STYLUS PREVIEWS THE SEASON

This week's Stylus has 3 different articles about the hockey team. The first one discusses the outlook for the season...


Hockey grows in 2010
Andy Lipari

The last two seasons have ended the same way for the Brockport hockey team. They have beaten Potsdam in the first round of the SUNYAC tournament and lost to Plattsburgh in the semifinals.

The 2010-2011 season will be the newest chapter in the growth of the Brockport hockey program. They had their first trip to the playoffs two seasons ago and the team is growing in confidence and pride by knowing that they are a contender every year.

The changes to Brockport's team are most notable between the pipes. Former goaltender Todd Sheridan has graduated and the job now belongs to junior Oliver Wren.

Wren has started 11 games, but most of them were non-conference games. Brockport Head Coach Brian Dickinson said his goaltending and the defense will be a strength of this team.

"I think most people are going to think it will be a weakness because Todd has graduated, but Wren is definitely ready to step into the number one roll," Dickinson said.

Dickinson also said he thinks the leadership on the team will be a strength. Brockport is returning its two captains from last year, including head captain Justin Noble.

"I really like the fact we are going to have some veteran leadership," Dickinson said. "I think our leadership will lead us to some big things this year."

Brockport will also miss Sean O'Malley. He was tied for the team lead in goals during the 2010-2011 regular season with 11. It's especially bad news because Dickinson said the offense is what needs to improve the most.

"We obviously have to score more goals this year," he said. "We scored just over three a game last season and we need to get that up into the four or four-and-a-half range. I think if we can do that we can compete with Plattsburgh and Oswego."

However, Brockport is returning a lot of its scoring threats, including James Cody. He tied O'Malley for the team-lead with 11 goals in the regular season and added three in the playoffs. He will be lined up with Tom Galiani and Ian Finnerty on a line Dickinson is happy to have. Ray Tremblay will return for his senior season after leading the team in assists during his junior year with 19.

Brockport opened its season against Utica on Friday, Oct. 22; a game they lost 3-1. Cody scored the first goal of the season in the first period, but it wasn't enough as the potent Utica offense couldn't be stopped in the later periods.

Brockport's first home game will be Friday, Oct. 29 against Potsdam in the Tuttle North Ice Arena.

Source:

http://media.www.thestylus.net/media/storage/paper1380/news/2010/10/27/Sports/Hockey.Grows.In.2010-3949797.shtml?reffeature=htmlemailedition

WREN IS SUNYAC GOALTENDER OF THE WEEK

Junior Oliver Wren (Oakville, ONT) was named the Ice Hockey Goalie of the Week by the State University of New York Athletic Conference.

Wren, in his first game as the Golden Eagles’ full-time starting goalie, made 34 saves, including several point-blank stops, during Friday’s season-opening 3-1 road loss to Utica College.

Wren made 14 saves apiece in both the first and second periods, and he finished with a .944 save percentage. In his first game since taking over for the graduated Todd Sheridan, who posted the program’s top three goals-against averages in school history, Wren allowed a second-period power-play goal and also a goal in the third period to keep Brockport in the game against Utica.

WKTV NEWS: VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS OF THE UTICA GAME

GOLDEN EAGLE SOCIETY IS BACK

The Golden Eagle Society is a donor organization that helps to fund Brockport Athletics. This week, the college introduced a revamped GES under the direction of the new athletics director, Noah LeFevre.

The new system features 7 levels of giving which, depending on how much you invest, includes everything from two tickets to sporting events to admission in the Athletics golf tournament.

For years, hockey parents and non-student fans have used the GES to get a pass that admits 2 to every game. At $25/year it was a steal since each game normally costs $4/attendee. Now, the minimum level of giving to get the tickets is $75.

But, that's still a steal to the money-conscious: There are 12 home games and if a couple went to each game that's $96...plus, you can still get into any other sporting event (basketball, football, etc).

What I like about the new GES set-up is that it features something that it hasn't in years: You can now choose which sport receives your monetary donation. Needless to say, I chose ice hockey.

For anyone interested in signing up, you can download an application here (in PDF format):

http://www.brockport.edu/athletics/GES/Golden_Eagle_Society_2010_11.pdf

UTICA'S WKTV'S REPORT ON THE GAME

UTICA, N.Y. - The Utica College men's hockey team netted the game's final three goals en route to a hard fought, 3-1, season-opening victory over Brockport State in front of 3,805 fans at the Utica Memorial Auditorium Friday night. Sophomore forward Evan Chlanda netted one goal and added one assist for the Pioneers, while senior captain Tim Coffman also tallied his first goal of the year.

"This was a big win for us in front of a great crowd on opening night. When we needed an answer - we got one from our captain - and our guys really turned it up in the final 25 minutes," said tenth year Head Coach Gary Heenan. "We came out a little sluggish in the first period and their goalie was lights out for the first 35 minutes of the game."

The visitors came out of the gates hot with a power-play goal, 11 minutes into the contest, from the stick of junior forward James Cody which gave the Golden Eagles a 1-0 lead. Brockport junior goalie Oliver Wren made several sprawling saves in the first period to thwart all 13 of the Pioneers attempts on goal as the Golden Eagles took a 1-0 lead into the first intermission.

Coffman got the anxious crowd on its feet with just over one minute to go in the second period, on the power-play, when he rebounded his 37th career goal into the top right corner past the outstretched reach of Wren as the Pioneers' knotted the contest at 1-1. Chlanda and Clinton's Jordan Hobaica were each credited with an assist on the Pioneers' first goal of the season.

"Coffman was in the right place at the right time on that one. We had a shot on net that went off the post and Coffman was crashing the net for the rebound," says Heenan. "We needed that power-play goal to pick us up a little bit."

Chlanda went on to net the game-winner just 5:07 into the third period. Freshman forward Ridge Garbutt centered a pass that was collected by Chlanda, who threw a low shot on net, and the puck slipped between the legs of Wren to put UC on top 2-1. Freshman Adam Graff also earned an assist on Chlanda’s second point of the night.

The Pioneers added an empty net insurance goal with one minute to go to seal the victory. Freshman Jon Gaffney wristed his first collegiate goal from the blue line to close out the scoring on the evening with the Pioneers ahead 3-1.

"We got solid play from both of our goalies tonight and the guys are who are supposed to score - scored," said Heenan.

UC's freshmen goalies Nick Therrien and Evan Smith split the game right down the middle in net, just as Coach Heenan had planned to do, and they combined for 33 saves. Therrien stopped 22 shots, but gave up one goal, while Smith made 11 saves in preserving the victory. Wren made 34 saves in the loss for Brockport.

“We worked some kinks out tonight and we came out on top,” says Heenan. “It wasn’t pretty at times but Brockport is a good team and we got to see how our young players would respond to adversity.”

UC returns to action next Friday night for its annual AmeriCU Pink the Rink event as the Pioneers host Franklin Peirce at 7 p.m. The Pioneers will dawn pink jersey’s, which are currently being auctioned off, in support of the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Foundation of Central New York.

BROCKPORT DROPS SEASON OPENER 3-1 TO UTICA

The official report by Brockport Athletics...


Junior James Cody (Schwenksville, PA) took a centering pass from senior Tom Galiani (Lindenhurst, NY) and tapped in his first goal of the season for The College at Brockport Hockey team but Utica College battled back with three goals to post a 3-1 win over the Golden Eagles in a non-conference season opener Friday night in Utica.

Cody’s goal, with just two seconds left on a Brockport (0-1) power play, started when the Golden Eagles won the faceoff in the Utica (1-0) zone and fought to get the puck in front of the net where Galiani worked the puck free from a Utica defenseman and fed Cody in front of the net for the goal with nine minutes left in the first period.

In the second period, Utica scored late in the period on its fifth power play opportunity of the game to tie the game with 1:08 left in the period. The Pioneer took the lead five minutes into the third period. The third Utica goal came late in the period into the empty net after Brockport had pulled goalie Oliver Wren (Oakville, ONT) for the extra attacker.

“We found out a lot about ourselves tonight,” said head coach Brian Dickinson. “We played a tough team very hard and just made a few early-season mistakes. Overall I was pleased with the effort.”

Wren made several big saves and finished with 34 stops.

Brockport will open the home portion of its schedule at 7 pm Friday night with a State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) game against Potsdam and complete the first full weekend of action with a 7 pm Saturday game against Plattsburgh.

WBSU BROADCAST SCHEDULE

10/22 @ Utica
10/29 vs. Potsdam
10/30 vs. Plattsburgh
11/05 @ Morrisville
11/12 @ Buff St.
11/13 @ Fredonia
11/19 vs. Geneseo
11/20 @ Elmira
11/27 @ Tufts (Castleton Tourney)
11/28 @ (Castleton Tourney)
12/03 vs. Oswego
12/04 vs. Cortland
01/21 @ Potsdam
01/22 @ Plattsburgh
01/29 vs. Neumann
02/04 vs. Buff St.
02/05 vs. Fredonia
02/18 @ Oswego
02/19 @ Cortland

INTERESTING QUOTE REGARDING TONIGHT'S GAME

The city of Utica really takes their Utica College hockey seriously, hence almost unlimited media coverage.

Today's Utica Daily News features a story about tonight's game and it had this quote from Utica's coach which really interests me. It makes me wonder two things: One, is Brockport being looked at as a lesser opponent, or two, will Brockport truly dominate a team in experimentation mode tonight?....

"We're focused on our team," he said. "To be honest, we've done little-to-no scouting on Brockport. We're just trying to play the best we can play, making sure our young guys are all on spot."

Source:

http://uticadailynews.com/mobile/utica_daily_focus/17789-expands-recruiting-Canada-hopes-turnaround.html

ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT LOOKS AT TREMBLAY, THIS YEAR'S TEAM

This great article from the Sports Information Department looks at Ray Tremblay's success story as well as what's in the cards for the Golden Eagles' this season...

As The College at Brockport’s ice hockey team prepares to open its 2010-11 season Friday night on the road against Utica College, senior forward Ray Tremblay (Peachland, British Columbia/Beaver Valley Nitehawks) is optimistic the Golden Eagles can win the school’s first State University of New York Athletic Conference title.

But while wins and losses are nice, as the season begins, Tremblay’s mind drifts back to that fateful day, Dec. 25, 2006, when his whole world came to a crossroads.

While visiting his grandparents’ house in the village of Midway, British Columbia, located 140 miles north of Spokane, Wash. along the US/Canadian border, Tremblay and his cousins were out back enjoying a toboggan ride along the frozen Kettle River. Tremblay was wrapping up his final season of junior hockey before embarking on a career he Tremblay hoped would have him playing collegiate and, eventually, professional hockey.

During his first of what promised to be many toboggan runs with his younger family members, Tremblay caught some hang-time and, while in the seated position, landed awkwardly on the snow-covered ground. Tremblay was able to get up and walk away from the incident, but not without pain. And the pain persisted.

Suddenly, everything Tremblay had worked so hard for was on the brink. His once promising hockey career seemed derailed after doctors revealed the forward had suffered compression fractures on two of his vertebrates during the tobogganing accident.

Tremblay was faced with two choices: either opt for surgery, which would limit his mobility and force him to abandon hockey, or give his body the necessary time to heal, which meant spending nearly 23 hours a day in bed during the first three months of rehabilitation.

For Tremblay, a lifelong hockey player, the decision was easy.

“The option of not playing hockey ever again didn’t seem very good for me. I’ve dedicated pretty much my whole life to the game and I knew I’d be able to get through rehab,” said Tremblay, who lists Brockport’s 3-1 SUNYAC quarterfinal home win over Potsdam in 2009 as his career highlight.

“I just wasn’t done playing yet, I knew I wanted to come to college to play hockey and maybe even further beyond that. It was my drive, I wasn’t done playing yet.”

The only time Tremblay was able to walk, he had to wear a cumbersome back brace to ensure his vertebrae didn’t shift out of place. Tremblay’s body could only handle 15-minute spurts of walking; the rest of his days, he was bed-ridden. Following three “very difficult” months, Tremblay and his doctor noticed some improvements, and the brace was removed so Tremblay could test his body while walking around the house.

But just because he was able to walk, didn’t mean Tremblay’s arduous rehab was complete. It took another three months until Tremblay was able to rejoin his teammates on the ice, and even then, Tremblay “felt awkward, and my body felt pretty delicate,” while gliding up and down the ice.

Eventually his body was able to handle the rigors of playing competitive collegiate hockey, and Tremblay scored three goals with seven assists in 27 games during his freshman season at Northland (Wis.) College.

After just one season at Northland, the former junior hockey standout who received looks from seven NCAA schools decided to transfer to Brockport, opting for the Golden Eagles because of the school’s nationally-known physical education program, as well as the chance to help improve Brockport’s hockey team.

Prior to Tremblay’s arrival, the Golden Eagles hadn’t posted consecutive double-digit win seasons since the 1986-87 and 1987-88 seasons. During Tremblay’s sophomore and junior seasons, Brockport won a combined 28 games, the highest two-year total in the school’s 37-year varsity history.

On the eve of his final season with the Green and Gold, Tremblay now has his priorities in place, and knows that while playing hockey is a fun hobby, he will need a solid education if he’s going to succeed off the ice and in life.

It might not have seemed apparent at the time, but Tremblay received one of the best Christmas gifts back on that Christmas Day: a fresh perspective.

“I don’t want to take things for granted. After (the injury), as I’m lying there in bed, all I could think about was how you can’t take things for granted,” said Tremblay, who hopes to get into coaching hockey once his playing days are over. “So many times I’d be playing (hockey) and I’d get upset about what’s going on in the game. I learned you have to take a step back and get some perspective. Hockey’s a fun game, but it’s just a game.”

Offensively, the Golden Eagles return Tremblay, the team’s returning leading assist man (19), as well as seniors Justin Noble (10G, 9A) and Tom Galiani (9G, 6A) and juniors James Cody (14 goals, 14 assists), Ian Finnerty (7G, 17A) and Gregg Amato (3G, 15A).

Defensively, Brockport must replace Todd Sheridan, the first-team All-SUNYAC goalie whose 3.07 career goals-against average is tops in school history. Junior Oliver Wren, who started three games last year and posted a 3-1 record and a 2.51 GAA, should give the Golden Eagles a steady presence in goal.

“We have so many good recruits that guys will be fighting for their jobs on the ice,” said Tremblay. “We have to set the bar high. The last two years we’ve definitely improved the program, but we want to win more, and I think a SUNYAC championship is a great possibility for our team.”

Source: http://www.brockport.edu/athletics/news.php?id=2089

BROCKPORT DISRESPECTED (AGAIN) IN COACHES POLL

Longtime fans of the program know how Brockport has been slighted in the eyes of other coaches, other fans, and the media across DIII and especially in SUNYAC. They have looked at Brockport as a doormat and in the past two seasons they predicted Brockport to do poorly in conference play and miss the playoffs. As you know, the end result was entirely different.

Well, they haven't learned their lesson. Yesterday, the SUNYAC released their pre-season coaches poll and, once again, Brockport is looked at as a weak opponent.

Here's the official news release...

Oswego selected as SUNYAC Preseason Favorite in Men's Ice Hockey
October 20, 2010

The State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) announced today its 2010 Men's Ice Hockey Preseason Coaches Polls. Coaches voted for every team in the conference and points were assigned for each vote (eight for first, seven for second, etc.). Teams are ranked in order of highest point total to lowest with first place votes shown in parentheses.

With six first place votes, Oswego topped Plattsburgh for first in the poll. Reigning SUNYAC champion Oswego advanced to the semifinals of the national tournament and finished the 2009-10 season with an impressive 26-3 record. The Lakers look to continue last year's success and return to the post-season for a chance to defend its SUNYAC title and compete for their second-ever national championship. Despite losing four seniors to graduation and last year's Player of the Year, the Lakers return five of the top seven scores from a year ago including Jon Whitelaw who was voted the 2009-10 Rookie of the Year.

The Plattsburgh Cardinals have won two of the last three SUNYAC titles and made its third consecutive trip and 18th overall to the NCAA tournament last year where they fell to eventual champ Norwich in the semifinals. The team finished 19-6-4 overall and 13-2-1 in conference play, and will look to second team All Conference selection Dylan Clarke (12 goals, 18 assists) and Eric Satim (11 goals and 16 assists) to guide the Cardinals in 2010-11.

With 46 points, the Ice Knights of Geneseo edged out the Blue Devils of Fredonia by one point to take third place. Geneseo won back-to-back SUNYAC crowns in 2004-05 and 2005-06 and is is looking to re-claim the SUNYAC championship after a four-year absence from the pedestal. The Ice Knights posted a record of 13-10-2 last season including a 3-1 victory over then ranked #1 Oswego.

Fredonia, winner of the 2006-07 SUNYAC title, returns its top four goal scorers from last year. The team ranked fifth in NCAA Division III with 4.77 goals per game. First-team all conference selection Steve Rizer returns to defense for the Blue Devils where he led the team with 26 assists. Completing the poll was Potsdam, Morrisville, Brockport, Cortland and Buffalo State.

SUNYAC conference games begin Friday, October 29. The six-team SUNYAC tournament will be held on February 23, February 26 and March 5, 2011 on campuses. The top-two squads will receive a first-round bye.

2010-2011 Pre-Season Poll
School and Points
Oswego 62 (6 first place votes)
Plattsburgh 59 (3 first place votes)
Geneseo 46
Fredonia 45
Potsdam 37
Morrisville 30
Brockport 20
Cortland 13
Buffalo State 12

BROCKPORT TO FACE 2-HEADED MONSTER IN GOAL

In yesterday's post I made mention that this weekend's opponent, Utica College, has a big question mark in goal. Well, it's such a big one, that Utica's coach is undecided between recruits Evan Smith and Nick Therrien. They’ll split time Friday night, according to a report in the Utica Observer Disptach.

Read the article, which also looks at the team's strengths and weaknesses, here:

http://www.uticaod.com/sports/x102604680/Pioneers-quest-Go-deep-in-hockey-playoffs

What are these freshman like?

Therrien is from Rochester, N.H. and played junior hockey for the New York Apple Core of the Eastern Junior Hockey League. He won 13 games and made 911 saves for New York last season.

Evan Smith is from Penticton, British Columbia and played junior hockey for the Calgary Royals of the Atlantic Junior Hockey League. He totaled a .892 save percentage and won seven games for Calgary last year.

BROCKPORT HEADS TO UTICA ON FRIDAY

The Brockport Golden Eagles open the season in the most unfriendly of environments to visiting teams, Utica Memorial Auditorium, home to 3,000 (yes, 3,000) fans who support the Utica Pioneers. The team regularly leads DIII in attendance. Friday is their annual “white-out” game, so you know the fans will be dressed in white and ready to rain on Brockport’s parade.

Utica pounded Brockport 5-1 last January when they peppered the Brockport goaltenders with some quality shots. Tim Coffman led the way for the Pioneers with a goal and an assist while James Cody scored Brockport’s only goal on a power play, the only 1 of 7 PP chances that they managed to succeed on.

The great game posted by Utica’s special teams units certainly cannot be matched again. It was an anomaly. They ranked 64th against the power play last year while Brockport was 12th in the power play. With the added firepower on this year’s roster Brockport should flat out beat Utica. That’s because a huge question mark for the Pioneers is their goaltending situation as not one netminder saved more than .887 of the shots he faced last year.

The January game did highlight one of Utica’s strengths, Mr. Coffman. The junior captain had a stellar season last year with 19 goals and 16 assists. Beyond his line, there’s limited firepower. Of the returning players, not one of them had a 20 point season. Sophomore Evan Chlanda is the next best scoring threat after having 9 goals.

The team is very young with 16 freshman on the roster. A freshman to watch out for is Jordan Hobaica. Hobaica played prep hockey at Northwood School after a successful playing career at Clinton High School. He totaled 57 points in his junior year at Clinton before spending two years in prep school. The coaches rave about him: "He's one we're going to count on, you're going to look to see him on the powerplay, on the penalty kill, we're going to use him in all areas and we're really fortunate to have him here at Utica College," says head coach Gary Heenan,

The game begins at 7:00 PM and is sold out. It can be heard on WBSU at 89.1 FM in the Rochester area or online at http://www.891thepoint.com/

VIDEO COVERAGE RETURNS

Last season the team introduced video coverage of the games. They were broadcast live, for a fee, online at www.FastHockey.com.

The Golden Eagles will be doing so again this year. Coach Dickinson said that as long as a given ice arena has internet access they will be able to broadcast.

This is a great way for hockey parents to watch their sons and for fans to see the Golden Eagles when they are on the road.

Fast Hockey's website describes itself as...

FASTHockey.com is the premier online destination for ice hockey fanatics from around the world. Visitors can choose from an incredible array of games from national governing bodies, conferences, leagues, teams, tournaments, and other events.

Hockey fans can watch the games when and how they want as FASTHockey.com offers multiple options for visitors enjoyment. From live streaming media to archives on-demand visitors can enjoy games from anywhere in the world. In some cases, users can own the content either on a USB Stick which is mastered in web quality or in high quality DVDs which are burned on site.

The Company was founded in 2005 and has grown ever since adding thousands of games each year for fans thirsty for incredible amateur hockey content. FASTHockey is partnered with National Governing Bodies, including USA Hockey, Hockey Canada and the ACHA. The Company serves several NCAA college athletic conferences, a majority of junior hockey leagues in the USA, a growing array of junior hockey teams in Canada, prep schools, and youth hockey teams. The Company provides professional production services for over 2,000 showcases and tournament games, including the World Junior Championship, World Under 17 Challenge, World Under 18 Championship, and National Tournaments for the ACHA, Hockey Canada, and USA Hockey.

OPENING WEEKEND'S FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE

The gentlemen in the Eagles Nest have created an event page for opening weekend on Facebook. You can RSVP your attendance and connect with other attendees here:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#!/event.php?eid=118631101530300


Amongst the information shared on that page...

Friday - join us for tailgating from 530 to 630 brought to you by Brockport Rec Club. They will be hosting a noisemaker making event as well as face painting and other events in the lobby before the doors open. Feel free to bring your own signs and noisemakers. We need to keep Tuttle rocking as it has the last 2 years maintaining the home ice advantage for the team

WEAR GREEN to the game as Brockport hosts Potsdam in the home opener. The puck drops at 7 but capacity of the arena as been reduced so expect the game to sell and be there by 630 if you want a spot to stand on the bleachers.

Saturday - BLACK OUT THE RINK! wear black to the game as Brockport hosts Plattsburgh. Once again get there early to make sure you get a seat.

MEET YOUR 2010-2011 GOLDEN EAGLES!

Coach Dickinson officially unveiled his roster for the 2010-2011 season today. Here are your Golden Eagles...


1 Oliver Wren Jr. G 5-10 180 Oakville, ONT/Oakville Blades
2 Ian Chapman Fr. D 6-5 215 Batavia, NY/North York Rangers
3 Gregg Amato Jr. D 6-2 200 Ocean Gate, NJ/Port Hope Predators
5 Bobby Connor Fr. F 5-10 192 Lititz, PA/Philadelphia Junior Flyers
6 Tyler Davis Jr. D 6-0 180 Queensbury, NY/Syracuse Stars
7 Steve Sachman Fr. F 5-11 185 Medford, NY/NY Bobcats
8 Matt DeLuca Fr. D 6-0 190 Skippack, PA/Syracuse Stars
9 Ian Finnerty Jr. F 6-0 180 Ardmore, PA/Philly Little Flyers
11 Chris Cangro Fr. F 5-11 190 Holbrook, NY/NY Bobcats
12 Nick Panepinto So. F 5-11 185 Tonawanda, NY/Buffalo Jr. Sabres
14 Justin Noble Sr. F 5-11 190 Georgetown, ONT/Guelph Dominators
15 Sean Wallace Fr. D 6-0 190 Rochester, NY/NY Applecore
16 Brett Jendra Jr. F 5-11 170 Bolingbrook, IL/Kingston Voyagers
17 Adam Shoff Jr. F 5-9 175 Port Dover, ONT/Port Colborne Sailers
18 Colby Spooner So. D 5-8 175 Hilton, NY/Aquinas HS
19 Tom Galiani Sr. F 5-7 160 Lindenhurst, NY/New York Bobcats
20 James Cody Jr. F 6-2 205 Schwenksville, PA/Philly Little Flyers
21 Ray Tremblay Sr. F 5-10 185 Peachland, BC/Beaver Valley Nitehawks
22 Mike Hayward So. D 6-2 200 Toronto, ONT/Vaughan Vipers
23 Chris Berardini Sr. F 5-11 175 Batavia, NY/Maksymum
24 Brendon Rothfuss Fr. F 6-0 190 Webster, NY/Syracuse Stars
26 Dan Galiani So. F 5-10 170 Lindenhurst, NY/New York Bobcats
27 Mike Baxter Fr. F 5-10 160 Bracebridge, ONT/Fort Erie Meteors
28 Nick Sampson Sr. D 5-8 165 Mississagua, ONT/Bramelea Blues
29 Patrick Hayden Fr. D 5-9 170 Springfield, PA/Philadelphia Little Flyers
31 Jeremy Rossignolo Sr. G 5-10 180 Rochester, NY/Franklin Pierce Ravens
35 Joe Reagan Fr. G 5-10 200 Yonjers, NY/NY Bobcats

2010-2011 SEASON PREVIEW: A WINNING TRADITION

Call it luck, coincidence, or fate.

Whatever it is, the past couple of seasons have marked a turning point for the ice hockey program at Brockport. Just think of how these various positive things have converged on the Golden Eagles all at once:

• A huge fan base that creates a true home ice advantage at Tuttle North. Who would have imagined, even just 3 years ago, that the arena would regularly host in excess of 1,000 fans…or the team would be followed across the state by rabid – and boisterous - student fans?

• Todd Sheridan’s exceptional career. The cancer survivor was given a chance by Coach Dickinson and the College. The results: 11 record broken and countless memories for the fans

• This blog which connects students, alumni, parents and the DIII community to the team. Few programs can lay claim to such a promotional tool

• Saves for a Cure came onto the scene, collecting charitable funds from the college and community at large in an effort to bring comfort to the Rochester region’s youngest cancer patients

• Two home playoff games. The first two in program history…and the first two playoff wins in program history

• And last, but certainly not least, success. After some time as being a competitive yet rarely victorious team, the Golden Eagles now expect to win games and they are driven to that goal, producing two successive 14-win seasons which have positioned Brockport as team to reckon with not only in the SUNYAC but in all of Division III hockey.

It’s that new winning tradition, one that’s certain to stay with this high-character team for the long haul with its excellent leadership (on-ice, in the locker room and in the classroom ) and this past off-season’s awesome recruiting class, one that sets the bar high for future classes.

Despite this, you’re almost guaranteed that the team will be looked at as underdogs once again by SUNYAC coaches and DIII followers. Certainly, none of them expected the first 14 win season nor did they the second one: In both seasons the SUNYAC coaches poll had them pegged to finish 7th in the conference.

The team has shown time and again that they relish that role. It drives them to outperform the rest of the conference and it will do the same again this season, even if the SUNYAC coaches see the light and rank them 3rd or 4th. These guys want to exceed expectations, no matter how high they are.

You can thank the captaincy for that.


Leadership




Repeating team captain Justin Noble has been a high-gear player since his first days on the ice at Brockport, playing a great brand of defensive forward against some of the best lines in all of Division III. Relentless in his approach to the game, he fights for the puck at both ends of the ice and is among the best checkers and puck handlers on the team.

His assistant, Ray Tremblay, plays with the same fervor that allowed him to overcome what should have been a career-ending back injury…a real inspiration to his team mates and one of the better personal success stories in DIII. Quick, with good vision for the whole ice sheet, he makes plays happen, as made evident by his 19 assists last season.

The other “A” will be worn by Adam Shoff this season, someone who is a real fan favorite and is beloved by his team mates (and has been everywhere he has played). Strong, reckless with his body and possessed of a dynamo’s energy, his numbers (10 points last season) belie what he brings to the team, whether it’s killing penalties or playing some steady defense from the offensive position. He does the little things that bring the victories and motivate the team to take their energy to his level.

Those gentlemen are who keep the team cohesive, a unit of players that has shown remarkable togetherness and team work the past two seasons.



Forwards



If Brockport had a weakness last year, it was in the goal-scoring department. The team lit the lamp only 82 times, good for 51st in the nation and an average score of 3.04/game. That output ranked them only 27th among all the Golden Eagles teams of the past.

But, it wasn’t for a lack of some strong performers.Ian Finnerty may have had one of the quietest big seasons in recent memory. His 24 points (7 goals, 17 assists) snuck up on the fans and reporters. That, to me, means he’s a consistent playmaker, one who contributes each and every game, just floating under the radar with his ongoing contributions. With more firepower around him this year, the junior might make a run at 30 points this year or next.

And, then there’s James Cody.

With Todd Sheridan now in "retirement", young James might be the face of Brockport hockey. He’s a special talent who scores in bunches (leading the team the past 2 years), excels in the clutch (see what he did against Potsdam in the playoffs the last 2 years), and hits like a son-of-gun (among all SUNYAC forwards, he is the premier checker and open ice hitter). He is the most entertaining player on the team, his electric style of offense and hitting sure to produce a few highlights every game.

The lack of goals was well-addressed by Coach Dickinson. He had some brilliant pick-ups in the recruiting department that include Steve Sachman (15 game winning goals over the last 2 AJHL seasons), Bobby Conner (51 points in 42 games with the Junior Flyers) and Chris Cangro (+34 with the Bobcats last year).

Goals should come early and often for those guys and as the Golden Eagles veterans grow there’s no reason why the team shouldn’t score an extra 18 goals this season.




Defensemen




Brockport’s defensive performance was out of this world last season, allowing 3.11 goals a game, for a total of only 84 over the 27-game season. That set a new scored record for the fewest goals allowed per game, besting the previous season when 90 were let in.

That was without their number one defenseman Gregg Amato in the home stretch. He missed the last 5 games following an injury in the Geneseo game. He was on pace to best Brockport’s single-season scoring record for defenseman, finishing with 18 points, a great addition to his slick defensive skills which allow him to cover a lot of ice.

His crew is rounded out by the likes of Tyler Davis (yet another high-energy impact player), and Mike Hayward (a playmaking defenseman in the mold of Amato). They are an scary bunch of hard hitters who play intelligently.

They will be joined this year by an excellent recruiting class which includes standouts like Ian Chapman and Matt Deluca among others.

Hockey purists will enjoy watching the defensemen as they are a very-effective and highly-skilled group.



Special teams


Goals may not have come easy at full strength last year, but they did with a man advantage. Never a team known for a flashy power play, that’s where the team excelled: With two weeks left in the regular season they had the 9th best PP unit in the country. They finished the season 12th best finding success on 23% of their chances (38 of 165). The penalty kill was just as awesome, ending up 14th best in DIII, killing 85.5% (124 of 145) of their opponent’s man advantages. Helping along those numbers was the fact that the Golden Eagles were the 45th-least-penalized team in DIII, facing only 14.8 minutes in the box per game.



Goaltending




With Todd Sheridan having completed his 4-year career as perhaps the best Brockport hockey player ever, and the most respected goaltender in the SUNYAC, goaltending becomes a question mark.

Or does it?

If anything, the netminding is left in capable pads.

For the past 2 seasons, Oliver Wren has served as back-up and when given the chance to play has done well. Last season he saw action in 5 games (including 3 starts) and he amassed a spectacular .919 saves percentage and a 2.51 goals against average which featured a shutout. If he can match those numbers over the course of an entire season you’re talking about something special. Oliver plays an excitable, constantly-in-motion manner of goaltending that should keep the fans entertained this year.

The team added Joe Reagan over the summer, someone who instantly keeps Brockport’s goaltending unit as the very best unit in the SUNYAC, just as it has been the past few years. An accomplished stopper, he played with the Bobcats the past two seasons and his numbers are real jaw-droppers. Last season he saved .929 of the shots he faced and he posted a sick 2.19 GAA. In the season prior, he was just as efficient with a .931 saves percentage.



Predictions

2010-2011 should be just as exciting as the past two seasons, even more so as some of the pick-ups adjust to DIII. Like I said earlier: Winning is the new tradition with the Golden Eagles. What will that equate this season? How about a 15-9-1 record in the regular season.

My predictions have been nearly dead-on the past two seasons. So, watch out, SUNYAC.

TODD SHERIDAN FEATURED IN STYLUS

This week's Brockport Stylus features the following interview with Todd Sheridan...


Former Brockport goalie still making "saves"
By Trevor Francis

Todd Sheridan is one of the most well-known athletes in Brockport's recent history. He holds the record for best single season save percentage at .917 and highest career saves percentage .904. And in his four years as Brockport's starting goalie on the ice hockey team, he broke 11 total records and holds the top four lowest averages for goals allowed per game in a season. More importantly, though, Todd was diagnosed and later beat cancer and went on to start his own charitable company to help others who are battling the disease.



What drew you into playing sports, specifically as a goalie?

TS: I grew up in a hockey family. My dad was a hockey fan, my three older brothers are all hockey fans and one played hockey. It was also the little-brother-mentality of wanting to be better than my older brothers. Most kids start at forward or center. They want to score goals, but I like the pressure of playing goalie. With other positions, if you make a mistake your teammates can bail you out, but as a goalie, every time I make a mistake it's on the scoreboard for everyone to see.



How are you still involved in hockey?

TS: Right now, I am enjoying being out of the spotlight. I played hockey for 21 years, there were some minor-pro offers but none of them were worth dropping out of school with one semester left. I have been working with Brockport coaches and players as a goalie helper. I am also the goalie coach for Tri-county Youth Hockey, with the squirt team, which has been great because it takes me back to when I was a kid, when hockey was about having fun.

It will be hard to watch the games from the sidelines, but it will be good for the team. There is a lot of overall talent and the goalies are more than capable. Fans can focus on other players besides me.



What have sports meant or what do they continue to mean in your life?

TS: As a kid, I played hockey and soccer. It served as a great way to get rid of stress and to make friends with other kids with similar interests. When I was diagnosed with cancer it provided me with the mindset of an athlete to not want to only survive cancer but to beat it all together. There is a big difference to me in those terms, surviving cancer still gives the cancer the power, but I beat it. Sports gave me the mindset to treat cancer like another opponent to challenge and that helped a lot.



How important was sports as a haven away from cancer for you?

TS: There was no possibility playing during the chemo; my doctors told me I could never play sports again. So, after I beat the cancer, getting back into the goal was another challenge to overcome. I don't want to get into the numbers or the percentages the doctors gave me, but they were more focused on my survival. Getting my body healthy enough to play again was not even mentioned.

I liked going through the chemo feeling sick, because I knew that the more sick and weak I felt, the worse the tumor felt, and that is where being an athlete helped. I knew I was stronger than the tumor.



Did anyone try to talk you out of playing, or try to get you to focus on your interests outside of sports?

TS: Basically, everyone did. My parents supported me but they were nervous. Chemo weakens the body, so there was a huge risk of getting injured. All of the Division-I offers that I had prior to cancer went out the window. Colleges were afraid to take a chance on me because they were afraid I would get hurt.



Did that ever make you angry or resentful, or do you ever wonder where you would be if you never had cancer?

TS: There really was no time to be angry. I just wanted to play hockey again. Being able to get back into the pads proved again that I really beat cancer and I could return to my normal life. There were people telling me that I could transfer after I played a couple of years at Brockport and proved I could compete at a high level again.

Brockport was the only college to take a chance on me though, it would have been a sort of betrayal by me to leave, I owe the coaches my time as a way to thank them.



How do you want to be remembered, as a great goalie, or a person who set up their own company to help others with cancer or a source of inspiration who overcame great odds?

TS: I was part of a team that won a playoff game for the first time in Brockport's history; Brockport hockey was transformed into a contender and the most popular sport in the college. I am proud to have contributed to that. Now, hockey can be known for supporting something else; Saves For A Cure can help local kids who are battling cancer. Oswego and Cortland will have Saves For A Cure games this year. Right now we are trying to put pressure on other SUNYAC teams to use it, too. It helps out kids and it improves the image of the colleges that use it.



How important was sports as a platform to build your company on?

TS: It gave the company a lot more publicity and an easier way to reach people. So far, it's been a positive experience. The SUNYAC teams seem willing to jump on board. My goal is to get every SUNYAC team to have a Saves For A Cure game. Since I am from New Jersey and I have lived in Connecticut and Texas and which helped me because I have a fairly expansive list of connections, which will hopefully allow me to expand much further.



Where is Saves For A Cure now?

TS: I had an idea to start a company to help people who are going through what I went through. I realized, like most people, that I had no idea how to start a company.

Saves For A Cure is a company, not a charity; there was a two-year legal battle to get incorporated, we won. We are a 100 percent revenue company and we give every penny of the money from the things we sell to upgraded cancer facilities that need it.

Medicine is great, but doctors and people cure cancer now and I want to have an immediate impact. Bob Confer helped me with the business side of the company. He was the main part in turning Saves For A Cure from an idea into something tangible. It was very important for me to be completely non-profit. It makes the work we do harder, but I can sleep at night knowing I did the right thing.

Too many companies that are marketed as non-profit end up making money. It bothers me that some people are becoming millionaires as heads of non-profit companies when it should be about helping others. The main thing I could tell people is to do their research before donating any money. Make sure you know where the money is going before you choose to donate. Saves For A Cure is on Facebook. People can become a fan if they want to learn more.



Source:

http://media.www.thestylus.net/media/storage/paper1380/news/2010/10/13/Sports/Former.Brockport.Goalie.Still.Making.saves-3943890.shtml?reffeature=htmlemailedition

SLIGHT CHANGE TO SCHEDULE

Please note that the schedule shown in the left toolbar has been altered. The WNEC game scheduled for Saturday, January 8th was originally set for 7:00 PM. The game is now a matinee affair starting at 3:00 PM.

TENTATIVE ROSTER ONLINE

The hockey team's tentative roster is now available online. The roster will be pared down this upcoming weekend with the issuance of uniform numbers to follow. Check out the list here:

http://www.brockport.edu/athletics/icehockey/roster.php

ALUMNI GAME SET FOR OCTOBER 30

The Golden Eagles alumni game will take place on Saturday, October 30th at 1:30 PM.

The timing of this annual event will allow alumni to watch the active members of their Golden Eagles brotherhood take on Plattsburgh at 7:00 PM. After the varsity game the alumni will celebrate old times at Flash's Tavern in the village.

If interested in playing in the game please contact Tim Panek at tpanek@rochester.rr.com

TODD SHERIDAN'S WNY TONIGHT APPEARANCE NOW ON YOUTUBE

Back in March of 2008, while Saves For a Cure was being formed, Brockport goaltender Todd Sheridan appeared as the guest for an hour-long installment of WNY Tonight that was carried throughout the Buffalo Niagara Region. The episode is available in 5 installments online, here's Part One....

PEP BAND UPDATE

The hockey team will join the ranks of Geneseo with their own pep band this year. The band formed this semester and will be performing at various sporting events throughout the year. Here's an update about the band from the pages of this week's Stylus....



Brockport pep band screaming for spirit
By Tim Fenster

Brockport sophomore Jessica Lahue said she remembers a Brockport ice hockey game last year when Golden Eagles fans had to be extra loud, because the opposing team brought their pep band.

Now, fans of the opposing teams at ice hockey, football, and men's and women's basketball games will have to be louder, because Brockport has its own pep band.

The Brockport Screaming Eagles pep band formed at the beginning of this semester, and Adam Standish, coordinator of scholarships and special projects, said he hopes the band will be ready to play at a home football game within the next two weeks.

Standish advises the student-group.

"My job is to give them guidance, but I really want them to develop a program where [the students] are in control," Standish said.

Standish said their original goal for the pep band was to get about 30 members. The band now has 75 active members.

The pep band has no conductor, but is now choosing several students to lead and possibly conduct the band, Standish said.

So far, the band has had three practices, which are held every Sunday night in the Union. Standish said the students have exceeded his expectations.

"It's been a pleasure … I didn't know what they'd sound like and they just blew me away," Standish said.

Most of the band's members have years of musical experience from playing instruments in grade school. Lahue said she began playing the clarinet when she was 10 years old. Brockport senior Caroline Boron said she's been playing the clarinet since third grade.

"I played in pep band in high school and when we played at our home football games it would get the crowd going and people would really enjoy it and get more into the game and bring more team spirit," Boron said. "Music kind of brings people together like that."

While those interested in the pep band don't need a lifetime of musical experience to join, most will need their own instrument, since the college will only purchase percussion instruments, Standish said.

For uniforms, the Screaming Eagles will wear gold T-shirts. Standish said band members are now designing the T-shirts. One band member created six different T-shirt designs and the design that gets the most votes will be used.

One of the T-shirts has a slogan that says "Brockport pep band, if it was any easier it would be called football," Boron said.

"I don't know if the football players will like it so much, but they should just be excited that we're there trying to pump the crowd up," Boron said.

The Screaming Eagles are currently learning songs, which include the "Star Spangled Banner," the Jaws theme, the Brockport fight song and a more upbeat version of Brockport's alma mater, among many other "sports songs," Standish said. In addition, Boron said the band is trying to rewrite and learn some current popular songs, such as "Poker Face" by Lady Gaga

Enrollment Management and Student Affairs are providing funding for the pep band's percussion instruments, T-shirts and lyres, which are small music stands that clip to instruments.

Standish also said he volunteered because of his experience with music - he plays several instruments and has played percussion for about 15 years.

"Because of my love for music, I thought it'd be great to move forward with this idea," Standish said. "I wish when I was a student at Brockport the college had a pep band."

Vice president for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Katy Wilson began the push for a new pep band because many visiting school's sports teams brought their bands, Standish said. The idea for a pep band began in February 2010 and the proposal has picked up steam ever since.

Currently, Enrollment Management and Student Affairs is coordinating with the athletic department to figure out when the Screaming Eagles can play without disrupting the coaches or players, Standish said.

Although the group is now only preparing to play in the stands, Standish said he hopes that one day the band is able to branch away from the stands and do things like marching in the Homecoming Parade or playing a show at halftime.

"We really want to build school spirit with this program, especially at our sporting events … so that everybody has a great time," Standish said. "With a little music on the side, hopefully it will help build that school spirit at the college."

The pep band practices every Sunday at 7:30 p.m. in the Union Lounge. Those interested in joining should contact Adam Standish at astandis@brockport.edu.

TUTTLE NORTH CAPACITY DROPS

The capacity at Tuttle North Ice Arena is listed at 1,800. In the past two seasons that number has been reached a handful of times. The arena was also at 80% capacity on 8 other occasions.

Tuttle North will be at capacity this upcoming season, but, unfortunately not for the case of there being more fans: The Golden Eagles are losing over 400 from their total capacity. It will be down to accommodate construction of the Special Events and Recreation Center. Because of SERC, the west doors are no longer accessible as exits.

I asked Coach Dickinson, who is also the ice arena manager, about the impact of SERC. He said:

"This situation creates a safety hazard in case of emergency. The capacity is based off of distance to nearest exit. Because of the nearest exit now being the double door on the north wall (directly behind the visitors goal), it is necessary to block off approximately the top 5 rows of the west side bleachers. I've been told it will be like this for 2 seasons. Not ideal but necessary for compliance. Once the SERC is built, all will return to normal...the end result will be awesome with the addition of such an important new building on campus."

So, fans should make it a point to arrive early this year. I would not be surprised if at a big game -- like Geneseo or a playoff -- fans will have to get turned away.

GERSHON GETS INVITATION TO AHL

Mike Gershon, a standout defenseman who graduated from Brockport in 2009, was invited to the training camp of the AHL's Adirondack Phantoms. Mike spent last season with the Port Huron Icehawks of the IHL. In 72 games he had 35 points while playing his usual stellar defense.

GOLDEN EAGLES FOOTAGE FROM FEB. 2009

If you're like me, you can't wait for the season to start. If you're jonesin' to see some hockey action, check out this video clip I found on the Internet. It's Time Warner Cable Sports' recap of a Brockport-Potsdam goalfest in February of 2009 that the Golden Eagles won 8-6...