WNY and Buffalo NY Hockey Coverage
Offseason Edition
Derek Roy endured criticism last season. ©2012, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – It was March 30, Fan Appreciation Night, when Derek Roy, as part of the Sabres’ “Jersey Off My Back” promotion, awarded a lucky seat holder his jersey during a brief video message.
Each of the Sabres made an announcement that night; only one, Roy, was booed.
The fans’ frustration boiled over during the center’s fifth straight pointless game at crunch time, so they jeered him a bit, even snickered when he popped up ... Read the full article
BUFFALO – Popular former Sabres defenseman Jay McKee won’t return for a second season as an assistant coach with the club’s AHL affiliate in Rochester.
The Sabres didn’t renew the 34-year-old’s contract, the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle reported. Coach Ron Rolston wouldn’t elaborate to the paper, only saying it related to McKee’s “fit.”
Prior joining Rochester last season, Rolston had worked with his other top assistant, Chadd Cassidy, for years with USA Hockey.
McKee, a ... Read the full article
BUFFALO – Some of the names you’ve possibly heard bandied around in trade rumors, the players fans might be drooling about seeing in blue and gold, Sabres general manager Darcy Regier has discussed with his counterparts.
The Sabres, owners of four of the first 44 selections at this weekend’s NHL Entry Draft at the Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, including picks 12 and 21, have some nice chips if they want to deal.
At this ... Read the full article
BUFFALO – The Sabres have signed forward Joel Armia, the 16th overall pick in 2011, to a three-year, entry-level contract, the club announced late Saturday.
The 19-year-old Finn compiled 18 goals, 38 points, 64 penalty minutes and a plus-12 rating in 54 games with Assat Pori of SM-liiga, Finland’s top professional league.
It’s believed Armia will play another season in Finland. His contract kicks in when he begins playing in North America. The deal ... Read the full article
Shaone Morrisonn played 62 games for the Sabres in 2010-11. ©2012, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Former Sabres defenseman Shaone Morrisonn, banished to the AHL Rochester Americans last season as a salary cap casualty, has signed a one-year contract with Spartak Moscow of the KHL, according to Yahoo! Sports.
The 29-year-old would’ve become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.
After inking a two-year, $4.15 million contract, Morrisonn played 62 games with the Sabres during an injury-filled 2010-11 campaign, compiling one goal, five points, 32 penalty minutes and a ... Read the full article
BUFFALO – Former Sabres enforcer Rob Ray will become the team’s full-time color commentator next season beside play-by-play man Rick Jeanneret on radio and television, replacing Harry Neale, who’s moving to another analyst role after five years.
The club also announced Monday that Jeanneret, who will be honored with the Hockey Hall of Fame’s Foster Hewitt Award later this year, has signed a new multi-year contract and will call more games in 2012-13. No number ... Read the full article
BUFFALO – Legendary Sabres play-by-play man Rick Jeanneret will be entering the Hockey Hall of Fame as the 2012 recipient of the Foster Hewitt Award.
Jeanneret, the NHL’s longest-tenured announcer at 41 years, will be honored in November. Former Sabres play-by-play voice Ted Darling also received the award in 1994, given for “outstanding contributions to their profession and the game during their career in hockey.”
The colorful and popular Jeanneret, whose catchphrases are part of ... Read the full article
