Flyer All Stars Make A Large Contribution To the Team In Lewis University's First Ever All Star weekend Appearance
For the seven players selected to represent the NCHL from Lewis University, it was nothing short of a privilege. The Lewis players comprised of Jason Pischke, Kevin Reidy, Nick Johnsen, Matt Eberhardt, John Schwarz, Tyler Adams and Austin Julvezan. After a long twenty-one hour train ride to Westchester PA, the NCHL All-Star team jumped right into a five game weekend. It was difficult at first to get used to the new players and playing styles that they brought with them, as well as a new coaching staff, but before too long chemistry emerged. The weekend was packed with non-stop hockey action, with two games respectively on Friday and Saturday, and one on Sunday. With the Flyers on the NCHL All-Star team, they were given the opportunity to face some of the best players across the country at the D2 level. Although the Flyers battled all weekend, and combined for over half the total goals scored on the weekend, the All-Star team finished with a record of 1-4. The Flyers finished the weekend contributing eight goals and nine assists.
Six Lewis players make the NCHL All Star team!
After a successful 14'-15' campaign for the Lewis University Hockey team some of its members will get a chance to continue their season a little longer... as All Stars.
Lewis University Men's Hockey team set multiple team records this season. The Flyers set a new single season win total of 23. Set a new win streak record, going 12 straight games with a win. Made the playoffs for the first time in the programs short history. Coach Picco picked up his 50th win as Head Coach and last but not least, will be sending 6 players to the NCHL All Star team.
The Northern Collegiate Hockey League will be competing in the ACHA all star challenge tournament. The tournament takes place every 2 years and sees the best players from each league across the country compete for bragging rights. During the 3 day long battle of the best, all players will be scouted for the prestigious World University Team that competes internationally after Christmas.
Flyers leading scorer Nick Johnsen tops out the list of selections from Lewis. Johnsen lead the flyers with 40 points in 26 games played as a freshman. "Nick has worked extremely hard to bring his game to the next level. 40 points is only the tip of the ice berg for this young man." Stated coach Picco.
The Flyers leading defensive duo will also join Nick Johnsen as all star selections. Tyler Adams (junior) and John Schwarz Jr (freshman) both logged tons of minutes as a pair and racked up big offensive numbers for guys that are supposed to prevent them. Adams recorded 13 goals and 16 assists over his 28 game season. Schwarz recorded 7 goals and 19 assists during his 28 game freshman season. "Both players did extremely well for us this season. We are pleased to have them coming back, but they won't be a pairing next season. With the recruits we have coming in they will most likely see a new partner when they hit the ice in 15'-16'. This should be a nice way to finish a great year for them and well deserved," said coach Riedy.
2 way forward Matt Eberhardt is the final Flyer rounding out the roster. Matt finished his sophomore season with 9 goals and 8 assists in 27 games played. Eberhardt put his efforts to work on the penalty kill this season and had 3 short handed goals to lead the Flyers in that stat column. "Matt is starting gain some attention now, if he puts his energy into the weight room this off season I see no reason why he doesn't return to the NCHL All Star team again next spring," said coach Picco.
Goaltender Austin Julvezan and forward Kevin Riedy made the team as alternates. Austin Julvezan (sophomore) put up a stellar 10-4 record while playing a total of 935 minuets between the pipes. Kevin Riedy (junior) posted 7 goals and 8 assists in 28 games this season. "Austin battled all season for us, his record shows what the kid can do when called upon. Our goaltending duo of Julvezan and Kirkpatrick (who was 8-2 during his starts) is what we built this squad around and both goalies can make the all star team in the near future." "Riedy is a guy no team can go without. He saw tons of special teams time for us this year. Mainly on the penalty kill. The kid blocks shots, plays excellent defense for a forward, likes to set up his teammates, is shifty and did I mention he likes to throw his weight around," stated the coaching staff.
"This is a fitting end to an outstanding season for these players. All six are fantastic student athletes and young men. I couldn't be happier for them to get recognized in this fashion. Very proud of them all and the rest of my team. It's an honor coaching them to there best season in our history. Our new home of the Northern Collegiate Hockey League has been nothing short of tremendous for our advancement. I know our players will represent them and Lewis University to the highest standard during the tournament," said Coach Picco.
The ACHA All Star Challenge Tournament will take place the week end of April 17-20 in Pittsburg. The NCHL squad will play a grueling 5 games in 3 days.
Lewis University Men's Hockey team set multiple team records this season. The Flyers set a new single season win total of 23. Set a new win streak record, going 12 straight games with a win. Made the playoffs for the first time in the programs short history. Coach Picco picked up his 50th win as Head Coach and last but not least, will be sending 6 players to the NCHL All Star team.
The Northern Collegiate Hockey League will be competing in the ACHA all star challenge tournament. The tournament takes place every 2 years and sees the best players from each league across the country compete for bragging rights. During the 3 day long battle of the best, all players will be scouted for the prestigious World University Team that competes internationally after Christmas.
Flyers leading scorer Nick Johnsen tops out the list of selections from Lewis. Johnsen lead the flyers with 40 points in 26 games played as a freshman. "Nick has worked extremely hard to bring his game to the next level. 40 points is only the tip of the ice berg for this young man." Stated coach Picco.
The Flyers leading defensive duo will also join Nick Johnsen as all star selections. Tyler Adams (junior) and John Schwarz Jr (freshman) both logged tons of minutes as a pair and racked up big offensive numbers for guys that are supposed to prevent them. Adams recorded 13 goals and 16 assists over his 28 game season. Schwarz recorded 7 goals and 19 assists during his 28 game freshman season. "Both players did extremely well for us this season. We are pleased to have them coming back, but they won't be a pairing next season. With the recruits we have coming in they will most likely see a new partner when they hit the ice in 15'-16'. This should be a nice way to finish a great year for them and well deserved," said coach Riedy.
2 way forward Matt Eberhardt is the final Flyer rounding out the roster. Matt finished his sophomore season with 9 goals and 8 assists in 27 games played. Eberhardt put his efforts to work on the penalty kill this season and had 3 short handed goals to lead the Flyers in that stat column. "Matt is starting gain some attention now, if he puts his energy into the weight room this off season I see no reason why he doesn't return to the NCHL All Star team again next spring," said coach Picco.
Goaltender Austin Julvezan and forward Kevin Riedy made the team as alternates. Austin Julvezan (sophomore) put up a stellar 10-4 record while playing a total of 935 minuets between the pipes. Kevin Riedy (junior) posted 7 goals and 8 assists in 28 games this season. "Austin battled all season for us, his record shows what the kid can do when called upon. Our goaltending duo of Julvezan and Kirkpatrick (who was 8-2 during his starts) is what we built this squad around and both goalies can make the all star team in the near future." "Riedy is a guy no team can go without. He saw tons of special teams time for us this year. Mainly on the penalty kill. The kid blocks shots, plays excellent defense for a forward, likes to set up his teammates, is shifty and did I mention he likes to throw his weight around," stated the coaching staff.
"This is a fitting end to an outstanding season for these players. All six are fantastic student athletes and young men. I couldn't be happier for them to get recognized in this fashion. Very proud of them all and the rest of my team. It's an honor coaching them to there best season in our history. Our new home of the Northern Collegiate Hockey League has been nothing short of tremendous for our advancement. I know our players will represent them and Lewis University to the highest standard during the tournament," said Coach Picco.
The ACHA All Star Challenge Tournament will take place the week end of April 17-20 in Pittsburg. The NCHL squad will play a grueling 5 games in 3 days.
