Hockey Star Honored By Fitchburg State

FITCHBURG -- During his season-plus with the Fitchburg State University hockey team, Joseph Caveney did everything he could to help his team succeed.

Usually, it meant the dynamic forward was scoring or assisting on goals. At times, it was netting a power-play marker or winning a crucial faceoff. Even pinching in at the defensive end or blocking a shot wasn't that uncommon.

Whatever it took to help the team, Caveney aimed to do.

On Monday, it was the school's turn to do what it could to make sure the Fitchburg native's accomplishments wouldn't be forgotten any time soon.

The FSU hockey program unveiled an action photo of Caveney to be hung in the Wallace Civic Center at Fitchburg State University, adorned with recognition of his selection as a 2013 USCHO East All-American. In addition, the former St. Bernard's standout was awarded plaques for leading the nation in a trio of statistical categories at the Division 3 level.

"Hockey's a team sport, so all the awards and accolades are team awards," the ever-humble Caveney said after the ceremony at the Civic Center's concourse. "I wish the whole team could be up on the picture. But it's nice to see this, and it's comforting to see that hard work does pay off."

Caveney led all Division 3 players in points per game, assists per game and power-play goals his senior season. After the completion of Fitchburg State's season, he joined the Pensacola Ice Flyers of the Southern Professional Hockey League as the team won the league's President's Cup, tallying 8 points in 18 total games between the regular season and postseason.

"Joey's a hockey player who just loves to play," Fitchburg State head coach Dean Fuller said. "He's a little uncomfortable with (individual accolades), but I told him he brought it upon himself. We're happy with what he accomplished here and he was able to resurrect his career here."

Caveney spent a pair of injury-marred seasons at Division 1 UMass Lowell before coming to Fitchburg State as a junior. Fuller said he was proud of how the 25-year-old continued to push and come back to the game.

"He gave us everything he had on the ice and it was appreciated," Fuller said. "Injuries happen, but he was able to stay healthy here. He's back on track now."

Next on Caveney's schedule will be a tryout for the East Coast Hockey League on Wednesday.

"I'm more anxious than anything to get down there and try out," he said. "It's been a long summer of training and working out and hopefully I can do what it takes to make a team and stick with them."

And with a single player's success, comes success for a whole team -- and a school, for that matter.

"I always tell the hockey team that they're going to a number one school, but having a number one All-American gives some credibility to that statement," FSU president Robert Antonucci joked during the ceremony.