Category: PostSports

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Kyle Okposo is going out as a Stanley Cup champion.

Okposo, who played 17 seasons in the NHL and finished that run as part of the Florida team that won a title last season, announced his retirement on Thursday.

The former Buffalo Sabres captain made the announcement on social media, bringing an end to an NHL career that started when the New York Islanders drafted him with the No. 7 overall pick in 2006.

In a letter distributed by CAA, which represents Okposo, he called his 30 years playing hockey “incredible.”

“It brought me to some amazing places and provided such unique experiences,” Okposo wrote. “I believe the game is in a great place right now, but the possibilities are vast. I’m looking forward to continuing to contribute to the game as it reaches new heights.”

Okposo had 242 goals and 372 assists in 1,051 NHL regular-season games, all but six of those contests coming when he played for the Islanders or the Sabres. He went to the playoffs four times — 2013, 2015 and 2016 with the Islanders, then finished last season with the Panthers after joining them for the stretch run — and won the Cup for the first time.

It wasn’t lost on the Panthers that he had waited a long time for that title, so they didn’t make him wait much longer to get his hands on the trophy in the on-ice celebration following the Game 7 win over Edmonton. After captain Aleksander Barkov accepted the Cup from Commissioner Gary Bettman, he handed it to goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky and Bobrovsky then handed it to Okposo for his celebratory lap around the ice.

“What an experience, what a moment with these guys,” Okposo said that night. “I took a leap of faith 3 1/2 months ago and this is what it was for. I wanted a chance to win and these guys, they’re just an incredible bunch. We did everything to win. We did it the hard way.”

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Bills defensive back Cam Lewis isn’t the least bit surprised with how capably Buffalo’s backups have stepped in to fill key roles on an injury-depleted defense two weeks into the season.

When you spend a good amount of time playing a secondary role on what had been a veteran-laden unit before it was vastly dismantled this offseason, something good is bound to rub off.

“A lot of guys just haven’t had a lot of opportunities just because we had such a good core,” Lewis said Wednesday as the Bills (2-0) returned to practice following a five-day break in preparation to host the Jacksonville Jaguars (0-2) on Monday night.

“That’s how I learned so much,” said Lewis, the fifth-year player out University at Buffalo, who has taken over the starting nickel cornerback spot in place of Taron Johnson, who is sidelined indefinitely by an injury to his right forearm. “Like, you have those guys around, it would be on you not to utilize them.”

It’s no different for what will now stand as Buffalo’s interim starting linebacker tandem of Dorian Williams and Baylon Spector.

“The guys before us set a great example,” Spector said. “They were ready. And then you learn from that, and you keep going.”

Spector, a third-year player, was thrust into being the defensive play-caller on Thursday, when middle linebacker Terrel Bernard hurt his pectoral muscle in a 31-10 win at Miami. Bernard is listed as week to week.

Williams, a second-year player, opened the season starting in place of Matt Milano, who is out until at least December.

The injuries further deplete an already retooled and young defense that faced questions regarding its depth and experience following an offseason salary cap-forced overhaul.

It led to the breakup of Buffalo’s safety tandem, Jordan Poyer (cut) and Micah Hyde (unsigned, and considering retirement), which had been together for seven seasons.

Seventh-year starting cornerback Tre’Davious White was also cut while Buffalo was unable to afford re-signing last year’s sacks leader, Leonard Floyd.

Though issues remain, especially involving third down efficiency, the Bills defensive backups have played significant roles in each of the two wins.

Spector and Williams each had a hand in a team-leading 10 tackles against Miami. It was an outing in which Spector played 62 defensive snaps, matching the number the 2022 seventh-round draft pick out of Clemson played in his first two seasons in Buffalo.

With Lewis starting in place of Johnson, third-year player Ja’Marcus Ingram stepped in for passing situations and had two interceptions, and returned the second one 31 yards for a pick-6.

Ingram also shined in Buffalo’s season-opening 34-28 win over Arizona by breaking up Kyler Murray’s fourth down attempt to Greg Dortch near the goal line in the final minute.

For a defense that has allowed opponents to convert a combined 14 of 28 third down chances, and was on the field for 75 snaps against Miami, the Bills are 5 of 6 in fourth down stops, while forcing four turnovers and generating six sacks.

It so far amounts to a workmanlike performance for a unit that lacks national name recognition beyond edge rusher Von Miller and tackle Ed Oliver.

“The whole roster can play,” Lewis said. “And I’m pretty sure we’d probably be starters on some other teams, but that’s what type of unit that we have.”

NOTES: Coach Sean McDermott has already ruled out Bernard and Johnson from playing against Jacksonville. … With teams playing on Monday night not required to file an injury report until Thursday, McDermott said DE Dawuane Smoot (oblique) was scheduled to practice fully on Wednesday after missing the first two games.

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Reforming their identity as a Lindy Ruff team after more than a decade wandering the wilderness outside playoff contention, the Sabres opened training camp Wednesday with hard practice sessions to meet the competitive standard the returning coach seeks to implement.

For all that’s new at the downtown arena — the refurbished roof above a gleaming video scoreboard twice the size of its predecessor, a fresh slab of ice with a fresh coat of painted lines underneath — the Sabres are hoping Ruff’s old-school approach can bring the franchise back to past glory and bury the longest postseason sabbatical in NHL history.

An early exit for one of Buffalo’s brightest stars has the potential to dim the team’s optimism, however. How that could affect plans to select a new captain, an increased sense of urgency with an uncommon preseason schedule, and Ruff’s early impressions are among the top takeaways from the the Sabres first training day of a renewed era.

Dahlin gets dinged

The Sabres couldn’t get through their first practice without losing their best player. Rasmus Dahlin was one of the first players on the ice in the morning, but the All-Star defenseman did not return after a resurfacing break midway through the session.

Ruff did not provide a substantive update on what he termed a mid-body injury, “but it was one of those things that you’re passing a puck, and something happens,” the coach said. “So precaution, got him off. He’s going to get looked at, and we’ll find out what’s going on.”

There is little indication that Dahlin has a serious injury. He could even be back on the ice Thursday morning. Though an extended absence might alter Buffalo’s leadership outlook.

Sewing the C

Not only among the top scoring defenseman in the NHL, Dahlin has grown into team leader at age 24. He has been an alternate captain for three seasons, and last year Dahlin signed the largest contract in franchise history, paying him an average salary of $11 million over eight seasons.

“He’s raised my level of compete and he’s made me want to be a better player,” said forward Alex Tuch, an alternate captain when others were injured last season. “And that’s what he does to each and every guy. He expects a lot of each guy, and he’s been incredible each and every game. He really puts the most amount of pressure on himself.”

Bringing teammates together for offseason workouts in Europe fortified Dahlin’s influence on what has been for the past couple years the league’s youngest roster. “It’s a big deal,” general manager Kevyn Adams said. “I think it says a lot about Rasmus, the leader that he’s grown into and become.”

It was presumed that Dahlin would be named the 21st full-time Sabres captain when traveling abroad next week to play an exhibition in Munich, Germany and open the regular season with games in Prague, Czechia. Ruff, the club’s sixth captain, wished to get a closer look at the players in action before making that decision. However long Dahlin is off the ice could affect that timeline.

‘Got to get right to it’

The Sabres will hold three days of training camp before playing preseason games on Saturday and Monday at KeyBank Center. Then they embark for Europe. The 59 players on Buffalo’s camp roster are being split into three practice groups. Most everyone making the trip overseas is together in the first group.

“I’ve never had that before,” Ruff said. “I put a lot of thought into that. There’s a part of that that tears at the heartstrings with all these young kids that get to come in and you’re mixing them with the NHL veterans and it’s kind of a thrill of a lifetime.

“But there’s a greater need to get this group together quick and understand how they need to play and some of the puck decisions we need and the compete I wanted to see was NHL against NHL. I wanted to see guys who had a lot of games under their belt against guys who had a lot games under their belt. Sometimes the compete gets distorted when you’re first year guys or second year guys who are just starting to mature have to play against the fourth-year, fifth-year type of players.”

Adams set the agenda that “the season is starting” on the first day of training camp. “Day one on our step to try to do something special,” Adams said. “You got to get right to it. Honestly, you’ll see at 9 o’clock, it’s our team pretty close. And that was by design because we don’t have time to mess around.”

Looking forward

As arena workers scrub away the faded mural of former players in KeyBank Center’s Alumni Plaza, the winningest coach in Sabres history prefers to focus on the tough task at hand rather than the warm memories of seasons past.

“It’s just work right now,” Ruff said. “I’ve moved on from that point and making sure that we’re trying to cover off almost every detail so we can put ourselves in a great place to do what we want to do.”

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — The Sabres dropped the puck training camp Wednesday at KeyBank Center, marking the first day of an exciting new chapter.

This season, a fresh coaching staff takes the helm, with Lindy Ruff making his comeback as coach in Buffalo. The first practice under Ruff was anything but easy; it was a challenging start for the team, setting the tone for the season ahead.

“The focus today was on a high compete,” Ruff said. The team emphasized a practice full of individual battles and physicality. “There were a couple of drills in there that pushed them to the limit.”

As players moved between drills, they appeared hunched over and visibly tired. Ruff is known for his demanding practices, and it seems he’s bringing that same intensity to a team that hasn’t made the playoffs in 13 years.

Alex Tuch said at one point during practice he looked up at the clock and thought to himself, “it’s going to be a long day.” The veteran felt the intensity and compete from the start. 

The team has limited time to practice in Buffalo before the regular season begins. They will be heading overseas in less than a week to play games in Prague and Munich, Germany.

Tuch is eager for the off-ice bonding the team will experience during the flight and the chance to play hockey together in another country. That said, the team is excited to showcase their skills on the ice as soon as the puck drops.

“It’s not preseason; it’s not just go out for a skate and enjoy it because we are in Prague and Europe; it’s time to win,” Tuch said.

The lines and defensive pairings were changing regularly during today’s skate. A frequent combination featured JJ Peterka, Tage Thompson, and Tuch on the top line. However, we also saw some moments with Dylan Cozens and Jiri Kulich joining that top line. Some fluidity within lines and defensive pairings is expected as Ruff learns his players more. 

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Payton Henry will return to his catching position for the Buffalo Bisons on Wednesday for the first time in over three months since Henry was carted off the diamond and hospitalized after being struck in the head by a batter’s backswing.

Buffalo’s game at Syracuse on June 1 was discontinued after the seventh inning when Henry was hit in the back of the head by the swing from Mets third baseman Pablo Reyes. The 27-year-old Henry immediately went to the ground upon contact, and athletic trainers tended to him.

Henry was discharged from the hospital the following day and has been rehabbing at the Toronto Blue Jays spring training facility in Dunedin, Florida since being placed on the Bisons injury list. Team officials said Henry was “alert and appropriately responsive” in the hours after the game. Henry posted to social media the following night. “Wanted to get on here and thank everyone for the prayers and concern. I’m doing pretty good and hoping to recover as quick as possible. I love you all!”

Henry is expected to speak to reporters following Wednesday night’s game against Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre starting at 6:05 p.m. at Sahlen Field. He was batting .244 with three home runs and 17 RBI in 24 games before the injury.

The Associated Press contributed reporting.

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (WIVB) — A 2-0 start to this season has produced consecutive player of the week awards for the Buffalo Bills.

Running back James Cook was selected as the AFC’s top offensive performer for his role in Buffalo’s 31-10 win at Miami in Week 2. That follows Greg Rousseau receiving the defensive player of the week award after the Bills beat the Cardinals in the home opener.

Bills coach Sean McDermott said the individual recognition reflects on the entire team. “Those honors don’t happen by themselves,” he said. “But it’s great recognition for those guys. Those two guys work extremely hard and I know they’re set on improving each and every week. So I’m happy to see those guys get acknowledged.”

Cook totaled 103 yards and scored three touchdowns against the Dolphins. He tied a team record for touchdowns in the first half, and became the first Bills player since Thurman Thomas in 1992 to have two rushing and one receiving TDs in a game.

“His day to day approach is so steady, focused on what he needs to do to improve,” McDermott said. “And really just a delight to watch a young man come here from South Florida and really embrace Buffalo and the community, and focus, really hone in on his job and what he’s trying to do — I know it means a lot to him — his part. And that’s what you’re seeing unfold here.”

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, a St. Bonaventure alumnus, will leave news to become the general manager of Bonnies’ men’s basketball program, the school announced Wednesday.

Known as “Woj,” he has been known for breaking news in the NBA for years, will take over as the general manager of the program.

In his new role, Wojnarowski will manage the program’s name, image and likeness efforts, transfer portal, recruiting, family and alumni player relationships, professional player programs and fundraising.

Since NIL went into effect in 2021, many college athletic programs have added the role of general manager.

“This move is critical to navigate the new landscape of college basketball in NIL, recruiting and retention,” Bonnies coach Mark Schmidt said in a news release. “Woj is as connected as anyone in the basketball world and his decades-long network of relationships can only help our program remain among the top teams in the Atlantic 10 going forward.”

Wojnarowski graduated from St. Bonaventure in 1991 and has been a regular at basketball games at Reilly Center since.

Before he was hired by ESPN in 2017, Wojnarowski was a national NBA writer for Yahoo Sports.

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — The Buffalo Bills look to stay undefeated in Week 3 when they host the Jacksonville Jaguars at 7:30 p.m. Monday. Here is how you can watch, stream, and listen to the game.

Television

The game’s on 4! The Bills vs. Jaguars game will air on WIVB in the Buffalo market.

Those outside of WNY can see the game on ESPN. Chris Fowler will be on play-by-play with Louis Riddick and Dan Orlovsky as analysts and Laura Rutledge as the sideline reporter.

Catch Buffalo Kickoff Live before the game from 6:30-7 p.m. on WIVB.

Streaming

Streaming will be available through ESPN. The game will be available for streaming using NFL+, but that is only for mobile and tablet viewing.

Radio

The game will air locally on WGR, with Chris Brown and Eric Wood on the call and Sal Capaccio as the sideline reporter. It will also air nationally on Westwood One, with John Sadak and Ross Tucker on the call.

On SiriusXM, the Bills-Jaguars game can be heard on channels 81 or 226.

Who is on Buffalo Kickoff Live?

WIVB’s Josh Reed and Carl Jones anchor our coverage. They will be joined by Thad Brown from our sister station in Rochester, WROC. Sal Capaccio from WGR 550, Tim Graham from The Athletic and Matt Parrino from Syracuse.com round out the team coverage.

Betting line

The Bills are listed as 5.5 point favorites on FanDuel sportsbook as of Tuesday.

What should I know about the Jaguars?

The Jags are 0-2 after losing to Miami and Cleveland. Trevor Lawrence’s offense has managed just 30 points in two games, while the Bills scored 34 and 31 points in their first two games. Old friend Gabe Davis is second on the team in receiving with six catches for 105 yards while rookie Brian Thomas Jr., a popular mock draft pick for the Bills last spring, leads the way with six receptions for 141 yards and a touchdown. We’ll also say hello to former Bills center Mitch Morse, cornerback Ronald Darby, special teams coordinator Heath Farwell, and wide receivers coach Chad Hall.

One thing you won’t see is another Josh Allen vs. Josh Allen matchup. The Jaguars star pass rusher — drafted seventh overall the year after the Bills quarterback went #7 in the draft — legally changed his last name to Hines-Allen this offseason in a move to honor the maternal side of his family.

Next game

The Bills head to Baltimore on short rest for a Sunday Night Football appearance in Week 4. The Ravens play at Dallas this week.

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Peyton Krebs will report to training camp with the Sabres on Wednesday having signed a new two-year contract with an average annual value of $1.45 million, the team announced.

Krebs, a 23-year-old forward, has played in 202 games over the past three seasons for Buffalo after being acquired from the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2021 trade involving former captain Jack Eichel. Skating at times on the wing, but mostly centering the fourth line, Krebs has compiled 20 goals and 66 points for the Sabres.

The 6-foot, 186-pound Krebs has shown a willingness to play a checking line role for the Sabres, while showing glimpses of the playmaking ability that made him a first-round draft choice in 2019. Krebs was player of the year in the WHL in 2021, tallying 43 points in 24 games for the Winnipeg Ice. Krebs has also played for Canada in international tournaments, including the 2023 world championships where had a goal and four assists in 10 games for the gold medalists.

Krebs role with the Sabres in the coming season is uncertain after Buffalo signed a number of forwards to fill out the third and fourth lines. He was a restricted free agent who had not signed the qualifying offer extended to him by the Sabres in June.

Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams said at the end of last season that Krebs was continuing to develop his game as “200-foot, two-way centerman.”

“I think we’re still gonna see him improve and we’re gonna see him grow as a player,” Adams said. “I like his competitiveness. I like his character. And I like now his mature mindset of different ways to succeed in this league and not just an offensive side. So that to me was a telling statement. And I’m excited about him.”

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — The Bandits will celebrate the holiday season with a banner event Dec. 28 at KeyBank Center.

Buffalo’s back-to-back National Lacrosse League champions plan to honor the sixth title in franchise history before their home opener against Rochester. Banditland fans will receive commemorative miniature banners.

The full NLL schedule will be revealed at noon Tuesday.