Wednesday, October 31, 2018

SUNYAC play begins this weekend

On Friday, the Golden Eagles travel to Buffalo State to start the SUNYAC season. the Bengals are a rock solid team, having made it to the second round of the SUNYAC championships last year. In Round One they beat Potsdam 4-3 then they suffered a 5-2 loss to Geneseo. The have a good amount of firepower and there 6 top scorers from last season have returned. All 6 of them broke the 20-point barrier last season, led by Mac Wood's 13 goals. Michael Anthony Guerrera is a special talent at the blueline, having scored 9 goals and contributed 17 assists. This squad will be an excellent test for Brockport's outstanding defensive approach.

The home opener is Saturday when Brockport hosts Fredonia (coached by Brockport alumnus and reigning SUNYAC Coach of the Year Jeff Meredth) at 7:00. They are another excellent team, having made it all the way to the SUNYAC Championship where they bowed out to Geneseo. They did so without a single player on the 18-man All-SUNYAC team. Meredith managed all the pieces to have really balanced scoring (11 players with 10 or more points). One player to watch Saturday is Brockport's Connor Hutchins...he loves playing against Fredonia: In 4 career games against them he has 1 goal and 6 assists.    

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Senior Night December 8th

Looking ahead, Senior Night will be held on December 8th when the Golden Eagles take on Anna Maria College.

Monday, October 29, 2018

Corey Tam is SUNYAC's Rookie of the Week

The accolades keep coming for young Corey Tam...

The State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) Men's Ice Hockey Athletes of the Week have been selected. The Player of the Week is Tyson Empey (Swift Current, Saskatchewan/ Flin Flon Bombers), the Rookie of the Week is Corey Tam (Nepean, Ontario / Nepean Raiders), and the Goaltender of the Week is Nate Skidmore (Syracuse, N.Y.).

Brockport's Corey Tam opened his collegiate career during the weekend by scoring 2 goals and adding one assist. He wasted no time getting on the score sheet, scoring just seven minutes and 44 seconds into the first period of the first game against Neumann. Tam added another goal in the second period, helping the Golden Eagles to a 4-3 win. In his second game against King's College, Tam assisted on one of the two Brockport goals and they went on to win 2-0.

Tam: Athlete of the Week



After a great weekend in which the freshman defenseman scored 2 goals in his collegiate debut, Corey Tam was named Brockport's Athlete of the Week!

Brockport faced Ron Tugnutt's son on Saturday



On Saturday Brockport faced off against King's College in a game in which the Golden Eagles won 2-0. The score could have been higher had it not been for a valiant effort by King's Jake Tugnutt who made 39 saves. Jake is the son of retired NHLer Ron Tugnutt. The elder Tugnutt played in the league from 1987-1988 through 2003-2004. He retired with an .895 save percentage and 3.05 GAA. Ron gained acclaim after stopping an amazing 70 shots for the Nordiques in a 3-3 tie against Boston in 1991. Believe it or not, he also made 70 saves in a playoff game, too, in 2000 against the Flyers. His greatest season was 1998-1999 when he sported a .925 save percentage and a 1.79 GAA.

Sunday, October 28, 2018

Parsons is Player of the Game for 10/27


In the season preview it was mentioned that you should keep an eye on Mitchell Parsons -- he is going to produce at a high level in the NCAA. Here it is Game Two of his career and he already is, scoring both goals in the 2-0 win over King's.

Brockport beats King's 2-0

The College at Brockport ice hockey team defeated Kings College Saturday afternoon, by a score of 2-0. The Golden Eagles move to 2-0 on the season, where the Monarchs drop to 0-2.

The Golden Eagles had a dominative performance in the first period, outshooting the Monarch's 13-4. Junior Captain Connor Hutchins led the offensive charge with three shots of his own in the first 20 minutes.  The Green and Gold had a powerplay chance mid-way through the period but the Monarchs PK unit stood strong, keeping the Golden Eagles off the board.

Mitchell Parsons got the Golden Eagles off to a quick start in the second, scoring the first goal of his collegiate career four minutes in on the power play. The Monarchs would find themselves in penalty trouble again a minute later, allowing Brockport's red-hot power play to take the ice for another opportunity. The Golden Eagles extended their lead a minute into the power play when Connor Hutchins found Parsons for his second of the night. The Green and Gold headed into the locker room ahead, 2-0.

The Golden Eagles outshot the Monarch 15-5 in the third period but the Kings goaltender stood tall. Brockport's goalie Jake Moore, picked up his first win and shutout of the season, turning away 16 shots on the night.

"The boys dictated play from the opening faceoff," said head coach Brian Dickinson. "A very successful road weekend to build off of as we move into league play next weekend."

Saturday, October 27, 2018

Player of the Game for 10/26



I liked all the reports on Corey Tam heading into his freshman year: Wherever he played he was a leader. Looks like Brockport will be no different -- the young man got 2 goals in his first collegiate game!

Brockport defeats Neumann in seson opener

The College at Brockport ice hockey defeated Neumann University in their season opener Friday evening, winning by a score of 4-3. The Golden Eagles move to 1-0 on the season, where the Knights drop to 0-1.

"The guys came to play tonight and competed in every aspect of the game," said head coach Brian Dickinson "A very solid team win on the road."

The Green and Gold wasted no time in the first period as freshman Corey Tam tucked his first collegiate goal just eight minutes in on the power play with assists from Connor Hutchins and Ryan Romeo.

The Knights were the first team to strike in the second period, scoring shorthanded with four minutes to go in the 2nd, knotting the game a two goals apiece. The Golden Eagles would not stay tied for long as Tam lit the lamp again, scoring his second powerplay goal of the night with assists from Hutchins and Romeo. The Golden Eagles would head into the locker room ahead by one.

Brockport would pull away early in the third, pushing the Knights back on their heels. Jeremy Solat got the third-period scoring started just five and a half minutes in, burying his first as a Golden Eagle with assists from Connor Bass and Ethan Solat. Brockport wasn't done there; Danny Rock tucked his first of the season off a pass from Ethan Solat to extend the Golden Eagles lead to three. The Knights would eventually push back with two minutes and twenty seconds to go in the third, scoring off a quick faceoff. The Knights tried to complete the comeback, scoring their third goal of the night one minute later but too little too late, Brockport was able to hang on, picking up their first win of the season.

Friday, October 26, 2018

USCHO SUNYAC preview

USCHO's SUNYAC preview is out and they have Brockport pegged to finish sixth in the conference. Their Golden Eagles to watch: Connor Hutchins and Hunter Laslo:

https://www.uscho.com/2018/10/25/geneseo-the-preseason-favorite-in-sunyac/

Athletic Department's '18-'19 season preview

Here is the 2018-2019 season preview from the Brockport Athletics Department...

The College at Brockport men's hockey team is ready to drop the puck on the 2018-19' regular season. The Golden Eagles look to improve on their 11-13-1 record from last season by adding some key newcomer's and relying on veteran leadership.

The Green and Gold missed the SUNYAC playoffs by three points last year, head coach Brian Dickinson, knows that every game in this league is important.

"We need to have an attitude that every game is a must win so that we don't get complacent and overlook anyone. Our league is competitive from top to bottom and if we don't come to play on any given night you run the risk of losing," Said Dickinson.

The Green and Gold will rely on goal scoring from Junior forward Connor Hutchins(C), who finished third on the team in points last season. The Golden Eagles will also look to forwards Hunter Laslo(C), Doc Gentlzer, Ethan Solat and Danny Rock to make an impact on the scoresheet. Jeremy Solat is returning to action after a season-ending injury last year, he will also look to provide goal scoring to the lineup in 18'-19'.

The Golden Eagles took a few big loses on offense in the off-season, with Verbeke, Sikich and Kielich not returning, the three combined for 79 out of the 197-points Brockport scored last season.

To combat those key losses up front, Brockport has brought in some skilled freshman. Among those, Mitch Parsons, Jordan Renaud, and Jake Colosanti will be relied upon to make an immediate impact.

The Golden Eagles will have veteran stability in net for 18'-19', with Jake Moore and Matthew Schneider returning in to the crease for the Green and Gold. The two split time last year, but with three goalies on the roster, there is plenty of competition at the position.

On the back end the Golden Eagles have kept a solid core, with seniors Bryan Carville and Connor Bass providing key leadership to a young squad. Defenseman Casey Winn has returned for his sophomore year, Winn will look to improve on an impressive freshman season where he amassed 8 points in 25 games. The Green and Gold also return Ryan Romeo and Chris Pollini on defense, the two will help provide an offensive flare from the Brockport blue line.

The Golden Eagles have brought in some talent on the defensive side of the puck too, adding freshman Corey Tam and Simon Besner to the roster. The Green and Gold have also added transfer student Aiden Salerno. Salerno will bring a much-needed physicality to the Golden Eagles back end.

"The players worked extremely hard in the weight room this offseason," Said Dickinson "We feel we're as strong on the ice as we've ever been, combined that with our overall team quickness, we should compete with every team on our schedule."

Brockport will look to start their season off with a win as they travel to Neumann College this Friday, Oct. 26 for their first game of the season. The ice hockey team's first home game of the season will be Saturday, Nov. 3 against SUNY Fredonia, with the contest slated to start at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Brockport heads to Neumann and King's this weekend


The 2018-2019 season begins this weekend when Brockport heads into Pennsylvania for a couple of games which will be great warm-ups for the start of SUNYAC play next weekend.

Friday’s affair begins at 7:00 PM and finds the Golden Eagles taking on the Neumann Knights. They were 10-15-2 last season. During the 2017-2018 campaign they suffered a 4-1 loss at Brockport in which Connor Hutchins and Danny Rock were among the Golden Eagles who scored goals. Two Knights to keep an eye on are senior Joe Mitchell who had 13 goals last season and junior Ryan Swain who had a dozen lamplighters. The lion’s share of goaltending will fall on Anthony Pupplo this year, the only holdover from last season’s goalie trio. He had an .890 and 4.52 line. Overall, the team scored 2.89 goals per game and allowed 3.70 last year.

Saturday’s matinee show (a 3:00 start) finds them at King’s College, which is coached by former Brockport assistant Stephen Mallaro. Senior blueliner Nick Palumbo (who once played for Brockport) led the Monarchs in scoring in the program’s inaugural season with a 5-13-18 line. Their leading goal scorers were now sophomores Tyler O’Mara and Anthony Frati, who each scored a half dozen goals. Link Ferch will likely start in goal, he of the .895 and 4.47 line. There’s always a chance that senior Jake Tugnutt (son of former NHLer Ron Tugnutt) could man the net. Brockport beat King’s 6-2 last year when current Golden Eagles Connor Hutchins, Danny Rock, Ryan Romeo, and Ethan Solat contributed goals.    

Tuesday, October 23, 2018

2018-2019 season preview: a young but spirited team




The Brockport Golden Eagles went into the 2008-2009 season with a lot of question marks, having lost 12 players to graduation. That squad beat all expectations with great goaltending, solid two-way play, and immediate contributions from freshmen leading to the program’s first ever playoff home game and playoff victory.

Fast forward 10 years.

This year’s squad, despite similar personnel losses, have all the parts in place to be winners.

8 Golden Eagles graduated last year, including some serious playmakers like Tim Kielich, Zac Sikich, and Dylan Shapiro. Those are some big skates to fill, but the talent is here, from holdovers to new recruits.

Let’s look at some of those men who are primed for a big season…

Goaltending

It all begins with the goalies as solid netminding allows a team to do what it wants on either side of the blueline. Brockport is fortunate to have two solid men between the pipes.

Matt Schneider will backstop a young but talented team

Junior Matt Schneider will likely see most of the starts. Last season saw him produce an .892 save percentage to go with a 3.07 goals against average. That wasn’t far from his freshman campaign when he posted a .903/3.02 line and garnered a sort of folk hero status when he shutout Plattsburgh on the road, the Golden Eagles first victory in Plattsburgh ever.

Senior Jake Moore played as well as Schneider last year. Their numbers were eerily similar. Moore’s line was .891 and 3.01.

Forwards

The Golden Eagles lost 4 of their top 5 scoring forwards to graduation which leaves junior Connor Hutchins as the only veteran who had more than 10 points last season. He had 9 goals and 13 assists last year and looks to be “the man” as all eyes and all defenses will be on him. He’s game for it – thrown to the wolves as a freshman he had 12 goals and 15 assists, so he is certainly a top-level goal scorer in the conference. Don’t be surprised if he cracks the 15 goal and 30-point barriers this season and next.


Connor Hutchins looks to be one of the premier forwards in SUNYAC

Among the veterans who will aid Hutchins are Hunter Laslo and Danny Rock who each had 4 goals last season. Watch for both to double their output this year.

The freshmen will have to contribute right out of the gate, just like that beloved squad did a decade ago. There is the talent to make that happen. At the top of that list is Mitchell Parsons, a lightning-fast forward who amassed a staggering 64 points in 43 games in the EHL last season. Not only is he a playmaker, but he excels on special teams.

It will take a couple of games for the retooled offense to find their identity (they have to overcome the loss of 39 goals), so the opening weekend of non-conference play is in our favor. 

Defensemen

Brockport’s strength is its defensive unit. The Golden Eagles have a full stable to choose from, from big to fast, physical to finesse.

Connar Bass is the steady, guiding hand as the senior blueliner covers the ice well and is defenseman’s defenseman. He’s been known for that in SUNYAC circles his entire career, having garnered a spot on USCHO’s All-Rookie Team as a freshman. Because of his style of play, he won’t put up huge numbers but despite that don’t overlook that fact that he could receive an All-SUNYAC nod this season.

Connor Bass will show that he's one of the top d-men in the conference
One acquisition I like is the pick-up of transfer Aiden Salerno. The hard-charging junior defenseman had a solid freshman year with Cortland where he had 4 goals and 12 assists. None other than NHL Hall of Famer Pat Lafontaine (who coached Salerno for 4 seasons) said he was one of the hardest working kids he ever saw.

Watch for an impact from rookie Simon Besnar, in more ways than one. He’s physically intimidating, having amassed 349 penalty minutes in 244 CCHL game, but he also has soft hands, as made evident by 21 assists in 36 games with the Navan Grads last year.  

Prediction

It might take some time for the forwards to click and do what it takes to replace the players we lost, but blueliners and goalies as good as ours will give the coaches and players the ability and confidence they need to find the proper chemistry up front.

This team will surprise once that happens.

Expect a hot streak during conference play in January and February which will make for great positioning in the playoffs. Like that team 10 years ago that faced similar circumstances, this one will host a playoff game.  

2018-2019 roster


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