ITHACA, N.Y. — Even though unparalleled depth has led to Cornell men’s hockey ascension this season, three members of the Big Red were honored with All-ECAC Hockey recognition, the league announced Wednesday. Freshman Matthew Galajda has been named the lone goaltender on the first team and on the all-rookie team, junior forward Anthony Angello is on the second team, and sophomore defenseman Yanni Kaldis has been placed on the third team.
Galajda has wasted little time establishing himself as one of the nation’s top goaltenders, leading the nation in goals against average (1.43) and shutouts (nine). His numbers were even better in league games, with Galajda sporting a 1.34 goals against average that’s the lowest since Cornell’s own David McKee in 2004-05 (1.17). It’s also the lowest goals against average by a freshman in league play since those statistics became available in the 1978-79 season.
Galajda has the unique distinction of becoming the first freshman in program history to be named to the All-ECAC Hockey first team. (Of note: Freshmen were not eligible to compete on varsity teams at Cornell until 1975). The last time the league had a freshman goaltender on the first team was Vermont’s Christian Soucy in 1992. He is the fifth first-team goalie in the 23-year tenure of head coach Mike Schafer, and he’s the Big Red’s first first-teamer since defenseman Joakim Ryan — now playing the NHL with the San Jose Sharks — in 2015.
Angello earned his first All-ECAC Hockey honor after leading the team in scoring with 12 goals and nine assists for 21 points across the 22 league games. He went on a tear through January, scoring nine goals in nine ECAC Hockey games — including a memorable hat trick in the 3-0 victory Jan. 26 at Harvard. While his point total is tied for the lowest total among the nine forwards selected for all-league honors, Angello’s inclusion is a nod to his other contributions. His plus-15 rating was tied for third-highest in the league, and he has an undeniable physical presence as well.
Kaldis has followed up a promising debut season that landed him on the ECAC Hockey All-Rookie Team with a stellar campaign this year. He scored four goals to go with seven assists for 11 points over 22 games, ranking among the team’s leaders in ice time. Known more for his superior puck movement, Kaldis also ranked third in league games with 42 blocked shots.
FIRST TEAM ALL-LEAGUE
Forward Ryan Donato, Harvard
Forward Sheldon Rempal, Clarkson
Forward Max Véronneau, Princeton
Defense Adam Fox, Harvard
Defense Kelly Summers, Clarkson
Goaltender Matthew Galajda, Cornell
SECOND TEAM ALL-LEAGUE
Forward Anthony Angello, Cornell
Forward Ryan Kuffner, Princeton
Forward Joe Snively, Yale
Defense Terrance Amorosa, Clarkson
Defense Chase Priskie, Quinnipiac
Goaltender Colton Point, Colgate
THIRD TEAM ALL-LEAGUE
Forward Ryan Scarfo, Union
Forward Nico Sturm, Clarkson
Forward Odeen Tufto, Quinnipiac
Defense Yanni Kaldis, Cornell
Defense Josh Teves, Princeton
Goaltender Jake Kielly, Clarkson
Jake Kupsky, Union
ALL-ROOKIE TEAM
Forward Jack Badini, Harvard
Forward Jack Jacome, Clarkson
Forward Odeen Tufto, Quinnipiac
Defense Nick Austin, Colgate
Defense Reilly Walsh, Harvard
Goaltender Matthew Galajda, Cornell
