Plattsburgh player writes of SUNYAC's cancellation of hockey season

Here's an article by Joe Kile who plays hockey at Plattsburgh. He writes of his frustration and heartbreak over SUNYAC's cancellation of the hockey season:

https://medium.com/@jkile001/dear-sunyac-2b6e8ed26a6d

SUNYAC cancels winter sports season

In an abundance of caution to protect the health and safety of students and staff, after consultation with conference leadership, the presidents of the State University of New York Athletic Conference have made the difficult decision to cancel winter sports.

"This was not an easy decision and I empathize with all of our student-athletes across the SUNYAC," Erik Bitterbaum, the chair of the SUNYAC Presidents said. "However, despite our best efforts to plan for a winter season, our priority must be the health and safety of everyone involved with intercollegiate athletics, and our campuses as a whole."

The winter sports impacted by the decision include the conference schedules and championships for men's and women's basketball, as well as men's ice hockey. The championships for men's and women's swimming & diving and men's and women's indoor track & field also have been canceled.

The SUNYAC will continue internal planning for the possibility of spring sports. The decision on spring sports will be made at a future date.

Hockey to play abbreviated season due to COVID protocols

 

The State University of New York Athletic Conference will begin its 2020-21 conference schedule for men's ice hockey at the beginning of February.

The conference announced the decision on Tuesday, Oct. 6, following approval by the SUNYAC athletic directors during their weekly conference meeting on Oct. 5. The schedule for ice hockey will consist of eight divisional games and a four-team crossover playoff format that features the top two teams in each division.

"The schedules are designed to provide a meaningful student-athlete experience while at the same time prioritizing the health and safety of the student-athletes and staff," Tom DiCamillo, commissioner of the SUNYAC, explained. "We know full well that the pandemic environment is ever-changing; however, it is important to establish our intent to begin conference play in February which will allow our member-institutions to appropriately prepare for intercollegiate athletic competition."

DiCamillo stressed that the SUNYAC will follow recommendations, guidelines and direction from local, regional, state and SUNY authorities, as well as from its national organization the NCAA.

"We will not operate in a vacuum," DiCamillo stated, "but the strength of the SUNYAC is its athletic leadership and knowledge that will be used to craft the best and safest experience possible for our student-athletes."

In addition to health and safety, the divisional schedule reduces costs by slashing travel and the need for most hotel accommodations. And, it preserves the NCAA eligibility for student-athletes by playing less than 50 percent of the allowable contests.

Men's ice hockey will have a divisional alignment since nine institutions sponsor the sport. Games mostly will be contested on Tuesdays and Fridays with the SUNYAC semifinals set for Thursday, March 4, and the championship scheduled for Sunday, March 7.

The Western Division will consist of Brockport, Buffalo State, Cortland, Fredonia and Geneseo playing an eight-game, double round-robin schedule starting Sunday, Jan. 31.

The Eastern Division will feature just four teams – Morrisville, Oswego, Plattsburgh and Potsdam – that will play a triple round-robin schedule minus one contest beginning Friday, Feb. 5.

Each team playing the other teams three times produces a nine-game schedule – one more game than the Western Division – therefore a decision was made based upon geographical distance to balance the schedule by eliminating one long trip – Oswego to Plattsburgh. As a result, Potsdam and Morrisville will play each other just two times as well.

Buy your Brockport Hockey apparel before October 18th

If you would like to augment your wardrobe and support Brockport hockey, the apparel store is open now until October 18th. A wide variety of hats, shirts and jackets are available for purchase. https://brockporthockey2020.itemorder.com/sale

Parsons is an All-American Scholar

Brockport's Mitchell Parsons was recently named an All-American Scholar by the American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA). To qualify, a student-athlete must have attained a 3.75 GPA for the fall 2019 semester and participated in 40% of their school's games.
 
"These are exceptional individuals," said AHCA executive director Joe Bertagna. "The sport demands a great deal from these athletes so it is a great statement they make, individually and collectively, with their ability to attain this level of academic achievement while contributing at the NCAA Division III level."

Parsons, a forward for the Golden Eagles, played in 25 games last season and posted eight points on three goals and five assists.  In 51 career collegiate games he has 23 points on 11 goals and 12 assists.

Hall re-signed by ECHL Gladiators

 

The Atlanta Gladiators announced the re-signing of defensemen Rob Hall and Chris Forney for the 2020-21 season.

Hall is a 28-year-old defensemen from Schaumburg, Illinois. He played his collegiate hockey at the State University of New York-Brockport from 2013-17, appearing in 88 career games. He spent the following year and a half in the Southern Professional Hockey League, playing the majority of his 61 games in the league current Gladiators' Head Coach Jeff Pyle for the Evansville Thunderbolts.

Hall broke into the ECHL in the 2018-19 season, tallying 11 points (2g-9a) in 48 games for the Wheeling Nailers. He spliut last season with the Gladaitors and Norfolk Admirals, totaling six assists in 38 contests.

Forney is a 25-year-old defenseman from Thief River Falls, Minnesota. In 2014, he began his four-year stint at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell where he tallied 49 points (14g-35a) in 135 career games. Right after college, he made his professional debut in the American Hockey League, playing in six games for the San Diego Gulls.

Forney then came to the ECHL in the 2018-19 season, skating in 40 regular-season games for the Tulsa Oilers. He also played in 20 playoff games that year, helping the Oilers reach the Western Conference Finals. Last saeson, Forney played in a career-high 58 games in his first season with the Gladiators, producing nine points (2g-7a).

Sam Dibitetto commits to Brockport

 

Plattsburgh great Chris Panek -- foe and friend of Brockport Hockey -- has passwed away

Chris Panek, was a super-talented hockey player and a super-nice guy.

Not only was he a thorn in Brockport's side when he took to the ice for Plattsburgh in the 1980s, but he also had a Brockport connection as his brother Tim played for the Golden Eagles (and even has a hockey award named for him at Brockport).

Chris passed away earlier this week. Our hearts go out to our friend Tim, the entire Panek family and the Plattsbugh Hockey brotherhood.

Here's the Press-Republican's story on the life of Chris:

https://www.pressrepublican.com/sports/local_sports/beloved-psu-mens-hockey-alum-panek-leaves-lasting-legacy/article_000afba5-4d81-5ee4-bf13-3cb9f4f52a52.html

 

Egbert transfers to Brockport

 

Start of season delayed

In response to ongoing health and safety concerns, the members of the State University of New York Athletic Conference will suspend fall sports competition. In addition, the winter conference and non-conference schedules will be delayed until January 1, 2021.

The decision was made by the SUNYAC Presidents in consultation with the SUNYAC Board of Directors on Monday, July 20. The SUNYAC Board of Directors is composed of the 10 directors of athletics from each member institution

Despite these changes for Brockport athletics this fall, the campus community recognizes the importance of athletics participation to its student-athletes. Administrators and coaches have developed plans to engage student-athletes safely in small-group activity through in-person practices and instruction, strength and conditioning training, leadership training and team building activities. All students on campus will also have access to recreational and wellness opportunities, and the fitness facilities will be available in accordance with all New York State guidelines and campus protocols.

"The decision to suspend fall sports was made with the safety and well-being of our student-athletes and campus community top of mind," said SUNY Brockport President Heidi Macpherson. "Sports, like our fine arts performances, are part of the fabric of college life, and I know how disappointing this must be to our players, coaches, staff, and our fans. But we will get through this, and I look forward to the day when we can again cheer for our Golden Eagles."

Division III student-athletes will not be charged with participation for the 2020-21 season if their team can complete only 50% or less of the sport's maximum contests/dates of competition due to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Division III Administrative Committee approved a recommendation from the Division III Committee on Student-Athlete Reinstatement to provide a blanket waiver in all sports that are unable to reach the 50% threshold, providing student-athletes with the option of extending their participation.

Insalaco promoted at RIT

1990's Brockport hockey great David Insalaco -- he of the 47 goals and 109 points in his career and a senior campaign that sported an incredible 16-20-36 line -- has been promoted at RIT...

Rochester Institute of Technology men's ice hockey head coach Wayne Wilson announced that Dave Insalaco was promoted to Associate Head Coach.

Insalaco enters his 19th season as a coach and 13th year with the program in 2020-21.

"Dave's hard work has not gone unnoticed and this title represents his loyalty to the program," said RIT Head Coach Wayne Wilson. "Dave's knowledge of the game has been instrumental through the years, helping RIT reach the Frozen Four during three NCAA Tournament appearances, while winning three Atlantic Hockey Association (AHA) Championships and four regular season titles."

Insalaco's duties include overseeing the Tiger defenseman and penalty killing efforts. He most recently mentored Adam Brubacher (Elmira, Ontario/Powell River Kings), who graduated in May a two-time AHA All-Star and was one of only six defenseman in the nation over the last four years to eclipse the 100-point plateau.

Continued Wilson, "Dave's work with our defenseman over the years has led to numerous all league selections, highlighted by current Vancover Canucks assistant Captain Chris Tanev, who was named Atlantic Hockey Rookie of the Year and an All-Tournament Team member during our 2010 Frozen Four run. He has a great hockey mind and, with his work ethic, will be a great head coach at some point down the road."

"I am truly appreciative of the opportunity provided to me by Wayne Wilson, (Executive Athletic Director) Lou Spiotti and (Senior VP for Student Affairs) Dr. Sandy Johnson," Insalaco said. "As a kid growing up in Rochester who attended his first hockey school at RIT, it has been a dream come true to coach here.  It has been a remarkable 12 seasons and I am proud of what our staff has built in such a short period of time. I am excited for the start of the season and I look forward to helping facilitate our program's continued success."

In 2009, 2011, and 2012, Insalaco coached at the USA Hockey Select Under-17 and Under-16 Development camps in Rochester with several of the nation's top collegiate coaches and was tapped to coach in the 2011 Select 17 All-Star game. Insalaco also served as a guest coach for the Washington Capitals prospect development camps prior to their Stanley Cup in 2018.

Insalaco's arrival at RIT coincided with one of the winningest stretches in program history. The 2008-09 season saw the Tigers finish with a 23-13-2 record to clinch the second seed for the AHA Tournament. The following year, the Tigers won their first AHA Championship and made its Cinderella run to the Frozen Four to finish with a program-record 28-12-1 mark.

Insalaco came to RIT after spending two seasons (2005-07) with the Green Bay Gamblers of the United States Hockey League, including half a season as head coach and general manager. During his tenure with the Gamblers, he coached several players who went on to standout RIT careers, including Cameron Burt, Taylor McReynolds, Sean Murphy and Chris Saracino. He also coached defenseman Derrick LaPoint, who was a 2006 draftee of the Florida Panthers.

Insalaco spent the previous three seasons as assistant coach at SUNY Geneseo (2003-05), including two under current RIT Associate Head Coach Brian Hills. Insalaco helped guide the Knights to a 51-23-11 record, including back-to-back State University of New York Athletic Conference Championships and NCAA Division III Tournament berths in 2005 and 2006. Insalaco's first coaching stint came as a volunteer assistant at his alma mater, SUNY Brockport, during the 2002-03 campaign.

Graduating with an education degree in 2000, Insalaco closed his career tied for seventh in Golden Eagle history with 47 goals and 10th with 109 points. The standout left winger punctuated his career with All-SUNYAC Second Team honors while also winning Chase Memorial Academic Athletic Scholarship recognition.

Insalaco played two years of professional hockey for the Adirondack IceHawks of the United Hockey League from 2000-02, recording 31 points (10 goals, 21 assists) in 128 career appearances. He was voted both the "Unsung Hero" and "110 Percent" Award winner by the fans following his first season as the IceHawks won the Northeast Division title.

Insalaco also completed a master's degree in education from Brockport. The Greece, N.Y. native currently lives in Fairport, N.Y. with his wife, Erika, and children, David and Clare.

Insalaco's sister, Kim, was a member of the 2006 United States Women's Olympic Hockey Team which earned a bronze medal in Turin, Italy.

Shapiro joins the Covid fight

Remember Dylan Shapiro, who was a hero on the ice for the Golden Eagles? He was the assistant captain in 2016-2017 and 2017-2018.

Well, he's still a hero...off the ice.

Check this out!

Ensign Dylan Shapiro, from Rochester, treats a patient in a ward aboard the hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) on April 13. Mercy deployed to Los Angeles, California, in support of the nation’s COVID-19 response efforts, and will serve as a referral hospital for non-COVID-19 patients currently admitted to shore-based hospitals. This allows shore-based hospitals to focus their efforts on COVID-19 cases. One of the Department of Defense’s missions is Defense Support of Civil Authorities. DoD is supporting the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the lead federal agency, as well as state, local and public health authorities in helping protect the health and safety of the American people.

Former assistant Mallaro has new coaching role

Former Brockport assistant coach, Stephen Mallaro -- who was with the team in the 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 seasons -- has assumed the head coaching role at the Albany Academy

News report about Brockport alumnus Mark Digby

Oswego County News Now offers this report on Mark Digby's ascent to the head coaching role of Oswego weomen's hockey:

http://www.oswegocountynewsnow.com/sports/fulton-s-digby-ready-to-take-reins-as-head-coach-of-oswego-women-s-hockey/article_a398bb74-b7bd-11ea-a105-27275141fd71.html

Brockport is 8th in attendance

Yesterday, USCHO posted the final attendance numbers for all DII and DIII hockey programs. Of the 91 colleges and universities, Brockport came in at eighth place in average attendance. The home games averaged 821 fans.

Lincoln transfers to LMU

Next season, Brockport goalie Sean Lincoln is heading to the west coast -- Loyola Marymount -- to work on his MBA and finish his collegiate hockey career. During his Brockport career the junior saw action in 3 games for the Golden Eagles and secured a shutout in stellar 2019 performance against Canton. We wish the young man the best of luck in his academic and athletic pursuits!

Hutchins to play in France with childhood friend

Next season, now Brockport alumnus and former team captain Connor Hutchins, who had an exceptional career with Brockport, will be playing professionally with the Meudon Comets in France. Here's a nice article about Penn State's Blake Gober joining him -- they grew up in Texas together!

https://www.collegian.psu.edu/sports/men_hockey/article_142ca434-b1a3-11ea-baa2-8754f5f90751.html

Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll

The State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) released its 2019-20 Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll which recognizes student-athletes with a 3.30 or higher cumulative grade point average (GPA) on Wednesday.

193 Brockport student-athletes earned the distinction. This year over 1,600 SUNYAC student-athletes met the criteria across the conference's 10 full member institutions and one associate member institution.

Brockport women's soccer and men's hockey led the way with 17 student-athletes represented on the list.

Here's the list:

https://gobrockport.com/news/2020/6/18/194-brockport-student-athletes-earn-sunyac-commissioners-academic-honor-roll.aspx

Brockport alumnus Digby now head coach of Oswego women's hockey

On Wednesday, June 17, SUNY Oswego's Interim Director of Athletics Eric Summers announced that Mark Digby, Associate Head Coach for women's ice hockey has been named Interim Head Coach of women's ice hockey.

Prior to Oswego, Digby was an assistant men's ice hockey coach at his alma mater, SUNY Brockport (2006-10) where he earned his B.S. in physical education (2005) and M.S. in Recreation Management (2008). 

Digby was hired as the assistant men's ice hockey coach at Oswego in August of 2010. During his time as the assistant men's ice hockey coach, the team reached six NCAA tournaments, two frozen fours and competed for the national championship twice.

Digby moved over to the women's ice hockey team in the spring of 2019 as the Associate Head Coach. In the 2019-20 season the women's ice hockey team showed huge improvements, including the most wins (16) the program had seen since 2016. Along with their win totals, the women's ice hockey team competed for their second NEWHL Championship falling to nationally top ranked Plattsburgh in the title game.

Digby takes over the women's ice hockey program from Diane Dillon, who coached the program for 14 seasons.

Great academic results!

In D3 athletics everyone is a student-athlete...student first!

The hockey team had incredible success in the classroom this academic year.

Spring GPA: 3.45

Overall GPA: 3.30

Shane Visnick had the highest GPA & secured Presidents List Honors.

15 of these men were Deans List students.

Congratulations!

The Welch hockey dynasty

Scott Welch was a goalie for Brockport. Here's an excellent write-up about his hockey dynasty -- four girls and four NCAA Division I hockey scholarships:

https://thehockeywriters.com/womens-hockey-welch-family-success/

Tremblay to coach Elmira Enforcers

Longtime Brockport hockey fans will remember Ray Tremblay, a British Columbia native who played for the Golden Eagles from 2008-2009 through 2010-2011.

His story was always one of perseverance.

Two years before his NCAA career began he suffered compression fractures of two of his vertebrae, which certainly would have derailed the hockey careers of most guys. But, he fought on and had a solid career at Brockport. His 2008-2009 campaign was his best, with a 7-10-17 line.

We've received great news that he's back in New York, selected as the new head coach of the Elmira Enforcers.

Congrats, Ray!

Here's an article about it:

https://www.stargazette.com/story/sports/2020/05/19/elmira-enforcers-name-tremblay-head-coach-bring-back-players/5214928002/

Good luck, seniors!

This year's commencement ceremony is something that was totally unexpected and will be totally unusual. It's unfortunate that Covid-19 totally changed the second half of your last semester, the fruition of all your work in college and internships. Luckily, you managed to get the hockey season in before the world changed.

Thank you, seniors, for everything you did on and off the ice the past four years.

It was an exciting ride, for sure. Such incredible hockey. So many memories!

Congratulations on the coming graduation. Best of luck in everything you do in the new life before you -- work, service, and family. Based on everything you've showed us at Brockport, you will excel in all phases.

We've been blessed to have you at Brockport.

The world will be blessed to have you now.

2019-2020 awards

Your 2020-2021 captains