WNY and Buffalo NY Hockey Coverage
Calder Cup Playoffs Edition
Sabres defenseman Casey Nelson spent three years in college. ©2016, Andy Visockis, Minnesota State Athletics
BUFFALO – Barely two years ago, Casey Nelson wasn’t ready for NCAA hockey. After some notable gaffes early in his freshman season, the newest Sabres defenseman got yanked from the lineup.
“His first couple games in college hockey were tough,” said Mike Hastings, who coached Nelson three seasons at Minnesota State University.
Nelson, 23, sat out a chunk of his first season before finally earning regular duty late in the year.
“I kind of got ... Read the full article
Hudson Fasching made an appearance at the First Niagara Center in 2012 at the All-American Prospects Game. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Somewhere in Minnesota earlier today, the Fasching family was probably anxiously waiting for Sabres rookie Hudson Fasching to phone home with some special news.
“I think they’re kind of ready if they get the call,” Fasching said this afternoon inside the First Niagara Center.
Minutes after Fasching spoke, following a chat with Sabres coach Dan Bylsma, he likely called his parents to tell them he would be making his NHL debut Saturday afternoon ... Read the full article
Hudson Fasching was excited to practice Thursday. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Hudson Fasching, of course, was supposed to crack the NHL. The Sabres rookie developed rapidly at the University of Minnesota, becoming one of the NCAA’s best power forwards by his junior season.
A year ago, Fasching, 20, decided he would turn pro following his third year.
But defenseman Casey Nelson, who debuted at practice with Fasching on Thursday, experienced a tougher route to the Sabres. The undrafted Nelson, 23, is ... Read the full article
Tyler Myers is out for the season. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Tyler Myers’ first game back here will have to wait until another season. The Winnipeg Jets defenseman underwent knee surgery Thursday and will miss the rest of the year.
The Jets make their yearly visit to the First Niagara Center on Saturday afternoon.
After Myers’ knee is stabilized and the season ends, he will undergo major hip surgery that requires 16 to 20 weeks of recovery, according to the Winnipeg Free Press.
“He ... Read the full article
Hudson Fasching just ended his college career. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – The Sabres rookies took different paths from college to the NHL.
Winger Hudson Fasching decided last year he would turn pro following his junior season. Meanwhile, defenseman Casey Nelson wasn’t sure a month ago if he would leave school after three seasons.
Of course, Fasching, 20, was supposed to here. The power forward’s stock steadily rose at the University of Minnesota after Los Angeles drafted him in 2013.
The undrafted Nelson, who called ... Read the full article
Hudson Fasching could make his NHL debut later this week. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – When Hudson Fasching chose to play his junior season instead of signing with the Sabres, the winger said the opportunity to develop leadership skills enticed him back for another year at the University of Minnesota.
In his final NCAA campaign, Fasching, 20, served as one of four alternate captains on a team with only three seniors. Golden Gophers coach Don Lucia also leaned on Fasching more than ever, utilizing the 6-foot-2, 216-pound power ... Read the full article
Casey Nelson just finished his junior season. ©2016, Andy Visockis, Minnesota State Athletics
BUFFALO – The Sabres have signed Minnesota State University defenseman Casey Nelson to an entry-level contract, the team announced this afternoon.
The 6-foot-2, 182-pound Nelson, 23, was considered one of the best NCAA free agent defensemen available.
Nelson just finished his junior season with the Mavericks, compiling six goals, 22 points and a plus-14 rating in 40 games. The Wisconsin native scored 14 goals and 60 points in 99 career appearances.
“We’ve been consistently impressed ... Read the full article
Hudson Fasching played three seasons in the NCAA. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – The Sabres signed winger Hudson Fasching to a three-year, entry-level contract Monday, adding to their stable of talented forward prospects.
The 20-year-old will start with the Sabres immediately, according to multiple reports, meaning the first year of his deal will likely be used this season.
Fasching just finished his junior season at the University of Minnesota, scoring a team-high 20 goals, including seven game-winners, and 38 points in 37 games. The Sabres’ best ... Read the full article
Jack Eichel zooms in on Minnesota goalie Devan Dubnyk on March 5. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Thanks to a scheduling quirk three months ago, the Sabres enjoyed a six-day Christmas break, a rare opportunity to recharge during the rigorous six-month, 82-game season.
At that point, 33 games into his career, Sabres center Jack Eichel had nine goals and 16 points, terrific numbers for a 19-year-old. Still, those statistics ranked nowhere near the NHL’s elite.
Eichel used the time to go home to Boston and relax. Having played only ... Read the full article
Jack Eichel missed his first NHL game Saturday. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Center Jack Eichel, who missed Saturday’s 4-1 loss in Toronto with what the Sabres now believe was food poisoning, will likely play Tuesday in Carolina, coach Dan Bylsma said.
While Eichel missed practice this morning because of a doctor’s appointment, the rookie is improving from his “quick bug” and will accompany the Sabres to Raleigh this afternoon, Bylsma said.
Bylsma said Eichel got to the hotel in Toronto early Saturday morning and ... Read the full article
