Skip To Main Content
Skip To Main Content

Canisius University Athletics

#Griffs The Official Home of the Canisius University Golden Griffins | #Griffs
Action photos of Canisius hockey players Trey Funk (left), Walter Zacher (center) and Carter Patterson (right) are shown in this graphic announcing them as the leadership group for the 2026-27 season

Ice Hockey

Funk Tabbed Captain, Zacher and Patterson to Serve as Assistants

Canisius hockey head coach Trevor Large announced Tuesday that senior forward Trey Funk has been chosen to serve as team captain for the 2026-27 season.

Large also stated that senior forward Walter Zacher and junior defenseman Carter Patterson have been selected as assistant captains for the upcoming campaign.

"Naming Trey Funk as our captain was an easy decision for the coaching staff," Large said. "He embodies everything it means to be a Griff. His work ethic, accountability and commitment to our hockey program makes Trey the perfect person to lead our locker room. 

"Trey has earned the respect of every player, coach and staff member at Canisius. Leadership isn't just about what happens on the stat sheet; it's about driving our culture daily. He is the heartbeat of our team, and we are proud to have him wear the captains 'C'."

Entering his fourth season with the program, Funk has appeared in 105 games for the Golden Griffins, amassing 34 points on 17 goals and 17 assists. Serving as an assistant captain last season, the Redwood Meadows, Alberta native appeared in 34 games, ranking third on the squad in faceoff wins (121) and fourth in faceoff winning percentage (.455). He was also a AHCA/Krampade All-American Scholar and named to the AHA All-Academic Team.

"It's a huge honor to be named captain and to have the opportunity to wear the "C" for this team," Funk said. "The captains who have come before me have set a high standard and done a great job representing this program and I'm proud to have the opportunity to follow in their footsteps. I'm excited for what we can accomplish together and cannot wait to see the success we have as a group this season."

Zacher returns for his second season at Canisius after garnering All-AHA Third Team accolades during a 2025-26 campaign that saw him lead the Griffs and rank second in the AHA in goals (19) and goals per game (0.59). A native of Buffalo, Zacher finished second on the team in points (31) and was tied for third in assists (12). He closed out the season on a four-game point streak that saw him rack up eight points (3g-5a) in that span.

Patterson heads into his third season at Canisius having appeared in 63 games during his first two seasons with the program, racking up 14 points (3g-11a) to go along with 98 blocked shots. Last season Patterson was one of seven skaters to appear in all 35 games. The Burlington, Ontario product posted career highs in goals (2), assists (7) and points (9) while finishing second on the squad with 53 blocked shots. Off the ice, he was named an AHCA/Krampade All-American Scholar for the second straight season.
Canisius opens the 2026-27 season Oct. 2-3 when it entertains Ferris State in a non-conference series at LECOM Harborcenter.

Season tickets for the campaign are still available. They can be purchased by visiting the tickets page on GoGriffs.com or by calling the Canisius Ticket Office at 716-888-TIXX (8466).

Like Canisius Athletics and Griffs Hockey on Facebook
Follow @GoGriffs and @Griffshockey on X (formally known as Twitter)
Follow @GoGriffs and @Griffshockey on Instagram
Follow @CanisiusHockey on TikTok
 
Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

Trey Funk

#14 Trey Funk

F
6' 2"
Senior
R
Carter Patterson

#57 Carter Patterson

D
6' 4"
Junior
R
Walter Zacher

#9 Walter Zacher

F
5' 11"
Senior
R

Players Mentioned

Trey Funk

#14 Trey Funk

6' 2"
Senior
R
F
Carter Patterson

#57 Carter Patterson

6' 4"
Junior
R
D
Walter Zacher

#9 Walter Zacher

5' 11"
Senior
R
F