Winter 2013/2014 Sports and Leisure Magazine

onships, however, things at Sahlen’s Stadium were not always so boisterous.

“I got involved in the Mob after the championship game when I went out with some other season ticket holders and we talked about how quiet the stands were during the game and throughout the season,” Sabrina Beach, a member of the Flash Mob, explained. “There were a few times during the season I had someone tell me to stop cheering because I was into the game too much. They shushed me. If you watch international or European League games, they’re never quiet.

They’re singing, they’re banging drums. That’s what I expected. To have someone turn around and shush me felt a little strange. The team was too good not to have the fan support.”

Danielle Spayde, another member of the Flash Mob, took her assessment a step farther: “I was at the 2013 NWSL Championship here in Rochester and the Portland Thorns had fans fly in and they were louder than the rest of the stadium filled with Flash fans. I think that the Thorns were able to pull that win off partially due to their fan support.”

In 2014, lack of fan noise certainly won’t be a problem. With a membership base that is growing every day, the Flash Mob continues to expand and adapt and evolve. Depending on who you ask, even the name of supporters oscillates between Mobbers and Mobsters. Joining the Flash Mob is an opportunity to not only share in the traditions of fellow soccer fans in the region, but to also help create new traditions for future fans.

“I think what’s important is that the Flash Mob is very organic, very grassroots, and above all very open

WNY Flash Mob

By Jeffrey Levine Next time you’re at Sahlen’s Stadium to attend a WNY Flash match, be sure to look up to section 118, or, better yet, just listen. That’s because section 118 is home to the WNY Flash Mob and with all the chants and cheers and noise coming from the north end of the stadium, it’ll be hard not to notice them next season.

Easy to recognize but difficult to encompass, the Flash Mob is listed as the official supporter’s group of the WNY Flash but they’re best described by a person who has experienced the rush of cheering for her team side by side with other fans.

“We’re a visible and audible source of support and positive energy for the team so that they know that their hard work, skill, and talent does not go unappreciated,” Sarah Black, a member of the Flash Mob explained. “It enables a community of soccer fans to connect with each other, cheer together, commiserate together, create tifos together and travel to games together. Those fans who don’t want to sit back and be passively entertained can get involved and be part of the game.”

Tifo, an Italian word now understood as a passionate display of support for a team, is the ideal way to define what the Flash Mob fosters. Despite back to back to back champi-

to ANY who would like to join in whatever ways they can,” Matt Shields, one of many male Mobsters said.

“Whether that is coming to a viewing party for a U.S. Women’s National Team match, or tailgating before home games, or exchanging “playful banter” with other women’s soccer fans... Any and all should feel welcome, because they are, as I found out myself.”

“If they want to cheer with us they’re more than welcome to,” Beach agreed. “If we don’t have enough room in the section we’ll make room.”

Looking ahead to next season, the Mobbers already have some ambitious plans in place. They are trying to raise enough funds to distribute song and chant sheets, get noisemakers at the games and take a road trip in order to, in Beach’s words, show opposing fans “how it’s supposed to be done.”

Buffalo and Rochester may not be the biggest cities but members of the Flash Mob are certain that they can make their mark on women’s soccer.

“I think that being from a smaller market like Western New York it is important to focus on quality rather than quantity,” Shields said. “There will always be larger cities with bigger populations to draw from but where I think we can and will shine is in our dedication, creativity, openness and the sheer joy in, and appreciation for, seeing soccer being played at the highest level in our hometown.”

Even if you have season or single-game tickets elsewhere, the Flash Mob invites you to stop by section 118, visit their website, wnyflashmob.com, join their facebook page and follow their twitter account. As Black remarked, “The best team in the league deserves to have the best fans out there showing their support!”

Winter 2013—14

SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE

Same old song for the Bills, or is it? to see our football team

By Charles Roberts together, practicing The names have together, playing togethchanged. The uniforms er. Maybe that’s an unrehave changed. But for 14 alistic approach in this straight years, the results league, but I would really have been the same: love to see this football When the NFL postseateam together, and how son gets underway, the good we can be.”

Buffalo Bills are on the outside, looking in.

Miscues and There was supposed to inexperience be a different feel to the The Bills had a legiti2013 Bills, thanks in mate chance to beat the large part to a rookie at-the-time undefeated class that featured quarKansas City Chiefs in terback EJ Manuel at Week 9, with Tuel maknearly 6-foot-5, gameing his first NFL start changing receivers (Thaddeus Lewis took Robert Woods and over as the starter in Marquise Goodwin, and Manuel’s absence after Photo by Joe Valenti a top-flight linebacker in Tuel’s performance in Doug Marrone had to overcome sevKiko Alonso.

Cleveland). eral injuries during his first year as The Bills even came But just when it head coach for the Buffalo Bills. into the 2013 season looked like a feel-good with a fresh look along story was in the making, Injuries the sideline, made up primariTuel’s lack of experience and Things got off to an ugly ly by rookie head coach Doug NFL pedigree became a glarstart, dating back to August Marrone, 33-year-old offening issue for the Bills. With during training camp at St. sive coordinator Nathaniel the ball on the Chiefs’ oneJohn Fisher College in Hackett, and big-name defenyard line, the Bills looked Pittsford, N.Y. sive coordinator Mike Pettine. poised to take a 14-point lead Veteran quarterback Kevin But in the end, the number in the second half. Instead, Kolb—projected by many to of losses outweighed the vicTuel was intercepted by take the reins while Manuel tories–a familiar tune, regardChiefs cornerback Sean adjusted to life in the NFL— less of who conducts the Smith, who ran it back 100 slipped on a rubber mat after choir. yards for the game-tying an Aug. 3 practice, tweaking “It’s very difficult for the touchdown. his knee and subsequently period of time that we’ve had, The Chiefs went on to missing valuable reps. and not to go back in the past, improve to 9-0, dropping the Shortly thereafter, Manuel to understand truly what you Bills (3-6), 23-13. No matter went down with a preseason have to do,” Marrone said. who was under center, the knee injury of his own, forc“When the coach gets up loss stung Marrone more than ing him to miss a bulk of the there and says, ‘It’s attention to any this season. summer. But just when it detail and hard work,’ we have “I’m pissed,” Marrone said looked like Kolb was back in to do our share to make sure afterward. “I’m going to go the driver’s seat, he left the that is spelled out, exactly home…I’m not going to talk next preseason contest with a what people need to do. I to anybody…I’m just going to concussion; the injury not think a lot of times, people use shut it down…I’m going to be only ended his season, but the expression, ‘Be a pro,’ but by myself…I’m not going to likely his career. there’s a time where we have pet my dog.”

With only a few days of to keep pushing them and “I’m going to get fired game-week preparation under keep working through the up...,” Marrone continued. his belt, Manuel returned to preparation in what we do on “I’m going to come to work action Week 1 against the the field.” tomorrow and I’m going to New England Patriots. If he As the new face of the franwatch this film…I’m going to wasn’t ready to go, undrafted chise, much of the attention be a pro…I’m going to be a rookie Jeff Tuel was the circles back to Manuel, whose man.” announced backup plan. first professional season has Tuel, who finished 18 of 39 Manuel had the Bills at a 2been a bit of a roller coaster for 229 yards with one touch2 record and looked poised ride. During a Week 11 victodown and two interceptions, for a third victory during a ry over the New York Jets, he took full responsibility for the Week 5 meeting in Cleveland. connected on more than 70 game-changing play.

But then it happened: Manuel percent of his pass attempts.

“It was zero coverage, all went down with another knee Two games later, however, he out,” Tuel said. “One-hundred injury. As Manuel’s replacethrew four interceptions in an percent my fault, something ment that evening, Tuel strugugly loss to the Tampa Bay I’ve got to see. I can’t do that. gled—completing just eight Buccaneers, a game that all We’ve got to finish with a kick of 20 pass attempts for 80 but mathematically eliminated no matter what, whether it’s yards and the game-deciding the Bills from postseason conan extra point or a touchpick-six to Browns safety T.J. tention. down or field goal. So it’s 100 Ward.

“He has the ability to do it, percent on me.”

With the Bills sitting at 3-6, there’s no doubt in my mind,” One week after the Bills Manuel made his return in Marrone said of Manuel. “The quite literally fumbled away a Week 10 at Pittsburgh. The problem is that it’s like anyvictory in Toronto against the result was a 23-10 loss that thing else, he’s going to take a Atlanta Falcons—Stevie was far uglier than the 13lot of the heat because of the Johnson and Scott Chandler point deficit indicates. position and that comes with put the ball on the turf in the Quarterback was hardly the it. At the end of the day, we fourth quarter and in overlone Bills injury, however. need to make sure that the time, respectively— Pro Bowl safety Jairus Byrd people around him are doing Buccaneers running back and budding star cornerback what they’re supposed to do.

Bobby Rainey victimized the Stephon Gilmore were both To sit here and say that if defense, less than a minute on the shelf until Week 6, at everything was going well into the contest. Rainey burst which point each returned on around him and he was the through the offensive line, a limited basis. Also missing culprit, it would be easy for shaking one would-be Buffalo time due to injury in the Bills’ me to say and we’d go ahead defender en route to an othersecondary were cornerbacks and pull him and put another wise untouched 80-yard Leodis McKelvin and Ron quarterback in there. I don’t touchdown run. And that was Brooks. have any problem with that. the second play from scrim“Here’s how I feel,” He is working his way mage.

Marrone said midway through it and we need help Rainey’s touchdown run through the season. “I’d love from everyone else around was a dagger in the Bills’ colto see our team with everyhim to make sure everyone lective heart; an exclamation body healthy going out there does their job.” point at the end of the senand playing, and maybe that’s There were, of course, other tence that indicates the team unrealistic. But I would love variables facing the 2013 Bills. has been eliminated from

Page 3

Fantasy football Who’ll be waiting under the mistletoe? he’s still sharing time with his

By Leonard J. Mytko veteran counterpart Brent For those of us that live Celek, the baton could be and breathe fantasy sports all passed to Ertz as early as next year round, the upcoming year. finish to the 2013 fantasy football season isn’t an end so Marcus Lattimore much as a beginning to RB, 49ers building a team of players in He’s had to spend his rookour minds for next year. And ie year on the reserve/nonthat’s why we’re here for you. football injury list, but San To not only give you a head Francisco knew that going in start in the day-to-day manwhen they drafted one of the aging of your fantasy team, most gifted players in the but also to help you prepare whole country and will soon for the coming off-season. If find out if he’s an heir apparwe look back to this past year, not many of us would have foreseen Philip Rivers becoming a top five quarterback again or Josh Gordon taking the league by absolute storm. Chicago’s Alshon Jeffrey has already eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark in his breakout second season.

Even Denver’s Knowshon Moreno and Julius Thomas have combined for 23 touchdowns so far to date. Let’s examine Photo by Jeff Barnes some of the players who With lofty passing totals, Philip could become household Rivers has played himself back fantasy names at this into great fantasy company this same point next year. year.

Justin Blackmon WR, Jaguars ent to Frank Gore. And the He’s had massive trouble time to put that question to seeing playing time due to the test will hopefully come off-the-field issues, but don’t in 2014 when one of the best give up on him just yet. He’s running back prospects to still every bit of an elite talent emerge enters the 49ers as evidenced from his output backfield. over the last 11 games (67 catches, 1,030 yards, five DeAndre Hopkins scores) he’s played in from WR, Texans his rookie year to sophomore He’s on pace to have about season. If he can get his 850 yards, but he has less career back on track, there’s than 10 yards in two of the plenty of breakout potential. past five weeks and hasn’t scored a touchdown in seven Justin Hunter, WR, Titans weeks. As a rookie he’s had to He hasn’t really proved to defer to Andre Johnson, but be quite ripe yet in his NFL one has to wonder if the fivebaptism, but keep in mind time Pro Bowler will want to he’s had to deal with fairly stick around while the mediocre quarterback play Texans rebuild over the next all along, which has stunted couple of seasons. the growth of the entire offense. So take his 18 catchMatt McGloin, QB es for 354 yards and four Andre Holmes, WR scores with a grain of salt and Raiders look for the Titans to find Both are basically for hardmore ways to get the ball to core owners to take notice of, the former SEC stalwart next but the Raiders are already year with more big plays and looking ahead to next seamore touchdowns. son. What to expect from these two moving forward is Zach Ertz, TE, Eagles anyone’s guess so they’re at With a stature much like least worth watching since that of Minnesota’s Kyle another changing of the Rudolph or Dallas’s Jason guard in Oakland is almost Witten, the rookie from certain on the offensive side Stanford is starting to come of the ball yet again. on with Nick Foles at the helm now. And even though

playoff contention, despite having more than 15 quarters of football remaining in the season at the time.

Moving forward Through it all, the Bills’ veterans have kept the locker room in order.

One Bills Drive is a dramafree zone. Nobody is publically calling for Manuel or anyone from Marrone’s staff to lose his job.

A few impending free agents will likely come and go, but for the most part, this team should be mostly intact

next year.

“It’s the first year [of the new regime],” veteran running back C.J. Spiller explained. “You can’t say that it’s the same thing still. Even though we’ve played a lot, everyone is still getting familiar with each other.

Everybody is still trying to figure out what we can do well and we’ve just got to learn to play well. We came in with high expectations. Our expectations were to make the playoffs. …That doesn’t mean that this organization isn’t going in

Montee Ball, RB, Broncos Ball was once in line and had all the buzz around him to make an immediate fantasy splash as a rookie but Knowshon Moreno finally shed his “first-round bust” tag and has held him off for now. That said, Ball could take on a larger role as more of a featured option in what will most likely still be a very powerful offense in the coming year instead.

Ladarius Green TE, Chargers Philip Rivers and Antonio Gates have been the bread and butter of this offense for many years now but it sure seems like Green is waiting for Gates to hang up the cleats. The German native is a much younger and faster version of Gates and he’s suddenly become a real red-zone weapon for Rivers with a pair of scores and 206 yards in the last month in what could be just him scratching the surface to something even more special in the year ahead.

Mike Glennon, QB, Bucs In the first 11 starts of his career, the former N.C. State strong-armed standout has thrown for a very respectable 2,231 yards and 17 touchdowns and appears to have landed on the fantasy radar a lot earlier than expected. Next year he’ll get a healthy Doug Martin and Mike Williams back so added potential for even more fantasy intrigue will be evident.

Marquise Goodwin WR, Bills Considering his fairly limited college production and durability concerns in his rookie year, it’ll still be very interesting to see what his sophomore year in the league produces. Speed is still speed and if he becomes more than just a situational deep threat, look out!

Others to consider include: Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Vikings; Mychal Rivera, TE, Raiders; Mike Gillislee, RB, Dolphins; LaVon Brazill/Da’ Rick Rogers, WR, Colts; Kenny Stills, WR, Saints; Rob Housler, TE, Cardinals; Kirk Cousins, QB, Redskins; collegiate prospects Aaron Murray (QB), Johnny Manziel (QB), Sammy Watkins (WR).

the right direction. I think we are. We’ve got a great coach; we’ve got great leadership in Russ [Brandon] and Doug Whaley, and they’re putting pieces together to make this organization a championshipcaliber team. Obviously when you don’t see results right away everybody is going to backlash and say it’s the same old or regression. To me, inside the building, I don’t feel that. I feel this organization is heading in the right direction.”

Page 4

FROM THE

SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE

PUBLISHER

The Buffalo Bills started the season with a new head coach and rookie quarterback and it’s been an up and down ride ever since. From E.J. Manuel going down with a knee injury against the Browns to the revelation that is rookie linebacker Kiko Alonso to several games decided on the last drive, the Bills once again find themselves out of the playoffs, but something feels different this season. Under the steady and shrewd guidance of head coach Doug Marrone the Bills have weathered injuries, inexperience and miscues to give fans a glimpse of what this team can look like in the future. Despite a losing record on paper, this has been an exciting and competitive team, which feels like a win for this season and seasons to come.

Speaking of new and improved, the record has not drastically changed, but the Sabres have shown new life

since the ascension of Sabre great Pat Lafontaine to the position of president of hockey operations and his (re)hiring of former Sabres bench boss Ted Nolan as head coach.

The move came after the firing of longtime GM Darcy Regier and head coach Ron Rolston, a move that was all but assured with the Sabres’ sluggish start to the season. While the Sabres still sit at the basement of the Eastern Conference, Nolan has managed to eke out as many wins as Rolston did in about half as many games.

More importantly, the team is skating harder, something Nolan stresses above almost all else, and are starting to outshoot teams other than the Maple Leafs. Even if the wins have not come yet, Nolan and Lafontaine have brought respectability back to our proud franchise and given fans much more to cheer about.

With hockey season in full swing and football reaching its

apex, the winter also brings countless outdoor activities for everyone in Western New York to enjoy. Let other cities meteorologists make jokes about our region, but we have everything from snowshoeing and cross country skiing to snowmobiling and some of the finest downhill skiing and snowboarding in the northeast. And that’s not even counting all the festivals spread throughout the season.

•••••••• Congratulations to my niece Lyla. She has worked very hard and is moving up to pointe ballet shoes in January.

Way to go!

•••••••• A big THANKS goes out to our readers, advertisers, athletes, teams, Buffalo Newspress and our staff for helping us have a successful 2013. We look forward to an even better 2014! See you in the New Year!

Happy Holidays!

Sports & Leisure Magazine 192 Louvaine Drive, Buffalo, New York 14223 Tel.: (716) 876-2738, Fax: (716) 874-8289 Email to: publisher@sportsandleisuremag.com Check us out on the web at www.sportsandleisuremag.com & www.hugesportz.com

Publisher & Editor Marian Giallombardo Associate Editor Jeffrey Levine Feature Writers Paul Adamo, Robert Caico, Rick Davenport, Mike Dyer, Mike Fox, Ivan the Impaler, Joe Kirchmyer, George Kuhn, Jeffrey Levine, Christopher Fee, Adam McGill, Brian Michalek, Ron Montesano, Len Mytko, Dave Ricci, Charles Roberts, Dave Sully, John Williams, Mark Zarbo, Rick Zurak (golf editor) Chief Photographer Jeff Barnes Staff Photographers Ryan Bartholomew, Bob Conlon, Nick LoVerde, Joe Valenti, Mike Majewski, Holly Malinowski Cover photos Pat LaFontaine & Ted Nolan, and Khalil Mack by Jeff Barnes Advisory Board Phil Haberstro, Adam Lingner, Denny Lynch Contributing Writers Kevin Bonk, Todd Etshman, Jack Godzuk, Paul Gotham, Arun Morace, Bob Plezia Layout & Cover Scott Appleby, Graphic artist Liz Seivert Copy Editors and Office Assistants Len Mytko, Justin Vernold, John Williams Please send your letters, questions, and comments to: Sports & Leisure Magazine, 192 Louvaine Dr, Buffalo, NY 14223 or e-mail publisher@sportsandleisuremag.com. Please include your name, address and phone number or your letter can’t be published. All letters and responses become the property of Sports & Leisure Magazine, they may be printed, and are subject to editing. Sports & Leisure Magazine is circulated throughout Western New York and Southern Ontario. All rights and trademarks reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without the express written consent of the publisher is strictly prohibited. ©1997 2014 Sports & Leisure Inc.Facebook: Sports and Leisure Magazine and Hugesportz.com

Winter 2013—14

Winter 2013—14

Fantasy hockey

SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE

By Mike Fox 25, so there’s a good It’s still relachance this tively early in resurgence is the season, but for real. many fantasy J o s h teams find H a r d i n g ’s themselves in an c a r e e r early hole due to through last lack of producseason was tion from their sounding supposed “sure like a madething” goalfor-TV movie t e n d e r s . s c r i p t : Reigning Vezina Former colwinner Sergei lege star lanBobrovsky manguishes in aged only five Photo by Jeff Barnes the minors wins over his Henrik Lundqvist hasn’t been the toast of the town for a few first 22 starts in the Big Apple yet this season. years; misses and his atroan entire seacious 2.81 goalsson due to injury after Frederik Andersen has against average explains advancing to the bigs; won seven of his first eight why. Jimmy Howard has a diagnosed with multiple career starts, with a 1.56 sub-.500 record in Detroit. sclerosis, a disease which GAA and .940 save perRangers stalwart Henrik affects vision and balance centage. The Ducks rode Lundqvist has been out(two pretty darn important Hiller hard whenever he played by 26-year-old assets for any athlete); and was available last year even rookie Cam Talbot. Ryan ends up winning the with Fasth’s strong play, so Miller is…well, you get the Masterton Trophy for dedithere’s no guarantee that picture. It’s much too soon cation to hockey. This year, Andersen will continue to to push the panic button, the story plot has escalated get starts. When Fasth gets but some intriguing underto the point of ….well, fanhealthy that will just dog goaltender stories are tasy. Yet another injury to muddy the waters even starting to develop that Niklas Backstrom has further, but there will be a might deserve your attengiven Harding a chance to lot of Duck victories this tion. play full-time, and he’s year, so if you own one of When the L.A. Kings responded with arguably them, be patient and hope shipped Jonathan Bernier the best start of any NHL your guy is the last man to Toronto in the off-seagoaltender, with a 1.45 standing. son, most took it as a clear GAA, .939 SV%, 14 wins Steve Mason posted a sign they were just clearing and three shutouts remarkable 10 shutouts for the way for Jonathan through his first 22 games. the Columbus Blue Jackets Quick, which they were. A Even if Harding is owned in 2008-09 en route to the November injury to Quick, by your fantasy archCalder Trophy. Since then, however, forced the team enemy, how can you not it’s been an ugly riches-toto lean on Ben Scrivens, root for him? rags ride that was eerily acquired as part of the Washington youngster reminiscent of the story of package they accepted for Braden Holtby is still flying former Capitals phenomBernier. Scrivens has been somewhat under the radar flop Jim Carey before outstanding during Quick’s but he’s starting to look Mason showed a spark of absence, surrendering only like the real deal. Only 24, life late last year when 20 goals in his first 15 Holtby is already in his Columbus finally got tired appearances including fourth NHL season and has of waiting and shipped three shutouts, and when compiled a whopping 49 him to Philadelphia. The Quick returns the Kings wins in his first 79 career Flyers cut ties with Ilya will again find themselves games. The free-wheeling Bryzgalov in the off-season with the “problem” of havstyle of the Caps has and Mason has not squaning too many good goalresulted in a GAA that is a dered the opportunity to tenders. bit high by today’s stanclaim the No. 1 job. While Speaking of goalie dards but if your league his win-loss record has wealth, the Anaheim counts saves, those 30+ only hovered around .500 Ducks just keep churnin’ shots he faces every game all year, he’s posted a very them out. When Jonas will offset those GAA defiserviceable 2.04 GAA and Hiller was banged up last ciencies. Alex the Great is .934 SV% over his first 19 year, Viktor Fasth came flying and the wins will starts. I realize that anyone out of nowhere to fill the continue to come in D.C., who took a chance on him void. Fasth has missed so don’t be afraid to jump over the past four years has time this year, and Hiller on the bandwagon. nothing but bitter memohas been a bit shaky, but ries, but Mason is still only 24-year-old rookie

Page 5

What it means to have Ted Nolan back behind the Sabres Bench

By George Kuhn Since their two seasons together from 1995 to 1997, former Sabres coach Ted Nolan and his star player, Pat Lafontaine, have maintained a very close relationship. It should come then as no surprise that when the former Sabres captain was announced as the new president of hockey operations for the Sabres that he would bring his former coach and 1997 NHL coach of the year back to serve as interim bench boss. It’s a combination that joins these two iconic figures from the Sabres past together while also looking ahead to the goals of future, changing the organizational culture and building a winning team.

With the Sabres languishing at the bottom of the NHL standings and being severely outplayed under coach Ron Rolston, the fans at First Niagara Center made their feelings known about their teams lowly status. It was clear that a coach with NHL experience was needed. The tremendous enthusiasm with which the fans and media have embraced the return of Nolan and Lafontaine shows that these changes were beyond anyone’s imagination and probably the best PR move in Buffalo sports history.

But the warm glow of change fades quickly and the business at hand is improving the hockey team. Since his return, the team has responded positively to Nolan’s methods.

No longer overwhelmed from the opening face-off, the shots on goal have dropped from 36 per game to 26. The team has become competitive every game although they still struggle to score more than one goal per outing.

Nolan says that his initial goals is to raise the Sabres compete level. “Before the players can do that they have to trust each other. They have to be reliable, they have to be accountable to each other,” Nolan said. “Right now, the last couple of games, I felt the guys are really competing hard and trusting one another, in particular themselves. With any kind of luck we’d be get-

Fan favorite, Ted Nolan, is back behind the Sabres bench. ting better results in games.

But overall the trust is coming, the compete level is coming.”

Addressing the team’s lack of offense, a league low 1.7 goals per game, Nolan outlined his plan: “As far as goal scoring there’s a difference between getting shots on goal and getting shots past the goaltender. Every goalie in this league is pretty good so we have to make sure we set some screens in front and make it a little tougher for the goaltenders. First we build some trust among the players, then we get them to compete at a certain level, then we get them to shoot with a purpose, do some screening start jamming the net. The players now are more encouraged than discouraged following a close loss.”

Nolan does not believe that the leagues last place team is lacking in talent. “I think the number one talent that everyone seems to forget about is the talent of working hard and competing. I think that is a certain talent. We need to work on that talent first in order for the pucks to go in.

Every player in this league is a pretty good player. They have to learn a little better net front presence, a little bit more gritty in front of the net, a little bit more determination. Just a little bit more.”

The players echo Nolan’s core values. Tyler Ennis explains the change in attitude since Nolan’s arrival: “I think it’s been a really big factor as to why we’re improving every day; positive reinforcement, encouragement. At the same

time being strict on the rule that you have to work as hard as you can. It’s not just happy go lucky. There’s a difference between working hard and working your absolute hardest. When everyone gives that little more that’s when you get wins. Your ice time is going to be based on how hard you compete.”

Team captain Steve Ott is a veteran player who has seen teams come together and develop over his career and knows that it takes time to get results. “We knew it wasn’t going to get better day by day, but week by week we’re seeing progress. We’ve got to get results by scoring but once we do we hope it comes in bunches. If we keep putting up the scoring chances we’ll get goals. When you have a young team like ours and a bunch of guys thrown together it takes a while to gel. It takes to around Christmas time to get that cohesiveness. We’re all starting to feel that now and hopefully it will lead us in the right direction.”

“We’re outworking teams,” Ott continued. “It’s not that you skate harder than the next guy. It’s putting the puck in the right position to fore-check, to create chances and second opportunities. That’s where our offense is coming from.

Now it’s time to finish.”

Finishing has certainly been an issue but as long as the team continues to skate hard and improve it’s not a question of if they’ll get better, but rather, when.

“It’s playing hockey the right way”, Ott explained.

“Instead of turning over pucks and back-checking and getting frustrated with each other, it’s getting pucks back by forechecking. Our best defense is offense. It’s puck support down low in the offensive zone. When you have more puck time in their zone you limit puck time in your zone.

You don’t want to be chasing.

There’s nothing worse in a hockey game than chasing the puck all night long. It’s tiring, it’s taxing and it’s frustrating. It really does make it harder on your team. You want that puck time as much as possible.”

Page 6

SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE

Hockey’s most underrated skills

Winter 2013—14

COLLECTINGMEMORIES

WITH

MIKEDYER

By Mark Zarbo Hockey position and weight transfer should be taught every time a player first learns a new skill.

Using these two details as your starting point will simplify teaching and help players relate skills together.

There is a reason why “hockey position” is the first skill taught to every player. It is the strongest position a player can be in at any time. This position lowers a player’s center of gravity and equally distributes body weight across both feet allowing for better balance. To generate power out of hockey position, players need to be able to transfer their weight leg to leg, allowing one leg to provide propulsion while the other leg supports all the body weight. There is not a skill in hockey that cannot be related back to this ability to maintain hockey position or use weight transfer. Skating, shooting, checking, and dekes all rely on the ability to maintain hockey position while efficiently transferring weight leg to leg.

Take a players stride for example. One leg is supporting the player’s body weight while the other leg is providing propulsion forward. As the player skates up the ice, it is this ability to maintain hockey position and transfer body weight leg to leg that keeps the player balanced. If players are not able to main-

tain a low hockey position it results in a shorter stride and they are not as balanced.

When a player is not able to sustain weight transfer on one leg it too can result in a player having a short choppy stride. The key when assessing players with these skating faults is figuring out which basic skill the player lacks; staying low in hockey position or the ability to sustain weight transfer?

To do a long stride correctly, players need to develop the ability to maintain a low hockey position and sustain the weight shift long enough to allow the propelling leg to extend all the way out and then back to center before initiating their next stride. One cue I use with players to make sure they are sustaining this weight transfer is have them click their heels when skating.

By clicking their heels it lets them know they have come all the way back to center.

Players can easily practice this skill on their own by doing a couple laps before or after practice using this cue.

The transfer of weight has an even greater effect on a player’s ability to shoot. Every shooting skill from a basic wrist shot to advance techniques such as one timers or shooting out of a crossover all come down to the player’s ability to transfer their weight efficiently. Shooting should start in hockey position with players generating power by

transferring their weight from their back leg through their front leg. An easy way to tell if players are transferring all their body weight is looking to see if their back leg is still on the ground after completing their follow through. If a player leaves there back leg on the ground, then they are not transferring all of their body weight into the shot. This skill can easily be worked on at home by having player’s practice their shot and concentrate on transferring their weight from their back leg through their front leg, getting all their weight on that front foot.

When done correctly, players should be able to stand completely on their front foot after the shot has been released.

Hockey position and weight transfer are basic concepts that need to be continually stressed. By using these details you give players a starting point they can understand and can relate to other areas of their game. If you do not teach in detail then players will never learn in detail. The key is to be consistent with details so players are able to relate the skills to each other.

The more you can relate skills to each other the better players are able to understand how to correctly perform the skills taught in multiple situations.

If you have any questions or comments regarding this article please do not hesitate to contact me at 716.208.3724 or markzarbo@yahoo.com You can also visit: www.MarkZarboHockey.com.

Exclusive interview: The journey continues for University at Buffalo’s Khalil Mack

By Charles Roberts When Khalil Mack left his native Fort Pierce, Fla., to play football for the University at Buffalo Bulls, it wasn’t exactly headline news.

Quite a bit has changed over the course of five years. The now 6-foot-3, 248-pound Mack has emerged as one the most sought-after prospects in the 2014 NFL draft. He was named 2013 Mid-American Conference Defensive Player of the Year, in addition to being a finalist for the Butkus Award, given annually to college football’s best linebacker.

Mack, 22, led the MAC in sacks (10.5) and tackles for loss (19). His 94 tackles, three interceptions and five forced fumbles were all team highs in 2013. What’s more, he holds the NCAA record for career forced fumbles (16) and is tied for the all-time mark in career tackles for loss (75).

In other words: This guy will be playing on Sundays.

But not before he sat down with Sports & Leisure Magazine: Charles Roberts: It’s been

and made me the offer. Since then, I’ve been working hard to succeed, especially as a football player. But I’ve developed as a person up here in Buffalo, too, and I feel blessed to be in the position I’m in.

CR: You easily could have forgone your senior season to go to the NFL. Before the start of this season you talked about wanting to finish what you started here in Buffalo. Well, here Photo by Jeff Barnes we are and you are UB’s record-setting linebacker, Khalil part of an 8-3 team Mack, recently sat down with Sports that looks poised for & Leisure Magazine. a bowl game.

KM: It’s a blessing, man. quite the ride for you. You I’m really fortunate to be in went from redshirting as a the position I am, thanks to freshman—somewhat my coaches and teammates. unknown—to being disAnd then there are the guys cussed as a top 10 pick in the who have played here before; NFL draft. you think about what the Khalil Mack: It definitely guys like Naaman Roosevelt, evolved through the grace of James Starks and Josh God. I got recruited by coach Thomas—he had a pick Robert Wembley of [FCS] Sunday against Miami [for Liberty and then he came up the Carolina Panthers]—did to Buffalo. And then Buffalo when they were here. It came down the next week

LaFontaine brings winning background to slumbering Sabres No one is happier than this sports writer to see Hockey Hall of Famer Pat LaFontaine back with the Buffalo Sabres.

You remember how the spectacular center set up Alexander Mogilny’s 77 goals as a Sabre back in 1992. It was then that Pat established team records for assists (95) and points (148) in a season. LaFontaine also scored 53 times that year.

What Pat LaFontaine did on the ice was mysterious.

He was a gawky skater whose head bobbed up and down as he hit his stride. He could almost bend his body into a pretzel if it meant a goal or assist. His shot was deadly accurate.

I was there as a hockey writer when the teenage star began his National Hockey League career with the New York Islanders back in 1984.

It was right after the 1984 Olympics and Pat joined the Islanders late in the regular season. He opened everyone’s eyes with 13 goals in 15 games as he starred alongside Hall of Famers Bryan Trottier, Mike Bossy, Denis Potvin, and goaltender Bill Smith.

Nightly, the media would listen to the kid’s views of winning games. Female fans of the Islanders adored the handsome-looking rookie.

The Islanders were weary while LaFontaine was taking bows in Sarajevo in ‘84. But the Americans couldn’t do better than seventh place despite five goals and four assists from LaFontaine in seven games. He collected three goals in a 7-3 rout of Austria and added a goal and two assists in a 7-4 triumph over Poland.

motivates you.

CR: The NFL draft talk is unavoidable. I know you are dialed in, looking to win a MAC championship, but how exciting is it to see your name mentioned as a possible top 10 pick?

KM: It’s pretty exciting, man. It’s pretty exciting. But at the same time, I can’t get too excited. We’ve got a game Friday and we’ve got to keep grinding, man. But, I mean, yeah, I’m not going to say that I’m not thinking about it. I’m definitely excited.

CR: Was there a point for you when the switch flipped? In other words, a time when you knew you were NFL-bound?

KM: Not so much. I heard it from teammates, though.

Davonte Shannon, Starks, Naaman, those guys would say, “Man, you are going in the first round.” And I’d be like, “OK, OK. We’ll see.”

But then I just kept working

It was quite an experience for Pat as he skated at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale and thrilled the SRO crowds. The Islanders owned New York back then after beating the Philadelphia Flyers, Minnesota North Stars, Vancouver Canucks and then the Edmonton Oilers for the Stanley Cup. New York was just plain tired after winning the Stanley Cup four straight times in from 1980-1983.

Now they had to meet the Wayne Gretzky-Mark Messier led Oilers in the Stanley Cup finals in 1984.

The players were dinged up after five straight years playing in the finals. Their injuries never had a chance to heal.

LaFontaine’s exciting play had carried the Islanders into the finals but Edmonton needed only five games to win its first Stanley Cup. LaFontaine had a pair of goals in the series finale.

Now the first president of hockey operations for Buffalo, LaFontaine begins a career behind the desk with the Sabres. It’s a far cry from the player who finished his NHL career with 468 goals and 1013 total points.

The 48-year-old St. Louis, Mo. native played with the Islanders through 1991. He led the Long Island team in goals, assists and points in his final year. Then he siz-

hard and now that I’m in that position, I can’t let those guys down. I can’t tell you how thankful I am for those guys instilling that in me.

I’m not going to say they saw it before the coaches or anything, but they kept pushing me to do the right thing and work hard and I really thank them for that.

CR: Is there one bit of advice in particular that’s really resonated with you?

KM: My father always told me, “There’s always someone out there who’s working harder than you.” And I didn’t like that, so I’m always trying to make sure that I’m working as hard as possible.

You’ve seen it. I put myself in that position, even in practice, where I don’t want anyone to outwork me. I’ve been continuously working hard, and like I said, it helps to have great teammates that push you even further.

CR: It’s obviously way too early to even speculate, but

zled for Buffalo head coach John Muckler in ‘91 and ‘92.

In Pat’s final year as a Sabre, he flashed the goal lamp 40 times and set up 51 other scores. He completed his NHL career with the New York Rangers in 1997.

While directing the Sabres’ management team, the father of three brought Ted Nolan back as head coach and Pat will be hiring a new general manager this winter.

I just hope he remembers all of those stories I wrote about him back in the 1980s.

Who knows? Maybe Pat will find a seat for me in the Sabres’ press box. Ha-ha. Just kidding. Or am I??

New Club Begins Elma’s Randy Krolewicz has been a fixture at recent area sports card shows. The 52-year-old collector is launching the Western New York Baseball Card Collectors Club. Look for more on him in upcoming columns.

Shows on Deck East Amherst’s Rob Schilling put on quite an allday card show in November at the Hearthstone Manor in Depew. Record crowds attended the event and many were there to get an Andre Reed autograph.

Schilling tells me he’ll next run a show April 13 at the Hearthstone.

I saw a lot of great deals at the show, including rookie cards for Mickey Mantle, Wayne Gretzky, Walter Payton and Michael Jordan.

The first area card show for 2014 is Jan. 11 at the VFW Leonard Post on Walden Avenue in Cheektowaga.

Mike Dyer, who lives in Cheektowaga, spent 47 years as a newspaper sports writer and columnist. He wrote two sports books and was editor of Who’s Who in Baseball, 1984 and 1985.

there are people out there who do it, so let’s talk about it; I’ve seen a few mock drafts that have you going to the Bills.

KM: [Laughs] Man … that would be a miracle. But I’ve seen it. I thought Steve [Means] was going to get picked by the Bills, for sure.

And then you have Naaman, who went to the Bills as an undrafted free agent. I’ve seen it. It would be a lot of fun and definitely a blessing.

I’ve gotten pretty used to it up here, you know, except for the weather. It was 55 last week and today it’s 20something.

CR: Jim Kelly didn’t want to come here after going to school in Miami and now he’s a full-time Buffalonian.

KM: Exactly. That’s what Buffalo does to you. It’s the people. I’ve been around town and you meet some truly good people. We’ll see what happens.

Snocross returns to Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel Community Sports Report The thrills, twists, turns, and high speeds in the snow returns to Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel Feb. 7 and 8, with AMSOIL Championship Snocross powered by Ram Truck.

Crews with International Series of Champions (ISOC) Racing will turn one million gallons of water into snow over a football-field-sized plot of land outside Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel.

This year, the race site will be presented in a new location, directly west of the casino, on the right-hand side of the main road leading to the hotel parking ramp. The race

course will include wicked twists and giant ramps that will send vehicles flying dozens of feet into the air.

More than 200 of the top snowmobile racers from North America and nearly a dozen countries will face off in an action-packed series of races that combine big-air jumps and competitive racing. The weekend is also one of eight nationally-televised events on CBS Sports Network for the 2014 season, with new technology added to the production this year for instant replay features. The races also will be streamed live on U-Stream for online viewing.

Last year’s races drew an unprecedented 10,000 fans during the Saturday events and nearly 15,000 for the entire weekend. A panel of Snocross industry experts decreed the Seneca Allegany experience as the “Event of the Year.”

“The event was special in so many ways,” said Carl Schubitzke, president and race director, ISOC Racing.

“Everyone at Seneca Allegany was so helpful and professional.

The city embraced the event. And the fans were just absolutely wonderful. They were gracious, enthusiastic and very active. That’s a real blessing,

and it gets the racers even more excited to perform their best.”

Bleachers set up around the track can accommodate thousands of fans, and bright lights will illuminate the track during the evening hours, when the main events take Photo by Lissa Marsolek place and are Kody Kamm making the most of his time as a competitive racer . taped for teleMost of all, I think attendees ing represents a $1 billion vision. A new Family Zone will be amazed at the speed industry. In response to the will be outdoors this year, and athleticism of the athindustry’s growth and popuwhich will include a smallletes. They make the twists, larity, Seneca Gaming scale “120” snowmobile to turns and jumps look effortCorporation and the Seneca test drive. Various vendors, less.”

Nation of Indians recently including food and beverage, Visit www.isocracing.com provided a $66,850 sponsorwill also be on site. for information, fan and ship to Snow Bounders, Inc., Indoors nearby at the racer memberships, schedule a local snowmobile associaSeneca Allegany Events details and more. tion, for the construction and Center, fans will have the Tickets for the event are on maintenance of a new 1.5chance to interact with racers sale at www.isocracing.com mile snowmobile trail that and get autographs. and at the Logo Shop inside connects Seneca Allegany Snowmobile gear will be on Seneca Allegany Casino & Casino & Hotel to 90 miles sale, and the popular Traxxas Hotel. Advance ticket prices of existing trails in nearby Try Me Track will return with are $25 for Friday, $25 for Allegany State Park. Thanks a course filled with remoteSaturday or a value-priced to that addition, fans can controlled miniature trucks. $30 all-weekend pass. A specome to the weekend events Approximately 50 praccial four-pack of weekend on their snowmobiles. tice, qualifying, and final passes is available online for a “There’s so much to do races will take place daily, discounted price of $100. throughout the whole expeincluding 22 races during Admission is free for children rience,” Schubitzke said. “It’s both the Friday and Saturday ages six and younger. highly entertaining, and night main events. there’s never a dull moment.

In New York, snowmobil-

WINTER DIRECTORY

When the hiking trails get snow, the hikers get snowshoeing

By Kevin Bonk From its inception as a means of transportation to its evolution as a winter sport, snowshoeing has always had a place in the winter months. Whether you’re taking a leisurely stroll in a snow covered forest or trekking to the top of the next peak, snowshoeing provides a relief from cabin fever. With little or no instruction you can hit the trail as soon as the shoes are on your feet and poles around you hand. With the wide variety of snowshoes and relative low cost to buy or rent, Western New York’s hiking trails provide miles upon miles to explore.

The principle of snowshoeing is fairly basic; the larger surface area of the shoe distributes the wearer’s weight allowing the user to “float” over the snow.

Native Americans living in the colder regions of North America all developed some form of the snowshoe. As the environment each tribe faced was different, so were their snowshoes: Inuit tribes in Alaska used a large circular shoe to maneuver in light powdery snow; central plains Indians used a six-foot long snowshoe to hunt buffalo; while northeastern tribes constructed shorter teardrop-shaped shoes to navigate through forests.

Just as Native Americans adapted snowshoe to fit their needs, modern snowshoes are fitted for today’s outdoors enthusiasts. Originating in central Asia over 6,000 years ago, traditional snowshoes were typically made from wooden frames and animal hide lacing.

Today’s modern snowshoes borrow the same concept but are made from lightweight metals, plastic and synthetic fibers.

Several improvements from the traditional snowshoe are included on today’s models improving traction and maneuverability.

Crampons placed on the underside of the shoe grip into the snow allowing better traction for traversing hills. Updated bindings ensure the users feet are securely in place on the snowshoe. The toe cord, which is the connection point for the binding to the shoe, varies giving the user different levels or flexibility while they walk.

Several factors including the type of trail, condition of the snow and the size of the user must be considered when choosing the right snowshoe.

Photo courtesy Paths Peeks & Paddles

Snowshoeing is great exercise, and fun for the whole family!

More expensive expedition snowshoes have a deeper crampon to grip steeper terrain while recreational models have less of a protruding crampon that works best on flatter groomed snow. A proper fitting binding plays a large role in making the snowshoe feel like a part of the user’s body. If the binding is too loose there is a substantial loss of control. Also, a binding with greater support will prevent fatigue on your lower legs during long hikes. The type of trails you frequent will dictate the type of toe cord you need. A rotating toe cord will leave much of the snowshoe on the ground as you take a step and are suited for flatter terrain and groomed snow. A fixed cord will keep the snowshoe closer to your foot. This type is more suited for hill climbing and deeper off-trail snow.

After selecting the proper snowshoe, grab a set of poles before setting out on your trek.

Poles will help keep your balance and take away stress on your knees, not to mention giving your upper body a workout.

Adjustable poles work the best; when heading up or down hills they can be fitted to the proper length.

At this time of year when the ground is blanketed in white powder, there are a host of areas to mark with your snowshoe prints. City parks are rarely crowded during the winter months and offer flat ground for beginners. You don’t need to travel far to find prime snowshoe trails. Bonds Lake in Niagara County, Sprague Brook in southern Erie County, and Mendon Ponds Park in Monroe

County all have miles of marked trails for beginner to intermediate snowshoers.

Outdoor outfitter Paths, Peaks, & Paddles (PPP) of Tonawanda has several snowshoe events this winter to introduce and explore Western New York’s backcountry. Starting with the Winter Feels Good event at Ellicott Creek Park on Jan 11, the instructors at PPP will be hosting free snowshoe demos and tours around the park. For those seeking a more adventurous outing, PPP is leading several excursions into area parks and forests. Weekend trips include Erie County Forest, Royalton Ravine, and Zoar Valley among others.

Rental snowshoes are available and some trips include a backcountry meal. The cost of the excursions range from $15-25 and a complete list of outings can be found at www.pathspeakspaddles.com.

Byrncliff Resort and Conference Center, located in Varysburg, N.Y., provides the chance for a great winter getaway. The resort has over 12 miles of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails, with several miles of un-groomed snowshoe-only trails. In anticipation of a snowy winter the team at Byrncliff has been preparing for the numerous skiers and snowshoers expected to hit the trails. “We’ve been working year round to make improvements to the trails and facility… with unique features of lighted trails for night-time snowshoeing and overnight accommodations,” Lindsay Eddy of Byrncliff explained. An assortment of ski and snowshoe rentals are available at the facility. Ski and lodging packages in the resort hotel rooms or Maple Lodge Guest House are offered.

For nighttime entertainment bands will be performing during the weekend at the Byrncliff Bar and Restaurant. For more information on upcoming events and winter packages check out www.byrncliff.com.

The winters in Western New York may be long and snowy, but for those who venture out with snowshoes strapped on their feet it can be a very rewarding time. From an ancient form of transportation to a modern recreational sport the popularity of snowshoeing is only growing.

2014 Snowboard Product Guide

By Adam McGill Winter is already here and with every inch of snow comes more powder for snowboarders to shred.

Every weatherman predicts this to be another brutal Western New York winter and that only means more time on the mountain this year. For anyone looking for some of the hottest new gear, here is a full snowboard product guide:

Men’s Gear Burton Antler Snowboard The Antler is the latest of Burton’s catchy, freestyle boards. It has Burton’s class V profile, which allows the board to keep a steady pace downhill and not get lost in the snow. The Antler can be found in most stores and on every online outlet. Be prepared though because it will set you back around 650 bucks.

K2 Slayblade Snowboard The Slayblade has been one of K2’s most prestigious creations in recent years, as the freestyle board has won countless awards.

This year though, the board has had some minor tweaks and will give snow-

boarders an even smoother ride this season. The board comes in five sizes (153, 156, 158, 161, and 164) and it also comes it five different colors. Even better, this is one of the only 2014 board that can be found for under $600.

Dakine Commander Gloves These wool gloves maintain a ton of heat on the slopes with a Gore-Tex insert and PrimaLoft insulation. The Commander is available in three colors (Black, Ivory, and Octane) and sizes vary from extra small to extra large. These are the top-of-the-line gloves from Dakine and will set mountain fans back over $100.

Oakley Shaun White Signature Splice Snow Goggle The Splice Snow Goggle is the perfect combination of Oakley and the Flying Tomato. These Shaun White inspired goggles come with multiple Oakley lenses with a Flexible O Matter chassis that forms to any head. They are UV protected and will offer riders a crystal clear view down the slopes. The goggles are very lightweight and the numerous color combinations will make them an instant hit on the mountain.

Women’s Gear Burton Feelgood Snowboard The Burton Feelgood is one of the most popular women’s boards each season. This year’s version has the classic eye-popping color schemes and can be found in five different combinations. The board is once again extremely lightweight and the True Flex technology allows it to bend with the rider down the slopes. This eye-catching board will be another $600+ find, but like all new Burton boards, it will be worth it.

K2 Northern Lite The board has a beautiful picture of the Northern Lights and it really makes the board stand out in the contrast of the snow. The splitboard is extremely fast, due to its lightweight, and will allow riders to pick up speed quickly down the

mountain. The Northern Lite is a top-of-the-line freestyle board on the market this year and will give boarders plenty of freedom to adjust throughout their ride.

Dakine Odyssey Gloves On the mountain it tends to get cold in a hurry. The number one way to avoid the blistering cold is to have a reliable pair of gloves. Dakine has become one of the best innovators in the business and the Odyssey is just another example. The Gore-Tex insert and PrimaLoft insulation will keep any girl’s hands warm, while also protecting her nails. They also come in black and ivory as well as three sizes (small, medium and large).

Roxy Sunset Art Snow Goggle Roxy continues to be one of the frontrunners in women’s snowboard eyewear and the Sunset Art is one of the best new sets of the season. The eyewear comes in five different colors: black, black/rose, pink, purple, and white. They are 100% UV Protected and have a double set of lens that keep the goggle from scratching or fogging up.

They can be found in local retailers at around $64.99 and will be worth the money on those sunny winter days on the slopes.

Winter Directory DOWNHILL, SNOWBOARDING AND MORE Bristol Mountain, 585-374-6000 www.bristolmountain.com Holiday Valley, 716-699-2345 www.holidayvalley.com HoliMont, 716-699-2320 www.holimont.com Kissing Bridge/Colden Tubing 716-592-4963 www.kbski.com Peek ’n Peak, 716-355-4141 www.pknpk.com Swain, 607-545-6511 www.swain.com

CROSS COUNTRY SNOWMOBILING SNOWSHOE Allegheny State Park www.nysparks.com Art Roscoe Allegany State Park www.buffaloaudubon.org Byrncliff Resort & Conference Center 585-535-7300 www.byrncliff.com Cummings Nature Center 585-374-6160 www.rmsc.org Holiday Valley, 716-699-2345 www.holidayvalley.com HoliMont, 716-699-2320 www.holimont.com www.monroecounty.gov/parks www.nysparks.com Paths Peaks & Paddles, Inc. www.pathspeakspaddles.com Peek ‘n Peak, 716-355-4141 www.pknpk.com

SKI CLUBS Adirondack Mountain Club www.adk.org Niagara Frontier Chapter, 716-564-2106, Genesee Valley Chapter, www.gvc-adk.org Bell Ski Club, 716-773-3901 Buffalo Nordic Ski Club www.buffalonordic.org Buffalo Ski Club www.bscskiarea.com Huggers Ski Club www.huggersskiclub.org Lederhosen Ski Club www.lederhosenskiclub.com Meetup.com www.meetup.com/WNYSkiClub Monroe Y Ski Club www.monroeyskiclub.org NAR (Niagara Adult Racing) www.narracing.com Rochester Nordic Ski Club www.rochesternordic.org Rochester Ski Club www.rochesterskiclub.com Schussmeisters Ski & Snowboard Club www.schussmeisters.com SCOL (Ski Club of Lockport) http://skicluboflockport.com

SNOWMOBILE New York State Snowmobile Association (NYSSA) Go to www.nyssnowassoc.org for a listing by county of NYS snowmobile clubs and other valuable information.

888-624-3849 http://nysnowmobilewebmap .com

Kid’s Boards Burton Chopper Star Wars Snowboard It didn’t take long for the world of Star Wars to crash into the mountain. This new youth board from Burton is available in eight different characters from the prized movie series, including Darth Vader, Darth Maul, and Boba Fett.

This board will bring a smile to any Star Wars fan this Christmas season.

Burton Chicklet Snowboard The Chicklet is a young girl’s board, which like a teenager’s locker, is jampacked with colors and flair. The rainbow-colored board comes in eight different designs. This is the perfect gift for the young girl that is looking for a beginner to intermediate board.

Snowmobile Registration www.dmv.ny.gov/recreation.ht m#snowmobiles You must register your snowmobile if you operate the snowmobile in New York State. A registration is not required if the snowmobile is operated on the private property of the owner or private property the owner has a contractual right to use.

Cattaraugus County Snowmobile Federation www.enchantedmountains .info/what_to_do/ snowmobiling.asp www.snowmobilingWNY.com Chautauqua County www.tourchautauqua.com/wh ere_to_play.aspx Wyoming County www.gowyomingcountyny.com Allegany County www.DiscoverAlleganyCounty .com New York State Office of Parks Snowmobile Unit 518-474-0446

OTHER INFORMATION www.weather.com Genesee Region Trails Coalition www.grtcinc.org Monroe County Sports Commission www.monroecountysports.org www.monroecounty.gov/parks www.nysparks.com www.IloveNY.com www.snowcrystals.com If we’ve missed your club, please contact us and we’ll include you next year.

Reasons to visit Chautauqua County this winter Community Sports Report Chautauqua County sits directly in the path of lake effect snow storms that gather strength over Lake Erie and drop more than 200 inches of snow annually. This pocket of precipitation is precisely why winter is a perfect time to plan a visit.

Near Findley Lake, Peek’n Peak Resort and Spa provides an excellent backdrop for skiers and snowboarders.

There’s even a tubing area and trails for cross country skiing.

The lodges, dining rooms, pool and spa are welcome amenities after a day on the slopes.

Go cross country skiing or snow shoeing along many of the trails throughout Chautauqua County. Long Point and Lake Erie State Parks, Chautauqua Institution, and the Jamestown Audubon Center offer trails and open spaces.

Join Evergreen Outfitters for guided snowshoe hikes— there’s even one during the full moon.

Hundreds of miles of trails groomed by five local snowmobile clubs provide an ideal setting for sledding over old railroad beds, former trolley lines, open farm fields, heavily wooded areas and seasonal roads. Trails officially open Dec. 18, weather permitting.

Note that New York requires that all sleds be registered.

Information can be found at www.tourchautauqua.com/sn owmobiling.aspx.

Winter is a great time to visit the wineries in Lake Erie Wine Country. Tasting rooms are less crowded, the experience is more educational and intimate, and many new vin-

Photo by Ed Bernick

Enjoy a relaxing sleigh ride in Chautauqua County. tages are released. Also winter and Ice Wine just naturally go together. Visit during the annual Wine and Chocolate Weekend, Feb. 14-16, 2014 for a special Valentine’s treat.

Try seasonal brews during a tour at Southern Tier Brewing Company. Stop by the Empty Pint Brewery Pub for a selection of 14 draught beers, including some guest taps, Thursday through Saturday, evenings, and Saturday and Sunday afternoons. On Saturday take a 45-minute guided tour of the brewery at 12:15, 1:00, 1:45, 2:30, 3:15 or 4 p.m. Tours are available on a first come basis and often sell out.

Take a sleigh ride on Saturdays and Sundays throughout January and February through the historic grounds of Chautauqua Institution. Rides run every

half hour from 1 to 3 p.m.

Tickets are available at the Chautauqua Bookstore on Bestor Plaza.

The annual Winter Festival in Mayville is Feb. 14-16, and features events, activities, and contests for all ages including fireworks, a flare parade, bonfire and horse drawn wagon rides. If the weather cooperates, you might see a castle made from blocks of ice harvested in the traditional way from Chautauqua Lake.

Hide away for a weekend at a bed and breakfast, vacation home, resort or inn.

Chautauqua isn’t your everyday winter weekend getaway.

For more ideas on visiting Chautauqua County any time of year, visit www.tourchautauqua.com or call 1-866-9084569. Be sure to reserve a 2014 Chautauqua County Visitors Guide.

Lose the winter blues in The Enchanted Mountains of Cattaraugus County Community Sports Report The pace doesn’t slow down in Cattaraugus County, unless you want it to, during the winter months with continuing festivals, winter activities and indoor fun. Discover winter wonderlands and pristine backdrops after the snow has freshly fallen. View breathtaking landscapes full of trees glistening with snow detailing each branch.

Feel invigorated while cross-country skiing or snowshoeing through Pfeiffer Nature Center or Allegany State Park. Pfeiffer Nature Center holds many wintertime activities, including snowshoeing (Jan. 11), to keep families active and enjoying the outdoors. The Art Roscoe Trails in Allegany State Park consist of 24 miles of winter bliss for cross country skiing.

Cascade through the hills on your snowboard or skis at HoliMont ski resort or Holiday Valley, ranked the No.5 ski resort in the east by Ski Magazine. The need for hibernation will never feel so far away as you zigzag down the 52 slopes at HoliMont or ride the 13 high-tech lifts that guide you to Holiday Valley’s 58 slopes and trails.

Or find the thrill of winter riding on a snowmobile through over 400 miles of trails, stopping at local establishments that cater to riders.

Group Camp 5 has recently opened on the Quaker side of Allegany State Park. This gorgeously remodeled Camp has 18 winterized cabins, seven individual facilities (three are handicap accessible) and one giant mess hall that includes three upright refrigerators, a freezer and 14 tables with benches. If you gather the whole snowmobile club (can

Courtesy Cattaraugus County Economic Development

Breathtaking landscape full of trees glistening with snow at Allegany State Park. hold up to 72 people), the cost ices down to just $6 per person per night!

There are festivals galore with a focus on the holidays, music or food and drink.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve right by being part of the Torchlight Parade at Holiday Valley Ski Resort Let loose at the Winter Blues Festival Jan. 3-4 in Ellicottville. Find fun at the Olean Area Sports and Outdoor Show being held Jan. 25-26 at Good Times of Olean. Don’t forget the biggest biker party of the winter when Gowanda Harley Davidson comes to Holiday Valley on Jan. 25.

If you follow the natural progression to slow down during the winter months or just like to stay in the warm indoors, then view the various exhibits held at the Regina A. Quick Center. Watch a classic play or cheer on the St. Bonaventure Bonnies basketball teams in one of their games. Learn about Native heritage, ride into railroad past or get in touch with nature at area museums that offer a full day’s activity for families looking to get out of

the house. Friends of Good Music at The Quick Center is hosting frequent winter concerts bringing diverse and renowned musicians to perform for all. It’s always a fun time at the events held at the Seneca Allegany Casino and Resort in Salamanca. This year they are bringing Cheap Trick, comedian Lisa Lampanelli and the Grand Funk Railroad for pure excitement! Or try your luck at the vast array of slot machines and card tables any time.

Challenge yourself to learn a winter sport. Ice skate at the indoor rink in Olean, test your angler skills by ice fishing at Allegany State Park, or fly down the hills while tubing.

Or grab the gang and go sledding. It’s sure to be fun on any day in winter!

So no matter what you choose for winter fun, come find it in the Enchanted Mountains!

For more information visit, www.EnchantedMountains.com , email, info@enchantedmountains.com, or call, 1.800.331.0543.

Doctari’s Fishing Forum

Winter arrived early in WNY this year, and colder than normal temperatures have most area lakes and ponds sporting icy surfaces.

Ice anglers across the area hope this year will make up for two sub-par hard water seasons, and this early freeze only fuels more excitement for a potential Christmastime ice excursion. With most, if not all, steelhead streams sporting frozen and unfishable surfaces, anglers seeking tight lines hope safe ice is near, and holds throughout winter.

Basic hard water gear Whether you are new to ice fishing or spent many seasons walking on frozen water, knowing the basics to meet the rigors of this exciting sport comes first. Choose well-insulated outerwear that is both waterproof and wind-proof to keep the winter cold at bay. Well insulated, waterproof boots and gloves, too, will assure you hours in the extreme cold in comfort, and a good pair of sunglasses helps keep the effects of “snow blindness” at bay, especially on bright, sunny days.

Safety gear includes ice picks and cleats. Without these, an angler has no chance at getting a grip on

ice. Another good tool to use is an ice chisel, more commonly called a spud bar, as this five to six-inch iron bar helps you gauge ice thickness as you walk out. The spud bar is a most important item both early and late in the hard water season.

Anglers also need an ice auger with sharp blades, manual or power (remember, you have to haul this gear on and off the ice, so know your “weight limits”). Now is a good time to examine those blades, as nothing spoils an outing faster than a dull auger. It is a good idea to have a spare set of new blades with you, and local stores have a good supply of them right now. Round out your gear list with an ice scoop, preferably one with a ruler on it, and a deep-sided sled for dragging your gear and a five-gallon bucket, and you have the basics covered.

Tackle Since what you seek to catch dictates tackle demands, a variety of different weight ice fishing rods and reels provide wider fishing options. These rigs look similar to standard rods, only much shorter. However, the stationary nature of ice fishing also affords the use of tip ups, hand line devices you set up that have a signal flag when a fish strikes. Each angler can employ up to five tip ups at a time, but some waters have different rules

Popular hotspots NFTA Small Boat Harbor – Buffalo: Usually one of the first places to show safe ice locally.

Yellow perch, bluegill, crappie, northern pike and rainbow smelt top the list of fishing opportunities.

Use small jigs and grubs, small jigging rapalas, small Swedish pimples or tip ups baited with large shiners.

Depth runs to about seven to eight feet.

Ample parking.

Photo by Rich Davenport

Wheatfield angler Tim Kernahan showing off a day’s catch through the ice on Chautauqua Lake. governing tip up use. All tip ups must have angler’s name and address on them.

Terminal tackle and bait range from ultra-small jigs to spoons and blade baits, plastics and plain hooks and sinkers to present minnows and worms to hungry fish below.

For the serious angler If you have the budget and the passion for hard water adventure, portable shanties are worth every penny they cost, and newer style units like the Ice Cube or Clam Corp.’s Big Foot, are light-

weight and cost-effective.

Electronics such as a Vexilar, underwater cameras by Aqua-View, and a quality hand-held GPS all will enhance your ice fishing experience. New smart phone apps from GPShuntfish.com, or Fishidy.com incorporate GPS enabled phone capabilities with available contour maps of most major lakes, providing the ability to know what is under you, and the ability to mark waypoints for return trips.

Chautauqua Lake – Mayville to Jamestown: Very popular weekend destination, many small motels and bed & breakfasts to host your stay.

Yellow perch, crappie, bluegill and walleye dominate the ice fishing attention.

Shallow south basin freezes first, with Burtis Bay being tops on the spots – access from Lakewood Community Park.

Deeper north basin offers wider variety of options, with popular places including Maple Springs (access at Midway State Park), Prendergast Point (access at NYS boat launch) and Long Point State Park – all have good parking and easy access to the lake.

Use small jigs and grubs, blade baits, Swedish pimples and small to mid-sized jigging rapalas.

WINTER DIRECTORY

Winter full of hard water promise

with Rich Davenport Wilson Harbor – Wilson: Shallow Lake Ontario harbor with strong resident northern pike numbers.

Yellow perch, bluegill, rainbow trout and brown trout abundant during certain parts of winter.

Use tip ups with large shiners, jigs and grubs, jigging rapalas.

Ample parking.

Remember that ice thickness should be at least four inches of clear ice, and fish with a friend or two. Call local tackle shops for ice conditions before you go, or check online at iceshanty.com. Don’t forget to take a kid fishing, and give the gift that lasts a lifetime! Have a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy Hard Water New Year!

Rich Davenport is cofounder of WeLoveOutdoors.com, an avid Outdoorsman and member of the NYSOWA. His works are also published in NY Outdoor News, Walleye.com and the Buffalo News. Rich is also the recording secretary for the Erie County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, secretary of the Western NY Environmental Federation, member of the Erie County Fisheries Advisory Board and is the co-chairman and Region 9 Rep NYSCC Big Game Committee. Email rich@weloveoutdoors.org.

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SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE

Local boxing happenings

By Bob Caico The New York State Silver Gloves (under age of 17) were held in Rochester on Dec. 7-8. Winners will now represent New York State in the regional championships in Elmira on Jan. 4-5 with the National Championships being held on Jan. 30 to Feb. 1 in Independence, Missouri.

The Niagara District will be represented by: Charles Slobert St. John’s (Buffalo) Joshu Gonzalez PAL (Buffalo) Anthony Diaz PAL (Buffalo) Jared Gibb Casals (Niagara Falls) Keith Jones Casals (Niagara Falls) Vincent Artist Casals (Niagara Falls) Elijah Austin Casals (Niagara Falls) Ranse Almentaros Right move (Rochester) Angel Rodriguez Baden (Rochester) Jailyn Johnson St. Martin (Rochester) Kam’Ron Overton St. Martin (Rochester) Paris Davis St. Martin (Rochester) Tre’von Stone St. Martin (Rochester) Derrick Gunter Future Boxing (Rochester) Kieshawn Stone St. Martin (Rochester) Messiah Miles Future boxing (Rochester) Sequan Anthony St. Martin (Rochester) •••••••• The Tralf Nightclub in downtown Buffalo was the venue for a 16-bout amateur boxing card hosted by Diaab Entertainment and sponsored by Carubba Collision on Nov. 23.

132 lb Musa Mberwa (St. Martin’s) dec 3-0 Derrick Allio (Geneva Boxing) 141 lb Sam Rodriguez (Roc Boxing) dec 2-1 Angel Vega (Jamestown YMCA) 110 lb Marcus Floyd (Buffalo PAL) dec 3-0 Parris Davis (St. Martin’s) 141 lb Jose Hernandez (ROC Boxing) rsc-3 Kevin Diaz (Jamestown YMCA) 141 lb Houshuan Sambolin (ROC Boxing) dec 3-0 Matt Ventry (Thunder Boxing) 132 lb Ben Serrano (Buffalo Westside) dec 3-0 Malick Stanley (NWBCC) 141 lb Mike Hadjad (NWBCC) dec 3-0 Carl Davis (Thunder Boxing) 152lb Anthony Woodruff (Westside)

Sports & Leisure winter athletes watch list

By Dave Ricci

As the action moves inside with basketball, wrestling, bowling, swimming and rifle athletes from public and private schools will be looking to make their mark.

Here are 12 student-athletes who should be grabbing headlines and turning heads:

Photo by Bob Caico

Tyler Ross (right) of the University of Buffalo Boxing team lands a right hand against Daniel Collins of the Northwest Buffalo Community Center in amateur boxing action. dec 2-1 Mark Renza (Sweet Science) 141 lb Uciel Hernandez (Geneva) dec 2-1 Bryan Montes-Camacho (Westside) 165 lb Tim Akadoulou(U.B.) dec 3-0 Tracey McGruder (St. Martin’s) 132lb Tyler Ross (U.B.) rsc-3 Daniel Colt Collins (NWBCC) 141 lb Dante Palmer (Lackawanna Boxing) dec 3-0 Jeffrey Ngayot (Westside) 165lb Ryan Nicastro (U.B.) rsc-2 Ryan Piazza (Thunder Boxing) 201 lb Adam Morrell (KC’s Fitness) rtm-2 Alberto Mercado (Westside) 141 lb Daniel Dejesus (Westside) dec 2-1 Akmad Aliyev (NWBCC) 178lb Lawrence King (ROC Boxing) dec 3-0 Montell Jones (Eastside Boxing PA.) •••••••• Casal’s boxing of Niagara Falls hosted a sold out, standing room only card with over 500 attendees on Nov. 16. Sequan Felton and Mike Vega earned fight of the night award and it was deserving of its main event status.

70 lb Joey Krebs (Casal’s) dec Jay’den Ruth (St. Martin’s) 138 lb Sam Rodriguez (ROC Boxing) dec Derek Green (Goomba) 110 lb Jackson Kreps (Casal’s) dec Omar Charles (Westside) 125 lb Ellion DeJesus (Westside) dec Alex Castellano (Victory) 145 lb Jose Hernandez (ROC) rsc

Robert Finn (Casal’s) 150 lb Jessica Camara (Toronto) dec Mikiah Krebs (Casal’s) 135 lb Eddie Torres (Dunkirk) dec Giovanni Torres (Casal’s) 165 lb Connor Smith (UB) dec John Nuchereno (Victory) 132 lb K’Shawn Agee (Casal’s) dec Ben serrano (Westside) 130 lb Musa Mberwa (St. Martin’s) dec Cameron Miller (Casal’s) 156 lb Tracy McGruder (St. Martin’s) dec Mike Renza (Sweet Science) 145 lb Mike Christopher (UB) dec Brian Montes (Westside) 165 lb Donnie “Too Quick” Marshall (Buf) dec Jonathan Batron (St. Martin’s) 145 lb Joe Tardibuono (Casal’s) dec Niko Torres (Dunkirk) 201+ Nolan Smith (Casal’s) dec Jack Jackson (St. John’s) 135 lb sequan Felton (St. Martin’s) dec 2-1 Mike Vega (Casal’s) •••••••• The New York State Golden Gloves competition will be headed for downtown Buffalo at the Tralf this January. Any boxers 17 years old and up have until Jan. 6 to sign up. The first night of competition is scheduled for Saturday Jan. 25. You can log on to buffalogoldengloves.com for an application and more information.

•••••••• Condolences are in order for coach Bernie Barco of ROC Boxing in Rochester.

Bernie’s dad Bernard passed away on Nov. 30 at 84 years of age. RIP

Winter 2013—14

for Holy Angels, Walton, a senior, is another weapon in an already loaded Lady Hawks team that is looking for a third straight trip to states. Walton is quick, confident and fearless. She believes she will win every time she steps on the floor as do her teammates who feed off her energy.

Awilda Murphy, Renaldo basketball, Sacred RodriquezHeart Spencer, Murphy, a senwrestling, ior, formed a dazCheektowaga zling 1-2 punch A state champiwith Walton duron and without Photo by Dave Ricci ing their three question one of Cody McGregor cements his name in years together at the best grapplers Tonawanda High School lore.

Holy Angels. to ever come out Murphy is one of of WNY. His flywins), Jordan (138), Kyle the most complete and coning squirrel takedown is the (111) and Scott (109) sistent players you will ever stuff legends are made of.

McGregor hold the state find. She handles the ball record for most wins by sibCody McGregor, wrestling, well, scores, passes, gets lings.

Tonawanda rebounds and teals; there McGregor enters the seaLauren Pray, hockey, simply isn’t anything not to son needing just nine wins Kenmore West like about her. to overtake Ryan Mislin as The quick and agile Sarah Franco, basketball, the all-time wins leader in goalie has no equal between Lockport Tonawanda High School the pipes. She is simply the Without question the history. A two-time state best in WNY and was a big most dominant post player qualifier, Cody is the reason why Kenmore, a uniin the Niagara Frontier youngest person in the hisfied Ken-West and Ken-East League.

The 6-foot-2 tory of Tonawanda squad, reached the state Franco and gritty teammate wrestling to reach the 100tournament last season.

Alyssa Wagner form a deadwin club. The youngest of Jontay Walton, basketball, ly duo for the Lions. When four brothers who all wresCardinal O’Hara.

Franco is on, no one, tled for the Warriors, it is The all-time points leader continued on page 9 believed that Cody (140

Winter 2013—14

SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE

Winter athletes absolutely no one, is going to stop her.

Austin Gallagher, hockey, Lancaster Was the second leading scorer among underclassmen in the WNY Fed last season. The scrappy 5-foot4 forward will likely command more attention from opponents this season, but he will be up to the challenge.

Aaron Tucker, basketball, Kenmore East Bulldogs coach Jay Robbins cannot contain the smile when he talks about Tucker. After struggling the past couple of seasons fate has finally been kind to Ken-East as the 6-foot-2 Tucker, who moved to WNY from Detroit, is their first

from page 8

legit point guard since PJ Blanch. As of now Tucker doesn’t have the scoring pop of Blanch, but he has great court vision and distributes the ball well.

Cassidy Powers, bowling, North Tonawanda A member of the Section VI team that went to states last season, Powers is without question among the elite in the state. She’ll be vying for the Niagara Frontier League’s triple crown of top series, average and game. Powers is one of the best from a program that has a legacy of truly great bowlers.

Nate Maloney, bowling, Niagara-Wheatfield.

A stud on the lanes, Maloney had two trips to

Collegiate Volleyball

By Adam McGill The 2013 collegiate women’s volleyball season is already in the books and this year saw some truly historical performances. Here is a quick recap of the local action on the court.

Buffalo State College Buff State made waves this season as the team made the NCAA Playoffs for the first time in the program’s history.

The Bengals finished with an incredible 25-10 record.

Unfortunately, the season came to an end with a fourset loss to the University of Chicago (27-10) in the NCAA Playoffs. They looked a little nervous in the early going and couldn’t catch up by the time they got comfortable. However, it still marked a historical season for the lady Bengals.

Junior outside hitter Samantha Parente was named as an honorable mention AllAmerican this year by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA). She became the first Bengal to get the distinction. She was also named MVP of the SUNYAC tournament and was named to the first team All-SUNYAC as well.

Parente was among the league leaders in kills (3.04 kills per set) and hitting percentage (.258) this season.

She also finished with 3.34 points per set and was the true leader of Buffalo State’s offense.

The team has a very bright future with Parente returning and will once again be a force to reckon with next year.

Canisius College The team finished with an 11-18 overall record. Their 99 conference record was the seventh time in eight seasons the team finished .500 or better in the conference.

Canisius is another local school to have several players recognized this season.

Junior Emily Litwin (Williamsville, N.Y.) was named to the all Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference second team, while freshman Katlyn Tyler (Pavilion, N.Y.) was named to the MAAC AllRookie Team.

Photo by Paul Hokanson/UB Athletics

Senior Carissa McKenna enjoyed a beautiful senior season for the Buffalo Bulls.

Litwin posted an astonishing 4.94 digs per game in conference play, which led the entire MAAC. She recorded double-digit digs in 28 of her 29 games this season and was a fixture in the middle for Canisius.

Tyler led all MAAC rookies with 2.59 digs per set and she added 2.13 kills as well.

The outside hitter had a brilliant freshman season and posted double-digit kills in five matches.

The Golden Griffins will have several pieces in place to make a serious run next season.

Erie Community College The Kats had another rough season on the court in 2013. The team finished with a 6-19 record and ended up posting a winless 0-6 record in conference play.

The Kats depended heavily on Emilee Piechocki (Rochester, N.Y.) this season. She was the team’s offensive leader and was on top of the scoring sheet each game.

In a big 3-1 (26-24, 2520, 16-25, 25-13) win over Cayuga CC, Piechocki racked up 15 kills and 25 digs. The outside hitter was all over the court and had one of the best performances of her collegiate career.

She was one of the team’s true stars all year long and was at the top of the box

states before his first day of high school, first going as a member of the Falcons Sectional championship team as a seventh grader and then again last year as a member of the Section VI all-star team.

Alex Price, basketball, Kenmore West The Blue Devils quick as a hiccup point guard might be the best all-around player in the Niagara Frontier League. The Blue Devils hopes to return to Buff State will rest on Price’s shoulders.

Chris Minor, basketball, Nichols.

The 6-foot-4 post player is coming into his own and is ready to breakout in a big way.

score every night.

The Kats will once again be hunting for new talent, as athletes only get two years of eligibility at ECC, so expect another big turnover of players next season.

Niagara University The lady Purple Eagles did not fare any better than ECC. The team finished with a 4-25 record, including a 3-15 record in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference play.

Amanda Sedore (Webster, N.Y.) led the team with 304 kills (2.95 per start), points (346), and was second in digs (2.30 per game). The junior did it all and will have a huge showing in her final campaign next year.

Junior libero, Allison Reis, was the defensive star for Niagara. The Michigan native led the team with 4.06 digs per set and kept the team alive all year with her stellar saves.

N.U. will be returning their entire squad, as there were not any seniors on this year’s team. It will be a huge advantage and the team will come into next season with a great chemistry.

University at Buffalo Buffalo enjoyed a beautiful season in 2013 and the team finished with an 18-12 record (6-10 conference).

They tied the program record for wins since coming to the Mid-American Conference and it was truly a season to remember.

Senior Carissa McKenna was a leader again this year and the middle blocker lived above the net. She ended her collegiate career nicely and her presence in the middle will leave a hole in Buffalo’s lineup next season.

Additionally, senior Kelly Svoboda averaged 5.66 digs per set and the Cleveland native will also be difficult to replace.

Outside hitter Tahlela Bishop led the team with 3.67 kills and 4.23 points per set. The junior will now be the face of Buffalo’s squad as the team will lose six seniors from this season’s roster.

However, Buffalo will still require a strong incoming freshman class to get over the hump next year.

Page 9

Local junior college men’s basketball roundup

By Paul Gotham Pre-season tournaments and non-conference games are in the rearview mirror as the local junior college men’s basketball teams go into the semester break. Before they return for classes, the Western New York Athletic and MidState Athletic Conferences will be in full swing. The Erie CC Kats will open at home on Jan. 11 when Mercyhurst NE pays a visit to the Flickinger Center. The Monroe CC Tribunes open conference play on the road at Mercyhurst NE on Jan. 9 while the Thunderwolves of Niagara County host the Genesee CC Cougars on Jan. 16. Plenty will be at stake with head-to-head matchups between the Kats, Tribunes and Thunderwolves as they look for a berth in the National Tournament. MCC’s Tribunes opened the season ranked third in the national poll. Since then NCCC, with a 10-game winning streak, has moved into the top ten, and the Kats will look to challenge for the Regional title.

Erie Community College Kats Current record: 6-5.

2012-13 record: 22-6/12-2 conference – lost to Monroe CC in the Region III D2 Title game.

Coach: Alex Nwora (15th season, 245-102 career record).

Top players: Kyle Benjamin (9.6 rebounds per game), Fabian MacDonald (18.6 points/2.5 steals per game).

Upcoming home games: Jan. 6, Lakeland CC 8p.m.; Jan. 11, Mercyhurst NE 8 p.m., Jan. 28, Monroe CC 7:30.

Erie looks to return to the National Tournament where they last appeared in 2011 when the Kats finished fourth. Kareem Sulaiman is the lone returner from last year’s team that split with Monroe CC during the regular season before falling in the Regionals. The Kats rely on their defense to create offense.

With nearly nine steals and four blocks (39th in the country) per game, Erie uses this to get out on the break and score easy buckets. ECC hits nearly seven threes per contest. Local product, Marcus Morris (McKinley) has made five starts for the Kats averaging more than 10 points and 3.5 rebounds.

Finger Lakes Community College Lakers Current record: 7-5.

2012-23 record: 13-17/9-4 Mid-State Athletic Conference – lost to Herkimer County in the Region III Quarter-Finals.

Coach: Richard Jones (12th season, 213-137 career record).

Top Players: Brandon Bullock (16.2 points per game), Dylan Verkey (14.5 points / 2.7 three-pointers per game).

Upcoming Home Games: Jan. 7, Tompkins Cortland CC; Jan. 16 Corning CC; Jan. 18, Cayuga CC; Jan. 29, Broome CC. FLCC will look to build off an opening night win at

Monroe CC. Bullock and Verkey (Seneca Falls/Mynderse) give the Lakers an inside-outside balance. Will Arberry can be a difficult matchup for opponents. The 6-foot-4 forward is able to take smaller players into the post and score while bigger players have difficulty keeping him in check on the perimeter. Ray Wiggins (Geneva/Geneva High) scores 3.6 per game while Jawanza L o n g m i r e (Rochester/Brighton High) adds 2.1.

Photo courtesy NCCC

Forward Eli Jones has been sensational for NCCC, hitting over 62 percent of his shots from the floor and averaging over seven boards per game.

Genesee Community College Current record: 7-2.

2012-13 record: 15-16/6-9 WNYAC. Coach: Terry George (third season, 39-30 career record).

Top Players: Ervin Mitchell (27.6 points and 8.9 rebounds per game), Naquil Jones (16.8 points per game).

Upcoming Home Games: Jan. 4, Cayuga CC; Jan. 12, Lackawanna; Jan. 14, Mercyhurst NE. GCC has won six straight on the back of Mitchell, the nation’s fourth-leading scorer.

The Cougars rank 14th in national scoring at 91.8 points per game. They hit almost 37 field goals per game. Their 9.6 steals lead to easy baskets at the other end of the floor, and the Cougars dish out 18.9 assists per contest. 2012-13 All-American Vaughn Boler will redshirt this season. Roderick Jones (Rochester/Edison Tech) and Sasho Sohei (Japan) are the only returners from last year’s team.

Jamestown Community College Jayhawks Current Record: 2-7.

2012-13 Record: 13-17/ 410 WNYAC. Coach: Michael Cordovano (19th season).

Top Players: Tyreek Jewell (24.0 points and 8.1 rebounds per game), Ohndo Smith (17 points per game).

Upcoming Home Games: Jan. 14, Erie CC; Jan. 28, Niagara CCC; Jan. 30 Monroe CC. Jamestown CC will look to end a five-game losing streak and turnaround the season.

Their 28.6 free throw attempts per game rank 25th in the nation.

Jamestown Community College (Cattaraugus County) Jaguars

Current Record: 2-6.

2012-13 Record: 6-20/0-14 WNYAC. Coach: J.R. Kemp (fifth season).

Top Players: James Brown (18.8 points per game), Terrance Johnson (eight rebounds per game).

Upcoming Home Games: Jan. 16, Mercyhurst NE; Jan. 21, Alfred St.; Jan. 23, PittTitusville.

The Jaguars boast a longrange attack like no other among Western New York Junior College teams. JCCCattaraugus makes almost nine threes per contest on around 30 shots, ranking second in attempts and seventh in makes nationally. Jake Chapman leads the aerial assault hitting 3.1 of 8.9 on average. Brown adds more than two three-pointers per game.

Monroe Community College Tribunes Current Record: 7-5.

2012-13 Record: 32-4, fifth place NJCAA DII. Coach: Jerry Burns (23rd season, 560-152 career record).

Top Players: Isaiah Davis (14.2 points and 5.9 rebounds per game), Davon Jackson (4.5 rebounds per game).

Tashawn Desir is the lone holdover from last year’s Tribune club that finished fifth in the nation. Just because the faces have changed, it doesn’t mean the approach has been modified.

MCC gets up and down the floor. The Tribunes use a variety of pressure to keep opponents off-balance. Isaiah Davis is a slippery swingman who can knock down a jumper and get to the basket off the bounce. At 6-foot-8 Elijah Tillman is developing into a low-post threat who could make the Tribs difficult to beat in March. The Tribunes average almost 16 assists per game.

Niagara County Community College Current Record: 10-0.

2012-13 Record: 21-9/11-3 WNYAC Lost to Erie CC in the Region III DII SemiFinals.

Coach: Bill Beilein (sixth season, 81-37 career record).

Top Players: Eli Jones (21 points and 7.1 rebounds per game), Jordan Street (10.5 points and 10.4 rebounds).

Upcoming Home Games: Jan. 7, Lakeland CC; Jan. 11, Lorain CCC; Jan. 16, Genesee CC. With five sophomores in the lineup, Niagara County boasts perhaps the most experienced junior college team in Western New York. Jordan Street (Niagara Falls/Niagara Falls High) gives the Thunderwolves an imposing force around the basket. Once the 6-foot-6 forward gets position on the block, he is difficult to move. Eli Jones (Fairport/Fairport High) hits better than 64 percent of his shots from the floor. Eric Hall (Buffalo/Seneca) chips in three points and almost two rebounds. Chuka Ikpeze (Rochester/Bishop Kearney) adds 9.4 per game. NCCC is eighth in the nation with 12.5 steals per contest.

Page 10

SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE

TRENT BARRETA WINS FIRST ILIO DIPAOLO MEMORIAL CUP - “The Bull of

By Ivan the Impaler B l a c k In retrospect, it was Mountain” an idea long overdue: held the ESW honor one of Western Interstate New York’s most Title as well beloved citizens as the NWA and favorite wrestlers NY (now with a wrestling U P W ) match in Heavyweight his honor…and a realand No ly cool trophy to boot!

Limits titles.

Six talented grapHe was plers gathered at the accompanied Keenan Center in to the ring by Lockport, NY on Nov. the mysteriPhoto courtesy ESW 30th for the 1st ous and lovely DiPaolo Cup contenders: Bottom (L to R) - Brandon Annual Ilio DiPaolo Thurston, Johnny Gargano.

Lady LaLa, Memorial Cup, held whom R.J. Top (L to R) - Brian DeVille, manager; R.J. City; under the auspices of City has made Inferno Johnny Adams; Trent Barreta; Gabe Saint Empire State and his manager, Lady La La. no secret of Wrestling. Not only his affections would the winner County Community College for. receive the trophy, he’d also under legendary coach Eric - Trent Barreta, Long qualify for a title shot on a Knuutila.

Island, NY-. Former WWE future ESW card.

Johnny Gargano, wrestler was a tag team chamAll six competitors are Cleveland, OH - Dragon Gate pion in Florida Championship ranked in this year’s Pro USA champion for over two Wrestling (then the WWE Wrestling Illustrated Top 500 years and running. If there is developmental territory) list. any justice in the wrestling and was one-half of the Dude No detailed description of world, he’ll be on national TV Busters. One of his trainers Ilio is necessary for those in soon. was ECW legend and alleged the Buffalo area. The native of - “Inferno “Johnny Adams, Buffalo native Mikey Italy settled in this region and Niagara Falls, NY- A former Whipreck. became a world-famous ESW Interstate Champion and wrestler. The accomplishperennial fan favorite.

The Match ments of the restaurateur and - RJ City, Toronto, Canada The participants entered at philanthropist live on through He’s already a TV star on the 2 minute intervals; Thurston his family and Ilio DiPaolo’s kid’s show “Splatalot!” (on and Gargano were the first two Restaurant in Blasdell, N.Y. YTV in Canada in the ring. Wrestlers were to and Nickelodeon in the USA), be eliminated via either pinThe Participants playing defender Gildar. RJ is fall/submission/countout/dis- Brandon Thurston, the current GCW National qualification until only one Tonawanda, NY- Former ESW Champ and is managed by remained.

Heavyweight and Tag Team Brian DeVille of the DeVille All six made their way to Champion, plus a star amaAgency. the ring before any competiteur wrestler for Niagara - Gabe Saint, Asheville, NC tors were eliminated. When

Amherst Mite Minor Selects win tournament The Amherst 2006 Select hockey team won the Niagara Jr. Purple Eagle Thanksgiving Tournament in the Mite 7U/Mixed Division over the holiday weekend. The team posted a 4-0 record by defeating the Niagara Eagles, Erie PA, and Cazenovia teams in the preliminary rounds.

In the Championship game the team faced a tough Niagara Purple team. After Amherst took a 3-1 lead, the Niagara team stormed back to tie the game. The Amherst team continued to push the play late into the game with overtime looking inevitable. The game came to an exciting end when CJ Hurley scored the game winning goal after receiving a pass from Tyler Delisanti. The puck hit the back of the net just as the buzzer sounded. The successful weekend was a result of great team play, goal scoring from every player on the team, and tough goal tending by Noah Benderson.

Video of the goal can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1LBF4_4TGM. Bottom: (L-R) Dylan Treadway, Luke Higgins, Goalie Noah Benderson, Anthony Higgins, Frank Palladino, and CJ Hurley.

Top: (L-R) Tyler Delisanti, Peter LaJeunesse, Matthew White, Head Coach Bill Higgins, Hayden Blajszczak, and Jacob Lozo.

F

ormer Sweet Home High School football standout receiver KJ Zinermon (class of 2011) is a sophomore (Jersey #19 WR/KR/PR, 6’2”, 190lbs) at Midland University in Fremont, Nebraska, which is a NAIA Division I football university. He competes in the GPAC (Great Plains Athletic Conference). Their final game was Nov. 16 against a division leader, Northwestern College. KJ had a career high game in receiving yards with four receptions for 145 yards, one touchdown, and one kickoff return for 59 yards. This was recognized as the best receiving performance by a Midland receiver for this season. Additionally, in week-one, KJ received the GPAC Player of the week for Special Teams.

KJ started in all 10 games at wide receiver, kickoff returner, and punt returner. He finished the season leading the team in total receptions, total receiving yards, average yards per reception, and total kick return yards. Last year as a freshman he appeared in all 10 games, starting for six of them.

The GPAC released the 2013 ALL CONFERENCE PLAYER AWARDS for the 2013 football season. KJ Zinermon was recognized in two categories. He was given the Honorable Mention Award as a wide receiver and an Honorable Mention Award as a kick return specialist. He was the only player on the Midland University roster to receive conference awards for two different positions.

total chaos ensued, the pinfalls came fast and furious. RJ City and Gabe Saint continued their battle for Lady LaLa as RJ grabbed the mic in the middle of the match and sang “Fly Me to the Moon.” The last two combatants were Barreta and Thurston; Barreta won the title with a pinfall following a piledriver.

Barreta admitted that he didn’t know much about Ilio’s legacy at first. However, he later noted that “when I got here, all sorts of people were pulling me aside telling me about what the DiPaolo Family means to this area. So, yes, I quickly realized this is not just another indy trophy.

It’s very special and it’s cool.”

Amongst the trophy presenters was Smith Hart of the legendary Hart Family. Brandon Thurston, unfortunately, dis-

Winter 2013—14 played an utter lack of sportsmanship towards Barreta prior to the presentation.

Thurston was bitter afterwards, saying “The DiPaolo Family made Buffalo their home; somebody from Buffalo like me should have been the winner. Besides, I was in the ring the longest; that proves I was the best man out there.”

Coach Knuutila surely disapproved of this behavior.

UPCOMING EVENTS Fri. Dec. 27- Great Canadian Wrestling Harmony Hall, 15 Harmony Rd. - Oshawa, ONT, Canada Time TBA. Mon. Dec. 30 - WWE (house show- NOT televised) - Ricoh Coliseum - Toronto, ONT, Canada - 7:30 P.M. Sat. Jan. 11, 2014- Upstate Pro Wrestling - Eagle’s Club, Buffalo Rd. Gates (Rochester), NY - 6 P.M. Sat. Jan. 11- WWE (not tel-

evised) - First Niagara Center - Buffalo, NY - 7:30 P.M. Sat. Jan. 18- Empire State Wrestling- St. Johnsburg Fire Hall, 7165 Ward Rd. - North Tonawanda, NY- 6 P.M. Sat. Jan. 18- Bunkhouse Brawl - Donovan Legion PostGenesee St. - Cheektowaga, NY - 7 P.M. Sat. Jan. 25 - ROH - David Lawrence Convention CenterPittsburgh, PA - 7:30 P.M. Sun. Jan. 26 - WWE Royal Rumble PPV - CONSOL Energy Center- Pittsburgh, PA - 7:30 P.M. Sat. Feb. 1 - Neo Wrestling Federation Niagara Sportsplex, 3710 Sinnicks Ave. - Niagara Falls, ONT, Canada - 7 P.M. Sat. March 1 - ESW - St. Johnsburg Fire Hall, Ward Rd. - N. Tonawanda, NY - 6 P.M. Sat. March 1 - Maximum Force Wrestling - Silver Creek High School - Silver Creek, NY - 7 P.M.

Buffalo Raceway opens for the season

By Brian J. Mazurek It may be the dead of winter in Western New York but things will be alive on Wednesday, Jan. 8 when Buffalo Raceway kicks off its 2014 harness racing season with a 5 p.m. post. It will be the first of 99 live racing cards at the Hamburg oval located at the Erie County Fair Grounds. Racing will continue until July 20.

A major change fans can expect at Buffalo Raceway is a new race announcer.

Michael Carter, a Hattiesburg, Mississippi resident, has been named to replace Gabe Prewitt, who is now calling the races at Pompano Park in Florida.

Carter has been a fill-in announcer at Colonial Downs in Virginia and Rosecroft Raceway in Maryland. “The race meet at Buffalo is fantastic, especially during the winter months

with great drivers participating from the eastern part of the country,” Carter said.

“I am looking forward to an exciting season.”

Buffalo Raceway’s Chief Operating Officer Jim Mango said, “This is Michael’s first full time job in the announcer’s booth.

He is very passionate about harness racing, has a distinctive voice, and we are pleased to have him join our team.”

Ray Fisher Jr. comes into the 2014 Buffalo Raceway season as the defending driver’s champion. He finished

second at the recently completed Batavia Downs meet but was named Western New York Driver of the Year.

Shawn McDonough, Batavia Downs’ champion, looks to keep his hot streak going and challenge for the crown.

JD Perrin won last year’s trainer’s title at Buffalo and finished second to John Mungillo at Batavia Downs.

Both figure to battle it out once again.

Racing in January will be Wednesday night at 5 p.m. while Friday and Saturday evenings will have a 6:40 p.m. post. In February, Thursday nights will be added to the schedule with a 5 p.m. start time.

For more information on Buffalo Raceway, including race replays, upcoming promotions, schedule and the latest news, go to www.buffaloraceway.com.

SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE

Optimism Abounds For 2014 Batavia Downs Season

By Brian J. Mazurek Considering the magnitude of the highlights from the 2013 racing season, what exactly does Batavia Downs Gaming do for an encore in 2014?

“Meet the challenge,” was the response from Todd Haight, Batavia Downs’ General Manager of Live Racing.

But for now, in the wake Ray Fisher Jr. Shawn McDonough of closing night 2013, they’ll struction of the new gaming floor savor the triumphs of the recently taking place as our live season concluded live season at was starting,” Haight said. “In America’s oldest lighted harness fact, we had two days in early track: October that we raced with no • The world’s richest pacer, Foiled on-track wagering at all. The onAgain, paid a visit on Oct. 5 and track numbers improved signifiwon the 11th annual Robert J. cantly once the gaming floor Kane Memorial Pace. Two weeks moved downstairs on October 4.” later, Foiled Again won the “So we’re extremely pleased Breeders’ Crown Open Pace at that we continue to grow our Pocono Downs. export business,” Haight added, • Export handle took another big “and I’m confident we can turn jump. around our on-track numbers • A state-of-the-art gaming floor next season.” opened in October.

Haight noted that the ITW • Five new track records were (Inter-Track Wagering facility) established while two others were will be moving back to the racetied. track before the live season gets underway, so the Downs will once • Shawn McDonough became the again be able to conduct some of first provisional driver ever to win their most popular promotions a track driving championship, that they weren’t able to do this and he did it in style, outdistancyear. ing Ray Fisher Jr. 103-88.

There were many highlights The final total mutual handle away from the betting windows, on Batavia races increased again, too: climbing by over $660,000, or nine percent over last year. Export •The Western New York harness handle, coming off a 50 percent racing community showed it is increase in 2012, was up another truly caring as $12,885 was raised 19 percent this season, though the for the “Stay Strong Anthony on-track handle dipped 15 perColetta” fund in early December. cent.

Coletta was seriously injured in a “We knew it was going to be a racing mishap in mid-November tough year on-track with conat Harrah’s Philadelphia, so

Batavia Downs drivers, owners, trainers, staff and fans donated to help out the 31-year-old driver in his recovery.

• Of the new records, two were set by pacers. Xenia Hanover posted a 1:53 time to set the aged mares record and Barefoot Beauty went 1:54.4 to set the two-year-old filly pacing mark, while two-year-old colt sensation He’s Watching went 1:54.2 to tie the record.

• Fireyourguns was named the Pacer of the Year.

• Mystical Escapade, the Batavia Downs’ Trotter of the Year, set the aged mare mark with a 1:56.3, while Lutetium set the aged gelding mark with a 1:56.3. JS Trotting Bob, a two-year-old colt, got his name into the record book with a 1:58.2 clocking and Bouncing Bax tied the three-yearold filly trotting time with a 1:57.2.

• While McDonough won the driver’s title, Ron Beback Jr. was victorious 84 times and won the comeback award.

• John Mungillo, the Western New York Trainer of the Year, won the first Downs training title. He totaled 66 victories, nine more than J.D. Perrin. Carl Smith finished third with 37 wins.

• Extreme Balance, with driver Jack Flanigen, pulled one of the biggest upsets in Batavia history when he scored at odds 168-1.

The Jim Graham trainee returned $338 to win. Post-time favorites won at a clip of 40 percent.

The 2014 racing season is tentatively scheduled to being on Wed., July 23, pending approval of the New York Gaming Commission.

Page 11

NFL playoffs trivia quiz

By Mike Fox b. 2 c. 4 In the NFL playd. 8 offs, there is no 7. Fred Taylor’s such thing as best90-yard run in 2000 of-seven. You either was the longest run win or you go in playoff history. home.

As we Only three other mourn still another players have broke lost season for the one for 80 or more Bills, let’s pay yards. Who is the recognition to only active player to some of the players have accomplished who have found a this feat? way to take their Photo by Mike Majewski a. Felix Jones game to another Big Ben and the Steelers have b. Shonn Greene level when the made some deep playoff runs, but c. Ray Rice post-season began. how many times has he passed for d. Shane Vereen 1. Who is the five touchdowns in a game?

8. Who is the only only quarterback player with two career 4. Who is the only ever to rush for 180 or playoff kick returns for player ever to catch 15 more yards in a playoff touchdowns? passes in a single playoff game? a. Ron Dixon game? a. Michael Vick b. Trindon Holliday a. Michael Irvin b. Colin Kaepernick c. Desmond Howard b. Darren Sproles c. Steve McNair d. Devin Hester c. Pierre Garcon d. Kordell Stewart 9. Who holds the d. Roddy White 2. Who is the only record for the longest 5. Drew Brees is the active player with two reception in playoff hisonly quarterback ever to career playoff games with tory, which went for 96 complete 40 passes in a 150 or more receiving yards? playoff game. Who ranks yards? a. Isaac Bruce second with a 39-coma. Steve Smith b. Deion Branch pletion effort? b. Reggie Wayne c. Muhsin Muhammad a. Warren Moon c. Demaryius Thomas d. Shannon Sharpe b. Eli Manning d. Hakeem Nicks 10. Who is the active c. Matt Schaub 3. Only two quarterleader in career playoff d. Drew Brees backs have thrown five rushing yards, with 750?

6. There have been or more TDs in a playoff a. Willis McGahee nine occasions in which game more than once in b. Frank Gore a running back had 35 or their careers; Daryle c. Matt Forte more rushing attempts in Lamonica and who? d. Ray Rice a playoff game. Of those a. Kurt Warner nine, how many were by b. Tom Brady John Riggins? c. Peyton Manning a. 0 d. Ben Roethlisberger

Answers 1.b 2.a 3.a 4.b 5.d 6.c 7.c 8.a 9.d 10.d

Winter 2013—14