February 2016VOLUME 4 • ISSUE 7

Follow All The WNY Hockey News @

www.wnyhockeyreport.com

facebook.com/wnyhockeyreport

@wnyhockeyreport

2016-2017 TryouT EdiTion!

2

WNYHockeyReport.com

Readers• Look For Our Magazine In 1,000’s Of Your Mailboxes &

At Over 52 Rinks And Hockey Retail Locations• Updated Try-Out Ads Online At WNYHockeyReport.com

Associations Looking To Advertise• Deadline To Reserve Space And Submit Artwork -

Monday, March 1, 2016 12pm• If You Advertise In Our Print Editions,

Online Posting At WNYHockeyReport.com Is Free• Pricing & Program Info -

Ian Woods - icwoods@wnyhockeyreport.com or 716.830.0182

Look for our

March 2016Try-out Issue

February 2016

VOLUME 4 • ISSUE 7

Follow All The WNY Hockey News @

www.wnyhockeyreport.com

facebook.com/wnyhockeyreport

@wnyhockeyreport

2016-2017 TryouT EdiTion!

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

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

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

• The league is open to Boys and Girls ages 4 – 15. • Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced levels

– All divisions are NON-Checking• Every player guaranteed EQUAL OPPORTUNITY to

play and EQUAL ICE TIME• Each player receives an official DIPPIN’ DOTS

SPRING HOCKEY LEAGUE jersey.

Spring Hockey Le

age

WNYHockeyReport.com

Contents 3

in This issue:College Hockey: Men ..........................................................................................4Around the Associations ....................................................................................6Women’s Hockey .................................................................................................8Maddie Grisko ................................................................................................... 10Holiday & Leisure Women's Only League .................................................... 10RIT Women – Skate With The Cure ................................................................ 11Rochester Americans ....................................................................................... 12NCHA Report ..................................................................................................... 13College Captains ............................................................................................... 14Top Shelf Training ............................................................................................. 15College Club Hockey ........................................................................................ 16Tim Horton's Backyard Classic ....................................................................... 16Mark Pagliacci ................................................................................................... 17

Try-Out IssueBisons .........................................................................................................18Saints ..........................................................................................................19Ice Haws .....................................................................................................20Regals .........................................................................................................21West Seneca Wings ..................................................................................22Wheatfield Blades ....................................................................................23Rochester Youth Hockey .........................................................................24Southtowns Stars .....................................................................................26Amherst .....................................................................................................27Bud Bakewell .............................................................................................27Buffalo Stars ..............................................................................................28Cazenovia Park ..........................................................................................28Cheektowaga Warriors ............................................................................29Aurora Ice Youth Hockey .........................................................................29Hamburg Hawks .......................................................................................30Niagara Jr Purple Eagles .........................................................................30Clarence Mustangs ...................................................................................31Lockport Express / Odessa Jackalopes .................................................31Tonawanda Lightning .............................................................................32Clarence Stallions .....................................................................................32Wheatfield Blades PeeWee Minor AA ...................................................32Lockport Youth Hockey ...........................................................................33Wheatfield Blades AAU Teams ...............................................................33

Shane Conacher ................................................................................................ 343D Hockey .......................................................................................................... 35Section VI ........................................................................................................... 36Section V ............................................................................................................ 37Precision Training ............................................................................................. 38Rochester Youth Hockey News ...................................................................... 39Mark Zarbo Training ........................................................................................ 40Howell Hockey Hall Of Fame .......................................................................... 41St. Francis Hockey ............................................................................................ 42In The Crease ..................................................................................................... 43HPHD .................................................................................................................. 45

P.O. Box 302East Aurora,

NY 14052716-830-0182

info@wnyhockeyreport.com

Managing PartnerIan C. Woods

icwoods@wnyhockeyreport.com

Vice President, Business DevelopmentNed McDonnell

Commish@wnyhockeyreport.com

Publisher & Managing EditorRandy Schultz

Randy@wnyhockeyreport.com

Designer & PhotographerJanet Schultz

Janet@wnyhockeyreport.com

Senior ColumnistsWarren Kozireski

Warren@wnyhockeyreport.com

Communications & Marketing DirectorVal Andrews

Val@wnyhockeyreport.com

ColumnistsJanet Schultz - janet@wnyhockeyreport.com

Michael Mroziak - michael@wnyhockeyreport.comSteve Thomson - steve@hphd.us

Mark Metzger - m.metzger@precisionhockey.netMike Smietana - info@topshelfhockey.us

Dave Ricci – dave@wnyhockeyreport.comBob Janosz – www.bobjanosz.com

Mark Zarbo – www.MarkZarboHockey.comMelissa Brawdy – melissa@wnyhockeyreport.com

Cory Mickey – cory.mickey@gmail.comSkylar Vitko-Woods

WNY HOCKEY REPORTNo 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 2015Western 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 302East Aurora, N.Y. 14052

4

WNYHockeyReport.com

by Warren KozireskiWarren@wnyhockeyreport.com

R.I.T.The Tigers rolled through

the end of January with seven wins and two ties to vault them into second place three points shy of first place Robert Morris in Atlantic Hockey.

Senior Josh Mitchell became the ninth player in the team’s Division I history to record 100 career points Jan. 16 at Bentley. He led the team in scoring while sophomore Myles Powell more than doubled his goal total from his freshman season of four.

Senior defenseman Greg Amlong also had a career-best five goals after netting one over his first 69 collegiate contests.

Forward Mark Logan earned Atlantic Hockey Rookie of the Week honors for the week ending Jan. 17, 2016 after scoring his first two collegiate goals in a weekend sweep of Bentley.

Senior defenseman Alexander Kuqali was named one of 20 candidates for the Senior CLASS Award. To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must be a senior and have notable achievements in four areas of excellence – classroom, character, community and competition.

Kuqali has helped the Tigers win the 2015 Atlantic Hockey Championship and advance to the NCAA Midwest Regional Final, has appeared in 138 career games with 12 goals, 41 assists, 53 points, and a plus-17 rating. In 2014-15, Kuqali served as an assistant captain, garnered All-Atlantic Hockey Third Team honors and was named to the NCAA Midwest Regional All-Tournament Team.

Leading scorer Mark Golberg left the program in January.

CANISIUSPoints in seven of ten

conference games in January launched the Golden Griffins into the upper half of Atlantic Hockey even with one of the youngest teams in the nation.

Junior Shane Conacher’s 23 points and 11 goals were the most by a Griff in the first half since his

brother, Cory, had 27 points (on way to a school-record 53) and 13 goals during the 2009-10 season. He won Atlantic Hockey Player of the Month accolades in December after he led the Griffs with nine points, five goals and four assists, while also registering a pair of game-winning tallies.

Conacher and Ralph Cuddemi stood among the top-15 in the nation in third period points. Conacher also the nation with 23 even-strength points. Cuddemi’s goal against Air Force Jan. 30 was the 58th of his career and he moves into second in the program’s Division I history, ahead of Kyle Gibbons (2010-14) and brought him four tallies shy of the program’s overall record, held by Cory Conacher.

Cuddemi also was named one of 20 candidates for the Senior CLASS Award.

Freshman Dylan McLaughlin (Lancaster) earned Atlantic Hockey Rookie of the Week accolades for the week ending Jan. 9 after he recorded four points on a goal and three assists with the first multi-point game of his career.

Freshman Josh Gabriel (Lancaster) scored his first collegiate goal Jan. 8 at RIT—a shorthander.

NIAGARAIsolated wins in

the first half gave the program hope they were finally turning the corner, but having earned one point the entire month of January and scoring more than two goals in a game just once during the stretch meant there was still some distance to go before competing. They were in last place in Atlantic Hockey.

“You don’t want to finish in the basement and then win a round (in the playoffs) and have to play Robert Morris, so we stay positive, we keep working on things and trying to get things going in the right direction,” head coach Dave Burkholder said about the final four weeks of the regular season. “We need something to go right for us.”

With three wins and eight games remaining in the regular season, the Purple Eagles were in danger of falling short of the 20-year program’s lowest season win total of seven set last year.

Sophomore forward Derian Plouffe was having his best season with nine goals and 13 points. Senior defenseman Nick Cecere was the only plus player on the roster at +4.

Through the first 20 games, freshmen accounted for 39 of the team’s 109 points or 36%.

Freshman Sean King scored a power-play goal Jan. 9 versus Mercyhurst—his first goal as a Purple Eagle.

GENESEOThe Knights continue

to persevere through circumstances that might

cripple other teams. They were 7-1-3 in conference and 13-3-4 overall despite losing one teammate to a severe brain injury at the start of the season and senior defenseman Matthew Hutchinson being murdered in January. They were in a dogfight with Plattsburgh, Potsdam and Oswego for the first round playoff bye.

Trevor Hills (Honeoye Falls) and Stephen Collins (Pittsford) were among the top-ten nationally in several offensive categories. Anthony Marra was tied for fifth in all of Division III in scoring among freshman and defenseman Pat Condon was 15th in points by defensemen.

They will get the chance to continue to bond and support each other on the road in February with only one home game on the slate.

BUFFALO STATEThe streaky Bengals held

their own destiny as they play out the final six regular season games in February with three of those against the bottom-feeders in the SUNYAC conference and two others against teams in the hunt for a first round bye—Geneseo and Oswego on home ice.

The team did need to generate more offense from their defense to take some pressure off of the forwards. The blueliners combined for only seven of the team’s 54 goals with senior Sean Hrivnak accounting for three of them.

They were getting scoring from two lines with six forwards in double-figures led by Taylor Pryce’s 18 points. Senior Brett Hope played his last game Jan. 16 five games shy of 100 career. He joined the Fayetteville FireAntz of the SPHL.

BROCKPORTThe Golden Eagles already

had ten SUNYAC points through 11 conference games which meant they didn’t need a last-month race to the postseason, but having not swept a single weekend this season meant they might still be looking at being on the road for the first round of the playoffs.

They defeated nationally ranked UMass-Boston and Westfield State to win the Codfish Bowl. Tim Kielich (East Aurora) and Chase Nieuwendyk were each named to the All-Tournament team while Ryan Kangas was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player after scoring three goals and three assists on the weekend.

“All in all I think we’re in a better place (midyear) than we’ve been the last few years,” head coach Brian Dickinson said.

Nieuwendyk was among the top-ten nationally averaging 1.50 points per game, while Kielich was the fourth best freshman nationally at 1.22 points per game.

Men’s College Hockey Report

Men’s Collegiate Hockey

5

WNYHockeyReport.com

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

The regular season ends with a trip to frontrunners Potsdam and Plattsburgh.

NAZARETHTwo of their three conference

wins came against second place Manhattanville, but the Golden Flyers were just 3-6-1 in conference. They were in fifth at the end of January, but only one point out of third place and home ice for the first round of the playoffs, so each game down the stretch will have huge implications.

They were able to pick up a big non-conference win over Oswego Jan. 9, a team they had never previously defeated.

“Obviously they (Oswego) are still a very good team—I know their record doesn’t show it—so I’m happy for our guys, especially for our seniors,” head coach George Roll said. “I love playing games like that because I think win or lose they make you better.”

The streaky squad has had two three game losing streaks along with a three game winning streak and a four game unbeaten run.

Freshman David Powlowski (Greece Arcadia) is the only regular without a penalty this season. Four of sophomore forward John Power’s six goals have come on the power play.

Junior defenseman Marcus Moles (Lake Placid) netted his first goal of the season at Hobart Jan. 23.

FREDONIAThe Blue Devils kept their

playoffs hopes alive with a final game in January win over Potsdam. Their Feb. 12 game versus Brockport—the team they are chasing for the sixth and final postseason spot—becomes a virtual must-win as they have only four SUNYAC games remaining.

The future does appear brighter with freshmen Jimmy Morgan, Bobby Polachek and Luke Rivera among the top six scorers on the team. First year blueliners Michael Freeman, Jon Carlson and Benjamin Casale (Lewiston) have all been receiving plenty of playing time as well with three of their combined four goals coming on the power play. And freshman goaltender Eric Bogart registered two of the team’s first six wins.

Senior defenseman Ryan Wilkinson has almost

as many assists this season—15—as he had over his first three years combined—18.

ERIE CCThe defending champion Kats stood 9-0 against

junior college foes with three games remaining in February as they were giving little indication they wanted to relinquish their crown.

And they were doing it in impressive fashion outscoring their conference opponents 54-15.

Aaron Wanat (Cheektowaga) and Trevor Evans (Newfane) were among the top-five nationally in points with 44 and 34 respectively, and goals at 21 and 20. Jordyn Bellitto (Orchard Park) also had 23 points with seven other teammates at 13 points or better.

Sophomore goaltender William Korczynski (West Seneca) had played over 800 of the 1085 minutes and will be counted on down the stretch and into the postseason Feb. 27-28 at Broome CC.

OTHER AREA NOTES:• Robert Morris senior goaltender Terry Shafer

(Penfield) picked up his seventh career shutout against Bentley Jan. 9 to set a new school record.

Men’s Collegiate Hockey

For tickets visit GoGriffs.com or call 716-888-TIXX

For tickets visit GoGriffs.com or call 716-888-TIXX

GoGriffs.com

Griffs vs Robert Morris

Senior Day Fri, Feb. 26 – 7:35 pmat HarborCenter

CanisiusGolden Griffins

CanisiusGolden Griffins

Congratulations Seniors

Ralph Cuddemi Mathew Backhouse

6

WNYHockeyReport.com

Several local youth hockey associations wasted little time winning on the ice, either in the Buffalo area or on road trips, to begin their 2016.

Here are some of the success stories submitted to us from January. Remember, any newsworthy notes from your association, including tournament wins or team functions, can be considered for Around the Associations. Submit your information to info@wnyhockeyreport.com

And here we go…

Amherst Youth Hockey

The Knights' Squirt Minor AA team, coached by Ian Kyle, went undefeated in pool play and went on to beat Wheatfield in the championship game, 7-4, at the Rock 'N Roll Cup in Cleveland, Ohio, January 16 and 17.

Buffalo StarsThe Buffalo Stars 19U Girls team

went undefeated in play against their opponents, while individual Stars got to show their stuff in a skills competition, as the program turned in a steller performance at the Adirondack Northstars Winter Classic Tournament, held in mid-January in Glens Falls, New York.

Janet Schultz has more on the Stars’ successful run in the women’s hockey column located elsewhere in this edition.

Canandaigua The Canandaigua Knights RWB-White team won

their division title in the recent Auburn Winterfest Tournament, compiling a 5-0 record with wins over Binghamton, Auburn, Camillus, Skaneateles and the Perinton Blades. The win over Perinton came in the championship game.

Four teammates shared time as goalies as part of the team's big win.

CazenoviaThe Caz Chiefs Bantam Major

team won the championship of

the Niagara Falls Blizzard Challenge tournament, held in mid-January. The Chiefs defeated the Bud Bakewell Bruins in the championship game, 3-1.

Along the way, Caz recorded wins over the North Pittsburgh Wildcats, Central State Stampede and Bud Bakewell in round robin play. The tournament title was the second for Caz this season.

Clarence Mustangs

The Mustangs' Pee Wee Majors spent the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday weekend competing in and winning the championship of the Empire State Cup Tournament.

The team started off strong in their first two games with wins over the Elmira Jackals (5-3) and Hatfield Ice Dogs (5-2). Ben Hausle scored a goal and two assists. Will Vaeth scored twice while Devin Blajszczak added a pair of assists.

Hausle, Michael Stewart and Zach Litwin netted goals, while goalie Will Wertheim put in a strong performance in front of the Clarence net, as the Mustangs defeated the iceDogs in the second game of the weekend.

The team suffered a setback, losing 4-3 to the Niagara-on-the-Lake Wolves in their final game of the preliminary round. Vince Conroy scored twice for the Mustangs.

Clarence entered the semifinals seeded second, and faced the Perinton Blades for a chance to advance to the final. Heading into the third period tied 1-1, Clarence conceded a shorthanded goal to trail, 2-1, but Chris Loubert battled to score the game-tying goal. Rather than go into overtime, Clarence stole the win in the final minute of regulation. Hausle won a faceoff and fed the puck to Daniel Hillery, who fired a low, hard wrister that found its way past the Perinton goalie.

There was no letdown for the Mustangs in the final, as they skated to a 5-3 win over the Elmira Jackals. Jeffery Costanzo netted a goal and added an assist, while Vaeth, Hillery, Sam Hanlon, Dean Cottrell and Hunter Hollock played strong defense to help goalie Jerry Sorrentino record his third win of the tournament.

Lockport Youth Hockey Association

Lockport's 8U team traveled to Fredonia to participate in its first-ever jamboree, turning in some strong performances under the guidance of coaches John Bernardi, Erik Bernardi, Jeremy Cabral and Dan Schmidt.

Having enjoyed the experience of playing in a jamboree format in Fredonia, the team was looking forward to participating in the Southtowns Jamboree at press time.

The Squirt House team, coached by Matt Fogle and Clyde Adams, and the Pee Wee House team, coached by Mike Dunn, have improved tremendously and are competing very well against the area's MOHL teams.

LYHA hosted a 'Girls Only' Try Hockey for Free Day and the turnout was overwhelming. Team officials report 44 girls came out to discover the sport. Many expressed interest in signing up to play. Inspired by the feedback, Lockport is creating a girls program that will begin this spring. For more information on this program, email Tom Dockery at tdockery@cornerstoneicearena.com

Niagara Jr. Purple Eagles

NJPE's Squirt Minor team won the Empire State Cup, held in Rochester. The team opened with a win over Niagara-on-the-Lake, 5-3, followed by a 3-0 win over Cheektowaga in the Jr. Purple Eagles' second game of the tournament.

After skating to a 6-6 draw with the Michigan Ice Hawks, NJPE met Cheektowaga again, this time for the championship. The Jr. Purple Eagles prevailed again, this time by a 3-2 score.

Perinton HockeyThe Blades' Bantam Minor

AA 2015-2016 team took home the championship trophy after winning their bracket in the 2016 Extreme Freeze Tournament in Glens Falls.

The team went 4-0 for the tournament, opening with a 4-0 win over the Connecticut Hawks. After following up with an 8-2 win over the Adirondack Thunder, the Blades recorded another 4-0 shutout win, this time over the Saratoga Blue Knights. The team met Saratoga again in the championship game, winning by a 7-2 final.

Around the Associations: New Year, More Tourney Wins

Around the Associations

Edited Michael Mroziak Michael@wnyhockeyreport.com

7

WNYHockeyReport.com

Around the Associations

Elsewhere, the Blades' Mite Blue #3 “Orange Blades” traveled to Central New York and skated against the Auburn WinterHawks in the annual Mighty Mite Winter Fest. Perinton outscored their opponents by a whopping 62-5 total in four round robin games. The Orange Blades advanced to the title game and continued their domination, winning 10-3. Goaltender Bennett Lisi stopped 25 shots in the championship.

The Orange Blades roster is: Max Erskine (#12), Ryan Allen (#17), Aiden Johnson (#19), Ryan Hagen (#20), Bryce Becker (#21), Owen Baldwin (#4), Roddy Brace (#5), Lawrence Bell (#71), Carson Welz (#77), Niko Schouten (#81), Steffen Finke (#91), Bennett Lisi (#99).

Lockport Express

The 15UAA Express team coached by Jay Tagliarino and Mike Scheeler had a very successful season.

They were tournament champions twice and finished first in the WNYAHL 15U Red Division with a

record of 12-4. Congratulations to the coaches, parents and players on an excellent season.

The Express program, beginning in the 2016-2017 season, will implement a complete

organizational development structure that will focus on Skill Development on the ice and proper off-ice training as well. This will be led by newly-hired Director of Hockey Operations Scott

Rutherford. Rutherford is a Level 5 Master Coach with a wealth of experience as a coach and instructor. He is also owner of Pro Performance Hockey. He will be on the ice as the skills instructor for all teams, including Junior A.

The goaltending instructor for the program will be Lyle Rocker. He played two years for the Topeka Roadrunners of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) and had an offer to play NCAA Division I hockey at Robert Morris University. He chose instead to play Division III at SUNY Cortland. His experience and knowledge will be a valuable asset to the program's goaltenders.

Parisi Speed School, located inside Cornerstone CFCU Arena, the Express' home rink, is the off-ice training partner for the Express program. All teams will participate in this program, which will be tailored for each specific age level. Players will benefit greatly from Warren and his staff’s

expertise.The message the Express sends to families who

have a child interested in playing at the college level and beyond is that skill development and off-ice training must start now. The goal of the Express program is to develop players through youth teams to move up to its Junior A team. From there, the Express organization aims to develop players further through their play in the NA3HL, with the hope they'll advance to college programs, and perhaps beyond.

PRO PERFORMANCE HOCKEY

WWW.PROPERFORMANCEHOCKEYCLUB.COM

2016 SPRING SKILLS

PROGRAM 22 High Intensity Sessions

April 18th – June 30thNorth Buffalo Tacoma Rink Birth Years 1996 – 2006

Check out our “Flexible Scheduling”

PRO PERFORMANCE SUMMER CAMP

5 Day CampsWeeks of August 1st and 8th

at the Northtown Center

If you would like to join us this spring and/or summer please visit our website for registration instructions.

“The best spring program around! No one develops the skills of a hockey player better than Coach Rutherford. NO ONE!” Adam K.

Call 716-912-4465 or e-mail sruther123@aol.com with any questions.

facebook.com/wnyhockeyreport

@wnyhockeyreport

8

WNYHockeyReport.com

by Janet SchultzJanet@wnyhockeyreport.com

Will five be the magic number for the Kenmore/Grand Island Girls Varsity team this season? That’s right Kenmore, this year merging with Grand Island, have taken the Section VI championship and head

off to Albany to meet Canton in the NYS High School Championships. The winner would then face either Beekmantown or Thousand Islands/Alexandria Bay for the Championship.

Kenmore/Grand Island scored 1:01 into the first period when Emily King took a pass from Taylor Story and got past Frontier/Orchard Park’s Victoria Cottrell. Five minutes later Olivia Smith got her first of the game, a power-play goal to give the K/GI team a 2-0 lead and the first period ended that way.

Second period was filled with action up and down the ice until the 2:43 mark when Lina Mirabella scored taking the score to 3-0.

Coach Jim McCarthy rallied his troops and at the 1:43 mark of the third period Haley Tatar scored assisted by Jessica Peters and Sirena Fitzery and the drive was on. However, three minutes later K/GI’s Riley Johnson brought the score to 3-2 and with just over two minutes left in the game Olivia Smith got her second of the game giving Kenmore/Grand Island a 4-2 win.

FOP outshoot K/GI 28-21 with Goalies Cara Klopp (K/GI) and Cottrell working very hard the entire game.

In the semi-final matchup, Kenmore/Grand Island defeated Willlamsville 4-2 and Frontier/Orchard Park defeated Amherst/SweetHome/Clarence (Katz) 4-1. Kenmore/Grand Island scored the first goal at the 11:35 mark of the first period when Abigail Blair scored a shorthanded goal, assisted by Grace Simmons. Coming into the second with a 1-0 score, Wiliamsville’s Maggie Fuzak made the tying shot at 13:26 and that is how the score remained until the third. Kenmore /Grand Island came out and 29 seconds into the third Olivia Smith scored on the powerplay and it was Kenmore/Grand Island until the end. Adding two more goals were Emily King and Blair dropped in her second of the night.

Frontier/Orchard Park scored the first goal when Emily Dellaneve dropped in the first with the Katz’s McKenna Rushford quickly putting in the tying goal in the first period. FOP’s Meghan Roche scored with a second left to take the lead going into the third. Two goals by FOP’s Brooke Becker, one an empty-netter and one more in the net from the stick of Rushford and the game ended with FOP going to the finals.

At the States, Beekmantown and Thousand/Island Alexandria Bay will faceoff in game one of the NYSPHSAA semi-finals at 6:30 p.m. Friday (Feb.

5). Game 2 is Kenmore/Grand Island vs Canton at 8:30 p.m. The Championship will be played at Noon on Saturday (Feb. 6) at Albany Academies.

A full wrap-up of the WNYGVIH league will be covered in the March issue of WNY Hockey Report and March issue of New York Hockey OnLine magazine.

NWHL NewsIt was Team Emily Pfalzer (Getzville) beating

Team Hilary Knight in the First-Ever National Women’s Hockey League All-Star Game. The weekend included a Friday night Gala to benefit the NWHL Foundation, a Skate With the Stars on Saturday and a skills competition and 4 on 4 game on Sunday.

Buffalo Beauts making the All Star Squad included Pfalzer, Goalie Brianne McLaughlin, Shelley Bram, Kelli Stack, Kelley Steadman, Hayley Williams, Megan Bozek, Meghan Duggan, and Devon Skeats.

The Beauts sit in third place with the New York Riveters closely behind them. Each and every upcoming game counts. Connecticut has a solid first and the Boston Pride are in second. Playoffs and the Championship will be announced shortly.

Beaut Kelley Steadman has been named Player of the Week for February 1. Steadman opened the scoring in the first period on a beautiful 5-on-3 power play goal assisted by Meghan Duggan. Just minutes later, Steadman notched another

power play goal to put the Beauts up 2-0 over the Riveters. Steadman's two goals  on Sunday  give her 11 total on the year and make her tied for 1st in NWHL scoring with the Boston Pride's Hilary Knight.

Steadman is the first player in NWHL history to be twice named to Player of the Week honors.

WNY College

Buffalo State Bengals

The Buffalo State Bengals are having their best season ever under Coach Candace Moxley. After posting a 13-4-0 record at the end of 2015 they started the New Year out with 5 straight wins, a loss and returned to have a winning two-game streak over Oswego.

Buffalo native Rachel Lenard (Orchard Park/Monsignor Martin) has returned home from Oswego to play for the Bengals. She actually scored the first goal in game one against Oswego setting the place for the 3-1 victory.

The Bengals will be at home vs Elmira on February 5 and 6; Cortland, February 12 and 13

before ending their season at Utica February 20 and 21. The ECAC West Quarterfinals will be February 27 with the Championships on March 5 and 6 at the highest seed.

Emma Ruggiero (Amherst/Regals) took ECAC Rookie of the Week honors January 11 after she posted 5 goals in

a weekend against Canton.

Women’s Hockey

Women’s Hockey

First -Ever National Women's Hockey League All-Stars.

Buffalo Beaut, Kelly Steadman named player of the week.

Buffalo Beaut, Emily Pfalzer was an All-Star captain.

Emma Ruggiero.

9

WNYHockeyReport.com

Goaltender Justin Silva took Goaltender of the Week honors January 11 after she had her second shut out of the season in a 4-0 victory over Canton.

Junior Captain Viivi Vaattovaara was named to the D3Hockey.com Women’s National Team of the Week after a weekend sweep over Oswego. She had an assist in the first game, a 3-1 win, and then netted her first goal of the season and an assist in the 2-0 victory the following day.

RITRIT is struggling for the first

time in several seasons with a 6-21-1 record. They have six games left to play before the CHA championship series begins on February 26 – 28.

Kendal Cornine was named CHA Rookie of the Week (January 12) after scoring both points in a pair of losses to Providence. She has had 4 goals and 4 assists in 22 games.

Jetta Recleff was named CHA Goaltender of the Month for December after returning from an injury and playing her first two games in two months. She showed she was ready by stopping 58 of 62 shots in a 1-4 loss to Lindenwood followed by a 1-1 tie with Lindenwood.

The Team held it’s Do It For Daron fundraiser and mental illness awareness night in January. (A full story can be found in the February issue of NY Hockey OnLine Magazine at www.nyhockeyonline.com.

UB Lady BullsThe University of Buffalo

Lady Ice Bulls are doing well this season as they post a 8-1-0 record and are in second place in the ACHA.

Among the league scoring are Lady Ice Bulls Mamie Talty and Alexis Peters. Talty has 11 goals and 13 assists and sits in ninth and Peters has 11 goals/12 assists at 16th,

B u f f a l o closes out it season with two more games on February 13 and 14 at West Chester University.

A note that N i a g a r a U n i v e r s i t y has no

womens club team this season due to lack of participation. Anyone attending or planning to attend NU and wanting to revitalize this team should contact John Spanbauer, jks@niagara.edu.

Kenmore/Grand Island Goes to NYS Girls Final Fours

Grand Island merged with Kenmore this year and went on the ride of their lives. Kenmore had been to the Final Four the past four years, taking the Section VI championship to do so. This year they five-peated (if that’s a word) and headed to Albany hoping to bring home the Championship.

In the semi-finals the Devil Dogs took on Canton. Leading the team to a 1-0 first period was Senior forward Lina Mirabella. It was all K/GI in the second with goals coming from Olivia Smith (2), and Abigail Blair. Going into the third period K/GI was up 4-0 when Canton dropped in three goals to bring the score within one. K/GI hung on and moved to the Championship with a 4-3 victory.

The Thousand Island/Alexandria Bay Lady Islanders beat Beekmantown for their trip to the Championship and a faceoff against Kenmore/Grand Island.

In the opening period Kenmore/Grand Island’s Taylor Story, assisted by Mirabella dropped in the first score of the afternoon. First period ended 1-0.

However just seconds into the second the Lady Islanders scored K/GI’s LeeAnn Wright answered back but Alex Bay/Thousand Islands tied on a powerplay goal. The final goal came just 4 minutes into the third and the Kenmore/Grand Island team came home with second place.

In Game One Olivia Smith was name the K/GI Player of the Game and in the Championship Goaltender Cara Klopp to those honors.

An editorial note from the stands: The games were high intensity, face moving and also

contained a lot of penalty minutes. The ice surface was questionable when resurfacing left puddles of water that each team had to ask officials to clean up—which they did with a broom.

Our WNY girls should be proud of their accomplishments; they have made it to the Final Four five times, something no other local team has achieved.

Kenmore was the 2011-12, 2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16 Section VI Champion; WNYGVIH Federation Champion in 2013-14 and in 2014-15 they were State finalists, losing to Massena.

Kenmore beat Thousand Islands/Alexandria Bay last year in the semis to get to the New York State Final Four against Massena.

We want to acknowledge several seniors, some whom have been with the team since its founding. Our best wishes to Miranda Butler, Kenmore West; Taylor Story, Kenmore East; Grace Simmons, Kenmore West; Emily King, Kenmore West, Lina Mirabella, Kenmore West and Cara Klopp, Kenmore West.

Congratulations also to the Coaching staff of Jeff Orlowski, and Matt Miller.

Albany Academies was a very gracious host and we thank them for their hospitality.

Around WNY… Well it took a trip to the Adirondacks for the

Buffalo Stars to play the Amherst Knights for a championship. Coming out on top were the Buffalo Stars in the U19 division of the Northstars Annual Winter Classic Tournament in January.

While Amherst lost, it is reported that they played a hard fought game and both teams gave WNY some notoriety with a First and Second place win.

In Tournament play the Stars faced Brewster and finished with a 5-0 victory. They then took on the Troy-Albany Ice Cats, ranked 11th in the country, and beat them. The Stars lost to the Long Island Lady Islanders earlier in the season but on this day they beat them with a 2-0 shutout. The Stars then drew the Amherst Knights for the Championship Game. Everyone wanted a Buffalo win, just which team was to do it.

An early goal by Kristen Brzyski, assisted by Marcella Rodgers and Jordan Weisenburg put the Stars ahead. They held the lead and beat the Knights 4-2.

“Down 4-1 the Knights never gave up,” is was reported.

News and Notes • The Amherst Knights Girls played in the

HarborCenter Cup in January.• The Hamburg Hawks 12U girls took home the trophy from the HarborCenter Cup on January 21.

• Tonawanda’s Jill Battista is playing for Merrimack College on the teams Inaugural Season. The sophomore forward from Kenmore East has tallied an assist in 18 games played.

• Madison Sansone from Nichols and the Buffalo Bisons is playing for Providence. The sophomore forward has 8 goals/2 assists in 15 games.

Kenmore / Grand Island Devil Dogs.

UB's Alexis Peters is among the nationally rranked ACHA scoring

leaders,

Women’s Hockey

10

WNYHockeyReport.com

Maddie Grisko

Maddie GriskoDiagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) is a type

of medical imaging that uses high-frequency sound waves, also known as ultrasound, to produce images of organs, tissues and blood flow. A common example of sonography is the technology that allows expectant parents to see the first images of their unborn child.

That is the definition of what Maddie Grisko wants to become. Grisko is a sophomore at the Rochester Institute of Technology studying DMS.

But besides being focused on a career in DMS, Grisko is focused on hockey. She is playing in her second season with the RIT Women’s Hockey Team.

The 2014 graduate of Amherst High School in Amherst, NY and Buffalo native was focused on RIT already back in her high school days. Why RIT? “RIT is an amazing school,” responded Grisko, the daughter of Carolyn and Stephen Grisko. “There is such an amazing support system here.

“The program that I’m studying (DMS) is one of the best around. And, of course, the hockey here is amazing. “And I love hockey.”

Grisko began skating in her backyard rink when she was about five years old. When she was approximately eight or nine, she began playing organized hockey on a boy’s team.

At 14 Grisko switched to girls hockey. She played on her high school team (Sweet Home/Amherst High School Girls Team) as well as for the Buffalo Bisons.

Grisko will be the first to admit that there was quite an adjustment to make coming from high school level hockey into the Division I College

ranks. “It was the mental part of the game,” stated Grisko, who has a brother, William and a sister, Anna. “You have to know what you are going to do with the puck before you actually get the puck.

“It is a much faster game up here at this level than it was in high school. You have to know what to do with the puck once you get it on your stick.”

Grisko will also tell you that she has learned one other important aspect of life: Time Management.

“I think playing sports at the college level helps you better manage your time,” commented Grisko, a defenseman. “You have to get up, go to the rink, you have to work out, then there is studying time in the library, classes, homework and, of course, games.

“So you have to know what you’re doing and when. And being an athlete gets you into a routine that you follow everyday.”

Looking down the road Grisko does have a plan. “I want to be able to play hockey for as long as I vcan,” she concluded. “I will play here in college and will try to continue to play once that college part of my life is over with.

“I know that with my major that is going to

start to take me into hospitals in the next year or so. From there it will be on to my professional career in the medical field.

“But I will make sure that there will always be room for hockey.”

The second season of the Holiday & Leisure Rinks women’s only league begins in March. The first season, which started in September, featured four teams with more than 60 players, plus player and goalie substitutes.

“Women want to play in a competitive yet fun senior league because there is not a lot of opportunity to play as you get older,” said league commissioner Chrissy Wolcott. “It is a great chance for old teammates and friends to get together on the ice again.”

Games were played on Friday evenings for 12 straight weeks, followed by playoff games. Player skills ranged from novice to college level and teams were formed based on individual registration.

“With the growth of women’s hockey we are looking to expand the league and we welcome all skill levels,” Wolcott said.

Each player receives a jersey with matching socks. Referee fees, scorekeepers, playoffs, and champion awards are included in the registration cost. For more information and to register, please go online to www.holidayrinks.com/womens-senior-division or email Chrissy@holidayrinks.com.

Women's Only League Starts in March

Recently, the Buffalo Stars 19U Girls Team went to Glen Falls, NY to participate in the Northstars Annual Winter Classic Tournament. The Tournament was held on January 15th - January 18th. Weekend festivities commenced for the 19U division with a skills competition. After much deliberation within team management, Jordan Weisenburg and Kaira Patterson were selected to represent the girls in the fastest skater relay. Kristen Brzyski accepted the task in competing in the timed stick-handling relay, while Casey Bower took passes from Jamie Wheeler for shooting accuracy. Respected goalie, Sam Heintz rounded out the competition by challenging shooters in the breakaway challenge. While all the athletes performed well, Kristen Brzyski and Sam Heintz won gold in their respected categories.

19U Girls: Buffalo Stars Shine Bright

11

WNYHockeyReport.com

RIT Women

by Randy SchultzRandy@wnyhockeyreport.com

The RIT women's hockey team in conjunction with College Hockey America, held its annual "Skate With the Cure" game against Syracuse University at the Gene Polisseni Center on Friday, Jan. 22. This year, RIT supported "Do It For Daron" (DIFD), an organization d e d i c a t e d to raising a w a r e n e s s , i n s p i r i n g conversations, a n d transforming youth mental health.

RIT wore special purple j e r s e y s that were a u c t i o n e d off via silent auction, with all proceeds going to DIFD. In a d d i t i o n , purple bracelets and lanyards were given out with purchase of raffle tickets.

On Nov. 13, 2010, 14-year-old Daron Richardson died by suicide. From this tragedy came a movement to transform youth mental health.

Spearheaded by Daron's parents Luke and Stephanie Richardson, who decided to transform their very private pain into a public call-to-action, a decision was made to support young people who suffer in silence from the pain of mental illness. Supported by the energy and efforts of dozens of Daron's close friends and classmates, a grassroots movement was formed with the mission of creating awareness, inspiring conversations, and transforming youth mental health.

Do It For Daron (DIFD) encourages young people to talk openly about mental illness and to

ask for help when needed. DIFD provides young people, their parents, teachers, coaches and other adult role models with the resources, outlets and, most importantly, courage to overcome the shame and fear of discussing mental illness.

The purple DIFD heart, a creation inspired by Daron's favorite color, has become the youth-driven symbol of this movement. It is a visual reminder that only love and awareness, not hiding in the shadows, can combat youth mental illness.

"We are honored to be partners with the Richardson family and the Do It For Daron Foundation," said Bruce B. Bates Women's Hockey Coach, Scott McDonald. "Mental heath awareness is crucial in development of our youth.

“The DIFD organization certainly hits close to home within the hockey community. We are hopeful to spread the positive message throughout the Rochester community.

“I think that this ‘Do It For Daron” game is very unique to women’s hockey because it happened to a woman’s hockey player. We are jumping on board to do our part and that is special.

“We need people talking about this. Young people are going through a lot these days.

“They need to know that they have people out there to support them. Coming out and talking about it is very courageous and there are people there to help them.

“And I know that this is special for Taylor. This hit pretty close to home with her. “She was a friend and teammate of Daron’s. She was there when it happened. “Taylor has stepped up and taken the situation and moved ahead with it. She has done a great job.”

RIT captain Taylor Thurston (Kanata, Ontario/All Saints Catholic) was a teammate with Daron Richardson growing up in the greater Ottawa area. They played together in bantams in 2009 and Midget AA with the Kanata Rangers. Thurston would go on to play with Daron's older sister Morgan with the Ottawa Senators of the Provincial Women's Hockey League.

"This game means so much not only to me personally having played with Daron, but thousands of youths that DIFD has inspired. It's

brought hope and inspiration to many and to play for this cause is something I will always remember.

P l a y i n g w i t h s o m e o n e like Daron, you never e x p e c t e d s o m e t h i n g like this to h a p p e n . There are no words that can ever explain how traumatic this was. Daron always had a smile on her face and was always laughing. She always brought light into a room.“ She was a

good player and I think she could have gone quite far with her hockey career. She had so much life left to live. While she may be gone, physically, she will never be forgotten. And through the foundtation her memory will continue to help others.

That’s the important idea here. We don’t want something like what happened to Daron happen again.”

Skate With the Cure

12

WNYHockeyReport.com

Jean Dupuy’s dream of extending his hockey career beyond his junior career looked bleak two years ago. He was passed over in the NHL draft in his year of eligibility (2013) after he scored four goals with three

assists in Kingston of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).

A preseason invite to the Winnipeg Jets rookie camp before the 2013-14 campaign did not result in an offer and then he was traded after only three games to Sault Ste. Marie. He was better there with nine goals and eight assists over 45 games, but hardly numbers professional scouts might notice, and they didn’t.

Another year (2014-15) and another Jets camp invite and again no contract, but everything began to change later that junior overage year back in the Soo.

All the Orleans, Ontario (east of Ottawa and just south of the Ottawa river) native did was score 18 goals with 28 assists and was +40 in 54 games in helping the Greyhounds sweep through the first two rounds of the OHL playoffs before being eliminated by Connor McDavid and the Erie Otters.

His start finally attracted the scouts’ attention and he was signed by Buffalo to a three-year entry level contract just two months into the 2014 portion of the schedule, largely due to his 6’2”, 207 lb. frame and skating ability.

“I think it (the drastic change in his production) was the change to Sault Ste. Marie that was an opportunity for a fresh start with a great coaching staff with Sheldon Keefe, A.J. MacLean and Joe Cirella who taught the game really, really well and had success at the pro game and I’m thankful that I got to work with them.

“That was the plan going into year, to prove myself and earn a contract. After going to St. John’s for the Jets training camp it boosted my confidence and came in (to that season) with a little edge.”

Fast forward 43 games into his first professional season after he earned a Rochester roster spot in training camp when none was guaranteed and you can definitely call the left shot forward a prospect.

He was tied for the team lead in plus-minus with second year pro William Carrier at +7—the only two players who had played at least 15 games in “plus” territory—and was a regular on the penalty killing unit.

“I think I’ve adapted well to the pro game,” Dupuy said after a late-January game. “I came in knowing what I wanted to do and achieve and so far, in the first half, I think it’s gone pretty well.

“I think being on the penalty kill suits my game

well and I think it’s great that I have the opportunity to be out there and I just need to rove them right by putting me out there.”

Before this season Hockey’s Future wrote of Dupuy, “What makes him attractive as a prospect is his work ethic, combativeness, and the perseverance he has shown to continue improving while overcoming a series of nagging injuries.”

“The night’s they (Dupuy and other fast skaters) don’t drive, we’re not as successful, so the urgency to drive wide and take the puck to the net whether you score or not or draw a penalty, we’re going to get a second stab at it possibly with somebody following in,” head coach Randy Cunneyworth said. “They’ve got the speed and they’ve got the duty to do that’s what we’re demanding.”

“Duper is a big, strong power skater and he does that well. He’s been doing some good work. His faceoff work is good and he’s obviously a young guy still learning the pro game and he has that grittiness. He’s a guy that doesn’t shy away from physical play and can also rip the puck with a great shot. As soon as he learns to shoot through opposing legs where the goalie can’t pick up the puck, that’s the kind of thing we’re going to try to get him to do.”

Dupuy was playing regularly with fellow rookie Nicholas Baptiste before the latter was injured.

“I me and Baps are a pretty good duo with our speed and I’m pretty hay with my progress so far and I’m just going to keep getting better,” Dupuy said. “Fix (assistant coach Paul Fixter) has been doing a great job teaching us and the veterans are a big help as well.”

November 25th on home ice in overtime against Syracuse. Three-on-three format and Dupuy picks up the puck behind his own net, skates the length of the ice, around the defenseman and scores the game-winner—his second pro goal.

“Close my eyes and stickhandle up the ice, but it was great,” Dupuy said. “Figured I would give them a different look, so I went wide, put it on net and it went five-hole.”

And the last time he went end-to-end through three guys? “Pee-wee.”

Amerks Report

Rochester Americans

by Warren KozireskiWarren@wnyhockeyreport.com

Jean DuPuy

13

WNYHockeyReport.com

By Melissa Kania

The University at Buffalo Bulls NCHA team graduated nine players in its annual Senior Night game on January 22.

Though Senior Night is a yearly occasion meant to honor those players graduating from eligibility and is held yearly by teams

around the country, the 2016 celebration for UB’s team was particularly special for a few of the players.

Several of those graduating this year have been with the team since its formation, making this year an extra-special - and often bittersweet - one for them.

One of those players is Bulls co-captain Zach LaMacchia, a Buffalo native who’s been with the team since its very beginning.

Now a grad student at the University at Buffalo, L a M a c c h i a celebrated his “Senior Night” last season before coming back for one more year with the team.

The NCHA team at UB is a fairly young program, having found its beginning just a few years ago.

The roots of the team were formed in the fall of 2012.

For those who may be unaware, the University at Buffalo also has an ACHA men’s hockey team.

Following tryouts for that team, LaMacchia says, a coach reached out to him about forming another team for the players that found themselves outside the ACHA team.

LaMacchia then connected with others, including Nate Willis, Sean Whelen and Bryan Krajewski. After several meetings, it was up to them to gather interest from players who fell outside the ACHA squad.

“There’s a good fifty to sixty kids that come out each year for only a few spots [on the ACHA team], so we knew we had the talent to make a competitive second team,” LaMacchia said.

Competitive, they certainly have been. After gathering a coaching staff, the NCHA

squad played their first exhibition games the

following spring against local teams before making their debut in the Upstate New York Club Hockey League (UNYCHL).

The team’s first recorded UNYCHL game came against D’Youville on October 19, 2013, the result of a year-long effort to build the squad.

Over the years, the UB program has grown in many ways, said head coach Jim Doersam.

“The biggest standouts are in our maturity and leadership,” Doersam said. “We have a ‘be a good teammate’ philosophy that really puts the responsibility on the players to do the right things.”

Several players still skating with the Bulls today were on the original team back in 2012 including LaMacchia and eight others.

Among those players were current Bulls co-captain Adam Oetinger and top scorer James Faran, who’s leading the charge

for the Bulls with

1 8 points (8-10) in eight games this season as of January 29.

"Being with these guys, especially the core group we started with, we're definitely going to be friends forever," Oetinger said. "I consider them my family."

Oetinger's words nicely encapsulate the thoughts of several players on the team, many of whom spoke of the family that’s been shaped over the years.

"It's a little bittersweet," said senior forward Brandon Gonzalez. "I was one of the people that started this team….. it’s hard to believe I’m a senior now.”

As LaMacchia and others reflect on their years playing in the NCHA, they look back on some fond memories, experiences they may have never imagined while playing club hockey, like Oetinger’s UNYCHL championship-winning

goal with mere seconds remaining in overtime.

“It’s just been an unbelievable e x p e r i e n c e ,” LaMacchia said. “I’ve made some lifelong friends.”

Left winger Cody Teijiera echoed Oetinger’s thoughts on the surrogate “family” that the club hockey team has formed over the years.

“I’ve made some amazing friends here,” Teijiera said.

“Each year, we add some new guys and they fit right in, and we become a bigger family,” LaMacchia added. “We have guys that graduated in previous years who come to games still and keep in contact with all the guys, which says a lot

about the type of team we have.”“Each year, we get better, and it’s exciting

to see us continue to grow, on and off the ice,” LaMacchia said.

Coach Doersam agreed that over the years, the team has become a family.

“Hockey, in and of itself, is very fraternal,” Doersam said. “These guys didn’t need to join a fraternity when they arrived at UB. If you play on our team, you are part of one of the best fraternities in the world.”

Senior Night was certainly a special occasion for the players honored.

The packed stands at the Northtown Center were filled with family members and friends who watched the Bulls capture a 2-0 win over division rival St. John Fisher, but perhaps some of the most important moments came before the puck had even dropped.

G r a d u a t i n g players were honored in a pregame c e r e m o n y that allowed them, in turn,

to honor their families who have supported them

on their hockey journey thus far."I have to thank my mom for everything she's

done for me,” Teijiera said.Oetinger said his dad has been coaching him

most of his life, adding that he was the last of three siblings playing hockey and that he thinks his parents will likely miss coming to the rink.

Bulls Senior Night

NCHA Report

Continued on Page 43

14

WNYHockeyReport.com

by Warren Kozireski Warren@wnyhockeyreport.com

Rensselaer senior defenseman Chris Bradley and Cornell senior forward John Knisley have quite a bit in common besides both hailing from Western New York towns of Williamsville and Pittsford respectively.

Both have fewer than 10 career goals despite playing over 125 (Bradley) or over 85 (Knisley) career games.

Both had one goal in this 2015-16 campaign through January 15th.

And both do the little things correctly on the ice and off, which is why both are captains for their nationally ranked clubs.

Knisley played high school hockey at Pittsford before launching his junior career with the Syracuse Stars and later spent two seasons with the Vernon Vipers of the British Columbia Hockey League prior to joining Cornell. Ten of his development years were spent with the Syracuse Stars with one year with the Rochester Alliance.

He played 24 games in his freshman season largely in a fourth line role scoring two goals that

year with his first against Harvard Nov. 16. He added one goal and three assists over 27 games in his sophomore season before his to-date career best five goal junior year (tied for third on the team) including a short-hander.

The 5’9” 167 lb. forward is listed on the right wing, but is often called on to take key face-offs late in games. He missed seven games earlier this season after having surgery for a torn abdominal muscle.

“I’ve been using him on left wing, right wing, center,” Cornell head coach Mike Schafer said. “He’s a versatile player, never says boo and just goes out and does his job. He just jumps over the board and plays any position we want.

“He’s part of a great class and a great group of friends. They’re very committed to great team chemistry and is part of that tight knit group.”

“I’ve got to give credit to the rest of my class—we do things as a group from a leadership standpoint and run things past each other,” Knisley said.

“We each bring something different to the table, so overall we make a good leadership group.

“It’s ingrained in our program to be disciplined, commitment to detail, having that blue-collar mentality and working for everything. We have that junkyard mentality where we want to hound pucks, play in their zone and get to the gritty areas to score goals.”

Knisley grew up with the dream of playing at Cornell from his dad being friends with the Paolini family and going to Lynah Rink to watch younger son and Spencerport native Sam Paolini play. Paolini would go on to win the Hockey Humanitarian Award in his senior year.

“In 2003 he (Sam) was a walk-on here at Cornell and I looked up to him. Going to those games, it’s something you want to be a part of—its special playing in front of those fans and something I wanted to strive towards.

Bradley played two seasons for St. Joseph’s in Buffalo before jumping to the Youngstown (OH) Phantoms in the United States Hockey League for two years. There he scored ten career goals with 23 assists over 113 games.

Though he hasn’t put up huge offensive numbers for the top-20 ranked Engineers, he plays boatloads of minutes in all situations and is known for his shot-blocking (a team-high 52 as of this writing, which is tops in the ECAC).

He picked the perfect time to score his first goal of the season—the only tally in a 1-0 shutout over eight-ranked Cornell.

“I pride myself on my defense and when I can chip in offensively that’s great, so it’s something I wanted to work on to improve my game and, as a d-corps, we’re trying to more involved in the play,” Bradley said.

The 6’2” 200 lb. blueliner was a team-best +18 and given the team’s Best Defensive Player Award as a sophomore leading to his role wearing a letter this season.

“It’s an honor to wear the “C” at a program like this with the legacy and tradition it brings, so it’s something that is very special to me and every game I just try to do the best I can to help the team win.

“I honestly thinks it’s just the way my parents (Linda and Peter) raised me. They raised me to be a hard worker in every situation no matter what the cost is. And through the years I’ve played for a lot of coaches who have pushed me to a level and helped me get to where I am today.

“It’s just about learning from guys who came before me and captains’ who were here before me; learning what I liked and what I dislike and how they led the team and just something I’m really appreciative to be a part of.”

As both Knisley and Bradley head into the stretch run of their final games as collegiate hockey players, are they getting a bit nostalgic?

“I’m trying not to think of it that way, but it is a motivator for me knowing that I don’t have too many of these times on the ice left whether it’s practice or games, so everyone counts,” Knisley said.

“Yeah, but I’m trying not to think about it with only five home games left in the fieldhouse, but I know we’ll get a playoff run. I’m trying not to focus on it too much, but focus on making my mark and doing something special as a team,” Bradley summarized.

Exactly the words you would expect from captains.

WNY College Captains

College Captains

Chris Bradley

John Knisley

15

WNYHockeyReport.com

By Mike Smietana info@topshelfhockey.us

Along with myself our staff includes current college coaches and trainers. We have recently acquired Matt Oleski who will be the Head Coach of the Niagara County Community College (NCCC) Men’s Club Hockey team in 2016 - 2017 season. When not around the rink Matt works in Athletics and teaches Health and Physical Education at NCCC. He also assists in coordinating Strength & Conditioning for each of the 10 Athletic teams. Also, current University at Buffalo NCHA associate Head Coach Richard Welker has joined our staff. Richard played for Canisius College Golden Griffiths Div. I team before rounding out his college hockey participation at Buffalo State College NCAA Div. III. To see our full staff bios visit www.topshelfhockey.us and click on staff.TSH Spring Clinics

If you are looking to work on your skills before tryouts there two spring clinics that we have coming in the upcoming days @ Holiday Twin Rinks, March 21st, 22nd, and 23rd This clinic will be a nice tune up for tryouts and will be an all-day clinic. Players will get a total of 8hrs of hockey each day which include video sessions as well as activities. Players are brought through an entire day of hockey, participating in on-ice and off-ice training; taught a new skill each day. Day 1 will focus on Forwards and Backwards Skating, Day 2 will focus on Stick handling and Day 3 will focus on Shooting. The other clinic will be @ Northtown Center, March 21st and 22nd which will be an all skills clinics and we will be giving away an autographed puck by Sabres rookie sensation Jack Eichel. The puck will be given to the clinics most improved player. Both clinics will be a glimpse into our summer development program. TSH Summer Program

The purpose of our Top Shelf Hockey 8 week summer development program and hockey training is to keep our players active; educate them on the different skill techniques and also show them the benefits of exercise in the off season. It is also a great opportunity for players who are not involved in summer training to be more active on a regular basis and not just for one week, like most week long summer hockey camps. Educating players on different skill techniques through video analysis of each skill: skating, puck-handling and shooting is a great way for students to get an evaluation and visual of how they appear on the ice.

Introducing new dekes and evasive tactics will help players lead into experimenting trying new movements that they might not otherwise get a chance to develop. Once educated, over an 8 week program and through a high volume of repetitions, players might also discover they are "naturally" talented at certain skills which will motivate them to become a better athlete. This is not just hockey training it is physiological development. I firmly believe that my role as a skills coach is not only to educate players on new tactics but also to participate along-side the players providing them with appropriate and adequate demonstrations which will give them the proper knowledge on proper technique. TSH’s goals are that we want our players/students to understand that they shouldn't just be active in hockey so that they can make the NHL. The goal is to work towards improving each week. That is why, with our Top Shelf Hockey summer development camp, we perform testing with our players. The testing is at the beginning and end of the camp which will show if the player has made progress. Our testing process is taken seriously and is also very accurate; having experienced many years now developing valid testing protocols and processes. I know that I can say over 90% of TSH players improve on their on ice testing. Our objective as hockey educators is to accelerate the process of development for each individual hockey player we teach. During our summer program we will train the players on the ice and off the ice. The on ice training specializes in the development of skating technique, starts, turns, and footwork. Along with a high volume of repetitions to improve hand speed and shot release. Initially assessing the skating stride, puck-handling ability and shot technique gives a technical analysis on overall technique. Also, there is technical introduction to checking which is incorporated into the camp with modifications for younger non-check players. The goal here is to not just run players through drills and look good. We actually try and develop our players. Here are upcoming dates for our

summer development program: Camp Highlights:• Non assembly-line setup (unlike most large

camps).• Four stations with 4-6 players per station (smaller

player to coach ratio for a more individualized focus on each player).  

• Initial video analysis with re-evaluation after 8 weeks.

• Nationally Certified Coaches/Instructors.• Real-time game situation conditioning (with

goalies in place).• Guarantee 200 shots per shooting session. More detailed description of Summer Camp locations and layout:Holiday Twin Rinks:  Mondays starting July 11th for 8 weeks – Ages: 15+Skill Levels: Pro, College, Jr, AAA, AA

Hyde Park Ice Pavilion:  Tuesdays starting July 12th for 8 weeks – Ages: 8-16 years oldSkill Levels: A, House Select, House, Beginner

Northtown Center: Wednesdays starting July 20th for 8 weeks – Ages: 8-14 years oldSkill Levels: AAA, AA, A, House Select

REGISTER @ WWW.TOPSHELFHOCKEY.US

The Top Shelf Team

Top Shelf Training

www.topshelfhockey.us

Our objective is to accelerate the process of development for each individual hockey player.We specialize in skating,

handspeed and shot releasetechniques using Top Shelf Training Methods.

We Emphasize:Stride Efficiency / Evading Defenders / Shooting Evaluation /

Technical Analysis of All Skills We Offer:

Private Ice / Team Training / Summer Camps / Winter ClinicsEaster Clinics – March 21, 22, 23

Visit our website for more information.(716) 381-4207

www.topshelfhockey.us

16

WNYHockeyReport.com

Men’s Club Hockey

Never mind that the Buffalo area had a green Christmas. Never mind that some rodent down in Pennsylvania predicted an early spring. El Niño? El Schmiño.

The folks who have organized the Tim Hortons Backyard Classic in Williamsville for the past seven years are no strangers to adverse weather conditions. Even with the unusual weather we've experienced this winter, planners are moving full speed ahead to host outdoor hockey on the grounds of The Angry Buffalo @ The Rose Garden, located on Wehrle Drive just east of Transit.

Come heck or high water, or continued unseasonal conditions, they're determined to get teams on the ice.

“Six out of the past seven years we've had to move the date,” said Christopher Taggart, Tournament Coordinator for the event. “Usually to a following weekend, a couple of weekends later. It happens.”

This year's tournament is scheduled for the final weekend of February (26-28), with the makeup dates the following weekend in early March.

“This year we had some challenges that sort of put us on a timeline at the end of February,” Taggart explained. “Winter break for the kids, Super Bowl we eekend, Valentine's weekend, that kind of stuff. That's how we ended up at the end of February and if that doesn't go, we go the first week of March.”

What started years ago as a truly backyard tournament grew to a point where they needed a bigger space. That space is The Angry Buffalo @ The Rose Garden, an establishment that Taggart says has gladly embraced the tournament.

“Really good to work with,” he said. “They've got great specials during the tournament. Last year was our traction year for the restaurant. They really got some great exposure.”

As of press deadline, 30 teams were reportedly committed to the tournament, which is open to age divisions ranging from youth to adult. The youth divisions begin as young as 6U (Micron) with divisions running up to adult.

The format for older divisions is three skaters

Tim Hortons Backyard Classic Readies for 8th Annual Run By Michael Mroziak

By Dave Ricci

One thing is certain, you can't never question the heart of the Spartans.

The expression that sports doesn't build character, but rather reveals it, is true when it comes to the 2015-16 D’Youville Spartans. As they battle their way through the last few weeks of the National Collegiate Hockey Association season they have found that injuries have taken their toll and their numbers have dropped from 15 players at the start of the season to just 12.

“It's nice because the 12 guys that we do have are all class acts. They're great guys on and off the ice,” said assistant coach Jordan Kilijanski. “If I were to pick the 12 people that I want to have on the ice at all times it'd be these guys. It's great to see them all come together and they all love the sport so much that they can't let it go. They just have to play no matter what.”

Defenseman Jeff Spors said that it's essentially been the same story for the team all season long. They have the talent to hang with any team early in games. But by the third period the numbers game takes its toll as their opponents have the man power to simply wear the Spartans down.

Especially if they fall behind early and have to play catch up hockey. Which is why the Spartans try to limit themselves to quick chances, because they know long shifts will drain them much quicker.

“We talk about having each others’ backs and playing for the guy next to us,” Spors said.

Kilijanski said that the entire coaching staff is beyond proud at the way the guys have battled against the odds all season. Kilijanski added that the character the players have shown all season, by refusing to quit on each other, tells him that they have the kind of character and focus that will serve them well when they leave school and pursue their individual career and life goals.

“They know from the get-go that they're the underdogs. They know that they have to work a lot harder,” Kilijanski said. “They know what we have to do on the ice to give them a chance to win. They keep their nose to the grindstone. They keep going. They won't stop working.”

Goalies Trevor Taggart and Lucas Prosia continue to hang tough between the pipes and do their best to give DYU a chance to win.

Though D'Youville hasn't notched as many wins as they would have liked, 4-8 overall, 1-2 in North Eastern Conference West Division, they still have a formidable offense with five players in double digits. Zach Klapp has 11 goals and five assists while Brian Warner leads the team with 12 goals.

Spors said that knowing that this will likely be the last form of truly competitive hockey they will all experience is also a driving factor in the team pushing through the adversity and continue playing for the pure love of the game.

“I think that influences it for sure, but I also think we have a lot of chemistry together,” Spors said. “All the guys like each other and we all get along. So that also helps. If a guy is having an off game, we're able to pick him up.”

American Collegiate Hockey AssociationUniversity at Buffalo

The Bulls offense continues to run all over the opposition. As the season winds down, the Bulls numbers continue to grow. Last time WNYHR checked in, the Bulls had 16 players in double figures.

That list has now grown to a total of 18 players, seven of which have 20-plus points. With 29 points (14 goals/15 assists), Robert Lang continues to lead the Bulls. Sean Dungan (28 points) leads the team with 24 assists and Eric Szczecinski's 16 goals ranks him first in that category.

Senior goalie Dylan Arnold (1.88 GAA) has departed the team, leaving the net duties to Ian Shorthouse, Tyler Stark and freshman Max Battistoni.

Niagara University

Niagara is primed to defend its league and playoff titles. Opponents still haven’t solved the Purple Eagles’ top line of Dalton Bew, Josh Pietrangelo and Andrew Mitch. Bew and Pietrangelo, as of press time, are at the 50-point mark with Bew's 22 goals leading the team and Pietrangelo's 31 assists ranking second only to Mitch's 34 assists.

College Club Hockey: A Spartan showing at D’Youville

17

WNYHockeyReport.com

By Steve ThomsonNick Pagliacci has the

scoring touch and has joined a handful of players in hockey that have scored some of the Fastest Consecutive Goals - by the same player. Players in the club include Troy Murray, Nels Stewart, Wayne

Babych, Deron Quint, and Nathan Gerbe.#12 Nick Pagliacci of the number 1 ranked

Central ACHA Div II Lindenwood University-Belleville Lynx, scored two goals in five seconds.

Center Nick Pagliacci, was facing sister school Lindenwood University – St. Charles on Thursday January 13 when this rare hockey event unfolded.

The St. Charles squad were on a regroup high in their zone and Nick Pagliacci was in hot pursuit hounding the puck, when he picked the defenseman’s pocket at the blue line and with a quick turn drove the net and sniped a bullet wrist shot over the glove of the stunned St. Charles tender at 3:44 of the second period.

Lindenwood – Belleville Coach Lindsay Middlebrook said “typically after a goal the players come to bench for a change and for whatever reason, this night the players on the bench urged them to stay, almost as if they knew.”

The relentless fore-checking of Pagliacci just earned him entry into a small hockey club for Fastest Consecutive Goals by the Same Player as he scored just 5 seconds later off the ensuing face off.

Pagliacci said “we lost the draw, they went D to D. I read it and jumped in and intercepted the pass. I took two hard strides and ripped a quick wrist shot stick side over the pad.”

“Nick is a great addition to the team. He’s a hard working player with good speed and a good shot. We are expecting big things for the future and he’ll be a part of it.” Coach Middlebrook said.

These sentiments are also expressed by his teammates who choose what player gets the Hard Hat for the hardest working player each game. Nick Pagliacci has been his peer’s choice recipient multiple times already this season.

This unique hockey event and Nick’s top contributions to his team’s National title run almost never happened. Thirteen months ago Nick Pagliacci’s hockey career was over.

Nick was playing for a fledgling college club program and it was just another stop in failed club operations and misplaced trust through his playing career. But Nick had the ability and talent to play at a competitive Jr. and College level. That’s where Steve Thomson of HPHD comes in.

Steve Thomson said “I saw that Nick had talent and skills. The other thing he had was a strong passion for the game. He just needed someone in his corner that believed in him and that could get him to a level fitting his skills.” Steve Thomson promoted Nick to the Western States Hockey League to finish the season as a Junior player to get the real college looks and he did.

Nick expressed “I'd like to thank HPHD hockey, Coach Steve, for helping me change everything around in 1 year. I'd also like to thank the WSHL

and Southern Oregon Spartans Hockey organization.

The professionalism and first class organization they run made it really easy for me to develop as a player and a person.”

This is a great moment for a player, otherwise cast aside. It shows that perseverance, hard work and commitment to your education, and with the right expert guidance, players like Nick Pagliacci can set small records and realize their dreams.

and a goalie, with full-sized nets. Younger divisions will have four skaters and a goalie. Each playing surface measures about 100 feet long by 40 feet wide.

Taggart revealed that feedback received indicates the players love having a goalie to shoot on, rather than the shorter, unguarded slot goal.

“That's why people like our tournament so much,” he said. “You just don't get those cheap

goals that are just someone clearing the puck all the way across the ice and it goes in the net. It's more like a real game.”

And as in past years, proceeds raised go to support a local cause. This year, the exclusive beneficiary will be the Buffalo Sabres Sled Hockey program, a not-for-profit organization that gives physically challenged individuals an opportunity to play one of Western New York's most popular sports.

Four teams from that program will participate in the Classic, playing against each other while showing all others in attendance that they, too, can play the game.

More information about the tournament, including instructions and prices for registration, can be found at www.timhortonsbackyardclassic.com.

Now if only the weather would play nice.

“We're old school,” Taggart said. “We don't have refrigeration systems. This is something that was organically created through our backyard and now has graduated into where we're at now.”

Pagliacci – Back to Back Goals in Seconds

Nick Pagliacci

TRYOUT EdiTiOn 2016-2017wnyhockeyreport.com18

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

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

BOYS Teams Level Head Coach Birth Years Dates Time Rink

Squirt Minor (SBB) AA Brian Duffett 2007

Mon Mar 7, 2016 4:30 - 5:30 pm North Buffalo Rink

Tue Mar 8, 2016 4:30 - 5:30 pm North Buffalo Rink

Wed Mar 9, 2016 6:00 - 7:00 pm North Buffalo Rink

Squirt Major (SBA) AA Chris Scinta 2006

Mon Mar 7, 2016 4:30 - 5:30 pm North Buffalo Rink

Tue Mar 8, 2016 4:30 - 5:30 pm North Buffalo Rink

Wed Mar 9, 2016 6:00 - 7:00 pm North Buffalo Rink

Peewee Minor (PBB) AA Kevin Barry 2005

Mon Mar 7, 2016 6:30 - 7:30 pm North Buffalo Rink

Tue Mar 8, 2016 6:30 - 7:30 pm North Buffalo Rink

Wed Mar 9, 2016 7:00 - 8:00 pm North Buffalo Rink

Peewee Major TB (PBA) AA Rowland Richards 2004

Mon Mar 7, 2016 7:30 - 8:30 pm North Buffalo Rink

Tue Mar 8, 2016 7:30 - 8:30 pm North Buffalo Rink

Wed Mar 9, 2016 7:00 - 8:00 pm North Buffalo Rink

Peewee Mix (PBC) A Joe Pelino 2004 - 2005

Mon Mar 7, 2016 8:30 - 9:30 pm North Buffalo Rink

Tue Mar 8, 2016 8:30 - 9:30 pm North Buffalo Rink

Fri Mar 11, 2016 6:00 - 7:00 pm North Buffalo Rink

Bantam Minor (BBB) AA Steven Casey 2003

Tue Apr 5, 2016 8:00 - 9:00 pm North Buffalo Rink

Wed Apr 6, 2016 8:00 - 9:00 pm North Buffalo Rink

Thur Apr 7, 2016 6:00 - 7:00 pm North Buffalo Rink

Bantam Major TB (BBA) AA Rob Kneer 2002

Tue Apr 5, 2016 9:00 - 10:00 pm North Buffalo Rink

Wed Apr 6, 2016 9:00 - 10:00 pm North Buffalo Rink

Thur Apr 7, 2016 6:00 - 7:00 pm North Buffalo Rink

Midget 15U (MBC) AA TBD 2001

Tue Apr 5, 2016 5:00 - 6:00 pm Buffalo State Arena

Wed Apr 6, 2016 5:00 - 6:00 pm Buffalo State Arena

Thur Apr 7, 2016 7:00 - 8:15 pm Buffalo State Arena

Midget 16U TB (MBB) AA Kevin Orzechowski 2000Tue Apr 5, 2016 7:00 - 8:00 pm Buffalo State Arena

Wed Apr 6, 2016 7:00 - 8:00 pm Buffalo State Arena

Midget 18U TB (MBA) AA Tom DiGiacomo 1998 - 1999

Tue Apr 5, 2016 6:00 - 7:00 pm Buffalo State Arena

Wed Apr 6, 2016 6:00 - 7:00 pm Buffalo State Arena

Thur Apr 7, 2016 8:15 - 9:30 pm Buffalo State Arena

GIRLS Teams Level Head Coach Birth Years Dates Time Rink

Girls 10 & Under Tiers I or II Shelley Looney 2006 - 2007

Mon Mar 7, 2016 5:30 - 6:30 pm North Buffalo Rink

Tue Mar 8, 2016 5:30 - 6:30 pm North Buffalo Rink

Thur Mar 10, 2016 6:00 - 7:00 pm North Buffalo Rink

Girls 12 & Under TB Tier I Bill Waszkielewicz 2004 - 2005

Mon Mar 7, 2016 5:30 - 6:30 pm North Buffalo Rink

Tue Mar 8, 2016 5:30 - 6:30 pm North Buffalo Rink

Thur Mar 10, 2016 6:00 - 7:00 pm North Buffalo Rink

Girls 14 & Under TB Tier I Kevin Orzechowski 2002 - 2003

Tue Apr 5, 2016 5:00 - 6:00 pm North Buffalo Rink

Wed Apr 6, 2016 5:00 - 6:00 pm North Buffalo Rink

Thur Apr 7, 2016 5:00 - 6:00 pm North Buffalo Rink

Girls 16 & Under TB Tier I Rich Gicewicz 2000 - 2001

Tue Apr 5, 2016 6:00 - 7:00 pm North Buffalo Rink

Wed Apr 6, 2016 6:00 - 7:00 pm North Buffalo Rink

Thur Apr 7, 2016 9:00 - 10:30 pm North Buffalo Rink

Girls 19 & Under TB Tier I John Cleary 1997 - 1999

Tue Apr 5, 2016 7:00 - 8:00 pm North Buffalo Rink

Wed Apr 6, 2016 7:00 - 8:00 pm North Buffalo Rink

Thur Apr 7, 2016 9:00 - 10:30 pm North Buffalo Rink

Bison Hockey Travel Team Tryoutsfor the 2016 - 2017 Season

NBH048-AD WNY Hockey REPORT.indd 1 2/4/16 2:50 PM

TRYOUT EdiTiOn 2016-2017 wnyhockeyreport.com 19

Tier 1 AAA 2016-2017 Tryouts

www.saintshockey.com

• Janosz Goalie clinic weekly.• FREE weekly skill

developement sessions• Players trying out from a

different organization must provide a release.

• $10 fee for all tryouts.

Girls 12U TB TB David Dee DDee@roadrunner.com Mon., March 7th 7:00 pm @ Depew Tues., March 8th 7:00 pm @ Depew

2009 Mite Minor AAA Jeff Welch JWelch@Harmac.com Sun., March 6th 5:00 pm @ Depew Thurs., March 10th 5:30 pm @ Depew

2008 Mite Major AAA Tony Johnson AJohnson51812@yahoo.com Sun. March 6th 7:00 pm @Depew Thurs., March 10th 6:30 pm @ Depew

2007 Squirt Minor AAA Grant Gunsher GGunsh@roadrunner.com Mon., March 7th & Tues., March 8th 5:00 pm @ Depew

2007 Squirt Minor AA Jason Lawrence J.lawrence16@gmail.com Mon., March 7th & Tues., March 8th 5:00 pm @ Depew

2006 Squirt Major AAA Alan Dembski AJCDembski@aol.com Mon., March 7th 6:30 pm @ Buffalo State Tues., March 8th 7:50 pm @ Depew

2005 Peewee Minor AAA Eric Bauer Ericbauer10@aol.com Mon., March 7th 8:00 pm @ Depew Tues., March 8th 7:00 pm @ Depew

2005 Peewee Minor AATim Setteducati TSettedu@its.jnj.com Tues., March 8th 6:00 pm @ Depew Wed., March 9th at 6:30 pm

2004 Pewee Major AAA TB Coach Kevin Wicka kpw@gmail.com Mon., March 7th 6:00 pm @ Depew Tues., March 8th 8:40 pm @ Depew

TRYOUT EdiTiOn 2016-2017wnyhockeyreport.com20

Development & College Placement

Niagara Junior

Ice HawksNiagara Junior

Ice Hawks

Hyde Park Ice Pavilion Niagara Falls, NY

Free trYouts! sat., Feb. 20th & sun., Feb. 21st at Hyde Park Ice

Pavilion

spring Hockey Development & tournaments

teamAmerica

teamAmerica

teamAmerica

season: Fall 2016 & 2017 Sept 1st-April 1stFor tryouts, Pricing, & More Info.

contact: NJRIHinfo@gmail.com http://facebook.com/NJRIH

General Managers:Gary Hill

(JR. A Buffalo Lightning)Dr. Louis R. Baumann

For more information contact us!

hillshockeydevelop ment@gmail.com

New Website Coming March 1st.

GMHL Junior A LeagueHead Coach:

Jason Hill (Minor Pro, DIII Buffalo State)

Assistant Coaches:Dan Marrone

(JR. Buffalo Stars)Nick Lotempio (JR. B Thorold)Bobby Kostiw

(AAA)skill Development Coaches:

Mike Smietana (DIII Fredonia)Josh Bluman

(DIII Buffalo State)Brian Dowd (DI Niagara)

Dave Bentley (JR. B Welland)

Coaches:

98’ AA/AAA Dave Bentley (JR. B Welland)

99’ AA/AAA Mike Smietana (DIII Fredonia)

00’ Elite AAA Brian Dowd (DI Niagara)

00’ AA/AAA Jason Hill (Minor Pro) & Nick Lotempio (JR. B Thorold)

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

03’ AA/AAA Joe Stumpo (JR. B Blades) & Jason Hill (Minor Pro)

03’ AA/AAA Brian Dowd (DI Niagara)

06’/07’ AA/AAA Steve Hess (Level 4)

09’ Jason Hill(Minor Pro) 10 week program FULL ICE 5 SCRIMMAGES

21u Girls Elite Jason Hill (Minor Pro) Dates: June-July

Contact us for more information on

summer Camps!

TRYOUT EdiTiOn 2016-2017 wnyhockeyreport.com 21

www.buffaloregals.orgwww.buffaloregals.org

TEAM BIRTH COACH LEAGUE TRYOUT YEAR DATE/TIMEMITE MAJOR AAA/ NOVICE 2008 MARK MILLER SCTA/OMHA MON. 3/7/2016 5:30 pm TUES. 3/8/2016 6:30 pm

SQUIRT MINOR AAA/MINOR ATOM 2007 JASON BRIDGE SCTA/OMHA MON. 3/7/2016 6:15 pm TUES. 3/8/2016 5:15 pm

SQUIRT MAJOR AAA/ ATOM 2006 PAUL SULLIVAN SCTA/OMHA MON. 3/7/2016 5:15 pm TUES. 3/8/2016 6:15 pm

PEE WEE MINOR AAA 2005 ROB PETERS SCTA/OMHA MON. 3/7/2016 8:15 pm TUES. 3/8/2016 5:30 pm

PEE WEE MAJOR AAA 2004 STEVE LOVULLO/ SCTA/OMHA MON. 3/7/2016 7:15 pm GENE NAAB TUES. 3/8/2016 7:15 pm

GIRLS 10U TRAVEL HEINZ REMUS MON. 3/7/2016 6:30 pm GIRLS 12U TB CHRIS UTZ THURS. 3/10/2016 6:30 pm

MITE ADM 2008 SEAN ZENT USA HOCKEY ADM WED. 3/9/2016 5:30 pm

SQUIRT MAJOR AA 2006 JOHN CAVAR EMPIRE WEST WED. 3/9/2016 7:30 pm THURS. 3/10/2016 7:30 pm

PEE WEE MINOR AAA 2005 JOHN BAK EMPIRE WEST TUES. 3/8/2016 6:30 pm THURS. 3/10/2016 5:30 pm

PEE WEE MINOR AA 2005 BOB HUDSON EMPIRE WEST WED. 3/9/2016 6:30 pm THURS. 3/10/2016 7:30 pm

PEE WEE MAJOR AAA 2004 DEAN EMPIRE WEST TUE. 3/8/2016 8:15 pm SCHWENKBECK THURS. 3/10/2016 8:30 pm

PEE WEE MAJOR AA 2004 RICH YAEGER EMPIRE WEST WED. 3/9/2016 8:30 pm THURS. 3/10/2016 8:30 pm

2016-17 Tryouts2016-17 Tryouts

ALL TRYOUTS WILL BE HELD AT HOLIDAY TWIN RINKSPLAYERS MUST HAVE A RELEASE FROM PREVIOUS ORGANIZATION

ALL BUFFALO REGALS TEAMS ARE PROUD MEMBERS OF USA HOCKEY

Sunday March 6th 6:00-7:00 pm Holiday Twin RinksMite and squirt house skate and sign up this event is free to all players birth year 2006 or later -

must be usa hockey registered and have a release from your previous organization.

2009 Development Coordinator

Rich Chudzik

2010 Development Coordinator Bill Senay

TRYOUT EdiTiOn 2016-2017wnyhockeyreport.com22

www.westsenecayouthhockey.com

Monday, March 74:30pm Mite Major5:30pm Mite Minor6:30pm Squirt Major AAA7:30pm Squirt Minor AAA8:30pm PeeWee Major AAA9:30pm PeeWee Minor AAA

Tuesday, March 84:30pm Mite Major / Mite Minor5:15pm Squirt Major AAA / Squirt Minor AAA6:00pm Squirt Major AA7:00pm Squirt Minor AA8:00pm PeeWee Major AAA / PeeWee Minor AAA8:45pm PeeWee Minor AA9:45pm PeeWee Major AA

Wednesday, March 94:30pm Girls 5:30pm Squirt Minor AA6:30pm Squirt Major AA7:30pm PeeWee Minor AA8:30pm PeeWee Major AAMajor AAA

Mite, Squirt, PeeWee & Girls Tryouts

All Tryouts held at the West Seneca Town Rink

Proud Members of USA Hockey All Tryouts are $15 per session

All House and Travel players (other than current West Seneca players)

must have a release from their current Hockey Association.

A deposit is required at signing.Check our website for additional information.

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

2016 2017

TRYOUT EdiTiOn 2016-2017 wnyhockeyreport.com 23

DIVISION BIRTH YEAR DATE TIME COACH LOCATION

Squirt Minor AAA 2007 March 7, 2016 March 8, 2016

5:30 PM 5:30 PM

Steve Hess Hockey Outlet

Squirt Major AAA 2006 March 7, 2016 March 8, 2016

5:30 PM 5:30 PM

“Available” Hockey Outlet

PeeWee Minor AAA 2005 March 7, 2016 March 8, 2016

6:30 PM 6:30 PM

Kris Kinsella Hockey Outlet

PeeWee Minor AA 2005 March 7, 2016 March 8, 2016

7:30 PM 7:30 PM

Manguso / Mickey Hockey Outlet

PeeWee Major AAA “Tournament Bound”

2004 March 7, 2016 March 8, 2016

6:30 PM 6:30 PM

Tony Brovata Hockey Outlet

Bantam Minor AAA 2003 April 5, 2016 April 6, 2016

5:30 PM 5:30 PM

Joe Stumpo Hockey Outlet

Bantam Minor II AA 2003 April 5, 2016 April 6, 2016

6:30 PM 6:30 PM

Kevin Doyle Hockey Outlet

Bantam Major AAA “Tournament Bound”

2002 April 5, 2016 April 6, 2016

5:30 PM 5:30 PM

“Available” Hockey Outlet

Bantam Major II AA 2002 April 5, 2016 April 6, 2016

6:30 PM 6:30 PM

Robert Kalota Hockey Outlet

Midget 15U AAA Split Season

“Tournament Bound” 2001

April 5, 2016 April 6, 2016

7:30 PM 7:30 PM

Woods / Stinis Hockey Outlet

Midget 15U II AA 2001 April 5, 2016 April 6, 2016

9:30 PM 9:30 PM

Ken Dewey Hockey Outlet

Midget 16U AAA Split Season

“Tournament Bound” 2000

April 5, 2016 April 6, 2016

7:30 PM 7:30 PM

Kostiw / Lotempio Hockey Outlet

Midget 16U II AA 2000 April 5, 2016 April 6, 2016

9:30 PM 9:30 PM

Dave Cannon Hockey Outlet

Midget 16U II AA 2000 April 5, 2016 April 6, 2016

9:30 PM 9:30 PM

Jim Michalowski Hockey Outlet

Midget 18U AAA Split Season

“Tournament Bound”1998 / 1999

April 5, 2016 April 6, 2016

10:30 PM 10:30 PM

“Available” Hockey Outlet

Midget 18U II AA 1998 / 1999 April 5, 2016 April 6, 2016

10:30 PM 10:30 PM

Dan Stinis Hockey Outlet

Midget 18U II AA 1998 / 1999 April 5, 2016 April 6, 2016

10:30 PM 10:30 PM

Dan McMahon Hockey Outlet

Girls 12U II AA “TB and NTB Teams”

2004 / 2005 March 7, 2016 March 8, 2016

8:30 PM 8:30 PM

Patrick Bonner Hockey Outlet

Girls 14U II AA “TB and NTB Teams”

2002 / 2003 April 5, 2016 April 6, 2016

8:30 PM 8:30 PM

Patrick Bonner Hockey Outlet

Girls 16U II AA “TB and NTB Teams”

2000 / 2001 April 5, 2016 April 6, 2016

8:30 PM 8:30 PM

Patrick Bonner Hockey Outlet

Girls 19U II AA 1997 – 1999 April 5, 2016 April 6, 2016

8:30 PM 8:30 PM

Ned Schule Hockey Outlet

The Wheatfield Blades are a “AAA” hockey association. For information please visit our website at House & Travel players (other than current WB players) MUST have a release from their current Hockey Association.

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

Wheatfield Blades 2016-2017 Travel Team Tryout ScheduleTryouts Are FREE / Tryouts Are FREE / Tryouts Are FREE

www.wheatfieldblades.com

TRYOUT EdiTiOn 2016-201724

www.billgraysiceplex.com585-424-4625

Rochester Youth HockeyRochester Youth Hockey Boys AAATeam Date TimeSquirt Minor AAA 3/7/2016 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM 3/8/2016 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Squirt Major AAA 3/7/2016 6:10 PM - 7:40 PM 3/8/2016 6:10 PM - 7:40 PM

Peewee Minor AAA 3/7/2016 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM 3/8/2016 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Peewee Major AAA 12u T/B 3/7/2016 7:10 PM - 8:40 PM 3/8/2016 7:40 PM - 9:00 PM

Bantam Minor AAA 4/5/2016 5:45 PM - 7:15 PM 4/6/2016 5:45 PM - 7:15 PM

Bantam Major AAA 14u T/B 4/5/2016 6:00 PM - 7:15 PM 4/6/2015 6:00 PM - 7:15 PM

U15 AAA TB (Split Season) 4/5/2016 7:15 PM - 8:45 PM 4/6/2016 7:15 PM - 8:45 PM

U16 AAA TB (Full Season) 4/5/2016 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM 4/6/2015 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM

U18 AAA TB (Ful Season) 4/5/2016 8:45 PM -10:15 PM 4/6/2016 8:45 PM -10:15 PM

TRYOUTS

Facebook.com/JuniorAmericans

@JuniorAmericans

wnyhockeyreport.com 25

www.billgraysiceplex.com585-424-4625

Rochester Youth HockeyRochester Youth Hockey Boys AATeam Date Time Squirt Major AA 3/9/2016 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM 3/10/2016 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Squirt Mixed AA 3/11/2016 TBD

Squirt Major AA 3/9/2016 6:10 PM - 7:40 PM 3/10/2016 6:10 PM - 7:40 PM

Peewee Minor AA 3/9/2016 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM 3/10/2016 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Peewee Major AA 3/9/2016 7:40 PM - 9:10 PM 3/10/2016 7:40 PM - 9:10 PM

Bantam Minor AA 4/7/2015 5:45 PM - 7:15 PM 4/8/2015 5:45 PM - 7:15 PM

Bantam Major AA 4/7/2016 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM 4/8/2016 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Midget Minor U16 AA 4/7/2015 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM(Split Season) 4/8/2015 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Midget Minor U18 AA 4/7/2016 8:45 PM - 10:15 PM(Split Season) 4/8/2016 8:45 PM - 10:15 PM

TRYOUTS

Check our websitefor updates & time changes www.ryhockey.com

TRYOUT EdiTiOn 2016-2017wnyhockeyreport.com26

Monday,March 7

Tuesday,April 5

2016-17 Travel Coaches

www.southtownsstars.com

Tuesday,March 8

Wednesday,April 6

Wednesday,March 9

Thursday,April 7

5:15pm5:45pm7:15pm7:30pm8:30pm

6:00pm7:15pm6:30pm7:45pm9:15pm8:45pm

Squirt Minor Mark Giancaterino 716-628-9777Squirt Major Dan Sullivan 716-523-8864PeeWee Minor Chris Stec 716-698-3748PeeWee Major Paul Roberts 716-870-0049PeeWee Mixed Martin Augustyniak 716-573-6513Bantam Minor White John Clark 716-308-4823Bantam Minor Green John Franke 716-573-1333Bantam Major Ed Schmatz 716-570-094515U White Joe Cione 716-863-699915U Green Rick Licursi 716-390-330516U Kevin Gould 716-517-1317

5:15pm6:15pm6:30pm7:15pm8:15pm

6:15pm7:15pm8:15pm5:15pm9:15pm

5:15pm

5:45pm6:45pm7:45pm7:30pm-9:30pm9:30pm

Squirt MinorPeeWee MinorPeeWee Major

Squirt MajorPeeWee Mixed

Bantam Minor WhiteBantam Minor Green

Bantam Major15U White15U Green

16U TB

Squirt MinorPeeWee Minor

Squirt MajorPeeWee MajorPeeWee Mixed

Bantam Minor WhiteBantam Minor Green

Bantam Major15U

16U TB

PeeWee Mixed*

Bantam Minor White*Bantam Minor Green*

Bantam Major*15U*

16U TB*

All tryouts $20. All players from organizations other than Southtowns

must have a 2016-2017 release from that organization, and a copy of their birth certificate.

A $250 deposit (check or money order) is due at signing.Our RWB program has continued to grow over the past few years

which has motivated us to restructure our program in order to more appropriately challenge the older players. We look forward to many

positive changes in our structure to accommodate our growing numbers and wide age range. Please contact Joe Cione via email

president@southtownsstars.com with any questions.

Southtowns StarsAmateur Hockey Association2016 –17 Travel Tryouts

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 programFor more information about Southtowns, please download our parent manual from our website.

*If Neeeded

*If Neeeded

TRYOUT EdiTiOn 2016-2017 wnyhockeyreport.com 27

2016-2017 TryouT

For More InForMatIon vIsIt our websIte:

www.aMherstyouthhockey.org

Mon, March 7Time Rink Team/Coach5:30-6:40 PM Feature Squirt Major AAA Bill Higgins5:30-6:40 PM S PeeWee Major AAA Scott Mosher6:50-8:00 PM Feature Squirt Minor AAA Peter Kneis 6:50-8:00 PM Rink 2 PeeWee Minor AAA Bill Schwartz7:30-8:40 PM Rink 1 Girls 12U TBA

Tues., March 8Time Rink Team/Coach5:30-6:30 PM Feature PeeWee Major AAA Scott Mosher 5:30-6:30 PM Rink 2 Squirt Major AAA Bill Higgins5:30-6:30 PM Olympic Squirt Minor AAA Peter Kneis6:40-8:00 PM Rink 2 Squirt Major AA Rich Crozier 6:40-7:40 PM Olympic Squirt Minor AA Anthony Pantano6:40-7:40 PM Feature PeeWee Minor AAA Bill Schwartz7:50-9:00 PM Feature PeeWee Major AA Tim Digiulio8:10-9:20 PM Rink2 PeeWee Minor AA Rich Fineberg

Wed., March 9Time Rink Team/Coach5:30-6:40 PM Feature Squirt Major AA - 2nd team – Ian Kyle 5:30-6:30 PM Rink 2 PeeWee Major AA Tim DiGiulio6:50-7:50 PM Rink 2 Squirt Major AA Rich Crozier 6:50-7:50 PM Feature PeeWee Minor AA Rich Fineberg7:30-8:30 PM Rink 1 Squirt Minor AA Anthony Pantano

2016-2017 Travel CoachesSquirt Minor AAA ...................................Peter KneisSquirt Minor AA ............................Anthony PantanoSquirt Major AAA ................................ Bill HigginsSquirt Major AA ................................... Rich CrozierSquirt Major AA - 2nd team ........................Ian KylePee Wee Minor AAA ..........................Bill SchwartzPee Wee Minor AA ............................ Rich FinebergPee Wee Major AAA .......................... Scott MosherPee Wee Major AA ............................... Tim DiGiulioBantam Minor AAA ..............................Brian TurnerBantam Minor AA .................... John Hammersmith

2016-2017 Travel CoachesBantam Major AAA ..................... Charlie MendolaBantam Major AA ..............................Sean CorriganMidget Minor 15U AAA.........................Craig CurtinMidget Minor 15U AA ....................Marc RosenthalMidget Minor AAA ...............................Robert RossiMidget Minor AA ..............................Joseph JacobiMidget Major AAA ..................................Rob MoyerMidget Major AA .........................Richard VanDetteGirls 12U ................................................................TBAGirls 14U ...................................Darren PalaszewskiGirls 16U ................................................John GaffneyGirls 19U ................................................................TBA

HOCKEY TRY-OUTS

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

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

BANTAM MINORTuesday April 5 .............................. 5-6 pmWednesday April 6 ......................... 5-6 pmThursday April 7 ............................. 5-6 pmCoach: Kevin Klostermann .....989-9140

BANTAM MAJORTuesday April 5 .............................. 6-7 pmWednesday April 6 ......................... 6-7 pmThursday April 7 ............................. 6-7 pmCoach: ................................... TBA

MIDGET U15Tuesday, April 5 ........................... 7-8 pmWednesday, April 6 ...................... 7-8 pmThursday, April 7 ......................... 7-8 pm Coach: Bill Cline ................541-8347Manager: Bob Tollar ............807-9722

MIDGET U16Tuesday, April 5 ........................... 8-9 pmWednesday, April 6 ...................... 8-9 pmThursday, April 7 ......................... 8-9 pmCoach: Carl Miller ..............491-7147Coach: John Spatarico ........628-5438

MIDGET U18Tuesday, April 5........................... 9-10 pmWednesday April 6 ...................... 9-10 pmThursday April 7 ......................... 9-10 pmCoach: Carl Miller ...............491-7147

Players should arrive 30 minutes prior to ice times.Players must have releases.

Cost $10.00 per tryout

TRYOUT EdiTiOn 2016-2017wnyhockeyreport.com28

2016-17 Tryouts 2016-17 Tryouts

Visit our website for Budgets; Coach Bios; Season Plan; etc...www.buffalostars.com

Squirt Major (2006) Coach Tony Matczynski .. 612-710-1698Peewee Minor (2005) Coach Bob Maxick .....716-553-4011Peewee Major (2004) Coach Joe Burton .......716-432-3999

Monday, March 7th at Holiday

7:30pm ........Squirt Major AA8:30pm .... Peewee Minor AA

Tuesday, March 8th at Holiday

7:30pm ..... Peewee Minor AA8:30pm ..... Peewee Major AA

Wednesday, March 9th at Holiday

6:15pm ........ Squirt Major AA7:15pm ..... Peewee Major AA

For general information contact Pete Preteroti at 685-1122 or visit us on line at: www.buffalostars.com All Participants must present a release from their current organization in order to participate in the tryout.

Release required even from House League.Tryout fee is $15 per session. Contact us at: SportsNiag@aol.com

Cazenovia Park HoCkey assoCiation 2016-2017 tryoutstryout fee is $10 for eaCH tryout (day).

www.CazHoCkey.Com

Players from other organizations must have a signed 2016-2017 release and a copy of their birth certificate. All players should attend all tryouts in their division. Other teams may be formed as needed.

Please 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

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

Division Squirt III Pee Wee Minor Pee Wee MajorBirth Year 2006-2007 2005 2004

Coach Nic Nuwer Todd Osinski Mike Seifert 716-984-0600 716-481-7787 716-712-7469

Mon., March 7 Mon., March 7 Mon., March 7 5:00 - 5:50 PM 7:00 - 7:50 PM 8:00 - 8:50 PM

Tues., March 8 Tues., March 8 Tues., March 8 5:00 - 5:50 PM 7:00 - 7:50 PM 8:00 - 8:50 PM

Division Tournament BoundBirth Year 2004-2007

Coach TBD, Contact Chris Malick 716-997-3130

Mon., March 7 6:00 - 6:50 PM

Tues., March 8 6:00 - 6:50 PM

squirt and Pee wee Boys Lady CHiefs

TRYOUT EdiTiOn 2016-2017 wnyhockeyreport.com 29

2016-2017 Aurora Ice

Travel Tryouts

2016-2017 Aurora Ice

Travel TryoutsBantam

(Birth Years 2002 & 2003)Wednesday, April 6th / 7:30-9:00pm

Thursday, April 7th / 7:15-8:45pm @ HARBORCENTER

Contact Jeff Ensminger (jcemsrd@gmail.com) to participate.

Pee-Wee (Birth Years 2004 & 2005)

Monday, March 7th / 7:00-8:00pmWednesday, March 9th / 7:00-8:00pm

@ Healthy Zone Rink (41 Riley St., East Aurora, NY 14052)

Contact Mike Ohlweiler (mlohlweiler@kpmg.com) to participate.

$20 Try-Out Fee / Visit www.thinkrink.org for more information.Aurora Ice Youth Hockey is a member of the Western New York Amateur Hockey League (WNYAHL) and

anticipates opportunities for MOHL and House programs at ALL Levels for the 2016-2017 season. Please contact Chris Catanzaro (chriscatz6@hotmail.com) with any interest for players and/or coaches.

Squirt (Birth Years 2006 & 2007)

Monday, March 7th / 6:00-7:00pmWednesday, March 9th 6:00-7:00pm

@ Healthy Zone Rink (41 Riley St., East Aurora, NY 14052)

Contact Chris Catanzaro (chriscatz6@hotmail.com) to participate.

TRYOUT EdiTiOn 2016-2017wnyhockeyreport.com30

Try-out ScheduleMite – Squirt – PW - Girls 12u

2016-2017 SeasonTeam Birth Year Date TimeMite Minor 2009 Thursday 3/10/16 5:00 pm Development Saturday 3/12/16 2:40 pmMite Major 2008 Wednesday 3/9/16 7:00 pm Development Saturday 3/12/16 2:40 pmSquirt Minor 2007 Tuesday 3/8/16 7:00 pm Thursday 3/10/16 8:00 pmSquirt Major 2006 Tuesday 3/8/16 6:00 pm Thursday 3/10/16 7:00 pmPeeWee Minor 2005 Tuesday 3/8/16 8:00 pm Wednesday 3/9/16 9:15 pmPeeWee Major 2004 Monday 3/7/16 9:00 pm Wednesday 3/9/16 8:00 pmPeeWee II 2004/05 Friday 3/11/16 7:00 pm Saturday 3/12/16 4:00 pmGirls 12/under 2004/under Monday 3/7/16 8:00 pm Tournament Bound Thursday 3/10/16 6:00 pmGirls 12/under 2004/under Thursday 3/10/16 6:00 pm non-tournament bound Tuesday 3/15/16 7:00 pm

The Mite Development is a program to target young players and push them to the next level following USA Hockey requirements.

Tryout fee is $15 per session. Any player that did not play in the Hamburg Hawks organization, house or travel, for the 2016-2017 season must provide a NYSAHA player release from your previous organization.

All coaches to be posted online at: www.HamburgHawks.org

ALL TRY-OUTS @ HAMBURG RINK

TRYOUT EdiTiOn 2016-2017 wnyhockeyreport.com 31

Clarence MustangsSquirt - Midget2016/17 Tryouts

www.clarencemustangs.com/tryouts

The Clarence Mustangs organization is a “B” center in the West Section of NYSAHA going into our 16th season. All teams listed 2007 and beyond are eligible to compete at the Tier II travel level in the WNYAHL.A release from your current organization and a copy of the player’s birth certificate are required at tryouts.Players should plan on being at all tryout sessions. A down payment of $400 with the desire to make a commitment, second $50 deposit check will be required for player’s uniforms, if contract is offered.Clarence Mustangs partner with Lockport Lake Effect Hockey for house and MOHL programs for all ages. Visit our website for more info. *HO - Hockey Outlet 3385 Niagara Falls Blvd., N. Tonawanda*CFCU - Cornerstone CFCU Arena 34 Chestnut St., Lockport

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

Level Birth Year Head Coach Phone Date Time Rink*Squirt Minor 2007 Mike Finnegan 465-9943 Mon.3/7 6:00 PM HO Tues.3/8 6:00 PM HOSquirt Major - AAA 2006 Dennis Gawron 523-9595 Mon.3/7 7:00 PM HO Tues.3/8 7:00 PM HOSquirt Major - AA 2006 Josh Mancini 583-0998 Mon. 3/7 7:00 PM HO Tues. 3/8 6:00 PM HOPW Minor - AAA 2005 Chuck Loubert 220-2803 Mon. 3/7 7:00 PM CFCU Tues. 3/8 7:00 PM CFCUPW Minor - AA 2005 Ken Best 570-6295 Mon. 3/7 8:00 PM HO Tues. 3/8 8:00 PM HOPW Major 2004 Dave Yemma 863-9640 Mon. 3/7 8:00 PM CFCUTB Eligible Tues. 3/8 8:00 PM CFCUBantam Minor 2003 Jerry Sorrentino 860-9085 Tues. 4/5 6:30 PM HO Wed. 4/6 6:30 PM HOBantam Major 2002 TBA Tues. 4/5 6:30 PM CFCUTB Eligible Wed. 4/6 6:30 PM CFCUMidget 15U 2001 Joe Aronica 628-3603 Tues. 4/5 7:40 PM HO Wed. 4/6 7:40 PM HOMidget 16U 2000-01 Steve Pohrte 998-3545 Tues.4/5 7:40 PM CFCUTB Eligible Wed.4/6 7:40 PM CFCUMidget 18 U 1998-99 Nick Sledziewski 343-4522 Tues.4/5 8:50 PM HO Wed.4/6 8:50 PM HOMidget 18U 1998-99 Tyler Crawford 479-4557 Tues.4/5 8:50 PM CFCUTB Eligible Wed.4/6 8:50 PM CFCU

Free Tryouts

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

Director of Hockey Operations: Scott Rutherford, Pro Performance Hockey / www.properformancehockeyclub.com

Off-Ice Training through: Parisi Speed School / www.vsparisi.com

Monday March 7:7:30pm – PW Minor AAA8:40pm – PW Major AAA

Tuesday March 8:6:30pm – Squirt Mixed7:30pm – PW Minor AAA8:30pm – PW Major AAA

2016-2017 TryoutsTeam Coach ContactJunior A Head Coach/Program GM Frank J Vecchio 716-863-1459

Squirt Mixed Head Coach TBDPeeWee Minor AAA Head Coach Scott Rutherford 716-912-4465PeeWee Major AAA Head Coach Scott Rutherford 716-912-4465Bantam Minor AAA Head Coach Lyle Rocker 716-435-1003Bantam Major AA Head Coach Sean Casilio 716-425-590916U AAA Head Coach TBD18U AA Todd Boci 716-628-1714

NAHL Affiliate

TRYOUT EdiTiOn 2016-2017wnyhockeyreport.com32

STALLIONSMite Full-Ice Hockey

2016-2017 Travel TryoutsClarence Stallions will be fielding full-ice mite travel teams for birth years 2008

& 2009. Players on these teams will be selected via tryouts. Skaters will register with AAU. Teams will play AAU full-ice game competition in the GNAHL.

Pre-register for tryouts at:

Any player not currently registered with the Stallions is required to bring a copy of the player’s birth certificate in order to be permitted to tryout. Players should plan

on being at all tryout sessions. Bring a $400 down payment with the desire to make a commitment, should the player be offered a roster spot. A separate $50 check is

required to order player’s uniforms. Times and locations subject to change. Refer to website for up-to-date information.

Mon., 2/29 & Tues. 3/1, 6:00 pm @ Hockey Outlet3385 Niagara Falls Blvd., N. Tonawanda

Mon., 3/7, 6:00 pm @ Cornerstone Arena34 Chestnut St., Lockport

www.ClarenceStallions.com

Level Birth Year Head Coach PhoneMite Minor 2009 Chance Bordeau 341-9422Mite Major 2008 Dan Vogel 573-6322

Wheatfield Blades Pee Wee Minor AA Tryouts

Mon., March 7th & Tues., March 8th7:30 PM @ Hockey Outlet

www.wheatfieldblades.com

WHAT THEY SWEAT AWAY IS QUICKLY REPLENISHED

BY CONFIDENCE.Certified Skills CoachesJim Manguso (716) 912-2566Fred Mallone (716) 583-4418Cory Mickey (716) 725-9007

Winning the battle is just as important as scoring the goal.

Additional focus to include:• Off Ice Skills • Off Ice Lessons• Skating Treadmill • Off Ice Shooting Pods• Teaching Desire & Teamwork• Certified Goalie CoachOur objective: To teach skills and the game of hockey at the highest level possible while emphasizing sportsmanship.

TONAWANDA LIGHTNING2016-17 TRYOUT SCHEDULE

TONAWANDA LIGHTNING2016-17 TRYOUT SCHEDULE

TEAM COACHES BIRTH YEARS DATES TIMES LOCATION

SQUIRT MINOR ** Brian North 2007 MARCH 7-8 5:00 PM BRIGHTON ARENASQUIRT MAJOR ** Bob Gallagher 2006 MARCH 7-8 6:00 PM BRIGHTON ARENAPEEWEE MINOR Shawn Tracey 2005 MARCH 7-8 7:00 PM BRIGHTON ARENAPEEWEE MAJOR (SB) Brian Busch 2004 MARCH 7-8 8:00 PM BRIGHTON ARENAGIRLS 14U Chris Marzec 2002-2003 APRIL 5-6 8:00 PM HYDE PARKBANTAM MINOR John Edholm 2003 APRIL 5-6 5:00 PM HYDE PARK-RINK 1BANTAM MAJOR (SB) Brian Juntunen 2002 APRIL 5-6 6:00 PM HYDE PARK-RINK 1MIDGET 15U TBA 2001 APRIL 5-6 TBA HYDE PARKMIDGET 16U (SB) Sam DeFranks 2000-2001 APRIL 5-6 6:00 PM HYDE PARK-RINK 2MIDGET 18U (SB) Don Pray 1998-1999 APRIL 5-6 7:00 PM HYDE PARK-RINK 1** A 3rd Squirt Team (Mixed) may be formed based on player availability (SB) Team is State Bound Eligible

• No residency requirement – Non-residents welcome!• Release & copy of birth certificate required for new players• One time $20 tryout fee covers all sessions• $300 non-refundable deposit due at player signing

• Questions? Contact Tom Diehl (716) 860-2332 or Sam DeFranks (716) 462-3277

• Visit our website for updates

www.tonawandalightning.com

TRYOUT EdiTiOn 2016-2017 wnyhockeyreport.com 33

Wheatfield Jr Blades AAU Teams 2016-2017 Travel Team Tryout Schedule

Division Birth Date Time Coach Location YearMite Minor 2009 Feb. 29, 2016 6:00 PM Marc HockeyAAA March 1, 2016 6:00 PM Braun Outlet

Mite Major 2008 Feb. 29, 2016 7:00 PM Bob HockeyAAA March 1, 2016 7:00 PM Carroll Outlet

The Wheatfield Jr. Blades are a “AAA” hockey association governed by AAU and our teams compete in the Greater Niagara Amateur Hockey

League (GNAHL) – Full Ice Mite Hockey

TRYOUTS ARE FREEHouse & Travel players (other than current WB players) MUST have a

release from their current Hockey Association.All tryout locations are listed above.

A $100 team deposit is required at signing.

www.wheatfieldblades.com

2016-17 Tryouts

Lockport Youth Hockey Association

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

• Sign up for the 2016-17 season before 5/1 and SAVE up to $50• Register and make a non-refundable $50 deposit before 5/1 and we will

deduct an additional $25 from your registration fee• Bring in a new player and save an additional $25 off your registration fee.• MOHL - Squirt - Midget - evaluations will take place in the fall• 8u/6u ADM• Novice Program (4-5 yr olds/beginners)• Girls teams starting up for the 2016-17 season – reserve a spot now.• Now taking coaching applications for any coaches interested in coach-

ing the 2016-17 season

• Season runs 4/16/16 – 7/31/16• Saturday and Sunday mornings• $245 – includes jersey and

socks

• 2 Girls Sessions: 4/16/16 – 6/4/16 and 6/11/16-7/31/16

• Saturday mornings• $60/session

Spring League sign ups going on now

WNY’s premier outdoor ice rink builder.

Complete packages and custom rink sizes available.

O�cial rink builder of the Tim Hortons Backyard Classic

Landscaping & Ice Rinkspaceicerinks.com / 716.822.1023

34

WNYHockeyReport.com

By Sean Brock

Cory Conacher.The name that is most synonymous with

Canisius College hockey. He was first player in the school’s history to suit

up in a NHL game and is the owner of 12 program records. However, he has a new threat to his legacy at Canisius – his younger brother.

Shane Conacher, a junior forward with the Griffs, has excelled during his tenure in Buffalo and has begun to set his sights on several of his brother’s records.

Last season, Shane erased Cory’s standard for most points by a sophomore when his 37 topped Cory’s mark of 35 (2008-09). And this year his five game-winning tallies have matched his brother’s single single-season record with at least eight games remaining in the 2015-16 season.

Despite these accomplishments there is a bigger goal in mind for the younger brother. With 95 career points, Shane is just five points shy of joining his brother as the only two juniors to reach the 100-point mark in school history and is 52 points shy of his brothers all-time record of 147. More importantly, his 95 points are four more than his brother had at the same juncture of his career.

No matter how the final order ends up, Shane has built the Conacher name into more than just a one-man show.

“The Conacher’s have become the first family of Golden Griffin hockey,” said 11th-year Canisius head coach Dave Smith, who recruited and

coached both Conacher brothers. “There were a lot of expectations placed on Shane’s shoulders with Cory’s success here and Shane has done a great job not only meeting those standards, but exceeding them.”

Shane is in the middle of a career-best season as a junior – the same year Cory claimed Atlantic Hockey Player of the Year accolades (2009-10). Shane ranks seventh among all Division I players with 35 points this season, while also placing 12th with 16 goals, 17th with 19 assists and third with his five game-winning tallies.

While Cory set a school record with 53 points during his junior campaign, what Shane has done this season may be even more impressive, even if he cannot reach his brothers points total.

Cory enjoyed his record-breaking campaign on a veteran team, while Shane is turning heads on a roster that features just five total upperclassmen (20 freshmen and sophomores). He also has been a leader throughout the season after playing a key role for two teams that have advanced to the Atlantic Hockey Final Four.

There is not doubting that the family is making a name for not only themselves, but the Canisius College program as a whole.

“Cory and Shane might be two of the most important players in our recent history as we attempt to build a program that contends for championships,” Smith noted. “Cory was a part of one of my first recruiting classes, while Shane has enjoyed a tremendous amount of success already during his career.

“Cory helped put Canisius on the map but Shane is part of a roster that is taking it to new heights.”

While there is no doubting that the Conacher duo will go down as two of the best to wear the Blue and Gold, the next question is whether Shane will be able to match Cory’s post-graduation accomplishments.

After spending four seasons with the Griffs and piling up record after record, Cory had an immediate impact at the professional level. He collected AHL MVP and Rookie of the Year honors during the 2011-12 campaign, becoming just the fourth rookie to earn the league’s top award. He then spent time with four NHL organizations – the Tampa Bay Lightning, Ottawa Senators, Buffalo Sabres and New York Islanders – before joining the top Switzerland league for this season.

“After his four years here, Cory was well prepared to tackle the obstacles ahead of him,” Smith said. “He had a lot of success throughout his time here and was challenged to become a better player at Canisius, which he did.

“Shane is taking a similar path as Cory,” added Smith. “We have seen him put in the time necessary to improve his game and he hasn’t stopped raising his level of play. With another season of collegiate hockey left to play, there is no reason why he can’t reach the level that his brother did upon graduation and have an immediate impact on the pro game.”

While we wait to see what the future holds for Cory and Shane at the next level, we must live in the present now, as Shane battles to top his brothers accomplishments. No matter how Shane’s collegiate career ends, if he breaks Cory’s records or not, his older brother will be happy as long as a Conacher is standing tall in the end.

“If there’s one person who I would want to break them, I hope it would be him,” Cory noted to The Buffalo News during Shane’s freshman year.

Following In His Brother's Footsteps

Shane Conacher

35

WNYHockeyReport.com

by Cory Mickey

It’s that dreaded time of year again. Hockey tryouts, which I often consider the third hockey season followed by the regular season, tournaments and playoffs. Tryout time reminds me of the big snow storm headed to town. We think we know what to expect, we listen to all the rumors and outside influence

and we think we’re prepared but unfortunately the snow keeps pounding our town and surprises everyone. We then manage to find a way to get through the aches and pains the snow has caused us and then we move on to another day.

Like the snow storm approaching, tryouts can be the time to showcase what a player brings to the table. Being prepared is important for players, coaches and parents. This mindset will help each person involved in the tryout process to focus in on the most valuable skills of hockey, “the five fundamentals”: skating, passing, shooting, stick handling and checking. For players during the last few weeks with their current team, it’s absolutely imperative to take advantage of on-ice opportunities and amp up their individual game to another gear. Tune up the skills with clinics, camps, private sessions or even going to watch games. This will help leave less room for error or panic at crunch time before organizations host tryouts. A couple years ago I can remember driving in the car with Lindy Ruff and he once told me “players have to let their play dictate their fate.”

Simple as that, right? The meaning behind this is a player can take control once they hit the ice and do what they do. Make your tryout experience enjoyable and competitive, not just filled with stress and pressure. Just play, Have fun, and enjoy the game.

I would advise players to make simple plays absolutely perfect. This will allow a good foundation to execute plays continuously and set up for that one special play. The confidence built will be contagious and certainly create recognition of a reliable hockey player. After all, this is what the coach is interested in. There may only be an opportunity to make one or two quality plays, so execute. Mistakes happen, however it’s how you as a player can overcome adversity. Eliminating poor body language, quitting on battles or loose pucks, slamming your stick and simply drawing negative attention cannot happen.

Don’t be a drill buster, in fact don’t be the first player in line. Be in control, have short term memory, look ahead and have some bite in your game. After all, most of the tryouts I see orchestrated are such a disaster mixed with the stress of organizations not working together and separating tryout dates and times for specific age groups. Sadly, your only hope might be staying with your current team. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side.

So how do you stand out against the other players competing for the same roster spot? Be competitive. Have high energy, display second effort and do your job. The pressure can be good so thrive off it. You don’t have to be the player to make something extraordinary happen to get noticed either. A meaningful quote from Michael Jordan: “I can accept failure. Everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying.”

Let’s be realistic and honest with each other. In many cases most coaches have the team picked or at the very least have a select number of players on the radar.

To their credit, management and volunteer parents evaluating and making roster cuts may often focus in on the reliable player who demonstrate good hockey sense. They want the player who utilizes various options on the ice, in a drill, or scrimmage/game setting.

When it comes to approaching coaches, if there is a disconnect between a player and a coach, as a parent you need to have your child’s back. That’s completely justified but there is an appropriate way to go about it. Finding positive communication with the coach is the best approach. Timing is everything and picking the right spots will help get your point across with an open mind and allowing the coach to reflect. Immediately after a game or a practice could just be catastrophic. Be private and conduct yourself with class. Ask questions and don’t make statements or accusations. Be realistic and find ways to get any advice to help guide your child in his or her future endeavors as a hockey player, especially if a cut is made.

Unfortunately, most of the people involved in these decisions lack the experience of playing high-level hockey themselves. In addition, they might have a buddy involved in the organization or even on the board. You add in the mix that they play on an adult men’s league hockey team, have season tickets with the Buffalo Sabres, obtained a useless USA certification and now they’re an experienced hockey guy? One who is single handily dictates the hockey future of these innocent kids. It certainly doesn’t stop there. It’s not just the kids. It’s the parents and family who is now along for the ride. Get your check book out! Because now it's going to cost you. Certainly doesn’t make sense to me.

But this is what I do. I’m an experienced hockey trainer, along with other legitimate solid guys like Mark Zarbo, Mark Metzger or Joel Zangara. We have to correct all the mistakes, bad habits and poor development. If this wasn’t true then we wouldn’t have jobs.

During this process, there is a common occurrence of parents trying to dictate their child’s hockey fate. Some are way too involved. Some are more interested in playing hockey than the kid. As a parent myself, I can relate to having the love, passion and guidance for a child. I would sacrifice my own life if it came to that. But seriously, more harm than good is created when parents aren’t stable around the rink. Have the understanding that there are thinking thoughts and talking thoughts. Sometimes you're thinking thoughts just shouldn’t be said. I am a firm believer each family

should have a plan and keep it sacred or confidential, just like a business transaction. The same rule applies when complaining or slandering coaches, players, referees and or other parents.This only hurts your own kid. Avoid at all costs these common delusional behaviors: “My kid is the best,” “I know more than the coach,” “Everyone is a statistician,” “That kid shouldn’t be getting as much ice time as my kid,” “My kid didn’t get drafted so it’s the coaches fault,” “The rumor mill,” “I’ll do anything for my kid (wink, wink),” “Everyone is an expert,” “The politics of picking a team,” and “The misplaced obsession with winning.”

The goal has to be mentoring these young kids to have great off-ice character, be a good student in the classroom and be the best hockey player your talents allow you to be. Michael Peca once told me “an uncoachable hockey player is an unemployable adult.” That’s something to think about. You want your son or daughter to play the game with a good reputation when people see the last name on the sweater and not have something associated with a negative label.

Good luck with your tryouts and the upcoming season.

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

The truth behind the tryouts

3D.Hockey

TRYOUT PREP!3D.Hockey will be offering ice times geared

to providing try-out situations and polishing hockey skills including:

• Checking and Puck Battle • Skating • Shooting and Passing • Full Ice Drills

Individualized Scouting Report:Each player will receive 1 on 1 feedback on strengths, weak-

nesses, areas to improve and overall skill rating 1-5.

CoachCory Mickey

http://3d.hockey

All Sessions @ North Buffalo Ice Rink Date Time Birth YearSat. 2/27 8:00-9:30pm 2001-04Sat. 3/5 7:30-9:00pm 2005-08Sat. 3/19 7:30-9:00pm 2001-04Mon. 3/28 6:00pm-7:00pm 2005-08Tue. 3/29 6:00pm-7:00pm 2001-04Wed. 3/30 6:00pm-7:00pm 2005-08Sat. 4/2 7:30-9:00pm 2005-08Sun. 4/3 5:30-7:00pm 2001-04

Cost:$25 Per Session or 4 pack $80To reserve your spot please email: cory.mickey@gmail.com

36

WNYHockeyReport.com

By Melissa Brawdy

In an effort to make Section VI hockey more competitive, teams were grouped into divisions this season not based on size of school, but on the level of each program. For the most part, the realignment has led to more competitive hockey in each game and

a season in which almost every team has a very good chance of winning on any given night.

The schools affected most by the change were Williamsville East, Kenmore East, and Hamburg, which moved up to Division 2. Categorized as small schools, the only small schools these three faced this season were each other.

Each team responded differently to the new schedule, as did the coaches.

After winning the small school Section VI championship last year and finishing as the state runner-up, Williamsville East began its season with a win over Kenmore East and went on to win three of its first six games before struggling. At press time, the Flames hadn't won since December. Coach Mike Torrillo doesn't like the division realignment; he feels it's unfair to a small school to play against schools with much more depth and larger student bodies to draw from, especially the Division 1 teams -- St. Joe's, Williamsville North, Canisius, Orchard Park, Lancaster, and Niagara Wheatfield.

"I understand the intent of the league, but I honestly don't think the way it was presented was fair to our seniors," Torrillo said. "I think our seniors deserve to play at a level where they're playing against teams that have the same number of players. My point that I want to make is you're a small school for a reason. It's not about ability; it's about number of players. And it happened this year that our numbers aren't as high, and I thought it was a tough tough grind for our kids because we're playing teams that have more depth than we do, and I think it really was tough on the kids mentally and physically. I'm not shying away from the competition; I just don't think our team makeup was suited for having to play the five out-of-division games. Those are the ones that, if those were gone, I think it would have been a balanced schedule for us."

Torrillo also didn't think it was fair to look at last year's success of each team and predict how good each team would be this season.

"I don't get why hockey is so different than any other league in Western New York," he said. "There's no other league that shuffles their divisions because of competitiveness, guessing that the team's gonna be competitive the next year. Every other league plays in the divisions that they are in, and this is not sour grapes. I just

thought it was tough for our kids this year, and again, it's not about ability. I think our kids fought. I think they're still fighting."

It's been a different story for Hamburg. The team that lost in four overtimes to Kenmore East in last year's small school semifinal game began its 2015-16 season with four straight losses, two of them coming to Kenmore East and Williamsville East. Hamburg didn't win a game in December, but with the new year seemed to come a new team. After a win against last year's large school Section VI champion Niagara Wheatfield on January 3, Hamburg has just one regulation loss since. The team's success includes wins over Division 1 opponents Lancaster and Orchard Park and a tie against Williamsville North. At press time, Hamburg was looking ahead to a match up against St. Joe's, the No. 1 team in the state, with anticipation.

McFall had only positive things to say about this year's schedule, although he was somewhat apprehensive at the beginning of the season. He was honored to be included in the three teams that moved up, and he thinks that this year's challenges have only made his team better.

"I don't think it's hurt us at all," McFall said. "It's helped us in every opportunity. They had to choose three teams to move up. I think it was natural with Ken East and Will East. They're powerhouses within our division, and then to find a third team to do that -- as I said earlier at the start of the year, I was honored that they thought of us. I think that's a reflection of what our program has done the last few years. But I was fearful to begin with, and I thought we could have gone oh-and-16 and still had a very strong team compared to some of the other schools in the small school division ... It seems like almost every other game we've played has been against state level competition in the Division 1 level. We have St. Joe's next week. We

beat Orchard Park. We beat Lancaster. Niagara Wheatfield, Will North. So to have a schedule like that is amazing, and we battled hard. We've been fortunate, but there's more than fortune. These kids have taken that as a strong challenge, and I think that's only gonna help us down the road in playoffs."

The team that finishes highest out of the three will earn the No. 1 seed going into the small playoffs and have a first week bye. Whichever team finishes second will have the No. 2 seed and also have a bye. The No. 3 and 4 seeds will be given to the winners of Divisions 3 and 4, respectively, and the fifth seed will be given to the team that finishes third in Division 2 out of Kenmore East, Hamburg, and Williamsville East.

Kenmore East had the top seed all but wrapped up at press time -- one more win would do it -- and coach Kyle Pray also saw the move up as mostly positive. With a team stocked with skilled seniors, Pray said at the beginning of the season that he has concerns for next year. But this season, he has reason to be confident.

"I think it's mostly good because the way we did the divisions this year, each division's been really competitive with each other, and every night we have a game," Pray said. "There's not a night we take off. You can take off, but you're gonna get beat; that's what we've found out. I think it better prepares us for playoff time, playing at the level of speed and the tough competition night after night. I think it can only make you better, so the positives far outweigh the negatives."

Torrillo's hope is that Pray and others are right -- that playing against tougher competition will make the team better in the playoffs. Right now, he isn't sure.

"The games have been good, and hopefully, what everybody tells me, it's gonna make us better in the long run," Torrillo said. "But right now, I have a lot of sophomores that are playing a varsity sport against seniors, and it's tough. But other than that, we'll see. It remains to be seen. Do I think we have a chance? I do. I never count my kids out because I think they're gonna battle. And any other coach will tell you the same thing: all we gotta do is get hot for three games. I think our kids can. I got confidence in them, and I hope they find their way to get back to winning. These next three games are something we want to build our confidence on. Forget the last one and go and take them one at a time, and our goal is still to get the bye. Obviously first place is out of the question, but our goal is still to play one less game because anything could happen."

Torrillo also hopes that the way last season ended for his team is still in the minds of some of his players as motivation.

"I had kids la st year that lost the state championship," he said. "I'm hoping that's sitting

Section VI

Section VI Hockey

In an effort to make Section

VI hockey more competitive, teams were

grouped into divisions this

season not based on size of school,

but on the level of each program.

Continued on next page

37

WNYHockeyReport.com

With two weeks remaining in the regular season Pittsford, Brockport with both Geneseo and Notre Dame atop the Division I, II and III standings respectively but all were being challenged in tight races throughout.

Division IIIGeneseo was 9-1-0 against divisional opponents

and 12-2-1 overall on the backs of two scoring lines led by Billy McDevitt, Reid Mattle, Timmy Lischer and Cole Younger along with defenseman Mitchell Walton. Goaltender Morgan Brown and the squad had allowed only 19 goals over their first ten divisional contests.

But Notre Dame stood tied at the top of Division III albeit with one more game played. Just as stingy and Geneseo on defense, the Irish’s first line was an offensive juggernaut led by Ryan Webster, Cameron Clark and Henrik Toivianen who all were averaging three points per game or better.

And Rush-Henrietta was in third just two points behind with a win over Geneseo. Darrick Smith had a five-goal game on his resume while Justin Varney and AJ Nestler were also scoring in double-figures. They needed scoring from more different players to avoid the first line being overly targeted in the postseason.

Division IIOne point separated first place Brockport from

second place Hilton and the Greece Thunder.Brockport had Mitchell Henshaw and Patrick

Viscardi over the 20-point mark with Andrew Harley and trio of blueliners in Alec Rockow, Ben Leach and Walden Grady all with ten or more points.

Hilton was the top scoring team in the division led by Frank Gaffney and Jess Edwards, Brendan Howell, Jake Coon and defenseman Hunter Howell.

The Thunder were the stingiest team in the mix with goaltender Luke Green and a defensive corp. led by Matthew Clark, Kyle Fernberg, Calvin Boily and Parker Ange. Colin O’Leary was the leading the team in goals and points.

Division IOnly three points separated four teams between

first and fourth and there wasn’t any substantial difference between them in goals scored or goals allowed either, so it was anybody’s title for the taking.

Pittsford had only Quinn Doyle, Ryan Walpole and Connor Haims with ten or more points, but were the top offensive team in the division by a slim margin. Goaltender Aidan Richardson was allowing fewer than two goals per game.

Victor was allowing goals at an alarming rate, but just two points out of first through ten division games played. They were outscoring teams with Max Lambert, Patrick Manning, Mitch Rydzynski and Sam Lambert leading the way.

Fairport didn’t necessarily have a go-to line with no players having reached the ten point mark through ten games, but Spencer DeRidder led the squad in goals and Jonathan Newcombe in assists.

And Webster-Thomas had allowed the fewest goals of the quartet with goaltender Dalton Jerzak having allowed only 13 goals over his nine divisional contests with help from defensemen Nick Thompson, Sean Weinmann, Zachary Fosdick, Tyler Miller and Ryan Broccolo. Pierce Currie and Brayden Deming were tied for the team lead in goals with Tyler Cooligan the most helpers.

OtherIrondequoit’s Phillip Barilla, Gates-Chili’s Mike

Klim and Aquinas’ Tyler Kelly were others players not mentioned above who had surpassed the 20-point mark.

HAT TRICKS Jesse Edwards-Hilton Adam Sherwood-Irondequoit Sam Lambert-Victor Billy McDevitt-Geneseo Mike Klim-Gates-Chili Mitchell Henshaw-Brockport Pierce Currie-Webster-Thomas Spencer DeRidder-Fairport (2) Darrick Smith-Rush-Henrietta Mitch Rydzynski-Victor Brendan Manning-Victor

SHUTOUTS Travis Scroger-Brighton (3)Ethan Kaiser-Fairport (3)Chayse Ierlan-VictorIpolito/Diehl-BrightonColin Perkins-Gates-ChiliAidan Richardson-Pittsford (2)Ethan Conrad-Notre DameMichael Layer-FairportRiley Emmerson-BrockportEric Wirth-Victor

Section V

Section V Hockey

by Warren KozireskiWarren@wnyhockeyreport.com

"Playoff hockey is the best...There's gonna be some good games."

in the back of their mind, and they're saying, 'Hey, I want to get back to First Niagara Center, and then I want to go to the next level,' so the goals are still there. That's the great part about our league, is everybody makes the playoffs."

At press time, Hamburg had a three-point lead over Williamsville East for the No. 2 seed with two games left against St. Joe's and Williamsville East. The Flames had three games left -- Frontier, Timon, and, of course, Hamburg.

The only negative McFall and Pray could think of was that once they do enter the playoffs, they'll face unfamiliar competition. But both coaches are looking forward to an exciting postseason.

"I think Hamburg and us and Will East have proven that we can beat each other on a given night, so some of that's gonna be bounces, some of that's gonna be goaltending," Pray said. "All three teams are capable of beating each other, and I haven't seen as much of the Division 3 and 4 teams as I would like to, but it seems like West Seneca West and Will South are really starting to make a strong move up there and I'm sure will be tough opponents in the playoffs as well. So we'll see how that plays out in the next few weeks, who gets what seed and everything."

"Playoff hockey is the best," said McFall. "There's gonna be some good games."

At press time, St. Joe's had already clinched the top seed in the Catholic school playoffs. Williamsville North led large schools with a record of 9-2-2.

Division 3 looked as though it would come down to West Seneca West, Williamsville South, and West Seneca East.

Division 4 was still a tight race. Kenmore West had a one-point lead at press time; tied for second were North Tonawanda, Sweet Home, and Lewiston-Porter.

Section VIContinued from previous page

38

WNYHockeyReport.com

Precision Hockey Training

Youth Organizations – Focus On The Process of Player Development  

by Mark Metzger m.metzger@precisionhockey.net

Youth Organizations – Focus On The Process of Player Development 

When you think of Nick Saban, the head coach of the NCAA football team Alabama Crimson Tide, what do you think of? Winning, championships and discipline

may come to mind. Did you know Coach Saban focuses on player development all season long? I was curious to uncover what makes Coach Saban successful. I read an article that talked about how his quarterback could not hit a slant pass route all game. Coach Saban kept going back to the same play because the receiver was wide open continuously, but the quarterback couldn’t get his timing down. What do you think the next practice consisted of? Do you think Coach Saban moved on from the last game and practiced “systems” and punished his quarterback by run suicides all practice? No. The whole practice focused on passing. The quarterback completed slant routes over and over again until he could hit his receiver in stride every single throw. Coach Saban also talked about how several of his players switched positions at the college level. For example, in high school they played safety and he switched them to cornerback. They had to learn a new position that was uncomfortable to them. He also talked about how players have to become a complete player and in order for that to happen it takes time… He tells his players that if they want to play in the NFL then it matters how much they improve from freshman year to senior year. Not just their freshman season. 

We, as coaches, have to do a better job overall with player development. Coaches have to keep evolving and getting better everyday because the game is constantly changing. Some coaches are you more interested in playing games at a very young age than skill development and in my opinion that is doing a real disservice to players. It is important to teach the proper skills.  If you watch some high school players you often see that some players can’t skate, pass, stickhandle, transition or shoot the puck let along put it all together. The reason may be that their coaches at the youth level did not focus on player development. Us as coaches have to make a decision, do we want to help develop and advance players to the next level, or do we want to settle and tell all our friends that we won the youth championship? Flow drills do not challenge players or put simply that’s not developmental. You wonder why USA Hockey is coming on fast and our National teams are getting better every year? I believe the answer is “small area games.” Breaking it down and increasing repetitions to incorporate multi–purpose training. 

I often get several emails this time of year from parents on where their player should play next season. In the WNY area you often see so many parents trying to get little Bobby to the highest and shiniest organization. I am not sure if parents just want to brag and post pictures of little Bobby online, or if they think the next step is the NHL? I am sorry but, at ages 8,9,10,11,12,13 and 14, there are no scouts watching your player. It matters where your player is playing

at 17,18,19 and older. Parents often say, “Well the competition is better.” This may be true, but you don’t need to go to Wisconsin, Iowa, and San Antonio every weekend to find good competition. All you have to do is schedule a game with a AAA team from Toronto and I promise it will be the best of the best! Parents, focus on player development. If your player has potential to play Major Junior or NCAA Hockey they will find you wherever your player is playing!  Instead of spending money on hotels, travel, and tournaments spend the money on player development and off ice training. We have several great instructors in this area that have a lot of knowledge of the game. Take advantage of it. Everyone has something to offer and everyone has a piece to the puzzle. 

I learned what “elite players” have in common. Determination and a work ethic second to none. They want it the most. When I talk about putting the focus on the process I am referring to working on player skills and improving the players ability to think for themselves (hockey sense). There is no system of play and no strategy that can be effective if a player can’t skate, use his/her edges, pass and receive a pass, pivot, turn, accelerate, play with their heads up, and understand the concepts of the puck support and 2 on 1ing to name a few. Work on the process and the winning will take care of itself. Collectively, we need to take a longer-term view of how we develop players. It’s not about winning a game today- it’s about developing a player in the long-term both as an athlete and as a person. We need to be solid role models. We need to pay attention to how we conduct ourselves, treat our opponents, and interact with game officials and volunteers. Player development is so much more than skating the lines, passing the puck, and working a breakout or power play. We have to raise the bar and be better!  

Lets take the Burlington Eagles as an example. Mike Schutte is their Coaching Consultant and he is hands down one of the smartest hockey minds I have ever encountered. He was the former Director of Team Ontario, former OHL and Professional Scout drafting Derek Roy and Mike Richards to name a few. His knowledge of the game is incredible. Burlington is an amazing organization because of his expertise. They are one of only two true “hometown” hockey clubs in the OMHA. They don’t take out of town players and Burlington

players must first tryout for the Eagles AAA before they can be offered a waiver to play elsewhere. Schutte’s organization takes this same approach. Player development is first and winning is second. They bring in the proper instructors, from skating coaches, off ice strength trainers, goaltending instructors, and guest speakers. His coaches want to learn and get better. In Burlington the coaches are developing good skills in their skaters. Take a look at Burlington's track record. They have several players drafted to the OHL and playing NCAA Hockey, while some have gone on and played professional hockey! As an organization they have a plan for each level, from the beginners to midgets. I feel like here, in the Western New York area, our organizations need to take more of the “Burlington Eagles" and "Nick Saban" approach! 

Good luck the rest of the season and good luck in tryouts. Don’t stress out too much. After all…. it’s just a game. 

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

39

WNYHockeyReport.com

Rochester Youth HockeyMixed Mites Are Tournament Champs

A blend of Rochester Youth Hockey (RYH) Mites from the White and Blue 8U teams came together New Year's weekend for Lakeshore's Holiday Classic tournament.  The “mixed” Mites rallied after an initial New Year's day loss to climb the points bracket with two strong wins on Saturday, earning a place in Sunday's half-ice platinum championship game.

The championship game between Rochester Youth and Lakeshore Junior Eagles was all tied up after three periods of play. They battled in a four-minute overtime, without a resulting score.  A shoot-out would determine the win.  After four

shots and four saves at each end, Rochester’s Mason Knight ('08} sunk one into the back of the net.  RYH goaltender Jaxstin Bingham (‘07) was then one save away from hoisting the trophy.  As the shooter drove towards the net, Bingham never waited for the shot to come, diving forward instead to poke the puck away and sealing the win for RYH.  A great finish to a great tournament!Three Jr. Americans Selected for USPHL Young Guns All Star Game

The United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) Young Guns, All Star Game was played on January 18th at Merrimack College in Andover

Mass. The Rochester Jr. Americans had three of their players selected, two 99's Sam DiBitetto of Hilton NY  (ranked 4th in the league in points, 26 games 21 goals and 21 assists) and Jared Smith of Greece NY (tied for 6th in the league in points 25 games 9 goals and 24 assists). Also selected was 2000 Defenseman Adam Kolcon from Pittsford NY who has tallied 5 goals and 18 assists, leading the league in points for a defenseman.

The game had a great pace and in the end it finished in a 5 to 5 tie after OT. DiBitetto and Smith both tallied with a Goal each for the American Team but the game was settled in a shootout with the National team taking home the win.Rochester Youth Completes Locker Room Project

Rochester Youth Hockey and Bill Grays Iceplex made a significant investment by constructing two dedicate Rochester Youth locker rooms at the Iceplex. The rooms will support the Rochester U16 and U18 full season Jr American teams and also utilized by the rest of the Rochester Youth teams on tournaments weekends or weekends when a teams have multiple games. Each locker room features twenty custom player stalls and a shared shower room. Finishing touches on the outside scheduled for the spring include completing a viewing platform on the roof and paint.

Rochester Youth Hockey

www.ryhockey.com

ROCHESTER YOUTH HOCKEY

Visit our website for the latest information.

Left to Right: Jared Smith, Adam Kolcon and Sam DiBitetto

40

WNYHockeyReport.com

What is the Most Effective Skating Training for Hockey Players?

After running skating camps for the last 5 years now I have learned that there is a big misconception when it comes to skating training. Most seem to be under the belief that the first skill a player needs to learn is stride mechanics to improve their speed and skating ability. The important point to remember is that hockey is not played in a straight line. Even when carrying the puck, players should be using lateral movements (crossovers) to gain speed and be deceptive. When a player is a straight line skater, defenders can easily gain and maintain body

position (angles) taking away time and space. In puck protection situations, players who are able to change direction quickly without losing speed are able to maintain puck possession longer than those who cannot. Change of direction speed is even more important when defending because defenders have to quickly react to another player’s movement. Defenders with good change of direction speed are able to maintain tighter gaps, take away space quicker, and get back into position faster when caught out of position.

Based on those facts I am an advocate of overspeed skating training. Overspeed drills are designed to push a player’s edge control, body control, balance/coordination, and change of direction speed. Advanced overspeed drills can also involve quick hands with quick feet movement at the same time pushing a player’s ability to perform multiple skills at once. A common deficit for most players is they only have the ability to do one skill at a time.

The most effective route of development for young hockey players is developing lateral and change of direction quickness, multiple skill coordination and

teaching them how to apply those skills to game situations. Stride Mechanics should be the last skating development skill players should concentrate on due to the fact hockey is a change of direction and reaction game. When you break down stride mechanics, it is the player’s ability to support their body weight with a single leg while there other leg is propelling them forward. A proper stride also requires a player to bring that propulsion foot all the way back to center which creates a narrow base of support before their next stride. For young players this can be very unnatural because of their lack of balance, strength, and/or stability. That is why young players naturally skate with a

wider, shorter stride.

Now that does not mean training player in stride mechanics is wrong but unless you fix the stability problem a players stride will see minimal change for valuable ice time spent on it. One at home tool you can use for this is a slide board. Slide boards challenge a player’s single leg balance in a dynamic "skating" type pattern/push. The first drill I have players do to work on these skills is have the player touch their heels together at each end of the board before pushing off to the other side. That will simulate bringing your foot back to center and recreate the narrow base required to perform a full stride. It is also important that when you push across the slide board the player tries to maintain a hockey position stance on one leg. This will be challenging for majority of young players. Once a player has mastered the slide board then add stickhandling a ball while performing the same drill. This will work on their ability to perform multiple skills at once. These drills performed every day at home for 5-10 min.

In summary, players first need to develop good change of direction speed, lateral quickness and how to apply those skills to specific game situations. At home players should be using tools such as the slide board to help build greater stability and coordination. Once a player has mastered these skills and is fluent with slide board training then a player is ready for on-ice stride training.

On a separate note congratulations to Anthony Tirabassi for committing to Holy Cross (Division I) in the Atlantic Hockey League. It is nice to continue to see local players achieving their dreams of playing college hockey. Congrats!

www.MarkZarboHockey.com - (716) 208-3724

What is the Most Effective Skating Training for Hockey Players?

Mark Zarbo Hockey

by Mark ZarboMarkZarbo@yahoo.com

www.MarkZarboHockey.com

Visit our website for full schedule and details!

New CampsPosted

• March Break Camps• Pre-Tryout Camps

• Midget/Junior Elite Camp• Summer Forward/Defense Travel Camp

• Summer Small Group Skill Sessions• 3 Day Checking Camps

• 3 on 3 Cross Ice Summer League

WNYHockeyReport.com

41

WNYHockeyReport.com

by Randy Schultz The Howell Motors Hockey Hall of Fame inducted

it’s first class of inductees at the Cornerstone CFCU Ice Arena in Lockport on Saturday, Feb. 6.

That class has four categories including Founders, Contributors, Coaches and Players. The 15 individuals include: Dr. James Westhafer, Dr. Ralph Lewis, John Gerald York, Dr. Albert G. Connette, Donald Kaufman, Peter Wendel, Vic Cook, Bob Stratton, Bill Watson.

Richard G. Connette, Terry Dixon, Rick Eberhart, Jim Musto, Tom Snedeker and Jeff Thompson.

In the case of the Kenan Ice Arena, their foundation came from three founders. Those three men included York, Jr. Dr. Westhafer and Dr. Lewis, DVM.

Before William Rand Kenan, Jr. passed, it was announced that the First Presbyterian Church in Lockport was the recipient of a bequest from Kenan that included property on Locust St. as well as money.

Following Kenan’s death, a committee was formed, which included York, Dr. Westhafer and Dr. Lewis, with part of their plan to use the property fronting Beattie Ave. to build an ice arena.

Groundbreaking for the arena took place in 1967 with the first board of Governors being formed. Dr. Lewis was the first chairman and York the second.

The ice arena was finished and opened in 1968 with the trio being the guiding force behind its construction.

Kaufman became the proud owner of the Washburn Street Meat Market in 1973. From that moment on Kaufman took over from the previous owner’s role of sponsoring youth hockey in Lockport.

Kaufman has owned and operated the market for over 40 years and was always eager to support the local hockey teams.

Dr. Connette made a huge impact in the history of Lockport hockey as a head coach. For several years he coached youth hockey at the Kenan Ice Arena.

Prior to coaching in Lockport, Dr. Connette coached youth hockey at the Nichols Arena in Buffalo with the Buffalo Shamrocks. He played hockey for several years for Henrich Chevrolet.

Wendel served as Chairman of the Kenan Youth Hockey Committee from 1969-73, shortly after the Kenan Center opened. He and the hockey committee always made it a priority that the Kenan Hockey program be a true community program, making hockey accessible to all Lockport area youth while also emphasizing sportsmanship and teamwork.

Wendel would be the first to say that it took many parents, coaches, players, and volunteers over the years to establish the tradition of hockey excellence in Lockport that is evident today. He

is proud to have helped build that initial Kenan program at a time when hockey was the new game in town.

Stratton coached for years with The Washburn Street Market Kenan Youth Hockey Team. Then the Kenan Center opened and they needed coaches and Bob stepped up. Bob took his team to Canada, including Quebec and Barrie to improve their level of play and offer good competition.

Stratton-coached teams worked hard, practicing when they could get ice time, with some of the practices held at homes on back yard rinks. With these experiences players learned a lot of hockey and life, with the end results being two consecutive New York State titles.

Senator Robert Ortt, Mike Landers, Jim Lorentz, Tim Wendell congratulating Inductee Jim Musto.

The youngest of six children, Watson followed in the footsteps of an entire family that skated at the Kenan Center. Along the way he began playing for the Lockport High School Club Hockey Team.

As a member of the Lions Watson was named captain in his senior year and, despite a knee surgery, which kept him on the sideline for half the season, was selected for the All-Star team. That same season saw Watson named Lockport High School’s Student Athlete of the Year.

Following his graduation from the Albany Law School in 1993, Watson returned to Lockport and began his first of 21 seasons behind the bench for the Lockport Varsity Club Hockey Team. He was their head coach until 2008 when the team transitioned to Federation Hockey.

During his tenure as head coach Lockport was able to secure numerous bids to Sectionals, two Fredonia Cup Championships, as well as a trip to the New York State High school Championships in 2006. He was named WNYHSCH’s Coach of the Year on two separate occasions, and was given the NFL’s Cornerstone Award in 2010.

Cooke found his passion for hockey on the ponds and rinks around the Massena area where he grew up. After graduating form Syracuse University he moved to Lockport as Director of the Wyndham Lawn Home For Children.

He passed his love of the game on to his sons, Mark and Todd, and enrolled them in the Kenan

Center’s Youth Hockey programs. Cooke went on to team up with Lou Rosetti, becoming an inseparable coaching tandem, which would last over 15 years.

Known as “Porky” to teammates, Musto began playing hockey in 1968 at the Kenan Center. He competed in Pee Wee, Bantam and Midget levels before excelling for the Lockport High School Club team from 1975-78.

Musto, was a co-captain in his senior year for the Lockport team that finished with an incredible 28-1-1 record and win the 1978 Western New York High School Club Championship. They would go on to place third in the New York State High School Hockey Championship Invitational on Long Island.

That final season for the Lions saw Musto score an incredible 60 goals, which included seven hat tricks, and 38 assists for 98 points in just 30 games to lead his team, as well as the League, in scoring. He capped that off by being one of six players selected to the 1978 Buffalo Courier-Express Western New York High School Club All-Star Team.

As hard as it may seem to believe, prior to becoming a prolific scorer, Musto also excelled as a goaltender. As a member of the Washburn Street Market Pee-Wee team, Musto once registered 62 saves in a 2-0 loss in a hockey tournament in Niagara Falls, Ontario. It was a performance that earned him MVP honors.

Like many children growing up in the Lockport area, Dixon began playing hockey at the age of six, beginning at the Mite level, moving up to Squirts and then the Pee Wee level. Following a two-year stint at the Bantam Level with the Depew Rovers, Dixon returned to Lockport to play Midget hockey at the Kenan Center and high school hockey at Lockport.

Dixon was part of a Lockport Lions High School Hockey team that won two New York State High School Club Hockey Championships. He was also a part of a Western Team that won a gold medal in the Empire State Games.

Dixon also played two seasons for the Buffalo Jr. Sabres, playing on one league championship team with them.

Dixon and his winning ways moved on to Elmira College, where he played four years of varsity hockey. While at Elmira Dixon played on two ECAC West Championship teams, participated in two National Tourneys and played in a National Championship game, finishing second in the Nation.

Connette grew up playing hockey at the Kenan

Howell Hockey Hall of Fame

Howell Ford Hockey Hall Of Fame

Continued on Page 44

42

WNYHockeyReport.com

St. Francis Hockey

St. Francis HockeyBy Melissa Brawdy

St. Francis' prep hockey program is about more than just hockey. In addition to bringing prep hockey to Buffalo and allowing local players the opportunity to play close to home, the Red Raiders hockey program prepares its players for college hockey by showcasing them at colleges and universities around the country while providing a solid

education at the school.Scott Diebold took the reins of the program three

years ago, and since then he's grown the program to what it is today. He was excited to talk about the Midwest Prep League tournament St. Francis hosted at the HarborCenter for the second year in a row this season. All 10 teams in the league came to play at HarborCenter, and it put Buffalo on the map for prep hockey while showing young local hockey players that there are options right here in their hometown.

"It brings prep hockey to Buffalo because really, the only prep hockey in Buffalo is Nichols and St. Francis," Diebold said. "I think it's great for Buffalo, it's great for the program, it's great for the local kids. In the past, if they wanted to play prep hockey, they had to get out of here. There would be people advising the kids to get out of here, but there's options. If you stay here, you can go to Nichols or St. Francis and play prep hockey."

During the winter months, St. Francis has three main teams: a prep team, a junior prep team, and a Fed team. The prep team is the highest level and plays in the Midwest Prep League as well as the East Coast Elite League. It's the East Coast Elite league that allows the

team to across the country. "What that does is it showcases us at schools," Diebold

explained. "We play in universities across the country. What that league tries to do is put the top players in the program in front of college coaches and junior coaches in hopes that they'll go on to play college hockey."

The junior prep team is comprised of the program's top sophomores and freshman and plays in the Niagara Frontier Fed league as well as independently in tournaments. The Fed team is made up of juniors and seniors who don't make the prep team.

But at St. Francis, hockey is nearly year round. The school has its AAA status so that it can have teams that play against local travel hockey programs such as the Buffalo Regals. From August through October, the Red Raiders have a 15u team, a 16u team, and an 18u team. Keeping those players in the program allows the St. Francis coaches to have a better look at their players before the prep and Fed seasons even begin.

"We do it just to keep all our St. Francis kids playing hockey together in the midget season," Diebold said. "When we come in in November, we have school tryouts. But most of the kids have all been playing together for the last three months, so we have a good

look at all of them."But once they're on the prep team and looking to the

next level, it's the education St. Francis provides that makes the difference for so many players. The program provides prospective coaches with players' GPA's, and it's known that kids aren't allowed to play hockey if they're failing any courses.

"What I really like and what we really focus on is these kids and their college preparatory education," Diebold said. "The junior coaches and the college coaches really like that and they appreciate it because as the pool keeps getting smaller as you go up and up, you have so many more opportunities because of the education. Our kids usually don't have a problem passing the NCAA clearance because they already take all the core requirements. For you to play hockey, you can't be failing any classes. So we have those roots, and those philosophies are bettering these kids the moment they walk in the door. So a college coach asks to look at those kids. We put our GPA's on our scouting programs because that's what the coaches want to see. That's what the junior coaches want to see because if you don't have the grades, they really don't even want to talk to you. That's the reality of it. There's so many good players, they just don't have time to waste on kids that aren't good students ... It just opens up so many more doors for them."

43

WNYHockeyReport.com

by Bob Janosz

With tryouts just around the corner this article will focus on some reminders to help have a successful tryout. Tryouts can be very stressful for any goaltender. It’s important to harness that stress into positive energy. Here are some tips

on how to show your strengths and stand out in a tryout situation.

Make a good first impression. The start of the tryout is very important. Arriving early and ready with all necessary paperwork and equipment shows that you are prepared and responsible. Be sure to double check that everything is in order prior to the day of the tryout (gear in good condition, skates sharpened etc.). This also includes getting on the ice on time and being focused while the coach is talking. I have seen coaches cut goalies for being late, unprepared, or appearing uninterested.

Have net presence. This is hard to describe, but easy to notice. Some of the things that a coach will look for is control and edgework, fundamentals, athleticism, puck tracking, and rebound control. The best goalies have a certain swagger or confidence to the way they move around the crease and make saves.

Big save at key times. Ultimately the goalie that the coach has the most confidence in will make the team. Making big saves at key times while not allowing soft goals is the key to standing out in a tryout. Coaches want to see a goalie that will

“compete” hard on every shot no matter what the situation is. They also want to see a goalie that will rise to the occasion and not make excuses or blame teammates for mistakes.

Next shot philosophy. Don’t beat yourself up if you give up a goal. Quickly erase it from your memory and focus on the next shot. That next save could be the difference maker. The same philosophy applies after you make a great save. Avoid getting to excited and focus on the next shot.

With those tips in mind be sure to remember that work ethic, having a positive attitude, and being a good teammate are other intangibles that can help you make the team. Good luck.

For more information on the Janosz School of Goaltending or Private Training go our new video website at www.bobjanosz.com or call (716) 308-9224.

Goaltender Tryout Tips

In the Crease

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

bobjanosz.com (716) 308-9224 Register Today.

In the end, Gonzalez summed up his time with the club hockey team in just a few words:

“It’s been something I’ll tell my kids about someday,” he said.

In just a few short months, the graduating players will disperse, off to new adventures independent of one another.

Gonzalez just finished applying for law school at the University at Buffalo; LaMacchia said he hopes to go on to medical school to study sports medicine, which would allow him to stay in touch with the game.

Teijiera spoke of his hopes to potentially get into coaching hockey at some point in the future, while Oetinger said he’ll look for a job, hopefully in his chosen field of biomedical engineering.

For now, the focus remains on finishing out the reason of the season on a high note, as the Bulls have some unfinished business to take care of.

They’re looking to top last season, when the team became not only became UNYCHL Conference Champions and regular season NCHA Champions, but also had the chance to take things

to NCHA Nationals in Newark, Ohio.

Congratulations to the other players honored by UB: Matt Cohen, Sal Natale, Jeremy Smith, Nathan Stieglmeier and Connor Delaney, and to all graduating players throughout the NCHA.

Continued from Page 13Bulls Senior Night

44

WNYHockeyReport.com

Howell Hockey Hall of Fame

Walk-in or use our online self-scheduling tool.

The Best Care is Immediate Care.

Y Most patients treated in about an hour Y

Y Acceptance of most insurance Y

Y Board certified physicians Y

AMHERST | ORCHARD PARK | WILLIAMSVILLE | CHEEKTOWAGA | BUFFALO Y WEBSTER | GREECE | HENRIETTA

wnyimmediatecare.com | rochesterimmediatecare.com

Arena for the Lockport Optimist club.The 1974 graduate of Royalton Hartland High

School attended Denver University with help from a scholarship provided from the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres.

Connette made history at the university by becoming the first freshman to make the varsity hockey team. That same year saw Connette awarded the MVP of the Gordie Howe Collegiate pre-season hockey tournament.

Eberhart has not only contributed to hockey in the Lockport area as a player, but he has also made an impact as a head coach. Eberhart began his playing career by participating in all youth AAA teams at the Kenan Arena from 1976-81.

From there he moved on to play for the Lockport High School Club hockey team for two seasons from 1982-84. Eberhart was a part of the 1983 championship Lions hockey team.

Eberhart was also recognized outside of the Lockport area, being chosen as part of the 1984 gold medal-winning West Team as part of the New York Empire State Games.

A year later he was a player on the Lockport Jr. Marlies team.

Eberhart’s playing career continued while attending SUNY Brockport. He played four seasons of varsity hockey at Brockport.

He moved from a playing career to a coaching career beginning in 1990 when he took over as head coach of Varsity Hockey Lockport from 1990-96, as well as youth hockey teams from 1990-2009.

His coaching career continues today as head

coach of the Lockport High School Ice Hockey Team, a position he took over in 2010.

Thompson lived life like he played hockey. He believed that if you were going to do something, you should give it all you have.

Hockey became a family affair with Sue as the faithful hockey mom and Jeff’s dad, Dick, running a skate sharpening shop out of their home.

Jeff enjoyed the competition and physical challenges of playing hockey. He skated hard and fast and was happy to take a hit after digging the puck out of a corner. It was part of the way he played hockey.

His team, Washburn Street Meat Market, won several major tournaments.

After high school, Jeff dedicated himself to raising his children. He was able to use many of the lessons he learned from hockey to teach his children about perseverance, strength and hard work.

Jeff’s hockey career lives on in everyone he helped because it made him a team player for the rest of his life.

Snedeker’s hockey career began at nine when he took skating lessons for the first time at the Kenan Center. By the time he was 10 he made the Squirt A team from Timkey Pontiac.

By the 1975-76 season Snedeker was playing for the Wheatfield Blades 16 year-old Major Midget team. He was also skating for the Lockport Lions Varsity team as a sophomore.

The next season was a breakout one of sorts for Snedeker. He played for the Wheatfield Blades

Major Midget AA team, as well as playing defense for the Lions Varsity club team.

Considered an offensive defenseman, Snedeker led the Lions in scoring, while leading them to a 13-3 record and the playoffs. The Lions won the Western New York High School Club Hockey Playoff Championship. He concluded the campaign by being named to the 1977 WNY High School Club Hockey League All-Star Team.

In his senior year, Snedeker moved up to junior hockey, playing for the North Tonawanda Tondas. But it was his final year of high school hockey that he helped rewrite the record books.

The veteran defenseman helped lead the Lions to a 28-1-1 record. Snedeker finished the season with 21 goals and 47 assists for 68 points, finishing first in the League with assists and second in scoring.

After winning the Western New York High School League Championship as well as the WNY Club Hockey League Playoff Championship, the Lions moved on to the New York State High School Championship on Long Island. Lockport placed third, with Snedeker scoring nine goals in four games, including two hat tricks in one day.

He topped off the season by being named to the 1978 WNY High School Club Hockey League All-Star Team.

During his three year of playing defense for the Lions, Snedeker averaged just under one goal per game; just under three points per game and finished with a plus/minus of over +200.

Continued from Page 41

45

WNYHockeyReport.com

HPHD

We can outfit your team FOR $50 PER JERSEY*

For details, samples, questions or inquiries, please email bardowncreative@gmail.com or visit

www.bardowncreative.com or facebook.com/bardowncreative

BARDOWNA P P A R E L

A P P A R E L

I NC.

BARDOWNC R E A T I V E

I NC.

look great. play even better.

look great. play even better.

BARDOWNA P P A R E L

A P P A R E L

I NC.

BARDOWNC R E A T I V E

I NC.

look great. play even better.

look great. play even better.

REGISTER NOW!

2016 SUMMER SESSION

• Youth House Leagues • Youth Instructional Programs

• 10U, 12U, 14U, 16U, 21U (Formerly 18U/High School League)

• Tournament Travel Teams

• Adult House Leagues • Aluminum Division

• Youth and Adult Open Hockey • Adult 30+ League

• Co-ed 30+ League • NEW Floor Hockey Division

Accepting Individual Registration

BEGINS THURSDAY, APRIL 14TH

YOUTH EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION: APRIL 29, 2016* *DISCOUNT APPLIES

ADULT REGISTRATION DEADLINE: APRIL 7, 2016YOUTH REGISTRATION DEADLINE: MAY 4, 2016

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:Eric@WNYRH.COM 716-903-2658 OR Jason@WNYRH.COM 716-444-2667

SAVE TIME, REGISTER ONLINE!

sunday | iron / copper / bronze / silver monday | aluminum / iron / copper secondary day | thursday tuesday | copper / bronze / silver wednesday | youth skills / 10u / 12u / 14u / 16u / 30+ thursday | aluminum / iron / copper secondary day | monday friday | 21u saturday | NEW Floor hockey / iron / copper

ATTENTIONICE HOCKEY

PLAYERS

We have partnered With the Wny school oF hockey’s spring/summer ice development camp.

visit our Website For more details.Wnysoh.com

DOES YOUR TEAM NEEDCUSTOM JERSEYS?

BARDOWNA P P A R E L

A P P A R E L

I NC.

BARDOWNC R E A T I V E

I NC.

look great. play even better.

look great. play even better.

BARDOWNA P P A R E L

A P P A R E L

I NC.

BARDOWNC R E A T I V E

I NC.

look great. play even better.

look great. play even better.

AND

HAVE YOU COVERED!

By Steve Thomson Playing experience means

a lot in hockey and making the most of the opportunities given, is something that coaches and administrators have often preached.

What happens when you get the call to play a higher level or a unique opportunity to be mentored by NHL players and showcase your skills in front of the scouts, that your whole life

you’ve been dreaming of. Who decides if you should go or not? That should be a no brainer. The player should decide. But that is not always the case.

North Broward Prep U18 was scheduled for a NJPHL (National Junior Prospects Hockey League) showcase in Rochester NY. The North Broward team’s coaching staff is made up NHLers Peter Worrell, Denis Shvidki, Thomas Vokoun, and Marco Strum whom are guiding players from all over the world. Unfortunately, the North Broward team was bitten by the injury bug and was low on numbers. Coach Peter Worrell reached out to the local area through HPHD to see if players would like to fill for those showcase spots and there were quite a few players that were ready and wanted to play.

Now USA Hockey rules stipulate that any player can be rostered on any number of teams in the same season. But can only be on one (1) State bound tournament roster. With everything legitimate and legal, why would coaches and administrators stop an available player from participating? Those involved can’t think of a reason, but they did. Only one local player was able to take advantage of just such an opportunity while

others were completely shut out by their Coaches and or Administrators. Another player did join from New Hampshire.

That one local player was Amherst Youth Hockey U16 player Tyler Rossi and with the support from Amherst Youth Hockey association and his coach, he jumped at the chance.

Jack Quigley VP of Travel for Amherst Youth Hockey says” Amherst Youth Hockey does not want to stand in the way of a player getting exposure or an opportunity like this.

We follow USA Hockey rules to keep the players protected and this is good for Tyler, good for Amherst Youth Hockey and good for WNY hockey.

Tyler said “it was a lot of fun, I had a ball. The coaches and players were great. I found a different level that I can reach.”

Tyler’s parents Bob and Jean were pleased to see him get this opportunity. “It was incredibly rewarding to watch him play within a different and more consistent style of play,” said Bob.”

Bob added “This was not only enjoyable, but we understand the value of the opportunity with these coaches and playing at this level.”

Coach Peter Worrell formerly of the NHL Florida Panthers expressed his disappointment for those players held back “ at the end of the day it about the players getting to showcase their talent and play in games that they can be a big part in.”

Coach Worrell spoke to Tyler Rossi’s time with the team. “I was extremely pleased at how a younger player like Tyler played such a dominate game. He’s very coachable, competitive and was fun to coach.”

Coach Worrell went on to say that Tyler Rossi has a very bright future if he continues to be the best player

that he can be.When it comes to player promotion, it seems to be

more miss than hit for the players involved. Junior Teams calling midget coaches for rosters or information on specific players are too often ignored or redirected to players that the coach feels more deserving. One way to eliminate the Gatekeeper syndrome is to have team rosters readily available with every players’ contact information: phone email.

Players are not commodities to hoard for real or imagined reasons. It’s important for coaches and administrators to let players reach their full potential and take advantage of these opportunities as they present themselves.

Opportunity Calls

Tyler Rossi

46

WNYHockeyReport.com

Sponsors

BASIC SKILLS:• Beginner thru advanced• Ages 18 month thru Adult • Largest Basic Skills & Beginner Hockey Program in WNY• Top 10 in the USA since 2001

HOCKEY:• Beginner Hockey classes• Hockey Skills classes• Powerskating• Private & Semi-Private Lessons• Endorsed by USA Hockey

For more information call716-580-3458

www.SK8GR8.com/hockeyedge

Year-round at Holiday and Leisure RinksSeasonal programs at Hamburg Town Arena, EA Healthy Zone BC/BS Rink and Canalside.

Get the edge with Skate Great learn the skating skills you need to excel in hockey

Get the edge with Skate Great

Our Next Session Begins at Holiday, Leisure and Hamburg in Mid November. Canalside Session begins December 4th.

47

WNYHockeyReport.com

20152015 20162016The GREATER NIAGARA AMATEUR HOCKEY LEAGUE

is proud to present

Squirts & PeeWeesMarch 4-6, 2016

SQUIRT:2006 Minor – 9u multiple tiers

2005 Major – 10u multiple tiers2006/2005 Mixed – 9u-10u multiple tiers

PEEWEE:2004 Minor – 11u multiple tiers2003 Major – 12u multiple tiers

2004/2003 Mixed – 11u-12u multiple tiers

Tournament Chair: Ken Franasiak at 716.693.0006 kfranasiak@calamar.comTo Register Contact: Brenda Eldridge at 716.541.8947 bleehockey@verizon.net or visit www.aauice.rsportz.com

Bantam & MidgetMarch 11-13, 2016

BANTAM:2002 Minor - 13U2001 Major - 14U

2002/2001 Mixed - 13U-14UMIDGET:

2000 Minor - 15U1999 Minor - 16U

1997 Major - 18U 2000/1999/1998/1997Mixed - 15U-16U-18U

Note: Mixed divisions may include multiple competition levels ranging from

House or House Select through Mixed age Travel teams.

Elite Division (Must apply and be accepted):a) Teams that complete at least 8 games through AAU

tournaments & must have the same stamped roster in all games.

b) Winner of a qualifying tournament. If league team, a copy of the stamped roster and a copy of the tournament

roster must be the same. Other wise a. above applies.c) By Invitation of the National Committee

Sponsors

Call 716-393-3663CONVENIENTLY LOCATED INSIDE HOLIDAY TWIN RINKS – 2ND FLOOR

3465 BROADWAY ST. CHEEKTOWAGA NY 14227

www.HPHD.us Info@HPHD.usCall 716-393-3663

CONVENIENTLY LOCATED INSIDE HOLIDAY TWIN RINKS – 2ND FLOOR3465 BROADWAY ST. CHEEKTOWAGA NY 14227

www.HPHD.us Info@HPHD.us

Ice and Hybrid

Clinics /Camps

PROVENRESULTSPROVENRESULTSPROVENRESULTS

TeamTraining

Private and Semi Private Lessons

Body

CheckingSpecial Online Savings

SAVE 20%Use Promo Code

ALLSTAR20

Special Online Savings

SAVE 20%

ALL-STARSALEALL-STARSALE

Train Like A Pro!Train Like A Pro!