ECAC in early stages of schedule development

ECAC Hockey, which includes local teams from RPI and Union College, announced on Saturday their continued development of schedule models for its men’s and women’s leagues for the 202021 campaign. All models feature a balanced scheduling approach that includes league contests and opportunities for member institutions to play non-league opponents. Such models are being compiled as options given the ever-changing conditions created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

BOSTON (AP) » Mike Ryan, the backup catcher on the Boston Red Sox’s 1967 “Impossible Dream” team during a 35-year career in professional baseball, has died. He was 78.

The Red Sox said Ryan died in his sleep Tuesday in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire.

A native of Haverhill, Ryan appeared in 636 games with the Red Sox, Phillies and Pirates from 1964-74. He was Boston’s backup catcher for the AL championship team in ‘67, going hitless in his only two World Series at-bats when the Red Sox lost to the St. Louis Cardinals in seven games.

In his career, he had a .991 fielding percentage and threw out 43.6% of runners attempting to steal a base.

Chicago White Sox prized pitching prospect Michael Kopech chose Friday not to play this season.

The White Sox believe they are poised for a turnaround after seven straight losing seasons. But losing Kopech for the season is a big blow.

He had been absent since the White Sox resumed workouts last week for the first time since Major League Baseball shut down camps in March.

The team had said Kopech was dealing with a personal issue.

“We recognize that reaching this decision is incredibly difficult for any competitive athlete, and our organization is understanding and supportive,” general manager Rick Hahn said in a statement.

SPARTA, KY. (AP) » NASCAR cleared Justin Allgaier to race in Friday’s Xfinity Series race at Kentucky Speedway afer he was released from a hospital for “nonracing related medical purposes.”

The JR Motorsports driver was involved in a last-lap overtime wreck Thursday night with several drivers. Allgaier’s No. 7 Chevy didn’t appear to sustain a hard hit, but he was taken to a hospital for evaluation.

The JRM team tweeted Friday that Allgaier was being evaluated following his release from the hospital earlier in the day. Another tweet followed announcing he was cleared to race.

Allgaier, who stands sixth in points, raced in the top 10 for much of the night before finishing 20th.