Buffalo Sabres Thunder

The Buffalo Sabres Thunder is currently in its 15th season. We have 41 active players registered for the 2022-23 season. Our players register with both USA Hockey and American Special Hockey Association (ASHA). The team practices every Sunday from October thru March, and also scrimmages throughout the season with local high school, college, and town teams. The team also plays in out of town in tournaments against other special hockey programs in the United States and Canada, as well as hosting its own tournament at Harborcenter in Buffalo.

The team consists of “A”, “B” and “C” level players based on their skating ability, and skill level. All players practice together and are encouraged to support  one another and learn from one another. 

In addition, our amazing and extensive coaching staff provide the expertise needed to help our players improve and become the best skaters and players that they can be. 

Our mentor coaching staff are high school students who provide one-on-one support to individuals who may need extra support on the ice. They share their own hockey skills and love of the game to help players improve their skating and knowledge of the game while becoming more confident.
Coaches:
  • Gary Panek - Level 4 - Head Coach
  • Stephanie Benson – Level 3 Coach
  • Josh Feldmann – Level 4 Coach
  • Ed Grudzinski – Level 4 Coach
  • Pete Gutowski - Level 5 Coach

Mentor Coaches 
  • Jackson Adams
  • Matteo Mancini
  • James Materese
  • Dan Herr - Level 4 Coach
  • Mark Johnson – Level 2 Coach
  • Lisa McMorrow – Level 2 Coach
  • Jack Panek – Level 4 Coach
  • John Rein – Level I Coach




  • Connor McGrath
  • Stone Rozak
  • Tyler Stephenson - Level 1 Coach
  • Nate Streicher - Level 4 Coach
  • Mark Szefler – Level 2 Coach
  • Alex Wood – Level 4 Coach​​

Buffalo Sabres Thunder Photo Gallery

Visit our Photo Galleries at JoanGolda.com   Or enjoy some pictures from the early days below. Click on any image to see it larger and read the caption.