Buffalo Sabres Legends

Jerry Korab

2012-02-01T17:21:00.000-08:00

Buffalo fans endeared themselves to a monstrous defenseman named Jerry Korab - better known as King Kong Korab, or just Kong.

Korab was nicknamed King Kong because of his intimidating size and his appearance. At 6'3 and 220lbs he was a big as the giant gorilla. Plus he sported a messy mop of hair and big bushy moustache.

He also played a bit like King Kong on skates- his intimidating presence kept the opponents honest while allowing his teammates - particularly the French Connection line of Gilbert Perreault, Rick Martin and Rene Robert - to thrive. Opponents knew that they could not take liberties on the Sabres star players because Korab would answer the bell every time.

Such aggressive play made him a fan favorite. One fan even dressed regularly in a gorilla suit in tribute to the rugged blueliner.

But Korab was much more than just an intimidating enforcer. Korab was a very skilled rearguard, who was also shuffled to the left wing early in his career. In his first season in Buffalo he broke all club scoring records for defensemen when he scored 12 goals, 44 assists and 56 points. He later bettered his goal scoring record to 14 goals (all records have now been surpassed). Over much of his career in Buffalo he played the point on one of the power play units in the 1970s.

Korab was originally property of the Chicago Blackhawks but after three seasons of being shuffled between the blueline and left wing, he was traded to Vancouver. He appeared in just 31 games with the Canucks before he was moved to the Canucks expansion twins - the Buffalo Sabres in a trade for Tracy Pratt and John Gould.

In Buffalo the inconsistent Korab developed into a solid and more consistent rearguard. Under Punch Imlach, Korab gained much confidence in his game, and became an all star by 1975. Korab teamed with Jim Schoenfeld to form one of the biggest and most physical defensive pairings in NHL history. In addition to settling down defensively he became a decent offensive threat. Six times he reached double digits in goals, and was a constant 45-50 point threat in his stay in Buffalo.

The Sabres traded the aging veteran to Los Angeles in exchange for a 1st round pick in the 1982 entry draft (The Sabres used the draft pick to select the outstanding Phil Housley), on March 10, 1980. Korab had one great year left in him when he scored 9 goals and a career high 52 points in his first full season in Los Angeles, but he quickly settled into more of a defensive role in the twilight of his career.

And by 1983 the Sabres reclaimed Korab via the waiver wire when the Kings exposed Korab, who was clearly a step too slow in the new explosive NHL of the early 1980s. Despite that, Korab played parts of two more seasons with Buffalo, retiring in 1985.

The Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario native retired from the NHL with 114 goals, 341 assists and 455 points in 975 games. He collected a well earned 1629 penalty minutes in that time as well.

Derek Smith

2011-12-30T11:21:00.000-08:00

When Derek Smith graduated from the Ottawa 67s to the pros, the Buffalo Sabres probably did not have the biggest expectations of him. After all, he was the 168th overall draft pick in 1974.

It took a few seasons of setbacks and minor league training, but Smith emerged as a solid player by the end of the decade. Playing on a line with Danny Gare and Tony McKegney, he put together back to back seasons exceeding 20 goals and averaging 64 points.

Smith was part of one of the biggest trades in Sabres history when Buffalo traded Smith, Danny Gare and Jim Schoenfeld to Detroit in exchange for Mike Foligno, Dale McCourt and Brent Peterson on December 2, 1981.

Smith never really found his game in Detroit. After two very quiet seasons with the Red Wings Derek Smith retired in 1984. In 335 NHL games player Smith scored 78 goals, 116 points for 194 points. He played very politely, picking up only 60 minutes in penalties.

Gerry Meehan

2011-12-28T20:38:00.000-08:00

Perhaps better known to younger fans as the former general manager of the Buffalo Sabres from 1986-87 through 1992-93, Meehan was previously a pretty good hockey player and former captain of the Buffalo Sabres

Meehan was the last overall selection of the very first NHL entry draft back in 1963. There were only 21 players selected, most of whom never amounted to much in the National Hockey League. Meehan was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs, and turned into a solid two way player who played 670 NHL games with six clubs.

The Toronto born Meehan starred with the junior Marlboros and helped the club win the Memorial Cup in 1967. After scoring 31 goals for the CHL's Tulsa Oilers in 1967-68, Meehan was promoted to the big leagues for the first time in 1968-69, playing in 25 games for the Leafs before being traded to the Philadelphia Flyers as part of package used to acquire veteran tough guy Forbes Kennedy.

Meehan didn't fit into the Flyers' plans. He played in just 12 regular season and 4 playoff games in the orange jerseys but was otherwise diminished to the minor leagues. It wasn't until the NHL continued its expansion before Meehan finally received a chance to prove himself in the NHL. The Buffalo Sabres picked him in the 1970 Expansion Draft. Meehan would play with the Sabres for the next 4 seasons, 3 of which he served as team captain. Meehan also established himself as decent scorer, scoring 94 goals in his tenure with the Sabres, including a 31 goal campaign in 1972-73.

Meehan began the 1974-75 season in Buffalo but just three games into the season was moved to the Vancouver Canucks. Later that season he was moved to the Atlanta Flames. By January 1976, the Flames traded him to the lowly Washington Capitals. The veteran pivot was a popular star and team leader for the Caps. In 1976-77, he recorded a career high 64 points while playing with Bill Riley and Bob Sirois.

Meehan's scoring slowed to a crawl in the coming seasons. By 1978-79 he was released by the Caps after 18 games. He briefly signed with the WHA, but retired after that season.

It should surprise no one that Meehan became an administrator at the NHL level. A very studious person, Meehan worked on his education during the season and the off seasons, eventually earning a law degree from the University of Buffalo. During the 1986-87 season, he replaced Scotty Bowman, whom under he served as an assistant, as general manager of the Buffalo Sabres, a position he held until the end of the 1992-93 season.

Mitch Molloy

2011-12-28T19:34:00.000-08:00

Though his NHL career lasted just 2 games, Mitch Molloy beat the odds, despite taking the unconventional route.

Born in the small community of Red Lake, Ontario, Mitch Molloy was a 6'3" 215 lb ruffian. He never played any serious level of junior hockey, instead playing a season with Camrose Lutheran College, an Albertan college not known for its hockey program.

Molloy left the college in 1987-88 when he had a chance to play pro hockey. Playing for the Virginia Lancers in the lowly and now extinct AAHL was not much closer to the NHL than Camrose, but at least he was getting paid. Molloy, Harry Geary and Matt Muniz led the Lancers to 37 victories in the 45 game schedule. Molloy scored 28 goals and 71 points plus 196 penalty minutes in 43 contests.

Molloy's size and toughness, and willingness to drop the gloves, caught the attention of the AHL's Maine Mariners. The team signed Molloy to an independent contract to play the role of tough guy. In 47 contests he scored just 1 goal, but had 177 penalty minutes.

After originally signing with the ECHL Johnston Chiefs for the 1989-90 season, the Buffalo Sabres signed Molloy in February 1990. Molloy would spend most of the remainder of the season playing with Rochester in the AHL, but was called up to the Sabres for two games, getting into two fights.

Molloy returned to the Sabres organization for the 1991-92 season, but only got into 25 games that season. He was one of four players (Rudy Poeschek, Tie Domi and Steve Ludzik) suspended during the season for a pre-game brawl with Binghamton on November 24, 1990.

The Sabres released Molloy following that season. He would continue to fight on, both literally and figuratively, in the lowly Colonial Hockey League before retiring in 1993.

Mike Moller

2011-12-28T18:42:00.000-08:00

A role player who bounced between the minor leagues and the NHL in the 1980s, Mike Moller is a junior hockey legend in Canada.

Born in Calgary, Moller was chosen 41st overall by the Buffalo Sabres in 1980 after two outstanding seasons in the WHL with the Lethbridge Broncos. A WHL all star, Moller became a hockey legend in Canada when he scored 14 points in seven games to help Canada win its first gold medal at the World Junior Championships. That 1982 team was the first Canadian team in the famed "Program of Excellence."

That 1982 team, which featured both Mike and his brother Randy, will forever be remembered as the Canadian team that sang their own anthem after capturing gold. The hosts in Rochester, Minnesota inexplicably did not have a copy of the Canadian national anthem to play at the gold medal ceremony.

"The bottom line is they should have played it because we had won the gold medal," said Mike Moller.

But the proud Canadians came up with their own solution.

"It wasn't planned, but finally a few guys at the end of the line said, 'Sing it ourselves, boys,'" Moller said. "So we stood there shoulder to shoulder and belted out what was probably the worst rendition of our national anthem."

The song may have been out of key, but it never sounded better. And ever since Canadian teams belt out "O Canada" loud and proud when winning an international hockey tournament.

That proved to be Mike Moller's most famous moment in hockey. Moller stuck with the Buffalo Sabres starting in the 1982-83 season, though his offensive game never developed. In 1983-84 he played on a line with Dave Andreychuk and Paul Cyr, but could only muster 16 points in 59 games before a shoulder injury ended his season prematurely.

After spending most of the 1984-85 season in the minors, Moller was traded to the Edmonton Oilers where he played in 6 games during the Oilers Stanley Cup championship season. However he would continue to toil mostly in the AHL for four years.

Moller, the older brother of another former Sabre Randy Moller, returned to the scenes of his hockey glory for the 1988-89 season. He joined the Canadian national team in 1988-89, scoring 34 points in 58 games despite being continually hampered by the shoulder injury.

After the national team season ended, Moller played twelve games for the AHL's Binghamton Whalers before retiring.

Moller returned to Alberta after his playing days were over. Moller, who worked as a golf pro during hockey off-seasons, became very active in amateur hockey in Red Deer, Alberta. In addition to briefly coaching with the WHL Red Deer Rebels franchise, he assumed a position as Red Deer Minor Hockey Commission's board of directors, coached minor hockey and instructed at hockey schools.

Rob Conn

2011-07-18T19:13:00.000-07:00

Rob Conn was born and raised in the western Canadian city of Calgary, Alberta, but took an unconventional route to the National Hockey League - through Alaska!

Rather than play in Canadian juniors, Conn opted to keep his American university eligibility alive and he eventually settled on the University of Alaska-Anchorage. In his three seasons there from 1988 to 1991, the big winger established himself as one of the best players in the school's history.

Conn went undrafted by the NHL but was signed as a free agent by the Chicago Blackhawks upon graduation in 1991. Although he would get a brief 2-game look in the NHL in his rookie professional season, Conn spent the next 3 and 1/2 seasons with the Hawks farm team in Indianapolis where he was one of the more popular players in that city's hockey history. He was used primarily in a checking role in which he excelled at that level.

In 1995 the Hawks traded Conn to the New Jersey Devils organization in exchange for aggressive defenseman Dean Malkoc. Conn reported to the Devil's farm team in Albany, New York where he erupted for a 39 goal season, but was never given a shot with the Devils in their Stanley Cup year. Thanks in large part to Rob, the Devils farm team won the Calder Cup as the AHL champions as well.

The Sabres were quick to pluck Conn from the Devils in 1995 Waiver Draft acquisition, and he started the year in Buffalo. In fact, less than 2 weeks after being picked up by the Sabres, Rob scored his first NHL goal - and it came against his former team New Jersey!

After starting the season with the Sabres, Rob was demoted to Rochester of the AHL after his NHL playing time was greatly reduced and he was often a healthy scratch. He continued to star in the AHL and earned a return to the NHL later in the season, although he was ultimately returned to the AHL for good late in the year.

That 1995-96 season was a great season for Rob. In addition to his 28 games in the NHL where he registered 2 goals and 5 assists, he put in a great effort in the AHL and led the Amerks to the Calder Cup championship. Rob is one of only a few players to win back to back AHL championships with two different teams.

Rob, who is a cousin of long time NHLer Dave Barr, became a free agent in the summer of 1996 and opted to return to the Chicago organization. He spent the entire year back in Indianapolis before retiring from professional hockey.

Rob McClanahan

2011-07-18T19:03:00.000-07:00

Proudly enshrined in the United States Hockey Hall of Fame, center Rob McClanahan was a decent National Hockey League role player in parts of five seasons in the 1980s. Before that he was an outstanding amateur player.

Born in the hockey hotbed of St. Paul, Minnesota in 1958, Rob played three years at the University of Minnesota from 1976 through 1979 following a legendary high school career. He was known as the most dedicated player at the University, twice being so honored by his teammates with a trophy for most determined player.

Rob got his first taste of international action in 1979. With the University season over, Rob joined the United States national team for the World Championships. Rob found he thoroughly enjoyed his stint with the national team, and made a full time commitment in 1979-80. Not only did he turn in a superb season with 34 goals and 70 points in 63 official games (only Mark Johnson scored more), but he was named to the United States Olympic team in Lake Placid, New York.

That hockey team needs no introduction. In the most famous hockey event in United States sporting history, a bunch of mostly college kids upset probably the greatest team in the world and perhaps ever in the Soviet national team en route to winning Olympic gold on home ice! McClanahan, despite suffering a deep charley horse early in the tournament, led the way for the Americans, tying Buzz Schneider for the team in points with 5 goals and 3 assists. McClanahan, who was the victim of a legendary yelling match with coach Herb Brooks over his injury, scored what proved to be the game winning goal in the gold medal clinching game against Finland!

McClanahan joined the Buffalo Sabres immediately following the Olympics, but didn't find the same success as quickly in the NHL. His quickness helped him be a versatile performer but in Buffalo he was used more as a role player due to depth at the center ice position. McClanahan would struggle with the physical nature of the professional game, scoring just 3 goals and 15 points in his first full NHL season in 1980-81.

Despite his poor showing to that date in the NHL, Rob was able to secure a spot on the United States entry into the 1981 Canada Cup. Unlike amateur tournaments, the legendary Canada Cup tournaments (now known as the World Cup of Hockey) featured the best professionals in the world. Rob earned a spot on that team, but scored no points in 6 games.

Despite his inclusion on the Canada Cup team, the Sabres exposed Rob on waivers just prior to the 1981-82 season. He was picked up by the Hartford Whalers, but after 17 games he had picked up just 3 assists and was demoted to the minors. He was later acquired by the New York Rangers that season, reuniting him with coach Herb Brooks. .

Rob enjoyed his best NHL days in Manhattan. He finished the 1981-82 season with the Rangers and finally emerged as a NHL caliber player in the 1982-83 season. Playing on a line with Mark Pavelich and Anders Hedberg, Rob scored 22 goals (none of which were on the power play) and 48 points. He had a strong playoff as well, scoring 2 goals and 7 point in 9 contests.

Injuries decimated Rob in the 1983-84 season, and would claim his hockey career. Off season trades would see his playing rights transfer to Detroit and Vancouver, but he would never play again. He retired in November 1984 rather than accept a demotion to the minor leagues. He would return to his native Minnesota and later would work as an investment broker.

In total Rob played in 224 NHL contests. He scored 38 goals and 101 points. But his biggest highlights in hockey came outside of the professional game.

Ron Anderson

2011-07-18T18:54:00.000-07:00

Ron Anderson is the answer to two interesting trivia questions. He was one of the players on the ice for the very NHL faceoff in Sabres history. He was the right winger on a line with Hap Myers and Billy Inglis. He was also the first Buffalo Sabre to score a shorthanded goal. That goal came on October 23, 1970 against Ron's original NHL team - the Detroit Red Wings.

Ron was a 6'0" 170 pound right winger from Red Deer, Alberta. He played his junior hockey with the dynastic Edmonton Oil Kings of the early 1960s. Ron played with them from 1962 through 1966. In that time Oil Kings made 5 consecutive Memorial Cup finals appearances (plus 2 more appearances prior to Ron's arrival in Edmonton) and won 2 championships. Other players on those great teams included Pat Quinn, Glen Sather, and Garnet "Ace" Bailey.

Ron (not to be confused with another Ron Anderson who played briefly with the Washington Capitals in the mid-1970s) turned pro in 1966-67, but spent the entire year in the minor leagues. The same went for year 2 in 1968-69, although he did get an 18 game cameo appearance with the Detroit Red Wings. He even managed to chip in two goals.

Ron made the NHL team in 1968-69, but was traded to Los Angeles after just 7 games. He finished the year in Los Angeles, but quietly contributed with just 3 goals and 8 points.

The St. Louis Blues acquired Ron for the 1969-70 season. He played most of the season in St. Louis, scoring 9 goals and 18 points in 59 games. However he did have a very successful and short stint in the minor leagues. He played 9 games - and scored 8 goals and 11 points - with the American Hockey League's Buffalo Bisons.

Ron's short but impressive stop in Buffalo perhaps persuaded the Buffalo Sabres to trade Craig Cameron to St. Louis in exchange for Anderson, who set NHL career highs in all major categories while with the Sabres in 1970-71. He played in 74 games, and registered 14 goals and 12 assists for 26 points.

Ron's success was nowhere to be found the following season in 1971-72. He had zero goals and just 4 assists in 37 NHL games, and finished the year in the minor leagues.

That proved to be Ron's uneventful exit from the NHL. Like many fringe NHLers he jumped to the World Hockey Association where he went home to Alberta to play with the Alberta/Edmonton Oilers. Ron played a season and a half in the WHA before finishing his career by bouncing around the Southern Hockey League until 1977.

Rod Zaine

2011-07-18T18:41:00.000-07:00

Rod Zaine, known affectionately among his teammates as "Zainer," was born May 18, 1946 in Ottawa, Ontario. He played just 61 games in the National Hockey League, 24 of which were with the Buffalo Sabres in the 1971-72 season.

Zaine, one of the few NHLers with Lebanese ancestry, was a well traveled minor leaguer catching on with the expansion Pittsburgh Penguins in 1970-71. The Penguins signed Zaine after one solid season with the AHL Baltimore Clippers in hopes that he could add some depth. He did a commendable job in 37 NHL contests, scoring 8 goals and 13 points. However he split the year between the NHL and the minor leagues, and he finished the season quietly as he struggled at the minor league level.

The Buffalo Sabres were looking for some depth themselves and in the 1971 Intra-League draft the Sabres picked up the small but speedy center. He would score 2 goals and 1 assist while in Buffalo in that 1971-72 season, but finished the year in the minor leagues with the AHL Cincinnati Swords.

Zaine's stop in Buffalo would come to an end in the summer of 1972, as did his NHL and minor league career. He was initially claimed by the Atlanta Flames in the 1972 Expansion Draft, but opted to sign on with the World Hockey Association. Zaine would play three seasons in the alternate major league, playing a quiet role with the Chicago Cougars in each of those three seasons. He scored just 11 goals and 44 points in 220 WHA games, but obviously found a niche on that Cougars team.

Ron Busniuk

2011-07-18T18:32:00.000-07:00

Ron Busniuk was a small (5'11", 180 pounds) but abrasive defenseman who starred at every level he played. He only got into a total of 6 NHL games, all with the Sabres, before jumping to hockey's other major league - the World Hockey Association.

Ron was one of the few players who graduated from a hockey program at a United States university in the late 1960s and went on to play in the National Hockey League. Born and raised in Fort William, Ontario, Ron played junior hockey in the Montreal Canadiens system until 1967 when he began attending the University of Minnesota Duluth. Before he graduated he would become a collegiate all star. He would later be inducted into the university's sports hall of fame.

Ron turned pro in 1970, playing two years of minor professional hockey with Montreal's farm teams in the American Hockey League. Though the Canadiens liked his aggressive play, his lack of size caused the Canadiens experimented with playing Ron on right wing.

The Buffalo Sabres acquired Ron in the summer of 1972 in a cash deal. Ron reported to the Sabres AHL farm team in Cincinnati where he was returned to the blue line and was a standout. Ron scored 5 goals and 39 points while accumulating 205 penalty minutes and first team all star status. He also made his NHL debut that season. In one game with the Sabres he tried his best to make an impression, picking up 9 minutes in penalties.

Ron returned to Cincinnati in 1973-74, but did get called up for 5 games with the Sabres. This time he tried to impress the Sabres brass with more than just his tenacity, as he set up 3 goals.

The Sabres lost Ron's playing rights in the summer of 1974. He was claimed by the Detroit Red Wings in an intra-league draft, but it mattered not as Ron opted to use his free agency status to sign on with the World Hockey Association.

He would play with three WHA teams until his retirement in 1978. Initially he returned to Minnesota where he was one of a number of rambunctious players on the Fighting Saints. He spent a year and half there before signing on with the New England Whalers and finished his career with a year and a half with the Edmonton Oilers, where he served as an alternate captain.

Ron, brother of former Philadelphia Flyer Mike Busniuk, scored 9 goals and 73 points in 286 WHA games. He had 3 assists in 6 NHL games with the Sabres.

Ron Fischer

2011-07-18T18:24:00.000-07:00

When the Buffalo Sabres signed Ron Fischer as a free agent in 1981, they knew the kid from Merritt, British Columbia had good wheels and a strong passing game. Since he went undrafted by the rest of the National Hockey League, he was never expected to be a star, and by North American standards never was. However don't tell the hockey fans of Rosenheim, Germany that.

Despite his skill level and decent size Ron was never drafted by an NHL team largely because of the route his hockey career followed. He attended the University of Calgary rather than playing major junior or going to US college. It remains very rare to see Canadian university students make it to the NHL.

But Ron is one of the few who did. By 1981-82 he turned professional and spent most of the season learning the professional game as a member of the Sabres AHL farm team in Rochester. However he was called up for a 15 game appearance that season, and impressed with 7 assists.

An injury plagued 1982-83 season interfered with Ron's development as a defenseman. He got into only half a season of action that year, including 3 NHL games. He would end up spending his third pro year (1983-84) exclusively in the minors to make up for it.

Unhappy with his career development at that point, Ron made what ultimately turned out to be the greatest decision of his life. He jumped at an opportunity to play hockey overseas, as he would spend the next 12 years in Germany, mostly in the city of Rosenheim. Ron, who would also represent Germany in two Olympics and two world championships, quickly established himself as one of the most popular athletes in the city of Rosenheim. He would enjoy one of the longest careers any Canadian has ever had on European ice.

Norm Gratton

2011-07-18T16:35:00.000-07:00

Norm Gratton was a smallish left winger with big expectations. However his promise was never realized.

Norm was drafted 11th overall by the New York Rangers back in 1970 after starring with the Montreal Junior Canadiens. His spectacular junior career included back-to-back Memorial Cup championships in 1969 and 1970.

However Norm's lack of size (he was just 5'11" tall and 160 pounds) hindered him at the professional level. After just two years of minor league hockey and just 3 games with the Rangers, he was left exposed in the 1972 expansion draft.

The Atlanta Flames grabbed the quick and skilled winger and gave him his first real shot at the National Hockey League. However after scoring just 3 goals in 29 games the Flames were willing to let him go. The Buffalo Sabres obviously saw something in and traded tough guy Butch Deadmarsh in order to get him.

Norm found a home in Buffalo over the next three seasons, but never emerged as more than a third liner. At times he, along with linemate Steve Atkinson, proved to be very effective, then at other times he was quiet.

Late in the 1974-75 season Norm and a 3rd round draft choice were traded to the Minnesota North Stars for centre Fred Stanfield. Offensively Norm enjoyed his best days in Minnesota, scoring 14 goals in less than half a season with his new club. However he wasn't able to duplicate that success in 1975-76, and after a slow start found himself demoted to the minor leagues.

The once promising career of Norm Gratton came to a quiet end in 1977. Norm found himself without a contract for the 1976-77 season. He ended up playing with the Maine Nordiques of the NAHL, which was the WHA's Quebec Nordiques farm team. He scored 41 points in 52 games but never was considered as a call up to the WHA.

Norm, the brother of former NHL/WHA goalie Gilles Gratton, appeared in 201 NHL games, scoring 39 goals and 83 points.

Mark Astley

2011-07-18T16:31:00.000-07:00

Mark Astley was a smallish defenseman who thrived on his skating and puck skills game but had trouble handling the bigger forwards and the more physical play of the National Hockey League.

Astley, a Calgary, Alberta native, was drafted by the Sabres after just one season at Lake Superior State. "Ash" would complete his college education while playing for the highly regarded hockey school. In the process he developed into an equally highly regarded offensive and all star defenseman.

Mark finished school in 1992, and finished the hockey season by playing with the Canadian National Team. He would quickly find that the international game, with the bigger ice and more skating, was where he loved to play.

Mark would spend the next two seasons splitting his hockey time between teams in the Swiss League and the Canadian “Nats.” In 1994 his play with the National Team earned him a spot on the Canadian Olympic team which won the silver medal. Mark, who played with the likes of Paul Kariya, Petr Nedved and Brian Savage that year, calls his Olympic experience the highlight of his career.

Mark finally gave the NHL a shot starting in the 1994-95 season. The Sabres sent him down to Rochester of the AHL to adjust to the more physical North American game. The Sabres felt he had adjusted well enough that they included him in 14 regular season games, plus 2 playoff appearances. He registered 2 goals in that 14 game stint. His first, which came on March 24, 1995 in Tampa Bay, also ranks as a career highlight for Mark.

The Sabres desperately needed some skilled puck moving defensemen, so Mark played the entire season with Buffalo in 1995-96. While his 2 goals and 20 points were good enough to place him second among Sabres defensemen, although the Sabres had hoped for more to compensate his lack of strength which limited his defensive game.

Astley became a free agent after that season, and signed a one year deal with the Los Angeles Kings. However he spent the entire injury plagued year back in the minor leagues, this time with the Phoenix Roadrunners.

Mark opted to return to Switzerland where he had so enjoyed hockey prior to his debut in North American pro leagues. He had enjoyed a lengthy career with HC Lugano through the turn of the century.

Mark’s NHL totals include 4 goals and 23 points in 75 regular season contests.

Mike McMahon, Jr.

2011-07-17T18:29:00.000-07:00

Many children follow their parents career paths. Mike McMahon Jr. grew up in professional hockey circles, so it comes as no surprise he became a long time professional himself.

The son of 1940's NHL player Mike McMahon, Mike Jr. assumed his father's position of left defense. It quickly became apparent that son was more talented than dad, particularly his excellent puckhandling, passing and skating skills. He would go onto become a star with the Guelph Biltmores of the OHA's.

McMahon turned pro in the New York Rangers system in the 1961-62 season. However the last few years of the Original Six proved to be very difficult for young defensemen to crack the NHL. Though he would get into 60 NHL games over the next 5 years, McMahon spent most of his Rangers days bouncing around the minor leagues.

Things didn't get an easier in the summer of 1966, as McMahon was traded to the two time defending Stanley Cup champion Montreal Canadiens. McMahon never had a chance to play for the Habs.

When the NHL expanded from six to 12 teams for the 1967-68 season McMahon joined the Minnesota North Stars. In what proved to be his only full season in the league, McMahon exploded offensively. In 74 games he tallied 14 goals and 47 points.

Unable to live up to his explosive season, McMahon bounced around the NHL, playing with Chicago, Detroit, and Pittsburgh in a 2 season span. The NHL expanded again in 1970, and McMahon was selected in the Expansion Draft by the Buffalo Sabres, but after just 12 games was traded again, this time to the Los Angeles Kings. The Sabres landed Eddie Shack and Dick Duff in return. McMahon meanwhile never played for the Kings. Instead he was demoted to the minor leagues and traded back to the New York Rangers for the 1971-72 season.

McMahon welcomed the creation of the World Hockey Association. In the summer of 1972, he signed with the Minnesota Fighting Saints. Not only did he return to his high scoring ways, but he achieved relative stability as he stayed in the State of Hockey for 3 seasons.

Larry Carriere

2011-04-18T19:45:00.000-07:00

Larry Carriere took an unconventional route to the National Hockey League. While most NHLers in the 1970s came from the Canadian junior leagues, Larry starred as a defenseman at a little known Montreal college called Loyola. At the same time he was majoring in Business Administration.

Despite playing in what many experts called a lesser league, Larry impressed NHL scouts with his collegiate performances enough to be drafted 25th overall in the 1972 amateur draft. He would begin the 1972-73 season in Buffalo where he was one of two very impressive rookie rearguards that year in Buffalo, as the bruising Jim Schoenfeld also debuted. Ultimately Larry was sent down to the minor leagues for seasoning after a mid-season injury in order to get some more playing time. He played really well in 30 AHL games and finished the year in Buffalo, including participating in Buffalo's very first NHL playoff appearance. Unfortunately the Sabres lost to the heavily favoured Montreal Canadiens in 6 games.

Larry, known to his teammates as "Hawk," would go on to become an unheralded but very effective defenseman for the Sabres over the next two seasons. He played in 78 games in 1973-74, and scored a career high 6 goals and 30 points. He played in every Buffalo game in the magical 1974-75 season, including all 17 playoff games as the Sabres challenged the Philadelphia Flyers in the Stanley Cup finals. He had just 1 goal and 12 points in the regular season and just 2 assists in the playoffs, but was getting solid recognition for his hard work and fine defensive play. Although he was strictly a defensive rearguard, he was very versatile. He could play either defense position equally well and was regular on the penalty kill, occasionally even taking a shift as a penalty killing forward.

In 1975 the steady defenseman was traded to the Atlanta Flames in a package with a 1st round draft selection (which was later moved to Washington and used to select Greg Carroll) plus cash for the highly skilled but often enigmatic Jacques Richard. The trade was deemed to be necessary after Rick Dudley, who emerged as a key player in 1974-75, defected to the World Hockey Association.

Richard never panned out in Buffalo, and Carriere had his troubles in stops outside of Buffalo as well. He bounced around with some weaker teams, spending parts of 2 seasons in Atlanta and in Vancouver before briefly appearing with the Los Angeles Kings in 1977-78.

The Kings eventually released the defenseman after burying him in the minor leagues. That's when the Sabres resigned their former stalwart. He finished off the 1977-78 season by playing 9 more games with Buffalo before retiring.

Carriere made a surprise comeback late in the 1979-80 season. Carriere was a good friend with Punch
Imlach, who by this time had left Buffalo and returned to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Desperate for defensive depth as the 1980 playoffs dawned, Imlach signed Larry to a 5 game contract. He would play in Toronto's final 2 games of the season and in 2 out of 3 playoff contests.

At the end of that little stint Larry would retire for good with a total of 367 games played, 16 goals, 74 assists and 90 points. He added 462 minutes in penalties.

Larry returned to his native Montreal after retiring, and was again employed by the Sabres by 1985. He would spend 8 years as a scout in the province of Quebec before being promoted to Director of Player Evaluation in 1993. Two years later he would become the assistant general manager to GM John Muckler, and when Muckler was fired in 1997 Larry took over the general manager's duties on an interim basis. He remains as the assistant general manager today.

Ken Priestlay

2011-04-18T19:38:00.000-07:00

Ken Priestlay was born in the Vancouver, British Columbia suburb of Richmond. That was the beginning of a unique journey which included several stops around the world, all made possible by the great game of hockey. He would go from junior super star to Stanley Cup champion to "Lord of the Rinks."

Ken left the British Columbia Lower Mainland to pursue a hockey career. He crossed the water to Vancouver Island where he first starred with the Nanaimo Clippers of the BCJHL and later put in 3 and 1/2 glorious seasons with the WHL's Victoria Cougars. The pint sized center erupted as a scoring sensation with the Cougars. In his final season and a half Ken scored a mind-boggling 116 goals and 111 assists for 227 points in just 105 games!

With scoring exploits like that, it is little wonder that Ken never had a chance to finish his last year in junior hockey. Instead, the Buffalo Sabres recalled their 98th overall draft pick from 1985 to finish the 1986-87 season with the NHL team. He did not look out of place, scoring 11 goals and 17 points in 34 games.

Ken spent the first half of the 1987-88 season in the minor leagues with the Rochester Americans, but finished the year in Buffalo. He scored 5 goals and 17 points in 33 regular season games. He was held scoreless in 6 playoff contests.

Ken changed his number from 12 to 56 in 1988-89, but only got into 15 NHL contests, scoring 2 goals. He had an outstanding season in Rochester. He became just the third Amerk to record 50 goals in a season when he notched 56 in 64 contests, including 5 hat tricks.

Perhaps Ken's best season as a Sabre came in 1989-90. He started the year by tearing up the American League, recording 58 points in just 40 games. Just after New Year's Ken got the call from the Sabres and finished the year in Buffalo, scoring 7 goals and 7 assists in 35 games, plus participating in 5 playoff games. Sabres fans agree that Ken looked more comfortable in this extended NHL stint than any before.

In Buffalo Ken showed his excellent speed and agility combined with a good sense of jumping in and out of traffic made him a threat at the NHL level. Although he never shied away from the physical game, his effectiveness was limited due to his lack of size. A conscientious defensive player, Ken was never quite able to make the jump from junior and minor league star to NHL regular.

When Ken didn't make the Sabres lineup in 1990-91, he opted to participate in the international game rather than going back down to the American Hockey League. Ken played the entire season with the Canadian national team, scoring 20 goals and 46 points in 40 games. At the end of the national team season he was ready to return to the NHL, but found himself as a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Sabres traded him to Pittsburgh on March 5th, 1991 in exchange for former sniper Tony Tanti.

Ken would play in just 2 games (collecting one assist) to finish the season with Mario Lemieux and the Pittsburgh Penguins. He never got into a single playoff game, but was a member of the Penguins first Stanley Cup victory. That was a great highlight for Ken.

The Stanley Cup victory was repeated in 1991-92. Ken played in a career high 49 games with Pittsburgh, but was used sparingly. He collected 2 goals and 10 points before finishing the season in the minor leagues. After scoring 16 points in 13 IHL playoff games, Ken was recalled to Pittsburgh to finish the season as a spare players as the Penguins captured their second Stanley Cup victory. Although it was Ken's second Stanley Cup championship, he officially was honored as a champion in 1992 by having his named inscribed on the Cup.

That proved to be Ken's final taste of NHL action, but his career was far from over. He would spend two seasons down in the International Hockey League, playing one season in Cleveland and one season in Kalamazoo.

Ken's career started by leaving for an island, and it ended the same way. Only this time Ken went to Great Britain where he agreed to play with the Sheffield Steelers. Ken became a fan favorite in Britain, scoring 209 goals in 210 games! One rabid British hockey fan - Bob Westerdale - dubbed him the Lord of the Rinks, and even wrote a book about Ken's career by the same title in 1997!

Ken retired as a professional in 1999, but couldn't give up the game he loved. He retuned home to British Columbia and was reinstated as an amateur. He played with the Powell River Regals in the 2000 Allan Cup (Canadian amateur senior trophy) championship season.

Ken scored 27 goals and 61 points in 168 NHL games in his career.

Brent Peterson

2011-04-14T17:37:00.000-07:00

Brent Peterson carved out a nice career in the National Hockey League, playing over 600 games as a defensive center and faceoff specialist. His best years came in the early 1980s with the Buffalo Sabres.

The Calgary born Peterson was actually a scoring star in junior hockey. Having split 4 seasons in the WCJHL with the Edmonton Oil Kings and Portland Winter Hawks, the 6'0" 190lb center was drafted in the 1st round, 12th overall, by the Detroit Red Wings in 1978.

Detroit rushed him into the NHL. It was not a good situation for Peterson, as he was expected to help out the struggling franchise but clearly needed some development time in the minor leagues first. He had a high degree of hockey sense and anticipation, and was a strong skater, but his offensive game never developed in the National Hockey League.

The Red Wings gave up on Peterson prior to Christmas 1981. He was traded with Mike Foligno and Dale McCourt to the Sabres in exchange for Danny Gare, Jim Schoenfeld and Derek Smith. It remains one of the most famous trades in Sabres history.

Foligno became a star player for many years in Buffalo. McCourt put in a couple of nice seasons as well. Peterson really developed into a strong character player in Buffalo over the next 4 years.

Peterson's contributions were never measured by numbers. He averaged 11 goals and 40 points in the high scoring early days of the 1980s. More impressively he was a collective plus 28.

Peterson was exposed on waivers prior to the 1985-86 season, and was subsequently claimed by the Vancouver Canucks. He put in two years of yeoman's duty in Vancouver before joining the Hartford Whalers for 2 more seasons.

The Whalers didn't offer Peterson a player's contract come the end 1989, but they did offer him a job as the team's assistant coach. He retired from the game as a player, but embarked on a long journey as a coach which included stops as head coach of his alma matter in WHL Portland and with the NHL's Nashville Predators.

Brent, the brother of CFLer Greg Peterson (Calgary Stampeders), continues to coach even though he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease back in 2005.

Joe Kowal

2011-04-14T17:31:00.000-07:00

In the rough and tumble 1970s, Joe Kowal must have been an intimidating sight. Although he stood at 6'5" and weighed 212 lbs, Kowal was a big man but not a particularly aggressive player.

The left winger split his junior career between the Oshawa Generals and the Hamilton Fincups. He scored 79 points in his second year. Combine that with his size and the Buffalo Sabres were impressed enough to make him their first pick, 33rd overall, in the 1976 Amateur Draft.

Kowal would have injury problems in his first two years of pro, particularly a bad knee. He would spend most of his time in the minor leagues, but was called up for 22 games with the Sabres. Kowal scored zero goals and five assists in that time. He also got into two Sabres' playoff games in 1978.

Kowal was quickly buried in the Sabres system. He would play in the minor leagues with several teams before retiring in 1981.

Don McSween

2011-04-14T17:15:00.000-07:00

Don McSween will forever be remembered as the player who collected unemployment insurance during the NHL lockout season of 1994-95. Don had a $300,000 contract with the Ducks and was ruled to be eligible for a maximum unemployment claim of $230 a week for 26 weeks. While 300 Grand isn't much by NHL standards, it's still not bad for a guy who makes 10 times as much as most of the fans. Needless to say McSween's UI claim didn't go over well with the fans.

Don played collegiate hockey at Michigan State University. The Detroit native was a standout blueliner for the Spartans. Three times he was a CCHA First All Star, two times he was a NCAA All American and two times he was a NCAA Championship All Tournament team member.

The Buffalo Sabres drafted McSween with their 10th choice, 154th overall in the 1983 NHL Entry Draft. However things never panned out for McSween in Buffalo. Despite strong play with the affiliate Rochester Americans, McSween only played in 9 games in a Sabres uniform. McSween, who was 5'11" and 197lbs, was considered to be a bit small and a bit slow by NHL standards.

After signing as a free agent with the IHL's San Diego Gulls, Don signed as a free agent with the Anaheim Mighty Ducks on Jan. 12, 1994. It was a good move for Don who finished the year with the NHL expansion team. He played in 32 games and scored 12 points, including 3 goals. By the end of the year he was asked to represent the United States at the World Championships. Things were really looking up for McSween.

However the NHL lockout really put out whatever spark that Don had been able to ignite. After taking some flack over the whole unemployment insurance incident, McSween and the rest of the NHL returned to the ice in January of 1995. McSween's stint was short, as he appeared in just two games before suffering a very serious injury. A skate had come up and cut Don's forearm. Don would be out of action for more than a calendar year.

Don returned to action late in the 1995-96 season. He appeared in 4 games before Anaheim sent him down to minor leagues to be replaced with younger Darren Van Impe. McSween, who had been unable to do much in the previous year, had suffered a major set back in his hockey career.

Don did manage to return to a solid level of play in the minor leagues but at his advanced age it appears that his NHL stints are done.

Dixon Ward

2011-04-14T17:10:00.000-07:00

Dixon Ward was a scoring ace at the University of North Dakota, where he averaged close to a goal a game in his final three years. The Vancouver Canucks thought they had a steal when they watched him develop after drafting him in the 7th round of the 1988 NHL Entry Draft. In 1992-93, the Vancouver Canucks patience paid off and had an excellent rookie season, scoring 22 goals and 30 assists in 70 games, and was a plus 34, while playing on a line with Petr Nedved.

Ward, like so many second year players before him and after him, fell victim to the Sophomore Jinx in year 2. He scored just 6 goals and 7 points as Nedved held out for a new contract. By midseason the struggling ward was traded to Los Angeles where his struggles continued.

Following a very brief and unsuccessful stop with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Ward moved 90 minutes down the highway to join the Buffalo Sabres, signing as a free agent on September 20, 1995. The next five years of his career were spent in the Queen City, where he transformed himself into a defensive specialist.

Ward's maturation helped the Sabres achieved some team goals. In 1996-97 the Sabres won the Northeast Division title. In 1997-98, the Sabres to reach the Eastern Conference finals before losing to the Capitals.

Ward had his best offensive season with the Sabres in 1998-99 scoring 20 goals and 44 points. In the playoffs, the Sabres won the Prince of Wales Trophy in the Eastern Conference finals before losing to the Stars in the Stanley Cup finals.

Ward left the Sabres in 2000 to sign with the Boston Bruins. He concluded his career with a brief stint in Europe and with the New York Rangers.

All told, Ward managed to stick around the NHL for 537 games. He scored 95 goals and 224 points.

Sergei Petrenko

2011-04-09T14:15:00.000-07:00

Sergei Petrenko was a speedy but small left winger out or Russia. Although Russian players were freed by their government to play professional hockey abroad, Sergei wasn't drafted by a National Hockey League team until 1993 at the advanced age of 25. He had the credentials, having previously played with top club team Dynamo Moscow and for the Russian national team in the 1992 Olympics (where he played on a line with Alexei Yashin) and 1993 World Championships. But because of his size and lack of offensive production he wasn't drafted until 168th overall in 1993.

Upon being draft Petrenko was brought to North America. The Sabres were hoping that they had found a hidden gem in Petrenko. It seems every draft or two there is a late round pick, usually an older European, who can step in and play immediately. Although he appeared to make the team after his first training camp in 1993, he played in only 14 games with the Sabres that year, picking up 0 goals and 4 assists. He spent most of the season and the entire 1994-95 season in the American Hockey League with the Rochester Americans.

Petrenko opted to return to Europe beginning in 1995-96, returning to Dynamo Moscow for several seasons. He also played in Switzerland and the Czech Republic.

Steve Smith

2011-04-09T14:11:00.000-07:00

Buffalo Sabres fans would have loved to have Steve Smith on their blueline. And for 3 games in 1988-89 they did. Unfortunately it wasn't the Steve Smith you are probably thinking of.

Steve Smith is of course a very common name, so it is somewhat surprising that there have been only two players to share that name in NHL history. The more famous Steve (middle name James) Smith was a hard hitting behemoth with the Edmonton Oilers, Chicago Blackhawks and Calgary Flames. He is best known, unfortunately, for scoring on his own net during the 1986 playoffs. The goal eliminated his Oilers from further playoff competition.

The other Steve Smith is the one who played ever so briefly for the Buffalo Sabres.

Steve's career somewhat resembles that of Dave Fenyves, a long time Buffalo Sabres farmhand. Unlike Fenyves, Steve was a high draft pick, 16th overall in the 1981 draft by the Philadelphia Flyers. He would participate in 5 NHL seasons, but only accumulating a total of 15 games played over that time. He, like Fenyves, would go onto become a very solid farmhand with the AHL's Hershey Bears, but would never fulfill his promise at the NHL level. He dominated at the junior level and was a solid minor leaguer but this short and stocky defenseman couldn't translate that to the National Hockey League game.

Smith and Fenyves career's crossed paths inadvertently. In 1987, the Philadelphia Flyers plucked Fenyves from the Sabres in the pre-season waiver draft. Fenyves and Smith played together for a season, but inn 1988, the Sabres retaliated by plucking Smith from the Flyers roster. The Sabres acquired Smith to fill in Fenyves spot on the farm team as the veteran presence along the blue line.

Steve would play parts of 4 seasons in the Sabres organization, including that brief 3 game call up in 1988-89.
Steve left the AHL in 1991, and headed to Europe to wind down his career. He played two seasons across the pond, one in Austria and one in Italy, before retiring in 1993.

Todd Simon

2011-04-09T14:02:00.000-07:00

Todd Simon was a small but gifted offensive player who lit up the scoreboards in junior and minor league hockey, but never caught on at the National Hockey League level.

Simon, a Toronto native, became a prominent junior hockey player not far from Buffalo. He played two seasons with the Niagara Falls Thunder of the Ontario Hockey League. He put together back to back monstrous season.

In 1990-91, while often playing with future Buffalo Sabre Brad May, Simon put up 51 goals and 125 points. Then in 1991-92 he led all Canadian junior hockey players in scoring with 146 points thanks to 53 goals and an amazing 93 points. He then posted 17 goals and 41 points in 17 playoff games.

Despite his incredible offensive production, Simon attracted little interest from the NHL. A major reason for that was Simon didn't make the OHL until he was 19 and then starred as an overage junior. Most top NHL prospects make juniors by the age of 17 and then are drafted at 18, but Simon wasn't even drafted until he was 20. The Sabres used their 10th pick, 203rd overall, in the weak 1992 draft to select Simon, who was a tiny center not known for his defensive game. Simply put - the NHL didn't think his high powered offensive game could be implemented at the NHL level. But as we all know, diamonds in the rough are always uncovered late in NHL drafts - selected immediately after Todd was a goalie drafted by the Winnipeg Jets named Nikolai Khabibulin.

Todd immediately went about proving the NHL wrong. He had an incredible rookie season with the Sabres' farm team in Rochester in 1992-93. Todd set a Rochester record for assists by a rookie with 66, and added 27 goals for 93 points in 67 games.

Todd took his game to a higher level in 1993-94. He scored 33 times and assisted on 52 others for 85 points in 55 games before he got his shot at the NHL. The Sabres called him up in late January and despite not playing a lot he ended the season in Buffalo. In 15 regular season games he pick up only 1 assist (against Los Angeles in just his second NHL game). He also appeared in 5 playoff games for Buffalo that season, and notched his first and only NHL goal in game 1 of the opening round against New Jersey.

When reflecting back at his 20 game trial at the NHL, Todd is disappointed he wasn't given a real opportunity to prove he belonged.

"I don't think I got a fair shot in Buffalo...I was only up 15 games and I didn't get to play much...I need lots of ice time to show what I can do. When you play only a couple of shifts, it's hard."

The 1994-95 lock out shortened season was a telling season for Todd. He played the entire season in the AHL and was not effected by the work stoppage, but never got a shot to return to the NHL when the labor dispute was settled. The Sabres went with the experience of the veterans in the truncated 48 game season, and when injury problems presented themselves, higher rated prospects were brought into Buffalo rather than Todd. This despite another strong season with 90 points in 69 games. That brought his three year totals while with the Rochester Americans to 268 points in 192 games.

However Sabres boss John Muckler didn't take a liking to the diminutive center. Todd was released by the Sabres following that season, and he found no NHL offer to his liking. Instead he jumped to the International Hockey League - a minor league which featured mainly players who couldn't get a full time NHL contract. he signed on with the Las Vegas Thunder and had an incredible 74 points in 52 games but found himself playing out the year with the Detroit Vipers, where he added 19 goals and 35 points to finish the season. The following season he finished third in IHL scoring with 105 points in 81 games.

Todd joined the Cincinnati Cyclones organization in 1997, and played three years in the Ohio city. Even when he signed a free agent contract with the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes in the summer of 1999, he returned to Cincinnati to play the season once he was cut from the Hurricane's training camp. He was never given consideration as a call up for the 'Canes.

Up until that season Todd never gave up on his dream of playing in the National Hockey League. A big part of him had always hoped that he would get another shot, and even though he went literally years without NHL offers, his dream spurred him on to one of the finest minor league careers of players in the 1990s.

Following the 1999-2000 season Todd looked to extend his career. "Symes," as he was nicknamed, ventured to Europe where he continues his hockey career in Germany.

Richard Hajdu

2011-04-09T13:06:00.000-07:00

Richard Hajdu was a hard-luck left winger out of Victoria British Columbia. He liked to play a physical style but his body never could seem to stand up to the rigors of the game.

Hajdu, born in Victoria in 1965, starred in the British Columbia junior ranks, first with the Kamloops Jr. Oilers where he impressed the Buffalo Sabres enough to draft him 34th overall in 1983, and then with the Victoria Cougars. It was with the Cougars that injury problems really set in and would set the tone for his career.

Richard turned professional in the 1985-86 seasons, and even debuted in the National Hockey League with 3 appearances. However he spent most of the year with the AHL Rochester Americans where he struggled at times.

Richard enjoyed his healthiest season as a professional in 1986-87. He appeared in 60 total contests, however only 2 of those were with the Sabres. The rest of the year was spent with the Amerks where he continued to struggle, especially with the puck.

Richard returned to the Sabres training camp for the 1987-88 season but it quickly became apparent the Sabres were not including him in their plans. After a year split between the AHL and the IHL Flint Spirits, Richard was released.

Richard didn't find a lot of NHL offers coming his way in the summer of 1988, so he committed to the Canadian national team for the year. He found he enjoyed the game again while with the Nats, and returned for a total of 3 years with the team. He also earned some extra income by signing on with little known teams in Austria and Italy.

Richard returned to the North American pro ranks for the 1992-93 season as he signed on with the Dallas Freeze of the CHL. He was having a very solid year, scoring 24 points in 21 games, but retired mid-season because of injuries. He said his heart was no longer in the game and that he wanted to focus on building his life with his fiancée

Richard returned to British Columbia and got his real estate license. He currently sells real estate in the beautiful Cowichan Valley region.

Paul Cyr

2011-04-09T12:59:00.000-07:00

Paul Cyr was one of three highly celebrated 1982 first round draft picks by Scotty Bowman and the Buffalo Sabres. The Sabres drafted two of their best players in team history that year - Phil Housley 6th overall and Dave Andreychuk 16th overall. Selected 9th overall was a fantastic junior player from Vancouver Island, British Columbia.

Born in Port Alberni, B.C., Cyr gained prominence as a high scoring left wing with the WHL's Victoria Cougars from 1980 through 1982. He scored 109 goals in 142 games, as well as excelling in two World Junior championships and a Memorial Cup appearance

Cyr would never come close to achieving the offensive statistics of Housley or Andreychuk, but nonetheless contributed nicely to the Sabres for parts of six seasons. He never scored more than 22 goals or 51 points in a season, he thrived as a good role player. He was a good skater with a lot of speed, which was typical of Buffalo forwards in the mid-1980s. He used that speed and a willingness to play a physical game despite his lack of size to become a decent checking winger. He also would evolve into a penalty killing role.

Cyr's career would be ended early due to a couple of serious injuries. One was an extremely odd injury. While vacationing in the Dominican Republic in the summer of 1987 he was an innocent bystander in a botched robbery attempt. Paul was actually shot by the villains. The bullet penetrated his abdomen but was not life threatening. Surprisingly he missed only 17 games because of that injury.

Later in that 1987-88 season Cyr was traded to the New York Rangers in exchange for a similar winger in Mike Donnelly and a 5th round draft pick. That draft pick turned out to be the jewel of the trade, as it was used to select future superstar Alexander Mogilny.

Cyr's time in New York was forgettable. He got into only 41 games over three years as he had to recuperate from major knee surgery.

Cyr persevered and resurfaced in the NHL in 1990-91 when he signed as a free agent with the Hartford Whalers. He made a triumphant return by playing in 70 of the Sabres 80 games, and scored 12 goals and 25 points. Not only did he return to NHL, but he returned as the same player he was before all the injury problems. He played with some nice grit and earned 107 minutes in penalties.

Cyr's fairytale comeback ended during the 1991-92 season. After going scoreless in 17 games he was demoted to the minor leagues where he would play until his retirement in 1993.

Paul retired from the NHL with 101 goals and 241 points in 470 contests. He added 4 goals and 10 points in 24 playoff games.

Paul Terbenche

2011-04-09T12:54:00.000-07:00

Defenceman Paul Terbenche was one of the original Buffalo Sabres. In fact he was one of the starting 5 players for the very first faceoff in NHL play.

Born in Port Hope, Ontario, Terbenche played junior with the Chicago Black Hawks organization in the nearby town of St. Catharines, Ontario. After one season in the minor leagues Paul made the jump to the NHL in the 1967-68 season, the first season of NHL expansion. However Paul found himself buried in the minors the following two years without even a sniff of NHL action.

Terbenche was claimed by the Buffalo Sabres in the 1970 Expansion Draft. Although he started the year in Buffalo, he ended up playing most of two years with the Salt Lake Golden Eagles of the minor league WHL.
However Paul made a successful return to the NHL starting in 1972-73. For two seasons he became a regular on the Sabres' blueline for two seasons before jumping to the World Hockey Association in 1974.

Paul seemed better suited to play in the WHA. By professional hockey standards Paul was a tiny defenseman, standing just 5'10" and weighing 170 pounds. He had trouble with the physical forwards of the National Hockey League. He was able to find some more success in the less violent WHA. He played with 5 teams over 5 years, including the Winnipeg Jets of 1978-79. That team won the very last Avco Cup as the WHA champion.

The WHA folded in 1979 and it's remaining teams, including the Winnipeg Jets, were merged with the NHL. Terbenche would continue to play hockey for two more seasons but not in the NHL. The Jets traded his rights to the Atlanta Flames. Paul ended up playing two seasons in a former WHA city in Birmingham, this time with the Central Hockey League's Bulls to round out his career.

Paul could be best described as a steady contributor who was hurt by his lack of size. yet he enjoyed a lengthy career which included 189 games in the NHL and 277 in the WHA. All together Paul scored 23 major league goals and 123 points.

Randy Ireland

2011-04-08T17:26:00.000-07:00

Goalkeeper Randy Ireland is one of only two Buffalo Sabres who's last name begins with the letter I. The other - Billy Inglis.

Randy was a solid junior puck-stopper with the Saskatoon Blades and Portland Winter Hawks. Randy was originally the 60th overall draft pick of the Chicago Blackhawks in 1977 but re-entered the draft in 1978 and was picked 82nd overall by the Buffalo Sabres.

Randy turned pro in 1977-78 and was buried in the farm system with the IHL's Flint Generals. It wasn't the worse thing for a young goalie as Randy got to play a lot with a bad team, which enabled him to practice on his fundamentals.

That came in handy in 1978-79 when he was promoted to the American Hockey League and the Sabres top farm team. The team wasn't a whole lot stronger that year, but Randy played admirably. He was even given a shot at the NHL when he was called up to the Sabres. It was expected that he would strictly back up, however he ended up relieving in 2 contests. In total he played 30 minutes, and gave up 3 goals.

That proved to be Randy's only action in the National Hockey League. The Sabres had some great depth in nets around 1980, and he was buried in minors until his retirement from the sport in 1983. He bounced around with 8 teams in his 6 year professional career.

Ken Breitenbach

2011-04-08T17:22:00.000-07:00

Ken Breitenbach was a 6'1" 190 pound defenseman from Welland, Ontario, which is just northwest of Buffalo. He played junior-B hockey with the Welland Sabres before joining the junior-A St. Catharines Black Hawks for three years from 1972 through 1975 where he was an all star by his final season.

The Sabres drafted the aggressive blueliner 35th overall in the 1975 amateur draft. It was hoped that Ken could become a regular on the Sabres defense for years to come.

Ken was sent down to the American Hockey League's Hershey Bears where he apprenticed in his first season of pro hockey. In year two he split the year between the NHL and AHL, scoring 5 assists in 31 games with the Sabres.

Ken seemed to have a earned a roster spot with the Sabres for the 1977-78 season, but then disaster struck. He suffered a badly broken leg in a pre-season game in Philadelphia. The injury knocked Ken out for the entire year.

Ken returned in 1978-79 and was demoted to the minors as the year off dulled the progress he had made in his first two years as a professional. However Ken was discouraged by the progress and soon quit and went home to his pregnant wife. Ken would return later that season as injuries depleted the Sabres defense. He played well in 30 games to end the season, including his first and only NHL goal. He also added 8 assists.

That proved to be Ken's last season in hockey. He never quite recovered from the horrific injury, and couldn't be guaranteed a spot on the Sabres roster the following season. Ken made the noble decision to quit hockey and take care of his young family.

Dave Andreychuk

2011-04-02T21:15:00.000-07:00

A reader recently emailed me adamantly stating that Dave Andreychuk is sure-fire Hockey Hall of Famer.

The case he made is impressive:

640 career goals, 13th best all-time
NHL's all time leader in power play goals (274)
Captained Stanley Cup winning team (2004 Tampa Bay Lightning)
5th all-time in games played.
27th all time in career points

"Consistency, longevity, a winner, and the best power play goal scorer in the League's storied history. Sounds like a Hall of Famer to me," the reader wrote.

It's hard to argue with that. Yet at the same time Dave Andreychuk does not really fit my idea of what a Hall of Famer should be. He was never a dominant player.

My profile of a HHOFer must include being a dominant, rare talent for a good stretch of time. Six to eight years in a 10 year window is my general rule of thumb. While Andreychuk played very well for a very long time and is a real nice guy, when was he ever "the best?"

He never once made a post-season All Star team. Heck, only twice did he play in a NHL all star game. For all those career goals, only once did he crack the top five in goal scoring - 1994. That same season was the only time he finish in the top 10 in points. I think that spurt in production had more to do with playing with Doug Gilmour than anything.

I still really struggle with longevity and consistency compared to true dominance. Even with his lofty goal scoring totals I personally would not include him in my own Hall of Fame. But in the real world Hockey Hall of Fame, I will concede that Dave Andreychuk should one day be included in the Hall. By their lower standards, I agree that Dave Andreychuk should one day be included in the Hockey Hall of Fame.

I would even induct Andreychuk ahead of fellow long time goal scorers like Dino Ciccarelli because of the Stanley Cup championship. But I do think the likes of Doug Gilmour, Joe Nieuwendyk, Adam Oates, Pavel Bure, Eric Lindros and maybe even John Leclair should get the nod first. In my mind, they were all dominant players.

So yes, Dave Andreychuk fans, I do suspect one day he will be included in the Hockey Hall of Fame. But not in 2010.

Steve Dykstra

2011-03-19T19:25:00.000-07:00

The fact that Steven Dykstra made it to the NHL at all is almost a miracle. He was something of a late bloomer, only cracking a major junior roster as an over-aged 20 year old.

Never drafted by an NHL team, Dykstra signed with the Buffalo Sabres organization on December 10, 1982. The rugged defenseman quickly earned a reputation as a tough, crease-clearing rearguard who had shown good overall improvement in his three years in the Sabres farm system, mostly with the Rochester Americans.

The Sabres had been looking for a bone-crunching defenseman for some time, and by 1985-86 Dykstra had improved to the point where he was ready to play in the NHL. And play he did. He appeared in 64 games with Buffalo, scoring 4 goals and 21 assists while collecting 108 PIM. He quietly impressed in a small defensive role, providing some depth and physicality to the Sabres weak blueline.

Dykstra had some trouble in 1986-87. He ran into injuries as well as the sophomore jinx. He appeared in 37 games with the Sabres but collected no goals and just 1 assist. He also added 179 PIM as his role had changed to more of an enforcer role. The Sabres blueline had been improved by the additions of savvy veteran Lee Fogolin and skilled Tom Kurvers, so Dykstra's ice time was reduced significantly..

By the end of the 1987-88 season Dykstra was right out of the Sabres plans. Not given enough ice time to progress as a player, Dykstra scored 1 goal and 1 assist in 27 games before being traded to his hometown Edmonton Oilers. Dykstra finished the year on a mini scoring spree - collecting 2 goals and 5 points in 15 games with the Oilers. However Dykstra, acquired for his size and willingness to drop the gloves, was never used in the playoffs.

The Oilers failed to protect the punishing defenseman prior to the start of the 1988-89 season, but the Pittsburgh Penguins quickly nabbed him. He played in a career high 65 contests, collecting 1 goal and 6 assists along with 126 PIM.

Dykstra signed with Hartford as a free agent in the summer of 1989 but only played in 9 games for the Whalers. Instead he spent most of the season back in the minor leagues, a place he would get used to over the coming years. He never would appear in the NHL again following his stint in Hartford, and instead bounced around the AHL, IHL, ECHL and CHL until he retired in 1996.

At the NHL Dykstra was strictly a one dimensional player who had to play within his limitations to be quietly effective. He was big and strong and was best when throwing his weight around, especially in front of his own net. However he lacked NHL skating agility, thus limiting the effectiveness of his hitting game.

Jason Botterill

2011-03-14T19:00:00.000-07:00

As a huge fan of the World Junior Hockey Championships, Jason Botterill of Team Canada quickly became a favorite of mine. After all, when you set a Team Canada record by winning three consecutive gold medals at the WJC, you must be a pretty special player.

He was, although of 481 games as a professional, only 88 came in the NHL. But his hockey resume is impressive nonetheless - the three gold medals, a scholarship at the University of Michigan, first round NHL draft pick by Dallas in 1994. Concussion problems cut his career short, but he is still in the game, having upgraded his schooling with the goal of one day becoming a NHL general manager.

Impressive, but his hockey resume is not even the most decorated in the family. That title is held by his sister, Jennifer.

Jennifer was a mainstay on the Canadian national women's team. She's won 3 Olympic gold medals and 1 Silver. She's been a part of 5 world championship teams, twice being named as the tournament MVP.

She also happens to be the Crimson's all time leading scorer with 65 goals, 109 assists for 174 points in 184 career games. At one time she had a ridiculous 80 game point scoring streak, and she is the only two time winner of the Patty Kazmaier Awards as top female college hockey player in the US.

Jason remembers a slightly different childhood than most Canadian boys - playing competitive sibling hockey games against his sister.

"She has always been a fairly good skater and an excellent playmaker," says Jason, who will readily admit she was the better skater. Although Jason was not the most agile skater, skating came naturally for the Botterill family. Their mother Doreen was a Canadian Olympic speed skater in 1964 and 1968.

Although the kids played many sports, hockey was their true love.

"We used to play ball hockey in our basement. I knew she was probably going to be a pretty good player when I'd go in net and, when she started out, she'd shoot little softballs at me and they'd be no problem at all.

"Then, as she got going, she'd wind up and take big slappers at me and I'd be darting to get out of the way rather than trying to stop them."

By the way, Jason is back in the NHL nowadays. He is a rising star in management.

Michel Deziel

2011-03-13T19:22:00.000-07:00

The Buffalo Sabres have had pretty good success with players out of the QMJHL. Gilbert Perreault, Rick Martin, Rene Robert, Pierre Turgeon, Pat Lafontaine have all starred for the Sabres.

One player who the Sabres were hoping would join that group was Michel Deziel (shown here in the spectacular Providence Reds jersey)

Historically, and especially in the 1970s, the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League has had a reputation for developing one dimensional offensive forwards. Deziel fit that description perfectly. He was an explosive scorer in junior.

Get this. In his final year of junior hockey, Deziel scored 92 goals and 227 points! If you think that is ridiculous, check this out: even with those numbers, Deziel failed to lead his team in any major scoring category. Pierre Larouche scored 94 goals, 157 assists for a then-record 251 points. Jacques Cossette led the team in goals with 97.

Larouche of course went on to be a pretty good NHLer. Cossette was given over 64 games with the Pittsburgh Penguins, but never panned out. The Sorel Black Hawks team that Deziel and company played on also featured future NHL stalwarts Pierre Mondou and Lucien Deblois.

Despite the scoring stats, Deziel was never considered to be a top prospect. The Sabres utilized their 47th overall pick in the 1974 draft. The 3rd round selection indicated most pro scouts didn't think Deziel's defensive abilities or size was up to NHL standards, and that his scoring stats were inflated by the incredible junior team he played on.

Ultimately, the scouts were proven to be correct. Deziel had a couple of decent seasons with the Hershey Bears of the AHL before quickly disappearing, and only got one game in the National Hockey League.

Deziel's one game was interesting at least. He is one of only 24 players to have seen their only NHL action in the heat of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Deziel dressed for a single, lonely game during the Sabres playoff run of 1975. Having never seen NHL action before, it was baptism under fire for the rookie's introduction.

Although the Sabres thought he could help in that playoff game, he never was given another chance. By doing so Deziel joins a small group headlined by Don Cherry as players who never played a regular season game but did play in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Jocelyn Guevremont

2011-03-13T13:40:00.000-07:00

As a junior defenseman with the Montreal Junior Canadiens from 1968 to 1971, Jocelyn Guevremont established some very impressive credentials, especially for his offensive work from the point. He was the top offensive defenseman of the 1971 draft and was dubbed as the next Bobby Orr. So highly regarded was the two time Memorial Cup champion that the Vancouver Canucks selected Guevremont third overall behind none other than hockey legends Guy Lafleur and Marcel Dionne.

Though he lacked defensive ability to jump to the NHL right away, he joined the Canucks for the 1971-72 season and finished his rookie campaign with a then-league-record 51 points by a rookie dman. He impressed enough that he was asked to represent Canada at the inaugural top level international hockey showdown as Team Canada took on the Soviets in the 1972 Summit Series. He did not play in the tournament though, as his wife, who accompanied him to Moscow, fell ill and fame home to a Canadian hospital.

Though he continued to be an offensive specialist, the Canucks lacked the patience and veteran player presence to properly teach Geuvremont the defensive game that he was knocked for. It wasn't until a trade to the Buffalo Sabres in 1974 that "Josh" earned the reputation as a solid two way player.

The Sabres of the 1970s were known for their hulking, physical defenders. Guevremont didn't necessarily fit in with that group more so than complimented it nicely with his different approach. Guevremont was a regular power play power point quarterback in Buffalo, often trying to set up forward Rene Robert for one timers on the other point, while Gilbert Perreault, Rick Martin and Danny Gare set up down low. When playing at full strength he often paired with lanky defensive specialist Bill Hajt.

Guevremont lasted with the Sabres until 1979 when he was moved on to the New York Rangers. Guevremont's career came to a disappointing end with the Rangers. Upset with his lack of playing time in the Big Apple, he asked to be sent to the minors so he could play. Still unhappy about the situation, Guevremont warned the Rangers' management that unless he got some ice-time on his next invite the NHL, they could consider him to have an injury. As a result, the Rangers blackballed the crafty defenseman. Word traveled across the league that the veteran defender was damaged goods, scaring off other teams from picking him up.

Guevremont retired at the close of the 1979-80 campaign. He played 571 games, scored 84 goals, 223 assists and 307 points.

After retiring Guevremont tried his hand coaching in junior hockey and setting up his own hockey schools and fantasy hockey camps in Florida. He also became quite involved with the Ottawa Wheels professional roller hockey team in the mid 1990s.

Mike J. Boland

2011-03-12T14:05:00.000-08:00

Mike J. Boland (not to be confused with Mike Anthony Boland who played 2 games with the Philadelphia Flyers in 1974-75) was an aggressive defensemen who persevered through years of riding busses in the minor leagues for a brief appearances with the Kansas City Scouts in 1974-75 and Buffalo Sabres in 1978-79.

Born in London, Ontario, Mike briefly played for the junior-A London Knights before spending most of his Ontario junior career with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Boland's 16 goals and 71 points with 343 penalty minutes in his career in junior hockey didn't impress too many NHL scouts, however. He wasn't drafted until the lowly Kansas City Scouts selected him 110th overall in the 1974 entry draft.

Although he made his NHL debut in his rookie professional season of 1974-75, Mike was buried in the minor leagues until he was released as an unrestricted free agent in 1978.

The Buffalo Sabres were looking for a little depth and toughness for their minor league team in Hershey for the 1978-79 season, and offered Mike a minor league contract after he impressed the Sabres brass at training camp. The Sabres would later sign him to an NHL contract as their NHL defensive corps were decimated by injuries. Mike got a call-up and enjoyed his finest moments as a professional. He finished the season as an NHLer - participating in 22 regular season games. He was able to chip in one goal and 2 assists. He also played in all 3 of the Sabres playoff contests, and again chipped in with another goal.

The Sabres regained their depth by the beginning of the 1979-80 season as everyone became healthy. In addition Jon Van Boxmeer was brought in and youngsters Larry Playfair and Lindy Ruff were given NHL jobs. Thus Mike found himself again buried in the minor league system.

Mike, who is former Sabres’ star Don Luce's brother in law, never was able to make it back to the NHL. But he continued to apply his steady and aggressive trade in various minor league cities until 1984.

Francois Guay

2011-03-12T14:00:00.000-08:00

Although Francois Guay is a member of the NHL's "one-game wonder" club, he did enjoy a lengthy hockey career.

Born in Gatineau, Quebec, Francois rose to prominence as a member of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League's Laval Titan. He was drafted 152nd overall by the Buffalo Sabres in 1986 following two less-than-inspiring seasons in the QMJHL. but then he blossomed with 129 points and 144 points in the following two seasons in junior hockey.

Guay, no relation to former Los Angeles King and US Olympian Paul Francois Guay, turned professional in 1988-89 and really struggled. He got into just 45 games and scored 6 goals and 26 points with the Rochester Americans.

A healthy Guay emerged as a credible AHL player in 1989-90. He impressed enough with his 28 goal, 63 point season to warrant a look at the NHL level. Little did Francois know then that that would be his only NHL game.

Francois returned to Rochester for the 1990-91 season but was unable to improve his game to the point where he would be given another shot in Buffalo.

A free agent in the summer of 1991, Francois found very few offers to his liking. He opted to try playing in Europe for year. It turned out to be a great move for Francois, who really enjoyed his year in Innsbruck (Austria) and returned for two more years. Ultimately Francois would continue playing in Europe through the turn of the century. He would star in both Switzerland and Germany.

Stu Barnes

2011-02-26T19:12:00.000-08:00

Speedster Stu Barnes was an enthusiastic though undersized player who seemed to defy the odds and be a big time player in the NHL.

Barnes combined speed, a great work ethic and good anticipation skills to last in the NHL for 17 seasons. For me, anyways, he was the kind of guy I'd forget was even in the league still until the day his team came to town. Then he'd have a big game, make a big play or score a big goal, and you'd wonder why you hadn't heard more about him lately.

Barnes was versatile, playing either at center or on the wing. He wasn't big but he played with great heart and passion. He was the kind of player who could energize his team or his home rink with a gutsy, inspiring shift. He would forecheck hard, perhaps lay out a surprisingly loud hit, or force a turnover and create a scoring chance. By keeping his feet always kept motoring, often drawing penalties.

Barnes could be used on either specialty team unit. He had a big shot for the power play, though he was better known on the PK where his anticipation skills really came in handy.

Handy. If there is one word that could sum up Stu Barnes as a hockey player I think handy would be a very apt fit.

Stu Barnes played in 1136 regular season NHL games, scoring 261 goals, 336 assists and 597 points. In 116 playoff games he scored 30 goals and 32 assists. He never won a Stanley Cup, but was a big part of both Florida's (1996) and Buffalo's (1999) march to the Cup finals.

Gates Orlando

2011-02-24T18:09:00.000-08:00

Gaetano Orlando, or Gates as he's usually known as, was a small and smart center who never quite got the chance to establish himself in the NHL, instead he went on to become one of the better players over in Europe.

Gates was a very promising player as a little kid in Montreal. He never had the size but he was so smart and shifty that he always was among the better players. As a junior he played for the Montreal Jr. Canadiens (QMJHL) where he was among the best players on the team. Instead of further play in the QMJHL he went to study at the Providence College. After his first college season he was drafted by Buffalo 164th overall in 1981. If it hadn't been for his size then he most likely would have been drafted in the first two rounds.

Gates played exceptionally well during his four seasons at Providence (coached by Lou Lamoriello who later became New Jersey's GM) and scored 210 points (93+117) in 129 games. He was even a finalist for the prestigious Hobey Baker Award given to the top US collegiate player. Only days after he had played his last game for Providence he dressed for the Rochester Americans (AHL) and finished the 1983-84 AHL season with 15 points in 11 games.

After Gates first NHL training camp in 1984,Buffalo sent him to Rochester. He played so well in Rochester that he got called up by Buffalo early in November 1984. Gates NHL debut against Boston on November 5 was successful as he collected two assists. He only played 11 games for Buffalo, scoring 9 points. In 1985-86 Gates was a regular in Buffalo most of the season and played behind the legendary Gilbert Perreault who had been Buffalo's number one center for 16 seasons.

Gates never felt secure about his position in Buffalo and was constantly being called up and down from Rochester. In 1986-87 he played 27 games for Buffalo,which proved to be his last stop in the NHL. In Rochester he was a dominant force, scoring 64 points in only 44 games. Then in the playoffs he led all AHL playoff scorers with 22 points (in 18 games).and was the driving force behind Rochester's league title.

Gates was almost too good for the AHL. He scored 139 points in 107 games and was certainly good enough to center the second or third line on most NHL teams. Gates turned down an offer from Buffalo, knowing that he would probably get stuck in the AHL. So when the Italian team Merano (HC Meran) contacted him after the 1986-87 season, Gates thought that he would give it a shot. Gates father after all was Italian and the money were better than in the AHL. Little did Gates know at that time that he would spend the rest of his career over in Europe.

Gates European stint was extremely successful. He played seven seasons (1987-94) in Italy for HC Meran, HC Bolzano and Milano Devils. During these seven years he won the Italian scoring title twice and scored a whopping 601 points in only 233 games (2.57 points per game). He was the MVP as well as an All-Star several times. He also won three league titles.

In 1994 he was offered a huge contract by the Swiss team SC Bern. By then Gates was considered one of the best players in Europe, regardless of league. He didn't disappoint the Berns fans, playing excellent hockey, leading the Swiss league in scoring once during the regular season and once in the playoffs. He also guided Bern to a league title. Between 1994-98 he scored 226 points in 154 games for Bern.

Gates also represented Italy in 9 World Championships as well as two Olympic tournaments. He was named the top forward in the 1990 B-Pool WC. In these tournaments he scored a fine 72 points in 68 games and was many times one of the best players. In later years Gates developed into an exceptional faceoff specialist, one of the best in Europe. On the Italian national team he centered one of the most feared lines for many years. Gates together with his wingers Lucio Topatigh and Winnipeg born Bruno Zarillo was always the line that opposing teams tried to shut down but failed most of the time. Internationally this line recorded 117 points in only 55 games.

Gates never got the chance to really show what he could do in the NHL, but over in Europe where the emphasis on his small size wasn't as big as in North America , he could excel. Given the proper chance Gates would have been a steady 50-70 point scorer in the NHL. Since the mid 90's Gates was one of the best payed players in Europe and didn't have to regret his decision to play over in Italy.

Trent Kaese

2011-02-12T20:06:00.000-08:00

Nanaimo, British Columbia's, Trent Kaese is another member of the one-game wonder club. The stocky right-winger got into one game with the Sabres in 1988-89.

Despite his lonely NHL game, Kaese's hockey resume features more than just that. A good cornerman, Kaese was a solid two way junior forward in the WHL. The Sabres drafted Kaese 161st overall in 1985.

Kaese turned pro in 1987-88 and would spend the next two seasons bouncing around the minor leagues. He found a home with the Winston-Salem Thunderbirds of the upstart ECHL in 1989-90, scoring 56 goals.

Kaese's success in the ECHL was not enough to keep him in the deep south. The very next year he left to become one of the most explosive players in Great Britain. He would play with the Peterborough Pirates, Milton Keynes Kings, and Blackburn Hawks before retiring in 1995. He scored 372 goals and 787 points in just 197 games!

Kaese returned to Vancouver Island after retiring as a professional. He had his amateur status reinstated and played for the Powel River Regals and Nanaimo Clippers while chasing the Allan Cup. He would later coach the Junior Clippers and manage a local golf club.

Timo Jutila

2011-02-11T17:05:00.000-08:00

A tiny defensemen at just 5'7" 175lbs, Timo Jutila made up for his lack of size with great mobility and good puck movement and hockey sense. Jutila was never overly enthused by the rugged North American style of play. Despite this the Buffalo Sabres liked his high skill level and drafted him 68th overall in the 1982 Entry Draft.

A proud Finn, Jutila was already something of a legend in Finland by the time he was drafted by the Sabres. Jutila was a standout junior player. He earned Silver and Bronze medals in the 1981 and 1982 World Junior Championships, respectively. He was so good that he was the youngest player ever in the Finnish Elite League, debuting at age 16 with his hometown Tappara Tampere, and helped the team capture the league championship in 1982..

Seeing the success of other Finns in the NHL, including Buffalo's Hannu Virta, Jutila attended the Sabres training camp in September 1983 and got into 3 pre-season games before returning to Tampere. It was a season to remember for Jutila. Again he led the team to a league championship, but he also had the chance to represent his country at the Olympic games.

Jutila attempted to make the jump to the National Hockey League in 1984-85. He made the team out of training camp, and scored 1 goal and 6 points in 10 games before being sent down to the minor leagues. With the Rochester Americans he developed his game to North American standards. His high skill level was apparent in the AHL, but he never did become enthralled with the more physical game.

Jutila returned to Finland in 1985-86 and would never return to the North America. But make no mistake, Jutila was far from done in hockey. He would go on to become a Hall of Famer after retiring in 1999.
Jutila returned to Finland and captured three more national championship titles. In total he played 561 games with Tampere, racking up an amazing 435 points. Surprisingly he was an all star only 5 times and only once was named as the top defenseman in Finland. Jutila also spent several years playing in Sweden and Switzerland.

Jutila still embraced the Finnish national team level. He participated in two more Olympic Games, including a bronze medal performance in 1994. He participated in eight IIHF World Championship tournaments, capturing two silver medals, and was instrumental in Finland's first IIHF World Championship gold medal in 1995. Jutila also participated in the 1987 and 1991 Canada Cups.

In total Jutila participated in 246 national team games, many of which he served as team captain, scoring 128 points. One of the greatest Finnish players of all time, his great devotion to the Finnish National Team got him elected to the IIHF Hockey Hall of Fame in 2003.

Jutila remains active as a hockey broadcaster in Finland in his retirement.

Viktor Gordiouk

2011-02-11T16:53:00.000-08:00

When the iron curtain came down in the early 1990s, Russian players were en vogue in the NHL. Teams were signing as many players as they could afford, in attempts to exploit the strong skill and skating games of the former Soviet regime.

The Sabres signed left-winger Viktor Gordiouk for the 1992-93 season. Gordiouk was a veteran of six seasons with the Soviet Wings. He had two World Junior Championships and an Olympics on his resume before coming to North America. In 1992 he won a gold medal with the renamed Commonwealth of Independent States.

Chosen 142nd overall by the Buffalo Sabres in 1990 and scored nine points in 16 games during a brief recall in 1992-93. The young forward earned a second chance at a big league career after notching 67 points for the AHL's Rochester Americans in 1993-94 but only posted 2 assists during a ten game recall in 1994-95.

Thou he was a clever little offensive player, his game was better suited for the European game.He ended up in the IHL for two years then joined Germany's Dusseldorfer in 1996-97. He remained in Germany until 2001

Yuri Khmylev

2011-02-11T16:34:00.000-08:00

Of the old Soviet bloc that flooded the NHL scene in the early 1990s, Yuri Khmylev was one of the more unknown and unheralded players.

Khmylev was a skilled two-way winger who played 263 NHL games with the Sabres and St. Louis Blues. He had a lengthy career in Russia prior to arriving in the NHL.

Born in Moscow, Khmylev was a pretty well kept secret in North America because he played eleven years with Soviet Wings rather than with the more famous CSKA Red Army team. Despite his affiliation with the Wings, Khmylev was added to the Soviet National Team for 6 seasons.

Khmylev's first taste of national glory came in 1984 when was a part of the USSR gold medal winning team at the 1984 World Junior Championships. He would graduate to the Soviet national team where he played in the World Championships in 1986, 1987, and 1989, winning two golds and a silver. In 1987 he also played with the Soviet All-Stars vs. the NHL All Stars at Rendez-Vous '87 in Quebec City. He would also be part of the Soviet team that returned later in 1987 to challenge Canada in the memorable three-game Canada Cup final.

He represented the Soviet Wings when they toured the NHL in 1989-90 and played in the 1989 and 1990 Friendship Tour games in Moscow. His skill was such that he was added to the Central Red Army when it toured the NHL in 1988-89 and 1990-91.

1992 was a memorable year for Khymlev. He represented his politically revamped country (then briefly known as) Commonwealth of Independent States) when they won the gold medal at the 1992 Albertville Olympics Olympics. He would later be inducted into the Russian version of the Hockey Hall of Fame.

1992 was also memorable because the Buffalo Sabres drafted the veteran Soviet 108th overall. Because of new political freedoms, Khmylev was able to come to Buffalo that fall and made the team. He scored 20 goals as a "rookie," and followed that up with 27 in his sophomore season. Khmylev proved to be a very useful forward on either of Buffalo's top two lines. When playing with Dale Hawerchuk, Khmylev was able to play more of an offensive role. When he played on the top line with Pat Lafontaine and Alex Mogilny, he became almost a safety valve defensive player, allowing those two to cheat offensively. Khmylev was also a good penalty killer and had little trouble playing on the small ice of the Buffalo Auditorium.

Khmylev would have been a standout NHL player if he was able to come to North American earlier in his career. After two solid seasons in Buffalo his age was beginning to catch up to him a bit. He remained with the Sabres until 1996 when he joined the St. Louis Blues very briefly.

In 263 NHL games Khmylev scored 64 goals and 152 points.

Andrew Peters

2011-02-11T12:55:00.000-08:00

Andrew Peters the hockey player never really impressed me much. Now that he announced his retirement and I have learned more about Andrew Peters the person I have found a great deal of respect for.

There was no mistaking Peters' job on the ice. Over six seasons he played in 200 games with the Buffalo Sabres and another 29 with the New Jersey Devils. In that time he scored just 4 goals and 3 assists.

"It’s sad when you can remember every single one of your goals and assists," he told The Sporting News. "But in the same sense not many people got to do what I did. That, in a sense, is an accomplishment."

Peters role was unmistakable. He was the resident tough guy. 650 penalty minutes in his NHL career. He earned his reputation in the minor leagues. In 2001-02 he led the AHL with 338 penalty minutes, and even fought his own brother, Geoff.

Getting punched in the head is not exactly the easiest job in hockey, but Peters embraced it.

“I loved every minute of it. It has to come to an end at some point. Hockey isn’t something that lasts forever, especially a guy with my role. You see less and less of it, which is a shame. It’s a pretty important part of the game."

In accepting the role, Peters was able to earn a over $2 million in NHL career salary.

Peters will probably be best remembered for his fight with Ottawa goaltender Ray Emery. Emery had just completed a fight with Buffalo goalie Martin Biron, only to find Peters coming his way. I thought that was crossing a line for Peters. For a NHL goon to attack a goalie at any time, let alone after he had already completed a fight, was against the NHL's much talked about fighting code. That incident told me all I needed to know about Peters, especially since the tired Emery held his own against the heavyweight.

Peters was acquired by the Vancouver Canucks in 2010-11. The Canucks were a very deep team and had no room for him at the NHL level, and demoted him back to the AHL. The Canucks were nice in that they arranged for Peters to return to Rochester, loaning him to the Amerks. But a missed curfew early in the season saw him exiled from Rochester by the parent Florida Panthers. Since the Canucks own farm team, the Manitoba Moose, did not want the tough guy either, Peters was a hockey player with no place to play.

By February the Canucks and Peters agreed to part ways, allowing for the contractual release of the player.
He and his wife Erin are returning to Buffalo and will operate a medical distribution business, or as he says, "using my brain for something other than a punching bag."

I tend to not pay a lot of attention to the one dimensional goons, or designated sitters as I like to call them. I had dismissed Peters as just that. But in reading about his career courtesy quotes of his former teammates, I quickly realize just how big of a role a player like Peters can play even from the bench, in the dressing room and on the team flights. Such contributions to team success are impossible to quantify.

Peters also was well liked in the community. While in Buffalo he was a regular contributor to a number of charity and hospital fundraiser events.

Dean Melanson

2011-02-10T13:53:00.000-08:00

Dean Melanson was a big aggressive defenseman from the St. Hyachinthe Lasers of the QMJHL. Though his hustle and muscle was NHL caliber, ultimately his skating and puck skills prevented him from achieving a regular NHL job.

Melanson would only get into five NHL games with the Sabres, but became a popular player with the Sabres AHL affiliate in Rochester. Melanson played parts of seven seasons in Rochester and matured from a tough guy to a very dependable defender.

In 1999 Melanson departed for the Philadelphia Flyers organization, but was traded near the end of the season to the Washington Capitals. The move was good for Melanson, who was rewarded for all of his years mucking and grinding in the minor leagues when the Caps gave him a 4 game call-up to the NHL in 2001-02.

The following season Melanson was traded to the Ottawa Senators organization before trying his hand in Europe.

David Moravec

2011-02-10T13:34:00.000-08:00

When the Buffalo Sabres drafted right-winger David Moravec 218th overall of the 1998 NHL draft, they had hoped they landed an offensive steal.

An explosive scorer, Moravec had just finished leading the Czech league with 38 goals in 51 games prior to being drafted. Most NHL teams passed on him because he made it clear he didn't really have any intention of leaving the Czech Republic. Undaunted, the Sabres felt the low draft pick was worth the gamble.

Moravec did come to North America, albeit very briefly. In 1990-2000 he played in one game with the Sabres before returning home to play with his native Vitkovic HC team. He played right through to the 2009 seasons, also spending some time playing in Russia, Germany, Finland and Sweden.

Moravec proudly represented the Czech Republic on the international stage. He helped the Czechs capture the 1998 Olympic Gold medal as well was as the 1999 and 2001 World Championship gold medals.

David Littman

2011-02-10T13:26:00.000-08:00

Goalie David Littman was a pretty solid prospect with success at the collegiate, international, and minor league stages of hockey. Though he played briefly with the Buffalo Sabres and Tampa Bay Lightning in the early 1990s, he never fulfilled his NHL promise.

The Cranston, Rhode Island native spent four years at Boston College where he was twice a Hockey East all star.

Chosen 211th overall by the Sabres in 1987, Littman turned pro in 1989-90. By 1990-91 he was one of the hottest goalies outside of the NHL, notching 33 wins for the Rochester Americans of the AHL en route to the AHL first all-star team and sharing the Harry "Hap" Holmes Memorial Award for allowing the fewest goals in the league with Darcy Wakaluk.

Littman proved his season was no fluke by following up in the 1991-92 season with 29 wins and capturing the Holmes Award outright.

Despite his success in Rochester, Littman found it frustrating that he only got into two NHL games with the Sabres. Seeking an opportunity to play in the NHL, Littman signed with the expansion Tampa Bay Lightning. However his hopes of NHL employment weren't any brighter in the Floridian sunshine. He made just one appearance in a Bolts jersey. He spent the rest of the season as the IHL's Atlanta Knights number one goalie.

Littman would sign on with the Boston Bruins organization, and continued to be a stalwart puck stopper in the minor leagues. He helped the Richmond Renegades win the ECHL championship in 1995. Littman, who represented the US at the 1994 World Championships, extended his career by playing as an independent player in the IHL sunbelt, retired in 2000.

Littman now lives in Vancouver and is a producer for EA Sports' series of NHL video games.

Dave Snuggerud

2011-02-09T22:07:00.000-08:00

The Buffalo Sabres made Snuggerud their No. 1 draft pick in the 1987 supplemental draft after an outstanding college career with the University of Minnesota's Golden Gophers. With the Gophers, Snuggerud compiled 140 points (73 goals and 67 assists) in 123 career games, earning team MVP honors in 1988-89 and serving as team captain that same year. In addition, he skated for the 1988 U.S. Olympic Team and was a member of the U.S. National Team in 1989.

In his first season in Buffalo, Snuggerud was the Sabres top rookie during the 1989-90 season. He quickly gained a reputation as a top defensive forward and penalty killer.

Snuggerud was acquired by the Sharks in exchange for Wayne Presley at the end of the 1991-92 season where he played in eleven games, picking up one assist. He started the 1992-93 season in San Jose before being traded to Philadelphia for Mark Pederson in mid-December. With Philadelphia, Snuggerud played 14 games, picking up two assists.

He ended his NHL career with 84 points (30 goals, 54 assists) in 265 games. The retirement was surprising to many who felt he had at least couple of good years still left in him.

But "Snuggy" had different ideas. After retiring at the end of the 1992-93 season, Dave went back to the University of Minnesota to obtain his college degree.

He came out of retirement for one year to play with the Minnesota Moose. However he went back into retirement after one season, this time to teach elementary school.

"Teaching sixth grade is a lot of fun," says Snuggerud. "Right now I'm having the best time of my life."

Chris Langevin

2011-02-09T19:56:00.000-08:00

Left-winger Chris Langevin was a robust player who relied more on guts and effort than skill. He appeared to have beatn the odds that were stacked against him before he was forced to retire.

The Montreal native was never drafted by a NHL team. In three seasons with the QMJHL Chicoutimi Sagueneens Langevin scored 54 goals and collected over 450 penalty minutes. The key stat here was his penalty minutes, as that was his ticket to the NHL.

Undrafted and unsigned by a NHL team, Langevin was undeterred. In 1980-81 he signed with the Saginaw Gears of the then-lowly IHL and enjoyed a fine rookie pro season. He notched 35 goals plus 179 penalty minutes.

The Rochester Americans signed Langevin for the 1981-82 season. The Sabres and Americans had a deal where most of the players on the Amerks roster were supplied by the Sabres, but a few free agents could be brought in by the Amerks themselves. Langevin fit this bill for that season, and he filled the tough guy role admirably, but also showed decent skill. In his second season in Rochester he scored 18 goals and 43 points plus his customary 255 penalty minutes.

The Sabres were impressed enough to sign him to a contract in 1983-84, although he would mostly remain in the minor leagues with Rochester for the next two years.

By 1985-86 Langevin appeared to finally make the NHL. Langevin stuck with the team directly after training camp. the following season and got into 16 games, scoring 2 goals and 1 assist while behaving himself with only 20 penalty minutes. In a game vs. the Quebec Nordiques on November 22, 1985, Langevin blew out his knee. He would never be able to recover from the injury and was forced to retire.

It's a sad ending for a good guy who appeared to have the odds beaten.

Bryan McSheffrey

2011-02-09T19:41:00.000-08:00

Bryan McSheffrey was a junior hockey star in his hometown of Ottawa. He excelled with the famed Ottawa 67's from 1968 to 1971. By his draft year he scored 52 goals and 96 points.

Impressed with his size and scoring ability, the Vancouver Canucks made the big right winger their 2nd choice, 19th overall in the 1972 NHL Amateur Draft. As a 20-year-old rookie McSheffrey broke into the Canucks' lineup for 33 games, scoring four goals and eight points, but spent the rest of the year with the minor league Seattle Totems. McSheffrey returned for his second year with the Canucks, but in 54 games was able to score just nine times.

Disappointed with his slow development, the organization made McSheffrey part of a big trade with the Buffalo Sabres on October 14, 1974. Vancouver sent McSheffrey and Jocelyn Guevremont to the Sabres for Gerry Meehan and Mike Robitaille.

McSheffrey was unable to crack the Buffalo lineup, managing to appear in just three games in 1974-75. He spent the rest of his season playing 47 games with the Hershey Bears of the AHL where he collected 12 goals and 20 points.

Though McSheffrey would never play in the NHL again, he did play another five years of professional hockey, including the 1975-76 season with the NAHL Buffalo Norsemen. McSheffrey concluded his career by playing two seasons in Holland, making him one of the few North American pro players to play in Holland.

Brad Miller

2011-02-09T19:00:00.000-08:00

A tough as nails defenseman, Brad Miller was a tough guy for the Rochester Americans who also saw action in 82 NHL games over 6 seasons.

At 6'4" and 230lbs, Miller was a feared and rugged defender who based his game on taking the body, sticking up for teammates, and keeping the front of his net clear. His skill level did not match his physical game. He was limited to chipping the puck off the glass as his regular method of clearing the zone.

Born in Edmonton, Millerplayed his junior with the WHL Regina Pats. His rugged play caught the eye of scouts, as he was selected 22nd overall by the Buffalo Sabres in 1987. He would spend most of his four pro seasons in the Sabres organization working on his consistency with the AHL's Rochester Americans. In 1991-92 he played 42 games with the Sabres, scoring 1 goal and 4 assists, but his 192 penalty minutes underlines why he was in the NHL.

The Ottawa Senators in the 1992 Expansion Draft claimed him, Miller continued to spend most of his time in the minors. He dressed for 11 games for the Sens in 1992-93 and 8 games with the Calgary Flames in 1993-94, but until 2000 he earned his living the hard way - as a minor league tough guy.

Bob Richer

2011-02-08T20:05:00.000-08:00

Born April 28, 1971 in Cowansville, Quebec, Richer was the 4th choice, 47th overall of the Buffalo Sabres in the 1971 NHL Entry Draft, Richer was a graduate of the Quebec Junior Hockey League's Trois-Rivieres Ducs where he developed a reputation as a clutch goal scorer.

The 1971-72 season saw Bob Richer make his professional hockey debut, spending most of his time with the Charlotte Checkers of the Eastern Hockey League. Richer was a member of the 1972 Eastern Hockey League champions

The following season Richer was promoted to the Sabres chief minor league affiliate. Though he spent the majority of the season with the AHL Cincinnati Swords, Richer was promoted for what turned out to be his only three career NHL games during that 1972-73 season. He picked up no points in that trial.

Unable to secure a roster spot with the Sabres in 1973-74, Richer returned to Cincinnati where he would play in his final season of professional hockey.

Bob Logan

2011-02-08T19:56:00.000-08:00

Bob Logan is a smart guy. A gifted student and hockey player, Logan balanced a promising hockey career with his studies in mechanical engineering at Yale University.

Logan opted to pursue a hockey career after graduating from Yale in 1986. The Montreal native was drafted 100th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in 1982. In addition to his scholastic excellence, he was a ECAC all star who earned a contract offer with the Sabres.

The young forward began apprenticing with the AHL Rochester Americans where he was red hot .He scored 30 times in 56 contests to earn a trial at the NHL level. He scored seven goals in 22 games in the NHL, including a goal in his very first game. He would return to the minors that spring and score 15 points in the playoffs while helping the Americans win the Calder Cup.

Logan scored 23 goals for Rochester in 1987-88 and was recalled to Buffalo for 16 more games but he could only muster 3 goals. The Sabres gave up on him early the following season, trading him to Wayne Gretzky's Los Angeles Kings. Logan would spend most of his time in the minor leagues, but did play 4 games for the Kings.

Logan extended his career with part of a season in Switzerland, but retired in 1990. He scored 10 goals and 15 points in 42 NHL games.

Logan went into the hockey equipment manufacturing business after his retirement, becoming the product-testing director for Canstar Sports Group, which makes Bauer, Cooper, Nike and other hockey products.

Bob Corkum

2011-02-08T19:34:00.000-08:00

Bob Corkum was a tough physical player who could play all three forward positions. He was a decent skater with otherwise average-at-best skills. He rarely handled the puck, always looking to dump it in or make a short pass.

The Sabres drafted Corkum in the third round of the 1986 draft following a stellar career with the University of Maine. The transition to pro hockey was not an easy one for Corkum. Despite is size, he really needed work on his puck skills and hockey sense. Despite scoring on his first NHL shot, Corkum would only play in 28 regular season games in his first two years, although was always recalled from the minors for the physical NHL playoffs.

Corkum finally cracked the Sabres lineup on a full time basis in 1992-93, but was strictly a 4th liner. He had a chance to prove himself the following season when the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim selected him in the expansion draft. Corkum exploded for 23 goals and 51 points in that first year with the Ducks. No expansion player blossomed like Corkum did that year. It was a prime example of a player taking full advantage of increased ice time and responsibility.

The offensive spurt was short lived however. As the expansion team was able to stock itself with more and more NHL quality talent, Corkum struggled and was unable to reproduce numbers like those. Eventually was returned to 3rd and 4th line checking duties, a position more akin to his abilities.

Though he never returned to the 20 goal level, Corkum remained a useful if limited cog in the NHL as a checking center and a fore-checking winger. He would bounce around the league, making stops in Philadelphia, Phoenix, Los Angeles, New Jersey and Atlanta before finally returning to the Sabres late in the 2001-02 season. He was able to translate that into a 720 game NHL career including 97 goals and 203 points.

Bill Stewart

2011-02-07T21:33:00.000-08:00

Though most fans won't remember him, Bill Stewart had a very long professional hockey career.

Stewart was a well travelled junior player who earned a reputation as a rough and tumble defender with good puck skills. Though considered a bit of a diamond in the rough, the Sabres drafted him 68th overall in the 1977 NHL Entry Draft. They were hoping he could one day develop into the prototypical Sabres defenseman of that era - big and strong but capable of doing more with the puck than just banging it off of the glass, much like King Kong Korab or Lee Fogolin or Jim Schoenfeld.

The Sabres were introducing several new blue liners to the team in 1978-79. Larry Playfair joined Stewart as inexperienced rearguards. Stewart, who appeared with the Sabres in the previous season's playoffs, put in a yeoman's effort. He appeared in 67 games, and worried only about defense. He would score 18 points, including his first NHL goal.

Despite having a full NHL season under his belt, Stewart was sent back to the minors the following season, and would never again play for the Sabres. By 1980-81 he was with the St. Louis Blues organization. That season he enjoyed his best NHL season, scoring 2 goals and 23 points in 60 games, and posting an impressive +19 defensive rating. However he would find himself back in the minors the following season.

1983-84 was another new start for Stewart. He turned down an offer to play for a team in Switzerland to joined his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs. Stewart put in a another nice effort as the 5th or 6th defenseman with the Leafs that year. Injuries hampered him the following year, and he found himself back in the minor leagues.

Stewart signed with the Minnesota North Stars for the 1985-86 season, but aside from 8 games spent the entire year in the minor leagues.

In the summer of 1986 Stewart made a drastic change in his hockey career. Perhaps tired of the uncertainties of the NHL and busses of the minor leagues, Stewart took a job offer with a club team in Italy. Though not known for their hockey, Stewart fell in love with Italy and would spend 9 years playing there. He evened gained Italian citizenship and represented the country at the 1992 and 1993 World Championships and the 1992 and 1994 Olympic games.

Stewart has since returned to North America and pursued a coaching career. He had a great deal of success in the minor leagues and juniors. Unfortunately a questionable incident has sidelined his future North American coaching options. In the 1999-2000 season he was coaching the junior Barrie Colts. The team bus was about to cross the US border for games down in Michigan when he realized Ukrainian defenseman Vladimir Chernenko did not have his proper passport and paperwork to cross the border. Stewart had Chernenko hide in the baggage compartment hoping not to tie up the team at the border for a lengthy delay. Chernenko was discovered and Stewart took full responsibility for the incident. Stewart has since returned to Europe and has been coaching in Germany.

Bill Inglis

2011-02-07T21:28:00.000-08:00

Bill Inglis was an undersized checking forward. Standing just 5'9" and 165lbs, Inglis was known for relentless back checking and forechecking.

The native of Ottawa, Inglis was buried deep in the Montreal Canadiens development system before expansion brought about his dream of playing in the NHL.

In the 1967 expansion draft, the Los Angeles Kings claimed Inglis from the Habs' organization. He played briefly with the Kings, including as a regular during the 1969 playoffs, but continued to be a minor league regular with Springfield of the AHL.

In 1970 the Buffalo Sabres and Vancouver Canucks joined the league as expansion franchises. The Sabres claimed Inglis for their team. He would continue to play in the minor leagues, but did dress for 14 games with the Sabres that first season.

Those games proved to be Inglis' final as a NHL player, but he continued a lengthy minor league career. His best season came in 1972-73 with the Sabres top affiliate in Cincinnati. Inglis was name as the AHL MVP and scored 40 goals.

Inglis retired as a player in 1978 and the Sabres hired him as a scout. However it was not long before Inglis returned to the NHL. On December 6, 1979, Inglis replaced the fired Marcel Pronovost as the head coach Sabres. The appointment initially carried an interim tag but when the Sabres responded with an inspiring 28-18-10 record.

Typical of Ignlis' career, he did not get the respect he deserved. Despite the good job, Ignlis was removed as head coach in the off season when the Sabres lured coaching legend Scotty Bowman from the Montreal Canadiens as coach and general manager.

BIll Houlder

2011-02-07T21:22:00.000-08:00

When Bill Houlder broke into the NHL with the Washington Capitals, he had an early initiation to the best of the NHL. Houlder made a play against the great Mario Lemieux that, somewhat embarrassingly, made highlight reels across Canada and the United States.

"Somehow I got stuck out there against (Lemieux)," he recalled. "And he was coming down the ice one-on-one with me. I was trying to watch his chest, but I kept seeing his arms going back and forth, moving the puck down by my feet. I was thinking, 'That puck's got to be right down there.' When I finally looked down, my feet were weaving so badly that I fell flat on my backside..."

Lucky for Houlder, Lemieux did not walk in on a breakaway and score. Houlder awkwardly fell right on the puck.

Lemieux would later apologize to the freshman. "He said, 'Sorry about that, kid.' I said, 'That's all right. I don't think you'll have to worry about seeing me out here too much more tonight.'"

Houlder's less than graceful introduction to the NHL was something he would overcome. The former North Bay Centennial's junior star would play in 846 games. He scored 59 goals and 250 points in that time.
Houlder would have a vagabond career though. He was a regular expansion player, often playing with new franchises.

After debuting with the Caps in 1987 (and scoring his first NHL goal against Buffalo's Tom Barrasso), Houlder joined the Sabres thanks to a September 30, 1990, trade for Shawn Anderson. Houlder was never a regular in Buffalo, but by 1992-93 he played 15 games with the Sabres and helped them reach the second round of the playoffs.

Houlder was claimed by the expansion Anaheim Mighty Ducks. Finally Houlder was able to join the NHL on a full time basis. He played 80 games and impressed with 39 points. He was a regular on the Ducks' power play.

The Ducks moved Houlder to the St. Louis Blues in the summer of 1994. Houlder would stick with the Blues during the lockout shortened season, registering 18 points in 41 games.

The summer of 1995 saw Houlder change addresses once again, although this time the big defenseman had some say in his new home as he signed as a free agent with the Tampa Bay Lightning. He would enjoy two seasons with the Bolts, and helped them reach the playoffs for the first time in 1996.

The journeyman signed as a free agent with the San Jose Sharks in 1997-98. In his first season with his new team, he played all 82 games and had 32 points. In 1998-99, he recorded 32 points in 76 games.

The Lightning reacquired Houlder at the beginning of the 1999-2000 season, but lost him on waivers only 14 games into the season. The Nashville Predators picked up the veteran rearguard and was very pleased with his play and experience. He would remain on the Predators blue line until his retirement at the conclusion of the 2003 season.

Dave Hannan

2011-02-05T22:18:00.000-08:00

Dave Hannan was an average player in many respects. Yet he was one of the most valuable and unheralded players on every team he ever played on.

"Hanner" was an average skater and puckhandler. He liked to play a physical game but because of his size limitations, he wasn't the most effective hitter out there. Yet he played bigger than he actually was. Hannan was a good faceoff man and penalty killer, with a knack for defensive anticipation. Although he had modest tangible skills, Hannan enjoyed a 16 year professional career with more than 900 games under his belt. He lasted that long because of his great attitude, hard work and leadership abilities.

After playing his junior hockey with Sault Ste. Marie and Brantford of the Ontario Hockey Association, Hannan was drafted 196th overall in the 1981 Entry Draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins. Hannan played his first NHL game during the 1981-82 season with the Pens, but spent the rest of the year with the Pens farm team in Erie of the AHL.

Dave spent most of the 1982-83 season with the Pens, scoring 11 goals and 33 points, but spent most of the following two seasons in the minors. He did appear in 54 NHL contests over those years but it wasn't until the 1985-86 season that Hannan had finally made it to the National Hockey League to stay.

Hannan played a solid role as a penalty killer and defensive specialist in what was essentially his 2nd full NHL season. But Hannan also chipped in with his best offensive season, scoring 17 goals and 35 points.

"Hanner" was on course for a similar season in 1986-87 but he was limited to only 58 games due to injuries. He scored 10 goals and 25 points

Dave began his seventh pro season in the Penguins' organization before he was traded to the Edmonton Oilers during the 1987-88 campaign. Hannan was part of the huge deal that saw Paul Coffey leave Edmonton. The deal essentially was Hannan, Craig Simpson, Moe Mantha and Chris Joseph for Coffey, Dave Hunter and Wayne Van Dorp. That year he helped the Oilers win the Stanley Cup, the first of his career, an obvious highlight of his career.

"Winning the Cup in Edmonton and playing with some great players, it was a big stepping stone for my career," Hannan said. "I learned how to win in Edmonton and how to care about your teammates." he said.

Hannan's stay in Edmonton was short however as the Penguins re-acquired him for the 1988-89 campaign. The Pens picked up the likeable center off of the preseason waiver draft list. He played in 72 games for the Pens that year, scoring 10 goals and 30 points. He played aggressively, picking up a career high 157 penaty minutes.

Hannan joined the Toronto Maple Leafs the following year where he played parts of three seasons with Toronto. One of the highlites of his stay in Toronto came in his third year. He was having a long season as he wasn't playing very much and was obviously counting down the days until he was moved from Toronto. Leafs GM Cliff Fletcher suggested that Hanner should join Dave King's Olympic program. It would give Hannan a chance to resurect his career and Team Canada desperately wanted his veteran leadership. For Hannan, the choice was obvious and had no regrets.

"I really enjoyed the '92 Olympics because I'd never been to Europe and I didn't really realize how big the Olympics were till I got there," Hannan said. "Once I got over there to practice with the team and started seeing the hoopla and the media and the attention that you get, and then when I marched into the stadium with the team, I felt like a young kid again with this team jacket on. It was incredible.

"I went over there and had a fairly good tournament and we won the silver medal," Hannan added. "I didn't really realize it at the time, I mean it was great to win it (the silver medal), but as the years passed on it sunk in more and the Olympic experience was something I'll never forget."

Following the Olympic tournament, he returned to the NHL and was traded to the Buffalo Sabres where he completed the 1991-92 season. The Sabres were impressed by his play in the Olympics and decided to take a chance on him. It worked out really well for all involved as Hannan spent parts of five seasons with the Sabres as a key defensive forward and sound penalty killer.

Hannan began the 1995-96 campaign with Buffalo but midway through the season he was traded to the Colorado Avalanche. He played a key role in the Avalanche's Stanley Cup championship run that season and looks back at that Cup victory, the second of his career, with fond memories.

"I think getting traded and going to Colorado, which was at the time where my career was probably almost over, to go through that and then watch guys win Cups and have success for their first time was amazing," he said.

Hannan then played 34 games with the Ottawa Senators during the 1996-97 season before deciding to hang up the blades. He retired from the NHL with career totals of 114 goals and 305 points in 841 regular season games.

Gilbert Perreault

2011-01-09T19:53:00.000-08:00

For 17 glorious seasons, Gilbert Perreault was the Buffalo Sabres. As he went, so did the Sabres. An absolute magician with a hockey puck, Perreault ranks high on the NHL's all-time scoring list with 512 goals and 814 assists, for 1326 points in 1,191 games.

Perreault was the first draft choice in Buffalo Sabres history when selected first overall in the 1970 NHL draft. In 1971 he captured the Calder trophy as the NHL's rookie-of-the-year.

In the Sabres second year, the Perreault became the center of the famous "French Connection" line with Rick Martin and Rene Robert.

"Rick Martin joined the Sabres as their first round draft pick in the second year of the franchise. In the same year, Buffalo got Rene Robert in a trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins. We clicked right away. I was there to make the plays, Rick was there to score the goals, and Rene did a little of both. All three of us were good skaters. Our style was comparable to the European style, frequently crisscrossing with a lot of speed" said Perreault, the slickest of the three.

Gilbert was one of the greatest one-on-one players ever. He had more tricks up his sleeve than the rest of his teammates combined.

"In my day, offensive players did a lot more skating and stickhandling, changing speed, dekeing two guys and making plays in the offensive zone. I loved the thrill of beating everyone on the ice, dekeing through the opposition. When I got the puck, I'd dare them to try to get it away from me. Its rare to see that today, save for a few players like Mark Messier or Jaromir Jagr," said Perreault, who grew up admiring great stickhandlers Jean Beliveau and Dickie Moore.

Perreault was often compared to Marcel Dionne and Guy Lafleur, as those three were the top offensive players out of Quebec in their day. Perreault never reached the scoring plateaus that those two did, but many considered him to be the most individually talented. And later on in his career he became aware defensively. Lafleur of course was in Montreal and won many Cups with a great team, so he got the nod as the best Quebecer in the NHL. Dionne was way out in the obscurity of Los Angeles, and never got the recognition he deserved, so Perreault was often considered to be ranked in the middle of that French Trio.

Perreault got off to a blistering start in his NHL career, a career he credited a lot of his success to coach/gm Punch Imlach.

"In my first seasons, Imlach told me to go for goals and not worry about checking. That really helped me get my confidence. The first few years I was there, it was loose. I was rushing the puck a lot. We had style." He (Punch Imlach) showed me video tapes of me in games to prove I was shifting one way too much. He got me to shoot faster; not to nurse the puck for careful aiming. He also wanted me to shoot more and to cut down on what he called 'walking in' on the goalie, something I developed on finding my slap shot wasn't hard enough."

Perreault won the Lady Byng Trophy in 1973 and was a two-time member of the NHL Second All-Star team in 1976 and 1977. The closest Perreault and the Buffalo Sabres franchise has ever come to a Stanley Cup championship was in 1975 when the Sabres were defeated in the finals by the Flyers in six games. Those Sabres teams were special, as the entire team was built around size and solid defensive positioning, plus the explosiveness of Perreault and his linemates. He is an oft-forgotten member of Team Canada 1972, as well as Canada Cup squads.

Perreault never won a Cup, but that was his sole focus. At one point he even considered being traded in order to get that chance at the Cup.

"After 8 or 9 years in Buffalo, I thought about asking for a trade. I wondered if a change would help my career. I was also curious to see how things were done elsewhere. Even the thought of going to the Canadiens crept into my head. I had grown up being a part of winning teams. I knew it would take a few years to get to that point with buffalo, but from 1974-79 we had an especially good chance. We had a lot of good years in Buffalo, but every hockey player wants to win the Stanley Cup. There was a change in Sabres management in 1979 that revived the team, and my thoughts of moving disappeared. In the end I was glad to finish with the Sabres.

Perreault retired as the all time leader for the Buffalo Sabres in every offensive category - 512 goals and 814 assists for 1,326 points in 1,191 regular season games.

Always humble, Perreault's career landed him the ultimate acknowledgement - enshrinement in the Hockey Hall of Fame.

"I didn't enjoy attention when I played but the Hall of Fame is different. It's the greatest honour a player can have."

Tom Barrasso

2011-01-09T19:52:00.000-08:00

Tom Barrasso entered the NHL in the 1983-84 season as an 18 year old straight from high school. The Buffalo Sabres rookie not only succeeded at what is almost unheard of, he turned in one of the greatest individual seasons in the history of the league.

Barrasso originally planned to play for Providence College in Rhode Island, but after ending his high school season by representing Team USA at the World Championships. That confidence boost convinced the youngster to turn pro. In his rookie NHL season, Barrasso won the Vezina Trophy as the leagues best netminder and the Calder Trophy as the top rookie thanks to a 26-12-3 record and a 2.84 GAA. He was named to the first all star team.

After his spectacular season, Barrasso was being hailed as the best goalie in the world by many. He confirmed his elite status by representing Team USA at the 1984 Canada Cup, and then by improving his second season NHL totals to 25-28-10 and a 2.66 GAA. He shared the Jennings trophy and was named to the second team all stars.

The shine on Barrasso's short but brilliant career began to wear off in the 1985-86 season. Barrasso and Bob Sauve had battled for the starters job much of the previous two seasons, but the Sabres ended the goaltending controversy by trading Sauve and declaring Barrasso as their number one man. Barrasso's playing time increased but his numbers fell. In 60 games played, Barrasso posted a 3.61 GAA, and went 24-29-5. Most importantly the Sabres failed to make the playoffs for the first time since the 1973-74 season.

1986-87 wasn't any better. Barrasso got off to a terrible start, and the Sabres never recovered. The Sabres finished dead last in the NHL.

The Sabres stuck with Barrasso, and he rebounded in 1987-88, posting a 25-18-8 record and leading the Sabres back into the playoffs.

Early in the 1988-89 season, Barrasso was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Pittsburgh's powerful offense, led by Mario Lemieux and Paul Coffey, needed some defensive help. Barrasso proved to be that help, as he was an important part of back to back Stanley Cup championships in 1991 and 1992.

Barrasso would stay with the Pens through 200, racking up huge win totals. He became the first American born goalie to win 300 career NHL games. He'd have 369 in all, compared to only 277 losses.

In the new century Barrasso ended his career by bouncing around with the Ottawa Senators, Carolina Hurricanes, Toronto Maple Leafs and St. Louis Blues for very short stints. He was also named to Team USA for the 2002 Olympics and helped the team capture a silver medal.

Because of his spectacular start in Buffalo and his Stanley Cup brilliance in Pittsburgh, it is likely this Sabres legend will end up in Hockey's Hall of Fame.

Christian Ruuttu

2011-01-01T11:47:00.000-08:00

Christian Ruuttu was quietly overlooked as one of the finest players to ever come out of Finland. He played in relative obscurity in small market Buffalo where he battled for ice time up the middle with the likes of Pierre Turgeon and Benoit Hogue. And despite his fine package of skills, determination and desire, Ruuttu never was able to post the numbers that many thought he should have been capable of.

The bucket-headed Ruuttu was not your stereotypical 1980's Finnish hockey player. He was an exuberant physical player who worked hard on every shift. He was a fine defensive player as well. His quickness and endurance made him not only a tremendous forechecker, but a penalty killer as well. A face-off specialist, Ruuttu combined savvy intelligence and a lunch pail work ethic to excel defensively.

Christian was never able to find the offensive game that the Sabres had hoped he could provide. He had a good start to his career, scoring 22 goals and 65 points as a rookie while improving in year two with a career high 26 goals and 71 points. Injuries shortened Christian's season in 1988-89 but he still had 60 points in 67 games. However he would never really regain solid offensive numbers after that as his coaches used him more for his great defensive instincts more than anything else.

Why wasn't Ruuttu able to produce better numbers? The depth chart had something to do with it for sure, as Turgeon, Hogue and later Dale Hawerchuk grabbed most of the offensive ice time. Christian was also more of a play-maker than a goal scorer, and often would overhandle the puck while waiting to make a picture perfect pass rather than just shoot at the net himself. That was his one particular "European flaw."

Drafted 139th overall by the Sabres in 1983, Ruuttu earned much respect as an NHLer in 6 seasons in Buffalo. He was traded to Chicago in 1992 where he played 2 1/2 seasons before finishing his NHL career as a serviceable center in 25 games with the Vancouver Canucks. He totaled 134 goals and 298 assists for 432 points in 621 games.

Christian continued to play hockey after his NHL days. He spent one year in Sweden before going back to Finland. Christian, who represented Finland in 2 World Junior Championships, 8 World Championships and 3 Canada/World Cups, ranks high among the greatest Finnish hockey players ever produced.

Mike Hartman

2010-11-11T16:01:00.000-08:00

Mike Hartman was a tough as nails winger who earned an honest living by keeping NHL opponents honest.

Although he accumulated 1288 penalty minutes in 397 NHL games, it would be unfair to call Mike a "goon." He certainly did his share of dropping the gloves and other NHL dirty work, but he was more than just a goon. He never posted any offensive statistics of note in his career, but he was a reliable player nonetheless. He was an effective bodychecker and had decent speed to make him a decent role player. However make no mistake, Hartman's number one job was to be very physical in protecting his more skilled teammates.

Mike played his junior hockey with the OHL's Belleville Bulls and North Bay Centennials. Although Mike Hartman played junior hockey in Canada, he is a proud American born in Detroit, Michigan. He grew up in a hockey family as his father was the team photographer for the Detroit Red Wings.

The Buffalo Sabres drafted Hartman 131st overall in 1986. The following season he was enjoying his first taste of NHL action as he split his season between the OHL, the World Junior Hockey championships, and the Sabres. Mike acquitted himself nicely with 69 minutes in penalties in 17 games, but also 3 goals and 6 points.

Hartman spent most of the 1987-88 season apprenticing in the minor leagues, but returned to the NHL on a full time basis in 1988-89. Hartman set a Sabres team record with 316 penalty minutes but also added 8 goals and 17 points. His impressive season all but ensured him of an NHL paycheck for the next few years.

Mike continued to do his yeoman's work over the next two years with the Sabres. He was held to just 60 games player in each year, but scored 11 and 9 goals respectively. He also reduced his penalty minute totals to the 200 mark. Without ruining his reputation as a player who would aid his teammates at any time, Hartman was able to help his team by taking less penalties and making more of a contribution while on the ice.

Hartman's development made him an attractive commodity around the NHL. The Winnipeg Jets thought enough of him to make sure he was included in a large trade just prior to the beginning of the 1991 season. That trade saw the Sabres trade Mike, Darrin Shannon and Dean Kennedy to Manitoba for Dave McLlwain, Gord Donnelly and a draft pick (used to select Yuri Khmylev). However in Winnipeg Mark's development was slowed as they wanted him to play more of the traditional "goon" role than a solid grinder role. He would last only one season in Winnipeg before he was left exposed in the 1992 expansion draft.

The Tampa Bay acquired Mike in that draft. he would put in a solid effort with the first year Bolts. He scored 4 goals and 8 points and was only -7 on a bad expansion team. But he would end the year as a member of the New York Rangers.

Injuries limited Mike to just 35 games and no playoff games in the Rangers 1994 Stanley Cup championship year. Although he did not play enough games to qualify him for inclusion of his name on the Stanley Cup initially, although by the time the engraving occurred he was included. Mike calls just being present for that magical playoff run his career highlight.

Mike would play just one more NHL game following that championship victory. He would end up toiling with several minor league teams before finishing his career in Germany in 1999.

Mike retired with 397 NHL contests under his belt. In that time he scored 43 goals and 35 assists for 78 points in addition to 1388 penalty minutes. He added 106 penalty minutes (and no points) in 21 playoff contests.

Hannu Virta

2010-10-10T21:32:00.000-07:00

Hockey fans in Buffalo were ecstatic in 1979 when it was announced they somehow had hired the legendary coach of the Montreal Canadiens dynasty. He left Montreal as he wanted to include the general manager's responsibilities to his job description.

One of the most important contributions a general manager can make is at the draft table. Over the following few years Scotty's selections at the annual prospect stocking event were greeted with mixed reviews. He was able to land some real stars like Phil Housley, Dave Andreychuk and Tom Barrasso. He also picked up some players who never achieved what they had hoped - players like Steve Patrick and Normand Lacombe. He also showed he was a gambler by going after highly touted Europeans in an era where Europeans were still adjusting to North American play. High selections like Jiri Dudacek and Jens Johanson never left Europe, while others came but made little impact.

One of the gems that Bowman found in Europe was Hannu Virta. Bowman drafted him in the second round, 38th overall in the 1981 amateur draft. It was a surprise selection to be sure, although people were still shaking their heads at the first round selection of Dudacek - a star player who would have to defect from communist Czechoslovakia if he were ever to play in the NHL.

Virta was from Turku Finland, and would not have such political obstructions in his way from joining the Sabres, thus making him a less risky selection. Hannu impressed Bowman during a scouting trip to Finland. Virta's puckhandling skills impressed Bowman but he was still concerned if the smallish (5'11" 180 pound) defenseman could play in the physically demanding NHL. Bowman continued to dig for further information on Virta, and was pleasantly surprised to learn that Virta had been suspended that season for his violent play. That eased any concerns Bowman had about Hannu's ability to play a physical game. Bowman would opt to draft Hannu with his second round pick fearing that the Edmonton Oilers were also eyeing him.

Hannu stayed in Finland the first season after being drafted. He had a strong debut season in the Finnish Elite League and also starred in the World Junior Championships before finishing the season with 3 regular season games and 4 playoff games with the Sabres.

Hannu made a favourable impression in his first full NHL season in 1982-83. He scored 13 goals (including a hat trick against Montreal) and 37 points and found himself at home on the NHL ice, even if he was lonely off of it as he struggled to learn English. He impressed everyone with his puck movement. He was outstanding at placing passes to streaking forwards. He was also a great skater

Hannu would never score at the same pace again despite being a regular on the Sabres power play unit, although he did post 36 points in the 1983-84 season. Injuries would limit him to just 51 and 47 games in 1984-85 and 1985-86 respectively.

Hannu opted to return to Finland once his contract with the Sabres expired in 1986. He would play star in Finland upon his return, earning all star rights 5 times. He represented his country in 7 world championships, 2 Canada/World Cups and the 1994 Olympics. He played with TPS Turku until 1994 and again in 1996-97, but played much of the late 1990s in Switzerland. He retired in 1998 and returned to TPS Turku as a coach.

Special thanks to Patrick Houda

Tom Draper

2010-10-10T21:13:00.000-07:00

Tom Draper was born in Outremont, Quebec. He came from a good athletic family. His father was a former junior long jump champion in Quebec during the 1950s.

Tom, a very studious man who would continue to take courses during the summers of his hockey career, opted to go to an American university rather than the Quebec junior leagues. He attended the University of Vermont from 1983-84 through 1986-87. Vermont was definitely not a hockey power back then. Draper would be the only player to play in the NHL, and to enjoy a professional career of note.

The Winnipeg Jets saw something in Tom however, and drafted him 165th overall in the 1985 amateur draft. Draper, who played one season in Finland after graduating, would see 2 NHL games in his rookie professional season, after tearing up the minor leagues. In his first professional season Tom was a Second Team All Star has he went 27-17-5 in a league leading 54 games played. With the Jets Tom picked up his first NHL victory.

Draper continued to impress at the AHL level in 1989-90, and got another shot with the Jets. In total he participated in 6 games, winning 2 of them.

1990-91 was a tough year for Tom, as he bounced around between three minor league teams, But in the summer of 1991 he was traded to the Buffalo Sabres, drastically changing his personal fortunes.

Tom emerged as an NHL goaltender during the 1991-92 season while playing with the Sabres. With Darren Puppa struggling through injury problems, Draper assumed the number one job for part of the season. In total he participated in 26 games, helping the Sabres get into the playoffs with a 10-9-5 record, including his first NHL shutout and two stopped penalty shots. And in the playoffs Draper played every minute of a grueling series with the Boston Bruins. He played fantastically in that series, even posting a shutout. Unfortunately the Sabres fell just short, losing in the decisive game 7.

Tom became a backup in 1992-93 thanks to a goalie glut. The Sabres had three very good goaltenders play for them that season - Dominik Hasek, Darren Puppa and Grant Fuhr. Draper was relegated to not only backup, but number 3. He would practice hard, but wouldn't always dress as even the backup, never mind play. He got into only 11 contests.

Just prior to the 1993-94 season the Sabres relieved themselves of the goalie glut by moving Draper to the New York Islanders in exchange for a low draft pick. Tom would play in 7 games with the Isles, but otherwise spent the year in the minor leagues.

Draper seemingly fell off the face of the NHL hockey map after that. Until the end of the decade Tom kept himself employed by signing minor league contracts directly with IHL or AHL teams, including the Rochester Americans in 1998-99. He did resurface for one NHL game in 1995-96. The Winnipeg Jets, somewhat ironically, signed him to a brief contract as they ran into injury problems mid-way through the season.

At the turn of the century Tom returned to where his professional career all began - Finland. He established himself as top goalie with a team called Lukko Rauma.

Tom's NHL numbers feature 19 wins in 53 games with a career 3.70 goals against average..

Buffalo Sabres Greatest Players

2010-09-07T16:33:00.000-07:00

Buffalo Sabres Legends

Tom Barrasso
Rick Dudley
Mike Foligno
Danny Gare
Dominik Hasek
Pat Lafontaine
Rick Martin
Alexander Mogilny
Gilbert Perreault
Rene Robert
Other Notable Players

Real Cloutier
Adam Creighton
Mal Davis
Butch Deadmarsh
Gerry Desjardins
Dave Dryden
Don Edwards
Dave Fenyves
Bill Hajt
Bob Halkidis
Danny Lawson
Don Lever
Jim Lorentz
Don Luce
Clint Malarchuk
Brian McDonald
Tony McKegney

Bob Mongrain
Hap Myers
Mark Napier
Derek Plante
Larry Playfair
Craig Ramsay
Mike Ramsey
Rob Ray
Lindy Ruff
Bob Sauve
Jim Schoenfeld
Ric Seiling
Ray Sheppard
Brian "Spinner" Spencer
Alex Tidey
Pierre Turgeon

Dave Fenyves

2010-07-09T16:32:00.000-07:00

To describe Dave Fenyves as a journeyman defenseman would be an understatement. The stay-at-home defenseman participated in 9 consecutive NHL seasons, seeing the ice in 206 NHL games, but spent most of his time in the American Hockey League where he became an All Star and was twice named as the best defenseman in that league.

Dave was born in Dunnville, Ontario, but it was in Peterborough where he first emerged as a serious hockey prospect. He played three years for the legendary Petes, capturing the Memorial Cup in 1979 and representing Canada in the World Junior Championships in 1980. Despite his solid play at the junior level he was never drafted by any NHL team. Instead he was signed as a free agent by the Buffalo Sabres in 1979.

Upon turning professional Dave found himself rounding out his game with the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League. Although he debuted in the NHL in 1982083 season with 24 games, it wasn't until 1984-85 that it appeared the 6'0" 190 pound defenseman made it to the NHL to stay. He played in 60 contests with the Sabres (plus seeing time in the AHL), scoring his first NHL goal plus 8 assists.

The 1985-86 season was the only season Dave spent exclusively in the NHL. However injuries limited the defender to just 47 games. It proved to be his last genuine opportunity to play with the Sabres. He would spend one more season in the Sabres organization, 1986-86, but aside from 7 NHL games he spent the entire season back down in Rochester. Dave did his best despite the demotion, and found his game by playoff time. He was named as the AHL's playoff MVP in 1987 as the Amerks captured the Calder Cup as AHL champions.

The Philadelphia Flyers selected Dave in the pre-season waiver draft in October 1987. He would appear in just 18 games with the Flyers over the following three seasons, but would emerge as a star with the AHL Hershey Bears. Dave would be named as the best defenseman in the AHL in both 1988 and 1989, and was named to the First All Star team as well. Bears fans were quick to like Dave's play, and Dave was quick to fall in love with the city.

In 1990-91 Dave had an opportunity to return to the NHL on a more regular basis. With the Flyer's struggling and their blue line depleted by injuries and departures, Dave was able to participate in 40 NHL games.

Dave returned to the minors, this time never to return. He continued to play in Hershey until 1993 when he retired from the game he loved.

Dave was able to play in 206 NHL games, scoring 3 goals and 35 points. He became one of the better players in American Hockey League history. This far exceeded almost everyone's expectations for him back when he was an undrafted junior player.

Danny Lawson

2010-07-09T15:24:00.000-07:00

Danny Lawson was an under-sized scoring star who never could quite find his niche in the NHL.

Lawson, was an Ontario junior hockey star in the Detroit Red Wings system. In his final season in junior, 1967-68, Lawson was named the first team all star on right wing after he notched 52 goals in 54 games.

Danny made the unlikely jump directly to the NHL the following season, but couldn't translate his junior success at the NHL level. After just 44 games, Lawson was moved to the Minnesota North Stars along with Brian Conacher for Wayne Connelly.

In two and a half seasons in Minnesota, Lawson never got untracked. He played in 96 games over that time, but was often used sparingly. And despite appearances in the minor leagues, he probably could have benefitted from regular playing time for an extended period to help his development as a player.

The Buffalo Sabres picked up Lawson in an intra-league draft for the 1971-72 season. Lawson played a full season with the Sabres, scoring a career high 10 goals as well as 16 points in 78 games. Essentially he was disposable journeyman however.

Lawson's fortunes changed dramatically in 1972-73 thanks to the World Hockey Association. The WHA's Philadelphia (later Vancouver) Blazers signed the 5'10" and 180 pound right winger and he immediately clicked with a center with a very similar career story to Lawson in Andre Lacroix. Suddenly these two fogetable hockey players were on top of the hockey world.

Lacroix's brilliant playmaking worked exceptionally well with Lawson's newly found confidence and trigger skills. Lawson, who had 28 goals and 29 assists for 57 points in 219 games in his entire NHL career, exploded for 61 goals and 106 points in 1972-73. Lawson not only led the entire WHA in goal scoring, but he had better numbers than any NHL player, including the goal scoring machine Phil Esposito.

Lawson proved his numbers were no fluke the following season, as he reached the 50 goal total again. This despite the fact that his playmaking centerman Lacroix did not return with the Blazers in 1973-74.

Danny would play three more years in the WHA, also seeing time with the Calgary Cowboys and the Winnipeg Jets. He never scored less than 30 goals in a single season. in 392 WHA games he scored 218 goals, the 8th highest total in WHA history. He added 204 assists for 422 career points.

Butch Deadmarsh

2010-07-09T15:12:00.000-07:00

Everyone knows who the first junior player drafted by the Buffalo Sabres was - the great Gilbert Perreault. But not everyone knows who was the second player Buffalo selected in that 1970 entry draft.

The Sabres used the first pick of the second round, 15th overall, to select a physical warrior from the Brandon Wheat Kings of the Western junior league. Perreault was undoubtedly the man who would lead the Sabres in scoring, but the Sabres wanted Deadmarsh to be their power forward as well as Perreault's protector. Butch, whose real name is Ernest, was a hot commodity in the 1970 Entry Draft. After a strong season with the Brandon Wheat Kings that saw him lead all WCJHLers with 301 PIMs but also saw him record 37 goals in 54 games, the Buffalo Sabres took their chances on Butch with the 15th overall selection.

Ultimately things never worked out for Deadmarsh, who is a cousin of current NHL star Adam Deadmarsh. He spent more time in the minor leagues than in the NHL over the first three years of his professional career. He showed he could play at the AHL level when he scored an impressive 34 goals in 1971-72. He also picked up 145 penalty minutes.

The Sabres ended up trading Deadmarsh to Atlanta partway through the 72-73 season, thus ending the Butch Deadmarsh experiment in Buffalo. They received Norm Gratton in return for the tough guy.

Deadmarsh encountered injury troubles in Atlanta. He only got into 42 games in his only full NHL season in 1973-74.

The Kansas City Scouts claimed Deadmarsh in their inaugural expansion draft. He was a high pick in that expansion draft, as the Scouts selected him with their 2nd selection. However he only got into 20 games - scoring 3 goals and 2 assists - before he was sold to WHA Vancouver Blazers.

Deadmarsh never returned to the NHL. He spent 3 years bouncing around 4 teams in the WHA. He was involved in a unique situation when the Calgary Cowboys traded him to Minnesota for Richard Lemieux. Lemieux, no relation to Mario, never reported to Calgary, so after 35 games as a Fighting Saint, Deadmarsh was forced to return to the Cowboys when the trade was rescinded.

Deadmarsh once described his style of play.

"I don't go around looking for trouble. I just skate up and down my wing. If somebody gets in my way, I'll pop him. but I don't think of myself as a policeman."

Brian McDonald

2010-07-09T15:07:00.000-07:00

One of the great advantages the Buffalo Sabres have is the wide area from which they can draw hockey-crazed fans to attend their games and cheer from home. Not only can they count on the large population of upper New York state, but they are also very close to the Canadian border where they can count on Southern Ontario fans to support the nearby Sabres.

With that in mind, the expansion Sabres acquired Brian "Butch" McDonald. Brian was a former junior star in St. Catharines, Ontario. In his final season of junior hockey Brian scored 47 goals and 108 points in just 56 games in 1964-65.

The St. Catharines team was a Chicago feeder team back then. Brian turned professional the following year but was buried in the minors except for an 8 game playoff appearance with the Hawks in 1968.

The 5'11" and 190 pound center was sold to the Western Hockey League's Denver Spurs in 1969-70, and Brian played well scoring 34 goals in 70 games. The expansion Buffalo Sabres were quick to pluck a few players from the Western Hockey League in order to give them some depth - such as Kevin O'Shea, Cliff Schmautz and Ted Hodgson. It was speculated that McDonald was selected partly for publicity reasons in order to attract curious fans from St. Catharines.

Brian would appear in 12 games with the Sabres in 1970-71 but collected no points. He did show some nice aggression as his 29 penalty minutes suggested. But he spent most of his 12 games watching the game from the Sabres bench. He would spend most of the year and the following year back in the Western league playing minor league hockey.

While Brian never returned to the NHL, he did go on to enjoy five more seasons of major league hockey. In 1972-73 Brian signed on with Houston Aeros of the World Hockey Association. McDonald would also play with the Los Angeles Sharks and Michigan Stags before finishing his career with 3 seasons in Indianapolis with the Racers.

Brian played in 304 WHA games, scoring 90 goals and 190 points.

Bob Mongrain

2010-07-09T14:56:00.000-07:00

Good things come in small packages. That's a cliché which the National Hockey League doesn't adhere to very often. Case in point: Bob Mongrain.

Over the years there have been countless players like Bob Mongrain. Bob was an offensive dynamo, starring in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League before signing on with the Buffalo Sabres in 1979. He would spend the first 5 years of his professional career tearing up the American Hockey League with Buffalo's chief affiliate Rochester, before heading to Europe where he starred in Switzerland was an offensive specialist who played parts of six seasons in the NHL during the 1970s and '80s. Most of his success came in the more wide-open junior and European leagues until his retirement in 1992. However he never had the opportunity to play regularly in the National Hockey League. Why? At 5'10" and 160 pounds, he was considered far too slight to be able to play in the big leagues which were roamed by giants.

Mongrain was overlooked by every NHL team on NHL draft day. Not one team was willing to use even a late round selection on the tiny pivot who had scored 66 goals and 142 points in 1978-79 and for the second straight year helped the Trois-Rivieres Draveurs return to the Memorial Cup championship. He, like so many other QMJHLer's of that era, was labeled as a poor defensive player as well, which didn't help matters.

But Bob continued to pursue his dream of playing in the National Hockey League. The Buffalo Sabres agreed to terms with him on a free agent contract, and after he lit up the American Hockey League in the first half of his first professional season (he scored 25 goals and 49 points in 39 games with Rochester), he was recalled and finished the season with the Sabres. His playing time was significantly diminished however, but he still was able to chip in with 4 goals and 10 points, and participated in 9 playoff contests, scoring another goal and 3 points.

The dreaded "Sophomore Jinx" got Bob during his second year (1980-81). He only got into 4 NHL games and otherwise played exclusively in Rochester where he wasn't able to find his form from the previous season. He was able to bounce back in1981-82 when he again began the year in Rochester but after lighting up the scoreboard found himself finishing the season in Buffalo. He played in just 24 games this time, and chipped in 6 goals and 10 points. He also saw action in one playoff game.

Aside from one emergency call up during the 1984 playoffs, Bob would be a minor leaguer for the entire 1982-83 and 1983-84 seasons. The La Sarre, Quebec native helped the Amerks capture the 1983 Calder Cup championship.

Bob headed to Europe for the 1984-85 season. He found he really enjoyed both hockey and life in Switzerland, and would make it his home for several more years. However he never gave up on his dream of making the National Hockey League. Once the Swiss season ended, he returned to Buffalo and participated in 8 games for the Sabres, scoring a goal and an assist. At the conclusion of the 1985-86 season he did the same with the Los Angeles Kings, scoring 2 goals and 5 points in 11 games. However he would not find a regular NHL job offer and played and later coached in Switzerland through the 1990s. He would later return to Canada to coach junior hockey in the QMJHL.

Mongrain appeared in 81 NHL games over the span of 7 years. In that time he scored 13 goals and 27 points. He also appeared in 11 playoff games, accumulating 1 goal and 3 points.

Bob Halkidis

2010-07-09T14:50:00.000-07:00

To say Bob Halkidis is a well traveled battler of hockey wars is an under statement. Its actually hard to remember that he began his career with the Buffalo Sabres organization.

Halkidis enjoyed relative stability while with the Sabres organization. He was drafted 81st overall in the 1984 NHL entry draft. Following a 3 year junior hockey career with the OHL's London Knights, Halikidis jumped directly to the National Hockey League. He finished the 1984-85 junior hockey season by being called up for 4 playoff games in which Halkidis did not look out of place.

Injury problems really interrupted Halkidis' development as a player. In 1985-86 Halkidis had made the Sabres team from training camp, but injuries limited him to just 37 games. The following season the Sabres felt Halkidis would be best served making up for lost development time by playing in the minor leagues rather than the AHL. He would return to the NHL in 1987-88, but injuries again would cause him to miss half of each of the next two seasons.

Halkidis was able to return to health in 1989-90 but found himself traded to the Los Angeles Kings. He would spend that season with three teams - the NHL Kings and the AHL Rochester Americans and AHL New Haven Night Hawks. It would be just the beginning of a whirlwind tour of hockey of many different levels.

Over the course of the 1990s, Halkidis found himself playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings, Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Islanders. All together he was able to participate in 256 NHL games, scoring 8 goals and 40 points. However he also spent as much time in the minor leagues. He played in such cities as Phoenix (IHL), St. John's, Newfoundland, Milwaukee, Adirondack, Atlanta (IHL), Indianapolis, Salt Lake City, Carolina, Winston-Salem and Greensboro as well as in Finland, Germany, Russia and Britain!

Aside from his many travels, Bob will be remembered as a depth defenseman who was able to fill in with some physical exuberance when called upon. He had little in terms of tangible skills, but always gave an honest performance.

Nowadays Halkidis runs his own training consulting business.

Alex Tidey

2010-07-09T14:37:00.000-07:00

Alex Tidey was a slim right winger from British Columbia. Born in Vancouver in 1955, Alex left home in 1973 to play junior hockey. He played one season up in Kamloops with the WCJHL Chiefs, but in 1974-75 he found himself in Alberta playing for the Lethbridge Broncos. Alex blossomed in Lethbridge, which was good timing as it was his draft year. He scored 42 goals and 96 points in 68 games.

Tidey would be drafted 143rd overall by the Buffalo Sabres. However he was also drafted by the San Diego Mariners of the World Hockey Association. Alex opted to sign with the WHA.

Tidey played only one season in the WHA before crossing back to the NHL. He had an uneventful rookies season with San Diego, scoring 16 goals and 27 points in the high scoring WHA.

Upon his signing with the Sabres it was felt that Alex needed time in the minors to properly develop his game. Aside from 4 regular season games and 2 playoff games, Tidey would spend his entire three years with the Sabres farm team in Hershey. He did develop in his time in the AHL. By his final year he scored 31 goals and 61 points.

Early in the 1979-80 season the Sabres traded Tidey to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for veteran John Gould. Tidey would rack up the air mile discount points during that 1979-80 season. He ended up playing in 4 different cities - Rochester of the AHL, Cincinnati and Houston of the CHL, as well as Edmonton of the NHL. Tidey participated in 5 games for the Oilers that season - surpassing his entire NHL background by 1 game. He failed to pick up a point, but did pick up 4 minor penalties.

Tidey was released by the Oilers following that season. He signed on with the Los Angeles Kings organization for the 1980-81 season. He spent the entire year in the minor leagues, split between the CHL and AHL. It proved to be Alex's final season in professional hockey.

Tidey played in 9 NHL games, picking up no points, and played in 74 WHA games, collecting 27 points.

Upon his retirement he returned to British Columbia, and although he never skated with the Sabres expansion cousins, he participates with the Vancouver Canucks alumni team in charity games. He established Tidey's, a locksmith business and expanded it to include trophy creation and engraving. He also has been heavily involved with the Queen's Park Pirates/North Delta Flyers (PIJHL), since renamed as the North Delta Devils.

Gerry Desjardins

2010-04-06T20:49:00.000-07:00

Gerry Desjardins was originally a prospect in the Montreal Canadiens system. After tearing up the American Hockey League in 1967-68, the Habs traded the hot prospect to Los Angeles in exchange for two draft picks. One was Dick Redmond (actually selected by Minnesota as Montreal flipped the pick in another trade) and the other was Steve Shutt.

Desjardins went on to a good NHL career, but nothing like what the Hall of Famer Shutt accomplished. It goes down as a lopsided trade in Montreal's favor.

But a closer look shows that Desjardins was a good goalie - a goalie who really did belong in the National Hockey League.

The trade was great for Gerry. He immediately became the Kings #1 goalie for the next two seasons. It was a great opportunity for Gerry to show he could play at this level.

"It was with the Kings that I got my first taste of the NHL," recalled Desjardins. "During my first training camp with the Kings after I was acquired in the trade I never expected to make the Kings. Ahead of me was the great Terry Sawchuck who played most of the games the previous season, the Kings first in the NHL, and Wayne Rutledge. The two of them had split the goaltending with the Kings in 67-68 and I figured I'd be the odd-man out."

"It was the last day of training camp in Barrie, Ontario, and Kings GM Larry Regan told me I was going to the farm club at Springfield. The following morning, the Kings were set to travel to Winnipeg for their final pre-season game when I found out they had just traded Sawchuk to Detroit and that I was going to start the season with the Kings. Three games into the regular season our other goalie, Wayne Rutledge, sustained a serious groin injury and missed a good portion of the season. As it turned out I ended up playing in 60 games and was selected the Kings MVP."

In addition to being named as the King's MVP he was named as a finalist for the Calder Trophy, the NHL's Rookie-of-the-Year award. Desjardins finished 3rd in voting behind Norm Ferguson and the winner Danny Grant.

Desjardins was dealt to Chicago in February of his second season with the Kings. The six-player deal saw three Kings head to Chicago (Bryan Campbell and Bill White) in exchange for goalie Denis Dejordy, forward Jim Stanfield and defenseman Gilles Marotte.

Gerry's stint in Chicago was short. Playing behind the great Tony Esposito, Gerry didn't get in a lot of game action.

"It was tough to go from playing almost every game to basically not playing at all" recalled Desjardins, who played in only 32 games in approximately 2 1/2 seasons with Chicago.

Gerry was picked up by the New York Islanders in the 1972 expansion draft. The Isles were hoping Desjardins could duplicate his expansion heroics during his LA days, but it didn't happen that way. Gerry played admirably for a very bad team. In two years he had only 14 wins against 52 losses, with 9 ties in 80 total games.

Gerry jumped to the WHA for most of the 1974-75 season but returned to the NHL when the Buffalo Sabres acquired his rights from the Islanders. It was a great move by Buffalo and salvaged Desjardins career.

Playing behind a strong team, something Gerry wasn't used to, was a great highlite for the goalie from Sudbury Ontario. He stepped in immediately and help the Sabres down the playoff drive, going 6-2-1 with a 2.78 GAA. He earned the nod as the starting goalie for the playoffs where he went 7-5 in a league high 15 playoff contests.

Desjardins returned for two more full seasons in Buffalo and was a standout. He went 60-27-17 in 104 games but the Sabres never quite seemed to be able to get to the next level when it came to playoff time.

Gerry played in just 3 games in the 1977-78 season before he hung up his blocker and catching glove. He was struck in the eye with a puck in a game against the Boston Bruins.

Derek Plante

2010-02-15T15:23:00.000-08:00

Derek Plante grew up in Cloquet, Minnesota, and grew up idolizing Minnesota's greatest hockey player Neal Broten. Like Broten, Plante played a similar type of game. Derek was a small pivot who relied on quickness and passing ability. He had above average offensive instincts and intelligence. However he would always have trouble at the NHL level due to his lack of size and upper body strength.

Plante was drafted as an unknown commodity back in 1989 when the Buffalo Sabres selected him 161st overall. He had just completed his senior year at high school and had accepted a scholarship to play hockey for the University of Minnesota-Duluth. While at the university he emerged as a top prospect. An all star who led the entire WCHA in goals, assists and points by his final season, Derek represented Team USA at three consecutive World Junior Championships as well. Suddenly this late round pick was looking like a steal for the Sabres.

Derek impressed everyone even more in his rookie professional season. Rather than spending time in the minor leagues (or playing with the American national team as he dreamed of playing at the Olympics) apprenticing like so many prospects do, Derek made the jump directly to the NHL and established himself quickly. With Pat Lafontaine injured for all but 16 games that season, Plante stepped up to nicely fill in on the second line behind Dale Hawerchuk. Plante provided some very reasonable statistics in his rookie year, scoring 21 goals and 56 points in 77 games. He would add another goal in the Sabres 7 game first round playoff series. With the Sabres knocked out in the first round, Plante finished the year with the American national team at the World Championships.

Just when it appeared Plante was ready to fully establish himself in the NHL, his career suffered a major set back in the lock out shortened season of 1994-95. The NHL held a 48 game schedule that season. Plante played in 47 of those contests, and much of that time it was hoped he could be the offensive catalyst at center ice for the Sabres as both Lafontaine and Hawerchuk missed approximately half the season with injuries. Plante however suffered a severe case of the dreaded "sophomore jinx." He scored just 3 goals while adding 19 helpers in that time. Suddenly the slender Plante's abilities were being questioned.

Plante was able to recover in the 1995-96 season. Lafontaine had returned to full health and put in a strong season, but with the departure of Hawerchuk the Sabres desperately needed a second line center and seemed set to give Brian Holzinger every opportunity to handle those responsibilities. Plante was able to earn the second line spot however by rebounding with a solid 23 goal and 56 point campaign.

In 1996-97 the Sabres fell on hard times offensively as Lafontaine again suffered injuries which would see him miss most of the season. Plante was able to lead the Sabres offensively, scoring a career high 27 goals while amassing 53 points to lead all Sabres scorers. He also had a strong playoff, scoring 10 points in 12 games, including 4 goals. Perhaps his brightest moment as a Sabre occurred in game 7 of the Sabres first round playoff match with the Ottawa Senators. Plante scored a third period goal to tie the game and force over time. Derek then proceeded to score the winning goal in over time to advance the Sabres into round two!

Goals were scarce throughout the NHL and especially in Buffalo in 1997-98. Again as it appeared Plante was ready to fully establish himself as a solid NHL center Plante struggled offensively. He scored just 13 goals and 34 point, and added just 3 assists in 11 playoff games.

Plante fell out of favor in Buffalo. After 41 games (in which he scored just 4 goals and 15 points), he was traded to Dallas late in the season. Plante would play in 10 regular season games and was spotted throughout the playoffs. Ironically Plante's Stars made it to the finals against his old team - the Buffalo Sabres! Sabres fans need not be reminded of the controversial finish which saw the Stars lift Lord Stanley's Cup, but Plante, who was a healthy scratch in every game against Buffalo, will forever fondly remember bringing the Cup home to Cloquet as the highlight of his career.

"It's like a dream," said Plante. "I still can't believe it's here. We're pretty proud to be able to come back and give the kids a chance to see it and touch it."

Little did Plante know at the time that his NHL career was all but over. He got into 16 games with the Stars the following season, but with just 1 goal and 1 assist he found himself in the minor leagues before being traded to Chicago. In Chicago he struggled as well, and found himself finishing the season in the minor leagues. Once his professional season came to an end, Plante headed to Europe to once again represent Team USA at the World Hockey Championships.

Plante always enjoyed the international game, so he decided to stay in Germany and later Japan

Plante left the NHL with 95 career goals and 245 career points in 438 games. The former college standout had a nice career when he learned to compensate for his lack of size and strength, but ultimately his physical shortcomings cost him an NHL job.

Hap Myers

2010-01-16T18:14:00.000-08:00

Hap Myers grew up in the bitterly cold confines of Edmonton Alberta - a region of the world deep in hockey history.

Myers became a storied part of that history, and did so long before the Edmonton Oilers or Wayne Gretzky were ever heard of in the "City of Champions."

Myers starred as a defenseman with the junior Edmonton Oil Kings. The Oil Kings were one of the most powerful junior hockey franchises of all time. During Myers stay, he participated in back-to-back Memorial Cup championship in 1965 and 1966. The team came up short of the title first time around but won the national junior championship in 1966.

Myers remained with the Oil Kings until the age of 21 when he was no longer eligible to play junior hockey. The life long Edmonton native left home and joined the Fort Worth Wings of the Central Hockey League, a Detroit Red Wings affiliate, in 1968.

He played well enough with the Wings to earn a promotion to AHL Cleveland Barons where his progress continued, but he never would get a chance to play for the Detroit Red Wings. The Buffalo Sabres claimed Myers from the Wings in the 1970 Reverse Draft for their expansion season.

Myers relished his opportunity to play in the big leagues. It wasn't nearly as long as he would have like. He spent most of the year back in the minors, this time way out in Salt Lake City with the WHL's Golden Eagles. But Myers got into 13 games with the Sabres. His only statistic of note was an unimpressive minus 11 defensive rating.

Myers would never make it back to the NHL, but enjoyed 3 more years with the Sabres new AHL affiliate in Cincinnati. He helped the Swords capture the 1973 Calder Cup as AHL champions. He also helped to groom a young Bill Hajt.

When the Swords were disbanded in the summer of 1974, Myers opted to retire rather than pursue opportunities in the World Hockey Association. He eventually returned to Edmonton where he remains active in coaching youth hockey to this day.

Mal Davis

2010-01-16T17:52:00.000-08:00

Mal Davis ranks as one of the greatest performers for the Buffalo Sabres farm affiliate Rochester Americans.

Mal, a 5'11" 180 pound forward, was quick but slight player who possessed a quick shot which he utilized at every level below the National Hockey League. However he did not take a conventional route to big league hockey. A native of Nova Scotia, Mal played junior hockey in New York state for a period of time before returning to Halifax to attend St. Mary's University where he starred on the hockey team.

Although Canadian university hockey has never been a significant supplier of NHL talent, the Detroit Red Wings offered Davis a free agent contract in 1978. He did appear in 6 NHL games in 1978-79 with the Red Wings, but starred with their Central Hockey League farm team in Kansas City. He scored an impressive 42 goals in his rookie pro season.

Davis spent the next two years with AHL Adirondack Red Wings but aside from a 5 game stint in Detroit, in which he scored his first 2 NHL goals, he seemed destined to be buried in the minor leagues.

That would ultimately change, with the significant event happening just prior to training camp 1981. Davis was again a free agent, and Detroit didn't seem interested in re-signing him.

The Buffalo Sabres did, however.

The move was a great one for Mal, who would become quite a figure with the Rochester Americans, but also would appear in 89 games over parts or 4 seasons with the Sabres.

Mal's first season in the Buffalo organization was spent entirely with Rochester, where he settled in nicely with a 32 goal, 65 point season. However in 1982-83 he erupted with 43 goals in just 57 games in the AHL, and earned himself a lengthy stay in Buffalo. He appeared in 24 games with the big club, and showed that he could play in the NHL by scoring 8 goals and 20 points! He also played in 6 playoff games, and chipped in with a goal.

Despite his impressive progress, Mal couldn't make the Sabres roster the following season of 1983-84. Instead he enjoyed his finest professional season in his career, scoring an Amerk's record breaking 55 goals in 71 games. He added 48 assists for 103 points to lead the Amerks in scoring. He also led the Amerks to the Calder Cup finals with 6 goals and 15 points in 15 AHL playoff contests. For his efforts he was named as the co-winner of the AHL Most Valuable Player award. He did not go without seeing NHL action in his record breaking year. He appeared in 11 games with the Sabres, scoring 2 goals and 1 assist, as well as appearing in 1 playoff game.

Mal, who had a penchant for scoring game winning goals, was rewarded in 1984-85 when he played most of the season in Buffalo. He scored 17 goals and 26 points while participating in 47 contests. He spent only a 6 game appearance in the minors that year, but was often a healthy scratch or battling nagging injuries in his only full NHL season.

Injuries limited Mal to only half a season in 1985-86, most of which was spent in Rochester. He did get into seven NHL games and chipped in what proved to be his final 2 NHL goals.

The Los Angeles Kings claimed Davis off of the waiver wire prior to the 1986-87 season. However he would never play in the NHL again, as he took his high tempo skating game to Europe. From 1986 through 1991 he played for TPS Turku. He spent one final season in 1991-92 with a German second tier team before hanging up the blades.

The interesting career of Mal Davis includes 100 NHL games, 31 goals and 53 points. His best years came in the city Rochester, where he was honored in 2000 with his induction into the Rochester Americans Hall of Fame.

Alexander Mogilny

2009-03-19T19:01:00.000-07:00

Alexander Mogilny, "Mogs" as he was known to many of his teammates, was known as a happy-go-lucky, carefree spirit. He has a world of talent but on some nights a thimble of execution. On any given night he could dance all over the rink, wow the crowd and make the opposition drool. He was just that good.

Yet on many other nights he was simply invisible - floating across the ice, not doing much of anything. On those nights you just hoped he did not wake up if you were a fan of the opposition.

Alexander Mogilny represented the best of two worlds, almost literally. He was born in Khabarovsk USSR, and was raised in the old Soviet hockey system. Based on his skating and puck handling skills, he could rank among the very elite in Russia's hockey history. Based on talent alone he is in the top 1 or 2 per cent of all hockey players ever.

Even though the walls of communism were literally on the verge of falling in 1989, Mogilny desperately wanted out of the Soviet Union. At that time Soviet hockey veterans such as Viacheslav Fetisov and Sergei Makarov were finally being freed to play outside of the Motherland. It was a reward for their years of service, they were publicly told.

Yet for a young star like Mogilny, who was named as the best forward at the 1988 World Junior Championships in 1988, it meant little. It still appeared he would have to go through several years with Red Army and the Soviet national teams. Little did he know that in just a couple of years he too would have been allowed to go anywhere he pleased.

But Mogilny, who was drafted in 1988 by the Buffalo Sabres, was impatient. He wanted to go to the United States as badly as he wanted to get away from Viktor Tikhonov.

Tikhonov was a mercilessly tough coach, particularly on his star players. It was his way of pushing his players to perform even better. Tikhonov was tough on Mogs, and his linemates Sergei Federov and Pavel Bure. The last straw for Mogs was in February 1989. He was struck in the face by the stick of Spartak defenseman Yuri Yaschin. Mogilny felt the blow was deliberate, and immediately dropped his gloves and stormed over to Yaschin, and belted him. Such an act of undiscipline landed him a 10 game suspension and his beloved title of "Merited Master of Sport For The Soviet Union" was stripped from him. He earned that while playing with the Red Army as a junior aged player at the 1988 winter Olympics.

Rather than expose himself to what he thought would be years of such degradation like so many before him, Mogilny decided to defect his beloved mother country. Mogilny vanished into the night during the 1989 World Junior championships in Stockholm, Sweden. Tikhonov, in the meantime, boarded the plane to go home, and was shocked to see an empty seat where his star of the future was supposed to be.

"Today I feel nothing but happiness," he said shortly after defecting. "Perhaps this season was a rough one for me. I wouldn't wish what I went through on my worst enemy. The conflict with the players cost me a lot. I'm not made of steel, you know"

Years later, Mogilny looked back on his decision.

"I've always had an independent streak, and that was not tolerated by the Soviet authorities. I came to the NHL when I couldn't see any future in the Russian League. So many things were happening politically. Hockey officials could control many aspects of my life beyond the ice rink, from what rank I could hold in the army to what kind of apartment I could live in. I thought I had to defect to maintain any hope of extending my hockey career."

Initially it was feared that Mogilny's defection would have adverse consequences for Soviet players trying to get to North America or western European club teams. Russian hockey officials cried foul and threaten to cancel any further allowances. However that proved to be empty threats as "Glastnost" could not be stopped.

When Mogilny arrived in the NHL with the Buffalo Sabres, he had a special present awaiting him.

"Buffalo Sabres owner Seymour H. Knox gave me sweater number 89 when I joined his team. I was the 89th pick in the draft, and I came to North America in 1989. Wearing 89 on my back is special to me; it's more than just a number."

For a 20 year old rookie, Mogilny had an okay season in year one. He scored 16 times and had 43 points. At times he showed brilliance that no other rookie and few other NHLers could display, but at other times he was obviously having a tough time adjusting to life in North America.

"It was a huge adjustment to come to the NHL. The language barrier was the toughest part. Lack of communication affected me both on and off the ice. It also took some time to get used tot he airline travel. I had to deal with a fear of flying."

Alex gradually became a steady 30+ goal threat, but it wasn't until the Sabres traded star center Pierre Turgeon to the New York Islanders in exchange for Pat Lafontaine in 1992 that Mogilny blossomed. Lafontaine and Mogilny worked like clockwork. The result - Mogilny exploded to share the NHL lead with 76 goals (with Teemu Selanne) in 77 games! He added 51 assists for 127 points. With Lafontaine Mogilny was almost scoring at will. Finally Mogilny was living up to this highest potential.

"Offensive hockey is my game, and Pat and I explored a lot of ways to put the puck in the net. It was so enjoyable to play with him. He's such a talent hockey player that he made my job easier," recalls Mogilny fondly.

He also credits his coach for his success that season.

"John Muckler didn't hold us back. He told us to play hard and do whatever worked for us."

Unfortunately for Mogilny, the Sabres, hockey fans everywhere and especially Lafontaine, the star center got hurt in 1993-94. He only participated in 16 games, and Mogs production fell big time. He put up respectable numbers with 32 goals and 79 points in 66 games, but clearly it was disappointing to have your goal production dip by 44 goals!

After the lockout shortened season of 1995, Mogilny was traded, largely due to financial reasons. The Sabres quite frankly couldn't afford the contract that both he and Lafontaine commanded. And since Mogilny's production fell off drastically when Lafontaine wasn't there, he was the first to go. He was traded to the Vancouver Canucks for a spunky young center named Mike Peca. Also going to Buffalo was gigantic defenseman Mike Wilson and a 1st round pick which turned out to be another big blueliner in Jay McKee.

Hockey experts immediately claimed the deal was a landslide for Vancouver. Wilson was a decent prospect, and the 1st round pick was 14th overall, and everyone knew Mike Peca was going to be a good player, although no one probably knew he'd be as good as he became. But it was a very small price to pay to get one of the most skilled players in the league. In addition, the Canucks already had Pavel Bure, Mogs old junior linemate. Reuniting those two would be a most certain unstoppable force!

Things never did work out that way for the Canucks though. In that first year Pavel tore ligaments in his knee and missed the entire season. Mogilny, playing with creative smurf Cliff Ronning, picked up the slack with a big 55 goal season. It was a huge season for Mogilny, as he silenced many of his most vocal critics.

"I'm paid to score goals and make plays. That's what I do best. I was saddened to see Pavel miss most of the 1995-96 season due to injury, but it was nice to show some of my critics that I could still rack up some points without Pat Lafontaine or Pavel. I proved them wrong. That was the best part of the season for me. We had a lot of injuries on the team, so it was a poor year for the club, but it was a good year, a rebound year for me."

Unfortunately that good year was never followed up in Vancouver. He dipped to 31 goals the following year. Pavel had returned and took up a lot of his ice time. By 1997-98 Pavel had returned to his usual form and had 50+ goals. Mogilny only had 18 in an injury shortened year. With Pavel sitting out the 1998-99 season in a contract dispute, Mogs only scored 14 times.

Clearly Mogilny had become a huge disappointment in Vancouver. In the meanwhile Jay McKee and especially Mike Peca developed into big parts of a strong Buffalo Sabres organization that went to the Cup finals in 1999. Five years after the traded that was supposed to be lopsided in Vancouver's favor had taken place, you would be hard pressed to find someone who would trade Peca for Mogilny straight up.

The Canucks finally gave up on Mogilny in 1999-2000. He was traded to the New Jersey Devils for Brendan Morrison and Denis Pederson. There was no doubting that Mogilny was the most talented player on the team, perhaps more so than Pavel Bure ever was even, but he was too inconsistent. Many nights he was simply invisible. Not helping matters was an array of injuries and a good playmaking center which he publicly begged for.

Mogilny was acquired by the Devils to be the game breaking scorer in the playoffs that they have always lacked. Though he did not immediately provide offense, he did help the Devils win the 2000 Stanley Cup. Mogilny only scored 4 goals in 24 games.

Mogilny did find his game the following year, notching 43 goals and leading the Devils on another long playoff run, just falling short in successfully defending the Stanley Cup championship.

A free agent in the summer of 2001, Mogilny signed on with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Mogilny would put in seasons of 24 and 33 goals, but the Leafs never did find post-season magic they so greatly craved.

The 2003-04 season was the beginning of the end for Mogilny. A chronic hip injury limited him to just 37 games and eventually would force him into retirement. The New Jersey Devils did give him another shot following the lockout, but when it was clear his injuries greatly hampered his ability, he was waived to the minor leagues, albeit in large part due to salary cap considerations with Patrik Elias return from long term illness. For Mogilny, it was a sad ending for a great hockey player.

Mogilny was an extremely popular player. He has a zest for life, perhaps because he grew up in the old Soviet Union. He appreciates freedom more than us who take it for granted. So it's hard to knock him for being a bit carefree.

Here's some highlight reel goals by Alexander Mogilny:

Rob Ray

2008-08-01T23:19:00.000-07:00

Let's face it. Based on hockey skill alone, the only way Rob Ray belong in a NHL rink was to buy a ticket like the rest of us.

But what he lacked in skating, shooting and scoring skills, he made up for in intangibles.

He contributed through two intangibles in particular: He was a great teammate, and he was a fearless fighter.

He ended up playing in 900 games, accumulating over 3200 minutes in penalty minutes, including over 235 fights. He went toe-to-toe with every tough guy, likely multiple times, in 14 NHL seasons. He had memorable fights with Tie Domi, Paul Laus, Chris Nilan and former teammate Matthew Barnaby.

No, it was not an easy way to earn a NHL pay check. But it certainly beat working in the family farm equipment dealership back home in Sterling, Ontario.

Off Goes The Shirt

Some of those tilts were pretty wild, and often ended with Ray half naked on the ice. That was cleverly by design. He would deliberately wear his jersey and equipment in a fashion where he could easily discard the gear so that his opponent had nothing to grab on to. The NHL quickly installed the "Rob Ray Rule" - any player who does not have his jersey tied down and is involved in an altercation is banned for the rest of the game.

Ray is also well remembered for his role in subduing a drunken fan who hopped onto the ice and charged the Buffalo bench.

"There was a fight on the ice. Clint Malarchuk was sitting up on the glass behind the bench. All of a sudden we turned around and there's this guy sitting there. And Muck (former Sabres head coach John Muckler) says, 'Give me a stick, I'll get him down!' He was going to go hit him. Just at the last second, the guy dove onto the bench where the defensemen were. They threw him onto the ice and I came from the other end of the bench. And he came right at me. He had to be stoned or drunk or something. I had a hold of him ... I had like his head on the boards. I think I hit him like 17 or 18 times before the cops finally got in there. The cops were right there on the ice, falling all over the ice. By the time everything was done, there was hair, there was bullets, there was everything laying all over the ice because the cops kept slipping and falling and stuff coming out of their pockets."

He Did Not Start Out Being A Goon

But Ray was not always a pure goon. He made the OHL Cornwall Royals because of his physical play, but it was not until he turned pro that he embraced fighting.

"In junior I wasn't really a fighter. I was more or less a role player. In Rochester, they more or less said that's the way you've got to play if you're going to make it up there, so you started doing that. So you fought, but even when I got to the NHL, I wasn't real comfortable doing it. So one night I fought Dave Brown in Philadelphia. And I buckled him good. That was where I got the confidence I can fight the big guys. It was kind of a turning point in my career."

Ray's most common dance partner was Toronto's Tie Domi, who he figured he dropped the gloves with over 20 times. Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun once asked him to describe his relationship with Domi.

"He's helped me out with stuff and I've helped him out with stuff. We have an understanding, on the ice, you know, a respect level for each other. We're both past the point of showing off after a fight or anything like that. Once we get it done, it's over with."

He also asked about his worst injury in a fight, and about injuring others.

"I have a steel plate and screws in my (right) thumb. And I was once hit on the side of the head so hard that it drove my eyeball into my orbital bone. It's hard to say how badly you hurt someone. Knockouts? Sure, a bunch of them. There was Dennis Bonvie when he was in Chicago, and Jim Kyte ... that one was pretty bad. They had to carry him off the ice.

He Had Game, Too

You get the picture - Ray could fight. But he did score the odd goal, 40 in total in 900 NHL games. He remembers his first goal and first game like it was yesterday.

I got called up from Rochester to Pittsburgh and scored a goal and an assist in Pittsburgh against Barrasso. I was on a line with Scott Arniel and Kevin Maguire and Mike Ramsey was on the point. Ramsey assisted on it. For them, Paul Coffey was on, Mario Lemieux was on, the whole thing was on. I look back now, why was I even on the ice when those guys were on? I still have the game sheet. I had a goal and an assist and was +3 in my first NHL game. And I just sort of sat back and thought, "Where have I been?" "Why didn't I got here sooner? This is gonna be easy." And 27 games later I had a goal and two assists and got sent back down to Rochester.

Yet the man they call "Rayzor" was a teddy bear off the ice, avoiding the rough stuff.

"Actually, I've never been in a fight off the ice in my life. Came close one night in a bar back home. Kinda walked over to see what was going on and this guy hit me. I went flying backwards over a table, my shoes came flying off my feet ... I didn't even look for my shoes, I just bolted out the door. I said, screw this, I'm outta here."

But Rob Ray brought more to the table than just fisticuffs. He was a great teammate and leader, a player the whole dressing room loved to having him be a part of.

Big Heart In The Community

Ray was extremely popular in Buffalo because of his great work in the community. He was constantly visiting hospital rooms, delivering Christmas presents to the less fortunate, or appearing at charity fundraisers any number of organizations were putting on. He was especially fond of the Make-A-Wish foundation where he organized his own fundraisers through motorcycle rides.

Through all the charity work Ray has never asked for anything in return. He always felt fortunate to find himself where he did.

"I was raised to do things with integrity and honest. I've never been after individual glory or recognition for what I do on or off the ice."

Rob Ray definitely made an impact in Buffalo - both on and off the ice.

Dominik Hasek

2008-06-09T18:06:00.000-07:00

"I just try to stop the puck"

The knock against European goalies used to be that they could not succeed in the NHL. Dominik Hasek played the biggest role in dispelling that myth.

Only Vladislav Tretiak is regarded as a greater European goaltender. In fact Hasek, born in Pardubice, Czechoslovakia, is the all time leader among European goalies in NHL games played and is regarded as not only the best European goalie, but one of the greatest goalies of any generation.

When he was on top of his game in Buffalo, Hasek may have been the most entertaining goalie ever to watch. His style is so indescribable and unorthodox yet so entertaining to watch. He has been known to do somersaults and back-strokes to stop the puck.

Hasek's greatness was hindered by politics. Until the fall of the Iron Curtain in the early 1990s, superstar players from Communist Europe had little hope of ever playing in the NHL. Therefore, Hasek, who grew up idolizing Czech goaltending legend Jiri Holecek, spent some of his best years as the top goalie outside of the NHL.

His pre-NHL resume is impressive:

* Czechoslovakian Goaltender of the Year: 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990
* Czechoslovakian Player of the Year: 1987, 1989, 1990
* Czechoslovakian First-Team All-Star: 1988, 1989, 1990
* Czechoslovakian goalie in the 1984, 1987 and 1991 Canada Cup.

Perhaps his greatest pre-olympic moment was in 1983 when he led the Czech team to the silver medal in the World Championships, his first major tournament not including his junior career. Hasek was the best junior goalie in Europe in his day, winning the Top Goalie status in almost every tournament he participated in. In the 1983 World Championships, he was robbed of Top Goalie honours but was recognized by those in the media and hockey world as the best goalie in that tournament.

Hasek's North American career is much more well documented. He was drafted in 1983, 199th pick overall by Chicago but didn't come to North America until 1991 when he played with Chicago's farm team in Indianapolis. The following season he split between Chicago and Indianapolis, but because of Eddie Belfour's unquestioned status as the Hawk's goalie he would be moved to Buffalo in exchange for Stephane Beauregard and a draft pick, one of the most one sided trades ever.

The rest of the story, as they say, is history. Awe-inspiring history.

By 1993-94 he won the Vezina Trophy as the league's best goalie and was a First Team All Star. He became the first NHL backstop since Bernie Parent in 1973-74 to finish the season with a GAA below 2.00 (1.95).

In 1994-95 he duplicated his Vezina and All Star accomplishments as he led the league with an incredible .930 save percentage.

1996-97 was his greatest year while at the same time his most controversial. He posted a career high 37 wins and led Buffalo to first place in their division. Hasek was named to the First All Star team and won his third Vezina. More importantly he was name the Hart Trophy winner, becoming the first goaltender to be name the league's most valuable player since Jacques Plante in 1962. He also won the Lester Pearson trophy as voted by his peers as the best player in the league that season. However all was not rosy for the Dominator, as he became involved in off ice problems with reporters and his popular coach. In his greatest season he lost some of support from loyal fans.

CZECHS DOM-INATE 1998 OLYMPICS

In the post-Mario Lemieux era, the NHL had desperately waited for one of its collection of stars to rise to the level above everyone else. In the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano Japan, Dominik Hasek established himself as the best player in hockey.

The tournament was considered to be a 4 horse race with Canada and the USA as co-favorites and Sweden and Russia as definite threats. Even a strong Finnish team was expected to finish ahead of the Czech Republic.

But no one counted out the Czech Republic for two reasons: Jaromir Jagr and Dominik Hasek. Jagr, who many expected to establish himself as the best player in hockey this year, scored just one goal in the tournament but was his usual incredible self. But make no mistake - Dominik Hasek almost single-handedly won his country the gold medal, and he did it in legendary fashion.

After going 2-1 in the round robin, the Czechs were forced to take on the defending World Cup champions USA in the first game of the lose-and-you're-out medal round. With a great defensive system in front of him, Hasek stole a victory away from the heavily favored yet disgruntled US team.

However things certainly didn't get any easier for Hasek as the Czechs were then even bigger underdogs in the next game. Canada was the opponent, and the rules were simple - winner plays for gold, loser plays for bronze.

In what easily classifies as one of the greatest international hockey games of all time, Dominik Hasek emerged victorious, not only over Canada but over his arch rival of goaltending supremacy, Patrick Roy.

In the classic goaltending battle, the two teams entered the third period deadlocked at zero. Nearing the half-way mark of the third period Jiri Slegr's point shot managed to elude Patrick Roy, and the Czech's fell into their defensive shell, thinking one goal would be enough - thinking there's no way anyone could score on Hasek that night.

However, in typical Canadian dramatic style, Trevor Linden managed to roof a shot above Dominik Hasek's shoulder with just a minute left to play. It would have been a goal that would rival Paul Henderson's 1972 goal for Canada's greatest international moment if they had gone on to win. Except that goal only tied the game, and Hasek had no intention of letting in another.

The game went into overtime, and the Czechs basically played the trap, trying to force the dreaded Olympic shootout. Unlike in the NHL playoffs, international hockey would have games decided by a breakaway competition instead of endless overtime.

Hasek, considered perhaps to be the greatest breakaway goalie in history, stopped all 5 shooters. Patrick Roy stopped 4 of 5 shots. The unthinkable had happened - Hasek had done it again. Dominik Hasek was playing the role of giant killer in Nagano.

The gold medal game showcased a young Russian squad against the Czech Republic. The Russians had handed the Czechs their only loss, a 2-1 win during the round robin. Again, the Czechs were underdogs, and this time Hasek had to face the hottest shooter in the Olympics - 9 goal scorer Pavel Bure.

The Czechs checked and Hasek was perfect. He posted another shutout, as the Czechs won their first Olympic hockey gold medal, 1-0.

Hasek was simply unbeatable. His performance on the world's biggest stage, and established himself as hockey's new best player.

ALL HART

Following the Olympic break Hasek returned to NHL action and finished out another amazing season. He posted a record of 33-23-13 for the underdog Sabres. He recorded 13 shutouts, a .932 save percentage and 2.09 GAA. Hasek would add his second Hart and Pearson trophies in as many years, and also picked up his 4th Vezina trophy.

Unlike in the past, Hasek and the Sabres found some playoff success in 1998 as well. The Sabres played into the Eastern Conference finals before bowing to the overtime magic of the Washington Capitals.

The Sabres were a hard working, lunch pail team without a lot of skilled players or scoring superstars, but with perhaps the greatest goalie ever in nets, the Sabres were destined to challenge for the Stanley Cup. Their chance came in 1999.

The Sabres had a fantastic season, again led by Hasek's Vezina-worthy season. Hasek went 30-18-14 with 9 shutouts, a GAA of a minuscule 1.87 and a career best .937 save percentage. Hasek stepped up his play in the playoffs as the Sabres, blessed with some timely scoring, knocked off the Leafs, Hurricanes and Senators to earn the right to challenge the Dallas Stars in the Stanley Cup final.

Despite Hasek's 1.77 playoff GAA and .939 save percentage, the Sabres would fall controversially short in their bid for their first Stanley Cup.

All season long the NHL had strictly enforced a rule that prevent players from entering the goalie's crease. The play was to be whistled dead if any player occupied any of the blue ice without the puck having previously entered the area.

The rule was a disaster. So many goals had to be reviewed, taking out a lot of the crowd's enthusiasm whenever a goal was scored. Many goals were reversed for the tiniest of infractions. The players didn't like it. The coaches didn't like it. Most importantly the fans didn't like it. Only the goalies liked it.

When Hull scored the Stanley Cup winning goal, his left skate (perhaps more accurately a toe or two) was in the forbidden blue paint. But lost in the overtime euphoria of the Stanley Cup winning goals was the proper video review of the goal. The NHL's season-long zero tolerance policy likely would have disallowed the goal. But with celebrations ensuing and the dejected Sabres retreating, the NHL did not have the guts to call down and disallow the goal.

The raging controversy overshadowed two great teams in the finals.

Hasek would play two more years in Buffalo, though a nagging groin injury meant the Sabres window of Stanley Cup opportunity had essentially closed. Hasek, who at times had a love-hate relationship with fans, did not endear himself to Sabres faithful when he demanded a trade and bolted town for Detroit, publicly declaring he wanted to go to a winning team. But his time in Buffalo was simply spectacular. With 6 Vezinas in 7 years, 2 Harts, 2 Pearsons, 1 Stanley Cup finals appearance and 46 shutouts, no goaltender had ever reached a higher zenith for such a long period of time.

DOM LIFTS THE CUP

The Wings were definitely a winning team, but Hasek made them better. In his first season in Detroit he posted a career high 41 wins against just 15 losses, helping the Red Wings earn the regular season championship. Despite the long season due to another Olympics, Hasek's play never wavered and he carried the Wings past the Vancouver Canucks, the St. Louis Blues, the Colorado Avalanche, and the Carolina Hurricanes to win the Stanley Cup. He posted a NHL record six shutouts that spring.

With his Stanley Cup ring on his finger, Dominik Hasek had accomplished it all. He announced his retirement and his intention to return to the Czech Republic where his legendary status was undoubted.

The absence of hockey in his life created a deep void for Hasek, and he decided to return to the NHL again in 2003-04. By doing so, he placed the Detroit Red Wings in a difficult situation. Hasek still had a contract for $8M and a no trade clause. But they also had Curtis Joseph and Manny Legacy on the roster. The situation was resolved when Hasek was forced to sit out much of the season due to a severe groin injury. To his credit, he refused much of his salary that season due to his inability to play.

After season ending surgery and a summer of rehab, Hasek was determined not to end his career that way. He would sign on with the Ottawa Senators in 2004. Given his advanced age and recent injury history, Ottawa was taking a gamble. That gamble never paid off, as Hasek missed the remainder of the regular season after injuring his groin again after just 9 minutes of play at the Olympic games.

Detroit took a similar gamble on Hasek in 2006-07, bringing back Hasek. For two seasons he was able to stay injury free, but would lose his starting job to fellow veteran Chris Osgood. In 2008, Osgood led the Red Wings to the Stanley Cup. Hasek had to watch from the bench.

Hasek was a great teammate during what must have been a difficult time for him. He wanted to end his career by winning the Stanley Cup, but he did not expect it to be in this fashion. Regardless, he was a Stanley Cup champion yet again.

THE BEST EVER?

When all is said and done Hasek posted a 389-223-82 record overall with Buffalo, Detroit and Ottawa, with 81 shutouts and a career goals against average of 2.20. He is tied for sixth in shutouts and 10th in wins. The numbers are made even more impressive by the fact Hasek didn't come to North America until seven years after he was drafted, not gaining a foothold as an NHL starter until age 28.

There is little doubt that his resume ranks him as one of the greatest goalies of all time. Comparing goalies from different eras is almost impossible, but Hasek had Patrick Roy as a great peer in an era where the art of goaltending evolved to a perfected science.

Let's compare Hasek to Patrick Roy:

	Patrick Roy	Dominik Hasek
Seasons	19	16
Games	1029	581
W-L-T-OTL	551-315-131-0	389-223-82-9
SO	66	81
GAA	2.54	2.2
Playoff Games	247	119
Playoff W-L	151-94	65-49
Playoff GAA	2.3	2.02
Stanley Cups	4	2
Olympic Golds	0	1
Smythe Trophies	3	0
Hart Trophies	0	2
Vezina Trophies	3	6

Who was better? That will likely be an eternal debate. Most people will side with Roy for his playoff success and consistency. Hasek had the Olympic gold and international resume, but his career started late and perhaps he hung on too long.

But even if I were to concede Roy was the better goalie over the course of a career, I firmly believe no goalie in hockey history had as high a peak performance than "The Dominator." And he did it for years during Patrick Roy's reign.

Roger Crozier

2008-05-07T22:12:00.000-07:00

"I like everything about hockey,'' Crozier told Jim Hunt in the 1967 book The Men in the Nets. "The travelling, the friends I've met, the interviews. I like everything but the games.''

The game of hockey was more torture than joy Bracebridge, Ontario native Roger Crozier.

Crozier developed his first ulcer playing junior for the St. Catharines Teepees from 1959-62, winning the Memorial Cup in 1960. He would be hospitalized with pancreatitis more than 30 times during his NHL career. An early infection nearly killed him.

He made his big-league debut in 1963 as a 21-year-old call-up from the AHL Pittsburgh Hornets. Maskless, he had his cheekbone fractured by a Frank Mahovlich slapshot early in his first game, yet toughed it out to finish with a 1-1 tie before being sidelined for two weeks.

Unlike a lot of goaltenders Crozier never had great self esteem., especially after Detroit waived the great Terry Sawchuk. "Detroit have had such great goalies - Sawchuk, Glenn Hall and Harry Lumley. Now they're stuck with a little runt like me,'' he said.

But the runt earned the Calder Trophy as the NHL's best rookie in 1964-65, playing all 70 games, winning 40, earning six shutouts and losing the Vezina as the league's top goaltender to Bower and Sawchuk by two goals in the season's final game, a 4-0 Toronto victory over Detroit.

An acrobat on skates, he took Detroit to the 1966 Stanley Cup final against the Canadiens, a six-game loss, and won the Conn Smythe Trophy and its $1,000 bonus and gold Mustang convertible as the playoffs' most valuable player. He starred in every match, despite an ankle badly sprained in Game 4.

Crozier's frayed nerves were legendary. Having lost three straight games at age 25, he quit hockey and returned home to Bracebridge to work as a carpenter. He had a change of heart four months later, and in June 1970 was traded to the expansion Buffalo Sabres for Tom Webster.

In Buffalo he again led a team to the Stanley Cup finals, this time losing a six-game Stanley Cup final to the Philadelphia Flyers in 1974-75. Crozier retired in 1977 after three games, having being dealt to Washington Capitals.

The reluctant Crozier endured a 518-game NHL career that included 206 victories and 30 shutouts.

On January 11, 1996 Roger Crozier died after a long bout with cancer. He was just 53 years old.

Four years later, the NHL and MBNA Bank America, who Crozier worked for in hockey retirement, combined to honor Crozier's memory by awarding the MBNA Roger Crozier Saving Grace Award. The award is presented to the goaltender who finishes the season with the highest save precentage.

Adam Creighton

2008-03-23T13:09:00.000-07:00

Adam Creighton is the son of Dave Creighton, an NHL star throughout the 1950s and an AHL star throughout the 1960s. Dave even spent 1 season, 1961-62, in the city of Buffalo while playing with the AHL Bisons. Adam's uncle Fred was also a professional hockey player and later an award winning coach.

With those bloodlines it comes as no surprise that Adam Creighton was a highly talented hockey player. A giant of a hockey player at 6'5" and 220 pounds, Creighton was drafted 11th overall in the 1983 Entry Draft by Scotty Bowman following a fantastic junior career. The following season he led his junior team, the Ottawa 67's, to the Memorial Cup championship. He led all players in scoring and was named as the tournament MVP. His performance in that 1984 tournament ranks as one of the greatest in the storied history of the Memorial Cup.

The beginning to Adam's professional career was not as smooth however. He never seemed to get untracked under coach Scotty Bowman, and was quickly dubbed as one "Bowman's Busts" as a high draft pick who didn't appear to be working out. He split his first 2 pro seasons between the AHL and NHL. Despite his obvious puck skills and sense of the game, the big man lacked speed and agility to be a true scoring star at the NHL level. .

Adam didn't make it the NHL on a full time basis until 1986-87 when he scored 18 goals and 40 points in 56 games. He seemed to find some real confidence under new coach Ted Sator. However Adam did battle injuries and missed 24 games.

In 1987-88 the injury problems continued as a severe shoulder and knee wounds limited Adam to just 36 games. He may have been one of the biggest players in the National Hockey League, but he appeared to be fragile and shied away from the physical play.

In 1988-89 Adam was shifted to left wing because of the emergence of players like Pierre Turgeon and Benoit Hogue at center ice. Adam never adjusted and the Sabres traded Creighton away to Chicago in exchange for veteran sniper Rick Vaive.

In Chicago Adam played under Mike Keenan. Keenan is a dictatorial coach who has broken many players, but Adam thrived under him. In his first full season in Chicago, 1990-91, Adam erupted for his best season. He scored 34 goals and 70 points. His new found success was in large part because he embraced the physical game, picking up 224 penalty minutes. Although his offensive production tailed off in the playoffs, he remained as a physical force as the Blackhawks went to the Stanley Cup finals.

Creighton came back to earth somewhat in 1990-91, as he continued to struggle with the one thing that prevented him from being a very good player in the National Hockey League - consistency. The Hawks moved Adam to the New York Islanders late in the 1991-92 season in a trade for Brent Sutter.

Adam's stay on Long Island was brief. He finished the year with 12 points in 11 games, but was exposed on waivers prior to the 1992-93 season. The Tampa Bay Lightning selected him and employed him with little fanfare through 1994.

Adam returned from anonymity when he was reunited with Mike Keenan in St. Louis staring in 1995, but he became a low scoring role player at that point of his career.

Adam would end his NHL career with a return to Chicago for the 1996-97 season but appear in only 19 games. He would later round out his career playing in Germany.
Adam Creighton scored 187 goals and 403 points in 708 National Hockey League games.

Mark Napier

2008-02-06T09:31:00.000-08:00

As an 18-year old Napier was rated as the top player in Canada born in 1957 by pro scouts. He had an impressive 223 points in 131 games during two seasons for his hometown team Toronto Marlboros in the OHA. In his last season with the Marlies, 1974-75, Napier led the team to the Memorial Cup as well as being named to the 1st All-Star team. He also led all scorers in goals (24) and points (48) in the playoffs.

Despite still having two years of junior eligibility remaining, he signed as an under-age junior with the WHA Toronto Toro's May 1975. Napier was an instant hit in the WHA, recording 93 points, and was the only rookie to finish among the league's top 50 scorers. He also was voted as the WHA rookie of the year. In his sophomore season Mark exploded for 60 goals, one of only 8 players to do so in WHA history.

Napier was a spectacular skater, blessed with tremendous speed and acceleration. He also had good balance, skating with his legs wide apart forming a low center of gravity. He maintained his fine speed until he was well past 30. Mark thrived on fast-breaks, transition offense and two-on-one situations.

He was drafted from the Birmingham Bulls (WHA) by Montreal Canadiens in the 1st round,10th overall of the 1977 entry draft. The Montreal fans loved his eye-pleasing end-to-end rushes and his streaky goal scoring exploits.

Often paired with fiery Doug Risebrough, Napier led Montreal in goals three consecutive season with 35 tallies in 1980-81 and 40 in back to back seasons in 1982 and 1983. On January 23rd, 1982 he set the team record for fastest two goals from the start of a game, scoring twice in the opening 38 seconds against Calgary.

Early into the 1983-84 season Napier Mark was traded to Minnesota together with fellow speedster Keith Acton a draft pick for strapping center Bobby Smith. After a short stint in Minnesota, Mark was traded to Edmonton for Gord Sherven and Terry Martin on January 24, 1985. The deal to Edmonton was a jackpot since it gave him two Stanley Cup rings. He also got to play with brother in law Pat Hughes.

His last stop in the NHL came when he was traded from Edmonton to Buffalo on March 6, 1987 with Lee Fogolin in exchange for Normand Lacombe, Wayne van Dorp and future considerations. Mark closed out his solid NHL career in 1988-89, totaling 767 games and 541 points (235 goals and 306 assists). In the WHA he had 254 points in 237 games.

Interestingly, Napier finished his career wearing jersey #65 back when such NASCAR numbers were not so common place. Since his favored #9 was already in use courtesy of Danny Gare, Napier chose 65 because of his involvement with the charitable Cystic Fibrosis Foundation where he was an honorary chairman. The terrible disease is often mispronounced by its youngest victims as Sixty Five Roses, leading to the annual fundraising and awareness campaign by the same tagline. Napier brought further attention to the cause by donning the jersey number.

Napier went on to play in Italy between 1989-93 where he continued to rely on his fine speed. He played for Bolzano, Varese and Milano becoming the Italian champ three out of the four years. Mark led the league in goals and points in both 1990 and 91, as well as assists in 1991. In 128 games Mark scored a whopping 376 points.

Craig Ramsay

2007-10-17T15:02:00.001-07:00

Craig Ramsay has to be considered one of the finest defensive forwards of all time.

"Rammer" grew up in Toronto and developed his fine defensive qualities while playing for the Peterborough Petes in the OHA. Craig credited his Peterborough coach Roger Neilson for turning him into such a solid defensive player. Craig scored 232 pts (74 goals plus 158 assists) in 206 OHA games and was selected by Buffalo in the 2nd round (19th overall) in 1971.

Ramsay didn't have a great amount of natural ability. He wasn't very fast and wasn't a great stickhandler or shooter by NHL standards. But he was a smart player who worked hard. He was an intense competitor who did a lot of hard work that went unnoticed by the average fan but to his teammates he was invaluable. Craig showed up night after night shutting down the opposition. You didn't see Ramsay make many mistakes

At one point Ramsay had the 4th longest consecutive game streak in NHL history. He played 776 straight games between 1973 and 1983. Also worth noting is that he only had 201 PIMs in 1070 regular season games, and he was also a +328 during his career. Never in a single season was Ramsay a minus player during his 14-year career, which is quite remarkable given the fact that he was matched against the oppositions star players on most nights.

Often paired on a dynamite line with Don Luce and Danny Gare, Ramsay was noticed throughout the league. For his fine defensive play Craig was awarded with the Selke Trophy in 1985. He also finished as the runner-up for the Selke Trophy on three other occasions. He was also selected to play in the 1976 All-Star game.

Ramsay not only played stellar defense but he chipped in with some goals as well. He cracked the 20-goal plateau eight times and managed to score over 70 points twice. Craig scored 672 points, including 252 goals and 420 assists in 1070 NHL regular season games. In 89 playoff contests he scored 17 goals, 31 assists and 48 points.

Ramsay retired as a 34 year old in 1985, the same year as he won the Selke Trophy. He didn't provide a lot of sizzle or fanfare, but what he did provide will forever rank him among the top players in Buffalo hockey history. This pretty much sums up the story of Craig Ramsay, one of the finest defensive players of all time.

Pierre Turgeon

2007-09-05T13:29:00.001-07:00

Though the news broke earlier this summer, Pierre Turgeon has officially retired.

Turgeon hangs up his blades with 19 NHL seasons under his belt. The 1987 1st overall draft choice of the Buffalo Sabres scored 515 goals, 1,327 points in 1,294 games. Although he didn't have the reputation as a great playoff producer, he had a very respectable 97 points in 109 post season contests.

The Sabres made Turgeon the face of their franchise, immediately drawing comparisons to the team's only previous franchise player, Quebecois Gilbert Perreault. To Sabres selected Turgeon over the likes of Brendan Shanahan and Joe Sakic. Based on skill and ability, #77 deserved that lofty status, but I believe his legacy will not match that of those two fine players.

A gifted natural athlete, Turgeon excelled at the finesse game. The strength of his game was his hockey sense and play making ability. Though he had an excellent shot with a quick release, he was always a playmaker first, then a goal scorer. His vision and creativity combined to make him a lethal setup man and tough to defend.

I would go as far as to say Turgeon was beyond amazing when he had the puck. He never looked at the puck, ut he always had it in perfect control. Without the puck, in typical quiet Pierre Turgeon form, he was so elusive, appearing out of nowhere and disappearing from checks.

Turgeon was very efficient on the ice, which led to some detractors. He was uncanny with his positioning, which he undoubtedly learned in order to make up for a lack of foot speed. Since he was usually in the right spot at the right time, Turgeon never had to scramble to get into the play. Critics called him lazy, when in fact he was extremely economical.

Many critics also pointed to his lack of a physical game, and with merit. Turgeon was a big pivot at 6'1" and 205 lbs, but he never really imposed himself on the opposition. He was never afraid to go into traffic areas to score goals, and he took checks while making plays with the pucks, but he really needed to initiate more of a physical game for him to have reached his full potential. Had he been able to, he would be remembered as one of the best of his generation.

I think what his critics don't point out enough though is rarely did Turgeon have a strong supporting cast. There's no doubting he had the ability, and make no mistake he had the desire to be a dominating NHL figure. He just didn't have the temperament to be a dominating solitary force. Too often in his career, especially in Buffalo and Long Island, and even to some degree in Montreal, he was asked to turn an average team into a Stanley Cup contender. He just wasn't that lone-warrior type of player.

Unable to win in the post season, the Sabres moved Turgeon in 1991 in a 7 player trade that also headlined Pat Lafontaine. Playing with Derek King and Steve Thomas on his wings, Turgeon erupted for his best season in 1992-93 when he recorded a career-best 58 goals and 132 points in his first full season on Long Island. The NHL awarded him the Lady Byng Trophy as he only picked up 13 minor penalties. More importantly, Turgeon was enjoying his first taste of post season success and leading the Islanders to the Conference Finals. En route, however, Turgeon the recipient of one of the ugliest muggings in hockey history. As Turgeon celebrated a goal in a blowout playoff win against the Washington Capitals, Dale Hunter came up behind him and flung him into the boards. Turgeon injured his shoulder and Hunter received a 21-game suspension. The Islanders, and particularly Turgeon, were never the same.

Hunter's mugging may have altered hockey history, suggested New York Daily News writer Frank Brown. He wrote:

"Pierre Turgeon had been a dynamic, involved personality. He was becoming the emblem of the Islanders and the Club was saying 'This is our symbol of future greatness to come. This is the offensive superstar we haven't had since Mike Bossy and this is the hope for a bring new arena on Long Island and million dollar visibility in the marketplace.

"Everything changed by one mean-spirited little prick. When Pierre Turgeon got up, he left some piece of himself on the Nassau pond. From the minute he returned, he was hesitant; he was a perimeter guy; he was a guy who was not activating the energy level of his team the way he had been. He didn't have that drive to the front of the net."

That year turned out to be more of the exception to the new rule as opposed to his arrival as a superstar. He returned to the 90 point level and below. Much like the Sabres, the Islanders must have felt Turgeon was not going to live up to that franchise player designation and moved him to Montreal for Kirk Muller and Mathieu Schneider.

Montreal was an odd destination for a French Canadian player with a reputation for shunning the spotlight. But Montreal, and more importantly Montreal fans, wanted a French Canadian scoring star to lead them back to glory. To make matters worse, Turgeon was burdened with the team's captaincy.

Though his stay was brief, Turgeon put up some good numbers in Montreal. He only played one full season, leading the team in scoring in 1995-96 with 38 goals and 96 points. He teamed well with fellow Frenchman Vincent Damphousse. But the captain's spotlight, especially in media-crazy Montreal, never sat well with Turgeon's quiet and reserved temperament. He handled it all gracefully, especially during the closing of the Montreal Forum, but there was always a hit of reluctance as well.

As brilliant as he could be, he just never had the personality to take his image and his game to the highest level. Unappreciative and unfair Montreal fans quickly turned on their captain, booing him out of town.

Turgeon went to St. Louis, where he could play in some anonymity. Playoff success was easier to find, three times playing 10 or more games. Injuries capped Turgeon around the 60 game mark in St. Louis, therefore making the likes of Chris Pronger, Al MacInnis, Pavol Dimetra and Brett Hull as the go-to guys. It was quite unfortunate that Turgeon couldn't have enjoyed his previous injury free seasons in St. Louis, though ultimately, for all their money spending ways, the Blues were never a true Stanley Cup contender.

From 2001 through 2007 Turgeon spent his seasons miscast and injury prone in Dallas then Colorado. His career came a quiet end in 2007, having played in just 17 games in what proved to be his final season.

Comfortable out of the limelight, Turgeon was always cast in someone's shadow. In Buffalo it was the franchise's previous French Canadian superstar Gilbert Perreault. In Long Island it was the shadow of the man he was traded for, Pat Lafontaine, who possessed natural flair and speed and erupted in Buffalo. In Montreal he was in the shadow of all the French Canadien greats who came before him.

Without doubt he had the ability and talent to stand side by side with his shadow makers. He just never quite had the desire to make it happen. Perhaps if it wasn't for Dale Hunter, he would have emerged as a true superstar.

Though he was as talented and as brilliant as most any of his peers, I suspect Pierre Turgeon's legacy will not see him land in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Interestingly, in 2007 Turgeon was inducted into another Hall of Fame. He was the first Canadian enshrined in the Little League World Series Hall of Fame.

Larry Playfair

2007-06-14T22:03:00.000-07:00

One would think that the name Play fair would indicate that Larry was a gentle player on the ice. Well, far from it. On the ice Larry was one of the toughest blue liners in recent history of the NHL. It didn't take long for this punishing hitter and great fighter to have his opponents avoiding him. Off the ice however, few were nicer than Larry.

A native of Fort St. James, British Columbia, a town about 600 miles north of Vancouver, grew up with four brothers and one sister. Already as a junior Larry was an imposing 6'3" - 6'4". He first played for the Langley Thunder Hawks of the BCJHL and then for Portland Winter Hawks of the WHL. During his second season for Portland (77-78), Larry collected a hefty 402 minutes but also made the All-Star team.

NHL scouts liked what they saw and Buffalo drafted him in the 1st round, 13th overall in 1978. Larry got to play in 26 games for Buffalo as a rookie in 1978-79. He immediately displayed his bruising style of play that became his future trademark in the NHL.

As a rookie he naturally made a few mistakes and was sent down to Hershey (AHL) to further polish his play. In his first NHL game and first shift against Boston he was welcomed to the NHL by a John Wensink elbow that knocked him out cold.

Larry had a very good training camp in 1979 and became one of the steadiest defensemen in Buffalo. He was often paired with Mike Ramsay, and together they formed a very reliable defensive duo. At times he was used as a left wing when the Sabres needed some muscle up front.

Larry went on to lead the Sabres in penalty minutes for six straight seasons (1979-85) and was the Sabre nobody wanted to mess with. He was the first Sabre to reach the 1000 penalty minute mark in a career as well as the first to break the 200 PIM plateau in one season, which he did twice. He also set a club record for most PIMs in one season, 258 in 81-82.

Larry was extremely popular with his teammates and fans. He won both the Buffalo News Seventh Player Award (most inspirational player) and the Silver Stick Award (the player who best exemplifies the love of the game).

Despite his popularity he was traded to Los Angeles on January 30, 1986 together with Sean McKenna for Ken Baumgartner, Brian Engblom and Doug Smith. His play in Los Angeles was the same as in Buffalo. Heavy hitting and a few scraps along the way.

Less than three years later Larry was traded back "home" to Buffalo where he played until he retired in 1989-90. His 89-90 season lasted only 4 games until he had to retire due to chronic back injuries.

Larry will not be remembered for any offensive flare but rather for his punishing hits and heavy blows with his fists. He was a fierce competitor who earned every minute and shift in the NHL.

In retirement Larry Playfair has been extremely busy with the Buffalo Sabres Alumni Association and its many charitable causes.

Jim Schoenfeld

2007-06-13T16:45:00.000-07:00

Jim Schoenfeld was a goaltender's best friend. A dominating defenseman in his own zone, Schoenfeld was a more unheralded version of Rod Langway in many ways.

The highest rated defenseman in the 1972 Entry Draft, Schoenfeld was drafted 5th overall by the young Buffalo Sabres franchise. Although they realized that Schoenfeld wouldn't do a whole lot offensively, they realized just how special this player truly was.

Schoeny was as tough as they come, and he solidified that reputation early in his career. On December 13, 1972 of his rookie season, Jim got into three fights in a game against the Big Bad Boston Bruins. Jim tangled with Bobby Orr first, which of course would make him a marked man instantly. Carol Vadnais and Wayne Cashman, two of the more rugged Bruins, would go at it with Schoenfeld by the end of the game. The fight with Cashman was particularly memorable as the two crashed against the Zamboni entrance doors. The doors opened up unexpectedly as the two exited the ice.

While Schoeny could handle his own against any of the NHL's toughest customers, don't think he was your stereotypical 1970's goons. He was a fan favorite in Buffalo because of his bone crunching bodychecks, his fearless shot blocking, his tenacity in front of his own net and his constant hustle and work ethic.

Schoefeld, as mentioned earlier, was not an offensive threat. His best season came in 1979-80 when he score 9 goals, 27 assists and 36 points, all career highs. He added 110 PIM and was an amazing +60 en route to being named to the NHL second All Star team. To give you an idea of his great year, the other defensemen named to the All Star Teams were Larry Robinson (First Team), Ray Bourque (First Team) and Borje Salming (Second Team).

Jim played over 9 outstanding years in Buffalo before a big trade took him to Detroit. Traded with Danny Gare and Derek Smith, the Sabres got Mike Foligno, Dale McCourt and Brent Peterson on December 2, 1981. Jim played the next two years with a the struggling Wings team before signing with the Boston Bruins for the 1983-84 season. In 1984-85 he resigned with Buffalo for one final season in the NHL.

After his playing days were over, Jim turned to the world of coaching. Jim enjoyed a long career behind the bench but will always be remembered for his role in "the Doughnut Incident."

Jim was the coach of the stubborn New Jersey Devils in their surprising playoff run in 1988. In game 3 of the Wales Conference finals against the Boston Bruins, Schoenfeld was incensed over the refereeing of Don Koharski, and searched for Koharski after the game. Schoeny caught up to Koharski in a narrow hallway and angry words were exchanged. Koharski somehow ended up on the floor, all though no one but the parties involved know if he was pushed or just lost his balance. Koharski got up and told Schoenfeld "You'll never coach again!" to which Schoenfeld came back with his now infamous reply "You're full of shit. You fell, you fat pig. Have another doughnut!."

NHL executive vice president Brian O'Neill suspended Schoenfeld for abuse of officials. But the Devils, in a surprise move, went to the courts and secured a judge's order that bound the NHL to allow Schoenfeld to coach the Devils in game 4.

Needless to say this didn't sit well with the officials. Just minutes prior to the opening face-off the on ice officials refused to work that game if Schoenfeld was allowed to coach. Desperate to get the situation under control, the NHL hired three amateur off ice officials to control the game. 52 year old Paul McInnis was the referee. He had to borrow Aaron Broten's skates to work the game though. 51 year old Vin Godleski and 50 year old Jim Sullivan were the linesmen. At the beginning of the game the linesmen wore yellow shirts and green sweatpants. New Jersey won the game 3-1 but lost the series 4 games to 3.

Don Luce

2007-06-10T20:51:00.000-07:00

The first thing most fans think of when reminiscing about the Buffalo Sabres of the 1970s is the fantastic play of the French Connection. Gilbert Perreault, Rick Martin and Rene Robert grabbed most of the spotlight with their creative artistry and production.

While they were the stars of the show, no team can achieve success without elite role players. The Sabres acquired one of those from Detroit in 1971, trading for Don Luce. In Buffalo Luce would develop into one of the best defensive centers and penalty killers of his era. Luce, who only missed 14 games in a decade of service with the Sabres, would often work with equally reliable left winger Craig Ramsay and sniper Danny Gare to form one of the best checking lines of the 1970s. The Sabres had perhaps the best #1 line and best #2 line in the entire league.

Luce was not so one dimensional that he could not score himself. He showed his versatility by becoming an important part of the Sabres power play. His offensive production was steady and significant, and he'd often push the 70 point plateau in his prime. In 1973-74 he bulged the twine 26 times, better than any Sabre other than Rick Martin. And in 1973-74 Luce achieved a career high 33 goals and 76 points. Eight of his goals came while shorthanded, then a NHL record. That was a magical season for Luce and the Sabres. Luce was named as the team's MVP, and the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy winner for perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to the game of hockey. But more importantly Luce helped the Sabres get all the way to the Stanley Cup finals before bowing to the defending Cup champs from Philadelphia.

It is unfortunate that the NHL did not award a trophy for best defensive forward until 1978, as Luce likely would have won the trophy at least in 1974-75, if not in other years.

After brief stops in Toronto and Los Angeles, Luce retired after the 1982 season. In 1986 he was inducted into the Sabres Hall of Fame. He has continued to work for the Sabres in a variety of coaching and scouting assignments in his retirement.

Tony McKegney

2007-02-17T14:34:00.000-08:00

In the summer of 1978, one of hockey's finest young prospects was Tony McKegney. Yet he was being overlooked at the NHL draft table that summer because it was assumed that he signed with the World Hockey Association's Birmingham Bulls.

At the last minute, the deal between Birmingham and McKegney fell through for political reasons. You see McKegney was black and that wouldn't go over very well in Alabama according to some. The Bull's hockey management team wanted McKegney's size and a laser-like shot, as did team owner John Bassett. However some of Bassett's supporters convinced the owner that having a black hockey player in Birmingham was a bad idea. A disappointed Bassett reluctantly agreed and shied away from McKegney

Word about McKegney's availability was slow to reach NHL circles. It wasn't until McKegney's agent Alan Eagleson started spreading the word in the second round of the NHL entry draft. The Buffalo Sabres eagerly snapped up the left winger. Tony was considered to be a definite first round pick, perhaps even a top 10 selection, if he wasn't tied up by the WHA. Needless to say the Sabres were more than happy to grab him with the 32nd selection.

McKegney was obviously disappointed by the circumstances involved in the Birmingham experience. He was later quoted as saying "All I want to do is be a good player in the NHL, and show those Birmingham people how wrong they were."

If that was McKegney's driving ambition as a hockey player, then he sure accomplished his goal. He went on to enjoy 13 years in the National Hockey League, scoring 320 goals and over 600 points in 912 career games.

In the process he became the first black hockey star. Willie O'Ree broke hockey's color barrier and was a star in the minor leagues for years, but not at the NHL level. It wasn't until McKegney's arrival that the NHL saw its first black scoring star. At approximately the same time, black goalie Grant Fuhr was performing heroics by establishing himself as the best puckstopper in the world.

After a spectacular junior career with the Kingston Canadiens, McKegney enjoyed 5 years in Buffalo. After an 8 goal rookie season he stepped up his production to 23 goals and then 37. He slipped in 1981-82 when he fell back to 23, but rebounded to 36 goals in 1982-83, his final year in Buffalo.

The off season saw McKegney be a part of a major trade with the Quebec Nordiques. Quebec traded troubled Real "Buddy" Cloutier and a first round draft pick (Adam Creighton) for McKegney, French center Andre Savard, Jean Sauve and a third round draft pick (Iiro Jarvi).

McKegney only lasted 1 and 1/2 seasons in Quebec, as he struggled for ice time behind prolific left wing scorers Michel Goulet and Anton Stastny. Despite being a third stringer, he did put up respectable numbers, including 36 goals in a total of 105 games.

Tony was sent to Minnesota in December of 1984 and he finished the year strongly in Minnesota, picking up nearly a point a game in 27 contests. He followed that up with a terrific playoff, scoring 8 goals and 14 points in 9 games. However he followed that up with perhaps his most disappointing NHL season in 1985-86. He tallied only 15 goals and 40 points.

Tony started the 1986-87 season with the North Stars, but 11 games into the season he was traded to the New York Rangers. He recaptured his consistent 30 goal form, notching 29 as a Ranger for 31 total.

Tony's stay on Broadway was short, as he was sent to St. Louis in 1987-88 and had his best NHL season. He scored a career high 40 goals, 38 assists and 78 points. An aging McKegney slipped to 25 goals and 42 points in 1988-89.

Tony slowed down after that season, never reaching the 20 goal level again. He had very brief stops in Detroit (14 games) and Chicago (9 games) as well as parts of two seasons in a second tour of duty with the Nordiques.

Tony left the NHL at the completion of 1991. He spent one year in Italy before returning to North America to play for the San Diego Gulls of the IHL in 1992-93.

Tony was a big left winger, who was effective at the physical game though not an overly physical player by nature. His strong legs gave him good up and down skating ability with good acceleration, but lacked great agility to outclass some of the better NHL defensemen. He was very effective in front of the net where his good balance made him nearly immovable. Many of his goals came from tipping in point shots or banging at loose pucks in the crease. Tony's best physical asset was his excellent shot which he was always able to get away with uncanny quickness.

So why did Tony travel so much? He was a consistent 25-30 goals scorer who every once in a while would break out to the next level, like he did in 1980-81, 1982-83, the latter half of 1984-85 and most especially in 1987-88. But his problem was he had a reputation of having two good years but then having a stinker. As this reputation spread and, rightly or wrongly, was accepted, he became a rent a player who was acquired to hit a home run, but if he didn't hit it quickly, he would be traded away.

An interesting side note about Tony McKegney: His brother Ian also played in the National Hockey League, appearing in three games with the Chicago Blackhawks back in 1976-77. The defenseman however was not black, but white. Tony was adopted by the McKegney family as an infant.

Lindy Ruff

2007-02-10T20:24:00.000-08:00

Lindy Ruff lived up to his name. That's because rough is the perfect word to describe Lindy's style of play.

Ruff was a below average finesse player - with bad skating and puck skills for an NHLer. He was however a conscientious defensive forward who used his size and strength to bang pucks loose in the corners and in front of the net. He was one of the best role players in the league in the decade he played.

So how does a player of below average skills last in the NHL for 12 seasons and go on to be an excellent NHL coach?

Lindy was a tremendous team player and the perfect guy to have in the locker room. In fact his best contributions to his team may have been in the dressing room and away from the ice rather than on it. He was so good with young players and with creating team chemistry that he was almost as valuable as a 20 goal scorer. He was the obvious choice to replace Gilbert Perreault as team captain in 1986.

Plus Lindy had the rare ability to play defense as well as left wing. He was drafted as a defenseman but when it became obvious he didn't have the speed to play at the NHL level he was shifted to the wing. He did fill in on defense in case of injuries throughout his days on the wing. Later on in his career he shifted back to defense as a full time job.

Ruff was drafted by the Sabres with the 32nd overall pick in 1979 (despite suffering a career threatening hip injury in his last season of junior) and quickly became one of the most popular figures in this strong sporting town. For almost 10 seasons he bled the Blue and Gold of the Buffalo Sabres. In addition to all the intangibles he brought the team he chipped in with some timely offense. He averaged about 10-15 goals and 30-35 points when played left wing. This despite some serious injury problems. His three best years were all cut short by injuries - 1983-84 saw him on pace to set career highs in all categories with 14 goals, 31 assists and 45 points in just 58 games; 1984-85 had him on pace to score 27 goals but he only ended up playing in 39 games; and 1985-86 saw him eclipse the 20 goal mark for the only time in his career despite playing in just 54 games.

Lindy, who converted back to defense by 1987 and played there for most of the remainder of his career, was traded on the 1989 trading deadline for a 5th round draft pick (which turned out to be skilled defenseman Richard Smehlik) of the New York Rangers. He finished his career with the Rangers 2 1/2 seasons later but injuries continued to plague the effective grinder.

Lindy continued to play in the minor leagues for two seasons after his NHL days were done. He was being groomed for the coaching world while playing with AHL Rochester and IHL San Diego. By the time he officially hung up his blades in 1993 the expansion Florida Panthers came calling and offered Lindy an assistant coach position. Lindy was a big part of the quick rise of the Panthers and their surprising 1996 Stanley Cup finals appearance.

Lindy got a chance to run his own bench at the NHL level - despite having no head coaching experience - in 1997. It was a nice homecoming for Lindy, as the Buffalo Sabres offered Lindy their head coaching job. Lindy was the perfect choice in Buffalo - a long time ex Sabre who was so well liked in the community and who could continue to instill the lunch bucket, hard work attitude that so fitted the Sabres team. It was an excellent choice and Lindy, unlike many coaches in the NHL today, should be able to stay with the Sabres for some time with the success he's had.

Rick Martin

2006-12-16T15:27:00.000-08:00

Legendary GM Punch Imlach once called Richard Martin "the greatest natural goal scorer I've seen". Martin's slapshot was terrifying and struck fear in goalies everywhere.

His coach in Buffalo, Joe Crozier, once said: "Bobby Hull may shoot harder than Rick, but Rick gets his shot away quicker and he's always on target with it."

Former NHL player and coach Vic Stasiuk was also a big Rick Martin fan: "He's got a hair-trigger on his shot. It's uncanny how quick he shoots that puck. It just touches his stick and it's flying at the net. Few are really quick and none are quicker."

Rogatien Vachon, the veteran goalie added: " You make any mistake and he takes it. You let him see the slightest opening and he'll thread something through it." Another, Lyle Carter said: " Martin hit me with a shot and I thought it had gone through my skin and stuck in my ribs. He's got a hard, heavy shot and I felt it for a month. It can carry your glove right off your hand."

Richard Martin was born in Verdun,Que on July 26,1951. His grandparents were Swiss-French and Swiss-German. His mother was French, but his father was born in Scotland and was a proud Scotsman. When Rick first came to prominence around Montreal, they gave his name a French pronunciation, "Ree-SHAR Mar-TAHN," but he refused it, considering it pretentious, insisting on plain Rick Martin. But make no mistake, Rick was always proud of his half-French heritage. He went to French speaking schools and speaks it and English equally well.

Rick started playing hockey at the age of eight. "I knew I could make the majors some day when I was 13 and I was playing in both bantam and midget leagues at the same time and I was the top scorer in both. I was shooting, shooting, shooting every day. But I liked other sports, too. I was just as good at golf and might have played that professionally. I really wanted to be an engineer. I never thought about playing pro until I was 18. I went to Sir George William University (later renamed Concordia University) in Montreal a year, but dropped out after my freshman year. The financial opportunities in pro hockey were too god for me to pass up."

Rick played his junior hockey for Thetford Mines and the Montreal Jr. Canadiens. In his last season with the Jr. Canadiens in 1970-71 Rick scored a league leading 71 goals in only 60 games, breaking the old QMJHL record held by Brian Cullen (68). The year before Rick had played on the same line as Gilbert Perreault, showing great chemistry and perking interest in Buffalo early. They were quick to grab Martin 5th overall in the 1971 entry draft.

When Rick entered his first NHL training camp in September 1971 he was immediately teamed up with his old junior linemate Perreault.

"The only reason Punch (Imlach) teamed me with Gil is because Punch said I was the only one on the team at the time that could skate with him." Rick said. Rick scored an NHL record 44 goals as a rookie, breaking Perreault's old record from the year before.

The next season Rene Robert lined up beside the duo and the famed "French Connection" line was born. They went on to terrorize opponents for almost a decade.

"We were a nice blend. Gil was the guy who could set you up with the goals. Rene was a real good checker, who wasn't afraid to go into the corner to dig out the puck. And I guess I was the guy who was supposed to put the puck into the net. I was to be the big gun."

Rick certainly was the big gun of the Sabres, and the entire NHL for that matter. His scoring resumé is impressive: 44, 37, 52, 52, 49, 36, 28, 32 and 45 goals in consecutive season. All in all Rick scored 384 goals in 685 games which makes him one of the most productive goal scorers per game in NHL history. He was also a four time NHL All-Star on the left wing.

Don't mistake Martin as a one trick pony. His two way game was always overshadowed and over criticized.

"I worked on the defensive part of my game for quite some time. I thought by the time Punch left the team (78-79) I was playing good two-way hockey for the team. But my critics didn't see it that way. I guess that I was never supposed to be in the mold of a two-way hockey player according to them," Martin recalled.

Martin and his Buffalo Sabres never won the Stanley Cup, but Martin did get the chance to win the 1976 Canada Cup.

"My chance had finally come to play. I finally realized how much pressure there was playing for your country. Being part of a winning team is something I'll always remember," Rick said.

Unfortunately Rick had to retire when he was only 30. Had he been injury free then it's safe to say that he would have reached the 500 goal plateau.

On November 8, 1980 Rick injured his right knee in a collision with Washington Capitals' goalie Mike Palmateer. Rick's knee never was the same after that and he only played sparingly from then until March 10, 1981, when he was traded to Los Angeles. In LA he only played four games before retiring in December 1981.

In June 1982, Rick sued the Buffalo Sabres, contending that he received improper medical treatment for an injured knee that forced him to an early retirement. There were seven separate suits, including one against Scotty Bowman.

"My beef was never with the Knoxes (the Sabres owners). It was with Scotty, " Rick said.

Hockey fans who remembered "Rico" can't argue the fact that he was one of hockey's deadliest snipers of all time.

Special Thanks to Pat Houda

Rene Robert

2006-12-16T15:09:00.000-08:00

Rene Robert exceeded pretty much everybody's expectations. Never drafted by the NHL, Robert worked hard every shift and eventually caught the attention of NHL scouts. Soon enough Robert was placed with Gilbert Perreault and Rick Martin to form one of the greatest lines in NHL history - The French Connection.

After playing three years in a unaffiliated minor leaguer, Rene's hard working, hard hitting style combined with consistent scoring caught the attention of the Toronto Maple Leafs who gave Rene a five-game tryout contract. He played in all 5 games but made little impact.

The following year the Pittsburgh Penguins plucked Rene off of the waiver list. Rene was played sparingly in Steeltown, scoring 7 goals and 18 points in 49 games. Late in the year he was traded to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for veteran tough guy Eddie Shack.

It was in Buffalo that Rene's career finally caught fire and he proved everybody wrong. He was the perfect complimentary right winger for Perreault and Martin. The two slick scoring sensations needed Robert's aggressive style. Robert would hustle into the corners and more often than not come out with the puck. He was killed enough to be able to do something with that puck too, often setting up his two marksmen linemates. His constant hustle and try not only made Perreault and Martin better players, but also made the Sabres into a true contender.

Of course, Robert is quick to downplay his importance to their success, and attributes his success to something other than hard work.

“Well, it makes your life a lot easier when you play with two tremendous hockey players. As you know back in the ‘70s, our line was very famous throughout the league. But a lot of people say, ‘What is it like to play with people like that?’ To be very honest with you, it takes an awful lot of luck. I believe everything in life comes to you with a reason and that there’s a meaning to everything that we do but the fact that I played with these guys, what made us click and what made us so good was pure luck. Chemistry was there, there’s no two ways about it. But, like I said earlier, when you play with people of that caliber, it’s a lot easier to play hockey.”

The 1972-73 season then marked the first of seven full seasons Robert would play with the Sabres. He tallied a career-high 40 goals that year and it was just a sign of things to come. Robert never failed to score fewer than 21 goals during his tenure in Buffalo.

1974-75 was a particularly strong year for Robert. He matched his career-high in goals with 40 while also registering career-bests with 60 assists and 100 points that year. Rene also helped lead the Sabres to the Stanley Cup Finals that season where they eventually fell short to the Philadelphia Flyers.

After seven-plus years in Buffalo, Rene was traded to the Colorado Rockies prior to the 1979-80 campaign. He scored 28 goals in his only full season with the Rockies. In Denver Rene was one of coach Don Cherry's favourite players, describing him as a "solid, hard nosed veteran."

"After I got Robert, and looked at some of the guys he had to work with, I'd feel sorry for the guy,” added Cherry. "He blocked shots, threw his weight around and fought. H even played though he had a broken thumb, a separated shoulder and a pulled groin! Considering our collection of players, I wouldn't have blamed Robert if he had just thrown in the towel, but he wouldn't quit."

Quit was the one thing Robert would never do. He never forgot how hard he had to work to make the NHL, and to work twice as hard to reach the dizzying heights that he achieved. As long as Robert laced up the skates, no one on the ice could out hustle him. Hard work and a little luck were Robert's trademarks.

Robert's career came full circle when a trade took him back to the Toronto Maple Leafs midway through the 1980-81 season. The Rockies traded Robert in exchange for a draft pick to end his "exile" in the Rocky Mountains. Robert finished out his NHL career by playing in 55 games with the Leafs in 1981-82, scoring 13 goals and 37 points.

Over his 12-year NHL career, Robert recorded eight 20-goal seasons and two 40-goal years. Rene was selected to the NHL’s Second All-Star Team in 1975 and he also played in the 1973 and 1975 All-Star Games. His career statistics include 284 goals, 418 assists and 702 points in 744 regular season games. He also added 22 goals and 41 points in 50 playoff contests.

Following his hockey career, Rene went on to work for Molson's and the NHLPA.

Brian "Spinner" Spencer

2006-12-11T21:20:00.000-08:00

The life of Brian "Spinner" Spencer was turbulent, fast and tragic.

He grew up in the Canadian backwoods and as every kid in Canada he dreamed of becoming a hockey pro, spending many hours in the local rinks.

Brian's energetic gung-ho style was appreciated by his junior teams and coaches. He went on to play for the Calgary Centennials in the WHL 1967-68 and did quite well. The following season he played for both the Estevan Bruins and Swift Current Broncos (WHL), scoring almost a point per game combined with his aggressive in-your-face hockey.

Brian attended Toronto Maple Leafs training camp in 1969 but didn't make the final cut. He was assigned to the farm team in Tulsa where he played most of the season. He got his first recall to the Maple Leafs on December 9, 1969 but didn't play. He had to wait until March 14, 1970 before he made his debut (vs. Boston 2-1). Brian saw the odd shift in another 8 games that season.

The next season Brian was a regular in Toronto for most part of the season. Unfortunately tragedy struck, and it would haunt Brian for the rest of his life. Brian told his parents that he would be a second period guest during Hockey Night In Canada's telecast of the Leafs game against Chicago on December 12, 1970. Brian's parents were extremely proud to have a son in the NHL, especially his father Roy.

When Brian's father discovered that the CBC affiliate near the family's Fort St.James home was carrying the Vancouver-California game instead, he became enraged. He drove over two hours to Prince George Television station CKPG and held employees hostage with his pistol and forced them to cut the transmission power. After a short while the Royal Canadian Mounted Police arrived and a shootout followed. Roy Spencer was shot and killed at the age of 57.

The death of his father hit Brian hard and it hurt Brian for the rest of his life according to people around him, although he tried not to show it. It was his father's dream to have one of his sons playing hockey. Brian's twin brother Byron did not make it, but Brian did, and it made his father almost burst of pride.

Brian split the 1971-72 season between Toronto and Tulsa. He was then left unprotected in the 1972 expansion draft and was picked by NY Islanders. Brian spent the next 1½ years on Long Island before being traded to Buffalo on March 10, 1974.

Brian had his best offensive production in a Sabres uniform when he had 41 points, including 12 goals, in 1974-75. Brian played well in Buffalo and was extremely popular with the fans. His hustle, aggressive play and ability to hit was something the fans loved. Brian developed to a pretty good all-around player.

Traded to Pittsburgh in September 1977, his offensive production fell as he became more specialized as a checking forward. Brian's last NHL season came in 1978-79 when he played 7 games for Pittsburgh. He then finished his playing career in the AHL (Binghamton, Springfield and Hershey) and retired after the 1979-80 season.

The story about Spinner Spencer should end here, but unfortunately his life after hockey became a mess. Brian moved to Palm Beach, Florida right after he retired. He met the wrong kind of people in Florida and got involved with drugs and crime. He moved in with a prostitute who worked for an escort service. She accused Brian of committing a 1982 murder against a Palm Beach Gardens restaurateur named Michael Dalfo.

Brian was arrested for a first degree murder in January 1987 but was acquitted in October 1987 after a 10-month trial. Needless to say, Brian didn't feel much better after that experience. In February 1988 Brian visited former Leaf teammate Jim McKenny, a friend of Brian who at the time was working as a Toronto sportscaster. Jim noticed how disillusioned Brian was.

"He walked down a lot of avenues people have never been. He experienced a lot of things people never have, " McKenny said later. " He thought he was the only bad person in the NHL, he felt he was the only person who failed. But I told him there were 200 other guys who messed up worse than he thought he had. I told him he shouldn't feel guilty. It's really tough to re-establish yourself after hockey. He was all alone. When he came here he was amazed at the interest of people. He was surprised people still cared about him. He thought he was the scum of the earth. But he really picked up when he visited Toronto. He wasn't your run-of-the-mill NHL'er. He was inquisitive about everything."

A book about Brian's life named Gross Misconduct: The life of Spinner Spencer by Martin O'Malley was due to be released and Brian was very happy about it. Finally his life seemed to turn around for the better.

But that never happened in Spencer's lifetime. On the night of June 2, 1988, Brian and his friend Gregory Scott Cook cruised around Riviera Beach, allegedly to buy a rock of cocaine. (which was later denied). After having made the buy they stopped a couple of blocks away when a stranger in a white car pulled up, walked to the driver's side window, demanded money (reportedly getting as little as $ 3) and shot the 38-year old Brian in the heart.

Cook, who escaped uninjured, rushed Brian to a nearby fire station. The paramedics took Brian to St. Mary's hospital in West Palm Beach where he was pronounced dead at 12:12 a.m. June 3, 1988.

Brian's hectic life came to an abrupt end just as he was turning his life around. The curly haired Spencer was survived by his twin brother Byron, mother Irene, his two ex-wives, Linda and Janet plus his five children, Andrea, Nicole, Kristin, Jason and Jarret.

Hockey fans will always remember that curly hair and wide smile on his face when he hustled down the ice to nail somebody to the boards, his energetic style that earned him the nickname "Spinner". People will always remember "Spinner", on the contrary to what he always thought.

Jim Lorentz

2006-12-10T23:53:00.000-08:00

Waterloo, Ontario's Jim Lorentz was an NHLer for a full decade. He played with several teams but he is best known for his days when he skated for the Buffalo Sabres. He played the majority of his NHL career in the city, and enjoyed his finest seasons there. And of course he continues to live in the community and works on Buffalo Sabre broadcasts now many years after hanging up the blades.

Lorentz's career started in 1964 when he played the first of three years of junior hockey with the Niagara Falls Flyers of the Ontario Hockey Association before beginning his pro hockey career with the Oklahoma City Blazers of Central Hockey League in 1967-68. It wouldn't be long before Lorentz would make the NHL, as he tore up the CHL. He was named rookie of the year in his first season, and in his second and final season in the minor leagues he was an all star who led the league in scoring and was named as the most valuable player.

Lorentz's playing rights belonged to the Boston Bruins. The Bruins of the later 1960s and early 1970s were a powerhouse in the NHL, led by Bobby Orr and Phil Esposito. As a result Lorentz didn't get to play a whole lot. He was shuffled around from center ice and to the wing, but was always a minor player.

Jim never minded though, as he was in the NHL and on the league's best team. In fact in his rookie season Jim was able to hoist Lord Stanley's Cup.

“It’s very special." said Jim. "I know players will say this but I don’t think you really realize what you’ve done until after you’ve retired. You don’t really realize the impact of it."

Because the Bruins couldn't find a full time position for the young scoring star Jim was dealt to St. Louis after the 69-70 season, in exchange for the Blues first pick in the 1970 Amateur Draft (the pick was used to select Ron Plumb).

Jim played the 1970-71 campaign with St. Louis before splitting the 1971-72 season between the Blues, the New York Rangers and the Sabres. It was in Buffalo that he found a permanent home.

Over his six-plus seasons in Buffalo, Jim racked up 134 goals, 197 assists and 331 points in 487 games. Jim also enjoyed his best seasons in a Sabre uniform, recording a career-high 27 goals in 1972-73 and a personal-best 70 points in 1974-75, the same year he helped Buffalo reach the Stanley Cup Finals.

Jim helped a young expansion franchise in Buffalo become a league powerhouse in a very short time period. Jim has many memories of his playing days with the Sabres. One of the most exciting was the first time the team made the playoffs..

“I think the first year that we made the playoffs was very exciting. We ended up playing the Montreal Canadiens in the first round. No one gave us a prayer to win that series but we took them to six games. And one of the great moments in my career was in that sixth game in the Auditorium when the fans starting chanting in unison, ‘Thank you Sabres.’ It was a great feeling."

But of course the greatest memory was the Stanley Cup finals appearance of 1975. Jim played an important role in the Sabres improbable run, scoring 6 goals and 10 points in 16 playoff games.

That I think was one of the … next to going to the Finals in ’75, would rank right up there with the memorable moments. And of course just playing with some of the players that I did. There were great players. Gilbert Perreault, Richard Martin and Rene Robert. Jim Schoenfeld, Roger Crozier. We had a bunch of real character guys that liked to have a lot of fun and who were great players.”

He is also well remembered for a zany act that will go down in the rich folklore of Stanley Cup history..

Lorentz used his stick to slay a bat, of all things, that was annoying players and fans. Nobody was sure whether the bat had found its way into the arena or was brought into the building by a mischievous fan.

"It was dive-bombing the crowd, and a couple of times it came near the ice and I remember Parent taking a couple of swings at it with his goal stick and missing," Lorentz said.

Fans continually reacted to the bat when it swooped down toward them, and it was a clear distraction. When Lorentz was standing still getting ready for a face-off and spotted it zooming toward him, he reached up and killed it with a slash of his stick. The crowd and the players were happy until they realized they had another problem.

"No one wanted to pick it up," said Lorentz, who instantly was dubbed as Batman. "Finally, (Philadelphia's) Rick MacLeish picked it up and buried it in the penalty box."

Not everyone was pleased by Jim's actions though. He actually received several letters from animal rights activists.

Jim continued to play until 1978 when he retired from NHL duty. He retired with 659 games, 161 goals, 238 assists and 399 points under his belt, and a ton of stories. He turned to a brief stint of junior coaching before becoming the popular colour commentator for the Sabres radio and later television broadcasts.

Dale McCourt

2006-12-10T23:52:00.000-08:00

Dale McCourt entered the NHL with impressive enough credentials to be dubbed the next NHL superstar. He would never achieve those lofty expectations, but had a productive NHL career followed by a lengthy career in Switzerland.

Born in Falconbridge, Ontario, McCourt was a junior superstar in the OHA. He was a perennial 50 goal scorer who captained the the Hamilton Fincups to the Memorial Cup in 1976. He was also honored as the Stafford Smythe Memorial trophy as Memorial Cup MVP. In 1977McCourt also represented Canada at the 1977 World Junior Championships where he was tournament all-star and helped the nation win a silver medal. That season he was named the Canadian Major Junior player-of-the-year in 1977. He graduated junior as the all time leader in many scoring categories in all of Ontario (all records since broken).

The struggling Detroit Red Wings opted to select McCourt with the first overall pick at the 1977 Amateur Draft, passing on the highly rated defenseman Barry Beck and a future Hall of Famer Mike Bossy. McCourt stepped in immediately, and playing on a line with Paul Woods and Bill Lochead, he impressed with 33 goals. He was the toast of Detroit after helping the Red Wings return to the Stanley Cup playoffs.

McCourt's sophomore year was marred by a weird court battle that went all the way to the US Supreme Court. McCourt became property of the Los Angeles Kings as it was ruled he would be the compensation for Detroit's signing of former Kings goalie Rogie Vachon. McCourt refused to report to Los Angeles, and after a lengthy legal debate that was resolved with McCourt remaining in Detroit. However the affair seemed to effect his play as he got off to a slow start. He finished strongly, with 28 goals and 71 points. McCourt would later say that the lengthy court battle and the subsequent blackballing by the NHL and many NHL players cost him his love of the NHL. That loss of love would become evident over the coming years.

McCourt continued to be a solid point producer for Detroit, upping his scoring totals to 81 and 86 points in the following years, but the team never built on its success enjoyed in 1977-78. With Detroits failure to make the playoffs, the Red Wings became impatient and traded youngsters McCourt and Mike Foligno to the Buffalo Sabres early in the 1981-82 season. The trade would be one of the most famous in Buffalo history, as Foligno became a team leader and fan favorite.

McCourt, meanwhile, was a bit of an enigmatic center in Buffalo, often playing with Tony McKegney and Alan Haworth. McCourt struggled under coach Scotty Bowman, and after two seasons of just 20 goals each, McCourt was released.

McCourt, the nephew of hockey hall of famer George Armstrong, signed as a free agent with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1983-84, but his offensive struggles continued as he scored just 19 goals

With his NHL teams often missing the playoffs, McCourt had a taste of international hockey by twice representing Canada at the World Championships. In 1984-85, McCourt decided to give the European game his best, by joining Ambri Piotta of Switzerland. He would stay in Switzerland for seven seasons before retiring in 1991.

In retirement McCourt has remained in Europe, coaching in Italy, including as an assistant in 1994 Olympics, and in Germany. He returned to Canada in 2000 and got a job as a truck driver.

Benoit Hogue

2006-12-10T23:51:00.001-08:00

Benoit Hogue had a loyal following of fans when he played for the Buffalo Sabres. A gritty player with explosive speed, the smallish Hogue was an entertaining player. Although he was not a polished puck handler or shooter, Hogue was always expected to contribute offensively, thanks largely to his speed and a willingness to get his nose dirty. But he was also a responsible defensive player, particularly on the penalty kill.

The Sabres selected Benoit Hogue 35th overall in the second round of the 1985 NHL Entry Draft. Hogue played three years in the QMJHL with the St. Jean Castors. In his final year of junior, Hogue had 54 goals and 108 points.

The Sabres did not rush Hogue to the NHL, allowing him to apprentice with the Rochester Americans for the better part of two seasons. Following a strong training camp in 1988-89, Hogue earned a spot with the Sabres and played 69 games with the club, scoring 14 times while accumulating 44 points. He added a nice degree of zest to the roster as well, picking up 120 penalty minutes.

A competent player at all three forward positions, the popular #33 saw injuries limit his play to just 45 games the following year. But Hogue returned 1990-91 to play a full season, scoring a career high 19 goals and 47 points.

The Sabres liked what Hogue brought to the team, but always expected a little bit more offense from him. After just three games with the Sabres in 1991-92, Hogue was traded to the New York Islanders in the Pierre Turgeon/Pat Lafontaine blockbuster. The Islanders were astutely rewarded with their insistence that Hogue be included in the deal, as Hogue achieved the offensive expectations projected for him on Long Island. He enjoyed three seasons scoring over 30 goals and twice had 75 points.

Despite his success with the New York Islanders, Hogue was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs during the lock-out shortened 1994-95 campaign. It marked the beginning of a frequent period of address changing for Hogue. He would move on to play for the Dallas Stars three times, the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Phoenix Coyotes, the Boston Bruins and Washington Capitals. The highlight of his many journeys came during his second stint in Dallas as he helped the Stars win the Stanley Cup in 1999, oddly enough at the expense of the Buffalo Sabres.

After sitting out the 2002-03 season, Hogue attempted a come back but failed to make the Columbus Blue Jackets on a 2003-04 training camp try-out. He left the NHL with 222 goals, 321 assists, and 543 points in 863 career contests.

Bob Sauve

2006-12-10T23:51:00.000-08:00

Goalie Bob Sauve was part of two dynamic goaltending duos in Buffalo.

The Buffalo Sabres drafted both Don Edwards and Bob Sauve in the 1975 NHL entry draft. Both would battle for the starters job for several seasons to come.

While Edwards quickly caught on in Buffalo, Sauve needed to wait for his chance to stay in the NHL. It wasn't until 1978-79 that Sauve finally was able to stick with the Sabres for good. He served as a back up that season, but by 1979-80 he was pushing Edwards for the starters job. He posted a 20-8-4 record with 4 shutouts while sharing the Vezina trophy with Edwards. Back in those days the Vezina was awarded to the goalie or goalies of the team who had the fewest goals against.

By 1981-82 the Sabres had decided to go another direction with their goaltending. Sauve was traded during the season to Detroit where he struggled with the lowly Red Wings. The Sabres then traded Edwards in the off season, but could not find an immediate replacement. Fortunately for the Sabres, the Wings and Sauve couldn't reach a deal, and Sauve became a free agent. He resigned with the Sabres.

1982-83 was the only season Sauve could really claim to be the undisputed #1 goalie in Buffalo. He played in 54 games with a 25-20-7 record which was quite impressive on a poor Sabres team. The Sabres unexpectedly made it to the second round of the playoffs that year, thanks largely to the play of Sauve. He posted back to back shutouts of the Montreal Canadiens in the Montreal Forum. As a Francophone who grew up idolizing the Habs and Jacques Plante, Sauve would always cherish that moment.

Sauve was relegated to back up and mentor status starting in 1983-84. A young phenom just out of high school named Tom Barrasso joined the Sabres, and took the league by storm. He would capture much of the NHL hardware that rookie season and followed it up with a strong sophomore campaign. He was always quick to credit Sauve for not only helping him but for challenging him with his own strong play.

Sauve was dealt to the Blackhawks for the 1985-86 season and stayed for two seasons before signing with the Devils in 1987. After two season in New Jersey, Sauve retired from the NHL because of chronic back problems. He remained active in hockey, first as the president of the Devil's alumni association, then as a goalie coach and later as a player agent. His list of clientele include many of Quebec's biggest names including Patrick Roy, Vincent Lecavalier, Jocelyn Thibault, Pierre Turgeon, Vincent Damphousse and Simon Gagne.

Hockey is a family affair in the Sauve family. Bob's brother Jean Francois played with the Buffalo Sabres, while Bob's American born son Phillippe, also a goalie, is now in the NHL.