Varsity Steelers Honored for New York State High School Club Hockey Championship

FREDONIA – The Dunkirk-Fredonia Varsity Steelers, who recently captured the New York State High School Club Hockey State Championship, were honored during their awards banquet at the Beaver Club in Fredonia on Saturday.

Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I- 57th District), who was joined at the awards banquet by Assemblyman Andy Goodell (R,C,I- Chautauqua) and Dunkirk Mayor Willie Rosas, recognized the team’s accomplishments by providing players and coaches with New York State Senate Proclamations honoring their state championship.

The Varsity Steelers team, which includes students from Fredonia, Dunkirk and Silver Creek high schools, finished the year with an overall record of 17-1 and captured the title by defeating the Iroquois Chiefs, with a score of 4-1 in the championship game.

“Congratulations to all the members of the Varsity Steelers team on a remarkable season. These young men truly demonstrate how teamwork, dedication and hard work can pay off with great rewards,” Senator Young said. “Congratulations also to the coaches, who devote their time to mentoring these young men, and the parents who have supported their sons’ athletic efforts for many years.”

The Varsity Steelers were led by Head Coach Jay Bishop, Assistant Coaches Mark Taylor, Jeff Meredith, Mike Formanowicz, Ron Rybak, and Keith Mages.

Front: l-r: Asst. Coach Mark Taylor, Austin Lewis, Zach Rybak, Christopher Michalski, Stephen Formanowicz, Taylor Mattoon, Dawson Rafan, Josh Crane, Nolan Mages, Jackson Taylor.

Back: l-r: Assemblyman Andy Goodell, Ryan Thompson, Christian Michalski, Michael Szalkowski, Nick Walter, Justin Price, Joe Caine, Cole Tippens, Mike Meredith, Chris Buchanan, Asst. Coach Jeff Meredith, Asst. Coach Mike Formanowicz, Coach Jay Bishop, Asst. Coach Ron Rybak, Asst. Coach Keith Mages, Senator Cathy Young, Mayor Willie Rosas.

Missing: Alex Majka