BUFFALO — Led by first-team selection senior Charles Williams, four members of the Canisius hockey program were recognized as the Atlantic Hockey Conference announced its all-league teams on Thursday.
Joining Williams were junior Ryan Schmelzer and sophomore Cameron Heath, who were both All-AHC Second Team picks. Sophomore Dylan McLaughlin rounded the Canisius quartet of All-AHC honorees, garnering third team accolades.
Williams becomes just the fifth player in program history to earn All-AHC First Team honors and the second in as many seasons, as former standout Shane Conacher was a first team pick in 2015-16. The four All-AHC honorees are also the most in a single season for the Griffs, surpassing the previous high of three, established during the 2014-15 season.
A native of Canton, Mich., Williams earned All-AHC honors after enjoying a breakout season during his inaugural campaign with the Griffs, leading the league in goals against average (1.69), save percentage (.947), wins (18) and shutouts (5). The six-time Atlantic Hockey Goalie of the Week and two-time Atlantic Hockey Goalie of the Month honoree recorded 30 or more saves in 11 of his 27 appearances in league play and allowed one goal or fewer in 13 of those contests.
Schmelzer garnered All-AHC honors for the first time in his career following a junior campaign that saw the Buffalo native rank ninth in the league in points (27), sixth in assists (17) and first in game-winning goals (4). Schmelzer was a key component of the Griffs’ 15-game unbeaten streak to close out the regular season, racking up 17 points (6g, 11a) during the pivotal stretch as he found his way onto the scoresheet in 13 of those 15 contests.
Heath was an All-AHC pick for the first time in his career as he enjoyed a stellar sophomore campaign. The Troy, Mich., product was tied for first in goals (7) and ranked fifth in points (16) amongst the league’s defensemen. In his own end, Heath led Canisius with 46 blocked shots and was a key piece of a Canisius defense that ranked first in the league in scoring defense (1.89) and goals allowed (53).
McLaughlin received All-AHC distinction for the first time after helping guide the Canisius attack during the regular season, placing fifth in points (27), eighth in assists (17) and 11th in goals (11) during conference play. The Lancaster, N.Y., product was a main element of the Griffs’ league-leading power play (.246), ranking seventh on the circuit in points (13) while with the man advantage.
The 2016-17 Atlantic Hockey Conference regular season champions, Canisius (19-10-7, 18-4-6 AHC) is the No. 1 seed in the Atlantic Hockey Tournament. The Griffs begin their quest for the title this weekend when they host long-time rival Niagara in a best-of-three quarterfinal round series at KeyBank Rink in HARBORCENTER.
Tickets for the series are available now. They can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com or by calling 716-888-TIXX.