WNY and Buffalo NY Hockey Coverage
Stanley Cup Playoffs Edition
Sam Reinhart skates last week at the NHL Prospects Tournament. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – If you love roster battles, the next three weeks of Sabres training camp should be fun.
About 34 players have a legitimate chance to crack the opening-night lineup. They have a prized prospect, slick center Sam Reinhart, vying for a spot. The starting goalie job is up for grabs. Defense spots are open. Nine or 10 guys will be competing for three fourth-line spots.
Players report for physicals today. The first on-ice session ... Read the full article
Andre Benoit has played nine professional seasons. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Andre Benoit never stayed on a straight path to the NHL. The Sabres defenseman zigzagged, even backtracked, all across the globe before earning an opportunity.
After two seasons in Montreal’s organization, Benoit bolted for Europe out of frustration over his playing time. When he returned and briefly cracked the NHL with Ottawa, he jetted to Russia to earn more money.
All the while, Benoit, an undersized 5-foot-11, kept posting big offensive numbers. But ... Read the full article
Andre Benoit played his first full NHL season in 2013-14. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – The Sabres added more defense depth today, signing Andre Benoit to a one-year contract.
The deal’s worth $800,000, according to TSN’s Aaron Ward.
Benoit just completed his first full NHL season, compiling seven goals, 28 points and 26 penalty minutes in 79 games with the Colorado Avalanche. He averaged 21:17 of ice time.
The 30-year-old has 10 goals, 39 points and 40 penalty minutes 120 career NHL contests.
Sabres general manager Tim Murray ... Read the full article