WNY Hockey Magazine - October 2012

October 2012Volume 18 ISSUE 2

www.WNYHOCKEYNOW.com

H onoring past players is appropriate and

the right thing to do and Terry Pegula deserves a lot of credit for doing the right thing when it comes to Sabres alumni.

Now, he has to do one more thing.

Honor and remember Punch Imlach.See the full storyby James Fink

F ormer NHL Defenseman Rory Fitzpatrick is the head coach of the Buffalo Junior Sabres entry

in the upcoming 12U PeeWee Hockey Tournamenttaking place in Quebec, Canada - February 14-24, 2013. READ HOW FITZPATRICK GIVES BACKTO THE KIDS By Dave Reichert

magazineWESTERNewYor k Hockey

For the Latest Hockey News go to WNYHOCKEYNOW.com

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Time To HangThe Fedora pg 4

Sabres AlumniWine Festival pg 4

Buffalo StarsNew InternetHockey Show pg 4

Amerks pg 6 Sign Five Game Moves to Buffalo

Fitzpatrick GivesBack to Kids pg 8

Birthdays &Hockey Success pg 9

Need A HockeyFix? pg 12

BarnabyHockey Clinics pg 13

IS There Still GoodHockey? pg 12

Niagara Picked2nd in Poll pg 15

P.O. Box 354North Tonawanda, NY 14120716. 909-2961www.WNYHOCKEYNOW.come-mail: [email protected]

CEO andPublisherSteven Manson

EditorCaroline Manson

Layout & DesignDebbie [email protected]

WebmasterPaul Manson

Writers

Jim Fink

Dave Reichert

Janice Cavaretta

Stu Boyer

Tim O’Shei

Mike Mroziak

Mike Haim

Dave Ricci

Western New York Hockey MagazineNo part of this publication may be reproduced ot transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopy and facsimile, without permission in writing from the publisher.

Western New York Hockey Magazine is an equal opportunity employer.

Contents © 2012,Western New York Hockey Magazine.All rights reserved

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October 2012Volume 18

ISSUE 2

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By James Fink

By all accounts Buffalo Sabres’ owner Terry Pegula has a soft spot for the team’s history.During his February 2011 introductory press conference,

Pegula’s eyes well-up and voice cracked when he talked about Gilbert Perreault and the French Connection. He invited any and all past Sabres back to First Niagara Center with welcome arms.

On Oct. 12, Pegula and the Sabres’ staff will be unveiling a statue honoring the French Connection as “Alumni Plaza” makes its debut on the arena’s east side. The plaza will include brick-style plaques honoring all 401 players who ever donned a Sabres uniform.

It is against that back drop that Pegula should do one more thing.

What is that thing?Honor Punch Imlach.Whenever the NHL season starts, the first time the Sabres host

the Toronto Maple Leafs, there should be a pre-game ceremony where a fedora with Imlach’s name on it should be raised and placed next to the banners that honor the likes of Perreault, Rene Robert, Rick Martin, Tim Horton and Danny Gare.

It’s Time To Hang The Fedora From The Rafters

This is not a new idea.It has been suggested in the past, but fallen on deaf ears by past

Sabres ownership groups and management.Why?An appropriate answer has never been given.Imlach, the team’s first general manager, was the architect of the

Sabres’ early successes including smart drafting and making deft trades. Imlach came to the Sabres after the Leafs organization fired him in 1968. One could argue the genesis of the region’s love affair with the Sabres was directly related to the ground work Imlach laid.

Imlach died more than 25 years ago. His wife, Dodo, a fixture in the Aud’s corner reds seats is long gone. Family members remain, many of whom still live in the Toronto area.

Honoring past players is appropriate and the right thing to do and Pegula deserves a lot of credit for doing the right thing when it comes to Sabres alumni.

Now, he has to do one more thing.Honor and remember Punch Imlach.

Sabres Alumni Wine Festival

The Buffalo Sabres Alumni Association and the Sabres Foundation are hosting the Sabres Alumni Fall Wine

Festival on Wednesday, Nov. 14 at First Niagara Center from 6 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. The event, presented by CoBank and co-sponsored by First Niagara, Labatt, BlueCross BlueShield of WNY and J.W. Danforth, will feature wineries and restaurants from Buffalo, Niagara on the Lake and beyond.

Sample some of the finest wines and food that the Western New York and Southern

Ontario regions have to offer while socializing with Sabres legends and their wives. The festival will include live music and a silent auction with unique items from the Buffalo Sabres and Sabres Alumni.

Tickets are $75 each and are available on Sabres.com, the First Niagara Center Box Office, or by calling Lauren Yurko at 716-855-4468.

All attendees are asked to dress in business attire for the evening. There will be complimentary parking in the ramp adjacent to the First Niagara Center. Please use the 100 level bridge entrance to enter the event.

All proceeds from the event will benefit the mammography bus funded by First Niagara Financial Corp., the Sabres Alumni Association and Erie County Medical Center Lifeline Foundation. The bus, unveiled at First Niagara Center in July, conveys two digital mammography machines to under-served and under-tested women in all areas of Western New York.

For the Latest Hockey News go to WNYHOCKEYNOW.comOctober 2012

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The Buffalo Stars Hockey Organization will launch a new Internet Hockey Show called THE

PRESS BOX on Saturday, October 13, 2012. The monthly show will focus on amateur hockey in the Western Section of New York State as well as USA Hockey issues.

The one hour show will feature Host Tom Mullen (Stars Board Member and U18 Coach) and Guest Host Steve Manson (Editor & Publisher of wnyhockeynow.com).

The initial show will air on the Buffalo Stars UStream Channel: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/buffalo-stars- junior-hockey at 3pm on Saturday, October 13th. As always, viewers on Ustream can WATCH FOR FREE.

Our first broadcast will feature segments with NYSAHA West Section President David Braunstein and WNYAHL Hockey League Executive Director Janice continued page 9

Buffalo Stars Launch New Internet Hockey Show





Amerks Sign FiveThe Rochester Americans

have announced that the team has signed goaltender David Leggio, forward Mark Mancari, and defensemen T.J. Brennan, Joe Finley and Drew Schiestel to American Hockey League contracts.

Leggio (6’0”, 180 lbs., 7/31/1984), a native of Williamsville, NY, set career-highs in 54 games for Rochester last season, compiling a 28-24-2 record with a 2.63 goals-against average. Leggio led the AHL in saves (1721) and was named the team’s Most Valuable Player. He joined the Sabres organization when he was signed by Portlandas a free agent in 2010-11 after spending the previous season with TPS Turku in Finland. Through 92 AHL games,

Leggio has earned a 50-38-2 record and a 2.75 goals-against average. The 28-year-old played four years of college hockey with Clarkson University from 2004-2008.

Mancari (6’3”, 225 lbs., 7/5/1986) played in six games with the Vancouver Canucks and 69 games with their AHL club, the Chicago Wolves, last season. In 69 games with the Wolves, Mancari tallied a team-high 58 points on 30 goals and 28 assists. Mancari, originally drafted by the Sabres in the seventh round (207th overall) of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, played parts of six seasons with Buffalo and its AHL affiliates, Rochester and Portland. In 42 NHL games played, the London, Ontario, native has recorded 13 points (3+10) and 22 PIM. He enters the 2012-13 season ranked 46th all-time in scoring by an Amerks forward with 156 points (62+94) in 215 games with Rochester from 2005-2008.

Brennan (6’1”, 214 lbs., 4/3/89) was Buffalo’s second-round pick (31st overall) in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. After spending the 2009-10 and 2010-11 seasons with Portland, Brennan finished the 2011-12 season with 30 points (16+14) and 39 PIM for Rochester. His 16 goals were an AHL career-high and led all Amerks defensemen, despite appearing in only 52 games for the team. Brennan also scored a goal in his NHL debut on Nov. 23, 2011 vs. Boston. The Willingboro,New Jersey, native went on to appear in 11 games for the Sabres last season.

Finley (6’8”, 260 lbs., 6/29/87) recorded six points (1+5) in 57 games with Rochester last season while leading the team with 143 PIM. He also appeared in five games with the Buffalo Sabres, making his NHL debut on Dec. 2, 2011 versus the Detroit Red Wings. Finley, who spent parts of the 2008-09 and 2010-11 seasons with the Hershey Bears, has appeared in 65 career AHL games, posting seven points (1+6) and 165 PIM. The Edina, Minn., native was originally selected by the Washington Capitals in the first

The Rochester Americans have announced that theAmerks’ Home Game

vsThe Hamilton Bulldogs

scheduled forSunday, October 21

has been moved toTuesday, October 23

and will now be played atFirst Niagara Center

in Buffalo at 7:35 p.m.

Tickets for the game will go on sale Friday, Sept. 28 at 9 a.m. and are available at the First Niagara Center Box Office, online at www.tickets.com or by phone

at 1-888-223-6000. Seats in the 100 Level Preferred locations and the 200 Club Level will be

available for $25. Tickets in the 100 Level corners and ends will be available for $20, and tickets in the 300 Level can be purchased for $15.

Amerks Season Ticket Holders will not face an additional charge for this game as it is included in their season ticket package. In the event a season ticket holder is unable to attend the Oct. 23 game at First Niagara Center, they will be able to redeem that ticket for an additional ticket to a future Amerks home game this season or can receive a refund for the Oct. 23 game.

The 2012-13 regular season begins Friday, Oct. 12 when the Amerks host the Syracuse Crunch at The Blue Cross Arena at 7:05 p.m. Amerks Full-Season, Half-Season and 12-Game ticket packages for the 2012-13 season are available. Individual game tickets are also now on sale. For more information, visit www.amerks.com or call 1-855-GO-AMERKS.

Amerks Move Game to Buffalo

round (27th overall) of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.Schiestel (6’1”, 197 lbs., 4/9/89) was

selected by the Sabres with the 59th overall pick in the second round of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. Through three seasons in the AHL, Schiestel has appeared in 156 professional games, tallying 52 points (8+44) and 71 PIM. Last season, theHamilton,Ontario, native notched 17 points (2+15) in 59 AHL games. He was selected to the AHL All-Star Classic in 2011 while with Portland.

Full-Season, Half-Season and 12-Game ticket packages, along with individual game tickets, for the 2012-13 season are now on sale. For more information, visit www.amerks.com or call 1-855-GO-AMERKS.


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F ormer NHL defenseman Rory Fitzpatrick, is not only an alumnus of the Buffalo

Sabres, but a Western New York native. Fitzpatrick remains in the area and is devoting a great deal of his time and energy to youth hockey.

“I have four kids, that alone keeps me very busy,” said Fitzpatrick. “My daughter is fourteen and plays field hockey and lacrosse and then I have three boys who play field hockey and lacrosse, I’ve been very busy with that. I also have the Rochester Hockey Academy, which is camps, lessons and clinics and some spring teams that I coach, it keeps me pretty busy as well. In just the last nine months I’m also the General Manager of the MCC in Rochester which is a four ice surface facility, so I’ve been quite busy.”

In addition to all these responsibi l i t ies, Fitzpatr ick is also the head coach of the Buffalo Junior Sabres entry in the upcoming 12U PeeWee hockey tournament. The event will showcase the top twelve year old players in the world. The 53rd annual edition of the competition takes place in Quebec, Canada from February 14th-24th, 2013.

“I approached the Sabres about sponsoring the team,” explained Fitzpatrick “I know some people affiliated with the Quebec tournament. I thought it would be a great opportunity. They haven’t taken too many teams from the Western or Central New York area. I thought it would be a way to give the kids the opportunity, it’s a wonderful tournament. I wanted to

be able to represent Western New York and the Sabres were more than happy and willing to be a part of it and it couldn’t have happened without them.”

The elite showcase of talent is comparable to the highly touted Little League World series in baseball.

“You have teams from all over, different countries”, stated Fitzpatrick. “The players play in front of 17,000 fans, it’s quite an event for twelve year olds.”

Many of the NHL’s best have an appearance in this tournament on their resume, including Wayne Gretzky, Guy Lafleur and Sabres’ legend Gilbert Perreault.

“The alumni is very impressive from that tournament, confirmed Fitzpatrick. “I don’t think there is a tournament in any other sport that can compare in terms of the amount of pros that have passed thru a tournament like that. It’s the elite of the elite and it’s a great experience for these kids.”

The interest in playing in this prestigious tournament has been significant in the local hockey community.

“We had over one-hundred kids for the tryouts, which is very impressive,” said Fitzpatrick. For our first year we had a great showing, we had many of the top kids from Western and Central New York come to try out. I thing we’re going to have a team that will be quire competitive and should fare very well.”

G i v e n t h e a d d i t i o n a l commitment that many of these players have to their respective teams, the squad will have a limited window to work together prior to the event.

“We’ll get together a few times before tournament, try to have one exhibition game,” confirmed Fitzpatrick It’s not going to be a lot of time, the kids are all playing with their own

teams. The Pee Wee Major year is a big year for teams, try to do state championships. The players will be doing their own thing, but we’ll get together a few times as a team, have some good team building things and be ready to go when the tournament comes around.”

Despite the distinguished list of tournament alumni, only a small percentage of the players will turn pro. For a vast majority of the participants the 12U will be the biggest stage they perform on.

It will be the highlight of their playing career for ninety-nine percent of these kids,” reflected Fitzpatrick. “I had the opportunity to have a nice long career and have many great moments. The Quebec tournament for me was still in the top two to three moments of my hockey career. You run into guys who have played in it and there is nobody who’s had a bad experience or has a bad thing to say. It’s definitely one of the most memorable things these kids will have for their hockey career.”

“The hockey will be a great experience for them, but also the culture,” continued Fitzpatrick. “It’s a different country obviously, French speaking. They will live with another family; have an opportunity to get to know another family. There’s a winter festival going on in the city of Quebec at the same time. They are going up there to play hockey but there are so many other great life experiences they will have while they are up there for ten days.”

Looking back to his NHL career and his time as a member of the Sabres, Fitzpatrick has great memories. He was a part of the ’05-06 Buffalo team that came within one period of defeating the Carolina Hurricanes and a

birth in the Stanley Cup Finals. “It was great to be part of

that organization,” remembered Fitzpatrick. “It’s an hour from my home town. There are not many players that have the opportunity to play in their home town. The teammates I had in Buffalo were some of the best, we’re still good friends, I keep in contact with a majority of the team. It was a special team, with a great bunch of guys, great coaching staff, and management. It was by far one of the best seasons of my career being around a bunch of good guys and good people.”

For everyone connected with that playoff run, it’s difficult not to think about what might have been. Fitzpatrick is no different in that regard.

“You’re one period away; that experience was very good,” reflected Fitzpatrick. “It would have been much better to get into the Stanley Cup and unthinkable to win it, but there are no regrets about it.”

Fitzpatrick sees that group of players as a prime example of what constitutes a team.

“Whether you didn’t play at all, played three minutes or thirty minutes, it was a team you felt a part of,” stated Fitzpatrick. “The coaching staff and the players made you feel good about being on the team and being a part of the team no matter what your role was. That’s why so many players in that playoff run were able to come in and play as well as they did and contribute they way they did.”

Fitzpatrick cherishes the time he got to spend in the National Hockey League and never took one moment of the experience for granted.

“It’s an honor to be in that league and whatever role you play in that league its special. I always looked at it as a privilege.

continued page 9

FITZPATRICK GIVES BACK TO THE KIDSBy Dave Reichert


For the Latest Hockey News go to WNYHOCKEYNOW.com October 2012

9


Internet Hockey Show CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

Cavaretta. Other segments will include a Referee Report, Girls Hockey Report and other special features.

“We hope to bring amateur hockey into everyone’s home on a monthly basis” said Stars President and the show’s Executive Producer Pete Preteroti. “This is not a show about just the Buffalo Stars, but rather a show about current hockey issues”.

In the show’s opening segment, the focus will be on the current state of the game, including the NHL lockout. The David Braunstein segment will focus on USA Hockey and the ADM and the elimination of Mite Travel.

The shows itinerary will be published on the Buffalo Stars website at: www.buffalostars.com

We hope you will all be able to watch.

FITZPATRICK GIVES BACK CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

I was thankful for every day I spent up there; I wouldn’t give it back for anything.”

Being able to stay connected to the game of hockey has meant so much to Fitzpatrick. His love for the game comes out in his work in youth hockey.

“There are guys that leave the game and never have anything to do with it again,” stated Fitzpatrick. “I played for as long as I did because I love the game. I would love to stay involved in the game for as long as I can. I have three kids playing right now and I would like them to enjoy it as much as I did. I’d love to continue to give back, there are a lot of people who helped me growing up and were part of my hockey life. If I can do that for some kids it will make everything worthwhile.”

Like all those who love the game of hockey, Fitzpatrick is not happy about the work stoppage occurring in the NHL right now.

“It’s not good for the game, it’s not good for the fans,” said Fitzpatrick. “I went through it, it was not enjoyable to go through as a player. It’s a business, but I hate to see hockey not being played, but I understand that it needs to be done. Obviously I’m not a big fan of Gary Bettman. Having missed a whole year and for him to be part of a third lockout doesn’t bode well for him, but he continues to do the same thing over and over again. Over all I’d like to see hockey played but I one-hundred percent understand where the players are coming from and they need to do what’s right to protect their short careers.”

Fitzpatrick also has the perspective of the seeing the game from a fan’s point of views as well.

“As a fan you don’t want there to be a game missed,” concluded Fitzpatrick. “Not sure what you’re going to do on some nights without hockey going on because I know I’m not going to be watching the NBA. As a former player I’m one-hundred percent in support of the players. I feel that they need to help out the next

generation of hockey players coming up and make sure that those players have the same opportunity that they have to make a living at it and to make as much money as they can in a short period of time.”

There have been studies and articles written in the past about how one’s birthdate effects their

hockey success. When you have data that supports your evidence it is hard to argue. I am not disagreeing with these write-ups and research of the past. I am not here with high-end examinations involving elaborate algorithms which were collected over numerous decades. I am just a hockey guy that thinks people in general give way too much emphasis on a player’s birthday -- instead of really looking at the true athlete.

OK, so this study shows that and that article published says this, so its gotta be true. Well maybe yes or maybe no. Many feel that hockey players born in the first six months of the calendar year, January

to June, have a sizable advantage over

the kids born in the latter half of the year, July through December.

Forget that it has anything to do with genetics. Anybody remember the Sutter brothers hailing from Viking, Alberta. All six of these brothers had pretty healthy careers in the National Hockey League as players throughout the 80s and 90s winning Stanley Cups and many as well being high draft selections. The funny thing about the Sutter Bros. only two, Duane and Brent, were born in the first half of the year. Right, these two brothers were part of the New York Islanders’ dynasty run in the early 80s. Although, it does not hide the fact of Rich, Ron, Darryl, and Brian were all late birthdates. Oh did I mention the second generation of Sutter NHLers in Brandon (Pittsburgh Penguins), Brett and Brody (Carolina Hurricanes

Your Birthday!Your Hockey Success? By Russ Bitely

organization), and Lucas (Winnipeg Jets organization).

You want more argument on the genetic make-up. Let’s go present day with a set of twins born in Ornskoldsvik, Swedenon September 26, 1980. The Vancouver Canucks’ dynamic duo, Daniel and Henrik Sedin, have been tearing up the league for years after being drafted second and third overall in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft.

Talking about high draft picks, if we gander back say almost ten years at the entry drafts to 2003, you will see some interesting data. The draft class of 2003 is considered to be one of the best in NHL history and it is still early in their careers. Marc-Andre Fleury the #1 selection in 2003 has a November birthday. Other first rounders joining Fleury continued page 11





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with the late birthdate category is Eric Staal, Nikolai Zherdev, Milan Michalek, Dustin Brown, Zach Parise, Eric Fehr, Ryan Kesler, and Brian Boyle.

You want to keep going with first overall picks. Try Alexander Ovechkin (2004), Sidney Crosby (2005), Patrick Kane (2007), John Tavares (2009), Taylor Hall (2010), Nail Yakupov (2012) all were born in September or later. If you had not recognized these players, they are the household names and the faces of the NHL today.

Now taking a step ahead to the upcoming 2013 NHL Draft gives some light on perhaps that it really does not matter much when you were born. Right now many hockey prospect writers and scouts tab Canadian forward Nathan MacKinnon (Halifax Mooseheads-QMJHL) or American defenseman Seth Jones (Portland Winter Hawks-WHL) as the top two players. The funny thing is MacKinnon is a September 1st while Jones is October 3rd birthday.

In fact looking at what is considered the top 36 prospects at this juncture in my book, 50% or eighteen of them were born after July 1st and several are almost locks in becoming a top ten selection. Just like the former number one overall picks from years past which were comprised of Canadians, Russians, and an American this year’s crop has international flavor as well with the late birthdates. Other players very high on NHL team’s radar include: Sean Monahan (Ottawa67s-OHL), Aleksander Barkov (Tappara-SM-liiga), Hunter Shinkaruk (Medicine Hat Tigers-WHL), and Rasmus Ristolainen (TPS-SM-liiga). Again, these elite prospects were either born in September or October. Will even throw in there the CSS (Central Scouning Services) only ‘A’ grade player from theUShigh school level, Ross Olsson, who now skates with Lincoln Stars (USHL) and will be participating in the inaugual All-American Prospects Game later this month. His birthstone topaz/citrin -- a.k.a. November.

Perhaps this is a changing trend. Perhaps this is all purely coincidence.

The greats of the past like Gretzky, Howe, Messier, Francis, Yzerman, Jagr, and Esposito were all born in the early months of the year. These are players that are all in the top ten all-time in NHL points. These are also all players born pre-1970s which the exception of Jaromir Jagr.

So maybe the hockey culture is changing now with so many first-class players having that late summer/autumn birthdate.

Historically the players who were born earlier in the year had an advantage because of their size. These more mature and physically abled children used this bulk to make the higher “tier” teams, thus it was said they received better coaching and more intense competition.

career in the mid-80s with Merrimack College. The elder Jim was a St. Louis Blue draftee in 1984 and saw limited time in the show. Jimmy was recently chosen by the Nashville Predators in the third round after destroying the EJHL (Eastern Junior Hockey League) with the South Shore Kings last season.

Another father-son story of hot hockey blood running deep through the veins involves a pair of goalies. Bruce Gillies tended the nets at the University of New Hampshire (Hockey East...now, ECAC then) during the early 80s. Although he did not suit up for an NHL game in his playing career, he did enjoy a four-year career at the Division I college ranks and played minor league after his NCAA stint inDurham, NH. His son, Jon, is property of the Calgary Flames after being selected in the third round in 2012. Father-like-son as the younger Gillies will take his game off to Providence College (Hockey East) this fall.

You want more hockey genealogy then look no further than the Nanne family. Lou was long time player and general manger of the now defunct Minnesota North Stars for a few decades of the 60s, 70s, and 80s. He now he has a grandson, Louie, that will follow in his footsteps by attending the University of Minnesota in the fall of 2013. He too was drafted this past June by Minnesota’s latest franchise the Wild. The beauty of it too, is there is a younger brother coming up the Minnesota High School ranks. Younger sibling Tyler, will be draft eligible in 2014 and a cousin Vinni Lettieri will also play under Don Lucia in Gopherland next fall. He is currently playing with the Lincoln Stars (USHL) and is making noise on the NHL scouting front for 2013.

Then there is the bloodline of the Boyle brothers. Of course Brian is a big, rugged forward with the New York Rangers and as previously mentioned; he was part of the highly regarded 2003 draft class. His younger brother, Tim, is off to Union College this season and is a fourth round selection of the Ottawa Senators in 2012.

All those family instances were a direct relation with the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Just off the top of my head there are several others in the past drafts like Tinordi, Lucia, Bjugstad, Pitlick, Simpson, and Reinhart families. So to say genetics does not play a role in hockey success would be a tough case to defend. Sure the former players have some influence and connections in the hockey world, albeit I would bet the bloodline has a greater influence on success than birthdates.

Personally, I think this is a claim were too much emphasis is put on the numbers. As a scout and coach, numbers speak volumes in the success of players by goals, assists, continued page 12

Birthday & Hockey Success CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

Being a youth coach today these older players may have a strength benefit, although I see many latter calendar year players with high coordination and success. Thus, the correlation in drop-outs may perchance be a thing of the past. Perhaps hockey participation specialists ought to look at the burnout factor of playing year round and a little less focus on birthdates.

If you read the study conducted by Barnsley, Thompson, and Barnsley (1985) it speaks of relative age and how it validates a convincing linear relationship between the month of birth (from January to December) and the proportion of players who made the WHL (Western Hockey League) and OHL (Ontario Hockey League), and ultimately the NHL.

This data is all well in good and if I had the resources to compile information on all current NHLers, a more specific breakdown of birthdates and country of origin could be formulated. Albeit for all intents and

purposes, there may be a shift in players in the NHL in relation to their birthdate.

From a youth travel hockey coach and scouting perspective, I think too much thought is given into the numbers in this case and not enough into a players’ competiveness, attitude, off-ice training, support network, and bloodlines.

Speaking of family lineage, a quick snapshot in recent years also shows many former NHLers are now hearing their son’s name called at the NHL podium in late June on draft day. This year’s draft of 2012 actually had two players Henrik Samuelsson (Phoenix Coyotes) and Stefan Matteau (New Jersey Devils) taken in the first round. Both players had fathers that had successful careers in the NHL and have Stanley Cup Champion on their resume too.

Simply staying with this past year’s draft, another family comes to mind in the Vesey clan of Boston, Massachusetts. The younger will play NCAA Hockey like his father before for the upcoming season with the Crimson of Harvard, while his old man had a stellar



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Birthday & Hockey Success CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

points, hits, +/-, blocked shots, PIMs, goal against average, save percentage and the many other statistics kept these days like Corsi rating, etc.

Although, with hockey evolving with greater participation by players in various locations and more qualified coaches giving back to the game at the youth levels, the birthdate is looking to be somewhat of an obsolete figure.

Some of the greatest players in the world today have a late summer or fall birthday – so something must be happening.

Many of the players born in the first three months of the year do normally have a physical advantage on the younger in the early years. But sooner or later, pure skill and talent wins out, especially in today’s day and age. No longer is the game of clutch-n-grab. Hockey is a skating man’s game now. So no matter if 5’10” 180lbs. or 6’4” 220lbs., if you can skate fluidly, move the puck with superior vision, dangle the sauce, and finish top cheddar then odds are you will be recognized and have achievement – regardless if born spring, summer, winter, or fall.

Players today are even more serious in their off-season workout regiments and there are greater opportunities to develop one’s game with more and superior facilities as well as with more experienced professionals.

From my perspective the birthdate discussion is along the lines of the age old hockey IQ debate. Some hockey experts feel you can teach hockey sense while others like me feel for the most part it is innate. You can teach skills and systems as a coach to a degree, I am not saying hockey sense cannot be improved -- that is why you practice. Albeit the players that have exceptional anticipation processing, foresight, and do the little things in a game are the ones the just naturally understand the game and other players around them.

Players that make it to a high level have a certain internal, self-motivation, and determination. People can quarrel all they want about restructuring the age groups at the youth levels in USA Hockey and HockeyCanada. Sure a two year gap is extensive especially at the younger levels; yet two players born in the same year who are separated by six-eight months should not be a big deal. The problem is there will never be a happy medium because time never stops nor does the calendar. Thus, keeping minor or youth players together by birth year makes the most logical sense.

Regardless of the start and cut-off dates, there will always be disparity. Every individual develops differently both physically and mentally and this definitely has to do with nature. Mom and dad pass on a lot of traits and they also help nurture a player from a very young age all the way up through the hockey grades. Hockey success is comprised by several factors from heredities, family support system, inner drive, and competitiveness.

So the next time somebody in the lobby of your local rink says your son will not be successful in hockey because he was not born early in the year like his, just throw out some of the names of NHL stars I listed above with late calendar birthdays. Then let him know his son did not score today NOT because of his tenth $250 composite stick not working, rather his boy needs dig deeper within himself to find the true passion for the game.

You can follow Russ Bitely for my more hockey news, comments, and articles on Twitter: @russbites

Western New York hockey fanscan still receive their fix of high quality hockey this season when the Niagara Purple Eagles take the ice at Dwyer Arena.

Niagara hockey will still offer the best family value for Western New York sporting events.

Single game tickets are available now. Chairback seats are priced as the following: Adult $17, Youth $12, Group $10. General reserved seats are priced as the following: Adult $12, Youth $7, Group $5.

To secure seats for every game, there are several season ticket options available: chairback (Adult) - $160, chairback (Youth) - $130, General Reserved (Adult) - $110, General Reserved (Youth) - $90. There are several benefits as a season ticket holder. As a Purple Eagle season ticket holder, you will have the best value ticket (savings of over 42 percent), access to exclusive events and first right for tickets for postseason tournaments.

Attending games as a family is now easier with the new family season ticket packages. A season ticket chairback package for a family of four (two adults and two youth) is $550 for savings of $260. Season ticket general reserved package for a family of four (two adults and two youths) is $380 for savings of $190.

The Premium Club at Dwyer Arena will continue to provide fans an ideal area to watch Purple Eagles hockey. The temperature-controlled room has a dining room with a full buffet menu, cash bar, satellite tv and reserved chairback seats. Season tickets for the premium club are $500 and single game tickets are $35.

Niagara, which had sophomore Scott Arnold signed by the NHL’s Phoenix Coyotes at the end of last season, returns 22 players from last season’s team that finished its second season in Atlantic Hockey in second place (one point out of first place) with a 17-11-9 overall record and a 14-6-7 conference mark. The Purple Eagles advanced to the 2012 AHA Tournament semifinals after winning their best-of-three quarterfinal series Dwyer Arena.

For more ticket information, please contact the Niagara Athletic Ticket Office at 716-286-TIXX (8499), [email protected] or www.PurpleEagles.com/Tickets.

NEED A HOCKEY FIX,NIAGARA ISTHE PLACE



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ByJames Fink

M a t t h e w Barnaby knows a thing or two about the game of hockey. He should after playing in 834 National Hockey League games. Barnaby, the former Buffalo Sabre and more recently hockey analyst for ESPN and Canada’s TSN, has formed Matthew Barnaby Hockey LLC to run a series of clinics, camps and elite travel teams for youth hockey players. His approach isn’t driven from his professional hockey days but from more recent experiences as a hockey father and youth hockey coach. “I’ve been there, on many different levels,” Barnaby said. To help run the clinics and camps, Barnaby has recruited two of his former Sabre teammates Jay McKee and Grant Ledyard along with a handful of others to work with the participants. Between Barnaby, McKee and Ledyard, the trio have nearly 2,800 NHL games under their belts. Barnaby said the intent of the clinics, camps and travel teams is make the game enjoyable, competitive and fun and not landing an NCAA divisional scholarship or pro contract. The clinics, this past summer at Holiday Twin Rinks in Cheektowaga, are designed for youth players born between 1998 and 2005. Barnaby also ran a camp in August in Dallas. Barnaby said he wants to keep the clinic and camp sizes to approximately 35 players, so that everyone gets individual attention from himself, McKee, Ledyard or any of the other guest instructors. The clinics focus on basic hockey skills and skating drills. The skills and drills come from his own experiences as a youth player in Canada and from his NHL playing days. The travel team, made from elite local players and sponsored by Great Skate, is designed to play in top ranked tournaments. Running the clinics and recently-christened Matthew Barnaby LLC is something that Barnaby said he always wanted to do after his playing days ended. “I am finally able to put everything together and do this,” Barnaby said. “But you know what? It keeps me a lot busier than I thought I would be. I love the on-ice stuff. That I know like the back of my hand. But, I’m learning and am intrigued by the business side. When you are running a business, you realize everyone is counting on you.”

Buffalo Jr. Sabres to Fans:

“There IS Still Good Hockey Happening”

Mattew Barnaby Hockey Clinics Even as far back as August 13, 2012, the first day of the Buffalo Junior Sabres’ official

preseason workouts, head coach and general manager Michael Peca was making his pitch to Western New York’s fan base to remember his team if, and when, the

National Hockey League’s teams, including the Buffalo Sabres, would lock out their players.

Speaking to media who showed up for a news conference to open his team’s training camp, Peca’s words hinted of his belief that hockey fans might want to make plans to find another place to enjoy the sport.

“I think NHL fans won’t have hockey for three or four months, so the OJHL and Buffalo Junior Sabres hockey is where it’s at.”

Here we are into the early fall, with NHL preseason games already wiped out and the threat of losing regular season games a very real prospect. Meanwhile, Peca’s Junior Sabres were off to a good start in the Ontario Junior Hockey League, winning four of their first six games.

Following their September 17 game against the St. Michael’s Buzzers, Peca was again invited to promote his team to the general hockey watching public. He, and others on the team’s staff, will tell you that all you need do is see a game, and you’ll be impressed.

“I think it’s a terrific brand of hockey,” he said. “If anyone’s come out and seen us play thus far this year… the level of hockey is very high. The enthusiasm, the energy is extremely high.

“There’s people who are going to need a hockey fix, there’s no doubt about it. It’s a game that this city loves to watch and loves to support. I think the Buffalo Jr. Sabres program is a perfect outlet for them, especially with the uncertainty of the National Hockey League and its lockout.

“I know these kids in our program would love to have the support of the community. I know we’re going to be really getting involved heavily in the community with our kids. We would just love to see our rink get filled up from time to time. I think any time as an athlete when you play in front of a large enthusiastic

crowd, it only makes the environment and the product a lot stronger. So, we’re hoping to maybe draw from some of those hockey-starving people and get them in our rink.”

Early into the OJHL season, the team and individual players provided fans with reasons to get their “fix” at the Northtown Center at Amherst. Contributing to the team’s successful start were some outstanding individual efforts.

Among those individuals was forward Alex Dagnal, who scored goals in the team’s first four games of the season.

“Alex has been terrific,” Peca said. “He’s earned more opportunity and he’s thriving on it. He’s leading by example of putting work ahead of skill.”

And there are others who impressed him early on.“I think Ryan Schmelzer’s been our best overall player so far this year,” said Peca. “He’s been

very consistent, strong in all areas of the game. He’s been our leader up front.”Peca also pointed to defenseman Sean Federow for “giving us what we’d thought,” which

was a steady presence in the back, the sort that led Buffalo to trade for him back in April. He also offered praise to fellow defenseman Tony DeVito.

“He plays with a lot of poise for a 17-year-old, and I only expect him to get better.”Also making an early impression is goaltender Parker Gahagen, who opened the OJHL

regular season with a shutout win on the road against the Toronto Jr. Canadiens. Through the team’s first six games, Gahagen started five of them and won four.

Backup Bobby Bloomfield lost his only start of the season in its early stages, a 5-4 loss to the North York Rangers, but in fairness to the 17-year-old netminder many of those goals were conceded in power play situations. Gahagen will again be turned to as the Jr. Sabres’ leader in the goal crease this season, but Bloomfield will be given opportunities to gain experience and build confidence as the season moves along. continued page 15



NIAGARA MEN’S HOCKEY

T H E B E S T F A M I L Y V A L U E I N W E S T E R N N E W Y O R K !

FAMILY OFFERS Chairback Family of Four (2 Adult; 2 Youth) ... $550 Chairback Family of Five (2 Adult; 3 Youth) .... $665 General Reserved Family of Four ....................... $380 General Reserved Family of Five ........................ $465

Y O U T H H O C K E Y N I G H T S

O c t . 6 t h & 1 3 t h

$ 5 T i c k e t O f f e r

Niagara University Ticket Offi ce Dwyer Arena, PO Box 2009 * Niagara University, NY 14109-2009

Offi ce: (716) 286-TIXX * [email protected]

Date Opponent Time Oct. 6 Bowling Green # 4 PM Oct. 9 @ Colgate 7 PM Oct. 13 *Mercyhurst # 7 PM Oct. 19 @ Michigan State 7 PM Oct. 20 @ Michigan State 7 PM Oct. 26 @ Clarkson 7 PM Oct. 27 @ Clarkson 7 PM Nov. 2 *Connecticut 7 PM Nov. 3 *Connecticut 7 PM Nov. 9 @ *Army 7 PM Nov. 10 @ *Army 7 PM Nov. 16 @ *Canisius 7 PM Nov. 17 *Robert Morris 7 PM Nov. 30 *Sacred Heart 7 PM Dec. 1 *Sacred Heart 7 PM Dec. 12 *RIT 7 PM Dec. 29 @ Bowling Green 7 PM Jan. 5 *Air Force 7 PM

Date Opponent Time Jan. 11 @ *American International 7 PM Jan. 12 @ *American International 7 PM Jan. 18 @ *Holy Cross 7 PM Jan. 19 @ *Holy Cross 7 PM Jan. 25 @ *RIT 7 PM Jan. 26 *RIT 7 PMFeb. 1 *Bentley 7 PM Feb. 2 *Bentley 7 PM Feb. 7 @ *Canisius 7 PM Feb. 9 *Canisius 7 PM Feb. 15 *Robert Morris 7 PM Feb. 16 @ *Robert Morris 7 PM Feb. 22 *Mercyhurst 7 PM Feb. 23 @ *Mercyhurst 7 PM Mar. 1 @*Air Force 7 PM Mar. 2 @ *Air Force 7 PM

* AHA contest # Youth Hockey Day All home games in BOLD



15

Niagara Picked 2nd

in Preseason PollThe Niagara men’s hockey team has been slated to finish in second

place in the Atlantic Hockey Association, according to the AHA Preseason Poll announced on Tuesday at the Blue Cross Arena.

The Purple Eagles, who will begin their third season in the AHA, finished with three first place votes and totaled 101 points. Air Force (112) took top honors, with Mercyhurst (89) rounding out the top three.

“Until someone dethrones Air Force, it is their league,” head coach David Burkholder said. “I feel having the team experience a true playoff series and then advancing to Blue Cross Arena before falling an overtime goal from playing in the championship game will only help this year’s team. It is a new year and as always, our season goal is a trip to the NCAA tournament.”

Bentley and R.I.T were tied for fourth with 87 points each, while Holy Cross (74) was placed in sixth. Connecticut (65), Robert Morris (61), Canisius (38), Army (30), American International (20) and Sacred Heart (19) followed the Crusaders.

Last season saw the Purple Eagles amass 17 wins after playing one of the toughest non-conference schedules in the program’s history including Frozen Four participant Union, Minnesota, Michigan and Cornell. Niagara advanced to the 2012 AHA Tournament semifinals after winning its best-of-three quarterfinals series against Robert Morris at Dwyer Arena.

“Last year we had a second semester of winning and those feelings and experiences go a long way in regards to team and individual confidence,” added Burkholder. “This year’s team showed up to camp with just that.”

Niagara returns to the ice for the start of the 2012-13 regular season when it hosts Bowling Green on Oct. 6 at 4 p.m.

There are several fan friendly ticket options available. For more information, contact the Niagara Athletic Ticket Office at 716-286-TIXX (8499), email [email protected] or visit www.PurpleEagles.com/Tickets.

Jr. Sabres to Fans CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

Rocky Off to NiagaraOne of the players who was

expected to lead the Jr. Sabres this year, and was a strong candidate to wear the captain’s “C” on his uniform, was leaving the team even before the preseason came to its conclusion. Veteran forward Rocky Gruttadauria received a surprise invitation to enroll at Niagara University this academic year and join the school’s NCAA Division I program.

Gruttaduaria, a native of the Rochester area, was preparing to enter his third season with the Jr. Sabres and admitted having early conversations with Niagara about joining them in 2013-14. However, a roster spot became immediately available and he was contacted about filling that vacancy.

Gruttadauria looked back on his years with the Jr. Sabres and thinks very highly about his teammates, and their chances.

“Playing for the Jr. Sabres the last two years was a crucial step in my journey to get to where I am today,” said Gruttadauria. “The Ontario Junior Hockey League is a much better league than most people in the U.S think it is.

“This coming season I think the team is stronger than it has ever

been. Coach Peca has made the right moves to strengthen weak areas from last year. A smart veteran core headed by captain Derek Patterson will be the key to their success. I wish the boys the best of luck this season and I’m sure I’ll play either with or against most of them again.”

Rivals on NHL’s RadarTo offer another perspective of

the high level of competition the Jr. Sabres are facing this season, two of the players they skated against in the first few games of the regular season are now officially on the National Hockey League’s watch list. Matt Buckles of the St. Michael’s Buzzers is ranked with a “B” by the NHL’s Central Scouting, while Bryson Cianfrone of the Toronto Jr. Canadiens is ranked with a “C”.

No Buffalo players are on the list at this time, but previously Jr. Sabres players have been watched from afar by the NHL. Last year, for example, then Jr. Sabre Andrew Poturalski was included in the league’s “Players to Watch” list, which focuses on junior, midget and prep school players. Poturalski, who is verbally committed to the University of New Hampshire for 2013-14, reported to the USHL’s Cedar Rapids RoughRiders for this season.



Documents

WNY Hockey Magazine - October 2012