University at Buffalo men’s basketball head coach Reggie Witherspoon has signed a two-year contract extension keeping him at UB through the 2015-16 season, as announced today by UB Vice President and Athletic Director Warde Manuel.
“I am pleased to be able to sign Reggie to this extension,” Manuel said. “He has been an extremely successful basketball coach both on and off the court in his development of the young men in our program. In addition to that, he has served as a tremendous ambassador for the university and the Buffalo community as well.
“Based on last year’s performance and recent additions to the team, I look forward to a bright future for our men’s basketball program,” said Manuel.
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The Niagara men’s hockey team had two more members from the graduating class of 2011 sign professional deals, with Derek Foam and David Ross agreeing to play in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL).
Foam has signed a deal with the Kalamazoo Wings, while Ross signed a deal with the Greenville Road Warriors. Foam and Ross will complete a five-player senior class from Niagara that are all playing pro hockey a year later, joining Ryan Annesley (Cincinnati – ECHL), Bryan Haczyk (Albany – AHL) and Paul Zanette (Rockford – AHL).
“I am very happy for the entire class of 2010,” head coach Dave Burkholder said. “They were all very good student-athletes and did a great deal for our program. I know they will all be very successful as they transition into professional hockey. The entire Niagara Hockey family will be following and cheering them on.”
Niagara is back in action on Saturday, Oct. 8, when it takes on RIT at 7 p.m. The Purple Eagles start their home portion of the schedule on Friday, Oct. 21 against Union College at 7 p.m. Fans can purchase tickets for the 2011-12 season by calling 716-286-TIXX (8499) or by emailing tickets@purpleeagles.com.
The Buffalo Sabres announced that forward Jason Pominville will serve as team captain this year. Derek Roy, Thomas Vanek, Drew Stafford and Paul Gaustad were named assistant captains by head coach Lindy Ruff.
Also, General Manager Darcy Regier announced that the team has signed forwards Riley Boychuk and Jonathan Parker each to a three-year entry level NHL contract.
Boychuk picked up 30 points (14+16) and 157 penalty minutes with the Portland Winterhawks (WHL) in 2010-11. A native of Abbotsford, BC, Boychuk was the Sabres’ seventh round pick (208th overall) in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. In four seasons with the Winterhawks, Boychuk has accumulated 83 points (39+44) and 391 penalty minutes in 194 games.
Parker spent the 2010-11 season with the Prince Albert Raiders (WHL), leading the team in both goals (45) and points (86). In three WHL seasons with the Raiders and the Seattle Thunderbirds, the Solana Beach, CA native has totaled 155 points (77+78) and 140 penalty minutes in 205 games.
