Every year, the ACHA holds an All-Star Challenge weekend.  This year, the weekend will take place in West Chester, PA from April 1st-3rd.  As described by the ACHA, the All Star Challenge puts 10 teams against each other over the course of 48-hours to close the season.  Each conference sends an all-star team to compete, and thus to claim bragging rights.  This year, Fairfield will be represented at the All Star Challenge by 7 of its players: Kyle Marano, Brendan Joyce, Scott Kohlhepp, Vin Rella, Matt Peacock, Ralph DiSpigna, and Brendan O'Malley. 

Kyle Marano, #13

Kyle Marano is a freshman forward from Bergen County, NJ.  An important presence from the start, Marano’s talents have certainly not gone unnoticed.  He’s scored a hatrick, a short-hander, and even a shoot-out winner this season.  It’s no shock he’s the team’s second leading scorer.

Brendan Joyce, #4

Brendan Joyce is a sophomore defenseman from Needham, MA.  Despite playing D, Joyce is quite often seen rushing the puck all the way up the ice.  A physical presence, Joyce has had 3 goals and even more assists this season, and is always one to make sure great plays happen whenever he hits the ice.

Scott Kohlhepp, #77

Scott Kohlhepp is a sophomore forward from Tampa, FL.  This season, Kohlhepp has been the leading scorer for the Stags.  A fast-paced player, he is all over the ice during his shifts, but most often right in front of the net to get the perfect shot off every time.

Vin Rella, #2

Vin Rella is a junior forward from Ridgefield, CT.  Despite being abroad the entire first semester, Rella still proved to be a crucial member of the Stags team this season.  One of the fastest players on the team, he never stops moving on the ice and is always ready to get the puck in the net. 

Matt Peacock, #8

Matt Peacock is a junior forward from Warwick, RI.  Also abroad the first semester, Peacock came home and played like he had never stopped.  Always closely-following the puck, he is constantly counted on to get open and make sure the play is kept down in the opponent’s zone.

Ralph DiSpigna, #44

Ralph DiSpigna is a senior goalie from Huntington, NY.  Ralph’s presence in net has been one of the key ingredients to the Stags’ success the past few years.  With an 87.3 save percentage this season, DiSpigna’s play in net really helps hold the Stags together.

Brendan O'Malley, #22 (C)

Brendan O'Malley is a defenseman from Norwood, MA.  Senior captain last year, O’Malley’s leadership led the team to their first national tournament.  Again, this year, his presence has only grown.  With 3 goals and over 10 assists, he’s always seen pushing himself to the limit on the ice, and making sure his teammates are doing the same.

Congrats, boys!  And good luck!