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Big Rapids, Mich. - Freshman goaltender Darren Smith (Barrie, Ontario) of the Ferris State University men's ice hockey squad has been tabbed as the nation's top rookie netminder this season as announced by College Hockey News.

The popular online site unveiled its 2015-16 All-CHN teams this week and Smith was chosen as the lone goaltender on the All-Rookie squad. College Hockey News announced an All-CHN First Team, Seocnd Team and Rookie Team.

Smith was joined on the All-Rookie team by forwards Brock Boeser (North Dakota), Kyle Connor (Michigan) and Colin White (Boston College) along with defensemen Jimmy Schuldt (St. Cloud State) and Casey Fitzgerald (Boston College).

As a freshman this year, Smith recorded a 17-10-5 overall record while helping lead the Bulldogs to the final eight of the NCAA Tournament for the third time in five years. He played more than 1900 minutes in net and recorded a 2.33 goals against average and a .919 save percentage with three shutouts in 33 games played.

Smith had a big second half of the season as his play helped FSU compile a 12-6-2 mark after Jan. 1, including an eight-game unbeaten streak in late January and early February along with a five-game postseason win streak.

This year, Smith's 17 wins in net were the second-most of any rookie netminder in the country as were his three shutouts. 

Smith was chosen as the MVP of the WCHA Final Five Championship as the Bulldogs captured the Broadmoor Trophy for their first-ever postseason league tourney title on March 18-19 at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids. He then earned all-tournament team accolades this past weekend as FSU reached the NCAA West Regional Championship Game in Saint Paul, Minn.

In the 2016 WCHA Final Five, Smith allowed just one goal and stopped 43 shots as Ferris State upended MacNaughton Cup co-champions Michigan Tech and Minnesota State. The freshman from Barrie, Ontario made 30 saves in a 1-0 shutout in the semifinals, blanking a Michigan Tech team that had averaged 5.57 goals per game over its previous seven contests. He then allowed just a single goal on 13 shots during the championship game against Minnesota State, helping the Bulldogs hoist the Broadmoor Trophy following a 2-1 victory. 

The rookie was a perfect 4-0 during the 2016 WCHA Playoffs, leading the league with a .948 save percentage (91 stops) and a 1.25 goals-against average during 240 minutes in net. 

Last weekend, in the NCAA West Regonional, Smith made 29 saves as Ferris State upset top-seeded St. Cloud State 5-4 in overtime to reach the regional championship game at the Xcel Energy Center. In Sunday's regional final agains Denver, Smith totaled 36 saves in net to keep the Bulldogs in the game despite being outshot 15-3 in the first period and 42-21 for the game. 

Smith concluded his rookie campaign as a six-time WCHA Player of the Week honoree, receiving the league's Rookie of the Week recognition five times and Defensive Player of the Week accolades once this year.

Prior to becoming a Bulldog, Smith was part of the inaugural roster a year ago for the United States Hockey League's Madison Capitals during the 2014-15 campaign where he logged more than 2,000 minutes of action and tallied 1,121 saves. He also spent time with the Pembroke Lumber Kings in the Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL) in both 2012-13 and 2013-14.

The Bulldogs closed the 2015-16 campaign by making the program's fourth NCAA Tournament appearance, including the third in the past five years to date. Along with a Frozen Four berth and national title game showing in 2012, FSU also has reached the regional final and the final eight of the NCAA Tournament in both 2014 and 2016. 

Along with this year's run in the NCAA Tournament, the Bulldogs also won the WCHA's Broadmoor Trophy as the league's Final Five Champion. It marked the first conference tournament championship in school history and came on the heels of conference regular-season titles in both 2012 and 2014.

The Central Canada Hockey League is pleased to announce that Brockville Braves alumni defenseman Tyson Wilson has been named NCAA 2nd-Team Senior Class Award winner.  The 25-year old from Maitland, ON recently finished his final season of NCAA hockey with Robert Morris University where he was team captain.

Off the ice, Wilson excelled in his studies holding a 3.86 GPA while majoring in Economics with Minors in Accounting and Legal Studies. He is a character person who brings a very positive attitude to the table and has shown perseverence and determination through out his time with the Colonials.  During his sophomore season he suffered a signifcant injury which resulted in him being redshirted. 

On the ice he finished his college career with 11 goals and 79 points in 145 games played.  He was named to the Atlantic Hockey All-Conference 2nd Team for his efforts this season.

Full Player Biography of Tyson Wilson here:

http://www.seniorclassaward.com/athletes/tyson_wilson/

Other News:

Wilson recently signed with the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League which is an affiliate for the NHL's Winnipeg Jets.

Just a year ago Felix Chamberland led the entire CCHL in scoring with 48 goals (11 of them game-winners) and 99 points while he was a member of the Pembroke Lumber Kings.  

Fast forward one year and the Levis, QC native is now plying his craft with Canisius College in Buffalo, New York.  He recently had his most productive offensive week as a freshman tallying 2 goals and 1 assist in two road victories over Bentley University.  He may not yet be scoring at the same pace he did in junior but with his hockey sense and offensive upside he won't be far off once he adds more experience at the college level.

He is currently second in freshman scoring with the Golden Griffins with 5 goals and 12 points in 27 games.  He will next be in action this Friday and Saturday as Canisius plays host to Sacred Heart.    

During the 2012-13 season, Chamberland was a member of the OJHL's Linday Muskies where he posted 26 goals and 58 points in 53 games.  He followed that up with two seasons as a member of the CCHL's Pembroke Lumber Kings where totalled 91 goals and 200 points in 135 regular season and playoff games.

Full Story Here:

http://www.gogriffs.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=97816&SPID=12001&DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=210718391&DB_OEM_ID=20500   

The former Lumber King and Bakersfield, California native was named NCAA Atlantic Hockey Conference Defensive Player of the Week after registering 2 goals and adding an assist in this past weekend series against Mercyhurst University.  The AIC Freshman has collected 2 goals and 2 assists through 9 games so far this season and is beginning to solidify his spot on the back-end. 

Last season while with Pembroke, he posted 2 goals and 7 assists in 29 games while also picking up 1 assist in 15 playoff games.

Full Story Here:

http://www.atlantichockeyonline.com/news/2015-16_News/AHCPOWFeb2

Smith stepped back into the Ferris State net for the team's second game of January and promptly backstopped the Bulldogs to a 3-0-2 mark over the next five contests. The freshman from Barrie, Ontario allowed only nine goals in more than 300 minutes during the stretch, posting a 1.74 goals-against average and a .933 save percentage (126 saves) – both standing as the third-best marks in the league (but tops when compared to the circuit's other undefeated goaltender). Smith posted a league-best 1.68 GAA in WCHA games, helping Ferris State earn six of a possible eight points (vs. Alabama Huntsville and at Bemidji State) and move into fourth place in the conference standings. The two-time WCHA Rookie of the Week (Jan. 11-17 and Jan. 18-24) also earned an impressive 5-2 win over Connecticut in the third-place game of the prestigious Mariucci Classic on Jan. 2.

See more at:

http://www.wcha.com/men/pres1516/201602/feb2wpm.php#sthash.FPAhVbCp.dpuf

Although starting slow in his Senior campaign with just 1 assist through his first 14 games, Greely, ON native Michael McMurtry has taken off as of late with the Northeastern Huskies picking up a whopping 18 points in the past 11 games.  The turn-around could not have come at a better time as Northeastern has been without their top player Kevin Roy for the past two months.    

The 23-year old McMurtry, who once suited up for the CCHL's Kemptville 73's and Gloucester Rangers has helped the Huskies get their season back on track as they have gone 8-1-2 in the past 11 games. The team also holds the second longest unbeaten streak in the country going into Monday's Beanpot Semi-Final with Boston University at 7-0-1.   

Full Article Here:

http://www.collegehockeynews.com/news/2016/01/28_mcmurtry_carries_huskies_into.php

Just like they did when they were members of the Char-Lan Rebels as 16-year olds, and the Cornwall Colts from ages 17-20, now in their Senior campaigns at Colgate University, Tyson and Tylor Spink continue to earn recognition. 

While Tyson leads the team with 10 goals and 27 points in 25 games and is a nominee for the Hobey Baker Award, twin brother Tylor is right behind him sitting 2nd on the team in scoring with 5 goals and 21 points.  

Although neither have been drafted by an NHL team, both are expected to garner interest from professional clubs following their final year of school.

Full Story Here courtesy of The Globe And Mail

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/canadas-spink-twins-ruling-ncaa-ice-for-the-colgate-university-raiders/article28425229/

For the second straight week, Darren Smith was exceptional in the crease, and for the second straight week he was named WCHA Rookie of the Week.  The former Pembroke Lumber Kings goaltender went 1-0-1 helping Ferris State capture three of a possible four points in their out-of- town series against Bemidji State.

On Friday night he turned aside 28 shots in a 3-2 victory before posting 35 saves the following night in a close knotted 1-1 tie.  

The Barrie, ON native is now 8-4-5 on the year with a 2.11 GAA and .928 SV% while also posting 1 shutout. 

19 CJHL Alumni Nominated for 2016 Hobey Baker Award

Calgary, Alberta (January 22, 2016) – The nominations for the 2016 Hobey Baker Award, given to the top player in NCAA Division I men's hockey, have been announced and 19 of the 66 nominees on the national ballot are CJHL alumni.

Award candidates must demonstrate strength of character both on and off the ice, contribute to the integrity of his team and display outstanding skills in all phases of the game. Consideration should be given to scholastic achievement and sportsmanship.

The first phase of fan balloting runs now through March 6, 2016. Phase two of fan balloting will begin on March 17 from the list of the Top Ten Hobey Baker finalists. The fans' vote accounts for a full one percent of the total ballot in each phase in selecting this year's award recipient.  Fans can vote directly via the Hobey Baker Award Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/TheHobey. Detailed bios are available for each candidate among this year's outstanding crop of college hockey players.

The 2016 Hobey Baker Award winner will be announced from a field of three Hobey Hat Trick finalists on Friday, April 8, 2016 during the NCAA Frozen Four Championships in Tampa, FL.

The players nominated represent 4 CJHL leagues which breakdown as follows: BCHL 11 nominees, OJHL 9 nominees, CCHL 2 nominees, AJHL 1 nominee.

Here is a list of the CJHL Alumni nominated for the 2016 Hobey Baker Award.

Player                                                                    

Kevin Boyle – BCHL

Drake Cagguila - OJHL

Shane Conacher – OJHL

Brandon Denham – OJHL

Spencer Foo – AJHL

Max French – BCHL

Michael Garteig - BCHL

Danton Heinen - BCHL

Luke Juha – OJHL / BCHL

Greg Gibson – OJHL

Mitch Gillam – OJHL / BCHL

Jordan Masters - BCHL

Tyler Morley – BCHL

Alex Petan – BCHL              

Jamie Phillips – CCHL / OJHL / BCHL

Andrew Porturalski – OJHL

Mario Puskarich – BCHL

Tyson Spink – CCHL                                                                                                            

Jake Walman - OJHL                                                            

’95 born Darren Smith and ’93 born Jamie Phillips put together strong weeks for their respective clubs as both earned WCHA weekly awards.

Darren Smith (pictured) – WCHA Rookie of the Week

The 20-year old Freshman goaltender helped Ferris State earn three points over the weekend stopping 38 of 42 shots.  The Barrie, ON native is 7-4-4 this season, sporting a 2.20 GAA and .924 SV%.  In two seasons with the Lumber Kings from 2012-2014, Smith went 48-21 with a 2.77 GAA. 

Jamie Phillips – WCHA Defensive Player of the Week

This was the second straight week and third time this season where Phillips would earn Defensive Player of the Week honors as he helped Michigan Tech to a three-point weekend in their games against league-leading Minnesota State.  The Caledonia, ON native and Michigan Tech Senior made 30 saves in a 2-2 tie Friday night before turning aside 25 of 26 shots in a 3-1 Saturday victory.  Phillips is now 13-6-4 this season with a 2.09 GAA and .918 SV%.

Full Story Here

http://wcha.com/men/pres1516/201601/jan18wpm.php

Former Pembroke Lumber Kings & Cumberland Grads star forward Adam Dauda earned ECAC Rookie of the Week honors after totalling 4 assists in two games with Colgate University this past weekend.  Although he has yet to get his first career NCAA marker, he has registered 6 assists in 6 games so far for the Raiders.

The 20-year old Bratislava, Slovakia native officially joined the hockey program after the holidays and has made a strong transition from junior.  Although Dauda was originally scheduled to join Colgate at the beginning of the school year, medical reasons would cause a delay. 

After recovering from injuries, Dauda would be dealt from the Pembroke Lumber Kings to the Cumberland Grads and play his first game of the season on October 9th, scoring a goal in his teams 5-2 victory over the Brockville Braves.  He went on to post 11 goals and 37 points in 25 games, with 13 multiple point efforts.  

Full Story Here

http://ecachockey.com/men/2015-16/Weekly_Awards/20161901_Men_Weekly_Awards

Former Pembroke Lumberkings goaltender & Caledonia, ON native Jamie Phillips has been named WCHA Defensive Player of the Week.

The 22-year old is a Senior at Michigan Tech University where he has a career record of 46-23-6 with a 2.06 GAA, .920 SV%, to go along with 9 Shutouts. 

Before his time in the college ranks, Phillips suited up with the Pembroke Lumber Kings for the 2010-11 season where he went 25-6-0-1, and led the league with a 2.13 GAA & 6 Shutouts.  He would help the Lumber Kings win the 2011 RBC National Championship.

After his time in Pembroke he would go on to play for the Powell River Kings (BCHL) & Toronto Junior Canadiens (OJHL) before making his mark in the NCAA.   

More details here

http://www.michigantechhuskies.com/sports/mice/2015-16/releases/20160111qzafzn

Laval, QC native Brett Magnus was named NCAA Atlantic Hockey Conference Goalie of the Week after leading Sacred Heart University to their first ever sweep of Niagara University this past weekend.  In his two weekend starts, the Pioneers Freshman stopped an eye-popping 75 of 76 shots.

Although having a record below .500 at 7-8-2-0, the 21-year olds' .921 SV% and 2.06 GAA are both top 5 in the Conference. 

Magnus spent the 2013-14 season as a member of the Nepean Raiders where he went 15-8-2-3 with a 2.84 GAA, .923 SV% and 4 Shutouts. 

Current Western Michigan Broncos teammates and CCHL alumni Lukas Hafner & Griffen Molino earn NCAA honors.

HAFNER was recently named National Collegiate Hockey Conference Goalie of the Week after his 35 save 1-0 shutout victory over #12 ranked Bowling Green. 

The 23-year old Toledo, Ohio native is in his Senior season with the Broncos and has a career record of 25-23-8 with a 2.39 GAA and .918 SV%.

He spent his lone CCHL season with the Cornwall Colts in 2011-12 where he led the league in Wins (34), GAA (2.11), SV% (.929), Shutouts (5) and took the Colts to Game 7 of the league finals where they would fall short against the Nepean Raiders. 

MOLINO was named NCHC Rookie of the Month for December after recording 3 goals and 5 assists, including a 7 point weekend in  two-game sweep over Colorado College.

The 21-year old Trenton, Michigan native currently leads the Broncos with 5 goals and 15 points through 18 games.

During the 2012-13 season, Molino was a member of the Brockville Braves where he posted 14 goals and 34 points.  He would move on to the USHL for the 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons before making the jump to Western Michigan. 

With the holiday break here, hockey is at a stand-still as the players will return home to see family and friends.  With close to 100 former CCHL players now representing NCAA hockey programs, it’s time to take a quick look at some of the alumni who are putting themselves in the spotlight half way through the 2015-16 season.

TYSON WILSON – SR - ROBERT MORRIS UNIVERSITY   

The former Brockville Braves defenseman is now in his Senior season of action with the Colonials and is leading all Atlantic Hockey Conference blue-liners with 15 points (1g, 14a) through 16 games.  The Economics major is a leader on and off the ice as he is wearing the “C” for his final season.

DAN KOLENDA – SR – NIAGARA UNIVERSITY

Kolenda spent two seasons with the Carleton Place Canadians before heading off to school to join the Purple Eagles.  Now in his Senior season, the 6-4, 230 lb Biology major is leading his club in scoring with 7 goals and 11 points in 14 games.

PHILIPPE DROUIN – JR – MERCYHURST UNIVERSITY

Orleans, ON native Philippe Drouin spent three full seasons in the CCHL, suiting up for three teams (Cumberland Grads, Pembroke Lumber Kings, and Nepean Raiders).  Now in his Junior season with Mercyhurst University, the Accounting major is third overall in Conference defenseman scoring with 3 goals and 13 points through 15 games.

ANDREW STURTZ – FR – PENN STATE UNIVERSITY

The former CJHL MVP and high scoring forward for the Carleton Place Canadians, Sturtz is making his Freshman season at Penn State a memorable one.  The Buffalo, NY native currently sits 3rd overall in Big 10 Conference Freshman goal scoring with 8 markers and 4th overall with 13 points in 16 games.

JORDAN BOUCHER – JR – CLARKSON UNIVERSITY

The Ste-Therese, QC native and former Pembroke Lumber Kings forward is now in his Junior season with the Clarkson Golden Knights.  He has become a more important player in year three as he is being trusted in more situations.  He currently has 3 goals and 9 points in 9 games, leading the team in points per game.  The two-time ECAC All-Academic Team honoree is Majoring in Business.

KELLY SUMMERS – SO – CLARKSON UNIVERSITY

Now in his Sophomore season, the Golden Lake, ON native and former Carleton Place Canadians standout defenseman continues to develop his game on both sides of the puck.  Summers is a high-end skater with excellent mobility and vision who can play in all situations.  The expectations continue to be high after being drafted by his hometown Ottawa Senators in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.  The Business Major currently sits second in Clarkson blue-liner scoring with 6 assists through 15 games.

TYSON SPINK – SR – COLGATE UNIVERSITY

The Williamstown, ON native is in his Senior season at Colgate where he currently leads the club with 7 goals and 15 points through 17 games.  Tyson, who suited up for three seasons with the Cornwall Colts along side his brother Tylor is majoring in Educational Studies.

TYLOR SPINK – SR – COLGATE UNIVERSITY

Sitting second overall in Raiders scoring with 3 goals and 12 points in 17 games, Tylor continues to play at a high level in his Senior season, helping form one of the best one-two punches in the college game.  Like his brother, he is also majoring in Educational Studies.

MICHAEL BORKOWSKI – SR – COLGATE UNIVERSITY

Another former CCHL standout who now skates with Colgate University, Borkowski has attended a number of NHL Development Camps and wears the “C” for the Raiders.  The Ottawa, ON native spent three seasons in the CCHL with the Cumberland Grads and Cornwall Colts and currently studies English.

RYAN KUFFNER – FR – PRINCETON UNIVERSITY

Only in his first season of school at Princeton, the Ottawa, ON native is tied for the team lead in scoring as he’s notched 4 goals and 9 points in 13 games.  Kuffner has an excellent shot and finds the open areas of the ice to be successful but will need to continue to get stronger.  He spent two seasons with the Gloucester Rangers before making the jump to the college level.  

BLAINE BYRON – JR – UNIVERSITY OF MAINE

The Manotick, ON native is in his Junior season of action with the Maine Black Bears where his 10 points are a team best.  Before Maine, Byron split time between the CCHL’s Kemptville 73’s and Smiths Falls Bears. 

LUKAS HAFNER – SR – WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY

The former Cornwall Colt and native of Toldeo, Ohio, Hafner is now in his Senior season backstopping the Western Michigan Mustangs.  Hafner is 4-5-1-0 with a 3.30 GAA and .905 SV% as he has been splitting time with Junior Collin Olson.  He has a career record of 24-23-8.    

JAMIE PHILLIPS – SR – MICHIGAN TECH UNIVERSITY

The Caledonia, ON native and former member of the Pembroke Lumber Kings took over starting net-minding duties last season and hasn’t looked back since.  After compiling a 28-9 win/loss record as a Junior, Phillips is currently 10-5-2 as a Senior while sporting a very strong 2.21 GAA and .916 SV%.

Michael McNamee, who is now a Junior forward for the Carleton Ravens Hockey Program has been named to the National CIS Select Team that will face the Canadian National Junior Team in an upcoming two-game series.  The two-game series takes place December 12 and 13 in Toronto, ON and will act as a tune up for the World Junior squad that will head to Helsinki, Finland in late December.  

McNamee, who played two seasons with the Smiths Falls Bears before making the jump to the QMJHL where he would suit up for both the Quebec Remparts and Sherbrooke Phoenix is currently 2nd in Ravens scoring with 11 goals and 25 points in 16 games.  In 79 career games with the Ravens, the 6-2, 190 lb Arts Major has totaled 40 goals and 104 points.

Full Story Here

http://en.cis-sic.ca/sports/mice/2015-16/releases/20151130-cis

Current Penn State freshman and former Carleton Place Canadians star Andrew Sturtz has earned NCAA Big 10 Conference 2nd Star of the Week.  The Buffalo, NY native is sitting 5th overall in Conference Freshmen scoring with 4 goals and 10 points through 12 games.  

Full Story Here

http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-hockey/spec-rel/112415aaa.html

There are smooth straights roads, the ones that lead you safely to your sought out destination, ones that leave no doubts in your mind, no second thoughts, but for Hammond Ontario native Kevin Tansey, the road he had to take was far different than most.  

Tansey, who played his CCHL hockey with the Cumberland Grads is now heading into his 5th and final season with the Clarkson Golden Knights of the NCAA's Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference.  

Things would start off great for the big talented defenseman as he made the jump from Midget to Junior.  In his rookie season with the Grads, Tansey posted 7 goals and 14 points.  He would more than double his output in year two as he scored 13 goals and finished with 29 points, being named to the CCHL All-Star Game.  His strong play would earn him a scholarship to Clarkson University, and due to current NHL'er Mark Borowiecki making the jump to pro, he would end up joining the College ranks earlier than expected.

In his freshman season, Tansey posted 2 goals and 9 points in 36 games, being leaned on in big situations and working on the defensive side of things.  Everything was going as planned, the road was smooth and straight, and then out of nowhere came a road block. 

A downtown Ottawa assualt during the summer following his freshman season forced the blue liner to take a medical red shirt season as he recovered from his injuries.  Although he would miss the first semester of school, he would make it back for the second and rejoin his teammates in practice.  He put in the work, and came back a stronger, faster, more mature player.

He would post 4 goals and 10 assists in 42 games in his first season back, setting new college season highs.  Just last year, in his junior campaign, although only posting 2 goals and 3 assists, Tansey would make life miserable for opponents with punishing hits and an in your face style that would force players to keep their heads up at all times. 

Now heading into his fifth and final NCAA season with Clarkson, Tansey is expected to be one of the main leaders on and off the ice.  He is surrounded by some strong CCHL alumni in Junior Jordan Boucher (Pembroke), Sophomores Kelly Summers (Carleton Place), and Dylan Gareau (Carleton Place) as well as Freshman Marly Quince (Cornwall). 

Original Story found at Watertown Daily Times: 

www.watertowndailytimes.com/sports/college-hockey-clarksons-tansey-takes-winding-road-to-final-season-20151007

By Maria Canales, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Freshman forward Andrew Sturtz is poised to make an immediate impact during the Penn State men's hockey 2015-16 season. After two successful years with the Carleton Place Canadians of the CCHL, Sturtz is ready for the challenging but rewarding transition into college hockey. 

Sturtz, known for his effectiveness in front of the net, tallied 72 points in 58 regular-season games during the Canadians' 2014-15 campaign. Head coach Guy Gadowsky emphasized that Sturtz has been a player that Penn State was highly motivated to recruit. 

"He was on the radar for a long, long time," said Gadowsky. "He has been someone that we've been very excited about for a while." 

There are many reasons for the program to be excited about such a coveted recruit. Sturtz was named CCHL MVP and CJHL Player of the Year in 2013-14 by leading the league in scoring (104 points). Sturtz has made a major impact in the CCHL and he hopes the success he has seen will transition well in to NCAA-caliber games. 

"It's obviously a big jump from [CCHL] to college, speed and strength wise," said Sturtz. "But [my teammates] are helping me out a lot and I look forward to seeing what I can do at this level, whatever role that is." 

Gadowsky hopes that Sturtz's established talent blends in quickly with returning players like Dylan Richard and David Glen. The 2014-15 Big Ten Coach of the Year had taken his time studying Sturtz and his development before giving him the nod to be a Nittany Lion. 

During the 2013-14 season with the Canadians, Sturtz was a standout team member, but his stats leveled-out during the 2014-15 campaign. This didn't deter Gadowsky however, but instead reflected opportunity to develop the young player. 

"If you talk to his coaches and people around their junior program they said that he was a much better all around player [in the 2014-15 season], so he's the guy for us," said Gadowsky. "We're absolutely looking for some of that offense because we know that he can do it at high levels."

For Sturtz, the transition into college life off the ice has been equally as challenging as on the ice.

"It was tough for me at first," said Sturtz. "I battled with trying to find places a lot and I kept getting lost."

Once he found his way around campus, navigating hockey practices and workouts was something veteran team members helped Sturtz with. Sturtz has quickly fallen in to pace with the Penn State hockey ways. 

"Adjusting to the hockey part of being here has been great," said Sturtz.

Being one of eight freshmen on the team this year, Sturtz has been able to learn from and bond with both his rookie and veteran teammates alike. He explained that even on his first visit to Penn State before committing, the players made Happy Valley feel like home. 

"A big thing for me was when I came to visit all the guys came up to introduce themselves to me," said Sturtz. "You don't get that a lot at other schools, which shows this team has good character. I liked what I saw right when I got here and I knew this is where I wanted to play hockey."

Veteran players made Sturtz feel welcome during his first visit to Penn State and now those players have become his teammates. Sturtz explained who on the team he has become close with and who has given him a few pointers about transitioning to college life. 

"Since I got here, David Glen is a good guy I look up to," said Sturtz. "He's good on the ice and off the ice, he's a good role model. Also, David Goodwin and Luke Juha are good players but also good students and I look forward to taking after their lead as the years go on."

With the Nittany Lions set to open their season this weekend, all of Sturtz's training will be put to the test. His offensive prowess will be something coaches and fans will be looking toward to help the Nittany Lions this season. If his hard work training for the season pays off, Sturtz will be an impactful player during his first season with Penn State. 

"He someone that we're looking for to putting the puck in the net but also helping us with our identity," said Gadowsky. "He's someone we're very, very excited about."

Original aritcle found here. http://www.gopsusports.com/blog/2015/09/freshman-features-sturtz-makes-transition-from-cchl-to-college.html

Ben Hutton suited up for over 200 games in the CCHL between the Kemptville 73's and Nepean Raiders.  He accomplished much in his three-year career, being named to the CCHL All-Star Game twice, representing Canada East in the 2011-12 World Junior A Challenge, and helping lead the Raiders to a 2012 Bogart Cup title.  With a scholarship to the University of Maine already secured, the Prescott, ON native would hear his name called in the NHL Entry Draft, as the Vancouver Canucks would draft him in the 5th round.  

With his NHL dreams a couple years away, Hutton would head off to the college ranks where the accomplishments would continue.  He put together a strong Freshman campaign and followed that up with an even better Sophomore season where he would be named a 2nd Team All-American as well as a Hockey East All League 1st Team after leading all college blueliners with 15 goals.  In his Junior year he would again find himself playing big minutes and producing at top tier level.  

Following his Junior season, he would make the decision to turn pro as he would sign his entry-level contract with the Canucks.    

Full story on Ben Hutton's NHL Training Camp and Preseason with the Vancouver Canucks found here:

http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/hockey/vancouver-canucks/when+hutton+skates+everyone+watches/11403821/story.html  

BIG TEN

With over 120 years of history, the Big Ten remains a national leader in athletics and academics.  Big Ten programs have combined to win more than 450 team & 1,800 individual national championships, consistently taking home individual honors for athletic & academic accomplishments.  The pursuit of academic excellence has prevailed as the conferences definitive goal.

PENN STATE GETS THEIR MAN IN STURTZ

Former Carleton Place Canadians forward Andy Sturtz jumps on board with the Nittany Lions after an exceptional junior career in the CCHL.  In 159 career games with the Canadians, the Buffalo, NY native scored 106 times and had a total of 233 points.  He was an instrumental part of the success in Carleton Place, helping the program to 2 CCHL titles (Bogart Cup), 2 Eastern Canada titles (Fred Page Cup) and skated in two National Championship tournaments (RBC Cup).  He was named CCHL and CJHL MVP during the 2013-14 season.   

Further details on Sturtz joining Penn State can be found here: http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-hockey/spec-rel/081815aaa.html

MILLEY CALLS IT A CAREER ON THE ICE, WILL FINISH DEGREE

As one former CCHL’er makes his way into college hockey, another one has to give up the game he loves.  Jonathan Milley, the former standout with the Smiths Falls Bears & Pembroke Lumberkings has made the decision to hang up the skates due to injuries.

The big winger had a lot of success in the CCHL, contributing to the offense consistently and scoring big goals at crucial moments.  He found the net twice back in the 2011 RBC Cup Championship game, helping the Lumberkings to their first National Title.  After a strong career in the CCHL, the Ottawa, ON native would only skate in 31 total games over 3 years at Penn State due to injuries.

Milley will stay the course however as he will attend Penn State to finish his degree this fall.  

THE NATIONAL COLLEGIATE HOCKEY CONFERENCE (NCHC) 

Being established in 2011 and beginning play in 2013, the NCHC is the youngest conference in the NCAA.  With 8 member programs set along the Midwestern & Western U.S, the majority of their Canadian recruits come out of Western Canada, however, the programs still keep a watchful eye on players from Eastern Canada as well.

Going into the 2015-16 school year, there 3 former CCHL skaters going into their senior campaigns and another waiting in the wings to make his debut during the 2016-17 school year.

LUKAS HAFNER – WESTERN MICHIGAN – The Toledo, Ohio native spent the 2011-12 season with the Cornwall Colts posting an overall record of 45-13-6 with 8 shutouts before making his way to Western Michigan.  Now going into his senior season with the Broncos, Hafner will be looked upon to get the bulk of the starts and improve on last seasons 11-11 record.     

JOSH PITT – WESTERN MICHIGAN – The 6-3 centerman who hails from Osgoode, ON heads into his senior season where he will look to contribute after injuries held him back as a junior. 

JAMIE PHILLIPS – MICHIGAN TECH – The former Pembroke Lumberking and Caledonia, ON native heads into his senior season after posting a 25-7-0 record with 4 shutouts as a junior, being nominated for the Hobey Baker Award as the player of the year.   

COMING SOON – 2016-17

ANDREW PESKI – NORTH DAKOTA – The Brockville Braves blue-line standout has one more season of junior before he makes the jump to the NCAA.  He finished 3rd in defenseman scoring in 2014-15 with 6 goals and 42 points in 57 games.  The Braves are expecting big things from him in his final season.    

The 12-team NCAA Division I Conference has always set the bar high with its competitive standards.  In the past 20 years, Hockey East has earned 29 of 74 births in the NCAA Frozen Four and has claimed 8 NCAA titles in that span. 

For the upcoming 2015-16 season, a total of 8 CCHL alumni are pegged to skate for their respective schools while 4 others will debut within the next 3 years.  Not just an athletically strong conference, Hockey East has established a strong academic standing where a league-record 133 student athletes were named to the 2014-15 Hockey East All-Academic Team.

ROBERT MICHEL MAKES JUMP TO MAINE

Ottawa Jr Senators defenseman Robert Michel heads off to the University of Maine after two strong seasons in the CCHL.  The New York native was named CCHL Top Defenseman this past season after scoring 16 goals and registering 53 points in 57 games.  He followed that up by posting 3 goals and 9 points in 11 playoff games. 

He will now look to be a difference maker with the Maine Black Bears, joining other CCHL alumni such as Blaine Byron and Cedric LaCroix.  Maine will welcome his strong play on the back-end after losing minute muncher Ben Hutton to a pro contract with the Vancouver Canucks.

HUTTON SIGNS WITH CANUCKS, TO FORGO FINAL NCAA CAMPAIGN

Former Smiths Falls Bear & Nepean Raider Ben Hutton recently announced he will forgo his final year of college hockey after signing with the NHL’s Vancouver Canucks.

The 6-3, 200-lb Prescott native was the top scoring defenseman in each of his 3 seasons with the University of Maine, posting career college totals of 28 goals and 65 points in 108 games.  For his efforts he was named a 2013-14 All-American as a sophomore.  After finishing his junior season he would suit up for the Canucks AHL affiliate the Utica Comets where he produced 1 goal in 4 games.

Full story found here on VANCITYbUZZ:  http://www.vancitybuzz.com/2015/03/canucks-sign-prospect-defenceman-ben-hutton/

WHO’S ALREADY THERE

BLAINE BYRON – MAINE – The former Kemptville 73’s and Smiths Falls Bears forward heads into his junior season after a solid sophomore campaign.  His 12 goals were good enough for 2nd overall on the club while his 27 points placed him 3rd.  With two years remaining in his college eligibility he will look to continue his development and help Maine contend for a national title.

CEDRIC LACROIX – MAINE – Another University of Maine skater who hails from the CCHL, the former Kemptville 73’s forward heads into his sophomore campaign after a strong showing as an NCAA freshman.  His 5 goals and 11 points placed him 2nd on the club for first-year players, he will look to find that extra gear in year number two. 

MICHAEL MCMURTRY – NORTHEASTERN – The Greely ON native and former Gloucester Rangers forward is coming off his most productive year of NCAA hockey.  During the 2014-15 school year, McMurtry led the conference in face-off % (.594) and finished with 22 points, good enough for 6th in team scoring.  The psychology major heads into his senior season with the Huskies where he will try and help the program get into the upper half of the conference after finishing in the middle this past season.

DUSTIN DAROU – NORTHEASTERN – The Criminal Justice major brings a steady presence to the blue line every game, he always brings a consistent effort to the table.  He set career bests during his junior season where he picked up 3 goals and 6 points while skating in 23 games.  The Huskies will look for him to continue his strong play and pitch in with the odd goal in his upcoming senior campaign.

DALEN HEDGES – NORTHEASTERN – The youngest of the three CCHL alumni with the Huskies, Hedges doesn’t let his youth keep him from being a point producer.  The former Nepean Raiders standout finished 2nd in program scoring during his sophomore season where he notched 34 points in 34 games, his 25 assists were tied for tops on the team.  With still two years remaining of NCAA eligibility, the Business Administration major will look to continue his strong development and help the program to success on a national level.  He was a co-winner of the Len Ceglarski Award for the player who exemplifies sportsmanship on the ice this past year.

RYAN COLLINS – UMASS-LOWELL – The former Ottawa Jr Senators forward appeared in 15 games as a freshmen where he notched 2 goals.  He will look to earn more ice time as a sophomore and translate his high junior point production at the college level.  He is majoring in Criminal Justice. 

IN THE PIPELINE

MATTHEW FOGET – MERRIMACK (2016-17)

Pint-sized forward who has a lot of game and enjoys proving the critics wrong.  Was a major force with the Gloucester Rangers this past season and will look to find an even higher gear this season before heading to school in the fall of 2016.

MARTIN FRECHETTE – VERMONT (2016-17)

Another forward on the small side who doesn’t shy away from the tough areas of the ice to make a play.  Frechette is coming off a strong second season with the Cumberland Grads and will look to continue his development in year 3 before making the jump to Vermont for the 2016-17 school year.

JONATHAN KOVACEVIC – MERRIMACK (2017-18)

Still has two years remaining with the Ottawa Jr Senators before heading off to school, Kovacevic will look to gain more ice time this upcoming season with the departure of CCHL Top Defenseman Robert Michel.  The hulking defenseman will be a big part of the Jr Senators success over the next two seasons before leaving for school in the fall of 2017. 

OWEN GRANT – VERMONT (2017-18)

Still only 17-years old, Grant split last season between the Carleton Place Canadians and the Athens Aeros of the CCHL2.  As his game grows so will his confidence and he will be rewarded with more ice time and be put into more important situations.  He heads off to school in the fall of 2017. 

CCHL ALUMNI NAMED TO HOCKEY EAST ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM

BLAINE BYRON – MAINE – (KEMPTVILLE 73’S/SMITHS FALLS BEARS)

CEDRIC LACROIX – MAINE – (SMITHS FALLS BEARS)

BEN HUTTON – MAINE – (NEPEAN RAIDERS)

RYAN COLLINS – UMASS-LOWELL – (OTTAWA JR SENATORS)

Continuing to look at our student athletes who have obtained scholarships and gone the NCAA route, we now turn our attention to the powerhouse Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA).  With 6 CCHL skaters making the jump as freshmen, they join a conference that already is home to 10 CCHL alumni for the upcoming season.

Going into its 63rd season of competition, the WCHA continues to be arguably the most impressive hockey conference in the NCAA.  Since its existence, member teams have claimed 37 National Championships while being named Runners Up on 27 occasions.  Also to its credit, the conference has been home to 16 Hobey Baker Memorial Award winners and moved over 450 players to the NHL. 

CCHL ALUMNI NAMED TO WCHA ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM

BEN REINHARDT

TED PLETSCH

BRANDON ANSELMINI

MATT ROBERTSON

ALEX GLOBKE

ZACH LOESCH

JAMIE PHILLIPS

KEVIN DUFOUR

GRADUATING CLASS

BEN REINHARDT – ALABAMA-HUNTSVILLE - The former Pembroke Lumber Kings captain & Arnprior ON native recently finished his four-year stay with the Chargers.  He earned WCHA All-Academic Team honors over his final two seasons of action. 

TED PLETSCH – BOWLING GREEN - Another former Pembroke Lumber King, Pletsch had an injury riddled collegiate career at Bowling Green which saw him only get into 5 games over his final two seasons.  The Supply Chain Management major earned WCHA All-Academic Team honors in his senior season.

WHO’S ALREADY THERE 

CARMINE GUERRIERO – ALABAMA-HUNTSVILLE - After coming off his sophomore season which saw him nominated for the Mike Richter Award, the former Hawkesbury Hawks goaltender heads into year three with the Chargers.  Set the conference record with a 76 save performance on March 13, 2015 against Michigan Tech. 

BEN MURPHY – BOWLING GREEN – The Exercise Science major goes into his senior season after graduating from the CCHL’s Carleton Place Canadians back in 2012.  He is coming off back-to-back 21 point seasons with the Falcons.

BRETT D’ANDREA – BOWLING GREEN – The former Carleton Place Canadians forward heads into his sophomore season after posting 4 points in 17 games as a freshman.  He is majoring in Business Administration, maintaining a 3.370 GPA through the spring of 2015.

KEVIN DUFOUR – BOWLING GREEN – The Finance major is heading into his junior season with the Falcons after graduating from the CCHL’s Carleton Place Canadians back in 2013.  Was named to the WCHA All-Academic Team this past season.

MATT ROBERTSON – FERRIS STATE – Heading into his senior season, the former Smiths Falls Bear looks to continue his progression as he has improved his point production each season.  He is currently majoring in Marketing and was named to the WCHA All-Academic Team last season.

BRANDON ANSELMINI – FERRIS STATE – The former Brockville Braves defenseman has been solid at the collegiate level, picking up 10 points or more in three straight seasons.  He earned WCHA All-Academic Team honors during the 2014-15 season. 

ZACH LOESCH – LAKE SUPERIOR STATE – The former Pembroke Lumber King heads into his senior season with the Lakers.  Was named to the WCHA All-Academic Team during the 2014-15 season.  He is majoring in Business Marketing.    

ALEX GLOBKE – LAKE SUPERIOR STATE – The Economics & Finance major heads into his junior season after an extremely successful academic sophomore season.  The former Carleton Place standout was named to the WCHA All-Academic Team, and was named a WCHA Scholar Athlete with a 3.77 GPA.

JAMES ROLL – LAKE SUPERIOR STATE – Yet another Laker who hails from the Carleton Place Canadians, Roll brought a steady presence to the blue line as a freshman.  His 11 points were good enough to tie for 3rd in team scoring.  He brought home WCHA Rookie of the Week honors on one occasion.  He is studying Business Marketing as his major. 

JAMIE PHILLIPS – MICHIGAN TECH – The 2012 Winnipeg Jets 7th rounder & former member of the Pembroke Lumber Kings really showed his capabilities during the 2014-15 season.  In 41 starts he carried a 1.71 GAA & .933 SV% and was named to the WCHA 1st All-Star Team.  He was also strong off the ice as he was named to the Conference All-Academic Team for the second straight season.

THE NEW GUYS

STEPHEN BAYLIS – BOWLING GREEN – The 2014-15 CCHL MVP graduates into the college ranks after finishing an illustrious career with the Carleton Place Canadians.  The CP native helped the Canadians win back-to-back League & Eastern Canada titles advancing to the National Championships twice.  He recently took part in the Toronto Maple Leafs Summer Development Camp.

ZAC TIERNEY – FERRIS STATE – After two seasons between the Ottawa Jr Senators and Cornwall Colts, the London ON native heads to Ferris State where he will look to continue his blue line dominance.  In 131 total regular season & playoff games, Tierney racked up 22 goals & 89 points, being named a 1st Team All-Star this past season.

CRAIG PEFLEY – FERRIS STATE – Another Carleton Place Canadian to move on to the NCAA, Pefley was a big part of what the Canadians were able to accomplish over those two seasons.  The Michigan native was a reliable and consistent presence as he racked up 112 points in 153 career games.

RYKER KILLINS – FERRIS STATE – The Wawa Ontario native came over in a late season deal from Muskegon of the USHL and made an immediate impact in Carleton Place.  The blue liner posted 9 goals & 17 points in 22 games contributing greatly to Carleton Place advancing to the National Championships.  

ANTHONY NELLIS – LAKE SUPERIOR STATE – In his lone season with the Pembroke Lumber Kings, the Breakeyville Quebec native registered 32 goals and 80 points in 58 regular season games before adding another 8 goals and 25 points in 16 playoff games, exceeding all expectations.  For his efforts he was named to the CCHL Second All-Star Team.  

CAL HOFFORD – NORTHERN MICHIGAN – After two seasons with the Cornwall Colts where he registered 53 points in 107 total games, the Woodridge Ontario native joins Northern Michigan University in Marquette where he will look to continue his steady development as a college defenseman.

DOWN THE ROAD

JASON TACKETT – FERRIS STATE (2016-17) – After just 12 games with Pembroke, the West Chester Ohio native would be traded to the Kemptville 73’s where he would shine.  By the end of the season, he would rack up 21 goals and 66 points in 56 games and earn himself a scholarship to Ferris State University.  Big things are expected out of him this upcoming season, his second & final season in the CCHL.

IAN JOHNSTON – LAKE SUPERIOR STATE (2016-17) – Not a lot went right with the Kanata Lasers this past season, but Ian Johnston gave fans a reason to watch every night regardless.  His 17 goals & 42 points were tops on the club and earned him consideration for CCHL Rookie of the Year.  The now 18-year old will look to continue his strong play with less pressure on him after earning a scholarship to Lake Superior State, where he will skate in 2016-17. 

BRODY BRUNET – LAKE SUPERIOR STATE (2017-18) – The Hanmer Ontario has two more seasons of junior hockey ahead of him, currently suiting up for the Smiths Falls Bears but also spent time with Sudbury of the NOJHL.  He has a verbal commitment to attend Lake Superior State for the 2017-18 school year. 

STUDENT ATHLETES

For today's hockey players, the junior grind can be tough.  Riding the bus around the province, eating on the road, and spending valuable training/practice time stuck in hotel rooms.  This is what separates the CCHL from a lot of junior leagues around the country, close road trips, back in your own bed every night and more time to practice and train off the ice.  Another major incentive of playing in the CCHL, and probably the most important one, you have more time to focus on your school work.

As good a job as the CCHL has done at helping develop players for the higher levels athletically, the league has also prepared a high number of student athletes who have gone on to be honored for their high level of academic success.  Many of these student athletes have been recruited strongly by the NCAA's Atlantic Hockey Conference (AHC). 

ATLANTIC HOCKEY CONFERENCE (AHC)

The AHC notes that it's success in the classroom is an important as it's success on the ice among the 11 member of institutions.  Those 11 schools (Air Force, American International, Army, Bentley, Canisius, Holy Cross, Mercyhurst, Niagara, RIT, Robert Morris, and Sacred Heart bring their athletes to a high standard academically.  

CCHL ALUMNI HAVING SUCCESS

During the 2014-15 school year there were a total of 34 former CCHL alumni skating with AHC programs, 26 of those individuals earned themselves Conference All-Academic Team honors.  

AHC ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM

Andrew Debricant

Joseph Shecter

Zac Zaremba

Brendan McGuire

Maurice Alvarez

Reilly Turner

David Bennett

Stephen Farrell

Cody Freeman

Philippe Drouin

Kyle Just

Matthew Zay

Chris Bodo

Dan Kolenda

Matt Chartrain

Phil Nasca

Tyler Akeson

Larry Smith

Derian Plouffe

Tyson Wilson

Jay Llewelyn

Ben Robillard

Andrew Pikul

Elias Ghantous

Jeff Carroll

Tim Moore

GRADUATING CLASS

A total of seven former CCHL players were graduates of the AHC this past season, three of whom are currently in line to play pro hockey during the 2015-16 season. 

CODY FREEMAN

The former Nepean Raiders forward finished up his 4-year stay at Canisius College where he earned All-Academic Team honors in all 4 years of attending while majoring in Management.  He had three straight double digit goal seasons and finished with a total of 10 postseason markers to his credit. He was recently added to the Protect List of the ECHL's Evansville Icemen, an affiliate to the NHL's Ottawa Senators.  He made his debut with the Icemen late last season and skated in 8 games. 

KYLE JUST

Just was an instrumental part of the Pembroke Lumber Kings hockey prowess from 2008-2011, helping them capture the National Championship (RBC Cup) in 2011.  He had a very successful career at Mercyhurst College where he tied for the team lead in goals (13) and finished 2nd in team overall scoring (34) during his Senior season.  Also to his credit he was named to the Conference All-Academic Team.  He is currently on the Protect List of the ECHL's Rapid City Rush where he played 1 game last season.

MATTHEW ZAY

The Glendale, New York native spent one season in the CCHL where he won the RBC Cup with the Pembroke Lumber Kings in 2010-11.  He would go on to be a difference maker with Mercyhurst University where he received the 2012-13 AHC Scoring Trophy, followed that up with AHC First Team honors in 2013-14 and was nominated for the Hobey Baker Trophy in his Senior Season. The Communications graduate is currently under contract with the AHL's Binghamton Senators where he will play during the 2015-16 season.

NEW RECRUITS

A total of ten CCHL players graduated to the AHC and are going into their Freshmen seasons.  

ERIC ISRAEL – BROCKVILLE BRAVES

After back-to-back productive seasons, the offensive minded defenseman heads to Robert Morris University where he will look to continue his ability to chip in from the back-end.  In 130 total games of CCHL action with the Braves, Israel posted 28 goals and 92 and was not just a force in the offensive zone but was responsible in his own end as well. 

SEAN KING – BROCKVILLE BRAVES

Almost a point per game player over his three seasons of CCHL action between the Brockville Braves and Cornwall Colts, King is dangerous in all situations.  He finished the 2014-15 season with 36 goals and 60 points, 10 of his goals came on the power play while 3 were netted shorthanded.  He now joins a Niagara University team that has 11 other CCHL alumni on their current roster, he should feel right at home.

WES BAKER - CARLETON PLACE CANADIANS 

Following a two year Junior B career with his hometown Strathroy Rockets of the GOJHL, Baker came over to Carleton Place and made an immediate impact.  In his lone CCHL season he would find the net 26 times and finish with 53 points in 62 games.  He would also go on to add another 4 goals and 9 points in the postseason as he helped the Canadians to an RBC Cup appearance.  He now heads to Mercyhurst College with fellow CCHL alum and NCAA freshman Max Veronneau.

GUILLAUME THERIEN - CARLETON PLACE CANADIANS   

Heading to Niagara University after helping back stop one of the top teams in the country for the past two seasons.  Therien brings a high pedigree to the table as he played in back-to-back RBC Cup Tournaments and won two straight Fred Page Cups with the Carleton Place Canadians.  He finished with a CCHL career regular season record of 56-12-4-2 while also posting a playoff record of 26-6-1-0.  He will look to show his abilities as a Freshman this fall but will need to be patient as he will have plenty of competition surrounding him.

DEVIN CAMPBELL – CARLETON PLACE CANADIANS

Yet another fixture for the powerhouse Carleton Place Canadians this past season, Campbell has a verbal commitment to join Niagara University in the fall. The steady physical rearguard manned the Carleton Place blue line for 4 seasons, playing in more than 300 combined games over that span.

MAX VERONNEAU - GLOUCESTER RANGERS

Veronneau heads to Princeton University after an injury riddled 2014-15 season in Gloucester limited him to just 27 regular season games where he still managed 14 goals and 36 points.  He would go on to add 3 goals and 4 points in 6 playoff games before the Rangers season would come to a close.  Before his time with the Rangers, Veronneau won a league championship with the CCHL2's Ottawa Jr. Canadians, racking up 37 goals and 86 points in 58 total games as a 17-year old during the 2012-13 season.  

ERIK BROWN - KEMPTVILLE 73'S

Brown's 30 goals and 69 points with the Kemptville 73's this past season were good enough to crack the CCHL Top 10 in both categories.  The classic late bloomer was passed over in the OHL Draft following his Minor Midget season due to his lack of size.  After 3 seasons between the Brockville Braves and 73's, Brown has added size as he is now listed at 6-2, 195 lbs.  He heads off to the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) for his Freshman season where he will look to continue his continued strong development.   

ALEXANDER SAVARD-BELANGER - OTTAWA JR SENATORS

The three-year standout with the Ottawa Jr. Senators heads to Canisius College where he will join another CCHL alumnus in goaltender Reilly Turner who heads into his Sophomore season.  Savard-Belanger had a strong final season in the CCHL where he had an overall record of 36-9-3-1 helping the Jr. Sens to the league semi-finals where they fell to the Pembroke Lumber Kings in 7 games. 

BRANDON WATT – OTTAWA JR SENATORS      

After dressing for over 300 games with the Nepean Raiders from 2010 until this past season, Watt was dealt to the Ottawa Jr Senators where he would show his worth in the playoffs by scoring 5 times in 11 games.  The two-way forward continue his hockey journey as he signed his Letter of Intent to suit up for Robert Morris University for the 2015-16 season joining fellow Freshman Eric Israel.

FELIX CHAMBERLAND - PEMBROKE LUMBER KINGS

The 2014-15 CCHL scoring champion was an absolute force for the Pembroke Lumber Kings where he picked up 48 goals and 99 points in 61 regular season games before adding another 7 goals and 17 points in 13 playoff games.  He now makes the jump to Canisius College, joining such CCHL alumni as Ottawa's Alex Savard-Belanger, and Cumberland’s Reilly Turner and David Bennett.

QUINCE JOINS CLARKSON

Former Cornwall Colts Captain Marly Quince is heading into his Freshmen season with the Clarkson Golden Knights of the NCAA's Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference (ECAC).  He will be joining such CCHL alumni as '93 Dylan Gareau (Carleton Place), '93 Kevin Tansey (Cumberland), '94 Ben Dalpe (Pembroke), and '96 Kelly Summers (Carleton Place Canadians) who was drafted by the Ottawa Senators in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.

 Away Games: Embracing a new challenge http://www.standard-freeholder.com/2015/07/31/away-games-embracing-a-new-challenge

SPINK TWINS HEAD INTO SENIOR YEAR WITH COLGATE 

Tyson and Tylor Spink have had their fair share of accomplishments thus far in their hockey careers.  After tearing apart the CCHL2 with the Char-Lan Rebels as 16 year-olds, the twins would be drafted into the CCHL.  Tyson would be drafted by Haweksbury before Tylor went to Cornwall, but before the season started both players who be on the Cornwall roster where they would continue their junior hockey dominance. During their 3 seasons with the Colts, the brothers put up a combined 197 goals and 547 points in 390 regular season and playoff games.  Their strong play would earn them scholarships to Colgate University where their progression has continued at a high pace as both brothers have played a huge role in the programs success.  Heading into their Senior seasons, they will be looked at to provide a large chunk of the offense as the Raiders look to improve on their 2014-15 4th place conference finish.  There are five other former CCHL players currently on the Colgate roster as '92 Kevin Lough (Cumberland), '92 Michael Borkowski (Cornwall) '92 Anthony Sanniti (Cornwall), Emelio Audi (Pembroke), and Evan Peterson (Pembroke)  all look to make a difference during the 2015-16 campaign. 

JOHNSTON FORGOES FINAL SEASON, SIGNS WITH HABS

'92 born defenseman Ryan Johnston has officially signed a two-year entry-level deal with the Montreal Canadiens, ending any chance of him returning for his Senior season with Colgate.  The 23-year old played two seasons with the CCHL's Nepean Raiders where he led all league blueliners with 17 goals and 71 points during the 2011-12 campaign helping the Raiders to a Bogart Cup League Title.  He had a very strong NCAA career as well where he posted 5 goals and 42 points in 110 games.  The Sudbury ON native is expected to skate with the Canadiens AHL affiliate in Saint John this season.  

CURRENT CCHL ADVANCEMENT TO ECAC

CLARKSON 

'93 (Senior) Kevin Tansey (Cornwall) 

'94 (Junior) Jordan Boucher (Pembroke)

'93 (Sophomore) Dylan Gareau (Carleton Place) 

'94 (Sophomore) Ben Dalpe (Pembroke) 

'96 (Sophomore) Kelly Summers (Carleton Place) 

'94 (Freshman) Marly Quince (Cornwall) 

'96 (Freshman) Brett Garvey (Smiths Falls)

'96 (2016-17) Liam Folkes (Brockville)

COLGATE

'92 (Senior) Tyson Spink (Cornwall)

'92 (Senior) Tylor Spink (Cornwall)

'92 (Senior) Michael Borkowski (Cornwall)

'92 (Senior) Kevin Lough (Cumberland)

'92 (Junior) Anthony Sanniti (Cornwall)

'93 (Junior) Emelio Audi (Pembroke)

'94 (Sophomore) Evan Peterson (Pembroke)

'96 (Freshman) Hunter Racine (Hawkesbury)

'95 (Freshman) Adam Dauda (Pembroke)

'94 (Freshman) Willie Brooks (Carleton Place)

'96 (2016-17) Craig Ross (Cornwall)

CORNELL

'93 (Junior) Holden Anderson (Hawkesbury)

'96 (Freshman) Trent Shore (Carleton Place)

DARTMOUTH

'95 (Freshman) Cam Roth (Cornwall)

'97 (2016-17) Adrian Clark (Carleton Place)

'96 (2017-18) Grant Cooper (Cornwall)

PRINCETON

'93 (Senior) Kyle Rankin (Kanata)

'93 (Sophomore) Connor McLaren (Smiths Falls)

'96 (Freshman) Ryan Kuffner (Gloucester)

'95 (Freshman) Max Veronneau (Gloucester)

'95 (2016-17) Joey Fallon (Gloucester)

QUINNIPIAC

'91 (Senior) Tom Hilbrich (Pembroke)

UNION

'91 (Senior) Sebastien Gingras (Brockville)

'92 (Senior) David Roy (Brockville)

'93 (Junior) Michael Pontarelli (Cornwall)

'93 (Sophomore) Roman Ammirato (Cornwall)