Canisius hockey head coach Trevor Large announced Friday that defensemen Hudson Lambert and David Melaragni will both exercise their COVID-19 related fifth years of eligibility and return to the program for the 2023-24 season.
“We are excited that Hudson and David have decided to use their fifth seasons of eligibility,” Large said. Both men were a key part of our championship-winning team last season. “They will be counted on to provide the type of leadership and guidance, both on and off the ice, that will prove to be invaluable during the upcoming campaign.”
A native of Richmond Hill, Ontario, Lambert has skated in 93 games during his four seasons with the Golden Griffin program, recording three goals and 18 assists for 21 points. Last season, Lambert took part in 35 contests, recording a career-high eight points on two goals and six assists. He also ranked second on the squad with 66 blocked shots.
Melarangi, meanwhile, has taken part in 121 games during his four seasons on Main Street, racking up 52 points on nine goals and 43 assists. Serving as a team captain, Melaragni appeared in all but one of Canisius’ 42 games played last season, ranking third on the Griffs in scoring with 25 points (4g, 21a). A product of Philadelphia, Pa., Melaragni is a two-time Team Top Defenseman Award honoree and was an All-AHA Third Team selection in 2021-22.
Last season, Canisius claimed its second Atlantic Hockey Association title with a 3-0 victory over Holy Cross in the AHA Championship Game at LECOM Harborcenter. The Griffs finished the 2022-23 campaign with an overall record of 20-19-3, marking the fourth time in six seasons under Large where the Griffs have posted a winning percentage .500 or better. The Griffs also recorded 20 wins in a season for the third time in the Division I era of the program and the first since 2016-17.
(Canisius Men’s Hockey Photo)
