Men’s D-I: Canisius

Atlantic Hockey commissioner discusses lengthy suspension, state of the conference

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Atlantic Hockey commissioner Robert DeGregorio visited the Buffalo State Ice Arena on Sunday to present Canisius junior Ryan Bohrer with the conference’s 2011-12 Student-Athlete Award before the Golden Griffins’ game with ECAC foe Clarkson. Just over a week earlier, the arena had been on the commissioner’s radar for a more controversial reason — Canisius forward … Read more

Atlantic Hockey suspends Canisius forward Grazen seven additional games

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Atlantic Hockey announced Thursday that Canisius sophomore forward Matthew Grazen has received an additional seven-game suspension for a checking from behind penalty on Air Force forward George Michalke and subsequent game disqualification incurred on Oct. 25 against Air Force. Grazen served the automatic one-game suspension for the disqualification on Oct. 28. “Canisius College strongly disagrees … Read more

NHL veteran Mair named director of player development at Canisius

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Adam Mair has joined the Canisius staff as director of player development. Mair spent the majority of his NHL career with the Buffalo Sabres and played 32 games last year with the AHL’s Springfield Falcons. “I’m very thankful for the opportunity that has been provided by Canisius College, [head coach] Dave Smith and the entire … Read more

Junior class a big part of the plans for Canisius

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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

With 12 rookies, Canisius out to avoid rebuilding season

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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

Sabres to help Canisius get new rink on campus?

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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

No decisions made after CCHA meeting with Atlantic Hockey schools

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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

Three returning nominees among record 25 up for Hockey Humanitarian Award

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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

Candidates announced for Senior CLASS Award

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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

With talent returning, Canisius seeks another step up

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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

RIT Heads Atlantic Hockey Coaches Poll

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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

Daigneau Named Assistant Coach at Canisius

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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’ Kostuch Forgoes Final 2 Seasons for Polish Team

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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

Rule Book Headed for Change, But by How Much?

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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