By Jack Perdek

The 2021-2022 men’s hockey team seniors have made their last regular season skate in the Wheelhouse as Lakers.

Travis Broughman, Josh LeBlanc and Steven Kosikoski have received a lot of media attention in their careers at Oswego State. One of the closest confidants between the team and the media is Oswego State Athletics’ Alexis Fragapane. The senior from Rome, N.Y. has covered the guys on the ice since she was a freshman and has developed a strong relationship with the group over the course of her college career. 

Fragapane, who is a sports photographer and graphic designer for the athletic programs at Oswego State was present at senior night against SUNY Brockport. It was a big night on Feb. 4 for her and the team. It was a night that nobody will forget and she says that the time spent with them was a joyful experience.

“As the last regular season home game came to an end last Friday, it really made me reflect on the last three and a half years with the team,” Fragapane said. “The relationships I’ve made with the team and coaches are something that I’ll forever be grateful for. The senior class is really special to me this year because they’ve been there with me since I first reached out to the team. They always supported me and helped me get to where I am today.”

Since 2018, this group has endured a lot considering the COVID-19 pandemic and separation over the course of the past year and a half. Despite getting back to covering the team was a long and difficult trip back, Fragapane does not see her day-to-day coverage as an obligation. 

“Every time I’m tasked with a new graphic or the coaches need anything, I immediately jump right on it as soon as I can,” Fragapane said. “It might seem like a lot of work to people, but I’ve never once looked at it as work. It’s never felt like a job to me even when I just volunteered. I love absolutely every second of it whether it’s making graphics, photographing games, or even just sitting in an empty arena for practice.”

Fragapane, double majoring in broadcasting and graphic design major at SUNY Oswego, has spent a good deal of time with the hockey teams and continues to do so this season. Both teams have clinched a playoff berth and the men’s team will be hosting a playoff game giving the seniors another chance for a home-ice skate. 

The senior has made strong relationships with multiple classes of skaters on the team and credits their openness as a welcoming factor to her hard work and dedication. 

“My favorite part about the new class between this year and last year was the fact that they made sure they introduced themselves to me before the season even started, Fragapane said.” They recognize the time and effort I put in for the team and constantly thank me. I feel that the respect they have given me and continue to give me is a direct reflection of the returning players as well as the coaches. I really enjoy the team’s company, they’re some of the most appreciative people I’ve ever met and also just some really great friends. They truly make me feel included as part of the team, and the arena truly feels like home.”

Fragapane has been able to evolve her skills in graphic design and take advantage of her time covering the team. For her, there is nothing but appreciation regarding what her and this team were able to accomplish in their time here. 

“Every graphic I made or every game I photographed I pushed myself to be better than I was previously and I still do that today,” Fragapane said. “I can’t thank Coach Gosek and Coach Whitelaw enough for always standing in my corner and being there to support me since the very beginning.”

Alexis Fragapane | The Oswegonian