PLATTSBURGH — The 2010-2011 postseason in the SUNY Athletic Conference was rewarding for the Plattsburgh State men's hockey team.
The Cardinals won three games, including two in overtime, to capture the conference playoff championship before dropping a controversial 3-2 overtime decision to Norwich University in the NCAA Division III quarterfinals.
But, there were trials and tribulations along the way in the Cardinals' 20-8-1 overall campaign, as seven of the eight losses for Plattsburgh State came in SUNYAC regular season play.
To try and correct that and remain among the top programs in Division III, the Cardinals' coaching staff went out and brought in a class of 13 newcomers to the program.
"We are very happy with the incoming class," Plattsburgh State assistant coach Steve Moffat said. "We have a good mix of players to fill different roles. We have good size, speed and some talented players who we feel can step up and contribute right away.
"Our team will only be as good as the incoming players are and how fast they adapt to Cardinal Hockey. The players are getting anxious to get on the ice and the coaching staff is excited for the start of a new season."
The Cardinals open their season on October 15 at 7 p.m. when they host the United States Under-18 Team is an exhibition game at the Stafford Ice Arena. Plattsburgh State's first official game is a SUNYAC contest at 7 p.m. at Morrisville State on October 29.
Below is a list and information concerning the 13 recruits.
—
2011-12 Plattsburgh State
Men's hockey recruits
Brandon Beadow- Beadow is a defenseman from Kapuskasing, Ont. and the Vaughan Vipors of the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL). He is a big body at 6-2, 205 and put up some good offensive numbers with nine goals, 26 assists and 35 points. He was second among defensemen on his team in scoring and helped lead Vaughan to a first-place finish in the South Division.
Zach Blake- Blake comes to Plattsburgh from the great hockey tradition of the Wellington Dukes of the OJHL. The Dukes captured the East Division Championship, OJHL Championship and the prestigious Dudley Hewitt Championship a season ago. Blake was a key part of the team with 16 goals, 27 assists and 43 points.
Alex Brenton- Brenton played for the Kemptville 73's of the Central Junior Hockey League. He led his team in points with 32 goals, 21 assists and 53 points in 60 games. He is a gritty player, who plays bigger than 5-8, 165, who has a tremendous work ethic and a proven leader on the ice.
Mathieu Cadieux- Cadieux played his final year of junior hockey for the Cobourg Cougars of the OJHL where his record was 26 wins, 13 losses and four shutouts while leading his team to the second round of the playoffs. Cadieux is 6-1, 185.
Michael Cassidy- Cassidy is 5-11 and comes from Buffalo where he played for the Junior Sabres of the OJHL, who are coached by former Plattsburgh State standout Chris Panek. Cassidy scored 20 goals and added 25 assists. He has an offensive knack and is also very responsible in his own end.
Mark Constantine- Constantine played prep hockey at The Hill School in Pottstown, Pa. He is very crafty with the puck and can find the back of the net as he was a prolific goal scorer in the prep school ranks. He is also the youngest freshman in the class.
Jordan Gidaro- Gidaro is another OJHL recruit who played for the Aurora Tigers. He led his team in scoring with 22 goals, 31 assists and 53 points. He is 5-9, 175 and has good offensive instincts.
Alex Jensen- He joins his brother, Nick, at Plattsburgh. Jensen played his last year of junior hockey with the Fairbanks Ice Dogs of the North American Hockey League where he had 14 goals, 20 assists and 34 points in 42 games. He is 6-1, 215.
Preston Kaye- Kaye played for the Northern Cyclones of the Atlantic Junior Hockey League. He was the leading scorer among defensemen in his league with 41 points in 42 games. He also earned the league's Offensive Defenseman of the Year Award.
Jacob Mooney- Mooney played for the North York Rangers in the OJHL. He is a skilled forward, with good vision. In 50 games, he scored 23 goals and added 43 assists for 66 points.
Adam Scuglia- Souglia was a member of the Brampton Capitals in the OJHL. He is a big forward at 6-1, 190. The native of Richmond Hill, Ont. had 23 goals, 37 assists and 60 points.
Matt Sollows- Sollows was a teammate of Brandon Beadow with the Vaughan Vipers. He is a 19-year-old defenseman from Aurora, Ont. with plenty of junior hockey experience ready to make the transition to college hockey. He had 29 points, with seven goals and 22 assists.
Jeff Vanzant- Vanzant is from Barrie, Ont. and played for the Peterborough Stars in the OJHL. He is 5-10, 185. A defenseman, Vanzant finished last year with four goals and 15 assists.
........looks like a nice diverse group for the birdst Stafford. Look forward to seeing the renos this year.
