palumbo an open net.  Palumbo nailed a shot on the right side for his first goal of the season to extend Brockport's lead to 6-4.

The Bears would respond to Brockport's four straight goals with two of their own to tie the game at six with less than five minutes remaining.  Both teams had two shots in the five minute overtime period but no goals resulted in a 6-6 tie.

Seconds into the second period, Potsdam took a 3-0 lead.  A shorthanded goal from Nieuwendyk and a power play goal from Tim Kielich cut deficit to one.  Potsdam scored six minutes later to take a 4-2 lead but Nieuwendyk scored with 23 seconds left in the second period to make the score 4-3 in favor of Potsdam at the second intermission.

Brockport more than doubled Potsdam's shots, outshooting them 44-21.  Nieuwendyk led all skaters with seven shots while Kangas and Zach Sikich each had six.  Cole Burack made 15 saves in net and was credited with the tie.

Nieuwendyk finished with two goals and one assist.  Palumbo and Shapiro each had one goal and one assist while Kielich and Kangas scored one goal each.  Cummings, Verbeke and Luker tallied two assists while Hall picked up one assist.

1990-1991 TEAM PHOTO

Among the pictures shared on the College's Facebook page yesterday as a part of Flashback Friday was this...the 1990-1991 team photo...just in time for Alumni Day

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS FROM TIE WITH PLATTSBURGH

BROCKPORT TIES #1 PLATTSBURGH

Last night Brockport came away with a point, tying Plattsburgh, the #1 ranked team in the nation. How big was this tie? This was just the 5th time in 85 match-ups with the Cardinals that Brockport took a point from Plattsburgh.

Here's a recap from Brockport Athletics...


Cole Burack shut out the No. 1 Plattsburgh Cardinals in the final two periods of play Friday night as the College at Brockport ice hockey team tied Plattsburgh 1-1 (OT) in a State University of New York Athletic Conference matchup.

Plattsburgh (8-0-1 overall, 5-0-1 SUNYAC) opened the game with a goal less than 90 seconds in.  Just over five minutes later Brockport (4-5-1, 3-4-1) earned itself a power play and were quick to take advantage of it.  Chase Nieuwendyk won a battle along the boards and sent the put to Aidan Verbeke in the right corner.  Verbeke crossed a pass to Tim Kielich on the left side who sent a one-timer up top to tie the game at one.

Brockport controlled the second period, outshooting Plattsburgh 11-3.  The Golden Eagles earned another power play just less than five minutes into the period but were unable to get a shot off.  Brockport found itself on the power kill twice in the second period but the Brockport defense held the Cardinals to one shot in 3:26 of a man advantage.

Burack and the Cardinals goaltender would go save for the save the rest of the way, including during an intense overtime period.  Both teams had strong scoring opportunities but the goaltenders stood tall and wouldn't let anything by them.  Ryan Kangas sent a shot from the middle that nicked the post and slid under the goaltenders legs but did not cross the goal line.  Burack did not let the pressure get to him, making seven saves in overtime.

Brockport outshot Plattsburgh 29-26 and also out played them in the face off circle, winning 33 face offs to Plattsburgh's 32.  The Golden Eagles offense was led by Nieuwendyk who tallied six shots.  Kangas recorded five shots while Jake Taylor and Jesse Facchini each had two shots.  Nieuwendyk worked hard in the face off circle, tabbing 14 wins while Dylan Shapiro won 11 faceoffs.  Burack finished with 25 saves in net and picked up his first collegiate tie.

"We practiced hard all week for this game and knew that we had to beat them in the corners," remarked Head Coach Brian Dickinson.  "We took the game shift by shift and we're happy to come out with one point.  Our fans were awesome tonight and we hope we see them again tomorrow."

BROCKPORTS HOSTS TWO GAMES THIS WEEKEND

The Golden Eagles close out the fall semester of play this weekend by hosting two key conference games.

Plattsburgh is Friday night’s opponent and the Cardinals are playing like they always do (spectacularly) – they are a perfect 8-0-0 with a 5-0-0 mark in SUNYAC play. They are ranked as the #1 team in the country in the USCHO polls. Last weekend they won the Primelink tournament by beating seventh-ranked Norwich 6-5. That offensive firepower is par for the course for a team that is second in the nation in scoring at 5.38 goals per game. Its defense is none too shabby either as the Cardinals allow just 2.5 goals per game.   

Kevin Emmerling is the top goal scorer with 8 lamplighters while Dillan Fox has 11 points on the young season. Freshman Cole Stallard is someone who will confound Brockport now and for the next 3 seasons – he already has 5 goals while seeing action on the second and third lines.

If Brockport can break through Plattsburgh’s impenetrable blue line (they allow just 24 shots on goal each game), they might have a chance – Spencer Finney, who has started 6 games, has a .891 save percentage while freshman Brady Rouleau has a .915 save percentage. They could have their hands full against a Brockport offense that is ranked 22^nd in the country.

It will be an interesting game, one certain to have a lot of fireworks.

Saturday’s game will be none too easy, either. Potsdam comes to town and they are riding a 6-1-0 record in SUNYAC play while being 6-2-1 overall, surprising many a team and hockey pundit. At one point they were the 12^th ranked team in the country and now sit in 16^th place on the USCHO poll. They’ve slowed up of late, going 0-2-1 in their last three games.

USCHO did a nice write-up about their 6-0 start that can be read here:  http://www.uscho.com/2015/11/18/despite-6-0-start-and-national-ranking-potsdam-still-hungry-for-more/

Of course, they’ve had some strong performers on the roster from Dylan Vander Esch (8 goals) to Todd Thomas (5 goals) to Brendan McMenimen, who has been the best goalie in the conference, sporting a .930 save percentage while facing a lot of shots (34 per game). It might be that goaltending which has accounted for Potsdam’s record and it will be that goaltending that frustrates the Golden Eagles.  

It won’t be easy, but I think on home ice and with a roster as deep as Brockport’s, they can pour it on the Bears and come out of Saturday’s affair with a win. They have to, as Geneseo, Buffalo State, and Fredonia are all only one game behind Brockport in the conference standings. You don’t want to enter the second semester behind any one of them.

BIG TEN PUSHES FOR LOWER AGES IN COLLEGE HOCKEY

Amy Moritz with the Buffalo News is reporting that the Big Ten Conference is pushing for a change to the age limit for freshman hockey players. This would bring the age down to 20. Under the proposal submitted to the NCAA, a player can still be a 21-year-old freshman but he surrenders a year of eligibility, giving him just three years to play college hockey.

Of course, this is being met with anger from NCAA hockey coaches and fans (like me). Check out Amy's report here:

http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/canisius-hockey/freshman-age-limit-proposal-stirs-up-college-hockey-20151202

BROCKPORT FALLS TO TUFTS

Chase Nieuwendyk netted two goals but a two-goal deficit in the third period proved too much for the College at Brockport ice hockey team as it fell 4-3 to Tufts University in the title game of the Rutland Herald Invitational Saturday night at Castleton State.  Chris Luker and Ryan Kangas each earned a spot on the All-Tournament team.

Brockport (4-5-0 overall, 3-4 SUNYAC) had a strong start to the game, outshooting Tufts (1-2-2, 0-1-1) 13-7 in the first frame.  Tufts took a 1-0 lead midway through the first and would extend it to 2-0 with a shorthanded goal 6:49 into the second period.

Three minutes later Brockport would earn itself a man advantage after Tufts committed a slashing penalty.  Kangas took a shot from the left circle that deflected off of Nieuwendyk and found the back of the net to cut Brockport's deficit to one.

Entering the third period, Brockport was down 2-1 and quickly swung the momentum into their favor after scoring a goal on the first shift of the period.  Nieuwendyk took a pass from Kangas and beat the goalie glove side for his second goal of the game a mere 26 seconds into the third period.

Tufts scored less than one minute later and again midway through the period to take a 4-2 lead with 9:10 remaining.  With less than six minutes remaining, James Ryan won a battle in the corner and cleared the puck to Zac Sikich at the point.  Sikich crossed a pass to Luker who ripped a one-timer top-shelf to make the score 4-3.  With less than one minute remaining, Jared Lockhurst was pulled from the goal to give the Golden Eagles an extra attacker but they were unable to net the equalizer.

Lockhurst stopped 21 shots in his fourth loss of the season.  Brockport converted on one of its three power plays.  The Golden Eagles outshot the Jumbos 42-25 and also held the advantage in the face off circle, 41-30.

"We worked hard for long periods of play but just couldn't score the big goal when we needed to," remarked head coach Brian Dickinson.  "We made a few mistakes that led directly to a Tufts goal.  We felt we would take control after we tied it early in the third but a costly turnover one minute later took away our momentum."

Kangas tallied four points on the weekend to earn a spot on the All-Tournament team while Luker also earned a spot after netting one goal in the title game.

Brockport will return home this weekend for two crucial State University of New York Athletic Conference contests.  The Golden Eagles will host Plattsburgh State Friday night and SUNY Potsdam Saturday night with face off scheduled for 7 p.m. both nights.

"Heading into this weekend we need to continue to get better every day in practice," noted Dickinson.  "We can compete with anyone but we need to be sure to limit our mistakes and work together within our systems."

BROCKPORT BEATS CASTLETON ON BLACK FRIDAY

For the second straight year the Brockport ice hockey team advances to the championship of the Rutland Herald Invitational.  Brockport (4-4-0 overall, 3-4 SUNYAC) defeated host Castleton State (0-7-1, 0-5-1) Friday night 3-2 behind a two-point performance from Ryan Kangas and a strong game in net from Jared Lockhurst.

The Golden Eagle offense wasted no time getting on the board as Zac Sikich scored less than five minutes into the game.  Connar Bass fed a pass to Chase Nieuwendyk who sent the puck to Sikich along the boards.  Sikich skated through the crease and tucked the puck in to give Brockport an early 1-0 lead.

After nearly 10 minutes of scoreless play, Castleton tied the game at one.  Brockport answered back with a goal less than 90 seconds later.  Strong defense from Kangas forced a Spartan turnover.  A backhand shot from Kangas found the back of the net under the goaltenders pads to give Brockport a 2-1 lead going into the first intermission.

Castleton netted the equalizer just over two minutes into the second period.  The Golden Eagles reclaimed the lead just over seven minutes later.  From the right face off circle Kangas took a shot that the Castleton goaltender initially saved with a diving stop.  Jesse Facchini gathered the loose puck and was able to send the rebound to the back of the net to give Brockport a 3-2 lead.

Strong defense from the Golden Eagles held the Spartans scoreless in the third frame.  Three penalties from Castleton gave Brockport six minutes of man advantage but the Golden Eagles were unable to extend its lead.

Jared Lockhurst earned his second win of the season in goal.  Lockhurst stopped 20 shots including 11 in the second frame.

Brockport outshot Castleton 27-22 and won 33 face offs to Castleton's 27.  Dylan Shapiro was a force to reckon with in the face off circle, winning 14 draws and only losing five.  Facchini also was a strong contributor winning 10 faceoffs.  Kangas, Nieuwendyk and Aidan Verbeke led the offense with three shots each.

A LOOK AT THE RUTLAND HERALD INVITATIONAL

Castleton Athletics offers this look at the weekend tournament...

Castleton will host the ninth annual Rutland Herald Invitational on the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving at Spartan Arena. Along with the Spartans, the tournament will feature the Brockport Golden Eagles, Tufts Jumbos and Western New England Golden Bears, who will be making their first appearance in the invitational.

The opening game of the tournament will take place on Friday afternoon when Tufts squares off with Western New England at 3:45 pm, while Castleton versus Brockport will feature in the nightcap at 7 pm. The consolation contest will be played on Saturday at 3:45 pm followed by the championship game at 7 pm.

Tufts vs. Western New England 

The Golden Bears make their tournament debut in the opening game of the invitational when they face the Jumbos on Friday. In last year's version, Tufts fell in the first round before knocking off Castleton in the consolation game, 4-3.

Western New England comes into Friday's contest sporting a 0-7 (0-5 ECAC Northeast) record following a 3-1 loss to Salve Regina this past weekend.

So far this season, the Golden Bears have struggled in the offensive zone, compiling just 16 points with eight goals in seven games. Chris Lembo has been the squad's leading scorer with three points (2g, 1a). David DiSchiavi, Braedan Pearl and Brian Hurley have added two points (1g, 1a) apiece, while Connor Eckenrod has provided a pair of helpers. 

Austin Keiser has been the main goalie in net this year with a 0-6 record. In seven appearances, the senior netminder has produced 147 saves with an .896 save percentage and 3.75 GAA. Cole Semchak and Scott Brown have provided cover for Keiser, recording a joint 85 saves in three total appearances.

The Jumbos opened their 2015-16 season this past weekend, falling at Trinity in the opener 3-2 before playing to a 1-1, overtime draw at Wesleyan on Saturday. 

In those two games, Tufts produced 49 shots with three goals and four assists. Matt Pugh scored his first goal of the season over the weekend following a 15-point season last year, while Mike Leary matched his 2014-15 scoring total after netting the lone Jumbo goal in the overtime draw with Wesleyan. David Lackner, meanwhile, netted the third Tufts score with a shorthanded, unassisted effort. 

Mason Pulde and Mik Nunges have each received a start in net this year. Pulde returns after going 7-11-2 last season with a .914 save percentage and 3.01 GAA. The junior started the season opener against the Bantams, producing 36 saves with a .923 save percentage. Nunges, on the other hand, stopped 46 of the 47 shots that he faced versus the Cardinals with a .979 save percentage, as Tufts picked up its positive result of the year.

Castleton vs. Brockport

The Golden Eagles head into the weekend tournament looking to repeat as champions. Last year, Brockport faced off with Manhattanville in the championship game, beating the Valiants 4-3. The Spartans, meanwhile, have picked up just two wins in their past three tournaments and are looking to rebound after going 0-2 in last year's edition. 

Castleton (0-6-1, 0-5-1) enters play looking to pick up its first win of the season after falling at Norwich, 2-1. The Spartans held a late, 1-0 lead in the contest after Will Laking's third-period goal, but the Cadets rallied with two scores in the final 3:15 of play to complete the comeback victory.

Offensively, Castleton has manufactured 24 points with ten goals in its first seven games. Laking has been the squad's top scorer this season with six points from four goals and two assists. Patrick Thornton sits second on the team with three points (1g, 2a), while Charles Bando and Derek Gingera have provided one goal and one assist apiece.

Brody Wagner and Ryan Mulder have shared the goaltending duties so far. Wagner holds a 0-2-1 record after tallying a 2.57 GAA, .895 save percentage and 94 saves in six appearances. Mulder, meanwhile, is 0-4 with a 4.12 GAA and .853 save percentage. 

Brockport heads into Friday's matchup with a 3-4 (3-4 SUNYAC) mark following a 6-4 defeat at Buffalo St. this past Saturday. 

This season, the Golden Eagles have scored 25 times and averaged 3.57 goals per game, which ranks 21st nationally. Chase Nieuwendyk, Tim Kielich and Ryan Kangas have anchored the Brockport attack. Nieuwendyk has posted team-highs in points (9) and goals (5) to go along with four assists, while Kielich and Kangas have added seven points apiece. Other major contributors include Aiden Verbeke and Chris Luke, who have manufactured a joint ten assists so far.

Jared Lockhurst and Cole Burack have split time in net. Lockhurst holds a 1-3 mark after producing a .888 save percentage and 3.56 GAA in five appearances, while Burack is 1-1 with a .880 save percentage and 66 saves.

Players to Watch 

Trevor Hanna – Castleton – F: Hanna has yet to make his mark offensively in 2015-16 after leading all Castleton rookies in scoring with 12 points (6g, 6a) last year. The sophomore provided four goals and five assists in the final ten games of last season to help the squad reach the conference tournament semifinals. If Hanna plays well this week, he could provide the offensive spark the Spartans need to reach the championship game for the first time since 2012. 

Chase Nieuwendyk – Brockport – F: Last season's RHI MVP is the anchor of Brockport's offense. He leads the team in scoring with nine points from five goals and four assists, and in last year's tourney, he willed the team to the championship with three goals and two assists. If Nieuwendyk repeats that form, he could spur the Golden Eagles to their second straight title. 

Mason Pulde – Tufts – G: Pulde appeared in 20 of Tufts' 26 games last year, posting a 7-11-2 record with a .914 save percentage and 3.01 GAA. However, in his first start of 2015, the junior struggled, giving up three goals with 36 saves in a loss to Trinity. If Pulde comes into form this weekend, expect the Jumbos to feature in the championship game on Saturday. 

Chris Lembo – Western New England – F: Lembo is WNE's top returning scorer after posting six goals and eight assists in 2014-15. He's maintained that form so far this year, posting a team-best three points from two goals and one assist. If he can find the back of the net in Spartan Arena, watch out for the Golden Bears to make some noise in their RHI debut.

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE BROCKPORT - BUFFALO STATE GAME

CHAD CUMMINGS INTERVIEW

Here is video of Chad Cummings' interview with Brockport Athletics in regard to his Athlete of the Week honors...

CUMMINGS & KIELICH MAKE D3HOCKEY TEAM OF THE WEEK

Chad Cummings and Tim Kielech made the D3Hockey.com Team of the Week for 11/24.

Cummings made the first team while Kielech was second team.

On the weekend, Chad Cummings scored three goals in two conference games, all of which were power play goals. Friday night with the score knotted at three against Fredonia, Brockport found itself on the man advantage with 2:42 remaining in regulation. Unable to find an open man, Cummings took a shot from the point and tucked in up top to seal the 4-3 victory for the Golden Eagles. Saturday night at Buffalo State, in the first period and the score tied at one, Brockport earned a power play with less than three minutes remaining in the period. After receiving a pass, Cummings sent a shot through the Bengals defense and found the back of the net to give Brockport a 2-1 lead. With less than three minutes remaining in the second period, Brockport was down 5-3 and once again found itself on the power play. Cummings beat the goalie glove side to cut the deficit to one and cap off a three point weekend.

Tim Kielich had a five point weekend off of three goals and two assists. Friday night the rookie circled around the face off circle, split two Fredonia defenders and banked it in off of the post to give Brockport a 2-1 lead midway through the second. Kielich also picked up an assist on the evening's game winning goal. which was scored on the power play with less than two minutes remaining in regulation. On Saturday night, Kielich opened the game with a goal five minutes in after circling around the net and rifling a shot from the right face off circle to give Brockport an early 1-0 lead. The East Aurora, N.Y. native also picked up an assist on two power play goals, one in the first period and one in the second period, to cap off a five point weekend.

To see some of the other top talents who ranked up there with our guys, visit:

http://d3hockey.com/awards/TeamOfTheWeek/Men/2015-16/Nov23

BROCKPORT IN TOURNEY PLAY OVER HOLIDAY WEEKEND

While most college students will be home with family for Thanksgiving weekend, the men’s hockey team will be with a family of their own – their Golden Eagle brothers. The team travels to Vermont for the Rutland Herald Invitational on Friday and Saturday.

On Friday they play the host team – Castleton. They come into the tournament 0-6-1. Don’t let their record mislead you: Despite a stretch of three losses where they allowed 5 goals in each game, they’ve played some tight game of late, losing 1-0, 3-2, and 2-1. Their defensemen and smart two-way forwards do not allow a lot of shots on goal. Manning that goal will be Brody Wagner with a .895 save percentage and a 2.57 GAA -- he faces less than 24 shots a game, so the Golden Eagles will have their hands full getting to the net.

On Saturday the Golden Eagles will play in either the consolation game or the championship game. Their opponent will be either Tufts or WNEU. The Tuft’s Jumbos are 0-1-1 after having won 9 games last season. Players to watch are goalie Mason Pulde (.914 save percentage) and sophomore Brian Brown who had 13 goals last season. WNEU is 0-7-0. They’ve scored only 8 goals on the season.

I’ve always enjoyed listening to the Thanksgiving games online. Coach Dickinson always uses the holiday weekend to be a mad scientist, experimenting with different line-ups and trying out guys who might not have had a lot of ice time to start the season. It always makes for interesting and hard-fought games.

Brockport is surely the strongest of the 4 teams, so winning the tournament is not out of the question and could almost be expected.