Fresh-faced forwards added to the Millersville squad
by Kaylee Herndon (Jan. 22, 2020)
Millersville University ice hockey has added three forwards to their roster for the spring semester. Two of the trio travelled with the team to Kentucky, where they combined for a total of 3 points (1g, 2a).
#9 F Griffin Helm (0g, 1pt)
Forward Griffin Helm tallied an assist on Millersville’s first goal of the spring semester. The helper was on Nik Latronica’s tap-in goal against the University of Louisville.
The following days of the semester-opening road trip the team faced a tough crowd at the University of Kentucky.
“My favorite hockey moment has got to be getting booed by the entire Kentucky student section or getting booed by the entire Warwick student section in high school,” Helm said. “I love being booed and think it's fun when you're a hated player or having fans yell at you all night.”
The 5'9, 195lb forward from Lancaster, PA chose Millersville largely due to the coaching staff. “I know what they're capable of and am confident that they can help me to become a better player,” Helm explained.
Before skating for Millersville, Helm spent time on the Millersville University Roller Hockey team. The year he suited up for MURH the team won the league’s Championship. Helm played for Hempfield high school his junior and senior years of high school.
About MU Ice Hockey
“I think the atmosphere around the team is great. At first I wasn’t sure how I'd fit in with the team because you can never tell for sure how you'll fit in until you're actually hanging around them or playing with them. But they all welcomed me in and it’s like having an extended family. When it comes to being on the ice I just want my teammates to be able to play with confidence and not have to worry about players taking runs at them. I'm there to make space for them and let them know that they can play their game and if anyone goes after them that they'll have nothing to worry about because I'll make sure that it won’t happen again.”
Pregame Ritual
“When it comes to rituals there’s no specific ones I have. But if I'm being honest I listened to Ariana Grande before my first [Millersville] game and got an assist so I think that might have to become a ritual. Another would be that whatever jersey I'm wearing has to be hung up in my stall with the number hanging out.”
#13 F Christopher Henn (1g, 2pts)
Chris Henn began is first semester with Millersville strong, tallying two points in three games.
The 5'10, 155lb forward from New Haven, CT scored his first goal for Millersville unassisted against the University of Kentucky.
"I had the puck in the offensive zone and when I shot it it bounced out right to me in front of four people," Henn said. "I kind of just spun around and shot it."
Henn also tallied an assist on the lone Millersville goal in their 7-1 loss on Jan. 18.
He joins the team after playing a semester for the NCAA DivIII team at Anna Maria College where he skated in five games.
Henn spent two seasons at the Salisbury School. He lists his goal against the Shattuck-St. Mary's School as his favorite hockey memory.
"I took it down on a two-on-one and I actually shot it wide. I got it back and skated around the top of the circle and shot it from the point. It went right over the goalie's shoulder."
About MU Ice Hockey
"Its uplifting and fun. Everyone knows everyone and everyone supports everyone. It's pretty easy to fit in on and off the ice."
Pregame Ritual
"I usually shower at the same time listening to the same music, go to the gym, stretch, and then I kind of goof off. I'm not very serious before games and just try to have fun."
#25 F Justin Kocis (0g, 0pts)
Justin Kocis is a 5’7, 145lb forward from Hershey, PA. He has attended Millersville since 2016.
Kocis is joining the squad after spending his freshman year at the University playing as a goalie for Millersville University Roller Hockey. Kocis points to the MURH 5-4 overtime win against Cornell as his favorite hockey moment. He made 12 saves in the victory.
Previously Kocis played for a men’s league after returning from his initial military training.
Kocis is expected to suit up for Millersville this weekend when Millersville takes on Rider University and Seton Hall.
About MU Ice Hockey
“I think the team has a great vibe and everyone gets along with each other well. There are a lot of jokes in the locker room but once everyone hits the ice it's all business. I'm still extremely new so I don't know exactly where I fit but so far everyone has been welcoming and helpful.”
Pregame Ritual
“Before I come to the rink I will listen to ‘The Great Escape’ by the band Boys like Girls. It's one of my favorite songs and it gets me ready for a game or practice.”
Upcoming Games
Jan. 24 v. Rider University at 9:00 p.m.
Jan. 25 @ Seton Hall at 9:45 p.m.
Jan. 31 v. Monmouth at 5:00 p.m.
Millersville University ice hockey has added three forwards to their roster for the spring semester. Two of the trio travelled with the team to Kentucky, where they combined for a total of 3 points (1g, 2a).
#9 F Griffin Helm (0g, 1pt)
Forward Griffin Helm tallied an assist on Millersville’s first goal of the spring semester. The helper was on Nik Latronica’s tap-in goal against the University of Louisville.
The following days of the semester-opening road trip the team faced a tough crowd at the University of Kentucky.
“My favorite hockey moment has got to be getting booed by the entire Kentucky student section or getting booed by the entire Warwick student section in high school,” Helm said. “I love being booed and think it's fun when you're a hated player or having fans yell at you all night.”
The 5'9, 195lb forward from Lancaster, PA chose Millersville largely due to the coaching staff. “I know what they're capable of and am confident that they can help me to become a better player,” Helm explained.
Before skating for Millersville, Helm spent time on the Millersville University Roller Hockey team. The year he suited up for MURH the team won the league’s Championship. Helm played for Hempfield high school his junior and senior years of high school.
About MU Ice Hockey
“I think the atmosphere around the team is great. At first I wasn’t sure how I'd fit in with the team because you can never tell for sure how you'll fit in until you're actually hanging around them or playing with them. But they all welcomed me in and it’s like having an extended family. When it comes to being on the ice I just want my teammates to be able to play with confidence and not have to worry about players taking runs at them. I'm there to make space for them and let them know that they can play their game and if anyone goes after them that they'll have nothing to worry about because I'll make sure that it won’t happen again.”
Pregame Ritual
“When it comes to rituals there’s no specific ones I have. But if I'm being honest I listened to Ariana Grande before my first [Millersville] game and got an assist so I think that might have to become a ritual. Another would be that whatever jersey I'm wearing has to be hung up in my stall with the number hanging out.”
#13 F Christopher Henn (1g, 2pts)
Chris Henn began is first semester with Millersville strong, tallying two points in three games.
The 5'10, 155lb forward from New Haven, CT scored his first goal for Millersville unassisted against the University of Kentucky.
"I had the puck in the offensive zone and when I shot it it bounced out right to me in front of four people," Henn said. "I kind of just spun around and shot it."
Henn also tallied an assist on the lone Millersville goal in their 7-1 loss on Jan. 18.
He joins the team after playing a semester for the NCAA DivIII team at Anna Maria College where he skated in five games.
Henn spent two seasons at the Salisbury School. He lists his goal against the Shattuck-St. Mary's School as his favorite hockey memory.
"I took it down on a two-on-one and I actually shot it wide. I got it back and skated around the top of the circle and shot it from the point. It went right over the goalie's shoulder."
About MU Ice Hockey
"Its uplifting and fun. Everyone knows everyone and everyone supports everyone. It's pretty easy to fit in on and off the ice."
Pregame Ritual
"I usually shower at the same time listening to the same music, go to the gym, stretch, and then I kind of goof off. I'm not very serious before games and just try to have fun."
#25 F Justin Kocis (0g, 0pts)
Justin Kocis is a 5’7, 145lb forward from Hershey, PA. He has attended Millersville since 2016.
Kocis is joining the squad after spending his freshman year at the University playing as a goalie for Millersville University Roller Hockey. Kocis points to the MURH 5-4 overtime win against Cornell as his favorite hockey moment. He made 12 saves in the victory.
Previously Kocis played for a men’s league after returning from his initial military training.
Kocis is expected to suit up for Millersville this weekend when Millersville takes on Rider University and Seton Hall.
About MU Ice Hockey
“I think the team has a great vibe and everyone gets along with each other well. There are a lot of jokes in the locker room but once everyone hits the ice it's all business. I'm still extremely new so I don't know exactly where I fit but so far everyone has been welcoming and helpful.”
Pregame Ritual
“Before I come to the rink I will listen to ‘The Great Escape’ by the band Boys like Girls. It's one of my favorite songs and it gets me ready for a game or practice.”
Upcoming Games
Jan. 24 v. Rider University at 9:00 p.m.
Jan. 25 @ Seton Hall at 9:45 p.m.
Jan. 31 v. Monmouth at 5:00 p.m.