Empey, Donnelly share honors

Brockport High School hockey coach Scott Empey and Spencerport High School hockey coach Tom Donnelly were named Co-Coaches of the Year in the White Division of the Monroe County High School Hockey League.

Empey led the Blue Devils to a 13-1 regular season record, a first place finish in the White Division and a #2 ranking in the New York state polls. "After spending three days a week, year round, in the weight room with these players, it’s nice to be recognized. But the most important thing is helping these players develop. This is an honor and before every game, I look out at the rink and I think about my dad who was there at every game for me."

Donnelly and the Rangers finished sixth in the division, winning four games. "I found out at the meeting we had when selecting the all-star teams. We all go out to dinner afterward and several of the other coaches said congratulations. I thought they were pulling my leg, but I called Dan Barrows (league statistician) the next morning and he congratulated me as well. I’m proud of the players who really pulled together this year during some rough times."

It is the first Coach of the Year award for both coaches in their respective careers.