Fedele takes over Rangers program

SUNY Brockport and Gates Chili alum Brian Fedele is the fourth head coach in the 15-year history of Spencerport's program as they begin the 2005-06 campaign with a move to the Blue Division in the Monroe County High School Hockey League.

Fedele has been an assistant coach for the past eight seasons including stops at Rush-Henrietta (two years), Monroe Community College (three years), SUNY Brockport, Aquinas and Brockport High School (one year each) since he finished his four-year college career with the Golden Eagles. He replaces Tom Donnelly, who guided the Ranger program for eight seasons including a division title in 1998-99.

"Our goal this year is to outwork every team we play," said Fedele before the team opened the season Thanksgiving weekend. "If we can do that, we'll be fine. Offensively I would like us to average three goals per game and reduce the goals against."

The Rangers have won a total of just four games over the last two seasons, but enter the schedule led by seven seniors. The top forward line will include senior captain Andy DiAntonio with assistant captain Greg Wojick and Dan Otto. The trio combined for 12 points last season. The second line features assistant captain Nick Pucillo along with brothers Nick and Luciano Patrella.

The top four defensemen include assistant captain Steve Balcerak, junior Ken Crist, sophomore Steve Vragel and freshman John DiMartino. Goaltenders Colin Abbamonte and Roger Youmans both return after splitting time last season.

The team scored 16 goals in 14 league games one year ago. Other Blue Division teams in the new alignment are Batavia Notre Dame, Bishop Kearney/Eastridge, Canandaigua, Geneseo/Livonia, Geneva/Waterloo, Brighton and Victor. "Special teams will be a key this season with the increased emphasis on holding," said Fedele. "If we can pick up one or two goals per game on the power play and then get one or two at even strength, we'll be competitive."

The Rangers play their first home game of the season December 3 versus Geneva/Waterloo at Scottsville Arena.

November 27, 2005