PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. – Plattsburgh State head men's ice hockey coach
Bob Emery has announced his 11-person 2017-18 recruiting class, as released Wednesday.
Mike Falanga | Forward | East Haven Conn. | Islanders Hockey Club (USPHL)
5-7 | 150
Coach Emery on Mike Falanga:
"An all-around hockey player who plays very quick, Mike does many things well. He has puck skills and good vision, but can be very physical when the game calls for it."
Sam Schultz | Defense | Hartland Wis. | Virden Oil Capitals (MJHL)
5-10 | 154
Coach Emery on Sam Schultz:
"A puck-moving defenseman with great vision, Sam knows where to move the puck and where to be when he does not have the puck. He makes up for his lack of size with his strong skating. He can get up the ice and join the play when needed."
Jimmy Poreda | Goaltender | Tonawanda, N.Y. | Connecticut Junior Rangers (USPHL)
6-2 | 217
Coach Emery on Jimmy Poreda:
"A very competitive and aggressive goalie who is constantly battling/tracking the puck avoiding screens, Jimmy still finds ways to stay calm and levelheaded, never letting adversity get to him. He has great preparation, which helps his confidence and focus."
Greg Malafronte | Forward | Colts Neck, N.J. | NJ Titans (NAHL)
5-7 | 149
Coach Emery on Greg Malafronte:
"Always underestimated for his size, he has been able to battle through that his whole career. His hard work has more than compensated for being undersized. A quick, hard-working playmaker with a good hockey IQ, Greg sees the ice really well, and given the chance in the soft area, he can find the back of the net."
Tommy Bowe | Defense | Homer, Alaska | Aspen Leafs (RMJHL)
6-0 | 209
Coach Emery on Tommy Bowe:
"A gritty defenseman that loves to play the body, Tommy can get the puck from the point to the net. As a player who prides himself on his defensive play, he's not afraid to sacrifice and block shots. His defensive pride is his key, but he will surprise you with good seam passes on his breakouts and in his offensive zone play."
Lawson Fenton | Goaltender | Medina, N.Y. | Coquitlam Express (BCHL)
6-1 | 177
Coach Emery on Lawson Fenton:
"Lawson is a hybrid goalie who loves to be vocal. His extreme hard work sometimes leads to desperation saves. His never-give-up attitude has been very beneficial to his success as a between-the-whistle player."
Liam Lawson | Forward | Vancouver, British Columbia | Powell River Paper Kings (BCHL)
5-8 | 170
Coach Emery on Liam Lawson:
"Liam, known for his great worth ethic, is an offensive-minded, two-way forward with a high hockey IQ. A play-making forward, he has the tendency to pass first as opposed to shooting. His speed has always allowed him to be beneficial to both the team's power play and penalty killing units."
Connor Logan | Forward | Victoria, British Columbia | North Battleford North Stars (SJHL)
6-0 | 191
Coach Emery on Connor Logan:
"Connor is a player who does lots of things well. He uses his size very well by playing aggressive in all areas of the ice. A multi-dimensional player, he makes plays by using his hockey smarts and IQ. His game intelligence also gets him into the high-scoring areas, leading to valuable goals."
Rich McCartney | Forward | Hershey, Pa. | Philadelphia Revolution (EHL)
5-10 | 186
Coach Emery on Rich McCartney:
"As indicated by his junior career, Richie is known as a true goal scorer. His quick hands tight areas, allowing him to put pucks in the net. With a shoot-first mentality, he believes being vocal on the ice allows for better line play. Although his offensive abilities are his greatest attributes, he prides himself on being a three-zone player.
Sakke Tiitinen | Forward | Kemi, Finland | Lämärit (II-Divisioona)
5-9 | 142
Coach Emery on Sakke Tiitinen:
"A hard-working, two-way forward at both ends of the ice, Sakke is small in size but plays a physical game. His speed and ability to play at a high pace allows him to put pressure on the opponent. Being a tireless penalty killer is his strength."
Keaton Leininger | Forward | Bismarck, N.D. | Dauphin Kings (MJHL)
6-2 | 217
Coach Emery on Keaton Leininger:
"A power forward with a big body, his strength in his game is below the tops of circles in the offensive zone. Since he is tough to move around, he plays with a good net front presence. In the defensive zone, he plays a strong wall game and prides himself on making plays for successful zone exits."
