Season Preview - Sturt Men
The gist: Reigning Coach of the Year Tom James-Martin pulled off a minor miracle by taking a depleted Sabres team to within a whisker of the 2012 premiership. He has an even greater task ahead of him in 2013 now that the Sabres have lost Woollacott Medallist Tom Daly, star shooter Darren Ng, starter Tim Klaosen and key reserves Nathan Kareta and Stefan Wright.
The stat:The Sabres have not missed the finals in the last eight seasons.
The star: With the Sabres’ star contingent moving on, Sam Daly is likely to step into the role of the go-to guy. Mark Bauer’s experience and cool head will be important to the younger players’ development.
The x-factor: The Sabres always seem to find someone from somewhere, and they have a host of young players who are sure to, at the very least, make their opponents work for their points.
The glass half-full: The Sabres have a strong junior development program and this is a year where their youth will get a great opportunity to press for selection.
The glass half-empty:No one on the Sabres’ roster averaged more than 7.3 ppg last season, meaning the offence will need a lot of restructuring. This will likely take some time.
The verdict: The Sabres have their weakest roster in years. With outside expectations low, expect them to win some games, but not enough to compete for finals.
Predicted finish: Outside the five
2012
Final Placing: 2nd
Record: 14-4
Home record: 6-3
Road Record: 8-1
Longest win streak: 8
Longest losing streak: 2
Best result: 89-76 W @ North
Worst result: 55-72 L v Forestville
Player Stats
Where they scored from
2013
By James Woite
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