Canisius treaded water in Atlantic Hockey last season, finishing with a similar record to the 2010-11 team that was loaded with senior talent. Last year saw some new leaders emerge and a more balanced team in general. Twenty-two players return to a team that is expected to finish in the same position in the standings. … Read more
Curry has named former Fredonia assistant T.J. Manastersky its new head coach. “I am grateful for this opportunity to coach the Curry College hockey team and to serve as a mentor for the outstanding young men in the program,” said Manastersky in a statement. “I am excited to join the Curry College family and to … Read more
Playoffs are starting and league titles are on the line. Jim Connelly and Todd D. Milewski look around the country in Tuesday Morning Quarterback.
Willie O’Ree will be attending the Canisius-Niagara game on Thursday night (Feb. 16) to take part in a ceremonial puck drop at Dwyer Arena as part of a celebration of Black History Month. O’Ree became the first black player in the NHL, playing for the Boston Bruins on Jan. 18, 1958 against the Montreal Canadiens, … Read more
Five years ago, Canisius coach Dave Smith brought in a large, talented rookie class that included the dynamic duo of Cory Conacher and Vincent Scarcella. Each of the past four seasons, the Golden Griffins improved, culminating in their first trip to the Atlantic Hockey semifinals under Smith. Now that the class of 2011 has moved … Read more
Canisius could be on the verge of getting a new rink on campus, according to the school’s student newspaper, the Griffin. Canisius and the Buffalo Sabres have started discussions recently regarding the possibility of building a new arena that would double as the Sabres’ practice facility. “I think we’re closer to having a solid discussion,” said Canisius … Read more
The meeting between representatives of the CCHA and four Atlantic Hockey schools produced only discussion, according to statements released by both sides. The sides met Tuesday on the Mercyhurst campus in Erie, Pa., amid a changing landscape for Division I men’s college hockey. In 2013, the CCHA will be reduced to six teams — possibly … Read more
A record 25 players have been unveiled as the nominees for the 2011 BNY Mellon Wealth Management Hockey Humanitarian Award. The list includes returning nominees Sam Kuzyk of Adrian, Mario Mjelleli of Augsburg and Brigid O’Gorman of Connecticut College. Finalists will be announced in mid-February, with the award scheduled to be presented on Friday, April … Read more
Chris Lerch saw a lot in 28 years of covering Division III hockey. As he says good-bye, he takes a look back at the highlights.
A total of 20 NCAA men’s ice hockey student-athletes who excel both on and off the ice have been selected as candidates today for the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award in hockey. To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must have achievements in four areas of excellence – community, classroom, character and competition. An acronym … Read more
In 2009-10, Canisius enjoyed its best season under sixth-year coach Dave Smith, finishing fourth in Atlantic Hockey and advancing to the playoff semifinals for the first time since 2004. Several Golden Griffins also won individual accolades, including senior Cory Conacher, the reigning player of the year in the AHA. Conacher put up 53 points last … Read more
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
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
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
The NCAA men’s and women’s ice hockey rules committee gets this chance only once every two years, so there’s a little more emphasis to get it right. In the next month, leading up to and through the committee’s meeting June 8-11 in Indianapolis, the dialogue about potential rules changes will lead to debate and then … Read more
Canisius junior forward Cory Conacher was named player of the year in Atlantic Hockey at the league’s annual awards banquet Thursday. The Burlington, Ontario, native led the league with 44 points, the second-highest regular season point total in AHA history. Overall, Conacher has 53 points to date (20 goals, 33 assists). Joining Conacher on the … Read more
Forward Cory Conacher might have accounting in his future, but right now, he’s accounting for a lot of Canisius’ goals.
Former Canisius hockey coach Brian Cavanaugh once said that the Jesuit way is to gradually but continually improve. Current Golden Griffins coach Dave Smith has his team along that path. For a few years, his better players have been his younger ones, and as those classes have matured, the wins have started to come — … Read more
Three-time defending champion Air Force has been picked to again 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 2010 league championships. Mercyhurst, which lost to Air Force in the AHA finals last season, is picked to finish second. RIT, … Read more
Canisius coach Dave Smith has received a contract extension that will keep him with the school through the 2012-13 season. Smith, entering his fifth season leading the Golden Griffins, had his best season last year. Canisius earned its first victories against a nationally ranked team, a CCHA team and an ECAC team en route to … Read more