Hockey in Western New York

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The minor hockey system in Western New York is pretty well developed in terms of United States hockey standards, and offers players a strong development route. One of the main differences between hockey in this area, in contrast to hockey in say, Ontario, is that players often will split the season between playing for a club team, and playing high school hockey. Some consider this system to be a bit quirky, and there has been some talk on focusing more on club hockey, but nothing has been etched in stone as of now. Suffice to say, here’s a run down of the leagues in the area and some player spotlights.

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Western New York Amateur Hockey league

Consist of 27 organizations from Buffalo, Erie Pa, and Rochester NY areas.

The league level of play ranges from AAA-A and house from mite-midget, Players in this league strive to work toward playing AAA hockey in the area and many move on to play varsity federation or club high school hockey some move on to play Junior B or C hockey.

Travel is somewhat limited in the WNYAHL but many still participate in local tournaments in the area or in Ontario where great competition is abundant.

Empire West Amateur Hockey League

Consists of 4 AAA Tier I organizations from Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse NY areas. The organizations that participate in this elite travel league are the West Seneca Wings, Buffalo Regals, Rochester Alliance, and Syracuse Nationals.

The AAA league level ranges from mite-bantam, Players in this league strive to work toward playing at a high level of hockey and moving on toward Prep School Hockey, Junior “A” and D-I, D-III College level of play.

Travel is extensive with teams playing an independent schedule outside of the Empire West League mainly participation against Ontario GTHL & OMHA teams, Tournament travel take teams to Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Detroit, Chicago, St Louis, and New England

Mid West Elite Hockey League

Buffalo Regals 15U,16U,& 18U teams have moved to this elite league in 2010 to participating in the east division with the Boston Advantage, Philadelphia Jr. Flyers, Pittsburgh Hornets, and Team Comcast.

The players in this league strive to work toward playing at a high level of hockey and moving on toward Prep, Junior “A” and D-I, D-III College level of play. The Tier 1 League’s goal is to put the best competitive teams on display for exposure of players to the scouts who will in large part decide of these players are good enough to move on to the next level.

Travel is extensive with teams playing against Ontario GTHL & OMHA teams beyond normal league schedule, Tournament and showcases take teams to Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Detroit, Chicago, St Louis, and New England.

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Buffalo Regals AAA 16U Featured Players

The leading scorers for the Regals 16U team are all 1995’s (OHL Draft Year) and are all forwards. They are receiving strong interest from USHL, OHL and New England Prep schools.  TJ Dockery another 95 is leading all defenseman in scoring. He too is attracting interest from the Junior and New England prep programs. College interest is growing amongst these players as well. Polino, McLaughlin and Palumbo have attend the past 2 years USA Select camps and Eastman and Dockery each attended last year’s New York State Development Camp. Peter Borgesi  1994’ is leading the goaltending tandem in all categories and starting to be noticed in the league (Tier 1 Elite Midget Minor).

College coaches have been making the rounds to discuss this group of 95’s with the interest coming from RPI, Yale, Michigan State, Ohio State, Northeastern, Boston College, Quinnipiac, Niagara , and  Canisius. Also in attendance at the league showcases have been the Management and scouting staff for the USA National Development program. New England Prep programs showing an interest to date include; Berkshire, Avon, Northfield Mt. Hermon, The Gunnery, North York Academy, Salisbury, Kent & Taft along with the Hill Academy in Mississauga, ON.

Patrick Polino – Solid two way player. Strong skating skills, soft hands, good hockey sense and vision.  Plays hard at both ends of the ice and competes every shift.

Noah Batis – Has a knack for scoring goals. Very offensive minded, needs work defensively, much like Dave Andrychuk, without the size.

Dylan McLaughlin – Solid player. Good scoring touch. Solid penalty killer.  Dependable guy in all situations and has future potential.

Kyle Eastman – Strong power forward. Improving his skating likes to hit and is beginning to find his scoring touch.

Joe Palumbo – Great hands, can score goals in bunches. Not afraid to hit but still needs to continue to refine his defensive game.

TJ Dockery – A traditional puck moving defenseman. Good skater, knows how to move the puck (sees the ice well). Good shot from the point although he has trouble getting it to the net.

Peter Borgesi –Goalie, Just beginning to find his way. Solid positional player. Good glove hand. Will get even better with time at this level of play.

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Rochester Red Wings 1995′s WNYHL

Matt Cory   Born: 2/26/95   5’ 6” 135 lb FWD, Spencerport, NY High School: Spencerport

Matt is a 15 year old 5’ 6” 135 lb left handed forward on the Rochester RedWings U16 Tournament bound team.  Matt is one of the most skilled players at his level.  He has the vision and stick skills matched with speed and toughness to be a top player in our area.  He has the skill set that he hopes to allow him to play Jr. A in the future.

Jonathan Clark    Born 4/17/95, 6’-0” 165 lb  Defenseman Greece,  NY

High School: Greece Athena

Jonathon is a 15 year old- 6’, 165 lb Right Handed Defenseman on the Rochester Red Wing U16 Tournament Bound Team.   Jonathon was converted to Defense 3 years ago.  He is a fearless player and is relentless at all times.  He is a very versatile player and has the ability to play every other shift.  His explosive speed and above average strength matched with his competitive drive makes him one of the most skilled players in the Rochester area.

Justin Keene   7/3/95   5’-7”, 150 lb Goaltender Brockport,  NY

Justin is a 15 year old 5’7”, 150 lb Goaltender.  Since the age of 10, Justin has trained as a goalie , defenseman, and forward all in full goalie gear- learning how to skate, puck handle and shoot.  Apart from Justin being one of the top goaltenders in his age in WNY, he has superior skating and puck handling abilities.  It can confidently be stated that his abilities in those areas set him apart from any goaltender in youth hockey. Justin attends Brockport High School.

Tags: 2011 OHL Draft, 2011 OHL Draft prospects, EWAHL, MWEHL, WNYHL

About the Author: TimOConnor