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...

GERSHON SIGNS WITH NAILERS

Earlier this month, Mike Gershon -- who was an impressive, hard-hitting defenseman for the Golden Eagles -- signed a contract with the Wheeling Nailers of the ECHL. Here is the Nailers official release...

WHEELING,WV - The Wheeling Nailers, the AA affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, have added to their roster with the announcement that they have signed defenseman Mike Gershon for the 2010-2011 season.

The Nailers have now officially announced the signings of three players so far including center Kris Vernarsky and returning defenseman Kyle Bushee.

Gershon is a 5'10" native of Sparta, NJ who played for Coach Drulia last year with his team in Port Huron, Mich. of the IHL. Gershon scored 7 goals and 28 assists while recording 75 penalty minutes in his professional rookie season.

"Mike is one of those kids that is going to get better every day. He is serious about his game, and prepares like a real pro" said head coach Stan Drulia.

The 25 year old Gershon played for Division 3 State University of New York at Brockport from 2005-2009. His senior season with the SUNY-Brockport program he was named to the All-SUNY Athletic Conference second team as he scored 8 goals and 9 assists. His career with the Golden Eagles was highlighted by a hat trick on November 7, 2008 against SUNY-Genesco.

Gershon will be the first product of SUNY-Brockport to play for Wheeling. The most notable SUNY player in Wheeling history was Brendon Hodge out of SUNY-Plattsburgh who starred for the Nailers for three seasons from 2003-06.


Source: http://www.wheelingnailers.com/pages/news/articles/20100803.asp

HOCKEY TO HELP INCOMING FRESHMAN

On Friday 1,065 freshmen will be moving in at Brockport. It's the biggest incoming class in 25 years.

As in years past, the hockey team will be good campus citizens and they will help the students and parents move-in, lending a hand in getting the heavy stuff and personal affects into dorm rooms.

TREMBLAY PREPARES FOR THE SEASON

One of the best stories of personal triumph in DIII hockey is Ray Tremblay's career.

After having fractured two bones in his spine during the Christmas holiday a few years back, he was given 2 choices. One was surgery that would certainly end his career. The other was a combination of a back brace, months of immobility and many more months of rehab (which would in itself end most hockey careers). Ray chose hockey, dealt with the pain and busted his butt to get back to good health.

Since then he has performed at a high level. This season will mark his second as the Golden Eagles' assistant captain. Last season was a great one...a versatile forward who plays a great defensive game, he's also a play-maker as made evident by his 19 assists (a team high) and 25 points (second best on the team).

This season he's looking to take it up another notch. He has had an outstanding summer of training. He trains with Crash Conditioning, arguably one of the best hockey specific training program in the world. They have facilities in Calgary, Alberta and Kelowna B.C, and train some of the elite players in the world like Norris Trophy winner Duncan Keith, Washington Capitals' Mike Green, Edmonton's Jordan Eberle, and Carolina's Zach Boychuk to name a few.

Ray works with the Kelowna Pro Group, with players like Cody Franson from the Nashville Predators, Ty Wishart and Scott Jackson from the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Ray was featured in a video that was shot at Crash Conditioning Kelowna.

Here is the link: http://dcdproductions.ca/nevin/Crash_Conditioning/cc_webdload.html

To find out more about Crash Conditioning check out their site www.crashconditioning.com

O'MALLEY TRIES OUT WITH THE HAVOC

The Huntsville Havoc of the SPHL (Southern Professional Hockey League) announced yesterday that they signed Brockport standout Sean O’Malley to a tryout agreement. O’Malley spent four seasons at Brockport where he scored 31 goals and added 38 assists in 99 career games. Last year he scored a career high 11 goals which included an OT game-winner against Morrisville and MVP accolades in the Skidmore tournament.

For info about the Havoc, go here:

http://huntsvillehavoc.pointstreaksites.com/view/huntsvillehavoc

OWSEGO'S REPORT ON DIGBY'S MOVE

The Oswego Atheltics Department issued this news release earlier in the week...


The Oswego State Athletic Department announced today that Mark Digby has accepted the position of assistant men’s ice hockey coach. Digby, an assistant coach at Brockport for the previous four seasons, fills the position vacated by Dan Ford, who resigned in order to pursue personal business ventures.

While at Brockport, Digby worked directly with Golden Eagle defensive and power-play units that saw statistical improvements and developed in-season and summer strength and conditioning programs. The G. Ray Bodley High School (Fulton, N.Y.) graduate aided the development of practice plans through the analysis of game and practice video footage. He created successful marketing strategies to attract fans to Brockport ice hockey games. Digby has also served as the advertising coordinator for the Brockport Athletic Department since 2008.

During the off-season, Digby has worked as an instructor at the Hamilton College Hockey School for three summers and the Maksymum Hockey School in Rochester for five summers.

Digby received his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from The College at Brockport in May 2005 and earned his Master of Science degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies four years later.

Q&A WITH STEVE SACHMAN

One of Brockport's offseason pick-ups was Steve Sachman, who played for the New York Bobcats of the AJHL the past two seasons. The 5'11", 185-pounder was a two-time AJHL All-Star. In 126 games for the Bobcats, including two National Championship appearances, Stephen scored 63 goals and 53 assists for a total of 116 points, the most for any Bobcat during that period. Most impressive among his stats was his 15 game-winning goals over those two seasons...amazing!

I recently interviewed Steve for BrockportHockey.com...

Tell us about your hockey history...


I started playing hockey at 5 - just roller hockey - and I got into ice hockey around 8 years old, I guess. I played travel hockey for Suffolk PAL until U16 when I went to play for the Long Island Royals. After one year in U16 I played a year of Junior "B" for the Royals and won a national championship with them. It was the Royals first year hosting a junior team since 1991. Since then I've played two seasons of Junior "A" for the New York Bobcats.



You put up some really impressive numbers with the Bobcats (63 goals over the past two seasons). How would you describe your style of play and what are your greatest strengths?


Well, since I was young I always loved to score goals and big goals, so thats what I've been told is my biggest strength. Although I didn't kill penalties much with the Bobcats I always excelled with them up until then.



The Bobcats were awesome last year, an unbelievable 37-3-2. What did you learn from that success and how do you think it will work at Brockport and in NCAA DIII?


For some reason throughout my youth and junior career I've always been on winning team, so I would say that I know how to win and that I'll do whatever it takes to win. I'm hoping to bring the success I've had in the past to Brockport and win big.



Athletically and academically, what attracted you to Brockport?

When we came up to visit Brockport and hung out with the team I noticed how close the team was and I really like that. Also, I loved the fact that they had a nice rink to play in and got a lot of people at their games.

Academically, I've been told by many teachers in high school how good of a school Brockport was and I liked that the student body was a little bit larger than that of my high school.



What will you be studying in the classroom?

I haven't decided yet on what I'm going to study at Brockport. I'm choosing between business administration, accounting, or being a math teacher.



Who is your all-time favorite NHL player?

I would have to say my all time favorite NHLer would have to be Joe Sakic.

DIGBY MOVES ON

Mark Digby, who spent 4 seasons as Brockport's assistant coach after a swell 4 year career on the ice for Brockport, is moving on.

The likable fellow, who is well-respected by players and fans alike, is taking on the assistant coaching role at Oswego.

Although it is a real downer to see him go, I am very happy for him. He is moving to a program that year-in, year-out is among the best of the best in Division III.

Digby provided many memorable moments for the program. He scored 41 goals and recorded 43 assists for 84 points in 96 career games and was the team captain his junior (03-04) and senior seasons (04-05). He was selected to SUNYAC All-Conference Team in 2004-05 and named SUNYAC Player of the Week three times throughout that season in which he scored a stellar 19 goals.

Coach Dickinson and the Athletic Department are currently looking for a replacement. To some, it may seem a little late in the off-season to be looking. But, fear not: Brockport's recent success and this year's great recruiting class will make the College a great destination for anyone looking for an assistant coaching position.

SHOFF FEATURED IN SIMCOE REFORMER

Adam Shoff was featured in the pages of the Simcoe (Ontario) Reformer this week...


Shoff training with a purpose

Adam Shoff is about to take another step in his hockey career -- and when that's done, he'll be ready to jump forward in life as well.

The Port Dover native will head into his third NCAA season with the Div. III Brockport Golden Eagles this fall, and just a few years after captaining the Junior B Port Colborne Sailors, Shoff will wear a letter on his shoulder south of the boarder.

The 5-foot-11, 185-pound centre will serve as an assistant captain on an emerging Brockport club that went on a midseason run that included a 10-game unbeaten streak. The Golden Eagles finished above .500 and are looking even better for next season.

"We're bringing in a lot of guys so right off the bat we've got to get the team together," Shoff explained. "We had a good year last year and I think in these next two years the goal of our team is to try and take it to the next level. Sometimes when you do that you end up taking a step back because everyone puts too much pressure on it, so that's why I'm in here every day, just working hard and that's all I can really do."

When Shoff says "in here," he's referring to what could very well be his job when he graduates. As an exercise physiology major, Shoff has taken to the gym in the off-season, this time in Waterloo at Sports Specific Training (SST).

The facility is owned by Ajay Nagy, who hails from Walsingham. Nagy has trained many local players, including both his brother Kory Nagy and Shoff in recent summers. Ajay has since hired the two to work at SST, helping them learn the business as well as train for the upcoming year.

"This is obviously what I want to do when I'm done school and hockey so it fit right in," the 23-year-old Shoff said. "Ajay has been great, he brought me in and he just kind of threw me in there and lets me train with the younger guys and help with the older guys. The biggest thing that I realized right off the bat was, as much as I've learned at school, I still have a ton to learn."

The gym is tailored to core exercises and helping athletes reach a peak performance. Its members include NHL players and prospects such as Kory Nagy and Paris's Zac Dalpe, as well as a host of NCAA and CIS players. Shoff said the atmosphere the gym provides is what separates it from the rest.

"If you do something wrong, you're going to get chirped for the week, and that kind of atmosphere and the fact too that you have guys here like Kory and Dalps that are right on the cusp of the top level, and you see how hard they push themselves, it only forces you to work harder to try and catch up to that," explained Shoff.

"Those guys are good role models for the younger guys because of their work ethic -- they don't skip drills, (and) they do everything hard."

Shoff is temporarily living with the Nagy brothers, and said he has already felt a difference on the ice thanks to working out and training, as well as paying more attention to the little things like eating right and getting enough sleep.

"I think a lot of people think when you see people like Sidney Crosby and all the top stars that it's natural -- they think he just has it. But they don't realize the amount of hours that all these guys put into the gym every single day," he said. "And it goes beyond the gym, it's how their eating habits are, their lifestyle.

"Every single aspect of their life is geared towards making it to the next level."

Making things tough on Shoff and the new-look Golden Eagles when the season opens is the toughness of their schedule. Knowing that, the former Storm forward said he'll do everything he can for his club.

"I have to come up to camp in either the best shape or one of the best shapes of all the guys and then just go from there," he said. "It's exciting, and I'm excited for the season, I want to get back on the ice playing again."

After that, it's back to the gym.

Source:

http://simcoereformer.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2682103

GOLDEN EAGLES IN THE CLASSROOM

You can't help but admire Division III sports where the student-athletes really are students first and foremost. The Golden Eagles hockey team exemplifies this approach to education and had performances in the classroom just as good as their performance on the ice.

The team's GPA for the spring semester was 3.03 and the men had a 2.97 overall GPA for the academic year.

The following hockey players made the College at Brockport's Athletic Department Honor Roll:

Berardini, Christopher 3.86
Cody, James 3.08
Davis, Tyler 3.00
Finnerty, Ian 3.54
Galiani, Daniel 3.00
Hayward, Michael3.92
Jendra, Brett 3.75
Korol, Adam 3.52
Noble, Justin 3.28
O'Malley, Sean 3.46
Rossignolo, Jeremy 3.00
Sampson, Nicholas 3.81
Sheridan, Todd 3.31
Shoff, Adam 3.19
Spooner, Colby 3.19
Wren, Oliver 3.00

The following appeared on the Dean's List:

Berardini, Christopher 3.86
Finnerty, Ian 3.54
Hayward, Michael 3.92
Jendra, Brett 3.75
Korol, Adam 3.52
O'Malley, Sean 3.46
Sampson, Nicholas 3.81

The following appeared on the SUNYAC All-Academic List based on 3.30 GPA or greater for Spring 2010:

Berardini, Christopher, 3.86
Cody, James, 3.08
Hayward, Michael, 3.92
Jendra, Brett, 3.75
Korol, Adam, 3.52
Sampson, Nicholas, 3.81

The following appeared on the SUNYAC Commissioners List (Based on a cumulative 3.30 overall GPA for 3 semesters)

Berardini, Christopher, 3.82
Cody, James, 3.33
Hayward, Michael, 3.64
Jendra, Brett, 3.78
Korol, Adam, 3.36
Sampson, Nicholas, 3.89

AN INTERVIEW WITH BOBBY CONNER

A very promising addition to the Golden Eagles is forward Bobby Conner who played for the Philadelphia Junior Flyers last season.

In 42 games the 21-year old forward (who's 5'10" and 192-pounds) had 51 points on 22 goals and 29 assists, good for a stellar average of 1.21 points/game.

He is used to putting up huge numbers, having had a 71-point season for the Junior B Central Penn Panthers two years earlier.

I recently interviewed Bobby so the players, alumni and fans could get to know him.



Tell us about your hockey history...


I started playing hockey at the age of four, when my dad took me to a hockey rink in Lancaster for a afternoon public skate. Since then I have been interested in hockey and have been playing ever since. I played for the Central Penn Panthers pretty much my whole life from squirt minor up until playing for their Jr. B team. After my last Jr B. season there, I then went down to the Philadelphia Jr Flyers Jr A team for my last two seasons of Junior hockey.



If Brockport had a weakness last season it was the team's ability to score a lot of goals. You'll be able to help out in that department, having put together a 51 point season (in 42 games) for the Junior Flyers. How would you describe your style of play and what are your greatest strengths?



I think that my style of play is a small power forward with a passing ability. Some of my strengths that will be able to help out the team are my protection with the puck along with anticipation with the puck. I also believe that I am sound in the defensive zone as well.




Tell us about the biggest goal you've ever scored...

The biggest goal that I have ever scored was at the 16 Under Tier 1 Nationals in 2004. We were playing against Mid Fairfield in the round robin and the game had went into overtime.I received the puck in the slot off of a rebound and scored up over the goalies right shoulder. That was the biggest goal that I have ever scored.




What was it about Brockport that you found so attractive as both a hockey player and a student?



What caught my attention about Brockport's hockey program was the way the coaching staff and the players made you feel at at home when I was up for my visits. I have also been to a couple of the home games this past season and the atmosphere was unbelievable at the games. I also feel like I play the same style of game as the team does.

As for being a student, the size of the campus felt just about right, not too big and not too small. I also liked how it was a nice little college town, it was able to give me that at-home sort of feeling which I thought was nice.


What degree will you be pursuing in the classroom?



I am going into school as a undecided because I am contemplating which major I want to pursue, which is between Physical Therapy and Sports Management.




Who are your all-time favorite NHL-ers?


My favorite NHL-ers of all time would have to be Peter Forsberg and Joe Thorton.

COLLINS IS HIRED BY BLUE JACKETS

MaineHockeyJournal.com posted the following story today about a Golden Eagle alumnus:


The Blue Jackets announced today that Pirates Assistant Coach Kevin Collins has taken been hired as their new Strength and Conditioning Coach.

The opening came about after Barry Brennan took a job in a similar capacity with the Atlanta Thrashers.

There is a connection with recently hired head coach Scott Arniel, who was an assistant in Buffalo while Collins was working with the Sabres prospects in Rochester and eventually in Portland when the Sabres moved their affiliate.

The Detroit, Michigan native attended SUNY Brockport, where he played four years of collegiate hockey.



Source:

http://mainehockeyjournal.com/2010/06/15/collins-hired-by-columbus-as-strength-and-conditioning-coach/

BROCKPORT TO GET A PEP BAND

If you've ever been to a Brockport/Geneseo match-up, whether at Brockport or in Geneseo, you've no doubt experienced Geneseo's pep band, a gifted group of musicians who motivate the Geneseo players and fans quite well. Pep bands are a rarity in DIII sports but a majority of DI schools have them and they are an important part of campus culture.

Starting with the 2010-2011 academic/athletic year, Brockport will have it's own pep band play at various athletic games!

The hockey games will be a marquee event for them. This is huge for Brockport athletics and will add to the unbelievable home ice advantage the Golden Eagles have had the past two seasons.

The coordinators of this project are looking for any musicians who are interested in participating. If you are interested, please email hockey assistant coach Mark Digby at: mdigby@brockport.edu

BROCKPORT HAS A NEW A.D.

Noah D. LeFevre will be the new director of athletics at The College at Brockport, State University of New York effective July 12. He replaces Linda J. Case ’89, who retired in May after a 23-year career at the College; 15 years as director of athletics. LeFevre is currently associate director of athletics at New York University (NYU), a position he has held since 2001.

“We are excited that LeFevre will be joining our administrative leadership team at the College,” said Dr. Katy Wilson, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs. “As a former basketball player and administrator in a high-profile Division III program like NYU, LeFevre understands the life of a student athlete. He will be a strong advocate for all Golden Eagle athletes and coaches as they continue to produce strong academic and athletic records.”

"I am truly humbled to have the opportunity to lead a field of such talented coaches and administrators and to have the good fortune of being able to work with both a wonderful group of student-athletes and a very committed alumni base," said LeFevre. "I look forward to the challenge of building on the program's many past successes and continuing to have not just a strong athletic presence in New York state, but on the national stage as well," he added

An honors graduate of NYU, LeFevre holds a bachelor’s degree in political science, a master’s degree in sports management and an MBA from NYU’s Leonard N. Stern School of Business. He also holds a certificate from the Sports Management Institute, the country’s premiere athletic administrative development academy, completed at the University of Michigan and at the University of Texas.

While at NYU LeFevre was responsible for the athletic department’s marketing and brand management. In 2007, he led a team that redeveloped the branded image of NYU athletics with the goal of creating exposure for the program within the University community, local neighborhoods and corporate sponsors.

LeFevre was responsible for all aspects of NYU’s home varsity contests and served as tournament director for several post-season NCAA and ECAC championships. From 2001-05, LeFevre also worked for the National Invitational Tournament (NIT). He assisted with selection meetings, practice schedules and served as a site representative at several different venues.

LeFevre managed the day-to-day operations of the 80,000 square foot Palladium Athletic Facility (PAF), which sees 2,300 patrons visit per day. “With the opening of the 138,000 sq ft, multi-use, Special Events Recreation Center and the refurbishment of the Tuttle Sports Complex, LeFevre’s experience in facility operations, budget management, and marketing and promotions will be great assets to the College,” said Wilson.

The College at Brockport 11 men’s and 12 women’s intercollegiate athletic teams are affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Division III, with the exception of the women’s gymnastics team, which participates in the National Collegiate Gymnastics Association. College teams also compete in the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) and the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC). The football team joined the New Jersey Athletic Conference in 2008.

VOTE IN STYLUS POLL

This week's Brockport Stylus has a poll that asks about the best Winter sports teams this past year as well as the best Winter athlete.

Make it a point to vote for the hockey team and James Cody!

here's the poll:

http://media.www.thestylus.net/media/storage/paper1380/news/2010/04/28/Sports/Vote-Now.Spring.2010.Athlete.Of.The.Year-3913543.shtml

CHAPMAN COMMITS TO BROCKPORT

Ian Chapman has committed to play for the Golden Eagles. Hailing from nearby Batavia, NY, the big defenseman -- who is 6'5" and 215 pounds -- should handle the larger forwards of Plattsburgh and Oswego quite well.

Last season he played 19 games for the Stouffville Spirit before a trade to the North York Rangers where he played 19 games as well. His stat line from last season includes 1 goal and 6 assists for a total 7 points.

Ian also spent 2 seasons with the Brockville Braves of the CJHL.

CANGRO COMMITS TO BROCKPORT

From the NY Bobcats of the AJHL...

The Bobcats are proud to announce that standout forward, Chris Cangro, has committed to the Golden Eagles of Brockport State College for the 2010/2011 season. Chris joins teammates Stephen Sachman and Joe Reagan, both of whom committed earlier this year to the Golden Eagles. Brockport is a member of the SUNYAC Conference, which is arguably the strongest Division III Conference in the United States. Chris becomes the eighth player from this year’s New York Bobcats to receive a commitment to play collegiate hockey.

Known for his strong skating and goal scoring ability, Chris has been one of the Bobcats’ strongest offensive players the past two seasons, often playing on the team’s top line with Matt Zay and Dan O’Donoghue. An AJHL All-Star this past season, Chris was third in scoring on the Bobcats with a 24-39-63 line in 62 games. Those numbers were also good enough for 9th overall in the AJHL. In addition to being a consistent producer on the powerplay (17 points), Chris was 2nd on the team with a plus/minus rating of +34. His total offensive output during his two-year Bobcats career totaled an eye-popping 46 goals and 58 assists in 127 games, which placed him 3rd overall during that span. Most notably, however, Chris was one of the key components on a Bobcats team that earned two consecutive National Championship appearances and runner-up finishes in the AJHL.

Similar to teammate Dan O’Donoghue, Chris spent almost his entire youth hockey career playing for the Long Island Rebels organization in Dix Hills. He did not play a game at the Tier I level until the 07/08 season where as one of the team’s leading offensive players, he helped lead the Long Island Royals Midget Minors to a New York State Tier I Championship and a National Semi-final appearance. As a Long Island Rebel, he earned a Bantam and Midget Minor NYS Tier II State Championship, which respectively led to Final and Semi-final appearances in the U.S. Nationals. In addition to his travel youth hockey accomplishments, Chris competed for Team Long Island in the 2007 Empire State Games and was a High School Vytra Cup All-Star during the 07/08 season. He also participated in the NYS Select 17 Camp in 2008. Chris also had a very notable high school hockey career. A standout player at Sachem, Chris earned MVP honors as a Junior Varsity player during the 05/06 season and as a Varsity player during the 07/08 season. He led Sachem to Varsity and Junior Varsity Championships during the 08/09 and 05/06 seasons, respectively.

A young man of great character and resiliency, Chris has been forced to endure some very difficult obstacles in his life the past few years. While it has not always been an easy road for him and his family, the inner strength and perseverance he has shown will always act as a catalyst for success moving forward. His work ethic on and off the ice, and his commitment and loyalty to the Bobcats and his teammates are a rare sight in this age of youth sports.

Chris hopes to pursue a career in Sports Management.

SACHMAN COMMITS TO BROCKPORT

From the New York Bobcats of the AJHL....

The Bobcats are proud to announce that standout forward, Stephen Sachman, has committed to the Golden Eagles of Brockport State College for the 2010/2011 season. Stephen will be joining teammate Joe Reagan, who committed earlier this year to the Golden Eagles. Brockport is a member of the SUNYAC Conference, which is arguably the strongest Division III Conference in the United States. Stephen becomes the seventh player from this year’s New York Bobcats to receive a commitment to play collegiate hockey.

Known for his strong and quick shooting release, Stephen was considered one of the team's strongest offensive players the past two seasons. Teams left him open in the slot and shooting lanes at their own peril. A two-time AJHL All-Star and one of the league's top point producers, Stephen accumulated some eye-popping numbers during his two-year tenure with the Bobcats. In 126 games, including two National Championship appearances, Stephen scored 63 goals and 53 assists for a total of 116 points, the most for any Bobcat during that period. His 63 goals easily made him the organization's top goal scorer - 17 more goals than the next closest Bobcat. His 30 points also made him one of the team's top power play specialists the past two years, and his 15 game-winning goals far surpassed any other Bobcat.

By way of background, Stephen came to the Bobcats from the Junior "B" Long Island Royals where he was a member of the 2008 National Championship team. That team also earned the MJHL 07/08 Regular Season and League Championships. During that season, Stephen was an MJHL All-Star, earning 3rd Star of the game and finishing 18th in league scoring. In addition to participating in the NYS Select 15, 16 and 17 Camps, Stephen also competed in the Empire State Games for Team Long Island in 2007.

An Honor Roll student every semester in high school and an avid community service volunteer, Stephen has an interest in Business Administration and Computer Applications and hopes to pursue a combination of those areas in college. His work ethic on and off the ice, his character and integrity, and his commitment to both the team and those less fortunate, all speak to the young man he has become today and will serve him well as he heads to SUNY Brockport to commence his academic and college hockey career.

STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE

As a result of not only playing in the SUNYAC, but playing some tough out-of-conference opponents as well, Brockport's strength of schedule is pretty scary.

Brockport's opponents for the upcoming season had a combined 313-301-42 record in 2009-2010 (note that I have counted the SUNYAC opponents...as well as a couple of others...twice due to multiple match-ups).

Of their 25 contests, 14 will be against teams who won 12 or more games last season.

That's a tough schedule!

2010-2011 SCHEDULE

The 2010-2011 schedule is now available and can be found in the left tool bar of this site.

Beyond the usual SUNYAC match-ups Brockport faces a bunch of quality foes:

The Golden Eagles start their season against Utica College who always lead DIII in attendance.

In November they travel to an super-tough Elmira who nearly made it to the DIII Frozen Four again after going 19-9-1.

Thanksgiving weekend finds them in the Castleton Invitational again.

The team has a home-and-away split with Neumann, a school that won the DIII championship in the 2008-2009 season.

In January they host perennial powerhouse Hobart and WNEC.

Should be an exciting season!

AWARDS FOR THE 2009-2010 SEASON

The Golden Eagles of men's ice hockey had their annual awards banquet last night and here are the award winners for the 2009-2010 season...

Jimmy Mac Most Improved Player Award: Alan Liwush

EJ McGuire 7th Player Award: Ian Finnerty

Bob Pedersen Coaches Award: Sean O'Malley

J-B Sportswear MVP Award: Todd Sheridan

Outstanding Scholar Athlete Award: Chris Berardini

And, the newest Assistant Captain was announced last night. Taking the place of Sean O'Malley who is graduating will be Adam Shoff.

ALUMNUS KEVIN COLLINS: PORTLAND'S COMPUTER GEEK

Kevin Collins played for the Golden Eagles and is a 2005 graduate of the College at Brockport, posting 9 goals and 9 assists in 83 games. He is now the strength and conditioning coach for the Portland Pirates, but as this article from today's Portland (Maine) Press Herald indicates, he does much more for the Sabres' farm team...



When Kevin Collins joined the Buffalo Sabres' organization five years ago as a conditioning coach, he had no idea he also would become a computer geek.

Collins spends most of his time monitoring the diet and exercise regimen of the Portland Pirates. But on game days he's focused on his laptop computer, keeping track of what the players are doing on the ice.

Every time the Pirates play, Collins breaks down the video feed of the game for coaches and players to review.

"I'm not really a techie at all," said Collins, who joined the Sabres as an assistant fitness coach following his graduation from SUNY-Brockport in 2005 with a degree in exercise physiology. "I was right out of college when I started out with Buffalo, and they asked me if I was willing to do the video, too."

It's an unusual fit.

"Most teams do have video coaches now," said Collins, who turns 28 on Sunday. "I've run across them, and there are a few strength coaches (in the AHL), but no one does (these) dual roles."

During games at the Cumberland County Civic Center, Collins sits in the control booth high above the ice on the Spring Street side of the arena, opposite the team benches.

While watching the video of the game stream on his computer, Collins stores nearly every play in various files.

"For faceoffs, for example, I push a button when it happens," he said. "I also push a button where it is -- defensive zone, neutral zone or offensive zone. I push another button on whether it's a win or a loss, and I push (a button) for the player, whether he won or lost it."

During intermissions, Collins heads to the locker room to share the information.

"We're getting real-time feedback to see what adjustments we need to make," Portland Coach Kevin Dineen said. "It's great information for us to have."

Dineen said he sometimes uses the video to make changes in the Pirates' approach.

"If we're having an issue in our neutral zone, I can come in between periods and hit the button (on the computer), and it automatically pops up (showing) instances we were on defense in the neutral zone," he said. "It's one thing to see it live, but it's another to instantly see replays of it."

The computer software also enables Collins to break down the game for individuals. He can provide each player with a highlight film, or in some cases a lowlight film, of each game.

"The job he does in the booth is really impressive," Dineen said. "Not only as coaches are we getting strategic feedback, but the players have a database each one of them can review at the end of the game."

The video work is a sideline to Collins' primary job, which is to help get the players in peak condition.

"I feel his real passion is in the strength and conditioning area," Dineen said. "He's got a lot of trust and the faith of the players. He's aware of their individual strengths and areas where they need improvement."

The players are well aware of Collins' role.

"If you're carrying too much weight, you're going to be on the bike doing extra work, and (Collins) does a great job of monitoring that," said Portland forward Derek Whitmore.

"We have to make sure we eat right, we're hydrating and getting our workouts in, and (Collins) does a great job of making us do that. He's a big part of the team."


Source:

http://www.pressherald.com/sports/a-strength-beyond-strength_2010-04-09.html