A new season brings a new lineup for the Atlantic Hockey Association, as the addition of Air Force and RIT brings the total number of teams to ten. “We’re very pleased to welcome established programs like Air Force and RIT to Atlantic Hockey,” said AHA commissioner Bob DeGregorio. “They are great additions to our league … Read more
Sacred Heart enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2005-06, and it was no fluke. Powered by all-league forward Pierre-Luc O’Brien and Atlantic Hockey Rookie of the Year Bear Trapp, the Pioneers won a school-record 21 games before being upset in the league quarterfinals. Even more is expected of the Pioneers this season, as Shaun Hannah’s squad … Read more
There are a lot of fresh faces in the lineup for Canisius, but the Griffs will not be as green as one might think. “We’ll be young, but not as bad as if you just see the new names in the media guide,” said Griffs coach Dave Smith, entering his second season behind the Canisius … Read more
It’s going to be tough to top last season, but the Holy Cross Crusaders are going to try. For starters, there won’t be a team in the land taking the Crusaders lightly, not after Holy Cross’ dramatic 4-3 win over Minnesota in the NCAA West Regional. Also, coach Paul Pearl and company will be without … Read more
According to coach Frank Serratore, the key to his team’s success this season will lie squarely between the pipes. “We have to have better goaltending, it’s that simple,” said Serratore. “Last season we had statistically some of the worst goaltending in college hockey. Based on the number of shots we allowed, if we’d gotten 90 … Read more
Legendary University of Michigan and U.S. National Team coach Vic Heyliger passed away this morning at his home in Colorado Springs, Colo. Heyliger was 87 and is survived by his four grown children. “Vic did so many great things for so many people,” said John Matchefts, who played for Heyliger on three national championship teams … Read more
Commissioners from the nation’s six Division I ice hockey conferences have announced a 33-game series to be played among the conferences throughout the 2006-2007 season. The third annual Commissioners’ Cup Series faces off with the Denver visiting Miami on Friday, Oct. 6, in the opening round of the Ice Breaker Tournament. Miami will open its … Read more
With opening weekend just days away, Christine Patno was named assistant women’s hockey coach today at Niagara University. “We are very pleased to have Christine join our Purple Eagle staff,” said head women’s hockey coach Margot Page. “To be able to get someone of her coaching caliber at this point in the season is a … Read more
Niagara returns possibly the most potent offensive attack in the CHA this year, yet is bringing aboard a freshman class in the double digits. Last year’s regular-season champions, the Purple Eagles are aiming once again to win that title and avenge their tournament final defeat to Bemidji State. Scoring goals won’t be a problem. In … Read more
What does the Robert Morris hockey team have in common with Jordan Knight, Joe McIntyre and the rest of that long since forgotten 1980’s boy band? (Yes, a corny answer is ahead.) None of them are the new kids on the block any more. Now in their third season in the CHA, the Colonials finally … Read more
Mercyhurst has been tabbed the top team in the Atlantic Hockey Association Preseason Coaches Poll. This is the third straight year that the Lakers have been chosen the pre-season favorite by the coaches, as last season Mercyhurst shared the top spot with Holy Cross. The Lakers garnered 96 points and seven first place votes. Sacred … Read more
RIT men’s assistant coach Scott McDonald has been named head coach of the RIT women’s team. “We are very pleased to have Scott join us as head coach of women’s ice hockey,” said Lou Spiotti, Director of the Center for Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation at RIT. “He brings a strong set of qualities and experiences … Read more
Holy Cross has named Albie O’Connell an assistant men’s ice hockey coach. The announcement was made by head coach Paul Pearl and athletics director Richard M. Regan, Jr. O’Connell will serve as the recruiting coordinator. O’Connell comes to Holy Cross from Niagara, where he was as an assistant coach for the last two seasons. He … Read more
Niagara University men’s hockey coach Dave Burkholder has added former Purple Eagle standout goaltender Greg Gardner to his coaching staff. “I am very excited to have Greg back at Niagara University hockey. We shared some very special times throughout his storied career here,” Burkholder said. “Add to that his professional experience and it makes him … Read more
Every year the NCAA Ice Hockey Rules Committee meets to determine how the past season went and to look forward to future seasons. This past meeting is summarized by Ty Halpin, the NCAA’s liaision to the Rules Committee. The Committee reports on rules changes, points of emphasis and future discussions.
Niagara men’s hockey coach Dave Burkholder has agreed to a multi-year contract that continues his leadership of the Purple Eagle program through 2009-10, interim director of athletics Bill Agronin announced today. Burkholder, who enters his sixth season, agreed to a two-year deal after having two years remaining on his current contract, Agronin said. “I am … Read more
The late Ralph “Cooney” Weiland, the coach of the Harvard men’s hockey team for 21 seasons, has been announced as the 2006 recipient of the Hobey Baker Legend of College Hockey Award and will be honored Thursday, May 11, at the Hobey Baker Award Banquet in St. Paul, Minn. A 1971 inductee to the Hockey … Read more
Add Robert Morris to the list of schools hanging onto their head coaches, as RMU director of athletics Dr. Craig Coleman announced Thursday that Derek Schooley has signed a contract extension through 2011. “We are thrilled to have Coach Schooley committed to us for the next five years,” Coleman said. “He’s running a first-class program … Read more
Holy Cross head coach Paul Pearl has agreed to a three-year extension, running through the 2008-09 season, Director of Athletics Richard M. Regan, Jr., announced Friday. “This has been a priority for us and something we have been working on since the end of the season,” said Regan. “When you have a successful program, the … Read more
At times we forget about an important principle in sports: sportsmanship. Mike Volonnino tells us about the great displays this weekend at the Frozen Four.