WNY Hockey Report December 2014

November 2014 VOLUME 3 • ISSUE 10

y e k c o H d e l saints S t n e m a n r u To Adam Page scores with 33.5 seconds left to defeat the Elmvale (Ontario) Bears 5-4 in OT.

In This Issue: Women’s Hockey Bob Janosz Associations Senior Hockey & More

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Contents

In This Issue:

P.O.Box 302 East Aurora, NY 14052 716-830-0182 info@wnyhockeyreport.com Managing Partner Ian C. Woods icwoods@wnyhockeyreport.com Vice President, Business Development Ned McDonnell Commish@wnyhockeyreport.com Publisher & Managing Editor Randy Schultz Randy@wnyhockeyreport.com Designer & Photographer Janet Schultz Janet@wnyhockeyreport.com Senior Columnists Warren Kozireski Warren@wnyhockeyreport.com Contributing Editor Jeff Kolcon Jeff@maksymum.com Communications & Marketing Director Val Andrews Val@wnyhockeyreport.com Columnists Janet Schultz - janet@wnyhockeyreport.com Michael Mroziak - michael@wnyhockeyreport.com Lars Lewis - Lars@wnyhockeyreport.com Matt Ondesko - Matt@wnyhockeyreport.com Tom Barnett - Tombarnett@earthlink.net Steve Thomson - steve@hphd.us Mark Metzger - m.metzger@precisionhockey.net Mike Smietana - info@topshelfhockey.us Skylar Vitko-Woods

Women’s Hockey.................................................................................................... 4 Hyde Park Rink Update......................................................................................... 7 Men’s College Hockey........................................................................................... 8 Bob Janosz..............................................................................................................11 Around the Associations....................................................................................12 Lockport Express..................................................................................................13 Rochester Youth Hockey News........................................................................14 HARBORCENTER...................................................................................................15 Top Shelf Training.................................................................................................17 STX 68.......................................................................................................................17 Precision Training.................................................................................................18 Bud Bakewell..........................................................................................................23 High School Hockey............................................................................................24 In The Crease..........................................................................................................26 Rochester Americans..........................................................................................27 Saints Sled Hockey Tournament.....................................................................28 Buffalo Junior Sabres..........................................................................................30 Senior Hockey........................................................................................................32 Rochester Jr Americans......................................................................................34 Blades Pink The Rink............................................................................................35 College Club Hockey...........................................................................................37

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Women’s Hockey

4

Girls High School Championship Coming to Buffalo

by Janet Schultz Janet@wnyhockeyreport.com The Western New York Girls Varsity Ice Hockey Federation hits the ice on Tuesday, November 18 at Nichols arena when the Nichols girls face Amherst/Sweet Home.

It’s a 5:45 p.m. start followed by a game at the Lincoln Arena between Kenmore and Orchard Park/Frontier at 8:15 p.m.

This season Hamburg High School girls have joined with West Seneca and the combined team will have home ice out of The West Seneca Rink on Union Road.

Hamburg Central High School girls who want to play hockey are busy raising money for the team.

“You’ve got to give credit to West Seneca,” Superintendent Vincent Coppola said.

He said West Seneca has about 12 players, and Hamburg will probably have about six.

“They need our girls to round out the team,” he said.

Hamburg girls and their parents have been pushing for a school team for at least three years. Parents said many of the Hamburg and West Seneca girls have played together on club teams.

The district said it will cost $3,000 to compete in the Section VI Girls Ice Hockey Federation.

Donations may be made to the Hamburg Booster Club, with girls hockey written on checks.

“Hopefully next year it won’t be an issue,” one parent said.

The big news this season is that the New York State Girls Varsity Ice Hockey Championships will be played in HarborCenter. This is the first time Buffalo has hosted the event. Kenmore made it to the championships for the past two years traveling to Canton and Alexandria Bay for the Tournament.

The League is still looking for schools to participate in the Federation. The teams have different funding being school supported, partially school supported and supported through fundraising by the players and their families.

Several of the former WNYGVIH players have DI DIII and club level.

For information on bringing your school into the Federation, contact Rick Hopkins at rhopkins@ williamsvillek12.org or rihop126@roadrunner.com The full schedule of games can be found at girls4varsityicehockey.com

Buffalo State Bengals Bengals Head Coach Candace Moxley is heading into her second year with the Buffalo State Women’s Ice Hockey Team.

She has a large recruiting class, 12 with a few more that may be trying out at press time.

But she is confident fans will see a great game of hockey.

“This year, with a core of returning players and the new recruits, I’m really excited,” said Coach Moxley.

“I know how we were last year, the strides they made throughout the season and if they did everything they could over the summer with strength and conditioning we will have a lot more combinations and can exploit other teams in our league.”

“So that’s just exciting itself.”

Her new recruits will also be exciting for WNY with four staying home to play collegiate ice hockey.

Caitie Horvatits (Red #10) comes from Elma and was a member of the Buffalo Bisons team. She is a 5’2” Forward who played for Lancaster/Iroquois of the WNY Girls Varsity Ice Hockey League (WNYGVIH). Iroquois joined Lancaster last season. Lancaster, which for three years of the league ended in last place, made it to the finals of the Section VI championships before losing to defending champion Kenmore.

WNYGVIH leading scorer Erin Gehen (Yellow jersey #12)) will join the Bengals. She played for West Seneca.

Gehen is a 5’2” forward and became the first player in the Section VI WNYGVIH Federation to score 100 goals.

She had the lone goal in a 8-1 loss to Amherst/Sweet Home, scoring on a breakaway and beating the goalie on a backhand deke. She was named to the 2013-14 Federation All Star Team.

“Erin did a lot of great things in the high school league and she’s a competitor,” said Moxley. “I’m very excited to see her play.”

Missy Mallon (Black jersey) of Amherst played for the Amherst/Sweethome Girls Varsity Team of the WNYGVIH League and the Cazenovia Chiefs. She is a 5’3” forward who was also named to the 2013-14 Federation All Star Team.

“Once Missy gets strong, she’s tiny right now, her skill with the puck make her a natural goal scorer and she is creative in the offensive zone. Her and Gehen are good additions that way.”

Maddie Toczek from North Tonawanda played for the Buffalo Bisons. She is a 5’3” forward.

Megan Sackett is a native of Williamsville and played for the St. Catharines Chaos. She attended A.N. Myer Secondary School in Ontario. She is a 5’10” goalie and is as tall as Coach Moxley in skates.

“We’re going to look to see how she adapts and adjusts to the quickness of the game but she has a ton of potential as a goaltender” said Moxley.

Justine Silva comes from the Anaheim Lady Ducks and Baldwin Park, California. She is a goaltender at 5’3”.

“Silva is very impactful on the backend and is like Jordan Lee (last season’s goalie),” said Coach. “She is someone that can step in right away and will be very impactful.”

Georgia Kleiner comes from Pelham NY and played for the Canterbury Saints while attending Canterbury High School in Connecticut. She is a defenseman at 5’5”.

Christine Harris comes from Mountain Top, Pennsylvania and played for the New Jersey Rockets and Bri Carroll come from the Anheim Lady Ducks and is a native of Peoria, Arizona.

Coach Moxley sited Harris’ quickness and her great slap shot as making her a threat all over the ice.

Brooke Krantz comes from Penticton, British Columbia and played at Okanagan Hockey Academy.

The 5’7” forward was a late recruit but one that Coach Moxley sees as a natural leader, great on the ice and another recruit that will be able to step right up.

Other NY’ers rounding out the roster are Junior Forward Megan Niesyty from East Amherst and a former member of the Buffalo Stars; Nikki Kirchberger, a junior forward/defensive player comes from Wet Seneca and played for the West Seneca Girls Varsity Team and the Buffalo Regals; Jeyna Minnick, a senior forward comes from Rochester and was a member of the Rochester Edge.

Also, Morgan Haettich of South Buffalo, a member of the Cazenovia Chiefs and played for the Monsignor Martin team of the WNYGVIH; she is a 5’6” forward.

Heather Neuburger of So. Fayetteville played for the Troy Albany Ice Cat and plays defense at 5’5”; Aison

WNYHockeyReport.com

Mish comes from Canastota and the CNY Bobcats; she is a 5’8” defenseman.

“We were looking for players that could step in and play right away,” said Moxley. “With the players we recruited I think we will be able to accomplish that right off.”

“We will have hurdles to overcome with 12 new players because it’s a new culture and trying to implement the direction we want to go as a coaching staff and program will be our focus.

“We did good in the recruiting process and laying out a plan that got us the right girls.”

“It will be an exciting game of hockey; we won’t have to trap anymore,” Moxley says. “Our game is going to be fast paced, in-your-face hockey.

“We have some gritty players that can get the job done and it’s exciting to have them on the ice.”

Moxley predicts that the Bengals will be in the middle of the pack in the League. She sees stiff competition with Plattsburgh and Elmira but notes that Oswego and Potsdam have lost some talent to graduation and are also bringing in a large number of new recruits.

In addition to playing the game the Bengals took part in the Breast Cancer Walk in October and they are working with the Buffalo Bisons U10 and U12 teams as mentors. They will also be hosting their annual Breast Cancer Awareness Day and Maddie’s Game later in the season.

Buffalo State Coach Candice Moxley announced Kara Goodwin #3 (Avon Lake, OH/Avon Lake) will serve as the team captain, and Jeyna Minnick #12 (Rochester/ Greece-Arcadia) and Nikki Kirchberger #11 (Buffalo/W. Seneca West) will serve as assistants for the 2014-15 season.

Goodwin, a senior public communication major, will wear the “C” for the second-consecutive season.

The forward enters her third and final season with the Bengals after transferring from Division I Lindenwood University. Goodwin has 33 career points including 22 goals in 51 games at Buffalo State, and had a breakout season a year ago. In 26 games last season, Goodwin netted 16 goals, including a school record 14 in ECAC West play.

Minnick, a senior forward majoring in English, will serve as an assistant for the second-straight year. She is the only player on this year’s roster in her fourth season with the team, and has tallied 16 goals and 13 assists for 29 points in 74 career games.

Kirchberger will serve in a leadership role for the first time. The junior criminal justice major has split time on forward and defense over her first two seasons, and has put up 17 goals and 13 assists for 30 points in 51 career games.

RIT The women’s ice hockey team had the pleasure of opening their season in the new Gene Polisseni Center against the Pursuit of Excellence Hockey Academy in an exhibition game. While they lost the game 3-2 they made history skating in that building for the first time before 1,042 fans.

In their first league season opener they beat Union 2-1 as Captain Lindsay Grigg and Sophomore Lindsay Stanason scored with Senior Goaltender Ali Binnington (pictured below) stopping 19 shots. In her 15th career shutout, RIT took Union in the second game 2-0.

The Tigers first loss came at the hands of New

Women’s Hockey Hampshire but they came back to tie Northeastern the following day. Freshman forward Darcy Henderson (Burlington Ont/Burlington Barracuda) was named CHA Rookie of the Week for October 12. She scored her first collegiate goal in a 2-2 tie against Northeastern.

With RIT goaltender Brooke Stoddart (Elmvale, Ontario/ Elmvale) pulled for the extra attacker, Celeste Brown (Great Falls, MT/National Sports Academy) won a faceoff cleanly in the Northeastern zone and fired a shot on net that Huskies goaltender Chloe Desjardins stopped.

Brown’s rebound came right to a wide open Henderson in front of the net, who calmly buried the shot into the open side, sending the loud crowd into a frenzy.

The Tigers are 5-2-1 overall and head into November to face CHA rivals Lindenwood, Penn State, Mercyhurst and RPI as well as Princeton.

University of Buffalo The University of Buffalo Lady Ice Bulls moved from the DI division to D2 in their league.

“We did it so we are closer in skill with the teams we play,” said Head Coach Melissa Jechovich.

They are in the ACAH but in the CHE League.

“We are short on numbers this year so we can compete better at this level,” Jechovich explained. “We have only a couple of freshman so the core of our team is returning.

Jechovich has recruited Williamsville Varsity Ice Hockey Goaltender Theresa Meosky (Pictured). Meosky will provide some great entertainment and a lot of saves for the Buffalo team if she continues her play from her four years with the WNY Girls Varity Ice Hockey Federation.

“We played a scrimmage against Rochester and she faced so many shots; she was awesome,” said Jechovich.

Joining the team this year are Catherine McCulle, a grad student coming from Buffalo State; Stephanie Pickard, Buffalo and Lynn Copeland, Skaneateles.

Pickard played for Frontier/Orchard Park of the WNY Girls Varsity Ice Hockey League. She had a goal and three assists in nine games in the WNYGVIHF. Copeland played for the Skaneateles Girls Ice Hockey Team. Skaneateles shared the 2013-14 NYS Championship with Potsdam. Copeland had 8 goals and 6 assists last season.

They will face some tough competition in the University of California (Pennsylvania). Penn State and U of CA were in the finals last season and Penn State moved to DI this season.

“It’s a lot better this season going in and know more about how everything works,” said Jechovich, who took over the team as the season began last year.

She has also added Michelle Donlon as her assistant coach.

“The fans will see women working hard, having fun and enjoying the sport they love,” said Jechovich.

The UB Lady Ice Bulls play out of Northtowns Arena in Amherst with 20 game scheduled there.

This season’s roster includes Jessie Schreiber, Mamie Talty, Fallon Waxman, Courtney Thornton,Gabby Caruso, Kasey Seidlinger and Kaitlyn Simmons in addition to those mentioned above.

Coming into November Buffalo is 2-2-0 on the season. Talty has 3 goals/6 assists and Courtney Miller as 5 goals/3 assists.

Buffalo played Liberty College November 1 and 2 on the road and then returned home to face West Chester on November 8 and 9 and California University on November 15 and 16. They are then off until after the New Year.

Niagara University The NU Women’s team lost their first two games this season. The first loss came at

the hands of Syracuse with a 3-0 shutout for the Orange and the second was a 6-1 loss to Cornell. They now look to face Geneseo, Oswego, Syracuse and Brockport in November.

They will be hosting an alumni game on December 5 at 9:30 in Dwyer Arena.

Bison’s Pink the Rink with Blades In October the Buffalo Bisons U16/19 girls played the Wheatfield boys teams coaches as the Wheatfield organization honored Breast Cancer Awareness month by holding a number of events to raise awareness. They reached out to the Bisons girls for an evening of hockey.

The jerseys were pink as was the dress of most of the spectators and the overall decorations of the rink. The United Materials pink cement truck was on hand along with the large breast cancer screening pink RV. The game provided tremendous entertainment for all. The Wheatfield coaches got up to an early 2-0 lead and figured that they would settle down being out in front and go easy on the girls. Following several open ice “hits” where the younger girls were knocked to the ice at the extreme displeasure of the spectators, the tide and crowd turned against the obviously older and larger men. Truth be told, some of the collisions simply amounted to perhaps the fact that “some” of the skaters had primarily north/south movement and limited east/ west.

Somewhere in the second period after awarded a couple of penalty shots, and a couple of genuine “snipes” the girls found themselves up 5-3. The men also had their opportunities with penalty shots and several great goal scoring chances only to find themselves stoned by the U16 goalie, Lindsay Browning. The men decided to turn the heat up only to find out that Body and Mind were not exactly in sync post 30 years of age and about 20 minutes of fast paced hockey. The eventual outcome was with the girls winning 8-4. The girls had a special guest in player/coach Shelley Looney who came out of Olympic retirement to support her girls on the ice.

The game aside, the men and girls were so excited to participate in a fun filled evening with great sportsmanship and all for a wonderful cause. A special thanks to organizers Dave Cannon and Ken Franasiak from Wheatfield.

Bisons Girls U16 The Bisons girls season has kicked into full gear with participation in the Stoney Creek Showcase in September, and the beginning of the Lower Lakes Female Hockey League in Southern Ontario.

The team has an overall record of 5-8-3 and while they do not have a winning record they do stand 21st in myhockeyrankings.com in the US at the tier I level.

The team’s highlights revolve around some very close games against top talent. Specifically the U16 team lost to the Oakville Hornets 2-0 who are the number one ranked team in Canada at U17 and just lost 1-0 to the Stoney Creek team who is ranked 8th.

Coming up the team will be participating in the USA Canada Cup series in Detroit and will also play in the Rochester tournament in November.

NJPE Girls A Showcase (Submitted by Coach Scott Welch)

The Niagara Jr Purple Eagles 19U Team continued their strong play this season by making it to the quarter finals in the Stoney Creek University Showcase Tournament in mid-September. The tournament features 64 of the best teams from across Canada and the U.S. along with over 100 college coaches and scouts in attendance.

WNYHockeyReport.com

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Niagara started the tournament with a 3-3 tied against the Kingston Jr Wolves after leading for most of the game. The Purple Eagles dominated the nightcap game on the tournament’s opening day by defeating the Pacific Steelers from Vancouver, BC by a score of 3-1.

On day two of the tournament, Niagara played some of the best hockey of any team in the tournament by winning games against two PWHL power house teams.

In the first game of the day, the Purple Eagles scored early and controlled most of the play to beat the Oakville Jr Hornets who two weeks earlier won the NAHA Labor Day Tournament and are currently undefeated in the PWHL this season. In the second game of the day and the first round of playoffs, Niagara scored two goals by mid-way through the game and held on to defeat one of the tournament favorites, the Toronto Aeros 2-1.

In Sunday morning’s quarter final match up, the Purple Eagles faced the eventual tournament winners, the Chicago Mission who is consistently ranked as one of the Top 3 Teams in the United States with a number of US U18 Players. Niagara took a 1-0 lead making it 5 straight games in which the Purple Eagles struck first.

Chicago tied the game late in the second period. Late in the third period, Chicago became the first team to take the lead against Niagara all weekend. The Purple Eagles put pressure on the Chicago goalie in attempt to even up the score, but gave up an empty net goal as time was winding down.

Niagara is next scheduled to play a 3 game series against the Boston Shamrocks and then will compete in the U.S. /Canada Cup Series Detroit in late October.

The series is an invitational only tournament between 8 of the best U.S. teams vs 8 of the best Canadian teams.

Niagara’s record is 16 Wins, 4 Losses, and 1 Tie.

Bisons Hire Gold Medalist Shelley Looney Shelley Looney was a household name to many of us during and after the 1998 Olympics in Nagano, Japan. As a member of the USA Women’s Ice Hockey Team she scored the winning goal to bring the Gold to the USA, the first medal, as women’s ice hockey became part of the Winter Olympics.

Looney remembers being interviewed after the games and told the reporter that no one would care. The reporter informed her that the whole world was watching and talking about this historic Olympic game.

“It was unbelievable,” said Looney, who had aspirations for the Olympics because she is an avid follower of both Winter and Summer Olympics.

Now she’s in Buffalo with the Buffalo Bisons Ice Hockey Organization working with our young players so they can not only fulfill their hockey dreams but also just enjoy the game they love.

Looney spent eight years as a girl’s hockey director in New Jersey. In many areas of the country Hockey Directors are common; here in WNY, not so much. But Bisons CEO Barney Walsh has a vision and Looney fits that vision.

“The Bisons want to develop hockey players no matter what level they are at when they come to us,” said Looney.

“That’s why we have Majors to House Teams,” she continued.

“The Bisons say “here’s a place to play if you love the sport; and if you are here, we will do our best to grow your inner love for the game and at the same time help you get better as a player.”

Continued on page 16

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Hyde Park Update

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Hyde Park Ice Arena Update were in desperate need of repair or replacement.

Carella looks ahead with a great of optimism.

“But we were worried about the cooling unit, the cooling tower. The city helped take care of that.

“Then the city stepped in and made a commitment to fix all of the compressors. Which they did.

“You have to understand that the agreement between me and the city is that the city takes care of the maintenance of the physical plant and Zamboni, while I take care of dayto-day operation of the building.”

by Randy Schultz Randy@wnyhockeyreport.com

Gene Carella remembers skating when the Hyde Park Ice Pavilion opened its doors for the first time back in 1968.

It was an exciting time for young hockey players in the Niagara Falls, NY area.

Several years later Carella would bring his four sons to play youth hockey in the same arena. It was also the beginning of what would turn out to be a career of coaching youth hockey at Hyde Park.

In 1990 Carella began presenting tournament opportunities for the former Grand Niagara Cataracts Hockey Association. By the end of the decade he developed Niagara Sports Tournaments, providing youth hockey to hundreds of teams in the US and Canada.

Finally, in 2012, Carella was awarded the right to operate the Ice Pavilion. The two regulation size hockey rinks are rented by local and out-of-town hockey players for leagues, tournaments and pick-up games.

“We saw a facility that was in need of repair,” recalled Carella, a professor of Biology at Niagara County Community College. “The facility was old and a lot of things

Next on the agenda was fixing up the locker rooms, rebuild the stands and rebuild the players benches.

In less than two years the locker rooms have been repainted, the stands have been rebuilt, shower facilities have been retiled and bathrooms repainted.

Add to that the fact that just prior to Carella taking over, the city had stepped in and rebuilt the entrance to the facility, the lobby area, including new concession facilities and upgraded pro shop and skate sharpening room.

“Each year the city has stepped up and improved something in the building,” stated Carella, who resides in Lewiston. “This year we had a new backroom and bar area rebuilt.

“My son, Michael, and I are in this for the long hall,” concluded Carella. “I’m a Niagara Falls boy, born and raised here.

“I want to see this facility succeed. I want the Niagara Falls area succeed.

“With my other business, I have proven what I can do to help the Niagara Falls economy. Youth hockey has proven that it can help the economy in the area in a big way.

“We bring in a lot of business with youth hockey between the months of November and February each year. Not only with restaurants and hotels, but with shopping in the area.

“We are getting teams from all over the US and Canada coming here. We want them to have a great experience.

“I think they’re beginning to see that in the last two years.

And to me, it is only going to grow.

“In the next five to 10 years I want Hyde Park Ice Pavilion to become one of the best hockey facilities in Western New York.

“And I think we are well on our way to that goal.”

“It’s a place where teams can go after their game and relax, have some food and drink. Right now we are renting the room out for people to rent for family parties and have the events catered.

“There is a three to five year plan in the works right now.

Each year there are new things to improve upon.

“Eventually both rinks will be rebuilt.”

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Men’s College Hockey

8

Division III College Previews & More

by Warren Kozireski Warren@wnyhockeyreport.com

GENESEO After winning their first regular season SUNYAC crown since 1990, setting a school mark for wins in a season, winning their first NCAA playoff game and advancing all the way to the final four before falling to eventual champion St. Norbert, what do the Knights do for an encore?

Six of the team’s top seven scorers are back led by Tyler Brickler, Stephen Collins (Pittsford), Ryan Stanimir, Justin Scharfe (Webster), David Ripple and Jack Ceglarski, so the offense will likely be potent again.

Senior Jack Caradonna and a trio of juniors in Nate Brown, Matt Sullivan and Matthew Hutchinson plus sophomores Cam Hampson and Derek Stahl will see plenty of ice time on defense with junior Nick Horrigan and senior Bryan Haude (Hilton) playing the bulk of time in net.

Traditional top-tier teams Adrian, Elmira, Hobart and Neumann will provide a measuring stick during the January non-conference schedule.

The 2014 Geneseo Sports Hall of Fame class included 2001 grad Aaron Coleman in ceremonies held Oct. 18. Coleman (Buffalo) graduated 10th on the Knights’ all-time scoring list with 158 points, while finishing eighth in career goals (71) and 10th in career assists (87) despite missing his junior season with an injury.

He was named the 1998 SUNYAC Rookie of the Year and a second-team conference selection after scoring 51 points (21 goals, 30 assists), before landing firstteam All-SUNYAC honors as a sophomore (28 goals, 24 assists) and as a senior (22 goals, 33 assists). In the 39-year history of the program, only 17 players have reached the 50-point plateau in a single season, while Coleman is one of only four players to do it three times.

BROCKPORT The Golden Eagles broke a three-year non-playoff streak by winning their final four games of the regular season before falling to Buffalo State in the SUNYAC quarterfinals.

They hope to build on that late-season momentum after losing just three primary layers to graduation.

“We’re looking to build on a very successful finish to last season,” head coach Brian Dickinson said. “Playing

five out of our first six games at home will be vital to us getting off to a quick start so that we can position ourselves well in the standings early and hopefully not wait to get hot in the second semester, which we’ve had to do the past couple of seasons.”

Freshman Jake Taylor led the squad Robert Chayka in goals and will team with leading scorer Chase Nieuwendyk on the top line. Juniors Shane Cavalieri, James Ryan and Jess Facchini plus senior Troy Polino all return at forward after scoring ten or more points last season.

First Team AllSUNYAC defenseman Chris Luker (New Hartford / Buffalo Jr. Sabres), senior Bobby Chajka, juniors Jonathan Demme and Chad Cummings Jonathan Demme plus sophomore Robbie Hall will all see regular playing time on the blueline.

In goal, senior Aaron Thomas, who missed over two months last season, junior Jared Lockhurst and sophomore Andrew Wisner will battle for playing time.

According to Dickinson, top recruits Dylan Shapiro (Rochester Jr. Americans) and Ryan Kangas will compete for top six forward spots right away. Hilton native “Brian Hurlimann and Dylan Howatt (Buffalo Jr. Sabres) will look to provide a physical presence on Defense as well as help create some offense with their quick, heavy shots from the point.”

BUFFALO STATE It is officially the post-Kevin Carr era for the Bengals as one of nine seniors and an underclassman who have left huge voids in the line-up and plenty of questions.

(I am) excited about the upcoming season,” head coach Nick Carriere, who enters his tenth season behind the bench three wins shy of 100 career wins, said. “A fair amount of change for Buffalo State. We lost

WNYHockeyReport.com

nine seniors to graduation, including the teams second ever all-American Kevin Carr. With a big class of new blood, it should be an exciting season for Buffalo State.”

Mike Delavergne (Pawling) will receive the first shot at the starting job in goal after seeing less than two periods of action his entire freshman year.

Leading scorer Dan Turgeon decided to forgo his senior season and Mike Zanella completed his eligibility leaving sophomores Taylor Pryce and Nick Berst (Depew) as the leading returning scorers along with juniors Brett Hope and Ryan Salkeld. Nick Melligan (Sanborn), who was the team’s leading scorer two seasons ago before taking a year off, also rejoins as a much-needed proven commodity on offense.

The blueline corp. will be led by a junior trio of Ben Kramer, Todd Graham and Sean Hrivnak plus sophomore Charles Lapierre with plenty of room for newcomers.

The Bengals have a challenging non-conference schedule with two games at defending national champ St. Norbert Thanksgiving weekend and a trip to the Norwich Tournament with Colby and Neumann in early January.

FREDONIA Squeaking into the final playoff spot after going winless in their final five regular season games, the Blue Devils season ended in the SUNYAC quarterfinals at Oswego.

The offense in general and the power play specifically proved to be an issue with a tied for last in the conference 45 goals, but Stephen Castriota and Jared Wynia are back for the final campaigns after netting 12 of the team’s 17 extra-man goals one year ago. Senior Brian Doust also will shoulder more of the offensive expectations.

“You go into each season very excited and optimistic,” head coach Jeff Meredith said. “Fredonia needs to get on the winning way track this year and do it right from the start....not waiting until the Christmas Break. Look for the Devils to have some sophomores break out and have good seasons after they experienced college hockey last year for the first time.

Among those second year forwards are Hunter Long, Blake Forslund and Frankie Hart.

Ryan Wilkinson, Zach White, Mitch Kaufman and senior Corey Meikert anchor the defense in front of the goaltending duo of Jeff Flagler and Chris Eiserman.

“Having two goalies who are no longer freshmen will be a big thing as they both got their feet wet last year.”

Among the new faces, “both Jamie Young and Oskar Gerhardson will contribute on the power play right away (from the blueline) as this was a sore point

Men’s College Hockey

for us the last two years. Look for (forwards) Damien Kulynych and Marcus Andersson to help the Devils in the goal scoring department.” Goaltender Nick Harper (Baldwinsville) also arrives via the high school level and will be weaned on the college game.

NAZARETH The Golden Flyers embark on their third season in Division III after improving from six wins to eight last season and with the core of the team still on the roster.

“We feel we can improve on last year’s performance,” head coach George Roll said. “We lost a lot of close games and with more maturity and confidence we are hopeful we can turn those losses into wins. As we move into our third season we have more depth at every position and feel we do not have to rely on a few players to carry the load.”

Tufts and St. Scholastica the first weekend in January.

CANISIUS The squad earned their second victory of the season at the earliest date in four seasons starting 2-2.

Included was their first win at the First Niagara Center (formerly HSBC Arena) with a win over Western Michigan Oct. 10. They are now 1-61 all-time at the arena.

Freshman forward Nolan Sheeran (East Amherst) was named Atlantic Hockey Rookie of the Month for October after he led Canisius with eight points on one goal and seven assists. He netted his first collegiate goal Oct. 17 against Army and was named AHA Rookie of the Week for the period ending Oct. 26.

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were winless in the first eight games for the first time in the program’s history. They began an important stretch of 14 straight conference games Oct. 31 leading up to a trip to North Dakota in January.

Freshmen Robert Angiolella and Derian Plouffe each netted their first collegiate goals. Angiolella’s came in the opening loss to Clarkson while Plouffe scored his the next night versus St. Lawrence. Albin Karlsson scored his first Oct. 31 against AIC. Nick Cecere scored his first career goal with a power play tally at Notre Dame.

R.I.T. The Tigers’ 5-2 opening night victory over St. Lawrence marked just the second time in the Division I era that they won the first game at home. Now 2-7-2, the only other win came at Michigan in 2012.

Team captain Scott Dawson along with January transfer Donny Olivieri and James Redman are the mainstays on the blueline along with underclassmen Travis Hill and Geoff Bagnall.

Junior forward Ralph Cuddemi was named Atlantic Hockey co-Player of the Week for the period ending October 19th after netting a hat trick Oct. 17 against Army.

Up front, leading scorer and ECAC West Rookie of the Year Ben Blasko, senior Julius Tamasy, who missed the second half of last season due to injury, and senior Tommy Seravalli will be called on to provide the offensive numbers. Secondary scoring should come from David Seward (Williamsville), Jon-Paul Durso (Penfield) and Niagara transfer Rocky Gruttadauria (Spencerport/Jr. Sabres), who played nine games with the team last year.

Sophomore Shane Conacher netted the new Harbor Center’s first goal with a tally just 22 seconds into the game against Ohio State Halloween night.

The team sold out Blue Cross Arena (10,000+) for the fifth consecutive year in their Brick City Homecoming loss to Boston College. Head coach Wayne Wilson and associate head coach Brian Hills’ alma mater Bowling Green will be the opponent next year.

Jack Stander netted his first collegiate tally in the Harbor Center opener Oct. 31.

Brady Norrish and Mark Golberg scored their first collegiate goals Oct. 31 against Robert Morris.

Freshman goaltender Reilly Turner became the first Griff goalie to win his first two decisions since the 199899 season.

OTHER AREA NOTES:

Sophomore goaltender Ed Zholshek returns for his junior year after making 23 starts last season.

Senior Cody Freeman was named AHA Player of the Week for the period ending Oct. 26 after he recorded four points (3g, 1a), including the game-winning tally in each game.

• Army sophomore goaltender Parker Gahagen (Buffalo) was named Atlantic Hockey Goaltender of the Week for the period ending Oct. 19 after his 28-save first career shutout effort against Canisius Oct. 18.

“We feel good about our class. Transfers Marcus Moles (Fredonia), Dom Gabaj (Monroe CC) and Brandon Lane (Robert Morris) should make an immediate impact.

Matt Mazella Dman from the junior Bruins should also be an impact guy for us.”

They will also be part of the Oswego Classic with

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Bob Janosz

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Bob Janosz: Guiding goalies to the next level

by Michael Mroziak Michael@wnyhockeyreport.com

When the Rochester Americans’ goaltenders are on the ice, either at practice or in an American Hockey League game, they’ve got a Western New York native standing by to help them elevate their game. He’s the same instructor who is sharing his years of experience behind the mask with young students at the instructional school bearing his name.

He’s Bob Janosz, goaltender coach for the Rochester Americans and the founder and owner of the Janosz School of Goaltending. While his school has been open for the past 15 years, he has been helping to teach the art of his position as far back as the days when he was still an active player.

“I started off working for Mitch Korn’s goalie school back when I was playing juniors,” said Janosz, who was a three-time All-Star in the North American Hockey League and later played four years at Canisius College.

While working under Korn, Janosz says he was still learning a lot about his position. He later turned pro, suiting up for teams including the Muskegon Fury (United Hockey League) and Arkansas RiverBlades (East Coast Hockey League). Injuries took their toll and, deciding in his mid 20s that he wouldn’t make the NHL, Janosz went back to school and earned his master’s degree. He got a job as a teacher. But he also stayed with coaching and found himself teaching not just in a classroom but on the ice.

His goalie instruction started as week-long programs during the summer, aided by his brother Tom, a former Buffalo Lightning Junior A defenseman who helped his brother by serving as a shooter.

“I’ve always liked it,” Bob Janosz said. “Since I’ve started I’ve just had a passion for it. I kept going with it.”

Several years later, his teaching skills gained the interest of the pro ranks. Janosz was hired as a goalie coach in the AHL starting with the 2006-07 season, beginning under the Buffalo Sabres and their affiliation with Rochester. When that partnership ended and the Florida Panthers became the Amerks’ new parent club, Janosz was hired by the Panthers to work with their prospects. Then, when Buffalo Sabres owner Terry Pegula bought the Americans and restored the affiliation with his NHL team, Janosz again went on the Sabres’ payroll.

“I think I’ve worked under five NHL head goalie coaches in the time I’ve been in Rochester,” Janosz said. “I had Jim Corsi, (former Sabres goalie coach) who is now with St. Louis. Arturs Irbe is now the current Sabres goalie coach.

And then when I was working for Florida they had three different goalie coaches while I was there: Phil Myre, Rob Tallas and Pierre Groulx.

Having so many NHL goalie coaches to work under, Janosz said, has helped him in his own right.

“I think ones of the good things about that is I’d pick off some good things from each of these coaches, and learn different things from each guy… I’m not just getting one voice. I’ve heard several voices of really good coaches and that’s really helped me become a good coach.”

Numerous alumni have played at the minor professional level, including former Sabres prospect and now Bridgeport Sound Tigers (AHL affiliate of the New York Islanders) goalie David Leggio. Others who have studied under Janosz include Connor Knapp (Reading Royals, ECHL), Steve Racine (University of Michigan), Mike Rotolo (Rochester Institute of Technology), Scott Diebold (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute), Mike Devine (Dartmouth) and Steve Dhillon (Niagara Ice Dogs, Ontario Hockey League).

Many different goalies, many different destinations.

Why the school has succeeded is because it has worked with clients knowing that no two puck stoppers are exactly alike.

“Every goalie I coach differently, based on how I want them positioned, what save selection to use, their size, and how they play certain situations,” The general goaltending principles are still the same such as being square, set, and tracking the Puck but they may each have a slightly different gameplan. Janosz said. “Right now in Rochester we have two different goalies. Very different styles. Both very good but they don’t play like each other at all. You have to do that as a coach. You have to find their strengths and build upon their strengths while improving what they need work at.”

It’s working quite well for many of the Janosz School’s clients. Seven of them were selected to participate in USA Hockey National Camps this past summer: Nick Vilardo and Aaron Fanti were invited to the Select 17 camp.

Steve Dhillon and Alex Camarre worked out with the 16U level. Justin Stotz and Cameron Cassidy were invited to the 15U camp and Bailey Lewczyk qualified for the 18U Select Girls camp.

It’s more than just Janosz’s personal success story, though.

The instructor was asked whether players from this part of New York State have finally developed to a level competitive with their peers in Massachusetts, Michigan and Minnesota.

“I think it has.

Just seeing the camps, especially goaltending wise,” he said.

“I’ve worked at some of the USA camps.

I’ve scouted for USA Hockey in the past and still stay involved with the Select camps — I usually work one week a summer. We had to rank the goalie as a staff of five to

six goalie instructors from across the country, and just seeing not only what I see but seeing what the other goalie coaches from the other parts of the country are seeing in our goalies … they’re definitely turning heads and a lot of goalie coaches are even saying, ‘wow, these goalies are really good.’ A lot them come out of Buffalo an Rochester and those areas.”

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SCHOOL OF GOALTENDING BUFFALO • ROCHESTER • SYRACUSE

Around The Associations

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Around The Associations Edited by Michael Mroziak Tournaments were won, funds and awareness were raised for important causes. October was a busy month for local youth and amateur hockey. Here’s some of the news sent to us from associations from within the Western New York hockey scene…

Amherst Youth Hockey Congratulations to Gary’s Spoth’s 15U AA team on winning the Midget Minor Pittsburgh Columbus day clash!

Buffalo Bisons U16, U19 girls team up vs.

Wheatfield Coaches In a charity game to honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Bisons’ U16 and U19 girls hockey teams united to challenge the Wheatfield Blades boys team coaches to an evening of hockey.

The Bisons donned pink uniforms, while encouraging their fans to wear pink as well. Additionally, pink-colored decorations were set up throughout the rink, while outside the United Materials pink cement truck and ECMC Lifeline Foundation Mobile Mammography Coach were parked outside, the latter providing breast cancer screenings.

On the ice, the Wheatfield coaches jumped out to an early 2-0 lead but the girls rallied to take a 5-3 lead. Girls’ team goaltender Lindsay Browning made several clutch saves including a penalty shot, while her teammates – including player/coach Shelley Looney – built their lead and skated to an 8-4 win.

The Bisons wish to extend their gratitude to event organizers Dave Cannon and Ken Franasiak from Wheatfield.

Pee Wee Minors win Rock ‘N Roll Tournament

Batavia Ramparts: ‘Pink the Rink’ Batavia Ramparts Youth Hockey and their parent organization, the Genesee Amateur Hockey Association, marked its homecoming weekend November 1 with festivities themed “Pink the Rink.”

Ramparts teams from all age groups hosted home games at Faletti Ice Arena while, off the ice, teams and their families hosted fundraisers including basket raffles. Players, families and fans were encouraged to wear the color pink, the color of breast cancer awareness.

Funds raised during homecoming weekend will be donated to Genesee Cancer Assistance, a communitybased volunteer organization dedicated to assisting cancer patients and their families through support services and financial support. Money raised by GCA stays within Genesee County.

As explained in comments forwarded to WNYHR by Genesee Amateur Hockey Association officials: “GAHA is a local organization that depends on the local community.

In that light, we want to set the example to our players of ‘giving back.’ Our organization doesn’t exist without the support of the community and its families so we want to show the importance of giving back and raising funds for a local volunteer organization.”

Bud Bakewell Bruins The Bud Bakewell Bantam Minor team was finding its ability to rally early in the 2014-15 season, downing the Monroe County Eagles 4-1, boosted by a three-goal burst in the third period.

After taking a 1-0 lead in the first period on Dalton Nyitrai’s goal (assisted by Michael Kuchey), the Eagles evened the score shortly before the first intermission. After a scoreless second period, the Bruins found their offensive spark in the third. Kuchey scored the go-ahead goal (assists

by Andrew Jopp), followed by a goal scored by teammate Mike Borowiak (assists by Nyitrai and Mason Shumate).

The Bruins were forced to kill a penalty late but got an insurance goal when Jopp forced a turnover and skated down the ice to net a shorthanded goal.

Drew Haseley, Dominic Puma, John McNally, Jacob Stine and Joseph Coughlin contributed with strong defensive play, while Noah Kindzia, Max Lowerre and Jake Wilsey chipped in at forward.

Bruins goalie Kevin Bainbridge picked up the win.

launched its new community service initiative, “Caz Kids Care,” with the purpose of teaching players within the organization that they are not just teammates on the ice but to the entire community.

Every team, from Mites to Midget held their own event during the month of October to raise money and awareness for Breast and other cancers. Fundraisers included “chuck a puck” contests, 50-50 split club drawings and raffles with prizes including Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres memorabilia. Other efforts include the sale of special “Caz Kids Care” wrist bands featuring the words “Strength, Hope and Love.”

In all, the teams raised more than $2,500 to support local cancer research and treatment.

Clarence Mustangs AA Squirt Majors “Break Ice” with tourney win The Clarence Mustangs program enjoyed a successful late September, getting the new season underway with its AA Squirt Major (2004s) winning the Breakin’ The Ice Tournament in Brockport.

The Bisons’ Pee Wee Minor team brought some hardware home from Cleveland, where they won the championship in their age class in the Rock ‘N Roll Tournament.

The team went undefeated in the tournament but the highest drama was saved for the title game, which Buffalo won 3-2 in a shootout against the Pittsburgh Aviators.

Bisons Alumni face off in college hockey Two former members of Buffalo Bisons hockey met again on the ice, as rival coaches in a pair of NCAA Division III women’s hockey games in Boston, Mass. on October 31 and November 1.

Jamie Totten was behind the bench for William Smith College, which is making its debut in NCAA women’s hockey this season, while on the other bench was UMass-Boston coach Colleen Harris.

Both natives of Buffalo, Totten is a 2000 graduate of Northeastern University while Harris is a 2009 graduate of Boston College. Between the two of them, Totten and Harris appeared on several of the Bisons’ state champion teams, also appearing multiple times in the USA Hockey National Championships.

As for their college clashes, the Herons held tough with their more-established hosts but in the end it was UMassBoston winning both games, 4-1 on October 31 followed by 6-2 the following night.

Buffalo Regals The Regals’ 16U squad helped christen the Harborcenter in late October/early November by capturing the Harborcenter Cup (see photo).

Cazenovia Park

The Cazenovia organization launches “Caz Kids Care” This season, the Caz Park program

WNYHockeyReport.com

The team went 4-0 in the tourney, opening with a 3-0 win over Niagara Jr. Purple Eagles. Brady Alexander posted the shutout.

Evan Kopp got his turn in net in the second game, against Center State, and he too posted a shutout as the Mustangs skated to a 7-0 win. Travis Unocic scored four goals in the win.

Next up was Tri-County Youth Hockey. Clarence jumped to a 2-0 lead then had to kill a crucial penalty and hold back a late charging Tri-County side for the 2-1 win.

The Mustangs faced NJPE again in the title game.

Clarence jumped to an early two goal lead then built that lead to 4-1 at the end of two periods. That’s how the score would remain until the final buzzer. Bella Clary was awarded the Player of the Game honor for Clarence.

Goal scorers for the tournament were: Unocic (7), Nick Yemma (4), Jonas Corry (3), John Grable (1) and Danny Buchbinder (1). Scoring assists were: Buchbinder (2), Clary (2), Yemma (2), Tommy Campbell (1), Grable (1), Jack Gruttadauria (1) and Jackson Guinther (1).

Squirt Majors win Columbus Day tourney in Niagara Falls Not long after winning the Breakin’ The Ice tournament, the Mustangs 2004s were back to their winning ways closer to home in the Cataract City, winning their age division’s title at the Columbus Day tournament at Hyde Park in Niagara Falls.

Clarence opened the tournament with a 4-2 win over the Pittsburgh-based Southpointe Rink Rats, 4-2. After giving up the first goal, the Mustangs rallied to take a 2-1 lead after one period. The Rink Rats tied it up, but two goals within 25 seconds helped Clarence seal the win. Kopp got the win in net for the Mustangs.

With Brady Alexander in net for the second game, the Mustangs roared to a 6-1 win over the Tonawanda Lightning. Nick Yemma scored once and posted four assists for the Mustangs, while Tommy Campbell added two goals.

Next up for the team were the Kinnelon Colts from New

Around The Associations

Jersey, who gave the Mustangs a battle from start to finish.

Clarence jumped out to a 3-0 lead, but over the course of the game the Colts climbed back and, by the midway point of the third period, tied the game at 3-3. Jackson Guinther provided Clarence with the game-winning goal with 2:22 remaining, assisted by Travis Unocic. Kopp recorded his second win of the tournament.

The Mustangs faced the Lightning again, this time for the championship. After a scoreless first period, the Mustangs jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the second then added two more goals in the third to win the title with a 5-0 win. Alexander picked up his second shutout of the season.

Goal scorers for Clarence were: Campbell (4), Unocic (4), Yemma (3), Jonas Corry (2), Jack Gruttadauria (2), Guinther (2), Daniel Buchbinder (1) and Sam Modeas (1). Recording assists were: Yemma (6), Corry (4), Unocic (4), Bella Clary (3), Gruttadauria (2), Buchbinder (1), Campbell (1), John Grable (1) and Modeas (1).

Niagara County Coyotes Bantams finish in second at Hyde Park The Coyotes Bantam Mixed team participated in the Columbus Day Tournament at Hyde Park in Niagara Falls, finishing the tournament as runners-up in their age division.

Gagliano, Cait Adams, Missy Hall, Kaley Ostanek, Kellah Alford, Sharon “Tree” Lim, Alex Buckner, Amanda Forbes, Kathleen Adelsberger, Mallory Giambra, Jamie Marsden and Alyssa Henkel.

Based out of Lakeshore Ice Arena, members of the Edge are responsible for covering their own costs. To help pay for their season, the team hosts fundraisers and also seeks assistance where possible.

Under head coach Mike Adams and manager Jim Gagliano, the team will play a 30-game schedule before taking part in States. Also on their schedule were planned appearances at four tournaments, the first in Ohio in early November.

Southtown Stars The Southtown Stars Amateur Hockey Association (STSAHA) season is underway, but the program is always looking ahead into the future.

Coaches are encouraged to register now for the STSAHA March Classic. Applications will be available soon. For more information about the Stars, their teams and their programs, log on to southtownsstars.com.

West Seneca Wings Wings support Domestic Violence Awareness The West Seneca Wings AA boys gathered to support Domestic Violence Awareness on October 18, showing their support by taping their sticks purple, the color of the cause, and playing a game to honor those who have been affected somehow by domestic violence.

Funds were raised to support the Family Justice Center.

The Wings held this event in the wake of domestic violence issues tied to pro athletes making recent headlines, most notably in the National Football League, which has taken steps including the indefinite suspension of former raven running back Ray Rice, who was caught on video assaulting his wife.

Wheatfield The Blades hosted a breast cancer awareness weekend at Hockey Outlet during the weekend of October 17-19.

Several of Wheatfield’s travel teams showed their support for women and families affected by breast cancer by wearing pink socks during their games.

After losing their opening game to the Southpointe Rink Rats, 6-0, the team, skated to a 2-2 tie against the Kinnelon Colts. Needing to win outright in their third game, or at least take two out of three periods, the Coyotes came through with a 3-0 win over the Skyland Kings to advance to the title game.

That championship game put the Coyotes up against their first opponent, Southpointe. This game was much closer, with the teams going back and forth and locked in a 1-1 tie until the late stages of the third period. The Rink Rats scored the go-ahead goal and then held back Niagara County’s late charge, including an extra attacker with the net emptied, to get the win.

Although finishing in second place, the Coyotes’ effort to get into the final is noteworthy.

Rochester Edge After enjoying great success at the women’s Senior C division, including five state championships and one national championship, the Rochester Edge women’s hockey team has moved up this season into the Senior B ranks.

By moving into a higher level of competition, the Edge have drawn interest from former Division I and Division III players. Joining the roster this year are players Andrea Blais, Courtney Carnes, Kelly Collins, Marissa Bombovy, Kourtney Kunichika, Kristen Metzger, Kaley Pearson and Nicole Scuteri. They join returning players Jessica

13

Highlighting the weekend was a charity game between the Wheatfield coaches, who skated against a team made up of members of the Buffalo Bisons’ 19U and 16U girls teams (see Buffalo Bisons section of Around the Associations).

The ECMC / Buffalo Sabres Alumni breast screening bus was on hand to educate the public about early detection.

The organization raised nearly $4,000 for the Breast Cancer Network of WNY and Roswell Park.

Away from home, the Blades represented Western New York hockey with tournament victories. During the Columbus Day holiday weekend, the Bantam Major AA team won the Buckeye Classic in Columbus, Ohio, beating teams from Canada, Pittsburgh, and North Carolina. That same weekend, the Mite Major Jr. Blades AAA team traveled to Whitby, Ontario to compete in the Edge Again Cup, where they finished the tournament as runners-up. The Midget MOHL 16U team traveled to Cleveland the weekend of October 23-25, where they finished second in their age bracket in the Rock ‘N Roll Cup.

WNYHockeyReport.com

Lockport Express: Home At Last

The Lockport Express Junior A hockey club, currently playing their inaugural season in Tier III, will finally host their first regular season games at their home rink, Cornerstone Arena, this month.

Unforeseen setbacks delayed completion of construction at the new Lockport-based ice arena, putting the Express’ original mid-October home opening weekend on hold. After having to play home away from home in places including Batavia, the team is looking forward to finally hosting its legitimate home opener, the weekend of November 14-15, at Cornerstone.

The team has been able to enjoy some of the comforts of home already, including practices. Their private locker room includes stalls for 25 players and a 60-inch flat screen television. Their bus is a 36seat motor coach which allows the team to travel in relative comfort as they take on some often-times lengthy road trips.

The expansion team, playing in the Northern States Hockey League, is off to a start that they hope will make it worth the wait for local fans.

“Our season has gotten off to a very solid start, as we currently sit in fourth place overall and second in our division,” said Express head coach and general manager Frank Vecchio in a written correspondence with WNY Hockey Report. “The first team captain in franchise history, Nicholas Siracuse, is sitting in second place in overall league scoring, with 23 points in 14 games. His line mates, Anthony Merante and Frank Vecchio II, are tied with each other for 12th in the league scoring race, each with 16 points.”

Siracuse, his coach points out, has gained the attention of higher-level junior programs.

According to Vecchio, the Michigan Warriors of the North American Hockey League recently inquired about Siracuse’s services.

Meanwhile, the Express and other NSHL teams are hopeful that a recently announced merger will give more players like Siracuse some looks from elsewhere. The NAHL and NSHL announced the merger, under which the latter league will become part of the NA3EHL beginning next season.

According to Vecchio: “We will continue to compete at the Tier III junior level but this will only help us provide more opportunity for players from across the United States who have aspirations of playing college hockey.”

Tickets for home games at Cornerstone Arena are $5 for adults, with free admission for children ages 12 and under. More information is available at their website, lockportexpress.pointstreaksites.com

Rochester Youth Hockey

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HC Red White & Blue Kick Off the Season with a Tournament Bill Gray’s Regional Iceplex, Home of Rochester Youth Hockey, hosted a Empire Amateur Hockey Conference (EAHC) RWB Tournament to kick off the 2014-15 season for the Red White & Blue (RWB) Division the weekend of 10/18-19. RWB is the new designation for 8U players, replacing “Mites”.

over the summer, as well as for everyone to see the new for this season, appropriate size nets in a game.

On Sunday, a few teams crossed over level’s; White playing Red and Blue playing White, demonstrating that while there is, as expected, a difference in skill, the margin between levels is close. For the EAHC Organizations , this Tournament was the most fully realized USAH ADM demonstration yet, and the level of competition, participation and enjoyment clearly showed that the ADM is working.

34 teams participated at 3 levels; Red for the most experienced players, White being 2nd year and advanced 1st year players, and Blue for primarily 1st year players transitioning from a 6U/Beginner program such as Pony or Initiation.

................................................................................................... that those teams were appropriately placed to ensure a competitive season for everyone. Additionally, referee’s had a chance to try the new rules (available at EmpireHockey.org) determined by an 8U committee

All levels played a 3-4 mini-game (15 minutes per game) round robin schedule on both days against teams in their division. The goal was to see what each individual Organization considered appropriate team skill at each of the 3 RWB levels, and ensure

WNYHockeyReport.com

On October 24th the Rochester American’s Youth Hockey team, presented a signed hockey stick donated

by Rochester Americans to the Ottawa West Golden Knights during Friday night’s Empire Showdown hockey tournament held at the Bill Grays Iceplex in Rochester New York. The stick was a tribute to the Canadian Armed Forces soldier slain in Ottawa days earlier by a gunman who then stormed Parliament Hill. Former Rochester police chief David Moore presented the Major Bantam Knights with the stick and posed for a photo with the Knights and the Rochester Americans Major Bantam team they were about to play.

Rochester Americans’ team captain Drew Bagnall wrote “To my friends in Ottawa – Stay Strong!!” on the blade.

The Canadian flag was flown at half-mast outside the arena during the tournament.

HARBORCENTER

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HARBORCENTER Tribute

by Randy Schultz Randy@wnyhockeyreport.com Harborcenter.

The hockey and entertainment complex located in Buffalo’s Canalside District has been the most talked about news item in Western New York for over two years. It has brought excitement to downtown Buffalo that has not

been seen in decades.

There is no question that there has been a “Wow” factor that has come along with the completion of Harborcenter.

Among other things the new structure houses two NHLsized rinks, a food and sport center (716) that will become the destination point for many hockey fans before and after a game, and a Tim Horton’s Café and Bake Shop that finally honors the man the business was named after.

But the part of the structure that first caught my eye was the simple connecting part that links Harborcenter with First Niagara Center.

Nearly two decades have passed since Seymour Knox III and I sat in his office, which overlooked the nearly completed First Niagara Center. On the outside Mr. Knox seemed quite pleased with the project that was nearing completion and would become he and his brother’s legacy with Western New York and the city of Buffalo.

But on the inside Mr. Knox was a bit troubled. He was troubled because he felt that he was the only person at the time that cared about taking a chance on the downtown district of Buffalo.

It seemed as though none of his friends were willing to take the gamble and invest their time and money into

rebuilding Buffalo into the vibrant city that the Knox brothers had remembered as boys growing up.

I remember him looking out into the harbor area where the navel ships were anchored. He talked about ideas and visions he had shared with others as to what he saw being built in that area.

He envisioned restaurants, parks, shops and other businesses being built around his hockey arena, pointing to the areas he felt that where each would be built. He felt that it would bring people back down to Buffalo and put life back into the city.

Unfortunately, the Knox brothers passed without seeing their dreams become a reality less than two decades later.

Enter Terry and Kim Pegula. Dreamers and visionaries.

In less than half a decade, this husband and wife team has taken their dreams and began to make them a reality.

First, they purchased the Buffalo Sabres and the First Niagara Center.

Then they won the right to build what has now become known as Harbor Center. Using that as their catalyst, they have encouraged other businessmen with their businesses to follow their lead.

Slowly but surely the downtown Buffalo area is taking shape. The harbor, that Seymour Knox envisioned, has become a reality.

A hotel has popped up next to Harborcenter. New restaurants are running next to the First Niagara Center in the Cobblestone District.

Restaurants are popping up, including 716. 716 is almost hard to believe.

Had somebody blindfolded me and took me there I’m not sure I would have believed that I was in downtown Buffalo when they removed the blindfold. This establishment

would be found in New York City, Chicago or Los Angeles.

But Buffalo? Yes! Buffalo, NY. And Tim Hortons. Finally, a Tim Hortons Café and Bake Shop built the right way and honoring the hockey player who began this food empire. From the statue built right across the street from it to the photos and timeline of Horton’s life, it is a wonderful tribute to the man.

Then there are the Rinks. Two NHL-sized hockey rinks located on the sixth floor of the complex. One could lose count on the number of locker rooms there are (11). In addition there is a theater for teams to view their games, classrooms and for the fans, two concession stands.

The Academy of Hockey has been established to provide the tools needed to develop hockey players and coaches.

Impact Sports Performance is housed inside the facility as well. Their coaching staff and equipment provides unmatched programs for individuals to achieve success.

The only part of the structure that has not been completed is the Marriott Buffalo Harborcenter Hotel. That will be completed by next summer.

I don’t know if the Knox brothers ever met the Pegula’s. I don’t necessarily believe in reincarnation.

But somehow the Knox brother’s ideas were transferred to Terry and Kim Pegula. Those ideas that the Knox’s had two decades ago are now becoming a reality.

And I believe that somewhere up in the heavens Seymour and Norty Knox are looking down and smiling.

Smiling like many other Western New Yorkers are now doing. Yes, Buffalo is becoming the hockey destination point of the Northeast corridor of the U.S. and Canada.

It is becoming “Hockey Heaven.”

Cazenovia Park Hockey Association

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

As the Holiday Season approaches, we take time to reflect on our past, give thanks for all we have and plan ahead for the future.

We give thanks to: • Our founders, board members, coaches, managers, volunteers, parents and players over the last 55 years for their foresight, dedication, preservation and loyalty to our organization and community.

• The hundreds of members who participated in the October “Caz Kids Care” events, raising over $2,500 for cancer research and treatment in the WNY area.

• The recent addition of cross ice boards that enhance our Mite hockey program.

• Caz Hockey Mite MOHL Jam! A fun day of hockey, arts and crafts, games and a special appearance from Sabretooth!

• The 2015 Founders Tournament for Mite, Squirt and Pee Wee MOHL teams.

• Caz Kids Care Spring events which will benefit the American Diabetes Association.

Cazenovia Park Hockey Association

Proudly providing quality hockey instruction to player members while instilling values of good sportsmanship and community involvement for 55 years!

www.cazhockey.com WNYHockeyReport.com

Women’s Hockey Bisons Hire Gold Medalist Shelley Looney Continued from page 5 The Bisons have a Board of Directors and Volunteers but Walsh saw a need for someone to bring it all together and also provide guidance for the coaches.

Her duties include being the organization’s ice scheduler which she sees as a great opportunity to control what’s going on.

With a wide range of coaching abilities and desires she sees it her job to make sure coaches aren’t overwhelming their players.

The Bisons run a skills session once a week for each team and she helps coordinate drills for the instructors.

She sends out a practice plan to the coaches each week; has developed informational books for coaches that explains the growth of children at each age and she is also the ACE Coordinator.

With 19 plus teams, Looney is on the ice every day or at least at a game.

“I focus on the younger groups because that is our future,” she explained. “I feel it’s my duty to figure out where I’m needed and it’s nice to spend time scheduling, talking to the coaches and going to practices.

“I also provide them with new ideas and give them new directions.”

Her philosophy is that yes, they teach hockey, but they also teach life lessons.

“If they don’t get to that pro level, they will still have the love of the game enjoy it, remember the experience and learn lessons along the way.”

Looney – On Girls Hockey

“It’s come a long way,” Looney remarks. “The growth

is unbelievable.”

Looney began playing hockey when she was six. Her brother was playing and when he decided to quit she told her parents she wanted to.

“There were no girl teams in the 1970’s so I played with boys and had male role models,” she said.

“Now the girls know Hilary Knight and when I had her here in Buffalo, they wanted to meet her.”

She laughs because Hilary was surprised that these girls didn’t know Looney.

Well, in 1998 these young ladies either weren’t born or were very young.

She explains that girls need to understand that if they want to play college at the DI or DIII level it is very competitive.

For girls that also want a good academic life, they may want to look at the College’s club teams. There they can enjoy the sport they love and still have time for their studies.

Hockey is time consuming and there are some curriculums (nursing and athletic training were mentioned) that don’t allow the time for both.

Looney also thinks that colleges need to start looking at players at a younger age. That could be a two edged sword but the reason being that often girls play more than one sport and several of the sports look at girls at younger ages than hockey.

“The number of young girls playing needs to grow, and then we need to be able to keep them as they get older,” said Looney.

This is a situation which WNY and NYS have seen. As girls approach their teen years, they tend to leave the sport.

“My parents knew nothing about hockey but my brother wanted to play,” explains Looney. “When he quit and I began, I found that hockey helped me with my school work.

WNYHockeyReport.com

16

Looney had a learning disability while in school and attributes time management learned in hockey to her success in academics. She also had to do well in school in order to continue to play hockey. With her dream being the Olympics (which wasn’t even on the horizon when she was playing her early years), she worked hard.

She contributes her success to family, friends and her school.

Shelley Looney

Looney was born in Brownstown, Michigan and raised in Trenton.

She played with Team USA teammate Cammi Granato for the Vancouver Griffins of the National Women’s Ice Hockey League, finishing second on the team and fourth in the Western Conference with 10 goals and 25 assists in 2002-03.

She participated for Team British Columbia at the 2003 Esso Women’s National and was named B.C. Player of the Game in the Bronze Medal Game; despite losing to Team Quebec.

She served a an assistant coach to the U17 Boys’ National Team Development Program in 2003 and then joined the University of Vermont as an assistant coach of the women’s ice hockey team in 2005-06. She left that position to train for the Olympics. Unfortunately she was one of the final cuts from that team. They went on to win a Bronze.

She ended her USA Hockey career with 61 goals and 136 points in 151 games. She was also a member of the 2002 Olympic Team that took the Silver in Salt Lake City.

Top Shelf Training

17

Making or Not Making the Cut: The Mental Game

By Mike Smietana info@topshelfhockey.us Dealing with how an athlete copes with adversity and stress is another area that Top Shelf Hockey works with its athletes.

Many outside variables, in many times unfair variables can determine how an athlete is influenced. Tryouts is a special time for myself, as I always remembered that special feeling as a player, getting butterfly’s and ready to turn it up a notch. It was actually my favorite time of the season. The reason being that I didn’t have a coach looking over my shoulder telling me how to play my game and for that reason my mental game was clicking. Many things come into play when talking about a player’s mental game. Harmison (2011) cites information that athletes can draw their confidence from how they interpret support from their families, friends therapist, coach and environment.

Gardner and Moore (2012), reviewed practicing mindfulness techniques and its relationship to sport performance. They determined that mindfulness is defined as by Kabat-Zinn as “an open hearted, moment to moment non-judgmental awareness.” In other words do not think of the shots you missed or a team that you did not make. Also, do not get to emotional about why and how could another kid make it. Instead, each player should ask themselves “what am I doing about it right now? Athletes should continually be thinking about how to make their current game better.

According to Hatzigeorgiadis (2011), A term know as “Self Talk” helps each athlete to change a person’s thoughts, interpretations and behaviors. Through self-talk research suggest that its strategies can help progress and enhance the development of new skills and performance enhancement in sports.

Look at Hall of Famers as Models of Performance and Athletic ExcellenceLarry Bird a Hall of Fame NBA player

who won three NBA championships and is quoted “When I was young, I never wanted to leave the court until I got things exactly correct. My dream was to become a pro.” Bird ended up being a 12 time NBA allstar was motivated by the “intrinsic” or internal desire to accomplish making it to the NBA1. Major League Baseball hall of fame player Mickey Mantle once said: “During my 18 years I came to bat almost 10,000 times.

I struck out about 1,700 times and walked maybe 1,800 times. You figure a ballplayer will average about 500 at bats a season. That means I played seven years without ever hitting the ball2.”

It is apparent that Mantle knowing exactly how many times he batted and was struck out shows that he was intrinsically or internally motivated by mastering hitting the baseball and he still isn’t happy with the fact that he missed hitting the ball that many times

Little Mental tips = BIG RESULTS IN LIFE A past article that I researched, can be looked at on the website (www.topshelfhockey.us) explained that each person is faced with adversity in life at the rink or at home. If you are cut from a team or miss that open net, the question is how do you deal with it?

Goal setting, is a great way to turn a negative into a positive and is critical to an athlete’s sport, but also in life outside the sport in the real world. It is important to stay committed to the goals set, evaluating them, and changing them as needed to keep improving. For example: usually a person starts playing sports when they are younger, and younger athletes are trying to make friends, have fun, and learn the beginning skills associated with the sport. But, as an athlete gets older, goals need to become more specific to performance, and certain skills. Goals should always be challenging, but appropriate to current athletic ability- to have building blocks to continually add to it. It is important to have goals, however they should never become EXPECTATIONS. If goals become expectations, they have the tendency to weigh an athlete down. Goals should be approached in a positive way, an example:

“I want to make 10 shots today” vs. “I HAVE to make 10 shots today.” Expectations are harmful to goal setting, by setting up a win/lose situation. With this view on goalsif you do not achieve your goal, you “fail,” and if you “fail” you may question your athletic ability. This may cause an athlete to give up on a sport completely NOT WHAT YOU WANT. Rigid or demanding expectations can set an athlete up for failure, before they even start to get better. They can cause feelings of failure, frustration, discouragement, and the possible eventual quitting of an athlete. Determining goals, is not always easy for athletes to figure out or understand. Goals should be specific and measurable. Athletes should determine a timeline on when they want to achieve the goals. The goals need to be appropriate to athlete’s abilities- to insure attainability. Also, goals should be challengingto insure growth in the athlete. Goal setting should always be thought of in positive terms. For example: “I’m going to improve my defense,” instead of negative term, “I’m going to stop messing up on defense.” An athlete that is setting goal’s, needs to focus on the process and performance, instead of a specific outcome- like scoring a certain number of points.

This is a suggested checklist for qualifying goal setting. A goal should: *Identify a specific action or event, *Should be qualifiable- should be able to say how many hours it will take to achieve the goal being set, *Attainable given the available resources, *Require to stretch some- but insure that the athlete will likely be successful, *State time period- in which the goal will be accomplished. The most important thing to remember when setting goals, is to always change goals to new goals once they are achieved- to ensure growth and advance athletic ability in athletes throughout their careers.

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

STX Top 68 2014

by Randy Schultz Randy@wnyhockeyreport.com Five Western New York born hockey players attended the STX 68 2014 Hockey Camp this summer in Chicago, IL. Presented by 200 x 85 LLC, this is the premier Bantam Major camp in North America.

The five that attended included Zach Rehbaum (forward, Williamsville, Buffalo Jr. Sabres 14U), Josh Graziano (goalie, Williamsville, Buffalo Jr. Sabres 14U), Matt Doyle (defenseman, Wheatfield, Buffalo Jr. Sabres 14U), Kevin Wall (forward, Fairport, Syracuse Nationals 14U) and Trevor Peca (forward, Clarence, Buffalo Jr. Sabres 14U).

Only 68 players were chosen for the camp. Only the best of the best received invitations to this year’s 2000 camp.

What the 68 athletes did was get a taste of how to be better athletes and players at the highest levels of junior, college and even professional hockey.

This was the only Bantam Major national camp that offered athletes a state-of-the-art education in both off and on ice training. The event was the largest gathering of Bantam Major age players of its kind to be offered this year.

Every position and aspect of hockey was highlighted over the course of the three-day program through a variety of drills and competitions. It was held at Benedictine University, Lisle, IL and Seven Bridges Ice Arena, Woodridge, Ill. According to the New York State players that participated it was three exciting, yet very tiring days.

“It was an honor to be invited,” remarked Doyle. “It was just cool to be around such a great group of players.

“It was an intense three days. There was a lot of talent at this camp.”

For Rehbaum, like the others, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“It was a good step-up for me because the players were so great it lifted my level of competition up,” stated Rehbaum. “It was a lot harder than what I was used to.

“We would have off ice and on ice training. That was followed by a game at the end of the day. We had different coaches for each of the three days.”

Graziano looked at from a different point of view, that of a goalie.

“I arrived with my family a day early and got a chance to see a bit of Chicago,” recalled Graziano. “It was a non-stop three days, from early morning to night.

“And as a goalie, I’ve been used to maybe one or two guys on each team I face that could shoot the puck hard. At

WNYHockeyReport.com

that camp every player could shoot the puck hard.”

Peca, like the others, knew right away that this camp was going to be a different type of hockey than what he had been used to.

“The pace of the hockey there was so much faster than any of us had played before,” said Peca. “But it was pretty much what I thought it was going to be.

“I would like this experience to help me get to the goals I’m setting for myself. I would like to eventually get to the play on a Developmental Program.

“From there I would like to play D1 hockey and from there try to make it to the NHL someday.”

Which is a dream that all the players have. But for now it is just the next step in the development of a hockey career.

“I think it put things into a different prospective for each of us,” concluded Graziano. “The four of us from the Buffalo area were considered the best from our area.

“But when you go to a camp like this you come away with the idea that if you have higher goals for yourself, you are going to have to get better.

“If you want to stay at the top of your game you have to work hard. That’s what success is based on.

“This was a great experience for all of us as we move up in our hockey careers.”

It will be interesting to see where it takes all of them from this point on.

Precision Hockey Training

18

Player Development Is Critical pace down or have a greater than 3 to 1 work to rest ratio. These things alone will not get it done.

by Mark Metzger – m.metzger@ precisionhockey.net

What makes players like Steven Stamkos so special, so elusive and difficult to contain? It begs the question - Is it possible to develop the next Steven Stamkos?

Now that I have your attention…

What sets Stamkos apart from the rest of the NHL players? He is not the fastest, he is not the strongest, and he is not big by hockey standards. This being said, we all know he has elite level puck skills. When I watch Tampa Bay, I focus on Stamkos just like I do with other elite players in the NHL. I focus and wonder – is there something coaches can do to help create the next wonder of the game? Is there something coaches can do to help develop the next impact 2-way Defenseman?

Things I know for certain – comments in minor levels of hockey include, “get pucks to the net”, “get pucks deep”, “move the puck”, “don’t turn the puck over in the grey zones” etc. Practices at this level include spending valuable time working on systems, 5-0 breakouts or regroups, D zone coverage or using drills that do not simulate real game action, and using drills that slow the

I believe that coaches and organizations need to take a hockey school approach if they truly want to make a difference in the skill level of players. I saw an article that said “Steven Stamkos spends hours each week working on his hands.” He focuses on his shot, and most importantly handling the puck with his head up, moving his feet and separating his hands from his body. Agility is critical but looking as if you are about to pass the puck while carrying the puck will almost always result in buying a skilled player time and space.

The opposite is also true – head down, flat footed and handling the puck like a grenade will no doubt result in the opposition pressuring to take away time and space. Practice makes perfect, but players have to first understand what it is they need to perfect. That’s where coaches and skill development coaches come in. Video can be a very helpful tool. Obviously, the player has to want it and be willing to put in the time and effort.

Do you encourage your players to be creative?

Do you encourage your players to show poise and patience? Most importantly, do you give your players time in every practice to work on the Steven Stamkos type skill sets? Do you allow and encourage them to try new things and to be creative in games during the regular season, exhibition and tournament games? It is true that the playoffs or state games might require a different mindset.

The focus has to be on the players and not so much on the outcome of any one game, tournament, or season. We have to give each and every player the opportunity to reach his or her true potential. I have watched organization records continue to improve and get better as more and more coaches buy in to the equal/fair ice formula. You give up fewer goals, your team scores more goals, and teams win more tournaments and Championships. I believe that teams and organizations need to learn to focus more on overall skill development. I still see situations where coaches shorten the bench and favor certain players to kill penalties, play on the power play, or to play that last minute of a game. Players will often surprise us. A confident player is a contributing player. A contributing player is a happy player whose parents will be supportive of both the team and the coaches.

I’m not suggesting we can or will create the next Steven Stamkos; however, I am confident that coaches can make each and every one of their players more skilled. Focus on them more by using a hockey school mentality and focus a little less on systems and winning games. Work on the process (all the little things combined) – the winning will take care of itself.

Good luck in upcoming games!

Mark Metzger is the Founder / Head Instructor of Precision Hockey. He can be reached at m.metzger@ precisionhockey.net

14

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Bud Bakewell Bruins Volunteer

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Bud Bakewell Hockey understands the spirt of giving The Bud Bakewell Mixed Bantam team volunteered at the Church of the Holy Cross on 7th and Maryland streets to serve a Thanksgiving dinner that benefits individuals and families on Buffalo’s West Side. The team donated their time to the We Care Block Club founded by Elizabeth Triggs to serve over 100 dinners at the church on November 17. The hockey association appreciates the goodwill and character their players and commend these boys for offering their services.

Proud Members of the 2014-2015

Midget 18U #

52 21 30 73 11 16 23 5 15 4 13 9 10 97 74 29 17 2 20 19

NAME Bill Cline Daryle Gronowski Mark Major Marvin Pawlowski Jr. Samual Cruver Evan Domiano Kyle Fallon Quinn Finnegan Gage Holler Jordan Knoop John Liberti Brian Losel Dominic LoVallo Thomas Major Mathew Metz Robert Nappo Erick Santiago Zachary Savage Griffin Spatorico Luke Stewart Michal Swacha Alan Szumla Jeff Wawrzynek Stephen Wisniewski

Midget 15U #

96 17 4 57 11 10 18 63 35 21 25 44 14 19 60 24 90 88

NAME Bill Cline Stephen Calandra Paul Crist Dean Massaro Mark Suffoletta Chris Vasi Nino Calandra Cameron Collignon Adam Crist Nathan Massaro Cameron McMahon Michael Metzger Eli Moslow Conner O’Brien Nicholas Patnella Benjamin Portman Anthony Regdos Frank Roberto Matthew Sciandra Cory Scull Carson Suffoletta Christopher Vasi Eli Wallace Brennan Wilson

Bud Bakewell Bruins POSITION Head Coach Coach Coach Coach D F G F F D F F F D F F F F D G F D D F

HOME TOWN Grand Island Buffalo Grand Island Grand Island Williamsville Kenmore West Seneca West Seneca Tonawanda Buffalo Buffalo Eden Buffalo Grand Island Tonawanda Grand Island Buffalo Buffalo N. Tonawanda Tonawanda Buffalo Grand Island Lockport Cheektowaga

POSITION Head Coach Head Coach Coach Coach Coach Coach D F F D F D F D G F F D F F G F D F

HOME TOWN Grand Island Grand Island Grand Island Grand Island Grand Island Buffalo Grand Island Grand Island Grand Island Grand Island N. Tonawanda Buffalo Buffalo Williamsville Getzville Buffalo Williamsville Lockport Tonawanda Holland Grand Island Buffalo Buffalo Lockport

Midget 18U NTB #

6 1 3 87 7 8 11 88 14 18 44 9 91 29 10 6 70

NAME Scott Brennan Richard Durante Noah Atkisson Jacob Bell Jason Cudney Michael Flores Jerad Inthavong Sam Johnsen Brett Krasowski Samuel Loster Alexander Makowski James Metzger Evan Nixon Brandon Pawlik Bradley Smigiera Jacob Smith Ian Sommerfelt Joanathan Tessmer Johnnie Fritz

Bantam Major #

14 23 10 98 44 21 39 28 12 5 35 7 26 99 22 8 88

NAME Carl Miller Jr. Anthony Cavalieri Richard Little Jr. John Spatorico Noah Bily Ryan Boneberg Thomas Boyer Colin Branka Anthony Cavalieri Joshua Costolnick Evan Kumpf Richard Little Jimmy Martin Dylan McCarthy Dominik Militello Cole Miller Nicholas Phinney Joshua Provenzo Austin Spatorico Lucas Vandevelde Trent Woodroe

POSITION Head Coach Coach D G F F F D F F F F D D D G D D G

HOME TOWN Buffalo Kenmore Buffalo Buffalo Buffalo Kenmore Kenmore Buffalo Orchard Park Buffalo Lancaster Amherst Buffalo Snyder Cheektowaga Buffalo Kenmore Buffalo Lockport

POSITION Head Coach Coach Coach Coach D D D F D F G F D D G F F F F F F

HOME TOWN East Aurora Williamsville Grand Island N. Tonawanda Cheektowaga Cheektowaga N. Tonawanda Williamsville Williamsville Grand Island Williamsville Grand Island Clarence Williamsville Cheektowaga East Aurora Grand Island Depew N. Tonawanda Williamsville N. Tonawanda

Midget 16U #

98 5 24 9 88 18 97 39 10 19 4 89 28 16 74 55 21 91 72 31

NAME POSITION Scott Brennan Head Coach Richard Durante Coach Heather Hierl Weimer Manager Anthony Alvear F Eric Arnow D Brodie Beaver F Blake Bennett F Adam Brennan F Ian Cherico D Alexander Chrostowski F Ronald Chrostowski G Preston Gifford D Jacob Hierl D Jacob Kluge D Dominic Nilsson F Doron Okon F Zachery O’Neill F Cameron Osalkowski F Nolan Pofi F Martin Senger III F Nicholas Shantler F Alexander Smith D Ryan Stoll G

Bantam Minor #

39 15 36 62 32 44 19 98 28 37 77 14 22 91 11 61 2

NAME Rick Kindzia Scott Haseley Ken Thomas Michael Kuchey Bob Tollar Kevin Bainbridge Michael Borowiak Joseph Coughlin Andrew Haseley Zachary Johnson Andrew Jopp Noah Kindzia Michael Kuchey Maxwell Lowerre John McNally Dalton Nyitrai Dominic Puma Mason Shumate Jacob Stine Sebastian Thomas Jack Tollar Jake Wilsey

POSITION Head Coach Coach Coach Coach Manager G F D D G F F F F D F D F D D F D

www.budbakewellhockey.com WNYHockeyReport.com

HOME TOWN Buffalo Kenmore Tonawanda Kenmore Kenmore Depew Grand Island Buffalo Kenmore Cheektowaga Cheektowaga Buffalo Tonawanda Kenmore Buffalo Fredonia Grand Island Williamsville Niagara Falls Buffalo Buffalo Buffalo Tonawanda

HOME TOWN Niagara Falls Lockport Williamsville Lockport N. Tonanwanda N. Tonawanda Cheektowaga Grand Island Lockport Kenmore Tonawanda Niagara Falls Lockport N. Tonawanda Wilson Grand Island Williamsville Niagara Falls N. Tonawanda Williamsville N. Tonawanda Wilson

Midget 16U NTB #

10 42 5 8 21 4 17 81 44 40 30 7 24 14 13 12 29 15 19 11 39

NAME Tony Johnson Carl Miller Jay Tagliarino Jeremy Bucznski Dan Verrico Mike Callesto Nic D’Amato Tim Darling Joey DeMarco Jack Eberhard Josh Gallagher Jonny Gionis Luke Jones Joe Kimmins Devon Kutzbach Todd Mazurek Garrett Miller Cam Murray Terry Nolan Jaidin Ptasnick Tyler Roberto Matt Roche Brandon Schott Andrew Smith Ben Verrico Carter Wild

POSITION Head Coach Coach Coach Coach Manager D F D F F D F F F G D D F F F F F F D D G

HOME TOWN Cheektowaga East Aurora Grand Island West Seneca Kenmore Amherst Orchard Park Orchard Park Amherst Tonawanda West Seneca Tonawanda Orchard Park Buffalo West Seneca Tonawanda East Aurora Williamsville Buffalo Tonawanda Amherst West Seneca Derby Cheektowaga Kenmore Williamsville

NAME Thomas Butkowski Michael Brown Jr. Scott Waggoner Thomas Kubiniec Luke Bailey Mason Brock Kenneth Brown Jacob Butkowski Austin Collura Sean Doyle Vincent Fiorella Jr. Sean Hedrick Alex Kubiniec Brett Leckey Lucas Mills Richard Perry James Stephens Joe Steimle Mike Steimle Salvatore Syracuse Evan Waggoner Joshua Walerowicz

POSITION Head Coach Coach Coach Manager F D D D D F D F G F F F F F D D F F

HOME TOWN Tonawanda Buffalo Kenmore Buffalo Buffalo Tonawanda Buffalo Tonawanda Buffalo Amherst Buffalo Amherst Buffalo Buffalo Kenmore Amherst N. Tonawanda Amherst Amherst Buffalo Kenmore Sanborn

Bantam Mixed #

16 18 14 25 74 32 97 27 1 7 2 10 13 11 12 9 28 17

High School Hockey

24

Section VI

by Matthew Ondesko

Dougherty mature beyond his years “I really had to learn how to grow up and take care of myself. Just had to rely on myself, you can’t really rely on anybody else. You have to take care of your own self,” Bentley senior goaltender Blake Dougherty.

When people sit in the stands at hockey games all they see is the finished product. They may not see all the hard work that was put in at 6 a.m. practices in the middle of January. Or the playing with injuries for weeks or months.

And spectators also don’t see what it takes to become a mature young man or woman. Hockey is probably the toughest sport there is to play. The scrutiny on a daily basis, whether it’s practice or during and after games, is relentless. Some young men can handle it at an early age, others struggle to find their way until later in their careers.

Even if you are the most mature young man, you still need some guidance on and off the ice.

F o r m e r Williamsville East High S c h o o l product Blake Dougherty is mature, or wise, beyond his years. A standout with the Flames, the Former Williamsville East High School W i l l i a m s v i l l e then product Blake Dougherty has posted a native 1.95 goals against average for Bentley so moved on to far this season. Photo courtesy of Bentley play in the College. Eastern Junior Hockey League with the Bay State Breakers before signing to play for Bentley College in Atlantic Hockey.

He credits Bentley for making him the person he is now, and for helping him mature on and off the ice.

“It’s been great,” he said recently by phone. “They have helped me mature on and off the ice. We have 25 guys, so it’s a really big support group, You have guys going through the same thing you are in the classroom.”

When Dougherty signed with Bentley he knew he wouldn’t see much ice early on in his college career. Dougherty was behind another local in former Williamsville North High School goaltender Brandon Komm. Komm was a standout for the Spartans before taking his talents to Bentley, and Dougherty knew he would just have to sit and wait his turn.

“I learned a lot from him,” said Dougherty. “I patiently waited and waited for my opportunity. And I finally got it against RPI (this year).”

While waiting his turn, he knew he could learn from one of the best in Komm. Dougherty saw the work Komm put in during the season and offseason. And he knew if he wanted to get better and challenge for the number one spot this year he would have to do the same kind of thing.

“I learned to keep your emotions in check,” Dougherty said. “You don’t want to get to high and you don’t want

to get to low. You want to stay pretty steady.”

Now that Dougherty has the opportunity, the 2008 Williamsville East graduate doesn’t want to give it up.

With the season just getting underway, Dougherty has played well posting a 1.95 goals against average in three games, two starts, and a 1-1 record.

He said expectations would be just like they were playing high school or juniors and that is to have a great year.

“My expectations are to have a great year,” he said. “We have a great group of guys. We have a really talented team. And I would love to win a championship.”

While he is playing at Bentley, Dougherty is still keeping an eye on what is going on back in his hometown of Buffalo. A lot has changed since graduating high school in 2008. The Buffalo Sabres were sold to Terry Pegula and the HarborCenter has just opened.

Dougherty thinks this will be great for the Western New York area as the local teams will be able to schedule better national opponents, which in turn will only make the players better in the long wrong.

“Western New York is definitely turning into quite the hockey hot bed,” said Dougherty. “You have a ton of guys poling everywhere. You have Patrick Kane. You have guys playing in the AHL and overseas. You have guys playing for Team USA and the national team. I think it’s great what is happening at the HarborCenter and what Pegula is doing over there. It’s never a bad thing to have more rinks in an area like Buffalo. The more kids you get to play hockey, the more it will turn out young, talented, hockey players.”

Patience pays off for former St. Francis goalie Diebold Sometimes it just takes a little patience. Patience on the ice the ice and in the classroom.

For RPI senior netminder Scott Former St. Francis High School Diebold (St. standout Scott Diebold makes a save Francis High for RPI during a recent game.

School) patience is something that became a virtue.

After playing 45 to 50 games at St. Francis High School, and being the main man at the Tri-City Storm of the United States Hockey league, Diebold had to wait his turn when heading to college.

It was a different feeling for him, but one he understood and got used to.

“Going from playing 45 to 50 games in high school, I struggled with it a little bit, said Diebold, recently by phone. “You just have to wait your chance. You can’t worry about what you can’t control.”

It would have been easy for Diebold to sit and pout over the fact he wasn’t able to get a lot of playing time early on. Instead, however, he used his time wisely, getting better at the craft he has been honing since he was a little boy.

It also helped that he has had a great teacher in coach Seth Appert. Appert took over the reigns during

WNYHockeyReport.com

the 2006-07 season, and he has worked with Diebold to get better in all aspects of his game.

“One of the best goalie coaches in the game,” stated Diebold. “Inevitable that you will get better.”

After seeing limited action during his freshman and sophomores campaigns, Diebold took the bull by the horns last season and played in 36 games, 35 starts, boasting a 2.50 goals against average.

The fact he was able to get back on the ice regularly was rewarding for him as he put in the extra work during practice, and before games.

“You just have to treat every practice like it’s a game,” Diebold said. “It’s been a blast.”

It also has been a blast in the classroom. But, it didn’t start that way in the beginning. After being used to a routine in high school, when Diebold went off to play junior he didn’t have to take any classes. It was just hockey all the time every day.

So, when he entered RPI, and the academic rigors that accompany the school, it took the former Red Raider some time getting used to the flow again.

“I was used to laying around playing hockey,” laughed Diebold. “School was on another level. It blindsided me at first. I had to learn how to study again.”

And learn he did. The industrial and management engineering major thanks St. Francis High School for getting him ready for the academic rigors that is RPI. “Academic are unreal at Frannies,” said Diebold. “They hold you to a high academic standard. It puts you in a different category.”

A different category Diebold would like to be in is play professional hockey after he graduates. He sees the success of some of his friends that have gone on to either play in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL), American Hockey League (AHL) or overseas in Europe.

The fact that they have had success give him reason that he will be able to succeed as well. If it doesn’t workout, however, then he will always have a back up plan.

“I have been at the rink with these guys, played with these guys. Vinny is doing well and Anthony is doing well overseas,” said Diebold. I definitely want to play hockey somewhere. But, if it doesn’t work out, I will go back to school in Buffalo.”

Always the patient person.

St. Joe’s Berger heading to Brown University It’s nice to have options.

St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute’s Chris Berger knew he was going to college to play some kind of sport, whether it was lacrosse or hockey. A standout in both, Berger had offers from colleges from both sports.

But, his heart was set on hockey. And, recently, Berger made is official as he signed his letter of intent to attend Brown University, an Ivy League school located in Providence, Rhode Island.

It ended a long, but funk process for Berger - who now can concentrate on his game and studies.

“I feel real fortunate and excited. I loved the many conversations with so many great programs but once I found the program that combined high academics, my desired major and high end hockey , I was ready to commit,” stated Berger. “I met some really good coaches along the way who were supportive of me regardless of my decision.”

It was a difficult decision, but one he is happy with.

Brown is one of the best Ivy League Schools in the

High School Hockey country. And the hockey program is on the rise. Add in the great academics, and it was a no brainer.

“When I walked into Brown University it was an awesome campus. Fortunately, I had coach Levine take me on a tour of the school and really get me to understand the opportunity my academics and hockey afforded me,” explained Berger. “One question I had to ask myself is,” if I couldn’t play hockey, could I see myself at Brown?” The answer was absolutely. Another reason why I chose Brown is because they had what I want to major in which is something in the life sciences.”

It has been a whirlwind last year for Berger. Early in the spring, the St. Joe’s product was drafted in the United States Hockey League. This is after he had a tremendous season playing for the Buffalo Junior Sabres 16U team.

While it still meant he had to try out for the team, it was an exciting time knowing that all the hard work you have out in during the season and offseason had paid off.

“Last season I played Buffalo Junior Sabres 16u on a very good team with one of our guys being Joe Cecconi,” he said. “He got a lot of attention which indirectly benefited many of us with the USHL and colleges.

I probably talked to a dozen teams and was super excited when Des Moines picked me. I realize it is just an invitation to tryout, but was so thankful to be drafted and excited to continue and hopefully eventually play hockey at that next level.”

Playing hockey is all that Berger has wanted to do since a young age. However, over the last couple of years, the junior has become a really good lacrosse player. He became so good that colleges were starting to look at him.

At some point, Berger had to make a decision on what he wanted to do and focus on as the next level is approaching pretty fast. He choose hockey full-time, but not without giving lacrosse some thought.

“Absolutely thanks to coach Hudecki. He is always promoting all of his players and garnered a lot of interest in myself and many of my teammates,” explained Berger.

“This past spring, I decided to focus entirely on hockey after lacrosse and see what that dedication could take me. College hockey has been a dream of mine for some time.”

Now he will be able to focus on his dream. After playing last season with the 16U team, Berger is now playing on the Buffalo Junior Sabres. The team is the only American team in the Ontario Junior Provential Hockey League.

The competition is better than anything he could

play at the high school level. The step up in competition can only help Berger get better as he eyes a successful college career.

“I am playing Buffalo Junior Sabres now and in the first few games, I am contributing but need to get bigger and quicker,” said Berger. “College hockey is really a game of big strong guys who know how to play hockey very well.”

Berger knows well that to have a successful career on the ice, you need to have one in the classroom. And that is exactly what he is doing.

The junior has continued to hit the books at St. Joe’s, one of the top Catholic high schools in the area. The academic rigors at St. Joe’s can only help Berger when he goes to juggle athletics and academics at Brown University.

“Time management, and being efficient with my studies,” said Berger. “St. Joe’s has prepared me very well, and this year will be no different being my junior year. My teachers are very helpful with support and continuous communication to ensure I maintain my GPA. If you do the work at St. joe’s, you can achieve excellence.”

Boston College’s Pfalzer making the most of her time on ice You could say Emily Pfalzer has seen, and done it all, during her hockey carrier.

The senior defenseman from Boston College has been the backbone of the Eagles’ defense since stepping on campus four years ago.

Last season, Pfalzer set career highs in goals (6), assists (19) and points (25), but it’s her leadership that is the most impressive.

Her leadership qualities on the ice can be traced back to her days playing at Nichols School in North Buffalo.

The staff knew they had something special in Pfalzer and she didn’t disappoint.

“Nichols is awesome,” said Pfalzer by phone from Boston College. “It prepared me to be the best studentathletes at Boston College. I became a better player.”

Her play was so outstanding that USA Hockey came calling. Pfalzer has been a member of the United States Hockey National Camp since age 14. During her time with the team, she led the U.S. to the 2011 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Championship U18 gold medal as an assistant captain; 2010 IIHF World Championship U18 silver medalist; wore the “A” for the 2010 U.S. U18 Select team; and competed on the 2009 U18 USA Select team.

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The Getzville native said her time on the US team is always special and something that she will never take for grant it.

“It has always been a privilege be able to put on the (USA) jersey,” explained Pfalzer. “The feeling never gets old.”

Something else she won’t take for grant it is her time at Former Nichols star Emily Pfalzer Boston College. enjoying her senior year at Boston Four years goes College. fast and Pfalzer is trying to soak up all the time she has left.

“Crazy how time has gone so fast,” she said. “It’s sad how it has gone by so fast. It hasn’t hit me yet. Looking to have a good last year.”

While her time at Boston College will be coming to an end, Pfalzer still has aspirations of playing the game after she graduates. These kind of opportunities might have not been made available 10 to 15 years ago, when women’s hockey was still in its infant stages.

In fact, Pfalzer remembers playing hockey with the boys early on, before finally latching on with a girls team.

“I had to start playing on boys’ teams,” recalls Pfalzer.

“It’s (the game) is growing tremendously. There is a lot more options. Lot more college opportunities. And, a lot more hockey camps just for girls.”

At an early age, Emily Pfalzer took the opportunity and skated with it. Her future is bright in whatever she wants to do after college and beyond, like say med school.

“I will still like to play hockey in the future and maybe go to medical school,” said Pfalzer. Do something with sports or pediatrics.”

Section V

by Warren Kozireski Warren@wnyhockeyreport.com Independent McQuaid plays in a tournament at HarborCenter in Buffalo Nov. 21-22, Webster-Schroeder and Irondequoit begin the regular season schedule on the 22nd and four games help fill the first full Saturday (Nov. 29) as part of the Craig Charron High School Hockey Tournament all at Ritter Arena at RIT mark the opening of the 2014-15 high school hockey campaign in Section V. The first game of the Charron tourney again features Spencerport, with his son, Nicholas, on the roster to begin his senior year.

There are no head coaching changes, but the league has restructured from Class A and Class B to three classes this season (A, B, BB) for the playoffs. It is a little confusing to distant observers as the regular season schedule features three Divisions with different team alignments.

Defending champion Fairport will be joined by Rush-Henrietta, Brighton/HFL/East Rochester, Pittsford and McQuaid in Class A. Class BB will include Penfield, defending champ Webster-Schroeder, Hilton, Gates-Chili, Webster-Thomas, Greece Arcadia/Olympia, Greece Athena/Odyssey, Victor and Spencerport.

Class B has Irondequoit, Churchville-Chili, Brockport, Canandaigua, Geneva/Waterloo, Geneseo/Livonia/Dansville, Batavia/Alexander, Aquinas and Notre Dame/Attica.

The playoffs begin with play-in games Feb. 17-18, 21 with semi-finals Feb. 24-26 and three final games on March 1 at RIT. The state playoffs begin March 4 with class qualifiers with the state semi-finals and championship games in Utica March 14-15.

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In The Crease

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Footwork and Positioning At the same time depth is still important to maximize net coverage but can only be acquired if the goaltender is square first. Coming out and “cutting down the angle” without being square to the puck will actually decrease net coverage.

by Bob Janosz Proper positioning starts with solid footwork and skating mechanics. A well positioned goaltender will have greater consistency by giving themself the best possible to chance to make the save. In basic terms, positioning consists of three things: being square to the puck, being set, and having appropriate depth; and they should be prioritized in that order. (Square, set, appropriate depth)

Here are some variables that determine how much depth a goaltender should gain: 1. S ize – bigger goalies don’t have to come out as far; smaller goalies do.

2. Skating Ability – A goalie that is a great skater may be able to come out farther because they can recover on a pass or bad rebound.

3. L ateral Movement – Goalies that have good sliding and down pushing ability may be able to be a little more aggressive because they can still recover to the

post or shooter’s stick based on the play.

4. Situation – This is the greatest variable on how much depth to attain. Generally on any situation that there is a threat for a pass the goaltender will have to play deeper. (Odd man rush, in-zone play, or especially while on the PK) As you can see goaltending is much more than just “stopping the puck”. Goaltenders that possess the footwork and hockey sense to be able to do the work before the shot will have greater success. The next part of the equation is how to actually make the save, which will be in future articles.

For more information on Janosz School of Goaltending Camps, Clinics, and Private Training go to www. bobjanosz.com or call 716-308-9224.

Shooting Triangle

1) Square. This is the main priority above anything else. The goaltender has to be centered with the puck; often referred to as the Shooting Triangle. Here are a few tips that the goaltender must do in order to accomplish this: 1. Locate the shooters stick blade in order to stay “square”.

2. Anticipate the play to move with and not after the pass to try to “arrive early” or at least “on-time” 3. Crease Awareness in order to accurately move around the crease while still staying “square” and not losing sight of the puck; all while knowing the most dangerous threat.

2) Set. The goaltender should strive to be set for the shot whenever possible. This not only makes the save easier, but it also helps with rebound control. Part of being set is having good hard pushes and quick stopping ability to beat the pass and to once again strive to “arrive early” Here are the 5 basic goaltender specific skating techniques that need to constantly be trained and reinforced. With all movements the goaltender should have steady hands and strive for balance to stay fast and flexible.

Good Angle – Need More Depth

Shooting Triangle – Goalie should be in the center of the shooting triangle.

On bad angle plays the goaltender does not need as much depth for maximum net coverage.

Situational Depth

1. T-push – Used on cross-ice passes. Must push hard and get set quickly. It is important to note that with any passing play the goaltender should glance ahead of the puck to see where the intended target is before refocusing on the puck.

2. Push Outs – Similar to a T-push, but used when the puck moves from a low to high position; like a pass out from below the goal line.

3. Shuffle – Moving laterally with a player carrying the puck when there is a risk of a shot. Steps should be relatively small to avoid opening up the 5-hole.

4. Backwards – Used to close gap on a breakaway and rush situations. Initial depth still depends on the situation.

5. C-cuts – forward and backwards. Used to gain depth on bad angle play and rush plays. They can also be used to gain momentum when rotating back towards the post on rush and in-zone plays.

3) Appropriate Depth. Depth is often a controversial area. Goaltenders are playing deeper now than in previous years simply because they’ve realized that the smaller percentage of extra “front door” coverage is not worth the larger percentage of “backdoor” net that becomes available. With clutching and grabbing out of the game in recent years it is imperative for goaltenders be able to make second and third rebound saves.

Bad Angle – Need Less Depth

Backdoor Threat

No Backdoor Threat

Situational Depth – The goaltender must play deeper when there is a backdoor threat.

WNYHockeyReport.com

Rochester Americans

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Rochester Americans

by Warren Kozireski Warren@wnyhockeyreport.com The 2013-14 season was a whirlwind for Amerks rookie defenseman Jake McCabe. From being named American Hockey Coaches Association First-Team West All-American, first-team All-Big Ten and tied for third in the Big Ten in scoring among defenseman with 11 points in conference play to scoring one goal with one assist to help the University of Wisconsin to the first Big Ten championship and an NCAA playoff berth.

Six days later he dresses for his first NHL game with the Buffalo Sabres at St. Louis where he skates 23 shifts.

Ten days and six games later, his first professional point—an assist in the season finale against the NY Islanders.

A 2012 second round draft pick—44th overall— McCabe is among a stable of young defensemen being developed both in Buffalo and Rochester. Competition began in summer for spots among young blueliners Rasmus Ristolainen, Tyson Strachan, Mark Pysyk, Chad Ruhwedel, Nikita Zadorov and McCabe. In Rochester add Jerome Leduc and Brady Austin to the mix though Austin is currently in Elmira.

“Competition is healthy,” McCabe said. “I’m a first year pro here, so I’m trying to take everything in stride and

play my game and not worry about the extra stuff. Coming into this year I would probably be a little more nervous if I didn’t have those (NHL) games to help me realize that I can play with these guys and contribute.”

McCabe scored 14 goals with 44 assists in his 100 collegiate contests, but was still looking for his first professional goal as of November 7th. After spending the first two games with Buffalo and assigned to Rochester on Oct. 16, he has one assist this season in eight AHL games and was in his first fight as a pro on the 7th against Binghamton forward Alex Guptill.

“He’s trying to establish himself and he’s playing angry,” Amerks head coach Chadd Cassidy said. “He wants to show what he can do and step up for our team.”

Before Wisconsin, McCabe spent time with the U.S. National Development Program in Ann Arbor, Michigan with former Amerks and Sabres head coach Ron Rolston as well as Cassidy.

He won gold with Team USA at the 2011 International Ice Hockey Federation Under-18 World Championships, collected four goals and 16 points in 46 games with the U.S. National Under-18 Team in 2010-11 and played for the U.S. team at the 2010 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, which brought home the title.

Then college hockey in the factory known as the University of Wisconsin.

“History speaks for itself and (Wisconsin head coach) Mike Eaves and the coaching staff produce good players, especially defensemen, who are ready to take the next step to the next level. Layers like Ryan McDonough, Joe Pavelski, the list goes on and on. It’s fun to train with those guys in the summer as well.”

Behind a player’s number there is usually a backstory. A favorite player growing up, a relative, a lucky number. And McCabe, who wore #19 at Wisconsin?

“Because they gave me it. We have a pretty good 19 here (Cody Hodgson) and I came in here last year and 29 is the number they gave me, and as a young guy I just want to play in the NHL, so I could care less what number I wear.”

Athletic Republic Rochester is pleased to announce our Athlete of the Month for November.

William Shaffer

Rochester Junior Americans Empire

Proud printer of WNY Hockey Report Our products range from business collateral (including letterhead, business cards & catalogues), to short-run full color publishing (including comp cards, art books, yearbooks and military cruisebooks), to variable data printing orders.

William, a forward for the Rochester Junior Americans Empire, has 17 goals and 25 assists through 15 games this season. Last year hes scored 14 goals total for the season. He is 2nd in points in the USPHL Empire Division and his 13 points on the power play leads the division. William has scored in every game this year. Athletic Republic is proud of his accomplishments and we’re excited to see he’s having a terrific season.

Congratulations William, keep up the hard work!

www.athleticrepublicrochester.com 585-426-8488 AthleticRepublicRochester

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ARRochester

Saints Sled Hockey Tournament

Saints Sled Hockey Tournament

by Randy Schultz Randy@wnyhockeyreport.com “If you build it, they will come.”

That is one of the more famous lines ever uttered in a sports-related movie on the silver screen. While the line came from the baseball movie, “Field of Dreams,” this time the phrase centers on hockey.

Thanks to the efforts of a group of determined and caring people in Depew, the Depew Rink is now equipped with player bench areas and penalty boxes that can handle sled hockey players.

Because of those efforts the Depew Saints hosted its First Annual Sled Hockey Tournament in mid-October. As part of the weekend the USA hockey sled truck arrived at the rink, equipped with 30 sleds for the First Annual “Try Sled Hockey For Free” Day. Several sled hockey teams from the Watertown Region (which featured veterans on the team), Ohio, Canada and the Buffalo area participated in the tournament.

Norm Page, a National Sled Hockey Representative for USA Hockey who lives in the Western New York area, explained how all of this came about.

“The Depew Saints came to us because they were looking at converting their rink to sled hockey,” recalled Page. “It was very exciting for us to think that another rink in Western New York (the first being in Amherst) was being converted.

“What they actually did was to take a negative and make

a positive out of it.”

A year ago a member of the Saints organization had stolen money from them.

The money had been returned and was used to help fund the rink conversion to sled hockey.

Once the rink was complete, the idea of a sled hockey tournament became a reality.

“We want exposure for the sport,” continued Page. “We want to expose sled hockey to as many kids, adults and veterans as we can.

“We’re simply trying to grow the game.”

Dave Borkowski, President of the Saints organization, explained what went into the thought process for converting the rink.

“Dave Santoro (from the Saints organization) and myself got together with Norm and Adam (Norm’s son and two-time Paralympic gold medalist in sled hockey) Page and discussed the situation and said why can’t we host a sled hockey tournament here.

“With the help of many people, including Steve Hoffman (the mayor of Depew) we got the conversion done.

“So now we have a hockey rink that can handle all kinds of hockey players. And in the end it is all about promoting the game of hockey.”

Accessible benchs at the Depew Rink after conversion.

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Buffalo Jr Sabres

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Junior Sabres Updates

By Janice Cavaretta janice@nyregistrar.com

and Syracuse to round out the month of November.

The Buffalo Jr. Sabres Pee Wee Major Team traveled to PoIt is not easy to be the odds on favorite at times in any hockey tournament. Everyone seems to be gunning for you and you are always under the microscope. Nothing could be truer for the Buffalo Jr. Sabres Midget teams who competed in the West Section Playdowns over the Veteran’s Day weekend.

Every play, line change and penalty seemed to be critiqued as both the 16u and 18u midget teams took to the ice at the Northtown Center.

In the end, the heavily favored Jr. Sabres continued their winning ways and dominance of the West Section playdowns making the most of every opportunity and capturing the #1 seed at both the 16 u and 18u levels.

The teams were offensively dominating as the 18 U team outscored their opponents 31 – 7 in the six games posting victories against Perinton (9 – 1), Buffalo Regals (6 – 0), Depew (4 – 2), Red Raiders (5 – 2), Amherst (4 – 0) and in the finals defeating Depew (3 – 2). Balanced scoring from all 4 lines combined with stellar goaltending from Brian Kowalski and Nicholas Vilardo lead the team to their victorious weekend.

Coached by Jamie Bird, and assistants Geoff Peters, Ric Seiling and Adam Lynch the 18u team will continue to prepare the rest of the season for the State Tournament in March, while honing their skills competing in the Tier I Elite League.

With hard work and a tenacious fore-check the 16u team also went undefeated during the weekend games going 6 – 0 accruing 40 Goals in victories against the Buffalo Regals (2 – 0), Hamburg (11-0), Rochester (6-0), Amherst (14-1), Wheatfield (4 – 1) and in the finals versus the Buffalo Regals (3-2); while the tandem goaltending of Alex Camarre and Shawn Schneider allowed only 4 against. All 16u Jr. Sabres skaters figured in the scoring. Coached by Joe Marszalek and assisted by Jay Maciejewski, Dennis Stanek, Marc Ballagh and Paul Camarre the team will travel to Pittsburgh, Detroit

With their respective victories, both teams captured the top spot in both age divisions and will get an automatic berth in the NY state Tournament in March.

Buffalo jr. Sabres 18u wins first ever HARBORCENTER Cup. The Buffalo Jr. Sabres 18U Team won the Inaugural HarborCenter Cup this past weekend defeating Detroit powerhouse Victory Honda in the Championship game by a score of 4-2.

The road to the Championship game saw the Jr. Sabres face 3 opponents ranked in the Top 20 in the country.

Despite the stiff level of competition, the Jr. Sabres rolled to a 5-0-0 record only surrendering 5 goals in 5 games, including going the entire preliminary round without giving up a goal.

Aside from the Championship game, the marquee game of the tournament was held Friday evening as the hometown Sabres took on #5 ranked Chicago Mission prior to the Canisius-Ohio State game.

The Mission entered the game with a record of 16-2-1 and over the years have established themselves as one of the top 2-3 youth hockey programs in the country. In an extremely fast-paced game, the Sabres smothered the Mission and converted on some timely chances, ultimately leading to a 3-0 final.

Buffalo goaltenders Nick Vilardo and Brian Kowalski

were strong all weekend, recording 3 shutouts in 5 games. Offensively, the Sabres were led by forward Joshua Biasillo, who recorded 5 goals and 7 points on the weekend. Other contributors included Matt Mazza (6pts), Collin Rutherford (5pts) and Brendan Miller (5pts). Defensively, 18U Captain Michael Bevilacqua led the group in points and minutes played.

At the time of this article, the 18U team has now improved their overall record to 26-5-1 and are currently ranked #19 in the country.

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Senior Hockey

32

From the Barstool: Senior hockey Notes in future editions. Send your stories to us in care of info@ wnyhockeyreport.com.

And so without further ado…

HARBORCENTER

by Michael Mroziak Michael@wnyhockeyreport.com

Hello to all you senior league players, from one of your own. When my schedule at my full-time gig allows, I’m among you guys who are up past most everyone’s bed time, playing in front of countless empty seats and trying to recapture glory that, OK I’ll come clean here, perhaps never existed in the first place.

It’s the late night adult hockey world, and there are very few other sports that offer a spirit anywhere close to it. Judging by the number of leagues around our region, it’s a phenomenon that won’t go away from Western New York any time soon.

With that in mind, WNY Hockey Report is hoping to share more news from the beer league ranks, too.

Because while the youth associations and their families are the key to hockey’s future, the game is still kept alive in great part by those of us who haven’t entirely grown up yet.

League managers, we encourage you to forward us any news and notes that you feel might be worth sharing

The most prominent development in local adult hockey this fall was the recent opening of Harborcenter in downtown Buffalo. The Seneca HAHL, as it’s called, hosted its first adult league games in the first weekend of October.

In the interest of full disclosure, this columnist is signed up with one of the participating teams. As one of the older players in the league it is, from my observation, perhaps going to be a league where skill levels will be imbalanced for the first season. That’s to be expected and, like all new ventures, will resolve itself over time.

Maybe that’s just a nice way of saying we got smoked pretty badly in our opener.

All self-indulging humor aside, the reaction across the board among participants has been, “wow.”

Players and the public alike can follow the leagues by going to Harborcenter.com then, by moving the cursor over the “Rinks” link, finding the link to the Seneca HAHL page.

CORNERSTONE ARENA Some unforeseen issues held back completion of all the facilities at Lockport’s new rink but the Cornerstone Arena is finally fully operational and launched its adult

league on November 9.

The Saturday league is a small one, with only four teams participating, but the hope is for teams and players to gain an interest in the twin-pad center as its inaugural season continues.

HOLIDAY-LEISURE RINKS The longtime adult leagues at the jointly-owned twopad rinks entered a new era, with a new name and a few changes in how they handle their business.

We’ll let adult league coordinator Ron Nowakowski explain in his words (note to other league officials: This is what we’re encouraging you to do): “The new season began at Holiday/Leisure Rinks with a new look, and some fresh twists on the fall session.

First, we welcomed the merger with East Aurora’s Old Tyme Hockey League, to become the Molson Old Tyme Hockey League, boosting our combined enrollment to rank us in the top 5 in the country for Adult Hockey. (FULL DISCLOSURE: Old Tyme Hockey League is operated by the same ownership of this publication) “One of the other new looks this year is the all-star games, which will be played during Christmas week, and feature an A-line game and a C-line game for all divisions. Additionally, for the end of the year, we are also going back to our ‘Weekend of Champions’ which is the culmination of all playoffs games into one weekend (including all championship games on Sunday). This was attempted several years ago, and the hope is to give the end of the season, a tournament-style feel instead of

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Senior Hockey the typical playoff format. We will be offering food and drink specials at Holiday for the entire weekend, which went over great last time, encouraging players to hang out and check the other games to see who they would be facing the next day.

“Another new item for this season was doing electronic registration for all players through our Pointstreak system, which also controlled the teams registering. Once the team applied and was approved, all players were encouraged to go through our website, click a button, and then simply follow the step-by-step instructions to get themselves correctly placed on their team. Players needed to have their USA Hockey insurance number, as well as an approved ‘selfie’ to submit, or risk not being eligible to play. While we experienced some bumps along the way, hopefully the new system will seem much easier for next season for everyone involved. A huge benefit, from the admin side, was the ability to contact every single player via email, as a result of this new method. Now we have the ability to send payment reminders, pro shop specials and of course league updates (schedule updates, time changes, etc.).

“One major rule change for the season was taking a harder stance on fighting, making it 5 games for fighting, and doubling that for anyone who decides they want to do it again. We also raised the minimum number of games to be eligible for playoffs to 10 games, in an attempt to eliminate some players who get to play at the most important time of year, without being there the rest of the time.”

OTHLEA (Again, in the interest of ethics, comes the disclosure that this columnist is also an active player in this league.)

This year’s league is smaller but still quite competitive.

With some players departed for other leagues, including

the Harborcenter, and other interests taking up the precious ice time slots at the popular Healthy Zone Rink in East Aurora, the Old Tyme Hockey League of East Aurora has rolled out a 14-team version for 2014-15.

Some of this year’s teams are combined sides from last season who, individually, struggled to keep full rosters heading into this year as the result of new leagues elsewhere. The result, so far, has been more competitive teams in this streamlined OTHLEA. If anything caused a disruption to the start of the season it was, of all things, the weather. Unusually warm temperatures compromised the ice and forced a handful of games to be postponed at the start of the OTHLEA season, which began in late October. Cooler temperatures have since allowed the league to proceed.

The league can be followed on its website, othlea.com.

PERFORMAX HOCKEY LEAGUE

Also a popular and vibrant league in the immediate Buffalo area, the Performax Hockey League (or PxHL as they’re calling it) was about 10 games into their regular season at press time.

Like the MOTHL at Holiday-Leisure, the PxHL allows players to pay online. Also kept online is the league’s suspension list which, at last check in early November before deadline, was clean.

As mentioned in WNYHR’s adult hockey preview in a previous issue, the league offers various skill levels and divisions.

The league can be followed by logging on to performaxhockey.com, then following the link at the very top of the page to access the league’s Pointstreak sites.

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THOMAS CREEK ICE ARENA The adult leagues were about 10 games into the season at press deadline. Organizers have been updating the standings online weekly. Those standings can be found on the adult hockey link at tcice.com.

JAMESTOWN SHULTS AUTO ADULT LEAGUE The A and B division leagues, based at Jamestown Savings Bank ice Arena, got underway in late September.

Unlike the vast majority of adult leagues in WNY that are aligned with USA Hockey and its rules, the JAHL is affiliated with the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU).

To follow the schedule, log on to www.jahl.us.

DWYER ARENA The adult leagues playing at Niagara University’s twin ice rinks got underway in mid October and were about five games into the season at press time.

Like Cornerstone Ice Arena in Lockport, the league at Dwyer is scaled down, with only eight teams appearing in the standings.

No names appeared on their suspension list, which is posted online.

BILL GRAY’S REGIONAL ICEPLEX

The Iceplex Adult Hockey League (IAHL) offers C and D division leagues as well as what they bill as a “never ever” league. These were, according to the website www. theiahl.com, slated to get underway early into the new year.

Once again, we encourage managers to forward their league information to WNYHR for future coverage at info@wnyhockeyreport.com.

Rochester Jr Americans

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Rochester Jr Americans Premier Team Hanging Tough On Road The Rochester Junior Americans Premier team hasn’t played in the friendly confines of the Bill Gray’s Regional Iceplex since October 5th, and won’t return to their home rink until mid-December. Yet the team has found success on the road and look to build upon that heading into the winter months.

Entering the month, the Junior Americans sit at fourth place in the USPHL Premier Division with a record of 117-0-1. Rochester finished October strong, winning seven of their last ten contests.

November began with the Junior Americans splitting a pair of games with the Bay State Breakers. On Saturday November 1st Bay State jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first period and the deficit was too much for Rochester to overcome, falling 3-1.

Sunday proved to be a different story, as the Americans jumped out to an early lead on a power play goal from Connor Boyd. Bay State fought back to take a 2-1 lead, but another power play goal, this time by Zack Keryluk evened the score at the end of the first period. Matt Wolf scored his first goal as a Junior American to give Rochester a 3-2 lead heading into the third period. A back-and-forth period found the game tied at the end of regulation.

After a scoreless overtime period, the game was decided in a shootout, with Shaun Patry scoring the game winner and Will Massey shutting down the Breakers shooters for the hard fought 5-4 victory.

Next up for the Premier team is a trip to the Islanders

Hockey Club Showcase, followed by road trips to Springfield, Connecticut, and Philadelphia.

Goaltender Will Massey in action.

Massey Named USPHL Premier Goalie of the Week Rochester Junior Americans Premier team goaltender Will Massey was named the Goalie of the Week for the USPHL Premier Division for the week ending on October 26th.

Massey recorded 71 saves in back-to-back shutouts to earn the Goalie of the Week honor. He started off with a 40-save blanking of the Springfield Pics on Saturday and capped off the Beantown Fall Classic with a 31-save shutout on Sunday.

The Penfield, NY native sports a 10-6 record on the season, with a 2.59 goals against average and a .929 save percentage. Massey now has three shutouts on the

young season, best in the Premier Division.

Saraceni, Smith Named USPHL Players of the Week Joe Saraceni of the Junior Americans 18U team and Jared Smith of the 16U team have been named USPHL Players of the Week for the week ending on October 19th.

Saraceni earned Joe Saraceni Offensive Player of the Week honors after netting a hat trick in a 4-2 victory over the New Hampshire Junior Monarchs. It was the second multigoal game of the season for Saraceni. The Rochester, NY native is currently the second-leading scorer for the 18U team with five goals in USPHL play.

Smith was named the Offensive Player of the Week after scoring three goals and adding two assists against New Hampshire. Smith started the weekend with an assist on Friday, and followed up with a hat trick and another assist on Saturday. On the season the Rochester, NY native has scored eight goals and recorded ten assists through nine USPHL games.

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Wheatfield Blades Pink the Rink

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Wheatfield Blades Hockey Turn the Rink Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness The Wheatfield Blades Hockey Association hosted Turn The Rink Pink, a three day event to raise funds and awareness of breast cancer. The event was held in conjunction with October Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The Blades hosted games the entire weekend, from Friday, October 17 through Sunday, October 19th. For the first time in the Blades 40 year history the team deviated from their team colors, wearing pink socks to show their support for the cause. A Chinese auction and silent auction were held and some big ticket items were auctioned off. They included Sabres tickets, Patrick Kane autographed items, a Jonas Enroth autographed goalie stick, a laptop computer and much more!

Erie County Medical Center, along with The Buffalo Sabres Alumni, First Niagara and WNY Breast Health had their mobile pink screening bus on site Saturday, October 18th from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. distributing information and outreach on early screening and detection of breast cancer.

Proceeds from the Wheatfield Blades 3-day event at Hockey Outlet also stayed local and will be shared between The Breast Cancer Network of Western New York and Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

Dave Cannon, organizer behind Turn the Rink Pink said his reasons for arranging this event were many. “My wife and many like her have fought this battle and I know firsthand what the support means. The WNY

hockey community is unlike any other in the US. People genuinely care about others and want to help. I think the most important reason is to show the kids that play for the Wheatfield Blades that there are far more important things than hockey and that everyone needs

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College Club

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Smietana Continues Love of Hockey Through NCHA

by Michael Mroziak Michael@wnyhockeyreport.com

Michael Smietana’s love of hockey has taken him to two continents. After developing with the former Buffalo Lightning junior program and then playing at Fredonia State, his career took him to Europe, where he served as a player and coach for Dutch first division club Zoetermeer Panthers for a season, in 2010-11.

In between, he has owned and served as head instructor for the instructional program Top Shelf Hockey since 2009. And beginning this year, he added an additional role as Executive Director and President of the National Collegiate Hockey Association, one of the entities that oversee some of the college club hockey programs in the region.

“Passion for the game led me take this role on,” said Smietana in an e-mail exchange with WNY Hockey Report. “I really enjoy having the game as an integral part of my life as well as the opportunity to help student athletes across the country play for a National Championship.

“My most important task is to provide an awarding, fun and competitive experience. My goal is to create an association that each player, coach, manager, staff, parent etc. is proud to participate in.”

The NCHA is not alone. There is also the American Collegiate Hockey Association, which also seeks to set national standards for hockey at the college club level.

“Both are not-for-profit entities that are collegiate club hockey associations, which consist of leagues/ conferences, that compete for on a national level,” said Smietana, when asked to explain any differences.

“Both the NCHA and ACHA are looking to provide a nationally governed ice hockey organization that provides, insurance, rankings/standings, etc., and affiliation benefits. Where we differ is the cost. We are offering the same service at a more affordable rate for college students and participatory schools.”

Among the local school that play under the NCHA umbrella are the University at Buffalo, Medaille College and D’Youville College. Both compete in the North Eastern Conference of the Upstate New York Club Hockey League (UNYCHL). Conference rivals include St. John Fisher, Brockport State, LeMoyne, Hamilton and Union. (Note: some schools, such as UB, roster teams in both the NCHA and ACHA).

“If you’re interested in seeing a physically demanding brand of hockey that consists of players competing for a shot at a National and regional level, this hockey is a great opportunity,” said Smietana about college club hockey. “Many of the players that comprise the teams are local and have played at competitive levels. Also, most of these schools are newly formed and are looking for the great hockey fan base to come out and see what local talent is still out there.”

harder at it and is very humbling,” said Smietana.

Niagara

“Without the help of so many great people involved, such as Ed Kirchberger (Secretary), Charlie Stahlman (Treasurer), Randy Smallridge (Northeastern Commissioner), Danny Hall(Central Commissioner), Rich Minor (Southwestern Commissioner) and John Dougan (Northwestern Commissioner/Assistant National Tournament Director), this association would not be possible. All have assisted tremendously in the development of these conferences and they have all shown tremendous dedication to the game. Also, Andy Musto works so well with the UNYCHL and has been a tremendous help as well.”

The Niagara University club team was enjoying a view from the top of the Northeast Collegiate Hockey League in mid November. Their season started off a bit rocky, winning their opener against RIT, 13-3, but then losing their next three games. Those were the last losses Niagara had suffered to date, with the team rolling to a record of 11-3.

Those wins included two over Canisius in a homeand-home series, another blowout of RIT’s club team, a 4-1 win over UB on October 31 and a forfeit by SUNY Binghamton.

For more information on the NCHA, visit their website at www.ncha.us.

Heading into December, the Purple Eagles were scheduled to play two games at the University of Rhode Island before breaking for the Holidays.

Around the Clubs

Canisius

University at Buffalo The Bulls play schedules in both the NCHA and ACHA and through November and both were posting winning records through mid November.

UB’s ACHA squad improved to 14-4 on the season, boosted by a four-game winning streak shortly before Thanksgiving that included victories over Indiana University of Pennsylvania (10-2), Pittsburgh (5-1), Duquesne (4-1) and Oswego State (3-2).

They came up on the losing end of a Halloween night matchup against regional archrival Niagara University, falling 4-1 at the Northtown Center at Amherst. The two schools will play their rematch at Dwyer Arena on the NU campus on January 25, 2015.

The Bulls did have better success early in the season against other local rivals including wins over Canisius (3-1) in September and blowout wins over Ithaca (13-1) and RIT (7-1) in early October.

The NCHA team, meanwhile, sat at 7-2 through mid November. Victories against local rivals included a 10-1 romp over Daemen on November 8 and a closer 2-1 decision over D’Youvills on November 2.

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Canisius club hockey (8-10) opened the season by dropping two to Cornell and then enduring a five-game skid before getting their first ACHA win of the season, a 7-1 decision over Pittsburgh.

Luck was not on the Golden Griffins’ side against Niagara, who won both games of their home-andhome series, 5-2 and then 2-1, in late October.

Heading into December, Canisius will play two out of three games on the road before students hunker down for final exams. On December 5, the team will travel to West Virginia University and then to Olean on December 6 to face St. Bonaventure. Their final game of the semester will be against Mercyhurst, to be played Saturday, Dec. 13 at Dann Memorial Arena on the Nichols campus.

Medaille The Mavericks fell to 3-5 on their season through mid November, their latest result at deadline being an 8-1 loss against UB on Nov. 16.

That loss came just one day after defeating nearby rival Daemen, 7-4.

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