Get Ready for the Teddy Bear Toss

The Nichols Prep Team will host its annual Teddy Bear Toss game when they take on St. Andrew’s College on December 9.  The puck drops at 6:00pm.  All Teddy Bears will be donated to Women and Children’s Hospital. When Nichols scores its first goal of the game, let the teddy bears rain! 

Brunswick 4, Nichols 2

For the third game in 24 hours, the Big Green outshot their opponent (35-22) but could not outscore their opponent.  Brunswick jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first four minutes of the game, but Nichols would battle back and begin to control the game.  Alec Yerkovich (98/Hamburg) put Nichols on the board with assists going to Steve Senese (99/Niagara Falls) and Cole Donhauser (99/Kenmore).  Nichols would let the game slip away with two quick goals and ten minutes remaining.  Despite a strong push, Nichols could not catch up.  Erik Urbank (99/Orchard Park) scored with 90 seconds remaining from Brett Willits (99/London, ON).  Jerry Baerwitz (97/Orlando, Fl) made 10 saves in 30 minutes of action.  Josh Graziano (00/Clarence) made 8 saves in his 30 minutes of play. 

Berkshire 5, Nichols 0

In game 1 of the Berkshire Jamboree, Nichols fell to the host Berkshire School 5-0.  Despite outshooting Berkshire 27-21, the Big Green could not find the back of the net.  Jerry Baerwitz (97/Orlando, FL) made 9 saves in 30 minutes of play.  Josh Graziano (00/Clarence) made 7 saves in the last 30 minutes of the game.  

Northwood 5, Nichols 3

After boarding the 6am bus to Union College, the Nichols Boys spotted Northwood a quick 2-0 lead en route to a 5-3 loss.  Brandon Hausler (99/Montgomery, TX) cut the lead in the first period.  Northwood would regain the 2 goal lead with a goal early in the second period, but Nichols would battle back with Cole Donhauser (99/Kenmore) closing the gap with an assist to Alec Yerkovich (98/Hamburg) and Steve Senese (99/Niagara Falls).  Again, Northwood would extend their lead making it 4-2 in the early part of the third period.  Yerkovich brought Nichols back to within 1 goal late in the third period, but Northwood would seal the game with a goal in the last minute.   Josh Graziano (00/Clarence) made 19 saves in the game

Cleveland Sweeps 18U

More of the same in game 2 as Clevland held off a late surge to win 3-2.  Cleveland again struck first with a shorthanded goal, but Brandon Hausler (99/Montgomery, TX) would tie the score at 1 with an assist to Connor Zak (98/Amherst, NY).  Penalties hurt the Saints in the second giving up 2 power play goals.  Alec Yerkovich (98/Hamburg, NY) would cut the deficit to 1 with Matt Gasuik (99/South Buffalo, NY) and Erik Urbank (99/Orchard Park, NY) recording assists.  Despite numerous chances, the Saints could not find the net to tie the game.  Josh Graziano (00/Clarence, NY) made 28 saves in the loss.

Game 1 Goes to Cleveland

A late third period comeback wasn’t enough as the Cleveland Barons built a 2-0 and 5-2 lead en route to a 5-4 win in Cleveland, Ohio.  The Saints never got on track watching the Barons jump out to a 2-0 lead in the first period.  Anthony Scanzuso (99/Lancaster, NY)  cut the lead in half with an assist to Alec Yerkovich (99/Hamburg, NY).  The Saints tied the score on the 10^th goal of the season from Steve Senese (99/Niagara Falls, NY).  Alec Yerkovich added his second assist of the game.  The Barons scored 3 goals in the third to build a 5-2 lead.  Brett Willits (99/London, ON) added a power play goal from Brandon Hausler (99/Montgomery, TX) and Connor Zak (98/Amherst, NY).  With the goalie pulled, Cody Fleckenstein (97/Fredonia, NY) scored with 19 seconds remaining.  Matt Gasuik (99/South Buffalo, NY) and Erik Urbank (99/Orchard Park, NY) recorded assists on the goal.  Jerry Baerwitz (97/Orlando, FL) recorded 30 saves for the game.

18U Heading to Cleveland for the Weekend

The 18U will be heading to Cleveland this weekend to match up with the Cleveland Barons at Barons Arena.  The same two teams faced off last weekend in Buffalo.  The Saints took game 1 8-3 and tied game 2 5-5.  The puck drops Saturday at 5;45pm, and face off will be 10:30am on Sunday.  The Barons are coming off a Tier 1 Elite League Weekend where they went 2-2, and the Saints are coming off a split with the Esmark Stars of Pittsburgh. 

Bounce Back Performance Results in 4-2 Win

Game 2 of the weekend looked much different as the Saints carried much of the play en route to a 4-2 win over the Esmark Stars.  Brandon Hausler (99/ Montgomery TX) got the offense started jamming a puck home from Alec Yerkovich (98/Hamburg, NY) and Cole Donhauser (99/Kenmore, NY). The Saints built a 2-0 lead on a Steven Senese (99/Niagara Falls, NY) power play goal with assists to Brett Willits (99/London, ON) and Erik Urbank (99/Orchard Park, NY).  The second period was more of the same.  Urbank scored two in the second period.  The first coming from the sticks of Willits and Tom Elia (99/Lewiston, NY), and the second goal was unassisted.  Esmark would finally break through in the third period notching 2 goals.  Josh Graziano (00/East Amherst, NY) earned the win with 27 saves on the day. 

Saints Drop Game 1 in Pittsburgh

A lackluster effort in their first road test of the season resulted in a 5-2 loss to the Esmark Stars.  Steve Senese (99/Niagara Falls, NY) opened the scoring with assists going to Connor Zak (98/Amherst, NY) and Erik Urbank (99/Orchard Park, NY).  Esmark would strike back in the second period to tie the game on the power play.  Charlie Carlson (98/Orchard Park, NY) notched his first of the season on a breakaway from Cole Donhauser (99/Kenmore, NY).  Esmark would add two more before the end of the second period to take a 3-2 lead into the locker room.  Esmark would build a 4-2 lead in the middle of the third and cap off the scoring with an empty netter with 8 seconds remaining.  Jerry Baerwitz (97/Orlando, FL) recorded 25 saves for the Saints.

18U Headed to Pittsburgh for Rematch with Esmark

The Saints 18U will head to Pittsburgh to play the Esmark Stars this weekend. Games will be held at the Pittsburgh Ice Arena in New Kensington, PA. Saturday face off will be at 7:00pm. Sunday will kick off at 9:30am. The two teams split earlier this season. 

Join Us at Homecoming; Saints Host Cleveland

Come out and visit Nichols this weekend and support our sports teams as we celebrate Homecoming at Nichols School on October 3.  The weekend kicks off with the Big Green Party featuring live music, food, drinks, and a silent auction to benefit the Nichols Athletic Department.  For more information on the Big Green Party, click here.  Homecoming weekend features our fall sports teams, and the night will be capped off with a home hockey game against the Cleveland Barons 18U at 6:30pm.  The game will be played at Dann Arena on the Nichols School Campus.  For the full Homecoming Schedule, click here. 

We hope to see you there and support Nichols Athletics!

Saints 18U Respond with a Win

After dropping game 2 of the BJB Shootout, the Saints 18U responded with a close, but convincing win over the Connecticut Jr Rangers 18U of the USPHL.   Steven Senese (2g) scored twice including the game winner with under 2 minutes to play to give the Saints a 3-2 win.  The Saints were constantly chasing the scoreboard despite holding a 56-12 shot advantage on the day.  The Rangers opened the scoring on the second shift of the game.  Senese buried a Cole Donhauser (1a) rebound on the power play.  Tom Elia (2a) added an assist.  The Rangers would take the lead back before the first half would close.  With 9 minutes to play Alec Yerkovich (1g) fburied a one-timer under the bar off an Erik Urbank (1a) pass to tie the score.  Elia picked up an assist on the Senese game winner which was short-side laser over the glove from the right side face off dot.  Jerry Baerwitz made 10 saves for his third win of the season.

Saints Drop Game 2 of BJB Shootout

The second game in less than 8 hours proved to be a difficult challenge for the Saints.  The team never seemed to get their legs going, and the slowed pace played into the Skipjacks game plan.  Josh Graziano (32 saves) stood tall in the first 25 minutes and allowed the Saints to escape the first half at 0-0.  The Skipjacks finally found the net building a 2-0 lead before Erik Urbank (1g) scored on an impressive one-on-one move.  Tom Elia (1a) and Brett Willits (1a) were credited with assists on the goal.  Despite a push from the Saints, they could never even the score.  The Skipjacks would add a third goal late in the game to close out the scoring.

Saints 18U Opens Tourney with a Win

The Buffalo Saints 18U started the Junior Bruins Shootout on the right path earning a hard fought 2-1 win over the Valley Forge Minuteman 18U.  Cole Donhauser (1g) opened the scoring with a power play goal, and Alec Yerkovich (1g) scored right as the power play ended to give the Saints a 2-0 lead after 25 minutes.  Valley Forge would push back in the second half of the game and get within 1 but Jerry Baerwitz (22 saves) shut the door and held off the Valley Forge attack. Connor Zak (1a) and Brandon Hausler (1a) assisted the first goal.  Matt Gasuik (1a) and Erik Urbank (1a) were credited with assists on the second goal.

Get Jr Bruins Shootout Updates Here

Stay tuned for updates on the Buffalo Saints at the Jr Bruins Shootout.  All games are going to be streamed online at www.fasthockey.com.

Here is the schedule for the weekend.

9/25 18U v Valley Forge 18U  10:00a
9/25 16U v Atlanta Phoenix 16U  12:30p
9/25 18U v York Skipjacks 18U  4:30p
9/26 16U v Valley Forge 16U  7:20a
9/26 18U v CT Rangers 18U  10:40a
9/26 16U v Portland Jr Pirates 16U  6:00p
9/27 Quarterfinals TBA 

All games are at New England Sports Center.

Join Us for the Big Green Celebration to Benefit Nichols Athletics

On Friday, October 2, Nichols is throwing an on campus party (“BIG GREEN PARTY”) to open the school year. It’s simple: tent on the Moot green, live band (The Informers), open bar, buffet food. This is the night before Homecoming, and our goal is to get our students’ parents, alumni and Nichols supporters on campus to raise a glass to Nichols and to our various athletic teams in a laid back, tailgate attire atmosphere. You presence will mean a lot. Let’s get some green blood flowing on Homecoming weekend.

Full event details and registration:  

Click here to register for the Big Green Celebration

Any questions, contact Chelsy Collins ccollins@nicholsschool.org 

Jr Bruins Shootout Schedule Announced

The Buffalo Saints 16U and 18U have received their schedule for the Jr Bruins Shootout in Marlboro, MA from September 25-27.

9/25 18U v Valley Forge 18U  10:00a
9/25 16U v Atlanta Phoenix 16U  12:30p
9/25 18U v York Skipjacks 18U  4:30p
9/26 16U v Valley Forge 16U  7:20a
9/26 18U v CT Rangers 18U  10:40a
9/26 16U v Portland Jr Pirates 16U  6:00p
                                                      9/27 Quarterfinals TBA 

All games are at New England Sports Center.

The BJB Shootout is a team entry event for Jr., 18U & 16U teams that takes place at the New England Sports Center in Marlboro, MA every September. The Shootout is a tournament format for the 18U and 16U levels but also has USPHL games played in a showcase format at the Premier, Elite and Empire levels. The Shootout consistently draws well over 100 college and pro coaches and scouts and is one of best attended tournaments/showcases in New England.

Former Players Making Their Mark in the Early Season

Former members of the Big Green were in action this weekend and making their mark in the early stages of the season.  Carson Gicewicz ’15 (Lincoln -USHL) scored a shorthanded goal in a 3-2 pre-season loss to the Tri City Storm.   Jake Smith ’14 (Chilliwack – BCHL) scored in his first game in a 5-3 win over Coquitlam.  Troy Dobbs ’14 (Alberni Valley – BCHL) got on the board in a 6-3 loss to Cowichan Valley.  Sam Jones ’15 (Brockville – CCHL) registered his point with an assist in a 6-3 loss to Cornwall.  Zac Herrmann ’15 (Burlington – OJHL) has registered 3 assists in his last 4 games.  Chris Kotrides ’14 (Syracuse – USPHL) scored and Aaron Fanti ’15 (Syracuse – USPHL) stopped 17 of 19 in a win over the Providence Capitals.  Nick Passafiume ’15 (Ft. Erie – GOJHL) found the net in a 4-2 loss to the St. Thomas Stars.

Saints and Jr Sabres Settle for 3-3 Tie

The Buffalo Saints and Buffalo Jr Sabres met for game two of the weekend and played another close game resulting in a 3-3 tie. Due to time constraints, the two teams played 2-25 minute halves.  The Jr Sabres built a 2-0 lead at the half, but a re-energized Saints team rebounded with 3 unanswered goals.  Steven Senese (1g.1a) continued his strong start to the season opening the scoring from the blue paint from Cody Fleckenstein (1a) and Ryan Coppins (1a).  Matt Gasuik (1g) scored a power play goal from the slot with an assist going to Erik Urbank (1a).  Jack Millar (1g) netted his first goal of the season on the power play with assists to Senese and Alec Yerkovich (1a).  The Jr Sabres would quickly tie the game with about 15 minutes to play, and neither team was able to find the back of the net.  Josh Graziano made 26 saves.

The Saints are off for two weeks and will take the ice in Marlborough, MA in the Junior Bruins Shootout at the New England Sports Center.

Saints Comeback Falls Short Against Jr Sabres

 The Buffalo Saints and Buffalo Jr Sabres took to the ice in an early season matchup of two heavyweights in NYSAHA, and the Jr Sabres were able to prevail with a 4-3 victory.  Steven Senese (1g) opened the scoring with a power play goal from Alec Yerkovich (1a) and Cody Fleckenstein (1a).  The Saints would finish the period with the 1-0 lead.  The Jr Sabres came out firing in the second period and broke through to tie the game and take a 2-1 lead.  Erik Urbank (1g) tied the score at 2-2 on a scramble from Matt Gasuik (1a) and Brett Willits (2a).  The period would end with the two teams tied setting up a thrilling third period.  The Jr Sabres capitalized early then added a power play goal of their own to take a 4-2 lead.  Brandon Hausler (1g) scored with the extra attacker from Anthony Scanzuso (1a) and Willits.  Jerry Baerwitz had a strong night in net stopping 28 in the game.  The same two teams turn it around quick and play at 8:00am on Sunday.

Saints and Jr Sabres to Battle at HARBORCENTER

The Buffalo Saints 18U (1-1-0) and the Buffalo Jr Sabres (5-0-0) will face off at the HARBORCENTER this weekend in a two game series.  This early season matchup features the same two teams who battled in the finals of the NYSAHA State Tournament last March won by the Jr Sabres 2-1.  The Jr. Sabres are coming in hot as they recently won the Penn State Super Series Championship.  Both games are hosted at HARBORCENTER.  Saturday, Sept 12, the two teams face off at 6:00pm.  They will meet again at 8:00am on Sunday, September 13.  Admission is free of charge.
 

Familiar Faces Head Into Next Hockey Chapter

Many former Nichols Hockey stars are heading off to school or junior hockey for the 2015-16 season.  Andrew Poturalski ’12 will be heading back for his sophomore year at UNH, and will be joined by freshman Frankie Cefalu ’13 after a terrific career with the Walpole Express of the EHL.  Kevin Kirisits ’11 heads into his junior year at Utica College after being named team captain for the upcoming season.  Sean Malone ’13 looks to stay healthy at Harvard after winning an ECAC Championship in 2015.  Malone will have to go through freshmen RJ Gicewicz ’14 and Mike Ederer who join St. Lawrence University.  Mason Evans ’13  and Jon Kompson '14 enter their sophomore years at Connecticut College.  Ryan Stayner ’11 starts his second year at Buffalo State College.  Carson Gicewicz ’15 will spend a year in Lincoln, NE of the USHL before heading to St. Lawrence.  Heading out to the BCHL, Troy Dobbs ’14 will play a second year for Alberni Valley while Jake Smith ’14 will head to Chilliwack after a year at Choate.  Anthony Tirabassi ’14 will play his second season with the Middlesex Islanders of the USPHL.  Also playing in the USPHL, Aaron Fanti ’15  and Chris Kotrides ’14 will spend the year with the Syracuse Stars.  Eric Lipa ’14 looks to continue his dominance in his second season with the Walpole Express of the Eastern Hockey League.  Sam Jones ’15 will spend the year with Brockville of the CCHL following in the path of Kevin Kirisits ’11 who spent two seasons there.  Wilson Vershay ’13 will play another year for the Buffalo Jr Sabres, and Zac Herrmann ’15 starts his junior career in Burlington.  Both teams are in the OJHL. We will continue to update you on more players as we get more information.

Saints Split the Weekend Falling 3-2

It was a different day, and the Esmark Stars 18U found a way to best the Saints with a 3-2 decision.  Esmark got on the board first scoring with 6 minutes remaining in the opening period.  Steve Senese (1g) countered with a power play goal before the close of the first.  Anthony Scanzuso (1a) and Cole Donhauser (1a) picked up assists on the play.  The second was a familiar story as Esmark grabbed the 2-1 lead only to see Alec Yerkovich (1g) tie it up minutes later.  Esmark grabbed the lead for good with 12 minutes left in the third period.  Sophomore Josh Graziano (25 saves) was strong in his debut.

Saints Start Season with 3-1 Win

The Buffalo Saints 18U got started on the right foot with a strong effort in the season opener against a physical Esmark Stars team with a 3-1 victory.  After a scoreless first period that saw each team find opportunities, Alec Yerkovich (Sr/Hamburg) found the back of the net on the power play after a goal mouth scramble.  Matt Gasuik (Jr/South Buffalo) and Erik Urbank (Jr/Orchard Park) picked up assists on the goal.  Esmark wasted no time in it's response scoring less than a minute later.  Brandon Hausler (Jr/Montgomery, TX) tallied the eventual game winner with 3:47 to play off a Charlie Carlson (Jr/Orchard Park) rebound.  Steve Senese (Jr/Niagara Falls) added an assist.  Minutes later Cole Donhauser (So/Kenmore) found the back of the net to stretch the lead to 3-1 and finish the scoring.  Senese picked up another assist on that goal.  Jerry Baerwitz (Sr/Orlando, FL) shut the door making 18 saves on the night.

The same two teams face off at Dann Arena on Sunday, Aug 30 at 12:45pm.

Buffalo Saints 18U to Host Esmark Stars this Weekend

The Buffalo Saints 18U will open the season with a 2 game home series against the Esmark Stars 18U from Pittsburgh, PA this weekend.  The Stars have become a familiar foe facing the Saints in the finals of the Saints Columbus Day Shootout in each of the last three seasons.  With a successful training camp coming to a close, the Saints are eager to test themselves against some quality competition.  All games are at Dann Arena at the times listed below.

Sat, Aug 29 at 7:15pm and Sun, Aug 30 at 12:45pm

Training Camp Comes to a Close, Saints Reveal New Look

Home

The 2015-16 Buffalo Saints 18U and 16U have put in 5 successful days and completed training camp today.  A lot of sweat and work was poured into this camp run by skills expert David T Smith, and each team finished better than where they started.  Each team will get opportunities to display what they have learned this weekend.  The 18U will face the Esmark Stars from Pittsburgh, PA in a home series at Dann Arena.  Game times are Saturday at 7:15pm and Sunday at 12:45pm.  The 16U faces Amherst at Northtown Center at 6:00pm.

Away

In other related news, the Saints 16U and 18U have unveiled a new look.  Our thanks to Identity Ink of Buffalo for the tremendous work and vision.  Both teams are excited to put these on.

New Faces Highlight 2015-16 18U Roster

With 12 new faces on the roster, the 2015-16 season will be defined by the ability of new players to adapt to the level of competition.  Fortunately, there is a great deal of talent in the new group.  There is depth and talent in all positions on the roster, and the youth in the lineup will set a foundation for long term success.

Building from the back end out, sophomore goaltender Josh Graziano '18 brings a high talent level coming off a successful summer at the USA Hockey National 15 Festival and played last season with the Buffalo Jr Sabres 14U.  Two defenseman add to the depth of the D core.  Jack Millar '17 has been at Nichols since 5th grade and spent last season with the Buffalo Regals 16U, while Adam Hawkins '18 joins Nichols from the Carolina Jr. Hurricanes who made it to the USA Hockey 16U National Tournament.

Seven members of the forward group come from the 2015 CISAA Tier 2 Champion Nichols team.  Alec Yerkovich, '16, Ryan Coppins, '16, Connor Zak '17, Stephen Senese '17,   Brandon Hausler '17, Charlie Carlson '17 and Cole Donhauser '18 all showed the ability to score at the 16U level last season, and the same level of production will be counted on this year.  Chris Morrison '18 comes to Nichols from the Connecticut Jr Rangers 16U.  Hamilton (OHL) draft pick Brett Willits '18 joins Nichols from the London Jr. Knights Midget Minor.



 

Training Camp Set to Begin Today

On August 24, the Boy’s Prep team will begin training camp with 5 intense days of practice before hosting the Pittsburgh Esmark Stars18U for two games on Aug 29 and 30.  This will be a great opportunity for the coaching staff and players to get to know each other and lay the foundation for the season.

Coach Jamie Printz returns for his 7th season behind the bench and will be joined by Coach Mike Wagstaff who will be entering his second year.  Coach Adam Bellows is back for his 7th season and will work on the player development side, while Coach Dave Smith will be back to sharpen player skills in preparation for the 2015-16 season.  We are all looking forward to getting back to work at Dann Arena.

Training camp takes place Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 3-5:30pm and Tuesday from 4-6:30pm.  All practices are at Dann Arena and will be open to the public at no cost.

2015-16 Boys Prep Season Preview

There is a lot of excitement and anticipation as the 2015-16 season approaches.  With only 6 returning players and 4 seniors on the roster, there will be many new, young faces on the ice for the Big Green.  While this group will be young, they will be highly talented.  Seven players will move up from the CISAA Tier 2 Champion Prep B team, and 5 players will come from outside NY representing, CT, TX, NC, FL, and ON. There will be a lot of talent on the ice this year despite their youth.  

Cody Fleckenstein ’16 will captain the young squad and be counted on as the anchor of the defense.  Anthony Scanzuso ’17 and Tom Elia ’17 return on defense to build off their outstanding sophomore campaigns.  Dartmouth commit Erik Urbank ’17 and Matt Gasuik ’17 will be counted on heavily up front for their scoring and their leadership.  Jerry Baerwitz ’16 returns in goal after leading last year’s team to the CISAA Finals.

Once again the Prep Boy's will work with the Buffalo Saints Hockey Club fielding an 18U and a 16U team.  They will compete and practice throughout the fall against some of the top AAA talent around as well as attending the Jr Bruins Shootout, a highly regarded tournament in Marlborough, MA taking place in late September.    

Poturalski '12 Excels in Two Development Camps

Andrew Poturalski ’12 came one step closer to fulfilling a dream as he was invited to two NHL Development Camps.  Poturalski started his summer joining the Buffalo Sabres in early July.  Andrew scored a goal in the Blue and gold scrimmage in front of over 17,000 fans.  Poturalski continued his summer at the Boston Bruins Development Camp scoring twice in their Black and Gold Scrimmage. 

Andrew just finished off a strong freshman year at the University of New Hampshire where he was a tenacious forward: He had 14 goals and 15 assists in 40 games.  We wish Andrew the best of luck in his sophomore year at UNH.