HOCKEY'S PROMISING SEASON

In this week's Stylus, sports writer Any Lipari looks at the Golden Eagles' season and the first game of it....


Last season was a year in transition for Brockport hockey. They started 0-10-1, but the feeling around the SUNYAC conference was they weren't as bad as their record would indicate. Brockport finished the year 4-18-3 and only had two wins in the SUNYAC conference.

Players and coaches said last year it took the young players a while to get acclimated to Division III hockey. Later in the season, they were pleased with how the rookies were developing.

Following back-to-back seasons with a playoff victory, the hockey program was as successful as it has ever been. Last season's last place finish was seen as a disappointment instead of the norm.

Brockport had a mixed identity last season. They had seniors like Justin Noble, Tom Galiani and Ray Tremblay who were a few of Brockport's top scorers, mixing with the younger players trying to get experience. At times, it looked as if the team couldn't decide whether it should prepare for the future or play for the present and try and keep up the success the team had in previous seasons.

The goalie situation is a prime example of the wavering. Senior Oliver Wren and sophomore Joe Reagan split time between the pipes last season. Wren started the season as the starter, but the games started being split between the two during the second half of the season. Brockport will likely have the same plan for this season as well.

One bright spot for Brockport last year was James Cody, who returns for his senior season. He led the team with 30 points (16 goals, 14 assists). Ian Finnerty also returns for his senior season after leading the team with 17 assists. Senior Adam Shoff will also return this season after a 13-point season a year ago.

Outside of those three, Brockport has a huge drop off of experienced point scorers. If Brockport is to return to the playoffs this year, the sophomore class will need to have a big season. Sophomores Bobby Conner, Mike Baxter, Brendon Rothfuss and Chris Cangro all had significant playing time last year as freshmen and this season will go well as long as they play well.

Defensively, Brockport is old in comparison to the forwards. Senior Gregg Amato and junior Mike Hayward will anchor the defense as they did a year ago. Sophomore Matt DeLuca started all 25 games last season and should continue to be a factor in the back.

Brockport's season started last Saturday, Oct. 22 with a 5-3 loss to Utica College. Brockport started with a 2-0 lead on goals scored by Finnerty and Cody. Utica came back and scored three times in the second period. Finnerty scored his second goal of the game in the third, but the Golden Eagles came up short in the end.Wren got the nod in goal and had 32 saves.

Brockport starts conference play this weekend with home games against Fredonia Friday, Oct. 28 and Buffalo State Saturday, Oct. 29. The puck drops at 7 p.m. in the Tuttle North Ice Arena. Brockport will not have another home game until Dec. 3.



Source: http://www.thestylus.net/hockey-season-promising-despite-opening-game-loss-to-nationally-ranked-utica-college-1.2664758

BROCKPORT'S PHYSICAL REPUTATION

What can make Brockport players and fans feel good about the Brockport Golden Eagles is the fear that the team's physical play elicits. You can see that it in the interview in The Dunkirk Observer with Fredonia's Jeff Meredith. While talking about his team's successes this weekend, this slipped out....

"I think we really ironed some wrinkles out. I was excited to see the execution. Next week at Brockport it's going to be twice as physical as it was (against Assumption). We have to be ready for that."

That's impressive....other teams are already worried about the checks, hits and blue collar play.


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WKTV RECAP OF THE UTICA GAME

Watch WKTV news' recap of the game here:

http://www.wktv.com/sports/Pioneers-win-regular-season-opener-132392143.html


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BROCKPORT FALLS TO UTICA, 5-3

The Athletic Department's recap of the season opener...


Senior Ian Finnerty (Ardmore, PA) scored a pair of goals and added an assist for The College at Brockport Hockey team but an early 2-0 lead disappeared in the second period as Utica College recovered and skated to a 5-3 victory Saturday night in the season opener for both teams at the Utica Memorial Auditorium in Utica.

Brockport (0-1) came out fast scoring twice in the first period of the game to open up an early lead. Finnerty was credited with the first goal of the season tipping in a shot from the point from senior James Cody (Schwenksville, PA) on the first power play opportunity of the contest.

“I was happy at the way we came out strong in the first period,” said head coach Brian Dickinson. “I was also proud at the way we battled back in the third period. We could have packed it in after the second period but stayed with it and came out strong again for the third. I was happy with the overall effort tonight especially since it is so early in the season.”

Finnerty had a part in the second goal as well feeding Cody who fired a shot past the Utica goalie for the early 2-0 lead.

In the second period, Utica – ranked No. 13 in the national preseason poll – came back with three goals in the second period to take the lead. Two of the goals came in the opening minutes of the period with a goal at the 1:45 mark in the period and the second a minute later at 2:41.

In the third period, Utica extended the lead to 4-2 with a power play goal at the 8:12 point in the final period.

Finnerty scored for the Golden Eagles to trim the Utica lead to 4-3 with an unassisted shorthanded goal but a late empty-net goal by the Pioneers was the final margin in the game.

Senior Oliver Wren (Oakville, ONT) made 32 saves for Brockport.


Box score: http://www.collegehockeystats.net/1112/boxes/mbrcutc1.o22


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THE CODY WATCH

James Cody came into the 2011-2012 within reach of the 50 goal and 100 point career milestones. He began the season with 41 goals and 82 points. We'll be tracking his progress here. You can find "The Cody Watch" counter in the left toolbar of this website, just below the statistical leaders box.

UTICA COACH SUSPENDED FOR TONIGHT'S GAME

Here's an interesting development for tonight's game...



Gary Heenan will not be behind the bench when the Utica College men’s hockey team opens its regular season at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Utica Memorial Auditorium.

Heenan, the founder of UC’s hockey program and the only coach in the team’s 11-season history, will serve a one-game suspension for a secondary violation of NCAA rules and will miss the Pioneers’ game with SUNY Brockport. Assistant coach Juliano Pagliero will lead the team in his absence.

The violation, discovered and reported to the NCAA by UC athletic director Jim Spartano, involved a workout that was posted on the team’s web site last spring for the notification of the players. The workout, posted by an assistant coach, was described as “mandatory,” which is not allowed.

“I was aware of the rule,” Heenan said. “I was unaware the language was in there. Our guys were totally aware the workouts were voluntary. I’m disappointed in myself for not catching this. It’s an unfortunate way to start the season.”

Spartano said he and Heenan agreed the suspension would be for the first regular season game rather than tonight’s exhibition game with the Royal Military College.

“We wanted it to be meaningful,” he said. “I’m 100 percent certain it was inadvertent. It was something that slipped through the cracks. Gary stepped up to the plate and accepted responsibility.”

Heenan will be in the building for the game, but Spartano said he will not be allowed on the bench or in the locker room or have contact with the players.



Source:

http://www.uticaod.com/breaking/x888172984/UCs-Heenan-suspended-for-regular-season-opener-Saturday

BROCKPORT 7th in SUNYAC COACHES' POLL

The SUNY Brockport men's ice hockey team tied for seventh in the State University of New York Athletic Conference pre-season coaches' poll.

Oswego State, last year's SUNYAC regular season champion, topped the poll with 63 points, including seven first place votes. The 2010-11 tournament champion Plattsburgh State Cardinals received 54 points and one first place vote. Brockport, Potsdam and Cortland each got 16 votes to tie for seventh place.

2011-12 SUNYAC Men's Ice Hockey Pre-Season Poll

1. Oswego 63 (7)

2. Plattsburgh 54 (1)

3. Geneseo 53 (1)

4. Fredonia 44

5. Buffalo St. 33

6. Morrisville 29

7. Potsdam 16

- Brockport 16

- Cortland 16

VOTE IN THE POLL

The homepage of Brockport Athletics has poll that asks the following....


The Brockport Hockey Team opens the 2011-12 season Saturday at Utica College. Who will be the first Golden Eagle to score a goal?

Bobby Connor
Ian Finnerty
Adam Shoff
James Cody
Brendon Rothfuss
Mike Hayward
Other

Vote at: http://www.gobrockport.com/

SEASON PREVIEW OF UTICA

If you're curious about Brockport's opponent, check out this season preview from WKVTV:

BROCKPORT TO VISIT UTICA ON SATURDAY

No one ever said it was easy for the Golden Eagles. Even the non-conference games offer up some tough opponents. Case in point: This Saturday’s season opener at Utica (7:00 PM start).

Utica comes into the season ranked 13th in the nation and they aren’t missing a beat after last year’s great season…they lost only 1 senior after going 17-8-1, their best record in the 24 year history of the program. They have a serious home advantage, sporting some of the largest crowds in DIII (last year’s season opener against Brockport had 3,800 in attendance).

They are led by Tim Coffman (who posted 34 points on the season). He shared the team lead of 11 goals with Evan Chlanda, Jon Gaffney, and Trevor Hertz. So, they definitely have some depth and a few solid lines.

Their goaltending is top notch with duties shared by Evan Smith (.920) and Nick Therrien (.914). They are aided by a defense that allows just 26 shots per game.

As good as Utica is, Brockport held their own against them last year, taking a 2-1 game into the final seconds when Utica’s empty goal made it 3-1. Oliver Wren was exceptional in goal, stopping numerous point blank shots en route to SUNYAC Goalie of the Week honors.

Look for more of the same on Saturday with a determined and more-polished Brockport unit putting a scare into the home crowd.

2011-2012 ROSTER

1 Oliver Wren Sr. Goalie 5-10 180 Oakville, ONT Oakville Blades
2 Ian Chapman So. Defense 6-5 215 Batavia, NY North York Rangers
3 Gregg Amato Sr. Defense 6-2 200 Ocean Gate, NJ Port Hope Predators
4 Bobby Chayka Fr. Defense 6-0 185 Hardwick, NJ Granite City Lumberjacks
5 Bobby Conner So. Forward 5-10 192 Lititz, PA Philadelphia Junior Flyers
6 Marcus Farmer Fr. Defense 5-10 175 Caledon, ONT Brampton Capitals
7 Jay Meloff Fr. Defense 5-11 190 Markham, ONT Pickering Panthers
8 Matt DeLuca So. Defense 6-0 190 Skippack, PA Syracuse Stars
9 Ian Finnerty Sr. Forward 6-0 180 Ardmore, PA Philadelphia Little Flyers
10 Mike Hollander So. Forward 5-7 165 Thornhill, ONT North York Rangers
11 Chris Cangro So. Forward 5-11 190 Holbrook, NY New York Bobcats
12 Nick Panepinto Jr. Forward 5-11 185 Tonawanda, NY Buffalo Jr. Sabres
14 Chris Marinakos So. Forward 5-7 160 Orilla, ONT Sequin Bruins
15 Sean Wallace So. Defense 6-0 190 Rochester, NY New York Applecore
16 Brett Jendra Sr. Forward 5-11 170 Bolingbrook, IL Kingston Voyagers
17 Adam Shoff Sr. Forward 5-9 175 Port Dover, ONT Port Colborne Sailers
18 Colby Spooner Jr. Defense 5-8 175 Hilton, NY Aquinas Institute
19 Steve Sachman So. Forward 5-11 185 Medford, NY New York Bobcats
20 James Cody Sr. Forward 6-2 205 Schwenksville, PA Philadelphia Little Flyers
21 Brendan Rothfuss So. Forward 6-0 190 Webster, NY Syracuse Stars
22 Mike Hayward Jr. Defense 6-2 200 Toronto, ONT Vaughan Vipers
24 Mike Baxter So. Forward 5-10 160 Bracebridge, ONT Fort Erie Meteors
25 Troy Polino Fr. Forward 5-9 190 Limerick, PA New York Bobcats
26 Dan Galiani Jr. Forward 5-10 170 Lindenhurst, NY New York Bobcats
27 Patrick Hayden So. Defense 5-9 170 Springfield, PA Philadelphia Little Flyers
28 Alexander Quendler Fr. Forward 6-0 175 Klosterneuberg, Austria Vienna Capitals II
31 Aaron Green Fr. Goalie 5-10 175 Mt. Albert, ONT St. Michaels Buzzers
35 Joe Reagan So. Goalie 5-10 200 Yonkers, NY New York Bobcats

2011-2012 SEASON PREVIEW

Brockport’s ice hockey team took a major step back in the 2010-2011 season, dropping to 4-18-3 after 2 consecutive 14-13 seasons that saw the Golden Eagles earn a playoff berth in each season as well as the College’s first 2 playoff wins.

The descent came as a shocker. A healthy core of productive players remained from the playoff runs and the class of recruits was the arguably the best in school history. But, they were saddled with errors, from a staggering number of turnovers by defensemen to forwards straying from the blue-collar approach that brought the Golden Eagles success in the previous seasons. Also, the freshman class seemed taken aback by the faster tempo and physicality of Division III.

A losing record was statistically certain. The Golden Eagles allowed a mind-numbing 40.2 shots on goal per 60 minutes, a marked increase over the previous season’s 33.9. The save percentage accompanying that barrage of pucks dropped from .909 to .882. Scoring also lost its luster, dropping from 82 to 73 goals. And consider this: 17 of the 73 goals came in the 2 games against WNEC, meaning 56 goals were scored over the rest of the season for only 2.4 per game. All in all, those are pretty significant – and damning - swings.

Adam Shoff will lead the turnaround this season

But, that’s the past. A past they can put behind them and a past they can learn from.

As a matter of fact, they already did.

As the season progressed the defensemen broke free of their mental lapses. The freshmen adjusted to the NCAA and started to make plays and find the net in the second semester (one of the real bright spots being Bobby Conner’s playmaking ability). And, the team managed to come together to beat Geneseo (ranked 6th in the nation at the time) and tie Fredonia in the last month of play (both teams come into this season in the Top 20).

James Cody is the face of Brockport Hockey

What Brockport has going for it is a core of seniors who helped turn around Brockport’s program, participating in the magical season 3 years ago that saw the team reach the playoffs for the first time. Adam Shoff, James Cody, Ian Finnerty, Brett Jendra, Gregg Amato, and Oliver Wren have all made significant contributions to the team and will be relied upon to do it again while fostering their ethic and commitment in the underclassmen.

Adam Shoff’s leadership will be instrumental in that. The captain this season, the young man has exuded leadership since his first day at Tuttle, hustling up and down the ice with reckless abandon, fighting for pucks in the corners, putting his body in harms way to block shots like he was a second goalie and fearlessly mixing it up with anyone, no matter their size. He reeks of energy and a never-give-up attitude.

One of his assistants will be James Cody. James, the team’s leading scorer -- and hitter -- the past 3 years, is the face of Brockport hockey and the most intimidating forward in the SUNYAC, bringing a rare combination of speed, athletic ability and physicality to the position. In 22 games last season he scored 16 goals, despite being the focus of every opponent’s gameplan and missing 2 games to an unwarranted suspension (for a supposed dirty hit). It’s wouldn’t be surprising if James found the back of the net 20 times this year.

Assistant captain Mike Hayward will lead the defensemen. The junior had 10 points last season and saw an incredible amount of ice time, hanging with the conference’s larger forwards. Based on last year’s team stats, there’s nowhere to go but up for the defensive unit, and they will be charged to contain some of the best teams in DIII (the Golden Eagles have 10 games against top 15 teams). They have some hard-hitting souls (like Patrick Hayden) and talented playmakers (like Matt DeLuca) who should get the blueliners at least near the team’s miserly ways of the playoff seasons.

Oliver Wren will save the day!

The last line of defense will feature a goaltending crew consisting of Oliver Wren, Joey Reagan and Aaron Green. Oliver posted a .884 save percentage to go with a 4.50 GAA. His numbers belie his accomplishments, having performed admirably against Utica and Geneseo among others. Don’t forget, he had a .919 save percentage in 10 games the year prior, so, he’s a man who can get it done. Joey had one of the finer freshman years for a Brockport goaltender. Despite getting peppered with 42 shots per game, he flirted with a .900 save percentage before finally settling at .895. Not too shabby considering the punishment. Recruit Aaron Green rounds out the trio, a great pick-up who sported a .900 save percentage last year in the OPHL.

Assessing the Golden Eagles: The talent is there. The work ethic is there.

Now, the team just needs to understand that 2010-2011 was an anomaly. All the pieces are there to make a playoff run. There are some mighty teams in the SUNYAC (and every one of them is improved), but there’s no reason why Brockport shouldn’t overcome adversity and be considered among them. Pencil them in now for the 5th seed in the conference and a playoff berth. This is a new season…and one certain to be exciting.

NEW ZAMBONI

Brockport's Twitter announced the delivery today of the new Zamboni:

NO SEASON TICKETS

Townfolk and alumni who regularly attend Golden Eagle games might be shocked to find out that "season tickets" are no longer available. Members of the Golden Eagle Society were always able to have free admission for themselves and a companion. That benefit of the program has been done away with.

OFFICIATING CREW EXPANDS

When SUNYAC play begins in 2 weeks you'll notice something peculiar on the ice: 4 officials. The SUNYAC will be the first conference in DIII to institute such a measure.

BROCKPORT FACES STIFF COMPETITION

The USCHO pre-season poll was released on Monday and it shows how tough of a schedule the Golden Eagles face.

Here are the top 15…

1 St. Norbert
2 Oswego
3 Norwich
4 Adrian
5 Plattsburgh
6 Elmira
7 Castleton
8 Bowdoin
9 Wisconsin-Superior
10 Hamline
11 Neumann
12 Geneseo
13 Utica
14 Milwaukee
15 Curry

Per conference standards, Brockport plays Oswego, Plattsburgh, and Geneseo twice each.

The Golden Eagles also play Neumann twice in a home-home split.

Brockport begins the season at Utica and hosts Elmira in December.

That’s 10 games against Top 15 opponents!

FORMER BROCKPORT ASSISTANT NOW COACHING COLBY COLLEGE

WATERVILLE, Maine --- Stan Moore, a veteran coach with more than 25 years of Division I coaching experience, was named interim head coach of the Colby College men's hockey program on Tuesday.

Moore has little time to adjust to his new job. His first day at Colby is today and the Mules begin practice on November 1. Colby opens the season Friday, Nov. 18, at Middlebury College.

"We are very fortunate to have someone of Stan’s experience and knowledge right in our backyard. He can step in on day one and be able to take command of all aspects of running a program at a high level," said Marcella Zalot, Colby's Harold Alfond Director of Athletics. "The search committee was impressed with his passion for the game and with his teaching. I know Stan personally and he is a wonderful man of character and integrity and he is such a strong professional. I have all the confidence in the world that he will be able to continue the proud tradition of our men’s ice hockey program. We’ll also have a lot of fun along the way."

Moore was an assistant coach for Providence College from 2005 to 2010. He left his post with the Friars to join his family in Belgrade, Maine, and was an assistant coach for Kents Hill School last year.

After Division I coaching stops with Providence, Colgate University, Union College, and Brown University, Moore will get a chance to run his own NCAA Division III program with the Mules.

"It's something I'm happy about and looking forward to doing," Moore said. "There is going to be a lot on my plate before that first practice. I hope to reach out to the recruits that are looking at Colby, but even more important to reach out to the players who are here right now."

Moore takes over the Mules from Jim Tortorella, who recently left Colby to become Associate Head Coach at University of New Hampshire. The Mules went 12-11-2 last year and return seven of their top nine scorers, but the team lost both goaltenders to graduation.

"There has been a lot of success here at Colby over the past 15 years or so and I'm not looking to change the culture of the team," Moore said. "I just want to help them improve the culture of the team in any way I can."

Moore, who grew up in Potsdam, N.Y., had hockey instilled in him at a young age. His father, Stanley Moore, Sr., was one of the most successful coaches in New York State high school hockey history during a 33-year stint at Massena High School.

Moore went on to play Division III hockey at Oswego State (N.Y.) University and played professionally with the Enschede Lions of the Dutch Ice Hockey Federation in 1984-85.

After some volunteer stints at Potsdam State and Brockport State after returning to the United States, Moore joined the ranks of NCAA Division I hockey at Brown University. He was an assistant for the women's ice hockey team in 1985-86 and then was a men's assistant until 1988.

Moore went on to his first stay at Providence as an assistant coach from 1988 to 1992 and then moved to Colgate from 1992 to 1996 as an assistant. He had his first head coaching experience with Division I Union (N.Y.) College from 1996 to 1998. He became the first-ever rookie head coach to earn ECAC Coach of the Year honors (1996-1997) during his time at Union.

Moore went back to Colgate as an assistant coach until 2000 and then was named associate head coach for the Red Raiders until 2003. Moore was named interim head coach at Colgate for the 2003-04 season and helped his team to a 22-12-5 overall record and won a regular season ECAC title. Moore became the first-ever interim head coach to receive ECAC Coach of the Year honors for his work. He spent one more year at Colgate before leaving for Providence.

Moore, a member of USA Hockey since 1985 and regular coach for the USA Hockey National Festival since 2006, has been a board member and a coaching coordinator for the Central Maine Youth Hockey Association. He lives in Belgrade with his wife, Barbara, and his children, Jack (age 12), Ella (10), and Lily (6).

SAVES FOR A CURE'S FIRST PROJECT

Saves For a Cure's first project is completed -- the replacement of the playdeck at Galisano Childrens Hospital at Strong. Now the kids can play in a safe and comfortable environment.

Prior to the project, the deck was full of tripping hazards, the upturned "tiles" just begging to knock over a sickened cancer patient.

You can see the "before" pictures here: http://brockporthockey.blogspot.com/2011/05/saves-for-cure-makes-huge-donation.html

This was made possible by a $15,000 donation from Saves For a Cure, a culmination of years of efforts by Todd Sheridan with the help of the hockey program, the Athletic Department and the community, all coming together for a common cause.

Saves for a Cure provides Spirit, Support, and Determination to children with cancer in hopes of lifting the spirits of some of the most courageous people you will ever meet.

BROCKPORT'S NEWEST HOCKEY FAN

I'd like to introduce you to Brockport's newest hockey fan. Alexandria, the first child for Bernadette and I, was born last weekend, coming into the world the day before her mother's birthday. What a gift!

Bernadette might bring her by a game late this season for a brief cameo appearance to show her off. In the years ahead, though, I'll be bringing the delightful cherub to the games quite often.

I can just hear myself telling her 15 years from now: "Quit swooning over the hockey players and pay attention to the game!"

HOCKEY ALUMNI WEEKEND

Hockey alumnus Tim Panek is organizing this year's Brockport Hockey Alumni Weekend. Here's what the schedule looks like:

Friday, October 28, 2011

7 PM - Home Opener - Golden Eagles vs Fredonia State. Pre-Game tribute to former Golden Eagle player and coach E.J. McGuire. For those of you who do not know, E.J. is a former Brockport player and coach who went on to Coach in the OHL, AHL, and NHL before becoming the Director of Central Scouting for the NHL. E.J. passed away in April after battling cancer.


Saturday, October 29, 2011

1 PM - Alumni Game

7 PM - Golden Eagles vs. Buffalo state

10 PM - Post Game Gathering at 58 Main Restaurant



Cost: $50.00 - Includes Alumni game jersey, ticket to game vs Buffalo State, and food and beverages at 58 Main Restaurant.

In addition, The Golden Eagles will be hosting a silent auction on both Friday and Saturday night, with the proceeds being donated to a fund set up for E.J. McGuire's children. Anyone interested in donating something to be included in the auction should contact Tim at tpanek@rochester.rr.com or Brian Dickinson at bdickins@brockport.edu

For those of you coming in from out of the area, there are two hotels in town. Their websites are:

www.dollingersinnandsuites.com/

www.econolodge.com/hotel-brockport-new_york

Any alumni interested in hitting the ice, contact Tim at: tpanek@rochester.rr.com

TEAM TAKES PIES IN THE FACE

The photo at left shows some good sports.

As a part of Homecoming Weekend on the Brockport campus, the hockey team allowed pies to be thrown at them for charity.

Pictured from left to right are Bobby Conner, Matt DeLuca, Pat Hayden and Joe Reagan.

NOBLE OFF TO GOOD START

Justin Noble -- who was the Golden Eagle captain the past two seasons -- is off to a hot start for the Invicta Dynamos in the United Kingdom.

Over the past weekend, the first of the season, Justin had goals in each the 5-1 victory and 7-1 victory over the Bracknell Hornets. He also added an assist for good measure.

You can keep up with his overseas adventures at the Dynamos' website:

http://www.invictadynamos.co.uk/

VOTE FOR SAVES FOR A CURE

The Brockport Athletics Department website has a poll that asks:

Which Charity/Cause would you like to see the funds raised from Homecoming Week events donated to?

One of the 4 choices is Saves For a Cure.

Vote here: http://www.gobrockport.com/

NEWS STORY ABOUT JUSTIN NOBLE

The Independent Free Press reports on the English adventures of one Mr. Justin Noble...



The Invicta Dynamos of the English National Ice Hockey League needed to sign the limit of two import players per team during the off-season and it turns out both of those roster spots will be filled by Georgetown residents.

Ryan Ellis, 27, and Justin Noble, 23, both played for the Georgetown Jr. A Raiders as 16-year-olds and graduated from Georgetown District High School, yet they’d never even heard of each other until last month when they signed with the Dynamos, who are based in Gillingham, about 45 minutes southeast of London.

Both left-wingers graduated from Division III colleges in New York after four solid seasons on the ice— Ellis from the Oswego State Athletics and Noble with the Buffalo-based Brockport Golden Eagles—and will embark together on their pro careers, which begins Saturday when the Dynamos travel to Bracknell for their season opener.

Neither player has ever been to England before, although Ellis’s father is British and his mother is from Scotland.

“The coach was telling me about what fixtures (games) we had coming up and I had no idea what he was talking about,” laughed the 5-foot-11, 190-pound Noble.

“It should be interesting to hear the first pre-game speech. Seriously, though, I did a fair bit of research and I know a few guys who’ve played in that league and they’ve said nothing but great things about this organization.”

Invicta finished fourth out of 11 teams last season in what’s considered Britain’s second-tier pro league. The 6-foot, 200-pound Ellis had planned to sign a contract in Britain two years ago but had difficulty getting a passport and hasn’t played for an elite-level team since then. He has been skating regularly and playing lots of ball hockey, while Noble graduated from Brockport with a degree in finance and economics after serving as captain for the varsity team for the past two seasons.

“It was really crazy how it all unfolded,” Ellis said.

“We’d never actually even met before we both signed. I was at my girlfriend’s in Vermont when I signed and the Invicta coach (Kevin Parrish) had no idea how big Georgetown was. He said something like, ‘Maybe you guys already know each other, or maybe Georgetown’s the size of London, England and you may never have met.’ Funny enough, we went to high school together and didn’t know it and now we’re roommates in another country.”

In another strange twist, ENIHL rules state that import players aren’t permitted on the ice at the same time in order to promote the development of home-grown talent. Both players will also be expected to take part in off-ice promotional appearances to help win over new fans in their soccer and cricket-crazed new home.

“It seems like it’s an ideal area to travel, which is a big reason why I wanted to play in Europe, to see more of the world,” added Noble, who acquired a Slovenian passport through his grandparents’ heritage to play there before receiving the offer to join the Dynamos.

“It’s an hour-and-a-half trip to Paris and five hours to Amsterdam and it’s great that I’ll have someone I know to travel with.”

Ellis, who has a business degree from Oswego State and a track record as a proven goal scorer wherever he’s lined up, didn’t want to have any lingering regrets later in life about not giving pro hockey a shot.

“I just looked at it that I’d be kicking myself when I turned 40 that I didn’t take advantage of an opportunity when I could have,” he said.

“You’ve got to do what you love, right?”

Source: http://www.theifp.ca/sports/local-hockey-duo-team-up-in-england/

CHRIS PALIN ELECTED TO HALL OF FAME

As a part of Homecoming Weekend, the 27th annual Golden Eagle Athletic Hall of Fame dinner will take place on Saturday, September 17th at 6:30 PM in the ballroom at Seymour College Union.

If interested in attending the ceremony, you must make a reservation by September 7th. Download the form here:

http://www.gobrockport.com/documents/2011/8/11/2011_Hall_of_Fame.pdf?id=96

This year Chris Palin, a 1991 graduate of the college, will become only the second hockey player enshrined (the first being the iconic EJ McGuire).

Chris was one of the most dynamic forwards to have ever graced the ice at Tuttle. He is second all-time in goals, assists and points, sporting a 63-81-144 line. He holds the single-season scoring record, having notched 62 points in the 1987-1988 season. In that season he also set the team record for power play goals with 12.

Chris serves as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Germain Arena in Estoro, Florida and the Florida Everblades of the ECHL. He joined the Everblades staff in August, 2010 after spending 21 seasons with the Rochester Americans Hockey Club of the American Hockey League under the same capacity where he earned the prestigious ‘McKenzie Award” after the 97-98 season for excellence in marketing. In addition, Chris spent 14 seasons with the Rochester Knighthawks of the National Lacrosse League, 12 seasons with the Rochester Rhinos of “A” league soccer, and 10 seasons with the Rochester Rattlers of Major League Lacrosse where he held the position of Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

Chris, and his wife Renee have one son; Tyler.

One thing that is quite impressive about Chris’s accomplishments: He holds the record for the fastest goal from the start of a game….not just in Brockport history but in the history of all organized hockey (NCAA and the pros). The goal was netted 5 seconds into the game, the time officially noted in the record books.

But, here’s an LA Times story reporting that it may have been even quicker!…



Fastest Goal in History of Hockey May Have Been Matter of Bad Timing

January 17, 1989|Associated Press

All of a sudden Oswego State hockey Coach Don Unger is a very popular man, and he doesn't like it one bit.

"WNBC has called me, USA Today has called me," Unger said Monday. "I'm being bothered by everybody."

Everybody, it seems, wants to know how it feels to be coach of the team that allowed the fastest goal in hockey history.

It happened in a matchup of New York schools last Wednesday night when Brockport State's Chris Palin scored 3 seconds after the opening faceoff. At least, that's what the clock said in recording a goal 2 seconds faster than the official record in both the college and professional ranks.

"When I looked up, the clock said 19:57," Palin said. "It seemed like the play had taken 4 or 5 seconds, but it said 19:57."

There's only one problem--the official scoresheet signed by referee Jim Zarnick says the goal was scored with 19:55 left.

According to Unger, this is how the play developed: "The puck was dropped and we took the puck forward, that's 110 feet from the goal still."

After Palin gained control, "our forward went through and hit their man as he was skating down the boards, he skated over the blue line, then cut toward the net and took a screen shot through two of our defensemen and scored.

"The puck had to travel backward 15 or 20 feet, then diagonally about 20 feet, then it was passed another 20 feet to the red line. And then he had to skate it about 100 feet."

"They supposedly started the clock late and the people working the scoresheet decided to put down 5 seconds," Brockport sports information director Mike Andriatch said. "The people at the scorer's table should have changed the clock right then.

In case anyone missed it, Unger wants everyone to know the final score was Oswego State 8, Brockport State 5.