TAYLOR TALLIES 2 IN WIN OVER POTSDAM

The recap from the Brockport Sports Information Desk...

Freshman Jake Taylor (Port Perry, ONT) scored two goals to lead The College at Brockport men's hockey team to its first win of the season defeating Potsdam 6-3 on Friday evening in a State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) matchup.

Potsdam got on the board first with a goal just six minutes into the game. Brockport answered back quickly with a tying goal on a power play at 8:40 as Chase Niewendyk (Georgetown, ONT) tallied his first goal of the season with assists from Jesse Facchini (Mississauga, ONT) and Ryan Johnson (Barrie, ONT).

The Bears took back the lead at the 15 minute mark and held onto it for the remainder of the period.

Despite two early penalties in the second period, the Golden Eagles tied the game back up at 10:24. James Ryan (Richmond Hill, ONT) netted a goal with the help from Shane Cavalieri (Richmond Hill, ONT) and Andrew Parks (Orillia, ONT).

Brockport took its first lead of the game with less than four minutes remaining the period two. Taylor recorded his first goal of the game at 16:27. Brendon Rothfuss (Webster, NY) and Matt DeLuca (Skippack, NY) were credited with assists.

In the final period, the Golden Eagles sealed the victory with three goals. Taylor's second goal was also the game-winner. Taylor scored a goal at 4:11 on a power play while Rothfuss and Cavalieri each tallied another assist. Three minutes later, Cavalieri gave Brockport a 5-2 lead off of a pass from Bobby Chayka (Hardwick, NJ).

Potsdam was able to take advantage of a power play mid-way through the third period. The Bears cut the Golden Eagles lead to two, but it was not enough to make a comeback.

Brockport tallied its final goal of the game with only 3:46 remaining in the game. Troy Polino (Limerick, PA) scored the goal, while Facchini and Chad Cummings (Caledn, ONT) earned assists.

The Bears held a slight 33-31 advantage in shots on goal, but Golden Eagle goalkeeper Aaron Green (Mt. Albert, ONT) finished with 24 saves to keep Brockport on top.

The Golden Eagles return to action Saturday for another SUNYAC matchup. Brockport faces Plattsburgh on the road at 7:00 pm.

FORMER PLAY-BY-PLAY MAN SECURES NEW GIG

Long-time Brockport hockey fans and alumni (those going back to the mid-1980s) will remember Dan Bindert, who did play-by-play of hockey games for WBSU.

He has secured a new job. He's now station manager for WDCB, which is Chicagoland's #1 jazz and blues station.

Read about his new exploits here:

http://www.codcourier.org/2013/11/07/qa-with-wdcbs-new-station-manager/

WATCHING BROCKPORT HOCKEY GAMES ONLINE

I received word from Dale Budziszewski (the voice behind the video coverage of Brockport hockey) that this year Brockport has stepped up the video broadcast product by using a new service by Stretch Internet. Video and audio quality has increased quite a bit and the best part is that it's still free and doesn't require a log-in. Fans can either use the following link or just go through the school website and click through the schedule: http://client.stretchinternet.com/client/brockport.portal#

Along with the video and audio, live stats can be displayed on the same window as well.

There are a few conflicts with the basketball broadcast schedule but even if Dale can't do play-by-play, there should be at least video of the game no matter what (as long as the equipment is working). The first three home games will have full coverage (video and pxp) -- the 15th against Elmira and then the following weekend with Cortland on Friday and Oswego on the 23rd.

MARINAC GETS HAT TRICK IN 6-4 LOSS

Our friends at the Sports Information Desk offer this report on last night's game...

Nick Marinac (Burlington, ONT) recorded his first career hat trick but The College at Brockport men's hockey team fell 6-4 on the road at Nazareth on Tuesday evening.

The Golden Flyers got on the board first with a goal 9:40 into the game. Brockport had four shots on goal in the first period but could not find the back of the net.

The Golden Eagles won the battle of the second period. Brockport tied the game up quickly. Marinac tallied his first goal just 11 seconds into the period off of a pass from Jake Taylor (Port Perry, ONT).

A few minutes later and on a power play, Marinac scored his second goal. Chris Luker (New Hartford, NY) and James Ryan (Richmond Hill, ONT) were credited with assists.

Later in period two, Marinac gave the Golden Eagles a two goal lead with another power play goal. Jesse Facchini (Mississauga, ONT) and Ryan recorded assists off of Marinac's third goal.

With only 23 seconds left in the second period, Nazareth scored to pull within a goal of Brockport.

The Golden Eagles pushed their lead back to two goals early in the third period. At 3:18, Luker earned Brockport another power play goal. Ryan and Taylor earned assists off the goal.

The Golden Flyers scored four unanswered goals in the third period to defeat the Golden Eagles.

At 4:16, Nazareth cut Brockport's lead to a goal after a power play goal. Four minutes later, the Golden Flyers tied things up with another goal.

The Golden Flyers took their lead at 12:22 on a short-handed goal.

Brockport pulled goalkeeper Jared Lockhurst in the final two minutes of regulation, but Nazareth was able to take advantage and score an empty net goal, the sixth and final of the game at 19:33.

Lockhurst finished his first game of the season with 24 saves, 13 of which came in the first period. Nazareth finished with a 30-25 advantage in shots on goal.

The Golden Eagles were 3-for-5 on power plays, while the Golden Flyers only scored on one of their six opportunities.

Brockport returns to action on Friday at 7:00 pm for the first State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) matchup of the season at Potsdam.

BROCKPORT PLAYS NAZARETH TONIGHT

The Golden Eagles face-off against the Nazareth Golden Flyers in a rare Tuesday affair tonight at 7:00 at Bill Gray's Regional Iceplex. The 2,500-seat facility is just down the pike at 2700 Brighton-Henrietta Townline Road in Rochester.

Brockport is smarting from a 5-2 manhandling by a Utica squad that had made it to last March's DIII Frozen Four. Nazareth was no better off against the same, suffering a 3-1 loss on Friday at home. In that game, Utica put 40 shots on Naz, not far off from their output against Brockport, so we are looking at very similar teams.

Nazareth was 6-19-1 last season. Although last year was its inaugural season, the team sports some decent talent. Senior Mark Zavorin had a 12-14-26 line last year while the quick-bladed Packy Jones was second on the team with 10 goals. Scott Dawson proved to be a solid blueliner last year, mixing in 17 points with his savvy "D".

Ed Zdolshek will likely man the net again tonight after having a great game against Utica (37 saves, good for a .925 save percentage). In 2012-2013 he turned back 88.9% of the shots he faced.

These are 2 relatively evenly-matched teams (despite last season's drubbing of Brockport) and the Golden Eagles have the goaltending edge, so our guys should come out on top. Prediction? 3-1.

The game cane be watched online at empire8.tv. It is NOT being covered by WBSU.

BROCKPORT FALLS TO UTICA 5-2 IN SEASON OPENER

The recap courtesy of Brockport Athletics....

Freshman Andrew Parks (Orilllia, ONT) scored his first career goal in the opening game of the 2013-14 season, but The College at Brockport men's hockey team fell 5-2 on the road against Utica on Saturday.

Utica got out to a quick start, scoring a goal in the first 23 seconds of the game.

Brockport answered back quickly as Park notched the first goal of the season for the Golden Eagles off of a pass from fellow freshman Jake Taylor (Point Perry, ONT) at 1:52.

The Pioneers gained the lead back on the next play, registering goal number two at 2:09. Utica pushed its lead out to two with a goal on the power play at 14:31.

The second period saw much less scoring, as the Golden Eagles struggled to find the back of the net. Utica was able to add another goal at the 15 minute mark.

Heading into the final period, the Pioneers tallied their fifth and final goal at 11:42.

Bobby Chayka (Hardwick, NJ) recorded a second goal for the Golden Eagles at 16:03, but with time running out, Utica's three goal lead proved to be too much to overcome.

Brockport goalkeeper Aaron Green (Mt. Albert, ONT) made an impressive 40 saves.

Utica outshot the Golden Eagles 45-22. Both teams struggled on the power play. Brockport did not convert on any of their five opportunities, while Utica only converted on 1-out-of-7.

"They are a good team," said head coach Brian Dickinson. "They did what good teams do, they jumped on us from the beginning. We got a little better as the game went on. Hopefully we can continue to gel and get better."

Dickinson was also happy with the way that Green played in net for the Golden Eagles, as well as the production he received from the freshman in their first game.

The Golden Eagles return to action on Tuesday at Nazareth for a 7:00 pm matchup.



Here is the video of the news report from WKTV....

THE SEASON STARTS SATURDAY IN UTICA!

The 2013-2014 season begins Saturday when Brockport travels to Utica to take on the Pioneers at Utica Memorial Auditorium. Puck drop is at 7:00 PM.

Utica took it to another level last year, making it to Division III's Final Four on the strength of a 21-6-1 record. D3Hockey.com has them ranked 3rd nationally in their poll, while USCHO.com has them ranked 6th. They likely won't miss a beat and will continue that success this year: The roster features 22 returns!

Nick Therrien will start in goal for the Pioneers. How owned the playing time last year and finished 19-5-1 with a .921 save percentage and a 2.21 goals against average.

Utica can score goals in bunches. They had 7 men with 20(+) points last year and 6 with 10(+) goals, led by Louie Educate, who is still only a junior this year. Last season the All-American had 36 points thanks to 18 goals and 18 assists. Jon Gaffney and Trevor Hertz were tied for second on the team with 13 goals each. Blueliner Donny Olivieri had a 22-point season as a freshman, so he's a serious 2-way threat.

Utica player to watch: Rob Morton is a local hero to the Utica fans, having been raised in New Hartford. The kid had 10 goals last season and with this being his last home opener, expect some of the emotion and excitement to drive him.

Brockport player to watch: Jeremy DeFazio is not only the player to watch this game, but all season. He brings a special kind of high energy to the ice (without being the least bit reckless) and when his shift is on, people are left saying, "who is that guy?" Expect him to double his 4-7-11 stat line this year. He will be especially motivated this game as his brother Brandon plays for the Utica Comets and will likely be watching from the stands.

The teams haven't played against one another in 2 years, but those were 2 entirely different teams (Brockport was still sporting the Cody-Finnerty connection). At the time, Brockport fell 5-3 after coming out strong 2-0 in the first period.

With all of Utica's firepower, it will be a tough game for Brockport, even with Jared Lockhurst at the top of his game in net. My prediction: 4-2, Utica. It's a very tough team and a very tough environment.

If you can make it to the game, know that the Pioneers sport the greatest attendance in DIII, year in, year out, so if you want some good seating, but your tickets online here: http://www.ticketmaster.com/Utica-College-Mens-Hockey-tickets/artist/1152262 (tickets are $10.30 each). Despite the addition of the AHL Comets to the Utica hockey season (it's no longer a one-team town), you will still see large crowds given the success of last year's Pioneers.

If you can't make it to the game, Brockport's WBSU will be there. You can listen on-air in the Brockport area at 89.1 FM or you can always listen online at www.891thepoint.com

Another option that you should not overlook is Utica's broadcast. Senior Ray Biggs mans WPNR's broadcasts and he does an exceptional job. The man knows his hockey and also hosts a weekly DIII hockey show on the station. Listen live at: https://www.utica.edu/student/activities/organizations/wpnr/listenlive.cfm

You can also watch the game online at the Brockport Athletics website. Click on "details" on the team's schedule page and it will direct you to the video link:  http://www.gobrockport.com/schedule.aspx?path=mhockey

SUPPORT THE GOLDEN EAGLES IN MOVEMBER!

This classic pic shows the 2011-2012 sprouting their facial hair

During November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces, in the US and around the world. With their Mo’s, these men raise vital funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and other cancers that affect men.

Once registered at www.movember.com, men start Movember 1st clean shaven. For the rest of the month, these selfless and generous men, known as Mo Bros, groom, trim and wax their way into the annals of fine moustachery. Supported by the women in their lives, Mo Sistas, Movember Mo Bros raise funds by seeking out sponsorship for their Mo-growing efforts.

Mo Bros effectively become walking, talking billboards for the 30 days of November. Through their actions and words they raise awareness by prompting private and public conversation around the often ignored issue of men’s health.

The funds raised in the US support prostate cancer and other cancers that affect men. The funds raised are directed to programs run directly by Movember and their men’s health partners, the Prostate Cancer Foundation and LIVESTRONG, the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Together, the three channels work together to ensure that Movember funds are supporting a broad range of innovative, world-class programs in line with their strategic goals in the areas of awareness and education, survivorship and research.

No matter the country or city, Movember will continue to work to change established habits and attitudes men have about their health, to educate men about the health risks they face, and to act on that knowledge, thereby increasing the chances of early detection, diagnosis and effective treatment.
 

This is the third consecutive season in which the Golden Eagles ice hockey team have took it upon themselves to sprout facial hair for this worthy cause. They look forward for your support!

To make a donation to the war against cancer in name of the Golden Eagles or any one of them, check out this webpage:


http://us.movember.com/team/1259765

WBSU'S BROADCAST SCHEDULE

Brockport at Utica 11/2/13
Brockport vs Elmira 11/15/13
Brockport at Hobart 11/16/13
Brockport vs Cortland 11/22/13
Brockport vs Oswego 11/23/13
Brockport at Fredonia 12/6/13
Brockport at Buffalo State 12/7/13
Brockport vs WNE 1/9/14
Brockport vs Stonehill 1/10/14
Brockport vs Utica 1/18/14
Brockport vs Potsdam 1/31/14
Brockport at Geneseo 2/8/14
Brockport at Oswego 2/15/14
Brockport vs Fredonia 2/21/14
Brockport vs Buffalo State 2/22/14

A SPECIAL HOMECOMING FOR BROCKPORT ALMNUS DAVE ZEIS

Check out this WGRZ news video that looks at the special homecoming for Brockport alumnus Dave Zeis at the recent Sabres - Stars game. Dave is a trainer with the Dallas Stars. It should be noted that the story was produced and reported by WGRZ's Pete Gallivan - another Brockport hockey almnus!

2013-2014 SEASON PREVIEW: REASONS TO BE OPTIMISTIC

As I head into my twenty-first season as a fan of the Golden Eagles, I know that my interest in and my optimism for Brockport hockey have not waned. As a matter of fact, both have strengthened over the years. I find myself especially interested and optimistic about what will happen in the 2013-2014 campaign: All of the pieces are in place to have the team make the playoffs after a 3 year absence.

Last year’s 7-16-2 roller coaster was a learning experience for a full stable of young guns (14 freshmen in total), all of whom are a year older and a year wiser and can now capitalize on their abundance of talent.

It all starts between the pipes. If Brockport doesn’t have the best goaltending in the SUNYAC, it certainly has the deepest. 

Jared Lockhurst should challenge more of Todd Sheridan's team records this year

All Jared Lockhurst did during his freshman year was impress. The unflappable goalie bestowed with uncanny positioning and preternatural anticipation (he knows what everyone is doing before they do) was third in the conference in overall save percentage (.919), a number which broke the school record previously held by all-time great Todd Sheridan. The kid was lights-out in conference play, sporting a .922 save percentage and 2.79 goals against average in 11 games.

In the event he is injured, #2 goalie, junior Aaron Green (who could be a legit #1 on most any other team) is no pushover. In 6 SUNYAC affairs he had a .912 and 2.98 line. Overall, he had a .897 and 3.22 line, numbers that were brought down by one rough outing against Nazareth. Take that game out of the equation and Green’s save percentage was nearly .910. Playing an exciting brand of goaltending, Green’s Gumby-like athleticism can confound even the most seasoned teams.

Despite their skills, their success is dependent on the guys in front of them. Defensively, the team lost Mike Heyward (last year’s captain), but this year’s captain is certainly up to the task of leading the blueliners and the team at large. Senior Matt DeLuca is a high-character guy with smooth moves and a wicked slapshot that he’ll occasionally show off when he’s got the green light. Matt plays mistake-free hockey (only 12 penalty minutes last year), something that the team can hang its hats on – last year’s Golden Eagles were the least-penalized in team history.

Matt DeLuca will lead the team into the playoffs

Outside of Matt, Chris Luker and Bobby Chayka saw the most ice time last season and these physical men can certainly turn the tables on some of the big boys on the SUNYAC’s best lines. If Luker can cut back on penalties (44 minutes last year), he has the physical tools and vision to one day become an All-SUNYAC selection. Johnathan Demme is another potential All-Conference pick to keep an eye on: The 6’3” sophomore had just 2 penalty minutes in 20 games and there’s a reason he was on the number one D-line so early last season…he flows nicely to the puck and can match-up well with Oswego’s and Plattsburgh’s big forwards.

Not to sound like a hockey version of John Madden, but a team that prevents goals can only succeed if it scores goals, too. Brockport had a heckuva time doing that last year.

The team managed only 2.52 goals/game in 2012-2013, good for 63^rd in all of DIII. I chalk that up to the inexperience of youth – the NCAA is so different than Juniors and it took the supersized freshman class some time to overcome that and learn what works. The talent is there. The history is there (all these kids were productive in Junior hockey). I will guarantee (yes, guarantee) that the team will add at least 1 goal to its average output this season.That could end up being a difference of 6 games when all is said and done.

The biggest surprises of last season were now-sophomores Jesse Facchini and Shane Cavalieri. Facchini had a team-high 19 points last year thanks to 16 assists. He always seemed to be in the thick of things and there’s no reason why this engine behind Brockport’s offense shouldn’t create more goals and score some himself (he had just 3 last year). Don’t be surprised if he puts up a run at 30 points this year..and next…and the year after. His on-ice awareness is that keen. Cavalieri was Johnny-on-the-spot and seemed to get a big goal whenever Brockport needed one. He led the team in lamplighters with 9 and came so close to becoming just the fourth true freshman to achieve double digits in goals scored (something last accomplished by the incomparable James Cody).

Upperclassmen who will lend them a hand are Christian Cangro, Troy Polino, and Brendon Rothfuss. Cangro saw more ice-time last year and it paid off for the cerebral forward, who had a 7-10-17 line. Expect the senior to go out with a bang and break the 25-point mark. Polino is a gym rat who has been quite productive since the start, having 15 points and 16 points in his first 2 seasons. Don't be surprised if he doubles his last year's output in goals scored (which was 4).

Brendon Rothfuss: 15 goals? Bank on it!

The real wildcard in the whole equation is Rothfuss – the 2 sport star made the sacrifice to forgo his lacrosse season so he could approach his final hockey season injury-free. What could that mean? The kid has quick strong wrists, is not afraid to take shots (and they are rarely garbage shots), and he has unparalleled vision, courtesy of his mastery of both sports. He’s my favorite to be the team MVP. He had 6 goals in 16 games last year while battling nagging injuries. Don’t be surprised if he finds the back of the net 15 times this season, a total reached only 3 times this century (Mark Digby, Steve Seedhouse and James Cody). He’s that good when healthy.  

The above core of players will be complimented by a wide array of returning players and another sizable (but talented) freshmen class (you can read about the recruits in the archives of this blog).

Everything coming together at just the right time, and everyone coming together in the right ways, should lead to a fifth-place finish in the SUNYAC. What can really help Brockport in securing a SUNYAC playoff berth is the home-heavy schedule in the semester. Then, who knows what can happen in the playoffs if Lockhurst or Green get really hot.

11 wins in the regular season are a real possibility and 13 are not out of the question if the team can secure a major upset or 2 from the likes of Utica, Hobart, Oswego, or Plattsburgh. I’m that excited about where this team is going.

Fasten your seat belts – this season will be a wild ride! 

WELCOME BACK, SCHWIND!

Greg Schwind returns to the program this year as an assistant coach. Greg was a standout for the Golden Eagles ice hockey team as made evident by his team MVP season in 2005-2006 when he led the team in assists (10) and total points (17) and was a member of the SUNYAC All-Academic team.

Here's his bio from the Brockport Athletics website...


Greg Schwind was hired as The College at Brockport ice hockey team’s assistant coach in the fall of 2013. Schwind was a one-year member of the Golden Eagles in 2005-06.

Schwind’s primary duties will include working with the forwards. He will be an integral part of working with the special teams as well.

“I am excited to bring Greg back to the staff,” said head coach Brian Dickinson. “Greg’s positive energy and knowledge of the game will only benefit our players on a daily basis.”

Before coming to Brockport, Schwind served as the assistant hockey coach at the University of Massachusetts-Boston. Schwind has also coaches at the Massachusetts Hockey Player Development Cam, the Bill Belisle Hockey School in Rhode Island and was a volunteer assistant coach at Brockport during the 2007-08 season. Schwind has also coached baseball for Hilton High School and Dover-Sherborn High School.

Schwind started out his collegiate athletic career at SUNY Morrisville. After two years, Schwind transferred to Penn State and was a member of the club hockey team. Schwind finished up his career at Brockport, where he led the Golden Eagles in scoring with seven goals and 10 assists for 17 total points.

Schwind graduated from Brockport in 2006 with a B.S. in Mathematics and then in 2008 with a M.S. in Education in Alternate Adolescence Mathematics.

Schwind is currently a math teacher at Brockport High School.

D3HOCKEY.COM TOP 15 POLL

The D3hockey.com Top 15 pre-season poll came out last night. The poll is voted on by a panel of 20 coaches, Sports Information Directors and media members from across the country.

As we've come to expect, the Golden Eagles have a vigorous (and rigorous) schedule before them.

Placing in the Top 15 are these SUNYAC opponents...

Plattsburgh in 2nd place

Oswego in 8th place

Among the outliers in the poll (those who gained points but didn't qualify for the Top 15), are these conference foes...

Geneseo in 19th place

Buffalo State in 24th place

On top of that, Brockport faces 11th place Hobart this season and twice battles Utica who sit at 3rd in the poll!

Check out the poll here:


http://d3hockey.com/rankings/men/2013-14/preseason

GREEN/WHITE GAME TONIGHT

The Golden Eagles are holding a Green/White game tonight (October 26th) at 7:00pm at Tuttle North Ice Arena. They’ll be playing two 25-minute running time periods. The game will have a 7:00pm start time.

Coach Dickinson says it will allow the coaching staff to get the guys into a little bit of a game day routine so that they’re ready for next weekend when the season begins at Utica. They will have some of the league officials working the game to help the team get an understanding of how the game will be called this year.

There is no charge to enter and fans are encouraged to attend. 

THE 2013-2014 ROSTER

Hockey season had its official start this week as practices began and the roster was finalized.

Here it is!

1	Andrew Winsor	Fr.	G	5'8"	175	Coburg, ONT/Trenton Golden Hawks
2	Robbie Hall	Fr.	D	5'11"	185	Schaumberg, IL/Trenton Golden Hawks
3	Bobby Chayka	Jr.	D	6'	185	Hardwick, NJ/Granite City Lumberjacks
4	Chad Cummings	So.	D	6'5"	205	Caledon, ONT/Wellington Dukes
5	Michael Zagari	So.	F	6'2"	205	McKees Rock, PA/Jamestown Ironmen
6	Marcus Farmer	Jr.	D	5' 10"	175	Caledon, ONT/Brampton Capitals
7	Chris Luker	So.	D	6'4"	190	New Hartford, NY/Buffalo Jr. Sabres
8	Matt DeLuca 'C'	Sr.	D	6'	200	Skippack, PA/Syracuse Stars
9	Shane Cavalieri	So.	F	6'	195	Richmond Hill, ONT/Toronto Lakeshore Patriots
10	Ryan Johnson	Fr.	F	5'11"	175	Barrie, ONT/Newmarket Hurricanes
11	Chris Cangro	Sr.	F	5' 11"	190	Holbrook, NY/ NY Bobcats
12	Nick Marinac	Fr.	F	5'9"	165	Burlington, ONT/Trenton Golden Hawks
14
15	Sean Wallace	Sr.	D	5'11"	195	Rochester, NY/NY Applecore
16	Troy Polino	Jr.	F	5'9"	190	Limerick, PA/New York Bobcats
17	Jonathan Demme	So.	D	6'3"	190	Brampton, ONT/Orangeville Flyers
18
19	Steve Sachman	Sr.	F	5' 11"	185	Medford, NY/ NY Bobcats
20	Jeremy DeFazio	So.	F	6' 1"	195	Oakville, ONT/Georgetown Raiders
21	Brendan Rothfuss 'A'	Sr.	F	6'	190	Webster NY/Syracuse Stars
22	Jake Taylor	Fr.	F	5'8"	165	Port Perry, ONT/Lindsay Muskies
23	Bobby Conner	Sr.	F	5' 10"	193	Lititz, PA/ Philadelphia Junior Flyers
24	Jesse Facchini	So.	F	6'	185	Mississauga, ONT/Mississauga Chargers
25	Andrew Parks	Fr.	F	6'	190	Orillia, ONT/Trenton Golden Hawks
26	James Ryan	So.	F	5'6"	160	Richmond Hill, ONT/Toronto Lakeshore Patriots
27	Kody Vaisanen	So.	F	5'11"	180	Dundalk, ONT/North York Rangers
30	Jared Lockhurst	So.	G	6'	185	Caledon, ONT/Wellington Dukes
31	Aaron Green	Jr.	G	5' 10"	175	Mt. Albert, ONT/St. Michaels Buzzers
35	Joe Reagan	Sr.	G	5' 10"	217	Yonkers, NY/ NY Bobcats
81	Chase Nieuwendyk	So.	F	6'	180	Georgetown, ONT/Trenton Golden Hawks
91

GERSHON FINDING SUCCESS BEHIND PORT HURON BENCH

Mike Gershon was one of the finest defensemen in the history of Brockport hockey and an instrumental part of Brockport's playoff endeavors of a few years ago. He's shown like success as a coach in Port Huron.

There's a nice write-up about him at the Fighting Falcons' website...

Michael Gershon felt right at home when he joined the Port Huron Fighting Falcons coaching staff as an assistant before the start of the 2012-13 season. As a member of the 2009-10 Port Huron Icehawks professional hockey team, the Sparta, New Jersey native was already very familiar with the Blue Water Area, and McMorran Arena in particular.

When he took the reins as Head Coach and General Manager, he was confident he could do his part to help take the Fighting Falcons to new heights on and off the ice.

One year and nearly a dozen college commitments for his players later, Gershon has his team in first place in the North Division, and tied for the highest point total in the league with 16 points and a 7-1-2 record.


Read the entire article here:

http://fightingfalconshockey.pointstreaksites.com/view/fightingfalconshockey/news-332/news_88372

ANDREW PARKS OVERCOMES CONCUSSION

Yesterday's edition of the Barrie (Ont.) Examiner looked at how Brockport freshman Andrew Parks overcame a concussion that almost derailed his hockey career....


Andrew Parks had started to believe he wasn’t going to get better.

After months of literally sitting alone in the dark, the 21-year-old Orillia native, who suffered a serious blow to the head during a hockey game in September 2012, was questioning if it was how he was going to be living the rest of his life.

“You don’t think it’s ever going to be any different,” Parks said, a huge smile on his face as he shared the story of his recovery.

After six long months and little to no improvement in his condition, Parks was admitted to the Carrick Brain Center in Marietta, Ga. — the same one where NHL superstar Sidney Crosby received treatment in 2011 — to which he credits a large portion, if not all, of his recovery.

“It’s like I never had a concussion,” said Parks, who has moved to New York state, where he’s playing hockey for Brockport University this fall.



Read the full article here:


http://www.thebarrieexaminer.com/2013/09/16/orillia-native-receives-medical-treatment-in-georgia

NON-RETURNING PLAYERS

The roster won't be set until the end of October, but you can get a feel for it by knowing who's no longer with the Brockport community.

Of course, we are without Mike Hayward and Colby Spooner who were both seniors last year.

The team will also be missing Scott Fasano and Logan Pfeffer, two sophomores who moved on to Ohio University.

We'll also be without Mike Hollander (who would have been a senior) and Luke Colavecchia (who would have been a sophomore). Both opted to not return to Brockport. I don't know if they hooked up with another college or team.

DON KWAK MAKES BROCKPORT HALL OF FAME

The College at Brockport Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and the Golden Eagle Society will induct a class of 13 former athletes, coaches and contributors into the Golden Eagle Athletic Hall of Fame on Saturday, September 28 as part of the 2013 Homecoming Weekend festivities.

The Class of 2013 includes Donald E. Kwak '63.

Kwak was instrumental in the development of an ice hockey club at Brockport that eventually became the varsity team at the college. He went on to become one of the top off-ice officials in the National Hockey League.

The induction ceremony has been changed from the traditional Saturday evening dinner to a late morning brunch ceremony at 12 pm. The class will participate in the annual Homecoming parade at 4 pm and then be formally introduced at halftime of the Homecoming football game against Alfred that starts at 6 pm.

MOVE-IN DAY 2013

The Golden Eagles ice hockey team spent Friday, August 23rd at the freshmen residence halls helping to move in some of the Freshmen class of 2017. The team assisted with unloading the new students' belongings from their vehicles into the students' rooms. This was the ninth consecutive year that the team has volunteered during Move In Day. In addition to providing a helping hand, the guys were very helpful in answering questions about where classrooms and offices were located as well as promoting the upcoming hockey season. 

SHOOTOUTS IN COLLEGE HOCKEY?

The Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference-- in which DIII powerhouse Gustavus Adolphus plays -- has shaken up intercollegiate hockey by announcing that it will be the first conference in Division III to adopt the shootout for conference games.

They recently adopted the four-official system, mirroring what happened in the SUNYAC.

That begs the question: Will the SUNYAC copy the MIAC and go with shootouts?

I certainly hope not.

I'm old school with hockey: Shootouts take what was 65 minutes of a team game and total team effort and transform it into a game decided by a select few individuals each working independently. If I wanted a mano-a-mano sport, I'd watch tennis or bowling. Let's keep with tradition.

What are your thoughts?

Comment on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/brockporthockey

CORTLAND SEES A LEADERSHIP CHANGE

In a league as competitive as the SUNYAC, all off-season changes carry serious weight, from the graduation of players to the addition of new recruits to coaching moves.

Such a change took place this week in the conference as Cortland head coach Joe Baldarotta announced his retirement. Cortland's current associate director of athletics Tom Cranfield will coach the Red Dragons in 2013-14. Cranfield previously coached the team from 2001-07.

Read about it here:

http://www.sunyac.com/news/2013/8/14/MHOCKEY_0814133219.aspx

SAVES FOR A CURE WEEKEND BOOKED

The Sixth Annual Saves for a Cure fundraising weekend is scheduled for February 7-8, 2014 as the Golden Eagles take on Geneseo at 7 pm Friday night and host a fundraising brunch Saturday.

Six years ago an idea was hatched to hold a charity game and fundraising weekend around the Saves for a Cure organization that was started by former Golden Eagles goalie Todd Sheridan. Since its inception, the charity events have raised over $20,000 with a majority of that money being donated to the Golisano Children's Hospital in Rochester.

The Brockport Department of Athletics will donate all of the ticket proceeds from the game and the commemorative jerseys worn by the Golden Eagles will be auctioned off for the charity as well.