2022–23 Sacred Heart Pioneers
men's ice hockey season
Conference3rd Atlantic Hockey
Home iceTotal Mortgage Arena
Martire Family Arena
Rankings
USCHONR
USA TodayNR
Record
Overall17–17–3
Conference14–9–3
Home10–9–1
Road6–8–2
Neutral1–0–0
Coaches and captains
Head coachC. J. Marottolo
Assistant coachesScott McDougall
Craig Height
Captain(s)Ryan Steele
Braeden Tuck
Alternate captain(s)Patrick Dawson
Todd Goehring
Neil Shea
Sacred Heart Pioneers men's ice hockey seasons
« 2021–22 2023–24 »

The 2022–23 Sacred Heart Pioneers men's ice hockey season was the 30th season of play for the program, the 25th at the Division I level, and the 20th in the Atlantic Hockey conference. The Pioneers represented Sacred Heart University and were coached by C. J. Marottolo, in his 14th season.

Season

The biggest development for the program was the completion of the Martire Family Arena.[1] While the new arena had significantly less seating capacity, the chief advantage was being the first on-campus home for the team. Not only would this allow greater access for the program but it would also be much easier for the student body to attend games. Because the opening for the rink wouldn't be until January 2023, the team had to play the first half of the season at the Total Mortgage Arena.

Perhaps in anticipation of their new venue, Sacred Heart began the season well. While incumbent starter Justin Robbins began the season in goal, he was soon replaced by Luke Lush. With stable goaltending, the offense kicked into gear and pushed the Pioneers to a 6–2–1 record by early November. The hot start not only had the team at the top of the conference standings but also had them above the water line for an NCAA tournament berth (a rare thing for Atlantic Hockey).[2] In mid-November, Sacred Heart had a showdown with the other conference leader, RIT. Unfortunately, at that exact moment the Pioneers' offense dried up and the team scored just 4 goals over their next 5 games. When they finally ended their slump, Sacred Heart had slid into the middle of the standings and was in the bottom half of the national rankings. Even by winning their next five games, including a surprising upset of Northeastern, Sacred Heart remained well away from an at-large bid and would likely have to win their conference tournament if it were to make the NCAA tournament.

After the winter break, with construction on schedule, Sacred Heart christened its new building by hosting #20 Boston College. With more than 4,000 in attendance, Sacred Heart lost the match but were still able to push the Eagles into overtime.[3] Figures remained strong in the new building and the Pioneers saw at least 4,000 people in 6 of their final 7 home games. Unfortunately for the Pioneers, while the building was mostly full the product on the ice was a little more inconsistent. Sacred Heart ended up going 3–5–1 in the last month of the season, including losing the season series to American International, and ended up 3rd in the conference.

The Pioneers began the postseason with a win over Niagara, however, everything went sour afterwards. After opening the scoring in the second game, Sacred Heart went the final 53 minutes without a goal and lost 1–4 despite firing 38 shots on goal. The offense was a bit better in the rubber match but the penalty kill imploded. The Purple Eagles scored three power play goals, the final being the eventual game-winner, and ran the Pioneers out of their own building. It was a disappointing end to what had once been a successful season.

Departures

Player Position Nationality Cause
Alex BatesDefenseman United StatesGraduation (retired)
Josh BensonGoaltender United StatesGraduation (retired)
Nick BoyagianForward United StatesGraduate transfer to New Haven
Troy ConzoForward United StatesGraduation (retired)
Ryan DoolinForward United StatesTransferred to Colby
Dante FantauzziDefenseman CanadaLeft program (retired)
Dante PaleccoForward United StatesGraduation (retired)
Dan PetrickDefenseman United StatesLeft program (retired)
Dakota RaabeForward United StatesGraduation (signed with Utah Grizzlies)
Rourke RussellDefenseman United StatesGraduation (signed with Adirondack Thunder)
Adam TisdaleForward CanadaGraduate transfer to Alaska Anchorage

Recruiting

Player Position Nationality Age Notes
Aidan ConnollyForward United States20Marshfield, MA
Chikara HanzawaForward Japan21Tokyo, JPN
Marcus JoughinForward Canada21Tecumseh, ON
Brendan KennetteDefenseman Canada20Windsor, ON
Julian KislinDefenseman United States23Manalapan, NJ; graduate transfer from Northeastern
Brandon MilbergGoaltender Canada21Thornhill, ON
Dylan RobbinsForward United States21Alpine, NJ

Roster

As of August 16, 2022.[4]

No. S/P/C Player Class Pos Height Weight DoB Hometown Previous team NHL rights
1 Ontario Brandon Milberg Freshman G 6' 1" (1.85 m) 181 lb (82 kg) 2001-07-16 Thornhill, Ontario Wichita Falls (NAHL)
2 New Jersey Julian Kislin Graduate D 6' 1" (1.85 m) 190 lb (86 kg) 1999-05-24 Manalapan, New Jersey Northeastern (HEA)
3 Minnesota Grant Anderson Junior D 6' 2" (1.88 m) 180 lb (82 kg) 1999-09-15 Plymouth, Minnesota Omaha (USHL)
4 Denmark Jeppe Urup Senior D 6' 2" (1.88 m) 196 lb (89 kg) 1999-03-14 Odense, Denmark Youngstown (USHL)
5 Massachusetts Andrius Kulbis-Marino Sophomore D 6' 0" (1.83 m) 184 lb (83 kg) 2000-02-16 Methuen, Massachusetts Maine (NAHL)
6 Illinois Logan Britt Senior D 6' 2" (1.88 m) 190 lb (86 kg) 1999-02-10 Crystal Lake, Illinois Quinnipiac (ECAC)
8 California Hunter Sansbury Sophomore D 5' 11" (1.8 m) 180 lb (82 kg) 2000-10-08 Lomita, California Salmon Arm (BCHL)
9 Ontario Daniel Ebrahim Sophomore F 5' 11" (1.8 m) 180 lb (82 kg) 2000-07-12 Brooklin, Ontario Jersey (NCDC)
10 Japan Chikara Hanzawa Freshman F 5' 6" (1.68 m) 160 lb (73 kg) 2001-07-12 Tokyo, Japan South Shore (NCDC)
11 Prince Edward Island Ryan Steele (C) Graduate F 6' 1" (1.85 m) 190 lb (86 kg) 1997-09-13 Stratford, Prince Edward Island West Kelowna (BCHL)
12 Pennsylvania Kevin Lombardi Senior F 6' 5" (1.96 m) 230 lb (104 kg) 1998-08-12 Schwenksville, Pennsylvania Sioux City (USHL)
13 Connecticut Cody Hoban Junior F 5' 9" (1.75 m) 180 lb (82 kg) 2001-04-26 Guilford, Connecticut Danbury (NAHL)
14 Ontario Brendan Kennette Freshman D 6' 2" (1.88 m) 190 lb (86 kg) 2002-06-09 Windsor, Ontario Brooks (AJHL)
16 New Jersey Dylan Robbins Freshman F 6' 0" (1.83 m) 175 lb (79 kg) 2001-08-29 Alpine, New Jersey Chicago (USHL)
17 Massachusetts Aidan Connolly Freshman F 5' 11" (1.8 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 2001-10-05 Marshfield, Massachusetts Maine (NAHL)
18 Iowa John Jaworski Junior F 5' 10" (1.78 m) 165 lb (75 kg) 2000-03-20 Grinnell, Iowa Chicago (USHL)
20 New York (state) Blake Humphrey Freshman F 5' 8" (1.73 m) 162 lb (73 kg) 2002-01-18 Syracuse, New York Sioux Falls (USHL)
21 New Jersey Tim Clifton Senior F 6' 0" (1.83 m) 200 lb (91 kg) 1998-02-23 Farmingdale, New Jersey Shreveport (NAHL)
22 New York (state) Conner Hutchison Sophomore D 5' 10" (1.78 m) 170 lb (77 kg) 2000-06-02 Hicksville, New York Tri-City (USHL)
23 Alberta Braeden Tuck (C) Senior F 6' 1" (1.85 m) 170 lb (77 kg) 1998-04-15 Calgary, Alberta Trail (BCHL)
24 Georgia (U.S. state) Austin Magera Graduate F 6' 1" (1.85 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 1998-07-19 Suwanee, Georgia Lincoln (USHL)
25 Ontario Dante Fantauzzi Junior D 6' 2" (1.88 m) 195 lb (88 kg) 2000-05-01 North York, Ontario Sioux Falls (USHL)
26 Massachusetts Neil Shea (A) Senior F 6' 1" (1.85 m) 200 lb (91 kg) 1999-07-29 Marshfield, Massachusetts Northeastern (HEA)
27 Massachusetts Patrick Dawson (A) Senior D 6' 0" (1.83 m) 182 lb (83 kg) 1999-01-14 Medway, Massachusetts Odessa (NAHL)
28 Ontario Marcus Joughin Freshman F 5' 11" (1.8 m) 180 lb (82 kg) 2001-07-05 Tecumseh, Ontario West Kelowna (BCHL)
29 New Jersey Todd Goehring (A) Graduate F 5' 11" (1.8 m) 175 lb (79 kg) 1997-07-08 Wayside, New Jersey Chicago (USHL)
30 Massachusetts Jack O'Dea Sophomore G 5' 9" (1.75 m) 148 lb (67 kg) 2000-09-07 Brighton, Massachusetts Bridgton (USHS–ME)
31 New Jersey Justin Robbins Senior G 5' 8" (1.73 m) 160 lb (73 kg) 1999-03-10 Alpine, New Jersey Arizona State (NCAA)
33 Alberta Luke Lush Senior G 6' 3" (1.91 m) 205 lb (93 kg) 1998-02-15 Sherwood Park, Alberta Drayton Valley (AJHL)

Standings

Conference record Overall record
GP W L T OW OL SW PTS GF GA GP W L T GF GA
RIT2618711305785553925131127100
American International261484203478762391814712498
Sacred Heart2614932024587723717173107112
Canisius *26131033114176714220193118119
Army2612122331397281371419498119
Niagara26101330323873864019183119129
Holy Cross2612122311377371411721398119
Mercyhurst269143151357780361023398122
Bentley268162111276189341121281124
Air Force268171100246387361222295128
Championship: March 18, 2023
† indicates conference regular season champion (DeGregorio Trophy)
* indicates conference tournament champion (Riley Trophy)
Rankings: USCHO.com Top 20 Poll

Schedule and results

DateTimeOpponent#Rank#SiteTVDecisionResultAttendanceRecord
Exhibition
October 1 7:00 PM at #10 Massachusetts* Mullins CenterAmherst, Massachusetts (Exhibition)  Robbins W 3–2   
October 2 3:00 PM Western Ontario* Total Mortgage ArenaBridgeport, Connecticut (Exhibition)FloHockey   W 6–4   
Regular Season
October 7 7:00 PM at #16 Providence* Schneider ArenaProvidence, Rhode IslandESPN+ Robbins L 1–6  2,706 0–1–0
October 13 7:00 PM at Holy Cross Hart CenterWorcester, MassachusettsFloHockey Robbins W 3–2  327 1–1–0 (1–0–0)
October 14 7:00 PM at Holy Cross Hart CenterWorcester, MassachusettsFloHockey Lush W 5–1  246 2–1–0 (2–0–0)
October 21 7:30 PM at Niagara Dwyer ArenaLewiston, New YorkFloHockey Lush L 4–6  704 2–2–0 (2–1–0)
October 22 5:30 PM at Niagara Dwyer ArenaLewiston, New YorkFloHockey Lush W 5–1  661 3–2–0 (3–1–0)
October 28 7:00 PM Canisius Total Mortgage ArenaBridgeport, ConnecticutFloHockey Lush W 6–3  754 4–2–0 (4–1–0)
October 29 4:00 PM Canisius Total Mortgage ArenaBridgeport, ConnecticutFloHockey Lush W 3–1  584 5–2–0 (5–1–0)
November 4 7:00 PM at Mercyhurst Mercyhurst Ice CenterErie, PennsylvaniaFloHockey Lush W 6–3  624 6–2–0 (6–1–0)
November 5 4:05 PM at Mercyhurst Mercyhurst Ice CenterErie, PennsylvaniaFloHockey Lush T 3–3 SOW 212 6–2–1 (6–1–1)
November 11 7:05 PM at RIT Gene Polisseni CenterHenrietta, New YorkFloHockey Lush L 1–3  2,394 6–3–1 (6–2–1)
November 12 5:05 PM at RIT Gene Polisseni CenterHenrietta, New YorkFloHockey Lush L 1–3  2,508 6–4–1 (6–3–1)
November 17 7:05 PM #15 Merrimack* Total Mortgage ArenaBridgeport, ConnecticutFloHockey Lush L 0–3  803 6–5–1
November 22 7:00 PM at Cornell* Lynah RinkIthaca, New YorkESPN+ Lush L 1–2  2,772 6–6–1
November 25 7:00 PM Bentley Total Mortgage ArenaBridgeport, ConnecticutFloHockey Lush L 1–3  708 6–7–1 (6–4–1)
November 26 7:00 PM Bentley Total Mortgage ArenaBridgeport, ConnecticutFloHockey Lush W 6–3  687 7–7–1 (7–4–1)
December 6 7:05 PM Northeastern* Total Mortgage ArenaBridgeport, ConnecticutFloHockey Lush W 4–2  1,004 8–7–1
December 29 7:00 PM Mercyhurst Total Mortgage ArenaBridgeport, ConnecticutFloHockey Milberg W 4–3 OT 804 9–7–1 (8–4–1)
December 30 4:00 PM Mercyhurst Total Mortgage ArenaBridgeport, ConnecticutFloHockey Lush W 4–1  981 10–7–1 (9–4–1)
January 5 7:00 PM Army Total Mortgage ArenaBridgeport, ConnecticutFloHockey Lush W 5–0  748 11–7–1 (10–4–1)
January 8 4:00 PM at New Hampshire* Whittemore CenterDurham, New HampshireESPN+ Lush L 1–4  4,205 11–8–1
January 14 7:00 PM #20 Boston College* Martire Family ArenaFairfield, ConnecticutFloHockey, SNY Lush L 2–3  4,103 11–9–1
January 20 7:00 PM Holy Cross Martire Family ArenaFairfield, ConnecticutFloHockey, SNY Lush T 2–2 SOW 4,223 11–9–2 (10–4–2)
January 21 7:00 PM Holy Cross Martire Family ArenaFairfield, ConnecticutFloHockey, SNY Lush W 4–1  4,296 12–9–2 (11–4–2)
Connecticut Hockey Tournament
January 27 7:00 PM at #3 Quinnipiac* M&T Bank ArenaHamden, Connecticut (Connecticut Ice Semifinal)  Lush L 0–5  3,625 12–10–2
January 28 4:00 PM vs. Yale* M&T Bank ArenaHamden, Connecticut (Connecticut Ice Consolation)  Milberg W 4–3  - 13–10–2
February 2 7:05 PM at American International MassMutual CenterSpringfield, MassachusettsFloHockey Lush W 4–2  363 14–10–2 (12–4–2)
February 4 7:00 PM American International Martire Family ArenaFairfield, ConnecticutFloHockey Lush L 1–4  4,267 14–11–2 (12–5–2)
February 7 7:00 PM Army Martire Family ArenaFairfield, ConnecticutFloHockey, SNY Lush L 1–4  2,643 14–12–2 (12–6–2)
February 10 7:00 PM Air Force Martire Family ArenaFairfield, ConnecticutFloHockey, SNY Lush L 4–5  4,087 14–13–2 (12–7–2)
February 11 7:00 PM Air Force Martire Family ArenaFairfield, ConnecticutFloHockey Lush W 5–3  4,152 15–13–2 (13–7–2)
February 18 7:00 PM at Canisius LECOM HarborcenterBuffalo, New YorkFloHockey Lush L 4–6  973 15–14–2 (13–8–2)
February 19 7:00 PM at Canisius LECOM HarborcenterBuffalo, New YorkFloHockey Lush W 3–2 OT 813 16–14–2 (14–8–2)
February 24 7:05 PM at American International MassMutual CenterSpringfield, MassachusettsFloHockey Lush T 2–2 SOL - 16–14–3 (14–8–3)
February 25 7:00 PM American International Martire Family ArenaFairfield, ConnecticutFloHockey Lush L 0–5  4,225 16–15–3 (14–7–3)
Atlantic Hockey Tournament
March 3 7:00 PM Niagara* Martire Family ArenaFairfield, Connecticut (Quarterfinal Game 1)FloHockey Lush W 3–1  2,046 17–15–3
March 4 7:00 PM Niagara* Martire Family ArenaFairfield, Connecticut (Quarterfinal Game 2)FloHockey Lush L 1–4  2,088 17–16–3
March 5 7:00 PM Niagara* Martire Family ArenaFairfield, Connecticut (Quarterfinal Game 3)FloHockey Lush L 3–7  1,196 17–17–3
*Non-conference game. #Rankings from USCHO.com Poll. All times are in Eastern Time.
Source:[5]

Scoring statistics

Name Position Games Goals Assists Points PIM
Neil SheaF3714163012
Austin MageraC378202826
Kevin LombardiRW3612122423
Marcus JoughinF358162412
Todd GoehringF371111226
Braeden TuckF37515204
Conner HutchisonD34317206
Ryan SteeleF261091910
Hunter SansburyD377111823
Blake HumphreyF374101410
Daniel EbrahimF27761310
John JaworskiF363101322
Logan BrittD372101224
Julian KislinD3025710
Dante FantauzziD3323523
Aidan ConnollyF154040
Patrick DawsonD3622410
Chikara HanzawaF2813410
Tim CliftonC341238
Grant AndersonD130222
Luke LushG350222
Dylan RobbinsF311016
Brendan KennetteD50118
Andrius Kulbis-MarinoD130114
Jack O'DeaG10000
Jeppe Urup MogensenD10000
Justin RobbinsG20000
Brandon MilbergG30000
Cody HobanF70000
Bench-----2
Total107184291275

[6]

Goaltending statistics

Name Games Minutes Wins Losses Ties Goals Against Saves Shut Outs SV % GAA
Jack O'Dea10:070000001.0000.00
Luke Lush352003:5414163908021.8992.69
Brandon Millberg3108:052007440.8633.89
Justin Robbins21001107350.8334.20
Empty Net-28:45---8----
Total372240:51171731128811.8942.82

Rankings

Poll Week
Pre 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 (Final)
USCHO.com NR - NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR - NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR - NR
USA Today NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR

Note: USCHO did not release a poll in weeks 1, 13, or 26.[7]

Awards and honors

Player Award Ref
Braeden Tuck Atlantic Hockey Individual Sportsmanship Award [8]
Sacred Heart Pioneers Team Sportsmanship Award [8]
Neil Shea Atlantic Hockey First Team [9]
Hunter Sansbury Atlantic Hockey Third Team [9]
Marcus Joughin Atlantic Hockey Rookie Team [9]

References

  1. "SHU's Martire Family Arena Marks Topping Off Ceremony". Fairfield's Hamlet Hub. November 12, 2021. Retrieved August 12, 2022.
  2. "Men's Division I PairWise Rankings". USCHO.com. Retrieved November 26, 2019.
  3. "SATURDAY, JANUARY 14, 2023". College Hockey Inc. January 14, 2023. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
  4. "2022–23 Sacred Heart Men's Ice Hockey Roster". Sacred Heart University Department of Athletics. Retrieved July 27, 2017.
  5. "2022-23 Men's Ice Hockey Schedule". Sacred Heart Pioneers. Retrieved August 16, 2022.
  6. "Sacred Heart Univ. 2022-2023 Skater Stats". Elite Prospects. Retrieved June 20, 2020.
  7. "USCHO Division I Men's Poll". USCHO.com. Retrieved November 26, 2019.
  8. 1 2 "Atlantic Hockey Announces 2023-23 Regular Season Awards". Atlantic Hockey. March 14, 2023. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
  9. 1 2 3 "Atlantic Hockey Announces 2022-23 All-Conference Teams". Atlantic Hockey. March 14, 2023. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
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