D’Youville Hockey Team To Honor Senator Kennedy

D’Youville Hockey Team to Honor Senator Kennedy

Buffalo, New York – February 2, 2012 – The D'Youville College Spartan club hockey team will honor New York State Senator Timothy M. Kennedy (D - 58th District) for his strong support of the team at a brief ceremony at the Timothy J. Birvid Ice Rink ("The Caz") in South Buffalo on Sunday, February 5 at 2:00 p.m.

There will be jersey presentation and a ceremonial puck drop before the game with Medaille College, a league rival.

Kennedy, a D'Youville graduate, is a strong supporter of the team from its inception in 2010 to today, according to Edward Draper, head coach. .

"As a graduate of D'Youville College and a resident of South Buffalo, I'm thrilled to have this opportunity to drop the puck at the Spartans' hockey game at Cazenovia Ice Rink," said Senator Kennedy. "Hockey is an important part of our community. So many Western New Yorkers grow up playing the game, and even more are lifelong fans. The game Sunday will bring many of the D'Youville and Medaille players back to their home rink, where they learned their skills growing up. It will be a great opportunity to celebrate D'Youville hockey and the sports' prominence in South Buffalo and throughout Western New York."

In addition, the game will represent a homecoming for Cazenovia Park Hockey Alumni from both teams. A number of players and coaches on both teams began playing hockey at the noted South Buffalo rink located on Abbott Road across from Mercy Hospital.

Being recognized from the D'Youville team are: Clark Bertyn, Brian Cieslik, Matthew Diflavio, Justin LaRusch, and Duff Maloney. Athletic Director Brian Cavanaugh, Draper, and assistant coach Bill Unger will also be recognized.

Medaille will be represented by players Matthew Cieslik (Brother of Brian who plays for D'Youville) and Joshua Smith.

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For information contact Ed Draper at 829-7836 or at drapere@dyc.edu.