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BND falls to Skaneateles in hockey state semifinal

By Howard B. Owens
batavia notre dame united hockey state semifinals

Batavia Notre Dame United's historic season—a sectional title and 22 wins—came to a disappointing end in the state semifinals of hockey in Buffalo on Saturday.

United lost to Skaneateles, the defending Division II champions, 7-2.

Photos by Erin Staley.

batavia notre dame united hockey state semifinals
batavia notre dame united hockey state semifinals
batavia notre dame united hockey state semifinals
batavia notre dame united hockey state semifinals
batavia notre dame united hockey state semifinals
batavia notre dame united hockey state semifinals
batavia notre dame united hockey state semifinals

Motyka's overtime goal sends BND United to state final four tournament

By Steve Ognibene
Jameson Motyka scores a goal in the second period.  Motyka added two more goals go get the hat-trick including the game winner in overtime.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Jameson Motyka scores a goal in the second period.  Motyka added two more goals to get the hat-trick including the game winner in overtime.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene

The third goal, the hat-trick for Jameson Motyka, was the game-winner in overtime for Batavia Notre Dame United in its regional state qualifier at RIT on Saturday.

United beat Kenmore 3-2 to advance to the state semifinal game on Saturday at Harbor Center in Buffalo. Game time is 2 p.m.

BND had a chance to jump to an early lead when Kenmore got into penalty trouble in the first period, at times, being down by two men, and while United managed 14 shots, none made it into the net.

The game was scoreless after the first period of play.

Kenmore took the lead midway into the second period and then with three minutes left, United tied it up on a pass from Noah Whitcomb to Sam Pies to Jameson Motyka.   

In the third, United took a penalty with eight minutes remaining in the game, and Kenmore scored shortly after to lead 2-1.  With 1:48 left, Motyka netted his second goal with assists to Whitcomb and Brady Johnson to send it into overtime.  

Motyka's game-winning goal came eight minutes into OT.

Coach Marc Staley praised his team for its second straight post-season OT effort.

"I can't be more proud of this team," Staley said. "These kids are the most resilient team I have ever had the pleasure of coaching. They believe in each other. They commit 100 percent to the systems and structure we have laid out. They play for each other. They love each other, and they just never get rattled.

"The support we have received from the community has been overwhelming," he added. "Truly overwhelming. Local businesses, our youth hockey program here in Batavia, the entire staff at the McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena, family, friends, alumni, you name it. There are so many people along for the ride with these kids right now. It's a 'feel good"' story for Batavia, and nobody wants it to end. One way or the other, it's going to end this weekend."

The win put United in rarified company in high school hockey, Staley noted.

"There are only four teams in New York State still playing hockey right now, and we are one of them," Staley said. "I feel in my heart that nobody deserves this more than these kids do. I do know one thing: whatever happens this weekend, we are coming to play. We are not afraid. We're going for it."

BND will play its semifinal game against Skaneateles. That team is the defending state champion and is 22-1 on the season. United, which won its first Section V title this season, is 22-2.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Sam Pies shoots a puck just wide in the first period.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Sam Pies shoots a puck just wide in the first period.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Ivan Milovidov crosses the blue line going to the net. Photo by Steve Ognibene
Ivan Milovidov crosses the blue line going to the net. 
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Brady Johnson on the attack for BND United.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Brady Johnson on the attack for BND United.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Young hockey fans of BND United showing support with wigs and signs.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Young hockey fans of BND United showing support with wigs and signs.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Post celebration of BND United.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Post-game celebration of BND United.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene

BND wins first Section V title as a unified program 3-2 in overtime

By Steve Ognibene
BND United first ever Section V, Class B championship after three years as a unified program.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
BND United's first-ever Section V, Class B championship after three years as a unified program.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene

Batavia Notre Dame, a merged hockey team in its third year as a united unit, won its first Section V Class B championship Monday in dramatic fashion -- pulling out an overtime victory.

United struck first in the first period. 

Brennen Pedersen came off the bench to keep the puck from crossing the blue line for offsides, taking a pass from Jameson Motyka and opening up the scoring for United 1-0 with seven minutes left in the opening period.

Nine minutes into the second period, Ivan Milovidov scored unassisted, which gave United a 2-0 lead.  

Webster Thomas cut the lead by one goal, scoring with four minutes left in the period to make it 2-1.

In the third period, after two penalty kills, United maintained the lead with under four minutes left. Webster Thomas scored again to tie the game 2-2 and send it into overtime.

In overtime, each squad had opportunities until Joe DiRisio scored the game-winner on a rebound to give BND the Class B title.  

BND United had 34 shots on goal.  Rhys Tanner made 32 saves for United.

Section V awards were given to Joe DiRisio, named MVP, and Ivan Milovidov, player of the game.

United moves on to the Regional round versus Kenmore East at Noon on Saturday at RIT.

Coach Marc Staley said he told his team going into overtime to take a couple of deep breaths and go out and do what they've done all year, to trust the process.

"This game could have gone either way," Staley said. "I mean, their goalie made some great saves. Our goalie made some great saves. We ended up getting a loose puck in front of the net, and we banged it home. That's how it goes."

He added, "You know, you get a little luck when you need it.  We got a little luck when we needed it."

DiRisio, who scored the winning goal, credited the win to the close bond between team members.

"We just stayed together, really, DiRisio said. "We're brothers. We're family. We love each other. And we knew we had to stay level for it. I feel like being level mentally is 80 percent of the game. It's just it's huge."

The win, making history for the program, was a magical moment, he said.

"Obviously, it's history. It's kind of a numbing feeling because you're just so excited; at least, I am. It's just, it's incredible. It really is."

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Joe DiRisio taking a shot on net.  DiRisio scored the game winning goal in overtime.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Joe DiRisio taking a shot on net.  DiRisio scored the game winning goal in overtime.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Ivan Milovidov escaping a forecheck going toward the goalkeeper.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Ivan Milovidov escapes a forecheck going toward the goalkeeper.  Milovidov scored the second goal for BND.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
#18 Brennan Pedersen gave BND the lead on a shot from the blue line.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Brennen Pedersen gave BND the lead on a shot from the blue line. 
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
Orion Lama setting up a pass to teammate Brady Johnson.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Orion Lama setting up a pass to teammate Brady Johnson.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Sam Pies entering the zone setting up a play.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Sam Pies entering the zone setting up a play.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
United's bench celebration after winning the game in overtime.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
United's bench celebration after winning the game in overtime.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Players from BND United raising the Class B Section V trophy.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Players from BND United raising the Class B Section V trophy.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene

Police vs. Fire hockey game raises $2,660 for McCarthy Foundation

By Staff Writer
batavia police vs. fire hockey

In a charity hockey game on Sunday at the David M. McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena, Batavia PD beat the City Fire Department pretty handily, 11-3, but more importantly, 598 people attended, and the event raised $2,660 for the David M. McCarthy Memorial Foundation.

Photos by Philip Casper.

batavia police vs. fire hockey
batavia police vs. fire hockey
batavia police vs. fire hockey
batavia police vs. fire hockey
batavia police vs. fire hockey
batavia police vs. fire hockey
batavia police vs. fire hockey

Dozens of kids participate in Try Hockey for Free on Saturday at The McCarthy

By Press Release
try hockey for free batavia 2024

Press release:

The Genesee Amateur Hockey Association hosted 37 registered youngsters as well as five “walk-ins” at the David McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena on Evans Street on Saturday for a Try Hockey For Free Event as part of “USA Hockey  Week  Across  America,” which was celebrated at 285  ice areas across the entire United States.   

Starting at 10:40 a.m. and going until noon, local youth, ages 4 to 9, were welcomed at the rink to experience getting on the ice, learning how to “skate”, getting up after falling, basic skills with a hockey stick and shooting punks into a hockey net (all by being guided by the head coach and on-ice helpers).  This year, the youngsters had the experience of shooting on actual goalies. 

“We welcomed families to McCarthy Ice Rink from Batavia, Buffalo, Byron, Corfu, LeRoy, Nunda, East Bethany, Alexander, Byron, Brockport, Albion, Wyoming, Rochester, and Elba to try our great sport of ice hockey,” said Sharon Gray, coordinator of the “Try Hockey for Free” event. “Our goal is for these families to enjoy watching their kids learn new skills with big smiles on their faces and for the youngsters the on-ice experience.”

The head coaches for today’s event were Tim Sprague and Dan Calkins – both with more than 30 years plus starting out as GAHA players, high school players and GAHA coaches over the years.  Most of the on-ice helpers were from this year’s Batavia-Notre Dame United high school team along with their coaches – Marc Staley and John Kirkwood.  

The youngsters were excited to be coached, aided and skating with these local athletes. Also on the ice were coaches and players from the GAHA organization.  The beginning of the event featured the playing of the National Anthem, and the little people stood so proudly alongside the BND players!

The event is hosted by Try Hockey for Free Coordinators, Sharon and Bob Gray,  and the GAHA Beginner Player Coordinator,  Marcia Barnes, on behalf of the Genesee Amateur Hockey Association, which provided the ice, and the McCarthy rink staff, Katie Murray (general manager), Matt Gray (rink operating manager), and their staff.  

It is the team’s goal to provide the hockey experience to area youngsters free of charge and encourage them in  October to become a player in the GAHA Beginner Program, which starts the first week of October.  The Beginner Program consists of two sessions (October to December and January to March) with a total of 15 on-ice hours per session.

The skates used by the youngsters were provided “free of charge” by the McCarthy Rink  Management Group.

USA Hockey’s Try Hockey program, with the support of the National Hockey League and NHL member clubs, among others, is designed to provide youth hockey associations with a national platform for introducing children to the sport, free of charge.  Pure Hockey (sponsor of USA Hockey) provided free USA Try Hockey jerseys to each child.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS:  THE NEXT THFF EVENT WILL BE THE FIRST SATURDAY OF NOVEMBER 2024!!!

Photos by Howard Owens.

try hockey for free batavia 2024
try hockey for free batavia 2024
try hockey for free batavia 2024
try hockey for free batavia 2024
try hockey for free batavia 2024
try hockey for free batavia 2024
try hockey for free batavia 2024

BND gets semifinal win in Class B hockey

By Howard B. Owens
batavia notre dame united hockey

Batavia Notre Dame United moved one step closer to a Section V title in hockey, winning the Class B semifinal over Canandaigua on Wednesday 5-4.

Scoring:

  • Jameson Motyka scored two times and had one assist
  • Ivan Milovidov scored two times and had one assist
  • Brady Johnson scored once and added one assist.
  • Orian Lama had two assists

Goalie Rhys Tanner made 18 saves on 22 shots.

Mason Smith had 2 goals and 1 assist for Canandaigua.  

While United managed 40 shots in the game, Canandaigua goalie Charlie Fuller stopped 35.

United will play for the Class B title on Monday at 5:30 p.m. at RIT against Webster Thomas.

Photos by Pete Welker.

batavia notre dame united hockey
batavia notre dame united hockey
batavia notre dame united hockey
batavia notre dame united hockey
batavia notre dame united hockey
batavia notre dame united hockey
batavia notre dame united hockey
batavia notre dame united hockey
batavia notre dame united hockey

BND United hockey opens up sectionals with 6-1 over Geneseo

By Steve Ognibene
Ivan Milovidov receives a pass from Jameson Motyka for a goal in the second period.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Ivan Milovidov receives a pass from Jameson Motyka for a goal in the second period.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene

Batavia Notre Dame United opened sectional play on Thursday as the #1 seed in Class B and came away with the expected victory over Geneseo/Avon/Livonia.

United (19-2) won 6-1 at the David M. McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena.

United scored first on a pass by Jake Hutchins and Orion Lama to Ivan Milovidov. 

Five goals in the second period gave United a 6-0 lead.

Three goals were scored by Ivan Milovidov, giving him more than 100 career points.

Brady Johnson and Jake Hutchins also scored.

Goaltender Rhys Tanner lost his shot at a shutout when Matt Mulvaney scored for Geneseo with four minutes left in the game.

United plays next Wednesday at home against #5 seed Canandaigua. The game time has not yet been announced.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Joe DiRisio taking a shot on goal from the side boards.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Joe DiRisio taking a shot on goal from the sideboards. 
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
Jake Hutchins on the faceoff.  Hutchins scored a goal and an assist in United's win.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Jake Hutchins on the faceoff.  Hutchins scored a goal and an assist in United's win.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Jemeson Motyka approaching to shoot on net.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Jemeson Motyka approaching to shoot on net.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Will Stevens on the doorstep to score.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Will Stevens on the doorstep to score.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
One of many BND United celebrations on six goals scored at the game.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
One of many BND United celebrations on six goals scored at the game.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene

Try Hockey for Free program coming to McCarthy Ice Arena Feb. 24

By Press Release
try-hockey-for-free-3.jpg

Press Release:

Genesee Amateur Hockey Association (GAHA) invites children to the David M. McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena on Evans Street on Saturday, Feb. 24 for a Try Hockey For Free clinic as part of Hockey Week Across America. 

 Starting at 10:40 a.m. to Noon local youth, ages 4 to 9, are encouraged to experience ice hockey for the first time and learn the basic skills in a fun, safe environment.

“We look forward to welcoming families to David M. McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena to try our great sport of ice hockey for free,” said Sharon Gray, Event Coordinator. “Our goal is for these families to enjoy watching their kids learn new skills with big smiles on their faces.” 

USA Hockey’s Try Hockey program, with the support of the National Hockey League and NHL member clubs, among others, is designed to provide youth hockey associations with a national platform for introducing children to the sport, free of charge.

All your youngster needs is a helmet (bike or sports) and winter gloves. Skates are available at the Rink free of charge (due to the generous offering of the David McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena). The GAHA organization does have some used hockey helmets available for the event as well as a few hockey sticks.

Players in attendance will be given a free hockey jersey to take home. To register for this Try Hockey For Free event, please visit www.TryHockeyForFree.com (Use zip code 14020).

For more information, please contact Sharon at svgray@rochester.rr.com or 585-344-2248 (Coordinator for Try Hockey For Free).

Submitted photos

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try-hockey-for-free-2.jpg

Batavia-Notre Dame United 'exorcises demon,' defeats Victor Blue Devils 4-2

By Howard B. Owens
Sam Pies scored off the faceoff early in the third period to give the United a 3-1 lead.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Sam Pies scored off the faceoff early in the third period to give the United a 3-1 lead.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene

The past few seasons, it's been a struggle for Batavia-Notre Dame United against Victor, pernnially one of the toughest teams to beat in New York.

"They're one of the best-coached teams that we played against all season," said United's head coach, Marc Staley. "So it's a very emotional game, always with them. And I think for our kids, especially tonight, we probably were more emotional than we should have been. Just because it is Victor. It's sort of a mental block, you know, that we had to get over that hump. They've beaten us now five times in a row, combined score of 25 to four. So, for us to be able to turn it around tonight with a 4-2 win, it's sort of like exorcising the demon a little bit."

The Victor Blue Devils opened the scoring at the David M. McCarthy Memorial Arena with a goal in the first period, but United -- starting with a Sam Pies to Jameson Motyka to Brady Johnson goal a minute later -- went on an unanswered three-goal run to put them up 3-1 entering the final period.

"We went down by one, so we had to get one back," Johnson said. "We had to get pucks on the net. We knew that shots win games. So, every shot is a goal-scoring opportunity. So that's just what we're looking to do."

In the second period, the game got intense with shots on goal from both sides. United overcame back-to-back penalties but then went on the powerplay with two minutes left. Brady Johnson scored his second goal of the game in the high slot from a pass by Joe DiRisio to take a 2-1 lead after two periods of play.

In the third period, United was deep in Victor’s zone, taking a faceoff.  Sam Pies took a quick wrist shot off the faceoff draw and got shot past goalie Nate McBride.

Victor pulled back within a point in the third on a power play that Staley characterized as an undisciplined penalty, an example of letting emotions ride a little high.

"We know there is a very fine line between being a state top-ranked team and being just a good team," Staley said. "You have to stay out of the box. You have to be disciplined. You have to control your emotions. And you have to play through, weather the storm. You got to play through those tough moments, and we didn't do that as well tonight. I think we let them hang around. It ended up being a lot closer than I think it should have."

United added a bit of padding to their near the end of the game to seal the victory with a goal by Jameson Motyka.

"I think we felt like we were in control of the game," Staley said. "Most of the game, we outshot them. I thought we had time of possession on them. I think they're one of the best teams that we've played so far this year."

Pies said he thought United's defensive play was key.

"We needed to be on the defensive side of the puck at all times and couldn't take no chances with the defense," Pies said. "Pinching had to be 100 percent. They couldn't have any odd-man rushes. We had to get pucks out when we needed to, and good thing we did that, and we got the win."

Steve Ognibene contributed to the reporting of this story. To view or purchase photos, click here

Jameson Motyka in Victor's red zone, looking to score.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Jameson Motyka in Victor's red zone, looking to score.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Brady Johnson and teammates celebrate his second goal of the game.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Brady Johnson and teammates celebrate his second goal of the game.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Ivan Milovidov on the doorstep of Victor's goalie.  United outshot Victor 39-32  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Ivan Milovidov is on the doorstep of Victor's goalie.  United outshot Victor 39-32  
Photo by Steve Ognibene.
Jake Hutchins coming down the side boards with teammate.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Jake Hutchins coming down the side boards with teammates.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Bench timeout by United.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Bench timeout by United.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene

CAN-USA and Batavia Community Schools Foundation team up for charity hockey game Feb. 4

By Press Release

Press Release:

CAN-USA Sports has teamed up with the Batavia Community Schools Foundation for their inaugural Blue vs White Charity Hockey Game. Sunday, Feb. 4 at 5 p.m. with doors opening at 4 p.m. at the David McCarthy Memorial Arena.

The game will feature local business owners, Batavia City School District Alumni, and local youth hockey leaders. 

“I think it is going to be a really fun event to see local leaders in our community go head-to-head in a game to raise money for the Foundation. Some of these players may be dusting off their skates from a time long ago and some will be showcasing their hockey skills in front of families, neighbors, and co-workers, but that gives you even more reason to come out and see them in action” – Marc Witt, General Manager & Ownership CAN-USA Sports (Batavia Muckdogs Baseball).

A full roster will be released at the event, but see below the current players signed up to participate:

  • Steve Pies, Owner – Max Pies Furniture & Batavia Hockey Alumni
  • Guy Pellegrino, Owner – Pellegrino Auto Sales & Notre Dame Hockey Alumni
  • Peter Corbelli – Member of the 1st Batavia Varsity Team
  • Pierce Corbelli – Batavia Hockey Alumni
  • Dan Calkins – 2006 Sectional Championship team & Batavia Alumni
  • Batavia City School District Faculty Members: Tom Ingalsbe, David Froese, Anthony Consiglio, and Deven Grimshaw.

If you or someone you know owns a local business who would like to help sponsor either or both of the events please contact Marc Witt, General Manager/Ownership – CAN-USA Sports, mwitt.canusa@gmail.com for opportunities. 

Tickets for the event start at just $10 with proceeds benefiting the Batavia Community Schools Foundations. Tickets can be bought online, here or in person at the David McCarthy Memorial Arena box office.

Younger hockey players get their own tournament for a change with inaugural Merry Mitemas event

By Howard B. Owens
Merry Mitemas Tournament 2023

The Merry Mitemas Tournament is underway at the David M. McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena in Batavia.

The inaugural tournament features 18 teams.  Four are from Batavia, with teams from as far away as Webster and Geneva, said Sharon Valyear-Gray, one of the tournament's organizers, along with her husband, Bob Gray, their daughter, Allyson Valyear, who is chair, and  Tim Sprague, Mite program team coordinator. 

"We wanted to give the little guys an experience that our older ones always get when they go to tournaments," Valyear-Gray said. "Several of the teams went to the Pittsburgh tournament on Veterans weekend. Most of them go to one or two (tournaments) in Rochester. We have three teams that are going to Lake Placid in March, which is really a neat experience for the kids. But the little ones just kind of get left behind."

Each team is guaranteed at least three games over the weekend.

The weekend will include a skate with Santa at noon on Sunday, followed by the championship game.

Photos by Howard Owens

Merry Mitemas Tournament 2023
Merry Mitemas Tournament 2023
Merry Mitemas Tournament 2023
Merry Mitemas Tournament 2023

Photos: Car Wash by Batavia Notre-Dame hockey, fundraising for tournaments

By Steve Ognibene
Members of BND Hockey team fundraiser today behind Notre-Dame High School until 2 p.m.
Members of BND Hockey team fundraiser today behind Notre-Dame High School until 2 p.m.

The Batavia Notre-Dame Hockey team is having a drive-thru car wash today behind Notre Dame High School parking lot, 206 Richmond Avenue until 2 p.m. to help fundraise for upcoming hockey tournaments.

Members of BND Hockey team fundraiser today behind Notre-Dame High School until 2 p.m.
Members of BND Hockey team fundraiser today behind Notre-Dame High School until 2 p.m.

Photos: Car Wash by Batavia Ramparts teams fundraising for tournaments

By Steve Ognibene
hockey 1
Batavia Ramparts Pee Wee III and Squirt III travel hockey teams fundraising car wash today

The Batavia Ramparts Squirt III and Peewee III travel hockey teams are having a drive-thru car wash today at J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to help fundraise for the next upcoming hockey tournaments.  

They are accepting donations and also offering hot dogs and lemonade too.

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hockey 5

BND hockey player Bryce Feldmann honored for exceptional character

By Rhonda Pangrazio

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To an outsider, the annual BND United hockey banquet appears to be an evening designed to recognize accomplishments in academics and athletics, but for the BND coaches, players, and families who are fortunate to be on the inside, the banquet represents this and more. 

Batavia hockey is deeply rooted in tradition and has a rich history and cherished legacy. The program encourages and molds excellent students, creates quality hockey players, and builds exceptional individuals who are eager to positively impact and support their community and its members. 

Current and previous teammates form lasting relationships, and they believe in and support the organization. Being a part of Batavia hockey means that you are forever bound by comradery and pride. Monday evening’s ceremonies began with the recognition of achievements in education and athletics and continued with acknowledgments of several deserving student-athletes for their philanthropy, character, and leadership. The Wayne D. Foster Foundation, Inc. was honored to partake in this special evening at Batavia High.   

Bryce Feldmann was one of the extraordinary student-athletes honored Monday night.  Feldmann is an exceptional individual who achieves in the classroom and on the ice. He was proudly selected as this year’s W.D.F. award recipient, earning a trophy, certificate, and scholarship for his impressive disposition, his wisdom, determination, fortitude, and his incredible display of leadership. 

Board member, Chase Pangrazio, selected Feldmann after attending and observing Feldmann and the team during several of this season’s BND games. Pangrazio was impressed by Feldmann and appreciated the qualities Feldmann exhibited – qualities of courage and kindness that reflect the meaning of the W.D.F award and the values of Wayne D. Foster, Pangrazio's grandfather. 

The Wayne D. Foster Foundation was privileged and proud to recognize a highly deserving Feldmann for his merit and ethics with the award created in honor and in memory of Wayne and his life.

Rhonda Pangrazio is the founder and president of the Wayne D. Foster Foundation, Inc., where Chase Pangrazio serves as a board member.  Wayne D. Foster was Chase's grandfather, who passed in December 2020. 

Elba junior hockey player goes onto national championships this weekend

By Joanne Beck

addison_with_bruins_1.jpg

When Elba high school junior Addison Warriner was six, he pulled on a pair of skates and gripped a hockey stick for the first time.

He comes from “a big hockey family,” and his favorite team is the Boston Bruins, with Czech professional ice hockey right winger David Pastrnak as his preferred player.

Before Addison’s grandmother died, she had set aside money for him to play the sport. Addison, 16, quickly glided in line with the family's passion.

“I fell in love with it,” he said Wednesday to The Batavian. “It’s fun, and I love playing with the guys, it’s the bond you share over the years.”

And now, a decade later, in addition to having spurred her grandson on to enjoy hockey as a youngster on the Ramparts and now on the Batavia Notre Dame United team, which plays at the McCarthy ice arena in Batavia, Grandma Diane has invested in a member of the Power City Bruins 16U, which is playing in the five-day USA Hockey National Championships beginning Thursday.

The tournament begins with three round-robin games and then goes on to elimination matches.

Addison joined the Niagara Falls-based Bruins two years ago when they were looking to replace a couple of players. He decided to try out and was selected as one of about 20 players from Western New York and the only one from Genesee County that he knows of.

It was a step up on the competitive front, he said, and will lead him toward another goal.

“I would love to play in college, that’s my number one dream,” he said.

The team has been putting in the heavy lifting, some of it literally — with weightlifting and practices two to three times a week and playing games one to two times on the weekends to prepare.

Addison feels confident in the team’s chances of ending on top, given that it already beat the best-ranked team in the nation, the Wheatfield Blades. “So I don’t see why we can’t beat the rest of them,” he said.

“When the team was formed, the goal was formed to make it to this tournament,” he said. “I’m a little nervous but pretty confident overall. For the last two years, we’ve been preparing.”

The first game is at 5:50 p.m. Thursday in Buffalo, and Addison, a 2022 Wayne D. Foster Award recipient, expects his family to be in the crowd cheering him on. And he thinks Grandma Diane would be smiling in her seat.

“I think she’d be really proud,” he said. “I don’t think she ever expected that this would happen.”

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Submitted photos of Addison Warriner with the Bruins on the ice, and above, receiving the Wayne D. Foster Foundation Award in 2022 for "his ceaseless display of good character, including his wisdom, determination, and his fortitude and for his achievements both on and off the ice." 

The Wild fend off a wild comeback to win overtime in BML championship

By Steve Ognibene

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Beachy Cabinet Makers Wild won the Batavia Mens Hockey League Championship at the David M. McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena on Sunday, defeating the Kelly Holland Inn NorthStars, 5-4 in overtime.

Shawn Beachy scored the first goal in the opening period.  Wild led 1-0 after 1.

The Stars tied the game with 4:51 left in the second period on a goal by Nick Bush.

Two minutes later, Ken Beachy scored to give the Wild back the lead 2-1.  A couple of goals were disallowed by the Wild in the next two minutes.  Twenty-one seconds before the end of the second period, the Wild scored again to increase the margin, 3-1 on a goal by Shawn Beachy, assisted by Ryan DiFilippo, who had two assists in the game.

After a Zamboni clean, the Wild carried the momentum from the locker room to score a goal by Jason Harasimowicz and gave the Wild a commanding 4-1 lead.

However, the Stars did not give up, seven minutes left in the third period,  Mason Versage scored two goals within a minute apart, including one on the power-play to cut the lead to one.

Then minutes later, at 4:14 left, the Stars' James Kujowski tied the game on a loose puck in front of net-minder John Bermel for the Wild.

The game went to a ten-minute sudden death overtime after a 4-4 tie.

Both teams had opportunities to end the game, and play got scrappy and challenging.  With four minutes left in the overtime, Wild caught a roughing penalty. Stars were on a 5 to 4 power play opportunity. 

Jason Harasimowicz from the Wild said “I stepped up to the faceoff circle, was aggressive and wanted to see where it goes.  I am just going to start picking up speed and hope I can get the puck in their zone.  I came down the right side, took the shot in the corner and scored. I have scored on the goalie like that during the regular season.  So, if I score, I score.  I know I have done it before and hoped it would get in the net. It did and could not believe it."

Harasimowicz scored the game winning goal short-handed with 3:35 left in the overtime to give the Beachy Cabinetmakers Wild the men’s league title.  Harasimowicz was named MVP.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

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Jason Harasimowicz named MVP

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Beachy Cabinet Makers Wild 2023 Mens Hockey Champions

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Three Beachy family generations, photo left to right Ken, grandson Sawyer, son Shawn

Timbits to participate in end-of-year Jamboree at ice arena

By Press Release

Press release:

The Genesee Amateur Hockey Association (GAHA) Timbit Beginners will be participating in their end-of-the-year “Jamboree” on Saturday, March 18, starting at 9 a.m. at the David McCarthy Memorial Arena. 

The world has the Olympics, Buffalo has pond hockey, but we have the Beginner Cross-Ice Event – ‘THE JAMBOREE”.  The draft has taken place, and the teams are set.  Game schedules are confirmed, and the blue lines are waiting for the hockey players to stand on them for the National Anthem.  The Rink will be divided into three areas, and two teams will play against one another in two-minute shifts for 12 minutes; then, they move on to play more “games” with other teams – a total of four games.  Since there are five teams, the team not scheduled for a “game” will participate in skill drills in the middle section. 

At 9 a.m., the players will be introduced one by one as they step onto the ice and proceed to the Blue Line for the National Anthem.  This year the National Anthem will be played by Miles Meyer on his electric guitar.  Miles is the grandson of the late Dave Meyer, who had a long history with GAHA serving as President for several years and coaching from the Mite level right up to being Assistant Coach with the Notre Dame Hockey team.  We’d love to have you join us and capture the progress of the little players' ages 4 to 12.  This year the Beginner Program consisted of 69 registered players.  They are coached by Brian McCarthy along with Nick Harris as well as many other dads and family members, plus several GAHA Student Coaches serving as on-ice helpers.

Without all of this support, it would be impossible to run this program.

Most of the players have been on the ice since early October thru today.  About 23 joined the program in early January after participating in the November USA Hockey – Try Hockey for Free Event.  At practices, they run through drills established by USA Hockey’s American Development Modules – six stations are set up around the rink, and a different drill is introduced at each station.  The players move from station to station.   GAHA is thankful for the sponsorship of its Beginner Program by the local Tim Horton Shop managed by Dave Lumberg.  They provide the jerseys for all of the players as well as Timbit donuts for our special functions throughout the year.

For this Jamboree, the players are divided into five teams (featuring the Black Team, the Royal Blue Rockets, the Navy Team, the White Lightnings and the Red Hamsters)  denoted by the color of their jerseys and will play five 12-minute games with shifts of 2 min.  A great time is had by all.

At the end of the Jamboree, the GAHA organization will offer a free family skate for the Beginner Program until Noon and the McCarthy Rink Staff and Management will be providing “free” rental skates for those participating.

Try Hockey for Free brought out nearly 50 kids to learn the sport

By Joanne Beck

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It was a full house Saturday at the David McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena, with 40 registered and seven additional walk-in youngsters laced up and ready for some "Try Hockey For Free," event Coordinator Sharon Valyear Gray says.

The event was hosted by Genesee Amateur Hockey Association as part of USA Hockey Week Across America. Local youth, ages 4 to 9, were welcomed at the rink to experience getting on the ice, learning fundamentals of how to skate, how to get up after falling, basic skills with a hockey stick and shooting pucks into a hockey net, with the guidance of a head coach and on-ice helpers, Gray said.

This year the youngsters had the experience of shooting at actual goalies Rhyss Tanner of the Varisty Batavia Notre Dame team as well as Leo Gray of the Junior Varisty BND team.

“We welcomed families to McCarthy Ice Rink from Batavia, Albion, Alexander, Stafford, Medina, LeRoy, Caledonia, Pavilion, Rochester, Corfu, Freedom, Warsaw, Honeoye Falls, Castile, Oakfield, Darien Center, and Holley to try our great sport of ice hockey,” Gray said. “Our goal is for these families to enjoy watching their kids learn new skills with big smiles on their faces and for the youngsters the on-ice experience.”

Head coach Erik Triftshauser, along with Fred Hamilton – both with more than 30 years experience as GAHA  and high school players and coaches -- and on-ice helpers from the United high school teams, worked with the kids, who all seemed "so excited to be coached," and skating with local athletes, Gray said.

The event is hosted by the Try Hockey for Free Coordinators Sharon and Bob Gray and the GAHA Beginner Player Coordinator Marcia Barnes on behalf of the Genesee Amateur Hockey Association, which provided the ice, and the McCarthy Rink staff – General Manager Katie Murray, Rink Operating Manager Matt Gray and their "great staff," Sharon Gray said. 

The team’s goal is to provide the hockey experience to area youngsters free of charge and encourage them in October to become a player in the GAHA Beginner Program, which begins the first week of October. The Beginner Program consists of two sessions (October to December and January to March) with a total of 15 on-ice hours per session.

The GAHA Beginner Program started Session II in early January and added 17 out of 23 new players from the November “Try Hockey for Free” Event. Gray encourages folks to mark your calenda for this fall, as the next try hockey for free event is the first Saturday in November.

Skates used by the youngsters were provided free of charge by the McCarthy Rink Management Group.

USA Hockey’s Try Hockey program, with the support of the National Hockey League and NHL member clubs, among others, is designed to provide youth hockey associations with a national platform for introducing children to the sport, free of charge.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

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