August 26, 2005

Former Buzzer Wes McCauley Promoted to NHL Referee

TORONTO - Another member of the 1988 All-Ontario Buzzers team has made it to the show, this time in stripes.  Wes McCauley has joined Eric Lindros and Ken Klee as former Buzzers from that 1998 team now active in the NHL. 

After playing for the Buzzers, McCauley played four seasons at Michigan State and was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in 1990. The Toronto native began officiating in Ontario before he was hired by the National Hockey League to work in the AHL in 2001. McCauley's AHL highlights included officiating in the Calder Cup Finals in 2004 and 2005.

The son of the late NHL referee and director of officiating John McCauley, Wes made his NHL debut in 2003.

Some text and photo courtesy of The AHL

August 26, 2005

Tigers 6 Buzzers 5 in OT Exhibition Battle

AURORA - In their second exhibition game in as many nights, the St. Michael's Buzzers took to the ice against the North Division Champion Aurora Tigers Friday night at the Aurora Community Centre.  In the game both teams would take divergent approaches.  Aurora iced nearly half of their exhibition squad as veterans, while St. Michael's continued to showcase developing and new talent alongside a handful of veterans.

The first half of the game saw veteran goalies in net for both teams - and both goalies would hold their opposition to just one goal.  Once each team sent in their second tenders, the game became a shootout to see who would win the night.  The Tigers would get the first lead after switching goaltenders just about a minute after the swap.  The Buzzers would tie the score with just over three minutes remaining in the second period. 

The Buzzers would get the go-ahead goal just ten seconds in to the third period.  The see-saw battle would continue until late in the third period when Aurora would set the tying goal in regulation.

Just under three minutes in to the overtime period, the Tigers would score the winning goal and hand the young Buzzers squad their second loss.  Fast facts on the night:  83% Tiger goals scored by veterans, 60% Buzzer goals scored by veterans.  83% Buzzers penalties taken by rookies, 72% Tigers penalties taken by veterans.