Canton, NY – SUNY Canton Women's Ice Hockey will begin the 2014-15 season with four road games before returning to the Roos House for their home opener on November 21st. New Head Coach
Dave LaBaff has been tabbed to lead the Roos. LaBaff was elevated from the assistant coach position.
"Dave will do a terrific job leading our women's hockey program this year," Athletic Director Randy B. Sieminski said. "His familiarity with our team and his experiences as a player and coach will be invaluable. Our players have a great deal of respect for Dave, and they are very much looking forward to this season."
LaBaff is no stranger to the women's ice hockey program having served as assistant coach the past two seasons. The Potsdam, NY native was a three year goaltender for the Morrisville State men's hockey team where he appeared in 10 games and logged over 350 minutes between the pipes making 168 saves.
"It's hard to express just how excited I am for this opportunity," LaBaff said. "Being able to coach so close to my home is a chance very few people get, and it is truly a privilege. I'm honored to take the helm of a team of amazing young ladies who work hard day in and day out both on the ice and in the classroom."
The Roos open their 2014-15 season tonight when the puck drops at 8:00 p.m. on the road against Chatham University. This year's team is made up of 17 skaters including eight returners and nine new faces.
Senior Caty Darling will be one of
two captains for the Roos. Returners: Caty Darling,
Lora Ardoin,
Becca Kieffer,
Maddy Hetman,
Abbey Diabo,
Tia Mitchell,
Dana Morrison,
Steph KushnirNew Players: Rebecca DiNardo,
Grace Lyon,
Becca Kieffer,
Lindsey Hall,
Margaret Troiano,
Bineh Garrow,
Kjirstin Hoberg,
McKayla Duffy,
Alicia Eamon,
Peyton Stafne "We have high expectations this year, we had some success last year which we are looking to build off game by game," LaBaff noted. "We had a lot of focus on our defensive zone throughout last season, and this year we are looking to solidify our offensive zone while still having success in front of our goalies."
The goaltending duties will be up for grabs, which will come down to one returner and two new players.
"We have three goaltenders that will be vying for a spot as our starter." LaBaff said. "Rebecca Kieffer,
Peyton Stafne, and
Rebecca DiNardo will all battle week to week to claim the crease."
Early on in preseason skating sessions two Roos have stood out for Coach LaBaff.
"Two key players who have been impressive since we started October 20th have been
Tia Mitchell (Akwesasne, NY) and
Lora Ardoin will wear the other
captain jersey for the women's
hockey team in 2014-15.Margret Troiano (Morristown, NY). Both have a knack of finding the net while playing at a high rate of speed. Overall we have such a great group of players here that cultivate the 'family culture' and realize the importance of being a team and being coachable. Those qualities will be the biggest key to our success this season."
Caty Darling (Oswego, NY) and
Lora Ardoin (Houston, TX) will don the captain jerseys for SUNY Canton in 2014-15.
"Both Caty and Lora garner the skill, work ethic, and the leadership qualities that make me rest easy at night knowing they are leading our team on the ice," LaBaff said.
With a blend of returning strength coupled with a plethora of incoming talent the SUNY Canton women's ice hockey team will look to continue its tremendous growth as a program.
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About SUNY CantonSUNY Canton is Northern New York's premier college for career-driven bachelor's degrees, associate degrees and certificate programs. The college delivers quality hands-on programs in engineering technology, health, management and public service. Faculty members are noted for their professional real-world experience in addition to outstanding academic credentials. SUNY Canton OnLine offers hundreds of flexible and convenient courses as well as eight exclusively online bachelor's degrees. The college's 14 athletic teams compete as provisional members of the NCAA Division III and the USCAA.
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