Athlete of the Year: Logan DiScanio, La Salle
Winning the Capital District High School Hockey League championship was a big deal for DiScanio and his La Salle Cadet teammates.
How the Cadets won their first Section II crown since 2001 makes it even more special for DiScanio, who assisted on Kevin Mainello’s goal in double overtime that gave La Salle a thrilling 6-5 win over Shenendehowa.
“The thing that stands out for me the most is the memories we made, just how the game kept going back and forth,” DiScanio said. “They’d be up one goal, we’d strike back with two goals and they would come back with two goals — and we’d strike back.”
The game was held at Union College’s Messa Rink and played in front of an electric crowd.
“It was an amazing atmosphere that night. Everyone dreams of playing in that situation, and when (Mainello’s goal) happened, it was incredible,” DiScanio said. “The fans packed the barn, the whole arena. It was very cool to play in.”
More memories were made following the trophy presentation. The Cadets and fans, in tribute to La Salle coach Tim Flanigan, began chanting “Flan-eee, Flan-eee” in honor of the coach in his 21st season at the helm.
“Coach Flanigan is one of the best coaches I’ve ever had and is a really great guy,” DiScanio said. “Everyone respects him on the ice and off the ice. To see him get one more is great. Section championships don’t come around a lot.”
DiScanio, who had a goal and two assists in the Section II final, finished the season with 26 goals and 35 assists. He’s hoping to play juniors next season, with the ultimate goal of playing hockey in college.
First team
Forward
Logan DiScanio, La Salle: Scored 22 goals and added 31 assists for the Section II-champion Cadets in the regular season before adding four goals and four assists in postseason play. Named second-team all-state in Division I.
Jake Fauler, Sr., Saratoga: Scored 16 goals and added 27 assists for the Blue Streaks.Saratoga coach Dave Torres said his team would have been hard-pressed to win a game without Fauler’s contributions.
Jared Thomas, Jr., Tri-Falls: Earned second-team all-state honors at the Division II level. Leading scorer in Section II during regular season with 33 goals and 60 points.
Defense
Sam Swingruber, Jr., Burnt Hills/Ballston Spa: Scored 11 goals and totaled 22 assists and helped his club to the league semifinals.
Nick Koszelak, Sr., Burnt Hills/Ballston Spa: Moving to the blue line during the season opened up the ice for the smooth-skating senior; finished with 12 goals and 13 assists.
Goalie
Jennifer Gregg, Sr., Guilderland/Mohonasen/Scotia-Glenville: Has accepted scholarship offer from RPI for the 2017-18 season. Recorded a .912 save percentage.
Second team
Forward — Hayden Haldane, Sr., Shenendehowa; Tom Liebold, Jr. Bethlehem; Kevin Mainello, Sr., La Salle. Defense — Andrew Kopplin, Sr., Bethlehem; Jack O’Bryan, So., La Salle; Goalie — Zac Rentz, Sr. La Salle.
Coach of the Year
Tim Flanigan, La Salle: Guided the Cadets to their first Capital District High School Hockey League championship since 2001.
