Loading AI tools
College ice hockey team From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Mercyhurst Lakers men's ice hockey team is a National Collegiate Athletic Association hockey team that represents Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pennsylvania under Head Coach Rick Gotkin. The team is currently a Division I hockey team playing out of the Mercyhurst Ice Center located on the school campus. The Mercyhurst Lakers started out as a club sport at the school, moving up to Division III, followed by Division II, and now plays in Division I in Atlantic Hockey America, formed shortly after the 2023–24 season by the merger of the Lakers' former home, the Atlantic Hockey Association, with College Hockey America.[2] After joining their step up into Division I in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference in 1998, the Lakers have won their conference tournament making NCAA tournament appearances in 2001, 2003, and 2005.
| Mercyhurst Lakers men's ice hockey | |
|---|---|
 Current season | |
| |
| University | Mercyhurst University |
| Conference | AHA |
| Head coach | Rick Gotkin 37th season, 607–523–107 (.534) |
| Assistant coaches |
|
| Arena | Mercyhurst Ice Center Erie, Pennsylvania |
| Colors | Forest green and navy blue[1] |
| NCAA Tournament Runner-up | |
| DII: 1993, 1995 | |
| NCAA Tournament appearances | |
| DIII: 1991, DII: 1993, 1995, DI: 2001, 2003, 2005 | |
| Conference Tournament championships | |
| DII: 1995, DI: 2001, 2003, 2005 | |
| Conference regular season championships | |
| 2014, 2018 | |
| Current uniform | |
 | |
Chris Cuzzola, who was a student at Mercyhurst playing club hockey at Gannon University, happened to talk to former president of Mercyhurst University, William Garvey, about hockey.[3] As a result of this, hockey would be instated as a club sport competing in the Erie Senior Hockey League for the 1986–1987 season.[4] The coach for the first club season was Bob Cisek who was a Mercyhurst professor at the time. At the club level in the Erie Senior Hockey League, the Lakers went 15-0-3, finishing first in the league.[5]
After just 1 year at the club level, the Mercyhurst Lakers began an independent trial run at the varsity level, Division III in the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference (ECAC) South hockey league. Mercyhurst Athletic Director John Leisering stated, “The administration was immediately enthusiastic about a possible move to varsity status and with the support of the hockey people, the move was approved after just a few months.”[6]
Named head coach for the Lakers in their first season at the Division III level was Fred Lane. Lane was one of the founding members for the Gannon University Golden Knights club hockey and was affiliated with the Gannon hockey program since 1967. As a player, he was Most Valuable Player his sophomore, junior, and senior years and coached the team in 1973 returning in 1978. In 10 seasons as the head coach for the Golden Knights, Lane had a record of 153–14–14, winning 2 Western Pennsylvania College Hockey Association league championships, 6 division championships, and was named WPCHA coach of the year 3 times. In addition to coaching, he was a member of the Amateur Hockey Association of the United States (AHAUS) and the Ontario Coaches Association.[4]
Along with Head Coach Fred Lane, was Associate Coach Bob Cisek who ran the program a year ago at the club level. For the 1987–1988 season, the Lakers had a very competitive schedule in their first season as a Division III team playing a combination of both club and varsity teams. The Lakers opened up their first NCAA Division III season on Saturday, October 31 at West Chester University of Pennsylvania playing their home games at both the Erie Civic Center and Glenwood Ice Rink.[7] The highlight of the season being the game against Division I Notre Dame Fighting Irish men's ice hockey on November 25[7] which they lost 7–3. With 18 of the 28 players being freshmen on the team, Mercyhurst Lakers ended their first varsity season going 16–7–0.[8]
Following the 1987–1988 season, on April 29 of 1988, Mercyhurst College Athletic Director John Leisering named Rick Gotkin as head coach of the team saying, “Rick’s playing, coaching, and recruiting credentials were just the mix Mercyhurst was looking for.”[9] At 28 years of age, Rick Gotkin comes from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, which played at the Division I level in the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference where Gotkin served as Assistant Varsity Hockey Coach for the past 2 years (1986–1988). Before Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Gotkin was a coach at SUNY-Brockport (Division III), coached the Enschede Lions in the Netherlands, was head coach at SUNY-Canton (NCAA-Junior College), and was head coach of the Fife Flyers of the British Hockey League. After coaching Rensselaer, was hired as head coach for the Mercyhurst Lakers.[9]
For the 1988–1989 season, the Mercyhurst Lakers played in the ECAC-West Division alongside SUNY-Brockport, Canisius College, SUNY-Fredonia, SUNY-Potsdam and St. Bonaventure University.[9] In the Lakers first full season as an NCAA Division III program, the Lakers took a record of 11–1–1 under new Head Coach Rick Gotkin.[8] The first time the Lakers would be ranked was in the 1990–1991 season where they ranked 9th in the short history of the team.[10] During the 1991–1992, the Mercyhurst Lakers opened up their new rink on campus, the Mercyhurst Ice Center. According to the first Division II poll released, the Mercyhurst Lakers ranked 2nd in the 1992–1993 season only behind Bemidji State University.[11] In that season, the Lakers finished with 2 wins and 3 losses against Division I teams. The wins coming against Kent State University and the University of Alabama-Huntsville and the losses coming from Kent State and two from the University of Alaska-Anchorage.[11] The first time the team would be ranked 1st in their history was in December 1994.[12] In the 1994–1995 season, the Lakers went 23-3-2 coming out with their first ever ECAC-West division championship and placing second in the NCAA Division II play-offs.[13]
In September 1997, while the Meryhurst Lakers were playing in the ECAC-West division, the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) rounded up 8 teams to form a Division I hockey conference. Joining the conferences of Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference, Hockey East, Central Collegiate Hockey Association, and Western Collegiate Hockey Association in NCAA Division I men's ice hockey with 48 schools playing in 5 Division I conferences. The MAAC included Canisius College, Fairfield University, and Iona College (New York) (now a "University") as full members with American International College (AIC), University of Connecticut (UConn), the College of the Holy Cross, Quinnipiac College (also now a "University"), and Sacred Heart University as associate members with visions of Bentley University and Mercyhurst joining for the 1999–2000 season making the conference 10 teams.[14]
.jpg)
In May 1998, the Mercyhurst board of trustees approved the transition from Division II non-scholarship to play Division I ice hockey in the NCAA.[15] The Lakers ended their long association with the Eastern College Athletic Conference West division to play Division I hockey in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. In the Lakers first full season at the Division I level in the 1999–2000 season, Mercyhurst went 20-14-2 with Rick Gotkin still as head coach of the team.[8] In 2003, the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference reorganized to create the Atlantic Hockey Association with Quinnipiac, UConn, AIC, Canisius, Holy Cross, Sacred Heart, Bentley, Army, and Mercyhurst as the 9 members of the league.
Atlantic Hockey America includes all 11 teams that played in the Atlantic Hockey Association's final season: Mercyhurst, AIC, Air Force, Army, Bentley, Canisius, Holy Cross, Niagara, RIT (in full Rochester Institute of Technology), Robert Morris, and Sacred Heart.
Source:[16]
As of the completion of 2023–24 season[16]
| Tenure | Coach | Years | Record | Pct. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987–1988 | Fred Lane | 1 | 16–7–0 | .696 |
| 1988–Present | Rick Gotkin | 36 | 607–523–107 | .534 |
| Totals | 2 coaches | 37 seasons | 623–530–107 | .537 |
Source:[17]
| Player | Years | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scott Burfoot | 1988–1992 | 113 | 141 | 149 | 290 | 197 |
| Kevin McKinnon | 1992–1996 | 91 | 119 | 79 | 198 | 226 |
| Troy Winch | 1989–1992 | 93 | 80 | 106 | 186 | 128 |
| Craig MacDonald | 1991–1995 | 111 | 70 | 107 | 177 | 122 |
| Mick Keen | 1988–1992 | 119 | 80 | 82 | 162 | 95 |
| Louis Goulet | 1998–2002 | 137 | 61 | 96 | 157 | 88 |
| Ben Cottreau | 2004–2008 | 132 | 61 | 95 | 156 | 230 |
| John Evangelista | 1994–1998 | 103 | 57 | 97 | 154 | 111 |
| Bryce Bohun | 1992–1996 | 98 | 49 | 101 | 150 | 28 |
| Bob Atkin | 1995–1999 | 105 | 66 | 81 | 147 | 52 |
Statistics current through the start of the 2022–23 season.
AHCA Second Team All-Americans
|
Player of the Year
|
Rookie of the Year
|
First Team All-ECAC
Second Team All-ECAC
|
|
|
|
|
Tournament Most Valuable Player
|
|
|
|
|
|
Individual Sportsmanship Award
|
Regular Season Goaltending Award
|
|
|
|
Most Valuable Player in Tournament
|
First Team All-Atlantic Hockey
Second Team All-Atlantic Hockey
Third Team All-Atlantic Hockey
Atlantic Hockey All-Rookie Team
Before the opening of the Mercyhurst Ice Center, the Mercyhurst Lakers played their games at the Erie Civic Center and Glenwood Ice Rink. Due to constantly being on the road, the Lakers team referred to themselves as “The Boys On The Bus”. Needing a rink on campus, Mercyhurst President, William Garvey, found a deal to fund the building for a rink on campus.[18] On December 8, 1991, the Lakers began to play in the Mercyhurst Ice Center located on the Mercyhurst University campus.[19] They opened the new rink against the Rochester Institute of Technology that they lost 5–4.[8]
Jamie Hunt, Mercyhurst 2003–2006.[20] Nick Jones, Mercyhurst 2010–2014.[20] T.J. Kemp, Mercyhurst 2001–2005.[20] Ryan Zapolski, Mercyhurst 2007–2011.[20]
As of August 21, 2024.[21]
| No. | S/P/C | Player | Class | Pos | Height | Weight | DoB | Hometown | Previous team | NHL rights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  |
Michael Chambre | Freshman | G | 6' 1" (1.85 m) | 170 lb (77 kg) | 2005-01-07 | Fort Myers, Florida | Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL) | — |
| 2 |  |
Mateo Picozzi | Freshman | D | 6' 0" (1.83 m) | 194 lb (88 kg) | 2003-04-29 | Morristown, New Jersey | Omaha Lancers (USHL) | — |
| 3 |  |
Jake Beaune | Senior | D | 6' 3" (1.91 m) | 195 lb (88 kg) | 2000-06-13 | Livonia, Michigan | Lincoln Stars (USHL) | — |
| 4 |  |
Jaryd Sych | Sophomore | D | 6' 2" (1.88 m) | 194 lb (88 kg) | 2003-02-10 | Airdrie, Alberta | Notre Dame Hounds (SJHL) | — |
| 5 |  |
Caleb Price | Senior | D | 5' 10" (1.78 m) | 170 lb (77 kg) | 2000-03-31 | Hooksett, New Hampshire | Lindenwood (NCAA) | — |
| 6 |  |
Trent Sambrook | Sophomore | D | 5' 9" (1.75 m) | 165 lb (75 kg) | 2002-01-03 | Winnipeg, Manitoba | Winkler Flyers (MJHL) | — |
| 7 | |
Tyler DesRochers | Sophomore | D | 6' 0" (1.83 m) | 185 lb (84 kg) | 2003-04-02 | Howell, New Jersey | Johnstown Tomahawks (NAHL) | — |
| 8 | |
Brendan Lamb | Freshman | F | 5' 11" (1.8 m) | 176 lb (80 kg) | 2004-05-14 | Battle Creek, Michigan | Madison Capitols (USHL) | — |
| 9 |  |
Sean James | Sophomore | F | 6' 0" (1.83 m) | 161 lb (73 kg) | 2002-09-10 | Almonte, Ontario | Smiths Falls (CCHL) | — |
| 10 | |
Steven Agriogianis | Graduate | F | 5' 9" (1.75 m) | 175 lb (79 kg) | 1999-01-07 | East Hanover, New Jersey | Northeastern (HEA) | — |
| 11 |  |
Barrett Brooks | Junior | F | 5' 8" (1.73 m) | 170 lb (77 kg) | 2001-12-19 | Stevens Point, Wisconsin | Western Michigan (NCHC) | — |
| 12 |  |
Dustin Geregach | Senior | D | 6' 0" (1.83 m) | 181 lb (82 kg) | 2001-11-14 | McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania | Johnstown Tomahawks (NAHL) | — |
| 14 | |
Boris Skalos | Sophomore | F | 5' 11" (1.8 m) | 176 lb (80 kg) | 2003-01-06 | Clifton, New Jersey | Fargo Force (USHL) | — |
| 15 | |
Tommy Bannister | Junior | F | 5' 9" (1.75 m) | 180 lb (82 kg) | 2001-09-05 | Clayton, New York | New Jersey Titans (NAHL) | — |
| 16 |  |
Ryan Coughlin | Junior | F | 6' 0" (1.83 m) | 180 lb (82 kg) | 2001-02-09 | Charlotte, North Carolina | New Jersey Titans (NAHL) | — |
| 18 |  |
Davis Fry | Sophomore | F | 6' 4" (1.93 m) | 194 lb (88 kg) | 2003-08-04 | Regina, Saskatchewan | Steinbach Pistons (MJHL) | — |
| 19 |  |
Riley Fitzgerald | Freshman | F | 5' 9" (1.75 m) | 161 lb (73 kg) | 2003-06-02 | Wilmington, Massachusetts | New Jersey Titans (NAHL) | — |
| 20 | |
Kaden Muir | Freshman | D | 6' 2" (1.88 m) | 190 lb (86 kg) | 2004-05-09 | Manchester, New Hampshire | Austin Bruins (NAHL) | — |
| 21 | |
Mickey Burns | Graduate | F | 5' 9" (1.75 m) | 175 lb (79 kg) | 2000-04-03 | Wayne, New Jersey | Vermont (HEA) | — |
| 22 | |
Kyler Head | Graduate | F | 6' 4" (1.93 m) | 215 lb (98 kg) | 1999-07-13 | Malone, New York | Robert Morris (AHA) | — |
| 23 | |
Cameron Ricotta | Sophomore | F | 5' 8" (1.73 m) | 170 lb (77 kg) | 2002-05-17 | Cheektowaga, New York | Fairbanks Ice Dogs (NAHL) | — |
| 24 | |
Matteo Disipio | Freshman | F | 5' 11" (1.8 m) | 161 lb (73 kg) | 2003-07-26 | Nepean, Ontario | Rochester Jr. Americans (NAHL) | — |
| 26 | |
Spencer Smith | Sophomore | F | 5' 8" (1.73 m) | 174 lb (79 kg) | 2002-05-20 | St. Catharines, Ontario | Penticton Vees (BCHL) | — |
| 27 |  |
Dominik Bartecko | Freshman | F | 5' 9" (1.75 m) | 170 lb (77 kg) | 2003-12-09 | Prague, Czech Republic | New Jersey Titans (NAHL) | — |
| 28 | |
Tyler Nasca | Junior | D | 5' 11" (1.8 m) | 160 lb (73 kg) | 2001-01-09 | Buffalo, New York | Lone Star Brahmas (NAHL) | — |
| 29 | |
Christian Kocsis | Freshman | F | 5' 10" (1.78 m) | 170 lb (77 kg) | 2004-06-09 | Middletown, New Jersey | Omaha Lancers (USHL) | — |
| 33 | |
Carter McPhail | Graduate | G | 5' 11" (1.8 m) | 178 lb (81 kg) | 1998-12-04 | Fenton, Michigan | Miami (NCHC) | — |
| 37 | |
Connor Pelc | Sophomore | F | 6' 2" (1.88 m) | 194 lb (88 kg) | 2003-04-28 | Buffalo, New York | Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL) | — |
| 39 |  |
Will Margel | Senior | F | 5' 9" (1.75 m) | 165 lb (75 kg) | 2001-03-16 | Potomac, Maryland | New Hampshire (HEA) | — |
| 44 |  |
Simon Bucheler | Sophomore | G | 6' 2" (1.88 m) | 188 lb (85 kg) | 2002-03-29 | Saint-Laurent, Quebec | Shreveport Mudbugs (NAHL) | — |
This is a list of Mercyhurst alumni were a part of an Olympic team.
| Name | Position | Mercyhurst Tenure | Team | Year | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Zapolski | Goaltender | 2007–2011 |  USA | 2018 | 7th |
As of July 1, 2024.
| Player | Position | Team(s) | Years | Games | Stanley Cups |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jamie Hunt | Defenseman | WSH | 2006–2007 | 1 | 0 |
Source:[22]
Seamless Wikipedia browsing. On steroids.
Every time you click a link to Wikipedia, Wiktionary or Wikiquote in your browser's search results, it will show the modern Wikiwand interface.
Wikiwand extension is a five stars, simple, with minimum permission required to keep your browsing private, safe and transparent.
