WNY Hockey Report by WNY Hockey Report

March 2013 VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 6

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In This Issue: Amerks.......................................................................................... 6 Around the Associations......................................................13 Buffalo Shamrocks............................................................. 7, 21 Buffalo Stars..............................................................................29 College Hockey: Men.............................................................14 College Hockey: Men’s Club................................................28 D’Youville Hosts Championship........................................12 Future Sabres............................................................................15 High School Boys Hockey...................................................... 4 Insight Hockey.........................................................................22 Junior Sabres Report.............................................................10 Junior Sabres Alumni Feature............................................12 Rochester Stars News............................................................17 Rochester Expansion.............................................................16 Skate Sharpening Tips...........................................................24 Tim Horton Backyard Classic Wrap-up............................23 Try-Out Tips...............................................................................23 USHL.............................................................................................. 9 Women’s Hockey.....................................................................18

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 Correspondent Thomas Morris Jr. Tom@wnyhockeyreport.com Communications & Marketing Director Val Andrews Val@wnyhockeyreport.com Columnists Warren Kozireski Warren@wnyhockeyreport.com Janet Schultz Michael Mroziak michael@wnyhockeyreport.com Kyle Gunn-Taylor Kyle@wnyhockeyreport.com Lars Lewis Lars@wnyhockeyreport.com Matt Ondesko Matt@wnyhockeyreport.com WNY HOCKEY REPORT No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopy and facsimile, without permission in writing from the publisher. WNY HOCKEY REPORT is an equal opportunity employer. Contents 2012 Western New York Hockey Report. All rights reserved. WNY HOCKEY REPORT (USPS 7650) is published monthly, except for May and July, by Ian C. Woods of WNY Hockey Report, 245 Lawrence Woods, Orchard Park, NY 14127. Periodicals Postage Paid at Orchard Park, NY and Additional Offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Western New York Hockey Report P.O. Box 302 East Aurora, N.Y. 14052

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WNY Federation Playoffs Begin

by Thomas Morris, Jr. Tom@wnyhockeyreport.com

ach year WNY High School Federation hockey teams have one special day to look forward to for their championship games, it’s called Super Sunday. This year there will not be a Super Sunday for all the games due to a Bon Jovi concert being held at the First Niagara Center, rather the games will be moved to the next evening, Monday Feb 25. The schedule for the championship games is as follows: •Large Schools 4:00 pm •Small Schools 6:00 pm •Private Schools 8:00 pm At press time the playoffs were just beginning. The top two teams from grouping included the Clarence Red Devils (9-4-0) and the Lancaster Redskins (7-4-1) from the Large Schools; West Seneca West Indians (12-1-1) and Williamsville East Flames (10-1-1) from the Small Schools; and St. Joseph Marauders (4-0-0) and Bishop Timon-St. Jude Tigers (3-1-0) for the Private Schools. Following the Finals, public school teams can continue their runs in the Regionals on March 2 at the Northtown Center at Amherst. The Large School contest will be at 6:00 pm and the Small School contest will be at 8:30 pm. With a regional winner chosen, the representative will travel to Utica to play in the States at the Memorial Auditorium, which take place on March 9 and 10. The Private School States will be held here in Buffalo on March 3 at Buffalo State College. Good Luck to all the schools of Western New York and Section VI. For Federation playoff previews go to page 4. •

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BOYS HIGH SCHOOL / 4

Boy’s High School Hockey SECTION V HIGH SCHOOL

By Warren Kozireski Warren@wnyhockeyreport.com

ith four of the top eleven teams in the New York State February 4 Division I rankings and three of the top fifteen in Division II, Section V continues its strong showing. Webster Thomas is ranked second in the state in D2 with a 15-2-1 record with about one week remaining in the regular season. Brockport and Churchville-Chili were 12-13 respectively, each with 14 wins, though the Saints were stumbling a bit heading down the stretch. In D1, independent McQuaid, Pittsford, Fairport and the Greece Thunder are among the top eleven. Fairport clinched the Division I Class A regular season title with a final day win over Pittsford. The Red Raiders finished the regular season with a 13-1 division record. Webster Thomas went unbeaten to take the Division II Class B crown with an 11-0-1 record while Churchville-Chili won the Division III Class B West championship with a 12-2-0 record. Overall, Brockport’s Brandon Henshaw had a comfortable lead in the individual scoring race with 57 points in 19 games. Anthony DePetres (Aquinas) and Justin Alves had 45 or more points. Alves broke the single season Churchville-Chili team record for points with two weeks left. Brighton’s Ernie Clement was second in the league with 24 goals in 18 games. Webster Thomas goaltender Steve Speis was closing in on the triple crown with is league-leading 16 wins, 1.31 goals against average and .924 save percentage— tops among those playing 14 or more games. Pittsford netminder Albie Dipasquale had a .936 save percentage, but has played in 13 games. The regular season concluded February 9 with the playoffs to follow. Sectional semifinal games for Class A and B will be played on February 20 and 21 at MCC. The Sectional Finals for Class A and B will be played on February 24th at RIT. Hat Tricks Shutouts Brian Wall-Penfield Albie Dipasquale-Pittsford (2) Connor Rotenberg-Brighton Kyle Schieb-Greece Thunder Zach Fodge-Churchville-Chili Steve Speis-Webster-Thomas (2) Anthony Crawford-Greece Thunder Trevor Rarick-Batavia (2) Marc McNeil-Greece Thunder Lucas Bondy-Penfield Connor Guay-Canandaigua Doug Liebe-Brockport Chris Divasta-Hilton Zach Pearson-McQuaid Justin Alves-Churchville-Chili Nick Rockhill-Penfield Mitch Deridder-Fairport Nick Coyle-Hilton (3) Mason Versage-Notre Dame Vinny Guida-Irondequoit Jason Partridge-Rush-Henrietta Brown/Coon-Geneseo Miettinen/Schieb/Rose-Thunder Braden Passmore-Rush-Henrietta Brandon Henshaw-Brockport (2) Natalie Meyer-Pittsford Joe Schuler-Schroeder (2) Justin Keene-Brockport Trevor Mothersell-Geneseo (3) Doyle Kinnear-Canandaigua Michael Capicotto-McQuaid Jon Brown-Churchville-Chili Matt Tambe-Batavia Argy/Speis-Thomas Derek Bishopp-Geneseo Jimmy Johnson-Notre Dame Jake Newkirk-Fairport Brian Kick-McQuaid

FEDERATION AND CLUB PLAYOFF PREVIEW

West Seneca West poised to make a run toward title; Large and Catholic playoffs wide open

By Matthew Ondesko Matt@wnyhockeyreport.com

ore than three months of hard work will culminate in a weeks worth of playoff games as the 2012-13 Western New York Varsity Federation Hockey playoffs get under way. Small, Large and Catholic school title are up grabs – with the winners heading onto sections the first weekend in March. Here is a look at the teams as they fight for the right to be called Federation

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champions.

Small Schools

Preseason favorite West Seneca West has lived up the billing as they won their division and are the top seed heading into the playoffs. “We have been knocking on the door here for the past couple of years, and last year was our best year since we joined the Fed,” said Rozo. “You can see it. We start practice at 5:30 a.m. and they are here at 5 a.m. waiting to get on the ice at 5:15. They are getting out there and they are working hard. Our goal is Super Sunday.” Brandon Bork (25 points) leads a balance attack for the Indians. He led the team in goals with 18. Tyler Chodowski is another talented forward that can light the lamp at any time. Dalton Kruger played most of the games between the pipes going 11-1-1 with 1.85 goals against average. If anybody has a chance to knock off West Seneca West it will be the second seed Williamsville East Flames. The Flames have been strong all season and led their division all year. Even though they lost to West Seneca West early in the season, the do own a strong win over Timon (19-3), giving the Tigers their only league loss of the season. If the Flames are to make it back to Super Sunday, they will do it on the heals of their strong goaltending. Adam Dentico has been strong all season as he posted a 1.52 goals against average and a 8-3-1 record. Like is years past, a sleeper normally crashes the party and this could no exception. Hamburg (9-3-1-1) has played steady all season long. The Bulldogs had West Seneca West on the ropes, leading them 4-1, before falling 6-4. The Bulldogs do it with scoring as Chris Moses lit the lamp 23 times. Teammate Brendan McFall added 15 goals and 25 points. What was supposed to be a rebuilding year for the Bulldogs of Kenmore East saw them wrap up the four seed and the final first round bye. Mike Diliberto led the team in scoring with 18 points (11 goals, seven assists). The rest of the bunch, Sweet Home, Williamsville South, West Seneca East, Lewport, Grand Island, Kenmore West, North Tonawanda and Amherst, have all played well at times and could give the top teams a game if they can advance.

Large School

In a playoff that has been dominated by Williamsville North and Niagara-Wheatfield the past couple of year, these playoffs are the most open since the Federation adapted the new format. With a late surge, the Clarence Red Devils clinched the number one seed. The Red Devils are lead by a balance attack on offense, led by Brian Ruff’s 14 goals and 18 points, and some solid goaltending. Devin Paluh has put up some crazy numbers as he heads into the playoffs sporting a 1.28 goals against average and a 9-2 record. The Falcons of Niagara-Wheatfield check in as the number two seed, and unlike in years past, this team is pretty balanced. Frank Vecchio is one of four Falcons in double figures, while leading the team with 15 points. Goaltender Nate Sommers has been hot of late and comes into the playoffs with a 2.49 goals against average. Lancaster comes into the playoffs on a down note. Once the favorite to be the number one seed, the Redskins have dealt with injuries of late. With the injuries, it has been tough for the Redskins to get any rhythm back on the offense and defensive end. Frontier is no stranger to Super Sunday and they look to get back there again. The Falcons are led by Bob Piotrowicz. Piotrowicz leads the team in goals (15) assists

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BOYS HIGH SCHOOL / 5 (16) and points (31). As always, the Quakers of Orchard Park are the wildcard when it comes to the playoffs. The Quakers haven’t experienced much playoff success, but come in underrated. Take their regular season losses to Catholic powers St. Joe’s and Canisius, and the Quakers could have been battling for the top seed. A final with out Williamsville North is hard to believe, but it could happen. The Spartans come in as the sixth seed and have had their growing pains. They have also showed flashes of turning it around as they led Niagara-Wheafield, 3-0, and played tough with St. Joe’s, before losing both. Niagara Falls and Lockport are still a few years away from making some noise in the playoffs.

Catholic School

Take your pick this year when it comes to who will win the Catholic School title. St. Joe’s, Timon and Canisius have all played each other tough. After a year off, St. Joe’s is looking to get back to the title game. They are led by some very good goaltending and a very balanced attack on offense. If there is a team that could beat them is could be Timon. The Tigers come in 19-3 and ranked eight in the state. The Tigers haven’t been this good since Tim Kennedy graced the halls on 601 McKinley Parkway in South Buffalo. Connor Fields, a transfer for Willaismville North, leads the Tigers, and the league, with 37 points (23 goals, 14 assists). Senior goaltender Robert Milewski (60, 1.50) has had a breakout season and has played well when playing against the rest of the Catholic schools. Canisius is looking to get back to the finals, where they lost to St. Francis last year. If the Crusaders are to get back to Super Sunday, and in the process beat Timon

in the semifinals, they will do it on the back of Connor Naughton. Naughton has been a rock between the pipes going 8-2 with a 2.44 goals against average. St. Francis is looking to win back-to-back titles since the early 1990’s. If they do, they will do it as a four seed and will have to go through St. Joe’s. it has been an up and down year for the Red Raiders as they have struggled to a 6-8 league record. Tyler McTigue (16 goals, 15 assists, 31 points) leads the Red Raiders. Super Sunday has been moved to Monday, Feb. 25 with game times and 4, 6 and 8 p.m. at First Niagara Center. Sectional playoffs and the Catholic state title game will be the weekend of March 2 and 3. The Catholic state playoffs will be held at Niagara University.

High School Club Finals

This year’s WNY High School Club Hockey League will not be celebrating their championships on Super Sunday as in years past, however this year it will be Super Saturday, Feb 23rd, at the First Niagara Center. With this the WNYHSCHL will also be honoring all of their All-Stars from their three Varsity divisions. The format for Super Saturday will be the Small School Championship at 1:00 pm, followed by a presentation to all of the All-Stars, and then a conclusion to the day starting at 3:00 pm for the Large School Championship. At press time the top two teams from each division included: Starpoint (13-2-1) and Canisius (12-4-0) from the top Varsity Red division; City Honors/Cardinal O’Hara (12-3-1) and Jamestown (12-3-1) from the middle Varsity White division; and South Park/Riverside (13-0-3) and Eden/Lakeshore (11-2-3) from the bottom Varsity Blue division.

On Monday Feb. 11th the All-Stars for each division were announced, they were as follows:

Varsity Red Division

• First Team All-Stars: • Forwards: Jordan Pocobello (Cheektowaga), Mike Crissy (Cheektowaga), and Christian Nati (Starpoint) • Defensemen: Andy Avino (Cheektowaga) and Dominic Dockery (Starpoint) • Goalie: Ryan Sullivan (Starpoint) • Second Team All-Stars: Jake Kopaz (St. Joe’s A), Steven Pierre-Louis (Starpoint), Zach Hopkins (Lancaster), Jacob Spring (St. Joe’s A), Kyle Samson (Lancaster), and Peter Chopra (St. Joe’s A) • Coach of the Year: Dave Pyc (Lancaster)

Varsity White Division

• First Team All-Stars: • Forwards: Justin Andriacio (Jamestown), Chris Gasiewicz (Depew), and Nick Kindzia (City Honors/Cardinal O’Hara) • Defensemen: Alex Carson (Southwestern/Maple Grove) and Tom Samar (City Honors/Cardinal O’Hara) • Goalie: Tommy Fales (Jamestown) • Second Team All-Stars: Mark Friol (Maryvale), Austin Lauricella (Akron), Thomas Kirk (Olean), Gibson Stewart (Jamestown), Christian Whitcomb (Depew), and Will Kuettel (City Honors/Cardinal O’Hara) • Coach of the Year: John Dunn (City Honors/Cardinal O’Hara). (Continued on Page 21)

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AMERKS / 6

AMERKS REPORT By Warren Kozireski Warren@wnyhockeyreport.com

he first thing you notice about Rochester Americans rookie defenseman Mark Pysyk (pronounced Pes-ick) is a number. Not goals or assists. And not plus-minus, though it certainly has been impressive both throughout his junior career and leading all Amerks defensemen through late January. It’s that he wears the number 13. “I was number three all through junior and it was taken here, so I tried 23, 33and landed on 13,” said the just turned 22 year old (January 11th). The last Buffalo Sabres player to wear the rare digits was local product Tim Kennedy. Before that was Jiri Novotny. But the Sabres prefer to look back to the 1970’s and 1980’s when the last defenseman in the blue and gold wore the so-called unlucky number. Sabres Hall of Famer Jim Schoenfeld was as steady a defensive force in his own end as there was in the NHL at the time. One can only hope that the Sabres 2010 first round selection (23rd overall) comes close to matching careers with Schoeny. Not that the 6’1”, 193 lb. Pysyk will be inclined to drop the gloves as much. He is more of a steady-as-shegoes blueliner at this point of his pro career, but if the past is indicative of the future, the points will come as well. When the NHL season began in mid-January and the Amerks lost T.J. Brennan, his team-leading minutes had to come from somewhere else and it appears on at least several nights, it’s been Pysyk who is being called on more and more.

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“When a guy like that leaves the team for any reason it’s a big opportunity and big shoes to fill so everyone on the d-corps has been stepping up to fill what we lost in him. “I try to play a pretty calm game and keep myself composed out there. It may not seem like I’m surprised this year, but playing against these guys who are big, quick and fast has made me up my intensity level.” Pysyk was an assist machine his last two seasons in junior with 66 assists combined. He did score his first professional goal in his debut October 12th against Syracuse and his first pro assist six days later. His first multi-point game came in mid-December and he had two goals and eight assists over his first 35 games in Rochester. “I think so,” when asked if he believes his offensive numbers will grow later this season or in the future. “My goal first and foremost is to keep the puck out of our net and I wanted to play a good first half defensively. I think the offensive numbers will come, but not really sure when.” The Sherwood Park, Alberta native played all fourplus years of his junior career virtually in his back yard and was captain last season with the Edmonton Oil Kings, who won the Western League crown last season. He dominated in the playoffs last spring with 11 points over 20 games and a +9 rating. He also represented Canada last season at the 2012 World Juniors played also in his back yard in Edmonton and Calgary. So, aside from short tournament trips over the years, this is his first extended experience away from home. “He makes good decisions, which is what he’s got to do because he’s not an oversized guy,” said Sabres Director of Pro Scouting Jon Christiano to The Hockey News in the 2012 Future Watch. “I like his defensive instincts and he’s a very good skater.” And he is fighting a long defensive depth chart with Buffalo. The Sabres had eight or nine defensemen including 2012-13 Amerks Brennan and

Adam Pardy on their NHL roster or injured list. Add Brayden McNabb and other top draft picks on defense such as second rounder Drew Schiestel with third-rounders Jerome Gauthier-Leduc and fellow Western League product Matt MacKenzie all fighting for a chance and there is quite a hill to climb before the NHL comes calling. But through the first half of his first professional season, all signs are pointing in the right direction. Steady-as-she-goes. (Continued on Page 21)

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FEATURE / 7

Shamrocks Taste Of Hollywood!

By Randy Schultz Randy@wnyhockeyreport.com

t is a Thursday morning late in August at Cazenovia Rink in Buffalo. Outside the temperatures are hovering around 75. Inside the rink the temp is around freezing. One the ice, at the far end of the rink, a group of kids are going through some skating and shooting drills. At the other end of the ice the rink is empty. It is only then that one notices that at the end where all the action is, there is extra equipment on the ice. No, not hockey equipment. Instead, the area around the kids on the ice is filled with lights, video cameras, hundreds of yards of thick, black cable and audio equipment. If an observer didn’t know better you would think this was a Hollywood set and a movie was being made. Tom Barnett explained. “For two consecutive summers the National Hockey League has contacted us to help them with a couple of their objectives,” said Barnett, President of the Buffalo Shamrocks Hockey Club. “We were more than eager and help them with what they wanted to do. “We had great success last year helping them with their skills video that they used for the NHL All-Star Game. They came back to us again this year and asked if we would be interested in helping them with a series of skills videos that were being underwritten by Canadian Tire. “So they contacted me and asked if I could provide players for them at different age groups for both boys and girls. We had no problem providing them with the kids they needed.” In August the NHL arrived in Buffalo with their production staff and film staff from Toronto and New York City. In addition the kids got to work with three former NHLer’s including Dwayne Roloson, Brad May and Hall of Famer Bryan Trottier. “We were thrilled to once again be a part of an NHL project,” stated Barnett. It turned out to be a three-day project. “The first day was goaltenders,” remembered Barnett. “The next two days they used the goalies, as well as the forwards and defensemen.

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“They worked on different situations like three-on-two, twoon-one as well as anything else that can happen during a hockey game.” Barnett was also quick to point out just what the situation was for the kids and families involved in this NHL project. “This was in the middle of summer when I contacted the parents,” added Barnett. “I knew there would be kids playing baseball or softball or soccer. “There were also families that might be on vacation. But I put a list together, contacted these families and everyone that I called wanted to be a part of this adventure. “Nobody said no to this possible once-in-alifetime opportunity and experience. It was a great experience for all 30 kids involved.” And, just like Hollywood, the three days turned out to be three very long days. “I had warned everyone involved that the days would start early in the morning and probably go until late in the afternoon or early evening. And each one did. “Days did start between 7:30 and 8 in the morning. Days would end sometime between four and five. “The kids did experience what it is like to be a part of a Hollywood set. There were several times during the three days that it was a ‘hurry up and wait’ situation.

“And the kids handled it like pros. They knew when to be quiet when there was a scene being shot. “There were also break times. There were also lunch times where the NHL provided lunch for everyone involved. “Plus, the NHL provided all the equipment the kids were wearing for the shoot, from the top of their head to the bottom of their feet. “Interestingly, some of their jerseys were in French and others were in English because the NHL has two audiences to provide to in Canada.” Barnett also saw how well the kids reacted to what was being given to them to do. “They had to take so many orders from so many different people,” commented Barnett. “They had to do some things that were out of their comfort zone. “In the end, the kids really did a great job.” The results of their efforts can been seen a couple of different ways. “They can be seen on the NHL Network,” concluded Barnett. “They can also be seen on the NHL website. “In the end it was quite a production and we were glad to be a part of it.”• (Photos provided by Buffalo Shamrocks)

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USHL / 9 DREAM CONTINUES FOR LOCALS IN USHL By Warren Kozireski Warren@wnyhockeyreport.com

layers from the western New York region have made a splash on the national stage and the next generation is ready to take the baton. 14 players from the area dot the rosters of the nation’s top junior circuit—the United State Hockey League (USHL)—and ten of those have made Division I college verbal commitments for future years. West Seneca product Sean Malone was ranked 98th overall in the National Hockey League Central Scouting midterm rankings among North American skaters. The U.S. National Development Team member has committed to Harvard. Teammate Nate Billitier just joined the program this season and the Spencerport native has a verbal commitment to Notre Dame several seasons down the line. JT Stenglein, from Greece, ranked seventh

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in league scoring with 20 goals over his first 34 games. He is headed to Michigan State. Fellow Greece native Mike Rotolo was recently traded from Green Bay to Cedar Rapids. The goaltender is third in the league in goals against and will take his talent to St. Lawrence. Two more Greece products—Woody Hudson and Riley Bourbonnais—will move on to college hockey as well. Hudson is playing for the Chicago Steel and has decided to join Cornell in the future. Bourbonnais just played in the first outdoor game in USHL history and will attend RPI in Troy. Niagara University is seeing another local defenseman come back home as Vincent Muto from Niagara Falls has committed. He is currently with the Sioux Falls Stampede. Matthew Krug of Buffalo will move to Union College. The blueliner is currently with the Indiana Ice. Cedar Rapids teammates Dylan McLaughlin from Lancaster and Andrew Poturalski of Williamsville will become Hockey East rivals when McLaughlin moves to Providence College and Poturalski to the University of New Hampshire. And Eden native Alex Iafallo will stay in the

Midwest after his junior career in complete. He plans to go from Fargo to play forward for the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Five other local forwards are on USHL rosters but have yet to make college commitments as of this writing. Buffalo’s Patrick Polino is playing for Chicago, Angola’s Kyle Eastman with Tri-City, Amherst’s Christian Lampasso is with Sioux City, West Seneca’s James Roll skates for Des Moines and Zach Evancho is playing with Youngstown via Derby. North American Hockey League rosters feature five western New Yorkers on rosters, but none have announced college commitments as of February 9th. Buffalo native Paul Berrafato is tending goal for Amarillo, Rochester’s Kenny Curtis is a defenseman with Jamestown, West Seneca’s Darren McCormick skates at forward for Michigan, Buffalo’s Michael Crowley is with Soo and Rochester’s David Pawlowski is up front with Topeka. The next generation Patrick Kane, Todd Marchant, Patrick Kaleta, Aaron Miller, Ryan Callahan, Brian Gionta or Stephen Gionta may be among the names above. The dream continues. •

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JR. SABRES / 10

Junior Sabres: by Michael Mroziak Michael@wnyhockeyreport.com

Junior Sabres: College Commitments; Double Honor for Schmelzer

he Buffalo Junior Sabres and Georgetown Raiders were still running in a red-hot race for first place in the Ontario Junior Hockey League’s West Division through mid-February. The postseason, meanwhile, was a certainty as both the Jr. Sabres and Raiders found those little “x” marks next to their names in the standings, the mark of a secured playoff position. Regardless of how the battle for first place ends, there has been plenty enough success already to make Michael Peca’s first year as head coach of the Jr. Sabres one of the franchise’s most memorable in recent years. Through mid-February, six players had already confirmed their college commitments. The most recent commitments involved starting goaltender Parker Gahagen, defenseman Derek Patterson and forward Nathan Pelligra. Gahagen (Williamsville, NY) will enroll at West Point and is expected to see game time for Army as early as next season. “I chose Army because of the opportunities it creates both hockey-wise and career-wise,” said Gahagen. “In comparison to other colleges I had to choose from, none of the others gave me as great an Gahagen opportunity to excel in both (Jr. Sabres Photo) aspects of life and hockey. Also, I am looking forward to the challenge of West Point to transform me into the best leader and person I can be.” “I couldn’t be happier for Parker,” added Peca. “He is a perfect fit for West Point academically, athletically and most importantly for the moral integrity he exhibits. He will be a great addition and help them right away next season.” That moral integrity stems from Gahagen’s Christian faith, with the goaltender revealing he read through several Bible passages while weighing his college options. Also heading to college next fall is team captain Derek Patterson. The Calgary, Alberta native and son for former NHL player Colin Patterson (who played for the Buffalo Sabres from 1991 to 1993) will enroll at SUNY Plattsburgh, where he’ll look forward to boosting the defense for the always competitive Patterson Division III school. (Jr. Sabres Photo) “I think Plattsburgh has a tremendous winning tradition and the academic program offers a lot of programs that interest me,” said Patterson. “I hope that I will be able to offer a physical presence on the back end and add to an already sound defensive core.” Nathan Pelligra (Webster, NY) will end his junior hockey career this season and enroll next fall at Man-

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hattanville College and continue his hockey career with the Valiants. The former Rochester Star (EJHL) turned Junior Sabre looked back on his decision to move a little more west to continue his junior hockey. “Playing for Coach Peca is a once in a life time opportuPelligra nity, “said Pelligra. “He has (Jr. Sabres Photo) taught me a lot about the little things that makes you a successful hockey player. The whole coaching staff really helped me raise my level of play this year. My teammates have been great and I’ve had a lot of fun with our success. I would like to thank everyone in the entire Buffalo Jr. Sabres organization for making my last year of junior the best.” Earlier this season, defenseman Darrin Trebes (Williamsville, NY) announced his commitment to SUNY Fredonia beginning next academic year, while forward Nolan Sheeran (East Amherst, NY) will enroll at Canisius College beginning with academic year 2014-15. Forward Josh Kielich (Orchard Park, NY) will begin his studies and continue his hockey career at Canisius this fall, a commitment he announced last season. Other college commitments were expected late in the season but no decisions were yet confirmed.

DOUBLE HONORS FOR SCHMELZER… INCLUDING A FIRST

Ryan Schmelzer (East Amherst, NY) began his 2013 with a bang, producing 17 points (eight goals and nine assists) in just seven games, climbing as high as eighth in the Ontario Junior Hockey League’s top scorers. His offensive output earned him “player of the month” honors by two sources. Schmelzer First, he was (OJHL Photo) named the Ontario Junior Hockey League’s Gongshow Gear South-West Conference Player of the Month for January. He was scheduled to receive his honor in a pregame ceremony prior to the team’s February 12 game against the Toronto Jr. Canadiens at the Northtown Center at Amherst. “It is a great honor to win this award,” said Schmelzer upon hearing of his selection. “There are a lot of great players in this league. So for me to be

chosen for this award, it really means a lot.” Schmelzer became the third Jr. Sabre this season to win a league player of the month honor. Tyler Gjurich won the same award in November, the same month Parker Gahagen was selected as OJHL Gongshow Gear Goaltender of the Month. “Both Tyler and Parker previously won this award and joining them is a great accomplishment in itself,” added Schmelzer. “None of us could have won this award without the players and coaches surrounding us, and that goes to show how deep our team is.” “Ryan is the player coaches dream of having on their teams,” said Peca of Schmelzer. “Skilled, hardworking, tremendous leadership and very unselfish. He’s been consistent all year long, driving all to be better. It’s great to see him rewarded for his efforts.” Then came a second honor, this one from the Canadian Junior Hockey League, the organization which oversees ten Canadian Junior “A” leagues including the OJHL. The CJHL introduced its first ever Three Stars of the Month in January. Schmelzer became the first-ever player to be named the CJHL’s First Star of the Month.

OTHER NEWS AND NOTES: ...The Buffalo Junior Sabres hosted their second annual “Alumni Reunion Night” during the team’s February 17 game against the Mississauga Chargers. Former players and coaches were invited back to remember their days with the franchise, including the Niagara Scenic and Buffalo Lighting eras. … Jr. Sabres assistant general manager Pat Fisher was named an assistant coach for the Jr. Sabres 12U team assembled to compete in the Quebec International Pee-Wee Tournament. The team, led by head coach Rory Fitzpatrick, traveled to Quebec City just before Valentine’s Day to skate in a tournament in which several current and former NHL stars competed in their youth. … Equipment manager/trainer Jack Williams will complete his 29th season of service to the team at season’s end. The Jr. Sabres were actively lobbying OJHL officials – namely those with voting rights – to consider Williams the league’s Trainer of the Year as part of the OJHL postseason awards. •

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OUR SPONSORS / 11

Athletic Republic Rochester is pleased to announce our Athletes of the Month for February.

Nathan Billitier USA National Team Development Program • Silver Medalist – 2013 World Under-17 Challenge • Committed to Notre Dame • Rochester Stars – EJHL Alumnus • Rochester Youth Hockey Alumnus • Maksymum Hockey and Athletic Republic Student

Jenny Ryan U. S. Women’s National U18 Team • Silver Medalist – 2013 IIHF World Women’s U18 Championship • Captain – North American Hockey Academy • Committed to Wisconsin • Rochester Edge Alumna • Maksymum Hockey and Athletic Republic Student

www.athleticrepublicrochester.com 585-426-8488 AthleticRepublicRochester ARRochester

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JR. SABRES ALUMNI / 12

Junior Sabres Alumni: Jeremiah Crowe

By Michael J. Mroziak Michael@wnyhockeyreport.com

oday, Jeremiah Crowe is an assistant coach with the men’s hockey program at Buffalo State College. As part of his duties, you might see him visiting other rinks, including junior hockey games, where he’s scouting young prospects for future consideration. It wasn’t that long ago he was one of those junior prospects hoping to get noticed. Crowe played two seasons with the Jr. Sabres franchise, from 2002-2003 under the former Buffalo Lightning name and then 2005-06, the year the team took back the Sabres name and colors. The Lightning team didn’t finish its regular season with a winning record. They won only twelve games but lost many decisions by one goal or in overtime. They were still good enough to squeak into the playoffs and made a big splash by upsetting the heavily favored Hamilton Kilty Bs in six games, including a thrilling overtime goal in the sixth game at West Seneca.

Jeremiah as a Buffalo Junior Sabre

Jeremiah’s Father, Lt. Col. Terrence Crowe

“ We definitely had a solid team,” said Crowe in an interview with the Jr. Sabres for a recent alumni project. “(We had) a lot of young guys who had moved on and played at some higher levels. We were good in that way and we had kind of a thing going on with Hamilton throughout the regular season, so it was nice to be able to knock them off in the first round.” The Cinderella run ended in the second round of the playoffs, as the Milton Merchants swept Buffalo in four straight games. But for Crowe, the success of his rookie season in junior hockey sent him on a journey that brought him to the North American Hockey League. It was a journey that taught him firsthand that junior hockey is not always an easy life. “I had been traded once, moved around a little bit,” said Crowe of his NAHL experience. “The team I was with actually moved out to Alaska. It was a better fit at the time to come home to Buffalo and it was a good decision.” C o i n c i d e n t a l l y, family tragedy made it all the more important for Crowe to be back in Western New York after the 2004-05 season. On June 7, 2005, Jeremiah’s father, Lt. Col. Terrence Crowe - who was a frequent spectator at Jeremiah’s Buffalo Lightning games was on his second tour of duty in Iraq. His unit had come under attack, and Lt. Col. Crowe was fatally wounded. “It was good to be home and around family and certainly good to be playing hockey with guys that I was familiar with,” said Crowe. “I kind of helped in a

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difficult time. “As I progressed and went on to school… my dad wasn’t able obviously to see me play but there was definitely a sense of continuing to play for him and reminding yourself to work hard and all the little things that he would expect when he was at the games… trying to make sure I held myself accountable.” Crowe believes moving back to Western New York and rejoining the newly renamed Junior Sabres also gave him a better chance to be noticed and ultimately recruited by Clarkson University. “I think it definitely helped. The way college hockey works – assistant coaches are on the road at all times, watching games – being in Buffalo is good, regionally. You’re close to a lot of schools that are right in the area, you’re at limited expense to them to go out and watch you play. I think (coming back home) definitely had some sort of impact for me getting the opportunity at Clarkson.” After completing his experience at Clarkson, Crowe remained interested in hockey and began coaching. He was about to settle in as an assistant coach for the Buffalo Jr. Sabres (Buffalo Regals) midget program when he came in contact with Buffalo State College head coach Nick Carriere. “Now that playing was over I wanted to find a different way to get into the game,” said Crowe. “I’d been looking for some opportunities at the college level. It just so happens there was a vacancy (at Buffalo State). “I was already started with the Under 18 team. It was a great experience, but when this door opened up Coach Carriere called me. It’s worked out well and I think it was a good fit.” So what has he learned about being a hockey coach while working under Nick Carriere? “I think he does a great job, setting the parameters early in the season, running very structured practices and having a good pulse of the team,” said Crowe of his boss. “He’s a guy that could have a good relationship with all players but at the same time he’s in a position where he holds them accountable to his expectations, they listen and they’re sure to follow through.” So where does Jeremiah Crowe see himself in the future, perhaps five to ten years from now? “I certainly want to continue to progress, move up the ladder in hockey. I know it can take you in a lot of different directions but as I gain more experience and learn and see where it takes me, I think that’s the only way I can answer that question.” •

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AROUND THE ASSOCIATIONS / 13

Around the Associations

Hockey Association. The Ramparts hosted a ‘Try Hockey For Free’ event at Falleti Ice Arena in Batavia on February 16th. For future dates in which any boy or girl ages 4 – 9, can try hockey for free, please register at www.tryhockeyforfree.com.

Bud Bakewell Bruins

By Thomas Morris Jr. Tom@wnyhockeyreport.com (All Association news should be sent to Val@wnyhockeyreport.com The exception is that ALL girls/women’s hockey news should continue to be sent to Janet Schultz at Janet@wnyhockeyreport.com)

s the winter season for most hockey programs either comes to an end with playoffs, hopes for a state tournament, or back to the drawing board to plan for next season, many leagues have highlighted what’s been going on with their clubs throughout Western New York.

Amherst Youth Hockey Amherst will be hosting a Spring Hockey league that runs from May 5th to June 23rd. The bonus this season is Pee Wee Minor AA won the Amherst has opened its Clash at The Creek doors to anyone interested in playing, as there is no longer a residential requirement. Registrations begin immediately and there is one date set aside for tryouts/placements to determine equal teams. Set aside April 18th at the Northtown Center at Amherst for all tryouts. See www.amherstyouthhockey.org for more information or to register. Amherst has also announced some of its travel coaches for next season, they include: Tim Digiulio – Squirt Minor AA, Scott Mosher – Squirt Minor AAA, Brian Walsh – Squirt Major AAA, Charlie Mendola – Pee Wee Minor AA, Scott Zeplowitz – Pee Wee Minor AAA, Craig Curtain – Pee Wee Major AA, Chris Santora – Pee Wee Major AAA, and Kris Quagliana – Girls 12U. Amherst Youth Hockey will host the 12U, 14U, 16U and 18U boys Tier I, Tier II and Tier III New York State Hockey Tournaments this March at the Northtown Center, Amherst. Forty-eight teams will vie for the 12U and 14U championships (all three levels) March 7-10 and 44 teams will vie for hte 16U and 18U championships (all three levels) March 15-17. On Friday, March 8, he Hockey Hall of Fame will have their trophies on display at the rink. Please come down to support these teams in their quest to become “State Champions” and earn a bid to the USA Hockey Nationals this spring. There will be a number of local teams participating, including the Amherst Knights 12U and 18U teams. Admission to both tournaments is free, there is no gate fee.

Batavia Ramparts (GAHA) Batavia will be having open elections for four available positions on the board. Those positions that are up for open election are: President, Vice President of Western New York, Registrar, and General Member. Please direct all questions to Erik Triftshauser etriftsh@rochester. rr.com, Nominating Chairman of the Genesee Amateur

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On March 9 Bud Bakewell will be honoring its Annual Wall of Fame inductees both past and present. Several players, teams, and adults will be honored for their on and off ice achievements. The event runs from 5 to 9 pm. During the event, several of the Bud Bakewell teams will be scrimmaging to provide additional entertainment to the evening in addition to conversation and food.

Buffalo Bisons The Buffalo Bisons were proud to announce that 4 of their 5 girls teams, age 10U does not get ranked, were currently ranked in the top 20 of all teams in their respective age categories in the United States. The Buffalo Bisons Girls top-level teams are also unique as compared to other programs in the WNY area. During the winter months in which the WNY Girls Ice Hockey Federation league and other leagues that schools like Nichols might participate in, are in motion the Buffalo Bisons do not play any travel games, so that their players can concentrate on one team and their academics. Follow the Buffalo Bisons in our Women’s column.

Canandaigua Knights There is an opportunity for registered and unregistered officials to officiate spring hockey games. The intention of the Spring Hockey Referee program is first and foremost players’ safety and, to that end, USA Hockey certified officials will be given scheduling priority. A secondary intention for Spring Hockey officiating is to give interested Bantam and Midget age players the opportunity to try their hand at officiating in a controlled, safe environment. To that end, when the opportunity arises, some unregistered players could get the opportunity to work along side a more experienced official. If you are interested in officiating spring hockey, please contact John Millspaugh @ jmillspa@rochester.rr.com or text him @ 585 233-4009. There will be a 3 v 3 tournament open to players only in the Canandaigua Knights Hockey program on March 2nd and 3rd. The tournament is open to all Bantam age players and those that will be Bantam aged next season. Good Luck to all those involved. All questions should be directed toward Greg Wall.

Cazenovia Park Hockey Association Congratulations to the 10U and 19U Girls teams that participated in the Sarah Backstrom tournament in Erie, PA. The 10U team won the championship while the 19U team lost to Blackwater from Ontario, Canada in the Final game. Chris Malicki, who is also the Head Coach of the Monsignor Martin High School Athletic Association Girls team that went undefeated in league play this season, coaches both teams.

Clarence Mustangs The Clarence Mustangs Organization is currently accepting applications to coach for the 2013-2014 season. Anyone interested in coaching must complete and submit the NYSAHA screening form and an application. Both forms should be sent to John Thur at jet@acm-investments.com along with any questions. In add to their Cross Ice 8U ADM Development program, the Clarence Mustangs will be fielding teams at the 2005 & 2006 birth years to participate in full ice games and practice under the USA ADM model. All ice times with the exception of the games will be conducted jointly to minimize overall cost. The highlights of the program include: the teams will adhere to a 3 practices to 1 game ratio for the season; all coaches are USA certified; approximately 30 games for the entire season; each player will be issued a Clarence travel team jersey; and assessments will be conducted 3/11 and 3/12 at Hockey Outlet. Please contact Dennis Gawron with any questions at gawron18@ yahoo.com . The Clarence Mustangs Organization is currently in need of several volunteers. This would be a great opportunity for a new family to not only have their kids involved, but also one of the parents to get to know other families in the organization.

Monroe County Monroe County is pleased to announce a few of their coaching assignments for the 2013-2014 season. The new appointments include: Bob Marsala – Squirt Minor, Terry Fisher – Squirt Major, Rob Sedia – Bantam Minor, Nick Nucci – Midget Minor TB, AJ Maio – 15U/16 NTB, and Tony Hettinger/Rob Liberatore – Midget Major TB. MCYH Midget 18U Tournament Bound player Justin Alves was honored as a scholar athlete of the week by WHEC. Justin, a Churchville-Chili senior, credits his 95-average and ability to take AP courses to the support he receives at home. Alves hopes his ease with math and science may lead to a career in medical research. Justin has a personal desire to help find a cure for cancer as two of his cousins were diagnosed with cancer at a young age.

Olean Area Youth Hockey Coaching applications will be accepted until Feb. 28, 2013 for the 2013-14 Hockey Season. Please fill out the application and forward to: OAYHA, PO Box 851, Olean, NY 14760 - Attn: Donna Howard or via email to: rjanddh@roadrunner.com Open Board Positions: Nominations for President & Treasurer will be accepted until Feb. 28, 2013 (for information on these positions, please contact any board member): Please send all nominations to Donna Howard at rjanddh@roadrunner.com. (Continued on Page 27

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MEN’S COLLEGIATE / 14 WNY MEN’S COLLEGE HOCKEY by Warren Kozireski Warren@wnyhockeyreport.com

NIAGARA

As of February 14th the Purple Eagles were within three points of clinching their first Atlantic Hockey Association regular season title. The Purple Eagles extended their home unbeaten streak to 18 games as of February 14th. They already hold the school record for conference wins in one season at 17 with six remaining and have not lost two games in a row all season as of the same date. “We have a great record at home,” added Burkholder. “We use that to our advantage, trying to making this a tough place to play. Tonight I think we were physical, especially on the back line and we had a few big hits early to welcome the opponent. There are two more home games to go until the playoffs, and the streak is still alive which is amazing for these guys. They’re a part of something special here.” Goaltender Carsen Chubak has cooled off after a white hot start, but was still sixth in the nation in goals against, fourth in save percentage and led the country with six shutouts. Sophomore defenseman Kevin Albers scored his first collegiate goal at Holy Cross January 18th.

CANISIUS

The Griffs were in a tight race to earn either a first round bye (top four teams) or a first round playoff series at home. With six games remaining in the regular season, there were just eight points separating second through tenth place. In five games this season against nationally ranked opponents, goaltender Tony Capobianco owns a 1.41 goals against average and .965 save percentage. The team stood sixth nationally in goals allowed per game. Capobianco was on pace to shatter the school mark for goals against average in a season, which is now held by Sean Weaver (2.37). With six games remaining, he was sporting a 2.23 GAA. Forward Kyle Gibbons led the team in scoring over the first 30 games including 14 goals since November 10th—third most in the country over the period. The junior stood tied for fifth in the country in power play goals and led the Atlantic Hockey conference in goals. Alum Cory Conacher became the first Atlantic Hockey Association player to score a goal when the NHL ended the lockout and began the season in midJanuary. He also has become the first player in Tampa Bay history to record a point in each of his first three NHL contests.

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RIT

Like Canisius, the Tigers were in the nine team logjam in the AHA siting eighth as of this writing. They were in danger of playing their first-ever Division I playoff series on the road should they not finish in fifth-eighth place, but were just two points from earning a first round bye (top four) albeit with four teams between them and six games left. The defense duo of Chris Saracino and Greg Noyes was the top scoring pair in the nation with a combined 47 points over the first 28 games. Saracino was one of the few defensemen in Division I to lead their team in scoring. Michael Colavecchia was one point behind Saracino and tied for third in Division I in power play goals though he has missed six games with injuries. All six games remaining come against teams among the top six in the conference.

GENESEO

The Knights were locked into third place heading into the SUNYAC playoffs and will host a single game first round matchup. After going 10-1 since the week prior to Thanksgiving, Geneseo stumbled a bit down the stretch losing three of four conference games with one to play in the regular season. Zachary Vit, Kaz Iwamoto and defenseman Jack Caradonna each had reached the 20-point mark with Corbin Rosmarin and Ryan Bulach leading the squad with 11 and ten goals respectively. “We revolve our game around defense and plug it every day in practice—that’s the number one thing we talk about because, when it comes down to playoffs, the team with the best defense and goaltending in going to win,” head coach Chris Schultz said after the a late January contest. “We’re playing pretty well right now.”

BUFFALO STATE

With only two conference wins over their last six conference games (one remaining), the Bengals should be ecstatic to be in a position to host a first round playoff game pending the result of their final regular season contest. Offense was not coming easily in conference games in the second half with 18 goals in seven games, though eight of them came in the same contest. Sophomore Nick Melligan (Sanborn) had bettered the numbers from his freshman campaign and led the team in scoring with Mike Zanella also exceeding the 20 point mark for the first time and Trevor McKinney for the third straight season. The Bengals have only gotten five goals from the freshman class with three of those scored by Brett Hope. The Bengals return to the conference playoffs for a third consecutive season for the second time in team history.

FREDONIA

The Blue Devils clinched a postseason spot, but were unsure of their final position with one game to play. They were one point behind Buffalo State to host a first round series (with their final game against the Bengals) or they could finish sixth in their fight with Potsdam who had one game in hand during the final weekend. The team was in danger of not having a single player exceed nine goals for the first time since 2008-09 as Mat Hehr was the team leader at eight with one game left. Freshman Taylor Bourne was having a solid second half to jump up to third on the team in scoring with all but two goals and all four assists coming in conference games. They have only gotten three goals total from their defense corps all season and were the lowest scoring team in SUNYAC with 28 goals over 15 SUNYAC contests with one remaining.

BROCKPORT

The Golden Eagles could miss out on their first playoff spot in three seasons due to four seconds. That was the time remaining in regulation when Potsdam scored to tie a home game they eventually won in overtime costing Brockport two precious points. The squad stood one point out of sixth place and the final postseason position, but Potsdam held a game-in-hand. Freshmen have made their presence known holding six of the top 11 spots on the team scoring chart led by Jess Facchini’s 17 points.

MCC

At 15-7 and ranked first in the nation with four non-conference games remaining, the Tribunes were well-positioned to defend their national title especially since it will be played on their home ice the last weekend in February. A well-balanced attack that averaged almost six goals per game and registered 168 assists over the first 21 games is led by Dan Turgeon’s 36 goals, Mark Woinicki’s 21 assists and Mike Boyd’s 17 goals along with goaltender Tom Dehr (Varysburg) sitting third in the country with a 2.54 GAA and .908 save percentage.

ECC

Fourth ranked in the nation, the Kats were 12-7 with one non-league game left prior to the postseason. Ryan Rogalski (Lancaster) stood third in the country with 37 points with teammate Eric Mueller (Hamburg) one back in points and leading the squad with 16 goals. Goaltender Dan Fulton (Buffalo) was fifth nationally in goals against average. Head coach Gary Rost won his 125th career game February 9. •

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FUTURE SABRES / 15 FUTURE SABRES:

DANIEL CATENACCI By Warren Kozireski Warren@wnyhockeyreport.com

n the 2011 Hockey News Draft Preview, a scout was quoted as saying, “he plays bigger than his size.” Listed as the 35th best prospect for that draft, the Buffalo Sabres got the former Sault St. Marie now Owen Sound Attack forward in the second round 77th overall. Catenacci (pronounced Cat-en-atch-ee) has stood among the Ontario Hockey League top-15 leaders in points, goals and assists most of the season. The Newmarket, Ontario native is continuing a pace that saw him double his offensive numbers from year one to year two and improve them again last season. “I think his game has really evolved over his last few junior years,” said Sabres Director of Amateur Scouting Kevin Divine. “Basically Daniel was all about speed, skating, energy and skill and I actually thought he was going to be a better winger than a centerman. I’m really surprised at how his game has evolved into a complete two-way game that I don’t think he had before. “He has a number of ways he can go. He’s skilled enough to play in the top-six or he’s gritty enough with his two-way game and good on faceoffs to may slide into a bottom-six role. “He’s got bite to his game, he has a low center of gravity and he’s not easy to knock down or off the puck. Plus the speed and agility to get out of situations.

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“I’m pretty pleased and I think (Owen Sound head coach) Greg Ireland has done a good job with him.” Listed at 5’10” and 191 lb. the soon-to-be 20 year old (March 9th) is making the most of his final season of junior hockey. 29 goals with 35 assists over 53 games this season with the grit mentioned above evident in his 103 penalty minutes. That is on pace to better his career high of 33 goals, 39 assists and 72 points, which would make it a fourth consecutive season bettering his goal and point totals. He also scored four points in Owen Sound’s five playoff games one year ago. The forward was invited to try out for Team Canada at the recent Under-20 World Junior Championships held in Russia, but was a late cut. Instead of pouting about the decision, he has turned it into a motivational message. “I came back (after camp) and was producing and then was snake-bitten around the net for a few games. I just need to get back to details and play hard defensively. He has really found a niche with his current team in the faceoff circle. During a game at Niagara in late-January he was on the ice for nearly 60% of his team’s draws. “I thought I’ve been lacking recently, but was consistent today. It helps me stay out, create more and get more icetime which is nice.” After summer camp last summer and a brief amateur tryout call-up to Rochester after the OHL playoffs, Catenacci is ready for the next step ten months from now. “I’m just excited to make the jump next year wherever it is. I was called up (to Rochester) at the end of last year, but I was injured and didn’t get to play in any games. But I got to practice with the team and live there for a month, so that will help the transition.” •

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ROCHESTER HOCKEY NEWS /16

ROCHESTER ANNOUNCES EXPANSION PLANS time,” commented Kolcon. “They basically came in once or twice a year. “They didn’t talk with the tenants. Nobody knew who they really were. “Most of the hockey organizations that are in this building have been running in a life support mode. It was very difficult to survive” Then, when things seemed to be hitting rock bottom, along came a company. Their name: End2End Sports. “We knew that they were looking for a new buyer for the building,” remarked Scott Branovan, a partner with “End2End Sports.” “Our interest in it stemmed from the fact that we thought it was a great tournament destination. “It already had great tenants already in place. That included all of the youth hockey organizations,

by Randy Schultz Randy@wnyhockeyreport.com

ver the past few years’ weather conditions have been anything but good outside and inside the Sports Centre at Monroe Community College. In recent times a cloud of uncertainty has been hanging over the facility. Inside the building a disturbance continued to linger. Ownership and management seemed to be going one way, while tenants were going in another. And people outside of the building, namely customers, were heading in another direction. Namely away from the Sports Centre. But now the clouds seem to be parting, almost disappearing. There is a change in the air in and around the Sports Centre. “Things are changing at the Sports Centre at MCC,” said Jeff Kolcon, past president of Rochester Youth Hockey and a partner at Maksymum Hockey. “And these things are looking good.” The Sports Centre at MCC is a 2500-seat, 170,000-square-foot non-profit athletics facility in the Rochester, NY suburb of Brighton. Located on the campus of Monroe Community College, the arena was built in 1998. It is home to four regulation-size ice rinks for semi-professional, high school, and youth hockey teams’ use. It houses youth hockey leagues from Rochester Youth Hockey, Rochester Edge, Rochester Alliance, Perinton Youth Hockey, Brighton Varsity hockey, MCC and other local teams. The Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League sometimes practice at the facility. The USA Paralympic Sled Hockey Team has chosen it as their official training site. At one time the Sports Centre had been known as the ESL Sports Centre. Unfortunately in 2009 the ESL Federal Credit Union dropped its sponsorship. To many in the area that was the first signal that something was terribly wrong in- and outside the centre. “The company that managed the Centre, which was based out of Chicago, was off-site most of the

“We want USA Hockey events coming to Rochester.” --Jeff Kolcon high school teams and all of the colleges that were playing here. “There is a great restaurant partner here in Bill Grays. So if you had all of those things that were already in place why isn’t the building prospering? “We made an offer to purchase with the existing bond holders. We knew there would be a lot of work to do to get this done. “So we then decided to enter into a management agreement until we closed on the deal. This was a bit unusual because it gave us the opportunity to take a look at what could be possible before actually purchasing and closing the deal.

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ROCHESTER YOUTH HOCKEY PROPOSED ADDITIONS SWBR PROJECT 13000 © FEBRUARY 13, 2013

SHELL DN

387 East Main Street Rochester, NY 14604-2107 Voice: 585.232.8300 Fax: 585.232.9221 www.swbr.com

WNY Hockey Report

DN HCP LIFT

GLASS?

“We found out very quickly that everybody that was occupying the building was very open to a new beginning. They were tired of the strife the agendas that were pulling things apart. “Our philosophy at ‘End2End Sports’ was to pull everything together and to have everyone pulling in one direction. We feel that everyone has to be united and heading in the same direction. “We just wanted to make sure that we had a great product to present to the public that were looking at participating in an ice sport. And if they did try us out they would be happy. “In that way we could grow the sport starting with the youngest and working our way up. We wanted to have a large base to grow from. We want to bring new participation into the ice sports. “The other part comes down to see what we can do here to use the building for. We’re looking at things like birthday parties, broomball leagues and other things like that where we can build upon to bring in another part of the population. “This is a hockey facility, but it is also an entertainment venue that happens to have frozen water. We want this to become a place of destination for families who want to go someplace for entertainment on the weekends. “So we brought in Chris Woodworth to handle programming and marketing and Erik Geller to be the director of hockey.” Gregory Zaremski, president of Rochester Youth Hockey, is as excited as anyone to the future in the Sports Centre. “It’s such an exciting time for Rochester Youth Hockey that it’s hard to know where to begin,” said Zaremski. “It starts with our partnership with ‘End2End Sports’ who took over rink management. “From day one it was obvious that ‘End2End’s’ goals for the rink would have a significant impact on Rochester Youth players and families. Scott Branovan began to alleviate the concerns about having the doors at the Sports Centre closed, which would have devastated the RYH organization. “Even though our board had developed numerous contingency plans for a closure, it would have taken us years to recover from even a temporary closure. With the closure concerns behind us, the board is focusing on hockey growth, not hockey survival. “Our growing partnership with End2End Sports, Bill Grays, and an even stronger partnership with Maksymum Hockey will have an immediate and direct impact on all of our programs. (Continued on Page 22)

UPPER LEVEL SHELL SPACE (NO TO SCALE)

www.wnyhockeyreport.com

MARCH TRYOUT EDITION 2013 -2014

Go to WNYHockeyReport.com and the associations websites for the latest information and up to date tryout schedules. To place your tryout ad, email us at: tryoutspecials@WNYHockeyReport.com

You too can be an Amherst Knight The Northtown Center has been a buzz these last few months with some exciting news – for the upcoming 2013-hockey season there is no longer a residency rule to be an Amherst hockey player!

Amherst Youth Hockey Travel Tryouts 2013-14 Monday, March 11

Squirt Major AAA 5:00 – 6:20 PM FEATURE PeeWee Major AAA 5:30 – 6:50 PM RINK 2 Squirt Minor AAA 6:30 – 7:50 PM FEATURE PeeWee Minor AAA 7:00 – 8:20 PM RINK 2 Girls 12 8:00 – 8:50 PM FEATURE

Tuesday, March 12

PeeWee Major AAA 5:00 – 5:50 PM OLYMPIC Squirt Major AAA 5:30 – 6:50 PM FEATURE Squirt Minor AAA 5:30 – 6:50 PM RINK 2 Squirt Major AA 7:00 – 8:20 PM FEATURE Squirt Minor AA 7:00 – 8:20 PM RINK 2 PeeWee Minor AAA 7:30 – 8:20 PM OLYMPIC Girls 12 8:30 – 9:50 PM FEATURE PeeWee Major AAA 8:30 – 9:20 PM OLYMPIC PeeWee Minor AA 8:30 – 9:20 PM RINK 1

Wednesday, March 13 Squirt Major AA PeeWee Major AA Squirt Minor AA PeeWee Minor AA

5:00 – 6:00 PM 6:10 – 7:10 PM 6:30 – 7:20 PM 7:30 – 8:20 PM

FEATURE FEATURE RINK 2 RINK 2

Please be sure to bring a release if coming from another organization.

$20.00 tryout fee.

Monday, April 8

18U AAA 6:00 – 7:20 PM FEATURE 16U AAA 7:30 – 8:50 PM FEATURE 15U 9:00 – 10:20 PM FEATURE Bantam Major AAA 6:00 – 7:20 PM NHL 2 Bantam Minor AAA 8:30 – 9:50 PM OLYMPIC Girls 19U 5:00 – 5:50 PM NHL 2 Girls 16U 7:30 – 8:20 PM NHL 2 Girls 14U 8:30 – 9:20 PM NHL 2

Tuesday, April 9

18U AAA 5:30 – 6:50 PM NHL 2 Bantam Minor AAA 7:00 – 7:50 PM NHL 2 16U AAA 7:50 – 8:50 PM FEATURE Bantam Minor AA 8:00 – 8:50 PM NHL 2 15U 8:40 – 9:50 PM OLYMPIC 16U AA 9:00 – 9:50 PM FEATURE Bantam Major AAA 9:00 – 9:50 PM NHL 2 18U AA 7:00 – 8:30 PM OLYMPIC Bantam Major AA 10:00 – 10:50 PM NHL 2

Wednesday, April 10 18U AA 16U AA 15U Bantam Major AA Bantam Minor AA Girls 19U Girls 16U Girls 14U

6:30 – 7:30 PM 7:40 – 8:40 PM 8:50 – 9:50 PM 7:30 – 8:30 PM 8:40 – 9:40 PM 7:00 – 7:50 PM 8:00 – 8:50 PM 6:00 – 6:50 PM

FEATURE FEATURE FEATURE OLYMPIC OLYMPIC NHL 2 NHL 2 NHL 2

House Program – We will open registration in April. Please check our website.

For more information or schedule updates, please check our website:

www.amherstyouthhockey.org

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TRYOUT EDITION 2013-2014

Join the Bruins become part of the tradition!

Bud Bakewell Bruins

2013 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2014 Ice Hockey Tryouts Mites 8u Full Ice/Cross Ice

Bantam Minor Tier 2

Squirt Mole Signups

Bantam Mixed Tier 3

March 11th, 12th, 13th................... 6-7pm Coach: Tony Johnson....... 716-462-1907

Forming new team - all positions open. March 12th .................................... 7-8pm 14th & 15th ................................... 6-7 pm Coach: TBA Questions: Allen Shubbuck ............. 716-913-1521

Peewee Mixed Tier 3

New team forming - all spots available. March 13th .................................... 8-9pm March 14th .................................... 7-8pm Coach: TBA Questions: Bill Cline ....... 716-541-8347

April 8th, 9th, 10th ......................... 6-7pm Coach: Carl Miller ......... 716-491-7147

April 11th, 12th .............................. 6-7pm Coach: Paul Crist .......... 716-550-1723

Midget 15u Tier 2

April 8th, 9th, 11th ......................... 7-8pm Coach: Scott Brennan ..... 716-444-3742

Midget 16u Tier 2 TB

April 8th, 9th, 10th ......................... 8-9pm Coach: Bill Cline ........... 716-541-8347

Midget 18u Tier 2 TB

April 8th, 9th ........................... 9-10:30pm April 11th ....................................... 8-9pm Coach: Ron Wong .......... 716-480-3540

Midget 18u Tier 2 NTB

April 8th, 9th ........................... 9-10:30pm April 11th ....................................... 8-9pm Coach: TBA

Midget Mole 18u

April 11th ..................................... 9-10pm April 12th ....................................... 7-8pm Coach: John Garey ......... 716-603-6300

All tryouts $10.00 per ice time Rink location: Bud Bakewell Arena (Riverside Park) 2607 Niagara St., Buffalo NY wnyhockeyreport.com

TRYOUT EDITION 2013-2014

NBH020-AD WNY Hockey conversion_Layout 1 2/14/13 3:53 PM Page 1

Bison Hockey Travel Team Tryouts for the 2013 - 2014 Season

BOYS Teams

Level

Birth Years

Date

Time

Rink

Squirt Minor

2004

Squirt Major

2003

Peewee Minor

2002

Peewee Major

2001

Bantam Minor

2000

Bantam Major

1999

Bantam Mixed

1999-2000

Midget 15U

1998

Midget 16U

1997

Midget 18U

1995-1996

Monday, March 11, 2013 Wednesday, March 13, 2013 Monday, March 11, 2013 Tuesday, March 12, 2013 Monday, March 11, 2013 Wednesday, March 13, 2013 Monday, March 11, 2013 Tuesday, March 12, 2013 Monday, April 08, 2013 Tuesday, April 09, 2013 Monday, April 08, 2013 Tuesday, April 09, 2013 Monday, April 08, 2013 Tuesday, April 09, 2013 Monday, April 08, 2013 Tuesday, April 09, 2013 Monday, April 08, 2013 Tuesday, April 09, 2013 Monday, April 08, 2013 Tuesday, April 09, 2013

5:00 - 6:00 PM 6:00 - 7:00 PM 5:00 - 6:00 PM 6:00 - 7:00 PM 7:00 - 8:00 PM 7:00 - 8:00 PM 8:00 - 9:00 PM 8:00 - 9:00 PM 7:00 - 8:00 PM 6:00 - 7:00 PM 6:00 - 7:00 PM 8:00 - 9:00 PM 8:00 - 9:00 PM 5:00 - 6:00 PM 8:00 - 9:00 PM 6:00 - 7:00 PM 7:00 - 8:00 PM 7:00 - 8:00 PM 6:00 - 7:00 PM 9:00 - 10:00 PM

North Buffalo Rink North Buffalo Rink North Buffalo Rink North Buffalo Rink North Buffalo Rink North Buffalo Rink North Buffalo Rink North Buffalo Rink Buffalo State College Buffalo State College Buffalo State College Buffalo State College Buffalo State College Buffalo State College North Buffalo Rink North Buffalo Rink North Buffalo Rink North Buffalo Rink North Buffalo Rink North Buffalo Rink

GIRLS Teams

Level

Birth Years

Date

Time

Rink

10 & Under

Tier 1

2003-2004

12 & Under

Tier 1

2001-2002

14 & Under

Tier 1

1999-2000

16 & Under

Tier 1

1997-1998

19 & Under

Tier 1

1995-1996

Monday, March 11, 2013 Tuesday, March 12, 2013 Monday, March 11, 2013 Tuesday, March 12, 2013 Tuesday, April 09, 2013 Wednesday, April 10, 2013 Tuesday, April 09, 2013 Wednesday, April 10, 2013 Wednesday, April 10, 2013

6:00 - 7:00 PM 5:00 - 6:00 PM 6:00 - 7:00 PM 7:00 - 8:00 PM 7:00 - 8:00 PM 6:15 - 7:15 PM 8:00 - 9:00 PM 8:30 - 9:45 PM 7:15 - 8:30 PM

North Buffalo Rink North Buffalo Rink North Buffalo Rink North Buffalo Rink Buffalo State College North Buffalo Rink North Buffalo Rink North Buffalo Rink North Buffalo Rink

There is a one time tryout fee of $20.00 for every player. All new players must present a signed NYSAHA Player/Financial Release Form from their host association before they can attend Bison Hockey Tryouts. If you have any questions please call Nick Beaver at 716-435-8648.

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TRYOUT EDITION 2013-2014

2013-14 Midget Tryouts

All sessions at Holiday Twin Rink Midget 15UAAA

Midget 16UAAA

The 15-Under team will be coached by Joe Marszalek. Joe is one of the founding members of the Select Midget Program and is also very involved with the USA Hockey Summer Development Camps. The team will consist of 20 players (12F, 6D, 2G) mainly born in the 98 and 99 birthyears. The objective of this team is skill development. The 15-Under team will play a full season game schedule in the South Central Triple A Hockey League (SCTA), one of Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most competitive youth hockey leagues. In addition, the team will participate in a mixture of American and Canadian tournaments at both the 15-Under and 16-Under age levels. The 15-Under team will also have the opportunity to practice alongside the 16-Under and 18-Under teams at various points.

The 16-Under team will be coached by Jake Brozyna. Jake will enter his 3rd season as head coach of the 16U team. The team will consist of 20 players (12F, 6D, 2G) mainly born in the 97 and 98 birthyears. The objective of this team is skill development and scouting exposure to higher levels. The team will participate as a member of the Tier I Elite League and will be USA Hockey tournament bound at the U16 level, eligible for both States and Nationals. The 16-Under team will play a 6070 game schedule, 40 of which will be Elite League games. This team will also participate in 1-2 additional tournaments. The 16-Under team will have the opportunity to practice alongside the 15-Under and 18-Under team at various points.

Head Coach - Joe Marszalek April 8 ..................7:15-8:30pm April 9 ..................6:15-7:15pm

Head Coach - Jake Brozyna April 8 ..................6:00-7:15pm April 9 ..................5:15-6:15pm

Midget 18UAAA

Head Coach - Mike Mondoux April 8 ..................4:00-6:00pm April 9 ..................4:00-5:15pm The 18-Under team will be coached by Mike Mondoux. Coach Mondoux has led our 18U program to 7 straight NYS Tier I Championships. He has also coached for multiple Empire State Games teams. The team will consist of 20 players (12F, 6D, 2G) mainly born in the 95 and 96 birthyears. Exceptional 97 birthyear players will be considered as well. The objective of this team is skill development and scouting exposure to higher levels. Movement to the next level is the main focus for our U18 players. The team will participate as a member of the Tier I Elite League and will be USA Hockey tournament bound at the U18 level, eligible for both States and Nationals. The 18-Under team will play a 70-80 game schedule, 40 of which will be Elite League games. This team will also participate in 1-2 additional tournaments.

Specialized Goaltender Tryout Session Run by staff from Bob Janosz Goaltending April 9 / 3:15-4:00pm

Our program is extremely proud of the accomplishments of our alumni and our successes in advancing players to the next level. Below is a listing of players from last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 18U team and where they are playing this season: Jake Moore ..........Youngstown Phantoms USHL Kyle Eastman...................... Tri City Storm USHL Zachary Evancho ........... Youngstown Phantoms USHL Michael Crowley ................... Soo Indians NAHL David Powlowski ......Topeka Roadrunners NAHL Kyle Mackey .........Youngstown Phantoms USHL Patrick Egan .................. Buffalo Jr Sabres OJHL

Nick Gullo ..................... Buffalo Jr Sabres OJHL Kenny Curtis ............Jamestown Ironmen NAHL Nolan Sheeran .............. Buffalo Jr Sabres OJHL Cory Gurski ..... Buffalo State College NCAA D-III Connor Boyd ....................Rochester Stars EJHL Sean Brown......... Scranton Wilkes Barre Knights AJHL Benjamin Casale ............ Buffalo Jr Sabres OJHL

Darrin Trebes ................ Buffalo Jr Sabres OJHL Brandon Morgan.............. Scranton Wilkes Barre Knights AJHL RJ Sciarrone ...................Buffalo Jr Sabres OJHl 4 USHL Draft Picks 2 NAHL Draft Picks Darrin Trebes commited to SUNY Fredonia Nolan Sheeran committed to Canisius College

For More Information Please Visit: Http://www.buffaloregals.net Please Contact Anthony Tomasula (716) 866-0295. wnyhockeyreport.com

TRYOUT EDITION 2013-2014

2013-2014 TRYOUTS SQUIRT MINOR (2004) / SQUIRT MAJOR (2003) PEEWEE MINOR (2002) / PEEWEE MAJOR (2001) Tryout fee is $10 per session.

Monday, March 11th

Tuesday, March 12th

Wednesday, March 13th

(Holiday) Squirt Minor & Squirt Major ............... 7:30pm Peewee Minor & Peewee Major ............ 8:30pm

(Hyde Park Niagara Falls) Squirt Minor & Squirt Major ............... 5:00pm Peewee Major ............ 6:00pm

(Holiday) Peewee Minor ............ 5:15pm

MINOR BANTAM / BANTAM / MIDGET U15; U16; U18 Tryout fee is $15 per session.

Monday, April 8th

Tuesday, April 9th

U15-U16-U18 Goalies (Holiday).......................... 4:00pm Minor Bantam (Holiday).......................... 5:00pm U15 Split (Hyde Park Niagara Falls)(1.5 hr)........ 5:00pm U16 Split (Hyde Park Niagara Falls)(1.5 hr)........ 5:00pm Bantam* (Holiday)...........9:30pm

Midget U16* Full Season (Holiday)......9:15pm Midget U18* Full Season (Holiday)....10:15pm

Wednesday, April 10th U16 Split Season (Holiday)...........................5:15pm

U15 Split Season (Holiday)...........................7:15pm Minor Bantam (Holiday)...........................5:30pm Bantam* (Holiday)...........6:30pm Midget U16* Full Season (Holiday)......7:30pm Midget U18* Full Season (Holiday)......8:30pm

JUNIORS (1997 OE EARLIER)

GIRLS U14, U16, U18

Tryout fee is $40 per session. $25 for Goaltenders

Tryout fee is $15 per session.

Monday, April 8th: (Holiday)................................. 9:15-10:45pm Tuesday, April 9th: (Holiday) ..................................4:00-6:00pm

Wed., April 10th

Sun., April 14th

(Holiday) Girls U14............ 6:15pm Girls U16............ 6:15pm Girls U19 ........... 8:15pm

(Holiday) Girls U14............ 5:45pm Girls U16............ 5:45pm Girls U19............ 6:45pm

All Participants must present a release from their current organization in order to participate in the tryout. Release required even from House League. Split Season candidates may tryout on Full Season Team Ice. (*) Asterisk indicates Tournament Bound. Contact us at: SportsNiag@aol.com

For general information contact Pete Preteroti at 685-1122 or visit us on line at: www.buffalostars.com

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TRYOUT EDITION 2013-2014

Cazenovia Park Hockey Association 2013-2014 TRYOUTS

SQUIRT AND PEE WEE BOYS Squirt Minor (2004) Coach: TBA

Monday, March 11 5:00 - 5:50 PM Tuesday, March 12 5:00 - 5:50 PM

Squirt Major (2003) Coach: Mike Connors Level 4

Monday, March 11 6:00 - 6:50 PM Tuesday, March 12 6:00 - 6:50 PM

Pee Wee Minor (2002) Coach: Kevin Coyne Level 4 Monday, March 11 7:00 - 7:50 PM Tuesday, March 12 7:00 - 7:50 PM

Pee Wee Major (2001) Coach: Aaron Wallace Level 3 Monday, March 11 8:00 - 8:50 PM Tuesday, March 12 8:00 - 8:50 PM

GIRLS 12U Tournament Bound (2001 - 2002) Coach: Chris Malicki Level 4

Wednesday, March 13, 5:30 - 6:20 PM Friday, March 15, 6:00 - 6:50 PM

12U Non Tournament Bound (2001 - 2004) GLGHL Blue Division Coach: Chris Malicki - Level 4 Wednesday, March 13, 5:30 - 6:20 PM Friday, March 15, 6:00 - 6:50 PM

*TB and NTB Tryouts will be held together.

Players from other organizations must have a signed 2012-2013 release and a copy of their birth certificate. All players should attend all tryouts in their division. Other teams may be formed as needed.

Tryout fee is $10. Pease visit our website www.cazhockey.com for updates as well as for on-line registration information for our Red, White and Blue; Mite and MOHL programs. For more information contact us at cazhockey@live.com wnyhockeyreport.com

TRYOUT EDITION 2013-2014

Rochester Youth Hockey New Look, New Home, New Direction

Please check our website at www.ryhockey.com for the latest updates on tryout times, dates, and locations. Team Birth Date SQUIRT TRAVEL Squirt Minor AAA 2004 3/11-12/2013 Squirt Minor AA 2004 3/13/14/2013 Squirt Major AAA 2003 3/11-12/2013 Squirt Major AA 2003 3/13-14/2013 PEEWEE TRAVEL Peewee Minor AAA 2002 3/11-13/2013 Peewee Minor AA 2002 3/14-15/2013 Peewee Major AAA 2001 3/11-13/2013 Peewee Major AA 2001 3/14-15/2013 BANTAM TRAVEL Bantam Minor AAA 2000 4/8-10/2013 Bantam Minor AA 2000 4/11-12/2013 Bantam Major Tier I T/B 1999 4/8-10/2013 Bantam Major AA 1999 4/11-12/2013 MIDGET TRAVEL Alliance Midget Minor Tier I T/B (USPHL) 1997-98 4/8-9/2013 Midget Minor 15u AAA 1998 4/10/2013 Midget Minor AA 16u 1997 4/11-12/2013 Midget Minor AA 15u 1998 4/11-12/2013 Midget Minor AA Mixed 1997-98 4/11-12/2013 Midget Major Tier I T/B (USPHL) 1995-96 4/8-10/2013 Midget Major AA 1995-96 4/11-12/2013

Girls Team Birth 10 & Under Edge 10u 2003-4 12 & Under Edge 12u Tier 1 2001-2 Edge 12u Tier 2 2001-2 14 & Under Edge 14u Tier 1 1999-2000 Edge 14u Tier 2 1999-2000 16 & Under Edge 16u Tier 1 1997-8 Edge 16u Tier 2 1997-8 19 & Under Edge 19u Tier 1 1994-6 Edge 19u Tier 2 1994-6

Date 4/10-11/2013 4/10-11/2013 4/15-16/2013 4/10-11/2013 4/15-16/2013 4/10-11/2013 4/15-16/2013 4/10-11/2013 4/15-16/2013

Rochester Youth Hockey and Maksymum Hockey will field full-season U16 & U18 teams in the newly formed United States Premier Hockey League for the 2013-2014 season. For more information on the new league, please visit www.usphl.com.

Spring Into Summer… HOCKEY PROGRAMS 3 on 3

CROSS ICE LEAGUE Three Sessions Starting in March Days: Monday and Wednesday Ages: Mite, Squirt, Peewee & Bantams Format: Cross Ice, 50 min. Games $135 per player (Includes Jersey)

IN-HOUSE SPRING/SUMMER HOCKEY LEAGUE

ADULT HOCKEY LEAGUE

Two Sessions Starting in March Two Sessions Starting in May Days: Tuesday or Thurs Ages: Mite, Squirt, Peewee & Bantams and High School Format: USA Hockey Rules & Officials $100 per player (Includes Jersey)

Spring & Summer Leagues Run Through August Days: Mon., Tues., Thurs. & Sun. Levels: B, C, D and “Never Ever League” (Beginner Program w/Instruction)

USA Hockey Sanctioned League

For More Information – Visit us online at tscmcc.com 2700 Brighton-Henrietta Townline Rd.

–OR

–

Maksymum Hockey will be fielding two junior teams during the 2013-2014 season, the Eastern Junior Hockey League (EJHL) and Empire Junior Hockey League (EmJHL). Tryouts for the upcoming season will be held at the Sports Centre at MCC in Rochester, NY.

Maksymum Hockey Empire EmJHL Tryouts – $125

Maksymum Hockey EJHL Eastern Junior Tryouts – $125 Saturday, April 13th: ................... 2pm – 5pm Sunday, April 14th: ................... 12pm – 5pm

Monday, April 8th: ...........................4pm – 5pm Saturday, April 13th: .......................2pm – 5pm Sunday, April 14th: .......................12pm – 5pm Exact player itinerary will be sent upon receipt of player registration. Players are to obtain a new USA Hockey registration number for 2013 (online at www.usahockey.com) prior to tryouts. No organizational release necessary. For more information visit www.maksymum.com or contact Coach/GM Jeff Kolcon at (585) 426-8488 or jeff@maksymum.com

Exact player itinerary will be sent upon receipt of player registration. Players are to obtain a new USA Hockey registration number (online at www.usahockey.com) prior to tryouts. No organizational release necessary. For more information visit www.maksymum.com or contact Coach/GM Tony Maksymiu at (585) 426-8488 or tony@maksymum.com

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RYOUT EDITION 2013-2014

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TRYOUT EDITION 2013-2014

Saints Hockey Club 2013/2014 Squirt & Peewee Head Coaches & Tryout Times Squirt Minor(2004):John McCusker:440-3124 jjmccusker@verizon.net Monday 3/11/2013 6:00 pm @ Depew Ice Pavilion Tuesday 3/12/2013 5:00 pm @ Depew Ice Pavilion Squirt Major(2003):Greg Wicks: 400-4825 greg@qls.com Monday 3/11/2013 6:00 pm @ Buffalo State Ice Arena Wednesday 3/13/2013 6:00 pm @ Buffalo State Ice Arena

Peewee Minor(2002):Michael Suda:440-3778 Michael.Suda@usfoods.com Monday 3/11/2013 7:00 pm @ Depew Ice Pavilion Tuesday 3/12/2013 6:00 pm @ Depew Ice Pavilion ** NYS Tier 1 Tournament Bound Team ** Peewee Major(2001):Ken Czechowski: 901-2001 KAMEJ5@roadrunner.com Monday 3/11/2013 8:00 pm @ Depew Ice Pavilion Tuesday 3/12/2013 7:00 pm @ Depew Ice Pavilion The Saints Hockey Club Inc. is a NYS Tier I (AAA) organization. Please contact our coaches with any questions regarding our teams and tryouts. You may also contact Saints President Dave Borkowski at 238-0102 or Borgy15@verizon.net. Visit out our website at: www.saintshockey.com All players must obtain a financial release from their current organization prior to tryouts. Tryout fee is $20 for both sessions.

wnyhockeyreport.com

TRYOUT EDITION 2013-2014

2013-2014 Tryouts All tryouts to be held at the West Seneca Rink, $15 per tryout

Mite, Squirt & Pee Wee Travel Mite Minor Tier I AAA (2006 birth year) Head Coach: Jason Kramer 860-0336 remarkjb2000@yahoo.com Saturday, March 9........................... 5:30pm Sunday, March 10........................... 5:20pm

Squirt Tier II AA (2003 & 2004 birth year) Head Coach: Mike Hughes (H) 677-0854 / (C) 983-3731 mhughes21@hotmail.com Tuesday, March 12.......................... 6:00pm Wednesday, March 13..................... 6:30pm

Mite Major Tier I AAA (2005 birth year) Head Coach: Joe McCarthy 860-8314 egjjmc@gmail.com Saturday, March 9........................... 5:30pm Sunday, March 10........................... 5:20pm

PeeWee Minor Tier I AAA (2002 birth year) Head Coach: Anthony Ricotta 913-2706 aricotta3@yahoo.com Monday, March 11......................... 9:00pm Tuesday, March 12 ........................ 7:00pm

Squirt Minor Tier I AAA (2004 birth year) Head Coach: Dave Hearn 601-8386 hearnali2004@yahoo.com Monday, March 11.......................... 7:00pm Tuesday, March 12.......................... 5:00pm

PeeWee Major Tier I AAA (2001 birth year) Head Coach: Jim McCarthy 870-9696 Coachmac1970@roadrunner.com Monday, March 11......................... 8:00pm Tuesday, March 12 ........................ 8:00pm

Squirt Major Tier I AAA (2003 birth year) Head Coach: Mike Roche 254-0285 gipper86@verizon.net Monday, March 11......................... 6:00pm Tuesday, March 12 ........................ 5:00pm

PeeWee Tier II AA (2001 & 2002 birth year) Head Coach: Tim Weixlmann (H) 675-7852 / (C) 997-9666 timwex@hotmail.com Tuesday, March 12.......................... 9:00pm Wednesday, March 13 ................... 7:30pm

Girls 10U (2003 & younger birth year) Head Coach: Todd Palczewski Contact: Rocco DellaNeve 432-9728 ddella1219@aol.com Monday, March 11......................... 5:15pm Wednesday, March 13 .................... 5:30pm Girls 12U (2002 & younger birth year) Head Coach: Larry Blas 860-8376 lblas@sjbempire.net Monday, March 11......................... 5:15pm Wednesday, March 13 .................... 5:30pm

Bantam & Midget Travel Bantam Minor Tier I AAA (2000 birth year) Head Coach: Bill Gehen 861-0841 bgehen@bgclubop.org Monday, April 8............................... 6:00pm Tuesday, April 9............................... 5:00pm

Midget 15U (1998 birth year) Head Coach: Jim Rindfleisch 316-3121 jrindfleisch@irshelp.com Monday, April 8 ........................ 10:00pm Wednesday, April 10..................... 7:00pm

Girls 14U Tier II (1999 birth year) Head Coach: Rocco DellaNeve 432-9728 ddella1219@aol.com Monday, April 8............................... 7:00pm Wednesday, April 9......................... 5:00pm

Bantam Major Tier I AAA (1999 birth year) Head Coach: Chris Stamer 359-0227 cstamer@roadrunner.com Monday, April 8............................... 5:00pm Tuesday, April 9............................... 6:00pm

Midget 16U Tier I AAA (1997 & younger birth year) Head Coach: Steve Hietanen 984-9185 Wswings97@gmail.com Monday, April 8............................... 9:00pm Tuesday, April 9............................... 8:00pm

Girls 16U Tier II (1997 birth year) Head Coach: Chris Roberts 923-3423 Croberts14220@gmail.com Monday, April 8............................... 7:00pm Wednesday, April 9......................... 5:00pm

Bantam Tier II AA (2000 & 1999 birth year) Head Coach: Dick ‘Rogie’ Marini 352-0448 Tuesday, April 9............................... 7:00pm Wednesday, April 10....................... 8:00pm Thursday, April 11........................... 7:40pm

Midget 18U Tier I AAA (1995 & younger birth year) Head Coach: Kevin Rozo 510-2998 Monday, April 8............................... 8:00pm Tuesday, April 9............................... 9:00pm

Girls 19U Tier II (1994 & younger birth year) Head Coach: TBA Contact: Rocco DellaNeve 432-9728 ddella1219@aol.com Tuesday, April 9............................. 10:00pm Wednesday, April 8......................... 6:00pm

If you did not play at West Seneca this season, you will need a release from your current organization. 12

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TRYOUT EDITION 2013-2014

Wheatfield Blades

2013-2014 Travel Team Tryout Schedule

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All tryouts are at: Hockey Outlet, 3385 Niagara Falls Blvd., North Tonawanda NY. Tryouts: $15 per session / www.wheatfieldblades.com

DIVISION

BIRTH YEAR

DATE

TIME

COACH

Mite Minor AAA

2006

March 11, 2013 March 12, 2013

4:30 PM 4:30 PM

Jonathan Zemrac

Mite Major AAA

2005

March 11, 2013 March 12, 2013

5:30 PM 5:30 PM

Ken Franasiak

Squirt Minor AAA

2004

March 11, 2013 March 12, 2013

7:30 PM 7:30 PM

John Michalski

Squirt Major AAA

2003

March 11, 2013 March 12, 2013

6:30 PM 6:30 PM

Fred Mallone

Squirt II AA

2003 / 2004

March 13, 2013 March 14, 2013

6:00 PM 6:00 PM

Joe Stumpo

PeeWee Minor AAA

2002

March 11, 2013 March 12, 2013

9:30 PM 9:30 PM

Rick Zacher

2001

March 11, 2013 March 12, 2013

8:30 PM 8:30 PM

Kevin MacDonald

PeeWee Major II AA

2001

March 13, 2013 March 14, 2013

7:00 PM 7:00 PM

Ken Dewey

PeeWee Mixed II AA

2001 / 2002

March 13, 2013 March 14, 2013

8:00 PM 8:00 PM

Rob Kalota

Bantam Minor AAA

2000

April 8, 2013 April 9, 2013

6:30 PM 6:30 PM

Wildt / Glica

Bantam Minor II AA

2000

April 10, 2013 April 11, 2013

5:30 PM 5:30 PM

Dave Cannon

1999

April 8, 2013 April 9, 2013

5:30 PM 5:30 PM

Tom Beamish

Bantam Major II AA

1999

April 10, 2013 April 11, 2013

4:30 PM 4:30 PM

Dan Stinis

Bantam Mixed II AA

1999 / 2000

April 10, 2013 April 11, 2013

9:30 PM 9:30 PM

Jim Michalowski

Midget 15U AAA

1998

April 8, 2013 April 9, 2013

8:30 PM 8:30 PM

Kyle Pray

Midget 15U II AA

1998

April 10, 2013 April 11, 2013

7:30 PM 7:30 PM

Chris McCune

1997 / 1998

April 8, 2013 April 9, 2013

7:30 PM 7:30 PM

Jeff Swan

1997 / 1998

April 10, 2013 April 11, 2013

6:30 PM 6:30 PM

Kevin Weigel

Full Season “Tournament Bound”

1995 / 1996

April 8, 2013 April 9, 2013

9:30 PM 4:30 PM

Frank Vecchio

Midget 18U II AA

1995 / 1996

April 8, 2013 April 10, 2013

4:30 PM 8:30 PM

Jay Stainsby

Midget 18U Mixed AA

1995 and Under

April 9, 2013 April 11, 2013

9:30 PM 8:30 PM

Phil Basinski

PeeWee Major AAA “Tournament Bound”

Bantam Major AAA “Tournament Bound”

Midget 16U AAA “Tournament Bound”

Midget 16U II AA Midget 18U AAA

The Wheatfield Blades are a “AAA” hockey association and our teams compete in the Western New York Amateur Hockey League. House & Travel players (other than current WB players) MUST have a release from their current Hockey Association. A deposit is required at signing. Our 18U AAA team will be a full season tournament bound team. The team will be coached by Frank Vecchio and David Kasperek. Please send any inquiries to: fjvech@roadrunner.com. We are also considering our 16U AAA team to be full season tournament bound as well, depending on interest. This team will be coached by Jeff Swan. Any inquiries should be sent to: fjvech@roadrunner.com.

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TRYOUT EDITION 2013-2014

2013 - 2014 Open Tryouts 10U and 12U Tier III State Tournament Bound Teams

We will compete in the WNYAHL for the 2013-2014 Season

Squirt Tier III

Pee Wee Tier III TB

@ Hyde Park

Wednesday, 3/13/13...............6:00-7:15 pm Wednesday, 3/20/13..............6:00-7:15 pm

Wednesday, 3/13/13................... 7:15-8:30 pm Wednesday, 3/20/13.................. 7:15-8:30 pm

Any questions email: leone71@verizon.net Cell: 716-560-1985

Any questions email: nccoyotes_mfinnegan@yahoo.com Cell: 716-465-9943

Coaches: Anthony Leone/Vinnie Iacovitti

rs of u o h ith r 50 *Ove s Clinics wion Skill l and nat loca linician z c lant G y b Rob rs of s u o h ic 15 Over nding Clinanosz e Goalt iccuci & J M with

Coach: Michael Finnegan

Year round opportunities to train / Dry-land training / Tournaments Fun Family Atmosphere / Team Concept / Quality ice time per player And Much More Please bring a copy of Playerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Release and Birth Certificate.

Tryout Fee $15.00 per session

A $300 non-refundable team deposit will be due at time of signing. For the latest news and updates on the Coyotes please check out our website www.niagaracoyotes.com

April tryouts will consist of Bantam Minor Major Tier III, U15, U16, U18

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TRYOUT EDITION 2013-2014

Southtown Stars Amateur Hockey Association

2013-14 Travel Tryouts At Leisure Rinks

Southtowns is a USA Hockey organization that plays Tier II travel in the Western New York Amateur Hockey League. All Major as well as the Midget TB teams are State Tournament eligible. Squirt Minor (2004)

Squirt Major (2003)

Pee Wee Minor Pee Wee Major Bantam Minor (2002) (2001) (2000)

Bantam Major (1999)

Tues., March 12 Tues., March 12 Tues., March 12 Tues., March 12 Tues., April 9 5:30pm 6:15pm 6:35pm 7:45pm 5:30pm Thurs., March 14 Thurs., March 14 Thurs., March 14 Thurs., March 14 Thurs., April 11 5:15pm 6:30pm 7:15pm 7:45pm 5:30pm

Tues., April 9 6:45pm Thurs., April 11 6:45pm

Midget 15U (1998)

(Time Change)

Tues., April 9 8:00pm Thurs., April 11 7:15pm

Midget 16U (1997)

Midget 18U (1995-96)

Tues., April 9 6:30pm Thurs., April 11 8:00pm

Tues., April 9 7:45pm Thurs., April 11 8:30pm

(Time Change)

All tryouts $20 All players form organizations other than Southtowns must have a 2012-2013 release from that organization, and a copy of their birth certificate. Mixed teams will be picked after the Major and Minor teams are established. Please check our website for: • Red, White & Blue through Midget House signups will begin in April • Beginner program – we offer an established Red, White & Blue cross ice beginner program • Coaching applications - we are currently accepting for the 2013-14 house teams For more information about Southtowns, please download our parent manual from the website, or contact Ed Schmatz at 716-570-0945 or Ed@Southtownsstars.com

www.southtownsstars.com Your child doesn’t have to travel all around Canada to play competitive AAA hockey on a school night! Come and see what is developing in the Northtowns at the Blades 2002 elite AAA. Academics and rest are vitally important to a young child’s overall development and these things should not be overshadowed by Travel Hockey. At the Wheatfield Blades 2002 Elite AAA, we emphasize competition, sportsmanship, character, education, skill development and most importantly, having FUN! •O ne of the strongest competitive game schedules in all of WNY. New Locally competitive League forming for 2013/14 and 4-5 top level elite tournaments. •Q ualified and Educated Coaches teaching the game to the players with dignity and respect so that the kids learn and keep their love for the game. Coaches are not permitted to inappropriate language and will provide an environment to allow players to realize their full potential. •P roper play and conduct emphasized both on and off the ice for both players and coaches. These boys are going to be men and we want them to be good athletes, coaches, teachers and citizens in the future. •T RUE ELITE LEVEL AAA = Current Roster has a high number of elite level AAA players in WNY – roster spots are still available!

2013/14 SEASON TRY OUTS @ HOCKEY OUTLET / MARCH 11th & 12th 2013

Mark Zarbo Def. Skills Coach RPI Division I Player

Rick Zacher Head Coach National Jr. B Champion & NHL Draft candidate

David Paul Asst. Def. Coach

Ken Dewey Asst. Fwds. Coach

visit: www.wheatfieldblades.com for more information wnyhockeyreport.com

TRYOUT EDITION 2013-2014

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TRYOUT EDITION 2013-2014

ROCHESTER HOCKEY NEWS / 17 Maksymum/RYH To Field Teams In US Premier Hockey League

aksymum Hockey has joined with Rochester Youth Hockey to run full-season teams at the U16 and U18 levels for 2013-2014 in the newly formed United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL). The USPHL was formed by the Junior Bruins, Islander Hockey Club, Jersey Hitmen and South Shore Kings to provide a new national opportunity for hockey at the Junior and 16U/18U Midget Levels. The USPHL Organizations share a common commitment to the fundamentals of USA Hockey’s American Development Model (ADM) and its Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) initiatives based upon age specific development of hockey players and will have all participants in the league register under USA Hockey. The USPHL member organizations have each developed a complete player development model where at present over 2,000 boys and girls train, compete and enjoy the sport of ice hockey. These programs go beyond the on ice experience to include education, leadership and community service components to help foster a complete student athlete. The member organizations believe the USPHL will provide the next step in high performance training and competition and will provide unmatched exposure to NCAA hockey programs for young aspiring hockey players. The league will commence competition in September of 2013 with 16U/18U and Junior divisions. For more information, please contact Maksymum Hockey at 585-426-8488 or visit us online at www.maksymum. com.•

Stars U16 AAA Prepare For Playoffs

s the 2012-2013 Eastern Junior Elite Prospects League (EJEPL) season winds down, the Maksymum Stars U16 AAA, a Rochester Youth Hockey Team, team has their eyes on the EJEPL Playoffs. Maksymum clinched a playoff spot by the end of January, and with only one weekend left in the regular season, the Stars sit in third place in the 11-team EJEPL with 25 points. The EJEPL playoffs will be held at Tri-Town Ice Arena, the home of the New Hampshire Monarchs. The teams will play a round robin format with the eight teams being equally placed in the two brackets, The Gary Dineen Division (named after long time EJ hockey GM/ Coach Gary Dineen) and the Phil Coleman Division (named after the long time owner of the Harbor Wolves and EJ League developer Phil Coleman). The playoffs will take place over the February 22nd24th weekend with four games on Friday, eight games on Saturday and the semifinals and finals on Sunday. The Stars, formed in a partnership between Rochester Youth Hockey and Maksymum Hockey to field a full-season U16 team, have an overall record of 28-18-4, and an EJEPL record of 11-3-3 in their inaugural season in the league. “This is the beginning of junior hockey for these young men,” said Coach Dave Maksymiu. “With the addition of an U18 team next year the path is clear to see and it’s all right here in Rochester.” The Stars have also qualified for the New York State Amateur Hockey Association 16U State Tournament, being held in Amherst, NY from March 15th-17th.

WNY Hockey Report

The Maksymum Stars were well represented at the 2013 EJEPL All-Star Event. Pictured L to R is, Coach Dave Maksymiu, Ritchie Francis, Chris Peters, Monty Cunningham, Austin Pieniaszek, Matt Damelio, and Matthew Buchbinder. (Stars Photo)

Stars Shine At All-Star Event

aksymum Stars U16 AAA, a Rochester Youth Hockey Team, player Chris Peters was named the MVP of the 2013 EJEPL All-Star Event, held on January 20th and 21st in Hookset, NH. Peters started the event with two goals in a 6-4 loss for the White team on Sunday, and finished with three assists in a 4-0 win on Monday to take home the MVP award. Peters leads the Stars and is fourth in the EJEPL with 26 points on the season. “Chris really played well this weekend,” said Stars coach Dave Maksymiu, who also coached the White All-Star team. “He was responsible for five of the team’s eight goals on the weekend.” In the first game, Matthew Buchbinder tallied two goals and an assist and Ritchie Francis added an assist. Austin Pieniaszek and Matt Damelio registered assists in the second game for the White squad. Stars goalie Monty Cunningham stopped 25 of the 26 shots he faced in the two games. “All of our guys played great,” added Maksymiu. “They were involved in all 8 of our team’s goals.”

Stars Push Towards Playoffs

ow in their third year of play in the Eastern Junior Hockey League (EJHL), the Rochester Stars have continued their yearly improvement in the win column. After winning 13 games in 2010-2011, and 15 games in 2011-2012, the Stars win total has improved to 22 games in 2012-2013 with four regular season games remaining. The Stars started 2013 slowly, stumbling out of the starting gate by dropping their first four contests of the year. But the Stars rebounded quickly, posting a 9-2 mark over their next 11 games to put them solidly in the EJHL playoff picture. The Stars currently sit in fourth place in the Northern Division with 48 points. Lindholm and Massey win EJHL Player of the Week Honors One of the main reasons for the Stars recent win streak is the hot play of forward Oliver Lindholm and goalie Will Massey, who were named the Eastern Junior Hockey League Offensive Player of the Week and Rookie of the Week, respectively, for the week ending January 27th. Massey also won the Rookie of the Week award for the week ending February 10th. Lindholm scored four goals and added three assists in three games for the Stars to earn the Player of the Week award. He scored twice and contributed a helper in a 4-3 overtime loss to the Junior Bruins on Friday. On Saturday, Lindholm recorded an assist in a win over the New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs and finished on Sunday

with another two-goal and oneassist performance in another win over New Hampshire. The Gävle, Sweden native has appeared in 10 games for the Stars this season and has recorded a point in eight games, scoring four goals and adding eight assists since joining the team. Massey earned the January 27th Rookie of the Week Will Massey honors by stopping 96 of the (Stars Photo) 104 shots he faced over that same weekend. He turned away 25 shots in Friday’s overtime loss to the Junior Bruins. Saturday saw Massey make 44 saves in the win over the Monarchs, followed by 19 saves versus 20 shots in another win over New Hampshire. For the week ending February 10th, Massey picked up two wins in Rochester’s three games over a span of only 32 hours. The games were originally scheduled for Friday February 8th-Sunday February 10th, but were delayed because of Winter Storm Nemo. He made 27 saves in a 3-2 win over the Junior Bruins on Monday. On Tuesday, he made 51 saves in two games in two different venues, falling to the Bruins in the morning and beating the Springfield Pics in the evening in a shootout. The Penfield, NY native has been in net for every game of the Stars 9-2 streak, where he has recorded a 2.36 goals against average and a .926 save percentage in those 11 contests. Stars forward Tyler Wolf was also named the honorable mention Offensive Player of the Week for the week ending February 10th. Wolf scored two goals in a 4-2 win over the Junior Bruins on Monday, and followed that effort with a shorthanded and a power play goal the next day in a 6-5 loss to the Bruins. He ended the three game trip with an assist in the Stars 2-1 victory over Springfield. Wolf is second on the team with 35 points, and the Naperville, IL native leads the team with five power play goals.

Neal Chosen All-Star

ochester Stars defenseman Jonathan Neal was named to the Northern Division AllStar team for the 2013 EJHL AllStar Game. Neal leads all Stars defensemen in scoring this season with 18 points. The Encitas, CA native is one of six defensemen chosen to represent the Northern Jonathan Neal Division. (Stars Photo) “Jon is one of our captains and a leader of the team,” said Stars head coach Tony Maksymiu. “He is an outstanding skater and has had a great season so far.” The 2013 EJHL All-Star Game, the 20th annual contest, was played on January 21st, 2013 at Merrimack College in North Andover, MA. Neal’s Northern Division team won the contest 5-2 over the Southern Division squad.

(Continued on Page 26)

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WOMEN’S HOCKEY / 18 Women’s Hockey Report

Niagara University Women’s Club Hockey

by Janet Schultz Janet@wnyhockeyreport.com

Buffalo State College

The Bengals have been facing a tough second semester as their only win came over the University of Massachusetts on Tuesday, January 8. Jordan Lee made 35 saves and Buffalo State (5-8-1) skated to a 2-1 victory over host UMassBoston (4-8-1) in the non-conference game. Their losses have come at the hands of Oswego, Elmira and Cortland. Their single February win was an overtime thriller against Utica. Melissa Ash (Binghamton/Chenanga Valley) scored with 5 seconds remaining in OT to seal a 2-1 victory for the Bengals. Utica outshot Buffalo 33 to 21. Prior to the game Buffalo honored their seniors including Tara Boliard (Canton, MI/Canton), Courtney Carnes (Winslow, ME/Winslow), Rio Flynn (Winnipeg, MB/Appleby College (ON)), Lauren Mallo (Maple Ridge, BC/Thomas Haney) and Jen Seguin (Hamilton, ON/St. Jean de Brebeuf ). On February 9 they held their 4th Annual Maddy’s Game, formerly the Alumni Game now in its 7th year. Madeline xxx was killed when Flight 4307 crashed on approach to Buffalo Airport. Maddy was on her way to play in the alumni match in 2012. The Bengals wrapped up their season February 16 and 17 against Potsdam before the ECAC West Quarterfinals which begin on February 23.

RIT

The Tigers held their annual Skate for a Cure on February 8. Each fan received a team photo for a $1 donation and the player’s specially-made game jerseys were auctioned off for the cause. Goaltender Ali Binnington made 24 saves, including 12 in the final period to record her fifth shutout of the season, as the Tigers defeated Robert Morris 2-0 on January 27. That earned her CHA Goaltender of the Week honors for the fourth time this season. She was then named January’s CHA Goaltender of the Month after finishing January with a 4-1-1 record. RIT ran an unbeaten streak for four games after a 1-1 draw with Lindenwood. That streak ended the following day in a 4-3 loss to Lindenwood with 6.2 seconds left in regulation. In two games against Syracuse, RIT lost both 2-1. RIT honored the senior class on Friday, Feb. 15 including Webster’s Kristina Moss. Others honored were Danielle Read, Captain Tenecia Hiller, Captain Ariane Yokoyama, Captain Kim Sclattman and Ellesha Fortuna. After closing out February with Penn State and Mercyhurst, the CHA will begin playoffs on March 1 and 2 with the CHA Championship scheduled for March 9.

University of Buffalo Lady Ice Bulls

The Lady Ice Bulls have had one of the roughest

WNY Hockey Report

second semesters that any hockey team could have, and yet, they are optimistic about the future of the team. Coach Jody Rosen talked about the spiral downward since November 29 when one of the nation’s leading scorers, Katelyn Bothwell went down in the second period of a scrimmage game against the Niagara Coyotes Sr. B Team. It was one of those games with UB up going into the second period when Katelyn picked up the puck and made a rush. “She was going faster than I’ve seen her all year,” said Coach Rosen. “She got cross checked and went down. I heard the scream,” remembers Rosen. “I knew it was bad.” Bothwell had a broken wrist. She had orthopedic surgery that included having a metal plate put in her wrist. Prognosis for recovery--one full year! After that Rosen explains that players went down one right after another with injuries or illness. “I’ve lost 7 players to season-ending injuries,” he continued. Rosen started the season out with 22 players. As we go to press, he has one true defenseman and is running two lines and carrying two goalies. They started with four lines! UB traveled to Vermont to play in a tournament and took a 3-1 loss to the University of Colorado. They were outshot 37 to 32. In the next game they faced off against SUNY Canton and beat them 7-4. Next up was host University of Vermont, a ECWHL competitor. After being up 3-2 the lost Defenseman Katey Albright (Baldwinsville/Lysander Lady Lightning) to a knee injury and lost 8-4. Returning home they faced a strong University of Massachusetts and lost two games to them. With Winter Storm Nemo striking, UB found themselves taking two games by forfeit from Penn State. With ice time paid for they invited the Amherst Princeton Selects, a Bantam Boys team, to play them. The girls found the boys to be strong and determined. UB beat them 9-8. While UB players took the game as fun, Coach Rosen cautioned them to make sure they “played it like a regular game” because the boys would. The following day they faced off against the Wheatfield Blades Sr. C team and beat them 8-3. “We used that game to work on our power-play and face-offs,” said Rosen. “We also tested things working towards the playoffs.” At press time the ECWHL Playoffs are being held in Rhode Island. Buffalo faces Canton on February 15. Coach Rosen will also have some major announcements regarding signings coming shortly.

The Niagara Purple Eagles recognize the value in helping the community and for that reason, they are extremely proud of the work they do. They participated in the Neighborhood Sweep which help clean up the Deveaux Area Neighborhood and families in the Niagara Falls area. They have beaten American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Women’s Division 1’s #14 University at Buffalo women’s hockey team 3 times this year. They traveled hours to #6 Ohio State University whom are also in the ACHA Women’s Division 1 League and won their first game 9-4 and tied their second game 4-4. The Purple Eagles also beat SUNY Geneseo, Cornell University and Syracuse University. Their final game of the season will be against the Coyotes. Leading the scoring is Lauren Fontaine (Windsor/ Sacred Heart University) with 47 goals and 14 assists. Right behind her is Natasha Fryer (Oakville/Niagara University) with 41 goals and 7 assists. Goalie Danene Stevens has played in 16 games and has a 2.19 GAA.

Western New York Girl’s Hockey

t’s been a busy month for women’s ice hockey in WNY. First, the WNY Girl’s Varsity Ice Hockey Section VI Championship; the League Championship, the Empire State Winter Games and teams vying for playoff positions and their chance at the States and Nationals.

Empire State Winter Games

The ESWG were omitted from the State budget a few years back and a group from Lake Placid resurrected the event. Along with all the winter sports, they included Women’s Ice Hockey for the Over 18 players. Six teams from New York took part including Adirondack, Central, Hudson Valley, Long Island, New York City and our own West Section. Our team brought home a Bronze medal and we want to congratulate Lauren Orynawka, Ashley Schneegold, Katherine Galbo, Tina Podrasky, Lindsey Shubbuck, Amanda Todd, Lillian Bauer, Michelle Donlon, Katie Fish, Nora Larsen, Shawnee Oberholtzer, Bernadette O’Connell, Nichole Scuteri, Katie Stack, Deanne Ventural, Meghan Ward and especially Coach Scott Then. The West Section opened play early Friday morning against Central. They beat them 3-1 with the first goal of the 2013 ESWG coming off the stick of Lindsay Shubbuck, followed by two from Katie Stack. Assists in that game were from Stack, Bernadette O’Connell, Nicole Scuteri and Shawnee Oberholtzer. Goaltender Ashley Schneegold made 15 saves. Their next match-up was against Long Island. Stack

2013 West Region Team (Janet Schultz Photo)

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WOMEN’S HOCKEY / 19 had four goals, including a natural hat trick in the 7-2 victory over the Islanders. The other goals came from Galbo and O’Connell. On Saturday the West took their first loss. New York City, who surprised everyone this year and took home the Silver, beat West 2-1. All three goals came in the first period and it was Shubbuck taking the shutout away from NY’s Ashley Walenty. Schneegold made 35 saves. West’s next win was a 3-1 victory over Hudson Valley. Orynawka was in goal for the West, making 14 saves. Fish, Shubbuck and Stack put the puck in the net for the West. In the final game of the ESWG the West faced Adirondack, who took home the Gold. Schneegold made 45 saves and Katie Stack had both of the goals in the 5-2 loss.

WNY Girls Varsity Ice Hockey

hile this paper is being printed your columnist will be photographing the final game of the 2013 season with Williamsville facing Monsignor Martin int eh 2012 WNYGVIH Federation Championship. How did they get there? First, Monsignor Martin went undefeated this season and drew a bye for the quarterfinals. Kenmore beat Lancaster 12-3 in the quarterfinals. While Lancaster did not win a single game this season, they did put up scoring numbers and fought hard in every game to make their presence known. Lancaster’s Megan Reukauf scored the first goal of the playoff game at 8:59 of the first period, assisted by Rene Doherty. Lancaster’s goalie Madeline Norton faced 62 shots from the Kenmore team. Kenmore’s Olivia Smith had a hat trick in the second period and Kara Zelasko had four goals in the game, two in the first period and one in the third. Jill Battista had the go-ahead goal in the second period. In the second game of the quarterfinals it was Williamsville 4, West Seneca 1. West Seneca carried a short bench this season but had a strong showing from their players. One of the most unusual happenings this season, a penalty shot at 4:19 of the second period. West Seneca’s Abby Mutton, who faced 32 shots, held off Williamsville’s Sarah Scolnick in the penalty shot. Scoring for Williamsville were Leah Czerwinski, the first goal of the game; two from Rachel Grampp, a power-play goal from Scolnick. West Seneca’s single

goal came from Molly Sikorski. Theresa Meosky had the shutout for Williamsville, facing 23 shots and making all but one. The third game found Amherst/Sweet Home Katz beating Orchard Park/Frontier 3-2 . Scoring for the Katz were Missy Mallon, Madison Kather and Julia Mings. For Orchard Park/Frontier is was Laura Jankowski and Tatum Walber. Both teams had 25 shots on goal for the game. With those wins Monsignor Martin faced Amherst/ Sweet Home and Kenmore faced Williamsville in the semi-finals. Again tense situations with tight scoring and intense play. Monsignor Martin beat Amherst/Sweet Home with one second left on the clock and a game that was tied 1-1 until that point. In the first period the Katz goalie Kara Rea came out with an injured knee. Maddie Aston, who hadn’t played ice hockey before this season and is not a goalie, put on the pads and came in for Rea. She kept the game scoreless after having two minutes to warm up. Rea came back in the second period, faced 19 shots and managed to hold the opposition to a 2-1 score going into the third. The tying goal came in the third period when Amherst’s Julie Mings put one past Monsignor Martin’s goalie, staying tied until the last second. Julie Duquette got the puck into the net with one second to go. The buzzer sounded and the game was 3-2 and put MM into the finals. The other Monsignor Martin goal was made by Rachel Ziarowski, who also had an assist on the winning goal.

Williamsville’s winning goal. (Janet Schultz Photo)

WNY Hockey Report

assisted shot past Beekmantown’s goalie for the final goal of the game. Kenmore had 11 shots on goal and Beekmantown had 40. Lauren Pray was in goal for Kenmore.

Section VI Goes to Kenmore After Double Overtime

he first period went scoreless as Williamsville took on Kenmore for the Section VI championship. Kenmore’s Kaeli Mathias had an unassisted goal at 9:55 of the second period. At 5:34 of the third Williamsville’s Rachel Grampp tied the game 1-1, the way the regulation time ended. No score in the first overtime. It looked like we were going to be there for awhile. Then Alyssa Dollendorf took the puck, put it in the net at 36 seconds into the second overtime and Kenmore moved on to the NYS High School Girls Final Four, the first time a Western New York team had that opportunity. Williamsville had 36 shots on goal and Kenmore had 23.

Girls Hockey in WNY

Kenmore Goes to Final Four!

Last second goal by Monsignor Martin. (Janet Schultz Photo)

Lauren Pray makes a save on Beekmantown (Janet Schultz Photo)

he Kenmore Girls Varsity Ice Hockey Team beat Williamsville in the Section VI Championships, which gave them Western New York’s first bid to the NYS High School Girls Final Four. The Championship series was held in Canton February 9 and 10, after the snow storm delayed the games by a day. Kenmore took on undefeated Beekmantown in the second game of the four-game playoff. Kenmore arrived at the rink just a little over an hour before game time after a five-hour bus trip from Buffalo. Kenmore showed its force but couldn’t get past the powerful Beekmantown team. They lost 3-2. Jill Battista had an unassisted goal in the first period to tie the game 1-1. Beekmantown moved ahead with a goal in the second. Kenmore’s second goal came in the third period when Shannon Munley put an un-

irst congratulations to the teams that went to the Sarah Backstrom Tournament in Erie, Pa. This tournament has become one of the most prestigious tournaments for girls hockey. From the WNY area were the Buffalo Stars, Southern Tier Storm, Cazenovia Chiefs, Canandaigua Knights, Webster Cyclones, Tonawanda Lightning, Amherst Knights, West Seneca Wings and Hamburg Hawks organizations. A short wrap-up of the tournament: 19U Tier II: The Cazenovia Chiefs, who won 3 regular games, made it to the Championship game and lost to the Bluewater Hawks 3-2. The Buffalo Stars won 2 games and lost one. 16U Tier II: The Buffalo Stars took the championship by beating the North Hills Vipers 1-0. In the Semi-Final game the Buffalo Stars (Q1, Home) beat the Southern Tier Storm 4-0 and the Tonawanda Lightning (S2) lost to the North Hills Vipers (S1GF) 3-0. The Canandaigua Knights tournament record was 1 win, 2 losses; Southern Tier Storm, 1 win, 2 losses; Tonawanda Lighting, won all 3 regular games; Webster Cyclones, won 2 and lost 1.

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WOMEN’S HOCKEY / 20 14U Tier II: The West Seneca Wings brought home the championship after beating the Haldimand Rivercats 2-1. They won all three of the regular games. The Amherst Knights won one game and lost 2; the Webster Cyclones lost all three regular games. 12U Tier II Rep: The West Seneca Wings were the champions after beating the Cambridge Roadrunners. West Seneca beat the Ohio Flames and Huntsville Sting and had their only loss to the Cambridge Roadrunners, who they then had to face in the Championship. The Amherst Knights won 2 games and lost 1; Hamburg Hawks left with a 2-1 record. 10U House: In a turn of events the Cazenovia Chiefs, who were to play the West Seneca Wings, won the Championship by forfeit. Prior to that they had beaten the Wings and Burlington Black Bears . They also beat Hamburg Hawks by forfeit. The West Seneca Wings also beat Burlington 1-0 in regular play and beat the Hawks by forfeit. (My understanding there was a roster issue).

the division during the regular season. The 16U girls finished with a winning record in the 17U Canadian League and went 24-15-8 overall, with a national ranking of 14 in the country and made the semi-finals of the 23rd Annual London Devilettes Hockey Tournament. In addition the girls are 6-0 in State Qualifying games, including a 6-1 win over the Buffalo Stars. Shots on Goal: Buffalo Regals 33; Buffalo Stars 7. The Regals have announced they will field a 10U Travel Team this season, coached by Jim Suppa. They will compete in the Lower Lakes Canadian League and will play two to four tournaments during the year. The 12U team will play at the Tier II level and will be NYS Tournament-Bound as well. They continue their dryland training at Proformance Sports and also have extra ice for skill sessions during the year. Tryout information is listed in the Buffalo Regals ad in the special Tryout Section of WNY Hockey Report.

Tonawanda Lightning

West Seneca Wings

The Tonawanda Lightning is a growing program. Just two years ago there were a couple of girls playing in the boy’s house program, even though there was a 12U program. This season there are 18 players on the U16 team, coached by Pete Gallivan, 15 players on the 12U program coached by Jim Derrigan and 24 players in the Town’s GirlsOnly house program. The players range in age from 7 to 16 with the average around 11 years old. Both of the Lightning teams play in the Great Lakes Girls Hockey League, the 12U’s play in the non-tournament bound Red Division and the 16U’s play in the 16U Tournament Bound Division. The play mostly inter-squad games but also set up matches with Amhert and Cazenovia’s house programs. The 12U’s made it to the finals of the top Gun Tournament and lost to Ithaca in the finals. They are looking forward to the GLGHL Red Division Playoffs March 10 -17 during the Lightning Tournament. Derrigan anticipates having three Lightning Teams next season at the U16, 14U and 12U along with the girls-only house program. Tryouts for 12U and 14U teams will be held April 10 and 11 at Hyde Park Arena, Niagara Falls.

Buffalo Regals News (Submitted by Tom Ruggiero)

The Buffalo Reglas 14U and 16U teams have clinched a number one seed in the West Section for the upcoming Tier II State Championships being held March 8-10. Neither team lost a single Qgame (to date) and posted a combined record of 14-0-1. The 14U’s are 34-16-6, ranked #2 nationally at the Tier II level and advanced to the second round of play-offs in the Lower Canadian League ‘A’ Division, after finishing in the upper end of

WNY Hockey Report

(Submitted by WS Wings)

The West Seneca Wings girls travel program offers a competitive program for girls wanting to be challenged in a competitive hockey environment. The association will be forming five girls teams for the 2013-14 season - 10U, 12U, 14U, 16U and 19U. All teams will compete in the Great Lakes Hockey Association in Western New York and the Lower Lakes Female Hockey League (“LLFHL”) in Ontario. For information or questions concerning the West Seneca program, please contact Rocco Dellaneve at 432-9728 or via email ddella1219@aol.com.

2012-13 Season Recap The 2012-13 teams have enjoyed successful seasons, playing competitive hockey both in Canada and the United States. 10U Team The 10U Team competed in the LLFHL Central West Division against Ontario teams from Stoney Creek, Waterloo, Ancaster, Oakville, Cambridge and Kitchener. Although the young team did not post an impressive winning records, the team continued to develop and a strong core group of players will be returning for the 2013-14 campaign. The team finished second in the February Sarah Backstrom tournament in Erie, PA. 12U Team Finishing Second in the Nation last year is a tough act to follow especially with half of the team moving to the 14U squad. However, Coach Rocco Dellaneve assembled a group of girls who wanted to repeat as the New York State Champions. This team started the season strong with a convincing Cleveland Ignite the Ice tournament Championship in September. They followed up with finalists finishes

in the November St. Catharines Chaos tournament and December Mississauga Chiefs Christmas tournament. Playing in both the LLFHL loop as well as the Great Lake Hockey League provides a competitive, active schedule. With twenty-six ice times in January, the team clinched the number one seed from the west for the New York State Tournament and finished sixth in the LLFHL central division. The team travelled to Erie, PA during the weekend of February 1. With a must win to quality for the finals, the team defeated the Ohio Flames AA team and then faced the Cambridge Roadrunners in the finals. The final game ended in a tie with three overtimes required before the Wings prevailed and were victorious. The team continues in the LLFHL playoffs as they prepare to defend the New York State Championship in Saranac Lake on March 8-10. 14U Team The 14U team finished second in the LLFHL last season. With the addition of players from the 12U National Finalist team, the 14U team has been competitive in both Western New York and Ontario. After competing in the Ohio Ignite the Ice tournament in September, the team travelled to St. Catharines, Ontario in early November and captured the tournament Championship. After capturing the fourth seed and home ice advantage for the first round of the playoffs in the LLFHL, the team captured the Championship trophy in the Sarah Backstrom tournament in Erie, PA. The team continues to prepare for the New York State Championship in Utica, NY on March 8-10. 2013-14 Coach Staff The following coaches have been announced for the following teams: Girls 12U (01 and 02) Team - Larry Blas, 860-8376; email LBREDS14@aol.com 14U (00 and 99) Team - Rocco Dellaneve; 432-9728; email ddella1219@aol.com 16U (98 and 97) Team - Chris Roberts; 923-3423; croberts14220@gmail.com

Other Notes…

…With a 6-0 shutout against Mercyhurst, Cornell’s Women’s Ice Hockey Coach Doug Derraugh became the winningest coach in Cornell women’s ice hockey history. His total wins stand at 136, one ahead of the team’s first coach, Bill Duthie. …There is Girls Spring Hockey through the WNY Elite Hockey program. A ten-week camp will be held at the Tacoma Rink in Buffalo for skaters from Buffalo and Southern Ontario. This is a skill development program for top players with strong skating ability. They focus on increased speed and confidence with the puck. If you have a player interested contact Coach David Carlton at girlsspringhockey@yahoo.com or check out their website at: http://dcarlon.wix.com/girlsspringhockeycom …ALL Girls/Womens Ice Hockey News should be sent directly to Janet Schultz, Janet@wnyhockeyreport.com •

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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT / 21 Boys Varsity Continued from Page 5

Varsity Blue Division

• First Team All-Stars: • Forwards: Tom Garrity (Williamsville), Dylan Munson (Dunkirk/Fredonia), and Alex Michalak (Dunkirk/Fredonia) • Defensemen: Tyler Penberthy (Williamsville) and Brett St. George (Dunkirk/Fredonia) • Goalie: Carson Rafan (Dunkirk/Fredonia) • Second Team All-Stars: Mark Lesinski (Williamsville), Matt Sheridan (Dunkirk/Fredonia), Kyle Magin (St. Joe’s B), Alex Keil (Wilson/ Newfane), John Dipasquale (St. Joe’s B), and Anthony Thomas (Williamsville) • Coach of the Year: Mike Jantzi (Williamsville) • (Amerks continued from Page 6)

NEWS & NOTES:

• The Amerks had one of the top power play units in the AHL (6th) clicking at over 20%. Their penalty kill also was in the top ten (84.7%). They were the top scoring team in the league at 3.55 goals per game. • The team lost more home games (4) in the month of November than in October, December and January combined (3). • Mark Mancari, in his fourth season in an Amerks uniform, is steadily climbing the Rochester all-time goal scoring chart, His 77 Amerks career goals put him 20 behind Steve Langdon 97 tallies for the top-20 all-time. • The reestablishment of the Buffalo partnership has been good at the turnstiles as well as on the ice. The Amerks entered the second week of February ninth in the league in average attendance at 6,644 per game. • David Leggio (Williamsville) was leading the AHL in wins, saves and minutes played while tied for the league lead in shootout victories. • Rookie Brian Flynn was third among rookies in the league with 17 goals and sixth in points. •

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Buffalo Shamrocks Announce The Birth Of The Clover Hockey League by Randy Schultz Randy@wnyhockeyreport.com

etting a birth announcement by email is nothing new these days. But for a new hockey league? That is what arrived in people’s email on February 4. It announced the birth of the new Clover Hockey League. As with it’s older sibling, the Shamrocks Hockey League, the CHL will now provide initial and consistent game structure and experience for the Mite-Novice level. According to Tom Barnett, President of the Buffalo Shamrocks Hockey Club, the league was years in the making. “People may not realize that the Shamrocks have an in-house league,” said Barnett. “It is called the Shamrocks Hockey League. “It is a league that has provided for all of our mites and squirts. All of our mites and squirts play in this league. “It is total Shamrocks in the fact that it is played by Shamrocks, coached by Shamrocks and officiated by Shamrocks. It is where our kids cut their teeth on hockey for the first time in terms of game situations. “This is where our kids learn to play the game of hockey for real. Before they go out and play against our local and international foes. “That league has grown from four teams to 10 teams. They have very short benches. “There are only 10 kids to a team, plus a goaltender. We want the kids to be playing hockey. “Realizing that we have Learn to Skate, Mite novice, Mite squirt, Pee Wee and Bantam, we wanted to have those kids being called up from the Mite novice group we wanted to add a challenge to that level. “So we invented a new league, the Clover Hockey League. It was launched on February 3. “There were three individuals who worked extremely hard to make this happen including Jim Graham, Jeff Klotzer and Pat Bonner. They put in a lot of long hours to make this league a reality. “We have launched four new teams, team logos and a league logo. These kids now have a league of their own. “They will be playing games of their own, cross-

ice games, at our home rink at Nichols.” The new league will also follow the traditions already established for the SHL including a regular season, playoffs and championship game; Mite-Novice players will continue to be assigned to SHL teams as needed; Learn-to-Skaters will now be eligible to be “called up” to play in the CHL as needed. The “Original Four” teams include the Gila Monsters, Spiders, Scorpions and Dart Frogs. “These are small creatures for small players,” added Barnett. “It ties into our theme of working with the Buffalo Zoo. “The game is also played without goaltenders. We use goaltending puck barriers that we put in the net. “There are three small holes in the puck barrier that a player can score through. Or you can lift the puck over the puck barrier to score. “We don’t want to develop goaltenders at five and six years of age. We just want the kids to skate, score and have fun. “That’s what it is all about.” •

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INSIGHT HOCKEY / 22

Insight Hockey

A few weeks ago during the Australian Open tennis to ur n a me nt, the top-seedBy Tom Barnett ed female tennis player, Victoria Azarenka, was granted a medical timeout during the championship match. After she went on to victory, fans and tennis pundits felt she had bent the rules about medical timeouts and simply needed to compose herself from a case of the nerves. The New York Times, which reported the incident, also referred a couple other instances of sports teams’ questionable tactics to gain an edge over the competition in the quest for a victory. As someone who’s been involved in hockey since my youth, I was intrigued about where that article about tennis was going: the “win at all costs” mentality. An expert quoted in the article speaks to a “disturbing trend extending to youth sports: emphasizing winning over sportsmanship and developing character.” I am not sure I’d call that a “disturbing trend.” There has always been a faction of parents and coaches in the world of youth sports that have placed pride and victory above teaching kids how to deal with adversity and losing. In fact, just a couple weeks ago I was at a rink watching my youngest son’s hockey game. I had unfortunately chosen to sit next to an extremely excitable man whose grandson was playing for the other team. “Get his number!” he screamed after a hard check. “Knock him out of the game!” he demanded following a stare-down. “Kill him!” he yelled during a post-whistle scrum. A few minutes later, one of my son’s teammates chased the puck into the corner. Just before he made it, the opposing player creamed him, causing the kid to carom into the boards at an odd angle. He’ll be recovering from a broken pelvis for the next four months. Don’t get me wrong; I’d much rather be on the winning end of a game. But when a team ranks winning ahead of respect for competition, respect for the game, and sportsmanship, that’s a problem. Or when mom and dad think their kid is the next Great One, it’s time for some hard numbers: USA Hockey counts just over 350,000 kids playing organized ice hockey. The NHL has about

WNY Hockey Report

700 total players (and how many of them aren’t US-born?). With those statistics, chances are most of the kids aren’t going to wear an NHL jersey as an adult unless they buy one. Youth hockey is fun to watch as It is infinitely rewarding to play a vital role. It’s also amazing to watch kids’ skating and team skills develop. At the beginning of the season, kids are afraid to move their feet in skates, fearful of falling down. By the end of the season, they’re making turns behind the nets with a smile from ear to ear and interacting with teammates with unfathomable efficiency unthinkable only days or weeks before. Unfortunately, at some point, we forget about the fun and worry more about making sure the other kid “pays” for being an opponent. I have found in my experience that perspective and an environment of positively reinforced growth and instruction underscored by three basic tenets: “Sportsmanship, Teamwork and Personal Responsibility” —truly the character building blocks our players will take with them through life—help create the culture necessary for full, focused and enriched engagement. Codes of Respect for coaches, players and parents are vital to reaching goals and objectives. On occasion, some folks may need to be reminded mid-season that they indeed signed the Code; we’re human and we get caught up in our children’s games. But I firmly believe it takes all three components to have success on the ice, success in fostering the love of the game, and most importantly, success at helping develop kids in responsible, respectful adults.•

Biography Tom Barnett, a native Western New Yorker, participated as a player from the youth through collegiate level, and has been involved in coaching hockey and program development for more than 30 years. As founder and president of The Buffalo Shamrocks Hockey Club, a USA Hockey program, Tom was recognized by the National Hockey League as the 2009 recipient of the inaugural Mark Messier Youth Leadership Award.

(Rochester Continued from Page 16)

The rink has made a huge push to introduce families to the Sports Centre through numerous Learn-toSkate and Learn-to-Play programs. RYH is teaming with Maksymum and End2End to support these programs and support the infusion of new hockey players into the RYH organization. We expect the beginner numbers to grow significantly in the first year alone. “At the other end of the spectrum we are adding a U18 AAA full season team in partnership with Maksymum Hockey to complement our U16 AAA full season team. Both teams will participate in the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) beginning in the 2013-14 season. “Our focus is to develop Rochester’s elite young athletes to prepare them for the next level of their hockey careers. Full season Midgets allows players from the area to achieve elite development while living at home. It also provides a natural transition to Rochester’s Jr. programs. “The organization is also expanding its clinic and development programs for house and travel players. The goal is to provide opportunities for player to maximize their skill in a fun environment. “One of the more significant opportunities will be the three-on-three cross ice nights. The idea is to allow players to develop small game skill in a fun and fast-paced environment. “The largest undertaking in Rochester Youth history has started. We are currently working with SWBR Architects and the DeMarco Group to prepare plans for a Rochester Youth complex that will be located at the north end of the MCC Sports Centre. “The plans include 10 dedicated locker rooms on the first floor, a workout/warm-up area on the second along with a team room. We’re still working on the details, but we plan to break ground before the start of the 2013-14 season.” Kolcon added to Zaremski’s comments. “Another area we want to address is to make the Sports Centre at MCC a primary destination again for USA Hockey-based events. Since the inception of this building, USA Hockey has looked to us as a major destination. “We’re looking at rebuilding that reputation. We want USA Hockey events coming to Rochester.” Branovan summed up the situation. “The biggest thing that has changed inside the Sports Centre at MCC is that everyone is now pulling their rope in the same direction. “We are all working together for the same goal and that is to make the Sports Centre at MCC once again a major destination for ice sports, entertainment and fun.”•

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TRYOUT TIPS / 23

Tim Horton Classic--A Success by Janet Schultz, Janet@wnyhockeyreport.com; Team Photos Courtesy Tim Horton Backyard Classic

he Klassy Kats, Regals 3, Buffalo Barn Muckers and the M2J2 teams (pictured in order below) won the Tim Horton Classic in their Divisions. But the big winner was Hasek’s Heroes. Nick Penberthy, Tim Hortons Backyard Classic founder, and his volunteers, raised over $26,000 in cash and in-kind donations. The $11,000 cash raised will be donated to Hasek’s Heroes and will go towards the building of an educational resource room in the Cazenovia Ice Rink. The tournament, which was delayed by a week due to weather conditions, played host to 35 teams in a three-onthree outdoor ice tournament. Four rinks were set up at the Rose Garden Restaurant on Wehrle Drive in Williamsville. The tournament was open to mite divisions players, high school and adults. The Classic was founded in 2008 by Penberthy and played in his backyard. In 2011 he took it to a second location in Williamsville, hosted by his cochairman Chris Taggart.

Try Out Tips for Players - Parents – Coaches By Steve Thomson Head Coach at HPHD, the home of your “Full Time Professional Coaches”

he try out process can be stressful for all involved, especially in these contracted tryout sessions of only 1-2 days. The key is, understanding that you’re only able to control the things that you can control. Here are a few tips for player, parents and coaches to have a more successful and positive experience. Players 1. Have your own water ready - make sure your hydration begins before your try out session and have your own water bottle with you. You take care of you. 2. Be prepared when you get to the rink – make sure your equipment and skates are ready AND make sure your mind and body are ready to compete.

WNY Hockey Report

In 2012 the tournament left the ice and went to the streets due to the warm weather. This season Penberthy waited out the warm weather and they played on the ice at The Rose Garden.

Since the beginning of the tournament, the Classic has raised over $30,000 for Hasek’s Heroes. Penberthy, who is a student at SUNY Cortland, began the tournament because as a future teacher he wanted to develop a educational resource center for inner-city children from the Hasek’s pro-

3. Skate hard all the time – through the drills, during scrimmages and continue to skate hard going to and from the bench. Most players don’t do this and coaches will notice you. 4. Be aggressive and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. - Everyone makes mistakes on the ice and aggressive play gets the coaches look over passive play. Parents 1. Ask the tough questions. – In an open tryout setting with a contracted tryout time of 1-2 days it is not out of the realm to think that the coach has players in mind or already slotted them in positions. Ask the coach how many spots they are looking to fill for Forward and Defense. A Coach with confidence and integrity will have no problem telling you honestly. 2. No matter what the outcome, understand that this contracted tryout is an even more difficult process and every coach has his/her own selection process and criteria. 3. Help your athlete to focus on their strengths and to not make any comparison to other players. 4. Stay CALM – your emotional and mental state is contagious. If you are calm, then your players will be too.

gram. Taggart, territory manager for CertainTeed Fence, Deck and Rail, managed the facility construction effort and arranged for more than $12,000 worth of materials, labor and event support to be donated to the tournament, which doubled the playing surfaces from prior years and will allow for continued growth and future expansion of the event. “We are very proud to be involved with an event that is focused on supporting the development of local youths,” said Wendy Clark, local Tim Horton’s Cafe and Bake Shop restaurant owner. “The hard work of the volunteers and the leadership of Nick and Chris show how giving people can help change the lives of many children,” said Sean Green, executive director of Hasek’s Heroes. •

Coaches 1. Come to Try Outs with an OPEN MIND. – Evaluate the skills and players on the ice in front of you not what someone told you or how the player used to be 2 years ago. 2. Be organized - have a plan of specific drills that evaluate game play like 1on1’s, 2on1’s. This will show who can play defense and which forwards can get to the net. 3. Scrimmage – How better to asses a player’s game play than to play the game. Be sure to make teams with balanced lines and call off sides, icings and penalties. For penalties, I like to give a penalty shot with the offending player as a chaser, starting on the far blue line lying flat on their front. 4. Communicate to the players prior to the start of the tryout, the skills and attitudes and what you will be looking for in their play. Make sure to wish them best of luck in making the team. 5. Be prepared to release a player right away. – If it is evident that a player is not going to make your team release them in a timely manner. They may have an opportunity to play elsewhere. Getting players prepared for try outs. WNY’s Only full time Hockey Training Center for Buffalo youth hockey and the pro’s. Open 6 days a week 52 weeks a year. •

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EQUIPMENT TIP / 24 What You Want To Know About Skate Sharpening by Thomas Morris Jr., Tom @wnyhockeyreport.com

ow often do you get your skates sharpened to only try to dull them on your first time out on the ice? One skate shop in Western New York has the answer and detail to solve your ice skating needs, Custom Edge on Sheridan Drive in Amherst, NY. “The first time I used the Custom Edge it was amazing, everything was so smooth, it benefits in more than one way,” said Co-Owner Josh Powers, “after your done with our sharpening, you leave our shop, your edges stay shaper longer. (In addition you have) reduced fatigue, increased speed, it improves your center of gravity, no chatter on stops, better control on your acceleration, and an increased confidence level.” Custom Edge, an affiliate of Maximum Edge in Canada, is hands-down the most effective way to maximize skater control for hockey and figure skaters around the globe, as it states on their website, www.customedgehockey.com. (Maximum Edge’s) research and technologies are in use by over 300 teams in leagues such as the NHL, AHL, CHL, ECHL, WCHL, WPHL, and OHL. We also train universities, colleges, minor hockey leagues and the USA and Canada National Hockey Programs Custom Edge works directly with the Buffalo Sabres to give their players the best edge on the ice. “It is trusted by the NHL,” Powers proudly said, “we sharpen all the Sabres skates.” Extensive research produced the MAXIMUM EDGE Profiling System and their unique 7-Step finishing process, the only process in existence that provides the consistent, predictable results that professionals demand. However for the 7-step process Powers said, “(It takes) no less than 10 to 15 minutes, for a regular sharpening. A profile takes between one hour and two hours depending on the number of customers.” In the profile Custom-Edge matches the profile of both skate blades, customized shape and contact area. Weight, height, alignment, skill-level, and a skater’s position they play

are taken into account for the profile. “We mold the skates to the person and compensate for any issues with the skater, “ added Powers Custom Edge charges $9 for a regular sharpening and $45 for a profile. According to Josh the profile only needs to be done once. Once the profile is done, each sharpening is only $9 but custom tailored to each customer. “We teach them our literature and knowledge,” said the former player and coach of the Jamestown Vikings, “customers like speaking to someone who knows everything about skate sharpening.” “I haven’t found anything that matches our sharpening. Everyone we have had in our stores has come back!!!!” Powers exclaimed, “they want consistency, guys have had to drive to Canada to find a good shop, but not any more.” “We just opened fulltime just two weeks ago and business is going good,” Josh added, “our profile is the biggest seller, it makes everything so perfect.” Custom Edge is located on Sheridan Drive between Phatman and Oogie Games, near Eggert Road and Niagara Falls Boulevard. “The new store hours are open until 8:30 pm Monday through Friday and Saturday 9:00 am to 7:00 pm,” Josh stated, “Sundays are reserved for appointments only.” “For being open six months we have a good enough following to make this a full-time job for me,” continued Powers, “it makes us cool, it’s the same person everyday doing the skates, you want to trust the person with your skates.” “Our sharpening is so great, that if you lose an edge you will know,” added Powers, “but the typical skater is suggested to go about 16 hours of ice time before another skate sharpening.” Put ‘em to the Test, from the writer So I wanted to see how much different this skate sharpening process was as compared to the regular local skate sharpening shops and ice rinks all over WNY. My son and I took

our skates on the drive from East Aurora to Amherst. If your driving down Sheridan Drive, you go past Niagara Falls Boulevard, Eggert Road, and the store as well, as there is a median to drive past. We entered the store with my son excited that there was a video game place for him to look at games while we waited. Upon entering the shop you notice this is not a place that has equipment everywhere and a corner reserved for skate sharpening. This store is here for the main purpose of sharpening skates. There are tall chairs for customers to sit in and learn about their ice skates and share their profile. For me, my rivets on one skate came out playing a pond hockey tournament in East Aurora on January 1st. The rivets they put in were far greater then what the manufacturer has previously done. In a short time, our skates were done and after settling the bill headed home. Fortunately, I was able to test out the skates just a few hours after they were done. I am used to getting on the ice, feeling like my skates have been butchered and immediately head over to my bench to try and dull up the blades. This time was different, this time my skates felt really smooth in each stride. I was beyond pleased with the skate sharpening and after getting home, I made sure to tweet out my happiness on my WNY Hockey Report twitter account. This was everything both Josh and Scott said my skates would be when I took the ice. Now if I could only drop several pounds I feel as though I may be able to keep up with the younger guys a few more shifts. I would suggest making the trip to Custom Edge in Amherst, NY. If you’re still skeptical, Custom Edge will be put to the test at the pond hockey tournament at the Erie Basin Marina. “We will be at the pond hockey tournament offering free skate sharpenings,” concluded Powers, “each (participant) will get a tag if they cannot get their skates sharpened later on, if not done that day.”

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Individuals: 14U, 12U, 10U. Fees: $155 by 5/1/2013 OR Early Bird Special: $135 by 4/17/2013 Includes: Jerseys, 12 Games, 2 Practices & Skills Competition/ All Star Game & Referee Fees – (Practices are ONLY for early bird registrations). Players are assigned to a team by League Director. (Practices will begin May 8th 2013). Teams: 16U (Only) Individuals – $135 by 3/29/13

FREE: Instructional Roller Hockey for Boys and Girls with little or no hockey or skating experience. • Two (5) Weeks of Basic Instruction • Session 1: May 11th, 18th, 25th, June 1st & 15th • Session 2: July 20th, 27th, August 3rd, 10th & 17th For the following age groups: 3 - 7 years old – 9 am - 10 am 8 - 12 years old – 9 am - 10 am

Beginner Roller Hockey League for Boys and Girls with little or no hockey experience. • Two (5) Weeks of League Play • Session 1: May 11th, 18th, 25th, June 1st & 15th • Session 2: July 20th, 27th, August 3rd, 10th & 17th Age Group 6 – 12 years old Time: 10:00am - 11:00am Cost: Skaters $65 GOALIES: $20 (Price Includes jersey)

Individuals: Fee $185 by 4/06/13 Includes: Jerseys and 15 Games. DOES NOT Include Referee Fees. Players are assigned to a team by League Director. (League Play will begin Sat, April 13th 2013) Teams: Iron, Copper, Bronze, Silver, & Gold 15 Games guaranteed (up to 18-19 games with playoffs) and FREE Jerseys. DOES NOT include referee fees. Begin Saturday, 4/13/13.

League Pricing: • $137 per Skater if your roster size is 10 + players • $167 per Skater if your roster size is 8 or 9 player • $187 per Skater if your roster size is 7 players • $217 per Skater if your roster size is 6 players • Goaltenders - $115 Total (can play on multiple teams within division) 15 Games guaranteed (up to 18-19 games with playoffs) and Jerseys.

Individuals Registrations Only Cost: $165.00 Deadline by April 6th and Paid in full Goalies: $115.00 Includes: FREE Jersey Tournaments: NARCH Regional Qualifier June 7th - 9th, 2013 Narch.com to register Buffalo Wings Cup (Cash Prize): June 21st - 23rd, 2013

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ROCHESTER CONTINUED / 26 Thinking about buying or selling? Jerry Thompson II Associate Broker

(Rochester Continued from Page 17)

Maksymum Juniors To Finish Strong

2012-2013 is the seventh season of the Maksymum Junior Hockey Club, a Rochester Youth Hockey Team. In those seven seasons, Maksymum has posted a .655 winning percentage in 283 games. Maksymum is looking to enter the Empire Junior Hockey League playoffs on a high note, and have won five of their nine contests so far in 2013. As of February 15th, Maksymum sits 13th in the standings of the 31-team Empire Junior Hockey League with a record of 20-13-2-1. Maksymum has found most of their success against Buffalo and Syracuse, compiling an 11-1 record against their Thruway rivals on the season. Maksymum has outscored Buffalo and Syracuse 59-16 in those 12 contests. Forward Kevin Dimagno has been strong so far in 2013, scoring five goals and tallying six assists in nine games. Dimagno currently leads the team with 43 points in 36 games played on the season. Justus Nowak has also had a hot start to the New Year, getting five points in five games. Nowak netted two goals and added an assist in an 8-1 victory over Buffalo on February 7th. Maksymum outshot the Stars 78-19 in the blowout victory.

Versage: All-Star Team

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Maksymum Junior Hockey Club forward Dylan Versage has been named to the Western Conference All-Star team for the Empire Junior Hockey League All-Star Event, which was held on Sunday January 20th and Monday January 21st in Hooksett, NH. Versage has helped lead Maksymum to fifth place in the Western Conference, netting 22 goals and 17 assists in 31 games. His 22 goals place him tied for 13th in the league. The Maksymum Junior Hockey Club is a Rochester Youth Hockey Team. (Continued on Page 30

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ASSOCIATION NEWS / 27 (Around the Associations Continued from Page 13)

Perinton Youth Hockey Head coaches have been announced for the 2013 – 2014 season for the travel program, the Rochester Monarchs, the coaching assignments include: Mark McNamara – Squirt Minor, Mike Burgio – Squirt Major, former Buffalo Sabre and Rochester American Rory Fitzpatrick along with Sean Fitzpatrick – Pee Wee Minor, Rory Fitzpatrick – Pee Wee Major, Gary Moss – Bantam Minor, Graeme Poluch – Bantam Major, Ryan Gage – Midget 16U (a high school friendly season), and Jamie Bird – Midget 18U. To learn more about each coach please visit our website at www. perintonyouthhockey.org . Perinton Youth Hockey also hosted a ‘Try Hockey For Free’ event at Thomas Creek Ice Arena in Fairport on February 16th. For future dates in which any boy or girl ages 4 – 9, can try hockey for free, please register at www.tryhockeyforfree.com.

Rochester Hockey Rochester Stars players and Maksymum Hockey instructors worked with the kids of the Webster Youth Hockey beginners program on Saturday January 19th at the Webster Ice Arena. The beginners ran through drills with the instructors and were all given a future free lesson with Maksymum Hockey. The Stars played two games against the Philadelphia Revolution at Webster that weekend, winning 4-3 on Saturday and 4-0 on Sunday.

Southtowns Stars The Southtowns Stars are no longer accepting coaching applications for their travel teams for the 2013-2014 season, but they are still accepting applications for their house program until March 31st. Returning head coaches are not required to

Rochester Stars players and Maksymum Hockey instructors worked with the kids of the Webster Youth Hockey. (Stars Photo) make out a new application, but must still express their desire to coach in an email to Jeff Leemer for travel teams or Joe Cione for house teams. The Annual Association End-of-Year celebration/meeting will be held on Sunday March 19th at the Aurora Theater in East Aurora. Up for discussion at this year’s celebration/meeting will be the changing of uniforms and possible board vacancies. Players will also be honored with accomplishment patches for Hat Tricks, Playmakers, and Shutouts.

Tonawanda Lightning The 21st Annual Tonawanda Lightning Tournament will be held March 10th to the 17th. Please see the league website (http://www.eteamz.com/LightningHockey/ handouts/index.cfm) for more details, rules and schedules. A few years back there were a handful of girls playing in the boys hockey programs and the Tonawanda Lightning were proud to announce that 57 girls participated in girls-only programs this past season. Next season Tonawanda plans on having three lightning teams, a 16U, 14U, and a 12U in addition to a girls-only house program. Tryouts for the 12U and 14U teams will be held April 10th and 11th at Hyde Park. Please see the website for times and more information.

Webster Youth Hockey Association The house league evaluations for the 2013-2014 season have been scheduled for Tuesday, March 19th and Monday, April 15th. Both sessions will run from 6 to 9 pm. Coaching applications for the house program will be accepted until March 31st. WYHA will be hosting the 13th Annual Boulter Classic House Tournament March 1-3 and 8-10, 2013. For more information please visit their website at www.wyha.com . Registration is now open for the 13th season of Rochester XTreme Hockey League. With over 450 participants, the RXHL ranks as one of the largest and most popular spring programs in New York State. All games are played at Webster Ice Arena. The program runs from April through mid-May and the playoffs are completed before Memorial Day weekend. Whether your child participates in house or travel, they offer programs for all skill levels from Mites all the way up to a highly competitive High School/Junior level. For more information on the RXHL visit their website at www.rochesterxhl.com .

West Seneca Youth Hockey Association Last season the 35-plus year old West Seneca Ice Rink received a renovation that included a new refrigeration system, updated lighting, refurbished boards, updated heating for fans and meeting rooms, and glass block and doors to complete the transformation. This upcoming summer a professional floor mat system will be installed throughout the facility that will take up to 10 weeks to finish. WNY Hockey Report covered the opening of the refurbished ice arena in an earlier issue. •

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MEN’S COLLEGIATE CLUB HOCKEY / 28

Around Men’s Collegiate Club Hockey By Lars Lewis Lars@wnyhockeyreport.com

s we near the conclusion of the 2012-2013 club regular season, here is the breakdown of the teams surrounding Western New York.

NIAGARA

The Purple Eagles secured the NECHL (Northeast Collegiate Hockey League) conference title in their first season in the division, following an 8-3 victory over Binghamton University back on February 9th. Niagara has automatically qualified for the ACHA Division I National Tournament and will have their opponent announced on the selection webcast this Wednesday. Goaltending has been the calling card for the Purple Eagles’ success this season. Senior goaltender Dane Wakefield is 15-5 with a 2.82 GAA and a .920SV% on the year.

UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO

The UB Bulls barely missed the cut for the 20-team National Tournament, finishing 21st. Even though the Bulls (24-4-8) finished with a better record than rival Niagara (20-8) in the NECHL, the Purple Eagles earned more points in the rankings to finish in the 20th and final spot. With seniors Matt Ganci (22G 29A 51PTS) Ben Lantz (15G 28A 43PTS), and Chris Covel (20G 19A 39PTS) leaving the Bulls after this season, they have sophomore studs Michael Schalberg (15G 30A 45PTS) and Brenden Robinson (19G 23A 42PTS) to remedy the loss of three of the team’s top five scorers this season. The Bulls begin conference postseason play on February 23rd at the Northtown Center at Amherst at 8PM.

RIT

For the Tigers, their 5-20-1 campaign could be targeted by their goaltending issues throughout the season. R.I.T finished last in the NECHL in goals against with 149, followed by St. Bonaventure with 111. All three goaltenders combined for a 5.34 GAA and a .840SV%. Junior Dirk Thur led the team in scoring this season with 37 points (13G 24A). Thur, a transfer from Erie Community College, scored more points this season than his three years at ECC combined.

ST. BONAVENTURE

With a 7-11 record this season, the Bonnies were eliminated from playoff contention after losing to last place Cortland on February 9th. Webster, NY native Mike Iulianello led the team in scoring with 32PTS (15G 17A). The 6’0 160LB junior currently has 123 points in his career with another year of eligibility remaining.

INDEPENDENT

ECC

CANISIUS COLLEGE

The Golden Griffins have certainly been golden this season, going 22-10. They will close out their season against Pitt, Robert Morris, than ECC on February 18TH. Canisius’ success comes from their scoring depth. The Golden Griffins have 12 players with 10 or more points on the year, including scoring leader Andrew Casselberry with 34 points through 31 games. Forward Patrick Hurtubise leads all freshmen with 11 goals and 16 assists for 27 points, good for fourth on the club. DIVISION III

MEDAILLE COLLEGE

The Mustangs (8-2-1) are currently second in the UNYCHL West Division behind first place Brockport. Medaille is undefeated at home in division play (5-0), and will conclude their regular season against St. John Fisher on February 14TH. Medaille depending on the outcome with finish either second or third as their matchup against St. John Fisher will be the tiebreaker. Junior Joshua Smith tore up the competition this year, scoring 29 points in his first 13 games (18G 11A). For more information on Mustangs club hockey, visit Facebook and search Medaille College Hockey ACHA Division 3.

Head coach Gary Rost won his 125th game back on February 9th as the Kats took down Broome Community College 4-1. ECC currently sits fourth in the NJCAA, fueled by forward Ryan Rogalski who has 37 points in 19 games, good for third place in the conference.

D’YOUVILLE COLLEGE

The National Association of Intercollegiate Hockey (NAIH) will hold their National Championship Tournament in Buffalo on March 15, 16 and 17. The Championship is being hosted by the D’Youville Men’s Club Ice Hockey Team. The games will be placed at Riverside Arena, 2607 Niagara Street and Cazenovia Rink, Corner of Cazenovia Street and Abbott Road in Buffalo. Tickets are: Single Game: $8 adults; $5 students with ID and Veterans, free with ID. Three Day Pass: $20 adults, $12.00 students with ID. Tickets will be available through D’Youville’s Coach Ed Draper beginning March 1 and at the door the day of the event. For information go to www.naihockey.com The Spartans finished fifth in their 2012-2013 season with a 3-6-2 record in the UNYCHL and a 7-13-1 record overall in the NAIH, good for seventh place out of 18 teams. (They have one game remaining on the 16th against Alfred State.) •

BROCKPORT

Sitting in first place in the UNYCHL West Division, the Golden Eagles (10-2) are in the driver’s seat for a crack at the conference title. Brockport has outscored their opponents 101-44, scoring 32 more than second place Medaille with 69.

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FREDONIA STATE

With an 8-13 record and 5-7 in conference play, Fredonia State missed the cut in the ACHA Atlantic Division, finishing 15th. The Blue Devils concluded their 2012-2013 season with a 5-3 victory over Penn State Behrend on February 10TH. Doug Clayton and Cameron Corsaro guided the club with 28 and 23 points respectively on the year. Clayton scored eight power play and two shorthanded goals this season.

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BUFFALO STARS PAGE / 29

Buffalo Stars Girls 19U Win the XIX ADK Winter Classic (Submitted by the Buffalo Stars)

he Buffalo Stars Girls U19 team headed to Lake George, NY to participate in the Winter Classic. With a possible 5 games in 48 hours the girls had their work cut out for them. Up first for the Stars on Saturday afternoon, the Northern Lights from Connecticut. In a game that had plenty of offense for both teams the Stars topped the Lights 3 – 1, goal scorers for the Stars Meghan Fonfara, Bernadette O’Connell and Lizz Stoner. Sunday morning the girls faced off against a tough

Buffalo Stars Girls 16U SOLID in Lake George Special submission By Tom Mullen

he Buffalo Stars 16U team traveled to Lake George on the weekend of January 18-21, 2013 for the Adirondack Northstars Winter Classic XIX tournament they came home disappointed but more determined than ever. The Stars had a pretty solid showing considering the team was hit hard with the flu bug. In the first game they took on the Lady Quakers of Pennsylvania, a team that had beaten them earlier in the season. The Stars came out fast and furious dominating the Quakers but found themselves in penalty trouble, forward Megan Urbank then took control scoring 2 beautiful shorthanded goals and bringing the momentum back to her team. Goaltender Mikaela Ditonto kept the Quakers off the board and Urbank finished off her natural hat trick with a strong goal driving to the net in the third period. The Stars really played well, moving the puck sharply in the offensive zone using all 5 players. They were also very strong in the faceoff circles. The Quakers definitely didn’t play the same team they faced in November. Defenseman Leanne Atkisson won the Spirit and Sportsmanship award for the game. On Sunday night the Stars traveled to the Glens Falls Civic Center to face the Troy Albany Ice Cats. The girls didn’t seem to have their normal energy level but still out shot the Cats 28-8. Sometimes you need a little luck or a bounce to go your way;

Ottawa Valley Thunder team. In another offensive game the Stars came up short 2 – 0. Sunday evening the girls regrouped to face the always tough and feisty Brewster Lady Bulldogs. The girls had their “A” game with Bernadette O’Connell leading the way with 2 goals and Alyssa Cardina with the clincher to top the Bulldogs 3 – 1. Two wins was enough to put the girls in the semifinals Monday morning where they faced the Edge from Monroe. The Edge and Stars have faced off a 4 times this year and it the girls knew it would be a very close game. The Edge came out flying the first period, out shooting Buffalo at the end of the period the Stars somehow managed to score on the lone shot to stay even with the Edge with the Stars goal being scored by Marissa Janiga. A scoreless second period lead to an exciting third period, when Marissa Janiga scored her 2nd goal of the game at the 9:34 mark. Courtney Thornton put

but it just wasn’t there for the Stars this night. Troy Albany came away with a 3-0 win. Shannon Munley received the Spirit and Sportsmanship award for the game. On Monday morning the Stars faced the Webster Cyclones in the quarterfinal round. In a game that was win or go home goaltender Alessandra Santarosa kept the Cyclones in check. Megan Urbank who won the Spirit and Sportsmanship award for this game had 1 goal and 1 assist. Alyssa Franklin scored and Katelyn Koester erased all doubt with her 3rd period goal sealing the victory. The win put the team back in the Civic Center with a semifinal showdown against the #1 seed, North Country Wild. The Wild, a very good team from the Lake Placid area, has not lost nor been scored upon in their last 2 tournaments. The Wild scored first, but 30 seconds later Katelyn Koester countered for the Stars with the assist going to Emily Certo. The Wild knew they were in a hockey game. North Country showed their talent in the second period scoring 4 goals to take a 5-1 lead. The Stars came out strong in the 3rd period and in many cases outworked the Wild. Megan Urbank continued to show her skills with another goal for the Stars. The Stars definitely didn’t give up but lost to a better opponent 6-2. Madeline Kromer received the Spirit and Sportsman award for this final game. “A loss is a loss but I am extremely proud of my team” said Coach Dawn Robinson. “To play a team like this we need everyone healthy and going”. “I love these girls they never quit. There is no shame losing to a team like that” Said Coach Norm Robinson.

Buffalo up by 2 with 7:16 remaining in the game. The Edge came back hard and scored with 5:42 to get within one. With a minute to go Monroe pulled the goalie for the extra attacker, but could not get a puck by Lauren Orynawka in net. With just 90 minutes between games the girls needed to rest up and get ready to face Ottawa Valley in the finals. Buffalo started a little slow, but turned it on and with a very aggressive fore check and forced the Thunder to turn over the puck time and time again. Bernadette O’Connell put the Buffalo up 1 zip at the 8:28 mark of the 1st period with the assist going Meghan Fonfara. OC and Fonfara connected again at the 6:42 mark of the 1st and the 3:03 mark of the 2nd period. Buffalo never looked back and out shot Ottawa 25 -14. The Buffalo Stars are - in net Margaret Janiga and Lauren Orynawka, on defense and the captain Brandi Bauer, Alyssa Cardina, Brianna Cardina, Alexa Ditonto, Lindsey Shubbuck, and assistant captain Amanda Krauss. Up front for the Stars Meghan Fonfara, assistant captain Marissa Janiga, Claudia Koenig, Megan Niesyty, Bernadette O’Connell, Kathryn Ryan, Lizz Stoner, Courtney Thornton and Jamie Wheeler. The girls would like to send a shout out to the girl’s 16U team who inspired them to play so hard this past weekend. For more information about the Buffalo Stars visit us on line at: www.buffalostars.com •

The tournament also featured a skills competition and the Stars also made their presence known there. Sisters Megan and Jessica Urbank won the Fastest Skater Relay in 16U Division. The 16U team is a very close group and enjoys being together and this was evident throughout the entire weekend but notable at the skills competition with the entire team dressed up in team colors and sunglasses to support each other and the 19U team as well. A job well done to Coaches, Dawn and Norm Robinson, Mike Ditonto, and Scott Then who not only coach the 16U but the 19U as well. That is a lot of time behind the bench and let’s hope Coach Norm can thaw out soon. The 16U and 19U Girls and Families shared a bus for the ride to Lake George, a great time was had by all. This 16U team would like to thank President Peter Preteroti and Vice president Greg Flurry for joining the teams on the bus and at the games, we all appreciated the support. The 16U team would also like to congratulate their big sisters on the 19U team for winning the championship. All in all it was a great weekend for the Buffalo Stars Girl Hockey. •

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ROCHESTER NEWS CONTINUED /30 (Rochester Continued from Page 30)

Collegiate Stars

oving young men on to college hockey is the goal of the EJHL and from 2010 to 2012 the league has produced over 300 college hockey players. The Stars are proud to be a part of that success, and have two current players and one former player who have recently committed to continue their careers at the collegiate level.

Billitier To Notre Dame

Rochester Stars alumnus Nathan Billitier has committed to play Division 1 hockey for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in 2014. Billitier is currently playing for the USA National Team Development Program in Ann Arbor, MI. Earlier this year, Billitier was selected to play on the U-17 National Team in the Five Nations tournament in Finland and in the 2013 World Under-17 Challenge in Quebec, where the US won silver. The Spencerport, NY native played for the Stars in the 2011-2012 season. The defenseman will be joined by five other Team USA players at Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish, who will join Hockey East in 2013, have made the NCAA tournament in five of the past nine seasons, making it to the Frozen Four in 2008 and 2011.

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Shapiro To UMass Lowell

Rochester Stars forward Dylan Shapiro will take his talent from Rochester to UMass Lowell next season to compete in the prestigious Hockey East Conference. The Penfield, NY native has played his entire junior hockey career in the Maksymum Hockey Junior Program. Shapiro played the previous two seasons for the Maksymum Junior Hockey Club of the Empire Junior Hockey League. “Dylan did it the right way,” says coach Tony Maksymiu. “He was never in a big hurry to leave town or to advance past his talent level.” Instead he stayed home, took lessons at Maksymum Hockey from the age of 12, trained at Athletic Republic of Rochester and played Juniors right at home. “He put in all of the time and hard work. He believed in himself,” added Maksymiu. “Now he has taken a huge step in his hockey career. I am very proud of his accomplishments.” Shapiro is very excited about the opportunity to play in Hockey East for the River Hawks. “I am very thankful for the opportunity that coach Bazin is giving to me. It is a dream come true. I am also very thankful to the Rochester Stars Junior team and the Maksymum Hockey family for

helping me develop throughout the years. There is nowhere else I would rather have been.”

Esposito To Oswego

Rochester Stars player Matt Esposito has committed to play for Division III powerhouse Oswego State for the fall of 2013. Esposito is in his second year playing for the Stars, and is third on the team in points with 29 through 32 games this season. The Fayetteville, NY native is excited for the opportunity to play college hockey so close to home. “The best part of playing so close to home is that my parents will get to see me play,” said Esposito. “The program is also a great fit for me.” Stars head coach Tony Maksymiu believes Esposito’s leadership abilities will allow him to find success at the college level. “Matt is not only a great player but has been a great leader as our captain this season,” Maksymiu said. “His teammates look to him as a leader and he’s embraced that role for us.” Oswego State is a member of the SUNYAC conference, and has won eight SUNYAC championships. The Lakers won the DIII National Championship in 2007, and have made four of the last six DIII Frozen Fours, including three straight.•

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