HEADLINES  | | | New York Bobcats: Atlantic Junior League team names Kerr new hea posted 04/29/2013 New York Bobcats: Atlantic Junior League team names Kerr new head coach
By admin — April 25, 2013
The New York Bobcats are bringing in a virtual walking encyclopedia of the hockey world.
Kevin Kerr played at the youth and Canadian major junior levels and in several different pro leagues before his coaching career began.
As for coaching, he’s been all over the U.S. junior hockey map – from the Eastern Junior League to the Empire Junior League to now the Atlantic Junior League. He’s excited to be the new head coach of the Bobcats’ Atlantic Junior League team, a position to which he was named in late March.
“I think the Bobcats have a long tradition of being a great program in the AJHL, and I’m hoping to continue that tradition and make sure to have a winning team, but moreso, to send players to the college and United States Hockey League levels,” said Kerr.
As a player, Kerr set the minor pro goal-scoring record with 677 goals in six leagues.
After coaching in Canadian junior and minor pro leagues, Kerr joined the Atlanta Jr. Knights and led the former Southeast Junior League team to a runner-up spot in the Junior Nationals.
The next year, the Knights joined the Metropolitan Junior League and won the league title (going 43-1-0-1) and were again National runners-up.
In 2011-12, Kerr coached the Green Mountain Glades in the EJHL until that franchise was sold to the Portland Jr. Pirates organization. He returned to the Knights this past season. He coached the Knights’ Empire League team, developing the future players for the EJHL South team, a Junior Nationals contender.
Kerr was approached by assistant general manager and assistant coach Craig Doremus about taking the AJHL job and was thrilled about the direction in which the program was heading and wanted to be part of something special.
“They laid out the direction of the organization and I felt compelled to take the opportunity,” said Kerr.
He also saw how much things were changing within the organization, with the involvement at the ownership and management level of twin brothers Chris Ferraro and Peter Ferraro.
The Ferraro twins were longtime minor pro veterans as well, so they and Kerr were coming from a similar background. Kerr plans to use his experiences as a player in these minor leagues to motivate his Bobcats charges.
“It starts out with commitment level,” Kerr said. “You have to be committed to play the game, be committed every day on and off the ice. I just want to bring a good sense of accountability and strive to be the best we can be.”
Back to top  | | | KEVIN KERR NAMED BOBCATS HEAD COACH posted 04/17/2013 Kerr to join New York Bobcats
Friday, March 29 – The New York Bobcats are proud to announce that Kevin Kerr has been hired as the new Head Coach. Kevin comes to the Bobcats by way of Atlanta where this past season Kevin guided the Knights to the Empire League playoffs after finishing the regular season with an impressive 33-5 record.
Kevin’s coaching career began as the Head Coach of the North Bay Skyhawks of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League. His next stop was the International League where he guided the Flint Generals to the playoffs. Kevin then joined the Atlanta Knights in their inaugural season. Kevin guided the first year team to a Southeast Junior Hockey League championship. They finished as the runner up at the National Championships and were ranked in the top three nationally all season long. Kevin then took his team to the Junior B level with in Metropolitan Junior Hockey League. Once there he established the Knights as a perennial national contender. In his first season, Kevin guided the Knights to a 43-1-0-1 record. Kerr’s Knights were the MET league regular season champs, captured the Keegan Cup, and was named MJHL Coach of the year. The Knights finished the season ranked second in the country after losing the National Championship game 4-3 in overtime. Kevin remained in Atlanta until the 2011-2012, when he took a job with the Green Mountain Glades of the EJHL. In Green Mountain, he was put in charge of both the Eastern Junior Hockey League, and Empire Junior Hockey League. Kevin returned to Atlanta this past season after Green Mountain was moved to Portland, Maine.
Kevin was selected in the 3rd round (56th overall) of the 1986 NHL Entry Draft. He played over 1000 career games throughout his professional career. He was named to 8 consecutive All Star teams. Kevin set the goal scoring record for minor professional hockey in 2005.
Kevin had this to say about joining the Bobcats "I'm very excited about being a part of the NY Bobcats. They have a great reputation of being a first-class program and I'm proud to be joining the team. I am looking forward to working with the great coaching staff already in place as we develop and promote young hockey players on to their full potential, both on and off the ice."
Back to top | | | TRYOUT DATES HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED posted 03/23/2013
2013-2014 Tryouts
Gulls Midget 18U
New York Junior Bobcats ● Metro Fighting Moose
| JUNIOR and MIDGET 18U TRYOUT SCHEDULE |
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| Tuesday, April 09, 2013 |
6:00 to 9:30pm |
Cantiague |
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| Wednesday, April 10, 2013 |
8:00 to 11:00pm |
Aviator |
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| Thursday, April 11, 2013 |
6:00 to 9:30pm |
Cantiague |
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| Saturday, April 13, 2013 |
6:00 to 9:30pm |
Cantiague |
invite only |
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| Sunday, April 14, 2013 |
5:45 to 8:00pm |
Cantiague |
invite only |
please click on the 2013-2014 Tryout tab for further information
Back to top | | | TELESCA COMMITS TO SUNY POTSDAM posted 03/21/2013
TOMMY TELESCA COMMITS TO SUNY POTSDAM
The NY Bobcats are very proud to announce that standout forward, Tommy Telesca, has committed to the Bears of SUNY Potsdam for the 2013/2014 season. Tommy will be joining his former teammate, Billy Pascalli, on the Bears’ roster next season. Potsdam is a member of the SUNYAC Conference, which is arguably the strongest Division III Conference in the United States. Tommy becomes the third player from this year’s New York Bobcats to receive a commitment to play collegiate hockey.
After playing for Corpus Christi of the North American Hockey League for the first fifteen games of the season, Tommy joined the Bobcats in early November and immediately became a go-to player on the team. Known for his quickness, tenacity and vision on the ice, Tommy finished with a 9-19-28 line in 38 games, earning valuable time on both the powerplay and penalty killing units. Those numbers followed last year’s stellar breakout season when he finished third in scoring among all AJHL players. His overall season line of 28-50-78 placed him second in scoring for the Bobcats. An AJHL All-Star last season, Tommy accumulated a 49-101-150 line in 140 games over his three-year career with the Bobcats. Those numbers place him among the top offensive players in the history of the organization. His 101 assists during that span are a reflection of his unselfishness and uncanny creativity on the ice. His career +56 was also evidence of his play at both ends of the ice.
By way of background, Tommy came to the Bobcats from the Suffolk PAL Junior B program, where he played during the 09/10 season and qualified for the Junior B National Championship. An MJHL All-Star and Offensive Defensive Player of the Year, Tommy was an integral part of that team’s success. Prior to joining Suffolk PAL, Tommy was a member of the Long Island Royals Bantam 07/08 team and PeeWee 05/06 teams, both of which earned a New York State Tier I Championship and an appearance in the National Championship tournament. In addition to participating in the New York Select 14, 15 and 16 Camps, Tommy was selected for the National 16 Festival in 2009 and earned a Silver Medal at the Empire State games with Team Long Island.
The New York Bobcats take great pride in announcing Tommy’s commitment and extend their sincere and heartfelt congratulations to him and the entire Telesca family.
Back to top | | | JD RASSETT COMMITS TO GENESEO posted 03/19/2013
J.D. RASSETT COMMITS TO SUNY GENESEO
The New York Bobcats are happy to announce that Captain and standout defenseman, J.D. Rassett, has committed to the Ice Knights of SUNY Geneseo for the 2013/2014 season. Geneseo plays in the highly competitive SUNYAC Conference, which is arguably the strongest Division III conference in the country. Located in the historic village of Geneseo in the upstate Finger Lakes region, SUNY Geneseo is a premier public liberal arts college with a rich tradition of academic excellence. The most selective of SUNY institutions, Geneseo is highly ranked in national publications for academic quality and value.
As the team's Captain this past season, J.D.'s leadership manifested itself both on and off the ice. With many new additions to the Bobcats this past season, head coach Mike Coppola looked to J.D. to help reinforce a team first attitude amongst the players. As a returning Bobcat with many years of junior hockey experience, J.D. filled his captaincy role with a much needed focus and commitment. On the ice, J.D.'s play also spoke volumes. Known as a smart, reliable and offensive-minded defenseman, he has been a constant presence and primary contributor on the power play and penalty killing units for the past two seasons. During the 2012/13 season, he accumulated a 4-22-26 line in 52 games. His overall plus/minus rating of + 17 and his 11 power play points were among the team leaders for defensemen. Those numbers followed up last year's All-Star campaign where J.D. registered 24 points in 55 games for the League Championship Runner-up Bobcats and finished 6th overall among defensemen in league scoring.
By way of background, J.D. played his Junior B and youth hockey in the state of Florida where he played for the 2011 Junior B National Semi-Finalists Palm Beach Hawks. He was a U16 Florida State Champion with the Gulf Coast Flames and participated in a number of Florida and Southeastern regional Select Camps.
A strong student who has always placed a priority on his academic work, Geneseo looks to be a terrific fit for J.D. The Bobcats and Gulls would like to extend their heartfelt congratulations to J.D. and his entire family and wishes him the very best as he heads to Geneseo to embark on his academic and college hockey career.
Back to top | | | TOMMASO BUCCI HEADED TO MERCYHURST posted 03/19/2013
BUCCI COMMITS TO MERCYHURST
The New York Bobcats are happy to announce that standout forward, Tommaso Bucci, has committed to the Lakers of Mercyhurst College. Considered a strong academic school, Mercyhurst is a member of the Atlantic Hockey League. Tommaso will join former Bobcats Matthew Zay and Dan O’Donoghue on the Mercyhurst roster. Matt and Dan are currently 1st and 3rd , respectively, for the Lakers in scoring.
After playing for Corpus Christi of the North American Hockey League for the first half of the 2012/13 season, Tommaso joined the Bobcats in mid-December and immediately made a significant impact. Playing mostly on the first line with AJHL All-Stars Patrick Schule and Chris Wallace, Tommaso registered an 8-15-23 line and a very respectable +12 plus/minus rating in only 20 games for the Bobcats. Known for his soft and quick hands, excellent vision on the ice and his gritty and physical play, Bucci added a much needed two-way component at the center position. He also became a mainstay on the power play, earning 6 points with the man advantage.
By way of background, Tommaso played for the Metro Moose Junior B team last season, earning 53 points in only 29 games. In addition to being an MJHL All-Star, he finished in the top twenty in league scoring despite missing a significant number of games. Tommaso is also a Gulls alumnus, having played in the organization numerous years during his youth hockey career.
The Bobcats would like to extend their heartfelt congratulations to Tommaso and the entire Bucci family, and wish him the very best as he moves forward with his academic and college hockey career.
Back to top | | | Zocco takes home Defenseman of the Week honors posted 11/13/2012
AJHL announces Players of the Week
CHESTERFIELD, VA. - The Atlantic Junior Hockey League (AJHL) has announced that Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights forward Jack Ceglarski (left), New York Bobcats defenseman Luke Zocco (middle) and Connecticut Wolfpack goaltender Gene Lane have been named the Offensive, Defensive and Goaltender of the Week, respectively, for the week ending Nov. 11.
Ceglarski, from Byfield, Mass., struck for three goals and three assists as the Knights forged a two-game split against the Philadelphia Jr. Flyers. On Saturday, the 1992-born recorded a hat trick, including the game-winning goal, and two assists in a 5-0 victory. The next day, the 6-foot-1, 185-pounder picked up another assist as Wilkes-Barre/Scranton fell to the Jr. Flyers, 3-1.
“Jack plays a very highly-offensive style of hockey with a defensive-zone twist,” said Knights head coach Justin Lyle. “He's been involved in a majority of our points this season.”
Zocco, a Staten Island, N.Y., native, rang up a goal and two assists as the Bobcats fashioned a 1-1 record. On Friday, the 1994-born tallied New York’s only goal in a 9-1 loss to the Northern Cyclones. The next day, the 5-foot-10, 180-pounder picked up a pair of assists, including one on Patrick Schule’s game-winning goal, as the Bobcats downed the Laconia Leafs, 7-2.
“Luke has been a steady defenseman for us all year,” said Bobcats head coach Michael Coppola. “If he starts to have the offensive success he’s capable of, he’ll become a top blueliner in this league.”
Lane, from Plymouth, Mass., backstopped the Wolfpack to a three-point week, turning aside 74 of 77 shots. On Tuesday, the 1992-born made 39 saves in a 6-1 triumph over the Walpole Express. Three nights later, the 6-foot-1, 175-pounder stopped 35 shots as the Wolfpack skated to a 2-2 tie with the Boston Jr. Rangers.
“Several college teams have taken notice of Gene’s exceptional play this season and have been recruiting him pretty hard,” said Wolfpack head coach Chris Cerrella. “And he’s earned it; his numbers speak for themselves.”
HONORABLE MENTION
OFFENSIVE: Bobcats forwards Schule and Chris Wallace; Leafs forward Steve Zurica; New Jersey Rockets forwards Jonathan Kashmere and Jonathan Lee; New Jersey Titans forward Marcus Ortiz; Philadelphia Little Flyers forward Ryan Lohin
DEFENSIVE: Leafs defenseman Greg Sauers; Rockets defenseman Will Campion; Little Flyers defenseman Donald Rudd
GOALTENDER: The Rockets' Anton Ianin and Phil Heinle
Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2012-13, the AJHL, a USA Hockey-sanctioned Tier III Junior A league boasting 12 teams from seven states, prides itself on the social maturity and skill development of student-athletes ages 16-20 with aspirations of advancing to collegiate and/or professional hockey.
Back to top | | | Schule Named Player of the Week posted 10/11/2012
AJHL announces Players of the Week
CHESTERFIELD, VA. - The Atlantic Junior Hockey League (AJHL) has announced that New York Bobcats forward Pat Schule, Northern Cyclones defenseman Jon Houk and Walpole Express goaltender Kyle Shapiro have been named the Offensive, Defensive and Goaltender of the Week, respectively, for games ending Oct. 8.
Schule, from Fresh Meadows, N.Y., rang up four goals and two assists at the AJHL’s second Showcase of the season, which was held over Columbus Day Weekend in Hudson, N.H. On Friday, the 1994-born struck for a goal and an assist in a 3-2 victory over the Laconia Leafs. The next day, the 5-foot-10, 170-pounder registered a hat trick, including the game-winning marker in overtime, and an assist as the Bobcats edged the Cyclones, 4-3. Schule was held scoreless in New York’s 1-0 loss to the Boston Jr. Rangers on Sunday.
“Pat has become a force for us, offensively,” said Bobcats head coach Michael Coppola. “He’s a leader on our team and sets the standard with his work ethic every day.”
Houk, from Richboro, Pa., connected for two goals and two assists in three Showcase games. After being held scoreless on Friday - a 3-1 triumph over the New Jersey Rockets - the 1992-born put home two goals and an assist the next day in a 4-3 overtime loss to the Bobcats. On Sunday, the 6-foot-3, 215-pound Houk picked up another assist on forward Brian Bowen’s game-winning goal as the Cyclones downed the New Jersey Titans, 4-3.
“Jon played well for us last weekend,” said Cyclones head coach Bill Flanagan. “He anchors the power play and contributed some big goals at the Showcase.”
Shapiro, from Ocean, N.J., backstopped the Express to a pair of wins in his two appearances at the Showcase, turning aside 59 of 60 shots. On Friday, the 1993-born stopped all 15 shots he faced in 25 minutes of action in a 4-1 victory over the Philadelphia Little Flyers. The next day, the 6-foot, 167-pound Shapiro made 44 saves as Walpole downed the Philadelphia Jr. Flyers, 3-1.
“Kyle has gotten off to good start and has played excellent in his five starts,” said Express assistant coach Tony Dalessio. “He’s a calming presence in our defensive zone.”
HONORABLE MENTION
OFFENSIVE: Jr. Flyers forward Ben Brouillard; Little Flyers forward James Bonaguro; Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights forward Jack Ceglarski
DEFENSIVE: Jr. Flyers defenseman Jim Le Noir; Knights defenseman Tommy Dowell
GOALTENDER: Connecticut Wolfpack goaltender Spencer Landry; Jr. Flyers goaltender Scott Brown; Knights goaltender Mike DeLaVergne
Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2012-13, the AJHL, a USA Hockey-sanctioned Tier III Junior A league boasting 12 teams from seven states, prides itself on the social maturity and skill development of student-athletes ages 16-20 with aspirations of advancing to collegiate and/or professional hockey.
Back to top | | | NEW BROADCASTER FOR BOBCATS posted 09/07/2012
Bobcats Announce New 2012-13 Broadcaster
The New York Bobcats, proud member of the Atlantic Junior Hockey League, officially announced Carmine Vetrano as the club’s new play-by-play broadcaster for the 2012-13 season.
Vetrano, 26, has spent the past three seasons -- and going on his fourth – with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers (New York Islanders top affiliate) of the American Hockey League serving as their color commentator and main fill-in for play-by-play.
Additionally, the Kings Park, NY native was the play-by-play voice for the Brooklyn Aviators of the Federal ‘A’ Hockey League for the past two years and took home the FHL’s Broadcaster of the Year award during the 2010-11 season. Last season, he also performed voice-overs on highlight packages for the National Hockey League.
“I’m really excited at the opportunity to call games for an organization that has such a rich history in hockey on Long Island,” said Vetrano, who played against the Bobcats when he was a member of the Hudson Valley Eagles from 2004-06. "I look forward to entertaining the fans all season long on the broadcasts."
Broadcasts for the Bobcats home games this season will start 15-minutes prior to puck drop and will include a coach’s pregame show, intermission interviews and reports, and a post game wrap up. All the action can be watched and heard live via FastHockey.com.
For more information about the Bobcats and the AJHL, head to nybobcats.com or ajhlhockey.org
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Back to top | | | by mike posted 05/22/2012
Looking for Billets
For the 2012-2013 Season
The Bobcats are looking for families to take players in for next season. Form a bond with a player that will last a lifetime.
Tuition Remission is offered as compensation for billeting a player.
Please contact the office if you have interest or any questions about this program.
516-677-9075
Back to top | | | Dan O'Donoghue Named Captain at Mercyhurst | | | Former Bobcat Wins National CHampionship by mike posted 04/11/2012 
| | Former LI Gulls and NY Bobcats player Dan Linell joined on his left by Johnny Gaudreau (Team Comcast) and Michael Sit of the NCAA Championship BC Eagles. | | | Former LI Gulls player and New York Junior Bobcats player Dan Linell becomes the fourth player in our history to lift the NCAA National Tournament Trophy. Joined by Hobey Baker winner Matt Gilroy (LI Gulls and Boston University) and former BC stars, Tim Kunes (LI Gulls) and Tim Filiangiari (LI Gulls and NY Bobcats), Danny Linell enters this elite group of Gulls and Bobcats as the Eagles beat the Ferris State Bulldogs 4 to 1 in the NCAA Championship game.
Back to top | | | Former Bobcat Mangene Signs With the Flyers by mike posted 04/04/2012
A breakout junior seasons gave Matt Mangene pro opportunities, and he’ll forgo his final year at Maine after signing an entry-level, free agent contract with the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers.
Mangene played in all 40 games this season for the Black Bears, skating as both a forward and defenseman.
He had 16 goals and 34 points this season, and 20 goals and 55 points in 105 career collegiate games.
Mangene is set to report to the Adirondack Phantoms, the Flyers’ AHL affiliate in Glens Falls, N.Y., for the rest of the season.
“I would like to thank the coaching staff, my teammates and the fans for the last three years at Maine,” Mangene said in a news release cited by the Bangor Daily News. “It has been the best three years of my life. I am very excited to start my pro career in the Philadelphia Flyers organization.”
Read more: http://www.uscho.com/2012/04/02/maines-mangene-signs-with-philadelphia-gives-up-final-collegiate-season/#ixzz1r6Ifeg6jBack to top | | | Soffer Named USA Hockey Goaltender of the Week by mike posted 11/30/2011
JuniorHockey.com today announced that Jake Soffer, of the Atlantic Junior Hockey League's New York Bobcats, has been named Wall USA's National Goaltender of the Week for the period ending Nov. 27.
Over the past weekend, Soffer was fantastic for the Bobcats in a pair of wins over the league's top two teams.
On Friday Soffer stopped 27 of 28 shots in the win against the Northern Cyclones. On Saturday his workload increased against the Walpole Express, but Soffer got the win while stopping 35 of 36.
For the season Soffer is carrying a 2.10 GAA and a .939 save percentage through thirteen games.
"I have not committed to a school yet, but I am hoping to get to one with great academics," Soffer told JuniorHockey.com today. If Soffer continues to play like he did this week, we are sure he is going to be getting a lot more attention from the D1 college coaches.
Back to top | | | FORMER BOBCAT KINKAID RECEIVES KEN DRYDEN AWARD posted 04/07/2011
(L to R) Stephane Boileau, Adam Presizniuk, Head Coach Nate Leaman, Brock Matheson, and Keith Kinkaid each earned individual awards at the ECAC Hockey banquet.
"Former Long Island Gull and New York Bobcat goaltender Keith Kincaid has received the 2010-2011 Ken Dryden Award, emblematic of the being selected as the top goalie in the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference (ECAC). In addition, Keith, a sophomore at Union College in Schenectady, New York, is a nominee for the 2010-11Hobey Baker Award given annually to the top Division I collegiate hockey player. Keith’s bantam and midget youth hockey coach as well as his Junior A Bobcats coach was present Bobcats head coach Ed Galiani.
The following is an article published by Union College to its web site honoring its ’10-’11 ECAC awards recipients."
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ - Union College men's ice hockey head coach Nate Leaman has been named the ECAC Hockey 2010-11 Tim Taylor Award for Coach of the Year for the second straight season, the conference announced Monday. Leaman tops a list of five individual awards earned by Union at the league's annual banquet, held at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ.
Sophomore goaltender Keith Kinkaid earned the Ken Dryden Award for Goaltender of the Year, while Adam Presizniuk earned Best Defensive Forward honors, Brock Matheson earned Best Defensive Defenseman honors, and Stephane Boileau was named ECAC Student-Athlete of the Year.
Under Leaman's direction, Union has posted a school-record 26 victories, including a program-best 17 conference wins. The Dutchmen earned the Cleary Cup as ECAC Hockey regular season champions for the first time in the team's 20-year Division I history.
Selected to finish third in both the coaches' preseason and media polls, the Dutchmen earned a No. 1 seed in the league's postseason tournament. Union's .718 winning percentage overall is fifth in the country and the highest all-time in school history.
Kinkaid, a Hobey Baker candidate, posted a conference record of 17-3-2 (.818), leading the league. Overall, Kinkaid set the school single-season wins record this year (25), breaking Corey Milan's previous record of 19 set in 2008-09. He also moved into second on the school's all time wins list with 37 career victories, trailing only Kris Mayotte (46 win from 2002-06) on the list. He is the first Union goaltender to record a sub 2.00 goals-against average after regular-season play (1.90 GAA).
Presizniuk, one of the Dutchmen assistant captains this season, has played a key role as a penalty killer for Union during his four years at Union. Despite missing six games with a thumb injury, Presizniuk is currently fourth on the team in scoring with 33 points (12 goals, 21 assists). On Oct. 9, Presizniuk set a school record with five assists in a 7-3 win against Sacred Heart. He became the school's all-time leader in scoring and assists in the Division I era on Jan. 7 with an assist against St. Lawrence.
Matheson, the team captain, registered a career-high plus-25 rating in the regular season, and also set career bests with seven assists and ten points. Matheson is one of two Union defensemen to have started all 39 games this season. He is only senior defenseman on a team with the No. 1 scoring defense in the nation (2.10 goals allowed/game).
Boileau, a two-time winner of the Thomas VanArden Dukeheart Award for highest grade point average on the team, is Union's third Student-Athlete of the Year winner in the last five seasons. This season, Boileau is one of 10 finalists for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award, and also earned a nomination for the 2011 Hockey Humanitarian Award. Boileau has posted four goals and six assists in 26 games to move among the top 50 point-scorers in school history.
The Dutchmen will await the announcement of the NCAA Tournament field, which will air on Sunday, March 20 at 11:30 a.m. on ESPN2.
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