Tigers honor seniors with ceremony

The Amherst Central Federation varsity hockey team honored its seniors last Saturday. The seniors are, pictured, from left, first row - Kevin Weber, AJ DiLorenzo, Al McQuiggan, and DJ Filer; second row - coach Rich Crozier, Phil Cultrara, Steve Rubach, Blake Napierala, Mike Gruttaduria, Dan Hubbard, Matt Allwes and Josh Larwood.

The 2007-2008 Amherst Central Federation hockey team honored 11 seniors before their scrimmage game against Williamsville North on Saturday at the Amherst Pepsi Center.

Tigers hockey coach Rich Crozier praised his seniors after the contest.

"Collectively, we may not have a lot of wins on the ice, but these young men are winners and I told them that after the game," said Crozier. "Some of these players I have coached for four years and to witness the type of people they've become over that stretch and to think that this hockey program has played a small part in that is very gratifying."

The seniors honored on Saturday included four-year varsity players, forwards Mike Gruttaduria, Al McQuiggan and Matt Allwes.

Gruttaduria was selected captain by his teammates this season due to his commitment and dedication on and off the ice.

"Mike's an extremely hard worker," said Crozier. "Mike will be remembered for his passion to return to the Tigers after a devastating leg injury ended his junior season."

A strong, physical player, Gruttaduria leads this year's Tigers team in hits. McQuiggan has been one of the top offensive players on the Tigers for the majority of his high school career.

"Al's an incredible talent," said Crozier. "He will be remembered as one of the best play makers to don an Amherst uniform."

McQuiggan's senior season is highlighted by his game-winning goal in Geneseo, giving the Tigers a much needed win.

Allwes is an offensive talent who leads this year's team in assists.

"Matt will be remembered for the tremendous passion and the enthusiasm that he brings to every Tigers' game." said Crozier.

Seniors Dan Hubbard and Stephen Rubach have played varsity for three seasons.

"Dan Hubbard will be remembered for scoring big goals. Hubbard has a knack for coming through in the clutch and scoring when we need it most," said Crozier during the ceremony.

Hubbard scored the game winner in the Tigers' 2-1 victory in Glens Falls, and also led the Tigers with a two-goal performance in Geneseo.

According to Crozier, Hubbard has been this year's most improved player down the stretch.

Rubach, a forward, has quietly gone about his business for three seasons.

"Never a complainer, Steve will be remembered for his positive outlook on things and a strong work ethic," said Crozier.

Second-year varsity players, seniors AJ DiLorenzo, Phil Cultrara, Blake Napierala and Josh Larwood have all made contributions to the Tigers in different ways.

DiLorenzo has been a mainstay for the Tigers on defense.

"AJ will be remembered for his physical play, especially his devastating hits," said Crozier. "DiLorenzo also has an incredible slap shot, one of the hardest in the league."

Cultrara, a forward, plays with great speed and work ethic.

"Phil's quiet and business-like demeanor has set the bar for the younger players on the team to follow," said Crozier. "Phil leads by example and my younger players look up to him."

Napierala, a forward, is the most physical of the group.

"Blake will be remembered for his tremendous work ethic and physical play on the ice," added Crozier. "Blake brings an intensity to games and practices like no one else."

Larwood, a utility player, has played both forward and defense for this year's Tigers team.

"Josh's hard work in practice has paid off this season, logging him more ice time during the second half of this season." said Crozier.

Larwood's senior season is highlighted by his first career goal he scored in the game against Geneseo this season.

Four years ago, Crozier recognized that the program had a shortage at the goaltending position. At the time, freshman, now seniors DJ Filer and Kevin Weber had little or no experience at goaltender.

"They both turned to me at the time and said, 'well I'm good at street hockey," Crozier recalled. "This program is extremely lucky that both of these young men stepped it up and were willing to play goaltender."

Crozier said Filer and Weber each made strong contributions to this year's team. Filer was the player of the game in the Geneseo game that won the Tigers' the consolation championship. Weber recently shut out league leader Kenmore East late this season.

"It's extremely difficult to say good-bye to this group," concluded Crozier. "We've been through a lot and our trial and tribulations have brought us very close as a group. I think of these boys as my own sons, and to think that in a week or two, they'll be moving on is difficult to comprehend. Our hockey program is very grateful to them and their parents for their continued support. Their presence will be missed and we wish them all the best."