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
