ECHC Players of the Week: November 22–24

The Empire Collegiate Hockey Conference is proud to recognize outstanding performances from the past weekend. Each division’s Player of the Week demonstrated exceptional skill, resilience, and determination, leading their teams to pivotal victories.

Purple Division: Andrew Barron, G, Farmingdale State College (DI)

Freshman goaltender Andrew Barron made an indelible mark for Farmingdale State College with a sensational performance in his first two-start weekend. Despite an initial team setback in a 0-6 loss to St. Bonaventure on Friday, Barron showed remarkable composure and skill, backstopping his team to a historic first-ever victory over the Bonnies.

On Saturday night, Barron turned aside all 43 shots he faced, recording his first collegiate shutout in a dramatic 1-0 win. The rookie netminder followed this with a 35-save effort on Sunday, propelling the Rams to a thrilling 4-3 overtime triumph. His weekend totals — a .957 save percentage and a 1.49 goals-against average — not only highlight his immense potential but also set a standard for his resilience and poise under pressure.

Black Division: Brock Fizer, F, Ramapo College of New Jersey (DII)

Brock Fizer continues to be a driving force for Ramapo College, leading the Roadrunners with consistent offensive firepower. The second-leading scorer among ECHC Division II players, Fizer added to his stellar season totals during a strong showing at the East Coast Showdown in Aston, PA.

Fizer began the weekend with an assist in a 5-2 victory over Jefferson Community College (UNYCHL, DIII) on Friday afternoon. On Saturday, he kept his team in the fight, netting Ramapo’s lone goal in a tough 4-1 loss to Massachusetts Maritime Academy (NEIHC, DII). However, Fizer saved his best performance for Sunday, where he tallied a hat trick and an assist in an 8-3 rout of Catholic University (ACCHL, DIII).

With four goals and two assists across three games, Fizer’s offensive prowess was pivotal in securing a winning weekend record for Ramapo College. His consistency and ability to deliver in key moments cement his reputation as one of the conference's top forwards.

Silver Division: Brendan Yerkes, F, Hofstra University

Senior forward Brendan Yerkes delivered a career-best performance when his team needed it most, leading Hofstra University to a thrilling 7-6 victory over the University of Albany (UNYCHL, DIII). In a high-stakes matchup, Yerkes recorded the first hat trick of his collegiate career, along with an assist, for a total of four points.

Albany’s furious comeback erased Hofstra’s 5-1 lead, tying the game at 6-6 and setting the stage for Yerkes’ heroics. With the pressure mounting, Yerkes netted his third goal of the night — the game-winner — breaking the deadlock and securing a hard-fought win for his team. Having already surpassed his career highs in goals, assists, and points this season, Yerkes’ performance underscores his importance to Hofstra’s success as they push deeper into the season.

Congratulations to all the Players of the Week for their incredible performances!