Spring 2012 WNYHR by WNY Hockey Report

Spring 2012 Volume 1 Issue 9

“Hockey is for Everyone!”

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Editorial / 3

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 Columnists Warren Kozireski Warren@wnyhockeyreport.com Janet Schultz Dave Reichert Mike Mroziak Contributing Writers James Fink Mike Haim Dave Ricci WESTERN NEW YORK 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. WESTERN NEW YORK HOCKEY REPORT is an equal opportunity employer. Contents 2012 Western New York Hockey Report. All rights reserved. WESTERN NEW YORK HOCKEY REPORT is published monthly, for $15 one year or $25 two years, by Western New York Hockey Report, P.O. Box 302, East Aurora, N.Y. 14052 Pending Periodical Postage Paid at Orchard Park and Additional Offices. Postmaster: send address changes to Western New York Hockey Report P.O. Box 302, East Aurora, N.Y. 14052

Dear Readers: As the warmth of summer begins to make our thoughts turn from hockey, we here at Western New York Hockey Report continue to roll on with the best in local hockey news. I think you will find this spring issue filled with interesting hockey topics. Mike Mroziak has written a couple of very interesting features. With a great deal of focus this past year placed on head injuries, Mike presents you with a feature on Dr. Duquin of the Dent Neurologic Institute that parents, as well as coaches, should find interesting. And just when you thought the 2011-12 hockey season was over with, Mike has a feature on the Buffalo Junior Sabres as they begin to look ahead to the 2012-13 season. Initial tryouts were just completed by the Junior Sabres and Mike gives fans an outlook on how the team shapes up for the upcoming year. I take a look at an interesting project going on between Big Brothers Big Sisters and Hasek’s Heroes. We also have several interesting items dealing with Youth Hockey in the area, including a fund raiser by LCTA. Janet Schultz keeps you up-to-date with the latest in Women’s and Girl’s Hockey information. Warren Kozireski does the same with his monthly College Report. Please check us out online with other breaking local hockey news. That information can be found at www.wnyhockeyreport.com. And be looking ahead to our late summer edition of WNY Hockey Report as we take a look at the Senior Hockey League Preview. Enjoy your summer with family and friends and be safe. Best Wishes, Randy Schultz Publisher and Managing Editor WNY Hockey Report Randy@wnyhockeyreport.com

In This Issue... 5

“Hockey Is For Everyone”

Dr. Duquin On the Frontline

Men’s Collegiate Hockey

Youth Hockey

Barnaby Offers Hockey Training

Junior Hockey

Highlanders Hockey

Kaleta’s Zamboni

Cover Photo: Damion, Big Brother Jeremy White and Luis take part in the Big Brothers, Big Sister and Haseks Heroes “Hockey is for Everyone” Program. Photo by Christopher Scinta, Courtesy of Big Brothers, Big Sisters.

Women’s Hockey

Roller Hockey

Feature / 5

t was only this past January when clinical neuropsychologist J. Aubrey Duquin, PhD, joined the Dent Neurologic Institute to become program director of its concussion clinic. In her short time on the job, Dr. Duquin has been quite busy meeting and working with concussion patients. Many of them are youth hockey players. Many more of them are coming in to get checked out after taking a hit on the head. Many cases involve families who are simply being cautious, perhaps overly cautious. “We are absolutely seeing a rising number of those patients. I do not think that it’s a bad thing,” said Dr. Duquin. “Better to be safe than sorry.” With more tragic deaths of former professional athletes making the news recently, don’t be surprised if those numbers continue to rise. In recent weeks, at least two former National Football League stars (Dave Duerson and Junior Seau) took their own lives. In 2011, the National Hockey League mourned the loss of three players (Derek Boogard, Rick Rypien and Wade Belak). It’s important to point out that in none of these cases there are proven direct links to long-term effects of head trauma. Yet all of these players were subject to constant contact in their respective sports. The hockey players, in particular, were known for their enforcer roles for their respective clubs. In many cases of deceased former athletes, their brains have been found to be afflicted by

chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a degenerative disease caused by blunt trauma to the head.

Dr. Duquin is In! Meet the woman on the front line at Dent Neurologic’s concussion clinic By Michael Mroziak

It can only be discovered by examining the brain after the person’s death. Symptoms of CTE include impulse control problems and impaired memory. Often times, these impulse problems lead to drug and alcohol abuse as well as wild personality swings. Prior to joining Dent, Dr. Duquin worked at Penn State University. Her training and professional experience also includes an internship at

Brown University, a fellowship through Kalieda Health, and earning her PhD from the University at Buffalo. Wanting to be closer to family and friends led Dr. Duquin to move back to Buffalo. What Dent hopes to provide through its concussion clinic is, according to Dr. Duquin, a more comprehensive center where patients with possible concussions can get a more accurate diagnosis. “We have neurologists that are on call, so if you need to get in to see somebody right away, within 24 hours, we all have slots in our schedules to have the person come in and be checked out,” Dr. Duquin said. The advantages of going to Dent’s clinic as opposed to going to an emergency room in the event of a head injury? “One of the things that we have hoped to sort of offer at the Dent is to eliminate some of those costs of (when one says) ‘oh, you have a bump on your head. Let’s go to the ER right away and get a CT scan.’ Insurance companies don’t love that,” Dr. Duquin said. Those CT scans, she added, don’t always come back with an accurate diagnosis. Most, in fact, come back negative. As the program director of Dent’s concussion clinic, her role is a mix of properly identifying head injuries, guiding the patients and their families through the recovery process and, sometimes, having to be the deliverer of advice that some don’t want to hear. (Continued on Page 9)

YOUTH HOCKEY / 6 WNY Youth Hockey News NJPE Excel at Nationals

Depew 8; Williamsville 2 (Nick Yelich 1 goal and 4 assists) Jamestown 11; Akron 4 (Jamestown’s Eddie Dorunda and Justin DeMontier each with a goal and 3 assists; Rick Hasselman, 2 goals) South Park/Riverside 6; Orchard Park 5 (Gary Meckes (OP) 3 goals; Kyle Hercesk (SP/R) 1 goal/2 assists; Marcus Webb game winner with 1:17 left. Semi-Finals: Depew 7; Jamestown 3 (Zach Ziolkowski, 3 goals/2 assists; Nick Kwitzer 1 goal/3 assists) South Park/Riverside 3; Orchard Park 2 (won on a sudden death shootout goal) Championship: Depew 6; South Park/Riverside 5 (Daniel Golba and Christian Whitcomb each scored twice for Depew, while 8th grade goalie Adam Bauer withstood a third period onslaught by South Park/Riverside shutting them out after the second period to earn the Championship win. Kyle Turk had 3 goals for SP/R.)e

WHEATFIELD BLADES CAP OFF FAIRY TALE SEASON WITH CHAMPIONSHIP

he Niagara Jr. Purple Eagles Midget18U team won the New York State Championship hosted by Cheekowaga. The team went undefeated in winning all five games played against teams from across the State. Led by Head Coach Jeff Dungan, the team used a balance scoring attack supported by strong defensive play and goaltending. Overall the Purple Eagles put in 43 goals vs just 1 goal against. In the semi-finals the Hudson Valley Polar Bears were defeated by CP Dynamo in a shootout. The second game featured the Purple Eagles against the Cheektowaga Warriors with Niagara jumping out to a 4-0 first period leading the way to an 11-1 victory. Cory Becker’s hat trick and two goals from Derek Stein led the attack that included 8 different goal scorers. Marc Mallare was nearly perfect in the net. In the Championship match-up, the Purple Eagles were led by Peter Kazmierczak’s hat trick and the goaltending duo of Cullen Hensley and Mallare on their way to a 7-0 victory. Also playing for the Purple Eagles are Sean Dungan, Adam Dikeman, Nick :Pagliacci, Tyler Crawford, Tom Ryan, Justin Frentzel, Kevin Danaher, Billy Morre, Steve Gentner, Mike Iannello, Connor Hagner, Robert Amost, Nick Sylvies and David James. Assisting Coach Dungan are Sean Ryan, Rick Stein and Russ Gentner. At the Peewee Major level, the Niagara Purple Eagles defeated the Saratoga Blue Knights 9-2; the Elmira Jackals 3-2; tied the Westchester Vipers 3-3 and defeated the Long Island Edge 4-2. In the Championship Game NU was defeated 4-2 by the St. Lawrence Thunder. The game was tied 2-2 going into the third when St. Lawrence scored with a little over 6 minutes left in the period. e

Best of West Tournament

NY Hockey Report received these results too late for our last edition. The Best of the West Tournament was held at Bud Bakewell Arena earlier this Spring. Day 1: Orchard Park 5; Akron 1 (Joe Copella had three goals for OP) South Park/Riverside 7; Depew 5 (SP/Riverside came back from a 4-1 deficit to win) Jamestown 10; Williamsville 2 (Collin Abbott 3 goals; David Morse 2 goals and one assist) Depew 7; Akron 5 (Depew’s Daniel Golba and Zack Ziolkoski had 2 goals each; Akron’s Peter Kazmierczak had 3 goals) Orchard Park 9; Williamsville 1 (Taylor Ferrino 3 goals/3 assists; Gary Meckes 2 goals/4 assists) Day 2: Jamestown 2; South Park/Riverside 2 (Eddie Dorunda (Jamestown) short-handed goal and 1 assist)

heatfield was well represented and has good reason to be proud of its Wheatfield Blades Squirt Mixed AA hockey team. The team is made up of seventeen local youngsters who gave it their all. On March 31 the Wheatfield Blades Squirt Mixed AA team beat the Hamburg Hawks team with a final score of 4-3 for the Western New York American Hockey League championship. This caps off a record season for Wheatfield which only had two losses in regular league play as well as capturing the Silver medal in the coveted Revolution International Tournament in Wilkes Barre, PA in February. The tournament is one of the most prestigious youth hockey tournaments in North America featuring the top teams across the world. Over 100 teams traveled to Scranton in February for four days of exciting hockey competition. The Wheatfield Blades impressively skated their way into the finals against the Scranton Knights where they secured a Silver medal with outstanding performances. The excitement continued at the Championship game and was a well fought battle that saw Hamburg winning 1-0 at the first period. Both Hamburg and Wheatfield scored in the second to start the third period 2-1. Through persistence and determination Wheatfield scored 3 unanswered goals in the beginning the third period. In major league fashion, Chuckie Schmidt scored the crucial game winning goal to win the championship for the Wheatfield Blades. The other three Wheatfield goals were scored by Brenden Dewey, Luke Wilson and Zach Porter. Assisting the scoring efforts were Chuckie Schmidl, Adam Franasiak and Colton Jankowski.

(Continued on next page)

WNY YOUTH CONTINUED & TRANSACTIONS / 7 “We are very, very proud of our boys. We had a fabulous season in both league & non-league play. To see what these remarkable eight, nine and ten year old young men can do is a true testament to their hard work and dedication,” said Coach Ken Franasiak. “The entire coaching staff is extremely proud as well as the entire organization. To have a record in our division with only two losses in league play the entire season is really only half the story. These boys have amazing skills and heart. Their hard work and drive made it a real pleasure to watch and we’re proud to be part of such an exciting season. “e Submitted by the Wheatfield Blades.

Greece’s Lane Signs With NHL

hil Lane was drafted by the Phoenix Coyotes in the second round of the NHL draft in 2010 and this fall he will begin the professional portion of his hockey career after inking a three-year entry-level contract, which is standard among all newcomers. Lane spent the last three seasons with Brampton of the Ontario Hockey League scoring 50 goals and 107 points with 259 penalty minutes in a combined 171 games. Prior to pursuing the Junior A hockey route, the 20-year old Lane played with the Buffalo Junior Sabres in 2008-09 and was a member of the Greece Thunder in 2007-08. Phoenix’s American Hockey League affiliate is in Portland, Maine. Brother Matt has spent the last two seasons with the U.S. Development Program in Ann Arbor, Michigan and is projected to be drafted in the fourth or fifth round June 22-23 at the NHL draft in Pittsburgh.e

Fitzpatrick to Coach

ormer local hockey standout Rory Fitzpatrick has been added to the coaching staff at Nazareth College and will serve as assistant volunteer coach for the Golden Flyers, who will play their first season in 2012-13. A native of Irondequoit, Fitzpatrick completed a distinguished 18-year playing career in 2009-10. His career included 287 games in the NHL with stints in Montreal, St.Louis, Nashville, Buffalo, Vancouver and Philadelphia. He spent his last two seasons as a defenseman for his hometown Rochester Americans of the AHL. “Rory will be a great addition to our staff,” said Nazareth Coach George Roll. “He has a great working knowledge of the local hockey scene and should command a great deal of respect.” e Fitzpatrick as a Buffalo Sabre (Photo by Janet Schultz)

Coyotes Do Well In Jamestown

ver Presidents Day weekend the Niagara County Coyotes Squirt (Blue Division) brought home a championship from the Chautauqua County Youth Hockey Association’s Annual Mid-Winter Classic Hockey Tournament at the Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena. D.J. Covell had a goal assisted by Drew Haseley that tied the first game 1 -1. Nick Wood’s and Covell’s goals proved to give Niagara County an easy victory over Butler Valley III, 6-0. Conner Raine and Haseley each had goals with assists going to Noah Kindzia (three), Alex Trimboli (two), Wood, and Haseley (one apiece). Cameron Gardner got the shutout. In the Championship rounds Covell delivered a hat trick, Wood scored twice and Jimmy Stephen added one more giving Niagara County the victory over Camillius in a high-scoring 6-4 win. In addition to his hat trick, Covell had three assists while Noah Kindzia earned two and Wood and Alex Trimboli one each. Arrece Appleton scored two goals and an assist, Liam Sexton and Jordan Crane each scored once and Evan Stoy recorded an assist in defeat. Nick Wood found the range twice and added an assist when Niagara County defeated Strongsville II, 5-3.Along with Wood, Jack Tollar, Noah Kindzia, and Connor Raine each had a goal and assists came from Covell (2), Kindzia (1), and Triombli (1). For Strongsville, Michael McGinty, Matthew Hannon and Olivier Campagna

Also on the web: www.wnyhockeyreport.com

JUNIORS / 8 Buffalo Jr. Sabres: Peca Coaching Era Opens with Optimism

eager to learn every opportunity he can. “Marc Powell, a defenseman from New Jersey, is another new player that I’m very excited about. An offensive defenseman that looks a lot like Dan Boyle of the San Jose Sharks when he’s on the ice. One thing we sorely missed last year was a power play quarterlthough he’s been with the Buffalo Junior back. This year, Federow and Powell will help us is Sabres as their general manager since last that area.” August, many are looking upon the team’s re There’s also Tyler Gjurich, who hails from Hatfield, cently completed spring tryouts as the start of a new by Michael Mroziak Pennsylvania (near Philadelphia), whom Peca believes era. It was at tryouts when Michael Peca officially will be among the league’s top scorers. Last season, took over as he scored 17 goals and 25 assists in 29 games with the head coach. Springfield Pics of the Eastern Junior Hockey League. The previous After three year he recorded 21 goals and 28 assists in 45 games for the Pics. weekends of This is actually a return to the Junior Sabres for Gjurich. He apon-ice sessions, peared in seven games for the team during the 2009-2010 season, Peca and his asscoring two assists in seven games scattered over a handful of sistants began brief call-ups from the Buffalo Regals U18 squad. Competing with with a pool of the Regals in the Tier 1 Elite Hockey League, Gjurich scored 31 more than 100 goals and 28 assists in 48 games that season. candidates and “Great offensive instincts and a shot that most NHLers would envy,” headed into said Peca of Gjurich. “Add him to a group that includes Andrew the summer Poturalski, Josh and Tim Kielich, Shane Bennett and others, and months with you begin to see how explosive this team can become.” approximately Boosting the coaching staff’s confidence is the return of as 30 players. He many as three players who have already locked up NCAA Division was pleased I hockey commitments: Andrew Poturalski (New Hampshire), Josh with what he Kielich (Canisius) and David Seward (Princeton). Sources indicate saw, beginning Kielich is planning on staying with Buffalo for his final year of with the familiar Peca Coaches Junior Sabres (Photo courtesy Jr. Sabres) junior, but Seward and Poturalski have the possibility of USHL tryfaces. outs coming up. Seward was drafted by the Youngstown Phantoms “All of the veterans impressed me,” said Peca. “That tells me everyone this May, while Poturalski’s rights are held by the Cedar Rapids RoughRidhas been working hard here in the offseason and eager to improve on last ers. Poturalski played for the RoughRiders in a two-game loan late last season both collectively and individually.” season and scored twice for that club. The thought of working under a former NHL star and Olympic gold Peca was asked about the challenge of building a solid Buffalo roster medal winner has proven to be a great motivator to many of these returnwhile fulfilling its mission to help players advance. ing players. “You always have to be mindful of what’s in the best interest of the “I’ve never been more excited to come back for next season,” said forplayer,” he said. “There’s no dispute that the USHL is a higher quality league. ward Rocky Gruttadauria. “I like all the guys, too. We’ve got a good group Having said that, our league is very good and getting better. The players, and I really think we’ve got a chance to go farther than we have in the past.” their families and their advisors have to look at this from a developmental Among those getting compliments from fellow veterans was forward perspective. Selfishly, I would love all of them to stay but ultimately they Max Mikowski, who looked in good form during the tryouts. need to be supported with any decision they make.” “Max Mikowski was just an animal out there,” said defenseman Derek Patterson. “A lot of talented kids out there. A good camp. I thought everyone looked pretty good.” The team will, of course, welcome some new faces to the roster. Watch At the conclusion of the Jr. Sabres’ final tryout session, Buffalo Blades ing them in tryout camp, it was already clear they bring the potential to be general manager John Bruno was welcomed to the bench to address playkey players next season. Among those new additions… a former playoff ers about opportunities with his Junior B squad, competing in the Greater rival. Ontario Junior Hockey League’s Golden Horseshoe Division. “Through a trade with Oakville we were able to acquire defenseman Peca revealed an interest by the Jr. Sabres in trying to build a direct Sean Federow, who is from Niagara Falls who will play a big part with our working relationship with the Blades for next season. group,” said Peca. “He is a big strong kid that will help us defensively a ton “Hopefully we can work something out that not only furthers the and has very good offensive upside as well.” development process but keeps kids local to achieve it,” Peca said. “The When asked about why he was interested in coming to Buffalo, FedHorseshoe Jr. B league is a decent league with some very strong programs. erow explained that part of it was a shorter drive from home - it took him Building a strong and unified relationship with the Blades Jr. B program about an hour to drive to Oakville for games or practices – but he’s also would be great and we are moving toward possibly making that happen.” excited about working under the new coach. “The coaching staff here is a good one, and I hope that they can teach *** me and help me move on to the next level of hockey,” Federow said in an interview for the team’s website. Defenseman Chris Luker became the fifth player from the 2011-2012 When asked about how it felt working out with some of the same roster to confirm college hockey plans when he announced he is enrolling young men he battled against in the playoffs just a couple of months beat SUNY Brockport beginning this fall. Luker, a native of New Hartford, New fore, Federow said with a smile: “I don’t hate them as much.” York (near Utica), is reportedly considering Business Management as his Peca also pointed to some other out-of-towners who are expected to major. make the final roster. “Another new face from Southern Ontario will be 16-year-old Sam Berg, *** son of former NHL veteran Bill Berg,” he said. “This kid is as hungry as it (continued on next page) gets. He works extremely hard every shift, had great hockey sense and is

Junior Sabres Report

News & Notes

Hockey News & Notes / 9 Fellow defenseman Jacob Ledyard is also heading to college, but on an academic scholarship. Ledyard, son of former Buffalo Sabre and NHL player Grant Ledyard, will enroll at Niagara University this fall. When asked about his hockey plans he stated while he was invited to walk-on with the Purple Eagles, he’ll start with the school’s club level team while he begins his studies. *** The Jr. Sabres named Megan Tornambe the team’s new Education Advisor. She will serve as the team’s point person in preparing players for the college process, assisting with the application process when needed, as well as fostering communication between the team and players and college programs. Tornambe earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Communication from Canisius College, her Master’s Degree in Education from SUNY Buffalo and is a certified provisional guidance counselor in New York State.e Michael Mroziak is the Director of Media Relations for the Buffalo Junior Sabres and also a contributing feature writer for WNY Hockey Report.

(Continued from Page 5)

Dr. Duquin On Concussions Dr. Duquin recalled one case involving a 10-year-old patient, a hockey player, who had suffered his third significant concussion. As if that weren’t stunning enough to the doctor, more so was the mother’s pleas to help get her son back into the game. “It is amazing to me, every day I never know what sort of presentation I’m going to get from the patient and then, if it’s a child or adolescent, from their parents,” said Dr. Duquin. “I have to be very frank with these people. I said (to the mother) ‘look, he is 10 years old. He could die, potentially, if he goes back and gets another significant blow to the head.’ It’s frustrating sometimes because I try to empathize, I have sports myself that I love to participate in and get very distressed when I get injured… I do have that understanding, but some of these parents have very unrealistic expectations.” On the flipside, there are also cases where the patient turns out just fine but needs a little push to get back into everyday life. Knowing the difference between the serious cases and those who need a little motivation is also part of Dr. Duquin’s everyday challenge. “It’s almost more of an art in terms of trying to conservatively manage those that we really need to be cautious with, those that have had repeated concussions or had a single significant blow and are still really symptomatic in suffering, versus those who had a knock on the head but seem to be doing OK as far as all their tests go,” Dr. Duquin

said. “They’re asymptomatic, on cognitive testing they look normal, but they still don’t want to go back to school. Sometimes there’s actually a small subgroup of these people that need a little bit of a push, someone to say ‘you’re OK, actually’.” One sign of encouragement to the doctor… kids who are aware of the long-term risks of head trauma. They might not necessarily understand all the medical terminology. But from what they’ve seen in media reports, they don’t want to end up like those former players who have or are still suffering effects of multiple head traumas. “I’ve even had young kids… these little guys who are 10, they’re little, little guys that come in here and they’ll say ‘I don’t want to end up like them’,” she recalled. “I think the awareness is certainly there, even in younger people.” Hockey is just one of the many sports where young athletes are at risk for head injuries. Obviously, there are other contact sports such as football and wrestling. There are also sports such as soccer and basketball where players might collide while vying for a loose ball. Even cheerleading has produced patients, with some young victims suffering head bumps when flips or other stunts go wrong. Whatever the sport may be, the doctor is in. If you’re a parent whose child suffered a bump to the head during a game and might not seem right after it happens, it never hurts to get that child checked out. “I think it is better to be safe than sorry. If it were my child I certainly would act in that fashion.” e

VARSITY / 10

s the mix of travel, house and roller hockey players met months ago in October, the leadership of Co-Captains Joe Bauer and Ian Sylves and Assistant Captain Jesse Sasiadek all decided they had a large but attainable goal their senior year, to make it to the State Tournament in NYC. Through a lot of hard work, determination and the best teamwork this club hockey team has ever seen, the boys all joined in on the quest. The players didn’t care if they were told they would never make it to “states” for they believed in themselves. The energy and excitement began to build after every win they had during the regular season. With the undefeated record of 15-0-1 going into playoffs in the Southtowns High School Club Hockey League the boys first learned of the odds against them. Their first playoff game against the Maryvale Flyers was a tough win as Maryvale fought hard, but the

CH/JFK Highlanders Varsity Club Hockey takes Second in States in Long Beach NY!

Highlanders came out victorious with a 5-0 shutout win with the senior starter in net, Ian Sylves. The goals were spread out among all the lines as Austin Junik, Jared Bulinski, Mike Sokol, Nigel Cordulla, and Joe Bauer all tallied. The next goal for the team was to get to Super Sunday for the Small School Division. They played hard in a two- game series against the Cheektowaga Warriors, where they learned they had to dig deeper as a team if they wanted to go farther. Although they did not win that series, their record and win against Maryvale won them the third seed spot in the Small School State Championships held in Long Beach NY March 2-4. Once the schedule was posted the Highlanders again set more goals, to beat Cheektowaga on a

clean sheet of ice. With the long bus ride to NYC the players all talked about hockey and how awesome it would be to win when they were told they should not have even been there. They used this willpower to motivate themselves and the energy on the bus was intoxicating. In game 1 they lost to Southwest/Maple Grove 4-3, with goals scored by Junik, Andrew Slawiak, and Sasiadek and a solid game in net by senior Nick Cordulla. The team went back to their game plan of playing as a team since they had to play Cheektowaga in game 2 that ended their Super Sunday dreams on Friday afternoon. The Highlanders went on to beat Cheektowaga 3-2 with goals scored by Mike Malacaro(2) and Bulinski. This was the icing on the cake and although in game 3 the team fell short of their goal to win against a tough Starpoint team due to the win against Cheektowaga the Highlanders made it to their first semi final game in years. The coaching leadership of Head Coach Mike Torgalski, Assistant Coaches Pat Torgalski and Justin Mullen motivated this young group of men to not back down and had a solid victory against Southwest/Maple Grove, 4-1, with goals scored by Cordulla(2), Chris Miller, and Slawiak and goaltending by Sylves. The team was excited to be playing in a Championship game knowing they were underdogs with the Long Beach team being stacked with Junior players. The boys came out and played 3 solid periods of club hockey. The 5-0 loss did not reflect how tough they played and they never backed down. The graduating seniors: Joe Bauer, Nick Cordulla, Chris Miller, Jesse Sasiadek, Ian Sylves and Will Urban will talk about this into their college years. As for the upcoming seniors, don’t let anyone tell you something is not within your reach as the sky’s the limit for these Highlanders! The parents and families of this team could not have been prouder of how hard they played this year. As the boys rose their sticks at the end of the Championship game to thank the fans in the stands the fans cheered even louder to thank the boys for a great season. Go Highlanders! e

Submitted by: Dawn Sylves, team manager of CH/JFK Highlanders Varsity Club Hockey Team

FEATURE / 11

Kaleta and ...

Kaleta has also set a lofty goal for the HITS Foundation: construction of a $6 million ice arena and fieldhouse in the Springville, NY area, near where Kaleta grew up. “I know it is quite a big goal to set,” said Kaleta. “But if you know my dad (Tom) , the two of us are very much alike. “And we’re going to keep going with this challenge until the day will come that we will open the doors to this complex. I want to see all the kids get the chance to play hockey and any sport like I did.” To show how serious they are, the foundation purchased two Zamboni’s that the Sabres had for sale. “Right after that we found out that the (Bud) Bakewell Arena was having trouble with their Zambonis,” remarked Kaleta. “They needed a Zamboni and we had one. “We talked and were able to work out an agreement. We ended up lending them our Zamboni. “If you look at it from a community standpoint, you are only as strong as the person next to you. And when everyone comes together it’s like a hockey team. “If you work as individuals, you go no place. When you work together as a team you can be pretty strong. “That goes for the Buffalo community too. We

always seem to find a way to come together and help each other out in hard times. “I’m proud to say that I’m from Buffalo and I’ll do anything, anytime to help out my neighbors and my teammates. “Just like this Zamboni situation. We worked something out and it worked. “Everyone benefits.”e

...the Zamboni!

By Randy Schultz; Photos by Janet Schultz

ike many hockey players, Patrick Kaleta leads a double life. On the ice the Buffalo Sabres right winger is known for his bone-crushing

hits. Kaleta also has a habit of running off at the mouth and drawing opponents into unnecessary penalties. But off the ice is a different story. The Angola, NY native spends a great deal of his off-ice time working with a charitable organization he created called HITS, “Helping Individuals To Smile.” So how did Kaleta come up with HITS? “We just want to b able to help kids who are less fortunate,” commented Kaleta. “We want them to have a better life and put a smile on their face.”

PAUL GRUNDTISCH 2012 Summer Hockey School

Shooting & Stick Handling Four Days Intermediate to Advance Players Ages 9-13

We have combined both the art of Stickhandling & Shooting into one instructional program Through various teaching techniques our staff will work towrds the goal of making the hockey player more creatove carrying the puck and at the same time improve their shooting and scoring abilities. This will be achieved with many Tips, Techniques and Drill reinforcements. This program will have 1:45 minutes of ice time per session with a 15 minutes break.

Leisure Rinks July 9 - 12 10 a.m. & 12:45 p.m. $160

Power Skating & Skills School For Intermediate to Advanced Ages 6-9 Ages 9-13

This program is designed to improve the players total performance and will consist of Power Skating instruction, with various highpaced drills to reinforce these techniques. There will also be heavy emphasis of all the player’s puck-handling skills including shooting, stickhandling and passing. Also, we will cover offensive and defensive situations with a variety of selected drills finally, after a 15 minutes break, we will conduct a 30 minute fun scrimmage where the player can utilize what as learned

Leisure Rinks 3A Aug. 6 - 10 Ages 6 - 9 10 a.m. to Noon Ages 9 - 13 12:45 -0 2:45 p.m. Holiday Twin Rinks 3B Aug. 20 - 24 Ages 6-9 10 a.m. - Noon Ages 9 - 13 12:45 - 2:45 p.m. Leisure Rink 3C July 30-Aug. 3 Ages 6 - 9 10 a.m. to Noon $175

Defenseman School

Ages 10-13

4 Days

This school has been developed to improve a players total defensive skills. We will cover all aspects of the defenseman’s role in today’s game. Emphasis will be on skating techniques and puck control (shooting, stick-handling, passing) necessary to not only be a strong defenseman, but also a force as n offensiveminded defenseman. Our expert staff will break down into small groups to thoroughly cover each defensive techniques to better prepare the player as a strong defenseman for the upcoming season. Each day will consist of 2 (1 hour) sessions with a 15 minute break in between.

Leisure Rinks 10 a.m. 12:15 p.m. July 23-26 $165

For Information or to Register: Call Holiday @ 685-3660 or Leisure @ 675-8992 www.holidayrinks.com Email: info@holidayrinks.com

Feature / 12

Photos courtesy of Big Brothers, Big Sisters. Photography by Christopher Scinta.

A day at the rink with Big Brothers and Little Brothers--Adrien, Jorge, Spencer Marsh, Damion, Luis, Adrien, Austen, Chris Bonn, and B.J.

Feature / 13 By Randy Schultz

“I

would say that the way Big Brothers Big Sisters works with kids and the way Hasek’s Heroes works with kids are very similar. If there is a difference, Hasek’s Heroes do their work on the ice where we don’t. “Our organization works with mentors while the other works with coaches on the ice. And in the end it was a perfect match.” That is how Alicia Bartsch of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County (BBBSEC) has teamed up with Hasek’s Heroes to provide a monthly skating and educational activity for the Big Brother mentors and their Little Brothers.The program had its first outing in November at the Bud Bakewell Riverside Ice Rink. The Big Brother and Little Brother matches attend Hasek’s Heroes the second or third Saturday of every month, running from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. each session. The first hour is dedicated to time on the ice practicing skating techniques and to instruction from trained Hasek’s Heroes staff about the game. The second hour is spent in a classroom setting with discussions, lessons and training focused on hockey technique, sportsmanship, health and wellness and other issues that effect young men. Things changed a bit in April when the ice was replaced with turf. The first hour was then dedicated to learning a number of other sports including soccer, field hockey and lacrosse. While the program has had its share of success, Bartsch, Director of Community Relations for BBBSEC, explained a problem they hope to reverse very soon. “We have a very desperate need for Big Brothers,” continued Bartsch. “A little brother can wait two to three times as long as a little sister has to in order to get a big brother. “We hope as time goes on that we can change that situation.” It also turned out that the two organizations had a common thread with their silent partner, the Buffalo Sabres. “It just worked out that we had a board member from the Sabres named Rich Joeller and Hasek’s Heroes had the same person on their board,” stated Bartsch. “I think Rich was the key because he sat on both boards and could see the similarities between the two organizations,” added Sean Green, executive director of Hasek’s Heroes. “He set up the meeting between the two boards. “He saw that it was a win-win situation for both organizations.” Green feels that Big Brothers is a good fit. “We have been going out and trying to find new participants with Hasek’s Heroes,” continued Green. “Organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters have the participants that are looking for the need and we have the need and we were looking for players. “So we brought the two organizations together.” It turned out to be a solid match. “We felt that so many of the principles impor-

tant to Big Brothers Big Sisters, like sportsmanship, healthy lifestyles, education and leadership, were found in the Hasek’s Heroes program model,” said Thomas Guagliardo, COO/Director of Development for BBBSEC. “This partnership will give the Big Brothers and their Little Brothers a chance to share a new experience together and use lessons learned on and off the ice at the event during other outings or when applicable in the child’s life.” One person who has seen this experience up

Big Brothers, Big Sisters and Haseks Heroes Team Up To Prove That “Hockey is For Everyone!” close is Ashliegh Then, BBBSEC coordinator and case manager for Hasek’s Heroes. “I grew up playing hockey,” stated Then. “When this relationship formed, people looked at me as being a natural for this position. “It has been an amazing opportunity for me. I’m so glad to be involved. “My job is to run the second hour of the twohour program. It is the activity hour. “And if time permits, you will find me out on the ice working with the Little Brothers and Big Brothers and their activities. “I’m the liaison between the Little Brothers and their Big Brothers.” Probably the person who may have the most challenging job of all is Marty Dietrich, the On-Ice Coordinator of Hasek’s Heroes. Dietrich is the coach for the first hour on ice session for the matches, teaching skating and game skills. “We present the kids with a lot of challenges,” remarked Dietrich. “Of the eight kids we had here the first time, I think three or four of them didn’t even want to get on the ice. “I actually spent 45 minutes with one child just getting him to put his two skates out on the ice. But once they got on the ice, even though they slipped around a bit, they stayed on the ice. “Once the child realizes that they can skate on the ice, they are much more comfortable out there. Plus, they have their Big Brother right there working and encouraging them. “Many of these kids have never been exposed to hockey before. Thanks to the efforts of the Big Brothers they expose these kids to the

sport.” Then added to Dietrich’s comments. “In the end, it is a life experience for these kids,” said Then. “Life presents us with a lot of obstacles we have to overcome. “If these kids came to the ice arena and had to get on the ice by themselves, many probably wouldn’t do it. But because they have their Big Brothers with them, cheering them on, they were able to do this. “We believe that this will lead to them then to have confidence when they try other things they think they might not be able to do. “It is a great life learning experience.” The mission of BBBSEC is to help at-risk children reach their full potential through professionally supported mentoring relationship with carefully screened, well-trained mentors. A Big Brother mentor is asked to spend several hours a month with their Little Brother and are encouraged to participate in everyday activities like cooking a meal together, working on a school project or enjoying local sporting events. It’s through these experiences and the conversations that occur during them, that the child receives the guidance and support needed to navigate the social, emotional, development and educational issues they face. Hasek’s Heroes provides a foundation of athletic development and educational support, enabling children from low- to moderate-income families to achieve their future life goals through the opportunity to learn basic skating and hockey skills. “We are delighted that this program will operate year round and we plan to expand the program to more Big Brothers and Little Brothers in the upcoming months,” added Guagliardo. “We are currently looking for potential male mentors in the community who might want to merge their interests in athletics with their interest to help to make a difference in the community. “Becoming a Big Brother in this program would be an ideal fit.” One person who became a Big Brother is WGR Radio personality, Jeremy White. “It was a natural thing for me to do,” said White. “I wanted to get involved in a community project as well as give something back to the community. “It has been a great experience. I’m doing things I would normally do with anyone. Things like going to sporting events and playing hockey. “Plus, I think something like this is important because you can make such a difference in a persons life. You become an important person in a little brothers life. “I would encourage anyone out there who has a love for kids, who is going to want to share in some great experiences with a Little Brother to sign up. “You won’t regret it.” To learn more about the opportunity to participate as a Big Brother in the BBBSEC and Hasek’s Heroes partnership, you can visit www. beafriend.org or call 873-5833.e

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Scenes from the 2012 USA Nationals hosted by Amherst Youth Hockey! Photos by Janet Schultz

MEN’S COLLEGIATE / 15 RIT

IT men’s hockey Head Coach Wayne Wilson announced the Class of 2016 on Thursday, May 31. The group of eight student-athletes includes four forwards including one from Rochester, three defensemen, and one goaltender. Six athletes hail from the United States, while two are from Canada. “We really like this class coming in as it will fill the needs for our team,” said Wilson. “This class brings in a combination of size, speed, and skill and also includes our first homegrown Rochester player and first NHL draft pick.” Forwards Dan Schuler (Rochester, NY/Powell River Kings), Andrew Miller (West Dundee, IL/ Chicago Steel), Josh Mitchell (Osoyoos, British Columnia/Alberni Valley Bulldogs), and Anthony Hamburg (Phoenix, AZ/Omaha Lancers). Schuler, RIT’s first Division I homegrown recruit from Penfield, returns home after playing for the Powell River Kings of the British Columbia Hockey League last season. He finished the year with 17 goals and 16 assists for 33 points, leading his team to a first place finish in the Coastal Division. In 15 playoff games, he recorded 10 points on six goals and four assists, helping lead the River Kings to the Fred Page Cup Finals. He finished his two seasons in the BCHL with 68 points on 28 goals and 40 assists. “We are very excited about what this group brings to the proud history of our program as once again we hope to achieve our goal of winning the Atlantic Hockey Association Championships and advancing to the 2013 NCAA Tournament,” said Wilson, now entering his 14th season behind the bench at RIT. The Tigers also formally announced their 2012-13 schedule: 10/6 Ottawa @ Ritter Arena 10/11 Michigan @ Ann Arbor, Mich. 10/12 Michigan @ Ann Arbor, Mich. 10/20 Penn State @ Blue Cross Arena 10/25 Robert Morris @ Ritter Arena 10/26 Colgate @ Hamilton 11/2 Amer. Intl @ Springfield, Mass. 11/3 Amer. Intl @ Springfield, Mass. 11/9 Mercyhurst @ Ritter Arena 11/10 Canisius @ Ritter Arena 11/16 Holy Cross @ Worcester, Mass. 11/17 Holy Cross @ Worcester, Mass. 11/23 Clarkson @ Ritter Arena 12/2 Air Force @ USAF Academy 12/7 Sacred Heart @ Ritter Arena 12/8 Sacred Heart @ Ritter Arena 12/12 Niagara @ Niagara University 1/4 St. Lawrence @ Canton 1/5 St. Lawrence @ Canton 1/11 Bentley @ Ritter Arena 1/12 Bentley @ Ritter Arena 1/18 Army @ West Point 1/19 Army West Point 1/25 Niagara @ Ritter Arena 1/26 Niagara @ Niagara University 2/1 Connecticut @ Ritter Arena 2/2 Connecticut@ Ritter Arena 2/8 Robert Morris@Moon Tnship, Pa. 2/9 Robert Morris@Moon Tnship, Pa. 2/15 Mercyhurst @ Erie, Pa. 2/16 Mercyhurst @ Erie, Pa. 2/22 Air Force @ Ritter Arena 2/23 Air Force @ Ritter Arena 3/1 Canisius @ Ritter Arena 3/2 Canisius @ Buffalo

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WNY MEN’S COLLEGE HOCKEY REPORT by Warren Kozireski

CANISIUS

he Canisius College hockey team recognized its top players during the 2011-12 season. Sophomore Taylor Law collected Team MVP and Top Forward honors. Law finished tied for the first on the team with 26 points, 11 goals and 15 assists, while also posting a team-best three power-play goals during his second campaign at Canisius. Senior and Tonawanda native Scott Moser received the Dr. David B. Dietz Award for the second-straight year, which is presented to a player for his dedication in both athletics and academics. The team’s captain during the 2011-12 season, Moser tallied 10 points, seven goals and three assists in his senior campaign. Sophomore Ben Danford earned the team’s Top Defenseman award for the second-straight season, becoming just the second player in the program’s history to earn the accolade in each of his first two seasons. Canisius Hall of Famer Joe Federico also accomplished the feat during the 1984-85 and 1985-86 seasons. Danford totaled 13 points on a goal and 12 assists during his sophomore campaign. Freshman Mitch McCrank picked up Rookie of the Year honors. In his first collegiate season, McCrank led all Canisius freshmen with 10 points, netting three goals to go along with seven assists. Freshman Braeden Rigney was named the team’s Most Improved Player. As a rookie, Rigney recorded six points, two goals and four assists, while posting a team-best .567 faceoff percentage. Junior Torrey Lindsay was honored with the Top Chapman Memorial Award as the team’s unsung hero. Lindsay appeared in all 36 games with eight points, six goals and two assists. In addition, freshman Keegan Asmundson earned the team’s Community Outreach Award, while junior Preston Shupe collected the Hasek’s Heroes Award for the second-straight year.

NIAGARA

he Niagara men’s hockey program has announced its 34-game schedule for the 201213 season that will encompass 15 home dates and 27 Atlantic Hockey Association (AHA) contests. The Purple Eagles will participate in four home-and-home matchups against RIT, Canisius, Robert Morris and Mercyhurst in the second half of the season and two-game sets against 2012 NCAA Tournament participants Michigan State and Air Force. “We have an opportunity both within our Atlantic Hockey schedule and our non-conference schedule to really make some noise nationally,” head coach David Burkholder said. “We owe it to the Niagara University community, alumni, fans and players to compete against the best college hockey has to offer. My staff and I feel we have accomplished that goal.” Niagara’s 17th season of intercollegiate hockey begins at Dwyer Arena when it plays host to Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) foe Bowling Green State University (Oct. 6). The Purple Eagles travel to Colgate (Oct. 9) before opening up AHA play against Mercyhurst on Oct. 13. The Purple Eagles will set out on a four-game road trip, traveling to East Lansing for a puck drop against Michigan State (Oct. 19-20) and then closing out October with a series against Clarkson University (Oct. 26-27). Niagara competes against nine-straight AHA opponents to open up November, beginning with a home series against UConn (Nov. 2-3) before taking to the ice against Army (Nov. 9-10) at West Point, N.Y. The Purple Eagles cross the Grand Island Bridges to take part in the first of three Battle of the Bridge contests against Canisius on Nov. 16, before heading back to Dwyer Arena for their longest homestand of the season starting with Robert Morris (Nov. 17). November ends and December begins with a home series against Sacred Heart University (Nov. 30-Dec. 1). Niagara has a short break before RIT visits Dwyer Arena on Dec. 12. Niagara closes out the first half of the season in Ohio, taking on BGSU (Dec. 29).

(Continued on next page)

MEN’S COLLEGIATE / 16 Entering the New Year, the next five of the Purple Eagles seven games take place on the road. Niagara welcomes Air Force (Jan. 4) and then head to Massachusetts for a conference matchup against American International College (Jan. 11-12) before traveling to Holy Cross on Jan. 18 and Jan. 19. The longest road trip of the season ends with a home-and-home series against RIT, starting in Rochester on Jan. 25 and wrapping up the following day at Dwyer Arena. The Purple Eagles begin the second month of 2013 hosting Bentley University Wiles (Feb.1-2) and continue their battle for the (D’Youville Photo) Canal Cup against the Golden Griffins the following weekend in a home-and-home-series, with the first game in Buffalo (Feb. 7) and the second game at Dwyer Arena (Feb. 9). Of Niagara’s six remaining games, four will be played on the road. The Purple Eagles take part in two home-and-home arrangements against Robert Morris (Feb. 15-16) and Mercyhurst (Feb. 22-23), before closing out the 2012-13 season with two games against Air Force in Colorado (March 1-2). The 2013 Atlantic Hockey playoffs begin on Friday, March 8, with the top four teams receiving byes, while the other eight teams compete in a best two-out-of-three series. The quarterfinals (March 15-17) are best two-outof-three series, while the semifinals (March 22) and AHA Championship game (March 23) will take place at the Blue Cross Arena in Rochester, N.Y. Niagara returns 22 players from last year’s roster that went 17-11-9 and advanced to the AHA Semifinals. Tickets for the 2012-13 season are on sale now. For more information, please contact the Niagara Ticket Office at (716) 286-TIXX (8499), tickets@ purpleeagles.com or visit www.PurpleEagles.com/Tickets. e

D’Youville Honors Players

hree D’Youville hockey players were named to the College Hockey East All-Star Game at Robert Morris University Island Sports Center earlier this season. Nate Wiles, center; Justin LaRusch, forward and Ray Struzik, defense were named to play in the first CHA East and College Hockey Association All Star Game. LaRush is a graduate of Bishop Timon St. Jude High School; Strtuzik graduated from West Seneca East and Wiles is a St. Joseph Collegiate Institute graduate. Coach Edward Draper was chosen as an assistant coach for the Game. “Since this was our first season in the CHA, the selection of the three was very significant in that longer tenured teams in the league had only a single player selected,” said Draper. The D’Youville Men’s Hockey Team is a club program established in the Spring of 2010 by students who played hockey prior to attending the private college. The team operates as an independent hockey club competing in Division III. They play a 20-game plus schedule with home games held at Bud Bakewell Arena, Riverside Park. College Hockey East operates two Division III collegiate club sports leagues comprised of colleges and universities from western Pennsylvania, New York and Ohio. D’Youville is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Hockey. In other hockey-related D’Youville news, LaRusch and Jeffrey Monnin were named to the National Association of Intercollegiate Hockey (NAIH) Second Team All American; Jeffery Spors and Jordan Kilijanski were named to the Second Team All Scholar American Team and Scott Montgomery was given an Honorable Mention to the All Scholar American Team.e

D’Youville Honors Senator Kennedy

he D’Youville College Spartan club hockey team honored New York State Senator Timothy M. Kennedy, D-58th District, for LaRusch Struzik his strong support of the (D’Youville Photo) (D’Youville Photo) team at a ceremony in February at the Timothy J. Burvid Ice Rink (“The Caz”) in South Buffalo. Senator Kennedy, proudly wearing a D’Youville Spartan hockey jersey, and his son Connor, who had his own hockey game later that day, participated in a ceremonial puck drop before the game with Medaille College, a league rival. Kennedy, a graduate of D’Youville College’s program in Occupational Therapy, has been a strong supporter of the team from its inception in 2010 to today, according to Head Coach Edward Draper. “As a graduate of D’Youville College and a resident of South Buffalo, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to drop the puck at the Spartans’ hockey game at Cazenovia Ice Rink,” said Senator Kennedy. “Hockey is an important part of our community. So many Western New Yorkers grow up playing the game, and even more are lifelong fans. The game brought many of the D’Youville and Medaille players back to their home rink, where they learned their skills growing up. It was be a great opportunity to celebrate D’Youville hockey and the sports’ prominence in South Buffalo and throughout Western New York.” In addition, the game represented a homecoming for Cazenovia Park Hockey alumni from both teams. A number of players and coaches on both teams began playing hockey at the noted South Buffalo rink located at the corner of Abbott Road and Cazenovia Street across from Mercy Hospital. Cazenovia Park Hockey alumni recognized from the D’Youville team were: Clark Betyn, Brian Cieslik, Matthew Diflavio, Justin LaRusch and Duff Maloney. Athletic Director Brian Cavanaugh, Draper and assistant coach Bill Unger were also be recognized. Medaille was represented by former Caz Park players Matthew Cieslik (brother of Brian who plays for D’Youville) and Joshua Smith. The game ended as a D’Youville victory with a final score of 9-5. Leading the way for D’Youville were Cazenovia Park Hockey alumni Justin LaRusch, who scored twice, and Clark Betyn, who added another goal. Also scoring goals for D’Youville were Jeff Spors (2), Kyle Meringer (2), Jeff Monnin and Nate Wiles. Goal scorers for Medaille were Kyle Lamich, Simon Fedak, Brian Levick, Mike Givrradavid and Tyler Mclaughan.e Senator Tim Kennedy honored by D’Youville College for his contributions to the Game. (Photo of Courtesy D’Youville College)

HOCKEY SCHOOL / 17

hroughout his entire National Hockey going to be injuries, we know that just in the League career, about half of which was nature of a physical sport. But the most I can limit spent in a Buffalo Sabres uniform, Matt it and the best way I can teach it would be to be Barnaby was a protector to his teammates, a vilprotective and play it the right way and not a lain in the eyes of opposing players and fans, and dirty way.” a blue-collar type player who could contribute to the offense. Now, to players on the Buffalo Regals bantam major squad, which includes his son, he’s playing the role of coach and teacher. He’s about to expand his more recent roles to other players throughout Western New York. Beginning this summer, Barnaby will be offering his experience through clinics in his new program, Matt Barnaby Hockey. The program will be three-fold: beginning this summer Matt Barnaby Hockey will offer individual clinics and camps. Next year, he’s anticipating formation of spring teams. The program will offer training for youth players of all ages, from By Michael Mroziak the young startups to the elite and experienced teens. Barnaby spoke about his upcoming program and the expertise he can lend to young, developing hockey players as a former NHL role player. As he sees it, you could learn a lot Barnaby said that most of the clinics will be more from the role players than you might think. hosted at Holiday Twin Rinks in Cheektowaga but “A lot of times you get to watch what happlans include sessions at other Buffalo area venpens on the ice, what works, what doesn’t work,” ues. He’s also thinking big, with plans to open said Barnaby. “I also get a chance to draw from Matt Barnaby Hockey in other cities, including my experiences. I was a very talented kid growsome where he also played for NHL clubs. ing up. I was a very talented kid going into junior “I plan to have one in Dallas. It will probably but never grew, so there’s a lot of things I think I be the first one that we will be having, a place can bring to the table, from the adversity I went where I used to play,” said Barnaby, whose final through in my hockey career being small and stop in the NHL was with the Stars. He also plans being told that I can’t do something. It was always something that motivated me. “I also think having that well-rounded game and just knowing all the different parts that it takes to make it… Not everyone is a Pat LaFontaine or Alexander Ovechkin or Sidney Crosby. There’s other guys that get to other levels, whether it be a high elite level in high school hockey or play junior hockey, or get to any division in college hockey, and even the very precious few that make it to the NHL, there’s a lot of different ways to make that next level than just scoring 150 points a year.” Something else that’s important to this former NHL enforcer is player safety. He has previously spoken and advocated for concussion research, most notably for the Program for Understanding Childhood Concussion and Stroke (PUCCS). WNY Hockey Report asked Barnaby whether his program would include some emphasis on the right way… and the wrong way… to both give and take the hits that are a part of hockey. He admits to being a competitive coach who is full of passion. But there’s one thing that, from time to time, he admits can really tick him off. “It’s because I think the game is being played the wrong way. There’s a time and a place for fighting and all that, but at the youth level we need to play cleanly,”said Barnaby . “We need to protect these kids. We’ve seen the concussion problems that I retired with. We see the overabundance of concussions in the National Hockey League right now and they’re trying to do their best to cut it down. “I think as a coach I owe it, not only to the parents but to the kids that are involved, to teach them how to play the game in the safest way. We don’t want kids being hurt. There are

MATT BARNABY HOCKEY PREMIERES THIS SUMMER

to open Matt Barnaby Hockey programs in Chicago, where he played with the Blackhawks, and Detroit. “Obviously there is a fan base in some of those places. Hockey is big and is growing around the country, so to be able to go to these other places that I did play and hopefully bring my knowledge to the youth hockey programs in their parts of the country is just a great experience.” For a former NHL player as well-traveled as he, Barnaby still calls Western New York his home. “I think Buffalo (is where) I’ve always called home. It’s always been my place that I’ve always wanted to stay and be a part of, with the fans, with the friends that I made when I played here,” said Barnaby, who added he also enjoyed his stays in Pittsburgh, Colorado, Chicago, and New York. Besides playing with the Penguins, Avalanche, Rangers and previously mentioned Stars and Blackhawks, Barnaby also played for the Tampa Bay Lightning. For more information visit the program’s official website, www.MattBarnabyHockey. com. You can also follow Barnaby via his Twitter account, “mattbarnaby3636.”e

WOMEN’S HOCKEY / 18

’m going to try and get everyone caught up on what’s happened in WNY Women’s Hockey over the past couple of months. We had to miss an issue of The Report so if I omit something you may have submitted earlier in the Spring, please let me know and I’ll get it in next month’s issue or on the website (www. wnyhockeyreport.com). Make sure to check the website regularly for updated news on hockey in our area.

Women’s Hockey Report by Janet Schultz

Blades Take Tourney Championship in Canada

everal women hockey players got together and formed a team under the Wheatfield Blades name and entered the Weekend Hockey Tournament in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Katelyn Bothwell, Allison Edwards and Fallon Waxman from UB; Melissa Jeckovich, Marissa McMullan, Amanda Johnston, all Buffalo State alums; Amanda Todd and Sam Veidheffer from the Hornets, Cheryl Julicher, Robin Closs and Lindsay Heckler from the Blades along with Batavia’s Shawnee Oberholtzer and Rookie Goalie Lauren Orynawka put in a fantastic showing. In game one they beat Sudbury 7-1; followed by a tie with Brampton (2-2) and a 4-0 win over Ottawa to take them to the Championship Game. They took the Championship with a 2-1 win in overtime from Ottawa. Jeckovich put in an unassisted goal in the third period followed by Ottawa dropping in the tying goal at 1:34 of the third. Then Jeckovich got another unassisted goal at 1:53 of overtime for the win. In each game the Blades had the MVP which included Orynawka in Games 1, 3 and 4 Heckler in Game Two. In Game 1 McMullan scored 5 of the 7 goals with the others coming from Bothwell and Waxman. Assists came from Jeckovich, Waxman, Julicher and Heckler. In Game two it was Clos and Bothwell with assists from Veidheffer and Waxman and in Game three it was Julicher and Wasman, both unassisted and Closs and Edwards with assists from Julicher and Johnston.

West Seneca Wings Proud of Success

(Submitted by West Seneca Wings Hockey)

12 U Continues Its Winning Ways

The 2011 -2012 season exceeded expectations for the girls on the West Seneca Wings 12U team. After qualifying for the New York State the team traveled to Saranac Lake where they accomplished a task that many thought the young team was not capable of. After going undefeated through the first three games the Wings faced a tough opponent from Brewster. Brianna Gawronski turned away shot after shot to lead the Wings to a 4 – 2 victory. In the State final the Wings faced the #3 ranked team in the nation Clifton Park Eagles.

Earlier in the Tournament the Wings surprised the team from Walkerton scoring a late goal to earn a 1 – 1tie. The championship game was just as tough of a game as the one played the day before. Walkerton jumped out to a 1 – 0 lead but the Wings fought back drawing on the inspirational play of their goalie Sam Heintz. Eventually the Wings hard work paid off and they tied the game in the third period. From their both teams went all out for the win. Unfortunately for the Wings the ladies from Walkerton scored late in the third period to capture their second LLFHL Bantam B Championship. In all it was a very successful year for the 14U team and with half of the team returning next year good things are on the horizon.

WNY College News and Notes West Seneca Wings 12U (Photo courtesy of West Seneca Wings Hockey)

After two periods of play the Wings held a surprising 3 – 1 lead. The Lady Eagles were able to climb within a goal but the Wings put the puck everywhere and the Eagles could not to hold on to the State Championship. From here the young ladies from West Seneca moved on to the National Championships in Frisco, TX. Early in the tournament the Wings posted a 2 – 1 record gaining victories against Pittsburgh and Colorado. In the quarter finals West Seneca beat Princeton 4 - 0 to advance to the semis to face the #1 ranked team in the county San Jose Jr. Sharks. Earlier in the tournament the Sharks beat West Seneca 4 – 1. In the semi-finals the Wings jumped out to an early 1 – 0 lead but the California team responded to tie things up before the end of the first. The teams traded chances early in the second period but Jenelle Piatt and the rest of the Wings soon took over the game scoring the next six goals of the contest. Piatt scored three of those six goals leading the Wings to a shocking 7 – 2 victory. Julia Ahr, Emma O’Neil and Brianna Keppner also tallied in the upset. In the finals the Glenview Stars put an end to West Seneca’s dream of winning a National Championship, but if you asked anyone at the beginning of the season how this team would do, you would not have found anyone that gave them a chance at Nationals. The young ladies from West Seneca defied truly the odds and exceeded the expectations of everyone.

14U LLFHL Finalists

After defeating strong teams from Woodstock, Ingersoll and Niagara Falls the West Seneca Wings Girls 14U team qualified for the LLFHL Championship Weekend in Mississauga, Ontario. During the tournament West Seneca went undefeated to reach the Championship Game against a team from Walkerton who had not lost a game all season.

The newest Lady Ice Bulls, Danica Katz, Chrissy Wolcott, Bailey Danahy, Shauna Clair. (Photo by Janet Schultz)

University of Buffalo

Coach Jody Rosen has signed four players for the 2012-13 UB Lady Ice Bulls season. Danica Katz, Chrissy Wolcott, Bailey Danahy and Shauna Clair signed on the dotted line and will bring their talents to Buffalo this Fall. Katz is from Tampa, Florida and brings with her 10 years of experience playing on boy’s teams and most recently with the Tampa Bay Lightning Girl’s team. She can play right or left wing and Coach Rosen feels she will fit right in and contribute immediately. Wolcott is a native of Cheektowaga and has played boy’s and girl’s hockey and most recently with the West Seneca Wings Travel Team. She is known for her leadership skills. Danahy is from Buffalo and played with Cazenovia, Buffalo Regals and West Seneca. Last year she played at Hamline University in Minnesota. With her size and tenacity she can play either right or left wing. Another Buffalo native, Clair comes from Williamsville East High School and played with the Amherst 12U Select Girls, the Buffalo Bisons, Rochester Edge 19U and played a year of club hockey at Oswego. She is strong on the offense with good scoring and leadership abilities.

(Continued on next page)

WOMEN’S HOCKEY / 19 Women’s Hockey Continued

Cornell

Rebecca Johnston was one of the recipients of the Charles H. Moore Outstanding Senior Varsity Athlete Award. An Olympic gold medalist and three-time All-American, Johnston graduates as the most accomplished skater in the history of the women’s hockey program. Johnston, who earned a team-high 30 goals and 61 points during her senior season, was named the squad’s most valuable player after a season that saw her become a firstteam All-American and earn a Top 10 Patty Kazmaier nomination for the third time. She graduates as the fifth-leading scorer in team history with 188 points (97 goals, 91 assists). She was a four-time first-team all-ECAC Hockey and first-team All-Ivy pick. Johnston was both the ECAC Hockey and Ivy League Rookie of the Year in 2008 and earned a spot on ECAC Hockey’s all-tournament team as a senior. Despite taking a year off for the Olympics, Johnston helped the Big Red to a pair of ECAC Hockey and Ivy League regular season titles, an ECAC Hockey tournament crown and two NCAA Frozen Four appearances. She was team captain as a senior and an assistant captain as a junior. Johnston also was named the Cornell Women’s Hockey Bob Brunet ’41 Most Valuable Player. Other hockey players receiving recognition were Seniors Chelsea Karpenko and Amanda Mazzotta, who both claimed the William Fuert Jr. ‘39 Big Red Player of the Year Award. This award is given to the player or players who best exemplify the spirit of the program. Karpenko earned 18 goals and 15 assists on the season while being named ECAC Hockey’s Best Defensive Forward. During the year, Mazzotta broke the school record for wins and leaves Ithaca with the second-best save percentage and goals against average in team history. Two more seniors picked up the Helanie Fisher Hebbie ‘84 Unsung Hero Award, and with great cause. While their numbers may not have been as flashy as the other four seniors, forward Kendice Ogilvie and Amanda Young made their impact on the Big Red program over four years. Ogilvie was an invaluable center throughout her Cornell career, while Young played every spot in the Big Red defensive rotation during her time on East Hill. The team awarded the Kate Hallada Pinhey ‘83 Most Improved Player Award to senior Erin Barley-Maloney. After sitting out all of last season and the first three games of the 2011-12 season due to NCAA rules, Barley-Maloney excelled during her first year on the ice with Cornell. Making her time count, BarleyMaloney scored 22 points in 32 games and was one of the best weapons Cornell had during the second half of the season. The team’s Class of ‘41 Rookie of the Year likely came as no surprise to anyone at the banquet. Jillian Saulnier, who also earned the ECAC Hockey and Ivy League Rookie of the

Year Awards, was also named the team’s best freshman after a campaign that saw her score 22 goals and 30 assists. Her year started with a bang when she put four goals past Colgate in the season opener, and she didn’t cool off from there. The Wendell Earle Academic Awards were given out to one member of each class. Defenseman Alyssa Gagliardi earned that honor for the sophomores, forward Xandra Hompe took home the award for the juniors, and Mazzotta was the winner for seniors. Finally, senior Catherine White and Gagliardi were given the TGHA Cub Club Mentor Award for their dedication to the team’s Cub Club program. White and Gagliardi went above and beyond in their relationships with their little sisters, truly becoming members of those families. The awards were presented by two members of the Cub Club who thanked White and Gagliardi for their devotion to the program.

RIT

Junior defenseman Kristina Moss (Webster, NY was honored as the 2011 PAYCHEX Female College Athlete of the Year at the Rochester Press Radio Club’s 63rd Annual Day of Champions Children’s Charity Dinner. She became the fourth RIT Female Athlete to be honored by the Press Radio Club and third in the last three years, joining Katie Stack (Batavia, NY/Rochester Edge), who was honored in 2009 and Sarah Dagg (St. George, Ontario/ Hamilton Hawks), who won the award last year. Moss was the heart and soul of the RIT women’s hockey team that enjoyed a storybook 2011-12 season, winning the 2012 NCAA Division III Women’s Ice Hockey National Championship for the first time in program history. RIT recorded an astounding 28-1-1 record, setting a Division III record for wins in a season. Moss, a graduate of Webster Thomas High School, earned CCM/Old-Time Hockey First Team All-American accolades, while leading a defensive unit that held opponents to just 30 goals in 30 games, tops in the nation. Moss also thrived on the offensive end, tallying 34 points, second most of any defenseman in the country, while her 27 assists were second among all players in Division III. Moss arrived at RIT in 2009-10, and immediately became a mainstay in the lineup, appearing in all 27 games, finishing with 10 points on three goals and seven assists. The Tigers went 19-5-3 and finished third in the highly competitive ECAC West. She improved tremendously in her sophomore season, recording five goals and 14 assists for 19 points, while playing in all 30 games, and helping RIT make its second appearance in the NCAA Division III Tournament. RIT advanced to the National Championship game before losing to Norwich, 5-2. RIT finished the season with an impressive 26-2-2 record. Moss, who tallied 18 points over her last nine regular season games, was a 2012 AllECAC West first team selection, while earning

ECAC West and RIT Female Athlete of the Week honors on Jan. 23. She has 63 points (1548-63) in 87 career games. Junior forward Kim Schlattman (Stratford, Ontario) and sophomore goaltender Laura Chamberlain (Norco, CA) of the 2012 NCAA Division III National Champion RIT women’s hockey team were named to the 2012 CoSIDA/Capital One At-Large Academic All-New York Region.

Other Notes:

…Buffalo’s Jacquie Greco has been named CoCaptain of the Syracuse Orange Women’s Ice Hockey Team. Greco, who served as an assistant captain in 2011-12, emerged as one of the team’s primary defensemen last season. After finishing the 2010-11 campaign with one goal in 23 games played Greco appeared in 30 games in 201112, scoring one goal and adding four assists. Greco saved her best game for last in 2012, posting a career-best three helpers against No. 6 Mercyhurst in the CHA Semifinals. A member of both SU’s power play and penalty killing units, Greco was also pressed into action as a forward at times during the year. “We are excited someone of Jacquie’s experience as a tri-captain next season,” said Flanagan, who is entering is fifth season at the helm of the Orange. “Having served as an assistant captain has given Jacquie valuable experience in a leadership role.” Serving with her is Holly Carrie-Mattimoe. …Fairport’s Kelly Collins was named Oswego State College’s 2012 Female Athlete of the Year. Kelly Collins was a rarity among collegiatelevel student-athletes, as she wrapped up her career as a four-year athlete in three sports: field hockey, women’s ice hockey, and women’s lacrosse. On the ice, Collins finished atop the program’s points and goals list with 50 and 36, respectively, in 95 games. …Eden’s Lindsay Norton was named to the 2011-12 ECAC West All-Academic Team for her outstanding play with Utica College. The Junior player was also named as one of the American Women Hockey Coaches Association scholar/athletes. Norton, an assistant captain, led the Pioneer defense that allowed just 2.61 goals per game this past season. She tallied one goal and three assists, while playing in all 25 games for the Pioneers. …East Amherst native Kimberley Sass took home double honors from Colgate College as she was awarded the Don Palmateer Award for career leadership and on-ice performance and she was also voted as the Defensive CoMost Valuable Player. (Continued on next page)

WOMEN’S HOCKEY / 20 (Women’s hockey continued)

Summer Activities for Girls/Women’s Hockey

Sass definitely had an impact on the team during her career as she played in 93 career games and logged over 5,400 minutes in net, which is second in program history. She posted nine shutouts and 34 wins for the second most in Colgate history. Sass started 32-of-33 games as a senior and had three shutouts and a .908 save percentage. … Colgate’s Sportsmanship Award was given to rookie Susan Allen, (Rochester/Rochester Edge 19U) who played two games in net for Sass the Raiders. She made a total of 25 saves on 27 shots and started her first collegiate game against nationally-ranked Harvard on Nov. 11. She had 12 stops in that game and also posted 13 saves in a game against Quinnipiac.

Around WNY… …Selected for the National Development Camp from WNY were: Select 14: Claire Werynski, Abby Cleary, Michele Robbillard, Victoria Allard, Lila Tolczek and Bailey Lewczyk. Select 15: Oliva Zafuto, Caroline Ross, Elizabeth Gerace,. Select 16: Madison Sansone and Julianna Iafallo Development Camp Selectees Select 17: Madeline Abby Cleary, Oliva Zafuto, Caroline Ross Elia and Jennifer Ryan. …Congratulations to Rachel Ziarnowski on being named to the Holy Angels Academy Honor Society. Ziarnowski was captain of the 2012 WNYGVIH Federation Championship team Monsignor Martin. To be chosen for the Honor Society, students must excel in the Four Pillars of Service, Leadership, Scholarship, Knowledge and Character. Ziarnowski exceeded the minimum requirements Ziarnowski for service hours volunteering over 194 hours with SABAH, St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy and in her parish’s Religious Education program. She is also a member of the Student Council, School Ambassador and captains her softball team. She is also involved with Angels for Life, Flight Crew, Yearbook, Mock Trial Team and SAGE. She is also a correspondent for the Buffalo New’s NEXT Magazine, having a feature on girl’s ice hockey published this past season. …The Great Lakes Girls Hockey League made the trip to the Nationals a little easier for the West Seneca Wings 12U team by presenting them with a $100 contribution. …Kenmore’s Kate Miller was named March 2012 Scholar Athlete of the Month by WIVB TV. Kate played for Kenmore Girls’ Hockey and is headed to Syracuse this fall. …The Buffalo Bisons will be putting teams at the U10, U12, U14, U16 and U19 age levels on the ice for the 2012-13 season. For information on Buffalo Bisons hockey go to www.bisonhockey.net. …Long-time Buffalo Hornets Administrator Patricia (Pat) Dlugosz passed away March 29 after a lengthy illness. In addition to over 30 Miller years with the Hornets and the Buffalo Lightning, Pat was the first recipient of the Buffalo Sabres Hockey Mom Award. ...Congratulations to Monsignor Martin Assistant Coach Linda GroffMroz on the birth of son Connor. This new addition has the initials CCM--any coincidence?

…The University of Buffalo is holding a Hockey School August 13-17 for players ages 8 to 10. And a PeeWee/Bantam Camp August 13- 17 for players 11-13. For details go to www.ubicehockey.com or call 846-5325. ...Cornell is holding a Girls Hockey Camp July 29 through August 2. This is for girl’s ages 12 to 18. For information http://www.campuslife. cornell.edu/campuslife/sportsschool/girls-ice-hockey.cfm …The Orchard Park/Frontier Girls Varsity Hockey Team will be holding a garage/lot sale in the Orchard Park Village Parking Lot (behind Key Bank, 4239 Buffalo Road) on Saturday, June 30 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The proceeds from this sale will help the girl’s with expenses for the upcoming season. This team is not funded the Orchard Park School Budget, and therefore must raise their own funds for ice, transportation, coaching, etc.

National Wrap-Up

he Nationals have been over for a few weeks; but I’d like to pay tribute to those teams who played so well for WNY. Bisons 14U First in Girls Tier I: Bisons 12U Buffalo Bisons 12U lost to Milwaukee Jr.Admirals; beat Pittsburgh Penn Elite and then lost to Ct. Northern Lites. Assabet Valley took the championship. Maureen Murphy had 2 goals and 4 assists; Coaty Ostendorf, 3G-1A and Olivia Smith and Clara Barone has a goal and assist, respectively. Buffalo Bisons 14U lost to Lady Ducks then beat Colorado Select and Pittsburgh Bisons 16U Penn Elite; followed by a double-overtime win over Mid-Fairfield Stars and a loss to the East Coast Wizards. Assabet Valley took the Championship. Ashley Songin was #10 in scoring with 4 goals and Rachael Farmer placed #8 in goaltending. Sarah Wolf had 2 goals and 2 assists; Oliva Zafuto, 2 goals, 1 assist; Emma Elia, 1 goal, 2 assists; Abby Welch, 1 goal, 1 assist and Michele Robillard had a goal and an assist. Buffalo Bisons 16U beat Team Pittsburgh, Colorado Select, Lady Ducks, Ct. Polar Bears (quarters); Team Pittsburgh in semi-finals and lost to the 2012 Champion Assabet Valley 3-2 in the finals. Maddie Elia had 7 goals and 9 assists; Julianne Iafallao, 6 goals/7 assists; Allison Gasuik, 6 goals/5 assists and Madison Sanson, 4 goals/3 assists. Outstanding in goal and placing third in goaltending was Sydney Glynn and #10, Madison Welch. Girls Tier II: See West Seneca Story on previous page. The Buffalo Regals 14U team beat Team Pittsburgh, lost to Southern Alaska IceBreakers; beat Mt. State Rock Stars, Greenwich Skating Club and Michigan IceBreakers before facing Alaska once again and losing in the finals. In the Top Ten Scoring were Maddie Norton (6 goals/3 assists), Alyse Borelli (4/4) and Emma Ruggerio (4/3). Mattie Utz and MacKenna Walp were among the Top Ten Goaltenders in the tournament. Women’s Senior C It was the Rochester Edge losing to the Utah Thunder in their first game and then facing them in the semi-finals, where they lost again. They beat Central Pittsburgh Penquins and the Lady Monarchs to make it to the semifinals. Among the Edge taking scoring honors were Bryanne Minnick, Ange Bials and Caitlin Adams. Goalies Jenn Hicks, Nicole Siwik and Brandy Moohr-Lemay were named to the Top Ten Goalies List.e

Advertorial / 21 “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger” By Steve Thomson, HPHD

he title of this article references both the popular musical lyrics of Daft Punk / Kanye West, as well as, elite athletes’ obsession over measuring performance improvement. Measurements are the proof that they are improving – getting closer to their personal and professional goals. Youth players want the same feedback too; they too want the proof to show themselves and their parents. To achieve significant results, both players and teams need a plan with clear defined goals in order to select the right program for a specific situation. Goals need to be clear and specific, for instance: • Improve skating stride length by 5” • Improve shooting accuracy by 10% • Increase vertical jump by 2” With the goals in place, the proper metrics should defined so the pre-, mid- and post- program testing metrics can be measured. Players need to establish tracking journals to document each training session and notate how the body and mind feel during and after the workout The feedback from trainer observation, metrics and journals allows workouts to be periodically adjusted to maximize potential resulting in consistent, dynamic training. To maximize the performance improvement, hockey players need to execute training while receiving feedback in the context of hockey from by an experienced trainer in a small group or personal training environment. When you train, it’s not just the body you work; you need to train the mind. This is why having a hockey specific trainer is the more beneficial choice Summer is a great time to put this in motion for your hockey player or your team. Below are guidelines you can us to develop your personal-

ized hockey training plan: 1) Write a plan with specific clearly defined goals • Prioritize you player or team goals. Be as specific as possible. 2) Metrics (testing with measurable results) • Define metrics to measure for to track progress for each of the defined goals. Traditional measurements and technology (ex. RapidShot) can be leveraged to capture required metrics. 3) Tracking (journalizing) • Each player participating in the program should create a training journal. The training staff can provide guidance on this beneficial practice. 4) Adjusting to maximize potential (consistent, dynamic training) • Having a plan and long term continuity is the key to maximizing performance improvement. Out of town summer camp and part time operators will fill the ice with skaters but do not have the presence to deliver a permanent positive training impact on your player. 5) Execution guided by an experienced trainer in a small group or personal training environment • Having a hockey specific trainer with direct experience at the elite levels, who can tell the athlete the benefit of and when/ where the body/ skill will make the difference in the game. This trainer is better equipped to put everything in perspective and heightens the motivation of the player as they can visualize the results they want to meet and exceed. • Increasing a player’s stride length for increased speed that is done in real time, can only be done if the player can see what they look like and allows them to easily adjust on the fly. The HPHD skating treadmill with mirrors, cameras and lasers get the player up to their full speed potential faster than any other training clinic or method. • Data on shot accuracy speed and reaction just like the Buffalo Sabres utilize, can be found at HPHD. Players get extra motivation from trend-

ing reports and comparing their shot scores with other players around the world, thus fueling the competition and the desire to be the best. HPHD shooters currently rank in the top 12th percentile in world rankings. • Academy Style training which allows the player in a small group (5 players max) to progress through a core and advanced curriculum that covers all skills needed and is made age and skill appropriate for ultimate success. • Speed and Power performance training developed and adopted by HPHD pro’s. Using • Off season or Spring Hockey that gives the player a new look at the game using advanced training methods in a positive team environment that is run by experienced professionals. As Buffalo’s premier full training choice both in season and off season, HPHD is the only hockey training organization in Western New York that offers proven programs for individuals and teams at every level. HPHD provides the long term consistency that is needed to maximize a player’s performance and ultimately get closer to their goals. HPHD has 2 locations with technology training including their own 132 x 40 rink, full team fitness and performance training center complete with digital media team room and meeting space that is open 6 days a week 52 weeks a year. HPHD – Steve Thomson Steve Thomson with over 25 years Head Coaching experience is a dynamic career coach who has winning experience in leading teams, individual training sessions. An author and key note speaker, Steve Thomson currently heads up the Revolutionary Sport Systems Hockey Division, overseeing the development of players and training centers in the USA and Canada.e (High Performance Hockey Development is WNY’s premiere hockey training center. Steve can be reached at steve@hphd.us.)

LCTA Game A Success

he Lancaster the opening face off when the LCTA brought Central Teachout a cake in the shape of an orange pylon with ers Association his number “76” on it. Peters was anything but a (LCTA) held their Third pylon, controlling the game from start to finish. Annual Charity Hockey Between periods the fans in attendance were Game at Holiday Twin entertained by shootout competitions between Rinks against the WNY local youth players, and one featuring Lancaster Media All-Stars. Once High School hockey players shooting on their old again the benefit raised science teacher, Mr. Przykuta. money for the Lan LCTA goalie Eric Przykuta looked like he was caster Youth Bureau in a shooting gallery. If not for many acrobatic and the Lancaster Andrew Peters, Superintendent Ed Mysz- saves the score would have been much higher. ka, Mike Corrigan take the Ceremonial Middle School Math Teacher Mike Corrigan was Food Pantry. Faceoff. (Photo by Kevin Miller) the offensive firepower this year, scoring two of Adding star power was the LCTA goals. former Buffalo Sabre The Media All-Stars got off to a slow start Andrew Peters, who but eventually built a 9-2 lead before the teachers skated for the Media All-Stars. The event also featured netted a few late goals to cover the one touchdown a Chinese Auction, Split club raffle, and food and drink sales to add to the final tally to $5100. The funds will be point spread. This was due mostly to Peters grabbing a red LCTA jersey and defecting to the teachsplit between the two charities. ers’ team. Even the presence of a former NHL player Before the festivities began, a moment of silence could not save them. The teachers resorted to “extra was observed for Lancaster Middle School student attackers” at the end of the game to try and get one Bryce Bucholtz, who was struck by a car and killed on more goal, as 18 red jerseys were on the ice for the May 3, while riding his bike on Lake Avenue near his final goal. home. Of course, it took them 30 seconds to score with Peters received a special birthday surprise before

all those players out there, even after two of the teachers had dragged Media All-Star goalie Scott Fleetwood right out of his crease. Even though the final score was a 9-5 loss, it was another win for local charities. Plans are already starting for the game next year to be held in May of 2013. A very special thanks goes out to all the Media AllStars and especially Peters who made this event such a success. The LCTA would also like to thank Holiday Rinks, Lancaster Auto and Truck, Fitness Fusion, Kissing Bridge, and AMF Lancaster Lanes for their sponsorship. e (Article and photos submitted by LCTA)

2012 Teams (Photo by Vince LoTempio)

Roller / 22 WNY Roller Hockey Sizzles in the Summer Heat

nline action has been heating up the Land Rover Arena at the Northtown Center at Amherst and with registration exceeding expectations we have embarked on our largest season to date. As waiting lists were comprised due to increased demand, and with scheduling accommodations imminent, the registration craze is now behind us, and we are proud to announce that Summer 2012 has been deemed an official sell out! Although the greatest interest is that from adult players, one of our main goals this season was to develop our youth base. Part of our mission is to promote sportsmanship, respect, healthy living all while providing a positive outlet for players of all ages. Following focused marketing targeting the Western New York youth, we have reached record numbers in all of our youth programs, with particular expansion of the Learn to Play Program and Beginner Leagues. Many thanks go out to all players, staff and league sponsors, as without you, our success could have never been achieved. Each and every one of you have played an integral part in building the framework for the organization, allowing it to become what it is today and where we want it to evolve to in the future. Special thanks are sent to Molson Canadian, the WNY Roller Hockey Adult League Sponsor, and all divisional sponsors, All Pro Science, Mission Hockey, Revision Hockey, Dangle Productions and Reebok; as your contributions of awards and prizes for all 1st and 2nd place champions and finalists provide an added dimension and uniqueness to our organization. We look forward to the remainder of the summer and the enthusiasm and high flying action it will bring. With playoffs not far in the distance, intensity levels soar as each team makes their push towards becoming champion! Registration is still open for the following Summer Programs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; - Adult Daytime Hockey League (begins Friday July 6th) - FREE Mission Hockey Learn to Play Program (begins Saturday July 7th) - Mission Hockey Beginner League (begins Saturday July 7th) We are also accepting registration for our Fall Programs at the Kenan Center Arena in Lockport, NY. Please visit our website www.WNYRH.com for more details on our offerings. You can also contact Eric@ wnyrh.com with questions.e

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