Hockey News

Becker Mourns the Loss of Student Athlete Gerald Owen

Becker College shared the news of passing of Student Athlete Gerald Owen, 25, of Chesapeake, Va., on Monday, January 23, 2017. Owen was a senior captain on the men’s hockey team majoring in exercise science. Owen was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in 2014 while attending Becker and sat out the 2014 season to receive treatment. He returned in 2015, leading the team with 15 assists and 7 goals. The cancer had returned before his senior year. In 68 games played, he tallied 57 points with 19 goals and 38 assists, and was recognized by the ECAC Northeast with the Honorable Mention accolade.

Becker College announced events to celebrate his life, including the tribute to him on Thursday, February 9, at the men’s hockey game, at the New England Sports Center in Marlborough, Mass. at 7:40 p.m.

“Gerry was an integral member of the Becker community.  His love for Becker hockey and his teammates was immeasurable,” said Director of Athletics Frank Millerick.  “Even as his health declined he did not allow this to be a deterrent.  Gerry went to games and practices, he traveled with the team, and he was a presence in the locker room.  He showed his teammates and all who knew him that this dreaded disease was not going to dampen his spirit or keep him away from what he loved most.  Gerry will be sorely missed.”

A full statement can be found Becker College’s Website.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnR_AF391Ck&feature=youtu.be

Albany Devils to Relocate to Binghamton

After months of rumors about a replacement team for the Binghamton Senators, word came out this week about the Albany Devils relocating to Binghamton. The move is expected to be finalized Sunday at an AHL board of governors meeting in Allentown, Pa.,

Evansville Icemen Purchased; To Relocate to Jacksonville

After a failed attempt to move the dormant ECHL Evansville Icemen to Owensboro, Kentucky, it appears the team will be sold to an ownership group in Jacksonville, Florida. The story broke Tuesday evening by a news outlet local to Evansville, Indiana. The team is expected to play at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena as early as the 2018-19 season.

Railers HC News

Skate on the Worcester Oval Event Is This Weekend

The Worcester Railers HC will be hosting another great event, taking place this weekend at the Worcester Common Oval. The Oval will open an hour early for HC members and are offered a free skate with free skate rentals from 12pm-1pm before opening to the public from 1pm to 6pm.  Railers HC members will also receive a voucher good for a free hotdog and soda from The Dogfather food truck redeemable from 12-2pm.

MassLive’s Facebook Live Interview with Cliff Rucker

Worcester Railers HC owner Cliff Rucker met with MassLive Reporter Scott Croteau on Thursday Morning for a Facebook Live interview. Great information came from the interview, including details about the purchase of the Bowditch and Dewey Building, and the Worcester Ice Center.

Current Member Count: 1169

Worcester IceCats Alumni News

Desmarais Named EIHL Player of the Week

Former IceCats forward James Desmarais was named the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) player of the week for last week. Desmarais scored a hat-trick, including the game winning goal in a game on Friday night. This continued into Saturday night, scoring two goals in a 6-0 victory. He now has 10 goals and 22 points in 32 games this season for the Belfast Giants.

Helmer to be Inducted to AHL Hall of Fame on Monday

Not new news, but it is worth mentioning that former Worcester IceCat defenseman Bryan Helmer will be inducted to the AHL Hall of Fame on Monday, January 30. Helmer is second on the all-time list for Goals by a Defenseman with 129 goals.  He played 70 games for Worcester, scoring 17 goals, and 33 assists.

Handzus Suspended

Former IceCat Michal Handzus received a three-month suspension from the Slovak Extraliga League after a dirty collision in a game last week. Thomas Hricinu, the receiver of the hit, was taken off the ice on a stretcher and was rushed to the hospital immediately after the incident. Video of the incident can be found below:

Worcester Sharks Alumni News

Greiss Named Star of the Week

The National Hockey League announced this week that Thomas Greiss was named the Second Star of the Week, for the week ending on Jan. 22. The former Worcester Sharks goaltender finished the week with two shutouts and a 2-0-1 record. He had a .971 save percentage and a 0.982 goals-against average.

Wingels Traded to Ottawa

Former Worcester Sharks forward Tommy Wingels was traded to the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday for two minor league forwards and a seventh-round draft pick for the 2017 draft.

Wingels was one of the many players we had the pleasure of watching develop into a NHL player in Worcester. He played for Worcester in94 games during the 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons. Wingels had played in over 300 games in the NHL since his debut in 2010.

This trade deal may come as a surprise for some, Tommy is known for being a great guy on and off the ice. His role on the deal had decreased significantly during this season with Rookies such as Ryan Carpenter proving themselves for more playing time.

The deal also cleared up space for San Jose’s Salary Cap should they try to add more players during the trade deadline. Wingels was in his final year of his $2.475 million contract which likely wouldn’t have been renewed.

Wingels will have more playing time with the Senators. For Worcester Hockey fans, we’ll be able to see him play against the Boston Bruins. They’ll play next on March 6, March 21, and April 6.

Transactions

Barclay Goodrow was recalled to the San Jose Sharks (NHL) from the San Jose Barracuda (AHL)  on January 27.

Mike Moore signed a contract extension through the end of the season with the Fischtown Pinguins (DEL) on January 23.

Jack Combs signed a contract extension through the end of the season with the Fischtown Pinguins (DEL) on January 23.

Tommy Wingels was traded to the Ottawa Senators from the San Jose Sharks on January 24.

Greger Hanson was released from his PTO with San Diego Gulls and rejoined the Allen Americans on January 24.

Karl Stollery was reassigned to the Albany Devils (AHL) from the New Jersey Devils (NHL) on January 27.

TJ Trevelyan signed a contract extension with the Augsburger Panther (DEL) through the 2017-18 season on January 27.

Barclay Goodrow was reassigned to the San Jose Barracuda (AHL) from the San Jose Sharks (NHL) on January 27.