WNY and Buffalo NY Hockey Coverage
November Edition
Zach Benson played in Buffalo’s first two preseason games. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu
BUFFALO – In the beginning of training camp, coach Don Granato said the Sabres penciled prospect Zach Benson in for three preseason games, a number he will hit tonight against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
But Benson, the 13th overall pick this year, has looked so impressive in his early action he might earn more games. The Sabres have three more after tonight’s in Pittsburgh.
“Now, based on how he’s playing, there’s intrigue that he may get ... Read the full article
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen played a career-high 33 games last season. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu
ST. THOMAS, Ont. – Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen never expected he would spend five months in Buffalo, win 17 games or briefly emerge as the Sabres’ No. 1 goalie.
After all, Luukkonen, 24, began last season in the AHL before Eric Comrie’s injury forced the Sabres to recall him in mid-November. He quickly emerged as their top option, playing 33 games.
From Dec. 4 until Jan. 24, he won 12 of his 15 starts, including eight of ... Read the full article
The Joe Thornton Community Centre is ready for the Sabres. ©2023
ST. THOMAS, Ont. – When the Buffalo Sabres arrived via a police escort at Joe Thornton Community Centre to prepare for tonight’s Kraft Hockeyville game, defenseman Jacob Bryson, who grew up in nearby London, left the bus first to greet excited fans.
“I would say I was ordered,” joked Bryson, who will play in tonight’s preseason game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Of course, Bryson gladly, as he said, “led the charge.” He occasionally practiced ... Read the full article
Buffalo goalie Devon Levi tries to stop Boston’s Jayson Megna on Tuesday. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu
BUFFALO – While the Sabres have three goalies battling for two spots, Devon Levi, having started seven critical late-season games last year, likely secured his place and the No. 1 job months ago.
In his first preseason start Tuesday, Levi, 21, only strengthened the belief he will be the opening night starter, stopping all 19 shots he faced in 40 minutes of action.
Goalie Devin Cooley, a free agent ticketed for the AHL, relieved Levi ... Read the full article
Joseph Cecconi warms up before Tuesday’s game. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu
BUFFALO – This time, Joseph Cecconi’s cheering section was more subdued. His 20 or so family members and friends in attendance still cheered for the Sabres defenseman, mind you.
But they left their neon green “Cecconi Fan Club” shirts, giant head cutouts and signs at home.
Instead, Cecconi’s mother, Regina, opted to have some smaller “Cecconi heads” mounted on stick.... Read the full article
Zach Benson scored in his preseason debut. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu, Rochester Americans
BUFFALO – Placing rookie Zach Benson on the top line with center Tage Thompson and Jeff Skinner for tonight’s preseason game isn’t a reward, coach Don Granato said.
“He’s a good hockey player,” Granato said after the Sabres prepared for the Boston Bruins in KeyBank Center. “He’s earned it in the sense that he might only be 18 years old, but he’s developed himself enough to be able to keep up with those two in ... Read the full article
Victor Olofsson scored 28 goals last season. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu
BUFFALO – In the same spot five months earlier, as winger Victor Olofsson talked about his late-season benching, it felt like he had played his last game for the Sabres.
But a trade never materialized, and as he sat at his locker in the dressing room following Monday’s session of training camp, Olofsson, 28, spoke optimistically of the upcoming season.
“I’m super happy to be back,” said Olofsson, whose Sabres host the Boston Bruins tonight ... Read the full article
Kyle Okposo missed Friday’s practice. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu
BUFFALO – During the summer, captain Kyle Okposo told the Sabres a special opportunity had materialized for him to speak at the Global Africa Business Initiative’s “Unstoppable Africa” conference in New York.
The event organized by the United Nations Global Compact was being held Friday, so Okposo needed to be excused from the second day of training camp. The Sabres, of course, had no problem letting him go.
“Everybody recognized the opportunity,” Okposo said following ... Read the full article
Connor Clifton plays a rugged style that irritates opponents. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu
BUFFALO – Sabres defenseman Connor Clifton heard his new teammate, Rasmus Dahlin, feared him during his days with the Boston Bruins, and couldn’t believe it.
“He said that?” Clifton asked a reporter following Thursday’s opening session of training camp in KeyBank Center.
Dahlin sure did. He detested playing against Clifton, who relishes showcasing an aggressive, physical style that riles opponents.... Read the full article
Erik Johnson skates during Friday’s session of training camp. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu
BUFFALO – Erik Johnson knows his time here could be short. The defenseman joined the Sabres on a one-year contract. At 35, he has entered perhaps the final phase of his terrific career.
Right now, the 17-year veteran might be more coveted for his experience and leadership than his skill.
Johnson’s still an asset on the ice, mind you. He averaged more than 17 minutes on it each game last season. In the first two ... Read the full article