The Grinch reveals all in the library

It's crunch time here in Fredonia. For all the Moms and Dads out there it's 'Dead Week', otherwise known as the week before finals. For many students this week serves as preparation for the exams to follow, and also gives you a week to finish off any papers, or projects that may have "slipped your mind" over the semester. It's 10:30 PM in the library and there are at least 10 of the boys in here doing work. I am currently working on a Marketing project with Bryan Ross, however his contributions have been minimal. To my left, Dave Ridos is nose deep in a book, Matecki is chewing some data to my right, and Mueller is across from me filling his enormous head with knowledge. It's a tough time of year but together I think we can get through it. I have to get back to work or my group members might start calling me Mat Hehr. Happy Holidays! The Grinch

Waldman getting ready for exams

Today starts the all so quiet “dead week” here in Fredonia, which means it is the week before finals and one step closer to winter break. During this week there are 24 hour quiet hours all week, and a scarce amount of chairs in the library. I myself have 4 finals next week, really looking forward to completing them and getting a nice needed break from the classroom. Although it is beneficial to my life its always good to take a rest. Thus concluding my blog for the week, Good luck everyone on your finals and have a great holiday.

Ben Waldman

Castriota says 'we need to finish on a good note'

With two weeks until the Christmas break it is time to buckle down on school work and studying.  I am looking forward to the break for some much needed time with family and friends.  But before the break we have two games against Johnson and Wales at home.  We are looking to end the first semester on a good note with two wins.  I feel like our team is really starting to put everything together and am excited for the future.  This break will do us some good and we will come back ready and focused for a strong second half and make our push towards the playoffs.

Stephen Castriota

Eddy looking forward to family Christmas time

It's already a couple days into December and the weather here in Fredonia cannot be beat. 15 degrees Celsius here is much more appealing than the -15 at home yet I am counting down the days until finals are over and I get to go home for Christmas. I haven't seen my family since I arrived on campus in late august so I am looking forward to seeing them and also spending some time with friends. Every year that our family is home for  for Christmas we have a big celebration on Christmas eve with the whole family and lots of friends. During the day we go sledding and play in the snow and at night we put together a large shinny game on the lake. Everyone plays and everyone gets dumped into the snowbank a couple times. It's a lot of fun and I just can not wait to continue the tradition again this year with my family.

Edens

SUNYAC Jammed up Christ says

As we got back from a short but sweet break for thanksgiving. We had a very intense week of practice before we faced our western NY rival Buffalo State, which turned out to be quite the battle with a 3-3 tie to Buff State made the standings that much closer. With that game down, we now have a new focus, to go into Elmira and get a huge win against a very skilled team. With our very talented team I have no doubt in our mind that we can't accomplish that.

Andrew Christ

Perks just fired up and lovin' the boys

Alex Perkins here, sophomore forward, 3rd time poster. Really looking forward to the next two weeks heading into the break, crunch time for both school and hockey. Excited for a must win game Friday in Buff State and another good test with Elmira the following night. On a personal note, so far so good enjoying my second year with the team, wouldn't mind chippin' in with a goal one of these days but who's counting. Overall, love the boys more and more all the time and feeling positive about where we are and where we're headed.

 

Alex Perkins #11

Rosser looks to hook the big one on Friday at Buffalo State

At the end of my Freshmen year one of our seniors picked me up from the dorms on a Sunday morning at around 8am. He had told me about a creek that fish go up and I was super excited to try my luck. I really like going fishing and had no idea that steelhead and trout run up the creek when the water level gets high enough. I saw tons of fish my first time and fished for 3 long hours with out a single bite . Finally an old man who was doing much better right beside me told me to stop fishing with eggs and use flies. It was spring time and the fish were not interested in eggs but much more prone to take a bite out of a fly that hatched during spring time. So the next day I went and got flies and went back to the same spot. What do you know but I got 2 10lb Steelhead in the first 30 min. From now on I always use flies in the spring and eggs in the fall.

Bryan Ross

Wynia ready for another SUNYAC battle

Well we are all back and ready to finish the first half of the season with some big wins. Coming up Friday will be our first game back since our thanksgiving break against a good Buff State team. The game is going to be a tough battle but we have been doing an amazing job at practice since our return and every player is getting more and more excited as the days keep counting down. It's going to be a fast paced 3 weeks of the term left here as well with school and hockey before the Christmas break. All the boys are battling hard everyday as we continue to grow as a hockey club. Can't wait for the weekend!

Jared Wynia

Sanborn says it 'go time'!

It was good to have a chance to go home for a couple of days over the Thanksgiving break and spend some time with our families.  It gave all the boys some well deserved time away from the classroom and the ice rink.  After recharging the batteries at home, it feels even that much better to be back with all the boys and ready to make a good push with both hockey and school.  SUNYAC play finishes up for us on Friday night when we go to battle at Buffalo State.  We don’t like Buffalo State and they don’t like us, plain and simple, which makes the game just a war.  Friday is a game that we need to win, and that we will win.  The boys have been working hard in practice the past couple of days and can’t wait to be on that ice Friday night. 

Bill Sanborn 

Kenny sees battle on the horizon

Coming up on the first of December and we're listed as sixth in the conference with a (2-3-2) record. This is way under where I forecasted our team to be, but from what I’ve learned about the team since coming here is that we never give up. 

Everyone In that room is giving 100% all the time and things will come together. Our team is way better than our record shows and no one is happy about it. This Friday is the last conference game of the 2011 year at Buffalo State and we can jump from sixth place to third. Needless to say we are all focused and ready for the battle that awaits us.

Ken Nosky

Douster says, nothing better than SUNYAC hockey

Now with the SUNYAC conference games, I've noticed a whole new level of intensity. From both the opponents being more physical, tough and strong as well as my own team mates especially with their work ethic in practice and the gym. I can't wait to see how this amount of work will pay off personally and as a team! I would have to say that my favorite moments as being a Blue Devil has to be the very first weekend  and just the hype and atmosphere of our first home games. The crowd was loud and energetic while many players added their first collegiate points in their first couple games with the help of the skilled veterans!

Nunn looking forward to family time

Thanksgiving break is coming up really soon, but unlike normal students i am not looking forward to friday for the break, I'm looking forward to playing Oswego Friday.  On the school side of things, I just successfully got the lights of the library flashed on me, signaling closing time, two nights in a row.  It's getting to be that time when everything starts to over lap and hockey is picking up to its peak.  The only thing you can do is put your head down, work hard, and get through it.  I'm excited to spend some time with the family for thanksgiving, I don't get to see me brother and sister, Jeremy and Chelsea , too often.  I'm hoping we can squeeze in some family bowling, a Nunn Family favorite past time. Happy Thanksgiving everybody.  

Bradley Nunn

Cizz bury's one against Potsdam and is grinding it out in the classroom

Our SUNYAC conference play is fully underway and we are currently 2-2-1 in league play, and have seen every SUNYAC team with the exceptions of Cortland and Oswego, who we play this weekend as well as Buffalo state who we will see 2 weekends from now.  

Seeing every team and by looking at scores you can see just how wide open the league is this year.  This year more so than years in the past, any team can come home with the hardware come March.

With just three weeks left of classes its crunch time in the library and the computer lab for most of the boys.  I’m currently in the computer lab with Ian Ellenberger, who is working on a Power Point presentation.  Having 3 papers due on Friday as well as an exam on Thursday, I plan on spending the majority of my night here, it’s a battle but I don’t want to be the reason the hockey doesn’t have the highest GPA on campus this semester and break the 11 semesters in a row streak we are currently riding.

Until next time,

Cizz

Palmy chirping TJ and the rest of the Canadians in showdown

After coming off a big win on Saturday against Potsdam and a tough loss Friday against Platty, the boys and myself are ready and prepared for the next week of practice leading up to another tough battle on the weekend when we face Oswego and Cortland at home. Two good teams coming into our barn right before Thanksgiving? We need these points. Oswego is going to come flying at us with everything, after beating them in their barn during playoffs. I also would not take Cortland lightly, They're playing pretty well this year with a couple of rookies putting up some points. I hope the boys are ready for the weekend.

As for practice, its never an easy day on the ice. After suffering a few losses in the USA-Canada showdown, this week the the boys from the states are going to be waving our flag. After all, all the pressure is on the Canadians. Freeze and Holly cant stop every puck... The supposed leading scorer (in his own mind) TJ Manastersky, has posted some low numbers this year. being only about 1 for 7. that's only 14.3% of the time..

Bring it Canadians.

Palmy

Gunner wants to load up and grind again

This past week I had just got through a really tough week of school and hockey. I had two tests one day and an exam the other it was really a trying week but I got through and managed to do well in each of my tests.

This past weekend we also had a tough battle against Plattsburgh and Potsdam we came up short against Plattsburgh, but on Saturday we wouldn't be denied as we set a grueling pass for 60 minutes that saw us come out on top 9-1. Its things like this that show ourselves and the league that we if we put our best foot we're a handful for anyone.
Were going to show that again next week when we go to war with Oswego and Cortland. I'm looking forward to being apart of it.

Muhser got the boys ready for Potsdam

This past week was a battle for sure, I had to spend most of my time in the library for two tests but besides that, I thought we had a good week of practice.  It's now Saturday and tonight we have a big game against Potsdam which I'm sure we are all looking forward to tonight.  I think everyone is focused and will be ready to go tonight because as we all know now, it's going to be important to make sure we put together a full 60 minute hockey game in order to come out with the win.

I thought it has been really interesting this year taking a look at the scores around division III hockey and specifically the SUNYAC.  There has been a lot of parody in the league this year in that with many games, it seems as though anyone can beat anyone like with Brockport beating Geneseo at home in decisive fashion and as we have learned, a lot of it comes down to just plain hard work and discipline.  I think that our team is on the right track and it will continue to be important to keep pulling out the positives while learning from our mistakes in order to keep evolving as a team.

Let's give Potsdam hell tonight, it's time to take back Steele Hall tonight fellas.

Turkey time getting closer, but first big SUNYAC weekend!

Just another day back on the grind. Feeling a little under the weather think I'm starting to get sick, not a good thing. Recently I went to the Bills game vs Jets with some teammates. What a great experience, now I know why the Bills fans still root for the Bills even when they  aren't very good. The game could have been better, the Bills didn't put on a top performance for us in any way, the Jets really took it to 'em. But all in all it was a great time.

School has been flying by now that hockey started it seems like Mon-Thu go by in a blink of an eye then its Fri and Sat games. Can't believe its almost Thanksgiving, but at the same time I'm excited. It will be a nice change of pace to go home and see the family and get a delicious, home cooked meal.  Boy do I miss mama bears cooking. Can't believe Joepa got fired, my parents have been season ticket holders at Penn State ever since I can remember at and it will be weird going to the games and not see Joepa.  He was a legend in college football.

Will McLaughlin

11/11/11

11/11/11
First I would like to take a second and thank our veterans, on this veterans day,  and everything they are doing/did. I am sitting here watching TV with Ben Waldman as we are getting mentally prepared for the biggest test of the season. I know all the boys are fired up because we owe them one after the way our season ended last year. It's gonna be an exciting/physical game and I cannot wait to get it started.

Brett Mueller

'Fredo looking forward to North Country teams visiting Fredonia

I can't believe that it is already November and it is still warm out.  I am just waiting for the change to come quick and for it to start snowing and it being freezing outside.  I am definitely not looking forward to walking to class in all the snow.

 

This past weekend I scored my first goal against Morrisville.  I feel that my play has picked up a lot since the first games we had as a team but I am still working on the little things like keeping my feet moving at all times.  I am excited for the SUNYAC home opener against Plattsburgh and then Potsdam on Saturday.  I feel like we worked hard all week and we are ready for both teams.  If we play as a team and stick to the game plan I know we will come away with a big 4 points on the weekend.

 

On another note TYLER MATECKI AND MYSELF( MICHAEL MONFREDO) WON THE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME IN NHL '12 beating Hehr and Mueller 5-4. 

'Teck and 'Fredo ...unbeatable NHL Champs!

I can't believe it's already November and its still in the 60 degree range.  There are just a few short weeks left in my first semester and we have a pretty big weekend coming up I'd say.  Our team has gotten better and better every weekend and Friday is the biggest challenge we've had so far.  Its going to be a great atmosphere Friday night at 7:00 and I can't wait to see the boys just battle.

I'd also like to say that Monfredo and I are NHL 12 champs.  Hehr and Mueller put up a very poor effort in both games that they faced us in.  Not to mention in the championship game blew a 3-0 lead.  Better luck next year.

Tyler Matecki

Bellzy on that 'football headed' Hey Arnold

If I was to choose my favorite TV show growing up, I would probably have to go with either 'Scooby-Doo' or 'Hey Arnold'.  I have to say both shows were pretty popular when I was watching them which would be years and years ago.  They were on back-to-back when I would get home from school so I was glued to the TV for at least an hour before starting my homework.  I actually watched an episode of Hey Arnold the other day because they have it on Netflix.  I must say it definitely still is a great show, but does not have the same affect it did on me back in the day.  I still know friends that watch these shows all the time so they can't be half bad.  But on another note, big weekend ahead against Platty and Potsdam.

Bellzy #24

Melky revs up the troops with an eye on the future

Although life after school seems a long ways a way, being a freshman, I don't think its too early to start thinking about what I am going to do after school. After school I would like to be involved in hockey in some form such as a coach, assistant coach, scout or something along those lines. I really don't see myself doing anything accept hockey, but if I had to I would like to have my own sports agency. I always thought being a sports agent would be a good job for me because I would be working with people involved in sports. 

With school and hockey I have been busy here in Fredonia. I have been in the library alot lately trying to get all my work done and study for the three exams I have coming up this week. For hockey we have our first big test this weekend against Plattsburgh.  Lets get 'er going boys!

Cory Melkert
 

Junger got his start from his Dad

It is hard to believe that it is already November.  Time is flying by just like it always seems to do here at Fredonia.

I have been playing hockey all my life so it is really hard to pinpoint when I started playing or how I got started in it. If I had to say anything I would say I got started in it through my Dad. Hockey is something I can remember doing for pretty much ever whether it was playing around the house or watching it on TV, or my dad taking me and my brother to Salt Lake Golden Eagles games. I know that I started skating right around the age of 2 I can remember going to skating lessons or my parents taking the family to open skates.  First grade is when I started playing any real organized hockey I can still remember my first jersey, ugly gray and maroon. Even though it is hard to pinpoint when I can say that it is definitely my Dad who got me started and I have loved it for as long as I can remember.  

Holloway for President.....you got my vote!

Clearly everyone is aware of the 'Occupy Wall Street' movement that has been rapidly growing in popularity over the recent weeks. Well, this movement has inevitably reached our small town of Fredonia and has worked its way into our SUNY campus. You can see the signs posted all around campus stating "We are the 99%". But 99% of these people probably have no idea what they are even protesting. I hear the trivial discussions about the movement all over campus from classrooms, dining halls, or in the library, but it seems as though they all either have no idea what they are talking about or they all have different opinions on what their cause is.

This makes me wonder how many of these students (or staff) are actually committed to a universal purpose, if there is one, or if they are just protesting for the sake of protesting. I am not saying there is no reason for the movement, but in my opinion it is a very disorganized and misguided attempt. Why Wall Street? It is the government that has ruined the economy, not wall street. Wall Street didn't drive the US economy trillion dollars into debt, Washington did. So, if there is to be any sort of new political paradigm to eliminate this disparity between the 99% and the 1%, it is not through standing in the streets holding up signs.

An economic change is not going to happen by disregarding your jobs in order to proceed with this futile demonstration. There is a presidential election coming up in 2012, if you want a change then take your opinions to the polls where you can actually have an impact.

Hehrsy on the bus.......

We are just on the bus on our way back to Fredonia. It's nice actually having a bus with internet accessibility. We got a big two points in the SUNYAC with a greasy hard working win in Morrisville. It is big to get points early on because we all know how important they are come February. It will be nice getting back to work in our barn in our SUNY home opener this Friday.

Well I think everyone of us has had this game circled since last year. My Dad is coming down for it so I am excited to see him and hopefully get two wins on the weekend in front of him and our fans. Coming out of the gate to our fans being loud and cheering is one of the best feelings as a Fredonia athlete. It fires the boys up and gets us ready for battle. We have a big week of practice ahead of us and a lot of work to do this week to prepare for Platty on Friday. I'd like to also mention that Monfredo had a sick D to D pass against Morrisville. I guess since he got his first gino right after it.  I'll stop chirping him now.

Hehrsy

Eddy helps Fredonia down Morrisville 5-1

Right now I am sitting in the library without Mark Friesen studying for our big stats test tomorrow. Not only is Mark not here, he is also not answering his phone. This is posing a big problem for me because i need to ask him about some of the questions from our last quiz. In an attempt to find help elsewhere i have been doing laps in the lib looking for someone (anyone) that is in my class to help me. I cant find anyone. Apparently everyone in my class is not as concerned as I am about our second midterm tomorrow. If they aren't concerned I guess I'll just move on as well. I have many tests this week to study for.
In a different light, one that is more important to me right now than a good test score, I recently and finally just got my first point as a Blue Devil over the past weekend. I gave a pass across the blue line to Nunn and he put it towards the net.. then Christ put it in.. a point is a point and now hopefully my buddies back home can stop chirping me. Also, it looks right now like me and Nunn might be reunited this upcoming weekend on the road against Morrisville and Im looking forward to playing with the offensive powerhouse (4GP 1G 5A). If it so happens I can get on the score sheet again, great, but we all know the most important points are the ones for the SUNYAC standings. Can't wait until Friday when we get the chance to out battle our rivals in their barn, a barn where we had success last year.


Ryan Edens

Freeze leads Canada to 3-0 record in Thursday's US/Canada Showdown

Now that the season is finally underway, we are working harder than ever as a team. Practices so far this week have been filled with battles and hard work, as we realize just how much effort it takes to compete in this league. We didn't get the results we were looking for this past weekend, but I feel that it was a good experience to learn from, and I feel that the new guys got a feel for just how tough it is to be successful in this league. With the short schedule, every single game is extremely important, and the level of intensity required is very high.

I am looking forward to our road trip this weekend, as we continue to establish our identity early on in this season. We will continue to work hard the next few days, and I'm also looking forward to out U.S. - Canada showdown at the end of Thursdays practice. Canada is currently 2-0 and we are looking to keep the streak alive! It is a very focused atmosphere at the rink these days, as we all know there is much work ahead of us. I enjoy this competitive feeling, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Mark Friesen

College workload keeping Ian Ellenberger busy

Since our first game against Assumption two weeks ago, it seems like things here in Fredonia have really started to move in fast forward. The schoolwork has started to pick up, as my professors are scheduling tests and assignments, one after another. It's hard to believe that November is here already, and soon enough winter break will be upon us.

Although this past weekend we went 0-1-1, we're taking the positives out of this past weekend and are looking forward to this Friday night vs. Morrisville. An intense week of practice will have us prepared for another conference showdown, and we're all looking forward to getting two W's this weekend already, and getting back on track.

Now that I'm playing college hockey, its strange to think that I began skating 17 years ago. I remember attending early Saturday morning clinics at the Hershey Bears' outdoor practice facility, located right behind the HersheyPark Arena. I remember some of the Bears would come out and skate with us, and I was thrilled to be out on the ice with them. Once my morning clinic was finished, my older brother would skate with us clinic later in the afternoon. Most Saturdays, I would skate in both my morning clinic and my older brother's afternoon clinic. I would be out on the ice for a total of four hours every Saturday, and I loved every minute of it. Its interesting to look back and see how those freezing Saturday morning clinics were the beginning of my ice hockey career.

Ian Ellenberger

Gunner gearing up for battle

With the Weather getting colder,classes getting tougher and every time we step onto the ice it turns into trench war. I couldn't be happier. This past weekend we got our first taste of SUNYAC division hockey. It was nothing short of a war in both games. We battled hard but didn't quite live up to expectations, it was a step in the right direction though. We will continue to work towards the future and our untapped potential. We just have to dig deeper, battle a little harder and only success is in the immediate future.

Declan Gunovski

Ben Waldman offers his best 'Trip Advisor' tips on Fredonia

My favorite part about the village of Fredonia would have to be all the local town pubs, each with a very unique theme and excellent food. Although there are so many places to choose from it is nice in a way because they are all very close to one another making it an even closer community. Also several times a year the farmers market and concessions get set up throughout downtown with a band playing in the village green, which makes you wish the sun never goes down.

Cos looking ahead to Law School

Now that I'm a junior here at Fredonia the time is coming up quickly for me to think about my plans for after I graduate.  I took a practice Law school admissions test a couple weeks ago and got a 157.  To get into a higher-end law school I'd like to get my score up to about a 165-67 (it's out of 180, but no one gets that).  With a 165 I could more than likely get into a a school like the University of Michigan which would obviously be a very good option and it would also put me back closer to home.  Ann Arbor, Michigan is only about an hour and change from my parents home in Rochester, Michigan, so going there would give me an opportunity to be close to family while I attend law school.  One of my other top choices is the University of Chicago Law, which also has a great program but will be tough to get into.  There seems to be a lot of jobs in that area, at least for the time being, as many of my high school friends are living or have received job offers in Chicago.  It would be nice to live in a big city for a few years after living the small town life in Sault Ste. Marie, MI and here in Fredonia the past 5 years.  Either way, I have to take the LSAT before I can even apply anywhere, and I'm planning on doing that next June; realistically I have about 8 months worth of studying left to get 7-8 more questions right than I did on the practice run.  I'm definitely excited to head off to law school in the near future, and it will be interesting to see where I end up come Fall 2013.

#6 Ian Cosgrove

Devils tie Brockport 4-4

So this past weekend we have shown that we can play as a team, with a sweep on Assumption College. With that said, were now going to face a true challenge this weekend against Brockport and Geneseo an absolute SUNYAC meat grinder! I believe that we have the depth on our team to have a very successful season, and make a deep playoff run. The boys are all very excited to start off the SUNYAC battle. I can't wait to see where our season takes us.

Andrew Christ

GAME NIGHT TONIGHT vs. Brockport...bragging rights on the line for Castriota

Hockey season is officially under way.  We got off to a great start with a great week of practice leading up to our two games on the weekend.  We carried that good week of practice into the games and finished the weekend 2 and 0.  I am personally looking forward to the games this weekend, especially the one against Brockport.  I will be playing against a bunch of my old buddies from back home which should make the game fun and exciting.  I'm hoping to come out of there with a big win and some bragging rights until the next time we play each other.  And then hopefully follow up with a good at Geneseo to finish off the weekend.

Stephen Castriota

Winnie excited for SUNYAC battle against Brockport

A very successful weekend of hockey with our 2 first games over with! All the boys are very happy to start the year off with 2 big wins and looking excited to get progressing from here on. Even though the weekend just finished were already focused on the next task at hand, which is moving forward into a intense week of practice preparing for our first road games on the year. Being SUNYAC games, all the boys are getting more and more pumped up knowing this is going to be a truly tough weekend physically and mentally. I'm happy to say we had a great start to the season and from here on out just going to keep the momentum going!

Jared Wynia

Nunner looking to create new memories for this season

It halfway through the first semester, but the year is really only starting because we open our season this weekend again Assumption College.  Classes are still a battle, but the work is starting to pay off, I just got the highest grade on my Theoretical Mechanics test.  Hockey has been going well, each practice the tempo picks up a little bit more.  You can really see the desires in the guys to have a great season this year.  I think back to the win against Oswego last year in play-offs and I'm excited to create new memories of this season with emotion behind them as that win had.  I think it’s safe to say its time to let the Blue Devils lose on this year’s competition.  

Bradley Nunn

Palmy can't wait for the weekend

Just finishing up breakfast club, first week of practice, time winding down until game day, midterm grades getting posted. This week was a battle. It was a good one though, seeing the boys battling, OC tossing the body around, everyone keeping their feet moving through drills. Assumption has no idea what their in for. Its our barn, our game. Going 110% for 60 full minutes. We're not going to give up. I cannot wait for the weekend to come. It makes it hard to focus on school a bit when you have the home opener just around the corner. Cannot slack off. The boys will be prepared to battle Friday and Saturday. FSUFTW.

Palmy

Defending Steele Hall is Sanborn's priority

We are already at the half way point of the semester and midterm grades are just about to be released.  The boys could not be happier than to finally be practicing everyday with the coaches now.  The first couple of practices have been nothing short of intense, a great starting point for our team but we know that the sky is the limit with this group of guys.  As the first week of practices is coming to an end, all the boys are anxiously awaiting the home opening weekend vs. Assumption and can’t wait to finally play a game in Steele Hall in a Blue Devils jersey.  The most important thing this weekend is making sure we defend our home ice and come away with nothing less than 2 huge W’s to start the season of right!

            Bill Sanborn

The Grinch on how time flies

Being a senior sure is a different feeling. It seems surreal that this will be the last season I play hockey. I started playing when I was 4 years old and now 20 years later my career is coming to a close. I can't believe how time flies by, it seems like just yesterday I was walking on campus for the first time and meeting Coach Meredith. This year it is time we take another step forward and win the SUNYAC Championship. Every year since I have been at Fredonia we have moved forward. My freshman year we missed the playoffs and had a very tough season. Sophomore year we made it to the playoffs and had a home playoff game. Last season we became the first ever six seed to make it to the league finals. This year however I think we have the mix to take it one step further and win the league and grab an automatic bid to the NCAA. I am very excited to get the season going this Friday, and I know the rest of the boys are too!

Kody Van Rentergem

Rosser develops a sweet tooth learning to skate

When I was very young my dad built a rink in our backyard. Every day he would take me out to the rink and set me down on the ice and  I would not move even one inch. After numerous threats directed at me to move around I still did not budge. So eventually he put 2 chairs at opposite ends of the rink and would place an M&M on one seat and then put one on the opposite chair. My love for M&M's at the time forced me to skate back and fourth to receive the chocolate prize at each end of the rink. That is how I learned to skate.

#7 Bryan Ross

Same old Daver ... just 'bringing it'....this time as assistant coach

WOW! Does it ever feel great to be back on the ice, and in the swing of things with the all of the boys.  As the first weekend of the season is fast approaching, everyone has been extremely hard at work on and off the ice.  Not only have the boys been preparing themselves physically getting “shredded” in the gym, but as we have begun practice everyone has been focused, intense, and has had a high level of energy.  

I can say I’m very excited to see what the 2011-2012 Blue Devils, are going to bring at 7:00 p.m. on Friday night at Steele Hall.  This year personally for me, feels a bit different then past years. As for the last 3 years I have suited up as # 29 every Friday and Saturday night, however this Friday I will be trading in my skates and gloves, for a suit and a clipboard, as I begin my new role of student assistant coach. As my NCAA eligibility ran out at the end of last year, I still needed a year of school to finish my degree, and there was no way I could stand on the sidelines, and not be involved in the program. So far I have been having a lot of fun working with the guys, Coach Meredith, and Coach T.J.  It’s interesting being on the other side of things, but none the less, I am loving every second of it and I can’t wait for Friday night and the boys to set the tone.  Because no one comes into our barn and…………  I don’t want to spoil it.  I guess you’ll find out the rest on Friday night!

Dave Ridos

Nosky recaps Game Week - Day 1

Right in the middle of a very busy day, had the first day of breakfast club this morning. Running twice a week on the treadmill at 6 AM isn't much fun but, it will help my endurance for games. We had our team testing today right after breakfast club and then classes straight till 6 PM. Cant wait till football tonight to sit down, relax and get ready for Tuesday.

Muhser pumped about Friday night

Yesterday, I found myself thinking about how far into the semester we were and I couldn't believe that it is almost time for Halloween already.  Last week, we ended captains skates on a good note with a real intense practice which poured over into Saturday.  I thought skating multiple times throughout the day was a good test and everyone put in a great day of work.  It's now Monday morning and I am still a bit sore still from Saturday but after a year off, any feelings of physical soreness are easily trumped by feelings of excitement just to be playing hockey again.  I hope we have a real solid week of practice and I am eager to start picking up the pace even more in order to get ready for Friday night.  For now, I'll be counting down the days till then, but I looking forward to great start to the season.  Feels good to be back boys.

Muhser

Junior, John O'Connor glad that it's finally hockey season

Captions practice ended this past Friday on a great note (an intense quadruple overtime scrimmage that ended in a 4-4 tie) that being said the day we had all been waiting for in anticipation of the season has finally come and gone (Oct 15th).  It was great to finally have our first day of practices, from the looks of things all the hard work the boys put in over the summer as well as since we’ve been back has paid off.  Personally I’m more excited now after seeing everyone working so hard and buying into the systems day one.

    This week is going to be very demanding for myself, as we have our first full week of practice fitness testing at 7am Monday morning and 3 exams.  I’m very grateful to have Sunday off to relax in preparation for this coming week, it gave me the opportunity to catch up on some much needed rest after yesterday.  Being a junior I now understand the importance of making sure I eat right and get plenty of sleep in order to stay healthy and energized for the season.

OC
    

Perks turning lemons into lemonade

Now that we are starting our seventh week of school, everyone has become seemingly more comfortable and adapted to the pace of things here at Fredonia. I can see guys coming into their own, both on and off the ice and the formation of another great Fredonia State hockey team is well under way. On a personal note, after battling a foot injury for much of the first month, I am now back on the ice and in the weight room for full participation. During my time out with my injury, I took every opportunity to not fall behind and I feel like it has payed off in my first couple weeks back on the ice. Overall, it feels great to be back on the ice with the boys, and I am looking forward to another exciting season.
Alex Perkins

'Chalkie looking forward to the start of the year

The last couple weeks have been a bit rough. I have been pretty sick and not able to do anything. Its driving me crazy not being at the rink everyday. I lost about 12lbs which I cant afford to do. I'm finally feeling better and looking forward to the season starting. I can't believe the season is only 7 days away. It will be great to start practicing with the coaches today and start the grind of the season. School this year has been a lot more demanding. I have spent more time in the library this year than I ever have before. Hopefully it pays off. I wish I was going back to Michigan but Fredonia isn't a bad place to relax. The long weekend will give me the chance to catch up on school work and sleep. Advanced conditioning is finally over. Coach had a few tricks up his sleeve this year in advanced conditioning and he really got the best of us. I've got 3 of my 4 years of it done now. Only one more to go.

 

Rob Michalka

Gonna be busy till Christmas

The pace of things really started picking up.  We finished our Advance Conditioning classes and are getting closer to the start of our season.  We have a much needed break coming up and I'm looking forward to heading home for some home cooked food and a break from school.  Even though a lot of the boys are leaving campus most of us will still be together in buffalo.  Once this break is over we won't have time for anything but school and hockey until about Christmas time so I plan to take full advantage of my break and get ready for the start of our season which is only a few short weeks away.

Tyler Matecki

Willy on battling physics and sleeping in

Its currently 10:09 pm and I'm sitting in the library with Muhs battling with some physics homework. We're losing our minds so I need to take a little break get my mind off of school for a little bit so what better way to than to write this blog. Every week seems like it blurs together these past couple weeks due to some long hours in the lib... they've been taking a toll. I cant wait until the season starts I've been counting down the days until I'm back in a Blue Devil jersey. Advance Conditioning class just ended with the good old beep test, boy oh boy was that a battle. I'm sad to see Advance Conditioning go but happy that for the first time in my career I will not be attending breakfast club. For those of you wondering what breakfast club is it means that for people that don't complete the 2-mile run in under 13:00 min they have to be in the gym by 5:55 am to do cardio for 45 mins. So for the first time I can sleep in rather than waking up that early, all thanks to a 12:59 min 2-mile :)


Will McLaughlin

Mules says....Islanders maybe but probably not

Just got done with our last Advanced Conditioning class today, and everyone is going different places for fall break gearing up for the season to start. Happy to say that I made the two mile and won't be attending breakfast club again this year. The NHL also starts this week and all the boys are pumped up for that, they will all get to see the Islanders hoist the cup this season, (Probably not) but they are looking pretty solid this season.

Brett Mueller

Monfredo follows Christ to winning time

I finally am starting to adapt to the college life, fitting in studying, hockey, and even fitting in time to hang out with the guys.  This past week we had to run a 2 mile test for class and had to pass it in 13 min.  Over the summer I tried it and got 14:30 so going into it I was a little nervous.  As it came time to running it I just picked a guy who I knew would make it, Andrew Christ, and I just followed behind him passing the test with a time of 12:54.  Now that Advanced Conditioning class is over with I can't wait for the regular season to start and get back into the swing of hockey.  I am excited to see what the season has in store for us.

Melky runs the show in FIFA tourney

After being in Fredonia for over a month now I'm starting to get used to things both school wise and hockey. I have gone through my first set of exams and now I know how what to expect for tests here at Fredonia. (I could have stood to study for the first set of exams a little more I found out).  Staying on top of things and getting all the work done isn't as overwhelming as it was when I first started school. We have "fall break" coming up this week which happens to fall on Canadian Thanksgiving which is nice because when I'm home I will get my share of turkey. Hockey has been getting more intense as October 15th nears when the coaches are allowed on the ice. I have been in a couple battles in practice but, after the ice time its all back to normal and smiles in the locker room. I get my first set of college equipment tomorrow and I'm sure it will feel like Christmas which is pretty exciting. Other than that I look forward to starting the season off on opening weekend October 22nd and I feel our team will do really well this year.

P.S the freshman started a FIFA soccer tournment on Xbox and I think I need some better competition...

Cory Melkert

Bellzy and the boys ready for some 'meat grinders'

With the temperature getting lower and lower everyday, you can feel the beginning of the hockey season at your doorstep.  I feel we are making great progress in our captain skates and off ice workouts.  This past week, I had three tests on back-to-back-to-back days which made me spend a lot of extra time in Reed.  With the season right around the corner,  we have to put some final touches on getting all the little details right which I know we will as a team and get a great jump to the beginning of the season.  There is no doubt in my mind we are going to be ready mentally and physically for some "SUNYAC meat-grinders."  Last day of advanced conditioning tomorrow and finishing strong.
Bellzy #24  

Transitioning from juniors to college getting easier

Excited for the fast upcoming season, can't wait to see how the transition from junior to college hockey is on the ice as well as the student body atmosphere at the games. As a freshman, getting used to the homework as well as hockey has been a big adjustment but has really started to come around and has become a lot easier. Looking forward to a nice Canadian Thanksgiving this weekend!

Brian Doust

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving...Amanda's got it covered

Things have been good here in Fredonia. Course work has been starting to pick up, but I feel like I am on top of things. Another great year of advanced conditioning class is coming to an end. We have been working very hard in the gym and on the ice, preparing for this season. I can't wait for all the work I have put in over the summer and up until now to pay off come the end of the month. The atmosphere in the room is one of anticipation and excitement as we near our first game, and I have been been spending some time mentally preparing for the battles this season will bring. On a lighter note, I'm excited for the upcoming break this weekend, and I am looking forward to having all the Canadian boys to my place for some Canadian thanksgiving turkey. My girlfriend Amanda is a great cook, and it should be a good time! I'm looking forward to putting in some more work to learn and get better this week!

Hehrsy says everythings picking up except teammates NHL 12 skills

I am pretty happy that the two mile is over and done with and Advanced Conditioning is coming to a close here. It means that the season is that much closer and our first weekend is coming up very soon. School has picked up quite a bit, as I think it has for everyone. It does not even bother me though because I know the puck drops soon. Starting my third year here makes it seem like time has just flown bye. We all know that we need to have a big start to the year, especially the returning guys. I am excited to see our freshman in a game, they show real promise. Although I am hoping Matecki and Monfredo don't play real hockey like they play NHL 12 or else I'll have to feel real bad for Freezer back there. 

Hehrsy

Junger itching to strap them on for real

I am now starting to get into the thick of things with my school work last week with two big midterms. I spent countless hours in the library preparing for my first stats test of the year which I can honestly say is probably my least favorite class so far here at Fredonia. I am just crossing my fingers that I pulled it off and did well, I guess we will see later on this week.

Last week we also had our big, two mile run. I am proud to say that I have made it now three consecutive years... just one more to go! We are now getting so close to when the real season begins it hard to not just want the next week or so to fly by and the 15th to get here already. That is when the real fun begins and all our hard work off the ice this summer is worth while. It will be exciting to get everyone on the ice together and see where everything fits into place with the new faces and the seniors from last year gone. It is the best time of the year and I cannot wait for it to finally be time to strap on the skates once again for a new season.

Chris Jung

Holly on hanging banners and crowded libraries

The longest 13 minutes of this year are over. We are almost finished with our Advanced Conditioning classes and we are all excited because that means our season is just around the corner. We have Fall break coming up this weekend and then we are right to business the following weekend. Everyone is ramping it up in captains skates looking for that one more gear to lead us into our first official weekend. Once we hit October 15 it will be pedal to the floor with no stopping until we hang that Championship banner in Steele hall in 2012.

 

We are also at that point in the semester where everyone is starting to get into midterm exams, so the library is usually pretty crowded with our boys every night. The break this up-coming weekend will be good to have some time away from the classrooms, but I am sure everybody is as anxious as I am for us to get our season under way.

 

Jeff Holloway

Freshman, Declan Gunovski is optimistic

The past week has been tough with classes and hockey and the weathers been brutal but I couldn't be happier to be here.  We're all working hard and we want to win and it's shown in our work ethic in the conditioning and practice sessions.  We're going to make some noise this year .

Declan Gunovsk

Captain Bryan Ross chimes in

As the leaves on the trees start to change I can not even put into words the anticipation I begin to feel for our teams first game, two weeks from today. We have been working smarter then we ever have before. Many of our workouts and skates have been designed for quick and explosive movements for a short duration of time, just like a shift on the ice. The freshmen seem to be adapting to the student aspect of college very well with many sightings in the school library and in study hall. Good job guys keep it up!

Bryan Ross  

No Breakfast Club for Coz this year

It's almost October now and that means the season is right around the corner.  Easy to see the excitement start to ramp up, especially during captain's practice, as guys are beginning to realize they need to compete more and more each day.  I think everyone is ready for October 15th to get here.  Classes are going well, can't believe midterms are coming up so soon, before we know it we'll be heading home for Christmas break.  

Nice to at least be back in a routine although for some reason I felt like I had a lot more free time my first two years here.  Other than that things are pretty regular so far... weather is surprisingly nice, it hasn't even rained that much so far.  Just had the dreaded 2 mile test yesterday and advanced conditioning will nearly be over after that.  I have no intentions of being a first-time Breakfast Club member, but I'll let you know how that plays out next time you hear from me.

Cossie

Christer's thoughts on school and practice

It's now been over a month since the boys have now been back at school studying hard to be the lucky one honored by a spot on the Academic Excellence plaque in the locker room. Besides us working hard in the classroom, we've been out on the ice throwing hits and chucking sauce around three days a week. Our captain, Bryan Ross has been running us through great, game like drills, getting us prepped for the season. Today is our grueling, timed 2 mile test. The talk in the locker room is that most all of the guys are feeling pretty confident going into it this year. With all that said, I cant wait for October 15 to come around.

Andrew Christ

Beware of North Adams...........

This past week of classes have gone well.  Got the first few college tests out of the way and am getting used to going back to school.  The hockey is really starting to pick up.  There has definitely been more intensity this past week and the pace is really starting to pick up.  Getting ready for that official start date of October 15th.  And the North Adams workout we did was the hardest one we've done here.  Everyone got through it and worked together.

Stephen Castriota

Freshman, Ian Ellenberger off the bike and back on the ice

As each week passes here at Fredonia, it's beginning to feel more and more like home. The first game against Assumption will be here in no time. Time is passing by a lot quicker with how busy my schedule has been. As the adjustment of getting back into classroom has been pretty smooth, getting back to skating with the guys after having minor off-season surgery has been the highlight of my week. It's been great to finally get off the stationary bike and start to get into the swing of things with the team on the ice, as I haven't been able to really skate and work out with the team since the beginning of school. With the help of the trainers and the team doctor, I will be back to 100% in no time.

Ian Ellenberger

Eddy know the start is near

Now that we are wrapping up the first month of school it seems all the boys have settled into some routines with classes and school work. Its nice having Freeze in a couple of my business classes for support and studying with Nunner in the Lib makes me get work done.. When he's not looking up Hall of Fame wrestlers and laughing hysterically. Advanced Conditioning has been tough as usual but its nice to see all the boys picking up the intensity as the season nears. The weather is cooling down and the skates are becoming real fast paced. We all can't wait for the Hockey season to start for real.

Ryan Edens

Freeze trying to push it over the top

It feels great to have a few weeks of school out of the way, although things are starting to pick up with tests and everything coming up. I feel fairly settled into a routine now, and am enjoying my time here in Fredonia. I have been really impressed with the hard work of our team during our advanced conditioning classes. Yesterday we finished our North Adams series, and I was proud of the effort we all put in! I'm excited to see our hard work pay off come October. Ice times as a team have been great, and it has been good to have some time to get a feel for each other as players. We are a close group of guys, and we are getting better each week. It has been a good first month here, and I sense a feeling of increased energy and work ethic as we near our first game together. Each day I look up at the banner that reads "Sunyac Finals," and am reminded of how close we came last year. We are determined to be champions this year, and the disappointment I felt is still very fresh in my mind. I see us being a very dangerous contender this year and I can't wait to get the season going.

Mark Friesen

Workloads both on and off the ice for Junior, Ben Waldman

Can’t believe we are four weeks into school now and it feels like we all just arrived yesterday. It is nice to be back with the boys after a long summer, even though it feels like fall already outside. School is getting a little hectic as teachers start piling on the work loads, going to be a long semester ahead. But going on the ice makes it a little better. Can't wait for the season to start its going to be an exciting year with a lot of new freshman. Hopefully we can keep the momentum from last year and go a little further.

Ben Waldman

Junior, Engineering Major, Brad Nunn anxious to get going

Week four is pulling to a close and it’s already time to put your hard hats on.  School is very demanding right now, spending a lot of time in the library, but there is always a bunch of the guys in attendance to keep in entertaining. 

            This is my second week on the ice; it’s great to see all the familiar faces wheeling around.  There are a lot of new guys this year, still trying to figure out what their favorite moves are.  Perkins is out for two more weeks from a broken foot, but that has not stopped him from working on his hands every time I see him.  He is looking to make the move to play maker this year. 

Although the start to this year has been a battle, I’m very anxious and excited for the weeks to come.  4 more weeks till camp.

Bradley Nunn

Muhser and the boys grinding it out

The first few weeks of school have been awesome, with the exception of school work starting to pick up of course.  But it feels great to be back with the boys, especially being back on the ice with everyone.  Advanced Conditioning class has been a battle and everyone seems to be working real hard so far this year.  I got a real good feeling about this group of guys and hopefully we can transition to the regular season smoothly with no major injuries (I am keeping my fingers crossed) or other problems and have a quick start to the season! 

Looking forward to grinding it out with everyone the next few weeks.

Junior, Defenseman, Ken Nosky looking back and excited about future

We're a couple weeks into school now and it’s hard to believe I’m in the second half of my college career already.  It’s a little weird looking around the locker room for some of the upperclassmen I have grown to rely on and it’s the freshmen and sophomores from when I was a freshyman. Looking back I wouldn’t change a thing, but this year is different. I want that title and I want to see nationals. School is the main priority here but don’t get me wrong hockey is a very close second.
Our team took a couple big hits losing key players to graduation last year and they will be missed. Watching what the freshman are bringing to the team has been surprising and exciting, as they look to be good additions to the line-up. All in all I believe we're in for an exciting year and I can’t wait to have the opportunity to be a part of the Blue Devil Hockey team. Also I can’t wait for the Sabres to win the Stanley cup this year.
Ken Nosky

Senior, Bill Sanborn says the guys are in full swing

As the first month of school is rapidly coming to an end, all the guys seem to have settled in really well.  It has been great seeing all the guys after a long summer and a great opportunity to meet all the freshmen.  All the freshmen seem to fit in great with the returning guys, which makes everyone extremely excited for the upcoming year.  Classes have been going well to this point and I’m excited to see how it turns out.  Advanced Conditioning and skating a couple times a week has been in full swing the past couple of weeks, guys have been working extremely hard to continually get better every day.   Stay Classy Fredonia!

Bill Sanborn

Freshman, Jared Wynia can't wait for the season to begin

It's been a couple weeks now and I'm starting to get more and more settled into the college atmosphere as each day goes by. The practices and off-ice conditioning have been great for the team and all the guys are looking excited to start the season off on a strong note. Feels great to be back on the ice. I'm looking forward to seeing how the team keeps improving everyday and working towards the end result. Can't wait for the season to start!

Jared Wynia

Perks pumped to be back

Its great to be back in Fredonia for another year of school and hockey. Although it took a couple days, I feel fully adjusted and back in the swing of things. Coming off a great playoff run last February, its very exciting to get back to the rink and see the boys, and with a new talented freshman class as well as a solid veteran group, I hope for big things this upcoming season. Overall, its great to be back and I am very excited for the upcoming hockey season and school year.

Alex Perkins

Palmy enjoying the start of sophomore year

Three weeks in, and everything seems to be back to routine. With advanced conditioning, classes, and hanging with the boys, things are just like they were last year. The new freshman seem cool, but I'm still missing all the seniors from last year. This year I think our squad will go far. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what happens in the future this season with our team, keeping my fingers crossed for that SUNYAC title, even 'nattys'.

Right now I have a totally different mindset towards school, with getting average marks in the classroom all of last year things are going to be different this year. A little pressure from the old man never hurts too. I have high hopes for myself to contribute, as well as my team mates with going 11 straight semesters with the best grades of all men's sports teams. 

Life outside of school is no different, with OC hanging out with... (well we don't need to mention names), me 'dummying' eddy in NHL on the Xbox in our spare time, the boys and their girlfriends and what not coughcoughfreezeandcoz...we don't need to get into any more details, but things seem to be rolling smoothly.

With advanced conditioning kicking everyone into shape, captain skates seeing everyone flying around, the boys doing their thing, this year is going to be a good one.

Palmy

OC back in the groove

It feels great to be back in Fredonia!  It’s good to see all the boys again, and nice to meet the freshmen who all seem like great guys and have already made a smooth transition into the room.  Starting our third week of classes, I think all the boys are back in the swing of thing as far as hockey and school are concerned.  Personally I feel junior year is off to a great start, my roommate Chalky (Rob Michalka) and I are enjoying out new apartment in Park Place its certainly a big step up from the dorms, I have to say I am a bit surprised in how neat we’ve been able to keep it, although it does tend to get a little messy when Palmy (Tyler Palmerton)stops by.

Advanced conditioning is also going well, as tough as it is everyone understands its importance and has been giving it 110%.  It seems to me that the intensity in captions practice as well as advanced conditioning get amped up as the season nears and excitement for the upcoming year grows.  Until next time… Go Blue Devils!!!