Goaltending transition key to Air Force’s success

At the beginning of last season, Air Force coach Frank Serratore was asked whether he was going to start other goalies instead of relying solely on then-senior Andrew Volkening, who had played almost every minute of every game over the past two seasons. After all, life without his workhorse goaltender would begin the next year. … Read more

In new, closer surroundings, Niagara looks to find scoring

Niagara’s admission to Atlantic Hockey was seen as one of necessity rather than desire. The school was criticized in the media for “taking a step back” because the move meant fewer scholarships. But according to coach Dave Burkholder, it also meant less of something else. “Travel,” he said. “Besides the other advantages, we’ll be traveling … Read more

Connecticut wants to rely less on goaltenders in new season

Last season was a difficult one for Connecticut. The Huskies endured injury and personnel problems en route to a 7-27-3 season. Freshman goaltender Jeff Larson was forced into a starting role early in the season thanks to an injury to Brad McInnis, and he won just two games before quitting school in December. Coach Bruce … Read more

Holy Cross points to goaltending, defense as hopeful signs

Last year, Holy Cross put up almost identical numbers as the year before (12-19-6 in 2009-10; 13-20-5 in 2008-09). Treading water isn’t what coach Paul Pearl has in mind. “We had a star-crossed kind of season,” Pearl said. “Guys were pretty banged up.” Twenty-two returning players, a strong recruiting class and some momentum from last … Read more

Robert Morris thinks big right away in Atlantic Hockey

The Robert Morris Colonials are an unknown commodity heading into their first season in Atlantic Hockey. But an impressive, experienced lineup has made them a favorite to finish near the top of the standings. Robert Morris was picked to finish fourth in the coach’s preseason poll, and got two first-place votes. Are they the team … Read more

Younger players growing up fast for American International

American International won only five games during the 2008-09 season, but played some of its best hockey late in that season. Coach Gary Wright hoped that the strong finish would bode well for his 2009-10 squad. But AIC again won only five games last season, albeit with another strong finish. Hope springs eternal. “We felt … Read more

RIT’s Arena Project Will Build New Locker Rooms

A $3.5 million project scheduled to start in October will expand the men’s and women’s hockey locker rooms at Rochester Institute of Technology’s Ritter Arena. A one-story, 12,000-square-foot addition to the 52,125-square-foot facility will house team locker rooms, coaches’ rooms and other team areas. “This is exciting news for our program,” RIT men’s coach Wayne … Read more

RIT Heads Atlantic Hockey Coaches Poll

Defending champion and national semifinalist Rochester Institute of Technology has been picked to repeat as champions in the Atlantic Hockey coaches poll, announced Tuesday at the league’s media day, held at Blue Cross Arena, site of the 2011 league championships. Mercyhurst, which finished fourth last season, was picked to finish second and Air Force third. … Read more

Mercyhurst the Favorite in 2010-11 CHA Women’s Race

Mercyhurst is the choice of CHA women’s coaches to win the league’s regular-season title in 2010-11. The Lakers, national semifinalists last season, took four of five first-place votes in the balloting. Syracuse got the lone remaining first-place vote to finish second, followed by Niagara, Robert Morris and Wayne State. The full results follow: Team (first-place … Read more

Mercyhurst Women’s Assistant Critically Injured in Crash

Kristen Cameron, an assistant coach at Mercyhurst, was listed in critical condition Monday after she was hit by a car while riding her bicycle on Sunday, the Erie Times-News reported. Kristen Cameron was an All-American at Bowdoin. Cameron, 25, is in her second season on the Lakers’ coaching staff. According to the newspaper, citing police, … Read more

Mercyhurst Tabs Rosso As Assistant Coach

Former Nebraska-Omaha player John Rosso has been named an assistant coach at Mercyhurst. Rosso was an assistant coach with Sioux Falls of the USHL for the last two seasons. He also has been an assistant in the NAHL and the Western Hockey League. “We’re really excited to welcome John Rosso to the Laker family,” Mercyhurst … Read more

Daigneau Named Assistant Coach at Canisius

Former Harvard goaltender John Daigneau has joined the Canisius staff as an assistant coach. Daigneau will work with Canisius’ goaltenders and in recruiting, video operations, academics and community outreach. “We are extremely excited to have John join our staff,” Canisius coach Dave Smith said in a statement. “He comes very highly recommended from his coaches … Read more

Robert Morris, RIT Get Winter Classic Tuneup Spot

Robert Morris and RIT will play an Atlantic Hockey game at the new Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh as part of the lead-up to the 2011 Winter Classic. The Colonials and the Tigers will play at 3 p.m. Eastern on Dec. 30, the first game in a doubleheader that also features an AHL game between … Read more

Robert Morris Women Add Bittle to Staff

Robert Morris has hired former Colonials men’s player Logan Bittle as an assistant coach with the school’s women’s team. After four years at Robert Morris from 2004 to 2008, Bittle played professionally in the ECHL and EPHL. “I am very excited to have Logan joining our program,” Robert Morris coach Nate Handrahan said in a … Read more

Canisius’ Kostuch Forgoes Final 2 Seasons for Polish Team

Canisius forward Dave Kostuch will forgo his final two seasons of eligibility after agreeing to a contract with MKS Cracovia Krakow of the Polish Elite League. Kostuch, the 2009 Atlantic Hockey rookie of the year, graduated earlier this month. “I’m extremely happy in taking the next step and playing professional hockey,” Kostuch said in a … Read more

Burkholder, Niagara Agree to Contract Extension

Niagara and coach Dave Burkholder have agreed to a contract extension, the school announced Wednesday. No details were released, including the length of the extension. “Coach Burkholder is an important member of the Niagara University community and we want to make sure we keep him,” Niagara athletic director Ed McLaughlin said in a statement. “He … Read more

Frozen Four Film Premieres Wednesday

The official film of the 2010 Frozen Four will make its television premiere at 8 p.m. Wednesday on NHL Network. Narrated by Hall of Fame announcer Mike Emrick, the video includes behind-the-scenes access at Ford Field, where Boston College beat Wisconsin for the national championship.

Granato to be One of First Two Women in Hall of Fame

Cammi Granato, three-time ECAC Player of the Year, two-time Olympian and 15-year member of the U.S. Women’s National Team, was today announced as one of the first two female members in the 65-year history of the Hockey Hall of Fame. Granato will be formally inducted into the Hall on Nov. 8 as part of the … Read more