OFA Skaters Honored For Place In History

OFA Hockey Coach Jon Frederick is a history buff. In a classroom and on the ice.

Coach Frederick gave a little history lesson on Wednesday evening at the OFA Varsity Hockey Awards Banquet at the Elks Lodge where he recognized the Overall NAC Division II and Division II West Champions and Section 10 Division II runner-up Skating Devils who lost to New York State Final Four representative St. Lawrence Central.

"I want to give you players a history lesson on OFA hockey," said Frederick as he concluded his comments on the 2009-2010 season. "Looking in the banners at OFA, I've only seen three banners since the 1970's. You should be very proud of the fourth.

Frederick pointed out that OFA earned the D1 League Championship in 1985 and lost to Liverpool in the state finals, won the Section 10 Division II Championship in 1995 as sixth seed and fell in NYS Final Four and won the 1997 Division II title as a three seed and fell in the state championship game.

"This was a very tight knit group and family. No, we didn't always get along - who does? But we stayed together and worked hard. Even though we lost in the finals, that was a new beginning for our seniors. They kept this team together. I saw so many tears fly after that game. Just remember, whoever says a man shouldn't shed a tear is totally wrong," said Coach Frederick.

"Along this long season, we learned many life lessons. 1. You don't have to agree with everthing, but do it with dignity. 2. When things get tough, don't run or make excuses, deal with it, learn from it and move on. 3. If things don't go the way you want the, its not the end of the world. 4. Work through your obstacles and problems and lastly, 5. Be humble about your success and don't brag."

The Blue Devils finished the season at 13-7-3, 9-1-3 in NAC West and 1-0-2 against Division II opponents.

NAC Division II Co-MVP Erik Whitcombe earned the Hart Award for being the Most Valuable Player. Whitcombe (59 goals, 40 assists) is tied for first place at OFA in career goals, has recorded the second and third best single season scoring totals with 25 goals and 28 goals and ranks second in career points since the 1999 season.

"Eric is a gamer. His motor never quits. This season, he became a good leader," said Fredericks.

Junior Eric Barr earned the Pearson Offensive MVP Award. An All-NAC selection Barr has delivered 31 goals and 40 assists in his career and 11 goals and 22 assists this season. "He's a tremendous player and reminds me alot of his dad, who I had the opportunity to play with," said Frederick.

Tim Barr, another junior All-NAC Selection, earned the Norris Big Shot Award. "Tim is agressive checker and just a good athlete. Barr was also selected to be a captain next season with Ryan Bouchey and Eric Barr. "Tim, Eric and Ryan all put in the time to become better hockey players. That's what I like in a captain...first one on the ice and last off," Frederick noted.

Chris Harper, the Division II WSMA Goalie of the Year Award recipient, received Nesbit Award winner for being the Top Goaltender. He recorded a 1.69 league goals against average, finished with five shutouts and recorded a .940 save percentage. "Chris has kept us in many games throughout his career," said Fredericks.

Anthony Pirie earned the Best Defensive-Forward Award. "Anthony learned his new role and never let down. He quietly became a leader," Frederick added.

Ross Klosner earned the Robert Hynes Memorial Award. "Ross came along way since his freshman year. He's matured and plays with consistency and persistence."

Eric Sweeney earned the Devils Section 10 Sportsmanship Award.

Nabeel Almuti, D.J. Swan, Quinn Rufa, Chris Harper, Matt Snodgrass, Erik Whitcombe, Gian Rufa, Grant Prudhomme, and Eric Barr composed the New York State Scholar Athlete-Team with composite average of 90.106. Almuti, Eric Barr, Ryan Bouchey, Chris Harper, Alex Hewko, Drew Hilborne, Ernie Jeneault, Grant Prudhomme, and Quinn Rufa also earned Section 10 All Academic honors compiling a 85 plus averages every semester since 10th grade.

Members of the Devils receiving certificates were: Erik Whitcombe, Eric Barr, Andrew Hilborne, Grant Prudhomme, Trey Lawrence, Ernie Jeneault, Dustin Harper, Ryan Bouchey, Tim Barr, Jake Garrison, Eric Sweeney, Drew Costigan, Brandon Mullin, Alex Hewko, Anthony Pirie, DJ Swan, Nabeel Almuti, Eric Anson, Gian Rufa, Matt Snodgrass, David Troiano, Andrew LeBeau, Jon Tayler, Quinn Rufa, Chris Harper, Dustin Harper, Jarid Dodd, and Chris Axtell.