Men's Ice Hockey Hosts Morrisville In First-Ever Home Game On Friday

First Weekend Recap

It was a weekend of firsts as the Cardinals opened their inaugural season with a pair of games last weekend in the Buffalo State Tournament. Fisher went 1-1 with a 2-1 win over Buffalo State on Friday and a 3-2 loss to Chatham on Saturday. 

First Goal: Freshman forward Mike Markowski netted the first goal in program history on a power-play opportunity, putting the Cardinals ahead 1-0 late in the first period against Buffalo State. 

First Assist: Freshman forward Sam Ciappa had the assist on Markowski’s goal. 

First Save: Senior Sebastian Woods made the first save in program history nearly four minutes into the Cardinals’ matchup against Buffalo State last Friday. He finished with 32 saves, making at least nine in each period. 

First Win: The Cardinals beat Buffalo State 2-1 on Friday for the first win in program history. Freshman forward Mitchell Ferras had the other goal in the contest for the Cardinals. 

Meet The Staff

Reid Lesswing (Head Coach) –  Lesswing became St. John Fisher University’s first-ever men’s ice hockey coach in June 2024.

Lesswing arrived at Fisher after spending five seasons (2019-24) as an assistant coach and the director of operations for SUNY Plattsburgh’s men’s ice hockey program. With Lesswing on staff, Plattsburgh went 66-33-10 overall and 41-18-5 in SUNYAC play. 

Plattsburgh had its best season since 2015-16 during the 2022-23 campaign, as the Cardinals went 20-6-2 overall (12-3-1 SUNYAC) and won their 24th SUNYAC championship, clinching the program’s 23rd NCAA Division III Tournament appearance. Plattsburgh’s coaching staff earned SUNYAC Coaching Staff of the Year honors, and defenseman Jacob Modry earned CCM/American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA) Third-Team All-America honors.

Lesswing spent the 2018-19 season as an assistant coach at Fredonia, helping the Blue Devils compile a 15-8-4 overall record (8-6-2 SUNYAC) and earn the No. 5 seed in the SUNYAC Tournament. Before his stop at Fredonia, he assisted at his alma mater, Castleton University, from 2016-18. The Spartans in 2016-17 went 11-10-6 overall mark and advanced to the New England Hockey Conference (NEHC) Tournament semifinals before falling to eventual national champion Norwich University. 

A defender at Castleton from 2010-14, Lesswing recorded 15 points on two goals and 13 assists over 98 games. He served as a team captain during his senior season. 

An Amherst, N.Y., native, Lesswing played his junior hockey for the Georgetown Raiders of the Ontario Junior A Hockey League (OJAHL).

After college, Lesswing played professionally for the Louisiana IceGators of the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) and the Thorold Athletics of the Allan Cup Hockey League of the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA).

Lesswing earned his Bachelor of Science in business management in 2014 and his Master of Science in athletic administration in 2018, both from Castleton.

Alex Pommerville (Assistant Coach) – Pommerville joined the St. John Fisher men's ice hockey program as an assistant coach in September 2024. 

Pommerville, from nearby Macedon, played collegiately at Divison III Worcester State University. He went on to play in the Southern Professional Hockey League and the ECHL.

Pommerville played in 78 games over four collegiate seasons, recording 25 points with eight goals and 17 assists. He was Worcester's captain during the 2017-18 season, his senior year.

In the SPHL, Pommerville played for the Huntsville Havoc, the Knoxville Ice Bears, the Columbus River Dragons and the Quad City Storm. He appeared in 92 games and amassed 30 points.

Pommerville played for the Tulsa Oilers and Norfolk Admirals in the ECHL, tallying 20 points over 81 games. 

Rochester Ice Center: Home Of St. John Fisher Hockey

Located about 20 minutes from campus in Fairport, the Rochester Ice Center, in collaboration with St. John Fisher University, added a third rink that the Cardinals’ men’s and women’s programs call home. The facility can accommodate up to 2,200 spectators and includes a video board, heated seating areas, two press boxes and a full-service restaurant overlooking the ice, the Great American Wing Company. 

Meet The Team 

Defense

The Cardinals open their inaugural season with a strong blue line anchored by ten defensemen, including two transfers who bring valuable collegiate experience and leadership to the program.

James Powers (Jr., Pittsford, N.Y.) – A transfer from Misericordia University and SUNY Brockport, Powers appeared in a combined 16 collegiate games, scoring twice.

• Why Fisher: Drawn to Fisher for its academic reputation and campus environment, Powers brings experience and poise to the defensive unit. 
• Fun Fact: He can juggle.

Ryan Dutcher (So., Milford, Mass.) – Dutcher joins Fisher after a season at Franklin Pierce University, where he recorded five points (1G, 4A) in 24 games. 

• Why Fisher: He chose Fisher for its balance of strong academics and competitive athletics. 
• Fun fact: He’s known as a skilled driver.

Lucas Di Chiara (Fr., Fairfield, Conn.) – A standout for the Jersey Hitmen, Di Chiara was named an NCDC All-Star in 2024–25. 

• Why Fisher: Excited to help build a new program, he adds skill and composure to the Cardinals’ back end.
• Fun fact: He loves to golf.

Carter Cwiklinski (Fr., Clarence, N.Y.) – Formerly with the Buffalo Jr. Sabres.

• Why Fisher: Cwiklinski selected Fisher for its academic opportunities and community atmosphere. 
• Fun fact: He has two dogs.

Thomas Plamondon (Fr., Westmount, Quebec) – A product of the Seahawks Hockey Club, Plamondon earned EHL First-Team and Northeast All-Star honors. 

• Why Fisher: He was drawn to Fisher by its campus community and the opportunity to play college hockey. 
• Fun fact: He has visited 22 countries.

Charlie Robinson (Fr., Kenmore, N.Y.) – Robinson brings OJHL experience with the Niagara Falls Canucks. 

• Why Fisher: Staying close to home was a key factor in his decision to join Fisher. 
• Fun fact: He enjoys sailing.

Cannon Lentz (Fr., Nolensville, Tenn.) – Lentz played for the Casper Warbirds in the NCDC, earning Mountain Division Defenseman of the Week honors. 

• Why Fisher: He chose Fisher for its academics and top-notch facilities. 
• Fun fact: He’s engaged.

Wyatt Swonger (Fr., Pekin, Ill.) – Swonger played for the Utica Comets and Elmira Jr. Enforcers, where he set the franchise record for most points by a defenseman. 

• Why Fisher: Since Fisher is close to Utica where he played junior hockey.
• Fun fact: His favorite animal is a panda.

Michael Peluso (Fr., Victor, N.Y.) – A Northwood Prep product, Peluso led the Prep Hockey Conference in scoring and earned All-PHC honors. 

• Why Fisher: He chose Fisher for its academics and to help build the new program. 
• Fun fact: He also played lacrosse.

Cooper Conlin (Fr., Lexington, Mass.) – Conlin competed in the NCDC with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights. 

• Why Fisher: He joined Fisher for its new hockey program and strong business school. 
• Fun fact: He has two dogs and two cats.

Forwards

Fisher’s forward group features 16 players, including four transfers with collegiate experience, providing immediate depth and offensive potential.

Elijah Devereaux (Sr., Webster, N.Y.) – A Manhattanville transfer, Devereaux appeared in 74 collegiate games with 22 points and earned UCHC All-Academic honors. 

• Why Fisher: He chose Fisher since it is close to home and for the academics.
• Fun fact: He collects alligator teeth.

Brendan Merriman (Jr., Pewaukee, Wis.) – Merriman joins Fisher after time at Marian and Chatham Universities, tallying eight points at Chatham and earning UCHC All-Academic recognition. 

• Why Fisher: He chose Fisher because of the new hockey program and for the academics.
• Fun fact: He enjoys golfing.

Addam Brunner (Jr., Hamburg, N.Y.) – Transferring from MCLA, Brunner logged 52 games over two seasons. 

• Why Fisher: He chose Fisher to be part of the program’s first season and to stay close to home. 
• Fun fact: He has a twin brother.

Leyton Pettypiece (Jr., Rochester, Mich.) – A former Wilkes University forward, Pettypiece recorded 13 points in 23 games and brings proven scoring ability. 

• Why Fisher: He chose Fisher because of the academics and it felt like the right place when he stepped on campus.
• Fun fact: He has a twin sister.

Gavin Brandon (Fr., Canton, Conn.) – Brandon played in the EHL for the Connecticut Noreasters. 

• Why Fisher: He joined Fisher for its academic and athletic opportunities. 
• Fun fact: He works on cars in his free time.

Ian Emery (Fr., Webster, N.Y.) – Emery joins from the Shreveport Mudbugs (NAHL) and was part of a Northeast Pack 18U championship team. 

• Why Fisher: He chose Fisher because of the academics and the school being close to home.
• Fun fact: He enjoys golfing.

Mitchell Ferras (Fr., Brantford, Ont.) – Formerly with the Ayr Centennials, Ferras earned team MVP honors and the Scott Wells Trophy as the club’s top scorer. 

• Why Fisher: He chose Fisher because of the facilities and the campus being close to home.
• Fun fact: He’s an avid golfer.

Sam Ciappa (Fr., Baldwinsville, N.Y.) – Ciappa played for the Mercer Chiefs and was named to the NCDC All-Division Team. 

• Why Fisher: He chose Fisher because of the new hockey program.
• Fun fact: He’s a good dancer.

Ian Duffy (Fr., Chester Springs, Pa.) – Duffy competed in the USPHL with the Northern Cyclones. 

• Why Fisher: He joined Fisher for its academic excellence and hockey opportunity. 
• Fun fact: He’s skilled at Clash.

Aidan Stubbings (Fr., Dallas, Texas) – Stubbings played for the Kemptville 73’s and earned Most Improved honors with the Hawkesbury Hawks. 

• Why Fisher: He chose Fisher because of the dinning hall and the academics.
• Fun fact: He enjoys golfing in his free time.

Mike Markowski (Fr., Spring Lake Heights, N.J.) – Markowski played for the Northern Cyclones. 

• Why Fisher: He joined Fisher for its combination of academics and athletics. 
• Fun fact: He’s a New York Giants fan.

James Evans (Fr., Honeoye Falls, N.Y.) – Evans, formerly of the Boston Dukes, chose Fisher for its academics and proximity to home. 

• Why Fisher: He joined Fisher because of the academics and for the hockey program.
• Fun fact: He spends summers on Cape Cod.

Kai Tsoar (Fr., Rio Rico, Ariz.) – Tsoar played in the USPHL for the Ventura Vikings.  

• Why Fisher: He chose Fisher for its team culture and campus community. 
• Fun fact: He can recite The Notebook.

Jonathan Sonedecker (Fr., Columbus, Ohio) – Sonedecker, a former Soo Thunderbirds MVP (NOJHL), adds offensive depth to the roster. 

• Why Fisher: He chose Fisher because of the new hockey program and for the academics.
• Fun fact: He collects rocks.

Kenneth Brodie (Fr., Grand Island, N.Y.) – Brodie played for the Buffalo Jr. Sabres (OJHL). 

• Why Fisher: He chose Fisher for its facilities and community. 
• Fun fact: He races hydroplanes.

Gianpaolo Giammartino (Fr., Manlius, N.Y.) – Giammartino played for the Rochester Coalition and Buffalo Jr. Sabres (OJHL). 

• Why Fisher: He chose Fisher because it is a great school and its close to home.
• Fun fact: He has two dogs.

Goaltenders

Fisher’s goaltending corps features one experienced veteran and two promising freshmen.

Sebastian Woods (Sr., Limehouse, Ont.) – A three-year starter at Manhattanville, Woods brings significant collegiate experience, with 53 appearances, 1,445 saves, and two shutouts. He was named UCHC All-Rookie and earned multiple weekly honors. 

• Why Fisher: He chose Fisher for the academics.
• Fun fact: He attended a French-language school until middle school.

Marcus Ouellet (Fr., Toronto, Ont.) – Ouellet played for the Utah Outliers (NCDC), earning four Goaltender of the Week honors last season. 

• Why Fisher: He chose Fisher because the coaches have a good vision for the program and for the welcoming campus environment.
• Fun fact: His sister plays Division I golf.

Dylan Grover (Fr., Canandaigua, N.Y.) – Grover begins his collegiate career close to home after developing locally. 

• Why Fisher: He joined Fisher because it is close to home.
• Fun fact: He plays guitar.