In
the Winter 2011-2012 edition of
Sports & Leisure Magazine*:
(*a
summary of select stories)
Pick up your copy today!
Jonas Enroth ascends
By George Kuhn
When Jonas Enroth compiled a 9-2 record and filled in for an injured Ryan Miller down the stretch late in the 2010-11 season, he helped the Sabres secure a playoff berth for the first time in three seasons. Enroth also gave Sabres coach Lindy Ruff something he hadn't had in years; a good chance to win a hockey game when Miller had a night off. Ruff had used backup goalie Patrick Lalime sparingly over the last three seasons as Lalime won only nine games against 26 losses. While Lalime had earned a reputation as a consummate professional, not to mention being well-liked by his teammates, his appearances declined from 24 in 2008-09, to 16 in 2009-10 and only seven in 2010-11. Clearly, Ruff was more confident in Ryan Miller's ability to deliver a victory than he was in Lalime.
Zach Kassian exactly as advertised
By George Kuhn
When the Sabres drafted Zach Kassian 13th overall in the 2009 NHL entry draft, the 6-foot-3, 214-pound power forward seemed like a perfect fit for a team loaded with undersized forwards. Kassians' reputation as a physical player projected him as an ideal and necessary complement to the likes of Derek Roy and Jason Pominville, smallish skilled forwards whose forte was scoring goals, not punishing opposing forwards with bone crushing checks. Following two consecutive first round playoff eliminations, the Sabres clearly need to climb to another competitive level. Part of what the team needs to make that climb is more physicality, which Kassian has in abundance.
Spiller looks to find comfort zone with Bills
By Charles Roberts
Expectations were sky-high for running back C.J. Spiller when the Buffalo Bills drafted him ninth overall in 2010. Results fell short of the hype, to say the very least.
However, with year two almost in the books, the 24-year-old native of Lake Butler, Fla., is starting to show flashes of why he was so highly coveted out of Clemson: agility; quick decision-making; lightning speed.
Versatility the name of the game for Bills' Levitre
By Charles Roberts
At nearly 6-foot-3 and 303 pounds, Andy Levitre doesn't have the easiest frame to push around. And that's exactly why the Bills made him the first guard taken in the 2009 NFL Draft with selection No. 51.
Fantasy football: Surprise, surprise, surprise
By Leonard J. Mytko
As we close in on the last chapter to another fantasy football season, it's once again that time to reflect on some of this year's biggest surprises at each position. Last year we saw players such as Peyton Hillis, Arian Foster, Brandon Lloyd, and rookie Sam Bradford score lots of points and pave the way to victory on a weekly basis for many fantasy teams. And we've seen no exception of good surprise players this year as well. So without further ado, let's take a look and highlight some of them.
Packers trying to be perfect, but how do they match up?
By Shawn Krest
The Green Bay Packers dominated the regular season, storming to wins in their first 13 games, as of press time.
The winning streak, the superstar quarterback leading an elite offensive attack, and a close call against the New York Giants bring about memories of the 2007 Patriots, who fell one game short of perfection.
Will the Packers be able to finish what the Patriots and 2009 Colts couldn't? How do they match up with the New England team that came tantalizingly close four years ago? Here's a look at how the two teams stack up.
Fantasy hockey
By Mike Fox
Every fantasy owner drafts a few players that are expected to be the anchors of their team. When those players underachieve, however, they can act as anchors of a different sort, dragging your squad to your league's basement.
Continuous foot movement
By Gary Reeves
Continuous foot movement simply means keeping your skates moving as much as possible while playing the game of hockey. If you break your stride and make a little glide, your power development is interrupted and speed is automatically curtailed.
Walker, Bagwell deserve HOF berths
By Mike Dyer
I missed them last year. But both Larry Walker and Jeff Bagwell are on my 2012 Baseball Hall of Fame ballot.
Making a list, checking it on ice (Rochester edition)
By Chris Colleluori
While Santa Claus has been busy loading up his sleigh, the Rochester Americans have been busy loading up on victories. They sat second in the North Division as December arrived, but not everything has been merry. Here is a look at what has been naughty and what has been nice so far for this year's Amerks.
Hornell Hoists A third straight state title trophy (Rochester edition)
By Paul 'Mr. NFL' Adamo
Coach Gene Mastin and the Hornell Red Raiders win a third straight NYS high school football championship.
Sweet 16 players to watch (Buffalo edition)
By Dave Ricci
As the calendar turns to December the scholastic basketball season tips off. Here is the Sports & Leisure Magazine list of players to watch.
Local college hoops heating up as winter approaches (Buffalo edition)
By Adam McGill
The college basketball season has started off with a bang in Western New York with almost every local team boasting a record over.500. The area is finally getting some national attention and this winter will prove to be an exciting time for basketball, regardless of the NBA situation.
St. Francis takes home another championship (Buffalo edition)
By Brian Michalek
With solid lines up front on both sides of the ball, the St. Francis Red Raiders dominated the line of scrimmage and took home their 13th Monsignor Martin League Championship.
Remember the Titans (Rochester edition)
By Kyle Soppe
When the Western New York Lady Titans assembled in the summer of 2009, people took notice, especially with such a stacked lineup.
With three future Division I players on the hardwood—Shy Britton (Greece Arcadia), Alyssa Englert (Wayland-Cohocton), and Keri Soppe (West Irondequoit)—head coach Clay Pittinaro was able to keep his game plan short and sweet. "Offensively we had one primary rule: keep the ball moving. As for defense, we would press the entire game and wear down our opponents."
Dom(inating) Rochester boxing (Rochester edition)
By Matthew Young
Coach Dom Arioli has been heading the boxing program at Aquinas Institute for 31 of its 80 years and has played a huge role in its success. An Aquinas graduate himself, coach Dom has been involved in amateur boxing since he was 11 years old, giving him 45 years of active involvement in Rochester's boxing community.
Just for kicks (Buffalo edition)
By Kyle Soppe
To be a Division I athlete you need to have a mix of natural talent and an impeccable work ethic. For Brianna Smith (Nichols High School) and Breanna Catipovic (Mount Saint Mary), the reward for their on and off-field prowess is a chance to not only play at the highest level in college, but also to do it in their hometown.
NFL trivia
By Mike Fox
You may never be able to predict how a game will go but you can test your NFL knowledge with this editions installment of trivia.
Local boxing happenings
By Bob Caico
See who won, who lost and which fights came down to the last round in this month's installment of local boxing.
Bonez Jones continues to dominance UFC's light-heavyweight division Caps off an amazing 2011 by choking out Machida
By Ivan Godzuk
Jon "Bonez" Jones retained his UFC Light-Heavyweight Title with a win over Lyoto Machida at UFC 140. Read about Jon's slow start in the fight, it's finish, the sensational calendar year he had and what UFC President Dana White thinks of his future in this month's edition!
Open water fishing ending, come on ice (Winter directory)
By Rich Davenport
Open water fun winds down and the ice watch begins in earnest. Check out some of the 2011 highlights and get ready for winter fishing in Doctari's Fishing Forum.
Hot snowboarding finds for this winter (Winter directory)
By Adam McGill
Despite the low snowfall totals in Western New York in December, it is never too early to start looking up the new boards and gear for the slopes. Below is a list of some items to grab before heading out this winter, especially for those who like to be catching eyes while cutting down the mountain. Snowboard fans check out our review of the latest equipment which will surely make you a hit on the slopes.
