Archives for July 10, 2015

‘“Connor is very shifty, ins and outs and can dazzle you with his speed right beside a defenseman,” Baptiste said. “I haven’t seen Jack in a game situation yet but I like the power and explosiveness. Today we were doing the length of the ice drill and I think he took maybe six strides to get the whole way. He’s so powerful and strong on his feet. Combine that with the skill he has, and it’s tough to defend for sure.”

‘“I know everyone is pretty tired right now,” Eichel said after Thursday’s on-ice testing sessions in First Niagara Center. “So we’re going to need to recover in the next 24 hours to be at your best. It seems like I’ve been doing the media tour, doing a million things and there’s nothing I love more than to just play hockey. Nothing I love more than preparing for a game and just playing.’

‘“I think maybe he took six strides to get the whole way,” Baptiste said. “He’s so powerful and strong on his feet. You combine that with the amount skill he has, it’s tough to defend.”’

‘The Sabres have already sold more than 10,000 tickets at $10 each. The team estimated late Thursday afternoon a record crowd of more than 15,000 fans could attend. Most of them want their first glimpse of Eichel in some sort of game action as a pro.’

‘There will be significantly more people than that at the scrimmage and Jack Eichel can’t wait, “I’m just super excited for it. It seems like I’ve been doing the media tour and doing a million things and nothing I love more than to just play hockey and that’s what it is, I love preparing for a game and the atmosphere, just the feeling of playing against another team, trying to win a game.” Eichel added, “I imagine there’ll be a lot of people here and I can’t wait for the opportunity.”’

‘“Each year I’m trying to build and get closer and closer to that goal,” he said. “The way it’s gone in college so far, I’m making the right steps. The (Sabres) organization has provided the opportunities to be able to make the step. Mr. Murray has made it clear it’s about whoever steps up in camps like this and in their seasons that are the ones who will get a shot.”’

‘Forsberg joins the organization after spending the last five seasons as a head coach in the Swedish Hockey League, where he went 103-48-14 with Skellefteå from 2010-11 to 2012-13 before guiding Modo to a 44-50-16 record from 2013-14 to 2014-15.’

‘“There’s definitely an opportunity there and that’s why this is a huge summer for me. It starts right now,” forward Justin Bailey, entering his first pro season, said. “For me and everyone here, it’s leaving that good first impression of the summer.’

‘There are a lot of resources here at Development Camp that they’re showing us and they’re teaching us new things – even little things like staying hydrated, drinking more after workouts and things like that. It’s all the little things that add up to make a complete pro player so I’m just trying to utilize everything and take it all in.’

Amerks sign Matt Ellis to AHL contract (Amerks.com)
Amerks honored with AHL team business services award (Amerks.com)