A-9
Ottaviano balancing leadership role, status as go-to player
By Nick Sabato SPORTS REPORTER
There Lockport varsity ice hockey team has struggled this season. The Lions do, however, have a reason to be excited given the play this year of captain John Ottaviano. Ottaviano is beginning to learn how to balance all of the responsibility of being a team leader and go-to player. The junior is leaned on heavily to be a playmaker, a goal scorer, a penalty killer and he also heads the power play when the Lions are on the man advantage. In recent games, Ottaviano has also begun to learn how to trust his line mates on the ice in order to defer some of that responsibility. “It might seem like it’s
all on me, but it’s really my whole line,” said Ottaviano. “We just try to work together and get it in. I know I skate it down but that’s just how the power play works.” Ottaviano’s skills on the ice are very apparent. He leads the team in points and possesses good speed, a strong ability to handle the puck and an accurate shot. But Lockport assistant coach Tim Willett also acknowledges that he needs to work on that trust with the two wingers flanking him. “He is very skilled,” said Willett. “Obviously he has great speed, puck handling and he’s pretty darn accurate when he is shooting the puck, too. Those are all positives. I think it’s tough DAN HICKLING for him because he has to rely on two other guys out Lockport captain John Ottaviano leads the there and build on that trust Lions in points so far this year. with his line mates.” In order to build that chemistry with his line, H e t h i n k s i n r e c e n t themselves rather than Ottaviano says that they need to play more unselfish games, his line has been working together to score trying to get points for points as a unit. A team individually.
always has to be excited when the team captain is able to recognize his faults and improve them. “We have all been playing a little selfish,” said Ottaviano. “We have just been trying to do it all ourselves. We are all just trying to get points for ourselves and not working together as a unit. We are trying to go end-to-end with the puck and put it in ourselves and that’s not the way to do it.” Willett believes that the responsibility that is given to Ottaviano is something that he wants to have and wants to be successful at. Like any leader and great player, he wants to be on the ice as much as possible and in any situation, which is an encouraging sign for any coaching staff. “I think he knows that it’s going to fall on his shoulders,” said Willett. “He wants to be on the ice as much as possible. He’s not going to shy away from getting a shift. He had an issue where his helmet popped off so he’s back
there to fix his helmet as fast as possible because he wants to be back out there for the next shift. “I think he knows that winning and losing is going to fall on his shoulders a little bit because we do rely on him. He’s going to get a lot of ice whether its special teams, he’s going to get his regular shift and when we shorten the bench obviously he’s going to get a lot of ice too.” There was a stretch just after the New Year during which Lockport appeared to be on its way up and playing well, but recent back-to-back blowout losses have the Lions reeling. Ottaviano says that the team needs to continue to play unselfish hockey, which includes staying out of the penalty box something that he has been guilty of lately. “It a little bit falls on my shoulders for taking the penalties,” said Ottaviano. “We just have to keep working, stay out of the box and keep working as a unit.”
Tatro qualifies for states again, Senek, Neumann spent time Stingrays’ season winds down on Baker’s AAU summer team In the last home meet of the season for the Lockport Y Stingrays, many fans were curious to see Megan Tatro competing in the 200 freestyle on her back. It wasn’t a mistake, it was merely Tatro qualifying for yet another stroke in the state championships. Even though the state includes the 200 backstroke as a championship race, most meets do not offer the event. Therefore, the rules allow a swimmer to swim a different stroke in the freestyle events. Tatro took full advantage, posting an impressive statequalifying time of 2:27:49, which gives her another event, besides the 100 backstroke, to swim in at states. Mark Croker continues to improve upon his times in his state-qualified events, touching first in the 200 IM, 50 fly, and 50 back. Jessica Sacco did the same in the 50 free and 100 free, while also notching a first place finish in the 100 breast. Riley Adams also punched her ticket to States with a victory in the 100 fly.
“Sophomores” from page 7
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Enjoying their final home swim meet of the season are, from left to right, Megan Tatro, Savanah Pencille, Jessica Sacco, Madison Keleher, Samantha Madden and Riley Adams. The Menges brothers posted a banner day with first place finishes across the board. Ethan Menges was victorious in the 200 IM, 50 free and 100 free; while younger brother Luke took gold in the 50 back, 100 IM, and the 50 free. Other first place finishers for the Stingrays were: Gina Artieri (200 free, 500 free), Sam Murphy (200 free, 50 free), Laurel Creamer (25 back), Ramsey Ross (100
free), Ryan Santarsiero (200 free), Madison Fragale (100 IM), Ava Thompson (100 I, 25 breast), Elizabeth Swartz (50 free), Ava Conklin (25 free & 50 free), Savanah Pencillle (100 fly), Angelina Peruzzini (50 fly), and Jack Strong (50 fly, 100 free). The Stingrays travel to Clifton Springs for their final meet of the regular season before starting to gear up for the district and state championships.
While Senek and Neumann create chaos and wreak havoc on opposing teams together, they have two very distinct playing styles. Senek is more of a natural point guard and likes to get into the lane to either get her own shot or create one for a teammate, while Neumann is extremely athletic, runs the floor with ease and is often the recipient of Senek’s drive-andkick passes. “[Rachel] likes to drive to the basket,” said Neumann. “When she passes it out to me, I’m more of a shooter, so it works out well.” Obviously both players have improved significantly since last year and a great deal of it is due to the work that they put in over the summer to enhance their games. Both players played for Baker on an AAU team with several of the other top talents in Niagara County, which helped a great deal. Neumann also used open gym times to work on her shot, while Senek
travelled to Canada to work with No Limit Performance. Another reason for the tandem’s continued rising success is from watching the seven seniors that graduated from Wilson last year as well as the leadership from this year’s senior triad of captains in Tayler Devole, Megan DiLaura and Mercedees Rees. “With Rachel and Kayla, one of the reasons that they have been so successful is watching the older kids,” said Baker. “Seven seniors graduated last year, but being able to see what is expected in the program really helped. We have good senior leadership this year. Tayler Devole has been a great mentor for these two young kids along with Megan and Mercedees. What they bring to practice helps the younger kids learn what a good practice looks like and what it takes to be successful.” While Senek saw spot minutes the last two seasons and Neumann practiced from timeto-time with the varsity last
year before an injury prevented her from being a member of the sectional roster, it is obvious that they have absorbed a wealth of knowledge and tips from seeing back-to-back sectional championship teams. They may have been forced to grow up quick and take on bigger roles sooner than normal but as they continue to play and gain more experience, they are only going to get better. “They had to grow up real quick,” said Baker. “I threw them on the floor and said, ‘right now I don’t have other players to fill your role, and it’s going to be a learning experience as you go.’ I know there is going to be ups and downs and as the season goes on their leadership and skills are just going to improve. Getting off to a fast start has only helped their confidence.” As their confidence grows, Senek and Neumann will only become more dangerous and could help Wilson remain a sectional contender for the next three years.
Starpoint swimmers edge Eden, improve to 10-0 on season The Starpoint boys swimming and diving team improved to 10-0 on the season when it defeated Eden on Jan. 20, 98-76. The Spartans strung together 11 first place fin-
ishes, including wins in the 200 medley relay and the 400 freestyle relay. The 200 medley relay, swam by Skeeter Wagner, Corey Poole, Branden Smith and Jason Prue, finished
in 1:56.15 in claiming the top spot. Meanwhile, the Spartans’ 400 free relay, comprised of Shawn Moore, Prue, Jimmy Sacco and Andrew Luckman, finished in 3:46.75.
In individual events, Prue turned in top finishes in both the 50 freestyle (:25.00) and the 500 freestyle (5:34.60). Luckman also scored two wins in individual events,
taking the 200 individual medley (2:13.67) and the 100 breaststroke (1:10.42). Sacco won the 200 freestyle, finishing in 2:04.07, Cameron Calandra was the top diver with a score of 175,
Smith took the 100 butterfly in :57.94, Wagner won the 100 backstroke with a 1:10.18, and Brandon Joslin rounded out the Spartans’ winners, claiming first in the 100 freestyle in :56.51.
LOCKPORT STAR LEAGUE STANDINGS AS OF GAMES PLAYED BEFORE JAN. 22 BOYS BASKETBALL
NIAGARA-ORLEANS
Grand Island ................... 1-5
NFL
Wilson........................ 5-0
ECIC II
BOYS FED HOCKEY
Nia. Falls ......................... 6-0
Medina ............................ 5-1
Will South ........................ 6-0
Division II
N. Tonawanda ................. 5-0
Albion .............................. 3-3
Starpoint ................. 5-2
Will East .................... 8-0-0-0
Grand Island ................... 4-2
Akron ............................... 3-2
Will East .......................... 5-2
W. Sen. East ............... 7-1-0-0
Lew-Port.......................... 3-3
Newfane ................... 2-3
Lockport .................. 3-3
CSAT ............................... 2-3
Ken West ......................... 2-5 Nia.-Wheatfield ............... 2-5 Ken East .......................... 0-7 ECIC II
Roy-Hart.................. 1-4 Barker ........................ 0-5
GIRLS BALL
BASKET-
Lake Shore ...................... 4-3 Iroquois ........................... 3-4 Hamburg ......................... 2-4 Sweet Home .................... 2-5 W. Sen. East ..................... 0-7 NIAGARA-ORLEANS
Medina ............................ 0-5
Ken East .................... 5-1-1-0 Grand Island ............. 5-4-0-0 Will South .................. 4-8-0-0 Hamburg ................... 3-5-0-0 W. Sen. West .............. 3-5-0-0 Ken West ................... 1-8-1-0 Division III
Will South ........................ 7-0
NFL
Starpoint ................. 5-1
Lockport .................. 5-1
Will East .......................... 4-3
Ken West ......................... 5-1
Newfane ................... 6-0 Wilson........................ 5-0
Hamburg ......................... 4-2
Ken East .......................... 5-2
Albion .............................. 4-2
N. Tonawanda ........... 6-3-0-0
W. Sen. East ..................... 3-3
Nia.-Wheatfield ............... 4-3
Akron ............................... 2-2
Lew-Port.................... 5-3-1-0
Sweet Home .................... 1-5
Nia. Falls ......................... 3-3
CSAT ............................... 2-3
St. Mary’s .................. 4-6-0-0
Iroquois ........................... 1-5
N. Tonawanda ................. 1-5
Roy-Hart.................. 1-5 Barker ........................ 1-4
Sweet Home .............. 3-7-0-2
Lake Shore ...................... 0-6
Lew-Port.......................... 1-5
St. Francis ................. 8-0-1-1 Nia. Falls ................... 8-1-0-0
Amherst..................... 2-8-0-1
JEFFREY T. BARNES
Jenna Faulkner and the Starpoint girls basketball team fell to 5-2 in ECIC II action this past
A-10
Rod, Gun & Game: Greater Niagara Fishing and Outdoor Expo set for this weekend By Forrest Fisher OUTDOOR COLUMNIST
The Greater Niagara Fishing and Outdoor Expo is set for this weekend, Jan. 23-25, at the Niagara Falls Conference and Event Center, in downtown Niagara Falls. At this “cabin-fever” time of year, winter-bound sportsmen are looking to learn more about the outdoors and improve their outdoor skills. The Niagara Outdoor Expo this year will help with those needs, providing more than the usual outdoor show, since the show will focus on outdoor education. More than 60 expert speakers will present over 100 seminars during the three day event. With the laudable goal to educate locals and visitors about the Greater Niagara Western New York outdoor paradise we live in, helping folks just into the outdoors to learn more the abundant our outdoor adventures just waiting to be discovered. Most of us already know that the Greater Niagara Western New York area is an outdoorsman’s paradise, featuring some of the best freshwater sport fishing in the world. We have hiking, kayaking, snowmobiling, cycling, camping, shooting, photography and so many more world class outdoor activities! The Expo will offer more 150 manufacturer and vendor booths across 116,000 square feet of space at the Conference Center, while continuous free seminars will be offered in the 10 private, sound and picture screen conference rooms at the site. Numerous nationally and internationally renowned keynote speakers will be on hand each day. On Friday night, Jan. 23, one of America’s greatest outdoor personalities, Charlie Alsheimer, will offer two free seminars: one on Creative Nature Photography and the second on Ultimate Deer Hunting. Alsheimer is a legend in
the outdoor world and his insight into the world of whitetail deer is extremely knowledgeable and thought provoking. If you are a deer hunter and you’ve never heard Charlie speak, you owe it to yourself to sit in on his seminars. If you own a camera and want to take better pictures outside, there isn’t anyone better in the outdoors with a lens. In addition, expert angler, Matt Straw, will be around all three days giving seminars on fishing expertise. Straw is an expert angler himself and his articles are found in nearly every angling periodical around the country, including In-Fisherman, Great Lakes Angler, Salmon/Trout/Steelheader and others. If you are ready for ice fishing, this show will offer an opportunity to get in tune with hard water tackle with advice and new tips too. Whether you are a beginner learning more on how to get started, or an expert learning to expand your ice fishing knowledge, you will be able to talk with Scott Brauer on ice fishing gear and Mike Smith from the Clam Corporation, the ice fishing shelter guy. Both will be on hand to answer ice fishing questions. Tim Thomas from the New York State Pro-Am Ice Tournament’s and Winter Classic will be offering information on those new fishing competitions. Will Elliott will offer seminars on ice fishing WNY and Lake Erie perch fishing. This is the largest educational three-day show of its kind on the Great Lakes. Entry fee for the show is $8, kids 10 and under are free. For more on this show, see www.niagarafishingexpo.com to check the complete list of speakers and seminar times. Look for my better half and I to be on hand to meet with you and talk about the many facets of our great WNY outdoors, we’ll be in the booth with the Erie County Federation of Sportsmen. See you there!
WNY whitetail bucks are even more handsome in January, but it will not be long until the male deer drop their massive antlers and start to grow new antlers for 2015. Ice Fishing Report WNY ice coverings on our inland lakes have grown considerably in the last few days, but anglers should still keep in mind that ice thicknesses can vary greatly on the same body of water due to underwater spring locations and other conditions. So be safe before you are sorry. Drilling holes or tapping with a spud bar to check ice thickness is recommended on your way out, or when moving around. Safety ice picks, boot cleats, throw rope and a floatation device are always recommended safety supplies. Use good judgment and fish with a friend when possible. Those new to ice fishing can check the NYSDEC ice fishing basics web at: http://www.dec. ny.gov/outdoor/7733.html. The Buffalo Small Boat Harbor has good ice of about
8 to 10 inches, with anglers catching yellow perch, sunfish, smelt and a few crappie, mostly using small jigs with grubs. Anglers using tip-ups with shiners have hooked an occasional northern pike and rainbow trout. At Chautauqua Lake, there is about 8 inches of ice in the south end and 4-6 inches of ice in the north end, with perch, crappie and walleye catches reported by anglers this past weekend. Ice fishing is popular on Cattaraugus County lakes too, with ice fishing activity on Harwood and Allen Lakes offering fair ice fishing success for smaller yellow perch and a variety of sunfish. However, there is also the opportunity to catch large breeder trout that were stocked in the fall by the Randolph Fish Hatchery. Safe Act Statistics Since the controversial Safe
Act law was passed in January 2013, and was in effect by March, 2013, there have been approximately 4,000 arrests through mid-December under various SAFE Act provisions, these data from state records obtained by the Gannett News Albany Bureau, according to a report circulated by the New York State Conservation Council. The largest number of arrests have been in New York City (3,230), there have been 53 arrests in Erie County. Most of the arrests are reportedly for criminal possession of a firearm, which is a felony under the new Safe Act Law. The inside word is that Safe Act II is not too far behind. NYSDEC Summer Camp The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) Summer Environmental Education Camp registration
opened on Wednesday, Jan. 21. Parents may register their children through DEC’s online registration system and pay by credit card, e-check or with a sponsor code. Parents and sponsors can currently access the registration site to create their profiles on line. It is important that all contact information is updated since email will be the primary method of contacting parents and sponsors. The link to the registration site is http://www. dec.ny.gov/education/61769. html. Look for the green “Register for summer camp button.” In addition to inviting parents to register their children to participate in DEC summer environmental education camp program, several local WNY sporting clubs sponsor one or more children for a week at camp. These include the West Falls Conservation Society, East Aurora Fish and Game, Southtowns Walleye Association and other groups. Information about becoming a sponsor is available at www. dec.ny.gov/education/1866. html The 2015 summer camp season will not include a price increase, as camps will remain at the $350 weekly fee, but this year, the summer camp week has been changed from 6 nights to 5 nights. The fee includes program supplies for outdoor lessons and adventures, 15 meals, a camper t-shirt and accommodations for 5 nights. Outdoors Calendar Jan . 23-25: Niagara Falls Outdoor Sportsman’s Show and Educational Academy, info: www.niagarafishingexpo.com Jan. 25: 3D Winter Archery, 2015 league, walk-on’s welcome, Evans Rod & Gun, Cain Rd., 8 a.m.-2 p.m., info: 866-5072 Send outdoors info to Forrest Fisher Column 10 days in advance, email: nugdor@ yahoo.com.
Bisons luncheon provides respite from winter doldrums By Mike Haim COLUMNIST
While there’s been an increased amount of daylight every day since December 21, it’s still hard sometimes to overcome the doldrums of winter. One remedy to that malaise: keep counting down the number of days until baseball benchmarks like the start of spring training or opening day. Last Thursday, the Buffalo Bisons emphatically did that at their annual Hot Stove Luncheon at the Adam’s Mark Hotel. This year, attendees received an organizational
update from Toronto Blue Jays assistant general manager Andrew Tinnish and were treated to “fireside chats” with Steve Tolleson and Chad Jenkins, two players who saw 2014 action in both Buffalo and Toronto. Just over a month before spring training begins, there is scant certainty as to the makeup of the Blue Jays roster, especially when it comes to pitching. Starters Mark Buehrle and R.A. Dickey are all but guaranteed their spots, and Marcus Stroman figures to be a starter as well. After that, expect an open competition. Two pitchers, Aaron Sanchez and Daniel Norris, who came through Buffalo for quick stints en route to their big-league
debuts in 2014, could end up starting the season with the Bisons. The same goes for newcomers like speedy outfielder Ezequiel Carrera and first baseman Daric Barton. Second baseman Devon Travis, acquired from the Detroit organization in a trade for the enigmatic Anthony Gose, figures to be in Buffalo after spending all of 2014 in Double-A. Tinnish addressed the challenges of dealing with players who believe they belong on the major league roster, only to have decision-makers like manager John Gibbons or general manager Alex Anthopoulos determine that a player is better suited to be in Buffalo.
“Especially for a young, upand-coming player, it can be tricky,” Tinnish admitted in a pre-luncheon media session. “Obviously the ultimate goal for a lot of these players is to have a long major league career. We try to put the players in the best situation to be successful. Whether we feel they’re ready for Toronto or they end up starting here, only time will tell.” Tinnish smiled when he said he is constantly reminded about the importance of providing the Bisons with players who can produce not only a winning season, but a playoff competitor. The 2014 Bisons posted a 77-66 record, the franchise’s most wins since an 82-62 division-winning season in
2005 as a Cleveland affiliate. Alas, last year’s Herd failed to qualify for the postseason, falling 1 ½ games behind Pawtucket for the I.L.’s lone wild-card berth. “(Our goal for Buffalo is) not finishing above .500 or finishing with ‘x’ amount of wins,” Tinnish said. “The ownership group here and the staff work night and day to try to win games and get to the playoffs. That’s the ultimate goal.” Tinnish admitted being pleasantly surprised with 2014’s organizational successes like Stroman, Norris, and outfielder Dalton Pompey. “From a development perspective, it was a great year,” he explained. “At the beginning of the year, I wasn’t so sure that those guys would
touch this level, let alone the big leagues. The fact they were able to make those strides is encouraging and gives us a lot of optimism about what these players can ultimately be going forward.” The Blue Jays also are proud that the Bisons’ entire coaching staff manager Gary Allenson, hitting coach Richie Hebner, and pitching coach Randy St. Claire will return. “It’s important to have continuity,” Tinnish said. “They got along well with the group and the Bisons felt the same way. There’s (usually) a lot of turnover in minor league coaching staffs, and we feel good about having the whole staff return.” www.twitter.com/mikehaim
Hasek’s No. 39 officially retired by Sabres By Dave Ricci SPORTS REPORTER
When Dominik Hasek arrived in Buffalo in 1992, the last thing on his mind was getting his jersey retired. Back then, the young goalie from the Czech Republic was an unproven commodity just trying to win a job. “My goal was to become the starting goalie for the Buffalo Sabres,” Hasek said. He did that and more.
On Jan. 13, Hasek saw his No. 39 raised to the rafters of the First Niagara Center as he became the seventh players in franchise history to have his number retired. Hasek joined the Blue and Gold elite with Danny Gare, Pat LaFontaine, Tim Horton, Rick Martin, Gilbert Perrault and Rene Robert. “For me, it’s a great feeling to be back in Buffalo where I spent the best time of my hockey career,” Hasek said. “It’s an accomplishment for what I was able to do for this
organization and for this community, for this city and for the people of Buffalo. “I’m very appreciative and I am honored to be one of seven players whose jerseys have been retired.” One of the most decorated athletes ever in the National Hockey League, Hasek owns six regular season Sabre records and five postseason records. A six-time Vezina Trophy winner, Hasek captured back-to-back Hart Memorial Trophies and Lester B. Pearson
Awards in 1997 and 1998. “He’s a legend. The first Czech player in the Hockey Hall of Fame,” said Sabre goalie and Czech Republic native Michal Neuvirth. While Hasek’s unorthodox style would delight and amaze fans, Sabres GM John Muckler would often chastise the young keeper’s reckless style. It took an injury to starter Grant Fuhr to truly open the door for Hasek. Small wonder why, in those days especially, Hasek never expected this kind of
honor. “This is something that you don’t think about at all when you play hockey,” Hasek said. “After you finish your career and you sort of go back. Thinking about what you’ve done, what you’ve done for hockey. The people from Buffalo were calling me and I knew the last few years it’s coming, this day. So it’s not like it took me by surprise.” Hasek’s style certainly had a way of taking everyone by surprise and he made the
impossible save look routine time and time again. “When you spend 10 years on same team you kind of get used to it,” said former Sabre defenseman Alex Zhitnik. “But when you play against him, you understand how great he was.” The ceremony was held prior to the Sabres’ 3-1 loss to the Detroit Red Wings, the team Hasek won Stanley Cups with in 2002 and 2008 It featured Danny Gare and Rene Robert on the ice with Hasek.