Team Empire at the 2024 AAU College Hockey All-Star Challenge

The Empire Collegiate Hockey Conference (ECHC) team made a strong showing at the 2024 AAU College Hockey All-Star Challenge, led by Head Coach Devin Bertrand (University of New Haven) and Assistant Coaches Joe Lane (Sacred Heart University) and David Brennan (Quinnipiac University). The roster featured standout talent from various teams within the ECHC, including Tim Duffy, Brendan Avezov, and Brendan Dixson.

Game 1: ECHC vs. NEIHC (10-4 Victory) The ECHC opened the tournament with a dominant 10-4 win against the New England Independent Hockey Conference (NEIHC). Tim Duffy led the charge with an impressive 5 goals and 1 assist. Brandon Avezov and Brendan Dixson each contributed with a goal and 2 assists, while Zach Lee added 3 assists. Gene Castro (Stony Brook University, DIII) was solid in goal, helping secure the win.

Game 2: ECHC vs. CHS-Gray (14-6 Victory) In their second game, the ECHC team continued their winning streak with a 14-6 victory over College Hockey South - Gray. Tim Duffy once again stood out, netting 4 goals and 2 assists. Brandon Avezov shined with 1 goal and 5 assists, while Brendan Dixson chipped in 2 goals and 1 assist. Ryan Solomon (Quinnipiac University, DI) took the reins in goal, delivering a strong performance.

Game 3: ECHC vs. CHS-White (6-8 Loss) The third game saw a close battle with College Hockey South - White, where the ECHC team fell 8-6. Despite the loss, Tim Duffy provided 4 assists, and Brandon Avezov added 2 goals and 1 assist. Brendan Dixson continued his consistent play with 2 goals and 1 assist. Gene Castro returned as the starting goalie for this game.

Final Game: ECHC vs. CHS-White (3-7 Loss) In the final game of the tournament, the ECHC team faced CHS-White again but unfortunately lost 7-3. Connor Momrow (Fairfield University, DI) was a standout, contributing a goal and an assist. Ryan Solomon was back between the pipes, providing a valiant effort in goal.

Overall Performance: The ECHC team showcased their offensive prowess and competitive spirit throughout the tournament, highlighted by Tim Duffy's outstanding goal-scoring abilities and the playmaking skills of Brendan Avezov and Brendan Dixson. Despite the losses in the final two games, the team left a strong impression, demonstrating the depth and talent within the ECHC.

As the ECHC looks forward to future All-Star Challenges, the experience gained at the 2024 AAU College Hockey All-Star Challenge will undoubtedly contribute to the continued growth and success of the conference.