SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – Union College men's hockey head coach Rick Bennett announced the addition of 12 student-athletes to the team for the 2019-2020 season. The incoming class consists of eight forwards: Matt Allen (Smithfield, R.I.), Alex Cohen (Boca Raton, Fla.), Owen Farris (Dallas, Texas), Liam Robertson (Courtice, Ontario), Christian Sanda (Vadnais Heights, Minn.), Collin Schmidt (Wayzata, Minn.), Gabriel Seger (Uppsala, Sweden) and Chaz Smedsrud (Luverne, Minn.); two defensemen: Dylan Anhorn (Calgary, Alberta) and Ben Pirko (Bethesda, Md.); and two goaltenders: Garrett Nieto (Yorba Linda, Calif.) and Merek Pipes (Cobble Hill, British Columbia).
 
"Our staff is excited to welcome the class of 2023," Bennett said. "We feel this overall group has a good blend of size, skill, and hockey sense. I'd like to thank associate coach Jason Tapp and assistant coach John Ronan for their tireless efforts in putting this class together. We look forward as a coaching staff to work with these future humble and hard-working student-athletes."
 
Matt Allen  •  6-2  •  187  •  Forward  •  Shoots: Left  •  Smithfield, R.I.  •  Boston Jr. Bruins
Why Union: "I chose Union because of its great hockey tradition and its strong academic reputation. I was also very impressed with the student and community support of the hockey program and overall feel of the campus."
 
Prior to Union: Skated in 45 games with the Boston Jr. Bruins (NCDC), totaling 21 goals and 25 assists in the 2018-19 season … Skated in eight playoff games with the Jr. Bruins in 2019, scoring three goals and five assists, helping the team to a league championship … Named an USPHL All-Star in 2019 … Started the 2017-18 season with the Pembroke Lumber Kings (CCHL) before joining the Jr. Bruins during the year, in which he skated in 30 games for the Bruins, recording six goals and 13 points … Played prep hockey for Avon Old Farms (2015-17) and South Kent (2013-14, 2015-16) … Helped Avon Old Farms to a NEPSAC championship in 2017 … Also played baseball and lacrosse in high school … Honor Roll member his senior year.
 
 
Dylan Anhorn  •  6-0  •  175  • Defenseman  •  Shoots: Left  •  Calgary, Alberta  •  Prince George Spruce Kings
Why Union: "Union's reputation of one of the best academic schools in the nation and the winning culture of the Dutchmen hockey program played the biggest role in what became an easy decision. The coaching staff treated me extremely well in the recruitment process and showed that they believed in what I have to offer as a person and player. Ultimately, Union had the perfect resources and atmosphere for me to achieve my goals in the classroom and on the ice."
 
Prior to Union: Played two seasons with the Prince George Spruce Kings (BCHL), totaling 113 games and 41 playoff games … Helped the Spruce Kings capture their first-ever Fred Page Cup and Doyle Cup titles in 2019 and … Helped the Spruce Kings reach the Fred Page Cup finals in 2018 … Leading scorer at the 2019 National Junior A Championship with one goal and seven assists, helping the Spruce Kings to a silver medal at the tournament … Named Spruce Kings' Most Dedicated Player in 2019 … Also played Midget AAA with the Calgary Buffaloes, earning team awards for Top Defenseman and Most Dedicated in 2017 … Earned an invite to Hockey Canada's 2019 World Junior A Challenge … Earned honors with distinction each semester in high school.
 
 
Alex Cohen  •  6-0  •  180  •  Forward  •  Shoots: Right  •  Boca Raton, Fla.  •  Northeast Generals
Why Union: "I chose Union for the great opportunity to pursue a tremendous education and to play hockey at the highest level. This made it an obvious choice for me."

Prior to Union: Played three seasons with the Northeast Generals (NAHL), totaling 29 goals and 29 assists through 167 games … Recorded a career-best 31 points (16g, 15a) with the Generals in 2018-19 … Served as an assistant captain for the Generals in 2018-19 … Also played lacrosse in high school at Buckingham Browne and Nichols (Cambridge, Mass.).
 
 
Owen Farris  •  6-3  •  212  •  Forward  •  Shoots: Left  •  Dallas, Texas  •  Muskegon Lumberjacks
Why Union: "I chose Union College because I felt it gave myself the best opportunity to pursue both academics and athletics at an elite level without compromising one or the other."
 
Prior to Union: Skated in 50 games with the Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL) during the 2018-19 season … Totaled three goals and six assists for the Lumberjacks, and added one assists during their playoff run … Started the 2017-18 season with the Lone Star Brahmas (NAHL), playing in 47 games with two goals and seven assists before joining Muskegon at the end of the year … Earned NAHL South Academic Achievement honors in 2017-18 … Honor Roll member in high school.
 
 
Garrett Nieto  •  6-4  •  245  •  Goaltender  •  Catches: Left  •  Yorba Linda, Calif.  •  Janesville Jets
Why Union: "I chose Union because of the reputation of the academics, as well as the athletic part of the school. I enjoyed the size of the school as well, and prefer a smaller-sized school. I think Union is the perfect fit for me to excel in my academic and hockey career."
 
Prior to Union: Played two seasons with the Janesville Jets (NAHL), posting a 21-5-2 record in 2017-18 with a .929 save percentage and a 2.00 goals-against average … Named to the Midwest Team of the 2018 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament … Prior to joining Janesville, he spent time with the Vermont Lumber Jacks (EHL), Springfield Jr. Blues (NAHL) and the Wenatchee Wild (BCHL) … Brother, Gavin, is a senior goaltender at Brown University.
 
 
Merek Pipes  •  5-11  •  170  •  Goaltender  •  Catches: Left  •  Cobble Hill, B.C.  •  Swan Valley Stampeders
Why Union: "Union was the school most similar to my old high school. I loved the small campus feel when I visited, and even more so, the small class size. On top of all that, the hockey program is run professionally and efficiently, as evidenced by the recent success the program has enjoyed. Union is the perfect place to meld my athletics and academics."
 
Prior to Union: Played in 31 games for the Swan Valley Stampeders (MJHL) during the 2018-19 season, holding a 20-8-1 record with 4 shutouts, a .924 save percentage and a 2.45 goals against average … Recorded a 2.78 goals-against average and a .915 save percentage in 17 playoff games with the Stampeders, helping the team to the finals of the MJHL championship … Started in five games with the La Ronge Ice Wolves (SJHL) to start the 2018-19 season before going to Swan Valley … In 2017-18, played in 30 games with the Ice Wolves and one game with the Nipawin Hawks …  Named the MJHL Playoffs Top Goaltender in 2019 … Named Top Goaltender in the PJHL in 2017 and the CSSVHL in 2015 … Honor Roll and Deans List member.
 
 
Ben Pirko  •  6-2  •  170  •  Defenseman  •  Shoots: Left  •  Bethesda, Md.  •  New Jersey Jr. Titans
Why Union: "I chose Union because a liberal arts education in today's world is valuable. Coupling rigorous academics with small class sizes is the best environment for me reach my goals."
 
Prior to Union: Skated in 35 games with the New Jersey Jr. Titans (NAHL) during the 2018-19 season … Totaled one goal and six assists from the blue line with the Jr. Titans … Started the 2018-19 season with the Lone Star Brahmas, scoring one goal in five games … Spent the majority of the 2017-18 season with Jersey Hitmen (NCDC), appearing in 28 games with five goals and 14 assists … Prior to the Hitmen in 2017-18, he started his junior career with the Nanaimo Clippers (BCHL), skating in six games … Also played lacrosse, baseball and golf at Avon Old Farms High School in Avon, Conn.
 
 
Liam Robertson  •  6-2  •  175  •  Forward  •  Shoots: Right  •  Courtice, Ontario  •  Youngstown Phantoms
Why Union: "I chose Union because when I came down on my visit, it felt like the place for me. One of the biggest reasons I chose it was because of the 10:1 student-professor ratio; I like the smaller schools compared to the bigger ones. Also Union is always one of the best hockey programs in the country."
 
Prior to Union: Skated in 61 games with the Youngstown Phantoms (USHL) during the 2018-19 season … Scored seven goals and 15 assists with the Phantoms … Played two seasons with the Whitby Fury on the OJHL prior to the 2018-19 season … Named team MVP of the Fury in 2017-18.
 
 
Christian Sanda  •  6-0  •  185  •  Forward  •  Shoots: Left  •  Vadnais Heights, Minn.  •  Coquitlam Express
Why Union: "I chose Union because of its great academics combined with its terrific division I hockey program."
 
Prior to Union: Played two seasons with the Coquitlam Express (BCHL) … Totaled 113 games with the Express, recording a total of 27 goals and 38 assists … Had a career-best 41-point season in 2018-19, scoring 18 goals and 23 assists … Played with both the Topeka Roadrunners and Fairbanks Ice Dogs of the NAHL during the 2016-17 season … Played four years at St. Paul Johnson High School prior to playing juniors … Also played football, baseball and golf in high school.
 
 
Collin Schmidt  •  6-4  •  225  •  Forward  •  Shoots: Right  •  Wayzata, Minn.  •  Jamestown Rebels
Why Union: "I loved the feel of the campus and I am really excited to play for the men's hockey team. Also I liked the idea of smaller class sizes."
 
Prior to Union: Played in 41 games with the Jamestown Rebels (NAHL) in 2018-19, totaling 27 points from eight goals and 19 assists … Scored two goals and one assist through five playoff games with the Rebels during the Robertson Cup tournament … Played three seasons with Wayzata High School during his sophomore, junior and senior seasons … Was finalist for Minnesota Mr. Hockey in 2018 … Earned all-conference honors all three years with Wayzata … Helped the Trojans to a Minnesota state title in 2016.
 
 
Gabriel Seger  •  6-4  •  216  •  Forward  •  Shoots: Left  •  Uppsala, Sweden  •  Amarillo Bulls
Why Union: "The combination of the amazing academics with a great hockey program made it an easy choice for me. It felt like a perfect fit."
 
Prior to Union: Played 58 games with the Amarillo Bulls (NAHL) during the 2018-19 season, compiling 18 goals and 52 assists for 70 total points … Ranked seventh in the league for total scoring and tied for second in assists … Helped his team advance to the semifinals of the 2019 Robertson Cup tournament, scoring six goals and nine assists during their playoff run … Named to the 2019 NAHL All-South Team … In Swedish national championships, he was part of the U-18 championship team in 2015 and won silver at the U-16 level in 2014 and the U-20 level in 2018 … Was the national tournament scoring leader for U-16 in 2015 as well.
 
 
Chaz Smedsrud  •  6-2  •  195  •  Forward  •  Shoots: Left  •  Luverne, Minn.  •  Madison Capitols
Why Union: "I choose Union for the academic aspect and the culture at Union, along with the great hockey program."
 
Prior to Union: Played the 2018-19 season with the Madison Capitols (USHL) where he totaled 24 points (11g, 13a) in 62 games … Played two seasons with the Norte Dame Hounds (SJHL), compiling 110 points (51g, 59a) in 115 games … Four-year letterwinner at Luverne High School, where he set the school record for most career points (315) … Helped Luverne to a Minnesota State Class A sixth-place finish in 2014.