WNY and Buffalo NY Hockey Coverage
Spring Edition
Seth Appert coached Rochester four seasons. ©2024, Micheline Veluvolu, Rochester Americans
In his 27-year career, Seth Appert coached at just four places prior to his promotion to the Buffalo Sabres as an assistant. Instead of jumping at the next opportunity, he always chose to stay and build a program.
“I take a lot of pride in trying to create a culture, trying to build things the right way,” Appert, who on Monday was named to Lindy Ruff’s staff, said on a Zoom call Tuesday. “And I’m ... Read the full article
Seth Appert shakes hands with goalie Brandon Halverson following Friday’s season-ending loss. ©2024, Micheline Veluvolu, Rochester Americans
In 2020, the Buffalo Sabres made an interesting move, hiring Seth Appert, who had spent his entire career in college and junior, to coach the Rochester Americans, their AHL affiliate.
Appert, who was coaching at the US National Team Development Program, said then he understood any skepticism that accompanied his jump to pro hockey because he had never done it before.
Today, after four seasons leading the Amerks, Appert, 49, is in the NHL.
On ... Read the full article
Lindy Ruff talks Tuesday during his re-introduction as Buffalo’s coach. ©2024, Micheline Veluvolu
BUFFALO – During Lindy Ruff’s re-introduction as Sabres coach, the assistant coaches he inherited from his predecessor, Don Granato, sat in the front row watching their new boss speak.
Ruff said he spent “what seemed like a couple hours” talking with the coaches Tuesday morning prior to his news conference.
Right now, Ruff has one open spot on his staff. The Sabres also fired assistant coach Jason Christie when they dismissed Granato.... Read the full article
Rochester coach Seth Appert spent two games with Buffalo this season. ©2024, Micheline Veluvolu, Rochester Americans
BUFFALO – General manager Kevyn Adams wants his new head coach to have already run an NHL bench, so the Sabres likely won’t consider Rochester Americans coach Seth Appert for their open job.
“Previous NHL head coaching experience, pedigree, is important,” Adams said Tuesday in KeyBank Center after firing Don Granato.
Appert, 49, is a hockey lifer, having coached since his days as a college goalie ended in 1996. He has enjoyed success at ... Read the full article
Don Granato lasted three full season as Buffalo’s coach. ©2024, Micheline Veluvolu
BUFFALO – In firing coach Don Granato following a disappointing season in which the Sabres missed the playoffs for an NHL-record 13th consecutive year, general manager Kevyn Adams has shifted the onus to himself.
Adams has always accepted blame for the Sabres’ troubles, and in discussing Tuesday’s dismissal of Granato and the state of his team for 45 minutes in KeyBank Center, he again shouldered his share of the responsibility for an 84-point campaign.
But ... Read the full article
Don Granato lasted three full seasons as coach. ©2024, Micheline Veluvolu
The Buffalo Sabres this morning fired coach Don Granato, less than a day after they completed a disappointing 84-point season in which they missed the playoffs for an NHL-record 13th consecutive year.
No replacement was named.
The Sabres also let go of assistant coach Jason Christie and video coordinator Matt Smith.
General manager Kevyn Adams will address the media at 3 p.m. in KeyBank Center. The Sabres are looking for their seventh coach since 2013-14, ... Read the full article
Buffalo recently had an ECHL affiliation with the Cincinnati Cyclones. © 2023
The Buffalo Sabres on Monday announced they have signed an agreement with the Jacksonville Icemen to serve as their new ECHL affiliate.
The Sabres spent the previous six years affiliated with the Cincinnati Cyclones. Jacksonville, meanwhile, recently served as the New York Rangers’ affiliate.
The Rochester Americans, the Sabres’ AHL affiliate, can recall players from Jacksonville when they need help.... Read the full article
Jack Quinn has scored three goals this season. ©2022, Micheline Veluvolu
BUFFALO – The first quarter of Sabres rookie Jack Quinn’s season can be broken down into three parts.
In the early going, Quinn, 21, looked overwhelmed. So he embraced sitting out two games as part of the Sabres’ forward rotation, using it as an opportunity to catch his breath and study the game from a fresh perspective. The time helped him develop a better understanding of the team’s system and the intensity needed to ... Read the full article
Dylan Cozens has showcased development this season. ©2022, Micheline Veluvolu
BUFFALO – Dylan Cozens wants to taste success right now. Sure, the second-year Sabres center respects the development process. He understands he’s a neophyte.
But Cozens, 21, also acknowledges he’s “a competitive guy.” Sometimes his patience can be tested.
“I know how good I can be, and I want to be that good now,” Cozens said following Wednesday’s practice at KeyBank Center. “But Donny (Granato) told me, I’m young, playing against lots of guys ... Read the full article
Jason Christie is in his first season with Buffalo. ©2022, Micheline Veluvolu
The Buffalo Sabres this afternoon placed assistant coach Jason Christie in the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol.
Christie, 52, did not attend today’s 3-2 overtime loss to the Detroit Red Wings at KeyBank Center.
So far this season, 13 Sabres players and four coaches, including head coach Don Granato, have been in protocol.