Canisius University Athletics

2008: Appeared in seven games ... Won 3-of-8 faceoffs during the season, including a season-best two against Manhattan.

2007: Played in six games ... Had four ground balls, including two against Wagner, and went 4-for-12 on faceoffs.

Before Canisius: Earned three letters at Frontier ... Two-time first-team All-WNY ... Three-time first-team All-ECIC ... Holds school record in faceoffs and ground balls ... Two-time captain ... Earned sportsmanship award ... Tallied 23 goals, 44 assists and 206 ground balls as a senior and won 81 percent of faceoffs ... Also earned four letters in hockey ... Assistant captain ... Started every game last two seasons ... Earned three letters as a defenseman for soccer team ... Team captain and third-team ECIC

Personal: Born on May 17, 1988 ... Son of Donna and Tony ... Has four siblings ? Tony, Greg, Mike and Maggie ... Brother Tony attended Canisius ... Related to Alexei Zhitnik who formerly played in the NHL, including a stint with the Buffalo Sabres ... Majoring in physical education/health.