By Jim Mason/OJHL Communications
Try and name a Canadian Jr. A hockey team with more connections to the NHL than the Ontario Junior Hockey League’s Buffalo Jr. Sabres.
Former NHL Sabre Larry Playfair was president of the Buffalo Sabres Alumni Association in 2007 when the NHL team got involved with the juniors, granting them permission to wear the team’s colours and logo and allowing them to host 50/50 draws.
Playfair, who remains governor of the Jr. Sabres, thanks Kevyn Adams, now the general manager of the NHL Sabres, for his work with the Western New York program.
Adams, a former NHL Sabre himself, played a big role in building the youth program from three teams (Jr. A, U18, U16) to a full complement (starting at U7), Playfair told the OJHL during the 2023 OJHL Governors’ Showcase in Buffalo.
Fast-forward to this year’s Governors’ Showcase presented by MilkUP across the border in Niagara Falls and Adams is more than a casual fan in the stands at the Gale Centre.
His son Jackson is a rookie defenceman on Buffalo’s Jr. A team.
He is one of the “Clarence kids” on the Jr. Sabres who make the 30-minute commute to their home rink, the LECOM Harborcentre, next door to the NHL arena in downtown Buffalo.
Jackson would like nothing better than to follow in his dad’s footsteps: play NCAA Division I ahead of a pro career. Being around NHL players hasn’t hurt his game, he said.
NHL Sabres GM Kevyn Adams in the stands at the OJHL Governors’ Showcase presented by MilkUP in Niagara Falls, ON Tuesday. (Photo by Tucker Nadon/OJHL Images)
“It definitely prepares you,” he told the OJHL following his team’s first game at the Showcase. “You see what all of those guys do who are in the NHL and you try to emulate it. Pre-game warmups, rest days. Stuff like that.”
His favourite memory of being around the NHLers is easy, he says quickly with a huge smile.
“Playing mini sticks with (former Sabre) Tyler Ennis in our living room,” he said. “We’d have tournaments all the time at our house. I think I was 3.”
Fellow Jr. Sabres blueliner Adam Power moved to downtown Buffalo from Mississauga to live with his brother, NHL Sabre Owen Power, a year ago. They’ve since relocated to suburban Williamsville but the bond remains. Owen is just over two years older than Adam.
“The TV is on hockey all the time, all day long,” he said. “We’ll be sitting around talking about games a lot.
“And it’s good going over my shifts with him, seeing what his input is. He’ll let me know what I did.”
“Growing up, it was always cool to go to NHL games,” he said. “Now I try to go to as many as I can. Seeing the big-time players, like Tage Thompson, walking by you and saying hi… No matter how many times that happens, you’re still shell-shocked. It’s pretty cool.”
Owen returns the favour when their schedules mesh. He was at the Jr. Sabres’ home-opening win over Collingwood Sunday night
While taking in the brothers’ hockey games, “Our parents are in Buffalo more than in Mississauga now,” Adam said.
More NHL connections?
Former Sabre and Buffalo native Patrick Kaleta is President and Director of Hockey Operations for the Jr. Sabres.
Matthew Peca and Matt Ellis both coached the Junior team.
Last year’s Jr. Sabres roster also included:
- Camden Bowman, grandson of the legendary Scotty Bowman and son of Edmonton Oilers GM Stan Bowman.
- Northeastern NCAA Division I commit Haden Ellis, the son of the aforementioned Matt.
“Over the years we have been fortunate to have Sabres alumni and staff involved with our program,” said Sean Wallace, General Manager and Head Coach of the Jr. Sabres. “This type of mentorship elevates our program and builds our culture.”
Wallace’s scouting report on Power and Adams:
“Adam Power has been a great addition to our team and we were excited when he wanted to return for year 2. He plays a smart game with a physical presence that helps solidify our defense. Off the ice, Adam couldn’t be a better person who loves being in the rink.”
“Jackson Adams is a first year junior player that is quickly adapting and excelling at the Jr. A level. Jackson can skate, has a high IQ and has great puck skills. We look forward to seeing him continue his development this season.”
Buffalo plays Lindsay today at 1 p.m. on the final day of the three-day, 24-game OJHL Governors’ Showcase presented by MilkUP.
