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March 2013Volume 18 ISSUE 4

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

STEVE OTTEXCITED ABOUT FRESH START IN BUFFALO pg 5DANNY GARE:“Lindy is a total class act” pg 6PegulaSpeaks Out pg 6Buffalo Junior Sabres:OFF TO THE PLAYOFFS! pg 8Lauren Pray’s Mission pg 13HARBORcenter pg 14Niagara Continuesto Earn NationalRecognition pg 18SEVEN-POINT WEEKEND EARNS IUORIO AHAPLAYER OF THE WEEK pg 18

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

CEO andPublisherSteven Manson

EditorCaroline Manson

Layout & DesignDebbie [email protected]

WebmasterPaul Manson

Writers

Jim Fink

Dave Reichert

Janice Cavaretta

Stu Boyer

Tim O’Shei

Mike Mroziak

Mike Haim

Dave Ricci

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

Western New York Hockey Magazine is an equal opportunity employer.

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

3

March 2013Volume 18

ISSUE 4

Western New York Hockey Magazine is not affiliated in any way with the WNY Amateur Hockey League, Empire West Hockey League, The Buffalo Sabres, or any organization. All editorial decisions are made by the owner and publisher, Steven P. Manson.

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The chill of an early autumn evening gave way to warmth as several hundred Buffalo Sabres fans along with a slew of alumni, sponsors and others made their way on Friday evening to see the official unveiling of “Alumni Plaza” and the more than 2,000 pound-bronze statue

that pays homage to the “French Connection” line of Gilbert Perreault, Rene Robert and the late Rick Martin.

The plaza and statue, more than one year in the works, is the latest in a series of upgrades Sabres’ owner Terry Pegula has made to turn First Niagara Center and the Buffalo Niagara region into “hockey heaven.”

“After today the landscape of the plaza has forever changed,” said Rick Jeanneret, the Sabres longtime broadcaster and event MC.

The nearly 10-foot tall statue is Alumni Plaza’s centerpiece that also includes plaques with the names of all 401 players who have skated for the Sabres from the team’s inception in 1970 until the end of the most recent season. It was created by Jerry McKenna, the same artist who created statues at Notre Dame and the Professional Football Hall of Fame.

McKenna based his statue on a 1975 photo former Courier-Express photographer Ron Moscati took. It was one of the few action shots that included all three, Sabres officials said.

Pegula said the genesis of Alumni Plaza, located just east of First Niagara Center’s atrium, comes from his days as a Sabres fan and season ticket holder. Pegula, who lived for many years in Orchard Park, bought the team in February 2011 and immediately brought a sense of family to the organization.

“This is ‘Alumni Plaza’, but it grew from being a fan to an owner,” Pegula said.The buzz around the plaza and statue’s debut grew. despite a windy, 40-degree night, fans flocked

to Perry Street to watch the unveiling.Among them was Al Blachowski of Cheektowaga and his daughter, Alexis.Blachowski was one of the those fans who camped out in from of Memorial Auditorium to buy

the few tickets that were available for the Sabres’ home games. He came to the event loaded with memories of Perreault, Martin and Robert.

“When this was announced, I knew I just had to be here,” he said.The event included a tribute video to the French Connection that included highlights of their many

goals and words of praise from the likes of Wayne Gretzky, former coach Floyd Smith and longtime defenseman Jim Schoenfeld.

At 7:34 p.m., the statue was officially unveiled to a whirl of clicks and flashes from camera phones and digital cameras.

“It’s extremely humbling,” said Corey Martin, 26, Martin’s son.Martin died in March 2011, one month after Pegula bought the team.“The only thing I can say, is that the whole thing is overwhelming,” Robert said, “It’s beyond

thinking. I feel like it came together at the right place and the right time and because of the right people. All of the mixes came together.”

Perreault called the whole event as “something very special.”Perreault was surprised by a large contingent of fans who came from his native Victoriaville, Que.

to see the unveiling. They cheered loudly - in both French and English.“What can I say?” Perreault said.”It was a very special night. This is something I will remember for

the rest of my life.”


For the Latest Hockey News go to WNYHOCKEYNOW.com March 2013

5

On July 2nd, 2012 gritty versatile forward Steve Ott was traded to the

Buffalo Sabres from the Dallas Stars. Ott arrives in Buffalo after nine seasons with the Stars as part of a revamping of the Sabres roster. The goal of the Ott acquisition was to make Buffalo a more difficult team to play against, but the addition of Ott to the lineup means much more than that.

When the deal was announced Ott felt the mixed emotions often associated with player movement, but he is embracing the challenges ahead in this chapter of his National Hockey League resume.

I was nervous and excited,” explained Ott. “I played ten years in Dallas, the fans were super to me there, the support that I got there was awesome, I’m very thankful for that. I was also anxious, I was anxious for this adventure to kind of restart my career in my thirties; to start with a strong nucleus team. I knew heading in from the great things Weby (sabres’ defenseman Mike Weber) told me. From the ownership, to the management all the way down.

I truly believe in this dressing room and believe in this team and that was something I was excited about right away, there is a commitment level towards this club.

In Buffalo, Ott comes to a rabid hockey market, but he also acknowledges that the fan base in Dallas is strong and enthusiastic, especially in an area where there is a great deal of competition for fan attention and dollars.

“I think Dallas is a great hockey market,” stated Ott. “They are competing against their basketball team, baseball team and football team. Obviously fan support waivers at times. When you are winning, when you are successful the fan support in Dallas is great. They are putting a great product on the ice, the fans love the game. There are a lot of people in Dallas, six million or so, you can draw from different markets. I can’t say a bad thing; I’ve seen that building rocking like crazy. I had a lot of great hockey games in there and I’m really thankful for that opportunity.”

In looking at the trade, Ott not only appreciates the loyalty

and support of Sabres’ fans, but also the elite hockey markets in Buffalo’s division and the cities Ott will be playing in multiple times a season as a member of the Sabres.

“When I look at the division, you are going into an instant energy building every single night,” said Ott. “You go to Montreal, Boston, Ottawa and Toronto. That’s something any hockey player dreams about, playing in those big market games. I think those games are easy energy games to play in, rather than going to Phoenix or a city that might be a lesser hockey market there is nothing better than playing in markets like those. We’re doing that almost on a nightly basis, which makes it so interesting for me to grab that energy.”

The thirty year old native of Summerside PEI is striving to become the most complete player he can me. He has spent considerable time in his career developing the skill of winning face offs, strengthening his still level when he has the chance to line up for a key drop of the puck.

“You find different avenues in your game throughout the years,” explained Ott. “You look for ways to get onto the ice in certain situations. You always want to be that guy on the ice in the last minute if it’s offensive zone draw or a defensive zone draw. It’s something I’ve worked on with coaches over the years. Actually an ex-sabre Stu Barnes has helped me out a lot in the face off dot. You practice it, over the years you see the work that you put in in the face off dot after practice and you can see it kind

of going forward. I want to be accountable to my teammates in the face off dot. If it’s a penalty killing situation or whenever it’s needed you want to help out.”

With possession of the puck being so important, Ott’s ability to win key draws brings an important element to the Sabres arsenal.

We’ve already seen how many goals have been scored on us from lost face offs,” recalled Ott. “That’s a crucial area to gain momentum. You never want to chase the puck. When you end up chasing the puck for fifteen seconds every single shift for a lost draw that’s where you really realize by the end of the third period why you are getting a little extra tired.”

Throughout his career, Ott has drawn the assignment of playing against the opposition’s top players. The role of checker, pest or agitator is one he relishes.

“I love the challenge of going against top end guys and competing,” confirmed Ott. “There’s no easier way to agitate than going after one of their top end guys, competing against them physically. Making them challenge you, to beat you going toward that net. If you play them and you compete hard that’s where I think that is where you see their third or fourth line guys get pretty rattled at you. It’s something that I truly like; playing against top line guys to try to compete and shut them down.”

While the ability to shut down and frustrate opposition forwards is a key component continued page 13

STEVE OTTEXCITED ABOUT FRESH START IN BUFFALO BY DAVE REICHERT


For the Latest Hockey News go to WNYHOCKEYNOW.comMarch 2013

6



IN OTHER ITEMS •Pegula said he is amazed by the strong supportlocalfanshaveshownfortheteam. TheSabres,throughJan.19,soldoutfivegames and have just 12,000 tickets - mostly single seats -remainingfortheseason.

• The team is on schedule to break ground on the HarborCenter project in March, with final plans expected to be reviewed by the City of Buffalo and the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp in thecomingweeks.

• Pegula said he is excited about the buzz being creating by his alma mater, Penn State’s men’s hockey team. Penn State is due to play the University of Vermont in Philadelphia later this winter andnearly20,000 seatshavebeen sold for thegame. Pegula isunderwriting thedevelopmentofPenn State’snewNCAADivisionIhockeyarenainState College.

• Pegula also denied reports that he donated $1.3 million to Penn State to help keep football coach BillO’BrieninStateCollege. “That is absolutely false,” Pegula said. “I think the reporter who first wrote that is sorry hewrotethat.”

B uffalo Sabres owner Terry Pegula broke his National Hockey League-enforced silence, on the eve of the lockout-shortened season, to apologize to fans for the

labor dispute that shutdown the NHL for four months.And, at the same time, Pegula also announced he had signed

longtime team general manager Darcy Regier to a long-term contract extension.

Pegula’s 20-minute Jan. 19 meeting with reporters marked his first chance to talk about a wide variety of issues that have taken place since this past fall including the lockout’s impact and the still-evolving plans for the $123 million HarborCenter twin-rink/hotel complex he wants to build on the edge of First Niagara Center.

“The lockout was a hardship for a lot of people,” Pegula said. “Sometimes things happen that you just don’t plan for in life.”

The newly-negotiated collective bargaining agreement between the NHL and the National Hockey Player’s Association was necessary, Pegula said. Pegula said he was always in support of his fellow owners and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.

“You’ve got to help the teams that are struggling financially,” Pegula said. “Otherwise, we’d be back to the ‘Original Six’ before you know it.”

The irony is after the NHL/NHLPA dispute that wiped out the entire 2004-2005 season, Pegula - an ardent hockey fan and onetime Sabres season ticket holder - said he was through with hockey.

“I swore I’d never watch another hockey game,” Pegula joked. “My daughters got me back into the game.”

Pegula said he is confident this year’s squad will make the post-season. The Sabres brought in gritty players like Steve Ott and John Scott and flashy Russian rookie Mikhail Grigorenko.

“The team is a lot different than the one I bought,” Pegula said.

Pegula Speaks Out By James Fink

K nown for being a tough, hard-nosed player, former Sabre great Danny Gare both emotional and

wistful as he watched former coach Lindy Ruff’s farewell press conference.

“At least, he a got a chance to say a proper goodbye,” Gare said moments before Ruff’s presser began. “I never did.”

Gare, along with Jim Schoenfeld and Derek Smith, were traded by then-GM Scotty Bowman in November 1981. The trio had little warning that the trade to the Detroit Red Wings was in place.

Ruff, who was fired on Wednesday following a 16-season run as Sabres’ coach,

was given a chance to say thanks and goodbye. In true Ruff fashion, it was classy and more than just a tad emotional.

Fighting back tears and with a cracking voice, Ruff thanked former team owners like Seymour and Norty Knox, Tom Golisano, Larry Quinn and even, the Rigas family. Kudos were delivered to past and current players like Michael Peca and Ryan Miller and, of course, the fans.

“To the fans, I owe you,” Ruff said. Ruff took full responsibility for his

firing, deflecting criticism away from his team.

“They didn’t let me down,” he said. “They

gave me what I asked for.”The tipping point came with Tuesday’s

2-1 loss to the Winnipeg Jets. Fans booed and booed loudly. A growing chorus, in the court of public opinion, was calling for Ruff’s head.

“We took a step back against Winnipeg,” he acknowledged. “It was like a kick in the gut to me.”

Having spent 26 of his adult years in Buffalo as a player and coach, Ruff said he is not leaving the area. He make take another coaching position sometime down the road, but Western New York will remain his home base.

DANNY GARE:“Lindy is a total class act”

By James Fink



8

Buffalo Junior Sabres:OFF TO THE PLAYOFFS! Michael Mroziak I t’s a certainty that the Buffalo Junior

Sabres are postseason bound and will hold home ice advantage for at

least one round of the playoffs. The only question mark heading into the final weeks of February was whether Buffalo could finish atop the entire Ontario Junior Hockey League South-West Conference. For a handful of games, the Jr. Sabres and West Division rival Georgetown Raiders were still running in a red-hot race for first place with the teams leapfrogging several times.

Add to that the drama of a historic chase for a 50-goal season by Buffalo’s leading scorer, and regardless of where Buffalo finishes in the standings this will be looked upon as one of the most special seasons in franchise history.

As of February 16, forward Tyler Gjurich sat at 49 goals, his most recent two tallies coming the night before in a 3-2 win at St. Michael’s Buzzers. Gjurich faced one more road game at Oakville before coming home for two straight games. While scoring the 50th goal would surely be more exciting in front of a home crowd, the team was more interested in getting as much offense as they could from all their producers in order to stay in a good position to lock up first place.

Not a bad start to the tenure of Michael Peca, whose first year as the head coach and second as the team’s general manager has yielded a most noticeable improvement in the Junior “A” program.

There’s also the college commitments. Through mid-February a half-dozen Jr. Sabres’ plans for college and college hockey were set, with several other players still patiently weighing their options.

The most recent commitments included forward Nathan Pelligra (Webster, NY), goaltender Parker Gahagen (Williamsville, NY) and defenseman and team captain Derek Patterson (Calgary, AB).

Pelligra will enroll next fall at Manhattanville College and continue his hockey career with the Valiants. The former Rochester Star (EJHL) turned Junior Sabre looked back on his decision to move

a little more west to continue his junior hockey.

“Playing for Coach Peca is a once in a life time opportunity, “said Pelligra. “He has taught me a lot about the little things that makes you a successful hockey player. The whole coaching staff really helped me raise my level of play this year. My teammates have been great and I’ve had a lot of fun with our success. I would like to thank everyone in the entire Buffalo Jr. Sabres organization for making my last year of junior the best.”

Gahagen is heading to West Point, where he’ll enroll and play hockey for Army and

is expected to be a significant contributor as early as next season.

“I chose Army because of the opportunities it creates both hockey-wise and career-wise,” said Gahagen. “In comparison to other colleges I had to choose from, none of the others gave me as great an opportunity to excel in both aspects of life and hockey.

Also, I am looking forward to the challenge of West Point to transform me into the best leader and person I can be.”

“I couldn’t be happier for Parker,” added Peca. “He is a perfect fit for West Point academically, athletically and most importantly for the moral integrity he exhibits. He will be a great addition and help them right away next season.”

That moral integrity stems from Gahagen’s Christian faith, with the goaltender revealing he read through several Bible passages while weighing his college options.

Also heading to college next fall is team captain Derek Patterson. The Calgary, Alberta native and son for former NHL player Colin Patterson (who played for the Buffalo Sabres from 1991 to 1993) will enroll at SUNY Plattsburgh, where he’ll look forward to boosting the defense for the always competitive Division III school.

“I think Plattsburgh has a tremendous winning tradition and the academic program offers a lot of programs that interest me,” said Patterson. “I hope that I

will be able to offer a physical presence on the back end and add to an already sound defensive core.”

Earlier this season, defenseman Darrin Trebes (Williamsville, NY) announced his commitment to SUNY Fredonia beginning next academic year, while forward Nolan Sheeran (East Amherst, NY) will enroll at Canisius College beginning with academic year 2014-15. Forward Josh Kielich (Orchard Park, NY) will begin his studies and continue his hockey career at Canisius this fall, a commitment he announced last season.

Other college commitments were expected late in the season but no decisions were yet confirmed.SCHMELZER TWICE RECOGNIZED, INCLUDING A FIRST-TIME HONOR

Ryan Schmelzer (East Amherst, NY) began his 2013 with a bang, producing 17 points (eight goals and nine assists) in just seven games, climbing as high as eighth in the Ontario Junior Hockey League’s top scorers. His offensive output earned him “player of the month” honors by two sources.

First, he was named the Ontario Junior Hockey League’s Gongshow Gear South-West Conference Player of the Month for January. He was scheduled to receive his honor in a pregame ceremony prior to the team’s February 12 game against the Toronto Jr. Canadiens at the Northtown Center at Amherst.

“It is a great honor to win this award,” said Schmelzer upon hearing of his selection. “There are a lot of great players in this league. So for me to be chosen for this award, it really means a lot.”

Schmelzer became the third Jr. Sabre this season to win a league player of the month honor. Tyler Gjurich won the same award in November, the same month Parker Gahagen was selected as OJHL Gongshow Gear Goaltender of the Month.

“Both Tyler and Parker previously won this award and joining them is a

continued page 18

WESTERNewYor


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For the Latest Hockey News go to WNYHOCKEYNOW.com March 2013

13

Lauren Pray’s Mission By Dave Ricci

A 15-year-old Kenmore West High School sophomore who plays goal for the Kenmore girls Federation hockey team, Pray made a huge splash last season when her sizzling play between the pipes led Kenmore to the Sectional

championship.“I didn’t think we were going to do as good as we did, ”Pray said with a shy smile, as

she spoke of how well everyone came together last year.Saying that last’s year success was the result of every girl working hard and believing

in each other there is no doubt Pray was a key part of that championship run.Last season Kenmore coach Jeff Orlowski used a platoon system as Pray switched on

and off with then junior Kaitlyn Simmons.Pray was solid as she fashioned a very respectable 2.28 goals against average during

the regular season.Time was split as evenly as possible between Pray and Simmons as both girls thrived

from healthy competition and pushed each other to be their very best.“On travel I was always the only goalie,” Pray said. ”(Knowing) there was another

goalie (on Kenmore) made me step up my game because I realized I wasn’t always going to be the starter all the time.”

Continuing on that thought Pray explained that on previous teams she sometimes held back in practice because she knew she was the unquestioned starter and didn’t have to worry about losing her job. Knowing that a more than capable goalie like Simmons is also striving to be No.1 makes Pray work harder because she knows nothing is a gimmie.

“Before I came to high school I never really tried in practice. It made me try harder in practice and it carried on to the games,” Pray stated.

The platoon system served Kenmore well as both Pray and Simmons shined. But once playoff time game that old adage of riding the hot goalie held up as Pray got the call and didn’t let her team down.

“Kaitlyn is an assistant captain on our team, so she plays a big role, but Lauren got hot at the end,” Orlowski said.” We rode her threw the playoffs and won the sectional title pretty much on her back.”

Pray, who was named to the All-WNY first team, sparkled with a 1.33 GAA in the post season as Kenmore marched towards the sectional title.

But that page of the history book has turned. It’s a new season and Lauren Pray is focused on proving her success was not beginners luck.

“I just want to prove people wrong,” she said,” because some people have their doubts. I’m trying hard to show them that it wasn’t just one good game or one sectional game.”

Getting her first exposure to organized

ice hockey when she was six-years-old, Pray played on an all boys team when she joined the Tonawanda Lightning.

Pray, who is now in her first season with the Buffalo Bisons girls program, said that playing the upper tier teams like West Seneca and Monsignor Martin Athletic Association last year helped up her game.

“It helped me face higher competition,” Pray said.” And I think it helped me in the sectional games because I knew what to ex-pect.”

With a playful, child-like laugh Pray carries herself as if she doesn’t have a care in the world on or off the ice.

But behind that innocent smile burns a competitive fire.

Favoring the butterfly style, Pray makes the most of her agility, quick reflexes and is just an all-around very technically sound keeper.

“Because her angles are so good her lateral movement is excellent,” Orlowski said. ”She moves from side-to-side fast that they don’t really have much of a chance. She’s got a great glove. All the aspects a goalie needs to have she has them.”

Still doing that platoon system in net this season Pray said that once again knowing that Simmons is there to encourage as well as push her is a big part of her getting better at her craft.

Orlowski added that knowing they have rock like Pray in net allows the defense to be more assertive when it comes to joining offensive rushes.

“She allows our defense to take some big chances,” Orlowski said.

More than Pray gives you exactly what you need from a keeper. A fair chance to

win every time she steps on the ice.And you can’t ask for anything more.

STEVE OTT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5of Ott’s game, he also possesses the ability to chip in offensively as well.

“When you can contribute to the team there is no better feeling.” There is no better way to instigate or agitate than when you score a goal and all the other guys over there hang their heads because they are upset that you put one home. It’s something every NHL player wants to do, to contribute. For me it’s a mixed bag. I want to be that complete player; physical, strong and also help contribute goals.”

There are many ways to turn the tide in a game. Ott loves to draw the opposition into undisciplined penalties and allow his team to gain a man advantage

“It’s staying on guys hard throughout the night and when anybody gets that opportunity to draw that penalty, you have to gain that momentum,” said Ott. “When you are down two, down one, there is no better thing than putting your power play on the ice, that’s instant momentum.”

Ott feels that his new team has the ingredients to be successful in the highly competitive Eastern Conference.

“There is a belief system in here,” said Ott. “I really like this team; there are a lot of strong components. We’re pretty young as well and we’ve got a lot of guys who are learning and growing every single day and obviously there’s that adjustment. There is great goaltending, great defense, big strong

continued page 14



14

d-men and we have a strong forward group and we’re competitive every single night.

With Ott’s varied skill set, his classification as a type of player defies typical descriptions.

You always hear the question what are you, are you a top six a bottom six or a mid pack guy? I always say I’m a seven, eight guy because I can play with the bangers on any line or take that opportunity if someone was ever to go down I can jump up a line. You want to be accountable to your teammates,” continued Ott. “Any time you can play center, left wing or right it feels good. I kind of give credit for that

STEVE OTT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

to alot of my coaches throughout the NHL You look for opportunity when you are a healthy scratch early in your career. You find a way to compete , for myself having an opportunity to play right wing when I was young gave me a little more experience, have the opportunity to play center gave me even more experience., I’ve tried to keep that in my package.”

Ott wants to be the kind of player that the coaching staff can call on in any situation. In addition, the 6’ 193 pound forward is looking to prove his worth to his new teammates as well.

“That’s what I want to be for Lindy (Sabres’ Head Coach Lindy Ruff) is to give him that versatility,” confirmed Ott. “Be a guy who can play in any situation that’s needed. But I need to prove myself, I need to continue to work and prove myself on a nightly basis to get those opportunities from Lindy on that side of things and prove myself to my teammates. That’s something I really want to take to heart is to continue to prove myself every single night.”

After playing many years in the league’s Western Conference, Ott moves to the East with the Sabres. While he sees differences

W ith the last of a long series of approvals in hand, the Buffalo Sabres organization

can now focus on constructing the $172 million HARBORCenter project, which is designed to serve as a key downtown Buffalo development magnet.

In a whirlwind series of meetings that took place on Feb. 19 and last well into the afternoon, the HARBORCenter project received critical tax breaks and incentives from the Erie County Industrial Development Agency, a formal approval from the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp. and, a series of right-of-way approvals and agreement to sell the nearly two-acre Webster Block property by the Buffalo Common Council. HARBORCenter Development LLC, a Sabres affiliate, agreed to pay $2.2 million for the

Webster Block, a parcel that sits just across from First Niagara Center.

“I think this is a win for the city,” said the Rev. Darius Pridgen, Ellicott District councilman.

The Buffalo Common Council unanimously voted for the right-of-way and land sale deal. The two earlier votes by the county IDA and ECHDC were also unanimous.

“This type of investment don’t come along very often,” Pridgen said.

At $172 million, HARBORCenter is the largest private sector-financed investment in Buffalo’s history. Team owner Terry Pegula is fronting the entire development costs.

“The Sabres are bringing density into downtown,” said David Rivera, Niagara District councilman.

HARBORCenter will be anchored

he needs to adapt to, the ultimate goal is to help his team win games.

“It is a little bit different, it’s a little bit different in the d-zone, a little bit different approach to the game, but it’s still hockey. We’re all hockey players in here, but it’s about proving yourself to your coaches and teammates, that’s the main factor. Obviously Lindy never really saw me play that much in my career. Obviously his coaching style and structure is different than what I’ve had, but it’s hockey. Hopefully I can continue to adjust and continue to help my team in any way I possibly can.”

by a pair of hockey rinks, the largest with an 1,800-seat capacity, that are designed to host youth, amateur and collegiate hockey teams, tournaments and events. Figure skating as well as public skating sessions will be part of the mix.

The venue will also be anchored by a 200-room full service hotel, which according to documents filed with the county IDA indicate it may be affiliated with the Marriott chain.

A sports-themed restaurant, some limited retail and five levels of parking - roughly 843 spots - are part of the mix.

Cliff Benson, Sabres’ chief development officer and HARBORCenter pointman, said the parking is designed not only to handle the project’s needs but also those of First Niagara Center, Canalside, the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus and downtown Buffalo.

HARBORCenter is one of several big ticket, high-profile development projects underway in downtown Buffalo including the $130 million Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino, the $30 million One Canalside Building, the $46 million Catholic Health headquarters project and $40 million conversion of the Tishman Building.

While HARBORCenter will be receiving $28 million in tax breaks during the next 10 years, it will generate more than $54 million in new taxes during that same period. Additionally, it will create 350 new full and part time jobs and $260 million in new, direct revenues and another $400 million in indirect revenues.

HARBORCenter is projected to attract 500,000 people through its doors annually.

Benson said he hopes to land major hockey tournaments there twice a month during the peak October to April period.

Construction is expected to start by early March. The rinks, restaurant and retail portions should be ready by September 2014 while the hotel is pegged to welcome its first guest by May 2015.

“In a lot of ways, this is a ground breaking project for Buffalo and, in reality, the entire region,” said Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown.

By James Fink



18

NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y.

T he nation is continuing to recognize the Niagara hockey team as the country’s major

college hockey polls are being released this week. The USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine Poll gave the Purps a spot on the top-15 poll for the third consecutive week, this time at No. 15.

The previous two weeks, Niagara was slated in the 14th position and dropped down one spot after earning the program’s first Atlantic Hockey Regular Season Title with the weekend split with Robert Morris this past weekend. This is the longest the team has been ranked on the poll since the 1999-00 season when the squad was ranked for three straight weeks.

The USCHO.com Division I Poll also has the Purple Eagles ranked 16th in its most recent poll, down one spot from last week. The PairWise ranking system used to mimic the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee process has Niagara at No. 10.

Niagara will meet up with Mercyhurst on Friday night in its final regular-season home game of the season during Senior Night before taking on the Lakers Saturday night at the Mercyhurst Ice Center in Erie, Pa.

To purchase tickets for Friday’s contest, please call the Niagara Ticket Office (located inside Dwyer Arena) at 716-286-TIXX, visit www.PurpleEagles.com/Tickets or emailing [email protected].

Tickets for all three games of the quarterfinal round of the AHA Playoffs are also on sale so contact the Niagara Ticket Office at the above information to reserve your seats today!

Niagara Continuesto Earn NationalRecognition By Michelle KokotAthletic Communications Assistant Niagara University Men’s Hockey | M & W Soccer | Lacrosse | Swimming & Diving

HAVERHILL, Mass

G iancarlo Iuorio earned his third Atlantic Hockey Player of the Week award for the season after posting

a seven-point weekend for the No. 15 Niagara hockey team in the weekend split against Robert Morris.

The senior’s four goals and three assists propelled the Purple Eagles to their first AHA Regular Season Title since the program entered the conference in prior to the 2010-11 season.

In his first game back since sustaining an injury in January, the assistant captain score his second hat trick of the season in the 4-3 victory over the Colonials on Friday, which included the game-winning tally with just 53 seconds remaining in the game. His efforts helped the Purps extend their home ice unbeaten streak to a nation-best 19 games, three short of the program record.

Iuorio then added his second shorthanded tally of the year and a trio of assists in the 6-5 overtime loss to RMU the following day. The center wrapped up the weekend with seven points and seven shots on goal, with a +3 rating. He is now riding a two-game goal and point streak.

The Richmond Hill, Ont. native leads the team with a career-high 16 goals, and has contributed 11 assists for 27 points. His game-winner on Friday was his fourth of the season, which is tied for tops on the team.

Iuorio and the Purple Eagles return to Dwyer Arena on Friday, Feb. 22 for game one of a home-and-home series against Mercyhurst that concludes the following day at Erie, Pa. Niagara will honor the six graduating seniors in the team’s final regular-season home game on Friday. Both contests will begin at 7:05 p.m.

SEVEN-POINT WEEKEND EARNS IUORIO AHA PLAYER OF THE

WEEK

great accomplishment in itself,” added Schmelzer. “None of us could have won this award without the players and coaches surrounding us, and that goes to show how deep our team is.”

“Ryan is the player coaches dream of having on their teams,” said Peca of Schmelzer. “Skilled, hard-working, tremendous leadership and very unselfish. He’s been consistent all year long, driving all to be better. It’s great to see him rewarded for his efforts.”

Then came a second honor, this one from the Canadian Junior Hockey League, the organization which oversees ten Canadian Junior “A” leagues including the OJHL. The CJHL introduced its first ever Three Stars of

the Month in January. Schmelzer became the first-ever player to be named the CJHL’s First Star of the Month.OTHER NEWS AND NOTES:

For all his hard work and dedication to build the Buffalo Junior Sabres into a league power, Michael Peca would ironically not be there to witness events such as Gjurich’s quest for 50 goals and the home stretch in the battle for first place. Peca spent the final week of the regular season instead in Quebec City, where his son Trevor was a member of the Buffalo Jr. Sabres’ 12U team competing at the Quebec International Pee-Wee Tournament. Also in Quebec for the OJHL’s final days of the regular season was assistant GM Pat Fisher, who was named an

assistant coach under Rory Fitzpatrick, who leads the pee wee team sponsored directly by the Sabres NHL franchise… The Buffalo Junior Sabres hosted their second annual “Alumni Reunion Night” during the team’s February 17 game against the Mississauga Chargers. Former players and coaches were invited back to remember their days with the franchise, including the Niagara Scenic and Buffalo Lighting eras… Equipment manager/trainer Jack Williams will complete his 29th season of service to the team at season’s end. The Jr. Sabres were actively lobbying OJHL officials – namely those with voting rights – to consider Williams the league’s Trainer of the Year as part of the OJHL postseason awards.

Jr Sabres: PLAYOFFS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

wny hockey magazine - march 2013

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