WNY Hockey Report September 2015

September 2015 VOLUME 4 • ISSUE 4

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Contents

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In This Issue:

P.O.Box 302 East Aurora, NY 14052 716-830-0182 info@wnyhockeyreport.com Managing Partner Ian C. Woods icwoods@wnyhockeyreport.com Vice President, Business Development Ned McDonnell Commish@wnyhockeyreport.com Publisher & Managing Editor Randy Schultz Randy@wnyhockeyreport.com Designer & Photographer Janet Schultz Janet@wnyhockeyreport.com Senior Columnists Warren Kozireski Warren@wnyhockeyreport.com Contributing Editor Jeff Kolcon Jeff@maksymum.com Communications & Marketing Director Val Andrews Val@wnyhockeyreport.com

College Hockey: Men................................................................. 4 EWAHL............................................................................................ 4 Women’s Hockey......................................................................... 6 PUCCS.............................................................................................. 8 Rochester Americans................................................................. 9 HPHD.............................................................................................10 Skate Ahead................................................................................13 Around the Associations........................................................16 Anytime Hockey........................................................................17 Buttendz.......................................................................................18 Local NHL Prospects................................................................19 Top Shelf Training.....................................................................20 Rochester Youth Hockey News............................................21 Rochester Jr. Americans..........................................................23 In The Crease..............................................................................24 Legends: Phil Housley.............................................................25

Columnists Janet Schultz - janet@wnyhockeyreport.com Michael Mroziak - michael@wnyhockeyreport.com Tom Barnett - Tombarnett@earthlink.net Steve Thomson - steve@hphd.us Mark Metzger - m.metzger@precisionhockey.net Mike Smietana - info@topshelfhockey.us Skylar Vitko-Woods WNY HOCKEY REPORT No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopy and facsimile, without permission in writing from the publisher.

WNY HOCKEY REPORT is an equal opportunity employer.

Contents 2013 Western New York Hockey Report.

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WNY HOCKEY REPORT (USPS 7650) is published monthly, except for May and July, by Ian C. Woods of WNY Hockey Report, 245 Lawrence Woods, Orchard Park, NY 14127.

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Men’s Collegiate

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Men’s College Hockey Report

by Warren Kozireski Warren@wnyhockeyreport.com

CANISIUS Head coach Dave Smith rounded out its recruiting class with the addition of six players including New York State products Dylan McLaughlin (Lancaster) and early commits Josh Gabriel (Lancaster), Daniel LaFontaine (Lloyd Harbor) and Jimmy Mazza (Kings Park).

Forwards Felix Chamberland and Josh Supryka, defenders Ian Edmondson and Alex Jaeckle plus goaltender Alex Savard join other the five incoming signees that also included forward Matt McLeod and defenseman Cameron Heath from November for an 11-member freshman class in 2015-16.

McLaughlin spent the last three seasons with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders of the USHL after playing at the age of 16 with Sioux Falls. He totaled 88 points on 24 goals and 64 assists in his three years at Cedar Rapids.

McLaughlin finished his junior career with a personalbest 39 points last season on eight goals and 31 assists and was just one helper shy of the team lead.

The Golden Griffins released their 34 game 2015-16 schedule including 17 home games. Atlantic Hockey plays 28 conference games, leaving just six nonconference contests.

Visiting HARBORCENTER this season will be Penn State, Bowling Green and Merrimack. The team will travel to Ohio State for two games in mid-November and return to Merrimack in late December.

Battle of the Bridge rival Niagara’s games will be at HARBORCENTER for the first time with games scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 14 and Saturday, Jan. 16.

RIT The Tigers revealed their five player recruitment class, which includes four forwards and one goaltender.

Forwards Erik Brown (Kemptville 73’s), Abbott Girduckis (Wellington Dukes), Liam Kerins (North York Rangers), and Mark Logan (Calgary, Alberta/Brooks Bandits) join goaltender Christian Short (Surrey Eagles) in the all-Canadian class.

The team also announced their 34 game 2015-16 schedule that includes 15 regular season home games plus the annual Brick City Homecoming contest against Bowling Green Oct. 17 against Bowling Green at Rochester’s Blue Cross Arena.

RIT opens on the road at longtime ECAC foes Clarkson and St. Lawrence on Oct. 9-10 and, after Homecoming, plays a home-and-home series against Colgate.

The Tigers wrap up non-conference play on Nov. 28 with a road contest at perennial power Boston College.

Head Coach Wayne Wilson signed a seven-year contract extension that extends through the 2022 season.

In 16 seasons as head coach at RIT, Wilson has an overall record of 302-180-54. In 2014-15, Wilson led the Tigers to their second Atlantic Hockey Conference Championship, and second trip to the NCAA Division I Tournament, where RIT would advance to the Midwest Regional final.

In addition, seniors Alexander Kuqali, Andrew Miller, and Josh Mitchell were announced as 2015-16 captains, while sophomore Brady Norrish is an assistant captain.

Both Kuqali and Miller were assistant captains during the 2014-15 season.

NIAGARA Niagara’s 34 game schedule this season includes six nonconference tilts--a home-and-home series with Cornell University in late-October, a trip to the University of Michigan to face-off against the Wolverines and the US-National Development Program (officially an exhibition), and welcoming Penn State. It all begins with a trip to St. Lawrence and Clarkson Oct. 9-10.

Incoming forward Tanner Lomsnes participated in the Dallas Stars Development Camp in July.

Eden native and former forward Mike Benedict (‘14) was named the assistant coach for the Corpus Christi Ice Rays, a member of the North America Hockey League (NAHL), located in Texas.

BUFFALO STATE Ten-year head coach Nick Carriere resigned to become an assistant coach with St. John’s in the American Hockey League.

Carriere led the Bengals to the SUNYAC semifinals in each of the past four seasons and his teams qualified for the playoffs nine times. The Niagara University alum finished with an overall record of 109-127-27, including 60 wins over the past five seasons, and was named SUNYAC Coach of the Year in 2005-06.

The school promoted assistant coach Steve Murphy to interim head men’s hockey coach for the 2015-16 season. Murphy joined the Bengals’ staff last season after serving as an assistant coach and strength and conditioning coach with the Kenai River Brown Bears in the North American Hockey League (NAHL), where he previously served as a head scout. He also served one season as an on-ice referee in the NAHL. Murphy is a former Division III player at Curry in Massachusetts and St. Mary’s in Minnesota and played junior hockey with the Toledo Ice Diggers and Wasilla Spirit of the NAHL. The Anchorage, Alaska native earned his bachelor’s degree in sports management from St. Mary’s.

FREDONIA Senior defenseman Ryan Wilkinson has been selected captain for the 2015-16 campaign with seniors Taylor Bourne and Mitch Kaufmann plus junior Hunter Long named assistant captains.

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Empire West Amateur Hockey League (EWAHL) Is Back Once the area’s premier league for the most competitive player; Empire West Amateur Hockey League (EWAHL) has returned this season. The newly re-organized league will accommodate the elite team’s needs in Western New York. “Players need to be challenged each game” states Dick Lynch, President of West Seneca Youth Hockey Association. If you break down the success of independent teams, they seek to play teams equal to or greater in competition all the time. That builds success and develops the elite player. This league will enhance those needs in a format that allows their weekends to travel and compete in tournaments and scrimmage games with teams out of town.

By bringing back EWAHL these teams will be showcased and offered a competitive local environment. Four of the area’s top associations have vowed to place all their teams into this league, lead by the Buffalo Regals, Wheatfield Blades, Rochester Grizzlies and West Seneca Wings.

All the league games are within an hour drive, which makes the weekdays, Monday thru Thursday, more appealing for local games. The weekends are free to travel, adds Lynch. With nearly 80 teams in the league the first season, this number will easily double the following year.

We’ve been approached by several associations requesting information, mostly former EWAHL members and other very competitive hockey teams across the state and in Canada.

The league will start with four associations this year, but will accommodate any team interested in joining as early as this coming season.

We will have divisions for “AAA” and “AA” teams, minor and major, from Squirts to Midgets. “Performance without Politics”, adds Lynch. This will be a player’s league, and for the betterment of each player. Let’s face it, if your goal is to play high school, college and beyond, you need to consistently compete at the highest level.

Team membership is wide open. If you are coaching a high level team, looking for competitive local teams to play, this league is for you. Contact any association for details.

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Women’s Hockey

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Women’s Hockey Report.

by Janet Schultz Janet@wnyhockeyreport.com April 13, 2015 was a historic day for women’s hockey and Buffalo was a part of that moment. The National Women’s Hockey League was born and the Buffalo Beauts were named as one of the four inaugural teams.

Their competition this season will include the New York Riveters, Connecticut Whale and Boston Pride.

Just a note for you that feel Beauts is too feminine, it really refers to a beautiful shot, beautiful play, not commenting on the players themselves.

Commissioner Dani Rylan has taken her time in making announcements with regards to owners, coaches, managers and the season. She wants everything in place so the league runs smoothly, opens on time and provides little speculation from the naysayers.

She named former Niagara University player and current Head Coach of the Monsignor Martin Girls Varsity Ice Hockey Team Linda Groff-Mroz as the Beaut’s manager.

Following the announcement the NWHL held their first Entry Draft on Saturday, June 20. The entry-draft is for players coming into the league in the 2016 season.

They must complete four years of college to qualify for the Draft.

A lottery was held and Buffalo ended up selecting last. New York went first followed by Connecticut and Boston.

Alex Carpenter made history as being the First Select in the Draft. The Boston College Forward was named Hockey East First Team All Star in her first season with the Eagles. She took both the league’s Player of the Year Award and the New England Division I Player of the Year Award twice. She was named the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award Winner this season and competed with Team USA at three U18 World Championships, two U22 World Championships and the 2014 Olympic Games.

Now for Buffalo’s selects.

The Beauts #1 draft choice was Courtney Burke, defenseman from the University of Wisconsin.

Burke played for the USA U18 Team for three years before joining the Wisconsin Badgers. She earned WCHA All-Rookie honors in her first year and in her second was named to the All-WCHA Second Team, earning all-conference honors again. She continued in her junior year by being named to the All-WCHA Third Team.

Burke has a great offensive skillset and shoots the puck well and has been a key to effective puck movement for the Badgers. Throughout her career she has contributed to scoring in the 20-point range each year.

While she can still grow in many ways, she is a wellestablished, top-pairing defenseman who can be an above-average number one, according to the Draft

Buffalo second selection is Sarah Lefort, a forward out of Boston University. Lefort earned a spot on the Hockey East All-Rookie Team in 2012-13 and was named First Team All-American, Hockey East and New England Division I Player of the Year in her sophomore year. Last season she took home Hockey East Second Team All-Star honors.

Her best tool is her shot; she’s a natural goal-scorer and above-average in other aspects of the game. It is felt she will fit in well as a winger on the team’s first line.

Minnesota’s Amanda Leveille was chosen as the Beaut’s goaltender. Leveille is Minnesota University’s starting goaltender for the past two seasons. As a sophomore she led the country with a .945 save percentage and in her junior year was named to the NCAA All-Tournament Team as Minnesota Captured its third national title in four years.

Buffalo native Emily Janiga will return to her hometown in 2016 after playing the past three seasons and upcoming season with Mercyhurst. Janiga was Buffalo’s final pick in the draft.

Janiga played for Nichols High School and the Burlington Barracuda. She took All-College Hockey America Rookie Team honors in her freshman year and followed that up with All-College America First Team in 2014 and 2015 as well as College Hockey America Player of the Year and College Hockey America Scoring Champion in 2015. She was invited to participate in the USA Hockey Women’s National Festival in Lake Placid in 2014.

Janiga played in all 35 games last season with Mercyhurst and served as co-team captain. She led the CHA in goals with 27 and points with 45, as well as power-play goals (11).

Her entire collegiate career has been outstanding with her playing in all games each season and recording 41 points in both her freshman and sophomore years.

With the Barracudas she led the Provincial Women’s Hockey League in scoring and earned MVP of the Chowder Cup when Burlington claimed the title.

Now what’s on tap for the Inaugural Season. Mroz has signed Brianne McLaughlin as Goaltender; Erin Zach and Devon Skeats in forward positions and two defenseman, Kelly McDonald and Lindsay Grigg. More signings will be announced as they take place.

McLaughlin signed on as the Beauts first player.

“Buffalo has a tradition of strong goalies between the pipes and I think McLaughlin will continue such a tradition of great net-minders for the Beauts and the NWHL, said Mroz.

McLaughlin graduated from Robert Morris University in 2009 after playing four years for the Colonials. She set an NCAA record of 3,809 career saves over her collegiate career and was selected to the All-CHA First Team in her senior year. On four occasions during her final collegiate season she posted more than 50 saves in a single game.

As a member of the USA Women’s National Team she has two Olympic Silver Medals in 2010 and 2014. Earlier she played for the US Women’s National U22 team and the Qwest Tour. She has competed in three IIHF Women’s World Championship tournaments, helping beat Canada in both 2011 and 2013. She was also a member of the US Women’s National Team in 2013-14 and part of a three-goaltender rotation during the 2014 Four Nations Cup.

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“It’s a special feeling being a part of something new and helping it grow to be something great,” said McLaughlin. “I look forward to doing the same thing with the Buffalo Beauts.

Following the Toronto Free Agent Camp the Buffalo Beauts signed Devon Skeats and Erin Zach.

S k e a t s graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University of the CIS in 2014 after a successful senior season where she recorded 12 goals and 9 assists for 21 in as Devon Skeats signed with the Buffalo points many games.

Beauts of the NWHL. Photo by Janet Across her five Schultz. years with the Golden Hawks she had 87 points in 117 regular games.

The forward has won three Ontario University Athletics Championships with Laurier and she played for the Neuberg Highlanders of the EWHL in 2014-15.

“I feel very fortunate and excited to be a part of this historic inaugural year in the NWHL,” said Skeats.

Forward Erin Zach played for the RIT Tigers until she graduated in 2014. Over her collegiate career she scored 74 points in 121 games including five shorthanded goals, enough to place her at fifth all-time in RIT’s record book.

Zach was a member of the Tigers team that took Forward Erin Zach signed with the Buffalo the 2014 CHA Beauts of the NWHL. Photo by Janet Hockey America Schultz.

Championship beating Mercyhurst in a second overtime.

“It’s finally happening (referring to the NWHL) and I think this is going to be a great season,” said Zach.

The first blueliners for the Buffalo Beauts bring RIT’s Lindsay Grigg and Maine’s Kelly McDonald to WNY. “Kelly attended the Buffalo Training Camp and I was impressed with not only her drive, but her patience with the puck, ability to see the ice, move the puck and get her shot on net,” said Mroz.

McDonald graduated from the University of Maine in 2014 where she captained the team her senior year. The Ancaster, Ontario native was named to the 2011 and 2012 Hockey East All-Academic Teams and was given the Maine Scholar Athlete Award.

Grigg is familiar with WNY after spending four years at

Women’s Hockey

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Mallory Rushton of Amherst, Nova Scotia, played for New Hampton Prep School, recording 12 goals and 15 assists in 24 games. She was a two-time AllNew Hampshire Prep School recipient and All-Region selection.

Hamilton, Ontario native Kathryn Kennedy played the 2014-15 season with the Hamilton Hawks Midget AA team coming out with 22 points in 32 games.

NWHL Buffalo Beauts General Manager talked about hockey and gave a few points to students from the Charles Upton School at Cornerstone Arena in Lockport. Photo by Janet Schultz.

the hockey season.

Players will learn skill development from NWHL players during 2.5 hours on the ice each day and have access to some of the best players and coaches in the world including current and former Olympians and National Team members as well as professionals of the NWHL.

Blueliner Kelly McDonald also signed with the Buffalo Beauts of the NWHL. Photo by Janet Schultz.

RIT. She served as captain in both her junior and senior years. Leading by example, Grigg scored the wining goal in RIT’s 2014 CHA Championship and the tying goal in their eventual win in the same tournament the following year.

In 2010-11 she played for her hometown Oakville, Ontario Hornets of the Provincial Women’s Hockey League where she was captain and led the team with 10 points. She joined RIT in 2011-12 and shuttled between forward and defense, scoring 75 points in 143 games.

“It is such an amazing feeling being given the chance to continue to play the game I love following college,” said Grigg. “This is something that will be a part of history and I can’t wait to see the future of the league.”

“Lindsay was RIT’s Celeste Brown tried for a spot on a standout each NWHL team and signed with the d e f e n s e m a n New York Riveters. Photo by Janet Schultz. at the Buffalo training camp,” said Mroz. “I noticed her straight away, she held the blue line during the scrimmage, unloaded her shot when the opportunity was there, played physically during drills and scrimmage and exhibited poise and smarts.”

“I’m unbelievably excited about the season starting,” said Mroz. “As much as I do not want the snow to come.”

Mroz has been promoting the league and the Beauts and currently they are seeking sponsors for both.

“As far as coaching, we have a few prospects but no one solid yet,” she said.

The Beauts are hosting a Pre-Season Youth Training Camp August 28-30 at Harborcenter.

Over the course of three days, players will spend time on the ice, in the weight room and in the classroom both physically and mentally preparing for the grind of

Camp will be held from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day and registrations are currently being taken. Due to the nature of the camp, availability is limited and thus it will be on a first come, first served basis. The camp is for players ages 13 to 18.

Contact Harry Plumer or register on line by going to: http://nwhl.co/youth-hockey/nwhl-buffalo-preseason-youth-training-camp/buffalo-pre-seasoncamp-registration/ The Beauts take the ice on Sunday, October 11 against the Boston Pride at 3:30 p.m. at Harborcenter.

They will also be home the following week against Connecticut at 3:30 p.m. (October 18) A complete schedule can be found at www. nyhockeyonline.com for the entire League.

Around WNY… Buffalo State College Buffalo State Assistant Women’s Ice Hockey Coach Lucy Schoedel has accepted a position with Northwoods School, Lake Placid. She will serve as the Girls U16 Head Coach at the Prep School.

With the above announcement, Buffalo State is seeking an Assistant Coach for their Women’s Ice Hockey Team.

Buffalo State’s women’s team opens their season with an exhibition game on October 30 against Nichols.

Their 2015-16 season opens at home November 6 against Plymouth State at 7 p.m.

RIT Coach Scott McDonald added nine student-athletes to his roster for the upcoming season.

First up is Forward Brooke Baker of Saline, Michigan and the Niagara Jr. Purple Eagles Hockey Team. Baker is 5’8” and had 22 points on 11 goals and 11 assists in 50 games with the Eagles, helping them to the High Performance Hockey League NYS Championship. She also played three seasons Little Caesars U19 and U16 teams and appeared at the USA National Development Camp from 2011 to 2014.

Kendall Cornine, Kinneton, New Jersey, will also be up front. The East Coast Wizards player also played for Morristown Beard High School, where she broke the alltime NJ high school scoring record with 199 points in four seasons on 104 goals and 95 assists in 74 games.

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Regan Rust comes from the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite and is a native of Southhaven, Mississippi. She had 38 points in 55 games last season and also played defense.

Kandice Sheriff of Brampton, Ontario played for the Leaside Wildcats of the Provincial Women’s Hockey League. In 34 games she recorded four goals, five assists and 61 penalty minutes.

On defense, McDonald has signed Brinna Dochinak of Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota and Logan Land, Turkey Point, Ontario.

Dochinak played last season with the Minnesota Blades and Stillwater Poniews. She had 22 points with 6 goals and 16 assists for Stillwater and won the Norris Award as the teams top defenseman.

Land is coming from the Burlington Junior Barracudas of the PWHL. She had 23 points in 38 games.

The lone goaltender is Jenna de Jonge of Abbotsford, British Columbia. She will be competing for the starting job after playing the last three seasons with the Pursuit of Excellence Hockey Academy in British Columbia. She met RIT when netminding for the Pursuit of Excellence by stopping 40 of 42 shots the Tigers put at her giving Pursuit a 3-2 victory.

“This is a good group of student-athletes who have strong character and fit our culture,” said McDonald.

“We are excited to have them help us take our program to an even higher level.

RIT opens their 2015-16 season at home with an exhibition game against the Ottawa Jr. Senators on September 25 at 7 p.m. They then take on the Minnesota State University/Mankato on October 2 and 3 at home followed by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute October and 9 and 10.

Around WNY… …Gabrielle Schofield’s design was the one chosen for the Buffalo Beauts jersey. …Three girls from NYS were selected to participate is the top USA Hockey development camp held in Biddeford, Maine. Congratulations to Natalie Buchbinder, Fairport; Abby Cleary, Buffalo and receiving an at-large bid was Kristina Schuler, Webster. …Heading to St. Cloud for the U18 Development Camp from New York State were Jordan Emerson, Ava Simoncelli, Annie Berg, Rachel Deperio, Michele Robillard, Madeline Fouts, Taylor Pietrowski, Sarah Ince, Hayley Lunny, Maureen Murphy and Kristina Schuler. …At U15 the following have been selected from NYS to attend the St. Cloud Development Camp: Rene Gangarosa, Chloe Harvey, Ashley McDonald, Hanna Rose, Keeley Rose, Emma Seitz, Emily Abruzzese, Ciara BArone, Morgan Bronstein, Madison Brown, Rachael Delong, Audrey Lazar, Kaitlyn Rippon, Holy Schmelzer, Jada Brenon and Caroline McGee. …The Buffalo Regals, Buffalo Bisons U16 and Niagara Jr. Purple Eagles teams are taking part in the Boston Beantown Classic at press time.

PUCCS

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PUCCS: Program for Understanding Childhood Concussion & Stroke

by Randy Schultz Randy@wnyhockeyreport.com

As PUCCS logo states: “It only takes one hit.”

In what has become an annual event, the Fourth Annual PUCCS 2015 Charity Hockey Tournament was held June 13-14 at Harborcenter. Eight teams participated in this year’s tourney including: HPHD, AdPro Sports, The Majors, UBNS, GB 36, Local 210, Fromen Law Dutch Masters and Northtown Lexus.

“The tournament was created to raise funds that would help raise awareness in educating and help move forward the understanding of what a concussion really is for our young people involved in sports,” said Anne K. C. McCooey, Executive Director of PUCCS. “You hear about concussions at the high profile level like the NHL, NFL and NCAA.

“That’s why we decided to use hockey as a great way to get our message across to people. We’re saying to play contact sports but be aware of the risks and be able to minimize that risk.

“If you do get a concussion, make sure that it is completely healed before you go back out on the field of competition again.”

The United States Center for Disease Control estimates that in every hour of every day: • 5 people will die; • 24 people will be hospitalized; • 117 people will be treated in the ER; and • 275 people will receive no care from sports and recreational related concussions. That adds up to over three million people impacted by sports related concussions a year.

While not al concussions can be prevented, following appropriate return to play protocols for athletes with concussions is key to preventing more severe concussions in the future. A second concussion injury too soon after a prior one is the leading cause of long lasting effects and long term health issues.

The mission of PUCCS Charitable Fund is to provide the tools necessary to understand and prevent concussion as an injury in all sports. Established as a response to the increase in serious sports related concussions among youth in the Western New York community, PUCCS goal is to become the definitive resource for information relating to childhood concussions and their consequences.

“It is great to have this tournament every year,” stated McCooey. “It’s a chance for these teams to play some hockey, have some fun and raise some money for a great cause.

“All the people participating in the event truly believe that PUCCS and its mission is truly important to the Western New York community.

“And after four years, we believe that the word is getting out there into the community. We’re telling the kids that it is OK to say that you are not OK and to get off the ice or field of play when it comes to concussions.

“We also want young people to understand that you can get a concussion in every sport you play. It can happen in hockey, football, baseball, field hockey, basketball, volleyball, soccer.

“It can even happen in cheerleading.

Cheerleading can be a very dangerous part of sports with some of the

things they do. We’ve had cheerleaders come in with serious concussions.

“So don’t take anything for granted. Take preventative measures to prevent concussions.

“Remember, our children’s safety when playing sports is a community responsibility. PUCCS is just trying to increase awareness of this issue.”

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“But what people don’t understand is that our children that play sports are still at risk for concussions. What we are trying to do is educate the athletes themselves, as well as parents and coaches when it is not OK for that child to continue playing.

“We want to show them when it will be safe for them to come back and play again.

www.heatingcoolingbuffalo.com

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Rochester Americans

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Rochester Americans Report

by Warren Kozireski Warren@wnyhockeyreport.com As a result of on-the-ice performance over the last few years and the active free agent activity by parent Buffalo, the Rochester Americans will have a much different look both on the ice and behind the bench this fall, with a few familiar faces.

As of this writing, fans were still awaiting the official announcement of the new coaching staff following the departure of Chadd Cassidy in the spring.

Sabres General Manager Tim Murray was very active in the marketplace signing eight new free agents who may see time in Rochester should their NHL dream need more time.

The two biggest additions, assuming they do not make the Sabres roster out of training camp ala defenseman Tyson Strachan one year ago, are free agent forward Cal O’Reilly and AHL All-Star defenseman Bobby Sanguinetti.

O’Reilly was inked to a two-year deal after the former Utica Comets captain tied for 10th among all AHL skaters last season with 61 points (10 goals 51 assists)—his 51 assists ranked second in the league.

Sanguinetti scored 16 goals in 61 AHL games with Utica last season. His 40 points were tied for ninth among all AHL blueliners.

Also added were four year veterans Matt Donovan on defense and Jason Akeson at forward via the New York Islanders and Adirondack Phantoms respectively.

Akeson scored 23 goals with 53 points over 57 games with Adirondack last season—his fourth at the AHL level. Donovan spent all last season in the NHL with the New York Islanders, but played in only 12 games as the extra defenseman. He has played part of all of three seasons in the AHL with Bridgeport not including six games after his sophomore year at the University of Denver.

Returnees include veteran forward Matt Ellis, who was re-signed to a one-year AHL deal with forward Dan Catenacci and goaltender Andrey Makarov returning for the third and final year of their three-year entry level contracts.

Forwards William Carrier and Justin Kea plus defensemen Brady Austin and Jake McCabe will be entering the second year on their entry level contracts.

And defenseman Chad Ruhwedel has one year remaining on the two-year deal he signed last July.

Buffalo also resigned forwards Phil Varone and Jerry D’Amigo to one year, two-way contracts while Johan Larsson, Tim Schaller, defenseman Jerome Leduc and goaltender Nathan Lieuwen inked one year deals.

That adds up to ten forwards, six defensemen and two goaltenders.

Add to the mix first year pros Justin Bailey, Nicholas Baptiste, Evan Rodrigues, former RIT Tiger Matt Garbowsky and Bailey’s former linemate in Sault Ste. Marie Jean Dupuy to the forward ranks.

Mix in former college players and free agent signees in goaltender C.J. Motte and forward Cason Hohmann—each signed to one-year American Hockey League contracts—as well as the expected arrival of prospect Linus Ullmark in net and you have quite the

training camp battle to avoid being sent to Elmira.

NOTES: • Former Amerks head coaches Ron Rolston and Chadd Cassidy have landed other jobs. Rolston is the new head coach for the Springfield Falcons, AHL affiliate of the Arizona Coyotes. Cassidy was named coach the Junior boys team at Northwood Prep in his hometown of Lake Placid.

• Division realignment was approved the AHL Board of Governors meeting in May. Rochester moves to the Eastern Conference and will play in the North Division with New York State rival Albany, Binghamton, Syracuse and Utica plus Toronto and St. John’s— Montreal’s new affiliate after leaving Hamilton.

Although the schedule had not been released as of this writing, it is expected that the Amerks will play games against teams from the Atlantic Division they haven’t seen in quite a few years such as Bridgeport, Hartford, Portland, Providence and Springfield.

Cazenovia Park Hockey Association

Registration now open for: 16U Midget Mohl, Pee Wee Mohl & Mite House (Mite MOHL Jam league).

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HPHD

10

5 Ways To Get Ramped Up For The Season

by Steve Thomson As we look at going into another hockey season, here are some ways that players can get “ramped up” and have great start to their hockey season.

1. Getting into Hockey Game Shape.

Players need to prepare their body by mimicking the game. Hockey is about high intense physical exertion and rest and recovery. Hockey players are more like sprinters. So, instead of a long endurance run. Incorporate High Burst – Short Interval Training.

Examples: wind sprints, shuttle runs, suicides, Ladder Runs, Jump Rope.

strong core, helps keep you upright and stable in off balanced situations. So players can keep their max stride, make that off balanced shot or successfully battle along the boards.

Flexibility is the key to our power and our speed, especially in the younger players. Flexibility increases a player’s range of motion. Therefore, making their shots harder and increasing their stride length ultimately making them a faster skater.

3. Hockey Skills Players can work on their hockey skills in a short space that will help their on ice game

Make your work outs game like. Hard and Intense on the ice and then rest and recovery on the bench, then repeat. Note: For every unit of exercise there needs to be 2 Units of rest. 1 min on – 2 minutes off.

Shooting at home - Practice your shot and mix it up a little. You rarely get the perfect shot in a game so try shooting from different angles and in tight as well as far out. Shoot off each foot or in an off balanced position.

2. Physical attributes that will help your game

Stickhandling at home. Grab your stick any chance you can and use a ball or a puck and stickhandle around your body, on your back hand and fore hand, through obstacles like a chair. Have some fun with some puck tricks and work that hand eye coordination.

First Step Quickness is a hockey player’s mainstay.

Work on Explosiveness and incorporate diagonal movements Strength – Resistance training that you can at least handle your body weight in physical situations on the ice.

Core Stability – this is the tie that binds! Having a

Improve your Game Sense by playing the game. Put the video controller down and get your friends together for some street hockey or grab a friend and play some one on one or keep away.

4. Be a better person and a better teammate.

I can’t stress enough to players today that as you rise through the ranks and you’re picked for youth teams or junior or college. Players of good character are sought after. You want to be the player that other players and coaches want to be with.

Communicate positively and often with your coaches and teammates. Be enthusiastic – It’s contagious.

5. Positive and Healthy Lifestyle. Create and maintain healthy and positive habits to keep the stress levels down and energy levels up.

• Eating Good for your body and your game.

• Getting a good amount of uninterrupted sleep. Turn off the video game long before going to bed.

• Put the effort and the consistent work into your school • Balance between activities and sports will help define a well-rounded player

Steve Thomson – HPHD Head Coach and Director of Development, overseeing the development of players and training centers in the USA, Canada and Europe.

West Seneca Youth Hockey Association

Would like to announce the opening of registration for the 2015-16 season.

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Skate Ahead

13

Off-Ice Performance Training:

by Jared Byer The 2015 season is upon us and local hockey players are looking to improve their speed, agility, quickness, strength and power.

Many of you have been playing other sports and think you are in game shape all year long.

However just because you play soccer or baseball or lacrosse does not mean you are in “Hockey Shape”. Every sport has different demands on your body which require a sportspecific approach to training. Many believe the best way to be a better hockey player is simply to skate and get as much ice time as possible to “skate your way into shape”.

However there are many things that cannot be attained through on-ice work especially if a limited amount of ice time is devoted to conditioning and skating technique is not coached. Hockey is not an endurance-based sport and you need to work on finding the right combination on and off-ice training without overdoing it. In order to play at a high level you need to train at a high level as your muscles will not fire fast if you don’t not train them FAST. Most other sports are played at a much lower intensity with much longer shifts. Yes, you need to be conditioned but for a 45-second shift at very high intensities followed by an equal rest on the bench.

Hockey requires most of all a very powerful lower body to propel you down and across the ice in every direction.

Many skaters lack the leg development which can be seen in those who skate upright and lose power in their stride.

Great skaters have highly developed hips and thighs for a powerful push off and acceleration. A structured program should include many types of squats, lunges, deadlifts and plyometrics which are crucially important to developing on-ice performance that coaches and parents notice. If you prefer using machines over these more difficult leg exercises you are wasting your time and need to revamp your approach.

Some examples of effective off-ice training exercises. Medicine ball, ropes and rowing. in crossovers, backpedaling and cariocas outdoors using cones to simulate the random agility based maneuvers experienced in a hockey game.

The key to any type of off-ice training program is “how does this make YOU better?” There are tons of videos online with so called experts, fitness gadgets and many NHL player’s workout videos. They may be a bunch of cool circus tricks but at the end of the day the stimulus your workout provides has to spark a change in your body high enough to elicit a positive change.

A strong core is essential for stickhandling, passing and of course shooting. This is NOT attained through a variety of crunches, hockey is not played on your back and many times crunches limit proper range of motion which can lead to injuries. Your “CORE” is not just your “ABS”, it comprises all the muscles that stabilize and move your torso. Instead of dropping to the floor for crunches try standing rotations, planks and medicine ball throws in varied ranges of motion. You will see and feel the improvement in your posture and on at the end of your stick.

Your upper body for many players is an underdeveloped region unless you are looking for beach muscles and throw in lots of bench press and curls. Training your upper body is important as long as you focus on the muscles you do NOT see in the mirror, primarily your upper back and shoulders. Often players will resort to isolation or bodybuilding type exercises they see online and at the gym. The best approach is to always focus on compound multi-joint exercises like rows, presses, pullups, pushes and rope work. Drop the heavy weights you show off with and build functional muscles that won’t slow you down.

Conditioning should mimic shifts on the ice with the intensity to match. A long slow run will do nothing but make you a slower less explosive player. HIIT training has been shown to be far superior to all other forms of conditioning especially for hockey players. Get off the treadmill and bike to work on other planes of motion because hockey is not a north to south race. Try adding

WNYHockeyReport.com

A complete program must provide an ample amount of different exercises and drills with plenty of variety mixed in. If you do not feel your current routine is giving you enough variety or stimulus try a whole new series of exercises you have yet to experience and scrap the ones you have been doing for 4-6 weeks.

Thanks for reading and best of luck this season!

Jared Byer, CPFT – Owner/Director Skate Ahead of WNY | skateaheadwny@gmail.com

14

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Around The Associations

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Around The Associations Edited by Michael Mroziak Michael@wnyhockeyreport.com

Hello again, youth hockey families and association offiHello again, youth hockey families and association officers!

Given that we’re just now preparing for the start of a new season, there’s not an awful lot to share in this latest addition of Around the Associations, so perhaps before we offer some notes from some local programs, let’s go over some pointers for when it’s your turn to share some good news: 1. Don’t be a stranger! If you have news, we’d love to share it. Send it to val@wnyhockeyreport.com.

2. Remember, we’re a monthly publication when hockey is in season. If you’re sharing the results from a recent tournament in which you participated, dates do count and help us. Simply saying “we won 3-0 on Saturday” doesn’t necessarily reveal when the event took place.

Cornerstone Arena is also offering an eight-week Learn To Skate program which begins the final week of September. This class will teach basic hockey skating skills without using sticks or pucks and is available for beginner through advanced skaters. Students will learn or improve their balance, edge quality, and speed. Classes will include 25 minutes of instruction and 25 minutes of practice time. Visit the rink website (cornerstoneicearena.com) for more details.

Geneseo Livingston Blues Squirt level teams are sought for a Thanksgiving Hockey Tournament, scheduled for the holiday weekend. The cost per team is $775 for House A and House B clubs.

Games will be played at the Ira S. Wilson Ice Arena at Geneseo State University. All teams are guaranteed three games and will be timed with three 10-minute periods, while also using the curfew clock. No time outs will be allowed during the round robin schedule but will be allowed in championship games. All players must be registered to USA Hockey, and the team’s USA Hockey roster must include the team’s level.

For information on tournament hotel accommodations, contact Quality Inn at 585-243-0500 or Hampton Inn at 585-447-9040.

For information about the tournament, email matthewmcdonald@yahoo.com.

The Mites/RWB Extravaganza will be played March 4-6 at Thomas Creek Ice Arena on both rinks. Divisions are available at all levels of play.

The Squirts through Midgets competitions will be held March 11-13, at both Thomas Creek Arena and the remodeled Paul Louis Arena.

Information will soon perintonyouthhockey.org.

be

available

Wheatfield Blades TThe Blades are offering a free novice program beginning in October. USA Hockey registration and full USA Hockey regulation equipment are required to participate. A free jersey is provided. This program is open to the first 150 registrants.

Registrations are also being accepted for the House program, which is played on Saturdays and Sundays and offers a full 60 minutes of ice time. The program will run for 24 weeks.

For more information on either program, visit wheatfieldblades.com.

3. The more details you share (the who, what, where and when of a tournament or game), the more accurately we can share your players’ accomplishments.

Please be sure to include the name of the tournament, where it was held, the names of your opponents, etc.

4. When sending us pictures, the bigger the file, the better. While you think you’re doing us a favor by lowering the file size for emailing, that picture pixelates and doesn’t look good when enlarged for use in print.

Keep the files bigger (we won’t get mad, we promise).

5. Being that we’re a monthly magazine in season, it’s best to send announcements for tournaments you’re hosting, tryouts, and other events that require registration well in advance. Try to get information in to us NO SOONER than a month before your event. If you try to send something in at the last minute, we simply cannot guarantee it’ll make the edition (we’ve had folks in the past send us stuff after we’ve gone to press and then get upset that their event didn’t make the issue).

OK, enough of the instructions. There will be plenty of time for that when the school bells ring soon. In the meantime, we hope you had a great summer and are ready for a winter of hockey excitement!

Here’s what some of you are up to, around the associations…

Cornerstone Arena (Lockport) The Cornerstone Ice Arena in Lockport will host youth leagues of various ages beginning in September.

The season will begin September 12 and run through March 5. League levels include: Beginner Cross Ice, 8-Under, Squirt House, Peewee House, Bantam MOHL, Midget MOHL. USA Hockey insurance is required for all leagues. For more information, log on to cornerstoneicearena.com.

Monroe County The MCYH/Rochester NY Hockey Prospects U16 State team recently won the 2015 Doritos Challenge Tournament in Connecticut.

The team went 2-1 in the Wales Bracket during the preliminary round, defeating Long Island Jawz 7-1 and New Jersey Blades 3-1 while taking their only loss of the tourney to APEX AAA Selects, 2-1.

After blanking Team Doritos 8-0 in the semifinals, the team avenged their round robin loss by blanking Apex AAA Selects in the championship game, 2-0.

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www.wnyhockeyreport.com

Perinton The 26th annual Bud Parker Memorial “Big Thaw” House Tournament will be held overtwo weekends in March 2016.

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at

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@wnyhockeyreport

Anytime Hockey

17

Anytime Hockey Aims To Make Pickup Games Right-Sized, User-Friendly “It had gotten to the point where it’s difficult to do a couple of things: pay up front, $400 or $500 or so dollars, and have to dedicate every Thursday for the next 12 weeks,” said Clifford. “There’s a lot of other commitments in people’s lives. Really we wanted to make it flexible for the player.”

by Michael Mroziak Michael@wnyhockeyreport.com

Perhaps you’re one of those adult players who wants to get some ice time but you lack the ability to commit to a full season, due to family vacations or other social commitments, or financial reasons. A trio of hockey enthusiasts, two of which were born and raised in the Buffalo area, recently launched a service that gives players a chance to take to the ice at their convenience, while ensuring all who play get their ice time and enjoy the experience.

Anytime Hockey gives individuals the chance to log on (at anytimehockey.com) and book their ice time in advance, choosing from local rinks and skill levels.

Players may choose games which work around their schedule, with no long-term commitments.

One of the co-founders, Ryan Clifford, explained what inspired the launch of Anytime Hockey in a recent phone interview with WNY Hockey Report.

There are other aspects to pickup games that Clifford and his peers sought to address. One is the feeling of belonging. Often times, players might be a friend of a friend who is invited along but, not knowing anyone else, might not feel entirely comfortable on the ice, on the bench, in the dressing room.

This is especially the case when it comes to lower-level players, who may be newer to the game. Clifford says Anytime Hockey includes low-to-intermediate skates so that those players can get some ice time in a more comfortable environment.

“A lot of the lower to intermediate guys, especially the beginner guys, are intimidated by leagues. They don’t really know if they’re going to like it, but want to try it out,” he said. “Most of the time they end up loving it, but this gives them a chance to do it on a game-by-game basis.”

the ice at all - at the expense of those waiting a turn on the bench.

“We’re able to set a maximum amount of players per session,” said Clifford. “Our max is 20 skaters per session, which is 10 guys per team, so that means you’re doing every other shift.

“When you’re talking 10 guys per side, ‘that guy’ tends to go away because the constant rotation of guys is there… You know if you come off the ice you’re going to be back out in a minute or two.”

Players must pay online (via credit card or debit card) as they book a time.

Anytime Hockey has hosted games at several rinks throughout the Buffalo area over the summer and more sessions are planned for the winter. For more information, visit AnytimeHockey.com.

There’s also the issue of overcrowding. Countless local players can speak of the frustration of showing up and paying for a scrimmage, only to sit on an overloaded bench while seeing limited ice time. That can often be made worse by the presence of “that guy,” the one who spends several minutes on the ice – if they even get off

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Get A Grip

18

Entrepreneur Hopes Hockey Players Will “Get A Grip” With Product

by Michael Mroziak Michael@wnyhockeyreport.com

To serious hockey players, a stick is more than just a piece of equipment. It’s an instrument that, if treated and prepared properly, will help that player reach his or her full potential on the ice.

Having a good grip at the butt end of the stick makes or breaks the player and his or her performance. It can also become part of the player’s personality, just like the way his or her hair flows from a helmet, or a jersey is tucked just so.

While many meticulously prepare their own handles with tape, it sometimes takes more than one try to get it just right. That’s a waste of tape and time.

Rob Lalonde was among those who are picky about preparing their sticks and did something about it by launching a product called ButtEndz, a one-piece grip that is placed on a stick.

“The idea of creating a company around a hockey stick grip came to me while I was playing professionally in the minors,” said Lalonde. “I was having a hard time creating consistency with my grip using tape and this is with all the tools and materials available. I also noticed that while watching hockey, the grip of the stick is very visible and it seemed like a logical place to advertise that

was not being utilized.

“So the idea was to create a product that performed better than tape and would also stand out by looking better on the stick. If you look at most players sticks, after a few uses, the tape becomes moldy and disgusting. We wanted to fix that.”

ButtEndz is currently available in two styles, “Flux” and “Twirl.” The latter resembles a tape job in which some of the tape is wound into a stringy strand and wrapped around the handle before it is covered by flat tape. Both models are available in assorted colors which can match a player’s uniform.

A third style, “Fusion,” is scheduled to be introduced in the near future. That version, says Lalonde, will give users the ability to use markers to customize the grips as desired.

More importantly, he notes, the grips offer the player consistency, because the user does not need to make his or her own grip from scratch, stick to stick. And, they can be removed and placed on a different stick.

“I wanted something that would feel the exact same way each time I picked up my stick,” Lalonde said. “This is why we tried to create a universal style that players can use and rely on. On top of that, the grip adds a little zip to the stick. Having a tight top hand is crucial for stick control and because of this, the stick performs better.”

Another selling point for ButtEndz is that it provides a more durable and longer-lasting grip, something that appeals to the pickiest of players.

“They make a grip with tape and stay with it until it’s slimy and moldy and becomes a disadvantage,” Lalonde explained. “The reason for this is because making these knobs are tedious.

“Over the course of my career, I noticed that most players (including myself ) taped their blade as part of their pre-game ritual and categorized taping their knob as more of an annoyance. Just go to any rink and take a look at the amount of gross, taped knobs you see.”

According to Lalonde, the product has proven especially popular among players ages 8 to 17 years old.

But interest has been expressed by some major junior and college teams and a handful of players with NHL experience have also switched to ButtEndz. Keith Aulie, who most recently played with the Edmonton Oilers, is one of them. Also using the product are Brandon Prust, who was traded this summer to the Vancouver Canucks by the Montreal Canadiens, and Jeff Petry of the Canadiens. As the company enters its second year, Lalonde is optimistic more high-level players and teams will try his grips out.

“We get photos and testimonials every day on our Instagram account,” he said. “Players see the benefits right away and when they use the product, it’s hard to imagine going back to using tape.”

Some Western New York hockey pro shops and retailers carry ButtEndz. Interested players should call ahead to ask.

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Local NHL Prospects

19

Local Players Now NHL Prospects Michigan starting the fall.

the competition is second to none in my opinion and it makes the jump (to pro hockey) that much easier because you’re playing against older guys going on 25 years old.

“It’s a great team at Notre Dame, but life after hockey is important to me too. Obviously getting to the NHL is my Williamsville’s Dennis Gilbert was selected by Chicago number one goal, but it does end eventually for every with the final pick of the third round (91st overall) at the player, so I think that the education I’ll get there and the 2015 NHL Entry Draft in Sunrise, Florida. friendships I’ll make and the community I’ll join will be a “It’s a dream come true to be drafted by any team, big part of my life after hockey.” but being in Chicago last year and experiencing the Gilbert has already begun his college academic city really makes it that much more special right now— program at Notre Dame taking Calculus and Writing WNYHockeyReport_Testimonial4.pdf 1 9/22/14 9:32 AM I’m just very excited to be a Blackhawk, ” Gilbert said Rhetoric for six weeks through July. moments after being selected.

“The tradition in Chicago is second to none right now in the Skate Great league and I think the dynasty is Get the edge with Skate Great! only beginning. I think they’re a great organization with a lot of Largest program in WNY young talent coming up in the AHL and good draft picks, so I #5 in entire U.S. think the Blackhawks will be a great team for a while.

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by Warren Kozireski Warren@wnyhockeyreport.com

Youngstown’s Cecconi now a Star

Defenseman Joe Cecconi was selected by the Dallas Stars in fifth round (133rd overall) at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft in Sunrise, Florida.

“Round five started up and I thought I was on the verge of getting chosen and, once I heard my name, I was extremely excited,” Cecconi said.

One of the people shaking his hand at the Dallas Stars table was former Buffalo Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff.

“It was awesome. Growing up watching him coach the Sabres, so it’s pretty cool.

“Truthfully I was a little bit scared heading into the fifth round that something might happen and I might not get chosen, but as soon Dallas was up and they called my name I knew the dream has started.”

The Youngstown native was one of four New York natives to be selected. The 6’2”, 205 lb. had three goals and 14 assists and was the only player to play in all 59 games this season with the Muskegon Lumberjacks in the USHL. He is committed to play for the University of

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Top Shelf Training

20

It’s The Little Things That Matter The Most

By Mike Smietana & Teresa Cristiano info@topshelfhockey.us

It’s not just who you are and what you do on the ice that makes you a great hockey player, it’s who you are and what you do with what you learn on the ice that makes the difference of becoming a success.

In my experience, a lot of the things I have learned throughout the years that involve developing into a great hockey player have to do with doing the little things each day that add up over the long haul. However, players need to be taught the right information to progress. Not everyone starts out as an AAA player and Top Shelf Hockey prides itself on working with players of all ages and levels and really wants to deliver a great experience to the players. Our instructors will give learning tools to our players each ice time that they can take home with them rather than push them through drills that they aren’t grasping. Giving players the tools they need throughout an eight week program covering specific skills and techniques that will allow for the opportunity to perfect what they’ve learned on their own. Here are some things players can focus on to become the best athlete they can be.

Stick Skills. One important aspect of practicing stick skills off the ice is to gain better hand eye coordination.

Different ways you can practice by using a tennis ball against a wall which will allow for rebound training, tip-ins and redirects. Golf balls work well on smooth surfaces and can also be used to help improve hand speed. Heavier balls like certain hockey training balls can give more of a real feel like handling a puck. When stick handling, it is important to focus on keeping your head up; working on technique first and progressing to faster speeds.

Shooting. Get a shooting board and or a net/wall where you can mark spots off and take shots. Hone in on accuracy. The difference maker is not how hard you can shoot but your accuracy when you do get a chance to take a shot on net. If you are looking for power behind your shot weighted pucks are a great resource to practice with. Take shots from different angels and different distances. Shoot on one foot, alternating on both sides of the body shooting from the same foot or opposite foot. Don’t forget practicing shooting with both feet down. Snap shots, slap shots, wrist shots and backhand shots are important to master. You never know when they will be useful in a game and it could mean a win for your team.

Strength training off the ice is a key component to becoming a great athlete. Conditioning exercises such as push-ups, sit-ups, plyometric drills (e.g. frog jumps), and weight lifting are all integral parts in developing a successful training program. Personal trainers can be a great asset to training program as well. If you do decide to take that route be sure to get someone who is qualified or certified in personal training. Trainers with a sports background is ideal.

Visualization/mental training is an area that is overlooked by many players. The importance of getting yourself to a place mentally that gives you a sense

of calm and confidence is essential to having a successful outcome on the ice. As little as fifteen minutes a few days a week, can make all the difference when trying to execute a maneuver or specific shot without mental distraction.

Practicing mental clarity by focusing on the skills and techniques you’ve been learning before stepping on the ice will make a difference on how you perform. One way to help visualize positive outcomes in a game is by watching videos of what great players do. Sydney Crosby, Patrick Kane and Drew Doughty are a few great players that have technique and skill. Seeing how those difference-makers get it done may be the motivation you need to put yourself in their skates.

Flexibility is the cornerstone of every great athlete.

If you look at some of the greatest players of all time, for example, Michael Jordan NBA, Wayne Gretzky NHL, Derek Jeter MLB, and Tom Brady NFL. These players have been able to do amazing things with their body; their arms and legs like twisting, pivoting, and maneuvering through a game that many other players simply cannot do. Michael Jordon said one of the main reasons why he played in the NBA well into his late 30s was because of all of the stretching he did as part of his fitness routine. Wayne Gretzky did figure skating when he was a young player which gave him the flexibility he needed for his hip mobility that he later displayed in the NHL. I emphasize flexibility at Top Shelf Hockey to my players and stress the importance it has on their overall athleticism.

The potential of every athlete is in themselves and comes out when the right practice and training is executed. Focused athletes need to remember what they learned on the ice and apply them off the ice to enhance specific skills.

In the TSH hockey training development program, we work on the players overall potential by giving them the opportunity to work on the ice with a skills coach as well as off the ice with a conditioning coach and a flexibility coach. Analysis on each player’s individual abilities gives each player the tools they need to be their best. Interested in

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more information for next summer or private sessions?

Check us out on the web @ www.topshelfhockey.us Mike Smietana is the Owner, Head Instructor of Top Shelf Hockey and Executive Director/President, National Collegiate Hockey Association. He can be reached at info@topshelfhockey.us.

Rochester Youth Hockey News

21

Patrick Carr: Pee Wee Player’s Passion For Game Left Lasting Inspiration For Rochester Youth Hockey Community Leo Roth Special to WNY Hockey Report Patrick Carr played hockey with so much passion and desire, his family, coaches, and teammates often wondered how he did it.

After all, Patrick was battling cancer, having been diagnosed with rare neuroblastoma at age 4.

“He’d be getting treatment for his illness and come to practice or a game and be the most tenacious kid on the ice,’’ said Rochester Youth Hockey Pee Wee major travel coach Chris Smith, who coached Carr four seasons. “You can’t teach that, and Patrick just had it in him.

“Many times I knew he was sick, in pain or just tired but he never complained, ever,’’ Smith said. “It seemed as though once he got to the rink, he left the treatments, the doctors and the pain at the door. Once he stepped on that ice, he was just a normal kid who loved the game. I really admired him for that.’’

Patrick Carr, 11, of Churchville died on July 6 after a courageous seven-year fight with cancer that inspired countless people in the hockey community.

Ottawa Senators forward Shane Prince of Spencerport met Patrick at a hockey school he ran.

“He was always the hardest worker all week,’’ said Prince, who organized a beach hockey tournament to raise money for cancer awareness and the Carr family that he hopes will become an annual event. “I’m not just saying that either. That’s why it inspired me. He didn’t want anyone to know what was wrong. He just wanted to be normal.’’

When it came to living life with gusto, Patrick Carr wasn’t your normal kid.

His parents, Deb and John, said that it became clear very early in their son’s diagnosis that he would not let his disease define him. If there was something he wanted to do, he was going to do it.

Baseball. Golf. Water skiing. Fishing. Swimming.

Canoeing. Camping. And of course, hockey. He was also a very good student, despite missing a lot of school time.

“To Patrick, life was meant to be grabbed with both hands, an attitude he carried for seven years,’’ his parents said in a eulogy delivered by Pastor Gail Hill of Ogden Baptist Church. “If you told Patrick he couldn’t do something, he proved you wrong. He never considered himself sick and hated being told that he was. As far as he was concerned, cancer was only a small part of his life – and certainly not the purpose of it.’’

Case in point: Patrick battled leadoff for his Churchville Saints travel baseball team and his coach, Brian Briggs, used to have to remind him that he didn’t have to swing on a 3-0 count.

“His response?’’ Briggs said. “ ‘Coach, I’m not here to walk.’ ’’ In tribute to Patrick’s love for hockey, his funeral was held at Bill Gray’s Regional Iceplex, “where he wanted to be always,’’ his mom said.

Pastor Hill called it “holy ground’’ where Patrick found sanctuary from his illness, where he could be a kid. A hockey player.

Approximately 1,500 mourners filled the main arena, “Rink 1’’ as it’s commonly known, most dressed in either green “No. 15 Lil’ Fighter’’ T-shirts or Buffalo Sabres and Amerks’ jerseys.

Montreal great Jean Beliveau did not have a finer sendoff, with Patrick’s friends, family and coaches sharing heartfelt, uplifting stories of his full but far-tooshort life from center ice.

One net displayed a No. 15 made of flowers, the other Patrick’s helmet, stick, jersey and skates.

The Zamboni stood watch. A large photograph of a

determined Patrick in full Rochester Americans uniform in his hockey stance was placed next to the lectern.

When Gavin Carr, 9, who plays Squirt travel, promised to celebrate all of his goals next season in honor his older brother, the crowd erupted in cheers.

“So many people have said to us, ‘We can’t wait to play on Rink 1 and point to the sky when they score,’’ ‘ Deb Carr said.

Coach Smith said Patrick was his team’s natural born leader, a “magnet’’ that drew people toward him because of his ability to focus when it was time, his kindness, generosity, keen sense of humor and his knack for including others.

He also had a “cool’’ factor.

Patrick arrived to games like a celebrity, Smith said, with mousse in his hair wearing sunglasses and listening to classic rock. Armed with his parent’s debit card, “He’d walk around the rink treating everyone,’’ Smith said.

He was a legend for goal celebrations.

“The boys still talk about how once when Patrick scored, he took his stick and shot it like a bow and arrow,’’ Smith said.

His aim was to play hockey no matter how many chemotherapy and radiation treatments he would have to endure, no matter how many obstacles were placed in his path.

After having surgery to remove a tumorous collarbone at age 8, Patrick was told by doctors he’d miss eight weeks. He returned to the ice in four.

“Patrick, you were an inspiration and I will never ever forget you,’’ Smith said in his heartfelt eulogy. “You touched so many people and inspired everyone who crossed your path. Thanks for coaching me.’’

That sentiment was expressed by many adults.

During his numerous hospital stays, Patrick could be seen walking down the hallway with one hand on an IV pole, the other on a hockey stick. He’d make goals out of chairs and beg everyone to come play hockey, including the nurses.

His smile was contagious and despite the fact he was the patient, he had a gift for making everyone else feel better in his presence.

“We’d play games like Sorry, Trouble, Nintendo, cards,’’ his uncle, James Carr, said. “I never let Patrick win because he was sick but I think he let me win at times because he thought I needed it. He had a great sense of compassion and was always thinking of others.’’

Since his death, the family has been noticing the No. 15 in all kinds of places.

On shopping receipts.

The number of nicknames

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Patrick had accrued. On circuit breakers when the power tripped.The new minimum wage. And yes, the number Sabres’ top draft pick Jack Eichel picked.

Deb Carr wore an “Eichel 15’’ jersey.

“I contend … he’s watching over his family, friends and his teammates,’’ James Carr said.

Quoting the late Jim Valvano, the cancer-battling basketball coach who said, “If you laugh, you think, and you cry that’s a good day, that’s a heck of a day,’’ Deb and John Carr said, “Patrick made that happen every day.’’

Outside the rink, mourners released hundreds of green balloons in honor of the Lil’ Fighter.

“He was our inspiration,’’ his parents said. “And now he’s our angel.’’

Leo Roth coaches youth hockey and writes for the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle.

WNYHockeyReport_Sept2014.pdf

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9/21/14

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Rochester Jr Americans

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Host Families Needed The Rochester Junior Americans are looking for host families to billet out of town players for this coming season, beginning August 24th and running until approximately March 1st. There is a holiday break for two weeks in December in which players return home. Players also return home for Thanksgiving.

Host families are responsible for providing a private sleeping area along with meals for the players. Host families are not required to provide transportation to and from team events. Billet players are to abide by all rules set by the host families.

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In The Crease

24

Improve Puck Tracking

by Bob Janosz

In previous articles we discussed the necessary footwork, basic positioning, and save techniques required to give the goaltender the best possible chance to make the save. A necessary and often neglected part of actually making the save is Puck Tracking. This is the ability of the goaltender to read the release of the stick and follow the puck all the way to the body, and away from the body. Reading the puck off the stick early will allow the goaltender more time to be able to react and determine what save skill to use. It is also important for the goaltender to keep their chin in front of their toes to be able to track pucks better and to be able to move their hands with more ease.

Puck tracking is a simple concept, but there are some common causes of why it is often neglected.

Goaltenders who do not concentrate on every shot in practice can develop bad habits of “looking past the puck” and focusing on where the shot came from instead of where the puck is going. This leads to inaccurate reaction save attempts and difficulty refocusing on where the puck is after the save. Another reason is that too many rapid fire or multiple shot drills will negatively train the goalies to make save attempts without watching the puck all the way into their body.

Reading the release is part of puck tracking. Good players try to open up goalies and change the shooting angle with a deceptive release. In order for the goalie to stay square and “in the lane” they must readjust to the shooters stick blade. If they do not readjust the shooter will have more available net to the side they moved the puck to. Reading if the blade is open or closed on the release will also help the goaltender determine if the shot is going to be high or low so they can make the appropriate save selection. The goaltender must be able to readjust from both a standing and a butterfly position since good players will also change the angle on a rebound or in tight attempt.

Goaltender tracking on high shot- no rebound.

Goaltender tracking puck on low shot-rotate rebound to corner

Tracking puck early off stick (more time to react)

Tracking puck late off stick (less time to react)

Bob Janosz is the goaltender coach for the AHL Rochester Americans and coaches and scouts for USA Hockey. He is also the owner of Janosz School of Goaltending. For more information on Janosz School of Goaltending Camps, Clinics, and Team Lessons go to www. bobjanosz.com or call 716308-9224.

More concentration on tracking the puck as it leaves the stick will greatly improve reaction time.

The goaltender should “slow the release down” and try to “read the writing” on the puck. They should also remember to watch the puck all the way to the body, and after the save, watch it away from the body.

Reading the shooters body language and reading the puck release point in relation to shooter foot placement will help determine shot height and direction. Here are the benefits of improved puck tracking: 1. Better positioning by always being square to the puck.

2. More time to react to the puck 3. Better rebound control by tracking pucks into and away from the body Puck tracking is integral part of the goaltenders “react” game and can constantly be improved upon.

Goaltenders weak in puck tracking tend to “block” more often than necessary; causing poor rebound control and ultimately an increase in goals.

WNYHockeyReport.com

Legends of the Game

25

Phil Housley

by Randy Schultz Randy@wnyhockeyreport.com “I am absolutely elated to be entering the Hockey Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2015. One glance at the legends who have already been enshrined proves that this really is the ultimate (honor) for a hockey player.”

That is how former NHL superstar defenseman Phil Housley reacted when informed that he had been elected as part of the Class of 2015 to the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Ont. Joining Housley in the Hall this year are Sergei Federov, Niklas Lidstrom, Chris Pronger, Angela Ruggerio, Bill Hay, and Peter Karmanos.

Housley played 21 seasons in the NHL, including seven with the Buffalo Sabres. In those seven campaigns Housley set the team record for all-time points by a defenseman (558).

The former defenseman is already a member of the Buffalo Sabres Hall of Fame as well as the United States Hockey Hall of Fame.

One person that Housley remembered when thinking about his hockey career is fellow Hall of Fame member, Scotty Bowman.

“Scotty and the Sabres took a chance on a kid from a Minnesota high school, and I will never forget that.”

Housley was drafted directly out of South St. Paul High School in the first round, the sixth player taken overall, in

the 1982 NHL Entry Draft.

“The Sabres were a great team to start out with,” commented Housley, who also played in the NHL with the Winnipeg Jets, St. Louis Blues, Calgary Flames, New Jersey Devils, Washington Capitals, Chicago Blackhawks and Toronto Maple Leafs. “The Sabres had a lot of great players to start out with including Gilbert Perreault, Mike Foligno, Mike Ramsey, Craig Ramsay and Larry Playfair.

“And I can’t say enough about Scotty. He was one of the best coaches I ever had.

“The Knoxes (Seymour and Northrup) were great owners. They treated their players very well.”

Housley knew the Sabres, along with several other NHL teams, had been scouting him during his senior year in high school.

“But I never thought they would pick me,” commented Housley. “I really thought that the Calgary Flames would take me with the ninth pick overall.

“That’s why I was so surprised when Buffalo took me with the sixth pick overall.”

The big question at the time was if Housley, an 18 year-old, would make the direct jump from high school to the NHL. “I really wasn’t sure myself until May of 1982 when I was asked to tryout for the U.S. National Team,” recalled Housley, who was a seven-time member of the U.S. National Team, winning the silver medal at the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. “I made the team that year and played in the World Championships in Finland.

“I played against Team Canada, who had guys like Wayne Gretzky and Bobby Clarke. I thought I handled

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myself pretty well against those players.

“Obviously, so did the Sabres.”

One opponent who was impressed with Housley was another Hall of Fame defenseman, Denis Potvin. Potvin, who played on four Stanley Cup Championship teams with the New York Islanders, was an offensive style blue liner like Housley.

“What amazed me about Housley was his skating ability,” remarked Potvin. “He was your modern day, puck moving defenseman.

“He played in an era when hitting was allowed. And he still didn’t get hit.

“He was the master at passing the puck and not getting hit. He could recognize plays before they would be completed.

“And that’s what kept him in the league so long. You have those two things going for you, you will last a long time in the NHL “And he did.”

Housley’s passion for the game kept him going.

“I was very lucky to have survived for 21 seasons of play in the NHL,” concluded Housley, who today, at 51, is an assistant coach with the Nashville Predators. “I loved the game and I was on a continual quest for the Stanley Cup. “That never happened. But I’m not disappointed.

“I retired on my own terms. I’m still involved with hockey in a coaching capacity.

“Maybe a Cup will come my way through coaching.

But I’ve had a great hockey life and I’m very happy with that.

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