CANISIUS COLLEGE ATHLETICS
BUFFALO, N.Y. — Former Canisius forward Ryan Schmelzer has been named to the Senior CLASS Award All-American First Team for his efforts both on and off the ice, it was announced on Wednesday by the award management group.
Schmelzer is the fourth Canisius hockey player to earn Senior CLASS Award All-American honors, joining former teammate Ralph Cuddemi (2016), Kyle Gibbons (2014) and Cory Conacher (2011) on the exclusive list.
An acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School®, the Senior CLASS Award focuses on the total student-athlete and encourages students to use their platform in athletics to make a positive impact as leaders in their communities. To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must be classified as an NCAA Division I senior and have notable achievements in four areas of excellence: classroom, community, character and competition.
A native of Buffalo, N.Y., Schmelzer appeared in 143 games during his time with the Golden Griffins, compiling 106 points on 40 goals and 66 assists.
Serving as team captain for the 2017-18 season, Schmelzer finished third on the team in scoring, recording 30 points (13g, 17a) in 32 games played. An All-Atlantic Hockey Third Team selection, Schmelzer recorded 12 goals and 13 assists in 25 league games.
Away from the rink, Schmelzer is a management major who has earned Dean’s List distinction on three occasions. He is also a three-time Atlantic Hockey Conference All-Academic Team selection.
Schmezler has also been a valued member of both the Canisus and greater Buffalo communities as he has worked with a variety of charitable organizations during his time at Canisius, including the Buffalo Bisons youth hockey program, the South Buffalo Community Table Soup Kitchen, Meals on Wheels of WNY, the Canisius Student-Athlete Advisory Council, and the Movember Foundation.
After finishing his career with the Griffs in March, Schmelzer signed a professional contract with the Adirondack Thunder of the ECHL. He has recorded two goals and four assists in five games with the team, reuniting with former Canisius linemate Shane Conacher.
Senior CLASS Award First-Team All-Americans
Michael Bitzer, Bemidji State
Jake Evans, Notre Dame
Mitch McLain, Bowling Green
Sam Piazza, Michigan
Ryan Schmelzer, Canisius
Senior CLASS Award Second-Team All-Americans
Dylan Abood, Air Force
Brady Ferguson, Robert Morris
Karson Kuhlman, Minnesota Duluth
Judd Peterson, St. Cloud State
Austin Poganski, North Dakota
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