Sports Information Department – 112 Dods Hall
Phone (716) 673-3100 / Fax (716) 673-3136

CONTACT: Jerry Reilly,
Sports Information Director

DATE: Monday, November 15, 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hockey

Devils receive No. 12 national ranking

FREDONIA, N.Y. – The Fredonia State Blue Devils are officially on the college hockey radar.

The Blue Devils on Monday broke into the USCHO.com Top 15 poll at No. 12 --- one spot behind SUNYAC rival Oswego. The Blue Devils (6-1-1, 4-0-0) are the sole leaders of SUNYAC. They received three votes in the previous poll, 23rd best in the country.

For a look at the poll, go to USCHO.com rankings.

Also Monday, junior Rick Cazares (San Jose, Calif.) landed his second straight SUNYAC Goaltender of the Week honor while the Blue Devils were recipients of positive national press.

Cazares stopped 52 of 55 shots in weekend wins over Plattsburgh and Potsdam -- the Blue Devils' first north country sweep since the 1990-91 season. He put together a scoreless stretch of 107 minutes and 14 seconds in the two games. During the time, the Blue Devils outscored their opponents 9-0

Cazares improved to 4-1-1 with the two wins. He is fourth in NCAA Division III in minutes played (364:37) and 15th in goals-against average (2.80).

Offensively, sophomore Matt Zeman (Rocky River, Ohio) continues to lead NCAA Division III in points (19) and assists (12) through eight games. His seven goals is tied for second in the country. Also, sophomore Brian Kolesar (Broadview Heights, Ohio) is tied for 15th in points (10) and for fifth in assists (9). Sophomore Scott Bradley (Belleville, Ont.) is tied for eighth in power-play goals (3).

The positive media coverage came in the form of a column by Ed Trefzger, Division III editor for USCHO.com. He wrote in part: "Our SUNYAC columnist, Russell Jaslow, readily admitted in his column last week that he has egg on his face after picking Fredonia seventh in the league; even the coaches may have missed the mark, picking the Blue Devils fifth. Last year, 10 points was enough to make the playoffs, and Fredonia already has eight.

"Coach Jeff Meredith has used a defensive approach over the past few seasons, and Blue Devils league opponents have averaged only two goals a game against goalie Rick Cazares. But Fredonia has also been hot on offense, averaging an even five goals a game.

"Look for the Blue Devils to make their USCHO.com poll debut today."

The Blue Devils visit Buffalo State on Wednesday, Nov. 17, before returning home Friday for an exhibition game against St. Clair College.

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