Canisius University Athletics has named Trey Funk as captain for the upcoming 2026-27 men's hockey season, with Walter Zacher and Carter Patterson serving as assistant captains. The trio will guide the Golden Griffins as they open their campaign on October 2-3 against Ferris State at LECOM Harborcenter, with tickets still available for fans.
Leadership Transition
Funk, a senior forward who has logged 105 games and posted 34 points, brings a blend of leadership, work ethic and respect that coaches and teammates describe as exemplary. His career includes an AHCA/Krampade All-American Scholar honor and repeated selections to the AHA All-Academic Team, underscoring his commitment on and off the ice.
Zacher, a Buffalo native entering his second year as assistant captain, leads the Griffs in goal scoring with 19 tallies this season and posts a goals-per-game average of 0.59. His offensive output helped the team finish the 2025-26 campaign with 31 points, including 12 assists.
Patterson, a defenseman from Burlington, Ontario, adds depth to the leadership group after three seasons and 63 appearances. He contributes 14 points—three goals and 11 assists—while posting a career-high 98 blocked shots, and earned AHCA/Krampade All-American Scholar recognition for the second straight year.
Season Opener
The season opener pits the Griffins against Ferris State in a weekend series at the Harborcenter, a venue that has become a staple for Canisius hockey. Ticket sales remain open, inviting the Buffalo community to support the team as it aims to build on recent academic accolades and on-ice progress.
With a blend of veteran leadership and youthful energy, the 2026-27 roster is positioned to compete strongly in the Atlantic Hockey Association. The captaincy change reflects a deliberate effort to sustain the program’s culture of academic excellence and competitive spirit as the Griffins set their sights on a deep playoff run.