WNY Hockey Report March 2016

March 2016 VOLUME 4 • ISSUE 8

2016-2017 TRYOUT EDITION 2!

Follow All The WNY Hockey News @

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Begins March 2016

The mission of the 2016 DIPPIN’ DOTS SPRING HOCKEY LEAGUE is to provide players of all ages and skill levels an opportunity to compete versus other skaters of similar experience and ability.

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• The 41st Annual DIPPIN’ DOTS SPRING HOCKEY LEAGUE will begin with an Evaluation Session in March/April. All players must attend.

• The league is open to Boys and Girls ages 4 – 15.

• Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced levels – All divisions are NON-Checking • Every player guaranteed EQUAL OPPORTUNITY to play and EQUAL ICE TIME • Each player receives an official DIPPIN’ DOTS SPRING HOCKEY LEAGUE jersey.

For more Info or to register online visit: Holidayrinks.com

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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 Communications & Marketing Director Val Andrews Val@wnyhockeyreport.com Columnists Janet Schultz - janet@wnyhockeyreport.com Michael Mroziak - michael@wnyhockeyreport.com Steve Thomson - steve@hphd.us Mark Metzger - m.metzger@precisionhockey.net Mike Smietana - info@topshelfhockey.us Dave Ricci – dave@wnyhockeyreport.com Bob Janosz – www.bobjanosz.com Mark Zarbo – www.MarkZarboHockey.com Melissa Brawdy – melissa@wnyhockeyreport.com Cory Mickey – cory.mickey@gmail.com 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 2015 Western New York Hockey Report.

All rights reserved.

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. Periodicals Postage Paid at Orchard Park, NY and Additional Offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Western New York Hockey Report P.O. Box 302 East Aurora, N.Y. 14052

Women’s Hockey..................................................................................................4 College Hockey: Men...........................................................................................6 Around the Associations.....................................................................................8 Legends of the Game....................................................................................... 10 T.J. Sarcona......................................................................................................... 11 Rochester Americans........................................................................................ 12 NCHA Report...................................................................................................... 13 NCPHL.................................................................................................................. 14 Top Shelf Training.............................................................................................. 15 Steal The Show................................................................................................... 16 Men's Club Hockey............................................................................................ 17 Try-Out Issue Bisons..........................................................................................................18 Saints...........................................................................................................19 Ice Haws......................................................................................................20 Regals..........................................................................................................21 West Seneca Wings...................................................................................22 Wheatfield Blades ....................................................................................23 Rochester Youth Hockey..........................................................................24 Southtowns Stars......................................................................................26 Amherst ......................................................................................................27 Bud Bakewell..............................................................................................27 Hamburg Hawks........................................................................................28 Cazenovia Park...........................................................................................28 Cheektowaga Warriors.............................................................................29 Aurora Ice Youth Hockey..........................................................................29 Buffalo Stars...............................................................................................30 Clarence Mustangs....................................................................................31 Tonawanda Lightning..............................................................................31 Niagara Jr Purple Eagles..........................................................................32 Lockport Youth Hockey............................................................................32 Brockport Tri-County................................................................................32 Lockport Express............................................................................................... 33 Future Sabres..................................................................................................... 34 3D Hockey........................................................................................................... 35 Section VI............................................................................................................ 36 Section V............................................................................................................. 37 Precision Training.............................................................................................. 38 Rochester Youth Hockey News....................................................................... 39 Mark Zarbo Training......................................................................................... 40 Cara Klopp.......................................................................................................... 41 In The Crease...................................................................................................... 43 HPHD................................................................................................................... 45

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Women’s Hockey

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Women’s Hockey

by Janet Schultz

Janet@wnyhockeyreport.com

It seems like the puck was just dropped on the firstever Girls Varsity Ice Hockey League in WNY. It’s been six years. Six years of ups and downs for all the teams and six years of not being able to predict the winner. Again this season the playoffs came down to every minute being crucial.

The WNYGVIH Federation Championship went to Monsignor Martin, who went undefeated this season and defended their 2015 Championship and their fourth in the six-season history of the League.

Linda Groff-Mroz was named the League’s First Coach of the Year. She began her coaching career with Monsignor Martin as an assistant and took over the helm when Coach Chris Malicki left. She also serves as General Manager of the Buffalo Beauts. Coach Groffy played her collegiate hockey with the former DI Niagara University Purple Eagles.

Monsignor Martin Coach Linda Groff-Mroz, WNYGVIH Coach of the Year.

Kenmore/Grand Island WNYGVIH Section VI Champions.

Ultimately Kenmore/Grand Island took the Section VI Championship, advanced to the New York State Girls Varsity Championship, losing to Alexandria Bay/Thousand Islands 3-2. This was the Devildogs fifth trip to the States, the only WNY team to ever represent Section VI.

Matt Miller received the Rusin Award for outstanding contributions to the League. Matt has served as an assistant coach with Kenmore/Grand Island and this year took on the responsibilities as league statistician.

Matt Miller, recipient 2016 Rusin Award.

Federation honors were announced and include on First Team: Briana Garonski, goalie, Monsignor Martin; Maeve Christ, defense, Monsignor Martin; Grace Simmons, defense, Kenmore/Grand Island; Kaitlyn Drew-Mead, forward, Monsignor Martin; Julia Mings, forward, Amherst/Sweethome/ Clarence and Olivia Smith, forward, Kenmore/ Grand Island.

On Second Team All Federation are Victoria Cottrell, goalie, Frontier/Orchard Park; Brianna Colucci, defense, Lancaster/Iroquois; Samantha Gaffney, defense, Williamsville; Leah Dzerwinski, forward, Williamsville; Emily King, forward, Kenmore/Grand Island and Catharine Radwan, forward, Monsignor Martin.

Monsignor Martin WNYGVIH Federation 2016 Champions.

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Women’s Hockey

Collegiate Hockey Buffalo State Bengals The Buffalo State Bengals went to the playoffs with one of the best records in the history of the team at 18-7-0 overall and 126-0 in the ECAC West. As #4 seed they hosted the ECAC West facing #5 Oswego.

They opened the game with a pair of penalties and then six minutes in a disallowed goal by Erin Gehen seemed to set a tone. Oswego capitalized on the penalties and disallowed goal putting the Lakers up 3-0 in the first. Buffalo outshot Oswego 32 to 27, with 14 in the third but Oswego’s goaltender Toni Trovato blocked them all for the 5-0 shutout. The 18-win record is a Buffalo State record.

Coach Candace Moxley, in her third season with the Bengals, has made a complete transformation of the program from winning 13 games in two seasons to the Bengals making playoff appearances for the past three years. For that effort the ECAC West has named her Coach of the Year.

Other ECAC Honors went to Goalie Justine Silva (Baldwin Park, Ca) who was named to Second Team and Co-Defensive Player of the Year. Silva has 16 wins, a school record with a 1.57 GAA and .945 save percentage. She had 4 shutouts in 23 games.

Gehen received an Honorable Mention from the ECAC with 17 goals and 27 points in 24 games. She leads the nation in shorthanded goals with 5; has a team high 5 powerplay goals and in her first two seasons is 6th in school history with 48 points on 24 goals/24 assists. Gehen played for West Seneca West in the WNYGVIH.

RIT Down the I-90 the RIT Tigers ended their season 8-27-1 overall. In Game One they lost 2-0, and in game two it was a 3-2 loss, despite a third period rally. With the loss, RIT was eliminated in the first round of the CHA for the first time since the move up to the Division I ranks in 2012-13. Under Coach Scott McDonald's tutelage, which spans 10 seasons, this is the first time the Tigers have fallen in the first round of any postseason tournament. RIT is 6-2 all-time in first round contests at the Division I level.

Buffalo’s Maddi Grisko had her first collegiate goal in a 3-2 win over Lindenwood.

University Of Buffalo Another team with an outstanding year were the University of Buffalo Lady Ice Bulls.

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Boston Pride.

The winner from each of those game will play for the first-ever National Women’s Hockey League Championship and awarded the Isobel Cup. That game will be played at the Prudential Ice Arena Practice Facility in Newark, NJ on March 11-13, again a best of three series.

They headed to the ACHA Championships as second seed to face West Chester, a team they had defeated twice earlier in February. But while they tried their bet to erase a two-goal deficit West Chester would not be denied and hung on to a 5-4 win over the Lady Ice Bulls.

UB posted a 15-12-3 record and leading the scoreboard were Mamie Talty with 18 goals/28 assists; Alexis Peters, 13 goals/14 assists, Courtney Miller, 18 goals/9 assists and Maddy Norton, 19 goals/4 assists.

Keeping the opponent pucks out of the net was Kaitlyn Simmons with a 12 win, 3 loss record after posting a 3.20 GAA and .892 save percentage.

Around WNY… The Great Lakes Girls Hockey League held their NTB Gallagher Playoff Championship Tournament at Riverworks February 25-27.

In the White/Green Division the Tonawanda Lightning beat Hamburg 1-0 in a shootout to take the Championship. Cazenovia beat the Buffalo Shamrocks 2-0 and won the Founders Cup. The Niagara Junior Purple Eagles A team beat Depew 3-2 in overtime to win the Red Division and Amherst/Hopkins took Batavia 4-2 in the Gold Division. Monroe beat Wheatfield 2-1 to win the Blue Division.

Bill Pavone, familiar to most of us in girls hockey, was the recipient of the GLGHL Founder’s Award.

Bill has served in many roles, but most recognized for his work on the GLGHL and the WNYGVIH websites. Congratulations Bill! °The Buffalo Regals Women’s Senior “C” team are working hard as they prepare for the USA Hockey Nationals in Minnesota. In addition to numerous practices and games, they have been fundraising for the trip.

For information contact Ashley Schneegold or go to their website http:// www.leaguelineup.com/welcome. asp?url=bfloregalswomensb&sid=619059724

National Womens Hockey League The NWHL Buffalo Beauts are seeded #4 and head off to Connecticut to play the Connecticut Whale in the first round of the NWHL playoffs. They closed out their regular season 5-9-4.

The NWHL playoffs began March 4 with a best of three series. The New York Riveters will face the

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Meet Krusher, the official mascot of the NWHL Buffalo Beauts. She is the first mascot named in the NWHL.

Kelley Steadman placed fifth on the leader board with 20 points on 13 goals and 7 assists. Her 13 goals placed her third in goals scored.

Buffalo Goaltender Brianne McLaughlin is fourth in GAA with 3.48 and 3rd in wins with 4, 4th in save percentage at .905.

Emily Pfazler (Getzville) was named First Star twice this season and Steadman was named third star four times.

NWHL awards will be announced Sunday, March 22; Free Agency begins May 1 and concludes July 31 and the NWHL Junior Draft will be held Saturday, June 18.

Buffalo also named the first mascot of the NWHL and introduced Krusher to fans on February 20.

Forward all your girls/women’s ice hockey news to Janet@nyhockeyonline.com. Also let her know about any upcoming events you need help in publicizing.

Men’s Collegiate Hockey

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Men’s College Hockey Report

by Warren Kozireski Warren@wnyhockeyreport.com

BROCKPORT The Golden Eagles took three points during the final weekend of the regular season and leap-frog into fifth place in the final SUNYAC standings. They fell to fourth-seed Oswego in the conference semifinals.

“It’s sort of been our M-O this year,” head coach Brian Dickinson said. “We’ve had some great moments and played some great games against great teams where it feels like we should have 15 wins.”

Senior Chad Cummings was named SUNYAC Defenseman of the Year and forward Tim Kielich (East Aurora) was named SUNYAC Rookie of the Year. Cummings scored five goals with 16 points and also registered 11 blocked shots this season.

Kielich recorded 19 points in 16 conference games.

Cummings was also named to the All-SUNYAC second team.

Senior Chase Nieuwendyk, named First Team All-SUNYAC, exceeded 100 career points Feb. 19 at Plattsburgh. Senior defenseman Chris Luker (New Hartford) was named Third Team on defense.

Zac Sikich scored his first career hat trick Jan. 29 against Canton.

The team said goodbye to seniors Cummings, Luker, Jonathan Demme, Jeremy DeFazio, Jesse Facchini, James Ryan, Jared Lockhurst and Nieuwendyk

BUFFALO STATE The Bengals entered the postseason after setting a new school record for wins in a season with 11. They swept the final weekend of the regular season to pass Geneseo and move into second place in SUNYAC and earn a first round bye—a first in the program’s history.

They entered the postseason on a six game winning streak having allowed more than two goals in a game just once since January 16 and hosted third-seed Geneseo in the conference semi-finals. But the Knights ended their campaign

scoring five goals in the third period to break open a 1-1 tie.

“We started the year 0-2-2 and realistically we changed everything,” interim head coach Steve Murphy said. “Systematically and ways we attack and defend, we just changed everything and I’d like to think that was the reason for the slow start.”

Sophomore goaltender Mike DeLaVergne (Pawling) was named First Team All-SUNYAC with senior forward Ryan Salkeld a Second Team choice and junior Taylor Pryce a Third Team selection.

There was no word as of the end of February about whether the head coach position will be searched.

CANISIUS The Golden Griffins finished the regular season tied with Army for sixth and earned home ice in the first round of the Atlantic Conference playoffs. They were set to face crosstown rival Niagara, a team they earned three road points against in January.

Junior Shane Conacher netted a goal Feb. 20 against Sacred Heart to become the 10th player in the program’s Division I history with 100 career points. He is only the second junior to accomplish the mark—the other his brother Cory.

Dylan McLaughlin (Lancaster) was named the NCAA Third Star of the Week as well as earning Atlantic Hockey Player of the Week honors Feb. 16.

McLaughlin led the Griffs’ attack with six points in the weekend sweep of Bentley. He registered a pair of assists in a first game victory before matching the program’s Division I record with four assists in the following win.

Jimmy Mazza (Kings Park) and Alex Jaeckle both netted their first collegiate tallies Feb. 12 against Bentley.

Senior forward Ralph Cuddemi was named one of 20 candidates for the Senior CLASS Award. Off the ice, Cuddemi maintains a 3.45 grade point average as a communications major with a minor in marketing. The Griffs’ captain is a two-time selection to the Atlantic Hockey All-Academic Team and is a four-time member of the Dean’s List. He has also been active within the Buffalo community, volunteering with Hasek’s Heroes, the Food Bank of Western New York and Habitat for Humanity.

ERIE CC The defending champion Kats earned the topseed for the national championships at Broome CC the final weekend in February. Their first round opponent was fourth-seed Williston State. #2 Dakota and #3 Hudson Valley are the other semifinalists.

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In their semi-final win over Williston, Trevor Evans (Newfane) had a four point effort with one goal and three assists, Christian Nati (Lockport) scored twice with two assists and Brett Ross (Hamburg) scored two goals with one assist as the Kats won 6-1. Goaltender William Korczynski (West Seneca) made 39 saves in net.

In the title game, Erie CC tied Dakota 3-3 on a goal by Aaron Wanat (Cheektowaga) with just 46 seconds remaining in regulation, but lost during the first shift in overtime.

Eric CC finished the regular season 21-4-0 overall and a perfect 11-0 against conference competition behind the nation’s top NJCAA scorer in Wanat (62 points in 25 games) and the top goaltender in Korczynski (2.32 GAA and .920 save percentage).

FREDONIA Four conference wins weren’t enough for the Blue Devils to qualify for the SUNYAC postseason finishing six points out in seventh place. But, with two ties, their ten points are a significant improvement from the three points earned in 2014-15.

They lose only four seniors, but key components in starting goaltender Jeff Flagler, captain and defenseman Ryan Wilkinson and forwards Taylor Bourne and Mitch Kaufman.

GENESEO The Knights exploded for five goals in the third period to blow out host Buffalo State in the SUNYAC semi-finals after defeating Potsdam in the first round.

They advanced to the conference title game against top-seed and thirdranked Plattsburgh. It marks the second time in three years they have made the championship game.

The Knights tied with Buffalo State for second place and the first round playoff bye it brings on the final day of the regular season, but were slotted third on tiebreaker criteria. That meant a first round home game, where they ended sixth seed Potsdam’s season 4-1.

“We keep preaching process; you can’t look ahead to anything,” head coach Chris Schultz said.

“When you don’t worry about the process, you let teams that you should beat get a point on you.

Those points put us in the position we’re in (to start the playoffs).”

Forward Stephen Collins (Pittsford) was named SUNYAC Player of the Year after his 2020-40 campaign (fourth nationally). Trevor Hills (Honeoye Falls) and defenseman Pat Condon were

Men’s Collegiate Hockey

also a First Team selections while goaltender Devin McDonald was named to the Third Team. He made a career-high 44 saves in the first round playoff win over Potsdam.

of Hockey Operations.

Head coach Chris Schultz (Aquinas) was named SUNYAC Coach of the Year for the fourth time in his career.

RIT

NAZARETH Just two wins in February sunk the Golden Flyers to fifth place in ECAC West and a first round playoff game at fourth seed Neumann, which they lost 2-1.

Senior defenseman Scott Dawson was named as a First-Team all-star in the ECAC West Conference with senior forward Scott Andler and senior goaltender Ed Zdolshek honorable mention selections and freshman defenseman J.R. Wojciechowski named to the All-Rookie Team.

The four-year program said goodbye their first recruiting class in 14 seniors: Sean de Herder, Matt Conway (Bayville), Mike Miller, Scott Andler, Packy Jones (Skaneateles), Tom Mediak (Lancaster), Dawson, Marco Spisso (Highland Falls), Rocky Gruttadauria (Spencerport), Uthman Samaai, James Redman, Jordan Demo (Cazenovia) and Zdolshek.

NIAGARA The light went on late for the Purple Eagles as they earned points in a season-high five straight games in February, but finished tied for last place in the Atlantic Hockey Conference. They owned the tiebreaker (head-to-head), but were headed to the road, but only to rival Canisius, for their first round series.

“We had a good little five-game stretch there and we have to be playing well heading into the playoffs,” head coach Dave Burkholder said. “We’re hoping to ruin someone’s season and we think we have enough in that locker room to do that.”

With 25 saves in the Feb. 5 game at AIC, Jackson Teichroeb became just the fourth goaltender in Niagara history and the tenth active goaltender in the NCAA to reach 2,000 career saves. He joins Jeff Van Nynatten (2,956), Juliano Pagliero (2,699) and Greg Gardner (2,639) in the 2,000-save club, and he becomes the first Niagara goaltender to eclipse that milestone before his senior season.

Their weekend sweep at AIC Feb. 5-6 marked their first road whitewash since Jan. 2013 against the same team. They did win two straight at Air Force in the 2014 playoffs, but dropped game one.

Former Purple Eagle Scott Arnold is returning after his three-year professional career as Director

January addition Johnny Curran scored his first goal as a Purple Eagle at Holy Cross Feb. 6.

The Tigers suffered two onegoal losses to Mercyhurst on the final weekend allowing the Lakers to pass them for fourth place and home ice for the conference quarterfinals in Atlantic Hockey. They did earn a first round playoff bye, which they hope will allow their top two goaltenders to get healthy.

They will travel to Mercyhurst for the best-of-three series Mar. 11-13.

Junior goaltender Mike Rotolo (Greece) and freshman Chris Short both sat out several weekends near the end of the season with injuries while Nick Amato, called up from the school’s club team, was seeing more playing time than the coaching staff would normally prefer.

Senior defenseman Alexander Kuqali was named one of 20 candidates for the Senior CLASS Award.

In the classroom, Kuqali maintains an excellent 3.89 grade point average as an accounting major, won RIT's Green B. Williams Award for Academic Excellence in 2015 and was a CoSIDA/Capital One Academic All-District At-Large First Team selection.

Kuqali, who also serves on RIT's StudentAthlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), is a 2016 Saunders College of Business commencement speaker nominee.

In the community, Kuqali has delivered teddy bears to children at the Rochester Regional Canisius Health Pediatric Golden Griffins Department and participated in sled hockey with a local Rochester area group and USA Hockey.

OTHER AREA NOTES: • McQuaid head coach and former RIT Tiger Al Vyverberg earned his 400th career win Feb. 13 over Irondequoit.

• Former Penfield resident Terry Shafer set a new school goaltending record with his fifth career shutout for Robert Morris over RIT. • Shafer, along with Buffalo native Steve Racine of the University of Michigan, were both named finalists for the Mike Ritcher Award, given to Division I’s top goaltender. Buffalo Sabres draft pick and Notre Dame sophomore Cal Petersen is another finalist.

• Former Fairport and Cornell player Cole Bardreau was named American Hockey League Rookie of the Month in January. He produced six goals with six assists and was +11 in 11 games.

2015-16 Canisius Golden Griffins

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Around the Associations

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Around the Associations: Already planning for next season Buffalo Stars

Edited Michael Mroziak Michael@wnyhockeyreport.com

Hello and welcome to the latest peek Around the Associations.

Before we start, we at WNYHR wish to congratulate Val Andrews, our communications coordinator and gatherer of much of the information posted in this column, on the recent birth of her child. We hope all is well with mother and baby as this goes to press.

As always, we encourage associations to not be shy and share their tournament results, community projects and other accomplishments of note. Send your information to val@wnyhockeyreport.com.

Aurora Ice Association The Aurora Ice and the ice on which they play and train, the Healthy Zone Rink, took giant steps forward in 2015.

The rink itself completed construction and opened its new lodge facility at the start of the season. The lodge offers restrooms, skate rentals for public skating sessions, space for birthday parties and an upper level where spectators can enjoy the games on the ice without having to sit through the often chilly conditions of the outdoor rink.

The hockey program, meanwhile, raised its profile by joining the Western New York Amateur Hockey Association (WNYAHA) with teams at each level from Mite Jamboree to Bantam MOHL. Aurora Ice also added a Pee Wee travel team.

The Aurora Ice organization is seeking to grow further in 2016-17. Plans include one or two Mite Jamboree teams, MOHL teams at Squirt, Pee Wee, Bantam and U16 Midget as well as potential travel teams at Squirt, Pee Wee and Bantam. The Aurora Ice Youth Hockey coaches and leadership team work closely with the East Aurora Middle School (modified) and High School (varsity and JV) club teams as a feeder program to those teams.

Interested players, families, coaches or other contributors are encouraged to contact the program by sending an email to earink@thinkrink. org or by calling 628-0036.

The victory celebration was in full swing as the Buffalo Stars Minor Peewee team won the Tier 2 Championship at the Rock and Roll Cup Tournament in Cleveland, Ohio during the weekend of February 12-14.

The young, resilient team seized an opportunity to battle back and secure a 4-3 shootout victory in the championship game. The victory capped off an outstanding finish to a season that saw the team take to heart lessons preached and taught all season by head coach Joe Burton, headlined by a never-say-die attitude and an emphasis on continual team growth.

The Stars surrendered the first two goals of the game and were being outplayed until late in the first period, when momentum began to swing their way after one particularly outstanding shift.

Buffalo kept the puck in the offensive zone for the better part of two minutes and worked on wearing down the opposition and setting up a comeback.

The Stars were able to get on the board shortly thereafter and the next two periods showcased some intense back-and-forth action with the Stars getting a late goal to tie the game at 3-3, sending the game into overtime.

The teams were unable to determine a winner in overtime, so it was on to the shootout. The Stars scored three times in the shootout and only gave up one goal, securing the victory and earning the team their first championship of the season.

This particular tournament was a testament to the growth and progress that the team has made this season. It was especially evident in the last month. In the end, the team delivered and was able to earn some hardware.

Buffalo Hornets Buffalo Hornets Hockey LLC will conduct a threesession Skills and Conditioning Clinic for high level hockey athletes in the 2001-1997 birth years.

The sessions, which will be led by University at Buffalo ACHA D3 Head Coach James Doersam, will be held March 16, 23 and 30 at Holiday Twin Rinks, from 5:15 p.m. until 7:15 p.m. The first hour will be dedicated to skill development and the second hour will be a game.

This program will be limited to six goaltenders, 12 defense and 24 forwards. The cost to participate is $50 for the three sessions or $25 per session walkon. Walk-ons are not guaranteed participation if the sessions are filled in advance.

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To apply, send an email your name, phone number, current team, year of birth and position to BfloHornetsLLC@aol.com.

Cheektowaga The Cheektowaga Warriors Squirt Minor 2006 team, coached by Ben Dennis, won the Squirt 3 division championship at the Presidents' Day Weekend Tournament, hosted by Niagara Sports Tournaments in Niagara Falls, New York.

The Warriors opened the tournament with an 8-0 win over the Delaware Ducks, followed by a 4-3 win over the Delaware Stars.

On the tournament’s final day, the Warriors tied the Exton Kings of Pennsylvania, 1-1, to secure the top spot heading into the title game. That game, a rematch with Exton, ended with the Warriors winning 3-2.

Lockport Youth Hockey Association LYHA sponsored a GirlsOnly Try Hockey for Free Day recently and rink officials report that the turnout was “tremendous.” More than 40 girls visited Cornerstone Ice Arena to experience ice hockey for the first time and they, along with their parents, enjoyed the session.

A strong interest in the game by girls led Lockport to create a Girls' program. Rink officials anticipate expanding the program through the spring and fall. Among the association's goals is to have a couple of girls' teams as well as a developmental program beginning next season.

West Seneca West Seneca plans to put an all-girls 10U/12U team on the ice for the 2016-17 season. The team will compete in the Great Lakes Girls Hockey League and participate in two or three tournaments over the course of the season.

Travel will be limited and no experience is necessary. For more information about this girls team, contact Rocco Dellaneve at 716-432-9728 or at ddella1219@aol.com.

Around the Associations

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The West Seneca program is also accepting applications for its Pee Wee Minor AA and Squirt Minor AA teams. Applications are also being accepted for house teams at all levels.

The West Seneca Wings booster club is holding a fundraiser on Sunday, May 22 at Rob's Comedy Playhouse. Admission is $25 and includes a live standup comedy show and two drinks. There will be basket drawings and a 50-50 split after the show. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Above: Host Niagara Jr. Purple Eagles took on Hamburg beating them 5-2 in one game during the President's Day Tournament the NJPE hosted at Dwyer Arena.

Far Left: The Cheektowaga Warriors Squirt Team beat the Exton Kings to win their division at the President's Day Tournament at Hyde Park Arena.

Left: Americans took on Columbus in the Bantam Major Division at Dwyer Arena in the NJPE President's Day Tournament.

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Legends of the Game

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Mike Buczkowski

by Randy Schultz

Randy@wnyhockeyreport.com

Around Buffalo, mention the name Mike Buczkowski and people automatically connect him with the Buffalo Bisons Professional minor league baseball team. This year marks Buczkowski’s 30th season with the Triple-A International League club and his 23rd as the team’s general manager.

Add to that the fact that Buczkowski’s grandfather, Huck Geary, played major league baseball with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Buczkowski himself played baseball in high school.

But within that Buczkowski DNA flows some hockey. Despite his love of baseball, the Bisons GM has a love for hockey that still burns inside of him.

“My hockey goes back to my Mite days when I began playing with the Southtowns YMCA,” recalled the native of Buffalo. “It continued through my high school days at Bishop Timon.”

The 1982 graduate of Bishop Timon High School played three years of varsity hockey and during that time was named to the All-Catholic squad.

From there it was on to Canisius College where the former forward continued his hockey career.

Buczkowski talked about the difference of going from high school hockey to college hockey.

“The biggest difference I found was that college hockey was more physical than what I had been used to in high school,” stated Buczkowski. “Especially the defensemen.

“They were much bigger players on defense than what I had been used to in high school.”

While the Griffins call HarborCenter in downtown Buffalo as home today, it wasn’t that way when Buczkowski played for them.

“My first year there we played at Holiday Twin Rinks,” said Buczkowski. “My final three seasons were played at the Nichols Rink on the campus of Nichols School (a private prepschool in Buffalo).

“The rink at Nichols was a much smaller rink so you had to expect the physical play from opponents. You couldn’t skate away from anybody on that rink.

“It was quite challenging, to say the least.”

By the time Buczkowski reached his junior year in college the hockey team’s coaching staff named him captain of the team, a position he would hold for two seasons.

“The thing I’m most proud of during my four years in college is that I never missed a practice,” commented Buczkowski. “My last three years as a player in college we used to practice at night.

“And on a couple of those nights we could skate from 10 to 11:30 at night. On two other nights we would skate from 11 until 12:30 in the morning. It was the only time we could get ice.

“It was especially tough if you had 8:30 classes the next morning, which I did.”

Of course the Bisons GM is very pleased that his college alma mater has a new home.

“HarborCenter is beautiful,” commented Buczkowski. “I’m very proud of the Canisius hockey program today.

“They play in a great facility, play Division I hockey and have a nationally-known program. I’m just glad to think that I helped play a small part in the programs growth over the years.”

But the Bisons GM has great memories of hockey, none of which he would ever trade.

“I tell kids today to have fun at practice,” concluded Buczkowski.

“Have fun with your teammates.

“When I left the game I missed being around my teammates. It not just about the games or the stats and goals.

“Take a break from the game as well. Don’t be a 12-month a year player. It can wear you down.

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“Be a good teammate and enjoy the game.”

T. J. Sarcona

11

Purple Eagle T. J. Sarcona

by Randy Schultz Randy@wnyhockeyreport.com

It is early in the second period of a hockey game between Niagara University and RIT at the Dwyer Arena on the campus of NU. The Purple Eagles trail the Tigers, 3-1.

Center T. J. Sarcona skates down the center of the ice. To his right, just a couple of strides ahead of him is teammate Vinny Muto skating with the puck.

For Sarcona, it is just another night’s work in National Championship my last year. his hockey journey. It is a hockey journey that has “I was on my own and grew up quite a bit. It was taken the junior centerman from his roots in Long a great experience.

Island to New Jersey, Texas and now to Western “From there it was on to Niagara University. It New York. was close to home so my parents could come and It is a road that the West Islip, NY native wouldn’t see me play. necessarily recommend to others. But it is one that “They have a great reputation, education-wise he is pleased with.

(Sarcona is a marketing major).”

I began playing hockey when I was four years Quite a path that even Rand McNally would be old,” recalled Sarcona. “I played organized hockey proud of. So what was the bottom line for Sarcona for the Long Island Royals for a good portion of my in travelling this particular hockey path? youth.

“In the beginning, like most kids, I dreamed of “Then I moved over to New York Apple Core playing in the NHL someday,” replied the Niagara for about two years. Then I moved up to the New center. “But as I moved along my goal was to play York Metropolitan League with the New Jersey Division I hockey.

Rockets.”

“I want to get an education too, which is His time with the Rockets was interesting, to important.” say the least. Or at least the commute was (to What advise would Sarcona give to kids wanting Bridgewater, NJ). to play hockey?

“I commuted there four times a week “It is a fun ride,” concluded Sarcona. “No matter by train,” stated Sarcona. “I would go from my home or school and catch a cab to the what happens always keep your passion for the train station, catch the train, go to practice game and know why you play.

“If you keep your heart in it, you will always be or a game, and then return by train back, happy. ” get a cab and go home.

“I wouldn’t get home until 11 at night.”

During his time with the Rockets he was drafted by the Chicago Steel (of the United States Choose from our Fast-Paced “Specialty Clinics” Hockey League, and improve your game!

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His rights w e r e March 21 – 24 t h e n traded to TriJuly 18-21 10am – 12:15pm City, where h e July 5-8 10am – 12noon spent about a month.

August 15 – 19 or August 22 – 26 When that didn’t work out, he went For ages 6 thru 13 to Amarillo, TX and To Register: Call 685-3660 or visit holidayrinks.com the Amarillo Bulls of the North American Hockey League (NAHL).

“I played three years there,” added Sarcona.

“Three great years, including winning a Visit us @ Holidayrinks.com on our Hockey Camps pages for more info on

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Shooting & Stickhandling School Power Skating & Skills Camps

Muto fires the puck around the boards to another teammate, Johnny Curran, standing behind the RIT net. Curran take a split second to cradle the puck with his stick before firing a perfect pass to Sarcona, who is bearing down on the Tigers goal area.

The puck barely touches Sarcona’s stick, who, in one motion fires the puck past a surprised RIT goalie, Nick Amato. It is just the spark the Purple Eagles needed, as they went on to tie RIT, 4-4.

all of our Summer Camps and Clinics. More than 12 to choose from.

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Rochester Americans

12

Amerks Report

by Warren Kozireski Warren@wnyhockeyreport.com

Critics might say that it is easy for any linemate or teammate of Connor McDavid to put up significant points. Those same critics might suggest that it’s why Nick Baptiste scored 26 goals in 41 games last season after his trade from Sudbury to Erie in the Ontario Hockey League.

But a deeper look into his junior numbers indicates that he was able to put up virtually the same offensive numbers long before being teamed with the number one pick of last season’s NHL Entry Draft.

Prior to that OHL trade last fall, the Buffalo Sabres third round draft pick scored six goals in 12 games with Sudbury. The year prior he netted 45 goals in 65 regular season contests. During his four-year junior career, he also scored 16 goals over 38 playoff games.

But those gaudy offensive numbers came over the two years after he was drafted by the Sabres with the 69th overall selection in the 2013 draft.

That would explain how he slipped to Buffalo in the third round.

His speed and 6’1”, 204 lb. frame is why Buffalo was interested.

Now in his first pro year in Rochester, Baptiste missed 12 games (January 10-February 6) with an injury so is just rounding back into game form.

Prior to his injury, he was starting

to find more offense with four goals in ten games starting in late-December.

When healthy he has often been paired with second-year pro William Carrier and lately Tim Schaller has also been a line-mate.

“We have a little bit of everything on our line, but I think the biggest key to our success is how hard we work below the goal-line to get pucks back and being physical,” Baptiste said. “We’re three big guys and can protect low and create down low.”

“We’re all fast—I’m fast, “Bats” is fast, Timmy (Schaller) is fast; we’re just trying to get the puck north and play fast,” Carrier said.

“This was only my fifth or sixth game back, so I’m just getting back into it,” Baptiste said. “I know I have to play physical and be good on the walls because that’s what needs to happen for me at the next level. I know I’m heading in the right direction, I just need to keep working hard and hopefully get there soon.”

Inconsistent offense plagues most rookies no matter the level of hockey and the first few months were no different to Baptiste. And as expected, it takes time to adjust to the new level.

“The one thing I would like to see from him is to move the puck to someone else and let his partner throw it in (deep) so he can go in a little bit quicker,” Amerks head coach Randy Cunneyworth said.

“It’s very hard to dump it in yourself, to yourself because you have to go around a guy who is going to hold you up. I’d like to see more of that because I think it’s quicker and less taxing.”

The 20-year old (21 in August) has had success at a higher level winning gold with Team Canada at the 2013 U-18 World Junior Championship in Russia. So he us hard on himself and his expectations.

“It’s a tough league playing against men and hard to get any inches of ice out there, but with that said I think with my speed I’m able to create and get away from guys,” Baptiste summarized.

The Ottawa native wears #13 with Rochester. Five Buffalo Sabres have worn the #13 jersey—the last being Buffalo native Tim Kennedy in 2010—and Baptiste is hoping to become the sixth.

“I wore 13 my whole life and I went to Sudbury and it was a number no one could wear, so I went to 14. Then in Erie it was retired, so I wore 14 there as well.

And when I came to Rochester, Justin Kea already had 14, so I asked for 13 and it worked out perfectly for me.”

Statistically not many players drafted in the third round establish themselves at the National Hockey League level.

Research published on www.tsa.ca states that only 28% of third round picks play 100 or more NHL games in their career, but Baptiste is using that as motivation.

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Nicholas Baptiste

“I think so. My draft year I don’t think I played as well as I think I should have, but the year after that I had a big season. After the draft doesn’t really matter too much to me. I look at guys like (Arizona Coyote Anthony) Duclair who is a regular in the NHL from my draft year who was a third round pick.

“So it happens all the time and whoever works hardest to get to the NHL will be there.

“And obviously Buffalo is a young organization who is heading in the right direction with the pieces they have acquired. And hopefully I can continue to work hard enough and work the right way and get there soon.”

NEWS & NOTES • Prior to his trade to the Ottawa organization on deadline weekend, Phil Varone moved ahead of Amerks Hall of Famer Rick Pagnutti into 20th in team history in assists. He also recently passed Mark Mancari for 24th in points.

• Head coach Randy Cunneyworth is now sixth in AHL history in career victories and games coached. He is closing in on the Rochester record as the winningest coach in team history—337 wins head by John Van Boxmeer.

• Tim Schaller netted his second career hat trick Feb. 20 against Syracuse.

• First year goaltender Linus Ullmark made 51 saves in the same Syracuse game—a career high and the most in an AHL game this season.

NCHA Report

13

Founders Cup

By Melissa Kania After a thrilling regular season, teams from across the National College Hockey Association will converge on Newark, Ohio in mid-March for the association’s annual national tournament.

Six teams will participate in the national tournament, five of which are already known as of February 29.

Penn State Altoona and SVC are headed to Nationals from the Southeastern Conference (CHE), while the University at Buffalo and Union will come from the Northeastern Conference (UNYCHL).

From the Southwestern Conference (CCHL), the California Lutheran University (CLU) Knights will head to Newark.

At the time of writing, the Independent Conference has yet to be determined. A threegame playoff series will be hosted between the Denison University Bid Red and Otterbein Cardinals.

Nationals will be held at Lou & Gib Reese Ice Arena March 18th through the 20th. The tournament will see a round-robin format, with teams playing a guaranteed three games, and potentially five.

The tournament’s format gives players more time to get acclimated to their opponents, said Association President Mike Smietana.

The Penn State Altoona Nittany Lions, out of Altoona, PA (about 40 miles southwest of State College) finished their season in the CHE with an undefeated 9-0 record in NCHA play, going 18-4-1 overall. They became the first team to receive a bid to NCHA Nationals.

The Nittany Lions were led by sophomore Nico Gricco, who led the NCHA with 31 points in nine league games. Overall, Gricco registered 66 points (21 goals, 45 assists) in 23 games.

In addition, the Nittany Lions had two more players finish in the top five in scoring through the NCHA. Mitchell Rupprecht and Mike Lassik both eclipsed the 40-point mark in the regular season and provided strong offensive efforts throughout the season.

After a strong regular season, the Nittany Lions also became the 2016 College Hockey East Open League Tier 1 Champions, defeating St. Vincent 5-2 on February 28.

It’s expected that Penn State Altoona will be a strong contender at Nationals following their first

season in the NCHA. Meanwhile, the SVC Polar Bearcats, out of Latrobe, PA (40 miles southeast of Pittsburgh) finished the regular season second in the CHE, going 6-2 in NCHA play and 13-4-1 overall. They had a successful postseason but ultimately fell to the Nittany Lions by a score of 5 – 2 in the championship. Nonetheless, they’ll get a chance at the NCHA National title in Newark.

Bearcats senior forward Bryan Pustay finished the season second in the NCHA in scoring, with 48 points, including 19 goals and 29 assists, in 18 games.

Goaltender Shane Brudnok was one of the top netminders in the NCHA this season with a 12-40-1 record. The junior registered a 3.11 GAA and .906 save percentage. He was the only netminder to play over 1,000 minutes this season and will be a force to rely on for the Bearcats at Nationals.

The University at Buffalo Bulls finished the regular season with a 5-2 record in NCHA play, 11-4 overall. They reached the UNYCHL semifinals, dropping a 4-0 decision thanks to strong goaltending from Hamilton netminder and WNHL prospect Katie White.

Graduate student James Faran led the Bulls with 21 points this season, including team-highs in goals (8) and assists (13). Senior Brandon Gonzalez and fellow graduate student Zach LaMacchia each also had solid seasons, with all three averaging over a point-per-game.

For the Western New York interest, the majority of the players on the UB team are from the area,

WNYHockeyReport.com

including several skaters from Getzville, Lancaster, Hamburg, West Seneca, Orchard Park and Buffalo.

The Bulls are the only team returning to Nationals from last year’s tournament. In 2015, they narrowly lost to Pitt-Greensburg in the semifinals, as the Bobcats tied the game on a late penalty shot, then got the game-winner with 6.5 seconds left to play.

Meanwhile, the Union Dutchmen, playing in Schenectady, NY, went 13-5 overall this season and 1-2 in NCHA play. They also made it to the UNYCHL semifinals, falling to the eventual league champions, the University of Rochester/Nazareth.

Junior Andrew Tullo led the team across the board in points (37), goals (23) and assists (14).

He averaged 2.47 points-per-game in the regular season and had a phenomenal year. Defenseman Jesse Hahn also provided an offensive side to his game, putting up 11 points (3-8) in 13 games.

The CLU Knights, from Thousand Oaks, CA (45 miles northwest of Los Angeles) went 9-4 this season in NCHA play and 11-7 overall. They reached the semifinals of the CCHL, falling to UCSB. The Knights had three players score 30 points or more this season, led by forward Blake Stevens (1520). Brendan Ward and Eliot Cutbill also eclipsed the 30-point mark, with all three averaging over two points-per-game.

In net, it was all about junior Grant Yurosko, who appeared in 15 games and went 9-6. He registered a 4.00 GAA and .878 save percentage.

Both Denison and Otterbein could potentially bring a high level of play to the NCHA Nationals, regardless of which team makes it. Denison’s home rink is this year’s facility for the NCHA nationals; the university’s campus is just 10 minutes drive.

Otterbein is also close by, playing in Westerville, OH. Otterbein went 7-1 in NCHA play this season and 9-3 overall. Denison struggled in the regular season, going 1-3 in NCHA play and 4-6 overall, but either team would surely be thrilled to earn the Nationals bid and would put on a good showing at the tournament.

This year’s NCHA Nationals Tournament marks the second year it’s being hosted in Newark, OH. Heading into Nationals, UB is ranked first in the NCHA according to MyHockeyRankings.com. PSU Altoona is ranked 4th, with Union ranked 5th. SVC sits at 8th with CLU just one spot below. Otterbein is ranked 10th with Denison at 16th.

For all of the latest NCHA news check out www. ncha.us for more information.

NCPHL

14

NCPHL

Back in the 2002-03 season, he formed the Stars Juniors program as a club that would feed the former Buffalo Lightning Jr. A team, while offering youth divisions under the Hornets umbrella a possible junior team in which they could advance.

The Stars sold off their junior rights to out-oftown interests a few years back. So why now is Preteroti getting back into that level of hockey? “(NCPHL Commissioner) Bob Black and I have Edited Michael Mroziak talked about this from the very first day that I put Michael@wnyhockeyreport.com a midget team in his National Junior Prospects League,” Preteroti said. “I remember three years Remember the Buffalo Hornets? They're coming ago - we had known each other from another showcase – he started telling me about juniors and back.

The longtime Buffalo-area youth program that he asked me if there was interest.”

There was. But more time had passed until morphed into what is now the Buffalo Stars is one of several teams committed to a new junior league, finally, late last summer, Preteroti met with Black in Erie, Pennsylvania. It was there Preteroti signed the National College Prospects Hockey League.

When the league launches in the 2016-17 season, a series of non-disclosure agreements to keep the they'll have a new local rival making its debut. The planned new league under wraps. Finally, in very Niagara Red Cats, along with the Hornets, are one late February, hints were dropped on social media of about a half-dozen teams signed on for next including the unveiling of an updated Buffalo season. The league may possibly have up to a Hornets logo.

Meanwhile, Steve Thomson is entering a new total ten teams when additional paperwork and franchise into the league that will be based in business is sorted out this spring.

For Hornets/Stars organization president Pete Niagara County. The Red Cats founder explained Preteroti, it's a journey that has come full circle. his own interest in getting involved in junior hockey.

“I've been looking at junior teams across the US for over a year now, looking at some strong leagues,” said Thomson, who owns and operates High Performance Hockey Development out of Holiday Twin Rinks in Cheektowaga.

“An opportunity came up with the NCPHL and it's a world league, making it advantageous for developing hockey players.”

The NCPHL will be sanctioned under the Amateur Athletic Union, which allows more import players than USA Hockey. That gives Thomson, and • Coaching • Statistician every other team in the • Assistant Manager • Radio/TV Play and Color • Scouts Commentator league, a wider field to • Strength/Conditioning • Videographers scout.

• Sales/Marketing • Photographers “That's important not • Front Office Admin Support • Social Media Specialist only for the speed and • Equipment Manager • Off Ice Officials play of the league but...

• Game Day / Event Staff (Scorekeepers Goal Judge) the rosters will read like • Billet/Host Family Coordinator • Physical Therapist NHL rosters,” Thomson said about the potential for locker rooms with more diversity. “People

Niagara Red Cats Jr. A Hockey Club are looking to fill full and part time positions:

AND FANS! Email steve@redcatshockey.com

WNYHockeyReport.com

can identify a little bit more with our brand of hockey versus a general junior program.”

At the same time, Thomson said there will be “strong local content” among the players on the Red Cats' roster when completed.

In very late February, the NCPHL was still finalizing its stable of teams for the inaugural season. In addition to the Buffalo area and Niagara County, the league had designs on placing teams in Rochester, Pittsburgh, and possibly Syracuse.

While the participants in the NCPHL's first season were still being sorted out, the league was ready to announce its first league activity to build rosters.

That will be a player combine and orientation that will be held March 31 through April 3. The mix of on-ice and off-ice workouts will include scrimmage games, off-ice testing similar to how professional players are tested, guest speakers and a meet-and-greet during which the participating teams will have their own tables and be available for interested players to chat more about the league and what each team could offer.

Preteroti is known for the active marketing element within his Stars program. He said while the Hornets may be looked to as a model for how to market a team, he gives Thomson the advantage in player skill development.

Both anticipate an active but fun rivalry when the Hornets and Red Cats face off on the ice.

“The rivalry's going to be awesome,” Thomson said. “That's what is going to really rock both rinks.

Just having the ability of a down-the-road rival, that's what teams and players dream of.

“But our relationship is really about developing players, to move them on to college and higherlevel hockey. That is both the Hornets' and Red Cats' mission and we're going to work strong to do that, but when the teams are on the ice, it's going to be a battle.”

The new league has a semi-official working relationship with the Tier II level Western States Hockey League, which Preteroti said has thrived since changing its affiliation to AAU. An estimated 150 players were sought for the upcoming NCPHL Combine. Those involved with getting the new league started admit it will take time to build the league's stature. But they're confident their model will get them there.

“Will it happen overnight? No. We have a lot of work to do,” Preteroti said. “But we're in it and we're going to build a brand and we're going to build a program that I think, five years from now, everyone's going to want to be a part of it.”

Author's Note: WNYHR attempted to contact NCPHL Commissioner Bob Black for this story but did not receive a response in time for press deadline.

Top Shelf Training

15

1 on 1 Private Training off-season training programs. Ovechkin has been seen training with his personal trainer and former team Dynamo Moscow in the off-season in Russia and Kane has been known to stay in the gym and on the ice with a private coach during the entire off-season. Therefore, getting private on ice training is something that even players that are on the NHL networks “Top Shelf” plays of the week are on week in and week out.

By Mike Smietana info@topshelfhockey.us Each player is uniquely different with their own sets of positives and negatives. Player “X” might not have the ability to utilize their edges properly to maneuver around an opponent. While player “O” may be a high caliber skater that is not able to perform the proper shot techniques to produce goals. The reality of the game is that every player is different and if the coach is using his bench properly, each player is placed in certain positions at critical points in a game for a reason. The same model is applied to the game of chess when attacking and defending the King or in this case the goalie. Typically, this is why a player with a hard shot accurate shot is placed on the power play in a shooting position or the reason that a fast tough player is placed on the penalty kill. As a player, these “key” positions are generally the ideal roles that most players would like to obtain. So, when thinking of these different types of positions, is there a way to get yourself as a player into a position of going from a non-power play unit to the player to a power play specialist? I believe that in most cases if a player is willing to work hard, at the rink and away from the rink every day it is possible to make the power play or pk unit.

In most cases, a player’s destiny is in their own hands if they are willing to work hard day in and day out. Sure there will be bumps in the road when things are not going your way. However, you must stay persistent to get results. It’s no secret why Alex Ovechkin or Patrick Kane are leading scorer’s year in and year out. Yes, they are both unbelievable talents but a lot of people do not give them credit for the amount of work that they put into their

Top Shelf Hockey, prides itself on delivering exceptional 1 on 1 coaching from a knowledgeable coach, with hands on experience. By identifying the deficient areas of a skill technique in each player’s game, we then provide a thorough analysis combined with a focused model of technical instruction. Our private training entails a program for each specific player which will be implemented after initial evaluation. These sessions are for players of all ages looking to gain an edge on their competition and improve areas in their game.

Having the desire to improve hand-speed, shot release, or skating ability is something that each player should target and opportunely this is what we specialize in. Our sessions will cover these areas in our upcoming Easter clinics as well.

Just a reminder, if you are looking to work on your skills before tryouts there two spring clinics that we have coming in the upcoming days @ Holiday Twin Rinks, March 21st, 22nd, and 23.rd This clinic will be a nice tune up for tryouts and will be an all-day clinic. Players will get a total interactive day of hockey, which will include video sessions as well as activities.

Players on-ice and office training and taught a new skill each day. Day 1 will focus on Forwards and Backwards Skating, Day 2 will focus on Stick handling and Day 3 will focus on Shooting.

The other clinic will be @ Northtown Center, March 21st and 22nd which will be an all skills clinics and we will be giving away an autographed puck by Sabres rookie sensation Jack Eichel. The puck

will be given to the clinics most improved player.

Both clinics will be a glimpse into our summer development program.

TSH welcomes the challenge of helping you improve your skills.

If you are interested in getting on the ice for private training with TSH, please check out our website at www.topshelfhockey.us and click on “Private Ice.” Give us a call at 716-381-4207 or email info@topshelfhockey.us to set up your private sessions today.

www.topshelfhockey.us

Our objective is to accelerate the process of development for each individual hockey player.We specialize in skating, handspeed and shot releasetechniques using Top Shelf Training Methods.

We Emphasize: Stride Efficiency / Evading Defenders / Shooting Evaluation / Technical Analysis of All Skills We Offer: Private Ice / Team Training / Summer Camps / Winter Clinics Easter Clinics – March 21, 22, 23 Visit our website for more information.

(716) 381-4207 www.topshelfhockey.us

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Steal The Show

16

Missing the Mark Training Defensemen

By Bob Maxick rmaxick@verizon.net Steal The Show Hockey

THE S AL

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YC

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NI

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SS

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I have always thought that the goalies have received the least amount of proper training in youth hockey. I have changed my mind on this with the availability of good goaltending coaches in our area. Now, I think the defenseman are the ones not getting proper training. Most youth coaches don’t have the experience to teach the position of a Defenseman. What I see is they never have drills just for the defenseman. Many put the poorer players back on defense so they will not have to play them at forward. These players who can’t skate well are told to stay back and never join in the play, so they don’t have to go as far to defend. This is happening in house as well as in travel hockey.

I have learned in my many years of experience that the fewer goals you give up the better chance you have to win. Looking at the standings in most

AMPS & C

upper level leagues, you will notice that the top teams are near the top of the goals against list and near the top of the goals for. This shows that good defense leads to good offence.

With all players wanting to score goals we find that most players want to play forward. I even hear stories of players who get paid by their parents if they score a goal. No wonder why players don’t want to play defense. This needs to change since the higher levels teams are always talking about how there is a need for better developed defenseman and more of them.

Defense is much harder to play than a forward.

You have to be able to skate forward and backwards as fast as forwards. Let’s look at the skills needed to be a good defenseman. To be a good defenseman you first requirement is always skating. In my Defenseman Only Camps, we spend a lot of time on Forward and backward powerskating, Lateral power skating, Quick forward acceleration as well as backwards acceleration, stops and starts and Mohawk pivots with acceleration. Backwards skating is made up of 2 different backwards styles, C-Cuts and backward cross-over which is used in

the game today. Cross overs are used for quick acceleration and must learn to be able to cross over going right and left in order to keep good body position on player he is covering. Cross overs will make the defenseman zig zag down the ice leaving larger gaps. C-Cuts are used to skate backwards and being able to skate in a straight line, this skating style allows the defenseman to close gaps easier and keep good body position.

If they use cross overs in tight gap coverage you will only move further away from you coverage and give the forward room to make moves around you. The next area is Mohawk pivots. These must be done pivoting right and left with acceleration.

You need to accelerate in order to match speed with the forward when you pivot. Younger players will take longer to develop this skill, but keep working on is and they will get better and better as time goes on. Going forward then having to go backward without stopping is the next skill they have to learn. Again they must be able to do it going this to right and left side. The rule is to always pivot to inside, so you don’t give away the middle of the ice. It must be a tight forward Continued on next page

STEAL THE SHOW 2016 HOCKEY CAMPS AND CLINIC Power Skating / Overspeed • Defensemen Only • Skill Development

Winter Clinics

Summer Clinics

Easter Week March 21-25, 2016 8:30 to 10:00 PM Holiday Twin Rinks Power Skating / Overspeed & Stickhandling – Pre Tryout Training

July 10, 17, 24, 31, Aug. 7, 14, 2016 6 Week Clinic • Train All Summer Northtowns Center, Amherst • 9:00 to 10:30am 1.5 Hr on Ice Each Session Power Skating / Overspeed & Stickhandling Camp #159 Defenseman Only Camp #152

Summer Clinics July 18-22, 2016 Holiday Twin Rinks, Cheektowaga • 9:00am to 3:00pm • 3 hrs of Ice Daily Power Skating / Overspeed & Stickhandling Camp #156 Defenseman Only Camp #149

August 8-12, 2016 Northtown Center, Amherst Skill Development • 10:45am to 1:00pm 1.5 Hr on Ice Each Session 20 Min of Video or Off Ice Training Clinic #158

July 25-29, 2016 Hyde Park, Niagara Falls 9:00am to 3:00pm • 3 hrs of Ice Daily Power Skating / Overspeed & Stickhandling Camp #157 Defenseman Only Camp #150

August 15-19, 2016 Leisure Rinks, Orchard Park Skill Development • 8:30 to 10:30am 1.5 Hr on Ice Each Session 20 Min of Video or Off Ice Training Clinic #165

For more information and registration visit us online

www.stealtheshowhockey.com WNYHockeyReport.com

Men’s Club Hockey

17

Post Season Party

By Dave Ricci Playoffs. It's win or go home. Simple as that.

And as Western New York Hockey Report went to print, some WNY College Club teams had already felt the sting of that lesson.

ACHA The University at Buffalo Bulls saw their season come to an end when they suffered a 1-0 loss at the hands of Niagara University.

Tyler Stark turned away 28 of the 29 shots he faced but he could not stop what turned out the be the game-winner from Matt Bavaro. The lone goal of the night was set up by Dalton Bew and Andrew Mitch, who had been getting the job done all season for the Purple Eagles.

The Bulls, who end their season at 23-9-4, did get a boost when Willie Sanchez made an unexpected return from an injury that was originally thought to have ended his season.

“He wanted to get in there,” UB coach Sal Valvo said.

Mike Parda was solid between the pipes for NU as he made 29 saves and benefited from a strong defense that successfully killed all three UB power play attempts.

“We knew it'd be a close game,” Valvo said.

“They got an early one on the power play and we couldn't capitalize on any of our chances.”

Next year will be a season of transition for the Bulls as they bid farewell to core players like Robert “Bang-Bang” Lang, their leading scorer, who had 32 points in 34 games. UB will also graduate three of its top four defenders in Sean Dungan, John Ryan and Dimitrios Koutsomitis.

They do, however, return a solid core of talented youth that Valvo is excited about, including defenseman Richard Ledyard.

“We have a good class coming up,” Valvo said.

“So we're just going to rebuild with them.”

Valvo said that as of the moment, no major offseason training sessions are in place as his players either go back home or are focusing even more on their classes. Players that are still in town will hold their traditional captain's practice, where guys can have informal skates and workouts together.

Niagara University:

After Niagara's shutout win over UB on February 20, the Purple Eagles moved on to the next round the next day, but fell to Syracuse by a 6-3 score. The SU victory was paced by a hat trick by John Russ LaPointe. Zach Seither had a goal and an assist for NU, which also got goals from Tyler Stockwell and Patrick Gregory.

Dalton Bew finished as NU's top scorer with 56

points in 32 games. Bew had 32 assists. Of his 24 goals, four were power play and three were gamewinners. Tyler Stark finished with an 18-8 record in net.

National Collegiate Hockey Association.

The news is better for UB on this side of the club hockey ledger.

Even though the Bulls fell to Hamilton College by a 4-0 final score in the league playoffs, they still earned an at-large bid to compete in the National Tournament in Ohio this month.

“It was a tough loss. It was one of those games where we just couldn't catch a break,” UB coach Jim Doersam said.

“We really wanted to win the UNYCHL because we are the defending champs and we were looking forward to the prospect of playing University of Rochester, who we beat last year when they were the defending champs. We can now turn our attention towards Nationals in Ohio come March.

We have some unfinished business there as well.”

Missing the Mark Training Defensemen Continued from previous page

to backward move that allows the defenseman to keep tight gap or maintain good body position between your goalie and the forward.

There are 4 ways to engage a forward. The first way, is to close gap and Mohawk out with acceleration play the body facing the same direction (skates pointing in same direction) lift stick and take puck. This will allow you to start the attack right away without any help. If can’t get to body you will have the ability to keep the player to the outside of the rink and move them into the corner where you will have a better angle to attack the forward. Getting the forward into the corner is a win for the defenseman as he is not able to get to the net and must try to make another play. The second way, is keeping good position with you between the player and your goalie. Keeping your right shoulder on left shoulder you eliminate their ability to cut to the middle. Simply allow them to skate into you and you play them face to face.

Mostly used when checking is allowed. Problem is you tie up man, but have no idea where the puck is. In order to make this play make sure you have another defenseman hinging or a back checking

forward who can cover for you. The third way, is to do a hip check by simply getting the player close to the boards and putting your hip into their body. This is the most dangerous for the defenseman because he will also take himself out of the Play. The fourth way, is to poke check. This is done with a poking move or sweeping move.

Remember never give up position between your goalie and the forward. In all these engagements of forwards, never lunge. If you lunge and miss, the forward will have easy access to the attacking area you should be defending. All these engagements can be used anywhere on the ice under the right circumstances.

Here are some other skills that must be worked on all the time as well as the aforementioned skills.

Defensemen have to learn escape moves under pressure in order to allow for more time and space.

How to properly play a man in tight, in open space, and up against the boards. Making passes while moving forward or backwards on both the forehand and backhand. Learning how to protect the puck while handling the puck under pressure, to avoid in zone turnovers. Knowing how to play a

WNYHockeyReport.com

person in front of your goalie and being able to tie up the player by moving them out of the way or tie up there stick. Never pushing them from behind with your stick up above their waist, while making sure to keep your body between the forward and goalie.

There is also the mental part. How to play a 1 on 1, 2 on 1, 3 on 1, 3 on 2, and 3 on 2 with back checker. When to pinch down in offense zone.

Being able to read fore-checking pressures so you know where to go with puck if it comes loose in defensive zone (knowing where to go with the puck rather than just slapping it away). Being able to communicate with your other players so everyone is on the same page.

With that being said, there are still additional skills that I have left out, but those listed above are the most important ones. There is more to cover, but you can get an indication why playing defense is so difficult. www.stealtheshowhockey.com 716-553-4011

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wnyhockeyreport.com

TRYOUT EDITION 2016-2017

Bison Hockey Travel Team Tryouts for the 2016 - 2017 Season

BOYS Teams Bantam Minor (BBB)

Level AA

Bantam Major TB (BBA)

AA

Midget 15U (MBC)

AA

Midget 16U TB (MBB)

AA

Head Coach Steven Casey

Rob Kneer

TBD

Kevin Orzechowski

Birth Years 2003

2002

2001

2000

Midget 18U TB (MBA)

AA

Tom DiGiacomo

1998 - 1999

GIRLS Teams

Level

Head Coach

Birth Years

Girls 14 & Under TB

Girls 16 & Under TB

Girls 19 & Under TB

Tier I

Tier I

Tier I

Kevin Orzechowski

Rich Gicewicz

John Cleary

2002 - 2003

2000 - 2001

1997 - 1999

Dates

Time

Rink

Tue Apr 5, 2016

8:00 - 9:00 pm

North Buffalo Rink

Wed Apr 6, 2016

8:00 - 9:00 pm

North Buffalo Rink

Thur Apr 7, 2016

6:00 - 7:00 pm

North Buffalo Rink

Tue Apr 5, 2016

9:00 - 10:00 pm

North Buffalo Rink

Wed Apr 6, 2016

9:00 - 10:00 pm

North Buffalo Rink

Thur Apr 7, 2016

6:00 - 7:00 pm

North Buffalo Rink

Tue Apr 5, 2016

5:00 - 6:00 pm

Buffalo State Arena

Wed Apr 6, 2016

5:00 - 6:00 pm

Buffalo State Arena

Thur Apr 7, 2016

7:00 - 8:15 pm

Buffalo State Arena

Tue Apr 5, 2016

7:00 - 8:00 pm

Buffalo State Arena

Wed Apr 6, 2016

7:00 - 8:00 pm

Buffalo State Arena

Tue Apr 5, 2016

6:00 - 7:00 pm

Buffalo State Arena

Wed Apr 6, 2016

6:00 - 7:00 pm

Buffalo State Arena

Thur Apr 7, 2016

8:15 - 9:30 pm

Buffalo State Arena

Dates

Time

Rink

Tue Apr 5, 2016

5:00 - 6:00 pm

North Buffalo Rink North Buffalo Rink

Wed Apr 6, 2016

5:00 - 6:00 pm

Thur Apr 7, 2016

5:00 - 6:00 pm

North Buffalo Rink

Tue Apr 5, 2016

6:00 - 7:00 pm

North Buffalo Rink

Wed Apr 6, 2016

6:00 - 7:00 pm

North Buffalo Rink

Thur Apr 7, 2016

9:00 - 10:30 pm

North Buffalo Rink

Tue Apr 5, 2016

7:00 - 8:00 pm

North Buffalo Rink

Wed Apr 6, 2016

7:00 - 8:00 pm

North Buffalo Rink

Thur Apr 7, 2016

9:00 - 10:30 pm

North Buffalo Rink

Bison’s Offer Skill Sessions And Goalie Clinics Throughout The Season.

• Skills Sessions for all Bantam, Peewee and Squirt Boy’s teams as well as the entire Girl’s program.

• Teams will receive one Skill Session per week — which is run by our highly qualified instructors.

• Goalie Clinics are held every Sunday throughout the season with well know and respected, Bob Janosz and company. All Bison Goalies are invited.

There is a one-time tryout fee of $20.00 for every player. All new players must present a signed NYSAHA Player/Financial Release Form from their host association before they can attend Bison Hockey Tryouts.

If you have any questions please call Bison Hockey Director Shelley Looney at 617-834-1885 or by email at slooney@bisonhockey.net. Bison Hockey is planning to have MOHL teams in WNYAHL at the Squirt, Peewee, Bantam and Midget age levels, subject to enrollments.

NBH048-AD WNY Hockey REPORT.indd 1

2/23/16 1:33 PM

wnyhockeyreport.com

TRYOUT EDITION 2016-2017

Tier 1 AAA 2016-2017 Tryouts • Janosz Goalie clinic weekly.

• Weekly skill developement sessions • Players trying out from a different organization must provide a release.

• $10 fee for all tryouts.

2003 Bantam Minor AAA Mike Bycina Michael.Bycina@toshiba.com Richard Zacher Zach11@msn.com Tues. April 5th 5:30 pm @ Depew Wed. April 6th 5:30 pm @ Depew

2002 Bantam Major AAA TB Bill Gee Gee090399@roadrunner.com Tues. April 5th 6:20 pm @ Depew Wed. April 6th 6:20 pm @ Depew

16U Midget TB

Shawn Donoghue Sodonoghue@nicholsschool.org Tues. April 5th 8:00 pm @ Depew Wed. April 6th 8:00 pm @ Depew

18U Midget TB

Jamie Printz Jprintz@nicholsschool.org Tues. April 5th 8:50 pm @ Depew Wed. April 6th 8:50 pm @ Depew

Girls 14U TB & NTB

David Dee DDee@roadrunner.com Tues. April 5th 7:10 pm @ Depew Wed. April 6th 7:10 pm @ Depew

www.saintshockey.com

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20

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TRYOUT EDITION 2016-2017

r o i n u J Niagaarawks Ice H

team America Free trYouts!

spring Hockey Development & tournaments Coaches:

98’ AA/AAA Dave Bentley (JR. B Welland) 99’ AA/AAA Mike Smietana (Top Shelf Hockey) Brian Dowd (DI Niagara)

For more information contact us!

00’ Elite AAA

hillshockeydevelop ment@gmail.com

03’ AA/AAA

Joe Stumpo (JR. B Blades) & Jason Hill (Minor Pro)

03’ AA/AAA

Brian Dowd (DI Niagara)

New Website Coming March 7th.

00’ AA/AAA

Jason Hill (Minor Pro) & Nick Lotempio (JR. B Thorold)

01’ AA/AAA Jason Hill (Minor Pro) & Josh Bluman (DIII Buffalo State)

06’/07’ AA/AAA

Steve Hess (Level 4)

09’ Jason Hill(Minor Pro) 10 week program FULL ICE 5 SCRIMMAGES 21u Girls Elite

Jason Hill (Minor Pro) Dates: June-July

Development & College Placement

Hyde Park Ice Pavilion Niagara Falls, NY season: Fall 2016 & 2017 Sept 1st-April 1st For tryouts, Pricing, & More Info. contact: NJRIHinfo@gmail.com http://facebook.com/NJRIH

Contact us for more information on summer Camps! owner:

Dr. Louis R. Baumann

Junior A League Head Coach: Jason Hill (Minor Pro, DIII Buffalo State) Assistant Coaches: Dan Marrone (JR. Buffalo Stars) Nick Lotempio (JR. B Thorold) Bobby Kostiw (AAA) skill Development Coaches: Mike Smietana (Top Shelf Hockey) Josh Bluman (DIII Buffalo State) Brian Dowd (DI Niagara) Dave Bentley (JR. B Welland)

TBD

wnyhockeyreport.com

TRYOUT EDITION 2016-2017

2016-17 Tryouts TEAM

BIRTH YEAR

COACH

LEAGUE

TRYOUT DATE/TIME

GIRLS 19U TB

LARRY BLAS

TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2016 THURSDAY APRIL 7, 2016

9:15 PM 7:30PM

GIRLS 16U TB

MIKE MORAN

TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2016 THURSDAY APRIL 7, 2016

5:15 PM 6:30 PM

GIRLS 14U TB

TOM RUGGEIRO

TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2016 THURSDAY APRIL 7, 2016

5:15 PM 6:30 PM

16U TB

KYLE QUICK

TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2016 WEDNESDAY APRIL 6, 2016

8:30 PM 8:30 PM

17U MIDGET SCTA AAA

1999-2000

TBD

TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2016 WEDNESDAY APRIL 6, 2016

9:30 PM 9:30PM

15U MINOR MIDGET SCTA AAA

2001

BRIAN COX

TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2016 WEDNESDAY APRIL 6, 2016

8:15 PM 7:30 PM

MAJOR BANTAM AAA SCTA

2002

TONY RICOTTA

TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2016 WEDNESDAY APRIL 6, 2016

7:45 PM 6:30 PM

MINOR BANTAM AAA SCTA

2003

TERRY MILLER

TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2016

4:30 PM

BANTAM MINOR AAA

2003

TOM KOWALSKI

TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2016 WEDNESDAY APRIL 6, 2016

6:15 PM 4:30 PM

BANTAM MINOR AA

2003

RAY BOTZENHART TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2016 FRED MALLONE WEDNESDAY APRIL 6, 2016

7:00 PM 5:30 PM

ALL TRYOUTS WILL BE HELD AT HOLIDAY TWIN RINKS PLAYERS MUST HAVE A RELEASE FROM PREVIOUS ORGANIZATION BUFFALO REGALS GOJHL / JUNIOR TRYOUTS TO BE ANNOUNCED. KEEP CHECKING OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION WWW.BUFFALOREGALS.ORG FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @BUFFREGAL

ALL BUFFALO REGALS TEAMS ARE PROUD MEMBERS OF USA HOCKEY 2009 Development Coordinator Rich Chudzik

2010 Development Coordinator Bill Senay

www.buffaloregals.org

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22

TRYOUT EDITION 2016-2017

2016

2017

Bantam & Midget Tryouts Tuesday, April 5 4:30pm 5:30pm 6:30pm 7:30pm 8:30pm

Bantam Major AAA Bantam Minor AAA Midget 18U Midget 16U Midget 15U

Wednesday, April 6 5:00pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 8:00pm 9:00pm

Bantam Major AAA / Bantam Minor AAA Midget 15U / Midget 16U Bantam Major AA Bantam Mixed AA Bantam Minor AA

Thursday, April 7 5:30pm 6:35pm 7:50pm

Bantam Major AA Bantam Mixed AA Bantam Minor AA

All Tryouts held at the West Seneca Town Rink Proud Members of USA Hockey

All Tryouts are $15 per session

All House and Travel players (other than current West Seneca players) must have a release from their current Hockey Association.

A deposit is required at signing.

Check our website for additional information.

For more information, please contact either Rocco DellaNeve at 432-9728 or Tim Weixlmann at 997-9666

www.westsenecayouthhockey.com

wnyhockeyreport.com

TRYOUT EDITION 2016-2017

Wheatfield Blades

2016-2017 Travel Team Tryout Schedule

Tryouts Are FREE / Tryouts Are FREE / Tryouts Are FREE DIVISION

BIRTH YEAR

DATE

TIME

COACH

LOCATION

Bantam Minor AAA

2003

April 5, 2016 April 6, 2016

5:30 PM 5:30 PM

Joe Stumpo

Hockey Outlet

Bantam Minor II AA

2003

April 5, 2016 April 6, 2016

6:30 PM 6:30 PM

Kevin Doyle

Hockey Outlet

2002

April 5, 2016 April 6, 2016

5:30 PM 5:30 PM

“Available”

Hockey Outlet

2002

April 5, 2016 April 6, 2016

6:30 PM 6:30 PM

Robert Kalota

Hockey Outlet

Split Season “Tournament Bound”

2001

April 5, 2016 April 6, 2016

7:30 PM 7:30 PM

Woods / Stinis

Hockey Outlet

Midget 15U II AA

2001

April 5, 2016 April 6, 2016

9:30 PM 9:30 PM

Ken Dewey

Hockey Outlet

Split Season “Tournament Bound”

2000

April 5, 2016 April 6, 2016

7:30 PM 7:30 PM

Kostiw / Lotempio

Hockey Outlet

Midget 16U II AA

2000

April 5, 2016 April 6, 2016

9:30 PM 9:30 PM

Dave Cannon

Hockey Outlet

Midget 16U II AA

2000

April 5, 2016 April 6, 2016

9:30 PM 9:30 PM

Alan Okun

Hockey Outlet

Split Season “Tournament Bound”

1998 / 1999

April 5, 2016 April 6, 2016

10:30 PM 10:30 PM

“Available”

Hockey Outlet

Midget 18U II AA

1998 / 1999

April 5, 2016 April 6, 2016

10:30 PM 10:30 PM

Dan Stinis

Hockey Outlet

Midget 18U II AA

1998 / 1999

April 5, 2016 April 6, 2016

10:30 PM 10:30 PM

Dan McMahon

Hockey Outlet

Girls 12U Tier II “TB and NTB Teams”

2004 / 2005

March 7, 2016 March 8, 2016

8:30 PM 8:30 PM

Patrick Bonner

Hockey Outlet

Girls 14U Tier II “TB and NTB Teams”

2002 / 2003

April 5, 2016 April 6, 2016

8:30 PM 8:30 PM

Patrick Bonner

Hockey Outlet

Girls 16U Tier II “TB Team”

2000 / 2001

April 5, 2016 April 6, 2016

8:30 PM 8:30 PM

Ned Schule

Hockey Outlet

Girls 16U Tier II “NTB Team”

2000 / 2001

April 5, 2016 April 6, 2016

8:30 PM 8:30 PM

Tom Bukowski

Hockey Outlet

Girls 19U Tier II

1997 – 1999

April 5, 2016 April 6, 2016

8:30 PM 8:30 PM

Matt Sledziewski

Hockey Outlet

Bantam Major AAA “Tournament Bound”

Bantam Major II AA Midget 15U AAA

Midget 16U AAA

Midget 18U AAA

The Wheatfield Blades are a “AAA” hockey association. For information please visit our website at www.wheatfieldblades.com.

TRYOUTS ARE FREE House & Travel players (other than current WB players) MUST have a release from their current Hockey Association.

All tryouts locations are listed above. A $100 team deposit is required at signing.

www.wheatfieldblades.com

23

24

TRYOUT EDITION 2016-2017

Rochester Yo

TRYO

Boys AAA Team

Date Time

Squirt Minor AAA

3/7/2016 5:45 PM - 7:30 PM 3/8/2016 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Squirt Major AAA

3/7/2016 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM 3/8/2016 6:10 PM - 7:40 PM

Peewee Minor AAA

3/7/2016 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM 3/8/2016 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Peewee Major AAA 12u T/B 3/7/2016 7:10 PM - 8:40 PM

3/8/2016 7:40 PM - 9:00 PM Bantam Minor AAA

4/5/2016 5:45 PM - 7:15 PM 4/6/2016 5:45 PM - 7:15 PM

Bantam Major AAA 14u T/B 4/5/2016 6:00 PM - 7:15 PM

4/6/2015 6:00 PM - 7:15 PM Midget Minor U16 AAA T/B 4/5/2016 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM (Split Season) 4/6/2016 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM Midget Minor U18 AAA T/B 4/5/2016 8:45 PM - 10:15 PM (Split Season) 4/6/2015 8:45 PM - 10:15 PM

585-42

www.billgray

wnyhockeyreport.com

25

outh Hockey

OUTS

Boys AA

Team

Date Time

Squirt Major AA

3/9/2016 6:10 PM - 7:40 PM 3/10/2016 6:10 PM - 7:40 PM

Peewee Minor AA

3/9/2016 3/10/2016

7:30 PM - 9:00 PM 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Peewee Major AA

3/9/2016 3/10/2016

7:40 PM - 9:10 PM 7:40 PM - 9:10 PM

Bantam Minor AA

4/7/2015 4/8/2015

5:45 PM - 7:15 PM 5:45 PM - 7:15 PM

Bantam Major AA

4/7/2016 4/8/2016

6:00 PM - 7:30 PM 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Midget Minor U16 AA 4/7/2015 (Split Season) 4/8/2015

7:30 PM - 9:00 PM 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Midget Minor U18 AA 4/7/2016 (Split Season) 4/8/2016

8:45 PM - 10:15 PM 8:45 PM - 10:15 PM

24-4625

ysiceplex.com

Check our website for updates & time changes

www.ryhockey.com

wnyhockeyreport.com

26

TRYOUT EDITION 2016-2017

Southtowns Stars Amateur Hockey Association

2016 –17 AA Travel Tryouts Tuesday, April 5 6:00pm 7:15pm 6:30pm 7:45pm 9:15pm 8:45pm

Wednesday, April 6

Bantam Minor White Bantam Minor Green Bantam Major TB 15U White 15U Green 16U TB

6:15pm 7:15pm 8:15pm 5:15pm 9:15pm

Bantam Minor White Bantam Minor Green Bantam Major TB 15U 16U TB

Thursday, April 7 5:45pm Bantam Minor White* 6:45pm Bantam Minor Green* 7:45pm Bantam Major TB* 7:30pm-9:30pm 15U* 9:30pm 16U TB* *If Needed TB - Tournament Bound All White Teams are 1st pick.

2016-17 Travel Coaches Bantam Minor White Bantam Minor Green Bantam Major 15U White 15U Green 16U

John Clark John Franke Keith Lewis Ken Czechowski Rick Licursi Kevin Gould

716-308-4823 716-573-1333 716-803-5200 716-901-2001 716-390-3305 716-517-1317

All tryouts $20.

All players from organizations other than Southtowns must have a 2016-2017 release from that organization, and a copy of their birth certificate.

A $250 deposit (check or money order) is due at signing.

Our RWB program has continued to grow over the past few years which has motivated us to restructure our program in order to more appropriately challenge the older players. We look forward to many positive changes in our structure to accommodate our growing numbers and wide age range. Please contact Joe Cione via email president@southtownsstars.com with any questions.

Please check our website for: • Red, White & Blue through Midget House signups will begin in April • Beginner program – we offer an established Red, White & Blue cross ice beginner program For more information about Southtowns, please download our parent manual from our website.

www.southtownsstars.com

TRYOUT EDITION 2016-2017

2016-2017 Travel Coaches Squirt Minor AAA .................. Peter Kneis Squirt Minor AA ........... Anthony Pantano Squirt Major AAA ................Bill Higgins Squirt Major AA ................... Rich Crozier Squirt Major AA - 2nd team ........Ian Kyle Pee Wee Minor AAA ..........Bill Schwartz Pee Wee Minor AA ............ Rich Fineberg Pee Wee Major AAA ..........Scott Mosher Pee Wee Major AA ...............Tim DiGiulio Bantam Minor AAA ..............Brian Turner Bantam Minor AA .... John Hammersmith

wnyhockeyreport.com

20162017 TryouT April 5, 6 & 7 at the NorthtowN ceNter.

For speciFic times aNd teams please check out our website‌

2016-2017 Travel Coaches Bantam Major AAA .....Charlie Mendola Bantam Major AA ............. Sean Corrigan Midget Minor 15U AAA.........Craig Curtin Midget Minor 15U AA ... Marc Rosenthal Midget Minor AAA .............. Robert Rossi Midget Minor AA ..............Joseph Jacobi Midget Major AAA ..................Rob Moyer Midget Major AA ........ Richard VanDette Girls 12U ................................................TBA Girls 14U ...................Darren Palaszewski Girls 16U ............................... John Gaffney Girls 19U ................................Matt Phillips

www.amherstyouthhockey.org

HOCKEY TRY-OUTS

Bud Bakewell Bruins Hockey Association will be holding try-outs for the 2016-17 season!

BANTAM MINOR

Tuesday, April 5.................... 6:00-7:00 pm Wednesday, April 6 .............. 6:00-7:00 pm Friday, April 8 ....................... 7:30-8:30 pm Coach: Kevin Klostermann .....989-9140

BANTAM MAJOR

Tuesday, April 5.................... 5:00-6:00 pm Wednesday, April 6 .............. 5:00-6:00 pm Thursday, April 7 .................. 6:00-7:00 pm Bill Cline ...........................541-8347

MIDGET U15

Tuesday, April 5 ................. 7:00-8:00 pm Wednesday, April 6 ............ 7:00-8:00 pm Thursday, April 7 ............... 7:00-8:00 pm Coach: Bill Cline ................541-8347 Manager: Bob Tollar ............807-9722

MIDGET U16

Tuesday, April 5 ................. 8:00-9:00 pm Wednesday, April 6 ............ 8:00-9:00 pm Thursday, April 7 ............... 8:00-9:00 pm Coach: John Spatarico ........628-5438 Coach: Carl Miller ..............491-7147

27

MIDGET U18

Tuesday, April 5................. 9:00-10:00 pm Wednesday April 6 ............ 9:00-10:00 pm Thursday April 7 ............... 9:00-10:00 pm COACK: Paul Crist ................310-7018 Coach: Carl Miller ...............491-7147

Players should arrive 30 minutes prior to ice times.

Players must have releases.

Cost $10.00 per tryout

2607 Niagara St Buffalo, NY 14207 / www.budbakewellhockey.com

28

wnyhockeyreport.com

TRYOUT EDITION 2016-2017

Try-out Schedule Bantam - Midget - Girls 14 - Girls 16 2016-2017 Season ALL TRY-OUTS @ HAMBURG RINK 2982 Lakeview Rd., Hamburg NY

Competing as a Tier II Association.

Tryout fee is $15 per session. Any player that did not play in the Hamburg Hawks organization, house or travel, for the 2015-2016 season must provide a NYSAHA player release from your previous organization.

Boys Teams Play a WNYAHL AA Schedule Girls Teams Play a GLGHL Schedule

All coaches are posted online at: www.HamburgHawks.org

Team Bantam Minor

Birth Year 2003

Bantam Major TB

2002

Bantam Mixed Midget 15U

2002 & under 2001 & under

Midget 16U TB

2000 & under

Midget 18U TB

1998 & under

Girls 14U TB

2002 & under

Girls 16U TB

2000 & under

Girls 19U NTB

1997 & under

Girls 14/16 NTB

2000 & under

Date Tues 4/5/16 Fri 4/8/16 Sat 4/9/16 Tues 4/5/16 Thurs 4/7/16 Fri 4/8/16 Sat 4/9/16 Wed 4/6/16 Thurs 4/7/16 Sat 4/9/16 Tues 4/5/16 Thurs 4/7/16 Tues 4/5/16 Thurs 4/7/16 Wed 4/6/16 Fri 4/8/16 Wed 4/6/16 Fri 4/8/16 Wed 4/6/16 Fri 4/8/16 Fri 4/8/16

Time 6:00pm 5:00pm 3:15pm 5:00pm 5:00pm 8:30pm 4:30pm 7:00pm 7:15pm 2:00pm 8:30pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 8:30pm 8:00pm 7:15pm 9:00pm 6:00pm 9:00pm 6:00pm 7:15pm

Coach Ron Filigera

Phone 225-6535

Jim Zablonski

200-8607

Matt Holmes Jim Mason

531-6836 912-1301

Brian Dehlinger 818-0467 Gary Hughes

570-2267

Eric Cooper

364-2589

Rob Compise

860-6483

Rob Compise

860-6483

Tom Nelson

583-2654

Cazenovia Park HoCkey assoCiation 2016-2017 tryouts

tryout fee is $10 for eaCH tryout (day).

Bantam and midget Boys

Division Bantam Bantam Bantam Midget Midget Midget Minor Major Mixed 15U 16U TB 18U TB Coach Peter Echeverria Ken Swain AJ Ortiz Aaron Wallace Mark Poloncarz John Miller Wed., April 6 5:00 - 5:50 PM Thurs., April 7 5:00 - 5:50 PM

Tues., April 5 6:00 - 6:50 PM Wed., April 6 6:00 - 6:50 PM Fri. , April 8 9:00 - 9:50 PM

Thurs., April 7 6:00 - 6:50 PM Fri., April 8 8:00 - 8:50 PM

Tues., April 5 7:00-7:50 PM Wed., April 6 10:00-10:50 PM Thurs., April 7 7:00-7:50 PM

Tues., April 5 9:00-9:50 PM Wed., April 6 8:00-8:50 PM

Midget 18U NTB

Nelson Sheehan Tues., April 5 Thurs., April 7 10:00-10:50 PM 10:00-10:50 PM Wed., April 6 Fri., April 8 9:00-9:50 PM 10:00-10:50 PM

Lady CHiefs

Girls 14U TB

Girls Girls 14U NTB 19U TB

Chris Malicki Tues., April 5 5:00 - 5:50 PM Wed., April 6 7:00-7:50 PM

Mark Jacobs Thurs., April 7 8:00-8:50 PM Fri., April 8 6:00 - 6:50 PM

Jim Bautz Tues., April 5 8:00-8:50 PM Thurs., April 7 9:00 - 9:50 PM

TB - Tournament Bound NTB - Non Tournament Bound

all tryouts will be held at the timothy Burvid (Caz) ice rink, 25 Cazenovia street Buffalo, 14220.

All Cazenovia Park Hockey Association tryouts are $10.00. Players from other organizations must have a signed 2012-2013 release and a copy of their birth certificate. All players should attend all tryouts in their division. $250 Deposit due at time of signing. Other teams may be formed as needed. Pease visit our website for updates as well as for on-line registration information for our Red White and Blue, Mite and MOHL programs. For more information contact us at cazhockey@live.com As a member of WNYAH, all Cazenovia Park Hockey Association teams play in their Travel, MOHL or Mite Jam divisions.

www.CazHoCkey.Com

TRYOUT EDITION 2016-2017

wnyhockeyreport.com

2016-2017 Aurora Ice Travel Tryouts

Bantam

(Birth Years 2002 & 2003) Wednesday, April 6th / 7:30-9:00pm Thursday, April 7th / 7:15-8:45pm @ HARBORCENTER Contact Jeff Ensminger (jcemsrd@gmail.com) to participate.

If you missed our...

Pee Wee & Squirt Travel Try-Outs and are still interested, please contact us!

We are expanding!

Look for information coming soon on our Midget MOHL Program!

$20 Try-Out Fee / Visit www.thinkrink.org for more information.

Aurora Ice Youth Hockey is a member of the Western New York Amateur Hockey League (WNYAHL) and anticipates opportunities for MOHL and House programs at ALL Levels for the 2016-2017 season.

Please contact Chris Catanzaro (chriscatz6@hotmail.com) with any interest for players and/or coaches.

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wnyhockeyreport.com

TRYOUT EDITION 2016-2017

wnyhockeyreport.com

TRYOUT EDITION 2016-2017

Clarence Mustangs Bantam - Midget 2016/17 Tryouts Level

Birth Year Head Coach

Bantam Minor

2003

Jerry Sorrentino 860-9085

Tues. 4/5 6:30 PM HO Wed. 4/6 6:30 PM HO

Bantam Major TB Eligible

2002

Jim Sullivan

432-7537

Tues. 4/5 6:30 PM CFCU Wed. 4/6 6:30 PM CFCU

Midget 15U

2001

Joe Aronica

628-3603

Tues. 4/5 7:40 PM HO Wed. 4/6 7:40 PM HO

Midget 16U TB Eligible

2000-01

Steve Pohrte

998-3545

Tues.4/5 7:40 PM CFCU Wed.4/6 7:40 PM CFCU

Midget 18 U

1998-99

Nick Sledziewski 343-4522

Midget 18U TB Eligible

1998-99

Tyler Crawford

Phone

479-4557

Date

Time

Rink*

Tues.4/5 8:50 PM HO Wed.4/6 8:50 PM HO Tues.4/5 8:50 PM CFCU Wed.4/6 8:50 PM CFCU

31

Free Tryouts

The Clarence Mustangs organization is a “B” center in the West Section of NYSAHA going into our 16th season. All teams listed 2007 and beyond are eligible to compete at the Tier II travel level in the WNYAHL. A release from your current organization and a copy of the player’s birth certificate are required at tryouts.

Players should plan on being at all tryout sessions. A down payment of $400 with the desire to make a commitment, second $50 deposit check will be required for player’s uniforms, if contract is offered.

Clarence Mustangs partner with Lockport Lake Effect Hockey for house and MOHL programs for all ages. Visit our website for more info. *HO - Hockey Outlet 3385 Niagara Falls Blvd., N. Tonawanda *CFCU - Cornerstone CFCU Arena 34 Chestnut St., Lockport

Tryouts subject to change.

Visit www.clarencemustangs.com/ tryouts for up-to-date info.

USA Hockey Affiliate • Free Weekly Goalie Clinics • 3-4 Ice Sheets/Week

www.clarencemustangs.com/tryouts

TONAWANDA LIGHTNING 2016 -17 TRYOUT SCHEDULE

TEAM

COACHES

BIRTH YEARS

DATES

TIMES

LOCATION

GIRLS 14U

Chris Marzec

2002-2003

APRIL 5-6

8:00 PM

HYDE PARK

BANTAM MINOR

John Edholm

2003

APRIL 5-6

5:00 PM

HYDE PARK-RINK 1

BANTAM MAJOR (SB)

Brian Juntunen

2002

APRIL 5-6

6:00 PM

HYDE PARK-RINK 1

MIDGET 15U

TBA

2001

APRIL 5-6

TBA

HYDE PARK

MIDGET 16U (SB)

Sam DeFranks

2000-2001

APRIL 5-6

6:00 PM

HYDE PARK-RINK 2

MIDGET 18U (SB) (SB) Team is State Bound Eligible

Don Pray

1998-1999

APRIL 5-6

7:00 PM

HYDE PARK-RINK 1

• No residency requirement – Non-residents welcome!

• Release & copy of birth certificate required for new players • One time $20 tryout fee covers all sessions • $300 non-refundable deposit due at player signing

• Questions? Contact Tom Diehl (716) 860-2332 or Sam DeFranks (716) 462-3277 • Visit our website for updates

www.tonawandalightning.com

wnyhockeyreport.com

32

TRYOUT EDITION 2016-2017

2016-17 TRAVEL TRYOUTS

Come join one of the premiere Travel Organizations in WNY. All tryouts held at Dwyer Arena on the Niagara University Campus. $20 tryout fee per session, with the third session free when paying for two. $400 non-refundable deposit due at signing.

TUESDAY - APRIL 5 6:00-7:00 Midget 15U 7:10-8:10 Bantam Major 8:20-9:20 Bantam Minor 9:30-10:30 Midget 16U TB

WEDNESDAY - APRIL 6 6:00-7:00 Midget 15U 7:10-8:10 Bantam Major 8:20-9:20 Bantam Minor 9:30-10:30 Midget 16U TB

6:00-7:00 Girls 16U 7:10-8:10 Girls 19U 8:20-9:20 Midget 18U TB

6:40-7:40 Girls 16U 7:50-8:50 Girls 19U 9:00-10:00 Midget 18U TB

THURSDAY - APRIL 7 6:00-7:00 Midget 15/16 7:10-8:10 Midget 18U NTB 8:20-9:20 Bantam III

NJPE will have pre-tryout registration on our website 1-week prior to tryouts.

The following Head Coaches will leading our teams to successful seasons in the upcoming 2016-2017 season.

Bantam Minor

Sal Manente

713-9731

salisa92@aol.com

Girls 12U TB

Mark Wojcinski

808-651-1599 coachwojo@gmail.com

Bantam Major

Joe Montaldi

946-5142

montjd4186@gmail.com

Girls 12U NTB

Joe Chadima

998-1725

jchad20@gmail.com

Bantam III

Ron Hurtt

868-1586

coachron8@live.com

Girls 16U Tier 1

Rocco Dellaneve

432-9728

ddella1219@aol.com

Midget 15U

Chris Mackenzie

417-3450

dmackenzie4@roadrunner.com

Girls 19U

Scott Welch

870-4442

sdwelch4@aol.com

Midget 15U/16U

Gary Krull

432-1616

coachk98@msn.com

Midget 16U TB

James Tagliarino

418-0428

djjt001@gmail.com

Midget 18 TB

Gene Naab

867-4363

laceemup3@aol.com

www.jrpurpleeagles.com

Lockport Youth Hockey Association

2016-17 Tryouts

• Sign up for the 2016-17 season before 5/1 and SAVE up to $50 • Register and make a non-refundable $50 deposit before 5/1 and we will deduct an additional $25 from your registration fee • Bring in a new player and save an additional $25 off your registration fee.

• MOHL - Squirt - Midget - evaluations will take place in the fall • 8u/6u ADM – NYSAHA and USA Hockey Approved • Novice Program (4-5 yr olds/beginners) • Girls teams starting up for the 2016-17 season – reserve a spot now.

• Now taking coaching applications for any coaches interested in coaching the 2016-17 season

Spring League sign ups going on now • Season runs 4/16/16 – 7/31/16 • Saturday and Sunday mornings • $245 – includes jersey and socks

• 2 Girls Sessions: 4/16/16 – 6/4/16 and 6/11/16-7/31/16 • Saturday mornings • $60/session

For more information contact Tom Dockery at: tdockery@cornerstoneicearena.com

2016-17 Tryouts Squirt Mixed TB

PeeWee Mixed TB

March 14 - 15, 6:30-7:30 pm March 14 - 15, 7:30-8:30 pm March 20, 1-2 pm March 20, 2:00-3:00 pm Squirt and PeeWee tryouts at Suny Brockport Ice Arena 350 New Campus Drive, Brockport, NY

Bantam Mixed TB

April 6, 7:00-8:30 pm rink 2 April 12, 7:30-9:00 pm rink 4

Midget U18

April 6, 8:30-10:00 pm rink 2 April 12, 8:00-9:30 pm rink 3

Bantam and Midget tryouts at Bill Grays Regional Ice Plex • $25 tryout fee.

• Squirt, PeeWee and Bantam are all mixed teams and will be tournament bound.

• We offer free power skating clinics and Goalie clinics. We also offer skills clinics run by the Suny Brockport Mens hockey team.

• All clinics are age specific and included in you registration.

www.tricountyyouthhockey.com

Lockport Express

33

Lockport Express The Lockport Express Junior Hockey Program is closing in on the end of its second full season.

The 1st season featured several success stories including the amazing story of Dillon Hayes recording a hat trick on January 31, 2015 (all 3 goals including the shootout winner) on the same day his father, Tim, tragically passed away.

The team boasted the NA3EHL Rookie of the Year in Anthony Merante, 1st Team All Star in Nick Siracuse, GM of the Year and Organization of the Year. We also proudly moved players on to higher levels of hockey elsewhere. Nick Siracuse, Daniel Golba and Christian Whitcomb all currently play for the Powassan Voodoos of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL), which is a Tier II Junior League and their team is currently ranked 16th in all of Canada. Jacob Burford is currently playing for the ACHA D1 Team at Rochester College and doing quite well also.

Our second season has also been a success and our program is growing. So far, we have 2 players committed to play ACHA D1 Hockey at Niagara University. Chris Gasiewicz and Frank Vecchio II have both recently committed to this program, which is a perennial contender and annually ranked in the top 20 in the nation. We are extremely proud of both of these young men.

There are several schools interested in several other players and we expect more commitments

over the next few months.

We are extremely proud to announce that we have now merged into the NA3HL as full members of that outstanding Tier 3 Junior League. The league currently has 13 teams in the top 50 in the country and our team will be a full member of that league. We are very excited about the opportunity for even greater exposure this will afford our players to be able to advance their careers. Along these lines, as our program grows, I will need to focus on the growth and will serve as General Manager of the program, including the Junior Team.

We are extremely proud and excited to announce Brian Becker as the Head Coach of the Junior A Team beginning in the 2016-2017 season.

Brain has outstanding credentials, having played junior hockey as well as college hockey. He has coached locally since his playing days have ended and has an excellent reputation for developing players. "I am extremely excited about being named the next Head Coach of the Lockport Express”, states Becker. “I'd like to thank Steve and Frank for this tremendous opportunity. Lockport runs a first class junior program and what the new NA3HL membership provides in exposure and high quality competition has me really excited for what is to come. I'm looking forward to developing players and advancing them to leagues such as

Proud Supporters of West Seneca Wings Hockey

the NAHL as well as NCAA programs." We will fully support Brian and are 100% confident he will be a huge asset to our program.

Lastly, please check out our website for our upcoming Rookie Camp Date and Times. Our NAHL affiliate, the Odessa Jackalopes, will once again be holding their camp at Niagara University and we are again partnering with them for this.

All information will be on our website: www. lockportexpress.com.

Thank you for your time and support!

Frank J Vecchio General Manager

WNY’s premier outdoor ice rink builder.

Complete packages and custom rink sizes available.

Landscaping & Ice Rinks paceicerinks.com / 716.822.1023 Official rink builder of the Tim Hortons Backyard Classic

WNYHockeyReport.com

Future Sabres

34

Future Sabres: Eric Cornel

by Warren Kozireski Warren@wnyhockeyreport.com

Before forward Eric Cornel was chosen by Buffalo with the 44th overall selection in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft—their second, second round pick after Brendan Lemieux—some scouts assessed him as inconsistent.

It’s been almost two full seasons later playing with Peterborough of the Ontario Hockey League and you can erase that label according to his head coach, himself and the “C” he wears on his jersey.

“He’s one of those guys who is a tireless worker,” Peterborough head coach Jody Hull said about Cornel. “He’s always wanted to get better whether it’s in the weight room or in practice or doing video—he wants to be a better player and he works at it.

“Does it come easy for him at times—no, but usually at the end of the day, hard work prevails. I don’t think he is a natural scorer by any means, but you can tell he works, he skates; he tries to make plays when the opportunity is there.

“When he came into our league he was more of a passer than a shooter, but he does have a pretty good shot. He has scored some big goals for us. It’s just a matter of being confident enough in certain situations to use your shot. He’s a guy we’re going to continue to lean on in the stretch to hopefully help us win some more games.

“Probably at the end of the day a wing guy, but has versatility at all three positions.”

At 6’2”, 191 lb. the soon-to-be 20 year old is in his final year of junior hockey before likely signing a three-year entry-level deal this spring and play his first full professional season in Rochester next fall on the road to the NHL. It will be his first full season because he did play six games in the AHL last spring on an amateur tryout with the Amerks after the Petes’ junior season ended.

This season, the Kemptville, Ontario native was among the top scorers on Peterborough and tied for 16th in the league in points with 72 through his first 60 games. He was also in the top-ten in the OHL in assists.

“Especially this year my goal at the start was be a factor every night and contribute to my team every night and I think I’ve done a pretty good job of that,” Cornel said after a game at Hamilton.

“You can always work on consistency and I’ve been working on it a lot. It’s been a good year. I’ve found a way to contribute a little on the penalty kill and that wasn’t a part of my game before, so that’s given me energy fiveon-five.

“I’ve been using my body and using my speed and I think I’ve been skating pretty well lately, so I’m pretty happy with how my game’s gone this year.

As for his time last spring in Rochester?

“It helped me a lot. I think it kind of opened my eyes to see where I have to get down the road here.

I’ve been in touch with the player development guys in Buffalo a lot so far and they’ve really heled me with nutrition, training and have really made an impact on my development this year.

Kemptville is near Ottawa, so Cornel grew up watching Jason Spezza, formerly of the Ottawa Senators, as a kid.

“I thought he was a great play-maker and I think we have a similar skating stride and, of course, he’s a great player in the NHL, so that’s who I model myself after.

Cornel wears number ten with Peterborough, wore #18 in lower juniors and #48 in his brief stint with Rochester last year. And next year?

“I thought 48 was a pretty nice number actually. I’m happy with any number they give me at the next level. We (Buffalo) have a ton of prospects, so I think it’s going to be challenging, it’s going to be exciting to move up the ranks with the rest of the group of guys. They really seem to be doing it right as far as player development.”

WNYHockeyReport.com

3D.Hockey

35

The Journey

by Cory Mickey

It's always nice to reflect on the bigger picture when it comes to the life of hockey.

The character it takes to play. The commitment and dedication. The financial sacrifices. The time and growth. Playing hockey truly is the best! Like your favorite piece of cake, once you have that sweet taste instantly you want more. Hockey is just contagious.

Hockey might be the most complicated sport ever to exist. The degree of difficulty is perfectly said by NHL Hockey Hall of Famer and three-time Stanley Cup champion Brendan Shanahan. He once said: “Is hockey hard? I don't know, you tell me. We need to have the strength and power of a football player, the stamina of a marathon runner, and the concentration of a brain surgeon. But we need to put all this together while moving at high speeds on a cold and slippery surface while five other guys use clubs to try and kill us. Oh yeah, did I mention that this whole time we're standing on blades 1/8 of an inch thick? Is ice hockey hard? I don't know, you tell me. Next question."

"Is hockey hard? I don't know, you tell me. We need to have the strength and power of a football player, the stamina of a marathon runner, and the concentration of a brain surgeon."

I mean, wow! When it's put like that by a guy who played with various great players and won what are considered the three most prominent team titles in ice hockey - an Olympic gold medal, a World Championship and Stanley Cup - Shanahan is a member of the elite "Triple Gold Club." To even scratch that hockey success surface would be quite an accomplishment.

It sure makes for a great story but, at the end of the day, that's not what motivates me. Yes, absolutely this game has been good to me.

Being the son of a former NHLer, I had the ability to experience the game at various degrees. The pros, the coaches, scouts, trainers, the hockey department staff and more have all influenced me to have that hockey drive.

To me that is everything I stand for as a teacher of the game. Some call me a coach, a trainer, a scout and I'm sure some other names, but we have to leave those out. After all, the kids are an audience as well. I do wear many hats. I'm a friend, a role model, a motivator, a therapist and a disciplinarian.

of art. It takes many growing pains and years to develop. Take a moment to count your blessings and enjoy the ride.

Sure, your kid should be involved in other sports like soccer and tennis. By the age of 12, when checking is introduced, the teams are cut in half.

Bantam and midget teams become either a new chapter or the last chapter. So encourage your sons and daughters to embrace to game, appreciate the skills involved but, most importantly, have fun.

Let's be realistic, hockey can build lifetime friendships and, like golf or skiing, it really is a game you can play and enjoy your whole life.

There is nothing better than a late-night or earlymorning pickup game with your friends. You can find a lot of 50-, 60- and even 70-year-olds still lacing up the skates games on rinks throughout Western New York. Look at the growth of adult leagues and adult learn-to-play hockey programs.

You don't have to play juniors or college or pros to love playing hockey for life. Being a part of hockey is a unique scenario.

3D.Hockey will

Enjoy the greatest game on earth.

Cory Mickey owner of 3D.hockey offers a three-dimensional coaching style for hockey skills training and specialty goaltending. His web site is www.3D.Hockey.com and he can be reached at cory.mickey@gmail.com or 716-725-9007.

TRYOUT PREP!

This might be the greatest reason to embrace your child having the opportunity to be involved in such a wonderful game.

Live in the moment.

The car rides to the rink, the out of town trips, the friendships, the stories and experiences.

Sometimes it feels like it's over so fast.

I would bet money that it takes most people a good 28 years to become proficient at something, especially when referencing a complete hockey player that goes all the way. A hockey player is like a piece

be offering ice times geared to providing try-out situations and polishing hockey skills including:

• Checking and Puck Battle • Shooting and Passing

• Skating • Full Ice Drills

Individualized Scouting Report: Each player will receive 1 on 1 feedback on strengths, weaknesses, areas to improve and overall skill rating 1-5.

All Sessions @ North Buffalo Ice Rink

Date Sat. 2/27 Sat. 3/5 Sat. 3/19 Mon. 3/28 Tue. 3/29 Wed. 3/30 Sat. 4/2 Sun. 4/3

Time 8:00-9:30pm 7:30-9:00pm 7:30-9:00pm 6:00pm-7:00pm 6:00pm-7:00pm 6:00pm-7:00pm 7:30-9:00pm 5:30-7:00pm

Birth Year 2001-04 2005-08 2001-04 2005-08 2001-04 2005-08 2005-08 2001-04

Cost:

$25 Per Session or 4 pack $80 To reserve your spot please email: info@3d.hockey

Coach Cory Mickey

https://twitter.com/Cory3DHockey or http://3d.hockey

WNYHockeyReport.com

Section VI Hockey

36

Section VI

By Melissa Brawdy They call it "the Fed." It's high school varsity hockey in Western New York, and it's like no other sport or hockey league around.

While travel hockey may have a longer season and more demanding schedule, there's something about playing hockey for a school team that makes it different and, most agree, better.

Tricia Browne is the mother of Williamsville South's Jeff Browne, and she always hoped that her son would play for his high school. After spending his junior year of high school with the Buffalo Regals, Browne returned for his senior year to captain the South team and lead the Billies to the small school semifinals.

"As a parent we always hoped our son would play for their high school; it's a different camaraderie than travel," Tricia said. "It builds bonds with kids you're with every day, grown up with. It's hard to explain, but even for a parent the feeling watching is different."

Williamsville North's Jared Cummins had that same dream from the time he was young.

"I grew up going to all the Will North games at Northtown Center, so I was a huge fan and always wanted to wear the green and gold," Cummins said.

Cummins' dream came true in his freshman year at Williamsville North. Three years later, Cummins is part of a Spartans team that won this year's large school Section VI championship, and he was named to the large school All-Fed team.

"It's been everything I thought it was gonna be and more," Cummins said. "The fans -- it's awesome. The talk at school after the games. You can't ask for more."

The students themselves are half the fun.

Cummins' team is backed by the almost infamous North Squall, and Cummins' teammate Josh Surowiec said that's his favorite part of playing in the Fed. Having that crowd of students behind the team cheering them on gives any team extra motivation, and for Cummins, it goes beyond just his classmates.

"There's always big crowds there, and you're playing for more than just the 23 guys on the bench and the coaches behind you," Cummins explained. "You're playing for everyone at your school and everyone in your community, and I have neighbors that look up to me and come over to my house every Friday and say, 'Good game yesterday,' so it's just a real community effort in the North area."

Matt Steffan graduated in 2015 from Williamsville East, where he captained the hockey team and led the Flames to a finish as state runners-up.

"There was always an excitement and vibe around school on game day," Steffan said. "You have the ability to represent your school in a

positive way and leave your legacy on the banners that decorate the walls of the gym."

Finally, players were resolute that the relationships formed on these Fed teams are unlike any other league or any other sport.

"I play two other sports, but there's nothing like hockey," said Hamburg captain Jason Lucarelli.

"You don't build a bond with the guys on your team like you do in hockey. There's nothing like it."

"It's a lot different from travel because you're only with these kids for a short amount of time, a few months, but you build bonds with them that'll last a lifetime," said Cummins. "So it's really just having fun, staying in the moment, and playing hard and having fun."

"You were able to enjoy the sport you love with the kids you see every day at school," said Steffan. "These are kids you grew up with, take classes with, and look up to if you're an underclassman. You develop closer relationship with these kids that you spend seven hours with five times a week.

Even though it is not as competitive as travel, you just can't form those friendships anywhere else.

My closest friends came from high school hockey."

Top: Section VI Club Champions – St. Joes 2nd Down: Section VI Club Champions – Olean

Goaltender for Depew Section VI Club Champions

Top: Section VI Federation Champions – Williamsville North Above: Section VI Federation Champions – St. Joes Left: Section VI Federation Champions – Kenmore East

WNYHockeyReport.com

Section V Hockey

37

Section V

by Warren Kozireski Warren@wnyhockeyreport.com

NOTES: • McQuaid head coach Al Vyverberg earned his 400th career win Feb. 13 over Irondequoit.

• Former Penfield resident Terry Shafer set a new school goaltending record with his fifth career shutout for Robert Morris over RIT. • Former Fairport player Cole Bardreau was named American Hockey League Rookie of the Month in January. He produced six goals with six assists and was +11 in 11 games.

Section V Champions Top: Notre Dame Left: Pittsford Bottom Left: Victor

Get Noticed at Tryouts!

Pre-tryout Over Speed Hockey Preparation Clinic • Highly Paced Hockey Program aimed at improving athletes physical condition and stamina prior to tryouts.

• Don’t fail the cut because you are out of shape!

• Coach Clark will go over common tryout drills as well as teaching the athletes what coaches look for in tryouts.

• Be properly prepared to impress. Stand out! Don’t blend into the background!

Birthdates 2000 – 2004 All Clinics at Leisure Rinks in West Seneca March 21 – 3:00-4:15 / March 22 – 3:00-4:15 / March 23 – 3:00-4:15 $30 per session. 3 pack $75

To reserve your spot: Call: 716-308-4823 Or email: sclark0228@aol.com WNYHockeyReport.com

Precision Hockey Training

38

Target The Struggle – Train The Brain

by Mark Metzger m.metzger@precisionhockey.net

I’ve had the pleasure of training over 2,300 players from the NHL, AHL, ECHL, NCAA, OHL, USHL, NAHL, High School, and Youth Hockey. Most players that come to Precision Hockey recognize that skating is a big part of today’s game. No system of play or strategy can hide a players skating deficiencies. That’s where Precision Hockey goes to work. Think of player development and in particular a hockey players skating ability in terms of training for golf. Most can’t break a 100 on a typical public course until they spend hundreds of hours practicing their swing and learning how to repeat the steps needed to hit a round golf ball squarely. Same goes for skating. Players need to understand the mechanics of their stride. They need to spend hundreds of hours practicing the steps needed to develop that perfect stride.

So what makes us different from other camps you ask? The teaching system I learned at a young age and spent years working to perfect is based on biomechanics. I evaluate and analyze a players strengths and weaknesses. I use simple terminology so players understand what I’m talking about. I break it down step by step and then demonstrate. I repeat it until they get it. The goal is to turn a players weakness into their strength and get them ready for higher levels of hockey. First and foremost players have to be able skate but they also have to compete hard, work on their puck skills and be able to think the game. A well-structured practice or training session is up to ten times more effective than playing a game. USA Hockey and Hockey Canada agree that practicing is far more beneficial than games at developing player skills.

At Precision Hockey, I develop players starting with the following 7 steps: 1. Balance 2. Coordination 3. Edgework 4. Endurance – stamina 5. Quickness/Explosiveness 6. Hockey IQ/ Game awareness – Mental Preparation – visualization 7. P uck Control – Soft/Quick hands

Individual skill development has to be introduced to young hockey players before they can play games as

a team. For example, lets say you play the saxophone and it is your first day of class. Your music teacher wouldn’t call for a concert one week from when you started. It takes time to learn and orchestrate. A figure skater trains the same way. They work on their individual elements; their jumps and spins. They train for several months before they go out and compete.

Their training regiment process is based on individual practices, where they prepare their skills to make an impact during their performance in a competition. The same is true for hockey, like figure skating or playing the saxophone, a hockey player needs to practice skills.

The game of hockey is all about being able to control your skating from fast to slow automatically without even thinking about it. It’s all muscle memory formed with the proper instruction and continuous repetition of skating. The game of hockey is constantly changing.

The game is changing from the way we, as coaches and players, are accustomed to playing. A new way of thinking and training is required.

When I was 13 years old my Dad new that I was a very fast skater but I didn’t have any edge control, agility, or any direction. My Dad was aware that coaches were working on team systems such as power play and penalty kill. He new that in order for me to enjoy the game more and get to a higher level that I needed direction and proper training. I am forever grateful to my parents for getting me the training. I could barley skate, shoot, stickhandle let alone put it all together! I went from playing AA hockey to playing junior A in three years.

This included 225 hours of private training for three years. I was also fortunate to get invited to the Rouyn Noranda Huskies QMJHL Main Camp, but eventually I sustained a career ending injury. My advice for players and parents is to not get caught up in “flashy spring tournament teams” during the offseason. The characters of tournaments aren’t that good and they are a huge expense. When all said and done, parents wonder why the quality of their players’ skill remains unsatisfactory. During the offseason develop good skills and train with the proper instructors. Player development is all about results.

This includes determination and a work ethic second to none. The player has to want it the most; the passion is the most vital trait to success.

Some personal insight: Look at yourself as a stock.

Everyday you need to work hard to get your stock to climb. Having a bad attitude about yourself won’t help. Not giving up

WNYHockeyReport.com

in practice and giving it your all is the best you can do. If you slack or cut corners it will only drop your value. Character is important. You have to have a good attitude!

Remember this offseason: 1. Deep practices – the game becomes the teacher 2. Player development involves the proper instruction. A teacher is one who makes himself progressively unnecessary!

Good luck in tryouts! Precision Hockey now has our spring development and skating camps available for registration. We have several guest instructors including Ben Boudreau – ECHL Assistant Coach and Goldenhorse Shoe Hockey School Owner, Mike Pegula – California Heat Coach and Player Development Coach, Jon Christiano – Buffalo Sabres Scout, Tim Madsen – NCAA Assistant Coach, Mike McCourt – Ridly College Head Coach and more! For more information go to www.precisionhockey.net

Rochester Youth Hockey

Rochester Youth Hockey The AHL's Rochester Americans recently hosted Kids Day at the Blue Cross Arena in honor of RYH hockey hero Patrick Carr. The home game featured local mascots including Moose, Spikes and Otto the Orange, offered the youngest hockey fans bounce houses and featured a special video moment on the jumbotron to celebrate the hockey-inspired life of our own #15. RYH's 2015-16 Pony team took the ice for National Anthem while a corner crew of RYH players and families from house to travel celebrated an Amerks overtime win!

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Mark Zarbo Hockey

40

My Hockey Story

by Mark Zarbo MarkZarbo@yahoo.com First let me give you a little background on myself. I grew up on Grand Island. I am the oldest of 4 boys. 3 of us played hockey and eventually all 3 of us where fortunate enough to receive D1 college scholarships. All 3 of our stories are unique and different but I know my brothers would agree with me on lessons learned. Today I am only going to reference my story though for space sake.

My dad played hockey but just house league and pick up as a kid growing up. So if there is such a thing that makes us a 1st generation hockey family.

One thing that had huge impact on my brothers and I is that my dad has a small construction company. As soon as we could swing a hammer he had us working. I worked full time for him in the summers from I was 10 years old to 24 years old.

My dad is pretty tough guy and expected nothing less of his sons. When I was 20 and my brother Joe was 15; I had to have shoulder surgery and it just happened that my brother Joe partially fractured

his collar bone at an OHL camp the same week of my surgery. We were both in slings but dad had big job we were framing that he needed us for. He had us both still working in our slings because and I quote “you still have 1 good arm each.” Stories like that defined our upbringing.

For anyone that reads my hockey bio online you might think that I had story book career and was on the fast track to a college scholarship. What that bio does not tell you is all the trials and adversity’s I faced my whole career.

As a youth the Regals 1986 birth year team was the best at my age group. I was cut from that team 2 years in a row. The third year, my Pewee Major year, I finally made it. I wasn’t recruited, I had been playing AA at Grand Niagara (now NU) but had a great tryout. I played a few years there, then that team split up from what we will call “hard feelings”.

I played 1 year at West Seneca and then my 16 year old year the Saints where putting together another “super” team. It was a lot of the same group from the Regals. I was never one of those player’s that was part of the “in crowd” so I would again have to make the team by trying out. I will never forget the head coach that year bringing me aside in the hallway at Buff State after tryouts and asking me if I had another team to go too. I knew if I said yes I knew I would be cut. So I said no. They ended up taking me as the 6th defenseman. I am proud to say that one of our last games that season the head coach told me I was their third best defenseman that season, although I would argue I was the 2nd. Either way I proved I was not the 6th defenseman.

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When I was a kid there was no U14 USA festival tryouts and the U15 tryouts where only a state tryout, no national festival. For the U15 I made the state tryout and did well. My 16 year I was not even invited to the local tryout.

That was year after I played for the Saints 16u. That season at the Saints and not being invited to the local tryout for USA festivals,

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fueled my decision to get away from that group of players and play for Wheatfield Blades Jr B team.

That was my junior year of HS. That was one of 2 seasons I can say was a game changer for me. I was the youngest player on the team and one of the youngest in the league. I had a great year and was finally given opportunity to succeed. After that year I was invited to the U 17 tryouts and ended up being selected to team NY and went to the National USA Festival. I went from not being even invited to the local tryout the year before to making the state team the next year. It was out of the USA 17 camp that many colleges started to contact me. That was the summer before my senior year.

My senior year I had signed to play for the Fort Erie Meteors in the Golden Horse Jr B league. 9 games into that season I received a call from Cedar Rapids Roughriders in the USHL. The USHL is the USA top junior league. They offered me a spot on the team with the only catch being I had to be out there by the end of that week. So within a week of that phone call I was living with a billet family in Cedar Rapids, Iowa going to a new HS. .

I played 9 games for Cedar Rapids over the course of 3 months. I had 1 goal and was a +6.

Not bad stats for a defenseman but again I was on the outside looking in. Being a healthy scratch more games then I played was tough and made me wonder why they ever called me and why I moved my life to Iowa. In January of that year I got another call from the Youngstown Phantoms of the NAHL. The NAHL is teir II league for USA junior leagues. They had seen I was not playing a lot and offered me a spot with the promise that I would get a lot of minutes.

With that promise I picked up again and moved to Youngstown, Ohio. Another new billet family and another new high school; my third high school and third state my senior year. I had a very good finish to that season playing top D pair minutes and 1st line special teams. In my year end meeting my coach told me he wanted me back and that I would be their top defenseman for that next year.

He promised me he would get me committed to a college and a scholarship.

With that I went back to Youngstown for my first season out of HS with big hopes and high expectations. Overall I had a good year being selected to the All-Star game that season. The only thing was all the phone calls for schools had stopped and that promise from my coach to promote me and get me my “deal” never happened.

After that season I decided not to return to Youngstown. I had to go to a place that would get me more exposure and promotion. That place ended up being the Capital District Selects in the Eastern Junior League. I had a great year in CD being 1 of the top scoring defenseman Continued on next page

Cara Klopp

41

Cara Klopp

by Randy Schultz Randy@wnyhockeyreport.com

Kenmore/Grand Island Girls hockey coach, Jeff Orlowski, knew coming into this hockey season his team had a big hole to fill in goal.

All-World, or at least AllHigh School, Goalie Lauren Pray had graduated.

Pray was the solid brick wall in goal for the Devildogs. But now she was gone and there was really nobody on the horizon to replace her.

Enter Cara Lynn Klopp.

“I knew this situation was coming when Lauren graduated,” recalled Orlowski. “So I was trying to prepare.

“I really didn’t have a backup for Lauren for her last two years of play. But I also coached the girl’s field hockey team and we had a girl in goal there by the name of Cara Klopp, who was a real good goalie.

“I asked Cara if she would come out for the hockey team. She told me she had never played ice hockey before.”

But Orlowski convinced Klopp to try and she did.

“I remember that first day because she (Klopp) was like Swiss cheese in goal, letting in a lot of goals,” continued Orlowski. “But I found out that she was a worker and didn’t give up.

“I have to give a lot of credit to my assistant coaches who spent the last two years taking a lot of shots at her in practice. They really helped develop her as a hockey goalie.

“Plus she played behind Lauren for two years. That didn’t hurt either.

“And this year she helped us go all the way to the girls State Championship game. I really can’t say enough about her.

“She wanted it.”

Klopp admits that her journey to becoming starting goalie on the Kenmore/Grand Island girl’s hockey team wasn’t an easy one.

“At the beginning of the year, it was a little rough,” commented Klopp, a senior. “To get to the State’s there was a lot of pressure.

“We are a great team. We deserved to be in the championship.

“I’m glad coach asked me a couple of years ago when he did. I had never played goal in ice hockey before.

“But I told him I would try it. I’m glad I did.”

Is there a difference between playing goal in field hockey versus playing goal in ice hockey?

“It’s a lot different,” answered Klopp. “Especially considering you’re on skates and on ice.

“I had skated before. But never played goal. “ After being a backup goalie and watching the Devildogs go to the New York State Girls Hockey Championships for two straight years, did Klopp ever image being in goal in the championship game?

“You really don’t think about it,” answered Klopp.

“But we had a hard working team this year.

“We struggled in the beginning, but we made it here (Albany, site of the Championships). I was proud to be a part of it.”

My Hockey Story Continued from previous page

in the EJHL. My coach helped me in contacting schools and soon enough the phone was ringing again. One school that was recruiting me was West Point. I will never forget the 1 conversation I had with the assistant coach as he told me they had been following me the last couple years and he wanted to know if I received the package they sent for me to the Youngstown Hockey Office. He also wanted to know if it was true that I wanted to play out my years of junior hockey eligibility and not leave early as the Youngstown coach had told him. I had never received their package and I never once said I wanted to play all my years of juniors and not go to college. I can only assume the Youngstown coach had been holding my mail and telling schools I wanted to play out my junior years to try to keep me on his team as long as he could. No matter, it was that year at CD that finally helped me achieve my goal of getting a Division 1 scholarship. Obviously my hockey career did not end there and I could go on to the new sets of challenges that college athletics brings but I will leave that for another day.

So the question remains what advice can I

pass along. First, you have to have thick skin. If I listened to anytime someone told I was “not good enough” or “too small to be a defenseman” I would have never made it out of youth hockey.

Second you have to have a lot of confidence in yourself. I like to call it a quiet confidence. The type of unshakable confidence knowing that you are going to succeed. There is huge difference in cockiness and confidence though. As my dad use to tell me the day you start thinking you are the best is the day you stop working hard. Third, failure is part of the process. Everyone at some point in their career or life experiences failure.

This could be getting cut, injuries or just a tough time in general. It is how you deal with it and how mentally tough you are that will determine if that failure makes you better. Learn from others failures or mistakes too. Every experience has something to offer. Fourth, sacrifice is part of succeeding. I told you my hockey story today but what I did not tell you is the thousands of hours I spent in the hockey room setup in my basement practicing. The thousands of extra on-ice hours at camps and clinics. There is no substitute for

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hard work. If you want to be good at hockey or anything you have to work hard. That is no secret.

Fifth, hockey just like life is not fair and will never be fair. You are only given so many opportunities.

To succeed you have to take advantage of them no matter how big or small. You cannot just wait and hope that an opportunity will just come along either. Sometimes you have to search them out or even create your own. When an opportunity does arise you have to take full advantage. I moved all over the country in search of my opportunity. I sacrificed time with friends and family but when given the opportunity I did my best to take advantage of it and make the most it. Lastly, no matter what anyone or any t-shirt says hockey is not life. There is always a life after hockey no matter what level you make it too. For most of us it is what you do after hockey that will define your life. If hockey can be the source to teach you all those points then you are lucky. Enjoy the game, love the game and learn from the game. www.MarkZarboHockey.com - (716) 208-3724

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The Buffalo Storm Inline Hockey League offers a fun and educational environm ent for players under the age of 15 to learn the gam e of Inline Hockey in a league s etting. Players will be broken down into the appropriate age divis ions and teams will be divided after an evaluation period. The youth league runs from May-Augus t and cons is ts of approxim ately one game and one s kills practice per week.

Divisions: Squirt League (10 & under) , Peewee League (12 & under), Bantam League (15 & under) Youth League Registration Fees: Town of Cheektowaga Residents - $80 Non- Residents - $110 ANY PLAYERS THAT REFER NEW APPLICANTS THAT HAV E NEV ER P ARTICIP ATED BEFORE, THAT REFERRING APPLICANT WILL RECEIV E A 50 % DISCOUNT. FOR 2 NEW APPL ICANTS, THE REFERRING APPLICANT P ARTICIP ATES FOR FREE! ** FULL TIM E INL INE GOAL IE FEES ARE FREE!: ** To be eligible for this rate, must be a goa ltender 100% of the time for all Games & Practices. Al l goalies must wear inline skates PAYM ENTS CA N BE MADE BY CASH, CHE CK OR CREDI T CA RD!

IMPORTANT NOTICE! ALL INLINE HOCKEY PROGRAMS W ILL BE RUN OUT OF THE DEPEW ICE ARENA at FIREM AN’S PARK. (78 GOULD AVENUE, DEPEW, NEW YORK 14043) FOR THE ENTIRE SP RING-S UMM ER OF 2016!

ALL SIGNUPS FOR OUR PROGRAMS WILL BE HELD AT THE ALEXANDER SCHOOL BUILDING AT 275 AL EXANDER AVENUE ( THIS IS THE SCHOOL BUILDING LOCAT ED BEHIND THE RECREAT ION CENT ER ICE ARENA.

The Buffalo Storm Adult Inline hockey League is for Elite as well as Recreational teams .

League gam es are s pread over two nights , a pre-seas on s chedule is used to determine which divis ion each team s hould be placed. Teams can als o choos e the divis ion they wis h to play in. Applications are accepted as teams only. Individual players m ay contact teams that are looking for players . All teams m us t regis ter under AAU Ins urance. Both Elite & Recreational divisions run from May thru Augus t.

A valid Cheektowaga Reside nt ID Card is required; they will be made availa ble at all signups !

2016 INLINE L EAGUE AGE CLASSIFICATIONS (DIVISION—PL AYERS BIRTHYEAR) 

BANTAM

2001-2003

PEEWEE

2004-2005

SQUIRT

Adult League Fees are as follows:



2006-2009

Town of Cheektowaga Residents Team Fee- $885 Non-Residents Team Fee - $945 A $100 Non-Refundable deposit is required at the time of registration for all teams.

This fee will be deducted from team fees shown above. Also t here is a $100 discount if your team fees are paid in full by the first game) (Fees DO NOT include Referee cos ts )

The Buffalo Storm Inline High School Divis ion is for Modified thru current Senior year aged players . Applications will be accepted as pure current high s chool teams only. Ros ter s hould have a m inim um of 8-10 players and a goalkeeper. All players mus t regis ter under AAU Ins urance. Each player m us t provide a copy of a valid s chool ID. All teams m us t have a res pons ible coach or adult with the team at all tim es .

The NEW Buffalo Storm Adult Indoor Soccer League is for Adult Coed & Men’s s occer teams for Elite & Recreational s occer players . League gam es are 1 hour in duration played once a week on a boarded sport court s urface. Applications are accepted as teams only. Both di vis ions run from May thru Augus t. Players need s neaker or turf s hoes & s hin pads .

Adult Indo or Soccer League Fees are as follows:

The Buffalo Storm Inline Midget League is for players that want to play in our Varsity league and or form their own independent teams . Applications will be accepted as teams and will run the s am e rules and fees as our Varsity High School Divis ion. All players m us t regis ter under AAU Ins urance. Each player m us t provide a copy of a valid birth certificate. All teams m us t have a res pons ible coach or adult with the team at all times .

MIDGET LEAGUE ELIGIBLE BIRTHYEARS

1998-2001

Town of Cheektowaga Residents Team Fee- $560 Non-Residents Team Fee - $625 A $100 Non-Refundable deposit is required at the time of registration for all teams.

This fee will be deducted from team fees shown above. Also t here is a $100 discount if your team fees are paid in full by the first game!)

(Fees DO NOT include Referee cos ts )

High School / Midget League Fees are as follows: Town of Cheektowaga Residents Team Fee- $625 Non-Residents Team Fee - $700 (Fees DO NOT include Referee cos ts )

In its 12th Season as a m em ber of the Great Lakes Inline Hockey League (GLi) and the Ontario Minor Roller Hockey As s ociation (OMRHA), the Buffalo Storm Junior A Team offers a highly com petitive hockey team that plays in a travel league for players 21 yrs old & younger agains t Canadian teams from Ontario. In 2016 the Junior A Storm will be s plit into two teams , one as a veteran s killed team and one as a developmental team . Both will com pete in the Great Lakes Inline League of Ontario. Transportation is provided for both teams for all gam es in Canada. The League runs from May 1s t to m id-June and consis ts of highly active practice & gam e s essions . Both teams m ay compete in tournam ent play for Regional & pos s ible National Tournam ents for: TORHS, Narch & TCS Series .

ALL GAM ES AND P RACTICES FOR 2016 WILL BE HELD AT T HE DEPEW ICE ARENA at FIREM AN’s PARK LOCATED AT 78 GOULD AVENUE, DEPEW, NEW YORK, 14043.

TRYOUT DATES (BOTH TEAMS): Monday, April 18, 2016 (10:00-11:00pm) Tuesday, April 19, 2016 (10:00-11:00pm) Thursday, April 21, 2016 (10:00-11:00pm) WHERE: The Epic Ce nter on Wehrle Drive COST: There is no cost to Tryout !!

2016 age requirements: 1994 birth date and under (21 yrs and under)

Dates: Sat., June 4, 2016 & Sun. June 5, 2016 Times: 8:00am-8:30pm both day s Place: Losson (S tiglmeier), Dinge ns & N. Creek Park Dates : Sat., August 6, 2016 & Sun. August 7, 2016 Tim es : 8:00am-8:30pm both days Place: Losson (Stiglmeier), Dingens & N. Creek Park Age Divis ions : Mites (2008 & younger Birthdates ), Squirts (2006 & younger Birthdates ), Peewees (2004 & younger Birthdates ), Bantams (2002 & younger Birthdates ), Midgets (1998 & younger Birthdates ), Adults (1995 & older Birthdates ) (Ma x 6 players per team , 5 & 1 goalie, 8 team m aximum per divis ion) Entrance Fees : $120 Cheektowaga Team (All Residents) $145 Non-Cheektowaga Team (50% Disc. On S ummer Festival if you enter the SAM E team for both Festivals !)

Regis tration Deadlines : Spring Festival is Sunda y, Ma y 15, 2016!

Summer Festival is Sunda y, July 17, 2016!

Highlights : Guarantee 3 gam es (poss ible 5 total), each player gets a tournam ent t-s hirt, cham pions hip awards and player prizes ! THIS IS STRICKLY STREET HOCKEY PLA YED WITH A HOCK EY BA LL, ALL PA RTICIPANTS WILL NEED HELMET, GLOV ES, STICK AND SNEA KERS !

TO REGIS TER GO TO OUR W EBSITE AT

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In the Crease

43

How To Choose Your Goalies every day. As for getting along with teammates; the goalie doesn’t necessarily have to be a vocal leader, but they need to gain their teammates respect and trust. This adds to team unity and will help locker-room chemistry.

Size.

by Bob Janosz It’s that time of the year when coaches have the task of picking their goaltenders for the upcoming season. What should a coach look for when evaluating a goalie? There are several things to look for and several things that the goalie can do to get noticed. While many of these items may be tough to pick out in a three-day tryout, the most important ones should stand out.

Fundamentals/Edgework.

The goalie should have good fundamentals.

Good stance, efficient edgework, proper save selections, technically sound, and good positioning. Be careful of the goalie that has to make several “unbelievable” saves. This usually means that the goalie is often out of position.

Although athleticism is a trait you want, it is tough to play consistently with just reflexes and athleticism. At the same time you don’t want a goalie that is too “robotic”. There needs to be a balance of fundamentals and athleticism.

Quickness/Athleticism/ Puck Tracking.

Quick and athletic goalies have a better chance to stop the puck. They have the ability to get square to the puck faster to arrive “on time” or even “early”. Athleticism also comes in handy when things don’t go as planned. An athletic goalie can still find a way to make the save. I’ll include “puck tracking” in this category as a very necessary trait.

The goalie needs quick reflexes to react to the puck to make saves. I’ve seen several goalies that have excellent fundamentals and edgework but they track and react to the puck poorly.

Attitude.

This covers a number of things including coachability, work ethic, and being a good teammate. If the goalie thinks they know everything and are not open to any suggestions they will have a difficult time improving and advancing. Even goalies in the N.H.L. learn on a daily basis and are always trying to improve their game. Work ethic is huge; goalies that do not work hard will only make it so far with their natural abilities. Work ethic is also contagious and the other players will work and play harder if they see that their goalie works hard and competes

With the current trend most coaches think bigger is better. This may or may not be true.

Although a bigger goalie will fill more net than a smaller goalie, this does not mean that they’re always better. You also have to look at each individual’s strengths and weaknesses as well as the most important aspect; who stops more pucks.

Mental Toughness.

The goalie has the most pressure on the team; if they’re not mentally tough they cannot carry the weight of the team. The goalie has to be “thick skinned” so they can accept responsibility for every goal that goes in; even when they know it wasn’t their fault. There is nothing worse than a goalie blaming teammates for goals allowed.

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Big Game Ability.

This could have been classified in mental toughness but I feel this is so important that it needs its own category. You want someone who “rises to the occasion” and not someone who “folds under pressure”. Big time goalies make key saves at key times in the game.

TIC, TAC, Toe-Save Be There. Be Square.

As you can see there are several factors to consider when choosing goalies for a team. I think an important part of the tryout process is to include a variety of game situation drills as well as live scrimmage to see more aspects of the goaltenders physical and mental make-up.

For more information on Janosz Goaltending go to www.bobjanosz. com or call (716) 3089224. bobjanosz.com (716) 308-9224

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The Elephant in the Rink and Don’t Be Lead Down the Garden Path

By Steve Thomson

Yes its tryout time in WNY and as players and parents try to navigate these waters. You need more than seasoned pilot because you’re not crazy,” It just doesn’t make any sense”.

What do players want – they want to play games.

Players want to play games in a league. It gives a sense of competition and it is the most consistent way to play games.

Be wary of associations and teams that play independent schedules or create a second or third triple A group. Unless you are the most savvy and connected coach and manager you will be left out in the cold.

How does that old adage go “Fool me once.

Shame on you. Fool me twice. Shame on me.”

Want proof ask any parent that was part of the Empire West debacle. These dinosaurs have left a swath destruction and ambiguity and they refuse to get in front of that bus of underdeveloped players all under the guise of building an empire off the backs of players and parents that just want to enjoy the game, live a dream, and realize their personal goals.

A lot of people would like to see the suggestion that there needs to be true try outs. This one-day rush to get players doesn’t work and the stress levels are completely unnecessary. Not to mention, no coach can truly pick a competitive team in one hour of ice. So is there homework being done, are players asked to come over? – You may be closer to right than you are wrong.

Parents need to voice for a better system and a true evaluation. That means some may need to drop a letter or two and just make it about the positive playing experience and true player development.

Getting involved in your local association. And don’t take the “That’s the way we do it around here” guff, as it’s not the way it’s done anywhere else in the hockey world. It’s time for us to go back to what it used to be like. Where parents were involved in their players association not just a spectator.

Do your homework and make some calls to the next seasons coaches. Develop a plan and try not to stress. Choose your own path and be involved.

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Hurry, spots fill quickly!

One Week Only

July 25 - July 30 2016

Northtown Center, Amherst Mites (2008-2011) Squirts (2006-2007) Peewee (2004-2005) Seniors (2001-2003 - Bantam/Midget) help perience to to sing my ex u w o to h d n ar ar “I look forw s such as yourself le for a er m te m le su h at young in us this ur goals. Jo skills achieve yo ey ck o h ilding week of bu n!” fu g in av h and

Open to boys and girls

Call 688-4301 www.marchanthockey.com

Daily Schedule 8:00 am – 4:00 pm Saturday – Final On-Ice Games and Awards Enrollment includes: • 16 Hours on-ice • Instruction by the Area’s Best Coaches • Organized Dryland Activities • On-site Medical Trainer • Guest Speakers • Lunch Included • Todd Marchant Hockey School Jersey • Autographed Todd Marchant Photo • Goaltending Equipment Available

Only

385

$

$100 Deposit Due by 5/9/16.

Final Payment Due 6/27/16.

Goaltending Program • Awards • Work Ethic • Pride

WNYHockeyReport.com

47

Players Age 16-20 Junior Hockey is the Path to College Hockey

Open Try Out for

NCP and WSHL Jr. Teams

April 16 – 17

RegisterCall at 716-393-3663 RedCatsHockey.com

www.HPHD.us

Info@HPHD.us

CONVENIENTLY LOCATED INSIDE HOLIDAY TWIN RINKS – 2ND FLOOR 3465 BROADWAY ST. CHEEKTOWAGA NY 14227