Saponari Brothers dismissed from BU program

Citing conduct “unbecoming of a Boston University hockey player,” head coach Jack Parker has dismissed brothers Vinny and Victor Saponari from the Terrier hockey program. At the same time, junior center Corey Trivino was suspended and will miss an undetermined number of games at the beginning of next season.

Victor, the older brother, had only played 14 games in three seasons, but his younger brother, an NHL draftee and a product of the NTDP program, had been an important contributor in his two seasons at BU, registering 20 goals and 27 assists.

Vinny Saponari told The Daily Free Press that he was shocked by the coach’s decision and is evaluating his future plans, which may involve transferring to another Division 1 school.

Daily Free Press news report.


BU announcement:

Three Men’s Ice Hockey Student-Athletes Disciplined
Two dismissed,
another suspended

BOSTON - Junior Victor Saponari and sophomore Vinny Saponari have been dismissed from the Boston University men’s ice hockey program and sophomore Corey Trivino will be suspended for multiple games at the beginning of the 2010-11 season, head coach Jack Parker announced on Tuesday.

“Over a period of time, there have been cumulative instances in which Victor and Vinny Saponari have displayed conduct unbecoming of a Boston University hockey player,” said Parker. “In a related issue, Trivino will be suspended for the early part of next season.”

Victor Saponari played in 14 games over his three seasons with the Terriers and recorded two points - both assists. Vinny Saponari appeared in 82 contests over the last two seasons and totaled 47 points on 20 goals and 27 assists.

Trivino enters his junior season having tallied 28 points (10g,
18a) in 60 career games. He missed the final 10 contests of the 2009-10 campaign with a fractured right fibula.

Looking back
Matt Gilroy, a member of Team USA, begins play in the IIHF World Championships in Germany on Friday. The U.S. beat France in an exhibition game, 3-1 . Former Terrier forward and first-year head coach of the Colorado Avalanche Joe Sacco is an assistant to Team USA head coach Scott Gordon.

Looking ahead
2010 recruit Sahir Gill and the Vernon Vipers have a 2-1 record after three games of the RBC Cup, the Junior A championship of Canada. Gill has one goal and two assists in the three games. He opened the scoring for the Vipers in yesterday’s 4-2 win over Oakville. Vernon plays its finally preliminary round game today against the Brockville Braves.