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Coyotes defeat the Penguins 3-1 in Men's League Hockey Championship

By Steve Ognibene
Kioti Tractor Coyotes won the Batavia Mens hockey League Championship, sunday morning at the David M. McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Kioti Tractor Coyotes won the Batavia Mens hockey League Championship, sunday morning at the David M. McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena. Photo by Steve Ognibene

Kioti Tractor Coyotes beat the Pellegrino Auto Sales Penguins 3-1, on Sunday at the David M. McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena to win the Batavia Men's League Hockey Championship.

After a scoreless first period, fourteen seconds into the second period, the Coyotes scored a goal by Nick Busch with assists fom Dan Calkins and Pierce Corbelli.  Thirteen seconds later, the Penguins tied it up 1-1 on an unassisted goal by Dylan Versage.

The Penguins got back-to-back penalties late in the second, and with five minutes left, Busch scored his second goal on the power play to give the Coyotes the lead going in the locker room and ice re-surface.

In the third period, Busch scores his third goal for the hat trick on passes from Joe Mahler and Dan Calkins to secure the victory and give the championship to the Coyotes, managed by Tom Martell.

Busch said he's proud of his teammate's effort in the game.

"We have a great group of guys," he said. "Everybody skated hard. Everybody played hard all year."

He called Jerod Penke, Coyotes' goalie and the game's MVP, the best player in the league.

"This is my first ever championship, and the BMHL, it's a whole lot of fun," Penke said. "This group of guys has been really fun this year, and went out and played really good all year, came in first, I think, in the regular season, came and won it all. It was great to do it with these guys."

To view or purchase photos, click here.

 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
Radio Broadcaster Steven Pies, announcing the game for 1490 WBTA, interviews Guy and joe Pellegrino from Pellegrino Auto Sales during the second intermission.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Radio Broadcaster Steven Pies, announcing the game for 1490 WBTA, interviews Guy and joe Pellegrino from Pellegrino Auto Sales during the second intermission.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Tom Martell , team sponsor for Kioti Tractor, pictured with his sons Nick and Tim.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Tom Martell , team sponsor for Kioti Tractor, pictured with his sons Nick and Tim.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene 
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene

Batavia school's Blue vs. White charity hockey game set for Sunday

By Press Release

Press Release:

CAN-USA Sports has teamed up with the Batavia Community Schools Foundation for their annual Blue vs White Charity Hockey Game. Sunday, March 9 at 5 p.m. with doors opening at 4 p.m. at the David McCarthy Memorial Arena.

This years hockey game will include special guest appearances from BHS Drum Line, BMS Girls Acapella Group, John Kennedy Musical Group, and mascots.

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

“Last year we had some fun on the ice, helped support the Foundation, and had lots of support from our local community leaders. We really want everyone to come out this year and watch an exciting game featuring local people you know in your community for a good cause,” said Zack Korzelius, Batavia Foundation President.

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

  • Steve Pie’s, Owner – Max Pies Furniture and Batavia Hockey Alumni
  • Nick Harris - SBFR Partners LLP and Notre Dame Hockey Alumni
  • Dan Calkins – 2006 Sectional Championship team, Batavia Alumni, and Ramparts Coach
  • Anthony Consiglio - Batavia City School District Faculty Member

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 (LINK - HERE) or in person at the David McCarthy Memorial Arena box office.

BND Hockey falls short to Victor in Section V, Class B finals 6-3

By Steve Ognibene
On the doorstep Jameson Motyka gets stopped by Victor's goalie.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
On the doorstep Jameson Motyka gets stopped by Victor's goalie.  Photo by Steve Ognibene

Sometimes, the puck does not bounce your way, and last night, everything clicked for Victor Blue Devils as they defeated Batavia Notre-Dame by a score of 6-3.

Victor’s Simon Kowal scored early and took a 2-0 lead after the first period.  Jameson Motyka had a chance early on when he had the goalie beat on the right-side post but could not get the puck in the net.

BND scored on the power play by Motyka early in the second to cut Victor's lead to one.  

Victor answered back shortly after.  

Two minutes later, a nice pass to Chase Cummings on a breakaway led to a goal, reducing the deficit again to one, Victor leading 3-2.  

However, on a key power play BND failed to connect, and Victor went on the power play a short time later and scored, then added two more before the end of the period to lead 6-2.

In the third period, with nine minutes left, Sam Pies passed the puck to Motyka to give BND’s last goal. 

Final was Victor over BND 6-3.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene

Photos: Police, Fire duke it out in Third Annual Battle of the Badges

By Staff Writer
battle of the badges hockey game

Batavia police officers and firefighters clashed on the ice on Sunday in the Third Annual Battle of the Badges hockey game.

The annual event is a David McCarthy Memorial Foundation fundraiser and is sponsored by CAN-USA Sports.

“Having some fun on the ice, highlighting these great city departments, and raising money for charity has been great these past few years. The David McCarthy Memorial Foundation has helped so many families in our community over the years and we are excited to donate the proceeds to such
a meaningful organization again this year," said Detective James DeFreze and firefighter Mark Sacheli in a joint statement.

The police roster: Connor Borchert, Matthew Lutey, Felecia Martinez, Matthew Smith, Chance Hutson,
Steve Quider, Adam Tucker, Richard Messmer, Steve Cronmiller, Aric Perkins, Bryan Moscicki, and John Gombos.

The fire roster: Josh McCarthy, Ryan Whitcombe, Chris Morasco, Matt Morasco, Mark Sacheli, Bob Tedford, Jeff Whitcombe, Colin Cooper, Nick Call, 
Noah Whitcombe, Andy Laforce, Frankie Falleti.

Photos by Nick Serrata

battle of the badges hockey game
battle of the badges hockey game
battle of the badges hockey game
battle of the badges hockey game
battle of the badges hockey game
 battle of the badges hockey game

BND United defeats Webster Schroeder to advance to finals for second consecutive year

By Steve Ognibene
BND United bench excited from the third goal scored in the first period by Chase Cummings.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
BND United bench excited from the third goal scored in the first period.  Photo by Steve Ognibene

In the quest to go to the Section V hockey finals two years in row is not an easy task.  #2 seed BND United did this last evening at The McCarthy by a score of 5-3 over #3 seed Webster Schroeder.

Batavia Notre Dame United beat Webster Schroeder 5-3 on Saturday in the Section V hockey semifinals.

United, the #2 seed in the tournament, scored three goals in the first five minutes.

Chase Cummings scored on the power play; then Chase added another goal after Sam Pies shot one near the faceoff dot deep in Webster Schroeder's zone.

Webster Schroeder scored two quick goals before the period ended.  

Both teams battled back and forth in the second period, and United caught themselves on a penalty with two minutes left in the second.

Down by one man, Jameson Motyka found himself on a breakaway to score a short-handed goal past goalie Connelly Springer to lift United ahead 4-2 after 2.

In the last period, United’s Chase Cummings scored his third goal for a hat trick at 20 seconds in to extend the lead by three, 5-2. Schroeder answered to score four minutes later to make it 5-3.

The win gives United a shot at winning back-to-back Section V titles, which Coach Marc Staley said has been the goal since the first face-off of the season.

"It's hard to go back to back. It's hard to coach a team the year after you win everything," Staley said. "And you know, we went through some months. We went through some learning curves earlier this year. We had to realize you don't have the (Ivan) Milovidov off on the bench and the (Joe) DiRisio on the bench and (Noah) Whitcomb and all those great players, right? So it's like, we got other guys who can step up. It took us some time, but you can see right now, I think, seven, zero and one over our last eight games. We're moving in peak, and I think, at the right time. So it's exciting, I mean, to be back with a chance to bring home another championship."

Point totals for BND United:

  • Chase Cummings, 3 goals
  • Jameson Motyka, 1 goal, 2 assists
  • Sam Pies 1 goal, 1 assist
  • Brady Johnson, 2 assists
  • Jake Hutchins, 1 assist
  • Rhys Tanner stopped 40 of 43 shots on net

#2 seed BND United plays #1 Victor at RIT on Monday March 3rd at 730pm for the Section V Class B Championship

To view or purchase photos, click here.

 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
BND United advances to the Section V, Class B hockey finals after 5-3 win over Webster Thomas.  Photo by Steve Ognibene

Hockey Sectionals: BND United skates through Churchville-Chili 8-1

By Steve Ognibene
Jameson Motyka scores a goal early in the first period for BND United.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Jameson Motyka scores a goal early in the first period for BND United.  Photo by Steve Ognibene

A packed house on Thursday for the Section V Class B quarterfinal in hockey had plenty of reasons to cheer as Batavia Notre Dame United dominated Churchville-Chili for an 8-1 win.

United outshot CC 38-17.

Jameson Motyka scored 5 goals, a hat-trick, coming within in the first eight minutes.

"In the first couple minutes, we started off kind of slow, but once we put the first one in, they just started coming real quick," Motyka said. "In the second period, we kind of took a step back, and then we went back at it in the third. It was a good period to end on going into the next game."

Churchville-Chili’s lone goal was in the second period on a shot by Anthony Indiano.

Point totals for BND United:

  • Jameson Motyka – 5 goals, 2 assists
  • Brady Johnson – 1 goal, 3 assists
  • Jake Hutchins – 1 goal, 1 assists
  • Sam Pies – 3 assists
  • Cadan Shamp - 1 goal
  • Chase Cummings - 1 assist
  • Will Stevens - 1 assist
  • Maggie Buchholz - 1 assist
  • Luke Staley - 1 assist
  • Goalie- Rhys Tanner - 1 assist, stopped 16 shots in net

BND United, seeded second in the tournament, plays this Wednesday at home vs #3 seed Webster Schroder at 6 p.m.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene

 

Ramparts 18U team celebrates seniors, get 5-0 win over Rochester

By Staff Writer
batavia ramparts

It was senior night for the Batavia Ramparts 18U team at the David M. McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena as they took on, and went on to beat, the Rochester Jr American 5-0.

There are 12 seniors on the team.

The team consists of juniors and seniors at schools in the region.

Goalie Trent Thomson recorded the shut-out on Sunday.

Scoring:

1. Evan Schwerthoffer, assist Trent Thomson
2. Colton Smith, assist Julian Hunsinger
3. Colton Smith, assists Julian Hunsinger and Carter Fix
4. Noah Korczak, assists Micah Flores and Gavin Zinkievich
5. Gavin Zinkievich, assist Tylor Lippert

Photos by Jennifer DiQuattro

batavia ramparts

 

batavia ramparts
batavia ramparts
batavia ramparts
batavia ramparts
batavia ramparts
batavia ramparts
batavia ramparts
batavia ramparts

BND United picks up big win at home against state-ranked McQuaid

By Howard B. Owens
 A battle of top section V hockey teams at The McCarthy friday evening, BND United beats McQuaid 3-2.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
 A battle of top section V hockey teams at The McCarthy friday evening, BND United beats McQuaid 3-2.  Photo by Steve Ognibene

A 3-2 victory over McQuaid by Batavia Notre Dame United was a big win for the program said Coach Marc Staley after the game.

The difference came down to United killing a penalty while scoring on its own power play in the third period.

We had that one chance," Staley said, "and we scored on it.  We talked about it going into the third period, if we could score on a power play and get the lead, I felt comfortable that we could shut them down."

Staley said the team went with a 1-1-3 defense in the third and it was effective.

"We had 38 clears in the third period, which is crazy, but the kids really committed to blocking shots, getting in lanes, limiting second chances, winning face-offs, doing all that stuff that doesn't show up on the score sheet," Staley said.

Ten minutes into the first period, Luke Staley took a slap shot from the point, and Jameson Motyka redirected a tip-in goal to start the scoring.

McQuaid, one of the top-ranked Class A teams in the state, scored in the second to tie the game when Lou Zaari passed to Sean Donlon.  

Two minutes later, BND answered on a fast break from Sam Pies to Jameson Motyka to regain the lead 2-1.   With two minutes left in the second, McQuaid scored a goal from Conor Edgecomb to tie the game.

The third period brought McQuaid their first penalty of the game. Brady Johnson capitalized a power-play goal, from Jameson Motyka past goalie Owen Salinas. 

In the net, Rhys Tanner stopped 28 of 30 shots on goal.

BND United is now 9-5-2 on the season and plays on the road versus McQuaid next Saturday at Rochester Ice Center at 3:45 p.m.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene

 

Motyka's pair of second period goals and BND United Tanner records shutout against Portside in 3-0 win

By Steve Ognibene
BND United Jameson Motyka skating up the ice.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
BND United Jameson Motyka skating up the ice.  Photo by Steve Ognibene

A battle at SUNY Brockport on Thursday between Batavia Notre Dame United and the Portside Royals ended with a 3-0 win for BND.  

In the second period, Jameson Motyka scored the first goal of the game, unassisted a couple of minutes in

Four minutes later, Sam Pies passed to Motyka for his second score.

The score was unchanged until a couple of minutes left in the game. Chase Cummings scored the third goal off a dump-in zone, which was off the glass and ricocheted into a misplay by the goalie.

Each side fired 29 shots on goal during the game.

Shots on goal were 29 each on both sides.  

BND's Rhys Tanner stopped all 29 shots from Portside to record the shutout. He also noted his 1,000th career save.

"You got to be community," Tanner said after the game. "You got to communicate with the D. If they get the puck, I tell them one, one on one, or the two on. I just tell them back, back, back, rim out, if you got to get the puck out. It's fine; as long as they don't have possession, they can't score. That is what our philosophy is. So we just stuck to the 1-1-3. It worked really well. They couldn't get out of the zone."

United is now 6-3-2 and on the road to play New Hartford, Friday at 7 p.m.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Surrounded by his teammates BND Goalie Rhys Tanner recorded a shutout and 1000 career saves in his senior year.
BND United goalie, Ryhs Tanner surrounded by his teammates after game with shutout victory, making a shutout stopping all 29 shots on goal and also 1000 career saves in his senior year.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene

 

Elmira Impact to face Hershey Cubs in Batavia for New Year’s weekend showdown

By Press Release

Press Release:

The Elmira Impact are set to kick off the new year with a special two-game series against the Hershey Cubs at Dave McCarthy Memorial Arena on January 4 and 5.

The matchups are as follows:

Elite Division

  • Jan. 4 at 8:25 p.m.
  • Jan. 5 at 5:55 p.m.

Premier Division

  • Jan. 4 at 5:40 p.m.
  • Jan. 5 at 1:35 p.m.

Children 12 and under receive free admission. Tickets can be purchased at elmiraimpact.com/tickets.

Get ready for an action-packed weekend of hockey as the Impact take on their rivals to start the new year.

Genesee Amateur Hockey Association offering beginner ice hockey program for kids

By Press Release

Press Release:

The Genesee Amateur Hockey Association is offering a Beginner Ice Hockey Learn to Play Program at the David M. McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena, located on Evans Street next to the Batavia Fire Department in Batavia. This program is open to boys and girls ages 4 and up, and no prior skating experience is needed.

Session I lasts for 15 weeks and costs $125, while Session II is also 15 weeks and costs $75. The program starts on October 5.

A Beginner Orientation will take place on Wednesday, October 2, at 6 p.m. at the rink, and everyone is invited to attend. For additional information, including the schedule and registration instructions, please contact Marcia Barnes at 585-409-1383 or via email at Barnes.marcia21@gmail.com.

For more details, visit www.BataviaRamparts.com. Don’t go through life without goals—play hockey! GO RAMPARTS!

BND United hockey player honored by the Wayne D. Foster Foundation

By Press Release

Press Release:

img_3380.jpeg
Submitted photo of Ivan Milovidov.

Countless awards, plaques, trophies, jerseys, and team photos lined the stage during this year’s annual hockey banquet at the Batavia High School auditorium on April 14. 

The 2023-2024 BND United hockey season brought much to celebrate and while the many accolades are not surprising for a team led by accomplished coaches and comprised of highly talented players, the true force behind their achievement is not found within every team.  

This year’s team was special, and their unity resulted in an extraordinary season. The appreciation of the sport along with the love between coaches and teammates filled the auditorium and was expressed in the numerous tear-filled and humorous stories shared on the stage. 

The overwhelming feeling of comradery and family appears to be the true force behind their Championship season, and, together, they have created memories and a devotion that will forever connect them. This season’s story is one of hard work, talent, support, encouragement, respect, and selflessness. 

BND United junior, Ivan Milovidov, described as a top-ranked hockey player and a fantastic young man, played a significant role in the team’s unification, strength, and overall success. 

If you had the opportunity to watch Ivan on the ice, you witnessed something special. Ivan is an extremely gifted hockey player with character and leadership qualities that are equally impressive. 

Among the many honors presented during the banquet was the WDF (Wisdom, Determination, Fortitude) Award, granted annually to a deserving BND United hockey player in remembrance of Wayne D. Foster.  

The Wayne D. Foster Foundation Inc. carefully selects a young player who best displays Wayne’s goodwill, courage, and integrity. The honoree is considered based on their work ethic, wisdom, determination, courage, how they interact and care for others, and their unselfish play.  

Through observations and in speaking with coaches, parents, and players, it was clear that Ivan was the perfect choice, making it a great privilege for the foundation, represented by Wayne’s grandson, Chase Pangrazio, to present Ivan with this year’s WDF scholarship and trophy.

The Wayne D. Foster Foundation is proud to recognize Ivan and the BND United hockey program. We wish to extend our congratulations to Ivan and the 2023-2024 BND United coaching staff and team for an outstanding season.

Kings defeat Stars 6-1 in Men’s League Hockey Championship

By Steve Ognibene
Team championship members and coach Charlie O'Geen of the BMHL Newstead Holmes Kings  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Team championship members and coach Charlie O'Geen of the BMHL Newstead Homes Kings  
Photo by Steve Ognibene 

Newstead Homes Kings beat Kelly's Holland Inn Stars, 6-1, on Sunday at the David M. McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena to win the Batavia Men's League Hockey Championship.

The Kings came out of the locker room hot, opening the first period with goals by Dan Eckerson, Evan Eckerson, and David Holtz. 

"We knew going in that they were going to come out flying, and we just had to play our game," Evan Eckerson said. "Gary (Schum), our goalie, he played a heck of a game, and you can't really ask anything else of him. He didn't allow a goal until 10 seconds left."

Eckerson said his team scored "not the greatest goal" to take a 1-0.

"But, hey, they all count. They all look the same on the score sheet. That got us on the board and that got us the momentum to keep going through the first period."

In the second period, the Kings took advantage of a penalty, with Shane Wiseman netting a power-play goal, assisted by Mitch Ernst.   

The Stars got some quality shots on Schum in the second and third period, but the goaltender was equal to the task.

"This team has been all about energy, checking the whole season long, and today they did a great job in front of me -- pressuring the puck and resolving the turnovers," Schum said. "Defensively, they were just great in our own zone today."

The Kings' netminder kept the Stars scoreless through four penalty kill opportunities in the third period until, with 9.3 seconds to play, Jason Hauesser scored for the Stars.

Evan Eckerson added two more goals late in the third period, getting the hat trick and securing the most valuable player award for the game.

Kings Coach Charlie O'Geen, the last original active member of the league, won his sixth championship.

"We won the championship with Charlie a couple of years ago," Eckerson said. "There's no better guy who deserves it more. He's one of the first ones. He's been here since the start, and he's still here, still winning championships, picking championship teams."

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

BMHL Kings vs Stars  Photos by Steve Ognibene
BMHL Kings vs Stars  Photos by Steve Ognibene
BMHL Kings vs Stars  Photos by Steve Ognibene
BMHL Kings vs Stars  Photos by Steve Ognibene
BMHL Kings vs Stars  Photos by Steve Ognibene
BMHL Kings vs Stars  Photos by Steve Ognibene

GAHA beginners program end of season Jamboree Saturday

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 23 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 2-minute shifts for 12 minutes; then they move on to play more “games” with other teams – a Total of 4 games.  Since there are five (5) 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. 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 61 registered players. They are coached by Brennan Briggs along with Nick Harris as well as many other dads, family members plus 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 through today. About 26 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 Lightnings, the Navy Blue Angels Team, the White Morasco’s Rink Rats, and the Red Crushers) 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.

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

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